Katie's Denver trip

Katie had a great time with her Dad in Denver. She won 2nd place in her age division of the Punt, Pass, Kick competition by 3 feet. She loved the whole experience. First time on a plane, she loved that. Layne gave her the window seat. She said when she looked down it looked like a map. They arrived home to plenty of snow and a long drive home but it was worth every minute.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I have much to be grateful for. I have an amazing heritage. Love and support have always been a part of my life. I have wonderful examples of love from grandparents, parents, siblings etc. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and 4 incredible children. We have our health. We live in a free country. We have the gospel in our lives. Great friends. Employment that we love. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I could go on for a long time. I am grateful for my blessings and this time of year when I can sit down and reflect on each of them. I count each one of you as a blessing in my life. Thanks for your examples, love and friendship.

He Made It!!!

This picture was taken in March at one of his last tournaments as an Aggie.

After a long STRESSFUL week of basketball tryouts Andrew found out Friday morning that he made the SkyView Freshman Basketball team. It started out with 85 boys vying for 12 spots. Wednesday night and Thursday night were pretty off and on with sleep for Layne and I. The stress finally got to me and I am now sick. It's tough being a parent. But all the stress was worth it with the texted words...I made it! Woo Hoo!!! We are going to celebrate tonight with the family.

Exciting News!!!

Cole was just accepted into the gifted/talented program in language arts.(Which is all they offer right now.) We only have a program for 4-5 graders right now.

It is now official, Katie is going to Denver in the punt, pass, kick competition. Unless we can switch it to San Francisco. But either way she is moving on. She is incredibly excited.

October update

Hello everyone,
It has been a busy October although November is looking even busier. YIKES!!! Here is an update on what we all have been doing.

Katie: I did really well in my Punt, Pass, Kick competition yesterday. At the local level I won 1st place with 77 points. Yesterday at the regional level I won 1st place with a score of 136.3. (Punt = 49'-1", Pass = 31'-2", Kick = 56'). I'm waiting to see if I move on to Denver. The NFL will send me a letter if I qualify. In basketball I am having fun and have scored in every game. I am practicing the piano and preparing for the next recital. I will be playing tarantula's twist.

Cole: I started competitive basketball this week and we played our first game on Saturday. I scored 6 points in our 22-17 victory. For Halloween I will be a Hobo. My costume is really cool. I will be playing "The Storm" at the piano recital. No girlfriend yet.

Connor: I ended my football season this month with 5 touchdowns. I ran for 1 touchdown and caught 4 passes for touchdowns. My longest was 67 yards. I went to scout camp last week and just completed the Gardening, Family Life and Personal Management merit badges. For the piano recital I will be playing "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean. My basketball team is playing for the championship tomorrow night.

Andrew: Not much has happened for me really. I kept scoreboards for the 3-4th grade basketball league. Basketball tryouts are in 2 weeks so I need to get practicing so I can make the team. School has been off and on between hard and very hard. That's pretty much it for me. P.S. I want the sun to come back and for the rain to stop. I don't want snow either. ☼☼☼☼=☺☺☺☺

Layne: I worked. I watched my children play sports. I survived scout camp. I fulfilled my calling in church (spouse of the Primary President) by teaching impromtu lessons twice this month. Life is great.

Julie: Work is great. I love hearing the funny things kids say. For example a little boy in the 1st grade class I work with said, "My hair is spicy." He meant spiky. I had to laugh to myself. Primary is going well. We are all healthy and happy. I love following my kids around and watching them in their sports and other activities. Life is good and we are very blessed.

Job Change

Well I finally have a set schedule. Summit originally hired me for a Wings teacher and a reading aide. But title 1 funds are specifically for the at risk kids. So Wings was out. Now I have playground duty, and work with classes in 1st, 2nd and Kindergarten. I will also be putting scores into the computer. It is actually a really nice schedule. The kids are great. I love the hugs and the "I like you" s that I recieve on a daily basis.

New Job!

No one can tell me that the Lord isn't directly involved in our lives. I have always been involved at my kids schools. Whether it is helping on PTA boards, community councils, in the classrooms with the teachers, reading aide substitute. In January I was called and asked to be the parent representative on the gifted/talented committee for the district. I was involved in the process of creating the handbook for the new program. I was then asked to think about becoming one of the new teacher assistant's for this new program. After much thought and prayer. I decided not to apply for the position. I felt that it would take too much time away from family to help get this program off the ground.( I would have been over 4 schools.) School then started and I was feeling at loose ends because being a sub really doesn't start up until a bit later in the year. I had set a goal for myself to attend the temple once a week while my kids were in school and I was still tending up at the recreation center so that helped. I went visiting teaching this past Thursday. One of the ladies I visit teach is a reading aide at the new school in Smithfield. She mentioned her interviews at Summit and Birch Creek (the new school). She told us some of the questions etc. That same day at around 4 p.m. I received a call on my cell phone while I was running around. It was from the principal at Summit Elementary where Cole and Katie attend. He asked if I would be interested in a reading aide position at Summit. He had been given my name by a few of the teachers. I told him I would be interested. So I went to the temple that morning with Layne and then went directly to the interview. I walked into the school as Cole's class was coming out. His teacher asked if I needed Cole. I told her no, that I was hear for an interview. She was so excited and said she would put in a good word or that she had put in a good word, I wasn't quite sure. Then I checked in with the principal who asked me to give him a few minutes. Then another teacher I knew came down the hall and asked if I was there for something fun. I said I was there for an interview. He said, "You would be a great addition to our faculty." Then he went into the office and waited to talk with principal as well. The principal then came out and said you can go into my office, then he talked with Mr. Sheffer for a minute. Mr. Sheffer said, "You don't even need to interview her, just hire her now." One of the secretary's came in to help with the interview. As she was sitting down after the principal shut the door, he asked me how I knew everyone. To which the secretary and I replied, I am always in the school doing something. She said, "She is one of our best voluteers." They then went through the questions, more as a formality than anything else. At the end the principal looked at the secretary and said are you thinking what I am thinking? She said, "Yes. The dark green bar." They had a color coded spread sheet for positions. They offered me the position of working with Wende Knight (another teacher I know) to start the Wings program at Summit. (Basically this is for the gifted kids in the younger grades that the district can't help right now.) I will then be working with another of the teacher's I know really well and who is on the gifted/talented committee for the district with me, Judy Merkley. He asked me how that sounded. I said, "Great". He then told me he really thought this was heaven sent for the team to be together. He then realized that I hadn't even applied for the position so he called the District personnel person and said I am sending over a superstar that I have hired for this position. Basically since I was already on the District payroll as a sub all they needed to do was put me on the time clock for Summit as this new postition. When I was leaving the office we ran into two other teachers one of which was Judy Merkley. Mindy Richardson the other teacher said, "Oh she would be so great!" The principal told her it was already done. It worked out so well because I don't start until 11:30 and go until the end of the school day. So I will still be able to tend on Monday's and keep my gym membership, be able to run errands in the morning and still attend the temple once a week. Plus I will be working in the gifted program that I wanted to work in but not have the stress of 4 schools. Needless to say I am thrilled!

Time Flies!

It seems like I don't really have anything to blog about and then BAM!!! A lot at the same time. So here it goes. The kids have all started school and are doing well and liking their classes and teachers. (For the most part, Andrew has one teacher that drives him crazy.) Andrew got braces on Tuesday, Connor is getting braces today after school. A couple of sore mouth's but it will all be worth it...right?!

Connor, Cole and Katie decided to do a Punt, Pass and Kick competition a couple of days ago. We received notice that Connor took 3rd in his age group 12-13, Cole took 2nd in his age group 10-11 (even though he doesn't turn 10 until Sunday.) and Katie took 1st in her age group 6-7. I am guessing that there weren't that many (if any)other girls her age that did it. But they all did well. Katie will move on to regionals in Tremonton on Oct. 23rd. Layne and I thought it would be really funny if she went to nationals and was able to go to a NFL game while her 3 older brother's watched. However she would owe a lot of her skills to her brothers who let her play football with them in the backyard.

Last night we went to The Lion King at the Capital Theater. It was AMAZING. It was so beautifully done. The costumes were incredible. The music and singing was great. The only real disappointment was the actor who played Scar. There is one scene in particular that really stood out to me. It is after Simba has been found again by Nala and he is confused and wondering out in the grasslands on his own. Rafiki (the monkey) finds him and starts to talk and chant around him. Finally Simba says, "Who are you?" to which Rafiki replies, "The question is WHO are YOU?" Then a few seconds later Rafiki says, "You are Mufasa's boy." Simba then says, "You knew my father?" Rafiki: "Correction, I know your father." Simba then explains that Mufase has been dead for awhile now. Rafiki then tells Simba that he is alive and he will show Simba where he is. Simba follows. Rafiki tells Simba to look in a pool of water. Simba said, "That is JUST my reflection." Rafiki tells him to look harder...He lives in you." Mufasa then appears in the stars and tells Simba, "You have forgotten me." Simba says, "No!" Mufasa: "You have forgotten who you are, and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life. Remember who you are. You are my son."

It makes me teary even now as I type this. If we all could remember who we truly are, sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, wouldn't life be simpler? Notice I didn't say easier, because nothing that is ever worth it is easy. I say simpler because with that knowledge we are capable of so much more. We wouldn't be afraid to live our lives in such a way as to be a testment of what we believe and who we are. I think the struggle is to not only believe that we are children of our Heavenly Father but really KNOWING. I have never been good with words but I hope you all understand what I am trying to say or at least feel what I felt when I saw that scene unfold. I guess I want to be more than what I have become. I want to show that I remember who I am. So here is to striving to be better with each new day and showing my Heavenly Father that I remember Him and my Savior Jesus Christ.

July

These are some of the pictures of our fun in July as described below. The picture's from our 24th of July fun will be posted later.

Catching up with the Finlinson's

The first of the month was spent in Delta for the 4th of July weekend. (That was the last slide show.) A couple of weeks later we went to Texas Pride BBQ for a fabulous dinner and concert with DUE WEST. It was amazing. We had a great time. Then we went up to Bear Lake and stayed overnight. It was a blast. Then we had our extended FHE with the whole family back at Farley's. (These last 3 events will be in the next slide show.) Andrew and I have also taken tennis lessons together and had a great time. We are loving tennis. You are now caught up with the Finlinson's through July 2010.

Pictures from our 4th of July weekend

4th of July Fun

Okay now that I have looked at the pictures I think I will have to do a slide show so here are a few pictures to tide you over until I post the slide show.

We went to Delta for our annual 4th of July celebration. We arrived Thursday evening at Grandma & Grandpa Finlinson's. Kerry, Robin, Sydney and Tanner (the Finlinson clan from Arizona) were already there. Miranda and Stacey Hone joined us on Friday after the end of their gymnastics camp at BYU. Sadly Tamera couldn't make it this year since she was in Virginia with her trampoline group...(she did bring home a national champion!) The Thompson family was also unable to attend this year. We went 4 wheeling on Friday up Oak City Canyon. It was windy but the trees helped break some of the wind so we had a fabulous time. The next morning we woke up to the sound of cannons. We attended the parade then went to the park for visiting with friends and to catch some fish. We then headed back up to the canyon for some more 4 wheeling fun. Layne and I prepared a dutch oven dinner for everyone and Layne made his famous peach cobbler for dessert. A great time was had by all. Cole was a little disappointed that we didn't go to the demolition derby this year but still loved the 4 wheeling (especially since he was able to drive all by himself.)

Layne doesn't have to work today so we are headed out kayaking for the first time this summer! Woo Hoo!!! I will post pictures later of this event.

We Survived!!!

I am amazed at the people that run the Ragnar relays. It really is the most brutal thing I have done to my body in years. It wasn't the running that was so brutal it was the lack of sleep, the lack of food and the times of day we ran. Having now experienced the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay I would train much differently. Every runner has many hills. So I would train strictly incline and hills, then I would be ready for anything. I would do some running in the heat of the day to help prepare myself a little better. I would experiment with different foods and supplements to try to get the most good energy for the relay and I would have a rotation so everyone could get some sleep.
We had an awesome group of 6!!! We kept to our times for the most part and cheered each other on. We really didn't have any interaction with the other 6 members of our team. I would try to change that as well and have a lot more team spirit. When I finished I told myself I would never do that again. The next day I said if...and today? Still thinking about it.

Yeah!!!

This is really a bit of a bragging post so if you don't want to hear about my kids and their accomplishments then stop reading now!

All of my kids received their report cards and they all did incredibly well. Katie and Cole's report cards don't really have grades but they received the equivalent. They were also in advanced programs in their respective schools. Connor received a 4.0 all four quarters (including pre-algebra) he was in the 6th grade. Andrew also received a 4.0 for all 3 trimesters (including geometry) he was in the 8th grade. I am so proud of their academic achievements. Connor and Andrew received several awards at their respective schools for academics, citizenship and attendance.

This past week Katie and Cole have been involved in a British Soccer Camp. They worked with 3 coaches. Two were from England and one was from Scotland. They had a blast. Their teams came in 1st and 2nd in the "World Cup" competition at the camp. Katie was the youngest player in the older group. The teams were mixed in ages and genders. They were on teams of 5 kids. Katie's team was England and Cole's team was Brazil. They both had many goals, blocked shots and saves as goalie.

Andrew has been in a basketball camp this week. During this camp they selected 2 teams to take to some summer camps. They chose to take 18 incoming 9th graders and split them into two teams. Andrew was one of the 18 chosen. The coaches have stated that this will not guarantee them a spot on the school team in the fall. But it is a great opportunity to work with the coaches and for them to see you play. Last year I believe 11 of the 13 chosen for the freshman basketball team were selected to go to the summer camps. We are excited for him to have this opportunity. FYI Andrew was in the top 2 of 2 competitions and the winner of 1 competition throughout the week.

Connor has just registered for football that will begin in Aug.. So I will let you know more about his accomplishments at a future date.

Wow! Where did the school year go?

I can't believe that the last day of school is tomorrow. Even that is only half day. I am excited for summer and all the fun camps and activities. I just need to come up with some fun activities that will keep my kids occupied so they won't have time to do too much arguing. I have already thought up one. Katie's class had an 'author's fair' a few days ago. Her teacher loves books and reading so to help her class she had them write their own books and illustrate them throughout the year. The 'Author's Fair' was to let the kids show all of the books they have written over the year. Katie loves to write and illustrate books. That has been her favorite thing all year. She even wrote and illustrated a book about her teacher to give her as a year end gift. It turned out so cute. I typed it after she wrote it then she illustrated the book and we went and had it bound. Her teacher LOVED it!

Cole loves to draw and is an amazing artist. He drew a picture of a bulldog for his year end gift to his teacher. She has a bulldog named Murphy that she loves. We bought a frame for it and put a ribbon decoration mat on two sides. It looked fabulous. His teacher LOVED it.

So to keep these two occupied for the summer I thought I would try an art exhibit/book fair. I will have them write more books, and draw more art and then send invitations to their grandparents to come and have a meet and greet with the author/artist. With lunch included. I don't know if it will all work out but I think I will ask my kids what they think of the idea.

Now I just need to find something for Andrew and Connor! :)

Health Days 10K

Layne and I ran in our first 10K this morning. We both finished! Layne did really well finishing in a time of 54:00 and I finished with a time of 54:51. I wasn't extremely happy with my showing but I am glad to say I finished. It was one of those days when running is not good. I didn't get to sleep until after 12:30 a.m. and woke up at 5:54 a.m. I didn't load up on liquids yesterday (which I should have) and so I had a little drink with nothing to eat before the race. It started at about 7:50 a.m this morning. I think my body is used to running at 5 a.m. All of these things combined didn't make for a great run. Oh well. Live and learn. I need to figure out something for the Wasatch Back Ragnar relay. We will need to eat during that relay, so I need to figure out what to eat that won't adversely effect my body. If there are any runners out there that would like to give me pointers (Emily) please feel free to do so!

Andrew and Connor along with my sister Mandi and her husband Jared ran in the 5K and they all did great! It was fun to all get out and run together this morning. Except for the running part. (wink, wink.)

It's Official!

I have finally made the decision to take the offer of becoming a Gifted/Talented Specialist in the Cache County School District. With the support of my family I will be joining the work force this next school year. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have loved being a reading aide substitute this year. The kids are so much fun to get to know. Kids are great for self esteem too...most of the time. I love when I am at the grocery store, sporting event or just around town and one of my "students" will come up and give me a hug or say HI!, then turn to their parents and explain who I am. And that was just being a substitute.

I figure with all of the changes going on this year I would just throw in one more. We have new school configurations, ward boundaries? and a new stake all happening in the next 2 weeks (for church)to 3 monthes (for next school year). It will be challenging and exciting to see what the future holds. I really appreciate all of the feedback and support from everyone who has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and GO FOR IT!!! So I am taking your advice and GOING FOR IT! I am sure your prayers and continued support will be needed. :D

Pictures

The pictures are a little blurry on this slide show but we have the originals if any of you want to see the non blurry form!:D

Our Southern Utah Trip

These are a few of the pictures we took of our fabulous vacation to southern Utah. We thoroughly enjoyed our time hiking. Especially finding our own trails and paths. We hiked in Snow Canyon, Zion's National Park and Red Cliffs. We had a blast.

We were also able to have ice cream with Brandon, Bethany, Kassidy and Mitchell. It was so much fun to see them and be able to chat for awhile. Thanks for letting us drop in on you Bethany!

Add to update

I forgot to post that Katie, Cole and Connor all received Superior ratings (the highest) for their piano pieces at festival last Saturday. They each played 2 songs for the judges.

Catch up

Wow! Lot's of things have been happening so I will catch everyone up. I guess I will go from youngest to oldest.
Katie has the cutest smile ever! Her two front teeth are missing. They are, however, growing in quickly. She also had a reader's theater with her Wings class in school that I was able to attend. She did really well.
Cole has been crazy busy with competitive soccer practices, comp. basketball practices and games and scouting. His basketball team unfortunately is not very good. They will end up second to last in the league...but at least it isn't last...right?! In scouting Cole just had his Pinewood Derby and he won 1st place!!! YEA!!! He was so excited.
Connor has been chosen to be a gym aide for next year in school. He was so excited that his teacher wanted him. He continues to do incredibly well in school. He is also really looking forward to football in the fall.
Andrew has been eating, breathing and sleeping basketball. His team is doing really well in the Smithfield league (they should wind up in 1st place), they are also doing the AAU at the same time...that should last until next week. He also has a tournament in Twin Falls this weekend. He is also doing really well in school.
Layne and I are still trying to make a decision about whether I will take the opportunity to start teaching in the fall.
Now you are up to date!

Opportunity Knocking

I was unexpectedly offered a part time job today. I attended my Gifted and Talented committee meeting today. After lunch we discussed writing up the handbook for the program. We were broken up into teams of 4 and given a section of the handbook to start writing. As the group I was in was doing this, I was approached by the person in our school district who has headed up this committee. She asked me if I wanted to be the first TA (teacher's assistant) that they hire for the upcoming school year. That is what the gifted/talented teachers are called. It would be slightly less than 20 hours a week. The way we have set it up so far is for a TA to be in charge of the Gifted/Talented program at 2 schools. So if I took this opportunity I would have 2 schools with students in at least the 4th & 5th grades but possibly 1st-5th grade students that I would be working with in small groups. I would do enrichment activities and lessons with them twice a week. I told her I would think about it and let her know. So what do you think? She said I was exactly what they were looking for. Someone who had gifted kids and was involved in the schools and community. This would be WAY out of my comfort zone. But I would obviously receive training and I think it would be an interesting challenge. I don't know...it is very scary. If you have any advice that would be great! I have talked with Layne and Andrew about how they feel and as yet are undecided. There are a lot of things up in the air. I will obviously make this a matter of prayer and it will be a family decision, but I would appreciate any input.

15 Years of Blessings

Today I have been married to my fabulous husband for 15 years. For FHE on Monday we talked about temple marriage...specifically our temple marriage. It was fun to talk with our kids about the day we were married and started our family. We told them of the advice we received from our sealer, Elder Harbertson. Amazingly enough we have followed his advice except for 1 thing, which was a weekly check on how we are doing. But the advice of Family Prayer, FHE, weekly dates, temple attendance, Prieshood blessings,love each other, to serve each other, to do little things that let the other person know we are thinking of them, etc. We have been pretty good about. Some of the "little" things we need to do more of, but all in all we are following the advice. This advice has blessed us for 15 years. We are still madly in love and growing each day. We have added 4 amazing, wonderful kids to our family and are thrilled with parenting. (Most of the time!) I am very grateful to my Father above for bringing such a wonderful man into my life. I am blessed to be able to spend eternity with him. I love you Layne. Happy 15th Anniversary!

Catching up

This is a picture Cole drew about 30 minutes before we left for Andrew's Eagle Court of Honor.


This has been a busy month. At the begining of the month we had Andrew's Eagle Court of Honor. He worked hard to earn this achievement. It was a great night. Grandma & Grandpa Evans, Great Grandma & Grandpa Evans and Grandma & Grandpa Finlinson were all able to attend and help us celebrate. His project was making emergency back boards for our local fire department. Andrew will also be advancing to a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood this Sunday Feb. 28th. He also finished this 2nd trimester with another 4.0. YEAH!!!

Connor turned 12 and was able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood on Valentine's Day. He passed the sacrament for the first time this past Sunday, Feb. 21st., he did a great job. I am so proud of my boys and their worthiness to hold the priesthood.

Katie lost one of her top, middle teeth, also this month. It has been a while since anyone has lost any teeth. Her other middle tooth is wiggly so look for an update soon. Her smile is pretty cute.

Another basketball season comes to an end.

Today was the last day of winter basketball for Connor, Cole and Katie. Unfortunately they all played at the same time. We sent Andrew with Connor, Layne went with Cole and I went with Katie since I am her coach. This way everyone would have someone in the stands to cheer them on. Connor helped his team to a victory with a career high of 16 points. Cole unfortunately ended with a team loss. He, personally has had a phenomenal season, scoring much of his teams points and being a great defender. Katie's team played the only undefeated team left in their league. It was a hard fought battle the score ended at 22-20 giving us the victory!!! It was a great game. I think most everyone in the building was cheering our team on. I had 4 of the my team's dad's come over and say what a great job coaching and playing in this game. The scoreboard person congratulated us, a bystander that watches all of the games during the day came over and congratulated us. They all really wanted to see this team lose and ours win. Layne came to pick us up and the dad's then approached him with a play by play of the game, they were all so excited. I guess you really needed to be there to see the excitement. The account Layne received from some of the dad's was that the other coach kept substituting trying to mess our kids up with who they were guarding etc. But it didn't work. Our kids did great! The other coach substituted at least 3 times per quarter, it was crazy. Andrew's team also won their game today. Andrew has a lot more basketball left...his didn't end today. Cole is also on a competitive basketball team for spring ball (March). It was a great season for all. We all had a lot of fun. By the way Katie's team ended in a 3 way tie for 1st place. I think I will retire from coaching now...it is always good to go out on top! :)

Blessed

I have just been reading some of my friends and families blogs and thinking to myself...I am so BLESSED!!! What amazing examples of faith, love, and endurance I have been given. I am truly blessed by all of you. You have incredible insights to gospel principles that you are willing to share. I feel of your love for our Savior, for others and myself through your blogs. Thanks so much for being a blessing in my life and please keep blogging! I love you all.

A New Year

It's the beginning of a new year! It is mind boggling how fast time flies. Reflecting on the past year I feel so blessed. Instead of wondering about jobs and work like most of the country, Layne has had just as much, if not more work with his company. We were even blessed with a few raises this past year with his employment. We were all relatively healthy all year. With the exception of a few stitches, a broken wrist and a sprained knee we were injury free. And with all of the sports(and everyday life) we are involved in...that is saying something! I have been blessed with amazing kids. They always try to do their best whether it is in academics, sports, church, or anything else. Not to say they are perfect...they aren't. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who happens to be a great father as well. I have an fantastic extended family who is supportive and loving and great examples of love and gospel living. I have been blessed with great friends. I have also been blessed with many opportunities to grow over the past year. Being involved in my community has been great. I was saddened to end my service with the Smithfield Library Board in August. I had been with them for 6 years and loved every minute. Hopefully down the road I will be able to serve with them again. I have had opportunities to help in the schools through, PTA, Community Council and as a Reading Aide Substitute. All of which I am continuing with through this new year. Through these experiences I have been offered a new opportunity with the Cache County School District. They have asked me to be one of two parent representatives on the Gifted/Talented Committee. As I understand it I will be helping to come up with a program for the children in our elementary schools that are gifted/talented. We will also decide how to determine who those students may be. I am very excited to be given this opportunity. I am excited to see what the new year will bring for me and my family. I am sure there will be highs and lows. I just hope I am able to look at each high or low with a spiritual perspective and not with the now perspective. For me, that is a challenge, especially when it deals with my children. I just have too much of the Mama Bear in me I guess. There is a quote that I love. It says, " Do you see difficulties in every opportunity or opportunity in every difficulty?" I hope I will see the later! I hope the new year is full of love, laughter and much happiness for all.