My Broken Car. . .

So here's the damage from Thursday. I was supposed to pick Amy up from school and she was very upset with her mommy when she got home from school. I called her at Nana's and she was crying until I told her I broke my car. Then she forgave me. Just as long as I had a good excuse! In the left and middle pictures you can see the offending rebar that caught the front of my car. I haven't heard yet from the adjuster, but he was faxing the estimate yesterday afternoon to our body work friend who is going to do the repairs. We hope it can get done before the 26th, or we won't be going to Utah. Wish us luck!

Snow White

Here's a collection of pictures from their play this week. I'm still working on formatting pictures. Amy was a chipmunk and Missy was Doris, the wicked queen's servant (instead of a huntsman). The last pictures were from the cast pictures before the play. I was taking ones of each group and using the telephoto feature alot and my batteries died right before Amy's group got on stage. So later I'll post pictures that the director took. The girls had fun and did a wonderful job.

The End is in Sight...

It must be the end of the semester because I came down with a cold yesterday. I'm never sick during the school year (unless it's something bizarre), but as soon as my body realizes that the semester is done, then it poops out and I get something. But I've been doing the Zicam thing and I think it will work.

I only have two finals to write this weekend and three to give next week (two of them are the same) and then I'm FREE until January 5th (Happy Birthday, Cindy). I also have a study guide to post today, hopefully I'll get to it or they'll be mad at me. What do I care? Let 'em be mad! What a rebel I am.

Missy and Amy have been performing in the semiannual play this week. Tonight is the last performance after a month of rehearsal. I love them in the play, but am always excited when it's over! Pictures will follow after we do cast pictures tonight.

Everyone's off somewhere right now, that's why I can post. Cameron, Missy, Calli, and Rob (and maybe Jeff) are at the movies. Modern Woodmen of America (our life insurance company) sponsors a movie day in December (cheap and food goes with it). So they usually go. Amy is at a teddy bear tea party for Marleigh's birthday for another 20 minutes. And I'm in my office (my sanctuary) finishing up letters of recommendation for a former student who is going to graduate school. I just came from my usual Saturday trip to Wally World. As I was lifting the dog food bag (all 44 lbs of it) up to get to the UPC symbol, yep, you guessed it . . . the bottom fell out and so did 44 lbs of dog food. Nice. I don't even like my stupid dogs. No, I'm just kidding. Too bad Wiley and Daisy weren't there to clean up the mess. They certainly would have been happy to oblige.

Hope all is well with everyone. Now I can gear up Christmas. Haven't gotten that spirit yet, but I think we'll get our tree today and then maybe that will help. I love to celebrate the birth of our Savior, but I'd rather do it on his real birthday and bag the pagan start of winter/new year holiday thing. Oh well, no one listens to me.

Next time I'll post how I broke my car on Thursday. Check out my facebook page if you can't wait.

And away we go!!!!

Today's the day and no one's really excited (including me). I hope the days go by fast.

The Windy City

So, I'm off to Chicago on Tuesday for the rest of the week. No, I'm not looking forward to it and no, I really don't want to go. But it's a college accreditation thing and I'm the lucky faculty member with the short straw. Administrators are the other attendees, so that can tell you the level of fun I'll be having. My family and my students are both wanting me to stay home. My students become so attached to me that if I'm not there, they tend to panic. And my family, well, that goes without saying. As Missy said one day, in response to our discussion of the event, "Oh great, we're going to starve. All Dad fixes is fish sticks and goulash." That about sums up the feelings at my house! Amy's favorite foods are fish sticks, tater tots, and macaroni and cheese, so she'll be okay. Rob can handle that. Thanks to Mom and Dad for staying home and carrying for my family next week while Rob's in class, instead of going to Terry's retirement party. That's how it is, Terry. Sorry.

The Serpent beguiled them, and they did vote. . .

Well, He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named has won the election. I love my country, I love being American, but I am very saddened by this turn of events. I urge you all to pray for the future of our nation, and stand strong against sin and adversity. We had a stake conference from Salt Lake last Sunday, and President Packer was one of the speakers. He had this to say to the Saints of Arizona: Be aware of revelation and pay your tithing. We will make it through the coming hard times and do not fear. If I can get a copy of the talks I'll send copies to all who would like them. Elders Bruce Hafen and Jay Jensen also spoke great words of counsel to us. I'm glad I was able to be there.

It's off to work tomorrow with my head held high and my heart heavy. Listen to McCain's concession speech. It's very good, too. Made me cry.

Have a good day/night/whatever.

Get out and VOTE

That's all I have time for today. But get out and vote. It's funny how Sarah's name is much larger that John's. Wonder if that means anything other than trying to get things to fill the poster evenly. Make it a great and historic day! Vote your conscience. I know I did.

Family Fun

Here's the latest in our lives. Amy got out the Lincoln logs and we've been having quite a bit of fun with them. She's quite the architect (with a little bit of help)




It's also County Fair time of year and here are the chickens Cameron and Missy entered. Wiley really likes them. I have better pictures of them, but really liked this one with Wiley's nose. Cameron got two red ribbons for the two chickens in the background and Missy got a blue for the one in the foreground.

There's me. Amy took it. That's all I have to say about that.

We had a ball yesterday. There's an alpaca and llama farm about an hour and 15 minutes from us that was having farm days this weekend with displays and things about the animals. So we took grandpa and went up there. Alpacas apparently love little people, especially Amy. They would all come up to the fence to see her.

This is my favorite picture.

They also had goats that the kids (which kids, mine or theirs?) were excited about.

Hopefully, one of these days our backyard at our new house will look like this, but not with quite so many alpacas. We're quite looking forward to having some of these and some of the goats of our own. Call us crazy, but we love them!

Have a great week!

Thanks Traci...

At least Traci responded to my plight. I appreciate that! Amy is doing better now that I don't take her to the bus stop any more. Daddy and Gampaw wait with her at the bus stop now. I miss seeing her off, but if it's too much for her, then I must give way. Good luck with all of your work propositions, Traci. I'm so excited for you.

Help! I need somebody...Help! Not just anybody ...

I need someone to help me figure out how to get my tiny to like going to school in the mornings. She's alright once she gets to school, but she's always crying when she gets on the bus and says she hates school and doesn't want to go. The other two were NEVER like that. I don't remember a day where either Missy or Cameron didn't want to go. They're so insane that they'll even go sick so that they won't miss a day (so they can get the perfect attendance award). Amy is just so different (yes, she is a mama's girl and my last) and the guilt is killing me! What do I do, you experienced moms out there! And even anyone with any suggestion will be welcomed.

A good long weekend despite...

Well, I've had a pretty good Labor Day weekend, even though I was supposed to be somewhere else. I've gotten over the disappointment and may possibly go in December. I'm going to apply for my you-know-what this week. Hope all goes well. Now we can settle down into the routine of our lives. I love September! It's more of a new year to me than January 1st! I was telling someone today that I have been in school for 38 consecutive Septembers! Not a break at all from school, other than summer vacation. Hard to believe! Well, I do have school in the morning, as do my children, so we're off to get ready for tomorrow. Make it a great day!

The Fruit of My Loins

With me starting school as well, I've been amiss in celebrating my children's start of a new school year. And one with all three in school, too! Hard to believe. Rob and I have truly been blessed with wonderful children. They are the neatest kids. I hope they have a great year.

Here's my junior high school student (or should I say middle school). Cameron started 7th grade this year and loves his P.E. class and teacher. The first thing he tells me about each day is what he did in P.E. and then something about Mr. Lamoreaux. So yes, that's his favorite subject so far. He tried out for the Knowledge Bowl team and made it, so he gets to do those competitions. Mr. Trivia will really enjoy himself.


Look at my lovely 5th grader. She just turned 10 and is growing up so quickly, but so well. We love everything about Missy. She has the most loving spirit of anyone I know. And her huge spirit is just so happy to have a healthy body and to be here on Earth. My Missy is such a joy to me.
Yes, the Tiny is off to kindergarten. It's been a rocky start. School started on a Wednesday, but the next full week of school started with tears every morning once she got to school. One day they lasted until noon. None of this was I aware of until Friday when I took her treats to school and found her crying. Her teacher said she did it every day. So we made Amy a happiness chart that her teacher would sign everyday if she wasn't crying in the morning. She almost lost her reward one morning but her sweet teacher helped Amy find her smile and she was able to get her reward at the end of the week (season 2 of SpongeBob). I hope that all is well this week.

Here are some more pictures of that morning.


Amy in her classroom. Her hair is finally long enough again to put in a ponytail (and that was on her orders).

I'm still comtemplating the events of the other day. I'm still troubled by the whole thing, but on an interesting level. It's still disturbing to me and a little tender. Have you ever felt completely alone before? Like there wasn't one soul in the entire world who cared about you? No friendly face, no encouraging words? I've never felt so empty before in my life. As I stood at the ticket desk, trying to comprehend what was happening, I felt despair like I've never felt before. Now I'm a pretty independent individual and pride myself on being able to make the best of a bad situation. Things usually work out for me because I feel I think well on my feet. But at that moment, I really needed someone to rely on. I wanted to feel like someone cared about me and my situation and that someone had answers or suggestions, or just something for me. But there was not a soul in that entire airport who looked my way, gave me any comforting words or reassurances, especially the airline people. They just wanted me to go away and be an idiot somewhere else. I can't even put into words exactly how I felt, other than it was the most horrible feeling in my life. I just kind of aimlessly walked away in a daze, having absolutely no clue what to do. I didn't even have the wherewithall to say a prayer. But Heavely Father was still with me, I guess, and the only thing I could think of was to get back home. Thankfully, I had a sympathetic husband to talk to when I got back to my car, and the sweetest customer service person at Expedia. She was the one who finally got the tears, once I wasn't numb anymore. I really appreciated her listening ear and trying to help me out with my problem. The most amazing thing of this whole experience was the love that I felt from my students the minute I walked back into my classroom. I decided to go back to work and not waste my personal leave day, and they were so happy to see me and so empathetic to my plight. I truly love where I live and work. They are the greatest places on earth!

So there's a point to my rambling, and I think a lesson I have learned. I feel so badly now for anyone of Heavenly Father's children who have ever felt the way I have in their lives. I don't want anyone to have to feel like this, especially if I am around them. I will, in the future, do everything in my power to help everyone around me know that there is at least one person in the world who cares about them. We are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and just like our theme in Primary this year, we all can say "I am a Child of God". I think it's amazing that that is usually the first song our babies learn when they go to Primary (along with Popcorn Popping on the Apricot tree and Book of Mormon Stories, of course). I was playing it on the piano one day when Amy came and sat down on the bench beside me to sing it. It was the most beautiful thing and I was so amazed that she knew all of the words. So I hope that you who read my blog (few, though, you are) will join me in this quest, endeavor, or whatever you call it. Help those around you feel the love our Heavenly Father has for them. I love you all!

I hate terrorists.

What has happened to our world? I'm a WASP female, of middle age, in Phoenix, AZ. Am I going to hijack a plane? Certainly not. But because some fanatical extremists rocked our world nearly 7 years ago, I cannot go home to Canada without a stupid passport. Stupid airlines. Tourism Canada says I only need a driver's license and birth certificate. If I drove to the border they would let me in. But I couldn't board my Air Canada flight this morning without my passport. This is at 4:00 am this morning. So I drove back home and went to work. I miss Jan and Catherine. I've been looking forward to this for a year and a half. I've had my ticket since April. Now I have a $150 cancellation fee and a credit until April on an airline I don't want to fly on anymore. But at least Amy will be happy I'm home. I haven't slept since Wednesday night. I'm tired and I don't feel well. I need some colostrum.

I did get to enjoy the "hurricane" we had in Phoenix last night. I was right in the middle of the worst of it. 1.5 inches of rain in 20 mins, 75 mph winds, 10,000+ lightning strikes/minute, power outages, hail, the door of the lobby of the motel was ripped off its hinges. Exciting!

Mom said maybe I just wasn't supposed to go on this trip. Maybe not, but maybe it's because we have so many crazies in the world that are trying to bring down America. And I don't think Barrack Obama will have a clue how to deal with this, let alone our domestic problems. I had greater faith in John McCain until this morning. What was he thinking? A female 2 year governor from Alaska? Please. We're going to heck in a handbasket. Hold on tight. Regardless of who wins it's going to be a bumpy four years. I wanted to move to Canada for 4 years but they don't want me anymore. Geez, I lived there for 16 years. Whenever I say where I'm from, I always say I'm from Canada. I still say "eh". Isn't that devotion?

Okay, I'm going home now. Have a great long weekend.

Two Days in a Row!

I should be doing laundry right now, but the siren call of the computer captivated me and lured me into its clutches. So here I am and I'll write between loads!

This picture tells it all. . .whatever Amy will be doing in the future will always involve having a phone sticking to the side of her head. She's really into books, lately, and I don't think it will take her long to learn to read. I have a reading program that Cameron used in kindergarten to teach him to read, so I'm going to start it with Amy. She already likes me to read the books to her, but they're not my favorites (see, see me, see me Sam, Sam sees me. . .you get the drift!).

Amy's best friend is her cat, Trinity. Although I don't think the feeling is mutual. Trinity is quite tolerant of Amy and everything she does to her for being a grown cat we found on the side of the road (or in the middle of the road, as the case may be).

Guess who?

Missy and Amy were both in the play again this spring. They really have a good time and I'm so glad that the college offers this opportunity. Missy is hoping this fall that she can get a lead part. So am I! This will be her last year in this age group (4-10 yr olds) and she has this semester and next to try. She loves acting and is really quite a ham in her everyday life! Here she's a squirrel (they did The Adventures of Mr. Toad adapted from The Wind in the Willows and she was a spring-cleaning animal. Not a big part, just part of the ensemble which really bummed her out. She felt it was a step down from past plays). Amy has really gotten into the plays, as well. In fact, she's the standout in her group each time. Here's she's a duck.

Which one is Amy? Yep, she's the shortest, there in the middle!

Bottom center is my beautiful Missy!

Closing night!

The finale! Amy didn't want to stop. We're not supposed to take pictures (copyright and all that stuff, but she was just too cute not to!)

At the Academy Awards night, Amy got an award for the best littlest actress. Missy was a little sad that she hasn't won any awards, yet. There's still time!


There's supposed to be a picture of me, here, but it didn't load. Maybe tomorrow. Have a great day. Back to the laundry!

Only 10 more days . . .

I hate that the pictures come up at the beginning after I've already typed in other things! I really need some lessons on blogging! Anyway. . . yep, that's right, the Gillespie's go back to school in 10 days. Where did the summer go? I know where mine went. . .work, work, work! But I have a minute to put some things on.

Cameron went to scout camp for the first time this summer. Here's pictures of him leaving. I didn't get pictures of him coming home, because I was at work when he got home. But he probably wouldn't let me post any, even if I had some. Apparently, one night they had green chile burros for dinner and the next morning the lines for the portapotties were several boys deep! Cameron, unfortunately, had his share (0f dinner and standing in line the next morning)! It's a memory, though!



We've had a really wet and cool (for our area) summer. We had the worst storm of the year (and probably the worst one since we've lived here) coming home from church today. Here's some video:

In this one, watch as I pan over between the bush and the van...watch for the lightning in the road! That was scary and close!

Since I have to load the pictures first, I'll do more tomorrow about the girls. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday To Amy!

Again, no pictures. This time I forgot my camera, but Nana brought hers, so when she gets them developed, (provided she didn't cut heads off again ;) )I'll scan them and post them. Anyway, our tiny is finally 5 years old! All of her little girlfriends have already had birthdays (all in Feb and Mar) so Amy's is glad to finally be 5. It's so hard to believe. She does, in fact, go to kindergarten this fall. Her big brother and sister will not be in the same school, but she will get to ride the bus with Missy. Cameron, of course, is off to middle school. Too hard to comprehend! Time has FLOWN by. Papa and Nana are going to be very lonely this fall.

Amy had a birthday party at the neighborhood pool. Lots of fun with everyone's big brothers and sisters there, too. Got even more stuff to mess up the house with. Oh well. She's the Tiny, I guess it's her perogative. Make it a good day!

We're Still Alive!

No pictures today, but Cameron wanted me to post and say that he survived his first scout camp! At least he didn't have to leave at 3:00 AM. He had a great time. Earned 5 merit badges and I hope he's almost finished with his First Class. The only bad thing about it was Thursday night. . .green chili burros. They tasted good, but by 5:00 AM Friday morning, the lines at the portapotties were so long some boys didn't think they were going to make it. Food poisoning had struck! Cameron was not lucky enough to avoid it, either. He felt pretty bad until one of the leaders gave him some Imodium AD, but he didn't really feel good until he got home on Saturday. But it didn't seem to dampen his enthusiasm for future campouts. This last weekend our youth went on a retreat up on the mountain again, and Cameron got to go rappelling. Lots of fun! Time for family home evening! Enjoy!

Snow in Arizona???

Well, if you go high enough, you can often find snow. So we did. Up to 75oo ft. We got some more snow at the beginning of the week with the tail end of the storm that walloped California, but it's been melting rather fast. We thought we'd better get up and play in it. I'll post photos and stuff later. Enjoy!

Chicken Rob

Daredevil Amy

12 years ago . . .

I know I should have blogged yesterday and I don't even have a picture, but I now have a Young Man living in my house. Cameron turned 12 yesterday and I was thinking at different times what I was doing twelve years ago. Like getting ready to go to the hospital to be induced, then not having that work and having to have a c-section, stuff like that. He's been so sweet yesterday and today. I'm wondering if something has finally kicked in. But I'll just take it while I can and then wait for his old self to return! I really have enjoyed him lately. We often find ourselves trying to beat each other up (or at least take each other down) since I've been going to my kickboxing classes. Sad will be the day when his mommy can't take him down anymore. I know that by his next birthday he will be taller than me. He's already taller than Grandma Cleda.

We just got back day before yesterday from Utah. It was fun to spend a bunch of time with our old friends the McKnights. They live across the street from where we used to live in Middleton. It's so nice that whenever we get together we just pick up from where we left off -- no having to get reacquainted. They have a daughter, Natalie, that is 4 months younger than Cameron and has loved him since she was born. They also have a son, Michael who is 8 months older than Missy. He has autism, but truly seems to enjoy our visits. We were sad to leave them.

The kids and I go back to school on Monday. Not enough vacation to do anything I wanted to do, just what needed to be done. Well, I better get back to what needs to be done, namely put the Christmas decorations away.