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.

Six Years -- Happy Anniversary Annie and Ross

The sixth anniversary of marriage is celebrated with candy and iron and wood. Imagine that!

I look back at the seven plus years you (Annie and Ross) have been hanging out together, and I must say that you have a very strong, positive marriage. I admire you for the solid foundation you have established for your family.

Notes from others:
A happy and successful marriage is full of traditions. A tradition could be the little moments you share with one another; a tradition might involve a trip to a very special place at a special time, or a remembrance of something the two of you did together. Celebrating the wedding anniversary has really only become popular in our day and age. Specific wedding anniversaries have picked up their own "themes" which reflect the anniversary's stature and importance -- a couple's fiftieth anniversary is known as the "gold anniversary," and that gifts of gold should be exchanged in commemoration. There’s an entire calendar of wedding anniversary symbols, almost every year in a couple's initial years together are considered cause for a special gift.

Why do we have anniversary symbols? I didn't really pay attention to them until my girls began celebrating their wedding anniversaries.

The Origin of the Symbols
Wedding anniversary symbols, though probably practiced informally even before, truly began in 1897. In that year, Queen Victoria of England celebrated her sixtieth year on the throne. The event was called the "diamond jubilee," and well-wishers celebrated by giving diamonds as gifts effectively creating the modern diamond market.

Easter Sunday

When I was 8 or 9 years old, my dad was preparing to give a talk in church on Easter Sunday. I decided I needed to help him, so I got out my Bible and got to work reading the story of the crucifixion and surrounding events. I just knew that it would be my inspiration and insight that would help Dad give the best talk ever. As I remember, my dad gave a good talk that basically followed the last days, hours of the Savior's life. The story had a powerful impact on me then and still does.

I have much to learn and comprehend about what happened some 2000+ years ago to a kind and gentle man, Jesus Christ, whom I believe to be the Son of God. It is on Easter Sunday, today, that the Christian world celebrates His resurrection, an event that leads me to know that we can all live again. It's a pretty peaceful feeling to know that life is everlasting.

Sharing religious, sacred, thoughts is not my BLOGGING practice, but you know, today may just be a good time becasue of the thoughts, love, and concerns I have for my aging parents, my yet unborn grandson, my husband, my children (including sons-in law), my 2 year old grandson, and many other dear family members . . . I just know that if we do what is right and consecrate our lives to His work, life and death will be mere words that define a brief transition to eternity.

(Wow, this is a deep BLOG psoting!)

Haley -- It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Haley!
You are smart, beautiful, kind, generous, caring, talented and you always go the extra mile in everything you do. You are so good with kids of all ages, including your nephew and your brother. I am always so impressed by your competence and commitment in everything you do. You make people happy and you make me proud. Thanks for being my daughter! Have a great day!

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!

It's my dad's birthday today -- 80 years!

I am so blessed to have both my parents alive and kicking (but not very hard). Dad still goes to work everyday, he teaches the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class every other Sunday, he goes home teaching, does all the grocery shopping, takes orders from Mom, helps her like he's never helped her in their married life, he walks every day to keep in shape, prays for Mom, his children, grandchildren (especially the ones on missions) in every prayer he offers, and much more.

Dad grew up in Salt Lake -- 427 Kensington Ave. He is an Eagle Scout and was part of the first ever rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Cataract Canyon rapids long before Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell (he later did some enginnering work for the construction of Glen Canyon Dam). He graduted from South High School in 1947 and the University of Utah in 1951 (the same year he and Mom got married). He has a degree in Mechanical/Civil Engineering from the "U". Dad played football in high school and at the "U". He has always been fond of Utah sports and enjoys a good win over BYU. Dad served in the Army at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey during the Korean Conflict -- Army Intelligence. He's been a Bishop twice for a total of 15 or so years, he has owned and managed his own business, and has set his sons up for success in their work. Of his eight children, all but one are U of U graduates -- education, business (CPA), communications, and law (JD). His posterity will number 53 by the middle of June.

This is beginning to sound like an obituary, so I'll end now -- Happy Birthday to a Great Dad!

April

April is the month when educators crank up the retirement discussion. "How many years do you have?" "I am retiring in 2 more years!" "Retirement can't come soon enough for me."

I have been working in a JOB off and on since the summer between 6th and 7th grade. I think I will keep working a JOB forever. Work is something I love -- sometimes I can't get enough of it. It's just my life --

I WORK at the district office for some sweet moolah $$$$.

I serve my family with the rewards $$$$ of my work.

I never stop doing, thinking, reading, learning, listening, . . . I guess these actions are considered work.

For the record -- I just hope I can keep up the pace for many years to come. I began teaching school in the spring of 1977 at Mount Jordan Middle School. I was hired as a long-term sub for Frances Mickelson (a veteran, amazing teacher at the time). I was honored to take over her classes for the last term of the school year. The principal at the school didn't have an opening at Mount Jordan for the following school year, but he found me a place at Eastmont Middle School -- just up the hill. I taught there until Haley was born in 1980. I then resigned my position and decided to be a SAHM. That lasted about 3 months when I started teaching in the Granite District night school (adult education program). At one point, I was teaching classes at Jackling Elementary, Granger High, and Kearns High. Karl and I would pass each other in the driveway four evenings a week. I did the night school thing for about six years during which time I started a master's degree program at the "U" in educational psychology. I took graduate courses one night a week for nearly four years. At that same time, I was the Primary president, taught preschool in my home, and continued teaching/counseling in the night school program.

Now it's April 2009. Another master's degree and years later -- my best calculation is that I have been an educator for 32 years. I'll be 86 in 32 more years. If I stay healthy and if Alzheimer's skips my generation, I'm good to go. Bah hum bug to the retirement discussion!

March marched on . . .

• The March Madness of the NCAA Basketball Tournament is winding down. On one of my bracket sheets, I actually picked 3 of the final 4 teams. That doesn't really matter, however, because I selected way too many teams to win that eventually lost. I am rooting for the NC Tarheels to be the outright winning team this year only because I like Tyler Hansbrough, a key player on the team and one who played all 4 years (no early exit to the NBA draft).
  
• My parentals celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on March 19th. In this era, it's pretty amazing that couples stay together forever like my parents. Congrats Mom and Dad!


• My favorite late night television host, David Letterman, married the mother of his 5 1/2 year old son on March 19, 2009, in Montana. I am pleased he finally made the commitment. He and his wife have been together for a decade or so.


• Finally, my bad luck has persisted in March -- I was in a parking lot, one of our schools, last Wednesday, driving away, when a kid on a razor scotter came through some parked cars and crashed into me (my car). I thought I'd killed him, but I only ran over the handle bars of his scooter. I made him wiggle everything, I checked with a witness and she reported that the kid had jumped from the scooter and landed on his feet, he kept himself from falling with his hands on my front/side bumper. Arrggg . . . . .

Have a great "last day of March!"

Brackets Ready?

The "Ugly Betty Special" is going to the Big Dance!

It's March madness for me and my fellow basketball junkies. I think I've watched a dozen games just this past week -- JR Jazz tournament games, college conference tournament games, and more. It's just what I love to do.

On Thursday night the Runnin' Utes played the TCU Horned Frogs in the MWC Tournament. Joe Cravens (a former assistant coach at the "U") was the color commentator on the "Mountain" (station covering the game). It was not the prettiest game I've watched. It was one of those games where you find yourself moaning and groaning at the missed jump shots, bad passes, turnover after turnover, and more. At one point in the game, Cravens commented that he felt like he was watching the "Ugly Betty Special" as the Utes struggled to get their game going.

The Utes went on to win that game and eventually the tournament championship last night against San Diego State University. It was an excellent game -- just the opposite of the "Ugly Betty Special" from two nights before.

Winning the tournament championship cinched a place in the "Big Dance"! The Utes now play Arizona in Miami in the first round on Friday! Yes! Basketball again this week!

Wolverines -- the Champions!

It was a great JR JAZZ season -- probably the best ever because the Wolverines went undefeated in the regular season and in the tournament, and they won the 8th Grade JR JAZZ Tournament for Salt Lake County. Coach Karl's teaching and on the court learning paid off. The team was spectacular in their championship game! The after game wrap-up brought tears to the coach's eyes -- his players did what they were suppose to do, everybody scored, it was huge! My son was the leading scorer and re-bounder for the season -- he has some sweet basketball skills!

Happy Anniversary Haley and James!

You are great kids! Hope you've had an anniversary-type special day!

(The following is from a wedding anniversay site. I could have written it myself, but I ran out of time. Copy and paste comes in so handy!)

While many people believe that the individual years of a marriage are not as significant as the 5, 10, 20, 25 year increments, the truth is that each year of a marriage is special and unique. Each anniversary is an important milestone, and should be considered a significant step forward in your life together.

Many people follow the traditional themes of celebration and gift giving for their anniversary, a practice we (I) wholeheartedly encourage. In this tradition, each year celebrates a specific quality symbolized by a particular material. The more commonly known expressions are the silver (25 year) and golden (50 year) anniversaries. The traditional and modern gift recommendations for each anniversary have symbolic meaning associated with the path of successful marriages, and are a great way of reinforcing the hard work that goes into making a happy marriage.

The traditional recommendation for a second anniversary present is cotton.

Cotton symbolizes durability and versatility. Two years into a marriage, you now have the experience to realize that these traits are necessary for a successful marriage. As 2 years is early in the life of any marriage, cotton also represents a practical material that can be used in building the household of a new couple, such as bedding, table cloths, bath robes, towels, clothing, and of course underwear!

Weird things can happen more than once . . .

When I took Willie to school this morning, I couldn't help but notice how dirty my car was. The wind was pretty vicious yesterday -- blowing dust and gunk everywhere and a lot of it stuck to my car.

A couple of summers ago, after getting gas at the Conoco I decided to get a car wash. I think Willie, Meranda, and Parker were with me. The car wash ended and the exit door was slow to open, in fact it wouldn't open at all. I honked the horn thinking someone from inside the gas station would hear it and come to our rescue. We hoped another car would get in line behind us and trigger the door opener. Finally, I called Karl to have him look up the phone number so I could call and get someone to help get us out (I wanted a little sympathy, too). Karl's response was go out the "man door". I had no clue what he was talking about, I didn't see any door anywhere but the exit one to let us out. We were laughing so hard in the car that I couldn't really understand the phone number but eventually got it from Karl. The employee who answered the gas station's phone didn't quite understand that we were stuck in the car wash. Eventually, some intellectually challenged person came to our aid. We laugh about the experience all the time.

You probably know where this story is headed. I stopped to get gas on my way to work this morning. My car was so filthy dirty I decided to include a car wash. I was the only one in line probably because the roads were a little wet from a late night snow storm. At any rate, I got the car wash, and you guessed it, the entry and exit doors wouldn't open to let me out. Stuck again! I called 411 to get a number and tried several times to contact someone in the Conoco (same one as before). The line was busy (yes, I remembered to dial 801). I got out of the car and shimmied to the exit door. It was wet an gooey, but I managed to lift it opened but not without having streams of black water drip down my arms onto my long sleeved white shirt. I looked to see if anyone had noticed my predicament. Sure enough, there was some dude filling up his car and just watching me.

Not sure I will do the car wash at that Conoco ever again.

First place is slipping away . . .

Rats! The UTES have the two toughest basketball games just days apart at the end of the season on the road, and, well, you guessed it, they lost both. They let the Cougs kick their behinds on Saturday, and they choked in the second half of the game in the UNM "pit" tonight. Now all that's left is a share of the conference title and a run at the conference tournament championship next week. They had it, they had it, they really did, but they let their defense down, missed a bunch of shots, lost their focus and composure, and now the games are history.

Number two (2)

Haley is all about numbers. She reminded me that she is a two of a two of a two. What that means is this:

Haley is the number two (second born) child of Judy (me) who is the second child of Jerry (Grandma) who is the second child of Fern (Great Grandmother) who was the second living child of her parents, David and Anne Jones.

The following is also true:

Elliott is the number one child (first born) of his mother (Annie) who is the number one child of Karl (her dad) who is the number one child of his parents (Ardith and DeWaine) who are the number one children of each of their parents.

How about that!

Not the best day, but . . . .

I could tell it wasn't going to be the best day . . . .

• When I didn't get up when Karl left for work, I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was 7:07 a.m. I drop Willie off for school at 7:20 a.m. and he was sleeping soundly. We work well under pressure, he "kicked it in gear", and I delivered him to school at 7:26 a.m.
• I got showered and ready to leave the house in record time, so I decided to quickly check my e-mail knowing I would be in meetings all day. I read only one e-mail. It was from a pretty reliable source that the wife of my good friend and mentor, Norm, had passed away. I was shocked. Norm and I are pretty close professionally, and I couldn't believe he wouldn't call me with the news. I scrambled to find his phone number and called him from my car. I began the conversation with, "I've heard some sad news . . ." Norm then told me how his wife had just been diagnosed with a rare cancer and that doctors give her 3-6 months to live (she had not passed away).
• My meeting was at the Radisson Hotel downtown. I arrived to find the hotel parking lot full. There was a sign in the driveway directing guests to the lot across the street. I made my way there only to be told by the parking attendant that the lot was reserved for monthly permits. So, by this time I was running very late, I took the first meter space I could find. When I got out of my car to put money in the meter, I was greeted by a not so friendly meter person (meter maid) who demanded that I show her my vehicle registration. (She parked her car in the street parallel to my car.) She said that the sticker on my license plate had expired. I assured her that my registration is always due in February and that it had been mailed, and I was just waiting for the new sticker. I found my registration, and sure enough it indicated that the expiration was 2/2009. She rudely told me that the sticker on my car said 1/2009. She called on her phone to check out my registration. The response on the other end was that my car was good through 2/2010. She rudely "back-peddled" making threats to me that I could get pulled over and ticketed for not having the right sticker on my license plate and blah, blah, blah. Arrgggg! Once she left, I put money in the meter and headed to my meeting inside the hotel. I planned to leave at the first break to move to a pay lot nearby.
• At the break, I drove around the block to a pay lot. I paid my fee and parked my car. As I headed around the block back to the Radisson, I pushed the key-lock button to lock my car and by doing so, I set off the alarm of the car parked next to me. I just kept walking. I heard the alarm beeping all the way to the hotel.
• The meeting ended at 3:00 p.m. I hadn't had a Coke all day, so I headed to the closest McDonalds. I was waiting in the drive-thru line when a homeless looking kid walked up to my car window. He motioned for me to roll down my window. I responded that I was not interested in talking to him. He yelled at me and flipped me off. I drove ahead, got my Coke, and watched as he approached other cars.
• After a few things to finish at my office, I headed for home via Office Depot and Winder Farms Store to get a few last minute things for the big Women's Conference tomorrow. Once home, I packed up my car and headed to the Stake Center. The building was an absolute mess! I was the first one of the set-up group to arrive and I spent more than an hour just cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, before we could even begin to set up.
• Once finished at the church, I headed to the grocery store for a few more things I needed to get for the Women's Conference.

What a day! It wasn't the best day, but it was okay -- I think it was just Friday the 13th a week late. Whew!

Sunday Night

Another Sunday night but without the stress of school/work tomorrow -- it's President's Day tomorrow, and that means a day to sleep in and just hang out at home.

Willie's science fair project is due on Wednesday, so I think a good part of our day tomorrow will be working on putting the results on the "science fair 3-fold board". The science experiment has been completed and videotaped, it's all about hot, cold, and room temperature air pressure in balls -- basketball, soccer ball, and volleyball -- and how their "bounce" is impacted by the amount of pressure and temperature.

What to Blog?

Not much going on today. Another busy day at home and at the district office.

As you know, I worry about our public school system. We're losing kids right and left, everyday. We still have the majority of our teachers doing what they do in a mostly white, middle class mind-set. The problem is that the majority of our students are not white and not middle class, and most importantly they (the kids) are not succeeding in school. I have some ideas, solutions, some "what to do" actions. I'll report out sometime soon.

Our RS women's conference is coming up and Carole Mikita from KSL television and radio is our keynote speaker. I am excited to hear her speak.

American Idol -- another season with some interesting talent -- I am anxious to see the next phase where the contestants really perform and sing their lungs out. Last year, Grandma Petersen and I talked immediately after nearly every episode of Idol. I really miss Grandma --

I am excited about a new grandson. I am ready for as many grandchildren as I can get -- I love the grandmotherhood role. I just hope his parents can come up with a name ---- I like Elvis.

Willie is doing pretty well in basketball. His JR JAZZ team went undefeated this season -- there was really no competition. The team will be in a tournament in March -- I am anxious to see how they do with some tough competition. They are actually a pretty good little team. Junior high basketball is going well, too. Willie is playing in every game and scoring some points and getting some rebounds and steals.

Haley comes over on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for piano/guitar lessons. It's so nice to have her here. She does such a good job with her students.

Annie says Eliott needs a hair cut. I am not sure he likes the "buzz buzz", but I enjoy cutting his hair. It grows so fast!

Karl is working with the older scouts for the next few months. He is helping them plan a trip to Moab that may include a Colorado River trip. He is great with the younger male generation in any capacity.

Life is good!

Game Day!

First junior high game today -- Hunter 40 - Jefferson 38. Collin hit a shot at the buzzer to win the game for Hunter. Willie played in every quarter, and he thinks he had 8 points. Wow! He looked pretty sweet in his vintage game day outfit. I like that the coach requires a shirt and tie on game day!

Life's Lessons

A year ago, we hit a family low point when Willie didn't make the junior high basketball team. It just didn't make sense -- big kid, pretty good skills, lots of experience, . . .

It was a difficult process to work through, but we did it, and we all lived to tell about it.

This morning, I drove the boy to school, entered the forbidden parking lot, parked in a visitor slot, told the boy to go in the school and check the "list", I waited. I waited. I had this sick feeling in my stomach. I waited. It seemed like and eternity, at least 50 students walked by and entered the school. Then I saw him, he came out the far south door, no indication of anything, I was sick inside. Then, I saw a sign, right arm thrust upward with conviction, and the right thumb pointing up! He made it! He made the final cut! He is on the basketball team! Yes!

January 2009, brought a new junior high basketball season. Willie participated in every open gym/intramural basketball activity. He prepared, every day, to do his best at the upcoming tryouts. He worked hard, made himself known, did his best (with prayers and faith), and then added some intensity. Behind the scenes, he prepared himself mentally for both a good or a not so good outcome. He knew before the first cut that he had given his very best. And he told us he felt good about tryouts either way. He definitely knew how his friends felt who didn't make the first or second cut.

Well, I am pleased to report that he made the first cut, then the second, then the third. He made the team! We know Willie is very blessed on or off the team. We're excited he can move to a new level of play -- new coach, new team members, new environment, new gym, . . .

The whole process has been a good learning experience for all of us --

Happy Birthday, Grandson!

You are a funny little boy and you make me laugh. I love to listen to you talk -- it's a language I'd never heard until you began speaking it, and I understand nearly every word. Thanks for knowing who I am and calling me "MaaaMaaa!" Your giggle is infectious, and it doesn't take much to get you going. You have great parents and other family members who love you so much!! What a lucky little boy you are! And what lucky people we are to have you in our family!

Happy Birthday -- #2!

A great day for the USA --

On a day like today, it doesn't matter much who voted for whom. All of the USA and the world celebrated the transfer of power from one President to the next without a hitch. It's called democracy. And, in the middle of all the pomp and circumstance was an incredibly powerful and inspirational inaugural address.

President Obama delivered a pretty significant speech -- at least it impacted me. But, I must say that the following was most compelling, personally:

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

I have a dream . . .

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

. . . And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

I was in eigth grade when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated -- April 4, 1968. Kids growing up in the sixties saw, heard, and experienced a lot of terrible and violent events. Little did I know then of the now infamous speech, "I have a dream." I was barely nine or ten when it was delivered on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. Some years later, however, as a young teenager, we had frequent firesides for the young people in our church/ward. One of the leaders had access to the entire Granite School District film collection (no videos -- not yet invented). It was common on Sunday evenings after sacrament meeting for all the young people of the ward to gather in the multipurpose room behind the chapel for a film fireside. We saw all kinds of films, but one that impressed me above all others was of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech. It impacted me then and now some 45 years later the speech is ever inspiring.

I have included with this post only a small excerpt from the original speech. But in this excerpt includes the most resounding message of the entire speech for me, personally. Repeated:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Wow!

I am pleased that we celebrate this brave man by honoring his birthday as a nation.

My kids ----

Their ages are -- 14, 28, and 30. I never imagined that I would have three children when I was a young girl, let alone three incredibly great kids. We spent some nice time together over the winter recess -- no school or crazy work schedules. Time with my kids (and other family members) is priceless! I love to listen to them because they have important things to say. I love to watch them because they do great things. They have straight teeth and sharp minds -- what else could a mother ask for?

A beautiful day . . .

Yesterday was just about the most beautiful day I have ever seen. It snowed well into the late night Friday, early morning Saturday. It was so cold Saturday morning that the snow stayed on the trees all day. About 3:00 p.m. I left to run some errands. As I turned the corner to head east on 4100 South, I couldn't help but be energized and happy by what I saw. The snow sparkled everywhere. The valley was covered in it's snowy glory. The trees were naturally flocked, and the sky was the most impeccable blue! I couldn't keep from smiling as a drove along. What a beautiful day!

How SWEET it is! Sugar SWEET!

The Utah Football Team ripped the Crimson Tide of Alabama tonight in the Sugar Bowl! It was absolutely awesome! (Willie and Karl attended all but one of the Utes home games this season and what a season it was!) It was such an exciting game tonight -- both offense and defense played the best ever! My favortie player is Paul Kruger and he played as tough as a hard nose kid from Utah can play! Congratulations UTES!

Ring out the old, ring in the new --

"Ring Out, Wild Bells" is a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Published in 1850, it forms part of "In Memoriam", Tennyson's elegy to his sister's fiance who died at the age of twenty-two. Some think the poem is very negative and dark. I'd like to point out that it's intent is to turn from negative to positive thinking. The poem is typically referred to with a new year, in fact we often sing its words from our Hymn Book on the first Sunday each January. I have highlighted the positive lines in green. Enjoy!

Ring Out, Wild Bells
by Alfred, Lloyd Tennyson

Ring out wild bells, top the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Happy Birthday Willie!

It's my boy's birthday today. He is 14. That says it all! But I must point out that 14 marks the beginning of a young man's attempts to finding his identity. This photo represents aviator, Nanook person.

From our house to your house . . . Merry Christmas

Willie commented yesterday that he likes the Christmas preparation and the time leading up to Christmas far more than the day itself. I think he is growing up. We try to do something special for someone or some family every Christmas. This year he was involved in the whole process of the special something, and he said that it really made him feel good inside.

Our Christmas Day lacked the fast paced, early schedule of years gone by. The "Petersen Christmas Breakfast" has been our first event of the day for at least 32 years. This year's events changed slightly because our kids lives are ever changing and we are merging into a new generation of holiday activity. No extended Petersen family activity Christmas morning -- at least not for this year. We started the day with waking Willie up around 8:00 a.m. -- he has never been a Christmas morning early riser. Haley and James made it to our house around 9:30 a.m. We opened gifts with them and then we all had breakfast here at our house -- it was very nice to have Haley and James here. Willie just doesn't find his parentals that much fun. Next, Haley and James headed to Grandma and Grandpa Huber's house and then they went north to Garland (they are not home yet --another story). Karl, Willie, and I headed to the Wood's to talk briefly to Elder Preston Wood who is in the last fourth of his mission (his Mom was to call him at high noon). It was so nice to hear his voice! Preston has had a great mission in Argentina.

Around 1:30 p.m., we headed to South Jordan to see how the little grandson made out for his first "real" Santa Claus Christmas experience. Elliott was so excited to show us his train and his turtle. He was a little overwhelmed with opening more presents! We had a nice visit with Annie and Ross and Elliott and some very good snacks, too. Annie and Ross had over a foot of snow at their house -- in some places closer to 18 inches or more.

We got to my parents house around 4:30 p.m. and they looked pretty exhausted but were very glad to see us. The Howdens joined us there. Elliott is such a good boy -- he hugged a little jogging suit Grandma had for him. We opened presents, watched others open presents, and had some snacks, cleaned up a little and moved some of the tables and folding chairs from the kitchen outside. With eight children, their spouses and kids, it's gets pretty chaotic at Mom and Dad's house on Christmas. Mom makes sure everyone has as many presents she can buy (within her set budget, so she says). It's a pretty amazing thing for someone who is 78 and on oxygen -- not to mention her other ailments.

We finally got home around 7:30 p.m., we had a lite snack and then just chilled and watched the snow. Haley called to report that they were "snowed in" in Garland and that she and James would see us on Friday.

Merry Christmas!

The longest night . . .

It's the winter solstice -- when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equator. That means that it is the longest night of the year.

This morning Willie and I watched CBS This Morning with Charles Osgood and he talked about the winter solstice (I knew it was sometime before Christmas) and then he sang the words of Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" (wherein Frost makes reference to the "longest night") to his own musical compostion. It was very nice. Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. Many moons ago, I sang in a couple of choirs at the U of U. When I was in the women's chorus, we performed a series of Frost poems set to music -- the "woods" poems. This was one of them:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Are you ready for Christmas?

It has been a very busy month at home, at school/work, with family . . .

I realize that Christmas is just a few days away. Everywhere I go people ask me if I am ready for Christmas. What does that mean? Ready for Christmas, hmmmm ?

Does it mean -- do I have careful, creative shopping done for everyone in my gift giving sphere?
Does it mean -- do I have a clean house with coordinated and festively displayed holiday decorations?
Does it mean -- have I done some baking and some cooking and some creative gift making for my friends and neighbors?
Does it mean -- have I mailed warm and friendly greeting cards to family and friends?
Does it mean -- I have all of the gifts (I have done the shopping for) beautifully wrapped and positioned ever so carefully under my designer decorated Christmas tree?
Does it mean -- have I taken time to visit my daughters to see their festive decorations and sample some of their holiday goodies?
What does it mean??????

Nothing -- absolutely nothing! So I politely reply, "I guess I am as ready as I am going to be", knowing deep down inside that I have a million things to do and only 8-9 days to get months of stuff done. The only thing I can say I am "ready" for is a nice long nap . . . . . . .

Merry Chistmas!

Christmas is coming . . .

CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha' penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha' penny, then God bless you!

Away from home --

For many years in December (I think 12), I have been attending national counseling and guidance meetings. This year my meetings have been in Charlotte, NC. It's hard to leave home to go anywhere in December, but my family always manages to survive okay without me. I head home tomorrow but not before some early morning work. I have learned a lot, and I have been inspired by the work of many great educators, but I am so very anxious to get home. Hopefully, some of my knowledge and inspiration will transfer to my family and my work in schools.

I want to get home fast -- to give my boys (Dad and Willie) a big hug, see my girls and their families -- my little grandson needs a big kiss, and I need to make sure my parents and other family members are doing okay. I need to get my Christmas decorations up, get my house cleaned, and a bunch of other stuff done -- like my Christmas shopping.

Irish, yes definitely

I met a new colleague this morning, she is a member of the legislative committee I am chairing at the ACTE Convention in Charlotte, NC. She is Megan Kirkpatrick, thick shoulder length curly red hair, fair complexion, and dressed in a dark green suit -- a person can't be more Irish than that! Unless, the person is Maureen O'Hara (40 years ago). Amazing . . .

The Scots-Irish settled much of the southwest area of North Carolina. In fact, it was a huge draw because of the rich soil and nice climate.

He was a good fish . . .

I am sad to report that Saturday evening, about 9:37 pm, our fish, Joe, swam his last stroke. We found him lying on his side at the bottom of the fish bowl. Karl and Parker carefully flushed him down the toilet (all drains lead to the ocean) headed to his final resting place. He was a good fish.

Last Wednesday Willie and Parker and I took Elliott to PET SMART. Elliott was fascinated by the fishes -- he loved them. So, being the good Grandmama I am, we bought a goldfish for Elliott. When we asked Elliott what the fish's name was he said, "JOE".

The fish stayed at Grandma's because Elliotts's parents weren't too excited about taking it home. Well, we enjoyed Joe while he was with us. He came with a two week guarantee -- I guess we could take our 26 cent receipt back to PET SMART if we wanted to, but it's a little too soon to replace him now.

Giving Thanks

All in a Word

By Aileen Fisher

T for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.

H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.

A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.

N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.

K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.

S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.

That spells ~~~THANKS---for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.

(We had such a nice day - - - )

Disappointment . . .

We have a flag pole in our yard. We proudly display flags over the course of the year. The flag pole is well lit, so we rarely take them down in the evening. We have been flying a U of U flag since the college football season began. With last week's victory over BYU, we have added our red rope light "U" to the front yard (just next to the front porch) -- just for celebration.

Well we left for about an hour and a half tonight to get some last minute things for Thanksgiving and to help with some preparations at the grandparents' home. When we returned, our "U" flag was missing and the rope light "U" had been damaged (not lit -- lights destroyed). Hmmmm . . . . What is that all about? I don't think a "Utah" fan did the damage. Could it have been someone annoyed with our display -- probably -- but it's our property and it's on our property. Will we find the flag in the yard tomorrow? Not sure. Can we repair the lights? Maybe. At any rate, we are good citizens, we take care of our kids, our yard, our house, and everything else. We volunteer to help others, always. We go to church every Sunday because we like to and because we believe in what's taught there. We respect others' property and their rights. But, we still have to deal with and tolerate those who feel they have the right to steal, damage, destroy . . .

It's just a major disappointment!

Who really cares about the kids?

I know of a high school that is in pretty sad shape. There are basically three major groups of kids in the school. About 1/3 of the students come every day, pass their classes with pretty good grades, and seem to be involved in school. Another 1/3 of the students speak a language other than English as their primary language, and they are at varying levels of learning and understanding English. Some of this group have limited skills in their primary language. The other 1/3 of the students are highly mobile -- that means they have attended more than one school in grades 9-12, and they have come to this school credit and skill deficient.

The school pretty much runs like it did 10 or more years ago -- white and middle class. Now, the school is definitely a school of color and mostly middle to low socioeconomic status. I worry about the kids -- that their needs are not being met. Sure the teachers teach the kids who are there, but their needs are not addressed individually, and I see many slipping through the cracks -- getting further behind, not attending, no ambition, no hopes and dreams for the future. Mind you, 1/3 of the kids are pretty much on track to graduate, but there is such a feeling on complacency and just so many things to do for the other 2/3 of the students. I don't know what to do -- I want to help -- I try to help -- I feel like I am trying to push and pull cement blocks around the school to get the staff to look at the data and respond to the needs of the kids -- especially their learning needs. It like the [the staff] don't see it or get it. Any suggestions?

It's really the first time I have been connected to a situation where I completely understand the metaphor -- there's an elephant in the room, but in this case it's in every part of the school.

Go Utes!

The U of U basketball team won, yes they did, in game #2 of the Glenn Wilkes Classic -- Daytona Beach, Florida!

And by the way, the football team won today, too. They played a team from Provo, Utah.

And finally, I have a new little great nephew -- Hyrum Scott Lafeen, 7lbs. 7 oz., 19 inches long, the proud parents are niece and nephew Melanie and Justin Lafeen.

November 22, 1963

It was 45 years ago tomorrow that the darkest day of my young life occurred. You see, I was in 3rd grade at Webster Elementary, Mrs. Thacker was my teacher. After our morning recess, Mrs. Thaacker told us all that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, Texas. Not long after that, Mr. Johnson, our principal made a school wide announcement over the PA system. He told us that President Kennedy had died and that all students were going to be sent home from school. (We were out of school until after the funeral.) For the next few days, we (my sisters and I) were glued to our black and white TV watching the events of Kennedy's death and funeral unfold.

November 22, also marks my cousin, Scott Barnes', birthday. It was family tradition to meet for a celebration for all the birthdays back then -- cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, etc. -- so we met at the Barnes home that evening. I remember that the grown-up discussion was all about the sad events of the day. I remember feeling very anxious about the whole thing. I was even more upset because my grandparents -- Fern and Stewart --- were in Pittsburg, PA, at that time visiting other cousins. I remember wondering if they would make it home safely.

I really liked President Kennedy then -- and now, I appreciate his presidential legacy. The Kennedys have always been so facinating to me -- they are just a very intriguing family. The first time I visited President Kennedy's grave in Arlington was a very reverent experience. The eternal flame placed on his grave is marked by an inscription of his inagural address.

My neighbor Batar

My neighbor was a refugee from Somalia years ago. He and his family were in a refugee camp before coming to Utah. They were assigned to Logan when they arrived. They were welcomed there and made many friends. His background is in law, and he eventually joined the staff of Catholic Community Services where he is the main person over refugees. He is a great man and has accomplished so much in his short time in Utah. He said he knew he wanted to live in our neighborhood when he first saw it. His home was built about a year after ours. He and his cute family -- his wife, Asa, 3 boys and 2 girls, and grandma -- are great neighbors. Willie and their youngest son Ibrahim are best friends.

Batar was a featured speaker in our counselor "professional learning" meeting today. He gave an excellent presentation on the refugee process through Catholic Community Services. It was nice to see him in a professional role. He is very articulate in English and also speaks Arabic and Somali. He said that his family had to flee Somalia to a refugee camp or die. I can't comprehend the trauma. His family still living on the African continent are now in Kenya.