Happy Birthday to Maxwell!

I was so excited to be able to see Max around his birthday that I got it a day off. For some reason I was sure his birthday was on the 28th, so when I saw him yesterday I started singing Happy Birthday to him. I guess that is alright because that was the last day I would see him this year. We were so happy be able to have the Missouri kids home for a few days during the holidays. Even thought the occasion wasn't the best, it was wonderful to have them here. Max is getting so big, and his eyes keep getting bigger! What a handsome boy. We wish you a very happy birthday!

Why I Haven't Updated Lately

Christmas Season

We have been busy getting ready for Christmas, my favorite time of year. The cold weather last week helped us decide that snow would be better than cold. It was freezing, below zero weather. Not so bad if you can stay inside all day, but with my luck, I had morning recess duty. Monday was cold, but tolerable. It was a different story for the rest of the week. We asked the students to stay in, but they got all upset because they wanted to play in the little bit of snow outside. I reminded them about that "cold" day in October when it was 30 degrees and they were crying because they wanted to stay inside for recess. Why is an October 30 colder than a December -2 with snow? Could it be the snow that makes a difference? Go figure!
We were lucky to have Tammy's children here for the weekend last week. So they got to enjoy the snow and cold with us. Lexi went to school with me on Monday, but the boys stayed home with Grandpa and played in the snow until their little fingers were frozen. But they were so happy to be able to play outside all they wanted. We hated to see them go back home with their mom on Tuesday, but all fun things must come to an end, and we got back into the swing of our "usual."
The Labrum Christmas party was scheduled for Saturday up in Lewiston. At first we were planning on taking up Tammy's children because she had to work. But they were asked to attend a party for the Make-A-Wish foundation, so they stayed in Salt Lake for that. I am sure they had a great time, and it was ok to not worry about them as we drove.
Nancy also had to work, and with Tyler just getting his casts on his feet, he stayed home with his dad. Nicky was just moving in to a new apartment so she stayed to put her things away and make her new home. So it was just Garth and I on our trip to Cache Valley.
What a trip it was!We left here at 5:00 am and stopped at the Market Express to get a bite of food. It was there we discovered that Garth had left his wallet home on the bed. So we turned around and headed back home, all the time wondering just why we were experiencing this. Are we to NOT be somewhere at a certain time? Are we SUPPOSED to be somewhere at another time? Is this causing us to avoid something bad, or so we can do something good? I looked at the clock as we passed the large Nielsen Construction building; it said 5:55. We drove home and came back with now problems as all and reached the Nielsen Construction building at 6:55. We will never know we if avoided an accident by this hour delay. But it brings comfort to know believe that for whatever reason, we were still safe.
We stopped at Nancy's for just a minute (bathroom break!), then got to Nicky's in time to help with the last load of junk (yes, we move some that might be labeled as junk). We saw her new apartment, then headed to Lewiston.
The roads in Salt Lake were fine, once we got to 2-15 and Legacy because of freeway closures in North Salt Lake. But Ogden was a different story. They were really bad, so Garth tells me. Guess what I was doing? Sleeping, of course. Sardine Canyon was not pretty, but we have driven in worse. We decided to take the back highway through the smaller towns to avoid the traffic lights. That might have slowed us down because the roads had not been plowed. We slid a little bit, even in 4-wheel drive, but arrived as Santa was leaving. Thank goodness we didn't have little kids who missed the most important part of the day.
We enjoyed our visit with the family members who were there. I had a nice visit with my neice, Charla, whom I haven't seen in a long time. She was there with her husband and two children, her dad (Garth's brother, Lee) and his wife. They were the only people from outside Cache Valley except for us. Garth said he was determined to show everyone that we could make it up there. I think the others turned around in Ogden, but then, they don't have 4-wheel drive like we had.
We went home through Logan, which saved us some time. The snow was still coming down really hard, and the canyon was slow. But once we hit the freeway everything was fine. We stopped at Nicky's to make sure she was ok. She didn't have any heat because the furnace has to be replaced, but there is a gas fireplace that put off some heat, so she will be fine. We headed home, worried that Spanish Fork Canyon might be difficult. We were happily surprised to find it was not snowing there yet. We arrived home to just a few flakes starting to fall. We went to bed about 10:00 with a light snow falling.
But when we got up we found this:





It is wet, heavy, deep snow! A beautiful Christmas season. The roads to the church had not been plowed when I went for choir practice, so I was breaking a trail through 10 inches of fluff. But then I had to return home because I forgot my reading glasses and couldn't see the music. My feet were freezing because no one thinks to scrape a trail up to the sidewalk, so you have to walk in the piles of snow to step over to the sidewalks.
We came home after Sacrament Meeting because Garth needed to get to the school to start scraping. If it doesn't get done before it freezes more, or lays more down, he will never get it off for school. He is so dedicated to making it safe for the faculty and students. I hope they appreciate the time he puts in for them. I know it would be easier to just stay home near the warmth of the fireplace, because that is where I will be.
For now, we will just enjoy this beautiful snow.

Wonderful, Wonderful, Weekend

What can I say that would reflect what a great weekend we had? It was the best time in years. We both truly loved every minute of the time we spent together.
Thanksgiving started out with an early wake-up call (really just the usual time of 4:30), then off to SLC by 6:00. Since I have medicine I need to take with food, we drove through Price to get a breakfast muffin at McDonalds, only to find out they were closed for the day. We drove on the Helper and stopped at Walkers there and got something to eat on the drive. The canyon ride was fine, so fine I slept as usual. We got to Nicky's right at 9:00 as planned. We drove on down to the Little American, found a parking spot in the garage, and went up the elevator. As we stepped off the elevator we found we were right at the end of the line for the buffet, so we just stayed right there. Have a fun conversation with a man from Sandy who was in line for his family, just his wife, brother and sister-in-law. He said it was an "off year" for all their children, so this is their usual way of celebrating on the off years. They have done this buffet for several years and wouldn't do it any other way.
Garth "sat" in the paying line while Nicky and I kept our spot in the buffet line. The time seemed to pass by quickly. At 10:00 the paying line opened, Garth was toward the front so he got through and came to wait with us. Within a few minutes Barrett, Chantel, her mom, and the kids were there. You have never seen two kids so excited to see Grandpa! They were so full of hugs and kisses and just couldn't get enough of us. It was so fun.
Before we knew it we were being ushered in to the dining hall. It was fabulous! This was our first time there, but not for Barrett and Chantel. So they told us the rope and how to behave. There were hundreds of tables set up in all the meeting rooms and the grand ballroom. The desserts were lined up in the hallway between the meeting rooms (rooms we have been in during Garth's USEA years). There were desserts of every kind.
We were given a table for 8 in the ballroom, right next to the salads, fruits, and vegetables. What a spread! The vegetables were to die for, and salads of every kind. There was thinly sliced salmon, rolls, sliced squashes, flavored tomatoes, cheeses, shrimp, more flavors than you can imagine. And that was just the first table!
Right in the middle of everything was a table with "kid food": pizza, spaghetti, mac'n'cheese, everything a kid would love.


The main table had all kinds of turkey, fish, crabs, ham, potatoes,stuffing (not Stove Top), roasts, everything you can imagine. It was gourmet to the max! We ate and ate, and then ate some more. As soon as you emptied a plate (and sometimes before), the plate was picked up and you could go get more. They didn't rush us out so they could use our table, but I was starting to feel a little bit guilty thinking of all those people out there waiting for someone to get done so they could start their dinner.
We then went to the dessert area and had to get pumpkin pie. Morgan had to have chocolate, and Max loved everything.
We had a fun time visiting with everyone, especially the kids. They were well-behaved and had a great time. Max cried when he thought we were all leaving and wouldn't see each other again. When he found out we were going to be together the next day, he was alright with that.
We had invited anyone who wanted to come to the hotel to go swimming. Tammy took us up on it,and brought pumpkin pie for everyone to eat. We decided to keep the kids with us for the night because Tammy and Josh both had to go to work early. So we got the fun of having them with us for the night. They went with us the next morning until Tammy got off from work. We then headed down to Nancy's.
Nancy had a place all picked out for us to have pictures taken. I know it was supposed to be a secret, but I am the one who said we needed family pictures, so I was told that there was a plan for the kids to be together to get pictures taken. It turned out great! The setting was perfect and the kids were so cute! It was wonderful for Garth and I to have a chance to be with all the kids. The only one we were missing was Josh, who had to work.






We returned to Nancy's, ate more food, visited, watched the kids play, then headed back to the swimming pool. Tyler loved to laugh at everything Morgan did in the pool. He was so excited to see her jumping into her dad's arms. He loves the pool so much! It was fun to see him get so excited. The kids all seemed to have a wonderful time. The adults all got tired.
This was a great weekend for us, the perfect start to the holidays. Thanks so much everyone!

Thanks for the Suggestions

Thanks for the suggestions about the trees. One in the bedroom would be nice, but we don't have much room. And Julie, do you remember how small my living room is with a bigger tree? The small one is very nice. One thing about a small cottage home, it doesn't take much to make it crowded. But, crowded is better than empty.
Sandra, we have had an artificial tree for several years, ever since one almost caught fire because it was so dry. I don't think of it as "fake" because it is a real Christmas tree with all the beautiful decorations. We spent a little bit more money to get a really nice one. It has red berries and pine cones scatter around it, and looks really beautiful. With pine scented candles, it still seems Christmasy.
I think I was just more worried about the "old person" part. I don't want to get where I don't want to decorate. But this year I really feel that Christmas is for children, and there aren't many children around our home. (Hint, hint, hint...) No one came to visit us last Christmas season. We did all the visiting, which was very nice and we would never complain about it. I guess I just miss the sound of kids running around the house, and Christmas has always been so exciting for the kids.
Oh....stop it! You will be crying and the students will be here in a few minutes. No more tears!
See you great, wonderful, awesome grandchildren tomorrow!

Does This Mean I am Getting Old?

We are thinking about putting up the Christmas tree and can't really decide what to do. I love my Christmas tree. I love my decorations. I don't like the fact we are the only ones to enjoy them. It almost seems useless to go to spend our precious energy on putting it all out just to take it all back down in a few weeks. And that kind of thinking really upsets me! I thought you had to be old to not want to put up Christmas decorations. Well, I know that I'm not "old" like the "old" people who didn't put up decorations in my younger years. I'm not old in thought, but my body sure seems like it doesn't want to be young any more. I realize now that I should have spent more time with my sweet grandma, helping her put up her decorations and just spending time with her during this season. I see that she would have really enjoyed having the company. Company would be the best thing I could have given her. She would have loved to have me spend time with her. I would love it if my grandchildren were here to spend time with me, to help me get my Christmas things out and decorations out. I would love to see them looking at all my Santas, and the Christmas Village.
But that brings me to my next question: Where did I find time to put up the Christmas things when I had more responsibilities with my children all home? Where did we fit that into our schedules? Right now I am busy at school until 5:30 almost every night. By the time we get home, run a few errands, find something to eat, I am just too tired to do anything else.
Then another decision we have to make is, should be put up the tree downstairs, upstairs or both? Our downstairs tree is big and beautiful and I love how it looks all decorated. I also love my tree that sits on the table in my small living room. It is really pretty with fake crystal glass ornaments, but they look good! It is really glamorous looking with the lights on, twinkling in the window. I am sure we will put that one up so visitors can see that we do still celebrate Christmas. But the one downstairs? I don't know. It is nice to sit downstairs with the fire in the stove, warm and nice. But then I have to walk upstairs....no bathroom downstairs, the bedroom upstairs....I guess I could just sleep down there on the couch. But the bathroom.......I need to go upstairs. We don't spend very much time downstairs each evening, just collapse in the living room, or watch TV in the bedroom. But not putting up the tree makes us old people! But no one but us ever sees that tree downstairs!
And then there is the issue with the beautiful Christmas Village. We love our Christmas Village. The past two years we haven't even gotten it out. Two years ago it just didn't seem like a smart thing to do with the little boys living here. I'm not sure about last year. But I really like it. Our living room on the main floor is so very small that it would push us right out of the room. Where could it go up here? Take out a chair and use the corner for the village?t I would be pretty. Put it all around table with the Christmas tree in the middle? Might work. In the hearth around the fireplace? Not big enough for it all, but could do it with the corner. We could put a few pieces on the mantel on both sides of the TV. But the electrical cords would be all over the place. What to do...what to do.. I hate making these kinds of decisions.
So, friends and family. What do you suggest we do?

The Last of the Little Guys

When I was young, those words were said on a TV commercial for a car company. It just now popped into my mind...Crazy, huh? So, in teaching reading, we learn that students understand things better when they can "connect" to what they are reading....Just wait, I'll tie this all together. I can really connect with "the last of the little guys right now. I just finished the last Christmas stocking for the four little guys and two pretty girls. My little guys are getting to be so big, and they have had to wait for several years to get their own Christmas stocking from Grandma. This year it was finally Koy's turn and I have it all done, completed, stitched-up and ready for delivery before Thanksgiving. (However, I'm still thinking of doing a different one for Kayden because his doesn't hang very well)
Here is a picture of Koy's stocking.

The stocking was on the bed and I was standing to take the picture so it looks kind of out-of-shape. It really isn't as bad as it looks. The picture is all done by hand with counted-cross-stitches, some stitches have only 1 strand of thread and some have 5, giving it a dimensional look when up close. There are sparkly sequins on the lights on the Christmas tree, so it looks like the lights are shining. Garth and I decided on a fabric for the back that is a light green with candy canes which match the candy canes Santa is putting on the tree. Tammy picked out the pattern last year and I started on it as soon as the new year began. So, my yearly project is finally completed.
It has taken me over 6 years to get these 6 stockings done. Now I am ready for more grandchildren.......But in the meantime, more temple altar cloths (did two small ones, a large one, and almost done with another large one.) I also have a project I purchased a few years ago for Barrett's graduation which I haven't even started on yet. Maybe it will be done when he finishes his residency (sh.......don't tell him)
I also thought of something I might want to do by next Christmas for each grandchild, but I don't know if I could get them all done.........
So for my New Year's resolution......I keep getting up at 4:30 and spend some time making something with my hands.......
If I can ever get some glasses and contacts that actually help me to see! But, that is another story!

And some weeks are just boring.

Thankfully, this has been one boring, non-eventful week. Which makes it an event in itself. Nothing earth-shattering, nothing exciting, nothing too stressful. Oh, there was that day when the alarm didn't go off and I woke up at 5:45 and hurried to get my act together to get to school on time, which for me is any time between 7:00 - 7:30. I made it, but I didn't get my crocheting time in during the morning. I survived. Today, just working around the house, checking some school papers, maybe getting some Christmas lights up outside, sitting by the fire watching the football games, crocheting, reading, finishing Koy's Christmas stocking, hemming some pants....just whatever I can do to keep myself busy. I hope everyone has a happy weekend day. Looking forward to next week when I can see all my grandchild. Hopefully we can all be in the same place at the same time. Keeping my fingers crossed. Have safe travels.

To Clarify

As I read through my last post, I realized I made a little bit of a mistake. I was too quick when I said I only saw family looking at my blog. That isn't entirely true. There are several people who I know look here regularly. My friend in Cleveland, some from Bountiful, and several other places around the state. I don't want them to think that I don't appreciate their friendship. I really do, and it is fun to look and see that they are checking up on me.
I do wish that when I see some hits on the blog from etv.net, I wish I knew exactly who they are. I can see what towns they are from, but who in Ferron is looking in? Maybe Lynda, but I doubt it because I couldn't get her to use the internet while she was working across the hallway. I can guess on the ones from Orangeville, but then, family......friends.......a little of everyone.
In USU there is Mitchell, but would he really be spending that much time reading about my boring life? Maybe, because he "borrowed" enough banana runts from my drawer at school. Then there is the other family members in Cache Valley. I don't know if they use a USU server, but maybe.
Comcast must be used by everyone in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties. And Myriad has their own server that appears as numbers so I know when Nicky is here. At any rate, Thanks for dropping in.
And Cleveland......please know how special you are to me! Thanks for your friendship. Even if we don't get together except through the internet, you are a great friend and I love ya lots! (PS. I see your brother has moved. Where to?)

Premature Awareness Day

My blog isn't read by very many people, mostly just family. In fact, I don't see anyone else but family members on my sitemeter. But since this has been premmie awareness month, I just want to say how thankful I am for Tyler in our lives. We were so anxious when he arrived so early, but so thankful he survived. We love having him closer so we can drop by when we are in the area. We are so impressed with his growth and his desire to learn. What a smart boy! To read more about his story, follow his mother's posts at Because Miracles Happen

Who Wants Some?

I love to look through the little junkie catalogs that come in the mail. The ones with all the stuff you never buy but think it might be a good gift to give someone. I got one in the mail the other day...Really, someone else got it but it was put in my box accidentally. I didn't worry about giving it back to the postmaster because I have spoken with the person who it belonged to before and he/she said that if we get their mail to just go ahead and pay their bills, but they didn't want the catalogs to just have to throw away. So I took a few minutes to look through the things offered. I was excited to find something I thought I might buy! Then I thought, "Maybe all my children would like it, too." So now is your chance to say if you want it or not. What is it that was so good, you ask? A family tradition that has been passed along for many years, but none of my own children have them yet. And I don't think any of my sisters do either.....Are you wondering yet?

My mom always had a beautiful Christmas tree. We all know that she put the tinsel icicles on one at a time and made them all so even and covered so perfectly. Then we changed to a flocked tree. No more icicles. But then she found something even better. She found some crystal icicles. Not really crystal as in glass, but .... well, clear plastic that kind of glows in the dark. They have little hooks on the end that you hook onto the branches. She covered her tree with hundreds of these little icicles and it made it look like a tree that was out in the woods with dripping icicles on every branch. The year I got married she gave me a few packages of the icicles for my Christmas tree. I have used them every year since then. Some people think they are silly, but I love to have the lights out in the room and the Christmas lights on and see the icicles sparkling from the lights on the tree.

The catalog with junk had these icicles in it! You can buy 100 icicles in a package! I am so excited! Does anyone want some for their tree? You can pass on an old tradition! I am sure the kids would love to know they had a tree just like Grandma Labrum's tree, even if it is just a small tree. Come on. You know you are dying for some. Really. Just let me know and I will order them for you. You will have the best, prettiest Christmas tree in the neighborhood. Just let me know!
Until then.............have a happy holiday!

Which is Best, 1 or 2?

I wanted to shout, "Neither one! They are equally awful!" For those of you who have never had your eyes checked (Anyone?) I am sure you have no idea what this is all about. I have been trying to get my contact lenses and eyeglasses adjusted since the first week in August. You heard me right, AUGUST! Hopefully the trip to SLC last weekend will be our last.

I have always been warned that the gas permiable lenses that I wear hold my eye in one shape and they do not let the eye "bend and stretch." So after years of wearing the same pair of contacts, my cornea has become warped. But, hey, I can see alright, or so I thought. I always have trouble after taking out my contacts and wearing my glasses for a few hours. The first few hours I see fine, but the next morning or after a few hours, things get a bit fuzzy. So I was anxious to get new glasses and at the same time a new pair of contacts. But not so easy.

The doctor (very good, I think), explained that the cornea was warped and would have to go back to its original shape by me not wearing contacts for about two weeks. OK, fine. Except.....I can't see out of my glasses. But I suffered along until the new frames came.....Big mistake. Remember, the prescription for them was taken when the cornea was warped. They didn't work at all. When the contacts came, they didn't fit right and were slipping off the eye. Remember, the cornea was warped, so why should they fit? And besides, wrong prescription for the now un-warped cornea. Still not able to see..I wore the old contacts so I could see my students faces and the books, then switched to glasses as soon as school was out. New frames.....still not so good. New contacts again.....still not fitting right. Back and forth....for two months now. The last pair of contacts came and the fit was great. I can see better two miles aways than I even have.......but I can't see the music on the organ, or a book to read......Are there actually words on the board? And my computer screen is on the largest print so I can focus better. It isn't that they are fuzzy, there are just about 5 different images slightly off each other. But I can read the signs on the road a long ways away.

So now she (the doctor) is going to try the "one-eyed" thing. One eye for far distance and one eye for close up. The new frames and lenses should be sent this week. Hopefully something will work. I can't keep wearing the reading glasses for everything in the classroom and taking them off to see the kids at their desks. I might as well be wearing regular glasses. IF THEY WOULD BE RIGHT! Yes, I am getting tired of all of this.

On a happier note....I stubbed my toe and broke off my toenail. Now it is getting more like an in-grown toenail. I will probably be getting it worked on because I don't like crying with every step.....complain, complain, complain.......

I did play the organ for stake conference with my lenses and reading glasses. Seemed to work alright. A few nice compliments about the soft, quiet hymns.

So, here I am starting out another week....At least report cards and parent/teacher/student conferences are over and we can start all over again.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Frustrations of a School Teacher

This morning I am very frustrated. I know there is actually no need to be frustrated, it is really just a silly thing. But I do get frustrated when I know I should be able to complete a task and I can't do it. This school teacher wants to place a video of the classroom owl pellet activity onto the classroom website, and I can't figure out how to do it. I can't get the video to transfer to flickr, can't upload it from my own computer, can't seem to do it at all. Heck, sometimes I can't even find the silly file on my own computer! I think I will just stop trying. Why cause my own frustrations?

I am missing my little kids today. I wish I could be in Lehi, Salt Lake, and Kansas City all in the same day, to see them all dressed up and having fun today. That is the only thing exciting about Halloween. I would love to watch them so excited. I sure hope I get to see pictures.....hint, hint, hint......

This morning Garth went back to the school to finish up a project in the Spartan Center. They are refinishing all the benches and it is taking several days. With basketball starting the benches need to be done this week, so that is how he is spending his time today.

It is report card time at my school, so I brought home lots of filing to help me get ready. I have the reports mostly completed, just need to get everything in student files. Also trying to get things organized for the start of a new quarter. Back to the "real" learning.

I need to run to Price to get the fabric for the back of Koy's Christmas stocking. It has been completed for about 2 months but I keep forgetting to take it with me when I go to Price so I can match the back fabric. I will get it done, take a picture, and publish it for all the world to tell me how wonderful it is.

After finishing his stocking I completed another covering to take to the Manti Temple. It really is a pretty one and I hope they can use it in one of the rooms. The other two I finished were smaller and they will use them on tables or other places. I am now working on one that is really pretty and will be large enough for the Garden Room or the World Room. I also need to get back to doing a few afghans, both adult sizes and baby ones. You never know when I might need one for someone.

So today my plan is to ..... do something. The dust is bad, the bathroom worse.....other rooms need to be de-junked. Where is Mission Organization when I need them. I know....all my daughters.....all FOUR of you.....plan a trip to Mother's house and do some service for her.....help her clean up her house! No...If I knew you were coming I would have to clean before you could come and clean......I have no one to blame but myself...Get busy!

Tammy's Favorite

Cleaning off my desk at school, I came across this recipe that I saved for Tammy because I know it is one of her favorite things to eat. Since it is now past 3:30, I feel I can get on my computer and do a few personal things and not be using school time. I will throw away the paper as soon as I post it here.

Pumpkin Pancakes:
nonstick spray
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with oil cooking spray.
2. Combine eggs, buttermilk, butter, pumpkin, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend ingredients.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and blend with mixer on medium speed until smooth.
4. Pour the batter in 1/3-cup portions into the hot pan.
5. When the batter stops bubbling and edges begin to harden, flip the pancakes. They should be dark brown. This will take from 1 to 3 minutes.
6. Flip the pancakes and cook other side for the same amount of time, until brown.
Makes 8 to 10 pancakes.

Hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday Nicky!

HaHa! Nicky gets this twice because her mom doesn't know how to schedule a post. Enjoy!

I remember what I was doing 27 years ago today. But it all started the day before. On Monday, October 25, Garth went deer hunting. I was home with three children ages 4, 3, and 2 and 10 months pregnant. Can you believe I actually LET him go away and leave me in that condition? I didn't know any better. The kids had been running all around that day, playing outside and having a good time. My "grandmother" Aunt Maree came for a visit. She found me sitting in my rocking chair with my feet up and the kids playing. I told her I was having a few contractions but that was ordinary for me. I always had contractions from 4months on. She demanded I go have a warm bath and she would watch the kids for me. There was no telling her no, she wouldn't accept that for an answer. So I spent some time alone in the back bathroom of the trailer while she played with kids, fed them cookies, etc...all the things great-grandmothers do. When I came back out she had me sit in the rocker while she fixed something for everyone to eat, then she left. I don't remember when Garth actually got home, but he didn't bring a deer. We got the kids to bed and I was still having contractions, harder and more frequent this time. So we called my dad and he came to be with the kids while we went to the hospital. I knew as soon as I got up and started walking around the pains would go away, which they did.
When we got to the hospital they had started up again, so they decided to keep us there. Dana Olsen (a relative) was the nurse on duty and she was sure we would have a baby that night. But we didn't. By morning time we were still just being lazy and not doing much. Then we had a change of plans. My doctor, Dr. Dayton, was in the next room helping with another birth, his own child. So his partner became my doctor for this delivery. I knew that once this baby decided to be born it would be fast (knew this from past experience) and I was right. It didn't take long for Nicky to be born. If I remember right, it was a little bit after 10:00 am. We had another beautiful little girl! She was perfect for our family.
Oh, she gave us scares for a while. She would be drinking from her bottle and stop breathing. She spent a week in the hospital when she was a few months old, so we could find out what was the problem. She was attached to a breathing monitor for a few months. (Aunt Maree came to our rescue many times when we needed to be in the hospital with her and with other kids somewhere else.) We kept a velcro strap with all the heart monitor things wrapped around her little chest so we could just "plug her into the monitor" when she slept. She slept on a reclining board, like a saddle with a horn that kept her from sliding down to the bottom. Barrett called her a "bionic baby" but I was in fear of him plugging one of the ends into the electrical socket when I wasn't looking. After all of that, she was a fine baby. And a great young girl, and young woman. We love you Nicky! Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Nicky!

I remember what I was doing 27 years ago today. But it all started the day before. On Monday, October 25, Garth went deer hunting. I was home with three children ages 4, 3, and 2 and 10 months pregnant. Can you believe I actually LET him go away and leave me in that condition? I didn't know any better. The kids had been running all around that day, playing outside and having a good time. My "grandmother" Aunt Maree came for a visit. She found me sitting in my rocking chair with my feet up and the kids playing. I told her I was having a few contractions but that was ordinary for me. I always had contractions from 4months on. She demanded I go have a warm bath and she would watch the kids for me. There was no telling her no, she wouldn't accept that for an answer. So I spent some time alone in the back bathroom of the trailer while she played with kids, fed them cookies, etc...all the things great-grandmothers do. When I came back out she had me sit in the rocker while she fixed something for everyone to eat, then she left. I don't remember when Garth actually got home, but he didn't bring a deer. We got the kids to bed and I was still having contractions, harder and more frequent this time. So we called my dad and he came to be with the kids while we went to the hospital. I knew as soon as I got up and started walking around the pains would go away, which they did.
When we got to the hospital they had started up again, so they decided to keep us there. Dana Olsen (a relative) was the nurse on duty and she was sure we would have a baby that night. But we didn't. By morning time we were still just being lazy and not doing much. Then we had a change of plans. My doctor, Dr. Dayton, was in the next room helping with another birth, his own child. So his partner became my doctor for this delivery. I knew that once this baby decided to be born it would be fast (knew this from past experience) and I was right. It didn't take long for Nicky to be born. If I remember right, it was a little bit after 10:00 am. We had another beautiful little girl! She was perfect for our family.
Oh, she gave us scares for a while. She would be drinking from her bottle and stop breathing. She spent a week in the hospital when she was a few months old, so we could find out what was the problem. She was attached to a breathing monitor for a few months. (Aunt Maree came to our rescue many times when we needed to be in the hospital with her and with other kids somewhere else.) We kept a velcro strap with all the heart monitor things wrapped around her little chest so we could just "plug her into the monitor" when she slept. She slept on a reclining board, like a saddle with a horn that kept her from sliding down to the bottom. Barrett called her a "bionic baby" but I was in fear of him plugging one of the ends into the electrical socket when I wasn't looking. After all of that, she was a fine baby. And a great young girl, and young woman. We love you Nicky! Happy birthday!

Another Sunday

I look back on the past week and I don't see that I accomplished very much. I seem to get further and further behind in school. I remember the days when we did a little bit of this and a little bit of that, an art pictures and sang songs, too. But now we don't even get a little this done. I still have the bulletin board I put up in August out in the hallway. We can't even get a piece of art completed! We have worked all week on writing descriptions of monsters for Halloween. I guess I am not the teacher I used to be because I can't get them motivated to write.

I found something fun in my files this week, though. I was looking for the picture of a large jar for the students to use for drawing their monsters to fit their descriptions. A Monster in a Jar) I found a booklet filled with descriptions of witches...completed about 19 years ago when NICKY! was in my classroom. Now I have proof that students actually did write very good descriptions. Some of those descriptions were 2-3 pages long! And they were written in beautiful cursive writing! We just barely got through the first round of the small letters in cursive. There was a time when all students were expected to write everything in cursive after the first of October, and I have the proof right there. Their writing was very neat, even the most sloppy writer (and I won't say who it was.) It was so fun to go through that booklet and read those descriptions. They used very good adjectives and really described every witch. You could draw a picture by their descriptions. How I wish my students would be able to do that now. Oh, well. We did our best. Maybe the next writing assignment.

We did make a graph comparing the cranes and herons, as well as the ravens and crows. Next week we are working on OWLS. Yes, owl pellets will be out during this week. We will work on writing facts about owls from our reading. Maybe non-fiction writing will be better than fictions. Facts and not details. We'll see.

What else did I do? Let's see. I played the prelude and postlude at Bishop Tuttle's funeral. I really felt on the spot because there were so many people just sitting and listening prior to the funeral. I think that was the quietest I have ever experiences during prelude music. The people were actually able to hear, and that made me nervous. I try to keep to just simple arrangements of appropriate hymns so people can contemplate the words and think about the meanings. I had several people compliment me on setting a special mood for the services. That made me feel really good. I need that every now and then, honest true compliments, not just "Thanks to Sister Labrum for the music" that happens without thought every week, just a robotic comment. These people really meant their compliments and I thank them for it.
I also went to the view for President Curtis. I talked with Marlene for a few minutes of course. She says she looks at his passing as his way of being there to help Colleen prepare for the temple. It won't be very long before the one-year mark of her passing and Marlene said Colleen must need her dad there to help her get ready. I look forward to that day.

Yesterday we, or I should say Garth, laid out the pavers for the steps from the driveway to the new shed. It looks really nice. He smashed a few fingers along the way and I felt badly that I couldn't help him more. I have spent the last week coughing a lot so I'm not of much use to anyone. The steps look really nice. A nice finishing touch to his hard work. He took down the trampoline, mowed up the lawn (and Charlene's as well), and cleaned up other yard work. I worked on the den and got a bit done inside.

I am walking better today than I have for about 3 weeks. I pray the pain will stay away the rest of the winter. Hopefully I will be able to walk better each day again. I was blessed with about 6 weeks of good walking, then it hit bad again. I hope this time it will improve and I will be able to walk pain free for a while. Walking and breathing are very important. I like both of them.

Tomorrow is Nicky's birthday. I will write another post tomorrow.

This Does Not Happen Here

The events of this morning are very shocking to our area. This does not happen here. I will not say anything about the events, or the people, other than it doesn't happen here. I do know the mother. She was a year older than me in school. It is very sad and makes me wonder why. Things like this don't happen here.

The one comment I will make is: I am sitting here with KSL radio on my computer. They come on with "The Latest Update, News in our State" however they put it. And not a mention about a double murder! What? That is not considered news in our state? I know, we aren't at the center of activity, but come on.

When it Rains, It Pours

But everyone knows it doesn't rain in EC when the rest of the state is predicting rain. And again, no rain. So why the title? Because once it started it seems like it doesn't end.

It is sad to see so many of our elderly citizens in this small town pass away. There is no easy way to say it without it meaning what it really means. This people have been stalwarts in the community, examples to so many of us. It started a few weeks ago with our home teacher, Ted Thomas. Saturday night we got the word that our neighbor, who has been in the hospital for about two months, passed away earlier that day. It was so hard to ask the family how Bland was doing and knowing that he wasn't doing too well. It hasn't been that long since his twin brother passed away, so I am sure there has been a happy reunion.

Now today, another major person in the lives of so many of us. Mr. Curtis, Bishop Curtis, President Curtis, Patriarch Curtis, all these titles fit that great man. He has suffered from the effects of Alzheimer's disease, a terrible disease that takes the mind away from the person. Now he is no longer suffering from the confusion he must have been feeling. What a relief for him. It was just last March when his daughter, my close friends, passed away. Now he is able to join her as they keep busy helping to prepare for the rest of the family.

In the meantime, these wonderful examples in our small community are leaving us. I remember then Ray and Christy Humphrey were the "old people" and when they passed on wondering what life would be like without these older people to look up to. Then Ted, Bland, Roger, and all the others stepped up and became the "old people" in town. Who will be next? I guess that falls to those of us still working but getting older each day. I pray that I can leave the kind of legacy they left for us.

Mr. Curtis was every one's teacher. I remember him reading books to us each day. He would use different voices for the different characters. I can't hear his voice reading, but I remember the feeling of wonder as he changed his voice and read with feeling. Perhaps that is why I enjoy reading to my students so much. I don't change voices, but do put in a lot of acting in my reading. I love to watch as my students pay attention to the stories. There is one boy this year who is just glued to the stories. I can tell his mother reads to him at home (she said she does), and he knows how to pay attention and visualize the story. Others are as involved as he is, but there are still others who just can't sit and listen. I think that is really sad that they can 't get into a book and enjoy the escape. I remember Mr. Curtis telling us that we could travel anywhere and to any time we wanted to if we would just read. What a great example to us.

So, another day......Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit better.

Preschool Pioneer

I added a new widget on the side, especially for those parents of young children. Check out the Preschool Pioneer website from Utah Education Network. It has great games for preschool children for learning letters, numbers, all about them, many great places for fun activities. The premedia has lots of great video clips, etc. It was piloted last year and my students really enjoyed it. Just thought you all might want to look it over.

I'm So Excited!

I have the big part of my Christmas shopping done and it came today! I am so excited! Is it alright for me to open one of the packages and enjoy it myself? It is the part I bought for my grandchildren (so parents, you probably know what I am talking about!) I want it, I want it! Brings back memories of my own children being young and needing to learn valuable lessons, so they can learn to STAND TALL and do what is right. I know kids learn better with songs..........Can you name them? I bet you will remember them, come Christmas time! I am so excited! Just thought I would share that with you. Ok. Back to work now.

Happy Birthday, Linda

Today is my sister, Linda's birthday. Since I know she wouldn't want anyone to share any personal stories about her falling asleep while eating chicken when she was younger, or about a sliver she got while on the teeter-totter, or stopping in the coats while shopping, or washing the dishes, or any other of the "personal" family stories, I won't say anything here about those things. I just want to wish her a happy birthday! I wish I could wave my magic wand and make all your days great, take away any worries and concerns, give you only happy thoughts and memories. But for some reason, our Father in Heaven things we need trials, obstacles, and worries to make us strong and humble. Sometimes we just wish ours came in different packages. But remember you are loved and we are happy to share your birthday with you this weekend. Looking forward to lunch together with all the girls. Happy birthday, Linda!

Two in a Week

This week has been full of events. We have experienced two kinds of special events twice each. We have attended two funerals of very special people in our lives. We have seen two birthdays this past week. Two very different celebrations.

It was Koy's birthday on Saturday, and tomorrow is Kayden's. The poor little boy had to had his blood drawn again today, and get a shot. He calmly told us how he had to look away at the wall so he wouldn't see the needle give him that shot, and that it was bleeding but all better now. He just takes all those pokes and blood draws in stride. Probably because he has been doing them literally all his life. What a brave boy he is. We are so thankful for the happiness he brings into our lives. He is one of Grandpa's little men. (I can't begin to tell you how much Grandpa loves his 4 little men, and 2 beautiful girls, and Grandma does as well.) We are so thankful that Kayden is still with us and bringing us so much joy. I think one of my new favorite shows on TV is Sunday night's "Three Rivers". But I cry all the way through it because it is all about transplants and the feelings and emotions present in the lives of the receivers and the donors. I hope it makes more people think about the honor of donation. Because of someone who was so willing to give, we are able to celebrate Kayden's fifth birthday! Happy birthday, big boy!



Thinking of donations leads my thinking to one of the funerals we attended just today. My cousin has needed three liver transplants, and he stands as a survivor today. But, sadly, he had to experience the unexpected lost of his wife. Today we went to her funeral. They were married just a week after I gave birth to my third child, but that didn't stop me from attending the wedding. James and I are close cousins, me being only two days older than him, or is it he? :) We always enjoyed visiting and being together as we grew older. He has always been a special cousin. I am so sad that he has to experience this loss. We are thankful that we had time to visit during our family reunion this past summer. Kelly was the life of the party and we always laughed as we visited and talked about all the kids. I will really miss her, and I know James will. My thoughts are with James and Daniel (JD) at this time.
The other funeral was our dear home-teacher, Ted. We loved him coming to our home every month for more than 20 years. He was a most faithful home-teacher. We know he loved us and we know he knew we loved him. What a great influence on our children.
Two different occasions but good memories.

Happy birthday to Koy, my youngest grandchild at this time. Three years ago I had made many trips with Koy's mom, Tammy, to the hospital thinking she was in labor, only to be sent home. The nurse there was on a first-name basis with her, but didn't care enough to keep her there and get things going! When the big day finally arrived it didn't take long to get that sweet little boy here. He came so fast his face was all bruised and swollen. He was so dark bluet hat Kayden was afraid of him. I remember sitting Kayden on the bed while his mom was holding Koy and he was crying. He kept pulling on his hand and looking at Tammy's hand where she had the IV in. I realized that Kayden was afraid of the IV in her hand because of all the times he had an IV in his hand. He didn't like it at all, and he didn't like Koy. Man, has that changed! Koy follows Kayden around everywhere.

Koy is a real goer, into everything. He isn't afraid to try something new, including any kind of food. He will jump right in to any activity and isn't afraid of going up to people and just starting a conversation. He has the cutest deep, husky voice, and can melt you with his big dark eyes. He loves his grandma's "bugs" and will follow his grandpa anywhere. We love to have him around. What a doll he is! Happy birthday, Koy!

A Family in Need

Everyone was helpful when Kayden needed a kidney transplant, so I thought I would in a small way return the favor. Please follow this link. It will help a family who needs help at this time.
The little girls blog is Tayliebug. A generous man has offered to pay $2.00 to each person who links to this blog through this person's link. If you want to be added to the list and therefore add $2.00 to the pot, link Taylie's blog on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, and then go to this blog and leave a comment about your link. Thanks.

Where Does Time Go?

Why can't I seem to get as much done in a day as I used to? It just doesn't fit in anymore. Kind of reminds me of opening a jar of marshmellow cream. Time flows out and you can't fit it back in where it was before.
I have been experiencing some terrible pain in the groin when I try to walk. It started happening after a game of kickball with my students. At first I thought I had just pulled a muscle or something. It was very difficult to take the first few steps after getting up. Then it started to get worse and worse. I had also been walking on the treadmill and had started to walk on an incline, so I wondered if that was irritating some muscle or something. The pain got worse as time went on. Three weeks later I was still having trouble walking. After weeks of rest and medication I decided to go to the doctor to have it checked out. X-rays show the hip and pelvis are in fine condition, so we suspect tendonitis. I put heat on it last night, and will take it easy for a few more days. Doctor said no more kickball or inclined walking, but when it feels better I can go back to biking and walking on the level. Hopefully it will start to heal so I can get back to normal walking again.
The past week brought some sad news to our family. We lost a great friend when our home teacher passed away. Bro. Thomas has been our faithful home teacher for 20 years. He very seldom missed coming each month. Even when his companion, Bro. Law, when on his three mission, Ted continued to come with other companions. One year he brought along his wife, Fae, and we enjoyed their visits so much. Another year he came with Dixion Peacock, another year with Al Lemons. Ted wasn't much of a talker because of his trach, but he would talk with us. He laughed and joked with the kids. He loved our kids so much and they loved him, and would joke right back. They all teased each other with love. We have watched as both Ted and Bro. Law have aged, but their love for our family has never dimmed. We were saddened when Ted needed to move to a place where his personal needs could be better met. We have missed his visits, and we know he has missed seeing our kids. We were honored to have him as our home teacher. He told us of times when he was asked to switch to other families, but he insisted if he didn't come to the Labrum's he wouldn't go home teaching. What a great man and example he has been to us. We know how much he missed is wife after her death. We know he is most likely giving her hugs and cussing her out for leaving him alone. We know he knows how much we love him.

30 Years

I won't take a long time on this post because my heart is still too tender after only 30 years. But 30 years ago today my life changed, as well as the lives of my dad and sisters. When I look back and remember all the events of that day, I remember the Lord's tender mercy of having my little one-year-old daughter asleep so she didn't go riding with her father on the corn truck. The truck filled with corn rolled over at the side of the road. Back in those days children weren't required to be belted in, so I am sure she would have been standing up on the seat and would have been hurt very badly. As it was, Garth was spared any serious injury. Which is a great blessing because of the other events that took place later that day. I am thankful that I didn't lose my husband and daughter that day. It was a sad enough day without added tragedy.
I miss my mom. It doesn't get easier, you just get used to a new normal.

Fun Weekend

Our weekend started out on Friday with a trip to Salt Lake to the wedding of the son of our good friends, the Sharps. Josh was married in the Salt Lake Temple and we were very happy to be there with the family. The Sharps have been our friends since we moved back to Orangeville. I have had all their eight children with the exception of the twins in my school class. (Tessa and Tara were in the few groups I skipped between sixth and third grade.) I taught most of them a few years of piano as well. Alan was our bishop and is now our stake president. Garth and Alan were in the scouts together, and Garth was the financial clerk while Alan was the bishop. Garth was also their home teacher for many years. They are a special family and we love their kids dearly, as they do ours. We have shared all the special weddings and baby showers. There were only a few friends from Emery County there, President Stilson, President Johnson and his wife, and us. We were honored to be there with them. As usual, we were the first of the entire group to arrive at the temple, but that gave us plenty of time to find parking (a pain!), get to the meeting room, and have plenty of time to rest. The wedding was beautiful with some great advice from the sealer which I will discuss on another post. After the sealing we hurried to Standard Optical to see if we could pick up my contacts, but they weren't able to work us in for our appointment any earlier than our scheduled appointment at 2:30. So we drove back to the wedding dinner at the Radisson downtown. It was wonderful! We were able to sit with Jacob and his family, enjoying the little kids breaking the glasses and knowing they weren't our kids! Even the Sharps have kids that like to move things around and have accidents! The food was wonderful and the company great. We had to sneak out a bit early to be sure we got back to the eye doctor, but it was a great time.
I was finally able to get my contacts and they fit nicely. The doctor is doing a bit of tweaking with the right eye, but my far distant sight is better than it has been in years. But the middle and close up is horrible! I can't see the music for the organ, and reading anything is impossible without reading glasses. I can't focus on anything closer than 3 feet away. Even the computer screen is out of focus. I have moved the text size up to the largest possible. Try it and see what Facebook looks like on the biggest print and you can see how terrible it is for me! I don't know if they can fix it at all. At one point the doctor (she) said that they can do one eye for close up and one for distance, but I think that would drive me crazy! Maybe I will need to buy a close up contact just to see what it would do. At this rate I will be using glasses for everything. They did have to redo the glasses that I bought for evenings when I take my contacts out. She said my cornea had been warped and was now back to the original shape, which is very football pointed. So maybe I will be able to use those glasses more. I guess I am just getting too old. Going with the contacts for 3 weeks made me really miss my contacts, but I want to be able to see far and near. I don't mind using reading glasses some of the time, just not all of the time!
We drove back home to get here in time for the Emery/Richfield homecoming game on Friday night. Emery is now finally able to win games again, now that they play back in the old region I grew up with.
Saturday morning we drove back up to Lehi for Tyler's birthday party. We stopped at Home Base and got come cement blocks to do some landscaping between the driveway and the new shed. We need to terrace the slope so that the water doesn't melt and run into the shed. I guess Dad and I will be working to get that done as soon as possible because a storm is supposed to be coming this week.
The party for Tyler was so fun! We got there early and enjoyed playing with Tyler and visiting with Nancy and Dallas. I was hungry and ate too many chips before dinner, shame on me! We ate good hamburgers, salads, chips, cake, and had good company. Tyler loved all his new gifts and the kids had fun playing. I could just sit and watch my grandchildren playing all day. Makes for a wonderful day.
Sunday was a very needed resting day. I am always thankful for a nice quiet day to rest and get caught up with things. We even ate leftover soup so we didn't have to cook anything. It was a great day.
Today....back to school. We only have three days because of UEA this week. We are going up for the classes. It has been several years since I have attended, and I need a shot in the arm on new things to add to my classroom. Dad said he will plan something with the kids, after he gets a few hours of sleeping in. We need to be home on Friday night for Josh Sharp's wedding reception, and a birthday celebration for someone here at work. We are looking forward to General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. We are hoping to be able to get the landscaping done, or at least started on Saturay before and after sessions of conference. This will be the first conference in 3 years that I have not been off to math classes. I am looking forward to sitting, crocheting, and watching conference.

Happy Birthday, Tyler

***Note--For some reason I can not access my photos from my school computer to put in this blog. I can get them up on my computer but the drive can't be accessed through blogger.com. I'm done with trying. Got work to do. Sorry, no pictures until my home computer comes back.
What a miracle! Four years later and skill going strong! Four years ago our little Tyler was born. We were so scared when we got the phone call late that night, because he wasn't due until Christmas. We hurried into our clothes, said a quick prayer, and headed up to SLC, Tammy coming along with us. When we drove past UVU we got the call that a little boy had been born. The rest is history. Today Tyler is a growing, happy boy (sometimes happy according to his mother:)He loves to throw balls, play with blocks, look at books, and roll in the grass, now that he lives he lives back in Utah where there is grass instead of in Arizona. We are so proud of the advances he is making. He is learning to communicate in his own special way. We love him so much and are thankful for the patience he is teaching us, the unconditional love he gives us, and the special spirit we see in him.
I have some pictures of him I would like to post, but they are on my other computer (still in the shop), and on my school computer. When I get to school and have a few minutes I will load them here. In the meantime, we love you Tyler, and happy birthday!

Dad's Maiden Voyage

Garth has been looking for a float-tube for a long time, but we didn't want to put out the money for one. Call us cheap, I guess. But a few weeks ago he was told there was one advertised on KSL.com Classified and it was located in Spring Glen. It was at a better than basement bargain price, so he called and was told to come over and see it. It turned out the owner had purchased some other toys and needed the garage space for storage. He said he got it from a member of his family and had never used it. It was brand new, with a motor, oars, and everything, except the battery. It was a very good deal and he made the purchase. A few days later he was given a battery from his friend the battery man, so he was able to come out with a sweet bargain. We drove up to Pete's Hole and took it out for his first experience. There was a fisherman nearby who was as excited about the boat as Garth was. He helped him get it into the water, gave him a few pointers and Garth was off! I was glad he had something he has wanted for so long.

This video was an accident. I didn't know it was being taken as a video. My comment about the bikers leaving: When we got to Pete's there were 25 4-wheelers lined up along the dam, meaning about 35-40 people fishing. Didn't leave many fish for us, but as you can see, Garth did get one. Add that to the one the next weekend and we had a good meal of trout.

September 11

It was one of those times you remember where you were and what you were doing. One of those times you will never forget. One of those times when you tear up by simply thinking about it, contemplating all the events around that day. All the emotions come flooding back. All the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I know I am writing this on September 10, but my home computer is not working, so I am writing this at school before I leave to go home. I am sure you understand that tomorrow I'll be too busy to write before the day is over. Indulge me for a bit.

Do you realize that the students I have this year were less than one year old in 2001? They have no memory of that day. It is up to us to teach them the importance of that tragic day in history. What will we teach them?

I always turn on the TV and watch the morning news. I heard the "Breaking News" announcement coming on and I stopped to hear what the big news happened to be. I sat at the bottom of my bed to watch as they showed the first tower with smoke billowing out. I listened to the news anchors try to describe what little they knew. Everyone was guessing on the cause and wondering just what was happening. As I watched, the camera was focusing on the towers. Suddenly you could see another plan flying nearby. I, really WE, watched it as it turned and headed toward the second tower! I remember placing my hand over my mouth and gasping. My thoughts were, "Who is making that big mistake?" I was thinking that the radar tower that directs the planes was making mistakes and sending the planes in the wrong directions. The news anchors were so horrified, speechless, and confounded. Words could not describe the emotions. I called to my husband to come in and watch. It was too horrific to even thing about what was happening.
I tried to get myself ready for school, to continue on with what had to happen. We turned on the TV in the living room so we could hear while we ate breakfast. By then I was thinking "Who is attacking us?" What is going on?
I don't remember exactly when the third plane hit the Pentagon. Was it after the collapse of the towers? My mind gets muddled up with the details.
I always felt upset at myself for not taking the time to call each of my children that morning. But they each called me, so we did touch base. I should have called them and let them know I was thinking of them, wanting them near while our world was falling apart. But I was just walking around, doing what I needed to do in survivor mode. I know I won't let that happen again if, heaven forbid, something like this happens again.
I knew I wouldn't turn on the TV in my classroom because I didn't want my students to be subjected to the horror of the day. But they came in with the knowledge of what happened. They were excited to talk about it, acting as all children do. It was pretty "neat" for them to watch the plane hit the building. They thought it was cool how the plane nearly came right through the tower. They just didn't have the background knowledge that there were real people in the building who no longer existed.
I remember running up to the faculty room after I got the students busy, hearing up-dates, going back to class for a few minutes, running back up. Not soon enough recess started and all the kids went outside to play. I raced back to the faculty room and joined the others as we watched the events again. We were watching as the first tower fell, speechless again. What horror, what anguish we felt. We cried and sobbed together, watching those people running away.
As the day progressed along and we tried to keep students busy, it was just a surreal feeling of doom, terror, and fright. What was happening in our world? By the end of the day, flags were flying everywhere. Our country was in turmoil, but we knew our country would survive and fight back. We knew we would show our strength, the strength of our people, joined in an unknown cause.
The TV didn't go off in our home for most of the night. We were glued to the events of the day.
As a famous author said "It was the best of times....(we joined together as a country, showing our true patriotic colors of red, what, and blue), it was the worst of times....... Pray that we don't have to experience any more terrorism on our own soil.

The End of an Era

As most of you know, Brother Law has been our home teacher for all the years we have lived in this ward, about 20 years. When the ward boundaries were changed one block south, we were moved to the Second Ward and he was assigned as our home teacher. We were blessed with his visits every month. I bet it doesn't take even five fingers to count the months he has missed. Except for those mission months. His companion, Ted, came without Bro. Law. Ted came with his wife Fae, or Al Lemons, or Dixon Peacock, but still came every month. Brother Law is still coming faithfully with Jae Hanson as his companion now. We have all grown old together. Our children grew up and out of the home, off onto their own lives. We have stopped kneeling down for prayer together because of our "old, but new" knees, and Bro. Law's age, but we still pray together. It is such a comfort to hear him pray for our family. We know we can call on him at any time. Since his health is beginning to worsen, we are concerned about his driving here, walking up the steps, and all the things that are now getting so difficult for him. But he is still a faithful home teacher. We laugh when he says if there is anything he can do, just let him know! We laugh because we all know there isn't much he can physically do for us, but he sure buoy's us up spiritually.
Bro. Law as served as the stake patriarch for many years. I'm not sure exactly when he was called to that position, but he has given several of our children their special blessings. Today in church, it was announced that a new stake patriarch has been called, Brother David Thompson from Castle Dale. I noticed the tears in Bro. and Sister Law's eyes. I am sure it has been difficult for him to give blessings lately. His hands shake so much, and his legs are weak, but his spirit is strong. I don't know if he will be giving blessings any more, but he will always be a patriarch. He was not released because it is a calling for life. He is a wonderful man.
My children had "Coach Thompson" for classes in the junior high school. He always asks about them by name, asking where they are and what they are doing. I know Nicky saw him several times while she worked at the care center where his mother lived. Coach has gone through some hard times in the past few years, the sudden death of his son was probably the hardest for his family. He has served as a high councilor for several years. I remember the last time he spoke in our ward I was really impressed with his message. He seemed so sincere and loving. I am sure he will be blessed with the spirit as he is called to give patriarchal blessings to the members of the stake.
Is it the end of an era? In a way. I can't remember a time in my life when the stake patriarch hasn't lived in Orangeville. The patriarchs I remember are Hal Cox, Roger Curtis, Harry Snow, and Ruane Law. There may have been some others but I don't recall any. Just a little bit of trivia.

#200

I just saw that this will be post number 200. Not much of a milestone, but at least something to think about.

Yesterday was a great family day. The extended Olsen family met at the city park and enjoyed good food and good company. I enjoyed just visiting with family again. I felt bad that by the time I worked my way around the crowd my sister Linda was on her way out. I didn't get to talk with her as much as I would have liked. Sorry, Linda! Seems like that is always happening to me, missing out on her fun conversations. But.....I did enjoy my visit with Sharon, Carol, Kelly Peacock, and Rolene. I missed talking with Kelly Olsen as well. There just wasn't enough time before everyone scattered. Thanks to everyone for the nice day.



This is my Uncle Royce and Aunt Barbara, my mom's older brother and sister. This picture could be a picture of Grandpa and Grandma Olsen themselves. Uncle Royce looks like my memory of Grandpa (a leaner version), and Aunt Barbara is a lot like Grandma Olsen. (Hugging Aunt Barbara is as close to hugging my mom as I can get right now.) They are such special people, always making me feel important and loved. I love them so much and truly appreciate their friendship and care for me and my family.


Dad, Uncle Royce, Aunt Lorene, Aunt Barbara, and Uncle Jim. The parents of the next generation of Olsen children. What wonderful people they are. They are great examples to each of us, such strong, hard-working parents.


Here are the cousins that were able to be here. We are missing Scott Peacock and Wayne Olsen, but it is always unlikely to have a chance to have everyone in one place at the same time. We took a quick count and decided there are close to 128 descendants of Neldon and Melva Olsen, give or take a few that we might have miscounted. Not bad for a young couple from Ferron and Emery living in the little town of Moore. I'm not sure just how many we had there at the reunion yesterday, but it was a nice crowd. We took pictures of two more generations but without permission to post them here, I will just let you know they are all the cutest kids there. I'm partial to my children being the cutest of all, but they weren't there, so the kids that were there are the cutest there. Understand?

So, thanks, cousins, for the great day and good conversations.

On a personal note, Garth did get to Arizona safely and is enjoying playing with Tyler. I have talked with him several times so I'm not so lonely. Barrett also called me to keep me company, so that was nice. I enjoy visiting with him so much, and hearing the kids and Chantel in the background. I am planning on getting ready for church next, going all by myself.....strange. Then having a quiet afternoon at home, reading, doing some lesson plans, maybe napping, crocheting, just whatever I want. I do have a meeting at 6:00, but just a short one. A lazy Sunday afternoon.
Have a great trip, Nicky. Give Tyler a hug for me. Tammy, I hope your day goes better today, although I don't know what happened yesterday to make it a "yucky day" as you said on Facebook. Let me know what is going on! I miss our conversations and since I never know when you are working I don't know when to call. Hope you have a good day

Weekend

This is a much needed weekend. The first week of school is very hard. By Friday we were all dragging. Getting that stamina built up takes a lot of work. All in all, the week went very well. My class of 23 seems like heaven sent after having such large classes the past few years. I really notice that this year has started out a bit different from the past years. This year's class was all together in second grade and it makes a difference for me in third grade. In the past, the grades have been split into two classes and put together in third grade. This creates a problem of bringing them together for the first time. They have always seemed to be so rowdy and busy with more friends to visit with and more distractions to get used to. It has always make it very difficult to get down to learning. But last year this class was all together, so they are used to being together as a group. I can't believe the difference it makes. We are actually acting as a class the first week of school, and not like we are having a big birthday party all day long. It is wonderful. If the public doesn't believe how much a simple change like that makes in the education of a child, I could sure give them a lecture about it.

Today is the Olsen family reunion. I don't know how many people are coming but I am happy for the time to just sit and visit with "old" relatives. When we were younger we spent so much time together as a family. We would go to Grandma and Grandpa's in Moore for Sunday dinner. I have such fond memories of playing in the yard and the barnyard, in the milk house with Grandpa, making houses out of hay bales, playing on the front porch, closing all the doors to the hallway and being in the dark, playing with the wood chest of old medicine bottles. Sitting at the kitchen table looking out the big windows through the screened-in porch. Of course, playing in the post office. What geat memories. Christmas was spent going to each family (Wow, all two of them!) Thanksgiving with cousins all sitting at the kids table. Hot rolls, carrot pudding (which I still don't like but I love the family tradition of having it) Playing Andy I Over with the ball being thrown over the house. What fun we created for ourselves.

Garth will be leaving around 2:00 to catch his plane to Arizona. He will be helping Nancy, Dallas, and Tyler pack up and move back to Utah. My prayers are with him as he travels alone. I know I wouldn't like being alone in the airport but he is a big boy and can take care of himself :) I worry about him driving alone. I think he needs me to sleep beside him. My snoring keeps him awake! OK, I admit I sleep when he drives. But sometimes I am awake! They will probably get to Lehi Tuesday morning. I will be lonely here alone without him, but I have plenty to do to keep myself busy. I won't get bored from lack of things to do. But I'm not excited about three nights alone. It all makes me appreciate him even more.

Right now I can hear that he has gone outside and is already mowing the lawn. We are at the point where we can go a week without mowing and it isn't too overgrown. I guess that means fall is coming. Garth is such a wonderful person to keep the yard looking good. It is sure getting tougher for him with his bad back lately. He is going to Scott to get help with exercises to relieve the pain in his back, and it is helping a lot. He is just such a hard worker, never lets up until he collapses into bed. He was cleaning an apartment last night until 9:00, after putting in his hours at the school and more time at J&D Automotive. A full-time job, a part-time job, and his own business on the side. He is a marvel and I love him so much.

I'm off to get myself ready for the day.

Birthday Week

The last week of August is filled with family birthday memories for me. Yesterday, August 25, was my mom's birthday. I wrote a long post last year about her, so if you want to learn more, please look it up. I miss her and wish I could tell her happy birthday. I had good intentions to celebrate her special day, but as usual, the day was so busy with school starting that I didn't even get up to the cemetery at all. And perhaps that is the way she would want it to be, keeping myself busy instead of dwelling on missing her. Although I am sure she knows I was thinking about her a lot during the day. Her birthday has always been synonomous with the start of a new school year.

Along with my mom's birthday, it is the birthday of my nephew Todd. I pray that he can have as good a birthday as possible. I have been thinking of him as well and hope he feels my happy birthday wishes for him, and knows I am thinking about him.

Today is my little Nancy's birthday. She is busy in Arizona getting all her belongs packed and ready for the move back to Utah. We are excited to have them back home and closer to us so we can see them, but especially Tyler, more often. However, I will miss the trips to warm Arizona. I guess we won't be there this October. And I only got to shop at Catherine's once. Oh, well. It was a great two year experience. Hope you have a happy day and eat all the shrimp scampi you can get! (See, I already read your blog and facebook!)

Another special birthday is my Grandmother Olsen's on August 28. I have great memories of fun birthday picnics in Ferron Canyon the weekend school starts, as we celebrated her birthday. I remember playing in the river and eating watermelon. Later, when she moved to Orangeville and we didn't seem to take the time to go up the canyon, we all met at her little house and celebrated on the front lawn. Great memories of family and cousins sharing her special day with her. This year we are getting together again, the Olsen family, for a family reunion in Orangeville. Not many of my own family will be there, really just little old me! Garth will be there for a little bit, but he is flying off to Arizona to help Nancy and Dallas drive all their stuff back home. Of course Nancy, Dallas, and Tyler won't be there. Barrett, Chantel, Morgan, and Max are in Missouri; Tammy, Josh, Lexi, Kayden, and Koy will be in Salt Lake because work keeps them busy; Nicky will be in Salt Lake but is getting ready to fly to Arizona on Sunday to help the movers. But I will be there and hope to have a fun day visiting with family. I am looking forward to talking with them all. I missed some special family occasions earlier this summer, so I am glad to be able to be to this. Although I feel guilty about not helping Nancy move. (The helping Nancy, not the moving part!) But with school just starting it is too difficult to miss a few days already, and face it, what good would I be there? Maybe just to keep Garth awake while he is on the road.

Anyway, happy birthday to everyone!