First day of School

No backpacks needed! We had a busy, but fun, first week of school. Two days before school, I gave each of the kids an invitation inviting them back to school. They all picked out a favorite outfit and had their hair done and ready to go by 8:00. We read scriptures with dad and then I pulled out a big surprise: a new laptop. Everyone loves having two computers. Then we went over all the new "systems" for the school year. Who practices when, who cleans what and when, who helps with meals which day, that sort of thing. Then we started reading Little Women, A History of Us and The Friend. Last, everyone worked on their own K12 courses. Elisabeth really likes hers, but has a hard time staying focused on what she was going to do next. Darci and Davy really love math, but do well in all their subjects. Bekah is studying a lot this year and has done a good job everyday. Nicole just studies. I hardly see her. We did have a fun week together and even though they wish they saw their friends more, they all like home school for learning. It takes a lot of my time, but there isn't anywhere else more important for me to be!

Darci's Special Day

I look at that face and just see sunshine. Darci chose to be baptized yesterday and she was positively glowing. I know she was able to feel the spirit and she understands the promises she made as she came up out of the water. Here are 8 wonderful joys Darci brings to my life:
1. She has the cutest nose ever and not only that, it's talented, too. She can hang a spoon off this cute little button!
2. She loves to move!!! She learned to walk before she was one, much to my chagrin, and from there went immediately to climbing, running and jumping non-stop. Oh, to have that energy.
3. I love watching Darci make friends. Not that there's much to watch. It just happens.
4. I love the way she puts together cute little outfits and then one-by-one everything is changed back to sport shorts and a T-shirt. You've got to be able to move!
5. I love how you like to wear jewelry. Not the really sparkly girly stuff, but a simple chain or bracelet that shows off your feminine side.
6. I love how hard you work at school. Even though it's not really easy or fun for you, you stick to it and WOW! you're doing awesome!
7. I love your eyes. Just looking at your eyes reminds me of the day you were born and seeing them for the first time. I was so happy to have you here. I can't believe how lucky I am to be your Mom.
8. I love your righteous heart. You really try to CTR and most of the time you do.
I love you, Jo-Jo!!

ps Braithwaite Family, I posted all the baptism pics on our My Family site.