Pay it Forward

Michelle posted this cool idea on her blog. I think I maybe even have an idea about what my "prize" for the "winners" would be.

Here's the idea. Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on my blog and you will be the lucky recipient of a hand made gift from me some time this year. When it comes will be a total complete surprise! Now here is the catch, you have to post the same thing on your blog and do the same for 3 lucky people. GOOD LUCK! This is going to be fun!

*Disclaimer--I can't sew, and I'm not really very crafty--just in case you want to back out now*

(Almost)David and Goliath

After winning their first round state game (a feat that hasn't happened in recent memory) the boys' basketball team took on Precision Prep. Here is Cade next to the Goliath of a player that he had to guard. It was a rough game. . . Cade later admitted that the emotions were a lot more like the "I'll kill you" mindset of a football game...

This is my favorite picture I took. KJ was also asked to play #23. What a difference in size! But you couldn't ask for a kid with a bigger heart or stronger drive.

And finally, a picture of Cade after he fouled out with about 3 or 4 minutes to go in the game. He had given it everything he had in him. In appreciation, the crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked off the court. (And I appreciated the crowd-)



In the end, Goliath won this contest. During the 3rd quarter, Precision had taken about a 30 point lead. But true to these St. Johns boys, they never gave up. They kept fighting back, and in the end, only lost by eight. It was a bittersweet moment.

PS-The girls, on the other hand, kept winning... They will be playing for the State Championship on Thursday. GO GIRLS!

The Things that Dominate Our Time

For Cade: High School Basketball, his girlfriend, homework, hanging out with friends, sleeping, and dreaming about Baseball Season.

For Sydney: 8th grade basketball, piano lessons, softball practice, homework, reading, and texting.

For Lauren: Being forced to attend all the basketball games, crafts, making a mess in my room, doing dishes, (which makes up for the messes) homework, and going to Grandma's house.

WOW!

This weekend, Ryan and I traveled to Prescott to watch the High School State Wrestling Tournament. Technically, it was supposed to be a little get-away for my anniverary, but, you take what you can get.

Truthfully, it was amazing. I've gone to a few wrestling tournaments, but nothing like this. I cannot begin to describe how tough and strong and dedicated all of those boys are. I think they must have got it from their moms, because I don't know how those strong women can stand the pressure. Personally, I was in tears a few times. I wish I could spend the time to tell all of the stories, but it is probably not my place to write about other people's children. Yet, to sum it all up, I was proud of each and every one of them. I've been honored to see them grow up over the past years, and I couldn't be more impressed. Each one of them "did their job". Once again, I was humbled to be from this little town. They certainly deserve the title of "CHAMPION".

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

Nope, it's just the Seventh Grade!

Every year the 7th grade science teacher has the kids make hot air balloons out of tissue paper and glue. Then on a calm, COLD morning, the maintenance crew brings down their equipment(don't ask me to explain it) and we launch the balloons.

Last year Mr. Eisley (the Science teacher) and Mr. Pulsipher (the Social Studies teacher) got the crazy idea to make a MEGA BALLOON out of black plastic and strapping tape. I must admit, I giggled a lot and NEVER believed it would work.

And then the dang thing took off. It went higher, and higher and higher. People all over town were calling about the UFO. We had to hurry and alert the power plant, the airport, etc. Mr.P tried to track it down, but after driving well into New Mexico, the balloon was never seen again.

Fast forward to this year. The plans were for a bigger, better balloon. They spent 3 days designing and building the MEGA-BALLOON-TO-END-ALL-BALLOONS! A face was painted on it, and an address was added so we could track where it ended up.

And then . . . it was GO time.

3. . .2. . .1. . . Lift-off!

It's Climbing. . .

And off it goes, into the wild, blue yonder. . .



This one flew quickly east of town. Within minutes, it was out of sight. Unfortunately, it also quickly landed out past the railroad tracks. By lunchtime, the school had received an unhappy phone call from a "40-acre" man wanting it cleaned up really quickly. I just knew that whole address thing was a mistake! Come to think of it, I'm not sure how Mr. Eisley handled that one. But for the kids, it was a great to see all their hard work pay off. I just can't wait to see what they come up with next year.

Funny Story of the Day

Today in Primary, we were few in numbers, so we decided to keep all the kids together for sharing/singing time. Well, we finished up and began to release the kids to go to classes. I am not kidding, I looked away for less than a minute, and the CTR 5 class had disappeared.

I tell the substitute/teacher's husband who got suckered into helping, "Oh, I'm sure they just headed right to class, let me show you where it is." We get there. . .no kids. "Oh, I bet they went with the Sunbeams." Nope. "Well, maybe they went to Nursery." No again. At this point, I'm not really nervous, I figure they followed another class upstairs.

My lazy butt, just doesn't want to search up there. But, I am in charge, so search I must.

I rally the troops. (aka my counselors and secretary) Two of us head upstairs. The others return to the scene of the crime. Upstairs? No. Now I'm starting to wonder. What the heck?! They can't get far can they? It's snowing outside. Could they even open the door?

Downstairs, I'm met by my counselor. She's found them. Or more exactly, they found her. Right after they popped out of the closet in their classroom. They had been hiding from us the whole time!

Kind of one of those "you had to be there stories", but dang, I've been chuckling all evening...

Sure Signs of Plagiarism

This week in 7th grade English, the kids were assigned to present their biography reports to the class.

My favorite line of the week was, "And she was, once again, brought to bed with her ninth child."

Plagiarism? Cut and Paste? You be the judge.

I later asked the girl, "What do you think that means?"

She answered, "Well, I'm sure her ninth child, picked her up and brought her to bed. She was probably sick or something."

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Today is my anniversary-17 years. The kids are at various friend's houses watching the Super Bowl.

I am hanging out in my bedroom, folding clothes because Ryan is screaming at the officials on the TV downstairs.

If only they could hear him.

Before you feel too bad for me, I think it is kind of funny.

If only
a) The Cardinals were winning
b) The damned officials weren't so bad (hee, hee) and
c ) I really expected to get my room clean.