The "Lights"

Have you ever noticed that in Utah when you say you are going to see the "lights," nobody is confused? Last weekend we ventured down to Salt Lake for an overnight excursion. It was pretty crowded at Temple Square and pretty cold (although nothing compared to this week). The kids loved sleeping at a hotel and swimming in the pool the most. There is nothing better than kids at Christmastime.

Good Bye November!

Another month gone by... will I ever catch up?

wrestling, a cute girl, a good book, and a Christmas tree

So this is a pretty random post but here goes nothing.

Wrestling is officially over. Max didn't make it to the last night because the poor kid threw up a school today. I blame the disgustingly, unhygienic wrestling room for his illness, well not really, but the smell up there is enough to make anyone want to puke and who knows what germs exist on those mats. I was very proud of Max this year because he was actually trying the moves more consistently than last year though never for the entire practice. We still stayed away from the meets afraid that some little kid would actually know what to do with the moves and that he actually might like it (we treasure any free Saturday we can get and would rather stick to skiing as our winter sport of choice). Anyway, I didn't get many good pictures but here is a glimpse of Max doing a somersault to warm up.

Klein is becoming sweeter, yet bossier every day. She told me "no" today for the first time when I told her it was time get down from the washer. I didn't really like hearing those words but was impressed that she knew exactly what she was saying. She is losing her baby fat and her hair is getting longer and seems so grown up. She amazes me with what she can do by herself.

I use "Good Reads" (see right side of this blog) to keep track of my books and have done it for over a year now. I tried blogging my book list but prefer this method. My goal is always to read 50 books a year but I can never make it. If I ever stop teaching, my dream job would be a book reviewer. Unfortunately, I have made many sad attempts to accurately portray my thoughts on a book and sadly, I forget details of books so quickly that it makes me crazy trying to remember and then I want to read it again only to get annoyed that I already know the ending. Its the details that I love in a good book but I wish I could remember them better. But enough rambling... I really wanted to share a very excellent book I finished just the other day. I can't even attempt to go into details but The Help by Kathryn Stockett is wonderful. It is set in the 1960s and is about black maids in white homes and irony that exists...black women basically raise the white babies but are not allowed to use bathrooms in the house. If anyone wants to borrow it, I am excited to share.

Finally, since Max was sick I came home early from school and since Max also took a nap I decided to bring up the Christmas tree. I knew he would be excited and that it might make him feel better. I didn't plan on decorating it but he really wanted to so we dove right in. I am never one to overlook Thanksgiving for Christmas but I am glad to get that over with and Max was actually pretty good with the decorations. If only I could cross everything else off on my list that easily.

It's Only Been A Month...

nd I am back! Sorry for the long absence, life has been too busy lately to fit in any quality blogging. Volleyball season ended this weekend so I hope to catch up on many neglected projects. October was a fun month... below are pictures to prove it. Pictures will have to be worth a thousand words here because I don't have much to say.

The Cabin

We spent this past weekend at Three Peaks Lodge in St. Anthony, Idaho. The kids had a blast and the weather was perfect for fall- chilly and sunny. We made it to Yellowstone for one day but were disappointed because there were road closures. The kids, however, would have rather stayed to play in the party cabin with in indoor gym and hot tub. It was a wonderful weekend full of family and fun.

Say Cheese!

There isn't much happening around here but I have some cute, cheesy pictures to post.
Max had school pictures on Wednesday and insisted on the white shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots...
Klein has been busy and into everything but I love the big smile she gives when she is especially proud of herself.
On a side note, where the heck did September go?!?!

MC Alumni Game

Last Thursday, the old ladies challenged the current MC team to a game and yes... the old girls won! It was a fun night of visiting with old friends and playing the game we all love. There was a huge turnout and this picture doesn't even include half of the people that were there. I have loved coaching for the past 13 years (no, that is not a typo). I love MC volleyball and all the wonderful girls that have been involved. I also want to say thanks to Lori for all that she has done for the program.

PS- Thanks for the picture Erin! I totally stole it from facebook...

Homecoming Week

MC's Homecoming week is now officially over. We made it out to the parade and found an ideal spot right at the beginning so we amassed a large amount of candy. The kids are very generous when they see their teacher but I am guessing that they ran out of candy pretty early in the parade route judging by our stash. Jason is my typical date for the football game and we sit in the booth where he runs the score board and I am the "spotter" for the announcer. Jason had ski patrol so I gave up my job and then ended up filling in on the "chain gang." There is much more action down on the field than up in the booth. We stand on the opposing team's sideline and get an earful of football language and a front row view of the game. The biggest problem is the foul stench of sweaty boys in BO soaked football gear. My usual homecoming dance date stood me up for a second night with ski patrol so I went with Jane and April to chaperone. It is always fun to see the kids dressed up and we had fun rating the dresses. The styles are much different than they used to be.

Here Kitty, Kitty

Not much going on around here... life has been crazy busy for the past few weeks. I hope we settle into the school routine soon because waking up early has been hard on all of us. I was so grateful to have a long weekend so I could finally clean my house.

Today as I was cleaning, Klein kept going into the laundry room and bringing out cat food. One small piece in each hand. At first I thought she was going to eat it but I watched her walk over to the cat and set it in front of her. Sassy enjoyed the little snacks and Klein kept doing it. Very cute.

Max dug out his pirate costume from the basement much to my chagrin. He didn't take it off all day and can't wait to get home from school tomorrow to put it back on. I knew I should have hidden it better...

Max's First Day of School

On Thursday, I went back to school and so did Max. I was very lucky that the time to take him to kindergarten coincided with the Hello Assembly. I got to go with him and meet his teacher. Grandma DeeAnne came with us. I had to hurry back to school but was so glad that I got to go with him on this special day. On Friday, he rode the bus for the first time and Jason was there to see him off. I can't believe how quickly time goes by. So far he loves school and has an excellent teacher. I am not thrilled to be back. I have 134 AP English students in 4 classes (33-35 in each class) and I coach volleyball on my prep hour. I am also trying to get some intern hours completed for my administrative certificate. It is going to be another busy year.

Sunday Pics

Dinosaur Park

Last Saturday we ventured down to the Dinosaur Park for some last minute fun. It was a gorgeous day! It is a fun place with lots to see. Max was a little nervous at first but loved seeing the huge dinosaurs. Klein had fun until she fell at the playground and got a mouth full of sand.