Today was the first day of Henderson.

Angela says she loves her teacher and thinks she's the nicest teacher she ever has had.

Carolyn is lucky enough to have Sophie (someone from Turnberry) and Matthew (someone from our ward) in her class. She had a good first day of school.

Angela was so tired at 7PM...must be exhausted from a full day of school.

During the day, Emily and I made big plans. Very big. An all day date while the girls were in school. We went to the zoo and then out to icecream. Emily's favorite animal is the peacock. She handled it well, but disappointed that the giraffes weren't inside in the zoo (just outside). We checked twice. No luck. We heard a peacock "honk" a few times. Which surprised me. I thought it was a goose but Emmy knew it must be her favorite animal, the peacock...she was right! :) It was a fun date with Emy. So sad my two girls are gone for most of the day but so grateful for the time I get with Emy. Three cute things Emily Said:

Me: "Why do you think the giraffe's neck is long?" (expecting then to have a conversation about how they need to be able to reach the leaves).

Emily: "Because that's the way Jesus made them."
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(While look at a zebra that was upclose) Emily: "Is it a girl or a boy?"
Me: "I think it's a girl."
Emily: "I don't see eyelashes."
(When Emily draws girls she puts eyelashes on them to show it's a girl- obviously the zebra must have been a boy because she couldn't see eyelashes)
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 Angela and Carolyn wanted to take the bus as part of their Henderson experience. Angela is nervous about getting on the right bus after school. After Emily said her personal prayer tonight, she said, "I prayed Angela would find the right bus." So happy Emily is looking out for her sissys.

Today the girls had assessments for Henderson. Not a first day, but a first time in their classrooms. During Family Dinner prayer, Carolyn gave thanks for Henderson and that she and Angela could go there. Amazing example of looking forward with faith. She used to cry when she thought of going there...and she has been able to find thanksgiving admist her trial. I love you, Carolyn. Thank you for your beautiful example of being grateful in any circumstance!

This morning I studied Mosiah 18 and read in verse 9....

"Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..."

And then Angela was a perfect example of this today.  Carolyn got her hand stuck in the window when it was rolling up. It hurt and she was crying. Angela reacted to Carolyn with such an amazing heart of mourning with her and wanting to comfort her. She cried with Carolyn the moment she understood what had happened. And then, as I was hugging Carolyn (after I pulled the car over)...I saw Angela sitting next to her sister...in tears...and saying a prayer for her sister to feel comforted. Perfect example of the scripture to me. How neat I read it this morning and then witnessed it.

Today we went to Waterworld. Angela got sunblock in her eye before getting to "Wally World." It was painful for her and her eyes were red. So, there she was in the midst of shooting water from the ground and slides all over the place...and she had stopped her play to say a prayer. I asked her what she was praying for and she said her eye. What a beautiful example of always remembering to turn to the Lord in times of need...no matter what distractions or circumstances are around us. We always need to pray.

Today I received this email from Carolyn's Director of Wizard of Oz:

Hi Jannie!

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how well Carolyn is doing in Oz right now.  She is one of our youngest cast members, but she is doing just as well, if not better than some of my older actors.  A lot of my little ones usually take a little longer to get comfortable with their choreography as well as being "in" the scene, rather than twirling their hair, playing with their clothes, or putting their hands in their pockets.  Yesterday when we were running the Munchkin scene she knew exactly what she was doing, and was dead on even with our more difficult choreography at the end of the number.  I've been really impressed at how well she is doing, so I wanted to make sure I share with you.  I know that a lot of the time kids are told what they're doing wrong (especially when it comes to giving performance notes); so I try to make sure that I point out when they are doing great as well.  You should be proud mama, you have quite the performer on your hand.  :)

Toni Stratton

Director

Wizard of Oz

Emily and Angela pick out pictures of their Savior to color during Sacrament Meeting. We talk about the significance of the pictures that they are going to color so hopefully their thoughts are turned to Him during Sacrament Meeting.

Today at Carolyn's play practice for Wizard of Oz, Carolyn's director had Carolyn come to the front to demonstrate to everyone how to act during the scene. Apparently Carolyn's acting and expressions and movements were exactly what the Director wanted and wanted all to follow.