Tuesday, September 23, 2008

My favorite thing about the new building


So..today as I was sitting at lunch I was visited by my daughter Jen. As she sat in front of my desk we talked about her day. She showed me on the computer what class ring she liked (if she could get one). I realized...this is what I love teh most about Meridian's new building. I love my classroom, I love my students. I love the classes I teach. I love the people I work with. But....all in all my favorite is getting to see my daughters. One as she comes to my class each day and one almost everyday as she comes to raid my little fridge of food. So...here is Jen (not in her cheerleding outfit!) drinking orange juice as she talks about her day.

What a great opportunity...

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Me--where I love to be


If you don't know me very well you might not know that I love to be outside, I love kids, and I love trees and water. Last Friday I was able to shut the door of my classroom and go with my students to the mountains and hike and play.

Here is where I love to be -- next to a stream of running water amid a lot of trees. It amazes me how beautiful this world is sometimes. God is a wonderful creator of all things and I am grateful to be able to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds each day.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

9/11 a dedication...



It is September 10 and for some reason I am thinking heavily of tomorrow. September 11. I remember very well the original 9/11. I remember it with a little bit of guilt. I remember hearing the news on the way to school, getting there and listening to so many discuss the sadness with tears in their eyes. I didn't cry. I just couldn't. I couldn't seem to find the ability to feel bad at all. I mean it was sad, but you see I was already so sad. I was at work...my son was dying. I felt that if I allowed myself to feel any more pain I would not be able to survive.

I didn't understand at that point how this event would later effect my life and my family. At that time in my life each moment was filled with fear that it would be the last with my son or with sadness watching my son deteriorate before my eyes. I remember consciously choosing to not feel sad about the events of 9/11.

Later though this event would take my husband away from my family for 15 months. This event started a war and my husband was called to serve his country. I was unable to call my husband, I could email him but needed to keep them short and positive. He could call but our calls were limited to 10 minutes or so. 9/11 had effected my family more than I ever expected.

I feel bad that I didn't feel the sorrow so many felt that day. I felt bad that I didn't think it was something that would ever really matter to me. It was at the time just something far away and of no concern for my family. I wish I had understood better the cost of what happened that day. The many who lost their loved ones that day. The sacrifices made. We all sacrifice but you see today...my husband is home.

Famous daughter?


So..I know. I am tired of posting Jen as a cheerleader. Proud of her still but how much of the same thing can you take? O.k...it is Jen and I can take a lot of her...I just hope soon I get pictures of her in something other than her cheerleading outfit (as cute as it is) .

anyway...this picture was taken and shown in the Deseret News. Cool huh?

Friday, September 5, 2008

the cutest family in the world




o.k. so sometimes things happen that are just so cute and you didn't even plan it.

Tonight John and I went to the Orem vs. Timpanogos Game to watch Jen cheer... Here she is...adorable as usual.

When we came into the house Elizabeth was asleep on the couch with a movie on. Well... a picture is worth a thousand words..so cute, huh?

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Baby girl in Middle School!


Whoa! Hold on a minute. My Baby is in Middle school? Do you know what that means? I am old. O.k. Yes...it is always about me.

Well here she is...ready for school. I love having her in my class this year. I have been able to teach three of my four children. It is a wonderful experience to see your kids e very day and to be a part of their education. I wish all mothers could have such an incredible experience. Thank you Meridian for giving me this opportunity.

so..here she is...my adorable little girl. And boy is she cute. Love her to pieces.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

New baby


So this is quite a late announcement but we would like to welcome to our family the newest member. Stella (spanky, sparkles supreme, Joni) Slade. Yep...a puppy. I know the neighbors are going to hate it..having another little "rat dog" around, but we love her.

she has such a personality. Here is her picture. Cute huh?