September 2014

September means back to school and back to the regular schedule of business.  Summer passed way too quickly this year!  We spent a month helping Chad out with his Eagle Project.  It was so good to get it done - but I felt like we needed another month of summer to recuperate and relax before everything started up again.

We did get an extra day of summer vacation as we didn't start school until Wednesday, September 3rd.  That was nice!

This year I have two in middle school!! Chad is an 8th grader.  He was totally excited to get started and see all his school friends again.  Halle is now a 7th grader and was totally dreading middle school.  She did get thrown a couple of twists - she had locker problems the first day and then she has 2nd lunch with most of the 8th graders which meant not being able to eat lunch or visit with any of her friends.  Luckily she knows a couple of 8th graders from church and another 7th grader - so she is not completely alone.  Sean is a 5th grader and now my only child in elementary school.  I think he is very excited to just be "Sean" and not Halle or Chad's little brother.

8th Grader Chad - ready for XC!

7th Grader Halle - Anxious about Middle School

With girls - hair is as important as the clothes!

  

5th Grader Sean

Going for the "cool" pose

Oh, it is going to be a quiet day!  All three off to school.

We (minus Chris) made a trip to the fair this year.  We had fun seeing the animals (they actually had a petting zoo area this year), going on some rides, and eating curly fries and elephant ears.

 

Admiring and petting a goat (mom's favorite animal)

Sean - the only  one who wanted to brush the cow.

At the giant pumpkins and guessing the weight.

 After a week of school we took two days off. My brother, David, got married in Utah.  My parents were wonderful enough to get us all plane tickets so that we could be there for the event.  My uncle Richard, from England, even came, which was wonderful because my kids have never met him yet.

We traveled a day earlier than the wedding which meant we were able to fit in a BYU football game, much to the delight of my husband.  This was the first BYU game for Chad and Halle.  Sean decided to stay home and help Nanny and play with his cousins Sydney and Ethan.  The weather was perfect and BYU won - wahoo!

Chad and Chris (ultimate BYU fans) enjoy the game.  BYU vs. Texas.  BYU wins!!!!!

Halle, Ashlee, and Uncle Richard enjoying the game too.

I am so happy for David!!!  He married the lovely Kathrine on September 12th, up in Big Cotton Wood Canyon.  We had a nice wedding breakfast that morning with our family and some of hers so we could meet everyone.

At the wedding breakfast.  We told stories about David and Kathrine.  Kathrine's mom is holding up one of David's old stolen signs.  It said, " O  KATEBOARDING"

 
We then spent a little time at the sporting good store, Scheels.  I've never been there before, or even heard of it before.  It was great!  We all got new BYU shirts and the kids rode the big Ferris wheel that they have inside.  It was then off to Big Cotton Wood Canyon for lunch and family pictures.

Ethan and Carl waving.  Sean and Sydney enjoying the ride.

The girls (Halle and Ashlee) get on.

Chad and Caleb - too much fun.

Uncle Jim, Kathrine's Mom, Kathrine, David, Mum, and Dad

The Hansen Clan

The grand kids

 David and Kathrine's wedding was outside and the weather and scenery were beautiful.  They incorporated a lot of American Indian and Asian culture into their ceremony.  It was truly beautiful and a spiritual experience.  David and Kathrine seem so right for each other and compliment each other in every way.  I'm so glad we could be there for that.

My brother, David, waiting for the bride.

The drummers.

Here comes the beautiful bride, Kathrine, with her uncle.

Ready to get married.

Sharing a laugh.

Getting serious.

Ring exchange.

They are now married!

A kiss to seal the deal.

My brother and new sister-in-law.  So happy together.

Lots of hugs.

Hugs and congratulations.

On Saturday, September 13th, we traveled down south in Utah to hike in the Little Wild Horse Canyon and to see Goblin Valley.  I had looked at the weather before we left and had expected it to be on the cool side.  I dressed myself and the kids for a cool day.  (Chris had to leave Friday night as he had a cross-country meet on Saturday morning.)  But no - it was a hot day!  I love hot days - just not when I am wearing long jeans and a warm shirt - it was even a little too warm for me!

The hike was wonderful.  The kids did great - no complaining (until the very end - Sean was kind of done - especially after falling off a rock and onto his head).  The rocks and canyon were amazing.  Sean loved doing "parkour" the whole time.  The kids enjoyed being with cousins (Carl's family), nanny and grandpa, and uncle Richard.

Sean shows his powers.

Off we go - on a 4 mile hike.

Taking a break from the sun - aaahh, shade!

Rocks and sticks - Sean's favorite environment.

Sydney and Sean - Sean ready to take off on his own trail.

Halle and Ashlee - cute girls!

Mt. goat Chad.

My parents - loving being with grand-kids.

My mum and her brother, Uncle Richard

The kids really loved climbing!

Family photo.

Some of the narrow walk ways in the canyon.

Sometimes you have to go under - and look who you run into.

My brother, Ian.  Is he levitating that bottle or about to get smacked from that bottle?!

The mighty Sean.

 More climbing.

Goblin valley was awesome.  The kids had fun running around and using their imaginations.  There were also lots of little lizards running around - didn't catch any though.  After that adventure we were already to cool off and drink lots of water.

Goblin Valley - amazing.

The Caviness clan (minus Chris) at Goblin Valley.

A Sean or a Goblin?

Halle and Chad look out for Goblins and lizards.

Uncle Richard with the kids.

The leaping Chad.

An Englishman in the desert.

Another thing about September - it is cross-country season.  Chris loves helping out with the Ferris boys' cross-country team.  It keeps him busy with after school practices, Saturday practices, and meets.  Chad and Halle are both running for Chase and Sean is running for Adams.

Chase Chargers - Halle and Chad - Mt. Side Invitational

Adams All-Star - Sean - Chase Middle School

Chad has really gotten into running.  He ran a lot this summer!  I wish I had logged how many miles he did.  So proud of his work ethic.  He also ran with the high school boys when he was able.  He was totally in shape for the season.  He ran at the Erik Anderson invitational on September 20th and came home with a 3rd place medal.  How is that to start of the season?!  His first race for Chase was at the Mt. Side invitational - where a gazillion schools run (at least 120 kids per race).  He took 8th place!!!  (Last year at the same meet he took 20th - what an improvement.)  Then his next race was at Audubon Park.  This meet has lots of big hill - which Chad really knows how to run.  He had his best race ever - taking 5th place and beating, for the first time, his teammate BJ.  He was pretty excited about that.

Chad took 3rd place and came home with a medal after running unattached at the Erik Anderson Invitational.

Chad - Mt. Side.  First official race of the season.

Looking Strong.

Running hard for the finish line.  He took 8th place out of at least 120 kids.

September 30th - 8th grade boys warming up at Audubon Park

Ready to start

Chad pushing to be out front

Really working the hills

Last stretch of the race and trying to catch another runner.

5th place proud! (Plus he beat his teammate for the first time!)

Halle wasn't too sure about doing cross-country in middle school.  Chris and I both tried to persuade her early in the summer - wanting her to get some summer practice in.  She was a definite "NO!" until she found some running shoes she wanted - but I told her they were too expensive if they weren't going to used for running.  She finally caved in so she could get the shoes!  (Love it!)  She has been doing well and now knows what real running workouts are all about.  She has made some friends on the team and even has one of her best friends running too (AH).

Ready for her first middle school cross-country experience.

Here comes Halle.

Working for a fast finish.  She took 68th place out of about 120 kids

At Audubon park with best friend - September 30th.

The Chase 7th and 8th grade XC girls

Warm-ups before the race

Ready to begin

Can you see her in the mob of runners?

Looking good

  

Just passed two girls

Happy with her 40th place

.

Sean also didn't want to do cross-country so I gave him an ultimatum.  Do cross-country with school - or do mommy workouts everyday for an hour.  He decided that doing cross-country at school was the better option.  (Yes, I know that I am such a mean mommy!)  He did really great his first race.  Not as good as he had hoped - but much better than he ran last year.  I'm proud that he is putting so much effort into something he really doesn't want to do.  I'm hoping it does turn into something he enjoys - just like Chad.

Off to a good start - and it looks like he is enjoying it!

I love his smirky face in this one!

Starting to get a little tired.

Coming in to the finish.  Good work Sean!  8:39 minutes.

Something Sean is enjoying - flag football.  It has been kind of low-key this year.  A very volunteer coach, once a week practices.  Sean has enjoyed playing center - so he actually has a "real" job in the game.

Ready for some football.  No official pictures this year due to the wedding.

Sean playing center.

Music!  It was Sean's year to pick an instrument.  After a lot of thought he finally decided on the Cello.  He has fun backpacking it to school.  Halle is still playing clarinet and is now also playing the tenor sax for Jazz band.  Chad is still on the Bass and also made it into Jazz band this year, playing the electric bass.  (Jazz band is a 0 hour class and starts at 7:30am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.)

Sean and his new cello.

After about 19 years I finally got rid of Chris' washer and dryer.  They lasted a long time - and did really well but we were getting to the point that they were needing to be fixed too often and it was time to put money into something new instead of the old any more.  I now have a brand new washer and dryer.  Who knew laundry could be so fun (I'm sure the feeling will wear off again soon).  Installation was a headache though!  Apparently the faucet that the washing machine was attached to had been leaking and the hose was totally rusted to the faucet.  We ended up having to get a plumber to cut out the old faucets and put new ones in.  Now I just need the big whole in the wall patched up and everything will be good again.  I'm also so glad we could get an awesome bargain.  We bought  them on Labor Day - so of course they were on sale, plus we got 10% back and an additional deduction because we bought a set.  Then when they delivered the dryer, they discovered it had a ding - which gave us another 20% back!  Blessings galore!

The old Kenmore washer and dryer from Chris' bachelor days.

Okay, I think that about covers September - and it has only taken me half of October to do it.  Now to find some time to work on October!

Loving February

Make-Up Day

 Halle and I got to start our February with a "Make -Over."  Jeraldine had paid for a make-over last fall during the youth's service auction.  So on the first Saturday in February we met with Laurie Farnsworth and got to be made up all pretty.

Lara - before (my everyday look)

Lara - after (a little more sophisticated)

Jeraldine - before (being brave to let me take a "before" picture of her)

Jeraldine - after (always a pretty lady)

Halle - before (already beautiful!)

Halle - after (looking like a young lady)

We got to show ourselves off later that evening at the Birch wedding.  It felt nice to be a little more made up than usual.  Thank you Laurie - you did a wonderful job and we had a great time together.

Chase Basketball

Basketball continued.  Chad loved every minute of it!  Practice, games, cheering on his team.  He loves, loves, loves basketball.  (He also loves watching BYU play).


An interesting thing that happened to Chad was hand cramps.  During one of the games - he was very wound up and excited - and his hands started going numb and then cramped up.  The game was almost done and Chad was sitting on the bench.  All of a sudden the coach calls for the Sports Director to come over.  I cracked a joke about what was going on, and who could hurt themselves while on the bench.  Then as I was able to tell what was going on - it was Chad who was getting all the attention.  So then I really wanted to know what was going on - but couldn't get up to see him until the game was over.  It was the craziest thing!  So we plugged water into him and rubbed his arms and hands until he felt better.  We expected his problem was due to a number of things, like dehydration, not enough food (the game started late), and hyperventilating because of his excitement.

We had hoped that this was an isolated case - but his hand numbness and cramps happened a couple more times.  We still don't know exactly why this happened.

Winter finally rolled in with a big snow storm, with enough snow to cancel Chad's last basketball game.  He was so disappointed.  They said they would make it up the next day but then they couldn't because they couldn't get any referees.  The very final game was made up of the best JV players, unfortunately Chad did not make the elite JV team.  Again - very disappointed.  Not the way you want to end your season.  But Chad always has such a positive attitude and recovered quickly.  He is now already practicing for next year.

Staying open.

Hustling down the court.

My awesome #45.

Not scared of the big guys.

Going for a steal.

Scouts

Chad had another merit badge college to attend.  He was only able to work on two badges (as he could only go half a day last month because of the bass recital).  He was supposed to work on some badges for his eagle requirement but his leader didn't register them ahead of time and he was stuck with what ever classes were still open.  He ended up working on and completing his Indian Lore and Engineering merit badges.  I'm proud of all the extra work Chad puts into keeping up with scouts.

Gymnastics

Halle had her second meet of the season.  The judge is always a little harsher on the second meet so we expected lower scores - but Halle arose to the occasion.  She scored a 9.7 on vault (and placed 1st in vault in a three way tie) which was higher than last meet!  She placed a 9.0 on bars (same as last time - but still unfair as the other group of girls scored really high on bars with their simplified routine).  She scored a 9.25 on floor (an improvement of 0.05 points - but still not high enough for this mom - Halle was fabulous - and still better than the other girls!!!)  Finally she scored a 9.4 on beam  (her only lower score from last time).  She placed 3rd overall was very grateful to be on the podium.

The "Springers" getting ready for their entrance.

Okay, bad mother moment.  I didn't get any other pictures of Halle's meet (but I did get video).  Halle had a "Nastia Lukin" hair-do and purple finger nails (because those details are very important in the world of competitive gymnastics - ha, ha!)  And perhaps, just one day I will figure out my video camera and actually post some videos of my children.

Ready for another bad mother moment?!  I think that the following picture was taken in February - but it is not on my calendar - nor can my brain remember!  But as it includes the word "love" I'm placing it in this month's blog.

Sean started taking gymnastics when he finished up football in the fall.  He worked really hard and went from a level 1 to a level 2.  Here is a picture of him with his grandparents for grandparents day at gymnastics.  I think that they all enjoyed the session.

Orchestra

Chad had his big South Hill Orchestra Concert on Tuesday, February 25th.  I again accompanied the orchestra.  I also helped out with rehearsal by bringing four basses and at least ten cellos and wires and speakers all loaded in to my van from Chase to Ferris.  (Yes, I fit them all in!!!!)

As I was with the orchestra - I left the camera and video camera with Chris.  Did he take any pictures or video?   NO!!!!!!!  (So I may have lots of bad mother moments - but Chris had a bad father moment too!)

I think everything went fairly well.  The big finale was crazy!  They had the Ferris orchestra, the Chase orchestra and all the south hill elementary kids in orchestra trying to fit on the new, but much smaller, stage at Ferris.  It was insane!!!!  The song didn't go so well either - I got off (but so was every elementary kid!) and didn't end when the conductor did.  Oh, well.  I was so glad when it was all over.  I hope Chad enjoyed it - especially playing by the high school bass players.

Cub Scouts

Then end of the month brought pack meeting and an Invention Convention.  Sean earned his Bear!!!!  The best part was most of his bear pack did too.  They all got to drink bear juice to celebrate.

Sean' s invention was a head-held watering can.  The best was his sales pitch!  He is quite the performer.

Proud mom and Sean as Sean receives his Bear award.

A proud Sean and all the other Bears.

Chugging down their bear juice.  Wahooo!

Sean showing off his watering invention and telling quite the story about it.

January Beginnings

Welcome 2014. I started out the new year with a cold.  That means things can only get better from here, right?!

The biggest change for 2014 came for Chad.  Chad had braces put on.  He had a few days of very sore teeth but was quite a trouper.  I think I am finally used to seeing that tin-grin on his face now.

January also brought a new sport for Chad - basketball!  Chad loves basketball.  He got to play on two teams at the same time - his school team and his church team.  While still doing tryouts for his school team he was at a basketball game for his church team.  While going up for a block he came down funny and fell on his wrist.  It hurt pretty bad and he came out of the game.  He thought it was feeling better and went back in - but as soon as he went back in and tried to take a shot the pain came shooting back.


Long story short, Chad ended up going to the ER that night.  Luckily it was just a bad sprain and he just needed to wear a splint and take ibuprofen.  He didn't get back home until right before midnight and then went to his school early morning basketball practice!  He seemed to do okay, but mom was sure worn out!  (I'm so glad we have insurance - his little trip to the ER for a sprained wrist was $1,300.)

Chad got to finish tryouts with his splint.  He was able to make the JV team.  He had a lot of fun and enjoyed every game.  Luckily for us most of his games ended up being at Chase.

First game at Chase.

Ready for some action.

Way to hustle number 45.

Ready for the rebound.

The Saturday right after Chad had hurt his wrist he had his bass recital.  He played a song called, "The Little Fiddle."  Thankfully, he had hurt his right wrist and was still able to use his bow.  In fact - his teacher said that that was the best Chad had ever played that song!  So apparently not practicing, lack of sleep, and injuring yourself is the way to get good musical results with your instrument.
 

Chad at his first bass recital. (Splint on right wrist.)

  
January also brought the gymnastics competition season.  As usual, Halle was pretty nervous for her first meet.  This year there are about 16 girls on the team (double from last year).  So competing was going to be harder this year.  Halle was very concerned over her bar routine because they changed it at her last practice, just 5 days before the meet.  It required her to do some skills she had never done before.  She was also nervous about her front tuck on the floor.  The floor at the new gym is not good!!!  It doesn't bounce like the old one.

Halle's group started off on beam.  She came out a fighter and nailed her routine.  She got the highest score for beam, a 9.65.  Then they moved onto floor,  Halle totally had the routine down and did everything great except the front tuck - she over rotated.  She scored a 9.20.  I was very disappointed as many of the other girls were scoring much higher and yet their floor routines were pretty flawed as they didn't know the routines and left out key elements.  The third rotation brought them to the vault.  They all had to do "flat backs" this year, much to the disappointment of Halle - who is a great vaulter and the only one who can really use the vault on the team.  She scored a nice 9.60.  Then bars was last.  Halle was not looking forward to bars - but it was kind of nice to be last as now that was the only event left to focus on.  Halle started off by doing her kip all by herself!!!!  That was the first time she had ever been able to do her kip.  She did all the other skills on her routine - just not too well polished yet - and scored a 9.00 (which was actually one of the higher scores for her group.  Unfortunately all the high bar scores were going to the other group of girls with a lower skill level routine.)

At the end, and as a huge surprise to herself, Halle took first place over all!!!!  The look on her face was priceless.  She was so happy (and relieved).

Halle takes 1st Place!

Her best event - beam.

The flower hair do.

After Halle's meet, Chris, Chad, and I were able to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead.  Chris and Chad have been able to go together several times at temple trips, but this was my first time to be there with Chad.  And, they needed me to get baptized (not just be a helper).  It was a very wonderful experience!!!!

At the end of the month I had a big surprise and change in my life.  I've been in primary the last couple of years and have just loved it!!!!!  Then right before church started (on ward conference day) I was asked to serve in the Young Women program as the secretary.  I was totally taken back and cried all during sacrament and for the rest of they day.  It was a hard adjustment!!!!!  I miss those kids terribly!! And I miss working with my primary presidency - they were awesome.

The temple did prepare me a little though.  I did feel a great respect and love for the youth as I watched them perform baptisms.  I am still getting my feet under me in all that I need to do for my new calling - but I already love these young woman.

The weather has also been very interesting this year.  This is the first year that I have had snow tires (after living in the northwest for 12 years) and they work really well - in
fact they seem to repel snow as we really haven't had any this year!  The only white we have seen is from the fog and the frost.  I'll take it!!!!