Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of my mother's death. It was a solemn day for me. Tanya came by and took me to the cemetery. I wish that I had had some flowers with me. I miss her so much. Some days are harder than others. The pain is gone, but not the missing. I love her so much and am so thankful that she was my mother.
I had the weirdest thing happen to me a short time after 7 a.m. I had just laid down (I had been up since 2 a.m.) and dozed off. Suddenly I heard a female voice say "Robie!". It sounded like she was just outside my bedroom door. I jerked awake and answered, "What?". There was no response. I went back to sleep and had no more voices or dreams wake me up. After I got up I started thinking about it and I now wonder if it was maybe my Mom calling me. She died around 7:20 a.m. and this was around 7:15-7:20. Hmmmmm?
We went up to the cabin last Thursday evening. Tanya took us in her car. It was a really different experience. I went to bring home some of my mother's "things" that are there. The cabin was a total mess! We hadn't been there in 3 years and it appears no one else had either. Linda just uses it as a storage shed, so there were boxes everywhere. We had to do some cleaning and shuffling of boxes just to go to bed.
We didn't get to visit really with Linda and Fred. They were too out of it most of the time. They take a ton of prescription medications and I think that they are addicted to them. It's really sad. Linda kept passing out on Friday and Fred was in a fender bender on Friday. By the time he got home, he was very confused and out of it. Robert and his family are leaving Seattle tomorrow to move to the cabin and take care of Linda and Fred. I hope that he can help and not get too discouraged with them. His wife might go crazy with the way they are. I know I would.
Sunday was Father's Day and we surprised my Dad and showed up at his church. It was a very good surprise. I don't know how many more Father's Days we will have with him. He is so ready to join Mom!
Roger's job is changing again. He goes back into the warehouse next Monday and will be operating a forklift again. I hope he does better this time. It will probably be a VERY long 8 years until he retires!!! Maybe he should rethink it and retire when he should instead of waiting until I retire?
We have been growing some plants. So far, we have been very successful with the tomatoes. We have harvested a ton of them. We now have a couple of zucchini growing. My radishes have been a bust. We have some onions growing but I don't know if they will produce. We have grape vines to plant. I hope they survive until we get them into the ground. the strawberries are surely a bust! At least we are trying?
Michael is now attending a young singles ward. He seems to be much happier going there. Some of his friends have come home from their missions and are attending there. In just a few short months more of his friends will be home and going there. I still wish he would decide to go on a mission himself, but for now, it's not going to happen. So sad!
I am enjoying my time off from school. I have done some scrapbooking with my girls. We have fun when we are all together. I love them a lot.
Well, I guess that I have blabbed enough for now. Until later...
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
School's Out!!!
Where has this year gone? Today is my first Monday off. Last Thursday was my last day. It was also the day that I was able to sign my letter of "intent" form. You know, the one that says I HAVE a JOB next year!!! I was so afraid that I wasn't going to know until sometime during the summer. Like maybe not til August, just before school starts! WHEW!!! What a relief and burden lifted!
I really enjoy the job that I do. It is very satisfying to work with these children that are struggling so much with their reading skills and to feel like I have had something to do with their successes. Of course, not every child has a success story. That breaks my heart. We do our best, but sometimes that just isn't enough. This year our scores for our testing were soooo much higher than last year, except for our 1st graders. It almost feels like a personal failure. I know that I did the best that I could for them, but it still doesn't make it any better.
Our "theme" for next year is "wild". I am going to start looking now for jungle type things to decorate my area at work. It is fun to have something like that to work on. This year, our theme was the "sea". There were a lot of fish at school this year.
We have planted a bit of a garden here at home. Not much. And mostly in containers. I have a ton of tomato plants and have already harvested 3 Roma tomatoes and two very tiny round ones (not sure of their names). Yummy! We have basil, green onions, red onions, cilantro, strawberries, cucumber, zucchini squash, and grapes. I am so looking forward to the harvest of more. We also planted 5 rose bushes. So far, so good.
I have lots of plans for this summer. I wish they were all fun plans. We probably won't be going on a vacation. We have plenty to do here. I have a few projects (cleaning certain areas) that I really want to get done. I started last summer, but when you figure that I have 30+ years of "stuff" to go through, it might take me another 30 years to get it done!!!
I have been doing a lot of the indexing for the church. I really enjoy doing it. It is relaxing to me. Last year, I was in the top 6 in our stake for indexing. Maybe this year I'll be #1? I try to do 2 or 3 a day. It is so interesting to index these people that lived so long ago. I prefer to do census' and am currently on 1910. I think that Ohio had the best penmanship so far. I am working on Vermont now.
Well, my projects beckon to me. Til later...
I really enjoy the job that I do. It is very satisfying to work with these children that are struggling so much with their reading skills and to feel like I have had something to do with their successes. Of course, not every child has a success story. That breaks my heart. We do our best, but sometimes that just isn't enough. This year our scores for our testing were soooo much higher than last year, except for our 1st graders. It almost feels like a personal failure. I know that I did the best that I could for them, but it still doesn't make it any better.
Our "theme" for next year is "wild". I am going to start looking now for jungle type things to decorate my area at work. It is fun to have something like that to work on. This year, our theme was the "sea". There were a lot of fish at school this year.
We have planted a bit of a garden here at home. Not much. And mostly in containers. I have a ton of tomato plants and have already harvested 3 Roma tomatoes and two very tiny round ones (not sure of their names). Yummy! We have basil, green onions, red onions, cilantro, strawberries, cucumber, zucchini squash, and grapes. I am so looking forward to the harvest of more. We also planted 5 rose bushes. So far, so good.
I have lots of plans for this summer. I wish they were all fun plans. We probably won't be going on a vacation. We have plenty to do here. I have a few projects (cleaning certain areas) that I really want to get done. I started last summer, but when you figure that I have 30+ years of "stuff" to go through, it might take me another 30 years to get it done!!!
I have been doing a lot of the indexing for the church. I really enjoy doing it. It is relaxing to me. Last year, I was in the top 6 in our stake for indexing. Maybe this year I'll be #1? I try to do 2 or 3 a day. It is so interesting to index these people that lived so long ago. I prefer to do census' and am currently on 1910. I think that Ohio had the best penmanship so far. I am working on Vermont now.
Well, my projects beckon to me. Til later...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Today was Mother's Day. It has been a very special day with lots of feelings and emotions. I got up about 7 this morning. Of course, I was the only one up. That's OK because I like peace and quiet. About an hour later, Roger got up and said I needed to go back to bed. So, being the obedient (ha! ha!) wife that I am, I went in and read a little. I knew this was his way of getting me out of the way so that he could set up my Mother's Day gift. Anyway, a few minutes later he said I could come back down the hall. So, again, being the obedient (ahem) wife, I went back down the hall. There in the living room, he and Michael had set up my Mother's Day gifts. Roger gave me a really nice hibiscus plant in a big pot. Michael gave me a big Thompson grape plant. I am very excited about both of them. We have gotten a few green thumbs around here in the last few months, and this will add to our little garden.
We went to Church. This being the 2nd Sunday of the month, it was supposed to be my lesson in Relief Society. But, the Bishop took charge of RS so that all the women of the ward could attend. The men taught Primary and SS. The YW took care of the YW. After the Bishops lesson, the High Priests served us a buffet brunch. It was very nummy!
After Church, Roger and I went to the cemetery to "see" my mom. I got somewhat emotional. I really miss her. There are so many times that I think I should tell her something, and then think, oh she isn't here. But I know that she really is. She was the best mother a girl could have. She was so much fun. All my friends loved her too. She taught me so much, but I wish she was here to teach me more. I love her.
We went over to Sarah's and Josiah's for dinner. We had a "Mexican" pot luck dinner. It was sooo good. There was way too much food! All of my children and grandchildren were there and it was wonderful to be together. We have such a good posterity. Beautiful and faithful. They all love the Lord. They are all active in the church. They all love each other. What more could a mother ask for? Nothing, I say.
Well, enough rambling for now. I hope that any and all who might read this had as great a Mother's Day as I did.
Until later...
We went to Church. This being the 2nd Sunday of the month, it was supposed to be my lesson in Relief Society. But, the Bishop took charge of RS so that all the women of the ward could attend. The men taught Primary and SS. The YW took care of the YW. After the Bishops lesson, the High Priests served us a buffet brunch. It was very nummy!
After Church, Roger and I went to the cemetery to "see" my mom. I got somewhat emotional. I really miss her. There are so many times that I think I should tell her something, and then think, oh she isn't here. But I know that she really is. She was the best mother a girl could have. She was so much fun. All my friends loved her too. She taught me so much, but I wish she was here to teach me more. I love her.
We went over to Sarah's and Josiah's for dinner. We had a "Mexican" pot luck dinner. It was sooo good. There was way too much food! All of my children and grandchildren were there and it was wonderful to be together. We have such a good posterity. Beautiful and faithful. They all love the Lord. They are all active in the church. They all love each other. What more could a mother ask for? Nothing, I say.
Well, enough rambling for now. I hope that any and all who might read this had as great a Mother's Day as I did.
Until later...
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Baby Eli and Other Misc. Things
Elijah Richard SmithWell, our 15th grandchild made his appearance on Friday, March 19, 2010. This is Jeremy and Leslie's 6th child (5th boy). He made his entrance at 10:10 p.m., weighing 7lbs 9oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. He is such a cute addition to their (and our) family. I am very anxious to get to know his personality.
We had spring break last week. We planted some rose bushes and some vegetables. Then it rained this week and our poor seeds went swimming! My radishes had already sprouted so they are ok. It felt good to plant something.
Earlier in the week we had a big dumpster put in front of our house. There were 4 on our street. We were able to get rid of a lot of junk that had been around here since the dinosaurs were here, I think! Again, it felt good to get something done!
There are only 2 more months of school left. We are really gearing the kids up for their "DIBLES" testing. This year has really flown by.
I don't do very good at blogging as I don't have much to say. I live a very boring life and since most of my children are gone from home, I don't have much involvement in their lives anymore.
So, until I can think of something else to write...
We had spring break last week. We planted some rose bushes and some vegetables. Then it rained this week and our poor seeds went swimming! My radishes had already sprouted so they are ok. It felt good to plant something.
Earlier in the week we had a big dumpster put in front of our house. There were 4 on our street. We were able to get rid of a lot of junk that had been around here since the dinosaurs were here, I think! Again, it felt good to get something done!
There are only 2 more months of school left. We are really gearing the kids up for their "DIBLES" testing. This year has really flown by.
I don't do very good at blogging as I don't have much to say. I live a very boring life and since most of my children are gone from home, I don't have much involvement in their lives anymore.
So, until I can think of something else to write...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
COLD!!!!!
Cold. That's what I am. COLD! I am soooo tired of being cold. It gets into my joints and just makes me crazy! I can't get warm. I go around with my jacket on and my shoes on and here I sit, COLD. Oh, by the way, did I mention that I am cold? Maybe I should just go stand under a HOT shower?
My fingers are too cold to type anymore. Until I thaw...
My fingers are too cold to type anymore. Until I thaw...
Saturday, February 13, 2010
FEBRUARY 2010
Here it is, half way through February already! Oh, my, does time fly!
I have been working hard with my reading groups. We are gearing up for the next round of testing that will take place the week of the 23rd. I am hoping to have a good success rate.
I have started doing a treasure box in my groups at work. The kids are loving it! I bought a record book and a star stamp at Teaching Tools. I use small stickers. It's kind of hard to find them small enough. They have to get 20 stickers and stamps (they get one of each every day) if they have good behavior and stay on task in our group. After 20, they get to pick 1 item out of my treasure box. I have an assortment of items for girls and boys. Although girl items are easier to come by, I have managed to find some things that the boys like. I have bought some of the things at the store (never more than $1) and some I have found at yard sales. In fact, that's where I got my treasure box. It is a pretty good size and I only paid $1 for it. Love yard sales! Anyway, most of my kids have already picked out something. I have a small handful who may never get to. Between behavior and absences, they haven't gotten many stickers.
Thursday was my Dad's 85th birthday. We went over to Bob and Shelby's house and had cake and ice cream. Doug and Marsha brought the cake and we brought the ice cream. Dad has had 3 teeth pulled recently and his mouth is still very sore, so the ice cream was a treat for him! He sure misses Mom! Everyday he prays to go. It is really hard to see him this way. I never would have guessed in a million years that he would be like this. His body and mind are both too healthy!
Yesterday was Jeremy's 35th birthday. It is very hard to believe that it's been that long since I had my first born! Where has time gone? I remember it vividly!!! That was back in the "olden days" when the only pain medication we got was a shot of Demerol (which didn't do anything for me). He has always been such a blessing to us. We love him so much! What a great man and wonderful father he has become!
Last night our ward had a Valentines dinner and dance. The dinner was okay (my piece of pork was tough and dry). The salads were super! We danced for about 30 minutes. Boy, we sure aren't as young as we used to be! Nor are we in good shape! Whew! It's hard to believe we used to dance for 2 or more hours!!! I still enjoyed dancing with my Sweetheart. Even after all these years.
Tomorrow is my Relief Society lesson. It is on Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior. I love the lessons this year. They are so simple! Tomorrow is also our Ward Conference, and the Stake RS Presidency wants to take about 10-15 minutes. That's fine with me. Makes my time shorter! I'm sure I can cut it back and not go over. I enjoy teaching the sisters. Sometimes I have a more difficult time preparing my lessons than others. Sometimes my lessons that I have prepared change as I present them. It's amazing what the Spirit does!
Well, I better get movin'. I still have to do my Saturday night grocery shopping. Until next time...
I have been working hard with my reading groups. We are gearing up for the next round of testing that will take place the week of the 23rd. I am hoping to have a good success rate.
I have started doing a treasure box in my groups at work. The kids are loving it! I bought a record book and a star stamp at Teaching Tools. I use small stickers. It's kind of hard to find them small enough. They have to get 20 stickers and stamps (they get one of each every day) if they have good behavior and stay on task in our group. After 20, they get to pick 1 item out of my treasure box. I have an assortment of items for girls and boys. Although girl items are easier to come by, I have managed to find some things that the boys like. I have bought some of the things at the store (never more than $1) and some I have found at yard sales. In fact, that's where I got my treasure box. It is a pretty good size and I only paid $1 for it. Love yard sales! Anyway, most of my kids have already picked out something. I have a small handful who may never get to. Between behavior and absences, they haven't gotten many stickers.
Thursday was my Dad's 85th birthday. We went over to Bob and Shelby's house and had cake and ice cream. Doug and Marsha brought the cake and we brought the ice cream. Dad has had 3 teeth pulled recently and his mouth is still very sore, so the ice cream was a treat for him! He sure misses Mom! Everyday he prays to go. It is really hard to see him this way. I never would have guessed in a million years that he would be like this. His body and mind are both too healthy!
Yesterday was Jeremy's 35th birthday. It is very hard to believe that it's been that long since I had my first born! Where has time gone? I remember it vividly!!! That was back in the "olden days" when the only pain medication we got was a shot of Demerol (which didn't do anything for me). He has always been such a blessing to us. We love him so much! What a great man and wonderful father he has become!
Last night our ward had a Valentines dinner and dance. The dinner was okay (my piece of pork was tough and dry). The salads were super! We danced for about 30 minutes. Boy, we sure aren't as young as we used to be! Nor are we in good shape! Whew! It's hard to believe we used to dance for 2 or more hours!!! I still enjoyed dancing with my Sweetheart. Even after all these years.
Tomorrow is my Relief Society lesson. It is on Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior. I love the lessons this year. They are so simple! Tomorrow is also our Ward Conference, and the Stake RS Presidency wants to take about 10-15 minutes. That's fine with me. Makes my time shorter! I'm sure I can cut it back and not go over. I enjoy teaching the sisters. Sometimes I have a more difficult time preparing my lessons than others. Sometimes my lessons that I have prepared change as I present them. It's amazing what the Spirit does!
Well, I better get movin'. I still have to do my Saturday night grocery shopping. Until next time...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
January 2010
Been a while...No excuses! Just a few thoughts. Love the rain we've been having. Just not the lack of power in my kitchen because of too much water. Hey, this is Arizona. How can that be? Anyway, something got wet and flipped a breaker and it took a week to dry out enough to stay flipped back! AARGHH! Love doing everything in the flashlight! Now more rain is forecast. I still love it!
I decided that I needed to do more with my husband. So, since I enjoy reading so much, I thought it would be fun to read a book together. So, I bough 2 copies of "The Tristan Betrayal" by Robert Ludlum for us to read. We are already on chapter 6. This is a little bit different kind of book than I usually read, but I know he enjoyed the Bourne Identity, so I thought we could try it. It is good so far. Maybe a fun adventure.
Until later...
I decided that I needed to do more with my husband. So, since I enjoy reading so much, I thought it would be fun to read a book together. So, I bough 2 copies of "The Tristan Betrayal" by Robert Ludlum for us to read. We are already on chapter 6. This is a little bit different kind of book than I usually read, but I know he enjoyed the Bourne Identity, so I thought we could try it. It is good so far. Maybe a fun adventure.
Until later...
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