August 2024

Since going back to teaching and especially becoming the Student Government advisor, I don't even know how to describe what my Augusts are like. I get a mix of the following feelings even seeing these pictures again: anxiety, excitement, anticipation, stress, and overwhelm. August is cramming everything needed into the end of summer and also starting school, which is hard enough as a teacher, but so much more when adding Student Government advising to the mix. 

We started August with Brian getting his wisdom teeth removed. That was not fun at all for him, but the surgery went well and so did his recovery.

Sunny took us all to Hale Center Theater for a fun show! That was an enjoyable break!

Our theater trip was partly to celebrate this little dude's birthday. He is everyone's favorite!

We had the boy's last piano lesson from Miss Laura ever. We were going to try to continue and life happened and we never made more lesson appointments. Her dog Betsy loved Brian. She would sit with him until his turn for lessons. 

Mark hosted a stake youth concert viewing in the backyard.

Then a few days later he hosted a ward swing dance night as part of the ward youth conference.

Student Government helped host the Freshman BBQ at the school a week before school began. The SBOs gave tours of the school, we gave out candy and did face paint and the administration served hotdogs.

And here we are on the first day of school! Why does it have to start so early? Brian was Junior Class Historian and he and I needed to go very early to get the welcome party going and prepare the schedules to hand out to students. Timmy had to come with us if he wanted a ride to school. He was good to help even though he wasn't a class officer this year.  Student Government is so busy at the beginning of the school year. It ties my stomach in knots thinking that's only a few months away for the next year.

We all look a little tired. I don't think we were quite ready for this but here we are.

Things went well that first day and things went not well. We organized a welcome party for students.

We also handed out hundreds and hundreds of printed schedules which wasn't easy and a bit chaotic. With the population of our school it is hard for many students to access their schedule. Many do not have computers and are new to the country and the system. Most cannot get it online and need a printed copy so they know where their classes are located and when. It is kind of a mess every year though. Most students have two last names and no one knows which last name the schedule is printed by. I wish there were a better solution. We did our best though.

Our SBO artist sure had some great posters to welcome everyone!

The first big football game came that weekend. We put on a fun tailgate to get everyone excited for the season!

While the boys and I were crazy busy with the beginning of school, Mark bought an RV!

Brian asked a girl to Homecoming!

Both boys were running Cross Country. This picture was at the Payson Night Hunt Meet. Timmy realized long distance running is not for him and kind of petered out toward the end of the Cross Country season. I'm glad he gave it a shot though. Brian ran strong throughout despite being very busy.

We took the RV up that canyon one night for a test run.

We celebrated Luke's birthday! So glad he lives close!

The chant the cross country team does is my favorite! So inspiring! I love when I get to see it.

We put on a lunch event trying to get students to sign up for the Stampede (Spirit) Club.

Not Pictured in August:

Jenny ESL Endorsement beginning courses.

Jenny professional development week

Jenny prepares and starts to teach 240 new ninth graders World Geography

Seminary welcome back party

Church, church meetings, baptism, leadership conference, youth devotional

Neighbor's wedding

Brian doctor's appointment

Timmy started UYT tennis.

Mark keeps everything at home together and works hard to provide (thank you, Mark!)