Spelling Bee Honesty

Clayton participated in the school spelling bee yesterday. A handful of kids from grades 4-6 chosen, by their teachers, have spent every Monday noon hour quizzing each other on spelling to get ready for the big day. I was unable to be there, but Dan was and he related this story to me.

After a few easy rounds, Clayton was given the word "wrong".  He was really nervous (so he told me later) and began spelling quickly "r..o.."  Realizing he had missed the W, but not allowed to begin again, he simply finished the word and waited for the bell to ding indicating he had made an error. But no bell came. "Correct!" the judges said. He stood for a moment, then returned to his seat. Dan was confused, as was the father next to him (Clayton's friend's dad) who gave him a questioning look. Dan said he could see the conflict going on inside Clay's mind, but the bee had moved on.

On his next turn, Clay was given the word "youth". Without missing a beat, he blurted out "u-t-h", then with a big grin took his seat in the chairs reserved for those who have been eliminated from the competition. He was practically there before the bell dinged.  The father again gave Dan a very puzzled look and mouthed, "What was that?"

But Dan and Clayton knew what that was. I am so proud of my little man. His teacher recently told me how impressed she is with his strong moral compass. He doesn't seem to have trouble making those kind of choices to do what is right.

And there's always next year...

Snow, snow, go away!

I worked my first day as an aide sub at the elementary school yesterday. It was a pretty easy start - we watched a movie in the gym for the first hour and a half, then I just meandered around different classrooms basically providing crowd control. Throw in a little recess supervision and, all in all, it was a fairly easy day. I'm sure they won't all be that way...

The only complicated thing was I was in classrooms who also had teacher subs. Talk about mass confusion! They had no idea what I should be doing to help them, most of the time they didn't even know which child I was there for!  Oh well, the little kinks. 

The kids were good about me being there. I was even in Clay's class for the afternoon. I think they secretly liked it, but they would never admit it.

The snow keeps coming. We got more overnight and we are sitting at -17 degrees right now.  It feels like January, so everyone has the blahs. Where is spring???

I've been asked to speak in Stake Conference for the Adult Session. How mothers can teach their children faith at home.  Hmmm....anyone with insights is welcome to comment. 

Good News

Earlier this week I was offered a position on the Educational Assistant Sub list at our Elementary School. This is just the step I need to get on permanently down the road. Yippee! It will also be a much smoother transition back to working, considering I still have Spencer home 3 days a week. I can say yes or no for the next few months, then increase my availability next year.  Big thanks to anyone who was praying for this for me. I really appreciate your support!

And, in other random thoughts, is anyone else out there hating Daylight Savings Time? I much prefer my light in the morning, thanks, since I prefer my children (and myself) in bed at a decent hour. I'm so tired! My circadian rhythms are apparently suffering immensely.  But we shall press forward!

Huge apology

Sorry. I lost my mind. I let my emotions run wild. It was not the right day to blog and, well, TMI error to everyone. I appreciate all the concern and love I felt tho. Maybe that's why I needed to say it. To know how many people really care. I have figured things out. I have a solution. I am making it work.

If I ever need any of you, don't worry - apparently I know how to find you!