Post-Christmas-2011

Here I am, siting at my computer, trying to remember what hit me yesterday.  Oh that's right, it was Christmas!  We all went to church for Sacrament meeting, and by the way, it was beautiful.  The Bishopric gave the three talks, and brother David Dalley sang, "Oh, Holy Night." He is such an amazing singer, and brought tears to more than one set of eyes. 
When we got home, it was "holy Hannah" day in the living room.   Gifts were flying, kids were crying, and Bill was oblivious to it all.  He was intent on his conversation with whomever he was talking to, so I  handed out gifts....well not just me,  Kevin was going for them, too.  Such a good little helper.  It took us a while to unwrap all of the presents, and just when we thought we were done, in walks Logan, Vicki, and their two little ones... with more presents!  We all settled down for another round, and finally took ourselves to the kitchen to visit and finish cooking the turkey, etc.  Oh, by the way, the two turkey breasts Bill was barbequing on the deck, decided to fall off the turning thing (not sure what you call it), and so the turkeys were brought into the kitchen to finish cooking in the oven.  Whew, that finally over, we prepared the rest of the food and sat down to eat.
I have an annoying habit of wanting to eat my food hot, so I dished up and gulped down my meal before it had a chance to cool down.  After, I sat in the tv room to get over my stomach ache.  I've got to practice eating slowly, and deep breathe.

Craft, craft, crafty

I'm certainly not the craftiest person around (unless you define "crafty" as sneaky, sharp, etc.), but lately I've been inspired by the website, Pinterest.  I'm not really sure how you"pin", or for that matter, "unpin" something, but I can get some pretty good ideas from it. My visiting teacher mentioned the site to me months ago, then Erin told me she and Jenny were getting excited about it.  Erin claims she's not crafty either, but the things she's done, tells me otherwise.  I've found some things to do to keep me out of trouble, and causes me to get behind in my grading, but what the heck, it's fun.  It also makes me feel like I'm actually a bit creative.  I just found a bookcase on Pinterest...here's a look at what I want Bill to help me with.                                          



Although we didn't build it (yet), I'm certainly looking forward to doing it. 
I've been sewing, also, but I can't post the pictures, since they just might be a Christmas gift for someone...hmmm.
Looking forward to the Christmas break, since, as usual my students (just one of the 10th grade classes) are getting on my nerves, and I have begun questioning my teaching skills.  It's been a long quarter, just leave it at that. 
Oh, and since my sophomores just finished reading Lord of the Flies, I get to show a short episode of my least favorite TV program tomorrow and Friday. It's a parody of the book.  Can anyone guess what that program might be? 
Have a nice rest of the week. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!! and Black Friday :(

Well, I've been asked (told) to get back on our family blog, so Thanksgiving time is as good a time as ever, so here goes.
We're not cooking Thanksgiving dinner here, this year, since many of the kids are going to their in-laws, or can't travel this far.
So here it is...we're going to the Golden Corral!  Ben said he's heading down to Mesquite later tonight, for some prime rib :)  It's just a weird feeling.  I have never had Thanksgiving Dinner at a restaurant, ever! What bothers me about a buffet (which I'm not fond of under normal circumstances) is by the time I select my food, barge my way back to my seat, and sit down, I realize I don't have my utensils.  You can imagine how cold my food will be when I begin to eat.  I love my food hot.  On the other hand, there will be absolutely no cleanup.  When I get home, I'm going to make a pumpkin pie,  so my kitchen has that wonderful spicey smell.
Well, we went out to see the St. George temple lights last night, and I was able to snap this picture of the temple with my iphone (love my phone).

Pretty cool if I do say so myself.
Today is Saturday, and we're all kind of just hanging out.  Ben went golfing with Wade, and then on to his house to watch the great "civil war" game.  I'm sure Erin, Jesse, and Jacob (Lauryn and Landon, too) are watching the great Oregon/Oregon State game this afternoon, too...go ducks!
Well, Bill has been working hard on the front yard, and this time of the year with the leaves falling every 2.5 seconds, he wanted to mow it, thus getting rid of all the leaves...temporarily.  When he finished, yesterday, he came in the house and was so proud of his clean yard. I mentioned he might have a few leaves by the morning, so this morning, here is mother nature in all her glory!

Ben left this morning at 5:30, to catch the St. George Shuttle to Vegas for an 8 am flight to Portland.  We're sure going to miss him.  It was fun having him here, again, and we absolutely love his banana bread! We love you Ben, please come back soon!

Back to School

It's the Saturday before the first day of school, and instead of heading up north to visit family in SLC, Bill and I are home, watching Bill's nose heal.  It really looks bad, but it's actually healing well.  Brother Plumb just stopped by to check on Bill (he's the anesthesiologist, and in our ward). He said it looked like it was healing well, and more than likely the stitches will be coming out in a week or so.  We also talked about the benefits of anesthesia.... duh.  We're really glad they knocked Bill out for this one, since the surgery took 2 hours.  I would post a picture of Bill's nose (still attached to his head), but it might gross a few of you out.  I already sent a picture of it to most of you on my phone, so that will have to do.
I have to tell you, though, that Bill was a riot after the surgery, while he was coming out of the drugs.  He had the nurses laughing and he sounded so much like he was drunk.  He told us all (me, the nurses), an old high school friend told him he would be a pretty funny drunk.  No fooling?

Holy splash pad, I mean kitchen!

I guess I'll blog about my latest experience, even though I did put it on Facebook.  It's a bit more fun when I can really explain what happened (Mariah).  I was innocently making a salad for myself the other day, while Bill was at work.  I was rinsing the strawberries and blueberries over the sink and I think I hit the faucet.  Bill did tell me that earlier that morning, he'd noticed the faucet leaking, (thanks for the warning).  Anyway, without any warning, the faucet handle breaks off and up shoots a spout of water with enough pressure to keep the kids busy running through it.  It got me (my face was smack on top of the water spout), the window well, floor, and counters drenched. I didn't exactly panic, but I did yell "help" a couple of times.  Of course there was no one near.  It took about 20-30 seconds to reach under the sink and grab the first nozzle I could find and turn.  As I turned it, I did notice the water was slowing down.  I finally got it to stop.  I think I used nearly 8 towels (beach towels, no less) to mop up the water. Angie said I need to keep a video camera running at all times, since I'm so funny, and I could probably win "Funniest Home Videos" without a problem.  Oh, I looked like a drowned cat!

Everyone's gone!

Up in a tree!

Erin and kids left yesterday morning, and it's been quiet ever since.  We located a cool park with a splash pad the day before they left.  Dang, should have found it sooner.  We did go to the Washington Rec. Center the other night, though.  That was fun.  Erin did some shopping, Jacob and Lauryn climbed our trees, and when Ben was here, we had our backyard cleared...yay, at last!  Next week we're probably going to have someone come in and level it, so it will be sprinkler and lawn ready.
I'm kind of in limbo right now.  Cleaning the house is about all I can find to do, but that needs to be done, anyway.
I have spent a lot of time away from home, either on the road (St. Louis to Wichita Falls), a week in Texas (ick, too hot), and then the long drive from Texas to St. George with Erin and kids.  I guess I'm ready to be home.  The only thing bugging me is the fact that school is looming next month.  Where has the summer gone?

Lauryn at the Towne Center splash pad and Lazy River

Landon, not quite so sure.

This is somewhere in the midwest, in a McDonald's over Highway 44.  Pretty cool. Jenny and kids: Wesley, Ryan, Zack, Bryce and lovely Jessica.

This is one of my favorite.  Ben taking Jacob into the pool, the scary way.  Look at Jacob's expression.

Erin and Lauryn sort of imitating Ben and Jacob :)
What's with the nose plugging? Like mother, like daughter, I guess.

Back Home

Well, I finally returned home to St. George a couple of days ago.  Ben has been here since the 1st of July, and Erin, the kids, and I got here on the 6th.  It was a loooooong trip from Wichita Falls.  I'll post something of my time in Texas later.  Today marked the second day Ben has been back-hoeing our back yard.  He is also showing his talents teaching  Jacob and Lauryn (Landon, too) to bake his special brand of chocolate chip cookies.  They are sooo good!

Ben, in all his glory.

Bye-bye ugly back yard.

Guy Fierri, look out!

We also went swimming today at Wade Field's pool (Ben's friend from Corbett), and Ben was at it, again, teaching Jacob some pretty cool tricks off the diving board.

Erin and kids watching Ben do his thing in the back yard.

Flying is scary

Of all the dang places to fly to on Monday (27th), I picked St. Louis, MO.  That is where there will be STRONG, SEVERE, THUNDERSTORMS. I got some advice from Erin and Jesse tonight, though, as if that will calm my nerves.  Advice: "get a wing seat."  Thanks, I needed that.  Oh well, Bill and I went to the Temple this morning, so I've got that covered, and I'll have him give me a blessing tomorrow.  You'd think I were marching off to war.  The next time I blog, I'll be better, so you won't have to here my whining.

wish me luck!

Bill's Father's Day gift

Jenny and Adam and kids gave Bill this shirt to remind him of all his grandkid's names!

Kinda serious, huh?

Golfing's for the strong

Bill and I went golfing at Sand Hollow yesterday afternoon (temp. only around 90), and today I feel like a Mack truck has run over me.  It all started with my 4 mile walk around the Bloomington loop in the morning.  Bill had a few things to do while I walked, and when he returned, wanted to go golfing, since it wasn't that hot. Right, not that hot.  I whined a bit, then thought, "he bought me a set of clubs, we've been putting a bit, and have been to the driving range, why not?"  My back was a bit sore, but what the heck, I could do it.
Previously, we've gone to golf stores where they have those fake driving ranges that measure your distance, etc. I actually did well, and the best part was I never whiffed the golf ball, which to me, was the most important thing.  OK, so out on the course (thankfully I couldn't see anyone nearby to witness my lack of skills).  Bill was so patient, even when I threw my club a few times. I thought that my clubs were actually not long enough...does that sound like an excuse to you?  After measuring our irons (golf terminology for the clubs you use in the fairway, for the most part), Bill's were a bit longer.  Sad news, though, the driver's pretty close to the same length.  Oh well, good try.  As we got to about the 6th hole, I decided to use my fairway wood twice in a row, so I didn't put the cover back on it,   and walked to where my ball was (approx. 100 yards).  I chose another club at that point, but couldn't find the "sock" cover for my previous club.

This is the club "sock" I dropped 100 yards back.

Dang if it didn't make me mad, since I knew then that I dropped it somewhere back where I had just hit the ball.  I walked back to pick up the cover (100 yds.) and then back to my clubs (another 100 yds.).  By that time, I was really pooped, and we decided to finish the game at 7 holes.

Bill was such a sweetheart, he pulled my cart and his, all the way back to the car :)

The following things are positive about the "game."
1. exercise
2. fresh (hot) air
3. practice (at a sport in which I suck).
4. beautiful scenery
5. parring a Par 3 hole
6. ran out of positives

Negatives about the "game."
1. really sore back
2. sweating like a dog
4. whiffing the ball a gazillion times
5. throwing my club (from time-to-time)
6. not doing nearly as good as I thought I could

All in all, I'm sure I'll continue to work at the game of golf.   I am really grateful that Bill is as patient as he is.  An outing like this could lead to many bad things in a marriage, but not for us!

Mmmmm, bread!

A friend in our ward, from Australia, makes this really yummy bread (sort of like round french bread, but better), and every time we have her over for Sunday dinner, she brings us a loaf.  After getting her recipe, I finally attempted to make some myself.  It is really good, especially toasted.

Holy kick-your-leg-up-high, Jessie!

Here's a picture of Jessica at her last little league game (her team won the championship).  I think she got a little carried away, when the coach told them to lift their leg for more power, what do you think?

Let 'er rip!

Happy Father's Day!

Well, it's a couple of days until Father's Day, but while Bill is away helping Mandy move to BYU Idaho (Rexburg), I bought his gift.  My problem was getting his new computer chair home.  I bought it at Staples, and the box it was in was huge!  If called around for someone to help, who had an SUV or truck, but no luck.  I finally went back to Staples and had them load it into my Civic without the box...bright, huh? I am able to put the wheels on, but am not too sure about the hydrolic lift part (the part that allows the chair to go up and down).  So, it is sitting in our family room, waiting for Jeremy and Mariah to come over for dinner on Sunday, so Jeremy can complete the job.
Happy Father's Day, everyone! Well, fathers, at least.

In case you don't get it, the chair is on the floor, on it's back.

Portland trip

Well, I've been here in Portland for few days now, and finally got over to the Apple store and bought this cute little iPad2 3G. It is amazing and I am so glad we got it. I'm entering this blog in my mom's living room, rather than the computer/library across the parking lot. This way I can stay with mom and do my thing at the same time!
I have a few pictures to add to this blog, but will need to get to a USB port for that.
It's been an interesting stay thus far, and sometimes a bit confusing. For instance, I may leave mom to go to Noah's little league game and to dinner with my friends, and when I return, mom has forgotten completely where I went, or even who I am. Ouch. I do know her condition drives these behaviors, but sometimes it really frustrates me. I love my mom, and that really is all that matters.
Went to church out in Troutdale and was able to see many people from our old ward. Angie Holwege had her little boy yesterday, so I didn't get to see her.
The weather has been in the 70s and 80s, and during noah's game yesterday, I got a little sunburned. (don't tell Bill)

Here birdie, birdie, birdie

I just love the beautiful little finches that come to feed on the "finch sock" that I hang up in the tree in front of our house.  I have to hang a new, refilled, one every few days, though.  Those little buggers are hungry!  I've tried to sneak out and take a picture of them, feeding from the sock, but they usually fly away.  There have been up to 5-6 birds at one time.  Just thought you'd like to see these cute little birds at dinner time.

Mmmm good!

Webb Hill

Oh my gosh!  Yesterday afternoon, Bill and I climbed Webb Hill.  For those of you that are not familiar with this landmark in St. George, it's the huge hill that sits on the south side of I-15 across from Walmart.  It's above the Shell station and La Quinta Hotel.  I suggested the climb, since we were doing nothing, and Bill wanted to get out and either go to Zion (which I didn't want to drive to, so late in the afternoon).  I thought a brisk walk around the loop here in Bloomington sounded ok, and suggested that.  When I remembered Webb Hill and the time he and Ashley climbed it, I thought, why not? I thought it would be a twisty, winding, medium endurance hike, and so we headed off.  As we started the walk on the path that was marked "no motorized vehicles beyond this point," I thought nothing of it.  About 1/4 mile down that trail, Bill said, "here's where we start the climb."  I looked at the rocks, incline (as in straight up) he was indicating, and thought, you've got to be kidding me.  It was crazy. Barely a path, and straight up! As the distance between Bill and I became further and further apart, I entertained thoughts of stopping and waiting for him to get to the top and then coming back down and join me on the trip down the hill.  If you know Bill, you'll know that he is the ultimate cheerleader, and I have hiked with him more than once, as in Angel's Landing where he wouldn't let me quit. So I plodded on, and finally made it to the top.  I'm not kidding, that was pretty darn close to the most vigorous physical activity I have had the privilege (ha ha) participating in.  On the way down, we sort of got off track, and began following a different path.  When Bill realized it, he had me head across an area, not walked on by any human being.  I called back to him, wondering if there were any rattle snakes in the area. He calmly responded with the affirmative.  Oh yeah, I'll flush them out for you, Billy-Boy. I sort of felt like a mountain goat as it wandered the cliffs and crevices of all those lonely mountain tops. : )
We made it to the bottom of the hill, and then on to our car.  I can't tell you how hot I was, and how much pain I felt in my back and right quad. This morning I feel pretty good, considering my climb yesterday.  It's sort of like childbirth, once it's over, you forget the pain, and are ready for more children.  Hmmm, am I really going to try another climb like yesterday?

Webb Hill is that brown monstrosity in the background.  Pretty impressive, huh?

Help! I'm in the "Clash of the Titans" loup!

I taught a small Greek mythology unit, and timed it so that the last week of school (this week),  I would show "The Clash of the Titans."  Well, it worked out well, except, I have 6 classes that get to see this movie, and I'm just about ready to pull out my hair (if only I were Medusa, my hair would be snakes, and I could freak out my students). Yeah, it's only a joke, but I do think I know most of the dialogue by heart :-)

Our weather, here in Southern Utah, has finally started to warm up, and dry out.  I really shouldn't say that, since it may jinx our weather.  It's been an amazingly cold Spring. I'm not complaining, mind you, but the hot weather does get to me at times.  We still don't know if we're heading down to California after graduation, but with Summer and Tyler and kids coming down over Memorial weekend, we may stay.  I'm heading to Portland on June 2 for a visit with my mom.  Looking forward to seeing her, and my brothers.  It's Rose Festival week when I get there, and historically, that means rain...we'll see.
I'm excited for the school year to end, and I hope and pray my students use their heads this summer.  There are a couple that don't like me (what's new?), since one of them failed (my Reading for Pleasure class, how hard can that be?), and the other, a cheer leader, got a D-.  Now I'm not making a statement about cheer leaders, but this girl....

Summer's finally on its way!

I think (hope) the weather has finally decided to calm down a bit., allowing summer to become a reality.  Although, Erin texted me earlier today, letting me know they were getting some severe thunderstorm today, and the flooding in the midwest, and the snow up north...what am I talking about...summer?  Good old St. George has the beginnings of nice weather, even though the rest of the country has gone a bit crazy.  I'm attempting to plan my summer as my students take their finals (I'm so glad I''m not them).
It looks like I'll be making a few trips here and there, to either help my kids drive to their destinations.  I know it sounds sort of like a chauffeur service, but I'll take anything that lets me see my family.It looks like I've got most of June and a good portion of July taken care of.  I doubt I'll be doing much resting, as in doing nothing this summer, but I'm ok with that.  Bill found out he has to teach a Psychology class most of the summer, so he won't be doing much traveling, dang it.  We are making a quick trip to California right after graduation, and maybe we can get away again around the end of July.
Since most of you came to St. George last summer for an informal reunion, it looks like we travel this summer.  It will be fun, though.

End of the year testing

I'm at that time of the school year, when all of my students are taking their "end-of-levels" tests.  I love it!  When I said that their score on this test was going to go on their final grade, some groaned, one even asked me if it was going to be graded on the curve.  Yeah, right.  He argued with me, telling me the state may be grading it on the curve.  I love it.  So many students don't know what grading on the curve is.  Some think that it just gives them a better chance at passing.  You know what gives them a better chance at passing?........STUDYING, ALL YEAR LONG!!! Anyway, that being said, it is actually pretty boring for me, except I get to read.  Considering I had a student teacher for the past 12 weeks, I've had it pretty easy, huh?

Ha Ha, I thought this was pretty appropriate!

Ow, Ow, Ow

Bill and I went out to The Outback for a salad last night.  Actually,  I had the salad, he had the steak and crab cakes :).  Anyway, when we finished, I wanted to make a trip to the bathroom before we left, so I got up, made two steps and I crunched my ankle.  I mean it really crunched.  I think my foot had partially fallen asleep, plus I had on some sandels that caught on the floor.  I could feel the crunch all the way to my ears.  I hobbled back to our table, and waited for a few minutes for the pain to subside.  We went to the mall, where it wasn't too bad, but unfortunately got worse, as I walked.  You'd of thought we would go home, so I could get off my feet, but I had pre-bought our movie tickets, and I wasn't about to waste the money.  We went over to the theatre, where Bill dropped me off so I wouldn't have to walk too far.  As we watched the movie, my ankle got worse, so I laid my leg over his lap.  Let me tell you, when the movie was over, I seriously could not put any weight on my right foot.  We drove over to the ER, and they XRayed  it (no break), and put a very fashionable foot brace on it, called a space sock (cool). I thought I would be crippled for life (a bit melodramatic, I know), since I couldn't find a position to lay my leg when I went to bed.  The good news is, I am in much less pain today, the doctor said it should take a couple of weeks before I can drop the crutches, and I have a student teacher. Now I'm very bored.  Bill went shopping, and I'm home watching Fox Business News.
Oh, I forgot. My copay at the ER was $200.00!  Yeah, there goes my budget. Most expensive "space sock" I've ever heard of.

Cute, huh?

I love this piece of furniture!

I found this on Craigslist and just love it.  I want to get it and put it in our kitchen on the left side of the table (sort of by the sliding glass doors).  I would put my red and blue Fiesta dishes in it, and a few other things.  It is sooo cool.  I wish I could say I built it (like Tyler), or at least distressed it (like Summer), but, I don't care...I want it!  Isn't it cute?
Well, I texted the lady who was selling this piece of furniture, and made arrangements to go and see it after school.   When I got there, she said, "oh, I'm sorry, I sold that a while ago."  I asked her why she didn't text me to let me know, so I wouldn't make the trip, and her only response was, "uh, I wasn't sure which piece you were interested in."  Yeah, right, like I texted here which one that morning...grrrr.  I hate making unnecessary trips!

Conference Weekend

Well it's Saturday morning and Bill and I are watching the morning session.  I really liked the examples of how the little children are so strong, especially when confronted with physical trials.  Bill was a bit weepy, as was I.
For the 2nd session on Saturday, we both decided to get some exercise in, so we recorded the session!  Bill road his bike (wanted me to, but he goes too far, and tackles hills) and I went on my 4 mile walk around the Bloomington Loop.  Whew, just got back from my walk, and it was actually 86 outside, so I got a bit red (face, arms), and it really pooped me out.  The good news is I cut my 4 mile time down by a couple of minutes, so it was worth it.  Bill got back from his ride, and he was really hurting.  He had some hills, and his shoulders were so sore.  Poor baby. he rode about 15 miles, and just dragged himself in the house.  If you want to know what he looked like, just look at the picture on my last blog (mowing the lawn) and that was him :)
Well, it's Sunday and the 1st session is over, and as we watched the program in between sessions, we were so touched by the Church's Welfare program.  Being a Relief Society President a while back, I have some knowledge of how the Church works its Welfare program, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of what our responsibilities are to help out the program, which helps those in need.  I wish everyone in the world could view this program.  It truly is inspired! 

Mowing the lawn can be dangerous!

I just had to do it.  Bill went out riding his bike this afternoon (I walked 4 miles :), and when Bill got back, he wanted to mow the lawn.  Not being one to waste time (or your bike helmet), Bill proceeded to mow the lawn.  These pictures are priceless.  I went outside and laughed so hard, he gave me the growl (pic # 1).  Honestly, he was not on a riding mower, was he?

Grrrrrr! Notice the helmet?

 

 

 

 

I just love this view!

New Movie

Bill and I saw the new movie, "Limitless," tonight, and we really don't know what to think of it.  There were moments, and then there were those "non-moments" that sort of put the movie on your "probably won't see this one again," or, "not a keeper."  The concept of taking a pill to make you smart is tempting, but as the movie pointed out, it had its drawbacks (don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't go any further).
On the upside, not only has Duke lost, but now Ohio State lost!  Whoopie!  It was neat to see VCU win and become my official "Cinderella" team.  I know I'm sounding like a NCAA nerd, groupie, or whatever else they're called, but remember all the free time I have...hint: student teacher?
I think I'm finally getting over my bronchitis/sinus crud, now if our weather would just cooperate.  I'm trying to be like Summer and dress for the spring weather in the hopes the weather would actually cooperate.  Tomorrow is supposed to rain, so I think I just may wear a pair of capris, t-shirt and sunglasses.
It sounds like Logan is really in the Army now; he's actually shooting a gun!  I guess they want the guys to become very close to their guns, so they have them shoot, clean the gun, shoot, clean the gun, etc.  I can't think of a more boring activity. . . taking a gun apart, clean it, then put it back together.  You go, Logan!

This isn't Logan, duh, but seems like a very serious Marine cleaning you-know-what!

Now this is a gun!

                              

We Lost :(

I'm ok, even though BYU lost in the "Sweet Sixteen" round of the NCAA Tournament.  They looked good until the overtime period, and then they looked really tired.  The one thing that sort of makes everything alright, is the fact that Duke lost, too.  For all of you out there (Jesse) that had Duke as your winner, so sorry, ain't gonna happen.  This is kind of reverse gloating, huh?
I'm now waiting for school to get out for the year...I want the weather to improve, I don't want to teach (oh that's right, I'm not, I have a student teacher) AND I want to get over this dang sinus/bronchitis thing.  Is that too much to ask?
I'm supposed to help out at our huge multi-school invitational track meet after school, but it's going to rain, and I don't want to get any worse.  Maybe Bill and I will go to a movie, yeah, that sounds good.  Got any good suggestions?

Stay tuned...Red Velvet cupcakes!

I'm in the process of baking my first-ever red velvet cupcakes...ick, what a mess! Here's a picture of my first batch.

Turn  your head to the left or right, so you can see what my first batch looked like :)

 I'm going to take most of them to school, because Bill doesn't eat much sugar (poor guy) so that just leaves the rest of them for me to chow down! The guys (teachers) in the faculty lunch room will be the benefactors of the other dozen!

Never written a book, but hope to one day

Blogging can serve to inspire one to write about events in the lives of their loved ones, themselves, and at times, long lost pets.  Bill and I have been talking about dogs (he wants a Brittany Spaniel, I want a Russian Blue cat).  I know, a cat is not a dog (very profound), but I just love the fur and eyes of a Russian. My dog of choice would be a Golden Retriever...enough said.

The major thing about having a pet is what would you do with it when you went away for a day or two or even more?  You could put a cat out to fend for itself, but, as you know, that doesn't work out so well.  I guess we'll have to be content to talk about getting a pet, without coming to any sort of conclusion. Works for me.
Speaking of dogs, I remember when Erin and Jesse went to Portland, and left Juneau with us for a week or so.  The first night was so sad.  Juneau missed them (or was confused) and chewed up his bed pillow.  It was a mess!  We got him into therapy right away, and cleared up his confusion, haha.

I'm debating where and when I want to travel this summer.  Bill still doesn't know whether he'll be teaching this summer, and Erin and family will be coming to see us.  I might need to fly to Texas, so she can drive here.  She's actually perfectly capable of driving, it's the car load of kids that makes a trip like that a wee bit crazy.                                             

How the heck does this work?

I want to add a "button," or one of those square things that sit in the margin of a blog.  I've done it twice before, which would mean (normally) that I could do it again, but alas, no can do.  If you're out there Summer or Ashley (or anyone else), please share that skill with me...ok?

Spring break in Vegas/NCAA tournament

Bill and I thought we would spend a couple of days in Las Vegas, so we could be there to pick up Mariah and Jeremy, (flying back from Disney World in Orlando) on Friday night.  It started out pretty well, and we were able to check out some of our favorite shopping and eating places.  Bill didn't feel great, and in fact, was diagnosed with a mild case of bronchitis prior to us leaving St. George.  The doc put him on a three day Z-pack of antibiotics, so we were hoping he would feel good during our 3 days. I could tell he wasn't doing great, but he was a trouper, and we shopped around.  We were able to figure out where to catch a few of the games, and when it came time for the BYU/Woford game, we went back to our hotel to see it in peace and quiet. The first day went well, BYU won, and we went to bed.
It was quite windy the second (Thursday) day, and the air in Vegas was nasty.  I think a combination of the dust and pollen in the air, and the cigarette and cigar smoke, hastened my condition.  I haven't had bronchitis in years, but boy did I get it on the third day.  I felt crappy, and by the time we picked up Mariah and Jeremy, my body was shot.
The doctor on Saturday said it was bronchitis (viral or bacterial, not sure),  so we spent Saturday feeling like a couple of sickies.  It's Sunday, and Bill's the only one attending Church.  I feel so weird, like I haven't been in ages (last week, actually).  I just don't want to give whatever I have to those college students.  I hope all will be well by Tuesday, even though there are a couple of students whom I wouldn't mind so much if they got sick, I hope I'm over it by then.
So much for spring break in Vegas.

Oh yeah, one big party.  That's me and Bill!

Spring break

It's the first official day of spring break (Monday), and I took advantage of the great St. George weather and walked the loop again.  It seemed like it went faster for some reason.  Oh yeah, I remember why... I was talking to my mom on the phone for over half of the walk.  I do like to walk with someone, time goes by so much faster, but my mother was having a pretty rough time.  She recently had a minor stroke (TIA) and she also has about zero short term memory, which, in some cases, can be a good thing.  When you're talking to her, though, and thought you just finished going over something, she has forgotten.  It was an intense conversation, and frankly, I don't like those kinds of calls.  I prefer to remember my mother a few years back.  Now she seems to be negative, and is ready to battle everyone.  I so grateful Lois and Bill are there.  Lately, Lois has been going to mom's doctor's appt.'s with her to get the right questions asked, etc.  Enough of that, it just wasn't pleasant.  I hope to die in my sleep way before I get on my kid's nerves.  Wait, maybe I'm already on their nerves.  Oh well, that's life.
Bill and I are going to Las Vegas in a couple of days.  We decided to stay a couple of nights, then on Friday night, pick up Mariah and Jeremy at the airport.  I want to walk down the strip and visit the M&M store.  Yeah, I know, I just had a root canal, but they have such beautiful colors! I just read about how it's spring break for many, many colleges, and you'll never guess where those many students are headed? Hint: LV. Plus, it's St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, so Bill and I should be in for one wild ride.  Maybe they won't hang out in the M&M store.
It's almost midnight, but I can't get to sleep.  We're having the bug guy come over tomorrow morning between 8 and 11, I'm hoping more closer to 11.
I hope everyone who has spring break this week, has an enjoyable time (the little ones, not the college kids).  Enjoy.

Root Canal!

It's over...at least I hope so.  Last night I was in such misery, I wanted to bite my head off!   A pretty amazing feat if you do ask me.   My experience in the "chair" went actually pretty well.  They have a flat screen tv on the ceiling with ear phones to take your mind off of what they're doing.  This is one of the reasons why it cost  so much.  Anyway, except for the humongous shot  (3 actually), it was pain free. The dentist doesn't use laughing gas, but had me take a pill that would let me go to my happy place.  All in all, it went well, and I only have to take some antibiotics for a week, and then go back to him in a month.  Yippee, I survived!

Disappointment

This post is just a reminder to myself to not put so much pride in one thing, that I become prideful (is that redundant?)
Bill and I went to watch the BYU/NMS basketball game tonight, and left at halftime.  We were really bummed out, but as the evening wore on, and the loss was inevitable, we talked a bit about whether or not we had a bit too much pride in our team.  I'm probably stretching it some, but I know that I have to be careful not to let myself get so caught up in the team, that I get depressed when they lose.  I know they lost so badly because of their one player being kicked off the team for an Honor Code violation.  I went to BYU and I know how important that Honor Code is.  It does make me sad that a player on a team can forget, for even just a fleeting moment what he signed when he started at the Y.
Life goes on, and the sun will come up tomorrow (Annie?) and we'll go about our usual business, even if it is with a bit of a frown on our faces.

Walking

Just finished my 4 mile Bloomington loop walk.  I walk 15 minute miles, so I can leave the house and get home in one hour!  Yippee for me.  The weather is great, didn't even work up a sweat.  Then Bill called and said he was coming home with a pizza for dinner!  What are you going to do...?
I guess that means I walk, again, tomorrow.  With my student teacher doing all of the teaching, I have found myself becoming very lazy. All I do, for the most part, it read in the library.  Oh well, he'll be finishing up in April, then I can get of my duff and move around, again.

Happy Birthday to me!

Kind of sound like Logan.  He would say that on his birthday, and it sounded funny at the time.  I want to thank all of my friends and family for your birthday wishes.  I'm pretty much at the point in my life where I want to start counting backwards, if that's ok with everyone.  WOW! a whopping 63! I even cringe when I say that number.
Bill took me to a movie on Friday night, and then we watched the BYU/SDSU game on Saturday, and that was an amazing game.  We went to Costco after, and then had dinner with Jeremy and Mariah at Outback.  Thanks Jer and Mo for dinner!  When we got home, I wanted to watch a movie, so I convinced Bill to watch "A Simple Twist of Fate" with me.  I love that movie.
I talked to my brother, Bill last night, and I feel I need to make more phone calls to my mother in Portland.  She calls my brother on a daily basis, and for the most part, has forgotten she already shared with him her concerns the previous phone call.  I need to try to take the burden off of both Bill and Lois (sister-in-law).  My mother needs to just talk, even though she won't remember most of what she said prior, that's ok.  Short term memory (or the loss of it) is really sad.
 On the bright side, there's only 2 more weeks until spring break.  Although with a student teacher, I feel I'm already on break, it will be good to totally get away from school.

Have a great week!

Homemade Bread!

Bill and I bought a 5 gallon bucket of wheat at Costco a couple of weeks ago, and when I was in Portland last week, he ground up a lot of it (to make whole wheat flour).  What a sweetie. That was all fine and good, until I told him when you grind wheat into flour, you need to use it relatively soon, since it will lose it's nutrients.  Oh great.  I found a recipe, so on Saturday I made five loaves of homemade bread...and not the kind you use your bread machine, either.  I was so proud of myself.  We did have to freeze most of the loaves, but all we need to do is pull out a loaf from the freezer, and voila! (French, for "there it is").  It makes the best toast.  Handcarts, and covered wagons here we come!

The Amazing Race is Back!

I'm thinking I need to apply to be on the "Amazing Race."  I used to think I would like the challenge of "Survivor," but I don't think my swimsuit would fit in with all those bikinis.  I also know I would look downright pitiful in the skimpy clothes they need to fuzz out from time to time when they're racing and fighting.  Now, "The Amazing Race" on the other hand, I can do.  I can stay decently dressed, and use my wide array of skills to beat out the other contestants.  Notice I didn't say, "beat up" those other contestants.  I would need a partner.  Can you imagine doing the race with Bill?  He would do real well in the eating and biking contests, but anything to do with water and swimming, not so much.  It would be funny, as I think about an eating contest, and trying to get done as fast as you can with Bill eating at his pace, and wanting to finish everything on his plate (I'm laughing just thinking about it)!

 

 

 

Which one?

Jessica Schmitt's fundraiser

Here is the link to Jessica's story and my high school's involvement with the fundraising.  It will tug at your heartstrings.
http://jessicasmiracle.blogspot.com

Jessica Schmitt Fundraiser

Pine View Basketball team won!!!

Pine View has now won three games in a row, and we just need Snow Canyon (whom we just beat) to beat Dixie next Wednesday.  If this happens we go on to playoffs.  It's been such a weird season.  We started off great, then couldn't win a game for a while.  Our whole student body has taken up the cause to help a little girl named Jessica Schmitt (4 years old) who is battling cancer. The team were able to get these amazing pink Nike basketball shoes donated, to wear in the last three games, and now they'll be auctioned off to help Jessica's family with the medical bills.  We've had fund raisers all the way from a "Big Mac" eat-off to $5 hair cuts by professional stylists.  A pretty amazing bunch of kids.
Now I have President's Day off on Monday, and I'm soooo glad.  Even though I have a student teacher, I still have to get up early, and I do have my Tuesday night class that I teach.  Oh well, spring break is coming up, and that's a good thing.  Am I rambling?
One more thing...my tooth/jaw/ear/head still hurts.  I don't know if I need a root canal, since the x rays don't really show anything.  A teacher at school had something similar that started last May, and the pain drove her nuts.  She said her neurologist said it's also called the "suicide disease."  It has something to do with a nerve behind your ear, that may be taken care of through surgery, but I haven't been to a neurologist, and I sort of like the idea of thinking I may have something that's called "suicide disease."  Don't worry, I have a high pain tolerance (I teach), and I would get it taken care of waaaay before anything drastic takes place :)

He's in the army now (almost)

Logan, Vicki and Addison came over tonight to say goodbye.  Logan flies out to Fort Benning, Georgia next Tuesday morning to begin his basic training, prior to his OCS training this summer.  Here's a few pics of Addison and grandpa, and then all of them.  I'm not in the picture because someone has to take it!

Grandpa teaching Addison to fly!

Grandpa tickling Addison.

Goodbye, Logie, sniff, sniff.

Looking forward to Springtime!

Every time the middle of February hits, I start to look forward to Spring.  I intentionally wear cooler clothes (then have to turn the heat on in my classroom), drive with a skip in my step (I mean walk), and watch for our Mulberry trees to bud.  I am not kidding.  The first sign of green buds make me a bit giddy.  Now that sounds downright ridiculous, but, it does tell you how much I'm looking forward to the seasonal change.
School's been pretty easy for the past 3 weeks, and it will continue to be so until after Spring Break.  I have a student teacher, and I think I'm signing up for another one next year.  He's doing pretty well, but there are times that I get pretty bored.  Good thing I love to read.
Just returned from grandma's in Portland.  It was her 94th birthday on Feb. 12, so I thought a quick visit would be fun for her and I.  Before I left on Sunday, she sat me down and had "the talk."  If you know my mom, you'll know what I'm talking about.  To be honest with you, I don't think she has "the talk" with my brothers...who knows?  OK, so here's the topic of this very serious conversation my mother had with me.  She told me she doesn't have very long to live, maybe 2 weeks, 2 months, who knows, but she knows it won't be long.  This is my thought:  why has she been telling me this for the past year or so?  I love my mom dearly, but bless her heart, her short term memory is pretty well shot.  Thus the reason she gives me the same "talk" every few months.  It was a bit depressing.  I told her that Bill and I were coming up to Portland this summer, so she better not die.  What a conversation!
Oh, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone, and Happy Birthday to Maggie Mae, and Zachary (Feb. 13).  Today, our choir went around to different classrooms to deliver their "Singing Valentines."  It was pretty cute.  One of my students was beet red.
I've decided to go on a diet.  At least I'll start it when that bag of cookies are gone.  No willpower.  I have been walking the loop here in Bloomington (3.75 miles) in one hour.  I stepped on the scales this morning, and noticed that I've gained 10 pounds since last year at this time.  EEK!  Biggest Looser, here I come.
Last comment:  I know Facebook is the most popular form of social networking, but it sort of bums me out.  When I started this blog a couple of years ago, I found the learning curve to be a bit steep, but I managed it, and was quite pleased with myself.  Sometimes I ramble on, and I'm certainly not as adept at making it as cute as Summer and Ashley (and the rest of you).  ANYWAY, now everyone uses FB to  socialize, and no one reads/socializes with their blogs much anymore.  I love to blog, and I can talk all I want...except everyone else has switched to FB.  I will remain faithful, though,  and continue to blog.  I just love the free backgrounds and one of these days I learn how to put music on my blog (right, Summer?)

Just try to imagine this as one of our Mulberry trees...different neighborhood, no fence, and as you can see, leaves!

Letter to the Editor! EEK!

I just wrote a letter to the editor of my local newspaper...The Spectrum.  I wrote it in response to this idiot parent (a local doctor) of a basketball player at one of our local high schools.  He slammed our basketball coach and another coach from Hurricane High.  It really ticked me off, and you know how I get when I get ticked!  Well see if I still have a job next week. Ha Ha.
Bill and I went out to dinner tonight, and I had my first Reuben sandwich.  I cannot believe it's taken me this long to taste one.  It was yummy.  We also went to see "Country Strong" with Gwyneth Paltrow.  She really sings well.  We liked the film, and were shocked at the ending (no spoilers here).  Go see it, Tim McGraw was in it, too (didn't sing) and a guy whom I can't recall his name;  he can really sing. 

What's with Facebook?

It's kind of funny...when I finally got around to writing our Blog (a couple of years ago), I really enjoyed it.  NOW, everyone is using Facebook, and hardly anyone updates their Blogs.  I like to Blog, and know that only my family (and few select friends) will read it.  It's also a way for me to journal what's going on with our life. On Facebook, there are really entirely too many people.  I know, only those that you select can see your entries, but  it doesn't allow me to ramble on about something.  There may be many who appreciate the brevity of Facebook, but not me.
And, I finally learned how to import pictures, etc. and I don't really think I want to put many of those pictures up on Facebook.

I guess I'm just stuck in the Blogging time warp, and, frankly, I enjoy it.
Today Bill and I are going to take Kevin and Katie to see Ashley finish her 1/2 Marathon.  I'm planning on taking some pictures, so maybe I'll post them on my Blog.
Last night Pine View won their first conference Basketball game.  Yay!  It's kind of hard to be on the loosing end of a game, especially when we usually win.

They're Baaack!

Well, Christmas vacation is over, and in some ways it's good to get back to my "kids."
 It's January 13th and I can't believe we're halfway through January already.  A lot has happened since I last wrote on this blog, but I'm sure you all know, if you pay attention to the news. My first day back we had a good 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and it seemed like a foot on my car.  The good thing was it was light and fluffy, and could be wiped away with a sweep of my arm.  The students weren't in school, yet, so no crazy kids wanting to have snowball fights, and the even crazier ones who continue to arrive at school in their shorts and flip-flops.  Brrrrrr!
I'm getting ready for my Student Teacher (next week), and to tell you the truth, it has me a bit worried.  I tend to plan and teach, just like I eat and breathe, but to put it all down on paper, or in complete sentences for someone else to understand, may be a bit of a problem.  What I need to remember is, he needs to do all the creating and planning, and ultimately teach, using his style.  He has full access to my resources, so I need to chill.
Tyler was put in as the 2nd Counselor in his Bishopric, so Bill and I went up for New Year's weekend for that.  It was blasted cold!  My eyes are continually getting better (yay), Bill is started to substitute teach (yesterday he taught 2nd graders...pretty funny, huh, Summer?), and I need a root canal.  Can I just say that I am actually looking forward to the root canal, because I get to have the nitrous oxide (laughing gas).  I want something to laugh about...joke.