Hi! The Emery family is back to blogging again. After June, the summer fairly flew by. The kids had various fun activities, we did lots of fun summer things like picnics, walking on trails, swimming, etc. And before we knew it, the summer came to a screeching halt and school began again.
The weather was slow in getting started for summer. By July, we finally had some great summer weather and we enjoyed it all the way until the end of September. It was so great to see so much of that big orange ball in the sky.
When school started again, Orie was pretty sad since everyone had to leave for work and school. Cameron is a sophomore this year at the newly constructed high school. It is a magnificent new building in town and Scott and I worked hard on the bond committee to get people to vote for a new high school. It had been necessary for many years but nobody could get a bond passed. With the hard work and amazing dedication of many people, it was finally passed in 2010 I think and since then, we have all watched and been thrilled to see this great building become a reality.
Just to give you a little information, our old school had only one large area for everything. People called it the cafegymatorium. That's right, it was the cafeteria, the gym, the auditorium and everything else. There was not enough room for everyone so they kept adding small buildings outside. Also,the building was so old that tiles from the ceiling would fall on people's head as the were in PE.
Anyway, Cameron was really happen to be at the school until he fell and gave himself a nasty sprain. Then he became painfully aware of the miles he was walking each day as he went from class to class in such a large building. After a trip to the doctor, he got the great opportunity of a wheelchair and the privilege of riding in the elevator. Fun, although I think Cam would have been just as happy to never experience such things.
Sarah has taken great strides in 5th grade and is reading like a college student. She also has started piano lessons and seems to have inherited some of her dad's natural talent. She took state tests for reading and math in 4th grade and exceeded them both. Today she gave her testimony in church and shared her experience with honesty. She has decided that keeping a clean room makes her feel good, just like telling the truth makes her heart feel clean. She also wants me to say that she is writing a book.
Rylee is contemplating joining the wrestling team. He is in 2nd grade and is becoming a great reader. He and his dad are reading Indian in the Cupboard and he thinks that it's really cool that the Indian can come alive. Tonight Sarah and Rylee were telling each other what Articles of Faith they have memorized. I think it is pretty cool that he has the 1st 2 memorized and he is only 7!
Scott has been working for a company in downtown Portland called UTIW. He is a business analyst and has many international meetings with people from South Africa. After 3 months, they have decided to repurpose his team since the sales in South Africa are declining (who knows why) and so Scott is now trying to figure out what the new tasks will be. The nice thing is that since he is a Contractor, he can find another position any time. I think he enjoys this flexibility and seems to enjoy different work environments. I like that he works for the Contracting company so our insurance usually stays the same. I also like him to be happy with his work.
I have been working at Cedar Ridge Middle school again this year. I find great satisfaction in helping the kids who struggle. My load is usually 15 kids who have alcohol or drug issues themselves or that are found in their family. I find it challenging to keep them doing what they need to do and coming to school, etc. I love that I got to be a part of creating a fun room that has a Wii, a pool table, couches, a ping pong table, and air hockey. They kids earn chances to come for lunch and it is all the buzz at the school. It's called the Storm Lounge and has changed the feeling in the school from negative to positive. Yay!
Allison is done with high school and is trying to decide what her life will hold. I enjoy hearing from her, seeing her, getting hugs and listening to all the stories she tells. She loves the siblings and tries to hug them and be with them when she can. She has 2 jobs right now so she keeps pretty busy.
Taylor is almost finished with his time overseas. He comes back to the states in December. We are all so excited to see him and have him in our lives for a little while. After a small stay here, he will be stationed in California. At least that is a small trip to see him instead of across the world.
We have a new piano in the house and nothing makes me happier than to hear it being played by Scott, Sarah, and Cameron (who has taken a new interest in it too).
I will post pics soon.
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