Sunday, May 13, 2018

May the Fourth and Revenge of the Fifth

One of the perks of teaching elementary school is that you get to celebrate all the random holidays with people who also love celebrating the random holidays.

 We went to see Weird Al in concert on May 4th and ran into lots of friends. It was a really fun concert. Weird Al is so talented! Not a missed note, not a skipped beat in the night. I was really impressed.

Creed and George were laughing so hard at the comedian who opened for Al that I just had to sneak a picture of their joy. The guy's name was Emo Phillips. We left the concert before it was over because Robert was competing in the Ironman Triathlon the the next day. A comedy rock concert is exactly what all the elite athletes do the night before a big race!
 He did it! I was so proud of him. I spent the day driving kids all over town for rehearsals and recitals and running errands for school dances, so I missed him crossing the finish line. I was so sad about that, but unbelievably proud of him. Maybe I should set a PE type of goal. Do a push up now and then? Take the stairs more? Something along those lines . . . except there aren't a lot of stairs in St. George. 
Even though I missed the big moment, my mom and Jim made there to support him. They really are the best. And so is Bob.

2017-2018 School Year Wrap-up

Creed worked hard this year in all Honors and AP classes. It was not an easy task for him to stay on top of all of his classes, but he handled it quite well-especially for someone who doesn't always "buy-in" to the value of high school classes. HA! He was in Student Council all year, so he helped plan and set up every dance, lots of activities, and even MC'd a few assemblies. Creed participated in the Spring Play. He played the part of Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach. He was so FUNNY! He wore a bunch of padding to make himself look a lot larger than he actually is, his delivery was spot-on, and he really entertained. One of my friends went to see the play and she thought his performance made the whole play. Creed campaigned for student council again this year and will be a Student Body Officer next year. He is still taking piano lessons and has added guitar to his studies. He got his driver's license, started dating, and survived the first year of school he has ever had to do without his big brother. Senior Status is right around the corner for this kid!




Creed designed the art for the playbill.


Stella was involved in art and choir this year. She continues to get fantastic grades and is a member of the HOPE Squad~an eighth grade leadership and suicide prevention group. HOPE stands for Hold On, Persuade, And Power. She discovered her love of ALL sports. Every unit in PE was a new opportunity to listen to her talk passionately about a new love. It was so fun. She especially enjoyed basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and softball. She didn't much care for golf. Next year she will attend the new high school being built right around the corner from our home. She will get to walk to high school.

George is in 4th grade and has the hardest spelling lists I have ever seen. He was spelling words I have never seen! He loved being a RASCAL. The RASCALS are the Student Council team in elementary school. Some of his responsibilities included: selling Jolly Grams at Christmas, making posters, selling otter pops, and being a good example for his classmates. He has lots of friends at school, but not many around our neighborhood. There are still not a lot of kids nearby! He just finished state testing and proved that he is just as capable as his older siblings. I say: four down, one to go!

Lucy finished pre school this year and loved every minute. One of her favorite preschool buddies is the little brother to one of my students. That was fun! Every time Oliver came to my class, we were able to talk about Lucy. She can read short, easy books and decode most decodable words. She loves her teachers and her friends. Lucy will attend kindergarten at my school next year. I can't wait to have one on my kids at the school with me!

Jack loves his mission. We all love to hear from him every week. He is working hard and generally spreading joy to all who meet him in Peru. He is now a "Trainer" which means he is his current companion's first companion on his mission.