What am I thinking?

Well, today is the day. You know, the same day that happened for kids all over the place yesterday or last week or next week. That's right. The dreaded day of - gasp! - "BACK TO SCHOOL!"

The only problem is that I'm 28! What in the world am I doing being back in school? I've thought long and hard about this and I've realized that since I was 4 and going to preschool in our neighborhood in South Jordan, I've been a student with only two real breaks - when I went on my mission 1999-2001 (which could be argued as a different type of schooling) and when I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2004 until I started working on my MBA in 2006.

So for 20 years of my existence, I've been in school. Some of it was natural and inevitable. There was no way, no matter how hard I tried, that I'd talk my way out of elementary through high school. Although I'm sure I tried. And sometimes I didn't try to talk my way out of it, I just sluffed. (Yes my wonderful children and nieces and nephew - I did. Don't do it. Or else.)

But since 1998 when I started my freshman year at Snow College, I've CHOSEN to go to school!! What is wrong with me? I've honestly chosen to burden myself with homework, term papers, research, dreaded group work and trying to get a grade!?

And so, here I sit this morning, contemplating the fact that in 45 minutes, I'll be starting a class that I CHOSE to take. Somehow, I've got to learn to make better choices. I'm also contemplating the fact that my beautiful daughter who is almost 3 will be starting preschool next week. That's kind of ironic, eh? Here I am lamenting the fact that I have been in school for 20 years of my meager existence, and she's at home, probably dreaming about going to school (I wonder what that is like in the imagination of an almost 3 year old), her lunchbox - which sadly to say she was broken-hearted to learn that she doesn't get to eat lunch at school and use a lunchbox - and the new outfit she gets to wear.

I hate to say I'm having one of those "life has come full circle" moments, but I think I am. So, today I offer a little advice to Teanna after 20 years of schooling experience:

1) Don't sniff the glue. It may sound fun at first, but trust me, the after effects are certainly not worth it.

2) Don't pull the chair out from under the person you like when you're in 1st grade. He'll never treat you the same.

3) Be yourself and forget about what other people think about you. What's important is how you feel about yourself. Always know that somewhere, people love you for who you are and who you can become, not for who they want you to be.

4) Be the class clown. Within reason. Don't think that your uncle Spencer dressing like a girl was a worthy example to follow...

5) Be the class bookworm. Your mom and I think you're the smartest kid in the world. Don't fail us. Just kidding. But it doesn't hurt to also be as studious as you can.

6) Don't fall in love before you graduate and experience life after high school. Trust me. It's totally not worth it. I know you might not have problems with this, but I feel bad for all those little boys whose hearts you'll be breaking for the next 20 years. That's the curse of inheriting your mother's beauty.

7) Stand up for what is right, the picked on, the loners and be a friend to everyone. I may not remember much of first grade math, but I remember who my friends were and weren't.

8) And finally, remember to enjoy your time in school. It won't last forever - only another 20 odd years or so!

I love you,

Dad

Construction Finalized

It's a bit late in posting, but we've finally move into our new house in West Jordan and I think we've about settled in. Jen's back is sore from unpacking and my shoulders hurt from painting, but we feel it was all worth it. We're excited to be here and spend the rest of our lives making this house our home. Enjoy the pictures:

View From the Street

Family Gathering Spot (Hooray! We have satellite again!!!)

Cole's room - Hot Wheel's Colors


Teanna's Fancy Nancy Room
New Spacious Kitchen (Soon to be Ute Red. I mean Italian kitchen style red.)

The best part is that when Jen and I talked about our plans for the backyard the other day and how we could smooth out the hills and make room for a swingset, Teanna said, "Oh that's perfect. That makes enough room for my pony!" We had no idea that buying the house we'd be buying a pony as well. But, I guess that's life. Maybe we can convince her there's an imaginary pony in the backyard. Like her imaginary puppy inside the house!