MAYLIN2007

You all know that I feel extremely lucky and blessed that my children are able to attend a private school that teaches core values, fundamental principles, true American government, individuality, religion and provides teachers that go above and beyond the responsibilities of their jobs. My children have been influenced by so many teachers there. There are a few standouts however. This post is dedicated to one of the greatest! Mr. Haymond, had Austin his 11th and 12th grade years. He currently has McKenzie. This man is a true teacher. He always says he wants to make a difference. Let me tell you, he has. McKenzie struggles with a lot of things. I think I am her biggest struggle. Mr. Haymond knows her needs and he does everything in his power to help her know he loves her and he is there for her. He listens to the Spirit to know how to help her. Besides that, his instruction is amazing and he teaches the kids to think, talk, reason, explore and share. Mr Haymond was an incredible in...

If you remember my past posts about football, you may recall that Alex, up until last year, had to wear an X on his helmet. This meant he was too big to run the ball and had to play on the line as a lineman. This year his coach has given him lots of opportunities to run the ball. He has scored 3 extra points, after a touch down, and two touch downs. The first one, I didn't have my camera. That is okay I was way too busy cheering. Thankfully, others had their cameras. Too bad they didn't get Alex, but they got my cheering. Even the SportFilm guy that videos the games, thought I was so entertaining he made sure he got me on film too. After watching it, I am super embarrassed. I was jumping everywhere! I was even grabbing and shaking all the poor people that were standing by me. No wonder my hubby is embarrassed by me. ;) This last touch down, I had my camera. After I got the pictures I needed, I dropped my camera and cheered again......a much, much milder cheer. Alex also go...

This past week I had the privilege of being a driver and chaperon for the Senior Class field trip to the Santaquin Mine. It was about a 45 minute drive. We (me and Kenzie and her friends) had a fun car ride. I remember Austin doing this field trip and he loved it so I was super excited to get to go this time. Once we arrived at the mine, we had to park and walk in. It was a pretty steep walk, but it wasn't more than a 1/2 mile. Once at the mine we all went in. On the hike, the kids who got to the top first played football while they waited for the slower people.....like me! Here is the class in front of the mine. I was a little worried at first since I am a freaky claustrophobic. But, since my goal this year is to overcome my fear, I went in! I did not got up the ladder into the tiny tunnels you had to crawl through, but I did go 95 feet in to that point. It was damp, wet and dark, but pretty cool! Kenzie loved it! She went up the ladder and was smashed in ...

This week is the mark in which Austin will be home from his mission in 4 MONTHS! I can't believe it. I remember when he was just barely out for 4 months. Time went quickly, yet it seems like forever since I saw him last. I am getting ready to have him home. I miss just being able to pick up the phone and talk to him. Christmas and Mother's Day are great times because we get to talk to him on the phone for 40 minutes, but I am ready for more. The rest of our correspondence is through email. I am so grateful my son is a good writer and sends long, detailed letters!  Austin's mission has been a blessing for both him and us, the family left behind. Austin has had better health over the last two years than he has had most of his life. I know it is because the Lord is blessing Austin because he is willing to work 7 days a week, all day long for Him. Austin has sacrificed so much for what he believes and I know that Heavenly Father is blessing him for his commitment to Him. I...

Last Saturday night (Sept 7) was the first school dance of the year. It was a nerd dance. Kenzie wore my Benetton pants that I wore in college! Really? They are NOT nerdy......at least not in my mind. I will say, with her button down shirt, tie and glasses, she looked great! Alex was planning on going too, but he went to a BYU football game earlier and it was delayed due to rain so he didn't make it. Bummer. Jay and I were the chaperones, so Maylin got to go. She dressed up too and looked so great! She had so much fun, but got tired at the end. Jay and I had fun taking pictures, watching Maylin and Kenzie dance.    Here is my cute little nerd girl dancing with dad! Maylin loved the treats. They had sugar cookies decorated like different elements from the periodic table, chips, water labeled H2O and the room was decorated with Legos and sci-fi paraphernalia!  Maylin loved the balloons. This is the 10th grade teacher Mr Dye. Oh my gosh! He was hysterical. He ch...

Update: This year, Alex has ran it in on a couple of extra point plays. At today's game, he ran it in for his first touchdown! He dragged about 4 guys across the goal line with him. I was so excited. I did this very loud, very enthusiastic celebration dance. But heck, big guys like Alex usually don't get to run for TDs. They usually run the blocks for the little guys, so this was awesome!!!! My dance was so funny, everyone was talking about it. I just hope it doesn't end up on Youtube. It is football season! This is Alex's last year playing for the city teams. He can play again next year, but it would be in high school. Since our little private school doesn't have a team we aren't sure if he will play or not, so this could be his last year. He loves football. Actually, he loves all sports. This year he is playin fullback and linebacker. He also runs in the extra points after a touch down. Pretty fun. He isn't crazy about most of the team members off th...

The kids started school two weeks ago. Yes, it has taken me that long to post about it, but we have homework now, so I'll my extra time is gone. The first day went great! Alex started 9th grade and was thrilled he could now wear the high school uniform which includes tan pants, and green and blue polo shirts and a blue oxford! He was getting tired of the blue pants and red and white polo. He can still wear those too, so he lots of choices now! Kenzie was nervous, yet excited for her Senior year. There were so many new students this year in her grade they went from one senior class of 27 to two classes of 20 each for a total of 40. She got put in the class without her closest friends, so she was nervous. Since then she has met a lot of the new kids and has gotten to know the other kids she wasn't as close too. Heck, the school is still small so she still see's her good friends all the time. Maylin was nervous and had me stay the whole day with her at school. I would ...