Right Place, Right Time

Tonight after Scouts I needed to run to the store for some things. I don't usually go to Von's, because it is more expensive. I only go when I know that something is on sale or Staters doesn't carry what I need. We were a little late, because one of the boys didn't get picked up right away. I was slightly irritated, because I was really tired and wanted to get home.

Anyway, as we were driving to the store an announcement came on the radio saying that a 12 year old boy was missing and had run away. He had left a note, but hadn't been seen since 2:30 when he left Friendly Hills Elementary. They gave his name, what he was wearing, what he looked like, etc.

So, for some unknown (to me) reason, I pulled into the Von's parking lot. As we were parking, a young boy, wearing exactly what the radio said, walked right by. I got out of the car and said, "Brandon?" He said, "That isn't my name." I said, " Oh, you look familiar, what is your name?" He said, "Brendan. Do you know me?" I said, "Oh, you look familiar to me. What's your last name?" "Surprise, " he answers. That was the kid's name on the radio. So I tore into Von's to get the sheriff's number. It was a Yucca number, so I thought I would get right to someone who could help. I didn't, I got the rudest lady. She was really snotty and acted like she had no clue what I was talking about. I kept trying to tell her that I had heard it on the radio and that the missing boy was in the Von's parking lot. She said, "What radio station, where are you?" I told her the name of the missing boy, the radio station name, the town name, etc. While I was talking to her I saw the boy going into Rite Aid and told her so. Very rudely she asked, "Which Rite Aid?" I told her that there was only one in Yucca Valley. She finally said, "I guess I'll call it in."
So I hung up, worried that nothing would happen. A box girl who was with me when I was making the call, came and found me in the store about 5 minutes later and told me that a police officer was there with the boy. I was so glad and relieved that he would be alright!

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father put me in the right place at the right time. I'm glad I had the radio on and that I listened to the Spirit whispering to me. At the time I didn't recognize the promptings as the Spirit, but I now know it was. It was almost 6 at night and really really cold outside. He was only wearing a thin t-shirt and hoodie. I don't want to think about what could have happened!

Alyssa's New Hair!

I made haircut appointments for the kids. I figured we all were going to get trims. Our appointment was last night. Alyssa informed me that she wanted to get her hair cut into a bob. She was very specific about showing me what she wanted. When we went into Katie's and she told Katie what she wanted. Katie gave her a book with kids' hairstyles in it. I was trying to point out the longer bobs, but she knew what she wanted and picked this! When the first long strand of hair hit the ground I felt so sad and was just sick about it. She was so excited! The whole time Katie was cutting she kept saying, "It is so cute! I love it!"
She is so happy with her hair and loves it! She kept saying, "My teacher won't know who I am! Maybe she will think I am a new kid." Mrs. Potter maintained that the haircut changed her personality. She says she is so much more bubbly. She feels really good about herself and is so happy!

Her Last Birthday Ever!

Christy celebrated her 39th birthday at our house on Friday. She asked for Spanish rice with tacos. We had a nice dinner and then had her favorite cake: cherry chip with almond butter cream frosting. She swears that this is her last birthday ever. She's not celebrating next year.

No Boys Allowed!

On Sunday night I was walking down the hall and saw this note posted on Alyssa's door. Despite the spelling you can understand what she's saying! I thought it was funny, so I thought I'd share.

And now with the Sports....Here's Curtis

This is what I saw walking into my classroom after school. His class is doing book reports. His group picked a book called, Running out of Time. They read it and now have to do a presentation. They are doing a newscast. Curtis' teacher told me that he has whipped up replicas of a cell phone, a laptop complete with a USB port and removable drive, microphone, etc....

Apparently he has also whipped up a mustache for his role as sportscaster and man on the street reporter. I always considered this kid shy and quiet. This special class has done extraordinary things for him. He is showing his real, creative, wonderful self. His teacher is fabulous and really gets wonderful things from him. I am thankful for her!

All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth

My little late bloomer is finally losing teeth. He lost 2 bottom teeth about 8 months ago, but hadn't lost any more. Last week he lost one of his front teeth and the other is hanging by a thread. I hope he looses it fast! It so grosses me out to see him pushing his tooth back and forth.

The Fairy Party

Alyssa chose to have a Tinker Bell birthday party. I thought maybe she would just want girls at her party, but she has some boys that she just loves so much and has to have them there too. Thanks to Aunt Jamie, who gave us a great idea for fairy wings and Aunt Christy for whipping up a Peter Pan hat prototype, we were in business. I borrowed some green butcher paper from school for the Peter Pan hats. They are a simple paper hat with some feathers tucked into the brim. The wings are made from tissue paper, gathered in the middle and tied with a pipe cleaner. The kids seemed to love them. From the pictures you'll see how great the kids looked.

We also had a treasure hunt. We found clues in Nana's doghouse and by the mermaid's pond. The treasure was a box painted gold. It was full of gift bags full of fun treasure.

We also ate fairy sandwiches, fairy wands (pretzels dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles), fruit kabobs, potato chips, and cupcakes.

We had a fun Tinker Bell shaped pinata. I think a great time was had by all.

We also had a great family party. Alyssa picked lasagna, garlic bread, and jello for our family dinner. She wanted chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. She also wanted pink writing on her cake. She seemed thrilled with her cake. I was thankful that she picked a simple cake.

Alyssa got some fun stuff from everyone. Thanks to all our wonderful family who came and celebrated with us. We have been blessed with wonderful family and friends. We are lucky people.