porter is four...

Porter turned four today! some things we don't want to forget about our "dodo" are:

he started preschool and LOVES it - and Mrs. Danielle!
he stopped sucking his thumb about 3 months ago when he knocked his teeth and they were wiggly. he came downstairs the first night and told us he couldn't "belax" because he couldn't suck his thumb.
his best friends are talon, ammon, grey & maddie
he likes to play the "boyfriend/girlfriend" game with maddie. (we checked it out - it's safe)
he LOVES Coop
he is still quite shy, but SUPER funny

We love you Porter! Happy Birthday!

family photos 09

summer 2009...

This year our summer was full of mini-excursions! Several fishing trips, a Mohey Sand Hollow trip, and a Lake Powell weekend gave us our water fix! Cooper was busy with t-ball and lizzard catching. Jaren took the boys on their first hunting trip and had his 10 year missionary reunion. I went to a few dance camps and on a few girls girls trips and had my 10 year class reunion. We enjoyed a garden that Jaren planted, and really LOVED being in our house!

off my chest...

I feel flustered. A little deflated. But SO excited!
Registration at the dance studio begins tomorrow. I am not flustered that I'm busy, or that the studio won't be ready, or that I don't think anyone will come to register.
I'm frustrated over things I can't control.
Since Jaren & I decided that this was an endeavor worth taking on, I have TRULY tried to be professional. It may seem that my coaching position at both the high school and college my be a conflict with a private studio, but I have taken EVERY precaution to make sure it doesn't. I was very open and honest with my dancers and their parents about my intentions. I don't talk about or promote the studio at either team's practice. I haven't encouraged my dancers to come to my studio, or discouraged them from taking anywhere else. I also sent a letter (which I did NOT need to do) to the other studio directors in town, letting them know of my intentions, that I was not trying to "take" their students or hurt their programs in any way.
I just want to be another option!
I am frustrated that others haven't chosen to be professional. I feel deflated that everything positive I am trying to offer is being challenged, or suddenly topped. I am hurt that people I considered friends feel more like enemies.
I guess competition does funny things to people.
BUT... I am SO excited by the positive response I have received! I am confident in the curriculum we offer. I am so proud of my staff and what they will offer. I am eager for everyone to see the studio we have worked so hard on. I am GRATEFUL for good friends who have been encouraging, come to help, defended me, "made the move," and will eventually :). I am proud of myself for taking the high road - it has NOT been easy!!! I vow to continue on that road.
I do not regret - for one second - this decision. I do not doubt that it will be successful.
But I can only control my actions!

it's official...

www.gravitydancecenter.com

gone. again.

Ben 10 is gone again! I'm pretty sure it's for good this time.
So long Ben 10...

ben 10...

2 weeks ago Jaren went to Colorado for a business trip. He left early Monday (Memorial day) and returned Friday - with a turtle! He and his boss found 3 box turtles walking along the road after it had rained. His boss had been there before and brought one home, so Jaren grabbed one and his boss took the other 2.

THE BOYS WERE SO EXCITED!

He got home with the turtle Friday afternoon, just as I was leaving for Vegas. The boys couldn't have been more anxious to see the turtle, name him, buy him a home...

I got a text telling me they named him Ben 10.

Saturday I was at the mall and got another text that Ben 10 was MIA. GONE.
Cooper had been at a birthday party and Jaren was getting the boat ready to take the boys fishing and left Porter outside playing with Ben 10. He let him go. THE TURTLE RAN AWAY. Porter plead the fifth. Jaren searched. The neighbors searched (seriously). Cooper cried. Wailed actually. Porter got in trouble. Still, no turtle.
THIS is where the story gets good...
We were outside after dinner tonight, opened the door to the little garage, and there was Ben 10! Just chillin' in the garage like nobody's business. Totally alive! 10 days later.

Welcome Back Ben 10!

buggin...

The boys latest adventure is catching bugs!
I bought Coop this "bug barn" at Big Lots and did I ever hit the Lotto!!!

Yes, Porter insists on wearing his helmet 24/7. He poked a stink bug with a toothpick and carried it around while the bug squirmed.

SERIOUSLY. Look at this bug!

Ive heard it's a Sun Spider or Camel Spider and Cooper insists it's called an Indian Ack.
WTH?

I guess it's a boy thing. Way better than them being obsessed with video games?

kindergarten graduate...

Cooper made it through his first year of school! Hooray! He LOVED school and was above average on all of his testing. His teacher was Michelle Vasi, who we LOVE.
He was in the p.m. class with most of the other kids in the neighborhood.

We heard some GREAT stories from Cooper throughout the year.
Stories that I don't want to forget!

Coopers favorite things about Kindergarten were the "show and teach bucket," PE and recess. He did not like Power Hour.

He told us that at recess the girls would line up to whisper in his ear that they wanted to marry him cuz he's the hottest one in the class. WOW.

The picture above Coops head is his self portrait.

What do you think? Jay Leno or the guy from The Incredibles...

He is CERTAIN that he is the best, fastest, strongest etc. at
whatever they do in PE or at recess.
Wednesday was "crazy hair day" at school. Cooper wanted blue hair. He wanted me to take a picture with a mean face, to go with his hair. 100% his idea.

Just because I bleached his hair and then added permanent blue does not make me a bad mom, right? I was just participating :)

He said they voted in his class for who had the best hair. Everyone voted for Cooper, INCLUDING COOPER, except for 1 boy.
He voted for himself and got 2nd.

At the end of the year swimming party, he told me that when he takes his shirt off at the pool, all the girls will probably scream. SERIOUSLY.

Aside from being VERY confident, he really is a sweet boy. He gets his chores done, is usually nice to Porter, works hard with his dad at the farm, is nice to kids and adults alike, and is fun to be around. We are so proud of him and look forward to many more years of great stories!!!

meow...

The cat is out of the bag... I'm opening a dance studio this fall! Before you freak out about me have 4 jobs {all of which I happen to LOVE} believe me when I say 1. I can handle it and 2. it's not what it seems
After becoming more and more involved in the "dance world" in Cedar in the 5 years we have been here I have realized a few things: 1. there are many dancers and parents who have not found the "right" studio for them 2. there are so many incredible dancers/teachers here who are not being utilized because they don't have the opportunity - it is my intention to provide another "option" for dancers and the "opportunity" for teachers!
I plan to act as the director, overseeing the program as a whole, not teaching the classes. I do intend to teach each class once a month. This will enable me to be at the studio 1 day a week, keep things moving in the direction I intend, and boss people around which is what I truly LOVE!!!
The studio will be named "gravity dance center" and will open in August. We are working now on a website, flyers, and just getting up and running!
Wish me luck!

coopers sixth birthday...

Cooper turned 6 and we can't believe it!
The things I want to remember about Cooper being 6 are:
: i can't keep him entertained - he wants to be with friends constantly
: that he LOVES star wars clone wars
: his favorite food is ribs (from chili's)
: he thinks he is a really good dancer
: in fact, he thinks he is really good at everything
: and he is!
: he is not wimpy or whiney
: he really is a nice boy - his kindergarten teacher tells me everyone wants to be his friend
: ladies in his life are: brooke (his mohey tawa g.f. of 4 years) & haislee (the girl next door)
: he does well in school. loves math but HATES power hour
: porter worships him. he teases porter.


Coop had a really fun birthday party at the Washington Swimming Pool. He has really cute friends - we are lucky to be in such a great area!


Presents & Pizza...

He got a trampoline that Porter likes more than he does...

california

We just got back from 6 days in California, and oh do I miss the sun! Our friends the McCurdys went with us, which made the trip even more fun! The boys were awesome and it was fabulous to have no diaper bags, bottles, naps...
We did Disneyland, California Adventures, Newport Beach & Sea World. Here are some photos...

julie

People are awesome. Here is my proof. I went to the hospital to have my blood work done (i still have to go once a month until July) from the Molar Pregnancy. I signed in at the kiosk to register. I waited only a minute when a lady came out of the office and asked for "McCall?"
I stood up and said hi.
Here is how the rest of the conversation went:
lady(shocked): Oh, I was sure you had put your name in wrong.
me: Yeah, they usually file me as Scott McCall at the dentist. Haha.
lady(still shocked): Well, come to desk #1 and I'll get you registered.
me: Sure!
Now we're at desk #1
lady: So, is Scott your married name or your maiden name?
me: It's my married name.
lady: What was your maiden name?
me: Cooper
lady(now more shocked): Have you EVER asked your mom why she didn't name you Julie, or something normal?
me: Nope.

Mohey Review

Mohey Review
TONIGHT
7pm
Cedar High Gym
$3

miniMOHEY

Some of you wanted a reminder about miniMOHEY. Here it is!

miniMOHEY starts Monday, March 9 and goes through Wednesday, March 11
it's from 4-5pm
it costs $15 and includes a cute shirt
the girls will perform their dances at the Mohey Review on Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm

Registration is Monday at 3:45 at the Cedar High School Gym
If you want more info, let me know.

Hope you can make it!!!

family night plans...

Waukeenyan Showcase
Monday, March 2
7pm
SUU Centrum
(i'd love to see you there)

it is your birthday.

Saturday was Jare's 30th Birthday! What an OLDIE!!!
It was a good day... went to the gym, got massages, played with the boys, then headed to SG for "dinner with friends." I told him earlier in the week that we were going to dinner with Downeys, Wells, and Slacks (Jaren & Ryan share the same b-day) in SG. He is didn't ask questions.
BUT Steph and I had planned a SURPRISE birthday party!

It was fun! Everyone met at the Pasta Factory at 6 and we showed up a little after. Both Jaren & Ryan were totally surprised. It was a fun night! Thanks to everyone who came (especially our Cedar friends who drove down) and kept it a surprise.
I think the biggest surprise was that I kept it a secret!!!

Happy Birthday Jare! Thanks for all you do for the boys and I - you are an AWESOME dad and husband. We love you!

Military


Dance

we freakin' did it!

The State Drill Team Competition was held yesterday at UVU. It still seems like it's not real, but the results don't lie: WE PLACED 2ND OVERALL !!!
What an accomplishment for a team that 2 years ago placed last at Region and didn't make it to State, then last year swept Region and placed 5th at State. Normally a team doesn't "disrupt" the order of the top 5 teams at State... but we're not normal! We beat the "big teams" who are all moving to 4A schools next year including: Logan, Ogden, Bear River and Union.
When asked by a reporter what is different about this team, my answer was that, aside from the hard work and dedication that all Drill Team members display, our team has no (well maybe very little) drama. If you've ever been on a team of girls, or just had a group of girlfriends who spend on average 12 hours a week together, you know that that is not an easy feat.
It has been an honor to watch them grow up and become little ladies! My girls have learned to be responsible, respectful, kind, gracious as losers and winners, and fun girls to be around. They are girls who are at least 10 years younger than I am, but I ENJOY being around. They are funny without being crude, silly without being annoying, and know when it's time to turn it on and off.
I am so proud of them and can't wait to see them continue to achieve their goals! Next year we are going for #1!
Let's Go Mohey!!!
(I really will post video's soon)

champs!

We did it!

We SWEPT Region for the 2nd year in a row! It was an awesome day! I will post the videos of the routines as soon as I can.
State is this Saturday at UVU. We have a good chance of winning. Our goal is to place top 3.
THANKS to those of you who came and cheered. It was awesome!!!

region...

Just a reminder that region is this Saturday at 10am at the SUU centrum...
come cheer us on!

Don't forget that Dixie and Snow Canyon will be there as well, so all you old Jetettes can come re-live your high school days!

second at third...

We attended our third and final competition before region and state in Richfield this weekend. It was a good competition and we did very well. We placed 2nd in every category. Uintah beat us - they are the reigning STATE CHAMPS! We were VERY close to beating them in 2 categories and that was awesome. We had lots of people from other schools tell us they thought we should have beat them, but didin't because they hold the title.
REGION is in 2 weeks. It's on Saturday, January 24 @ SUU. It's at 10am and will be over by 12. Cedar, Canyon View, Hurricane, Dixie and Snow Canyon will all be there. I would LOVE to see you there (cheering for Cedar of course.) I'll put a countdown on my blog because I've had lots of people ask when it is! Hope to see you there....

tagged...

tagged: Getting to Know You 2009

What time did you get up this morning? 4:55 a.m.
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Tale of Despareaux
What is your favorite TV show? The Office & Greys
What do you usually have for breakfast? string cheese
What is your middle name? Marie
What food do you dislike? most fish - but I'm getting better!
What are your favorite CDs at the moment? Britney - say what you want, I LOVE her!
What kind of car do you drive? Endeavor
Favorite sandwich? Peanut butter and honey
What characteristic do you despise? Insecurity
Favorite item of clothing? pajamas
Where would you retire to? houses in a few places (Cedar, the city & the mountain)
What was your most recent memorable birthday? This year the high school band played and my drill team girls sang happy birthday to me at a football game halftime - I was totally surprised!
When is your birthday? October 3, 1980
Morning person or a night person? both- but morning if i get up early
What is your shoe size? 8
Pets? 6000 pheasants and 2 dogs (they all live at the farm though!!!)
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? my HCG count is "less than 2," so I only have to have blood tests once a month!
What did you want to be when you were little? to work in a bakery or at McDonalds so I could eat all the dough and french fries - SERIOUSLY!
How are you today? much better than yesterday
What is your favorite flower? Gardenia
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? January 24-Region Competition
What was the last thing you ate? chocolate protein shake
Do you wish on stars? Yes
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? the glitter one
How is the weather right now? Cold
Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jaren
Favorite soft drink? Coke with Lime (but I drink diet)
Favorite restaurant? Haven
Hair color? Brown
What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry Shortcake, Rose Petal & Barbies
Summer or winter? both
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Coffee or tea? Iced Chai Tea
What did you do last night? had the flu
What are you afraid of? Tragedy--the unknown
Salty or sweet? both
How many keys on your key ring? 3 (i think)
How many years at your current job? Hair:9 years, Mohey:3 years, Waukeenyans:1 year
Favorite day of the week? I love Sundays