A Season of Giving, Gratitude, and Receiving

While not my favorite time of year (honesty is best), I have to admit that I am incredibly grateful for what I have been given. My favorite thing is to pick out presents and see people I love open them. I usually start Christmas shopping in January. I do this because I am always afraid December will get here and I'll be broke. Usually this is a self-fulfilling prophesy, thus it is good that most of my gifts are purchased by Halloween.

This year, I literally am dead broke. Luckily my gifts were purchased ahead of time. However, I have seen the good hearts of people this year. I have been truly blessed. Many miracles have happened to make this Christmas a joyful time for me. I'm still broke, but I am so grateful to people who have gone out of their way to make my Christmas better this year. So-to the Becks, Woods, Tingeys, Robinsons, Clarks, and my parents......Thank-you. I am so thankful for your thoughtfulness.

Yes, Virginia.....there is a Santa Claus!

ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED FRIDAY


All schools in the Davis School District will be closed Friday as a result of Thursday's storm.

All schools began Thursday with school in session, but by the end of the day, 28 schools had closed due to various issues.

High winds caused power outages, downed trees, shattered windows in 30 buses and damaged equipment on school rooftops. Schools from Layton to North Salt Lake were affected.

With the widespread damage, district officials decided to close all schools because of the impact on staff and students. While some schools were not impacted, many employees live in areas that have been affected. Additionally, with so many buses needing to be repaired, transportation is an issue.

District crews will use Friday to assess damages and begin making repairs so schools and the full bus fleet can be operational Monday.

“Our main focus is to make sure that our students and employees are safe,” Superintendent W. Bryan Bowles said. “We know families have been affected by this storm, not only students who go to schools, but also staff members who work in our schools.”

School will resume on Monday, Dec. 5. All high schools will be on a A-day schedule.


Just thought you all might like to see what closed all schools in the district. This is so rare that in 23 years school has only been closed district wide on three occasions. Two from wind storms, and one from an ice storm. See my updates on the blog a little later.......

Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for so many things
for parents, children and my siblings.

For my dog who sits and listens to me
and for the people whom daily I see.

I'm thankful for trees and leaves on the ground
that crunch when I walk and as my dog bounds.

For winter and spring, summer, and fall
and for the warm sun that shines through it all.

I'm thankful for God and his son Jesus Christ,
for prophets, apostles, and even the scriptures.
For all of the teachings from parents and leaders
given to me through writing and pictures.

For all of the times I've been directed and guided
without help from above I would be misguided.

I'm thankful to be sitting here at my table
and writing this verse because I am able
to think and to write and sit in this chair
without all of these, life wouldn't be fair.

I'm blessed everyday and wish I could sing-

Thank-you God - for everything!

My baby is 16!

What is happening? My baby boy turned 16. I cannot believe it! I have a suggestion for all mothers out there.

Write down, take pictures, and do whatever you need to in order to document special moments in your child's life. All too soon, he or she will be driving, playing the guitar, having girl or boy friends, working, graduating, and going to college.

Wow! I'm having a little melt down right now. I am somewhat sad that I don't remember the first step. Luckily, I kept a calender for one year. I'll have to dig it out.

Nothing Else To Say

Swiss Days

Ah, the good old days when we could just take a day trip to Holland, Michigan. Being inspired by the memories of childhood and young adulthood, I was almost excited to go with some friends to Swiss Days. Swiss Days is held near Heber, Utah. I think it is held close to or in Midway, Utah. This is the first time I have been and I really wasn't paying close attention to where we were driving.

Swiss Days was nothing like a trip to Holland. In fact, it was more like a trip to the county fair without the rides. Just a bunch of booths and things being sold. But the good news is that I spent some time with good friends and practiced some picture taking. I'll post just a few pictures of my subject. Really, there is nothing special about the pictures, I just think the little girl is so cute!

I was sitting at the table doing schoolwork---

When all of a sudden...........................











Yes, right outside my window, in the middle of the day, Buck was looking in at us. So, Kirby and I grabbed the camera, and as Buck went to the backyard to eat we did some filming. This is what we ended up with.

Pioneer Day!

Yesterday and today are quite a holiday in Utah. We celebrate the day the first Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) I often take this holiday for granted. My ancestors were not pioneers coming into the valley, nor did they, as far as I know, support this cause.

Last year I realized that Pioneer day while literally celebrating the Mormon pioneers, also has a figurative meaning. All of our ancestors came to America from somewhere. They may not have joined the Latter Day Saints in coming to the Salt Lake Valley, but they did come from somewhere.

My parents are pioneers. They were the first people in both of their families to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This took as much courage for them as it took for the pioneers. What awaited them was not always pleasant. Some of their family members accepted them because of the belief that what my parents had joined themselves to was not necessarily bad. Judgements were put aside because these family members knew they didn't know enough about this church to make a decision about its goodness. Other family members became antagonistic toward my parents and consequently our family. Whatever the reasons, these people decided that the church my parents joined was not good and endeavored to show my parents the mistake they had made.

My parents are strong like the pioneers in the 1800s. They have worked to show who they really are. They strive to put aside differences in religion, politics, and anything else that may separate them from those they love. They strive to show through their actions that they are good people. They serve others, look for ways to let others know they are cared about, and are faithful to what they believe.


(Picture by Connie B Photography)

So, to my parents, modern day pioneers, I salute you. Your children and grandchildren love you more than you know. You have left a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Cutest Kids....AKA....Are You Tired of My Pictures Yet?

Can't help it! I've got the cutest nieces and nephews of anyone around. They weren't all there for the holiday, but these few were there when I was taking pictures. These pics are my favorite (or perhaps only) pictures of them from this visit!

Las Vegas Vacation

I love Las Vegas! Mostly, anyway. We went to LV for two nights and one full day before we went to Arizona. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from LV.


Met Pete Rose,





Shopped for sunglasses and rested before the shows,







Thought of a certain sister-in-law when I saw this sign,




Went to see the Jabbawockeez (mime dancers),






Took some sightseeing photos along the way,








Went to Tournament of the Kings,







Had a great time!

July 4, 2011

What a fiesta filled day! Sean and Cindy did a fabulous job with party planning. Mom and Dad did fabulous decorations. Sarah proved that she can really take those portrait shots. But.....the saddest part of the day was that our previous blogger/picture taker pro was not there. Therefore, I felt it my obligation to attempt to stage a photo shoot for her so we could all pretend she was there. However, as you will be able to tell, my attempts at arrangement need a little work. So Connie--this is totally for you!

I started with this picture just because my sister, Tricia, did an AWESOME job making desserts! Looked so good....and festive.





Um.....not so artistic (obviously Tricia has the artistic streak). Connie said with practice anyone could do it.... Ha!

So......







Now I love the holiday-but did I really think this wasn't too much red, white, and blue in one shot? Try again......






Really needs something else.....






That just doesn't do it for me. How about this?





Well, I've only got a few more and these are a different dessert that Tricia made! Oh yeah--

Just be patient with me--I really wanted to show Connie I could do it......







Okay, Connie--I suppose I can't be you--but I'm not going to stop trying to be artistic with something! Hmmm...wonder what I could do with Photoshop?

Happy Now?

If you're happy and you know it wiggle your ears!
If you're happy and you know it wiggle your ears!
If you're happy and you know it then your ears will really show it,
If you're happy and you know it wiggle your ears!







There, happy now?

Today's Random Thought

Life is like a bubble-










You work to make it bigger and better-













And then it pops!

Summer Driver's Ed

My gray hairs are showing

No longer a young one
My baby is growing
One day he is born
The next he's 15

Learning to Drive
Taking summer driver's ed
Writing essays about what drives him

My gray hairs increase in number every second!

Ode to Report Cards

Oh Report Cards, report cards
report cards, report cards.

Kids hate them, teachers hate them, so why do them?

Rain or snow, sleet or sun
Reports are difficult to get done.

Last card of the year is sent
Next year I'll give them up for Lent!

Now all my energy is spent.
Good-night

Neighbors

So, today my neighbor passed away. I'll miss him. Al was not healthy when we moved in a year and a half ago, but he still walked his dog several times a day. He would move the car out of the garage, take a tire off, fix something, and then by the end of the next day, the tire would be back on, the car in the garage.

For the last six years Al has lived with a brain tumor and Parkinson's. Prior to being sick he was a very successful airline pilot.

But, getting to know him was awesome. The first time I saw him was right after I moved in. It snowed and I took Kirby out for a potty break. Al was shoveling his driveway. Now, if you can picture an old guy who walks unsteadily about five steps a minute you will realize that shoveling a driveway would take some time. So, I grabbed my shovel and helped him.

He didn't really talk. He seemed a little grouchy, but then I found out it was only because his hearing aid wasn't in. He couldn't hear a word I said. Anyway-we finished his driveway and I went over to do mine. Would you believe that Al came over and helped me? Wow! That was unexpected.

I'll remember the little things Al said. Every time we would shovel he would say, "Why did I move away from Florida?" As Christmas time got closer we would meet in the driveway with our shovels and he would greet me with, "Bah, Humbug!"

Visiting in his home one time he let me know how he felt about my religion. (Hated it!). His wife was mortified when he was so grouchy about it, but I left his house giggling about some of his comments. He didn't offend me. I am fascinated by the experiences of other people and do respect differing opinions. Listening to Al and Shirley that day was one of the best times I will remember.

Yes, Al was old. He could barely walk. His dog pretty much ate mine last summer. He couldn't hear. He could be grouchy.

But, I loved him the way he was. I will miss him.

Al Phillips-I hope we meet again!

Hmmm...Mother's Day

I woke up Sunday morning with a message on Facebook from my son. It said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mother."

Unlike my sister's cool high heels though, I did homework, and went to bed at 7:00 PM. I just didn't see a need to stay up.

Oh, but I did get myself a nice new ____________ for Mother's Day. I'll let you guess what it was.

And....It probably wasn't a good idea to go to bed so early. I was awake at 4:00 AM. Ugh....that's worse than staying up at night! (Oooom.....) I'm meditating trying to stay up past 6:21 tonight.

Addicted

Yes, it's true.

I'm addicted.

I know, it's terrible. A perfectly healthy adult (well, maybe not so healthy) with an addiction. Not only that, a teacher with one!

This will tell everything.

Sore Throats

This is the first time I can ever remember that I have had a sore throat that is not strep and has lasted longer than two days. This time I have had it for more than a week and lost my voice on top of it. Try teaching 29 kids all day when you can only squeak out instructions. My ears are plugged so I can't hear them that well. They talk louder, I squeak, and nothing gets done.

Ugh! Instacare doctors-- I don't know. It seems if they can see that you haven't been running to the doctor a lot and that you are there, they could be a little sympathetic. I know I need antibiotic. I rarely use it, but no....they know everything. I'm feeling worse today than I was on Friday when I went to Instacare. And-I have to teach again tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able talk tomorrow. Still can't today.

I Love Afternoons Like This

Today it is cloudy and drizzling. I got up, took Austin to a church basketball playoff game and then took Kirby to the groomer. After dropping Kirby off I picked up a friend and went to Seagull Books. I bought $70 worth of on sale items and saved $190. I can go for that! The best part is all but $4.00 of the items are for NEXT Christmas!

Yes, it's true. I'm a Christmas-shopper-a-holic. I don't know of a 12 step group for recovery of this addiction. I can't help it. I just have to start shopping in January. Mainly because I'm a cheater. My extended family exchanges names, but I cheat and buy little things for everybody anyway. (Don't blame me--it's an addiction that is genetically passed in families.)

After receiving the great news about all my savings I took my friend home, picked Kirby up, picked up something for Austin to eat for lunch and came home.

I don't know about you, but rainy days and Saturdays always....make me tired! So, I took my Nook into my bedroom, turned on the electric blanket, and fell asleep.

When I awoke an hour and a half later, I finished reading my book--on my Nook. :)

I can't tell you what I am reading as it is a series that I am purchasing for one of my nephews for Christmas!!!! But I will tell you one of my students told me about this series and I LOVE it!

A few minutes ago I read my sister's blog and then I read my sister-in-law's blog. Then, feeling as though I am the behind-the-news blogger, decided to write about my wonderful afternoon. Now, I have another sister's blog that just popped up so I have to read that one too!

Yes, even though the morning was great the nap and reading was the best part of my day!

Starry, starry night....

Every night when I take the dog out before bed, I gaze up at the sky. Many nights I have a clear picture of the stars. I feel lucky to see them because for many years I haven't. The reasons? City lights, and not taking the time.

As I ponder life, while gazing up and trying to pretend I'm not afraid of the dark, I am reminded of the wonder of the creation. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.... I am so thankful for my peaceful minutes each night. God truly loves us. His Son, Jesus Christ, atoned for us. What else matters?

Often people say to take time to smell the flowers. I say, take time to gaze at the sky each night. The stars, the moon peeking through clouds, and the peaceful calm are worth the few seconds.

Happy New Year!