Charter Schools Anyone?? :D

I have been doing a lot of research on whether 2 enroll our kids in a Charter School or not.  I am very IMPRESSED by the results of what I've found.  There are a good amount of Charter Schools here in Utah.  They only accept a very small amount of students into their schools.  They are focused on smaller class sizes & a very CREATIVE way of learning.  I love it!!  :D  We have put in an online application 4 our 3 girls 4 this next coming up school year & are very EXCITED 4 them 2 be able 2 start on this new venture.  

We submitted applications to 2 of the Charter Schools here in the Jordan School District.  1 of them, I'm leaning more towards then the other because of the fact that it is an International Baccalaureate school for both elementary & middle school levels.  I had no idea what an International Baccalaureate school was until researching about Charter Schools.  It's AMAZING!!  There are more than 1,000 IB schools in more than 100 countries.  The curriculum is set by a board of international educators in Geneva, Switzerland.

"The IB aims 2 develop inquiring, knowledgeable & caring young people who help 2 CREATE a BETTER & more PEACEFUL world through intercultural understanding & respect.  To this end the organization works with schools, governments & international organizations 2 develop challenging programmes of international education & rigorous assessment.  These programmes encourage students across the world 2 become active, compassionate & lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB students are required 2 study & be tested in English, Social Science, Math, Science, a foreign language & an IB elective their junior & senior years.  In addition, IB students are required 2 take a theory of knowledge class, participate in 150 hours of community involvement & write an investigative research paper.  When successfully completing all the requirements, students are eligible 2 receive a diploma that is recognized internationally."

Isn't that AMAZING??  I seriously didn't even know that this was a POSSIBILITY!!  :D  And I also just found out in all my research that Bingham High School, which is the high school we plan on having our kids attend due 2 a BIG factor in them having an AWESOME sports program, will also be an IB school come 2011.  Plenty of time before our eldest child reaches high school.  We're so GRATEFUL & so EXCITED 4 these ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY opportunities that are right here in our backyard.  :D  We definitely don't take advantage of the fact that we live in this GREAT country filled with OPPORTUNITY @ every corner!!  How can we not be THRILLED, EXHILARATED, ELECTRIFIED, ENRAPTURED, INTOXICATED & just down right FIRED UP 2 strive 2 be BETTER!!  We have so much 2 be GRATEFUL 4 & as Pres. Uchtdorf counseled this past weekend, "May we not stand on the sidelines & be spectators."  

Our CHILDREN are OUR FUTURE.  And they deserve every POSSIBILITY out there 2 be able 2 REACH 4 the STARS & CREATE A HIGHER LIFE THRU HIGHER LEARNING.  :D

Spiritual High = Higher Life

After being able 2 witness our many GREAT & WONDERFUL leaders this past weekend give counsel & direction 2 us all during General Conference, I must say that I have come out with an attitude of PURE LOVE.  I am very grateful 4 the opportunity of living here in Salt Lake City, where the church is headquartered & where our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, resides.  I was deeply touched by many of the different messages that were shared & very MOVED 2 WANT 2 do more.  2 not settle 4 just being comfortable with the way my life is right now.  

I have been on a waiting list with my local library 4 the Book of Mormon on audio & my turn came up yesterday.  :D  My week was DEFINITELY already starting on a GREAT note.  :D  My goal with getting the audio cd's was 2 import it onto my ITUNES so that I can sync it 2 my ipod & listen 2 it while I workout.  I'm HAPPY 2 say that I just finished importing the last disc 2 my ITUNES as of this morning.  All 23 of them.  Lol.  It was definitely worth it!!  :D  

Another goal that my husband & I set was 2 attend the temple everyday this week.  :D  I'm happy 2 say that we woke up BRIGHT & EARLY this morning & got ourselves ready & headed 2 the Jordan Temple.  It was an EXTREMELY busy morning @ the temple & so EXCITING 2 see the Lord's work moving 4ward.  We stay here in South Jordan & are the only city in the world 2 have 2 temples.  It's an AMAZING blessing.  :D  And one we try not 2 take advantage of.  :D  

We got home in time 2 get the kids ready 4 'Funny Bunny Story Time' @ the Riverton Library.  Because I had class last night, we weren't able 2 have our Family Home Evening so we planned it 4 today instead.  :D  'Funny Bunny Story Time' is filled with GREAT stories being told, singing & dancing the wiggles out of the kids & crafts @ the end.  We all had a blast interacting with each other & spending our FHE activity there.  It was GREAT!!  :D  It's focused on ages 18 mo-3 yrs old, but my 3 older ones came in & had wayyy MORE fun than the 2 younger ones.  Lol.  It was GREAT!!  The kids made there Easter Egg Baskets & we'll be debuting their art work as soon as we figure out which window it's going 2 be hung on.  :D  

We've definitely been enjoying the AWESOME weather outside these past couple of days so it's been great.  Hoko & I have started reading the Book of Mormon, again, & are EXCITED 4 all that we're able 2 take from it & apply into our own personal & family lives.  The blessings that are promised 2 those that STUDY & BELIEVE in the principles that are being taught in this WONDERFUL book are AMAZING & ENDLESS.  We love the Lord with all our hearts & give thanks & praise 2 only Him.  4 it is only through Christ that we can be saved & have everlasting life.  This past weekend has definitely put us on a 'Spiritual High'  which definitely creates a 'Higher Life' 4 all those that seek after it.  On that note. . . .I'm going 2 head back outside & jump on the trampoline with the kids cause it's soooo GORGEOUS outside & I can't resist!!  Lol.  

A Fulfilling Day?? Definitely YES!! :D

I started out my day 2day with WATER AEROBICS @ my rec center here in South Jordan.  I've been going with Kassie 2 the 1 in Kearns so today was a 1st for me @ my local rec.  And I must admit that it was WONDERFUL!!  Hoko kept telling me 2 try this one out since we already have a couple's pass there so I took him up on his advice & I'm TOTALLY glad I did.  My instructor's name is Hope & she is so FUN & FULL of ENERGY that it TOTALLY permeates throughout the class.  :D  I honestly felt so @ peace & so HAPPY just being there.  The workouts were AWESOME & I loved EVERY min/sec I was there!!  :D

After that I picked up my girls from their grandma's & we returned home.  I got 2 finish up 1 of my online classes before Hoko got home 4 us 2 go 2 the temple.  As part of our preparation 4 General Conference this weekend, we thought it a GREAT idea 2 attend the temple & get ourselves prepared spiritually.  :D

My sister decided 2 bring her kids over 2 visit with my kids & parents so Hoko & I decided 2 head downtown & catch a showing of:  Joseph Smith The Prophet Of The Restoration.  "A film about the life & legacy of Joseph Smith, founding prophet of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. . . ."  being shown in the Legacy Theater of the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg.  This film pierced me so deeply that I couldn't help, but feel LOVE & GRATITUDE 4 being able 2 live in the 'last days.'  4 being able 2 have been born into the gospel of Jesus Christ & being able 2 experience the ENDLESS LOVE that our Heavenly Father has 4 each & everyone of us.  I was so HUMBLED by all the TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS that our dear, beloved prophet & his wife, Emma, endured in order to restore the gospel here on earth.  

It truly OPENED my eyes more 2 be AWARE of my thoughts @ all times.  2 recognize how PRECIOUS life is & 2 try my BEST not 2 take it 4 granted.  I felt OVERWHELMED by the spirit & emotionally/mentally drained by the time we got home that I laid down 4 a nap, but was unsuccessful because Hoko came & called 4 me 2 go with him 2 walk our 4 yr old son, TITAN.  Lol.  And since I promised myself that I'm going 2 do my BEST from here on out not to take ANYTHING 4 granted, I got myself up & threw on my sweats, hoodie & boots & headed out the door.  We walked Titan 2 the park & all around our neighborhood & then headed home.  I have no idea what energy I'm still drawing upon 2 even be blogging about it, but I felt the need 2 share.  

Life's so FILLED with OPPORTUNITIES 2 take advantage of & I'm truly GRATEFUL 2 be working 2wards filling EVERYDAY with FULFILLING DAYS!!  :D  Life is DEFINITELY whatever it is YOU make of it.  On that note, I'm going 2 turn in & get some shut eye before having 2 get up 4 my morning water aerobics class that'll be done & over with by 9 so I'll be home 2 watch:  Music & The Spoken Word that airs right before conference starts.  :D  

Busy Days Help Me Sleep Like A Baby!! :D

I've been waiting patiently 4 'Marley & Me' 2 finally make it 2 the Redbox & we got up early 2 pick it up this morning.  I always reserve my movies online so I know it's there waiting 4 me.  :D  I'm really big on TIME MANAGEMENT!!  Hahahaha!!  I wanted 2 watch it as soon as we got home from picking it up, but it didn't happen.  2day was quite a busy day as it usually is in our household.  

I started out my day with my bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats w/Almonds!!  My fave!!  Lol.  And I had my ipod on & ready w/The Secret audio on it so my day was starting out FANTASTIC!!  The girls were supposed 2 start their Off Track camp 2day, but we just found out that they're totally full 4 the rest of the week.  So they'll be starting next week Monday.  :D  They were a little bummed so Hoko & I started thinking of what they could do 2day.  Since it's still a little chilly outside, I automatically thought what a great day 2 go pick up some dvd's 4 us stay in & watch.  I hopped online 2 the Redbox website & the girls picked Madagascar 2 & Beverly Hills Chihuahua!!  And I picked out Marley & Me 4 Hoko & I 2 watch.  

Once we got home from running errands & picking up the movies, it was time 2 tackle cleaning up the house.  Lol.  It was definitely a TEAM effort & something I would never try 2 take full credit for.  With as many as we have in our GROWING family??  DELEGATION is KEY!!  Lol!!  So the girls tackled the living room upstairs, I had the bathrooms & the kitchen, & Hoko had Titan!! He got 2 take a bath, which in our family, is a rule that he must take a bath @ least once a week.  :D  

After that, I sat down @ my computer & hopped online 2 start on my classes.  That took me all the way 'til it was time 2 get ready 4 my Zumba class.  2night was 80's night so I went thru all my belongings & did my best 2 pull off my 80's look.  Lol!!  When I got home, I got all showered up & grubbed on some PB&J & pumpkin chocolate chip cookies & made my way downstairs 2 finally sit down & watch my movie.  

I have 2 say that I so recommend this movie as a 'MUST SEE.'  It's so great & totally reminded me of how grateful I am 4 our latest addition, Titan, 2 our growing family.  He's such a wonderful dog & we are so blessed 2 have been able 2 have found him.  He brings such joy 2 our everyday lives.  And he's so easy 2 take care of.  Now if he could just MASTER not using the bathroom in the house then he would be PERFECT!!  Hahahaha!!

The movie also re-reminded me, cause I've always believed this 2 be true, that HOME is where ever it is WE, as a family, ARE.  It's where ever & whatever makes us the HAPPIEST!!  The family in the movie picked up & moved 2 whatever places they're careers took them to.  When they were living in a place where it was cold all the time, they realized that that didn't make them happy & they up & moved to Florida.  Where they would enjoy warm weather all year round.  Once the husband's job wasn't fulfilling any longer, he took up another job in another state & they up & moved there as well.  And it never mattered where they ended up @, as long as they were happy with what they were doing in life.  Never once was their decisions based on what others thought about them.  They had already had 3 kids, whom were all very young, but they realized that if they weren't individually HAPPY, then the FAMILY wouldn't be HAPPY as well.  It's such a great movie with such a REALISTIC & IMPORTANT message in it.  

It's what I've been reading about in 'The Secret.'  And it's so very true now that I've started 2 apply it into my own life.  :D  It's definitely been added 2 my FAVORITE movies list.  :D   I could go on 4ever about it, but I can feel my eyelids starting 2 give way & my brain is also reminding me that I have a Step class 2 attend in the morning.  :)  So til next time. . . . .Adios!!

Happy 7th Birthday 2 Our Little Lote!! :D

Today is our little Lote's 7th birthday. Hoko & I ran 2 Walmart last night 2 get 30 cupcakes 2 take 4 Lote's class 2 celebrate her birthday with her. They are also going off track & so we're signing them up 4 off track camp. :D

This princess of ours was born March 27, 2002. She was only 6lbs 3 oz. She was quite the handful when we had her. My mom came & stayed with us when she was born 2 help us out with her. She's always been surrounded with love throughout her life, but what I think is AMAZING about this little girl of ours is how much LOVE she seems 2 give freely 2 all who come into her life. She is our little NURTURER in the family. Whenever anyone's hurt or feeling down, she naturally takes it upon herself 2 comfort them.

She's our little momma in our family. I love her so much. She's truly a constant reminder in my life of how much more Christ like I can be. She's an absolute BLESSING in our family & we're so GRATEFUL 2 have her in our lives. This post is dedicated 2 our little Lote 4 all that she does 2 keep our family going & striving 4 in life. We love you so much Lote!!

So I felt the need 2 continue this post since we hadn't done anything 4 Lote's bday til after she got out of school. We took cupcakes 4 her class which they all loved since it had little plastic rings on top that they could all keep. 2 my surprise, even the boys were excited 4 the rings. Hahaha. . . .After we picked her up, we went home & got her dressed up 2 go play @ the McDonald's playhouse & then we headed 2 our movie afterward.

We watched Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D. It was a packed show & we loved every minute of it. It was such a GREAT movie with such an GREAT lesson 2 be learned in it. I recommend this movie 2 all!! :D We didn't have time 2 take Lote 4 her 1st pedicure yesterday so we took her today. She loved it!! Her auntie Lote came by as well bearing gifts 4 her & she was EXTREMELY happy!! We love our little 'FATSO' even though she's not so little anymore. She's AWESOME & I hope she knows just how GREAT of an addition she is in our family!! :D

The SECRET To You. . . . .

I am currently reading this book called, 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne.  The 1st time I heard of this 'SECRET' was a couple of years ago when it 1st came out.  I was sitting in my living room 4 my usual 4 o'clock session with Oprah.  Lol.  And lo & behold. . . .it was the topic 4 the show.  She had Rhonda Byrne on there as well as many of the living philosophers in the book.  It was AMAZING & one of those things that got me so EXCITED, yet curious 4 what it was all about.  I remember clearly, Oprah repeating herself & saying that she never knew that the 'Secret' was a secret @ all.  All the principles taught in it was something she always lived her life by.  It never occurred 2 her that it wasn't known by all.

Well, obviously I didn't act on my EXCITEMENT 2 run out & buy this book/dvd or even get the audio cause here I am. . . .How many years later??  Blogging about how EXCITED I am 2 be finally reading it.  Lol.  

I was with one of my GREAT friends, Kassie, the other night.  We were @ our South Jordan Rec Center waiting out in the hallway 4 our Zumba class 2 start & she started 2 ask me if I've read, 'The Alchemist.'  I told her no & asked what kind of book it was & what was it about.  She proceeded 2 ask me if I've read, 'The Secret.'  I told her NO, again, but that I've always wanted 2 read it.  Well, she has read, 'The Secret' & said that it is wayyy GOOD.  I felt so ENRICHED & just plain GREAT after our Zumba class that when I got home, my husband & I headed 2 Barnes & Noble & picked up this AWESOME, LIFE-CHANGING book.  We also got the audio so I can listen 2 it in the car as well as on my ipod while I'm running so I can be totally CONSUMED with the wonderful PRINCIPLES being shared in it.  :D  

I'm happy 2 say that I've decided 2 read it one time through so I can start 2 take it all in.  And then when I'm done, re-read it immediately, but take notes & study it more.  One of the principles shared in this book that I read yesterday & re-read 2day is this:  'Make it a daily habit 2 determine every event in your life in advance, through your thoughts.  Set the Universal forces ahead of you in everything you do & everywhere you go, by thinking the way you want it to go in advance.  Then you are creating your life intentionally.'  I know I know. . . .Good stuff, right?  

I'm so excited about this book & how it's going 2 change my life that I HAD 2 share it with all of you!!  Taking BACK control of your life is the 1st step 2wards TRUE HAPPINESS!!  I honestly believe that.  D:

Why 'ZUMBA' Is Sweeping The Nation??

Straight from a CNN article:

It's not a dance club. This is a regular morning exercise class at the YMCA in Alpharetta, Georgia. It's called Zumba.

Part dance, part aerobics, Zumba is an hour long routine that works almost every muscle in the body.

"It is dance fitness," explained Stephanie Maxim, one of two class instructors. "We teach them moves that you can see on 'Dancing with the Stars': salsa, mambo, cha-cha, and we put it into a group fitness format."

"It's not like a workout," explained Diane Walterstiel, 55, of Alpharetta. "Before I come, I'm tense, but when I leave, I could kiss the world."

2night was a 1st 4 both Kassie & I. We decided 2 try out this new workout class that has been sweeping the nation & is now reaching Utah. My cousin, Soloi, has been participating in her Zumba class since the beginning of the year & has lost 30 lbs & counting. Definitely a motivation in what got me 2 finally get my butt 2 my local rec center & check it out. Because Hoko & I already have passes @ our rec, it's totally included in our couple's pass. :D

Our instructor, Shaylene, has got 2 be the most ENERGETIC & POSITIVE person I've ever met!! It's great!! She kept us going 4 the WHOLE hour long session that it was. Lol!! Both Kassie & I were huffin' & puffin' yet when we looked @ the clock, we were only 20 min into the workout. Hahahaha!! It was great though. We were moving our feet the WHOLE time. My thighs felt like they were going 2 give way @ any time. Lol!!

It was definitely ALL worth it. The next class is 2morrow morning @ 5:30 & we're both going 2 try our best 2 wake up that early & head 2 Zumba class. Lol. That's how good it is. Hahaha!! We felt so GREAT afterwards & after getting past the 1st 20 min, the rest of the hour seemed 2 just fly by. I definitely recommend this class 2 everyone who has difficulty keeping 2 a workout because this one is just way too much FUN 2 pass up.

It put me in such a GREAT mood & BRIGHTENED up my day!! Kassie also recommended a book 2 me that I've been dying 2 read, anyway. It's called, 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne. My husband & I headed 2 Barnes & Noble when I got home & picked up this AWESOME & LIFE CHANGING book as well as the audio so I could listen 2 it while I'm on the elyptical. I'm so HIGH on life right now it's FANTASTIC!! I'm so HAPPY & EXCITED 4 all life has 2 offer. Both the ups & downs are life lessons that we can all learn from & come out on TOP!! I truly believe that & have seen it happen in my own life. And all this. . . .from a so called workout class!! It's definitely more like a 'PARTY!!' Hahaha!! It's AWESOME!! :D