The Tribe 5

Rhetten 5 months old

2012-02-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Rhetten is now 5 months old. He is soooo expressive, just thought I'd share some cute pictures.

Mama loving on her boy.

WOW! This is my "Ahhhhhhhhh" expression.

Lean forward and get ready to drool expression.

Look at those eyes! He is a visual learner. As we teach Marianne sign, he just watches and hand babbles along with us.

Ahhhhhh, soooooo sweet!

He is all eyes for daddy in this picture. This is how he looks at him almost all the time. Wonderful! That's connection...That is love!

Hi mommy....

I'm signing to him and he is babbling right back.

Handsome! 'nuf said.

Look at my sister! Are you getting this down? Help!

She is signing to Rhetten. what a good big sister. I have a nickname for him....Red.

Talents!

2012-02-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Talents...My Garrett has them in abundance. After listening to Temple Grandin, he said, "I can make things with tape and poster-board ..." And here's what he came up with...

He worked on these for about a month. Each one is labeled and scientifically categorized,

I am in awe...my brain has no idea how he is able to do this.

I love the mammals. He just looks awesome. I wish that I could capture what the look like in person.

The "brontoscropion" is the one that freaks out Marianne. She signs "scary!" each time she sees it. (he also drew the porpoises in the background.

If you are bored, count up all the teeth. Margaret got up to 126...

Still counting...

Garrett entered the entire collection in our art competition. He took 2nd. He still was able to go to district where he place 2nd again. Not bad. Happy he did as well as he did.

The Rocket Boys!

2012-01-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

ROCKETS! The term: A cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents.

The term for the Giauque's: Fun, Fun, and more fun! They built the rockets from scratch, painted, sanded, painted, glued, re-glued, loaded engines and ta-da! You have created fun!

What is a piece of bubble gum doing in here? ISAAC!!!!!

Scott captured this one right before it launched off. It was flew the highest that day...AWESOME!

And there is goes!!!! Up, up and away! Look towards heaven boys; the right way to go!

This went up a few times that day, but by the end, the boys weren't able to catch it and it was bent...but we cut off the bent part and ta-da! It was ready to fly again.

Grandpa thought that this was great, so he had to do a launch. It wasn't as loud as his cannon, but just as fun!

The Rocket Master...Scott has been building rockets like these for a long time. His dad taught him, and now he is teaching the boys. ahhhh! Traditions!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! Christmas Eve and the girls are showing off their new Christmas dresses/vests that Grandma made!

Marianne had the same, but she had a red skirt instead of a green one.

Surprise! Good Evening Mr. Rhetten!

"The Girls" Lovely!

Happy Babies! Mama loves her kids and look all smiles for Christmas Eve!

Grandma Ann never says never...she goes all out...way out! What would we do without her? She knows how to stretch the dollar and make it like the "Annis" days of old.

Garrett and his cousin Ean. They are the two wise men...we ran out of wisdom.

They are thinking that this will be the best Christmas ever! Isaac is sure that he is getting the Lego set of the world...Kellis is sure of it too!

Grandma and Grandpa...they huddled on the couch and had a wonderful time. I think that this is a great picture of them.

Grandma Ann! She worked so hard to make this night so lovely for all of us. I hope she knows how much we all appreciate it.

Cousin Nathanial. He is the "eldest" on the Giauque side of the family and he is a great example for Kellis. Good times!

WOW!! I swear it is the eyes. Virginia has a light about her this night...Margaret has such a happiness about her it made the night wonderful!

The Girls and Grandpa Dale. Best smile of the night!

Garrett and Grandpa Dale. He really loves his Grandpa. It just gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling.

Best game of the night: watch Marianne chase and try to capture the laser.

I got it! I got it!! I don't got it :(

The Madre and the Padre...it was just a wonderful night.

My First Christmas!! YES! If all the rest of them are like this one, well, bring it on!

Grandma Ann gave Marianne a turtle that "lights up". The shell has star shapes and lights up the room with stars shapes everywhere. IT is cool!

Do I have to say anything?? Or does the picture capture it all?

Big time DITTO!

My first Christmas...

Why did we even bother buying anything? Boxes...it is true! They only want to play in the box.

My stash from everyone. I feel so blessed: my family was all together, we had peace, we had comfort, and most of all, there was just such love this night!

I love my Santa Apron. Sometimes cooking in a fun apron makes it all worth while!

Christmas morning....

Grandpa capturing the mayhem....

Marianne all smiles for daddy...

Let the games.....BEGIN!

This is the first step to her stopping cart. Right now she is playing chariot race.

In a family of 11, you just need to have a robe.

After Christmas, we went to see the lights. Ahhhhh, Beautiful!

This picture is one of my favorites...I love how Scott captured the full reflection of the tree and the nativity scene.

All the family minus Rhetten, he kept Grandma company at home.

Eternal reflections...I love that by the birth of a little baby, so much love was brought to the world. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

2011 Christmas Letter

2011-12-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! It’s that time of year to gather together as friends, neighbors, and family and share in the spirit of giving, reflecting, and rejoicing! Let’s begin with the spirit of giving. In 2011 we were fortunate enough to give gifts of time, talents, and blessings. Kellis was able to give time to be the “big brother” example to all of his siblings. Garrett was able to give his artistic talent to many people and it brought amazed smiles to all their faces! Isaac was able to make his baby sister laugh. Margaret shared her talent of drawing and designing in creating many dresses for her sisters.

Virginia gave her time to mommy in helping her to chop, cut, and prepare meals. Marianne gave her happy-go-lucky spirit to help us all laugh and remember that life is filled with joy, and Rhetten gave his strength and “cooing” smiles to everyone. Scott gave of his time, his energy, and his talents in providing for our large family of 9. I was able to grow and give birth to our 7^th edition to our family. In 2011 we were given the blessing of reflecting: In this reflection I saw Kellis make a very difficult but wise decision to exercise great faith and move to a different school, accomplish the challenges that faced him, do outstanding in his honors classes, and become Deacon Quorum President, go to the Temple quarterly to help his ancestors, and mature into a fine young man.

In 2011 we were given the blessing of reflecting: In this reflection I saw Kellis make a very difficult but wise decision to exercise great faith and move to a different school, accomplish the challenges that faced him, do outstanding in his honors classes, and become Deacon Quorum President, go to the Temple quarterly to help his ancestors, and mature into a fine young man. Garrett was able to learn that 6^th grade isn’t “that bad” and that his little sister loves to hug him, and that he and Grandma Sue have a very special relationship. He lives in the present and helps us to remember that the now is what is important.

Isaac was able to make great gains with his reading and is now challenging many in his class by the example that he has set. He was also blessed with energy to walk, bike, or roller-blade to school daily. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to the Gospel and his teachers praise him for his answers. I saw Margaret make huge strides in success in second grade. She is able to complete the homework challenges and she is the best biggest sister to Marianne. She helps her get out of bed in the morning, holds her, dresses her up, and teaches her how to dance. She is becoming more and more sure of herself.

Virginia gained more confidence in her relationships and was able to share more of her talents—especially her humor—with her family. She has the prettiest smile and captures the hearts of many of us with her helpful attitude. Marianne made great gains in her sign language, her ability to wait patiently with a large family, and she was able to entertain, dazzle, and make us break out into full belly laughs with her clowning around. Rhetten was able to remind us all how precious life is and to enjoy the present moment.

Scott and April were able to grow closer as a couple and as a friend in sharing the ups and downs of raising a large family. Scott played his guitar more and rekindled an electronic hobby that helps to relax and restore him. April was able to write and publish three articles and found satisfaction in helping many how to better understand Autism and Deafness.

And Finally in 2011 we all rejoiced in the many things we did together: camping in Yellowstone, lighting off fireworks, BBQ’s with families, hiking* Martin’s Cove, staying in the cabins, driving, talking, laughing, sharing stories, growing in the gospel, learning from our mistakes, and our challenges, and rejoicing in being a family. When Rhetten joined our family, I rejoiced in knowing that he was brought safely into this world by a wonderful doctor. We rejoice in the Gospel, in our friendships, and in helping others to feel good.

Finally, we—the Giauque’s—rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ loves all of us. We rejoice that His Birth, Life, Death, Atonement, and Resurrection are for all of us. In and through him we find our true happiness. Merry Christmas everyone! We love you all and look forward to 2012!

Sleepy Spaghetti

2011-12-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the day is too long, hard, fun, or a combo of it all and the result is....well the picture explains it all.

She was signing Spaghetti and the just fell asleep...Kurplop!

Nighty-Night!

I think my favorite part is that you can see the word "Joy" and the hand still clutching the noodles.

One for the record books: Sleepy Spaghetti....there's always a first to everything.

A Little of this, and that...

2011-12-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Little man in his bear suit...

Look at me! I'm a bear cub!

Watch out! My claws are swinging!

Christmas Adventures

2011-12-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Marianne at the deaf community center Christmas program.

We went to the Sorenson Center for the Santa's workshop....Marianne loved the bounce-house the best.

Look at me run!

Grandma Ann holding Rhetten...time flies!

The Size up....who is going to go first? Garrett or Marianne? What is she thinking? I know what Garrett is thinking....

A Little encouragement from Grandma...NOT going to happen!

What do you think I'm going to do? Smell it?

Ward Christmas party! Garrett: Hey Santa I want a-" Santa: Now wait a minute, I want to know what you are going to give--" Garrett: I don't have time for this! I want a--. Santa: You must share what you are going to give.... Garrett: Fine fine! I'll help Marianne...that better? Now I want a..."

Marianne is copying mommy...

Kellis is the Deacon's President and the middle wise man...Just love this kid!

Marianne as she watches the Nativity.

Mom is signing the song, Joy to the World...and Marianne is ignoring me again.

Marianne getting into trouble...

Mom just looked up and was caught signing...

Someone just came into the room! Who can it be??

Garrett and the baby girl...

Santa and some of the crew.

Yummy candy!

Virginia: she is so pretty, so happy, and my best helper! Her nick-name is "Ginny chop-chop!" She helps cut the Sunday potatoes. I'm proud of her.

Margaret Susanna...what a doll! She is growing so tall and is our piano, singing, artist superstar!

Sooooooooo Pretty!

Marianne kept on helping hand Santa more and more candy. She just loves to help!

Weird Science!

2011-12-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

Here is the Science Project:

Will the increased amounts of vinegar and baking soda produce a louder sound then the decreased amount of vinegar and baking soda?

Hypothesis: I predict that the “boom” sound that is produced by a Baking Soda Bomb Group A containing 2.5 dl Vinegar and 30ml of Baking Soda will be the loudest sound because it will create the most amount of carbon dioxide gas therefore building up enough pressure in the bottle.

Procedure:

Unscrew cap, and empty water bottle
Place the funnel into the empty water bottle

Measure the vinegar by using a glass measuring cup
Pour measured vinegar into the empty bottle

Pour measured vinegar into the empty bottle

Use tablespoon to measure out baking soda

Place measured baking soda on a napkin
Wrap napkin into a tight wad

Shove napkin wad into the bottle. Quickly screw on cap
Shake bottle for 2 seconds. Throw bottle into the air by using an “under-dog” toss. Observe the crash/splitting/sliding bottle and measure the sound. Collect the data.

The Launch..........

The blur.........

The flying bottle.................

The impact zone.....SPLAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It landed here.....and clear over here......

General Observations: I observed that when the bottle hit the ground at a vertical or at a 45 degree angle, the bottle had a more violent explosion. The angle in which the bottle hit the ground was critical to creating the loudest sound. I observed that when I threw the bottle straight up it would make a louder noise then when I threw it in an arch. I also observed that with the Control Group on the second trial the cap leaked causing a hissing sound, and no explosion. I also noticed that two of the bottles within Group A leaked causing no explosion. In Group B I observed that two extremes happened: the one of the bottles exploded, one slide and rocketed across the ground, while the third was silent. And finally in Group C, one of the bottles completely shattered rocketing the cap 30 feet away, while another split and the cap was found 10 feet away from the explosion.

Calculations: I based my sound scale from 1-5 with 1 being no sound to 5 being the loudest sound. I then took three trials for each group and added it then divided it by 3 and came up with the average. I used the chart to gather the information. I used the bar graph to show the results of each group. I saw that in the nearly every second trial of each group the sound increased. I also observed that the average was typically lower then one of the trials. Based on the graph you can observe that Group C had the loudest sound result.

Conclusion: Based on the evidence collected the hypothesis was proven incorrect. Group C produced the loudest sounds and force to split the bottles open. The bottles in Group C hit at a vertical or a 45 degree angle. According to the hypothesis, predicting that the “boom” sound that was produced by a Baking Soda Bomb Group A containing 4.0 dl Vinegar and 30 ml Baking Soda would be the loudest sound because it would create the most amount of carbon dioxide gas therefore building up enough pressure in the bottle to explode, it should have been the loudest. Through more observation of Group A the space available in the bottle after filling it with the vinegar did not have sufficient space to allow the pressure to build up.

What I learned was that when you have 2.5 dl of vinegar and 12.5 ml of baking soda it tended to make the loudest explosion, again based on the angle of the bottle as it hit the ground. The angle really affects the intensity of the explosion. This was the surprising element of this experiment. I did not expect this to be the case. I would like to research why the angle of the bottle has such a huge affect on the outcome of the experiment.

What mom learned? read the homework packet 2 weeks in advance so that we don't have a 24 hour marathon to complete the work. Noted, and checked!

The Talented Margaret

2011-12-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to dress up! Margaret is the fashion designer. She comes up with more dress up then anyone I know. She needs to be the center of it all and the director as well. Marianne and Virginia are great sports. They really end up having a lot of fun. It is great!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Marianne is reaching for the salt and pepper. It is her favorite thing to do...shake it all over the tablecloth!

Some of the family gathered together...the "adult" table. It was just nice to talk, eat, laugh...best holiday ever!

Dale say hi and just relaxing.

This year we set up the real "garage band" and let everyone have a crack at it. Marianne? She took off and just beat up a storm!

Kellis is jamming to the beat! Go M go!

Grandpa is getting into it as well. He is hamming it all up. ta-da-ta-da-ta-da-da-da!

Feel the rhythm....bam bam bam!

The family band....Marianne at the center of it all. Love this family!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

2011-12-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Rhetten and Marianne....just taking a little tubby time.

Marianne is trying to kiss his hand. He is focused on other things like the running water. They just love the tub.

She finally gives him a kiss. ahhhhhh so cute!

Sledding

2011-12-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Garrett loves sledding!

Margaret Loves sledding!! Isn't she cute?

Virginia and Marianne....Marianne is not so sure that she is going to like sledding....

oh wait, yep! She is sure! She just likes it the best with her brother.

Here are Isaac and Kellis...green sleds going off the mother run........

Virginia and Marianne....WIPE-OUT!

Isaac and Marianne. She is getting dog tired.

SQUEALING!!!! SCREAMING!!! And having soooooo much fun. She had a great day on the hill.

All meeting up at the bottom of the hill. Look at those little legs and tiny boots...so cute!

The end of the wipe-out....

This is a view from the hill over looking Bountiful and the Great Salt Lake. It was crystal clear!

Beautiful!

The First Snow of the Season

2011-12-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

What's all this white stuff?

Marianne saw snow last year, but this year, she really gets into it. This snow fell on November 9, 2011. Awesome!

She is giggling...she is trying to sign: snow. But with gloves on it just looks like pointing.

Screams with delight! Virginia just taught her how to eat the snow. Look! my first Snowman!

Garrett runs outside anytime it is snowing and he HAS to make a snowman. He even has his own "snowman" kit complete with sticks, carrots, rocks, and a hat. He always names them "Sam". I love the tradition.

Maggie-Sue built her first snowman...she is pretty proud of it. She calls her snowman sammy.

These snowflakes were monstrous!

This is Isaac rolling the snowman. He is like a puppy in the snow. He has to make sure that he has touched every bit of snow and leave his tracks everywhere.

See, yuumy snow.....

Temple Grandin...A day I'll never forget!

2011-11-05T05:14:00.000-06:00

Temple Grandin came to our school to visit the students and to help us (as Spectrum team members) to know how to better improve the lives of our students. I captured the conversation on tape and wow...she blows my mind. It was an honor to meet her and to gain the insight that she has.

We sat at the luncheon and just let her talk about ways to improve teaching children who have ASD. She talked about 5 key points: 1) the students need to learn how to work, 2) get hands on projects--it you have an old engine, bring it in and have the kids take it apart and rebuild it. 3) Video games are today's heroin or eye candy...life is not meant to be entertaining...it's hard work! 4) teach manners, and 5) let the students work sell the student.

She talked about how the HBO movie really did a great job of how she thinks in pictures, and all the drawings, sketches, and projects in the movie are all hers. Yep she is eating meatballs, salad, soup, and fruit and chocolate for dessert. I'm a witness.

Temple is telling us about her "1950's" up bringing and how she is "disgusted" how society can't even talk or communicate with each other, much less those on the Spectrum. She said that if she struggled in a subject she would seek out a tutor for help. If she needed to learn how to get around in a city, then she would get a map and learn how. She is "disgusted" at "how many ASD adults are on welfare playing video games..." Interesting stuff!

Temple is showing up how the "Spectrum" works and where she is on it.

As a founding parent of Spectrum Academy, this picture means a lot. I never thought that I would meet someone who is so inspiring for so many and that I would get to have a picture of she and I together? This is just cool stuff!

Marcie and Audra...They helped make the contacts to have her come to the school. Nice work!

Both of our Administrators: Annette Davis on the left and Rebecca Peterson on the right.

Temple visiting Kindergarten: Miss Liz's classroom. She was really smiling when she walked in this room.

Greetings and meetings. One thing that Temple talked about was always making improvements: she still has a social coach that helps her to improve her social skills. For example, when she is asked questions at an assembly, she now visualizes a stop watch that is set for 60 seconds and has only that about of time to answer the question. And when the time is up, she'll stop.

More classrooms...

Reading a story....

Meeting our amazing teacher, Miss Jandy!

This is Temple meeting my son Isaac. I love the eye to eye contact in this picture. She is really sizing him up and he felt it. I love how she is checking him out!

Temple, Me, and Isaac. Isaac was nervous for this picture and as you can see, he is just about as far away, but still close enough to make an impact. I'm just so proud of him for taking the picture...

These next few pictures give you an idea of how packed our gym was. We were at wall to wall and floor to floor. So many people were empowered by this moment that we had many tearful moms and dads in the audience...me included.

More and more people...

As Temple was talking it suddenly hit me...8 parents with one idea...look at it! We build one school, then another, and now we able to help 300+ students and soon another 200...I just became so overwhelmed that I was sobbing. It is an amazing thing to take an idea, put it on paper, set goals, and pour in hard work...look what it can accomplish!

She answered many questions, but the one that I liked the best was this: Student: "Do you still use your "squeeze" machine?" Temple: "Well it broke a few years back and so now...now I just get hugs from people." See, improvements all the time.

This is Garrett enjoying the show. Temple: "work on your strengths as well as your deficits. Remember, Different...Not Less!"

My heart is full...just like this gym. My heart is inspired...just like the people in this gym. And my enthusiasm and drive to improve the lives of my family and my students is full...just like this gym.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-05T04:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween! Thanks to many hour of work and preperation Halloween of 2011 went off with a bang! We had homemade costumes (thanks grandma and Jessica), two birthday parties, and one very successful Trick or Treat!

I hate my costume! I hate my Costume!!

Here we all are...well, except for Marianne. She was NOT going to have her picture taken. Oh well. I'm Gizelle, Rhetten is an owl, Isaac is a Hobo, Kellis is a Hippy, Garett is a "Ware-Rabbit", Ginny-bear is a Witch, and Margaret is the Pirate Gypsie!

Now that is one good looking crew!

This is Lord Demo-vat. Garrett has been working on this project for a month. He constructed it our of poster-board. It has working leg joints, knees, ankles, hips, elbows...all pieces colored--even the parts that are covered up by the fabic that he disigned...Let's just say that the creative team from Lord of the Rings would have been proud.

I was the tour guide and I helped the trick-or-treaters enter the "crypt" and they looked at the "fake" wall that Scott had constructed and heard and saw a projected image of terror flash on to the screen! Complete with full sound track, flashing lights, and a graveyard. IT was over the top!

The dancing Gypsie...she danced from 7-9pm...Pretty spookey!

The family of Pumpkins: Dad and mom on the porch, then all 7 + grandma and grandpa on the sidewalk.

Just the everyday...

2011-11-05T04:09:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, you just have to capture everyday life. It's the small stuff that helps to keep you going: family dinners, car rides, and well, Sunday evenings at the park. Just the everyday...it keeps it real.

Garrett concored the jungle gym. Love the caption on his shirt: I do my own stunts.

Kellis pushing Marianne on the swing. She is holding on...I hope she is enjoying it.

I did it April!

Me and my monkey

Just one more push...please!

Look at me! Look at me! If I could have captured it better I would have Isaac in the picture with his pouty face and angry expression. He could never climb up and do what Kellis did...and he was mad!

Mom has...no hands! WOW! What a strong little gal!

IS she loving this or what?

Look at my glasses...Aren't I a pretty girl? Just having fun and playing around.

October Fun

2011-11-05T03:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the Giauque's! Uncle Marc has three children all born in October and then we have two in October, so every year Ann goes all out. And this year was AWESOME! We went to Black Island Farms and saw the animals, went through a cron maze, did slides, train rides, magic show, and picked pumpkins. It was awesome!

Little Marianne checking out the slides...

Smile! She loved the horsey and cattle swings. She just kept running over there all the time and was giving her dad a run for his money.

Ummmm, yah...it's a goat.

Ummmmm, yah, it's a llama....

Up at the top....will she go down? Will she??? Nope! Just want to tease dad.

Holy Cow!! I'm a big girl now!

Way-to-go Ean! You finally got her off the slides.

Cousins...best picture of the day. Love, friendship, energy...the picture captures it all.

Ean and Grandpa. Just priceless.

Ride like the Wind Bulls-Eye!

Marianne and Garrett. Garret went on the train ride 8 straight times. It was a good thing that there wasn't a long line. He just camped in the back of that little cart and had the time of his life.

Mama's arms...that is where Rhetten sleeps the best. It is wonderful to hold him. I know I'm gonna miss these days.

Sweet...

This is the best expression of the night. Garrett's shear joy and Marianne's sweet spirit...then there is Kellis: protective and loving of his brother's and sisters...my heart is full.

I got a pumpkin and really FAT pumpkin!!

Happy Margaret. Truely happy!

Smiles!

Is this big enough?? I love Ean's enthusiasm for life. He is filled with passion. Nice work sir!

Rhetten is Blessed

2011-11-05T03:40:00.000-06:00

Baby Rhetten is Blessed...October 23, 2011.

The family just keeps on growing. Here we all are: Becks, Tribes, and three sets of Giauque's: Ann and Dale, Marc and his family, and of course the 9 of us.

Mama and baby Rhetten in his blessing suit. This is a keep sake that will be handed down to all the grandson's for their blessing.

ahhhhhh, so sweet.

Believe it or not, this is the best picture of the family. The sun was just a little too bright and Marianne kept on kicking Garrett. Good times!

Proud Mama and Dada...We've waited a long time for this little man to come and wow--we are thrilled that he is here.

Birthdays....

2011-11-05T03:31:00.000-06:00

Garrett had a GREAT birthday!

When you have two October birthdays so close together (30th, 31st)...What do you do?
1. Make a plan
2. Stick to the plan
3. Budget for the plan, and then...
4. Execute the plan
The result?
The best Birthday ever!!!

Here are all the buddies at the Party!

STAR WARS LEGOS!

Todd was the birthday guest!

WOW!!! I can't belive it! I got two of the same thing. That's ok...I can make anything with it!

I love you GRANDMA!!! You are the Best! Why? Because she gives me Star Wars The Clone Wars Season three!!!

The Spooky walk through the Dinosaur Park. It was very creepy!

OUCH! It's Got Me! It's Got me!!

RUN for your LIVES!!!

This is my friend! He came o my party just for me. Let me introduce myself, I'm Garrett and this is Bracheosaurus.

I think he needs to come home with me.

Howdy Dudy at the Dino Park

Good Bye for now.

Hold on Tight Marianne!

Margaret's Birthday Party. She is 8! It is Great! And her Party was the best!

AHHHHH!! We are super scared! Not the big Spider!

All my friends from Left to Right: Anna, Page, Me of course, Anni, and my Binni-Bear!

Activities for the Birthday party: making cupcakes, painting pumpkins, painting puppets, making bows, and of course Eating Candy!

Yum, yum Eat it up!

Smile! Love that frostin grin!

Anna from Egypt. She called her's the Crown Cupcake

Talk, talk, talk....it was so nice to hear giggles, laughter, and have their fun personalities just paint a picture of fun.

Yum yum eat 'em up!

Ginny-bears....alllllll smiles! She had just as much fun as all the other girls. It was refreshing

Chef Kellis with the masterpiece super delux cupcake.

The bubble-gum eyed super lip cupcake...brought to you by Isaac.

The Tower of Cupcake POWER! These were supposed to go to the friends around the block, but by the time we had finished the party...the power tower of cupcakes was well...

The friends! oh ya, plus Kellis.

This is my "oh my heck, like I totally , like, can't, like believe it! Like WOW. Like I have the best gift ever!" look.

YES!! Oh yah, oh yah!

ahhhh, the cutest witch at the party...just looks at those eyes! The better to see you with my dear!!!

I'm the cutest, yes I am!

Look what I can do...stick my tounge out. Can you do that? Look again...

Boo at the Zoo finished off Margaret's party. It was a full day and one to remember.

Sisters...they love and bug each other, but overall, they would be lost without each other.

Just some silliness

Look at the Giraffes! They are my favorite. Two reasons: 1) they are quiet, and 2) the little bumps on their heads...well they remind me of when Garrett was little...he had the same little nobby bumps.

Sweet sisters....

And then we have the not so sweet...

Here we all are. I love my family. And spending time at the Zoo, at a party, and just all together? Priceless!

all smiles!

My sweet witch. Can this girl take a picture or what? So pretty!

Rhetten's first Zoo trip. I'm sure there are few hundred more in his future...complete with Garrett as his built in tour guide.

I love my baby boy. Just me and him...ahhh!

Rhetten was not so sure about this photo op.

Happy Birthday Margaret! You are my first born daughter in the wilderness...and you were born in the midst of affliction, but look at you now. You have over come so much. My heat is proud of all that you have accomplished. Enjoy being 8! It is a wonderful time in your life!

Brother and sister

2011-10-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

Sometimes sleep is the only escape...Marianne loves to be tucked into our bed. She will only do this for daddy....

Rhetten Playing "Peek a Boo"

Rhetten was one month old when I took this picture. He is just amazed by this...and so am I.

She is completely relaxed...

Sister and Brother time. Ahh the love of family. I'm thankful for the time I had of being together during this early time of their life. My heart is full.

The Giauque Family Pictures 2011

2011-10-09T17:35:00.000-06:00

The Giauques 2011

Here are the boys...I think it is the "we are so cool" picture. It makes me laugh what happens when you put boys together and what comes out in the camera lens.

Now it is the Girls turn...sweetness, laughter, "strike a pose", and just love...

Kellis: 7th grade. 13 years old. Just too cool for words.

Garrett: 6th grade 11 (almost 12). He is the artist!

Now we have the three oldest boys: Kellis, Garrett, and Isaac. Isaac is 10, in 5th grade, and is either preparing to be a policeman, or a stunt guy.

Margaret Susanna: 2nd grade, 7 (almost 8) ...what is there to say? Passion. This gal is full of life! And it displays itself in energy, singing, dancing, with a large dose of Passion!

Virginia Grace: 1st grade, 6 years old. She is sweet, kind, what a helper, and I call her "Ginny Chop-Chop!" She cuts all potatoes, onions, green peppers, and anything else I give her. She is fab!

Marianne being expressive...this is her, "I want it, mixed with what is that expression!" Just fun. She knows over 43 words...and uses 24 of them in conversational use. Nick-name: Smarty-bug!

The final chapter: Rhetten Scott...peaceful. He is a joy, a blessing, and a saving grace for his mother. Scooter, I love you!

Try to gather 9 very independent, wiggly, energetic, and one deaf--can't capture her attention--people together for less then 4 seconds for a picture...this is the result. Priceless! I love how we are all encircled about by family ties...

Did I mention...Peaceful? Love this little bug!

Marianne: 18 months, no school, home with Mommy, and loving and living life to the fullest. I just love how she laughs, is our comedian, and is soooo loving. Love you Potato Bug

Kellis...the Big Brother. He and his book-end........now that's an armful of brotherhood.

The Mama and the Dada...well we know family. 'Nuf said.

Da Boyz........

Sweet Sisters....now I know what you are thinking...where is Marianne? She was more interested in the bugs then just one more picture...ok.

I wish this picture would show how Kellis really feels about Isaac, sometimes...

Mommy and her Rhetten. Only a face a mommy can love. Sweet boy!

Mommy and her Pochontas hair. I'm loving the length, the color, and how different I feel with it. Ahhhhh. Beautiful.

It has become a family tradition to listen to Conference while going on a drive and taking the family photo...Here is 2011 captured...Let them all stay little...but alas, time wins again. The Giauques 2011...

Marianne's first Hair Experience

2011-09-13T10:32:00.000-06:00

Ya know when you are home with a newborn and you look around at things you've neglected? Well I hate to admit it, but have not really touched Marianne's hair since the "haircut" at Easter. Hum...so what to do when Rhetten is under the blue lights? Let's distract Marianne with coloring while mommy attempts to do her hair...
1) water
2) brush
3) part in the middle
4) and band, band, band the hair into two piggies and viola`

Just look at this little girl! Daddy's reaction: "Finally! She looks like a little girl!" I will take that as the best compliment of the day. What a cutie-pie!

Rhetten Arrives!

2011-09-11T10:42:00.000-06:00

The Story of Rhetten Scott Giauque:

Saturday at 2am early morning, Mommy was awakened with a sudden feeling of something is not right. The first phrase that ran through my head was from a Madeline book, “Miss Clavel turn on the light and said, ‘”Something is not right!’” The “something that is not right” was a lot of pressure in the upper abdomen. It felt like I had a baseball in my diaphragm. My belly was tight and stretched out a vertically like a football with a baseball towards the top and not nice and round like a basket ball.

It was tricky to breathe with this new pressure so I went to the bathroom to see if that would relieve some of the pressure. It didn’t touch it. I needed to walk, find a more comfortable position, anything to relieve this new feeling. I went downstairs, paced, had some water, laid on the carpet, and then back to upstairs. Scott said that we needed to go to the hospital to check things out. I wanted to agree but I was too overcome with emotion to think clearly or to have much faith. My fear was that they would send us home because I was not having any contractions and I couldn’t face that.

Overwhelmed I did what most women do, I broke down and cried…sobbed really. Scott was calm, was comforting, and asked if I would like a blessing. I agreed and following the beautiful words I began to calm down and off we drove to Ogden. I was not allowing myself to think about anything except for the words in the blessing that “I would be able to deliver this baby in the intended way.”

Scott helped me out of the car and held my hand the whole way up to the fourth floor. After checking in, the nurses brought me to the triage rooms to do the standard work up: asking about contractions, how long, what is the pain like, any leakage—the whole drill. All I could tell them is that something was not right and that I needed help. Nurse Stephanie checked me and immediately said that there was nothing there. Then she got grabbed by a hand or by a foot. Baby had flipped to breech—not even a bum was there. I immediately was overwhelmed with tears and fears. All I could think was that he was in trouble and that this birth was NOT going to be like my other 6.

The nurses seemed to go from casual to very serious quickly. I kept looking over at Scott for support and he was very calm and just stayed focused which helped to calm me down again and catch my breath and think, “ok we can do this”. Quickly the nurses got a hold of Dr. Seale and handed to phone to me. He explained what my options were and what the procedures were going to be and that he would be to the hospital in 10 minutes. Procedures: 1) epidural, 2) turn the baby by pressing on my tummy, 3) break my waters, 4) pitocin, 5) and deliver this baby,but if at anytime we needed to C-section then that was going to happen. I had 10 minutes to wrap my head around this new reality and that I had to relinquish all control of this birth over to the Lord. I was officially a participant and had to trust in the plan that was going to unfold.

Me and epidurals…this could be a section by itself, but the short and fat of it is that my blood pressure drops with it. I mean really drops: 65/25. That’s why I labor till I’m dilated to about a 7 or 8. But I’ve never started labor with the epidural first. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to feel it, help with pushing, or anything. Regardless of theses fears, it was time. Bend the back, hold Scott’s hand, in goes the needle, and we are done. Take a breath, watch the blood pressure hold at 66/29, get the epi going, and welcome back!

In comes Dr. Seale, he was calm and reassured my mind that he was going to be successful with moving the baby: 1) goop up the tummy, 2) say a prayer, and 3) press down on the tummy with all his might to turn, and push and turn and push that baby into place. Ouchy, ouchy, and…ahhhhhhhh. It worked. The pressure was gone! Quickly Dr Seale broken my water to make sure that baby boy would not turn again and not slide out of position. Now On to the delivery!

Delivery. Usually this is accomplished for me by a few hours of contractions, then some ouchy pain, an epidural when I’m about an 8, and then a few pushes, and viola`-- a baby. This time I think I needed a different experience to help me understand a prayer that I had in my heart. I had happy contractions (thanks to the pit) and I was smiling, laughing with Scott, figuring out his name, and just enjoying our time together. That was for about 2 hours. Then it all changed…

I was not able to catch my breath, my contractions increased, and then the pain! The pain was on my right side and low. I thought that my placenta was ripping away from the uterus. My bleeding increased and it was very difficult to control. Then, the vomiting, the moaning, more vomiting, more moaning, can’t breathe, and poor Scott getting to see, hear, feel me at my worst. Let’s just say that it was raw—raw pain, grief, and emotion. This had never happened in any of my deliveries. I had had a near death with Margaret, and even with that experience I was calm and had no fear, but this pain kept me right here and plenty scared. I knew I was in trouble and the Lord was going to have to step in and finish this, but wow, this one was going to give me a memory.

Let’s get on to the finish—baby was coming, I just had to push…it was a tough job. Why? He turned again to face up. My pain, coping with this news, and trying to push was getting to me. I had to turn it over to the Lord. I handed it to him and felt the strength to finish.

Just one more push and ta-dah! Rhetten Scott Giauque was born: 7lbs, 5 oz, reddish brown hair, blue eyes, big hands, long arms, long torso, on 9/10/11 at 10:38am. I was relived, out of pain, and crying as I held this little warm wet baby against my chest--little Rhetten. Scott came up with the name during our “fun time” of labor. As soon as he said the name, I knew it was this little man. His name means “to rescue or to save, to be a savior”. It was most fitting that our family has a rescuer—someone who can help us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Rhetten Scott Giauque is here. It is finished…he is here. We are all here, the Giauque’s are complete from Kellis, Garrett, Isaac, Margaret, Virginia, Marianne, and little Rhetten…we are all here. Welcome Little Rhetten, you have been waiting the longest, thanks for your patience on waiting for your mommy and daddy to be ready for you. Love you!

2011-09-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

well, I know that things will be ok. But right now I have to just let out the emotion. So bear with me.
1. I have not mentally prepared for this baby because I can't face the fact that he might be my last. I'm not sure how to deal with it or face it. Tears and crying over this for far to long....just don't want to disappoint the Lord...can't feel that or see that this is the last one, so I'm a little nutty. I know, I know...patience, faith...but the emotion is over powering right now.

2. Since I've been denying that this one is coming (I want him, but there is so much to do that I just feel like I HAVE to get as much done as possible to have the house keep running, the job keep running, and the hard kids to do what we need to do, and blah). Anyway I can only think about the 16th. That is the due date and that is all that I can think about. I have only 2 weeks to finish up all the projects, and I can do it within that time frame, but I just want to be calm and ready for the baby so that I'm not frantic. (I know it takes faith, but again, I just need to be human and cry and "freak out" for a little bit--do I have the allwance to do that?)

3. Now this is a hard one that I've been blindsided by: my para just gave her two weeks notice on Friday...ouch...she is the best one that I've ever had, but I'm proud of her for standing up for her family first. Her family is suffering with her working so far away from home, and she is divorced, and she is going to school full time--sounds like more then half of the people at Spectrum. BUT...I'm freaking out on how to train a new para, get things ready to where they need to be, and so forth with the demands of Spectrum.

4. I've been off line for 8 days of work and can't enter in my compass grades, up date the IEP data sheets with the juggling of kids, keep track of data, and then there are the 6 kids that are in my classroom that have BIPS: 4 are violent, and the other two are very vocally disruptive. We are working on things and we have meetings after school with the parents (they are looking for a miracle--hope I can help, but we all know that school is just a part of the whole picture).

5. I'm also trying to learn ASL and I have to travel to Ogden to learn it because the changed the parent infant program from in home services to out source. (nice...now I'm away more from my family then ever, but we have to learn and she is just flying with the language...I'm trying to keep it all into perspective right now, but I'm struggling).

6. Let's turn back to the family...my mom had a cardiac episode last week. It was life and death on Tuesday so I took a day off (but that was one of the 8...) I'm so glad that we did and that she pulled through but now she can't work anymore, will have oxygen for the rest of her life, my dad has to go on the road by himself until he gets the local driving job (my mom's depression is in full swing and we are all trying to help her work through this). It mostly is the loss of the income that has added to this stress.

7. I was just informed by SSI (Garrett's disability) that he will no longer recieve his money and that is an income loss of $670 a month (or the equivilant of a part time job). Hum....great timing with me going to go on Materinty non paid leave. Merry Christmas. Scott and I have done everything that we can budget wise to save up for it but right now I only have enough for one paycheck. (I know---exercise more faith--but again until I have my temper tantrum then I can't focus on it).

8. Mom nearly needed to back in to the hospital for a bit on Sat. Why? Dr. Marianne turned down the oxygen on her and for two hours she was nearly 2 liters below where she should be. And then I went last night into false labor and uggggg....that through me for a loop because there would have been no one there for tuesday. SCREAM!!!

9. I just want to go to the temple, pray, ponder, and be be calm for the events that are stacking up on us. I'm asking for help, I'm working on trying to get things organized, I'm leaning on who I can for help at Spectrum, but it just seems to be coming in a tsunami crash.

10. Financially, emotionally, near death and life experiences, new life coming, dodging hits, chairs, and CPI holds from many of the students, training a new teacher in a week, finacially not ready, no Christmas for the kids, asking now for food help, ya know...I'm a little undone. So, does anyone have a power of peace to spread on this little one so that I can 1) cry, emotionally get it all out, 2) then look and ponder and make a plan, 3) keep up with all the demands, 4) find a pot of gold to help out with $, and 5) make sure that my family knows I love them all?
Now let me just say that Scott has done everything that he can, and he has been wonderful. He is my biggest supporter. I feel that things will just work out the way that the Lord needs it to, if I follow more faithfully, but right now, I just need to be emotional. sigh.....................I know I'll read this and think that I'm a looney! Oh well. Thanks for letting me vent. Thanks for not fixing anything (yet--I have to get it all out first) and then I'll be ready to so and work.

I guess this is one of those moments where I have to allow the "rescuers" come in and carry me across the ice filled sweetwater river and keep pushing me on to the valley. Thanks for bearing through it with me.

Life...it has a strong perspective.

2011-08-27T20:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes leaving this life for the next is a difficult thing. My heart is heavy with this idea right now, so reading stories about the subject, pondering, and having a feeling that just won't leave has been difficult,
But I guess it reminds me that we are all human and that we all entered this life and we will all have to exit...even with faith, leaving loved ones behind physically, emotionally, or mentally leaves a hole. I pray to stay strong, cry often, express it in my writing and I pray that the atonement will carry me through this strange time. I just can't shake the idea that I'll lose one of my family members soon. What does that mean? Guess it means to say more prayers, read more, and remember what is really important.

The Summer of 2011

2011-08-14T17:49:00.000-06:00

It is sad but true...our summer is slowly coming to an end. I started work on Aug 8 and so the kids have been trying to pack in as much of summer as they can in the last two weeks that we have of it. Here is the short of what has gone on lately:

Indiana Ean...this is a quick view of the cabins that we stayed at on our quick Giauque reunion trip to Martin's Cove Wy.

All the crew...capture the love!

This would have been a nice idea for our little trip, but who had the time?

We started the Monday with a a quick run up Independence Rock: name for Pioneers that scaled the rock on Independence day. Great view, easy climb, but one rattle snake, and too many RED flying ANTS at the top. We didn't stay too long. 11:00am and it was 94 degrees.

Sing it with me now: Pioneer children sang as we..... I swear I'm going for my own one room school house. Kudos to Kellis for scaling the rock with Baby-girl.

Uncle Marc trying to keep a close on Mr. Indiana Ean. He wanted to run and "fly off the rock". Might have been a nice touch to the day.

Garrett going up, up, up the "stupid hot rock." Scott's words exactly.

You can see the Orange pumpkin...I was hoping for more Halloween weather with the outfit, but it was not to happen.

Giauque's at the bottom. Smile! oh wait, yep we are missing Miss Happy. Virginia decided to throw a fit at the end. Too bad. No candy treat for her.

This monument is in rememberance of the Martin Company who had to cross the river and then hike another 5 miles into Martin's Cove to seek shelter. My g-g-g-grandma was carried across by one of the 3 young men from the rescue party. She was 5 years old.

Devil's Gate: For some this was a sign that the end was near, for others it was a sign of possible death. So many lost their lives after cross through this split in the rock and then the river.

Some HOT kids. Temp: pushin 98.

Some cool kids.

We need to rest!

98...it is still better then -5. It gave you a perspective of the length of the trip from crossing the river until you could get into the cove.

After the one mile hike, we are now ready to hike up into the cove. Any happy faces here? YEp!! Mine! opps on the other side of the camera.

"Oh April!!! It is a Prong horn Mother and it's juvinile!" WHAAAAhoo! This is like our own Zoo!" Needless to say, Garrett was motivated to go the last 3 miles after seeing these two on the trail. Margaret's comment: "WOW, it is truely a Miracle." Isaac's comment: "he looks like he is gonna die." Ahhh I just love all the perspectives of the kids.

First mini cove. Some of the company had to stay here when the Martin's cove was full.

Margaret, my miracle walker. Why was she so happy? Because she was with her cousin the whole time. She smiled, laughed, helped, and just was wonderful. Maybe 98 degrees is her type of happiness.

Virginia Grace. She was GREAT. No crying, boo-hooing, or anything. She followed directions and was just perfect.

Well son, if you turn out to have my type of energy, you will know why. Mama hiked with you while 7+ months pregnant. He loved the sweet ride.

Happy Garrett! Why? because he got to ride out of the cove on the back of the "life-saving machine." Nice!

This is a true blue smile. She had the best time!

Monument to the three boys who helped to carry across so many of the Martin Company.

same monument

The three young men had the strength to do what the company could not do for themselves. They carried people for over 5 hours back and forth.

Well, what can I say? This pumpkin was pooped out. Happy, but pooped.

This is my, "Isaac, you can stop taking pictures" smile.

And one more, "Isaac, you can really, really stop taking pictures now" smile.

Cousin Cole tearing it up. We all got together to celebrate Scott and Alissa's birthday days on July 31. Great night, music, , drumming, pictures, playing, wonderful food, and even a little service project with all the RAIN that came crashing down.

Boys will be boys.

Marianne: she LOVED the pinwheel. She stayed on the pourch for over an hour with Dallin and the counsins just play, and laughing because of the wind.

She was just eating it up!

Garrett and Dallin. Buddies till the end.

This picture captures the relationship that Dallin and Garrett have. It is the sweetest thing in the world.

Moooooooooore pinwheel!

She is screaming right now.

My two pyro-techs going lighting it up!

Stay here baby. Look can't touch!

WOW!!

Got anymore?

Enjoying our own little show...complete with neighbors.

ahhhhh, smoke. Fun times.

now, should we do this one? Or this one?

My favorite is when Isaac lights the firework and Scott sneaks up behind him and shouts, "BOOM!" Get's him everytime.

Go pyros go!

Kellis's Scout camp 2011-12

2011-07-14T07:54:00.000-06:00

The Scouts. Hummmm...I wonder where Kellis is?? Oh yeah...Cheetos!

First scout meal...hotdogs...yep it's Scouts!

BRRRRRRR.......swim check in the lake at 8900ft and the snow on the ground at the camp finished meltingon June 29th? Well you can only imagine how COLD that water is. Nice work Kellis. You did it!

Now this is camping. Have fun son!

You wake up one morning with the idea that we are going to have a baby. Then that idea begins to grow and swell and soon you are figuring out that this baby is coming! WOW! Then he or she arrives, and if you were like me at all, I looked at this new little boy placed in my arms and thought, "Now what do I do?" It took me a while to "get to know him" and really start to love and adore him. And then...he is suddenly 3, then 5 then 8 then 12...It is an interesting thing to watch children grow up right before you eyes.

Kellis has always been one who has looked at life as an adventure but something to be cautious and to enjoy as well. He is just growing up in a way that Scott and I are sooooo proud of that we nearly burst with pride. He is kind and loving to his sisters, he is playful and rambunctious with his brothers and cousins, yet he can be serious and understanding when he needs to as well. Ahhh, these are all the thoughts of a mother and I have the right and opportunity to have them. Anyway, just wanted to share my moments...here are the pictures from the scout camp. They are wonderful! It is all boy...go Kellis.

Best complement from one of his leaders: "Kellis is so great--he is so low maintenance. He is so prepared for being on his own. Ya know? I mean at night when the other boys are 'struggling' with homesickness or 'I want my mommy', he is just like, 'I'm good with it...night guys.'" AHHHHH now that is just too cool. Love you Kellis!

Marianne is Signing more and more

2011-07-12T13:06:00.000-06:00

Today was a wonderful ASL morning. She did so many signs with out prompting and she had complete understanding of what she was doing. My heart and Jenna's too, was just BURSTING leaking on the face and everything. She looked at Anna and signed mom and looked at baby Eli and signed baby over and over...that was before I changed the batteries on the camera (grrrrr). Anyway, enjoy the video. Loves!

Yellowstone 2011

2011-07-10T21:52:00.000-06:00

Garrett's viewpoint of Old Faithful!

Here is the whole family: Scott, Isaac, Garrett, Margaret, Virginia, Mom, Kellis and Marianne. Yellowstone Falls is behind us...wonderful!

Terrace Spring. Our first 15 minutes in the park. There was a dead Buffalo (American Bison) carcase off the boardwalk. Cool!

Some of us at the new Visitor Center at Canyon. Sooooo worth the education here. They showed all the rocks, formations, maps, how many times Yellowstone has exploded and changed the face of the US and so forth. Powerful! Humbling...and it is ready to blow again. We just don't talk about that in front of Garrett. He is a little nervous about the SUPER VOLCANO!

Marianne LOVED the buffalo. She just laughed and smiled at these. She signed "dog" or bird for nearly every animal.

Ahhhhhhhh, the falls! Is there anything else to say?

This is the 375 steps of Yellowstone--more like the 1000 steps of Yellowstone. It is tucked away near the south side of the falls and you descend down these steps and have a view of the falls that is so up close it is amazing. You can feel the rumble of the water through the metal steps...POWERFUL.

The first picture of the falls and the mist.

THE FALLS! Look how close you are! It is soooooo NEAT! never been here in all my trips to the Park. Loved it!

Garrett said that this fallen tree looked like Tree-Beard's friend after the Orcs chopped it down. We were just above the Dragon's cauldron and headed towards sour lake.

The buffalo and the kids...we are signing buffalo...right by Sour lake.

Just us having fun with the Buffalo. Right after this shot Isaac heard a crashing sound and we turned to look into the trees to see a dear that had 6 points on it just scratching himself against the tree. Super cool Isaac!

DEEP POOLS...this is by West Thumb Yellowstone...right by the Lake. Soooooo cool.

WOW...This was a much needed family vacation. Honestly there are a few miracles that go alone with it: 1) finding the money to do it--because of a strong budget, 2) finding the time, and 3) finding the deals.
Finding the money: this started in Jan and it has paid off. We had a lot to accomplish in a small time frame but miracle occurred because of tithing, discipline, and hard work.
Finding the time: we needed to figure out a time to go when a) I wouldn't be too big to go camping, and b) when Scott could take the maximum amount of time with out getting knocked about it with work.
Finding the deals: Hands down the gas prices lowered, the car was tuned up and ready to go, and the KOA in West Yellowstone didn't charge for kids in the Tent campgrounds. WHAT?? YES...and we found a great spot: roomy, full of trees, and CLEAN!

Okay enough about that...onto the details! We left Friday and set up camp in the dark and just collapsed for the first night. Sat morning...fire, food, and off we went into the PARK. That night we got back in time for swimming, marshmallows, and star seeing. Oh yeah! The BEARS! They were out on Sat night and Sunday night. They had the bear cannons blasting and the big spotlights shining into the forests...wild, raw, and a bit scary! Sunday morning, up and at them for Church, back to the park, and yep then back to camp, dinner, and more fire, star seeing and so forth.

I can do the play by play but what I mostly want to convey here is that I saw more of Yellowstone on this trip then I ever had in all the my trips into the park. We saw hidden places, out of the way places, the water was soooo high, the animals abundant, and the beauty of the park, and the PICTURES!

We just relaxed, talked, laughed, told stories, and enjoyed so many aspects of the park and each other that it truly was a wonderful trip. It was what I wanted...to make a memory for our family. Those family memories last a lifetime and help in times of trials, triumph, and tragedy. Here are some pictures...enjoy!

Dinosaur Park 2011

2011-06-24T08:45:00.000-06:00

The annual trip to the Park...well can you just hear all the squeals of excitement? Garrett was just wonderful..."Garrett: Everyone say it with me!!! Let's Go Dinosaur PARK!! Say it again...now, say it with a smile...many smiles...April, are you happy? Look! Look!! I see your smile again!! That is three in a row! You are happy!! This is the Best Day Ever!!"
This was said a few hundred times on the drive up to Ogden...by the third time is was getting a little old, but Garrett was just to excited to let that damper his spirits.

We ran around that park for over three hours. Garrett was beat red from the heat and the running, but he has a ball.

Saddest moment: Isaac was being a helper and put sunscreen on Marianne, but didn't rub it all the way in...she got it into her eyes...so for the rest of the park she was swollen, teary, and just miserable. So sad. He felt so bad he just kept hitting his head..."I'm the worst brother ever!" Mom: "it was an accident. They happen." Isaac: "Why do they always happen when I'm always around??" Mom: no comment.

Funny, but not funny moment: Isaac is still feeling bad about Marianne and so he starts to cry a little bit. Then he rubs his eyes...with the same hands that had the sunscreen on them...now he looks like Marianne...teary, miserable, and SWOLLEN! He is shouting, "I can't see!! I can't see!!" Of course, Kellis just has to comment: "Now you know how Marianne feels!" Those two went after each other and ran around trying to catch each other for about ten minutes. (Remember that Isaac is swollen and can't see very well...it was funny).

The family.

Best moment: The girls!! No complaining, crying, whining...it was heaven! They were polite, helpful, and just had a wonderful time. It was a blessing.

Hot day? yes, but we had a slight breeze and so it was bearable.

Most Awkward moment: I had to go to the hospital to get my shot since I was up in Ogden and so I took all the kids into the hospital. I'm getting looks, comments like "are ALL THOSE your children?", and snickers. I just proudly hold my head up high and we politely come in and just get our business done. Well, I'm taken into a room to have the shot in my hip. Three of the six kids come in with me and well, one of them was Garrett. Ok, let's just say that some of the plastic "models" of anatomy were very curious to him. He would say, "What is this? Why is there a thing here, and a place there, and WOW there is a baby inside that one...and GROSS!! Why do you need to have those"... and so forth. The nurse was very humored and just laughed to herself. It was an educational moment. Anyway, it was a little awkward.

Overall, great day!

Murmuring

2011-06-15T09:21:00.000-06:00

Sweet Children...They all have their moments. I mean just look at my Margaret Susanna Giauque Leprechaun! Sweet right? I need more pictures like this to remind me!

WHY?????? UGH!!! NOOOOOO! DON'T WANNA! You did it! Not me! No YES, Na-uh, Ya-ha, Na-uh, Ya-ha!!

Ahhh, the chorus of love, right? I have two family members who are at each other constantly. Yes, I know it is the age. Yes I know that it will happen. And yes, it is a battle. But, how can you find and ESTABLISH peace in such an atmosphere? What are the fights about? "that's mine!" (some silly plastic--broken I might add--thingy). Or, "they are breathing my air!" Or, "It is my turn! NO! IT is MY turn!! Na-uh! Ya-ha!! So after another round of the two going at it in Grandpa's music room, one got a smack on the butt and the other one had to "re-boot" this morning and start over. This actually put one child back to sleep...which is what they most needed. And the other, after reading to them, is now in a better mood.

I understand that PARENTING is full of days like this. I know that there are choices I can make as a parent to just 1) leave it alone--plug them into something electronic and just sit back, 2) send them to a seat away, or 3) actively research, figure out, and understand the situation (complicated by a lack of theory of Mind with Autism Spectrum Disorders). I choose 2 and 3, however, I sometimes don't always know the next step...so seat aways help, and I offer a prayer to figure out things, but I don't always get the answer to prayers that FAST. But, I'll keep on going. Parenting it the toughest job I'll ever love. But really, fighting at 7:02am? We hadn't even started the whole day.

Ok. Breath! After morning chores, weeding, (reading is finished), pick up, we are going to the Library. It is a "Library" day, and we are hoping that a distraction will help. But ultimately I need to figure out what is eating them inside. Why do they just have to claw, scratch, and fuss at each other? I know that as a kid I did most of my fighting because I was just drawn into the hurtful words and teasing and just had to fight back. I guess I'm just seeing a mirror image of what I used to do, but I am determined to do better then that. Parenting...my "kryptonite"--MURMURING/WHINING. I'll stand strong and take deeper breaths. Any advice and support? I'm all ears!

Family Investment for Summer 2011

2011-06-10T09:22:00.000-06:00

How many of you are tired of the "I'm bored!", or the "there is nothing to do" or the house falling apart, mommy screaming at everyone to clean up, and asking, why are we all fighting, why is this a mess, why, why, why, why??? (Do any of you have these kinds of words come out of your mouth? I know I do, so I am working on myself and this routine is helping!) I have an age range of 12-1 year and so this covers a lot of smaller families and so forth. I look at it as a 9 week summer camp or "family camp". It is very helpful and the ultimate goal is for the kids to "gain an appreciation for what it takes to run a family".

Anyway, here are some of the things that we do:
I have 4 days of rotation:

1) Service day: this is where we make things for other people, cut the grass for grandparents, clean for your brother or sister, and so forth. Their motivation is for extra computer time on Sat.

2) Adventure days: we can go to the park--anywhere search on the net and find a new one, swim, go to Dino park, Zoo, go on a hike, bike on the trail, and so forth. They love these days and to have an adventure day they need to have completed their reading/weeding for a week (for hikes and parks) or for a month (to go to the Zoo and "big" stuff like that).

3) Home days: sometimes things at home just need to be done, shopping, reading, projects, recover from sickness, tired, and so forth. We have ASL to learn for baby, and we need to work on this daily. We can watch a movie marathon (only 3 per summer), DEEP CLEAN--closets, and the yucky parts that we all hate, and so on and so forth.

4) Library days: we rotate to the 7 different branches of the Davis county Library system and check out things. It is a new look on a very important part of our summer. IT breaks up the monotony of only going to the same library every week.

WE have a chores schedule (this even happens on Adventure/library/home/and service days):

Each child has a set day for dishes, picking up certain items (in our house it is things like, shoes, socks, papers, dvd, and toys), making the bed, all folding laundry, and so forth. On Sat we do the same and add dusting and vacuuming, bathrooms, and cleaning out the car. They are earning a day at the dinosaur park (Kellis is earning time to go to a movie in June--the park is a little too young for him)

We have a morning routine:
breakfast, reading, then weeding (it is important that they help with this to learn how to work, and help to make the home look beautiful and that it takes work to eat yummy things from that garden--ok, my kids just want the pumpkins for Halloween, but hopefully the idea is there), Then math, then an hour of free time (it is NOT tv, computer, or anything electronic--except of listening to books on cd/tapes).

We do lunch at the same time (to stop the grazing) and then they can have two hours of some TV time. This is all they get for the day. So if they choose a 2 hour movie at 2pm, well, that is it! They are very careful to budget this time. (while they are watching I'm doing the finances, FB, journals, blogging, reading, sewing, or working on a project that I can concentrate on--it keeps me on my toes to not go over as well). Now granted there will be those "summer" days that just drain you, everyone is tired, or sick and I will declare a "movie Marathon day...I have only 3 of those planned for the whole summer, but it is just a guideline.

They have an afternoon routine: following lunch, baby takes a nap, fold laundry, practice music, do craft times, and so forth. Those that have dish night also (and anyone else is invited to help) has to help in preparing the dinner--again cooking life skills are learned here.

They also help in planning the family food for the week, the shopping, the budgeting, and how they can make it taste good. They are becoming VERY aware of how much money it takes each week to feed the family. Kellis and Isaac are shocked. Isaac always says, we shouldn't eat as much so that we can buy legos...I hope he is getting the point.

The three oldest have to help with sorting, cleaning, and making sure that the pockets are cleaned out of the laundry. (case in point: Kellis left a small fountain pen in his CHURCH shirt...now it looks like a RAINBOW attacked it...he is MAD! He now has to help use some $ to get himself a new shirt...it made a lasting impression). The three youngest help with folding towels, unders, and sorting into the boys, girls, and mom and dad pile. It is getting easier to do, because one week we didn't do it and no one had clean unders for school...again, lesson learned.
The last thing that they are helping with the planning of the Family trip: food, hikes, route to travel and so forth. It is cool to have their input.

These are just some of the ways that we spend our time together. Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you all. Thanks for waiting, and I hope that wait was worth it.
Just remember to keep the chores real, the rewards real, and a calendar/schedule so that the kids can mark their progress towards what they are earning (for us, going to places is a huge reward).

***(for example to get Garrett started on this he had to see exactly what he needed to do to mark off each day to get towards the DINOPARK. Last year he needed a small treat (like 3 skittles after each chores was done in order to keep him motivated--I started slowly fading this from 1 for every 2 chores per day and then 1 for every 3 or 4 done per day and now he just works for MARKING off the day that brings him closer to the DINOPARK). That way it won't be vague, but it will be tangible.

Start small (on chores and rewards) if this is your first attempt, and gradually increase it. RE-vamp and tweek things so that it works for your family. You know what is best for them, so be proud of them and when you see your "harvest" for the family for the summer of 2011, it will be worth it. Let me know how it goes, I'm going to let you know my success and failures (that hopefully I learn from and tweek). I think we can all help each other however we can. Good luck and Welcome the summer of 2011 :)!!!

The Love of Children

2011-05-21T10:53:00.000-06:00

Hiking in Ogden along the foothill trail. Isaac jumping the creek, Kellis showing how it is done, Garrett checking for trolls, Margraet wishing she could swim, and Virginia doing the Egyption...love these kids! They all went on the hike for my Birthday present.

Children, especially mine, have given me a perspective of love that I would have never understood or grown to accept, or love without the experiences that I've been blessed to witness. I think what blows my mind the most is how forgiving my children are to all of my mistakes. They are willing to forgive my yelling, my rolling eyes, my "pecking or hounding" of "pick up this, clean up that, did you get your homework finished, we will do it and you will be the one to finish it...".

They are even willing to forgive my anger and my frustration. Even children you are neglected, abused, and verbally put down...they still love...and try deeply to keep loving those who hurt them. Why are they so willing to do that? Why are the able to do so? Are they just born with it, or do they just desire to be loved that they will over look all the follies? It really amazes me. I watch adults who, if they have the slightest grievance against them, they will hold the grudge for decades. Why not the children then--why don't they hold onto the same grudge? What makes them so different?

I can answer it, "be humble like a child." But, why doesn't that always stick in my heart and mind? All I know is that I am so humbled, feel a little guilty, and mostly awed when (even after I've yelled or been upset or frustrated) Margaret will hug me at night and say, "you are the BEST mommy ever! I just blink, sigh, feel a little panged, and hug her back hoping that hug will express my acceptance of her love and willingness to forgive. I hope to learn this pattern more and more with my students, the adults I work with, and own children. If there is one thing that I learning from this is that I'm going to live to be 110 so that I have enough time to learn it. One step at a time right? yep...one step at a time... :)

Great Aunt Afton...an Insight to more of Who I am

2011-05-15T17:13:00.000-06:00

Saturday was my great Aunt's funeral. She was 106 years old. Born in 1904, she saw the Wright borthers' first flight, the sinking of the Titanic, was a teenager in WWI, a voting judge for 50 years, a hard worker, an incredible seamstress, and she had a quick whit, poetic journal entries, a love for story telling, making friends, making a point to always "do" something, take time for others, gather every kind of "Ben Franklin saying" and use it all the time, be positive and relax, love and live life to the fullest, and keep your faith till the day you pass.

As I was sitting there listening to the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren recount their memories about Afton, I was taught something important: I gained a sense that maybe my family roots are a little broader then I first understood. I knew that I gained by tenacity from my Grandmother--Grammy Annis. She had the "never give up; pull yourself up by the boot-straps; scream at the birds; put your emotions into your hard work and then you won't go crazy" type of attitude. She also had hands that were well worn from hard work, knotted and swollen from arthritis, and could still grow anything, make a pie in less then 5 mins, and had some stories to tell about the farm. I thought that that was the most of it...what I had gathered from the Brown side.

But as I was listening I discovered that some of the other traits that I have come from Afton as well. I was able to gather a balance of myself, and why I feel the way I do, have to optimistic view on life, and why I love story telling/writing/reflection. It was helpful to understand. It was like another puzzle piece was put into place in my portrait of life. I am grateful for that insight because I can now draw on more of who I am more and more. These are the moments that fill your soul and give you an insight that is life changing. The discovery of who I am is not complete...that is the fun of learning new things all the time. My prayer is that I remain flexible in my learning and allow life (the trials, the joys, the magical discoveries that are sometimes hidden under a rock) to shape me into the person that my Heavenly Father knows that I can become. Just wanted to share.

The Swing

2011-05-10T07:14:00.000-06:00

Well, pregnancy hormones and emotional swings are interesting to understand and "survive". Friday I could feel a "swing" coming on, and to top it off, I was also fighting a cold. That is a combination that Satan loves to play with. I was able to dig up every terrible thing, bad feeling, wrong, jerky moment of my life and replay all the "yuck" that accompanies it. And, of course to top it off, I had a few "Murphy's Law" moments like getting a ticket, and watching the food prices jump another notch and see the fighting of the kids just be the "cheery" on top....sigh. (can you all feel it?)

So, my heart desires to be that mother to many, fix the perfect dinner for my mom, sisters, and mother-in-law and have flowers everywhere for Mother's day. Well, my cold got the better of me and baby told me to stay down and so...down I went. Hubby folded laundry, children were quiet, I did my sewing projects for Christmas...yes I said it...this year is a homemade one, and I just sat. I cried, I prayed, I thought, I pondered, and then the emotional wave was over. I slept, I was refreshed, and I was back to my old self. In these deep moments of emotional upside-down-ness...I have a stable and sound voice. It is of my sweet Hubby. He let's me cry, say all the terrible things about myself, gives me the hug, and then just smiles. He says that he never has seen all the "bad" and he knows that my heart is good, my life is good, and that it is just a low day. He is right. He allows the pity party to happen and then he sees the rebound and just smiles and laughs. After my funks, I look back and smile and laugh as well. Silly...oh well, there they are...the SWINGS of Motherhood, pregnancy, and Murphy's law. We all survive it and when you can look back with an honest reflection then you can grow from it. Good times.

Finding blessings

2011-05-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

There are moments in my life that when I look at all that I have (both positive and things that I can't seem to see the silver lining in), I am astonished at what I am blessed with. Today I was needing to explain to my children what some of these blessing are: mainly them--all 7 of them.

When I served my mission I had a very real understanding about my 5 children and what they would look like, who they were, and just a feeling of love! I knew that I was going to have a family of that size. Then while pregnant with Margaret I had a dream about a little girl...she was about 9 months old, and she was just beautiful. This little girl was no one I felt I knew. She was not one of the "five". So I just thought that it was something for me to think about...and see when this little one was going to get here.

Following Margaret, Virginia was born and during that stay at the hospital I was awakened with a dream about a little boy...again this little boy was no one that I "knew". It took my breath away because I knew what my current situation was like at that time there was just no way that this was going to be possible. I remember praying and feeling complete comfort...I thought, ok, it is in the Hands of the Lord.

Once Marianne was born, I knew that she was that little girl who I had seen while pregnant with Margaret. My heart was just full! I knew it! My heart just was overjoyed! So, when we found out that this one was a boy, my heart was just filled with comfort...I think this might be the little boy that I saw when I had Virginia...we will see...count the blessings...they are everywhere! Look, ponder, and you will find the answers.... And if I can say just one more thing, Trust in the Lord. He really does know the beginning to the end. He knows what we need. He knows how to bless us. With God NOTHING is impossible....I have so many witnesses of this that I have to testify of it. I just needed to share!

How do you break a tie?

2011-04-27T22:02:00.000-06:00

How do you break a tie of three to three? Just add one more! YEP!!! It's a BOY! That makes the boys team the winner! Go girls! Cheer them on! It all works out in the end. The Boys win. Scott is over the moon! (Thanks Cousin). "Jr" has all of his parts, strong heart, mind, big tummy, shoulders, and chest (ouch!), great blood flow in the cord, kidneys, heart, brain...bladder full (and so was mine sheesh!), long legs, long arms, chubby tummy (or wait, did I already say that?), daddy's nose, Giauque lips (quack, quack), and is there anything from me? Well, we will just have to wait and see.

(I'm convinced that after having 6 children...I'm simply the host. It seems like I don't pass on very many physical traits to my kids...except for one thing...My SMILE!!!! And that is what captured Scott's heart...maybe that's why he loves us all. ahhhhhhh!

Here's to the 16th of September! Happy pushing! Go lucky # 7...prayers for continued health (for Jr and mom), hopefully not a scorcher summer, and to finding a football that he can through at age...3 hours? (I think that is what Scott said.) Happy NEWS!

Haircut Adventures

2011-04-23T19:04:00.000-06:00

Kids: Can we go to the Park??
Mom: (I'm dead tired but I'm going to go...) Sure.
Kids: YEAH. YEAH! YEAH!!
Drive to the park with the new digging toys that the bunny left them...

Kids: Let's GO!
Mom: Ok, I'm just going to rest my eyes...I need 5 minutes

Play, dig, play and build and dig, and play and ahhhhh, quiet! Sleep....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Door comes open..all kids pile in...and we buckle in Marianne. Hum...Something is on her shirt. It's like fur? Were they by a cat? Upon closer inspection...AHHHHHH! It is her...hair. :(

It took a year to grow her hair...and now it is cut to the scalp in 7 places, so I had to ahem, "fix" it. DEPRESSING! Great...Happy Easter...I know just who did it. So when I ask her, she looks at me and with the "deer in the headlights" look--and I know the truth.

Seat-away for 20 minutes so that I can think of what to do and to not start shouting or losing it. And in the mean time I need to cut, ahem, fix the new hair due, call Scott and give him the news (he took the boys and his dad shooting) so that he has an hour to cool down, and well, try to figure out what to do with Virginia.

I tell her that she has dishes for a week and that she will have to talk to dad about what happen...TEARS! but it has to be done. Haircut adventures....sigh!

Splish-Splash at Church!

2011-04-18T06:36:00.000-06:00

Marianne's thoughts: Hum, Mommy is teaching. So I get to be with Daddy. Give daddy big hugs, love him...YES! he put me down on the ground. Now I get to run and waddle around the big gym. La, la, la, la, la...Fun. Look! He is chasing me! Fun YEAH!! Oh man! Daddy picked me up. Well, I'll point to here, and look at that...walk in the hall...la,de,da,de,da....WOW A big door! It has a picture of a daddy figure on it. hum...I wonder that that means? Oh well, la, de, da...

This is a bright room...it is shiny! It smells like soap over there.... but over here it smells like...hum...wait! NO! Don't put me down daddy! I'm going to cry...whaaaaa--wait, look at that it is a white sinky-thingy-on the wally---thingy. What is that? waddle, waddle, toddle toddle....

WOW! there is a sink at my level--and it's on the wall! I wanna splashy-splashy! Her the water is cold! YEAH! Splishy, splashy! La, da, de, la, da! This is so much fun! Cold splashy water...and in my Sunday dress, with my daddy, at church in a room with lots and lots of splashy sinks! So fun--I wonder what it tastes like? humm... Hey wait! What are you doing DADDY? That was my sinky you just took me away from!

Dad's thoughts: NNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Groooossss! STOP!!!!! EEEEWWW! Where is the SOAP?! Okay, don't panic...okay washy washy, oh gross! Ok I can handle this...it is okay, wait don't put your hand in your mouth! STOP! Wait till I wash them up! STOP! Okay, rinse...rinse....UGGGG!

Marianne's thoughts: hummm...we are leaving the "shiny sinky room"....la da la la...oh wow! we are back in the big gym! There's mommy! Walky-walky to mommy oops! Trip on the chord. cry a little.... AHHH! Mommy picked me up! Mommy picked me up! YEAH! I'll give her a big wet huggy!

Mommy's thoughts: Teach, teach, hold baby...why is she so wet? Teach, teach...my hubby's face is bright red...hummm...baby wet, hubby red...teach teach...Say amen, sit down...I bet I'm going to hear about this story....

Love you Marianne! Love you Hubby! And I can report, she is alive and well after her first splishy splashy at the Church Urinal...all survived...all is well. Smile! This one made me!

cheep

2011-04-17T16:10:00.000-06:00

Ok...what is wrong with me and blog update? I'm too cheep to buy (for 5$) 5 more GB of photo space on my blog. Why? I don't really think that it is real--I don't trust it? It's like, "we now have something else to charge you...mmmmuuuuuuhaaaaaa." Am I a little untrusting? yep. Anyway, I'll cough it up...because I love to update with PICTURES, and so I just need to do it. Sorry for being an untrusting boob about it, but there it is. That is why I have NOT updated the blog.

sigh....I just need to pay for it and put, 1) Isaac's party, 2) trip to the Zoo, 3) room change, 4) Family stress...that is a long one...get ready for reading glasses on that one, 5) spring up dates, 6) Marianne splashing in the urinal...good times, 7) tattle-telling (he's breathing my AIR!), 8) My sister is coming to UTAH to show off her Missionary son! You go girl! First Grandson Missionary :), 9) Conference learning, and 10) need to get the story published. I know that it is a lot...but I'm going to get it done. By the weekend at least half of these posts should be up. I have a plan...See you all soon!

Thoughts on Conference

2011-04-03T21:19:00.000-06:00

General Conference...it is a time that I look forward to twice a year. Why? Because it is a time of year that I am taught by Prophets of God. I am chastened (ouch and time for some repenting), I reflect on how things are going, I enjoy the beautiful music, and I am personally touched by a message. It is as if all the prayers, writing, pondering, preparing, and more prayers that the speakers offer up connect to what I've been worried about, or what I've been trying to find an answer to.

It is a simple testimony that I know that my Heavenly Father is listening to what my worries are, what my needs are, and ways that I can grow and improve because he inspires a speaker to say just what they did...and it penetrated my heart. I can number off some of the quick items that I remember and that touched me, but it goes beyond that.

In about 2-3 days I will download the entire conference sessions and listen to them while I go on my "Walk and Talks" early morning walk for the next 6 months. I will feel stirred, moved, and reminded of what I need to "be" (character development) and do (sometimes a check off list). There are moments where there will be one talk that will ring true for me for weeks and months and then suddenly I'll hit the random button and there will be a talk that will feel like I've never heard of it before and I will be shocked, stunned, and amazed to learn more than I thought I was already learning. When these moments happen, I'm always surprised by how "proud" my heart had become and how instantly humbled I am. I think after going over and over the talks that I think, "oh yeah that is the one about such and such so I don't really need that" (A little prideful). Then I'll suddenly really listen to it...feel it (be humbled by it) and start to learn what I need again and again.

I think I can liken this process to reading the scriptures...I know 1st Nephi really, ahem, really well, but no matter, I need to read it again as I go through my study. Who am I to say "been there done that" when it comes to reading scriptures, or hearing a lesson about tithing or what ever I think I might feel "that I know it all...ahem" Dumb right? Because you and I all know that as soon as you say that, you are given an opportunity to learn the lesson again, but this time with a different perspective. When I really think about it, it is or they are, the "Tender Mercies of the Lord" giving me answers, thoughts, and things to ponder about so that I can continue on that path towards the Savior.

I think the talk that spoke to me the most right today was that of "to Be not just to Do". Character development, perfecting, and rewriting is painful, fun, and scary all rolled up into one and the speaker is right. "It is not on a check off list". It is important to keep improving that for that is what we are allowed to take with us as we part from this life. It gives me hope...there is always a new day that has no mistakes in it and based on my choices can become a day filled with learning and growth. Sometimes that growth is painful and scary, but when you pass through that part you realize how far you have come through the gift and power and grace of God...I just love and am soooooo grateful for the Atonement. I know that when I partake of its power that my life is better for it. Again, many of these things are simple...not easy...but in the end character is improved and that is the "be" that I'm searching for.

WEll, anyway, that is my conference recap on things. I can't wait to five into the talks over and over for the next 6 months. Let the learning begin...it is exciting. Happy Conference everyone. :)

Just keep swimming until you find them...Autism...it is the puzzle I work with everyday

2011-03-30T18:16:00.000-06:00

http://www.wimp.com/autisticgirl/

Please enjoy...if you feel something--cry, smile, or are in shock...just know that so many parents feel this way, so many of the children are in this world...but keep swimming--we'll find them somehow. Many of the children I work with are not at this level of Autism...but I still have 6 hours with them everyday to help them, teach them, and not to give up on them. Loves! because we are all in this together. It is a world that is tough, but it is so important to crack. The children I work with are all in there somewhere...just keep swimming!

Marianne is One

2011-03-21T17:12:00.000-06:00

Fun! I love to see how much a child can grow in a year. She is doing just that and is doing great. It was a happy birthday: grandparents came, aunts and uncles, cousins...the works! We missed some family members, but I know...life can happen. Anyway she got a dolly and the cutest bunny you have ever seen. She just fell in love. She also fell head over heals for Dallin. He just made a spark in her life. It was great to see her so interactive with everyone. It was just a great day with talking, eating, laughing, and calmness...that can be a little strange when you get a house full, but really it was just nice. Everyone learned how to sign the Happy Birthday song...that was special (I think it is great that family is taking the time to learn how to talk and communicate with her. That really means a lot. :))

Happy number 1!!

Just a Thought

2011-03-15T07:09:00.000-06:00

I had a moment that made me pause and think. I was a bit emotional, a bit tired, and a bit worn out with just doing the everyday of life. So, I sought the most private room in the house the downstairs bathroom with the lights off and began a prayer. This was an interesting prayer...I prayed about things that I was really concerned with and yet they were things that I could not do much about. Nevertheless, I pushed on and allowed the tears and things to flow and wow did they, then they would suddenly turn off, and then on and then off and then on...It was a long one.

But I finally got to the truth of what I was feeling and from my perspective how I was understanding my life. Afterwards, I felt so calm and peaceful. I thought, "good, I'm feeling the love of the Lord", but I'm still not sure how to start anything, or where to begin." Well, even with those thoughts, I just pushed forward and within minutes of me leaving the bathroom, the answers to prayers were becoming evident everywhere. I felt so humbled and so loved by my Heavenly Father that I was filled with gratitude and quietly whispered a prayer of "thanks for listening and sharing your mercy so quickly."

It is just a thought, but more than that...The Lord really knows our needs no matter how big or small. He really does love us. He really does know us. I am humbled by it every time...thoughts...prayers...they are powerful...simple...but powerful.

Marianne the Cuddle Bear

2011-02-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Capturing the everyday love moments...she adores the bear.

I think Isaac adores Marianne...she really can breath.

She just belched...everyone laughed.

Cuddles! Marianne just loves this bear.

The Art Drama...

2011-02-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well, some nights are amazing...some are busy, and some are just well in the words of Garrett, "down-trodden"...sigh...

Garrett's art project. They are Archeopteryx and other Pteranadons...all three dimensional, stuffed, and hanging from...well...the hanger.

Is he proud or what?

Hum, so I must explain. We went to the awards ceremony because we were told that his project was going to move on to state...we arrived and well HE WAS READY! Anyway they called everyone, and in every category, and well, he was not named. Turns out that his project lost the entry form and so it was disqualified...ouch. He took his project and ripped it up into tiny shreds, and then he hid behind the tables for about 20 minutes while he cried, "I am a looser...and I'm so down-trodden." Sigh...it was a heart breaker.

More pieces....

Don't we all feel like this when we are "no longer a winner"? Poor kid. I hope that we can enter the competition again and this time we will make sure that everything is there...sad night.

Lucky 7

2011-02-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

WOW! Today I got to see Lucky 7. WE have......a cute little "bean-shaped strange blobby baby" (thanks Garrett). Strong heart beat 178...wives tale says girl...but all my kids have fast heart beats. All is great! Due date...September 16. I say we try for a week later for Grandpa Jack's birthday the 24th. Well, he'll/she'll come whenever. Happy day!

Valentine's...Then and Now

2011-02-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hum...Valentines...it is a day that is very memorible in my heart. I have one of the saddest stories about this day and then one of the best....

Do you want to hear the saddest valentine's story? I was separated from my first husband, pregnant, and very poor. I thought that I would treat myself to an ice-cream cone from Farr's...I searched for every spare penny in the house--it took three days, two parking lots, and I ended up taking 4 cents from my boy, but I found $1.12. I thought...that has to be enough.

I dropped the kids off at the free babysitting night that was down the canyon (at the time I lived in Huntsville--30 minutes east of Ogden) at Garrett's school. (Northern Utah Autism Program). I thought that I would treat myself to a solo date and I went to RC Willey's just to be in a warm place filled with beautiful things...it reminded me of when we had the furniture store. I needed something of Grandma and Grandpa to be with me. I needed a little love from them and their memories helped that night. I spent an hour there, looking, sitting, and thinking. It was wonderful...until...

I went to the Ice cream shop (Farr's). I pulled up (looked at how much gas I had used and thought, I still have enough to get me through the week). I walked in and just smelled the familiar smell of sugar, cones, and paper. I told the clerk what I wanted and I picked out my favorite ice cream. They rang me up and the cost was $1.17. I pulled out my money and just stared at the ice cream. Stared at the ice-cream and back at the money. I was short by 5 cents...I had to walk out the store...the poor clerk was still clutching the ice cream cone and just looking at me. I looked back over my shoulder and just started to allow the pain spill out of my eyes and onto my checks...

I just sat in my beater blue van and cried. Since my kids were at a valentine's free baby sitting night, I just sat in the dark, in the cold, in front of the shop for an hour until it was time to pick them up. That was one of darkest nights of my life...symbolism everywhere...anyway, that was my lowest moment of my life.

BEST Valentines:
It had to be last year...Scott and I went to the Anniversary Inn and celebrated our one year Anniversary (two months early...we knew that baby was coming and that well can do much of that after a baby...ahemmmm). Anyway, we went to dinner, talked, made future plans, and wondered about this little darling in my tummy. What was he/she going to look like, act like, and so forth...it was just a wonderful conversation.
The night was well...private, quiet, and just lovely. Mostly, I had a valentine...I had someone to pamper me, think of me, and love me...sorry but sometimes that is critical. Anyway, the following day we went to the Temple...did I say that this was the best? I was with my two favorite people: my Hubby and with the Spirit of the Lord.

What can I say? I am a simple person and these two things made my whole day...month...well it has carried me for a while. I love my Hubby, my new baby, my conversations, my family, going to the temple, and just being in places where I feel so loved.

It is quite the contrast (the two stories)...it gives me perspective...and that is priceless. Happy Valentine's everyone. Loves to you!

Humanity...It can cause growing pains

2011-02-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today I experienced a piece of humanity that welcomed change, reflection, and forced myself to answer questions. Thanks _____ for the conversation today...I've been chewing on it all night...It was helpful.

If any of you know me, I am, in a word, enthusiastic. My enthusiasm for life spills over onto many of my daily adventures and it can sometimes cause a mess. I can come across sharp, overwhelming, angry, or tooooo excited. When those moments happen I find myself (as I'm trying to pick up the pieces) pondering on how I can learn from what just happened.

Apparently I have influence beyond that of which I thought--many who I didn't even know read my blogs and measure me by it. I guess that is the risk, and it is there. So, to some I desire to say I'm sorry--for the offense, emotions, and enthusiasm that was too much. To others I hope that they can feel my real intention through my enthusiasm. These are the parts of "me" that are raw and sometimes show on my sleeve. I hate some of my emotional responses to things, but alas...yes I too am FAR from being always professional, political, or perfect. Can these mistakes ever be forgiven?

I'm not a PC gal. My family isn't, but truly there ISN'T malice involved, it is just raw emotion. I'm not confrontational, but there are times when things from the past build and build that a sudden event like funding being taken away from children can just throw me over the edge. I try to be a voice and be loud but I don't mean to overstep my boundaries (like representing any institution). I just want to my voice as a mother to be heard...and that I'm not an idiot. I sometimes feel like listing my education, all my accreditation, and short of sending the resume, that finally someone will take me seriously and not like a dumb uninformed mother.

So, my question is, when can some of us be human---mothers who will fight for their children's rights to education, love, and justice--and / or when is it time to just take a deep breath and scream into a pillow? To my credit I feel that I have LEARNED a great deal in this arena (thanks to my work, my master's program, and to church for teaching me) and try to take that scream into the pillow before I get all hot under the collar and write an email or post a FB that others will examine and have to give a reporting of "Angry April" (I say that with a smile on my face because of a prior conversation...it seems so funny that I have a name like that---it is kind of endearing of my whole problem).

Hum that triggered a thought, maybe I should have a mirror around just to see my face at all times...just to make sure that I'm taking a breath, screaming into the pillow, or just brushing things off so that we can all move forward. I would like to be known as enthusiastic April, or energy April, things like that.

Okay, what has this accomplished? Well, it is a vent, it is a time of reflection, and I guess a little emotional....after all...lucky 7 is coming in September and well some of the enthusiasm is spilling over and getting messy again. My asking would be, that as a person who is still learning, I pray that allowances for room to improve and to ask for forgiveness as I make mistakes that those mercies can be granted to me. I'm hoping to extend the same to all I know...I have a lot of work to do....:) Thankfully there's the blessing of time.

The MASCOT! Go TIMBERWOLVES!

2011-02-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Kellis is the Timberwolf! He is so great as a mascot! Totally DUDE!

So let's talk Spectrum Basketball. Spectrum has a team and we have been playing great for a first year. The students mostly have Autism Spectrum Disorders, and so it is a little different (like in the first game, at the half, one of the players starts to pack up his stuff. Coach asks him, "where are you going?" He replies, "well, the game's over, right?" Coach has to remind the player that there is another half to play...ya know a few little hick-ups like that, but overall...our kids KNOW the game.

GRANDMA! WHAT BIG TEETH YOU HAVE!

Coach Miller has taken a bunch of students who mostly have never gotten to play on a team to where these kids can challenge all schools they come up against with their amazing DEFENCE! On average we steal the ball away from the other team 67% of the time. The only tiny trouble we have is that....we don't quite have the skills to actually make a basket....if we scored on only 20% of the steals we made we would win every game. For some reason our shooting...well...it still needs some work.
Scott is the assistant coach and he helps Coach to keep his cool, encourage the kids, and tells them that he will buy anyone who makes a three pointer a candy bar....he has a few to buy!

What's over there?

The Horror! Oh man!

The Giauque family are the LOUDEST supporters out there. WE yell and scream and get the cheering section in a frenzy! and WOW our defence is TOP!

Shake you booty! Do the Booty dance!

Ahhhh, a little shy.....

Everyone in the league when they come to play us, are a little hesitant. Their coaches know that most of the kids have ASD and so they will ask Coach if they should "go easy" on them. Coach looks them straight in the face and tells them to play like any other team. The coaches always smile and say, ok...then our TIMBERWOLVES steal the ball over 67% and block, and PRESS the other team and suddenly there is a time out. The other team usually has to change their strategy. The other team is usually shocked! (Now we still need to improve our shooting because well...we stink). I think the best thing that the other teams think when they walk away from playing Spectrum is that they have gained some respect for our players, our coaches, and what we are doing for the kids overall. Now that is a life-long lesson.

I love my tail!

I stole the baby! I stole the baby!!

Marianne just loves the big fuzzy-soft hugs....

In all the teams that Spectrum has come up against there was only ONE who was rude, bashing, and down-right ignorant to our players. This team, North Davis Academy, were shouting to the players that they were "retards", pulling faces, the parents joined in, and the players fed off the fuel. The coach never stopped them and just let the insults continue to fly. It was so degrading that our players felt completely defeated.

It revealed to us what type of "character" training the students at North Davis Academy are getting (from both their parents and their school) is one of disrespect, mockery, and ignorance. Wow...not so sure I'd be proud to attend that school, or have those parents and my parents. Interesting.

Say.....CCCCHHHHHEEEEEESSSSEEEE!!!

At all the games that Kellis cheers at, all the refs, the players, and the audience just love to hang with the Timberwolf! He is animated, energetic, and down right funny! Watch out Jazz BEAR! This Timberwolf will give you a run for your money! I think my favorite is how the ref's always pat his head, give him high fives, and shake his funky tail! Kellis plays off the energy of the crowd and keeps us all motivated to shoot that ball! Way to go Kellis! So in the end....Spectrum Timberwolves are the hardest playing ball team in the league! AND....WE have the ONE and ONLY MASCOT in the league....Kellis, you sure stand out! As a mom....I'm so proud of you! Loves!

I'm loving it! Look at me go! Look at me go!!

I think I want to go back to mom...no offence K...but this is a little smelly.

Kellis is the Timberwolf!

2011-01-30T15:42:00.001-07:00

Kellis is the school Mascot...the Timberwolf. I'm posting pictures...get ready to smile!

FEAR NOT

2011-01-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Fear. What is it? What causes it? Why do we suffer with it? Fear happens when a lack of Faith occurs. Picture in your mind's eye an incredible amount of water /some type of lake: heavy, full of pressure, deep, and dark. Now picture a wall that dams the water, hold back the water, and a wall that stops the heavy, pressure, deep and dark water from spilling onto the town below.

What is the wall made of? It is made of the strongest material possible. The wall is fortified with steel, concrete, re bar and so forth. The wall holds back all the pressure, the deep, and dark water. Together the water pushes on the wall and the wall pushes back on the water. Everything holds, and the town remains safe.
However like all things in life, there is a weakness. If the water in the story represents the dark, deep doubt and despair that can sometimes penetrate our thoughts and hearts and fill us with negativity, then the wall in the story that is fortified with steel, concrete, and re bar is our faith. Faith is the strength that instantly holds back the doubt, but we however must trust that the wall will hold. WE need to exercise the faith to see the wall dam the doubt and help us to stay safe. We need to be strong. We need to feel it and trust that the wall will hold.
If I have bad things that happen in any aspects in my life, I first feel the immediate EMOTION of the moment--whether it is an emotion of anger, fear, stupidity, or sadness. I allow myself the emotional roller coaster to happen (although the emotional wave may not happen until after the immediate crisis, I allow it time to happen so that I can stay sane...after all I am a woman--we are kind of built like this). Second, I then look at the parts of what caused this: was it sin, was it distraction (being so busy that I didn't see it coming), was it in my control, or was it out of my control? Following these questions and looking into my heart and getting the honest answer then I do my best to proceed forward with the answers. Some answers hurt, some are easy, some are financially costly, and some take time...because they are dependent on the mercy of another to forgive you.

I personally feel that when we have to wait on the merits and mercy, and forgiveness of another, it is the time that Satan fills my heart with doubt and misery the most. It is tough to not get sucked in and drown in the dark, deep, water of doubt. It is very difficult to cling to faith when you have to wait. I have discovered through these moments that I am not able to pull myself out of the water. It usually takes someone else to throw me that life line of faith and help me to rebuild the powerfull wall of faith in order to hold back the waves of doubt.

I've been pondering on these things for a while and this morning they came clear. Nothing earth shattering, but very clarifying.

Swimming Fun Goodbye 2010

2011-01-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Swimming Beauties!

2010---We said goodbye to the year by going swimming, having a bbq, lighting fireworks, and watching a movie.
2010: it has been a year of miracles...we have a list of the top ten or 14:
1. Isaac's Baptism
2. Grandpa Dale surviving his stroke
3. Marianne's birth
4. Our 1st year anniversary...love you babe!
5. Finding an amazing babysitter...love you Jenna.
6. Going swimming, playing, laughing, doing our chores...just living the everyday life....
7. Going on two day-cations: Uintas, and Boating
8. Setting our house in order: financially paying off some debt, spring cleaning, and preparing for the future. 9. Going to Moab, Arches, 4 corners, and deadhorse point. 10. Garrett's Baptism.
11. Finding out the diagnosis for Marianne and learning ASL. 12. Thanksgiving: I got to see the funny side of the Giauques...It is a moment in time for me. 13. Finding Justice. and 14. Finding the love...

I love da water!! She kept signing and babbling...just so dang cute!

Weeeeeeee! Slide the slide!

WE have some goals for 2011.

1. Help Margaret for the baptism and for her life

2. Buy 3 bikes and a trailer so that we can go biking as a family

3. Fix Surbie so that we can go on more family vacations

4. Help Kellis get his Star and work on his Life

5. Help Isaac get his Bear and his Weblos

6. Help Garrett to understand what will happen when he turns 12

7. Get Virginia, Isaac, and Margaret into piano; Kellis into Guitar

8. Go to Mt. Rushmore

9. Help Kellis attend the Temple Quarterly

10. Go Monthly to the Temple

I'm coming to get you!

My girls, My Boy...love my life!

There are many more goals...some fro just Scott and I, some for just me...and some that I'm sure we haven't thought of yet. But, I know that if we have direction then we have a place to go, aim for, and so forth...I love life!

Visions: I AM a TEACHER

2010-12-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

Spectrum Academy: I am a founding parent...look at the impact that 8 moms with one idea can create. Ideas are powerful.

December 31, 2010

Dreams…what are they really? Sometimes they are stories with an entire plot and setting, sometimes they are scary, sometimes they are random thoughts, sometimes they express frustrations/joys/emotions, and sometimes they are warnings, directions, or they can be a life changing moment.

For me, dreams have always been a direction of communication between Heavenly Father and myself. I know that I have received true direction through my dreams. When this happens I call them visions. Now that doesn’t mean that I have nightly “visions” of my life, family, and the future, but it does mean that when those “visions” occur, I stop, ponder, and write them down. This is one of those times

A few nights following Christmas I had a dream about Spectrum Academy. The setting was an everyday school day: being a Special Educator to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. During my dream I was asked to see Miss Jaime (she is the principal). While in her office, I received direction about a “special assignment”. Miss Jaime explained to me that I would have 15 students in my classroom that needed me to reach them. These students needed not only the academic basics, but they needed to be emotionally healed, supported, and loved. She said, “As a teacher you are in the position to influence the life of a child for either good or ill. These 15 students have been given to you because no one else can reach them, help them, or cares for them. The task before you will be filled with risk: you will work hard, put in extra time, thoughts, and probably prayers for them. They will take and take from you physically, emotionally, and spiritually…you have to be prepared for that.” I remember asking her, “Why were they assigned to me?” She looked at me directly and with a firm and strong voice she said, “Because…You ARE a TEACHER.” As the dream continued, I saw myself teaching, disciplining, trying to figure out ways to break down tasks so that the students could better understand the material and so forth. I remember being so exhausted, but feeling like I was accomplishing this task set before me. Throughout the dream the thought that continued to echo was, “You ARE a TEACHER”.

Now to give a little bit of background in November 11-12, 2010, Spectrum Academy hosted the Autism Conference and we had a key note speaker come who said something that was life changing for me. (Although I must admit that I was fighting the change as it was going on—I am so stubborn sometimes). She basically told her story of how she became a teacher. It started off in a small school in the South and she didn’t even have a teaching certificate. She stuck with it and taught those children with the best thing she had: hard work and love. Her motto is very simple, “I AM a TEACHER!”

Now for the whole summer, I’ve been thinking about going into Administration so that we can better support our family. (I mean at the time we were looking towards an implant for Marianne and the cost and up keep could bankrupt us). So that was the direction, but as the sweet Lord knows all, he placed some people in my path (namely my 6 children) and told me that this career change was NOT for me. Why?? Why?? We don’t want to go into debt, I’m still with the kids, and I could still be at their same school. Why not??! It was simple, the answer would be revealed at a later time. That’s it? The answer will be given at a later time? Well, as the Sweet Lord always does for me, the answer came with a huge dose of Humility: April, you Are a TEACHER.

I was fighting it while she was speaking. I kept thinking that I needed to become more than a teacher, but it then the moment of truth hit me when the speaker talked about the letter that she gives to each one of her students and how (this is the very shortened version) that letter saved this student’s life. Basically the student (who is now 23 but at the time was 17) had a traumatic experience when he was 12 (he was kidnapped and sexually abused for over 4 months before he was found and his kidnapper was put into prision). The student because of those events was fearful and had trust issues. He would NEVER talk about it and began to self destruct. It finally came to the point of no return and he was going to be thrown out of the house because of the anger, the rage, and the terrible choices he was making. The impact on his family was tearing them all apart. He ran to his room to pack when the suddenly the letter that the teacher (the key note speaker) had written to him 4 years earlier fell on the ground and he read it. The words unleashed his emotional dam and needless to say it changed his life forever that day. He now runs a center to help other damaged children. She looked at the audience and said, “your influence is powerful—and you never know when it is going to stick. So, treat each day and each student as if they were gold, and see what your return will be.” The impact of her story, the impact on this one child’s life snapped in my head. I get it…I am a TEACHER.

I will never be paid what I worth. I know that I am looked down on by society as being “just a teacher”. I know that I will be pitied for “wasting my talents” (I’ve actually been told that). I know that will never be able to reach everyone academically that comes into my classroom, but I know that I am in the business of changing lives for good or ill based on the choices that make: the choices to work hard and love the students every day. For some students I might be the only positive Adult model they have in their life. I am in the business of service. I am hired by parents to teach their precious children. They trust me to do this. They are counting on me to deliver the service of teaching to their children. They are giving me that responsibility. It is the most powerful job in the world (next to parenting), and I am blessed with the opportunity of changing children’s lives. Now think about it. Can you name me the teacher that impacted your life? I bet you can name the teachers that impacted you for good and unfortunately for ill. I know I can.

I find it fascinating that it took me till I was 36 to FULLY embrace the fact that I have always been, and forever will be a teacher. Now something a little silly, but it opened up a world of other teaching opportunities. Duh! I can teach some on-line classes, adult classes, and so forth to help bring in a little extra income when we need it. Ohhhh, that’s right I’m still teaching and helping others. Anyway, the dream, the vision about me teaching these 15 students hit me again with soberness and truth. I am what I am. I’ve known it since I was 6 but I have not fully EMBRACED it until I 30 years later. Oh well, better late than never.

My resolve to do all that I can is real. I am now a better mother because of this vision. I am a better wife. I am a better friend. I am a better member of my community. And I am a better person because the Sweet Lord is willing to stick with me through my stubbornness and help me to see the direction that my talents were meant to go…It is a humbling place to be in…I pray that I follow the Spirit and direction so that I can best help others, impact other, and direct others as they cross my path along their path of life.