Great Day

Most of you know that Taylor has struggled with reading.  She has never liked to read and she has often complained that it hurts her head and eyes.  She's been screened at school for vision problems and always passed the test.  It's always been a baffling thing to me. 

This past Monday, I was at my school's faculty meeting and one of the special ed teacher's gave a presentation on Irlen Syndrome.  I'd personally never heard of it, but as she was talking about the different ways that words move on the page for some people and some of the indicators, I kept thinking to myself, "This sounds like my Taylor."  Afterwards, I went up to the teacher and told her that Tay has like 6 of the 9 indicators and asked if she would mind giving her the test. 

So today we went in and filled out a questionnaire and she gave Taylor some quick visual tests and asked some questions while Taylor read paragraphs.  Then, she put 9 different colored overlays onto the page to see if any of them made a difference to what she saw or how she read.  For most of the colors, she sounded like she always does when she reads: halting, stumbling, backtracking, losing her place....but then she put a Yellow sheet on the page and the tester and I both looked up at each other and mouthed, "Wow!"  It was an amazing difference.  She read almost twice as fast and was smooth and clear as she read.  I started to cry; I was so impressed with the difference that this small thing could make. 

The teacher gave Taylor the yellow overlay and taught her how to take care of it.  She is supposed to use it at home for the next couple weeks and then she can begin to take it to school.  She ordered another overlay so that we could have one to use for smaller books and to carry around.  I'll have to tell her teachers about this and make sure that they let her use it.  Her retention and comprehension was even better with it...we got out to the car and Taylor said, "I still remember what that paragraph was about." And almost told me the whole thing again.

I am so thrilled and amazed!  I just hope it really does make a difference.  It seemed to really affect the way that she read, and understood the infomation.  It's such a great discovery!  Yay, yay, yay!!!

I guess I can decorate ok...and other news

This is the tree at work. I put it all together and the lights, everything except the ball ornaments. It was pretty fun. I got to work early Monday and noone had done the tree yet.

Then I was able to fix the IT director's computer, so that was a good feeling.

We got all the rest of the lights hung at our house and got our snowman setup.

In other news, Taylor went for a bike ride with Jordan, so I guess things have improved there.

Grmama J is coming down this weekend. We are busy getting the house clean and straightened up for visit.

Undefeatable!

Taylor's soccer team, the Sublime Suns, finished their season yesterday with another in a long line of victories! They finished the season with a perfect record!



Taylor finished the season with 6 shutouts in goal!

New Phone

We finally gave in and got a phone for the house/girls.  I worried about them not having a way to contact us or emergency.  I can't put the phone number here, but I'm sure we'll be calling those of you who need to know it.  Taylor was thrilled because we were able to get them a Pink Motorola RAZR phone--for free!  Yay!  I'm going to have to make sure she doesn't use up all her minutes, but I don't think I have to worry too much...she's very responsible that way.  Now, I just need to get a new phone so my daughters don't have a nicer phone than I do.  I have to wait until December to upgrade at a discount...patience is a virtue...the other good news is I get a new phone for Christmas!  Yay! 

Everyone is well...we can't believe it is Thanksgiving already.  I'm so not ready for the holidays.  I think we'll be shooting for a simple, streamlined Christmas this year.  My kids already have everything they could possibly need.  I want to focus on serving and giving this year...and every year...but it's hard not to get wrapped up in all the craziness.  I think I'll wait til later in the month to put up stuff too.  We'll see how it goes. 

Love to all....

Shaylie's First Piano Recital

Tonight, Shaylie had her first ever piano recital.  She did very well!  Here is her performance:

Double Yay!

Not only is Taylor's first quarter over with and she did incredibly well....but our Primary Program Practice is over too!!!  That is double the cause for celebration.

We had one Sunday practice two weeks ago, but we had to do it in the gym, since the Ward after us meets during our Primary classes.  I think that went as well as could be expected.  It was good to get into the
chapel today, though.  The children seemed to do very well.  It's so hard for all of them to sit reverently and quietly for two solid hours.  At least the actual program is only 40 minutes long.  I think we'll do well.  It will be nice to have it behind us.  It has always been my favorite Sacrament Meeting program.  I have a little different perspective now that I'm behind the scenes.   The kids have all worked really hard this year to learn all the songs and to memorize their parts.  I'm excited for them to have their chance to shine. 

Taylor had to leave a little bit early to her soccer game...it's the secomd to last of the year.  She has one more next Saturday and then she's done. 

I just got a call from them and they won again!!! So I guess that's Triple Yay now.  One more game and they are the Champions!!  I think they might be the champions even if they lose.  I'll have to do some research..(i.e. ask Scott).  Go Sublime Suns!

So Yay for Us all around!  We'll keep you posted...Love to everyone!

Yea!!!!!!

Taylor got her first report card and there is only one letter on it.  She got an "A" in every single class! :) She did a great job!  We are very proud of her.

Shaylie's Storytelling Festival 2007

Here is Shaylie telling her story.  This is our first attempt at audio and video on the web, so sorry about the quality.

Halloween Pics

Here are some pics from the spooky night.  We had mummified pizza and monster toes for dinner.  Later, Anje came over to Trick or Treat!

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