Wednesday, July 4, 2012

OK so its been 7 months since I've posted. Its not that I haven't tried or wanted to...I changed something...somewhere... and can't hook my photos up to the posts.  (I really like posting with a picture - you'll notice I have rarely posted without one)  Well you can still see my recent uploads to flicker on the side so if you see something that catches your eye - you'll have to click on it and look at it on flicker.  Lots going on the last few months.  I broke my pelvis the last day of March and told everyone about it on April 1st - yes everyone believed me even though it was April fools day.  I am lots better but in the mean time we have gotten Dalton in to see several specialists about his uniqueness.  Turns out his hearing is great. His Speech Therapist called him brilliant several times during his visit this week - so he is for sure high functioning, but on the spectrum - only, in Utah insurance companies exclude Autism Spectrum Disorders - so if we get him diagnosed (like we were going to) all of the therapies, and treatments that he needs aren't covered. I'm torked!  At least we can get his elopement (running away) as a separate diagnosis so maybe it will be covered... (not holding my breath).  We are re-arranging our family life to accommodate his peculiarities (fenced and gated yard, locked doors, safety vests, personal tracking devices, and lots of retraining of family members to always know where he is and to keep everything latched and locked all the time) (I really want a service animal but don't have an extra 10K) it is going well though.  The kids have really taken the responsibility to heart (and the neighbors are helping out too - they have saved him once already).  The last few months have been anything but boring... Life is good though. Love you guys - Angie

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Hi, I am working on My Cub Scout Centennial Award so I am going to talk about some of the Cub Scouting activities that I have done this past year.
I went to national public lands day in September and I helped clean up trash.  It was hard work but it was also fun.  I worked for about 4 hours. I cleaned up soda cans and water bottles and I even went super far out and found a Hershey's chocolate bar wrapper.  My family made a game of who could find the most garbage - and it was actually fun.  I'll be there again next year.

I also got to attend at flag retirement ceremony.  We cut the flag into small parts and made a little fire.  We took each part and burned the parts one at a time.  It was a special time and I was glad to be there.  It made me feel the spirit.  I was glad to perform this service.

-Ethan

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year to all.  The kids are finally all off to school again.  Wow! having all 5 home for that long makes me grateful for activities that get them out of the house! It was 10 days of pajama days and video games.  It wouldn't have been so bad but all of their extra curricular activities were canceled too.

So good news for me I have been the second councilor in my primary presidency for over 3 years now, and Cub Scouts is finally staffed by people that not only will do the job, but seem to care about the job.  Cub Scouts is a job that can take a lot out of you, but if your enthusiastic about your calling and really get into it - it will give a lot back.  So kudos to everyone out there that takes pride in doing their best and is willing to serve.  Matt got complimented on his Sunday School class a while ago.  He loves it, works hard at it, and always gives his best.  But the compliment wasn't on being well prepared, or always there.  It was on how he seems to enjoy his calling, and that this person doesn't see that very often.  How sad!  It would be a miserable life never enjoying the service you have the opportunity to do. (Just because you were asked to do it doesn't mean its not service - I have seen those who have said they would do a job and then hate every min. of it.)

Here is wishing you a year full of great opportunities and happiness.

Love Angie

Story Telling Competition Nov 2011

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Story Telling Competition Nov 2011
Originally uploaded by Excell Clan

2nd Place Great Job! He worked hard on his story. He practiced more than Amberli. Poor kid is destined to work harder than his sisters, and always come in second.

Story Telling Competition Nov 2011

Story Telling Competition Nov 2011
Originally uploaded by Excell Clan

Highest Score. Amberli scored the highest in her grade. But because she is in 2nd grade they didn't rank her. You have to be in 3rd to move forward in the competition. Ethan and her were in the same category. He got 96 points out of 80 and got 2nd place. Amberli got 98 points and didn't get anything but a participation certificate. (if they would have ranked her Ethan would have been bumped to 3rd)

Farmer Girl goes to work!

Pictures 11-11-11
Originally uploaded by Excell Clan

This summer I was working on the back yard and was building a wall and moving some dirt. I borrowed Papa Hall's tractor to help. Sammi came out and wanted to ride on it while I worked. I told her that she couldn't because she was in her PJ's. She ran inside to get dressed. This is the outfit she came out in. Spaghetti straps, High heels, and pearls. . . She got her tractor ride.

Pumkin Hunting Oct'11

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Pumkin Hunting Oct'11
Originally uploaded by Excell Clan

Hunting Pumpkins at Paragoohna (no I didn't spell it right - thanks for noticing) We had a blast. It was late in the season, Like the 18th or so and there weren't many large pumpkins left, but plenty of little ones to buy so we can load them up on the catapult tomorrow and give them a "lift". (I'll be letting Mom Hall class pumpkin Chunkin on Monday - 3rd graders, pumpkins, and a catapult....what could possibly go wrong...?)