Photos from the Pumpkin Patch

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Back to School

I love back to school time. I loved it as a kid, when I got to put together my new folders and school bag. I loved shopping for my "trapper keeper" folders, new pencils and paper. I loved back to school clothes shopping with my mom. I loved the change in the weather and the excitement of starting something new.

This year, my children and I were excited to be a part of the newest charter school in West Jordan: Hawthorn Academy. Shannen is in the 7th grade and Noelle in the 1st. I like that it is a smaller community with very involved parents, school uniforms, the IB program of study, and an incredibly better environment for the middle school than what I have found at our local public school. Noelle was a little nervous, but relatively happy to start a new school.

And then school actually started. The first day was horrible for Noelle, as it took an hour for me to pick up the girls after school and she was afraid I wouldn't come. The charter school has no buses, 700 children and lots of cars during pick up time. She cried a lot the first week of school. We prayed for help. We talked, loved and reassured. After going to school now for a few weeks, things are slowly getting better for her as she has had time to adjust to getting up earlier, making new friends, having homework and trusting that mom will always pick her up after school (which happens faster now, because I refuse to get in that pick-up line. I walk a block from my parked car to be there when the bell rings).

For Shannen, struggles have included P.E., occasional fights with her locker, and having to take her own boring lunch every day. But I love that there are no swear words in the halls, the classes are all close together and the halls not too crowded, she gets to learn Spanish, and she is making new friends. It seems to be a good fit for her. Middle school was such a horrifying experience for me, and I am glad I have an alternative to public school for her.

So far, so good. We have parent teacher conferences this week. Here's hoping for happy kids and good grades.

Noelle loses her first tooth

Notice the small gap in the bottom row of teeth, the gift from the tooth fairy, and the fabulous morning bed head.

Noelle age 6 birthday photos

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Rasmussen Family Campout

Random quotes:

"Dad, I can't pee in the dark!"
"He's looking for his pants."
"I should be a professional smores maker."
"I'm bored."
"Pretty boy with no talent, that's me, right?"
"Did you fall down? That's worth a quarter."
"You're being awfully generous with those house points."
"Yea! (clap clap)"

More to follow, as submitted by fellow campers.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Melissa 15th birthday photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

What We Need

So, after reading Maren's blog recently I had to consider myself tagged and do the following:

Go to your favorite search engine and type "(your name) needs" and write down the first five things that come up.

I'm telling you, it's brainless entertainment but I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Shelley needs to go.
Shelley needs help.
Shelley needs the PCE.
Shelley needs cocoa and cookies. And Prozac. (I’m not kidding, it really said this!)
Shelley needs a hug.

Mel needs to handle the sales end while someone else runs the company.
Mel needs to lighten up.
Mel needs a home. Please help Mel.
Mel needs to get on with work.
Mel needs a big, wet, sloppy kiss.

Erick needs to work on a blackboard.
Handsome Erick needs foster.
Important: Erick needs your support!
Erick needs specific interventions to promote the development of independent motor skills.
Erick needs to buy stars.

Melissa needs to take a break.
Melissa needs to board the blob ship that is hovering overhead.
Melissa needs lots of guidance.
Melissa needs a home.
Melissa needs hydration after the walk.

Spencer needs a calm, structured environment.
Spencer needs to take a *!@&*
Spencer needs to calm down and take a rest.
Spencer needs some healing vibes.
Spencer needs only 17 seconds to come up with a comeback for the ages!

Shannen needs to stay as far away from the new 90210 as possible.
Shannen needs to get a classic look.
Shannen needs to find a friend to take over her route of roughing up neighborhood school kids for their lunch money.
Shannen needs to go away.
Shannen needs to watch Play Misty For Me.

Noelle needs the tapes and will not be able to read better without them.
Noelle needs some purple shoes.
Noelle needs a home.
Noelle needs more cowbell video clips.
Noelle needs help.

And that's the truth. pthdth. (well, sort of)