I was getting the kids ready to go outside. Since it was a sunny day and we were up in the mountains I wanted everyone to be wearing sunscreen.
Me: "OK, everybody needs to be wearing sunscreen."
Seth: "Why?"
Me: "Because if you don't you'll get a sunburn and that will make you tired and grouchy."
Hyrum: "I'm already tired."
Seth: "And I'm already grouchy."
Friday, July 08, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
A quick update
It has been such a long time since I have posted regularly, and Christmas letters never made it out this year. I think I will do a quick update on all of our kids for those interested, and then we will go back to our regular, quirky posts.
Melissa: My beautiful oldest girl is just finishing her 8th grade year. It has been a very interesting one. As usual, the highlight of her year was the Regional Science Fair. She took first place in her division, and was invited to participate in the Broadcom Masters competition, which means that she was in the top 10% of projects nationwide. She also loved being a part of the school play, Seussical. She was Mrs. Mayor. Melissa recently won an election for student body treasurer. She was nominated to run for President, but she had a very close friend running for the same position, and chose to put the friendship before the position. Currently she is preparing for a summer of pioneer trek, Brighton, OakCrest, and being a counselor at 4H family camp. Her viola teacher gave her a book of hymns, which she loves to play. They say that the teenage years are hard; I am a lucky mom. She knows what she believes and she makes wise decisions.
Jessica: Jessica just finished 7th grade. Her teachers describe her as quiet, but very bright. She gets more beautiful as the days go by. She also won first place in the school science fair, and took place in regionals. Jessica enjoys all subjects. Her grade spent much of the year working on an Urban Farming manual, and studying different gardening techniques. She also played several parts in Seussical. Jessica plays the cello, which she enjoys. Our little Sophia thinks that she owns Jessica, which Jess enjoys most of the time! She loves to hang out with a good book, and really enjoys attending youth meetings at church. She is a sweet kid.
Cassandra: Cass is becoming quite a proficient violinist. She is excited that she will be a sixth grader this next year. We are not as excited to see her grow up on us! She is already beginning her sixth grade service project (part of the curriculum at our school) by helping out the Unified Fire Department with FireCorps, helping with fire safety training at various community events and "town days" throughout the region. She is really looking forward to that. Cassandra is somewhere between a budding teen and a little girls, still enjoying dolls at times, but enjoying older pursuits with her sisters, as well. She is very social, and has a broad circle of friends, including kids and adults. She also took 4th place in her grade in a state-wide writer's contest sponsored by PBS.
Hyrum: Hyrum is becoming quite the storyteller. He loves to write and illustrate stories, especially if the involve dragons. Hyrum's favorite school day this year was Friday, because he would get to participate in Robotics at school. He loved being the "expert" and helping the kids in his class. Hyrum also likes to be the class clown when he can get away with it, but usually manages to keep this in check at school! Hy also placed 4th in the statewide PBS writers contest, and earned a $25 college savings certificate. Along with his sisters and Seth, Hyrum is an Irish dancer. He started hardshoe this year, which he loves.
Seth: Seth has had a lot of "firsts" this year. Seth started kindergarten, Irish dance, and most recently, violin. Seth's best friend at kindergarten is Desirae. Do we see a budding romance in a few years? She is awfully cute.... She is a good reader, and especially likes math. He also likes participating in 4H clubs after school. Eventually, he will probably be our tallest kid. He is a bit of a tease with both Noah and Sophia, but we are helping him to remember to be kind. He is a treasure.
Noah: Noah starts kindergarten next fall, and is looking forward to some time away from home! Noah is quite small for his age, so most people are surprised to find out he is old enough for kindergarten. Noah was cursed with weak enamel on his teeth, and has spent a lot of time in the dentist's office. He has been a trooper through it. Noah loves to play cars and dinosaurs. Fairness is very important to him, so he keeps us on our toes. We are not feeling quite ready for this little boy to go to school; our baby is growing up.
Sophia: Sophia is, and always will be, our miracle. As she develops and changes, she is defying all expectations. It took five minutes of resuscitation at birth, and at first pediatricians were somewhat pessimistic about her future. Now, approaching two, she talks like she is ready for kindergarten. She has a beautiful sense of humor, and loves to jump and dance. She loves feeding bread to the wild ducks that land in Grandpa's back yard, and will readily tell you that she is "bootiful". She also counts to three regularly, and loves to creatively count to 20...heavy on the creativity. She is the princess of the castle, and regularly bosses the rest of us around (but in the sweetest way, of course).
Well, that is the latest on the Ivie Seven. Maybe next week we will actually manage to add pictures!
Melissa: My beautiful oldest girl is just finishing her 8th grade year. It has been a very interesting one. As usual, the highlight of her year was the Regional Science Fair. She took first place in her division, and was invited to participate in the Broadcom Masters competition, which means that she was in the top 10% of projects nationwide. She also loved being a part of the school play, Seussical. She was Mrs. Mayor. Melissa recently won an election for student body treasurer. She was nominated to run for President, but she had a very close friend running for the same position, and chose to put the friendship before the position. Currently she is preparing for a summer of pioneer trek, Brighton, OakCrest, and being a counselor at 4H family camp. Her viola teacher gave her a book of hymns, which she loves to play. They say that the teenage years are hard; I am a lucky mom. She knows what she believes and she makes wise decisions.
Jessica: Jessica just finished 7th grade. Her teachers describe her as quiet, but very bright. She gets more beautiful as the days go by. She also won first place in the school science fair, and took place in regionals. Jessica enjoys all subjects. Her grade spent much of the year working on an Urban Farming manual, and studying different gardening techniques. She also played several parts in Seussical. Jessica plays the cello, which she enjoys. Our little Sophia thinks that she owns Jessica, which Jess enjoys most of the time! She loves to hang out with a good book, and really enjoys attending youth meetings at church. She is a sweet kid.
Cassandra: Cass is becoming quite a proficient violinist. She is excited that she will be a sixth grader this next year. We are not as excited to see her grow up on us! She is already beginning her sixth grade service project (part of the curriculum at our school) by helping out the Unified Fire Department with FireCorps, helping with fire safety training at various community events and "town days" throughout the region. She is really looking forward to that. Cassandra is somewhere between a budding teen and a little girls, still enjoying dolls at times, but enjoying older pursuits with her sisters, as well. She is very social, and has a broad circle of friends, including kids and adults. She also took 4th place in her grade in a state-wide writer's contest sponsored by PBS.
Hyrum: Hyrum is becoming quite the storyteller. He loves to write and illustrate stories, especially if the involve dragons. Hyrum's favorite school day this year was Friday, because he would get to participate in Robotics at school. He loved being the "expert" and helping the kids in his class. Hyrum also likes to be the class clown when he can get away with it, but usually manages to keep this in check at school! Hy also placed 4th in the statewide PBS writers contest, and earned a $25 college savings certificate. Along with his sisters and Seth, Hyrum is an Irish dancer. He started hardshoe this year, which he loves.
Seth: Seth has had a lot of "firsts" this year. Seth started kindergarten, Irish dance, and most recently, violin. Seth's best friend at kindergarten is Desirae. Do we see a budding romance in a few years? She is awfully cute.... She is a good reader, and especially likes math. He also likes participating in 4H clubs after school. Eventually, he will probably be our tallest kid. He is a bit of a tease with both Noah and Sophia, but we are helping him to remember to be kind. He is a treasure.
Noah: Noah starts kindergarten next fall, and is looking forward to some time away from home! Noah is quite small for his age, so most people are surprised to find out he is old enough for kindergarten. Noah was cursed with weak enamel on his teeth, and has spent a lot of time in the dentist's office. He has been a trooper through it. Noah loves to play cars and dinosaurs. Fairness is very important to him, so he keeps us on our toes. We are not feeling quite ready for this little boy to go to school; our baby is growing up.
Sophia: Sophia is, and always will be, our miracle. As she develops and changes, she is defying all expectations. It took five minutes of resuscitation at birth, and at first pediatricians were somewhat pessimistic about her future. Now, approaching two, she talks like she is ready for kindergarten. She has a beautiful sense of humor, and loves to jump and dance. She loves feeding bread to the wild ducks that land in Grandpa's back yard, and will readily tell you that she is "bootiful". She also counts to three regularly, and loves to creatively count to 20...heavy on the creativity. She is the princess of the castle, and regularly bosses the rest of us around (but in the sweetest way, of course).
Well, that is the latest on the Ivie Seven. Maybe next week we will actually manage to add pictures!
Friday, June 04, 2010
Seth and Noah have two very close friends: their shadows.
Noah's shadow is named Jackson, and Seth's shadow is named Bob.
Noah says his shadow "be's mean" to him all the time. His shadow only likes Seth. Sometimes his shadow kickes him, and he kicks back (in self defense). Also when they are playing games, his shadow always says, "Ha Ha! I win!" He may soon be looking for a new shadow.
Noah's shadow is named Jackson, and Seth's shadow is named Bob.
Noah says his shadow "be's mean" to him all the time. His shadow only likes Seth. Sometimes his shadow kickes him, and he kicks back (in self defense). Also when they are playing games, his shadow always says, "Ha Ha! I win!" He may soon be looking for a new shadow.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Tomorrow is the last day of school for our family, and we had what we call student-led conferences today. It is an opportunity to talk with each child's teacher, but more importantly it is an opportunity to have each child explain their accomplishments.
At Cassandra's conference, she read a copy of a poem that she wrote. I think many who read this blog will recognize some of what is here:
At Cassandra's conference, she read a copy of a poem that she wrote. I think many who read this blog will recognize some of what is here:
I am From
by Cassandra Ivie
I am from my mother's beautiful garden, the park at the end of the block, and the roses in front of my house.
I am from sitting under fruit trees on a hot day, the herb garden and its wonderful smell, and the swing set we've had so long.
I am from my Aunt Beckie's lemon cupcakes, Grandma Ivie's yams and potatoes, and turkey on Thanksgiving.
I am from my Grandma Taylor's chili on cold winter nights, my mother's desserts after a satisfying dinner, and pumpkin pie with a mountain of whipped cream.
I am from Snowbird in the mountains, the castle park and its tunnels, and Grampa Taylor's farm.
I am from mountains and long trails, Capitol Reef in midsummer, and Grandma Ivie's back yard.
I am from rosemary's nice smell, lavendar's pretty look, and parsley's funny curl.
I am from Kit-Kat, Hannah, and Ashley.
I am from Ceci, Debbie, and Brian.
I am from "capture the flag" near hay bales, tag with my friends, and hide-n-seek with my brothers.
I am from brecelets from Melissa, stuffed animals from my mom, and my journal's secrets.
by Cassandra Ivie
I am from my mother's beautiful garden, the park at the end of the block, and the roses in front of my house.
I am from sitting under fruit trees on a hot day, the herb garden and its wonderful smell, and the swing set we've had so long.
I am from my Aunt Beckie's lemon cupcakes, Grandma Ivie's yams and potatoes, and turkey on Thanksgiving.
I am from my Grandma Taylor's chili on cold winter nights, my mother's desserts after a satisfying dinner, and pumpkin pie with a mountain of whipped cream.
I am from Snowbird in the mountains, the castle park and its tunnels, and Grampa Taylor's farm.
I am from mountains and long trails, Capitol Reef in midsummer, and Grandma Ivie's back yard.
I am from rosemary's nice smell, lavendar's pretty look, and parsley's funny curl.
I am from Kit-Kat, Hannah, and Ashley.
I am from Ceci, Debbie, and Brian.
I am from "capture the flag" near hay bales, tag with my friends, and hide-n-seek with my brothers.
I am from brecelets from Melissa, stuffed animals from my mom, and my journal's secrets.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Being "In Charge"
Seth (age 5): "Mom, one day when you need someone to be in charge, will you say Seth? Cause I have never been in charge the whole week. and Noah can be in charge of Sopie and I will be in charge of all the kids"
Apparently he doesn't understand the age factor.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Dragon Food
Noah was eating trix cereal, dry. apparently it is part of a game.
Seth: "Noah, Can I please have some dragon food? Cause I'm a dragon."
Noah: "Are you a bunny? cause it's only bunny food"
Seth: "Noah, Can I please have some dragon food? Cause I'm a dragon."
Noah: "Are you a bunny? cause it's only bunny food"
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Lost Parts
Deborah asked our young boys if they wanted to see play or not tomorrow.
Seth said he wanted to see it.
Deborah said, "Even though you have already seen it a bunch of times?"
Seth answered, "yes cause I kind of lost some parts"
Seth said he wanted to see it.
Deborah said, "Even though you have already seen it a bunch of times?"
Seth answered, "yes cause I kind of lost some parts"
Friday, April 09, 2010
Enough to Be Liked
This morning Deborah bribed Seth with a mini butter cup.
He really wanted a second one, so he kept trying to find an easy way to earn another.
He really wanted a second one, so he kept trying to find an easy way to earn another.
She asked him to hand to her the baby wipes, to which he replied,
"What will you do if I give them to you?"
"Will you just like me a lot?"
"What will you do if I give them to you?"
"Will you just like me a lot?"
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Rescue Heroes
Deborah recently found a fun new way to get our two young sons, Seth (age 5) and Noah (age 3) to help:
Using an "intercom" voice you say "Calling all rescue heroes. I need a diaper. this is an emergency. Please use your jet pack and come help me."
The help comes flying in with arms out like a plane.
Unfortunately you have to wait for him to use his "rope" to pass the diaper.
But although slow, it works.
Using an "intercom" voice you say "Calling all rescue heroes. I need a diaper. this is an emergency. Please use your jet pack and come help me."
The help comes flying in with arms out like a plane.
Unfortunately you have to wait for him to use his "rope" to pass the diaper.
But although slow, it works.
Secret Ingredients
Last night Deborah asked Seth (our 5 year old) to put water in Sophia's bottle.
He told her he knew how to put the formula in as well.
Deborah asked, "Are you sure? 4 scoops?"
He said yes, so she told him he could do it.
He brought back the bottle and smilingly said,
"Mom, I put in a secret 'gredient. It is my special recipe!"
She warily asked, "What?"
Seth replied with a big grin: "5 scoops!"
She let Sophia drink it, figuring his scoops probably weren't full anyway.
I can think of worse "secret ingredients"
He told her he knew how to put the formula in as well.
Deborah asked, "Are you sure? 4 scoops?"
He said yes, so she told him he could do it.
He brought back the bottle and smilingly said,
"Mom, I put in a secret 'gredient. It is my special recipe!"
She warily asked, "What?"
Seth replied with a big grin: "5 scoops!"
She let Sophia drink it, figuring his scoops probably weren't full anyway.
I can think of worse "secret ingredients"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cassandra Wins 1st Place in State for Inspirations Entry
Cassandra's "Theater" piece (she had to write, direct and film it herself) won first place at her school, the region, and now the state. (Elementary Division, 3-5 grade) Jessica's theater entry also won first place. Melissa had an entry that made it to state which won high honors. Melissa and Jessica were busy attending the science fair, and so they missed this awards assembly, but they were represented by Cassandra who accepted on their behalf their trophy and other awards.
Melissa's Science Project - 2010
Melissa created an projection screen with multi-touch capabilities using infra-red light sources read from a wiimote, and adapted the the TUIO interface, to a custom Java application that she wrote. The majority of the work went into getting the bluetooth stack to work with Windows, and testing the wiimotes, but she also spent considerable time installing, configuring and writing code.Jessica's Science Project - 2010
For her project Jessica turned on an off different electrical outlets from an iPod Touch. She set up the web server, created the web page, connected the AJAX code to a serial proxy, build an "Arduino" microcontroller, and programmed, it, and connected a custom circuit in a power strip that allowed for optically isolated control of four different power outlets. We had a lot of fun. Here she is at the State science fair with her project.Science Fair 2010 - First Place!
Melissa and Jessica both won first place in the state science fair!Thursday, March 11, 2010
Fish Kiss
Noah was pretending to sail
Deborah said to him "I think you are a fish."
Noah: "No, I am not a fish; I am a person."
Deborah: "If you move your lips like this you can be a fish."
Noah: "That's not when I'm a fish. thats when I'm kissing too much."
Deborah said to him "I think you are a fish."
Noah: "No, I am not a fish; I am a person."
Deborah: "If you move your lips like this you can be a fish."
Noah: "That's not when I'm a fish. thats when I'm kissing too much."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wonder who did that...
Deborah: "Noah, don't take your pull up off."
Noah: "But I need a new one."
Deborah "Why?"
Noah: "Cause somebody peed in that one last night!"
Hmmm...wonder who did that....
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Problem Is...
Quote from Seth: "Mommy, the problem is, Noah wants to do evewysing his way, and I wasnt to to evewysing my way!"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Sucker for a Kiss
Deborah opened a sucker for Noah, and he gave her a kiss
Deborah: "You don't love me, do you?"
Deborah: "You don't love me, do you?"
Noah: "I do love you, cause you opened it!"
Deborah: "Would you love me even if I didn't open it?"
Noah: "No!"
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Looking back seven months...
This isn't my usual lighthearted post of funny things the kids say, so please forgive me a few minutes of nostalgia. Thanks for letting me share with you.
This weekend I cleaned out my laptop case. It contained my copy of the pediatrician's notes from when Soph was born. Just a few excerpts:
"6/15/09 15:00 hrs. Mom scheduled for induction today. Cord prolapse noted by exam and fetal heartbeat in 60 bpm prior to c/s. From detection of cord prolapse to delivery is estimated 10/12 min. Mom +lupus anticoagulant &GBS & GD. Apgar @ 1,5,10,15 (minutes) is 0,2,6,&8. Chest compressions during first two minutes. PAP firs 10-15 minutes. CPAP currently as well..."
"Addendum, 16:45: spoke with both parents about possibility of ischemic encephalopathy (brain damage from lack of oxygen) because of prolapse cord for 10-15 min. duration. Spoke about signs and symptoms of ischemic encephalopathy and its consequences both short term and long term. Spoke about different levels of severity...."
I read through these notes as I watched my seven month old do an army crawl across the floor and squeal in delight. In the few days since, she has cut her first tooth, started sitting up on her own, and pulled herself to standing. My sweet baby who started life with an apgar score that was literally a 0: no breathing, no heartbeat, just went down for her morning nap.
Not everything in my life has turned out perfectly. But today I am remembering that miracles do happen, and I will forever be grateful for this one.
This weekend I cleaned out my laptop case. It contained my copy of the pediatrician's notes from when Soph was born. Just a few excerpts:
"6/15/09 15:00 hrs. Mom scheduled for induction today. Cord prolapse noted by exam and fetal heartbeat in 60 bpm prior to c/s. From detection of cord prolapse to delivery is estimated 10/12 min. Mom +lupus anticoagulant &GBS & GD. Apgar @ 1,5,10,15 (minutes) is 0,2,6,&8. Chest compressions during first two minutes. PAP firs 10-15 minutes. CPAP currently as well..."
"Addendum, 16:45: spoke with both parents about possibility of ischemic encephalopathy (brain damage from lack of oxygen) because of prolapse cord for 10-15 min. duration. Spoke about signs and symptoms of ischemic encephalopathy and its consequences both short term and long term. Spoke about different levels of severity...."
I read through these notes as I watched my seven month old do an army crawl across the floor and squeal in delight. In the few days since, she has cut her first tooth, started sitting up on her own, and pulled herself to standing. My sweet baby who started life with an apgar score that was literally a 0: no breathing, no heartbeat, just went down for her morning nap.
Not everything in my life has turned out perfectly. But today I am remembering that miracles do happen, and I will forever be grateful for this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)