First Day of School

Senior

Sophomore

There are some interesting things going on over at Westview High School with all the budget cuts and teacher layoffs in the school district- some of the classes have over 50 students- with two rooms opened up together and some students not even having desks to sit in.  Melissa got in a Lit & comp 12 class (she didn't get her choice of class and still needed another lit to graduate). Her teacher was a Librarian and had them all write their names on Popsicle sticks for him to draw out of a cup to ask questions.  It reminds her of Primary.  She got asked the question:  “What is plagiarism?”  She is having a hard time dealing with this class- hopefully she will survive- not at all like the AP classes she’s been taking.  Many kids didn't get their choice of classes, and there has been a lot of schedule mess ups- one kid got two periods of seminary, and AP music- which he didn't sign up for, and others that wanted it  didn't get in. Oh the drama of high school and low budgets…  I've heard good things about the new band teacher- Rachel says he is adjusting to teaching High school as opposed to Middle school.  It is weird not having a family member in marching band this year.  More free time after school and on Saturdays.

          

Jennifer headed off to Rexburg  for her last semester at BYU-I.  She has a great line up of art classes, and is excited for her art field trip in October to Washington DC.  Can you believe she will be a college graduate in December?

Jessica is settling in to her new semester at BYU Provo now finishing up her second week.  She texted us a picture of her 3^rd row seat in the end zone at the football game.  She said she got a great show from Cosmo, however the game was long and a little boring (not quite the same as with a sax in hand I guess).

Lazy

The house is quiet during the days now as the fall schedule settles in. Kind of nice:-)

YW Camp Sweatshirts

Crayola (2012), Overture (2008), Myriad (2010), Calico Sky (2005), & Extraordinaire (2007)

In our stake it is a tradition that after completing your 4th year of  Young Women Camp Certification, you are presented with a special camp sweatshirt that has camp patches and a name written on it  that has been selected uniquely for you. This is presented at a special KIT  fireside after the 4th years have completed their requirements. IT IS A BIG DEAL!  The girls are called up to the front one at a time (with a lot of screaming and jumping up and down), and a camp leader reads a wonderful description of the young woman's talents, traits, personality, hobbies, etc.  At the end of this description their camp name is revealed and they are given their sweatshirt. It is always exciting to see what color has been selected for that year. (Leaders get a red one after serving in camp for 4 years). Well Rachel received hers this year, and I just had to get a photo of the Leete Ladies in our Camp Sweatshirts while we were all together!  I had made sure that Jennifer brought her sweatshirt home with her so we could take this picture. Of course we put it off until the last minute.  Jessica was to leave the next morning and her clothes were already packed.  It was late, and it was dark outside.  I had to drag and beg to get everyone together. Brian had a hard time seeing in the camera viewfinder because it was dark outside- but he snapped away hoping we'd all be in the picture frame and smiling all at the same time. He managed to get a few with us all in the frame, these were the best.

Thumbs up for Kevin!

4th of July

Kevin,

It’s the 4^th of July here! Grandma B and Richard came to visit for a day. You will see the picture of the picnic table, with mom’s handiwork in the background.

We started the day with the ward breakfast. We made eggs again, that seems to be the tradition that’s developing. Get up in the morning, and make 5 dozen scrambled eggs. Then we went to the parade at noon. Rachel marched with the Westview band, and played clarinet. That afternoon we had a barbeque. That’s when the picture was taken. After that Grandma B and Richard had to go, so they missed the fireworks.  The fireworks were great, as they are every year.

Rachel went camping with another family. She had a great time, but was so zonked after the trip she missed church.

Jessica has a job with a family watching a couple of kids. Things are going really well – except one of the kids was playing on the trampoline, and she did some donkey kicks, fell over and broke her arm. Jessica was mortified. It’s not her fault though, there was not much she can do. The child was on the trampoline by themselves, under supervision, and just fell on their arm. She had to call the family, have the parents come home from work, take the child to the hospital, etc. Luckily the family realizes it was an accident and she still has a job J.

Jessica seems to be having a great time at the singles ward. The place is really hopping…. Monday FHE, Tuesday institute (sometimes with an activity afterwards), and usually some other kind of activity during the week. Between her job, odd jobs (tutoring , and watering plants), and the ward she seems pretty active. She is also learning to play the organ, so she goes to practice at the church on a regular basis.

Melissa got her AP scores, 2 3’s and 2 4s. She did really well last year, and we are all proud of her.

Jennifer has 2 weeks left of school and she is out for the summer! We look forward to seeing her for the break. One more semester and we will have a college graduate on our hands. She is posting her work in the art building, and working on her portfolio.

Well, that’s  all for now.

Work hard, baptize lots, do the right things.

We are proud of you.

Dad

Mother's Day

What a wonderful Day!  Jessica made a yummy breakfast: waffles, pancake (yes only one with left over batter for Rachel), and fried eggs.  I got some great new metal spinners from Melissa and Jessica for the backyard. (It’s time to throw out the old ugly worn out ones).  Rachel gave me a nice little card book that she made. I got a nice phone call from Jennifer.  I also got a nice Hallmark from my husband.  Church was very nice.  Two nice talks on how great their moms are by 2 college girls home for the summer (my former Laurels), and 2 talks from some wise sr. men of our ward.  One is 100 years old!  Some great stuff.  The ward was also treated to a sweet song sung by the primary kids.  All the RS sisters were given a box with 3 chocolates in it hand delivered by the YM. YUM.  We came home from church to have the table all set and dinner almost ready- that is one advantage of having Jessica attend the singles ward.  She served us up some great curry.  The highlight of the day was to skype with Elder Kevin Leete.  We were all set up so we could see him on the TV, and Jennifer was logged in too and skyping to Melissa’s account- we had that laptop set up so Jennifer could watch and hear Kevin on the TV.  We all sat on the couch- with the laptop on the coffee table pushed out far enough so we all fit on the screen.  We waited patiently for Kevin to log in at 1. . .however we waited an hour- he appeared at 2.  We had a great time talking and seeing him.  All is good in missionland.  His testimony is strong.  He is working hard.  He is happy.  And we are proud.

One of our mother’s day traditions that I enjoy is to have a mother’s day concert where the kids all perform for me.  Well, earlier this week the kids said that no way was that happening this year.  I was bummed, but had accepted it.  Well, today in the kitchen while Melissa was making brownies- I mentioned that something was missing this year.  She said, “You mean your concert?”  And I said, ”yes”.  She then told me that she had prepared to sing something and that Jessica was going to accompany her.  That brought a smile to my face.  So later after dinner, we gathered in the living room for the little concert (little, cuz there was only going to be one number performed).  To my surprise, as Jessica started playing- I started to recognize the song and was so excited.  Melissa was singing the Knot Fairy!!  She was so cute and sounded wonderful (voice lessons are really paying off).  I was a little thrown off, when the accompaniment sounded different- Jessica had made a new arrangement.  I had to listen to it again to appreciate it and accept the fact that they had made it better.  A big thank you to my lovely daughters for sharing their talent with me.

 It was a very nice mother’s day.  I am very blessed.

We Finally Made it to Summer Vacation!

We had a wonderful week at YW camp.  The theme this year was RSVP -Return to the Savior Virtuous and Praiseworthy. The scripture was the 13^th article of Faith (this year’s mutual theme).  The camp had a party theme- each cabin a different party. 

 The YCLs (Party Police)  welcome all the YW to the PARTY

Melissa was a councilor over 2^nd years and she had a blast – her cabin was the Harry Potter Party.  Jessica was with the 3^rd years:  Dance Party.  Their 4 cabins were Swing (that is where Jess was), Fiesta, Ballerina, and Hip Hop (Rachel was in this cabin).  I was with the 1^st years helping with certification and was cabin mom for the Masquerade Madames.   Jessica was also a YCL (youth camp leader) and they were the Party Police.  They all did a wonderful job decorating thier cabins.  I'll post some pictures when I get copies.

Counselors of the Harry Potter Party Cabin

Masquerade Madams

Dance Party

The  women leaders at camp were all Superheroes. For this skit I was a chauffeur in the League of Extraordinary Women. (all the superheroes bestowed a super power on the YW).  Instead of cabins doing skits this year each ward did one. Requirements were for the skit to each contain a wig, swim noodle, pose, and movie quote.  Our ward did project runway.  All the designers used a noodle in their design, and of course the models each had a wig.  We had “short people” as our judges (Rachel was a head and feet, and Jessica was a set of arms).  Rachel said the movie quote at the end which was "Alas, Earwax". Pretty stupid but fun. 

The Project Runway, Camp Edition  Judges

As usual, camp was one big party, but extremely spiritual too. A great experience for all.  Highlight for the bishopric of course was winning the canoe race on Bishopric night.  They had a nice fireside with us.  Talked about listening.  Getting away from the noise and distractions of the world and listening.  They had us all find quiet places outside by ourselves and listen and pray.  It was a spiritual experience for us.  Brother Atack gave everyone ibuds (earplugs on string attached to nothing) with this note: “iBud  Inspirational listening device.  Take time away from the world to listen to your Heavenly Father.”  Jessica (and the YCLs) did a great job working and planning the camp this year.  She wrote a nice part in the scripture study program on “Endure”  for the devotional on Thursday night and she bore an inspiring testimony on the subject.  Camp ended on a high with Saviors Eve on Thursday night, and testimony meeting on Friday morning before heading for home.

Leete Ladies

Saturday was relaxing being home.  It was nice to sleep in my own bed and take a long shower.  Melissa and Rachel went to a Teri-stake dance at Seaside on the beach.  Jessica and I went to wedding reception, then picked up Brian from max station as he was returning from Montana where he visited his dad and the two of them toured Yellowstone, and did a quick visit with Jennifer in Rexburg. 

Sunday in Sacrament meeting Jessica was called up from the congregation to share her testimony of camp.  She did a wonderful job telling of all the things that she has learned from camp the last 7 years.  After that the Stake president put a new bishopric and we heard testimonies from the old and the new.  A very nice meeting. 

Now that camp is over, and Brian is on his sabbatical, summer vacation can now begin! The weather is being freaky – we’ll have a sunny day here and there, but  today it is raining again.  A very wet year we’ve been having.  We started by working in the yard Monday morning.  The girls ripped out the bushes by the stop sign.  I trimmed the roses.  We will work a few days in the yard each week. For FHE we planned out  (kind of) what we want to do this summer.  We’ll do day trips. Brian will also take each girl on a short motorcycle trip.   Before the reunion in August we will head down and stop in San Jose/San Francisco area and do stuff.  After Reunion do the southern California stuff- mostly theme parks.  We’ll see how it all turns out. 

Our Firstborn in the wilderness is now 20 years old.

Jennifer celebrated her birthday on May 19th, 2010. She isn't my baby anymore. Wow, she is not a teenager anymore. She has grown up to be a beautiful woman. Where has the time gone?

We sent her a birthday box and she reported that it arrived that morning. She was heading off to class and found it on her doorstep. She said that she had a hard time going to class and leaving it there- but instead of going to the library to do homework like she had planned to do, she went home after class and opened it up. I found a message on our home phone from her saying that she loved all its contents (and her roommate Jessica in the background also cheering that she liked it too). Some things that were included: 3 musketeer bars (from Melissa), canvas and frame (from Rachel), Poky sticks, Instant Miso soup, Curry mix, angel food cake mix, cherry cheesecake mix, necklace, and cookbook. When talking on the phone with her later that day, she informed us that friends were coming over that night for fun and games.

Happy Birthday Jennifer. We love you!

KOOZA

While Kevin, Jessica, and Melissa were off playing at Disneyland the rest of us decided to have some fun too! So I got us tickets to see Cirque Du Soleil's KOOZA. We thought we had an extra ticket when Jennifer's ride back to school decided to leave on Saturday (she was home for spring break), so Rachel invited Angela to come along. Then Jennifer's ride changed to Sunday so I quickly got on line to buy another ticket. Luckily there was one more ticket in our row 10 seats over so I bought it!I had seen the circus tent as I had driven over the Portland bridge, and thought it would be way cool to go so I am happy that we did. I was surprised that once in the tent, it was a lot smaller than it looked. I had bought the cheap seats, section 206, row R and was happy that we weren't all that far away. We only had to look around a pole now and then when the action was not downstage. The nice people sitting in our row all scooted over so Brian could sit with us! The acts were amazing and the live music was great. I liked the guys that walked inside the spinny hamster type wheels. The unicyclist was also great. The costumes were all unique and amazing. I bought a pin for my hat, Rachel and Angela bought a bracelet, and Jennifer and I oooed and awed at all the pretty masks and trinkets. It was a fun evening!

Winter BYU Idaho and The Hobbit Hole

After welcoming in the New Year 2010, Brian and I packed up the suburban with Jennifer and Jessica Wiseman and thier stuff and hauled them back to BYU Idaho for Winter Semester. They chose to live off campus this term, and had picked out a place on College Drive. When hunting for a place at the end of Spring term, they were very attracted to a basement apartment becuase it was so cool down there. They also thought it was so cute and were very excited to move into thier new home. Also for Jennifer it was great cuz she can see her art building on campus from thier front yard!

Here we are unloading (no she didn't take rock band with her- just a good box to pack things in!)Heading to thier new pad. The entry is the doorway on the left- down to the basement. Here they stand in the doorway of the Hobbit Hole.

Moving into their bedroom. They chose this room because it had the vanity.

Jennifer will be on the top bunk.

Here is a view into thier kitchen. Notice the arches- this is where the apartment name comes from.

A view into thier eating area.

The kitchen. Off to the right is a living room with couch and tv. Out the back of that room is the laundry they share with the upstairs apartment.

They have 3 rooms- 6 roommates total. Two of thier roommates from last year, Vanessa & Rebecca, were to live here also, but didn't make it this semester. They are missed, but they have been blessed with some other great roommates.

Here is a picture I got off of facebook of some of their family home evening group. Isn't college life fun!

Summer has Come and Gone

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't blogged since May!

The School year ended with lots of concerts and recitals, the Rose Parade, and Lizzy Graduating. Summer jumped right in with Young Women's Camp for Jessica, Melissa, and Rachel; 11 yr Scout camp for Brian; Jessica getting her drivers licence; Kevin going to High Adventure; Jessica going on High Adventure; and Jennifer finishing up her spring semester at BYU Idaho and joining us at the Greenall Family Reunion! That all happened in June and July. August we breathed, laid around, Kevin worked on his Eagle Project, then Band Camp Started and we are now Back to School! 3 kids in High School and Marching Band. Rachel at Meadow Park Middle School in 7th grade, and Jennifer is home and enrolled in a few art classes at PCC, house sitting/pet sitting here and there and looking for a job. I was released as the RS Secretary a few weeks ago, and am now the 1st Counselor in the YW working with the Mia Maids. Life goes on. Here is some snap shots of some of our activities:

Symphonic Band plays for last concert of the season. Kevin on the Horn, and Jessica on the Saxophone.

Kevin sings in Concert Choir
Jessica sings Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. She also played a piano solo for "A little Night Music" the concert that took place right after the Choir Awards Concert.

Rachel Plays cello with her teacher

Lizzy graduated from High School carrying her daughter Eve. Congratulations Elizabeth! We are so proud of you for sticking with it and graduating.

Cedar Mill Stake YW Camp: Fit For His Kingdom - Boot Camp 2009

Jessica was 1st yr Counselor. Her cabin group was the Boogie Woogie Bugle Babes of company B.
Melissa was in the 3rd year cabin: Candy Stripers.Rachel was a 1st year. Her cabin was the GI JanesSisters on Bishopric Day in Oak Hills Ward OrangeRachel and her buddies Kevin High AdventureA Day at the Beach. We went to meet some friends for a bonfire to burn homework- we couldn't find them- the tide had come up and they had to leave. By the time we got there the tide had gone down. We weren't able to build a fire because we didn't bring any matches, but Rachel, Melissa, Brian and I enjoyed the scenery. Rachel and Melissa even drove the suburban!4th of July- Look we had Cousins move into town!!!! We are so happy to have Wendy, Ben, Xander, and Eliza Webster so close by!Kevin and buddies march in the 4th parade to help raise awareness for his Eagle Project: Raising money and building a percussion rack for the Westveiw Marching band.Melissa and Keturah wait in line for the opening of the latest Harry Potter Movie.We enjoyed Shakespeare in the Park two times this summer- King Lear and A Midsummer's Night Dream.The Greenall Family Reunion was a BLAST! It was at Coram Ranch by the Shasta Dam. We tie died t-shirts, had a talent show, scrapbooked, played Foosball , pool, & ping-pong, did water games in the pool, road motorcycles, built boats for a challenge, went thru Shasta Caves, floated down the Sacramento River, toured the dam, relaxed, ate great food, and enjoyed being together. The cousins had a blast together. We were even all here together for about 10 minutes so we could take this group picture (Julia was leaving for work, and Jennifer had just arrived from BYU I!)Melissa played the national anthem for one of her swim meets.Melissa and Rachel swam with the swim team this year. Melissa helped out with a younger group for one of her Personal Progress Projects. Here they are at the team tie breaker meet.Kevin made a couple of trips to the beach with his friends. He also had band buddies over to sand the rust off of the van and paint it!Time for Band Camp to start- lugging Melissa's Sousaphone down the stairs to the van.Rachel and her friends go ice skating for one last fun summer activity. So that was our Summer!