Summer Vacation is already over :-(

My summer days are already over. Seems unfair to have such a short break. It is probably better in the long run since I have been losing sleep over the 2 classes I am signed up for. It is always better to face them head on, then to stew about the unknown. Today I have work 4 hours; school-2 classes; then visiting teaching to 3 sisters. Very doable as it is the 1st day of school. It is in about 3 weeks with homework, textbook reading, & tests when the pressure is multiplied. I am feeling a little bit out of my element as I am not signed up for a math class. Math has been my hard class for the last 3 semesters. Chemistry is a departure from that emphasis. Funny story, but true. When students go to the math lab they check in & out with their 8 digit student number. The department tracks how much the lab is used. On the last day of my summer class as I left to take the final, the student checking me out punched my number in from memory. Needless to say I used the math lab a lot. I will miss those tutor's, they were a lifesaver. I am up for my new challenge. I have been talking myself through the doubts. In fact I sound a lot like the little train that could, ' I think I can, I think I can." Thanks to those in my life that continue to encourage me through the doubts also. Amy has my camera or I would post my 1st day of school photo.  Darn that girl!

THANK YOU!

I always like being on the back side of big events. I am so thankful for all the work & support that went into the Luau in celebration of Amanda & Stephen's marriage. The biggest thanks goes to my event planner, Jen Mix. Fantastic planning! We had delicious food & great fun. I was able to turn the entire event over to Jen & know the T's would be crossed & the I's would be dotted. Thanks for taking on the stress & producing a fun luau. Second, thanks to her support team. Dave & the girls are always at the top of that list. Dave is her right hand man & the girls know how to go with the flow. Without Dave's help & the girls co-operation events would not happen. We also had the "many hands make light work" team. Helpers like Julie, Carissa, Becky Hoopes, Genelle, & last but not least Amy. Many tasks were completed by these handy helpers such as cutting up fruit, ironing table cloths, carrying in, carrying out, decorating, taking down decorations, etc. etc. etc. Last, but not least, thank you to all those who attended our celebration & contributed to the fun we had that evening. It was fun to see relatives, meet new friends, & enjoy time together. Congratulations Stephen & Mand...may you enjoy much wedded bliss for many years to come.

The "Glad" Game

This morning while we ate breakfast, Amy wanted us to play the "glad" game. You all know, the one from Pollyanna. So, I've been thinking about it all day. There are always good things to be glad about. Today I am glad Robby & Amy were here to go to church with. Their visits give me brief moments when I am not an "empty-nester." I'm glad it's Sunday & I don't feel guilty not doing all the housework that needs doing after my 10 day absence. Tomorrow I won't be so glad. I am glad for all the Tabernacle Choir music that fills the air in my home on Sunday. I am glad Amy suggested we play the "glad" game today. Please feel free to play the "glad" game with me! Post a list of what  you are glad about right now.

School's Out For the Summer!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's over, I finished Math 1050! This was a challenge, but I can cross it off my list. Hopefully, I am ready for chemistry & microbiology in 3 short weeks. Let's party every day! Where is the party tonight? Friday it is in Arizona & I am not ready to leave. So I will linger no longer. I will pack & get ready for the long trip, then tonight I will sleep with a smile on my face!

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

In the midst of trial it is easy to get caught up in discouragement. While I was preparing my Primary lesson I rediscovered Helaman 5:12;  And now, my sons, remember, remember that is is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation: that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail & his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over  you to drag you down to the gulf of misery & endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.  I remembered & rededicated myself to building my faith in Jesus Christ so that regardless of my situation, no matter what storms blow my way, I will stand faithful. Then today I had an experience that humbled me to tears, again compelling me to recognize my blessings & express more gratitude. I had a client at the Provo food bank this morning. A man, a woman, & a darling 6 year old boy. They are surviving on $ she earns donating plasma. Their electricity is on the verge of shut-off. She broke down in tears several times. Neither of the adults are able to find jobs right now, they both have some legal issues holding them back. As we were going over business the 6 year said, "I have a baby brother." I turned to him and said, "That is so cool." Well, this brought the mother to tears again. As it turned out, this baby brother was put up for adoption back East. I don't think it was what they really wanted to do, but I think they felt like it was the best option for the baby. The food we dispense in only a band-aid for these people. I will not forget them & their example has helped put my setbacks into perspective. I am richly blessed with a family I love & enjoy. I have a roof over my head with food in by cupboard. I have never had to consider adopting out a child for lack of ability to care for them. I am thankful I am healthy & able to work & go to school. Most importantly I am thankful for my testimony of Jesus Christ & the security that brings. 

Math 1050 a.k.a. College Algebra

I can't believe I am almost finished with this class. I started back to school, I tested into 990, worked through 1010, finally earning the right to take this class, math 1050. It's the only one of the 3 classes required to graduate. It's a year & 1/2  long trek coming to an end. I've had 3 great teachers, much homework, & challenging tests. This has been the toughest so far. I am not sure if it is the class or the summer distractions keeping me away from diligent homework habits. This professor only tested us 4 times on the 10 chapters he covered. The tests were harder this time around. I felt like there was always too much to try to remember. Of the 4 test he is dropping one score & we had the option of retaking 1 test. Needless to say I have taken advantage of both options, plus handed in extra credit work on chapter 7 which he didn't cover in class. So, going into the final I have 100% on homework, 1 dropped test score (all time low from me in math--81), a 93 & 95 on tests 1 & 3, a better score on the retake which was today so I don't know the exact score, but the prof looked over it for me after I finished the test & he said it looked like a definate A! Wednesday is the final...wish me luck, send a prayer or two heavenward, keep your fingers crossed, & anything else that might help me. I will be busy reviewing all 10 chapters over the next day & a half. Please don't feel slighted if I don't answer my phone. The party begins Wednesday @ 6:01 p.m.  I am taking a math break this fall. I am taking chemistry & waiting the take statistics a little later. The math lab will miss me. p.s. Thank you family members for your patience during my math studying absence! 

Springville Quilt Show

Everyone is invited to the annual Springville Quilt show. It is my favorite quilt show within my vicinity. A lot of beautiful quilts every year. It runs from July 28th through the 2nd of September. Hurry on over or you will miss it. This year the "Best of Show" is incredible. It is a Christmas quilt with exceptional handwork.(photo on right) My favorite was called "In The Leafy Treetops", (photo on top) with rows & rows of cut  bluebirds. Maybe in my next life I will come back as a quilter with lots of time & money! Education week is this month also, so if you are still trying to fit one more vacation in this summer, this month is a good time to visit Utah.

Just the Three of Us!

Friday night date night is so much fun when its a threesome. Gramps, Amy, & I spent a fun evening out tonight. We started at Sizzler for dinner, a short stop at Barnes & Noble to kill a little time, then off to the movies. We watched Iron Man. It was unanimous...we liked it. A great blend of humor & excitement, with a sprinkle of romance & who can resist a robot with personality. Does anyone have any movie reccomendations? A good movie always makes me want to watch another good movie.