Joey's musings

Photos of my New House

2011-08-07T19:24:00.002-06:00

I finally decided to take the plunge and buy a house. I found a cute townhouse in Bluffdale. The price was right, interest rates were low and it wasn't too far from work. It has three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. I love the big closets (I was able to fill them right up!)and the small but fenced in back yard for Daisy

Another bonus was the nest of barn swallows on my front porch. There were four babies. I named them Eeny, Meeny, Miny, and Moe

Last friday was "Learn to Fly Day" The babies all flew away without saying good-bye. Now Daisy and I can sit on the front porch without driving the momma bird crazy.

Some Assembly Required

2011-02-23T19:27:00.006-07:00

I bought an elliptical. I knew I wouldn't just be able pull it out of the box and use it. I knew I would need to put a few pieces together. I figured the arms would need to be put on and the foot petal things and maybe plug in the screen. The Box listed a six step process. (See the photo above) I thought "No Problem."

1. Open the box.
2. Pullout the arms.
3. Pull out the cardboard.
4. Pull out the main part.
5. Read the instructions.
6. Voila it's ready to use!

I got to step one "Open the box." I ruled that step.
Step two. "Pull out the arms" I thought to myself "Hmm There are arms and a lot of other pieces ok, more than I thought, but I can handle it." I pulled out all the pieces carefully and placed them on the floor in carefully organized piles.
Step three "pull out cardboard" I pulled out the cardboard and found 1. lots of cardboard and 2. many more pieces in and around the card board. I gathered them up and placed them in my organized piles. At this point I no longer have any room on the floor of the family room and I'm still just on step 3. I filled up the space under the stairs with all my extra cardboard And moved on to step four "pull out the main part" I needed help with this part because the box was huge and the main part was very heavy. I also didn't have any room left on the floor. In order to get this part out I had to pull out boxes with the screen part and the instructions and all the screws and other such things to aid the next part. Step five "Read the instructions" (note it took me a long time to get to this step and it was late so I had to put it off for the next day)

Day Two
Step 5 "Read the instructions" Who writes this stuff? What?
Step Five "A" The first step says "Call for a tech to put it together" I called and found out it will take 5 days for them to get back to me. I Decide I will do it myself.
Step Five "B" look up the assembly video. Wow that just went right together. Fantastic, Apparently this is EASY to do. It only took 8 minutes to put together on the video. I gave myself 15 minutes since it was my first time. An hour later It was late again and I wasn't very far on the instructions. I wasn't discouraged yet, I was learning a lot (trial and error) and I had like 7 pieces assembled (only 25,000 pieces to go)

Day Three Step 5 "J" "tighten an M8x16mm patch screw (102) and an M8 washer(95)into each end of the upright axle (48) at the same time." (that is straight out of the instructions I am not making this up) There is a drawing and since I have several hours of experience with this, It doesn't even phase me. I found the right patch screw and reached for the M8 washer. There was no M8 washers. I had a lot of washers but none that will work. I carefully looked through all the parts again to make sure I didn't over look it. No Washer. Luckily they gave me a bag with a ton of extra parts. Guess what? no M8 washers. I raided my dad's stash of washers and found several that were close but not quite right. I decided to move on to the next few steps thinking that I could continue to work on it and go to the hardware store In the morning. The next 3 steps required M8 washers. I was done for the night. (and I had a headache)
Day Four Step 5 "P" "Home Depot" That is a huge store. Found the washers!! Step 5 "Q" through Step 5 "JJ" Other than getting grease on my hands and face from greasing all the moving parts I had very little drama.
Two hours later Viola Its ready to use. I am too tired to use it.
Thats a step for another day

Winter has come

2010-11-28T15:25:00.002-07:00

My new digs

2010-02-10T18:00:00.004-07:00

I guess it's time to write my annual post. When I started this blog I had every intention of writing once a week. I wrote 6 blogs last year, so I guess I have a lot to catch up on. Most of the last few years was filled with work and school. There just wasn't much to say and I was too exhausted to write anyway. I finished up with school in Late August then started my third year teaching first grade.
I've been living with the folks while I was finishing up with school. Now that I'm finally finished with school, it's time to cut the apron strings and move out. This past weekend I moved in with a great roomate (see the photo of the new place above) And I'm loving the fact that it's so close to work (it's about a three minute drive.) I'm having fun with my new roomate and getting lots of walks in since there is not a fenced in yard and I can't just let Daisy out when she needs it. I'll try better to keep you all posted on my life.

Summer fun part 2

2009-11-21T10:00:00.001-07:00

Part of the summer fun was sharing my birthday with my whole Family! We had a Harry Potter party for the kids and went to see the movie. Even though these are old pictures at least they are different than the ones I have had up for 6 months.

My fun parents

2009-11-21T09:45:00.002-07:00

Even though it is near the end of November I'm going to post some blogs about this summer. I thought I would post some pictures and keep the comments to a minimum.

I thought I would show some fun photos from this summer.
Mom had a tea party with The girls when they were here. Dad had a huge water fight. And the last picture was from fathers day.

Sublime Supplementary Snapshots

2009-04-27T21:20:00.001-06:00

I thought I would add a bit of alliteration to these posts. I tried posting a new way and I could only upload 4 photos per post. We sure missed all of our family who were too far away to come for a Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Cathryn and Ken for having us all over. I didn't include the shots that were way too candid (sneezing, yawning or eating) so don't feel badly if you were there and your photo wasnt included. I had so much fun visiting. Can't wait till next time.

More Merry Memories

2009-04-27T21:13:00.002-06:00

Fun in Farmington with Fav Familiy

2009-04-27T21:08:00.000-06:00

2009-01-01T22:20:00.002-07:00

My favorite New Years Eve quote:
Nurse: How are you?
Dad:Fine except for my gut.
Nurse: Whats wrong with it?
Dad: It was removed.

Dear Santa

2008-12-28T19:33:00.003-07:00

My class wrote letters to Santa here are some gems.

Dear Santa, I hope you and your elves and reindeer are feeling good. I want a lots of Legos Star wars the clone wars.
P.S. Im trying to be good
P.S.S. I like apple sauce.

Dear Santa, How is it going in the north pole? All I want for Christmas is a Nintendo DS. I will leave milk, cookies and carrots for the reindeer. How are you doing what is your favorite color. Mine is red.

Dear Santa,
How are you doing. I hope you are doing good. How are the reindeers. You make me so happy. You are the best and please will you get me lego star wars.

Santa how is it going rite now im good rite now but I hope the reindeer are feeling well i Love you and all the elves I want a lot of munea (money) Please.

I Love Fall!

2008-11-01T10:43:00.001-06:00

Here are some photos of Daisy playing in the yard.

Has it been 4 weeks already?

2008-09-20T14:06:00.004-06:00

I was reading Janelle's blog and she has a list on the side that shows the blogs she follows and how long it has been since they last wrote. Under mine it said that it has been 4 weeks since I last wrote. That cant be true... It feels like just yesterday. Does any one else feel like their life is racing along like a runaway train?
Ok let me give you a quick update on my life. School started on the 25th of September. I forgot how exhausting it is to get the school year started and how much you have to do for the students at first. My day starts with "hi guys take off your backpacks hang them up and put your homework folders in the box." This sounds simple enough doesn't it?? In the next 2 minutes I repeat this 39 times. I have at least 4 kids go to their seats with their back packs on, 7 who need to tell me everything they did since they saw me last. 2 kids who hand me their backpacks, 12 who hand me their folders and six who are crying. All the while I say "Don't forget to hang up your backpacks.... where does your folder go.... Quit running around...you are ok... don't cry....Don't hit....where does your folder go....Don't put your backpack on the floor...Ok everyone I need your attention....Please listen!! take off your backpacks hang them up and put your homework folders in the box." Then I hear "Teacher what do I do with my folder? " AGGH! Similar event happen all day. Don't even get me started on the instructions to put their work in the turn in box and come to the rug.
But the good news is that we hired a new first grade teacher so I got to have 5 kids go to another class. I can't wait to see how life will be now. I feel like a huge stress is gone. maybe I will be able to relax a little. I might even be able to leave the school before the janitors kick me out at night. I don't think I've done that yet!

More summer fun

2008-08-23T10:19:00.002-06:00

Here are some fun pictures from my birthday. I also included a picture of AZ. I didnt take any pictures of me while I was there because I was a sweaty mess most of the time. I had fun but I wouldn't want anyone to see what I looked like while I was there.

I had planned on writing a blog about it and it never got written

2008-08-23T09:52:00.008-06:00

I've had good intentions about keeping up on my posts. I havn't been very good about it though as you may have noticed. I thought I would wait for school to get over then I would be a bloging maniac. This summer was a blur. I started out going to AZ to see Jeff, Allie, The boys and Jill. I had planned on writing a blog about it and it never got written. Then I had a nonstop barrage of classes I had to take. Basically I got up went to class, did homework walked my dog and went back to sleep. Jill anad Aaron came up from AZ and I had a little break from school We went to Lagoon (I had planned on writing a blog about it and it never got written.) Jeff and Allie came up and we had lots of fun. I had planned on writing a blog about it and it never got written. Then classes started again and The boys came to stay for a week. So My days went a little like this: I got up went to class, played with the boys, stayed up late did homework, threw the ball for my dog and went back to sleep. Now school starts monday. This year I am the team leader and the PTA community teacher representative. I have 27 students (I hope some move) things will be busy for a while. One day I'll have to write a blog about it.

2008-07-19T20:33:00.000-06:00

2008-06-22T18:59:00.002-06:00

I am trying to do better about writing on my blog. The other day I typed up a cute blog of funny things my students said then I couldn't get it to work so I've been putting it off again but today is the day.

On Earth Day I gave my first grade class an assignment to write what they would do if they were in charge of the earth. Here is a sample of what they wrote.

If I were in charge of the Earth I would tell everyone to not litter and not to be drunk, and not to steal. Also I would tell them to be kinder to other people.

If I were in charge of the Earth I would Tell all the people to give me a lot of candy and 2 million crowns.

If I were in charge of the Earth there would be no police or guns. I would tell everyone to not pass the speed limit. I would make a rule no kissing and no chasing boys.

If I were in charge of the Earth I would tell all the people to bow to me and Joslyn.

If I were in charge of the Earth I would make everyone my maid and then I will get a plant.

If I were in charge of the Earth I would make people not fight and be nice. There would be no bad people in the neighborhoods and no battles. There would be no kissing and no guns, no passing the speed limit and no saying bad words.

Rock Star

2008-05-21T10:26:00.002-06:00

My students wrote a poem for me today.

The important thing about Ms. Young is that she rocks like a rockstar.

She likes her dog Daisy, The Cheesecake factory, and Hockey.

She can teach us and she can play her Guitar.

She isn't a baby but she is a nice teacher.

But the most important thing about Ms. Young

is that she rocks like a rock star!

A Long Time coming

2007-12-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's been since June since I wrote in my blog. At first I had some really good excuses for why I wasn't writing then life got busy and I put the blog on the back burner. I decided to post a blog to fill everyone in on the changes in my life since June.
When I last wrote I was working at Challenger as a Kindergarten teacher. I was finishing up the school year and getting ready to start a new job at Challenger as the art teacher. After school got out (June 12) I packed up my new car (a red 2005 Pontiac vibe) and took my trusty dog Daisy

for a road trip down to Arizona to visit Jeff, Allie, Jill, and the boys. I had a great time there and it was great to see Jeff and Allie's new house.
After my trip I did some grueling and time consuming graphic design work for The Be The Best You girls camp. Then I packed up again and went to San Diego. It was so fun to have the whole family together on vacation.

After the family vacation I decided to apply for the Alternative Routes to Licensure Through the State. I figured I would get the ball rolling and start the program Fall 2008. I sent in my application around July 12th. I got a letter on July 17th that said My application looked good and I should fingerprinted and have a background check. I sent these in the next day and I went to Vegas with some friends for my birthday. (July 19 - 22) A few days after I got back (Thursday) I found out that I had been accepted into the program and could start looking for a job in the public school system. I decided to call the Jordan school district to find out what I needed to do and was told to bring my resume, and three letters of recommendation to an interview the next day. I didn't have a resume ready because I hadn't really been planning to look for a job, I was just looking into this program and figured I had plenty of time to get things ready. I scrambled and got everything together and was ready for my interview the next day. I had a long interview at the School district and was told that My name would be emailed to principals as an available candidate for any job openings. I was told That it would probably be Monday before I heared From anyone since it was Friday afternoon at 4:00. I got home and immediately had a phone call from a principal who wanted to meet with me Monday morning. I wasn't off the phone with him for 10 minutes before I got another call from another principal who wanted to know if I could come to an interview right then. I went to both interviews and received offers from both schools. I took a job teaching first grade at Altara Elementary which is 10 minutes from my house. From start to finish the whole process of "Maybe I'll look into this program" to being accepted and having a new job was about 2 and a half weeks.

I spent the next month scrambling to get everything ready and started teaching at the end of August. During September I was busy learning how to do a new job, taking a class doing homework and studying for the praxis test. Life is finally settling down after a whirlwind couple of months. I'm looking forward to seeing my family for Christmas then It will be back to teaching and taking classes in January.

For my Big Brother

2007-06-06T18:32:00.000-06:00

I have always looked up to my Big Brother and not just because he is bigger and stronger than most, but because he is an amazing person. I have always thought he was the coolest. I was the annoying little sister who would tell on him and whined about him. But he was a really great big bro. He was just enough older than me that I don't remember much about when I was really young except when he would play tickle lawn mower. He would chase us around the house making crazy noises and spinning his hands around in front of him like a lawn mower. When I was a pre-teen. I really couldn't imagine anyone more popular or hip than my big brother. As I have grown I have found I had a lot in common with him. I think I noticed it when he left on his mission. I raided his music collection and became educated in good music. As I have gotten older I find that I like the same TV shows and books that he does. I know if he recommends a show I'm going to love it. I always look to him for advice on the newest thing, for example, TiVo. At first I thought of it as a luxury something that was nice but not necessary. Jeff introduced me to it and now I don't think I could do without it! Once on April fools day he put water on the cement outside of his room and ran upstairs and told us that his water bed had popped. We all ran down stairs and saw the water. We had visions of the big mess that all the water would make. We opened the door and saw a mess but it was just clutter, his room was fine. We were really fooled. I always think of that great joke when it is April fools day.

I remember once he was down in his room with his music blasting and I went down (like the bossy sis I was) to tell him to turn down his music. He didn't turn down his music but he did give me a Debbie Gibson tape. He said he didn't want it and I could have it. I was about 11 at that time and was really into Debbie Gibson. I was so thrilled. I couldn't believe my good luck. I thought my brother was the best big brother ever.
When I was in 4th grade Jeff was watching us kids while dad was at work and mom was running errands. I fell down and broke my arm. He had me lay down on the couch and took care of me. He kept me distracted from the pain and kept me entertained until my mom got home. He then made ooblick (the not solid, not liquid substance that you make with cornstarch) I have never forgotten that day.

, because he was so caring and thoughtful.

I still look up to my big bro and really like spending time with him and his family. He is such a great dad to his kids. I always liked Jeff's birthday because it meant summer was here. Now he lives in Arizona and its always summer there. Happy birthday big brother.

2007-05-25T06:54:00.000-06:00

Check "Janelles Day" for an updated version! New photos will be added soon.

It's Janelles Day

2007-05-22T20:16:00.000-06:00

It is Birthday time again. This time I would like to talk about my older wiser sister Janelle. Janelle has always been older than me. She has always been the type of older sister a girl needs. I always remember thinking every thing she did was so cool and fun. I always wanted to be doing what she was doing. I know that she didn't really like me tagging around but I don't really remember her ever being mean to me. I always just remember her saying nice things to me and letting me play. (she was a much better big sister to me than I was to jill, poor jill) Because Janelle was older than me, we weren't in middle school or high school together. She moved to provo and went to BYU when I started high school and left on her mission shortly after I started college at USU. When she got home from her mission we decide to move in together to get re-acquainted. I moved down to Provo and we lived together at the Belmont apartments. It was a three bedroom apartment with 6 girls living in it. It was small but we had good times there. I loved having Janelle as a roommate. Once our car was towed in the middle of the night on a Saturday night because we didn't put the parking pass in the window. We almost called the police because we thought it had been stolen. It was a good time for me to live with her because I was immature and she was a good example for me.

Before Janelle got married Jill and I took her out to Ice cream. Then we blindfolded her and drove her all around. When our maze of driving around was finished we were at our parents house. We took her into the back yard through the garage and into the basement, where we proceeded to build a fort with blankets and couch cushions. That was a fun night.

When I had to get my Gaul bladder out. My dad was in the hospital My mom couldnt take care of me and my dad since he was at a different hospital across town, so my sister offered to take me in. She got up early on the day of my surgery to take me to the hospital, then was there to pick me up. She took me to her home and set me up in the guest bed She babied me and took really good care of me. I was really out of it for a few days and she woke up every few hours to give me my medicine and feed me waffles. I cant even tell her how much I apprecitated her help. She really went out of her way to be an awesome nurse.Janelle is such a great friend. I love hanging out with her.

Happy Birthday Janelle

Over heard in school.

2007-05-14T22:27:00.000-06:00

I didn't catch all this conversation but it was kinda cute. "....you can't marry your mom, that is bad. You would probably have to go to jail."

"Miss Young, there is a real live Austrailian in the office. A real live one. Im not joking."

We were talking about the pilgrims and why they decided to come to America. I said something along the lines of they wanted to worship God the way they wanted noty the way the king wanted A boy called out "God! I love God!"

A penny for your thoughts

2007-05-08T22:10:00.000-06:00

I have become a comment junkie. After I write a new post, I spend the next few days checking and re-checking to see what people have to say about what I have written. (I know that I don't always comment on what others write.) Then I realized that its not so much that I need comments as much as I need to know that someone is reading what I am writing. I've decided to have a new routine for visitors to my blog. If you read my post, You dont have to think of anything to say because sometimes Im just talking and there really isn't much to say, but maybe you could just hit the "make a comment" button and type your name or a ;) or hi. I don't know maybe its a dumb idea. but it will give me an Idea that you are reading

A wonderful year.

2007-05-06T16:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked the aniversary of Daisy coming into my life. So I thought I would talk a little bit about my dog. I have wanted a dog for a long time. About the time I was 25 someone asked me where I saw myself in 5 years. I replied that I hoped I would be married and starting a family. I said that if That didn't happen I would live by my self with a big friendly dog. I as I was approaching my 30th birthday I decided it was time for me to get my own place and finally get the dog that I'd been wanting. So I found a place and got moved in. Petsmart was having a super adoption. This is where all the dog shelters in the state bring their dogs and cats to the downtown petsmart. They set up two huge tents. One for dogs and one for cats. They set up kennels with 4 or 5 dogs in each then. It is huge and I think there are something like 500 dogs. As you walk around they have pictures of the dogs and whatever they know about them. If you see a dog you are interested in you can ask someone to let that dog out and you can walk around with the dog. It is extremely overwhelming and chaotic. There are so many nervous dogs and tons of people walking around. I just kept thinking that I had no idea how I was suposed to decide on a dog. I must have walked through that place 3 times. I had them take a few dogs out but I was having a hard time knowing what I wanted. Then I saw Daisy. The name they had given her at the shelter was Dory. I had them get her out for me and the first time she saw me she snuggled right up to me and looked at me as if to say "please get me out of this madness.." It was love at first sight. I knew right then She was the dog for me. Daisy is a black lab with two white toes in back and a white belly. The woman at the shelter said that Daisy had been found wandering down the street in Idaho. They didnt know how old she was or anything about her. I have never regretted my decision to get her. She barks like a crazy mad woman when someone knocks on the door and she has a hard time warming up to people when she first meets them but I couldn't ask for a better companion dog. As I write she is laying at my feet and when I get up and walk down the hall she will follow me and laydown in whatever room I go to. She makes me feel loved and a lot less lonely. She treats me like I'm the best person in the world and I really love playing catch with her and watching her race a top speed to get the ball. Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl.

The Dragon in the Cave

2007-05-05T21:15:00.000-06:00

A student in my class wrote a story that I found both hilarious and a bit disturbing. Its called the dragon in the cave. Once there was a dragon who lived in a cave. One day a scorpion came out of the sea. He found the cave. Inside the cave was the dragon. They became friends and played together and excersized together. One day there was another creature and it was a zebra. The zebra cme into the cave and when it came in all the creatures blew up and turned into meat. Then another creature came into the cave. It was an elephant. He ate the meat and was the only one who lived and didnt blow up. He made a house by himself in the cave. The end.

The tell tale lunch box

2007-05-01T19:16:00.000-06:00

There is a kid at my school who I think is so great. He is a tall dark skinned kid who is just bursting with personality. One day during loading at school. My principal called sara, the name of a girl in his class. Sara is a tiny blond haired, fair skinned, girly girl. He turned to me and in a falsetto voice said "I'm Sara" I smiled at him and said "don't you think that sara's mom will take one look at you and say " where's sara, this isn't sara" and he said in a very serious voice. "yeah especially when she sees my lunch box."

Another post from me

2007-05-01T19:07:00.000-06:00

"I never make mistakes, I thought I did once but I was wrong." This being said I have a story for you. I was having a conversation with my sister and we had a disagreement. I thought that I had written more on my blog than she had on hers and she said that there was no way that was true. I knew she was wrong, so I made her follow me to the computer and I got online. It turns out that she had almost double the amount of posts on her blog that I had so now I feel like I need to step it up and start cranking out some more blogs so I can catch up to (or pass up) my sister. So I hope you dont get tired of me.

2007-04-24T20:54:00.000-06:00

I thought I would post these photos of my fav girl and catch every one up on my life. Next year instead of teaching kindergarten I am going to be an art teacher. I will be teaching art in all the different classes grades 1-6. I think this will be so much fun (also there will be a pay increase!) Im excited to try something new and this will be enough of a change to satisfy my need to do something different, yet is familiar enough that it wont be too scary. Today we were talking about the sun, moon and stars. My team teacher was trying to get the kids to say "stars" so she gave them the clue "our sun is one of these". A kid in our class rose his hand and said "a black hole!" (this is an advanced class?!?)

A random spattering of memories for your birthday

2007-04-04T10:28:00.000-06:00

Its birthday time again for my Fav little sister. This got me to reminiscing about fun times had with my sister.
The Early Years
I remember when she was still sleeping in a crib(she was about 2) and we shared a room. After mom would put me to bed I would pinch lil sis and wake her up. I would get her all riled up and play games with her, then I would go tattle on her saying she was keeping me awake. (for this I apologize to little sis and mom). As we got older we still had many fun times after lights out. I remember we would play this game where one person would lay in bed without looking and the other would silently sneak across the room and try to scare the other person. She was also a sleepwalker and would frequently end up in the closet in the middle of the night.

I also remember how sweet she was. Once when I was sick she was saying her evening prayers and mom had reminded her to pray for me. She said her prayer and then started a new one. She was saying my prayer for me. It was so sweet.
I also remember the Christmas Eve when she was still a small and Santa believing child. She woke up late into the night (about 10) when Mom and Dad were out in the living room. She heard them and started down the hall. I saved the day by calling out to the parents and saying "come quick!!She's coming down the hall!! I guess this wasn't as much a fond memory of little sis as it was an attempt to make up for the first memory where I was the bad guy.
The Middle Years

When Little sis was 13. I took her to the church parking lot to practice driving. We were in my 12 year old Toyota. Because it had a stick shift and I wasn't as good of a teacher as my father., she stalled the car. Without thinking I said you "killed the car." She said "what are we going to tell Mom and Dad?!"
Little sis and I could never (and still can't really) sit next to each other in church. We would always have giggling fits and cause all kinds of problems.

Current Times

Lil sis and I have taken some fun road trips to Denver, Washington and Vegas. She has always been a good friend to me and drops what she is doing to help me. I really can't name the number of times the she has done things for me. She is always there with an encouraging word when I need one, and its never to long before she gets me to laugh. She is one of my true friends and I love her dearly. Lil sis has always been a good example for me of how I should be living my life. I still look to her and aspire to be as good and righteous as she is. Happy birthday Lil Sis

Happy Birthday little brother

2007-03-18T00:57:00.000-06:00

As it is my brothers 28th birthday, I thought I would sit down and write one of my favorite memories of my brother. About ten or eleven years ago our family was camping in American Fork Canyon. I don't remember what every one else was doing, but my brother and I decided to go hiking just the two of us. We went to this pretty meadow and were playing around in the stream. we looked up this steep hill and saw a waterfall at the top. We decided we wanted to hike up to it and started hiking up the river bed. We spent the afternoon climbing over big boulders and getting our feet very wet and we started actually talking. Our family has always been close and we spend a lot of time together, but this was the first time I remember having a real conversation with him. I don't know if it was because I was 20 and had spent the previous 7 years wrapped up in my own life, or if it was because he was a teenager, but we hadn't really spent much time really getting to know about each other. While we climbed over the rocks (scraping all our exposed skin, and stinging ourselves with poison ivy,) I remember him talking about his friends and things that bothered him and I began to understand my brother. I don't think we even talked about anything too profound we just talked.
We didn't see anyone all afternoon, it was if we were in a remote part of the Forest. When we reached the waterfall there were 30 or 40 people playing in the water. We were surprised to see families with small children and wondered where every one had come from. We knew there was no way they had braved the rugged way we had just come. We realized that there was a well used trail that passed by the bottom of the waterfall and everyone had taken the easy way up. We had a laugh and took the trail back down. It took us about 1/3 the time to get down. I think it was a beautiful sunshiny day and I enjoyed spending time outside. But the part I remember most is the time I had with my brother and the friendship we started that day. Happy Birthday little brother

2007-03-12T17:32:00.000-06:00

Today I learned why the French say bonjour. Lance told me that they learned it from the movie flushed away. Here is the newest in a collection of humorous stories from my students.

(I just put it in and its upside down, oh well just turn your head)

In case you cant read it it says:

when I came to school this morning my teachers were fish and I cooked them for dinner

Its been a while

2007-03-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

The main reason reason I started this blog was to give me a chance to keep in touch with my family. I also thought it would be a good outlet for creative ideas and funny stories. lately I havn't really been interested in my life so I really didnt think any one else would be either. This is the part in my life story that Im planning on fast forwarding to until I get to the good part. That being said I have been having a hard time coming up with a subject for my blog so I thought I would entertain you with stories from my kindergarteners.

A little bit confused

2007-02-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

5yo: Teacher, I can speak spanish

Teacher: really what can you say?

5yo: blah, halb, blah

Teacher: Thats not spanish thats silly talking.

5yo: ok I cant speak spanish very well but I can talk like they do in that one state where the men wear skirts and blow trumpets.

Teacher: Trumpets?

5yo: yes

Teacher: do you mean Scotland?

5yo: yeah, that's it.

On Groundhog day a few years ago I asked the kids what groundhog day was. Several kids rose their hands and wanted to answer, but one student was really excited and was practically jumping out of his seat to answer so I called on him. He said very solemnly "it is so we will always remember all those groundhogs who came over here and had to live underground to survive."

Thanks, I think.?

2007-02-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

I always try to be gracious when someone compliments me but sometimes its easier to find the unintended insult. Once a student said, "you look so pretty when you wear makeup, it makes you look older, you must be like 1000 years old."

A question about oxen

2007-02-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ive been thinking of some recent humorous comments made by students in my class. I thought I would share them.

We were showing a picture of a very large ox type animal that someone had brought for show n-tell. The kids asked what the very large bump was on its back. Indy called out an announced that it was definatly a large mole. How would you like that on your back?

5yo went to the office to get some juice because his blood sugar was low. A teacher asked him if he was diabetic. 5yo got frustrated at the question and said "no, Im Jewish."

You Have to Start Somewhere.

2007-02-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, my first blog. I wasn't going to do a blog because I don't really feel like my life is very interesting. I work, tutor, drive home, walk my dog, watch TV and go to bed. So I was worried that all my posts would sound like an itinerary for a very boring trip. "We will start our day with a 25 minute tour of 1-15 we will exit on lovely 13oo south were we will see the new Walmart.... " I thought I could write about my dog but she can't speak, so I can't share quotes from the funny things she says. You can only have so many posts that say. "My dog is so sweet. Today when I got home she wagged her tail so hard it made her whole back half wiggle." (this really does happen and one day I'll figure out how to post a video and you can see it.)
Then I realized that as a kindergarten teacher I have a treasure trove of funny things that happen almost daily. I keep thinking that I need to write these anecdotes down so I don't forget them. I found my inspiration and decided to become a blogger.