A Mormon Meme

This Mormon meme made me laugh out loud.

I love the humor of the Nephites using the Liahona which is run by a global positioning system!

The Grammy Tour - 1700 Miles and a Reflection

I am home! And I did it - I drove 1700 miles all by myself, and through mountains to boot. (Bonus props for that!)

I was nervous, but I knew that I had to do it - Craig could not go, and really, fear of heights and panic attacks in traffic keeping me from seeing my family? That just had to stop. So I prayed, I got blessings from Craig and from Cole, and I made it.

1700 miles later and I am grateful:

 -  that things went so well,

-  that I could meet Julie and Cambria, and help their parents out,

- that I did not have car trouble,

- that the dicey moments were very few and far between,

- that I could stay awake despite driving eight and nine hours at a time,

- and so much more!

One thing I noticed that was different from past trips, trips when Craig came along and we shared the driving - I didn't hurt this trip.

Normally when we travelled, my knees would ache and be painful, and I would need frequent breaks to get out and stretch them. When I'd leave the car, I would be stiff and limp for a while, and then getting back into the car would hurt. I'd be restless in the car, shifting positions, trying to get comfortable.

This time? No pain.

NONE.

No stiffness.

NONE.

No limping, no taking a double dose of Celebrex with extra strength Tylenol added in. Nothing.

Add to that grateful list above that I am thankful for the miracle of having joint replacement surgery and the effects that that surgery has on the quality of my life.

A Minion Perspective on Teaching

Lisa found this and posted it on my Facebook page. It made me smile, so I am including it here.

There's a bit of truth in it, that's for sure!

The Grammy Tour - a Nursery Ring Cycle

As I wrap up the Grammy Tour (part one; part two is next weekend when I go to Florida and meet little Whitney) I wanted to write down the songs I have been singing to Julie and Cambria this week. They're songs from Primary, and I sang them to my own babies when they were newly born. Funny how those same songs just popped out of my mouth as soon as I had a baby in my arms.

There are three of them, and I have usually sung them in this order (sort of like an opera ring cycle, although I certainly am not using my operatic voice to sing to the babies!)

The first song is simple but rich in meaning, and is a favorite world-wide among church members.

Sadly, copyrights prevent the Church from publishing the sheet music for the second song, but here are the lyrics.

God is Watching Over All

by Nellie Poorman

God has numbered in the sky, 

All the stars that shine on high,

Worlds so great and sparrows small,

God is watching over all.

And the third song in my nursery ring cycle is one of the first songs I learned when I joined the church.

Softly sung while rocking in a rocker, the nursery ring cycle is guaranteed to soothe fussy babies and give worn out mommies and daddies a break.

It also gives this grandmother a moment in time to cuddle her babies' babies and reflect back to when the nursery ring cycle was sung to her own little ones.

Reunion with an Old Friend

(The irony of reuniting with an old friend while learning of the death of another longtime dear friend the same day is not lost on me.)

The Whitehursts moved into Urbana in the mid to late 1980s so that Alan could attend the University of Illinois. Our families became very good friends, and our kids loved to get together and play. (Ask any of them, Whitehursts or Isenbargers, about the game Arrow of Darkness that they played in our basement. My children still talk about it whenever we get together, and Michelle was reminiscing fondly about it today.)

Alan is a professor at Southern Virginia University and that is only an hour away from Lynchburg. Plus, the Whitehursts are also in the same stake as Andrew and Jessica, and so they see each other frequently. (In fact, Bonnie Colleen had them over for  Christmas dinner!)

So, when she learned that I was coming to help Jessica with Cambria, Bonnie Colleen asked if we could get together sometime while I was in Lynchburg. Today was the day.

 Bonnie Colleen and me.

Michelle, Bonnie Colleen's oldest daughter, came, too. She is Lisa's age and they remain good friends.

 Michelle, Cambria, Bonnie Colleen, and Jessica.

We're older and a little more careworn than we were all those years ago, but we picked right up as though the years had not passed and talked for three hours straight.

The loss of a friend I've known since kindergarten, and a reunion with one I've known for thirty years. Such a whirlwind of emotions.

Looking at little Cambria, it comes home to me that life pushes on, regardless of the tugs and sways, the losses and the gains.

Life goes on.

The Loss of My Kindergarten Best Friend

Brenda Stern was my first best friend. We met in kindergarten and have remained in contact over the ensuing fifty years. Born with cystic fibrosis,  she beat the odds, living fifty-seven years.  Brenda married her college sweetheart, Mike Bussell, and had a daughter, Beth. (Her goal, she said to me after Beth's birth, was to live long enough to see Beth graduate from high school. Brenda met that goal and passed it - living to see Beth happily married several years ago.)

Rest in peace, Frito Brendito. Your friend Ducky will miss you.

 Brenda and Mike at Beth's wedding.

 Beth, Mike and Brenda several years ago.

Mother and daughter. 

Obituary for Brenda K. Bussell
Brenda K. Bussell, 57, of Pekin, IL passed away at 8:17 PM Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Unity Point Methodist in Peoria, IL.
Brenda was born on December 14, 1956 in Aberdeen, MD to Bob and Peggy Jo (Mann) Stern. She married Michael S. Bussell on May 19, 1979 in Lafayette, IN.
Preceding in death is her father. Surviving is: her husband, Mike of Pekin; one daughter, Beth (Ryan) Gannaway of Bloomington, IL; her mother, Peggy Jo Stern of Haines City, FL; one brother, Doug (Pat) Stern of Haines City, FL; one sister, Debby Morris of Lake Whales, FL.

Brenda graduated from Indiana University in 1982. She had worked at First Investors Inc., Bee Windows and Staples in Jacksonville, IL and Pekin, IL retiring in 2010. 

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 23, 2014 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin with Rev. Judy Doyle officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Greater Illinois Chapter, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 61601 or TAPS 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, L 61554.

The Grammy Tour - What's Wrong with this Picture?

Check this out - see any problems?

Neither did I. Until I went to change Cambria.

It's set up for a left handed mama, not a right handed Grammy.

I can now say that I can change a diaper ambidextrously!

The Grammy Tour - Cambria!

Today has been spent getting to know little Cambria.

Cuddling first thing in the morning. Jessie insisted that she wear a bow for her photo op.

 We were laughing this afternoon as Cambria finished nursing and did a face plant into the couch as she sank into a milk coma.

A close up of her as she slides into oblivion.

The Grammy Tour - Traveling to Virginia

Tuesday morning I said a teary goodbye to Cole, Emily, and Julie and headed for Lynchburg, Virginia. The trip was through the Appalachian Mountains, and I was a bit nervous. Mountains and heights just aren't my thing.

Craig had given me a blessing before I left for Tennessee, and Cole gave me one before I left for Virginia. (It is wonderful to have a son give you a blessing. Cole obviously has given many blessings to others - it was apparent in his maturity when I asked and the experienced way in which he proceeded. I couldn't have been prouder of him.)

MapQuest and Google Maps indicated that the drive would take seven to eight hours. Knowing myself, I figured it to be nine to ten. And I was right - nine hours, almost to the minute.

I was pleased that the mountains did not seem to bother me. Whether it was a function of the blessings, the prayers I knew my family was saying for me, or simply that I have done enough traveling the past couple of years, I was fine. Whatever the reason, I am so very grateful. I was dreading them.

I stopped early afternoon at a Hardees in Bristol, Virginia for some lunch. A few well-off elderly ladies were there, eating and speaking with deep southern drawls. As I ate my lunch, I became aware that one of the employees was setting up something right next to my booth.

A Bingo game! And judging by the number of cards he was setting out, they were expecting quite a crowd. Some more elderly women arrived, clearly intending to play the game. It made me smile - I have never heard of a restaurant hosting Bingo.

Not wanting to get pulled into the game, I finished quickly and headed out to my car. I put the seat back and closed my eyes for about 15 minutes to give them a break from constantly watching the road. A quick stop at a gas station, and I was on the road again.

Several hours later I was in Lynchburg and getting my very first peek at Cambria.

I am in love with her, too!

The Grammy Tour Continues

I spent Sunday evening through Tuesday morning at Cole and Emily's home, meeting sweet Julie and helping her parents out as best I could.

Monday morning I was up when Julie was fussing a bit, so I held her so Cole could go back to bed for a few hours.

We did this selfie as we rocked in Cole's office chair. This was right before I got the triple whammy - she burped, peed, and pooped on me! Oh, the memories that brought back of my own babies!

Julie gets some lap time. When she saw this picture, Trinity said, "Ahh, this is the life!" I think so - for Julie AND for Grammy!!

I am in love!

Doing the Grammy Tour

I have taken this week off to do a meet and greet of two of the three quads.

First up? Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Julie!

Emily took this the very first time I ever held the little sweetie.

Love her to pieces already!

Walking Together

Long story short (a VERY long story...) a former student is in a residential facility for serious emotional issues. Her mama has kept me updated, and with her permission, I have sent this former student of mine some letters, pictures, and cards.

Recently, the girl asked if I could be put on her calling list so that she could phone me occasionally. Her mother asked if I was agreeable, I was, and my former kiddo has called me several times. Her calls are limited to five minutes so we can't have much of a conversation; nonetheless, it has been good to hear her voice again. (I was always very fond of her and am saddened by her struggles.)

Last night she called me and I could tell from her voice that she was down. She said her family had come to visit and that it had not gone well. Now she was going to be staying another two to three months in the facility. (I am not sure if it is because of something that happened during the visit, or if it is because they feel she needs more help with her problems.)

"Will you send me another picture of you?"she asked at the end of our conversation. This surprised me as I had already sent one. But before I could respond, there was an explanation.

"I glued the last one to my shoe, and when I changed shoes, I tried to remove it and put it on the new pair, but it tore."

She laughed (a very good sound to hear) and continued, "I know that sounds funny, putting your picture on my shoe."

And then she sobered and said quietly, "I do it so I will always have you walking with me."

It was a poignant moment that is now frozen in time for me, one where I realized (again) just how important teaching is.

Quad #3 is Here!

Yesterday morning I got a phone call around 11:15 from Kyle. Whitney had arrived!!

 Whitney Marie, February 14, 2014, 7:48 AM, 10 lbs 2 oz, 22 inches long.

 Look at that pooky lip!!

 So sweet, all swaddled and in her hat.

 Addie and Corinne meet their new sister. (Braden is sick and so he said he felt he should stay away and not expose Whitney to his germs. What a thoughtful guy!!)

I love this picture of Addie holding Whitney.

While the name Whitney is new for our family, Marie is not. It is my middle name, and that of Lisa, my mother, Craig's mother, and Ashley's sister, Kristen.

Hearts on Their Sleeves

I may be 56 years old, but I still get to exchange valentines every February 14 with "my classmates," the kiddos in my class! And the day isn't even here yet, but already the heartfelt cards and letters are arriving.

Like this "mysterious" envelope that was in my mailbox this afternoon.

 I have a secret admirer!!

From the handwriting, I guessed a first or second grader.

 Yep, a second grader. And I have NO idea who this might be. I'll check tomorrow with my students and see if any of them have a sibling in Sally Nixon's class.

Yesterday we made puzzle valentines with our reading buddies, and painted nearly 2,000 puzzle pieces pink, red, and white to use.

With the leftovers, some of the children chose to make another puzzle valentine to give to someone, and TM created one for me. (She's the same gal who gifted me with two model horses from her own collection.)

This is the sight that greeted me when I returned to my class after lunch today. The children had had indoor recess due to the weather and had asked me for permission to work behind my desk. But I didn't realize I would be sharing my space for a while with eighteen monkeys!

NC, LW, and AD pooled their allowances and bought stuffed monkeys for every one of our reading buddies. Is that sweet, or what?

They also made and decorated individual cards for each buddy.

Gifts from the heart - what Valentine's Day is all about.

Cambria!

I love this picture of Cambria!

It was taken while they were all still in the hospital.

Cambria Snaps

Just a couple of photos of Cambria to enjoy.

Love the hat and bow!

 Since Jessica had a fever, they gave Cambria IV antibiotics, hence the tubing on her right hand.

Asleep just prior to heading home from the hospital.

Julie!

Cole sent me this photo of himself and his daughter.

Julie is such a sweetie - can't wait to meet her!

The Grandaddy of Icicles

We've had some impressive icicles this winter. 

 But this morning, Lisa discovered the grandaddy of 'em all while out walking Millie.

Goodness!! We enter the house through the garage and rarely use the front door, so we had not seen it.

I would estimate it to be 7-8 feet long.

Like I've been saying, it's been a hard winter, and this picture lends proof to that!

Neverending Winter

I have wondered how folks who live in the northernmost parts of the world handle their long, neverending winters. Cole served his mission in Russia and Emily studied abroad in Sweden for a year, so both have some experience living in the land of the midnight sun.

But here in the midwest, it's just not normal to endure week after week after WEEK of snow, ice, and freezing cold.

Yet here we go again this morning.

Just look at that temperature!

And the frigid wind chill!

No wonder school is on a two hour delay this morning.

Again.

Just How Much Snow Have We Had?

Take a gander at the Hershey parking lot.

 That's me doing bus duty this afternoon. The piled up snow from the parking lot is taller than me!

 Linda Faust checks the snow out, too.

 The stop sign in the lane to the school is more than halfway buried.

Our heron statue is hip deep with more snow piled behind, and there is a big blotch of snow plastered to the side of the arch.

Quad #1 is Growing!

Cole sent me this picture of himself with Julie today.

Almost three weeks old! Such a sweetie.

Quad #2 Has Arrived!

Welcome Cambria Alexis Kaye Mitchell!

 Born 2:35 AM, February 6, 2014. (Her actual due date.)

7 lbs. 15 oz., 20.5 inches long.

 Mama, Papa, and baby are fine! 

Welcome to the family, Cambria!

Winter and More Winter

Those who keep historical weather records are saying that this has been one of the snowiest winters on record for Indiana. I believe it. We're having yet another snowstorm now and I am home for a snow day, and another storm is due to hit this weekend.

 We've had 12-14 inches since last night and it is snowing yet again as I write.

Drifts that are three feet deep outside of Hershey from our last storm. Love those blue skies and wish we had more of them!

Now to await the falling temperatures that will bring wind chills of -20 to -30 tonight. My guess? We'll be out of school tomorrow, too.

Quarterback Smack Down!

During Hershey's Super Bowl Read-In yesterday, Purdue athletes from the football, soccer, baseball, and men and women's soccer teams were roaming the hallways all day, popping in and out of classrooms to read to the kiddos. (Josh Lindbloom, pro baseball player, spent the day with us as well!) It was a lot of fun, and the kids enjoyed not only being read to by the athletes, but peppering them with questions afterward, too.

I don't really follow the teams much, and our first reader, a wide receiver from the football team, was not someone I knew.

Dan Monteroso, #9, wide receiver

He took a lot of questions from the kids, and seemed a focused, friendly, polished guy and represented himself and his team well. 

Our afternoon reader was the only player  I knew, Danny Etling, Purdue's quarterback.

Just as we had in the morning, Etling took questions. When the kids mentioned that Dan Monteroso had been in earlier, Danny shared that they were good friends and were going to be roommates this fall. Danny commented negatively on Dan's long locks, and then began doing some good natured trash talking about his friend.

In my opinion, he was a little too hard on his friend. I attributed this to being nervous (he'd said that he found reading to children far more scary than facing opponents on the football field) and to being young (he's a freshman at Purdue.)

The questions from the children continued, and then Danny called on NC.

"I actually don't have a question, I have a comment," she told him. He assured her that that was okay and encouraged her to share it.

And then NC dropped her bombshell on the unsuspecting quarterback.

"I think you should know that Dan only said good things about you this morning," she quietly but very firmly stated.

Smack down! By a 5th grade girl!

The color rose in Danny's cheeks and he began backpedaling quickly, retracting a few of the things he'd said about Monteroso, reassuring her that they were actually good friends and that he had just been kidding. I think he was mature enough to realize that she hadn't caught on that he was not really serious in his trash talking. On the other hand, he HAD been dissing Dan pretty hard, to the point where I had felt uncomfortable, too.

I am proud of NC for her boldness in standing up to what she perceived as an unkind and unjust mocking of another person. The thought of a 5th grade girl standing up to a well known athlete, one with whom others would work to curry favor rather than risk losing it, makes me smile. If NC has the courage to do that, then I know she will be standing up for others in the future.

Brava, NC!