Back to Teaching

Most of the mornings this last week have had frozen fog clinging to the trees. It is hard to capture the sparkle of the sun gleaming diamond like...such a beautiful way to start the day.

This is my route to Old Mill Elementary to substitute in the Special Ed class. It has been years since I've been in the classroom albeit I teach the ten year olds in Primary. I had a delightful experience..and like riding a bike it seemed like I'd hardly been away. The children were challenging but sweet. There was an aid for each child (about six) so they were never left alone. They spent most of the day in their regular classrooms along with their aids. Part of the day they would come in with me. I got lots of hugs when I left today. A nice way to augment the slow real estate market.

Seth was a good friend. He loved playing with the "kitchen" and spent a lot of time feeding me plastic food.

Tate is sweet and happy. He has cousins at the school who are caring and protective of him. He eats lunch with the kids from his "mainstream" classroom and they are kind and sweet with him.

This is Kayaah. She watches out for and helps the other children. She makes sure the room is orderly with chairs under the table and toys put away. She has beautiful flowing hair and a loving personality.

Snow Bunnies and Grandpa Dave

Dressing up just like the big girls.

Megan waited at home for the skiers return.

Back home all warm and formal.

Apres ski wear tends to be fairly formal. Anna in her well thought out ensemble.

Follow the leader. Grandpa Dave is followed by Greg bringing Anna and Emma.

Flanked by two very proud Dads.

Snow Bunnie Anna skied for two days with expert instruction from her Grandpa. She exclaimed at the end of the first day that she was the greatest skier ever! She loved skiing with her cousin Emma and helped her get used to getting her jacket off and on when they stopped for hot chocolate.

Snow Bunnie Emma on her first day on the slopes looked stunning with her pink gloves, matching pink flowered helmet and ruffled coat. She and Grandpa shouted down from the ski lift to ask "Hey, don't it make you feel good?"

Liz, Kelly, Megan, Anna, along with Liz' best friend Stacey and her daughters, were fun visitors. Jamie and Emma joined us for dinner. Liz and Kelly brought a freshly butchered ham that we ate with Idaho potatoes fresh from the fields. Stacey made some very yummy brownies and left us with a specially prepared hot chocolate mix.

Hank, Hank, Hank

Not forgotten is the way cute Hank. He just learned how to walk and is joyously investigating everything he can. He is happy because he is loved so much and has such a good mom and dad and brother.

Grand Grandchildren

The "New York" grandchildren. Scout turned eight and was baptized this year.

Grandpa Dave and Emma

Megan thinks she is just like the big kids.

Emma comes to visit and always runs fast and jumps in our arms. She loves being a princess

Emma and Anna are fun cousins. Anna let Emma ride her horse when she visited.

Anna and Megan have such a good time together. Anna shows Megan lots of fun things to do.

Ella and Vera love each other. They get to wear matching dresses. Ella is good to her little sister.

Ella and Wyatt are special cousin friends

Wyatt loves his Grandma and David. He is fun to be with.

Wyatt is enthusiastic about everything in life. He is excited about pre-school, Primary, music and playing with his friends and brother. He loves his mom and dad and is obedient and kind to his little brother, Hank.

This might be the reason for Crosby to get involved with the Stratford Star Wars obsession.

Little Crosby just had tubes put into his ears. He is lively and excited about life. He loves Dora and no doubt will get into Star Wars soon.

A Place of Peace and Safety

About twelve years ago I was blessed to find a home in Midway that provided a haven  of peace and healing.  It is surrounded by ever changing beautiful nature and wildlife.  The view from every window is wondrous.  I share it now with my husband, David and each day we give thanks for our life together and the beauty that surrounds us.

Princesses

There are beautiful princesses who visit our home. They go upstairs and choose their gowns and take the royal stroll through the house. Princess Emma usually wants to ride the horse. Anna is very creative with the ensembles she creates. Everyone's favorite color is pink. They love the jewels and high heels. Ella enjoyed having a crown for her royal head. David and I feel privileged to have such beautiful, regal people visit us.

Christmas Decorations

I'm known to go a little overboard with my Christmas decorations. The tree is the main element and I've had a long tradition loading it down with so many ornaments that the tree is not visible. I kind of go into a "decorating zone" right after Thanksgiving. It is a time of remembrance and solitude. As I place each ornament (or string of glass balls) memories flood back. I usually put on Christmas music and conference talks.
David proves his good humor and love for me each year as he pulls down the multitude of boxes from the garage storage and kindly puts on the lights..the part I like the least. Our first Christmas together the tree fell over with a bang so we have since found a way to wire it to the ceiling to avoid such tragedy.
I remember the first Christmas I lived in Midway by myself the ward asked me to be part of a home tour. I had been feeling quite lost and lacking in enthusiasm but the request put me back to the old place of "the zone" and I've had it ever since.