Subbing and the Orthodontist

I have started to substitute teach one day a week to earn points to renew my teaching license and to start somewhere and build up for when Brooklyn is in school. It has been okay so far. My favorite classes are the Special Ed classes that only have about ten students. There have been a few hard things about subbing. Problem 1: The kids ask to go to the bathroom or get a drink a bazillion times. I've had this guilty feeling like they would die if I didn't let them. Solution: I am going to be a sub nazi and only let them go during recess. Problem 2: The ones that just sit there and do nothing or talk to their neighbor the whole time. Solution: I have no idea. I still have to figure that out. Subbing has helped me to appreciate being home more.

Our dentist recommended that we take Jacob to see an orthodontist about his crossbite. The orthodontist said that Jacob needs four baby teeth extracted to make room for the adult teeth that will be coming down soon, so that they don't grow crooked. He also needs something called an expander at the roof of his mouth, and then braces when all of his adult teeth have grown in. Insurance will cover some of it.
Jacob has had a lot of problems: Primary Children's for three months when he was born, his tonsils, his vision, and now his teeth. The cost of kids add up, even though they are worth it.

I have loved playing volleyball with my ward even if we hardly ever win. We have combined with another ward, so now there are plenty of people and we can even rotate for breaks. I wish I could serve better. I feel it's hopeless with my weak arms.

Our kid's school had a cabbage growing contest. Jacob worked on his cabbage all summer. He didn't win, but he had fun watching his grow.
"Brian's" garden. It was a good harvest with lots of corn and peaches and zucchini. We didn't have time to can so I just froze it instead. It will be great for smoothies and zucchini bread.

The Quist cousins at a 4th of July parade.
Fun times with the sisters.
Brian and I had a nice time in Moab for our 11 year anniversary. Beautiful arches, great hikes, and peace and quiet. My parents were really nice and watched our kids for three days.

Summer 2010

Amelia's cake.

Jacob's cake.

Father's and Son's Camp out
Amelia on a preschool field trip.
Samantha with cousins Alexa and William
On the way home from Arizona.
Brooklyn with cousin Caleb.
Arizona trip with Aunt Brenda.

I haven't blogged for awhile, so here it goes.

Our family was able to visit my sister Stephanie and her family in May, and Brian's sister Lisa and her family in June. We had a wonderful time at both places.

June has been hot, hot, hot. Our sprinkler system is broken so Brian has been watering by hand almost two hours every other day to prevent it from dying. We will replace the grass on our hill in the fall because it is just dirt or crab grass. Yards take a lot of time and some money to maintain!

Samantha and Amelia have been taking a dance class that will end the beginning of August. They have enjoyed it. Jacob loves scouts. I coached his soccer team this past spring and fall. It was an interesting experience. The boys on the team were great.

Brooklyn is growing up and will be three in July. When she takes a nap she is a sweetheart. She is definitely the baby of the family and very strong-willed.

I have been studying for a test to renew my teaching license. I'll have to take one more test and substitute teach or take one or two online classes. It is kind of pricey!
I have missed not being able to read fun books.

Sledding, Scouts and the Snake

Brian took our kids sledding on New Year's Eve. He usually takes our kids on a drive once a week so I can practice the piano or have some alone time. I am really grateful for him.


Brian went on a winter camp out with the young men in our ward in February near Spanish Fork.
Jacob (and Brian) took second place in the Pinewood Derby race.
Amelia learned how to ride a bike without training wheels in just one day. She was the fastest of all of our kids. I think that already knowing how to balance on a scooter was the biggest factor in her success.
Samantha loves animals and doesn't mind holding the snake.
I took Samantha to Old Navy one day and they painted her face. I thought that was really nice.
Samantha and Brian at Dads and Donuts.

New Year Traditions

I think it is crazy how crowded gyms get at the beginning of each new year. This past Monday I went to the Orem Rec to exercise and the indoor track was so crowded all I could do was a light jog as I dodged through people.

January is always a big tax month so I always get stressed out. I am naturally a serious person so I am grateful for funny things that I see to help keep life joyful. We just rented the movie "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" and my kids and I just laughed through the whole thing. I also like watching "Office" as long as it stays clean.

My calling is a nursery leader was hard last year with 20 + kids and not very many leaders. I hated it. Now there are only 10 kids so far and I am in heaven.

Brian has wanted a snake for a long time. He used to have a boa constricter a few years ago but it got sick and wouldn't eat, so he had to get rid of it. Brian worked really hard on our house this past year, so I gave in to him to get another snake, this one a ball python. He is so happy with it, and I think it is better than having a dog.
Happy kids before presents were opened.

Brian and I ran a 4 mile race on Thanksgiving Day along with my siblings Doug and Stephanie. It was a fun experience. Our kids also ran in races but that was not a very pleasant experience. Some parents dragged their kids along just so they could win. I don't think I will ever put my kids in a race again.

Brian's sister Lisa visited for a week in December. These are all of the grandkids minus one. It was kind of crazy and loud and the kids are wild, but I am glad we have the space to hold everyone.

Halloween Fun

A cowgirl, a cat, Hannah Montana, and a Star Wars Fighter.

Bad Haircut

Amelia gave herself a haircut while I was taking a nap one day. It could have been worse. The biggest problem is that her hair does not grow fast at all. It will probably take six months to grow back.
Brian and I spent some time canning this past month. The tomatoes are from our garden at his parent's backyard. The pears are from their trees. Our neighbors have an apple tree and were nice enough to teach me how to can applesauce. It is delicious!
Brian's "Star Search" pose
Brooklyn's "office" at our piano

A cute picture of Amelia and Brooklyn
A picture at Utah Lake. On Sundays we like to go there for a little bit or go for a walk in Provo Canyon.
Brian went with his dad to a rocket meet near Reno, Nevada called Blackrock.