Spring Fling

The tradition of having a spring performance for the students and families of Mona Elementary school began in 1983.  It was initially a spring "sing" held in the gym/lunch room.  This was back in the days when each grade only had one class with less than 30 students.  For the last few years the spring sing has evolved into a spring "fling" where each class performs a dance.  It is held outdoors on the blacktop.  I love going.

The fifth grade has begun a tradition of completing a May Pole.  It is quite impressive to see the cooperation between the students as they weave around and through each other.  Keanna's class did a hula dance and she has potential to become a serious hip shaker.  Hopefully she doesn't dedicate too much of her future in pursuit of career as a luau dancer.
Although it failed miserably this year, my favorite part of the spring fling is the dancing which takes place afterwards when the children are invited to do a dance with their parents.  This year, thirty seconds into the dance, the sound system failed and the dancing quickly died away.  Grandpa Craig was nice enough to lead Kyler, Kaci and Keanna around in their own impromptu version of the snake (no music required). 
The biggest miracle might be the fact we were outside without jackets.  This spring has felt like winter more often than not and the frequent rain storms have complicated most everything.

Dad of the Year Award

At certain times of the year Mona Reservoir has great reflecting power.  Water.  As you travel down I-15 nearing Mona you can see the reflection of a cruise ship.  Or, so the story is told to my blondest of sisters.

This is a smoke stack but not the kind found on cruise ships.  It belongs to Currant Creek Power Plant -- the destination of the 5th grade field trip.

Andy accompanied Taylei on the trip.  I've missed out on quite a few of my normal duties this year but Andy has been amazing, stepping up to the plate whenever I'm unable.

Is it nerdy or cool if they are both using electronic devices during the 3 mile bus trip?

If your bus driver forgets their drivers license, the students get to do a little extra walking.  This place doesn't mess around.

With these glasses I may be leaning a little more towards the nerd status but they would be two of my favorite nerds!

I believe the parents enjoyed this field trip a great deal more than the students.  I'm a little bit jealous I didn't get to go.  I'm so grateful to have my husband.  He cares about me, he cares about our children and he is almost perfect.  As my dad would say, I'm glad he has his one fault: his detestation of onions.


(P.S. Thanks for taking the pictures Lisa!)

Teacher Appreciation . . .

I did it!  I spent a few hours this day being creative.  Creativity feels so good!  I cut paper.  I used glue.  The cricket sat on my counter.  My fingers were coated in glue.

I try to go and eat lunch at the school with my girls a couple of times each year.  The food is delicious and the price amazing.  When they were having sign ups for door decorating I decided it would be fun to have the chance to thank the lunch ladies for feeding my children and letting me join them on occasion. 
When Lisa and I were walking by the school in the early morning hours a few weeks ago the smell was delicious -- I'm not sure what it was but we decided to let the kids go to school early and have breakfast.  The rolls, cinnamon rolls and peanut butter bars are my favorite!  

Trees are Terrific

For a few days last month Keanna lost her reading focus and her attention turned towards art.  Mermaidia, from watching the movies or sketching her own.  She also had a desire to use her artistic ability to win the Arbor Day Poster Contest.
Today she brought home an award.  Unbeknownst to me she must have been a finalist at the school level and her poster was sent to the state competition where she received an honorable mention.

This is another proof that you can accomplish your dreams.  If you put your heart and soul into something who knows where you'll end up.  Congratulations Keanna -- I love you no matter if you choose to become an artist, a teacher, a doctor or an editor.  Aim for the stars . . .

I love . . .

Picture January 2004

Today I stopped by the elementary school to drop off a flyer for kindergarten registration. Keanna was surprised when she passed me in the hall. I inquired why she was out of class. She responded she was on her way to recess. This wasn't what I was expecting . . . she had a book in her hand.

"You are going to read a book for recess?" I questioned.

"Mom, I love reading . . . ice cream . . . and softball" then as an afterthought, "and math," she quipped.

What am I going to do with her? I knew we had an excessive reading problem at home but until today I honestly thought her recess activities consisted of hopscotch, jump rope or maybe even kissing tag but reading?

I changed the reading rules at our house last week and I AM now going to make sure it is upheld. For every fiction book read a non-fiction book must also be read before they start reading the next fiction book. I also better purchase some of the classics for her reading enjoyment.

I'm not complaining. This is an easy peasy lemon squeezy kind of a trial. I just best adapt and use some of the time she spends with her nose in books to her educational advantage.

Keanna . . . love the girl.

Class Parties

I love to spend time in my children's classrooms.  When I see the different personalities and how they meld together I gain a greater understanding of what goes on in the six plus hours my children are away from me each day. 

Lisa wasn't having much luck finding moms who were willing to help with Taylei and Zeak's Easter party.  Even though I hadn't signed up I was happy to volunteer to assist with party number two. 

Lisa brought hard boiled eggs and a rolling challenge - points if they could have the egg stop in a certain spot.  It was much harder than expected; out of 20 plus kids only 4 were successful.

Taylei and Zeak -- still fierce competitors.

My mom came and sat with Aysen and was willing to keep Kyler and Kaci but they wanted to party with the 5th graders.  Kyler went to school with me all the time last year and he is completely comfortable being there.
She had another game in mind involving eggs but they didn't survive.  I would have never guessed so many 10-11 year olds would want to eat hard boiled eggs.  The room became smelly in a hurry.

Our other project: Washcloth Bunnies.  I was surprised with the attention the boys gave the project.  I worried they were getting too old for "crafts."  They turned out even better than expected.

Mr. Peay with Zeak and Taylei

Leadership and Responsibility -- March

"The Dream Reach Succeed student in the category of Leadership and Responsibility from Mrs. Feaman's class is Keanna Williams.  Keanna demonstrates leadership in the classroom by setting a good example.  She is honest and takes responsibility for her actions.  Keanna is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right and she encourages others to do the same."  Mrs. Feaman.

What a compliment -- we are proud of our sweet girl!

Fast or Slow?

It is science fair time again at Mona Elementary.  This year's project was much less involved than last years.  This was both good and bad.  The good: Fewer hours involved.  The bad:  Last year her dad and Grandpa Terry spent hours debating and figuring, Andy was NOT into this one and I know it would have been better had we inspired his interest.

My brother, Mike, gives Nikkii a hard time anytime she cooks anything in the microwave.  He knows it cools faster than if cooked on the stove top.  I've heard this theory as well and Taylei decided we could test it.  We used pudding -- this way we could enjoy the fruits of our labors.  

Things went south on the experiment for a couple of reasons : #1-- I was sick, so sick there was no way to get up and help her and Andy didn't have the "vision."  #2-- Guests arrived to visit for the evening, we love visitors but it couldn't have been worse timing.  Andy focused his attention on them (which was polite) and Taylei watched the thermometer by herself.

I would have loved to have repeated the experiment a few times to compare results but this wasn't in the cards.  The good thing was Taylei did it on her own.  Sometimes Andy and I have a hard time relinquishing her projects.  

The best part about this year: We made it to the science fair on time (I must state we were on time last year but a teacher ended it early) so we experienced no tears from a heart broken daughter.  

And, for your information, microwave food does cool faster but after 10 minutes it was only a 4 degree difference.  Not enough to start a revolution.

A Rad Kid

Keanna has been thrilled with the RAD Kids program the school has hosted this year.  She could hardly wait for her graduation.  She was instructed to wear comfortable clothes, gym shoes and no large hair bows - she didn't forget and dressed to make sure she would have every advantage in freeing herself from potential attackers.
They teach the children to throw elbows, kick the "sweet" spot and "pepper" the eyes.  I hope these are all skills she never needs to use but just in case I'm so grateful she has been taught.  With all of the funding shortfalls this year volunteers were needed to make the program happen.  I'm grateful for the two ladies who willingly gave their time to make our children a little more safe.
The second grade has the largest class size at Mona Elementary - 59 students.  Amazing!  I haven't spent the time I had hoped in Keanna's class this year but when I do get to go I always leave with two thoughts.  #1 -- I'm so grateful for teachers, this isn't something I'm capable of.  #2 -- The future of America really is in good hands, the children in her class have such diverse personalities with tremendous potential.  Too bad the potential is for both good and evil.  If we could just figure out how to embrace their good, the world could be an amazing place.

Leadership and Responsibility -- October

    "This person has been an excellent example of our class recipe for a GOOD STUDENT.  I have seen her make excellent decisions in all aspects of her learning, in the classroom and on the playground.  She has the courage to follow through with everything she does and learns from the few mistakes she makes.  She is comfortable with the decisions she makes, but sets her goals high.  I see her take the lead role and set a GREAT EXAMPLE for her classmates to follow.  She has earned their respect.  TAYLEI WILLIAMS is a fine example of a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "I do the very best I know how; the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end."  Thank You Taylei Williams for being a LEADER.

Mr. Peay"

I have to agree with his sentiments . . . Taylei is awesome and we love her!

The Pumpkin Patch

     Why is it that the coldest days are always land on outdoor activities?  Kyler's field trip to The Big Red Barn fit into this scenario perfectly.  It was 32 degrees upon arrival.  He hurried off of the hay ride and had the perfect pumpkin found even before I unloaded.  I was quite impressed, not too big and not too small . . . 
Since we were so prompt in our findings we had the opportunity to explore nature and bugs.  This area was loaded with ladybugs and Kyler knew we needed to take a picture of them.  He also spent time holding them and then dropping them but not on purpose mind you.
He eventually found pumpkin number two - even though he was only allowed one.  He insisted the first pumpkin was for him and the second for Coalie.  He did choose well, one his size and one Coalie's size.  We went to get back on the hay ride and I explained again to him the limit - 1 (one).  He promptly took the first pumpkin he had chosen - also known as his pumpkin and tossed it ever so gallantly into the air.  I was ever so glad it didn't splatter into a million pieces - I didn't want to have to explain to Kyler how we were coming home with NO PUMPKINS.  He insisted that Coalie needed a pumpkin and so he gave up his own.  I was pretty impressed with thoughtfulness.  I'm sure Coalie will be happy with the pumpkin - just what she has always wanted.

The pumpkin we came home with . . .

An update or two . . .

The first day of school has come and gone.  My beautiful girls are now in the 5th grade and 2nd grade.  Taylei was by far the most nervous of the two.  Not quite sure what is up with that.  It doesn't bother her when the game is in her hand and she has a 3-2 count - whether she is the pitcher of the batter but going back to a school she knows with friends she loves had her in knots.  I took them to school - as our first day tradition and they both ended up walking in smiling.

Taylei had a great year of school shopping . . . even if it didn't almost happen.  Keanna could never find her workbook and Taylei was having a hard time getting hers finished.  I finally agreed that we could cancel the finish the workbook requirement if Taylei's Steelers team could win their Spanish Fork tournament . . .

I took the girls shopping last Friday.  We kind of got a late start when we left at 6 pm (why don't malls stay open until at least 11?)  Our first stop was JCPenney.  Taylei had a much easier time finding things she liked than Keanna did.  Tay went into the dressing room with a dozen options and Keanna had three, and those were things I chose and forced her to try on.  Keanna ended up with an adorable dress, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.  Taylei had double.

We tried Sears but they didn't have anything worth purchasing.  The selection was horrible and the prices were even worse.  Taylei really wanted to hit Old Navy but on the way back out to the car they decided to look for shoes.  By the time that whole ordeal was over it was 20 minutes until 9, with no time to make it to Old Navy.  We wandered the mall and when we walked past Aeropostale, Taylei had to go in.  I was quite surprised.  She fell in love with almost every t-shirt but most weren't available in the x-small size.  She ended up choosing 3 - which happen to be the favorite.

Keanna was baring this all with patience but was a little depressed.  She hadn't found much that excited her and her belly was starving.  We purchased dinner at Red Robin and the girls were so much fun to eat with.  This energized their souls and we headed to the only store still open - Walmart.

Keanna did much better here and finally got a little spark in her soul.  We made four different trips to the dressing room and the girls were satisfied that school could start.  I did a little grocery shopping and when we got back in the car it was 12:19 am.  I threatened the girls that if they didn't stay awake for the drive home I wouldn't let them wear their new school clothes.  I know this sounds a little mean but it was the best way to make sure I stayed awake as well.  

Andy was in bed fast asleep but he was lucky enough to be deprived of his rest to have a junior fashion show.  He kept commenting when they would walk in, "That outfit is totally Keanna," or "That looks just like Taylei."  Both girls have unique styles all of their own but both are so totally them and cute to boot.

So . . . . the outfit that was chosen for the first day . . . .  The second day she wore levi's and an Aeropostale hoodie.  And today, believe it or not she is in a dress - so common for Keanna but Taylei usually only wears clothes that will let her compete at recess to the best of her ability.  

And for Keanna, the winning first day outfit was a dress . . . most of her clothing was skirt related.  She is also sporting a brand new hair cut which is totally adorable on her -- I just should have given in a few months earlier.  It was so straggly before that she would comb it out and then 15 minutes later it would look like it hadn't been combed for a week.  The second day she wore an outfit I'm proud to say that I chose and today she went to school wearing levi's and a cute t-shirt.  She has worn different shoes each day.   She would/will win the shoe queen award at our house.
The girls in front of the school.  The lighting is horrible . . . the architects should have thought about what they were doing . . . and thought about first day of school pictures.  The weather has been so weird lately, 70 degrees one day and 100 the next.  This morning it was cool enough for the use of a jacket.
And, just so you know, Taylei's team did take first place in the tournament.  They didn't even have to battle their way through the loser's bracket.  Taylei had an amazing tournament.  Her hitting was incredible and she only had two real fielding errors.  She even hit the game-winning run in.  She is tough I tell ya.
Uncle Jason was taking pictures which I'm so grateful for.  This happens to be one of my downfalls.  This picture is my favorite.  She knows how to swing, how to play the game and look at the toning of her arm muscles.  I sure wish I could say she gets it from me . . . 

The Spring Fling

May 21, 2009 - Catch Up on Life

Mona has had a tradition at the elementary school since its beginning of having a Spring Fling.  It used to be the students would sing songs but in the last two years it has evolved in to each grade presenting a dance.  The school keeps growing and the gym won't hold all of the parents anymore so this event is held outside on the black top.

The fourth grade presented a type of square dance.  I tried to help them learn it when I went on Tuesdays and it was quite complicated -- I still don't understand the chain.  Children can learn better than adults and they didn't have a problem with it.  Partners were switched frequently and Taylei even had the chance to dance with Zeak.  This picture also seems to prove that contrary to popular belief, Taylei has grown over the past year.  We will have to get some longer levi's to start off this next school year.

The first grade did a surfing dance to a beach boy song.  We weren't in a good position to get any real good pictures of Keanna.  She did an awesome job.  

Taylei - our adorable cowgirl - the up close shot!

Keanna, in a shot you can actually see.  Each child was sent home with a piece of cardboard with a surf board traced on it.  We were suppose to decorate it and send it back.  Taylei had a softball tournament which we were getting a late start to.  Keanna had to ride her bike home and couldn't hold the cardboard at the same time and so it got left at the school for the weekend.  I was becoming a candidate for WORST MOTHER OF THE YEAR.  Keanna went to bed on Monday night and I hadn't started to work on her surfboard.  When she woke up she was pleasantly surprised.  I had taken care of it and she loved the results!  (All of the scrapbooking paraphernalia I have collected through the years does come in handy on occasion).  
At the end of the class presentations, the parents are invited to come out and dance with the children.  I was not suppose to be moving around much at this point so I stayed on the sidelines and Andy once again took care of business.  Taylei's class did the Macarayna and it was way fun to watch all of them dance . . . 
It was a really fun night . . . and I'm glad I got to get out of bed, even if I only got to enjoy it from a distance.

Dream, Reach, Succeed

Mona Elementary is doing a really neat set of awards this year.  They are called "Dream, Reach, Succeed."  Each month, the teacher selects a recipient for a specified theme.  We were really excited in our house when Taylei and Keanna both came home with an award this month.  This is what their teachers had to say about them . . .
"This month's theme is "Heroes" for our class.  I chose someone who reflects what I think embodies a hero to his/her classmates.  This student is kind to everyone, works hard, and is a great example of how to act at all times.  SHE inspires everyone to try a little harder . . . to give a little more.  Furthermore she listens to everyone's comments and treats everyone equally.  That's why she is the recipient of this month's "Dream, Reach, Succeed" award.  Taylei Williams is living the Golden Rule and teaching us all that it's great to try and make everyone better!  Congratulations!  Mr. Moore"

"October's student I chose for Fun and Excitement is Keanna Williams.  During the month of October, Keanna was continuously engaged in learning during all lessons.  She has shown great enthusiasm and enjoys demonstrating and/or sharing strategies she uses as we learn new concepts.  She is a very good teacher.  I really enjoy Keanna's excitement and love for learning!  Keep up the GREAT WORK!  Mrs. Marsh"