Geography Bowl

Jarom was in the geography bowl Friday. There were 7 teams with 4 students in each team. He had his friends on his team. They are studying Utah history this year, so most of the questions were about Utah locations, but they also had questions about the United States and the world. They did well. Their team won second place, and Jarom got a medal and certificate. They missed first place by only three points. Way to go Jarom!!

Juliana's Birthday

Juliana is three! She had a fun birthday even though we could not put up her new swing set because it was cold and snowy, AGAIN. We went out for Pizza then came home for ice cream and cake. She had fun opening her presents. She got a battery powered four wheeler. The older kids want one too (They are too big). She also got a cute doll and doll blanket, Curious George DVD, two purses, a monkey finger puppet, and a summer dress. She wanted me to make a "pink cake with monkeys on it." This is what I came up with - "Three Little Monkeys Jumping on The bed." I got the idea from the Family Fun magazine with the cake for "Princess and the Pea" and from a blog where a lady had made some cute fondant monkeys for a birthday cake for twin boys. It was fun to make but really time consuming and messy. Next year I will buy a cake.

Josh has been taking Driver's Education for the past two weeks at 5:30-9:30 at night. He is glad to be done. He had to miss the birthday party, but he is anxious to go get his learner's permit on Monday. Chelsea is going to get her license that day too, and Karen has to renew her license, so we will have a fun day at the DMV. I do not feel old enough for this. It seems like I just got my own license.

Young Writers and Artists Fest 2009

Jenicca was invited to the Young Writers and Artists Fest at Utah State University. It was for middle school students who submitted written work or art work. Jenicca wrote a story. Each English teacher chose four students to attend. The parents were invited too. It was great. They were split into groups and attended three different workshops. At the first event, Jenicca was asked to read a portion of her work to the group. There were about a dozen students who read their work. Three judges listened and wrote comments for them. Her story was also analyzed by her teacher and a USU English Department student. The next event was very entertaining. They had a "storyteller" come, and he shared about 4-5 stories that were very fun for everyone. Then Brandon Mull, author of "Fablehaven," talked to us. It was very informative and fun too. We had lunch while a guitar/clarinet duo played music. Jenicca was excited to get an autograph from Brandon Mull. I wish I could be clever enough to write a good novel. Nice way to spend a day. Thanks Jenicca!! (One of her good friends who is now attending a different school won the art contest. You can see her logo on the back of Jenicca's shirt. Good job Elizabeth!)

More Snow!

I am not a winter person. I was excited last week when most of the snow was melting and we could see our lawn, so I was disappointed to find 6 inches of snow on the driveway yesterday morning. It continued to snow all day long. Phil has gone to the ski slopes today, so he is making the most of it. I am ready for spring and warm weather. Oh well, it should come soon. Juliana had fun building a snowman several weeks ago, but she is still sad that her snowman "died" when it got warm. I guess we can make a new one now.

Potty Training

My cute little Juliana is almost three. I am not having much success getting her potty trained. I think we will take a break for a week and see if she can get excited about trying again later. She used to like getting candy when she would go in the potty, but doesn't seem to understand that it is not just as wonderful when she goes in her pants. ARRRgh.

I always think I should write in my journal, but rarely do so. Maybe this blog will be an easier way to record what is going on in my life.

I will start with a story from Saturday February 28, 2009. I went to the local market to buy a couple carmel popcorn cobs for birthday gifts. When I got in my car I placed the grocery bag on the passenger seat next to me. I then drove to Walmart to get a few things there. I parked close to the front doors. As I was walking away from my parked car I had the thought that I should lock the doors. I shrugged it off, since there was nothing in there that anyone would want to steal. The thought came again "You better lock the doors." I argued "No one is going to steal popcorn." I did not lock the doors, but hurried in to finish my shopping.

When I returned to my car I put the bags in the trunk then got in the car. I looked at the passenger seat and realized my popcorn was gone. I was stunned, but not very surprised because of my earlier thoughts. Still, I could not believe that someone actually stole my bag of popcorn in broad daylight in a busy parking lot. Then I felt bad for the poor soul who was so hungry that they had to steal my popcorn.

I left the parking lot and started the 10 minute drive home. The more I thought about it, the more disgusted I became with society and the need to lock and secure everything and the dishonesty in the world.

As I stopped at the stop sign on the corner near my home, I looked in the rearview mirror. I realized a car very similar to mine was right behind me. I turned the corner and made the quick right turn into my driveway. The other car followed me into the driveway. I got out of the car. An older lady (probably someone's sweet little grandma) exited the car behind me. In her hands was the bag of popcorn. She asked "Is this your popcorn?" I was a little confused and very suprised to see the popcorn. I asked her "Did you follow me?" She said she had. I told her she was a sweetheart for bringing it to me. She said "I am not sweet, I took your popcorn!"

She said she had to explain what happened. She thought my car was her car. When she finished shopping, she got into the car, put her bags down on the seat and then realized she was not in her car. She quickly grabbed the bags, left my car and went to find her own. She drove home. To her surprise and horror, she had an extra bag with carmel popcorn in it. She didn't want anyone to think she had stolen it, so she hurried back to Walmart to see if my car was still there so she could put the bag back. When she got to the parking lot, I was just leaving, so she followed me all the way home to give it back to me.

I thanked her, and I think she is truly a sweetheart. She restored my faith in humanity and made me so happy that I live where I do. What a good example of honesty and integrity. She was embarassed, but knew she had to make things right if she could.

I also learned you should listen to those thoughts that come to your heart and your mind. It would have saved her some grief.

Kristen