WOW!!! Where did the time go?

Okay, I realized that it had been a while since I posted, but I didn't realize it had been this long. I won't bore you with every detail of my craziness. I'll just give you some of our favorite highlights.

Of course, it's football season for our boys. We have practices four nights a week and two games every saturday, so you can imagine we are loving every minute. Trajan and Keenan are both doing awesome this season. Trajan has lots of sacks and tackles and Keenan's slid in a few touchdowns and tackles himself. It is so much fun to watch your own kids playing on the field.


Trajan getting ready for the play.


Trajan on the field #96


Keenan and Logan before the game


Keenan on the field as captain :)

Logan, Kira and Celine are not doing any sports right now...we decided they will do spring sports when football isn't so crazy and busy. Trajan will be in high school next year so it will free up some practice time for others.....that's the life of five kids :) So for the meantime, we have a great cheer squad on the boy's sidelines!

Work has been going well and slowly but surely I'm adjusting to getting up at 5:30 every day, getting ready by 6:15, and then heading down to put on a load of laundry. I make the kids lunches, load the dishwasher (somehow I'm always too tired to do it the night before), and get the little kids clothes ready. I put the laundry in the dryer, plop in one more load and quick grab a bite to eat. I wake up the kids , my mom arrives, and I'm out the door. I know that sounds a little busy, but when I'm home by 3:00 pm every day (before my elementary kids get out of school) it's all worth the early morning rush. The down side is that by the time I do all our family evening activities, grade papers, make dinner etc......I can rarely blog. For some reason I have a bit of energy tonight, so although boring, here it is. I've got to keep track of it myself before a year goes by and I haven't written.

Anyway, as a highlight, I got to take a trip up to my hometown to see my best friend, her family, and her parents. I grew up with the Davis crew and have very few memories that they weren't somehow tied into. Perry made some BEAUTIFUL furniture for my bedroom.....a headboard, dresser, and nightstands (check out the picture). Carol spoiled us with so much food I felt like every meal was thanksgiving, and I got to see Laurie's beautiful baby boy. As previously noted, this is the wonderwoman who gave birth to a 10 pound 10 ounces bundle of baby :) We were only able to go up for a couple of days because of football and work, but it was an awesome trip. I remember thinking on my way home how much I missed my small town life. It brought back so many memories for me that it was a bit of a melancholy trip home. I was driving and the kids and Way were sleeping, so it let me have some time to feel sorry for myself. Life is so strange when you look back on where you grew up compared to where you are now. I feel blessed to have friends that have known me so long that they know everything about me and I them. I love being able to just be myself and laugh at long time jokes with eachother. You know, like the fact that Steve, Laurie and I were in 4H and used to tan sheep hides.... And that I grew up drinking the Davis' goat milk.... And that we dressed up as clowns to go sing and dance at old folks homes....(someday I will dare to show these awful pictures)....and every New year's Eve we would jump off the hearth of the fireplace to leap into the new year and Perry would go outside to shoot his rifle in the air. My parents and the Davis parents would play cards for hours on end and the 8 of us (3 of us and 5 of them) would play for hours. We ran around crazy....I don't know how our parents handled it. Those friendships are few and far between and I miss much of those simple times. I loved our children being able to play together and wished I lived closer....thanks goodness we will have the eternities.


Me and Laurie :0) At least I got a picture of us
together this time....


My gorgeous dresser....and might
I add it is engraven handmade
by Perry Davis :) a little bit of
hometown to have with me
always.


The new nightstands


Our headboard...we've never had one :)


The kids playing out back.


Lovin' the fence pose.


Trajan trying to figure out what to do amongst
all of the little folk. Pool was high on his
priority.


The famous eating spot for the troops.


Celine and Gabe


Our Moms....Carol and Evelyn


Our Dads.....Sonny and Laddy


Dan (Laurie's hubby), Dan (Laurie's brother)
Laurie, and baby Pete.


Kira with Nate....she loved playing with him.


This is where we ate, and ate, and ate. Lots of
memories at this table let me tell ya :)

So anyways, other than football and our trip, we are same-o, same-o which is actually quite nice. I'm enjoying the everyday things and trying to make the most of my time with my children. I had a bit of a setback about a week ago when I realized that my "baby" Trajan will be out of our home and off for college in 4 1/2 years and that I have raised him already for 3/4 of his life. Where did the time go? I spent about a week really sad as I saw every little piece of my children just growing so quickly before my eyes. A friend of mine wrote a post about her two little girls as she walked them to school and remembering each of their little hands and how they had grown. That was exactly how I had been feeling....Man, I miss my little babies, but I am so proud of how they are growing up and love being their mother. I am very blessed and grateful that Heavenly Father entrusted Way and I with five children to raise in this world. I'm also very thankful for the knowledge I have of the plan of salvation and that our families will be together forever. That's so awesome words cannot even express. Okay, enough of my sentimental journey.

Now to conference.....We were travelling during the morning session on Sunday so I've had to play catch up, but I have to say Conference sundays are my favorite weekends of the year. I hang on every word that the prophet, apostles, and leaders speak to us and always feel rejuvenated to do more and to do it better afterwards. Times are troubling and we need to stand firm and strong against the world. Conference always bolsters me up for that. Our children are faced with so much out there and it's comforting to know that Heavenly Father is guarding each of them and guiding them in their footsteps. My heart is truly full with gratitude for my blessings......

Okay, I'm starting to blab on because it's 11:00 pm and I will probably start not making sense. As it is, I'm jumping all over the place. I will try to do better. I always check on all of my friends out there.....thanks for being better bloggers than I so I can still feel in touch :)

Still Here :)

Sorry everyone for not posting in like FOREVER. Our family is doing really well, but I am just super busy trying to get myself into the routine of everything. I know I haven't commented on any of your blogs, but I am checking in on all of you and love to hear how everything's going and what you are all up to. I'm sure I will get organized soon...that is possible right? lol School is great, my kids are doing awesome, and we are in the full swing of football season. I'll post some pictures soon. My school's student numbers came in very low and a 6th grade teacher had to be surplused.....This is done by seniority, so I totally thought it would be me, but it wasn't. I'm VERY grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing me to stay at a school close to my children. Anyway, I gotta go grade about 180 math papers....doesn't that sound fun everyone? :) Thanks to all of you for being the greatest friends ever. I miss talking to everyone on the phone and catching up with you. Know that you are in my thoughts!!!!

Many Thanks

So I changed our picture finally. Figured it was time to get rid of the old time photo with the guns and booze. lol We are at the St. George Temple in this one....the grounds there are really pretty. But of course, all the temple grounds are lovely :) I have had a really great week and feel much gratitude to my Heavenly Father, so I thought I'd post some of my thoughts for my own memory's sake...skip reading if it's boring :)

I Am Thankful For

*My family....They are more special to me than I can even find words to write.
*My children's first week of school going very well
*My first week of teaching going well...I love it!
*Prayer...the peace it brought me all week was amazing!
*The Book of Mormon....I love how I can read one verse and it will come back to me during the day.
*My Mother....she's a wonderful Grandma to babysit Celine while I'm at work
*My husband's job and his two good ankles....it's been exactly one year since he tore his achilles.
*Rain....we had a touch of rain this afternoon so I ran outside with the kids to let them run around in it....that was fun!
*Pizza....yep, didn't have to cook tonight!
*Hair dye....love my blond highlights. If I just could've kept my toe head blond hair for more than my elementary years :(
*Money...all the bills are paid. That's a miracle.
*Tithing....somehow everything works out when we follow what is right
*Sisters....glad to have mine in town.
*In laws....glad to have them too!
*Dad/Grandpa....best fix it man in the world!! He's a sucker for his girls :)
*A Clean House....we deep cleaned today and it feels great!
*A good mattress....I have been so tired by the time 9 o'clock hits that I put the kids down, get in bed, and don't remember anything until the alarm rings at five.
*My home....I love that it is my family's spot...where we live, love, and laugh together
*Football...man I love that sport!
*Friends....I have seriously been blessed with some good ones.
*The birth of my best friends baby....both are healthy and strong. Yea!!! (might I add her son was 10 lbs. 10 oz.)
*Cell phones....I love being able to get a hold of my kids at anytime.
*Music...I like to listen to uplifting music on my way to work. It sets the tone for my day.
*Young Womens....I adore my calling and my girls.
*Youth of the World....I cannot tell you how much I like the diversity of my students. I love that they are all inherently good children who want the most out of their lives. Wish I could hand the gospel right into their laps and rescue some of them from their sad situations.
*My dogs....they always love me no matter what
*My cars....both are running and getting us where we need to go.
*My computer....how else would I be doing this?
*My blogging buddies...it's the best. I can only check in about once a week now, but I love keeping in touch this way.
*My health....I really ought to take it more seriously so I can be around for a long time.
*Sundays....they are a wonderful day of rest.
*My hubby....he's awesome.

I could keep going forever it seems, but won't put you all to sleep. I just have found that in the midst of anything, if I stop and count all of my blessings verses any of my trials or hard times, the blessing will always outweigh anything else. Another thing on my mind......

McCain or Obama? I seriously don't like either very much. I'm republican, but I feel very strongly that something has to change. I'm worried McCain will just keep going how we are. Although, I think I might like Palin as his pick for vice. Obama....hmm....for sure not my favorite. Why oh why didn't Romney work out? :) I want to do a "mini" vote in my math classes and then work the votes out into percentages. I just want to see how my students actually keep up in politics and what their results would be. This is a critical year for our country...very scary.

So that winds me back to my original thoughts...I will count my blessings and have faith that Heavenly Father will guide us. I love knowing I can do that :)

Woo Hoo!!!

School is going awesome! My kids are all super happy with school. I am loving teaching. And we are all home together by 3:20 in the afternoon :) I am so happy and feel very blessed that things are going great right now. I don't have long to post and I fell asleep at the computer last night looking at other people's blogs (sorry to my friends who got replies that made no sense) lol So this post is going to be short and sweet. Thanks again for all your support and kindness.

I Can't Believe It

It's hard to believe summer is over. I always feel a bit sad when I have to say goodbye to my children and send them back to school. I would love to keep them in my arms where I know they are sheltered from all of the bad things in the world. Even though I will be teaching a set of students myself tomorrow, my mind is on my children. I pray Heavenly Father will guard and protect them while they are away from home. I pray they will have the strength to combat the evil that is out there and the strength to stand for what is right. I will think of them every minute of my day and will countdown to the moment I can talk to them and found out every detail of their school day.

Trajan is the big man on campus this year heading into 8th grade. I cannot even fathom the idea that I will have a child in high school in one year. Kira begins junior high this year which is pretty stressful. She is very excited though and feels quite prepared.....Way and I are another story. Keenan is also the big guy at school since he's in fifth grade. Somehow he just doesn't seem old enough to be top of the school....I miss my chubby faced little boy when I see how grown he has become. Logan is entering first grade and is very nervous about eating lunch tomorrow. I hope he feels okay and everything goes smoothly for him. Celine is excited for her Grandma and cousin to be coming to babysit her. Hopefully she won't get too bored....I will have to schedule some play dates for her. I will miss her dearly and it will be a hard adjustment.

Life is amazing isn't it? It just keeps going..... In my mind, I still feel 25. Now I have children who are growing up so quickly and time is racing by me. It's late now, and I should be asleep because I work tomorrow, but here I am wide awake. I just can't stop thinking about their day and my prayers that they will be okay. Maybe it's because I have been at work all week and met many of the junior high aged kids at orientation and reality hit me what my own children face. Maybe I'm just over sentimental because I know that I am back working full-time and that's a bit stressful. Or maybe it's just me....missing my kids already. They are so awesome. I had to make a powerpoint presentation for my classes with all of my procedures....thought that would be a better way than just lecturing. Anyway, I typed in the info. and then asked Kira if she would spruce it up because she's really good at powerpoints and likes to do them. Two and half hours later....it was done and it was awesome!!! She put in so much time to add animation and details that I would NEVER have thought of. She didn't complain or whine, she just made it great for my class. I was so proud of her. I know I talk about my kids on every other post, but they are such great examples to me. I learn from them all the time and can only hope I teach them all they need to know.

Anyway, best better try to find a way to get to sleep....five am will come very quickly I'm sure. To all of you moms out there sending your kids off to school....good luck. I'm sure I can't be the only one feeling sentimental about it. We will all say our prayers and have faith that Heavenly Father is watching over our little ones. It is just so wonderful that we have the knowledge that we have our eternal Father guarding our children. No words can express my gratitude for that kind of guidance. We are all very blessed.

My Birthday Boy Then and Now

Happy 39th Birthday Wayland! I love you so much --- I have been going crazy this week and you have been more than supportive as I've gotten back into my teaching career. My life is wonderful because of you and I hope you know you are an awesome husband and father. The kids and I adore you and are so blessed to have you as the patriarch of our home.

By the way, wasn't Wayland the cutest little boy? Now he has five of his own and I know he counts them as the greatest blessings ever given to him (besides me....of course :) lol Love you Babe!

39 Reasons We Love Our Dad

1. He loves us
2. He's a good example of the gospel

3. He plays football with us

4. He cheers us on at games

5. He supports us

6. He makes us laugh

7. He is a nerd at home

8. He is strong

9. I love him

10. He dresses nice

11. He helps picks out our clothes

12. He sings good

13. He gives us blessings

14. He takes us on vacations

15. He helped us catch crawdads

16. He cooks good food

17. He tells funny jokes

18. He lets us have sleepovers

19. He buys us stuff

20. He loves Heavenly Father

21. He's nice

22. He plays games with us

23. He pushes us to do our best at everything

24. He's fun to joke around with

25. He's strong

26. He prays for us

27. He takes us to practices

28. He lets me borrow his clothes and shoes

29. He gives good talks

30. He will try anything once

31. He thinks we're awesome

32. He watches movies with us

33. He lets us drink his soda

34. He has a soft heart

35. He defends us

36. He loves the gospel

37. He is handsome

38. He helps others

39. HE IS THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD! :)

We love you Dad! Happy Birthday!

The Camera Issue

Okay, it's official....I am a dork. Remember the "dot" camera I was talking about that I said I had no idea what it was? So today, the same teacher was talking about it again and I thought she said "doc" camera. This makes more sense. My guess is that it's a document camera, otherwise known as an Elmo. I have absolutely no idea how the cameras work in the classroom, but I hear they are pretty useful. So I just thought I'd throw that out there as a bit of useful information that most of you will never do anything with. And by the way....my classroom is finally done being decorated. Now for planning..... Isn't that a typical woman? My class looks good but doesn't have one ounce of classwork ready. lol Guess we all know what I will be doing for the next five days. Have a great day everyone!!!

Thank You :0)

Thank you to all my great friends out there! Your comments are all way too nice and I so appreciate them. You have pumped me up to go out there and give it my best shot. I'll let ya know how it goes after the first week with kids. And as for the dot camera, no one seems to know what it is so maybe the person talking about the camera didn't know what they were saying...lol....makes me feel much, much better!!!

What Ten Years Can Do

So as all of you know, I went back to work this week. I have now attended two days that were full of meetings and one day over at my new school. It has been eight years since I taught full-time and ten years since I opened the school I am returning to as a teacher this fall. I have noticed some things this week that are vastly different.....all in just ten years.

1. There are specific rules for cell phones and ipods at school. I think cell phones were still giant when I taught last....you know, like the kind that had antennas which easily could poke an eye out. Now they are small, inconspicuous, and they type.

2. There is something called a dot camera that is readily used in the classroom. HELP!!! I have no idea what this is and I didn't want to ask and look dumb because everybody else knew what it was except for me and another returning housewife (we talked about this too). Now that I'm typing this I realize it would've been better to have asked than to announce my ignorance to the entire blogging world....oh well.

3. Modesty is gone out the window for the majority of junior high students. Thank you for being a good example all of you out there who still care about what your appearance means to those around you :0) I am a little bummed that I can't wear my spandex and midriff to school....it would've looked so nice.

4. There is A LOT of technology.....I don't know where to start. I can hardly control this blogspot and it took me 3 1/2 hours to figure out how to input info. on my son's football team website that I am in charge of updating. This could prove highly difficult.

5. Lesson plans....this one is crazy. In order to plan, I have a set of state standards, a course syllabus, a set of county standards, the power standards and the course benchmarks. Somehow I'm supposed to combine all of these items into one lesson. Maybe the one room schoolhouse wasn't so bad after all.

6. My body is definitely not fitting as well into my teacher's chair, teaching clothes, and isle ways. Must start exercising.....just think if I had started that ten years ago....

7. Clark county school district has raised my salary about $13,000 since the 90's. Too bad it's still very low compared to the cost of living here and most teacher's cannot buy homes until they have a master's degree.

8. My brain is not functioning right. I spent an hour and a half standing in my empty room figuring out where I wanted my desk to be. It seems like before I just picked a spot and went with it. This time around, I went through about 30 scenarios of where the students would come in, how they would sit etc. etc. Most of the time, I just sat there too overwhelmed to do anything and then finally it all came to me and I moved all the furniture myself including the wardrobe closets because I didn't want to wait for the janitors to do it.

9. Another ten year change....my back cannot handle moving wardrobe closets. I paid for my impatience. when did my body go straight downhill?

10. And lastly, most things have not changed. Teachers are still the people who shape and mold the world's future. Students are all inherently good and desire to do well in their lives. The four walls of a classroom are still empty canvasses waiting to be filled with motivating posters, student work, and colorful artwork. And public education has still revolutionalized our nation. That's pretty awesome!

So amidst all the changes, I find myself rededicated to the task at hand. My panic and confidence are shifting places on a regular basis, so I jump from highs to lows on a moment's notice. I wonder if I can reach all of my students? Can I give them something more in their life? Can I help them know they are special, unique, and so precious in this world? Can I be an example that will someday come back to them in a positive light? Can I motivate them to want to seek knowledge? Can I help them embrace diversity and relish in life's differences? Can I help them feel the love I have for each of them? Can I be a teacher they will remember because they felt secure in my classroom? Can I provide the consistency needed to raise the expectations of every child? Can I teach and respect every child the way I would like my child taught and respected? These are the questions that plague my mind nightly. When I finished college, I was ready to go out and change the world. I didn't ask questions.....I just went and did it. After having children and knowing the importance of my position, I feel the weight of the task at hand. My job makes a difference.....every day to every child. I can lift them higher than they believe they can with my attitude, desire, and enthusiasm. So really, the question is not "Can I?"....it is "Will I?"

Will I help one of Heavenly Father's children to see their potential, grasp onto their future, and reach for their goals? Yes.......without a doubt yes!!!! This is going to be an awesome year :)

My Take On Things :)

I have been super busy this week, but figured I should update just a bit. Let me start by saying I love my kids so much!!! Of course I always do, but this past week especially. I had a lot going on with work, young womens, and a visiting friend....this caused me to be gone from home A LOT. My wonderful children didn't complain when I had to go serve and they weren't upset when I spent hours talking with my friend....they just went with the flow. Trajan babysat without complaint and I just want them to know I love them. I even had a few hours to go with my friend, Christa, and my mother-in-law to the temple....no whining from the kids. On Friday, we had a Young Women's super activity that lasted about ten hours (super fun). My kids were so great. Even though they called to see where I was at and how much longer I would be, they still did it. I'm thankful for their willingness to allow me to serve and their understanding that when I serve, our whole family is blessed :) So with that said...here I go :



1. Breaking Dawn. I am about three quarters of the way through because I just didn't have time to be ultra involved in it like I always get with books, but so far....I like it. This "like" comes with a few warnings though. If you are one of my Young Women reading this post....I suggest you don't read BD. I think this one is a bit too mature for youth (maybe a senior on up). I think it pushes the limits to the very brink...so although there's nothing graphic...definitely not for my young women :) Also, so far I think there is too much info. crammed into one book....like she's trying to shove it all in and bring it to a tidy bow at the end. I'm not sure if I'm right, so I'll let you know when I finish.

2. Las Vegas HEAT! I absolutely can't stand Vegas in the month of August. My garden is dead, my flowers are dead, and my brain is dead. The only thing alive and kicking is my power bill (I know, I whine about this too much). The kids can only swim just so much. We've outplayed Life, Monopoly, and Deal or no Deal. My kids are now on their fourth 1000 peice puzzle (we're going to modge podge them with all this work), and we're all getting a little stir crazy. Can't wait for October :)

3. My Wardrobe: Okay, this is bad. Over the past years of staying home and not being in the work force...I have no working clothes. I think I can come up with five outfits that don't look like a "mormon mom". That will have to get me through until I can buy some more....lol. Maybe I'll be like one of the crazy science teachers who always wears the same outfit on test days. Better yet, I could just wear one of the lab coats and nobody will know what I have on underneath. And, I won't even touch the shoe department. What will I do without daily flip flops?

4. Rest in Peace Grandma: My Mom, Dad, and Sister met with my Aunt, Uncle and a handful of others to lay my Grandma's ashes to rest. It's so nice to know she is at peace and with those we love who have also passed on. I am grateful every moment of every day to know that the gospel is true. I know family's are forever and that life is eternal. If you are one of my relatives, and while reading this you wonder how I can know this.....I will tell you!!!! If you will but just entertain the idea that there is a God who loves us very much, I can show you how to know and understand the rest. One of my young women last night straight up asked me why I decided to be a mormon. She didn't understand really why anyone would CHOOSE that. So I told her my straight and simple answer. I asked God if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and all of its teachings were true....my answer was undeniably yes. I cannot describe the feelings in my heart to any of you except to say I know as surely as I breathe, it is true. For me to deny the answer I was given, would deny God Himself. The material things I give up in this life for the blessings of the gospel are minute....If any of you ever feel inclined to know....I would love to share my thoughts. I feel like I've been given a gift to know this truth and I would be amiss if I didn't try to share with some of you. Love you guys!

4. Skymania: this is a giant warehouse full of wall to wall trampolines. We took our young Women there and let me just reiterate....I AM OUT OF SHAPE! I was running around like I was a superhero and totally took a dive on the tramp...TWICE. I mean, it wasn't even pretty. Now, I love myself....don't get me wrong. But you have to imagine that I am a good sized woman. I'm running on these trampolines: hips, butt and thighs a-goin'. The girls and I are playing tag. I cannot catch ANYONE. I cannot BREATH. My legs are getting WOBBLY. BAM....face plant. I jump up, to show I can still hang with these young girls, and about five seconds later...BAM. Another face plant. I seriously can't breathe at this point so I beg one of my beehives to take over my spot. Although it was totally fun, I am re-energized to continue running on my treadmill. And yes....I'm very sore today.

5. The Temple: I love the peace going to the temple brings to my life. Being a convert, I love the fact that I can go and help someone else receive the blessings of the gospel that may or may not have been presented in their lives. I need to go more often.

6. The Olympics: I'm so excited they have started. I missed most of the opening ceremonies because we had our great YW activity, but I already started watching last night. I did not know they had badmitten in the olympics. The girls volleyball this morning was AWESOME! I just really love watching this olympics.

7. Journal: I have a new goal to write in my journal more often. yes, I'm keeping this blog, but obviously I don't update that very often (sorry everyone). I'm trying to stay focused on one journal that holds my spiritual moments and one that holds every day things. I just remember Sister Hinkley's journal notes. She would be the cost of something she bought that day and it was neat to see how things change over time. Anyway, just a goal.

Okay, well I can tell I'm getting pretty boring by now, so it's time to go read. We're taking the kids to the pool, so maybe I'll finish the book up today. :) I will go brave the heat once more and quit whining about it. It's all in our attitude right? Life is great....live it that way.

( Does anybody watch Run's House? I feel like I'm ending this post the way he does. ha ha ha Only those who've seen it will know what I'm talking about...I'm a dork)

I Hate Excercising

Wish I was one of those people who found great delight in working out my body and spending time sweating while my muscles energize the rest of me....I'M NOT!!!! I don't like exercising and I doubt I ever will. I was walking on the treadmill, running here and there, and saw myself in a mirror that I hung across the room to my side (not realizing it's poor placement). Let's just say that was not a pretty sight to see a larger sized woman, running, sweating, and flopping her body around the treadmill. I think I had a picture in my mind of how I looked and that was definitely not it....can you imagine if I had worn spandex? Now there's a sight...lol... :0)

I Am Doing It!!!

Okay guys....

This is it.....

I am going full board.....

This chunky face will be a thing of the past.... (notice how I strategically placed myself behind my children)

I started my weight watchers again today. I was successful in the past with it and then I let it go. So I am documenting and going on record that I will be working very hard to get much healthier. I am giving myself a little over a year to reach my actual target (loss of 60 pounds needed to hit my "heart healthy" weight--scary huh?). That's the hard part of being so tall...I can pack a ton of weight on :( Anyway, by 40 I should be feeling better than ever. I'm sick of talking about it, wishing about it, and thinking about it. JUST DO IT ALREADY! So here I go...any one want to join me? We could keep eachother going ya know....I can't afford to actually go to weight watchers, so I just do it on my own. But if anyone wanted to jump in, I would love to keep track with friends, check in, and keep eachother motivated. And, if anyone wants to join the party but you don't have the info., I can tell ya what I do and how the points work etc. :) I feel like I'm totally ready for it this time....I know I have cheekbones somewhere on my face...lol. For anyone out there who struggles with weight issues like me, you know that it's a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Lose the weight, gain the weight. I will make no more excuses for myself. If I want something different, I have to change my lifestyle. So here I go...there's no turning back. My heart will thank me as well as my grandchildren when they have a healthy Grandma not a sick one :) Anyone on board?

Two Weeks and Counting

So the past few nights I have stayed up for hours on end trying to formulate my plan for school this year. It has been eight years since I worked full-time and Jr. High has changed A LOT since then. I'm wondering if I will still have what it takes since I was in my 20's when I first taught...I was still cool then...lol. I am teaching math as well as science, which is something new. I don't know if I want the kids to have daily math in their journals. What do I want to put on my list of classroom supplies? How will I decorate my classroom since I'm teaching two different classes? Will I still be funny? (I used to joke a lot with my students :) I am starting to feel the panic increasing every day. Don't get me wrong, I adore teaching. I love the youth of this world. I love making a difference every day. I just want to make sure I can still do it with the most effectiveness possible. I have to take six classes in the next year to update my license...hoping for some good ones. I'm a bit sad to be leaving Celine at home (my mother is watching her for me) because she is my baby....I will miss her every day. I'm happy to be blessed with a secure job and ability to provide for my family. Quite honestly, I have no idea where I'm going with this post. I figured writing some stuff down would help me organize it in my mind, but I don't think it's helping... ha ha... I'm sure as I take my first steps into my classroom, Heavenly Father will allow my talents to flow back into my mind as I plan out for the year. It's quite exciting as I gear up for all of this stuff....two weeks from tomorrow I will be working. Is that crazy or what?

So...So...So Much

I forewarn you....this post is not for the faint of heart. It is LONG!!!

Wow, I'm not even sure where to begin. We have had a wonderful as well as tragic two weeks in our family. My mind has been reeling and I want to cover all of my thoughts so I have this included in my blog book when I get it bound. Weighing most heavily on my mind are the losses to our family so I'd like to begin with my tributes to those we are missing.

On July 17th, my 91 year old Grandma passed away from a combination of illnesses due to old age. If you'll indulge me, I'd like to share a few experiences we had with her during the last week of her life. My Mom, Wayland, me and the kids were blessed to be able to take a trip to San Francisco to see my Grandma about a week and a half ago. I remember feeling a bit nervous to see her because when I saw her last she was healthy and strong and I knew she was now be very bed ridden and ill. I also wasn't sure how my children would react.....I underestimated them. Celine especially was very drawn to my Grandma and had no concern for how she looked. For the most part, my Grandma was in and out of sleep...at first not recognizing me but after a day or two her gentle eyes showed she was able to place who I was and that Celine was my daughter. Let me share a little background. My Grandma did not practice any religion and would like to think there was a God, but really didn't believe there was one. She always knew I was very strong in my beliefs and told me once that when she died that I could have my Aunt Sheila's bible because I was the one who believed in all that "God Stuff". That made me smile. As I lay by my Grandma's bed telling Celine stories of my visits to Grandma when I was little, it felt as though my Grandma was not aware of her surroundings at all. I wondered if she would even know I was there to tell her I loved her one last time.....I doubted it. Well, my sweet daughter, undaunted by her surroundings, began singing "I Am A Child of God" to my Grandma. Almost instantaneously, her Great-Grandma's eyes popped open and she reached right out to hold Celine's hand as she sang. Not only did it take great effort, but I knew the song had struck a chord...not being a member of the church, she had never heard that song before. It was a beautifully poignant moment. I can't recall when, but my Mom had told me once that my Grandma was worried about where she would go when she died....I felt this was my opportunity to tell her. Although she closed her eyes after Celine was done, I just quietly shared with my Grandma all I knew of our journey after this life. I told her she had no need to fear and that it was a beautiful place she was going to, where her daughter, great grandaughter, and parents would be waiting for her. I whispered to her that when she was ready, to just let go of this life and to fear no more, for God would be watching over her. She passed away the next day. It brings bitter sweet tears to my eyes when I think of that day. Heavenly Father seemed to hand it to me and I can only pray I helped my sweet Grandma in some way. Families are Forever and until we meet again Grandma.....I love you.

Me, Grandma and the kids about 4 yrs. ago

Me, my brother and my Grandma.

I was 8 and this was one of my

favorite trips because I got to stay

with her for a whole week by

myself. We ate peach ice cream for

dinner :)

In Loving Memory....

On Monday of this week, we were extremely saddened to find out that Wayland's dear cousin, Ursula, lost her husband in a B52 crash off the coast of Guam. Ursula and Wayland's families grew up together in Samoa and our hearts are filled with great sorrow . Siosi was a Colonel in the air force and second in command of the 36th medical group at Anderson Air Force base in Guam. The details and cause of the accident are unknown at this time, but this morning the search for survivors was changed from rescue to recovery as they determined there were no survivors in the six member crew. The love Ursula and Siosi shared was one of those that eminated from the both of them....he will be dearly missed. Siosi's daughter, who lives in Florida with her mother, is on her way to Guam so please keep sweet Gemini in your prayers as she copes with the loss of her father. Ursula is due in three weeks with their long awaited child, so this is a very difficult time for her. I pray the Lord will give her strength from reserves Ursula doesn't know she has and that He will bless her and her unborn baby with great peace at this difficult time. From our family we send love, respect, and gratitude for Siosi and his service to our country. I watch the news all the time and I hear of soldiers losing their lives, but when it hits close to home, it becomes a different story. I regret not feeling more empathy for those who have served and died so valiantly. Our prayers remain constant for Ursula and until we meet again at Jesus' feet, we will miss you Siosi.....

With my heart heavy and mind reeling from these losses at hand, I have spent nights awake thinking about how blessed I am to know Heavenly Father's plan. It has also reminded me that we never know when Heavenly Father will be ready to call us home and that it is never enough to have our lamps half full. I have promised myself I will love better each day. I will cherish moments with family, friends, and loved ones. I will serve more valiantly and live more worthily because I have been blessed with the truth in this life. Where much is given, much is required. I find myself hugging my children more and ignoring agitation. I want to remember this feeling so when turbulence arises, I will pause and grasp the beauty of the moment. I thank Heavenly Father daily for the amazing family I have been blessed with and for Jesus' atonement that allows me to be with them forever.

On a lighter note, I want to share some of the great moments we enjoyed of the past couple weeks. While we were in San Francisco visiting my Grandma, we were able to take the children out for a few hours each day. We visited the Japanese Tea Gardens, toured Fisherman's Wharf and sat on the beach soaking in the ocean view. We collected rocks, ate fresh crab and indulged in some Ghiradelli chocolate. I was so, so happy that it happened to be Wayland's scheduled vacation week off work...like I said...Heavenly Father handed this trip to me :) We met my Grandma's live in nurse, Vivian and she was just as sweet as could be. We feasted upon excellent take out food (my waistline is paying for this trip) and took great delight in the cool, foggy Frisco days.

The kids at the Japanese Tea

Gardens

Up on the Bridge

Another shot at the gardens (I took a ton)

I love this shot and I love my girls :)

The kids didn't care how cold it was....they

wanted to get wet!

My Sweetie

Driving down Lombard Street...the curviest

street in the world. My kids were lovin' it. I

had to switch spots with Wayland because
there was no way I could drive the suburban

down it.

Fisherman's Wharf

My Mom and the girls watching the seals.

The Seals...they were really funny to watch.

After San Francisco, we travelled to Carson City (which is my hometown) to visit some very dear friends. My parents lived in Carson for 26 years and the Davis family was our "do everything together" friends. Perry and Carol were some of my parents first friends when they joined the church and my Dad and Perry had known eachother a bit through work. At any rate, they are wonderful :) Their son, Steve was one of my best friends since I can ever remember. We went to elementary, junior high, high school and college together. His younger sister Laurie was always "three years younger" than me and although we spent MANY camping trips, late card nights, and church activities together, it wasn't until college where we became close friends. Anyway, we were able to spend few days being graciously hosted at the Davis home! We enjoyed AWESOME breakfast let me tell ya....bacon, eggs, homemade grape juice and jam, danishes, croissants, muffins, orange juice, chocolate chip pancakes with homemade whipcream on top....I know...is that crazy food or what? Thank you Carol and Perry...it was so, so good. (Again, my waist is paying for this trip) This was not to mentioned the BBQ steak, pizzas, cheesecake, ice cream.....shall I go on? ha ha Not that I didn't love the food, but the highlight of my trip was seeing my friend....Laurie, I miss you tons!!! I wish we lived closer because best friends are few and far between and I truly cherish you :) So without too much detail, I'll share our journey. We went to Lake Tahoe and enjoyed the beach for a day--- took a trip of to old town Virginia City and got old fashioned pictures taken (as seen above...please disregard liquor and weapons..lol..it was really fun) and rode the Virginia and Trucked train---BBQ' at Davis Creek with the Davis' youngest son, Danny, and his lovely wife and family--- learned how to play Hearts and Settlers---enjoyed every minute with our old friends. :) Thank you for making it such a great time at your homes everyone! Even though we experienced the loss of my Grandma, it was comforting to be with all of you who have known me forever. We will be back!!!!

Celine building her stick castle at Tahoe

Jake, Logan, Gabe, and Keenan having fun

Kira enjoying the sun

Logan and Keenan loved catching

crawdads.

The crawdads....Wayland took them home

and cooked them for dinner.

Jake and Logan

The boys in my life. So cute...they were

burying their feet in the sand.

My Mom and Carol

Riding the train

Trajan and my friend Laurie with her sons

Gabe and Nate (Jake is hers too....and might

I add she will be adding baby boy number

four in about a month) EXCITING!

Keenan and Logan...Jake and Celine peeking in

Celine is getting too old too fast.....cutie pie

Daddy and his girl

Trajan and Nate on the train

Another train shot.

Laurie's husband Dan with his boys

MMMMM...good ice cream

Carol playing games with all the kids...they

loved it!!!

And I saved the VERY BEST for last......

I LOVE THIS MAN!

Amidst all of the trips, good times and sad times, Wayland and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. We spent the day with our friends at Tahoe which was befitting since we spent some time up there two weeks after our wedding for my open house (hosted by the Davis family). After all these years, I find myself wondering how I got so blessed with a husband that is my best friend. I wouldn't know how to define myself without Wayland because he is so much a part of me. Wayland is my rock when times are tough and my soft place to fall when I need him. He is my greatest opponent and my biggest fan (we're quite competitive :) He loves me with all my flaws and keeps me in line when I need it...lol... Way knows me so well now that he can finish my sentence or hold my hand right when I need it. I love the fact that nobody knows either of us as well as we know eachother and that our dreams are all built together. I love talking with him for hours about nothing in particular (especially since Trajan can babysit now and we actually get to go on a date once a week :) He doesn't care that every time we sit down to watch a movie, I fall asleep. And I don't care that every time I drive the car, he goes to sleep. And neither of us care that we are aging to the point that we fall asleep at the drop of a hat like that...lol... I love that he is knowledgeable in the gospel and that he guides our family with the priesthood. I want nothing more than to grow old with my handsome husband who has blessed me with five beautiful children and a life that is so wonderful. I love you babe....Happy Anniversary!