This year Velo’s oldest sister had a wonderful idea for parent gifts.
Each child gave some presents that were sentimental. It sounded nice, but buying the people that brought you into this world and sacrificed nearly everything to rear you a gift that shows the gratitude you’ve developed for them is actually a rather daunting task.
Appearances are important to me, so each gift HAD to be wrapped. I knew this was the kind of thing a parent would treasure forever, so I also HAD to type up the explanations for keepsake. On each wrapped gift we put the “memory” or reason for the gift with the final explanation inside.
Here’s how it turned out...
Velo being the oldest went first. He recapped what we’d written for the outside, then let Mom and/or Dad read them out loud and open the present with the “punchline” inside.
We got them a c.d. of Cars music and a Willow Tree ornament to represent all the Lake Powell family trips.
Then there were cookie mixes. Sentimental of Mom’s goodness she often serves up. Chocolate covered sunflower seeds for all the lessons Dad “planted” in his son (like not falling asleep while driving).
Finally there were tie tack/pins shaped like sport balls that said CTR on them. These were for the lessons taught to Velo by these wonderful parents. Some, like the sports, didn’t stick, but some, like Choosing the Right, did.
We followed with oldest to youngest. Our next sister gave, an itunes gift card for all the music brought into the home, a plush fish for all the fishing trips and bonding times, a unpicker for her mothers help in doing things -especially sewing- right. Finally she gave a sack of apples to resemble all the learning they had given and supported their children in. That one made me tear up. They do have two with Masters, one with a Bachelors, and one with enough credits at 20 to get an Associates.
Next sister gave them Smoothy mix for when they lived there and spilt it all over (and all the good food Mom makes). There was an itunes gift card for how much Dad loves his music. And the big tear jerker, her medal for one of her races. See, she is an amazing runner and has had great support from her “number one fan”-Dad.
Finally littlest sister got to go. She told about the family’s traditions of food and how she loved to eat Lobster on Valentines. So they got a Red Lobster gift card. So clever.
It was amazing. It was super fun to hear the memories, see what had impressed people and how creative everyone had been able to be. It was especially fun to find that everyone thought of itunes gift cards for Dad. Too bad, and yet good thing we didn’t all follow through on that one. Music was another big one. People remember the music around the home. Support was the other theme.
It’s no wonder these two amazing people were able to attend the sealings of all their children and that everyone still loves to come home.
Can you think of anything you’d give your parents?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Company Party
Quick update, went to the “new” jobs par-tee.
They had an open bar. My favorite kind. All the seltzer and lemon I wanted! There were hourdurvours. (How do you spell that any way?) Fancy! And many gals in dresses nicer than church dress. I was in jeans.
Lovely.
That is why I had begged for five days for Velo to check with his new coworker about what he and his wife were wearing. Oh well. Lucky they let us sit most of the time and we had the excuse of being the new guys.
We mingled, well, at least the best we could not knowing anyone.
We sat and filled out a survey scoring a whopping 5 hundred some points. (Seriously that was a lot!)
We were the first table to eat. So I grabbed a roll, salad, potatoes, put the brown stuff on my taters, put meaty main courses on my plate. Grabbed the yummy dessert. As I was heading back I noticed I didn’t get dressing for my salad. I passed by the salad bowl again to see and with a sinking feeling realized the gravy I had put on my potatoes wasn’t gravy at all. It was balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Yeah, not good on garlic potatoes.
The rest of the night went well. There was an auction for unknown prizes. We won a 50 dollar Visa gift card. One of the very best prizes.
I made friends with some of the coworkers wives.
And the boss told me I had come up several times during Velo’s hiring process because "my happiness was very important to him" (my husband).
Over all and VERY wonderful night.
They had an open bar. My favorite kind. All the seltzer and lemon I wanted! There were hourdurvours. (How do you spell that any way?) Fancy! And many gals in dresses nicer than church dress. I was in jeans.
Lovely.
That is why I had begged for five days for Velo to check with his new coworker about what he and his wife were wearing. Oh well. Lucky they let us sit most of the time and we had the excuse of being the new guys.
We mingled, well, at least the best we could not knowing anyone.
We sat and filled out a survey scoring a whopping 5 hundred some points. (Seriously that was a lot!)
We were the first table to eat. So I grabbed a roll, salad, potatoes, put the brown stuff on my taters, put meaty main courses on my plate. Grabbed the yummy dessert. As I was heading back I noticed I didn’t get dressing for my salad. I passed by the salad bowl again to see and with a sinking feeling realized the gravy I had put on my potatoes wasn’t gravy at all. It was balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Yeah, not good on garlic potatoes.
The rest of the night went well. There was an auction for unknown prizes. We won a 50 dollar Visa gift card. One of the very best prizes.
I made friends with some of the coworkers wives.
And the boss told me I had come up several times during Velo’s hiring process because "my happiness was very important to him" (my husband).
Over all and VERY wonderful night.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
New Job
My wonderful husband and provider went out and got several offers for different jobs. After pitting them against each other...We took the one with the most pay, of course. It’s almost enough of a raise to bring me home, if you include insurance benefits and my car loan getting paid off soon.
Almost.
So close, yet, not quite there.
But I am so proud of him for being willing to get out there and sell himself.
He’s going to be leaving Jordan School District after 4 1/2 years of service. And trust me, it was that, service, cuz’ he did not get paid what he should have for all the demands of his job. The new job is a company called Edustructures. (hope I am spelling it right.) He is going to be doing help desk type stuff. There will be less gas consumed because it is in South Jordan and one building, vs. traveling to a bunch of different schools and then over to the east side. We are very psyched.
Going to meet the co-workers Wednesday at the company Christmas party. Feeling kind of nervous. I’ll have to come back and document my first impressions.
Congrats Velo! I’ll miss you at school, but I know you’ll do awesome!
Almost.
So close, yet, not quite there.
But I am so proud of him for being willing to get out there and sell himself.
He’s going to be leaving Jordan School District after 4 1/2 years of service. And trust me, it was that, service, cuz’ he did not get paid what he should have for all the demands of his job. The new job is a company called Edustructures. (hope I am spelling it right.) He is going to be doing help desk type stuff. There will be less gas consumed because it is in South Jordan and one building, vs. traveling to a bunch of different schools and then over to the east side. We are very psyched.
Going to meet the co-workers Wednesday at the company Christmas party. Feeling kind of nervous. I’ll have to come back and document my first impressions.
Congrats Velo! I’ll miss you at school, but I know you’ll do awesome!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Grandma now
Just sitting here watching Grandma tonight. This is my mothers mother. She’s kinda’ cookoo now, but really she’s just gettin old. Oh how I don’t anticipate that. She helped raise me while my mom was off working and being a young single woman. I have always been very close to my grandma.
This poor lady has health issues most people can’t imagine. And she’ll let you know it. She’s been sick her whole life. I’m talking, her school teacher mother kept her at home for three years of elementary, kind of sick. Poor thing, she’s just deteriorating, but keeps living.
I know that sounds cruel and harsh, but it’s what she wants. To die that is. The family is starting to wish it for her too. Terrible, huh?! But when you see someone you love in horrific pain and struggling with life, not to mention whom desires death to befall her, you just want to see her peaceful again. Plus she is starting to ruin relationships with family members, and no one wants that.
See, grandma has had a stroke that deadened the “happy” receptors in her brain. She literally doesn’t feel pleasure. EVER. Can you even imagine if all you felt was pain and fear, but nothing to balance that out? For example, each time I’ve gotten pregnant, she hasn’t seemed to give a hoot. But when I loose the baby, she is all up in arms and teary. It’ s a kinda sick, sad way to show affection. But she can’t help it.
Like I said, Poor lady!
So Aunt Mole lives with her. Noble lady. She quit her job, left the life she knew and loved and moved up here to take care of her disabled mother. This has been a huge blessing to me, but has been very strenuous on her. I use to take care of grandma before Aunt Mole came, but now, I just have to take an evening here and there, and so I get a break from my home. More importantly Aunt Mole gets a break from hers. The side bonus is that grandma can have a little bit of variety in her life with someone new to talk to, or rather, complain to.
These are always good days though. I get the warm fuzzies for doing service. I feel like an important, helpful part of the family. I learn new lessons on patience each time. I also get to mix it up a bit by taking care of someone old, instead of someone young. I really believe, that when I am helpful, my mother beams with pride and gratitude up in heaven.
Do you do anything selfishly, under the guise of being helpful? Or am I just twisted?
This poor lady has health issues most people can’t imagine. And she’ll let you know it. She’s been sick her whole life. I’m talking, her school teacher mother kept her at home for three years of elementary, kind of sick. Poor thing, she’s just deteriorating, but keeps living.
I know that sounds cruel and harsh, but it’s what she wants. To die that is. The family is starting to wish it for her too. Terrible, huh?! But when you see someone you love in horrific pain and struggling with life, not to mention whom desires death to befall her, you just want to see her peaceful again. Plus she is starting to ruin relationships with family members, and no one wants that.
See, grandma has had a stroke that deadened the “happy” receptors in her brain. She literally doesn’t feel pleasure. EVER. Can you even imagine if all you felt was pain and fear, but nothing to balance that out? For example, each time I’ve gotten pregnant, she hasn’t seemed to give a hoot. But when I loose the baby, she is all up in arms and teary. It’ s a kinda sick, sad way to show affection. But she can’t help it.
Like I said, Poor lady!
So Aunt Mole lives with her. Noble lady. She quit her job, left the life she knew and loved and moved up here to take care of her disabled mother. This has been a huge blessing to me, but has been very strenuous on her. I use to take care of grandma before Aunt Mole came, but now, I just have to take an evening here and there, and so I get a break from my home. More importantly Aunt Mole gets a break from hers. The side bonus is that grandma can have a little bit of variety in her life with someone new to talk to, or rather, complain to.
These are always good days though. I get the warm fuzzies for doing service. I feel like an important, helpful part of the family. I learn new lessons on patience each time. I also get to mix it up a bit by taking care of someone old, instead of someone young. I really believe, that when I am helpful, my mother beams with pride and gratitude up in heaven.
Do you do anything selfishly, under the guise of being helpful? Or am I just twisted?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Vacation in Nebraska
This week we vacationed in Nebraska. We left on Monday night (like 10 o’clock). CRAZY! Then drove all the way.
We arrived in Eagle, where Hope lives, around noon. We had lunch, slept, then I woke and went to the temple with them. It was nice. I haven’t been to do a session since before Carson was even a thought. We went back to their home, ate dinner and slept. In the morning we ate breakfast, I played with Serhen, got packed up and left for my daddy’s.
We got there and after Velo and my dad brought in everything, We just sat around and talked. That was what we did the entire time we were there except Thanksgiving day. We sat and talked, watched Transformers, ate, ate pie (my father bought 6 pies for 4 people!), played Wii, played apples to apples and pop 5, ate more pie, went to the store, The last day we went to Chili’s to see my Sissy working. She was at the ‘”bar top”. It was fun. I love her and love to watch her in action. She really did seem very good, and very much like our mother when she was waitressing.
For Thanksgiving we went to Cass’s house. That’s my dad’s girlfriend. She seemed great. I liked that she is somewhat religious. She says she prays for us each night to have a baby. She talked about my mom with me. I liked that she was willing to acknowledge that there had been my mother and my dad had loved her very much. You know, like it wasn’t a threat to her that he had loved this other lady. Cuz’ it isn’t a threat. But most women would see it as one I think. She was kind and warm. Most importantly she makes my dad happy. I like to see him happy again. She is a health guru. That’s good cuz’ my dad is working on being healthier because of her. Maybe I’ll have to fold into Velo, his mother’’s, my dad’s and Cass’s pressure of eating healthier. We met her sons. The all seemed nice. Her dad was there, but unfortunately her sister was not. Her best friend Marty was there with his daughter Emily. It was a nice dinner.
I miss my family deeply. I never really remember how much until I go and visit them. Then I bawl like a baby as we drive away. I know Velo always feels cruel taking me away from them. Poor guy. It really was wonderful to go, relax and visit with my family and the important people to them.
We arrived in Eagle, where Hope lives, around noon. We had lunch, slept, then I woke and went to the temple with them. It was nice. I haven’t been to do a session since before Carson was even a thought. We went back to their home, ate dinner and slept. In the morning we ate breakfast, I played with Serhen, got packed up and left for my daddy’s.
We got there and after Velo and my dad brought in everything, We just sat around and talked. That was what we did the entire time we were there except Thanksgiving day. We sat and talked, watched Transformers, ate, ate pie (my father bought 6 pies for 4 people!), played Wii, played apples to apples and pop 5, ate more pie, went to the store, The last day we went to Chili’s to see my Sissy working. She was at the ‘”bar top”. It was fun. I love her and love to watch her in action. She really did seem very good, and very much like our mother when she was waitressing.
For Thanksgiving we went to Cass’s house. That’s my dad’s girlfriend. She seemed great. I liked that she is somewhat religious. She says she prays for us each night to have a baby. She talked about my mom with me. I liked that she was willing to acknowledge that there had been my mother and my dad had loved her very much. You know, like it wasn’t a threat to her that he had loved this other lady. Cuz’ it isn’t a threat. But most women would see it as one I think. She was kind and warm. Most importantly she makes my dad happy. I like to see him happy again. She is a health guru. That’s good cuz’ my dad is working on being healthier because of her. Maybe I’ll have to fold into Velo, his mother’’s, my dad’s and Cass’s pressure of eating healthier. We met her sons. The all seemed nice. Her dad was there, but unfortunately her sister was not. Her best friend Marty was there with his daughter Emily. It was a nice dinner.
I miss my family deeply. I never really remember how much until I go and visit them. Then I bawl like a baby as we drive away. I know Velo always feels cruel taking me away from them. Poor guy. It really was wonderful to go, relax and visit with my family and the important people to them.
Thanksgiving 2007
Here are somethings I am thankful for this year. They are not listed in any particular order.
My family. Velo, Carson, etc. All of them. I am here in Nebraska to celebrate with my dad and sister this year. I love them both so much and miss them when I’m not with them. I also love my family members who I live by and with me. As well as Velo’s family and my wonderful family in Arizona and Minneapolis. I’m glad we keep met and can keep in some contact.
My home and all that’s in it. I have always dreamed of owning my own home . Now that I do I simply love it.
Soda pop. Yummy bubbles. I’’m addicted.
My entire time with Carson. Pregnancy and after, I treasure those memories and those moments I was able to have him with me.
Modern medicine. Yeah for insulin, antibiotics, antidepressants and vaccines.
My car almost being paid off. Two more months! I thought it’d never come.
That voucher’s didn’t pass. This year we had an amazing turn out for local voting. Vouchers were on the ballot and everyone had an opinion. Thankfully the communities showed support for public schools and didn’t vote for the voucher program. Chalk one up for all Utahns, teachers and public schools.
Good friends. Kimmy, BFF, J, Chelsey, Hope, Raimee, Meg, Nicole, Jode, Wendy, Cathy, Patty, Clouses, Neenee, Jared, Heywood’s, Howe’s, Thorley’s. (Hope I didn’t miss anyone.)
This MacBook laptop. Provided by my great job as a 1/2 time Kindergarten teacher.
My family. Velo, Carson, etc. All of them. I am here in Nebraska to celebrate with my dad and sister this year. I love them both so much and miss them when I’m not with them. I also love my family members who I live by and with me. As well as Velo’s family and my wonderful family in Arizona and Minneapolis. I’m glad we keep met and can keep in some contact.
My home and all that’s in it. I have always dreamed of owning my own home . Now that I do I simply love it.
Soda pop. Yummy bubbles. I’’m addicted.
My entire time with Carson. Pregnancy and after, I treasure those memories and those moments I was able to have him with me.
Modern medicine. Yeah for insulin, antibiotics, antidepressants and vaccines.
My car almost being paid off. Two more months! I thought it’d never come.
That voucher’s didn’t pass. This year we had an amazing turn out for local voting. Vouchers were on the ballot and everyone had an opinion. Thankfully the communities showed support for public schools and didn’t vote for the voucher program. Chalk one up for all Utahns, teachers and public schools.
Good friends. Kimmy, BFF, J, Chelsey, Hope, Raimee, Meg, Nicole, Jode, Wendy, Cathy, Patty, Clouses, Neenee, Jared, Heywood’s, Howe’s, Thorley’s. (Hope I didn’t miss anyone.)
This MacBook laptop. Provided by my great job as a 1/2 time Kindergarten teacher.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Adolecent Rights of Passage
It was Sunday. That didn’t mean anything particularly special in my family, but I decided I wanted to go to church, alone again, on this particular one. Good thing too. It opened up the gates for one of the adulthood rights of passage...
My First Boyfriend.
I had said I was “going out” with this boy, Calvin, the year before. in middle school, but that only lasted 24 hours Then I broke up with him. It was the only thing I said to him while we were “together”. So I don’t really count him.
Fast forward to year 14 of my life on this fine Sunday. Kenny and I kept making eyes at each other during the lesson. Poor Sunday school teacher, I mean - Really! Finally after a few weeks of this. We got each others phone numbers and he started visiting my house. We’d hang out downstairs. He ate dinner with us a few times. We would go on bike rides. All this lead to more passage of innocence...
The First Kiss.
I don’t remember much more than standing at my front porch. It was evening and we’d been hanging out or doing what ever it was we did. Probably another bike ride. I remember those being common. Then, he did it. Just kinda’ went in for the kill.
It wasn’t a nice peck or anything, it was the full blown, open mouth, adult kiss. Luckily it wasn’t too wet or sloppy. (We were probably dehydrated from all that biking.) It was kinda’ minty. From gum or whatever.
That’s all.
Soon I got rid of Kenny for Josh. Kenny’s was fine. We went our separate ways, we weren’t really in the same “click”. No hard feelings.
Josh made me smile. That is for about 3 months, then he made me cry. It wasn’t a good break up. But then again, it wasn’t a good relationship either.
I guess we were all just helping each other grow up a little.
My First Boyfriend.
I had said I was “going out” with this boy, Calvin, the year before. in middle school, but that only lasted 24 hours Then I broke up with him. It was the only thing I said to him while we were “together”. So I don’t really count him.
Fast forward to year 14 of my life on this fine Sunday. Kenny and I kept making eyes at each other during the lesson. Poor Sunday school teacher, I mean - Really! Finally after a few weeks of this. We got each others phone numbers and he started visiting my house. We’d hang out downstairs. He ate dinner with us a few times. We would go on bike rides. All this lead to more passage of innocence...
The First Kiss.
I don’t remember much more than standing at my front porch. It was evening and we’d been hanging out or doing what ever it was we did. Probably another bike ride. I remember those being common. Then, he did it. Just kinda’ went in for the kill.
It wasn’t a nice peck or anything, it was the full blown, open mouth, adult kiss. Luckily it wasn’t too wet or sloppy. (We were probably dehydrated from all that biking.) It was kinda’ minty. From gum or whatever.
That’s all.
Soon I got rid of Kenny for Josh. Kenny’s was fine. We went our separate ways, we weren’t really in the same “click”. No hard feelings.
Josh made me smile. That is for about 3 months, then he made me cry. It wasn’t a good break up. But then again, it wasn’t a good relationship either.
I guess we were all just helping each other grow up a little.
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