My new train set

I may never go home now!  I have my new train set at work now and if fits exactly like I had hoped. I just have to figure out how to put the camera on it.

Nothing new...

Not much new...Scott did finish his first train layout ever! Yay! He took it to his office and I'm sure that he will have pictures soon.  The girls had their SEP conferences and as usual are both doing very well in school.  They are back in dance and are glad to be there. I have my first Presidency meeting tomorrow and I am returning to Panorama Elementary to help them figure out how to keep up their website.  There is a funny story about that too...

Mrs. Turner, the principal at Panorama, called me last week to set up the appointment to meet with Mr.Lingwall, the new webmaster at the school.  I told her I would be happy to help and we ended the phone call.  The next morning I get a phone call, again from Mrs. Turner..."Tonya, how are you?" she says.  "Fine," I say.  Then she proceeds to tell me how the PTA at the school usually provides an after school meal or sandwich during SEP week for the teachers, or if they don't that she can do it.  "Do you know what I'm saying?" she asks me.  I said no, I'm confused and I'm thinking that maybe she wants me to join them for the meal when I come to help.  She rephrases but basically tells me the same thing...That if the PTA doesn't want to provide a meal then she will do it.  "If you guys can't do it, then I will."  I'm stammering, trying to remind her that we have moved out of the school and I'm no longer on the PTA there.  "Who am I talking to?" she asks. "Tonya Jesienouski" I say.  "OH Tonya! I thought you were my PTA president!" (She happens to also be named Tonya this year) We laughed as we realized what has been happening.  She then let me off the hook.  I was relieved.  I was beginning to regret agreeing to the appointment.

Anyway, we are all doing well.  Looking forward to cooler weather coming!  Love to all...

It's Official...

I am now the official Primary President for the Washington Fields 5th Ward.  I am excited, but also humbled....I know people always say they are humbled, but I really am feeling small and insignificant that I should be responsible for the spiritual guidance of all these little children.  ( And anyone who comes to my house would say that it's pretty unlikely too :-) ) It's a bit overwhelming. That Heavenly Father should choose me to serve in this way is very humbling.  But on the other hand, like I said, I am excited too. I know that running the primary is something I can do well since my talents tend to run toward leadership and creativity, plus I also have really good people helping me, which is also a big (HUGE) bonus. So I'm sure many of my blog entries will be updates on this latest endeavor...I could really use all your prayers and words of encouragement.  Love to everyone!

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Where is everybody?

Finally...

We finally got our game table that we ordered back in May.  It actually isn't the one we ordered since the store had trouble figuring out how to actually get it to us, so they told us we could come in and get the floor model.  It had a couple scratches so they took another 10% off the price.  This additional discount plus the original sale discount meant that we saved about $100.00 on the table all told.  Yay!  So anytime anyone wants to come play cards...we've got it covered.

Taylor and Shaylie start dance today.  At least for a while....Shaylie for sure wants to do it, but Taylor is talking about acting classes.  I don't know though.  I think she would be great at it, but I don't think she will do it long-term.  Not that it has to be a career move, but we'll have to see...It depends on if I can find a class around here that doesn't cost a fortune.

Scott has his official business license for Trestle Tech Services, LLC.  I went today and bought a frame so he can put it up on the wall.  We are also looking at getting an additional cell phone on our plan so that he can have a number that is just for the business.  His work is also cracking down on personal calls on his other phone, so we may have to do it just for that.  He and James are still trying to drum up business, so if anyone out there knows someone who needs a webpage written, just let us know.

Hope to hear from you all! Lots of love...

New Calling...

Well, I must not do well with a lot of free time on my hands.  As soon as I get a little bit, I certainly find a way to fill it.  This time it wasn't my idea, though.  I was taken completely by surprise to find out about this new calling.  Scott and I have been enjoying our calling in the Primary.  We have been taking turns each week teaching the gospel to our five-year-olds.  (They are so cute!)  I have even been careful not to say I would do things differently if I were in charge, although there were a couple of times last Sunday, but it was only to Scott and not where anyone else could hear.  I can't really say what it is yet, since it's not been sustained in church, but I am meeting with the Old tomorrow so she can pass on her stuff to me.  I will say that I am excited, if a bit overwhelmed, and I will post the official title as soon as I can.  Love to all....

Checking In...

We've had a successful first week of school....Taylor likes her teacher and she says her class is fun, a lot of jokesters and laughing in class.  Shaylie is so glad to be back in school, her teacher is very strait-laced but I think she will be good. It is her first year teaching first grade so she may be a little stressed out with the transition.  Scott and I went to Back-to-School Night last night and I was so glad to find out that I don't have any homework for Taylor's class this year.  No homework to sign, no reading charts to keep track of, no papers to fill out every day....I love it!  I think the kids are old enough to start being more responsible for themselves by the Fifth Grade...It will be good practice for next year in the Intermediate School. 

I, myself, had trouble signing up for anything remotely volunteerish...I think I have burn out.  I did sign up to be a helper in both the girls' classes, and for the Book Fair, but I really had to force myself.  I think it will be fun once I'm going, I just dread the thought.  I'm just glad I'm not in charge.  I did run into a couple parents that I knew from my old neighborhood and the principal recognized me from the glowing recommendations that Mrs. Turner and the Tech director gave me, so that was nice.

Next week is my week to drive the car pool.  My friend Amy Miles and I are taking turns driving the kids to school since it is just too far and hot too walk.  We decided to take it in weeks, instead of days...this makes it nice when we don't have to drive.  Maybe the kids will want to walk a couple times when the weather cools, but for now...we'll add to the traffic hazard. 

I am also going to try to get into a daily routine next week....I must be disciplined.  Not usually my forte, but I want to set aside some time each day while the girls are at school to write.  And to do some projects: Grandpa's life history, guitar lessons, and maybe a photography class or spanish class, I haven't decided yet.  If Scott's and James' business picks up, I may be spending some time each day playing receptionist/secretary too.  I wouldn't mind that. 

Anyway, we are all well and looking forward to fun times ahead.  Hope all of you are well and that we get to hear from you soon.  Love to all!

Shaylie's 6th Birthday Party

Here are the pictures!

http://jesienouski.hopto.org/photos/shay6bday/

Happy Birthday to Shaylie! Happy First Day of School!

It seems like we've been counting down to this day for so long now that I can hardly believe that it's here!  Shaylie is 6 years old today....she has been waiting and waiting.  She told me today that 6 year olds can do a lot of things that 5 year olds can't...so I can't wait to see what her new abilities are...it's like her superpowers kicked in or something.  So exciting!  We had her birthday party last Thursday, a luau theme, and everyone had a great time...she got tons of presents (thank you everyone) and she loves the train that her dad and I got for her.  And so many puppies...they get to ride the train and everyone is happy.

It is also the first day of school, so the girls were up before their alarms this morning and insisted that we walk to school ("It's a tradition, Mom!")  The distance is about 3 times farther than our old house however and it was already around 90 degrees at 8:30 this morning, so you know how I felt about this.  But, we did it.  Even Bella, whom I am watching the next couple days, walked with us without complaining...she loved all the flowers and butterflies.  (We have so many butterflies from the surrounding fields!) We got to school and Taylor insisted that we drop her off outside the school.  She told me that when you get older that parents get embarrassing.  Heaven forbid!  So we didn't take her in, but we did sneak back later and peek into the class...she was busy doing bellwork and looked like she would be okay.  We did take Shay into her class and helped her organized her desk and keep her birthday treats tucked away until time to celebrate. She was already chatting away with a cute little girl who was sitting next to her when we left.  It's too bad we lose that spontaneity as we get older...

I think the girls are glad to be back...I know I am.  More updates and pictures to come! Love to all....

August 8, 1992

On a hot summer day in the itt-bitty town of Holden 14 years ago, I married the most wonderful woman in the world.  She even worked really hard that day to make it happen ;-)  Thank you Tonya for everything that you have given me and done for me through the years.  I love you.

Summer's waning....

Less than two weeks until school starts!  I think both the girls are excited.  We should find out fairly soon which teachers they have been assigned to and what kinds of things we need to do to get ready.  We never have had to buy school supplies since Taylor started kindergarten, but the girls always have to have some new pencil boxes and glue sticks and stuff.  So we will be shopping...

 My duet went pretty well on Sunday.  I think it was the best I've ever done as I did not forget the words or get overly emotional.  I was still a little shaky just from pure nerves, but it was tolerable.  Taylor was giving me a big smile when I came to sit down, and that made me feel good about it.

Hope everyone is doing well....sign in soon and leave us a post! We love to hear from you! Love to all...