Peoria Pride

On Saturday Becca, Rod and I got up early and went to work with several of our ward members at the Peopria Pride project. This is an annual event sponsored by the City of Peoria. They provide all of the supplies, such as gravel, wood, paint, and equipment for renovation in selected neighborhoods to refurbish and renew the look. We, as citizens of the community, provide the manpower. The church is involved in this event as a service project. We had a great turnout from our youth. They worked hard, and after we were done, the all came to our house for donuts and drinks. As you can imagine, we breathed in a great deal of dust from working in the gravel. We dug up Bermuda grass, removed old gravel, and raked and smoothed the new gravel.

The young men really hustled and got the job done. Several of the men worked on putting up fences. They used posthole diggers, plumblines, hammers, shovels, etc. They did a very professional job.

The girls learned about "manual labor." The bishop and his boys take a look at the newly refurbished flower bed they just finished.

The McLains are always there with a smile and a helping hand. She is the YW president in our ward and is just amazing with what she does with our girls.

Sister McOmber was there with a drill in hand, and she was also found on the end of a shovel, a rake, a broom, or whatever else needed doing. One of the city workers there commented to her "you just don't stop, do you?" I told him if you want a job done, just get a bunch of Mormons together.

It is always good to get together with ward members. Whether we work or play, it builds our bonds of unity. I am so glad I got to go and participate in this great event. As I looked up and down the street, and saw over a hundred members of our stake out working together, I was so overcome with love for these wonderful brothers and sisters in the gospel. It was amazing to see this project!

The 5 Things Lesson

Last night we had a stake Relief Society fireside. The speaker came down from St. Johns. I have never heard of this place, but was told it is just a little podunk town in Northern AZ. The speaker was willing to come down and share some things she had learned from some of the hard stuff that life had dealt her. 3 years ago, her husband was killed in an auto accident. She had known him since she was 15 and he was the love of her life. She just didn't know how she was going to go on. After much coaxing, she went to a Women's Conference with a friend and learned a great deal. As she learned new things, she applied them to her life and is sharing with others. She has given her speech in every ward in her town, and people are inviting her other places now. She said that before you get out of bed every day you are to ask yourself these 5 questions and answer them:

1. What do I love about myself?
2. What do I have to look forward to today?
3. What does Heavenly Father want me to learn?
4. Who can I serve?
5. What am I grateful for?

She then said "Don't forget to laugh out loud every day!"

I thought this was all very profound. I am a believer in affirmations and in being positive. I totally look for the joy in life with every experience. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us, and I try to be in tune with that everyday. I believe that if you want to love someone, you should serve them. I also believe in gratitude. And I love to laugh. So her philosophy was nothing new to me, but it was well organized and I liked the "5 Things Lesson." I have committed to myself to ask and answer these questions each day. It is a worthy challenge.

A Busy Saturday!

4:30 - rise and shine! 5:00 - leave for the airport to take Julie. She did not feel well this morning. She rolled down the window and barfed onto the freeway. Of course it got all over the side of the car. My poor girl! 6:00 - home from the airport. Get Rod up. 6:30 - arrive at the bishop's home to can our pasta. We did 12 cans - wide egg noodles, homestyle noodles, and elbow macaroni. It is supposed to stay good for 30 years. Hmmmm....wonder if I'll ever have to open it up to survive. 7:00 - home and Rod leaves for work. I went to the car wash. Came home and did the inside of the car too, vacuum, windows, the whole enchilada. Also stripped the beds, vacuumed all of the ceiling fans (very yucky!) and started the laundry. 8:20 - take Becca to her YW conference breakfast. 8:45 - hit the shower 9:00 - watched the morning session of conference. 11:15 - dash to WalMart to get a few canned items and some cash so Becca can get a haircut. 11:45 - leave to meet Rod at Costco to get our weekly shopping stash. We enjoy having a chicken Cesar salad while there. 1:00 - watch afternoon session of conference. During this time, Rod also mows, edges, and uses the blower on the yard. He also gets the evaporative cooler going. It is very nice - and now we won't be using our electric meter for a fan. 3:00 - put away all the Costco stuff. Go check out the water barrels. Since it is conference time, Rod empties out the water and refills them to keep the water fresh. This will be done twice a year. He uses a clear piece of plastic hose and just lets it syphon out. Pretty slick! We are going to get one more barrel next week. That will give us 200+ gallons of water in storage. Hopefully, we will never have to use it. 3:30 - more laundry. Allen is here. Put clean sheets on the bed, put up clean towels in the bathroom 4:00 - take Becca and MacKaela to WalMart while I go to the credit union to make a deposit. I bought all the stuff for Heidi's enchiladas for dinner. Take Becca and Kaela to Kaela's house. 5:00 - Rod calls and says he and Nick are on their way to the priesthood session. 5:15 - get home and kind of crash. Get on the computer for a few minutes and check out some of my favorite blogs and check the email. 5:45 - ahhh! where did the time go? Gotta get those enchiladas going for dinner. 6:40 - enchiladas in the oven. Set the table. Get out the Halloween table cloth. Empty the dishwasher. Do the dinner prep dishes. 7:10 - the family is home and we have dinner. Do the dishes. Cleaned the kitchen. 8:00 - do some folding. I still need to clean my bathroom. 8:30 - decided to take a break and post on my picture-a-day. I still need to clean my bathroom. 9:05 - I feel so done with this day! Guess I better quit this post and go clean my bathroom.

People Watching...

I was fascinated yesterday, as I sat on a bench with our grocery cart in Wal Mart while Rod was at the credit union getting a new debit card. I observed a myriad of different people. Young, old, short, tall, slim, fat, extremely fat, so fat she couldn't walk and had to use one of those little electric carts, white, black, brown, yellow, red, long hair, short hair, well dressed, shabby looking, smart looking, dumb looking (you know the vacant eyes with the mouth hanging open), children with boundless energy dancing around their parents, subdued children, those that looked happy and those that looked sad, handicapped, athletic, ponytailed men, and short haired women, tattoos, cleavage, wrinkles, freckles, acne, pierced, I mean I was amazed! I could go on and on. But I guess what was profound is that I thought about how every single one of those people is a child of God, my spirit brother or sister. He knows them by name as he knows me. He feels their joys and their sorrows, their fears and their celebrations. He wants them all back. I was humbled by this little 10 minute experience. I was also very thankful for the blessings in my life. I do not know about going without - I have never been hungry, naked, homeless, in prison, sickly, handicapped, etc. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the abundant life with which I have been so blessed. Certainly I have had heartaches in my life, but I have always had the comfort of the Savior to see me through. There are so many out there that do not have that. I would never want to trade places with anyone! Certainly that is the greatest gift in my life - to know the Savior and to know that he knows me.

A Dream Come True

For the last year and a half, Allen has been trying to get his foot in the door for a career in law enforcement. In June, he entered the Sheriff's academy for Maricopa County. He graduated August 28, 2008, after a rigorous 9 week course of studies at the academy.

They had a really neat slide show of the whole class we got to enjoy. As each graduate was given a badge, their pictures were flashed up on a big screen with their name.

Last time class 878 will retire the city's colors. Allen is second from the left on the back row.

Showing off the badge.

Allen asked his Dad to pin his badge on for the first time.

Ladies and gentlemen: I give you Officer Allen LaMunyon!

A New Word...

My brilliant niece, Nikki, had a little post on her blog with this intriguing new word. I love it! and today I was intoxicated with it as we hiked at Thunderbird park this morning. After the monsoon rain storm last night, "petrichor" permeated the air and totally lifted my spirits. petrichor A word for the scent that rises from pavement after rain has begun to fall. Petrichor From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Smell of rain". Petrichor (pronounced /ˈpɛtrɨkɚ/) (from Greek petros, "stone" + ichor) is the name of the scent of rain on dry earth. The term was coined in 1964 by two Australian researchers, Bear and Thomas, for an article in the journal Nature. In the article, the authors describe how the smell derives from an oil exuded by certain plants during dry periods, whereupon it is adsorbed by clay-based soils and rocks. During rain, the oil is released into the air along with another compound, geosmin, producing the distinctive scent. In a follow-up paper, Bear and Thomas (1965) showed that the oil retards seed germination and early plant growth. The scent is generally regarded as pleasant and refreshing, and is one of the most frequently cited "favorite smells". In desert regions, the smell is especially strong during the first rain after a long dry spell. The oil yielding the scent can be collected from rocks and concentrated to produce perfume. However, it has yet to be synthesized, perhaps due to its complexity. It is composed of more than fifty distinct chemical substances.

Coke Explosion

This is Miss Kennedy. She is a first year teacher and is brave enough to teach science to the Jr. High Kids. Today she had "Wacky Science Friday" and did the Coke Explosion with her 8th grade classes. The ingredients: 7 white Mentos and 1 two liter bottle of Diet Coke. She bought the flask that fits on top of the bottle at a teacher's supply store. It is much better than the paper cone that I have used.

Class, give me a count down... 3.... 2..... 1....... pull!

Whoosh! The kids were certainly "engaged" with this particular science experiment.

Just look at that thing! It only took about 4 seconds for the geyser to gush and then it was over.

Isn't she so cute! I saw her walking her students to lunch the other day, and she is smaller than the majority of her kids. The only way you could tell she wasn't a student is because she was dressed in a cute frilly skirt, and the kids have to wear their uniforms.

The First Day of School at Cordova Middle

These kids all missed their busses today. They had to wait in the office for someone to pick them up. The poor little girl on the right was crying her eyes out, just sobbing! I felt so sad for her.

Sheri and Tina are the receptionists for the Middle and Primary schools respectively. They are both so sweet. I work with some really nice ladies. Last week one of them said, "you have fit in so well - it seems like you have always been here." I'm so glad I have worked in the world of schools before. It made it really easy for me to just step in and get to work. It seems like everyone comes to me for answers to their questions. I pretty much can fake my way through about anything because they think I really know! hee-hee

Mr. Gunn had cookies and milk for the teachers after school the first day so they could discuss all the things that happened. They seemed to enjoy it. We have a really great faculty at Cordova. I am so happy with my new job. It has been way busy, but that will eventually wear off once I can get caught up, learn the proceedures of the Alhambra District, and get organized. I love all of the people! And I love being at the elementary/middle school level. The kids are great.

The kids are all on their way to the bus bay. They look very sharp in the uniforms. I have always liked the idea of uniforms for school.

These two princesses were very happy to have me snap their picture. Aren't they cute?

A Trip Down Memory Lane

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It will be fun to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments or send you an email.

I think this could be a lot of fun. It is hard for me to just put one memory about some people, but I'll try not to ramble on and on too much!

Happy Birthday Janet

Happy Birthday to you! This is Janet, my next oldest sister. She is beautiful, don'tcha think? I have so many fun memories with her. She was always my idol when I was a little girl. One of my favorite memories with Janet was a few precious days spent at her cabin in Island Park, ID, and going to Yellowstone and all the other beautiful places around there. It was just Janet, Becca, Aubryn and me. We had a blast! And she is so funny - she would have complete strangers tap me on the shoulder where ever we were and say "don't you think her hair is cute?" and have them point at her. She would just smile and wave. It cracked me up! And she had her fingers hanging out a partly rolled down window in the car and I rolled up the window as we drove away, not knowing her fingers were hanging out. She sure can scream! I felt so bad about that one. I could go on and on with experiences and memories. This is a typical expression. I love being in her home and in her kitchen. She always makes me feel important and special when I am there. Janet, here's to you! Hope you celebrate MANY more birthdays! You will never know what an integral part of my life you are. Thank you for your unwavering love and support - especially during the darkest and hardest times in my life. I would never have made it through without you and Len. Sending love to you!

No More Training Wheels!

Last night, Savannah decided she wanted her training wheels off her bike. This meant that Dad went into training. He ran around the block at least 3 times with her helping her get the hang of riding. She did just great! Once she got the hang of it, she just kept on going. Her legs were pedaling fast and furious and the look of concentration and determination on her face was so funny!

Here is the cheering section.

Just look at that smile! What a victory - and new found independence and freedom! Way to go Savannah. You are awesome! Well, not to be out done, Cooper then wanted his training wheels off his bike, too. Dad had to do more running. (He was exhausted!) Mom had to step in and do some of the running! Coop was just a little shaky and didn't quite have enough confidence to totally ride on his own.But this morning, Grammy went out with him and just had to run up and down the street with him a couple of times. Shoes on the wrong feet, helmet falling in the eyes, and wobbling all over the place, he totally got this "look" on his face - very determined - he said he didn't want any help, and the next thing we knew he had taken off down the street all by himself. He learned to turn very tight circles and use his brakes. Wow! Now both kids are just riding around like they have been doing it forever. Just look at his big smile! I am so glad I was here for this special accomplishment for Savannah and Cooper! I feel like I miss out on so much of my grandkids' lives. It was really fun for me to be here for their bike riding and to take pictures and cheer them on. Way to go guys! I love you!

Swimming for Family Fun

We all went swimming last night for Family Home Evening. The kids had a blast!

Luka loves the water and loved being tossed between mom and dad.

Katie and Becca are showing off hand stands for the kids.

Luka is floating on his back.

Just look at that smile!

Old Friends...

Tom and Sherrie Condie and family - Beckah, Tyler, Kristin, Kylie, and Kelise, came for dinner at Ryan and Katie's house tonight. We met Tom and Sherrie right after they got married and moved to Corcoran, CA. They just celebrated their 20th anniversary. Tom and Sherrie used to stay with a much younger Katie and Julie when their dad and I went out of town. Tom would just shake his head over some of Julie's antics. I would just laugh and say "wait till you have your own kids!" Then they had Tyler... They are an amazing couple and have done a fantastic job with their beautiful family. Beckah just graduated from High School. Tyler is 16, Kristin 13 and the twins are 11. Katie made a fantastic dinner including homemade ice cream. We had such a great time talking and catching up. The kids loved Tyler! He got down on the floor and played with them. There are some huge similarities in Cooper and Tyler. Becca (Clark) and Kristin were best of friends as very little girls and Condies took care of Becca many times when we were out of town working at horse shows. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives! We share many fond memories and hope they always find the best things in life.

Cherry Hill Fun!

check out that swim suit...

The kids got brave today and ran under the waterfall. This is a first!

Savannah made a big splash under this fountain.

Cooper loves the slide!

Way to go, Ava!

Luka sat up by himself today. It was so cute!