Melissa Homecoming 2012

It's Great to Have Good Friends.

   

Girls just want to have FUN!

In their natural state

Beautiful Young Women

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.

Letter from Father to Son

April 29, 2012

Kevin,

Jessica’s home from BYU. She is looking for a job, and learning to cook. Apparently her cooking skills last year weren’t enough for her, and she is on the hunt for new things to cook. I think mom and I are going to be putting on some weight in the next couple of months.  Melissa has also gotten the food bug, and has made 3 different kinds of brownies this week. They are taking pictures of their culinary creations so posterity will remember this summer forever.  

 This week was stake conference, Rebecca joined us for conference. She will be attending FHE a little more now that she is feeling better. She came last week, and we had a fire in the backyard. I had to go to bed but She and
Jessica stayed up at least till midnight burning logs.

 The message for priesthood leadership was “lead by example”. One talk told a story by Ghandi. A mother brought her son to Ghandi, and said that her son eats too much sugar, and wanted Ghandi to tell her son not to eat too much sugar. Ghandi said he couldn’t do that, and told her to come back in a few weeks. She came back in a few weeks, and Ghandi looked the child in the eye and told him not to eat too much sugar. The mother was surprised and asked Ghandi why he couldn’t do that a few weeks ago. Ghandi replied, I couldn’t tell your son not to eat sugar, because I was eating too much sugar. Over the last few weeks I have not eaten too much sugar and now I feel I can tell your son to do the same.  Lead by example in all you do.

Jennifer is back at BYU, and taking more art classes. Bookbinding seems to be her favorite class this semester.

Melissa had a violin recital. Keturah Bay played piano. It went well, they both did very well.

I sent  Jessica, Melissa and Rachel to a Coldplay concert last week. They had a good time. There were 2 warm up bands, so they didn’t get home till after 10:30.  I think it was a good experience for them. They had to go by themselves (Rachel was mortified at the thought that Mom and I might come). They had a good time.

 I went to a work retreat for a day at the Skamania Lodge out in the Columbia gorge. It was good, we had a patent think tank for the stuff I am working on. A Patent think tank is where you brainstorm good ideas that you might not normally think of in your daily work, and file patents on it.

Devin Santa is home! He looks good. I think He’s taller now than when he left. His mom and dad are really happy to see him.

 Rachel had a couple of Lacrosse games last week. Both home games at Westview. I think I froze both games, but we won both handily. Rachel played goalie for the entire game on the second game. She let 4 goals go by, but since the other team let 15, I think she did pretty well.

Mom had a birthday last week. I got her a mug, and some flowers and a balloon for her birthday, Jessica made her favorite carrot cake.

Good luck, work hard, teach lots of people and baptize….

Dad

A Heart from Rachel

Bday Cake- 24.5 Candles (half her age)

Melissa after Recital with Keturah her accompanist and friend.

Melissa's Violin Recital

Here is a recording of Melissa playing at her violin recital. 

She played Concerto No. 5 in D Major, Op. 22, 3rd Mvt, by Friedrich Seitz.  

Her good friend, Keturah,  accomplianed her on piano - all for a plate of brownies that she helped bake!

Westview's Music Man

We went and saw Westview’s Music Man on Friday.  Melissa looked gorgeous as she was all dressed up for the pit pictures and for when they got to parade across the stage for their bow (wasn’t really a bow, just a walk across and down to the pit). We really enjoyed the performance.  Dad is always surprised at the level of talent there is at a high school.  I enjoyed several of the kids from our ward and stake.  The pit sounded great too.

Melissa before the Friday show in her $10 designer dress we found at Goodwill.
(I hemmed it and used the portion I cut off to make straps.)

In the Pit



After the Show

Oh Christmas Tree: Frosty

Tradition goes on- we went to get our Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving. We went to Christmas Mountain again and weren't disappointed. Such a great place to go to start off the holiday season. I must admit, this was the fastest that we've ever picked out a tree! It must be the fact that there were only 2 kids that needed to agree. This year they named the tree Frosty. He has a nice frosty blue shimmer. It was a fun afternoon.

Free Hot Chocolate

Only two pairs of cute boots this year.

What?

Taking in the view

We found one!

Holding on while dad saws it down (he was missing Kevin).

Rachel helping haul the tree up the hill?

A good view of Frosty's Frost

Counting his age

Waiting for the pick up

Back to the limo

We had to take this cutey home with us (the reindeer too)

Frosty the small tree

Rachel designs our rainbow tree.

Puppies in Parade in Portland

The girls had the opportunity to participate in the My Macy's Holiday Parade today downtown Portland.  The marching band did this as a fund raising activity.  They got paid $20 each to participate.  They were assigned their costume by height and weight.  Melissa and Rachel were happy when they were assigned to be puppies with the Dalmatian float.  They checked in at 7:15am.  Brian and I got there at about 8:45 to watch and were home by 10:30am.  It was a fun parade. Just blow up floats, costumed people, and marching bands all playing Holiday music.



My friend Anne and her boys were stars.



Melissa the beige Puppy with rosey cheeks.



Rachel as a Puppy Dalmation talks with kids with  real dogs.

Melissa waves to the crowd.

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.