Back from CAMP!

I think today is the day that I have finally caught up on my sleep deprivation from camp. We had such a great time after the rain stopped on the first day! That was admitedly my biggest nightmare, but after several hours of rain, and mud, we got the camp set up and then the rain stopped. I was nervous at first when I arrived thinking, "I don't really know these girls", and when they began singing the fun camp songs, yes, songs with actions, I thought to myself "am I supposed to be silly too?" Being there made me feel young again and fun. So, I decided that I would throw caution to the wind and be young and silly again. That made all of the difference in the world. The girls were fabulous and amazing. Everything that was planned went off without a hitch. The only thing that wasn't planned was that it is a tradition, unbeknownst to me, to decorate the camp director. Having some serious fashion designers in our camp was helpful. They decorated me in left over plastic table cloths, and ribbon and tulle. I was a hottie - seriously, one hour wrapped in a long plastic dress - talk about sweaty. The designer girl reminded me that as a model I had no opinion, and when I opened my mouth, she would quickly say "who's the model?" It was such a great time and we have a lot of memories and new relationships. I hope to post photos soon. On the way home all I could think about was planning for next year. I am so lucky to have been placed in this position, it has been so fulfilling and awesome to feel the spirit that is always present at Girls Camp. Glen and the kids were fending for themselves all week - actually - for many days prior - they were so patient and kind with their encouraging words and help. They managed throughout the week well, or so I am told. It was even more thoughtful when I came home, Glen had planned the afternoon for them to be out of the house so that I could get a much needed nap! Isn't he awesome! Oh, I can't forget to mention, the camp pranks. We were told that no pranks would be allowed at all. So, being that the girls were so good in their obedience, I decided to pull just one prank on the final night with some of the leaders. Allowing the girls to execute the prank, I supplied the items. We did the - put teething gel on the cup rims - which made the mouth numb! It was absouletly successful, and hilarious, except the part when we got in trouble by the stake. I took immediate responsibility, because it was absouletly my doing. It was absouletly perfect! Can't wait for next year!

Lazy Days of Summer

Okay, so it has been a very very long time since the last post, not that we have done anything amazing or gone to any far off places to report about. What have we done with our summer? We took the Tazers Basketball team to Cedar City for the Summer Games in June. That was a blast with the friends and families of the Tazers. Check out Glen's Tazer blog: Tazerball.blogspot.com is his address. He keeps it up better than me . . . I think I have created one good looking blogger! Alex's team took the Gold Medal and while the competition wasn't huge, it was at least competitive for the first 2 quarters of the games they played. Alex did awesome. I can really see how his basketball skills have improved this year, his handling and shooting are more refined. I am sure that he takes after me . . . and has a good coach too! Alex finally finished 7th grade, and is SO ready to be an 8th grader. He finished the year with a 3.8 GPA - I couldn't be more proud. We'll see what next year brings with 2 honor classes, he may have to begin studying. Keaton finished up with 4th grade, and had a great year. He isn't playing ball this summer, but has had fun with the dogs, the neighborhood friends, and the trampoline. Yes, they are still jumping off of the deck onto the trampoline. Can't wait for the first set of stitches . . . it is bound to happen. I have found that Keaton is a "saver", he knows that if he works around the house he will earn money, and before you know it, Keaton has saved $20. He loves to go to garage sales with me on Saturday mornings, and is usually the one making the good deals! Sadie, well what can I say about my little sweety. She plays with the neighbor, Joe. They go to school, church, art class, and play daily together. It reminds me of my best childhood friend Joe. They act more like brother and sister than neighbors/friends. It is funny to listen to them. I hope they stay friends for a long time. She is taking some time away from cheer because we will be out of town for several of the meeting times. She will begin again in August. I have given each child a piano assignment each week. They are still working on the first one of the summer. I have not been very consistent with them. But I still find that they tinker around on the piano when they have some free time. As far as the deck, Glen and Alex completed the east stairs, cement landing, and new sod. I hope the sod grows, I am SO tired of sand in the house, in the cars, on the floor, in the laundry, in the shoes . . . just EVERYWHERE! We were told that before our house was built, it WAS the sand pile for the neighboorhood boys. GREAT! Glen is working hard, taking some well deserved time away from basketball, and getting the "to do" list "done"! He is a good sport though, never complaining about what I ask him to do, and never complains about my back seat driving . . . or snoring !!!! He has been so supportive with my goings on about camp, camp, and camp! He tutored me on starting a fire and maintaining it. I have a fire wand - who needs flint and steel? He is cutting out my craft wood for camp, and doing a great job! Thanks to him for handling the kids and household jobs when I am running around with my head cut off as I get camp going next week. I love them all so much, they are awesome, and beautiful!

The Incredible Deck

Here are the updated photos of the latest progress on the deck. As you can see, it has become our south wing of the house. We all worked on it this week, and have tired hands, backs, and knees to show for it. Keaton initiated the deck today by falling off, when he wasn't paying attention. I guess we really need that railing Glen! We have only got the stairs, a couple more flooring boards, the railing, the lattice, and some staining, and we've got ourselves a party waiting to happen. Bring on the sun!

Bring On The Curlz

Sadie decided that this summer, instead of cutting her hair off, as in past summers, she want to keep it long, and give it some curls. We finally made the appointment at the local beauty school, and Sadie couldn't wait! She was up at the crack of dawn, as if waiting for Christmas to arrive, for her appointment today. She had a "perm -a grin" (no pun intended) throughout the whole process, which by the way, lasted 3 hours! I have never seen someone so excited for a hair-do. But Sadie was. These rollers were very heavy once they were in place. Finally, out with the rollers. What did I say about the "perm-a-grin"? Isn't she a beauty. Now, she finally looks like me - with curly hair!

Piano Recital 2008

Alex played Indiana Jones

Keaton played Catch a Falling Star

Sadie played Mickey Mouse March - sure wish you could've seen her better, I has hoping the piano was turned the other direction. They all did a fabulous job, not one of them made a mistake, but if truth be told, I was the one who made a mistake. I was honestly nervous, just like all of those years of recitals in my childhood. But Sadie told me that if I goof up "not to smile", and "don't look at the audience" . . . I didn't.

Here's a photo of Sadie (since she isn't seen on the video) with Grandma Ruth - who drove out to see the recital.

Tazers ROCK!

In case you haven't heard by now, Alex's Tazer team coached by dad, Glen, entered the Memorial Day Tournament last weekend. Typically, a holiday weekend would be a great "get away" opportunity. But actually this weekend was very good weekend for basketball due to the downpouring of rain. They won their Friday night game against some team (after 80+ games it is hard to remember names). It was a dramatic game where the opposing team's coach and spectator were thrown out of the game during the first quarter. The coach actually began chasing the referee before one of our "larger" dad's went to defend the ref. Yep, right there at center court! This is when basketball turns bad. So they got kicked off the court and, while I think the game should've been called right then and there (in our favor of course), they continued to play. Alex shot a lot of free throws for all of the technical fouls called. He did a great job! That was a pivotal point in the game because the climate of the game and the attitudes of their players changed and we took over. Then the next morning, Saturday, Alex played at 9 and 11. They won both games. Then being undefeated, they had to play the second place team again, in a back to back game with them at 2:00. All of the players were so tired, but playing on the main court and being undefeated pumped them up. They played Avalanche for the second time that day and while they came within 4 points at one point, Tazers never lost the lead. Leaving, yes, the Tazers, as the Memorial Tournament Champions!! What a great tournament for these boys who have struggled and this weekend put it all together to make it work. They are awesome. Alex did awesome and so did Glen! No technical's during any of the games for Glen. Although he did get excited from time to time, he maintained his cool. This team deserved this win, and finally got a well deserved t-shirt. I don't think Alex has even taken his off for the past 5 days. He is so proud and so deserving. Wait to go TAZERS!

More deck . . .

We worked a lot on the deck this weekend, just in time for the downpour of rain! Here are some photos of the progress. Keaton and Alex worked on securing the decking to the framing while Sadie set in place two screws for each joist for them. That's what I'm talking about . . . child labor! In the meantime, we tried out the deck chairs on the finished portion. They work out nicely. The kids also had fun with a couple of boards, some string, and a peach tree.

Who knows what they were up to. What a great day!

Deck Progresses

Here's the latest about the deck progress. Glen and LeRoy worked incredibly hard on the deck. They got the frame up and the postsholes dug. It is amazing that they have put this together so fast. Of course, I was a supervisor but helped when they needed me to. It looks absolutely incredible, and bigger than I had imagined initially. I know we will enjoy the space! I can't wait to have our "deck warming" party! Enjoy the photos.

Alex Drives - oops

Alex and the Tazers. A little bit of Alex on defense, then he drives for a fast break. I think he thought that he was fouled, but oh no, it was just turned over. Alex is so good at this and so quick, I think we were all surprised at the official's call. Better luck next time Alex.

Flag Football

Keaton decided that this year he would try flag football with his basketball friend Christian. Keat was a natural, he could run, punt, throw, catch, and scored often this season. I think Keaton would say that this is his new favorite sport - not ready for tackle yet - he says. I was looking forward to an outdoor sport for me to put my legs out for a little sunning. Not so fast. In Salt Lake, it was winter nearly every other game, and never got above 50 degrees. So I bundled in the winter blankets and coats and joined the sideline parents. Keaton said that he and Christian have a "signature" play wherein they always score. And, no doubt, they have not only done well on the basketball court together as "stockton & malone", but they are now making good plays on the grid iron, maybe they should be called "steve young & the refridgerator"!