back to work

This is the company that Doug will be working for as the VP/CFO.

spring fever

It happens every year. The little boys and the little girls in second grade start sending notes to each other and the next thing you know, I am going to pick up my kids from PE and I am accosted by group of boys...like today:

Them: Mrs. Carter, Sydney likes Devin, Hunter, Jacob and Tyrese

Me: I like Devin, Hunter, Jacob and Tyrese too.

Them: Mrs. Carter, Sydney LOVES Devin, Hunter, Jacob and Tyrese

Me: I love Devin, Hunter, Jacob and Tyrese too.
(To which, I am met with confused and surprised and delighted nods.)

I think it is over and I have efficiently diffused the news. I turn around to lead the group back to class...just as one of them says:
We Love You Too!

And the rest of the day I think to myself...it is good to be loved!

laryngitis

Today I have laryngitis. I have been whispering to my class all day. The really funny/cute thing is that my class has been whispering to me all day too. And, they have been whispering to each other. I am wondering if my class would believe me if I told them I was going to have laryngitis for the rest of the school year.

LOL

Probably not. They were asking me as they left if I would be able to talk tomorrow.

This afternoon, I learned that:

• Patients are advised to avoid speaking when possible. They are instructed to speak softly, but to avoid whispering, which further strains the voice.
• Nasal breathing is very important so as not to dry the throat.
• Throat clearing is very bad. The act of clearing one's throat is very stressful and may aggravate the laryngitis.

Unfortunately, I did spend the day whispering. Nasal breathing was not an option and clearing my throat was occasionally necessary, so we may NEED have to have another quiet day tomorrow.

lovin' the weekend

I loved hanging out with the Nielson family this weekend. Andrew is obviously bigger from a week ago, and he is still adorable. Clark is now in the stage where he wants to claim ownership of most things, including Brianna, as in "Hi, my Bonna!" He also likes stomping around the house in whoevers shoes happen to be available, usually mine. Chezzie came in and added some great comments to our YW lesson on Sunday. Tanner was feeling rough so we didn't play any games...we'll look forward to next time.

home again

Tonight Brianna and I enjoyed watching the full lunar eclipse in between segments of American Idol. It was a perfectly beautiful night for this awe-inspiring event.

girly things

I loved sharing Bella's special day.

girls day out

On Monday, Corky and I had a nice day out together. We picked up a few last minute gifts for Tricia's "official" birthday party and then we went out to eat lunch together at Wolfgang Puck's. Afterward, we came home and made a cake and picked up so everything would be nice when her parents came home.

one of my favorite things

When the house smells like cookies on Sunday night. I especially liked it tonight because I had such great helpers in the kitchen!
So here is a question...Who eats the most in this family???

Is it Courtney? The almost seven and a half year old...no, she is missing her two front teeth...it can't be her.
Is it Jonah? The almost five year old...no, although he is a great breakfast eater as evidenced this weekend by eating 3 pancakes on Saturday morning and 2 eggs on Sunday morning, but that is his best meal of the day.

Is it Carter? The almost 6 year old...no, he's very busy with his games and toys to spend too much time eating. Plus he always has his Valentine loot if he needs a little snack in between meals.


It's Baby Bella! She out eats her siblings at every meal! And she puts all that food into tons of energy zooming around the house seeing what she can discover next.


Picture taken after three helpings of pasta tonight!!!

happy birthday, dear tricia

I hope that your birthday day was as much fun for you today as it was for me. We ate pancakes for breakfast. Froggies by special request of Courtney. Carter wanted me to make horses, but it definitely out of my talent range.

We went to Sardis park where the the kids ran and played for an hour and a half. Bella learned to go down the slide by herself and particularly delighted me because the static electricity on the slide caused her hair to stand literally on end.

We went to lunch at Panera Bread where they ate grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk and I had roast beef and a strawberry smoothie.

Then we were off to Blockbuster, where they each got to check out their own movie. Jonah choose PoohBah, Carter chose Pokemon Heroes the Movie and Courtney chose an animated Camelot the Legend.

I think that the kids enjoyed the day as much as I did!

We love you!!!

she loves me!

She's unhappy in nursery and screams at the YMCA, but she waved good-bye to her mom and dad like they were visitors and now we would be getting on with life. They even came back an hour later when they realized that Dan had forgotten his wallet and she was still aok.

Courtney commented that she was "stuck" to me. I didn't mind one bit! It's been a long time since a little girl has been stuck to me.

I fed the kids dinner at 5. We had showers at 6 and then they played games. At 8 Courtney informed me that the latest they had EVER stayed up was until midnight. I told her it was only 8. Well, we had dinner such a long time ago, it seems really, really late, she answered.

They were delighted to get a bedtime snack and then be off to bed.

happy valentines day!

Look what Tricia showed me! Isn't it cute?

I had a very nice Valentine Day. Starting at home and ending in Charlotte. Doug gave me two country CD's that I will enjoy listening to. Brianna helped me pack and get ready to go. My flight to Charlotte was smooth and uneventful. After arriving, the luggage bus had an accident and I had to wait nearly an hour for my pieces, but it was okay and I think Tricia only had to wait for me for about 15 minutes. She was certainly glad that she had checked Carter out of school early. The kids were adorable and excited.

What a wonderful day!

worldwide training--Building a Righteous Posterity

Today I went to the worldwide training broadcast at the church.

Some of my favorite thoughts from the meeting include:
1. For every thing, look first across the altar (meaning to your spouse)
2. It has always been tough--in every time of the world
3. Walk by faith--not recklesslessly--ways unforeseen will be opened up
4. Do not expect to be applauded everytime you do something that you know to be right
5. Your children should never learn anything at church that they didn't already learn at home
6. There is no such thing as treating all children equally
7. Look for ways to show, express and say, "I love you."
8. (Pearl S Buck quoted) I love my children with all my heart, but I can't love them with all my time.
9. A general concern about emotional homelessness and that we need skills to "make a home" environment to nurture our family back to Father--housekeeping tasks can be delegated/shared--homemaking cannot be delegated even to the church
10. We don't have to do more--sometimes we can do less
11. Reclaim the joy of the Sabbath
12. Three assignments from President Monson:
a. pray
b. read good literature
c. love

hand made cards

The week that Cherylyn was in the hospital having her baby, I got that horrible head, throat, cough thing that is going around. When I came back to school on Thursday, I had a pile of cards from my students. I wish I could post them all. But here is one of my favorites.
And here are some of the sentiments (original spelling and capitalization retained):
From Shariah--I hope you file better
From Brooke--The Baby is probally cute.
From Hunter--I hop you feel beter Mrs. carter
From Haley--hope you Do good with the babby. hope you fell beter mrs. carter.
From Jordan--good luck with the baby keep her hethey
From Breanna--(A picture labeled:the baby boy and the blanget) I hope you are o.k From Alll that cerewey (surgery?) I know the Baby Boy Loves you very much.

Every class has a high achiever and so does this one.
From Alex--I hope you have a nice baby. I hope you'll feel better and I heard that the baby was a boy and you were a little sick but I hope you feel better.

a good man

MITT ROMNEY

I first became aware of this man when he was in charge of the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Over the years, he has surfaced in and out my awareness as he has pursued his goals. Today he suspended his bid for the presidency, but

I will look forward to seeing him again!

energizing Wednesdays

No matter how tired I am on Wednesday after school, on Wednesday night when the YW show up the party begins. We had a Valentines Party last night. The girls made chocolate roses and Valentine tussie-mussies. Then we played charades. Some kareoked to High School Musical. The girls did a service project for the ward mission effort and we ate Valentine treats. When they left, I wasn't tired at all...love those girls!

last monday

the Legacy Golf Course at Alaqua Lakes

Leon Lambert, Jim Parker, Doug, Rick Teets
Thanks to Dr. Michael Ingalls, these four had a fabulous day at the golf course. An especially noteworthy event happened when Doug won a "closest to the pin" competition on hole 17, which was worth $100 at the Stonewood Grill, a restaurant that we really like! We'll look forward to spending some time there with Roxanne and Mike in the near future.

relection on death and illness

If you didn't see President Hinckley's funeral, go here. I expected to cry my eyes out, but I didn't. Okay, well I lost it for a few minutes at the beginning before the funeral actually started and we saw the apostles lining the corridors paying their last tribute as the casket was brought forward and during the last song when they started showing pictures while the MTC was singing. But the rest of the funeral was inspiring and uplifting just like the prophet himself. I am glad I took the time to watch it. I also enjoyed the "extras" that we got while we waited for everyone to get to the graveside.

It got me to thinking about my funeral, so here is what I want:
1. Someone to sing "The King of Love My Shepard Is" by Mack Wilberg. For Men's Choir, Flutes, Harp or Piano. Published by Oxford University Press. I'd like the BYU Men's Choir, but that isn't very realistic so I'll cope.
2. I'd like my grandkids to sing several songs from the Primary Hymnbook all about the Savior. Actually, my great grandkids might have to do it because I was just thinking that my grandkids will be in their 40's and 50's by then and that might seem a little odd.
3. I want to die at home like President Hinckley surrounded by family. I DO NOT want to go to a hospital or a hospital-like institution ever. If I get so that I am a danger to myself or others, take me to the top of a high mountain and leave me there. It would be more humane than putting me in a hospital. And I just want my family to know that I WILL be mad at them for all eternity if they don't honor this request.

When I was younger, I didn't plan on dying at all. I planned to be changed "in the twinkling of an eye", which is actually still my first preference. After my accident, I realized how precious and fragile life is. Everyday is a gift and I still have a moment of letdown--a mini mourning at the end of everyday...I'm sad to see it go. I don't expect to be dying anytime soon because when I received my "back to school" blessing this year, the Lord, via my husband, told me that I was going to be around for a very long time, which I was quite happy to know! So, family, just file this blog away to be used in the far and distant future.

I was ill this week. My girls will tell you that I am the least sympathetic mom on the planet. When they were sick as children, I told them to go to their rooms and not come out until they were well. Sometimes, I would toss some food through the door if it was wanted. I remember one time when Tricia and Cherylyn got chickenpox together. I think they were 12 and 8. I looked at them and said, take care of each other, and they did. I know that they got chickenpox from Melanie and I think that we called them Tommypox? because she got them from a boy in her class at school, which just totally grossed her out. I don't know who took care of her, but I doubt that it was me. And it seems like B might have gotten chickenpox at some point as well...you get the drift though, I just ignore it until it goes away, which is how I treat myself.

I am not one to take drugs. My body knows how to fix itself if I am patient. (Although magic oranges are very helpful.) In my opinion, rest and fluids cure a lot of things. Once a long time ago when I was sick, a friend of mine brought me strawberries. Even now when I am sick, in my mind's eye, I see her standing at the kitchen sink hulling them. They were delicous. I am sure the best I have ever tasted. More recently, I have received homemade chicken noodle soup which was incredible and reminded me how really great and health promoting the real thing is! And of course, I can't forget the magic oranges that I received last week...my friend risking life and limb to pick them. Once when I was sick, I called my mom and mother-in-law and asked them to take me to the doctors. They both lived an hour away and couldn't come. Being friendless, I felt reduced to calling my visiting teacher. She had 4 or 5 kids, all little. I will never forget what she said. "What time do you want me to pick you up?" At which point, I collapsed in a pile of grateful tears. I don't think that I have ever needed a visiting teacher as much as I did that day. I need to be more like these good women who have been such wonderful examples to me.

There is a bad side to being sick, but there is also a good side too.

The Bad of IT
I don't sleep very well
My back usually hurts like crazy
I have no energy
And if I absolutely have to try and look presentable...it just isn't possible
The Good of IT
I stay in my beddie until 10.30am talking on the phone
I get a bunch more CD's loaded in my IPOD
Not only is my nose runny, but so are my eyes, which is a blessing because I read for hours on end without getting "dry eye" issues
I am blessed with enough strength to do what I really need to do

And finally, as Lehi teaches Jacob after the bitterness of feeling ill, the sweetness of feeling well again!