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!