Spring Dance Performance

Tonight the school kids had their spring dance performance. They did a fabulous job, I'm proud of their hard work.

Two things were new / different about this performance. The stage portion of the amphitheatre is finished and so they performed on it right there at the school. Since it was outside we were able to spread a blanket down and get front row seats. The weather was usually warm and sunny for our current temperature trend. Austin and Emma Lynn both got sun burnt at school during the dress rehearsal.

The second thing different is that they were lacking a dance teacher. She resigned a few weeks ago amidst a swirl of drama and the teachers have had to finish out the year teaching dance and getting their students ready for the performance. Some of the dances were not even fully choreographed when she left. Yikes! But you never would have known by watching the performance, they did a fabulous job!

I love the diversity of each class. Emma did ballet, Austin a Russian march. There was also an Irish jib, waltz and Aztec ritual dance (very cool!)

My daughter even smiled and looked like she enjoyed herself on stage. It is amazing the progress she has made in such a short time. Much gratitude from this mom for simple miracles.











Grandma Cindy was thoughtful enough to take us all out to Pizza Hut afterwards.

Mothers Day

Feelin' the Love today.


From Kurt


Elaine helped the kids make this gigantic book complete with original artwork, poems and coordinating flowers (see pic below.) In true Elaine fashion it was super thoughtful.




From Austin {made in school}
I love his poem:

Mom, when I think of you, I think of the sky.
When you play with me, it makes me feel good.
I think you are really good at shopping.
I like it when you come to my class.
I think you are special because you and Karen have the same birthday.
The best thing about you is that you are my mom.

Love, Austin


From Emma Lynn {plus a plant she grew at school } ~ this is my favorite family portrait that she has ever done.


From Spencer ~ a picture of his SUPER mom :D and my favorite flower duct taped to his artwork.

I am privileged to take this journey of motherhood and grateful for all the many wonderful examples that have been set before me.

Art Sale

At the end of every school year 4 Rivers has an ART SALE. They start with a potluck BBQ and entertainment. Followed by going through the classroom to look at the art work that the students have created throughout the year. The parents are then encouraged to buy their child's art work as a fundraiser for the school.

I really like this event. It was fun to socialize and I love the focus on art.


Emma with friends and classmates twins Paizley and Zayda.


Austin by his artwork


Emma in the kindergarten art gallery


Emma's artwork
Left: Silohette, Top Right: 100 dots to celebrate 100 days of school, Top Left: Her hands decorated with a poem


Austin's artwork
Top L: one continuous line painted on burlap, Top R: Austin's version of Stary Night in oil pastel after a study of Van Gogh, Bottom L: overlapping 7 fish ocean scene in paint, Bottom R: study of lines in marker.

BAPTISM

It is surreal to me that this moment has come. We have been blessed to be parents for eight years. We have learned so much in the journey together. I know that it is really just the beginning. This was a big moment for us, for Austin, for our family. I am so grateful for the baptism preparation process. For the eight years of teaching moments leading up to this day. For the focused preparation months before, for the prayers, blessing and fasting that strengthed our family.

In a prayer the day before he was baptized he said, "Thank you for letting me know my decision to be baptized is right."

I love the example it set for the younger siblings as they now anxiously await their baptism day. Ruth frequently tells me, "I am going to get baptized tomorrow!!"

The kids and I did a "Eight Is GREAT Baptism Countdown" eight days before the baptism date. Each day we spoke about an important element of the baptism process and covenants complete with games, activities or object lessons. It is the start of a great tradition. I loved having the opportunity to bare my testimony so often of sacred and important principles.

In an effort to help Austin with his preparations I too have reflected back to my own baptism and other covenants I have made since. I know that we are a covenant making people to show our sincere and earnst desire to completely follow the Savior. I continue to have reverence for the Plan of Happiness. Our Father in Heaven is not only loving but so very wise. It gives me comfort to know He has completely prepared the way for us, the path is sure, and there is joy along the way.



Saturday morning the boys had their soccer games. It was so fun to have Grandma Richards and dad watch and cheer them on. After we got back to Vale Austin and Grandma went on a special Grandma date to Dairy Queen. I'm so grateful that Grandma could come and she knows the importance of spending one-on-one time. Thank You!

Austin asked Kurt for a father's blessing before the baptism. It brought the spirit and calmed the nerves of everyone {well, at least Austin, Kurt and I.} :) Thank you Kurt for being worthy and amazing.



Kurt had the opportunity to conduct the baptism service so Austin sat on the stand with him. It was a beautiful sight to walk into the chapel to see Kurt and Austin dressed in white with happy, glowing smiles. It made my heart happy.

The Baptism Program for Briggs and Austin went as follows:

Pianst: mom
Chorister: Karen

Opening Song: When Jesus Christ was Baptized
Opening Prayer: Roger McMullan

Spotlights by mothers

Talk on Baptism: Mike Rankin
Special Musical Number by all Primary Children: I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ

Talk on the Holy Ghost: Claudia Richards

~~~Baptisms~~~~

Welcome by the Bishop

Closing Song: Teach Me to Walk in the Light
Closing Prayer: Mark Marvin



It was beautiful. I couldn't close my eyes, they were glued on Austin the entire time - he did not stop smiling. His smile was sweet and pure especially as he came up from the water. I will never forget his smiling face as he covented with our Father. Sweet spirit to spirit communication.

After he came back into the room there wasn't a seat for him so he came to the back and sat on the piano bench with me. I loved being able to hug n' love on him so soon after. "I feel so happy." And singing the closing song together {Teach Me to Walk in the Light.} I have sung it to him since he was a little tiny baby and will continue to sing it to him as he grows taller than me. Together we will strive to walk in the light.



I am so grateful for all the family and friends that came to support Austin.
We appreciate you!

Grandparents

Bill & Cindy Romans


Claudia Richards

We gathered together for dessert at our house afterwards. It was a beautiful day. Thank you Austin, it was an honor.

Pine Wood Derby

Thursday, April 28th was Austin's FIRST Pine Wood Derby.

My nature likes everyone to be winners so sometime I find events like this hard. But we had a fun evening so we'll count it a success!

Kurt's philosophy was for Austin to experience the pine wood derby. "We're not out to win it the first year." This worked well for me.

Austin completely designed his car. The week he got the kit Kurt took him {and Spencer} to the shop and cut it out according to Austin's drawing. After very minimal sanding he came to me for the paint job. He wanted to use crayons but luckily I persuaded him that paints were a better choice of medium. He painted each side of the car a different color {red, green, orange and blue} complete with a yellow lightening sign on the front. The number 16 on every side was the final touch.



So his car wasn't fast. But luckily that was okay and he still had a great evening with the boys in his den.



I think one of the cutest things about the Austin starting Cub Scouts is Spencer's interest and enthusiasm. He was right by Austin's side for each step of the pine-wood-derby-making process. He loves to study Austin's Wolf book. And he told me that he will have to stop gymnastics when he is 8 so that he can go to Cub Scouts. I love that he was willing to sacrifice gymnastics cause he knows Cub Scouts is important. Luckily I told him that he will most likely be able to do both. :D

He stayed like this the entire night. He was more captivated than the scouts!


And another thing - I think it should be a rule that dad's don't get too involved with the pine wood derby. Some of them are a little too...intense...

Here's to many, many more pine wood derbies in my future.

Emma's Field Trip

Emma's class had their field trip the next day {Thursday.} They were going to the zoo. Emma was {as she said countless times} so so so so so so so EXCITED! Living up to her expectations to be an author/illistrator she made a "Zoo Animal" book for Senora Brito. She worked on it for 5 days straight as soon as her homework and chores were done. She is a dilligent kid.

The weather wasn't as great but it did stay nice {enough} during the duration of our time at the zoo. It started raining the minute we loaded up so we ate lunches in the bus and cars. It all worked out. Spencer, Ruth and I rode over with Kate Draper. It was good to get to know her better.

It doesn't matter how many times you've been to the zoo, it is still a magical place. Especially when you go with friends! Our group consisted of siblings, Emma, Ella (Kate's daughter), and twins Zayda and Paisley.

Austin's Field Trip

Austin's class has been doing an electricity unit for the past few months. For their end of the school year field trip they went to Swam Falls Dam just outside of Kuna, Idaho. I was lucky enough to be a chaperon.


The bus ride. I will admit that it was a very difficult ride back to school after we were finished. My pregnant body wasn't handling the small space and my head had had enough of second grade boys.

We had to drive down into the canyon to get to the dam. The kids' reactions were cute and amusing. Austin named it "Grand Canyon Jr." and he also said to me, "I can't believe this didn't make it into my book of 1000 awesome places cause this is AWESOME!"


The Dam was very impressive. I am going to refrain from all the dam jokes that my husband would now insert here.

The guys at Idaho Power gave us a very informative tour.





Austin has trouble with his ears and it was very loud so I think he missed out on a lot of the info. There was still lots of amazing things to see even if you couldn't hear.

Like this turbine in the old dam {a new up-dated addition was added on in 1992.}





Mrs. White & Senora Mason's 2nd/3rd grade classes

I love volunteering and being apart of my kids' school lives. I would be lost without it. Thanks for a good day Austin.