This is Halloween-Everybody Make a Scene

I worked on making my scene last night. I carved two pumpkins. Jack and Spook. They joined Carter's cute little withered friend on the porch. Maybe I am slightly excited that it is Halloween. Jack's face was inspired by Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King. I couldn't remember it exactly and had lent the movie to Morgan so he has some personality all his own. Spook is inspired by my childhood Halloween spectre created by my parents. My friends will be greeting the ghosts and goblins this evening. I am still considering the bowl on the porch idea. I did hear of someone doing that and someone stole all the candy .... and the bowl!

Spook

Jack

Carter's withered friend

Sweet Pea

What are you going to be for Hallowwen. Me? Possibly a Scrooge. I keep hoping that one of my boys will want to stay home and watch movies and answer the door, Huh? Please? I used to love Halloween. From the decor and costumes, to the passing out candy to cute little spooks from an eerie yard. Now I just want it over. I may even put a bowl of candy on the porch and turn off the lights when it is gone. I am excited to see the costumes of my adorable grandchildren. I hope that I am emailed photos of each of them. I have one already. Dallix the sweet pea. I bought this costume on a clearance and finally we have a baby the right size to wear it. He is so cute. I would totally give him handfuls of prizes for that costume. Happy Haunting everyone.

Thanks to our Helpers

Saturday was roofing day. I want to thank our helpers. I was a little worried that it would be Steve and me up on the roof and not for a romantic bonding experience (See James Taylor).

Steve got to use his bucket of roofing nails that have been stored in the shed for how long?

Liam helped by making sure the desserts were edible.

Dallix helped by making Grammy feel like she was the ultimate toy.

Colton helped by watching Snicker. (What a 'drag')

Tucker helpled by licking the cookies. (Hey! they might have gotten some dust on them)

Kenny taking shingles up on the roof

The lunch feast

Jamey has been such a help through the whole process. I really appreciate all the strong men that helped.

Notice Carter's tool belt. He looked pretty cool.

These two really give me a lot of support.

 I was so glad that Jeremiah jumped up to help when he got home from work. Again we are blessed with good help.

Liam wanted to climb the ladder. I thought he would stop at the top rung...

I was wrong. We had a hard time convincing him to come back down. He cried hard when we wouldn't let him go back up.

  A roof top photo. Want to know how I was brave enough to get this shot? ....

Wait for it .....

Keep scrolling

I am brave enough to climb the attic access ladder. There is just a little bit to finish. Then let the snow fly. I planted the bulbs, I just need to finish winterizing the patio. Then I can sing "All is safely gathered in"

Thanks again- my wonderful children.

Loving

I have always wanted to develop a Christ-like love for others. I have seen my deficencies. Today as a young returned missionary spoke of the Holy Ghost, a sentence he spoke gave my heart little hug. He spoke of how as we read the scriptures (and I will insert the modern news here) and we think of people that listened to the wrong spirit as they made choices that if we hurt for them instead of wishing them hard consequences that we love them. Those are not his exact wrds, but those are the meaning that the Spirit spoke to me. I always feel that pain. When I hear of someone who hurts someone else either on purpose or accidently, I hurt for thme. I wish they didn't have to feel that pain, that their loved ones didn't have to have pain and that whatever consequences they have will be easier to bear, especially as they turn to the Savior. I know that is a little thing and that I have many quirks to mend in my personality and in my soul, but it is kind of nice to have a spiritual confirmation that sometimes I am doing things right. We learned in Relief Society about having Gratitude to our Heavenly Father. One point was made that the only thing we take from this life (and the things on which we will judged) is our attributes that we develop here on earth. I hope that I am showing my gratitude to our Father  by the way I live. He has given me everything. Maybe my soul's bank account is growing a little more each day. I hope to be humble, wise, quick to see the needs around me, more perfect in keeping the commandments, but I am glad that I am learning how to love my heavenly brothers and sisters.

Homage to Spiders

WARNING Arachnophobics- beware there are pictures of spiders in this post. I like the little critters. I can see the benefit that they are to me. Let me also say that I can see the benefits of snakes, but will not ever blog about them, let alone take a photo of either a real snake or an artistic one. Spiders and I do have an understanding that they are never supposed to crawl on me. I will react and send them flying. Do any of my kids remember Manny? I loved watching the beautiful orb shaped web above our door. Remember the taratula that Hayden and Carter caught a couple of years ago? I guess I don't remember fully, because I can't remember it's name. Kenny loves catching those big honking spiders in the basement. He named one Talulla (SP). I always thought they were wolf spiders but they are actually something different. (I can't remember the correct name now! hahaha) My friend makes neat spider jewelry. See the pictures.

(Phobics settle down- these are the only pictures)

I love my spiders...especially the sparkling ones.

 

.

Homeward Bound

Bountiful High presented their fall choral concert- Homeward Bound. We attended last night. I must say that I was very taken with a nice young man in Pheonix. He was very entertaining. He made me get tears in my eyes. I loved the concert.

My handsome Baby Boy

I think my favorite song was Shenandoah sung by Pheonix. I also thoroughly enjoyed: The Water of Tyne (Xela) Oh Dear, What Can the Matter BE? (Xela) Wood River (Women) I loved all of the Pheonix songs which also included: Cape Cod Girls and I Must Tell Jesus. I loved Polly Wolly Doodle by Concert choir. They finished up the evening with Homeward Bound and Praise His Holy Name with all the choirs. It was a great evening. It was so nice to have Steve at the concert with me. That is a rare occurance. I also loved that Hayden was able to attend.

Crazy at Both Ends

For Red Ribbon Week. (Say that three times fast) we had Crazy Hair and Socks Day. Here is how I celebrated. Alaina also had Crazy Hair Day. I am including it also. I tried to get my fake eyelashes. I think they were the best. It is causing quite a stir. I wonder how bad my hair is looking under the wig. I may be wearing it to Carter's Concert tonight!

Half of All is Gathered In

I spent last night planting roses, clipping shrubs, cleaning out gardens, putting away patio cushions etc. I sitll need to put away the tiles from the table, plant bulbs etc. Ask me if I accomplished all this as I may need some prodding. I kind of want to get cozy with a mug of hot cocoa and a scary movie or even just to listen to Tales form the Tomb. Now that is a good time. I am planning on listening to it sometime this week.  
  I guess the Rec center days are upon me. It's not my favorite way to exercise. Maybe it will be a novelty for the first few times. I am finding that there just aren't enough hours in the day. I could about 6 more. Anyone else?
  It is Red Ribbon Week this week at my school. I forgot to wear red yesterday. Today was  'Dress up and get your picture taken '. (It was also yearbook picture day)  I choose to wear red today. Everyone keeps complimenting me on the color. Maybe I should invest in more red clothes. Why is it that when I smile in a mirror I look okay, but when I smile for a camera, I look like a dork?
Anyone?

Oops!

Sorry, just had three crazy days. Thursday, I cleaned the basement to make room for Jeremiah's freezer. By the time I was through the day was gone. Friday was the same. I spent the whole day doing the mundane and just wanted to spend a little time on my choice of activites. Oh,well, at least my basement is a little more organized. I have so much to do right now. My yard needs attention before the snow flies this week, our roof needs to be finished, there is always work, meals and concerts to attend. I got another nose bleed yesterday- to quote a favorite movie of mine, " I am sick and tired of these stupid things happening to me and somebody better do something about it soon"  Hey, if you know what movie it's from and are the first to respond...you will win some homemade cards and a treat! I am talking to Superman on the phone...he knew it...he doesn't get the prize because he didn't leave a comment. I am wishing all my loved ones a happy week with all 'safely gathered in' at your house.

Trust

I am so thrilled about the new lessons for the YW and YM. We  studied them as a presidency last night. It could be kind of overwhelming. All teachers will need to coordinate with their counterparts. They will need to studying the topic. They will need to pray. They will need to trust.
  As they walk into a class, they will be teaching by the Spirit. It is like Heavenly Father is telling us- I know these youth. I know how to talk to them. I will talk to them. I am trusting you to set the stage. Now trust me.
  I wish I could be a teacher of the youth. What a spiritual workout each teacher is going to experience. I have great faith in the leaders and teachers of my sons. I have seen them already practicing these principles. I don't usually hope for callings, but if we are released soon(speculation only, I hope we are wrong) I would love to be a youth teacher.
My wish and goal for myself is to learn and grow and live my testimony. I want everyone I meet to experience my testimony by the way I love and live. It would be great to not have to depend on mortal words to share. I know I have a long way to go, but I think that Heavenly Father is taking us to a new level as we face the last days. It is a great feeling. I am grateful that He trusts us also.

Blessings

  I think it is incredible that Heavenly Father left His power on earth and made it so readily available to us. Steve gave me a blessing last night. It was just what I needed to hear. I know that Steve is very prayerful and never promises things in blessings unless he is prompted to do so. I was promised some pretty neat things last night. I think my favorite was that I will be able to teach and share some very important things to others. I look forward to those opportunities.
  More blessings for me. Nose feels great today. So does my jaw. It didn't rain on me on my way to work. I think I have my hectic evening worked out. I am excited to feed my family dinner tonight. I still have a great job.
  I am a little worried about getting everything 'safely gathered in- ere the winter storms begin'. Especially the plants that Marinda gave me, but I am so excited for them. I want to plant a lot of them on the west side of my house. I just need to cart in some of our good garden soil and till it in. I wish I was a little better at running the tiller...as it is, I think it runs me!

 Just loaded these fun pictures from Myra's pony party. Thought I would share them.

Little things can sink a ship

Or in this case, cripple a librarian. Karma strikes again. A few weeks ago, Hayden got a bloody nose. Granted it was a heavy one, but I was not sympathetic. He was panicking and I was tired and made Steve take care of him. I know he wanted to go to an emergency room, but I was patient and waited it out.
This morning I got a bloody nose at 7:00. It is still going. I am starting to get a little concerned, but only enough to go home after my last class in 1/2 hour. I took a lot of Ibuprofen last week and I am sure I have thin blood. I am also sure that the change of seasons is partially to blame, but dang it...I am NOT going to the doctor for a bloody nose and dang it ....I hate giving up sick leave for a bloody  nose. Any advice???? (Rats, I just got my shirt.)

Explaining Sacred Treasures

This morning, we took two of our grandchildren to church. A very  new experience for them.  I loved sharing with them the sacrament. As I was explaining that we are promising Jesus that we will try our hardest to be kind and follow Him as we take the Sacrament, Cory told me that Jesus died on the cross. I confirmed that was true, but was able to tell him that the Savior is alive, that He was resurrected and that I love to promise Him that I will try. I think they understood and felt good feelings there. It kind of went down hill during Primary. It was so foreign to them. I tried to get them to give it a chance but they were pretty scared. When the entire Primary sang to them and waved 'Hello', it freaked them out. Their teachers were wonderful. I felt the love of these two beautiful women and appreciated their efforts. I feel so bad that these little ones have never felt the love of a Primary teacher. I will try again, but I am not sure how to teach these little ones the joy of following the Savior. I wish I could have taught their father the same thing. It wasn't as easy as I thought. I love my Savior. Knowing Him makes me happy. How do I share that? I am trying to live it and say it. I am still praying for wisdom and the right words.

"Soup" er Saturday

Today is wild and wooly. I started out with a YW meeting. Then zooming around to get ready to preserve vegetable soup with Marinda. I am teachng her to use the pressure canner. Today is also 'work on the roof' day. We are finally getting the damaged repaired and are feeling the love of our neighbors with the project. Suddenly I realize that these strong workers are going to get hungry. So I frantically ran to the store and made a couple of pots of soup for everyone. The first batch of veggie soup is just about ready to come out of the canner. it feels so good. There is something about doing things for yourself that is very satisfying. I was talking with a friend the other day and she couldn't understand why I like this. I was telling her that my niece Mindy is sharing a recipe for Hazel nut spread. She wonders why I would make my own....Try it...it is a good feeling. I would love to do a type of homemade party (similiar to the incredible Favorites party hosted by a bff) and exchange all the incredible priceless things we create. Anyone on board for that?

Superman Once Again Comes Through

I am living in a bit of a comedy. What else can happen? But that is what keeps life interesting. My main car is a bike, (although admittedly I have been able to borrow the van for a few days), we have no TV at our house, (started out as a way to save money...now there is no way we want it)
No cell phone..get where my life is going? Well, my hand me down washer stopped working a while ago. M and K were living with us and let us use theirs.....they moved last week. So there was a hole where the washing machine should be. My attitude is that we will just do what needs to be done. I planned to visit the laundermat weekly until we figured something out. Talk about sticker shock. It costs $2.50 to wash a load of clothes. That is washing only- no dryer! But I was still willing to do that. I realized that I would probably get stuck hand washing underwear some days, because the car situation is not always optimum. Superman rolled  up his sleeves and figured out what the problem was with the washer. He is finishing up the repair job this morning. I am very happy, because even though I was willing to visit the laundermat and save for a new washer...I really loved that hand me down washer. The best washer we have ever had. I am looking forward to seeing my old friend shortly. I know the boys are looking forward to getting clean clothes in a timely manner even though they forget to donate the dirties to the hamper regularly .
Thank you to my 'friend' superman.

Dang!

I thought I had done a post yesterday, but apparently the fatigue of 5 hours sleep out of 48 is wearing on me, so I am posting early today. Pain. Why? I have been suffering this week with face pain again. I am not sure if I have a bad tooth, inflamed sinuses or the old Trigeminal Neuralgia is at work.I have been consuming large quantities of Ibuprofen and caffeinated drinks. As I have prayed for relief, I am impressed that there is a purpose to this experience. Today as I was driving home from the daily drop offs of children, I thought about pain. This is a pain I could never have imagined until I went through it. Then I remembered that the Savior went through a pain that I know I will never be able to imagine. And He did it for me! Am I worth it? I am learning that Heavenly Father and Jesus think I was worth it. That gives me much to reflect on. I need to keep trying to become who they want me to be. I need to value myself better. I need to be more grateful
   Today is Lacey June Johnson Lindsey's birthday. What a treasure she has been. I was so happy when she was born. I was really wishing for another daughter and she fit my wants perfectly. She is so beautiful, talented, smart and I am very happy of her. I wish her a perfect day. I hope she is happy today and loving life. I love you Lacey June.

10 Things I Love About My Job

Shopping for new books- I love to look at all the new books that are constantly coming out. I love to search out the Newbery Awards. etc. I have friend librarians that are great at choosing books and I watch the things they are getting.

Receiving new books- I love to open the boxes and see all the new books. It is kind of like birthdays and Christmas many times over.... And no guilt over spending my own money!

Presenting new books- This is probably my favorite aspect of my job. I love to read a chapter or two of a new book and then teasingly close the cover. Then I watch the stampede. The book goes onto a forever long hold list.

Helping struggling readers find a just right book- Sometimes you meet little students that just aren't readers. They hate to check out the 'baby' books. I love to work out deals with them where if they read a few easy books and pass their quizzes, I will treat them to a trip to the treasure box.

Being The Captain- Do I really need to go into this? I love being The Captain. Most of my little pirates are very respectful and love that they are plundering pirates in search of treasure.

Introducing new technology to students-  I have loved teaching the kids about QR codes and implementing new ideas to utilize them. We have treasure codes this year. However, it is biting me...I have to convince them to get a book because it looks interesting to them, not because I QRed it. I also love showing them the Destiny Quest- a page wher ethey can search books, keep track of what they read and want to read and chaat with their friends,

Getting to know the district librarians-  No kidding. The greatest group of people I have met in the school system so far. (On the whole) I love the teachers here but my friend librarians are so supportive. I hope I am as cool as they are someday.

Weeding books- I thought I wouldn't be able to throw away books, but I have found that it is necessary and a little bit fun to get rid of outdated, ugly, dusty books. Then I get to fill the shelves with the nice new books that I got to order.

Being the Tech person for  the video system-  The district purchased a video system then took away all the teachers old videos. Someone has to teach them how to run it. It is me. At first, it was a little scary, but they trained us well.They also support us well and when a teacher has really messed things up, they call me and tell me how to fix it and I look very smart.

Book reviewing- Hey, I have to review all those new books so I know what to warn the students about. I love reading all the new stuff. I can recommend some very good books to you. Just ask or come see me. I will keep you away from the TV for awhile

I love my job!

Winter Clothes

I dragged out my winter clothes this morning. I wasn't very happy about it. I don't like my winter clothes. I don't like my winter shoes. But I did find my gray sweater that I like. It has felt cozy and comfortable all day. I couldn't find my pants and skirts. Where could they be? I sure hate to buy new pants but I can't wear levis everyday. Oh, the pain of winter. I wish I liked my stuff but it was all acquired by hand me down or desperation. Does anyone know a place to get cute affordable clothes? It would also help if I hadn't put on 30 pounds!!!
  I am excited to wear new stupid boots. I am excited to wear the Trump robe. I am excited to cuddle with Steve and feel secure.
Farewell sandals and capris (sniff sniff)

My RX

Here is my prescription for a happier mother of seven. one ride in a car with a picnic and superman. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day of conference and grandchildren. I loved conference and can't wait to start studying the words that touched my heart this weekend. I loved visiting with Lacey, Mark, Stephanie, Richard , Alaina and Emma. I feel hope. I feel like I can strive to do it all again. I will clean my house, preserve the the food, launder the clothes, work the library, visit teach, Young  Women and all the other wonderful things in my life. It might even be alright if the frost comes and kills and the beauty and feasting we have been enjoying. I am so grateful to my parents for giving me the gift of listening to Conference. It was a soothing weekend.
  It's almost Dinner in a Pumpkin time!!

Describe the Smell of Grapes

Okay so describe the smell of grapes. I can't but I love it. I am making grape juice right now and the smell is incredible. It is just grape. I am 'grapeful' to my friend Marci for letting me have her grapes. We also spent the morning making apple juice with our adorable neice, Mindy, and  her also adorable family. It was so fun. She shared some hazel nuts from her yard...yummy. Ethan helped me crack some and reminded me of a squirrel because he was enjoying the nuts so. I hope to get a hazelnut start from Mindy next year.
   Yesterday as I was riding my bike home from District meetings, I rode slow. I had such poetic phrases in my mind. I noticed the red and orange freckle face mountains. They smiled at me and I smiled at them. There were redwinged blackbirds meeting and flying like ripples in a river. I felt wind hugs and sun kisses all the way home. It was great....I just remembered that I didn't get a ride today. Yikes!
  So I am spending the days, getting everything' safely gathered in'. I am mindful that I have sweet children and grandchildren that I need to safely gather in also. It seems like that task is a little more daunting. I think the spiritual winter storms are about ready to begin. 
  Now I need to decide if the tomatoes are worth trying to save tonight....I think so. I am just not ready to give them up yet!

Where I'm From

  This year Davis Reads, a program sponsered by the school district (and libraries!) is featuring an author named George Ella Lyon. She wrote a poem -Where I'm From. We are encourgaed to write a similiar poem. I was actually assigned to write one as part of my job. It was harder than I thought buit a lot of fun. I started out writing about my married life and ended up with my childhood. I encourage you to try and write it also. Visit this website for a template to help write the poem and learn more about Davis Reads. www.tinyurl.com/davisreads2012-13
Click on the tab to write your poem.


I hope you will share your poem with me if you take the challenge. Here is mine: 

 I am from a worn untuned piano that rang with love, from Epoxy glue and a giant rusted swing that launched me high into the sky on many an adventure.

I am from burnt orange carpet, dark wood paneling lovingly sanded by my father and a bedroom with slanted ceilings that left various lined bruises when I rounded a corner too fast.

I am from hollyhocks with pink ruffled skirts which with some effort became royal ladies dancing at a ball and from fragrant grapes with promises of cold drinks in front of a crackling fire on a frosty winter evening.

I am from fresh cut Christmas trees decorated with single brilliant bulbs adorned with reflectors and real lead tinsel , from hazel eyes, from Mother who loved with all her heart and Debi that shared my room and my deepest thoughts and Bruno the Boxer that stole Halloween candy and made my Midge doll flat chested.

I am from quick wits in a lively conversation and the humorous memories retold with laughter around the old kitchen table.

I am from hiding in the covers with fingers in my ears as I tremble to the wailing violins of the Perry Mason theme song.

From letters to Santa burned and lifted with the poker up a smoking black chimney to be read by the elves and worries of permanently crossed eyes that would ‘stick that way’ if I pulled a face.

I am from Scriptures and Hymns full of comfort, peace and love sung with voices that blended well with mine.

I’m from Salt Lake City and Scotland, Mexican Chicken and Vegetables and gooey golden strings of cheese baked to perfection in my mother’s fresh dough.

From the neighborhood water fight that started as a glass of water propelled across the dining table by my oldest brother, from the family camping trip in the dark and lonely desert that scared everyone, including Mom and Dad, and the cat that I dressed in doll dresses and christened weekly.

I am from a worn photo album with thick black deckle edged paper and a spicy perfumed cedar chest that I reverently peered into once a year. I am from memories that can’t be robbed, or burnt or buried , that can only be lost through neglect.

A Challenge for Myself

  I am challenging myself to post a little something everyday this month. I don't post alot because I don't feel very exciting these days. But I do have excitement...like a bike crash on the trail. Home bottled vegetable soup (amongst other canning adventures) the Hotel Johnson, new books discovered, funny grandchildren and life is just so funny when I get over crying.
Today is Alaina's birthday. I wish her a very happy birthday and am visiting her this Sunday. I still remember the thrilling moment when Grandma Kathy and I heard the "It's a girl!", and the squeals from both of us. She has always been a princess to me. I had that same thrill with each of my kiddies. I will try and send you all birthday wishes on the blog this year. I wish her the best 6th birthday she will ever have.