Eighth Grade!

I taught junior high school for four years (that was thirty years ago). It was the craziest experience of my entire career. I remember thinking many times in those years that eighth graders should be shipped to outer space and brought back to earth just before ninth grade began. It seemed then that seventh graders were innocent and impressionable while ninth graders were mature and somewhat reasonable. But, for the eighth graders -- every single day was an experience with raging hormones and bull-headed, thick skulls. I was never surprised when eighth graders wanted to hold hands or start fist fights.

I went through the eighth grade years with my girls and lived to tell about them -- mostly I tried to look past their drama of the day and their endless whining. When my girls turned 15-16, they became delightful young women, and I have enjoyed every day since.

In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing eighth grade again -- this time with my boy. I am not sure how to work through this experience. Eighth grade boys have weird voices -- like out of tune fog horns that squeak every once in awhile. My eighth grade boy has lived through braces and a broken thumb in less than a month. He also struggles to sleep without his pet manatee. And, no matter what question I ask him, his reply is, "What?"

For example --
"How do you feel?" --- "What?"
"Do you have homework?" --- "What?"
"Is Tanner in any of your classes?" --- "What?"
"Are you hungry?" -- "What . . . what . . ?" "Yeah, I am hungry!"

When I call my eighth grader to check on him while I am at work, he often answers the phone with, "Meow, meow!" He has grown four inches in less than a year. His feet are huge -- size 13 football cleats -- and smelly. His ears have cooties in them, and he rolls on the floor and lays on the couch a lot. Just about any comment his dad and I make causes him to bust up laughing. Just about everything is funny --- ha, ha! His sense of humor is never ending. At the same time he is very responsible and caring --- he worships his sisters and his little nephew, and he loves hanging out with his cousins. He will always kiss his grandparents goodbye. Then, at the most reverent, somber times, some unforeseen bodily function will explode from his person accompanied by more uncontrollable laughter.

Oh the life of a mother of an eighth grader . . . you've got to love it!

Where did the summer go?

MAAAMMA!

Another Sunday, just like any other . . . -- Church as usual, home a little later, dinner preparations underway, then came Elliott -- "MAAMMA!" He shouted with all his might as he came barrelling through the front door to find me in the kitchen. I love my little grandson! It's hard for most to tell the difference from what he calls me and what he calls his mom -- they are pretty close. But, I know the difference, and so does he, and that's all that matters!

Football: the Long and Short of It

August means football season. This is Willie's 4th year, and he is still having fun. The kids practice, and practice, and practice. They had a scrimmage on Saturday morning with Copper Hills. The Hunter Bantams did well. Although the team members are pretty much in the same age group, they come in all shapes and sizes -- Willie (#75 in case you can't tell) is the longest, and Cody is definitely the shortest. It will be a good season. Games begin on August 23rd.

I love the BEATLES!

I got my first BEATLES' album (Meet the BEATLES) when I was in 3rd grade -- the fall of 1963. That seems like a century ago but was really just a few decades back. I planned on marrying Paul McCartney because he was by far the cutest. I listen to the BEATLES' music pretty frequently. My f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e song is All My Lovin', . . . you know how it goes . . . , "Close you eyes and I'll kiss you" . . .

Well, Annie and Haley have been talking about this movie, Across the Universe, for awhile and how the soundtrack is all BEALTES' re-records. The other day I heard the Across the Universe version of All My Lovin' on niece Emily Dee's BLOG. It was so good, I had to buy the soundtrack. Yes, it is very good, but, my f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e song on the CD is, hands down, "Close your eyes and I'll . . . ."

I love the BEATLES!

Pain is only weakness leaving your body --

Willie got braces on his teeth today. Needless to say he is in pain! He hasn't realized that pain is good -- it makes you tougher, it strengthens your tolerance, builds endurance and stamina, . . .

One of my colleagues told me to tell Willie that, " . . . pain is only weakness leaving your body". Of course, he rolled his eyes at me with that comment. Millions of kids and adults are dealing with braces pain as I write. It's not life threatening and the outcome is always good. So, I guess it's just something you overcome day by day.

I was quite impressed with the whole orthodontic process this morning. It was a very positive customer service experience.

• We were greeted enthusiastically as we entered the waiting room


• Willie was taken directly to the "lab" to have ex rays and molds done while I completed the paper work


• The payment was set up electronically -- credit card and debit for the full 18 months


• The patient room consisted of four chair stations and all patients were worked on within minutes of sitting in a chair -- each patient was attended to and help immediately and efficiently


• The orthodontist and his assistants worked as a team -- in concert together and, yes, they made progress


• The atmosphere was very open and professional


• There was music other than FM 100 in the background


• They really knew their routine -- they got down to business, on task, no time wasted


• Willie got to choose up to three colors of ties to go on the bands (he chose red and blue)


• He received some detailed instructions on braces care


• He left with his private pouch of braces supplies and we were given an electronically printed reminder for our next visit
  

I couldn't help dream about a school system running with such positive customer service -- efficient, professional, individualized -- where students and parents are always important and attended to. I guess in my work I hear more reports of the opposite kind of customer service. Yet, I know this can happen some day in all of our schools!

Utah Daughter of a Pioneer

I am a great-great granddaughter of a Utah pioneer.

I was going through a box of old books and folders the other day and I found a copy of one of the many volumes of family history written by my grandfather, Stewart Bingham Eccles. In this particular journal Grandpa paid a very nice tribute to his mother Anna Rasmussen Eccles. Although Anna is not the pioneer that gives me "Daughters of the Utah Pioneer" status (those who arrived prior to 1869), she was a pioneer nonetheless.

I wanted to share the story on my blog, but it's not where I thought I left it. I can't find it anywhere. As far as I know, no one has been in the room where I read it. It's a mystery! So, the pioneer story of my great grandmother Anna will be reported later on.

This may sound a little out of place for a blog, but I am very thankful for the sacrifice my ancestors made as they immigrated from Scotland, Wales, England, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, . . . . to the United States and eventually Utah! Some came for the Mormon church and others came for work and opportunity. I so appreciate taking one day out of a busy, hectic, hot July month to commemorate and celebrate the first group of Mormon pioneers who arrived close to the Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847. The trek to Utah continues today some 161 years later.

Home at last --

Misquito safety device -- 25 cents at the scout camp Trading Post.

It's difficult to see the true impact of the dirt -- but the hair on Willie's legs went from white to black in a week of scout camp.

I must admit I was looking forward to a few days home alone (Willie and Karl at scout camp), but the excitement for being the only one in my big house diminished quickly. There is really nothing exciting about being the only one home for more that a couple of hours. It's too quiet, too lonely, and not that much fun at all. Haley did keep me from going totally koo koo -- but I am just the kind of person who likes noise, responding to weird requests from 13 year olds, likes listening to the long versions of stories, and fixing hot dogs or pizza to go along with just about every meal served. I like commotion, interruptions, distractions, craziness, and being the "will you help me?" responder at all times.

So, nothing like having the men in my house home at last. Willie quickly caught up on Home Star Runner, Karl put all the camp/scout stuff away in places he won't remember for next time, and I am back to "on demand" support for my family. Yes!

Scout Camp

Willie is at Scout Camp all week. The boys headed out Monday morning. He was excited and nervous about going -- excited to get out in the great outdoors and nervous about the lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). The troop is big this year -- 16 boys! Two leaders are staying with the boys all week and four others will rotate -- Karl picked up the end of the week. He headed up to Camp Steiner late this morning.

Camp Steiner is the highest (10,400 feet) Boy Scout camp in the United States -- and the second highest in the world. It was founded in 1930. The camp is located about 30 miles outside of Kamas in the Uintah Mountains (Duchesne County) and sits on the shores of Scout Lake. It should be a pretty good experience for Willie (and Karl, too).

Mom and Dad's House

Northwest corner of the living room -- yes, the couch is long, 10 feet exactly.

Southeast view of the newly painted living room and dining room and the newly recovered furniture.

The dining room -- it's hard to notice the new paint but the new floor is lovely.

This is a glimpse of the crown molding -- absolutely spectacular!

We've all worked hard on Mom and Dad's house. The living room and dining room have been painted and crown molded. The carpet is clean, the furniture recovered, the dining room floor redone, and much more. The most difficult part was the removal of the cottage cheese ceiling. The family hazmat crew removed it very carefully. I thought I'd share the finished projects so far.

What to blog about . . . summer days . . .

My kids keep telling me to put something new on my blog. I have been enjoying my summer vacation and just don't have much inspiration for blogging. For the past two summers (06, 07), I had a sense of responsibility to work -- to cover the office in the absence of others. In March, a new work assignment came with some summer freedom -- no responsibility to cover the office. So, I am enjoying day 9 of my 18 summer vacation days. I have been sleeping in, passing the mornings away listening to the radio, hanging out with Willie, doing some work at Mom and Dad's, watching the kids swim, and, . . . just whatever.

I haven't had such a restful summer in many years -- I love it. Each day kind of blends with the next. I have been seeing all my kids and Elliott just about every day, Parker and Meranda have been stopping by, and I have spent a lot of time with Mom and working on her house.

In February, one of the long time neighbors down Mom's street passed away. Her kids spent days and weekends going through the house, fixing things up, and holding yard sales for several weekends in a row. At Dad's birthday party in April, the parents presented a request for help to do some home repairs and clean-up. They didn't want to leave their kids with the mess of clean-up once they're gone. So, slow but sure, we kids have all done some work -- the house is looking very nice.

Well, not much more to say. I will just continue to enjoy the summer days.

July 4 -- Celebrate

When your fly into the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., this is the first visual you see once you're off the plane -- the flag -- it sets the tone for any visit to this awesome city. Pay tribute to our great country in your own way today -- Happy July 4th!

American School Counselor Conference

• I am in Atlanta (Hotlanta) -- American School Counselor Conference -- at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The sessions have been good but very crowded. I always learn new things -- attending a conference is like being part of a compact, condensed graduate level program. I love the energy and enthusiasm that radiates from the presenters and participants. Attending helps me do a better job working with students, counselors, . . . . .
  
• I have been very blessed to have so many awesome career type experiences -- sometimes I bring family with me -- this time I am flying solo, but there are 6 other counselor folks here from Granite School District. Willie and Karl came with me to Atlanta a year ago last December. I know the weather was much better then than now. They were smart to opt out this time.

Willie and the Woods

When I mentioned a new "gang" in my previous blog (Willie and the Woods), I was referring to Willie, Meranda, and Parker. They get along fabulously and I am so thankful they have each other during the summer. They have been bowling, bike riding, swimming, and even to the SL Arts Festival. Cousin Peter has joined them on occasion -- but he now has a job! How great is that?!?!?!

Week at a glance . . .

Sunday -- yes, I know it's really the last day of the week, but for this post it's the first. We had dinner at Haley and James' and it was delicious! We enjoyed good company and watching Elliott play with Haley's left over Primary Activity Day props.

Monday -- to work and home. Willie and the Woods (a new and upcoming gang of Hunter hoodlems) organized their day together and ended up at Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun.
Tuesday -- no work at the office --just at home. Carpet cleaning at Mom's (it looks awesome - my carpet cleaning person is the best); bid on a patio cover pergola for the back yard; invited to lunch (ABS) with the Stokers (sister Chris and nephews Alex and Peter) --Willie and the Woods and me; and a visit to see Grandma P (she has had the worst month ever and is now at Highland Care for care, recovery, and strength building). Haley was here for guitar and piano lessons. Willie and the Woods biked it to Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun.


Wednesday -- to work (short day). Annie and Elliott and Willie and the Woods headed to Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun. Grandma got her new furniture and with some help from a bunch of people -- we got the living room back together! It is absolutely beautiful! Wednesday evening Willie had his first public speaking engagement. He talked to Annie's cub scouts about sportsmanship at their Olympics pack meeting. He did a fantabulous job. He stood straight and tall, spoke clearly and precisely, involved the audience, and finished up with a challenge for the cubs to practice good sportsmanship - awesome! Elliott and I tagged along as spectators. Peter got a job!!!!!!!
Thursday -- to work (long day) while the disaster recovery team gave assistance to our family members in need. Then visiting teaching -- face to face visits with 5 of my 8 sisters. Willie and Karl went to the NBA draft that never was. Dragged Magna Main with the main men in my life.
Friday -- day off. Willie and the Woods plus Pierre (they've added a temp) -- and Haley are headed to the Arts Festival while I am home doing housework, yard work, and getting ready to head to Atlanta for the annual school counselor conference.

More to come, sometime!

Disneyland magic spreads to flower gardens --

Marigolds . . . Not sure what these are -- dahlias maybe . . .

Geraniums . . .

I am always amazed at the Disneyland gardens. This is a photo of some cosmos -- an old-fashioned flower. I have grown them off and on, but they usually end up mostly greenery stems. I couldn't pass up a chance to get a snapshot of this beautiful display.

Fast trip, fun trip, fantastic trip

We made it -- to Disneyland and back in a flash. Last week at this time, we were all frantically getting ready to head out on our summer vacation. We're home now and it's hard to believe we were actually there. We had a great time! Highlights -- too many to describe -- it will take me awhile. I know the kids loved the rides and the "fast passes" to short lines. I loved the visits to the beach before and after the days in Disneyland. I was so proud of my kids and kids-in-law and of course my little grandson. We all got along fabulously and enjoyed laughing and screaming and talking turns spoiling Elliott.

First official day of summer vacation . . .

Basketball camp at the U of U for Willie. It was very cool for me, the parent. Willie is the youngest of the older group this year (13 and older) -- he was oldest in the younger group last year. Coach Boylan does a great job. We were greeted by all the Ute b-ball players as we walked to the northeast doors of the Huntsman Center. Then came an energetic welcome by the coach himself. That was definitely a top notch grade for PR. The boys hustled to the floor to shoot some hoops before the official start at which time Boylan had all the boys (200+) under control, paying attention, and feeling good about being there within a matter of minutes. They followed the commands, tucked their shirts in, learned the importance of good people skills and more.

Word of the day: ENTHUSIASM -- "If you don't have it, get it!"

Phrase of the day: Learn to listen and listen to learn.

I can't wait for tomorrow! I only hang around for the first 15-20 minutes of camp, but that's time to give me enough positive energy to last a week.

I hope my comments aren't too obnoxious.

Four graduates -- 3 high school and one USU

Meranda graduated from Hunter High (she's going to SLCC); Maddie from USU; Natalie from Kearns High (she's going to the U of U); and Rubie from Cyprus High (she's going to BYU). Haley, Willie, and I attended two of the four commencement exercises. They were good. There's just something about a graduation that renews and rejuvenates.

It's what I am all about . . .

It's that time of year --you know, when school winds down and the transitions to what's next begin.

Some time ago, as part of my school service, I spent one day a week at the Young Parent Program (YPP) as the counselor. It was the goal of the school's administrator to increase graduation rates and assist students in owning their own education, graduating, and planning for their future (mom and child). I seemed a likely counselor to fill the order. It was clearly one of the more challenging experiences of my professional and personal life.

The program enrolls 95-105 young women -- some with children and some with children on the way. Although pregnant teens can attend their home high school, the YPP is sometimes more appealing because of it's child care component. The young girls can take their babies to class from weeks to 6 months and then early head start takes over from there.

I have been away from the school on a regular basis for a couple of years. But I am invited to their annual "graduation brunch" each year. It was today. There are 35 graduates this year -- a record! The graduation brunch program was awesome -- four graduates spoke about their struggles and successes and school. Their messages were awe-inspiring. The featured adult speaker was Judge Andy Valdez, and his remarks were awesome and very fitting. He shared his story of growing up in a single parent home and how his mother cleaned houses, worked in a bar, and did other odd jobs just to pay the bills and take care of her kids and made huge efforts to show them how important their education was to her. He challenged the girls to do the same -- that their own education and making sure their children were taken care of and educated was a top priority. He challenged them to stay away from prison -- visiting boyfriends and fathers of their children is no better than doing time themselves. He complimented the girls on the hope he saw in their eyes and encouraged them to keep it alive.

When I spent my time at the YPP -- I had a message on the white board in my little office there that I took from President Hinckley. It went something like -- "If we lose a young woman, we lose generations." I truly believe that a program like YP can help in saving young girls and we can only hope that its impact on their lives while there is lasting.