SURGERY

Pal had his bone graft done 2 weeks ago at Primary Children's Hospital. He was so brave through the whole thing and so blessed that everything went so smoothly. His pain level always stayed under control and his spirits mostly stayed upbeat. There were a few moments when I could tell that he was crackin' jokes to cover up how he felt/looked. It's always hard to see your child go through an emotional roller coaster.
> But his jokes were truly funny!

1) After seeing himself on day 2 when the swelling was getting pretty crazy he said "I look half human and half "who!"

2) While playing a game, he kept using the hint button so we gave him a hard time about it to which he responded "What? I'm disabled here!"

3) While looking at some rather ugly fish he said, "Those fish have the same face as me. Too bad their's will stay that way!"

4) And his cousin helped out with this one: "I got in a fight with a Yeti and I won. You should see the way HE looks!"

>

I think the hardest part for him is yet to come. He has to stay in from recess/PE for 4-6 more weeks! How crazy insane is that to ask of an energetic kid?!
>

WARD TREK

My little pioneer family getting ready to begin on our 3 day adventure. We all met at the church and lined up in our cars to head up to the site of our trek.

The boys rearing to go.....with no clue what was to lay ahead of them. Hard work, steep hills, lots of walking, pushing and pulling, creeks to cross, heat and thirst, small periods of doing it alone, and setting camp just to wake up and do it all again!
Mei enjoying her first bumpy ride. She preferred riding on the 4-wheeler and in the relief van!

Pal taking a much needed break. When he finally got it that when I asked for help cause I really needed it and not just to hear myself talk, he was wonderful!

After day 1 (the hardest day where they took away all the men and had the women and children pull up the steep hills alone) I realized I was in terrible shape and that there was NO WAY I could do the remainder of the journey without help. So help was sent in the form of these 2 handsome young men! Mike Wood and Alex Galbraith were my saviors for the remainder of the journey! Only problem was that they were so good, they didn't even need my help. I need to go again so I can scoot those boys over and take a turn!

By the end of the 3 days, I wish that we could go 3 more. My kids were finally getting it and I felt like I was able to do it. I learned a lot about myself and the things I need to improve on as a woman and as a parent and as a member of the church. What sweet life lessons I brought home.

FIRST ANNUAL SUGAR CITY HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

Our first annual science fair was held last Saturday. The kids did a phenomenal job and executed the scientific method at top notch levels. A HUGE thanks to Sis. Gifford for organizing this event. Also to Sis. Baird for hosting it and Bro. Lines for judging it. We couldn't have done it without you all!

Sis. Gifford decorating the edible Periodic Table of Elements.

Steven's project: He wanted to learn how dish soap works. He learned that the soap molecules have a grease/fat loving end and a water loving end. The grease/fat loving end will attach to the fats and grease from the leftover food. The water loving end allows the food particles to rinse off easily. All you need to try this yourself is some milk, preferrably whole milk, some food coloring, and a drop of dish soap. The reaction can last for around 41 minutes....that's when we gave up watching anyway!

Meilia's project was called "Plant's Suck! Observing Capillary Action." She learned about how water gets up a flower's stem and to their petals. She learned that stem's have little capillarys (which are small narrow tubes) that suck the water up and to the leaves etc. We bought 3 white carnations and placed them in water with food coloring added and the watched as they magically turned red, blue, and green. It was fun! She mod podged lots of cute flowers to her board and put question/answer flowers on her display.

Wyatt is my little athlete. He discovered that Ancient Olympians used halteres to propel themselves forward in the long jump. He wondered if running at different distances would help him jump farther. He did standing long jumps, and 3meter, 6meter, 9meter, and 12meter running jumps. We had lots of fun testing out this theory at the high school long jump pit. He learned he needs to have someone teach him the technique involved with jumping to help him jump even farther. But he is sooo good at jumping 5 feet!!!

Wyatt presenting his project with a little help from Mom.

Steven was thrilled beyond belief to receive the 2nd place ribbon!!! See Pal...a little hard work pays off in the end!

Bro. Lines with the winners. 1st place went to Elizabeth! 2nd went to Steven! 3rd went to Mitchell! All the kids were true winners that day. They each received a certificate of achievement to celebrate their success!

The whole gang! Way to go kids! I can't wait to see what you come up with next year!

MY KIDS: APRIL 2010

Steven and his super wicked super powers!

The Wy-Man! He is always so thoughtful towards his momma! Even though Grandma kept telling him not to pick the flowers, he couldn't resist making me another sweet bouquet.

Little Miss Meilia. She cut her own hair. She blamed it on me. Now she has a super cute little bob that completely fits her mischievous personality. Thanks for fixing it Marlene!

HAWAII: APRIL 2010

I love my hubby! He swept me away on a last minute trip to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary. I can't believe it has been 10 years. It seems like a lot LONGER! JK, babe. Thanks for the wonderful laughs and memories. Here are a series of posts from our trip:

MIKE'S OLD FRIENDS...the ones we got pictures of anyway...

The top highlight of the trip was meeting up with Mike's old friends. Now for some pictures. So I'll admit it. I am LOUSY with names! I can't remember any of these wonderful people's names. So Mike, I hope you can 'cause you are going to have to come back and edit this post!

I can't believe how his ward family gathered to see him. I was amazed that they even remembered him! I went not even knowing these people, but left with a heart full of love for them because of their love for my husband. Igained a deep gratitude for them for helping to make him who he is today. They are a strong and righteous group.

This is Fudge. He owns the gym that Mike used to work out in. I was touched by his love for his wife and for his outward love for the Lord. Not many people stop to say grace before eating their lunch in the middle of a restaurant! It meant a lot to me and made me re-evaluate my priorities while on vacation. He apparently runs his gym with prayer centered deep in the heart of it. I was also touched that he still loves Mike like one of the boys at the gym.




This is Jason and his daughter. Again, sorry I can't remember her name!

I also loved meeting up with Phillip and his girlfriend. It's about time! I've heard his name included in most of Mike's memories for 11 years now. But oops. We forgot the camera that night. It was fun walking down memory lane with them.

There were so many others, but I can't list them all. But know that I appreciate all you guys had done for my husband while he was growing up. Thanks for keeping him out of too much trouble!

RANDOM HAWAII PICS

Getting ready to snorkle at Hanauma Bay. There are lots of "don'ts" here. Don't touch the sea life. Don't touch the coral. Don't chase after the fish. Don't even go to the water until you've watched a really boring tree hugger movie. Don't pee in the water. Do you really have to say that???

Hanauma Bay. We swam with a turtle. It was soooo neat!

Waikiki-Mike going out for a quick look at the fishies. Me....being lazy. There are quite a few fish here, but the water is too murky to really enjoy them.

Chillin' at Waimea Bay. Mike was pretty bummed that they weren't letting anyone jump off the rock. Maybe next time...

This is one of the pools Mike worked at when he was growing up. "Memories, light the corner of my mind. Scattered pic-tures...."

The view of Diamond Head from our hotel room.

A crazy pineapple tourist photo op or Spongebob Squarepants girlfriend? (I look like a demon.)

The pineapple plant.

Can you spy the gecko?

A hibiscus. At this time I'd like to say that I wish I were my sister-in-law or brother-in-law. They take amazing pictures! Mine are all a bit blurry and leave more than a little to be desired.

The Banyan tree is officially the COOLEST tree in the world! I'm in love with them! Wish there had been more time to take more pictures of them.