Thankgiving

Dear To Whom It May Concern

In class today I had the children pretend they were a turkey during the Thanksgiving season. I asked them to write their potential buyers a note to try and avoid being eaten. The following are my all time favorites (thus far--I still have about 1/3 of my students still working on them). Please remember they are only 6/7 years old. I am copying their exact works so hopefully you can read them--we are trying in first grade!!!

1.
Dear To whom it may concern,
Hello my name is Clark the turkey. I'm super glad that Thanksgiving is comeing. But you would not want to buy me because I have the swine flu. P.S. buy me next year. Love Caden H--.

2.
TO Whom It May Concern, Hi my name is Pizza turkey and I am so exided for Thanksgiving! but insted how abowt you eat sum candy insted! because cool pepol eat candy. love, Pizza

3.

Dear Whom It May Concern. Hi my Name is Cornshoe. I have swolod a shoe. And corn. I was looking forword to being eated so I am so so SO sory!
Love Corn shoe.

4.
Dear to whom may Concern. my name Is Ben. I have a vere bad cold. If you get me for tanksgiving dinr. I mit giv you a vere bad cold so I am vere sore gud luk.

5. (all time favorite)

Dear to Whom it may concern
Hi my name is dog turkey guees what I have the chikine poks and I have a thin bodie and I smell like a pig thats why you dont whant to buy me thank you Love dog turkey


It is work like this that keep me in first grade!! How I love a good chuckle!

Parent Note

This week I received the following letter:

Mrs. McDaniel,

(Child's Name) decided to take his schoolbag into Walmart yesterday, after being told not to and forgot where he put it. After 3 long searches it seems like it's gone forever, I am hopeful that someone will return the bag this week either to the school or to Walmart. If this is not the case please let me know how much I owe to replace the books that he had. If possible could you send him home with another homework assignment sheet and another turkey so we can decorate it. I apologize for any inconvenience, and please give him extra work as punishment for disobeying his mother!


I never laughed so hard at the end!!! Luckily for this student, the backpack was returned before the end of the day and no additional assignments were required---HA HA HA! What a great mom!

Ever feel this way???

For me it seems to be a daily event!!!

Ironic

So right after I posted the previous blog I read the following sent to me by my dad! I thought it was ironic:


Why Women Stress


As Latter-day Saint women, we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal:


Glancing through the hymnal last Sunday I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?

FIngernails on a blackboard--EEK!!

Today I read a book to my class where the villain runs her fingernails down a chalkboard to cause irritation to the main characters. I paused and told my class how much I hate that sound. They looked back at me with blank looks. I then proceeded to ask them if they understood what had just happened----well, of course they didn't---who has chalkboards anymore?!?!? So being the smart teacher that I am, I quickly retrieved an old lap chalkboard from my cupboard and explained to them what had happen. While explaining to the students, my arms immediately had goose bumps all over them and I found myself cringing as I spoke. Much to my astonishment, as soon as I finished my explanation, my first graders asked if they could try it. WHAT!!! Apparently, not one of them understood the noise I was trying to explain or how it felt to do it. So, after each child had the horrific experience of running their fingernails across the chalkboard (and me almost passing out due to nerves) they understood......one girl said her arms felt weird---I even had to explain goose bumps to some! Even more strange was that some of my students thought it sounded "cool" to run their fingers down the chalkboard.
WOW! Today I really felt my age, but at least I can still remember that I can't stand that sound!

HOW DID JEFFERSON KNOW??????

I was forwarded this by my father and great aunt. I thought it interesting to read. Always good to review history, at least that is what I am told ;-)







When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe,
we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those
who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.
A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government
Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. (the SB)
Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered..'

A Fabulous Thursday!

So this week has been an extremely rough week for me......

With teaching (I have some very challenging situations this year),
taking a class,
helping with a Relief Society's Fondue Night,
trying to get my house in order (still not all the way done but getting very close!!!--YIPPEE!),
working on Saturday to earn extra money
and
trying to have some time to do homework
lesson plans
housework (thank goodness Shay surprises me with laundry done often!)
school work
Shay/friends/family time
and sleep
I have found myself feeling like I have succeeded in "none of the above!"
(What is even more pathetic is that I know my schedule is not as busy as others--so sorry for being a complainer!).

Anyway, I decided on Thursday that I better get to the district office to get some much needed paperwork turned in. Once that was accomplished I decided that I could stop at Kohls to take a look around and see if there was anything fun to see.......
I was so excited when I found out that Kohls was having a 50% off pillow sale....because I have been looking for a pillow that could tie together my new.....much loved....green silk pillows and my old.....not so loved....red pillows (which I don't have the money to replace right now) while bring in some additional colors to compliment my paintings and decor.....oranges, yellows, etc.
Unfortunately, while looking for a pillow, I found and fell immediately in LOVE with a beautiful brown square silk pillow.....total 70's look....but even at 50% off it still was going to be $30.....my heart was deflated! UGH! I needed at least 2 and a $60 pillow allowance wasn't in our budget this month! So, I sadly walked around the store half heartily looking around while saying hateful things in my mind at all inferior pillows and products (have you ever done that---maybe I am just weird?!?!)......anyway, that all changed when I stumbled on the below pillow (I purchased two):

I immediately noticed that it has the exact green and red I was looking for as well having some orange, brown and tan colors. It was not my first choice of pillow, but I was elated to know that both would only cost me 22 dollars and my couch would no longer look like Christmas with solid red and green pillows! My heart was a bit happier as I proceeded to the register.....it was at that moment that I looked up and saw some cool paintings on display.
I quickly asked the worker if they had any more (since they were having a 50% off all paintings sale as well). He went to look in the back and found none....he also couldn't find the price tag for the set........I was saddened because it was suppose to be a three piece grouping and I was hoping that they had a set in back.....I thought, "Oh well this is just not my day or week"....that is until my luck changed. The worker than handed me a random price tag and said, "Sorry I don't know where the painting's price tag went so you can just use this one" (the tag stated $24.99....even though all the other 3 piece groupings were $50).....it was then that I decided I'd better just splurge and get these two pictures (since they will be 50% off $24) to see if they would look good in my master bedroom...it was then my luck really set in......when I got to the register the clerk then took additional 50% off due to the lack of the third piece......so my cost was about 6-7 dollars! YIPPEE! I was feeling a lot better about life...... (later I found that the two pieces fit perfect.....so that has also brought a even bigger smile to my face).



Then to top it all off, I got home to find the most beautiful roses sitting in a vase. Shay not only had helped clean up the home, complete a bunch of things that we needed done, but also took the time to pick me up some roses.......



He even cut the ends and everything....



I can stop staring at them......


They just make our home even a happier place!


I don't want to repeat this week.....but I can definitely say it has ended on a fabulous note!
Thanks for spoiling me rotten Shay!

A chance to vote---

I just voted so it is still open

Will NBC be surprised??*

Here's your chance to let the media know where you stand on your views about our faith in God, as a nation.

NBC is presently taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to stay on our American currency ..


Please do it right away, before NBC takes this off their web page.. Poll is still open so you can vote:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

Fun Quotes

So, I am sitting in my new literature course and am noticing these wonderfully quotes around the room. They have made me think.....

"Choose your words responsibly; what you say can be extremely powerful...."

"The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want at the moment." Unknown Author

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, than, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Words can be so moving!

Camping with a sports fan....

Shay and I ventured out Friday night to hook up with some friends (Patty and Trevor) to go camping. Little did I know it was going to be an event that clashed with Shay's beloved Cougar's game. I didn't think it was odd Saturday morning when Shay went to his car to catch up on the baseball highlights (he does that everyday---throughout the day---NO JOKE), but it wasn't until he had to frequently "use the bathroom" or volunteered to always "grab something out of the car" did I ask him what he was listening to. Well, I was quickly informed that the BYU Cougars were playing that night and he was listening in to the pre-game chat (obviously, I wasn't familiar with "pre-game chat" on the radeo....btw: is that what it is called "pre-game chat?" I can't really remember what Shay called it).
Anyway, the night proceeded hilariously. Every so often---during dinner, clean up, fire starting, chatting, etc. Shay would be somehow missing. I would find myself turning towards the car to see that the rear car lights were on....I knew exactly what he was doing. Luckily, he was so kind as to come back with the score----the first report was not a happy one--the Cougars being down by seven (I started to worry about how our weekend was going to turn out if the Cougars lost)! But luckily for the Cougars, Shay and our camping trip the Cougars pulled it off! YIPPY!!!!
Shay, with the biggest hop in his step, came proudly around the trailer to inform me and our friends that the Cougars won Oklahoma. He then went on to let us know that they were the 21 point underdog (not sure if I am typing that out correctly) and how excited he was. Then the funnest thing happened, Patty interrupted Shay's gloating, "Shay I don't even know what that means?" I have never seen Shay look so bewildered in my life? I had to chuckle outloud....thank goodness I wasn't the only one. Boy do I have a lot to learn! I have always loved watching games with friends and playing certain sports....and thought I knew a bit about sports......but when I married Shay I have come to realize how truly ignorant I really am!!

Just a thought

Written 9/20/09

In light of my really rough week......the weirdest thing happened to me this weekend! Something that has taught me again how aware the Lord is of everyone and their needs. Know, I only share this in hopes that it might help others as it has helped me. Also, since I am terrible about keeping a journal, that I have this documented so as not to forget.


It all started Saturday morning.....

A woman, Sister Smith, from my old ward called me to ask me about a thought I apparently had given in my testimony over a year ago (wow, I thought, she has a tremendous memory). She told me that her daughter was going to give a talk to a group of adults who were struggling with some changes and that when she was talking with her about it she remembered me saying, in a talk or testimony, something about "compensating blessings" and felt she needed to call me. As she talked to me I immediately knew what she was asking me about.....I had even blogged a bit about it. She was referring to my thoughts I shared about how I felt the Lord had blessed me with "compensating blessings" when He couldn't give me the desires of my heart. I thought it was random that she would call me....but I have found in my life that there is a lot of "not so random" things that happen in our lives if we stop and notice.

We ended up talking for about an hour. As I shared with her the thoughts I had when I bore my testimony, about how the Lord gives us "compensating blessings" when He has to postpone an answer or say no to a righteous desire, my recognition of my "compensating blessings" burned even deeper into my heart. I was able to acknowledge and see again how mercifully the Lord lifted and held me up through some very hard times, how He used others to help bless me and in return blessed them with "compensating blessings" for helping me.

The famous Sound of Music quote came to mind, "When God closes a door somewhere he opens a window," and Sister Smith and I discussed that quote. I then remembered one of my most favorite conference talks given by Elder Scott in the Oct. 1995 conference. I suggested to her that her daughter should look up that talk and review it. I explained to Sister Smith that many members were unaware that Elder Scott's beloved wife was taken from him right before this conference.....and that he had been pleading with the Lord to spare her life. When knowing that background, one can really feel and know the truth he speaks! I told Sister Smith that the talk really would help her daughter in her preperations.

Well, when the conversation ended, I spoke with Shay about it. My heart was tender as I shared with him the memories that were brought up and how I loved the talk by Elder Scott.....

and that was the end of that.....

or at least that is what I thought.

Then today when my parents called me up to say hi. During our converstion they ended up sharing with me a quote from Elder Scott's Oct 1995 talk, as well as one from Elder Hales.
They shared:

Elder Scott:

Now may I share some suggestions with you who face the second source of adversity, the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.

Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.

When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, “Please let me know Thy will” and “May Thy will be done,” you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father.

This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning (see Prov. 3:5–7). To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.

and from Elder Hale's talk:

I have come to understand how useless it is to dwell on the whys, what ifs, and if onlys for which there likely will be given no answers in mortality. To receive the Lord’s comfort, we must exercise faith. The questions Why me? Why our family? Why now? are usually unanswerable questions. These questions detract from our spirituality and can destroy our faith. We need to spend our time and energy building our faith by turning to the Lord and asking for strength to overcome the pains and trials of this world and to endure to the end for greater understanding.

I thought it odd that Elder Scott's talk was brought up again in light of yesterday's conversation with Sister Smith.......so decided maybe I should look it up (nothing in our converstion would have suggested to my parents that I needed to hear something on adversity or trials). I then brought it in to Shay and told him what had happened and asked him if he would also like to hear it. He said of course, so I started to read it. I was shocked as I read the following from Elder Scott's talk:

"I testify that when the Lord closes one important door in your life, He shows His continuing love and compassion by opening many other compensating doors through your exercise of faith.

My heart burned when I read the word "compensating".......wow! And there was the "Sound of Music" thought Sister Smith and I had talked about yesterday as well as the word "compensating."

It then dawned on me that the Lord was answering some of our questions, worries and concerns. That it was not a coincedance that Sister Smith felt inspired to call me out of the blue to discuss the "compensating blessings" thought.

I recongnized, that although I have struggled with that fact that we are experiencing unemployment in our home, that the Lord has more than "compensated" us in our efforts. That even though our lives are not as we would like them now, we are growing together in ways that can only occur in such situations. I am reminded that I have a long way to go, but that the Lord isn't "punishing me" but molding me and strengthening my faith. I appreciate deeply the sage words of our beloved apostles and know them to be true. I am so grateful that the Lord sees fit to bless us and answer our prayers......even if He has to do it more than once (like for me with Sister Smith and my parents.....).

I am also so grateful to individuals who are not afraid to act on thoughts and feelings. Often times one worries (or I do at least) about being "too churchy," "too open" or "too spiritual" ---yet, if my parents or Sister Smith hadn't acted on how they felt, would I (as well as Shay) experienced the sweet spirit and answers that we did?

Thank you, thank you Mom, Dad and Sister Smith for being brave in sharing with me! You have truly increased my testimony that the Savior knows me completely and personally! I am so grateful for this knowledge! What hope it brings, espeically during a trial!

Please note: I share these thoughts and experiences only so that if any of you out there are struggling--as at times I do---that you too (along with me) may be reminded that the Lord knows us and our situation, that He knows what we need to go through to become like Him, and that He does give us "compensating blessings" even if we can only see them after the trials are over!

School has begun.....

School has begun!

It is always surprising to me that every year I am shocked at how little my new little first graders know and can do on their own. I forget how hard it is to decipher their journals at the beginning of the year (....i.e. what does this mean: a o c o 1 6 0 o e l --I was informed it means "a cool dog"......duh, what was I thinking?!?!)......
how hard it is for them to hold their pencil correctly and form the letters (.....I have a child that uses her pinkie finger to manipulate her pencil when writing)......


how hard it is for them to color inside the lines (.....I think on more than one occasion this year I have seen my students look like the kid above).......
how often religion is meshed into all things (one of our class frogs died and I was promptly told that it is ok because he is resurrected already and we will see it again).....


how often "mom" is blamed for missing homework folders, missing work, lack of lunch money or food at all (......"my mom forgot to put my homework folder in my backpack" has passed through quite a few of my students lips---my response is..."is your mother in first grade? It is your responsibility to make sure it gets in your backpack, not your mothers, she has WAY TOO MUCH to do already").......


how often mom is missed (-----when asked to try something new a little student of mine said, "I don't know how to do that, I want to call my mom and go home ---no worries we worked through the problem and luckily he wanted to stay ;-).....

and how tired I am at the end of the day........

I believe I forget this beginning part because these little munchkins grow SO much, learn so much, and become so independent that when it ends I literally forget how they were in the beginning. I also find myself loving them to pieces despite the amount of work, energy and time they require.....which is a good thing since I think I would question whether I should teaching first grade ever again if I did ;-).

How I love teaching!

I AM NOT READY FOR SCHOOL TO START........

are you?

An email sent to me that has made me thing about things......

---I don't know where this originated


I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama.

Well, I want to make it clear to all who will listen that I AM NOT uniting behind Obama!

I will respect the Office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his abilities as an orator and wordsmith and pray for him, BUT that is it..

I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure that He is a one-term President!

Why am I doing this?

It is because I do not share Obama's vision or Value system for America ;

I do not share his Abortion beliefs;

I do not share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth;

I do not share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the ceiling has been changed three times since August);

I do not share his view that America is Arrogant;

I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;

I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;

I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegal's than American Citizens who need help;

I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;

I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land;

I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);

I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the health care system in America ;

I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East, and certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran ..

Bottom line, my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my God to do what is Right!

For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs!

They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country! They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant!

They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years; they have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country!

They have made every effort to remove the name of God or Jesus Christ from our Society! They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and the most basic principles of our criminal code; they have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech!

Unite behind Obama? Never!

I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil!

PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during his Presidency, and I am not sure how history will judge him.

However, I believe that he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!!

Majority rules in America , and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and "his goals for America ."

I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country!! Any more compromise is more defeat!

I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-God crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America !


"Error of Opinion may be tolerated where Reason is left free to combat it." (Thomas Jefferson)


'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.'

- Ronald Reagan

I WANT THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE BACK.....


What do you think?

The Box Elder Trail --Life lessons learned

When my co-worker Sherry called, at the beginning of July, to ask if I would like to go hiking with her (we have gone hiking quite a few times before and have had a wonderful time) so I was excited. Well, as you will soon read, this time would prove to be quite different.
Sherry informed me that she had a certain hiking trail in mind that she would like to do but that it would be quite long (roughly a 5 hour hike. No biggie, right?). I told her that it sounded great----
So, after deciding on a day and time (Thursday, July 30th), I calendared the event and waited with anticipation. On Wednesday, I got a voice message from Sherry inquiring if I was still planning on hiking the following day. I immediately called her back and said, "YES! I am planning on going!" I told her this was something I was really looking forward to....a break--if you will from my life--since all I have really done since my marriage is:

You are more than welcome to skip over the venting :-) It just felt good to type it out!
1. Move items out of my grandparents' home,
2. make a bigger mess out of our condo as I unload more boxes and items brought from grandparents,
3. work,
4. tutor,
5. get insurances and other legal items done (although I am still Miss Winward since I haven't had the chance to go stand in the S.S. line to have my name changed---UGH),
6. make a bigger mess in my classroom----with the intention of organizing my files--which hasn't worked----,
7. get called to the nursery and realize that it is nothing like the classroom---and wondering how I am going to make it through each week with the lack of "structure" that I am use to,
8. and trying not to have a nervous break down when realizing school is starting in about 2 week and nothing is in order

:-&

Sherry was elated that I wasn't planning on backing out. She again reiterates to me that this was going to be a long hike--about 5 hours. I assure her, that even though I hadn't really done ANY major physical activity since my marriage (due to the above items), that I would be fine. I figure that since I was able, in my 20s, to run with Cynthia (my brother's wife) on the spur of the moment 11.5 miles and make it--I could do anything.....DUMB THOUGHT PROCESSING!!! First off, I am not in my 20s anymore, second I have major back and neck problems now, & third I had no idea what was really going to happen......can you tell by now that this isn't going to go as we planned?!?!
So Thursday, after tutoring, I kissed Shay goodbye and took off to Sherry's home. We met up and parked my car up on the Alpine canyon side then took Sherry's car up the American Fork Canyon to start this hike....Sherry and I were so excited! As we drove up to the American Fork side to park Sherry's car, she proceeds to inform me that there are two hiking trails that start out on the same trail head (starting point), one is Box Elder and the other is---honestly I don't even remember what she called it---but that eventually they would split off from one another and that we will have to watch really carefully not to miss the split to ensure we don't continue on the Box Elder Trail. She informs me that there is NO way we are going on the Box Elder trail and continues to describe to me all the awful things about the Box Elder Trail, how it is a very steep trail, how EXTREMELY long it is, etc........I am sure you already know what happens.....but I will continue.
So off we go with smiles on our faces. We started out on the "Box Elder .044" trail head (which, we thought, was suppose to be a "duel trail head"---why didn't that ring a bell in either of our heads---WHO KNOWS!!!!!). Sherry reiterates that she will never do that trail. I quickly become aware of how immediate the incline hits (meaning the first step). Not only is the trail "San Francisco street steep" but there is no let up....no leveling off. Luckily for me, Sherry asks if we could stop and take a breather (I was leading and felt an obligation to keep the pace going). We hike at least 2 miles straight up before there was the slight change in the incline. The switchbacks were tight and steep as well......which wasn't that bad because we were enjoying the vegetation found on the trial (when we could actually looked up from the ground---it is really hard to look up when the trail is that steep).

FYI: Since Utah has had such a wet spring, the mountains are COVERED with beautiful flowers and shrubbery! So at this point in our hike, I was utterly enjoying my conversation with Sherry and felt no dismay at the physical hardship this trail required, in fact I joked with Sherry about how much I needed a good workout and how great it felt!
When we then get to a fork in the trail.....of course the trail sign has two arrows.....one indicating the way on the "Box Elder Trail" and the other a name that was not the name of the trail we were looking for.....so we thought that we still had a ways to go. By this time, Sherry informed me that we had gone 4.5 miles in less than an hour and a half (which we were really excited about because of the incline of the trail), and that her friend told her it would take us at least 3 hours just to get to the top of the peak and we were already, what seemed to be, more than 2/3s up the mountain. So, we patted ourselves on the back and congratulated each other on our speed. We then continued on the "Box Elder Trail" thinking we were heading towards another fork in the path which would flip us onto a shorter, easier trail. Well, when the trail ran us into a small glacier that would require us to cross and then proceed up "Box Elder" we started to realize that we had missed the fork. Sherry tells me that we don't want to walk over the glacier (since there were holes throughout and that it probably wasn't solid), and that it only leads us towards the Box Elder Mountain--which was on the left of the glacier. So we stared at the mountains for a moment and then come up with a not so brilliant plan. Sherry knew that we needed to be on a trail to the right of us (but at this point the only things to our right were cliffs heading straight up)....so we thought, why don't we follow this river/stream up the mountain, blazing our own trail, in hopes to hook up with the trail--we somehow missed to the right.
As we start (and while rocks are moving out from under my feet), I think to myself---every hiker knows you don't leave a trail and blaze your own.....but do I listen to myself---NO! I then start to think about how this is just like a seminary video---hikers deciding they are smarter and going to make their own way.....does this thought shake me--NO! Boy, am I slow at times!!! I rationalize that I am with Sherry (please keep in mind that Sherry is a bit older than me--about my mother's age---who knows these mountains like the back of her hands). I knew she knew where the trail was suppose to be and since we missed it I was sure we would be able to quickly cross over to the right and hook up with it---just as soon as it leveled off somewhere.......
Well, after about an hour of trying to find a leveled off area and only seeing animal trails, we both decided that we had better just go back down to where we left the trail. At this point it was getting too steep (we both were slipping more and more frequently) and that we couldn't hold onto the loose rocks and pull ourselves up anymore without the fear of falling. So we hiked/slid back down to where we started.....except on the way back down we were smart enough to find a crossing over the stream so that at least we didn't have to walk on top of the glacier with holes.....that is until we walked about 200 feet farther on the trail and ran into a different glacier we would have to cross. Sherry volunteered me to go first--to make sure the ice would hold---since I am the heavier of the two---GREAT! I literally had to scooted myself over the top of the ice...as I am doing so the ice became too slippery and I found myself sliding quickly over the glacier's edge---luckily it was only a few feet down into the water. I quickly jumped up to where the trail continued and helped coach Sherry over. I then realize (I don't think we wanted to admit it to each other) that we were on our way over "BOX ELDER!!!" We talked about how at the end of our hike we would be so glad we were able to tackle this mountain!
The trial continued to be extremely steep. Sherry had asked several times throughout our hike if I thought we should go back---but I couldn't bring myself to saying yes.......first of all, because I "knew" that it had to be shorter to hike forward than to go back---and secondly, I already knew what the trail was like behind us and was not willing to subject myself to it again. But, when we did finally get --to what we thought was-- the top of the trail and were able to see the north/east side of Timp, Utah Lake and part of American Fork, we were glad we had come that far! We congratulated ourselves for actually making it.....since at this point I was really starting to wonder if I was going to make it or not! We decided we needed to sit down and enjoy the view. We ate a snack and chatted. It was BEAUTIFUL! I haven't seen the mountains that green and full of flowers before! I truly was grateful that I had come on the hike.

Once we decided to continue on our hike, we quickly realized that we had celebrated too soon! We found ourselves walking across the side of Box Elder Mountain on loose rocks---with cliffs heading straight down. I jokingly told Sherry there was no falling! Sherry joked how we had celebrated way too soon and that we hadn't actually made it to the top of the trail that would lead us back down to the Alpine side.....but that the trail was still going up (I wasn't laughing too hard at this point!). When we would stop to take a break, my legs would shake underneath me. My feet started to stiffen as I pushed them firmly into the loose rocks and clenched them tight inside my shoes as I shifted my weight between the two of them. For the first time in my life I really wonder if my body was going to make it to the end. I started having visions of the marathon runners whose legs give out on them.....(obviously I am a bit dramatic).

I then realized my negative thinking and pushed all those thoughts out of my head and said a quick prayer and then focused on the trail in front of me. Which was the perfect thing to do because just a few minutes later the trail finally leveled out and starts to head down towards the Alpine side of Box Elder. Yippy! I celebrated in my head! Sherry then points out a very large area of dirt that was obviously a bedding area for some HUGE animal. I had noticed a fresh deer's jaw a few hundred yards before this area and had shown Sherry. I then began to notice (as we continued) fresh bones along the path---but refuse to inform Sherry. I quickly offer a prayer up to my maker to let Him know that my cell phone has no reception, that Sherry and I were on the wrong trail (therefore no one really knows where we are at), that there is something in the area that is eating deer......and that would He please watch out for us. After that, I decided again to focus on the trail and the beauty around me! The plants and flowers are as high as our heads and shoulders. We are literally having to push our way through some areas. It was breathtaking.....
that is until we descend into a valley area only to find that the trail ended---YES, ENDED!!!!! I can see fresh deer bones, with fresh meat attached, on the ground. We have no idea which way we are to go! We head South-West in the direction we think could be a switch back....only to find hunters trash on the ground and a dead end. We backtrack and go directly west to no avail! By this time, I am really chatting with God, letting Him know there is no way I would be able to make it back the way we came....that we need to get out of this area and that could He please help Sherry spot the trail (Sherry was thinking aloud about how the trail should be this way or that....due to the map she had looked at before we left). Luckily, God always hears prayers because Sherry said, "Should we try this deer trail?" It really didn't look like a trail at all, only that maybe a deer had walked that way--but I said sure. We walked and walked and walked (like the pioneer children). We then realize that we are on a trail! Relief and gratitude filled my heart! Sherry lightly said, "Did you say a little prayer, I did?! I told her "NO"...that "I said a BIG prayer that you would find the trail." ;-) I really was honestly scared that we might not find our way down or that something might find us instead. We then had to walk all the way down Box Elder Mountain. The whole time Sherry is saying how she DIDN'T want to do this hike because she knew how hard it was but that she was grateful that she did it. I had to agree with her. There were many life lessons I learned while hiking that day and hope to remember them throughout my life.

Here are just a few that came during the hike:

1. When we were going back down the glacier area (to go back to where we had left the trial), Sherry and I discussed how that even though the trail may look harder....it is better to follow the trail then to try to make your own trail. We related it to life. That when we try to skip the "hard things" and try to make our own "easier path" we find ourselves just like Sherry and I were doing, having to backtrack and still having to attack the "harder trail!" We talked about how important it is to face your problems dead on and trust in the end it will be better to have "followed the trail."

2. When we stopped to look out over Utah Lake and Timp Mtn., I told Sherry isn't it funny that we can look up at a mountain and see almost everything.....see exactly where you want to go and basically how you are going to do it.....and when you get to the top of the mountain you can basically see down on everything as well.....yet, when you are on the actual trail your vision becomes limited at times.....trees get in the way, rocks cover the path, one can't always see the start or the end. There are distractions, things that skew your view. I thought aloud about how that is just like life......before we came to this earth we looked at earth life and were excited (like Sherry and I going hiking). We knew where we wanted to go and how we were going to do it. Yet when we get "on the trial" (actually living our lives) we sometimes can't see the end &/or the beginning. We have second thoughts....we at times feel lost, or forget to follow the "hiking rules" (like blazing your own trail), or get tired, or want to give up....but in the end (when we die) we will be on the "top of the mountain" and be able look back over our lives, like we are looking over the valley, and evaluate where we started and how we did. It was an overwhelming thought that came and made me think deeply about my life.

3. I learned how much I love Shay--WEIRD I KNOW.....but as I was frantically wondering about what animal could possibly have nested under the grove of trees.....that was probably the one who ate the deers.....that was somewhere around.....I realized that my desire was to have more time with Shay and that God had to ensure my safe return home so that I would have more time to spend with him. I became "homesick" for Shay. A feeling I have never experienced before....not because I was scared or worried, but because I love Shay and had only a desire to be beside him at that moment.

4. I also learned again how easy it is to talk to God when one is in trouble and how He does answer prayers in a variety of ways. That day He helped Sherry find the "deer trail" and to calm my heart when it became flighty. How grateful I am to Him!

Life can teach you some very interesting and life changing lessons on a mountain top.......if one is wanting to listen and learn. I am so grateful to Sherry for inviting me on a 5 hour hike--that ended up being 14.5 miles (mostly straight up and down) and 7.5 hours long! I am so grateful for her insights, companionship and friendship. I am also so grateful to my Maker for making such a beautiful place and for providing learning opportunities for me amids "my struggles." May I never forget them!

If you'd like a sneak peek of our wedding photos.....I have not been able to see all of them or pick anything (they were ones she liked), but Jeni Boston, our photographer, couldn't wait (she said she just loved them) and posted a few on her blog. So if you'd like a peek....click on here
http://www.jeniboston.blogspot.com/

Ilene sent me these pictures:

I can't wait to get a hold of my pictures!!!

Documenting an event

Last Thursday, Paula R. threw me a wonderful bridal shower at my school. I honestly was very hesitant about the whole thing. First of all, the end of the year is so dang stressful for teachers without having to add a shower to the mix--let alone the stress of the economy....but Paula R. wouldn't have it. She planned a wonderful "Open Classroom" shower where people were invited to write down a favorite recipe and marital advice to give to me. I was excited to receive the recipes....I need all the help I can get!

Paula, the shower was amazing! Thank you! Thank you! And a big "thank you" to all who helped her prepare for the event. I really appreciate it!!!

Here are some pictures of the event:

Here is a picture of Paula with her class. She even got her class involved:


She had her students create pictures of Shay and me:


Their details are SO cute:



Paula had asked me to bring pictures of us......but I felt quite uncomfortable having myself plastered all over the wall so instead.....heehee.....I plastered Shay all over the wall....with a few of our engagement pictures.


Paula put little doilies and hearts all around the outside....she was so cute:


The food was fabulous! Paula prepared chicken salad, fruits, veggies, Texas sheet cake, chips & dip.....Yummy!!!


Thanks to all those who helped her get the food ready!


Paula even brought her silver to serve the food on:


The room looked great!


Paula you are AMAZING!


I was so shocked to find that most forgot about their recipes and advice but spoiled me beyond words with fabulous gifts. From a very appreciative heart, THANK YOU! You really went beyond!!!

Here is Penrod getting a plate ready to put on my head to attach ribbons to.....


It was a hard balancing act trying to keep it on the top of my head!


Diane gave up and started attaching the ribbons directly to my head....

...only problem was when they were removed the tape took my hair with it--OUCH!



Here are some pictures someone (not sure who go a hold of my camera) took of the shower:

Marianne and Paula J.


Paula J.


Amanda and Rachel. I was so excited to see Amanda--she had changed schools so we don't see each other that often.


Lisa, Cori and Melani:


I was glad to see that Paula was able to sneak a bit in....


Jody:


Christy--very cute!!


Christy, I am thinking about publishing this on facebook ;-)


Natalie and her cute daughter:


Diane & Karena:


TiNea is in the middle in the blue:


LuAnn with Kindra ducking behind her:


Linda:


Opening gifts:





Emily was the scribe...thanks Emily!


THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME AND PARTICIPATED!!!! I LOVED chatting with everyone and having a chance to get together!!!

Paula, a special thank you for making my shower so special!