Are you listening.....

God if you are listening... I need a miracle. Thank you for helping my family and all that we have had to endure in these short weeks however please don't forget about us... we need a miracle and I am completely trusting that all this will work out for our good regardless if I like the outcome or not. There is no need to go into detail because you know our situation I just hope that you are hearing my prayers and I just needed to put this out there and release it from my worried soul. We need your help. Thanks!

Jordan's 6th grade graduation!

Aidan and Jordan pointing out their names in the giant book. They were among the first students to enroll the year Fox Hollow opened.

The happy graduate

Mr. Johnson with Jordan

Jordan with Mommy

Jordan with some of his friends

Jordan is quickly growing up. Tonight was his graduation not only from 6th grade but from elementary school. A chapter in his childhood has come to a close and a new adventure awaits him as he enters jr. high in San Diego. It was an emotional night. Daddy had already left for San Diego to begin working so it was just us and we had to make it extra special. We went to Olive Garden for dinner before the ceremony. The speakers were wonderful, the kids sang a very touching song, the slide show (which was set to music) brought happy tears to our eyes as it went back in time to the events of the past year at Fox Hollow, then the presentation of diplomas and a final round of applause. It was overwhelming but in a good way. Jordan we are so very proud of you!

LOVE

"True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long, we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands", Ensign, May 2010, 68–70, 75

Aidan's Hip Hop Dance Recital

Aidan in his costume ready to go!

Aidan's Teacher Chanel Beattie

Some of the guys Mommy & Aidan

Alpine Peaks Performing Arts presents : "We're all in this together"

Monday, May 24th 2010 7pm

Aidan and his Hip Hop 2 group had so much fun performing a dance number titled "remembering". He wore black slacks, a white t-shirt, suspenders, and a cool plaid shirt. Aidan loves hip hop. It is so entertaining, exciting and masculine. We cheered him on as we smiled in amazement watching him. To our surprise he finished the number with a back flip!

Hip Hop 2 Class pictures

Faith

“Faith in something greater than ourselves that enables us to do what we have
said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to
keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is
entirely uncertain.”
- Gordon B. Hinckley

2010 Census

I have been hired as an enumerator for the 2010 census. Its probably been the best job I have ever had-- its suits me well. I have been working for 3 weeks now and I truly enjoy meeting new people everyday. Its has been a wonderful experience for me. After managing a household and generally being in a position of leadership it would be very difficult to transition to a "cubicle" job where I had to "yes sir" someone all day long. This has been perfect for me...Being outside, on my own, meeting deadlines (I am very goal oriented) learning about different cultures and people, being highly respected and trusted with vital information, filling out paper work ( I love to organize) driving around the city .... oh it has been great! And to be a part of history even better. Did you know that the United States has been conducting a census every 10 years since 1790!?!? A lot of people are not even aware that it is actually part of the constitution! I am so thankful for this job, it came at the perfect time and right before our move. So what is it exactly that I do? Well listed below is an accurate description of my day to day responsibilities.

• Planned work by reviewing assignment area to determine organization of neighborhoods and locate households for conducting interviews.
• Conducted interviews with residents in assigned areas by following stringent guidelines and confidentiality laws. Explained the purpose of the census interview, answered residents' questions, elicited information following a script, and recorded census data on forms.
• Assessed quality control levels on selected addresses, determined which samples passed or failed, and maintained records for quality control verification.
• Complied with accuracy standards while maintaining high production rates.
• Maintained records of hours worked, units produced, miles driven, quality control results, and expenses incurred in the performance of duties.
• Met daily with supervisor to review and submit work, and receive additional instructions.

"Smile On...."

There's a new commercial being shown here in Utah about San Diego and it came at the perfect time. We are preparing to move back home and EVERY time we see the commercial or hear the song we can't help but smile!

Lyrics to Smile On :
Well everything is in its place
but i can't stop the smile on my face
cause i'm happy, i'm happy in this place
and all of my friends are in this place
and i can't stop the smile on my face
cause i'm happy, i'm happier in this place

a 1, 2, 3

so smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
so smile, smile on my friends
come on smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
you'll smile, smile on my friends
when i'm feeling bright , and i'm feeling good
i thought that i might but you knew that i would
cause i'm happy , i'm happy in this place
and i wanna dance , i wanna smile
i'll take a chance and stay for a while
cause i'm happy, i'm happy in this place

a 1, 2, 3

so smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
so smile, smile on my friends
come on smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
you'll smile, smile on my friends
well everything is in its place
but i can't stop the smile on my face
cause i'm happy, i'm happy in this place

a 1, 2, 3

so smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
so smile, smile on my friends
come on smile, smile on my friends you're in a happy place
you'll smile, smile on my friends
well everything is in its place
but i can't stop the smile on my face
cause i'm happy, i'm happy in this place

(fade out with...)

and all of my friends are in this place
and i can't stop the smile on my face
cause i'm happy, i'm happier in this place

Patience

"Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience", Ensign, May 2010, 56–59

Jeremiah's Graduation

Such a great picture!!!! We are so happy for you both. What an accomplishment!!! We are so proud of you. You are setting such wonderful examples for your nephews and children. Way to go Jeremiah- Mr PHD and a BIG congrats to Tammy there was A LOT of sacrifice on your part as well to make this happen!!! We love you!!!

Mother's Day

I had the privilege of attending the Mother's Day tribute in Aidan's class. It was so cute. Classical music, songs, poetry, special cards and refreshments. I couldn't stop smiling. I loved the effort by the entire class to make this day special it was very heartfelt and loving. I love being a mom!

Tulip Festival

Righteous Women

"We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation. I hope you understand that, and I hope the men of the Church understand it too. What you sisters do today will determine how the principles of the restored gospel can influence the nations of the world tomorrow. It will determine how these heavenly rays of the gospel will light every land in the future."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women", Liahona, Sep 2009, 2–7

Live the questions

Rainer Maria Rilke - Live the Questions Now

"...I would like to beg you dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

Rainer Maria Rilke, 1903
in Letters to a Young Poet

*My dear friend Darcy shared this with me at the perfect time in my life.

May Days

Aidan gets to have so much fun the last month of school. What a great way to end the school year right before we move.

This is what his teacher sent home:

During the month of May, the third grade will be having "May Days" to review concepts and explore different themes. Students dress up or bring things from home to celebrate each day. May Days make the last month of school something to look forward to, and is a nice culmination for the year. This is a brief explanation of the days and possible ideas for celebrating.

MAY 3 – NUTRITION DAY – In correlation with the Family Fitness Fair we will be learning about proper nutrition and trying some fun nutritious foods.

MAY 4- - MUSIC AND ART DAY- Students will spend part of the day listening to different types of music and learning about music history. The rest of the day will be spent doing art projects and learning about art.

MAY 5- CINCO DE MAYO- This is a celebration in Mexico for a great victory that was won. We will be talking about Mexico throughout the day and learning some Spanish songs. Students may bring chips and salsa to share, and may dress in attire that might be worn in Mexico.

MAY 6 -TALENT or MAGIC DAY- On this day, students share a talent or perform a magic trick that they have learned at home.

MAY 7- BEST DRESS DAY- Students come dressed in nice clothing. We talk about manners, proper etiquette, and act very sophisticated. Mothers will be invited to our classes for a special "Mother's Day Tribute". The students write tributes for their mothers and they will be read for all of the class to enjoy at this time.

MAY 10- CHOCOLATE DAY- For this day, we do almost everything chocolate, chocolate math, reading and other chocolate activities.

MAY 11- POPCORN DAY- This day will be spent learning about popcorn through math, reading and writing.

MAY 12- TASTY TESTING DAY- We will celebrate completing our testing by having popsicles.

MAY 13- SPACE DAY (FIELD TRIP/COMMON DAY)

- We will enjoy this day by visiting the Clark Planetarium. All third graders will attend school from 8:00-2:15 on this day.

MAY 14 - PET DAY- Students may bring a picture, stuffed animal or their pet to class today. Real pets must be accompanied by an adult and taken home when finished.

MAY 17- CAREER DAY- Students will have the opportunity to learn about different careers and have guest speakers come to discuss their career. Students are invited to dress up as what they would like to be when they grow up.

MAY 18- GAME DAY- Students may bring a game from home that they would like to play. We will take time during the day to share games.

May 19 – HEAT AND LIGHT DAY- We will have a fun day learning about heat and light. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen because we will be outside most of the day.

May 20 –INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DAY– Students will rotate to other 3^rd grade teachers and learn about different countries.

May 21 - INTERNATIONAL TASTING PARTY- As a culmination of our study of countries, students may bring a sample of food from anywhere in the world. Students may also dress in attire worn by other countries. We will enjoy these foods in the afternoon.

MAY 24 – PATRIOTIC DAY- Students will wear red, white or blue. We will study the symbols of America.

MAY 25- DANCE FESTIVAL- All Fox Hollow students will participate in the Dance Festival.

MAY 26- BUSINESS DAY- To go along with our economics unit, students will be setting up a small business in class and rotating through classes to spend class money in different shops.

MAY 27 - FIELD DAY- The third graders will be participating in field day.

MAY 28- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL- This is a short day, but important for students to attend. We will be having our auction to use the money they have earned from business day. We also wish everyone a fun and exciting summer and know that each child can be successful in 4th grade.