Thursday, May 24, 2012

R is for...

R is for... 
Rylee and Rocky Mountain Highschool Track!

Rylee and her team worked hard this season. They were invited to a banquet where they were recognized and received their letter. At least that was what was supposed to happen. The coach had made an error and forgot to publicly recognize the freshman... but they still got their letters.

Paige, Melissa, Matt, Alexis & Rylee

Way to go Rylee!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Taylee was in drama this year and LOVED it! 
Loved her teacher, loved the art, loved everything about it.
Taylee is in the middle, with the black hood on.

When she heard that they were doing a play this year, she got really excited and wanted to be a part of it. She auditioned and felt good about making it. She shared with me that she had even prayed about it and knew her prayers would be answered (great faith!).

Our family was on pins and needles waiting for the results. Every day we would ask, "Did you make it?" Finally the list of "call backs" was posted..... and she WASN'T on the list. She was sooo bummed. I felt her pain and was bummed too. 

As we were talking about it she said, "I must have REALLY STUNK, because some of the people that made it, aren't very good." I assured her that there were a lot of decision making things that go on, that don't always have to do with being good. Sometimes it's a matter of fitting the role/part or who the teacher knows best. She said, "I just really wanted to be a part of it..I don't even care what part...I'll even take out the garbage, if I can just be a part of it."
I asked her if her teacher knew this. "Does she know that you would be willing to do ANYTHING?" I encouraged her to have this conversation with her teacher. --I couldn't see any teacher turning down willing "garbage duty". :)

Although she was sad and bummed, she handled it pretty well. Jason and I were expecting the worst, but she proved her growing maturity. Whew.

A short time passed, several people who didn't get "big" parts or had other conflicts, dropped out. Taylee couldn't believe it! Why in the world would they do this?
A week or so after the parts had been initially assigned, her teacher came to her and asked if she would like to be a part of the "witch's army". She jumped at the chance! She was also given a part that was kept a secret from us. She was told not to tell anyone...and she took it seriously. No one knew her secret part.

After months of practice, the time had come. In the last week of school, they performed, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe".
We were all impressed with the caliber of performance. The kids knew their parts, had awesome make-up/costumes and spoke loud and clear so we could all hear. It was awesome!

Taylee did her part well as a member of the Witch's Army..so well we couldn't even tell it was her. Her secret part was to be a "distraction". She acted as if she was writhing in pain; screaming, moaning and crumbling to her knees. She was so "distracting" I had NO idea that some characters were sneaking others off stage. I also had no idea that she would be so vulnerable and could get into character so well. 
Wow..she blew me away! :)

Mrs. Remley receiving flowers from her cast.

Many people would call Mrs. Remley crazy or weird, but Taylee admired her a lot and really loved her.
Check out her make-up job... creepy. 
We brought her a "flower"(cookie) for a job well done. 
Treyson made her a card and had everyone that attended (family) sign it. So sweet.


We are so proud of you Taylee!
Great job.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Pop Quiz -Science Experiment

It was the last week of school. Another 5th grade mom asked me what Treyson was doing for his science experiment. What?! I hadn't heard of any science experiment. Then I found out it was due in 2 days! Nice.

 I got on the internet and tried to find something that could be done quickly. Of course there were tons of ideas, but many took several days or weeks. Then I came across a popcorn experiment. I wasn't sure it was that "scientific" but it could be done in our time frame. 

We bought 3 different brands of popcorn and wanted to see which one popped the best (least amount of unpopped kernels). Treyson's hypothesis was that "Pop Secret" would pop the best, because it is a popular brand. His theory proved to be correct... by ONE kernel. The store brand (Fred Meyer) was definitely the worst and the cheapest. I guess you really do get what you pay for.

Counting kernels 

To top it off, we were informed that he needed a poster with specific requirements, as well as having to explain orally about his experiment. We put it all together to the tune of around $16! Crazy.

My favorite part was the "Acknowledgements" section;  "My mom bought the popcorn and helped me to pop and collect the data. My dad helped me print and make my display poster. My siblings helped me to eat all of the leftover popcorn." :)

I've said this before, but I'll say it again... I thought my days of homework were over when I finished school.
Not so...sooo not so.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Cantus Finale

Rylee's last Cantus concert for the season was fun.
The Finale concert is always my favorite. They get to sing a variety of songs that we all know and love...many 80's songs this time!
As usual their performance was great.
After the concert there was a little reception and refreshments. Jason and I hung out, while Rylee ran around and talked to friends and took pictures. 
Melissa Brown
Rosalyn Engerberson & Riley Mortensen
Paige Simpson
Amy Whitcomb was the guest artist/singer.
She performed on the t.v. show "The Sing Off" in the group Delilah.
Mrs. McCauley (Cantus director) used to teach Amy in Middle School.
Maddi &; Kenzi Bingham
Emma Hullinger, Eliza Bradford & Maddi
Max Homer
Jane Stepherson & Landon Paskett

Rylee says, "I'm so sad it's over, and can't wait until next year!!!"

Monday, May 7, 2012

5th Grade Music Program

In 5th Grade, you learn about the United States. 
Treyson and classmates sang about the "Nifty Fifty", as well as traveling musically through time.


Treyson had a part dancing to Elton John's "Crocodile Rock".
Check out his good friend Dylan (blue shirt)...doesn't he looked thrilled? So funny. Treyson was having a good time though. :)
Good job Treyson!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Teacher Appreciation

To show our appreciation to our teachers this year, we gave them each one of these.
 Treyson & Abree also included a personal note of appreciation.
No surprise...I got the idea from Pinterest here.