Friday, September 30, 2011

Teachers make a difference!

Dan has 8 elementary teachers before he moved onto West Intermediate this year. Sam has now had 5 teachers since beginning elementary school. Every one of the teachers (including long term subs) have been fantastic. Each have had different strengths and personalities. Each one has given their best to what they are doing. Each one has made a difference in the lives of many children and I am pleased to say mine are among those.

We have a tradition of inviting school teachers to the annual church primary program. Some years I'm more on top of that than others. I admit to failing a few times at extending the invitation. For those unfamiliar this is an opportunity for each child to share something they have learned through the year in their church class (primary). There is a new theme each year and the songs they learn go along with that. They then get to present their program to us during the main meeting (Sacrament meeting). It is one of my favorite Sundays each year. Even before I had the opportunity to be the chorister for many years, teaching the songs to the children, I loved this event. It was natural for us to want to share with others. Dan has since moved out of primary and is no longer one of the "little kids". Sam has struggled with much during primary and yet he was more than willing to share his talk and sit up front and even attempted singing some of the songs (which he finds challenging because he can't keep up).

At the risk of sounding like I'm playing favorites I wanted to share a recent picture of Sam and his current 3rd grade teacher. This year as in a few previous years, teachers have come. Sam just lit up when he saw her walking through the parking lot toward him, where he had been waiting. Fortunately I was smart enough to remember the camera and captured a quick picture before we went inside. Sam was not without his challenges that day but made it through and did a great job with his talk. The best part was seeing many children come say hello to Sam's teacher and see the smiles on their face because she had been their teacher as well. There is no question in my mind as to the value and positive influence a teacher can have. So to Mrs Nowicki and to all the many other teachers who we personally know and care about and the many who we will never meet - we say thank you for caring about our children!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Soup, Applesauce and Beans

This was a stay around home weekend but I think there were some fun parts. Sam had the joy of harvesting a little from his late planted green bean plant. That was the extent of our garden this year. Too bad he doesn't like green beans. I don't even recall where he came home with it, school, church? He also informed me that he is going to own a green bean farm when he grows up.

Today also marked the return of Dan's Soup Saturday. Today was September's soup of the month Bountiful Chicken Noodle. I dare say that he could completely make this one on his own now. There are many steps but when you break it down it's not too bad and the end result is worth it. Thanks to all of those who purchased and hopefully enjoyed the soup. Next up in October is Creamy Tomato Basil. Dan is most excited for November because his favorite is Chunky Beef Stew.


We also couldn't stay out of the kitchen long and made applesauce with our friend Becca. We used apples that we picked last week, with Becca & her husband Steve. Sam had the best time turning the crank to peel the apples. I tried to race him by using a corer slicer and then slicing off the peels. He always won but sometimes it was close. I think we will definitely be investing in one sometime soon. I've looked at them for years but could never justify it. If it adds some level of excitement about it for the kids then there you go! Thanks to Becca for bringing it and making it a fun afternoon.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Camel Ride Anyone?


I can't think of riding a camel without think of the painfully long and occasionally funny movie Ishtar. Really how often does one get to ride camels. Well today Dan & Sam each had the chance so we took it. I don't recall the camel riding from previous years and the boys both enjoyed. Our annual apple picking trek to Anderson & Girls turned out to be a lovely day. Perfect temperature. Fun ride into the orchard to pick apples. We finally got to see the pig races. They were so cute. My favorite was the slowest that had the goal in mind and ran as fast as they could but never made it to the prize as the others ate up before it got there. :( Then they raced pot belly pigs which was a hoot to watch them walk along like they were on parade. We of course came home with a lot of crispy apples, fresh cider and some doughnuts. We always enjoy this tradition with friends. Fun times!


Saturday, September 10, 2011

New Driveway!

Well it took almost 5 years but we finally have a driveway that isn't dirt full of ruts, pot holes and heaves! Two thumbs up for Central Asphalt for a job well done. I reserve the right to remove that opinion if it rains and ponds somewhere. That will not make me happy.