A "Blind" Dinner

One of the classes that I took at MCC was "Exceptional Learners".  This class focused on the disabilities of individuals, their rights, and the adaptations that teachers need to make for these individuals in their classrooms.  We helped with the National Jr. Disability Championships, where I was a score keeper for table tennis.  We also had to do a "project" and make an invention.  My project focused on those who are blind.  The assignment was to create a dinner atmosphere after the restaurant in Switzerland, The Blind Cow or Blindekuh Restaurant.  I convinced my family to join in "the fun".  Brad joined:

Aaron and Savannah

Jacque and her date, Ryan

Aly and her date, Eric

Each couple came to the table and carefully navigated around their plates.  I had set up a lazy-susan with Legos to help them in this dining experience.

Dinner started out with a plate of H'orderves that they passed around the table.  Notice the bee-u-tiful table setting?  I wasn't taking any chances!  They started out with baked zucchini chips and baked mozzarella, both new recipes from Pinterest!  Since they can't read the menu, they were told of their dining choices, which included a choice of salad and main course.

It was very interesting to see the navigation skills of each of them.  During the meal, Aly and Eric found another way to communicate - through writing letters in each others hands!  Somewhere during dessert, another recipe on Pinterest of Raspberry Crumble Pie, her fingers must have touched her head.  How would those with vision impairment ever know they had these types of problems??
They were all good sports and the meal was a success.  After interviewing each participant, I wrote up my project and submitted the paper....got an "A"!!
(couldn't upload the video on blogger - here is the LINK)

Fall Fashion Show Tradition

One of the favorite traditions our family enjoys is the annual Fashion Show.  The Sunday before school starts, each cousin going to school brings their "first-day outfit" and becomes a model.  Jacque and Chelsey write the cutest descriptions for each one and there is an air of excitement and surprise that is contagious.  This year, we had a few new changes.  Jacque became an announcer (as she has graduated from ASU and joins Aaron as the "graduates") and Tyler was a spectator as well. 

Grammy always makes the "runway" look professional with balloons and this year a fringe entrance.  Music is playing, cameras are flashing, and the poses?  Well, they speak of the personality of each cousin.
Going to School - Youngest to Oldest:

Chloe - 2nd grade - cutest thing on the playground!

Dailynd - 1st grade - coolest guy in school....even with braces!!

Cami - Hot stuff in 4th grade

Ashley - Stylin' around in 6th grade

Carlee - 6th grade - Big lady on Campus

Faye - Queen of accessories in Jr. High

Clay - Sophomore with confidence and charisma

Lincoln - Jr. in High School and quite the fashion stud

Cassie - a SENIOR!!  Rockin' it this year!!

Aly: "CGCC has its top dog back as the sleek and sexy Aly saunters the campus this year. Her sassy personality is shown perfectly in her flirty black sundress and super chic heels. And check out her bracelet. Hot mama!!"

Chelsey - Fall fashion icon going to BYU-Idaho

Dena: "is making a fabulous return to CGCC in a flirty yellow louse and incredibly stylish shorts.  Check out her awesome new gray bag and summer sandals!" 

THEN...the dancing begins and all join in for the celebration of another great school year.

Afterwards, Aaron and Savannah made a fantastic "Sunday" ice-cream bar.  Toppings, ice-cream and whipped topping...a perfect ending!

It Takes a Village

You know the saying:  "It takes a village to raise a child"?  Well, I have learned over the last 4 weeks, it also takes a family to get "Mom" thru college!
Most know that I am taking 2 classes a semester to finally get my college education.  I have found that 2 classes is a good fit with my other responsibilities as a mom, a wife, and a Primary leader.  But, I needed to take a one-credit class for some of my required credits.  How hard can a one-credit class be??  It was on the Arizona Constitution, it was only going to be 4 weeks, the textbook was small and easy to read, it was an on-line class....an easy A!
For the last 4 weeks, I have been swamped with homework.  This class was insane!!  Quizzes, tests with 5 essay questions on each, and a 5 page/10 slide PowerPoint presentation.  Let me share with you some of the questions...
"Describe the 3 levels of jurisdiction in Arizona.  Explain what courts make up each level and create an example of the type of case that could be heard by each court."
OK....so with Brad giving me examples, and Aaron critiquing my answers, I was able to answer this "simple" questions....1 1/2 pages of typing!
Here's another:
"Describe how the process of 'initiative' works.  Be sure to discuss both normal laws and constitutional amendments.  As part of your explanation, create one example of a possible initiative".  CRIMINEY!!!

That wasn't all.  In this same time period, Aly had to present her Honor's Project (Spanish presentation), Jacque was finishing up an 88-page assignment, and I also had to present my informative speech - which was 1/3 of my grade.  Talk about a stressful time.  It was ALOT of fun around here, let me tell you!!!

Here are some of the high-points of the last 4 weeks:
Aly had a near perfect presentation!!
My crazy professor liked my writing and had good things to say.  Here's a sample and I put it in this blog so that my posterity knows I had to work my .............. off......and with all that hard work....sometimes it pays off!!!!
"Dena, do I even need to say 'fantastic work'?  It is my pleasure to give you full points.  If you are writing a paper for the final, I look forward to reading it".
Yes, I wrote a paper and yes.....I received an "A"!! (There was a little pressure on that also!!)
My speech only had a couple of hiccups and everything went well.
Jacque finished up her main classes, worked in the Maricopa County PICU, and is about 2 weeks from graduating from ASU.
Jacque snuck in one more trip to SnowBowl for a last huh-rah AND got her hair colored by one of her friends...it looked fantastic.

JADE came over!!!
She is growing so fast...and we love every new personality trait she develops.  Who couldn't smile looking at her??