The Endsley Grandparents

The Endsley Grandparents and family

2012-01-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

Lost crown, black eye, and stiches in my lip.

2012-01-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

It all started out with me in the hall with high school students in the computer lab, my room, library, counseling office, just everywhere. They were taking their STAR test, and the computer room didn't have enough computers, so we spread out, and I mean we spread out! I actually thought I was further away from the steel poll that the doors connect to. Well, I wasn't further, and I turned, fast, and went into the pole head first. I grabbed my lip, blood squirting all over, so I headed to the office for some rags; and I actually felt like screaming out "get the rags, boil the water, then dial 911 and get that helicopter! After our Sports medicine teacher put some steri strips on my lip and an ice pack on my eye, I went back to my class to finish the period. I had prep, then lunch next, so I drove over to the Work Med place down the street. They stitched it up, and then had me pee in a cup (workman's comp). How humiliating. I got back to school for my afternoon classes, and did a pretty good job. One of the counselors ran into my room to let me know they didn't get it on tape. Gee thanks. Now students (not even mine) hold onto the infamous pole and shake it a bit, just to remind me.

French for: "I have an oweee"

Oh yeah, the rest of my title. My crown. What can I say? I had a root canal done last year ($$$$$$) and now I need a new crown.
I know I won't be retiring soon.

Post-Christmas-2011

2011-12-26T11:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

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 :(

2011-11-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

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

2011-08-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-03T02:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

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 :(

2011-03-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-03-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

Pine View Basketball team won!!!

2011-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

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)

2011-02-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-01-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-01-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

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.

School is OUT !

2010-12-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-12-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-24T01:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-10-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-09-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-08-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-06-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Waiting

2010-06-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm here at grandma's (actually up in the library of her complex, using the computer), waiting for mom to return from her doctor's appointment, and for Bill to finish doing some last minute shopping. He's also going to try to get a haircut from the little Vietnamese lady he used to go to when we lived in Troutdale. Hope she's still in business.
Last night Bill and I went over to my brother Bill and sister-in-law's for dinner, and my brother made the absolute best pizza. He made his own crust and sauce, mmmm. Bill is now hunting down the Italian store to buy some more flour for us and my brother. According to my brother, you NEED this flour to make the dough for the pizza crust. We now have the recipe for the dough and sauce. I guess that's what we'll be making from now on when we have pizza. Oh, and he cooks his pizzas on his barbeque!

Portland

2010-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Bill and I left for Portland on Saturday morning, and I haven't had time to take pictures, but will be doing plenty of that while I'm here, so hold on and they'll be posted along with my pithy, and extreemly witty banter. It's been the usual spring weather so for...the kind that Bill loves (ha ha). He and Ben are out golfing right now; trying to get in a round before the serious rain comes a callin'. I'm going to try and post a picture I took, out the car window, as we were driving down the Columbia River Gorge just before we arrived in Portland. Those pictures, taken with a cell phone, out the window, tend to have a crappy quality to them, but, we loved looking at the wind generators they have up on the top of the gorge all the way into Portland. My camera was packed in my suitcase, and I couldn't get to it in time, sorry.

It's Over...At Last!

2010-05-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

American Idol is finally over! I watched it all this season, and now I sort of feel like it was a waste of time. I really liked Crystal Bowersox, and of course, she didn't win. She's an amazing singer, and I'm sure she'll do just fine without the title. Now I have to focus my efforts on "So You Think You Can Dance." Can't you tell school's over? Bill and I are leaving for Portland this Saturday for a visit with my mom, Ben, Becca, Kathy, Doug, etc. Bill's just staying for a week (I'm sure he'll get tired of dinking around Portland while I spend time with mom), so I told him he could head on home, and I'll fly back a week later. The good thing is, Bill loves to drive, and this will give him an opportunity to see a bit more of the countryside (Oregon, Nevada). I'm looking forward to the trip, and will relish the time away from the classroom.
We had graduation this afternoon, and it took 2 hours! When the Valedictorians (2), principal, and the student body president spoke, plus a few musical numbers, we thought the kids would walk, and off we'd be. But no, the president of the school board decided to speak, also, and he was boring. I thought it would be funny if we (teachers on the stage) all began texting one another, while the program went on. I say turn about is fair play, since our "former" students always seemed to enjoy texting while we lectured in class, but we chickened out. You can't win them all.

Toilet Paper!

2010-05-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not afraid to talk about anything on this blog (obviously). As my blog title implied, I will clue my family in on a great deal I found this morning. I was able to buy 5 cases (24 rolls per) of toilet paper for 15.84 from Staples! The regular price was $54.95, but that was before I waved my magic wand. I'm really hoping the TP is as good as the kind we buy at Costco. Costco's TP is close to $17 for 36 rolls, and I got 120 for less than $16! The bottom line is, when you all come to visit, we are set. I think the cases look so environmentally cool, don't you? And as the ad says, "it's good for home & office."

Cat Fight!

2010-05-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I felt like I was dreaming in class today, when two girls (one of them barely 5' tall, and 80 pounds dripping wet), got into a fight! I jumped in to break them up, but there was so much adrenalin flowing, these two young cats would not break apart. It probably was quite a site, the two girls and me moving around the front of the room like in some sort of weird dance. I've broken up female fights in middle school back in Portland, but these two girls, whew! It took me a few minutes to get my heart rate down (on the bright side, I won't have to do much exercising tonight!). Just think, with only a week left of school, two girls go at it...pretty dumb, if you ask me.

911...Ooops!

2010-05-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

I was at the Verizon store today, checking on my bill, and was told it would be faster to just call 611. I got in my car and dialed the Verizon number, and got 911. Imagine my surprise when the dispatcher said, "911, what is the nature of your emergency?" To which I wanted to say, do you have record of when I paid my current bill? Of course I didn't say that, I was too shocked, and I just said, "oh my gosh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dial you." The dispatcher wasn't sure at first, and asked me if I was sure I didn't need them. I wonder how many false calls, pranks, etc. they get in a day? I was so flustered, I just told her I made a mistake in dialing. How many people dial 911 instead of 611? Well, look at your phone and the placement of the numbers 9 and 6. Yep, one right on top of the other. I did feel stupid, though.

I did a little bit of coupon shopping, and scored pretty well with my coupons and above normal shopping abilities :) I paid just around $20.00 for the items in this picture. I think the pre-coupon price was around $40.00, so I feel pretty good about it. I do have an abnormal amount of shampoo around the house, now, so for all of you coming to visit this summer, DON'T bring any shampoo!

Don't forget that the second horse race (The Preakness), for the triple crown is today. Go Super Saver!
Aww, dang it, "Lookin at Lucky" won the race. Good thing I didn't bet on Super Saver (not that I had any money to bet, anyway).

Robin Hood

2010-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

I was actually the very first person in line tonight for the opening night of "Robin Hood." As usual, I got to the theater early, and since it was the first night, I had a feeling there would be a line. There was, but I got to be numero uno! I'd say that was pretty cool, even though I was alone. I just sat on the bench, reading a book, while the crowd drifted in. I had my pick of seats. Wow, what a treat, but since I went to Cinema 6 (remember that theater, Adam?), it's not like the choices are all that great. Oh well, I loved the film. It was different than I had expected, and that sort of took me by surprise, but I do recommend it to all of you out there that like to play with a bow and arrow :)

I've already started my spring cleaning (thanks, Erin), and my fridge is 1/2 clean as we speak. I'm trying to get a bunch of the cleaning done before Bill and I leave for Portland in a couple of weeks. That's my goal anyway.

Look at the size of that bow!!
I do have to say that Russell Crowe did a much better job than Kevin Costner. Duh.

My 3rd Night

2010-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Ho hum, what do I do, now? For some reason, I cannot get myself excited about spring cleaning. I know I need to get started, but not yet.
I've been alone now for 3 days, and believe me, I'm going a bit nuts! Of course, you must assume I wasn't already nuts to begin with. I find myself actually talking to myself (no one answers, thankfully). You know how my bedroom floor creaks? Well, there are times, when I'm either in the TV room, reading, or elsewhere in the house (coming in the front door, for instance), when I hear that infamous creak. It's really creeping me out. Every sound is starting to bug me. I'm not sure when Mandy's coming home, and Bill will be a while, yet. He's in Tucson visiting his sister, then he's off to Phoenix. So for all of you out there that are currently surrounded by little ones who demand your attention in various ways, be grateful for the company...it's just so dang quiet here!
In case anyone is interested, I planted two tomato and one cucumber "Topsy Turvy" planters on the front porch and I think I can safely say they are dead. We had a strong wind storm a week or so ago, and it knocked the heck out of them. I was so excited to plant tomatoes (yeah, I know, upside down), and reap the benefits. We went to a wedding reception at our next door neighbors a couple of weeks ago, and their backyard is fantastic; they even have a knockout greenhouse. I would love a backyard like theirs. What commandment is that? "Thou shalt not covet..." Oops, actually I think it doesn't have anything to do with greenhouses.

My topsy-turvy tomatoes do not look like these, and this greenhouse is only in my dreams!

2 weeks and counting...

2010-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, there's only 2 more weeks left of school, minus graduation, which we all (teachers) have to attend. That's fine, since I get to hoot and holler at the those that walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. I'm amazed at some of the graduating seniors, and not in a good way. How they got their act together to graduate is beyond me. I guess I should be happy they will be out of the school, and some I will miss a bit.
I'm giving our state "End of Levels" test this week, and it gives me some down time to get caught up on some of my grading. Bill and I are taking off for Portland the day after our last day, and I'm really looking forward to that. We'll be gone about a week and a half, but I wish it were longer. My mother is hanging in there, but she would love to have us as long as possible, and so would I. We'll see...
I don't have any pictures of any of us to post this time. I've got to take my camera to Portland, and blog that trip. Mandy's leaving for Salt Lake this afternoon, which means I'll be alone the rest of the week, since Bill's visiting his siblings, and Adam and Ashley in Phoenix. He's in Albuquerque today for a couple of days of golfing with his brother...go Bill! He's heading on down to Tucson after that to visit with his sister, and since Jesse is doing some training at the air base in Tucson, they may get together for dinner one night. After Tucson, he's heading north to Phoenix to see Adam and the family, and if not California next, he's heading home. Boy, I sure miss him!
Erin and the kids had a weather scare yesterday. They had HUGE tornadoes in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area, so I told Erin to get in the car with the kids and head out of Dodge. They're ok, though.

Back to school stuff. I just finished our school's literary magazine, Kaleidoscope, and here's a picture of the cover.

I think this is a pretty cool cover. Too bad I didn't paint it myself. It was one of our art winners.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Even though my mother doesn't use the computer, much less the internet (I have tried to get her to play solitaire so many times, but she thinks she's too old to learn "new" tricks. ARRRGH!). Anyway, this Mother's Day message is for my mother and any other mother out there that reads this blog.
I just love being a mom, and I know I learned how valuable being a mom is from my own mother. She had humor (which I didn't always get until I was older), strictness (which I really needed when I was young), and a couple of other qualities I so admire now that I'm a mother and grandmother. Even though I don't feel I have mastered them, they're always something I want to achieve before I leave this life.
No mater what anyone of my brothers and I did, she would always love us (yeah, and kick the heck out of us once in a while...not really kick, but you got that feeling you were in trouble...maybe it was just me, my brothers were pretty much perfect). She really hung in there with my father. He had a demon he had to battle, but my mother just loved him and helped him to overcome. My mother also forgave, and loved just about everyone, even though they were a different race, economic background, more beautiful than her (just a joke), and only drew the line on people if they were a bad influence on her children.

Here's to you, Mom!

Stay tuned, I have more to add!

I wanted to post pictures of all my kids, and grandkids, but by the time I counted on my fingers and toes exactly how many pictures I needed to find, I was pooped! I found this cartoon, and thought it was cute, so that will have to do for my Mother's Day post.

(Kinda cute, huh?)

Oil Spill

2010-05-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not the most environmentally appropriate person on this planet, but I just wanted to share my views on the catastrophe that recently took place out in the Gulf of Mexico. I wish the government would have had the fire booms in place to burn off the spill once it happened, but, of course, that didn't happen. Our government should have done that, or at least made sure the oil company (BP) did it. Who was responsible? I really don't know, but the one thing I do know is everyone seems to be pointing their finger at someone else. Now we have the worst oil spill lapping up on our southern beaches which is having an extreme financial impact on individuals and companies that just want to make a living.
I found this cartoon that sums up my feelings exactly.

I'm hearing now that this will have a direct impact on our gas prices. Insanity!

The Kentucky Derby

2010-05-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Go Super Saver!!!

I just love The Kentucky Derby...even if you have to wait all day for a horse race that lasts only one minute (ok, one and a half minutes). I'm not kidding when I tell you the horse I wanted to win, won! I was hoping Super Saver would win, partly because I love to save (coupons, etc.); also, the jockey, Calvin Burrell, snuck up and won last year, and in fact has won 3 of the last 4 Derbys. Lastly, a guy bet $100,000 on Super Saver, and ended up winning $900,000! You gotta love it. That's how my Saturday went.

The Iron Man-St. George, Ut. May 1, 2010

I did go shopping alone, since Bill rode his bike out to a location where the Ironman race was zipping by. Bill is so cute. Just about everytime the St. George Marathon rolls around, Bill loves to ride his bike up to the route, and be the biggest cheerleader for the runners. With the Iron Man in town, he couldn't resist it, and took off around 8 am. That's a pretty early Saturday for Bill; you gotta give him props for that. Traffic was crazy today, since they had to close a bunch of streets to accomodate the race. Can you imagine swimming 2.5 miles, biking 112 miles, and then to top it off, running a marathon? I'm there, sign me up next year. I guess St George has a 5 year contract with Iron Man, Inc., so we have this for the next 4 years. Get ready everyone.

Bill and Mandy are in their last week of teaching, with finals ending next Friday. I've got 3 more weeks, and then I'm free, whoopie!

Silly boys

I wast just looking over some photos I took when we drove up to Zion National Park a couple of weeks ago with Summer and Tyler and the kids. Here's a picture of Bill, Tyler and Will as they raced us up to Zion...and back again.

Don't you love Tyler's intensity?

"Where Have All the Flowers (oops, Trees) Gone?"

2010-04-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

I forgot a few of you haven't seen our war-ravaged back yard. The BLM people came in last year and destroyed all (well, most of ) the Tamarisk trees in an effort to rid the area of the water depleting fire danger.

Anyone want to help?

2010-04-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm really getting serious about our back yard. I know we can't do it this summer, but we can do some planning, can't we? Bill and I went to a wedding reception next door, and I just love their backyard. I'm ready to start drawing up the design. Here's the "Before" picture, and quite possibly next summer, you'll get the "After" picture!

Before

Notice the pvc pipe stretched across the rock? A couple of weeks ago, Will was pretending he was cutting down trees. The pipe was the tree, and he would hold it upright, and yell "timber" as he let it fall. Pretty creative mind. By the way, no one was hurt during his lumber jacking :)

If anyone is interested in giving us some creative ideas for the design of the backyard, feel free, (unfortunately, we can't accommodate a pool, financially) so it looks like that is the only limit to the design.

Oatmeal and paper everywhere!

2010-04-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

I've started couponing again, and even though it takes some time, I will make that time, since it saves us so much money. Last week I bought approximately 35 boxes of Quaker Instant Oatmeal for about $12.00. I also got in on a sweet deal through Staples.com. I was able to buy two cases of their Hammermill copy paper (20 reams) for only $11.22. That's about .55 per ream. I've also bought a purse for $5.00, and three free movie tickets. I'm telling you, if they want to give it to me, I'll take it!

New craft project

2010-04-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

Everytime we have family over, for dinner (Christmas, Thanksgiving, summertime, etc.), there are never enough places to sit, especially for the little ones. Now that the little ones are too big for high chairs or laps, I decided to get some more bar stools, and found three off of Craigslist. They are shorter than the regular-sized barstool, and would be a perfect size for the little kids. I'm only sorry there were only three, but they're from IKEA, and I love IKEA products. Anyway, Bill and I drove over to Ivins this morning and picked these up, sight unseen, except in a photo on Craigslist. They were a bit scratched and I didn't like the top, so I bought some black spraypaint, foam rubber, and some fabric. Here's the results. I'm pretty happy with the outcome, now we just need everyone to get here!

B E F O R E

A F T E R

I went with the chili pepper fabric, since we have both grandsons and granddaughters. This way, there's no fighting over who gets which one.

Attendance Quiz

2010-04-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I think I have finally found a way to get my students to class on time. Nothing is more annoying than tardy kids. It drives me crazy, and if you can imagine me crazy, that's not a good thing. Here it goes... I LOCK THEM OUT!!!! I really do. I lock the door prior to the tardy bell ringing, and close it once it has rung. As I take attendance, I can see those adorable (late) faces at the window of my door, wondering "what the heck?" The way it directly affects their grade, is, I assign an Attendance Quiz to the assignments that day, which just means they get 15 points for being on time, and zero for being tardy...I LOVE IT! It has started to work, I think. Some of the other teachers in my hall are doing the same thing, and it's hilarious to hear kids in the hall saying, "Oh oh, it's an attendance quiz again!" I don't know about you, but it is aggravating to have to repeat myself almost on a regular basis. It's kind of cute too, when I hear a student of mine ask one of his classmates who's sitting close to the door, to let someone in. That happened today, and I told him, "don't you dare!" Ooo, I'm so mean. The funny thing is, my students still like me. Maybe they don't get it.

Mysterious Noise

2010-04-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've gotten on this coupon craze (thanks, Summer), and have actually gotten in on some pretty sweet deals. At the present, I'm waiting for two free movie tickets just for buying tons of Hershey candy! Anyway, I had oodles of coupons for Target last week and armed with a determination to get everything free, I headed to the store. It took me a while to find everything I had coupons for, and believe me, I was a wreck when I was done. When I got home, I had many things to put in storage, in case the world comes to a screaching halt (or slowdown). Interestingly, I purchased (with a coupon) a room deoderizer (don't laugh, I really needed it). I finally put it together, and placed it on our kitchen table, to take care of those annoying onion, or fish smells. This air freshener is state of the art...it is motion activated, so whenever anyone passes by, WHOOSH!
I got up the first morning after I alarmed my deoderizer, and. as I walked into the kitchen at 5 :45 am, I jumped a foot or two, as it sprayed its aroma. Not only did it spray, but it had a curious sound like a cat spitting, or some other creature that shouldn't be in my kitchen at that hour.

I still jump, but just last night, I watched it as the little red light went on, signalling imminent spraying, and I steeled myself for the noise. It worked! I didn't jump. Ok, now's the time for you all to say I have way too much time on my hands.

Here is that mysterious room freshener...frightening, huh?