Christmas Eve, Eve (Two days before Christmas)

Willie and his friends have been doing a service project this school year as part of a class. They have been knitting snow hats (yes, knitting -- not with needles but hoops). After 10 weeks or so, and a few hats given to relatives and friends, we ended up with 19 that looked great. It just so happens that a couple in our ward serve as missionaries in an inner-city mission. They told us about the needs of some of the folks in their mission, so we added some stretchy gloves to each hat to make nice gifts for 19 lucky people. I think Willie will probably continue knitting hats as part his Eagle Scout project. He is ready to start that once he completes the paper work.

A few hours all to myself . . .

It's Christmas Eve, Eve, Eve (three days before Christmas). Willie and Karl have gone over to the church to shoot some hoops, and I am in my very warm, comfortable home all by myself. This almost never happens. I am going to get my Christmas gifts for the chillins organized and wrapped and enjoy a Diet COKE and a little Christmas background music.

(I am taking a vacation day!)

Meeting-O-Meter

I spent most of my day in a boring meeting --- arrggg! I have been to my share of meetings over the years. Some time ago I made a "meeting-o-meter" (kind of like an applause meter on old time television shows) to assess each meeting's relevance. The meter ranged from Wow! to Snooze! The secretaries in the office got so they looked forward to my spin on the meter. Well, today's meeting didn't even register. We educators (at the administration level at least) spend so much time in meetings. Like most meetings, not much to show for the 4 hours of time except a few handouts that I will probably never look at again. I will try to update my bog when I attend one of those "Wow" meetings. I'm due for one of those any day now.

P.S. Just 10 days until Christmas!

Always a comeback . . .

I know Haley beat me to this, but I couldn't resist. Just when Max Hall thinks he's put the "U" and faithful followers in their place, there is always a comeback!

I think there's also a Max Hall Hates Me Fan Club. The poor kid.

My personal mantra is this --

Do your work --

Do your job --

Watch what you say --

Definitely, better words to live by.

Basketball Playoffs!

The Hunter Hawks are going to the junior high basketball playoffs! Yes! They play Churchill Junior on Thursday. I think the boys are pretty excited -- the son and the dad. It's one step closer to the NCAA championship!

Thank you for serving our country . . .

It's December 7, 2009, the sixty-eighth anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. To those who have served, are currently serving, and will serve to preserve the freedoms we are so blessed to expereince each day, I salute you!

Something else to think about . . .

The Cab Ride
So I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry.. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered..

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

Something to think about . . .

I have served on all kinds of interview committees and have a collection of notes on what to do/say and what not to do/say in an interview. For those who are looking at trying out for something or preparing to look for a job, you may want to draw from just a few of my observations to be ready to do your best:

• Always have a resume with you or something to show what you’ve done and what you’re like
• Be confident, but not too confident
• Don’t focus on your years of experience or lack thereof – try to keep your interviewers guessing your age and your experience
• Never take your cell phone to an interview, and if you do, hope that it never goes off during the interview – it will disrupt everything
• Convey your passion but don’t get too emotional about it – no tears, please
• Know the skills you need for the position you seek and know how to describe them
• Convey your willingness to learn what’s required for the present and the future
• Dress appropriate to the position – this may take some investigating on your part – it’s okay to ask what the appropriate dress for the interview is
• Be clean and neat in appearance – smell good, wear washed and pressed clothing
• Avoid wearing things that may cause interviewers to make judgments about you – posts, piercings, too much make-up, CTR ring, crucifix jewelry, Sponge Bob neckties, . . .
• Be happy, cordial, smile, and say “thank you” –

Another attempt at NABLOPOMO?

Since I failed miserably at NABLOPOMO in November, I am going to give it my best effort for the month of December. Are you ready?

NOVEMBER was a very good (but busy) month.

• Willie ended football and started basketball. his basketball team is doing pretty well they are 4-1, and he is having mostly great games. He also had his second episode with strep throat since school started. (I guess it's time for tonsils to come out.)
• Karl had a lot to do in school -- he is doing very well competing with the "younger" students. No students come close to his grade in his computer class, and he is holding his own in the two bio-manufacturing classes he's taking. The Friday "business seminar" has only an attendance requirement, but it has been very eye-opening and beneficial in hearing first-hand a broader perspective of the world of work.
• We've had a lot going on at home and work. Karl has nearly completed painting the entire main floor of our house -- just the bathrooms and the main (metal) interior/exterior doors to go. It's been a huge project and not sure that we will ever get to all the touch-ups, but it looks and feels very nice.
• Thanksgiving was very good but tiring, but I spent many hours with Mom helping her get things ready for the big day and the big dinner. We crammed 41 people into her little house. It was pretty tight and cozy. I really enjoyed the days off (the luxury of being an educator).
• I love my work -- it is a little crazy now and again, but I am so blessed to do what I do. No day is ever like another -- there is always an issue to resolve -- things to do for kids and the adults who counsel and teach them.
• Utah basketball is underway -- as you know, I love the basketball!

The best part of each week in any month is always Sunday afternoon when my family gets together. Never in my younger years did I ever think I would be preparing Sunday dinner for nine! It's pretty amazing and very exciting to say the least to have everyone home on Sunday. Sometimes I just sit and watch -- mostly I take care of Elliott (he always sits by me for dinner) and then Wyatt (I usually feed him his solid food after dinner) --- and then we just hang out --

A special moment --

I have not kept up on my November postings in honor of nablopomo. I so apologize! I had good intentions . . . not to mention that I have had some amazing experiences this month -- things worth blogging about for sure. But maybe the most amazing was the 24 hour period of time I spent with my parents last week (Tuesday and Wednesday).

My brother-in-law's father (DeeEl Stapley) passed away November 12, due to a short but valiant battle with a very progressive leukemia. I knew DeeEl not only as a close family friend but also as a fellow educator as he was the superintendent of Iron County School District for many years at which time I worked at the State Office of Education. Our paths crossed at family events and at educational meetings and conferences.

The funeral was to be held in Summit, UT, so I let my parents know that I was planning to go to the funeral and if they wanted to go, I would ride with them. They decided after much intense deliberation that they would make the journey and that I could go with them. They picked me up at 2:30 p.m. or so Tuesday afternoon. We took the truck so Dad could haul all Mom's needs (oxygen tanks, oxygen machine, wheel chair, etc.). (We had with us at least a year supply of oxygen.) Dad drove the first leg of the trip and when he got drowsy, I took over -- but he really did do most of the driving.

We spent the night in Cedar City at a hotel on the south end of town. We got take-out at Applebee's and just chilled the evening away. My nieces stayed at the same hotel so we had some company later in the evening and for breakfast the next morning. The funeral service was very nice -- very calming and reassuring that death represents only a small separation time from loved ones. All of DeeEl's kids spoke and each in his/her own way payed tribute to their Dad. A special part of the service was "The Master Choir". This all-men's choir was DeeEl's choir -- I think he was the president of the choir comprised mostly of older gentlemen (60s-70s) with a few younger generation representatives (4 or 5). They sang and opening song and a closing song, and the closing song was most moving.

Mom, Dad, and I were seated (in that order) on the second row of the chapel near the east wall. The choir began singing the closing song, "I'll Be Seeing You," a song that became popular during World War II. It was beautiful to say the least, and I knew that Mom and Dad had probably heard it together at some time during their lives. I glanced at Mom and her eyes shed streams of sensitive tears. I glanced at Dad and knew that he felt her emotion -- he gently reached for Mom's hand and squeezed it ever so gently. I leaned back in my seat so they could have their privacy and hopefully without them knowing I knew what what transpiring. I, too, was very moved by the melody and the lyrics -- I couldn't help but contemplate what my parents might be thinking, knowing that their years together are limited and that they have a very strong love for each other. It was a very sensitive few moments and I am so thankful I caught a glimpse of it ---

We arrived home early Wednesday evening, and I know Mom and Dad were invigorated just knowing they went somewhere outside of Salt Lake County and lived to tell about it. It's got to be tough wanting so badly to keep a pace in line with your desires and thoughts and your physical body just can't do it --

A month or so in pictures --

Game Day

Junior high basketball began on Thursday -- early season this year. The boy in the picture is dressed in his best for game day. They got a win -- and the boy in the picture had 4-5 blocks, 9 rebounds, 16 points, and 4 personal fouls. He has set a pretty high standard to reach for the next few weeks.

Student of the Month

My son is 9th grade boy student of the month at his junior high. He is a pretty good boy, and it's always nice that others recognize his qualities. I know he is pretty quiet at school, but when he comes home his personality shines. He makes a laugh, he is a hard worker, he loves his little nephews, he accepts responsibility, he has amazing bodily functions, and more.

I think I am most proud of my son because he is kind and nice to others. He has a wide variety of kids/friends who like to hang out with him -- they play video games, tennis, and basketball, and do their homework and help each other out.

He's my son of the month year long!

Phone Numbers

So, do you remember old phone numbers? My Grandma Huber's phone number was HU4-0649 (HU was an abbreviation for HUNTER). Grandpa Eccles' phone number was IN6-7850 (IN was an abbreviation for INGERSOL). My parent's number was BY7-2931 for many years and I think Karl's mom's number was CY8-8901 (not sure what BY stood for but CY stood for CYPRUS). I can even remember the day of two-party lines when you could pick up the phone and listen to someone's conversation. Our family got a private line when my dad was called to be a bishop in 1963. I don't really know why I remember those numbers, I just do. Now I try to remember land line numbers, cell numbers, e-mail addresses, and a bunch of other stuff plus an area code (or three).

Football Finally Finished

Oh my! We've been doing the football gig since July 26th. Willie has had 3 or more practices a week since then. Actually, until the games began it was five practices a week plus sometimes on Saturday. It's a huge family commitment -- but well worth it. Just when we thought the season was finished last Saturday, it wasn't because the Hunter Wolverines made the playoffs! The playoff game was this morning, Hunter vs. Bingham. It was a battle and we came up 20 points short.

Willie has had an awesome season -- he improved in every area of the game, especially in speed. He is running faster, hitting faster, and getting a jump on the game in so many ways. He finally got to see some significant defense time after many years of offense only. I loved every minute of every game even the losses.

Until next year -- and that will be high school -- serious business!

November

What can you say about November?

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, National Novel Writing Month, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, Transgender Awareness Month, American Diabetes Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Awareness Month, and the month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory in the Roman Catholic Church.

November Events
First Tuesday
In Australia, the Melbourne Cup horse race is held annually on the first Tuesday in November.

Tuesday After the First Monday
In the United States, elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November (between November 2 and November 8). In even-numbered years, members of the House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms, and about one third of the U.S. Senate are elected to six-year terms. The President of the United States is elected in years divisible by four. Most U.S. states, counties, and municipalities have some part of their election cycle coincident with this date.

November 11 is always Veterans' Day.

Third Wednesday
GIS Day is held the 3rd Wednesday of November during Geography Awareness Week.

Third Thursday
The Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society occurs on the third Thursday of November, one week before Thanksgiving. Smokers are encouraged to quit smoking for these 24 hours, in hopes that they will quit forever. It is also International Philosophy Day

Fourth Thursday
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. The day after Thanksgiving in the USA is a famous day for shopping known as "Black Friday," and the Monday immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the USA is Cyber Monday.

NABLOPOMO Slacker

I can't believe I've missed two days of NABLOPOMO -- rats! I am going to try to keep up from now through the end of the month. It's been a crazy month so far. Just when we thought little league football was over, we found out the junior team made the playoffs -- you know football players live for the playoffs. So, our team plays Bingham on Saturday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. in Park City (of all places for a neutral field). We lost to Bingham 7-6 earlier in the season -- I know we can give them a good game, in fact, we can beat them!

Whatever you say, Napoleon . . .

I have been visiting schools all month. I call it our "Fall Road Trip". The purpose is to get out and visit with the counselors, review their goals for the school year, and address concerns and questions. Aside from spending time with the counselors, I get a chance to talk to students either in the counseling center and/or the administration office. Yesterday was no different, however, my conversation with a couple of boys at one of the junior high schools was most interesting.

Me: So, why are you here on this chair outside the Principal's office?
Student 1: I wasn't doing anything, this kid was talking trash behind my back, and I told him to talk to me face to face with the trash not to say it behind my back.
Me: So, why are you here on this chair outside the Principal's office?
Student 1: I wasn't doing anything, but the kid who was talking trash about me got me in trouble.
Me: So why are you here? (Speaking to student #2 who made a loud "passing gas" noise making all of the students in the office break out in laughter and move seats away from him.)
Student 2: What? Someone took my wallet.
Me: Okay, let's talk about why you are here in school -- we can start by looking at the future -- what are your goals and plans, what do you want to be? (This is my standard question to students everywhere.)
Student 2 (the one who passed gas): I want to be a sex therapist.
Me: Okay, now get your mind out of the gutter and give me another answer.
Student 2: I want to help people with STSs.
Me: Okay, your mind is still in the gutter, let's try again --
Student 2: Okay, I want to play in the NBA and the NFL. (Mind you, this kid is about 5'3" and is wearing a pink shirt for breast cancer awareness day.)
Student 1: I know I am going to be in the NFL, I pretty much already have three scholarship offers to play in college.
Me: Oh, you do? What grade are you in?
Student 1: 9th grade (Now this student is a little taller -- maybe 5'7" or so and pretty slender.)
Me: Are you playing football now?
Student 1: No, but I have had some NFL scouts looking at me and my three friends when we play football at the park -- they said we are good enough to get scholarships -- I have three scholarship offers already.
Me: (No response, but I wanted to say "Whatever you say, Napoleon . . .")
Me: You kids have a nice day and be serious about school.

Not my month for blogging . . .

Where has this month gone? It's been nearly 20 days since my last blog post! I guess this has just not been my month for blogging. Not that things haven't happened and inspired me to blog -- just not finding the time or making the time. I have spent many otherwise blogging times reading papers, building a biome, and just keeping track of the homework for the two boys in my house -- namely, Karl and Willie. It's good work -- that homework stuff. I guess it's my hobby. I don't do scrap booking or any of that kind of stuff, but I do love editing a tough paper and working on keeping my 9th grade GPA respectable.

November is just a few days away and with it comes the NABLOPOMO -- a blog posting every day. I can't wait!

By the way, Willie has got me watching The Office. It is a show about nothing and is hilarious. The other night Willie and I were watching an episode and Karl wasn't too far from us. I commented to Willie, "I hate Dwight!" to which Karl replied, "Whose wife?" to which Willie realized, "I live in a senior citizen center!"

Yes, you may laugh all you want, but your hearing will gradually impair, too.

Have a nice day!

Autum Colors

Went for a drive over the weekend -- autumn colors are beautiful.

My day . . .

Got up and all that stuff . . .

Took Willie to school -- delivered box of materials to his junior high - Made high school visit -- looking for funding for a new day school program for students short on graduation requirements -- also met with counselor there about a new student who hasn't been in public school since 7th grade but has taken classes at SLCC - Made a junior high visit -- counselor just returned from FML (new baby), wanted to make sure she was transitioning back to work okay - Another junior high visit -- gave kudos to a new counselor who helped out with a shopping event for needy students sponsored by the Assistance League of Salt Lake -- one of the league members e-mailed me about how impressed she was with this particular counselor - Made in-building office visits -- trying to track down October 1 enrollment counts -- while doing so heard good news and sad (twins born to colleague's daughter, colleague's wife passed away -- long time battle with cancer) --Checked-in with Karl about Willie's ortho appointment - Attended brown bag meeting -- discussion on Response to Intervention -- perhaps a solution to long overdue school reform -Participated in conference call -- ACTE Legislative Committee -- update on bills and issues in Congress that impact education - Took a parent call -- mother trying to get her emotionally damaged student back into high school -- he wanted to drop out earlier in the month, but now wants back in -- facilitated re-enrollment - Took a call from a junior high counselor who had a student in her office who had done some cutting on her wrists in the locker room during PE class -- the counselor had never had this kind of situation -- I walked her through the process of what to do -- she called back later to report that the student was in the care of her parents --Went home to family -- Annie and the kidlets and Parker were there in addition to Karl and Willie -- nice surprise -- Willie's teeth hurt --Haley came by for piano lessons -- 3 students tonight - Karl has been painting all day -- he is doing a nice job --Headed to Wendy's -- to get something quick for dinner -- the kitchen is a mess --Homework time -- Willie is a good student --Got a call from Haley -- she reported a WVC Resource Officer assigned to a local high school was arrested for bad stuff --Checked-in with the grandparents - Caught up on blogging --Going to bed soon!

Parallel Passions

Passion is defined as any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling -- as love or hate. So often, passion is connected to love or intimate desires. But, the passion to which I am referring is a strong, parallel essential to your well-being and identity. It's a strong and enthusiastic desire for anything -- like a passion for music. Parallel is having the same direction, course, nature, or tendency -- corresponding, similar or analogous. In geometry, parallel lines, equidistance apart, go on into infinity, never meeting. Hmmmm . . . .

On Tuesday and Wednesday last week, I had the privilege of going back to the classroom. (A colleague who is working on her teaching license is teaching {voluntarily} Financial Literacy at the alternative school took some time off. Once her teaching license is completed, she plans to get an administrative endorsement but teaching comes first). At any rate, it was fun going back into the classroom -- I don't get there too often. The students in the class were pretty much sitting in their seats, putting in the time, doing as little as possible to pass the class so that another box on the graduation credit sheet could be checked off. I challenged the students to look beyond the requirement for graduation to see if there wasn't something pushing them along -- a passion for something parallel to their school stuff (sitting in class, mainly). Needless to say they didn't get my point, and collectively explained that school was for their parents, for college, because they had to go, and so on. How sad!

What's your parallel passion? Yes, I go to work everyday, but what motivates me to get there and to do my best? Is it my family? Is it that each day presents something new and exciting -- a new student who needs help, a new problem to solve, a new idea ponder? Is it the association with great professionals? Is it the music/news I listen to on the radio? Is it the red/orange/yellow glow of the mountains in the early morning sun? Is it the success I see each of my family members achieving? Is it my faith? It's not one, two, or three parallel passions, I have too many to list. I know that it's a passion for something that energizes and transitions people from one day to the next -- I hope my parallel passions continue to accumulate.

Who's in school?

School has been in session for nearly and month, and everyone seems to be doing pretty well. Who's in school?

Elementary Students

Hannah
Eva

Max

Jacey

EJ

Hallie

Rilee

Seconday Students

Willie

Emily

Parker

Hans

Isabel

Kyle

Post Secondary Students

Travis

Eddie
Natalie

Lauren

Meranda

Preston

Rubie

Alex

James

Peter

Haley

LeeAnn

Karl

09-09-09

There was a big deal a few weeks back with a day that went 7-8-9 10:11 . . . (or something like that). I think today is actually more totally amazing -- 09-09-09 -- it won't happen again for for at least 100 years. (I think it's Geneil and Steve's wedding anniversay today -- Happy Anniversary! Number 9 is something to celebrate!


This past weekend (Labor Day) marked the official end of summer vacation. It really zipped by! How about a quick synopsis?

• High school graduation -- Travis and Eddie


• Cousin Camp in Washington, D.C. (14 travelers in all)


• U of U Basketball Camp for Willie -- he was named "rebounder" of the camp


• Quick trip to Overton, Nevada (Haley and Mom) to Cody's baby blessing


• Shavy Jones Shaved Ice officially opens for business -- Willie's first JOB


• Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House


• Quick trip to Dallas, TX for American School Counselor Conference (Mom)


• 4th of July Celebration


• Baby blessing -- William Wyatt


• Trip to the Zoo (yes, with the grandsons)


• Scout Camp -- Colorado River and Arches National Park (Willie and Dad)


• Grandma gets very sick (pharmacy gave her the wrong pill in an on-going prescription)


• Swimming and Grandma's and Grandpa's (after a very cold, wet June)


• Lots of family time (family photo session)


• 24th of July with the Petersen Family


• Tennis nearly 3-4 days a week (Willie and the Woods -- and sometimes Karl)


• REAL Salt Lake soccer game and fireworks


• Grandma Petersen's house is sold


• Hannah and Eva -- helping out while their parents have girl's camp and trek assignments


• Boating at Pine View


• Baby blessing -- Max Alexander


• Football practice (5 evenings a week beginning July 27)


• More family time -- Sunday dinners and a few outings, lots of lunches (Hires, Training Table, Chick Fil-A, etc.), and just hanging out time with cousins, friends (Chunky and Allen), and anyone who happened to stop by


• Aquarium visit


• U of U Bookstore


• Many trips to Shavy Jones (a lot of family support -- it was awesome)!


• Family retreat to Snowbird (tram ride, hike, chair lift, Alpine slide and zip line -- plus an evening of watching old 8 mm home movies)

That about covers the summer -- not counting yard work, church assignments, home repairs, and more . . . Now, just think -- only 111 days until Christmas!

September . . .

Since my last posting, school's started, football's going full speed, homework's on the kitchen table, we're up early in the morning, and all that stuff. It's good to be back in the routine of things.

I had a pretty humbling experience on Tuesday -- I went with a few "sisters" from the Stake Relief Society to visit a few families in the area. Little did I know when I left my home, that I would see and feel what I did. We visited a couple from Figi. They live in one of two basement apartments in a house smaller than mine. (There are actually four apartments in this house.) The husband and wife are in their late sixties/early seventies. They have lived in Utah since 2002, their son met and married a girl from Orem while they were attending school in Hawaii. They came to Utah because that son and his family live here. They have two other married children and their families who are still in Figi. I am not sure where all they have lived in Utah, but for the past year or so they have lived where we visited.

To get to the apartment we walked down 10-12 very narrow cement steps. We were warmly greeted by the husband, a very handsome man. His wife of many years is recovering from a few really bad strokes the last of which left her partially paralyzed and with impaired speech. She has been recovering slowly, and after three months in a rehab center she can now walk with help and speak (slowly) but understandable. The spirit of love and kindness and testimony radiated in their humble home. They were dressed very nicely, clothes washed and pressed, . . .

This is where things get amazing. I have visited hundreds of homes in my life east to west and north to south. Most homes have their clutter and their stuff -- whatever it is. And most homes could use a good cleaning and straightening up. Well, this one was very different -- there was little if any stuff. The apartment consisted of three rooms -- a kitchen/living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom -- that's it. The furnishings in the kitchen/living area included some very old appliances, a small worn rectangle table with four very different kitchen chairs, a couch covered with an afghan, an old-fashioned boxed television, and that's it. No pictures on the wall, no magazines, no bookshelf, no entertainment center, . . . There were a couple of family photos on the tv, but pretty much nothing else. The floor was linoleum, no carpet, no rugs. The apartment was very clean, I mean very clean, and had a very pleasant, clean smell. The couple was so happy to have us visit. They were so very kind and appreciative. We talked about the wife's recovery and the difficulty of taking care of each other. The husband explained that he had taken some time off from his job to be home for our visit. He told us that his work was at Wallmart and that he walked there and back (no car). He walks to church, too. His wife could probably make it if they had a car. Their neighbors help out taking them to the doctor --

They were amazingly happy, thankful, humble, spiritual people living in a most simple home (they were so proud of their home) and they obviously didn't need much stuff to survive or to bring such good intrinsic values to their lives -- they had each other, their family, their faith.

As we left, I kissed the sweet wife on the cheek and thanked her for teaching me through her spirit. After visiting another home, I came home to my house of stuff -- more stuff than I have room for or need. I hope that some of the spirit I had felt earlier is evident in my home -- stuff aside -- and I am so thankful for this experience -- it was truly amazing!

And angels are coming to visit the earth . . .

Sunday morning Karl and Willie and I went to the seventh session of the dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was very good . . .

• I have watched the building of this particular temple since the announcement by President Hinckley in General Conference, October 2005, that it would be built to its dedication this monring.
  
• This is a special temple because it is named after the mountains of the west side of Salt Lake County -- our mountains. I grew up in the Magna area at the foothills of the Oquirrhs and lived in what was called the Oquirrh Stake (later named Magna Utah Stake).
  
• My oldest daughter and her family live in Day Break, the Kennecott Land Development in South Jordan (Kennecott Land donated the gound for the temple). We can see the temple from her home and as we drive to and from her neighborhood.
  
• Our family participated in the temple open house on the last Saturday of June. I was inspired and impressed by the decor -- especially its collection of art that celebrated Utah artists and annonymous pieces done just for the temple.
  
• I drove by the temple at least once a month (if not once a week) during its construction. I can't find words to describe my feelings each time it came into view -- just a beautiful monument to behold.
  
• With Shavy Jones in operation this summer and so close to the temple, I saw a glimpse of the ongoing parade of families and others going the temple and the countless volunteers who directed the whole open house operation. It's amazing to me that things of that magnitude actually come to pass.
  

At the dedication session Sunday morning, I was pretty content to sit with my eyes closed as speakers and choir numbers followed a well-outlined script. But, as the dedication concluded and the choir and congregation began to sing "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning," I felt a certain sureness that what we had just experienced was from God. When the words of the song moved to " . . . the visions and blessings of old are returning, and angels are coming to visit the earth," my eyes welled up and the spirit of the Lord was in my heart, and it felt good.

I hope the angels in heaven will be with me and my family -- when they come to visit the earth.

Football Practice

Little league football practice began July 25th. It's been 3 weeks of practice -- every week night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. I don't know of any other sport in the universe that requires so much practicing. I am not sure why it's takes so much time to master the football techniques of crouching down, holding still until the ball moves, and then crashing into other players to knock them down, and pile up until the whistle blows. I guess it's fun -- Willie never complains. He's moving faster and stronger this year than in any other year. I just don't know why it requires so much practicing. If all the kids on the team spent as much time doing homework and studying, we have the most educated, intelligent kids around.

Summer Countdown

My brother and his wife are very involved in church callings -- John is in the stake presidency and Lori is the young women's president. They have had a girls camp assignment and a trek assignment this summer, so their girls have spent some time at the grandparents (2 nights and 3 nights). That means that everyone who can (my girls, Willie, my sisters, and my nieces and nephew Parker) helps out with their care. it's not that they need extra care -- it's that the grandparents are 80-ish and don't have near the energy they need to keep up with an 11 year-old and a 6 year-old. It's been fun for me and my family to have a chance to get to know the girls without their parents around. They are very nice young girls and they are growing to be great kids. The picture above was taken at Willie's football scrimmage on Thursday night. Their faces show evidence of face painting fun at the grandparents. They have been introduced to video games and text messaging and eating a lot of fast food treats (Shavy Jones shaved ice and shakes from the Arctic Circle) in our care. I guess that's okay . . .

All in a day's work --

• Special needs student who just had a heart transplant wants to repeat 10th grade.
• Thirteen year-old going into 8th grade needs a young parent program because she has a baby.
• Seventeen year-old wants to take the GED because she can't get her grades from a previous high school, and the school she is to attend in our district won't enroll her without them.
• Counselor who just finished master's degree last year (08) finally got the U of U to recommend him for an educator license after way too many "I'll look into that" from the counseling folks at the U.
• Counselor who trusted a friend and colleague who now wants to discontinue their friendship needs support.
• My good friend and colleague announced his retirement to take a position as principal at probably the best high school in the state (another district of course) and needed to tell me before I heard it through the "grape vine."
• Student moved to Georgia and needs grades, attendance, and discipline records sent from Granite High (now closed with no plan for taking care of the 100 years of student records -- long story) to her new school by Wednesday.

Just another day at Judy's Help Desk --

It's football season!

I drove by the park on my way home and saw this big kid in his #63 football practice jersey. The kid is my son and he and his dad have begun another year of football. This is the last year of Ute Conference football -- next year it's on to the high school. My boy is big enough and smart enough and good enough to play with this big boys, but he is playing with his age group and I am very glad he is. It looks like there are 25 or more excited kids who have come out for the team and by the looks of their enthusiasm they could be a competitive team.

It will be fun!

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Great Scout Camp

The boys who live in my house are home safe and sound from scout (venture/varsity) camp. They spent 3 days in Moab (one of the hotter spots in Utah). They (13 boys and 5 adults) camped at Big Bend Campground, did a day trip on the Colorado River, hiked to Delicate Arch and other arches in Arches National Park, drove to and viewed Dead Horse Point, spent some time as tourists in downtown Moab, and really had a great time. They came home needing a hug, a shower, and a cool place to hang out. It seemed like they were gone forever!

(As you view the photos, Karl is in the raft and Willie is in the kyak/canoe with Mayson.)

Blog catch up time . . .

I haven't kept my blog up this month, so here goes . . .
There are several postings for July 15, so if you are interested, please read on.

Willie has a "JOB"!

Annie and Ross have opened up a little shaved ice trailer, Shavy Jones, in South Jordan. Willie has been hired and is a shaved ice employee extraordinaire. Even when he was little, he told us he wanted to work in a snow shack when he grew up. Well, it's not exactly a snow shack, it is a few steps above, and he is loving every hour of work. Business seems to be picking up each day and new flavors are being added all the time. I find myself craving a shaved ice with buried treasure (ice cream) and cream nearly every day. Yesterday I settled for a "black pearl" (blue raspberry and grape, ice cream in the bottom and cream on the top) and it was delicious. It's exciting to say the least, and I am so proud of the kids for their entrepreneurship!

Grandsons

We went to the ZOO last week and Wyatt was not nearly as interested in the animals as Elliott, but we had a great time in spite of his yawns. The weather was delightful and we capped off the day's adventure with swimming at great-grandma's. Elliott tells me all the time that he "wuvs him" (translation - he loves Wyatt). He really has been a very good big brother -- no strangling or trying to send him back to the hosptial at all.

Summer takes forever to get here and is gone in a flash . . .

My old fashioned garden was in full bloom with daisies a few weeks back when this photo was taken, and now the sunflowers are nearly ready to bloom. Once the sunflowers/lazy Susans are in bloom, the summer is on the downslide. Actually, today is July 15, it is the middle point of summer vacation. It's been an eventful summer -- nice vacation to start it off, basketball camp, baby blessings, Shavy Jones, temple open house, a conference in Dallas, a zoo trip, family photo session, test driving a new car, and now scout camp. No complaints, I just wish it would slow down a little -- we still have so much to do.

July 4, 2009

Just another summer day for some, but not for me. I can't remember what I was going to write here. Maybe I will remember another day.

The Stars at Night are Dull not Bright . . .

I've been in Dallas, Texas for a few days -- annual conference of the American School Counselor Association. It's been warm, muggy, and hazy in the heart of Texas -- the stars are difficult to see at night because of the haze/smog.

I will be home tomorrow and can't wait to see my family. I usually do some kind of presentation at the conference -- below is a description of this year's.

20 Years and Staying the Course
All Practice Levels
All Experience Levels
0.125 CEUs

School counselors know the specifics
of putting a school counseling program
in place, and they are excited about it.
But maintaining program momentum is
challenging to say the least. Hear from
district school counseling leaders about
their success in sustaining their school
counseling program for 20 years and their
secrets to staying the course.

Judy Petersen, Guidance Director; Leigh Ann
McCann, Guidance Coordinator, Granite School
District, Salt Lake City, Utah

Father's Day

The father of my children is a pretty good guy. We have been married for a long time and have three great kids. Karl has always been and will always be there for the kids -- school work, any event, homework, yard work, project work, business ventures, and even house work now and again. When the kids were young, Karl took care of them pretty much Monday through Thursday evenings while I either went to school or taught evening classes. We passed each other in the driveway many afternoons for many years. As the dad, he always did what was needed and if he had to go somewhere -- the kids always tagged along. The daughters were the best for many years -- they loved to play ball and watch ball games, read historical non-fiction and fiction, listen to and collect all types of music, go to concerts, and pretty much hang out with their dad. About the only things they didn't like about their dad were the long explanations about historical events and places.

Once the son came along and began to grow into a walking talking person, good student, sports enthusiast, and video game junkie -- the dad moved into a new life dimension. He makes time to be with the son in every aspect of his life -- even scouts. The daughters, now married, have moved to the status the "opening band" in their dad's life and the son has become the "main event" (I think they are okay with that -- they are still part of the concert). Through it all --Karl will always be the best dad ever -- I know that for sure! Happy Father's Day!

Summer Drink Sale

So, I stopped at McDonald's on the way home from work to refuel on a diet COKE. When the cashier said $1.06, I said, "I thought I had ordered a large." The cashier set me straight that he got my request for a large and that it's $1 soft drink summer at McDonald's. How great is that?!?! My dad told me not to drink more than 2 liters of diet COKE a day because it could be harmful to my health. I don't think I am there, yet.

Great kids make a great trip . . .

Returned yesterday morning . . .

All home safe and sound . . .

Experiences of a lifetime . . .

Love my KIDS (Haley, James, Lauren, Natalie, Meranda, Emily, Willie, Parker, Hannah, Eva) . . .

Great kids (travelers) make the best trips ! ! !

More to come . . .

School's out for Summer, Alice Cooper

"Well we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Maken' all that noise
'Cause they found new toys
Well we can't salute ya
Can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya
That's a drag

School's out for summer,
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Well we got no class
And we got no principles
We ain't got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes

School's out for summer
School's out forever
My school's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Out for summer
Out 'til fall
We might not come back at all

School's out forever
School's out for summer
School's out with fever
School's out completely"

Wyatt -- 3 weeks old!

Count your blessings . . .

Just when you think you can't do one more thing or take on one more challenge -- just stop and look around. There is always someone, somewhere, whose challenges are far more difficult.

• A young parent came to my office this morning needing some help with a school document she needed for a credential from the Mexican Consulate. She dropped out of high school at 16, had a baby who has been very ill since birth. He is now 5 and not much taller than Elliott. His little legs are so skinny, they look like just walking could break them. He had a breathing device around his throat and terrible scars on his left arm. His lower lip and chin were somehow molded together. I helped her, and sent her on her way.


• Late tonight I got a phone call about one of the senior sisters in our ward -- Grandma Carol. She had hip replacement surgery a week ago today and has been recovering very well in a rehab center. However, she had a seizure sometime today and fell. She pretty much destroyed her hip replacement and broke her pelvis, severely. Rather than a return home in a couple of days, she is now in a hospital facing surgery and a very long recovery.

I am very blessed and I think of my blessings every hour of every day -- family, good health, nice home, spiritual significance, excellent job, and more! I am reminded tonight of a song from White Christmas called "Counting My Blessings Instead of Sheep" --- When I am worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep, counting my blessings. When my bankroll is getting small, I think of when I had none at all, and I fall asleep, counting my blessings . . . It's a simple little song, but has a big strong meaning.

(Music and lyrics by Irving Belin, 1954 -- the year I was born -- it was sung in White Christmas as a duet by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.)

People say the strangest things . . .

I have been involved in year end interviews at work. Basically, they are just quick visits with the counselors to celebrate the school year, share goals for next school year, and get ideas on how I can improve my work at the D.O. When given the opportunity, people share the strangest things. For example one of the counselors I talked with today told me that her husband of 30+ years goes to bed at seven and gets up at four in the morning (What????). She says he's always done that. Another counselor tried to explain that the reson things are not going well at school is becuase of "that group" of "those kids" that come from a poorer area of the district, "well you know!" (What???!!!) We are living in the 21st Century and there are still biases and prejudices for "those" whoever they are! The first ground rule of counseling is acceptance of all students, unconditionally!

Happy Birthday, Annie

I remember so well the morning you were born -- it was field day at the local elementary school and your grandmother (my mom) was right in the middle of all the preparations. I called her a dozen times that morning to tell her that you were here, but with no success. Finally, Paul and Karen shared the news with Geneil at school and (Grandma Huber) my mom finally got the word.

Visiting hours were pretty strict back then and Grandma Huber tried to visit you and me in the hospital. She made a lot of noise down the hall, but never made it to my room. I will never know what really happened, but Grandma Petersen managed to get through the hospital security.

You are a great daughter -- so creative and talented. You are such a good writer and so many get words of motivation from your blog. You will always be an excellent teacher -- look at what your little son is learning.

Hope you have a great day!

A week in review . . .

Last Sunday, May 17, I hit the wall with a case of the flu. I had a new grandson home only 2 days, a daughter needing my help, a boy in the middle of a basketball tournament, a nephew coming home from a mission, a house to keep up on, parents to help, a play to see, and yes, work to do. Needless to say, I did what I could, but my daughter and new grandson were sorely neglected.

On Tuesday, to add to the stress of being sick, Elliott had a croup attack and a slow to heal ear infection. Rats! As I read up on the kind of flu (para influenza) I had, the literature pointed to croup and respiratory problems in younger children. The guilt I felt in knowing that I probably contributed to Elliott's symptoms was awful.

Now a week later, I have finally been able to help Annie out a little by taking Elliott and spending some time with him. He is trying very hard to be a good big brother. From the picture on this blog post taken at the hospital, you can see a pretty forlorn look on his face. I can only wonder what he really thinking -- I know he doesn't have the words to explain a pretty overwhelming and new experience. We have had some great discussions and I think things are going to work out okay for him, but it may take some time. He has been the center of the universe for so many who love him so much for over two years. As Willie would say, Elliott is not the main event, he's the warm up band.

A week later, I am feeling better, but a fog horn cough is too persistent to leave just yet.

Welcome Wyatt

New grandson
Wyatt

Big boy
Handsome boy

Glad to have him here with us!

What a blessing!

"And the house on the rock stood still!"

On Sunday we attended two LDS missionary meetings -- Eric Jordan (going to Japan) and Stranz Wolfgram (going to Brazil). Eric is in our current LDS ward. We have known Stranz since he was born. His family still lives in our Magna neighborhood.

Stranz Wolfgram's farewell talk was awesome! He delivered a very animated, energizing discussion of testimony and faith. His final words, "And the house (testimony) on the rock stood still." His manerism, his smile, his aura are so much like his deceased dad -- it was kind of surreal. I was so very proud of him. Stranz's mother had leis for many significant church leaders at the meeting. I was so impressed by his lei I took this picture (Willie, Stranz, and my brother Dee in the background - the Bishop).

It was great to be in a Magna LDS ward. There is such a difference from where we live in Hunter. The energy, enthusiasm, spiritual atmosphere -- not sure what it is, but it is definitely different. It will always be home away from home!

Did I ever tell you how lucky I am?

I hope that when the final judgement comes my way, the Lord takes me aside and lets me know that I can only be judged by my children. I know if He uses them as a measurement of my success on Earth, I will be able to join them in heaven!

Every now and again, we give our neighbor girl a ride to school in the morning. She is very involved in school (like Willie) and she is a great student (like Willie). Well, on this particular morning, she came out of her house laden with the "newborn baby" from the Teen Living class. She had the baby in a carrier, a diaper bag, her backpack, and all of her other school stuff. She managed to get into the car okay, but it took some doing. When we pulled up in front of the school, Willie got out of the car and started to walk his usual path to school when he turned to check on Shelena. He paused, waited to make sure she could handle everything, and then they walked together to school (no prompting from me).

Yesterday, Willie had a track meet at Kearns High. It was very relaxing to sit in the bleachers and watch all of the kids compete. I had my eye on the tall blond boy most of the time. He helped to time some of the races and organized the measuring of the shot-putters' throws. Once finished with his tasks and competition he asked for permission to go home with his family. As we walked to the parking lot, a group of young female track stars called out, "Bye Willie, see you tomorrow, . . . ." I couldn't resist the chance to talk to them --

Me -- "So is Willie a good boy?"

Them --- "Yes, he is and he his also really funny."

Another them --- "_______ wants to be his girlfriend."

Me --- "No girlfriends for him, I am his mom -- I don't approve of his friends with girlfriends, either."

Another them -- "But I'm nice."

Me --- "I'd have to give you a writing assessment or something to see if you measure up."

Same them -- "My handwriting sucks, but my grammar is great!"

I walked away smiling, giggling inside -- I love junior high students! At the track meet, Karl and I sat with Haley and James, Annie and Elliott (Ross was there in spirit). The support my kids have for each other is so amazing! I am so blessed -- and even somewhat lucky, and if I mind my manners, their greatness can only help me get to Heaven.