Let's Play 7-Steps to............

I spent this afternoon enjoying science lessons about heat and light taught by a teacher from Cache district. During our break he said he grew up and lived most of his life in Hyde Park, now lives in Smithfield. I mentioned that my son and daughter lived in Hyde Park for a few years. He asked where they lived and or who their neighbors were. I said they lived by the Elwoods and he said "Oh, Dean and Margaret?" I said that the Elwoods had treated them as family, maybe because they were living in family's house Somewhere in the conversation I said "Chantel and Barrett." The teacher said, "I know Chantel, so you probably know Misty?" I thought he would be saying he went to school with her, but he responded with "Misty's husband, Brian, is my little brother." I didn't connect his last name on his e-mail address with Misty's last name, duh. So, always behave because you never know who knows someone you know who knows someone you know. It is a small world.

Happy Birthday, Barrett

Just want to wish my son a very happy birthday! Enjoy this year because next year you are the BIG 30. You were the little boy everyone in the Ware had waited so long for. Finally those little cowboy booties could be used. My mom was so happy to be able to put them on your little feet. Four girls and two granddaughters were a great blessing, but you were very much anticipated, even though back then we didn't know if our babies would be girls or boys until they were born. Needless to say, everyone was very excited about a little boy. And you were such a beautiful little guy. You have been a joy to have around and have brought so much happiness into our lives. You dad enjoys having his son to do thing with, even if it means spending time moving you back and forth between Missouri and Utah. We love you and pray for your success as a father, husband, son, brother, uncle....and doctor. All those things you have the great potential to be. And as the saying goes..."The check is in the mail!" Sorry, didn't get to Price this week to get the gift certificate, and we know there is an Olive Garden close by, but you will just have to cash the check and buy a gallon of gas!
Happy birthday!
Mom and Dad

How Many Masks Do We Wear?

We got to the hospital on Wednesday morning when I realized I left my book home on my nightstand. So when Garth went into surgery I hurried out to K-mart and picked up another book to read. (I had to be gone shopping while my spouse is in surgery, so it was a quick trip.) I found a book by Jodi Piccoult. You will see her listed on the right as one of my favorite authors at this point in time. The book is Nineteen Seconds. It is about a high school shooting, popularity, bullying, and all the things that affect feelings. It really should be read by every school teacher, every neighbor, every friend, every high school student, everyone who interacts with others. Although it is based on high school students, so much of it still applies to adults because we so many times have the same inferior/superior feelings. As one "popular" boy in the story remarks when asked why he picks on another boy: "Because of there wasn't "them" there wouldn't be "us". The girl in the story isn't sure of her position in the pecking order of things in her high school. She realizes that people look at her with envy when she is thought of as the girlfriend of the hockey star, but that her position can change if she is seen talking with her old friend, who is outside the circle. This book really describes emotions and feelings that I have wondered about for so long.

How many masks do we wear? Are we someone with family, and someone else in the community? Do we try to fit in and know we don't belong? Does it change once we are in middle-age? Or when we get older? Or do we push people out of our circle for whatever reason? Or are we like one of the characters, just want to be alone and we are fine with that, but others aren't fine with it. Who makes the decision for us?

In one place in the story, the young man who has been bullied all his life, mistreated by all the "good" kids, wonders why so many people hate him for what he has done. He asks the question "Why does it matter to them? Where were these people when I was the one being picked on? Why does it matter to them when I am the one to get revenge?" Wow, that hit me. I think of all the little kids in my classroom. Sometimes I don't even know if someone is getting bullied, or feels lonely. So many times we hear it from parents and we feel so badly because we didn't do anything to stop it at the time. But how do you stop something that you don't know is going on? How do you let students know they can talk about it, because if they do they know their life will be worse? What do we do? Why do we even have this problem?

It is a great book. Gets you thinking.

Just Remember

Love this. Teary jerker.

For some reason I can't get this to come in, so here is the URL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

(Yes, I know HOW. Check out my wikispaces)
http://mrslabrumthirdgrade.wikispaces.com/
http://cottonwoodtechnology.wikispaces.com/

Eventful, Uneventful Day

We had a full day yesterday, at least I did, Garth just kind of laid around. He had knee replacement surgery which went very well. We are on a first-name basis with the nurses in the surgery prep room and they were as nice as always to us. Garth was the first surgery scheduled, along with a lot of little kids seeing Dr. Peterson for tonsils or tubes. In fact, I didn't see any other adult getting ready for surgery the entire morning. Garth was wheeled in to the OR about 7:30 and I was bussed to come back to the waiting area around 11:00. Dr. Heiner finally came in to see me at 11:30. He is such a kind doctor and always makes us feel like we are the most important people for him at that moment. He said Garth's knee really needed to be replaced, that the bone had grown very hard because of the constant rubbing bone-on-bone. I guess it just hardens and polishes the bone as it rubs and rubs. Anyway, he had no troubles getting the new part in and everything went very well.

Garth was brought into his room about 12:00 and was wake but groggy. He slept most of the afternoon. The PT brought in his torture machine and got him bending the leg right off the bat. This particular PT really wants to get that knee back in bouncing shape because he asks Garth to be a "special" visitor every December for the PT company's Christmas party and he knows how important that knee is for kids to sit on. We have a very nice visit with him. He asked about my knee because he was one of the PTs who worked on getting my incision to heal, which they weren't able to accomplish. Hopefully, Garth won't have any of those problems.

We didn't get great service from the nurse yesterday, she kind of just ignored us. She would come in and take the vitals, but didn't help with any of our requests. Garth was itching very badly (I remember how horrible that is!), most likely from the block he got. He asked for medicine for the itching, which he was given about an hour after getting in the room. Three hours later it started to wear off so I asked for him to get another one...shot, pill, I don't remember which. She returned and said it would have to be 30 minutes later because it was too soon since the last one, which was fine, he could wait that long. But with all the checking vitals, fixing the infusions, etc, he never got the shot. We asked again, long wait, no shot. He also was asking how long he would have to be on the machine because he just wanted to stretch out his leg for a little while and give his hips a rest. She said she would check on it, but never returned with an answer. When different nurses came in we asked the same questions and got the same responses. One of our favorite nurses, Kelly, (who is Kaitlin Bell's mother-in-law) stopped in to say hello. We asked her to see if she could get the nurses on the ball. She smiled and said she would go tell them to do their job, then returned and said they would be here in a minute. But our nurse never came. I got to thinking that when I was in last we had the same problem one shift, until Tyler Jeffs' wife came in, and she got things hopping. I was wishing she still worked there. And, low and behold, who walks in to check why the machine was beeping? Tiffany!

She didn't understand why the machine hadn't been checked, and then we told her all the rest of the stuff that had gone on. She said she would get someone on it fast. About an hour later she came back in and asked if everything was better. We told her we hadn't seen any one else, that no one had come in yet. She was furious! She gave us her cell phone number to call her direct, even though she was there on shift. And in just a few minutes we had another nurse who hovered over us all night.

It was a good thing because by then Garth was throwing up. There was no basin, no wash cloth, no towels, nothing to help him with. I ran to the nurses station and our nurse jumped up, got all our supplies, and came running. She was so sorry that the room wasn't stocked for us. We didn't even have the traditional "hospital cup". She was upset that the shift before hadn't done their job. She got Garth the medicine he need for the itching. Just out of curiosity I asked her when the first one was given and she said it was at 1:00. It was now 7:30. About time for another one! I overheard her telling another nurse that the antibiotic IV bag hadn't been signed and initialed on his chart, either. I think someone might not have a job next time. We were very pleased with the night nurse, just not to happy with the afternoon nurse.

Overall, Garth is doing well. This morning he said he leg really hurts. He got up and walked (shuffled) to the nurses station and back, which is a good walk for the first time! I am proud of him for doing that far. He is a very patient patient, but will get a bit testy if he doesn't get the service he needs. So nurses, beware! Santa won't come to visit you if you don't do your job!

Judgement or Opinion?

I have had many conversations with others lately concerning this topic. It seems to be the buzz around our area of the world right now, for some reason. We also have been talking about it a lot at home around the dinner table. My daughter, Tammy, wrote something about it on her blog the other day, and so I thought I would also, just to help clarify my thoughts about the subject. I have read many articles in different church publications, looked up the scriptures that are given, searched it out in several sources, even asked some other bloggers who answer questions about church doctrines. So my thoughts come from many sources, but I have clarified in my own mind, the comparison between judging and having an opinion.

In education, we teach students to compare objects, things, stories, etc. Not to say that one is better than another, or to evaluate one as better than another, but see how things are the same and how they differ. We should also look at ideas to see how they are alike and/or different. So that is where my thoughts have gone.

We all have opinions about different things. Our own opinions most likely differ from others because they are based on our background, interests, abilities, and point of view. Opinions can change. Opinions are personal. They can be private or public. No one can argue your opinion. They may try to get you to change your opinion, but it is yours to do what you wish. If you don't want to change you don't have to. If you see reason to change, you can. (Unless you are a politician, then once you have stated your opinion, you had better now change it or you will get the rath of others!) We have opinions on many things: people, movies, books, hobbies, cars, flowers, any and everything at all. We also have opinions on ideas, not tangible things, like freedom, love, good-looks, tastes, personalities, and all other emotions/feelings/ideas. We all have opinions and we can voice them, or keep them to ourselves. Others can agree with us, or not. We can change opinions, or not. But in all things, we should be kind about our opinions, thinking about what consequences may come if we voice our opinions and how we will react to others reactions.

How does this all relate to judgements? Judgement, in my opinion (!) is how we react to someones opinion, or how we don't react to it. It also is how I allow my opinion to affect my relationship with others, or how I interact with things. Let me clarify:
If I have the opinion that I don't like mushrooms (I love mushrooms!), I might voice that opinion when I see food prepared with mushrooms. If you cooked the meal, you could be offended because of my opinion and not include me in your group of friends simply because I don't like mushrooms. You will be allowing my opinion to affect our relationship. Is that a fair way to judge someone's friendship? At the same time, I could say I don't want anything to do with you because you cook with mushrooms! Since I don't like mushrooms and you cook with them, you can't be my friend. Doesn't that seem silly? Just because we have a difference of opinion.

Now, that might be a bit far out, but how many times do we do just that? How many times do we shun others because they have said something that offended us? How many times has someone voiced an opinion and we use that moment to decide we don't want anything to do with them any more? I see it happening repeatedly.

Are there times we should judge? Of course, but we should still react in a Christ-like way. We need to judge who are friends should be, but still treat those who are not a close friends with dignity and respect. We judge to set our opinion, like when we choice a movie to see. But if someone chooses to watch a movie that we wouldn't watch, we shouldn't write that person off a "bad" person. Our reactions are what turn our judgements into something they shouldn't be. Do we gossip about others because of their opinions? Do we share our opinions about others to sway others? And if we do, is it done in a negative or positive way?

My husband's father was a wonderful man; he was also very opiniated. He was a great judge of character. But he was very kind a loving. He would tell you the character of a person in a cautious way, to let you know to be aware of business deals, etc. But he would never label the person as a bad person, or someone you didn't want to associate with. He would still treat them as if they were his best friend. He set an example I am striving to be like.

We should all feel free to voice an opinion if the time and place is appropriate, and using the approriate voice. Our judgements about others' opinions should be in a spirit of love and acceptance.

Happy Fathers Day!

My computer is down so I am slow in posting this. I am borrowing my daughter's computer and waited until after church. I wanted to wish all the fathers in my life a very happy Father's Day. First of all, my husband, because he is the father of my children. He has always been a wonderful father and example to them all. They reach out to him for advice and comfort. He has provided for us well, even creating jobs for the children while they were in school. He has taught them the honor of hard work by working along side them. He expected them to always do better than their best. He has helped them move so many times we can't count them anymore, but he has done it willingly and with pride at their accomplishments as they go to the next part of their lives. He is a great example of a priesthood holder, one who honors his priesthood and tries to do what the Lord expects him to do. He was instrumental in having scripture study every morning at 6:00 before he went to work. Our children grew up knowing they were expected to be with us to read the scriptures every morning, to have family prayers, and to attend their church meetings. They call on him to give them Father's blessings and he is so honored when they do so. He honores his own father by following his example.
My own father is also a great father. I remember riding to high school with him and hearing him sing "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date." (From Alice in Wonderland)He taught his four daughters to respect our mother and to exercise good stewardship over our possessions. He was a great teacher in our public school system, back when teachers were able to really talk with students and get to know them. He spent many hours in the driver's education car talking with students and helping them with their problems. He encouraged me to go to college, and then to finally finish my education and become a teacher. He was there to encourage me to get my Masters degree a few years ago. He let us live with him for several months while looking for employment and housing. He loved my mother and stayed by her side throughout her illness until she was called home to live with Heavenly Father.
My own son is a great father to his two sweet children. He follows his father's example by helping at home. He doesn't expect his wife to do more than he is willing to do. They make a great team as they work together to teach their children. He has spent countless hours of study to reach his dream of being a doctor. We were so proud of him when he graduated from medical school and now as he begins his residency at Childrens Mercy. He will continue to be a great dad and will be a great doctor.
My daugher's husband, Josh, is a great father to their three childen. The kids look up to him and love when he is around. He is working so hard on teaching his children to read the scriptures and have family prayer. He is willing to sacrifice for them as he looks for employment that will allow them to begin a new part of their lives. When Kayden was in the hospital Josh was there to help out and relieve Tammy of the burden of his daily care. He is much more confident with giving Kayden his medications than I am. When I am asked to babysit in the evenings, (which isn't very often)I rely on Josh to get the medications ready, or to give them to him. We appreciate his help around the house. Yesterday he helped Garth get the new roof on the deck, and he mows the lawn for us.
Nancy's husband, Dallas, loves her and Tyler so much. He is a good provider for them, and loves to spend time with them. He is so kind to help Nancy as she works at night, to watch Tyler and be there for him, to allow Nancy her sleep time while he plays with Tyler. I am a little worried about that motorcycle Nancy wants him to drive to work, but........We are proud of the work he does, even if we don't understand computer programming languages! We know he is brilliant in that area.
I have great brothers-in-laws who are so kind to us and who help us when needed. Each one is special to us for so many reasons.
My father-in-law was a great man, great in stature and honor. His example helped to mold my husband into the father he is. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren, and the many great-grandchildren.
And most of all, I love my Father in Heaven. To Him I give all my love and thanks for everything for which I have been blessed. I pray that I can honor his name and live my life so I can feel His spirit and direction in all I do. That some day I will be able to see that He is proud of me.

Summer Classes

I am on the third day of my math class this week. Today and Friday and then a week "vacation". I have enjoyed this class about math and technology. We learned how to create a wikispace, which was pretty easy because of doing my webpage a few years ago. I think it will be very useful for me during the school year. I am creating a space to help when I teach the Cottonwood teachers how to use and create lessons for their Smartboards. I am also going to use it for bookmarks for my students use during the school year.
For those living outside of Utah, there was snow yesterday! Yes, snow in the Cache Valley believe it or not. And wind here, of course. Many branches blown off the trees and garbage cans all over. Dennis called our math class and said our weather station had just recorded an 85 mph gust. But it is suppose to warm up and be nice for Father's Day.
Hope everyone has a nice day!

Public Apology

I need to make a public aplogy about my last post about not being able to visit with Nancy's family while they were here in Utah. In my attempt at trying to make myself feel better about missing them, I apparently made it look like it was their fault. I am sorry about that, and ask for forgiveness. I did not mean it to sound that way.
The truth is, although I am technically on "vacation" from school, Garth still has to work. And because he needs to take time off for his surgery/recovery, he needs to get as much work in as possible. He needs to work at his "second job" and cover for the men who are on vacation now because they will be working while he is off. It isn't an excuse for not driving up to visit, just a fact that kept us from coming.
The other fact was my health. I needed to take lasix pills to help drain away the fluid that was building in my lungs. I have been coughing alot and know when I need my medications. When I take these pills I need to spend the next two hours very close to the bathroom. Therefore, I am not able to travel. I have learned to live with the fact that I need to watch my own health at the expense of missing some of the things I wish to do. I don't like it, but I have to miss things for health reasons. I am truly sorry, but can't change it.
I never meant to imply that we stayed here in town simply to go to a wedding reception. We went to the reception because we were still in town. Garth didn't get off work until after 6:00 pm, so traveling the three hours to visit wasn't logical. So we went to the reception instead. It was Friday morning when I realized the reception was that day and not on Saturday. In fact, the father of the bride was in our home visiting on Thursday night and I didn't recall about the wedding the next day. If I had, I would have commented on it. As it was, I read the invitation and realized it was on Friday, Garth and I talked that since we couldn't go to the city because of work, we would go to the reception. We would have happily missed it if work schedule had allowed us to be gone. This isn't given as an excuse or reason to stay, just an explanation as to why we went to the reception.
Yes, we are looking forward to the day when Tyler can come and spend some time at Grandpa and Grandma Labrum's house. I am sure any grandparent can understand this desire. And we feel badly that we weren't able to meet up this past week. It was just a bad week for us. Hopefully the next time will be better. We will be glad to meet anyone half way and bring you here if it fits into everyone's schedule. Or come up for a day if possible.
Again, I apologize for making it sound like no one tried to accommadate us. That wasn't intended. I was simply trying to erase my own guilt for not being able to visit.
All of that said,....Dallas, the lamb really was good. I thought of sending you some, but I don't know how to send food through the mail. Sorry. But we ate your share along with ours! (In other words, we ate more than we should.)

Busy Week

We have experienced a week of mixed emotions. We helped Barrett and Chantel move out to Missouri so he could start his residency. The trip was very eventful, with two blown-out tires on I-80; one just into Nebraska and one about 100 miles from our destination. I was very nervous there on the side of the road in Nebraska. Garth was under the trailer on the freeway side of the road with lots of traffic whizzing past. After changing the tire we drove on into Cabela's (hard place to have to stop), got a new tire, and headed out again. Fortunately (?) for us, the second tire was on the right side so it didn't appear to be as dangerous, although it was getting dark. One thing I learned about the flat-lands, when it looks like a car is approaching it can still be miles away. It took those headlights a long time to arrive and speed past. We pulled into Barrett's new house quite late, but all in one piece.
We spent the next day unloading the truck. It was great to have Chantel's brother and his wife there to do all the leg work because the stairs were steep for the old people's legs. On Monday Garth and I drove up to Jamesport to pick up a swing/glider that I wanted for outside. I also picked out a breadbox, which was a difficult decision to make because of all the beautiful items, and everyone knows how difficult it is for me to make a decision. But the roll-up won out.
Knowing we were going to have to tell Max and Morgan goodbye was very difficult. I read them books, and tried really hard not to cry. We loved those kisses and hugs we got from them. We left really early the next morning because we couldn't stand to say goodbye again. Barrett, thanks for asking Dad to give you a blessing before you started your new "job". It really meant a lot to him.
We drove through Kansas without any problems, but hit a big storm in Colorado. We drove to Calhan and spent the night with Duane and Kaye, who are serving their mission there. We enjoyed the time there very much, ate a good breakfast of pancakes and eggs, and head out in fog and rain. It rained all the way from Calhan to Orangeville.
While we were gone we missed telling Nancy and Dallas "Happy Anniversary." We hope you had a great time in Vegas! I wish we could get up to SLC to see you, but Dad has towork and I am having difficulty breathing, walking, and talking all at the same time. I am coughing all the time trying to get air. Because of that I am taking my water pills and can't be more than a few feet away from the bathroom.....Hopefully as the day goes on I can breath better and stop coughing. Maybe you could drive down here to see us?????Or you will just have to plan on a vacation to Orangeville...Hopefully we will get top billing next time.
Garth is getting as much work in as possible before his knee surgery in two weeks. I have two weeks of classes this month and need to get ready to teach a technology class next month, so we are very busy right now. At least that doesn't give us time to get too bored.