Simply the Best of the First Week of January

It is the end of the first new full week of the new year - time once again to start out 2022 the right way with reviewing some of the best part of the week and the things I am most grateful for.  I am joining again in the new year with  Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five.  

Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - I have never been a tea drinker, nor a big fan of herbal tea until I went to the store with my husband on New Year's Day evening to pick up a loaf of bread. We saw these Celestial Seasonings herbals teas in some interesting holiday themed flavors.  I decided to give it a try, and became an instant fan.  I have really enjoyed an evening cup of this Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea (since it is not caffeinated), and I will be looking for more interesting herbal tea flavors.  

Rain not snow - Wednesday was a rainy day which is great because we got needed moisture without a lot of snow in the valley. There was plenty of snow in the mountains, but we only had rain where we are.  

Downstairs workouts  - I have mentioned working out in our downstairs family room before, which is where I exercise on cold, wet or icy days.  I enjoy putting on the electric "fireplace" and watching TV while I work out.  On days when I can't or don't want to walk outside, it makes an indoor work out very pleasant.  

Walking outside - Thursday it has dried out enough to walk outside when I got home from school. The ice was gone too, and the sidewalks were just wet.  Even with a nice place to exercise in our basement, I still prefer walking outside whenever I can. 

Early morning study time - for some reason, I woke up earlier than the 5:20 a.m. (when I usually get up) a couple of days this week.  I got up and decided to take some extra time with my morning scripture study.  I do enjoy a few peaceful minutes of reading and studying the scriptures in the early morning.  Our church scripture study course this year is The Old Testament, which I have been reading for awhile now.  I have established a habit of reading and annotating in the scriptures every morning before getting in the shower, usually while I eat my breakfast.  I am also enjoying my new daily devotional, Daily Joy by Russell M. Nelson and a scripture study commentary called The User Friendly Old Testament by Marilyn Green Faulkner. Both of these books, coupled with reading The Bible get my day off to the start I want it to have. 

Blog books for 2021 ordered - every year, I make my blog from the previous year into a book (in in the case of 2021 - 2 books).  I use the company Blog2print, and they were having a 40% off sale, so I divided last year into two volumes and ordered my 2021 blog books.

I have been doing this since I started to blog in 2007.  The books are a nice way to look back on the history and happenings of our family.  I will soon have two more volumes of my blog to go on the shelf with all of the rest of these family history books. 

Back to school - Josh is back in school for what is his final semester of classes at Ensign College.  He is still trying to get an internship lined up which will be the final requirement of his degree.  

Our Nation, Constitution and Democracy - on this day one year after the riot and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I would be remiss not to express profound gratitude for the United States of America - my home country.  I am grateful for the Constitution that keeps in check those who would tear down our Democracy for their own power and gain.  We learned on January 6, 2021 that Democracy is a fragile thing, and we cannot take it for granted, especially when some will lie, cheat, steal and destroy to take it away from us.  We must always be vigilant and protect from enemies, at home and abroad, these sacred gifts, - our nation, our liberty and the Constitution that makes it all possible.  May God always bless America and keep it safe from those who would destroy it.  

That's all for now. 

😊Deb💙

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."

~John F. Kennedy

 

January Weekend

 

I always begin recounting my weekend with Friday.  Friday was online learning day at school. On those days, I grade, plan and communicate with students online, from my empty classroom. During my lunch break, I decided to show my disgust for what happened at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, so I changed my voter party affiliation.  I no longer wish to have my name on the role of the political party that appears to value loyalty to one man more than Democratic and Constitutional principles.  I am now an "Unaffiliated," or "Independent" voter. 

Saturday,  Charly and I slept in a bit, then did some Saturday chores.  We stopped at lunchtime and went to McDonalds for a happy meal lunch. 

After lunch, Charly and I played a rousing game of Trekking the World, which was one of the gifts Charly got for Christmas.  It's a fun game that we enjoy playing. 

Sunday, church started at 11 a.m..This is one of the songs we sang at our service.  I think it has a really beautiful message of God's love.

When we came home from church, a man came to purchase this pedestal sink and faucet which we found in a downstairs closet when we moved into the house.  When we moved in, we put in a sink with a small cabinet in our downstairs bathroom, so we never used this sink and decided to list it on an online classified ad site.  Just like the little Christmas trees, we were able to sell the sink for some extra money, which is always nice. 

Charly and I took our Sunday afternoon walk outside.  It was quite cold, but at least partly sunny.  I didn't index genealogy records at all today because Josh is has started a new semester with a heavy load of classes and he had homework to do on the same computer I usually index on. 

My Apple Watch is finally starting to register my daily activity correctly.  I guess it took a few days "to get to know me" so it can count my exercise and calories accurately.   After walking two miles outside today, I walked two more miles downstairs on the Health Walker.

I made Chicken Divan for Sunday dinner.

We like it served over rice, with garlic bread - quite good. 

With that, I will close my Sunday evening post. Thank you for stopping by. Let's all pray for peace and healing in our country.

No Favorites This Week

Dear Friends, 

Almost every Friday, I join with several good blogging friends who link up over at Susanne's blog, Living to Tell the Story for Fridays Fave Five.  This week, however, my heart feels heavy with the  events that transpired at our beloved and sacred United States Capitol in Washington D.C..  

I love this country I was born in.  I love our Democracy and Constitution.  I love the historic and important buildings and monuments in D.C.. I am so very disappointed in the actions of those who sought to overthrow and destroy what so many hold so dear.  I have been able to think of little else.  I am emotionally exhausted by it all.

I know there are some in blogland who support what happened in Washington. Some, whose blogs I have read, or have followed on social media, very likely not only actively supported but possibly participated in the this egregious insurrection.  That makes me very, very sad, disappointed and dismayed.  I need time to process what has happened and let my anxiety settle and my heart heal. Because of this, I will be out of blogland for a while.  I may stop by and visit some of you, but I won't be posting for at least a few days.  This is what I posted on Facebook earlier this morning, and it goes for all of my social media:

"Yesterday was a dark, dark day for our nation. I have decided that I will no longer remain silent and just "scroll past" posts that promote the lies and misinformation that have convinced thousands of our countrymen to take part in a violent insurrection and occupation of our nation's Capitol building...I won't tolerate lies on social media any more...I will always stand for what I truly believe to be right and true. I won't defend a dangerously mentally-ill want-to-be-dictator or tolerate those who do."

Thank you for your understanding.  I hope to see you again soon. God bless Democracy and liberty everywhere and God bless the United States of America.

Love, Deb

Faves Near the Fourth

I lost track of time again, so I am getting my Friday's Fave Fives up a little later again.  I also had some issues with Blogger making my text super tiny, so I am experimenting with a larger text. Better late than never on a Friday's Fave post and I am grateful to be joining again with Susanne and friends linking over at Living to Tell the Story to look for the good in the week.  Here are my favorites this week. 

Election Day - This past Tuesday was our Primary Election Day here in Utah. Most of the candidates I voted for didn't win, but no worries, I am just grateful for the privilege of making my preferences known at the ballot box.  I look forward to voting in the general election in November.  I love my having the opportunity to vote. 

Cool and Rainy Days- The beginning of this week brought our area rain and cool temperatures.  We are back up to sunny summer weather now, but having rain and highs only in the 60s for a couple of days was nice. 

Library Pick-Up - I checked out a book from the library, for the first time since the pandemic closed the libraries in March.  The library opened for curbside pick-ups in May, but this was the first time I took advantage of it.  It was actually super quick and easy.  It only works if you know exactly what book you want, but reserving online and picking up curbside by appointment was a breeze.  I will not hesitate to use this service again. 

This Book - This is the book I picked up from the library.  I started reading it and after the first chapter, I knew I needed my own copy of the book, so I ordered it from Amazon.  All I can say is that this is a powerful true story that is teaching me a lot.  I may do a review when I am finished with it, but if you want more understanding about some of the things going on in our nation right now, this would be an excellent book to read.  There is always something to learn from the experiences of others. 

More Mask Making - After making and giving away or donating over 300 masks, I thought I would take a break from mask making, but as masking wearing has become mandatory in many areas, I received requests from several friends and associates, so I have continue with mask making. The masks pictured above will be going to my daughter and her family.  Masks are going to be required when school starts up again here, so I want to make sure my grandchildren have plenty. I plan to sew some more today.

Sewing Store - This awesome sewing store opened about two blocks away from my home, just before the pandemic broke out.  With all the mask sewing I have been doing, I find this is one of my new favorites, and I visit it at least once a week for fabric or supplies for mask making.  

The United State of America - I know this country is imperfect.  We have plenty of problems to overcome, but this is the land of my birth and I am grateful to live here.  I am grateful for the freedoms and opportunities available to all who live here.  I am grateful that as a nation, we are willing to acknowledge mistakes of past, try to correct them, and move forward with faith in a bright future. I will always believe in the basic goodness of this country and always say,  God Bless America!

Memorial Day and End of the School Year Favorites

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted last.  It's b been  a crazy, busy month, but the school year is over now and I have a long weekend, so it's time to look back on my favorite things of the past few weeks:

• Memorial Day - In tribute, here's a picture of my favorite Military Member, my oldest daughter, Public Affairs Officer in the United States Navy, loving wife and super mom of four of the sweetest grandkids I know.   Thanks to all who devote their lives to serving the cause of freedom in the United States of America. Heartfelt appreciation.  

• End of another school year.   Yes, the school year is now overpass is my time here at Mountain View High School where I have been teaching for the past ten years. More about that in a minute...

Even though I am excited about the future and what it holds in store, it has been hard and emotional at times, to leave this place where I have put in so much time over the past decade.

The door on the right, Room 817, has been mine.  The teacher right next door in 819, is a colleague who has become a dear friend.  I loved having her right next door, and I will miss her.

•  Awesome colleagues who are friends - These are just a few of the awesome people I have taught with over the past few years.  

On Wednesday, the first day of finals, we had a little get together during lunch.

 My colleagues gave me this care with some very nice messages... 

...and one special friend who gave me these colorful daisies and a $25 gift card.

• Ten Years - I was awarded my 10-year service pin at our annual staff breakfast on Friday morning.  Getting the pin really took me by surprise, especially since I am now leaving Mountain View to move to and teach in Utah.

Mountain View has been a great school to teach at though.  I have worked hard and learned a lot here and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a Mountain View Toro for ten years!

• Successful students - These are just a few of my 4th hour Seniors Essentials of English students. So proud of this group - every single one of my seniors - two classes - graduated last Thursday night. I had taught most of the multiple years, including one young man who I taught every year since his Freshman year - that's five years! These kids are amazing because every one of them overcame some really tough stuff to graduate. Life is not always easy, and I have taught many kids who have been through stuff no one should ever have to go through, at any age, and they are persevering! So proud of these students and also my 2nd hour seniors - all of whom are now Mountain View High School graduates! Now on to the next chapter for all of us! Hope they all have a wonderful future! 

• More purging -  I brought home lots of things from my classroom.  I threw lots of things away at school and have been seeing more time going through things here at home.   My husband suggested that I might want to go through my shoes, and I admit that I was able to get rid of about 12 pair of shoes that I was wasn't wearing on a regular basis.  I was a little embarrassed that I had so many shoes, but I will chock it up to foot surgery and a subsequent injury of the other foot last fall that made some of the shoes I had uncomfortable to wear.  In addition, there there is the fact that I just buy too many shoes - something I need to work on.  

• New Opportunities - when I began applying for teaching jobs in the Salt Lake City area several months ago, I knew there was a teaching shortage in the state of Utah, but I had no idea of the extent the shortage.  I have had seven interviews for teaching jobs and of those seven, I have received five job offers - including one that came in an email from a principal at 10 p.m. last night!  Wow -  I have never felt so popular.  The school pictured above is one where I received an offer.  I don't like to make big decisions, but it is nice to have choices.  I am currently weighing all the pros and cons of each offer and will be making my final decision this weekend.  I am excited to have opportunities to teach and make a difference in the lives of young people - whether here in Arizona, or in Utah.

• Primary Class - for the past eight months or so, I have been teaching primary (children's church) every Sunday at church as well as serving as Activity Day Leader for the eight and nine-year-old girls.  This Sunday was my last week teaching this sweet little group. 

Well, maybe sometimes, they were more sour than sweet, but always fun and challenging and I will miss meeting with them every week and teaching them about God and the principles of the Gospel.  

Thought for the week:

With a new job, a move to Utah and other changes that go along with it, this is a good motto for me right now.  I battle anxiety and worry  way too much, but have found that I can find peace by putting my trust in God and moving forward with faith.

Joining once again (a couple of days late) with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story for Friday Fave Five.  Have a great week!

Memorial Day and More

I want to add my heart-felt thanks so all who serve and continue to serve this great country - The United States of America.    I have ancestors who and fought for this land going back to the American Revolution and the Civil War.  My a father and father-in-law both served in World War II. 

My oldest daughter, is a wife, mother of three and officer in the United States Navy. That's her third from the right in the photo above.

Here she is a few years back on the deck an aircraft carrier she was assigned to.  

I am truly proud of and grateful to my daughter, father, father-in-law, ancestors and all the millions of courageous men and women who have served to keep this land free and to insure our lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness.  Thank you to all!

Here are some other things going on around here:

Last week was the final week of the school year.  One young man wrote me this letter, which really touched my heart.  I summed up the school year this way in an "end of the school year" post I put on my Face Book timeline:

"The 2014-2015 school year, my 13th year of teaching, is now history. Most of the time, I truly love my high-energy, demanding job because I have the opportunity to try and help kids at a critical point in their lives. I get to try and make a difference for teenagers and help them build a foundation for their adult lives. This year, I had the opportunity to have some of the greatest and most memorable classroom experiences of my career - not because I am a "great teacher" but because I had some truly awesome students who were receptive, open to learning and just plain fun and interesting to work with. My students touch my heart as much as I touch theirs and I am sure that I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me. I also have the great opportunity to teach at the BEST high school in the state of Arizona (and one of the best in the nation) with amazing, helpful colleagues, who are great friends.  Now, I get to enjoy a few weeks of down time, then go back and do it again. Six more years until retirement, but who's counting?"

Our family room is a mess right now because we are in the middle of purging and organizing.

Charly is going through all of his teaching files downstairs.  He had to bring everything home from school this summer, because the school where he taught last year lost a grant that funded several teaching positions.  Charly will likely be working at a different school at the end of summer, so he is taking the opportunity to reorganize and get rid of things he may not need. I'm working on the Master Bedroom walk-in closet.  I have found that there are too many things I have saved for too long, so out they go!

I'm reading this book, this week, which is inspiring me to "love what [I] have, have what [I] need, and be happier with less."  

The author encourages us to "examine our lives and circumstances and to make the changes necessary to focus on the things that really matter."  So far, its a pretty interesting and thought provoking book, and its got me cleaning out my closet ;-) .

Although he usually emails us every Monday, there will be no newsy email from this missionary today...

 ...because he is at the temple.  

Temple worship for us Mormons is very important and special. 

Attendance at the temple is something we do voluntarily as often as we want to and it is in addition to our Sunday worship services.  I am thankful that Josh is serving in a area that has a temple close by so he can attend often.

I will end this post with a great quote from a great and beloved president of the United States: