Be Smart

School has begun! School started on 8-18-08 (there has got to be something tricky about all those "8's"). The clan began without difficulty. We pretty much had to put a second mortgage on the house to pay the registration fees and purchase the school supplies, not to mention shoes and/or clothes (if Bowen and Hannah would stop growing). But, we managed and everyone seems to be adjusting to the new school schedule.

Courtney, Senior at Lehi High School (I cannot believe it). She is absolutely bored with school and ready to take on the world. She has a few challenging AP classes and lots of electives that are time fillers. The college prep math class will prove the most challenging, she says, but it will be a great preparation for college Algebra. She is contemplating her college options. She is considering Utah State, Utah Valley University, and maybe Snow College. I keep suggesting BYU-Idaho and like the idea of Snow College as well. We will see which options are preferable after she applies and begs for financial assistance and scholarship help. She is still interested in studying secondary education or social work. She keeps hinting at fashion design, not sure which college will offer such a program. But, whatever she decides, she will be great. She just needs to survive her senior year. I think it will be one big party for her! Soccer is going well, she is getting lots of varsity play time and Lehi is 2-0-1. Pretty good start to the pre-season! The team will take on Riverton and Wasatch this week and next week all region games will begin! Go LHS girls soccer!

Caitlin, Sophomore at Lehi High School (I also cannot believe it). Caitlin is so excited about what is ahead of her. She is thrilled to be in high school. She has a challenging schedule. She has a couple of honors classes and Geometry, in which she already has stress! She is also very busy with the drill team, dance company and choir. She loves music and performing, but with all the electives, she has to take Health on-line in order to have all her credits for graduation. There will be no rest for the weary. She looked darling everyday, making certain her outfits for high school were just the "right ones." She performed at the school assembly on Friday and really had a great time. The drill team also performed at the football game this weekend. She was so cute! She looked great dancing on the football field and really shined! The whole drill team looked sharp and in sync. Go girls! We love LHS Pionettes!

Hannah, 6h grader at Lehi Elementary (growing up quick). Hannah is excited to "rule the school" and be in sixth grade. She is still getting acquainted with her teacher but says that all of her friends are in other classes. She will just have to get to know the kids in her class, this should not be too hard, she is quite sweet and social. She has already begun reading a biography (almost done) so she can write a report. She completes her homework without supervision and is so responsible to get her planner signed daily. She is a sweetie! She is so careful selecting her new outfits to wear and is doing a great job styling her long and thick hair. She has an eye for fasion and enjoys "dressing trendy" or making her own style.

Bowen, 1st grader at Lehi Elementary (finally). Bowen is already breaking in his teacher and taking charge of his class. The best part of his day is getting school lunch (you get your own tray and pick your own meal) and recess, thank goodness there are three of them! He has not said much about his teacher or what he does in the classroom, however, he seems to be adjusting, even as difficult as it may be. He is our "likes consistency and dislikes any change" boy! He feels secure in a repetitive schedule and gets stressed whenever flexibility within the schedule is needed. I think he will love school once he adjusts to the new school year and his teacher. He says first grade is sooooooooooo long! "Being at school all day is so hard" according to him. He also let us know that it took so long to get to Wednesday, I did not have the heart to remind him he has school until Friday. Bowen was very happy to have the weekend arrive and to be able to play video games and jump on the trampoline at his leisure. He will be so great! He is an intelligent little guy with alot of personality and energy! We love him!

Mom has adjusted too! I feel divided every new school year. I love having the kids at home and schedules not so strict! I enjoy the play time we have and the freedom during the summer months. But, it is nice to get everyone back into routine and back into the classroom, that way they don't complain of boredom and near starvation (after they have eaten the entire weeks worth of groceries in two days)! I love them all soooooooo much! I am excited to see Courtney become a sweet and awesome little adult and commence into bigger life experiences. It is so fun to watch Caitlin grow up into such a beautiful and talented young woman. Hannah brings so much joy and teaches me so much about compassion for others. Bowen continues to make us laugh with his wit and wisdom!