Sunday, October 25, 2009

Report Cards!!!


A shout out to my children is in order, so here goes: WooHoo! ! ! !

Morgan pulled off straight A's with a challenging schedule including some difficult classes, tryouts, rehersals, performances, and work. Add to that the fact that she's 15, and therefore should really technically be brain dead, and . . . Woo Hoo. I'm so proud of that girl.

Kate is finally figuring this whole school thing out. You know, the part where you actually have to complete things and turn them in? I'm so proud of her. I remember third grade being so tough on Moog--going from getting Satisfactories and Outstandings just for showing up and breathing, to being accountable for your work and understanding how grades work. It's a big step for anyone, but for Kate it was BRUTAL. She spent a lot of time in third grade under her desk, or rocking back and forth in the fetal position, or tantruming. She's so smart...so capable...but let's just say the traditional school system doesn't match her learning style. We got grades (mostly D's) last year but we were so focused on behavior that they didn't matter much and there was no connection in her little head with what she did every day and what those little letters meant.

Our little girl has really matured. I'm so proud of her! She is, for the most part, staying on task and finishing her assignments at school. She is finally figuring out that her teacher can't read her mind...she has to turn things in to get credit. We're doing a lot of homework at home, but Kate is engaged and turning her work in. Amazing. She's proud of herself, too. It was so fun to see her bring her report card home with a sense of pride and accomplishment. No, she didn't get all A's, or even all B's. But there were some A's and B's, and there wasn't a D in sight. I expect next quarter will be even better because she understands the system. Woo Hoo Kate!

Worthy is still in the second grade, so his report card consists of satisfactories for breathing in and out and showing up. Keeping his seat warm. But this little guy has taken off as a reader (whew!--I was wondering when he was going to prove me right and shame his first grade teacher) and he has matured in so many ways. He does his homework every night without a fight. He sometimes remembers to turn it in, too! I'm proud of him and his ability to keep on going, even when he'd rather be playing the X-box or playing with his legos. Woo Hoo Little Worthy!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Standard Diner, Albuquerque

My Mom, Dad, Jen and I went to The Standard Diner in Albuquerque on our way home from a crazy road trip over the weekend. Now I can put a cu-ching on another Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives suggestion from Guy. (In case you're wondering, that was the sound of a check mark).

The Standard Diner is definitely NOT a dive, and not a drive-in. That leaves diner, but this is the most upscale diner I've ever eaten in. It was a great experience. The setting is in an old Route 66 service station, but it has been turned into a beautiful little space with great food. If you're ever in ABQ, check this place out. It's right off the 1-40 and 1-25 interchange. Easy to find and so worth it.

Let's see if I can remember what we got. Mom and I got the Burbon Butter Burger (low calorie, I'm sure) and sweet potato fries. YUM. Jen got a zuccini stack that was to die for. Dad went with a panini. They also had homemade ice cream, although we were way too full to try it. But this one sounded interesting: red orange basil ice cream. Huh?
Thanks, family, for helping me out with my eccentricities. SOOOOO much better than Applebees, though, right?
Here's the link if you want to see this place on Triple D: http://www.standarddiner.com/


Thursday, October 8, 2009

Break A Leg, Morgan

Morgan is headed to Cedar City today for the weekend with the SJHS Drama program for the Shakespeare competition. Good luck to Moog and all of her insane thespian friends.









Last night we were entertained by them at "Shakespearience," an evening of silliness and drama, some spoofs on classic plays as well as some serious stuff.




We're always glad to have our Grandmas and Grandpas so close to us. Thanks for coming, Grandma Gail and Grandpa Worthy. Little Worthy especially loved sitting on Grandpa's lap and snuggling when he got tired. And eating a brownie at intermission. (Thanks to Nan, by the way. Kate was much happier hanging out at the Bartons!)





Love you Morgan! Good luck at competition.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Weird Things Make Me Happy


I've been waiting for this album to come out for MONTHS. It comes out today, and that makes me happy. You can follow this link http://www.billboard.com/#/news/listen-brandi-carlile-ghost-album-debut-1004016743.story to hear the whole album free. It's worth it. Awesome.


I'm feeling very good, by the way. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers and well wishes.


Morgan is in a production tonight and tomorrow, so wish her broken limbs and I'll be posting about it soon.