First Days of School

Tyce is in 11th grade at Basic High School.

His shirt says SWAG and he says it means "Spirit Will Always Guide." That, and he thinks he's hot stuff.

This year he has English III Honors, History Honors, Anatomy and Physiology, Algebra II, Weightlifting, Chamber Choir, and Concert Choir. He was super excited to see his friends and Bryce said when he dropped him off, Tyce was bouncing off the walls and jumping on people, hug-tackling everyone he knew. I'm sure he was a joy to have in class first hour. Tyce said he had a good day. There are 80 kids in his concert choir this year!

 Mary Rachel is in 7th grade at Brown Junior High School.

I tried to loan her my bright blue Hello Kitty necklace but she likes to keep things simple.

Mary has all accelerated classes including English, Math, Science, and History--which she says she's dreading. She also has art class. She is so talented but I wasn't thrilled she'd signed up for Art again because last year she got poor grades in that course. I asked her why and she said, "Because the teacher says we have to do things HER way and I like my way better." Oy.

I picked her up along with Sara and Nikki after school. I asked Mary what her favorite class was and she said it was too early to tell. I asked the same thing about the teachers and she said the same things. I guess she's reserving judgment--there's no benefit of the doubt for her. At home she said, "Well, Tyce and I must not look like twins anymore because none of the teachers knew I was his sister until I told them. Then they were all gushy and like, 'oooo, we love Tyce!'" Overhearing this Tyce said, "See, I told you, Mary!"

Cameron and Harrison are in 2nd grade at Sue H. Morrow Elementary. Their teacher is Mrs. Cropp.

Trying to be "identical".

Mrs. Cropp also taught Tyce and Mary and I believe she requested our boys to be in her class (otherwise I think they'd be in separate classes like before). We love Mrs. Cropp because over the years she's been a great teacher but also a dear friend. When the boys chose their outfits I said, "Wearing the same shirts might confuse the teacher." They both replied, "That's the point!"

I walked the boys to class and picked them up when school was over. I asked if they'd fooled Mrs. Cropp and Cam said, "Well, she forgot which one of us was which and she said, 'Oh, I can't keep you two straight!'" So I guess that even though they don't look alike it's still hard to tell them apart. They also said they had a really great day and that they knew most everybody in their class.

As for me,  I cleaned the house. I read the scriptures. I even meditated. Ah, I was so quiet and peaceful. I've been rethinking my plan to go back to work in the traditional sense. I'm not sure it's right for us right now because even though the kids are older, they need me. They don't think they do but they really do. I may have to work in the evenings or some odd hours instead of an 8-5 job right now. I have been praying for guidance and I know that I will be led to whatever it is I am supposed to do.

P. S. We're late to the party but Bryce, Tyce, and I are totally hooked on Downton Abbey. Do you watch it? Do you love it? We can't wait for the next season to start!

P. P. S. Seminary starts next week after Labor Day. If not for the physical exhaustion I suffer from getting up that early, I'm really looking forward to teaching the New Testament to a great group of kids.