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I know alot of folk feel like Labor Day is a day to NOT Labor!  But for me, it was a glorious day to get caught up and dig into some things that have been bugging me.  Like defrosting the freezers. 

I have two freezers and both were thick with ice and so unorganized.  I honestly couldn't find that package of chicken that I knew I'd bought at Costco, not so long ago.   Where the heck was it?  buried somewhere in that sea of sacks.

So because Steve loves me and knows that my "love language" is service, we began the project.  We took everything out of both of them...burrrrr...cold hands and hefty lifting.  I used the blowdryer to defrost them quickly. 

Next,  we wiped them down and then.... the fun part...putting everything back ..IN ORDER!  (Old stuff...toss!) Roast and steaks on one shelf, hamburger on another, fruit on one shelf and veggies on another...and oh! guess how many sacks of frozen hash browns I had. (don't look at me, I'm embarrassed...15!)  I guess I like them...but couldn't ever find them, so just keep buying new.

I was so excited when we got done.  Now, I keep going down and taking a peek...yip, still tidy...I love it! and hummm...maybe I'll take something up there and cook it for supper...oh yeah, hashbrowns!  There they are, right where they belong! 

                                                                                         

 

  

I did something really fun today...I got to watch my granddaughter take a swimming lesson!  I couldn't believe how well she did!  She loves it and even jumped off the diving board (yes...in the deep end...gasp!) and swam to the side. 

 Then to make everything even a little sweeter, my "big guy" held on to my hand and gave me loves while we watched sister swim.

About noon I walked into Dr. Bodily's office and watched him work on Grandma Lois teeth, (I know, this isn't a picture of Grandma Lois in the chair! ...with a 5 o'clock shadow! hah hah..that's funny, huh)

I couldn't take my camera into the dentists office and take  a picture! but I wanted to.  I was afraid of what everybody would think!  They might think I was a MOTHER or something!) 

But this "at home dentistry" picture captures what I saw of skilled hands, a kind voice, expert intent eye, and PROFESSIONAL counseling offered and evidenced in that office today. Such a thrill so see! 

While Gr-ma and I were sitting in the office waiting our turn, I could hear the drill going in a back room. I thought..."Ty's on the other end of that thing!  He's really a dentist...a real. live. honest to goodness, "people come to him!" DDS Dentist. My heart went a racing! 

I held a tear in my eye and thanked Heavenly Father for the opportunity to live by some family and share some daily happenings! 

Summer catch up...

Everyday, I check all the family blogs...I love it when people write!  I feel like I 'm having a good talk with somebody when I read the blogs...I'm not as lonely!  I love staying connected !   

This will be a catch up on "us."  (WARNING:  May prove to be a bit boring!)  But here goes....

I love summer!  I esp love sunrise!  I like to be out on the road walking east when the sun comes up. It give me a thrill and I usually walk with a tear in my eye as I feel gratitude to a Heavenly Father who created such a beautiful world.   I put my headset on and listen to Conference talks or a good CD while I walk.  For walking, this makes it quite enjoyable.  If I didn't have the fear of looming Osteroporosis and a fat belly, I probably wouldn't walk...easier to stay home and start my jobs. 

Speaking of fat bellys.  I was complaining to a friend that I can't button the top button on my levis.  She said, "Oh my goodness...you can't help that...it's just part of aging."  She shouldn't have said that... as I  was eating a whole Costco poppyseed muffin, I was  thinking..."I can't help it if I'm fat...I'm aging...that's all....I might as well eat what I want!"  Bad mental mode.  5 pounds later, I better start taking responsibility for my actions!  "You are what you eat, BB bunny...so think again."   

About a month ago, a bad thing happened to us. Steve lost his wallet while he was en route up Idaho Falls way.  (It had his Social Security card, drivers license, credit cards, $150, temple recommend, insurance and perscription cards.  We hope that is all...)

He had it when he bought lunch for a client and then the next day when he reached for it to buy gas...no card.  (Do you know what that feels like?   Indescribable, isn't it?  It's like losing a child at Disneyland).

    He called me from Poky and said, "I'm out of gas and have lost my wallet.  What should I do?"  We had to be in the mountains of Boise (Idaho City) in 4 hours for him to speak at Stake YW Camp...we both got weak.  The gas lady let me give her my CC number.  (4622-3333-9821)  We talked on the phone all the way home...me trying to dig thru his files and find numbers to call to cancel stuff. Scccarrryyy!

Boy did we feel sour at camp.  So hard to concentrate and have the Spirit....knowing that right then someone had your identity!  And! What were they doing with it? 

We were helpless to take action up thar in the mountains!   Needless to say, we drove right home after his talk...till 1:00 a.m.    Steve spend the entire next day on the phone trying to fix it.   (I will say that people are more understanding and helpful than they used to be...Identity Theft is the number 1 crime in America.)

We went down a check list and have done all we can and everything looks okay right now...but I read where identity frauds waits 90 days, till you relax, and then start the spending sprees. 

Steve has hired a company, Lifelock, to help us watch our back. (See Carsons blog), but  honestly we will live in fear of a "surprise", the rest of our lives!  So upsetting.  We are praying that we will be okay. 

I forgot to say that Steve called all his businesses and asked them to "go out and look in their parking lots..." Nothing.  Wallets don't get up and walk!  Where IS IT?????   

So that has got us humble and shook up!

This incident along with my Provident Living goal this month, has prompted me to spend a couple days, gathering and copying all our important papers.   Like if our house burnt down, or flood or evacuation...I could grab these along with our 72, and at least remember what bank we go to etc.  I did a complete house inventory with serial numbers etc. If you want to know everything I put together, I will tell you.

Oh, it was painful!  I hated every minute of it.  But I'm really glad I did.  I will update, every 4th of July.  I will give a copy of everything to someone else to keep for us, in case.  I can prove who we are and what our business dealings are... with those papers. Good goal accomplished.

We have a man in our ward who has breast and bone cancer.  He's 47 (Warren Crane).  They have 6 kids who are from 17 to 25ish...the neatest strong family. 

His father and sister have died of cancer at early ages.  His is stage 4 cancer.  He hasn't felt right for the past 5 months.  The Rupert doctors said it was arthritis?!  (aarrgh!). Hello small town doctors.

As soon as he got a correct diagnosis, he got into the Huntsman Cancer Institute in SLC.  The Drs. told him that he had 4 months to live, if he didn't take treatments.  So, of course he is on some kind of new treatment and it IS helping. So far, it's slowed things down. 

Steve has talked to him alot.  He expressed what a burden it is to carry that fear of it and the not knowing. 

Warrren got up in testimony this month.  (It got stone quiet!)  He bore the most powerful testimony I have ever heard.  Through tears and sobs...He explained his  condition and then told the blessings of this trial. (can you believe it?) Such as...how he felt do differently about everything now.

He said when he came home from the hospital (they examined him from head to toe, inside and out , to see where it was), he was greeted by his daughter and when he hugged her...he loved the smell of her hair.  He appreciated that moment.

The sacrament has much more meaning to him now.  He feels closer to His Heavenly Father and a deep gratitude for the Savior and what He did for him. 

He said that he had a family problem that was bugging him...a grievance he had with somebody in the fam...seemed so silly now.  "Life is too short to hold a grudge! Don't waste your time with it.  Let it go! It takes too much energy." 

He went on to say that he had a greater prospective of what was important in life!   He concluded:  "I don't know what is going to happen to me but I do know that I am getting my house in order and appreciating and enjoying each and every day I am allowed to live.  Brothers and Sisters, I will never be the same." 

He thanked the ward for their prayers and said that he felt them as literally as when he was on a mission. (There was not a dry eye in that congregation. )  Warren was making loud audible noises, he was so full of emotion.  It was so tender and soul searching.   Powerful!

Last week, Bro Crane came to his high council interview and asked Steve to give him a blessing.  He took Steve by the hand and said, "Pres. I want you to ask the Lord to take the cancer from my body...I have the faith to be healed."  Steve said, "Bro C, I will bless you according to what the Spirit tells me to say."  He didn't tell him he would be healed but he told him that he still had things to accomplish in this life."  They talked about how his health condition was a burden and a blessing. 

I talked to his wife today and she said that Warren said, "You know when I was playing ball, my coach rode me alot!  It seemed like I was the only name he every yelled out and picked on.

  At the time, it really irritated me, but looking back, I think it was because he could see potential in me.  He did like me...he wanted me to turn out and take full advantage of my time on the court.

He said, "I think that is what the Lord is doing for me right now...he sees potential in me and doesn't want me to waste my probation.  I know He loves me." 

BB says:  Trials can make us bitter or better.

Ty is working toward getting into Grad school.  (yes, one more year...some where!)  He has applied at 5 schools around the country.  We are praying it will be Pocatello!  Kyla is so great to support him. Just think, next year at this time you will have a backyard, Ky! They can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I am so proud of them. 

Right now,Ty is throwing baggage at an airport from 7 to 12 p.m. 4 nights a week.  This will will entitle him (and family) free air miles to wherever they want to go.  He needs this so he can get to his interviews free (and come see us!)

  He just started.  This boys brain is exercised and powerful but his body hasn't done anything physical for 13 years.  His first night hefting those bags, almost killed him.  He said his head started ringing and his ears were beat red and he thought he was going to faint. 

A 19 year old working with him, keep needling him to "hussle".  Finally, Ty said, "Listen kid, I'm doing the best I can, if you want to change me places, come on over."  (They give the new kid the worse place).  He stopped after that.  His boss said, "You're doing great, Ty...pace yourself."  I feel kinda sorry for him, but I feel that the Lord has provided a "way for him to accomplish" what he needs to do.  That family has had so many blessings.  Undenyable!

Our Jon Jon is the Scout master!  Not the job he prayed for...but bless his heart...he said "yes" to the Lord and off "Hi Ho, Hi Ho!  it's off to Scout CAmp we go!

He said, "I'm scared-er than my mission!  I know nothing about scouting, never really cared much for it!'  I love him more than ever for allowing the Lord to use him to help young men in this awesome way.  Wouldn't you love Jon to be with your son?  You're awesome Jon Phister.

Shay painted her frontroom wall in her new house, RED! (Show us on your blog, Shay!).  It's smashing!  Aunt Arlene would scream!  Quite a project but she has such good taste..it will be fun to see what she does in her home.

Redge and Cyndee are working on their yard.  They work so good together!  It's beautiful!  They make their kids work too.  "A busy kid is a happy kid,"  is their philosophy.  I think they have such a good family and their kids are so unspoiled!  Sure makes them easy to please. They are a good team.

Chad is winding down his semester and has a new calling!  Executive secretary in his ward.  Won't he be super there.  Annie Bug is the Sec. in RS!  They both need a new pen!

Chad is doing well in school and Annie will be teaching 2nd grade in Rexburg.  Annie cooks so good.  Chad talks about what she fixes  every time I talk to him. (Skinny boys has put on a few  needed pounds).  She makes bread and "real meals" everyday.  He is one lucky dog!!!!  I need Annie to inspire me.  I hate the cooking thing.  I'm even half mad at Steve when he acts hungry. 

Well..that's some o' the happenings in our lives.

Signing off from Rupert.  Miss BB

p.s.  One more thing.  Grandma and her missionaries.  They have brought a new wonderful Spirit into her home.  You can feel it!   She is so happy! She loves them.

What would you do?

So it's a Thursday morning and I am taking it rather easy.  I've done my mile walk, read my scripture and I'm starting to have a little fun on my e mail/blog land.  I love summer cuz I can control my days...and just be on my own time schedule.  I love it!

The phone rings.  It's a man whose hair I cut once in a while...."Hi Barb...uhhhh, your garage door is locked..."  My heart sinks.  "What! "  I'm thinking....I made an appointment to cut your hair?"  Yes I most certainly did and he's standing there waiting for me to open the door...and this is how I look.  What would you do?  Lie...say "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't call you...I'm  just too sick to do you."     (He drives 30 minute to get to me). Should I make him wait outside of in the shop while I try to preform a quick miracle???

Nope! I just opened up that door looking like a complete retard and proceeded.  My face was beat red and I didn't hear a word he said, but I cut the man ...and in about 10 minutes.  As he was leaving I said, "Well, you know I must like you or I would have never let you in today!  And by the way, could you please erase this image from your mind so we can stay friends." 

He just laughed..."oh...like I care" he said.  WEll I care!  And I'm here to tell you, "how you look affects how you perform!"  (Linzy..you should use me as a "before" for beauty control. )

  Oh!  It was awful!  I'm still not over it. I just don't do much hair anymore...I'm not responsible....!  Mercy me.

Yesterday I was sitting in

Yesterday I was sitting in my little cubicle at school, trying to plan some therapy sessions for my students.  (I have 20)  Anyways, the door opens and a teacher comes in to chat.  (I'm glad she likes me.) 

Then a little later another one pokes her head in and says "Hi, Happy Valentines Day."   

Soon it opened again...a little girl that wears two hearing aids and coke bottle glasses (literally, they are 1/2 inch thick)... had long black braided pig tails...yes, spanish...came in with her big smile just to see what I was doing.   She needed a hug. Isn't it grand? 

I could smell lunch cooking...chilli and cinnamon rolls!  my favorite! I could hear the cooks laughing! (I think they like each other...they must bound in those early morning hours.)

I have a little stero in there, so I had Kenny G on while I prepare....and I just thought!  This is just too good to be true. I LOVE this job.  I feel so good here.  Thank you Heavenly Father for my fun new job! 

A little more about elementary kids:

1.  The younger ones all have teeth missing...how can they make any sound come out right?  Some are haning by a thread! (Yank that thing out of there!) 

2.  Half of them are dirty and their hair isn't combed and they "fluff". (stinky ones!  they don't try to hold anything!)  They have burgers  too,  and cough in your face.  These kids are selfish with their germs...they share them! 

3.  One 2nd grader had on the biggest pair of steel toed black lace up boots I have ever seen.  They look like they weighed a ton and are always untied. I said, "Gerald, are you shoes too big?"  (He clumped around in them like he was playing  "dress up.")

  He said, "Yeah...my dad bought them for me.  They didn't have my size (3) so he bought the smallest size steel toe boots came in (7!).  I couldn't believe it. What are parents thinking?  They do stupid things like that and then the teachers deal with that nusiance all day. 

4.   One of my students has lice regularly!   Word is that their house is a kennel for all furry four legged friends.  He is so dirty!  and can't say his "R's"  What chance has he got?  His name is Jack.  Poor kid.

5.  A girl come in to  speech therapy and she couldn't make a "th" sound.  It was "f".  I worked with her for 15 minutes and by the end, she could say "Th".  Now next time she comes we do it all again.

  The theory of therapy is make a "pass across the grass," with the underdeveloped sound,  over and over, till it becomes a trail. We take them from syllable, to word, to sentences ,to reading to conversation. 

It's so exciting to see them progress...most often takes years...but it's does happen.

I still have a lot to learn...but  I'm right where I want to be.

 

An "especially" nice week...

In preparation for my motivation/incentives to help my (22) speech kids try their hardest to (even at home) practice their articulation and tongue thrust exercises.....I copied this picture and put it up in my therapy room at the school.  The caption under it reads..."I can do hard things!'

I'll be talking to them about how important it is to have a good attitude...to keep trying...to never give up...to take responsibility for their behavior in all their challenges... to not feel picked on....and to realize that overcoming weaknesses can make us strong!

  You remember the story of Kyle Maynard.  He wrote a book entitled..."No excuses!" I feel inspired and motivated by him.  He's a champion! 

I think it's kind of funny too, cuz then normal guy(wrestler) doesn't quite know what to do with him!  Isn't the mind game so powerful?   What do you think Kyle has been thinking in preparation to go up against this guy?  Indeed, he can do hard things. I think our mind set can be one of our greatest assets or our worst ememy, don't you?   

I love my new job!  I'm still learning but it is perfect for me!  I can't believe I'm getting paid to do the very thing I love to do...help and motivate little people!

I did have an especially nice week, being with my grand kids while R and C went on a little business trip.  Here they are..ready to catch the bus.  I must say...I think these kids are as good as they get. 

Redge and Cyndee are doing a wonderful job of parenting them.  Isn't the true test, to see what they do when mom and dad aren't there?  They passed with an A+++!  They have a good morning schedule of practicing the piano, and  chores. They set their own alarms and earn "dollars" and privileges.   I like how they are learning to take responsibilty for themselves and do things...(even if they don't want to!) I believe it builds character.

It was fun for me to "be the mom" and tell Rhett to "play that again" while he was practicing.  It brought back good memories of "hollering?" at my own kids.  When I told him Rhett used to do that with Redge, he got a big smile.

They read the scriptues every night...out of the Old Testament reader!  They go to bed so good and obey!!! I just didn't have one second of conflict.  They are appreciative and unspoiled.  They still get excited about the little things.  They look out for each other too.   

They are smart and good readers. I did a fluency test with Rhett and he read 249 words in a minute.  I was awestruck!  Megan is right up there as well. 

All this just makes me so happy...plus, I felt the spirit in their home  I know they are living the Gospel. What greater joy could a grandma see?

I felt privileged that Cyndee would trust me to take care of them.  I tried hard to do it just right.  The kids  missed their mom and dad but we did have fun. 

Eli kept winking at me!  Isn't that cute?  He likes the cars on CARS!  And carried them around everywhere!  He's very self entertaining. He played with an little 2 inch plastic boat in the kitchen sink for an hour.  i just loved his little "pretend/play" sounds. 

I want to say to my kids: Enjoy this time of life.  Nothing in more important than what you are doing right now, and the investment in time, energy and effort will all pay off! 

 

  Here's my little balleria and scout!

Happiness is being with grandkids! 

 

My December...

I've loved this month at school.  I helped with the kindergarden for a full week and oh my goodness..it was so much fun.  The teacher I worked with is so fabulous!  She has perfect order and is so creative.  She loves the kids and it shows.   She's been there for 27 years.  Anyway...this is one of her projects...she puts a seasonal quilt up every few months that the kids make, out of paper!    Isn't it so  cool?

These are two girls (first graders)  that I help every day after school. They are twins...Michelle and Nicole.  I truly love them.  They sit close to me and tell me that I'm their favorite!  They even call me Miss BB!  (because of the way I sign their papers..."BB"  I LOVE them!  To think I'm getting paid to get loves from two sweet girls. 

I saved the best for last.  Yesterday, we had the wonderful blessing of going to the Bountiful temple for Annies endowments.   It was so wonderful.  That temple is so beautiful and brought back some good memories of when Shay and Jon were married there.  Annie is so pure and humble and receptive. 

The Barkers were all there as a family for the first time...remember how neat that is, when you reach that goal in life?   I just absolutely loved the whole day!  When Chad hugged me in that (gorgeous) celestial room, he said, 'This is the part that counts, mom!"  for sure it is.  I'm excited thatG ma could go with us.  She's easy to take and reminds us how important it is to be faithful and covenant..all the days of your life.

We went to dinner at Barkers after the session and go to know them a little better.  They are wonderful!  We felt completely comfortable and welcomed there.  The food was fab too! 

I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father gave us good roads to get there and enjoy this very special day with Chad and Annie.  We anticipate another great day coming on the 27th! 

I'll just close saying how grateful I am for the season we celebrate.  I love my Heavenly FAther for giving us the gift of his Son.  I thank him and praise him for making it possible for us to return to him.   

Heavenly Father has helped our family through another year.  He hears and answers our prayers.  I feel so so thankful for all  my many blessings.  I love Him!

I pray that we will all have a safe and healthy  and happy Christmas week.

p.s.   Chad got a job at the Church office building.  He starts Jan. 2nd.  He moves furniture around in offices for the General Authorities...$9.00 an hour!  Can you believe it?  As he said, "tender mercy, mom!"  (For sure!!) They know it's only for 4 months but they hired him. 

He can take the bus from Bountiful if he wants...it picks them up right down the lane from where they will be renting and takes him right to the Church office building.  The hours are 7:30 to 4! (school teacher hours...to match Annie Bug! who is student teaching) WE ARE SO THANKFUL!!!!!!!!

Sunday...the 3rd....

I know ...."long time no post!"  No real reason....either....

Sure have been thinking about and praying for Rachel and Dallins baby.  I  cried when I saw the picture on the blog of her holding Kenadee.   That look in her face describes what it's like to be a mom. A mom's  heart is so connected to her childs well-being!  I heard this once:  "I am only as happy as my saddest child."  I agree with that statement.

I love my kids so much.   I sorrow with their pains and rejoice in their highs. I guess this comes with the years of invested love and sacrifice for them.

I know Grandma still cares so much about each and everyone of us.  I'm so glad we have a good strong family to support each other. Worthingtons!  we are praying for you!

We had a nice Thanksgiving.  The kids that could, came home.  We made some pinecone turkeys and ate good food.  Shay had pre cut out cards that we put together.  We really enjoyed it.  It was especially nice to have Chad and Annie here. 

This is my dry year for Christmas guests.  Makes is harder to want to put up a tree and decorate. I will do a little something but it sure isn't as exciting as last year when I knew we'd have a house full. We have to take turns with the in laws, I realize that.  But I keep thinking about Steve and I waking up on Christmas and not one little kid here to squeal with excitement and run in our room and get in bed with us!  BLAH!!!!  Good thing we have Chad wedding to look forward to.

I loved the Christmas devotional.  Our Prophet is getting older, darn it.  I love him so much.  The music is one of the best parts of Christmas don't you think? I love MO TAB with orchestra. 

Yesterday STeve and I had a bad day.  Did you know women talk code talk?  Yes they do....women talk code talk.  They expect their husbands to read their minds.  At least that's what I did to poor Steve yesterday.  It started with me wanting him to go with me to a baptism and to help clean mom's house. I wanted him to go with me...did I tell him that...oh no! I just hinted and expected him to read my mind.  Then when he didn't get the hint, I was bugged.  He didn't have the faintest idea what he'd done. 

By noon, he was calling me and asking me what was my plans the rest of the day.  All I really had to do was get a few groceries but I still wanted him to come and take me to Subway and be with me.

Did I say that to him...no no!    I just acted coolish and like I was picked on and like I "always had to do things alone."  He offered to come and go with me, but i knew in my logical mind it was silly to expect him to drive in to hold my hand while I bought a gallon of milk.

Finally after a senseless circle conversation, he made the plunge at trying to figure me out and said, "I'm coming in."  So he did and we had a pretty good time after that.

Honestly, I have no idea why I acted that way. I was a jerk and I'm ashamed of it. 

Then, he's so kind and sweet, he ends the day by saying..."I know I need to try harder."  TRY HARDER???  TRy harder what?  Figuring out the impossible?

Mercy!!  I can't believe I wasted a nice December Saturday in such an immature foolish manner. Shape up, Barb.  Shape up!

A day to remember....

We've been looking forward to this temple day for many years.  Today, the Mooneys went to the temple, took out their own endowments and were sealed across the altar for time and eternity.  There were 60 ward members there!  I couldn't believe the support.  Everyone rejoiced in this wonderful beginnning of an eternal family.

Of course, I worried that they would be able to receive it all and not be overwhelmed, but no problem.  They never quit smiling!  Pam said she felt "whole".  John said he didn't have any butterflies.  They both said that they felt at home and completely loved by their Heavenly Father.  They were ready!!!  They can't wait to go again!

John bought a new suit, Pam let me fix her hair...(we held on to each others hands almost the whole time.)  Her white clothes were so so pretty and white.  Makes me think I need some new ones!  G ma went with us.  It was a very very special day.  In fact, I would say...pretty close to perfect!  I am so happy! 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  You cannot go to the temple and not come away uplifted and better.  If we keep the covenants there, we can gain eternal life!  In this holy house, one gets everything in perspective. It renews, lifts, edifys  and gives us the strength and courage to go on! 

Do we realize what we have?  The Mooneys are so appreciative and humble and mature.  They are an inspiration to our whole ward! 

the world of 2nd graders...

Well guess what I've been doing?  I got called to be a sub for a teacher, whose mom is sick and in the hospital in Poky. ( It's Charlene Smith from the 5th ward).

She asked me to take 2nd graders for 4 days.  I gulped and said, "Sure" ...isn't this what I've been wanting and waiting for? (I guess so......but 4 days.... in a row...and what the heck do you say "teach" all day!)  It's not like you can get up there and tell them that their Heavenly Father loves them and  to choose the right!

I have had to figure out Miss Smith's shorthard lesson plans.  Nothing's written out plainly...I spend 2 or 3 hours a night trying to figure out what OP TE page 156 G is?  Everything is written that way.  It's a fgoreign language! One entry read:    Fluency 24, finish the story.  (What's fluency? what story?) One time block:  dictate and practice spelling words...(well, where are they, Charlene?)  One time slot reads:    Read the Decodeable and mark the High frequency words.

I'm telling you...I have been under a strain.  I came home yesterday and let my books fall to the ground, laid on the couch and had a good bawl.  Everything on me hurt esp my head!   I just can't believe how exhausted I was. It's mental and physical and emotional. (Bev and Marcia understand).

Then I have to stay to my afterschool job too..(from 3:15 to 5:15) so I'm gone from 7:30a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Way tooooo long of a day.  I think in a little more time, I will either go one way or the other...not these LONG of days.  Can't hack it.  I'm just trying to keep all doors open and see what I like best.

Teachers like me there and are very helpful.  ONe left me a candy bar on my desk and say.."you're worth a HUNDRED GRAND.  Hang in there, Super Sub! " That made me feel good.

 

Gulp by Gulp, I'm making it through.  Certainly not like the real teacher!  I'm just the sub..not the real thing. ()Not getting paid like the real teacher, either, I might add). I'm getting by and helping a little.  This isn't "learning by leaps and bounds" week for them, it's "get by" week!    I joked with the secretary..."I'll keep them safe from harm.  That's about all I can promise."  she laughed,  "That's good enough." 

Anyway.  I have to tell you about one little first grader over there (Skyler),so you will keep your woes in proper perspective.  He has leukemia.  He is a thin and a stick figure.  high water pants and pale as a ghost.  he coughs the most heart breaking different kind of cough...he's doing some treatment for it which makes him sick.  He loves school.  He's behind.  He's 6 years old and has cancer.  He always has a sweet humble smile.  My heart aches for him.  I could cry just thinking about him.

So, no matter how mad your kids make you, at least they aren't fighting that dragon!   It could certainly be worse.

I'm getting behind at home.  Next week I will sub 2 days and then it's catch up time.  Gotta really buckle down for thanksgiving and Christmas...well, wedding!  And I miss seeing mom and I'm not helping Steve good.  This week is conference.  The satelitte thing. 

Guess i just wanted to tell you that I'm in the 2nd graders world.  You can tell what goes on at home by how they act!  at school!  Some are so loveable and good workers and try,  and some you just wonder what the heck is going on and where is their mother?  They come without coats and in the most pathetic clothes.  They are dirty and eat their boogers and tattle constantly.

"SHHHHHHHHHH!

"Voices off now."

5-4-3-2-1-" (all ways to quiet them down.) 

  Look at me,"

  "Show me you're listening..." 

  "Eyes on me, please."  "My turn."

  We're waiting.  I need you to be quiet now.

Today, I said; "H  E L L O !!!!  (Like Shay does)   

Guess  what one of their spelling words is?  Chrysalis.  Can you believe it?  I hold on to that teachers manner with white knuckles.  I have alot of them telling me what I'm not doing like Miss Smith too.  There's one girl in there that POLICES everything.  She's the one I ask, "What do you do now?"  She never misses a beat.   It's a crazy childrens world. 

When we line up to leave, I spend a full  minute and build and thank them and praise them.   I tell them how smart they are and how important they are and how I woke up excited to come be their teacher! 

  With so much negative going on..(even from some of the teachers), I try to  detox some of it  with happy postives.

  I remember  how I felt as a  mother who  entrusted my child to someone else for 7 hours and I honor and reverence that responsibility.  I pray for the Spirit to help me.

 

Tired but happy.  Miss BB