2009 Lehi District Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet

On January 27, Warren and I got to attend a special recognition banquet with Graig because he earned his Eagle Scout award in 2009.  One hightlight of the program was when Ben Woodruff came told, "The Legend of Eagle Boy" with live birds of prey.

For Christmas, I embroidered Graig's neckerchief.  I was glad he had a chance to "show it off".

Staying Busy

Here are some things that have been keeping us busy lately...

Tyler did a science project where he experimented with Copper Sulfate and Coins.  The day before it was due it turned into a "family" project as he recruited us to cut and glue for his tri-board.  He made his goal of winning an "Einstein Award" at the fair.

Tyler and Melanie trained the cat to "play dead".

In case you think all we do is work all day...

Sometimes family scripture study at 6am is awfully early and even Mom and Dad have trouble staying awake :D  It is a great way to start the day.

Green Eggs and Ham

One of the wonderful things about living in Lehi is the Lehi Literacy Center.  At the Literacy Center, volunteer tutors help anyone of any age improve their reading skills.  Often those who "graduate" from the center then go on to be tutors themselves.  Our family has been involved as tutors for the center for almost 8 years now.  It all began when Jessica turned 8 and she was looking for a service project for her "Faith in God" award at church.  She and I began tutoring a couple of days a week.  Since that time the kids are often found tutoring during the summer.  It is a great way to share their talent and love for reading with others.

Each year as a fundraiser, the Literacy Center hosts a "Green Eggs and Ham" breakfast at the Legacy Center.  The Mayor and City Council do the cooking, most of the food is donated and "yes" the eggs really are green.  This year they also recognized 33 of their tutors with a special award.

If there is a horse around to ride, Melanie will find it.  This horse was in the room where we ate breakfast.

All the "Presidential Service Award" winners.

Tyler was awarded a "gold" medal for volunteering over 100 hours.  Jessica was awarded a "bronze" medal.  She also volunteered over 100 hours but the award requirements are more stringent in her age category.  Both Jessica and Tyler were popular tutors.  They received a certificate "signed" by President Obama and a pin to wear.

Nancy and Pam are two of the volunteer coordinators at the Center.  They are very complimentary about how much they love Tyler and Jessica down at the center.

Hester Rippy is the founder of the Literacy Center.  As an interesting side note, Hester began the Literacy Center because she and her husband were given a church calling to help improve literacy in Lehi - now that is an example of magnifying your calling.  Although she is 82 years old she still volunteers every day at the center and because of her the Center continues to grow and thrive.  The children love her because she loves them. 

Melanie can't wait to try making her own balloon creatures at home.

Read more about it..

Tyler on KSL News

See the story here
Two Utah teachers recognized by Obama

January 6th, 2010 @ 5:44pm

LEHI -- After announcing his national Educate to Innovate campaign on Wednesday, President Barack Obama recognized educators who are making a difference in the country's schools. Two Utah teachers were among them.


President Obama announced a $250 million initiative to train math and science teachers and help meet national educational goal.Vickie Ahlstrom, a teacher at Sego Lily Elementary School in Lehi, was awarded for her excellence in teaching science to her sixth-grade students through hands-on learning.



"She doesn't just give us big lectures on light," said Tyler Henrie, one of Ahlstrom's students, "She actually gives us some stuff and just lets us play with it and experiment ourselves."



Sego Lily Principal Rod Tucker agrees that Ahlstrom deserves the recognition. "The way she cares about each student -- not only is she great at science, she is just great at working with kids in general."



Natalie Robinson, who taught math at Manila Elementary in Pleasant Grove, was also recognized. Both teachers received $10,000.



As part of the Educate to Innovate campaign, the president announced a $250 million initiative to train math and science teachers. The Obama administration says the nation's schools need to recruit up to a million new teachers over the next five years to fill a gap in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Henrie Family Party

Thank you to Doran and Nancy for hosting the Henrie Family New Year's Day party at their house. 

It was fun to see Chelsea and Renee on their way to drop Chelsea off at BYU-I.

Here are some cousin pictures...

Thank you to Devin and Jessica for providing the entertainment for the kids.  Here is the laser tag game that happened in the front yard...

The Wii and Rockband also helped keep everyone entertained...

It is so nice to have Nathan back from his mission in Houston!