What have you been doing lately?

What did I do ten years ago? Well on this day I certainly wasn't four wheeling, teaching school, I didn't have a cold and I wore a smaller size. I was a stay-at-home MOM and loving it.



What are five things on my to do list today? Do I have to make a list? Well......

1. Go to work
2. Have assignment for stake meeting finished and attend Stake Meeting .
3. Take a nap after work
4. Find some chocolate to eat
5. Update the BLOG with something exciting and not boring.



What snacks do I enjoy?

1. Crackers and Sun dried hummus (thanks Nat)
2. Fruit
3. Hershey symphony Bars
4. Fruit leather from Costco
5. Brownie Earthquake from Dairy Queen



Five places that I've lived:

1. Lindon
2. Orem
3. Vernal
4. Clearfield
5. Syracuse



Five things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Pay tithing
2. Pay off mortgage/put some money away.
3. Help relatives out .
4. Donate to BYU and sponsor students in need of an education.
5. Take a trip with family around the world to visit temples and church sites.



TV Shows I watch

The Bonnie Hunt Show
News
Food Network
Good Movies and musicals
Monk



Favorite places to eat:


Brick Oven in Provo
Los Heramanos -- someone help me with the Spanish spelling!!
Any family gathering
Rumbi Grill
Costa Vida



Five things that happened yesterday:


Student working with alpha tiles spells a swear word on their board
Made a visual for primary using the cricut expression
Shopped for ink for the computer only to buy the wrong one.
Went to Walmart with Kenzie and dropped my new 12/12 cabinet on the floor
Wiped my nose so much that it hurt.

My wish list:

I wish that you all are happy and that your lives are centered in Christ and his teachings.

I wish for much happiness and peace in our world.

I wish for good health and the necessities of life.

As for the material things in life I wish for at least one unlimited shopping spree at Roberts and Deseret Book.

To those who love scrapbooking.....

Well....I finally did it. It was very hard to decide whether or not to purchase this product. Natalie and I have debated about this special purchase for nearly three years now. We have looked at other products on the market and I couldn't decide which one would be the best fit for my scrapbooking style. Then someone who loves me alot said that I could buy it. I'm so excited to announce that I'M THE PROUD OWNER OF A CRICUT EXPRESSION!! Okay now I feel better getting that out. To my scrapbooking, card lovin friends and family whenever you are around and need an excuse to come over please do. I would love to share and let you use this machine. Natalie broke it in for me on Saturday. We decided that mom has the "good stuff" like rub on's, embellishments gallore and the great gadgets. Natalie has the best stash of paper. We make a good team. It should be a fun adventure.

Here's to great scrapbooking, card making and crafting!!! (Now if I could just get over yet another cold.....thank you students for all of your sneezing and coughing last week, then I can enjoy the machine myself!!)

4:40 am wake up call......

The fun never ends at our house and neither do the challenges. For the last two days Josh has been complaining of abdominal pain. We called my brother who is a nurse practitioner and asked a few questions about the symptoms and felt that things were not serious at that point. Yesterday, (Thursday) Josh came to my school about 1:00 and it was obvious that he was in a great deal of pain. He tried to hide it being manly and all. We decided after a call to the doctor to head straight to the hospital and have everything checked out. All symptoms pointed to his appendix. He went through the required testing was just thrilled to drink the nasty "lemonade" and wait for the results. About 5:00 it was confirmed that he had a sore appy and it would need to be removed. Josh went into surgery at 5:45 and was out about 6:15 or so. Recovery went as well as it could. He had the usual nausea and pain associated with this surgery. The nurse joked with us and told us to say to him whatever we wanted to because he wouldn't remember it at all. Kallee was in good form and told him what a scum bag he was and other not so flattering comments.....while the rest of us just laughed. Josh just informed me that he remembered everything she said and now Kallee you owe Josh $5.00 bucks for your comments. He delighted me with a 4:40 am wake up call and asked when I was going to get him out of this place because I'm bored. I knew that he would fully wake up about 4:00 am but I did not expect him to call me so soon. I told him that the doctor would see him in the morning and I would be there. I went back to bed only to receive another call at 7:00 am indicating that the doctor had been in and he could go home any time. When I got to the hospital he was already sitting on the side of his bed acting very anxious to get home. The one good thing that happened with all of this is that I got to drive his car to go and pick him up. He's doing well and hasn't bothered his nurse too much due to the fact that the drugs make him sleepy and he doesn't call me.

Wow, I cannot hit a thing

Just one of the great memories with my sister in law, LeAnn. We had a blast with our daughter's and each other in Disneyland. However, I discovered that I cannot hit any target. My score on this ride was pathetic. No worries though I have Blake to back me up anytime.

a moment to laugh about.

The Rio Tinto Stadium debuted with Real SLC playing against the NY Red Bulls on October 7, 2008. Our family had anticipated being a part of the inaugural game opener for quite some time. The big day was finally here and we all bundled up and headed to SLC. We had only seen the stadium from the freeway and it looked beautiful all lit up. Our excitement increased as we got nearer and nearer to our final destination. Upon exiting the freeway the talk in the car was to find free parking and to take the first available spot as the traffic was heavy and we were a bit crunched for time. We found what we thought to be a great spot and hastily exited our vehicle and started going with the masses to the stadium. We found ourselves heading down a dirt path with a stream and trees surrounding us. No worries everyone was headed in the same direction. A conversation was heard that this was the best place to cross and not to go farther downstream. We just kept going forward. Our group was scattered and mom was left behind following everyone else and trying to keep Josh on Mom radar. Finally the group stopped and we slowly inched ourselves down a steep slick incline and across some wooden pallets. Thankfully some kind gentlemen took hold of Char's hands and helped her. She soon found Fred, he was perched up on a chain link fence helping all the people he could to get across. Char could see the rest of our group had hopped the six foot chain link fence and as she looked up and down she could also see many others jumping like someone was after them. At that point we felt like illegal immigrants trying to cross the border to freedom. Someone was so kind to lift the bottom of the fence so that some of us 'older' women could be freed and move toward the stadium. Mr. M. (Little K's friend) managed a gymnastic move to get over the fence. Fred raced over to the east side to the will call window to pick up our tickets. Poor Mr. M., he just hobbled along with the rest of us and we were able to get in our seats right at the beginning of the match.
It turned out to be a fun evening and we all laugh about the fence hopping episode.

Cool School Fox 13 News

Fox 13 news featured Clearfield High School this morning as a cool school. Blake was shown with the marksmanship team and the debate team. It was great to see the Falcons get some deserved recognition. Blake you looked handsome on TV!! GO CHS!!

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

What kids are saying these days.....

1st grader: "Did you think that girl was cute?" Yeah, if she were a kid I'd marry her!"

Six year old: They've been mean to me for six years.

1st grader running down the hall yelling to another kid, "Stop acting like a child!"


Made me smile. Hope it does the same for you.

Monk in the making

This year at school I have been assigned to work with the kindergarten and first grade. The students are at risk and not on their grade level for reading. They are being monitored and some get referred to Case Management for possible Special Education Services. Currently I push in to the kindergarten classes. I have found that getting low on a chair and trying to fit under their tables can be a real challenge. So far I've been able to get down low and actually stand up afterwards. I currently work with 30 kindergartners. They are a hand full. In first grade the students are pulled out into my room and I do a variety of reading activities to support them. I have one student that is a real character and has OCD. He is constantly rearranging my books on the shelf to be in a certain order, he has to sit in the same chair, he only wants to get a "red" sticker and then insists on counting them everyday, when he places his stickers on his writing journal they are very neat and in order, not like the other kids who place them everywhere. On crazy hair day his mother had to spray his hair red, yes..he wears lots of red and black colors to school, he is constantly rearranging his letter cards in the trays that we use so that they are lined up appropriately He cracks me up, not only do I deal with his OCD, he also has ADHD. I keep thinking about the TV series 'Monk' and wonder if this kid will be like Adrian Monk. Thank goodness he doesn't have a germ phobia...yet. Funny. In this same reading group I have two other students who are very needy and when the group is finished I am ready for a nap.

update

Big thanks for all of your congrats for Blake. He really enjoyed them all. If you want to read more about it than link to Kallee's blog. (I'd do it for you but I'm on a 5 minute lunch break) Last week Fred got hit on his bike by a car. Luckily he wasn't hurt bad and only suffered a few scrapes and bruises. He was too worried about the tomatoes he was taking to work to avoid the mishap. All is well and not to worry. He should listen to everyone and wear a helmet. I've tried talking to him about it but he has that German stubborness in him and won't do it until winter time sets in. He says wearing it then will keep his head warm. ARgggghhhhh.......

Homecoming activities 2008

Little K and her date for the evening, Mr. M.
It's not rocket science ladies.! I don't know why, but putting a boutonniere on a young man's shirt is a most difficult task for me. Natalie was gracious to try, then I tried and poor Mr. M. had to put up with all of it. It took us about five minutes. Natalie was funny!! Love you Nat and thanks for helping.
Little K and her group. It was nice to see that the young women had all chosen modest dresses.
Well I never get to see what Blake's date looks like. We always try and get a picture of him. He was so tired. He had a cross-country track meet and left the house at 6:30 am to go to Mountain State Park near Heber. When I finally came home he was asleep on the couch. Then he's up wide awake and ready to go. He had a good time and yes, Kallee and Nat, he did what he calls the "box step, " Saturday also became a crazy day of canning for Fred, Nat and Clint. After the children had been sent on their way, Fred and I (mostly Fred, I was uploading pictures to send with the dates when they came home) finished cleaning the kitchen, processed all the salsa and base, and I even made an apple pie for the homecoming group. We fell into bed about 2:00 am.

For Chrissy Carlson....Spencer and Limmie

Grandpa Carlson and Uncle Fred encouraging Spencer, Pete's son that Limmie won't hurt you. He was so brave and learned how to give Limmie Treats.
He's getting closer and closer!!
Success!!! This post is for you Chrissy. Thanks for sharing some of your boys this past weekend. We loved seeing Spencer in person!!! Love to all the family. Keep the puppy training tips coming especially the success stories of potty training and staying down.

Mud Olympics

Yes Little K is somewhere under all that mud!!
How about a date guys?
the mud groupies
Thick and gooey all over. The hair needs serious help folks.
Little K and T.

A beautiful day of remembrance

The original red-heads
Fred and his buddies. Brad Ostler slipped away before we could get a picture
Lili and a final farewell.
What a great family!! Fred and his siblings with Lili
We love you Grandma. Goodbye for now, we will be together again.

PS One funny moment to share: Just as Uncle Kendal was getting ready to dedicate the grave there were two great-great nephews who had just sat on the grass and looked up and said....Ooooo fireworks!! Guess they thought we had all gathered for a show.

In loving Memory of Nila Carlson

Yesterday Nila was released from this earthly existence. She no longer suffers and is free of any pain. What a blessing to endure to the end the way that she did. First of all I need to admit that I don't like the term "in-law" because of the negative connotation that is associated with it. My other mom. Nila has totally accepted me into the family and loved me like her own. Today I would like to share some of my favorite memories of Nila. This may end up being a work in progress. She always welcomed you into her home. She was positive and uplifting to be around. She encouraged you to always be your best. I loved playing the dictionary game with her and how she would break out in a silly song. That night totally caught me off guard. We all laughed so hard about it. I loved how she would always have a treat waiting for you and made sure that you had some goodies for the road. I appreciate the fact that she patiently taught my sweetheart how to read and that she loved to read to the grandchildren. I will miss her hot rolls, Christmas wreaths and oatmeal bread. I loved how she and I totally loved black licorice. I loved how she welcomed each new baby into the family and the look on her face as she cherished the time to get to know her new grandchild. I loved hearing the stories in the van on the way to a family reunion and her laughter about the silly things that she recalled doing in her life. I loved her example of service. She never really wanted anything, only to be surrounded by her family. I loved how she always inquired about how each family member was doing and how tickled she would be when we would come to visit. I loved her patience when all the family would gather at her home and the look on her face watching the grandchildren play in the front yard and in the ditch. I loved the birthday cards and valentines that would come. I loved how she would share the gospel with us. I felt honored being in her presence. She truly was a grand lady with a little spunk!! Thanks Nila, my other mom. I truly love you for everything !!!

Birthday Pics

The glow is from the candles folks............(shhh. not because some soccer dude came by)
The soccer dude with the chaperone glaring in the background. He has a name but I really shouldn't use it on the blog. U. R. A. Nutcase Mr. M!!! Beware he has a mean kick and he can run really fast.
This is one scary girl who used to live next door to us. She was posing in this picture believe it or not. NOT!! We miss our Abner and all of her crazyiness.
Alas, the prized gift of all time has been passed around once again. This infamous ugly soccer shirt was first purchased by Fred from Savers for .99. He loved it and we all thought is was so ugly. Fred likes it because it's an Adidas Shirt. We agree that it's still ugly. Fred wore it on his birthday just to give us all a bad time and now we give it to each other on special occasions. Sure hope Little K doesn't have my name for Christmas.
It's too bad that I didn't video this. We have a weird tradition of singing Happy Birthday in the most non-traditional annoying way that we can. I know it's strange but then, we're all a little wacky at our house.

Yes, it's Duncan at it again!!

This is Duncan after he had just told Aiden our neighbor child that is wasn't cool to have your nails painted even if they used "boy" colors. I am laughing too hard to type anything. The pictures say it all. Kallee..........you have married a funny guy that's for sure.

Saturday

I married a wonderful guy. Who else on a Saturday morning will let me sleep in, pick the tomatoes, wash the tomatoes, gather all the canning supplies, get the water ready and by time I have woke up and have worked on a scrapcard project has the tomatoes already steamed, enlisted Blake's help and has half of the tomatoes chopped and cooking in the pot? Fred. What a man and how I appreciate him. He doesn't even complain about it. Why? Because Fred is a great man who loves to make salsa and my version of chili/taco/everything base and doesn't think it's woman's work that's why.

No sleep

I work Monday through Thursday and look forward to Thursday evenings. It is the beginning of my weekend. I mentally unwind and usually do nothing most of the time if I can get away with it because I know the rest of the weekend will be full of catching up with laundry, housework and now canning season. The family went to a soccer match with Limmi, by the way Nat I like your spelling better than mine, and she was full of it. I think that she has had too many wrestling matches with people and she starts to play rough which Fred does not like at all. Limmi went on lots of long walks and was just worn out by time the match was over. When we arrived at home I climbed into bed and turned on Monk which is a great TV series that I enjoy watching. I fell asleep and before I knew it a knock came at the door. It was Little K announcing that she couldn't sleep and didn't feel well. In my mind I am thinking , you are 17 you can take care of yourself!! I climbed out of bed and went looking for some meds for her and the clock said 10:50 pm! What? I felt that I had been sleeping all night long. I got Little K taken care of and climbed back into bed. Just when I had fallen asleep, I hear another knock at the door....Mom, I can't sleep and I don't feel good. By now I figured out that she thinks if she can't sleep that nobody should sleep either. I reassure her that she is alright and to try and go back to bed. A little while later I hear Fred get up. He is a lot like Grandpa Carlson and wakes up early in the morning. His internal alarm can go off at 2, 3, or even 4:00 am. Kendal expressed that he suffers from the same syndrome. Hmmm.... I tell myself, he was trying to be quiet. I tried to go back to sleep and guess that I finally dozed off only to woken up by the DOG!! After that I gave up, watched the news and then finally got out of bed.
By now one would think that the kids, husband and dog are trained! Not exactly true. A mother's job is never done. I chuckle when the married one's call home when they're sick and still want a little TLC from mom , from now on I will tell them as they tell me.....you have a husband remember?
Inside joke. Have a great Friday!!

Spoiled Puppy

Man's Best Friend.

First Bath and boy did she need it.


She's not potty trained completely and it drives me nuts. she is full of it. She is Fred's best bud.

Sorry for the short post.