Back to School..........

Yesterday was the beginning of the new school year! Yippee!! (Is it obvious that Monique and I really like when school starts?) To make it easy for everyone (myself included), we are all even years this year - Tyler is in 12th grade, Wendy in 10th, Tommy in 8th and Ryan in 6th! The word school was pretty much forbidden at our house this past summer. Secretly, though, I have been counting down the days! Wendy doesn't have any classes with her friends, NOT even lunch! To compensate for that, she felt she needed to spend the night before school at Camille's house. Camille's parents were even willing to take the first day of school photo for us. But, miraculously, Wendy was able to stop by the house on the way so Monique could take her picture. Here are our annual first day of school photos...........

Don't let the disgruntled looks fool you! Deep down, they were all looking forward to going back and starting the new year (okay, I may be improvising a bit). Here are photos of their more excited expressions............

Tommy is also having issues with his schedule, as he doesn't have any classes and not even lunch with his conjoined twin, Bryce!

Ryan rides his bike to school - at least until band starts. He hasn't quite figured out a way to ride his bike and carry his trombone at the same time. He also said that he can't ride his bike during the winter, because the roads are too slick (so much for his sense of adventure)!

I think it will be a few more days before they are completely back in the routine. The bathroom schedule still needs to be finalized - Wendy hates giving up or sharing her bathroom time (she informed us last night (which shouldn't be an issue next week when seminary starts)). She and Tyler have also been arranging rides to school to avoid riding the dreaded bus - I guess riding the bus is just horrendous.

In the past, our school district has had early out days on Wednesdays. This year, however, in junior and senior high, they are doing late start Wednesdays - anything to completely through people off. School starts 90 minutes later for these students, but elementary school kids start regular time and get out early. Confusing, I know, and I'm still trying to keep it all straight.

Here's to a wonderful year of learning and growing (I think I mean that more for myself, but I also encourage the kids to do the same)!!!

Postponing Bedtime.........

Have you ever wondered to what extent some kids will go to to postpone bedtime? Especially during the summer, when they think they should stay up all hours of the night? Last night was one of those nights at our house. Here's a peak into what goes on at our house....

First, take a 13 year old boy who REALLY likes to delay going to bed, regardless of the time of year, (or time of night, for that matter).....

Second, add whatever is laying around that he can get his fingers on at the moment (he has quite the tendency to have to touch whatever is in sight (yes, a minor pet peeve of mine)) - which this time happens to be a knee high nylon that has already been worn.......

and this is what you end up with......

And to make it even better, he was complaining because he couldn't see, so he tried opening his eyes.......

Yes, we are quite often entertained at our house. And it need not be with expensive toys or gadgets either!

So, if anybody ever has a desire for some rather bizarre twist to their day, give us a call - we have children that we will rent out (cheap). And if you happen to call on just the right day - they can be yours for free (especially if it happens to be around bedtime)!

Botany Boy.....

A couple of months ago, a friend of Tyler's gave him a plant! Yeah - right! What is an 18 year old young man going to do with a plant?! I was rather curious to see how long this would last - I could just picture another dead plant at our house (okay - dead plants don't happen very often (at least plants that I like)). Surprisingly, Tyler has nurtured this plant - watered, trimmed and who knows what all else. If he was out of town for a weekend he would ask us to water his plant (not an easy task, since it is in his room - a place where we don't like to venture into very often - usually only out of necessity). He left a couple of days ago to go to his dad's for a couple of weeks. He asked Monique before he left if she would take care of his plant. Yesterday afternoon, he called me to ask if I would take care of his plant. He did mention that he asked his mom, but figured that she would forget. I went to water his plant this morning and this is what I found.......


Good job Tyler! I'm very impressed with the care that you have given to the plant! it looks great!

Can I Have This Dance.......

The end of the school year is upon us. And, having a freshman in the house, means that we have had the thrilling buzz of the 9th Grade Dance filling the house. We (okay, one of us) have been making preparations for months, I repeat, MONTHS! What should the dress look like? What color should it be? Fortunately, one of the ladies in the ward loves to sew (as Monique would not have time to take on the project) and was willing to sew a dress for Wendy. The fabric was chosen, the dress was designed - we were making progress! Of course, a tanning session needed to be purchased - Heaven forbid there be tan lines! Shoes! What is going to be done about shoes?! Shoes that were acceptable were finally found. Wait! A clutch! A clutch is needed so there is someplace to keep the cell phone! How are we doing the hair?! Doug! What do you mean you have to work and won't be able to do my hair? Who is going to do my hair now? (This followed by some serious disappointment and a little sulking). Sarah was a doll, and saved the day by helping with the hair!

Jordie helped with the makeup.

This was seriously an undertaking for the entire village! And with just moments to spare, Wendy, the princess (?) arrived just in time before the carriage transported those attending the grand ball away.


It was THE BEST! It was sooo much fun!
And to think this is only the beginning........

what on earth are we in for?!

(Disclaimer - this is NOT a boyfriend, nor was it a date - just one of the boys that were in the group).

Happy Birthday Tyler (Belated)....

Tyler's Birthday was a couple of weeks ago (yes, I'm behind in posting). 18 years old! Holy cow! And some people think that at 18, they are adults! Really? Not buying that one! But I'm digressing! It was another praiseworthy performance by the Sticht Family Robinson Choir! (Okay, the choir has had better performances, but we still sang). And what on earth are you supposed to get an 18 year old young man for his birthday? It isn't any easier when said young man doesn't give you any ideas! A new car? NO! An old car? NO! We settled on a laptop (a fairly inexpensive one, mind you) - SCORE!!!! Thankfully, he was very excited about it!

Tyler (Little Ty Ty as he is known by his cousin), you are a great kid with a great sense of humor and a HUGE heart! I appreciate your devotion to your mom and your willingness to protect her in any way that you can. I'm also impressed with how protective you have become of your little sister. We are all learning a lot from you (we just hope that you are learning as well)! We are grateful that you are a part of our family. I love you Tyler!

His cousins did give him a couple of belts for his birthday as well! One cousin in particular, wanted to get Little Ty Ty some pants that fit! They thought that if they got him a belt, that his pants would no longer hang off his hind end - no such luck. (It was requested that this part be added).

Ready, Set, Track........(oops - Go!).....

Running shorts. Running shoes. Cleats. Times two! Wendy decided to join the junior high track team this year. She was rather nervous at first - wondering just what she was getting herself in to. Then the dilemma - should she do hurdles, should she do one of the relays, should she just do something individual? She settled on hurdles and a relay. Then came the hilarious stories of how she nearly tripped over the hurdles! Too bad we couldn't be there to witness that!

Ryan also decided to participate in track in elementary school. He had track practice a couple of times a week after school. I believe that he had more stories to tell about track practice than what Wendy did! Interesting, since his wasn't nearly as intense as his sister's (oh, I shouldn't say that). Ryan had a huge track meet with kids from all the elementary schools in the area. Quite the event! His events were the long jump and also a relay.

Both kids had a great time participating in track. I'm sure it was just another ploy to see how busy they could keep us! We are always looking for more things to do to occupy our time. If the kids run out of things, does anybody else have some suggestions on how we can keep busy?!

This last photo, I had to post - it's so typical Wendy! And no, this wasn't at the end of one of her events, nor was it at the end of the track meet. This was before the meet even began......

Good job both of you! You both did a great job!

And the band played on (and on, and on)......

Last week, I had the privilege of attending Ryan's band concert! We have endured a year of the trombone (actually it hasn't been that bad). He has certainly enjoyed it - minus the fact that he has to carry the blasted thing to school and back twice a week (however, the neighbor usually takes pity on him and gives him a ride - thanks Lynn!). He was so excited about the concert! I'm not sure how many reminders I had regarding it. I wasn't able to talk the other kids into attending with me - are they afraid of a little torture? The unfortunate part, was Monique was in Logan beginning her master's program and wasn't able to attend. And even worse, we don't have a video camera, so I wasn't able to record the entire performance for her to enjoy later. I'm sure if I asked him to, Ryan would gladly perform his part for her!

Good job, Ryan! I'm proud of you for sticking with it! Keep up the good work!