This is me taking charge :) I know what I need to do, and so I am going to do it. This has been a growing experience, so I am going to take advantage of it, and learn from it this time.
If you really love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours.
This is my most favorite quote of all time, and it has been for many different reasons and circumstances. I am putting faith in this quote and Heavenly Father (maybe more than I ever have, I will admit), and letting my worries go. I am going to let it go and then see what happens...because I know it certainly can't be bad.
If it works out, great. If it doesn't, that's ok too, because I KNOW that there is something waiting...there around the corner, just for me. I am not going to let this get the best of me.
Thanks for all the support everyone has given me, and I love that you are there for me every step of the way. I love everyone (yes, even you) and can't wait for the adventures that lie ahead.
Love,
Ceana ;)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
We Do Just A LITTLE Bit Of Reading
Since school started we have been making weekly treks to the library. Often the big kids get to ride their bikes for their PE to do all of the family "errands" (library, PO, etc) A couple of weeks ago Kaeli came home, made a beeline to me in the office and said "you HAVE to come and take a picture!" When I asked her what it was I was supposed to take a pict of she proceeded to say "Look Mom!" and unrolled the library receipt out for me.
We dont like reading or anything at our house at all....can you tell? With 6 kiddos constantly devouring books it is no wonder that it is as long as our grocery shopping lists usually are because they are devouring food just as fast! We are more than happy to make the treks back and forth to the library, we are thrilled that the kids all love books so much. We are lucky to have 2 libraries very close by and a 3rd one just 10 minutes away. We will never run out of things to read! BTW if any of you out there have books you LOVE and want to share with us for new reading material that would be great!
We dont like reading or anything at our house at all....can you tell? With 6 kiddos constantly devouring books it is no wonder that it is as long as our grocery shopping lists usually are because they are devouring food just as fast! We are more than happy to make the treks back and forth to the library, we are thrilled that the kids all love books so much. We are lucky to have 2 libraries very close by and a 3rd one just 10 minutes away. We will never run out of things to read! BTW if any of you out there have books you LOVE and want to share with us for new reading material that would be great!
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Results Are In!
I took a look at the tri website today and was excited to see that results were posted there. I am thrilled with my time, under 3 hrs is better than I could have ever hoped for. If I understand the way things were posted, though, I was second to LAST in my age group...oh well, maybe with time and practice I will get better.....
SWIM - 0:19:41 (500 meters)
BIKE - 1:22:02 (12 miles)
WALK - 1:12:00 (5K+) (3.7 miles)
TOTAL - 2:53:43
SWIM - 0:19:41 (500 meters)
BIKE - 1:22:02 (12 miles)
WALK - 1:12:00 (5K+) (3.7 miles)
TOTAL - 2:53:43
FUNNY KIDS
I have been wanting to write down a couple of funny things the kids have said recently. After Kaeli told me something yesterday in RS that made me laugh out loud, hard, I knew I needed to take time to write some things down.
1) Ky is at that age where it is easy to mix things up, or rather he applies new words to things he already knows, for example:
*He recently asked for "the graham cracker" movie. I had no idea what he was talking about, but Kaeli finally figured it out. The kids had been into the Barbie movies again, and he wanted to watch The NUTcracker....he doesnt know that word, or even what it is, or the fact that it has nothing to do with one of his favorite snacks...just current knowledge applied to new learning...it gave us a good laugh.
*He also recently asked for "bread on a stick" - again, I was clueless (he does that to me alot lately) Kaeli, again, figured out what he wanted. He wanted one of her yummy, homemade BREADSTICKS. Another word he doesnt know yet, he was just applying current knowledge - which was the words we use for corn dog - it is a "hot dog on a stick"
2) Kaeli is currently the only girl in her sunday school class. The boys in her class tend to not really speak up, and she is used to answering all the questions. Yesterday was more unusual than most sundays. She had been asked a question by her teacher, which she quickly answered. He then asked another question, and she chose to remain silent, to give one of the boys a chance to say something. When she remained quiet for too long one of the boys leaned over to her with his hand cupped over his mouth and whispered loudly "This is the part where you give a smart answer." - Knowing the young man who said it, it just made me literally laugh right out loud, and it was hard to stop laughing....
She also shared another experience from class with me. Her teacher had asked the class what happens when you throw a rock into a pond or lake. I know you are guessing the same answer I responded with. The boys in her class were not quite so perceptive...their answers were as follows: "it sinks?", "it gets wet?", "if is is a pumice rock it will float!". Finally Kaeli, quite exasperated (can you see her eyes rolling?) answered "It makes ripples!" - to which one of the boys responded "well, if you want to get technical about it!" (which her teacher did) I just had to laugh at this too - it is a sweet group of boys, but with boys come those things I have just chalked up to being "boy genes" - ones that make you look at them and say "huh? and roll your eyes all the way back in your head....they also make you laugh hysterically at times....
3) Kelsianne is talking a mile a minute these days. She can scream loud enough to shatter your eardrum, and for all of the neighbors to hear her with all the doors and windows CLOSED. She is very spunky at times and puts up with no nonsense from her brothers. She can dish it out even more than they can. Recently has been no different. She waggles her finger at them and says "NO, NO!" and gives crusty looks to them as if they were about to die. Some of her newfound verbal skills are still trying to work out the fine art of actually becoming language. Some of her newest words are "Ba-dy" (which really is BARBIE) "Wa-dee" (water), "may-dough" (tomato), "kee" (which can mean 2 things depending on what she is holding, it could be a binki or a blankee), "kinky bum" (which is pretty self explanatory and very helpful). She cant quite get the pieces right yet, no matter how many times we practice with her. She tends to drop or switch her constants around (like when the big kids used to say PAsketti vs SPAghetti) all the time, with almost every word. At times, when she does this, I still cannot put any order to what she is trying to say. It is a constant challenge.
Every answer she gives to anyone is "yuuupp" or "nope". She runs everywhere, or as Kaeli would put it she stomps everywhere - even when she runs. She is such a tank that there is no mistake when she is coming or going. "Tinkbell" is still her favorite friend and must be tucked in bed with her. We have at least moved past the stage where she was carrying her around everywhere, chewing on her wings and legs...poor little thing. She loves that doll, and we have a better time now not having to keep track of it (we have never seen anything in the stores like it even though we have looked HARD)
4) Recently Caiden often confuses me with his questions, and it takes quite a bit of effort to figure out what he is really needing. Case in point - just a moment ago he asked me why it isnt safe to wear dog collars (yes, meaning people). My response was "because people dont wear dog collars" (can you see my eyes starting to roll...) He continued, "no why isnt it safe to wear them at night?" Now, I am thinking he means the dogs (I am wrong of course) and I answer "you mean, the leash? It isnt safe for them, they might get tangled up" to which I FINALLY figured out what he was talking about as he pulled out a soccer "necklace" he was given from a friend that looks like military DOG TAGS. He was asking why he couldnt wear it at night. (Can you see my eyes rolled all the way to the back of my head and my extreme self control at not laughing right out loud as he sits here completely oblivious to his misunderstanding?) His sister and I, again, explained to him why that wouldnt be such a smart idea. (again is this total cluelessness just boy genes? Yup)
1) Ky is at that age where it is easy to mix things up, or rather he applies new words to things he already knows, for example:
*He recently asked for "the graham cracker" movie. I had no idea what he was talking about, but Kaeli finally figured it out. The kids had been into the Barbie movies again, and he wanted to watch The NUTcracker....he doesnt know that word, or even what it is, or the fact that it has nothing to do with one of his favorite snacks...just current knowledge applied to new learning...it gave us a good laugh.
*He also recently asked for "bread on a stick" - again, I was clueless (he does that to me alot lately) Kaeli, again, figured out what he wanted. He wanted one of her yummy, homemade BREADSTICKS. Another word he doesnt know yet, he was just applying current knowledge - which was the words we use for corn dog - it is a "hot dog on a stick"
2) Kaeli is currently the only girl in her sunday school class. The boys in her class tend to not really speak up, and she is used to answering all the questions. Yesterday was more unusual than most sundays. She had been asked a question by her teacher, which she quickly answered. He then asked another question, and she chose to remain silent, to give one of the boys a chance to say something. When she remained quiet for too long one of the boys leaned over to her with his hand cupped over his mouth and whispered loudly "This is the part where you give a smart answer." - Knowing the young man who said it, it just made me literally laugh right out loud, and it was hard to stop laughing....
She also shared another experience from class with me. Her teacher had asked the class what happens when you throw a rock into a pond or lake. I know you are guessing the same answer I responded with. The boys in her class were not quite so perceptive...their answers were as follows: "it sinks?", "it gets wet?", "if is is a pumice rock it will float!". Finally Kaeli, quite exasperated (can you see her eyes rolling?) answered "It makes ripples!" - to which one of the boys responded "well, if you want to get technical about it!" (which her teacher did) I just had to laugh at this too - it is a sweet group of boys, but with boys come those things I have just chalked up to being "boy genes" - ones that make you look at them and say "huh? and roll your eyes all the way back in your head....they also make you laugh hysterically at times....
3) Kelsianne is talking a mile a minute these days. She can scream loud enough to shatter your eardrum, and for all of the neighbors to hear her with all the doors and windows CLOSED. She is very spunky at times and puts up with no nonsense from her brothers. She can dish it out even more than they can. Recently has been no different. She waggles her finger at them and says "NO, NO!" and gives crusty looks to them as if they were about to die. Some of her newfound verbal skills are still trying to work out the fine art of actually becoming language. Some of her newest words are "Ba-dy" (which really is BARBIE) "Wa-dee" (water), "may-dough" (tomato), "kee" (which can mean 2 things depending on what she is holding, it could be a binki or a blankee), "kinky bum" (which is pretty self explanatory and very helpful). She cant quite get the pieces right yet, no matter how many times we practice with her. She tends to drop or switch her constants around (like when the big kids used to say PAsketti vs SPAghetti) all the time, with almost every word. At times, when she does this, I still cannot put any order to what she is trying to say. It is a constant challenge.
Every answer she gives to anyone is "yuuupp" or "nope". She runs everywhere, or as Kaeli would put it she stomps everywhere - even when she runs. She is such a tank that there is no mistake when she is coming or going. "Tinkbell" is still her favorite friend and must be tucked in bed with her. We have at least moved past the stage where she was carrying her around everywhere, chewing on her wings and legs...poor little thing. She loves that doll, and we have a better time now not having to keep track of it (we have never seen anything in the stores like it even though we have looked HARD)
4) Recently Caiden often confuses me with his questions, and it takes quite a bit of effort to figure out what he is really needing. Case in point - just a moment ago he asked me why it isnt safe to wear dog collars (yes, meaning people). My response was "because people dont wear dog collars" (can you see my eyes starting to roll...) He continued, "no why isnt it safe to wear them at night?" Now, I am thinking he means the dogs (I am wrong of course) and I answer "you mean, the leash? It isnt safe for them, they might get tangled up" to which I FINALLY figured out what he was talking about as he pulled out a soccer "necklace" he was given from a friend that looks like military DOG TAGS. He was asking why he couldnt wear it at night. (Can you see my eyes rolled all the way to the back of my head and my extreme self control at not laughing right out loud as he sits here completely oblivious to his misunderstanding?) His sister and I, again, explained to him why that wouldnt be such a smart idea. (again is this total cluelessness just boy genes? Yup)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
IT'S OFFICIAL !!!
I am a TRI-ATHLETE!
I was certain a week ago that I was NOT going to do this...then I got a blessing and some other things fell into place and I was extended more tender mercies than I could count....
Preston dragged my sorry rear out of bed at 430am - yes that is AM. A friend of mine who teaches seminary says that waking up that early is called "waking up at the crack of stupid" - and I should have been feeling that way for even THINKING about competing when I havent been able to exercise for WEEKS. I wasnt though, I was strangely calm about the whole thing. (TM#1)
Preston & Ceana agreed to volunteer at the pool (wish I had picts of them too) so they dropped me off at the DHS stadium to get checked in and they were off to find out their duties. It was crazy being there so early, surrounded by other sisters who were also trickling in. The bikes were slowly being added to the rows that stretched from one side of the stadium to the other (there was an actual photographer at the event, we are supposed to have picts posted soon, hopefully there will be more I can share here too).
It really was strange for me to be so totally calm about the whole thing, I felt like that the entire day, and even after - like it was really just a memory from a dream - kind of surreal, it has been weird.
After I got all checked in I walked the block or so down to the DAC to get ready for my heat for the swim. I got there to find out that another sister who was in the same ward (before we split wards) was in my lane and only one other sister too. That had been a big concern for me, having to swim in a lane with 5 other sisters knowing I was going to be on my back - which meant slower than everyone else. Only having 3 of us in the widest lane was a miracle (TM #2)
We chatted briefly and watched the clock tick the minutes away until it was our turn. Finally the time arrived to start. Last minute instructions were given and then Preston had the fun of being the official announcer for the day. I think he enjoyed having that megaphone on loud and being the one to send everyone off! Ceana was also ready at her post where she was keeping track of time and counting laps for us (she was assigned to my lane!)
Ceana took this awesome shot of the lane I was in. It kind of gives the perspective of what it felt like - LONG...
During check in we were given instructions and all the stuff we needed for the race - including being "tatooed" in 3 places - literally someone wrote my race # and my swim heat/lane on my body (upper arm, right calf, right hand)This is me and my friend from the Mon 1st ward showing them off just before the race.
Both Preston & Ceana were assigned to my lane (TM #3) Preston snapped these off for me as I came to the end of the pool where they were. It is so hard to describe how I felt as I swam. The water was almost calming and relaxing (TM #4) and the fact that I didnt have to worry about watching my own time or counting laps just made things go even better. With just 3 of us in the lane all swimming at about the same speed, things really went well. We drifted a couple of times, but just laughed it off and encouraged each other. I was shocked when I was swimming and ceana told me I only was down to my final lap. It had gone by so quickly. Suddenly I was done and jumping out of the pool to dry off enough to get to my bike. I got a big hug and a very excited comment from a sister in our ward who has been like a mom to all of us during the last several months, she has been so great to all of us. I realized I was so focused on my next transition that I didnt even wave or get to say anything to Preston or Ceana, though.
Later in the day I got a chance to ask Ceana about my time - found out I did my 500 meters in about 17 min - which is only slightly slower than I was timed at 3 months ago. I was really excited about that - that my body remembered what to do, and that finding my own way of doing things, and my own rhythm had helped me be more successful than I had ever imagined! It was a really great feeling!
I was certain a week ago that I was NOT going to do this...then I got a blessing and some other things fell into place and I was extended more tender mercies than I could count....
Preston dragged my sorry rear out of bed at 430am - yes that is AM. A friend of mine who teaches seminary says that waking up that early is called "waking up at the crack of stupid" - and I should have been feeling that way for even THINKING about competing when I havent been able to exercise for WEEKS. I wasnt though, I was strangely calm about the whole thing. (TM#1)
Preston & Ceana agreed to volunteer at the pool (wish I had picts of them too) so they dropped me off at the DHS stadium to get checked in and they were off to find out their duties. It was crazy being there so early, surrounded by other sisters who were also trickling in. The bikes were slowly being added to the rows that stretched from one side of the stadium to the other (there was an actual photographer at the event, we are supposed to have picts posted soon, hopefully there will be more I can share here too).
It really was strange for me to be so totally calm about the whole thing, I felt like that the entire day, and even after - like it was really just a memory from a dream - kind of surreal, it has been weird.
After I got all checked in I walked the block or so down to the DAC to get ready for my heat for the swim. I got there to find out that another sister who was in the same ward (before we split wards) was in my lane and only one other sister too. That had been a big concern for me, having to swim in a lane with 5 other sisters knowing I was going to be on my back - which meant slower than everyone else. Only having 3 of us in the widest lane was a miracle (TM #2)
We chatted briefly and watched the clock tick the minutes away until it was our turn. Finally the time arrived to start. Last minute instructions were given and then Preston had the fun of being the official announcer for the day. I think he enjoyed having that megaphone on loud and being the one to send everyone off! Ceana was also ready at her post where she was keeping track of time and counting laps for us (she was assigned to my lane!)
Ceana took this awesome shot of the lane I was in. It kind of gives the perspective of what it felt like - LONG...
During check in we were given instructions and all the stuff we needed for the race - including being "tatooed" in 3 places - literally someone wrote my race # and my swim heat/lane on my body (upper arm, right calf, right hand)This is me and my friend from the Mon 1st ward showing them off just before the race.
Both Preston & Ceana were assigned to my lane (TM #3) Preston snapped these off for me as I came to the end of the pool where they were. It is so hard to describe how I felt as I swam. The water was almost calming and relaxing (TM #4) and the fact that I didnt have to worry about watching my own time or counting laps just made things go even better. With just 3 of us in the lane all swimming at about the same speed, things really went well. We drifted a couple of times, but just laughed it off and encouraged each other. I was shocked when I was swimming and ceana told me I only was down to my final lap. It had gone by so quickly. Suddenly I was done and jumping out of the pool to dry off enough to get to my bike. I got a big hug and a very excited comment from a sister in our ward who has been like a mom to all of us during the last several months, she has been so great to all of us. I realized I was so focused on my next transition that I didnt even wave or get to say anything to Preston or Ceana, though.Later in the day I got a chance to ask Ceana about my time - found out I did my 500 meters in about 17 min - which is only slightly slower than I was timed at 3 months ago. I was really excited about that - that my body remembered what to do, and that finding my own way of doing things, and my own rhythm had helped me be more successful than I had ever imagined! It was a really great feeling!
IT"S OFFICIAL II
The second part of the race was the biking. This has been my HARDEST event during all of my training. It is crazy to remember back to May when Preston had to teach me how to even ride the dumb thing. Now I was getting ready to ride 12 miles in a real race. It still is kind of crazy to think about. We live in a very rural area, and because of all of the fields and stuff, the fog can be VERY thick and dense and cold. You can see here in this picture that it had cleared some (ceana took this at the END of the race since I was on my own in the transition time) When I got on my bike before 7am there was barely any light and the fog was so thick that really you couldnt see far in front of you. It was also very heavy with moisture. Even if I hadnt have been wet from the pool, I was soaked just from all of the condensation. Wish I would have been able to get a pict of all the zillions of droplets on every inch of exposed skin and hair. My arms looked like they were covered in tiny diamonds, and my face wasnt very dry when I tried to wipe my cheeks on my already wet sleeves. It was a strange sensation to blink and feel the water on my eyelashes - that doesnt even happen in the pool or shower - the fog just clung to everything.
When I was getting ready to get on my bike I wolfed down some juice and trailmix that I had taken. I am so glad I did too. I wouldnt have even known about doing that if one of the tri coordinators had not shared her experiences with us. I am so glad she did. (TM #5)When I got going I realized that I had forgotten my ear muff (those of you who know me well, know that my ears do NOT do cold and it is usually really bad because it brings on migraines) The temps were really low with the time of day it was plus the heavy fog, and yet I felt completely wrapped in warmth (TM #6) The wind that blew past me was warm and gentle and my ears felt like they had earmuffs over them, I never felt the wind against them at all. The 1st half of the ride was not bad. I just kept trying to focus on pedaling and making sure I didnt wobble. When I got to the turn around point, though, the tops of my thighs were burning like crazy. I took time to get off and stretch and see if I could work out some of the ouch. I also downed some gatorade (usually I think that stuff is NASTY, but I must of needed it because it actually tasted good) (TM #7)
The 2nd half of the ride was HARD,with a capital H. I really struggled most of the way, and even had a spot where I had to get off my bike and walk (that didnt last too long though because I got too many people worried that I was not ok) As I rode back I sent silent prayers out, I knew I could not, would not, be able to make it back to the stadium alone. I started to have songs flow through my mind. As I looked at the solid white line along the road "Hold To The Rod" came to me - "Hold to the rod, It's strong and bright and true, twill safely guide us through....." That white line on the road was my rod, if I followed it I would be safely led back. It was bright and I needed it to stay on the right path and to stay safe. I sang until I couldnt remember the words, and then another song would come in its place. Another song that came through was the chorus from "The Prince Of Egypt" - it is one of our favorite movies and we watch it often. It seemed the perfect song for where I was at "There can be miracles when you believe, though hope is frail, it's hard to kill. There can be miracles you can achieve, when you believe, somehow you will, you will when you believe." The other lines flitted on the edge of my brain, but it seemed that the lesson taught in that song was exactly what I needed. I had completely given up on the thought of competing, I knew I wasnt prepared to do it. But because of a priesthood blessing, and trusting and believing that I was where I was supposed to be, miracles really were happening. The entire ride back was like that. Hymns came and went and even though I am a self-professed NON singer, I sang as loud as I could, focusing on the messages of the gospel principles that I was seeing in action right at that time. I know the people I rode past probably thought I was crazy, but it was the strength and re-focus of my heart and mind that I needed to get me back to the stadium. (TM #8) I found out that other sisters had similar experiences throughout the day...
The other thing that helped on the bike ride, esp on that long ride back, were all the cute little things the Tri coordinators had written on the road in colored chalk (TM #9) Just when I thought I couldnt do anymore, I would ride past a "HUGS" or "U R AWESOME" or "SMILE" - and I would smile or even laugh out loud at the funny/cute things. Those little words made all the difference because I knew that there were sisters who knew and cared about me, that they were thinking of me, and that I wasnt alone. Their small and simple act of kindness and love made my long, often lonely journey not so hard to bear. Times havent been posted yet about the bike portion, but I am guessing it was really miraculous because I know what time I was completly done...It will be fun to find out soon.
My transition time to the walk again included juice and trailmix. I was glad for the brief moment to stop, my legs felt really wobbly after being on the bike for so long. It took me a lot longer than I thought to get my legs under me, and I was kind of glad that I had 2 loops to work out the kinks. I was also again glad that it was not my job to worry about what time it was, or where I was. My only job was to walk, at my own pace, and only think about how I was doing vs worrying about how I was doing compared to others. I think this is the first time I have felt a real freedom in that area. (TM #10) I KNEW that someone else was keeping track of my time, my efforts, and making sure I was ok. I was free to concentrate, reflect and enjoy the moment that I was in, and not worry about what anyone else was thinking or doing, or if I was measuring up to others' expectations. It was a good feeling, a lesson I should work harder to make real all the time...
On the last piece of the last lap I walked, I was excited to see Preston & Ceana walking towards me. We were all worried that they wouldnt be done helping at the pool before I was completely finished with the race. I asked Ceana to take a pict, except she had put the camera away in the truck. They took the shortcut to the finish line to snag the camera while I finished my lap. It was really an amazing thing to see the families, and ward and stake leaders all there at the end, cheering and clapping. Ceana stood at the other side of the finish line to get picts and Preston was up in the stands cheering me on. It was so amazing, it made me kind of giggly and clappy (?)
This is the sister from our ward who has been our "mom" through the whole thing. She was also one of the main coordinators of this monster undertaking. While I was giddy with the fact I had actually done this amazing thing, she grabbed me into a bear hug, sobbing her eyes out, repeating "you did it, you did it!" It was very exciting and emotional for both of us. Not only were there tears, but she put in her own spunk and made us laugh just seconds later. Preston had come down out of the stands to me, and R saw him first. "There's your sweet guy" she said as he swept me into a hug and kiss, and in the same breath without missing a beat she said "get a room you two." We just laughed right out loud! It brought the lightness and joy to add to the tears of deep emotion. I found out later that she had waited and cheered everyone across the finish line, right down to the very last sister! That is the kind of person she is. Thanx R for everything, you have been an angel to all of us!
Well, here I am, award medal around my neck (darling things made by another sis in the stake) and still not quite believing that I really did compete AND finish! (and finish in a time that seems almost impossible to me) Preston helped me gather up my bike and bag-o-stuff, and I made a bee line for the bathroom (thanx to all the gatorade, juice, and water) and then to somewhere I could stretch. The tops of my thighs were burning because I had stopped moving at such an intense pace. I took some time to stretch and cool down a bit more. I also took some time to cheer on others who were transitioning or finishing as well. It was fun to do that for others as they came in and out of the stadium, it felt great to give some of what I had also received.
Preston and I did the ID marathon, and other sisters have also done other races. We all agreed how different this was, and how amazing it felt. The race was never about individuals, or about winning. It was about giving, supporting, encouraging, learning, growing and loving. It was about all of us helping each other to reach our goals and to finish together. All the months of training culminated at this wonderful day, but all of the friendships, giving, serving, teaching, learning, and love will last way beyond this day and time. Our stake has become "one" in many ways. We have become unified as sisters and friends, and have been given blessings and opportunities that though they started out being focused on the triathlon, have and will change our lives forever, probably in more ways than we will ever know. I am truly thankful to a Heavenly Father who inspired our stake leaders to do this, and for His not-so-gentle push for me to follow through and see this through to the end. I would have missed so much, including the lessons that only came during the race, and in the time that I have spent reflecting on everything. It is a time, and a special day, that I will never forget.
Just as a PS - the day didnt end there. I was spoiled to be able to come home to a wonderful, deep, jetted tub filled with hot water to soak my still sore legs. I also got to eat yummy pancakes Kaeli had made, and a got short nap while Preston helped the kids with homework. I was also surprised with beautiful "congrats" flowers from Preston's parents.
I also got to enjoy the friendship, sisterhood, and stories of all the other sisters who were in the tri at the special stake dinner that was held before the RS general conference broadcast. It was so fun, and emotional to listen to the sisters share some of their experiences about their training and the race. I was even brave enough to heed the again, not-so-gentle, prompting to share some of the TM that I had experienced. The broadcast was amazing and it was a joy to see the extra spunky mood Pres Monson was in, and to listen to him speak to the sisters around the world. The messages were sweet and inspired and there will be much to think about and remember.
It truly was a glorious day. It feels great to be so tired, and so happy at the same time. Knowing that the sisters of the stake came together to accomplish hundreds of wonderful things, both big and small, and that those things will be a blessing to all of us forever. Our stake will never be the same! Because of the ties and friendships formed throughout the wards, it will be more wonderful than ever and we will all be blessed because of it!
Friday, September 24, 2010
All Finished
It is almost 6pm and they just brought Colton out to me. He is still totally zonkified. Dr Milzcuk came and talked with me a bit ago and he said everything seemed to "just fall into place" and surgery only took about 2 hrs vs 3+ like last time. More tender mercies.
I have talked in detail with the nurses left on the floor - one of them was the nurse we had over at the other building where we started out. They seem to understand what we went through last time and they are willing to release him to go ahead and go home, even if he doesnt show as much as he did last time as far as being awake and stuff.
I am going to start packing things up and get ourselves ready to go. If we can get back down to the bottom before 7pm, the valet will go get the truck for us vs us having to go track it down. More tender mercies if that will also be put in place for us.
It has been a very long day, but so many blessings that have come. It will be good to get us both home and settled and know that we are good for the night. Esp knowing that we have another very long challenging day ahead of us tomorrow. Will be sure to post about all the tri fun, or not-so-fun, will see which it will be. All I can do is try my best and do what I can.
Very thankful for all that has been given to us, and to Preston and the kids today while we have all had so much that has been going on. Truly we have been very blessed.
Just a little PS - Colton was great in the wheelchair on our way back down on the tram. We made it back down with just a few minutes to spare to get the valet to get the truck vs having to track it down. Colton felt a bit nauseous at first, but never got sick thankfully, and snoozed the entire way home. When we arrived home, Colton was very alert and awake - even to the point of asking for, and eating his doughnut and juice - and noticing that his other tooth was missing. He almost bounced off the walls and was still awake when I headed for bed. He has recovered very quickly and is eating and drinking everything. I have only had to give him tylenol and motrin 1 time each and those were pretty spread out. Again, many more tender mercies extended to us to allow many more wonderful things to happen, and to alleviate many concerns.
I have talked in detail with the nurses left on the floor - one of them was the nurse we had over at the other building where we started out. They seem to understand what we went through last time and they are willing to release him to go ahead and go home, even if he doesnt show as much as he did last time as far as being awake and stuff.
I am going to start packing things up and get ourselves ready to go. If we can get back down to the bottom before 7pm, the valet will go get the truck for us vs us having to go track it down. More tender mercies if that will also be put in place for us.
It has been a very long day, but so many blessings that have come. It will be good to get us both home and settled and know that we are good for the night. Esp knowing that we have another very long challenging day ahead of us tomorrow. Will be sure to post about all the tri fun, or not-so-fun, will see which it will be. All I can do is try my best and do what I can.
Very thankful for all that has been given to us, and to Preston and the kids today while we have all had so much that has been going on. Truly we have been very blessed.
Just a little PS - Colton was great in the wheelchair on our way back down on the tram. We made it back down with just a few minutes to spare to get the valet to get the truck vs having to track it down. Colton felt a bit nauseous at first, but never got sick thankfully, and snoozed the entire way home. When we arrived home, Colton was very alert and awake - even to the point of asking for, and eating his doughnut and juice - and noticing that his other tooth was missing. He almost bounced off the walls and was still awake when I headed for bed. He has recovered very quickly and is eating and drinking everything. I have only had to give him tylenol and motrin 1 time each and those were pretty spread out. Again, many more tender mercies extended to us to allow many more wonderful things to happen, and to alleviate many concerns.
Colton Surgery #2
This post will probably be a combination of all of our adventures today before I post it...
UPDATE #2 -
Heavenly Father sends many tender mercies - our day has been filled with them.
We were able to get here to the hospital with little problems (other than the crazy people on the freeway going way too fast) We were able to drop off our car to the valet parking that is available to patients. If we are later than the parking lot is open they promised to move the truck and the keys to the exit booth for us so we can just load up and go. We rode the tram up to the main building. That is always Colton's favorite part - he stares out the window and I make sure and keep my back to the window so I dont barf all over the other passengers :)
When we came up on Monday for Colton's post-op appt we stopped by the little snack shop and got doughnuts. They had Halloween ones already, but since I only had $1 we got one to share. Today we made a point to stop by again and got his orange Halloween doughnut to save for after his surgery.
Then we walked up the big hill to the day-patient building. All of the staff was great. They even had a cute gal who was an official greeter and escort for families to get through the hallways. We were taken back to get Colton all set up and ran into a couple of snags. The monitoring equipment was on the fritz, but the cute nurse was great and so patient. We pulled out Colton's homework to help fill the time. As we were working I overheard a nurse answer a phone call and heard him say "we are moving colton to the main hospital?" My ears perked up then, and I realized as I listened to the rest of the conversation that we were going to be moved. Shortly after that Dr Milzcuk came and found us and the conversation went something like this "Hey, bud, how are you? I wanted to let you know that we are going to move Colton back over to the main hospital. Without going into all the logistics and circumstances, just thought you would like to know and wanted to let you know that this is going to really work out for the best. Will meet you over there soon. K, bye" - This was a HUGE tender mercy for us as where we were at that time was going to make things a bit complicated to get back to the tram and car and such knowing that Colton would probably be unconscious...
We were met by another nurse who escorted us through the maze of hallways over to the main hospital. On our way we saw our cute little nurse who Colton had 3 weeks ago. She remembered us and was surprised to see us. She was on her way to her lunch break, but we found out just a bit later that she would be our nurse again for the afternoon. That was another tender mercy. Colton did so well with her last time that it was good to know that she would be with us again. We also got to chat about how things went last time. It was fun to laugh at her reaction as I told her what happened once we were home and how long Colton slept after the anesthesia.
We are still hanging out waiting for our turn and it is now 2pm. We were told that Dr Milzcuk is still in surgery for another case that is taking longer than expected (we were supposed to be in surgery 1 hr ago). We have met with the anesthesiologist, who seems really great too. She finished up and left, only to return about a minute later. She has informed us that because of Colton's loose tooth that he will most likely be visited by the tooth fairy during surgery....I told her to go for it since it is barely hanging on now. Colton will be excited that it is gone. He is looking forward to the tooth fairy bringing him more dimes to get more Hot Wheels cars from the store.
We were just visited by Dr Milzcuk's surgery assistant and another anesthesiologist. Looks like it shouldnt be too long now. Dr Milzcuk wasnt kidding when he told us earlier that we would be cared for with more staff to meet all of the needs for Colton's surgery. We just met ANOTHER nurse who will be with him for all of surgery. That is Dr Milzcuk, 2 anesthesioligists, at least 2 nurses, the surgery assistant, plus our cute floor nurse. WOW!
Well, they just came to get Colton - he was not quite under yet from the pre-surgery med, and he wanted me to carry him. They allowed me to and I took him down to the surgery room and then handed him off to them. It was harder this time for me to take him down there. I am going to try to go get something to eat and just read or walk for awhile. We are behind schedule quite a bit. It is almost 230pm. Will make sure and post again when Colton is back here with me.
UPDATE #3
More tender mercies - I just got back from the cafeteria where they are having Pasta Friday! I got a HUGE bowl of corkscrew pasta with sauce, chicken and shrimp AND fresh squash and veggies. I am pretty sure one of the squash chunks was pumpkin - just tasted like it to me...it added interesting flavor to the pasta. I also got fruit, juice and powerade to help me get through tomorrow. I didnt think I would eat the whole bowl, but I did. My body must know that I am trying to "bulk up" for the race tomorrow. Hoping I can still get more in me throughout the rest of the evening.
I did just get a short visit and have heard conversations going on that tell me that Colton's surgery is making better progress than expected. It may not be too much longer until he is actually out of surgery. I am hoping to get an update soon. Will be sure to post when I know more.
UPDATE #2 -
Heavenly Father sends many tender mercies - our day has been filled with them.
We were able to get here to the hospital with little problems (other than the crazy people on the freeway going way too fast) We were able to drop off our car to the valet parking that is available to patients. If we are later than the parking lot is open they promised to move the truck and the keys to the exit booth for us so we can just load up and go. We rode the tram up to the main building. That is always Colton's favorite part - he stares out the window and I make sure and keep my back to the window so I dont barf all over the other passengers :)
When we came up on Monday for Colton's post-op appt we stopped by the little snack shop and got doughnuts. They had Halloween ones already, but since I only had $1 we got one to share. Today we made a point to stop by again and got his orange Halloween doughnut to save for after his surgery.
Then we walked up the big hill to the day-patient building. All of the staff was great. They even had a cute gal who was an official greeter and escort for families to get through the hallways. We were taken back to get Colton all set up and ran into a couple of snags. The monitoring equipment was on the fritz, but the cute nurse was great and so patient. We pulled out Colton's homework to help fill the time. As we were working I overheard a nurse answer a phone call and heard him say "we are moving colton to the main hospital?" My ears perked up then, and I realized as I listened to the rest of the conversation that we were going to be moved. Shortly after that Dr Milzcuk came and found us and the conversation went something like this "Hey, bud, how are you? I wanted to let you know that we are going to move Colton back over to the main hospital. Without going into all the logistics and circumstances, just thought you would like to know and wanted to let you know that this is going to really work out for the best. Will meet you over there soon. K, bye" - This was a HUGE tender mercy for us as where we were at that time was going to make things a bit complicated to get back to the tram and car and such knowing that Colton would probably be unconscious...
We were met by another nurse who escorted us through the maze of hallways over to the main hospital. On our way we saw our cute little nurse who Colton had 3 weeks ago. She remembered us and was surprised to see us. She was on her way to her lunch break, but we found out just a bit later that she would be our nurse again for the afternoon. That was another tender mercy. Colton did so well with her last time that it was good to know that she would be with us again. We also got to chat about how things went last time. It was fun to laugh at her reaction as I told her what happened once we were home and how long Colton slept after the anesthesia.
We are still hanging out waiting for our turn and it is now 2pm. We were told that Dr Milzcuk is still in surgery for another case that is taking longer than expected (we were supposed to be in surgery 1 hr ago). We have met with the anesthesiologist, who seems really great too. She finished up and left, only to return about a minute later. She has informed us that because of Colton's loose tooth that he will most likely be visited by the tooth fairy during surgery....I told her to go for it since it is barely hanging on now. Colton will be excited that it is gone. He is looking forward to the tooth fairy bringing him more dimes to get more Hot Wheels cars from the store.
We were just visited by Dr Milzcuk's surgery assistant and another anesthesiologist. Looks like it shouldnt be too long now. Dr Milzcuk wasnt kidding when he told us earlier that we would be cared for with more staff to meet all of the needs for Colton's surgery. We just met ANOTHER nurse who will be with him for all of surgery. That is Dr Milzcuk, 2 anesthesioligists, at least 2 nurses, the surgery assistant, plus our cute floor nurse. WOW!
Well, they just came to get Colton - he was not quite under yet from the pre-surgery med, and he wanted me to carry him. They allowed me to and I took him down to the surgery room and then handed him off to them. It was harder this time for me to take him down there. I am going to try to go get something to eat and just read or walk for awhile. We are behind schedule quite a bit. It is almost 230pm. Will make sure and post again when Colton is back here with me.
UPDATE #3
More tender mercies - I just got back from the cafeteria where they are having Pasta Friday! I got a HUGE bowl of corkscrew pasta with sauce, chicken and shrimp AND fresh squash and veggies. I am pretty sure one of the squash chunks was pumpkin - just tasted like it to me...it added interesting flavor to the pasta. I also got fruit, juice and powerade to help me get through tomorrow. I didnt think I would eat the whole bowl, but I did. My body must know that I am trying to "bulk up" for the race tomorrow. Hoping I can still get more in me throughout the rest of the evening.
I did just get a short visit and have heard conversations going on that tell me that Colton's surgery is making better progress than expected. It may not be too much longer until he is actually out of surgery. I am hoping to get an update soon. Will be sure to post when I know more.
The Countdown Is On...
I have been awake since before 5am, trying to fill my time constructively and to keep me as calm as possible. We are on the countdown for Colton's 2nd surgery today.
Both Colton & I got special blessings last night (a 2nd one for me) to be ready for today. I will be going up with Colton by myself, which I am trying to not be worried about. This last 2 weeks have been crazy with appts trying to get ready for today. Preston will be working from home with the kids to try to get them caught up on all their school work and back on track with lessons and things.
Colton has been a trooper this last couple of weeks. We fell into a pretty good routine with his meds, bandages, etc. He has been counting down every day until he saw Dr Milzcuk on Monday, and was more than happy to tell everyone he was going in for surgery again.
He has also been excited to show everyone his mouth - he lost another tooth on Monday and will most likely lose a 2nd tooth in the next few days (or less). He has been thrilled that the tooth fairy is so generous and he has been able to get some new Hot Wheels cars from the store that he has been able to pay for all by himself.
He is taking all of this upheaval to our schedule in stride and looks forward to his time with all of his specialists. I am not taking it so well, though I know that we are very blessed to have such wonderful people caring for Colton and our family for medical and educational needs.
Since he had eating/drinking restrictions for the later surgery time, he and I stayed up until midnight having snacks and drinks and watching a movie. He also got a real bath and a haircut last night from his dad, knowing it will be a couple of weeks before we can even attempt a "spit" bath for him, and a hair cut wont happen until the bandages are completely off again.
Someone yesterday asked me if things will be "done" after his surgery today. This someone doesnt know us quite yet and I had an interesting time explaining that we have added stuff back into our schedule vs taking things away. Hopefully, though, all the appts will become more consistent. We can just plan to take one day, or even one week at a time, and go from there. I know I am going to be away alot more, and that may be tricky and harder for the big kids to make sure their school work is done. We will just keep doing the best that we can, and be sure to keep in constant contact with the kids' teachers. So far, everyone has been really great to understand and to work with us to keep the kids working well and to help them be successful in the things they are completing.
Well, guess that is all for now. Will plan to post more throughout the day. For now, I need to go eat and finish packing so we are ready to go in an hour. Thanx to everyone for your thoughts/prayers for Colton and our family. It really means so much.
Both Colton & I got special blessings last night (a 2nd one for me) to be ready for today. I will be going up with Colton by myself, which I am trying to not be worried about. This last 2 weeks have been crazy with appts trying to get ready for today. Preston will be working from home with the kids to try to get them caught up on all their school work and back on track with lessons and things.
Colton has been a trooper this last couple of weeks. We fell into a pretty good routine with his meds, bandages, etc. He has been counting down every day until he saw Dr Milzcuk on Monday, and was more than happy to tell everyone he was going in for surgery again.
He has also been excited to show everyone his mouth - he lost another tooth on Monday and will most likely lose a 2nd tooth in the next few days (or less). He has been thrilled that the tooth fairy is so generous and he has been able to get some new Hot Wheels cars from the store that he has been able to pay for all by himself.
He is taking all of this upheaval to our schedule in stride and looks forward to his time with all of his specialists. I am not taking it so well, though I know that we are very blessed to have such wonderful people caring for Colton and our family for medical and educational needs.
Since he had eating/drinking restrictions for the later surgery time, he and I stayed up until midnight having snacks and drinks and watching a movie. He also got a real bath and a haircut last night from his dad, knowing it will be a couple of weeks before we can even attempt a "spit" bath for him, and a hair cut wont happen until the bandages are completely off again.
Someone yesterday asked me if things will be "done" after his surgery today. This someone doesnt know us quite yet and I had an interesting time explaining that we have added stuff back into our schedule vs taking things away. Hopefully, though, all the appts will become more consistent. We can just plan to take one day, or even one week at a time, and go from there. I know I am going to be away alot more, and that may be tricky and harder for the big kids to make sure their school work is done. We will just keep doing the best that we can, and be sure to keep in constant contact with the kids' teachers. So far, everyone has been really great to understand and to work with us to keep the kids working well and to help them be successful in the things they are completing.
Well, guess that is all for now. Will plan to post more throughout the day. For now, I need to go eat and finish packing so we are ready to go in an hour. Thanx to everyone for your thoughts/prayers for Colton and our family. It really means so much.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Piano is FUN!
Our sweet friend who gave the kids' piano lessons moved away right before school started. The kids were really sad about not having piano after making so much progress over the summer. We have another friend in the ward who also teaches, but her schedule was already jam-packed. We were fortunate enough to find another friend in the ward who teaches both piano and voice lessons. She was excited about adding all the kids and was even willing to come to us! It has been really great. She has so many wonderful ideas and the kids are excelling quickly with all of the new fun they are finding with her. Kaeli gets the added bonus of voice lessons too. Her best friend is also taking lessons and Maria agreed to put the girls together and give them a 1 hr lesson each week in exchange for babysitting for her! Major score for Kaeli - she does a great job with maria's kids and is thrilled that she and J will have that time together each week.
I finally got the chance to get some picts last week when Maria was here.
One of the main teaching methods that Maria uses is having the kids practice and learn from music that the KIDS love, not just lesson books. It has really made a big difference to the kids motivation
Colton esp looks forward to his time with Maria because she works with him on and off the piano. They do fun rhythm and motion exercises to teach about the patterns and other important skills and learning that goes into learning to play. He loves it and so do Ky & Kels, since they also get to join in on all the fun.
I finally got the chance to get some picts last week when Maria was here.
One of the main teaching methods that Maria uses is having the kids practice and learn from music that the KIDS love, not just lesson books. It has really made a big difference to the kids motivation
Colton esp looks forward to his time with Maria because she works with him on and off the piano. They do fun rhythm and motion exercises to teach about the patterns and other important skills and learning that goes into learning to play. He loves it and so do Ky & Kels, since they also get to join in on all the fun.
There Is Beauty All Around
This last week or so has been filled with almost non-stop rain in one form or another. We have had dazzling blue skies, and big black clouds. We have had exquisite sunsets and torrential rain. Living in Oregon, we know that these things can, and usally do, all happen on the same day!
One of my favorite times to take picts is after the rain when we get our "sun breaks" This week Kaeli also helped me gather many beautiful picts. She is becoming quite the photographer herself and sometimes gets even better shots than I do. Maybe she will become a photographer instead of a gourmet chef - that girl just has so many amazing talents! Lucky me that I get to enjoy them daily and share in the joy of the beauty she captures.
Of the images below, the 1st and last are mine. The 2 middle ones are Kaeli's. All three are SOOC (straight out of the camera), as you can see we had fun getting it right on the first try for most of these. I may still play with some tweaking - B&W&Color are way fun to play with on images like these!
I am currently working hard to get my new website up and running. Along with that will hopefully be links to my PhotoMomentsCreations line, my new FB page and hopefully a Smugmug site where all of my albums will be posted. Keep an eye out for lots more to come very soon!
One of my favorite times to take picts is after the rain when we get our "sun breaks" This week Kaeli also helped me gather many beautiful picts. She is becoming quite the photographer herself and sometimes gets even better shots than I do. Maybe she will become a photographer instead of a gourmet chef - that girl just has so many amazing talents! Lucky me that I get to enjoy them daily and share in the joy of the beauty she captures.
Of the images below, the 1st and last are mine. The 2 middle ones are Kaeli's. All three are SOOC (straight out of the camera), as you can see we had fun getting it right on the first try for most of these. I may still play with some tweaking - B&W&Color are way fun to play with on images like these!
I am currently working hard to get my new website up and running. Along with that will hopefully be links to my PhotoMomentsCreations line, my new FB page and hopefully a Smugmug site where all of my albums will be posted. Keep an eye out for lots more to come very soon!
They Totally Missed The Point
Monday night I attended our local school district board meeting. I got myself into the "hot seat" again and read some written comments that I had made.
More comments were made about that meeting from a previous board member here -
http://www.thecentraladvocate.blogspot.com/
Here is the response I tried to post:
I was in attendance at the board meeting.
I was still concerned that needs of the staff and community were not met in the changes discussed for the communication between the board and community.
I approached a board member after the meeting trying to get my points across and trying to ask more questions. I was point blank told that the staff (being on the "payroll") should be happy they are allowed to participate or make comments at the board meeting at all. I was also told that this is not their (meaning the staff) or my (meaning the community) meeting - that it was an official meeting held in public...
I was totally appalled. They had still totally missed the point of people asking for ACTIVE communication between the board and those in attendance.
To me this confirms what I have always felt - they are holding this meeting "in public" just for show and that they are just going ahead and doing what they want anyway.
I tried to tell this board member about what I observed about the reactions of parents and staff alike while they were up there voting about the new policy changes. He wouldnt even listen to me.
I saw the furious, shocked reactions from the audience while all of the "discussion" was going on. Parents, staff and community members want to have an active part in the meetings. Something they have asked for, and again said was a big problem during the meeting. When the board allows no questions or comments from the audience DURING the process they are missing the entire point of what is needed to be changed. They continue to make decisions without including the input or recommends from the very people that those decisions are directly effecting.
My point was very clearly made when the board "discussed" and voted on something that directly effected the teachers - and yet the teachers had no idea what was even going on. When a teacher tried to ask a question during that time to even find out what the heck the board was doing or talking about, she was immediately told that she was not allowed to even ask.The board chairperson totally tried to shut her down and went into a defensive tirade. When enough uproar went up from the audience, the teacher was finally allowed to ask her question. It took many voices before the board would even grudgingly relinquish their tight reign over the meeting.
Moving that "hot seat" from the beginning of the meeting to the end still does not meet the needs of the audience having the chance to speak AND get a sincere reply from the board. The board NEVER acknowledges, let alone replies, to anything that is said from that speaker's seat. This is not going to change by just moving comments from one end of the meeting to the other.
This is what MUST change. Those who are the direct recipients of the decisions made should be involved in the entire process, including the discussions during the monthly meetings.
The other thing I would like to see changed is the policy about records from "executive session" meetings the board holds. Currently the board has policy in place that no records are kept or disclosed to the public about what goes on or is discussed in those meetings.
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that this is wrong. They are just continuing to keep their secrets and politics between themselves instead of out in the open and honest and where the public should be fully aware of what is being discussed. Especially since the things that are discussed are about the staff, community and kids. The decisions made in those meetings directly effect them, not the board, and usually the results of those meetings effects them in very negative ways.
To me it is like knowing someone is talking about me behind my back - and being totally blatant about it in the process. They are discussing and making decisions among themselves, further separating themselves from their staff and the community instead of doing anything to better the relationship or bringing them into union.
I had given up on even dealing with the board when we pulled our students from the local schools. I was done dealing with their garbage. I see now, though, that I am going to have to continue to fight as a concerned citizen, to help the board see and understand that they are still totally missing the point. I am only hoping that someday the rest of the community will join me, and that the staff will stop being afraid and start standing up for what is right and for what is in their and the kids' best interests. I am going to do everything I can to make sure I am part of the voice that calls for positive changes. I am not afraid and I hope that others will feel the same way.
I know that many people walked away from that meeting on Monday with their eyes finally open to all the garbage that is going on in our district right now. I, along with another ward member who spoke, have both received many comments and phone calls about what we had to say. I am hoping that as more information is shared and more secrets and politics come out that more people will be willing to stand up and finally say "ENOUGH!" Until then, you will find me in that hot seat every 1st monday of the month.
More comments were made about that meeting from a previous board member here -
http://www.thecentraladvocate.blogspot.com/
Here is the response I tried to post:
I was in attendance at the board meeting.
I was still concerned that needs of the staff and community were not met in the changes discussed for the communication between the board and community.
I approached a board member after the meeting trying to get my points across and trying to ask more questions. I was point blank told that the staff (being on the "payroll") should be happy they are allowed to participate or make comments at the board meeting at all. I was also told that this is not their (meaning the staff) or my (meaning the community) meeting - that it was an official meeting held in public...
I was totally appalled. They had still totally missed the point of people asking for ACTIVE communication between the board and those in attendance.
To me this confirms what I have always felt - they are holding this meeting "in public" just for show and that they are just going ahead and doing what they want anyway.
I tried to tell this board member about what I observed about the reactions of parents and staff alike while they were up there voting about the new policy changes. He wouldnt even listen to me.
I saw the furious, shocked reactions from the audience while all of the "discussion" was going on. Parents, staff and community members want to have an active part in the meetings. Something they have asked for, and again said was a big problem during the meeting. When the board allows no questions or comments from the audience DURING the process they are missing the entire point of what is needed to be changed. They continue to make decisions without including the input or recommends from the very people that those decisions are directly effecting.
My point was very clearly made when the board "discussed" and voted on something that directly effected the teachers - and yet the teachers had no idea what was even going on. When a teacher tried to ask a question during that time to even find out what the heck the board was doing or talking about, she was immediately told that she was not allowed to even ask.The board chairperson totally tried to shut her down and went into a defensive tirade. When enough uproar went up from the audience, the teacher was finally allowed to ask her question. It took many voices before the board would even grudgingly relinquish their tight reign over the meeting.
Moving that "hot seat" from the beginning of the meeting to the end still does not meet the needs of the audience having the chance to speak AND get a sincere reply from the board. The board NEVER acknowledges, let alone replies, to anything that is said from that speaker's seat. This is not going to change by just moving comments from one end of the meeting to the other.
This is what MUST change. Those who are the direct recipients of the decisions made should be involved in the entire process, including the discussions during the monthly meetings.
The other thing I would like to see changed is the policy about records from "executive session" meetings the board holds. Currently the board has policy in place that no records are kept or disclosed to the public about what goes on or is discussed in those meetings.
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that this is wrong. They are just continuing to keep their secrets and politics between themselves instead of out in the open and honest and where the public should be fully aware of what is being discussed. Especially since the things that are discussed are about the staff, community and kids. The decisions made in those meetings directly effect them, not the board, and usually the results of those meetings effects them in very negative ways.
To me it is like knowing someone is talking about me behind my back - and being totally blatant about it in the process. They are discussing and making decisions among themselves, further separating themselves from their staff and the community instead of doing anything to better the relationship or bringing them into union.
I had given up on even dealing with the board when we pulled our students from the local schools. I was done dealing with their garbage. I see now, though, that I am going to have to continue to fight as a concerned citizen, to help the board see and understand that they are still totally missing the point. I am only hoping that someday the rest of the community will join me, and that the staff will stop being afraid and start standing up for what is right and for what is in their and the kids' best interests. I am going to do everything I can to make sure I am part of the voice that calls for positive changes. I am not afraid and I hope that others will feel the same way.
I know that many people walked away from that meeting on Monday with their eyes finally open to all the garbage that is going on in our district right now. I, along with another ward member who spoke, have both received many comments and phone calls about what we had to say. I am hoping that as more information is shared and more secrets and politics come out that more people will be willing to stand up and finally say "ENOUGH!" Until then, you will find me in that hot seat every 1st monday of the month.
Monday, September 13, 2010
CSD Board Review and Commentary
Just an FYI - this is LONG, but wanted to post it here for our journaling and for those who dont have or see FB...
Attended CSD board meeting tonight - I left feeling disappointed as always. Of all the comments made tonight, only 2 (that I am aware of) were made by non-staff, non-staff spouses. Meaning - me and John. The shut downs from the board chair were more intense tonight. Decisions were made and things changed, all without the voice of the community -
and without the voice of the staff because they are living in daily fear that if they say anything at all that they will lose their already precarious jobs....
I watched and listened tonight as decisions were made, all without including or inviting any participation from the staff or community members in attendance. Watching and listening to them (staff and parents) quietly fume and lament the fact they werent allowed to say anything, or even ask questions, about the very things that immediately effected them.
I got the chance to try to express concerns to a board member tonight after the meeting. Trying to express concerns about there still being no responsibility on the part of the board to respond to comments or to allow active participation from the floor DURING the meeting. I was told that staff members are PAID, and they should be glad they are even allowed to say anything at these meetings at all. I was also told that these meetings are not ours or theirs (meaning staff), that it is an official meeting held in public - what? Shouldnt it be OUR meeting too? Isnt it OUR children that are being caught in the middle of all of this? He made the same comment about our current state government - it is a "public" meeting with no say allowed by or from those that are most concerned and affected. This is the thing that drives me crazy the most.
I think that they are still completely missing the point. They got in an uproar tonight about the state level people making decisions about them, that would diectly effect them and us (district families) withouth their input, and yet they turn around and do the same thing to the community - dictating and making decisions without ever listening to, or hearing all the cries from the very people who are the most invested and the have the most to lose - our families, staff and esp our children. People who are making decisions without ever once thinking about the consequences that would come, or the children and families that would be devastated by their actions and choices.
With 9/11 being over the weekend, many comments were made about truth, right and citizenship being lost and needing to be rediscovered and taught - and yet the board, and the current state legislature, doesnt include themselves in the reasons those things are being lost at a local level.
When did parents lose the right to make the best decisions for their own children. When did those elected by the "voice" of the people decide they were in charge of making all the decisions without ever thinking about the consequences?
I kind of think about it in a comparison form - if you wanted to buy a house or a car, or such, would you sign a contract without ever reading it, or knowing the consequences first? Would you take your family of whatever size it is (say 8) to the store or a restaurant only to be told by the owner that the only thing being served or sold wouldnt even begin to cover the needs of your family, but you say ok fine? NO! And yet the education of our children, and the contracts and elections of officals and leaders, supposedly put in place to care for our children and their education, are treated in this exact same way.
Many voices stay silent, many voices do not protest until it is too late, and the few voices left to choose do not have anyone but themselves that they are thinking about. When will things in our district get bad enough for the WHOLE community to make changes?
Will it be when a 3rd party audit (if ever allowed) shows all of the millions of our dollars that were misused, misspent and used for personal gain, instead of buying new computers and safety features, and essential materials? Will it be when our children go to school every day to not be able to learn because there will be no materials, no supplies, no anything for teachers to run their classrooms (guess what one of the things discussed tonigth was?) Will it be when our children cannot even think about graduation or about pursuing continued education because state standards are now only going to offer the submission of "work samples" instead of passing national and state tests (guess what else was discussed tonight?) Will it be when our district is still showing more than 40% of students NOT passing math or reading tests at all? Will it be when our beautiful new theater building (which is STILL not complete) is destroyed because the district will not keep the building secure or hire an outside party to run the building and all of its millions of dollars of equipment?
Will it be when we lose another board member who has significantly contributed to the positive things happening is gone and is replaced by someone else who doesnt care what you have to say?
I have fought - even when I have no reason to. I have tried to make my voice heard, even when I know I am not being listened to at all. I am a member of this community who is very concerned about the significant downturn our district is taking. I am ever grateful for experiences, that seemed devastating at the time, that have led our family a different direction and allowing them to pursue the education that best fits our families needs. I am proud of those other families who have stood up and made a change, even if it means also walking away from our district.
I am just asking that MORE families stand up and say something, or do something, and make your thoughts and wishes known concerning your children. Dont let someone else do it for you. Our kiddos are our most precious treasure, they are the future of our country, and of our world. We cannot sit idly by and allow those in "power" to make horrible decisions concerning our children today and then not be willing to live with the consequences later. One voice alone can almost never be heard, but together many voices and efforts dedicated to right and truth and putting our kids first can and will make a difference. Will you be one of the few, or one of the many?
PS - board meetings are moving to CHS cafeteria starting Oct. along with new format of meeting proceedings.
Attended CSD board meeting tonight - I left feeling disappointed as always. Of all the comments made tonight, only 2 (that I am aware of) were made by non-staff, non-staff spouses. Meaning - me and John. The shut downs from the board chair were more intense tonight. Decisions were made and things changed, all without the voice of the community -
and without the voice of the staff because they are living in daily fear that if they say anything at all that they will lose their already precarious jobs....
I watched and listened tonight as decisions were made, all without including or inviting any participation from the staff or community members in attendance. Watching and listening to them (staff and parents) quietly fume and lament the fact they werent allowed to say anything, or even ask questions, about the very things that immediately effected them.
I got the chance to try to express concerns to a board member tonight after the meeting. Trying to express concerns about there still being no responsibility on the part of the board to respond to comments or to allow active participation from the floor DURING the meeting. I was told that staff members are PAID, and they should be glad they are even allowed to say anything at these meetings at all. I was also told that these meetings are not ours or theirs (meaning staff), that it is an official meeting held in public - what? Shouldnt it be OUR meeting too? Isnt it OUR children that are being caught in the middle of all of this? He made the same comment about our current state government - it is a "public" meeting with no say allowed by or from those that are most concerned and affected. This is the thing that drives me crazy the most.
I think that they are still completely missing the point. They got in an uproar tonight about the state level people making decisions about them, that would diectly effect them and us (district families) withouth their input, and yet they turn around and do the same thing to the community - dictating and making decisions without ever listening to, or hearing all the cries from the very people who are the most invested and the have the most to lose - our families, staff and esp our children. People who are making decisions without ever once thinking about the consequences that would come, or the children and families that would be devastated by their actions and choices.
With 9/11 being over the weekend, many comments were made about truth, right and citizenship being lost and needing to be rediscovered and taught - and yet the board, and the current state legislature, doesnt include themselves in the reasons those things are being lost at a local level.
When did parents lose the right to make the best decisions for their own children. When did those elected by the "voice" of the people decide they were in charge of making all the decisions without ever thinking about the consequences?
I kind of think about it in a comparison form - if you wanted to buy a house or a car, or such, would you sign a contract without ever reading it, or knowing the consequences first? Would you take your family of whatever size it is (say 8) to the store or a restaurant only to be told by the owner that the only thing being served or sold wouldnt even begin to cover the needs of your family, but you say ok fine? NO! And yet the education of our children, and the contracts and elections of officals and leaders, supposedly put in place to care for our children and their education, are treated in this exact same way.
Many voices stay silent, many voices do not protest until it is too late, and the few voices left to choose do not have anyone but themselves that they are thinking about. When will things in our district get bad enough for the WHOLE community to make changes?
Will it be when a 3rd party audit (if ever allowed) shows all of the millions of our dollars that were misused, misspent and used for personal gain, instead of buying new computers and safety features, and essential materials? Will it be when our children go to school every day to not be able to learn because there will be no materials, no supplies, no anything for teachers to run their classrooms (guess what one of the things discussed tonigth was?) Will it be when our children cannot even think about graduation or about pursuing continued education because state standards are now only going to offer the submission of "work samples" instead of passing national and state tests (guess what else was discussed tonight?) Will it be when our district is still showing more than 40% of students NOT passing math or reading tests at all? Will it be when our beautiful new theater building (which is STILL not complete) is destroyed because the district will not keep the building secure or hire an outside party to run the building and all of its millions of dollars of equipment?
Will it be when we lose another board member who has significantly contributed to the positive things happening is gone and is replaced by someone else who doesnt care what you have to say?
I have fought - even when I have no reason to. I have tried to make my voice heard, even when I know I am not being listened to at all. I am a member of this community who is very concerned about the significant downturn our district is taking. I am ever grateful for experiences, that seemed devastating at the time, that have led our family a different direction and allowing them to pursue the education that best fits our families needs. I am proud of those other families who have stood up and made a change, even if it means also walking away from our district.
I am just asking that MORE families stand up and say something, or do something, and make your thoughts and wishes known concerning your children. Dont let someone else do it for you. Our kiddos are our most precious treasure, they are the future of our country, and of our world. We cannot sit idly by and allow those in "power" to make horrible decisions concerning our children today and then not be willing to live with the consequences later. One voice alone can almost never be heard, but together many voices and efforts dedicated to right and truth and putting our kids first can and will make a difference. Will you be one of the few, or one of the many?
PS - board meetings are moving to CHS cafeteria starting Oct. along with new format of meeting proceedings.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Award Winning Photos III
Submitting stuff to the fair was VERY stressful for me. Most of it came from being totally clueless about what I was doing. Thankfully I had Ceana there with me to help out, and we were shown great kindness by staff and others who helped us make sure we had everything ready to go on time.
I submitted 10 images, all in different categories. All were my FAVES from the last couple of years - what I considered to be my very best work. Funny that as we discovered what images won the awards, some of them were just very puzzling. I had most of my images not win anything at all (though I was expecting none of my work to win after what we went through to even enter them)even though I know it was some of my very best work. I was also very surprised to find that the ribbons that I did win were all first place. This year I entered the amatuer level, because most of what I submitted was my "fine art" which I have not taken money for (yet) Next year if I enter again, I will have to enter everything in the "professional" division. That division was VERY small this year I noticed, so maybe I have a good chance. Will just have to see if I can get my fine art line up off the ground first...
I really was so pleased to see that my work did win. Along with winning the front cover of our area phone book, I would say that it has been a pretty successful year. Hoping that next year will be even better!
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This was taken across the back fences of the houses in our neighborhood during one of our big storms last year. Turning it to B&W made it even better.
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This was my ultimate FAVE from Kels' 18 month shoot. I was very excited to know that it was good enough to win
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I won a 1st place ribbon for the "collection" category with these images I got of my friend's baby. It isnt the best pict (the lighting in the building was yuck) but I love that it shows off all the fun we had taking picts of her. Some of my best newborn stuff
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Kaeli INSISTED that I had my pict taken too since I had taken the girls' picts. I guess it is good for them to see me in picts, but I sure like being behind the camera better...
I submitted 10 images, all in different categories. All were my FAVES from the last couple of years - what I considered to be my very best work. Funny that as we discovered what images won the awards, some of them were just very puzzling. I had most of my images not win anything at all (though I was expecting none of my work to win after what we went through to even enter them)even though I know it was some of my very best work. I was also very surprised to find that the ribbons that I did win were all first place. This year I entered the amatuer level, because most of what I submitted was my "fine art" which I have not taken money for (yet) Next year if I enter again, I will have to enter everything in the "professional" division. That division was VERY small this year I noticed, so maybe I have a good chance. Will just have to see if I can get my fine art line up off the ground first...
I really was so pleased to see that my work did win. Along with winning the front cover of our area phone book, I would say that it has been a pretty successful year. Hoping that next year will be even better!
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This was taken across the back fences of the houses in our neighborhood during one of our big storms last year. Turning it to B&W made it even better..JPG)
This was my ultimate FAVE from Kels' 18 month shoot. I was very excited to know that it was good enough to win.JPG)
I won a 1st place ribbon for the "collection" category with these images I got of my friend's baby. It isnt the best pict (the lighting in the building was yuck) but I love that it shows off all the fun we had taking picts of her. Some of my best newborn stuff.JPG)
Kaeli INSISTED that I had my pict taken too since I had taken the girls' picts. I guess it is good for them to see me in picts, but I sure like being behind the camera better...
Award Winning Photos II
Ceana also won awards this year for her picts. She was very excited, esp after all the extra stress she & I went through to get everything submitted. Her fave picts were all ones from her trip to SLC last year. She had great memories of when she took them, and now she has more good memories because of winning ribbons for them. It was a great first experience for her. I think she and Kaeli will look forward to submitting more photos next year.
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Award Winning Photos
We girls entered photos at the fair this year. It was our very first time. It was a very stressful undertaking, but well worth it after all the surprises we got! Kaeli was extra hesitant to even enter, and we made her choices at the last minute....
Kaeli got the biggest surprise of all by winning the overall Superintendent's Choice award. I was SO excited for her. She received a beautiful, ruffly ribbon (that will match her room perfectly) and a cash award. She also won 2nd and 3rd place ribbons, also with cash awards, in her division for the categories she entered. It was a great experience for her first time.
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She took her big award winning photo at the capital grounds during Spring Break this year.
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Here she is receiving her award from the Superintendent.
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Showing off one of her FAVES - taken at sunset off our back deck
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She took this at the brand new carousel at Hogle Zoo in SLC last Summer.
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Another one of her FAVES from the Capital grounds
Kaeli got the biggest surprise of all by winning the overall Superintendent's Choice award. I was SO excited for her. She received a beautiful, ruffly ribbon (that will match her room perfectly) and a cash award. She also won 2nd and 3rd place ribbons, also with cash awards, in her division for the categories she entered. It was a great experience for her first time.
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She took her big award winning photo at the capital grounds during Spring Break this year..JPG)
Here she is receiving her award from the Superintendent..JPG)
Showing off one of her FAVES - taken at sunset off our back deck.JPG)
She took this at the brand new carousel at Hogle Zoo in SLC last Summer..JPG)
Another one of her FAVES from the Capital grounds
GOIN' FISHIN'
One of the Summer scout activities this year was a fishing trip to a local pond. Fishing isnt something we do, so Caiden was very excited to learn. He had a great time with his new leaders and the other boys. No one actually caught anything, but that isnt always the point of fishing is it?
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Fall Harvest
We have been doing LOTS of canning in the last few months. We have had the unexpected blessing of having beautiful berries, and pears given to us. We have been able to find peaches and more pears too. We are looking forward to still getting apples from a friend. We have been doing lots of playing too. Enjoying just eating fat, juicy, yummy berries (I should have taken picts), and playing with new recipes.
Ceana learned how to make peach pie all by herself this year. They were beautiful and VERY yummy! Of course it is always wonderful to see many beautiful jars sitting on the shelves and know that they are worth all the work.
We have so many cases of canned pears this year, that we wanted to try something different. We were hoping to do apple-pear sauce - but the pears arrived early, and the apples still havent come on yet. So we played with combining a couple different recipes and came up with our own creation of Spiced Pear Sauce - and, boy, is it YUMMY!
We got a late start on things yesterday, but everyone was willing to stay up and help. The girls and I cranked out the sauce out on the deck, with the little people all helping too. They thought it was great fun to turn the crank of applesauce "maker" (should have taken picts - would have if I had been awake enough) It was late, and we were all extra tired, which probably explained the giggle fits we got into. We also listened to the CHS varsity team whip Estacada - both the JV & Varsity teams are rockin' already this year with all wins and no losses.
Preston manned the kitchen jobs, getting all the fruit and spices into the jars and running 2 batches at a time on the stove. I think he stayed up until 2am finishing the last batches. I got to taste some today from the couple of "leftover" jars, and I was so excited about how extra yummy it was after sitting in the fridge. The cinnamon and vanilla added the perfect touch - thanx to ML and JT for the awesome recipes!
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Ceana learned how to make peach pie all by herself this year. They were beautiful and VERY yummy! Of course it is always wonderful to see many beautiful jars sitting on the shelves and know that they are worth all the work.
We have so many cases of canned pears this year, that we wanted to try something different. We were hoping to do apple-pear sauce - but the pears arrived early, and the apples still havent come on yet. So we played with combining a couple different recipes and came up with our own creation of Spiced Pear Sauce - and, boy, is it YUMMY!
We got a late start on things yesterday, but everyone was willing to stay up and help. The girls and I cranked out the sauce out on the deck, with the little people all helping too. They thought it was great fun to turn the crank of applesauce "maker" (should have taken picts - would have if I had been awake enough) It was late, and we were all extra tired, which probably explained the giggle fits we got into. We also listened to the CHS varsity team whip Estacada - both the JV & Varsity teams are rockin' already this year with all wins and no losses.
Preston manned the kitchen jobs, getting all the fruit and spices into the jars and running 2 batches at a time on the stove. I think he stayed up until 2am finishing the last batches. I got to taste some today from the couple of "leftover" jars, and I was so excited about how extra yummy it was after sitting in the fridge. The cinnamon and vanilla added the perfect touch - thanx to ML and JT for the awesome recipes!
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
CHICKEN RUN
I took Ceana & Colton with me on Monday AM to take care of our friend's animals one last time.
We arrived to find the cows all accounted for, and 2 chickens still escaped from their enclosure - RATS! Between the 3 of us, we were able to flush them out of the pasture and closer to the house and barn. One of them ran between the barn and the garage so I had Colton and Ceana go around and block one end and flush it out towards me.
*Remember the cow chasing episode some months back? Me running around with a 2x4 and a piece of hose? This time it was me with a monster sized, sport fishing net....go ahead and laugh, everyone else has...
It worked though - I snagged that dumb chicken and twisted off the net (I learned my lesson the 1st day with the garbage can episode) and took it back to the coop.
The 2nd chicken gave us a literal run for our money. It decided to run back out into the pasture, but eventually got into the same place as we had caught the other one. No problem, right? Wrong. It ran crazy in that space and finally ran right at Colton, where he responded by jumping out of its way with a "mom, it was going to get me!" something or other. I just stood there and rolled my eyes (you should have seen them - yep, all the way into the back of my head). The kids chased it some more and eventually it ran right back to the coop. I think at this point Heavenly Father was done laughing His head off at us and showed some mercy...the chicken ran right through the doorway of the coop. Ceana ran in too, and I blocked the door with the net. She flushed it out while I got the door open. Whew!
All good and accounted for? Not quite- the lightest colored hen that I put back 2x was missing again....and there was nothing I could do about it. Crazy that these things always happen on MY watch...
We also had to deal with cows again. I went to the gate (where Ky got slammed) to get the hay ready to go. The big black cow that had knocked him over stood right behind the gate staring at me as if to say "come on through here, I dare you..." and if looks could kill, that cow would have had me dead. I told her "Fat Chance!" and got the hay ready to go over the gate from MY side. As I moved closer to the gate, so did she - coming right up to totally block the way even if I had wanted to try to go in...dumb cow. The kids and I took the bales apart and threw it over the gate, which resulted in hay in all of our hair and clothes, and sending Ceana into a sneezing fit (her alleries are so bad this year)
For all of our troubles, we were lucky enough to come away with more fresh, pretty eggs and another big tray of fresh blackberries. I have decided I am definately NOT a country girl though, and that is ok.
We are looking forward to going to our other friends' house tomorrow to love on all their animals. The kids are esp looking forward to seeing/feeding/grooming the horses (Ky thinks their Kai is named after him) and getting to see the new piglets. Of course running crazy with the dogs and snuggling the kitten will be tons of fun too. They have their own "petting zoo" which they are sweet enough to let us come and enjoy too. I will make sure to take my camera and there will be a fun post soon!
We arrived to find the cows all accounted for, and 2 chickens still escaped from their enclosure - RATS! Between the 3 of us, we were able to flush them out of the pasture and closer to the house and barn. One of them ran between the barn and the garage so I had Colton and Ceana go around and block one end and flush it out towards me.
*Remember the cow chasing episode some months back? Me running around with a 2x4 and a piece of hose? This time it was me with a monster sized, sport fishing net....go ahead and laugh, everyone else has...
It worked though - I snagged that dumb chicken and twisted off the net (I learned my lesson the 1st day with the garbage can episode) and took it back to the coop.
The 2nd chicken gave us a literal run for our money. It decided to run back out into the pasture, but eventually got into the same place as we had caught the other one. No problem, right? Wrong. It ran crazy in that space and finally ran right at Colton, where he responded by jumping out of its way with a "mom, it was going to get me!" something or other. I just stood there and rolled my eyes (you should have seen them - yep, all the way into the back of my head). The kids chased it some more and eventually it ran right back to the coop. I think at this point Heavenly Father was done laughing His head off at us and showed some mercy...the chicken ran right through the doorway of the coop. Ceana ran in too, and I blocked the door with the net. She flushed it out while I got the door open. Whew!
All good and accounted for? Not quite- the lightest colored hen that I put back 2x was missing again....and there was nothing I could do about it. Crazy that these things always happen on MY watch...
We also had to deal with cows again. I went to the gate (where Ky got slammed) to get the hay ready to go. The big black cow that had knocked him over stood right behind the gate staring at me as if to say "come on through here, I dare you..." and if looks could kill, that cow would have had me dead. I told her "Fat Chance!" and got the hay ready to go over the gate from MY side. As I moved closer to the gate, so did she - coming right up to totally block the way even if I had wanted to try to go in...dumb cow. The kids and I took the bales apart and threw it over the gate, which resulted in hay in all of our hair and clothes, and sending Ceana into a sneezing fit (her alleries are so bad this year)
For all of our troubles, we were lucky enough to come away with more fresh, pretty eggs and another big tray of fresh blackberries. I have decided I am definately NOT a country girl though, and that is ok.
We are looking forward to going to our other friends' house tomorrow to love on all their animals. The kids are esp looking forward to seeing/feeding/grooming the horses (Ky thinks their Kai is named after him) and getting to see the new piglets. Of course running crazy with the dogs and snuggling the kitten will be tons of fun too. They have their own "petting zoo" which they are sweet enough to let us come and enjoy too. I will make sure to take my camera and there will be a fun post soon!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
More Adventure
Just another animal adventure update...
This morning when I went to check on our friend's property and livestock I took Ky along with me, he loves to go and help with the animals. When we got there I discovered that ALL the chickens were back INSIDE the enclosure – including the one that went missing all day yesterday. I walked the perimeter of the enclosure, just to be sure I hadnt missed a hole or something. Everything was as it should have been. Miracles do still happen - my prayer last night was that all of the chickens were there and inside their pen.
The cows were very aggressive this morning though – they were at the hay before I could even get the bails undone and fighting with each other to get to it. Ky wanted to come in and help me and when he bent over to pick up some of the hay, one of the cows turned and head butted him – hard. Then it tried to do the same thing to me when I went to help Ky. I scooped him up as quickly as I could and we went back out through the gate. He was crying and so was I. I keep looking at his eyes, and worry about the goose-egg right at his temple where the cow hit him…
I was in tears all morning, Ky just wanted to help, and it is my fault he is hurt because I had in there with me, not aware those dumb cows could be harmful….my fast today was centered around him and asking for blessings that he would be ok. All through church we kept a close eye on him and watched as the swelling on the goose egg at his temple went down, but green bruises kept showing up on his forehead and around his temple.
Will need to go back this evening and give them more hay and gather eggs. I will be sure to toss the hay OVER the gate vs going back in. I am pretty sure one of the cats is trapped in the garage, too. It may even be the mama cat, as I saw the black, and the orange/white tabby’s right at the corner where I heard sounds yesterday…unfortunately they are farm cats, not pets, so they bolted and disappeared before I could even try to help them. I hope I can get a hold of our friends so we can let her out.
Ky seems to be ok, other than all the bruises and the goose-egg - and the hives on the other side of his face where he slammed down in the field in the hay. Will have to watch those and maybe give him some benadryl.
....This post got interrupted..... Just got back from taking care of animals. Found out our friend's kids went out to the house today and let the cat out of the garage and got all the cats some food. We arrived to find 3 more chickens outside of the enclosure, and we only caught one of them because it was helping itself to the feed bucket in the shed. The other 2 ran out into the pasture - which was strangely quiet, with no cows to be seen or heard....
I think sometimes I am glad that I am not a "country girl" - chasing chickens and cows is not really my idea of fun. I am glad that others do think it is fun, because we have been blessed to share the bounty of fresh eggs, and homegrown beef. We are more than happy to help our friends whenever they need us, but it is good to come home and know we are done for awhile.
On that side note, we are looking forward to visiting some other friends with livestock and have the fun of a "petting zoo" at their house. We just found out they got 5 new piglets and the horses will be there at the house too. We will also be able to enjoy their great big dogs, a growing kitten and friendly chickens. I will be sure to take my camera and do a post about all of our fun after we visit them.
This morning when I went to check on our friend's property and livestock I took Ky along with me, he loves to go and help with the animals. When we got there I discovered that ALL the chickens were back INSIDE the enclosure – including the one that went missing all day yesterday. I walked the perimeter of the enclosure, just to be sure I hadnt missed a hole or something. Everything was as it should have been. Miracles do still happen - my prayer last night was that all of the chickens were there and inside their pen.
The cows were very aggressive this morning though – they were at the hay before I could even get the bails undone and fighting with each other to get to it. Ky wanted to come in and help me and when he bent over to pick up some of the hay, one of the cows turned and head butted him – hard. Then it tried to do the same thing to me when I went to help Ky. I scooped him up as quickly as I could and we went back out through the gate. He was crying and so was I. I keep looking at his eyes, and worry about the goose-egg right at his temple where the cow hit him…
I was in tears all morning, Ky just wanted to help, and it is my fault he is hurt because I had in there with me, not aware those dumb cows could be harmful….my fast today was centered around him and asking for blessings that he would be ok. All through church we kept a close eye on him and watched as the swelling on the goose egg at his temple went down, but green bruises kept showing up on his forehead and around his temple.
Will need to go back this evening and give them more hay and gather eggs. I will be sure to toss the hay OVER the gate vs going back in. I am pretty sure one of the cats is trapped in the garage, too. It may even be the mama cat, as I saw the black, and the orange/white tabby’s right at the corner where I heard sounds yesterday…unfortunately they are farm cats, not pets, so they bolted and disappeared before I could even try to help them. I hope I can get a hold of our friends so we can let her out.
Ky seems to be ok, other than all the bruises and the goose-egg - and the hives on the other side of his face where he slammed down in the field in the hay. Will have to watch those and maybe give him some benadryl.
....This post got interrupted..... Just got back from taking care of animals. Found out our friend's kids went out to the house today and let the cat out of the garage and got all the cats some food. We arrived to find 3 more chickens outside of the enclosure, and we only caught one of them because it was helping itself to the feed bucket in the shed. The other 2 ran out into the pasture - which was strangely quiet, with no cows to be seen or heard....
I think sometimes I am glad that I am not a "country girl" - chasing chickens and cows is not really my idea of fun. I am glad that others do think it is fun, because we have been blessed to share the bounty of fresh eggs, and homegrown beef. We are more than happy to help our friends whenever they need us, but it is good to come home and know we are done for awhile.
On that side note, we are looking forward to visiting some other friends with livestock and have the fun of a "petting zoo" at their house. We just found out they got 5 new piglets and the horses will be there at the house too. We will also be able to enjoy their great big dogs, a growing kitten and friendly chickens. I will be sure to take my camera and do a post about all of our fun after we visit them.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sometimes He Sends Answers Quickly
I have had many answered prayers in the last couple of days....and even though I am feeling so undeserving, I am truly grateful
We have been caring for a friend's livestock while they are away. It never fails that each time we offer to help, some kind of animal adventure always happens, but usually only to me. Last time, it was an escape artist cow, this time it is escape artist chickens. Yesterday when I went to care for the livestock one of the chickens was out of the coop. I chased it around the shed a couple of times before I knew it was a lost cause. Sending out a ferverent prayer, I rounded the shed one last time to find the chicken in a large garbage can that was on its side. Blessing and anwered prayer #1!
I put the big monster "chicken" net over the end, and then thinking (or not thinking as the case turned out) I figured I could just pick up the garbage can and haul the chicken back to the shed - except the dumb thing flew right in my face - and OUT of the garbage can....
Another ferverent prayer and an apology for being brainless I circled the shed again - to find the chicken right at the door to the coop. I quickly cornered the thing with the net and opened the door to the coop. Yea, Blessing and answered prayer #2!
Today when I arrived, with little kiddos in tow, I discovered ANOTHER chicken out of the coop. RATS! At first I had Caiden try to help me chase it one direction, thinking that I could snag it with the net coming from the other direction...Except that Caiden was a bit fearful and let the chicken fly right by him when it lifted off the ground or came at him running. Another prayer went up and I circled again to find Caiden blocking the doorway to the shed where the chicken was trapped right in front of the door to the coop. Blessing and answered prayer #3!
We went along finishing all the jobs that were needed and I was just finishing up with the blackberries when I heard an ear piercing scream from kels and Caiden hollering for me. I thought something was really wrong - came to find out that not one, but TWO, chickens had again escaped from the coop. I gave another half-hearted attempt at being able to capture them, but then just gave up and loaded the kids and berries and we headed for home. I will go up and check on things again tomorrow, hopefully they will be roosting in the shed or at least close by in the yard. As I got thinking about it, the chicken I rounded up yesterday was not in the coop today either....(eyes rolled all the way to the ceiling)
The only thing I can think of is that they are getting enough flight to just clear the top of the chicken wire fencing surrounding the outdoor area of the enclosure. Guess we will see how many have escaped tomorrow. Will be sure to go extra early tomorrow so I am not chasing chickens in Sunday clothes...
Yesterday, while trying to unload berries and things out of the beast, and being apparently very distracted, my keys, phone and a gift for a friend were locked inside the car. I didnt give it much thought, knowing Preston would be home in less than an hour and that he would just open it with his key. When he arrived home, a cheer went up from the kids that he could get into the beast -except he then reminded me that he had LOST his key to the beast quite awhile ago and that there were no other copies. DOUBLE RATS! I sent out a frantic plea on FB (it really is good sometimes) and then started making phone calls to find help. While on hold with our insurance company, and then the contracted security company for a ridiculous amount of time, a friend showed up at the house. He had tools in hand and he and Preston were attempting to "break into" the beast. Apparently he had seen my frantic plea just after I sent it, loaded up his kiddos and flew over to our house to help. He "broke" into the car in a way I have never seen before and with his and Preston's efforts, and a wooden dowel from the garage he was able to unlock the door - from the inside! Blessing and answered prayer #4!
We had a really good laugh and I was completely mortified when Preston asked about the lock box (our secret weapon for my non-thinking skills) Only I could be brainless enough to leave the car locked all that time and NOT remember the lock box under the car with the extra key! All of us got down on the ground and hunted under the car - only to find that the box was actually missing. I would have felt 10 times worse than I had if that thing had been under there. Preston will be running to Bi-Mart to get copies of the beast key made and a new lock box....
So many times I feel like my prayers just hit the ceiling and bounce back in my face - but the last 2 days I have felt that I have been heard and answers came quickly. I know prayers arent always answered in this way, but for the last 2 days, it has been a huge blessing for which I am truly thankful
We have been caring for a friend's livestock while they are away. It never fails that each time we offer to help, some kind of animal adventure always happens, but usually only to me. Last time, it was an escape artist cow, this time it is escape artist chickens. Yesterday when I went to care for the livestock one of the chickens was out of the coop. I chased it around the shed a couple of times before I knew it was a lost cause. Sending out a ferverent prayer, I rounded the shed one last time to find the chicken in a large garbage can that was on its side. Blessing and anwered prayer #1!
I put the big monster "chicken" net over the end, and then thinking (or not thinking as the case turned out) I figured I could just pick up the garbage can and haul the chicken back to the shed - except the dumb thing flew right in my face - and OUT of the garbage can....
Another ferverent prayer and an apology for being brainless I circled the shed again - to find the chicken right at the door to the coop. I quickly cornered the thing with the net and opened the door to the coop. Yea, Blessing and answered prayer #2!
Today when I arrived, with little kiddos in tow, I discovered ANOTHER chicken out of the coop. RATS! At first I had Caiden try to help me chase it one direction, thinking that I could snag it with the net coming from the other direction...Except that Caiden was a bit fearful and let the chicken fly right by him when it lifted off the ground or came at him running. Another prayer went up and I circled again to find Caiden blocking the doorway to the shed where the chicken was trapped right in front of the door to the coop. Blessing and answered prayer #3!
We went along finishing all the jobs that were needed and I was just finishing up with the blackberries when I heard an ear piercing scream from kels and Caiden hollering for me. I thought something was really wrong - came to find out that not one, but TWO, chickens had again escaped from the coop. I gave another half-hearted attempt at being able to capture them, but then just gave up and loaded the kids and berries and we headed for home. I will go up and check on things again tomorrow, hopefully they will be roosting in the shed or at least close by in the yard. As I got thinking about it, the chicken I rounded up yesterday was not in the coop today either....(eyes rolled all the way to the ceiling)
The only thing I can think of is that they are getting enough flight to just clear the top of the chicken wire fencing surrounding the outdoor area of the enclosure. Guess we will see how many have escaped tomorrow. Will be sure to go extra early tomorrow so I am not chasing chickens in Sunday clothes...
Yesterday, while trying to unload berries and things out of the beast, and being apparently very distracted, my keys, phone and a gift for a friend were locked inside the car. I didnt give it much thought, knowing Preston would be home in less than an hour and that he would just open it with his key. When he arrived home, a cheer went up from the kids that he could get into the beast -except he then reminded me that he had LOST his key to the beast quite awhile ago and that there were no other copies. DOUBLE RATS! I sent out a frantic plea on FB (it really is good sometimes) and then started making phone calls to find help. While on hold with our insurance company, and then the contracted security company for a ridiculous amount of time, a friend showed up at the house. He had tools in hand and he and Preston were attempting to "break into" the beast. Apparently he had seen my frantic plea just after I sent it, loaded up his kiddos and flew over to our house to help. He "broke" into the car in a way I have never seen before and with his and Preston's efforts, and a wooden dowel from the garage he was able to unlock the door - from the inside! Blessing and answered prayer #4!
We had a really good laugh and I was completely mortified when Preston asked about the lock box (our secret weapon for my non-thinking skills) Only I could be brainless enough to leave the car locked all that time and NOT remember the lock box under the car with the extra key! All of us got down on the ground and hunted under the car - only to find that the box was actually missing. I would have felt 10 times worse than I had if that thing had been under there. Preston will be running to Bi-Mart to get copies of the beast key made and a new lock box....
So many times I feel like my prayers just hit the ceiling and bounce back in my face - but the last 2 days I have felt that I have been heard and answers came quickly. I know prayers arent always answered in this way, but for the last 2 days, it has been a huge blessing for which I am truly thankful
HAPPINESS IS....
*Being given a wildflower from my 4yr old
*Listening and watching my 2yr old screaming while she is being "chased" by a chicken
*Picking and eating fat, sweet blackberries until hands and mouth are covered with purple juice
*Picking blackberries and not looking like I've been in a battle when I was done
*Feeling a cool breeze on a warm Fall morning
*Listening to my 7yr giggle while playing Wii Sports with his dad
*Being able and willing to help care for our friend's livestock so they can have a long weekend away together
*Talking and laughing with friends (about being moms and about the crazy things our kids do) until tears ran down our cheeks
*Feeling loved and accepted when wrapped in the hug of a sweet, wonderful friend (Luv Ya, Friend S!)
*Having a nice clean office where kiddos can do their school work
*Soaking in a hot bath with essential oils, even at 2am when I cant sleep
*Taking a risk and eating a yummy treat a friend made and NOT getting sick!
*Seeing an almost new calf in the pasture
*Knowing that even though a dear friend is moving, that she will only be 2 hrs away and close enough to still see often
*Seeing the freezer full of the unexpected bounteous harvest that we have received from friends and family this year.
*Seeing beautiful jars of home canned fruit on the shelves in the storage room and pantries
*Listening to my 2 yr old and my 4 yr old ask for "sissy's bread" and having everyone enjoy it so much they are eating a loaf or more every day
*Knowing that we had a successful, mostly quiet first week of school with kiddos
*Being so grateful that we have doctors, specialists, and school staff bending over backwards to help us get through the medical challenges on our plate with our 7 yr old
*Hot showers, flannel sheets and PJ's, and long naps
*Baked potatoes with some of my fave things - ham, feta, mushrooms and ranch dressing
*Looking forward to baking choc chip zucchini bread and pumpkin choc chip muffins with my 10 yr old
*Laughing at the fact that I received the exact same recipe from 3 different sisters, from completely different wards
*The smell of Summer rain - wish I could capture and bottle that somehow
*Reading a book until all hours of the morning because I just cant stand to put it away until I find out what happens at the end of the book
*Pushing little people on the tire swing in the barn at a friend's property and listening to them laugh and squeal as they swing and spin
*Watching my 10 yr old "rescue" my 2 yr old that has climbed (by herself) to the top of hay bales stacked in our friend's barn (stacks are almost to the ceiling) and being so pleased at how kind and gentle he was with her as he lifted and helped her down one level at a time
*Watching and listening to my 2yr old and 4yr old as they happily help with all the farm chores of feeding the cows and chickens and helping pick blackberries
*Seeing my 2yr old and 4 yr old sitting next to each other on a concrete block in the yard and noticing how they are the same size, even though there are 2 years between them, and thankful for the 2 minutes of peace between them while "sharing" that small space together
*Listening to my 2yr old say more new words every day - "Wahoo! Macmoni cheese!", "Go Diego, Go", "huh, huh, sam" (we were going for HAM), etc and noticing more and more how she is putting complete thoughts and sentences together. Listening to her as she tries to say new big words (ta-ma-to)
*Laughing at my 2yr old as she discovers the yumminess of cherry tomatoes as my 15 yr old feeds her one after another. Also laughing as she eats her brothers under the table by eating her entire meals - no matter the time of day - and then sometimes finishing theirs or also taking 2nds on everything -
*Watching my 13 yr old's excitement as she makes a special surprise cake for her dad and siblings to say "congrats" for a great first week of school
*Looking at the breathtaking sky with stretched filmy clouds that are all shades of pink and orange, and wondering if I will ever get the chance to someday create something that exquisite.
*Listening and watching my 2yr old screaming while she is being "chased" by a chicken
*Picking and eating fat, sweet blackberries until hands and mouth are covered with purple juice
*Picking blackberries and not looking like I've been in a battle when I was done
*Feeling a cool breeze on a warm Fall morning
*Listening to my 7yr giggle while playing Wii Sports with his dad
*Being able and willing to help care for our friend's livestock so they can have a long weekend away together
*Talking and laughing with friends (about being moms and about the crazy things our kids do) until tears ran down our cheeks
*Feeling loved and accepted when wrapped in the hug of a sweet, wonderful friend (Luv Ya, Friend S!)
*Having a nice clean office where kiddos can do their school work
*Soaking in a hot bath with essential oils, even at 2am when I cant sleep
*Taking a risk and eating a yummy treat a friend made and NOT getting sick!
*Seeing an almost new calf in the pasture
*Knowing that even though a dear friend is moving, that she will only be 2 hrs away and close enough to still see often
*Seeing the freezer full of the unexpected bounteous harvest that we have received from friends and family this year.
*Seeing beautiful jars of home canned fruit on the shelves in the storage room and pantries
*Listening to my 2 yr old and my 4 yr old ask for "sissy's bread" and having everyone enjoy it so much they are eating a loaf or more every day
*Knowing that we had a successful, mostly quiet first week of school with kiddos
*Being so grateful that we have doctors, specialists, and school staff bending over backwards to help us get through the medical challenges on our plate with our 7 yr old
*Hot showers, flannel sheets and PJ's, and long naps
*Baked potatoes with some of my fave things - ham, feta, mushrooms and ranch dressing
*Looking forward to baking choc chip zucchini bread and pumpkin choc chip muffins with my 10 yr old
*Laughing at the fact that I received the exact same recipe from 3 different sisters, from completely different wards
*The smell of Summer rain - wish I could capture and bottle that somehow
*Reading a book until all hours of the morning because I just cant stand to put it away until I find out what happens at the end of the book
*Pushing little people on the tire swing in the barn at a friend's property and listening to them laugh and squeal as they swing and spin
*Watching my 10 yr old "rescue" my 2 yr old that has climbed (by herself) to the top of hay bales stacked in our friend's barn (stacks are almost to the ceiling) and being so pleased at how kind and gentle he was with her as he lifted and helped her down one level at a time
*Watching and listening to my 2yr old and 4yr old as they happily help with all the farm chores of feeding the cows and chickens and helping pick blackberries
*Seeing my 2yr old and 4 yr old sitting next to each other on a concrete block in the yard and noticing how they are the same size, even though there are 2 years between them, and thankful for the 2 minutes of peace between them while "sharing" that small space together
*Listening to my 2yr old say more new words every day - "Wahoo! Macmoni cheese!", "Go Diego, Go", "huh, huh, sam" (we were going for HAM), etc and noticing more and more how she is putting complete thoughts and sentences together. Listening to her as she tries to say new big words (ta-ma-to)
*Laughing at my 2yr old as she discovers the yumminess of cherry tomatoes as my 15 yr old feeds her one after another. Also laughing as she eats her brothers under the table by eating her entire meals - no matter the time of day - and then sometimes finishing theirs or also taking 2nds on everything -
*Watching my 13 yr old's excitement as she makes a special surprise cake for her dad and siblings to say "congrats" for a great first week of school
*Looking at the breathtaking sky with stretched filmy clouds that are all shades of pink and orange, and wondering if I will ever get the chance to someday create something that exquisite.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
School DAZE Is Here Again
Well, we started school on Tues. It has been a roller coaster ride for the last several days, but I think we are getting settled MUCH better than last year.
Both the girls still have 6 teachers each, plus advisors. Caiden has a new teacher this year who will be only the 2nd male teacher he has ever had, he is excited about that. Colton has his same teacher, but a whole special needs team that includes the new assistant principal. SO many new faces and names to get to know, but everyone we have been in contact with so far has been really great and supportive and has bent over backwards to help us, esp with all of Colton's medical needs this year. It is one of the big differences about ORCA vs our local schools that we really love.
This is a pict of the kids' school shelves - all nice and neat and tidy - for now....
The kids all got MONSTER size books this year.It is crazy how big and heavy they are. Probably REALLY good they are not toting them any further than their own desks here at home. Ceana is taking Honors English, American Government, Biology, Pre-Calculus, Latin II, Health/Fitness & Nutrition. Kaeli is taking Pre-Algebra, Language Arts (English), Social Studies, Art, EdTech, & Science. Caiden is taking similar courses. Colton is repeating 1st grade this year. We are hoping he will be able to work through courses more easily, even with his medical concerns, and be able to add his 2nd grade curriculum by last term.
The majority of Ceana's coursework is all done online. She is working completely independently and gets Preston's help to check her math and science at the end of each day. So far, she is really cranking on stuff and feels much more comfortable with her classes. She will stay plenty busy and is looking forward to also adding piano and job shadowing at our local vet clinic this year.
Kaeli is doing really well with classes already this year. She is finding that waking early and getting courses out of the way gives her plenty of free time in the afternoons, including voice lessons, and an hour bike ride each day that usually takes her to the library and erranding for herself. She is also working on goals to take better notes and make better study habits this year. All the kids are working on getting their own routine and rhythm and using their time more efficiently. 
Both the girls still have 6 teachers each, plus advisors. Caiden has a new teacher this year who will be only the 2nd male teacher he has ever had, he is excited about that. Colton has his same teacher, but a whole special needs team that includes the new assistant principal. SO many new faces and names to get to know, but everyone we have been in contact with so far has been really great and supportive and has bent over backwards to help us, esp with all of Colton's medical needs this year. It is one of the big differences about ORCA vs our local schools that we really love.
This is a pict of the kids' school shelves - all nice and neat and tidy - for now....
The kids all got MONSTER size books this year.It is crazy how big and heavy they are. Probably REALLY good they are not toting them any further than their own desks here at home. Ceana is taking Honors English, American Government, Biology, Pre-Calculus, Latin II, Health/Fitness & Nutrition. Kaeli is taking Pre-Algebra, Language Arts (English), Social Studies, Art, EdTech, & Science. Caiden is taking similar courses. Colton is repeating 1st grade this year. We are hoping he will be able to work through courses more easily, even with his medical concerns, and be able to add his 2nd grade curriculum by last term.
The majority of Ceana's coursework is all done online. She is working completely independently and gets Preston's help to check her math and science at the end of each day. So far, she is really cranking on stuff and feels much more comfortable with her classes. She will stay plenty busy and is looking forward to also adding piano and job shadowing at our local vet clinic this year.
Kaeli is doing really well with classes already this year. She is finding that waking early and getting courses out of the way gives her plenty of free time in the afternoons, including voice lessons, and an hour bike ride each day that usually takes her to the library and erranding for herself. She is also working on goals to take better notes and make better study habits this year. All the kids are working on getting their own routine and rhythm and using their time more efficiently. 
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