Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
This year for New Years Eve we decided to stay home and have fun with my parents and kids. We broke out the munchies and played some of our favorite games. After we had played Catch Phrase and Guesstures my youngest daughter was reading the names of some of the other games we had out and instead of "Balderdash" she said "Bladderdash." We all had a good laugh at her mistake and then had fun making suggestions about how that game would be played. Our favorite was " 4 desperate people compete in a 100 yard dash to one toilet...one winner and 3 disgraced and embarrassed."
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Did your goals change as you grew up, or did they stay the same?
When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.
When I was in my early teens I wanted to be a commercial artist.
Both of those ambitions were quickly and easily forgotten. One goal that I always kept was being a mom. That one I did follow through with, although I only have 3 children, not the large family I planned as a child.
When I was a teenager, I had a different ambition. As a looked at women I knew, my Mom, her friends, ladies in my church, I noticed that the ones who were the busiest were also the ones you could count on to get something done. They seemed to be able to do it all. I wanted to be that kind of a person when I grew up.
I'm not sure if I've accomplished that one yet, I'm note exactly sure that is even a realistic goal, but I do know that I like to be busy and involved and I do think that I function well when I'm under pressure. I hope that I've proven I am someone that can be counted on to get things done.
My new career goal, for when I grow up, is to be either #1 an academic adviser at the college level, or as a close 2nd, a high school counselor.
I am now 72 credits towards a bachelors degree in psychology, and then I intend to get a master's degree in school counseling which will lend itself well to either career.
So I guess life sometimes takes some turns we didn't expect, but sometimes a change of direction can be a good thing.
Did your goals change as you grew up, or did they stay the same?
When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.
When I was in my early teens I wanted to be a commercial artist.
Both of those ambitions were quickly and easily forgotten. One goal that I always kept was being a mom. That one I did follow through with, although I only have 3 children, not the large family I planned as a child.
When I was a teenager, I had a different ambition. As a looked at women I knew, my Mom, her friends, ladies in my church, I noticed that the ones who were the busiest were also the ones you could count on to get something done. They seemed to be able to do it all. I wanted to be that kind of a person when I grew up.
I'm not sure if I've accomplished that one yet, I'm note exactly sure that is even a realistic goal, but I do know that I like to be busy and involved and I do think that I function well when I'm under pressure. I hope that I've proven I am someone that can be counted on to get things done.
My new career goal, for when I grow up, is to be either #1 an academic adviser at the college level, or as a close 2nd, a high school counselor.
I am now 72 credits towards a bachelors degree in psychology, and then I intend to get a master's degree in school counseling which will lend itself well to either career.
So I guess life sometimes takes some turns we didn't expect, but sometimes a change of direction can be a good thing.
Pup-date
Remember that sweet little black pup Lucy Lu? Well she has grown and right now I think she is mainly a furry food processor with teeth....LOTS OF TEETH!
I started referring to the little ankle biter as the devil dog, but the kids changed it and we now call her "Lucy-fer. " Her day consists of waking up, eating, chewing on toys, pooping outside,
chewing on dirty socks, pooping inside, chewing on clean socks, chewing on furniture, drinking, chewing on us, sleeping (because her chewing was driving us crazy so we put her in her kennel) chewing on papers she pulled out of the garbage, pooping, bothering the cat, attacking our ankles, trying to play tug-of-war with our pant legs, chewing on anything withing 18 inches of the floor, chewing on my kitchen chair legs, and....well you get the idea. It's a good thing she is so soft and cute or we would have killed her by now. It's actually a miracle that no one has tripped over her and fallen on her smashing her to death yet. I'm trying to be patient because I know, having raised two other schnauzer pups before her, that she will outgrow the chewing phase, and will also eventually be housebroken. Her most redeeming quality at this point is that fact that as her fur grows she is turning out to be curly and soft like our Lilly that we lost. I can't bring myself to have her groomed because her curls are so cute!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas
Yesterday was my family Christmas party. My two brothers and I and my sister plus spouses and children for a total of 17 people at my parents home for the day. We have a couple of traditions that we all look forward to every year. The first one is not all that unusual but the second is a bit unconventional.
#1 We start our party in the morning and the first activity involves eating Aebelskivers. My Dad's ancestors came from Denmark and this is a bit of a tribute to his heritage. Aebelskivers are a little round cake similar to a donut and traditionally they have a little piece of apple or an almond in the center. When my mom makes them she puts apples in all of them except one and that one has an almond. The person who gets the almond gets to open the first gift.
#2 The second tradition revolves around this old bra box and started about 30 years ago when I was a child. One Christmas my Grandma wrapped a gift for one of her sons-in-law in this box without realizing what the box said. It proved to be a bit embarrassing and funny when they opened it and read the box. Now every year my mom wraps a gift for someone in the bra box. She usually picks an adult and often a man because it seems to be funnier that way. We all look forward to seeing who will get the bra box and what will be in it. Even though we know it will happen every year, we still all clap and cheer and laugh when someone gets it. This year my 14 year old son got the box and it contained a Hollister shirt. I think this may have been some kind of initiation into the adult world of our family.
Well, so far the best money I spent on a Christmas gift this year was the $5. I spent on my lttle 1 yr old nephew Caleb. I got him a little car that looks like the race car on the Disney Cars movie. When you shake the car it makes a noise like an engine starting and revving up. Then when you put it on the floor it drives forward. The car made a noise while he was opening it and his eyes got big. Then when he got the car open and saw what it did he squealed with delight and played with it over and over again, and appeared to be amazed every time it did its thing. I'm glad I have little nieces and nephews because my kids aren't that small any more and there is something fun about having little ones around on Christmas.
#1 We start our party in the morning and the first activity involves eating Aebelskivers. My Dad's ancestors came from Denmark and this is a bit of a tribute to his heritage. Aebelskivers are a little round cake similar to a donut and traditionally they have a little piece of apple or an almond in the center. When my mom makes them she puts apples in all of them except one and that one has an almond. The person who gets the almond gets to open the first gift.
#2 The second tradition revolves around this old bra box and started about 30 years ago when I was a child. One Christmas my Grandma wrapped a gift for one of her sons-in-law in this box without realizing what the box said. It proved to be a bit embarrassing and funny when they opened it and read the box. Now every year my mom wraps a gift for someone in the bra box. She usually picks an adult and often a man because it seems to be funnier that way. We all look forward to seeing who will get the bra box and what will be in it. Even though we know it will happen every year, we still all clap and cheer and laugh when someone gets it. This year my 14 year old son got the box and it contained a Hollister shirt. I think this may have been some kind of initiation into the adult world of our family.
Well, so far the best money I spent on a Christmas gift this year was the $5. I spent on my lttle 1 yr old nephew Caleb. I got him a little car that looks like the race car on the Disney Cars movie. When you shake the car it makes a noise like an engine starting and revving up. Then when you put it on the floor it drives forward. The car made a noise while he was opening it and his eyes got big. Then when he got the car open and saw what it did he squealed with delight and played with it over and over again, and appeared to be amazed every time it did its thing. I'm glad I have little nieces and nephews because my kids aren't that small any more and there is something fun about having little ones around on Christmas.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Confessions
Confession #1
I bombed one of my finals...Okay not entirely, I got the lowest grade on any exam so far in my college career. In my defense, I did study, but I also found out the night before the test that someone I'm close to has cancer so I was a bit distracted. (I thankfully did well enough on the rest of the stuff in that class to balance it out though and still meet my goal for the grade I wanted.)
Confession #2
I haven't actually seen my husband since... I'm not sure, I think it was maybe Tuesday night. It's crunch time at Angels for Christmas so I'm spending a lot of time there. When I get home at night he's already asleep, and when I get up in the morning he's already left for work. I do talk to him on the phone once in a while, but I'm starting to miss him. Thanks honey for being supportive and understanding! Only a couple more days!!
Confession #3
I haven't wrapped any gifts for my kids and put them under the tree yet. Yes I have bought some of them, but I still need to finish my shopping and start my wrapping. I usually like to get my Christmas shopping done early, that hasn't happened this year.
Confession #4
I like to go skinny dipping in my hot tub. It's outside in our back yard. It's nice and peaceful late at night when it's dark. If I'm careful, and lucky my neighbors won't see me and laugh!
Well, I feel much better now that I have all of that off my chest, I think I'll go to bed.
I bombed one of my finals...Okay not entirely, I got the lowest grade on any exam so far in my college career. In my defense, I did study, but I also found out the night before the test that someone I'm close to has cancer so I was a bit distracted. (I thankfully did well enough on the rest of the stuff in that class to balance it out though and still meet my goal for the grade I wanted.)
Confession #2
I haven't actually seen my husband since... I'm not sure, I think it was maybe Tuesday night. It's crunch time at Angels for Christmas so I'm spending a lot of time there. When I get home at night he's already asleep, and when I get up in the morning he's already left for work. I do talk to him on the phone once in a while, but I'm starting to miss him. Thanks honey for being supportive and understanding! Only a couple more days!!
Confession #3
I haven't wrapped any gifts for my kids and put them under the tree yet. Yes I have bought some of them, but I still need to finish my shopping and start my wrapping. I usually like to get my Christmas shopping done early, that hasn't happened this year.
Confession #4
I like to go skinny dipping in my hot tub. It's outside in our back yard. It's nice and peaceful late at night when it's dark. If I'm careful, and lucky my neighbors won't see me and laugh!
Well, I feel much better now that I have all of that off my chest, I think I'll go to bed.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Let it snow!
My son has been watching the morning news while he gets ready for school. He lives to ski in the winter and wants to see the weather report to see if we're going to get more snow. Actually he wants to know if The Canyons is getting any snow.
I on the other hand live in the wrong part of the world. I don't ski. I don't like cold. I only like to look at snow from the inside of a window, and not a car window either. I don't like to spend any amount of time out in it. But, in the right circumstances even I will admit that it is beautiful, and I know that we do need it for the water. Yesterday was one of the snow days I didn't mind. I went up to the main campus for a Christmas luncheon for regional campus and distance education people.
The lunch was held at the Alumni House which is right on campus but from inside you would never know it. It snowed lightly during the event, and looking out the windows, you would swear you were out in the middle of the woods. All you could see was trees and snow.
And, let me give my compliments to the chef!
The food was wonderful. I have had several opportunities to attend events where campus catering provided the food, and I am impressed. Everything was both beautiful and delicious.
I on the other hand live in the wrong part of the world. I don't ski. I don't like cold. I only like to look at snow from the inside of a window, and not a car window either. I don't like to spend any amount of time out in it. But, in the right circumstances even I will admit that it is beautiful, and I know that we do need it for the water. Yesterday was one of the snow days I didn't mind. I went up to the main campus for a Christmas luncheon for regional campus and distance education people.
The lunch was held at the Alumni House which is right on campus but from inside you would never know it. It snowed lightly during the event, and looking out the windows, you would swear you were out in the middle of the woods. All you could see was trees and snow.
And, let me give my compliments to the chef!
The food was wonderful. I have had several opportunities to attend events where campus catering provided the food, and I am impressed. Everything was both beautiful and delicious.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The End
Finals may be over (sigh of relief) but if you're like me the semester doesn't really feel like it's over until you see your final grades.
The waiting part is worse than the studying part of taking finals.
I am still anxiously awaiting one grade.
But, so far so good. I met my goal in my other classes.
Life has not slowed down much though. I am happy to be finished with classes because there is so much to be doing for Angels for Christmas. This Saturday and next Monday are the days that the families will be coming to pick up their gifts so we are very busy shopping, sorting, and wrapping. I have been so impressed with the generosity of this community. It is amazing to see the gifts come flooding in, from clothes shoes and coats, to scooters, mp3 players, bikes, dolls, and even car seats and cribs for babies that need them. I love being involved in this project, seeing all of the gifts pile up on tables, watching youth groups come in and wrap, and knowing that all of the kids in my area will have gifts this Christmas even if their family is going through a tough time.
The waiting part is worse than the studying part of taking finals.
I am still anxiously awaiting one grade.
But, so far so good. I met my goal in my other classes.
Life has not slowed down much though. I am happy to be finished with classes because there is so much to be doing for Angels for Christmas. This Saturday and next Monday are the days that the families will be coming to pick up their gifts so we are very busy shopping, sorting, and wrapping. I have been so impressed with the generosity of this community. It is amazing to see the gifts come flooding in, from clothes shoes and coats, to scooters, mp3 players, bikes, dolls, and even car seats and cribs for babies that need them. I love being involved in this project, seeing all of the gifts pile up on tables, watching youth groups come in and wrap, and knowing that all of the kids in my area will have gifts this Christmas even if their family is going through a tough time.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Finals time
Contrary to how it might seem, if I haven't posted for a few days, its not because there is nothing going on and I don't have anything to say, its the exact opposite. (You should know that I never run out of things to say!) It actually means that I'm so busy I haven't had time to get on the computer and write it all down. So, here is a quick run-down of what The last few days in my life have been like.
FRIDAY- I went to the main campus for a regional campus representative meeting and while I was in Logan I ran a few errands. I got home about 4:00, changed clothes and checked in with my kids before leaving for the Brigham campus with my Hubby for the staff and faculty Christmas party. The food was done by USU's catering so of course it was wonderful. After the party I had a class at 8:00 and I had to do my final presentation. I actually don't mind doing presentations, I think they are kind of fun, but since I had been running all day I hadn't had time to go over it right before the class so I didn't feel like it was as good as it could have been, but I'm happy it is over with.
SATURDAY: I tried to get a few things done in my house before going to a baby shower for my niece and then leaving for the game in Salt Lake. The game was great even though we didn't win. I was very impressed (and proud) when I saw how many USU fans were in the crowd. We definitely outnumbered and out cheered the BYU fans. I think I'm getting old though. I found that sitting in the student section was a little loud for my liking, my ears were ringing, and I had a headache by the time the game was over.
MONDAY: Finally a day to stay home (mostly) I did laundry and studied for finals all day. Monday night my parents came to my house for a turkey dinner and then we all went shopping together to but gifts for the Angels for Christmas family we adopted. It was great to get all of my kids involved. My 10 yr old especially enjoyed picking things out for the 2 yr old girl in the family. She insisted on being the one to pick out the cute clothes for her and debated for a long time about what kind of toy to get. (the girl had not requested a specific item, just a toy). My daughter ended up deciding that for a little girl, you can't go wrong with a baby doll with blankets and bottles and other accessories.
So for the rest of this week I'll be studying a lot and taking tests, much like everyone else on many campuses. Good luck everyone!!
FRIDAY- I went to the main campus for a regional campus representative meeting and while I was in Logan I ran a few errands. I got home about 4:00, changed clothes and checked in with my kids before leaving for the Brigham campus with my Hubby for the staff and faculty Christmas party. The food was done by USU's catering so of course it was wonderful. After the party I had a class at 8:00 and I had to do my final presentation. I actually don't mind doing presentations, I think they are kind of fun, but since I had been running all day I hadn't had time to go over it right before the class so I didn't feel like it was as good as it could have been, but I'm happy it is over with.
SATURDAY: I tried to get a few things done in my house before going to a baby shower for my niece and then leaving for the game in Salt Lake. The game was great even though we didn't win. I was very impressed (and proud) when I saw how many USU fans were in the crowd. We definitely outnumbered and out cheered the BYU fans. I think I'm getting old though. I found that sitting in the student section was a little loud for my liking, my ears were ringing, and I had a headache by the time the game was over.
MONDAY: Finally a day to stay home (mostly) I did laundry and studied for finals all day. Monday night my parents came to my house for a turkey dinner and then we all went shopping together to but gifts for the Angels for Christmas family we adopted. It was great to get all of my kids involved. My 10 yr old especially enjoyed picking things out for the 2 yr old girl in the family. She insisted on being the one to pick out the cute clothes for her and debated for a long time about what kind of toy to get. (the girl had not requested a specific item, just a toy). My daughter ended up deciding that for a little girl, you can't go wrong with a baby doll with blankets and bottles and other accessories.
So for the rest of this week I'll be studying a lot and taking tests, much like everyone else on many campuses. Good luck everyone!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Angels For Christmas
Last night I spent the evening at the old Kmart building in Brigham City where we had a group of young women wrapping gifts for Angels for Christmas. I can't wait to get finished with my classes and be able to devote more time to Angels, there is so much that I could be working on there right now and I'm looking forward to getting more involved. The gifts are, thankfully, starting to come in because I think we a pretty close to having 1000 kids to provide gifts for.
And the winner is...
The little black girl pup!
My daughter finally has her long awaited little schnauzer puppy.
She was 5 weeks old on Monday and the mama dog is tired of feeding the babies so my sister-in-law brought her to us this morning and she's all ours.
My daughter has named this little cutie Lucy Lu and we already love her. She's so tiny and sweet and such a baby still that all she wants to do most of the time is snuggle in someones arms.
Unfortunately I have plenty to do right now other than playing with puppies. Like most students I'm up to my eyeballs in school work this week. I turned in one paper today and now I need to finish the paper and presentation that are due Friday night and immediately jump into studying for finals. One more week and the semester is over...time flies when you are having fun!
My daughter finally has her long awaited little schnauzer puppy.
She was 5 weeks old on Monday and the mama dog is tired of feeding the babies so my sister-in-law brought her to us this morning and she's all ours.
My daughter has named this little cutie Lucy Lu and we already love her. She's so tiny and sweet and such a baby still that all she wants to do most of the time is snuggle in someones arms.
Unfortunately I have plenty to do right now other than playing with puppies. Like most students I'm up to my eyeballs in school work this week. I turned in one paper today and now I need to finish the paper and presentation that are due Friday night and immediately jump into studying for finals. One more week and the semester is over...time flies when you are having fun!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Festival Tree
This afternoon Student Government donated and set up a tree to be sold to benefit the new hospital being built in Tremonton.
The event, which is similar to The Festival of Trees, will be held at the new Calls Country Nursery building in Elwood (9880 North 5300 West ... South of Crossroads)
You can go see the trees and enjoy the entertainment Dec 3- 5 (Wed- Fri) from 1:00 - 8:00.
The admission is $1.00 per person or $5.00 for a family.
There will be a silent auction for the trees that will end Friday at 8:00pm
We didn't have a lot of notice, so it was a fairly quick project to take on. If they do it again next year, it would be fun to plan ahead and get students involved in making some really cool ornaments. Despite only having two weeks notice, I think it turned out pretty good. We decorated it in Aggie Blue, and went with an Angel theme to represent our Angels for Christmas project that we're working on.
It was fun and I'm happy with how it turned out, so now back to working on my project that's due Friday night!
Thanksgiving
How was Thanksgiving for everyone? Is the holiday a chance to relax or an opportunity to catch up on school work and study for finals?
For me it was a little bit of both.
We traveled to Twenty-nine Palms California to spend the weekend with my in-laws, but I did spend some time on the internet doing research for a project I'm working on. I also devoted Saturday afternoon to turning a rough draft into a final draft for my FCHD class.
Twenty -nine Palms is about 1 1/2 hours from Palm Springs. It is in the middle of the desert. As we were driving home we found this interesting sight and when I took a picture of it my kids said, "put this on your blog!" I have no idea why this "shoe tree" exists or who started it or why, but it is quite a sight to see out in the middle of no-where.
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