Box Elder News and Journal

That's our hometown paper that we always read in its entirety when we make a stop in Brigham.  It comes out weekly and besides reporting on Brigham, population around 15,000, you also get reports from the field - small farming communities in the western parts of the county with populations under 100, or under 50.  The edition we read this week shared a report of a Memorial Day picnic that was called to a halt because there were too many field mice in the field that they wanted to picnic in.  You can always get reports on who's granddaughter came to visit and sometimes what they had for Sunday dinner.

After my dad and sister read the paper, they both announced that they didn't know anyone that was mentioned.  Even my sister that still lives there part time said she often doesn't know anyone.  However, when I read the paper I came across a familiar name.  I was reading the court records to see what kind of crimes were being committed.  There were several people fishing without a license or taking over their limit of fish.  I found that my sister's bother-in-law was in court that week.  He was fined $120 for going 70 mph in a 65.  We had a laugh about only finding 1 person - a relative, and in the court records. 

Why I Like 6th Graders

Sixth graders make me laugh every day.  They're witty and clever and kind of dumb and pretty smart.  Here's a sampling:

First use of the restroom sign-out board.

Students earn Way to Go Wagons to put in a monthly drawing for prizes.  I had a counterfeiter in my class.

Who does this?  How do you do this?

Wait for it......

Done!  Who even thinks to try something like this?

Left over butcher paper from an art project.  I asked him to put it in the recycling bin.  He up-cycled it.

I really love my class this year.  I love spending my day with them.  I'm actually excited to see them tomorrow.  Spring Break was great, but I don't mind going back.  We have some fun things planned.

Just Have to Share

It's probably funnier since I know this animal loving art teacher, but she wrote this in an e-mail:


How to make your own Jackson Pollock - by Murray
When you are home alone and feeling creative try this fun activity:
In the kitchen find the drawer with cat treats. In the front of the drawer are heavy cans of food to keep dogs from getting to the treats. You will use these cans for your painting. First, chew on the drawer a little while you pry it open. If you'd like, it might be helpful to use the drawer hardware below for leverage. If you break it, don't worry, anyone with thumbs can buy a new one at home depot.

When you get the drawer open, carefully chew on the side of the can until you puncture it. You will need at least three cans in contrasting colors so choose wisely. In my drawer, I chose green enchilada sauce, petite diced tomatoes and a can of black beans. Also, i find it works best with two to three puncture holes, but one will work if you have a small canvas/kitchen floor. Remove the punctured cans one at a time and drop on the floor. You will want to drop them hard so they roll and create a splatter. Be sure your splatters of color overlap in a fractal pattern, just like a real Jackson Pollock. Continue dropping and rolling until you are happy with your work - or until your dog brain gets tired.

Then, step back and enjoy the masterpiece you have created. Lastly, reward yourself by eating the cat treats tucked away in the back of the drawer. Eat as many bags as you want want, you've earned it!

I haven't ever met Murray, but I think that's a great name for a dog.