Bullies in Kindergarten?!

Jenna reported this week that there are two boys in her class who have been making fun of her. They tell her she looks pregnant or that she has a baby in her tummy. She said it hurts her feelings and she cried when we talked about it. Why are kids so mean? If they only knew how much I love Jenna's little pot belly. Her face has thinned out recently and she definitely looks like a little girl now instead of the chubby baby we once knew. The pot belly is all we have left. I for one hope it sticks around a while. She would probably disagree heartily about that when she's grown but for now I love it!

If I Were Stranded on a Deserted Island. . .

I would wish for a transplanted Utah peach tree that would miraculously grow in an island climate because I really think there is nothing tastier in this world than a Utah peach (except maybe Bear Lake raspberries). This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to gorge myself on peaches. I can never get my fill and the Utah peaches have ruined me to all others. Don't bother buying in the grocery store--it's always disappointing. Sadly, the peaches only come for a few weeks out of the year so I eat as many as possible in that short time. Peaches and ice cream anyone?

My Dream Come True

I have one of these lovelies in my living room right now. Since I was about 15 I have dreamed of playing the harp but never had the time or impetus to actually do it. Now that my kids are in school all day I decided it was time to learn. I was excited to the point of giddiness when I got this in my house and started playing it. Maybe one of these days I'll be good enough to post a clip of me playing. Wish me luck!

Better Late Than Never

So this would have been better just before the Olympics but it still made me chuckle. Thought you might enjoy it too.

Learn Chinese in 5 minutes (You MUST read them aloud)
English - Chinese

That's not right! - Sum Ting Wong
Are you harbouring a fugitive? - Hu Yu Hai Ding
See me ASAP - Kum Hia Nao
Small Horse - Tai Ni Po Ni
Did you go to the beach? - Wai Yu So Tan
I think you need a face lift! - Chin Tu Fat
It's very dark in here! - Wai So Dim
I thought you were on a diet! - Wai Yu Mun Ching
This is a tow away zone! - No Pah King
Our meeting is scheduled for next week! - Wai Yu Kum Nao
Staying out of sight - Lei Ying Lo
He's cleaning his automobile - Wa Shing Ka
Your body odor is offensive - Yu Stin Ki Pu
Great - Su Pa

Yoga

I am a yoga lover. Yoga has been my exercise of choice for the past few years. A couple of years ago I started teaching a yoga class for the friends in my ward at our church building. I will be starting the class up again tomorrow. For those of you who live nearby and are interested, we meet at 7:30 am every Saturday at the church on Adobe east of Gilbert. Anyone is welcome. You should know before you come that I am not a certified teacher. I am, however, going to be getting my certification in September so then I'll be official. Hope to see you there!

Little Tidbits

Some words of wisdom from my girls tonight.

Jenna: "I want to be a grown up because then you can do whatever you want except steal."

Grace: "I don't want to be a teenager because they get in the habit of doing bad things."

(Trust me, I don't want her to be a teenager either!)

Just Speechy

We have a winner! It appears that the majority of you preferred the title "Just Speechy" so that is what I've named my speech blog. (Credit goes to Amy Stephens for the great idea.) You can find it at www.justspeechy.blogspot.com. If you or someone you know is wondering about speech therapy services feel free to refer them to my blog. It has info about how to reach me and will include occasional posts about speech and language development. Thanks for your votes!

My Grown Up Girls

Monday was the first day of school. I have to say my girls looked super cute and were thrilled about starting school. When Jenna went into her classroom I had to hurry and get to the car because I was getting teary-eyed. It's hard to send your baby off all day.

Both girls reported having a great first day. Jenna's highlight was seeing her sister in the lunchroom and Grace was excited about playing on the "big kids" playground. I was just happy to have them back at the end of the day.

Jenna's Joke

I just had to share this with all of you as well as record it for myself. Sometimes I can't get over how cute my kids are. I'm sure you all feel the same about yours.

In case you can't hear or understand it very well here it is in writing. Don't worry--the punch line isn't the funny part, it's the actions that go with it.

What did the macaroni say to the tomato?
Don't get saucy with me.

School Days

The girls met their teachers this week and both are really excited to start school. Jenna is lucky and has the same kindergarten teacher that Grace did who also happens to be their swim instructor so we love her already. I can't believe I'm sending my baby away for the whole day but I'm glad to know she will be with someone I know and trust. Grace is thrilled because she has all her favorite friends in her class and also gets to start ELP (Extended Learning Program for gifted students) this year. The ELP teacher at Field is amazing. Their theme this year is pirates and when we showed up on Meet the Teacher night she was dressed as a pirate called "Captain Snappy". The other thing that Grace is really excited for is that they get to be 3rd grade buddies this year. They will go to a 1st grade classroom and be paired up with another student and help them with projects. Those of you who know Grace know this is right up her alley. She has been looking forward to this since she was in 1st grade and had her own 3rd grade buddy.

In other news, I am the PTO vice-president. Not exactly what I planned on but Amy and I are almost the only parents who ever show up to meetings so we both got roped in (she's the treasurer). If any of you are wondering why I would do such a crazy thing when I have a million other things to do I will tell you that being involved with PTO is one of the best things you can do to ensure your kids get what they need at school. (Be warned--I'm now getting on my soapbox.) The principal knows my name and my kids' names which is a great thing. When I have had issues in the past that I needed help dealing with I knew I could go to the principal and she would listen and help me and I could be comfortable talking to her. The teachers know me and my kids and I feel that it is a great thing for the adults at the school to know who your kids are. Plus I feel that we have a great responsibility to be involved in our community. If we don't take part in the things that involve our kids then we have no effect on the values that are being taught. For example, at a PTO meeting last year we were planning the school carnival and discussing what type of drinks we should buy. If I and two other LDS parents had not been at the meeting they would have been serving iced tea. I feel that we, as members of the LDS faith, sometimes shirk our community responsibilities because we are so busy with our church callings. PTO has been an awesome thing for our family and if you have the chance to be involved you should take it. (Stepping down now.) If your kids attend Field we have set up a blog where you can stay updated about what is going on at the school. You can also volunteer to help us anytime! :) There's a link in my Blog Buddies list to the PTO blog.

The last thing I have to do is ask if any of you wish you were starting school with your kids. The first day of school was one of my favorite days of the whole year--right up there with Christmas. I would love to be an eternal student but for now it will have to be vicarious. Happy First Day of School!

Help!

I have decided to start a blog about the speech therapy services I provide. I need help thinking of a catchy name that has something to do with speech therapy. I plan on using the blog to give people info about my services as well as periodic posts about childhood speech and language development. You all are so smart I thought maybe you would have some good ideas. Thanks!

Heaven On Earth

Bear Lake is one of my favorite places in the world. My grandparents built a cabin there in the 70's and my family spent many summers vacationing there. Three years ago my parents built their own house there and now we spend several weeks of our summers enjoying their hospitality. We spend lots of time boating, golfing (which I sort of learned how to do for the first time this summer), making raspberry jam, playing games, and various other fun activities. Some of our favorite things include seeing shows at the Pickleville Playhouse and visiting the Minnetonka Cave which is like a miniature Carlsbad. This summer we even rented a huge bike and rode around the town laughing at how silly we must look. We love the opportunity to get away from the heat but the best part is creating memories with Gammy and Papa. Similar to past years I nearly cried as we pulled away from the house. Can't wait for next year!

Blackbeard

I am finally back from my vacation and exceptionally depressed about it. There is something about 115 degree heat that makes you want to pack up and go back where you came from. I am planning on posting some pics and details of our trip sometime but it's not happening today.

I did, however, want to tell you quickly about Blackbeard the Musical which is going to be at the Herberger Theater in September. This was written by my friend Rob Gardner and performed last year at MCC. I was in Bear Lake last year so I missed it but heard it was awesome and I'm sure it will be even better this year. The music is wonderful (as all Rob Gardner music is) and I heard it was also hysterically funny. The cast is amazing and you won't be disappointed. You can follow this link for info about tickets. Maybe I'll see you there!