(Click on the picture to enlarge.)
Left to right:
Tami Rasmussen, Ruanne Ware, LaNean Luke being held by Kaye Luke, Lori (me!), Sandra Rasmussen, Linda Ware
Aren't we all so cute!
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Fun Photo
My niece, Chelsie, has been posting some old family pictures for all of us to see. I was looking through some this morning and came across this really cute picture. I wanted to share it, especially with Sandra. Sandra and I both know we have been friends since forever, and this just goes to show it is true. I remember the summers our families went camping together. It might have lasted only a few years, probably less than 5-7 years, if even that much. I really liked these camps because with the Rasmussens and the Lukes I have girl friends. When we went camping with the Olsen family, everyone had girl cousins their age but me (Julie, but she was the baby and only crawled around). I only had boy cousins my age. But with the Rasmussens and Luke I had Sandra and Kaye, as well as Tami Sorry, Tami, I don't recall how you spell your name. I guess my age is showing. So here is a picture of all the girls camping. Notice how much Sandra and I like each other! We are holding hands. How cute!
(Click on the picture to enlarge.)
Left to right:
Tami Rasmussen, Ruanne Ware, LaNean Luke being held by Kaye Luke, Lori (me!), Sandra Rasmussen, Linda Ware
Aren't we all so cute!
(Click on the picture to enlarge.)
Left to right:
Tami Rasmussen, Ruanne Ware, LaNean Luke being held by Kaye Luke, Lori (me!), Sandra Rasmussen, Linda Ware
Aren't we all so cute!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Another Mother's Day............
I read back through my post for last year and decided it says it best so here it is again.
Happy Mothers Day
I want to wish all the Mothers in my world a very happy Mothers Day. Everyone in my world knows my feelings towards Mothers Day, and I am learning that other women share my opinion for many different reasons. But today I want to say how special the moms in my life are.
My mom was just beginning to see the "fruits of her labor" when our Heavenly Father called her home to him. But in my hosrt time as a mother while she was here, she helped me immensely. Her example of a home-maker and friend was priceless. I know I will never able to keep my home as beautiful as she did, or make cookies the way she did. But I hope to be able to love my children as much as she did.......So much for that before I ruin my makeup!
Another special Mom is the mother of my husband. She, too, has left this earthly life, but I was so lucky to know her. There was a time in her life she wondered if she would ever be a mother because her first three children died soon after she gave them birth. But she was blessed with 4 sons and a daughter, and extra-blessed to add 3 more to her family, another daughter and 2 sons, that she helped raise. She is a great example of a hard worker, and very spiritual. I love her for raising such a good son who treats me with the same respect he had for her.
Other special moms are the mothers of my grandchildren. These moms are so special to me. They have all gone through so many trials and difficult times, but the Lord is blessing them with such wonderful children. They each have different parenting styles, talents, and experiences, but they each make it work for their families. I love you all, Tammy, Nancy, and Chantel. Thanks for raising my grandchildren.
I also want to acknowledge the mothering that Nicky does for all these kids. Although she doesn't have her own children YET, she is a mom to all her nieces and nephews and loves them just as much. They come to her for her love, and I know she would give them the world.
Other moms that I look up to are my sisters. They have each gone through so many trials lately, as well. And although we sometimes wonder when it will end, I am amazed that we can all do what we have. I admire them so much and want them to know that I think they are wonderful women. All three of them. Linda is there to love our children, just as much as we all do. I hope you know I love you all.
And my sisters-in-laws...Thanks for your example and love. I am a better person because you are all teaching me how to keep going, even when everything seems stacked against me. I see your examples of what spirituality, love and devotion and I admire you so much. Thanks for accepting me into the family 31 years ago. I love you all.
So, Happy Mother's Day to you all!
Hope you all have a great Mother's Day. Mine will be quiet, with Dad and I here. I'll finish reading my book and work on the temple cloth that is almost done. This will be my fourth one since I started making them. Then I will work on Koy's Christmas stocking, whichis coming along nicely. Maybe we will take a 4-wheeler ride, or drive to the mountains. It will be just the two of us. Maybe the lilacs will be blooming today and it will smell nice outside. The lilacs remind me of Grandma Olsen. My peonies are almost opening up, and I look forward to their beautiful, big blossoms. They remind me of Aunt Maree, so I will be surrounded by memories of other mothers in my life. All is good.
I read back through my post for last year and decided it says it best so here it is again.
Happy Mothers Day
I want to wish all the Mothers in my world a very happy Mothers Day. Everyone in my world knows my feelings towards Mothers Day, and I am learning that other women share my opinion for many different reasons. But today I want to say how special the moms in my life are.
My mom was just beginning to see the "fruits of her labor" when our Heavenly Father called her home to him. But in my hosrt time as a mother while she was here, she helped me immensely. Her example of a home-maker and friend was priceless. I know I will never able to keep my home as beautiful as she did, or make cookies the way she did. But I hope to be able to love my children as much as she did.......So much for that before I ruin my makeup!
Another special Mom is the mother of my husband. She, too, has left this earthly life, but I was so lucky to know her. There was a time in her life she wondered if she would ever be a mother because her first three children died soon after she gave them birth. But she was blessed with 4 sons and a daughter, and extra-blessed to add 3 more to her family, another daughter and 2 sons, that she helped raise. She is a great example of a hard worker, and very spiritual. I love her for raising such a good son who treats me with the same respect he had for her.
Other special moms are the mothers of my grandchildren. These moms are so special to me. They have all gone through so many trials and difficult times, but the Lord is blessing them with such wonderful children. They each have different parenting styles, talents, and experiences, but they each make it work for their families. I love you all, Tammy, Nancy, and Chantel. Thanks for raising my grandchildren.
I also want to acknowledge the mothering that Nicky does for all these kids. Although she doesn't have her own children YET, she is a mom to all her nieces and nephews and loves them just as much. They come to her for her love, and I know she would give them the world.
Other moms that I look up to are my sisters. They have each gone through so many trials lately, as well. And although we sometimes wonder when it will end, I am amazed that we can all do what we have. I admire them so much and want them to know that I think they are wonderful women. All three of them. Linda is there to love our children, just as much as we all do. I hope you know I love you all.
And my sisters-in-laws...Thanks for your example and love. I am a better person because you are all teaching me how to keep going, even when everything seems stacked against me. I see your examples of what spirituality, love and devotion and I admire you so much. Thanks for accepting me into the family 31 years ago. I love you all.
So, Happy Mother's Day to you all!
Hope you all have a great Mother's Day. Mine will be quiet, with Dad and I here. I'll finish reading my book and work on the temple cloth that is almost done. This will be my fourth one since I started making them. Then I will work on Koy's Christmas stocking, whichis coming along nicely. Maybe we will take a 4-wheeler ride, or drive to the mountains. It will be just the two of us. Maybe the lilacs will be blooming today and it will smell nice outside. The lilacs remind me of Grandma Olsen. My peonies are almost opening up, and I look forward to their beautiful, big blossoms. They remind me of Aunt Maree, so I will be surrounded by memories of other mothers in my life. All is good.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Birthday, Tammy
Another birthday this week! My first little girl turns.........a year older. I remember that well like it was yesterday. Called the hospital to see if they had a room available. That's the best way to do it. Don't wait for those labor pains, make an appointment in advance. We had the best doctor in the world. Dr. Ed as he was kindly known, a big burley guy who was so kind and gentle with kids. We were so happy to get our sweet little girl in our family. As parents, we all know you really don't know how much we ourselves are loved until we become parents. Your life totally changes once the kids come along.
Tammy, we love you and pray for you always. We know you are a great mom and are doing what is needed for your family. I hope you are a great day today because you certainly deserve it. We wish we could be there to tell you in person, but this will have to suffice, along with a phone call. And "The check will be in the mail!" Use it for something you want.
Love ya so much, sweetie.
Tammy, we love you and pray for you always. We know you are a great mom and are doing what is needed for your family. I hope you are a great day today because you certainly deserve it. We wish we could be there to tell you in person, but this will have to suffice, along with a phone call. And "The check will be in the mail!" Use it for something you want.
Love ya so much, sweetie.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Garth told me a funny one!
Today when we were walking into the hospital to visit with my dad, Garth told me a joke that I actually laughed at, so I thought I would pass it along.
"Remember when someone would ask if you thought we would ever have a black president? The typical answer might have been "When pigs fly!" Well, after 100 days in office the "SWINE FLU!".
OK, maybe it really isn't funny, but I laughed! And I am still laughing. And you know how I get stuck on laughing and can't stop. I need to go to bed!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
A Lifetime Award
This have been very hectic this past week, but we were able to take a much needed break to go on one of our favorite weekends. For the past 20 years (more or less), we have spent the first weekend in May at USEA conference. Garth was on the state board for 13 years of that time. We have always enjoyed our association with the great people who work for the classified employees of the school districts in our state. Our children grew up with the monthly meetings in Salt Lake and we have many memories of fun times with all the people from the staff and the boards. We have made life-time friends that are always there for us. We have greats memories of that fun time in Park City when we were about the only people in the building and had the hot tub all to ourselves. Remember when Mom stepped up and told the people at McDonald's that we were in line before the breakfast time ended and that we wanted our breakfast biscuits? You kids were so proud of Mom speaking up for you. It wasn't our fault the cashier couldn't get the order in front of us right and we had to wait for him.
We were reminded many times this weekend about the time Barrett beat Rick in golf. Everyone is still laughing at that one. And of course, we all remember the big "administration" problems and the changing of the chief in command. But after all these memories it is the people we have learned to love that we remember the most.
In the past, Garth has nominated four people for employee awards and all four people have received the awards: Zora Fielder (instructional aide),Connie Ware (instructional aide),Carol Stilson (secreatary), and Sid Lancaster (administrator). This year we nominated another person but they were not chosen so we will try again next year. But the best of all was the award Garth got this year.
USEA has a Lifetime Member award which is not given out very often. In fact, there are only 6 who have received this award. A lifetime member is given the honor to attend every USEA meeting and a vote in all delegate meetings for his/her lifetime. They do not have to be in attendance as a delegate from their local association. In order to qualify for this lifetime membership, the nominee must have served for 10 years on the local or state board (13 counts) and be an example of a great classified employee, (got that one, too!) The executive board must first vote that this person qualifies and give their approval for the nomination. The board member for the area then reads the nomination form to the members, who them must vote for their acceptance. Marie Leonard from Carbon read the nomination for Garth, and the delegates agreed with her by giving him a standing ovation and a loud, long round of applause. There were many new people there, but a good number of the old faithful delegates who have come to Garth for advice for many years. Of course, the vote still needed to be taken, so we had to wait until the end of the business and speeches to learn the results. In the meantime, we were told by Mike Hepner to be sure to stay around for the results, and I got a thumbs up from him in the hallway. When the results of the vote were given, the new president said that the standing ovation said it all, the vote was 100% in the affirmative to accept Garth as a Lifetime member.
It was kind of strange to see that all of the executive board members were "new" since Garth served, except one, and the president and president-elect. But they still came to Garth for advice about some of the procedures, etc that needed to be followed. It was very humbling to see the respect they all have for him. This is definately an honor that he deserved. Now we can look forward to our "vacation" every year and allow someone else the opportunity to attend as a delegate. He was given a very nice plaque from the board, and Mike said it is great to know that Garth will be around to always keep him in line.
So I want my husband to know that I am very proud of him for being the kind of many that helps so many people. They all look up to him and know that he is an advocate for the working people of the associations.
And also, it is his birthday on Monday, so Happy birthday dear!
We were reminded many times this weekend about the time Barrett beat Rick in golf. Everyone is still laughing at that one. And of course, we all remember the big "administration" problems and the changing of the chief in command. But after all these memories it is the people we have learned to love that we remember the most.
In the past, Garth has nominated four people for employee awards and all four people have received the awards: Zora Fielder (instructional aide),Connie Ware (instructional aide),Carol Stilson (secreatary), and Sid Lancaster (administrator). This year we nominated another person but they were not chosen so we will try again next year. But the best of all was the award Garth got this year.
USEA has a Lifetime Member award which is not given out very often. In fact, there are only 6 who have received this award. A lifetime member is given the honor to attend every USEA meeting and a vote in all delegate meetings for his/her lifetime. They do not have to be in attendance as a delegate from their local association. In order to qualify for this lifetime membership, the nominee must have served for 10 years on the local or state board (13 counts) and be an example of a great classified employee, (got that one, too!) The executive board must first vote that this person qualifies and give their approval for the nomination. The board member for the area then reads the nomination form to the members, who them must vote for their acceptance. Marie Leonard from Carbon read the nomination for Garth, and the delegates agreed with her by giving him a standing ovation and a loud, long round of applause. There were many new people there, but a good number of the old faithful delegates who have come to Garth for advice for many years. Of course, the vote still needed to be taken, so we had to wait until the end of the business and speeches to learn the results. In the meantime, we were told by Mike Hepner to be sure to stay around for the results, and I got a thumbs up from him in the hallway. When the results of the vote were given, the new president said that the standing ovation said it all, the vote was 100% in the affirmative to accept Garth as a Lifetime member.
It was kind of strange to see that all of the executive board members were "new" since Garth served, except one, and the president and president-elect. But they still came to Garth for advice about some of the procedures, etc that needed to be followed. It was very humbling to see the respect they all have for him. This is definately an honor that he deserved. Now we can look forward to our "vacation" every year and allow someone else the opportunity to attend as a delegate. He was given a very nice plaque from the board, and Mike said it is great to know that Garth will be around to always keep him in line.
So I want my husband to know that I am very proud of him for being the kind of many that helps so many people. They all look up to him and know that he is an advocate for the working people of the associations.
And also, it is his birthday on Monday, so Happy birthday dear!
Friday, April 24, 2009
I Finally Did It
I am becoming quite daring in my old age. I finally decided to do something I have had the opportunity to do for many years but didn't see the need. Yesterday, I did it. It wasn't that I was afraid or anything like that before, I just didn't want to. I didn't see the necessity or have the desire. Maybe I was being stubborn and taking a stand. I don't really know the reason. But the other day I decided we needed to do this together. What was the big step? I got on the 4-wheeler!
Yes, my dear children, mother drove the 4-wheeler! Now, I have been on it before. One fall day Dad was trimming the willow tree and needed someone to pull the rope to guide a big branch, so I moved the machine back and forth helping him with the work. But I don't think that actually counts as driving it. I know all the kids love to ride with Grandpa, and even enjoy "driving" it themselves, but I just haven't ever desired to be in control of that thing.
But the weather has been so nice lately, and I have felt so much better and wanted to do something different after school. Garth has not been working at the station on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, so he is home at 2:00 (sometimes later now that track/baseball season has started, and the water is finally in), so I have more reason to leave school early and get home. But what do we do with our time? I decided we needed to go for a ride. We are really looking forward to our first trip to the mountains the weekend school is out, and we have talked about taking the two 4-wheelers and just riding along the roads and on a few trails. I like that idea just spending some time together. We haven't really taken the time to do much of that and we are looking forward to it. But I thought I would need to try it out on a smooth road first. So we did.
Last night we rode up around the cemetery (Lexi and Kaydon's favorite place to go in Orangeville...), up to the Coal Haul Road, down past Industrial Electric and across to home. Big outting for me! But just what I needed. It was a great time with my hubby. Being with him was probably the best part of it, but learning to drive the machine was an added feature. I am really looking forward to more times with him this summer.
Got to get going. It seems like I get later and later getting to school every day. I think I have spring fever.
Yes, my dear children, mother drove the 4-wheeler! Now, I have been on it before. One fall day Dad was trimming the willow tree and needed someone to pull the rope to guide a big branch, so I moved the machine back and forth helping him with the work. But I don't think that actually counts as driving it. I know all the kids love to ride with Grandpa, and even enjoy "driving" it themselves, but I just haven't ever desired to be in control of that thing.
But the weather has been so nice lately, and I have felt so much better and wanted to do something different after school. Garth has not been working at the station on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, so he is home at 2:00 (sometimes later now that track/baseball season has started, and the water is finally in), so I have more reason to leave school early and get home. But what do we do with our time? I decided we needed to go for a ride. We are really looking forward to our first trip to the mountains the weekend school is out, and we have talked about taking the two 4-wheelers and just riding along the roads and on a few trails. I like that idea just spending some time together. We haven't really taken the time to do much of that and we are looking forward to it. But I thought I would need to try it out on a smooth road first. So we did.
Last night we rode up around the cemetery (Lexi and Kaydon's favorite place to go in Orangeville...), up to the Coal Haul Road, down past Industrial Electric and across to home. Big outting for me! But just what I needed. It was a great time with my hubby. Being with him was probably the best part of it, but learning to drive the machine was an added feature. I am really looking forward to more times with him this summer.
Got to get going. It seems like I get later and later getting to school every day. I think I have spring fever.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Happy Birthday, Sweet Alexis
The sweet baby who gave us our first experience of being grandparents is now nine-years-old. What a great blessing she has been in our lives. We love her so much. Not more than the others, but as all parents know, special in their own special way. She has taken on so many responsibilities in her short little life. She is such a good helper to her mother, and sweet sister to her brothers. I saw her do the sweetest thing thing morning. She came out of her bedroom to the living room where Grandpa was sleeping on a "blow-up" mattress with Kayden. She was carrying her new birthday gift from Aunt Nicky, a bunny rabbit. She knew that Kayden liked to hug the bunny, so she lifted up the blanket and laid the bunny next to him, then covered them both up again. What a sweetheart. I am so glad she is my little sweetheart. She has taught me to love my grandchildren and get excited for each one. I hope you have a very happy birthday, little Miss Alexis Maree Gale!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Happy Birthday, Chantel
Today I am a person with few words, just because I can't seem to get going in the mornings any more. Just want to say Happy Birthday to Chantel. Let's see, you can 29 years and be speaking the truth. Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have let the secret out. We hope you have a quiet, uneventful day with lots of down-time. Enjoy having your husband home and those cute kids around. As for me, I am taking twenty-four 8-9 year olds on a trip to Smith's to learn about eating good food, a tour of the hospital, and an afternoon bowling. Sound fun? Want to come along? Should be a blast!
Enjoy your day!
Enjoy your day!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Wind showers and other things
The wind has blown constantly for several days and I am tired of it. I know, it usually blows here in EC but this week has been the worst ever. The flags outside my classroom window are flapping all the time. The pole shakes so hard I think it will fall down. I don't like the wind at all. It comes through the walls and makes it impossible to walk to the car. This morning we had a dusting of snow, which is much less than the rest of the state. This spring hasn't been fun yet. I hope it gets better.
I was waiting for the third grade April Fool's jokes all day but this class was pretty calm on the joke scale. One boy told me my shoe was untied. I calmly told him "Thanks" and just kept on doing what I was doing. He said "Darn it!" and I then realized he was trying to play a joke on me. It didn't work, did it?
We were talking about good April Fool's jokes and I remember one my dad pulled on me. Dad was still working in the district office so it was many years ago. We had a superintendent who wasn't really liked around the district, for various reasons. This particular year the state superintendent position was empty in the spring and there was a lot of speculation about who would get the job. I woke up one morning with loud knocking on my bedroom window. I jumped out of bed and looked to see who it was. There was Dad, all dressed for work, and it was still dark outside. I asked him where in the heck he was going already. He said he had received a phone call from the district superintendent and he (Dad) needed to get to the office to take care of things there. He then told me that Superintendent......had just been appointed the new state superintendent and we had all better watch out because he was ready to change the whole state system. He turned to hurry toward his car as I stood there in shock. Then he turned back and said "You had better check your calendar. Today is April 1st!." Then he jumped in his car and drove away. Of course, by then I was wide awake and couldn't go back to sleep at all. It was a good joke. He really got me on that one.
It is no joke that I am having troubles breathing again. Is it is the wind, a cold, or what? I worked myself off all the prednisone and have been prednisone free for about 2 weeks now. Does it have anything to do with that? Why can't I tell? Is it coincidents that I get colds and hard breathing 2 weeks after getting off the prednisone, or do I get the breathing problems BECAUSE I am off the prednisone? I hate this guessing! I am going to get a pulmonologist appointment, but do I wait without prednisone and not breath, or get back on the medicine? I don't like this at all. And that is no joke.
I was waiting for the third grade April Fool's jokes all day but this class was pretty calm on the joke scale. One boy told me my shoe was untied. I calmly told him "Thanks" and just kept on doing what I was doing. He said "Darn it!" and I then realized he was trying to play a joke on me. It didn't work, did it?
We were talking about good April Fool's jokes and I remember one my dad pulled on me. Dad was still working in the district office so it was many years ago. We had a superintendent who wasn't really liked around the district, for various reasons. This particular year the state superintendent position was empty in the spring and there was a lot of speculation about who would get the job. I woke up one morning with loud knocking on my bedroom window. I jumped out of bed and looked to see who it was. There was Dad, all dressed for work, and it was still dark outside. I asked him where in the heck he was going already. He said he had received a phone call from the district superintendent and he (Dad) needed to get to the office to take care of things there. He then told me that Superintendent......had just been appointed the new state superintendent and we had all better watch out because he was ready to change the whole state system. He turned to hurry toward his car as I stood there in shock. Then he turned back and said "You had better check your calendar. Today is April 1st!." Then he jumped in his car and drove away. Of course, by then I was wide awake and couldn't go back to sleep at all. It was a good joke. He really got me on that one.
It is no joke that I am having troubles breathing again. Is it is the wind, a cold, or what? I worked myself off all the prednisone and have been prednisone free for about 2 weeks now. Does it have anything to do with that? Why can't I tell? Is it coincidents that I get colds and hard breathing 2 weeks after getting off the prednisone, or do I get the breathing problems BECAUSE I am off the prednisone? I hate this guessing! I am going to get a pulmonologist appointment, but do I wait without prednisone and not breath, or get back on the medicine? I don't like this at all. And that is no joke.