Stevens Family

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Carson Wins Young Authors

What a difference a teacher can make. One year ago, Carson was labeled a "problem student" due to his out-of-the-box thinking and unconformity. I was convinced that we were in for some very hard school years ahead. But then...a petite, soft spoken, lady changed everything. When I made an appointment with her to apologize for my son, she looked at me like I was crazy. She though Carson was fascinating. Mrs. Melander, Carson's 2nd grade teacher, saw potential where another teacher saw problems. She quickly realized that Carson thrived in certain areas, and she fed those gifts. She tried to make math creative--just for him--allowing him to 'draw out' his problems on a white board rather than paper. She sought out science books--just for him--because she knew that he found science exciting. And then, she encouraged him to enter a writing contest. She told me that she "just knew that this was Carson's cup of tea, and that he could win it."

She was right. Carson and his best buddy, Noah Ferney, co-wrote "The Adventures of MATHMAN" and won first place in Rimrock's Young Authors Conference. This was thrilling for these boys and equally thrilling for me (a lover of writing)! Their prize included a $15 gift certificate to the book fair, their book published in the Rimrock library, and a fancy luncheon with their principal and a famous author.

Noah & Carson

Noah & Carson's biggest fans!

A few pages of Carson's book:

All of the young author and illustrator winners were asked to dress in their 'Sunday Best' for the winners luncheon. When they walked in, classical music was playing and fancy goblets and dishes were set out... Boy, they felt SPECIAL!

The 2nd grade runner ups just happened to be all of Carson's best friends! Now tell me, does it get better than that? Oh but it does... To top it off, they served CHOCOATE MILK--Carson's ultimate favorite drink! (He, being the extremely picky eater he is, was terrified about being served unknown food (we packed back up food just in case), but Carson miraculously left the luncheon "STUFFED!" Jaw dropping.

Dear Carson,

I am so proud of you.

You are so smart and so special.

P.S. Keep writing.

Love, Mom

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Valentine Day 2014

We were definitely 'feeling the love' this February when Valentines messages started appearing on doors on February 1st and every day leading up to Valentines Day. The kids didn't say much about it... I started to wonder if they even appreciated it until one night I forgot my cupid duty. They all noticed and complained adamantly... "Mom! You forgot to write me a heart! Geez... don't forget again!"

Early Valentines morning, Kyler got up early before anyone else and left this on MY door. (Best Valentines gift I've ever received.)

Like every year, we got some fun treats...

we wrote Valentines...

We made Valentine boxes for school parties...

And enjoyed our annual "Crazy Cupid Cafe"--our mixed up mystery dinner. It's fun inviting different guests each year to our party... what a treat to have Grandma and Grandpa Luke come!

No utensils... no problem!

We made lots of fun memories!

I love love love the Valentines in my life.

Kyler Turns 11

On January 31st, Kyler turned 11 years old! He is everything and more that anyone could ever want in an oldest son... such a great example to his younger brothers, older sister, and parents.

He was all smiles even though he woke up to find only one small gift on the birthday mantel.

But you could sure see his relief when he noticed a GIANT package in another room!

A basketball hoop... something he's been wanting FOREVER!

His class made him this pillow case. He said that there had never been a pillowcase so full before. He felt really loved.

We partied at iJump with ten of his buddies.

Easiest. Party. Ever. Worth every cent.

And yes, he plays with that hoop every day even though it's January!

And now for his annual birthday interview with mom... Here's a look at Kyler at age 11:

Favorite Restaurant - Dickeys

Favorite Sport - Football

Favorite Video Game - Clash of Clans

Dream Job - Builder

Favorite Dessert - Cherry Pie

Most Played Song on his IPad - "Counting Stars" by One Republic

Favorite Show - Lab Rats

Favorite Avenger - Captain America

Favorite Time of Day - Evening

If He Could Be a Disney Character, He'd Be - Tron

Something He's Good At - Drawing

Something He's Scared of - "Triangles" (He's such a goof ball!)

Favorite Primary Song - "I Love to See the Temple"

Favorite Number - 3

Favorite Color - Yellow

Least Favorite Chore - Toilets

Something He Can't Wait to Do - Drive

Favorite Season - Winter

What He'd Do On a Dream Day - Fly

We love you so much, Ky. You make us so proud.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Kyler's "Arrow Of Light"

Last night, Kyler received the "Arrow of Light" at Scouts and graduated from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout! It was pretty special for he and his best friend, Haydn, to receive it together.

We couldn't be prouder of our son, Kyler. He his one great kid.

New Year's Eve 2013

Growing up, I always remember watching the ball drop on TV every New Years Eve, but since we haven't had television for years, we have to get a little more creative with the kiddos! We started the night off with dinner at Cafe Rio. What a fun surprise to run into my cute niece, Lauren there! I love always having a niece or nephew or two at BYU-I! Family resemblance? I think, YES!

Afterwards, we went ice skating. This activity is usually pretty brutal to the back with little kids, but Ash picked it up faster than any of our other kids. He had it down after an hour! His athletic ability coupled with his independent spirit makes for some fast learning. (But, yes, I was still sore the next day from holding him up!) Lauren and boyfriend went skating too.

This is Ash's "fast" pose!

We challenged the kids to make it to midnight! We popped balloons containing a surprise activity every thirty minutes to help past the time! Ashton LOVED this. He said, "I love this happy game!"