Concert And Job Interview

It is almost the end of the school year.  Vanessa had her year end orchestra concert.  Since her orchestra teacher teaches all of the orchestra classes from 6th grade to 12th grade here, the concert included pieces from all of those groups.  Vanessa performed with the 8-9th graders.  The 9th grader that is in 1st chair didn't show up to the concert and Vanessa immediately brought this to Ms. Dunns attention.  Ms. Dunn, the orchestra teacher, grabbed Vanessa's violin, began to tune it, and said, 'you have to be concert mistress (Vanessa would go out on stage while the audience has quieted down and play each note while the rest of the orchestra students make sure they are in tune) and don't forget to play 9th grade 1st chairs' solo part.'

After the concert, Vanessa told us all that had happened.  It amazes me to see Vanessa step up and do what needs to be done.  She said she was nervous, but one would never know it.  She did a wonderful job!  It was a special treat to have my parents, Jared's Mom and sister there as well to support her.

It is Friday today.  Jared has had his first interview for the Line Manager position at MOM Brands (formerly known as Malt O-Meal) two days ago.  He has one more interview and a psychologist test before he'll know if he is selected for the permanent position.  We should know by the first week in June whether he'll get the job or not.  In Jared's first interview, one of the interviewer's grilled Jared on whether he believes in negative punishment or not.  He asked Jared multiple times what he has done in a situation where he has had to reprimand someone.  Jared said that other than that, the interview was smoothe.

We are excited for the summer and love to see the green grass and leaves on the trees.

Outside

Rex comes up to me and says this, "Mom, I learned my lesson about wasps.  A wasp landed on the back of my neck and I didn't move.  Then the wasp flew away.  It didn't sting me!"

We are loving the change in weather and are outside most of the day.  The garden in the front yard is planted with perennials, and the backyard is planted with vegetables.  In the backyard we are growing corn, zucchini, squash, cucumber, tomato, pumpkins, carrots, and hot peppers.  I love watching the gardens grow.

Happy Birthday Vanessa

We had a birthday party for Vanessa today.  She invited 3 of her school friends over and they played volleyball, ate dinner, and chatted.  What a refreshing change to be with 14 year old girls.  I remember her 10 year old birthday party and the girls were wild.  The 14 year old girls are calm and respectful.  I loved it!  And wouldn't have a single problem having a birthday party every year for her if she invites girls like she did today.  After her 10 year old birthday party, I seriously thought I would never have a friend birthday party again!  Vanessa still has a friend over right now for a late night.  She lives a couple of doors down from us and is more like a sister to Vanessa than a friend.  They really have a fun relationship.

Alas, I am exhausted.  But happy for Vanessa.  Happy birthday Vanessa!

Baby Blessing

We went to my niece Veronica's baby blessing on Sunday.  What a precious little girl she has!  And what a treat to be able to spend such a special day with her and her family.  It was so good to get to know her husband and to see her after such a long period of absence on my part.  My own problems in my own marriage have caused my long absence.

I saw my parents for the first time in 5 years as well while at this special baby blessing.  It was strange.  But amazingly it went well.  I mean, we didn't break out into a fight or anything!  J/K  Really it was just awkward.  But the awkwardness didn't last.  We definately still have our disagreements, but we didn't discuss those, and I was grateful it went well.  Jared said it was really uncomfortable for him at first because the last time he saw my parent's, he had a fight with them.  My Mom sat down right next to him on the bench at church, while I was several seats away.  But Jared said that he had a powerful experience as he was sitting there where he felt the Lord reach into his heart and take away hurt and pain.  He said that it surprised him that he had that hurt and pain in there because he thought he had worked through his feelings.  But when he had this experience he realized that the hurt and pain was still in there because he felt the Lord take it out.  So, he was able to sit right next to my Mom and feel at peace.  What a wonderful blessing for Jared!

Vanessa had a remarkable experience as well.  She said it was strange to see my parent's holding hands.  Jared's parents don't hold hands and they are the only grandparents she has been around the last several years.  

I am looking forward to the future of mending broken fences.  I'm not sure how it will all work out, but I know that the Lord cares deeply about family and peace.  

Schedule of Events

Do you want more information on Common Core State Standards that Utah has adopted for our public school kids?  Here is a schedule of upcoming meetings the public can attend to find out more.  I really wish I could attend the one in Lehi with Dr. Gary Thompson.  He is the psychologist who is speaking out against it.

Tuesday night

Lehi: Wendy Hart, Renee Braddy, and Dr. Gary Thompson will be speaking at Traverse Mountain Corporate Center at 6:30-8:30

Herriman: Lisa Cummins will be doing a home cottage meeting at 7:00 PM

Thursday:

Kearns library presentation by Christel Swasey and Alisa Ellis at 7:00 PM

Saturday:

Orem Boy Scout Store, 6 PM mix and mingle, 7 PM presentation by Alisa Ellis, Christel Swasey, and Renee Braddy

Working

Homeschooling is going so well.  I love it!  The boys are working hard and I love being able to make sure they know the subject before we move on.  Eric missed some key Math lessons back in 3rd grade, 4 years ago, and so we are working on learning that stuff.  Joseph is also catching up on a few Math lessons that he missed when he had to miss 2 weeks of school a couple of months ago when he got his tonsils out.  Rex works hard and I am so proud of him.

In our neighborhood, there have been several people and friends who have asked what we are doing homeschooling our children.  Vanessa and Eric have had to answer why I am doing it.  They give several of my reasons, but they feel awkward and uncomfortable.  I tell my kids to hold their heads high and to not be embarrassed.  The responses the kids get from these people are interesting.  The most interesting comment to me is the one that said, 'Your Mom is ambitious.'  I never thought I would be one to home school my kids.  I have always thought home schoolers are weird.  Of course, there are plenty of public schoolers who are weird too, but I never thought of that before.  There are challenges and hurdles we have to watch out for, but we are committed and loving this new adventure and challenge of home school.