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!