Birthday doings

So--THE man in my life turned 67. Goodness, how did that happen. Took him to see Christmas Carol (Jim Carey) IMAX--3D--it was wonderful. Feels like you are right in the room with the actors. What a wonderful story--to be given another chance to make things right in our lives. But, I guess those of us who understand the Gospel, have each day to do better.

Another day in prison

Vice Principal did my evaluation yesterday, and it was wonderful. Made me feel appreciated. However, I mentioned to him that some days I go home wondering what a nice girl like me is doing in a place like this. But, the best thing was just as he finished up an inmate came to my office door, and in front of the VP proclaimed her gratitude for me and how I have kept after her through the years of her in and outs at the prison. She was so grateful that I didn't let her take the low road, and whine on and on. Sometimes she thought I was being so harsh, and then it dawned on her that I cared about her welfare and maybe she just better start really applying herself. Now, her grades have improved, so has more self confidence, and feels really good about the future. I quickly advised her that she did all the work, but was happy to have been an effective cheerleader. When she left, the VP looked and me and said, "That is why a nice girl like you is in a place like this". Sometimes life just comes together perfectly.
Thanks to all my children for helping me hone my skills in the life skills department.

Wake Up Little Pilgrims

Thanksgiving is soon upon us. Received an interesting e mail:

I'm thankful for:
The wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me and not out with someone else.
The taxes I pay because it means I am employed
The mess to clean after a party as it means I have been surrounded by friends.
The clothes that fit a little too snug as it means I have enought to eat
Windows that need cleaning, gutters that need fixing as it means I have a home
All the complaining I hear about the government as it means we have freedom of speech
My heating bill as it means I am warm--or almost
The lady behind me in Church who sings off key as it means I can hear.
The pile of laundry as it means I have clothes to wear.
The alarm that goes off in the mroning as it means I am alive
The crazy people I work with as they make work intersting to say the least.

Some things to think about, especially at this time of year.

Put on your dresses of yellow and gold

I am still wallowing in Autumn. Dad and I took a ride yesterday out into the west desert to hunt down some dead cedar/juniper trees to cut for fireplace logs. We got a nice load--the ride was lovely. The little mining town of Eureka is still something right out of the past. I remember one year, Grandma and Grandpa Bateman cut a Juniper tree and used it as their Christmas tree. It was a funny ole thing--but, as fragrant as could be. Glad Shayne is better--and yes, it the midst of the flu the blessings are still overwhelming--and now Hilary is ailing--Melissa is on the upswing, and Vynessa is trying to get 'something'. Keep saying your prayers.

let me try that again

These last few Autumn days, are a present pure and simple. They are summer's gift to us. My most favorite autumn memory is when I was conducting music for Primary in England, and I was asking the children what season it was when the nights get colder, and the leaves turn red and gold, and we can see our breath in the air. My Shayne shouted out "Deer Hunting Season"

Come little leaves said the wind one day. Come over the meadow with me to play. Put on your dresses of yellow and gold--summer is gone and the winter grows cold.

Autumn days

No possible picture for this.

My life at my job today is beyond words and pictures. The wonderful part is that I am totally calm--have no power to change it so why get in a dither.

Halloween was a bust at my house. 16 kids is all--so by 8 p.m. I was taking a walk out in the parking lot--but that was just plain haunting as I could see the spirit of ole Murphy dog running out ahead of me, and the crazy cats--what were their names--sneaking along the brick wall.
Ah, ghosts of memories past.

Hot summer Days

This has got to be the best way to enjoy the summer--silly siblings, water, and nothing else to do but have fun, fun, fun.

Monkeys Up a Tree

Another Tree Picture at the Jensens. This was so much fun, and we are so grateful that Hilary and Shawn like to have family come invade them.

This is for Dawn

Here I am with my 5 crazy grandkiddos in Rexburg. I know you are missing me terribly, so this is just for you. And what is Dawn missing about me----well she is missing me singing to my desk and computer, and dancing in the hallway, and knocking on her office window, and bossing her around, and shredding, and shredding, and shredding.
Have a super day without me. And I miss you too, but I will never admit it. Tell Susan hello.
See you

This one is for Lindsy

For the Flower child--by the way--what kind of remover do I use to take off the "sparkly toes and nails?

Dads are so important

Macey is so happy to be able to hand out with her Dad.

Let's see if i can do it again

Look at all these handsome men.

learning curve

I am going to learn how to add pictures--by gum!! I did it.

Easy rider

Guess whose husband surprised her with a bicycle for her birthday. Yep! And I have already ridden it around the church parking lot. Felt just like kid again. AND--it has a niffty detatchable basket so I can carry around my water bottle and 2 point snack. Jordan Riverparkway here I come.---I need someone (Lindsey) to come to my house and show me how to move pictures from my adobe photo shop to my blog. Tried it last night, but couldn't get it to cooperate.
Hilary, your pix of Rockwell in the hot tub was so.o.o. cute.

The ungame

Had an interesting experience on Father's Day playing the Ungame with the kids, and a couple of grandchildren. The females were fine with answering self discovery questions. The males did OK, if they first couched the answer in some humor. Just goes to show once again how different we are. The best part was how Camille and Kiser were so willing to answer questions and gave lots of detailed information. Which proves that kids really do like to talk if asked questions that stimulate their brains and it does gives them a chance to explore their FEELINGS. Anyway, I had an insightful time with it all.

I'm Back

I nagged Hilary, Lindsey and Shayne for not updating their blogs, and here I am--the worst of all the game. I am caught in a whirlpool of wanting my vacation to come, and wanting it to be August, so I can officially say, I have one more year. It is a very strange feeling, however, 16 years is a long time and a big chunk of life to spend in a consecutive career. I don't want to wish a year away, and yet I wish it was next year at this time, and yet, I can't quite fathom what that will be like. I am re reading Wanting More--The challenge of enjoyment in the age of addiction. So much to learn.
Today, I got a sourdough start that has been living for 23 years. I am truly committed to keeping this one alive. Now, that I have found out that you can freeze it when you are sick of stirring, etc. Anyone want a start form this oldie?