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.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
#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
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
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Summer is Over
Today is the last day of summer vacation and I will be spending it getting things finished up in my classroom, of course. This has been a beautiful summer with perfect weather, except for the cooler June which got summer off to a slow start. I wish we had a few more weeks. Hopefully it won't be too hot for the classroom and we can have a wonderful autumn.
I have been doing some reading in "The Book of Mormon Made Easier" by David Ridges. I don't really have comprehension problems, but his commentaries help me remember the events that have happened to get the scriptures to the point of each chapter. And the bolding of words and concepts helps me center my thoughts on what is important. I remember one time Josh saying that he sometimes struggled with comprehending or understanding exactly what was important in each chapter. I think this book would be a great help to others who have the same problem. It takes three books in the series to get through the entire Book of Mormon, but it really does help with deeper understanding. I have recognized the great mission of the Sons of Mosiah with their missionary efforts and what they went through during those 14 years. My eyes have really been opened and I can't wait for the morning to read another chapter. One chapter at a time helps me concentrate with all the helps Bro. Ridges gives.
For my family outside of Utah, or inside for that matter, this Sunday will be a very different Sunday for many of us. I don't ever recall a Sunday when we are excused from attending Sacrament Meeting. In fact, there will be no Sacrament Meeting or Sunday School, or any other meeting of the traditional block schedule. Instead, we are meeting for the dedication of the Oqquirah Temple (Just how do you spell that word?) The new temple in South Jordan. With our stake center closed for remodeling, the two Castle Dale wards are attending meetings in the Orangeville Wardhouse and the 8th North building, so we have three wards in each building. The dedication sessions are at 9:00 am in both buildings, and another one at 3:00 in our building. This will enable families to attend a session and have baby-sitters available. You need a current temple recommend or a special recommend for the temple dedication only. Anyone 8 or older is invited to attending after getting the required recommend. Doors to the building will be locked at 8:30. With three wards in our building I am assuming it will be very crowded, so we will be there bright and early with our white hankies. I only remember being to the dedication of the Winter Quarters Temple, or was it the Nauvoo Temple? But it was in the afternoon and we still had sacrament meeting. We didn't skip the meetings for the dedication of the Draper Temple so this is a little bit different. Should make for a very nice Sunday afternoon.
Hope you all have a great day!
I have been doing some reading in "The Book of Mormon Made Easier" by David Ridges. I don't really have comprehension problems, but his commentaries help me remember the events that have happened to get the scriptures to the point of each chapter. And the bolding of words and concepts helps me center my thoughts on what is important. I remember one time Josh saying that he sometimes struggled with comprehending or understanding exactly what was important in each chapter. I think this book would be a great help to others who have the same problem. It takes three books in the series to get through the entire Book of Mormon, but it really does help with deeper understanding. I have recognized the great mission of the Sons of Mosiah with their missionary efforts and what they went through during those 14 years. My eyes have really been opened and I can't wait for the morning to read another chapter. One chapter at a time helps me concentrate with all the helps Bro. Ridges gives.
For my family outside of Utah, or inside for that matter, this Sunday will be a very different Sunday for many of us. I don't ever recall a Sunday when we are excused from attending Sacrament Meeting. In fact, there will be no Sacrament Meeting or Sunday School, or any other meeting of the traditional block schedule. Instead, we are meeting for the dedication of the Oqquirah Temple (Just how do you spell that word?) The new temple in South Jordan. With our stake center closed for remodeling, the two Castle Dale wards are attending meetings in the Orangeville Wardhouse and the 8th North building, so we have three wards in each building. The dedication sessions are at 9:00 am in both buildings, and another one at 3:00 in our building. This will enable families to attend a session and have baby-sitters available. You need a current temple recommend or a special recommend for the temple dedication only. Anyone 8 or older is invited to attending after getting the required recommend. Doors to the building will be locked at 8:30. With three wards in our building I am assuming it will be very crowded, so we will be there bright and early with our white hankies. I only remember being to the dedication of the Winter Quarters Temple, or was it the Nauvoo Temple? But it was in the afternoon and we still had sacrament meeting. We didn't skip the meetings for the dedication of the Draper Temple so this is a little bit different. Should make for a very nice Sunday afternoon.
Hope you all have a great day!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Happy Anniversary to Us
Yesterday was the 32 anniversary of our wedding day. I chose not to post anything yesterday because I wanted to spend as much time with my husband as I could, which really wasn't much until just after 5:00 pm when we both got off work. We had a great dinner in the wonderful city of Price. We had two new eating establishments to choose to visit. Amazingly, both had waiting lines. Wingers finally won out because the line was shorter. The food was very good and we enjoyed out time together. The noise level was a bit high, but after 32 years we don't have much to say to each other. What I mean is, we read each others thoughts and we can communicate with just a look. So we ate, tried to yell at each other (not really), and enjoyed our time together. After dinner we took the obligatory trip to Walmart. Time to stock up on frozen dinners for lunchtime, picked up a few more school supplies, some other odd-n-ends, and came home by 9:00.
I am so blessed with such a great husband and father to my children. He has honestly been my best friends for 32 years. He is the one I choose to spend my social time with, my down-time, the "I want to be alone" time. Since we are empty-nesters we have lots of time together, but never enough. He helps me in my classroom, and does everything around the house. I love him with all my heart. These years have been very trying at times, but with his support they have been wonderful years. It hasn't been trying because of our relationship, just with life in general. For some reason we always seem to be put through a test of endurance. I wonder who thought that up? And why did we agree to being tested? Beats the heck out of me! I am just glad I have my wonderful husband beside me to help me through the test. Can't say I'm passing the test, but at least I have someone there to help me with the answers.
I love you, sweetie!
I am so blessed with such a great husband and father to my children. He has honestly been my best friends for 32 years. He is the one I choose to spend my social time with, my down-time, the "I want to be alone" time. Since we are empty-nesters we have lots of time together, but never enough. He helps me in my classroom, and does everything around the house. I love him with all my heart. These years have been very trying at times, but with his support they have been wonderful years. It hasn't been trying because of our relationship, just with life in general. For some reason we always seem to be put through a test of endurance. I wonder who thought that up? And why did we agree to being tested? Beats the heck out of me! I am just glad I have my wonderful husband beside me to help me through the test. Can't say I'm passing the test, but at least I have someone there to help me with the answers.
I love you, sweetie!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Just Rambling
I've been up since 5:00 am this morning, went to help Garth at Alco at 6:00, got back at 8:00 and now it is almost 9:00. I need to get going on the "real" things for the day.
Here are a few things running around in my head:
1. What is wrong with my camera? I took pictures at the Labrum family reunion that ended up just big white squares. What was wrong? And then, I took pictures of Lexi, Kayden, and Koy at the swimming pool and they are just big black squares. What is happening? I guess I need to dig out the manual and do some trouble shooting. Maybe trouble "shooting" will bring big colorful squares.
2. I thought I was going to get my house dejunked this summer but I guess not. Why can't I get up the energy to do a little bit each day when I get home from school?
3. Maybe I need to get home from school earlier. But now I had tried to add an hour of exercise down at Scott's, so that makes it even more difficult to get someone done at home. Getting up an hour earlier isn't an option because I am already up at 4:30 on school days.
4. My schedule will be changing some because Garth won't be going to work until 6:00 unless it is a snow day. At least we will be able to read our scriptures together. But what about the other stuff I do in the early mornings? When will I get my hour of handwork done? I still like to do that so I get something accomplished. How do I fit it all in within 24 hours? It isn't that I am constantly on the go, just that I take longer to get little things done than most people.
5. I need to finish up my classroom today. No matter what I do it still looks junked up. What do I do with the junk in the cubbies? I don't use it all the time, but want it available when I do need it. Why do I value having "stuff" around?
6. We got most of the boxes out of the storage unit and into our new shed. Lexie sure loved playing "beauty shop" in the shed this weekend. It is a great playhouse. Hopefully it won't get too full of junk. By the way, Barrett wins the prize for the least amount of boxes left at Mom and Dad's. He only has one box of personal old valuables. Nancy wins the prize for the most. I won't say how many HALF boxes there are. I am sure she will be able to throw most of them away. Do you really still need your planning book from your mission? There are some valuables from everyone, but they sure do need to be gone through. We don't mind storing them now that we don't have to pay someone else for it, but I bet we can get rid of some so I can bring my old stuff out of the basement and into to the shed......., no, the garbage as well.
7. I lost two pounds the past two weeks, but gained it back this weekend. I just had to finish up the candied popcorn, couldn't throw it away. Back to Scott's for more exercise, drinking more water, and counting the calories. But I am feeling better than I have in years. Breathing is good as long as I have that medicine. I will taper down to 5mg starting next week to see how it goes.
8. We ordered new glasses and contacts this past week. My contacts have come down so far in price from years ago! I as so surprised! I used to pay about $400 a pair for the gas permiables. This year is only $130. I couldn't believe it!
9. I need to sign my contract and get it over to the district office by Friday.
10. I need to get going!
Here are a few things running around in my head:
1. What is wrong with my camera? I took pictures at the Labrum family reunion that ended up just big white squares. What was wrong? And then, I took pictures of Lexi, Kayden, and Koy at the swimming pool and they are just big black squares. What is happening? I guess I need to dig out the manual and do some trouble shooting. Maybe trouble "shooting" will bring big colorful squares.
2. I thought I was going to get my house dejunked this summer but I guess not. Why can't I get up the energy to do a little bit each day when I get home from school?
3. Maybe I need to get home from school earlier. But now I had tried to add an hour of exercise down at Scott's, so that makes it even more difficult to get someone done at home. Getting up an hour earlier isn't an option because I am already up at 4:30 on school days.
4. My schedule will be changing some because Garth won't be going to work until 6:00 unless it is a snow day. At least we will be able to read our scriptures together. But what about the other stuff I do in the early mornings? When will I get my hour of handwork done? I still like to do that so I get something accomplished. How do I fit it all in within 24 hours? It isn't that I am constantly on the go, just that I take longer to get little things done than most people.
5. I need to finish up my classroom today. No matter what I do it still looks junked up. What do I do with the junk in the cubbies? I don't use it all the time, but want it available when I do need it. Why do I value having "stuff" around?
6. We got most of the boxes out of the storage unit and into our new shed. Lexie sure loved playing "beauty shop" in the shed this weekend. It is a great playhouse. Hopefully it won't get too full of junk. By the way, Barrett wins the prize for the least amount of boxes left at Mom and Dad's. He only has one box of personal old valuables. Nancy wins the prize for the most. I won't say how many HALF boxes there are. I am sure she will be able to throw most of them away. Do you really still need your planning book from your mission? There are some valuables from everyone, but they sure do need to be gone through. We don't mind storing them now that we don't have to pay someone else for it, but I bet we can get rid of some so I can bring my old stuff out of the basement and into to the shed......., no, the garbage as well.
7. I lost two pounds the past two weeks, but gained it back this weekend. I just had to finish up the candied popcorn, couldn't throw it away. Back to Scott's for more exercise, drinking more water, and counting the calories. But I am feeling better than I have in years. Breathing is good as long as I have that medicine. I will taper down to 5mg starting next week to see how it goes.
8. We ordered new glasses and contacts this past week. My contacts have come down so far in price from years ago! I as so surprised! I used to pay about $400 a pair for the gas permiables. This year is only $130. I couldn't believe it!
9. I need to sign my contract and get it over to the district office by Friday.
10. I need to get going!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Where did the summer go?
It is early Saturday morning and I finally gave up on sleeping. I'm just doing some computer cleaning-up activities, wondering where the summer went. June was busy with Dad in the hospitals (yes, plural), Nancy and Tyler here for a few days, then off to Missouri, a day with grandkids in SLC, then just trying to get things done around the house and yard. Garth was busy building a large shed in the area that once was our garden spot. I had to move all the stuff out of my classroom at the end of May, then back into the classroom in July, so getting things back into working order has been time consuming. Now it feels like autumn is in the air, the morning air is quite cool and brisk, but I love it. The days aren't so hot you can't stand it, and dark comes before 9:00 pm. I do believe summer is winding down.
This past week I spent three days in my classroom assessing my students. Some people think I am a bit crazy doing this before school starts, but I enjoy it. I remember back several years ago when we were first asked to do formal reading assessments for each student. It takes time to sit with each child, listen to their reading, assess what their strengths and weaknesses are, learn exactly where their reading level is, and do all the other things necessary for teaching them at the level that is beneficial to them. Since it takes time for each student, that means time away from the group of students, leaving them to work on their own, or just do activities that they can on their own. I didn't like listening to one student and leaving the rest of the class on their own. For one thing, it isn't a good use of their time. Students are in school to learn, not just keep busy for three-five days while the teacher spends one-on-one time with each student. We could ask for a substitute for the class to keep them organized and busy, but that is just more work for me to get ready for the substitute, and then one day usually wasn't enough, so a substitute could stretch into more days, which isn't for the good of the kids. Not a wise exchange for 15-20 minutes of un-interrupted time with the teacher, in my opinion. So I decided a few years ago that I would schedule 30 minutes of time for each child before school started and have all my attention given to each student during that time. I love it. I get a few minutes to talk with each child about their activities during the summer, get to know them just a little bit better, actually associate a name with a face so I can identify them on the first day of school. I listen to them read, watch them as they try to spell difficult words, and learn so much about their reading and word knowledge. It is fun to watch them decide if there is a silent e at the end of the word, or if they are so confident on all the spellings of such big words, even though they are way off! It is great to see how they attach words in their reading without worrying if another student is attacking their neighbor back in the classroom! I got 17 out of 25 students assessed, so I feel really good about that. One mother told me her son was so excited to come to school to spend time with his teacher all my himself. He was as excited as the first day of school. That really makes me feel great, that perhaps the students are a little bit more at ease and excited to come to school. They are a cute bunch of kids and I am looking forward to this next year.
Yesterday we drove to SLC for eye exams and then picked up Tammy's kids to bring them here for the weekend. It was so good to hear kids laughing in the yard again. They couldn't wait to get on the trampoline, ride the "4-riders", play in the sand, and just be kids. Lexi thought she needed a crib for her baby dolls, so Grandpa got out some scrape wood from the shed, along with his saw, and built her two little cradles, just the right size for our old dolls. She was in heaven, and now we have two cradles, one for her and one for Morgan, to put the babies to sleep in. We played with play-dough, ate waffles, drank pink milk, and said our prayers. Then played musical beds all night. Right now Koy is on the hide-a-bed, Lexi stayed on the love seat, Kayden is in his third bed along with Garth in the extra bedroom, and I am sitting here listening to them all snore. What fun! Today we will work on cleaning out the storage unit and arranging things into the shed, if Lexi will allow us to move around in her play house. (She has swept it all out and loves to be in there.) I am sure we will keep busy on the tramp, riding the John Deere tractor up and down the drive-way, shooting the bad guys hiding in the trees, and just being kids. We look forward to days when more of our grandchildren can be close enough to spend more time at Grandpa and Grandma's house each summer.
Next week we have our first faculty meeting, our anniversary, and then, summer will be gone. Kind of sad, but a good start to a new school year.
This past week I spent three days in my classroom assessing my students. Some people think I am a bit crazy doing this before school starts, but I enjoy it. I remember back several years ago when we were first asked to do formal reading assessments for each student. It takes time to sit with each child, listen to their reading, assess what their strengths and weaknesses are, learn exactly where their reading level is, and do all the other things necessary for teaching them at the level that is beneficial to them. Since it takes time for each student, that means time away from the group of students, leaving them to work on their own, or just do activities that they can on their own. I didn't like listening to one student and leaving the rest of the class on their own. For one thing, it isn't a good use of their time. Students are in school to learn, not just keep busy for three-five days while the teacher spends one-on-one time with each student. We could ask for a substitute for the class to keep them organized and busy, but that is just more work for me to get ready for the substitute, and then one day usually wasn't enough, so a substitute could stretch into more days, which isn't for the good of the kids. Not a wise exchange for 15-20 minutes of un-interrupted time with the teacher, in my opinion. So I decided a few years ago that I would schedule 30 minutes of time for each child before school started and have all my attention given to each student during that time. I love it. I get a few minutes to talk with each child about their activities during the summer, get to know them just a little bit better, actually associate a name with a face so I can identify them on the first day of school. I listen to them read, watch them as they try to spell difficult words, and learn so much about their reading and word knowledge. It is fun to watch them decide if there is a silent e at the end of the word, or if they are so confident on all the spellings of such big words, even though they are way off! It is great to see how they attach words in their reading without worrying if another student is attacking their neighbor back in the classroom! I got 17 out of 25 students assessed, so I feel really good about that. One mother told me her son was so excited to come to school to spend time with his teacher all my himself. He was as excited as the first day of school. That really makes me feel great, that perhaps the students are a little bit more at ease and excited to come to school. They are a cute bunch of kids and I am looking forward to this next year.
Yesterday we drove to SLC for eye exams and then picked up Tammy's kids to bring them here for the weekend. It was so good to hear kids laughing in the yard again. They couldn't wait to get on the trampoline, ride the "4-riders", play in the sand, and just be kids. Lexi thought she needed a crib for her baby dolls, so Grandpa got out some scrape wood from the shed, along with his saw, and built her two little cradles, just the right size for our old dolls. She was in heaven, and now we have two cradles, one for her and one for Morgan, to put the babies to sleep in. We played with play-dough, ate waffles, drank pink milk, and said our prayers. Then played musical beds all night. Right now Koy is on the hide-a-bed, Lexi stayed on the love seat, Kayden is in his third bed along with Garth in the extra bedroom, and I am sitting here listening to them all snore. What fun! Today we will work on cleaning out the storage unit and arranging things into the shed, if Lexi will allow us to move around in her play house. (She has swept it all out and loves to be in there.) I am sure we will keep busy on the tramp, riding the John Deere tractor up and down the drive-way, shooting the bad guys hiding in the trees, and just being kids. We look forward to days when more of our grandchildren can be close enough to spend more time at Grandpa and Grandma's house each summer.
Next week we have our first faculty meeting, our anniversary, and then, summer will be gone. Kind of sad, but a good start to a new school year.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Another Thought
Strange, I know. Two posts on the same morning, but my mind is working overtime. Don't forget that tonight is the high point of the Perseids meteor shower, the best of the year. If you want to see lots of shooting points of light stay up late or wake up early. (Unless you are Garth and are always up early.) It will peak around 12:00 midnight but you will see meteors before and after until the sun comes up. I understand you need to look in the northeastern sky just above the horizon to see the full start, but I am sure the shooting stars will be all over the sky. You can find lots about them on astronomy websites. The moon will be coming up just before dawn and it might be difficult to see the meteros after that. Anyway, just a few thing to see.
Also, Chantel....I need your recipe for the wonderful chicken tacos we are while in Missouri. Please send it to me so I can make some of those mouth-watering bites. Thanks so much!
Also, Chantel....I need your recipe for the wonderful chicken tacos we are while in Missouri. Please send it to me so I can make some of those mouth-watering bites. Thanks so much!
Another Day, Another Way
As I get ready for the school year to begin, I again see that people do things so differently. Who is to say which way is best? Isn't it just that we choose what works for us? I constantly hear people telling me, "You spend too much time at school" or other similar comments. Isn't it my own business how I want to spend my time? I know that it takes me longer to get things done. I allow myself to get distracted by little things. I can't file away papers without looking through each one. I can't help but stop and read everything. I jump from one task to another all the time, sometimes not really accomplishing what I set out to do. I know this is how I am, and I accommodate for it. I'm not one who can just jump in and get it done quickly. At most things, anyway. That is just who I am.
So it made me think about a post I read from a blogger who I don't know at all, but I read her blog daily. She is from Smithfield and has a wonderful, uplifting blog. She accomplishes so much during the day that I get tired just reading what she has done and still wants to do. She is amazing. I used to think I would like to meet her in person, but now I think not. (Really, I would!) There really can't be anyone that organized. She is always seeing the bright side of everything. And then I realized that perhaps that is just what she is trying to see, looking for good and not dwelling on the dark side of everything. I need to be more like that. But she really is human. Sometimes I can read the discouragement in some of her posts, her desires for her children, the trials she mentions but doesn't go into details for the world to see. She has her ups and downs, but chooses to look up. Anyway, one post she had from last month expressed my same feelings about whose way is right and whose is wrong. I will attempt to tell it here, then you can check it out yourself. Beware, though, she might hook you, too!
Sophia has a tendency to go to extremes in everything she does. That is, overboard for my standards, but that is the way she is. She is a perfectionist and over-achiever and it works for her. I wish I could be more like that. I don't mean it in a negative way, just trying to explain her so I can understand. She is truly wonderful! She loves to produce parties and enjoys the planning down to the last detail. Her table settings are beautiful (pictures on blog) and her menus are out-of-this-world. She goes so far as to set the table the night before a big dinner party so she can see what needs to be added. She leaves no detail to the last minute.
In July she was part of the planning for her ward's swimming party. They combine activities with a neighboring ward, taking turns hosting the party and being in charge of the details. This year was not her wards turn to be host, so her duty was to help the other planner with whatever needed to be done. She did the advertising for her ward, assigned out the food for their share, and needed to help with the set-up and clean-up. She had a difficult time stepping back and allowing the other person to do their thing. She said she had nightmares for three days worrying that everyone would be waiting for her to arrive with everything. So on the day of the activity she was all prepared to be there bright and early to make sure everything was in order. As she said, "I felt helpless and out of control."
Things were not done as she would have done them. But she learned that it really didn't matter. There was only one butter knife and two steak knives to cut the sub-sandwiches for 350 people. (She would have had them already cut.) No one noticed there were no table coverings or center pieces or welcome banners. No one was there bright and early to get things set-up. The lady from the other ward who was in charge was just very laid back about everything. The problems that came up in the end, she laughed about, solved the problems and went on. It wasn't all strict, prepared ahead of time, and fancy pants. In the end, Sophia realized that the final results and object of the activity was the same: everyone had a good time, enjoyed good food, visited with friends and new people. She said that the next day people probably didn't remember what the tables looked like, or what the menu was, but they will remember that they had a good time.
Yes, we may do things different, with different styles, methods, and points of importance, but if it works for us, why do we let the opinions of others bother us? And why do they think their way is the best way? It shouldn't matter to anyone if I spend time at school. And I shouldn't care if someone else doesn't. Do what works for you. Please don't condemn me if I don't do things that way you would do. Accept me for being me. I don't want to hear, "If I did.....I would do....." or "I think you should do........" Yes, I value your opinion and want suggestions many times, but as an "add-on" to my thoughts, not instead of my ideas. As I learned in a writing class many years ago, suggestions are like gifts, you should kindly take it, then you can decide if you want to act on it, put it on the shelf for later, or throw it away. But it is my decision what to do with it.
I suggest that you read Sophia for a few days if you want to be enlightened on looking on the bright side and seeing how much one person can accomplish in a day. She is an amazing person. The entry from above was posted on July 16, called Share Our Similarities, Celebrate Our Differences.
Just a suggestion.
So it made me think about a post I read from a blogger who I don't know at all, but I read her blog daily. She is from Smithfield and has a wonderful, uplifting blog. She accomplishes so much during the day that I get tired just reading what she has done and still wants to do. She is amazing. I used to think I would like to meet her in person, but now I think not. (Really, I would!) There really can't be anyone that organized. She is always seeing the bright side of everything. And then I realized that perhaps that is just what she is trying to see, looking for good and not dwelling on the dark side of everything. I need to be more like that. But she really is human. Sometimes I can read the discouragement in some of her posts, her desires for her children, the trials she mentions but doesn't go into details for the world to see. She has her ups and downs, but chooses to look up. Anyway, one post she had from last month expressed my same feelings about whose way is right and whose is wrong. I will attempt to tell it here, then you can check it out yourself. Beware, though, she might hook you, too!
Sophia has a tendency to go to extremes in everything she does. That is, overboard for my standards, but that is the way she is. She is a perfectionist and over-achiever and it works for her. I wish I could be more like that. I don't mean it in a negative way, just trying to explain her so I can understand. She is truly wonderful! She loves to produce parties and enjoys the planning down to the last detail. Her table settings are beautiful (pictures on blog) and her menus are out-of-this-world. She goes so far as to set the table the night before a big dinner party so she can see what needs to be added. She leaves no detail to the last minute.
In July she was part of the planning for her ward's swimming party. They combine activities with a neighboring ward, taking turns hosting the party and being in charge of the details. This year was not her wards turn to be host, so her duty was to help the other planner with whatever needed to be done. She did the advertising for her ward, assigned out the food for their share, and needed to help with the set-up and clean-up. She had a difficult time stepping back and allowing the other person to do their thing. She said she had nightmares for three days worrying that everyone would be waiting for her to arrive with everything. So on the day of the activity she was all prepared to be there bright and early to make sure everything was in order. As she said, "I felt helpless and out of control."
Things were not done as she would have done them. But she learned that it really didn't matter. There was only one butter knife and two steak knives to cut the sub-sandwiches for 350 people. (She would have had them already cut.) No one noticed there were no table coverings or center pieces or welcome banners. No one was there bright and early to get things set-up. The lady from the other ward who was in charge was just very laid back about everything. The problems that came up in the end, she laughed about, solved the problems and went on. It wasn't all strict, prepared ahead of time, and fancy pants. In the end, Sophia realized that the final results and object of the activity was the same: everyone had a good time, enjoyed good food, visited with friends and new people. She said that the next day people probably didn't remember what the tables looked like, or what the menu was, but they will remember that they had a good time.
Yes, we may do things different, with different styles, methods, and points of importance, but if it works for us, why do we let the opinions of others bother us? And why do they think their way is the best way? It shouldn't matter to anyone if I spend time at school. And I shouldn't care if someone else doesn't. Do what works for you. Please don't condemn me if I don't do things that way you would do. Accept me for being me. I don't want to hear, "If I did.....I would do....." or "I think you should do........" Yes, I value your opinion and want suggestions many times, but as an "add-on" to my thoughts, not instead of my ideas. As I learned in a writing class many years ago, suggestions are like gifts, you should kindly take it, then you can decide if you want to act on it, put it on the shelf for later, or throw it away. But it is my decision what to do with it.
I suggest that you read Sophia for a few days if you want to be enlightened on looking on the bright side and seeing how much one person can accomplish in a day. She is an amazing person. The entry from above was posted on July 16, called Share Our Similarities, Celebrate Our Differences.
Just a suggestion.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Things to do Today
I think summer is almost over. The air is very crisp and cool this morning, but I sure like it. Since some people think that teachers don't do anything during the summer, I thought I would make a list of things I need to do today.
1. Hair cut at 9:00. (It takes a lot to keep short hair under control.)
2. Work at school. Get desks out to see what I have. (New desks with lift up tops. No more students playing inside desks when they should be listening.)
3. Get everything ready to start pre-testing tomorrow.
4. Make contact with someone to see if we are ready to really sign those contracts or if we are holding back. (I have heard rumors and want to know.)
5. Get to the pharmacy.
6. Go to Alco to pick up a few things.
7. Make phone call to Dr. Walkers office.
8. Check in on my dad.
9. Get some laundry going. (I'll have to wait until Garth can carry it downstairs. I am too short to lift the hamper down the stairs.)
10. Get temple altar cloths to Mrs. Bean to take to the temple this week.
11. Get my exercise in at Pro-Rehab.
12. Everything else that usually gets done each day.
That should just about do it for today. I am sure there are other things but that is the low-down from here. Hope you all have a great day.
(Happy birthday to my sister yesterday!)
1. Hair cut at 9:00. (It takes a lot to keep short hair under control.)
2. Work at school. Get desks out to see what I have. (New desks with lift up tops. No more students playing inside desks when they should be listening.)
3. Get everything ready to start pre-testing tomorrow.
4. Make contact with someone to see if we are ready to really sign those contracts or if we are holding back. (I have heard rumors and want to know.)
5. Get to the pharmacy.
6. Go to Alco to pick up a few things.
7. Make phone call to Dr. Walkers office.
8. Check in on my dad.
9. Get some laundry going. (I'll have to wait until Garth can carry it downstairs. I am too short to lift the hamper down the stairs.)
10. Get temple altar cloths to Mrs. Bean to take to the temple this week.
11. Get my exercise in at Pro-Rehab.
12. Everything else that usually gets done each day.
That should just about do it for today. I am sure there are other things but that is the low-down from here. Hope you all have a great day.
(Happy birthday to my sister yesterday!)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
My Grandchildren
I love this picture of some of my grandchildren at the Living Planet Aquarium. Now that Nancy's family is moving back to Utah it will be a little bit easier to get all six of the grandchildren together at one time. It was next to impossible when two families lived out of state. It is possible that in a few years Barrett's family will return to the state and then we will all once again be within the same borders. In the meantime, we enjoy the grandchildren when we can see them.
Today Garth and I went to the county fair parade all by ourselves. We did get a few Bit-O-Honey bite-sized candy bars to chew on, and it was fun to watch Daphne, Navi, Brogan, and Marcus race for candy. Now we are going to work on the end of the shed so we can begin cleaning out the storage unit and save that money each month. Hopefully, it will be a productive day.
Today Garth and I went to the county fair parade all by ourselves. We did get a few Bit-O-Honey bite-sized candy bars to chew on, and it was fun to watch Daphne, Navi, Brogan, and Marcus race for candy. Now we are going to work on the end of the shed so we can begin cleaning out the storage unit and save that money each month. Hopefully, it will be a productive day.