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!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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!
Monday, October 26, 2009
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!
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!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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!
Monday, October 12, 2009
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.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
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!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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.
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.