Released and called

Sunday was a very emotional day for me. It was the primary program for our ward. I spent a lot of time writing this program and getting everything ready for it. I was really nervous and excited for the ward to see it. Well, Sunday morning my Presidency was released. Right before the program. I had a part to say my testimony in the program and it was really hard to do this right after being released. The program was a success and we had a fun little sharing time party after wards. But what a hard day to be released. We kind of new it was coming. It was a good time. My 1st counselor has her finals for her masters degree next month. My second counselor had her baby today and my two secretaries are pregnant. I have been in two in a half years. And I absolutely loved it. So many fun memories and good lessons learned. I loved feeling the spirit in primary. I loved the kids and all of their great comments and sweet faces. I will miss it. Jon and I were called to teach the Valiant 11 class which will be fun.

This is what the sun looked like, through the eyes of my cell phone, the day of the Saratoga springs fire. It was really cool looking.

Fun at the park with grandma Nancy

The kids loved playing in the stream.

Cousin Greyson trying to give Ava a kiss.

Random cell phone pictures

Date to get ice cream

Dinosaur museum with Great Grandma Stevens

This was so long ago, I can't even remember when we went. I am just posting some pictures off of my phone. The kids loved going to the museum with great-grandma.

Hair cut

In the summer I cut 4 inches off of my hair.

And then I decided I wanted it shorter, so I cut 3 more inches off.
And yes, these are cell phone pictures, not the best, I know.

I really like having my hair shorter, it has been fun. I style it more often instead of just having a pony tail everyday. It seems like I always chop it after I have a baby. So fun. Except for all the hair I lose after having a baby. I always get a bit of a receding hairline underneath the front. This time is worse, I hope it grows back.

Lincoln Academy

This picture was taken with my cell phone, that is why the quality is not great.

About 2 weeks after school started we got a call from Lincoln Academy, a charter school we applied for back in February. This school is pretty hard to get into especially for Kindergarten students because of sibling preference. They told us they had an opening for Calvin if we wanted it. This was a hard decision to make. He loved Miss Myntti at Manila and was really happy there but we liked so many things that Lincoln had to offer, we figured we better get him in while we have the chance. He can always go back to Manila if we don't like the charter school thing, but he can't always get into Lincoln. Our neighbor waited 6 years to get her kid in. Calvin is such a great kid, he adjusted so well and absolutely loves Lincoln Academy. His teachers, Mrs. Packer and Mrs. Jacot, are wonderful.

That was just one of the many things we loved about this school, they have 2 teachers per class and the most students in one class is 25. Manila had some classes with 37 and only one teacher. Few other great perks about Lincoln: They go up to 9th grade!! The thought of not having to send him to the public Jr. High makes me smile. They have a core knowledge curriculum that starts in kindergarted and builds each year, and they do saxon math!

Some drawbacks: Uniforms, this one is a pro and a con. It is nice to not have to think about what he is wearing each morning and it simplifies things when I say go and get dressed, he knows what to wear. However, I do not like restrictions and rules on what my child can wear. And some of the stupid little things like he can't do like, wear his coat or snow boots in the classroom makes me mad. And he can't wear black socks, does it really matter what color his socks are?? That is the one thing I have not loved, uniform restrictions. And his class is from 8-11 in the morning. That means carpool is here at 7:45, so early for us. I am so grateful our neighbor Jill, Ethan's mom, is willing to take him in the morning. But I actually like that he is done earlier, and next year his schedule his 8-2:30. I love that he won't get home right before dinner and bedtime. Some of the kids at Manila don't get home until after 4:00. That is really late.

Oh, and each family has to contribute 40 hours of service to the school. Which I would probably do at any school he was at. I love helping in the classroom. I go in every Thursday with Ava and we help with centers.

All and all we have loved it and we are happy with the decision.

Harvest

Once again we have enjoyed the fruits and vegis from our garden. I am sad to say salsa season is coming to an end. It always makes me sad when I realize I won't be making my daily batch of salsa for lunch anymore. Until next year, it will be not so fresh store bought salsa for me. I am not canning this year, I just don't have anytime with primary and a baby and kids school stuff. But that is okay with me, I can't wait to plant our garden in the spring!

Hi Chrissy,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that Calvin is doing great in class. He consistently sits quietly and listens to instruction, and he is quick to follow directions. He has been very patient as we have made the necessary adjustments to accommodate him in our class.

Thanks again,
Mrs. Packer