President's Education Award

Noah with his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Sterner, and our Principal Janiene Marlow

Noah received the President's Education Award by showing a "deep personal commitment to educational excellence." The 5th Grade teachers put out a fantastic breakfast spread for families to celebrate with their students. Way to Go Noah! We are so proud of your hard work in class this year!

Almost as Cool as a Mullet

Nate and Jonah decided they wanted their heads shaved for the summer. I love how each of the boys have such different tastes. Noah wants long hair, and Sam keeps his clean-cut (but not too short). They are such fun boys.

We shaved off their mohawks on Saturday night, but they were fun while they lasted!

Happy Birthday Sam!

Sam is ten years old! Unbelievable how time flies when you get old. Last night we went to the drive ins along with our cousin, Dallin, and friend Alex. I remember watching "ET" there when I was a kids. Great memory.....

We watched the movie "UP", which was not at all what I expected but it was very good. There was no talking for about half of the movie! I liked that, but the boys were a little disappointed. Anyway, it was great to have a sno cone, sit in a lawn chair, and enjoy being outside in AZ. We will definitely do it again soon, especially since Tuesday nights everyone is only $1! Plus, Mike and I seemed to talk more during the movie, so it could be a great date night.

Memorial Ride

Check out ASU Stadium on the other side of Tempe Town Lake! Sam and I are wayyyyy over in the corner! Thank you Kathy for remembering your camera!

On Sunday, May 31st we had a family and friends ride in memory of Bill Scott, Jodi's Dad, who passed away last month. He has owned Papago Stables for over 45 years! Over 60 people showed up, and about half of us rode through Papago Park on a beautiful hilly trail. It was great. Only Sam and Jonah came with me, and my sister Kathy joined us as well! Her horse bucked a couple of times, but she is a cowgirl and had fun. ;-) We were about the only riders wearing helmets, but I will take safety over a hat any day! I am lame and didn't bring my camera, but good thing Kathy got pictures of the Coverts!

Afterwards we BBQ'd and played cards until the boys were tired and wanted to go home. Jodi had a slide show going with a projector that had so many pictures it was about an hour long. Bill did so many fun things between his stables in Wyoming and Arizona! The night was a great tribute to him and his cowboy life.

I'm a real cowgirl!

Last night I participated in my first Gymkhanas event! I had so much fun, even though I didn't get home until after 1 AM! (I usually turn into a pumpkin after 11 PM) It was suprising how many participants there were during the Holiday weekend, but with the economy the way it is and the perfect weather we are having....

I rode in 3 patterns - the Cloverleaf, dirty Triangle, and the poles. I rode Hugh, the horse I am leasing now. Hershey hurt his hip and is taking a vacation. Hopefully he will be back in commission soon! He is exciting to ride because he thinks he is a race car! But Hugh has more experience and is more reliable. He doesn't usually go faster than a lope unless you really nag him, but he was so excited doing the barrels he did a pretty fantastic gallop to finish off our time. Very impressive.

So this Cowgirl is excited to brag that Hugh and I earned 2 ribbons for 6th and 1 for 5th Place. Yeeeeehaw!

Farewell Easter Chicks!

We came home from school on Thursday to discover Mac, Noah's little dog, had killed all of our baby chickens. The latch on the gate to the chicken coop was loose, and it must have blown open during the day. We are all very sad, as this batch of chicks were so gentle and friendly and cute. Jonah lay sobbing with his dog, Lucy out back all afternoon, alternating between Mac and Noah to yell how much he hated them both.

The good news is, the five remaining grown hens are loving this weather so much they are all laying about twice a day. Amazing!

Happy Birthday Jonah! Oh, and I am special, too!

I had the best Mother's Day ever! I love that I got to celebrate Jonah's birthday the same day. Our morning began with breafast in bed from Mike and Nate. Mike put an orchid corsage on my plate for me to wear to church. Jonah gave me the silent treatment for a little while because he did not want to share his special day with me. But no one can stay mad at me for long, (of course!) and we had a great day! AND, I came home from church to find Jodi had left me a beautiful boquet of flowers on the table.

Below are the poems two of the boys wrote for me. My boys are so wonderful - funny, smart, and talented! I feel very loved. Lucky me


WHY MY MOM IS THE BEST by Nate

Why is my mom the best? How does she manage to be better than the rest?

My mom is the best because she knows everything there ever was.

My mom is so great - she has an awesome son named Nate!

My mom takes great care of us, even when we start to fuss.

My mom can do anything, she might even be able to grow wings!

My mom makes great things to eat. She brings a smile to everyone she meets.

As you can see my mom is the best she can be.

My eye is black, my brother's blue. If we thought about it we shouldn't fight because we have you!

Who is someone you can love all the time? Who is someone who still cares if you whine? Who is someone who can't help but be perfect? Who is someone who got a pool so we can get wet? Who is someone that is such a great nurturere? Who is someone that makes me maturer?

The person who can do all these things and much, much more ...... my Mom!



MOM by Noah

I am your favorite child
I wonder if you love me
I hear you yell at me
I see you walk me to school
I want to see ou
I am your favorite child

I pretend to be like you
I feel happy when I see you
I touch your clothes when I hug you
I worry you will die
I cry when you punish me
I am your favorite child

I understand why you punish me
I say I love you
I dream of you living a long time
I try to please you
I hope you love me
I am your favorite child.