Happy Birthday to Me

I left early for school today because I needed to stop and buy birthday treats to share with the class.  Some years I've made my own cupcakes, but it didn't happen this year.  Fred Meyer baked instead.  This was our first full day of school.  I always have my class go the computer lab and fill out a resume and apply to work at Swain Inc.  I take a resume picture of everyone on the first day of school and send them to Walgreens so that I can pick them up after school and have them on the bulletin board before Back-to-School Night.  That's tonight. 

Walgreens had the pictures ready, the bulletin board looked great, I had my presentation ready and copies of everything on their desks just in time.  I had left just after 7:00 that morning (Ty had called which put me behind), and got home at 8:00, to an empty house.  Thanks to my friends, there was a little cake on the table, and gifts from my parents, Terry, and Brent.  I had a little private celebration.  I opened gifts, read cards, and ate cake.  Then I went upstairs to get ready for bed.  It really was a great day....just not what you have in mind for your birthday.

179 to go...

The first day of school is always exciting, frantic, boring (too many rules and procedures to cover), and fun.  We dismiss at 1:15, so the time flies by, but everyone has been so wound up, it's exhausting.  I have the smallest class ever!  Twenty three students in a sixth grade class?!  This is heaven!  And so far, they're all angels - great kids.  I came home happy and tired.  I took a nap from 6:00 'til 7:30.  The beginning of everything new takes some getting use to.

'Twas the Night Before....

I taught the RS lesson the day before school starts and everything went smoothly.  Usually I like to have the weekend before school starts completely to myself.  I want to savor the last days without any demands put on me.  I tell Terry that he can wait on me, or take me to dinner, but other than that, I just want to be ignored by everyone.  Some years I'm a little frantic getting last minute things done, and beg for help.  This year I was ready, except for what to wear, and that's a big thing.

Smoky

The fires in the Idaho mountains have been making national news.  They've also been making the air in Boise very smoky.  Many days we haven't been able to see the foothills.  Some days the smoke gets trapped close to the ground and it's like driving through fog in the morning.  The fires aren't close to being contained and never will be.  They'll be put out when the snow flies.  It's been about three weeks of red air alerts and the smell of something burning.  We're praying for the fire fighters, some rain in the mountains, and wind here in the valley. 

You should be able to see the foothills down the street.

Working the Phone

It's back to school and sorry to say, back to the conflict between educators and our state superintendent of schools and the legislature.  I volunteered to work a shift at the phone bank, asking for NO votes on the referendum of the education bills that will be on the ballot this November.  Terry was a good sport and came along with me.  He has a great phone voice. 

We were actually just calling people who had signed the referendum petitions.  It was shocking how many of the phone numbers were no good.  In three hours, I only talked to 23 people, and some of those were wrong numbers.  About half of the numbers are no longer in service.  Cell phones have brought a lot of instability and change.  We can have one by our side at all times, but getting a hold of people with cell phones is tough.

People I did talk to were supportive or confused.  I long for the days when I was a teacher, not a political activist.  I'm back to school tomorrow, and counting the days until November. 

August Birthday Bash

Terry's family has an abundance of August birthdays, so one of his sisters decided to host a family party for just the siblings, their spouses, and his parents.  There were 12 of us in attendance, including a surprise appearance by Reed and Carolyn who just drove up from Salt Lake after their stake conference.  Of the twelve, five of us have August birthdays.  We got to celebrate with good food, good company, good pumpkin cake and ice cream, and as always....a good old sing-along.  I think it was fun for all!

I didn't do a very good job with the camera.  There really were 12 people there, and we really did have fun.

He's Going to Chicago

My nephew is going to Provo to learn Spanish, and then onto Chicago to learn how to be a missionary.  He spoke in church today and gave an excellent talk.  He's a great kid and well-prepared.  He and his brother also sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".  That's pretty scary.  Our family is not known for any musical talent.  They did a great job.  Eagle High's choir program has prepared him in that department.

I only got this fuzzy picture of my nephews.

After church the extended family met over at their house for lunch and visiting, but we had to wait for the guest of honor to show up.  His friend also had a farewell that day and Tate sang at that one too - a different song.

Driving Legal

I had to get my driver's license renewed before the end of the month.  I had thought about it at the beginning of the summer and then it promptly left my mind.  Today it popped in my mind and since my days of leisure and freedom are soon gone, I decided to drive across town and take care of it.  I was pleasantly surprised by what a nice experience it was.  There was a parking place right by the door.  I didn't have to take the test.  I didn't have to wait.  I could clearly pass the eye test without my glasses, and my picture turned out pretty good.  Now I'm all legal until 2020.

Back to School Lunch

Those of us that are heading back to school this week took advantage of our last week of freedom and went out for a five hour lunch adventure.  We started at Red Robin where all of us cleaned our plates.  Tanner even had a second helping of apple slices and Hudson downed two root beers.

Our next stop was at Office Depot where we bought school supplies.  The boys have new notebooks and pens with shark tops.  When you squeeze their heads, their eyes pop out.  They were so cool, we bought a fish one for Hadley and a monkey one for Bryan. (It was Tanner's idea to get Bry one, because he likes monkeys.)

Next door to Office Depot is Cabellas, so Tanner took us over to show us around.  We checked out the big fish aquariums and all the "stuffed" animals, but the biggest draw were the guns.  Hudson said, "I want a gun.  I don't have a gun.  Can I get a gun."  We were passing through the real gun department on our way to see some more animals that were back by the shoes.  When we wandered through the toy section, the boys played with every gun they could find.  They didn't even notice the toy trucks or plush animals.

When I finally dragged them out of Cabellas, we made a stop at Cost Plus for red Chinese take-out boxes for their teacher gifts.  We also bought Pez dispensers and a package of Fruit Stripe Gum to share.

We started to make our way home, but stopped at Tully's park to run around for a while.  Goofing off all afternoon is something that is coming to an end.  We're going to make this an annual event.  I can't believe I have grandkids heading off to school!  It's going to be an exciting day. 

Out to Lunch

I don't know what it is, but as summer vacation winds down, I frantically book up my calendar with lunch dates.  I love long lunches with friends (and relatives).  Since teachers have short lunch hours, sometimes spent with naughty kids, often spent working alone in your room, it's such a luxury to sit down at a restaurant and not worry about the clock.  This past week I've had lunch at Olive Garden, Big City Coffee, and Red Robin (twice).  In another week and a half, I'll be back to bagging it.

Day 1

I've been going back to school as a teacher for 33 years.  When I walked in my room for the first time this school year, I was paralyzed.  It was as if I'd never done this before.  I didn't know where to begin.  I didn't know what to do the first day.  I couldn't really remember my rules or procedures.  The amount of work it takes to get ready for the first day of school can be overwhelming.  I finally spent the afternoon unpiling desks, and arranging furniture.  I felt a lot better when I left.

Farewell Olympics

I'm sad that the Olympics are over.  They probably last just the right amount of time, but I love watching the events and hearing the stories.  Here are some of my favorites from London:

• The Olympic rings on Tower Bridge
• David Beckham driving the speed boat up the Thames with the torch
• Mr. Bean playing Chariots of Fire with the orchestra
• Our own gold medal cyclist, Kristen Armstrong
• Missy Franklin's great smile, great swimming, and enthusiasm
• Michael Phelps!
• Pistorious running on the South Africa team with his blades
• Gabby Douglas and the fab five gymnists
• The US Women's Soccer team and their gold medal
• Anyone running the hurdles
• Usain Bolt - What a runner! - What a perfect name!
• Kirani James' 400 meter dash, the first gold medal for Grenada
• May and Walsh getting their 3rd gold medal in women's beach volleyball
• The royals showing up to events - Loved every outfit of Kate's

 What I didn't like:

•  Our basketball dream team and all the professional tennis players - That's not what the  Olympics is all about!

The Olympic rings make their way down the River Thames toward Tower Bridge.

Good to Be Back

It's always good to get home from camping.  The long soak in the tub, the clean sheets and good mattress are the best.  This trip we came home to more smoke.  The wild fires are so bad and so close that the air quality in Boise is worse than it was around the campfire, but it's still good to be back.

Some of the crew stayed another night, but we wanted to get back and go to church.  I'm glad we did because it was one of my former YW, Melissa W.'s, missionary farewell.  I'm so proud of her and her decision to go on a mission.  She gave a great talk (and had on a darling navy blue dress).  Two other women in the ward spoke with her (her visiting teachers) and they also gave very impressive talks.  Rachel spoke on what makes a prophet and how blessed we are to have revelation.  Her talk helped me get it together on my RS lesson that I've been struggling with.  She bore a touching testimony.  Melissa N. did some powerful preaching!  She was funny and touching and strong - and in her kiwi accent too.  I would have liked to hear more.

Bad Bear Camp 2012

Bad Bear Campground is about eleven miles beyond Idaho City.  We don't know where to go, but we figure if we just keep trying new places, we'll eventually hit upon a family favorite.  We didn't want to travel too far because of the kids.  Add that to the fact that we were late reserving places and we needed to avoid three forest fires, that cut our selections down.

Terry and I and Brent were the first to arrive at camp.  We had so much stuff, Brent had to drive separately.  He was carrying our water jugs and somehow one of the spouts opened and emptied the entire contents into his trunk.  Before we set up tents, he and Terry had to bale out the water down by his spare tire.

Bry and family arrived while Terry and Brent went to Idaho City on a water run.  I got the foil dinners ready even though it seemed too hot for a fire.  Stacey and family arrived and everyone was set up by the time our dinner was ready.  Brent's not big on sweets or anything unhealthy, so it's ironic that he's always in charge of desserts.  As it turns out, Friday was National S'mores Day.  We had a deluxe s'more bar.  I tried sliced strawberries on the s'more, a waffle cone with chocolate chips, bananas, peanut butter, and marshmallows cooked in foil, and a Rolo stuck in a marshmallow and roasted.  It was sickening good.

This campsite offered a babbling brook to cool us down during the day, a mountain trail that we couldn't conquer with kids in shorts, and a few wild raspberries.  We had a visit from a forest ranger who handed out Smokey the Bear information and gave us a fire report.  (The smoke was actually less up there than it was in Boise.)  We set up a treasure hunt for the three big kids, and brought plenty of games to keep everyone entertained. 

This year we had three new campers - Brent, Maycee, and Isaac.  Brent was okay, but I was worried about the two little ones (and their parents).  Isaac ended up being the cleanest camper, and Maycee just followed her normal routine and hung out with everyone.  Now I'm thinking next year is the one that we have to worry about.  They'll both be running around by then.

We ate good food and treats all day long.  When Terry and Brent and I left to come home Saturday evening, we weren't even tempted to stop and get ice cream in Idaho City.  The other two families stayed another night.  The kids wanted to stay 100 days and cried when they had to leave.  When we saw them on Sunday afternoon, they were dirty, smelly, tired, and running out of food. We on the other hand, had enjoyed baths, showers, the Olympics, clean clothes and sheets, soft mattresses, and a good night's sleep.  It was a success for all.  We've made a list of improvements for next year.  Plans are already underway.

Camping Prep

My dad knows how to camp, but other than girls camp, I think I've been camping less than 10 times in my life.  Terry has camped and backpacked with his boys, but he's not an expert.  Somehow last year we decided to be a camping family.  We got together with all the kids and 3 tents for our first annual camping trip.  This weekend will be our second annual trip.

It's not easy when a bunch of amateurs try to round up enough food and equipment to rough it for a few days.  It's an unorganized mess.  I hope we survive.

Start the piles.

Lunch Date

I met a friend for a three hour lunch at Willow Creek.  The food was great.  I had a blackened salmon wrap.  I don't know what happened for three hours.  I watched the medal ceremony for women's soccer (gold for USA) over my friend's head on the big screen.  I learned that "Beasts of the Southern Wild" is an excellent movie, but hard to explain - sad, but with an ending that might be good.  That's all I remember.  It was the best way to spend a summer afternoon.  I need a few more afternoons like that before school starts.

Getting Better

Today I had more ambition.  I still didn't get dressed until after noon, but I went on an early brisk walk with Terry, attacked weeds outside, shampooed the living room carpets, and colored my hair before getting cleaned up.  That afternoon I made some phone calls, did the wash, finished crocheting the baby blanket, cleaned the bathroom, went shopping with coupons (which takes forever!) and read for a couple hours.  I feel so much better when I'm productive.  I just have to figure out how to do that more than every other day.

Slug

This is the second day in a week where I've accomplished nothing.  I went for a good walk this morning, but then never really got dressed until after noon.  I've snacked all day long, some healthy, and some not.  I've blogged, e-mailed, and pinned things, but I haven't:

• cleaned my house
• ironed
• sewed (4 projects pending)
• taken my online machine quilting course
• gone to the library
• helped Amee
• read books (I've started 6 books)
• finished the last two rows on Isaac's blanket
• finished the two pairs of booties I started
• done yard work
• made phone calls

Tomorrow needs to be a better day.  School is starting soon.  I can't waste my time.  I can't be a slug.  Besides, it gives me a headache.

Sunday

I had a lovely Sunday.  Testimony meeting was very good.  Everyone impressed and helped me.  I helped in Nursery again.  That's a great gig.  I feel bad missing RS, but nursery is relaxing and pretty entertaining.

It's a little scary at church because more and more families are moving out.  There are two more families and two single sisters that are moving in the next couple weeks.  We're not going to have enough people to cover all the callings.  Our bishop has been gone all summer and the RS president has been gone for three weeks.  Hopefully when they get back and school starts, things will settle down.

I fixed a good dinner, read the paper, and spent the rest of the day watching Olympic athletes.   

Saturday

We delivered a birthday gift to Amee on Saturday.  Her birthday was Wednesday and I was in Utah.  We stayed for several hours and painted leaves on the jungle tree and covered another pink wall with primer. 

When we finished we delivered a birthday gift to Stacey.  Today was her big day.  Bry and Stacey's mom was coming to babysit all four kids while the guys took the birthday girls out to dinner.  The grandkids were a lot of fun, but I was glad we didn't get that call.  We dragged ourselves through Winco and collapsed in front of the Olympics again.

SLC

Tabernacle where I graduated from Seminary.

I'm hitting all the hotspots this summer.  This was a three day trip to Utah for some family history research.  Leaving at 8:00 put us in Brigham City at just about lunch time.  We drove through town so I could see the new temple on main street.  The open house starts in a couple weeks.  I'll wait and see the inside, but right now, I still think the tabernacle across the street is prettier.  It sure makes an impressive center of town.

Right across the street

The best part was that it was lunch time and we were down the street from Maddox's!  I had what I always have, turkey steak, salad, and fruit instead of a potato.  The rolls with raspberry butter cannot be beat.  I savored every bite and enjoyed the fresh well water.

It's been remodeled.  Just make sure you never pass up that Maddox reddish, orangish crown thing.

After lunch we drove straight to IKEA.  I hadn't ever been to the one in Salt Lake.  It was a pretty fun shopping experience.  I bought some little dishes, scrub brushes, a mirror, and the best cheese grater ever!  I never buy cheese already grated, so I really appreciated the whole clever thing.  The little bowl that you grate in is rubber and grabs the counter.  It has a lid so you can store it in the fridge.  I want to order more for all my favorite people.

 

 After the big shop we went to check out everything downtown.  We found the Family History Center and parking, wandered through Temple Square, did a walk through of the new City Creek Center, and grabbed a little bit to eat before checking into our hotel.  We were out by the airport because every place was full of Outdoor Recreation Convention goers.

The next morning we made it to the Family History Center by 8:00 and stayed until 6:30.  My friend who is going to Ireland next month wanted to check out her husband's Irish ancestors.  She doesn't want to be in a little village and not know that she should be taking a picture of the church.  We had great help from everyone.  If you don't know which way is up, there's at least four people ready to head you in the right direction.  

We found a lot of the information we were looking for, and a few surprises.  My friend found an ancestor on the New York 1930 census, and realized that he was in Sing Sing Prison (mob connection after coming over from southern Italy).  I found an entry about James Livingston joining Porter Rockwell in sabotaging Johnson's army as they entered Utah.  They did such a good job that Brigham Young changed his orders and told them to help the army with food and supplies so that they would be able to survive the winter.  We also found great pictures and images of documents like marriage certificates.  The whole day was fascinating and fun.

We loved City Creek and had enough time to do a little shopping and enjoy lunch there.  It happened to be Wednesday, when people were rallying to show support to Chic-fil-A.  We didn't know what was going on, but we didn't want to have anything to do with the long line that wound all around the food court.

Each evening we gathered Pepsi and some junk food to eat in bed while we watched the Olympics.  On Wednesday we had to stay up until almost 1:00 so that we could see coverage of Kristen Armstrong's gold medal ride.  We're proud of our Boise girl.

The ride home was fast and plenty entertaining.  After stopping at Maddox's on the way down, I had to share the Garden of Eden truck stop with my friend on our way back.  We didn't buy any souvenirs there, but did get one last Pepsi and a Krispy Kreme doughnut.  Now I need to get back into Weight Watchers mode.  It will be good to have Terry's healthy influence.