Christmas time

It was time to get the lights up, but our usual 'monkeys' are in Seattle. Seth, Chet, Kian and Mandy loved to climb the ladders and on the roof- only Seth and Chet were actually allowed on the roof- and get the lights just right. This year is was a little too far to have them over to do the job so we bribed Savannah and Chloe. They did a right fine job. Not quite as eager to climb the ladder or hang over the edge of the roof. But it looks awesome! Rory and Damien will need to keep growing, because I don't know how long Savannah and Chloe will accept bribes when ladders and roofs are involved.

Christmas came early

Alan found an early Christmas present. He has wanted a quad for lots of years. We used to have one when the girls were little. It got lots of use, even ended up in the canal. We we didn't find out the details until way later. Anyway Alan found this one at a garage sale. It's a 2004 with only 80 hours on the engine. Everytime it comes out of the garage ALL the little neighborhood boys are out too. I think everyone has had a ride-except me. I'll waite until we are in the desert somewhere. I'm glad Alan finally got a quad. I just hope we can make fun use of it with the family.

Oh No, our first grandchild is going to the Homecoming Dance!

I must be getting old, because our first Grandchild, Savannah went to the homecoming dance. It was a date, but not a date, as she had to go as part of the journalism club, but a boy did buy her a ticket, even tho she got in free because of the club. However she did need a dress. So... thanks to closet that still had dresses from yesteryear we found one that would be acceptable and transformed it into one that she liked and got lots of compliments on. Aunt Joanna had a long black satin dress with a red center pleat. We shortened the dress, added a wide ruffle and a couple of layers of tule', a wide satin tie and large bow in the back AND red ribbon lace up in the back. Savannah was in style and enjoyed the evening. She even wore it to Sunday dinner to show it off to her family and especially her Aunt Joanna.

LDS General Conference

The conference sessions are over. It seems as though they went be too fast. I felt such a calm peaceful feeling watching and listening. Such a vast difference between what is going on in the world today. I for one want to and will be better for having witnessed this conference. Elder Holland's testimony was particularly felt in my heart.
One of the several answers I was looking for was, "how can I be a better teacher and have better classroom management? This has been on my mind since school started. Some of the other teachers I have expressed this concern for say "You are not mean enough." I feel badly when I have to yell or resort to other things to get their attention, just to get them quiet. I don't like being 'mean' punishing the students for 'talking too much too loud' but we need order. The impressions I've felt during conference have been regular temple attendance, remembering they are ' a child of God', express love and show it, think about it-study it-act it. Maybe I have only been thinking about the problem.
I resolve to give an act of service everyday. To express my love for my family each time I talk with them. Thank you Joanna for starting this very expression when we talk on the phone.
I love general conference. Alan and I are planning to attend in SLC next year. Hopefully April. We used to go at least once a year. It is a great time to reflect and plan a better future.

I'd Pick More Daisies

If I had my life to live over again

I'd dare to make more mistakes this time.

I'd relax.....I would limber up.

I would take few things seriously,

I would take more chances.

I'd climb more mountains and swim more rivers.

I'd eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles,

But I would have fewer imaginary ones.

You see I'm one of those people who never goes anywhere

Without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute!

If I had it to do over, I'd travel lighter this time.

If I had my life to live over again...

I'd go barefoot earlier in the spring.

I'd go to more movies, ride more merry-go-rounds,

I'd pick more daisies.

I'm here!

I'm trying to catch up with my girls. They are awesome, but leaving me in the dust-computer wise. Thanks Heather for helping me catch up.