Science Fair Success

The results for the Science Fair are out.  Out of 317 entries, Whitley placed 3rd.  Although it is not the blue, she is very pleased and realizes that lots of kids did not even place.  Congratulations Whitley!  

ANOTHER BLOG SITE

If you were wondering why I haven't been on this blog as much, well...here's the answer!

A few days ago I finally joined FACEBOOK. It has been a blast catching up with old friends and browsing through their photo albumns. It has been a handy tool as we have found about 1/2 of our graduating class through there for our 20th reunion this summer.

School has been really busy so there just isn;t much time to keep it all together. The Science Fair is tomorrow, judging in the evening and results first thing Friday morning. I can't wait to see how Whit fairs.

It was 67 degrees today and felt exactly like summer. Tomorrow, 70's in the forecast! OH HAPPY DAY!!!! Gotta cut this short-later!

I Cheated on my ALLI

Well, I have been dieting, like most people, since the first of the year. I took up running again and have been watching what I eat. I am down about 12 pound so far...not bad for 3 weeks.

A few days ago, I started an over the counter, FDA approved aid called ALLI, that is supposed to help you lose 50% more fat than dieting alone. I carefully read all the little books they provided, and the possible side effects and their unpleasantries. How lucky I felt to not have any negative experiences...

...until today that is.

I think the reason I did not have any problems with ALLI is because I was eating really healthy: whole grains, fruits, veggies, fish,etc. Last night however, we picked up take-out....Fried Chicken and potatoe salad. It was oh-so good!

Apparently my stomach betrayed me, and told my ALLI that I cheated and today I am in trouble. ALLI has become my enemy! It is right up there with the stomach flu. All I want to say is, make sure you do NOT eat more than 7 grams of fat in one sitting.

More Company on the Way

In two weeks we will be hosting our friends Barb (Baer) & Kyra Johnson from the Detroit area. Also, we just learned that their nephew/cousin Philip may be joining them from Ohio as well. On their last night of staying Austin Huber has made plans to join us too!

I always did want a BIG family, so I guess I just have to borrow other people's kids for a week at a time! We can't wait to meet Philip and spend some time with Austin, Barb & Kyra whom we've known for about 18 years. The group plans to spend a full week of fellowship and skiing at Copper Mtn. and we can hardly wait! FUN!!!!!

Coming Along

Today was Whitley's first day back to her old, neighborhood school. She was received warmly and is happy to be back. She felt a little lost jumping into some of the classes midstream, but hopefully will adjust soon.

Tonight, I thought I would snap a picture of her working on her science project. This evening she completed her otline and penned 4 paragraphs to her first draft. She has one little section left to finish on her display board, and her paper to finish. I hope she does well!

Our weekend thus far....

Last night we went clothes shopping for our growing Whitley, who needed some more street clothes, now that she will no longer be going to a charter school. We did okay but did not find as many pieces as I hoped for; she is VERY particular. Her most fave purchase was a pair of .....SKINNY JEANS!! We told her that for the price they should be called 24/7 jeans, because they may be the only pair we can afford for her to wear all week!!!

Today we spent over 7 hours working intently on her Science Project and display. Whitley had incredible focus today! The only thing she has left is her report to write. She plans to do that tomorrow, but she still has 2 weeks to complete it, so no pressure there.

Tomorrow, I think she wants to get her hair highlighted and try the mall scene again. We also need to go to Walgreens to get our passport pictures taken. Other than that, I was assigned 670 Math problems on Wednesday that are due Monday and I'm not even to the halfway mark yet.

Hope your weekend is great!

CONQUEST

con*quest (kon'kwest) n.

The 1.) Act or process of conquering

2.) One that has captivated or overcome

3.) A person whose affections have been won

The new year has presented many challenges and changes for everyone in the Samuels family. There have been many questions that needed answering and and many situations that needed revision. In a way, we have been on a conquest, and as a result, we have conquered!!!!

This past week, we have moved Whitley back to her neighborhood school. This takes my communting down from about 450 miles a week to only 45 miles. We also have the option of bus service now, and in the years ahead. Whitley is really excited to see her old friends more often, but understands that many will go different ways for Middle School next year. It is a chance she is willing to take.

I have cut down on my schedule and will be graduating next Spring instead of next Christmas, w/out losing my scholarship.

John has agreed to pick up Whitley when she needs to stay over for after-school activities and cook a few nights a week. We have also agreed to rent a place during my 21 months of clinicals so that we do not have to move from our main house in the near future.

Closing on a high note, we have booked a 10 day vacation and cruise that we will embark upon when school is out. Passports are applied for, our room is booked and now we just need to work on scheduling our excursions! Now that's more like it!

And one more thing...the name of the ship we are sailing on, which is pictured above, is you guessed.....

The Carnival Conquest!!!