Let's Give Another "Hurrah" for 6th Graders

This wonderful message was written on last term's name tags. As I was putting in new tags, I saw this and it brightened my day because I also love Jesus Christ! :)

Misty, I know you will appreciate this! In fact, you might be the only one. :)

Funny Students

So, my class has been learning about microorganisms this past week. They've studied about bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa (which is my favorite because it's fun to say), and they even made their own replica of a type of bacteria that is common in everyday life.

About a week into this, one of my students wasn't in class. Someone questioned, "Where's Ian?" to which I replied, "How should I know?! Maybe he's home sick." This led to rapid responses by a few other students: "Maybe he has a virus," and "Maybe he has E-coli," and "Maybe he has
Salmonella." Last but not least, "Maybe he has African Sleeping Sickness."

Haa Haa! It was really a funny chain response. The kids who heard it, along with their teacher, had a good giggle. :)

P.S. Speaking of students, I just found out that the whole grade is going to bike the Antelope Island causeway this spring! I better get riding! :)

Kevin's Airforce Graduation!

We are so proud of you, Kevin! :) P.S. Blame Mom--she sent me these.

Equality for All

Now, I know today is a history day with the election and all, and it started me thinking about those silly things that are done so that everyone has "equal" access. Now, I'm not saying that people shouldn't have equal access, but sometimes the result is just ridiculous! For example:

*I drove up to the library book drop. The drive up book drop, not the walk up. There is braille on the bottom of the book drop. Now, first of all, I don't think that someone who is blind would be driving a car. Secondly, do public libraries even carry books in braille? If someone knows the answer, please inform me. Plus, I didn't really notice any other signs in braille. This seems as ridiculous to me as having braille on the ATM when the person obviously can't read all of the words on the screen. Really, I just think it's silly. I'm not trying to nag about the blind. I just think we've gone a little bit far sometimes.

Know any other examples? Comment, and I'll post them! I'm sure I'll find another one soon.

Try, Try Again

So, I've decided that my theme for life this week is "Try, Try Again." I've tried both aerobics and ice skating earlier in the week without any success. However, I went back to aerobics (the basic class this time), and it was much more exciting than the first time. I actually knew what was going on! Also, I tried ice skating again. I went with my roomies to the Gallivan Center last night. I just have to say that ice skating on hockey skates is much easier than ice skating on figure skates! My experience was about 90 percent better than before; say goodbye to rubber legs! I still got blisters in weird places, but I'll chalk that up to having weird shaped feet. The moral of my week: If at first you fail miserably, try, try again. :) Or something like that . . .

Not for Me

So, I've found a sport that's definitely not for me. No, it's not aerobics but is just as challenging. Ice Skating. Yep, it's true. I had a terrible experience in high school with ice skating, and I didn't try it again until now. Well, now I remember why. I went to an activity with Tiffany last Friday night. After lacing up those dang skates, I only went around three times. 3 times! That's it. It was as if suddenly my legs had turned to rubber and no pair of skates were going to help. I'm sure I looked as ridiculous as I felt. I finally just stopped because my feet hurt, and it's a good thing I did. I had blisters already--and some were bleeding! More power to those who want to take up this sport of bleeding feet and rubber legs. Good luck!

Morning Thoughts

I wanted a computer and bought a gym membership instead. I guess the computer will just have to wait a few months or so. Oh well!

So, this morning I was at aerobics, and decided that it definitely wasn't the beginner class! You know that place where you realize you're not quite as coordinated as you thought?

I'm there. :)

New Year, New You (or ME!)

Some quick goals for this year:

1) Be on time! Now, I'm usually on time when it comes to being places. I'm talking about not putting things off. Obviously, it's a few weeks past the new year . . . enough said.

2) Travel somewhere I've never been. Oohh! How exciting!

3) Make more time for myself! I'm making a goal not to go to work before 7:30 and to leave before 4:30. Hey, it's a start!

4) Read 12 new books. Hey, I'm busy and that's 1 a month. At least this way, I can exceed the goal, maybe. Know any excellent books?

5)Finish 3 quilting projects. They are currently in the works . . .

6) Pay off my car. Yes, this is a big one, but I think I can do it! A 5 year loan in 3 years--I'm up for the challenge!

7) Drink water, not soda pop and exercise more often. I'm actually doing really well at this one, but Parent Conferences are in a few weeks, so anything's bound to happen.

8) Complete some of my personal and family history work. I'd also like to work on geneological indexing. Actually, it's kind of fun!

9) Find a time and a place to be a volunteer. This could be a volunteer trip or something more consistent, like once a week volunteering. It makes my life more joyful!

10) Spend more time with those I love. Our time in this life is so precious and short.

And she said . . .

So, the other day as I was teaching, I came to the realization that TV is giving my students the wrong ideas and a sense of humor. After reading some articles, we were having a discussion on the Great Depression, what caused it, how it impacted people, etc. At the end of the discussion, one of my sixth grade students raised her hand, and she said, "Ms. Husbands, I think what the people of that time needed was Cymbalta." I proceeded to make a silly smirk and replied, "Funny, but you watch too much TV!" For those of you who don't know what Cymbalta is used for . . . it's a prescription for depression. Yes, I probably also watch too much TV.

Gotta love those student comments.

I "Notebooked" Myself

WARNING--MOM--DON'T READ THIS! :)

So, I don't know if you've heard about getting "Notebooked" or not. Basically, it's when a girl asks a guy to watch a movie, then she puts in The Notebook, and as the movie proceeds, the guy gets all romantic and lovey-dovey. Yep, he's been "Notebooked." Anyway, so the other night The Notebook was playing on TV. For those who haven't seen it--shame! It basically is the story of a couple, then she gets Alzheimer's, then it ends with the lady remembering her husband, and they die together. I decided to watch it. I haven't been feeling very great, oh just about this whole month, so I've been doing a lot of laying around. Anyway, as the movie neared the end, I had to turn it off because I got so teary! You might be asking yourself why, so here it is. This year has been probably the biggest year as far as life changing for me and those around me. One of those people is my grandma, Grandma Wood. Last year at this time, she was driving, buying gifts, and hosting us for Thanksgiving dinner. She is the person who always remembers birthdays and special events. She's even cut things out of the paper and laminated them for me. She's so caring and loving. Well, basically throughout this year, my dear grandma has been diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer's disease, possibly brought on so quickly from the stress of my grandpa's heart surgery last December. It's the weirdest thing because some days she'll call me by name and be really happy, and 10 minutes later she's wondering who I am and where she is. Then there's "Where's Grandpa?" when in fact, he's sitting next to her.I remember the first time I went to their house, and she didn't know who I was. I bawled all the way home. This still frequently happens after I visit (the crying). The saddest thing of all is that sometimes she is extremely aware of it. She's said to me, "Michelle, something is wrong with me. I can't remember where I live," and me telling her that she's sick, but we'll take care of her. I think I could handle it a little better if she didn't have these episodes of complete remembrance. I know that I am extremely lucky to have my grandparents in my life all these years. Many of my students have lost their grandparents this year. I think it's just a little bit of sadness at the loss of what I thought would be. I thought my grandma would be around to see me married and to see my babies, but I know realize that won't be the case. When I go to their house, I see all the little reminders of the grandma I know--her handwritten recipe books all lined up, her decorations for each of the seasons, cards, little notes. During this year, I've watched Grandma deteriorate significantly, and it makes me really sad. But I've also been able to spend some time with her and see that even though she's lost somewhere, her sweet personality and spirit still show through. That is a reason to smile. All of this came to my memory as I watched The Notebook, and I had to turn it off in fear of being a cry baby all night! (Mom, I told you no!)

The Foaming Brush

For a select few of us (you know who you are), this image of the foaming brush at the car wash brings back fond memories. It's amazing what a little time and a few quarters can do in cases of boredom! In high school, a few of my friends and I frequently went down to the local car wash. Of course, we only went when a car needed a desperate cleaning. Anyway, after inserting enough quarters to get the job done, we would always put in an extra at the end, or we just took advantage of the time remaining. Yes, we would leave the foaming brush running until the extra time was gone. Hey, at least we were paying for it. :) Something about the way the bubbles foamed so big and how they also smelled like Bubblicious bubble gum just seemed to give us a good laugh and brief moment of entertainment! I still think of this every so often when I am washing my car, and sooner or later, I turn the dial to the foaming brush and leave. :)

My Brother, the Airman

Here are some pictures of Kevin that we recently received in an email from the missionaries who are serving at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. It's so good to have any contact from Kevin. When you can't contact someone, it makes you miss them even more! I find myself having a greater sense of appreciation for our service men and women now that my brother is included in that group. I love his guts!

Blessings Abound

Okay, I started this on Thanksgiving, but time ran away from me . . .

I am thankful for . . .


*My wonderful and crazy family and the time I get to spend with them
*My girls--Kimberly, Tiffany, Shanley, Mitzi (in no particular order). Without them, my nights would be very boring!
*Wonderful friends who are always there to keep me laughing
*A wonderful, stable job that I love and the vacation time it brings
*The blessings of the gospel and my chances to serve those around me
* My grandparents--getting to really know them and enjoying their company
*The travel opportunities that I've had
*Beautiful music
*Cell phones--I love talking to my mom each day!
*My piano and being able to create beautiful music
*The opportunites I've had to go to school and get an education

Wow! This list could go on and on, so I will add to it as needed . . . Happy Holidays!

A Place to Sit

Every year, I think things will change. This year will be different. We're usually plus or minus a few people from the year before. But, alas, this year will be no different from many. Yep, it's true. I'm still stuck at the "kids" table on Thanksgiving. My sisters lovingly informed me that it's because I'm not married and blahbitty blah blah. Great. Why does that have anything to do with it? If I were married, what would we do? Draw straws? Base it on age? Being married doesn't automatically creat more space or chairs at the table. So, here I am at 25, sitting with the 14, 15, and 17 year olds, feeding the drooling toddlers and babies. Maybe someday the "kids table" will just morph into the "hip and young" table and the "adult table" will turn into the retirement table. Haa haa! Oh, I do love my family. I guess we're just getting to large to share a meal that requires sitting together! :) Wish me better luck for next year!

Who's the Favorite

Look at these cute boys! I bet you can't guess who their favorite auntie is . . .

Yeah . . . they make funny faces all the time!