Going Fourth!

Monday, June 29, 2015

Jonathan is out of class for the summer (though he still has some certification exams with the FAA to take).  What to do with all that free time?  Part of it is spent studying, but he decided to spend this morning cleaning out his closet.  Look!  He found his Davy Crockett coonskin cap - and it fits! (sort of)

He thinks now is a good time to learn how to drive, too.  I've taken him out to the church once in Ken's Honda.  So tonight, I took him there again, did a little backing in and out of parking spaces and then... it was time for a challenge.  I took him to the reservoir, which is full and lovely, BTW.  Check out the geese!  

There are hundreds of them!  And we drove around and around and around.  He actually made it up to the speed limit a time or two - 15 mph!  It was good for him because he could practice turning into and out of curves, around parked cars, and learning to avoid joggers, bicyclists, children, dogs, and geese.  Not bad.  He's cautious, which is good as long as he stays that way.  My nerves?  Well, that's what anxiety meds are for!  I did fairly well, though I can't wait for him to smooth out his braking ability.  And I grit my teeth and brace for impact near curbs.  I can't help it!

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Today was a totally boring day.  So instead, I'm including photos of the guinea pigs, Cookie and Hazel, that we watched for three weeks.  Much more interesting.  Cookie is the white with black and brown spots, Hazel is all brown and is smaller.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Analiese got her hair cut today.  What with her going to Girls' Camp next week, she needed a cooler (shorter) and easier do.  Here's the before (Monday at lunch) and after (today):

The kids and I spent our afternoon doing drawing and sketchings.  Analiese was still working on her poster from class (doing all 25 days on it), I was working on some stick figures and simple drawings a-la-Ed Emerbley (from his book "Make a World") and Jonathan was copying cute baby Disney cartoon alligators.  

Made the kids jealous and went with Ken on a date to the movies to see Jurassic World.  The first movie, Jurassic Park, should have been titled People Doing Stupid Things.  Each sequel afterwards should be More Stupid People, Continuing to be Stupid People, etc.  This one should have been called  Still Stupid After All These Years!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

While Jonathan was out mowing someone's lawn, I went over to the church this morning to practice hymns on the organ and to do a little more Seminary room clean-up.  The saddest part was taking down the pictures of the 12 Apostle because I have to redo their order after the passing of Elder L. Tom Perry.  Read an article about his life today in the New Era, too.  You could totally tell who he was in the pictures without having to read the captions - that killer smile of his!  He was such a happy, positive man with a bull-roar of a voice.  I will really miss him come Conference time!

Friday, July 3, 2015

President Packer, president of the Quorum of 12 Apostles, died today.  Two so soon!  He was a great educator and I really respect him for the great lessons and illustrations he taught.

We Skyped tonight with the family back in California and with Niles in Alaska.  As a three-way conversation goes, it was unusual.  For one, with the party in the background in Norwalk, it was hard to hear.  Also, Niles had connection issues that he finally resolved by putting on a headset.  It was fun to see family, though, and all the nieces and nephew who keep growing up!  Man, I feel old!

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Busy, busy day.  Ken got home from Walmart, grabbed Jonathan and the stuff he needed for cooking pancakes, and ran over to the church to get started.  I waited and went later, because I had to take Analiese over to the 4H Cooking class (she's going to miss the class on the third, so she didn't want to miss today!).  I got to the church in time to eat a couple of pancakes, chat a little, and get Jonathan home so he could mow the front and back.

Because...we had guests coming!  Our homeschooling/4H friends, the Doshers, came over for BBQ, games and firework watching (what you could see).  No, I did not take pictures.  Yes, I was busy talking.  Everyone had a great time - those kids all get along like a house afire!  And George, Michelle's husband (yes, another Michele/Michelle), teased about how when homeschool moms get together they just blab-blab-blab!  I think they all left at about 11:15ish.  We were all tired, but so glad we had them come!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Just so you know, my Sunday triathalons still happen.  Today, in point.  I played the organ (no footpetals, thank you, just the bass converter!) for sacrament meeting, taught a Primary class the 2nd hour, and played the piano for Relief Society.  I could have taught Gospel Doctrine, too, but that would have meant a cloning procedure.  I teasingly told Jonathan he could have subbed...you should have seen the look of horror!

Ken did not have a good night at Walmart.  I'm not sure what happened, but he texted me saying we'd want to stay away from him...it was messy and he smelled.  Then he texted me that he would need to do some laundry today (??!!).  THEN...he texted me and said he was feeling sick and wouldn't be at church.  He's sleeping now, so I'm not sure, but I think there's a story in there somewhere.

BACK IN THE SADDLE?

A little birdie told me that people were missing my blog.  REALLY?  I wasn't sure anyone read it!  Well, maybe Dad, and I think he probably felt obligated.  But if it's true, let me know.  For now, I'm going to write a little bit.  No response, no blog.  I just have bunches of things to do.

This was my second year at Kid's College at WOSC.  This year I taught a different class... Sketchnoting, also known as visual or graphic note-taking.  Look it up on Google or Pinterest.  I did.  It's not bullet notes or Cornell notes, it's a combination of doodles and key words to stimulate memory and interest.  It's not just a kiddie trick, either, big businesses use it as a tool for creative thinking and team work.  The science behind it is fascinating, too.  Sketchnoting uses all four learning modalities (Visual, Hearing, Kinesthetic, and Reading/Writing), whereas only two are needed for basic learning.  There's a 29% increase in memory retention, plus improvement in listening skills and interest in the subject at hand.  And...it's really fun!  As we get older, we're discouraged from being artists and creators, but it's actually better for our brains and our quality of life to increase!

So, I taught five girls, ages 9-12 (one of which was Analiese), or at least attempted to do so. Our first day was about lines, shapes, and connecting them together to make pictures.  They each had a sketch book (you can get a little one at Walmart for about $2 - cheap!) and a special black pen that won't bleed through the paper.  And the first rule - no color - yet!  That's for Thursday.  Oh, and they had homework, a poster that they'll be working on this week.  For Monday, it was draw four frames on the posterboard and put in the first one pictures that depict them...but only in black!

Tuesday was lettering - how to make topics, titles and important words stand out.  The poster homework was frame #2 and their favorite animal.  Before we started the day, I had the girls come show their posters.  They love bringing their drawings up to the overhead and showing off!

Wednesday was their favorite because we did people.  It's amazing how many emotions and actions you can portray with just a stick figure!  We also had a fun time making different facial expressions and hair styles.  The poster assignment was perfect for today, too - drawing their favorite sport.  So we spent time with my Ed Emberley drawing book looking at different sports.

Thursday was our last day and our color day!  They were happy to see the colored pencils.  We also practiced taking notes by watching Brainpop videos.  Though they're not ready for the full video, we had to keep stopping to note key points they should put on their sketches.  They loved doing one so much, we had to do another one!  

They didn't want it to end!  I went to a baby shower on Friday evening and two of my students (who were girls from my ward) had mothers/grandmothers there.  One said that her granddaughter kept trying to tell her they needed to go to class on Friday.  The other said her daughter was teaching her brothers how to draw some of the things she had learned.  I guess you can call it success!

You can imagine that I didn't want to work too hard on Friday.  We were supposed to go visit friends and mess around with their rabbits and horses.  But it rained in the morning, which made their area a mess, so I got to just stay home and do boring stuff, like laundry and getting ready for a baby shower.

The end of the week?  Guinea pig sitting ended this afternoon when the family came to get their piggies.  It's been interesting and, yes, I'm allergic to them.  They have fur, don't they?  Alice the rabbit was a little jealous of the extra attention, but was curious, too, about these furry little things.  Plus, she'd eat the hay they spilled out of their cage.  

I did get a call this morning about wild cottontail rabbit babies.  Like I need more fuzzies to worry about.  But I passed the buck to a local wildlife "rehabber" (rehabilitator) to tell her what to do about them.  But babies with their eyes still closed, mauled by a cat, and no nest in sight, they really don't have much of a chance.  It happens around here all the time; the base is swarming with cottontails.  So if you find a nest of wild baby rabbits - leave it alone!  Mom isn't far, she only comes once in the early evening or morning to feed them, and they are safe where they are.

THE PLANE(S), THE PLANE(S)!

Heard of First World Problems?  Here's Homeschool Problems:

1. Jonathan complains that Analiese is doing a "cool" spelling list and he never had those words before (It's old Readers' Digest Word Powers).  I ask him if he wants to do spelling now.  "No, I'm too busy.  Still..."

2. Analiese not only rattles off all of the 13 Articles of Faith in Primary on Sunday, but verse 15 of Joseph Smith - History, which is part of a Scripture Mastery we've been memorizing.  Blows them all away.

I am sorry that all my California friends are suffering from droughts and wildfires.  We have drought conditions, too, but have been blessed with a little more moisture lately.  Friday, on my trip to Lawton for a Seminary meeting, we got wet because of the storm between us.  I did some shopping there (take advantage of all the stores they have there) and got drenched.  My denim dress smelled funky when it got wet.  Analiese was with me, but had a great time because we had breakfast at IHOP and lunch at Carl's Jr. and bought some fabric for her new 4H sewing project.

Altus was all excited this week because of the Open House at the Air Force base this weekend.  The Thunderbirds were coming to perform, and the latter part of the week had the air roaring with their jet engines.  Jonathan was on pins and needles excited because some marines came to the airport in their special helicopters, presumably in preparation for the air show, too.

Saturday morning we had a pancake breakfast at the airport to earn $ for tools for Jonathan's class.  I got to meet his new airframe instructor, Mr. Huttie, as well.  Apparently he is well liked, because many students and teachers complimented him highly.  I'm prejudiced, so I can't say anything.

A quick stop home after the breakfast, and we ran over to the base.  It opened at 9:00, and we were there about 9:45, but it wasn't really packed...yet.  There were several planes on the ground we could go through and they had a really cool interactive Air Force station with iPads and earphones.  Jonathan "jumped" from an airplane and landed ahead of his competitors.

We placed our camp chairs in a really great spot near the runway and went back-and-forth between there and the exhibits (and the food!).  At first the day was very grey, but the sun came out and the airshow was easily seen!  Downfall of it all was that, even with some sunscreen, we all got burnt.  I have a red "necklace" from when I was looking up at the planes, red ears, and burnt lips - those hurt the worst. 

And getting out was not as easy as getting in.  It took us nearly 45 minutes to leave and, in the meantime, got to see two guys act like idiots fighting over who wasn't letting whose car in where (they were serving beer on base, I give it some credit for this behavior).  Finally, some airmen came over and cleared the mess up.  Have some dignity!

Jonathan gave a talk in church Sunday.  He's only written it Saturday evening...with some counsel from his mother (I did NOT write it for him).  He was not happy about doing it...mainly because it was his mother who told the bishop that we needed more youth speakers.  Problem was, he wasn't given a youth talk - he was told to give a 15-minute one!  I cannot say that his talk even came close to it, but that well was dry and they were lucky to get what they did.  He is not an enthusiastic public speaker.

I'm going to let the pictures tell the rest of the week's story.  Let's just say Jonathan had a great week (minus Sunday)!  All those big smiles and him talking (airplane stuff) are evidence!

NEW FORMAT - FAIR WEEK

I'm changing my blog format.  I can't really do it day-by-day right now.  I am just too busy and too tired.  So I'll give you things as they come along.  And I will try to remember to take pictures!

I am learning to cut back on activities and volunteering for things.  Seminary is enriching, fulfilling and... time-taking.  I am enjoying it and hope the kids are, too.  I give myself an hour each day to study for Seminary, on top of teaching the class in the morning.  I also found out this week that I have a monthly inservice in Lawton - on a Friday - at 6:00 a.m.  Which means: 1. I have to leave here around 5 a.m., 2. I have to get up around 4:30, 3. I have to get a substitute for Seminary, 4. I have to find someone to drive Jonathan to the college that morning (I don't think I'll be back in time).  I just keep telling myself: Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!

My cold is all but over, thankfully, but the fatigue has yet to subside.  Wednesday evening Analiese had Activity Days.  She wanted to run around and play with the girls afterwards but, even at 8:00 p.m. when I went to get her, I was too tired.  Sorry, kid, I gotta go home!

I did make it back to water aerobics on Wednesday, though!  Yay!  I just couldn't go with that cold.  Couldn't give blood last week, either, while I was still "draining."  Charming.

If you want to know what we did on Labor Day: we labored.  The kids cleaned rabbit cages (last Saturday Jonathan was helping someone move so they couldn't do it then), I went through a bunch of old food storage and canned goods I was given (by the person Jonathan helped move) and tossed most of it out.  Ken smoked bacon-wrapped chicken for us...our once-a-year treat!  (It is so good, but so fattening!)

The Fair is this week, so Wednesday Analiese and I went to the Expo Center in town and entered in some of her sewing projects into the fair, plus a poster she won an award with from 4H about the sewing club.   Plus, I brought some chocolate chip cookie bars to be sold at the Concession Stand (manned by 4H).   The Fair doesn't officially start until Thursday and runs through Saturday.  Thursday is rabbit day for us, and the only day we'll attend this year due to busy schedules.

She sure cleaned up at the Fair!  Her skirt and her bag both won first prize and will go on to the State Fair at the end of this month.  Her poster won fifth place, so even there she got a ribbon.  She showed both Alice and Fluffernutter and came away with first place on both of them, mainly from lack of competitors, but only got a participation ribbon for her showmanship.  She needs a little more work on that.  Still, she's starting to collect ribbons and I need to figure out the best way to show them.

The biggest surprise at the fair, though, was seeing one of Fluffer's babies!  This was the one we sold to a friend of the Maldonado's.  They brought him to the fair to try and enter him and want to join the 4H rabbit club.  Analiese became fast friends with the girl and I just marvelled how big Tux (now Thumper) had become!  Jonathan was away on base at Scouts and I knew he'd be disappointed to not see him.  His fur is really a combo of his mom and dad.  Look like mom in structure, not really color, but it feels so soft underneath. 

Little Tux in March; Big Boy in September!

Friday was a Lawton day with $700 to spend at Sam's on junk for Ken's employees at the prison.  How I wish I had that for good stuff!  But we got in and out fast enough to get home before dark.

Analiese went to Lawton on Saturday, too, for a Stake Activity for the young girls.  Luckily, I didn't have to take her, her Activity Days Leader did.  They had a good time, because she called, being silly, on her way back, to tell me to pick her up at the church.

SEMINARY, SICKNESS & THE STAMPEDE

Monday, August 18, 2014

Day One of Seminary.  The alarm went off at 5:30.  I had gone to bed around 9:30, but didn't get to sleep until well over an hour later (texts about Seminary kept me up).  After a shower, a banana and some orange juice, I go out the door with Jonathan and Nasly, who was previously dropped off, to the church.

Jonathan played door monitor, letting students in the locked door.  Nasly and I set up the classroom.  I got the Mormon Channel music playing, and the students rolled in.  I have four students, one of which is my son.  They were all there, pretty much on time and ready to go.

We stayed fairly awake and alert and I got through in the time allotted.  I even gave them a post-it note handout to put in their scriptures (super cool!).  Plus, I was able to introduce the scripture journal, the reading charts, and scripture mastery.  I gave them an assignment - to have all the scripture mastery marked and key words noted by the end of the week.  They don't know it... but there will be a reward this Friday for those who do.

I think it was a good experience for all, though I worry about keeping Nasly from being discouraged about understanding English.  I encouraged her to read a couple of scriptures in English with not a lot of difficult words and helped where she got a little stuck.  It may take her a little bit to feel comfortable contributing to the conversation, but I think we can get there, if she'll stick with us.

Unfortunately, my day was far from over.  Jonathan and I went home to Analiese to have scripture study and Spanish, then I took him to WOSC.  I went back home again to work with Analiese on her lessons, work on laundry, prepare this week's menu and grocery list, do weekend dishes (yes, I was too busy and they were piling up), and study tomorrow's Seminary lesson some more.  Then, it was time to take Analiese to the homeschool P.E. while I met with other parents about what sports we were going to do this year.  In the middle of that, I had to recover Jonathan from the airport (no need to take the shuttle, the church where we have P.E. is closer to the airport than the Vo-Tech).  Back to P.E. until it finished, then home to get ready to go swimming and pick up dinner from Subway (since I hadn't been able to go shopping today) and go to the pool.  I had aerobics while the kids swam.  Then we went home and I died.

No, not really.  I ate my sandwich, watched a show with the kids, and put everyone to bed.  I'm next.  I'm exhausted.  And I think I'm coming down with a cold.  I really don't like being this busy.  Especially when I don't feel well and just want to sleep!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Day Two.  Can things be any worse?  Yes, they can.  On top of the cold, that is trying to settle into my chest and has me sneezing and drippy-nosed constantly, we now encounter Shark Week.  Preying upon my weakened system, are we?

I got through Seminary without sneezing on anyone.  Everyone was there, though Nasly gave me a scare by showing up late to my house.  Luckily, I was running a little late (forgot to put my church keys in my bag), but I told her she had me nervous.  I know it's not easy for her, but I don't want her to give up, either!  She can do this...we can do this!

At home, things got going slowly since neither Jonathan nor I had had breakfast before Seminary.  Me, because all I wanted was juice at the time, and him, because he ran out of time.  By the time we got done with our first-of-the-morning stuff (DEAR, devotional, pledge, and Spanish), I left them to fend for themselves educationally while I went to bed.  The dears let me sleep until 11!

I needed it because I had to drive Jonathan to the Vo-Tech (no WOSC today), then eat a little lunch (need to eat something), help Analiese with the things I didn't do earlier because I was sleeping, and receive my visiting teachers, despite the mess my house was in.

After picking up Jonathan, we had to go shopping.  I mean HAD, because like Old Mother Hubbard, my cupboards were bare!  My kids let me know and my husband was nearly despondent over it.  "Are we so poor we can't afford food anymore?"  I let Jonathan push the cart, since my energy was nil.  We got home in time to put groceries away and welcome Ken home.  I didn't even get to Seminary study until after dinner.  

The weather is up again and the a/c runs full blast.  Things are so dry; my poor garden looks terrible.  They are saying we may get some rain next week.  Please, do.  Everything shrivels in this heat!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Last night was awful for sleeping.  Maybe the cold isn't a cold after all.  I had a fever, chills and aches.  Oh, no!  Not the flu!

After texting Ken (at a quarter to 11) that I needed his prayers, I did some of my own praying.  I've only just started Seminary, I need to get myself and my students in the habit.  I was called by God, couldn't he help me get better so I could do this job for him?

After that I managed to get to sleep.  And this morning?  A little nasal stuff, a little congestion in my chest, but the rest is gone!  If we're on His errand, He will help us!

So my devotional this morning was about last night's experience.  I threw what I had written before out the door.  We had only spoken the day before how the Doctrine and Covenants was revelations given in answers to prayer in time of need.  Those things still happen today!

Though, I think I nearly traumatized a student today.  I have them taking turns doing prayers, leading music, and, next week, doing devotionals.  Well, this one student didn't know how to lead and said it freaked her out.  I said I'd help her and we come to find out that the hymn I chose was not an easy one to lead.  I apologized a bunch (because besides that, I accidentally whacked her hand with mine while we were leading together) and she seemed fine by the end of class.  But I kept thinking..."Man!  Not even one week and I've already blown it!"

The rest of the day was pretty normal and I left the house only to take Jonathan to school and pick him up.  I had promised last night that today I would take it easy.  I even got in a nap, but after Analiese's lessons were over so I didn't mess up that schedule.  I'm not completely over this, with a little drippy nose and a cough (the head stuff transferred to my chest) and I feel really warm at times, but today could have been so much worse!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Now my baby's sick.  Analiese woke up with a temperature and looking just awful.  The whites of her eyes go gray when she's sick, so I always know.  She's running a low-grade fever, too.  Sick day, poor dear!

Everyone was back in Seminary, no traumatized students, so that was good.  Also, I went home and dug up my triple combination in Spanish from my mission to drop off at Nasly's house today.  She's going to study in Spanish at home so she can have an idea of what we're talking about in Seminary.  I'm doing what I can!

Okay...is there a full moon out today or what??? (No, there's not, I checked.)  But, there's a lot of weird stuff going on today.  For one, I was at the library, taking back some books, when this older lady tried to get into my car on the passenger side!  To be honest, she wasn't paying attention - and boy, howdy!  She wasn't - the car she wanted was two parking spots down, larger than Ken's white Honda and a bright blue!  She was thoroughly embarrassed, but I told her it would spice up her day's conversations.

Second weird thing today is, well, creepy.  I got into the van to pick up Jonathan from school and saw on our fence - no kidding - a dead cat hanging there.  These cats are the bane of my existence, since my neighbors feed them and they breed and breed and hang out in my planters and sit on my steps and in the shade of my trees and garage.  I am so allergic to them, too!   Anyway, this one had tried to climb over the fence, got it's leg stuck on the gate and died (heat stroke, probably).  I know it's unbelievable, so here's a picture to prove it!

Ken took it down when he got home that night.  Jonathan "tried," but I think it was just too gross for him to contemplate.  Ugh!

Friday, August 22, 2014

Friday!  We all survived the first week of Seminary!  I am tired and this weekend will be full of rest for me, but we did it.  All four students came all four days, we had the Spirit with us (my #1 goal), and my two new high-schoolers both said they enjoyed it.  Don't ask Jonathan, though, he's noncommittal and just says stuff to get a rise out of me, the pest!

Analiese is doing much better today, so we had lessons.  History, usually a favorite in our house, was not too pleasant today as I had to explain the Holocaust to her.  It's hard to believe anyone could be so evil...and so many people would just go along.  Where were their consciences?  Anyway, I sat next to her, hugging her all the time as we talked.  It was a great time, though, to talk about standing up for what was right.  We are going to be reading "Number the Stars" and "The Hiding Place" in the next few weeks to show her that people did try to help the poor Jews and even some of the prices paid for it.  Still, I think that makes for a much better history lesson than just dwelling on the evil.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Oh, how I wish I could just rest all day!  No such luck...my refrigerator is disgusting and so, while the kids clean rabbit cages, grumbling all the way, I will clean the fridge...and grumble all the way, too.

We did get a nice break this afternoon, though, for the Rodeo parade.  The Rodeo's in town this weekend and, while we're not going (1. Sick, 2. No $), we did go out in front of the United (under the trees) on Broadway to watch the parade go by.  Analiese didn't see it last year and I forgot my camera, so this year, she came and I have some pictures!

Here they come!

Longhorns!  I feel sorry for them, those horns look so heavy.  Moo!

That guy is daring in pink - but I admit, it looks good on him!  His horse is gorgeous, too!

This fellow was nice enough to bring his horse to the curb so the kids could pet him.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Today was one of those "do everything" kind of days at church.  I just hope Sister Shields and her nephews aren't going through the summer cold thing that's going around. One of my student's moms said she thought it was wonderful I could do so many things in the gospel.  I just said, "Jack-of-all-Trades, Master of None!"

All that really lingers of my cold is that cough and wheezy chest.  I offered to pass around my bag of cough drops in Sunday School, because I wasn't the only one hacking away!  It leaves me so tired, still, that I yawned a bit in all of my meetings.  Sorry, not bored, just sick and tired (but not of church).   So, after DEAR & Devotional at home, it was Mommy Nap Time (kids just don't know what they're missing!)

Ken's been working the last two days in Stillwater (three hours away to the northeast) for a Walmart there.  Apparently, the new students at OSU cleaned out the entire Walmart and it needed restocking. He gets paid mileage, hotel stay and food alliance, so he volunteered.  He should be home this evening.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Monday, August 11, 2014

We are down to zero (almost) and we anticipate the new "school" year.  I took Jonathan grocery shopping with me to find out what he'd like to put in his lunch (he'll be taking it 3x during the week).  The big question is...will it be enough to satisfy the ravening beast?

Really cool thing: I was given a branch of rosemary that I was going to propagate and plant.  In the meantime (read: till I got around to it), I put it in a vase with some water.  After a few days I noticed something - roots were growing out of the base of the stick in the water.  After more time had passed, we even noticed a little new growth at the top.  Very Cool!  Now I'm just waiting until it gets full of roots and I will transplant it.  I have high hopes for it...this plant is a survivor!

For a last end-of-summer fling, I took the kids to see Guardians of the Galaxy.  They are big Marvel fans and really wanted to go.  It was fun - and funny - and in the end we all decided Groot was the coolest.  But, play time is over...to work we all must go!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Jonathan starts back up at Aviation Mechanics with the Vo-Tech today.  Class doesn't start until noon and this year I'm not taking him to the airport.  Instead, I drop him off at the Vo-Tech and he takes a shuttle (okay, a white Suburban) to the airport and back.  A shorter commute for me and better for him, really.  I hear the airport parking is crowded with all the new students this year.

For those who want to know, he's studying Airframe this year.  Last year was his general studies, but now he's focusing on everything except the parts involved in powering the plane (that's Power Plant and it's next year).  He has a new teacher who worked at JFK airport, but Mr. Hall, his old teacher, is still there, as well as Mr. Scott, the program director.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Today was Jonathan's BIG day - he starts college.  He's taking two classes - History and English Comp - in the morning at WOSC and then will walk over to the Vo-Tech (it's a couple of buildings away) to take the shuttle for his afternoon work at the airport.  He already has his books, everything's paid for, so he should be good to go!

Okay, he told me later he was really going to enjoy history (no doubt there, he always has loved it), and thinks English will be okay (he just doesn't want to write, yet he can).  His English teacher wants the students to use paper tablets to write on (you know, notebooks bind on the side, tablets on the top) and...have erasable pens.  Really?  I remember the yucky ones we used to use from Papermate that always tore the paper and never really worked.  I don't even think they make them anymore.  So now we have to go hunting.

Thursday, August, 14, 2014

Just in case you wonder, in the mornings when Jonathan doesn't have class, he does have lessons with me.  He and Analiese are doing Spanish together with me, and then he does Consumer Math with me.  Soon, hopefully, we'll be working on Driver's Ed, too.  He gets this stuff done fairly quickly, but I figure it will give him time to study for his other classes, too.  Analiese I work with alone after I've taken him to school.

Straight after Jonathan got back to the Vo-Tech from the airport, the kids and I went to Lawton for our monthly Sam's club trip.  We stopped at Staples, looking for the mysterious erasable pens...no go.  Then we went to Sam's and did the Prison Candy Run for Ken.  He has so many employees now (over 100) that we can't use a regular cart to hold all the candy; we have to use the long truck thingy (so erudite, I know!)  The checker looked at the kids and said jokingly, "I hope you don't eat all that candy at once!"  I told her that gratefully, none of it was for any of us!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Jonathan's second day at WOSC and the end of the week at the airport.  Analiese and I are starting to settle back down into a routine again, as well.

She went with me, as usual, to the salon as I got a pedicure.  She picks out my colors for me and plays on the little game consoles that are at the kiddie salon chairs.  Today, I have sparkly purple on my toes...in honor of my sister, Wendy's, birthday yesterday.  I just go along.

Rabbit Club was tonight and the fair is drawing near.  Just a few weeks away and it will be time for exhibiting and showing rabbits.  Plus, Analiese wants to enter her skirt into the fair, too.  I just hope it isn't too hot at the Expo center...the rabbits don't like that!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

I drove two hours to terra incognita today.  Norman, OK, is about half and hour south of OKC and there is an Institute of Religion across the street there from the OU campus.  It's a lovely area; I thought how nice it would be to live there (but probably out of my budget).  Still, I was there for the Seminary workshops, not to look at houses.

At first, I was shy (I really am, especially in a group of people I don't know) and only recognized Bro. Sturges, the CES supervisor over three stake's worth of Seminary and Institutes, Lawton being one of them, and Pres. Petersen, our stake president.  He was the keynote speaker.  I'd say there were about fifty teachers, supervisors and CES missionaries in attendance.  I was a little fish.

Bro. Sturges had called me yesterday and asked if I would lead music, so I really had no time to be introverted and got up to lead.  Then followed Pres. Petersen and the other speakers, each presenting the CES goals for this year and seminary teaching techniques - including Scripture Mastery.  It was inspiring, Spirit-filled, and fun.  Bro. Sturges even had a competition with us to see if we could win a plate of brownies at lunch!  Yes, I ate my victory brownie!

By the end of the workshops, I had met a few people and received a lot of good ideas and inspiration. I am tired, I THINK I'm ready, and I feel a little less nervous, but no less in awe at the responsibility.

Repeating the trip in reverse was interesting.  My GPS was trying to get me to avoid the toll roads, but to be honest - the tolls, even though they involve money - get me there faster and don't get me lost.  Taking the other roads is an adventure in jungle trekking.

But...on the way to finding the toll road, I had some pleasant surprises.  If I wasn't in such a hurry to get home to dinner with the missionaries, I might have stopped and taken pictures.  Sometime I will, though!  Because...I finally saw them!  Buffalo!  (Okay, really they're bison, but buffalo is more fun to say.)  I had thought I saw one laying in a field on the way up to Norman, but on the way back there was a whole field FULL of them!!!  I'm in awe of them; they are huge, a bit grumpy (you don't want to get too close), and have those solid-looking horns, but still...they are so unique.  I want some buffalo/bison memorabilia, like a stuffed animal or bobble-head.  It was cool.

The second surprise came a little further down from the field of bison.  I saw a field pock-marked with what looked like giant ant mounds (believe me, it could happen).  But...there was a furry head sticking out of one hole.  And then another...and another...Prairie dogs!  I just laughed!  They were so cute and funny.  Two glorious, delightful creations within minutes of each other.  I was grateful for the Father's allowing me that experience.

Jonathan went tonight with a girl (no it wasn't a date...really.  She just invited him to join their group, but I think she kind of likes him.  We met her and her mom in the Homeschool PE class.) to the Altus Youth Jam.  It's put on by Southwest Youth Services and sponsored by local businesses and churches.  They have music, food, games, and prizes for the kids, for the most part all free.  It's to give them a fun, safe venue to meet.  I'm thinking our ward needs to sponsor a booth next year.  Our friends, the Doshers, were there representing their church, I know.  Jonathan got to see both David and Geordi and hang with them, some.  I guess he got a kick out of watching Georgi try to do a front flip on a bungee cord.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Today was Ward Conference, so I saw Pres. Petersen again.  His talk in Sacrament Meeting had some elements from yesterday, but between him and me...we were the only ones to know.

After the meetings were over, I went to the Seminary room to see it set up for Monday.  Now, mind, I asked all the kids to come over and help me do it, so we could get it done quickly.  However, only Jonathan really remembered (good boy!).  One mother came in and said, "Is my daughter here?"  (No, but she SHOULD be!) and another girl came in...when we were done.  Oh well, I think I'm ready to go and that's all that counts.

People have asked me today if I am ready.  I think so.  I can't imagine being any less ready.  I've done a lot.  Now it's up to the Spirit and the students.

LAWNMOWER MAN

Monday, August 4, 2014

Eight o'clock in the morning found me taking Jonathan to Sis. Brown's house so he could mow.  He has a couple of those appointments this week and seems to be in big demand.  Good thing, he could use a little money.  Goodness knows, I don't have much to spare, because...

I am a few hundred dollars poorer today.  Not only did I have the usual beginning-of-the-month utilities and mortgage, but also I went back with Jonathan to WOSC and paid his fees and for his books.  He is not a cheap kid!  I am, however, glad to say that there was enough $ in the bank to cover all of those things, and for that, I am grateful.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Another eight o'clock morning, only this time we're at the Clason's.  This is more weeding than mowing, but I lent Jonathan my cultivator (it looks like a claw).  Between that and a weeding hoe, he got a lot done.

We lingered talking with Sis. Clason when I went to pick him up.  One, I was curious about her garden, and two, she is a very gracious person to talk to.  The kids always sigh a little about how I get talking with people, but you don't just run off in OK...you have to chat!

This evening the kids and I watched a movie we borrowed from the Clason's: Monuments Men.  It's based on a true story from WWII.  Jonathan really likes that time in history and the only thing that would have made it better would have been...airplanes.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Jonathan is really a go-getter this week.  Right after devotional, he was outside mowing the front yard. I don't have to ask him or push him, he keeps an eye on it and decides when it needs taking care of.  After that, the elders came over to help him (us) clear out part of the alley behind our house so we can reach the dumpsters and throw away our garage.  Plus, we had to have a small tree that had sprung up right next to the fence.  I did not want a tree growing and pushing the fence over!

I had to quickly run in the middle to get some new string for the weed whacker and some pizza for the crew for lunch.  When I got back, they had done a lot and were resting some in the house.  But one of the elders was having a terrible allergy attack.  He had a rash going up and down his legs and arms.  I had my kids wear long pants and take allergy pills before we went out to work, but the elders were all in shorts!  

I gave him some medication and made him stay in the house and rest while everyone else finished cleaning up outside and was a little worried when he left.  But I saw the elders again when I took Jonathan to Scouts, they were there and he was doing much better.  I was glad; it would have been terrible to mess him up seriously because that was a bad reaction!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Jonathan was back to Sis. Brown's to finish he back yard.  The weather is heating up again, so he tries not to spend too much time outside by getting in early and getting it done quickly.

I let him "veg" a good part of the afternoon because he's been working so hard!  We had family home evening tonight and got our beginning of the school year blessings.  I think I needed it the most!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Once more, I dropped Jonathan off at the Clason's.  Then I was going to head to the church to put together my Seminary room.  However, I got a call from Nasly that she and her sister needed a ride to the high school and junior high school to fill out paperwork.  Luckily, the high school is near the church, so I dropped them off and worked on the classroom.  Somehow, the girls got over to the junior high and walked home, because I texted Nasly, and she said they were okay.

My room came together quickly and I made copies for our orientation on Sunday.  I had got my pictures of the First Presidency and the Apostles in the mail earlier in the week.  I wanted to put them around the room on the wall up near the ceiling so that as we quoted from them and talked about some of them as we go into church history, they will recognize their leaders.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Ken and I left the kids at home to go to the temple and stay in the city for the night.  I have tried several times to get to the temple before Seminary starts, and we finally made it!  I had to drive so that Ken could rest, but it was worth the trip.  

After the temple, we went to our hotel room.  Ken's work was having a party at a nearby Dave and Busters (think Chuck E. Cheese for adults) and they paid for our room.  I wasn't invited to the party, but I went with another employee's girlfriend to the nearby mall with her girls.  We were going to see a movie in this special theater with reclining seats, but they were ALL sold out.  All seats, all times.  People order tickets online, so we lost out.  Bummer.  But I haven't had a girlie trip to the mall in a long time, so we had fun looking around the stores.  They had a See's store, so I had to get some for Ken!

The kids fed the elders tonight!  Analiese made dips for chips and Jonathan did beanie weenies seasoned in his special way (I have no idea).  I tried to give them a menu that was easy to make and clean up!  Mind, I don't know what the elders thought of it!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

We didn't want to get up early, but strange beds make for stiff backs and necks and I was up by a quarter to seven.  We just got up, went down and ate breakfast, and then came back up to our room to shower and just relax.  We are going to make our way home gentlly and slowly, but have to be back for the orientation tonight at seven.  Actually, I'd like to be home mid-afternoon and take a nap!

I did get home...and did get my nap, which was a good thing because I was feeling pretty worn out.  The kids were home from church and relaxing.  Ken brought some prizes home from Dave & Busters and shared them with the kids and we gave them some OK patches for their travel blankets.

Tonight was Seminary Orientation.  This is where I talk with the parents and youth about what's going on for the new Seminary/School year.  I've been working and planning this for a while; I would like to think it was a good way to start things off.  Plus, with the parents there, we can discuss some of the student needs and any questions or input they have about the program.  Countdown...one week until Seminary starts!

By the way, Jonathan - of all people - really liked the Seminary room set-up.  He said to me, "It feels like a Seminary room."  That it touched him that much must mean I'm on the right track.  I told the parents tonight that a clean, orderly room with a real classroom feel makes students realize that a) this is serious learning and b) brings in the Spirit.