Chase

From September 4, 2011

Reasons to be excited for Chase this year:

-He is growing and finally catching up to some of those early sprouters

-Chase should be well on his way to his Eagle scout by the end of the year

-He gets to play soccer with his really great friend Hunter

-He has a really good chance of making the varsity track team this year

-Chase continues to be reliable and super responsible and will hopefully find his way into to some leadership positions at school

-He will have another excellent learning year at school though the PAGE program

Things I worry about just because I'm his mom:

-I am worried about weathering the "teenage" years and hope he never thinks that his parents don't know anything

-I worry that Chase is still struggling with finding friends in our new ward

-Chase needs to find a love for showers and washing his face now that he is a young man

-that chase feels unhappy at home because he is board and feels like he doesn't have anyone to do stuff with

-Chase needs to learn to always be kind and learn to think outside of himself

Emily

From September 4, 2011

I'm excited for Emily because:

-she is top dog at her school this year and will enjoy all the perks of being a 6th grader

-she should continue to gain confidence academically

-she is growing into a really beautiful young woman

-Emily not only got the teacher that "she" wanted, but Mrs. Olsen just had a baby and I will be doing portraits for her. I promised Emily she could be my assistant during the session

-I know she is going to love the ancient civilization project this year

Things I worry about because I'm her mom:

-Emily is in between phases in life this year. She feels like she is in the middle of being a young lady and a child. I hope she will find some peace as she goes through this rough transition

-Emily has tried so hard to find a good friend. I am hoping with all my heart that this is her year

-I wish that Emily would find a sport that she loves, we are going to try volleyball this year

-I want to see her continue to become more responsible

-Emily especially needs people in her life to support her this year to boost her self confidence and self worth

Kate

From September 4, 2011

I am so excited for Kate because:

-She grew academically so much last year that I expect her to continue to learn by leaps and bounds

-She is very bright and doesn't struggle with any particular subject

-She got the teacher that "she" requested

-Kate will get to participate in an after school art program this year that is awesome!

-Hopefully before too long she will finally be ready to start reading "Magic Tree House" books

Things I worry about for her because I'm her Mom:

-Kate always has a tough time at the beginning of the year getting back into the routine

-I hope she will learn to let go of her perfectionism just a bit to let herself enjoy her art a bit more

-I yearn for Kate to find a really good friend this year

-I hope that as Kate grows she will learn to become more assertive at school and gain some leadership qualities

Our Royal Family

Years ago I saw this tradition feature in Family Fun Magazine and we have faithfully made it our own now several years strong. Each school aged kid gets a whole day to reign supreme before school begins. We draw to see who gets what day and then the kids have to site and create their lists. This year each child had a budget of $100 so they had to be super thoughtful with their selections. The kids get to choose meals, activities,

games and so on. They are also the decision maker for the day. If another sibling wants to go play at a friends house they have to get permission from the monarch! We have lots of fun. I especially enjoy watching their anticipation as school draws near because they know their special days are just around the corner.

Queen Emily:

From September 4, 2011

-Eggo waffles

-Get nails painted

-Go to the Zoo

-Play the game "Life"

-Taco salad

-Rent a movie and have family movie night

Queen Kate:

From September 4, 2011

-Dad's hot cereal

-Get Nails Painted

-Shopping with Mom

-Give Zeke a bath

-Get squishy animals from Dad's office

-Eggs, Bacon, Toast and Orange Julius

-Buy some of Chase's fancy Scout popcorn and have a family movie night

King Chase:

-Waffles

-See "Smurfs" at the theater

-Get squishy animals from Dad's office

-Out to dinner at Red Robin

-Laser tag game with friends at the park