About Time, Huh?

I decided that I don't really need to wait until I have pictures to post. I do intend to get some pictures on here before too much longer, though. I've been swamped with homework this term and will be glad to see the end this Saturday. Unfortunately my next term starts up the next Monday, so no break, but at least it will be new classes. I will be taking Accounting II (managerial) and an English class (World Literature). This will be my last English class forever! Yahoo! The kids are all enjoying school here. In fact, they all brought home progress reports on Friday. Their teachers all say that they're doing well and to keep up the good work. The only "negative" comments were that the kids should participate verbally in class more often. Surprise, surprise! Dade is going for a second interview with Schwan's tomorrow. We're hoping this job works out. He thinks it's something he could really enjoy. Meanwhile he's getting signed up for online school again, to start in January. He's going for an associate's degree in computers. He can have that degree in about a year and then be qualified for some pretty high paying jobs. He is now serving as 1st counselor in the Elders' Quorum, and I'm the Primary pianist. We're enjoying being here in the Dover Branch. Hopefully we can be useful. The Primary president passed out parts for the CSMP today, and it was kind of funny to watch her rifle through and come up with six papers just for us. We are having fun, and hopefully soon we'll even have money to live on!

Good to the Last Drop

Ethan was caugh red-handed. Adam's birthday party lasted kind of late last night, and by the time we finished cake and ice cream, we were too tired to clean up. The bowls were left on the table overnight, so this morning Ethan discovered them. When he's hungry, he doesn't intend to wait to be served. Cake, frosting, and ice cream were all chocolate and this was the result.

Father's Day

Our family has been asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting on Father's Day. They wanted to get us before we leave, I guess. I'm always glad for the opportunity to speak in church, but I'm kind of dreading this one. It will basically be our formal chance to say goodbye to the ward here. I will no doubt be an emotional wreck. Oh well, we'll get through it. Goodbyes are hard, especially when it's to friends you've been close to for five years. The Lovelock ward has been our family away from home and we will definitely miss all of the wonderful people here. They have been so good to us. We have no regrets about coming here in the first place. It is where our family has needed to be. Now, however, the time has come to go back home. Home is home, no matter what they say. We look forward to reuniting with family and friends back in Maine.

I thought these pictures were too cute to not post. Laura is always looking out for Ethan, and he depends on her quite a bit. The second one here is Adam, in the shade of what few trees there were. Ethan was a willing subject that day, as you can see. We love his dimples.

Here is what we did on Memorial Day. We went to Rye Patch Reservoir and had a picnic. The kids skipped rocks and after lunch we went hiking on a short trail they have marked. It was fun.

This is the flautist whom I accompanied for a state competition. Her name is Siohbahn McGuinness (pronounced ShaVON). She played a flute solo at the spring band concert.

You can see how long the trombone is; Jessica is sitting in the back row and it sticks out past the people in front of her. She is the only trombone in her grade.

Brigham was harder to capture on camera since flutes were kind of in the middle of the front row. The second picture is blurry, but at least you can see him actually playing his instrument.

Here's David on the clarinet. He is usually first chair, but the girl in the picture got a turn for one song.

Here is our graduate. There are eight Primary kids in James' grade this year, three of which are his best friends.

Kindergarten Graduation

These are some of the better shots we got of James at kindergarten graduation this afternoon. As they handed out diplomas, they asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grow up. Having been through this before, I coached James at home before we left. He told me he wants to be a principal. I told him he would have to say it into the microphone in front of everyone, and he said "Oh no, I'll be way too shy!" He was right. The principal waited for James' response but James just told him in his ear, so Mr. Rowe had to tell everyone what James wanted to be.

David--Work?

Here is proof that David actually washed some dishes. Unfortunately he took so long that he grew a beard by the time he was done.

Goofy Kids

The kids got some stretchy cloth book covers for school this year, and apparently the trend at school is to wear them on your head. Here are Ethan, Brigham, and James looking like gang members.

Ethan's New Church Clothes

Ethan got this new outfit for church, since he outgrew all his other ones. He felt pretty good when he first got dressed up, but was reluctant to pose for the camera. Laura is helping him in one, wearing her bunny ears on Easter morning.

Our Boys

James, David, Brigham, and Adam

Our Girls

Conference Weekend

Conference weekend started out being enjoyable, but by Sunday, I was sicker than a dog. Laura was home from school on Friday and I apparently caught whatever she had. Today is the first day I have felt close to normal again. In the meantime, Adam, James, Ben, Ethan, and Jessica have all come down with the same thing; running at both ends. I'm glad we at least have two bathrooms. We have kept the gingerale going. This is starting out to be a fun week with so many home from school and sick. Of course it couldn't have waited until next week when it's vacation. We're supposed to cover the dining room and kitchen floor this week, since the guy interested in buying the house wants to come look at it as soon as possible. We'll see how much progress can be made in spite of circumstances.

Ethan's Popsicle Disaster

Several in our household have been sick the past week and a half, Dade and Ethan being the worst off. They have had sore throats, stuffy heads, and phlegmy coughs. Ethan wasn't able to eat much for a couple of days. He even refused bananas, which is unheard of for him. I tried giving him a popsicle, thinking it might feel good on his throat. This was the result. You can see in some of the pictures that it even got on the wall. Thankfully, he and Dade are feeling much better now, with just some residual effects.

He's proud of his mess!

Ethan wasn't sure about the whole popsicle thing.

Jessica

Jessica needed a current picture of herself for a school project, so I took this one.

Jessica's hang-out buddies

This picture is kind of dark, but it was taken in the hall at church. These are Jessica's best friends. Jessica is on the left, then Katie Gentry, Kristen Rees, and Kaleen Sherman is down in front.

So Much to Do, So Little Time

I got a call from the elementary school last week. The secretary said that some mother of a high school student wanted me to accompany her daughter, who plays the flute, for a state competition. I called the woman and sure enough, I now have another commitment to fulfill. I met with the girl yesterday for our first practice. She is really good on the flute. She is playing a very advanced concerto and they said she would get docked points without piano accompaniment. The two together sound amazing, if I do say so myself. So Friday I will be in Reno playing at a high school music competition. The mother says to let her know what I want to charge, because she wants to compensate me for my time. I hate asking for a certain rate though. I am always happy to oblige a request for help with music anyway because I believe in it. I want to help students succeed and help the programs keep going.

TOFW

I get to attend a Time Out for Women in Reno on March 10th. They announced in Relief Society that it was coming to Reno a couple of months ago, so some of my friends and I decided we would go. Since my birthday is two days before and one of my friend's birthday is on the 10th, we are planning to all go out to dinner afterwards. I'm excited about it. Merrilee Boyack, Mary Ellen Edmunds, Cherie Call, Michael McLean, etc. will be there. It should be fun.

New Pajamas

Wal-Mart had pajamas on clearance for 2 bucks a package, so I was able to get matching ones for Ben and Ethan. They are pretty good buddies.

Benny always smiles when I request it, but it doesn't come naturally for him. He has to really think about it.

Ethan finally had a haircut about a week ago. He suddenly looks like a big boy!

This is what we woke up to on Monday morning. As is typical of this area, all traces of snow were entirely gone by 10 A.M. The footprints are from the kids leaving for the busstop.

Ethan's Hair

The question was asked, "Is Ethan's hair red?" The answer is, "Yes." It does have quite a reddish tint, but it's most noticeable when light is shining on it.

Ben is a great helper at home and a good big brother to Ethan. He's one of the most independent 5-year-olds I've ever known, especially for being number 7.

You can't see the whole shirt in this one, but Ethan is a Hunk of Burnin' Love. Is he a Dow-Atwater mix or what? He's finally walking with more and more confidence each day.