Appointment with Mr. Smyer

Ok Ladies! I contacted the gas company and they told me that I had to talk to the Superintendent because they could not release any info about the situation. So, I called the school district and spoke to a super nice woman at the front desk. She explained to me that a valve had come loose and the kids were removed (from just the one building) and the gas company was called. I asked them how long it took for the gas company to arrive and she was not able to give me that information (she did not know the answer). I wanted to know that because as far a gas goes (and I am no gas expert) when it is a leak, big or small, it is still leaking, right? So, gas is being released into the air and is spreading everywhere. Which can cause and even larger explosion. I wanted to find out from the gas company if there was a pipe going from building to building, but they wouldn't release that info either. So, I am just guessing at this point, but I think there probably is. So, they DID evacuate the one building almost immediately, but the other building was not because it was a SMALL leak, but there defiantly was a leak and it leaked and it leaked and it leaked.....if there are any gas experts out there please educate me on this. I asked them about the protocol and she could not tell me. I told her that this was beyond just our little school and that there needs to be a protocol for this kind of situation. (There could be and she did not know and I am in the process of finding out-if there is what is it and was it fully executed and if there isn't why not??). So, I have an appointment with Mr. Smyer (Superintendent) on Tuesday. I would like to walk in there educated and informed. FYI-I also brought up the whole cold-day-coat situation too. If you have any other concerns or things you want discussed please leave me a comment. I would also welcome anyone who would like to go with me!!! I am a little nervous and intimidated so I would be more than happy to have you come with me!!

ALL DECLO ELEMENTARY Moms! Are the kids really Safe???

DISCLAIMER: I have numerous friends and family that work at this school and I know WITHOUT a doubt that they are amazing people who DO care about our children like they are their own. This is not intended to be a reflection on them or the work ethic. I do think that this is a good school and I am happy that we have it in our community, I just think that some changes need to be made....

Most likely none of you know that on Monday the 19th of January there was a gas leak at Declo Elementary. I am still in the process of getting all the details, but here is what I know to date:

The gas leak was in the north building. That building was eventually evacuated and the kids were taken to the gym to watch a movie for 2 hours. The other children in the main building stayed in their classes as if nothing was wrong. Because I do not know all the details (I am still waiting to hear back from Intermountain Gas) my main concern is what is the protocol for this kind of situation? As far as I have been told there is not one. So, too my knowledge when there is a gas leak (that I do know was smelled throughout the entire building and gave people headaches) if there is one little spark there can be an explosion. Now, if there is a gas line (which I am guessing there is) running from building to building, wouldn't they both go up in flames if there was an explosion??? So, would my little Tinley have died that day? OK, I know I am being dramatic, but seriously when my 2 girls step out of my front door and get on the Cassia County School District bus they are in the care of our school district with their employees acting as their caregiver. I spoke to the school about this the next day and felt as though they side stepped the situation. I was told that the situation was under control and it was a small leak. Is any gas leak a small leak? How much gas does it take to cause an explosion? When talking with someone who works at the school I was told that their gut instinct was to get ALL the children out and them to the Junior High if not to the High School. So, this tells me that the situation was initially perceived as dangerous and why not error on the side of caution and make sure that all our children are safe?

I have another example of our children not being taken care of if you would like to keep on reading, here it is....

On December 2, 2008, there was high wind advisory for the Magic Valley around 11:00. The children were sent to lunch with just a jacket instead of their coats because there was announcement that students wouldn’t be allowed outside for recess. Since there are no coat hangers or places for the coats, the students left their coats in the classroom.


The aide on duty, and was in charge of the students. The students apparently got out of control and she sent them outside because they were being too loud. The kids all had to go outside. Some kids specifically asked the aide if they could get their coat, and were denied. The aide changed the principal’s and teacher’s plans for the students to be in the gym, and consequently put the children in danger.

The temperature that day was 28 degrees with winds between 27- 31 mph according to the National Weather Service which can feel like -5 below. If the weather was bad enough that Mrs. Hunsaker cancelled recess…..isn’t it too cold for students to be outside with or without appropriate clothing? The students were told to go outside as a way to punish them and teach them a lesson for being so loud in the gym. Not all students were being bad, but all students were being punished and this is not a way to disciple anyway.

We don’t punish criminals or inmates by sending them outside without coats on during a high wind advisory with low temperatures, so why on earth would we do that to our students? Recess is the appropriate time for students to get their wiggles out.

It has been said that the maximum time that the students were outside was 4 minutes. Now, don’t you think that if it was really 4 minutes that you would have just listened to them for that amount of time? Why would you send students out in those conditions?

It was confirmed by some students that they were sent out after the third graders left, which was much longer than 4 minutes.

The school was questioned about this and they said that the students could huddle up in the vestibules or against the wall of the building. I am curious how many students possibly fit in there?

In the Cassia Co. Mission Statement is reads that all students and personnel are entitled to a safe and comfortable environment. When this was read to the school they had nothing to say. We need to refuse to have our children treated like cattle. If we were to leave our children outside in those conditions at our homes and a neighbor drove by, we would be reported to Health & Welfare Child Services. If we don’t stand up for our children, no one will.

I have talked to MANY mothers that have expressed numerous concerns about our school and our children's safety, but so far I have seen little action. If we don't, as parents, do something about this it will continue to happen. We need to unite together to make some changes for the welfare of our children!!! Whose with me????? I would love some feedback, good or bad on what you think. Don't feel uncomfortable to leave me a comment even if I don't know you...I will admit there have been many blogs I have stalked when I don't know the person well....isn't that what blogs are for?

Christmas dresses

I don't know why each year I buy a Christmas dress for my girls to wear to church because they only wear it one time. But this year (thanks to Geanie) we found these beautiful dresses for $18...what a steal of a deal (doesn't it just make them soooo much cuter when they are cheap too!). Shae was in a foul mood (imagine that) so this is the best we could do. I later got the picture of her with Haylie.

Pocket Full of Sunshine

Our little Shae, which we often refer to as Sunshine, is getting to be quite the little stinker! Now that she is four, she is very OLD and mature and she reminds us of that daily. Last night after I put Haylie and Tinley to bed I was paying some bills downstairs. Shaelee kept running in the office and reporting on Haylie...it went something like this.......

Shae: "Mom, Haylie can't sleep" or "Mom, Haylie really needs you to lay by her".

This happened about 200 times and each time I patiently (yeah right!) said....

me: Shae, leave your sister alone and she will fall asleep.

Of course Shaelee didn't and when I finally finished my business downstairs Haylie was still awake. Shaelee wanted to go in and check on her again, when I said......

me: SHAE IF YOU GO IN THERE ONE MORE TIME YOU ARE IN SOOOOOOOO MUCH TROUBLE.

Shae: I'm going to tell....

me: Oh yeah, who are you going to tell?

Shae: Tinley (who was already asleep on the top bunk)

me: If you step one foot in that room you will get hot sauce!! (the ultimate threat in our house!)

Shae: (hand on hips and doing the home-girl head bob) I won't walk in, I will just put my head in and tell her!

I must admit that was pretty cleaver. She is getting way too smart for me. If she is figuring out these loop holes already, what am I going to do when she is 16!?!

Oh, How I Love the Holidays!

The Elf on the Shelf...he keeps my kids in line! He appears in December and lives on our shelf. Each night after we are asleep he goes back to the North Pole and reports to Santa about the day. Each morning he is in a new spot, so my kids had to find him. He is magic, so they can't touch him, but they could whisper what they wanted for Christmas and he would let Santa know. Oh, how I love our little elf we named Griddle.

The Tree

The Stockings Were Hung

Christmas Jammies!

The Reindeer's' Treats! Christmas Day

Grandma and Grandpa got them each a sleeping bag with their name on it. They have slept in them every night. It has been one big slumber party!

Playing in the snow

And it can be tough work sometimes!

Shaelee's big party at the bowling alley

Unwrapping the goods!

Happy Birthday to me!!

The Loveland's threw the best New Year's party ever! Lots of good food and games...who could ask for more?!

Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Shae Shae!!

I can't believe that my little sunshine is 4 years old. Time really does fly when you are having fun!! Our family is sooo blessed to have Shaelee! My cute little princess almost did not make it when she was born. It was the worst 3 weeks of my life, but it was well worth all of it, to get our beautiful, healthy sunshine! So here are the 4 things that I love about Shaelee.....

1. I love how she sings everything! She will sing about brushing her teeth or painting a picture...anything her cute little mind is thinking about.

2. I love her firey attitude. I am convinced that she would have not survived had she not had the personality she does. At times, I get overwhelmed and frustrated with her, but I just have to remind myself that being the third girl has got to be a challenge in life and she is handling it the best she knows how!

3. I love her teeth. We have put so many countless hours and dollars into that mouth and the few teeth that she has left as just so darn cute. I love it when she is in one of her moods and smiles really big. I think she looks like a little vampire ready to pounce!

4. I love how she is a survivor! I am eternally indebted to Shaelee for the sacrifice she made for Brandon and I. Her birth was so hard and heart-wrenching, but I would not take any of it back. She made me a kinder, better mother and it helped me realize the important things in life, not the superficial things. But most of all, she helped my testimony grow in ways that I did not know possible. I have never had to count on Jesus Christ, my brother and Savior more than when she was born and had it not been for my little sunshine, I would not be where I am today...so Shae thank you does not even come close, but being the best mom I know how will hopefully come close to repaying you for all you have done for me!!

Shaelee, you are one of a kind! You make our house so much fun! We love you so much...and keep on smiling!

Christmas Village

Brandon and I have been trying to be better about doing FHE every week. So, when I found this "mini village" on black Friday I was so excited to show the girls. I knew they would love it. Well, the word mini does not do it justice. It wasn't mini, it was microscopic!! But, luckily their little hands created some oohhh so cute houses!!


Brandon and Haylie in action.....(he said that he had to make sure the houses were well insulted and energy efficient).


Shae was in charge of Quality Control..... (something must have been wrong with that one)

The Masterpieces....

Haylie would like to invite you for a relaxing day at her new residence, The Serenity Chapel......

Tinley would like to offer you a sweet treat at her latest creation, The Candy Cottage.....

Come sit by the fire and visit for hours with Shaelee at her Cozy Chalet...



And last but not least....(no it is not an outhouse, although we did try to think of everything), kick your feet up after a long day on the slops at Brandon's Snowbound Suite......