Winter Ball Follow-up

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'Tis the season for non-stop, non-stopping.

This morning was my company's traditional family movie day. They open the theater before the public open time, allowing CH2MHill employees and their families to have the theater to ourselves. The company also springs for a drink and popcorn for everyone who goes. This year I took 5 of the kids (Ceana decided to stay home) to see "Arthur Christmas." It was a fun show; probably one I'll have to watch again to catch more of the jokes, understand more of the British accents, and I'd just enjoy it again. Probably something to add to the Netflix queue. :+)

I had every intention of working from home this afternoon, but as usual, other, more pressing things conspired against me.

We did get a short visit by the Relief Society President bearing leftovers from last night's ward party. Someone was thinking ahead and used containers that could go straight into the freezer. Also got a visit from one of our nurse friends who spent some time with all the kids as well as Rory. We got her iPhone set up to view and edit our public calendar which led her to exclaim, "I'm so excited!" Most normal people might not have that reaction to gaining access to a calendar whose sole purpose is to communicate service needs ... thank you J!

A long-time family friend brought a huge pan of her famous, authentic Spanish lasagna (at least we think it's authentic ... sure doesn't taste like anything from a box!). Too bad Ceana had already left for the dance, because her best friend from all the way back in Kindergarten was helping deliver the food. Fun to watch the kids grow up; they change so much, but still retain some of what I remember from their "little kid" stage.

The evening was capped off with me having a date! Ceana has been involved in the planning and decorations for tonight's Winter Ball, and Rory agreed to let me take her over to the dance floor a bit early to be able to see the decorations and take some pictures:

They had set up a movie projector where "It's A Wonderful Life" will be playing (without sound), had an old-time popcorn machine, were offering to take couples photos, and more. Basically, lots of things for the kids to do who didn't want to dance, but everything was right there in the gym so they could stay together. Some of the leaders came in "theme costumes" from the 30's and 40's, including one brother in a sailor uniform. The kids are going to have a blast!

Rory decided we should test out the photo spot and asked someone to take our picture. She got uber-brave and had photos taken without her head scarf, but she did mention she wanted to think things over before publishing those. 

On the way home we picked up the mail and found a stack of letters from my sister who is in England. The kids will have a blast opening up cards from Aunt C. on Christmas morning. The ORCA Parent Association board members also sent a thoughtful letter and some gift certificates to kid-friendly food places like Papa Murphy's, Subway and Roth's. Every day we are overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of people on our behalf.

While that 1-hour outing was good for Rory on many levels, she was really worn out by the time we got home. Hope maybe she sleeps better tonight because of it!

Still hanging in there ...

Clear The Roads AND The Sidewalks :)

I took Ceana to the DMV earlier this week. We got there all ready to go, only to find out that the insurance card I had in the vehicle had not only expired, but it was the card from the company that had been cancelled. After lots of running around, and several phone calls to Preston and the new insurance company, we finally got a current card faxed to the DMV. Luckily we had an awesome gal that was helping us. Cean had gone to take the written test while I was trying to sort things out. I was a total mess. I was even more concerned when Ceana walked away from the computer and I overheard the gal at the desk tell her that she hadnt passed.
We were able to get everything all figured out and Ceana was allowed to take her driving test. She did really well with just a few minor mistakes. She was praised by her driving instructor and given extra help to answer and understand the questions that she had missed, and was encouraged to return the following day to try the written test again.
She was disappointed, but really did well considering all the misadventures.
I took her again the following morning and waited while she re-took the written exam. I was working on some things when I overheard the same driving instructor say "yea, yea, yea!" and I turned around to see Ceana beaming. She had passed! She finished up the paperwork, and got her pict taken (our friend calls it joining the "DMV picts are evil" club :)) Ceana was great at saying thank you to everyone in the office who had helped, and esp the driving instructor. She had gone out of her way to help ceana and to help her stay positive. Ceana is really awesome at sincerely showing her gratitude to others.

When we left, we made a spontaneous stop at McD's for breakfast since neither of us had eaten that morning.I am continuing to love my new phone, if for nothing else but to capture little moments like this. Ceana was so cute about us having a special breakfast just for the 2 of us. I hope that I will be able to find time for me to do things like this more often with each of the kids.
She was so happy and proud to have her license.
Today I had a giggling girl come to me in the kitchen, ready to go to her friend's house. She could barely get the words out without laughing..."mom, can I borrow the car?" - then she was laughing hysterically at herself and now being in that position to do what she has heard others say, or heard in the words of a song. Of course, being the mom, I am completely NOT doing ok with this. I followed her out to the driveway to capture this special moment of her being in the driver's seat, and no one else in the beast with her...it is a very momentous occasion!

Before & After

I always look forward to doing the kids' birthday shoots. This year was extra special for Ceana because she turned 16 AND the day after we took these, she had her hair cut and donated it to Locks Of Love.
We had so much fun together. We did the shoot at one of the local parks and then in the downtown area. These are just a few of our favorites. The rest are posted in an album on my work FB page (PhotoMomentsbyRory) if you want to see all of our fun!

Late Birthday Posts - Ceana I

We were recently introduced to the game "Minute To Win It." Apparently it is a popular TV show, but since we dont have regular TV we didnt know about it. Awhile back, we got to play it at the cousins' house. We knew it would be great for Ceana's party.
The kids had so much fun trying this game. The process was to put 1-10 pencils on the back of your hand, and then throw it into the air and catch them without dropping any. The first ones were easy, but the more pencils, the more challenge. Sabrina nailed all of them and just had the kids stunned. She was the first to get them all, and after that all the kids just had to try. They all had a blast and it really was the perfect activity for the kids.

The point of this game was to get the oreo off the forehead and into the mouth - all without using the hands, just wiggling faces...it was a gut-buster!
This game kept us in hysterics as we watched the kids take turns. Their concentration, their focus, and their giggling was just so fun.

A beautiful cake, and a cheesy grin - what more could you ask for on your birthday? We were so excited about the beautiful (and YUMMY!) cake that Elizabeth made for Ceana's birthday. It was perfect for her Sweet 16 and made Ceana so very happy.

This is Ceana's favorite pict of her cake..I thought it turned out very unique...

Late Birthday Posts - Ceana II

Ceana tried hard to blow the candles out and the smoke at me. Silly girl!
Cassidy has her birthday 2 days before Ceana's. We got her a little cupcake and candle to blow out too. The girls had fun opening their presents together.

Keenan's grandfather is a famous, and very talented sculptor. We have seen his work, it is just breathtaking. Ceana has met Gma and Gpa Seable, so when she found out that Keenan had worked with his Gpa to sculpt this for Ceana, the gift meant even more.

One of Ceana's all time favorite gift was, again, given to her from her sister. Ceana had found a hat on vacation, and somehow it got lost (will have to post the lost hat story with vacation stuff soon too) Kaeli spent lots of time online looking for just the right hat to surprise Ceana. Her hard work was well worth her efforts when Ceana's face lit up, she put it right on, and then gave Kaeli a monster bear hug!

Here is a pict of the birthday girls together. I would say that lots of fun was had by all.

Late Birthday Posts - Ceana III

The mister winking at me on the left there was the master mind behind the boys' fun for the birthday activities. He was sweet enough to get my permission first, and the guys all had a grand time with their plotting. Caiden got so excited he could hardly keep the secret.
While the girls were getting pampered, the boys were plotting their attack. We have doors on both sides of our room, so they divided themselves and on a pre-set signal they burst into the room from both sides and the adventure began. The girls were all in total shock, and screaming and hysterics ensued. Ceana was so surprised that she hollered "Are You Kidding Me!?"
It was all I could do to capture everything that was happening. I wish I would have had Preston get the video camera in there too...the picts say way more than 1000 words...

The boys were in hysterical laughter as they rampaged through the room with a silly string can in each hand, and making noises through their masks.

Poor Emma had been behind the nail painting table, she had nowhere to go, and the boys took full advantage of that....she had fun razzing the boys afterward for not following the directions on the cans "do not point at faces", as you can see they just covered her because she was pinned.

After all the cans were emptied to satisfaction, the clean up crew began. The kids were all great and cleaned up everything, including vacuuming. It is funny that silly string is a bit like glitter....we are STILL finding bits of it in unusual places, even all these weeks later :)

You may notice that the only pict of Kaeli is in this last one. Apparently she putting something away in the cupboard, and the boys didnt see her so she jumped into the potty closet and locked the door. She hid in there the entire time, and never got an ounce of anything on her! Sneaky Girl!

Hello World from Ceana

So...hi this is Ceana! Just wanted to let you know that I have a blog of my very own! Here is the URL.

http://theultimatelifelover.blogspot.com/

The only way you can see it is if you have been invited to it, so if you would like to be able to read it (if you already can't) send me an email/fb message/call me :) and I will see what I can do. Thanks!

Just wanted to say...

That feeling when you get a *WARM FUZZY* is amazing :) I love them.

My favorite talk :)

http://new.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/your-happily-ever-after?lang=eng

Conference...

IS AMAZING!!!!

Oh my goodness, general conference is one of the best things ever about the Church. So many leaders prepare things that seem like they were written for me. I love that some of the apostles have sense of humor too :) My favorite apostle is President Uchtdorf, and one of my favorite talks was by him. I am taking good notes, and trying some new things, I think this is going to be an awesome general conference.

Taking Charge

This is me taking charge :) I know what I need to do, and so I am going to do it. This has been a growing experience, so I am going to take advantage of it, and learn from it this time.

If you really love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours.

This is my most favorite quote of all time, and it has been for many different reasons and circumstances. I am putting faith in this quote and Heavenly Father (maybe more than I ever have, I will admit), and letting my worries go. I am going to let it go and then see what happens...because I know it certainly can't be bad.

If it works out, great. If it doesn't, that's ok too, because I KNOW that there is something waiting...there around the corner, just for me. I am not going to let this get the best of me.

Thanks for all the support everyone has given me, and I love that you are there for me every step of the way. I love everyone (yes, even you) and can't wait for the adventures that lie ahead.

Love,

Ceana ;)

Award Winning Photos II

Ceana also won awards this year for her picts. She was very excited, esp after all the extra stress she & I went through to get everything submitted. Her fave picts were all ones from her trip to SLC last year. She had great memories of when she took them, and now she has more good memories because of winning ribbons for them. It was a great first experience for her. I think she and Kaeli will look forward to submitting more photos next year.

Moments of calm in a midst of a storm

Recently I have found out that multiple families in our ward and amazingly close circle of friends are moving. I have felt like I have been in a midst of a storm. Everything seems to be swirling around me.

Knowing that they are moving hurts my heart, and there have been random times when I all of a sudden break down and just cry. I know that there is nothing I can do about it, but I still feel pain. I will miss them. I have had some hard days, and I don't even know what to expect for the last day. I really don't want to think about it, as it is hard to imagine for me.

So, on to the title of this post. There have indeed been moments of peace where I am calm. Some of these times include when we are together, giving hugs, just times during the day when I think about everyone. Sometimes I surprise myself, when I think about (or try not to) what it will be like when they are gone, and I don't cry, I feel as if everything is going to be all right.

I know that it is because I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father. He has helped me through this, and I believe he will continue to, if I just ask. Even when I am sobbing helplessly, I know that I am not alone, and that He can help me.

I will miss all of you, and I hope to stay in touch. I love all of you. Thanks for being there for my family, and me especially.

Ceana

100 Things About Me- 15 Years Old

1. It really bugs me when someone spells something wrong, and if I don’t know how to spell a word, I go and look it up right then and there.
2. Blackberry jam is my favorite.
3. I love long walks on the beach.
4. Horses are my favorite animal, and always have been, ever since I can remember.
5. My favorite temple is the Salt Lake City, Utah temple.
6. My dad ROCKS (yes, he hacked my post and changed this one).
7. I like peanut butter and raisin sandwiches.
8. I don’t like pumpkin pie.
9. I want to go to OSU for college (Oregon State University).
10. I want to be a vet.
11. I like to drive.
12. I don’t like it when people get into fights.
13. My favorite saying is “spoons are overrated”, because I don’t like to use spoons, I prefer forks.
14. I like real wheat bread, not the fluffy stuff.
15. I play the French horn and the piano.
16. I want to learn how to play tennis.
17. I want to learn how to waltz.
18. I have a fear of heights, and looking over the edges of things (that includes walking over bridges and looking over banisters).
19. I have never been skiing.
20. My favorite high school sports are football and basketball.
21. My favorite team is the Beavers, of course.
22. I like the idea of growing up and living in this world, even with all of its trials (actually that’s the part I want to experience).
23. I love camping.
24. Fire is mesmerizing to me, I could sit and stare at it for a very long time.
25. I am OCD about the different colors in playing boxes; they all have to be in their own space, they can’t be mixed.
26. I love board games.
27. Picnics are wonderful.
28. I collect stickers.
29. I love to bake.
30. I don’t really know how to cook (yes, baking and cooking are different things).
31. I like to do yard work.
32. I get really hyper with my friends.
33. My favorite flavor is grape.
34. My favorite candy is 100 Grand.
35. I like caramel in chocolate, but not by itself.
36. I learned how to cross stitch and scrollsaw.
37. My favorite movie is Phantom of the Opera.
38. I sing in concert choir at the high school.
39. My favorite children’s book is “Toestomper and the Caterpillars”.
40. I don’t like to write, I like to read more.
41. I like writing research papers.
42. I like historical fiction and fantasy books.
43. I love dragons.
44. My favorite shape is a trapeziod and I have no idea why.
45. My favorite song is “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.
46. My favorite genre of music is country
47. My favorite actor is Gene Kelly.
48. I prefer dancing with someone rather than just by myself in a group.
49. I love getting mail.
50. I am not grossed out with animals (body, sicknesses, etc.) but I don’t like human anatomy at all (blood, puke (haha), etc.).
51. I hate sirens, they freak me out.
52. I have fainted at least twice, once at Crater Lake, and once at the doctor’s office.
53. I like hosting parties at our house.
54. I am more computer savvy than my mom.
55. I think Kenya is a cool name for a girl.
56. I have only come to love big rollercoasters this last summer, although some still freak me out (which is good).
57. I hate first aid training.
58. I like scrapbooking- not the online kind.
59. To me, the idea of forever is almost scary.
60. I like reading during rainstorms.
61. I love thunder and lightning and when the power goes out.
62. I would rather be too cold than too hot.
63. I love walking barefoot.
64. I look good in black, and in blue.
65. I love the smell of campfires.
66. I love the smell of horses.
67. I like BBQs a lot, and my favorite meat is chicken, or hot dogs, burnt by the BBQ.
68. I don’t like seafood.
69. I can’t step on sidewalk cracks, and I always count how many steps are in a cement block.
70. I sleep on my stomach, buried in blankets, with my head between two pillows.
71. I need dark and quiet to sleep.
72. My favorite Disney movie is BOLT.
73. I love splashing in puddles
74. My favorite theme music (other than my favorite movie) is Lord of the Rings.
75. My favorite number of the alphabet is purple.
76. Rubbing a cotton ball between my fingers gives me shivers (the same feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard).
77. I love swimming.
78. My favorite household chores are sweeping and vacuuming.
79. I am very good at hula-hooping.
80. I like to jump rope.
81. I (we) own a dog who gives me hugs!
82. I don’t like leaving messages.
83. I sing second soprano at school and church choir.
84. I like Owl City.
85. Without lists I would die.
86. I like typing in green.
87. I am short, and proud of it, because every tall person needs a short buddy.
88. I don’t like missing seminary.
89. I like to play cat’s cradle and marbles.
90. I love Bryan Adams.
91. I love the little things in the world that are simple.
92. I like the way everyone smells different (yeah, that might sound weird, but it’s true).
93. My favorite smell is vanilla.
94. I don’t like going to the dentist.
95. I like singing harmonies to the songs on the radio.
96. I like to give hugs.
97. I love the smell of spring rain.
98. My favorite number is 0 or 10.
99. I collect crab shells when I go to the beach.
100. I love the beach.

By Happy Sammich

I know its kinda late but...

I found a cool video of our Panthers winning the State Championship!

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/section/VideoNetwork?bctid=71843003001#/Latest+Videos/OSAA+Basketball%3A+Central+boys+take+4A+state+title/51426209001/51190050001/71843003001

If that doesnt work, go here...and then scroll down and click on the Statesman Journal video.

http://www.chspanthers.org/

GO PANTHERS! UH, I MEAN BEAVERS! UH.....

Ceana has discovered football this year via participating in the high school pep band. She is loving this side of being in high school and all of the fun it has brought. This first pict is of ceana and her best friend Ana. It was the morning of the CHS Homecoming Pep Rally. I painted both the girls faces before they left for school. They were both all dressed in red and black (school colors) and they were literally jumping off the walls because they were so excited to attend their first homecoming activities. The pep band played at the ralley and other activities and the game that week.
The Panthers made it into the playoff round, much to everyone's surprise and excitement. The kids bundled up with extra layers to stay warm with our freezing temps and went out and had a blast playing music and watching the game. Preston took these on his new cell phone - not too bad....and I was thrilled to know he had gotten some so we could journal this for ceana

Ceana had me take this pict of her the night of the OR Civil War (OSU vs UofO) Because Preston graduated from OSU, we naturally hip and hooray for the Beavers. We were all saddened at their loss this year - esp that it meant losing to the Ducks, AND losing the PAC 10 championship, AND losing their chance to get to the Rose Bowl - yikes! We will look forward seeing what bowl game they do get to, and to a great season next year! GO BEAVS!

MAD SCIENTIST AT WORK

Ceana spent most of her Saturday working on science experiments for school. It has been interesting having her studying chemisty this year and challening to have to track down all of the materials she needs. We ended up having to special order something this week because even though it is a common chemical compound, it has been pulled off the market for the general public because it has been used in inappropriate ways....crazy.
Ceana made me promise to mention something funny that happened today while she was working. Caiden kept laughing at her and her goggles. She started to make faces at him with her goggles on and he replied "You are one MAD scientist!" She thought it was funny....

Ceana had several sets of experiments going all at once. Not sure what exactly she was supposed to learn, but it looked like it was interesting and she was having fun. One thing we all learned was how to clean up after using and combining the chemicals and natural ingredients.

In the pict above Ceana was watching the mixture she had put together literally BREATHE - it was really kind of freaky to watch the yeast mixture go up and down as if it was breathing. It kind of gave me the creeps, but she was fascinated. As much as she loves science and math, and has a natural gift with animals of all shapes and sizes, it is no wonder she is considering becoming a veternarian.

GRADUATION DAY

I took a few minutes with Ceana before her graduation ceremony. She looked so grown up and I just had to try to capture a few moments for her.
These couple of her laughing are because I had her sit on the power box in the front yard. It was the perfect place, but she felt funny sitting on the big green monster box.

It was fun to have some extra time at school too. This is the only spot on the building where the school name is found. It worked great for a pict even though it is kind of far away of her.

The special mixed choir was chosen to sing at graduation. The song they chose talked about moving on and looking forward and still keep memories of where they had been. It was perfect for the graduation ceremony. I got a surprise when I found out that Ceana had a solo in the song. She did a great job and it was fun to see both the girls singing together at school, for probably the last time. I think it was special for both the girls

The other special highlight of the day was that ceana had been chosen, along with 3 other peers, to be valedictorian for their graduating class (about 300 kids). She gave a wonderful talk about continuing to strive for excellence and remembering to just be yourself even when moving forward into such new experiences as high school will present.

I think she will esp remember this experience because it came about in a funny way. Several weeks ago students who would not be graduating were being called down to the principal's office to be made aware of their academic status. Several students in Ceana's classroom had been called down. Suddenly she and another student also were told to report to the principal. She said she was very nervous, wracking her brain trying to figure out what she had done, what she had failed. She was surprised, and VERY relieved, when she found out that she had been selected by her favorite teacher to be valedictorian and THAT was why she had been called there. She was excited to go back to that teacher's class to thank her teacher and share in the excitment of the new adventure.

She wrote the talk herself, and it really says all the things ceana thinks are important and already strives to do. When I get some time, I will either type in her talk or post the video clip preston took.

Ceana received several awards during graduation. One was the academic Presidential award for 4.0 GPA for all of this year. The fun thing for her was that she has maintained that GPA for both whole years at TMS.
The other award she received was through the school WEB (leadership) program. She received a bronze award for serving 50 hours in the community/at school during this school year.
Ceana receiving her official congrats handshake from her TMS principal

Ceana receiving her graduation diploma from VP @ TMS

Parents were allowed to come up close to get picts of the students. I think it caught ceana a little off guard that I followed her to her seat to get a couple of close up shots - it made her laugh that without me knowing it, Ky had also followed me up to the front too. He was all set to sit on her lap for the rest of the ceremony, and was very put out when I didnt let him, which made ceana and her peers laugh even more.

Ceana & Ana have been best friends since Kindergarten. This is their 2nd graduation together.