Homework

I came back from picking up Tricia from school today and found this.... It was so cute that I couldn't resist taking a picture. Camille and Krysta both were all set up and doing their homework. They were laughing as Camille read from her driver's handbook. Apparently there are rules of the road that are so obvious they are hilarious.
For several years there have been little hormonies at work making everything another sister did annoying. What fun to be able to enjoy each other again.
Also note their favorite homework spot. It's straight in from the front door--for any visitor to look at the clutter, and it also blocks access to my bedroom, the laundry room and the garage. I've suggested alternate locations--in the same room there is a table, with chairs and also a counter, with chairs. How about the bedroom or the family room? Nope. This is the best thinking spot in the house.

Days of '47 Float Party

Free uncrowded parking--
drinking fountains and handy restrooms.
Floats, floats and floats.
Creators on hand proudly showing beginning to end.
The sketches, the scale, the raw chicken wire, dense foam and glitter--pounds and pounds of glitter
and the final works of art up close and every angle.
A marching band, clowns, balloon creations, face painting, and cinnamon toffee nut smells.
All in the air-conditioned expo center
Next year you're all invited.
It's the best parade of the season!

We are proud of Camille

On March 20th Camille was honored for completing her Young Women Award at the Stake recognition night. She is pictured (left to right) with most of Pres. Farr, Camille, Pres. Crittington, and Pres. Neilson.

We are also proud of her for being the student of the month at Sunset Jr. High. Here are excerpts from the letter we received:
"Those who nominated Camille said this about her: Camille is a hard worker: she always tries to do her best. Very polite-always says "hello" and "Have a great day" to others. Camille's assignments are turned in on time and completed in an exemplary way. She helps her peers and shows kindness to those around her. Known as a student who loves to read, Camille is articulate in her expression.
Camille was chosen from a student body of 990 students. We congratulate you and your daughter on her great accomplishments, and we wish her continued success."

Camille

Camille can often be found at the computer. She likes to work on her blog and watch old sitcoms and Japanese cartoons on You Tube. Santa brought the family a karaoke game that Camille has enjoyed over the break. She has found that she loves to sing and has really enjoyed being a part of her school's concert choir this year. It is fun to watch her perform because she looks so happy and confident (and the soprano section always makes up cute actions to the songs).

Gratitude 2

I am grateful for the seminary program. Camille brought home a test that she had done for her seminary class this week and let me see it. I was so impressed by the nature of the test and also by Camille's answers. A significant part of the test was relooking up scriptures they had studied in class and asking what it meant and especially what it meant as it applied to them. The teacher had made happy positive comments about her answers on the test and had also stuck a sticky note on the front expressing his gratitude for her and her example to others and her participation in class. I was especially proud of Camille when I read that she had made the 30 day club (read her scriptures for 30 days straight) for 3 months.

I feel so grateful that my children have had this opportunity. It comes at a time in their teenage years when they haven't wanted to hear my suggestions anymore and I am grateful to have other adults encouraging and teaching them. All three of my girls started a daily scripture reading habit in 9th grade because it was an assignment in seminary and the older two were able to continue on because it was a habit and hopefully because they had a testimony of its importance. I wish I had been able to be as consistant at such a young age.

Camille helping out

Camille helped me post yesterday. Despite how easy Katrina says it is, of course I couldn't figure out how to add pictures again. Camille helped me insert the camera and then sat next to me and prompted me on each step. I was following her directions as well as my senile old mind could. We got several screens up at once and I was quite confused. She prompted me, "OK, double click on that" (so I did) . Then she said, "OK, double click..." (I asked her where and she showed me so I did it). Then she said very patiently, "All right, now double-click right there". I thought I had been making such good progress but it was at this point that I realized that nothing on the screen had changed. I had been clicking only once instead of twice. My sweet Camille was being so patient with me that even though I had done it wrong three times she just kept encouraging me without pointing out my mistakes. What an interesting lesson to learn from a 15 year old daughter.