Parent Project #3

Silly me -- I thought that parent project #3 would be the science fair -- NOT! It turned out to be Ryan's indian report on Chief Joseph. Mark and I each spent an hour with Ryan helping him do his research, compiling his report, and fixing errors (it was 1/2 page typed by Ryan), and enduring Ryan's fits. I have to say that this one was not very enjoyable. We're glad it's done! Whew! Now, I wonder what grade we all got?

kids thankful thoughts

I substituted in primary today doing the singing time for jr. primary. I had a memory game on the board with pictures of things that the kids might be thankful for, such as Jesus, toys, prophets, scriptures, etc. and a song associated with each one. Anyway, to start, I asked a few of the kids to name something they are thankful for. Here are a few of their responses (that I can remember): turkey, family, grandparents, Halloween, parents, temple, bodies, friends, and Christmas! I got a laugh out of the Halloween and Christmas responses because what they probably really meant was candy and presents! I had fun subbing and didn't even stress about it -- gotta love that!

A moment to brag...

Jared earned his Webelos badge! He has an amazing cub scout leader right now --yay! He will get his Arrow of Light in the December pack meeting. Way to go Jared!! Many thanks, Angela & Mindy (Den Leaders)!

Ryan has been studying the 50 states and their capitals -- he can name all 50 capitals and identify all fifty states on a map! How many can you remember? Way to go Ryan!!

book challenge

OK, Alicia tagged me. Before my list, you have to know a few things about me and books. When I start a book I don't like to stop reading until it is finished. Which means that things and people get neglected while I read, soooo, a lot of times I won't even pick up a book unless I feel like I can take the time to read it to the end. Which means that I really do not read enough. Which means my list here won't be very long and especially not impressive. Which also means, I'm ashamed! Which means I am setting a goal to do better and would like to read some of the books that Alicia listed! Anywho...


Favorite picture books to read with my kids:

1) The Little Red Caboose
2) Where the Wild Things Are
3) I Stink!
4) Click, Clack, Moo -- Cows That Type


Favorite Series:

1) Harry Potter
2) Little House on the Prairie
3) The Work and the Glory
4) Calvin & Hobbes


Inspirational Book: Running with Angels

Those are a few of my favorites. I'm also a Grisham fan despite the predictable plot lines. Tag: Michelle, Kathleen, & Rachel -- what do you like to read?

Ideas anyone?

Parent project #3 is coming up shortly -- science fair! Apparently it is due in mid-January. What a way to ruin a nice Christmas break! Anyway, Jared is open to suggestions since we have vetoed his popcorn tasting idea (he wanted to taste each brand of buttered popcorn to determine which brand has the most butter!) Ideas???

Parent Project #2

This is Ryan's indian dwelling assignment-- an earthen home used by the Mandan Indians. We built it out of sculpy clay and then used modge podge to stick the dirt to it. We used small popsicle sticks to create the doorway, and used some cotton from the aspirin bottle for the smoke. We looked all over for some little indian guys, but couldn't find any. Ryan's friend saw his project and mentioned he had some at his house, so Ryan added an indian and a horse at the last minute. Fortunately the project went smoothly and the aspirin was only needed for the cotton smoke!

Mark's Adventure

On Saturday, Mark explored the Spiral Jetty on the Great Salt Lake. He's been wanting to visit it for a couple of years now. It's clear the heck out there! It is located beyond Promontory Point (where the trains are) Anyway it was made by Robert Smithson and consists of lots of rocks piled together and forming a spiral out in the lake. It is only visible when the lake is low. Right now it is VERY low -- prime viewing opportunity! He met exactly two people on his explore -- they had come all the way from Wisconsin just to see this. Apparently they travel all over the U.S. in search of wierd art things to visit. They told Mark about a man who has created an artistic masterpiece out of an extinct volcano in Arizona -- we'll have to check that out sometime. Anyway, the journey out to the jetty appeared to be relatively van and family friendly -- just clear the heck out there -- so maybe we'll all explore it sometime.