Here comes the sun

Just had to put this out there.....

2011-02-08T14:49:00.002-07:00

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Barack Obama

ps - this is not a lie :-)

OH MY GOSH

2011-01-18T11:16:00.006-07:00

Ok, so I know I haven’t blogged for a long time. I would like to say that have just been too busy to blog but in fact – since I am now an empty nester – that is not the case. Oh yes, there are those occasional trips to the dog groomer, but nothing like the volleyball games of yor. So, in fact, I have not blogged because I have had very little to blog about. Work, Home. Bed.

BUT….now I have news! So much has happened within the last couple of weeks that the “’I’ve been too busy to blog” excuse really does apply. It started with an article I wrote to MORE Magazine (geared to those over 40) about how anti-aging is really just another name for cosmetic surgery. Anyway, they had one of the editors call me (Jacob Davis) to clarify some things and we hit it off over the phone. We exchanged email address and began corresponding ..and then talking on the phone, just before Christmas. He flew out to spend some time with me, in person, for a few days just a week or so ago and it was INCREDIBLE.

ANYWAY………….long story short, we just decided to go for it and we are planning to get married on Valentines Day next month. I know what you are all thinking, but trust me THIS TIME….I know he is the one! He is 52 years old, lives in LA, has two grown children and is funny and intelligent while being soooooooo handsome at the same time (as you can see by the picture).

No, I am not retiring for at least a year so we will be doing the long distance thing for awhile, but because he is a pilot and flies his own plane it won’t quite as bad as if we had to rely on commercial airlines.

He treats me like a queen. I am sooo happy…feeling like a giddy teenager, but so confident that things will really work out for us.

I knows this is sudden but I just wanted all of my friends and family and those I love to know what is going on in my life. And, that Jake….is a fake. Unbelieveable that I have to make something up to blog about. Gotta go for now…..off to the dog groomer’s.

America, the beautiful..

2010-09-17T14:24:00.007-06:00

Today is Constitution Day.

Sage Creek Elementary School students had the honor and privilege of coming together outside to have a flag ceremony conducted by our local Troop 128. Beneath a clear blue sky and with our majestic mountains in the background, the flag of the United States of America was raised and unfurled in the early morning breeze. The student body, from kindergarteners to sixth graders, solemnly, respectfully put their right hand over their hearts as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, students in a fifth grade class, sang “American the Beautiful” while weaving the music of the bell chimes throughout the melody and harmony. As the song finished, Retired US Army Staff Sergeant David Gardener, in full uniform, spoke to the students about what it meant to him to be an American as a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He reminded our students of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and about those who serve in the armed forces to preserve them. Sergeant Gardener lost his leg during his last tour of duty. Our own American idol, who poses as a third grade teacher by day, closed the program by singing a stirring arrangement of our national anthem while all in attendance reflected on the freedoms and sacrifices that make our country strong.

America, the beautiful and home of the brave.
An experience to remember for all who were there.

I'm glad I was one of them.

Anger Management goes to Washington

2010-09-17T11:31:00.003-06:00

{Leave your Hitler mustaches at home.}

Back in the saddle - literally

2010-09-06T00:00:00.003-06:00

It was a beautiful day to doctor cattle in Oakley, Utah with some great friends!

It has been approximately 6 years since I spent any time on a horse. After owning our own in Monroe and then having a close friend who had one for several years after that, I spent many many hours for many many years on the back of horse traipsing around the Utah mountains. Today, I got to do that again and it made me realize how much I have missed it.
Good thing I hung on to my spurs!!

Another day at the office....

2010-09-02T20:08:00.006-06:00

Today, after school, a brother (8) and his sister (6) were waiting in the office for their mother to come pick them up. While I sat with them waiting and during the course of our conversation, the brother said, "Well, I know it must be hard for grandmas like you". I put on my shocked/incredulous face (to hide the OMG face) and replied "Grandma...you think I look like a grandma?" He smiled and blushed a little as he walked away. At the same time his little sister leaned in close and said, "You're a nanna, not a grandma". I asked her what the difference was and she said, "A nanna is a grandma that doesn't look old.".

Someday, in the not too distant future, that little girl is going to rule the world.

Have I ever mentioned that I love my job?

Cute Coed starts College Classes

2010-08-30T14:14:00.006-06:00

As is the tradition in our house, Lakin dutifully took pictures of herself (since I am not there - sniff) on the first day her classes at USU begin. Doesn't she just scream, strong, independent, I can do anything woman? Yes!!!

Embrace Life - always wear your seat belt

2010-07-30T13:52:00.002-06:00

A reminder to all those I love - everywhere.

Life = Surprise

2010-07-20T00:03:00.002-06:00

Soooooo…….I went to the James Taylor/Carole King concert this week (incredible!) and while there felt myself mentally sliding back in time to those college years. The songs they sang brought back all kinds of memories. As I looked around at all the other people in my generation – swaying and clapping to the music it made me think how crazy fast time passed and how different my life has been from the one I had imagined it would be back in the years when James, Carole and I were celebrating my college achievements. Different. Not necessarily better or worse, but definitely – most decidedly - different. It certainly hasn’t been an even road, but I’ve done things I never thought I could, been places I’d never imagined I would go, and am able to view things from a much different perspective than I ever thought I would. I am so grateful for it all. Fire and Rain.

Surprise!

Eight Days of Great - China

2010-06-30T19:29:00.014-06:00

After spending the night in San Francisco on June 20 (and a nice dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf – dessert at Ghirardelli Square) we left for Beijing on Monday morning, June 21.

Eleven and a half hours later, 6000 miles, and across the International Date Line, we landed in China at about 5:30 PM Tuesday June 22. Long flight. Even Xanax didn’t do much to help as the sun was shining the entire time and those seats are not conducive to a comfortable sleeping position in any way, shape or form!

Wednesday, June 23, began with meetings and introductions. Following these meetings, we went on a tour bus to the Llama and Confucius Temples, the Hanban College Headquarters, and then the famous and immense Tianmen Square – originally built 600 years ago. We have a great group of people here and have made good friends with Darrell Jensen, Alan Parrish (Canyon), Geralinda Braumberger (Washington) Marsha Morgan and Janice Sterver (Canyon), Adam Taylor (Oakland) – among others. We have laughed a lot and enjoyed learning about the country through our guides (though sometimes hard to understand) – Alexandra, Alvin, Dora, and Jenny. Alex is our tour guide and the others are volunteers.

Thursday. June 24th, We began the day with a trip to the Great Wall and a hike to one of it’s top peaks. (millions of steps!) It is magnificent and humbling to stand on one of the seven wonders of the world and the history that accompanies it. It was so worth the buckets of sweat and aching thigh muscles to have this experience. In China it is said that everyone who even climbs one step of the Great Wall is considered a hero – so, now, if you want me to be the wind beneath YOUR wings, I am available. After the Great Wall we headed to the airport (again) to continue our journey to Heilongjiang and the city of Harbin. Heilongjiang is the northern most province in China and borders both Russia and Mongolia. We arrived here about 10:30 last night and after sitting in our Great Wall sweat on a bus and then on a plane for many hours most of us couldn’t wait to get to the shower and then to bed. We have changed from group 1B in Beijing to C here in Harbin. These groups are our lifeline to food, buses, instruction, everything. It was a fun, but a long day.

Friday, - the first day I could get on the internet (and only email, not any blogs sites or facebook) We began with meetings with the Deputy Minister of Education, Mary Carroll Scott (VP of Hanban Membership) and others (taking place while I am typing this). This afternoon, we will be visiting schools and finally be able to pass out the gifts (pencils, lanyards, pins, and T-shirts) we’ve been hauling around for days. According to the bio of these schools even the primary schools hold over 5000 students. I’m never going to complain about my mere 750 again.

Friday, June 25, 2010 PM: So after a sumptuous luncheon that included jumbo prawns, seaweed salad, chicken wings, duck, and, of course, deer tendons with sea something (which, by the way, was tasty despite the chewy ness) (note: also used chopsticks to pick up single kernels of corn – miraculous achievement!), we loaded back in the bus and headed over to the elementary school. At first we introduced ourselves to the teachers and they had some time to ask us questions about education in America. Afterward we went to an art class (about 40 kids) in progress and were able to participate in the paintings they were doing. So fun! Next we went to a music class (and I want this teacher to be my Chinese teacher in the immersion program!) and participated with some activities there. The students sang to us in Chinese, and then English about us being one world, one family. This was a stirring moment and captured- in my mind- what the immersion program is all about. One world, one family. I will remember this always. After the music class. the art class we visited met us at the front of the building to present us with the pictures they had painted while we were there and we took our pictures with them. They were darling, and the whole experience reminded me again why I love being the principal of an elementary school.

After the elementary school we went to Harbin #1 High School.. Here we were toured the building with some of the students and were able to visit a few classes for a minute or two. Betty was our guide and did an excellent job answering our questions in English. She wants to be a teacher when she is older. The highlight of our visit at this school, for me, was playing ping pong with their championship players. I would like to say I held my own, but it was obvious – I mean WAY obvious they were playing down for me to even have any type of a game. Cool though. They are very serious about this sport.

Dinner tonight was at a Russian restaurant and the food was fabulous….all eight courses. It seems like all we do is eat! There was a pianist/singer as our background music who could sing in perfect English but couldn’t speak a stitch. She had obviously listened to Karen Carpenter ad nausea m.

Saturday, June 26, and we began the day at a private middle school. The whole school did a “PE” activity for us – sort of an exercise routine in unison and then each class marched for us chanting their own class motto or theme (such as, “We must work hard to help one another.” etc.). We had a chance to listen to their incredible orchestra, and view their artwork and calligraphy projects (which they then gave us as gifts). We finished our visit by watching a bilingual health class. The students are impressive with their mastery of the English language.

After the school visit we ate AGAIN and then headed to the Siberian Tiger refuge. This free roaming refuge began as a population of 50 tigers fourteen years ago and now holds over 900 of these fabulous felines.. They are huge and magnificent and in our little caged van we were being watched by them, as they languished in the shade (it was a record 104 degrees today) or roamed around the water holes, every bit as much as we were watching them.. However, the best part, by far was being able to hold a 35 day old tiger cub in my own hands. I’ll bet I never get to do that again!

Again with the eating and then to a performance by the students at Harbin Normal University. We were greeted into their auditorium with an ovation of clapping. We felt like royalty as they ushered us into the reserved seats. These students were talented and the show was well done. Another full day, but a fun one. My feet feel like they are going to pop!

Sunday, June 27th. This morning we took a quick trip (and by this I mean we sat on the bus for 20 minutes, drove in the bus for 30 minutes, leaving about 15 minutes of view time) to St. Sophia’s Church – the oldest Russion church within the Chinese borders. Lunch finally offered the opportunity of a SALAD and believe me when I say crisp lettuce and vegetables never tasted so good! We arrived back in Beijing tonight having just enough time to go out and explore the neighborhood markets before heading to bed. It was very crowded and the sellers are VERY persistent. I actually felt someone trying to pickpocket me there! Alan Parrish was walking behind me and he said it was a man and a little boy… A LITTLE BOY…working in tandem. Good thing for me nothing was in my pockets. (We had been warned). We did stop by the local McDonalds on the way back to the hotel and the happy meals were foodgasmic. After a week of Chinese food for every meal of the day – a hamburger was the most delicious thing on earth.

Monday, 28th. I can’t believe we leave tomorrow! Today we had breakout session meetings, which I was dreading, but they actually turned out to be awesome. I got a lot of valuable information about starting an immersion program and finding a good/qualified teacher. Big buffet for lunch and then we loaded up into our favorite bus (funny how everyone always sits in exactly the same place) and headed over to The Forbidden City (Last Emperor)

and then to the Silk Market – bargaining paradise….or hell after a couple of hours of it. Got some good stuff to take home though! After a dinner of Peking Duck and every other kind of duck you can imagine, we walked back to the hotel and then headed back out to the neighborhood market so I could eat a scorpion for Stetson…..and I DID IT! I ate THREE! Oh yum. After that there was nothing left but to buy my diet coke for the morning, which we did, and then head to bed – which I am.

Tuesday June 29th – the only day I get to live twice and I got to do it in an airplane. However, we did have the greatest seats on the plane. Right at the entrance – leg room to spare…first ones off at landing. After an 11 hour flight from Beijing to San Francisco we are now sitting at our gate waiting for our next plane to leave (three hours from now). I already miss the Chinese version of ice-cream, the abundance of mango products, the people we met and hung out with, and the royal treatment we got everywhere we went. However, it is great to see blue skies, have cold beverages, a cooled airport and know that tonight I will be sleeping in my own bed.

Having this experience in China was incredible in every respect. I learned a lot, I saw a lot, I ate a lot. I am more convinced than ever that we need to create an atmosphere of a global community within our schools – beginning with language immersion programs, and thereby show by example the importance of making this a priority in the lives of all American people for the benefit for all of those that are in our world. I don’t know that I would ever go back to Beijing – the smog kind of ruins it, but I would love to go back and see Hong Kong someday, - I’ve loved my visit to all of the Asian countries but in all honesty – it is great to be home..

We were siblings in the sun

2010-06-05T20:24:00.008-06:00

This is my brother.

This is the brother who has a condo in Cabo.

This is the view from the condo my brother has in Cabo.

This is the sister who went with me to visit my brother at his condo in Cabo.This is view from the poolside where brother and sister and I spent our days in Cabo.
(those are my cute toes)This is what my sister and I do in town when my brother stays
back at the condo he has in Cabo.This is what my brother and I saw my sister do a lot of,
while staying at the condo at Cabo.
(and believe me she did everything but lick the plate to get at every morsel of that crab!)

(sidenote: Triathlon winning sister gets up at the crack of dawn to "adventure"- often venturing into forbidden zones; brother is buff CFO by day, gym owner by night and drinks copious amounts of healthy protein drinks. Neither can vacation from exercise...
but
luckily
I
was able
to
withstand
the
pressure.)

There was joy, we had fun, while basking in the sun, reading, eating..eating...eating, playing cards, riding the golf carts to the various pools and sister resorts, and rekindling, as adults, the relationships we had as kids.

Thank heavens for the brother who has a condo in Cabo!!

GRADUATION!

2010-05-26T21:04:00.003-06:00

My baby....my BABY graduated from high school today and received her Associates Degree as well! However, it was not your typical graduation promenade....

because

Lakin, rocked the McKay Events center when she came out and did a full out runway model walk from start to finish! The strut, the poses, the twirls...the look! It was something we had joked about the night before but NEVER thought she would do it.
It was the best thing about the ceremony.This girl has guts!

A proud family, of both the graduate and her kahunas!

Pictured here with the big sister influence that put her up to it.

What a fun day!

Lookin' for Lakin

2010-05-25T21:25:00.005-06:00

The students of Springville High School got together for the first annual Lip Dub featuring the hit mashup "Blame it on the Pop" by DJ Earworm. After weeks of practice trying to get the parts right and figuring out the best way to move the camera, it was finished. ...

Seminary Lets Her Go.

2010-05-23T21:18:00.003-06:00

Four years of scripture mastery.
Three years of going an hour and a half at a time.
Two years of getting up at 5 AM to go.
One year on the seminary council.
Done.

Congratulations, Lakin, on your first graduation of the week!

This Sky Has No Limits!

2010-05-18T12:22:00.006-06:00

This weekend I had a blast becoming reacquainted with the Do's and Don'ts of tennis while I watched my nephew (?) ,Skyler, take FIRST PLACE in the STATE tennis doubles finals.

First, I learned that you DO need to be prepared to be more excited and into the game than you thought you would be. You also DO need to learn the appropriate terms and phrases to cheer on your team........and the proper times to use them. One of the most important rules of spectator tennis is that you do NOT say anything until a point is made.

However, I also learned that keeping THIS particular rule is next to impossible when a player like Skyler makes a spectacular net shot that practically burns the hair off of his opponent.

Fortunately, the crowd, and the rest of the Almquist family, show leniency to novice fans and I was allowed to remain for the rest of the game, set, and match....
which Skyler and his partner won with no problem at all.
Loved it!!!
I may be inspired to take up tennis again myself.

It is written

2010-05-17T18:04:00.007-06:00

And it came to pass that on the eve of the Christian sabbath, Lakin did participate in the Last Chance dance at Springville High Adolescent Temple. As in the tradition of her youth, she and 9 other maidens met at the paint well to fill over 800 water balloons and 20 squirt bottles with heretofore named latex paint and invited their temporary beloveds
to partake in one of the most hedonistic,
and enviable celebrations of the year.
The Paint War.

(Everyone jumps at the chance to get a "peace" of this action.)

And I say unto you,
what paint hath joined together, let no thing turn asunder.
(he's 6'5")
So it is written, so let it be done.
Amen

It began on this day.

2010-05-12T15:55:00.007-06:00

Twenty-nine years ago today, I became this little girl's mom.
And she's made my life better every day since.
Happy Birthday Asia!

Yes, I know, she looks just like he dad,
but I gave birth to her so I know for a fact she's mine too!

In an instant....

2010-05-07T15:16:00.003-06:00

Kindergarten, Monroe Elementary 1997

Senior, Springville High School 2010

Pinned!

2010-05-06T20:54:00.004-06:00

THIRTY -that's right -
THIRTY YEARS in education sitting behind big desks.
Getting paid for doing what you love is worth more than all the pins in the world.
(not to say I wouldn't have also appreciated a big fat bonus check)
Woot woot!

And yes, I started when I was 10.

Making a difference

2010-05-03T10:18:00.004-06:00

OMGoodness....This is a must read.
Barbara Kingsolver may also be a displaced Stimpson sister - her writing is fun to read in this genre because she makes you laugh out loud at her experiences.
I learned so many things I did not know, but should have.

O - One change at a time
R - Recognize the importance of food in the carbon footprint
G - Grow something!
A - Always check the label.
N - Notice where food comes from.
I - Incredible recipes available.
C - Capitalize on community resources.

Read it, I say.

Princess for a day.....

2010-05-01T16:50:00.005-06:00

Following a day of pedicures, manicures, coifitures and shopping for the perfect glass slipper, Lakin got home just in time.....with seconds to spare.....to meet her date at the door. Tonight is her last formal dance of high school.

The PromPromenade begins at 7:00 PM at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse.
Sigh.....is she really so grown up already???

Friends are the sisters you choose....definitely

2010-04-24T18:30:00.010-06:00

Today, while my triathlon winning little sister (from birth) was out defining the words endurance, perseverance, and magnificence......burning off 1000s of calories not to mention toning and strengthening her body.....I..on the other hand....
was delighting in decadence by eating
White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake for lunch.

Luckily, I was toning my spirit (although padding my thighs) while sharing my glasses

with another sister that I have more recently discovered, and with whom I feel a strong familial connection. (How can you not be connected if you share reading glasses!). I'd say we were soul sisters if it didn't make you think of Diana Ross and the Supremes or soul mates if it didn't sound like I'm alluding to this kind of sister. (However, there was some indulgence going on today on my part.)

Here we are after lunch.
I'm the one with something still in my mouth and showing off those padded thighs.
Nicea, I'm blogging this just for you......I'll bet, by now, you wish you'd had the cheesecake instead of that bowl of lettuce.

Walkin' on sunshine......

2010-04-19T17:35:00.005-06:00

Nothing....no, seriously, nothing chases away the whine that is winter like the spring sun. I've been hanging on by my fingernails for a month now, but, at last, IT'S HERE! (at least for a few days). Besides the can't -help -but-turn- my -face- to- the- warmth and blue skies, look what else that great ball of fire brings with it. Ahhhhhhhh...sun!

At last!

God, Karma, Luck.....???

2010-04-13T16:15:00.005-06:00

So why is it when you think you have things all figured out it doesn't WORK out? For example; you made a plan, you dotted all the i's and crossed the t's, connected with key players, made all the effort you could make, actually get to the finals...the inner circle, and then have to withdraw because of some ridiculous rules about your OWN money. To have the brass ring in your hand and then have to let it go is killer. I guess one can only hope it's because there's a more valuable brass ring down the road. Argh!!!

(blog of frustration- please excuse)

It's a Devil Thing

2010-04-05T21:43:00.004-06:00

Duke 61 - Butler 59. Down to the wire. What game!!!From one devil to another - great job!

Eggsactly !

2010-04-02T19:59:00.007-06:00

This week, my "job" involved kissing bunnies and dropping padded eggs from the rooftop for kinderkids, watching the first grade talent show (which included some hilarious first grade teachers), writing a few school bragging articles for the newspaper, mingling with Mother Goose and her brood of nursery rhymes, absorbing a dramatic performance of MacBeth by sixth graders who loved their swords and spoke with an interesting interpretation of a Scottish accent and receiving numerous leg hugs and eggentines. I even got to play April Fool's Day pranks on several hundred little people at a time!

It's true - I get paid for this stuff. So sweet!

That's right!

2010-03-26T23:20:00.008-06:00

It's a fact. Tonight I actually pulled myself away from a book and, one activity at a time, moved completely out of anything even resembling my comfort zone by the end of the evening.

It all began at the Market Street Grill. My first radical step away from the norm occurred when I deviated from my usual choice of salmon and ORDERED the halibut - although my comfort diet coke was still close at hand.

From there it was off to Brazilian Bossa Nova . Here, surrounded by no one I knew, the common, comforting language of music was tweaked a bit. The lyrics were being sung in Portugese so I couldn't understand a word. I was, however, able to clap along at the appropriate times and did enjoy the unusual rhythms.

Finally, I went right off the edge - no parachute- with a west coast swing dance lesson in a room filled with a group of strangers who, though indeed strange (also very nice), knew far more about any kind of dance move than I did. 1-2-3 and 4 - 5 and 6......doesn't sound so hard until you put MUSIC and a PARTNER with it. At that moment I felt like an awkward teenager with acne and ill fitting clothes trying to fit in with the popular crowd in jr. high school. It wasn't happening. I was in free-fall.

With that said - and after dancing with my fingers on the Audi's console all the way home, I think I might go back on Tuesday.

M.A.P.B.

2010-03-19T13:16:00.003-06:00

Letter from Stetson:

"So last night we went to this cita with an investigator, and we went with our Branch President. As we showed up she was sitting on her front porch just breastfeeding away in plain sight of not only us and the branch president, but anyone who happened to pass by was treated to that sight as well. The small talk was a little awkward because I was looking at these demented little angel statue things on the wall and trying to avoid looking at the investigator. I'm going to start a club, like D.A.R.E., but I'm going to call it M.A.P.B-missionaries against public breastfeeding. I 'll let you go; I'm going to go work on some memory repression."

Oh - the trials of a missionary. LOL!

Binge reading....can't stop!

2010-03-10T21:03:00.006-07:00

Hey Stets, tell me how you feel whydontcha...

2010-03-03T13:48:00.010-07:00

"I feel good. I don't feel overburdened, stressed, worried, sick, or sore. I'm content. I've been learning a lot about relationships, and i feel like that in the last 9 months i've grown up a lot. In some ways no, but in a lot of ways yes. Its a hard feeling to describe. Its like, i think that maybe i see the world and things in general in a different way. I thought i was mature before the mission, but that same guy looks like a kid to me now. Not that i'm all super wise or grown up or anything, but i feel different than before. I'm rambling and not making any sense, but to answer your question, i just feel....good. That sounds like a such a base answer, an answer that i use too often, but its the answer that best describes where i'm at right now. Good, in the best sense of the word. Like a cool morning. Like trees changing colors good."

I love that last line.
I love the grown up boy who said it.

Survey says.....

2010-03-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

No Chinese Immersion at Sage Creek next year.
Sometimes my job sucks.

Those teen-age years are gone gone.

2010-02-27T20:26:00.005-07:00

Today, Stetson - way off in the Dominican Republic....is turning twenty.

We celebrated by taking his face everywhere we went.

We ate till we were about to burst (his favorite activity) at Tucano's (his favorite restaurant). and...
We sure miss that kid.

Oh Lakin!

2010-02-20T21:15:00.004-07:00

Sweethearts Dance 2010

Big Love or Fabulous Fifties???

Her big (little) sister hair stylist.
Those girls!!!

Tuluptuous

2010-02-15T20:18:00.003-07:00

Oh, how I love flowers, and never more than on a dreary day!
Thanks Grady!!!

Heart to Heart

2010-02-13T22:47:00.005-07:00

The beat goes on....

And if you're reading this,
then most likely you hold a piece of my little thumper.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Bilingual or bust

2010-02-02T18:36:00.004-07:00

I'm wondering......if you had a chance to send your child to a school where a dual immersion language (50% English/50% foreign language) was taught beginning in first grade and continuing through 6th grade - would you?

我想知道......如果你有一个机会给你的孩子的地方决斗浸泡语言（50％English/50％外语）被教一年级开始，在一所学校，并通过持续六年级-将你呢？

It is

2010-02-02T18:05:00.007-07:00

Despite the many things love is not,
Outweighing it all are the things that love is.
Love is surrender without a loss.
It is a gift without the cost.
It consumes your every thought & desire,
Every breath you take.
It is the fire that fuels you
To do more than pass through life;
It urges you, instead, to live.

No matter the outcome, having felt love,
You will never be the same.
It may scar your heart & soul
And Leave you only memories of forever.
Or, it may cause every day of your life
To feel like there is no need for tomorrow.
But, love is worth it. It is worth the risk...
Kris Hydmore

True or False?

2010-02-02T17:46:00.006-07:00

Shaken

2010-01-12T20:50:00.006-07:00

No matter how many times it happens it is always shocking to me how fast things in life can change. When natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in Haiti occur they are always horrific – but most often seen and felt from a distance - happening to other people - people no less important than we are but people we don't know – and how this perspective and these feelings change entirely and dramatically when people you know and love may be involved. Stetson is in La Vega, Domincan Republic -about 350 km from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This mother is worried.

Holiday Highlights!

2010-01-03T00:26:00.010-07:00

Missionary Message
(Stetson called! He is lovin' life and what he is doing in the DR!)

Jillions of Gingerbread Men
(at least 3 double batches eaten primarily by Lakin, Asia and myself)

They tasted better than they looked.Piecing of puzzles
(an annual tradition to complete at least one!)

Languishing Lazily

(speaks for itself)

Presents!

Gregarious grand-daughters

("Grandma! You're awake!!!)

Gedicks Gathering
(Where the most delicious of meals and company are found.)

California Couples
(Tim and Debbie Halverson)

Front Row Fun
(2nd annual visit to the Rose Parade in Pasadena)
Nate, Linley, Debbie, Tim, Krista, Liv, Bim, Ally, Lauren, PJ, Tom
Floats

BandsSun!!!!

New Years Resolution: Appreciate more, complain less.

Roped In!

2009-12-20T19:03:00.009-07:00

Yesterday I wore this

and thiswhile doing this

and thisin thistrying to portray myself as this

when I really felt like this!Four hours on the Bountiful ropes course with Lakin, Chase, and Great Life group 260.
It was all about adventure, challenges, trust and fun.
Thirty-eight of us over the log in 10.5 minutes.
Amazing!

But today I feel likethis!

OUCH!!!!!

Seriously -

2009-12-18T20:48:00.004-07:00

Three times in two days this week at school. I think my boys skipped the nuances altogether.

Christmas Elves

2009-12-04T19:28:00.003-07:00

...finally got to my house today. (so I could get rid of that pie picture!)

Three weeks from today!

Ho Ho Ho!

The PIE high

2009-11-30T20:05:00.004-07:00

The reason I don't make pie.
I eat it.
All of it.
Oh my!

Not to grandmother's house......

2009-11-26T21:59:00.006-07:00

Ever wake up to a day (or a life) and think, "This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. This isn’t what I thought it would be." only to find out that when you got up and forged into the day (or the life) anyway, it wound up being worth it….better even than you could have imagined?

My day was like that today.
It was Thanksgiving. Stetson was gone, Asia was gone. Tom was gone. And even though my mind told me I had so many things to be grateful for, my heart wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head.

But….after getting up and having a brief pity party for myself, Lakin put on some jammin' music, I turned my seat warmers on, and we went over The Point and through the city to pick up Chase and then headed to Midway and The Homestead to meet Jill, Gill and Skyler (Almquist) and Palm – their foreign exchange student from Thailand. For those of you who haven’t been to The Homestead, it is a lovely inn like establishment in a small town known for the Swiss Days it puts on every year. We were there to eat at their Thanksgiving Buffet and Gill made sure we had the best table in the house. The food was delicious (anything you could possibly think of and yet Lakin and Skyler both went for mac and cheese and chicken strips ----ewwwwwwww), the atmosphere, elegant and homey with a real live pianist playing holiday favorites in the back ground. Everyone talked and ate until we were stuffed to the gills (no pun intended). It was more delightful, relaxing and FUN than I could have imagined!
AND no dishes to wash!

From The Homestead we headed to Alpine to see Tim and Debbie Halverson at their daughter Linley’s home. Not having been around Tim and Debbie very often (maybe twice) I thought it might be a bit awkward or uncomfortable, but it was anything but! Tim and Debbie – Linley and Nate made us feel like we’d known them forever and that get togethers like these happened all the time. It was hard to leave and all the way home I kept thinking about how great of a day it had been, how lucky I was to have such a wonderous family…new and old…and how blessed I was to have these people in my life.
It was an incredible Thanksgiving.

We have arrived.

2009-11-23T15:41:00.003-07:00

http://heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_e5b2d042-9b6c-5bda-b544-48b13f89931d.html

No longer an excuse not to come visit.

Turkey Time

2009-11-23T13:38:00.006-07:00

Try, Try, Try
to

"Come from a place of gratitude every moment of every day. Start when you first open your eyes in the morning. We all have so much to be thankful for and it is a shame to take it for granted. If you have a roof over your head, indoor plumbing, as much water as you need, and enough food to eat every single day then you are living in the top 5% of the world’s population, economically speaking. Just think about that for a minute and let it sink in. We are so blessed to have what we do and we are obligated to think about those less fortunate than we are. There will always be more people who do not have enough than those who do."
Connie Ragen Green

At the very least, be grateful you aren't a turkey (in the literal sense).

Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all.

I hope you know I am grateful for you.

(even if/when you are a turkey in the non-literal sense)

What a difference a week makes!

2009-11-22T00:20:00.003-07:00

Chase - Saturday, November 14, 2009

Chase, Saturday November 21, 2009GQ anyone???

What do YOU think?

2009-11-20T14:59:00.007-07:00

"Finally, there is the gift of humility, which parents need to offer one another. We can fuss and fret and shuttle and shelter, but in the end, what we do may not matter as much as we think. Freakonomics authors Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt analyzed a Department of Education study tracking the progress of kids through fifth grade and found that things like how much parents read to their kids, how much TV kids watch and whether Mom works make little difference. "Frequent museum visits would seem to be no more productive than trips to the grocery store," they argued in USA Today. "By the time most parents pick up a book on parenting technique, it's too late. Many of the things that matter most were decided long ago — what kind of education a parent got, what kind of spouse he wound up with and how long they waited to have children."

If you embrace this rather humbling reality, it will be easier to follow the advice D.H. Lawrence offered back in 1918: "How to begin to educate a child. First rule: leave him alone. Second rule: leave him alone. Third rule: leave him alone. That is the whole beginning."

Of course, that was easy for him to say. He had no kids.

(Excerpted from Time Magazine, The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting By Nancy Gibbs)

And you wonder why I hate the cold

2009-11-15T17:19:00.003-07:00

Seriously....ewwwwwwwww.!
This is what happens walking from the car to a building when it is cold outside. Raynaulds. So annoying.

Color does it for me....

2009-11-12T18:54:00.003-07:00

On a cold, grey November day *COLOR makes all the difference.

What makes your grey go away?

*thanks Jenny!

If Only

2009-11-09T18:33:00.005-07:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

Today Is Her Birthday

2009-11-07T19:09:00.012-07:00

This is my mom-
Barbara Behling Call.
And today is her birthday.

She loved to sing (alto) and sang for years with a group of her friends called the Double Trio.
She loved to bake, to sew, to cook and to read,
and she made a home where everyone loved to be.
Secretly, she would dance to her plants to make them grow.She was a little bit shy and hated the spotlight.
She blushed easily and laughed readily. Her heart was tender.
She often cried when she watched the news especially if it
involved children or people in need.
She loved old black and white movies,
but I'm pretty sure Dr. Zhivago was her all time favorite.
She loved a love story.

The holidays were her favorite time of the year. Thanksgiving dinner was always at our house and everybody came.
Often, after the tree was up,
I would come home late at night to find her alone in the living room gazing at the twinkling lights with Christmas music on in the background.
With six children she often had to resort to hiding (or trying to)
the decorated Christmas cookies so there would be SOME
left for the Christmas Day buffet.
We knew all the hiding places so it didn't work very often -
but she really didn't seem to mind. She just made more.She loved babies and children and after her own were all in school she would "borrow" the neighbor's little ones to take on walks and play with during the day. Everyone loved her. She was 18 when she got married; not quite 19 when I was born.
She was 48 when she died
and
I
miss
her
every
single
day.

On this day she would have been 71 years old.

Saludos de La Roca!

2009-10-29T14:24:00.006-06:00

Where there is food, there also is Stetson.

Yeah, right.....!So he has a different approach to missionary work.................maybe it works!

Game Point

2009-10-27T23:04:00.007-06:00

Today was Lakin’s last volleyball game of the season. It was at home and they played the only team they’ve lost to this year…that’s right, the dreaded Dons. Sadly they lost and Spanish Fork took region, but I’m sure they will probably be playing each other once again for the state championship.

As I watched, I couldn’t help but think what an unexpected journey this experience has been for Lakin, who had never even thought about a sport much less picked up a volleyball before she turned 15. Until then, her whole world was dance and she felt sure she was going to go all the way with that. Then when that didn’t work out and the dancing door all but slammed in her face, she thought about doing something where her natural attributes, her height in this case, could be an asset. Volleyball seemed like the perfect choice.

That first year she barely got to play the first half of the season, but took home the team trophy for most improved player that year. Her goal was then to at least sit varsity the next year….which she did….and to start varsity as a senior, which she has every game. Along the way she learned that despite her height advantage she still had to work hard to overcome a lot of frustrating obstacles. She spent hours practicing, took every opportunity to learn more about the sport and play as much as she could (ie: club ball). She gave up a ton of her free time to meet her goals.

This year was especially difficult for her as they got a new coach who put Lakin in a position she had never played, one where she didn’t get as many “sets” but was a crucial blocking position. Lakin was NOT happy with the change, and shed many tears about how unfair it was that she was moved after training for two years in a more visible position. And yet, she didn’t quit. She practiced every day, played every game……many of which she never did get a set, and cheered her team-mates on. She gave her all, she accomplished her goals, and has gone farther in high school sports than any of the rest of my kids. But tonight she is sad….they lost the last game they will ever play in the Springville High School gym…..so I am sad too.
Nothing is harder than seeing your child hurt…..even a passing hurt like this one…and not be able to do anything about it.At the same time, I know she will be fine tomorrow. She’ll be getting excited about the state tournament and planning her next date or night out with the girls. As a parent, I am comforted knowing she is resilient and can/will/does move forward even when things in life, or life itself are disappointing.

I feel so fortunate to have children who don't give up but who continue to get up and step forward when life is toughest. Who look for the positive in people and circumstances. Who see the glass as half full instead of half empty. Who turn toward happiness instead of sorrow.
I'm a lucky mom.

Sadies Ladies

2009-10-24T21:32:00.003-06:00

Double the pleasure,
Double the fun,
These two blondes won't ever be nuns.Lakin and Taryn
"Sadies" 2009

sPACKtacular!

2009-10-20T22:18:00.004-06:00

So I just got home from fun in the sun am DELIGHTFULLY SURPRISED to find a pack waiting just for me and filled with things I love.
See for yourself!I wish I could have made a video of myself opening this, but I'm afraid it might have been a little disturbing seeing this grandma giddily dancing around like a small child. Oh, wait....some of you have seen that already. "I did it, I did it"
Thank you Bimpire!
You ARE my sunshine.

Marbella en la Playa for play a

2009-10-18T21:37:00.007-06:00

Because it was my birthday, because Zach left us a year ago,

because Asia is soon moving to Costa Rico for who knows how long, we both thought it would be a great time to do nothing but spend some time together…….so we picked Cabo San Lucas, MX on the off season. We stayed at the Marbella en la Playa

Suites – a boutique hotel just about half way in between San Jose and Los Cabos. During the time we were there only three other rooms of the 40 were being used and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We met Edger, the bartender,who made us virgin Pina Coladas and Mango Margaritas (on the house) and delivered them to us on the beach. We met, Wendy – who had also lost her husband in a freakish way 21 years ago, and her friend BJ who also had a daughter named Aja after the Steely Dan Album(law of attraction????). The other couple we met were from Seattle, returning for a repeat rendezvous of a couple of years ago at this same hotel.We rode the public bus into town, where we met Andreas and Paco- the men who helped us find the bus stop and then gave up their seats. On our first venture into "town" we went to....and I hate to admit this..... Walmart. Yes, it's true....Walmart is everywhere and, if my suspicions are correct, well on it's way to taking over the world.

At this writing there are reports that Hurricane Rick is 500 miles off shore and closing in....but the skies today were as blue as ever and the sun continued to shine it's shine even as the waves were doing the crazy dance just a few feet away. Jesus, the concierge - not the Son of God - says he's 'not worried....we all have to go sometime'.

Thanks for the trip, hija mía.

Lakin Kills

2009-10-07T21:05:00.001-06:00

Check this out! One seriously proud mom here!

Loser, Loner, or (ph)Legmatic?

2009-10-03T20:03:00.005-06:00

So, what do you call, a 50 something year old woman
who spends an entire Saturday afternoon doing a movie marathon by herself
and topping the day off with a gourmet Wendy burger. Hmmmmm????
So much for running with the wolves.......or maybe....
that's what it's all about.

Joseph speaks

2009-10-02T18:30:00.007-06:00

No, not THAT Joseph.
This Joseph. Joseph Grenny.
I have to admit, I love this guy. Joseph Grenny is one of the founders of VitalSmarts and co-author of the books/concepts (Crucial Conversations, Crucial Confrontations) that I do training on with some of my district colleagues. His newest book, and the center my learning experience today is; Influencer. "The most important capacity you can hold is the capacity to influence behavior. Once you tap into the power of influence, you can begin to solve the problems you care about most—from the simplest to the most persistent, resistant, and profound challenges you can imagine." Joseph Grenny
The things he says resonate with me.

Check out these influencers:

Dr. David Hopkins
Dr. Mimi Silbert
Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Dr. Albert Bandura
and /or read the book.

Brrrrrrr

2009-09-30T22:24:00.004-06:00

Autumn left with the wind and the snow that came today. My furnace is on, I'm stocking up on hot chocolate, perusing the soup recipes and re-making the rice bags. Tomorrow it may return to fall, but tonight I'm feelin' the chill......in more ways than one.

Order from Chaos

2009-09-28T20:35:00.006-06:00

I thought I was finished with Dan Brown novels, but at the suggestion of a friend and fellow book fiend, I picked the newest one up Saturday and just finished. Despite the fictional story, it is a tale riddled with interesting tidbits about ancient symbolism hidden in plain sight within the capitol of our country. (and not the ridicules symbolism Glenn Beck rants about). Within the cover one finds "tapestries of veiled histories, arcane symbols, and enigmatic codes" (Barnes and Noble). I found it to be a good read.....although I must admit, because I had read his other books, I was able to figure out the villain early on.
Ever hear of Noetic Science? Fascinating.
Laus Deo.

Date or Handcart??

2009-09-26T23:09:00.006-06:00

For her homecoming dance this year, Lakin and her friend decided to shop the racks of my lovely neighbor who collects vintage dresses. I don't remember wearing this actual dress to a dance during the 70's when I was in high school, but technically this classic prairie gown could have originated in my very own closet. Fortunately, she looks far more beautiful in it than I ever could have.

And, as an added bonus, her date is noticeably taller than she is!

A Day in the Dominican

2009-09-23T13:54:00.007-06:00

This week, in the letter I wrote to Stetson (now out 4 months!) I said: "I really just want you to paint me a picture, with words, of what life is like for you there. I feel like I have just a tiny idea of what it is that you are experiencing and I would love to know so much more."

His response:
I'm not really that good of a painter, at all really, but i will try my best. I'm not sure what exactly to say, so i'll paint a day for you as best i can. Every morning the alarm goes off about 3 hours too soon. After four months of getting up at the same time every day it's still hard to roll out of bed and get going. Mornings are quiet and cool. Breakfast is usually is some bread smeared with peanut butter.
I have completely stopped studying in english. Studying in the mornings is something i look forward to. It is a great opportunity to learn and one that i relish. Studying with Elder Jacobsen for an hour every morning is another opportunity that i have to learn and to gain another perspective and more insight on things. Usually there is some laughter involved in the mornings, especially around 9 when we are finished up studying and getting ready for the day. A good study session in the morning really sets the tone for the day. I iron my shirt every day and the showers are always cold, but its like a song i once heard in elementary school, "the water chills the body but lifts the soul". When we are all set and ready we leave to work. The morning working hours are tough because we don't have a lot of chances to teach. Most of the men are out working and so we can't share with their wives who are home with the kids. We work as much as we can, we do what we can, but mornings are tough. Around 12 we come back to the house and shed layers of clothing as quickly as possible. i hang my shirt up by a window so that it will dry out before we go back out again. Neither one of likes to or is able to cook, so we usually order a servicio, which is white rice, a small portion of meat and beans and potatoe salad. they are cheap and we're usually hungry enough that we don't care that we ate the same thing the last 3 yesterdays. from around 12:30 to 2:20 is our time to study spanish. Spanish is....well i don't know how to describe it. i hunger for it. i want it. i want to study it, read it, speak it, know it. I want to know it yesterday. at times it is difficult for me to be patient with myself, sometimes it is hard to not get frustrated because i don't know very much. Its a need for me, this language, as well as a want. i want to dominate it, know it inside and out. I want to master it and have been building it every day. Its easy to say "be patient. it will come' but harder to live that. Patience is something i don't think i have ever had, and it is something that i am learning.
The afternoons are what really determine the day. If we have a day where we can talk to a lot of people, where our appointments follow through and we get to teach a lot, then the day is a GREAT day. I feel so much better the more we teach, and days when we don't teach a lot i feel lously and low. Those are usually the days when frustration starts trying to creep into my life. Its hot and we walk a lot but if we can get a good lesson in, if we teach someone who really seems interested, anything is worth it. i would walk all day, in the rain, uphill, with backpack full, if i knew at the top of the hill was someone who was earnestly waiting to hear what we have to say. But, in reality, i would do it all even if there wasn't that one lesson because that is what has been asked of me, and that is what i promised to do.
At times i worry, worry if i'm good enough, if i know enough, if my testimony is strong enough, if i can speak well enough. i hate worry, i hate it. I am trying to learn how to just let it go and go forward. That is the painting, or rather a piece of canvas with some stick figures scratched on it.

Oh, you say you wish you had his address so that you too could write him?
It is:
Elder Stetson Gleave
Domincan Republic Santiago Mission
Av. Estrella Sadhala'
Plaza Alejo 2-B
Santiago
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Georgia on my mind

2009-09-22T09:37:00.007-06:00

This weekend I watched a docudrama on artist extraordinaire, Georgia O'Keeffe. This, of course, prompted some fill in the blank reading and as a result
I have identified a new luminary in my life.

I like her.
#1 Because she paints a great sunflower (among other things).#2 Because she dared to be who she was: a non-conformist, in a very conformist era...while still maintaining poise, dignity, and class.

I respect this characteristic in any person who is true to the beliefs of their heart and mind despite the social, religious, or familial pressures or expectations that surround them. It is hard to do.

Georgia, Salute!

That was then, this is now.

2009-09-19T18:22:00.007-06:00

You can never quite duplicate the past no matter how much you want to. Today we celebrated my dad's 75th birthday and since we were together, with a book, we tried to recreate the picture taken 50 years ago as a teaching visual aid for primary and Sunday school. Clearly, things have changed. I have been reflecting a lot lately about why some of us find so much solace in the things of the past, revisiting memories and events often - both happy and sad, and some of us are content to leave it where it (the past) is. I have read several articles on this and of course there is no clear consensus of thought on the matter but it intrigues me.

Buddhism teaches ".....most people live day to day life in the past or in the future. Always re-creating the past or attempting to create the future. By bringing the past to life again and again, or by creating scenarios that have not yet even happened. These things make one spiritually unconscious in their life."

I am wondering what others think.

To Ravenna and Back

2009-09-09T15:55:00.006-06:00

Last Thursday I took my first trip to 240 1/2 Beecher Street, Ravenna, Ohio. Ravenna is a little town, clearly effected by the economic recession. Lots of cool old houses, but many, many closed down and boarded up business, rusting factories and empty homes. Tom lives on a shaded neighborhood street in a tiny little hobbit style apartment. Just what you think of when you imagine a bachelor pad.....Beatles posters on the walls, three computer monitors, bed (an air-mattress - but a very nice one) on the floor, and lots of bologna and cheese in the fridge.

Friday, after Tom got home from work we went over to Kent State University to walk around and see the memorial to the students who were killed there in 1970. At each of the four spots were the students were killed their names were etched in a marble plaque a the corner of a square that is surrounded by ever-glowing lights. The picture I’ve attached is the place where the Pulitzer Winning picture of Mary Ann Vecchia kneeling over Jeff Miller was taken. Although it was a tragedy that took place nearly 40 years ago, it was moving to be in the spot where young people took a stand about something they were passionate about. It is unfathomable to me, how National Guard troops with live ammunition came to be involved in such an unlikely place.

We then spent the weekend at State College PA, with Justin, Kitti, and Grace. We got a good taste of what a real college town was like – those Penn Staters are practically fanatical – and had a good time visiting with the kids, in addition to visiting some Amish communities and a fun little town of Bellefonte. The ducks loved us in Bellefonte! Also got to feast on some of Justin/Kitti's fine Mexican cuisine AND meet some of their great friends.

Sunday night, on the way home from PA we ran up to Hirum (about 10 miles from Ravenna) to see Hirum College and Johnson’s Farm (the farm Joseph Smith was living at when he was pulled from the house in the middle of the night and tarred and feathered). What a beautiful place, and again so hard to imagine that something so tragic could happen there.

Tuesday, Tom took me over to Robinson Memorial Hospital to see where he works, meet the people he works with, and eat in the cafeteria where a good fish meal is always on hand. It was so fun to be able to get a visual picture in my mind of the places he goes and the things he does way out there in Ohio.....and sooooooo great to actually be with him in person for a few days!

One word of caution. If you plan to visit Ohio, bring your own Big Hunks.

Girls just wanna have fun.....

2009-08-31T19:10:00.003-06:00

Asia came out for the weekend and when she, Lakin and I are in the same room for any length of time…..weirdness happens; followed shortly by hysterical guffawing, laugh aching stomachs and giggley tears. We love it when Asia comes home.

Close Encounters of the Police Kind

2009-08-20T19:01:00.004-06:00

I can't even write about it....well, I did....I just can't post it. If you want to know more you'll have to email me. Duh duh duh (ominous sound effect).

School Bells Ring, Are Ya Listenin'

2009-08-18T14:38:00.003-06:00

School starts again tomorrow. It is hard to believe another school year is ready to begin! In our district, as part of the budget decreases (don't even get me going on that!) the teachers and administrators were all cut three contract days this year. Therefore, the teachers have had only two frantic days to put their classrooms together, develop lesson plans, contact their students, and attend the required meetings instead of the five they have had in the past. I seriously believe teachers are a group of the most under appreciated people on the planet. No one can really comprehend (unless they are one) how much time and effort these great people put in– UNPAID – to make sure their students succeed …..and 99% of the time they do it with a smile.
Today's Lecture: Find a way to thank a teacher.

Ear this

2009-08-10T16:53:00.004-06:00

A large part of my job involves listening. Listening to teachers with students who are giving them grief, to students who have teachers who are giving them grief, to district personnel who are sorry but must require more paperwork of me (thus giving Me grief), and to parents with all kinds of grief. This month, because we are rushing toward the beginning of a new school year, I have had many many parents in my office to talk to me about issues that involve their children. My heart breaks at what these kids and these parents are called upon to endure and I often feel at a loss at how to help them resolve situations that are outside my scope of authority. Sometimes all I CAN do is listen and hope that in some way this helps. Almost always though, after having one of these conversations I feel compelled to say a little prayer of thanks for the insignificant problems in my own life,. Tiny things by comparison, that I often let overwhelm and depress me. Considering what’s out there, I’ll take my troubles any day.

WE DID IT, WE DID IT, WE DID IT!

2009-08-08T22:44:00.004-06:00

It was no picnic, but Lakin and I, along with our friends Pam, Holly, and Sydney (and about 200 other people) completed the Mapleton Moonlight 1/2 Marathon. We left the starting line at about 8:30 PM and I crossed the finish line (having been passed by a herd of runners who started way after us) at 11:49 PM. It has taken me all day to recuperate but GOAL MET!
Next year I'm going to do even better!!! ps. it should be noted that while i was putting everything i had into the walk, pushing myself to the limit, muscles screaming, .....lakin ...who hadn't even taken a pre-walk, was practicing her runway walk, skipping, and dancing her way through the whole thing. Sigh......
youth.

Notes to Self:

2009-08-05T10:13:00.003-06:00

• Don't assume that just because I can walk a few miles without going into cardiac arrest I am capable of participating in other types of exercise such as hip/hop dancercise and/or yoga.
• If, upon finding myself in such an exercise situation where-in full length mirrors are installed to view ones self while attempting to gyrate or pose, leave immediately.
• Try to avoid any type of exercise with triathlon winning, athletically gifted, totally toned younger sister in the vicinity.
• If the above does occur remind self that I am the sibling who is not naturally inclined to dancing or balance and that I AM A GRANDMOTHER, and it is perfectly acceptable to shuffle and tip over.
• Yoga is a code word for contortion.
• Group meditation is slightly awkward but might be less so if it was done on something other than a concrete surface.
• Ask meditation instructor what I am supposed to be thinking about. (I'm quite sure it isn't wondering what the other people are thinking about)
• Go to the bathroom before, dancercise, before yoga, before meditation.
• Stick to walking.

(1/2) Marathon Motivation

2009-08-04T13:51:00.003-06:00

This week Lakin has been in CA with Asia so I’ve done a lot of walking to fill the time after work. It is amazing to me how little of Springville I am actually acquainted with after living here for 8 years, but driving practically everywhere. Walking has given me a new perspective. Springville, despite constant road construction, is really a very lovely place. While walking I have discovered quaint little old homes tucked into the trees, Peter Rabbit-esque gardens otherwise invisible and secret. I’ve seen kittens (with and without mittens) lounging on shady steps and sunny sidewalks, sunflower mailboxes, playhouses, tree houses, and all types of chairs for whiling away the time on front porches. I've walked through a tunnel of mysterious red trees, petted horses (I miss having them), been chased by dogs that looked friendly and licked by those that looked vicious (another lesson in the “looks can be deceiving” book.) I’ve smelled tons of roadside flowers and at this point honeysuckle wins as the most fragrant. People are friendly; especially the older sect…always ready with a smile and a wave as I pass by. Sometimes I feel like I am the highlight of their day. Seeing the countryside at eye level, watching the sun set in all it’s brilliant hues, listening to the birds, smelling the flowers, and feeling the occasional breeze waft across my skin is so worth the aching muscles and sweaty everything. I am so grateful that I CAN walk, and see, and feel and so glad I have taken the time to do it….even when I don’t want to do it at all. (I hate being sweaty and having aching muscles)

Friday night is my half marathon – the impetus for getting me off my you-know-what in the first place……now I just hope I can keep up with Lakin’s long legs!!

Glory Be

2009-08-02T19:52:00.006-06:00

One Year ago -- by Emily Dickinson
One Year ago -- jots what?
God -- spell the word! I -- can't --
Was't Grace? Not that --
Was't Glory? That -- will do --
Spell slower -- Glory --

Such Anniversary shall be --

Happy anniversary to us.

Story of my life!

2009-07-30T14:12:00.001-06:00

I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.
- Beryl Pfizer

New Digs - Cribbin' in OH.

2009-07-16T13:27:00.006-06:00

240 1/2 Beecher Street, Ravenna OH 44266

Although we are missing him, Tom is settling in in Ravenna. He shares a house (two separate living areas) with a young mother and her two sons, Weston 5 and Clinton 2. He is delighted to have a garage and not to have to do yard work or fix-up projects. He does wish the shower nozzle was a wee bit higher, that he had at least a table, and that his Cheeze It crackers wouldn't get soggy in the humidity when he forgets to close the package.

Was it something I said....???

2009-07-15T20:50:00.002-06:00

First Stetson runs off to the Dominican Republic on a missionNext, Tom takes a job in Ohio

And now Brian, Megan and Lyza are off to San Antonio.

Goodbyes are killing me!

Me 'n Roy

2009-07-04T18:29:00.003-06:00

Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)

Know the way I feel tonight (ooh-yay-yay-yay-yeah)
Only the lonely (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)
Know this feelin' ain't right (dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah)

Wah Wah!
Happy 4th of July anyway!

Striking it rich in CA

2009-06-28T20:58:00.005-06:00

Tom and I spent a week in the Golden State and look what we found!

There is nothing that quite compares to the words "I love you gramma" or chubby little baby thighs that just beg to be nibbled on. We cried till we got to Barstow when we had to say goodbye....and it wasn't because we were missing the great chocolate cake and homemade bread.....well, some of it was.

No Longer 56!

2009-06-08T21:48:00.003-06:00

Today this handsome grandpa (who doesn't look a day over 40)
actually turned the age page to 57!
For his big day, he got to do whatever he wanted (ride his bike), eat wherever he wanted (Stumpy Burger) and have his favorite birthday treat (ice-cream cones; chocolate chip)....PLUS he got our famous and very traditional birthday song sung to him on Center Street in Provo Utah. And if that weren't enough.......

(and in honor of his first true love)
he also recieved THIS for his birthday gift.

Just kidding. He really got some exciting hedge trimmers. Woot Woot!
Happy Birthday Grandpa Tom!

Clearly the Queen and Finally Seventeen!

2009-06-02T17:50:00.004-06:00

Today at 1:35 pm Lakin (aka: chickie chickie, aka: tater tot: aka Sally True -not) turned into an even more beautiful 17 year old young woman than she was a beautiful 16 year old young woman yesterday. I had to sing the birthday song alone this year, but fortunately the birthday cheesecake was waiting in the fridge to soothe us both. Happy Birthday Youngest Daughter! You've got it goin' on!

The Almquist Resort

2009-05-25T21:39:00.003-06:00

When you are trying not to dwell on the fact that your son who is just ten miles away from you, might as well be ten-thousand miles away...a great place to escape to is the Almquist Villa and Resort in St. George, Utah. This is where our family spent Memorial Day weekend and it was just what this frazzled, emotionally distraught mother needed.While owner/operator Gill took the kids (Lakin, Skyler, Jenna 2 and Skyler 2) to the lake to do some serious wave running, and while the hostess with the mostest, Jill, spent the day cooking for the family BBQ and bringing me lemonade - I sat by the pool like a sloth doing absolutely nothing. I didn't even read! It was heaven.

Lounge-a-rama in action

The children who played and played and played and still had time to text constantly.

Bionic Bicycle Man, Tom, the day after his sixty mile ride to find the grave of one of his personal heros (Levi Savage). Seriously, sixty miles in one day and the guy was barely winded when he got home.

And this is what our house feels like after leaving the Almquist Villa and Resort.
Thanks to Jill, Gill, Skyler, Lexy and Josh who made this lovely weekend possible. It was all I had hoped for and just what I needed.

It's a done deal.

2009-05-20T22:23:00.008-06:00

Today Stetson set off an adventure that will change him from a boy to a man, and will forever alter his perspective on life and others.He wanted us to feel like this because he definitely did......But we are going to miss this.....And even though we have lots of these (pics)We really feel like this.

However.....on a positive note; the first day is over.

A Great Twenty Eight

2009-05-17T22:29:00.003-06:00

Between the craziness of Mother's Day, getting ready for Stetson's farewell, and the farewell itself, I have been remiss in not pointing out that my most amazing Asia turned 28 on the 12th. She becomes more beautiful inside and out with each passing year and if and/or when I finally mature...I want to be just like her.
Happy Birthday
to my girl who sheds light wherever she goes.....
AND who is so freakin' much fun to be around besides!

Farewell-Family-Friends

2009-05-17T20:33:00.005-06:00

Today was Stetson's last HooRah at church. He spoke (like he's been doing it for years), Lakin sang, and I cried....but just a little. Afterward friends and family congregated at the house for brunch like munchies and milling. Not being a practiced or even slightly natural hostess, this was more than a little stressful for me. Thanks to Tom and the kids (their calm in my storm) I think it turned out well enough. Thanks to all who were able to come and make this day a memorable one for us all and
especially for the Stet man. Can he ever be serious??

Stetson and friend

Milling

More Milling

Stets and pals

My step-mother, Mayumi, sister-in-law Alysja, and my dad.

Jamie Oshley(foster daughter) and Chase

IT'S HAPPENING TOO FAST!

2009-05-13T14:52:00.005-06:00

Stetson has seven days left at home.
I alternate between crying and panic attacks.
People avoid interaction with me at all cost.
I'm not ready.
I need more time.
I'm a mess.
Luckily, he's prepared enough for the both of us
and can't wait to get going!

The best Mother's Day presents in the world

2009-05-12T10:42:00.004-06:00

are the kids that made you a mother.

Puttin' on the Paint

2009-05-11T11:18:00.006-06:00

So, it was Lakin's last dance of the year (finally I can start blogging about something else....well, I mean, if I can actually think of something) For their "day" date, the girls in her group filled over 500 balloons with latex paint, picked up the boys and....well...went crazy. Naturally they had a blast (what kid with paint doesn't, right). After this creative artwork, they took their painted selves to the dance and, of course, were the hit of the party. Lakin and her friends are NOT afraid of adventure and I have to boast; I think they plan and execute the most outrageously fun dates ever.
Nope - a dinner and movie ain't gonna happen here.

Jenna, Mia, Erica, Lakin....fun factors.

This Girl Can Sing!

2009-04-26T19:50:00.003-06:00

Holy American Idol! This girl can sing!
This evening the Young Women and Young Men of our ward put on the Brad Wilcox production From Camorah's Hill. Lakin sang solo on "I Never Walk Alone" and let me just tell you - I wasn't the only one who teared up! Wow!

Weekend Watch

2009-04-25T19:07:00.009-06:00

This has been an eventful weekend in our world. Friday, April 24, Brain Brian, picked up his Masters in Public Administration diploma at the Marriott Center at BYU. He was lookin' fine in his graduate regalia. (We heard quite a bit about "regalia" from Dean Gary Cornia). Although Lyza didn't seem to grasp the significance of the occasion (we spent a lot of time outside running up and down the hills - making it in just in time to hear Brian's name and see him on the screen) I think the rest of us could almost hear his internal sigh of relief at being finished with such an arduous program. An amazing accomplishment! Way to go B-Hal!

Saturday, Oo La La Lakin floated off to the Sr. Prom (in prom regalia) looking as beautiful as ever. Sigh....it just seems like yesterday when she was running up and down hills and grass staining HER tights. They do grow up fast.

Knock Knock

2009-04-20T19:55:00.004-06:00

Would you let these guys in YOUR house to tell YOU about eternal life?Taylor, Stetson, Ryan - all called to serve (Brazil, Domincan Republic, Madagascar- respectively) are soon to begin knocking on the doors (and/or huts) of strangers in foreign lands. Now, at first glance you might be put off or maybe even afraid by what you see. (these may be the very images of the Friends You Don't Want Your Children to Have (Y tu') But I have to brag a little ....assuage your fears.
Stetson and his friends are the kind of young men you want your daughters to marry and your sons to emulate - most of the time. These guys have hung around together for years - they move in a pack - and it is hard for me to imagine that soon they will all be going off in separate directions. I am going to miss their raucous, indiscernible laughter booming up from the basement through the heating vents. There is always laughter. I am going to miss these boys (yes they're still boys) with nonchalant moxie standing on the front porch waiting for the door to open. I'm going to miss those hideous sunglasses, their filming antics, their insatiable appetites.
These are great young men and if they come to your door, go ahead and let them in....they're safe...and they're probably hungry.

Susan Boyle -She Dreamed

2009-04-15T11:11:00.004-06:00

This will make your day!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-KiGva9dV4

Eggzactly!

2009-04-12T21:23:00.002-06:00

Nobunny' s cuter than this one!

She does!

2009-04-11T15:32:00.003-06:00

Now this girl's got some hippity hoppity goin' on for Easter

Mark your calendars....

2009-04-03T12:00:00.002-06:00

Friends, family and anyone interested. Stetson's missionary farewell has been set for May 17th in the Kolob 4th Ward (2557 S. 200 E. Springville, UT 84463) at 9:00. Consider this a formal invitation and ....spread the word.

Downsizing....

2009-04-01T20:12:00.002-06:00

Selling this......
Anyone interested??

A Strum and a Song

2009-03-30T09:30:00.008-06:00

My Peace
My peace my peace is all I've got that I can give to you
My peace is all I ever had that's all I ever knew
I give my peace to green and black and red and white and blue
My peace my peace is all I've got that I can give to you

My peace, my peace is all I've got and all I've ever known
My peace is worth a thousand times more than anything I own
I pass my peace around and about 'cross hands of every hue;
I guess my peace is justa 'bout all I've got to give to you

Arlo Guthrie is a very funny yet very wise man. This is the song (written by his father, Woody) he ended his concert with and created a moment and a feeling that I want to keep. Thanks to Tom, yet again, for helping me become more acquainted with this man, his music, and his legend.

Don't miss it....

2009-03-20T19:12:00.002-06:00

This woman knows her stuff!