Raising the bar

On Friday the seminary co-ordinator met with me to go over my responsibilities as the seminary principal. Turns out that our building has the worst tardy rate of all the seminaries in the area and he is hoping I can do something about it. Right! I spent the weekend contemplating different ideas to inspire the kids to come on time. Over half of the kids come in after 7:15. I discovered that the kids think seminary starts at 7:10 not 7:00 so they think 7:15 is okay. I wanted to find a way to help them that would be fun and motivating, hoping that would give us a better chance of success. So today I presented the plan to raise the bar. Starting next week I will be taking roll at the door. Each of the kids will have to check in with me as they come in the building so I will get to know them by name and know which class they are in. Tardy's will be counted starting at 7:05. The classes are divided by grade with the freshman in one class, sophomores & juniors together and seniors in their own class. For the month of March they will compete as classes to see which class will have the lowest number of tardies. That class will get a reward breakfast at the end of the month. Since some of the kids will come on time and end up not getting the breakfast due to others in their class, in April we will be rewarding individual students. Those who come on time for March and April with no tardies for 2 months will be treated to breakfast at the end of April. Believe it or not they did not stone me for this. Quite a few of them liked the idea, then there was the lukewarm crowd who may or may not participate, and of course the "no way am I doing that" group. I don't know how this will go but we are giving it our best shot for now. Talking with the teacher that I had subbed for in November I commented that I wasn't sure I was the right person to get this done. She replied that I was the only person who could get it done as I already have a reputation for being strict. I wasn't sure how I felt about that but Kelly assured me that it was a good thing. In the meantime any of you who have suggestions on how to motivate and inspire teenagers to be on time please let me know!

Learning to embrace . . .

The last few months have been one challenge after another. There are times when I have wondered what's up with this? Can we not get one finished before the next one drops on us? How many things can we handle all at once? Enough already!! But as usual Heavenly Father has a different plan. For whatever reason He seems to think we are capable of handling all of this at once, so we are trying to trust and accept that answer. Last week I could feel the discouragement setting in, not just with me but it seemed to permeate the entire household. As I reflected on where we are and how long we've been there I realized that we are going to have to find a way to embrace these challenges and not just endure them. Instead of just trying to survive hoping that time alone will push us through we need to take an active role in the process. What is it that Heavenly Father would have us learn? What areas do we need to grow? How can we find joy in this particular journey? As I have prayed more deeply and sincerely, tried to be more diligent in my scripture study, been more on top of my callings and looked for ways to be of service to others I have felt better. While no answers or relief have come, I have felt peace and reassurance that all will be well. I just have to be patient and let Heavenly Father work on His time frame instead of trying to convince Him to use mine.

Definitely celebrate!

Eight down - two to go!!! Riley & Kelly have both graduated from high school. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kelly officially graduated on January 30, 2009 & Riley graduated February 12, 2009. Congratulations to you both!!!

Riley Kelly

To celebrate or not to celebrate . . .

As previously mentioned Riley & Kelly are turning 18 - tomorrow in fact. I am uncertain whether or not this is something to celebrate. We have been listening to the "when I am 18" speeches for weeks if not months now so I'm sure that the rollercoaster ride is about to commence. Since they are number 7 & 8 in line to turn 18 you would think I'd have this down, but I am not looking forward to watching two more navigate the minefield of young adult life. We are taking odds on how long it will take before they realize that turning 18 does not mean total freedom from responsibility but in fact the exact opposite as we move from the manager role to the consultant role and they begin to take responsibility for their lives. Anyone want to step in and oversee this process for the next few years? We'll take them back when it's over!

Amazing people

I am truly blessed and surrounded by amazing people. Kelly really wanted an 18th birthday party which Joe nor I were up to planning and carrying out so our trusty live in helpers (Brian & Katie) took the reins and put together a Survivor themed party for the girls. I am always blown away by Katie's talent and dedication to anything she works on. She made an amazing Tiki mask cake, shopped at every party store in the region for tiki torches and other Survivor theme items, went online and found a variety of games for the kids to play as well as created an invitation with the Survivor logo on it. Brian took the reins in the kitchen and made kabobs, and virgin pina colada's, and strawberry daquiries. We were all amused when in the middle of the party Kaitlin asked "are these virgin drinks?" No Kait we are getting you all drunk! They planned the party for the weekend before their actual birthday so they could have the traditional family dinner on their day. Everything was geared around being outdoors - but mother nature took control and provided some much needed moisture for two days. I was in favor of leaving it outdoors - it was Survivor after all - but I was voted out as no one else wanted a bunch of wet muddy unhappy girls & guys on their hands so the party was moved indoors. Despite some party crashers, some jumping on the couch (yes the guests were 17 & 18) and throwing the candy from the pinata hard enough that I was washing it off the walls the next day, the party was a success. Thank you Brian & Katie for once again stepping up and making life wonderful!

How do you do it?

As is obvious by the time between posts I am not very good at blogging! I think about it often but for whatever reason just don't follow through. I guess a part of me still struggles to put things out in cyberspace. It is much easier to talk face to face or to specific individuals by email than it is to just "journal" to an unknown audience. As I read other blogs so many of you seem so at ease with this, how do you get there?