The Way He Was Raised

Song I heard on the radio. Here's the lyrics...no youtube video...YET! It's a good one. It'll make you happy...listen for it. It's by Josh Turner:

The Way He Was Raised

Written by Josh Turner, Mark Narmore and Bobby Tomberlin

He always wore those worn out flip-flops

Spent hours in his Daddy's workshop

loved being on the water

Fishing with His friends

He always listened to the old folks

When they'd tell stories and crack jokes

Didn't talk back to his Mama

When she got onto Him

Oh, that's just the way He was raised

Had to finish all His chores 'fore

He could go outside and play

they always went to church that's were he learned how to pray

And that's just the way He was raised

He grew His hair out when He got older

Grew it clear down to His shoulders

Started hanging with the outcasts

When He went off to town

Some called Him a troublemaker

Even some said a lawbreaker

No matter how they talked about Him

He never put nobody down

'Cause that's just the way He was raised

When people start to gossip, He'd just walk away

He always loved his neighbor no matter what they'd say

Oh, that's just the way He was raised

On a cross, on a hill

That long-haired boy was killed

All our sins washed away

When He walked out of that grave

Oh, that's just the way He was raised

there's no way we can measure

The sacrifice He made

He knew He had to die

For our debt to be paid

Oh, that's just the way He was raised

It took the roll the stone away

And that's just the way He was raised

Yeah, that's just the way He was raised

Christmas Letter...

Well...I read my mom's Christmas letter this morning and I laughed...a lot! My mom's letter always makes me laugh because I've never really understood the point of it and this time she had more than a few grammatical/punctuation errors. I can laugh at that because my mom does know how to write she must've just been in a hurry :) I love you Mom!! As I read the letter I realized that I got like two sentences on my life in the past year and SO much has happened that I really can't quite say two sentences sums it up. So here's my version of a Christmas letter...although don't plan to see one of these for a while...maybe someday when I have kids to brag about or something :)

Friends and Family,

Another year has passed and what a year it's been! I have experienced so many blessings in the past year that I cannot quite comprehend it all at times. Some of these blessings I'm not quite ready to talk about yet, others you've heard much about but I'm going to fill you in anyway. I feel as though I may have met my quota for my lifetime, but I'm sure that's not actually the case.

Almost a year ago exactly, I graduated from Boise State University. The day was bittersweet for a number of reasons. The main reason being that I enjoyed my college experience immensely! Immensely! I am grateful for the experiences, memories, and learning that took place on campus. I am so grateful for all of the memories I have with Misty, Jonnie, and with professors that literally moved me to tears. I had at least one of those a semester, what a blessing! What a way to send someone out into the world of education!

After graduation I started working as a 3rd grade teacher in a new school district, new school, a grade I hadn't worked with prior...it was hard. I was grateful for the job, don't get me wrong, but I feared I had chosen the wrong career. It wasn't what I had expected and I struggled, really struggled, through the year.

In addition to that, I watched my brother muster up more courage than I can fathom and leave to serve a mission for the church in Brazil. I think the day he left was the most empty day of my life, to date. That was a trial of faith for me, to trust my Heavenly Father to watch over my brother for two entire years. Shane is my friend and he is the one person who can make me laugh at any time. He's hilarious, and luckily hasn't lost that yet and it has been almost a year. He's growing a lot on his mission and I have felt the blessings our family has received through his service. I thank him for that and I do thank my Heavenly Father for watching over him. I miss him every single day, still. I honestly cannot wait for the next year.

It's funny, that when Shane left I wanted to wish the next two years away and somehow this year has been so full that I hate to see it go. After such a hard six months of teaching third grade I found a job at the Idaho Foodbank. I have already blogged and spoken so much about this opportunity. I found my heart again. I helped feed needy children and worked with some of the most loving and caring people I've ever met. I made some lasting friendships and my life was changed through my job this summer.

Right before summer started I had the opportunity to interview for a 5th grade teaching position at Wilson, which is where I student taught. I would have the opportunity to work in the kind of school I have wanted to since I started classes at Boise State. I would work with some people that I had truly grown to love. I wasn't sure I wanted to teach in Caldwell because I want to go back to school and Caldwell doesn't cover graduate school costs like some other districts do. I was truly torn. I did pray about that decision and I decided on Wilson. I made the right choice! I will find another way to go back to school...I am unbelievably happy with my job, my class, and MOST of my coworkers.

Some of my coworkers have been such good friends that they helped me find a place to live out there...so I could visit with them on occasion and be closer to school. So...yes! I finally moved out and ON MY OWN! It was a big adjustment at first, to be honest. It was different than I thought it would be but I have grown attached to my little townhouse and I am LOVING it! I will post pictures but I must tell you, it is cute, and it's mine and I am happy about that.

The past two months have been a whirlwind of emotions and new friendships. I have met some people (and one person in particular) who have/has changed my life...from this point on it won't ever be the same, regardless. :) I am happy although some days I'm still in shock! I am grateful for the opportunity to have these people bless my life.

I am so grateful for the holiday season and what it represents. I am so lucky to have a family that is so loving and giving. Our immediate family isn't celebrating Christmas as normal without Shane, it just wouldn't even feel right. But we are enjoying the spirit of the season nonetheless. I love my Savior and what He has done for me and for all of us. I have had the opportunity to really try to better understand His sacrifice and what it means for us over the past several weeks and I have a better appreciation for it now than I ever did before. I am of course, most of all, grateful for the exemplary life He led. I hope that as we celebrate His birth and close out this year, that I can prepare and set goals to be more like Him in the coming year(s). I love you all! Merry Christmas!

A Thrill of Hope--the Weary World Rejoices

Christmas is absoultely one of my favorite times of the year! I love getting lost in the true meaning of Christmas and everything that comes with it! I am possibly going to post quotes, carol lyrics, etc...over the next few weeks. To start off--here's one that I got at our ward Christmas party last night.

"We bear testimony, as his duly ordained Apostles--that Jesus is THE LIVING CHRIST, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

--The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles

Just for Fun...

I got this off of a friend's blog. You are supposed to bold the ones that you have done.1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing- 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie- 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee
This seems weak! Guess I better STOP blogging and start doing some of the stuff listed here! :)

With Gratitude...

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I may not always care for the way my family celebrates it--if ever...but still. I love Thanksgiving. I remember my junior year of high school with Brother Empey. We were studying The New Testament in seminary and I developed such a strong testimony of the Savior and of his unconditional love. I remember journaling the things I was grateful for and from that moment on I think I became a changed person...I just remember that whole year fondly, mostly because of seminary...I did become a changed person. Anyway, I'll probably blog (maybe) again before Thanskgiving but I made my class make a list of things they are grateful for today and I would like to share my list with you.


Things Sharlee is incredibly grateful for:

*My Mom
*My family
*Misty
*Jonnie
*Sarah
*Zach...and what he's come to mean to me and the difference he's made in my life in such a short time
*My testimony
*My principal
*The mere fact that I've been trusted with a 5th grade class...my dream age group
*My kids
*Books
*The Fall
*Country Music
*Heat
*My Grandparents
*My education and what it has done for me
*My experiences in life
*Change as difficult as it may be...
*LOVE!

Food for thought...

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these."--George Washington Carver

Jodi Moment...

My favorite author is Jodi Picoult. So...of course I've decided you'll learn to love her too! I think I'm going to randomly blog Jodi quotes. Today will be the first. There's a quote that I've been thinking about a lot lately and I absolutely love it. I find it especially fitting as today is Halloween and this is from her "ghost story" Second Glance. I didn't think I would like this book but it is actually one of my favorites...she's amazing:

"Words, for all they were flimsy and invisible had great strength. They could be fortified as a castle wall and sharp as foil. They could bite, slap, shock, wound. But unlike deeds, words couldn't really help you. No promise ever rescued a person, it was the carrying-through of it that brought salvation."

Upside Down...

Without disclosing too much or anything...I just thought I'd let you all know that my life has been a roller coaster ride this past week! I feel like my world has been completely turned around...;) More info to come!

Picture Post...short stories with visual aides...

Tomas!

Oh yes, Tomas. I was getting dinner at Albertsons one evening late after work and I heard this really loud and obnoxious cry. I went and picked up the tiniest little kitty who was all by himself in the parking lot. He was SO little. I called mom and told her that I absolutely had to bring him home...and even dad let me:) So I brought him home for the night while we tried to find a permanent home for him. I had him two nights before the lady I work with, Deb( I was her student teacher), agreed to take him in. I named him Tomas (with the Spanish pronunciation)but sadly, he's been renamed. He is now in a good home and well cared for. I must say--I fell in love with him, though.

This isn't much of a short story. Just some really cool pictures of MY class reading to the first grade class that we pair with. We read to them on Thursday afternoons and it's pretty much awesome and we're the only fifth grade class doing it! My kids are great!

Okay. So we're starting a new unit on Astronomy. I spent last Saturday morning shopping for some fun stuff to get my class excited to learn about it and to get them asking questions about it. I found this projection kit that puts the constellations up on the ceiling with a light. I didn't think it would be all that complex.

Well, Wednesday I woke up sick. It was the sickest I've been in a REALLY LONG time. I knew I couldn't call a sub for the whole day...I didn't have enough prepared. So...I went into work and got a sub for after lunch. I was sick all day. I came home and slept in my bed (which has a down comforter on top of another comforter) along with two additional blankets and two sweatshirts. I couldn't eat anything...in fact I haven't been able to eat anything but soup for the rest of the week. (This is all side information) Basically I was sick and exhausted but busy. I stayed at work until 8:30 the other night to finish getting some stuff together and I had plans after that.I asked mom to help me with this projection kit. She did it! She did it while I graded papers on the couch until MIDNIGHT! Mom worked on that thing forever!! It was so great of her. I had to laugh though because there is literally blood on the back of the cardboard dome from mom pricking herself in the finger while she tried to poke holes! Thanks mom, I love you!:)

Mom was hilarious as she's mocking herself at the difficulty of this task. She starts reading the directions to me...

These are supposed to be for kids? "Have an adult help you..."

I laughed really hard!

Don't You Know It?!?!

My life is busy and I thought we could all use a little update:) Just to fill you in....those of you that actually read my blog that is. Here's a quick synopsis of my life lately:

*I absolutely LOVE my job!!!!! It keeps me SO incredibly busy but I honestly don't mind it. I consider it my new hobby. I stay late just about every day and go in early. I have an amazing class and I hope to accomplish great things with them this year...they are incredible! I truly love most of the staff. I am seriously having SO much fun at Wilson. I must say that I did follow the guidance of my prayers when I made this choice (for those of you that don't know how my job came about...I did have to make a choice and when you put it on paper...Caldwell doesn't seem to measure up...but it really is right for me). I've already been blessed with awesome opportunities there! :) I can honestly say that at this point...I am living my dream.

*To add to my dream...I've always wanted to live by myself. I THINK I've figured out how I can do this. It would mean a move to Caldwell--in order for me to live in the TYPE of place I would like. I found the place. I can't quite make ends meet when I budget it out (the way that I want them to) but there's a tutoring program that my school is supposed to start offering and they've already asked me about doing it...it would make up the much needed extra. So I would like to ask for your prayers and support concerning this matter--I am really excited about this possibility!!:)

*I've been SO incredibly busy...it feels like I haven't had a weekend in FOREVER and I've been staying late at school every day. I miss my best friend like CRAZY!

*I have almost been in my new ward a year now and I am so pleased with how it's worked out for me. I am in love with my calling as Ward Missionary and I am constantly taken by the Elders I get to serve with--full time and otherwise! I've actually made some girlfriends and a group of us (girls and guys) get together every weekend for game night. Game night is my weakness (I will go at the drop of a hat and rearrange my whole schedule around it) and as of VERY recently we've had several new additions--which is very exciting!

*Speaking of wards and game night. Just last weekend I was given the opportunity to speak in Stake Conference. I feel so lucky to have had that opportunity and I really appreciate the leaders for having such confidence in me:) I actually procrastinated writing my talk until the Saturday night before. I got home from apartment hunting with madre and I outlined my talk and then took off to game night until 1 a.m. :) So...I spent the very first hours of Sunday composing my talk. I got some good reviews so I'm assuming I did okay...my topic was "Optimism in Perilous Times" I'd like to share some awesome quotes I found to close this blog...LOVE YOU ALL!


"God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not to simply face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future--to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities."--Elder Holland

"We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us."--Elder Holland

"Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us."--President Gordon B. Hinckley

Passionate

Yesterday I watched the most hilarious episode of Frasier I have EVER seen! Seriously. I think I was also really overwhelmed so I really needed to laugh while I finished my 14th hour of school work for the day :) As I watched this episode I saw quite a bit of myself in Frasier and when I made my mom watch it later she agreed. As a previous blog notes, I'm awfully proud of who I am and I'm rather amused by this whole thing. Basically Frasier turns into a parking garage and changes his mind and turns around to exit. The attendant charges him $2 and he refuses to pay. He rolls his window up and sits there. He proceeds to intermittently lecture about principles and the "power of one"--seriously it's a must see! I have included the address at which you can find this hilarious episode. I truly appreciate Frasier's passion and I would also like to include a Frasier quote from a different episode that I really love as well...

"

"Yes, of course sometimes I am forceful with my opinions. But that is only because I am passionate...and right...and passionate about being right."

WATCH ME!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejsZUpzsagQ

This is MINE!!!!!!!

That's Right!! I finally got my Margarator...courtesy of Mom and Dad:) I am SO excited about it. I have a feeling that this little machine and I have some great times ahead of us! I'll be entertainer of the year:) Thanks Mom! Here's something of a recap via a few pictures of the celebration of my birth!

Me with Gramps and Gram at my party. The taking of this picture was a really great memory. I was being difficult and Grandpa actually laughed at me...

RENT closed on September 9th (I believe) and in honor of it they recorded RENT live on Broadway and they played it at local theatres at four different times! Mom, Misty, and I went to the first showing which was the day after my birthday. It was amazing! I cannot get over it. In fact you should check out this montage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDuHQm1WVhg

It was seriously phenomenal. I'm so sad I missed it on Braodway. I was so moved. I actually went by myself on Saturday to the last performance and I cried lots. It was the best birthday present (maybe tied with the Margarator)

Special Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate--either in person, via a card, or even a text/phone call. I love you all!!! :) You helped make it a great day! Hopefully this the best year yet:)

23 Highlights of my 23rd Year!

That's right. Unfortunately, I must bid farewell to this wonderful "golden" year of my life. Such a sad reality. I must now embrace the new year, new age, new chapter of my life. Over the past few years---for a number of reasons--each birthday has become a personal victory for me. To those that are the cause/reason for celebration--thank you! :) I thought you may like some insight to this wonderful year...so I'm posting the 23 highlights of a very bright year in my life!

Before I begin the picture above is me with Jonnie (and Rob off to the side) playing a Friday night game of poker. This was my life last fall and my saving grace through student teaching (Jonnie was student teaching simultaneously so it was nice) I kicked of my year with a poker game so I found the picture fitting!! ::

23 Highlights

(in no particular order)

• Celebrating the B-Day in Jackpot with Jonnie, Jessica, and Josh...Cactus Pete's :)
• Placing 9th and cashing out in a poker tournament that weekend, winning over $100 on a $1 game of Keno, and winning big in blackjack...and thus buying myself a digital camera for my birthday! :)
• Kicking off the b-day with the St. Luke's Women's fitness celebration 5k Run/Walk
• The Race for the cure and our "Breast Homies" t-shirts
• Graduating from BSU
• 1st real job interview
• 1st teaching job
• Moving into my VERY OWN 5th grade classroom!!
• Making some real Mormon girlfriends...real ones to hang out with and call with issues...:)
• Shaking hands with Randy Travis after watching him perform live outside in the summer evening.
• Seeing the Spill Canvas...again!
• Visiting Sarah and seeing Jonathan for the first time.
• Going to the rodeo...for all sorts of reasons. Next year WILL be SOOOOO much better!
• Sending my brother on a mission. Watching and letting him go was the hardest thing I've ever had to do but being a part of all of it has been amazing!
• Laughing with Misty and Ken in their new house...(laughing with Misty period throughout our many excursions this year. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 to name one episode)
• Army Wives
• Student teaching for Deb and becoming friends with Deb, Joe, and Cindy! Another saving grace!
• Working for the Idaho Food bank and reclaiming some of my heart in that work!
• Getting a killer tan:)
• Becoming a ward missionary
• I have to account for movie nights with Bryan
• Game nights
• Having Misty (and now Ken) over for Sunday dinners! :)
• Elder Holloman
  

Yes! One pretty amazing, GOLDEN year! Bring on the next!

My longest relationship...

Today I'd like to talk about the longest lasting relationship of my life. It is not with a boy, of that we all know, it's not even with a friend or family member. My longest relationship is, in fact, my history with country music. Allow me...the other day Ken comments on my love of country and explained that I can't say that I love all music but I love one type more. "It doesn't make sense." This is all according to Ken:) Nonetheless, I feel I do love all different kinds of music but I honestly have a history with country. It's different. It's so very different. Allow me to explain. I was raised on country via my mom. My very first tape was Trisha Yearwood, featuring "She's in Love with the Boy." The first concert I attended was Neil McCoy. For quite a long time the only concerts I attended were country. My first job was in a western wear store. Country music blared through the speakers all day long while I spoke with bull riders and calf ropers about our jeans, boots, and hats. I wanted to marry a cowboy. I wanted to be a cowgirl. Sometime later I changed my mind. I began taking in other musical genres and falling in love with them as well. I listened to really mellow music during sad or emotional times; sometimes during happy times, too. When I fell in love, though, we spent the summer listening to country stations, he loved country and I loved country and somehow that was symbolic to me. We went on a date to the rodeo. I had country songs woven throughout every single memory. When I got my heart broken I took a break from country. I reset all my stations in my car. Only listening to hip-hop music for six months. Yes...SIX! My heart was far from mended but I ached for my music. I remember the day I turned the station to one that felt like going home. A weight seemed to lift from my shoulders. Country had been waiting for me. I have never abandoned it since. It seems so corny or even ridiculous. It's so hard to explain how much I hurt. How much I associated everything country to everything that my life was lacking. You can't know how it hurt me just to hear it...because it seems so trite. Similarly, you can't know how much I missed Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Clay Walker, Doug Stone, Tracy Lawrence, and the list goes on. You could never understand how I had been missing such a piece of what once was my life. When I finally turned the radio back on I was forcing myself to move forward. I discovered one thing missing and I brought it back. It was my first step toward moving on. I could never explain how liberating that was and how incredibly helpful. I now find that I am ridiculously "hick-ish" in the summer and that's when my real "inner cowgirl" shows! I have my station on country the second the sun starts heating us up for those lovely months. And I am so proud of that! You see...it's been with me through everything and it's always been a love of mine. My relationship with country will last forever! :)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

So...it's my mom's birthday. I thought I'd dedicate a blog to her today:) I chose to include the picture above because I love it. Not because of how I look in the picture (that much is clear--I look AWFUL) however, it's the way it perfectly captures my mom and who she is. It's the way Shane's leaning into her and laughing and she's laughing. How many mom's truly have real relationships like that with their daughters and sons?! Not many. My mom is truly the most amazing person I will ever know. If I could do anything right in my lifetime, it would be to become more like her. Everyday, I thank Heavenly Father for her. No joke! She is amazing folks! I may be proud of my Larson traits but it's my mom that taught me to be proud of myself and have respect for myself. She should celebrate. What a life she's lived thus far. She has two children to be proud of (I only say that as--honestly, come on:) I'm a good girl. Shane's a good boy. We owe it to mom). She has a family that loves her. She's been married for 27 years! She's a hard working and extremely giving individual. Gunnar and Grayson adore her. The primary kids love her. And she makes everyone laugh. Let me share some things my mom does:

*She makes my dad sandwiches any time she leaves the house if he doesn't have something to eat

*She has ALWAYS given random gifts to her kids. First day of school, last day of school, first day of summer, last day of summer, etc...

*The night I got my heart broken I came home to a bed with freshly washed sheets, a dozen roses, and a poem from my mom...she had cleaned my sheets for a fresh start but still invited me to come sleep with her.

*Poems for every event that mom considers a milestone:)

*She knows every single person I talk about to the very detail.

*She mows my Grandparents' lawn once a week in conjunction with our own lawn.

*She wakes up in time to drive to my Grandma's and curl her hair for her every Sunday morning.

*She loved Shane and I enough. She always told us. We always knew it. She even made up each of us our own song, "I love my Sharlee, my Sharlee Rose..." and she sang to us at night.

*She cleans our house and cleans up after our cats.

*She always puts the packages together and sends them to Shane.

*This summer when I was stressed out with "too many things to do" I stopped by her work for a quick visit and she handed me my renewed vehicle registration--which she purchased for me online so I wouldn't have to go to the DMV

*She does her visiting teaching.

*She substitute teaches primary just about every Sunday even though she really wants to go to

Sunday school.

The list goes on. I would like to post the lyrics to a song that I once heard that reminds me SO much of my mom it's not even funny. I tried to find a video but no such luck. Read on...I'm so blessed because of my mom...Heavenly Father even told me so...:)

She(Cherie Call)
She is not the picture on the magazine

She's the woman just behind you at the checkout stand

She may appear to be common but she mystifies

In all the ways the wisest men and children understand

'Cause she has eyes that sparkle with her love

And she has a smile that's as gentle as a dove

And no woman from a movie or an ad could ever hope to be

As beautiful as she
She is not a highly honored diplomat

Held responsible to lead the world to peace

But what she does is every bit as serious

Amidst the turmoil everywhere that will never cease

'Cause she has hands that wipe the tears away

And she has a voice that makes everything O.K.

And no woman from the papers or T.V. could ever hope to be

As indispensable as she
And it breaks my heart every time I see her wonder

If she means anything in this world that pulls her under

And she doesn't always see the way that Heaven smiles above her

That's the reason I try to always tell her that I love her
'Cause she may not be known for giving millions

To the charities and auctions on the news

But I believe she's given more than anyoneIn all the times she's ever had to chooseTo give up sleep to rock her children every night

And give her heart to always hold their dreams so tight

And the best that you or I could ever hope to beIs as wonderful as she

And the best that you or I could ever hope to beIs as wonderful as she

You are indespensable, beautiful, charitable, funny, amazing, and the list goes on, Mom! I love you! Happy Birthday!

Larson Pride...

Let's rewind to a few weeks ago at the Sunday dinner table...Misty's joining us for dinner and we're visiting. My mom mentions that she had attempted to purchase a book about body image issues for me. She shares this with Misty--she also shares my reaction, "No. I like my body image issue." Misty and I both laughed remarking at how incredibly proud we are of everything about us. EVERYTHING! It's the coolest thing and the most bizarre thing, especially since I can turn on myself in a split second. Last night while playing games on a couch, in something of a "blind date" situation with a young man, I found this so true again. I am more competitive than anything. But as we were playing Scategories he commented on my left-handedness and I proceeded to start whispering about how proud I am of being left-handed. In short, our conversation cost us precious points and for what?! To talk about my being left-handed? How absurd. But it's true. I'm just so proud. Funnily enough, most of the things I'm proud of come from my father (who, most of the time, drives me absolutely crazy). For your reading pleasure...a few things maybe some wouldn't think of that I am OH SO PROUD OF:

*my height

*being a brunette

*the fact that I'm proud of being a brunette:)

*being left-handed

*my tan:)

*my sense of humor

*my first name

*my last name

*my testimony

*my sense of humor

*talents

*lack of domestic talents

*my relationship with my brother!

*****Trivia******Which traits come from dad and which come from mom?! Try to figure it out?!

Testimony

Wow. Twice in one day...isn't that like ridiculous, sinful, illegal?! :) Sorry can't help it. You probably wouldn't know it but the me in this picture was not in the least bit happy this day. That picture was taken about 3 years ago during one of the most difficult trials I ever faced (luckily I had a best friend that stood by me and helped me through it)nonetheless I wasn't happy. The year following this difficult time in my life was a year in which I constantly hurt. I was able to remember to the very date when certain events took place and I would torture myself with those memories. Constantly feeling I never measured up or somehow it was all about me and what I was lacking that brought this on. As I read through my journal entries of days long passed last night, I realized how much my Father in Heaven loves me. Prior to such a trial I think I never did feel I was quite who I was supposed to be spiritually. I never felt good enough. When I look back on the past three years I can't be anything but blessed. I do not feel angry, bitter, sad, none of those. I feel blessed, happy, and so thankful. As a result of the life I currently live I have been able to serve in numerous church callings that have taken me where I am today. I see where my talents are--and now I know that although they need improvement, I am not lacking. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. I know that now. I don't feel that or believe it, I know it. I know who I am and what I believe more than I ever thought I could. When people say the Lord really does know what's best, it may sound cliche but it is SO incredibly true. Today I am happy...happier than I've ever been. I remember what it meant to hurt so much and sometimes when I hear a song now or see something that takes me back I don't hurt and I recognize that I don't hurt. It's the most bizarre thing. It's not just about this one thing that happened a few years ago. It's what it all represented and it's who I was then verses who I am now. I am constantly aware of my Heavenly Father's hand in my life and the opportunity to move forward that my Savior has given me. I see where I fit into His plan and that's an incredible gift. I apologize for the mushy religious stuff, but I have a testimony. I had the opportunity to share it today and now I don't want to stop sharing it! :) What a blessed life I lead!

Love is in the air....

That's Right!
I am absolutely and completely in love with my job! I am really reluctant to say so much already. I pray that it stays this way, I truly do. I have never been happier. There's so much that I love about 5th grade. Wow! I am truly in heaven. They're funny, they're compassionate, they're amazing! I am loving teaching. There's no way to even compare my 3rd grade experience to this. It's so completely different. I'm not sure what it is...the staff, the principal, the kids, having my own lesson plans and structure? It hasn't been easy. My students are already struggling with math (we've been learning about the Distributive Property) and it's difficult for me and they're already so discouraged. I'm incredibly ill-prepared. I have no idea what I'm doing. But I don't leave wishing the day was over. I don't ache for 4:00. I like seeing my class every morning. It's like on the episode of Friends where Rachel has her baby. Emma is sleeping when she first brings her home from the hospital and Rachel goes, "I miss her right now." Rachel proceeds to wake her up. When the kids first get to class I ask them to silently read (that's the only time I can fit in silent reading time and it works well) and I have a hard time waiting for the time period. Actually, I don't think I've given them the full 20 minutes yet...I just can't wait to start talking to them :) Sometimes I wonder if I'm not really meant to teach--however, because there's still SO much kid in me. Let me tell you about Friday afternoon:

So...I'm supposed to be teaching the states and capitals. The thing is...I don't see a purpose in this. It's not being tested and while I feel geography is a very important subject matter...I don't think memorization is the key. It's just one of those things I don't believe in. There's no need or crucial reason to teach the states and capitals. I was taught this very thing...in 5th grade as a matter of fact--and I still can't locate MOST states and certainly most capitals. Anyway, I have to teach it and I don't even know how. Teaching students how to memorize things like this was NOT something I got a degree in. There wasn't a single class on that (and I wonder why?!) So...I decide that I'll teach them the "Fifty Nifty United States" song and go from there. We'll locate the states on a map and move forward. I mention this to Deb (another 5th grade teacher...I student taught for her and I LOVE her) and she sends one of her students down with a CD which she thinks she has the music for that song. Well...I try it out WITH the kids in the room and it's NOT "Fifty Nifty United States" it's something SO much better. It's a publication called Twin Sisters (I'm assuming that the two ladies are actually twin sisters which is what makes it all the better) and it's a country-twangy and very catch song and my class LOVED it! They laughed and got a tiny bit out of control...some told me they wanted to add it to their IPOD and wanted copies. It's brilliant and SO SO great. I laughed and got a little out of control with them...I worry that I'm not always the grown-up I need to be. But I must say...I'm sure having fun!

Follow this link for a clip of the song...you have to click forward about half way..some random song plays to introduce the listing of the states. It's so great...please listen and be a kid again...

http://www.twinsisters.com/uploads/file-6266.mp3

This whole experience just reminds me of this little obsession Shane and I had. Mom took us to see a similar guy--he sang kids songs for a living...and we LOVED his tape. We listened to it over and over again!! Here's a link to something of his that we loved...listen in celebration of my brother and I and our incredible mom:) Seriously...look at us...he loved me so much! Thanks mom! I love my life!!!

http://www.songsforteaching.com/tomchapin/uhohaccident.htm

go here and click listen. You can find more of his music at

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,413784,00.html

Alright. I'm done being obsessive. Kids are great. Being a kid is great! Enjoy!!

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." ~Russel Baker

WOW! Summer is officially over...as of August 28th for me. Actually, I went back to set up my classroom on the 20th...I still relished the late nights until the eve of the first day of school:) August was an incredibly full month, as were the other two, so I thought I'd quickly fill you in. I was doing so well at uploading these pictures in order until the VERY last one. So one is out of order. This will be a "lengthy" post in size, but not in words. Welcome to my summer!!!

The first week of August I had many exciting things planned. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 premiered, Randy Travis came in concert, and Misty and I went to Twin Falls.

The 2nd weekend in August, I asked Misty to ride with me to Twin Falls to see the temple open house. Being the AMAZING friend that she is, she complied. And although she was sad at first that she didn't bring a book for the roadtrip, she managed to be great company for the entire trip :) We made a stop at Starbucks for coffee/frozen hot chocolate before heading to Twin. We waited for a while to go on our tour. The temple was really pretty. It was my first time going through the entire temple and I must say, I'm very sad the Boise Temple is so small. I love it nonetheless. We enjoyed our stay, took pictures, and stopped at Chili's and what we thought was a Dell store before heading home.
Misty and I in front of the temple after the tour.

They had information and cookies waiting for us after the tour. We had a cookie. I dropped part of mine:)

Misty and I outside the theatre after the premiere our movie. Yes, our movie. We read the books. We attached to the characters. We even made our own "traveling pants" :)

Me sitting outside waiting for Randy Travis at the Botanical Gardens. It was pretty much the most awesome arrangement for a concert, ever! Ouside, on blankets, summer night, listening to music. I didn't think cameras were allowed as the security guard warned me about it when she checked my purse. So I didn't get a picture with mom or Bonnie. (Jonnie's mom, who is amazing, joined us for this concert.) I just had mom sneak this picture really quickly to document my attendance.

After the concert was over people had cameras everywhere and Bonnie told me it wouldn't hurt to sneak into the more expensive ticket area and get a picture. I asked the security guards if I could just get through to "get a closer look". They allowed me and I made it to the front of the stage just in time for encore. Two songs, front and center, plus I got to shake his hand!!!!

This summer I worked for the Idaho Foodbank serving free lunch to kids in the park. We served at Owyhee park, but the Foodbank serviced approx 14 parks in the Boise area. Every morning we would meet at the warehouse, load our food in the car, set it up at the park, serve, play games with the kids, tear our park down, and take it back to the foodbank. I worked with Jenny at my park all day. I was acquainted with all the employees, however, from our meetings and interactions at the warehouse every morning and afternoon. This summer job was so good for me. Jeff was so good for me. He opened a part of my heart this summer, which is really hard to explain, but I love him. This is me with Jeff at our end of the summer BBQ.

This is Jenny with one of our reguluars at the park. She wasn't just a regular, she was a favorite. And Jenny's great!

Jenny and I found this book in our "book box" one morning. (We get books donated and we bring them in a box to the park. The kids can take free books, exchange them, or add to them. It's a pretty awesome program.) We played with it from the second we found it. The first morning we were playing with it one of the people from a different park, Nick, walked by. He saw it and goes, "That's exciting!" I told Jenny that it was funny that Nick understands how exciting it is and she goes, "Yeah. How we're all like three!" :) It's true and that's why my summer was SO amazing.




Back in July, I went rafting with my longtime friend Todd, and some of his family--including his dad, who I love! I mentioned how I would love to go to the rodeo but didn't have anyone to join me. (Todd goes to ISU so he wouldn't be in town.) Todd said his dad would go with me. I called his dad and made arrangements to go with him and some of his friends the Saturday of the rodeo. Howard, a.k.a. dad, asked if I would like to raft that morning. I was stoked. Absolutely stoked!!! I couldn't wait. When I showed up that morning I found I wasn't rafting with Howard and his friends, but Todd and his friends! It was an awesome, planned, surprise for me. Of course, Howard was there. I didn't get any rafting pictures but I seriously had a BLAST! It was SO much fun! We went home, changed, and got ready for the rodeo.

The Caldwell Night Rodeo is awesome. I LOVE it. It's probably my favorite of all the rodeos I've been to. They have two sides..the Rowdies (drunken) side and the Civies (more family) side. They have a real rivalry and it's great. I actually prefer to be a Rowdy...no matter how much I hate alcohol. That's my side of preference. This gang wasn't going for it. We were Civies this time and it nearly broke my heart. Among other things that broke my heart: )

Todd with me after the rodeo. I was very VERY frustrated with the evening at this point.

d


My classroom. Competely empty. EMPTY! Our school was remodeled over the summer and EVERYTHING was packed up. I had such a mess to work with trying to organize things that I had no idea what to do with. I had so much space to work with but so much junk, too! I threw 4 boxes of junk away. We have an awesome custodian, though. He's so helpful and with all the support my room was darn near ready in time!

When I saw this outside my room on moving day I almost cried. It was just neat. I'm so proud of my Larson name:)

After moving and unpacking the boxes.Yuck!

Corey and Cassie got married in the Bountiful Temple on August 22. They looked great, the temple is GORGEOUS (I'd never seen it before). They didn't have a bad reception either, I must say. I'm happy for them. Although, I will not be traveling with just my parents again, that was just too much!

We're cousins! He's awesome and funny and we were kids together at one point. I love him and I'm happy for him. I'm a little sad that the family dynamic will change, but that's what happens, I guess.

Boot Scootin' Boogie

As for the rest of August. My brother turned 20 in Brazil! I had my very first official school day as a 5th grade teacher. I have, what appears to be, and awesome class. I still have very little idea of what I'm doing but I am SO excited to go to work next week. I won't lie, I'm excited for a three-day weekend as well. I'll definitely keep you posted!

I Heart Mormon Boys

Hmmmm...that's an unusual statement for me isn't it?! I think lately I've had a change of heart. And I suppose I should say I heart GOOD Mormon boys. There is a difference. I was sitting in church today and my love for them as a whole just overwhelmed me. From the way they dress for church, to teaching Sunday School with such conviction and knowledge. To literally tearing up at a "visitor's" request to be baptised. I literally barely made it through Sunday School composed today. I was in the midst of this incredible group of real MEN and I was blown away. Here's why:

* I love the Priesthood and the Priesthood blesses my life--who holds the Priesthood? Mormon boys

*Morality. No real delicate way to put this. These men are rare. (I'm not belittling any other denomination that teaches abstinence until marriage--don't get me wrong...it's rare across the board). There's something so incredible about the fact that my husband is out there somewhere. I have no idea where he is. And he is waiting for ME. He loves me and he hasn't even met me. I know because I'm doing the same thing and I know that I love my husband--even though I don't know who he is. I'm waiting for him. When we meet and marry he has already proven love for me and for the Lord. Wow!

*They go on missions and they work HARD!

*If they return from a mission and are single long enough...it's fun to look at them come into church dressed INCREDIBLY nice and know that their mom didn't iron that shirt for them.

*They pray

*They serve

*They sing hymns

*They read/know the scriptures

*They respect women

*They're not crude or profane...

*They love the Gospel

*They have the spirit with them (there is NOTHING in the world like going on a date with a man who has that! It's a rare find).

These men are rare. I'd like to pay tribute to them! EVERY SINGLE GOOD ONE!

My thoughts exactly...

I saw this on Yahoo. Perhaps I got giddy...I really REALLY feel strongly about Britney and Justin. There rest I'm somewhat apathetic about but Britney and Justin? Absolutely!!!

Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman plus five other couples we wish never broke up

by Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff, on Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:22pm PDT

How awesome is it when your friend has finally finally finally found a great boyfriend and you’ve gotten all comfortable going out on double dates and at long last you have absolutely zero complaints about the dude? And then how much does it totally suck when they break up? This is how we—and apparently Howard Stern—felt when learning that the comedic supercouple of Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman had broken up. "Jimmy e-mailed me and said they were going through some tough times," says Stern. "I was so upset I had to go take a walk." Kimmel told Stern the split was "mutual," adding that he felt as though he had "lost his best friend." Awww! [US] We hate seeing great couples break up. Some others we wish had remained a unit:

1) Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt – They dressed alike, styled their hair the same, and gosh they were just such a good match. We love our Brangelina and all, but there was something much sweeter about the courtship between Brad and Ms. Paltrow. Sigh.

2) Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake – Let’s face it, Britney needs him back and probably wishes they never split in the first place. Justin may have progressed career-wise but him and Jessica Biel = major zzz’s. We just know JT could whip Brit back into shape and the prince and princess of pop could return and restore order to the musical world.

3) Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder – He’s got the beautiful Vanessa Paradis and she’s dating, um... Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett. Exactly. C’mon Johnny—remember where your heart lies? Need you check your tattoo: Wino Forever.

4) Drew Barrymore and Fabrizio Moretti – She just broke up with Mac guy, Justin Long and we say a big good riddance! We like our wild child with a rocker, and who better than the adorable, curly haired drummer Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes. Go win him back, Drew!

5) Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe – They were young and in love and we all didn’t think they could make their marriage last, but they had two kids and were together for eight years… and then they broke up. We know we doubted you, but we wish you hadn’t given up so soon, and as much as we like Reese with Jake Gyllenhaal, they’re not a winning couple. So… how about another go?

Taking a Stand

I found this article on Alfie Kohn's website and I found it more than interesting. It's encouraging. At this early stage in my career--I'm still drowning in idealism and feel that I can maintain a balance until my prayers are answered (we get a new president) and things change. But I have felt this for quite some time. What happens in education at present is wrong and I know from experience. If you have questions feel free to ask. I could tell you how I was literally told to work one on one with a certain group of students--leaving those who were behind even further behind. No joke. I am not speaking ignorantly--that I can assure you. I know for a fact that when this truth is revealed...neither the government nor the school districts--will be willing to take the blame. I will be held accountable. Read this and if you want to know more about Alfie Kohn and his philosophies (he's not just for teachers. He writes for parents and management personnel as well and I firmly believe the entire world should read Punished by Rewards) click here... http://www.alfiekohn.org/index.html Read on..

What if they gave a test and nobody came? Or what if all the students came, but the teachers refused to give them a test? The civil rights movement succeeded not only because good laws were eventually passed (mandating desegregation) but because ordinary people refused to obey bad laws. Rather than just complaining about policies they thought were immoral, they withheld their consent through disciplined disobedience.

In May, virtually the entire eighth grade at a South Bronx, NY middle school handed in blank sheets of paper rather than take yet another practice exam for the state test – along with a petition that protested the "constant, excessive and stressful testing" that comes at the expense of "valuable instructional time with our teachers." In California, activists are currently working to convince parents to boycott that state’s endless STAR testing program. “We have written and read and talked for years about the damage tests are doing to our children, our teachers, our schools and our democracy," their website says. Now “it's time to act.”

There have been other examples of protests by parents and students – from Scarsdale to San Antonio -- but let’s take a moment to honor the people who have put their jobs on the line to say no: teachers who have stood up alone in their communities and said they just can’t in good conscience participate in – and thereby perpetuate -- this suffocating regimen of testing. When the history of the current “accountability” fad in education is written, these teachers will be likened to the folks who bravely challenged Jim Crow laws in the South.

“My conscience bothered me. I thought, ‘How can I continue to do something I think is harmful for my students?’ I simply had to stop giving the [state test].”
-- Carl Chew
Washington teacher

“They’ve taken my job away from me as long as I have to spend my time teaching to the test. I can’t do that anymore. So I have nothing to lose [by refusing to participate in the testing].”

-- Jim Bougas
Massachusetts teacher

“Every single time I administer these tests, children are upset. I felt this year that I had three options, since continuing with this practice was not an option. I should either (a) spend a lot of time teaching my students about tests to try to lessen the stress, or (b) tell them exactly what to write down for every question, or (c) stand up for what I believe in and risk discipline, while protecting my students from this nonsense. . . .[In choosing (c), I’m] attempting to represent the views of so many of us who feel helpless in this horrible, spiraling descent of our education system.”

-- Kathryn Sihota
British Columbia teacher

“I have to look at myself in the mirror, and I know these tests are wrong. Frankly, I’m not a teacher when I teach to a test like this [or] when I administer a test like this.”

-- Don Perl
Colorado teacher

"Someone needs to use a little common sense and say, 'I am just not going to do it.’"
-- Doug Ward
North Carolina teacher

"How can I teach my kids to stand up for what they believe in if I'm not doing that myself?"

-- Katie Hogan
Illinois teacher
[one of 12 boy cotters at a Chicago school]


When Thoreau was imprisoned for refusing to pay war taxes, the jail faced the street. One day, his friend Ralph Waldo Emerson was walking by and said, "Henry! What are you doing in there?" To which Thoreau replied, "The question is what are you doing out there?" For any teacher who shares the outrage and grief felt by these dissenters, the challenge is to explain why he or she is helping to perpetuate that policy by breaking the shrink wrap and handing out the tests to students – in short, by following orders that he or she knows are wrong.

Of course we applaud the courage of educators who have taken a stand against this insanity. But what will it take for us to summon our own courage and join them?

***

We're pleased to introduce a new website feature: an archive of comments that appeared previously on the NEWS page.

As always, your comments in our guestbook are welcome. Thanks for visiting.

copyright Alfie Kohn

Summertime is Finally Here...

Here's a moderately small overview of the events of the summer thus far...it's been a good one...

~Summer of Hope~At the beginning of the summer I participated in the Summer of Hope walk. My good friends, They Lynchs, included me. It's a Christian organization that works to get orphans from the Philippines here for one month in the summer (July). They are hosted by a family and hopefully adopted by interested individuals. The walk helps raise money for the costs of getting the children here and helping care for them! Mom and Misty joined me and we ate at Applebees in large quantities afterwards:)
Here I am with Courtney and Connor. I may need to blog about this family at some point, they are just amazing...they're the children of the Lynch family! I love them mucho!

The Spill Canvas

One of my very favorite...albeit not very popular, bands! They came to town on June 28th and played at The Venue. I went with my friend Josh and then Jonnie and Jessica met us there. I look terrible because it was so hot inside...and Jonnie and Jessica had just come from her sister's wedding. We had such a good time. If you look at the bottom of this post you can watch/more so listen to my all time favorite Spill Canvas song: Lullaby. I'm posting the lyrics below this picture too...just in case!

It's the way that you blush when you're nervous.It's your ability to make me earn this.I know that you're tired, just let me sing you to sleep.It's about how you laugh out of pity,'Cause lets be honest I'm not really that funny.I know that you're shot, just let me sing you to sleep.

If you need anything, just the say the word.I mean anything.Rest assured, if you start to doze, then I'll tuck you in,and plant my lips where your necklaces close.

It's those pills that you don't need to take,medicating perfection, now that's a mistake.I know that you're spent, just let me sing you to sleep.It's your finger and how I'm wrapped around it.It's your grace and it keeps me grounded.I know that you're weak, just let me sing you to sleep.

If you need anything, just the say the word.I mean anything.Rest assured, if you start to doze, then I'll tuck you in,and plant my lips where your necklaces close.

While you were sleeping I figured out everything,I was constructed for you, and you were molded for me.Now I feel your name, coursing through my veins.You shine so bright it's insane, you put the sun to shame.

(Oh)If you need anything, just the say the word.I mean anything. (I really do)Rest assured, if you start to doze, then I'll tuck you in,and plant my lips where your necklaces close.If you need anything, just the say the word.I mean anything.Rest assured, if you start to doze, then I'll tuck you in,and plant my lips where your necklaces close.

***Fourth of July***We had our Fourth of July BBQ and fireworks fun at Cara's. I sat outside with the boys where they specifically saved a spot for me:) They set it with utensils, water, and all!




Cara had the babies sporting red, white, and blue and I was rather fond of it. Here's Ava. She didn't want her rootbeer float but definitely went for the Otter Pop. She is her mother's daughter!

Here's me with my madre on the Fourth! We had a good time for the most part although I'm dying for some real "tradition" on this holiday. Perhaps camping with Misty, Ken, and the kids:) We ate, played in the pool (that is my tradition with the boys for 3 years now:) and watched fireworks over at Tammy's house.

Roaring Springs!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought it would be fun to take a day off work and take the boys to Roaring Springs. I invited Rachel to come along with us! She used to go to the Y (she was in my group every summer...from the summer before 3rd grade on!) She's amazing with kids, she's a LOT of fun, and I love her..so it made for a great day!

There wasn't a single ride the boys didn't go on! They even rode this one...if you don't know it's a rather scary ride. I was nervous. I followed them up (and Rachel and I rode it afterwards) but I was in tears I was so worried about them...but they're incredibly tough! I was very impressed and they LOVED it! They wanted to go again but I couldn't handle the stress again!

After a fun-filled WONDERFUL day. I felt so blessed and I missed them so much after they went home. I was lonesome for them...they are such special boys!