Summer Fun

Daniel, Rachel, Alex, Lauryn, her friend Zach and I took a trip to see some of the family. My mom met us in Caldwell, Idaho the night before. We rented two rooms, thinking people would actually sleep...should have rented the pool as that is where most of the night was spent.
Next morning we woke up to rain.....a little disapointed but nonetheless undaunted, we met up with uncle Steve and family in Boise, then caravanned to Cascade.
After unpacking and staking out our bedrooms in the large house Kristen found, we drove to Gold Fork Hot Springs. Uncle Paul and some of his family were staying at his place in McCall, which was close by---so they met us there. Five pools ranging from cool to 'too hot baby' lots of laughter and a little mischief provided by the Skeens.
Friday it was still raining, (I loved it). However, Uncle Steve managed to round up several willing participants to brave the chill and take a ride in the boat. I'm not sure, but I think Steve took the boat out at least four times that day.
Saturday, yes it was still raining, but we heard a rumor it was going to clear. Again, Steve had several willing participants to brave the chill. While they were out skiing I decided I couldn't leave the lake without a quick dip in the lake.My quick jaunt turned into an hour of swimming. The water wasn't too cold after getting used to it and the sun made an appearance about halfway through.
Grandma Skeen made a fabulous zuchinni/sausage dish, Teri made a killer beef brisket, Kristen and Kevin brought their wii to entertain and the cute babies kept us all vying for their attention.
Sincere thanks to Steve and Teri for inviting us on memorable vacation.

Oh A Hiking We Will Go . . . .

Several of us tree-hugging, granola women decided to create our own little trekker club. We leave at about 6:00 am on Saturday and go hiking. We've completed four hikes thus far. I never knew Utah had such beautiful, pristine forests. We've encountered mud, swift-running rivers and some rain---which I think makes it more stunning.
I just wish I were in better shape...this last hike was a tiny bit easier...but I've got a long ways to go.

YEAH LO---we knew you could!

Isnt she lovely
Isnt she wonderfull
Isnt she precious
Still less than ninteen years-old
I never thought through love there would be
A daughter as lovely as she

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angels best
Gosh, Im so happy
That I was heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through mortals He gave life to one
Isn't she lovely, Lauryn Susannah

HAPPY GRADUATION TO MY U OF U STUDENT!

My oldest grandaughter, Cait turned eight on April 20th, and was baptized, by her dad, last Saturday. We drove to Hyde Park to attend. Cait was adorable and I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She is such a sweet, kind, helpful young lady.

We had a nice lunch at Erin and Ryan's house and enjoyed a nice visit.

Lo, Rach, Erin

Cait and Alex

A WICKED NIGHT

Almost a year went by and I almost forgot I'd bought a ticket. I only went because my friend Angela thinks I'm not a lot of fun and wants me to live a little. So, blah, blah, blah . . . . . got ready and went hoping I'd have an inconspicious seat where I could get some shut-eye.
BOY!!!! Did I ever stay awake! I even rummaged through my purse, retrieved my contacts, and successfully placed them in my eyes (without a mirror), so I could see the production clearly.

L'EGGacy of My Life

These are some of my kids, grandkids, relatives, spouses, significant others and friends.
Just know, there's a lot of us and we're LOUD!














Ha, ha, funny play on words. That's what my lesson for Young Women's was about today...so I gave them all a plastic egg filled with candy and a quote about the Legacy we have as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I thought I was so clever and funny I just had to use it again to describe my wonderful family and friends. We had a fab Easter dinner, great conversation, lots of laughter and, although not everyone shares my religious beliefs, I felt the spirit of our Savior looking upon us with love.

Top Ten Ways To Avoid Catching Student's Germs, hence, wasting five days in bed!
10. Keep a box of disposible rubber gloves and face masks in desk drawer.
9. Teach students the Safety Kid's song, "Stay outside of My Space"
8. Follow the previous song's admonitions or receive White Slip.
7. Begin practice of 'bumping hips' to replace a 'high five' or 'hello hug'
6. Keep a fresh stack of phone passes on center of desk already filled-out so when ill child approaches desk, I can point to preprinted note and minimize virus-infected-air-filled exposure.
5. Visit Home Depot for construction-worker's utility apron. Fill it with can of Lysol, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and sticky notes to post on offender's foreheads that state: 'Signs Of An Ill Child!'
4. Offer Free Homework passes to those who miss school and bring back a note stating that they were ill and thought it best not to infect others.
3. Threaten an F-for-the-day to anyone caught wiping their nose on their sleeve.
2. Place tip jar on desk with sign stating, 'Donations for Flu vaccination welcomed'
1. Purchase a webcam system hooked up to each student's home so that I can remain bacteria-free whilst I spew forth colossal amounts of information, and allow their parents to gain-back their well deserved role as overlords.

I'm supposed to be at my GT class, but I came home, to rest, because I started feeling sick about halfway through the day. Quite impressive, actually, since I haven't missed any days of work yet this year.
Funny, I finally sit down at my desk and try to finish out the day from that vantage point, as my legs and head really ache, and I'm thinking to myself, "Man, I could just put my head down and be asleep in a couple of minutes."
Then, I hurry home in order to lay down and I can't sleep because I'm worrying about all the stuff I should be doing.
Today, I wish my mommy were here to take care of me. She would bring me the 'hot water bottle', Lipton soup, and maybe a coloring book. Sometimes, growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Nick 'Tagged' Me

1. I am far too old to play tag.
2. I HATE my jaw, I wish it could accidentally break so I could get it fixed.
3. I have a reoccurring dream that I'm flying and whenever I try to land I can't seem to keep my feet on the ground. (Interpretation . . . . . anyone?)
4. I always wanted to be a professional singer and dancer. When I was four I sat next to our bathroom heater and pretended it was a beach bon fire and I was Annette Funicello.
5. I looooovvvveeee the ocean and wish I lived within walking distance.
6. I am fascinated by unusual words and try to find ways to use them.
7. I wish I was 3 inches taller.
8. I hate fish, deer meat and small game....probably because my dad would make me clean up the blood and guts after he gutted them.
9. I wish I'd moved back to Bend ten years ago.
10. I'm afraid that I will die alone.
11. I'm big-time jealous of Rachel and Lauryn's beauty.
12. I'm jealous of Nick's excellent writing skills and Devin's creative drawing skills.
13. I'm jealous of Daniel's brains and Tyler's willingness to undertake adventure.
14. I'm jealous of Lauryn's dancing skills and Rachel's tenacity.
15. I want to run for public office and become the first honest politician.
16. Sometimes I'm really baffled by student's behavior---then I meet their parents and remember that the fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree.
17. I want to rid the world of mosquitos, flies, and lawn mushrooms.
18. I HATE the way our public school system is run.
19. I want to swim the English Channel or some channel that's not too cold.
20. I want someone to fall head-over-hills madly in love with me (I know who he is, but I'm too chicken to do anything about it.)
21. I want my body to be in the same shape as it was 20 years ago.
22. I want to travel to Scotland and England.
23. I want to travel to a third-world country and help set up a school.
24. I'd like to open an orphanage/school/farm/selfsufficiency home where children could be loved and learn how to become whole.
25. I am anxious to meet the Savior.

Now what? Am I supposed to say, 'tag you're it' to someone? If so, then Rachel, you're it!!!

I'm trying to delve deep inside myself for something profound to put in writing, but, I guess I'm really not a deep thinker.
6:00 am this morning I turned the news on to listen and was somewhat intrigued by the masses of people crowded together on the 'Washington Mall'. Slightly amused at the extreme excitement of spectators. Slightly bewildered when one particular spectator exclaimed, "I don't need to worry about having enough money for a house payment anymore!" Jealous, when my son in Maryland stated he had work off today because of road closures in D.C. and then somewhat confused and apprehensive when the press began comparing Obama with President Lincoln.
Currently, my fifth-graders are studying the Revolutionary War and the Constitution. My testimony of our founding fathers is strong, I have no doubt their penned writings were inspired.
Since I'm feeling a little insecure . . . I feel that following the prophet's counsel to pray for our leader(s) is wise advise.

HAPPY NOTE!!! My brother Steve's son . . . Andrew and his wife Rachel had a little girl today.

These are pictures of Lauryn, my youngest, performing for a drill team competition. She is adorable! She is a busy girl with dancing, working, and school. I am so proud of her for working so hard at the things she loves and values. And...I LOVE to watch her perform!