First Hot Shots Game

In early April, Morgan had her first Hot Shots Basketball Game.  She had loved recreation basketball from the beginning, but unfortunately, the season ended on a sour note for her. There were some very aggressive and mean little girls who she played against and sadly, it left a very poor taste in her mouth.  She was not very excited to be playing again and was quite nervous about what to expect this first game in a new league.  I bribed her and told her I would pay her $1 for any basket she made.  That seemed to get her more excited to go.  Poor girl had been in tears all afternoon.  Grant, Loren and I even went outside with her prior to her game to help give her some pointers on how to handle an overly aggressive defender.  She loved the ideas and tips we gave her and her confidence seemed to perk up.  I even brought her class pet, Spotty, to the game to cheer her and her teammates on.  Loren was mortified as I held the dog up and pretended to bark when the girls made good plays.  Hahahaha!  Isn't that what parents are for?  To embarrass you!  Morgan and her friends loved it and it made them laugh and most importantly, it helped Morgan relax.  She played an amazing first game and even scored a basket.  I was so proud of her!  Hopefully things get better as the season progresses.  It's sure fun to watch her play!

Academic Awards for Grant and Loren

We are so, so, so proud of our kids! They are all doing so well in school and we couldn't be more happy about it.  Loren worked really, really hard this semester to bring up her score in a couple subjects so that she could get straight A's and earn the Principal's Award.  She had a goal, set her mind to it, and accomplished it!  Certain subjects, in particular, don't come as easy to her so I really appreciate how much effort she put in to improve those B's and get A's this semester.  Way to Go, Loren!

Grant received an academic award as well.  It was for Academic Excellence and is given to students who received all A's and B's on their report card.  Grant had an especially hard trimester with a long term sub while his teacher was out on maternity leave.  He really struggled in so many ways, but I am happy that he persevered and came out with an academic award.  We are really proud of him.  I know that he was bummed that he did not have all A's, but I am confident that he will redouble his efforts and make it happen the last trimester of the year.  Way to Go, Grant!

Hot Shots Basketball

Brother Shouse had so much fun coaching recreation basketball, that recruited a bunch of little girls to continue playing, but on a Hot Shots team.  Hot Shots is a place where they have basketball year round.  It's a bit spendy (like $200), so I was a little hesitant, but Morgan really wanted to play.  She would be with a bunch of friends from her rec team, so that made it all that much more appealing.  As the month approached though, I could tell her attitude was changing.  She didn't really want to play any more ,but by that time, I had already paid and there was no getting out of it.  Morgan was super worried about overly aggressive kids and how to handle it.  I tried to just be positive and encouraging.  She is just not the kid who has that built in aggression (at least not when it comes to sports).  She is definitely getting better though and learning that it's okay to be aggressive. She I also learning that there is a difference between being aggressive and being mean.  Here's to hoping she loves this new experience with basketball.

Easter 2016

Easter 2016 was a little less traditional.  It started off with Easter baskets and beignets, followed by church, an Easter egg hunt and bacon wrapped filet mignon for dinner.  We typically would not have steak on a Sunday night during tax season because Uncle Dee is not a fan.  However, Uncle Dee had taken a quick trip down to Fresno over that weekend, so the kids begged us to skip the traditional ham and serve bacon wrapped filets for dinner.  Sounded like a good plan to me, so that is exactly what we did. It was a wonderful day!

A Trip to the Ortho

I am continuously amazed at how quickly things are changing in Morgan's mouth.  Her teeth are shifting so nicely and doing just as Dr. Hoybjerg wants them to do. She had a fun visit and even got to bring along Spotty for the appointment.  Spotty helped choose the colors of her rubber bands.  Morgan and her best friend, Hannah had previously discussed which color bands to get so that they could be matching after their appointments.  Hahahah! The things little girls do.  Love it!

American Girl Doll Garden Party

 

  

Over spring break, Morgan used some of her money to purchase a cute little garden party set from the Our Generation doll section at Target.  It was so adorable how she couldn't wait to get home to open it up and set up her very own little doll party.  The set came complete with decorations including a little pennant banner, a sign and pinwheels and even tiny little macaroon cookies.  She had a lovely afternoon playing with her dolls.  Even her class pet happened to be at our home, so Spotty got to join in on the fun as well!!! Can I say how much it warms my heart that my girls love their dolls as much as I did when I was a little girl?

Spotty Comes to visit

In my class we have a stuffed dog his name is spotty. We have a journel to wright in you get to put pictures in it to. Spotty comes with a leash and a coller,  a dog  bone too.  there is a lot of stuff.   I loved taking spotty for a walk.   my dolls had a garden party.   spotty had sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun.   spotty slept on my memorie box.  spotty was very comforterbull.   he also came to my basketball game.   he loved watching it he was cheering for me.  he was proud of me.  spotty got some allowance because he helped me dust my room.  he said it was fun.  I had such a great experience with spotty.   I miss spotty I had sooooooooooooooooo much fun.  he cofferted me when I needed it he is such a good dog


               Morgie