Joy School Field Trip

We went on a tour of a local grocery store for a field trip this week. The kids seemed to enjoy it so I'm glad!!! I was a tad disappointed because I felt responsibile since I had set it up with the Store's Main Manager - but he had to attend a meeting - so the tour guide we got wasn't expecting us and she told us so AND told us of all the things we COULD have done - I would have preferred she DID with us those things like the Main Manager told me they did - oh well - they said we could come back. (: I will make sure to say this is what we want TO DO - not DISCUSS things we "could" do. (: Touching a star fruit.

Watching roses being made out of frosting.

In the back watching 2 pallets being lifted by a stradle lifter (Z's favorite part).

Our 4 Joy School Kids plus Ak.

Z in the cooler.
We only got to look inside the freezer due to ice on the ground - but after being in the cooler - the kids didn't seem to mind NOT going in the freezer! (:

Z man = Meat man. He wouldn't take off the ball cap to wear the meat department's hat!

"No mom, DON'T take my picture!" is the response Ak gave me throughout the tour.

Yea, a balloon to take home!

The crew outside, ready to go play and have lunch!

New Calling

Today at church, David and I started a new calling together: Nursery Leaders for the "older" kids (ages 2 - 3 1/2). Some people didn't know what to say to us - as if they wanted to give us condolences. (: I know being in Nursery has a bad reputation - but since I've had kids in it for the past 4 years - I am very interested in who the leader is and their abilities since my kids benifit or suffer. (: We've been lucky and Ak has loved her teacher and of course she loves her new teachers too! (: I don't want my kid or anyone under me to "suffer." My younger sister and her husband have this exact calling too (although she just has kids turning 3 this year) - so I hope to steal lots of good ideas from her!!! She helped me today with an outline which helped us have a successful first day! I think the Bishop thinks this will give D and I an opportunity to spend time together since we lack that . . . so warning couples - go on dates, etc!!! otherwise you might get "stuck" in the Nursery together! (: But D and I actually think we can do a good job at this calling and we're fine with the change.

Primary Program

Our ward had our annual Children's Primary Program, the theme this year was "My Eternal Family." Z did a great job during the two practices, he went right up to the microphone and loudy said without prompting, "I will be honest." Did he say it during the program? . . . no! Oh well, B didn't say hers last year either when it was her first program. B had to practice a little more - but she rememered her line and she said it in the microphone, "My family is blessed when we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost."My parents meet in this building earlier in the morning - so they stayed to watch the program. And D's mom was traveling through town on her way home, so she stopped in to see the program. Thanks for coming guys! Next year Ak will be there too - we'll see if she carries the tradition of not saying your line the first year. (:

Ward Activity

Our ward had an activity at a local park planned last weekend - not many showed up, but we had a good time.

Then afterwards we got treated to icecream at Sonic! Thank you!

Willy Wonka

D and I got to go see a fun play at our local theater this month. D worked with "Mr. Wonka" his first year teaching - he did a good job! As did the others!

D also knew Charlie (a student) and Charlie's Father (a bus driver).
Fun treats too for intermission!!! (:

Sunday

D usually helps Z pick out his Sunday clothes - but D was in Florida . . . . Z insisted on this combination - and I said fine. He wanted to wear a vest and tie! The colors in the 3 patterns matched . . . is he stylish or German??? (:
(to those of you that don't know, my mom's dad immigrated from Germany and I loved living over there - so I meant no offense!)

Storyhour Jungle Crafts

We've gotten to talk about lots of jungle animals at story hour recently . . . . like monkeys . . .
and giraffees . . .

and elephants . . .

and snakes . . .

can you guess what's next??? Your clue . . . . "?? and ? oh my"

Back to Normal Stuff

D's back at work.
B's back at school.
Other 2 back to their activities.

Good moments and sad moments . . . but life goes on. Z got to paint with his feet at Joy School - experiencing the JOY OF SPONTANIOUS DELIGHT.
I'm glad he got the opportunity somewhere! Not sure we'll repeat this activity at home - but I heard they all enjoyed themselves and had a delightful time!!! (:

Memorial

Well, we did it: We said good-bye to Ben's body and celebrated his spirit.

Many people came to the visitation and funeral to pay their respect to Ben or to his family. I thought the preacher said some nice things. He didn't make Ben out to be perfect - but he said one couldn't deny how Ben touched many people's lives and he asked could the same thing be said of us when we passed on? He made me think of how even with making poor life choices - one can still be a positive force for good in the surroundings they are in - and what a blessing for those that one comes in contact with! Don't know if that makes sense - but that's what I got out of part of his talk.

I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us and I am thankful to know that Ben is in a good place and that we can see him again one day! My kids say, "why are people sad, we'll see him again, he'll be back." (they skip to the resurrection part of the plan) But I've told them it won't be for awhile and so people miss him now. But they are right, one day! (:

It was nice to see so many family members there! And people were generous with flowers and food - even friends back here at home have brought us meals and flowers - thank you!

Sad News

This morning we got a call that D's youngest brother was in a car crash and died. He was 26. He was married and had 3 step-kids. He had a huge heart and always wanted to help people.

Life is short and we are not in charge. D is very sad at this news, as is his whole family. We'll miss you brother & Uncle Ben!!! Say hi to Mammaw for us up there!