Preschool

Crew started another year of preschool yesterday. Even though he is old enough for kindergarten we decided to send him to the deaf preschool again. We are hoping this year will give him a better communication base before he starts kindergarten.

So far, I can already see the situation is so much better this year. Last year we had problems with fatigue. The day was too long. The school reported that studies have shown the preschool kids don't benefit from a full day. Really, I could have told them that! So, they have decreased the preschool day to only 4 hours. This is still longer than the 1/2 day kindergarten students. Another plus is that Crew will be the last one picked up and the first one dropped off so the transportation time has been reduced significantly. Last year he was the first one picked up and last dropped off. This year they are sending a van (instead of the bus) to pick him up. He rides with 3 other deaf children and they are all so sweet and adorable.

The ride home is just Crew and one other deaf preschooler. How nice!

It's been hard seeing the other neighbor kids his age get ready for kindergarten. They are so excited. They know their colors and letters and can write their names. What a huge contrast to just wanting child to be able to make a simple request like, "water please!".

Carl gave Crew a fathers blessing on Sunday night. We try to do that every year before school starts. Crew folded his arms the whole time and was just so happy. Afterwards we all gave him a hug and when it was my turn he squealed with excitement. I love the way the spirit touches him:)

Most of the time I don't quite know what Crew is thinking. We tried to tell him that he would be going off to school but until we walked outside with the backpack and his walker I don't think he had any idea. He was so excited while we were outside waiting so I do think that at least he knew something EXCITING was happening.

The teacher reports he had a good first day! He came home happy... and that is really something:)

Provo River 1/2 Marathon

We haven't been to Bridal Veil Falls since the boys were just little. Its such a beautiful time of year up the canyon and we really enjoyed a weekend away.

The whole purpose of this trip was to run the Provo River 1/2 Marathon. I've been looking forward to it since I registered last March. Unfortunately, my ITB issue kept me from running it. It was just going to be S, Carl and I running but since I wasn't participating we brought H along too!

I drove Carl and S to the buses early in the morning like 5 AM. They were bussed to the start line. The race didn't start until after 7 so they were up there for awhile trying to stay warm. We had an unusually cold weekend for August.

H and I didn't show up at the finish line until a little after 8. We got to see the first place finishers cross the line. I always get a tad bit emotional at races. Racing has been in my blood since high school. Plus, knowing my 12 year old was out there running 13.1 miles just adds to those emotions. It was hard not participating but it was good to spend time with H.




















Carl and S stayed together for the 1st mile and then S pulled ahead. I was worried about him running alone. I didn't know if he would be able to pace himself well enough to have something left at the end. We waited at the 13 mile marker and when he came around the corner I was so excited. He looked good and strong and he was. S finished with a PR of 1:54:04. I was trying to find S in all the crowds and I missed Carl finishing in just over 2 hours. It was his 1st half marathon and I think he was pleased with his time. Both of them had a good experience. They said the course was beautiful and very much downhill.

Double Digits

I can't believe this guy is 10 years old already! Every birthday brings back the fond memories of H's birth. The labor and delivery were a breeze compared to the other two. I'll never forget the first words out of the nurse's mouth, "He has a full head of hair and a dimple". Ah yes, we were in love!

H brings much fun and laughter to our home. He is a joyful boy, carefree, and quick to forgive.

As of late, H has been the one who can get Crew calmed down at bedtime. Often I am too exhausted (and there is still so much to do by nightfall) that I am unable to spend the time getting Crew to sleep. H will take Crew into the bedroom and go through a nighttime ritual where they talk to Mickey Mouse and wrestle before laying down to sleep. I don't know how he does it but its working for him.


All H really wanted this year was to have a sleepover with his 3 best friends. These 4 boys play together all the time so it is really no big deal to have them over. They watched "Twilight" and "Bedtime Stories", jumped on the tramp and had cake and icecream. I love low key parties, yes I do!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAMMER!