BANNER DAY!

Some major milestones were met by the Morgan girls yesterday! Shanley had her road test with her driver's ed instructor. She had a little trouble parallel parking and thought she should have stopped for a yellow rather than proceeding through the intersection but she passed her exam! Now her only hurdle is the passage of time. In about 5 weeks time, she can be a licensed driver! I think I am more excited for that day than she is! McKayla also received good news yesterday. When the mail arrived, it contained a letter stating she had passed her written and practical skills tests and is now a licensed CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)! Woohoo! One step closer to her goal of becoming a nurse. I am proud of both of my girls!

student of the month

McKayla is student of the month at the JATC (Jordan Applied Technology Center)!  Basically that means she got a JATC hoodie and dinner and a drink at Cafe Rio.

The JATC is for high school students but run by Salt Lake Community College.  Students there receive college credit.  They offer programs in physical therapy, certified nursing assistant, software development, welding, dental hygienist, medical assistant, and more.

McKayla completes the CNA (certified nursing assistant) program today.  Then, she is a licensed CNA which puts her one step closer to her goal of becoming a nurse.

verbal commitment

It's done!  The decision has been made!  Earlier this week McKayla verbally committed to run cross-country/track for UVU (Utah Valley University). 

I don't know about McKayla but I am relieved the decision has been made.  It's nice to know where she's going to be.  I hate the state of flux.

She will be joining Brakston at UVU.  Interestingly, Brakston told us last night he is considering switching his major to nursing so maybe they won't just be at the same school but they'll be having the same major as well.

Alec's packing job

Alec, Chandler and I are in Mesquite, NV for a soccer tournament.  I get a huge kick about how Alec packs for trips.  He generally is a bit haphazard so I just pack for him.  Still, he manages to sneak things in and/or out of his suitcase.  This time he managed to switch out the underwear I packed for ones he wanted???  Also, he can't handle me doing all the packing so he added a couple of small bags that he could pack himself.  What did he bring? 2 cans of root beer, a small bag of miscellaneous candy and a bag of Reese's.  Yep, Alec doesn't forget the essentials!

week in review

• I still have a horrid cough
• Kevin now has a bad head cold
• I subbed 3 days this week
• Kevin was pretty much gone all week (including a 3-day trip)
• McKayla has been doing her CNA skills testing (and acing it)
• I had 2 PTA meetings
• We ate our way around the world (Greek Gyros, Chinese Noodles, Hungarian Goulash)
• Shanley and Alec went to the RHS boys' basketball game vs. Herriman (RHS won)
• McKayla spent Friday and Saturday at USU for an official recruiting visit (not home yet)
• Kevin and I enjoyed our annual Circle Christmas Party last night (yes, we did it AFTER Christmas this year)
• Kevin, Alec, and I head to Hale Center Theater tonight

Mr. Moody

I'm not sure what has happened to Alec.  He is sure a roller-coaster of emotions lately. He's always been a bit of a "drama queen" but lately its not the pretend thing (thinking he's Joseph Smith and being tarred and feathered).  He is honestly mad or frustrated or ornery or stubborn or sad or demanding mixed in with his normally pleasant self.  He alternates between hugging me and threatening to beat me. 

I'm afraid my 21-year-old son with Down syndrome and turned into a 13-year-old girl with PMS.

YIKES!

McKayla in the South Valley Journal newspaper

Riverton cross country runners lead the pack

By Greg James Friday, December 20, 2013186 views

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  Riverton senior McKayla Morgan finished sixth at the state cross country meet held at Sugar House Park. Photo courtesy of dsandersonpics.com

The Riverton High School cross country team had an up and down season, but they managed to finish their season on top.

“We had some good performances in general, despite it being a tough season. The boys finished strong at the team regionals in Arizona,” head coach Chase Englestead said.

The Silverwolves boys team traveled to Mesa, Ariz. to compete in the Nike Southwest Regionals. The regionals are part of the national cross country team championships.

The boys placed fifth overall, out of 31 teams. Utah teams placed first, second and third overall (American Fork, Davis and Ogden). The regionals included teams from Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

Senior McKayla Morgan qualified for state individually. She placed second at the Region 4 finals and sixth in state. Morgan was scheduled to race at the individual Footlocker Regionals Dec. 7 [after press deadline]in Walnut, Calif.

“McKayla is a dedicated runner. If we ask her to do something, she does it exactly how we said and always goes the extra mile. She has really improved her kick (race finish) this season,” girls cross country assistant coach Shelise Walker said.

Sophomore Katie Coleman placed 22^nd at the region meet and improved her time by more than a minute this season.

The girls’ team top region finishers were Maddisen Gumeson, Brooke Gray, Zoey Bartlame, Katie Henzi and Brittany Wahlin.

The boys placed fourth in Region 4 and eighth at the state meet.

The boys’ top state finishers were Clay Lambourne, Michael Bluth, Sam Coleman, Hyrum Portlock, Tyson Davis, Landon Andrews and Brandon Walker.

Senior Brady Earley took third at the region meet and then got sick and was unable to compete at state.

“It was extremely disappointing for him to finish the year unable to go. Sam (Coleman) was also injured, and Clay (Lambourne) did not feel well. So state was a little disappointing. I really believe our team is one of the most mentally tough teams out there, though. Running is very quantifiable, and we are able to track these kids’ improvement throughout the season,” Englestead said.