Of Good Report

Yahoo! We all made it successfully through another school year. Everyone grew in ways unique to them. All of them had their own set of challenges, but we all made it. We are alive, happy, and ready to open the next chapter. The summer awaits and will be full and joyful, but bringing with it its own set of challenges. Estelle breezed through academically, but had a fair amount of "girl drama." Taylor missed fewer days this year and we have a plan for getting him caught up in math. Sarah's was the most uneventful, I would say, but reached the 8 year old milestone. Spencer has blossomed into a tall, handsome young man. Last, but not least, Emma is ready for Jr. High. As for the parents of this group, Destry started a new job and is having a positive influence on his brother's company and I am geared up to be the PTA president at Thunder Ridge Elementary next year. School is easy for Estelle and she has good "student' skills. She gets her homework done quickl...

On May 26, 1979, I became a mother. At the age of 10. Not really, but it was a great age to become a big sister. I had three other younger siblings, but I was old enough to really be excited about her birth. And to remember it now. I remember my Grandma Smith and I would race to the phone all day whenever it rang, each of us hoping we would be the first to hear the good news. It was a Saturday, so I was home all day. Okay, I googled it; I didn't actually remember the day of the week. Sometimes I would get to the phone first, other times she would. As fate would have it she got to the phone first when it really counted.  Renee was jaundiced, so she and my mom stayed in the hospital for a long week. In those days there were fewer hospital visits. I think we got to peak at Renee in the nursery and visit my mom once during that time. Then I remember my mom being very sick after she got home. Another long week. But in no time at all we settled into our new rolls in life. One of my fav...

My heart was brimming before I went to church today and my emotions escaped through my eyes beginning in Sacrament Meeting. I feel so very blessed to be the mother of MY children. They challenge me and help me to grow every day and they fill my heart and soul with so much love that cannot be contained.  It is so gratifying to watch them grow and to see them develop and use their talents and share their love and compassion with the world. Their testimonies are strong and their desire to do good and be good are overwhelming to me. I could not be a happier mom!  I have felt joy as I spent time with Estelle on Friday as the fourth grade classes hosted a "Mom Spa Day" at school. She painted my nails and we filled out a sheet comparing us with each other and made a craft together. Today she gave me a decorated photo of her. Emma gave me her hand made card and treat on Friday as well.  Sarah surprised me today with her sweet cards and lots of hugs and "I love you's....

Sarah has been attempting to play soccer for the past few weeks. It is something new to our schedule, and something that will likely be short-lived. More than once I have forgotten to send her to her practices. They are at an awkward time, on an already busy day for our family.  Last Wednesday when there were only minutes left in her practice, Sarah said to me, "Mom, what about soccer?" "Oops!" I had forgotten again! I apologized and began expressing my frustration with myself for not getting her there.  She sweetly said to me, "I don't want you to be mad at yourself, Mom."  She is forgiving of my imperfections and I am ever so thankful. I hope I can learn to be more gentle and forgiving of myself as well. 

Salt Lake City and other cities throughout the state are trying to get rid of panhandling. It is always a bit uncomfortable to pass by someone who appears to be in need and asking for money for food or for gas money to get themselves and/or their family "home." At the same time, one wonders what their money would be used for...drugs, food, shelter for a night?  I'm pretty sure that every one of these people would have a story to tell if given the chance. Perhaps they are disabled, mentally or physically ill, or simply down on their luck. Some have served our country in a war, were uncared for by their parents, or struggling with addictions. Each story is unique and each would tug at our heartstrings. Perhaps each of them if they were listened to would be considered deserving of assistance from their fellow human beings.  There is another trend that is picking up momentum thanks to the electronic age. There is a little thing called, "GoFundMe." It is an elect...

Today I attended that last PTA meeting of the year; it was my last as the president elect. Next year I will be at the helm with so very many capable people serving as the sails and the masts and the anchor and rudder. We will work together to keep up the tradition of greatness that has come before us. Nearly everyone has more experience and skills than I do. I am humbled that they have enough faith in me to have this opportunity. And by opportunity I mean I get to learn from and rub shoulders with such wonderful people who so willingly give whatever they have. As part of the meeting there some well deserved thank you's. Principal Theler shared expressed his gratitude for what the PTA mom's as well a his teachers and staff do at the school, sharing that many of the things that get done are not done by him, but he gets credit for doing it.  But the part that he shared that hit home to me the most was what he has learned from being a parent for nearly 17 years. At first, he sa...

I got to spend the afternoon with my girliest of girls. What Estelle wanted most for her birthday was to go shopping. Done. We celebrated yesterday with our extended family and a couple of friends and some fruit pizzas. We cleaned the church and went to Sarah's soccer game today before the two of us got to head out.  We went to Kohl's first and found a pair of shorts. I also got a pair for Emma since she will be needing them for the summer. Next we ventured to the Mall in Provo. She found a cute dress, another pair of shorts and a shirt. She had some of her own birthday money so she also got a pair of shoes and I splurged on a set of glue-on nails to match a new outfit.  She is a good shopper. She knew what her budget was and didn't pus the limit. She is good to check prices and tries to get the most for her money. She is gracious and grateful and we had a lovely time together. We ate at Brick Oven then went to check out the work Destry has been doing for Kira Tymon o...