It's been an exciting year!

Fixing each other's hair,
Family came to visit,
Got to watch some cowboys,


Grandma Turned 98!












More to come!

Our new Addition!

Gracie Ann
isn't she beautiful!

Someone Turned 50!

Last month was so CRAZY that I didn't have a chance to Blog about this very special event! So better late than never. During the week of Grandma's 97th birthday and Jessie's (the Niece) wedding we got to celebrate. You can see in this picture he received a walker to help him through his old age. He also received a very handy cane that had many helpful objects attached, for example, a magnifying glass, a pill bottle holder, a place to keep his false teeth and an air horn to ensure that he has safe passage.

I've selected just a few pictures of Greer from the last year just to show what a wonderful husband and father and grandfather he is.
I don't have enough pictures to show all the things that he is involved in, but I just want him to know how much I love him and appreciate all that he does for his family. Especially me.

This picture I took one evening. If Greer's hand had been down on his stomach you would have thought they were twins. I accidentally selected this picture of Devon in the snow thinking that he was Greer.

Noche de Honores

This is the talk Tara gave at the graduation last night. I thought her brother and sisters that couldn't come would like to read it. She didn't act scared at all. Was very clear and everyone could hear and understand her.

Director Whetten, Members of the School Board, Faculty members, family, friends and fellow graduates, today is a day that we have looked forward to and worked hard for.
First we have much to be thankful for. Here at the Colonia Juarez Grade School we have received a great education thanks to our fine administration and teachers. We are prepared to move on and to take on whatever challenges come next in our lives. The ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Some of us began that journey 7 years ago in kindergarten with Sister Myrna Salgado. She was very nice and taught us to get along with our friends, to read and write in English and Spanish. But most of all she taught us to love coming to school.
From that first step into the world of education we have continued to learn and grow. And look forward to continuing that journey at the Academy, the Frye, schools in the United States or wherever we may decide to go in the future.
My class is going to sing a popular song titled “The Climb” sung by Miley Cyrus. The first three verses talk about how scary it is to face the unknown and you won’t want to face the challenge. But no matter what you have to remember to keep focused and don’t give up. There’s always going to be an obstacle in your way. You’ll want to move it or go around it, but if you just work hard and go over it or through it you can succeed and reach your goal. Another famous philosopher said, “They can because they think they can.” I think that we can accomplish anything that we want to.
In life these last seven years I’ve had many struggles like broken bones, dealing with diabetes, tough homework assignments, loss of family and friends, but no matter what I kept on going and I have learned that as I face each difficulty I learn something new and it’s worth it in the end.
This year in English class we were given the writing assignment to write what we think of our education. And here is some of what I wrote. “I like school because you learn while having fun. Also because you can ask questions about things you don’t understand. I like my teachers a lot because they explain very well. They also pay attention to you. I believe it’s my responsibility to do my homework because the grades are mine.”
We can also be thankful for our families. My family has helped me by encouraging me, urging me to set high goals and to never give up. My Grandma Johnson who just turned 97 years old has been a wonderful example to me. Someday I wish to be like her. My sister Rachel set as her goal to become a doctor when she was a little girl. Watching how she has accomplished her goal has encouraged me to want to do the same. Seeing my brother Weston serve a mission has shown me the blessings that can come from serving the Lord. Neither of these goals were easy, because they took time and lot’s of effort. But through their example I have learned that goals can be achieved. Finally, we can be thankful for each other. The friendships that we have made here will last a lifetime and in the same way we have helped each other to, in some ways survive these seven years here and in other ways succeed in these years at the Colonia Juarez Grade School, I hope we will continue to be there for each other and to support each other in the future.
So this day that we have worked and looked forward to has finally come and will soon be over. But our memories will last forever and we’ll always treasure our education, our families, and our friends.
Thank you.

Tara Did it! Done with Grade School!

Last night was the big night. The night we have waited for. Tara's 6th grade classs got to walk down the aisle.

A great looking bunch!

Tara was the Valedictorian and gave a beautiful speech.

We are so proud of her and her accomplishment. Now she will move on to the Academy. 6 more years of Hard Work!

Last Band Concert!

It's been a fun 7 years, but I have decided it's time to pass the baton on to someone new. Grade school band has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have had. You start out the new year and the beginners know absolutely nothing. And by Christmas they are playing actual music. Then to see the progress from 4th grade to 6th grade is amazing. If life was a little less hectic I would keep doing it, but things don't seem to be slowing down. I will miss seeing the happy, excited faces of the kids each morning and hearing about their lives (and their families). But it's time to move on. And let some one else have the blessings!

Devon the Roper

I was sitting on the opposite side of the arena so I was not able to get very good pictures of Devon or Greer roping. But Brandee got some really good shots. She let me steal them from her facebook. Thanks Brandee.
Notice Devon has his tongue stuck in his cheek. He does that when he is concentrating. He is particularly proud of the loop. Good job, Devon!
Here they are warming up the horses before it all started.
Here's Greer taking his turn. Everyone had a great time. We are already looking forward to the next one. Everyone come and join us!