4.0 Recognition

Every year at Ashley's school they have a recognition reception for 4.0 students.  In the past it has been a dinner for students and parents.  This year, with a new principal, he wanted to recognize the students but also make it more public so that the rest of the school community could see the students and aspire to a 4.0.

Part of the new program was inviting parents to the Friday afternoon Homecoming Assembly where all the students were called down to be recognized.  There was actually a pretty big group of kids.  Homecoming week is a big deal at Ashley's school.  They have lots of activities and events every day of the week.  It was actually kind of fun to step back in time to high school and see the assembly and all the student enthusiasm.

This is the best picture I could get of the 4.0 students from by obstructed view

Decades Day.  Last year she did 80s, this year  she went
for 50s with a poodle skirt.  It was a good choice because
lots of guys dressed 50s and so she had a number of boys
hitting on her all day!

Class color day.  Each class is assigned a color.  The students decorate their hall
in that color, wear it head to toe with custom t-shirts and
have class competitions.  Sophomores were green.  This is Ashley
with her friend Maeve who is a Junior.

Following the assembly was a reception for students and parents which included all kinds of appetizers and desserts catered and donated by local restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-Fil-A, pizza shops, Costco, etc.  The kids were also given their Academic letters and certificates of recognition.  They also had a prize drawing and Ashley won an iTunes card.

Ashley and her really good friend Simi.  Love these girls!

Ashley with her friends (l-r) Nathaniel, Ashley, Simi, Miranda

Parents were also given tickets to the Homecoming Football game where between quarters all the 4.0 kids and their parents were announced and got to walk onto the field.  Dave couldn't get off work in time to be there, but I went.  It was a super cold night, so I admit, after we were announced Paige and I left, while Ashley stayed to watch the game with friends.  Part of my decision to leave was that the team was getting blown out.  Ironically, the Oswego East Wolves had a huge second half comeback and actually won the game.  I didn't believe Ashley when she got home and told me they won.  I guess that's what I get for being a doubter!

General Conference, October 2014

Our conference traditions this year were a little different with little bit of the same.  The same is that we watched as a family on Saturday with lots of fun food.  This year we did fondue.  I made a big pot of cheddar cheese fondue and we dipped all kinds of veggies, bread, fruit and even meats.  It was fun.

Paige also made herself a big fort in the basement from which to watch conference.  Everyone in the family had to take their turn in there to visit Paige.

Some things that were different this year.  First off, we didn't do a puzzle.  No reason why, we just didn't set one up.  We also didn't have the Griffins with us this year.  They just found out they are moving and so they were busy trying to get their house ready.  We did however, have another family come over on Sunday, Rachel and Megan Bodily.  We had a homemade pot roast dinner and enjoyed their awesome company.

One last, new thing this year--I worked on a craft during one of the Saturday sessions!  What?!  I haven't done a craft forever.  Ain't had much time for craftin' around here lately.  Anyways, I signed up for a Relief Society craft the day before and of course, I didn't finish it at the activity.  I had to bring all the supplies home, but instead of stashing it in the pile of good intentions, I decided to make it a priority and finish it while I was watching conference and with a little help from Paige I did it.

Here it is---a coffee filter door wreath.

Yep, I folded and glued hundreds of filters onto this wreath.  I just need to add a ribbon.  Who knows when I'll get around to that, but at least it's finished enough to hang!

As for Conference, some favorite talks were
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
By Elder Jörg Klebingat


Are We Not All Beggars?

By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Stay in the Boat and Hold On!By Elder M. Russell Ballard