Distracted Drivers!!

I like to watch people and watch what they are doing. However, I do not like my attention drawn to inattentive drivers by seeing something bizarre taking place behind the steering wheel. Yesterday I observed a driver flossing her teeth while going down a busy road. No hands on the wheel, she was focused on the task of flossing and looking in the mirror instead of driving down the road. As I was thinking about this I reviewed in my mind all of the crazy things people do instead of driving!! Number one pet peeve!! Talking on cell phones while driving, even worse, texting while driving, brushing of one's teeth, putting on makeup, looking on the floor for something, looking anywhere but the front of the car, writing while driving, looking at the map, phone book or lap top, playing with animals or kids, drinking and eating, watching the deer (my husband is bad for this one) Yelling at the other drivers instead of watching where you are going, reading anything is bad. Don't get by me when I on one I may ram my truck in your car to get your attention!!

Stunned

Stunned. That word describes exactly how I felt last night after attending my math class. Actually I believe that the whole class felt that way. Our TAPT director commented to us when she came in towards the end of class that we all looked like a bunch of deer that had just been blinded by some headlights. I'm still recovering from the shock to the brain. Hmmm.. I'll keep you posted if there is any permanent damage.

Excerpts from a talk....

This blog contains excerpts from a talk I gave for Mother's Day in the nineties. It is really long so I am just including some thoughts that helped me when my children were very young and continue to guide me today. I hope they bring insight to you and you also enjoy some humorous moments that I had recorded and forgotten about. Good ideas not always easy to follow.

"President Benson in his fireside to parents gave ten specific suggestions to help mothers spend effective time with their children. First, take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are coming or going, when they leave and return from school, when they leave and return from dates, when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are six or sixteen." Second, mothers take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them and honestly praise them." He further told us to take time to read and pray with our children, have meaningful family home evenings. Teach them correct principles. "Mothers, you are your children's best teacher." A final suggestion: Mothers, take the time to truly love your children. A mother's unqualified love approaches Christlike love. Our young people need love and attention, not indulgence he added. He further stated, they need empathy and understanding, not indifference from mothers and fathers. They need the parent's time. " (sorry to my kids, I was not perfect!)

......A friend of mine told me of a sister who had eight children and who did not enjoy being a mother, she felt it was her duty. My heart aches for her to not know the joy of mothering to only see the negative in what she does. Children put many demands upon our time and when our eternal vision of things is clouded by earthly matters we become overwhelmed and lose perspective. It is a challenge. When my son dumped a quart of cooking oil on the carpet I did not see joy, or when permanent dry erase markers graced our walls all I saw was a mess that had to be painted over. When he lovingly squeezed baby quail to their death we didn't hug and kiss him......One day after cleaning up yet another Joshua "mess" I turned to Fred and said, Is their joy to be found in this and his answer was, "well I guess he was exercising his creativity. The joy of mothering comes in small doses unexpectedly. A few years ago while traveling Natalie was singing I am a child of God. When she came to the part 'and he has sent me here ' she started to cry for she was feeling the spirit. After our basement was flooded for the second time we were busy and hurrying about trying to clean up the damage. Our daughter Natalie must have sensed the stress we were under and wanting to help us she made me a note that read. "I love you, you are an adult of God. A small reward, a time of joy.

I would like to pay tribute to all those who mother, those of you women who care and nurture children, whether they be your own or those of other women, those who have warmed our hearts and nurtured and inspired us. May we remember that all that we are, or hope to be, we owe to a mother who loved us and taught us.

What's in your freezer?

This blog was inspired by Nat's friend Yanette. Actually I don't endorse having gross things in your freezer. However, at this moment I have a confession to make. We have a hind quarter of a buffalo sitting on a shelf. It is skinned!! At one point Josh had a frozen duck or some sort of bird. Anyhow there was an animal in there. (feathers and all) There is another odd freezer occupant. It is an old mink collar from my mom's sweater. She told me that if I kept it frozen the mink collar would withstand time. What do you think? Yeah we're pretty weird people. I also have a frozen Hawaiian lei that looks green and fresh. Please don't bring on Dr. Phil!!!! I couldn't take on his harassment and I think that I'll barely withstand what ya'll have to offer in that department. Robert and Carl please be nice okay?

April 30th and May 1st brought snow to many areas in Utah. This spring weather has been absolutely crazy. Kallee and Duncan had their pre-wedding pictures taken. It was a cloudy evening. The photographer was great and I believe they will have some amazing photos. The pictures may not look like spring but who cares what the background is like right? The couple is darling.
A few items of interest during the photo shoot. Nat and Kallee were both caught inside of Kallee's dress while getting ready. Don't ask me how that happened I wasn't inside the room at the time. The slip underneath started to 'slip' and so outside of the temple mom hastily removed the slip. The wind was blowing and a fire erupted below in Bountiful. It was amazing to see the flames and the black smoke. We were almost ready to quit because of the snow flurries, however, Nat said a quick prayer and the snow subsided long enough to get the full temple/couple shot in. You'll love it when you see it.

Looking forward to brighter days with sunshine. Thanks family for your support and prayers. We love you all. And yes...a special thanks to crazytown for reading our blog.

Life just threw Fred and I a huge curve. These bumps in the road really test ones faith. Not wanting to say to much I will just say this. I hope when this trial is over that we are stronger and better for it. Hope you have a good day and please know that you are loved.

The Troll

Yesterday while teaching a kindergarten group I decided to bring out my "Troll" puppet. The students could not get across the bridge and past the Troll unless they could segment the sounds of certain words. I have the kids all lined up against the wall and I'm really getting into the troll act. Most of the kids were laughing and having so much fun but one poor little girl was nearly in tears. She wasn't having anything to do with that Troll. Oh I am a scary teacher.

Some interesting facts about Trolls: The race of Trolls began from the feet of the original being, a huge frost giant. The first trolls were giants also with six heads and six arms. When they died they turned into large boulders or hills. Trolls live in mountains or caves. If they are caught outside when the sun comes up they turn to stone. Trolls can be large or very little. They are usually ugly, and never very smart. Some are wicked and some are sweet and affectionate.

I have trolls that come to class every day. These trolls are very tiny indeed. They like to reside in small, dark, wet openings. They usually are green in color and liked to be picked at and chewed upon. These trolls are the most disgusting of them all and make any person who sees them want to vomit! It doesn't matter if they see the sun, they still continue to exist. I don't know why these Trolls persist on returning every season but they come no matter what. They enjoy being with other Trolls and the more the merrier. Today they were out to get me. I mean "out!" They were hanging out of the noses and being chewed on like a piece of candy. I've tried the exterminator Kleenex but even that is not strong enough.
Yuck. Anyone want my job?

the Youngest

Hip Hop Dance Performance

M. and Sad K.--crying because M's brother was leaving on a mission.

Paint Wars at CHS Yes, K has a colorful personality!

Glasses are the perfect accessory for a teenager.

Getting ready for Dance Company.

Homecoming Mud Wars at CH

Just wanted to share some of the highlights from K's first year at CH. Emotionally it has been a tough year for her. A new high school was built in our town and half of the the city was split so some students were still at CH and the others went to SHS. All and all I think she has made some good adjustments. Way to go child!

Kids say what?

Teaching kids how to read can be real funny. They come up with their own take on words and meanings. Take the other day for instance. A student is reading along and is trying to sound out "as" only to add another "s" sound to the end of the word. The student continues on reading not realizing that they have just referred to a donkey's behind. Teacher tries not to giggle. Same week....kindergartners are learning how to sound out the word family "it" I have taught them a song it goes like this. Old McDonald had a sound and the sound is "it", put a ___(insert a sound) in front of it, put a sound in front of it, put a sound in front of it and now the word is...... I ask students to insert a sound and make a new word. The student adds the sound "t" sound in front of "it". Again teacher tries to hide smiley face and more giggles. Yesterday I was accused by Duncan that I was teaching my students how to swear. Now I just wouldn't do such a thing. However I cannot be held accountable when my students are trying to write new words and invent spelling. The group was working on the "sh" or the quiet sound. A student was trying to sound out the word "ship" and write it on their paper. When I looked at her paper my eyes popped at what I beheld. Trying to not laugh out loud I quickly took my pencil and erased the letter "t" and had her rethink of the sound at the end of the word. So...how has your day been?

Rambling

Today I feel like rambling. Okay I usually ramble all the time not just today and I don't always make sense at least that's what my kids tell me sometimes. I'm a little mental who cares? It gives me character! (Or does it just give Fred a headache? ) Probably the later. My sister gave me a (oh my gosh I just went totally blank and I can't think of what you call it) Anyhow the saying goes.

I've had it with reality...I want a fairy godmother!!!

The fairy godmother would:

1. Instantly remove all unwanted pounds and make me look 25 again.
2. Erase all wrinkles and gray hair.
3. Clean and dejunk my house.
4. Let me be on vacation everyday and still earn money.
5. Finish the wedding plans.
6. Rewire my students brains so they "get it"
7. Administer year end tests
8. Change the weather so that we really know that Spring is here and not this winter, spring garbage.
9. Exercise for me everyday but let me feel the benefits of doing it.
10.Put a spell on my children.
11. Put invisible masks on students so that they would stop "sharing" their colds, picking their noses, sneezing on Mrs. C., coughing on all the others and chewing of pencils. For heaven's sakes do they know where those pencils have been? It would be nice if their little hands were automatically disinfected every 2 seconds!.

Oh Monday morning!!

Just thinking..

My mother has asked me if I wished I had completed my college education when I was younger. This conversation came up while discussing my current situation as a mother, employee and college student. I have given it some thought and have asked myself the very same question. Honestly, I am glad that I didn't rush into college. I wasn't prepared. I will forever be grateful for the life experiences I had in the business world. I had a really great time working and learned valuable lessons in this environment and I also made life-long friends. When I decided to explore a college education I believe by then that I was emotionally ready. However, I didn't know what I wanted to study or what kind of degree I should obtain. I just wanted to give college a try. I continued to work and go to school taking a variety of classes. I enrolled in Zoology 101 where I took a lab and I studied and worked on Cadavers. Some other courses included; Child Development, Psychology, Children's Sewing, Interior Decorating, Flat Pattern Design, Book of Mormon and business classes. It was during this time that a bank customer of mine, who was a ski instructor, introduced me to Fred. I decided to get married and become a mother. College would need to wait.

To everything there is a season. This is my season to go back to college. No regrets. My choices back then were good. I married the right person, at the right time and in the right place. If I had not been at Walker Bank I would not have gotten to know Bruce Allridge, who introduced me to Fred. He is the best thing that ever happened to me and we make a great team. We are both strong minded people, we make our fair share of mistakes. Many couples do. We love and respect each other and are trying to move forward with our lives and with our children. My perspective on life in general has changed and I believe it to be for the better. I have discovered that my brain needs a tune-up. So with one semester down and another starting this summer a new season begins for me. I will keep you posted as everything unfolds. Please be patient if I complain about school okay? I hope I will pass my math classes and I will learn to read and write with ease. (That would be helpful after all I am a reading teacher assistant!!) College may not be easy but you know what? I am really glad that I have smart children and an even smarter husband who is willing and can help me with homework!!

Tagged?

I've been tagged. Okay Mayor of Crazytown here it goes!


Seven Facts about myself, some random some weird

1. I love music. I have played two instruments, the clarinet and piano.
2. I was expelled from school for two weeks. I sassed the teacher.
3. I used to run away from home when I was little. I stole cherries from my neighbors tree and hid in their barn. I got into alot of trouble for that one.
4. I have had only one speeding ticket, and I have only been in one car accident. I was 18. However, I have backed into a red car. I managed to hit the garage and the best of all....I hit the camper shell and left it permanently damaged.
5. I love to make pies.

6. Bring on the crazy socks. I enjoy wearing them.

7. I collect Nativity sets and christmas ornaments from places we visit.

Okay here are the rules:1.Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog

Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Attention: Natalie, Kallee, Nathan, Robert, Duncan, Wayne and Melanie. You have been tagged.

Family

Thanksgiving at G-Pa and G-Ma's home. Cousins playing Apples to Apples. Fun Game!

Still my "Prince" and 'Princess'

Some of the Ostergaard Cousins. (The ones that would consent to posing for a picture for Aunt Char!)

The question of the day: How large is the posterity of Glen and Nila Carlson? I lost count.

I love family. As you can see there are many family members. I love to blog now and it is exciting to be able to see what you are all doing. Your age doesn't matter. You are family.

Keep the blogs coming. (One day Uncle Fred will publish a blog, right now I am content that he is reading the blogs.) Happy Day!!

p.s. Why so many blogs in one day? I'll just blame it on the computer okay?

Tribute to family

I cannot go on any longer without paying tribute to my husbands family. I have marveled how you have gathered together to take care of Grandma. She is getting excellent care and she has wonderful children who love and cherish her. She taught them well. We are all benefactors of grandma's love and nurturing. May you all be blessed for being so diligent in the care of your wonderful mother. She is the sweetest angel and best "other" mother I could ever ask for. I love her!

Sowin' Love

A favorite country music artist wrote a song that Fred and I have enjoyed. A few years ago I put together this page about Glen and Nila. The chorus to this song goes like this. "They were sowin' love for the family. The were sowin love, they took a little extra time, looking forward to a bountiful harvest, like good parents do, they were sowin love. They took good care of us, they were sowin love they did it all for us, they were sowin love. Lyrics by Paul Overstreet

Mack and Irene

This is one of my favorite pictures of my parents, Mack and Irene. They were just walking out of the greenhouse after working, watering and caring for their tender plants. The larger greenhouses are now sold. They grow just enough plants for themselves and a few close friends. FYI- My parents called their business "MILASSCO" The name comes from our first initials in birth order after our parents names: Mack, Irene, Laurel, Arlan, Steven, Scott and Charlene O.

Monk and Ballroom dancing

We love to watch the series "Monk" at our home. In fact if there is a movie or show with humorous mental health situations we will watch it. We watch the past seasons of the show often. I have often asked myself, what would be a good senario for Monk to be in? Wouldn't it be fun to submit an idea for the show and have it actually produced? (wishful thinking ) Here is my question and challenge. What would you like to see happen on the next "Monk?". Can't wait to read your responses!!

Last night Kallee and I were watching the International Latin Dance Championships. It is so amazing to see such talented dancers. My girls have all danced to one degree or another. Natalie started out with dance at Rhythm Works and was on the SUU Ballroom dance team. Kallee danced with Rhythm Works for 10 years and was on the CHS Drill Team. (which won many honors), K enjoyed dancing with Rhythm Works and participated with CHS Dance Company. It is fun for us to watch anything to do with dancing. Afterwards I tried to do the "jive" Natalie knows what I'm talking about. (She is real good at it) Needless to say, I do not dance like the girls and Kallee thought it was hysterical. Secretly I was crushed. I used to believe that I had some great moves in my day. Guess if you don't practice it, you don't have it any longer.

Flying high

Earth to Kallee, Come in Kallee. Your head is in the sky Kallee. Come down please we need you. You can't be this way forever. Crazy fun with Duncan and Kallee. I love these pictures. They capture the personalities of these two lovebirds. They are nutcases!! HA HA (Maybe they will post comments about these pictures on their blog.) HINT!!

Easter Tradition

Natalie and our special neighbor, The kids enjoyed the spontaneous egg hunt on Saturday.

Dad did you really bury the eggs in the dirt again? The Easter Dad is very tricky and clever.

What? Mom put that camera away. I am tired of posing for pictures. I just want to eat my candy.

Come on Dad where did you hide my basket this year? You always pick on me!!! UGh....

You are never to old to hunt for eggs and baskets. JC is the first one to find his basket. Big smile on his face. The tradition continues... and yes money eggs are hidden.

Antelope Island

Today is actually a snowy day in our town and I'm longing for some warmer weather. As I was looking through some photos I came across these pictures from a family outing last summer. The pictures brought back great memories of that day. We decided as a family to bike, walk or run across the causeway to Antelope Island and back. The distance is 7 miles one way. older K. decided she would run with K coming from behind on a bicycle as her support. B and Clint emerged as the front runners (bikers) and sped forward and away from the group. Fred, Char and Natalie were not far behind. Eventually Fred and Nat were in their own world talking and biking away. JC was working at Les Schwab. The wind was not terrible and the smell not so bad either. If you haven't been to the Island you have no idea what I'm talking about. For about the first two miles you are subjected to what the locals call "that stinkin smell from the island, yuck!" We completed the run, walk and ride outing with smiles still on our faces and bugs in our teeth. Nature has a way of providing one with needed nutrition when you least expect it. Not very tasty or satisfying.