Friday, November 30, 2007
Just in case
Today at school we had a security lock down. We have a sattilite program that operates out of our school. A couple of those students had plans to show up and then run away. After they ran, the police were concerned that they not come back into the school, perhaps even with weapons. Because of that we locked all the outside access doors and didn't allow student to go outside during class change. The students were found and all is well. End of story.
Well, you would think it was the end of the story. I guess a couple of the kids heard when we were talking on the radio about locking the doors and the plans of what to do. A couple were in the office when the secretary had to call the police to come. That is where it got all blown out of proportion. Students started telling each other what they thought was happening and calling parents or texting parents. The media got ahold of the story and reported that we were in lockdown because we had students running through the halls with guns shooting people. I even heard students saying that there was someone lying in the parking lot bleeding where they were shot. Parents started calling, in mass, then wanting to know if their particular child was safe. I understand that, as a parent I would want to know if my children were safe. But I tell you, I did go in my room and laugh. There never was a threat at all. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. This was the way we choose to make sure of that. And of course, imagination made it worse than reality.
But I do have to tell you this, as one of the staff that would be called upon to take care of and deal with a trheat, I am extremely grateful that all was just rumor and not reality.
Well, you would think it was the end of the story. I guess a couple of the kids heard when we were talking on the radio about locking the doors and the plans of what to do. A couple were in the office when the secretary had to call the police to come. That is where it got all blown out of proportion. Students started telling each other what they thought was happening and calling parents or texting parents. The media got ahold of the story and reported that we were in lockdown because we had students running through the halls with guns shooting people. I even heard students saying that there was someone lying in the parking lot bleeding where they were shot. Parents started calling, in mass, then wanting to know if their particular child was safe. I understand that, as a parent I would want to know if my children were safe. But I tell you, I did go in my room and laugh. There never was a threat at all. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. This was the way we choose to make sure of that. And of course, imagination made it worse than reality.
But I do have to tell you this, as one of the staff that would be called upon to take care of and deal with a trheat, I am extremely grateful that all was just rumor and not reality.
Lights, Camera, Giveaway
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Mocking Bird Dying
This is a video that my son and friends made for their english class.
My son plays Scout.
Silly boys
My son plays Scout.
Silly boys
If I had one wish
Happy, Happy Birthday to my friend, Karlene As the song says, "If I had one wish, then it would be- A Happy Happy Birthday to you from me"!
Hope it is a good one.
Hope it is a good one.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
videos
Ok, I seem to be having a problem uploading the marching band video. If you want to see it, here is a link to go watch it.
Marching Band
I realized that here it is the end of November and I haven't even posted once about marching band or how the boys' band did this year. Well, they did a really hard show this year, Tutankhamun. They marched really well, they didn't place higher than 3rd in any of the competitions this year, even though there were some where I felt they should have taken first. I got a new video camera and took some footage of each of the competitions. I am still learning the settings and how to take good video, but this is what I got. The video is a whole lot clearer when I view it on my video camera or on my video editor. I am also still learning how to edit and save and everything. This is their 2nd competition and it was a cold, no, freezing day. It was raining/snowing and cold, cold, cold. One of my sons is plays sousaphone. When I did a close up of them, he is the one on the right. The other son plays trumpet. When the trumpets "die", he is the first one to the left of the 50 yard line.
Moving
I moved into a new neighborhood and have met some wonderful, helpful people. The move was easy to make and I didn't have to pack and haul things. No, I just went over to Cre8buzz and moved in. Now comes the part that is hard for me, painting, moving the furniture, setting up house and the thing is, I do not have a clue how to go about doing it. Lucky for me, Kymburlee volunteered to help me with that. Isn't it fun getting to know new people and new things?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What is happiness?
Happiness. I have often wondered exactly what this is. Is it something tangible? Do you know it when you have it? Is it elusive? Exclusive to just a few? I do not know. I do know that I do not think I am a happy person. I think I just get by day to day. So if I were a happy person, would I know it?
We have several students at the school this year that have health concerns. Some of them are just need to be watched and some of them are very serious and a couple of them are terminal. In fact, there is one that the doctors say it is totally possible that this student will die before next school year starts. This is the student I want to talk about today.
She is the cutest student you will ever meet. She has a gpa of 3.7 and is ranked
10th in her class. I have never ever seen this girl without a smile on her face. But it goes farther than that, the smile reaches her eyes. In fact, if you were to look into her eyes, they sparkle with her happiness. They shine a beacon to the world and bring rays of happiness to the whole school. Even on those days that I know she is having pain, there is still a sparkle in her eyes and smile on her face. How does that happen for someone?
This student has the right to leave school and go on home hospital- which means she is basically home schooled, or she could just drop out. What would it matter? But I love that she WANTS to be at school. Really, what would she do at home? Watch t.v., feel sorry for herself? Not this student. I have already told you what amazing grades she has. She is also on student council. She sings in the choir and is learning a foriegn language. She always has a crowd of friends around her, laughing, talking and being happy. I really, really admire this girl and want to be like her.
So tell me, what is happiness and how does one obtain it? Especially when circumstances say that you should not be. How is this done?
We have several students at the school this year that have health concerns. Some of them are just need to be watched and some of them are very serious and a couple of them are terminal. In fact, there is one that the doctors say it is totally possible that this student will die before next school year starts. This is the student I want to talk about today.
She is the cutest student you will ever meet. She has a gpa of 3.7 and is ranked
10th in her class. I have never ever seen this girl without a smile on her face. But it goes farther than that, the smile reaches her eyes. In fact, if you were to look into her eyes, they sparkle with her happiness. They shine a beacon to the world and bring rays of happiness to the whole school. Even on those days that I know she is having pain, there is still a sparkle in her eyes and smile on her face. How does that happen for someone?
This student has the right to leave school and go on home hospital- which means she is basically home schooled, or she could just drop out. What would it matter? But I love that she WANTS to be at school. Really, what would she do at home? Watch t.v., feel sorry for herself? Not this student. I have already told you what amazing grades she has. She is also on student council. She sings in the choir and is learning a foriegn language. She always has a crowd of friends around her, laughing, talking and being happy. I really, really admire this girl and want to be like her.
So tell me, what is happiness and how does one obtain it? Especially when circumstances say that you should not be. How is this done?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Let it Snow
Just doing a test of some graphics.
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A budding idea
This past holiday weekend I was able to spend a day at my sister's house with family. (thanks for letting us invade your house for the day, hope we didn't leave chaos behind). My mom, 3 of my sisters, and one niece took a "fieldtrip" to the best store around- Real Deals.
Now, I am absolutely NOT a shopper. I hate taking the time to go shopping. Don't even think about asking me to go to the mall just to "shop". If I am shopping, I have to have what I need/want in mind and know who has it and then I get in the car, go to that one place, get what I need and go home. The end. But Sharon sent me the link and I just redid my living room and am getting ready to redo my downstairs, so I was up for shopping here. After all, can't pass up a good bargain.
So we got into two cars and headed to the store. I fell in love. So many things to see. So many things that wanted to make my home their permanant home. So many great deals. I'm gonna have to go back. And the best part is this- there is one in American Fork!
Yesterday I was looking around on their website and that is how I found out that Sharon was right, there is one in AF. Then I noticed that the store is owned by franchisees. That is when the idea budded in my head- owning a store is something I would love to do and this one would be great. It is only open 2 days a week, it has fabulous products at an affordable price and Utah county is the fastest growing county in the state and there is only 1 store in that county! There are at least 5 in the northern part of the state. Now I just have to figure out the feasability of an SBL, as well as all the other start up costs, where would I locate it and is this really what I want to do when I grow up?
Now, I am absolutely NOT a shopper. I hate taking the time to go shopping. Don't even think about asking me to go to the mall just to "shop". If I am shopping, I have to have what I need/want in mind and know who has it and then I get in the car, go to that one place, get what I need and go home. The end. But Sharon sent me the link and I just redid my living room and am getting ready to redo my downstairs, so I was up for shopping here. After all, can't pass up a good bargain.
So we got into two cars and headed to the store. I fell in love. So many things to see. So many things that wanted to make my home their permanant home. So many great deals. I'm gonna have to go back. And the best part is this- there is one in American Fork!
Yesterday I was looking around on their website and that is how I found out that Sharon was right, there is one in AF. Then I noticed that the store is owned by franchisees. That is when the idea budded in my head- owning a store is something I would love to do and this one would be great. It is only open 2 days a week, it has fabulous products at an affordable price and Utah county is the fastest growing county in the state and there is only 1 store in that county! There are at least 5 in the northern part of the state. Now I just have to figure out the feasability of an SBL, as well as all the other start up costs, where would I locate it and is this really what I want to do when I grow up?
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sabbath
Mosiah 2:19
And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What city?
| You Belong in Rome |
 You're a big city soul with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better? |
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cat or dog?
| You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat |
 You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude. However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out! |
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Musings on Thankfullness
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Today is the day that we gather around the feast and ponder out blessings. And ponder the sales we want to hit early in the morning, the scores of our favorite football team, where to put the leftovers, and lament that Christmas is coming too early, before Halloween in someplaces.
As a business owner* I understand the competition for the consumer's dollar, the dollars that stretch less and less each and every day. When I did party decorations and balloons, I started getting catalogs in July full of that year's Christmas merchandise. I would have to order that early in order to be guarenteed to be able to have the items in stock, then you have to put it in front of the consumer in time to have them spend their money at your place instead of your neighbor's. Hence the earlier and earlier appearence of material goods.
But as a consumer, it bothers me. One day of the year has been set aside for us to be thankful. No expectations for this holiday. No presents, no big decorations, no ridiculous, getting in debt spending. Just family, food, love and laughter. And gratitude. But even that is being pushed aside for the spending and deals and competition that is supposed to rememberance of our Savior's birth.
Perhaps even more than this is the feeling that gratitude is missing entirely. I have a house full of stuff and things but often forget to be grateful for it. Not often do I say I am thankful for......... Idealy I would do this at least each Sunday as I attend my meeting and spend the day in gratitude. In reality, it has more often than not become a day to endure and get through. Each and every day, more often than not, becomes a day to get through- get up, get ready, go to work, come home, do a load of laundry, help with homework, fix supper, clean up, go to bed and start over the next day.
So, I am going to try and spend the next year in gratitude for what I have, and sharing it the best I can with those that need it.
Today I am grateful that I had a full house for dinner (but I have too many left overs because Trevor wasn't here and I cooked as if he was). The highchair had a baby in it again and there was love and laughter. Tomorrow I get to spend it with my family of origin. Again, love and laughter. Who could want more?
*that link means I want you to click on it, go to my website, look around and do some of your Christmas shopping so you don't have to fight the crowds at the store and my business grows. But only if you want, this is really an illustration of my point.
As a business owner* I understand the competition for the consumer's dollar, the dollars that stretch less and less each and every day. When I did party decorations and balloons, I started getting catalogs in July full of that year's Christmas merchandise. I would have to order that early in order to be guarenteed to be able to have the items in stock, then you have to put it in front of the consumer in time to have them spend their money at your place instead of your neighbor's. Hence the earlier and earlier appearence of material goods.
But as a consumer, it bothers me. One day of the year has been set aside for us to be thankful. No expectations for this holiday. No presents, no big decorations, no ridiculous, getting in debt spending. Just family, food, love and laughter. And gratitude. But even that is being pushed aside for the spending and deals and competition that is supposed to rememberance of our Savior's birth.
Perhaps even more than this is the feeling that gratitude is missing entirely. I have a house full of stuff and things but often forget to be grateful for it. Not often do I say I am thankful for......... Idealy I would do this at least each Sunday as I attend my meeting and spend the day in gratitude. In reality, it has more often than not become a day to endure and get through. Each and every day, more often than not, becomes a day to get through- get up, get ready, go to work, come home, do a load of laundry, help with homework, fix supper, clean up, go to bed and start over the next day.
So, I am going to try and spend the next year in gratitude for what I have, and sharing it the best I can with those that need it.
Today I am grateful that I had a full house for dinner (but I have too many left overs because Trevor wasn't here and I cooked as if he was). The highchair had a baby in it again and there was love and laughter. Tomorrow I get to spend it with my family of origin. Again, love and laughter. Who could want more?
*that link means I want you to click on it, go to my website, look around and do some of your Christmas shopping so you don't have to fight the crowds at the store and my business grows. But only if you want, this is really an illustration of my point.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
That's one big house
Kris posted this link to a house. You should go take a look at it.
That's one big house!! 12 car garage? But hey, the view is fantastic if I do say so myself. And wouldn't it be nice to have the mortgage payment in the bank each and every month. Actually, I'll take the money each month and get a smaller house.
That's one big house!! 12 car garage? But hey, the view is fantastic if I do say so myself. And wouldn't it be nice to have the mortgage payment in the bank each and every month. Actually, I'll take the money each month and get a smaller house.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The good parts
There are some good things about working in a jr. high. School vacations comes to mind, especially as today is the last day of this school week before Thanksgiving.
Friends in the form of other teachers is another one. Lindsey is one such friend. She just popped by with a couple of notes that some students in her homeroom class wrote for me. They are on cute little note papers with a picture of a turkey.
Students are another good thing about working in a jr. high. One of the notes said "Thanks for all you do". Honestly, I had to look up the student's name, because I did not know who it was. After I had looked him up and saw his picture, I knew him, but just didn't know his name.
The other note said, "Its me _____ your fav. Your the coolest person in the school. I was tardy on purpose to see you. Love _________" This really is one of my favorite students. I heard him tell someone once that I was like his big sister or maybe even his mom. He always has a smile (and some sort of shennanigans) for me, and I am always happy to see him and hate it when I have to correct him. Much the same as with my own kids.
Thank you Lindsey for having the students write the notes and reminding me that I really do like the students here (for the most part anyway).
Friends in the form of other teachers is another one. Lindsey is one such friend. She just popped by with a couple of notes that some students in her homeroom class wrote for me. They are on cute little note papers with a picture of a turkey.
Students are another good thing about working in a jr. high. One of the notes said "Thanks for all you do". Honestly, I had to look up the student's name, because I did not know who it was. After I had looked him up and saw his picture, I knew him, but just didn't know his name.
The other note said, "Its me _____ your fav. Your the coolest person in the school. I was tardy on purpose to see you. Love _________" This really is one of my favorite students. I heard him tell someone once that I was like his big sister or maybe even his mom. He always has a smile (and some sort of shennanigans) for me, and I am always happy to see him and hate it when I have to correct him. Much the same as with my own kids.
Thank you Lindsey for having the students write the notes and reminding me that I really do like the students here (for the most part anyway).
Monday, November 19, 2007
A good day
Today is a good day even though it is Monday. It is early out day at school, a short day in a short work week before a holiday that includes family getting together. Who could ask for more?
I did have a couple of glitches, but they were ok. The pharmacy messed up and someone forgot to order my prescription. I am the only customer they have that uses this particular medicine and they have to have it drop shipped to them. They are supposed to have one as a spare at all time. So they order two, give me one and then order another. Someone didn't order the spare so when I filled my prescription last month, I got the last one and when I went in today- no medicine. They can have it here on Wed. It is an injection and it will be ok to inject 24 hrs. later than normal, but it would have been a problem if I had been going on vacation this week. The pharmacist was unhappy with his staff. But it will all be good in the end.
Also, I had my first real emergency as a first responder at school today. I have dealt with a couple of sprained ankles and hurt wrists and "I'm not feeling so well" but this afternoon, we had a student have a seizure in class. The teacher and other students were more upset than anything, but it was ok. I guess this student has seizures frequently, at night when he is asleep so it wasn't in his profile. His parents hadn't even filled out a medical emergency sheet for him. That is what upset me the most! How do you let your child go to school without emergency numbers in any case, but especially when they have a medical disorder! I guess because these seizures happen at night, they figured it wouldn't happen at school, but he had one last night and didn't sleep well and was tired and fell asleep in class.
Got home and there was a message from the Public Works Director for the city. He wanted me to call him. He could not apologize more for the flower problem. The city is going to pay for me a new peony bush for my front yard. He then asked how it could have been handled differently. I told him that if the crew had just taken 2 minutes to walk to my door and ask what I wanted them to do with the flowers, then there would have been no problem. So maybe he could have them just be more aware of what they take out of yards as they do this project that would help. We are all friends and all is taken care of, and I am a bit more happy about the whole thing. I even found a small piece of the peony bulb- very small- but I might be able to eventually nurse it back into a nice flower.
Saw this in the paper today and thought it was appropriate:
Not what we have, but what we enjoy,
constitutes our abundance.
J. Petit-Senn
I did have a couple of glitches, but they were ok. The pharmacy messed up and someone forgot to order my prescription. I am the only customer they have that uses this particular medicine and they have to have it drop shipped to them. They are supposed to have one as a spare at all time. So they order two, give me one and then order another. Someone didn't order the spare so when I filled my prescription last month, I got the last one and when I went in today- no medicine. They can have it here on Wed. It is an injection and it will be ok to inject 24 hrs. later than normal, but it would have been a problem if I had been going on vacation this week. The pharmacist was unhappy with his staff. But it will all be good in the end.
Also, I had my first real emergency as a first responder at school today. I have dealt with a couple of sprained ankles and hurt wrists and "I'm not feeling so well" but this afternoon, we had a student have a seizure in class. The teacher and other students were more upset than anything, but it was ok. I guess this student has seizures frequently, at night when he is asleep so it wasn't in his profile. His parents hadn't even filled out a medical emergency sheet for him. That is what upset me the most! How do you let your child go to school without emergency numbers in any case, but especially when they have a medical disorder! I guess because these seizures happen at night, they figured it wouldn't happen at school, but he had one last night and didn't sleep well and was tired and fell asleep in class.
Got home and there was a message from the Public Works Director for the city. He wanted me to call him. He could not apologize more for the flower problem. The city is going to pay for me a new peony bush for my front yard. He then asked how it could have been handled differently. I told him that if the crew had just taken 2 minutes to walk to my door and ask what I wanted them to do with the flowers, then there would have been no problem. So maybe he could have them just be more aware of what they take out of yards as they do this project that would help. We are all friends and all is taken care of, and I am a bit more happy about the whole thing. I even found a small piece of the peony bulb- very small- but I might be able to eventually nurse it back into a nice flower.
Saw this in the paper today and thought it was appropriate:
Not what we have, but what we enjoy,
constitutes our abundance.
J. Petit-Senn
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Lord 's Promises
“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.”
Doctorine & Covenants 78:19
Doctorine & Covenants 78:19
Saturday, November 17, 2007
A quick and busy day
I have a lot planned for today so I will be quick this morning and maybe post more if I get a break this afternoon.
Today's list of things to do:
*groceries for the coming week (don't forget ingredients for the 15 pies for Friday's get together with family)
*Never ending laundry- it never ends even when I try to do 1-2 loads a day, my Sat. are still taken up with this chore
*cleaning house
*helping Matt decide on Christmas light design. We got a controller that synchronizes the outside lights to music. Maybe I can figure out how to post video after we do it.
*clean out my closet and have Brandi see if there is anything in her room that no longer fits to take to her cousin on Friday.
*re-braid Brandi's hair (a 2 hour project, maybe it will wait until Monday)
And that will take my entire day.
Today's list of things to do:
*groceries for the coming week (don't forget ingredients for the 15 pies for Friday's get together with family)
*Never ending laundry- it never ends even when I try to do 1-2 loads a day, my Sat. are still taken up with this chore
*cleaning house
*helping Matt decide on Christmas light design. We got a controller that synchronizes the outside lights to music. Maybe I can figure out how to post video after we do it.
*clean out my closet and have Brandi see if there is anything in her room that no longer fits to take to her cousin on Friday.
*re-braid Brandi's hair (a 2 hour project, maybe it will wait until Monday)
And that will take my entire day.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Another good day
Today is a good day and not just because it is Friday. I spent the morning helping out with "Reality Town" for the 7th graders. It is where they are given a job and a family and how much money they make per month and then they need to buy a house and car and groceries and pay all the other bills of life and see how well they do managing their budgets. It was really fun. I was in charge of child care.
Then after lunch I subbed for the health teacher. I love teaching. A good day.
Then after lunch I subbed for the health teacher. I love teaching. A good day.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Good days
Today was a good day. I made plans to spend good time with my extended family the day after Thanksgiving. The only sad part is my one sister in law will not be with us, but hey, life happens. So there will be food and more food and then even more food. My parents, most of my siblings and their children, talking, laughing, playing games, more food, possibly a girl's field trip to a store (not storeS just store) that has great deals
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
What a day
This has been one hectic, roller-coaster adrenaline I'm glad it is over day.
Here is just a short re-cap.
I woke up with a head ache that was turning into a migraine by the time I left for work. I was going to get a coke or pepsi when I got to work, but as soon as I got to school, I was asked to sub for homeroom. That was really ok as the class was a good one. After the class was over, I did get a Dr. Pepper and took two Excedrine and went to my room to enter some things in the computer and do a bit of filing and just chill hoping that the headache would go away before I got sick to my stomache. There were a couple of boys hanging outside, so I went to check on them to see if they were sluffing. They weren't, just hanging outside the gym for PE because we had just lost power to half of the school. (I had power in my room but my neighbor didn't have any in his room. It was spotty like that)
I was glad I had to go outside, so I knew how cold it was because as I was listening to the principal and the engineers talk about what the problem was and wasn't, it became evident right after second period began that there was a serious problem. The principal smelled an electrical burning smell and asked for the school to be evacuated. That is when it got interesting. The principal gave those of us telling classes to evacuate a different plan that is the norm for when we have fire drills. A couple of the teachers decided they didn't like that plan and "made an executive decision" to tell the students to stick with the original plan. It all centered around where the students were supposed to meet to be accounted for. I am supposed to then go to the teachers and ask if there are any students not accouted for.
You can imagine the chaos this caused. Students being told 2 different places to meet, students wanting to know what was going on, teachers wanting me to override the principal's direction, students wanting to be assured that all would be ok and me with a major migrain trying to account for some 900 students in this. I even had one teacher tell me to give up and not worry about it. Excuse me??? This was NOT A DRILL, THIS WAS FOR REAL. I finally got through all the teachers as best I could, the fire was put out (or went out- not sure which) and we were allowed to go back in.
One good thing, I was able to take my sweater, so was not too cold, and the hour of being in the cool air helped calm my headache.
Then when I got home, the construction company had not called, so I called them again. The guy told me that he had given my info to another guy who was supposed to come by and talk to me. I asked if he planned on coming while I was at work so he didn't have to deal with me. The second guy called me 5 minutes later ;) He didn't even have my address, he hadn't even planned on coming.
He got here and we talked. Well, mostly I tried to tell him the problem without yelling. He told me that he had talked to his crew and was told "what does it matter, the plant was dead". WHAT!!!! It most certainly was not. It was in it's fall dormant stage. Now I was good and angry and crying besides and he just confirmed my dislike and distrust of men in general. After going around and around for about 15 min. he told me that he would bring it up in his meeting with the city tomorrow. Good, I said, the mayor is a personal friend of mine. (he really is, he has even been in my house on more than one occasion) We went a few more rounds and I said, "You know, you will neve be able to replace what was lost, so what agreement can we come to that we both are happy with?" He asked what would make me happy and I told him, "a white peony and some purple irises" Then he looked at me and said "do you honestly want me to shop for them?" I almost started laughing he looked so afraid I would say yes. I told him that I would settle for $25 and written apology stating that the workers were wrong to discard my flowers.
I then wrote an e-mail to the mayor explaining my experience as well as my agreement. Now, this is why I like our mayor. Within 5 minutes I had an e-mail back from him and this is what it said:
Sandra,
Thank you for letting me know what happened. I have copied our City Administrator and Public Works Director on this response. One of them will be getting in touch with you to see how we can rectify the situation.
That is all I really wanted (well, besides the flowers back). This is the answer I should have gotten from the engineering company yesterday- "Sorry, we were wrong, how can we make it right?" Simple. My ruffled feathers were smoothed and again I believe that there are some good men in the world. And in the end, I found one tiny piece of peony bulb sticking out of the ground, so maybe, just maybe I can nurse it into a full lush pretty bush again.
Here is just a short re-cap.
I woke up with a head ache that was turning into a migraine by the time I left for work. I was going to get a coke or pepsi when I got to work, but as soon as I got to school, I was asked to sub for homeroom. That was really ok as the class was a good one. After the class was over, I did get a Dr. Pepper and took two Excedrine and went to my room to enter some things in the computer and do a bit of filing and just chill hoping that the headache would go away before I got sick to my stomache. There were a couple of boys hanging outside, so I went to check on them to see if they were sluffing. They weren't, just hanging outside the gym for PE because we had just lost power to half of the school. (I had power in my room but my neighbor didn't have any in his room. It was spotty like that)
I was glad I had to go outside, so I knew how cold it was because as I was listening to the principal and the engineers talk about what the problem was and wasn't, it became evident right after second period began that there was a serious problem. The principal smelled an electrical burning smell and asked for the school to be evacuated. That is when it got interesting. The principal gave those of us telling classes to evacuate a different plan that is the norm for when we have fire drills. A couple of the teachers decided they didn't like that plan and "made an executive decision" to tell the students to stick with the original plan. It all centered around where the students were supposed to meet to be accounted for. I am supposed to then go to the teachers and ask if there are any students not accouted for.
You can imagine the chaos this caused. Students being told 2 different places to meet, students wanting to know what was going on, teachers wanting me to override the principal's direction, students wanting to be assured that all would be ok and me with a major migrain trying to account for some 900 students in this. I even had one teacher tell me to give up and not worry about it. Excuse me??? This was NOT A DRILL, THIS WAS FOR REAL. I finally got through all the teachers as best I could, the fire was put out (or went out- not sure which) and we were allowed to go back in.
One good thing, I was able to take my sweater, so was not too cold, and the hour of being in the cool air helped calm my headache.
Then when I got home, the construction company had not called, so I called them again. The guy told me that he had given my info to another guy who was supposed to come by and talk to me. I asked if he planned on coming while I was at work so he didn't have to deal with me. The second guy called me 5 minutes later ;) He didn't even have my address, he hadn't even planned on coming.
He got here and we talked. Well, mostly I tried to tell him the problem without yelling. He told me that he had talked to his crew and was told "what does it matter, the plant was dead". WHAT!!!! It most certainly was not. It was in it's fall dormant stage. Now I was good and angry and crying besides and he just confirmed my dislike and distrust of men in general. After going around and around for about 15 min. he told me that he would bring it up in his meeting with the city tomorrow. Good, I said, the mayor is a personal friend of mine. (he really is, he has even been in my house on more than one occasion) We went a few more rounds and I said, "You know, you will neve be able to replace what was lost, so what agreement can we come to that we both are happy with?" He asked what would make me happy and I told him, "a white peony and some purple irises" Then he looked at me and said "do you honestly want me to shop for them?" I almost started laughing he looked so afraid I would say yes. I told him that I would settle for $25 and written apology stating that the workers were wrong to discard my flowers.
I then wrote an e-mail to the mayor explaining my experience as well as my agreement. Now, this is why I like our mayor. Within 5 minutes I had an e-mail back from him and this is what it said:
Sandra,
Thank you for letting me know what happened. I have copied our City Administrator and Public Works Director on this response. One of them will be getting in touch with you to see how we can rectify the situation.
That is all I really wanted (well, besides the flowers back). This is the answer I should have gotten from the engineering company yesterday- "Sorry, we were wrong, how can we make it right?" Simple. My ruffled feathers were smoothed and again I believe that there are some good men in the world. And in the end, I found one tiny piece of peony bulb sticking out of the ground, so maybe, just maybe I can nurse it into a full lush pretty bush again.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
And the correct answer would be....
We are getting a secondary water system put in in our town. That means that water pipes are being put in streets and smaller pipes branch off of that to each house. We then have the option of signing up and using this secondary (non-culinary) water to water our lawns etc. We just can't use it to drink or in the house. The upside is that it costs less. I am happy that I will be able to water my lawn and keep it green instead of watching it slowly die in July and Aug because I chose to not pay for the water to keep it that way.
However, today I am angry at the construction company that is putting the system in. (J-U-B Engineers phone #...-....). In fact, I have been unhappy with them since they started in my neighborhood a month ago. Here is why: When they started, they just showed up, no advance notice that they would be on our street during certain days so that we could have our cars off of the street or make arrangements for our small children to walk to school another way or be driven around these BIG pieces of equipment.
Then, on Friday, I come home from work at 4 pm and find 5 of said pieces of equipment parked in front of my house and workers gone for the day!! I assumed that they were going to work on Sat. since I was not told the equipment was going to be there. NOOOO, the equipment sat there ALL WEEKEND LONG. Was I ever informed? What if I had company coming? What if I had a UB open house planned?
And the final straw today that has me seeing red is this. They have to put a service box on my property and they put a stake in the place they wanted to put the box. They did leave a note saying that if I didn't like the place it was, to move it and let them know. The location was ok with me, I assumed it was going to be a small box, like the one I have to control the pond. It was in my front flower bed. Where I have flowers. Heirloom flowers. Flowers that belonged to both of my children's great grandmothers. Flowers I lovingly and tenderly transplanted from deceased grandmother's homes before they were sold. Flowers that I tend and weed and water each year for the last 15 years. Flowers that cannot be replaced. See where I am going with this?
(the corner flower bed is the one I am talkin about. I know it looks dead now, but that is because most of the flowers in here are dormant bulb flowers that bloom in spring I'll take a pic. in the light tomorrow to show how messed up it is)
Now, I get that they had to dig a hole. I get that I had not moved the entire flowerbed some where else. (oh, did I mention that in the above note, I was not told what day to expect it nor the size of the thing?) I came home from work, at 4 and there were no flowers in that flower bed. Not one. And no pile of dirt, or rhyzomes, or bulbs or anything! And the stinkin' service box is planted right square in the middle of the flower bed and I can't plant anything around it to cover the HUMONGOUS thing up!!!!
So I called the company. I started off telling the guy that I was unhappy and going to complain and that this was going to be one of those phone calls that he hates getting. I explained the problem and he said, "Well, it shouldn't have happened, sorry." The End, that was all, no more!
Ernt (you know, the wrong answer buzzer sound) Wrong answer. The correct answer is this- "I am sorry. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RIGHT, MRS. SORENSON?"
Again, I know he will not be able to replace heirloom flowers, but by now it is the principal of the thing. They did not even bother to come to the door and and ask if I wanted the flowers (the kids were home) before they hauled them off and discarded them. If it was my company, those men would be digging through every square yard of dirt that was hauled away from this city today until they found every single rosebush, rhyzome, bulb and flower. He said he would have to ask someone if there was something they could do- but only after I told him I wanted it made right. I know I am going to have to settle for money to plant something else there, but I am soooooo angry right now.
And if he thinks I am going to go away, he has another think a'comin' boy.
However, today I am angry at the construction company that is putting the system in. (J-U-B Engineers phone #...-....). In fact, I have been unhappy with them since they started in my neighborhood a month ago. Here is why: When they started, they just showed up, no advance notice that they would be on our street during certain days so that we could have our cars off of the street or make arrangements for our small children to walk to school another way or be driven around these BIG pieces of equipment.
Then, on Friday, I come home from work at 4 pm and find 5 of said pieces of equipment parked in front of my house and workers gone for the day!! I assumed that they were going to work on Sat. since I was not told the equipment was going to be there. NOOOO, the equipment sat there ALL WEEKEND LONG. Was I ever informed? What if I had company coming? What if I had a UB open house planned?
And the final straw today that has me seeing red is this. They have to put a service box on my property and they put a stake in the place they wanted to put the box. They did leave a note saying that if I didn't like the place it was, to move it and let them know. The location was ok with me, I assumed it was going to be a small box, like the one I have to control the pond. It was in my front flower bed. Where I have flowers. Heirloom flowers. Flowers that belonged to both of my children's great grandmothers. Flowers I lovingly and tenderly transplanted from deceased grandmother's homes before they were sold. Flowers that I tend and weed and water each year for the last 15 years. Flowers that cannot be replaced. See where I am going with this?
(the corner flower bed is the one I am talkin about. I know it looks dead now, but that is because most of the flowers in here are dormant bulb flowers that bloom in spring I'll take a pic. in the light tomorrow to show how messed up it is)
Now, I get that they had to dig a hole. I get that I had not moved the entire flowerbed some where else. (oh, did I mention that in the above note, I was not told what day to expect it nor the size of the thing?) I came home from work, at 4 and there were no flowers in that flower bed. Not one. And no pile of dirt, or rhyzomes, or bulbs or anything! And the stinkin' service box is planted right square in the middle of the flower bed and I can't plant anything around it to cover the HUMONGOUS thing up!!!!
So I called the company. I started off telling the guy that I was unhappy and going to complain and that this was going to be one of those phone calls that he hates getting. I explained the problem and he said, "Well, it shouldn't have happened, sorry." The End, that was all, no more!
Ernt (you know, the wrong answer buzzer sound) Wrong answer. The correct answer is this- "I am sorry. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RIGHT, MRS. SORENSON?"
Again, I know he will not be able to replace heirloom flowers, but by now it is the principal of the thing. They did not even bother to come to the door and and ask if I wanted the flowers (the kids were home) before they hauled them off and discarded them. If it was my company, those men would be digging through every square yard of dirt that was hauled away from this city today until they found every single rosebush, rhyzome, bulb and flower. He said he would have to ask someone if there was something they could do- but only after I told him I wanted it made right. I know I am going to have to settle for money to plant something else there, but I am soooooo angry right now.
And if he thinks I am going to go away, he has another think a'comin' boy.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Righteous Men
I was thinking about the influence of men in my life and wanted to make a tribute to the many righteous men in my life. These are in no particular order, but they are the men that I look up to, the men that remind me that there really and truly are good men in the world still.
*My home teacher- Pete. He has been our home teacher for 4 1/2 years. He is also the Young Men's president in our ward. He loves my children and treats them as if they were the most wonderful people on the earth. He has been an influence for good in the lives of my boys. He is willing to give any of us a blessing, any time of day or night. He comes to our home to teach us and we talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company. He is steadfast and lives the gospel and shows us the way. If he is ever released as our hometeacher, I will be very sad.
*My neighbor, David. He is another man that takes interest in my children. One of my sons spends lot of time with him- well, he works for him as well as is friends with David's son. He takes my son with their family and shares family life with him. David is a great example. One morning we needed to go somewhere in the Suburban and it had a flat tire. I had a headache and it was raining/snowing and my children's father was not around to help as he should have been. Matt went and asked David for help. David came out in the cold yucky weather, showed Matt how to change the tire and then took the flat tire to the shop to be repaired! And then when I tried to thank him, he just said, "I am just grateful that Matt knows that he can come to me when he needs to."
*Craig used to be our bishop. He is like a big kid and loves the youth. My children were always excited when he went to Scout camp or Girl's camp. He knows how to play and make camp a joy. But he also is a spiritual giant. I miss him speaking in church on Sundays, but his faith is evident in his life in other ways. I regret the number of times that he was taken away from his family to deal with the upheaval in mine, but I am also thankful that he was there to help and guide us.
*Tom, another former bishop and now a member of our Stake Presidency. Another spiritual giant. He also has a voice deep like a giant. I love hearing the gospel preached by him. He is also a man that loves and cares for my children. He also left other duties many times to care for and deal with the mayhem in my life. He was my main strength during one of the bleakest times and I still look to him for strength and wisdom.
*Duane, my stake president. The man is a rock and a pillar of strength and righteous. He is another man that has been a leaning post for me in turmoil and strife, always there with a blessing from the Lord and a word of encouragement and understanding. He also loves my children and knows their names and what they are doing and asks about them. I am sometimes saddened when I see him and the weight that he bears and know that part of it is mine. These men that serve the Lord so whole heartedly do not have it easy and they carry our burdens willingly, but it does bring a toll on their physical bodies. I thank him for his wisdom and strength.
I remember once in talking to a counselor about husbands, giving this example:
You have two husbands on a business trip. In walking through the airport, they both see a baubble in a shop. This baubble is very expensive- say $3,000. Husband A looks at it and sighs. He knows his wife would love it and her eyes would light up and sparkle were he to bring it to her. He does not have the money, so he cannot, but oh, how he wishes he could, just to see her smile.
Husband B sees the same baubble. He also sighs. He knows his wife would love to have it, but there is no way he would ever spend that much money for something so worthless and ridiculous. He just better make sure that his wife never, ever sees this because he does not want to purchase it, even though he has the money.
Now, neither wife gets the baubble, but which husband would you rather have?
*Jim is like Husband A. He works hard to give to his wife, Karlene. If he felt that it would make her happy for him to walk barefoot on a bed of red hot coals, he would find a way to do it. Now, I don't live with him and I am sure he has his faults, but to see him look at her, it is evident that he loves her and that there is red carpet in front of her when she walks in his presence. It is good to know that men really do love their wives.
*My brothers in law; Rick, quiet strenght, Wynn, who works so hard but is there for me whenever I ask, Quiet Jacob that shows the way with his example, bringing peace by example, Isaac who brought happiness back to my sister, who is strength and kindness and knowledge.
*My brothers; Dustin, who was born the year I graduated from high school. I do not know him as well as I would like. He lives at the bottom of the world, in Australia. I will be happy when they are able to move back here and I can get to know him properly (as well as his sweet wife)
Everett, who is 12 months younger than I. My strength through childhood, my hero in adulthood. I have not lived with him for some 26-28 years now and I am sure he has his faults (we would have to ask his wife and children for them) but as far as I know, he walks on water or pretty close to it. When I needed him, I called his wife and said, "I need my brother", he got in his car and drove two hours to come to me. They were only able to stay for a short while, but he came.
*My daddy. You know he walks on water and he knows everything and if he doesn't, he will find the answer Another man on this earth that is there for me to lean on. I have always known that he knows and loves the Lord and I am thankful for that example to me in my life. (just a quick note, he baptised his father when I was a baby, he baptised me and then baptised my youngest on the anniversary of my baptism. How many people can say they were baptised by the man that baptised their great-grandfather?) Another great hero.
*I cannot finish this list without recognizing my Lord and Savior. He gave His life for me- both in the way He lived and the way He died. I can never understand what He did for me in the Garden, but I am ever thankful that He did. I can only hope that I spend my life living in a way that His was not in vain.
*With that, I must include my Father in Heaven. He also gave me everything, His only begotten Son. Thank you.
*My home teacher- Pete. He has been our home teacher for 4 1/2 years. He is also the Young Men's president in our ward. He loves my children and treats them as if they were the most wonderful people on the earth. He has been an influence for good in the lives of my boys. He is willing to give any of us a blessing, any time of day or night. He comes to our home to teach us and we talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company. He is steadfast and lives the gospel and shows us the way. If he is ever released as our hometeacher, I will be very sad.
*My neighbor, David. He is another man that takes interest in my children. One of my sons spends lot of time with him- well, he works for him as well as is friends with David's son. He takes my son with their family and shares family life with him. David is a great example. One morning we needed to go somewhere in the Suburban and it had a flat tire. I had a headache and it was raining/snowing and my children's father was not around to help as he should have been. Matt went and asked David for help. David came out in the cold yucky weather, showed Matt how to change the tire and then took the flat tire to the shop to be repaired! And then when I tried to thank him, he just said, "I am just grateful that Matt knows that he can come to me when he needs to."
*Craig used to be our bishop. He is like a big kid and loves the youth. My children were always excited when he went to Scout camp or Girl's camp. He knows how to play and make camp a joy. But he also is a spiritual giant. I miss him speaking in church on Sundays, but his faith is evident in his life in other ways. I regret the number of times that he was taken away from his family to deal with the upheaval in mine, but I am also thankful that he was there to help and guide us.
*Tom, another former bishop and now a member of our Stake Presidency. Another spiritual giant. He also has a voice deep like a giant. I love hearing the gospel preached by him. He is also a man that loves and cares for my children. He also left other duties many times to care for and deal with the mayhem in my life. He was my main strength during one of the bleakest times and I still look to him for strength and wisdom.
*Duane, my stake president. The man is a rock and a pillar of strength and righteous. He is another man that has been a leaning post for me in turmoil and strife, always there with a blessing from the Lord and a word of encouragement and understanding. He also loves my children and knows their names and what they are doing and asks about them. I am sometimes saddened when I see him and the weight that he bears and know that part of it is mine. These men that serve the Lord so whole heartedly do not have it easy and they carry our burdens willingly, but it does bring a toll on their physical bodies. I thank him for his wisdom and strength.
I remember once in talking to a counselor about husbands, giving this example:
You have two husbands on a business trip. In walking through the airport, they both see a baubble in a shop. This baubble is very expensive- say $3,000. Husband A looks at it and sighs. He knows his wife would love it and her eyes would light up and sparkle were he to bring it to her. He does not have the money, so he cannot, but oh, how he wishes he could, just to see her smile.
Husband B sees the same baubble. He also sighs. He knows his wife would love to have it, but there is no way he would ever spend that much money for something so worthless and ridiculous. He just better make sure that his wife never, ever sees this because he does not want to purchase it, even though he has the money.
Now, neither wife gets the baubble, but which husband would you rather have?
*Jim is like Husband A. He works hard to give to his wife, Karlene. If he felt that it would make her happy for him to walk barefoot on a bed of red hot coals, he would find a way to do it. Now, I don't live with him and I am sure he has his faults, but to see him look at her, it is evident that he loves her and that there is red carpet in front of her when she walks in his presence. It is good to know that men really do love their wives.
*My brothers in law; Rick, quiet strenght, Wynn, who works so hard but is there for me whenever I ask, Quiet Jacob that shows the way with his example, bringing peace by example, Isaac who brought happiness back to my sister, who is strength and kindness and knowledge.
*My brothers; Dustin, who was born the year I graduated from high school. I do not know him as well as I would like. He lives at the bottom of the world, in Australia. I will be happy when they are able to move back here and I can get to know him properly (as well as his sweet wife)
Everett, who is 12 months younger than I. My strength through childhood, my hero in adulthood. I have not lived with him for some 26-28 years now and I am sure he has his faults (we would have to ask his wife and children for them) but as far as I know, he walks on water or pretty close to it. When I needed him, I called his wife and said, "I need my brother", he got in his car and drove two hours to come to me. They were only able to stay for a short while, but he came.
*My daddy. You know he walks on water and he knows everything and if he doesn't, he will find the answer Another man on this earth that is there for me to lean on. I have always known that he knows and loves the Lord and I am thankful for that example to me in my life. (just a quick note, he baptised his father when I was a baby, he baptised me and then baptised my youngest on the anniversary of my baptism. How many people can say they were baptised by the man that baptised their great-grandfather?) Another great hero.
*I cannot finish this list without recognizing my Lord and Savior. He gave His life for me- both in the way He lived and the way He died. I can never understand what He did for me in the Garden, but I am ever thankful that He did. I can only hope that I spend my life living in a way that His was not in vain.
*With that, I must include my Father in Heaven. He also gave me everything, His only begotten Son. Thank you.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Happy Birthday to my sister
Today is my sister in law's birthday. I am not going to do an ennumeration list for her, as she may not like my telling her age, but I am going to do a tribute to her.
My brother met her while on his mission. I lived in his mission boundaries and was able to talk with him from time to time. I remember him telling me that he was asking to be transfered to another city so that he was not tempted to spend time at her family's house instead of doing the work he was there to do. He also told me that he would never mock another missionary that went back and married someone he had met while serving.
Now let me tell you about her. When I met her, I too, fell in love with her. She is grace personified. I know that life has not always been a bed of roses, but she always has a smile on her face. Think of a southern belle, and you have Tammy. She has raised 3 beautiful, smart, wonderful children. She works hard. For many years she was the only sister in law in the family, that must have been hard for her. But let me tell you this about her- many times throughout the last 23 years, I have forgotten that she was not my blood sibling.
She is my sister and I love her. Happy Birthday Tammy! Hope it is a good one.
My brother met her while on his mission. I lived in his mission boundaries and was able to talk with him from time to time. I remember him telling me that he was asking to be transfered to another city so that he was not tempted to spend time at her family's house instead of doing the work he was there to do. He also told me that he would never mock another missionary that went back and married someone he had met while serving.
Now let me tell you about her. When I met her, I too, fell in love with her. She is grace personified. I know that life has not always been a bed of roses, but she always has a smile on her face. Think of a southern belle, and you have Tammy. She has raised 3 beautiful, smart, wonderful children. She works hard. For many years she was the only sister in law in the family, that must have been hard for her. But let me tell you this about her- many times throughout the last 23 years, I have forgotten that she was not my blood sibling.
She is my sister and I love her. Happy Birthday Tammy! Hope it is a good one.
Veteran's day
Today we honor those that have assured us the ability to live in relative peace and happiness. They have given us the right to be gready and fill our homes with useless drivel. We can live beyond our means and fill our bellies with good as well as unhealthy food. We can go to work or school and speak our minds and never fear that we will be arrested or even worse, killed for it. We do not fear our loved ones being taken from us and put in jail for having an opinion. We can do this, because someone else's father, son, brother choose to put himself in harms way to keep it thus. I say "Thank you".
I am proud to place my hand over my heart and pledge my allegience to the symbol of my country. I shed tears each and every time I sing the national anthem. I am thankful that so far, my sons have not been called upon to lay down their life for my freedom, but if they are called upon to do so, I will pray for their safety, but know that the day may come that I will see two men in dress blues at my door. I will weep for that, but still be proud and know that they did what was asked of them for my continued comfort.
Let us not forget the many valiant men and women that have given us our freedom this dayl
I am proud to place my hand over my heart and pledge my allegience to the symbol of my country. I shed tears each and every time I sing the national anthem. I am thankful that so far, my sons have not been called upon to lay down their life for my freedom, but if they are called upon to do so, I will pray for their safety, but know that the day may come that I will see two men in dress blues at my door. I will weep for that, but still be proud and know that they did what was asked of them for my continued comfort.
Let us not forget the many valiant men and women that have given us our freedom this dayl
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Beautiful Bodacious Babbling Blogging Babes
Donna (Donna's Journey) and her husband, Julia (Where oh where has my mind gone), Jeri (Fickle Pickle) and her husband, Jennifer (Lifelong Bookworm), Karlene (Inksplasher) and Candace (Dream Just a Little More) as well as I all got together last night for our second Blogger Babe get together.
We had fun. Julia won the door prize, which was a gift packet of two lip glosses and two lotions from Tristi Pinkston at Scentiments. Karlene from Inksplasher gave everyone a sample perfume from her Edward and Bella line . . . yes, vampires have even invaded the perfume world. (I totally stole those two paragraphs from Candace)
I mised the first get together because it was a lunch time deal and I was at work. We are skipping Dec. and not meeting again until Jan, and that one will be lunch time as well, so I will miss it too. But we did decide to meet at Golden Corall instead of Chuck-A-Rama because it was way to loud to be able to hear more than the person sitting next to you.
We ate and talked and laughed and had fun. We got to know each other. There was never really any of that akward getting to know you time, because there were enough of us that knew at least one other person there and we all had read some of each other's blogs so we had something to talk about. You would have thought that we had known each other for a long time and were just getting together in a long tradition of getting together.
Karlene and I went together. New friends that I had only met in blogland. I had met Candace before- she is the funnest person to be around. She remembers details in an amazing way. She was able to ask each of us as we came in about things that are going on in our lives, things we had posted on our blogs. What a great way to make us feel welcome and cared for. Instant friends. What a great quality to have, Thanks Candace.
You can always find information on joining us, and our get togethers over at Candace's blog
We had fun. Julia won the door prize, which was a gift packet of two lip glosses and two lotions from Tristi Pinkston at Scentiments. Karlene from Inksplasher gave everyone a sample perfume from her Edward and Bella line . . . yes, vampires have even invaded the perfume world. (I totally stole those two paragraphs from Candace)
I mised the first get together because it was a lunch time deal and I was at work. We are skipping Dec. and not meeting again until Jan, and that one will be lunch time as well, so I will miss it too. But we did decide to meet at Golden Corall instead of Chuck-A-Rama because it was way to loud to be able to hear more than the person sitting next to you.
We ate and talked and laughed and had fun. We got to know each other. There was never really any of that akward getting to know you time, because there were enough of us that knew at least one other person there and we all had read some of each other's blogs so we had something to talk about. You would have thought that we had known each other for a long time and were just getting together in a long tradition of getting together.
Karlene and I went together. New friends that I had only met in blogland. I had met Candace before- she is the funnest person to be around. She remembers details in an amazing way. She was able to ask each of us as we came in about things that are going on in our lives, things we had posted on our blogs. What a great way to make us feel welcome and cared for. Instant friends. What a great quality to have, Thanks Candace.
You can always find information on joining us, and our get togethers over at Candace's blog
Friday, November 9, 2007
Respect and Responsibility and a Thank You
This year at school we have been emphasising Respect and Responsibility to and for each other. Today we had an assembly for the 8th grade students. The American Legion came to speak about our Veterans and about Monday, Veterans day. It was a great assembly. The students were kind and respectful. They stood for our country's flag, they said the pledge, the stood and honored the flags of each branch of the military (yes, that Oorah! that you heard came from me for the Marine flag). I think they were moved as much as I and the veterans that were sitting next to me were. And yes, I had to wipe a few tears away.
The boys, of course, were most impressed with the ROTC drill team and the way they threw their rifles in drill. It was a cool presentation. One of the drill members had asked me before hand to please video tape them with his camera. I hope it worked for him. I love the way he approached and addressed me, "Excuse me, mam". So dignified and you know I love the military bearing. And you also know that I can never refuse someone in the service.
Thank you, Mrs. Zufelt, for giving our students the opportunity to hear from these men and remember them and their sacrifices. One of our sweet students came to me later in the day with a poem she had written about veterans. It was so sweet and it made tears come to my eyes.
The boys, of course, were most impressed with the ROTC drill team and the way they threw their rifles in drill. It was a cool presentation. One of the drill members had asked me before hand to please video tape them with his camera. I hope it worked for him. I love the way he approached and addressed me, "Excuse me, mam". So dignified and you know I love the military bearing. And you also know that I can never refuse someone in the service.
Thank you, Mrs. Zufelt, for giving our students the opportunity to hear from these men and remember them and their sacrifices. One of our sweet students came to me later in the day with a poem she had written about veterans. It was so sweet and it made tears come to my eyes.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Disaster Averted
Whew, I got a new roof on the house and the shingles on. Jess said that she can make the trees and snow for the ground cover today while I am at work. Then it is off to the competition as soon as I get home. Here is where the house is as I am leaving for work this morning.
Happy, Happy Birthday Jacob
When you have as many kids as I do, you ca be guaranteed that birthdays come quickly. Today Jacob is 13 years old!! It seems a lifetime ago that he was born, so early and so tiny- 4 lbs and 6 wks early. So here is a list for him on this special day.
13. He is a deep thinker. Many times it seems as if he is being lazy, but reality is that he is pondering.
12. He is a great friend to others. He often sees needs that are overlooked and trys to help.
11. He has great compassion.
10. He works hard, when he finally knuckles down to do a job, he does it well.
9. He makes me laugh.
8. He is often in a hurry- can you tell by his early arrival in this world?
7. He takes great care of Brandi. They have a bond that stretches to the pre-existence with promises and deals made there.
6. He is a great student.
5. He is an amazing artist. Once he drew a picture and I thought he had traced it- not true- he drew it!
4. He is a very sensitive soul. I think that is a good thing in a male.
3. I miss him when he is not home.
2. He was named after my great-grandfather (Mansel Hardy Thompson= Jacob Hardy), One of the greatest men. Jake will grow up to be just as great. I know it, I can already see it.
1. He has amazing musical talent. He started piano lessons and did 2 yrs. worth of work in 2 months. He is just as great on the percussion instruments.
Happy Birthday son!!!
13. He is a deep thinker. Many times it seems as if he is being lazy, but reality is that he is pondering.
12. He is a great friend to others. He often sees needs that are overlooked and trys to help.
11. He has great compassion.
10. He works hard, when he finally knuckles down to do a job, he does it well.
9. He makes me laugh.
8. He is often in a hurry- can you tell by his early arrival in this world?
7. He takes great care of Brandi. They have a bond that stretches to the pre-existence with promises and deals made there.
6. He is a great student.
5. He is an amazing artist. Once he drew a picture and I thought he had traced it- not true- he drew it!
4. He is a very sensitive soul. I think that is a good thing in a male.
3. I miss him when he is not home.
2. He was named after my great-grandfather (Mansel Hardy Thompson= Jacob Hardy), One of the greatest men. Jake will grow up to be just as great. I know it, I can already see it.
1. He has amazing musical talent. He started piano lessons and did 2 yrs. worth of work in 2 months. He is just as great on the percussion instruments.
Happy Birthday son!!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Construction woes
So last night we put shutters on the windows and made wreaths to go on the windows as well. Ethan and Jake helped me put the roof on. That is when it became evident to me that the roof was not going to work. When we calculated the size of the pattern, we forgot to take in to account that the pattern we were modifying needed a couple more inches per side because the original house had another part. We had a huge gap in the roof. I did try filling it with frosting and "shingling" over it, but it just would not hold. After school I will be mixing up another batch of gingerbread and baking another roof. I think tonight's decorating is going to be a long one as the house has to be turned in by 5 tomorrow. Do you think the principal will let me take a day off of work for construction on my house?
Chocolate
November 7: Bittersweet Chocolate Day Chocolate is said to cure all things including depression. And that's good enough for us.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Not Yo's
November 6: I Love Nachos Day Nachos! Nachos! Who's got the Nachos! Celebrate with chips and cheese sauce!
If you are in Utah Valley, head over to the nearest Los Hermanos restaurant for the best Nachos in the valley. But take several someones with you, because you will need to share!
If you are in Utah Valley, head over to the nearest Los Hermanos restaurant for the best Nachos in the valley. But take several someones with you, because you will need to share!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Visions of Sugar Plums
I know it is only Nov. 5, but the local grocery store is holding a gingerbread house contest and the grand prize is a $500 gift certificate to the store. And you gotta know that with Trevor coming home soon and the other boys, I'm gonna need those groceries. So, with that in mind, I got a plan of what I wanted in a house and Jess helped me make a pattern and yesterday I mixed and rolled and cut and baked. Here is the result of that.
Today I am beginning the construction process, putting it all together and building the actual house. Then comes the fun part, putting all the goodies on.
And when the house is all done and turned in and judged it will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Primary Children's Hospital.
Today I am beginning the construction process, putting it all together and building the actual house. Then comes the fun part, putting all the goodies on.
And when the house is all done and turned in and judged it will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Primary Children's Hospital.
Obscure Holiday
November 5: Guy Fawkes Day On November 5, people in England celebrate a holiday called Guy Fawkes Day. Nearly 400 years ago, Guy Fawkes and other conspirators tried to blow up a British Parliament Building in 1605. After being apprehended they were convicted and beheaded in 1606. November 5th is now celebrated as the anniversary of the plot. Ever since, Guy Fawkes Day has been a time for merrymaking. The best part comes as darkness falls. Then, straw dummies are tossed into huge bonfires. Amid cries of glee, firecrackers pop and "the Guy" goes up in a blaze of fire.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sadie!!
November 4: Sadie Hawkins Day Sadie Hawkins Day is an American folk event created by Al Capp in 1937 for the Li'l Abner comic strip. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father set up a foot race so the unmarried gals could chase the bachelors. You can get the whole story on the official Li'l Abner site. Li'l Abner
Saturday, November 3, 2007
It's out!
My small ad in the Utah Valley magazine is out today. This ad resulted from an e-mail from one of the editors requesting an interview with me. Check it out. Bottom corner of pg. 17. It's small, but my website!
I will be at the Expo Center in Sandy today and tomorrow evening manning the Urban Botanic booth
I will be at the Expo Center in Sandy today and tomorrow evening manning the Urban Botanic booth
Roast beef sandwiches
November 3: Sandwich Lovers Day We honor John Montague, born in 1718, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich. Said to have been an avid gambler, he invented the sandwich as a time-saving way to eat while involved in a 24 hour card playing session.We like them because there are no dirty dishes!
You can find the whole list over at Valuable Assets.
You can find the whole list over at Valuable Assets.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Tagged
Karlene tagged me. I am supposed to tell you 7 things about me. Tougher than I thought it would be to find new and interesting things. So,here we go:
1. Many people believe that I grew up out of country. Wrong! New Mexico IS a state in the United States of America. In fact it became a state in 1912.
2. I didn't have to look up the date that NM became a state, it is a fact that I know.
3. I hate Halloween, but love playing dress up.
4. One of my favorite things to do as a young person (read that as elementary-high school after that I didn't have time) was to read the encyclopedia and/or dictionary. Hence, I have a vast knowledge of trivia. Hmm, maybe I should go on Jeopardy?
5. I am one of the few women on the planet that despises shopping. If I could get everything I needed/wanted ordered and delivered via internet, without the waiting time and delivery charges, I would do it. I really do destest shopping. Don't even think about taking me to the mall- I'd rather clean the boys' bathroom.
6. I have 3 college degrees. I have an Associates in Elementary Education, a degree in Children's Literature, and a Bachelors in Psychology. If I ever catch up on my sleep, I'll get either a Master's or Ph.D. Or maybe I will just become the highest paid UB Fragrance Designer.
7. I am a Christmas decor-aholic. I love, love, love decorating for Christmas. I like to give each room it's own theme. (Front entry way- snowmen, living room- nativities, Kitchen- Sugar Plum lane etc) I love desiging and decorating Christmas trees. If I had the money and space, I would get a new tree each year, complete with new decorations. But I have a hard time getting rid of the old that I love. I have one tree that is just mine, that I decorate the way I want. Then I have one for the family ornaments, because I HAVE to hang all the kids' ornaments, the ones I have given them and the ones they have made for me. This is the one time I can stand shopping, if I am shopping for Christmas ornaments. Oh, and a new angel each year. And a new set of lights for outside, and have you seen the new..... you get the idea.
1. Many people believe that I grew up out of country. Wrong! New Mexico IS a state in the United States of America. In fact it became a state in 1912.
2. I didn't have to look up the date that NM became a state, it is a fact that I know.
3. I hate Halloween, but love playing dress up.
4. One of my favorite things to do as a young person (read that as elementary-high school after that I didn't have time) was to read the encyclopedia and/or dictionary. Hence, I have a vast knowledge of trivia. Hmm, maybe I should go on Jeopardy?
5. I am one of the few women on the planet that despises shopping. If I could get everything I needed/wanted ordered and delivered via internet, without the waiting time and delivery charges, I would do it. I really do destest shopping. Don't even think about taking me to the mall- I'd rather clean the boys' bathroom.
6. I have 3 college degrees. I have an Associates in Elementary Education, a degree in Children's Literature, and a Bachelors in Psychology. If I ever catch up on my sleep, I'll get either a Master's or Ph.D. Or maybe I will just become the highest paid UB Fragrance Designer.
7. I am a Christmas decor-aholic. I love, love, love decorating for Christmas. I like to give each room it's own theme. (Front entry way- snowmen, living room- nativities, Kitchen- Sugar Plum lane etc) I love desiging and decorating Christmas trees. If I had the money and space, I would get a new tree each year, complete with new decorations. But I have a hard time getting rid of the old that I love. I have one tree that is just mine, that I decorate the way I want. Then I have one for the family ornaments, because I HAVE to hang all the kids' ornaments, the ones I have given them and the ones they have made for me. This is the one time I can stand shopping, if I am shopping for Christmas ornaments. Oh, and a new angel each year. And a new set of lights for outside, and have you seen the new..... you get the idea.
Piggy Banks
November 2: Piggy Bank Day During the Middle Ages, metal was expensive and rarely used for household utinsels. They used an orange clay called "pygg" to make dishes, pots and jars. And when people saved money at home, they put it in a "pygg jar". The name stuck long after the orange clay was forgotten. By the 18th century in England, the pygg jar had become the pig jar or pig bank. Eventually, potters cast the pig bank in the shape of this common name.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Pics
Me
Hunter
Hunter and Donovan (my oldest son and Hunter's daddy)
Me, Hunter and Brandi
Hunter and Brandi
Daily Blogging
www.nablopomo.com
I signed up to do this- a post a day through out the month of Nov. I am really going to try and do this. I used to write my blog at school when I had a break, but lately when I try to post it, it gets lost in cyber space. Maybe I can write it and save it and then post it when I get home. That is if my server is not down--again.
Reasons to celebrate
I found this list over at Valuable Assets.
I might post one of these celebration reasons each day this month. Of course I will post more than that because one of these a day would be way to easy to get a post a day.
November 1: Nutty Pecan Day Now, why do people usually only eat pecans during the holidays? The are cholesterol and sodium free - and are also full of vitamines and minerals. Eating a handful every day is good for you, but don't forget to try out special pecan recipes, too!
I might post one of these celebration reasons each day this month. Of course I will post more than that because one of these a day would be way to easy to get a post a day.
November 1: Nutty Pecan Day Now, why do people usually only eat pecans during the holidays? The are cholesterol and sodium free - and are also full of vitamines and minerals. Eating a handful every day is good for you, but don't forget to try out special pecan recipes, too!
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