Picking a winner! Not something to sneeze at: Schools.

Sorry for the booger humor in the title - but I had to get your attention!
I have a problem.  It has to do with where my kids will go to school.  You see, Nathan, today, was accepted to Vista Charter School in Ivins.  A charter school that includes deeper studies of the arts: music, visual, dance, theatre and also technology based learning. 

Check it out here: http://www.vistautah.com/
Apparently, it's difficult to get into this school and they have a looooong waiting list.  We were lucky, and were picked out of a lottery system.  If he goes here, it's an excellent chance that Ashton, and any other Petty children, (NOT Annoucning anything!!) will be able to attend this school. (It's also where his best friend goes, but he will be a year behind his friend.) 1/2 day kindergarten.

There is a school closer to our house (see it here: Dixie Sun  ) which offers duel immersion spanish language.  Full day kindergarten. Half of the day is taught in English, half in Spanish.  Over 70%  of the children attending this school are of spanish decent.  24% caucasion.   But, this school is supposed to enhance/enrich my student with all sorts of amazing learning opportunities, including violin lessons in 4th or 5th grade.  And being that spanish is a latin based language - there are supposed to be all sorts of pros for testing scores and enriched understanding of language in general. 

Then, there is a perfectly normal public school, (here: Coral Cliffs ) where he is currently attending, as a preschool student. They also have 1/2 day kindergarten. This is the one he would go to, if we enrolled him strictly by boundry.  I drove by, saw that they were offering preschool, and signed him up. 

The duel immersion school offers preschool, but we didn't know before hand - having just moved here.

I need to do a LOT of research.  A LOT of praying and pondering.  And I think I just need to go into the schools and tour the facilities and see how my gut feeling is about them.  I also think I'll hit the local middle and high shcools and see what administrators have to say about students coming from these three places of education. 

Then, I've also been talking to parents of kids in these schools.  No matter which school he attends, there will be kids from our neighborhood attending them.  His church primary class is huge - and there are some or will be some kids from his class in each of these three schools.  So he'll know someone, no matter where he is. 

My initial reaction is to send him to Dixie Sun (Duel Immersion) for the language.  It seems like such an easy choice, until you see how awesome the Charter school is or until you realize that about six ladies from the relief society actually work at the Coral Cliffs school, where he currently attends. 

At any point, this decision needs to be made, fairly soon.  If we don't decide to go with the Charter School, we need to say so, so that someone on the waiting list can take the spot.  AND, there's still MINOR chance, we won't be accepted at the Spanish speaking school. Registration starts in March / and our Vista Charter packet needs to be completed by then.  No matter what, Nathan will be able to go to Coral Cliffs - and it's also an excellent choice!!!  Why does this have to be so hard?

Any advice?  Thoughts?  Ideas? Votes? Picks?
Thanks :)

Phone Calls and Messages can be Awkward.

I'm still fairly new to the ward.  And even newer to my visiting teaching partner and our teachees. It was my turn to call and set up appointments.  As luck would have it, I misplaced my call list. So, while at my partners house the other day, I just pumped our teachees numbers into my phone.  Today I called my teachee (we'll call her sue.)

The phone answered and a nice voice over the phone says, "this is Sue."

 I said, "Hi sue, this is Cami Petty, and I need to find a time when Jessica and I can come visit you." 

She answered, "Who?" 

And I replied, "Cami, your slightly neglectful visitor teacher."

Sue says, "oh, Okay. That's funny, I didn't realize I put my work phone down for contact. Here's my Cell Number, I'll be able to answer it when I'm not at work."

 Me, "Okay, thanks.  Yes, this is the number I have, so you must've put it on a list at some point."

Sue, "Yeah, I guess so. Well, I'm really busy at work until about 7 at night, so weekends work better for me, and this weekend, I'm packing up to go to D.C. for the week. So how about Sunday after this?" 

I answered saying "Sure, we can make that happen.  Before or after church?" At this point I'm feeling a little confused, because the last time we went to Sue's house, it was during the day, and she wasn't working. Plus, during this conversation, she mentioned having to pick up a daughter from school.   True, it's been several weeks since last seeing Sue, but I'm pretty sure she only has a son, and some stepdaughters and a stepson.  And I find it unusual that She, Sue would be picking the stepdaughter from School....but what do I know?  I'm not going to pry.

Sue, "Okay, well, I'll see you before church on the Sunday after this coming Sunday.

"Great!  See you then!"

A couple of hours later I go to Jessica (my partner)'s house to take Nathan to a play date - and relayed our upcoming date to visit teach 'Sue.'  I relate the phone conversation and the strange date and time.  Jessica also, is bewildered.  I showed her the number I called.  Then with a tone of "a-ha" Jessica points out that I called the wrong number. It was all correct, except for one number.  She asks if I did indeed talk to a Sue.  To which I reply, "That's what she said when she answered the phone..."

So, I then had two more phone calls to make, one to the correct Sue and one to the Sue whom I didn't know.  So I Recalled the Sue work number, when the message system picked up saying "You've reached Sue Smith*, (NOT THE CORRECT LAST NAME, to No One's Surprise) I'm not able to answer.....etc."  I then left a long, awkward apology and cancelled our visiting teaching appointment for the Sunday after this coming Sunday - before church. 

At the correct Sue's number, I just asked her to call me back - so that we could make plans.  So there you have it:  When calling someone you don't know well, and the voice on the other line is equally perplexed by the strangeness of the call - just be sure to confirm that you know each other, at least a tiny bit.

Valentine Cowboys

Turns out, Grandpa Barney found out about NQ's interest in guns.

We now have 2 sets of Cowboy Pop Cap guns that have holsters and belts and buckles.  The boys are in Seventh Heaven!



The beautiful roses from Shane and Dad



That little red hat has been through a lot.  But the boys play with it often, so despite its pitiful appearance, it continues to survive the occasional toy purge.  That cute little stick pony has held up well too.  He still whinnies and gallops along.

Antigravity, Valentines, Tree buds, Four miles, Creativity and the Bobber Duck

Between the blog title and the pictures of this post, the story will likely tell itself.  But I'll throw in my thoughts anyway.  Look At THAT!  BUDS on my Trees!  YES!  They think it's spring.  In February!!  SPRING?!!!  And the neighborhood begins the sprinkling systems!!  My body is so confused these days.  Nathan, Ashton and I take some time everyday to be outside with minimal body wear to soak some sun into our super-pale skin.  The temps are in the 60's.

These pictures are of the boys at 'Antigravity'  It's a huge warehouse full of trampolines, jump houses, an arcade and other such amusement.  They didn't venture from the little kid area - and didn't need to! They had a fantastic time throwing balls, doing jumps and somersaults and twirls. 

The boys spending quality time together.  They showed me fish faces and just snuggled together for several minutes.  I LOVE these quiet, tender little moments of joy :D

After days and days of asking, "Mom, can we make valentines?" Nathan and I finally got down to business and crafted home made valentines. For HOURS!  First we designed our papers with markers and glitter glue, Nathan picked out the papers that would be folded into cards, then I cut out hearts. Meanwhile Nathan chose the hearts he wanted and began to glue, soon he was tired of that part and just wanted to write in them.  I finished gluing as he wrote in EVERY SINGLE VALENTINE and added a confetti dinosaur for each of them. We were WORN out by the end of the card making.  But we were both pleased with the resulting cards.

This was NQ's favorite, so he put his name on the back and put it downstairs in his room with his 'favorite stuff' spot.  It also carries the most dinosaurs on it.  We had so much fun working together!

Nathan's writing - 95% by his onesey.  I told him the letters for each word/name, and he put them in!  I can't believe how much this little squirt is growing?!  It is NOT going to be easy on me when this kid goes to kindergarten.  He's my best helper, everyday. 

Ashton received his birthday package from Olivia.  He's been loving his Basketball game!  He sings along with the songs and counts and claps and cheers!  This is a really fun toy for him. Today he was playing so intently on the table that he rolled off the table and hit the floor.  He look at me, "Mom! I fell down and hurt!"  He ran to me with his little arms extended ready for some hugs and comfort. Every night he crawls in our bed, pulls the sheets up around his neck and gets ready for "nuggles"  He's a cheeky little fellow with a sense of humor.  He loves to laugh and play, mostly in the dirt.  At the park, he wants to do the dangerous stuff, that make all the mothers cringe!!  Things I don't even like the 5year old doing.  But he puts out a hand ands says "help me." So sometimes I do, other times I just grab his body as he hurls it towards me so that I can catch him.  Oi, we've been lucky to not have any hospital visits yet!!

Nathan has been dying to get a gun.  Anytime we see one, he's asking.  So finally I relented, as he's been particularly helpful and good natured recently.  At Wal-Mart we found this beauty for $6.  It has a scope, it shoots, reloads, and even has a silencer that makes it's own sound when it's twisted on. It also has a flashlight that hooks to the bottom, but Nathan took it off to put in a safe place in case the electricity goes out.  He's being prepared.   NQ's been shooting everything!  (Though I've had to get after him for shooting people walking by and for shooting his brother constantly.) I told him he can't shoot animals, except for cats - because Cats are stupid.  (Also about the only time I allow him to stay stupid, as well.) But this picture CRACKS me up, because he found these vacuum attachments and upgraded his gun with them.  The bottom attachment he likes because he can stand his gun up on a surface with it.  Funny Boy!

The boys hands are all red, because I inked them up to personalize the Petty Year in Review book, which finally went out this week, with the Valentines.

I've been working on training for a 10K in March.  So this week I had to get in a four mile run.  I found I trail close to the house that was 1.9 miles one way (okay, so we didn't quite make the WHOLE 4 miles, but really really close)  We did great!  We stopped for some water and stretch breaks, maybe 5 total, and then played at the park that was close to the trail head.  There were three bridges and three tunnels, which made the ride more fun for the boys.  When we were all finished up I looked at Nathan and said: "Nathan, you just did FOUR MILES!  You did AWESOME!" He replied, "Thanks! Next time I want to go six!"  And I think he could, though he was really pretty wiped out after this session.  We'd need more breaks and probably longer ones.... And Nathan also said, so as to include Ashton: "Ashton did great too!  He didn't even cry, the whole time!!"  And he was right, Ashton did great too! He had snacks and let his hand drag on the wheel as we jogged along and saw the sights. 

Today we have rain.  I stayed home from church with Green Booger Baby. Shane had to teach his class today.  Last week, Shane stayed home, because it was my turn to teach.  Hope it'll clear up soon. (the boogers - not the class teaching.)

Last night the family fed the ducks at a duck/fishing hole next to NQ's preschool.  There was a white duck that had a hook in it's wing and bobbers dragging along behind it in the water.  Shane contemplated several times jumping in after it and helping it out.  He was so concerned for the bird!  We all threw bread to the water fowls.  Every time the bobber duck came by, Shane gauged whether he'd be able to jump for it or not.  Finally, we resolved to leave it be as it was dark, and we didn't know how deep the pond was, or what kinds of things were lurking in the water below.  Nor did I really want a wet, duck pond stinky husband drenching the car on the ride home.  But I think if it'd been a hour earlier with that much more sunlight, he would've gone in after it.  I really appreciate that about my husband.  He comes by doing good unto others very honestly - and it makes me proud of him.

Christmas 2011

I know, I should've had these up weeks ago; before all of the birthday, racing and odds and ends posts. Truth is, I should be flogged! I was so wrapped up in being in Christmas, that I did a despicable job of capturing Christmas! So I have a handful of pictures to document the days, which were magical and fun and sweet with my little ones near. Ashton loved the tree this year.  Loved and loved it and loved three glass balls onto the floor, shattered into pieces.  I couldn't get too mad - the tree is so inviting and sparkly.  It taught me that the glass ones have to be WAY out of his reach.  The amazing thing is that Neither child bothered any of the presents under the tree.  I continue to wonder how long that will keep up.

A few days before Christmas, we had a special visit from Uncle Nick!  We had dinner of Cafe Rio-esque burritos.  We were all stuffed and glad to see each other and visit.  Nathan was especially enthralled, sharing ALL of his coloring  pictures with Uncle Nick and even having some Wii time with him.  Even Ashton had some words for Uncle Nick and was quite glad to have a visitor!  Then the little boys performed their nightly RUN ALL OVER THE HOUSE ritual before bed to Nicks amusement.

 
 
 

 For Family Home evening one night, the boys and I did a ginger bread house (kit.) They did great! Note to me, glue the pieces together and let it set before the decorating commences. I had to hold the house together for about 30 minutes while the jubilant kids got down with the details.

 

Christmas eve and Christmas Day afternoon we spent with the Shepherds!  It was fun to celebrate and play games and reenact the Christmas story with them.  They have particular fondness for the "shepherds in the fields."  We enjoyed the bounty of great tastiness!  Christmas morning began wtih BACON and other deliciousness.  Hot chocolate, waffles, fruits treated us on Christmas Morn. 

Soon the present opening began.  The boys were delighted, and even though you never feel like you have enough - there always seems to be too much! This year NQ received a transformers watch, a camera/video recorder for his Leapster Explorer, some clothes, a new coat, since his disappeared from preschool, a transformers electric toothbrush, a robo dinosaur, a hot wheels garage, some stick on tattoos, some super hero books, and more!  Aston received a Diego toothbrush, a hot wheels race track, a Ming Ming, super hero books, an remote control choo choo train, a cowboy coat and more!

Above all we try to relate the importance of living a Christlike life.  And that Christmas is a special season to remember the birth of our Savior and that we should do all we can to serve those around us with honesty, integrity and without seeking personal gain.  We also try to remind the kids how blessed we are every day.  As a mom, I see little bits of heaven in my kids everyday - even if it's a FLEETING moment of love towards each other, I'll take it!

102 posts! Those SOB's!

This is the 102nd post on my blog!  Impressive, especially considering in the last two years, I had 11 total. 

Last night, NQ got me up for a hurting ankle.  He didn't go back to sleep easily, and then, after I was up, neither did I.

But, as I lay in bed not sleeping, I had one of those really random past experiences get stuck in my head so, I'm sharing it, because it was funny:

(The photo's ONLY relevance is that there is a dog in it, and that Nathan woke me up. No other relevance.)


Flashback: NQ and Jasper 2009



A friend and I went to another friends house to say hi.  While we were there friend #2's neighbor popped by with her two bouncy, large dogs.  Apparently the dogs had been in trouble with the man that lived down the street. So we listened to her tale.  She was a little angry and upset with how the man down the street confronted her and her dogs. She monologued for several minutes of how her precious dogs were innocent of such horrible behavior.  Shocked she was, SHOCKED, when she said:  "And he was yelling at them and calling them - SONS OF BITCHES!!"  She paused for dramatic flare.  This is when I cut in and said, "Well, that's true, when you look at it." Somehow this did not appeal to her more logical side, and she took a big huff.  Everyone else laughed.  I guess you can't blame the guy for marking them for exactly what they are! Anyhow, the story soon dissolved and we were able to get on with friend visits.

And for some reason that replayed in my head several times last night...and amused me greatly.  Wish you would have been there.  It would have been a lot funnier to you too.

Odds and Ends



So Glad when Daddy comes Home

The Petty family has been under the weather this week.  Colds and sinus congestions a plenty!  However, we've been sure to get out and enjoy the daily springlike actual weather.  We've painted, and colored with crayons, and learned about calling 9-1-1 in emergency.  We haven't had any, but I taught NQ how to unlock my phone and dial the number.  We've also discussed the importance of running to a neighbors house if the phone is not quickly found.  I don't anticipate emergency ---but then who does?

A chilly day at the sand dunes

Nathan has been playing with Easton (a neighbor friend) this week and has had been big enough to walk to his house by himself.  Nathan sometimes worries about getting lost, but has been successful thus far. 



A birthday visit from Grandpa Petty


 We've also tried a new walking/biking path recently that follows along the Virgin River. (It was up beyond where we raced last week.) There are bridges and fun paths that go up above and down near the river.  Ashton probably ran for the first half mile all by his onesy.  Then NQ and I journeyed on for at least another two.


Ashton and Grandpa Petty



 We spent almost all of Saturday with our super friends! (The Harris's)  We climbed a mountain, watched a bald eagle soar, threw rocks, and defied death - as it was quite steep, had pizza, tramp jumping and lots of playing!



Nathan and Mom make a Mario for NQ's room.


 Now is the time to admit, that I, Cami Jo, have learned to play Mario on the Wii.  And, *gulp* it's actually fun.  When Nathan has been extra good, I can fire it up and play with him for reward.

Mom makes an Owl painting for the downstairs bath

We look to create adventure everyday! Swim classes start soon and then on to soccer season!  Life Happens SO FAST!

We were driving around this week when I saw some lovely homes with horse property.  I told NQ that in a few years, when he and Ashton were in School, that I could get a job so we could have horses too.  HOURS later, Nathan say's "I don't want horses." I answered back, "that's okay we don't have to have horses." He replies, "I don't want you to go to work, all I need is Love."  He was sincere and sweet.  What a great boy.