Rambling Thoughts

Testing

2012-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

I am testing to see if my Bog will post correctly today. A friend of mine is having issues with her posts not showing and across the top left side of her screen it shows a PREVIEW ribbon. It doesn't make sense at all. Is anyone else having this problem?

New Adventures Coming!

2012-01-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to decide how to "announce" this, but it kind of slipped out last week, so it really isn't an announcement any more except for a few people. But in case you don't know this, I am planning to retire at the end of this school year. My official retirement date will be June 5. I have been thinking about doing this for several years and was giving it very serious consideration for THIS year, but hadn't totally made up my mind until right before Christmas when our School Board announced that they were going to be offering an early retirement stipend for 12 lucky retirees at the end of this year. For many, retiring has been a long shot because of the "insurance" issue. After hearing all of the details about the package for this "incentive", I can use the stipend to pay for my insurance. It is a win win for everyone! So......last Friday, I took my paperwork to the Administration Building and turned in my application and was #2 at the door! So in five short months, I will be without a job and moving into the next chapter of my life! I can't say that it isn't a little scary to think, "No more job!" But I am getting used to the idea and have NOT looked back or rethought about my decision! We have until March 1 to change our minds, but I am pretty sure I won't.

Our district is like many that needs to cut a LOT of money from its budget for next year and one way the School Board hopes to do it is with paying teachers the base salary instead of those of us "old timers" who have masters degrees and beyond. Some look at it as being "forced out", but I don't. I know they appreciate my work. I have put in my time, and now after 35 loyal years to the teaching profession, I can honestly say that I have loved my job from beginning to end! I have seen a lot of students come through the doors of schools! I have never kept track of how many! It would be a LARGE number I would guess! I have never regretted the decision to become a teacher at all, so I am leaving my school with no regrets!

I have seen a lot of changes since 1972 when I began my first job in Lincoln! Most have been for the good, too! I remember when I bought my first hand held calculator, and how awesome it was to help me "figure" grades! Wow! It sure save us time! I thought I was so "high tech" and not many had calculators at first. I knew right then and there I was in love with tech gadgets!! ha ha! When we had our first Apple IIe in the classroom, we thought we had really had hit the jackpot! Our high school upgraded to the Apple IIgs series and after I took a class using them, we spent a LOT of money to get one for our home. I was totally hooked, so when I was asked to move out of the classroom 19 years ago and run our computer lab, I was filled with excitement and have LOVED being a computer Geek ever since! When they moved me to the Middle School after my elementary school closed and I began to do all of the scheduling for my school, I KNEW this had been the right decision for me!

Several events have also totally shaped me as a person and helped me GROW as a teacher. I fell into a situation where I taught at Dana College for 5 summers working with gifted students at a "Space Camp." The "teachers" for this TREK camp were mostly from Eastern Nebraska, and I had no idea how much they would influence my teaching. we were quite the group. I met my good friend, Jean, there and we immediately became close. We ran the simulated Space Shuttle that we worked hard to build and write the programs to "run" it, using HyperStudio. She became known as Shuttlelady 1 and I am Shuttlelady 2, even to this day! I cannot tell you how much I LOVED that camp. Dr. Kay did more for me than she will ever know. The people we worked with were so so so smart! I had never been around so many smart people before all at the same time and I was "part of their group"! We are still in touch and when we see each other at NETA each spring, we have a little mini reunion!

That brings me to NETA. I can't say enough GOOD about that organization! When I got my job at Central as the Technology Coordinator, my brother-in-law, Ken, told me I HAD to join NETA (Nebraska Educational Technology Association). I quickly joined and learned that many of my contacts at Dana were also members of NETA, which made sense to me! Of course they would belong to it! Little did I know that many of my Dana contacts were instrumental in CREATING NETA! I have been a faithful member for 19 years and served on the Board of Directors for 9 years, including serving as President. I do believe that was my finest accomplishment! When you are President-elect, you are "in charge" of the spring conference, which is quite a task. Lining up key-note speakers, featured speakers, 150 breakout sessions, 18 workshops presenters, along with getting it to all work into the schedule. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding, and the Board all helps to make it happen. My keynote speaker was John Couch, who is Vice President of Apple.

Before I became President-elect, I was the workshop chairman for 6 years. Once I became a Board member, I made an immediate connection with my traveling buddy, Kathy, who convinced me to go to my first National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). It was in Chicago and we drove there together. It was such a blast and I had never attended anything so fun in all my life! 15,000 people there for one reason....to learn all they could about technology in education! Steve Jobs was the keynote! Kathy and I became such good traveling buddies that we have also been to San Antonio, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Denver. Kathy is also the one who convinced me to get my Master's in Technology. I have never regretted any of these decisions! I am still in touch with several of my instructors from Lesley University, and always look forward to seeing several of them at the national conferences.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of NETA and I can't think of anything I would rather do for my last year than attending this wonderful conference as an honored guest, along with all of the Presidents who have led this amazing group. I am among some really top names in Nebraska, and am humbled to be in this list!

As I look back on my career, I can honestly say that it has been a GREAT Ride and look forward to my next adventures! I want to thank Margie Eloe, Carol Matthes, Mr. Gaswick, Dr. Kay Ferguson, Mr. Morgan, Rita Moravek, and Katie White for believing in me. Your leadership has been invaluable.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

2012 is here and I am excited to see what it has in store for me! I think it is going to be an awesome year with many new adventures! I can't wait!

I looked at my "resolution" from last year, and I only did part of it. But that is the KEY!! I did part of it! ha ha! I will need to redo that "resolution" to get the rest of it this year! Still need to purge and get rid of many unnecessary things around here! It is time! We just need to "do it" so our kids don't have to! :)

I also have a few "personal" resolutions that I will try and keep......being a better listener, cooking more at home, and enjoying what I have and not worrying about what others have that I do not!

I also intend to volunteer more. I need to "pay it forward" so others can be as blessed as I am!

Guess I have a lofty list, so I better stop at this! Here's wishing my blogging friends the BEST in 2012! Happy New Year!

Good-Bye 2011!!

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've heard that many think that 2011 hasn't been the best of years, but I think it has been a good one!

Thanks for the memories!

° Attended many Tech meetings, and connected with friends across the state
° Enjoyed 8 plays during the summer, including "Guys and Dolls" in Minneapolis
° Joined friends at 5 different weddings, including our niece's in Aspen, CO
° Had a blast with Evan "all by ourselves" for several weeks
° Spent several special week-ends with all three kids and grand kids...priceless
° Celebrated Tom's mother's 90th Birthday with MANY family members
° Cheered on the Big Red Huskers at many home games and traveled to WY and MN
° Shared in the planning and launching of many tech advancements of our District

Yep! It was a GREAT year, I'd say!!

I HATE CANCER!!

2011-12-30T06:44:00.000-08:00

I HATE CANCER!

It has taken my sister-in-law, and currently I have two very good friends who are trying to "kick its butt", and it is so hard!

One gal has ovarian cancer, just like my sister-in-law. She is such a dear and I have tried to keep her chin up by sending a card often with a note of encouragement in it. She is one of my Tech Buddies who served on the NETA Board with. She has still been working, but just messaged me on FaceBook that she is now going to half time as the chemo treatments just wear her out too much right now. She will be finished with that at the end of January, and her numbers look good right now. My dear sister-in-law also had similar results for a while. It is just all so unfair!

My other friend, is a high school classmate who I didn't know that well in high school, but that I have reconnected with on FaceBook. I don't know what it is but we have really gotten close with messaging each other often and sharing many private thoughts with each other. She has been my confidant when I have needed someone to talk to, has supported me when I am down and now she needs me so very much. She has lung cancer. I have never asked, so I don't know if she was a smoker or not. That doesn't really matter now, I guess. After a LONG treatment period, and LOTS of prayers, she had received some terrific news that she was cancer free, but last week, they did a follow=up scan that showed she has a new kind of cancer in her bad lung. I am so so so so so so sad. I have cried many tears for her. She is a grandmother just like I am! Why can't we find something to kill this awful disease? NEVER has she talked like she wants sympathy, NEVER once has she asked for my prayers, yet I do say some every day for her!

I was so hoping that 2012 would be a good year for each of these friends. Please, take a minute to lift these two up with a prayer of healing.

Like I said, I HATE CANCER!!!!!

The Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do you know about the ELF ON THE SHELF? It was new to me this year and our Elf, "Cinderella" came to Chaska to keep a watch on the kids while we were there. What a clever, cute story to do with the kids. The "Elf" watches all the boys and girls during the day and moves around the house when they take their naps, and then flies to Santa to "report in" during the night. She is always back the next morning, only in a different spot in the house, watching all the time.

Reflections

2011-12-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

I want to take a moment and reflect on a beautiful week-end in Minnesota. First of all, the weather was totally cooperative, so we were able to travel without incident, except for the WIND on the return trip, but that was OK. I am sure my story will be very similar to many who reflect on their family time for the Christmas, but I just can't help but relive it one more time! For me, it was FABULOUS!

We made it all the way to Worthington, MN on Thursday, which was a good haul. We usually only get to Mitchell, so when we got up on Friday to finish the drive, we were in Chaska by 9:30am, and they were all still sitting around the breakfast table. Allyson and Matt had really gone all out to decorate this year and their home was absolutely beautiful! We knew they had gotten a new beautiful leather couch, but didn't know about their new table! Wow! All so nice!

After visiting for a while, and going to "Punch Pizza", it was decided that Ben, Shelly, Delaney, Allyson, and I would make the trip to Mall of America to see what was going on there. You can imagine the crowds there 2 days before Christmas!! It was a fight to the finish to even find a place to park, but we managed to find a spot in a timely manner and went inside. Mostly window shopping, but it was a fun afternoon! Allyson found some awesome "deals" at one store, so she hit the jackpot!!!

We made it back home to fix a Mexican fiesta dinner with enchiladas, Spanish rice, and guacamole and chips. We played a mean game of Battle of the Sexes before going to bed.

Saturday, which was Christmas Eve, found us getting a few groceries and making two different soups for our meal that evening after church. Ben, Shelly, and Delaney went to the Catholic Church in Chaska while the rest of us attended the Methodist Church in Chanhassan. I especially enjoyed the music at Allyson's church. Very inspiring and the minister gave such a good message! It was the perfect way to begin our Christmas celebration! We had oyster stew and chicken soup for our meal, along with the cutest snowman cheese ball that Shelly designed.

After getting the kids to bed, there was some serious "wrapping" going on in the family room, along with lots of laughing! I loved watching it all happen! I had to give it up early and went to bed before the rest of the gang, but was ready to get up and enjoy the fun of Christmas morning with a 2 year old, a 3 year old and a 5 year old! First came the stockings! Santa really outdid himself with the stockings this year! The package opening was lots of fun, and I think everyone was pleased with their gifts.

After a DELICIOUS brunch, the rest of the day was pure relaxation, with movies, kids playing with new toys and the joy of watching Delaney and Henry playing with the Barbies that Delaney got from Santa. Evan was in his room all day working on building his Police Station from Legos! It was the BEST! There were a few naps every now and then, also! No one had an agenda and it was nice. We have NEVER had such a low-key Christmas. I totally loved it! We have always had a large family meal together at noon, which caused us to always be watching the clock to "get ready" and "be somewhere" at a "certain time". While we have always loved our family meals, and I would NEVER want anyone to think we didn't enjoy them, I have to admit that not having a "schedule" was quite nice for a change! We didn't even have a big meal that day. Instead, we had left overs from Christmas Eve which was wonderful and people just ate when they wanted to. They day ended when the adults watched Christmas Vacation after the kids were in bed! It doesn't matter how many times you watch that movie, it is always funny!

I hated to leave on Monday! But we had to get back so that Tom could take care of his cattle. We had a windy drive home and stopped at Ruby Tuesday on the way home in Mitchell, SD. It was a fast trip for us, but was a lot of fun! The only thing that could have made our trip any better was to have Erin and Shane with us. Unfortunately, we had to share them with Shane's mother this year. We understand, but it would have been GREAT to have everyone under one roof!

Notice that I didn't rave about "what I got" or what others "got" for gifts? I have to say that the best gift I "got" was being with my kids and grandkids, watching them enjoy themselves! Everyone got along and all I saw was much love shown to each other. I couldn't have asked for more than that! I call that a "perfect" Christmas! Thank you to all of you for making my Christmas so wonderful! I love you all!

Happy Birthday, Allyson!

2011-12-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty bad about blogging since Thanksgiving, and don't really have a "good excuse"....been pretty lazy! Wish I could say I've been super busy, but that wouldn't be the truth! Truth is, I am so tired when I get home from school each day that I have to take a nap, and then after that the motivation to get much done, just isn't there! So I've been a slug!

However, today, I have to get on the stick and wish our Allyson a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today! She is 36. Wow! I remember that day like it was just a few years ago! In those days you didn't know what you were going to have ahead of time, so when she was born on December 9, on my parents' 30th Wedding Anniversary, we were totally THRILLED we had a perfect Christmas Baby Girl! I absolutely LOVE her name! We named her mostly after my mom. Allyson Louise. My mom was Alice Louise. She had a "touch" of auburn in her hair when she was born, and my kids will tell you, I LOVE auburn hair. My grandmother Benton had the most beautiful auburn hair and I have wanted one of our kids and now grandchildren to also get some of that. Allyson comes the closest. She was so fun to take to our Messersmith Christmas dinner at Orville and Eileen's that year. Her grandmother Messersmith had given her a little green Christmas dress, and she was passed around all day. She was perfect! We had begun our family and we couldn't be prouder! From the minute she was born, Allyson gave us so much! I hate to brag, but you can't help it with your first! She has grown to be a beautiful adult and is now raising two awesome sons. What a good mother she is, too! I have to hang my head every now and then, as I think she does a much better job than I did. I don't know how she does it all, with working full time as a Pharmacist and keeping up with her two boys. I think what I admire most is that she is so very patient with them and takes as much time as they need. I love her bedtime routine with them and admire all the reading she does with both. She is instilling her love of learning new things to both boys and it shows! Both are quite curious and are always wanting to "know why" for this and that! It is wonderful!

A year ago at this time, Allyson and I celebrated our birthdays together in New York City. I TREASURE that trip. Just the two of us......neither of us had been there, but we managed to find our way around and saw and did so much in 5 short days. We are already planning a return trip and I can't wait!

I could go on and on, but will close with just wishing Allyson the BEST for an awesome day and we can't wait to spend Christmas in Minneapolis with her and the family, along with Ben, Shelly, and Delaney.

My week-end plan is to get some wrapping done, so I will need to jump in and "get 'er done!" Have a GREAT week-end, bloggy buddies!

Needed That Push!

2011-11-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

I have begun to purge many many papers that have collected in my workspace, so I already feel better! (Lots of them were directions on "how to do things" on the computer and I had to laugh at how much I had to learn in the beginning!!) I had to leave some to shred today when I arrive back at school, since the shredder had to rest!!! It sure feels good to get rid of so much! Many of those papers were from 1994 when I began my technology job! It was fun to see how things have changed since that time, but also felt good to shred the heck out of them!! ha ha! Now I just hope I continue to make this kind of progress!!! (Please continue at home, as well!!!)

Healthy Top Ten

2011-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season! With the advent of the "Holiday Season", it is often a time when depression sets in. I was looking at some of my posts from a year ago and I was reminded that at that time I was sort of in a "dark" place. I have gotten myself out of that hole and want to share something that I saw posted at our YMCA to help me Enjoy a New View. I surely can't take any credit for this list, but I find it helpful to read when I need a little "boost". I thought I'd share it with you today.

° Call a friend or connect with an old friend.
° Talk to a trusted friend or family member, your minister, your health care provider if emotions keep getting you down.
° Help someone--volunteer your time, skills, or intellect in your community.
° Write down the good things that happen to you today.
° Recapture the child in you with fun, games and laughter.
° Schedule your annual checkup with your health care provider.
° Leave your guilt at the door and find positive ways to change what isn't working in your life, one small step at a time.
° Clear the clutter at home and in your work space.
° Explore a subject or hobby that you have found interesting but have never taken time to pursue.
° Fix something that is broken.

I think I will start with the one that says "Clear the clutter at home and in your work space!" I KNOW I need to do that, and it can only help me to have a positive outlook!!! Wow! Best get busy! Enjoy your day, too!

Thanksgiving Reflections

2011-11-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

I know I have spent the last three weeks verbalizing my "thankful" things, and I have enjoyed sharing many of the usual thoughts about being thankful for family, friends, a warm home, having food, etc., but I need to reflect on what I am most thankful for.

I so appreciate the Pilgrims who "stuck it out" when the weather was cold, food was in short supply, and so MANY of their family died as they tried to begin a new life in America. Wow! With all of that going against them and trying to plant crops, build homes, too, they hung in there and made it all work! We need to take a good look at that in our own lives today. Too many people just "give up" when the "going gets tough". The Pilgrims gave us such a great lesson in life! How to stick to a job until it is finished. How to not give up when life gets hard. Setting aside a special day to give THANKS for all of our blessings is the right thing to do.

I love this holiday, not because we get to eat wonderful food and we get several days off from school, but because it is a day to be with family and is a "no frill" day.......family and friends! It doesn't get better than that! You don't have to get gifts, or "dress up" (unless you want to)......just enjoy the people who mean the most to you! Yes, "Thank You, Pilgrims" for giving us this day!

Grandchildren

2011-11-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

I never really understood what the big deal about having grandchildren until I had some of my own!! I have to say, I totally get it now! Being able to experience the whole grandchildren thing is so wonderful! We were blessed to have been able to spend Thanksgiving with two of our three children and grandchildren and I grow with pride more and more each time we are together! Our own children have grown into super adults and are accomplishing great things. Seeing Allyson as a mother really warms my heart! She is sooooooooo good with Evan and Henry! Wow! She is so very patient and attentive to each of them! They don't realize it now, but they are very very very lucky to have her as their mother! She puts me to shame in so many ways!

Saturday we took Allyson and Evan to Evan's first Husker game. I was a little nervous about that, since he is only five, but he was a trooper and did it all! All without complaining, too! That is a long day for a 61 year old, let alone a five year old! I have to laugh about what he told his other grandma about his day, "I had two pops and some water and I only peed once!" Of course he offered other details "about the actual game", but he was most proud of that! How funny! We didn't get to get him a balloon, which I wanted to do, but it was so hectic outside of the stadium, we just couldn't.

Henry is two and has always been so close to his mommy. But after the game, he melted my heart when we brought Allyson back to her in-laws after dinner Saturday night. He took my hand and led me downstairs where I got to read he FOUR books with no one else around! It was totally awesome! I wanted to package that moment to take home with me!

Back to our Erin, now. We have been blessed to spend the last three Thanksgiving days with her and each time she gets a little more domestic! It is so great to see how she is beginning to enjoy entertaining! She made our entire stay so enjoyable! She fixed such good food, and made the table look so pretty! But I have to mention that Shane also went above and beyond, too. He really made us feel so welcome. He actually grilled our turkey this year and it was super delicious! Shane also made three loaves of homemade bread and baked three fruit pies! Wow!

Thanks to all who made our Thanksgiving such a fun time! Let's do it again! Next time I hope we can also have Ben, Shelly, and Delaney with us! (We had to share this year!)

Reliable Vehicle

2011-11-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for a reliable vehicle that allows us to travel to see our kids! Being with family for Thanksgiving is what it is all about, so I am most grateful for our car to get us to Lincoln this week! I know it will be a wonderful celebration! Just wish that we could spend time with all three kids, but know we have to "share".

Skilled Doctors

2011-11-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

Since I joined FaceBook several years ago, I have reconnected with a high school classmate who I didn't know very well then, but has become someone I feel so close to now. It is wonderful! We both have shared so much with each other these past three years and I have to say that it is really a BLESSING! She has been dealing with lung cancer this last year and I've been in touch for many "tests". Today I received word from her that for the second time since August she has received a clean brain scan, which is the BEST news! She is doing well! I am, so very thankful for what medicine has been able to accomplish over the years and am so thankful that my dear friend is kicking this cancer's BUTT!!!

Recipes that Have Been handed Down

2011-11-20T19:59:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for all the wonderful cooks I know who have shared their recipes with me through the years. As I thought about my "favorites" I must admit that most of my favorites have come from my grandmothers, my mom and my mother-in-law, my sisters and sister-in-laws, and many many friends! Very few of my favorites have come from my own creations, so I am thankful for all who have shared some awesome recipes that my own children now ask for the recipes! Isn't it wonderful that we continue to pass the "good ones" along?

A Warm home

2011-11-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

As the weather is turning colder, I am so very thankful to have a warm home to come home to. I think we take it for granted too often that we are so blessed to have the heat we need when so many around us do not. Along with that goes running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and food on the table. Yes, I am blessed.

Technology

2011-11-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for today's technology that allows me to keep in touch with so many all the time! Growing up in a "telephone company" family, we were blessed with lots of phones in our home and were able to call long distance pretty often and kept in touch with family far away with ease. But now with all we have at our fingertips, with the personal cell phones, iPads, computers, etc., it is a constant and I hope I never take it for granted! We were able to call our son-in-law for his birthday and used "Tango", so that we not only heard him, but got to see him, too! A bonus was seeing our grandson, too! I love being able to blog, email, use FaceBook, Twitter, Linkedin, and FaceTime, too! I am totally connected and LOVE it!

My Traveling Buddy

2011-11-17T05:08:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for My Traveling Buddy. When we first shared a room together while serving on the NETA Board, she got me interested in attending the National Educational Technology Conference (NECC). She had already attended several national conferences and knew that I would love going. We became good friends through our terms on the NETA Board, so when the opportunity to attend the NECC Conference in Chicago came up, I was totally "in"! We ended up driving there together and the trip was so much fun! We didn't make our reservations as early as we should have, so we weren't in the same hotel with the rest of the Nebraska people, but we WERE in the same hotel with one of our fellow Board members. He was our "body guard", since our hotel was old and not in the best part of town. He also was our "tour guide", which meant we WALKED everywhere. I often wonder how many miles we put on while there!! I had never attended anything so fun in all my life! 15,000 people in the McCormick Place Conference Center! Amazing!!! The Keynote for that conference was Steve Jobs. I have always been so glad that I was able to hear him speak!

Since that first conference in Chicago, my Traveling Buddy and I have been to San Antonio, Seattle, New Orleans, San Diego, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Denver. We have missed the last two conferences, as they were in repeat cities. Both of us have grandchildren who take more of our time, so we opted not to go again to Philadelphia and San Antonio. Our lives have changed some, but our friendship has not! We can seek out a Chico's Store in ANY city we go to!! I hope that before we both retire that we will get to make at least one more trip together. She is the BEST!

My Technician

2011-11-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for my hairdresser and nail tech. I decided many years ago that I needed to pamper myself and make time every other week to get my nails done. I love this time for ME! I am so blessed to have such a super, super gal who takes very good care of me, too! We have been together for a long time and she has helped me change hairstyles several times and I actually LIKE the changes she makes! I have been getting my nails done for so long, I wonder what my nails would say if they ever go to see the light of day! ha ha! She knows just what I like and even orders colors of polish she knows I will like just for me! I look forward to each time I have a pedicure, manicure, a highlight and a haircut! Thanks, Becky, for making me feel special!

Central Gang

2011-11-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

I am so very THANKFUL for my Central Gang buddies!!! These are the people I worked with at Central Elementary for 20 years until they closed us 9 years ago. We were a very TIGHT group who worked with the BEST BOSS in town. Our kids grew up together and some of our kids even dated each other. My son even married Kim's daughter!! We celebrated MANY MANY birthdays together and never missed a chance to get together for a FAC or a TRACK party.

We supported our colleague who had cancer. We would cook meals for her each week, held a biker party to help her through the radiation treatments, complete with real bikers in town, prayed together when we visited her, and shared our grief when she died. Another teacher spent 4 months in intensive care after she had an ovarian cyst burst. We would drive 60 miles one way to sit with her in the hospital several times a week. One of the saddest times was when a fellow teacher's husband was killed in an awful train accident, and when one of our students died in a car crash, the whole school pulled together to collect money for a tree in his memory. We lost husbands through divorce, and another one with cancer, but we stood by each other offering support through it all. We attended weddings and showers for our kids and even some of the teachers!

When the first of the gang decided to retire, we held the greatest retirement parties for them, each with a theme that "matched" the staff member. We held strong when they decided to close Central and split our family up, sending some to Emerson, Grandview, and even the Middle School. It was really a difficult time for us, but we vowed to continue to remain close, and that we have! For nine years we have met one Tuesday a month to have dinner together and stay in touch. In the summer we meet for breakfast on Fridays.

Tonight was one of our dinner nights. It is very informal and people come when they can. We had 7 there, and I was the only one not retired, but that doesn't matter. Now we share pictures of our grandkids and talk about what retirement is like. They tell me I will know when the time is right for me to join them and retire. I believe them! I love those dinners! Thank you, Central Gang, for being in my life for these past 29 years! We have such a special bond, and I love you all for so many reasons! I have probably not shared how much you all mean to me like I should. Please know that you are so so important to me! Let's continue to stay in touch!

Exercise Buddy

2011-11-14T05:28:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my exercise buddy who helps me get to the Y. We are trying to be much better now that our routines have slowed down a little. It is easy to talk ourselves out of going especially at 5:00 in the morning, but after we get home, we usually say we are glad we went! I am glad that I have someone to share those early mornings with! I am going to try and be better about getting there more!!

Neighbors

2011-11-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Today's THANKS goes to our neighbor's son, who was using his "leaf vacuum" on his mom's yard just as I got home at noon. I asked if he could "do our front yard" and he said, "Sure!" I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate his gesture! Now our front yard looks good and those pesky leaves are gone! What a nice guy! Thanks, Don! We really appreciate your time and energy! We will need to get the little spots and driveway, plus the back yard, but at least the front looks wonderful! Oh the little things!

Football Saturdays

2011-11-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for Football Saturdays and spending time with family and friends! I've been so blessed to attend lots of Husker games and love it when the gang is all together! We have such a fun time with each other, both in Lincoln and in Alliance. We have really been on the go this fall, and while I love to "go, go, go", it sort of felt good to stay home, just the two of us, for a change.

Our Huskers were able to post a win over Penn State today. It has been an ugly week, given all the recent recent issues Penn State had to deal with this week. The two teams shared a prayer at mid field before the game lead by Ron Brown. It was awesome! I said a silent prayer for the victims. May they begin to heal.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Have you thanked a Vet today? I am thankful for all the Vets past and present who have fought for all of us so that we may live in FREEDOM. My dad served in WWII, and was in the second day out from D-Day. He never talked about it much with me, but I have all of the letters he wrote to my mom while there. Thank you, dad, for your service! Happy Veterans' Day!

Co Workers

2011-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Today's thanks goes out to the wonderful co workers I am so blessed to work with! Tonight I enjoyed some fun away from the workplace when I attended a "girls night out" at a co worker's home where three of us enjoyed a "chick flick" together! Such good company! Thanks, Amanda and Audrey! We need to do that again!

I love my job and am thankful for a boss who believes in me and appreciates all of the dedicated, talented teachers I work with every day!

Friends

2011-11-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my amazing friends who love me the way I am and accept my crazy moods and still love me! I have been blessed with several really close friends throughout my life who I can share all my ups and downs with. Those kinds of friends are the gems of life. I often am reminded of the song we learned in Brownies......"Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold". I love all of my silver and gold friends!!

Special Date

2011-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

43 years ago today I met "my main squeeze". We've had a lot of fun together in those 43 years! This past week-end was no exception, either! What a fun, fun time! Misty's on Friday night, just the two of us, meeting my nephew and college friends for some pre-game libations, the game that wasn't, a SURPRISE party with 45 of the best people around after the game, breakfast with Erin Sunday morning, and a great wedding reception in Elkhorn before we drove home!! Is it no wonder I am totally shelled tonight?

Just a quick shout out to Linda and Dave: it was a blast and we are so glad you didn't have a clue!!!!! Closing down Lazlow's was worth it! Here's to another 40 years together! Congratulations!

I also wish we could have spent more time with my nephew and his friend who graduated from Northwestern. They were a LOT of fun!

Oh yes, and this was the week-end the time changed, so we were blessed with 2 extra hours! Time for bed! My thanks for today is that we can still party with the best of them and live to tell about it!

Thursday's Thoughts

2011-11-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today's thanks goes out to my family. I am blessed to have had super parents who were wonderful role models and taught me to have empathy for others, along with sharing their love for nature with us, not to mention all of the other things I learned from them!!

I have two of the best sisters anyone could ask for. The three of us are all very different. Both of my sisters are VERY smart and talented! Chryse has published TWO books on reading comprehension and is so at ease when she speaks to a group of teachers. Laura is a very accomplished pianist who brings tears to my eyes when she plays for me. She is very active in politics and is informed on all the issues. She is a valued member of District 8 in Scottsdale, AZ, and a past chairman. I burst with pride when I think of all they have accomplished.

I have three wonderful children who each have their own awesome gifts and talents. Each of my kids have chosen someone perfect to share their lives with and I am so proud to show off all three of my grandchildren! I am so thankful for the parents my kids have grown to be. I watch in awe as they teach their own children life's lessons.

I am also so very very blessed with the family I have married into. Wow! I hit the jackpot! My in-laws are the best and Tom's siblings include me as one of them. It just doesn't get much better than this!

Today's Thanks

2011-11-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for the "little things" that Tom does for me. Backing out the car, emptying the dishwasher, changing a load of laundry, taking out the trash, letting me watch "my show" every day, etc. I am so blessed that he does all of these things without me even asking. Wow! He may not think I notice, but I DO, and I appreciate him so much! I am working at doing more "little things" for him, too...paying it forward feels GREAT!

I'm Back!

2011-11-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

I just realized that it has been FIVE weeks since I have posted anything. I wish I had a good excuse, but all I can say it life has been very busy. But I am going to try and do something to get back into a routine of regular blogging. I NEED it! It is therapy for me, and I so appreciate your comments! So to kick off November, the month of giving THANKS, I want to say I am so very thankful for my blogging buddies who support me when I am up and down! It feels good to be back!

I am also thankful for the most beautiful fall this year! We have been gone every week-end except one since Labor Day, attending lots of Husker games, and the weather has been outstanding! Tonight I look out the window at our first snow. While I enjoy a beautiful snow, I hope this one is short-lived. I'm just not ready for cold weather yet.

Until tomorrow...

New Fall Line Up

2011-09-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

It has been fun to take in a few of the new fall shows on TV. Right now I am watching "Revenge". It has caught my attention! I think I might get hooked!! Stay tuned to see how it continues. It looks to be quite suspenseful!! Can't wait to see how it all unfolds! Did you happen to catch the first show??

This and That

2011-09-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am so behind in posting things that I want to! Darn it! I have intentions!

For now I just want to say that I was FINALLY able to go and see the movie version of "The Help" last night and I am still processing all of it. I loved the book so much, and was very excited to see how in the world they could do a movie justice. I was not disappointed at all. The casting was wonderful! Hilly was played by Ron Howard's daughter. She was someone we all want to hate! She played her part so WELL. What a pretentious woman! I am saddened that this kind of behavior EVER existed and still does in some parts of our world. Not living in the south, I never witnessed the kinds of things that were shown in the movie or book. It is our job to get this mentality squelched!

A friend, who also saw the movie stated, "I have a heart like Skeeter but would've punched Hilly right in her face and the rest of those racist bridge playing weak excuses for mothers!" I couldn't have said it better myself! My own sister said, "Escaping racism means thinking for yourself." I totally agree with both comments!

I am also saddened that it is unfortunate that there are many people like Hilly in our lives who try and manipulate others, with or without racism. It comes in many forms, such as bullying, or other hurtful ways. It is my hope that when they see this movie, some of this can stop, too.

While I am not a movie critic, I have to say that I wish there were movies out that were this good! It was worth the wait, and I want to see it again to catch some of the lines I missed. I am sure that I will have to buy it! Thanks to the "group" of us who decided to have a girls night out to see it together! Let's do it again, soon!!

Remembering Mom

2011-08-22T05:29:00.001-07:00

Today marks 13 years since my mom's passing. I miss her so much, and each year that passes reminds me that she has missed so much in our lives. She would be so proud of all of her grandchildren and what fine, fine adults they have all grown to be. She would have loved seeing her great grandchildren born and what cuties they all are! Not having mom and dad at the wedding in Aspen to experience all of that was pretty sad for all of us, but we know that they are "camping" and having a great time together. I miss you, mom.

Too Good Not to Share

2011-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have already had three friends post this on FaceBook and I want to share it, too:

Special request to all the kids returning to school in the next few days: If you see someone who is struggling to make friends or being bullied because he/she doesn't have many friends or because they are shy or not as pretty or not dressed in the most "in" clothes--PLEASE step up. Say hi or at least smile at them in the hallway. You never know what that person might be facing outside of school. Your kindness might just make a BIG difference in someone's life!

With school beginning this week, we all need to keep this in mind. As I was thinking about how this would really help, I have to agree that this would work for adults as well as kids.

Interesting......

2011-08-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've been a little down lately, and just haven't been myself, it seems. So when I read my Horoscope today, I need to change my thinking, I think!

Friday, Aug 12, 2011

You'll really be eager to have a good time today. Just make sure that your schedule isn't overwhelmed with so many different people and things that you end up spreading yourself a little too thin. And if you're feeling creatively inspired right now, you should really try to put your energies to good use in any creative way you can.

Your personal charm and social skills will really be at their peak today, and some interesting romantic opportunities should be available to you as well. So don’t be surprised if you end up being in high demand right now. If you allow others to have their way though, you’ll end up being constantly on the go today. Mantra: My belief in myself will empower me.

I find this interesting, as this is my usual personality, but it sure hasn't shown itself lately!! I just need to believe the Mantra!!!

Energized!

2011-08-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Our school year is almost ready to begin! This year we have some workshops to participate in prior to the "official" start date. Yesterday was spent with our Tech Team Trainers learning from some of the best from across the state. I knew all three of the presenters from various activities I have been involved in, and it has been such fun to work with them again! Corey and I served on the NETA Board together many years ago, and we have that special bond. He is VERY creative and you can always learn something new from him. Plus he is ALWAYS in a good mood, which is infectious! He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and LOVES his job at the ESU! If we lived closer to an ESU homebase, I think I would like to be a tech trainer! Since that isn't going to happen, I will just be happy to learn from others! Anyhoo.....I am excited for what was presented yesterday and hope that our Tech Team Trainers are too! It is going to be a GREAT year!

Prayers For A Friend

2011-08-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

Just received news that a good friend is having surgery this day for Ovarian Cancer. The silent killer. That is the same cancer that took my dear, dear, sister-in-law. Please say a prayer for my friend who is having this surgery. She needs us.

Finished

2011-08-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

I was determined to finish reading "The Help" this week-end and I did. I began it with the intention of reading it full blast until I got it done, but I had many interruptions and it took me way too long to get it finished. What a good book! I don't always get to read a book that is made into a movie, so I am most curious about how they will pull this off since so much of the book is of the author telling the story through the character's thoughts. At any rate, I am ready for the movie and hope we don't have to wait a long time to get it!

Money, Money, Money!!

2011-08-06T08:22:00.001-07:00

I am not a faithful reader of my Horoscope, even though I have it set to show each day on my iGoogle page. I should do better with it. Today, however, I decided to take a look and look what I found:

Saturday, Aug 6, 2011

If you need to set up a new budget for yourself or start cutting back on your expenses, now's the time for you to do it. You really ought to discuss some of these issues with other people, and you shouldn't be afraid to ask for as much input as possible. Other people will have an awful lot of valuable advice to offer you right now.

You should be feeling pretty motivated when it comes to dealing with any sort of money matters today. And it really is a great time to try to sort things out. Just see if you can come to some sort of resolution about what you need to do to give yourself a fresh financial start. Mantra: There is nothing that can hold me back but myself.

Guess I better see where I can "cut back"! I think I already did, and didn't know it! I didn't go get my usual Saturday morning coffee from the Coffee shop!! (Darn!!)

What will you do to "cut back"??

It's That Time Of Year

2011-07-31T08:00:00.001-07:00

I almost have my photos organized from the wedding in Aspen, but until then, I will do a quick post.

We have been quite "cultural" this week at our house! We began with a trip to Fort Robinson to attend the Post Playhouse on Wednesday night. We left early enough to go to dinner in Crawford. Our favorite place is The Ranch House, which has recently changed hands. (The previous owners were very close friends and it was bitter sweet to walk in the doors that night. Our friend, Becky, who had been the owner for several years died very suddenly last year of a heart attack, so being in her "home away from home" was a reminder to us that life is short.) Becky would be pleased with what the new owners are doing with it. The food was still really good, and the service was great! MJ, the new owner, asked what our plans were for the night and we told her that we were headed to the Fort to see the Cabaret. She then told us that she was having a "dinner theater" on Friday night and had made a "deal" with the Playhouse to have the "Marvelous Wonderettes" performed in the Ranch House that night. We were interested and told her we would be back!

So we headed to The Post Playhouse for the "Cabaret" and so enjoyed the evening. This year's cast is VERY VERY talented and strong. Each season we are amazed at the talent they are able to round up and we were not disappointed at all. The four men and four women who sang that night were so very outstanding! Such a great evening!

Friday night we headed back to Crawford with friends and sat at a table with several others from Alliance. It was a superb evening! Not only was our dinner very good (prime rib), but the four gals performing the show were so so good!! It was planned ahead, not to our knowledge, that "someone" from our table would be a "silent" member of the cast, and Mick played the part to the hilt! It was so fun! One of the gals at our table is on the Board of Directors for the Playhouse and knows the actors well. She eye contact with one of the veteran actors who is in her third season, telling her that my husband LOVES her, and she really played it up.....winking at him during the show and he of course winked back. It was all such a fun evening! Having the performers come to the Ranch House was something new that they wanted to try this season and it was a huge success! I hope it works again next season! The tickets were VERY reasonable!!

Last night we headed to Scottsbluff where we attended the Theater West production of "All Shook Up". We were especially interested in going to its final show to see Jordan Peterson in the lead of Chad. (He is the son of my tech buddy, Mike Peterson.) He had also been in the lead role in RENT earlier in the summer. Theater West is a community theater, using mostly local talent, but also pulls from others who are interested from across the country. (Petersons used to live in Alliance and Mike taught at the High School. He now resides and teaches in O'Neill.) Again, we were not disappointed at the talent of this group! The show was really fantastic! I am so proud of all who were involved!

The summer season at Fort Robinson's is winding down, and we may get up to several more plays if it works out. I will return to school full time tomorrow, so we will have to see how it goes, but because of the strong cast of this season, we will try to make at least one more before the curtain falls.

Catching My Breath

2011-07-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have so much to tell you about the most wonderful wedding in Aspen, but I am too too tired tonight to do it justice, so will wait for a day when I can download the photos from my camera and tell the whole story. It might not be tomorrow, as it looks to be a very busy day and evening already, but it will be soon! In the meantime, just know that the whole wedding event was off the charts!!! Wow!

We did go to my good friend, TC's for snacks, drinks, and conversation last night and I had forgotten how fun it was to just sit and visit and listen to each other. It was just Tom, TC, and myself, but it was probably one of the highlights of my summer, as it was VERY LOW-KEY and a very relaxing evening. Except for my 4 days in Minneapolis in June, I haven't done a lot to unwind for summer and regroup for next school year. Not having an agenda was so good for me. It reminded me that no matter how busy we are, we need to take time to smell the roses and enjoy life!!

I have been reading the best book lately......The Help.....the movie is coming out soon, and I am so looking forward to seeing how they can put this book as a movie. I have been trying to read more this summer. So far I have read more than usual, but not as much as I "wanted" to for the summer. Since this is my last week of vacation, I want to take time to ENJOY each minute and accomplish something each day. I have done pretty well so far, and I hope to include reading more in this week's goals!

Our yard and garden sure didn't appreciate the HOT weather when we were in Aspen, and I have been trying to water the lawn each morning so it doesn't totally burn up. It is amazing how quickly a lawn can dry up when you have many warm days in a row with no rain. We did have our "lawn girl" water the garden for us and tonight we had the first green beans and cucumbers of the season! I love the first beans and cukes from the garden!! Yum!

We plan to go to Fort Robinson tomorrow night to see one of the plays there with friends. Normally by this time we have already seen at least two or three of the plays, but we haven't even been to one yet, so I am really looking forward to going. We plan to eat out someplace before the show. Not too many choices between here and there, but I'm sure we will find something.

I don't think it has been a secret that I have really really been worried about getting our schedules finalized for school. I can honestly say that I think I will sleep really really well tonight. I looked on the computer today at school to see how the changes are coming, and I am so very very pleased with what I saw. There are some "tweaks" I still need to do, and we have new students to enroll, but I am VERY VERY pleased with how the students are fitting into the whole mix. I know that my good friend, J, helped my principal and she will never know how much I appreciated her helping her with making some changes. I was so worried about what the teachers would say about their caseloads, and it looks so much better!! My only concern is how to get these changes to show up on the live side of PowerSchool. I sure hope someone knows how to do that!! (I'm crossing my fingers that it will happen seamlessly!)

Before I sign off for tonight, I want to say that I have the TV on while I am writing this, and the program, America's Got Talent is on. The first act was a jumping rope group which was really something! It reminded me of when I was in 6th grade in Omaha and was on a TV program called "Playground Champions". Omaha area playgrounds had competitions in the summer and I won the opportunity to participate against the others who won from their "playgrounds". It was a jump rope competition. It was really fun, but we didn't do anything like what I just watch on TV tonight! Wow! They were awesome!! Oh, by the way, I didn't win the competition, but I sure learned how much fun it was to try!

I think my jammies are calling my name, so will get ready for bed and read a few pages and hit the hay. It has been a long day. Good night, all!

We Lived Through It!!

2011-07-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

We sure enjoyed having our Evan for 11 days!! He was with us alone for 6 of those days. That is a LONG time for a five year old to be away from his dad! Mom was here for the first 5 days, so the real "alone" time was the last six days. He NEVER once said he wanted to go home or missed his mom or dad! I was a little worried about that especially when we live nearly 11 hours away from "home".

We managed to keep him occupied most of the time while he was here. The weather turned really hot the last two days, and luckily I had gotten a new back yard pool to escape to those days. Evan loved just floating and enjoying the water.

Grandpa Tom was such a big help and took quite a bit of time off from work to spend time with him, even though he was pretty busy. Evan loved going to the ranch most mornings to "help" and then came back to town for the afternoon. If I could find a "friend" he could play with while here, I do believe he would have liked that. Will need to work on that for another time.

A big hit was going to the fountain at night and watching the fountain change its colors. Eating ice cream while doing it, was a fun "treat", too.

Sunday morning, the family packed up the Suburban and headed to Denver. Within 30 minutes of their departure, Grandma AND Grandpa we in their chairs taking a nap!! We had fun, but we sure aren't as young as we used to be!! ha ha!

We will all meet again tomorrow in Breckenridge, Colorado and then head to Aspen to attend our niece's wedding, so today will be a busy day getting packed and ready for that! Can't wait! My entire family will be there, something that doesn't happen very often!!

First Time!!

2011-07-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

This week marks the first time that we have been able to "have" one of our grandsons all to ourselves for 6 whole days! Evan is 5 and is very smart, but as most 5-year olds, he likes to be entertained much of the time. I was worried about what would fill all 6 of those days, but we have really kept busy so far.

Today marks day 4. My husband, who is a rancher, takes Evan each morning to the ranch to "do chores" and that includes riding the 4-wheeler, and tractor, and those are always a HIT! They usually return to town for a late lunch together.

We have played several card games, including WAR and GO FISH. I had gotten a few new coloring books and sticker books to "pull out" if I needed them. He really liked the sticker book and spent much of an afternoon getting them in the right places. We had been to see the movie Cars 2 when I was in Minneapolis earlier this summer, so the characters were fresh in his mind. Here he is working hard to match the stickers:

We take a nightly walk to the fountain and to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa's. She has some transformers that he loves to get out.

We have also walked over to the Middle School to watch the band practice for the Heritage Day Parade. It has been fun to see them learning to "march". Tonight they will try and "play" and "march" at the same time!

Last night, Tom brought in Ben's T-Ball stand and we went to Holy Land and Evan tried his hand at hitting the ball. He was really pretty good. Here he is getting ready to "hit":

It is supposed to be really HOT the rest of his visit, so we will set up the pool in the back yard and try and stay cool! When we need some quiet time, I have added a few new apps to my iPad and he will be working on that, as well. I also have a new "kite" to try out and a couple of new games to bring out if needed. I just wish there were some kids his age close by that he could play with. I know that would help so much.

I do want to say that we have had some quiet time in the afternoons at 2:00ish and two afternoons, Evan has taken a significant NAP.....even though "he doesn't take naps any more", so I guess we are wearing him out some! ha ha!

What do you like to do with your grandchildren? I might need some more ideas!!

Birthday Celebration

2011-07-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

My dear dear mother-in-law celebrated her 90th Birthday on July 7. The family had a mini reunion at our City Park on Sunday with a meal and some GREAT conversation. All of her kids and all of her grandchildren but one, and all of her great-grandchildren were there to help her celebrate, along with many cousins and others in the family. In all, about 70 were in attendance. The weather was wonderful and having the meal catered in was a great idea! Verna was radiant! She looks soooooo good at the age of 90! She feels good and still walks 1.5 miles each day and is ACTIVE in the community. She has always been a HERO of mine, raising seven children and living in a two-room shack with no running water until my husband, who was 6 out of 7 in line, was born. She is an amazing cook, and never gets rattled. She is someone I admire so much, and have learned a lot from in my 39 years of being in this family. She and Ken have been married 69.5 years. Below are some photos from the day:

Verna and Ken

The kids and spouses with Grandma and Grandpa

The grandchildren with Grandma and Grandpa

The great-grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa. Getting this picture was easier said than done! By the time we took this picture, the little ones had had a full day and didn't want to stand or sit for a picture. This was the best we could do!

The entire day was extra special for all of us, and having everyone there really made the day fun! We had thought of having it at the church, but being in the park on such a nice day was the right choice. Happy Birthday, Verna! I know you had a fun, fun, day! We love you!

Successful Wedding #2

2011-07-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of attending our second outdoor wedding this summer for a great couple this past week-end. It was held at the Barn A New Bed and Breakfast between Scottsbluff and Mitchell Nebraska. What a simply gorgeous day and event!! I don't think we could have "ordered" a more perfect day! Warm and sunny all the way!

The best part of the wedding for us was being able to enjoy it with Ben, Shelly, and Delaney! This was the "practice round" for all of us, as our niece's wedding is in two weeks and I hope Delaney has as much fun there as she did this past week-end! If you can imagine a nearly 3 year old dancing the entire night, you can see our Delaney jumping, dancing and twirling to every song! It was amazing! She never missed a beat! You know that old saying, "Dance like no one is looking"? She did it to the fullest! She had a ball! So fun to watch her be so happy!

We were able to "kid-nap" her after the dance to bring her back to Alliance with us so on Sunday morning, I had all three of my grandchildren sitting around the breakfast table! I was so proud! And......I am so blessed!

We spent the rest of Sunday celebrating Grandma's 90th birthday at the park. I will post more later about that. It was totally awesome!

Before I close, just a quick shout out to Henry Hudson, Reinsch who is 2 today! Can't believe it can already be 2 for him! So sad to put him on the airplane EARLY this morning to head back to Minneapolis with mommy this morning! But......we have Evan all to ourselves all week! Woo Hoo! Spoiling time, for sure!

Just Some Thoughts

2011-06-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

It looks as if summer has decided to appear and I love those warm days! The trouble is......I haven't gotten to enjoy any of them yet.

Today marks day #16 that I am DONATING my time for the schedule at school. I love my job, don't get me wrong.....but.....when I was asked to do this job, I was given a 10 month contract with me working two weeks longer and two weeks earlier that the rest of the teachers. I haven't minded this at all until last year. Making the master schedule for school is becoming a total nightmare! We have a reading program that is absolutely driving the process. It used to be that we could make a schedule easily from the requests that the students enter in early May. Even with students who needed special classes here and there, I could get this done in the two weeks after the teachers were finished for the summer. So what is the hold up now? I am at the mercy of our reading coach who didn't get me any of the information until after the two weeks were up.....GRRRRRR!!

It is not just reading that I am working around. Now each student has to be in a leveled Spelling, Reading and English class, not to mention the individual band instrument for beginning band. Normally the students input these requests BEFORE they leave for the summer, allowing the computer to help create the schedule. But since I didn't get this information until after the students left for the summer, I am having to do each student individually. It is a huge puzzle and it doesn't work very well at all.

My principal has been helpful when she can be, but she has been gone for two weeks and when she is in town, she is called to many many meetings at the Administration building. When a student's placement into a specific class doesn't work, I can't just make a decision to "change it". It all has to go through our Reading Coach, who is only available when she feels like it and it takes her forever to decide where to "move" this child. If it were just a couple of students it wouldn't be so bad, but so far it has been about 50 kids and that is just 6th grade.

I feel like I am wasting my time many days and it is very frustrating. I will begin to tackle the 5th grade today. I will need to really dig in, as I have told myself that tomorrow will be my LAST day. I just need to be at home! We have family coming this week-end and then again next week, so I have so much to do to get ready for that. My grandson is coming to stay for a week with us, and I don't want to be worried about work. The problem is....we are running out of time. The Administration building wants to "roll over" for the new year, and I don't blame them at all, but then the students will be able to "look" at their schedules and we aren't done at all! I feel like people are looking at me with the "What have you been doing all this time?" look. Maybe I am doing this all wrong, but I don't think so. Our building has 20 periods during the day. It is very complicated, with the 7th and 8th grade using 8 periods and the 5th and 6th graders using 11 periods and both using an advisory period. Sharing staff with 4 different buildings makes it very interesting, as well.

I have had people say to me, "Why are you working so much when this is your summer?" I wish I could just walk away, and say I've done my part, but that is not me! I don't quit until the job is done. Guess I best quit complaining. It isn't going to get done with me on the computer! Thanks for listening! Hopefully I can get this to a point that I can say the rest can wait for August. I am a little worried, however!

Successful Wedding

2011-06-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

We have three weddings to go to this summer and all of them are planned to be outdoor events. The first one was yesterday, which was held in our city park in Alliance.

The day began sunny and pretty, but the closer that the wedding time came, the clouds rolled in more and more and then about 30 minutes before the wedding was scheduled to begin, the storm hit. I was still "doing my hair" and it began pouring rain! I was just sick for the family and most especially the Bride and Groom. As luck would have it, the storm was short-lived, and the rain only lasted about 15 minutes. As we were on our way to the park, the sun came out and all was good! I had never been to a wedding in the park here. We have a very beautiful park system in our town and with all of the rain so far this spring, everything is very green. The actual ceremony was held in the sunken gardens area of the park and it was a perfect setting for such a special event.

The ceremony was short and sweet. (The Bride's aunt went on the Web to become an "officiant" to do the wedding, something I had not experienced except when I saw Joey do it on "Friends".) Then we headed to the Newberry Building for the reception. It was really really nice and the food was my favorite! Mexican food made by the gal that I took a Mexican cooking class from.......very yummy! The DJ was GREAT and everyone had a fun, fun time. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Popovich! We were honored to be included your special day! We wish you the best as you begin your life together!

I do have to say that we wanted to have the DJ play the Husker fight song after the wedding party from OHIO did a little cheer for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but we held our cool! ha ha!

Good Intentions, But......

2011-06-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a book to take on a trip this week, and have looked on line to find it. Looking at the calendar, I was afraid I wouldn't get it in time, so I decided that I would just try and find it at the airport on the way. It is a popular book right now, so I was sure I could find it, so decided against ordering it on line. Had thought some of getting it for my iPad, but wasn't sure I would even take my iPad with me, so really wanted the "book" to hold in my hands. I will most likely have some hours to kill in the airport, so that was my reasoning.

I was very surprised when I happened to stop at K-Mart yesterday to actually find the book I was wanting, so I was happy to get it. I also picked up another book that many have been talking about lately that I have been curious about, and read it in 4 hours. I actually took time for myself and just READ!!! It felt good! I began the book before bed last night and finished it this morning. This was NOT on my "to do" list for today at all! I have been so busy at school that I have really let things go around here and had INTENDED to really do some cleaning this morning. Well, that didn't happen!! I will try and get a little done this afternoon before we go to an outdoor wedding! I'm really out of the mood, now, so it probably won't be much! There is always tomorrow! ha ha!

Oh yes, the book I read today was "Heaven is for Real." Since it takes place in Nebraska and WESTERN Nebraska at that, I really was curious about it. It is a fast read and interesting. I believe this four year old has a lot going on! Wise beyond his years! We all have much to look forward to! I say you need to read this!

A Good Feeling

2011-06-08T05:34:00.001-07:00

I go to the "Y" most mornings to get my day going. I'm not real consistent, but "try" to go at least 4 days a week. It is hit and miss in the summer because I am gone so much, but truth be told, I really do enjoy going. It is usually the same people who go at the "early" time slot, so you make a bond with that group, and when you miss, they actually MISS you! While I don't know this one gal very well, she "works out" next to me most mornings and we have begun to "visit" more and more.

We have shared our work out trials and feelings about exercise and diet off and on. I have shared with her that I have been struggling with some "head" issues lately and can't seem to get my head on straight to get as enthused as I have been with my workouts earlier in the spring. I also shared that I NEED to get back on top of my game as I don't want health issues to get worse. It is such a struggle with me. I KNOW what to do.....I could teach classes if I wanted to on how to be healthy! It is just so hard!

When my new "work out" friend was finished with her time, she came over to me before she left and said, "I hope you get your head in the right place, and if you don't mind, I will say a little prayer for you!" She will probably never know how much that meant to me to hear those words! Wow! I am energized! There are some really nice people in this world! It makes such a difference to know that someone cares!

Life has been really busy for me and I have been meeting myself coming and going, not making much time for much besides work. I am going to change that today! I am going to call a few friends I have been neglecting and check on them and BEGIN TO ENJOY MY SUMMER! It is time!

So for all of you out there, I hope you find a "work out" friend who can care about you and energize you, too! I just wish that my other friends had realized that I was in such a slump, because I sure could use them right now, but I will take what I can get!

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

Communication

2011-05-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

With the end of the school year I have been doing a lot of reflecting about how the year went. For me, for the most part the year went OK. We had a lot of wonderful, creative, new ideas presented to us all the time.

Our new Superintendent told us that we would be pushed outside of our comfort zones, and we were! But that was for a good reason! No one learns without a little "push", and we all know that we learn from our mistakes, and THAT I did! We have more technology in our schools than we have had in YEARS! Projectors, Mimios, laptops in every corner, iPads, iPods, along with the training we have been begging for for years! All of that has been off the charts wonderful! I praise our administration for seeing what is important for kids and making sure that they have the opportunity to learn to use it! Wow! We tested the heck out of all of the kids and learned new techniques to "teach" them to take a successful test. We were trained in a new way of teaching called APL, which seemed to be accepted by everyone very well. I saw lots of learning going on EVERY day!

The entire staff, which includes Administration, teaching staff support staff, custodial staff, and kitchen staff took a survey to identify our strengths and weaknesses so we could build on the strengths to make our weaknesses not so weak. As we reviewed our results, it was stated that most felt communication was a district weakness. I am not surprised. But I feel badly about that. Think about it. What is a weakness with most relationships that "go bad"?? It is usually communication. Why don't people communicate better? Are we too busy to actually tell people how we feel, or what we believe? Are we too busy thinking of ourselves to not see the whole picture? Most people who get upset with someone usually get upset because they haven't communicated what they need clearly. This goes for the receiving end as well as the giving end. Both sides need to communicate better! When someone is communicating with another person, both sides need to focus and really "listen". Misunderstandings happen when people assume something instead of just asking. It happens at home, with friends, as well as at school. This is with "direct communication", but what about communication to be informed about your job? The breakdown happens when someone has to deliver "bad news" to someone and they can't quite do it because they don't want to hurt their feelings. No one likes to deliver "bad news", but for the most part if you do it in a caring way, people would rather have it than not be told anything. I have no idea what reasons the staff posed as why they felt communication was low, but I have a feeling that they just haven't been "informed". It could be communication between a partner teacher, or a supervisor. It is human nature to what to "know what is going on", but there are times when not "everything" needs to be laid out on the table. A good communicator will keep you in the know when the time is right. I just wish that we could visit as a staff this way so that people could air their feelings and move on. The end of a school year is stressful enough without people being upset that they don't know every detail. As long as information isn't being withheld for a bad reason, sometimes "surprises" can be good!

So what prompted me to write this this afternoon? As I look ahead to next year and focus on some goals to accomplish in a new year, I want to be the best communicator that I can be so that there are no misunderstandings between myself and the people I work and live with. Is it "new leaf" time? I hope so! I think if we all try and be better communicators, relationships, whether they are at home or at work, will be more positive and worth investing in!

May 26

2011-05-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day in our family. May 26 was my grandmother and step-grandfather's anniversary and was also my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's anniversary. I am thinking of Bob on this second May 26th that he has had to endure without Karen. I worry about him a lot and hope that he is healing. My heart aches at the loss of Karen at such a young age. She was such an inspiration to many and is missed every day. She raised three very special kids and left a great legacy in each of them! Hugs to Bob and family today.

Feelings.....

2011-05-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

School is out, at least for the students. I have more to finish up before I can call 2010-2011 "in the books". Yesterday was a good, productive day. I like it when things begin to come together! Today I have a meeting all morning that I am not looking forward to at all. I am not comfortable at these meetings in any way or shape. I am not sure why I am even a part of this group, but I will go and then will have the usual "stomach ache" after I leave. It usually takes several days for me to feel good about myself after those meetings. At least this is the last one for the year. So, I will go, listen, and not say a thing, as usual. My heart is already beginning to race, just thinking about going. But I can do this. I have to.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Here is wishing all of you a very Happy Mother's Day 2011! It has been nearly 13 years since we lost our mom. She was only 75 and way too young. I miss her every day and wish she could still be here to see what beautiful grandchildren my children have become and I know she would have cherished every minute she could get with my three grandchildren, too. She loved my kids with all her heart! Here is my mom's photo from High School. I never knew her to have long hair, but I think it must have been beautiful!!

My mom was born in Irvine, Kentucky, which is in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Kentucky River. It is about 45 miles from Lexington and the horse country. I like to think it is a little slice of Heaven there. Whenever there was a difference in opinions or in people in a group, my mom would often say this phrase. "That's what makes horse racing." It was her way of saying it takes all kinds!

After I thought about it, I can definitely see what she was saying. Today as I celebrated my own Mother's Day at home, I received phone calls from all three kids and received cards from them as well. Each card was as different as the kids who sent them. It is interesting that all three kids were raised in the same house with the same parents, but none of them are alike.

Allyson was our first born. She is the one most like her dad, not only in looks, but in personality, too. She is our serious one, who is an awesome thinker and writer. I always look forward to any written communication from her because she takes her time and sends a beautiful message along with the card. I want to share some of the things she wrote this year. The message she sent came from a list she made 5 years ago telling her son-to-be about the things that I have taught Allyson over the years. Sometimes you wonder if you have done a good job of guiding your kids, even when they are 35+ years old, but Allyson's note told me that I think I did a few things right. Those of you who know me will know that this list made me tear up. I was humbled as I read these:

° Choose friends not based on age, sex, or outward appearance.
° Love music (From musicals to singing in the car, the Beatles,piano,the list goes on and on. :)
° Be creative (4-H, wedding, Job's Daughters)
° Have "fun". (Don't take yourself so seriously.)
° Be put together but humble.
° Show your friends how much you care (old and new)-keep connections going.
° Build a church family.
° Be community-civic minded (be active in your church, belong to community organizations, vote in elections.)
° Have an opinion!
° Stay Active, but take time for yourself (Nails, Chico's, etc.)
° Love food!
° Enjoy sports (even if you don't play.)
° Love dogs (especially dachshunds :))

This list really does describe me, but the best part was when Allyson said that she wanted to pass these same traits on to her boys! She has already begun to do just that! (I think I am a work in progress, as I see some on this list that I need to keep working on!!)

Next came Erin. Poor Erin is the one most like me! Not only in looks (I just hope she never gets as fat as I am!!) but in personality, too. Her card was just as heart-felt......with the cutest dachshund inside! (My kids know me well!!) Erin is a total people pleaser. She doesn't have any kids of her own, so she lives vicariously through her nephews and niece. She dotes on them and LOVES them so much and can't ever spend enough time with all three of them! She will use all of her vacation days driving across Nebraska to Colorado or north to Minnesota just so she can spend time with them! If those kids are in Alliance, she is in the car driving to be with them! They love their "Auntie Erin" and are so very blessed to have her in their lives!!!

Last but not least is Benton. He is our quiet one. Totally. He is a lot like Tom in so many ways. He loves a good joke and he will search and search for "just the right card" for someone. He is the first one to send me a card with a squirrel on it or in it as he knows I really really really am scared of squirrels! He says that he is "kidding", but I wonder! ha ha!

All three are so different. How does that happen? What I love most is that they are all very close as siblings and I love to watch them interact with one another when they are together. I think they get that from my mom, who was raised with five brothers and was so close to each one. If I could have a wish for them it would be that they all lived closer together. They are all such good friends. Traveling to see each other is difficult, and I know that they would really love it if they could all be nearer to one another. I know they are close, as they don't like it when two of them are together and one can't be there. They just don't want to be left out of any of the fun! I am so glad that they DO talk to each other, as I have seen many families with people who won't talk to each other. I could not bear that at all.

Yes, I am really blessed on this Mother's Day, 2011. Even though you wonder how three children could be raised in same house and with the same parents, and yet be so different, I wouldn't have it any other way!

I hope you are as blessed as I am! Happy Mother's Day!

Interesting Meeting

2011-05-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I attended a meeting tonight that supports education around the world and part of those meetings includes a program to inspire and "educate" its members. Tonight's program title was "Tippie Toe Through the Tulips". One of our members owns and operates her own beauty salon and we met there tonight. It was fun! We were supposed to bring our favorite polish. I "played along" and brought my usual "Got the Blues for Red" color with me. While the original plan was to polish each other's toes, the presenter decided to do a different approach, instead. She had us all take our favorite polish out of our purses, or if some hadn't brought any, they could pick out one from the shop. Then she read some things she found on the Internet describing what certain color families mean when you polish your toes or fingernails with them. We had a lot of great laughs! I want to find that website and share what my "love of red" means. I can't remember all of the whole text, but I think my "red" meant that I was sassy and sexy! Really not me, but it is fun to pretend!! I will post a little when I find the page! Until then...

Oh yes, she also did a little research on the history of tulips. You thought they came from Holland, didn't you? But did you know that they are native to Turkey?? There you are....a little history for tonight!! She also shared all the words to that funny song, "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" that Tiny Tim made famous in 1968!! Can't you remember him singing in his high, squeaky, voice playing his ukulele?

Yep, I think we had some fun tonight! Spring is coming!!! I can't wait!

A Week of Learning

2011-05-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day, everyone!! One of my favorite days of the year! That means that SPRING is almost here!!!!

What a week! It began with a day off, due to the Easter Monday holiday. I cannot believe how much I was able to accomplish that day! It felt good. I actually had time to go and get the blood work done I have been putting off for a month, and run some much needed errands. It was a super day!

On Tuesday, I was only at school for several hours before my friend, J, and I took off for Omaha and a week of learning. We arrived at the LaVista Conference Center around 6:30 and checked in. I am not positive, but I know I have stayed in a room exactly like the one I had this time. It might not have been the same floor, but it was the same corner! Once we checked in, we were on a mission to find a "key folio" case for my iPad. J had one and it looked so awesome, that I just HAD to have one, too! We spent several hours in search of one and even went to four stores, only to come up short. I was disappointed, but when we returned to our hotel, J helped me order one on line and I even had an email before I got to my room telling me to pick it up the next day in the original store we stopped in. That is amazing to me that they didn't have it that night but would by 10:00am the NEXT day!!! Here is a picture of the said "key folio". I think it will be an awesome addition!!

On Wednesday I attended the PowerSchool User's Group annual meeting. Conveniently they have moved it from its original site to the site of the NETA Conference, which saves time in driving across town for many! I have gone to every Annual meeting since it began and it keeps getting bigger and bigger and better and better each year. The focus is becoming more on the state reporting, which is something I thankfully don't have any part in, so I am able to attend sessions that will help me with my job, instead. There is always a nice luncheon and door prizes. After the meeting J, and another friend left to pick up my "key folio". Sure enough, it was in and we were also lucky enough to get our hands on another one for my friend, K. What is so odd about all of this is I got mine for $20.00 LESS than K since I ordered mine on line!! They came from the SAME shelf!!!

We shopped at my favorite store, Chico's and as usual, I was able to capture a few finds!! After that we made our way back to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the group from Alliance who were traveling to Omaha that day. A group of us decided to go to the Old Market and eat at a place called Jazz. It has Louisiana cajun food. I had blackened catfish and it was good! IT is always fun to have some down time with the group. We don't take enough time for things like that.

Made it an early night, as the next day was the NETA Conference. I look forward to this event all year long. Not just because it is such a good conference, but because I have invested about 19 years of my life in it. Not only have I been a member of this wonderful group, but have served on the Board and have helped to plan the conference. It just continues to grow and get better each year! This year there were 2500 in attendance. What great Keynotes and breakout sessions! I also took in two BYOL (bring your own laptop) sessions. Both were exciting and informative! Now I am anxious to put some new ideas to work, and share with my staff!

Thursday night several of us went shopping and then to the new Midtown Section of Omaha which has recently been renovated. we decided to give Cantina Laredo a try. It is an upscale Mexican restaurant and very reasonably priced. Thursdays are ladies night so our Margaritas were half price! I had avocado and chicken enchiladas. They were delicious, and so was the salsa at the table!

Friday was a quick day. Went to hear Tony Vincent speak and then to my BYOL on GPS and Google Earth. It was a fabulous workshop and I can't wait to share some things with my science teachers! Since my workshop finished at noon, we met to drive back home together as a group. We stopped in Lincoln and ate at Ruby Tuesday's. The wind was something fierce and not the best to drive in, but we made it back at 7:30pm. It felt good to be home! I am always tired after a week of intense thinking!!

I'm afraid to report that it has been a LOW KEY week-end for me! I did attend the funeral of a retired principal in Alliance Saturday morning in Hay Springs. While I didn't work in his building, I am very good friends with his wife and father-in-law. He was a good man and died way too young. He will be missed. We did have a family dinner last night to see our niece from Denver, so that was fun! I also worked at school for a bit, but have gotten caught up on some TV and much needed rest. It will be a week of testing for the kiddos so I will be busy with that. I am also helping with outdoor learning this week, so there will be little room for any down time, that's for sure!

I did watch a little of the Royal Wedding and found many people voicing opinions that it took up too much of our time here in the US. I didn't mind watching it. I chose to watch and could have turned it off if I wanted to. Catherine was a beautiful bride and took all of it very seriously. It was done very tastefully and very elegantly.

I missed so much of the news while in Omaha. I am so saddened at the news of so many deaths from the tornadoes in the south. My heart goes out to many who have lost family members and homes. I can only imagine how awful it is for all of them.

I think I hear the laundry room calling my name! So I best get at least a couple of loads done! Have a GREAT week, everyone and remember this: No one can make you feel inferior without your permission!

Sunday "Spotlight"

2011-04-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

I know I did a rather large post yesterday, but this is my "Sunday Spotlight"!! I wanted to give this post its OWN TOPIC and give a huge shout out for my middle child's birthday this week. Our Erin had a birthday on Thursday and we did celebrate together when she was home. I have been reflecting a little on some of her past birthday celebrations and one really comes to mind. It was when she turned two. My folks were in Alliance for Easter and Erin's birthday was near Easter that year, so it was a special treat to have my parents "see Erin in action". She was so so so excited to have "HER" day. I would have to look back at the pictures, but I think I might have made a Big Bird cake for her. She LOVED every gift and really really loved her cake and ice cream. She couldn't help but keep saying "WEEEE" with her arms straight up. She twirled and danced all day. She was the cutest two-year old!!! I do remember what she wore that day, too. It was a little red and blue dress. She had curly hair in the back. I loved her cute cheeks and they were "rosy" that day!! She always had a smile on her face!

Now Erin is 33 and she STILL has a smile on her face! She LOVES her niece and nephews more than anything and is the most giving, caring, person around. She always puts others FIRST, and has such a big heart. She is always looking for "things" to give Evan, Henry, and Delaney. She can hardly wait for Delaney's hair to get a little longer so she can French braid it. I know it will be awesome, as Erin French braided her own hair EVERY DAY of Middle School!!!

Erin is never far from the family action. She will travel to Minneapolis to see thee boys when we are there too. She gave up her entire spring break to travel to Denver to see Delaney. She has never missed a baptism, or special occasion. She certainly knows the true meaning of family!

I am posting some pictures of Erin with her "kids". She will probably be mad at me, but they are so cute! Two of them are when she was modeling Henry's birthday gifts of Buzz and Woody bath towels! My newer pictures of Erin and Evan are on my computer at school, so I had to dig in the archives to find a few of these, but you can sure tell that she is loved! Thank you, Erin for being such a sweetie! You can see why she is a pre-school teacher. She loves that age so much!

Happy, Happy, Birthday, Erin! We are blessed!!!

Saturday Review

2011-04-09T08:47:00.001-07:00

Been a while since I've been on line. Have had several weeks of VERY busy days and nights. Plus I've been suffering from a terrible back ache and I'm just uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time. I am doing well just to check my email and that's it.

Anyhoooooo....we had our branding last week-end and had the most fabulous day! The weather was so so so awesome......SUNNY and 82° by the afternoon!!! We had some wonderful help and the food turned out great. My friend Jean came to help me and it was so much fun to have her here Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. I couldn't have done it without her help. What an awesome friend!!! Ben, Shelly and Delaney were also here and so were Erin and Shane. What blessings I have! Everyone helped so much! Glad to have THAT done for another year. Tom has three more babies to be born and we are done. He thinks we will get two of them this week, but one will be a stubborn mom and might not have her calf until the middle of May! Darn It!

Have to tell you about the sweetest thing that Tom did before branding. He loves Delaney so much!! So....well, let me start here: On Branding day, Delaney was "exploring" the ranch house when she came into the kitchen to get her mom to come see something in the living room. I hadn't been in there yet, so I didn't know what she was looking at. Delaney had found something very special that Tom had set up for her. It was the dollhouse that my dad made for me when we lived in Grand Island. I think I was in 4th or 5th grade at the time. Dad had patterned it after the house we had just built there. Tom had found all of the furniture, washed it, and set up each room...had it all decorated for Delaney as a surprise. When I went to see what she was "ooing" about, it made me cry to think of Tom doing this all in secret! It was so so cute to see her playing with her grandma's toys! What a nice surprise! Thank you, Tom! Here is a picture of Delaney as she was investigating the contents of the house.

Delaney had a blast at the ranch. She got to ride the 4-wheeler, and the big red tractor with Grandpa Tom and "play in the mud". She wanted to "hold a calf", but they wouldn't cooperate, but she had fun anyway. Such fun! I love it at the ranch.

School has been extra busy lately, with little time to barely go to the bathroom. Testing is a priority and getting the computers ready and moved from room to room for the next day is time consuming, not to mention all the background work that has to be done ahead of time. I am all organized now for the NeSA testing, so I can breathe a little better now, but will need to get things ready for the next test which will begin the first week in May. Some time in there I will need to get going on scheduling. That in itself is very stressful for me. We seriously don't know what we are going to offer next year, as the school board put a kibosh to some of our plans. So.....it is back to the drawing board. Time is running out, and I am getting so stressed just thinking about it! The problem is, everyone who can help with this is also busy, so I have no idea when this will all get done. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day!

Last night we decided to have some FUN and forget all about calving and school. We went downtown to the piano bar deal that was in town. It was a GREAT night. Even stayed out until midnight, which is so so not us any more! I visited with some of my past students, and 4 of them bought me "special drinks"! What fun! I sure miss those days of teaching 5th grade, but wouldn't change what I do now. Having those kids tell me they appreciated me made my night!!!

I have been growing my hair out for quite some time, and this week I went and had it "shaped"....I'm getting there, but not quite there yet. I am liking how it is going, though, so stay tuned!

Have some "chores" to do, so should get busy. I think I hear the laundry calling me to get it going!

IT Has Begun

2011-03-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

We are now into the "testing season" of school. Yesterday we began the NeSA testing which includes Reading, Math and Science. We began with the eight grade and have two days under our belts. It takes a crew to make this test happen. One of my first jobs to get this thing rolling was to re-install the testing software on each of our six laptop carts and 64 desktop computers. That is a total of 196 testing machines!! What a job! Next, our Data and Systems Manager for the school district printed all of the tickets for us. She also cut them apart and put them into the groups according to subject and all are alphabetical. It is an awful job, I am sure! I REALLY appreciate not having to do that part! Scheduling the students can be tricky, making sure that all are included and getting the schedule to the staff so they know who to send where. Lining up proctors for the tests, and training them as to what to do is a MUST!! One of my jobs is to make sure that the tickets are sorted for the correct class. There are two sessions for each subject, so it can be quite a process. Since eight grade is testing now, they are all sorted and "stuffed" into envelopes for each teacher. I also have seventh grade done, and am working on sixth grade. They will be finished tomorrow. I will follow up with fifth grade. After we get all of the students through these tests, then we will begin the NWEA tests, which are like the old Achievement tests we took as students. Again, all of this is done on the computer, so I will begin that scheduling process all over! With nearly 450 students, someone will be testing at any given moment until the end of the year! Somewhere in there, too, I will need to register students for next year! Phew! I'm tired just thinking about all of this! But for now, I want to thank everyone who has helped to get this test off the ground! It wouldn't be possible without you!

Happy Anniversary!!

2011-03-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

Today is our 39th Wedding Anniversary! That hardly seems possible! I remember when it was my in-laws 40th Wedding Anniversary, we had planned a special celebration for them and I was 9 months pregnant. I thought it would be forever before we would reach that milestone, and we had already been married ten years at that party. Here we are, only one more year and we will also be celebrating the BIG one! How can that be? At any rate, we were married on a beautiful Saturday night in Omaha with a lot of family all around us! It was wonderful! We knew we wanted to be married in March during our Spring Break at UNL so we could go skiing for our honeymoon. We left the next day for Breckenridge, Colorado where we stayed at my Uncle Bob's cabin there. It was their gift to us, and it was perfect. We skied for a week and then headed to Alliance where we attended Tom's cousin's wedding there before heading back to Lincoln. Each year at church, Tom's folks dedicate the altar flowers to us for our Anniversary. They are usually a spring bouquet and this year was no different. They have been here since last Sunday after church and have really helped us celebrate this special day. The picture shows you how pretty they are! I just want to say that it has been 39 GREAT years and I look forward to many more! Happy Anniversary, Tom!

Happy Birthday!

2011-03-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today is my "Baby's" birthday!! How can he already be 29 years old? I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. It was a beautiful spring day when Tom and I went to the hospital. We sat in the car for quite a while putting stamps on the Bull Sale Catalogs for our Spring Bull sale that was coming up! We finally went inside the hospital in early afternoon, where I "labored" for several hours. Benton Lee Messersmith finally made his appearance at 5:30pm. In those days no one ever got to learn the sex of their babies ahead of time, so we didn't know until he was born that it was a boy until he arrived. His two big sisters were so very very proud to welcome him into our family, and they came that night to town to see him. Thank you Ben for making our family complete. You have grown to be a wonderful, responsible son, who makes us so proud. You have accomplished a lot in your 29 years! Congratulations on getting your "stamp" for your Civil Engineering license. We knew you could do it! You are a super father and husband, and we are so lucky that you chose Shelly to be your life partner! And.....what can we say about our precious Delaney? You are raising one awesome little girl! Thanks!! I hope you have a fabulous birthday! You deserve it!

Hello Spring!

2011-03-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks to be a beautiful first day of Spring here in western Nebraska! I know it isn't "official" until 5:00pm MDT, but I can't help it! I love this season and want it to get started! It is the season of renewal, new birth, and new faith. I love it! To celebrate I did a bit of Spring Cleaning yesterday. Not quite done, but really got a good start! It feels good and puts me in a totally different mood, especially from Friday's downer.

What will you do this first day of Spring? A gardener on TV says to "plant pansies" today! Wow! Not sure they would live here, as I am not sure we are finished with the "s" word, just yet!!

Have a GREAT day and Happy Spring!! WOO HOO!!

Tugging at my Heart

2011-03-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

I knew this day was coming, but I wasn't ready for it. I received a text from my daughter today telling me that "Cody was gone". Those words gave me such a lump. Cody was Matt and Allyson's 12 year old Jack Russell Terrier that had been Matt's "baby" since before they were married. While I never got real close to Cody, he was a part of our family and you are never really ready to tell a pet good-bye, even when they are getting old and having accidents and are just plain cranky. Cody will be missed. He was a good companion and friend to the boys. He was not a cudler, but was definitely Matt's dog. They had a very special relationship with each other and Matt enjoyed throwing the kong for Cody out in the yard. I even had some tears when I read Allyson's text. It has been harder than I thought and I am thinking of how difficult it must be for Matt. I just needed to share that I am having a rough day.

Just Some Good Advice for Everyone!

2011-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I don't often repost things that others have sent me through the years, but this one is a good one for everyone, so here I go:

**********

Wear sunscreen by Mary Schmich

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen
would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved
by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more
reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this
advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You
will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until
they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at
photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much
possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You
are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying
is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things
that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you
at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with
people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead,
sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's
only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank
statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with
your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22
what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most
interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them
when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children,
maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the
funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do,
don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it
or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument
you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living
room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel
ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone
for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your
past and the people most likely to stick with you in the
future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people
who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you
soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians
will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll
fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable,
politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust
fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when
either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it
will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over
the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

********

Pretty good, huh?? Two things really struck me when I re-read this tonight. One was:

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

The other one was:

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

I need to be much better with other people's hearts and REALLY need to work on that jealousy thing. These are really really hard for me, but I am going to try and be better at being "better". This is no excuse, but it can be so difficult to "keep going" when someone else is always getting the credit. I'd like to have my bucket filled, too, but I will try and be patient with that. Kind of like the old saying, "It is better to give than receive." (While I am working on that, please tell me why it hurts so much to never be on the receiving side of things.)

One last item I need to think about DAILY is this one: Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how. (Even the author needs some help with this one!) Why do we dwell on the insults instead of feeling blessed with the compliments? We are complicated beings and I struggle with trying to please everyone all the time. When will I learn that it can't be done?

I could comment on much more, but these were the highlights for me. Most of it was just plain good advice. At least for me!

A New Day, A New Week...

2011-03-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

But.....I had another one of "THOSE" nights! UGH! Near as I can figure, I got about three and a half hours of sleep! Even WITH Melatonin! I did get a lot done, though, because instead of "flopping" all around, I did get up and iron and work on the computer and get some things ready for today. However, I will be crashing this morning, I'm sure!

I forced myself to get up and go to the "Y" and will admit that I feel energized and ready to tackle the day. Am always glad that I can begin my day with that! It is a social outing for me as well, so I hate to admit it, but I do look forward to it!

Hoping that you had a great night's sleep and are ready to "get after it!" Have a good one!

Persistance!!

2011-03-13T16:09:00.001-07:00

I FINALLY figured out how to get rid of that awful white box that would show up on my blog! Just "rambling around" my site, I figured out how to get it deleted! I've always been kind of a chicken to "just dig in" and decided this afternoon to go for it, and it paid off! Now I want to get a whole new look. I am so sick of this "look", so I will begin to do some searching for a better layout and "cuter" look. I am open to any suggestions and would love some ideas of where to go.....does anyone have a site that they love to go to? Plus, how do I save what I have in case I "goof it up" and can go back to what is safe while I experiment? Thanks for any help you can give me!

A Snowy Sunday

2011-03-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

We just "sprung forward" with the clocks, and I got to sleep in a little, only to wake up to SNOW outside, again! It isn't bad, but I am ready for some sunshine and warm weather now. I'm done with snow for the season. While I love all four seasons, I am done with winter now! It can move on! I don't think it will be a long wait now, but these little snows remind us that winter wants to hang on just a little while longer. I did look at the forecast for this week and by Wednesday, we are supposed to be at 69°, so I will be patient! I am excited to start looking for some green grass and sprouts of new growth!

We are nearing the end of calving...I hope! On the downhill side of a long winter for my husband. He now has 244 babies that depend on him! Has about 40 left, but they will surely be stubborn, and we will not be finished for another month. Normally I go through a bit of a depression while he is calving, but I was able to break it up a couple of times with some short trips to Colorado and then for my winter break at school I went to Minneapolis to see Allyson and the kids. That sure helps me to not get too down. It is a long and dark time for me. Glad it is almost over.

My principal just posted several pages of important dates for the rest of the year and it looks like there won't be many "down days" from here on out. I will need to be very organized from here on out! But I do like to be busy, so that is good.

Have several things to look forward to. One is branding, another is the Husker Spring game for the kickoff to FOOTBALL!! We plan to see our friends, Jean and Craig, that week-end, and I can't wait. Jean called me yesterday and that sure reminded me that I need a "Jean fix". She is the best and I miss her right now. I am needing a good heart to heart with a close friend, and I know she is a good listener. She helps me keep into perspective the important things, and how to deal with the "junk" that comes my way from time to time. I am also looking forward to Easter and finally NETA in Omaha. It is always good to have a "carrot dangling" to keep me going! :)

Best get this day rolling! Have a good one!

Happy Birthday, Baby Sister!

2011-03-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

Today is my sister, Laura's, birthday. I wish more than anything that I could be in Scottsdale today to surprise her for her birthday, like she did for me! I hope she has a wonderful day! We shared a bedroom for many years, and also share "secrets" of our youth! ha ha! She is a very talented pianist and I LOVE to hear her play! So musical and so gifted! She has raised two wonderful sons and is a leader for District 8 in Scottsdale. I am very proud to call her my sister and friend. Happy Birthday, Leonard! Have a super day! You deserve it! Love you!

Lion or Lamb??

2011-02-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of February, which means that March will begin tomorrow. Will it come in like a LION or a LAMB?? I am thinking for us it will be a LAMB, which is just fine with me!!! Finally we are in for some nicer weather for a few days!! YEAH!

Want to give a shout out to my very good friend, Ed. Today is his birthday! He has been a friend for a long time and I cherish his friendship so much. We met at Dana College that summer when I began my adventure with TREK. We had so much fun together those 2 weeks! Happy Birthday, ED! You are a special friend and I hope your day is a GREAT one! You made a special trip to Lincoln to help me celebrate my 60th birthday. I wish so much that I could help you celebrate yours, too. Know that Jean and I are thinking of you!

Short week for me, as we will have our "winter break" this Thursday and Friday. Can't wait to see my grandsons!

Have a GREAT day!

"Lifetime" Week-End

2011-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

In between doing dishes, cleaning and doing laundry, I have had a week-end of "Lifetime" movies. Don't know why I got in this rut, but the week-end line-up had some very thought provoking movies on that I did watch. One in particular hit me especially after we had discussed this subject on Friday as we were working on Technology Curriculum. The movie I am referencing is "Odd Girl Out". This movie was about teen bullying in schools. It reinforced that teens really haven't changed, even since those many years ago when I was a teen myself. They just can to it in more ways now with technology. One girl in the movie had a LOT of power to influence many in her school. At her suggestion, the new girl who was brought into the "in crowd" was just as quickly sent packing when she "looked like" she was flirting with the leader's boyfriend. Within moments, photos, texts, and messages were sent throughout the school deflaming this new girl. Her "best friend" went along with all of the bullying, yet, acted "cool" to her friend. We see this all the time at school. Our administration deals with similar bullying almost daily. It seems that there is not much that anyone can do without "evidence". In the movie's case, the mother happened upon some texts on her daughter's computer which told the story, so she was able to print them and take them to the school. It was almost too late, as the new girl had been bullied so much that she cut her hair, and ended up taking a bottle of her mother's pills. When the new girl was near death, the administration did step in, but the students in question did not confess. I wonder how often we have students who reach the end of their ropes at schools because of bullying. I think it is a high number. I am saddened by that. At the end of the movie, the new girl was able to stand up to her "best friend" and let her know that she was just as bad as the others. I was glad to see that the crowd that had assembled clapped at this scene.

This movie really moved me. I am so sad that this goes on around us. I will certainly have my eyes opened differently between classes from now on. This movie will be on again tonight. If you haven't seen it, I suggest that you set your DVR or TVO to see it.

Need a New Look!

2011-02-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

I am tired of the look of my Blog! It is drab and not exciting....I have looked at many templates to spice it up, but I can't find one that just "works" for me. When I changed to this one, I have that funky white box that "just appeared" and won't go away! I want to start over, but not sure how to do it. I don't want to lose what I have, but really need a new look. I am not sure how to go about it, either. Any ideas?

I need a new look for myself, too! ha ha! That might be more difficult to achieve! I am growing my hair and it is all I can do not to cut it! I am just not happy with how it is looking! UGH!

Looks like we are in for some more SNOW tonight. I am tired of it, and it better not stick around too long. Next week is our "break" from winter and I have plans to go see my grandkids in Minneapolis, so I better not be disappointed!

Have a GREAT day!

One Little Comment

2011-02-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how one little comment can make a GREAT day turn into a downer? That happened to me today, so I am going to try my best not to let ME make that mistake to others. Why are we more sensitive some days? Normally THAT comment wouldn't bother me, but it tugged at my heart this morning. Darn it! I'm working hard to overcome the effects, so will work hard to greet people with a smile and try and spread some cheer! I hate it when I get down like that! I know it must have been yet another sleepless night that didn't help, so will try and get some much needed rest tonight.

Take care my friends.....enjoy YOUR day!

My Hillbilly Grin

2011-02-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

Oh My Gosh!!! Yesterday when I was finishing my lunch at a meeting in Grand Island, I needed to use a toothpick to get some meat from between my teeth, when all of a sudden my front tooth crown popped out into my hand. That was OK, as I was able to pop it back in and I called my dentist from GI and make an appointment to get it glued back in. I made it home safe WITH MY TOOTH and went to bed. This morning when I was brushing my teeth, it popped out again and I didn't know it.....and YES......it went down the drain! Now that is a problem! You see, I have parent-teacher conferences today and a 7:15am meeting with my staff! I look like a goof ball! What I thought was going to be just an easy "glue job", is now going to be way more involved and EXPENSIVE! This is not what I or my dentist needs today at all. He barely could fit me in to glue it back in...I sure hope we can work something out! Please say some prayers, as I really don't want to look like this for conferences! How embarrassing!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

All of us want to be LOVED on this day! I read some advice today about beginning with loving yourself first. Just give yourself two minutes each day. I'm sure you are thinking that you can't do too much in two minutes, but that simply isn't true. Here is a list of some things you can do to pamper yourself each day:

1. File your fingernails
2. Drink a glass of water
3. Eat a healthy snack
4. Freshen your make up and smile at yourself in the mirror
5. Make a cup of tea or my favorite Cafe Mocha
6. Pick up a magazine and read or look at the pictures
7. Listen to your favorite CD
8. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deep
9. Open up your personal journal and write
10. Make a list of things you are thankful for
11. Pet your cat or dog

When you feel pampered, you just might see some positive results! Try it!

I am very lucky to have a great husband! Tonight he brought me a dozen roses when he came in for dinner. We grilled steaks and enjoyed some time together. Happy Valentine's Day to my Valentine!

Thoughtful Gifts

2011-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

I haven't said much about Christmas, as I was just too sick to really enjoy it, but now that I am feeling much better, I want to tell you about a few of the gifts I received from my kids. They are so awesome! I so enjoyed Allyson and Matt's gift of being able to go to New York city with Allyson in mid December. I wouldn't have traded any of that trip except maybe that Allyson wouldn't have gotten snowed in. We had so much fun! I am really looking forward to taking Erin there on her 35th, too! The count down is ON! Erin and Shane know that we like to go out to eat when we come to Lincoln for the football games. We love to go to Misty's on Friday nights, cheer with the Husker cheer leaders, and sing with the band. It is a great time! We received a very nice gift card for eating at Misty's! This fall we are hoping that the couple that we visited in Seattle will be able to come to Lincoln, so we will be sure and take them to Misty's for a fun evening!! Ben and Shelly know that I have been wanting a special cook book written by the woman whose Bed and Breakfast I stayed at several summers ago when we had a Benton cousin reunion. Shelly took time to find this book for me and I so appreciate it! I am going to have fun trying to make several of the wonderful recipes we had when our cousins stayed at Snug Hollow in Irvine, Kentucky. I can't wait! I am also looking forward to watching the movies that the kids gave me, too. I love being snuggled in a blanket and watching a good movie. Shelly knows that I like a good chick flick, so I will enjoy them when Tom is calving! We are blessed with such great kids and appreciate them so much! Just had to share a few of the gifts we received!

Busy Week-end

2011-01-30T19:07:00.000-08:00

As the week-end comes to a close, I am looking fondly at the week-end happenings! Friday night Tom was able to come to town between calves and we went out to dinner, and ended up eating with good friends. It was a nice dinner and even though it was short, we enjoyed the opportunity to "catch up". What a fun surprise to run into them!!

Saturday started with my usual phone call from my son-in-law. I love it when he calls on Saturday morning. Also talked to Ben and Erin which is fun to hear their happenings. Had to do some errands: grocery shopping and making a special dessert to be served at a dessert bar for a meeting at 1:00pm. It was such a nice nice event! The decorations were very tasteful and cute, and our chapter did a wonderful job of paying tribute to our Founders. I had a part in the program and I was amazed at the talent of the committee that got everything together! We have a special group of women who worked hard to make Founder's Day extra special. We all heard lots of positive comments!

Saturday evening, Tom came to town long enough to eat dinner. Since the weather was nice, we grilled. I hate it that Tom can't stay in town for a while. He has only been calving for a week and already has 29 babies! He has been so busy.

I went to church by myself today, but sat with Tom's folks and friends. I have to say that the scripture readings were "talking to me" about making the world a better place and leaving a positive mark. Glad I went. There was a carry in pot luck dinner after church, but I didn't stay. I had left overs at home. Watched a couple of movies while I "putzed" around the house. Made a dinner for Tom for tomorrow and talked to Ben while I cooked.

I am pretty much caught up on laundry, so that feels good, too. I have a meeting in Kearney this week, so hopefully I can see Donaleen while there. It is always hard to plan, as I am not on my own schedule while there for the PowerSchool meetings.

Our weather is supposed to be changing, with very cold wind chills and snow. I just hope it warms up for traveling. I have a lot of work to get done before I head to Kearney, so will head to bed early.

Not an exciting week-end to report, but I am satisfied. Have a good one, blogger buddies!!!

When Is Enough, Enough?

2011-01-28T08:07:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel that some people talk out of two sides of their mouths? Do you ever feel that some people just give you "lip service" to your face, but just aren't sincere behind your back? How do you know that you have taken it ENOUGH? What do you do about it? I am a people pleaser beyond belief, and when I feel that I haven't "pleased" someone, even myself, I feel so bad! I want to make it right. (That is the tricky part, and I'm not sure what to do about it.) I have so many wonderful people in my life right now, but I have a couple who are not in my corner, really. I don't know how to make it better, either. It is lonely, when you think you have invested a lot of energy and time into a relationship only to find that they aren't who they say they are! I am going to take some steps back and look at this and re-evaluate. Is it worth it? Sleepless nights and chest pains worrying about it are NOT worth it!

I have tried really hard this week to make sure that I have given the people around me some positive affirmations on what they are doing with their jobs...have not gotten any in return, even though I have been working my tail off! Doesn't make you feel too positive, does it? Maybe it just takes time...so I will keep trying. I just can't seem to fit in anywhere.

I guess what I am saying that I have reached my "enough" stage. Time to move on!!! I will focus on those who I know who care. Thanks for listening.

Will I ever Reach 500??

2011-01-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! I read several blogs each day, but one in particular caught my eye this morning. The author just posted her 500th post!!! She is an AWESOME writer and I love to stop by her page each day. I am so in awe of how easy it is for her to put something down on the page. I always learn something about myself when I read her blog! I congratulate her for being so dedicated and want to thank her for continuing to share with those of us who follow her! I wish her a GREAT day! Thanks, my blogging friend!

Western Nebraska Week-end!

2011-01-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Nebraska doesn't get to have too many "shout outs" for things, but this week-end proved that Nebraska has some special people to be proud of, and even more...they were all from the western part of the state! How fun!

Jordan Hooper, from Alliance, is a starter for the Lady Husker Basketball team. She grew up on a ranch just east of our ranch. She is a super person inside and out and we are all proud to watch her play for the Huskers and makes us all proud any time she is on the court. She is a freshman and is becoming quite a star! Go Jordan!

Danny Woodhead, from North Platte, plays for New England, and has made Nebraskan's proud to watch him play football in the pros. He attended Chadron State College and is now one of the few who get to play pro football. His team lost yesterday in their quest to move towards the Super Bowl, but it is still fun to watch him play. Keep an eye on Danny in the future!

Lastly, Nebraska had another Western Nebraska "star" this week-end...the new Miss America from the Scottsbluff/Gering area!! She made us all proud when they crowned her as the next woman to represent America as Miss America. Not only is she from Western Nebraska, but from the town just 60 miles from us! It was fun to watch her compete Saturday night and as she kept advancing, made it all the more exciting. She is a very poised 17 year old, the youngest to win the crown! She can really play the piano! Wow! Congratulations, Teresa Scanlan, you are very deserving!

Yep, pretty good week-end for Western Nebraska! There is no place like Nebraska!

Is It Really The New Year?

2011-01-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

How can the calendar say that it is January 16, when it was just December YESTERDAY?? I knew I could be lazy, but WOW, I haven't been on line since LAST YEAR?? What is wrong with that picture?

Anyway....Happy New Year to everyone! Life has been pretty busy since 2011 hit the calendar! I will try and get back into a regular blog sync soon! I see that I posted the same number of blogs for each of the past two years. My goal is to do more than that this year!

I don't normally make "New Year's Resolutions" as I can't seem to keep them, but I will make a goal to strive for instead...weed out some unnecessary "stuff" in this house. While I am not even close to the HOARDERS I hear about on TV, I really can do better! I am usually more of a "neat freak", but have really let things go. So this is it! I need to downsize a bunch! There you have it in writing...I best get busy! Wish the weather was good enough to have a garage sale right now, because I am in the mood to do it NOW. By the time the weather is nice enough, hope I still have the energy! ha ha!

Well, I will stop by again soon....just wanted you to know that I am still around!

Have a GREAT day!

Sad News

2010-12-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

My cousin's husband died this afternoon. He was 62. He leaves a wife and 4 daughters. Very sad. I wish I were closer so I could hug her. This is going to be a very difficult week for her. Please say some prayers for strength.

Blessings Counted

2010-12-27T06:27:00.001-08:00

I haven't blogged in a very long time, but there is a reason. Allyson and I headed to The Big Apple just after my last post. At least I did. She got caught in a terrible snowstorm in Minneapolis and ended up spending the night in the Minneapolis airport to wait it out. I made it to NYC without incident and was there for a day and a half before she arrived. I was rather stranded, as I didn't have any idea where I was and was somewhat a chicken to venture too far from the hotel alone. Once she finally arrived, we packed into the remaining two and a half days what we had planned to do in three and a half. Need I say we were busy? We saw and did so much! It was so fun to see the lights of Manhattan, attend THREE Broadway shows, tour the city on a bus, go to the Top of the Rock in pouring rain, see Rockefeller Center and the skating rink, eat at several wonderful restaurants, buzz through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, shop at FAO Schwartz, and take the carriage ride through Central Park. The weather was pretty chilly while we were there, but we were dressed for it. I can't say what was my favorite part, because it all was so wonderful, but I will say that our main reason to go to the MET was to see Ringo Starr's gold-plated drum that my very own Uncle Dick had given him on the Beatles' first tour of the United States. Seeing the drum was fabulous, but what really made it for me was the sign next to the drum which had my Uncle's photo on it! Wow! That was something! The Broadway shows we saw were all very different, but each was very good. We saw the Rockettes' Christmas Show, the show Rain, a group of Beatles impersonators, and Promises, Promises, with Shawn Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. I am amazed at the talent we witnessed! We were on the run the whole time, which brings me to why I am just now getting this posted.

I came home with the dreaded "cough" I seem to get at least once a year. I didn't know, however, that it was not just a "cough". I have been DOWN ever since. My body just said enough is enough. I tried to go back to school one day, but that was a mistake, and finally went to the doctor a week ago. I had a sinus infection and bronchitis and was very close to pneumonia. So our plans for Christmas changed drastically. We stayed here and I have been VERY QUIET ever since. Today is the first day I can actually say that I feel better and that I have turned the corner. That bug kicked my butt! Wow! As much as I wanted to go to Minneapolis to see Allyson and family, it is good that we did not. I hate to admit that. I didn't even go to Tom's folks' Christmas Day. I didn't dare go and give this to them. I didn't really mind. I watched a lot of movies and just vegged. It was OK. As a result of this bug, I did not get my Christmas Cards sent. Maybe I will get some sent this week. My shopping ended up being a lot of gift cards. It just couldn't be helped. We will mail Allyson's family gifts today. We were able to see Erin and Shane on Christmas Eve,and look forward to seeing Ben, Shelly, and Delaney this week-end, if the weather cooperates.

None of this seems so important when I think about my poor cousin Kathy, whose husband, Gary, is hanging on to life in Lexington, Kentucky at this moment. He had a severe heart attack last Monday and is very critical. He is waiting for a heart transplant, but is very ill. We have all been praying for Kathy and her family and stay close to the phone and e-mail for updates. I can't imagine what she has been going through. So very sad. My other cousin, Susan, Kathy's sister, has a son who is getting married this Friday, so this has surely put a damper on their celebrations. I wish I could be there with all of them. Kathy is my cousin I am closest to in age and we have always had a special relationship. I pray for strength for Kathy each day.

We are expecting Tom's brother and wife to arrive tomorrow some time, so I need to get busy and get some things done. While I didn't get to wish you all a Merry Christmas before now, I hope that you were able to enjoy the day with family and friends. Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday To My First Born!!

2010-12-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have my first baby! Allyson Louise was born on December 9, a very special day.....my parents' 30th Wedding Anniversary. It was the most special phone call to make to tell my parents that they would have to come to Alliance to "see" their gift! All 7 pounds of her! She is named mostly after my mother, whose name was Alice Louise. It was a perfect name for this sweet sweet baby. She was our Christmas gift that year! I had been to a macrame class the night before when that was all "the rage". Of course I was making "plant hangers" for everyone that year for gifts! Unfortunately I didn't get them all done!

Allyson was the first grandchild on my husband's side and she was held and passed around all Christmas day, just like a little "dolly". Grandma Messersmith bought her a beautiful green Christmas dress and she looked so sweet. She was the second grand child on the Schory side, but the first GIRL!! She has grown to be a beautiful woman, wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She is so smart she puts me to shame! I am so proud to call her my daughter and friend. She is the most fantastic writer and has a fabulous mind for learning. We are soooooooo blessed! She is a Doctor of Pharmacy, and has even consulted with my doctor about some of my medications, since I am a "tough case" to deal with!! She has given us two of the cutest grandsons that mean more to me than you will ever know and I see so many of Allyson's talents within each of them already! I do think that Allyson has a lot of me in her, poor thing....first my perfectionism, and secondly, my procrastination tendencies.

Allyson and I will be celebrating her birthday together this week in New York City. It is our gift to each other for our milestone birthdays. Neither of us has been to The Big Apple, so we will be "green horns" there together. I just hope we don't get lost or mugged!! We have plans to see several Broadway shows and do some sight seeing. I think it will prove to be a wonderful time for us to be alone and have some fun together. She deserves this trip and I am honored that she asked me to go with her! Happy, Happy Birthday, my Allyson!

Until next time.....

Dallas Was FUN!

2010-12-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Dallas was one of the best! Traveling with this "Husker Bunch" is always fun, and this time was no different. I need to post some pictures, and will when I get them downloaded from the camera. We were able to tour the Cowboy Stadium, which was off the charts! Even got on TV as we were leaving the stadium!! (We were on the 10:00pm news in Omaha!) Experienced a piano bar, with lots of laughs, and spent Saturday at a FUN place near the stadium waiting for the "big game". Our Huskers were on fire the first quarter and then pretty much handed the game to Oklahoma after that. We had a glimmer of hope late in the fourth quarter, but it just didn't happen. We lost our last Big XII game to Oklahoma 23-20. It still was a wonderful experience, and I am so glad we went. What an end to a great run for us! This ended our fall football following for this season. We have been blessed to attend NINE games this season! Wow! I wonder how many miles we traveled?? I'd do it again if I could, too! We are already making plans for traveling next season. Look out, Big Ten, here we come!

I Did It!!!

2010-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

I made it through the school day without saying one negative thing! I still feel some tension, but I know it is not my fault, so I have to let it go. It was a much better day and I got so much accomplished because I had a better attitude!!! Almost a cleansing event! My heart still aches, though, because I don't like to have people upset with me, especially those who I care so much about. I will continue to work on this. I wonder if they know how much they have hurt me? Probably not. I can get through it....what is that saying?? One Day at A Time! I still believe that Love is God's greatest gift. I am determined to show that love to those who ask for it. It may take a while to "get back to normal", but I am patient. Friendships that are deep will endure a storm or two.

Enough of all of that! I am ready to begin a fabulous week-end and will not let any sadness ruin it! I am packed and ready to "Go Big Red"! I can't wait to see this fabulous stadium in Dallas! I will be totally shelled on Monday, but I know it will be worth it! It is supposed to be warm there this week-end, which will really get everyone pumped!

Watch for me on TV......I'll be wearing RED!! :)

This and That...

2010-12-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

How can it already be December 1? Wasn't it just the beginning of school just the other day? I just can't believe that time seems to fly! When I was young, I wanted time to slip by quickly so "I could get my driver's license", or "vote for the first time" or "get married" or "have my first baby". But now that I am growing older, I want time to slow down a little. My goodness, I sure don't have the energy to get much done at night when I get home from school! Not sure I will even decorate for Christmas at all this year. We won't be here and none of our kids will be home, so it seems kind of pointless. (I will probably re-evaluate that statement after we get back next week!)

My greatest wish for December is for "the reason for the season" to spread and I live my life accordingly. It sure seems like people at work have been on edge lately. I am going to try extra hard not to say anything negative to anyone in hopes to spread some positive energy! I think there is some truth in that old saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Maybe it is because I am older now, but I don't think that people used to be this crabby!! I surely don't want to turn into a crabby old person, so I am thinking positively!

I work with several people who are so difficult to read some days! Seems like anything I do isn't quite right in their eyes. I want that to change! I told someone today that we have too many Chiefs at school, so I guess I will just become a worker bee and not try to be a Chief! Hopefully that will help!

Today was national "pay it forward" day and I talked about this with my advisory group. They really came up with some neat ideas of ways to "pay it forward" to others that don't cost money. We will be working on this for our next meeting. I should have done more, but I surprised my advisees with cookies today. I only have nine in my group and I try and touch bases with them each day in the lunchroom. Sometimes I miss a few, but it is wonderful to see the way our little "family" has grown since the beginning of the year. I have a great bunch of kids!! They want to draw a name on one of the "trees" downtown for someone who is lonely and do something special for them.

As I go through December, help me to remember that Love is the greatest gift! I am so weary from negative energy. I am leaving that behind me!

Thinking About Taking Some Time Off

2010-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

Been in a rut sort of, lately, and wondering if anyone really cares whether I Blog or not. So maybe I just need to take some time off and see how it goes. I will continue to read the blogs I follow, but I haven't had much to say so guess I need to hang it up. Even when I post on FaceBook, I don't get many comments, so guess I am invisible to those who I thought were my friends. I will continue to journal, however, as that is healthy for me. Even gave some thought of starting a new blog with a new address. Maybe for my trip to New York. It will be a way for me to remember what Allyson and I did together. We would be the only ones who would really like to read it anyway. Not sure.

I have had such an outstanding fall and have really enjoyed all I have done with my wonderful husband. I don't say it enough how LUCKY I am!! What an awesome guy I have! We have three more trips planned before we hang up the sign for the New Year. What a year it has been! I wonder if this is what retirement will be like. I LIKE spending time with Tom! I hope it is like this. Maybe not the non-stop traveling we have done all fall, but I hope we get to do some of it.

Just a few thoughts about our Thanksgiving week-end, and then I will sign off......we had the BEST time! Our daughter was a superb hostess and we ate like royalty! Everyone helped fix our meal and it was a GREAT day! We got to spoil Delaney all by ourselves and it was heavenly. Delaney even got to attend her first Husker game on Friday. She even lasted the whole game, too.....and slept for most of the second half. It was chilly, but fun! Then we got to spoil Evan and Henry for part of Saturday and a little bit on Sunday before we all took off for home. Evan is growing up right before our eyes!! He is stretching up, losing his "baby fat" and is SO SMART! Henry is still being a little stinker and won't walk! He is 16 months old and is getting there, but knows that crawling is so fast, he just would rather get around that way. I have to remember that he was a preemie, too, so he won't do everything like others do, at least right now. I do think he will be off and running once he makes his mind up. He is our little blond and so sweet! Wow! I am known as "Grandma Red" to my grandkids, and it is so cute when they say it! It started with Evan because I always wear red nail polish and because I am a Big Red Fan and I also love the color red, so it has stuck.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with family is what it is all about. We are truly so blessed with such a wonderful family. It is heartwarming to see our own children show their love for each of their siblings. I know it meant as much to them to be together as it did to us to have them all with us!

Take care and have a GREAT day!

Slowing Things Down

2010-11-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

We have been on the go so much lately that it will feel good to stay home this week-end and take things a little slower for a change. I haven't felt up to par for several days, so I think all of my "going" caught up with me and this is a sign that I need to slow down and recharge. I was able to get a few chores done around the house tonight and it feels so good to get on top of that a little. Will try to tackle the rest in the morning. I went to bed earlier, but had to get up when I was still awake even after an hour. My stomach is just upset for some reason, so will do a quick post and try it again in a bit.

We had several invitations for Husker Watch parties tomorrow, but will host our old "Cornie Club" one last time before one of our original couples moves in several weeks. This group has gotten together for the past 15 years or so to watch our Huskers play whenever they are on TV and we are all in town. Tom and I haven't been as active in this group since we have our own season tickets now, so it is a treat to all be together one more time before the group gets smaller. Lots of good memories together.

It is good that I am having this shindig tomorrow so I can give the old house a lick and a promise and hopefully get organized a little before Thanksgiving.

This will be a bitter sweet week for our family as we celebrate what we are thankful for. This week marks the birthday anniversaries for Tom's sister, who died last year from ovarian cancer, as well as Karen's husband, Bob. We were blessed to have Karen for her 56 years. She brought so much happiness to all our lives, and we are glad that Bob will celebrate Thanksgiving with his children in Kansas this week. we hope to see them in Lincoln for the Husker game.

For our family, we are so excited that we will celebrate Thanksgiving with two of our three children in Lincoln, but then also get to see our third child and family on Saturday as they travel back to MN from Hastings. Of course the extra bonus will be to see all three grandchildren, as well!! Ben, Shelly, and Delaney will attend the Husker vs. Colorado game with us. Hope the weather isn't too cold.

As you know we have had Husker Fever this fall and have been very lucky to be able to attend many games. We just received word that we have our tickets for the Big XII Championship game in Dallas in two weeks. It should be a fun week-end with the same gang that we went to Ames with several weeks ago.

Hope you have a wonderful Saturday! Go Big Red!

Social Network

2010-10-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

I went to see Social Network last night. Interesting movie. Are you on FaceBook? I am, and I loved the line in the movie when he said, "It is terribly addicting." THAT is the truth! The actor who played Mark Zuckerberg was amazing! I don't know how he learned all of his lines. I think I want to see it again, as I know I missed a lot of one-liners because he talked so fast.
My network is as big as I want it to be. In fact, I think at some point I would like to downsize a little. I found it interesting that my sister just posted that same fact that after the election she is going to do just that. She has used FaceBook to get the word out for the election, but she needs a break. While I do enjoy the connection to so many friends of my life, I don't hear from all of them like I would like. Maybe after I retire, I will make sure I connect with EVERY ONE of them with a PERSONAL message! I used to be a huge letter writer, so hmmmmm that is something to think about!

It Finally Happened

2010-10-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Our weather has sure changed this week! A LOT of wind, wind, wind!! Yesterday it even SNOWED, too. Just flurries, but at one point it was really coming down. I am not ready for the snow and cold just yet! Maybe it was a "teaser" and it won't actually settle in until closer to Christmas. At least I am hoping so! I sure have enjoyed our fall!

Have a GREAT day! Go Huskers! Headed to Lincoln early tomorrow!

Day to Day.....Ho Hummmmm

2010-10-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

I never have anything clever or witty to say. Guess my life is just rolling along. I will say that instead of going to the "Y" this morning, I got up and CLEANED. This place needed that a LOT more than I needed a workout this morning, that's for sure! (Besides, didn't I get a tiny workout with the bending and scrubbing I did???) And...I feel better about a few things because of it.

Got the bathroom cleaned, the kitchen almost done, except for the floor, laundry started and the bed stripped. Not bad for me! We have been on the go so much that I have really let a few things slide...now I just wish I had all of my thank you notes written. That is today's goal. Still have other "jobs" to do, but I do feel better about what I DID get done!

Have a good day and remember it is hump day! Can't wait for our Fall Break on Friday!

I just realized that this is my first post about cleaning....what does that say about me? I need to change that image! YIKES!

Time to Catch My Breath!

2010-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been full and filled with activity. It is now time to "catch my breath" and do a little reflecting.

I attended a conference in Kearney which proved to be good for many reasons. I traveled with two of my favorite working colleagues. We had so much fun! I am blessed to work with such smart people. Tuesday morning was the fall Tech Director's meeting on the UNK University campus. I always enjoy seeing my Tech buddies, so I was really looking forward to attending. I don't usually offer much to the conversation, but sure do like hearing what is going on around the state with Technology.

That afternoon we left that meeting so we could attend a special pre-conference session on how to use the new iPad. Since I am trying to learn all I can about my own iPad, I was especially interested in taking part of that session. I learned several new tricks and apps for my iPad, so I feel that it was a success for me.

On Wednesday we attended the NCSB meeting at the Holiday Inn. This conference is for School Board members and Administration, along with Tech personnel. Again, it was worth it for me to attend.

Upon returning home, the next day was especially busy with preparations for Parent/Teacher conferences. I had to store the grades and then print the report cards for each Advisory group. Phewwwwww! I made it before the lunch break. That evening I had 100% attendance with all of my Advisory students. I was a little nervous, but it ended up being a very positive experience!

At noon on Friday we headed yet again for Lincoln and the Husker game against Texas. I knew that Allyson and family would be at Erin's when we got there, but I was surprised again by my family, when Erin came outside to greet us carrying Delaney from Denver! It was so much fun to have Ben, Shelly, and Delaney join us for another birthday celebration that week-end. Except for the loss to Texas, the whole week-end was so much fun, including family dinner together Friday night, a birthday party at Valentino's for lunch before the game, and dinner at a fun Mexican restaurant with all three of my grandkids!! That is HEAVEN!!! On the way home, we met Ben, Shelly, and Delaney in Grand Island for lunch, which was an extra bonus for me!

Allyson was the instigator for the birthday party, and I LOVED it! She had sent invitations to some of my dear, dear friends who have moved away from Alliance. I was so pleased to see Brenda, and Rock and Anna! In addition, my close friends Jean and Ed came. We have such a great history together!! Plus several nieces and Allyson's in laws and Evan and Henry's other cousins. We had a GREAT time and I got some fun fun gifts. My 60th birthday has really been fun!!

(Just a side note....we ran into the people we met in Seattle at a tailgate party when we went for the Washington game when we were at dinner after the game on Saturday. He had played for Nebraska on the 1970 Championship team and was being honored at the game. Small world, huh?)

We made it home from Lincoln in time for me to do several loads of laundry and begin to REPACK! I was headed to Phoenix for the T + L Conference. Was at school on Monday and attended a meeting Monday evening, getting home in time to pack my suitcase. We left EARLY on Tuesday and got home on Friday afternoon. I attended this same conference last year in Denver, but was not feeling well, since I had only been home from shoulder surgery for 3 weeks at the time, so was excited to actually experience this conference this time. I traveled with 7 others from our district and we met my principal in the Phoenix airport. We rode the Light rail, a new experience for me. The conference was very good, but not well attended. That makes me sad, as I know only too well how much effort is put into putting on a conference. As it turns out, this is the last year for this conference as it is now, so it will take on a new look in the future, with some smaller area sites. Here is a picture of a delicious dessert we had at one of the luncheons at the conference. It was AMAZING!!
(Another side note...we ran into a former teacher from Alliance at the airport in Denver before we left for Phoenix and...as we were waiting to board our plane in Phoenix to return to Denver, Tom's cousin and wife, Chuck and Judy, got off our plane! Another small world!)

We went to a Husker watch party yesterday, which is always how I like to spend my Saturdays if I am not AT the game. The game against Oklahoma State was filled with scoring and an exciting game to watch. And the results were in our favor, so that was GREAT!! We will travel to Lincoln this week-end for the Missouri game, which won't be an easy game at all. In fact I am a little nervous about it!

It will be a short week. We have our fall break on Friday! Can't wait!

Have a GREAT week, everyone! Fall continues to be beautiful, but I do hear that WIND is in the forecast.....not fun!

Fall Favorites

2010-10-10T06:57:00.001-07:00

What is it about fall that makes us smile? I have a few reasons:

° Gentle breezes causing leaves to fall slowly to the ground

° Nature's beautiful colors of reds, oranges, golds, and yellows

° The smell of baked items, especially those that have cinnamon in them

° Sunny, warm days and cool nights

° Sleeping with the windows open at night

° Husker football games and tailgates

° Cook outs with friends

° Halloween...decorations and candy!!

° Family dinners, especially Thanksgiving

Catching Up

2010-10-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? Life has been busy, busy, busy...but that is how I like it! I work best under pressure...always have, even though I'd rather be more organized!

I cannot tell you how much has happened this last three weeks! It all began the day before we were to leave for Seattle and the Husker game. A very sad thing, actually. Not sad like a death, but sad that someone so young is already in so much trouble. You see, I had my cell phone stolen from me at school. It happened at lunch when I was working the computer. It was gone in a flash and I was just sick. My cell phone is my life. It is my little personal computer. I keep all kinds of information in my cell phone, so I don't have to carry lots of extra papers in my purse. It is my organizer, not to mention my total means of communication. Not just with phone calls, but e-mail, and FaceBook, GPS, Weather, FAMILY PHOTOS, etc. Once I realized that my phone was gone, of course I panicked. I KNEW it was taken by a 5th or 6th grader because it happened when that group was in the lunchroom. We immediately began to call my phone, hoping to make it ring, but had no luck. Again, I have to tell you I was just sick! I had just entered phone numbers of people who were expecting me to call them while I was in Seattle, made notes of places to meet people and where to go and eat, etc. (A big lesson that you need a back up plan!) Anyway, eventually we called the School Resource Officer (SRO) and he got involved. I was asked by one gal at school if my GPS Locator was activated, and it was, so I pulled up my Google Homepage and we could see that my phone was still in the building. At least until the bell rang...then we watched my phone be driven all over town, finally stopping at a trailer park on the west side of town. We could not tell "exactly" where it was, but an area. The SRO sent squad cars to that area and they even went to several trailers to ask if they could look for the phone. Nothing came forth. Now I was getting mad, and was still sick. I ended up admitting that we wouldn't get it back before we left for Seattle. So I had to find a car charger for my husband's "antique" phone. As we drove to Denver, I madly input important numbers from the 13 page list that the Verizon people were able to get for me from my Google page (thank heavens!). While we were in the Denver airport waiting to take off I talked to the SRO several times and again to Verizon giving each of them permission to talk to each other and was so grateful that the SRO was not giving up the search. We knew that by now my phone was dead, but if they could charge it, there was hope. I didn't talk to anyone again until Sunday as we were in the Seattle airport. Someone had charged my phone and had actually changed my picture to a young man's picture. I had alerted several people who "follow" me, to keep an eye on my phone and my friend, Pat, called to tell me this, so now we had some "hope". Nothing happened until Monday when I returned to school. We blew up the picture from my Google Website and the SRO did some investigating, but taking the picture to one of the elementary buildings, hoping to get an ID. Nothing happened. So then the SRO decided to talk to another young man in our building to see if he knew who the picture was, and BINGO!! He knew who he was and also identified him as the brother of a 5th grader in our building. Once the SRO got that confirmation, he was able to talk to the girl and she confessed. They called the home where the mother had to return the call and she was not too bright. She returned the call USING MY PHONE!!! She brought the phone in and it was returned to me later that afternoon. What a relief! They hadn't done too much to the phone, so I was grateful for that. No pictures were deleted, and they did a few searches, so nothing major. The case had been taken apart and they "lost" the front. The SRO wanted to know what I wanted to do about all of this and I told him I wanted to press charges. What kind of message would we be sending if this little girl didn't learn a valuable lesson? I see this all the time at school. It is so sad! Of course because she is so young, not much will probably be done, but already in the three weeks since this event, she has been in a lot of trouble. She is going down a very dangerous road, and I fear that she will soon be sent away. How sad! She is only 10!! It is out of my hands, now, so we shall see what happens.

Phew! That was a lot to say! Now on to something more fun! I didn't let the "phone incident" ruin my trip to Seattle. We had such a fun visit with our college friends. We talked non-stop (I know that is hard to imagine with me!), and getting a word in was sometimes hard! Both Jon and Judy are talkers, too! We had a GREAT time seeing some of the sites, attending the Husker pep rally, tailgates in the parking lot, fun eating places, and of course THE GAME!! It rained a lot while we were there, but not when it counted. The game weather couldn't have been better! It was actually HOT! That stadium is LOUD and we sat in the end zone with all of the other Husker fans. There was a lot of RED there! It was so fun! We were sad to leave, but had a wonderful time.

We went to Lincoln the next week-end for Homecoming. I started my birth week celebrations there with my super good friend Jean and her husband Craig. We spent the entire day together, starting with breakfast, then some shopping, a GREAT lunch at Wilderness Ridge, and then some tailgates and drinks together after the game. It was wonderful! I even ran into my sister-in-law while shopping and later at a tailgate. The whole week-end was perfect!

I think you know that I was having trouble with the 6-0 birthday. I really don't know why. As it turned out, it wasn't difficult. My birthday was September 30. A Thursday. I began my day with opening a gift from my husband and my daughter. Then I went to breakfast (my favorite meal of the day) with three of my favorite people. My day at school was filled with many birthday cards, gifts and well wishes. The kids even sang to me in the lunchroom. that night, my husband had planned a surprise party for me at a local pizza place with our football group and three other couples. It was really nice and Tom even had a cake made for me, in RED frosting with white letters: Happy 60th Birthday, Grandma Red!". After that we went to friends to "party a little longer" and then home. I cannot believe how many cards I received in the mail. I even got one from the NETA Board, which meant so much! I am still receiving cards a week later. I am filled with love! Thank you everyone, for making my 60th birthday so wonderful!

I THOUGHT my birthday celebrations were OVER, but it continued over the week-end! I had the surprise of my life when my two sisters (from Scottsdale, AZ and Denver, CO) rang the doorbell on Friday afternoon when I got home from school. I didn't even know what to say! I was in shock! It was such an awesome surprise! We went out for dinner in Hay Springs and spent the whole week-end together.....Bloody Mary's on Saturday afternoon together and we toured the area. It wasn't anything fancy, but we sure had fun! We even went to a movie together Saturday night, just like we do when we are in Scottsdale together. Thank you, Chryse and Laura for making my birthday extra special!!!!

Here is a picture of the three of us on the porch right after my sisters arrived. (of course I'm crying!)

Well, my birthday continues, when I arrive in Lincoln next week-end for the Texas game. My daughter has planned a get together at Valentino's for people at that end of the state to have lunch with me. How very thoughtful! I don't know how many she has invited, but even if it is just family, that is OK. I know that it will include several of my Tech Buddies. Can't wait!

I have one more birthday celebration that will be coming in December.....it will be totally awesome.....but I am saving that "announcement" for later. It is a BIGGIE!

I have been totally spoiled. It has made getting older not so difficult. I have many amazing friends and am very blessed with the best family.

Now I need to turn my attention to others and make their lives better. Today I will attend the funeral of a dear friend. I sang in the church choir with her for many years and is the mother of our secretary.

Thanks for listening to a rather lengthy post! I just haven't had time to even post a word! Have a GREAT week-end, everyone. I love this fall weather. It is my favorite time of the year!

End Of a Decade

2010-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

I will make it.....I know it! Time to move forward and enjoy all that lies ahead.

Fall Colors Are Coming!

2010-09-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season! I love the smell of the air when I get home from the Y in the mornings! It gets me excited for the day. We made a trip to Lincoln for the game over the week-end and I saw a few trees turning, so the beautiful colors that fall brings are coming! When we were in Seattle last week-end there were several BEAUTIFUL trees showing their REDS already......I love it! Happy Fall, everyone!

Let Me Share Your Pain

2010-09-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

My heart aches when a friend is struggling. I want to take their sadness away for them. I don't think they really realize how much I care that they are so sad. I just want them to know that I am here for them and I feel their pain, too. Hang in there, things will get better. My friend, you mean a lot to me. I am here for you!

The Countdown is ON!!!

2010-09-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

It is always GREAT to finish a busy week with a fun week-end! Since we are usually on our way to a Husker game on Fridays, this week we decided to sit this one out to save up for next week's game. (More on that later.) So.....we decided to host the watch party at our house this time. I needed SOMETHING to push me to do a little cleaning!! ha ha! Anyway, the plan was for me to come home from school on Friday and CLEAN! I absolutely LOVE a clean house, but can be easily distracted to get the job done. School has been pretty intense and I have really let things go, so when I said I'd have the "watch" party, I knew I had to get down to business. We only had a half a day with kids on Friday, but had the afternoon full of a very boring inservice, so I was TIRED before I got home. I just HAD to take a small nap. THEN the phone rang and it was our friends who were coming to the "watch" party, wanting to know if we wanted to go out for pizza a beer. Remember when I said I can be easily distracted? Well, that's all it took. When Tom got to town, we headed to the pizza place and had a super fun evening and I didn't get any cleaning done! (Not too surprising, if you really know me!! Ha ha!) So yesterday I KNEW I had to get up and get going. I had an 8:00am pedicure appointment, so I was up EARLY and gave things a "lick and a promise" and headed to my appointment and the grocery store, getting home with a half an hour to prepare food for the "party". Can't believe I pulled it off! We had a fantastic day!! It ended up being just four of us, but we did have fun! Nothing like a Bloody Mary at 10:00 in the morning! The Huskers won, but it wasn't the best game. When it was over all four of us took naps!!! If you walked by our house your would have definitely heard some snoring!! We all came to life at about the same time, and continued to enjoy the evening together watching more football, playing with my iPad, and looking at some funny stuff on You Tube. Even though the weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside and we were inside, we had a fun day together! Thanks, Husker fans! We sure had a GREAT day with you!

Now for the countdown.....we are headed to Seattle this week and we can't wait! We called our college buddies last night and I KNOW we will have so much fun while catching up with them. When the four of us were in college we went to the Colorado migration game together from Lincoln and we are STILL talking about how much fun that was! I need to get busy and think about what I am going to pack for this trip. The forecast looks to be sort of cool and rainy so we need to be prepared. (While I write this, I am sitting here drinking some of the coffee that Ben and Shelly brought me from their trip to Seattle this summer. They got it at the first Starbucks. It is very good!) I am also looking forward to touching bases with my good friend from High School who just happens to turn 60 the day of the game next Saturday. We will be sitting one section away from each other during the game, so we will definitely touch bases with each other. I am hearing of more and more people I know who are going to the game, so the excitement is building. Other college friends from Broken Bow will also be attending and even staying in the same suburb we will be! How fun is that?

We will land in Seattle at 2:00pm on Thursday, and will have the afternoon to do some things by ourselves before we meet up with our "host couple", so we will do the touristy things at that time. Both Jon and Judy have taken Friday off for us and it will be nonstop going while we will be there. Tom is in for some fun, that's for sure!

Well, I've rambled on and on way too much! I am just so excited! At a later posting, I will have to share what my daughter is giving me for my birthday.......a total DREAM COME TRUE!!!!! Stay tuned!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and you get to enjoy this absolutely beautiful day that is peaking its head out for us here in Western Nebraska!

Reflections

2010-08-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

Since school has begun, my days seem to be so busy that I don't have much time to blog, so I will just make a few statements to bring you up to speed.

° School has been going well, but it is HOT in my room!!!
° Some days I am totally overwhelmed, and my head just spins.
° I work with some VERY SMART people.
° I am dog-tired when I get home at night.
° I am so happy when I have a good night's sleep!
° Spent a fun week-end with good friends in Deadwood, SD. I want a classic car!!!
° Have had my feelings hurt several times in the last week, but I've gotten over it.
° I feel good about what I have accomplished at work.
° Made a peach cobbler. It smells good!
° I like to exercise, but it is HARD work!!!
° I am totally psyched for Husker Football to begin!!!
° I get to see my Minnesota and Lincoln kids this week-end!!! I can't wait!
° Tom won 2 tickets to a show at the State Fair for Sunday, including fair admission.
° Have renewed an old friendship and it feels so good!
° I have a GREAT support system when I need it! Thank Heavens!
° Life seems to be good right now!!
° Did I mention Husker Football begins this week-end?? :)
° I am excited to see two of my VERY CLOSE friends from High School and College soon!
° Delaney is talking more and more. Hearing her words melts my heart!
° Henry is growing like a weed and should be walking soon.
° Evan's imagination is just like his mother's when she was his age!!
° Got an e-mail from my very wonderful friend, Dick, this week. I miss him.
° I am thankful that I can use FaceBook and blogs to stay in touch with friends.
° I love "goof off" days!
° I am excited to see how this school year progresses.
° I am reading more in the evenings!
° I can't wait for the new fall TV shows to begin!!
° I have a wonderful husband and am VERY LUCKY to have him in my life!!!
° Get your Husker Gear ready.....the season begins this week!!! Go Big Red!!!
° I love our football group!

Sleepless Night...UGH!

2010-08-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

Once again I am wide awake at midnight so I decided to get up and read a bit, but first a quick post. It is maddening when you can't sleep. I hate watching the clock. I did hear my phone "ding" in the other room and went to see what it was. It was a voice message from our son with our granddaughter saying, "I love you, grandpa!". Those are words of music to hear. She hasn't been talking a lot yet, so those words a extra special! I can't wait for grandpa to hear them in the morning! I am going to read a little now in hopes of "getting sleepy".

Oh yes, and I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to two great friends......Joan and Allison. Today is Allison's 60th birthday. A reminder that I am not far behind. Don't know why this one is bothering me so much, but it is.

Good night all!

Back to a Routine!!!

2010-08-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

School started for the students yesterday. It was a half a day, but it was busy! I came home very tired. I literally fell into bed! It was a good day. I have an Advisory group this year which is new. I met my group of 9 yesterday and will see them again today. It will be a good thing. I hope to make a connection with this group and make a difference in their lives. Today is another half day and then an afternoon of training. It is supposed to be 100 today, so that will be tough. My room has absolutely no ventilation at all. I cannot open a window and both window air conditioners are not working so it gets VERY HOT!! Not a good place to be! I best get ready for school. Have a good day, everyone! Oh, I forgot......I only had to make two schedule changes yesterday! Wow!!!