Darrell's September Newsletter

Darrell headed off to Denver just as this newsletter was due (BIG mistake), now it is left to me to update ya'all on the happenings around here--for good, for bad or otherwise.

The end of August brought the beginning of school (yepee!).

We took Bethany up to Logan on the 21st, and her first Connections class started on the 22nd. It took her a couple of days to adjust to college life (she wanted to come home when she found out that her text books were going to cost her $400--welcome to reality), but she is now enjoying herself (who needs money for food when you have text books to read?). She seems to have some fun roommates, so we are hoping for a fun and growing year up there.

Bryce had his first half-day of school on the 23rd (the seventh graders go for half a day to get oriented before they unleashed the older mob in the halls). He came home just a little intimidated, but he has adjusted fine--just fine. He is taking beginning band and is learning to play the tuba (joy), which came home today. This should be an interesting year.

Laralyn moved back down to BYU on Friday the 24th (I got to help her with that project, it also got me out of attending the work Luau--thankfully). She wanted to be moved in before all of her roommates got there. We went "shopping" at Donna's during her garage sale this summer and Laralyn got some nice things to decorate her apartment. She was afraid that her roommates would come in and plaster the walls with football posters. Plus that, I think she was tired to living at home and anxious to be out on her own again (that is until she wanted me to pay for her bus pass and load her fridge with food).

Austin, Macall, Shane and Miranda all started back to school on the 27th. This is Austin's first year at Alta ("How was your first day, Austin?" "Huh? Boring.") Apparently it is not an adjustment for him.

Macall is the "big man" on campus now that she is in 9th grade. We are hoping that 9th grade will bring more responsibility in turning in her homework. We made her freedom directly proportional to her grades. Hopefully that will get her attention. I truly don't understand doing homework and just not turning it in ("She didn't ask for it!" "And? You didn't know it was due?" "Yes, but she didn't tell us to turn it in." "Arrrrrrrrg!")

Shane and Miranda started a new elementary school this year. After 10 years of driving across town to Brookwood, my kids are now attending our neighborhood school (Draper Elementary). Draper went back to a traditional calendar this year (I feel that it was an answer to prayers--the way everything just fell into place. Someday that will have to be another story.) So, with a heavy heart and many mixed feelings I pulled them out of the only school they have known and threw them to the wolves (it develops character!). Now after two weeks, they are adjusting. They still say they like Brookwood better, but I'm sure that will change with time. They do have friends at Draper--I'm not THAT mean.

Mollie and I are adjusting back to being the only ones at home during the day. She really is ready for more structure. After the kids leave at 8, she starts in with, "Mom, will you play a game with me?" "Mom, will you read me a story?" I need to get my act together and have some fun activities ready for her, BUT that'll have to wait until tomorrow--heeheehee!

Darrell was just called as the second counselor in the YM's presidency/Scoutmaster (they are combining the two positions in our ward). I think he would be excited if he didn't feel that it is such an uphill battle (lots of retraining other leaders--the boys are fine). Things have been such a mess in our ward over the past several years, but we just got a new bishopric (Dave Davis-Bishop, Kevin Cox-2nd counselor, Bruce Gwilliam-ex. sec. . . .that's for Denise and Jonathan--they used to live in the Brinley's ward), and we can see some really good and needed changes on the wall. We are excited!

Darrell also remains busy at work. He is in Denver trying to "build business" in a new area. When Mom and Dad came for Mollie's birthday, Darrell caught Dad's ear and talked and talked about his work. Dad is a good sport--no one around here wants to listen to "work talk" anymore. It really is the only thing that makes Darrell truly happy (well, besides me--of course!)

Well, I guess I should probably stop here. . . .my next stories should probably be kept quiet . . . .so until next time. . . .