A visit to middle school

Earlier today I was able to attend a college & career prep class with Ryan. He was bored out of his mind, naturally, but I found it very informative. Also, I don't think I embarrassed him too much by being there; at least, he didn't complain or roll his eyes when he took the seat next to me, ha!

There were a couple of handouts for the parents, including this eye-catching, colorful booklet:

As you can see, it's just a plethora of information for both parents and students.

I don't know about other places, but here in Utah, middle/junior high schools include grades 7-9, although the 9th graders are still considered Freshmen. The high school is just down the road, but the 9th graders don't get to go there until they're Sophomores. A bit different, but okay.

Anyway, the guidance counselors have been working with the kids since the 7th grade, so they've gotten to know them a bit. Each quarter, the students fill out a S.M.A.R.T Goals worksheet, updating or changing the goals they might have set for themselves. As parents, we're encouraged to be aware of those goals and help our kids.

I think I may have lucked out, though, because Ryan is a self-starter and an overachiever. When he sets a goal, he does anything and everything to make sure he accomplishes it. It's very admirable, considering I'm more of a "Eh, it'll get done when it gets done" kind of person.

My guidance counselor in high school was completely useless. I had to trudge through the confusing maze of college applications and everything, by myself, and we definitely did not have a prep class like Ryan's school. It's really a miracle that I was able to attend college at all!

Ryan is a bright, intelligent kid (and yes, I know I'm biased); I really don't want to drop the ball on this because he has some big aspirations, and I know he can accomplish his goals. He has a lot going for him and I want to make sure he has every opportunity to try.

February Weather

The weather has been warm for February, but we're not complaining! We've had a couple of days where we've had to open some windows because it got a bit warm. The kids have been taking advantage of the warm weather by playing outside with friends or even going for a bike ride around the block.

Jeff playing basketball with some neighbor friends

It's also been great considering lacrosse has started up again for Ryan. And, even better, the team is using his junior high school's field as their practice field. Which means he can walk to practice, Mondays-Thursdays. Yippee for no driving back forth! 

There are about 70 players on the team, so the coach divided them all up into 4 teams: Varsity, JV, and 2 Freshmen/Sophomore teams. Ryan made it onto the JV team with some of his (Freshmen) friends, and it's been interesting for him to play with older, more experienced players. But, his coach really likes him and encourages him, so he's enjoying it so far.

We also registered Jeff for youth soccer with the rec center program, so now he spends most of his time asking how many more days until his first game (about 41 days, if you're wondering; games don't start until April). Hopefully we got him on the team his old coach is in charge of; Jeff has been playing for him for the last 2 years and really enjoys it. The guy is a really great coach we love him!

As for Vanessa and Ethan, my "indoor children" the warm weather hasn't affected their daily plans one bit. Vanessa will go outside once in awhile to play with friends, but her Littlest Pet Shop toys or even her drawing lightbox ultimately win in the end. Ethan reads or even builds with Legos, but he definitely likes the indoors.

And, although it's been nice having such warm weather, I do wish it would snow. At least, up in the mountains. When we went up to Bear Lake last summer,  you could see where the water line had receded; it was a sad sight. We need the snow, but I'd rather it rain in the valley and snow in the mountains. I've lived here for almost 18 years now and I don't think I'll ever get used to the white stuff, but that's just me.

If it does decide to snow, at least spring is around the corner.

Family Scripture Time

As a family, we've decided to be more diligent in reading our scriptures. There have been so many times that we started to read the Book of Mormon, only to get sidetracked by life. It's been mostly laziness on our part, honestly, but we're determined to follow through with our goal.

So far, we've read a chapter everyday of this week. The first few days there was a bit of resistance and groans, but now the kids come running whenever we announce it's scripture time. With the exception of Jeff, the kids have their own scriptures to read from, and Jeff downloaded the Gospel Library app onto his iPod, which he thinks is pretty darn awesome.

I have noticed in just this week that both Vanessa and Ethan's reading is improving, and that Jeff is recognizing more and more words thanks to the repetitive writing in the scriptures. Plus, we always summarize the chapter we read, so it gives the kids the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. And so far, they've had a lot, which have led to some very good discussions.

Plus, who could say no to scripture reading when you can do it like this?

We end with family prayer, which is always a treat for me; I love listening to my kids pray. They each have a different way of praying and wording their prayers, and I love hearing them speak to Heavenly Father. Their faith always shines through in their words.

In only just a week, I've seen the benefits and growth this family time has given us, and I can only hope and pray that I will do anything and everything I can to stick with it so our family will continue to be blessed.

Valentine's Day

I love that the only Valentines my kids made today were for me. And that it features one of my favorite movie characters: Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon.

Am I loved or what? ;-)