6 years ago
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Christmas Story I Told My Kids This Week
Once upon a time, a long time ago, before the Internet, there were things called "catalogs." There were three amazing stores that sometimes sent these "catalogs" to people's home, named JC Penney, Sears/Roebuck, and Montgomery/Wards (aka. Monkey Wards). When I was a little girl, these "catalogs" had special editions known as "Christmas catalogs" that were filled with wonders. My sisters and I would sit and stare at the pages and pages of everything from matching robe and pajama sets to sparkly holiday dresses to canopy beds to spiral staircases to Easy Bake Ovens to train sets to outdoor pools to indoor pool tables, and our heads were NOT filled with sugar plums, but rather with unabated covetous consumerist hunger. We WANTED these things, in fact, were were pretty sure that we needed a lot of them. We would circle the pictures, and make stars by the truly awesome stuff, and show our mom, and show our mom, and show our mom. Usually, at some point or other, she would say something about "choices" or "limits" or possibly "self-restraint" (when we got old enough to understand that, sort of). At some point, we'd make a list, and it wouldn't usually include everything we'd circled... usually. And we knew that, come Christmas morning, not everything we circled would be there, under the tree, or on the chair, or the couch. But we hoped; deep down, we hoped.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
OVERWHELMi
I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My school offered me a job today!!!!! I am so excited that I get to stay with my kids!! I am going to be an aide for the fourth grade. The aide we have now is leaving about the time that i finish student teaching!!!!! Plus this is a great way to get my foot in the door!!! I feel SO SO SO SO SO SO blessed!!! i cant even describe in words......
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Piggy Piggy
We think we are a family of swine fluers! (is there such a thing?) I declined the test because the doctor said it wouldn't change the way they treated the children. Zach and I have escaped (thus far--fingers crossed).
Zach's weekend view of Swine flu:
Going to the football game--taking dinner half made for Shields family
Leaving the football game early--kindly attending to feverish children
Enduring a football loss--pain was greater than any flu symptoms
One hour of church--we have a lot of this in our area lately
Creating a home church meeting--complete with kids giving talks and music
Liz's weekend view of Swine flu:
Brain melts after watching Barbie Movies -- the first 3 were fun :(
Cabin Fever is so great--talk to the Fed-Ex guy like he is family
Want to go to the football game--babysitters don't like kids with fevers
Relief with a drive to Wyoming to pick up my Dad--the sky and sunset were Perfect
Happy Zach is so kind and tender to all of us cooped up nuts!!!
Zach's weekend view of Swine flu:
Going to the football game--taking dinner half made for Shields family
Leaving the football game early--kindly attending to feverish children
Enduring a football loss--pain was greater than any flu symptoms
One hour of church--we have a lot of this in our area lately
Creating a home church meeting--complete with kids giving talks and music
Liz's weekend view of Swine flu:
Brain melts after watching Barbie Movies -- the first 3 were fun :(
Cabin Fever is so great--talk to the Fed-Ex guy like he is family
Want to go to the football game--babysitters don't like kids with fevers
Relief with a drive to Wyoming to pick up my Dad--the sky and sunset were Perfect
Happy Zach is so kind and tender to all of us cooped up nuts!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sister Reunion
Dinner with Dad, the farmer's market and jobs for Dad....not to mention solving all the world's problems!
It was fun...but we missed Mom, Annette and Brita
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Grandma Memories
Here is another memory from Kallee---Anyone else want to share one (I'd like to compile a book for grandpa!!!)
Grandma was an answear to a Prayer!
My first year attending Western I had an experience where a person said som things to me that hurt my feelings to my face. Well, I was so in shock that I couldn't leave the room. I asked Heavenly Father to help me leave the room. At that moment Grandma called. She did the usual "Hi, how are things" with a happy giggle. She then continued by telling me how beautiful and talented she thought I was and how she was so proud of me and that any boy would be lucky to have me. She answered my prayer and I left that room without even regretting it or giving that person a second thought!
Thanks Kallee!
Grandma was an answear to a Prayer!
My first year attending Western I had an experience where a person said som things to me that hurt my feelings to my face. Well, I was so in shock that I couldn't leave the room. I asked Heavenly Father to help me leave the room. At that moment Grandma called. She did the usual "Hi, how are things" with a happy giggle. She then continued by telling me how beautiful and talented she thought I was and how she was so proud of me and that any boy would be lucky to have me. She answered my prayer and I left that room without even regretting it or giving that person a second thought!
Thanks Kallee!
Grandma Memories
From Kelsey (I typed what she wrote)
Grandma's Phone Calls
My favorite memory of Grandma is, and always will be her random phone calls. They could occur at any time of day on any day of the week. It was always just a quick hello, how are you, I love you, goodbye. It was always something to brighten my day. It always came at times I needed it most and could bring a smile to may face. She never let me forget how much she loved me or how much the Lord loved me. The best grandma anyone could ask for!
Great Kelsey!!!
Grandma's Phone Calls
My favorite memory of Grandma is, and always will be her random phone calls. They could occur at any time of day on any day of the week. It was always just a quick hello, how are you, I love you, goodbye. It was always something to brighten my day. It always came at times I needed it most and could bring a smile to may face. She never let me forget how much she loved me or how much the Lord loved me. The best grandma anyone could ask for!
Great Kelsey!!!
Grandma Memories
From Kallee (I typed what she wrote)
Grandma, the library, and a bus
When we went to Laramie, there was always constant trips to the store, museum's of some sort and the library. My favorite trips where to the library when I got to listen to Grandma read for reading time. One particular day she was reading a book that had to do with a bus. I had recently learned this as a song in my kindergarten class, so I was excited. You know the that goes "the wheels on the bus go round and round" (I don't think Grandma knew it was a song or she would have sung it). As she read this picture book, she was completely animated and boisterous. What I remember so lovingly was that every child in that room was just as excited and laughed just as much as I did. That memory has always affirmed the fact that she brought happiness to everyone through her talents and love.
Thanks Kallee--beautiful!!
Grandma, the library, and a bus
When we went to Laramie, there was always constant trips to the store, museum's of some sort and the library. My favorite trips where to the library when I got to listen to Grandma read for reading time. One particular day she was reading a book that had to do with a bus. I had recently learned this as a song in my kindergarten class, so I was excited. You know the that goes "the wheels on the bus go round and round" (I don't think Grandma knew it was a song or she would have sung it). As she read this picture book, she was completely animated and boisterous. What I remember so lovingly was that every child in that room was just as excited and laughed just as much as I did. That memory has always affirmed the fact that she brought happiness to everyone through her talents and love.
Thanks Kallee--beautiful!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Little Funny
A: But if brothers and sisters stopped fighting, that'd just be weird. It would be TOTAL CHAOS! Q: No no, you have it all wrong. If brothers and sisters stopped fighting, there would finally be peace.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
(NOTE..this is from our family blog, but I wanted to share our day yesterday)
Today my mom would've turned 80 years old. She always told me that she didn't want anyone to make a big fuss. We had a big reception for my father's 80th birthday and the whole family came. Today was quiet and I needed to fill up some of the silence so I took my kids on a pilgrimage through things my mother liked to do with us. We first visited the Gale Center where my mother was a tour guide/docent and the kids had a wonderful time playing pioneer children. Then we visited the library and all read children books (my mother was a children's librarian). Then we visited a gourmet cookie store and indulged in exotic flavors. We ended our adventure by joining Zach and Dad at Arctic Circle and ate halibut (my mom loved it). We all took turns telling favorite memories of her and different stories. I think she would have had a fun time with us. What a perfect way to remember a woman who loved us and we miss her very very very much. Happy birthday mom, I hope you had a delightful day and that you felt our love!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Good news for LinDee
Annette just called and LinDee is out of surgery. She said they got all the cancer and they will pull the trach tomorrow. Good news for LinDee, keep praying for them.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Brita's Wreck of the Exxon Valdez
Preface: So this summer, I made three purchases in the name of joyful living that are relevant to the tale I'm about to tell. I bought a deep fat fryer, in the hope of feeding my chilluns healthier versions of the foods they love: french fries, chicken nuggets, et al. I bought some nice annuals to plant in my little planters that I put on our balcony, and had a few left over to plant on the little patch of dirt down below it. And I bought a pair of very cute Mary Jane style Danskos, that I found at a yard sale for $20, which if you know anything about Danskos, that's really great. They'd never been worn.
So this morning, after dropping off the kids at school, I come home and look over at the vat of used oil on the stove, which I need to take out to be recycled. There is a recently emptied milk jug there too, and I think to myself, that's my cue to pour the oil in and get rid of it. So I clear out the sink and very carefully pour the oil into the milk jug; after all, I want to keep this stuff contained. They pick up recycling routinely by our dumpster, and so I carefully wipe off the side of the jug where I dripped a little, wash my hands, and head out the door. I'm wearing my Mary Janes and my favorite gray pants, because today is my first day of classes.
For those of you who don't know, I live in a second story apartment with outdoor stairs, the kind you can see through, so I'm walking down the stairs and I feel something wet on my leg. My first thought is, something creepy has come through the stairs. Rational me says, No. Then, I'm thinking it must be water from where I washed my hands, I look down, wondering if what I'd wiped there had really been that much, when to my horror, I see the jug has sprung a leak and is drizzling down my leg onto the stairs and all over my shoes. I make an "eep" sound and try to balance one of the empty boxes I was also taking down to the dumpster with me under the leak, but only end up making the oil spew all over. I try to hustle my buns to the dumpster, and toss the jug and boxes in their respective spots, then look down at the mess of my pants and shoes and groan.
My horror only grows, however, as I walk back to the building and up the stairs, following a trail of what looks like blood splatter in the dim cloudy morning light. I follow it all the way up, through the front door, and across the kitchen floor. This will not be a quick cleanup job. What cleans up oil? I get out the dish soap.
The kitchen floor does go fairly quickly. I suds it up, wipe up the excess water, and head out to the balcony. It seriously looks like a crime scene, but more importantly, I'm worried about the kids playing out there and slipping on the oil. I hesitate for a moment, thinking of what this might be doing to the environment, then worrying about broken necks again, start to drip dish soap over the gruesome puddles of goo. I follow suit down the stairs and up the sidewalk.... don't want a lawsuit on my hands when some neighbor happens by and does a slip and slam. Time is getting away from me, much to do today, so I weigh my options and decide getting the garden hose out to finish the job will be quickest.
It is not until the spray starts to make huge foamy puddles over the sidewalk that I start to wonder if I've really made the best choice, but I've chosen my course, can't turn back now. I work my way up the steps, spraying the suds and the oil (I hope) away. Then it dawns on me the kids bikes are under the stairs, and I look down in horror as I see them being covered with oily soapy goo. I groan again, then the hose gets caught on the side of the building, so I give it a tug, and it slips from my hands, falling down to my feet. You think it would have occurred to me to take off the shoes at some point, but no. As the hose lands on my foot, both shoes rapidly fill up with water. At this point I have no choice but to start laughing like a crazy person. This just can't get any better, I think to myself.
Trying to get a grip, I work my way up the stairs, then start to spray down the balcony. Again, I am frozen in horror as I watch the tainted gooey runoff slide down to the front of the porch where my planters are. I allow myself a sigh of relief as I realize that they do, in fact, have protective trays underneath, so they are probably okay, but then I watch as the water starts to drip down off of the porch onto the very spot where I'd planted the remaining flowers. This is the point at which I actually facepalmed.
In resignation, I go back down the stairs, try to hose off the kids bikes a little, then look around me at the swathe of environmental damage. The sidewalks in front of and behind the apartment building are piled with foamy goo, the grass on the edges is already starting to look a little said. The flowers that got dripped on are drooping and appear to be at death's door. Gripped by guilt, I try to dilute the water more, but seem to only make more foam, then it occurs to me how much water I've just wasted. I half expect the EPA to arrive at any moment and arrest me. I drop the hose in defeat, go turn it off, and head upstairs to peel off my sodden apparel and hang my head in shame in private.
The moral of the story? Sometimes, humans, even with the best of intentions, are just hard on nature. I'm not signing on with Edward Abbey or anything, death to humanity, not gonna spike trees or try to live off locusts and honey. But you know, best laid plans of mice and men or whatever. I really was just trying to recycle... honest.
Epilogue: The good news is that my Danskos apparently like vegetable oil.... not so much being drenched though. And it's raining now.
So this morning, after dropping off the kids at school, I come home and look over at the vat of used oil on the stove, which I need to take out to be recycled. There is a recently emptied milk jug there too, and I think to myself, that's my cue to pour the oil in and get rid of it. So I clear out the sink and very carefully pour the oil into the milk jug; after all, I want to keep this stuff contained. They pick up recycling routinely by our dumpster, and so I carefully wipe off the side of the jug where I dripped a little, wash my hands, and head out the door. I'm wearing my Mary Janes and my favorite gray pants, because today is my first day of classes.
For those of you who don't know, I live in a second story apartment with outdoor stairs, the kind you can see through, so I'm walking down the stairs and I feel something wet on my leg. My first thought is, something creepy has come through the stairs. Rational me says, No. Then, I'm thinking it must be water from where I washed my hands, I look down, wondering if what I'd wiped there had really been that much, when to my horror, I see the jug has sprung a leak and is drizzling down my leg onto the stairs and all over my shoes. I make an "eep" sound and try to balance one of the empty boxes I was also taking down to the dumpster with me under the leak, but only end up making the oil spew all over. I try to hustle my buns to the dumpster, and toss the jug and boxes in their respective spots, then look down at the mess of my pants and shoes and groan.
My horror only grows, however, as I walk back to the building and up the stairs, following a trail of what looks like blood splatter in the dim cloudy morning light. I follow it all the way up, through the front door, and across the kitchen floor. This will not be a quick cleanup job. What cleans up oil? I get out the dish soap.
The kitchen floor does go fairly quickly. I suds it up, wipe up the excess water, and head out to the balcony. It seriously looks like a crime scene, but more importantly, I'm worried about the kids playing out there and slipping on the oil. I hesitate for a moment, thinking of what this might be doing to the environment, then worrying about broken necks again, start to drip dish soap over the gruesome puddles of goo. I follow suit down the stairs and up the sidewalk.... don't want a lawsuit on my hands when some neighbor happens by and does a slip and slam. Time is getting away from me, much to do today, so I weigh my options and decide getting the garden hose out to finish the job will be quickest.
It is not until the spray starts to make huge foamy puddles over the sidewalk that I start to wonder if I've really made the best choice, but I've chosen my course, can't turn back now. I work my way up the steps, spraying the suds and the oil (I hope) away. Then it dawns on me the kids bikes are under the stairs, and I look down in horror as I see them being covered with oily soapy goo. I groan again, then the hose gets caught on the side of the building, so I give it a tug, and it slips from my hands, falling down to my feet. You think it would have occurred to me to take off the shoes at some point, but no. As the hose lands on my foot, both shoes rapidly fill up with water. At this point I have no choice but to start laughing like a crazy person. This just can't get any better, I think to myself.
Trying to get a grip, I work my way up the stairs, then start to spray down the balcony. Again, I am frozen in horror as I watch the tainted gooey runoff slide down to the front of the porch where my planters are. I allow myself a sigh of relief as I realize that they do, in fact, have protective trays underneath, so they are probably okay, but then I watch as the water starts to drip down off of the porch onto the very spot where I'd planted the remaining flowers. This is the point at which I actually facepalmed.
In resignation, I go back down the stairs, try to hose off the kids bikes a little, then look around me at the swathe of environmental damage. The sidewalks in front of and behind the apartment building are piled with foamy goo, the grass on the edges is already starting to look a little said. The flowers that got dripped on are drooping and appear to be at death's door. Gripped by guilt, I try to dilute the water more, but seem to only make more foam, then it occurs to me how much water I've just wasted. I half expect the EPA to arrive at any moment and arrest me. I drop the hose in defeat, go turn it off, and head upstairs to peel off my sodden apparel and hang my head in shame in private.
The moral of the story? Sometimes, humans, even with the best of intentions, are just hard on nature. I'm not signing on with Edward Abbey or anything, death to humanity, not gonna spike trees or try to live off locusts and honey. But you know, best laid plans of mice and men or whatever. I really was just trying to recycle... honest.
Epilogue: The good news is that my Danskos apparently like vegetable oil.... not so much being drenched though. And it's raining now.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Milwaukee Mom
So, Hello from wisconsin... we wanted to post and say that it was so good to see so many of you (and sad to miss the rest!) Liz said that I should share funny kid stories for you, but my mind always goes blank as soon as I start typing. So I'll recount our journey instead.
We drove for three days from SLC back to Milwaukee, and thankfully Kelsey came with us. We had a ton of fun, and some not fun....
*Kelsey and I managed to quote mom at the same time. We said "that's what happens" after Scottie bonked his head while jumping on the bed.
*Grace spilled chocolate chip granola bar in her lap, but she was in a skirt, so the chocolate melted all over her legs. When she saw it she screamed, "What the heck is in my legs?? Is it poop???" Kelsey tried to help her clean it up, but we were laughing too hard.
*Kelsey taught Scott to say 'Puke'
*Grace shared the hotel bed with Kels two nights in a row. One night they fought over the covers, the second, Grace's hand met up with Kels's face about 5 times.
*We got 'lost' when the bridge over the Mississippi on I-80 was closed. Kels was the navigator and tried to lead us around, but I took a different way when I saw a random road sign. Grace was a little worried, but we made it just fine.
*When we got home we went to the Jelly Belly Factory and got free samples (and a few not-as-free samples too) and we visited the Milwaukee Zoo.
My other faveorite moment was when Grace and Kelsey were eating pudding. I asked how it was, and Kelsey replied, "Well... you know that taste you get in your mouth when you're sharpening your pencil?" To which I dissolved into helpless laughter and that was the end of the discussion.
We love and miss you.... take care!!
Whitney
We drove for three days from SLC back to Milwaukee, and thankfully Kelsey came with us. We had a ton of fun, and some not fun....
*Kelsey and I managed to quote mom at the same time. We said "that's what happens" after Scottie bonked his head while jumping on the bed.
*Grace spilled chocolate chip granola bar in her lap, but she was in a skirt, so the chocolate melted all over her legs. When she saw it she screamed, "What the heck is in my legs?? Is it poop???" Kelsey tried to help her clean it up, but we were laughing too hard.
*Kelsey taught Scott to say 'Puke'
*Grace shared the hotel bed with Kels two nights in a row. One night they fought over the covers, the second, Grace's hand met up with Kels's face about 5 times.
*We got 'lost' when the bridge over the Mississippi on I-80 was closed. Kels was the navigator and tried to lead us around, but I took a different way when I saw a random road sign. Grace was a little worried, but we made it just fine.
*When we got home we went to the Jelly Belly Factory and got free samples (and a few not-as-free samples too) and we visited the Milwaukee Zoo.
My other faveorite moment was when Grace and Kelsey were eating pudding. I asked how it was, and Kelsey replied, "Well... you know that taste you get in your mouth when you're sharpening your pencil?" To which I dissolved into helpless laughter and that was the end of the discussion.
We love and miss you.... take care!!
Whitney
Monday, August 10, 2009
Asplund Mini Reunion!!
With funerals, cancer, graduation, new babies, new jobs...we are having a hard time figuring in the whole reunion thing....so in interest of BRIEF but EFFECTIVE..we are opting for a MINI reunion on AUGUST 16--a Sunday dinner with a fireside by Dad. This will be held at Dad/Grandpa's house. SPREAD the word
AUGUST 16 Sunday @4pm at Grandpa Asplund house....EVERYONE invited....RSVP to Terry and get food assignment!!!
Love you all!!!
AUGUST 16 Sunday @4pm at Grandpa Asplund house....EVERYONE invited....RSVP to Terry and get food assignment!!!
Love you all!!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Student Teaching!!!!
I got my placement!!!! Hooray! I will be student teaching in:
Redwood Elementary - West Valley City - Mrs. Berrio's 4th grade class
I am really excited! I am also really glad that it is NOT 6th grade! I was really nervous for 6th. I knew it was going to be 4-6 so 4th is what i was hoping for. I looked it up and found out that the school is about 7 miles from my apt! The map quest thing I used said it would take about 15 mins to get there. That is very nice because I thought it was going to be out in the Sandy/ Jordan area, which is a bit further. Well thats all for now! I have a ton of homework to catch up on so I can be SURE to graduate! :)
Redwood Elementary - West Valley City - Mrs. Berrio's 4th grade class
I am really excited! I am also really glad that it is NOT 6th grade! I was really nervous for 6th. I knew it was going to be 4-6 so 4th is what i was hoping for. I looked it up and found out that the school is about 7 miles from my apt! The map quest thing I used said it would take about 15 mins to get there. That is very nice because I thought it was going to be out in the Sandy/ Jordan area, which is a bit further. Well thats all for now! I have a ton of homework to catch up on so I can be SURE to graduate! :)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Montana Cousins visit Sandy
Aislinn and Quinton enter the Shields kids world--more photos to come of our Salt Lake adventure.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Finally! Some Adventure!
So as of right now, my life is still not very adventurous. I get up, I go to work, every Monday Wednesday Friday i go to class, I come home, eat dinner, sometimes i do my homework and then i go to bed. BUT, my friends, that is soon coming to an end and i CANT WAIT! I am getting so excited (but nervous at the same time) for my adventure to begin! This is what the rest of my summer looks like!
Wednesday of this week I pick up my cap and gown! WEIRD (maybe this time my cap will actually fit my head...when i graduated high school they placed my order as a boy so i had to use an extra cap and gown so i could be white like the other girls, not red like the boys. The extra cap was much too small for my rather large head so i had to use like 57 bobbie pins to keep it on my head, which i then forgot about when i had to take my cap off to throw it in the air at the end of graduation...needless to say I didnt end up throwing my cap.... any way... thats another story....)
Wednesday of next week I find out my student teaching placement!!! I am so excited i can hardly stand it! I just want to know! I have been like stalking out all the elementary schools in the Jordan district.
Wednesday in two weeks I have my final for my class and after that I will be DONE with classes in an actual classroom. At least where I am the official student. The very next day (thursday the 23rd) I GRADUATE!!! I havent decided if I am going to commencement or not yet. But i am for sure going to my convocation! You are all invited to come! If you didnt get an invitation already it is at 8 pm in the Hinckley Chapel. The part I am probably most excited for in graduating is the simple fact that a lot of my family is trying to come! And the next few days i will probably just hang out with the family that is still in town.
The week after graduation is my last week at work. I am actually really sad to leave work. Probably the only thing i have actually liked about my summer. I LOVE the girls i work with and the kids are so fun and sweet! A lot of them make my day! I have the perfect job for me. I will be really sad to leave, but SO excited for my up coming adventures!!
After my last day of work on the 31st. I have 3 or 4 days to finish packing up ALL of my junk! (i have a TON so it will probably take me the whole time!) and THEN I am going on a ROAD TRIP to Milwaukee with Whitney and her kids. She wanted someone to drive back with her since Steve is flying back and i very willingly volunteered! I love road trips, and i love my sister and my niece and nephew! How could i resist??? so 3 days on the road to Milwaukee with my favorites! We will get to Milwaukee about the 8th or 9th and then I will spend a few days with them in Milwaukee before flying back to Salt Lake on the 12th of August.
I get into Salt Lake around 2. Hopefully I am feeling human enough to move into my new apt. I found out today that my one and only roommate Katie will be Greece until the 17th!! So I will have the first few days in Salt Lake all by myself! That is a little intimidating but all part of the adventure right???
After i am in Salt Lake a few days I start my student teaching!!!!! YAY! like i said i wont know what school or grade until the 15th...but as soon as i know i will post it on here! yahoo!!! Adventure HERE I COME!
Wednesday of this week I pick up my cap and gown! WEIRD (maybe this time my cap will actually fit my head...when i graduated high school they placed my order as a boy so i had to use an extra cap and gown so i could be white like the other girls, not red like the boys. The extra cap was much too small for my rather large head so i had to use like 57 bobbie pins to keep it on my head, which i then forgot about when i had to take my cap off to throw it in the air at the end of graduation...needless to say I didnt end up throwing my cap.... any way... thats another story....)
Wednesday of next week I find out my student teaching placement!!! I am so excited i can hardly stand it! I just want to know! I have been like stalking out all the elementary schools in the Jordan district.
Wednesday in two weeks I have my final for my class and after that I will be DONE with classes in an actual classroom. At least where I am the official student. The very next day (thursday the 23rd) I GRADUATE!!! I havent decided if I am going to commencement or not yet. But i am for sure going to my convocation! You are all invited to come! If you didnt get an invitation already it is at 8 pm in the Hinckley Chapel. The part I am probably most excited for in graduating is the simple fact that a lot of my family is trying to come! And the next few days i will probably just hang out with the family that is still in town.
The week after graduation is my last week at work. I am actually really sad to leave work. Probably the only thing i have actually liked about my summer. I LOVE the girls i work with and the kids are so fun and sweet! A lot of them make my day! I have the perfect job for me. I will be really sad to leave, but SO excited for my up coming adventures!!
After my last day of work on the 31st. I have 3 or 4 days to finish packing up ALL of my junk! (i have a TON so it will probably take me the whole time!) and THEN I am going on a ROAD TRIP to Milwaukee with Whitney and her kids. She wanted someone to drive back with her since Steve is flying back and i very willingly volunteered! I love road trips, and i love my sister and my niece and nephew! How could i resist??? so 3 days on the road to Milwaukee with my favorites! We will get to Milwaukee about the 8th or 9th and then I will spend a few days with them in Milwaukee before flying back to Salt Lake on the 12th of August.
I get into Salt Lake around 2. Hopefully I am feeling human enough to move into my new apt. I found out today that my one and only roommate Katie will be Greece until the 17th!! So I will have the first few days in Salt Lake all by myself! That is a little intimidating but all part of the adventure right???
After i am in Salt Lake a few days I start my student teaching!!!!! YAY! like i said i wont know what school or grade until the 15th...but as soon as i know i will post it on here! yahoo!!! Adventure HERE I COME!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Summer Slayage and Bugeoning Patriotism
So Aislinn killed an earwig for me today.... and the kids kept singing the following tune every time we passed a flag on the way home from the mechanic's:
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
Which at some point turned into:
Keep your eye on the big fat flag
And later:
Keep your eye on the stinky flag
Quinton was the one to point out that this was probably disrespectful. But he kept singing it.
So that's been my day. :)
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
Which at some point turned into:
Keep your eye on the big fat flag
And later:
Keep your eye on the stinky flag
Quinton was the one to point out that this was probably disrespectful. But he kept singing it.
So that's been my day. :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New(ish) Contact Info for Brita
We start moving today... so dang many boxes. ARG! I'm already tired.
Here is our new address:
108 Julia Martin Drive Apt. H
Bozeman, MT 59715
both my cell phone # and landline are the same:
406-522-0330 (h)
406-570-5418 (c)
Here is our new address:
108 Julia Martin Drive Apt. H
Bozeman, MT 59715
both my cell phone # and landline are the same:
406-522-0330 (h)
406-570-5418 (c)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
More Funnies
Liz has inspired me to share funny Q and A stories. Night before last, we had baby shell noodles for dinner, and Quinton decided that they looked like perfect homes for tiny hermit crabs. He was telling Aislinn how delicious hermit crabs were, and she became incensed, insisting that hermit crabs would never fit inside those shells, and even if they did, they'd be too hard to eat. Quinton then informed her that the adults were just deep fried, and that in their "larval form," hermit crabs were always soft and tasty, like noodles. She thought about this for a minute, then said, "ok," and continued eating.
This morning on the way to school, Quinton was practicing his rapping sound skills with his mouth, which he has apparently recently learned at school (remember that one Christmas, Beck, when Dad asked us to wrap?), and then he turns to Aislinn and says, "You try." She makes a half-hearted effort to do the raspberry deep bass sound, then devolves into a coughing fit. Quinton says, "No, Silly, it's like this..." then his effort somehow turns into a Donald Duck voice. The entire trip to school ended up being a complex array of soundbits from whistles to snorts all mingled with Quinton's pplllb/ch ch rapping and a whole lot of giggling, including mine. Every trip to school should be so entertaining.
This morning on the way to school, Quinton was practicing his rapping sound skills with his mouth, which he has apparently recently learned at school (remember that one Christmas, Beck, when Dad asked us to wrap?), and then he turns to Aislinn and says, "You try." She makes a half-hearted effort to do the raspberry deep bass sound, then devolves into a coughing fit. Quinton says, "No, Silly, it's like this..." then his effort somehow turns into a Donald Duck voice. The entire trip to school ended up being a complex array of soundbits from whistles to snorts all mingled with Quinton's pplllb/ch ch rapping and a whole lot of giggling, including mine. Every trip to school should be so entertaining.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
When a golf putt won't drop--OR--a day in my life
Since you won't read the newspaper where I am declared mother of the year or at least mother of the week (wouldn't that article be fabulous!!) I will give you highlights. This is the stuff that I shared with Mom all the time and produce large quantities of laughter..I miss her chuckles--so decided to share with you all.
My week started with attending McKay's readers workshop. In order to keep Abby entertained I let her play with my water bottle. The child was so pleasant and calm until the gagging noise began. As another mother jumped to Abby's rescue, I used my best mommy tool (my fingers) to fish out the lid to the bottle that Abby had started to swallow.
Who knew she was so advanced and had skills to remove the lid!! I, of course, impressed all the mothers that I too remembered "if it fits inside a toilet paper roll--they can choke" rule! I just didn't want them to be jealous of my advanced child!! I know how to make the party rock!
Next, I was in charge of treats for Anna's soccer game. At the start of the season the city sent out a big memo about "healthy treats" and discouraging sticky sweets and gooey messes (what kids love!!). I was deliberate in my selection of treats and had an overwhelming sense of a job well-done as I approached the soccer field, treats in hand. As we opened the treat bags to a wonderful selection of 100% apple juice and peanut butter crackers, I was struck with how many children were saying "no thank-you" to the treats.
WOW, I thought they really don't like the healthy stuff. One mother was standing there with her crying son (a younger sibling) and I decided to offer treats to the child, when the mother with kindness and clarity reminded me that many children on the team had PEANUT allergies--Who knew???
The week continued with the school carnival...ah, yes the school carnival. We made a failed attempt to convince our children that we had just been to the bounce houses at classic skate for Monica's birthday and we really didn't need to go again.
We even went so far as to schedule a hike with another family. Because of our work schedule we had to back out of the hike...leaving kids completely upset because of the lack of fun activities. With swift parental skill we decided to go the carnival for a short amount of time--satisfying everyone schedule and desire!
Short indeed, the lightening strikes were a bit alarming--but not as alarming as the towering three-story princess bounce house crashing down on three small Shields children (a power outage). You should have seen Zach and me crying out to them as we tried to hold up the yards of plastic fabric and guide them back to the entrance...it was a heart stopper. I think it may have squelched a bit of the bounce house charm (at least for the parents).
I am sure I had many more incidents to add to this record week of parenting...but I hate to brag!!
My week started with attending McKay's readers workshop. In order to keep Abby entertained I let her play with my water bottle. The child was so pleasant and calm until the gagging noise began. As another mother jumped to Abby's rescue, I used my best mommy tool (my fingers) to fish out the lid to the bottle that Abby had started to swallow.
Who knew she was so advanced and had skills to remove the lid!! I, of course, impressed all the mothers that I too remembered "if it fits inside a toilet paper roll--they can choke" rule! I just didn't want them to be jealous of my advanced child!! I know how to make the party rock!
Next, I was in charge of treats for Anna's soccer game. At the start of the season the city sent out a big memo about "healthy treats" and discouraging sticky sweets and gooey messes (what kids love!!). I was deliberate in my selection of treats and had an overwhelming sense of a job well-done as I approached the soccer field, treats in hand. As we opened the treat bags to a wonderful selection of 100% apple juice and peanut butter crackers, I was struck with how many children were saying "no thank-you" to the treats.
WOW, I thought they really don't like the healthy stuff. One mother was standing there with her crying son (a younger sibling) and I decided to offer treats to the child, when the mother with kindness and clarity reminded me that many children on the team had PEANUT allergies--Who knew???
The week continued with the school carnival...ah, yes the school carnival. We made a failed attempt to convince our children that we had just been to the bounce houses at classic skate for Monica's birthday and we really didn't need to go again.
We even went so far as to schedule a hike with another family. Because of our work schedule we had to back out of the hike...leaving kids completely upset because of the lack of fun activities. With swift parental skill we decided to go the carnival for a short amount of time--satisfying everyone schedule and desire!
Short indeed, the lightening strikes were a bit alarming--but not as alarming as the towering three-story princess bounce house crashing down on three small Shields children (a power outage). You should have seen Zach and me crying out to them as we tried to hold up the yards of plastic fabric and guide them back to the entrance...it was a heart stopper. I think it may have squelched a bit of the bounce house charm (at least for the parents).
I am sure I had many more incidents to add to this record week of parenting...but I hate to brag!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
READ THIS TALK!!
"And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart." The Infinite Power of Hope ~ President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
How do you create HOPE
I am feeling powerless to help in so many different situations. In a feeble attempt to try to create some hope or even a small bit of joy I tried to do something mom would do! I made dessert! I am not good at dessert, truth be told I don't usually think of dessert in my planning. I've made dinner for dad most days since mom's passing and after one dinner, he said, "your mother never forgot dessert". I thought about "not forgetting" dessert and I thought about sweet little moments that come in life--just the little things like grandchildren, or a job well done, or a sweet smile... that is dessert. So back to my attempt at dessert--Sunday I made a dessert that may bring a smile to some of your faces Devil's Float. Each Sunday dinner mom brought dessert to my house, but this Sunday it was time for me to bring dessert. Each Sunday mom brought hope, but this Sunday it was my turn to bring hope. It came in the form of an ooey gooey chocolate cake...and it was just that, a bit of hope, a smile, a bit of mom enjoying our Sunday feast. Here is the recipe. Please take my offer for a bit of hope. Chocolate never hurts and Mom would always remember dessert! I love you all.
P.s. dad said that this recipe was handed down from Grandma Asplund to mom.
Devil's Float
Sift together:
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup flour
3/4 c sugar
2 tsp baking powder
add:
2 tlb butter
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 square of melted baker chocolate
Pudding:
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
2 tlb cocoa
1 c boiling water
Mix pudding and place in 8x8 pan. Add batter on top of pudding and place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour
P.s. dad said that this recipe was handed down from Grandma Asplund to mom.
Devil's Float
Sift together:
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup flour
3/4 c sugar
2 tsp baking powder
add:
2 tlb butter
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 square of melted baker chocolate
Pudding:
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
2 tlb cocoa
1 c boiling water
Mix pudding and place in 8x8 pan. Add batter on top of pudding and place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fifty Percent
I was told today I have a fifty chance to live even with radiation treatment and having most of my tongue removed. It is kind of sobering because I have never given much thought, till now, about living or dying.
Today's surgery consisted of three tests done on my throat. One for the larynx, one for the esophagus, and the last one was on my lungs. The good news is that they all appear to be clean of cancer. The back news is that my tongue makes up of all the good news.
The cat scans showed that I have a double hernia and some spots on my liver that might be cancerous but probably not.
I really look forward to a life without speech and the possibility of never eating real food again. Thanks for your prayers and fasting. I am sure they made a difference.
Today's surgery consisted of three tests done on my throat. One for the larynx, one for the esophagus, and the last one was on my lungs. The good news is that they all appear to be clean of cancer. The back news is that my tongue makes up of all the good news.
The cat scans showed that I have a double hernia and some spots on my liver that might be cancerous but probably not.
I really look forward to a life without speech and the possibility of never eating real food again. Thanks for your prayers and fasting. I am sure they made a difference.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Review of the Barium Berry Smoothie
Last night and this morning I got the rare privilege of imbibing a Barium Berry Smoothie. Sounds good doesn't it. Well, just like a lot of other things in the hospital they don't tell you everything.
Yes, it was smooth. Yes, it did kind of taste like berry. However the after taste had to be washed out with a tootbrush and toothpast. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give the Barium Berry Smoothie about a 2, with 10 being the best and 1 the worst.
It's white color and creamy texture did leave you wanting more. I'm just not sure what! The drink took about 30 minutes to get it down, each time.
Now I can officially say I have had my whole body examined.
If I feel up to it, I will write more on this saga after the March 31 surgery.
What a ride!
Yes, it was smooth. Yes, it did kind of taste like berry. However the after taste had to be washed out with a tootbrush and toothpast. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give the Barium Berry Smoothie about a 2, with 10 being the best and 1 the worst.
It's white color and creamy texture did leave you wanting more. I'm just not sure what! The drink took about 30 minutes to get it down, each time.
Now I can officially say I have had my whole body examined.
If I feel up to it, I will write more on this saga after the March 31 surgery.
What a ride!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I Miss Mom today
I have missed her everyday...but today I missed her phone call, her list of things to accomplish, placed on the counter top, her light laughter and her easy personality. I missed her taking care of daddy and wanting to know what was going on in all of our lives. Today I missed my mommy!!
I love you all
I love you all
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
My talk about Mom
I didn't write down much of my talk, so I don't know how much I can remember but here goes.
If you look at the scripture on the front of the program, you have a perfect description of my mother. My sisters said I had to say more than that so here goes. Charity was not an abstract thought for Mom, it was here way of living. Numerous people have shared how she would offer them love , shelter, food and friendship. Mom often found the best in people. Including me--as a child and an adult I have often struggled with self-worth but my mom always found the best in me and encouraged me and helped me be a better person. My mother gave us another gift, she loved life and recently we had a conversation about her dying she said when we were sad we just think of a fun time or memory and smile or laugh--how can we not remember and do that--like when we think of her leaving the car running in Mountain View all through church, or the zest she had when intertubing with the grandkids, one of my favorites is when Colleen and I visited Mom and Dad in Hawaii--and I can see Colleen and Mom out in the waves laughing and having fun.
Another wonderful gift I have been given is to have parents that truly loved and respected each other for 59 years. They enjoyed each other and liked to spend time in each others company-what a priceless gift.
I am thankful that I know my Mother is reunited with her parents and brother and others that have loved her and I look forward to day that we are reunited.
If you look at the scripture on the front of the program, you have a perfect description of my mother. My sisters said I had to say more than that so here goes. Charity was not an abstract thought for Mom, it was here way of living. Numerous people have shared how she would offer them love , shelter, food and friendship. Mom often found the best in people. Including me--as a child and an adult I have often struggled with self-worth but my mom always found the best in me and encouraged me and helped me be a better person. My mother gave us another gift, she loved life and recently we had a conversation about her dying she said when we were sad we just think of a fun time or memory and smile or laugh--how can we not remember and do that--like when we think of her leaving the car running in Mountain View all through church, or the zest she had when intertubing with the grandkids, one of my favorites is when Colleen and I visited Mom and Dad in Hawaii--and I can see Colleen and Mom out in the waves laughing and having fun.
Another wonderful gift I have been given is to have parents that truly loved and respected each other for 59 years. They enjoyed each other and liked to spend time in each others company-what a priceless gift.
I am thankful that I know my Mother is reunited with her parents and brother and others that have loved her and I look forward to day that we are reunited.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Song for Coping and Hoping
Sometimes I find it easier to communicate with music - a friend said it is part of my vocabulary. In listening to tunes on the way home yesterday, this song struck me as particularly comforting so I thought I'd share the lyrics (I don't remember them all....). It's by Mr. Mister, entitled "The Border."
We, we must go on now
wherever people go, go on together
and love
and try to hold on now
too many of us have run, run out of the circle....
..... I need you near me
we must go on
our questions unanswered
I know what we're after is right here in our arms
I am standing here, my arms open wide
I keep waiting here, heart in my hands on the border
and every step we take gives us the strength to go on
and all the love we make gets us closer to home
I can see it all so clearly now
I can hear your voice in a song
and it burns down inside my soul
takes me down this winding road
we can find our way back home
we, we must go on now
wherever people go, go on together
I am standing here, my arms open wide
I keep waiting here, heart in my hands on the border
and every step we take gives us the strength to go on
and all the love we make gets us closer to home
We, we must go on now
wherever people go, go on together
and love
and try to hold on now
too many of us have run, run out of the circle....
..... I need you near me
we must go on
our questions unanswered
I know what we're after is right here in our arms
I am standing here, my arms open wide
I keep waiting here, heart in my hands on the border
and every step we take gives us the strength to go on
and all the love we make gets us closer to home
I can see it all so clearly now
I can hear your voice in a song
and it burns down inside my soul
takes me down this winding road
we can find our way back home
we, we must go on now
wherever people go, go on together
I am standing here, my arms open wide
I keep waiting here, heart in my hands on the border
and every step we take gives us the strength to go on
and all the love we make gets us closer to home
Friday, February 27, 2009
Favorite Memories...
So I hope this gets to the people who needed/wanted it. I have been thinking a lot about my memories of Grandma, and it's weird for me to have to pick a favorite one. They all seem connected. My favorite string of memories, though, has to be the one related to children's literature. I love the memories of going ot the library with Grandma. I thought it was the coolest library in the whole world. (compared to Afton's, it may have been...) I remember being so proud that my Grandma was the story lady. It seemed like all the children loved her, but I knew I loved her more. I remember specifically sitting in the downstairs family room and reading stories with her... The Zimparumpa-Zoo was my favorite. The strangest thing to me was when I started reading Winnie-the-Pooh to Grace last week. The voice in my head was not my own, but Grandma's, telling us to 'think, think, think' or "oh, bother." She is that story, to me.
I am hopelessly addicted to children's books. I own over 400. I attribute it to my Grandma's contagious love of books.
Love you all!
Whitney
I am hopelessly addicted to children's books. I own over 400. I attribute it to my Grandma's contagious love of books.
Love you all!
Whitney
Friday, February 20, 2009
PRAY...pray hard!
Mom (Grandma) has gone down hill. Terry sits with her tonight, Ruthie did last night, Brita tomorrow.....I am not sure what is going on... Please pray and post (especially grand daughters...she needs you now!
Monday, February 9, 2009
SERVICE hoped for!!
Hey Family,
We are arranging a family work day for Grandma (mostly) and Grandpa on Saturday, February 28th. We hope to have enough hands around to make light work. We need to move furniture, organize and do some cooking (freezer meals) for them and also do a bit of shopping. This is a GREAT opportunity to serve your family. We will try to work in the morning to make it a short day for any and all who can come!!! SPREAD the word and come enjoy a bit of time with them! (if you can come on the day before or after we can also use help either of those days too!
Let me or one of the sisters know!!!
Love, Liz
We are arranging a family work day for Grandma (mostly) and Grandpa on Saturday, February 28th. We hope to have enough hands around to make light work. We need to move furniture, organize and do some cooking (freezer meals) for them and also do a bit of shopping. This is a GREAT opportunity to serve your family. We will try to work in the morning to make it a short day for any and all who can come!!! SPREAD the word and come enjoy a bit of time with them! (if you can come on the day before or after we can also use help either of those days too!
Let me or one of the sisters know!!!
Love, Liz
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Rigby Toaster
It seems that between the 40 mile an hour breeze and 10 degree temperature I forget the joy of mowing the lawn and not having to shovel snow. Life has been reduced to that. Shovel snow or mow the lawn.
Annette is going to SLC to visit grandma and grandpa for the next two days. (Jan 26th and 27th) I have the house completely to myself. Who am I kidding, I have the house to myself everyday.
I think this house has ghosts. All day long it moves, creeks, clicks, and makes new and funny noises. That's okay, cause I think this house is scared of me. Maybe its because I don't shower enough. Maybe it's because of what I eat. This house knows me well. Anyway, me and this house have a weird relationship.
I go to the cutter and chariot races about twice a month. Wish I could do the racing thing again.
I put some pictures on my facebook page. I guessing you will have seen most of them. As a photographer, I am still aspiring to be more than I am.
I have an online University that has me setup to go back to school. I can get my MBA in about a year. However, I have learned that I am not as swift at scholastic things as I used to be. The only thing that is good is that because I have no income I can finance the whole thing.
Here are my questions for today:
At 54 should I start college again?
At 54 is anyone ever going to hire me again?
At 54 do I get the house or does the house get me?
At 54 do I even care?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Life keeps chugging
Today is the last day to add semester classes for this semester, so hopefully my life will soon return to some sense of calm.
January is always a crazy month for me at work--so I'm sorry if it seems I fell off the planet.
Other than working too many hours life is good.
I'm recovered from my surgery, got a new primary class 4 boys and 1 girl, and had a lovely dinner with Cami and Terry. Terry and I got twinsy pajamas to relive our childhoods, and I love mine.
George is recovered from his broken collarbone and in fact has a hockey tournament in Pinedale this weekend. He also just advanced to 1st class scout.
Sarah got a new nightgown with ballerinas on it and she loves to show us her dancing skills whenever she wears it.
Mitch is walking (sort of) he can do it but if he thinks about it he chickens out. He weighs 28 lbs so I guess hauling that weight isn't fun. He has also figured out that he fits through the cat door on the safety gate( luckily he can go down stairs most of the time).
I hope you are all busy in good ways and that life is good. I know I am very blessed.
January is always a crazy month for me at work--so I'm sorry if it seems I fell off the planet.
Other than working too many hours life is good.
I'm recovered from my surgery, got a new primary class 4 boys and 1 girl, and had a lovely dinner with Cami and Terry. Terry and I got twinsy pajamas to relive our childhoods, and I love mine.
George is recovered from his broken collarbone and in fact has a hockey tournament in Pinedale this weekend. He also just advanced to 1st class scout.
Sarah got a new nightgown with ballerinas on it and she loves to show us her dancing skills whenever she wears it.
Mitch is walking (sort of) he can do it but if he thinks about it he chickens out. He weighs 28 lbs so I guess hauling that weight isn't fun. He has also figured out that he fits through the cat door on the safety gate( luckily he can go down stairs most of the time).
I hope you are all busy in good ways and that life is good. I know I am very blessed.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Sisters
Things I like about my Sisters:
Annette--her tender heart toward mom and dad
Ruthie--her ability to care for family
Terry-her ability to accomplish and set goals
Becky--her ability to laugh and be light
Brita--her creative drive and talent
That is just the QUICK list--I am sure if I sat and had time to think I could write and essay on each of them...I think the thing that is really clear is that they are all TRYING hard to do their best!
I LOVE THEM ALL!!!
Annette--her tender heart toward mom and dad
Ruthie--her ability to care for family
Terry-her ability to accomplish and set goals
Becky--her ability to laugh and be light
Brita--her creative drive and talent
That is just the QUICK list--I am sure if I sat and had time to think I could write and essay on each of them...I think the thing that is really clear is that they are all TRYING hard to do their best!
I LOVE THEM ALL!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Family,
I hope that all are reasonably well, that everyone has enough money for a weekly ice cream cone (whole story there), and that each is aware of how much the Lord has blessed us. I know that many of you have gone through some pretty tough times this last year....but as I listen to the news, I realize that we ARE blessed to be in this country where we can go to bed in safety....in heated homes....with indoor plumbing. The average middle class American actually lives in more comfort than most of the Kings of England did. Think about it!!
Any way, as I reflect on the past year, I realize that I live in the hollow of God's hand. We have money worries, and job worries and health worries, like pretty much all of us, but they are minor.
Our big activity this year has been attempts to remodel part of the old house. Jesse wants to be sure that if family needs (or wants) to come home, they have somewhere to stay. We are taking the two small bedrooms in the old house and turning it into a larger bedroom with a large closet. We are also going to expand the bathroom in the old house and redo the plumbing. Jesse refuses to pay someone else to do what he can do ( he is actually a good plumber) so the work has gone verrrrrry slowly. For example, it took all of Saturday to install a new door. Old people get very tired very quickly. And now, with tax season upon us.......This all was started because of necessary repairs to the subfloor on the west side of the old house, so we will keep plugging as time and energy dictate.
As far as we know, our children are all at varying stages of doing okay. Aaron has completed his third quarter of his computer animation education. I asked how many quarters he still has to go and he doesn't know. Kallee is struggling with great determination to become accepted into the music education at Utah State University. Chosing the arts as a major is a hard, hard road.....the evaluation of talent as well as effort can be a heavy burden on the ego. The amount of hours required by an arts major is also unbelievable. Kallee is very talented and a very hard worker. I hope that she is blessed with the success she deserves.
Loren is trying to find his way at UVU. He is blessed with the Asplund curse.......smart enough to do anything, but he hasn't found something he loves enough to dedicate himself to it yet. He stays active socially, and much to his mother's dismay, seems to have lost all his razors. His beard is full and silky....but it is still a beard.
Justus is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. He had approximately 1.5 years to finish a Secondary Education degree in Biology. He plans to work towards a career in school adminstration. His wife, Rochelle, recently got a really good promotion where she works.....but longs to be a stay-at-home Mom with Paden. She is totally justified in that goal, because Paden is the most handsome young man in the whole Universe. He is 16 months, walking everywhere and beginning to talk, and trying EVERYTHING. They were at our house over Christmas and I think he fell off every piece of furniture in the house. He has a sunny disposition, an adorable laugh, and an unending supply of curiosity.
Dallas and John, to our great delight, are still in Bridger Valley, with John working for the local Rural Electric Co-op. They also provide wireless internet, and John is over the Dish Satelite internet service. I believe that they really like his work. Dallas is still working one day a week for the Public Health as an RN. I know how much they like her and she likes it too for the most part. She just finished a stint of sustituting for the school nurse who was on maternity leave. After working full-time for two months, she has decided that she is not in a hurry to return to the work force. Hannah and Sarah are both beautiful and growing like weeds. Sarah has discovered the power of the temper tantrum.....mostly in the interest of getting a bite of whatever food you have. She loves adult food and wants to try everything. Sarah is very social and outgoing. At almost 11 months, she is standing and wants to walk, but the balance isn't quite there yet. Hannah just went through the trauma of a brush with one of her friends (Dallas' friend has triplet boys just a few months older than her). As far as we know, she was wrestling around with one of the boys and climbed on his back. He tried to buck her off and their heads banged together. It smashed into Hannah' jaw, displacing the front four bottom teeth. They took her to an oral pediatric surgeon in Odgen who decided that there was too much damage and removed all four of them. She seems to be recovering quickly and unrepentantly. She still loves "Signing Time" but has broadened her movie selections to include "Cinderella" "Peter Pan" and "Monsters Inc." Hannah is not one for change, and she approaches any new experience with extreme caution and judicious doubt.
Jesse and Ruth are still working away at their jobs: Accountant at a CPA firm, and Financial Manger for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way, respectively. The downturn in the economy could effect both our jobs, but we can only continue to do the best we can. Jesse is leasing his land and his herd of cows to a neighbor as a solution to the changes which occurred when Jerry sold his ranch to buy a new one and move to Riverton, WY. We hear they are happy there and truly pray for their success, as we do for all of you. Jesse is currently Elder's Quorum President, and Ruth is jobless at church for a short stretch since being released from the Stake Young Women's Presidency.
I have become a very lazy correspondent again. I am sorry, but the truth is that my natural state is "at rest" as all physicists can attest. I will attempt to get a force to move me better in future. Still my love is there even if my letters aren't.
(Oh, the long story: My first year at BYU, I was on a tight budget. If I did good during the week, I had enough left to treat myself to a $0.50 ice cream cone at the Couger Eats on Saturday afternoon. That is still my yardstick for tight budgets and how well I stick to them. Not quite there yet)
Happy New Year!
Love, Ruthie
I hope that all are reasonably well, that everyone has enough money for a weekly ice cream cone (whole story there), and that each is aware of how much the Lord has blessed us. I know that many of you have gone through some pretty tough times this last year....but as I listen to the news, I realize that we ARE blessed to be in this country where we can go to bed in safety....in heated homes....with indoor plumbing. The average middle class American actually lives in more comfort than most of the Kings of England did. Think about it!!
Any way, as I reflect on the past year, I realize that I live in the hollow of God's hand. We have money worries, and job worries and health worries, like pretty much all of us, but they are minor.
Our big activity this year has been attempts to remodel part of the old house. Jesse wants to be sure that if family needs (or wants) to come home, they have somewhere to stay. We are taking the two small bedrooms in the old house and turning it into a larger bedroom with a large closet. We are also going to expand the bathroom in the old house and redo the plumbing. Jesse refuses to pay someone else to do what he can do ( he is actually a good plumber) so the work has gone verrrrrry slowly. For example, it took all of Saturday to install a new door. Old people get very tired very quickly. And now, with tax season upon us.......This all was started because of necessary repairs to the subfloor on the west side of the old house, so we will keep plugging as time and energy dictate.
As far as we know, our children are all at varying stages of doing okay. Aaron has completed his third quarter of his computer animation education. I asked how many quarters he still has to go and he doesn't know. Kallee is struggling with great determination to become accepted into the music education at Utah State University. Chosing the arts as a major is a hard, hard road.....the evaluation of talent as well as effort can be a heavy burden on the ego. The amount of hours required by an arts major is also unbelievable. Kallee is very talented and a very hard worker. I hope that she is blessed with the success she deserves.
Loren is trying to find his way at UVU. He is blessed with the Asplund curse.......smart enough to do anything, but he hasn't found something he loves enough to dedicate himself to it yet. He stays active socially, and much to his mother's dismay, seems to have lost all his razors. His beard is full and silky....but it is still a beard.
Justus is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. He had approximately 1.5 years to finish a Secondary Education degree in Biology. He plans to work towards a career in school adminstration. His wife, Rochelle, recently got a really good promotion where she works.....but longs to be a stay-at-home Mom with Paden. She is totally justified in that goal, because Paden is the most handsome young man in the whole Universe. He is 16 months, walking everywhere and beginning to talk, and trying EVERYTHING. They were at our house over Christmas and I think he fell off every piece of furniture in the house. He has a sunny disposition, an adorable laugh, and an unending supply of curiosity.
Dallas and John, to our great delight, are still in Bridger Valley, with John working for the local Rural Electric Co-op. They also provide wireless internet, and John is over the Dish Satelite internet service. I believe that they really like his work. Dallas is still working one day a week for the Public Health as an RN. I know how much they like her and she likes it too for the most part. She just finished a stint of sustituting for the school nurse who was on maternity leave. After working full-time for two months, she has decided that she is not in a hurry to return to the work force. Hannah and Sarah are both beautiful and growing like weeds. Sarah has discovered the power of the temper tantrum.....mostly in the interest of getting a bite of whatever food you have. She loves adult food and wants to try everything. Sarah is very social and outgoing. At almost 11 months, she is standing and wants to walk, but the balance isn't quite there yet. Hannah just went through the trauma of a brush with one of her friends (Dallas' friend has triplet boys just a few months older than her). As far as we know, she was wrestling around with one of the boys and climbed on his back. He tried to buck her off and their heads banged together. It smashed into Hannah' jaw, displacing the front four bottom teeth. They took her to an oral pediatric surgeon in Odgen who decided that there was too much damage and removed all four of them. She seems to be recovering quickly and unrepentantly. She still loves "Signing Time" but has broadened her movie selections to include "Cinderella" "Peter Pan" and "Monsters Inc." Hannah is not one for change, and she approaches any new experience with extreme caution and judicious doubt.
Jesse and Ruth are still working away at their jobs: Accountant at a CPA firm, and Financial Manger for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way, respectively. The downturn in the economy could effect both our jobs, but we can only continue to do the best we can. Jesse is leasing his land and his herd of cows to a neighbor as a solution to the changes which occurred when Jerry sold his ranch to buy a new one and move to Riverton, WY. We hear they are happy there and truly pray for their success, as we do for all of you. Jesse is currently Elder's Quorum President, and Ruth is jobless at church for a short stretch since being released from the Stake Young Women's Presidency.
I have become a very lazy correspondent again. I am sorry, but the truth is that my natural state is "at rest" as all physicists can attest. I will attempt to get a force to move me better in future. Still my love is there even if my letters aren't.
(Oh, the long story: My first year at BYU, I was on a tight budget. If I did good during the week, I had enough left to treat myself to a $0.50 ice cream cone at the Couger Eats on Saturday afternoon. That is still my yardstick for tight budgets and how well I stick to them. Not quite there yet)
Happy New Year!
Love, Ruthie
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