School is OUT !

At least for two weeks, that is.  When my classroom door hit me on the _____ after the last student left, I was sooooo happy and relieved to be heading home for a couple of weeks.  A couple of hours later, Bill and I headed back to school to watch a basketball game (the second one in two nights).  How crazy is that?  I just bid farewell to all of my students, and then head back for more of them.  It's kind of funny, actually, since the majority of the players I either have right now in a class, or I've had them over the past two years.  You gotta love it.
I think I have all of my out-of-town gifts wrapped and sent out.  I sure hope they all get to their destinations in time for Christmas.  That is one of my big stressors every single year.  I will promise you, though, that next year this will not happen.  My plan is to purchase, make, wrap and package all of those out of town gifts way before December rolls around.  That way, I can actually enjoy the early part of the Christmas season.  This rambling seems a bit commercial, I know, but I do love to give gifts, especially to my grandkids. 
I'm planning on getting many, many pics over the next couple of weeks, so I can post some of them.  I love those Christmas morning, messy hair, no make-up look on everyone's face.  Yeah, even the guys.
I can't believe that one week from tonight is Christmas Eve.  Time really flies...even when you're not having fun.
Bill ran into his department chair today while on campus.  It looks like the whole mess with his job was actually a misunderstanding of an overheard conversation, that got to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (not Bill's favorite administrator at DSC).  This administrator took it upon herself to make  a hurried decision, and in the end, Bill was removed from his position.  Bill had a very good talk with his department chair, and it looks like things are not as gloomy as it appeared earlier this week.  He was told he will be teaching this summer and again in the fall.  It goes to show you what a little misspoken words can do.  We're relieved to say the least, and would like to thank any of you who remembered us in your prayers.  We are very thankful that he will continue teaching this summer.
See many of you in a few days.  Happy early birthday, Erin!!

Pressure, pressure, pressure

I only have about a week and a half left of school before the Christmas break, and under other circumstances, I'd be thrilled and couldn't wait for the time off.  However, starting tomorrow, I will have approximately 110 persuasive essays (written by 10th graders) to read and grade.  Oh, my headache has already begun to pound.  To top that off, I don't have my Christmas shopping done, much less the wrapping and sending off of those that go out of town.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmastime, and all that it represents, but just getting there has been a bit of a struggle for me this year.  I thought I had it all under control...I even started my shopping early, and got a good chunk of it completed, but then I had my three eye surgeries and a great bout of strep throat.  In between that, Bill got the slap-in-your face lame notice that they won't be using him at DSC next semester (with the slight hint, they'll need him next fall).  I just need to deep breathe, plant my feet and get focused on what is important at this time of the year.  I'm grateful for my health, all my children and grandchildren (yay, grandkids!), my wonderful husband, my mother and siblings and friends and a firm and abiding faith in the Savior.  This should be a time of gratitude for what we have, and most importantly, we do have our faith to see us through trying times.
OK, I think I've just about talked myself out of all the pressure I've been feeling.  See what a lot of self-talk does? Which is not to say, it's a bit weird to see people going around talking to themselves.  That felt good!
Merry (early) Christmas!

Strep Throat!!!

I'm home sick today (and tomorrow) with a bit of strep throat.  After the rapid strep test, the doc said it was positive...duh, I knew that.  I can always tell when I get strep throat.  I asked the doc for the pennecillin,   (can't spell that word), and he told me I was getting a shot, instead...in the butt,  Love it.  Not only did I feel lousy, but the nurse had to poke me, as well. 
Can't say it's working yet, but I'm taking tomorrow off, as well, and I hope to be on the road to recovery sometime tomorrow. 

This blog was my pity party blog, so all of you out there just feel sorry for me.  I would do the same for you.

Have a great weekend!

Starting over

Some of you may not know this, since we just found out, but Bill won't be teaching psychology next semester, and between me and you, he has been ripped off.  I don't get it.  Every time someone who's had him as their instructor, finds out he's my husband, they tell me how great a teacher he is.  Seriously.  I knew, and I'm sure a lot of you are aware, but the politics at DSC is horrific.  He has busted his you-know-what to make sure his students get the best possible semester, and has filled in for the department when they needed him for a class from time to time, and then they do this.  It was so heart-breaking because I know how he loves the students, and sharing his knowledge with them.  Good thing we're going to the Temple tonight; maybe I'll see a reason for this change (and I won't be so ticked off at DSC).

I look like a fly!

Ever watch any of those old corny "B" movies that were considered horror movies?  I think there was one called The Fly, and I've decided I kind of resemble The Fly.  My right eye had lasiks today, and they taped a plastic cup to protect it.  It's got a bunch holes in it, which makes it look like the eye of a fly.  This surgery was harder than the other two.  After they had me lie down on the gurney, they handed me a yellow stuffed ducky to hold.  Why the heck did I need a stuffed ducky?  The doc said I may need to squeeze it during the procedure.  WHY?  Well, they wheeled me under the machine, and, as I was awake, scraped my cornea.  Yeah, they put in numbing drops, but just the image of what they were doing was eerie. They also put a contact lens over the eye, for a week, to help in the healing.  Oh joy, I thought I was getting away from contacts.
Then I had to stare straight into the red laser beam for a few minutes while they did their thing.  They gave me a tranquilizer prior to the surgery to relax me, but let me tell you, that ducky got the squeeze of his stuffed life!
OK, blog finished...no more whining.

More eye surgery

I had to take the day off today, so I could get PRK done to my right eye.  Oh yeah, I'm really looking forward to this.  It's supposed to make my close (reading) vision much better.  What I have a feeling is that the "much" better could be very relative.  After reading over their "Informed Consent", I noticed some troubling items under the"other risks" section.  The worst one was this:
* I understand that it is not possible to state every complication that may occur as a result of PRK surgery....
followed by,
*I understand this is an elective procedure and that PRK surgery is not reversible.
That's comforting to know.
It also mentions a "degenerative corneal disease affecting vision" that would need to be treated with a corneal transplant.
Oh joy.
I know I'm sounding like my mother, who, in her advanced age, loves to tell people about her ailments (sorry mom, I do love you), but I'm still working, and walking and swimming (last summer), and, at times, trying to imitate "Dancing with the Stars." Have to tell you, last night, before Bill got home, I tried to twirl around on the floor (used to do it all the time in my dance classes), and I actually got dizzy and a bit nauseous.  Don't laugh, I'll get used to it, and live to twirl again.

Bill's driving me to and from the doctor's/surgical center, because they're giving me valium to calm me down.  OK, after reading their Complications sheet, I guess I do need to calm down.
I was going to post a picture of the procedure, but it was a little gross.

Soooo Glad Friday's Over

It all started as an uneventful day.  Being a Friday, I was a bit tired, but, that's no different from any other Friday.  After first period, I had a prep period, and before I started getting some grades in, and taking a nap (just kidding), I decided to check my bank account, online.  It's almost like I can play it back in slow motion, the focusing of my eyes on the screen.  Apparently, I (not really) had made and "intra-day-debit of $1,292.28.  (Oh yeah, and it was made in Seoul, South Korea.  I forgot to tell you I was in Seoul for a few days, and just flew back this morning.  Mmmm, maybe that's why I was so tired. NOT).  What I had done this morning was make a mortgage payment (online) before coming to work, but I don't think there was any connection.  After spending the rest of my prep period and the following lunch period on the phone with the bank, I felt completely drained, saddened, angry, and at a loss at what had just happened.  It gets better (my Friday, of course).  I still had two class periods to teach, and I was not in the state of mind to do so.  I'm such a trooper, though, cough, cough. As my afternoon class proceeded, and I was conferencing with a student at my desk, with a couple of students waiting in line to get help, a commotion erupted about 10 feet away from my desk.  Students came to me to tell me that someone had just collapsed on the floor. (I know I'm a hard teacher, but not so hard students pass out).  I got up, went to  the kid (Zac), and immediately ran to the office.  This wasn't necessarily an easy task, as I had on a long skirt and clunky boots.  Later, some of my more brave students laughed at how fast I tore out of the class, and the noise my boots made running down the hall!  Anyway, all is well;  Zac regained consciousness, his mother came and got him (and was upset that he didn't eat lunch), and took him to the doctor.  Did I tell you he was as white as a sheet when I returned...just like a ghost.
I still had one other class to teach, and I hadn't eaten lunch, (no, I didn't faint, too) and was ready to throw in the towel.  I finally made it home, called the police to file a report on the bank fraud, and told Bill all that had transpired.
I'm just curious....I wonder what the neighbors thought about a police car being at our house?

               NO, this wasn't really what our police car looked like, but I kind of liked the look of this one.

Phantom of the Opera

Wow!  Bill and I just returned from Dixie High School's production of "Phantom of the Opera," and let me tell you, the role of Christine was sung/acted by a girl in our ward (Avonlea Dalley), and she just knocked it out of the park.  She's only a sophomore in high school and is an amazing singer.  Loved it, loved it, loved it.  The role of the Phantom had a great voice too.  I know you all can't get here to see this play, but you would all love it, I'm pretty sure.
Well, Bill leaves for Arizona tomorrow after church for an early Monday morning interview for a job as a parole officer for the Arizona strip.  I know it sounds a bit different, and so not like Bill, but he wants to give it a shot.  Any of you smirking right now, can just stop.  I did enough smirking, smiling, and outright "you gotta be kidding me," for all of us.  Mmmmm, we'll see.

                                    Look out Arizona strip!

VOTE

I'm sitting here in class (during my prep period), figuring out when I will vote tomorrow.  Since we have Parent/Teacher conferences tomorrow and Wed. until 8:00, the only time I'll have is 7 AM.  Oh well, as long as I don't get stuck in a long line, that's fine with me.  Please, everyone out there, vote tomorrow.  It is so important, from who will represent you in Washington D.C. to your governor, and even quite possibly where or not to legalize marijuana for recreational use (California).  Just VOTE! Remember, it's not just for you, but for your children, their children, and our country.  For those of you who don't have children yet, you have nieces and nephews, and friend's children.
OK, that's all I have time for, but please, do your country a favor and vote out those who have chosen politics as a profession for themselves, and not as a way to make their state, country better.

Halloween is over...almost

It's Sunday afternoon, and since everyone does "trick-or-treating" on Saturday night, we're done.  Well, not exactly.  I decided to buy play dough this year, and with all of the "trunk-or-treating" in our neighborhood, not very many went out.  We had approximately 15 kids, and that was in two groups!  Sooooo, I now have tons of cute little tubs of colorful play dough.  I guess you all know what we're sending you for stocking stuffers, huh?
I returned from the Sadie Hawkins dance around midnight last night, and was it ever tiring.  I still have a headache from the extremely loud music.  The kids were well behaved, so there wasn't a lot to do.
Now I just have to finish grading one class of essays, so I can get them into the grade book, since we have Parent/Teacher Conferences Tuesday and Wednesday....oh, yay!
We saw another fun movie the other night.  It was "Red," and we really liked it.  I can't get over what a great character actor John Malkovich is.  See the movie for his acting, if for no other reason.

What a fun day!

Well, to tell you the truth, my title ("What a fun day") is a bit tongue in cheek.  We're going to the first game of football playoffs this afternoon at my high school.  I, again, am posing as the big, scary, security person at the north end of the track.  Let this be a warning..."DO NOT WANDER ONTO THE TRACK, NOR OUR BELOVED PINE VIEW CEMENT SIGN THAT LIES JUST BEYOND THE FENCE."  I will have to remove you.  This I do by saying, "Please move."  I'm pretty scary, and those 3-12 year-olds know that.  Some of them try to test me by sneaking back on the rocks, but I take my responsibility seriously, and yell, oops, ask them to leave once again.  (In my mind I'm thinking: where the heck are your parents?)  In this PC society, I must remember these adorable children may not have parents (at least with them, at the game).
It's fun, and I don't take myself too seriously (forget what I mentioned above).  Hopefully Pine View will make it to the semis.
Tonight, I have the privilege of chapperoning  the Sadie Hawkins Dance from 8:30 - 11:30.  Fun. This is the high school dance that is the craziest to attend.  Kids tend to get a bit weird (as if weird and high school kids don't go together).  Wish me luck!

We Need to Listen and Think

This comment is in response to Ben.  I love you Ben, and I want you to understand that in the 30s, in Europe (especially Germany), much of the population were sucked into the charismatic rantings of Hitler, promising everything, then taking everything from the populace.  Read your history, and since I teach English and my students are currently reading a Holocaust memoir, I have done a lot of research on the Nazi lies.  It is not Rush and Beck and others that are lying to us, they have done their research and base what they say on historical facts, and most importantly, the Constitution of the United States. Whew! I hope I didn't offend anyone, but I'm really worried about the lies of Obama and those he listens to.  The truth is Obama is just a puppet, and if you do some research you'll find out just who  is pulling the strings.
By the way, Beck's religion is not why I listen to him.  He would be the first to not use his religion to get people to listen.  He's just wanting Americans to do their research.  I also listen to Hannity (who's Catholic), and Levin (who's Jewish) and a few others who don't profess a specific religion.  I think I'm smart enough to make my choice of who I believe based on what they say, not necessarily what religion (or not) they are.  Love you, Ben.
I think I'll go to bed, now...night, night.

It's election time

All of  you out there who are old enough to vote (that's sort of funny, since the only ones not old enough to vote are either my students or my grandchildren :), don't forget to VOTE!  Even if you think your vote won't count, it will.  There are so many congressional seats, as well as a few governor's up for re-election, that if we want to take back that which was taken from us in 2008 (it wasn't really taken from us, we gave it away with our lack of voting, or who we voted for).  Anyway, let's do what we, as Americans have been able to do because we are a republic...vote for those we want to have represent us.  I'm concerned about our financial future and the future of my children and grandchildren.  I know I must sound like Glenn Beck or Hannity, or Limbaugh, but I'm ok with that. 

And Secretariat Wins by 31 lengths!!!

Oh yeah, Bill and I just returned from the movies, and we saw such an amazing one.   It was "Secretariat" and I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone.  The audience actually applauded at the end, even though most of them probably knew the ending, since it was the true story of the horse, Secretariat and his amazing journey to win the triple crown. (whew, that's a long sentence) Bill and I laughed out loud, cried, and were just so grateful they still make movies like this.  GO SEE IT!!!

General Conference

Well, Conference is over, and so is the relaxing, and spiritually uplifting talks by the General Authorities.  We all have our favorites, besides Elder Packer's, I really liked President Eyring's.  We were able to watch all of Conference, with Logan and Vicki and Mariah and Jeremy with us on Sunday, celebrating Jeremy's birthday (late!).
During Sunday's afternoon session, I got a call from Lauryn, asking me if we were watching Conference.  At first I thought it was Jacob, and, after the second time I said Jacob, she corrected me quite forcefully with "grandma, this is Waryn!" Lauryn is still pronouncing her L's like W's, so I apologized.  Last year Jacob called me to see if we were watching General Conference, so I thought it was Jacob, again.

Happy October.  I would love a picture of all our grandkids in their costumes.....please.

Kids Say the Darnest Things

Ok, so I'm back at work, and one of my classes was curious about my eye surgery...anything to get out of doing their work, I'm on to them.  Anyway, one student asked me if it hurt. Now wasn't that nice?  I told him I didn't feel a thing, and said they put numbing drops in my eye prior to the surgery.  He was so surprised.  He thought they stuck a needle into my eyeball...ouch, now that would hurt.

It's Done...Almost

I had my second eye surgery yesterday.  If my spelling isn't what it should be, it's because my near vision is still a bit impaired.  But, my distance eye (left one) is doing well.  Kind of funny to see everything in the distance without my glasses or contacts.  It's also funny how, when I get up in the middle of the night or early in the morning, I used to reach for my glasses (don't ask me why, the toilet is always in the same place...doesn't move). I compare it to a smoker who quit, doesn't know what to do with the hand that used to hold the cigarette.  Maybe it's just me.
I may need to go back in a month or so to have them do a little lasik surgery on the close vision eye.  There was more astigmatism in that eye and they need to tweak it a bit.  That's kind of scary thinking they have to "tweak" one of my eyes with a powerful red beam that can cut through almost anything.  Oh well, I do want to read my books and students' essays without using those funky reading glasses. I so envy people with perfect vision...a.k.a. ERIN!

I'm blind...almost.

I think I'll take a picture of my eye patches (when I get the other one next week.  I had my right eye surgery this morning, and I have to type this with my nose about 3 inches from the monitor.  Pretty funny. I have to relax today, go for post-op with the doc tomorrow morning, then back to school on Thursday.  I'm  trying to figure out how I'll see (to drive, teach, walk down the hall without bumping into the students, etc.) since it was my close vision eye they fixed first.  I can't really put my glasses on over a good eye..oh well, I'll figure it out.  It does crimp my style since it's also hard to shop when I can't see what I'm buying.  OK, don't laugh, I will survive.  I'll let you know how everything went, when I get my second surgery next week.  I can wear real sunglasses, now, whoopee!

It's Kinda Creapy Out There!

Bill left on Thursday (with Mariah) for Phoenix to help Ashley while Adam was in the hospital, and to give Adam a blessing and a whole bunch of love and support.  It was neat that they got to go, and I'm grateful they did, but after the first night, it got a bit lonely...and creepy.  For all of you out there that know our house, especially our bedroom, you know the creaking sound the floor makes. It seems that when I'm in the TV room, I hear that sound every once in awhile.  It seriously creeps me out!! Before I go to bed, I make the trip around the house to make sure no one has entered without permission.  You don't know how secure that makes me feel, ha ha.  It's when I'm checking out the rest of the house that my bedroom floor decides to scare the crap out of me (sorry about my language).  Anyway, I'm more than ready for Bill to come home... I do miss him.
I just thought of something.  What if someone('s) out there reading random blogs, and they come across mine?  I hope there's no way they can find our house address, hmmm. 

Just looking at my photos from this past summer, and found this cute one of Wesley.  He just looks like he's about ready to do something; not sure what it was.

Labor Day at The Boulevard

As Bill and I ate our free breakfast at the Labor Day celebration at The Boulevard, I thought of all of the pieces of furniture I didn't need, but went into the store to just look around. If anything, we could have used some more storage (you know me and boxes).  I really want to get one of those benches that have openings in the middle to slide wicker baskets, and you put pillows on the top.  I saw one on Craigslist, but haven't fully decided to get it.  Back to our "non" shopping trip at The Boulevard.  Bill's eyes wandered over to the boxes of sleeping bags (not just ordinary sleeping bags, but the ones you can use in -14 degrees). These sleeping bags were one of the special sales they had going, and I didn't have any desire to buy one.  I had a feeling though, that if Bill saw them, he could very well want them.  As we already have enough sleeping bags for the entire family, I didn't think it would entice him...Wrong.  He bought two (for us, in case of emergency).  When, may I ask you  will it be necessary to have sleeping bags that are warm enough for -14 degrees here in the desert Southwest????  This trip to the store reminded me of our drive one evening (back in Oregon) to get some ice cream (remember, Erin?) and ended up with a trombone for Logan.  You had to have been there to appreciate the comparison.

Facebook

I can't believe I just yelled at Facebook.  Well, not really yelled, but used all caps on my "comment".  It is so weird.  I know I don't understand all of Facebook (don't understand much of it, to be honest), I feel like I need to be in the Special Education class for Facebook wan-a-be's.
I just ripped off my acrylic nails (so I can type faster, and it's cheaper), and painted my real nails gray.  Whoopie!  They look cool.  I'm getting ready to have my eye surgery in a couple of weeks.  I have to have a check-up with my primary care physician, so the eye surgeon and anesthesiologist ( sp?) can administer that drug that sends you into La La Land.  I'm fine, why do I need to have one doctor check me out just to say I'm ok?  It's not like I haven't been to the doctor ever. Anyway, in a couple of weeks I'll be either blind as a bat, or I won't need to wear glasses or contacts anymore.

Kind of looks like my eyes, huh?

Mockingjay

Here at last!
I arose early yesterday, drove to Walmart before school, and bought it!  I do believe I was the first official owner of Mockingjay at Pineview HS.  I think my students secretly envied me yesterday, as I sat during silent reading time, reading away.  You may think I've gone off the deep end with this, but I know those of you that read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are just as envious as my students right now.  Also you probably think I have way too much time on my hands.

2 Weeks Down!

It's hard to believe we've only been in school for two weeks.  I feel like it's been a wee bit longer.  I think I'm holding out pretty well, though...only 8 1/2 months to go! I should probably not focus so much on how long, but "enjoy the journey" instead.
We had "Back to School Night" last night, and I scheduled a hair appointment right after school, so I could get back for the big event.  I needed to be at school by 6:30, so with a 3:00 hair appointment, it didn't seem like a big deal.  Well, it wouldn't have been a big deal if I were still with my previous hair stylist, BUT, she has now retired (34 years old) to spend more time with her husband and four children.  What a smart girl!  Back to my problem.  Stephanie (new stylist), spent so long on my hair (and did a great job I might add), that I barely made it back to school, and her shop was only 5 minutes away.  Tawnie (my previous stylist) really was much faster, but it's fine with me.  I know now, though, not to schedule anything after my next hair appointment.
If you're reading this, Ashley, she's really good.  I don't know if you know her, but her name is Stephanie Larsen.
Next week I'm scheduled for the "measuring" of my eyes.  Yes, I'm going to do it.  Some time later in September I am getting my eyes replaced...sounds gruesome, doesn't it?  After the surgery, I will no longer need glasses.  I have worn either glasses or contacts since I was 10 years old. For those of you who are taking out their calculator or cell phone, no need to figure how long ago that was; needless to say it was before the real stylish glasses you see on famous people and after the dinosaurs.

This could have been me with glasses when I was younger, but she looks far too smart!

Too late...or too lazy...not sure

I had every intention of making my infamous "beginning of school blueberry muffins" this morning, but I sort of got up a bit later than planned, and really didn't feel like making them this morning.  I turned the oven on, actually tore off the top of the muffin box, but I couldn't convince myself to make them.  So the first week is almost over (no muffins), and probably none in the foreseeable future.  Maybe I'll make them tomorrow morning and  give myself the luxury of time to enjoy them all.  I say all, because I'm not sure Bill and Mandy like them as well as I do. I'm good, though.  I had a great banana this morning, and that satisfied my morning hunger.  It's only about 10:15 am, and I have my prep period, which isn't always that good, since I find snacks to eat to keep myself going.  This conversation is strangely focusing on food, which isn't good.  I'll need to make a concerted effort to eat a good breakfast from now on, then I can get my mind focused on other things, like my students and what I'm going to teach them!

Blueberry Muffins

Erin reminded me of a tradition I used to have with my kids when they were in school.  I had the bright idea of starting the school year off with a special (and easy) breakfast on the first day of school.  I don't know if it worked, but Jenny, Becca and Erin are still doing that for their children.  Blueberry muffins and orange juice, ahhhh that was so good.  I haven't done it for myself for quite a while, so I guess I'll have to get a box of blueberry muffins at Walmart on my way home today, so I can treat myself at least on first week of school.  Thanks for reminding me, Erin.
I just hope I can get Mandy and Bill to help me eat them!

It"s Started...Again"

Yep, here I am at school, for yet again, another first day of school.  It's kind of funny, as I look at myself, I find I've even done the "first day" of school stuff:

I tried to go to bed early and get plenty of sleep.
I'm wearing a new outfit.
I had my nails done (haven't done that for a year) even though I didn't do this when I was a kid on my first day.
I'm sort of excited (yeah, right)
Can't wait for the day to end!

New Car...again

I wasn't real happy with my pretty little 2009 Toyota Matrix (sport) that we bought last April, so we've been looking for something different.  I love Honda's, especially the Honda CRV,  but that one is a bit expensive, and Bill wanted me to get the Hyundai Santa Fe, or something like that, but we just weren't able to find one.  We drove by the same place we bought the Toyota and saw a Honda Civic, and it was the same body type I love...so, we traded in the cute little Toyota for this white (the color's a bit boring, but so what?) one.  I love it!  It has much better mileage, and when I speed, the police are less likely to see me.  It's those dang red cars that catch their attention.

One more thing.  I joined Facebook today.  How funny is that?  There always seems to be some coupon offer, or "deal" that I need to be a member of Facebook to be able to have access to it.  So, there you are, I did what I always said I wouldn't do.  We all break down at one time or another.  I'm kind of excited, even though I won't have the time to spend on it (nor do I want to spend time on it), because one of my "special friends" is my dear friend (and oldest), Vicky Asay who just returned from Argentina with her husband.  They've been down there for three years as Mission President (and wife).  I've been best friends with Vicky since the fifth grade, and for all of you that know me, know that was a bucket load of years ago.
Back to Facebook.  I don't really think I have time to go searching for long lost friend, so I just invited family members.  I hope I didn't miss anyone; I'm just getting used to it.

Two Weeks Left

This summer has gone by so fast.  In a way it seems like a long time ago since the last day of school (May 28th), but in other ways, time has flown by.  I think that's probably because I have to be back in school in 2 weeks! Yikes! It's still in the 100s, and I'm not particularly fond of  wearing "school" attire in this heat.
We're heading up to SLC in a couple of days to help Summer and Tyler move into their new home.  Wednesday's the big day, but if my back doesn't get any better, I may be of no use.  I woke up this morning with more pain in my lower back than I've felt in a very long time.  I've been gimping around the house like an old cripple.  I left church after Sacrament meeting, since my Primary class (10-11 year old girls), were all on vacation for the 24th.
I don't have any pictures to post this time, so maybe I'll try to snap some while we're up north.

Even though this isn't a picture of me (duh), it's just how I've felt all day.  Oh well, there's always tomorrow!

Time to pause

The day after all of our family left to either go home, or on to the rest of their vacations, it was really quiet.  I don't mean a good quiet, but sort of depressingly quiet.  I know I get a bit crazy with everyone here, and trying to keep some semblance of order, but I'd truly rather have that than this super, ever present quiet.  I have the rest of my life for quiet, I miss everyone right now.  Mandy has helped (Bill, too), and maybe that's why I'm only part crazy right now...thanks Mandy and Bill!

I went over all of the photos I took, and I want to post a few of them here (with commentary), so I can reflect later more accurately.  The older I get, the less I'm able to remember everything...duh.

Jessica wanted to have a girl's outing (since she has four brothers and no sisters), when they came, so we finally got to do it.  Jessie, Lauryn, Jenny, me, Mandy, and Erin went to Red Robin, and celebrated both Lauryn and Jessie's summer birthdays, and they got an ice cream sundae and were sang to by the waiters and waitresses.  It was so fun.  You can tell by the look in Jessie's (and Lauryn's) eyes that it was a hit!

Swimming was another thing we did as a family during that 100+ degree weather.  Ashley's parents have a fabulous pool, and they so graciously let us swim in it to our hearts pleasure.  Here's Erin with Landon, just chillin'.

It would appear that we were having a diving contest, or some sort of "getting yourself in the water the most dramatic, or skilled" way.  This is Ashley...way to to go Ash!

Here's Jen with her "double-double, whatever-you-call it" entry.

Erin, entering the water.

There was that great slide that everyone loved, so here's a few shots of the kids attempting to go faster and more daring at each attempt.

                        

Zach

Ryan                                                                                                              

   

                                                                               Jacob

 Jessica

                            Brycee-boy

 Here's Wesley, not too sure he wanted to try the slide.

OK, now here's the  pic I just had to post.  Adam E. taking the slide down.  What a physique!

 Mandy and Bill were very cool, being the casual observers. Actually, Bill thought the water was a bit cold, so he was actually waiting for it to warm up in the desert sun!

Lauryn definitely decided not to try the slide!

 I don't know if Jenny needed the noodle-floaty thing, but she and Adam  looked like they were having a cool time in the water with Wesley.


I'll get some more pictures in the next blog.  I have a ton, and I don't want to leave anyone out.

Happy Family Reunion!

Even though it didn't start out as a family reunion, with Will's baptism, Landon and Addison's blessings, and Ben flying in, we had ourselves a good ol' fashioned gathering.  We had a lot of fun, swimming, eating, and all around running into everyone (you should have seen our sleeping arrangements).  I'm going to post more pictures, but here's the family one.  I'm only sad that Becca, Noah and Kathy weren't able to be here.

Almost everyone's here!

Jenny and Adam arrived last night with Zach, Ryan, Jessica, Bryce, and Wesley.  Adam and Ashley with Kevin and Katie came over, too. We had homemade chili (me) and it was a mad house, but fun until the adults were ready to drop!  Here's a couple of photos I snapped of some of the cousins.  Notice how Wesley is holding onto Mandy's arm :)



                        Landon, Wesley, and Kevin and the TRUCKS.

Zach hamming it with Kevin, Wesley, and Landon.

This picture is sort of a joke (don't tell great-grandma).  The dress Jenny, Erin, and I are holding up is one mom wanted to give to me, and I said it wasn't my style (very gently, mind you), but when Jenny and Adam arrived, she got to Jenny's soft heart and now Jenny gets to wear it! 

    Mandy with Wesley and Kevin.

It's getting HOT !

Well, our temperature hit 106 today, and I think that's just about my limit.  Unfortunately, tomorrow's not going to be much better, or the rest of the week for that matter.  I'm sure Ben will love it, but it really saps my strength.  Jeremy and Mariah came over this evening, and Jeremy got roped into a hot game of Monopoly with Jacob.  Jeremy's sidekick was Lauryn ( she got to roll the dice, good thing she wasn't the banker).  Jer's a good sport, and when they left, Bill took over, and found out Jeremy and Lauryn weren't doing so well :) As I am blogging this, I can hear Bill yelling, "Oh, you little bugger!" I guess I don't need to ask who's winning.

Here's Jeremy's partner in crime!

Come On Kitty!

Sometimes they just don't listen.  Lauryn was trying to get the neighbor's cat to go where she (Lauryn) wanted him to go, but I think the cat had other ideas.  Lauryn and family have a dog (Juneau), but she desperately wants a kitty.  I wonder how long the kitty would last???

Ughh, get over here, kitty.

Nice kitty.

Back in St. George, again

Well, Erin and I, and the kids made it back from Texas in less than two days. Let me tell you, it was one fast ride.  The kids were great.  Just imagine a 9 year old, 4 year old, and 7 month old baby traveling that long.  I'm glad to be back home, and finally got my stitches out of my head.  Don't ask, everything was fine.  It's a bit hot here right now, but not humid, so that's good.  It's time to get back to couponing.  I know I missed out on some great deals, but you can't win 'em all.  Here's a few pictures of our journey.

Lauryn and Jacob in the back seat.  I think Lauryn just woke up.

                                                        This is Landon.  He's a real charmer.

We stopped at the Petrified Forest State Park, but didn't go in.  The only thing petrified is the tree stump behind Jacob and Lauryn.

We went to the splash pad on Tabernacle today.  Yeah, 102!
Next week Jenny, Adam and kids will arrive.  Ben's coming in on the plane.  Tyler/Summer & Kids, Adam/Ashley & kids, Jeremy/Mariah, Logan/Vicki & baby will be here, also, for Will's baptism.  We're going to have a house full, but what a blast!  More pics to come.

Finally, Some Food

I had a procedure this afternoon, and one that I would most definitely recommend to anyone...NOT.  I had to stop eating 48 hours prior to the procedure, and starting last night around 6:00, began drinking 4 liters of a salty water drink.  I was able to add some Crystal Light (pink lemonade) to it.  This cleaned me out big time, but the flavoring didn't really help when I had to drink that much.  I got up this morning to finish the last 2 liters.  Can I just add, that the doctor found me "clean as a whistle"? I wasn't going to blog about this event, but now since I am free to eat, what the heck, why not?
Now tomorrow, I get to have a hole cut in my head (like I don't already have enough holes in my body).  I have a small spot of basil cell carcinoma, and since I had one removed around 5 years ago, I get to return for more, yay!  I just had my hair done yesterday, and I know they're going to make a mess of it.
I know what it's like to read (or not) about someone's medical problems, so I'm going to stop right now and go outside and watch the birds feed on their new seed bell.  They are really hungry little guys. Bill just mowed the lawn, and it looks fantastic.  I wish we could do something with our over-grown backyard; I guess we'll have to save that for another year.

Portland was great (and wet), and I'm so grateful to be back home.  I still have to post some of my pictures; here's a few,  just to prove that's where I actually was:

This is Noah with Jack.

This is Noah, getting ready to bat, at one of his little league games.  This was one of the rare non-rainy days.

This is me with my brothers and mom, in Portland.  Gordon, second from the right, on the couch has Parkinson's Disease.

Finally, a picture of the Sandy River in Troutdale, Oregon, as seen through the trees. I stopped on the roadside, on my drive to see Ben one day.

Say hi to Jack!

Here's  bird's eye view of Becca's dog, Jack.  He's got a lot of energy, strength, energy, teeth, and of course, energy.  He's an American Bulldog, and is about a year old.  Imagine relaxing on her couch, then gazing into those set of eyes?  He's pretty harmless, unless you consider the chunk of carpet he took out at the top of Becca's stairs.  She's got a neat new home, but Jack just needed to sink his teeth into it.  She bought him a couple of those dog chews that eliminates a dog's need to chew on anything in your home, like furniture and carpet. I will post his pic when I get home and download them onto our computer.