Memorable Memorial Weekend

School's out, summer's in...Corona Del Mar is how we roll. After several days of over 100 degree temps, the beach was the oasis we were all longing for. For only having water and sand, it's mind blowing how the kids will stay occupied all day. They claim to be bored at home where they have endless things to keep them busy. They are like their Dad and could live at the beach. Other than the sea weed and sun burn, it was a perfect weekend. Have any of you ever got into a hot tub with a sunburn?? It feels like the flesh is peeling away from your body. Good times.
We were able to see our Thompson clan and friends and are so thankful to the Hoeke's for letting us crash with them. Always a pleasure and loaded with fun.

Catie is 'special'.

'Im the trouble starter, punkin instigator

Im the fear addicted, danger illustrated

Im a firestarter, twisted firestarter

Im the self inflicted, mind detonator C yeah

Im the one infected, twisted animator

Im a firestarter, twisted firestarter'

Prodigy has nothin' on you, Christian

Why I Love My Job

Being on the school board has it's many challenges, stresses, and all nighters, but whenever I get to be involved with the kids, it reminds me of how much I enjoy it with a renewed emphasis of why I am there. Being able to be at the graduations and handing diplomas to students with a gleam in their eye and a future wide open was an absolute honor. I love our students and have high hopes for the future.

Not Her Mother's Daughter

I have a hard time relating to Brynna sometimes because, well, she is so much better than I. In school, for me, after Spring Break came...so did the grades. I had horrible spring fever and it was a struggle for me to stay focused. Brynna, on the other hand, went to ending the year with straight A's. She had to work extra hard to pull a couple of the grades up.

Sometimes she would come home upset that someone teased her on how tiny she is. I would say, 'Well, you need to tell them......'(and say something I would have said like... when they are older they could only wish to fit in the clothes you wear). Instead, she would tell me how it isn't right or how it wouldn't be nice. And then I feel like the child.

She is truly amazing with a heart of gold and I am so proud that she won student of the year for her outstanding example of the six character traits: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Congratulations Brynna!!

A Night Like No Other

Something amazing happens as a parent when your oldest child goes through the temple the first time. Her life flashed before my eyes. It didn't seem possible that we were already at this stage, yet, she's never been more prepared.

Jason and Nathan went to Father and Son's campout. Brynna and I wanted to plan a special G.N.O. Since she turned 12, I wanted to be able to take her to the temple to help her with her first experience. The youth will be going at the end of the month, but Saturdays are a whirlwind with so many people in and out. I wanted to take the time to help her understand and ask questions. Caity also turned 12 and her parents had the same desire for her. As moms, we thought a wonderful mother's day gift would be to take our daughters together to the temple.

The girls were so excited, nervous, and giddy. It was a refreshing reminder to watch their eyes as they looked around at the paintings, the decor, and the experience with awe and wonder. It made me realize how often I take it for granted. Brynna was amazed at the white hymn books. When it all seemed so real was when they used her name in the ordinances of 'Sister Tanner' and to know they weren't speaking of me. The next 'Sister Tanner' is stepping up and doing her part. It was the highlight of her weekend and she said she has never felt the spirit so strong.

One of my highlights while there, was being in the baptismal area with Robert Allen. He was the one who portrayed Jesus Christ in 'Reflections of Christ'. He was there with his wife and children. As he was baptizing his children, it was captivating....it looked like the Savior himself performing the ordinance. My heart is so full as a mother and it will be a memory that I will cherish forever.

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Spontaneous

I have been wanting to redo the upstairs bathroom for a long time, but always putting it on the backburner. My problem is finding something I won't get sick of in 6 mos, which I hadn't found anywere. I made the mistake of randomly stopping at one of my all time favorite stores, Kirkland, to 'look around'. The domino effect began when I saw the items and it clicked that they were what I had been waiting for. The stars aligned, they had only one 'T' left in almost everything...like it was meant to be. Ahhh, justification.

Piano Recital

What great talent in such young children. It is wonderful each year to listen to how much the kids are imroving. Brynna played 'The Tempest' and 'Across the Stars.' Nathan played 'Star Wars' original score and 'Ratupsky March'. Still to this day, my kids have not complained about practicing piano. They do so diligently everyday. The hard part for them is I am more strict than their piano teacher, but I'm hoping one day they will appreciate that. I am proud of all their accomplishments and the fact that they bring the spirit of music into our home.