I want to be like a Sones kid when I grow up!!!

Life has been pretty fantastic in the Sones house the last few weeks!

Everyone is healthy.

Everyone is happy.

Everyone is full of love.

Steven and I are pretty much the most grateful and proud parents there are on the planet. We have absolutely amazing children who seem to excel in everything they do.
After the children’s end-of-the-year awards ceremony their principal asked, “Ok, so what’s your secret?”

I said, “I don’t know.”

But really, I do.

Our children are who they are and excel the way they do because of the impact that the gospel has in our lives. Steven and I have been given great gifts and abilities in raising our children because of the guidance of our spirits and the communication of the Holy Ghost.

I am very grateful for the love of our Heavenly Father and the inspiration which He gives.

So here are the meat and potatoes of the awards…

Emmanuel received the ever coveted, President’s Award for Educational ExcellenceI won’t get into the politics of it all because I don’t want to take away from the honor this award represents.

This award came with a certificate, and a letter. The letter reads:

“Please accept my congratulations on receiving the president’s Education Award. This honor is a testament to your determination and commitment to excellence, and I hope you take pride in your accomplishment.

Nothing is more important to our Nation’s long-term success than our future leaders for the world they will inherit. We face great challenges as a country, and we will need young people like you to take up these challenges and make them your own.

As you step into the current of history, I encourage you to cultivate a love of learning, serve your community, and reach for your highest aspirations. I wish you the best."

Barack Obama

As soon as Emmanuel knew of this award, he was determined to receive it, and he did!

It is available to 5th-8th graders. He also received awards for music, band, accelerated reader, sportsmanship, and being a library helper. We are so very proud of his accomplishments and his determination in everything he does. Emmanuel is quite an inspirational young man.

Hannah was also at the podium a few times! She was awarded with the classroom citizenship certificate, as well as for being in the story telling program and for being a library helper.

Her award for classroom citizenship (also a national program) reads:

"Hannah Sones understands what it means to be a good citizen and demonstrates those qualities every day. She has the integrity to say what she means and to mean what she says. Her love of learning, which is infectious, often goes beyond what is required. She enjoys sharing newfound knowledge and skills with her classmates. Frequently, Hannah can be found helping another student with a troubling assignment or a disorganized desk. She is a people person who is patient and kind. Hannah does her best to make others feel valued, accepted and will readily help others in need. There isn’t a day that goes by when Hannah does not ask, ‘Is there anything I can do to help?'

It is with these stellar attributes that Hannah Sones is a model citizen at Roy B. Kelley elementary School."

Hannah was surprised by this award and very graciously accepted it. Her humility only adds to her unique and exceptional character. She has great things in store for her, including a determination to receive the President’s award next year.

Elijah also was awarded with two certificates. One for being a member of Student Council and one for reading accelerated readers. He was kinda bummed that he didn’t get any fancy awards like his brother and sisters, but that should not take away from his accomplishments. The citizenship award could be given to only one kid in each class, so there was no way he and Hannah could get it. Plus he was honored to be chosen for Student Council so it should be considered a wash. I do want the world to know that Elijah has done amazing things this year. His spirit and character consistently shine, even in the most challenging of times. His grades are more-than fantastic and he continues to inspire us every day.

Sarah also was awarded the citizenship award in her classroom. Her award is very touching and after the principal read it she said, “Maybe a future President?”

Her award reads:

"This citizenship award is presented to a little girl who genuinely exhibits the following principles:

· Honesty
· Compassion
· Respect
· Responsibility
· Courage

Sarah Sones is a first grader who is truthful with herself and others. She cares about her classmates, teachers, friends, and family. She lives-up to the expectations of her school community and family by following rules, making good choices, and always inquiring about the needs of others. She values learning and does her best to ensure that not only she is educated, but that all children in her surrounding world have the opportunities to learn. Sarah’s kind and strong spirit enables her to do the right thing even when it’s unpopular or difficult. Sarah is a child with a mission, she wants a better world. Sarah is willing to take it upon herself and be that person, that one child, who will make a difference in our world. Sarah makes our school a better place simply by being kind, being helpful, being gentle, being soft spoken, and valuing education. Congratulations Sarah for being the recipient of the Roy B Kelley’s Citizenship Award for the school ear of 2009-2010!"

Pretty amazing stuff, huh?All four of them had mostly A’s on their report cards and mostly O’s for effort.

I am very grateful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for His desire to inspire us. I am amazed by my children and their accomplishments at such young ages. The future looks very bright and even though I wish I could stop time right now, I look forward for what Heavenly father has in store for them in this life.

Be Love!

Last night was Family Home Evening.

We went to the park and had a picnic.

It was SO cold!

When we planned it the weather was nice.

As we are sitting at the table, I am begging the kids to let us leave after dinner and go home to watch “New Moon.”

They all say no!

Nice, kids…

I am so happy my kids were obstinate then.

We had such a fun time,

I was steadily jogging in place, trying to keep warm, while swinging Leah.

Steven and Hannah were having a swing jumping competition (Hannah was this close…).

The boys and Sarah were playing some type of tag/chasing game that they made up on the spot.

It was amazing!

Just watching my family be.

Be happy.

Be energetic.

Be silly.

Be loving.

Be considerate.

Be friendly.

Be a family.

I Love Family Home Evening!

Melt Your Heart!

On saturday night, when Steven and I went to bed, I found a piece of paper on my pillow. This is what that peice of paper had written on it...


Poems To My Parents

1. Roses are red and violets are blue
Can you guess who has done this for you?
As you go to bed tonight I hope you know I love you.

2. I just want to say this to my parents dear.
I love you when you are near.
I get a warm feeling inside.
It is a feeling I can't hide.
I just want you to know
That I love you so.

3. I hope that you have a good night
And that you sleep tight.
I just want you to hear
That you are very dear
And close to me.
I hope now you are happy.

4. As you turn out the light
I want to say goodnight
And that you have great dreams.
It almost seems
That I am too big to cuddle you
But that is not true.
I love you very so.
Now it is time to go.

-Author unknown (Emmanuel ;))

Trampolines and nerf guns!

Today was one busy day! We had our local Down syndrome conference, the Pinewood Derby, and a girls’ activity at church, all at the same time!

I am so grateful for wonderful friends and a FANTASTIC mom who made it all possible.

The conference was good.

The boys finished last in their races. We’ll get ‘em next year.

The girls’ activity was a Mother’s day thing and my girls were the only ones not there with their mother… I do feel very sad about that.

To make up for not being there for everyone today, I let each kid invite a friend over (Emmanuel’s buddy couldn’t come).

Yep, I have a total of 9 kids in my house right now!

Thank goodness for trampolines and nerf guns!

I really do have the BEST kids ever! Sometimes Leah is the focus of most of my attention though.

Is it because of Down syndrome or just because she is the baby?

I think maybe a little of both.

So here's a little about the other 4 amazing children who I have the privilege of raising.

Emmanuel made me super proud today! Steven and I had him write a letter to his teacher, explain his misbehavior, and apologize for it. His letter was very humble and sincere. I don't know if I could have done that when I was 10. He is so strong and admirable! I am amazed by him!

Hannah has been SO patient while we work on remodeling her room (you know how old houses can be). She is sharing a room with her two sisters and it is very cramped. She is understanding and just can't wait until it is finished! I would've been so miserable and selfish if I was going through it when I was 9! Hannah is incredibly unselfish and considerate! I love her!

Elijah is letting Hannah sleep in his bed, while the deconstruction/construction is going on. He says it's because he likes sleeping on the mattress on the floor but I know it's not. First of all, he is sleeping in a bedroom with 2 girls! Second, he is sleeping in the same room as his arch enemy (aka Sarah)! Third, he told me, after sleeping in there one night, "actually mom, it is kinda comfortable," so I KNOW he didn't think it would be. Fourth, he is sleeping in the same room as 2 girls (did I mention Sarah?)! Boy, I love this kid and his sensitivity!

Sarah is the BEST big sister anyone could ask for! She is always willing to help me when I need it. And she is the first one to offer to take care of Leah if I need to do something (like make dinner, laundry, etc...). Plus, she is dealing with this whole Elijah sleeping in her room thing, very well! This morning she even said, "You know I actually like sharing a room with Elijah." Whoda thought THAT would ever happen! She is one incredible kid that's for sure!

We are so blessed with them all! I am honored to be their mom!

Yesterday was report card day in the Sones’ house! Let the whoopin’s begin! ;) We are so amazingly blessed with our kids and their abilities! Every one of them is above average in academics and is very well behaved and loved by the teachers! These are their comments…

“Emmanuel has improved this quarter in being prepared for school with his supplies and assignments. Good job Emmanuel. Emmanuel has either maintained his great grades or managed to even improve in some areas as well. He is a serious student who is dedicated to his success in school. It is a pleasure working with Emmanuel every day. Keep up the great work Emmanuel :).”

“Hannah is a joy to teach! She has many interests and thoughtfully expresses them in her writing and in class discussions. Hannah is consistently turning in quality work and is doing very well academically and socially. She is becoming an efficient, independent learner. Well done!”
“Elijah strives to improve each day and is a joy to teach! His work reflects that he is reading and following directions more carefully. Elijah is becoming an efficient and independent learner. Super job!”

“Sarah is a delightful and thoughtful little girl. Sarah excels in reading. Her sight word vocabulary is over 200 words, her last assessment score was 98, and her spelling average is 100! In writing, Sarah accepts every challenge and is learning to write for different purposes. In math Sarah continues to grasp new ideas. Overall she is a well-rounded child who is well liked by all her classmates. Keep up the GREAT effort Sarah! You are a shining star at Roy B. Kelley!”

I am so stinkin’ proud of these kids! I know that great things are in store for them and I am happy to be a part of their lives, and join them on the way.

All in a nights work

Last night Emmanuel and Elijah started cub scouts! They are super excited about it and they kept reciting the Boy Scout pledge over and over again, so they can remember it for the next meeting. It was so cute to hear them in their room, when they should’ve been sleeping, taking turns memorizing. As I heard the words, I was so proud to know that my boys were part of such a wonderful organization, which will help them to become strong, gentle, independent, and spiritual men. We need all the help we can get raising children and I am so happy I have one like the Boy Scouts to join me in my journey of raising Sones’ boys!
As Steven was reading scriptures last night, Leah was sitting in Hannah’s lap. I truly enjoyed watching the interaction between them. Those two are quite sweet with each other, but it makes me realize how big Hannah is getting and how little time we have with our kids. Hannah was so nurturing and playful with Leah (all while being reverent, I must add ;)). Leah would start to fuss a little and Hannah would console her, or pat her on her back, or let Leah try to pull her lips off.  It was like I had a glimpse of the future mother Hannah will become, and I am not quite sure I am ready for all of that.