School Days, School Days, all the Golden Rule Days

While attending Back to School night with Keanna and Kyler we had a conflict.  Aysen searched all over Kyler's classroom for his desk.  Explanation and reason couldn't convince him he wasn't old enough to attend school like his brother and sisters.

He was unhappy.

This posed a serious problem.  His 3rd birthday is quickly approaching and he will no longer be invited to attend playgroup through the Early Intervention program.  He has been going for over a year and this is "his school."

Keanna auditioned for Nutcracker a few days after back to school night.   While I was watching her I was visiting with Kyler's old preschool teacher, Ms. Shauna.  She was wondering how Kyler liked his new teacher.  My response included the fact that the teacher was great but Aysen couldn't figure out why she didn't have a desk set-up for him.  I finished by asking her if she didn't want to start a class for 2 year olds and before the conversation was over, Aysen was enrolled to be the eighth student in her 3 year old class.

Today was his first day of school.  He dressed himself.

Aysen, Age 2, First day of School

The shirt is on backwards, his legs only use one hole, and except for the incessant choking caused by the shirt facing the wrong direction he was dressed to perfection in his "baseball outfit."

Grandma Linda dropped him off for me (I was attending a funeral) and reported he went with no hesitation.  I picked him up and he had a gigantic smile, carrying the treat bucket that was almost his same size.  If he was potty-trained all complications would be resolved.

My older children also had their first day of school and I did pause my anti-photography strike.  The traditional pictures were taken and each child even added in their own pose or two.

I love to see what outfits are chosen for this most important occasion.

Taylei, 8th Grade, 13

I took each of the children shopping SEPARATELY this year.  Brilliant, every once in a while I surprise myself that I can be so smart.  Except for the fact that I spent most of two days in dressing rooms, everything else went so much smoother than normal.

The mother-daughter date included lunch, haircuts and treats.  The shopping trips even concluded before their money ran out, though it is still burning holes in their pockets.  Taylei finished with 7 pairs of new shoes and is online seeking out the eighth.  She also purchased her first four pairs of colored skinny jeans.  How long do you think this trend will last?

Keanna, 5th Grade, 10

Keanna informed me she didn't want any shirts with pictures or words.  It must either be a sign of growing up or maybe she has discovered she doesn't want to advertise for a company without being paid. 

As we were driving to the stores Keanna pulled out a list of what she hoped to buy.  Hilarious.  She had itemized her needs and budgeted the funds she anticipated spending in each category.  A shawl was her greatest priority but we didn't find one.  Taylei was mindful of this.  She kept an eye out and found a white one to do the trick.  When we brought it home to give it to her Taylei thought Keanna would be so excited she wanted to video her reaction which did not disappoint.  If awards could have been offered I would have held the title of "Best Mom Ever."

Kyler, 1st Grade, 7

Boys are much easier to shop for.  I have been purchasing t-shirts for Kyler as I found them throughout the summer and he didn't need much more.  Finding some shoes though were a giant problem, nothing he liked was available in his size.  Our search area kept expanding and we were finally successful just when I was on the verge of giving up all hope.

I did strip Kyler of his agency as he chose what to wear for the day.  He only likes basketball shorts.  I instructed him he had to wear denim for the first day (since the camera was coming out of the closet I wanted to document he does have more options than he chooses).  Maybe not nice, but I am the mother and I do need to ruin their lives on occasion, isn't that part of the job description?

The Woodland's met at our house for our annual back to school group shot.  (I'm pretty sure Keanna is still taller than Jake.  He was always standing on the high side of the ground.  I may need to investigate further).

Back to School pictures taken August 22, 2012

Pomp and Circumstance

With great anticipation, as of today at 9 a.m., Kyler is a kindergarten graduate.  In true Aysen fashion I say, "Yessssssssssssssss."

We made it!  He made it!

Kindergarten was a challenge for this little boy.  He is not Taylei nor Keanna.  Another moment in life that taught me he is his own person.

At our first parent teacher conference his scores were TERRIBLE.  40%.  I almost fell out of my chair with shock.  I didn't expect him to be the brain surgeon of the class but . . .

Things progressed, homework was given, learning occurred and we ended the year with an almost perfect report card.

I will testify the greatest help to accomplishing this, a little thing called the Book of Mormon.  Our family scripture study isn't perfect but I believe in the promise that reading this book together as a family will teach a child to read.  This helped this little boy.

As part of graduation, Kyler was asked to make a poster.  His assigned topic, "flowers grow in the ground."  I was super excited about the assignment.  The creative juices were flowing.  We had an extremely busy week and I kept delaying Kyler and his desires to work on his poster.

I came home the day before it was due and found he had taken matters into his own hands with clouds, dirt and a sun.  I was hit with an internal brick.  This wasn't my project.  This was my son's project.  It wasn't about how creative I am.  It would be much more impressive to see what his beautiful mind would create.

I let go and let him take control.

He chose out the paper and I used the Cricut to cut the flowers for him.  He arranged and adhered them.  I cut leaves and stems.  He once again glued them in place.  I loved doing this with him.  He has so much talent bottled up within his head, I'm glad he had the opportunity to use it.

The results were magnificent.

Mrs. Larsen was an amazing teacher.  Kyler had 28 kids in the class.  Wow!

I helped in his class on Friday's and I would usually leave shaking my head, completely bewildered.  She let them do projects I wouldn't want to try with just one child, example - paper mache.  They learned how different cultures from around the world celebrate Christmas.  The list of going above and beyond goes on and on and on.

Mrs. Larsen did all this and NEVER raised her voice.  She didn't need to.  The students listened and responded to her gentle command.  I need to take some parenting lessons from her.

Her discipline system involved colored dots.  Each day a calendar came home with a dot colored for the day.  Green = good, Blue = warned but didn't correct behavior, Red = serious trouble.

I'm proud to report Kyler had one blue and all the rest green.  The blue dot was on the very first day the system was used.  We talked about respecting our teacher and following directions.  I'm glad Kyler adapted to the importance of this very quickly!

We once again enjoyed amazing support from our family as they came and watched him graduate.

(Why we had to have his popsicle in every picture I can not understand, why kindergarteners were given popsicles while in their Sunday best is a mystery as well.  I'm guessing this is another learning moment for me, something like seize the moment and don't fret about things a washer can solve).

With the recent change of address for Grandma Williams we also got to enjoy her presence.

I must take a moment to add how amazing she is and how much help she has been in our home.  I believe my children are praying against them having a timely completion of the remodel next door.  They love having her live with us, Grandpa and Jason are o.k. too.

Graduation pictures seem to be a great way to show growth.  I predict in the next graduation picture I will take the role of the shortest participant.  I'm not trying to wish any days away but these two boys are growing so fast, sooner or later they will pass me by.

The kindergarten class created self-portraits which were hanging on the walls for decoration.  I was in the classroom the day they worked on these and the personalities were shining through.  (I ended up loving all of the kids as well, each so different, each a spirit sent from heaven).  Uncle Jason was nice enough to agree to Kyler's request to attend and photographed the event for me.

I've always thought Kyler was a spitting image of my brothers but maybe he looks like his Uncle Jason as well -- they seem to have an uncanny resemblance.

Aysen spent a ton of time in Kyler's classroom.  He thought he was just as big as the students in the class.  He participated in stations, art projects and he even ran the Mona mile which is a pretty big loop around the playground.  Mrs. Wohlforth, the principal gave the students a flag.  Aysen was determined it was really his and by the time we made it outside we found Aysen had used his persuasion skills and convinced his father the kite needed to be flown sooner not later.

My little boys aren't so little anymore.  I'm so glad they are growing and learning but a few blinks and one year has past and then two and three.

As the words of the song so elequently express:  Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back;...life is quick in passing. 'Tis as a single day. ("Improve the Shining Moments," Hymns, no. 226).


And in the beautiful words of our holy prophet: Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It's so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they're gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of 'what if' and 'if only.' 

If I could only learn to live by those words.

Event occurred May 25, 2012

VIP at BYU

Warning:  Terrible post, it has sat on my computer screen for over a week now, staring me in the face.  I should have known to have skipped this event.  Softball posts are my downfall.  Too much information with too many pictures with no sense of fluency from one paragraph to the next.  It is what it is, and to avoid my blog re-entering hibernation I am publishing it, flaws and all.

Andy loves softball.  In case there is doubt, I hereby solemnly confirm and attest to his addiction.  For one of his birthday gifts he requested to attend a softball round table training hosted by the coaching staff of the BYU Cougars.  He enjoyed the evening and learned a few new things to teach his team.

The coaches in attendance were invited to bring their team to an upcoming college game.  Andy was quick to get it arranged.

The promise offered: BYU gives the girls and their families free tickets to the game,  a tour of the facility along with being introduced at the beginning of the game.  It was all this and so much more . . .

The event:

One never knows what to expect with the weather when you attend a March softball game but we couldn't have been blessed with a more perfect night.

All of the team was in attendance with two extra girls, Keanna and Stormy, coming along for the ride.

My mother presented the girls with ear warmers.  (While we were shopping she found them on clearance and paid to have them embroidered).  They look awesome.  I'm just hoping they never have to use them, never again playing in freezing cold temperatures.  If this could change fate I would mourn the fact they weren't purchased four years earlier.

The Steelers have decided it is cool to wear coordinating attire and hair styles on game days.  On the menu today: upside-down french braids finished off with a messy bun (Taylei requested I braid straight this time).  I went up her head higher than normal, and the bun landed right on top.  This added three or four inches to her height.  Maybe I should try it during a game, a little height might help her seem at least a little intimidating.

Andy -- I love him.  This is a fact.  I both love and hate (see below) his love of softball, fact.  He looks good carrying my purse, (he should just be grateful it isn't hot pink with extensive bling) fact.

Often times I become frustrated with the amount of time softball takes from other activities our family could be involved in.  In the summer when each weekend is dedicated to the ball field and most nights are spent practicing I reflect on the why.  Why?  In the good, better, best, scheme of things where does softball rank?  What benefit will pitching lessons, batting practice and hundreds of hours of game recaps be to my family's eternal salvation?  Then the money aspect floats through my brain: tournament fees, gasoline, food.  I'm spending thousands of dollars a year when the money could be spent increasing our food storage or decreasing our home mortgage.  Why?

Many reasons I guess.  He spends 10-20 hours a week with my daughters, teaching and coaching them.  How many other girls have a dad so involved in their lives?  My girls are both good at it, they are developing a talent.  There are many other reasons, both pros and cons involved with the obsession but a major reason for this madness . . . .

Our parents.

They love watching their granddaughters play.  Both sets of grandparents have watched my girls compete in four different states.  My mom even went to Tennessee.  Our dads will review situations with Andy for hours.

Today was a perfect example:

I was on the phone early this morning with Terry.  I reminded him of the invitation to come to the BYU game tonight and watch the girls play at an umpire training in the morning.  He wasn't feeling well and declined.  Then the phone rang at approximately noon.  Terry had changed his mind, he was just leaving and wanted to make sure he was still invited.

My father is the same.  Lately he has been assisting Andy with his practices.  He is watching videos and reading articles on softball philosophy.  My mom claims that games are the only thing he worries about being on time to.

Our dads are crazy.  A fantastic crazy.  And, our moms are much the same.

Back to the evening's events . . .

The girls were taken through the training rooms.  I was jealous of the laundry chute.  The players dump their dirty attire into a bin and when they come back for the next game it is laundered and ready to wear. Washing uniforms isn't on the top of my list, especially when St. George dirt is involved.

The team was on the field warming up so the coach allowed our tour guide to take us through the locker room.  Most of the lockers had three extra pairs of cleats and at least that many bats.  These are in addition to what the players had taken onto the field with them.  Impressive or excessive?

My brain began churning once again.  Is this something I hope for my girls, to play ball on the collegiate level?  What would they be giving up to achieve this?  The good, better, best question auto-populates again.

Then reality sets in, it isn't what I want, but what they want.  I need to support them.  Period.

The Steeler girls were sporting a new look -- uniform tops with bling-bling denim.  Not the usual attire you find these girls wearing at a ball field.

While the girls were out showing off during the warm-ups waiting for their introductions they began to notice their phones were becoming a liability.  The worm, back hand-springs, and sprinkler were in the plans and damage to their phones was inevitable.  My pockets were soon full (which does nothing but accentuate the size of my hips).

The game ended in the most perfect fashion -- BYU winning with a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh.  BYU handed out team posters and allowed the fans onto the field for player autographs.

While everyone else was in line garnishing signatures, Aysen had much better ideas.  After watching hundreds and hundreds of softball games he has picked up on some finer points of the game.  One of which, when the game is over he is allowed onto the field.  He snuck away to first base without anyone noticing -- when I noticed his location my thoughts went quickly to wondering if this was permitted.  He ran between the bases and was on top of the world, loving every minute of his base running action.

Before we left for ice cream, Keanna found her 'buddy' -- the girl she got introduced with and asked for a picture.  24 was more than happy to oblige, she was on cloud nine, it was her hit that won the game.

Miscellaneous Highlights:

• The tickets we were given to attend were not just for the game but the entire season.  It also included a ticket for a hot dog, we had dinner and entertainment all wrapped up in one, free of charge.
• My father, in his dedicated position behind home plate, never argued with a call BUT my mom was mortified when she realized they were on television the entire game.  Being filmed eating a hot dog was not on her bucket list.
• Cris and Ty Durbin competed in the hot dog eating contest -- they both barely ate one in a minutes time, they better stick to sports, shoveling food is not one of their talents.
• Keanna was hugged by Cosmo on live television -- adorable.
• Although you couldn't see Taylei on the television her voice was easily recognized, cheering the Cougars on to victory.
• The head coach's wife loved watching Kyler dance and recorded his moves on her cell phone.
• My dad conducted the wave, Steeler fans have become pros at following his lead.
• BYU couldn't have treated us better.  The girls were highlighted numerous times and everyone left with gigantic smiles on their faces!

Thanks BYU and thanks Andy!

America's Got Talent -- Mustang Style

Kyler and Keanna both participated in the talent show at their school today.  I was quite surprised when Kyler told me he had signed up.  A sheet was left by the door of each classroom and you had to add your name to the list and the talent you would be sharing.

Kyler chose to break dance.  If he hadn't taken Terrika to her Senior Ball I would have never known he could twist and turn like this.  I was impressed and figured if he didn't lose his courage in front of his peers he would be awesome.

He chose to dance to Dynamite and coincidentally began his routine in the same manner as the dance number in Napolean Dynamite, he was just missing the moon boots.  He gained courage and performed a toned down version of his Senior Ball performance which means his clothes were unscathed.  

To add a little spontaneity to Kyler's performance and completely unplanned, Aysen joined his brother on the stage, wanting to share the spotlight.  I was video taping and decided to just let the tape keep rolling.  Kyler didn't bat an eye.  My insides smiled at the reaction, there was no embarrassment, no dismay.  He loves his brother and his actions prove it.

Aysen truly believes he is a student in his brothers class, the 29th kindergartener, a genuine member of the student body.  The director of the show cut Kyler's music shortly after Aysen joined him.  Kyler was happy to be done but Aysen felt he needed more time on the stage.  When I went to grab him he shook his head, not wanting to be removed from the spotlight.

(For some reason, pictures on the stage of the school never turn out.  The blurriness comes standard.

Lisa took a minute after the show was over to take pictures of Kyler.)

Keanna also participated in the talent show.  She was hoping to perform a dance number with a few of her friends but arrangements to practice never evolved and on Monday morning when they had to 'audition' Keanna moved to Plan B.  She performed her piano solo from festival a few weeks earlier.

I was impressed with our student body.  Keanna was playing a song that had a fun beat and the audience showed their support by clapping along to the beat.  She seemed more nervous to play for her peers than the judges a few weeks earlier, but her peers gave her amazing support.

The talent show is one of my favorite extras our school allows.  There is such a variety of talents -- joke telling, basketball dribbling, singing, dancing, magic tricks, jump roping and even rollerblading by none other than Kaci Fae.  To have the confidence to stand in front of your peers and perform is amazing but the cheers from the students in the audience was my favorite act.

A day . . .

The 2011-2012 school year has almost come to a close, 75% of the year is completed.  Today was the end of third quarter break.

Last night, Diane called and invited us to go to the zoo.  The weather was looking good.  After cheers of excitement from my children we decided to join them.

But, reality had other ideas.  When I finally started moving this morning I realized I had many obligations to complete before we could go anywhere.  The top of the list: posters for Relief Society.  My terrible procrastination habit once again revealing itself.  Kimo's isn't open on Saturday, posters needed for Sunday, time expired.

As the morning progressed, the zoo became less and less of an option.  The wind was beginning to blow, Mary Dawn and family were heading our direction, and the almost unaffordable cost of fueling my Tahoe kept circling through my mind.  But, on the other hand, the kids had the day out of school.  We needed to do something to celebrate.

I decided miniature golfing at Trafalga was the solution.  Half the gas, we could golf inside if the wind was too much, Ryan could drop Mary Dawn and children off to join us, and with our Pass of All Passes the price, free. Can you say, win, win, win and win.

We tried to keep score for the first couple of holes.  Not a good idea.  Everyone had so much more fun when they went at their own pace.  Kyler and Braden broke off first, I think they did some holes 2 or 3 times all in a fast-forward motion.  Keanna and Taylei played together and actually followed the rules.  Aysen had his own style of golf swing.  I tried to correct it once but decided to let him be, he was happy, therefore I was happy.  Maci was just delighted to have her own club.

After one of the quickest games of miniature golf known to man, we went to ride the go-karts.   The line was longer than any of us wanted to wait in except for Kyler.  He was determined to go for a ride.  After 20 minutes passed and the line hadn't moved Kyler gave up and granted us permission to leave.

To finish off our date we headed to Cold Stone and treated the kids to an ice cream.  Delicious.

After a quick stop at Costco we travelled home.  As a side note, three car seats will fit on one row in my Tahoe. The older kids can enter and exit the vehicle from the back window.  And, 18 holes of golf are exhausting, even when it is the miniature variety.

Ten Things Good About Today

1.  Piano Festival.  Taylei and Keanna performed their pieces today.  The best thing about this?  Superior Ratings.  The second best thing?  The four songs they have played, played, played, memorized and played some more can be forgotten.  (Maybe not forgotten, I truly hope they will play them on occasion but anything more than this may be considered illegal).

On a side note, I believe both daughters may quit playing if the consequences weren't so great.
They are allowed, by me, to quit at anytime, but if they do quit, they also quit all other activities they are involved in.  This list includes: dance, basketball, soccer, volleyball, leather craft, tennis, ipods, nooks and even the mighty, most important, not to be messed with softball.

I heard hints that others may consider be to be a 'mean' mom last night.  Keanna loves spending time with her second-cousin Bailey.  Bailey and Keanna get along beautifully.  Bailey brings out Keanna's personality in its purest form.  I learned that Bailey likes to limit the time Sulena and I visit.  She is afraid her mom may impose some of my same rules.  Examples: bedroom doors are to be shut NEVER or if you don't practice the piano the required amount, I am repaid for the lesson.  Maybe my daughter's journals compare me to Cruella deVil or the Wicked Step-Mother, maybe even both?

2.  Survival in Judging.  I was asked to fill in and be a judge at the previous mentioned festival.  Really?  It is a good thing they didn't ask for a resume, my qualifications would have been seriously lacking.  At one point, I was reading the music and comparing it to the notes the student was playing and felt like I was in way over my head.  Had I missed a sign that called for the music to be played an octave lower?  I was reassured when one of the other judges asked the student to play again with hands in the proper location.  I was nervous but the poor students were terrified.

When it was over, I realized I had enjoyed the experience.  Piano is a talent you have forever.  Until I hear someone tell me the hours their mom forced them to practice in their youth were a waste of time, my girls are going to play.

Next question, when should I have Kyler start?  A man is never sexier than when he is tickling the ivories, commanding them to send forth a melody that moves your very soul.

3.  Keanna and her passion for the keyboard.  Keanna seems to be at a desperate state in her development trying to decide what HER interests are.  Piano?  Nope, her mothers desire.  Softball?  Nope, something her father, grandfathers (yes, both) and even grandmothers want her to participate in.  Dancing?  Enjoys tremendously but.  Duct Tape?  Fad.  Sewing?  Fad.  Ice Skating?  For almost a week this is the only thing she talked about but once again, the desire seems to have past.

This week she began her adventure in her newest passion.  The fourth grade has began a unit where they are learning to type.  Home row keys and all.  Every spare minute she is sitting at the keyboard.  Today we found some typing games.  Now she can increase her skills while saving the space ship from alien invaders one word at a time.

4.  A patient husband.  Tennis lessons 101 commenced at the tennis courts today.  Andy helped Taylei and Keanna.  I arrived and he devoted his attention to me.  How I hold my racket, how I should spin the head, how I need to hit and get back to ready position and how I hit more home runs in 10 minutes than in my entire softball career (too bad that only took one).  We volleyed a little but he only had to get into his ready stance for me to have a chill of terror run down my spine.

We have been married 14 years and in that time I can count on both hands the amount of tennis games he has gotten to play.  This was his sport.  He played doubles and they were slated to win state.  He choked.

We keep saying we are going to start playing, then, he takes our family to the court and although he never shows his frustration, exasperation and desperation I know we drive him crazy.  Too bad I don't find a private coach and gain enough skills to volley against him, then invite him on a surprise date to the tennis court, complete with a candlelight dinner, cute tennis skirt and a tennis game he could actually enjoy.

5. Beds that are unmade.  Why?  This bed, in its state of chaos, represents something good.  Unmade beds usually don't make me smile but today I was lucky enough to be reminded of my bounteous blessings.  I have a daughter (daughters and sons for that matter) who are healthy, active and my joy in this world.  I realized there are parents of children who have passed to the other side of the veil who will never get to make a child's bed again.  I will pull up the covers and be grateful the bed was slept in the night before.

6.  A girl who loves the game as much as her dad.  Taylei was invited to a friend's home for games and was in the process of getting ready when Andy informed her she needed to pitch before she could go.  Outside she went to make her dad happy, wet just-got-out-of-the-shower hair and all.  (Some of her pitching pictures make her arm look quite deformed.  I really should turn them into a collage for her posterity's enjoyment).  Since Tom and Jerian moved to California, Andy has stepped in as pitching coach until a replacement is found.  I only ventured out and watched for a minute and it was obvious this is a problem in desperate need of a quick action.

7.  The power of the sun.  I love the shape of Andy's legs but after seeing them today, basked in the glory of winter white, I can't wait for the power of the sun to transform them into a glorious bronze.

8.  The trampoline.  Our yard no longer has a 5 feet deep by 14 feet wide hole.  Andy must have given up on winter and has returned the mat to its proper location.

9.  My right hand man.  Grandma Lou bought shovels for my boys.  A shovel of their very own.  Kyler wanted to make sure his would not be mistaken for his brothers and in his finest Kindergarten handwriting, he labeled each one.  He has been begging to dig weeds since the shovel was placed in his possession.  I keep telling him it still isn't time.  Today we found pits under the plum tree.  He gathered them as quickly as possible and ran after his shovel, determined to plant them deep in the earth.  I had to deny his location choices, right in the middle of my flower beds or the lawn wasn't quite what I had in mind.  We finally agreed on a place or two and he commenced Operation Plant A Tree.

10.  Spring is here.  I believe Heavenly Father is the God of this earth.  This earth was created under his direction and power.  Miracles occur each and every day.  One of which, tulips.  Tulips.  The bulbs sit in the earth through the summer, fall and winter and each spring, the plant pushes its way up through the rocks and frozen earth.  Each spring we witness the love Heavenly Father has for us.  The cold, dark days of winter are replaced with the vibrant colors and glorious new birth spring offers.

I love spring.  I love knowing I'm loved on this earth and in heaven.  My blessings are bounteous, especially if I take a break from my own agenda to look around and see what Heavenly Father has done for me.