Literary Quote of the Day

Just a thought as we bring 2008 to a close...

T.S. Eliot
"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

Some favorites from Christmas 2008

Each Christmas is different...here are some things I noticed about this particular Christmas that are worth noting for me, if not for anyone else.

Christmas Eve was noisy and crowded, up until about 6:00 p.m. and then it became quiet. The quiet reminded me of an early Sunday morning, so peaceful. The streets were nearly empty. All of the stores, except for Walgreens, were closed.

Christmas morning was also quiet. We woke up late, about 8:00 and had a breakfast that I had prepared the night before. No, I wasn't trying to poison anyone with spoiled food. It's one of those breakfasts that really takes all night to get ready.

There were presents to open, not a lot and I am glad for that. After a few presents were opened I gathered the wrapping paper and started wadding it into balls (stones). Mickey stood up on the couch and I started throwing wrapping paper balls at him as he acted out the part of Samuel the Lamanite when he was prophesying about the Savior's birth. Samuel (Mickey) was telling us to repent as I threw the paper balls at him. That was the fun part...but, unlike Samuel, Mickey was not protected and I 'accidentally' hit him with the 'stones'. Picture Mickey in his not-long-enough shorts with the rim of white showing standing on the couch. CUTE! and ENDEARING! AND, oh, so spiritual...hmmmm.

The middle of the day has become a blur, so there must not have been much to remember...oops, that doesn't mean much,because I don't have much of a memory anyway.

I love thinking about Christmas night! We went to Lindsay's for a truly wonderful meal. We spent some time with Norm Sr, Sally, Norm Jr's sister, Sarah, Andie, Norm Jr., Emily and David, as well as the little kids....Carter, Marin, Bailey, Easton, and Logan. I went outside after we had eaten and got scared to death because as I was unlocking my car, the horn honked .... not supposed to happen and as I looked around me I saw a long shadow approaching. AHHHHH, I saw my quick demise at the hands of a stranger. Not so! Morgan, who was scheduled to work until 10:00 p.m. took the opportunity to sign out and was there to surprise Andie and the kids. When we walked in it took Andie a few minutes (honestly, that is no exaggeration) to figure out that Morgan was standing next to me. She just kept looking at him like she didn't know him. A blank stare...hey, she's my daughter, what can I say? We had to tell her that Morgan was standing next to me. When she finally got it, she ran to him and hugged him.

And then the fun really began. We sat down for a few games of Nurtz. DANG it was fun.

The end of another great day, and a Christmas Day at that. Not too spiritual to be sure, but a BUNCH of fun.

A day with out Detrol

A day without Detrol is like:
* finding fresh gum stuck to your shoe
* having a recurring nightmare
* finding out the belt to your coat was in the toilet when you go to flush
* sending a confidential file to the wrong person
* asking a student's parent when her baby is due and then having the parent tell you she is not pregnant
* driving over a tiny toad sitting in your driveway
* tenderly trying to steer a baby lizard out of the classroom and finding out your tender steering with a broom handle smooshed it to death
* not filling out a student's report card before you sent it home
* going to a children's concert and having a stranger tap you on the sholdier (did I spell that correctly) in the ladies room to tell you the seat cover is hanging out of your pants

Of course none of the things listed above ever happened to me....well, almost none of them. Today was interesting to say the least. Enough said!

Are you hungry for fresh mushrooms?

Some people just LOVE mushrooms! These are available for harvest. They have been grown without pesticides or fertilizers...100% organic. They are available upon request.

The Final thankful Thirtys

Wow! This month has gone so quickly and there have been so many things to be thankful for. Some that I've missed, I just know it. But, the awareness has been enlightening. I've loved it. I know I have posted some pretty goofy things, but it's okay to be thankful for the BIG (Heavenly Father, the Savior, the Gospel, the Church, the Family) and it's okay to be thankful for even the goofy things...a pedicure, my red laptop, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty - the list goes on. It has been wonderful and meaningful...YEP!

So, I'm thankful for
* phone calls from my three girls (Janeen, Andie and Lindsay) just to chat.

* my new red jacket and two pairs of new shoes...gotta look at it this way...I'm helping the economy.

* the kind people who look after and take really good care of Duane. He lives in a home with 5 other elderly people. That home is nicer than any home he has ever lived in. It is really nice. The folks who care for him genuinely love him and appreciate what a good man he is. I feel like it was inspiration that led us to these caregivers.

Well I guess that's it until next November.

Thankful twenty-nines

I'm thankful

* that our fake tree (AHHHHH! and Yuck) is up with the lights on. It is beautiful if you don't continually remind yourself that it is fake. At least it is dark green and fake.

* that tomorrow is Sunday.

* that someone else besides me is challenged to keep a secret. It gets easier as I get older. That usually works for most people.

* I've got to include this somewhere...I am so thankful for my 14 month old kitchen. I love everything about it. I love the pull out shelves, the pantry, the granite counter top, the new stove, oven and microwave. I love the deep sink and the brushed nickel faucets. I love the cupboard style and the pulls. I love the LONG bench that doubles as storage. I love the new table. When both leaves are added it could probably seat 10 people. I feel so fortunate to have the kitchen that I do. Gee, maybe I should start cooking again. Food for thought (get it?).

Thankful Twenty-eights

I am thankful for...

*Christmas Carols - I am really enjoying the Forgotten Carols right now. I can hardly wait to get in my car and listen to them. If I were to be honest (that's a tough one!) I would admit that I listen to the Forgotten Carols throughout the year. I really like listening to them in June and July.
* my eyes that see - I was thinking today that these are the same eyes I have had for the last 60 1/2 years. I haven't had them replaced, they are the original model. They have worked wonderfully and have never taken a day off or had a vacation.
* my ears that hear - ditto for how hard they have worked and haven't quit on me.

I have often felt a little sorry for my heart. It hasn't had a vacation for longer than I have been alive. It has worked so hard. Someday it will have a vacation. I'll try to take better care of it. Yep, it' still working...I just checked.

Thankful Twenty-sevens

I'm just plain old THANKFUL...

*My favorite gratitude scripture...I just don't want to be one of the 9 who do't give thanks for my blessings... Luke 17:12-19.

*I am grateful for Mickey... He allows me to be myself whether it's good or bad. He gives me free reign. He has supported me in The Moritorium on Money. He has the most delightful laugh and he uses it often. He is aware of his failings (I have helped him with that). He has a deep and sincere love of the Savior. He fully understands the Gift of Agency and refuses to be a party to taking someone else's away from them. He has a forgiving heart...THANK GOODNESS for that one. He is my companion. He lets me pester him (so important to a good relationship). He has a beautiful tenor singing voice. He sings as we drive and I love listening to him. He has accepted the Hansen Club and will do what he can to help them. That means so much to me as I am the president. He has willingly accepted my mom as a roommate. He is so good to her. I love my husband. That's kind of important.

* So, I'm not one of the Nine...I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful for His Gospel plan. He has made it possible for me to be with ALL those I love forever...did you get that? FOREVER! He will clean me up (I picture being scrubbed on one of those old metal washboards) and get me ready to meet my Father in Heaven. Without that thorough scrubbing, I would be lost forever...did you get that? FOREVER!

Thankful Twenty-fives

*Whoa! Today is pedicure day with Holly. I'm thankful for pedicures. Too bad it's not sandal weather. I think Mickey wants me to get a pedicure so I don't sand the hair from his legs in the middle of the night.

*I'm thankful for Tylenol Arthritis. Enough said!

* I'm thankful for Mickey's technician that is going to deep fry a turkey for us. HAH! not cooking an enormous turkey for Thursday...someone else is. Yahoo! Life is GOOD.

Sunday in the leaves with Carter and Marin

We raked the leaves and then Carter and Marin ran through and all around them. I wish you could have been there to witness the hard work, conversation and fun as they ran around and through our pile. SOOO much fun!

Okay, here's my new haircut...HATE my neck!

I might thoroughly dislike my neck, but the new naturally curly (thanks to Mentalpause) hair and Megan are cute. Oh, did I really say my hair is cute? Well, the only reason it is cute is because Lindsay does such a great job of cutting and styling it.

Thankful Twenty-fours

These are RANDOM thankfuls...just things I was thinking as I was wandering through the refrigerator:
* I'm thankful that I can raise my left arm above my head...two years ago right now I could not - I was still recovering from surgery.
* I am thankful for the i-google home page on my computer. I love all the 'gadgets' that I have been able to add.
* I am thankful for the i-google gadget - quote of the day. They are great!

Hey, Megan, look at me using the word "gadget" and I almost know what it means.

I forgot this one...I am thankful for Megan Lynn Romo. She set me up for my blog. Hey, Megan -THANK YOU!

If there had been thankful twenty-threes

Grandchildren via Chad and Janeen (oh, they are sooo good looking [Briggs], pretty [Livvy], cute [Em]. I have looked at those family pictures probably 25 times and I'm not exaggerating, this time.

Grandchildren via Andie and Morgan (oh, church is a wonderful experience! Easton smiling at ALL the little old ladies in Relief Society, who are quite taken with him...Bailey who bows her head on the end of the bench when a prayer is being said, is sure to cover her legs when she is reclining on the bench).

Grandchildren via Lindsay and Norm (oh, the afternoon with them was more then just entertaining...ice cream cones, swinging on the porch swing, talking about the trees and sky, raking leaves, playing Battleship, Marin throwing her shoes in the front seat while I'm driving, Marin locking us out of the house [she thought], a game of hockey in the living room with Carter)

I'm tired just thinking about it!

I have the most wonderful yesterdays with all of these kids. They ALL melt my heart and make me so greatful for their parents who have given them to the world. The world is honestly a better place because of these grandkids.

Last week was pretty tiring!

Such a busy active week before Thanksgiving. I conferenced with each child's parent/parents telling them what a good student they have and trying to gently tell them that same student can also be a knothead, or crybaby if that's the case. Then we had our traditional/non-traditional Thanksgiving feast. The feast consists of Stupid Stew (no, I don't tel them the real name of the vegetable soup), rolls or cornbread, butter and of course, popcorn. They have to "dress up" (using the term loosely) as a pilgrim or Indian before the feast. Here are the pictures of the result.

Thankful twenty-twos

I am thankful for Saturday afternoon naps. Hmmm, love 'em.

I am thankful for a Saturday afternoon movie. It it unusual one to coincide with a Saturday afternoon nap.

I am thankful for a Saturday afternoon wander around the backyard.

Thankful Twenty-ones

I am thankful for my friend of 41 years. Gay Singleton Patterson is 61 years old today. We talk to each other on the phone twice a year...on our birthdays. She is exactly 6 months older than me. She was my roommate for at least 5 years while I was at Ricks and BYU. What a history we have...I'm just thankful she put up with me for all those years. She is truly an amazing woman.

I am thankful for my RED laptop. Not only does it work wonderfully, but it is snazzy at the same time.

Okay, fine! I've gotta say it again...I'm deeply thankful for Fridays. This Friday is a special one...I don't go back to school until December 1st. Dang! gotta repeat myself again...I am so thankful that I am a teacher. LOVE IT.

Ain't life great?

If there had been thankful twentys

I would have said that I was thankful for:

My Mom! She is a lady of incredible determination. I have always known that, even when I was just a young'un. In spite of all kinds of set backs, she never, NEVER gives up. She continues to provide a worthy example for me to follow. AND, she laughs as she goes...WOW! I love my mom.

My Sister, Robin...she is a woman of many talents and great intelligence. She can entertain anyone. I have watched her do it. She cracks me up. I have always admired her kindness and her unselfishness. She has achieved remarkable success and helped others do the same thing. And she's even really pretty. Top that! I love my sister.

My Brother, Jack... He has been funny his whole life. He is a man that I knew I could always trust. AND, that is big. He has a generous heart. I love having meaningful conversations with him about meaningful subjects. He was a tremendous emotional support to me as I was raising my three wonderful kids. He's just a good man. I love my brother!

Thankful Nineteens

*Oh boy, oh boy ! I am thankful for the Kendall family who allowed me to borrow a substantial amount of money to finish my schooling and become a teacher. I think of them often with gratitude.

*Years ago (like almost 40) I was given a possible life plan. I have loved referring back to it frequently and comparing my life as it is now with the possibility that existed those 40 years ago. I am thankful for the guidance that plan has provided.

*DANG, I am so thankful for the fall colors that surround the school campus. There are trees that are breathtakingly beautiful. Hmm, maybe I'll take a picture of one of them tomorrow. I'll probably forget...I am not thankful for my memory...that's okay it's Whiny Wednesday.

Thankful Eighteens

I am thankful for Robert Frost... I love his poem, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Eve" and others as well. I used to be thankful for Shakespeare, but that was when I was in college and practiced thinking.

I am thankful for Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty.

I am thankful that Issac B. is at another school (he is the one who sang me the 'You're stupid, you're stupid, you're really, really stupid' song last year).

I am thankful for the month of posts...I think about being thankful all day long. It makes me aware of the wonders around me that I take for granted.

Thankful Seventeens

I'm thankful for the DVR. I can watch that REALLY good BYU Devotional any time I want.

I am thankful for Chapstick, not so much lipstick because I lick it off.

I'm thankful I get to be Easton's trampoline on Sundays. Church is so much fun with Easton and Bailey there. OOPS! is church supposed to be fun? Well, there are times!

Thankful Sixteens

I think this all the time, don't know why I haven't posted it before.

* I am thankful for my in-law kids.
Janeen - I am so grateful for her being in Chad's life. I love being around when they start playing with each other. My whole inside smiles. I LOVE JANEEN.

Morgan - he is such a great partner for Andie. I'm so glad he's there with her. They share important responsibilites and in every way they work and play together. My whole inside smiles. I LOVE MORGAN.

Norm - I am so entertained by watching Norm and Lindsay play. They are buddies! They are both ready to play when the competition gauntlet is thrown down. My whole inside smiles. I LOVE NORM.

I know how important it is to be able to play with your spouse. It keeps the friendship going. I love knowing that my kids have married someone they can play with.

Thankful Fifteens

* I'm thankful for answered prayers. . . more than I can even count.

* I am thankful for the opportunity to watch, just watch grandkids interract.

* I am so thankful on so many levels for the price of gas dropping.

* Tomorrow is Sunday...the day to renew.

Thankful Fourteens

I just gotta say I'M STILL THANKFUL FOR FRIDAYS. I love 'em. They are most freeing.

I'm thankful for grapes. I'm eating them...letting them pop in my mouth right now. They have probably come from some foreign country without any kind of supervision/regulation and I don't care.

I'm thankful for the full moon. It has been beautiful this month.

Thankful Thirteens

* I am thankful for my front/living room. It is quiet here and comfortable. I wonder if I will know when it is out-of-style. By-the-way, I'm not ready to hear that its already out of style.

* I am thankful, really thankful for the other first grade teachers at my school. We work well together considering that we are all human beings and females at that.

* I am thankful for how my first graders entertain me. I know this shouldn't be entertaining but today I had five cry babies (I was nice to most of them) and one kiddo who told me, "Mrs. Witt, I just barfed in my throat and then swallowed it right back down." What do ya say to that one? I also had one little guy who didn't feel good and when I asked him if he wanted to go to the office to see if he had a temperature, he fell into my arms hugging me with everything he had. He was one of the cryers I was nice to.

Thankful Twelves

*I am thankful for cell phones...I can call my mom long distance everyday and it doesn't cost thousands of dollars like it used to when I called my sister-in-law. Was that a huge run-on sentence?

* I am thankful that I have a wonderful, accomplished hairstylist daughter who gave me a brand new DARLING, SHORT haircut yesterday. It was a smashing success at school today. I feel perky.

* I am so thankful for a car that I can depend on...it hasn't always been that way. Ya gotta go without to appreciate a fully operating car.

Thankful Elevens

Today is Bailey's #4 Birthday. So, I'm thankful to be a Grandma Susie.

I'm thankful to be a wife (using the term loosely)

I'm thankful to be a mom (hence the opportunity to be a grandma).

And ... I'm thankful for the Plan of Happiness that ties it all together...FOREVER!

Thankful Tens

*I am thankful for gentle (as opposed to candles that give you a headache) candles that cover last night's beef stew aroma. It was BAD this morning.

*I am thankful that I could look forward to parent/teacher conferences when my kids were in elementary school.

*I am thankful I can read.

Really? Do I really look all that bad?

Saturday I rushed over to Andie's house to watch Easton crawl. I had just changed into my pjs when I left to go over there. On the way home, being Saturday (the day before Sunday), I decided to make a quick stop at the grocery store. As I was enjoying the produce aisle a lady walked passed me, looked me up and down and said, "hrumpf", in total disgust. I smiled at her and then realized what had just happened. Shoot man, like she was something special! She was dressed in regular old levi's and a sweatshirt...so what if she had tennis shoes on. Really, do I really look all THAT bad?

Thankful Nines

* I am more than just thankful for the learned people in the Gospel Doctrine class. When there is a great lesson it is because they have shared their knowledge. Our Patriarch Warner is one such person. He gave so much understanding to the scattering and gathering of Israel.
* I am thankful for turtle neck sweaters...cashmere is especially nice.
* I am thankful for Direct TV satellites...we have a nice life because of Mickey's hard work with Directv.

Thankful Eights

* I am thankful for my beautiful yard. I love having a place for 12 different rose bushes. There could actually be more than that, but it's raining outside and too dark to go out and count.
* I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about the Book of Mormon. The 'opportunity' was given to me. I certainly didn't ask for it. In fact I tried to escape the opportunity...silly me.
* I am grateful for the red napping blanket that Lindsay/Norm gave us for Christmas a few years ago. Wonderful nap today under the napping blanket.

Here's an extra...I am thankful for my sewing machine that is four months younger than Andie. That means it is almost 31 years old. It still works.

It's still Friday

These are the little ones who make me feel so grateful that Fridays roll around. They are a bunch of pretty cute kids. They are a bright bunch and NOT one of them has sung me the 'you're stupid' song. Ahh memories of a past class.

Thankful Sevens

* It's Friday! I am so thankful...we have a four day week end!
* I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost...he has been whispering in my ear for the last couple of days and I actually heard it...SHOCK! but, I am so glad to be able to say that.
* I'm thankful that Emily and Mickey don't get all over me for only cooking a couple of times a week. Whitney! I need you!

Thankful Sixes

I am thankful for those rare moments when I am home alone, the TV is off, there are only a few lights on...it's a great time to pause and meditate.

I am thankful for new baby sounds.

I am more than just thankful for the two ladies that come to clean my house every two weeks. I am so grateful that I have a husband who understands how awful it is to work for five days and then spend the 6th day of every week cleaning.

Thankful fives.

I'm thankful for whammo antibiotics.

I'm thankful for a body that can heal itself, unlike a broken chair or broken car.

I'm thankful that there are still some people in California who see 'marriage' as being something sacred.

Just one more for today...I'm thankful or a Room Mom who loves me enough to scout around and find me a half-day sub so I could go to the Dr.

Thankful fours

* I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. So, I stand up next to you and defend her still today...and you might know the rest.
* I am thankful for people who understand the scriptures and are willing to share their understanding with me.
* I am thankful for my sister-in-law. We may not talk to each other frequently, but it is always refreshing when I do.

Thankful for...Three

1. I'm thankful that Megan taught me about IMing...it's fun!

2. I'm thankful that Monday is over...it worked out okay today.

3. I'm incredibly thankful for where I teach...the picture is what I am looking at as I leave the classroom door.

Chapter 2 - Thankful for...

* I'm thankful for the day after it rains...the sun seems brighter, clouds whiter and the sky bluer.
* I'm thankful for Sunday...not a day of rest, but certainly a day when boundaries are strengthened.
* I'm thankful for the church's organization where changes are seamless. Our Bishop died, suddenly, a few weeks ago. The plan was there and the ward ran smoothly under the direction of the Stake Presidency. We have a new Bishopric now. His house is a house of order.

November Gratitude

I'm excited to do the 'thankful for's! Here's the first installment - the basics!

I'm thankful for the Mick Man...he's the icing on a really good piece of cake.
I'm thankful that I have 3 grown kids that will let me be a part of their lives.
Heck, I'm just thankful to have those 3 kids (that would be Handsome Prince Chad, Andie Boo-Boo Bear and Lindsay Ladybug.

Okay, Okay, Okay...

Okay, so maybe it has been awhile since I've added to my blog. I just wanted to give you the opportunity to truly 'remember'. Do you believe that? I didn't think so. There really has been much I could have blogged about. I could have shared my two miserable Mondays. One Monday I got to school to discover that I had forgotten to turn the air-conditioner off in the classroom so the motion detector wouldn't set off the alarm (I'm not supposed to have things hanging from the ceiling for that very reason). SOOO, the hanging hands set the alarm off and the police had to report to the campus. YUCK! That cost the school $125.00. The principal was not so happy with me. The next Monday I rear ended a car as I merged into traffic. Never mind that she cut in front of me to go into a gas station. I still did the rear ender thing. Lucky for me, she didn't want to report it because she is an uninsured motorist. But you should see my lovely front license plate.

I could have blogged about Lindsay Abel's wedding at the Sacramento Temple, but Mickey erased the pictures after he uploaded (wow, computerspeak!) them onto his computer. I could go into his computer to post, but it's not red.

I could write about my cute first grade class full of cry babies, but that wouldn't be kind. They really are cute but there are a bunch who don't just cry they bawl hysterically. I am not really bugged by it. It almost amuses me. Yeah! First Grade Sicko teacher.

I could have blogged about this last week when I was contacted by a local TV station to be interviewed about my view of the YES on Proposition 8 - traditional marriage proposal and it's affect on classrooms, if defeated. And, yes I was interviewed and yes I did appear as a part of a news story 3 different times in two days. And yes, I am old and slightly chubby.

Ya know what? I have a good life, even if it is not reported consistently.

I'll get better, yep, I will.

Saturday in Enumclaw

It really is beautiful where Chad and Janeen live. This Saturday, while I was there, we picked out pumpkins, washed the cars, found little green frogs on the grass, watched Livvy play with the worm, and just stare in awe at Emily who the day before had undergone a little surgery. Yep, she's the one romping in the gutter. Still, just more pictures!

OOPS! Here's the quick family picture...

Autumn is Awesome!

I loved this autumn because I got to go see Briggs, Livvy, Emily, Chad and Janeen. Initially, the occasion wasn't that great...Emily's surgery, but it sure turned out GREAT! I am going to just post the pictures, they speak for themselves! If you look carefully at the picture of the beautiful golden tree, you will see Mt Rainier in the distance. That tree is in Marcia and Bob's backyard. It provided a great setting for a quick family picture. I love Enumclaw Washington!

And then there's niece Megan!

Without fail, Megan brings fun with her to our house. This night, it was decorating cupcakes with the Three Amigos... Oh, maybe it should be the Four Amigos. When you comin'again, Megan?

Remember

We have been encouraged numerous times to 'remember'. Remember what? Choices we have made, paths that we have taken, people who have influenced our lives, lessons we have learned, numerous blessings received, and even significant historical events. All things 'remembered' woven together helps to make us the individuals we are. I love most 'remember when' stories as can be validated by my grown children. The one 'remember when' that tends to make me quiet, reserved and pensive is the bombing of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon as well as the heroic end to Flight 93 on 9/11, 2001. I remember the horror of watching the second plane hit the second tower. I remember the plumes of smoke and ash covering New York City. It is all a nightmare remembered. My memories are nothing compared to the thousands of families that lost loved ones. My thoughts are with those families this day.

I am so grateful to be a part of such a blessed nation. Blessed? Yes, even in spite of the horror of seven years ago, this is a blessed nation. It is a nation organized by inspired leaders who, under divine guidance, wrote the Constitution. It is by evil design that others would want to destroy it. I want to remember, daily, what it means to be an American. I want to remember, daily, what it means to be free to make choices that can be remembered.

Sweet Sweet Babies

Remember number 19 and number 20? They were both blessed this past Sunday. Papa Mickey's blessing of Logan (still not much of a conversationalist) was beautiful and articulate. I felt privileged to have been there. I always enjoy hearing Randy bless his children. He is a great, loving, fun dad.


Grandchild # 20 - Nickolas with mom and dad, Randy and Amber.


Remember grandchild #19? Logan with mom and dad, Emily and David. No wonder Logan is not much of a conversationalist, huh?
This will be my favorite memory of the day...

These babies sure have a handsome, happy Papa Mickey.

A noteworthy Saturday!

Dang it was a GREAT Saturday!


*Didn't get to spend much time at home, but where I went was just SUPER. I loved it. Life is all about Saturdays (at least during the school year).


*Mickey and I went to our favorite breakfast place (here's a free advertisement) the Original Pancake House in Roseville. There we met David, Emily and Logan - I'm telling you...that Logan is not much of a conversationalist. I had my VERY favorite ... Dutchbaby Pancake with extra lemon, butter and powdered sugar. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.


*Traveled to Costco. Gez, we spend over $200.00 and I don't even know what we bought (so much for the Money Moritorium). Oh, now I remember, we bought HUGE bags of candy, lots and lots of candy. Gotta restock the candy bucket. It's a done deal.

*Doing the Grateful Grandma Duty was THE best. It was 100 degrees, we're outside watching Carter play his first for real soccer game. AND I got to see Carter make a goal,


Marin practicing her hot soccer game...


AND, I got to see Norm taking on the appearance of a holy one (that's a quote from him). In reality, he just wanted to protect his bald head from the 100 degree sun. He looks cute doesn't he?

The Sacrifice Update

My leg is getting so much better! The lump is still there, but now it is getting green...that's gotta be good.Who feels sorry for me? Please don't, after all it's just in the course of the day when one saves one's mother's life. It is all worth it. Not everyone can be a heroine.

I'm thinking it will be another week of wearing long pants at school. I don't want to create nightmares for the little kids.

The Day I Saved My Mom's Life...

See that lump on my leg? Pretty dramatic, huh? I got that lump because I saved my mom's life...No kidding! I believe I saved my mom's life. Now, her story may be a little different but here is what REALLY happened.

Mom was walking across her bedroom and tripped over a corner of her suitcase (it was on the floor so she could pack in anticipation for the Robin Snatch). She began spinning around trying to grab onto something to save her from falling. I saw what was happening and rushed to her aid (kinda). I was in the doorway. She was headed toward the metal chair leg that she uses when she is computerizing. I stepped into the path so she could hit my leg instead of the menacing metal chair stand. I was successful. I saved her life. But, her HARD head hit my shin. She was laying on the floor at my feet saying..."I hit my head". My response, "Yes, I know." And boy did I. The bulb began building SOON. Mom and Mickey saying, "You had better go see the Dr. about that". After an hour of icing and the lump had not dimished...I succumbed and went to the Dr. The prescription...ice and wrap. I could have told them that! This picture was taken as we drove to the Dr.

Are you impressed with my sacrifice?

How many of you have saved someone's life? I've done that twice. YEAH.

No More Sunday's with Mom/Grandma Betty

Robin came and snatched my mom on Wedneday. Now, I will miss those spiritual Sunday's watching Mom deeply involved with her scriptures. She looks pretty peaceful as she reads from the book of Alma. Oh, wait, as I look a little closer, she isn't reading...she's napping. And that is what Sunday is all about!

Number 20

Meet Nicholas (Nick) Abraham Onstine. He was born Wednesday August 13th. He joins Randy, Amber, Mac, Jack, and Luke. He really is number 20. Gez! that's a lot of grandkids. I was lucky enough to drop by after school to meet him.

Number 19

Yep,
this makes number 19. I count the number of Hansen-Witt grandkids all the time, just to make sure.
I was so affected by the reverence present in the room when Logan Daniel was being born to Emily and David. The flurry of activity stopped and silence moved in as Logan was born. He was born August 8th. Yes! his birthdate is 8/8/08. How lucky is he going to be! Those of you still in the trenches having babies may not recognize the reverence of birth, but from one who has been there, and can now have the priviledge of observing...it's REAL.

Andrea Lynn Hansen Jones

Ya see this girl? Ya see this girl? I love this girl/woman. Yesterday was Andie's 31st birthday...ah, yes...I hearken back to the great day when she was born. AND, the reason I do this, is because Andie wouldn't let me do it yesterday. She had her chance...so here goes...

It was August 1st...the moving van was coming at 8:00 am to move our stuff to the Denver area. We had packed up most of the Orem house. Dennis' brother Hal was with us from Denver to help us move. Teri, Dennis' sister was in the area.

It's now 4:00 am and I wake up with an VERY uncomfortable feeling. WHOA! I'm in labor. There was just one more thing to do before leaving the house. I needed to scrub the shower by the master bedroom. So, while awake and between pains I decided to clean the shower. Dennis wakes up and says, "Sue, what are you doing?" I say, "Well, I'm kinda in labor and this needs to be done." Dennis - "Come back to bed and relax." Sue - "I will when I get his done." Finally, I finished cleaning the shower and did indeed go lay down.

Problem! The moving van was coming...who was going to be there to supervise? YES! Teri! She was so willing and helpful.

Problem! Hal was due to catch a flight back to Denver about 9:00 am. Who would take him to the airport...he was helping Dennis with his business in Denver and needed to be there because...Dennis was going to be in Provo to welcome his next child.

SO... Dennis would hurry and take Hal to the airport, get right back and take me to the hospital. I promised I would still be home so he could take me to the hospital.

Problem! The pains increased in intensity and became more frequent. So...I called the neighbor across the street and he hustled, got dressed and took me to the hospital. It was 9:00 am and I as hurtin'.

Dennis got back from the airport about 10:30.

At about 11:30 they wheeled me into the delivery room, where they strapped me down. Yep, that's the way they did it then. So kind, so encouraging, so maddening! I had received some kind of pain killer that didn't let me feel the instinct to push so the nurse had to tell me when to push. I was pushing my guts out (literally because my bladder was born just before Andie). I was still hurtin' so I told the Dr. I was going home. He needed to get me off the table so I could leave. He asked me what I thought would happen if I left. I told him the pain would all go away. NOT! They wouldn't let me off the table. I had to go back to work...OW!

Andie got stuck on my tailbone so they had to use TONGS (I don't think that is the medical term) to lift her so she could shoot out and into the world. Which she did a little after noon on Monday August 1, 1977.

She weighed 9 pounds and was tall (don't remember how tall).

She smiled for the first time when she was two days old and did not stop. The nurses couldn't believe it. She responded to their voices and smiled. Nope! Not gas.

I love this girl/woman and I am so thankful she is my daughter. She has taught me so much.

So, there Andie! Don't you wish you had let me play "Remember when" yesterday?

A sound from the Nebo Loop

A Wondermas Anniversary week

Yep, Mickey and I have been married for an unbelievable (for many reasons) 13 years. Whoa...who would have thought!

What a treat to return to the Salt Lake Temple and enjoy the ordinances on behaf of Mickey's parents...Whoa! again!

What a treat to spend so much time with my brother, his wondermas wife, and the nieces and nephew in-laws. Not to mention the food...Whoa for a third time!

What a treat to wander through the Rocky Mountains, the Mt. Nebo Loop to be specific. Whoa!...for the fourth time!

I recorded the sights and sounds of some of the week...enjoy if you decide to partake.

By-the-way...Jack owes me $25,000 for winning the most Cribbage games...Should I decide to collect...WHOA! I promise I'll invest it wisely.