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)

Weech Reunion

We traveled to Pima for a Weech reunion that was fun, memorable, and holds many memories for our family.  Friday evening was a wonderful dinner of BBQ beef and all the trimmings.

Afterwards, there was a program with each Weech family member and their families participating.  I never knew there was so much talent amongst the Weechs!

Our family did a "rap". Who knew that we were so very talented!

"The BJ Weech family is here to say,
We are glad to be here with you today!
We have a great heritage, that we are proud of.
Yes, we have been blessed from up above!
From a family of seven we are starting to grow.
We've now grown to 43 and are expecting some mo'
We've gathered many lessons along the way
We learned them while we worked and played.
We learned to be patriotic and salute the flag -
Our Dad was a marine, tho he didn't like to brag!
We learned to love the mountain, way up high
Chopping and hauling wood for the fire to keep us dry.
We learned to work hard, using our mighty power
Dad said:  "Let's dig this trench, and I'll be back in an hour!"
Doing for others was Dad's unwritten motto
We often joined in to help, cause we thought we otta.
Serving in the Church wherever there's a need
Is the example we saw and we've tried to heed.
Each of of you too, has helped us grow
Thanks to your examples that you've been willing to show.
We love being part of this big Weech clan
We love rubbing shoulders with you, whenever we can!"

And then, the "younger" set of siblings shared a piece of history that is disputed to this day.  Somthing about service with a smile and dancing on the table?

We ended the night listening to the history of the Weech's with great crowd participation:
"Sugar and spice and everything nice"
"God bless America"
And everyone's favorite - "Pima! That's MY hometown!"

And a song to remember, sung by the family ended a wonderful evening!

Jeff Comes Home

Nothing is better than sharing this special moment with family.  Jeff DeSpain, our cousin/nephew just returned from an honorable mission in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission.  It was fun to be there as he came off the airplane.  We are so proud of this young man!

Welcome Home Elder DeSpain!!

Summer Luvin'

It's not in order, but I thought I would post these beautiful pictures to show that we are alive and kicking and enjoying time with the grand-kids.  School and Primary are my other "loves" right now, but in a few weeks, I will have a break and get back to blogging.  3 summer classes was a "little" crazy goal, but almost.....almost attainable!

Here is our youngest angel, Lilly Adele.  WOW!!

Lilly is almost 9 months old, LOVES to eat...anything, is doing the one-arm-scoot, follows her sister around as much as possible, and is the best cuddle-bug in the world.  There is nothing better than that smile when you pick Lilly up and give her a hug.  So many happy thoughts!!

New Home for Jacque

This summer Jacque bought her first home.  Carolyn worked hard to find the perfect home with a great area and of course, a good price, for Jacque. 

Jacque and Carolyn after signing the papers and celebrating at Frost

We celebrated a "Jacque Day" for two reasons:
Jacque received the keys to her new home and she also had her braces taken off.  It has been a year of braces for the second time and a reconstruction jaw surgery but we think Jacque looks beautiful!

Aly, Jacque, and I went to Olive Garden to celebrate. We have beautiful girls!!