I think this'll be the end of them - unless I decide otherwise. I want everyone to notice my lovely bit of farmer's tan going on.
because well, I know you all want to drool over the fun we had...here's a slide show of some of the pics we took. And while I'm waiting to upload all of them, let me tell you some of my highlights.
After 10 years of marriage, both of us working and going to school...Jason and I really needed a nice vacation. No, driving to Disneyland is NOT a vacation. So, we hit the Carnival Freedom without Jenna and hit the Western Caribbean. Can I just say...Heav-en-ly. We went to Costa Rica (not an island), Panama, and Belize
So, let me share some of our heaven with you.
Now...Where to start with these pics
Us on one of the formal nights...and those of you who know Jason...yes, he wore his Vans
On a private island in Belize...did I mention Heaven?
How lucky am I to have my own personal tour guide in Costa Rica - thanks Lily (and su padre)
My bff, Misty, aka the most awesome designer ever (Jason was disqualified from the running for some odd reason), texted me tonight and said she made me a new blog header. If I had "mad skillz" I would totally make my own, but alas, I lack said skillz. Thanks so much Misty!!! I <3 you
Those of you who have spent any time with Jenna know that she's a character. Well, I know I've been lacking in the blogging world for a little bit, but seeing as I just finished 3 assignments, I figured I could take a break to blog.
Jenna's stalker:
I hear Jenna talking in her room, and I presume it's on the phone as it seems to have an uncanny ability to follow her into her room and stay there. I hear her saying in her meanest most stern voice, "I said to stop calling me, I don't want to talk with you." The I hear the phone slam shut. Now I'm thinking, one - our phones don't slam shut, they have no hinges. Two - who is this person who is bothering her, am I going to have to go all Chuck Norris on them (as I tell my students, no one can beat Chuck Norris in a fight). Three - wait, no, again, our phones don't slam shut, is someone in her room? (yes, my parenting skills are lacking, I should've known if someone was in her room).
As I'm running through these things, she walks out with her Disney Princess cell phone. OK, disclaimer: no, I did NOT buy my 6 year old daughter a real cell phone, this thing cost $4 at Walmart, plays annoying music, and I swear the battery doesn't die. But I digress, she has her cell phone in her hand and what she has made into it's holder in the other. She's huffing and puffing, looking quite irritated about this so-called phone call. I asked her who she was talking to and in her most annoyed voice says, "a boy, I told him not to call me, but he keeps calling me. And then he started texting me."
At this point, she pushes a button on her pink and purple princess covered phone and it begins to ring. She opens it up, looks at the screen, rolls her eyes, and shuts the phone. "uuugh," she says, "he's texting me again, I'm going to text him that I'm not going to answer his texts any more".
She opens the phone and proceeds to push buttons (yes, I can claim to her knowing how to text from me, but the rest, I will blame on either "kids these days" or something that one of the bad kids at school must be teaching her - because as we all know, my child is an angel and would never think of something like this on her own.) She says, "there I told him"
During this time, I receive a REAL, not imaginary, text from my mom saying that my sister has been rolled in to the OR to have her baby, so this is my cue to get up and take Jenna and Jason to the hospital. Jenna tells me she's bringing her cell phone with us, just in case some one calls or texts her. I tell her that's fine.
We only get a mile away from our house when her phone "rings". I hear her say "ugh" again and she proceeds to tell said stalker to leave her alone and she's going to turn her phone off. She slams the phone shut and pushes some buttons, telling Jason and I that she's "so annoyed that this boy won't leave her alone so she's turning the phone off". Jason and I glance at each other and do a silent laugh (we didn't look because that would be dangerous as he was driving and we are law abiding citizens who always keep our eyes on the road).
We get to the hospital without anymore annoying phone calls or texts. Like I said, she turned her phone off. We get upstairs to the waiting room and I of course have been dying to tell someone about Jenna's stalker. I find my little sister and tell her what happened, along with her husband who I swear Jenna is in love with. My little sister's husband asks her who is bugging her so that he can go beat him up while my little sister asks Jenna questions. Oddly enough, this little girl has a memory to go with that imagination and she was able to repeat what had happened.
Thankfully since that night, I don't think that "this boy" (as she says in her most irritated voice) hasn't called or texted back. I think we scared him away.
Alright, well, homework is calling me away, but stay tuned for the question we have been waiting for after having a cousin born..."mom, how come she had to be cut open, wasn't her hole big enough?"
and yes, she did have 2 Easter dresses thanks to Alia not wanting to wear hers from last year.
Welcome my new nephew who has yet to be named - I'm pushing for Prince Phillip. Anyway, just wanted to share how cute he is. You can't see his hair in this pic, but it's about 1" long and has a bit of curl! And I got to listen to him cry - oh so cute right now.
oh, and scroll a little bit because my background on the blog makes him look like he has splotches, but he doesn't - he's perfect.
I am so proud of my class. They totally rock!
Our school participated in the Utah Jazz reading competition. When it comes to competition, well...I really like competition. So, I decided to compete against my class. I told them that recently I hadn't been reading a lot and that I would like to start reading again. I told them anyone who read more minutes than me would get a king-sized candy bar of their choice. The school goal was to have each student read 1000 minutes, any student who read at least 1000 mins got to wear their hair crazy, so I told my kids that if the class average per student was 1000 mins that I would do my hair crazy - try to get it in a mohawk.
Well, that was 5 weeks ago and my students totally rocked the contest!!! My class read over 36,000 minutes!!! I only had 3 who didn't participate. The class average ended up being about 1600 mins/student. So, I knew what I had to do. I called my little sister up, who does hair, and asked her if she would get up early yesterday to do my hair. (When it comes to doing hair, I'm not good at it). She agreed - awesome sis! She tried to get my hair to stand up straight like a mohawk so she improvised and this is what she came up with.
...the world will stop turning
...life as I know it will stand still
...I will actually enjoy watching Qubo with Jenna
...I will not allow the calories on a very good looking Snickers bother me (but I won't eat 2)
...I will appreciate what I look like
...I will laugh when Jason's snoring wakes me up instead of grumble that I lost 2 hours of sleep
...I will stop and smell the flowers that will hopefully start blooming by then
...I will no longer stress the small stuff
...I will be
Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...
You are a Doris -- "I must help others."
Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.
Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy
Jenna got these from Santa for Christmas and well, as a good mom, I help her quite a bit to accrue more Kinzcash. I love playing Cash Cow and making her webkinz going potty (don't know why that is but I find it amusing).
Christmas was great, we got to relax and play with our family. Hopefully in the next couple days I'll post some of our pictures.
In one weeks time two separate set of stairs have attacked me. yes, both times I was holding onto the railing I've learned that it hurts less if you attempt to pull the railing down with you.
My mom suggests I scoot up and down the stairs on my butt.
Yes, it is the week before Christmas break. And yes, I did have to threaten my students today with extra work. But, I can honestly say that I still love my job! My kids are so awesome and they make me smile everyday. I love to see them when they really want to succeed and they are so proud to show me their scores when they do well on the computer math and reading. I love seeing at one moment how grown up they can be and when the recess bell rings they are out on the snow pile playing king of the mountain. I can see some of myself at that age in everyone of them.
On Monday I was having a really bad day. I was stressed, my kids were out of control and I was so overwhelmed. I called my mentor and she brought me the simplest thing...6 Dove chocolates!!! It made such a difference. Even on that horrible day though, I knew I still finally chose the right profession.
Another thing that makes me smile is when I'm walking down the hall and so many children know me and will call me out by name and want to give me a hug.
Even though I am excited for 2 weeks off, I am going to miss them.
I'm doing my first ever blog contest. The first person who can tell me how many surgeries I've had will get a prize from me. We were talking about this last night and my brother-in-law told me I've taken all the good excuses for not going to certain family functions. So, it got me thinking...how many surgeries have I really had in my life?
So, go ahead and guess while I try to remember. I'll keep this open until after Christmas
I wanted to share with you all again how gorgeous Jenna is and what a wonderful photographer Jason is. This picture was taken last year for our Christmas card. Jason took Jenna out to the Great Salt Lake shores. It was freezing outside and about every 3 or 4 minutes Jason would put Jenna in the car to warm up for a minute. She was such a sport. You can't even tell that she was cold. You can see the snow on the ground, that kind of gives you an idea.
Anyway, I love this picture. Jason entered it into a contest online with Circuit City and he won 3rd place with this awesome picture. He didn't photoshop it at all. He did digitally develop it using Lightroom - that will mean something to you photo people out there.
I almost teared up today as Jenna and I were driving to dance. She was telling me that her two friends were telling her that Christmas was all about presents. A normal 4 and 7 year old response, in my opinion. This is wear the proud mama moment comes in. She said, "but mom, Christmas really isn't about presents, it's all about Jesus, isn't it?"
I hope she always remembers this. Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. What a wonderful example she is to me. She reminded me what I really should be thinking about.
I bought the new Miley Cyrus CD for me, not Jenna. And I'm not ashamed to say right now I am rocking out to it. It's actually pretty good.
To my cyber-friend, Kristi, for this awesome header for my blog! You rock! Thank you so much
Little Miss Jenna lost her first tooth today!!!
Sorry, this pic is off my PhotoBooth on my computer - so it's not the best quality, but you can tell that Shaggy cleans up nicely. I swear when I picked him up from the groomers that they had given me the wrong dog. He is adjusting quite nicely to our home and even starting to cuddle. He seems to have good manners, he dropped a toy when asked to. He is really mild - the yorkie side. But, he doesn't allow Bear, my parents dog, to beat him up. He has a great personality and I love getting to know him more.
I need a header for my blog - I know someone out there is dying to make me one. This is me down on my knees begging for a header...
I don't think I've mentioned this here before, so I thought I would let you all know...
If any of you have a link to my blog from yours and have it linked with my last name, will you please change it to something else? Thanks so much
Just thought I'd share my pic with you all! Jenna has been trick-or-treating for 3 hours now - she should sleep well tonight. I took her out for a little over an hour and a half, then DH did, and now my sister-in-law aka Hannah Montana has her. Don't you just love our little Toto?
Yes, I said I was going to wait until Christmas break to get a new dog. And I really was trying to do it, but when Jason came upstairs today with the internet open to a picture of a dog, I realized I wasn't the only one missing Fez.
Jason, you are so wonderful! You put up with me...and I couldn't ask for more! You put up with the fibro flare ups and all the sleeping I have to do. You put up with my non-house-wife-ed-ness (my own new word). You aren't to manly to do the dishes or the laundry and yet you still take out the garbage every Weds night.
I have neglected in posting any pics of Jenna lately. And I know that all of you cannot get enough of her cuteness...so here is her kindergarten picture. And I know that you aren't going to believe this, but yes, I did her hair. No, aunt Crystal and Grandma Mary were not there when I did her hair, but I did get help from some awesome curlers! They are more comfortable than the foam ones I had in my hair growing up.
that at noon today we had Fez put to sleep. He was showing signs of permanent brain injury and we felt it was the best thing we could possibly do for him.
This is Fez. Fez has been our family pet for about 8 years, I think. After we got our house, but before Jenna was born.
know that I am alive.
When Alia first got really sick she was on vacation in Florida - visiting Disney World and Sea World. In the past couple of months, she has fallen head over heels for Prince Phillip (from Sleeping Beauty). Now I don't know if you have ever searched for Prince Phillip merchandise, but it's pretty much non-existent. Alia smothers the case of the Sleeping Beauty DVD with kisses and hugs. Whenyou want her to give you a big hug, you ask for a Prince Phillip hug. When we went to Baskin Robbins, she wants Prince Phillip ice cream (it's the sherbet with blue, green, etc in it in case you're wondering).
So, I figured one night in my boredom, why not email Disney directly and see if they have something they could send me - a picture or anything. I didn't know if I'd hear back from them, but figured it was worth a try. I even asked for his autograph (we never ask for autographs when we go to Disney) A fewdays later I received an email stating they didn't have a picture of just Prince Phillip, but one with him and Aurora dancing. Of course I was ecstatic that they responded and were willing to send a picture. I emailed them back and said that would work.
That was a couple weeks ago...well, guess what arrived in the mail today? An 8x10 picture with 2 messages for Alia. The first says,
"To: Alia, Have we met before. Prince Phillip" in gold marker
the second says:
"once upon a dream! Princess Aurora" in silver marker
I forever will appreciate this kind gesture from them and will continue to spend a ton of money on anything Disney related (you should see our movie collection). I can't wait to take it up to her. I showed my dad and he volunteered to run up to the copy store and have a couple color copies made so that when Alia mauls (aka kisses and hugs) the picture we will have extra copies. I, of course, will have my camera with me when I give it to her to unwrap.
Here's a pic of it, it's kinda blurry, but oh well.
we are so blessed to have awesome neighbors! We were invited over to visit them and ride their horse. Jenna, Alia, Landon, and then 2 other cousins came to ride the horse - a little shetland pony that they have been working with. All the kids were so excited and so were we. Alia was scared at first as she and the horse were scared of each others noises, etc - but after Alia watched the other kids ride she got on and enjoyed it.
Jenna and Landon got to take the reigns and guide the horse around (with the help of the owner who pretty much has the horse following him). Landon got really excited when the horse stopped to take a dump - he loved it! Silly boy. It was really cute b/c Jenna would pull her cowgirl hat down really tight and her ears would poke out. We got a kick out of that b/c that's what the bullriders do before they ride to try to keep their hat on.
Then, the kids saw the sheep and decided that they wanted to see the sheep. The neighbors were so great and were able to corral their sheep. Jenna has had this dream of mutton bustin' (aka riding sheep for those non-cowboy types). She was really scared, but she did it and fell off with grace and then went crying to mom and g-ma as any normal 5 year old girl would.
I swear, after today, I would so love to have a horse for Jenna - she loved it. But, alas, we will resort to the neighbors who have horses. One of the horses was actually used for queening (a rodeo pageant with horse and rider).
I love living in Utah - there are so many fun things to do and we love going to the Pioneer Days Rodeo. Every year they have a tough enough to wear pink night. We try to make it to that night because some of the $ raised goes to breast cancer patients in Utah. It's also fun to see all the tough cowboys dressed in pink shirts and the clown all decked out in pink.
Jenna looked so cute in her cowgirl hat and loved watching all the cowboys and cowgirls doing their thing. Here's some pics from the night we went.
I got a text on Thursday from my friend/co-worker saying that my new "home" had arrived. I don't think I've ever thought I would be so excited to see a portable in my life, but here I am. For those of you who don't know - I will be teaching 5th grade next year and I volunteered to be out in the portable...problem is, the portable hadn't arrived yet. Yes, the work order had been put in quite a long time ago, but as with all things school related - it takes forever for anything to be done. So, I summoned my online friends to do a chant for me saying that my portable would arrive before August...and darn they're good - that day I found out it arrived! So thank you friends who have the gift of chanting!
So now to catch you up on where I've been...
I have been working at my favorite clothing store, New York and Company and have been keeping very busy with that and other summer odds and ends. On June 30 I hurt my arm doing some stuff in the backroom. I tried to work for the next week, but it hurt so bad that I was put on leave. I found out I have loose ligaments that are causing my rotator cuff to be strained. So, back on the strong anti-inflammatories and back to my favorite physical therapist, Sheldon. (Great guy, I've known him for 6 years now - I see him about once a year). I went back to work yesterday and needless to say, I was ready for the percocet when I got home. I'm still recovering from it today.
I love the people I work with there and the store manager and I are pretty good friends, she and I are very much alike. We're both shopaholics that really shouldn't be working at a clothing store...but alas, there we are. At least I'm getting some awesome clothes, meeting great people, and getting some adult conversation. I'm still planning on fitting in working at NY&Co at least once a month or so and then working more during breaks.
I am also in the midst of applying for my masters. Insane...yup, pretty much, but I love education. I found out that my local University, where I got my bachelor's, is offering the masters in education program and I can earn my teaching license while I do it. (In Ut we have a teaching shortage and after a long grueling process I was authorized to teach while earning my license.) I have about 2 1/2 years of college ahead of me, but I'll finish with my masters, teaching license, and a good raise. I've always wanted to get my masters so this is a great opportunity for me. I'll also be getting home pretty early as my classes start at 4 and end by 7. So, I'll still get my Jenna and Jason time in.
So, that's what's been going on lately
Sorry...life has been pretty boring lately.
I hurt my arm at work on June 30th and have been off work since July 7th trying to get it figured out so while I spend time doing nothing, piddling around on the internet, I haven't done much interesting.
I'm in the process of trying to get accepted in to the Masters of Education Program so that's been fun and stressful. And I'm starting to get nervous about teaching an actual classroom of kids and being responsible for their fifth grade experience. I also heard that the girls this year are complete drama queens...so I'm a little scared of that.
Anyway, here's a fun tag I stole from Misty
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
We went bowling today, well technically my dad and I didn't bowl, but we were the moral support of the bowlers. Jenna really loves to go bowling and we have gone twice now this summer. Hopefully we'll go a few more times before the summer is over. We met g-ma Mary and papa at the bowling alley and then Suzanne, Landon, and Alia came. Now, of course, you have to have funny bowling names and you'll never guess what my Dancing Queen chose as her name.... ABBA - no joking.
Alia was Prince Phillip (she's in love with him)
Landon was Donkey
My mom was Granny
and Suzanne was Mom Is Crazy
Anyway, here are some videos from my new camera. The first one is Alia. She's such a strong girl she had to hold the bowling ball herself. This first video at the end she is signing "aw shucks" because she didn't do very well.
Jenna decided to get out her playdoh today and create a family. In this family there is a mom, brother, and sister. Jenna said that only the mom had ears so I asked her why. Her answer..."because the brother and sister don't want to have to hear their loud mom's singing, but it's not you mom."
Boy I love this girl - she cracks me up on a daily basis. In my opinion, true comedy comes from the most innocent of places.
so she says she doesn't think I'll do this...little does she know I'm at home with Jenna and I'm not in the mood to do the dishes.
Two names you go by:
Michelle
Shell (only my family can call me that though)
Two things I'm wearing right now:
PJ bottoms
a big t-shirt
2 longest car rides:
probably to Disneyland and Mexico
2 of my favorite things to do:
sleep
play with Jenna
2 things you want to do badly right now:
sleep
get rid of my headache
2 animals you have or have had
Fez - our Shihtzu
Bo - my family's Shihtzu who died last year
2 people who will fill this out:
dunno - Evonne and Kerstin
2 things you ate today:
Fruit loops
dark chocolate chex mix
2 people you last talked to:
my mom
Jenna
2 things you are doing tomorrow:
working
playing with Jenna
2 favorite holidays:
Christmas
4th of July
2 favorite beverages:
water
hot chocolate from Starbucks
now I tag: Evonne, Kerstin, Julie S, Mindurs
Many of you know my friend Misty, or at least know of her. She is awesome! She always cheers me up and makes me laugh. I consider her one of my best friends.
Anyway, I went on a short trip to Michigan and I went to a lot of scrapbook stores. I walked into a really cool store and was met by this...
this line was designed by Misty for BoBunny! She has amazing talent and I am so proud of her for doing so well and doing what she really loves. I went and grabbed a bunch of my scrapbooking friends and pointed out that my very own friend designed the line - they all think the line rocks too.
Knowing an awesome designer is just the icing on the cake for knowing such a great person.
so, I thought I would take the challenge- since I've never done this before and I'm trying to keep myself occupied
my first job...
my favorite place...
my favorite food...
my favorite color...
nickname of mine...
a place I will visit...
what age I will be on my next b-day...
Jenna is loving the warm temperatures and wakes up everyday and asks if it's going to be warm outside. She has been playing a lot with her cousin, Landon, and they are definitely a goofy duo. The two of them together can annoy any person with their never-ending silliness and jibberish. But, ah, what it would be like to be young and to enjoy summer like that again.
I also can't believe that in a few short months Jenna will be a kindergartener and I will be an actual teacher! Wow! Life really changes fast doesn't it? I have found out that I can take classes through WSU and get my masters in education at the same time I am getting my license! So, I'm pretty excited. Yes, I'll be crazy busy, but it'll be so worth it. Especially since Jason's work will pay for 6 credit hours each semester for my education and 50% after that. All of the classes are at night and I won't have to drive to Salt Lake 3 or 4 times a week for classes.
Today is also an anniversary of sorts - I have been at New York and Company for 2 months. What does that mean, you may ask? Well, I get my better discount starting today! And yes, I have some stuff on hold to buy - bad, I know - but when there's a 60% off sale and I get my discount on top of that...can't pass it up, right?
And, Misty - sorry, no pics of anything - I know how annoying a blog without pics can be, but, well...I haven't taken any. ;) - maybe I should take some of the hat we made.
I finally bought this movie. I remember watching it when I was younger and loving it. It has all the classic concepts: 80s clothes, cheesy ending song, a mad scientist who changes his heart, and of course a young Tom Hanks.
If you haven't seen it - go rent it, if you have - go rent it again!
A little information: Disney created Touchstone studios because of this movie - they didn't want to be putting a PG film on the Disney studio name - oh how things have changed.
Greg A. Wynn
(December 22, 1964 - June 2, 2008)
Send Private Condolences
Morgan- Greg A. Wynn, age 43, passed away after a short and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family on June 2, 2008.
He was born on December 22, 1964 to Bob and Sue Wynn. He was raised in Morgan and graduated from Morgan High School.
Greg married Stacy Sessions on June 8, 1984 in Morgan. Greg had a very tender heart. He cared and loved his family and friends, and he is loved and cherished by them all. Greg did many things; he retired from Hill Air Force Base where he worked as a sheet metal mechanic. He then attended Salt Lake Community College and graduated from the Police Academy. He became a police officer for Morgan County where he was instrumental in starting the K-9 program. At the time of his death he was employed with Rhodes Excavation.
Greg enjoyed camping and riding ATV's with his family, watching NASCAR, Dallas Cowboys and the Utah Jazz.
Greg is survived by his wife, Stacy; three children: Trista (T.J. O'Leary), Kiley and Trevor of Morgan; Sisters: Doreen Wynn, Salt Lake City; and Noreen Wynn, Ogden. Brother: Robert (Kathy) Wynn, Honeyville. Mother-in-law, Pat Ericksen, West Point; Father-in-law, Gary Sessions, Peterson; Brother-in-laws: Kelly (Chris) Sessions and Dustin Sessions, Clearfield; Sister-in-Law: Sacha (Greg) Despain, Salt Lake City. He is also survived by many family and friends.
We would like to acknowledge Greg’s special friends, Kim Green and Brett Ertmann.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and mother-in-law Karen Sessions. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Enterprise Ward, Dr. Carl Gray and his staff, Dr. Robert Harris and the staff at Ogden Regional Cancer Treatment Center; and the staff at Ogden Regional Medical Center for their kindness and loving care.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Enterprise Ward, 2755 W. Old Highway Road, Morgan, Utah. Friends may call on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Walker Mortuary in Morgan and Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church.
Interment, Peterson Cemetery.
Send condolences to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Bank of Utah in Greg Wynn’s name.
Late last night my cousin, Greg, lost his fight with lung cancer. It wasn't that long ago that he was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer - by the time they found it, it was too late. Greg was like an uncle to me because he was a lot older than me. In high school he let me borrow is Eddie Bower edition Expedition to drive. I remember how cool that was because he trusted me, a teenager, with his really cool car.
Greg was always giving and willing to help out. When I had major knee surgery, I borrowed his CD collection so that I wouldn't be so bored. He had a love of country music, just like me.
I'm going to miss seeing him at our family parties - but I know that I will see him again. I am thankful for that knowledge. Families Can Be Together Forever!
Jenna's dance recital was last night...and as an unbiased parent - she was the best of them all. And the cutest too. She danced to Under the Sea, Much More Friendly With Pooh (Winnie the Pooh), and then a finale with everyone called Girls on Minnie Street.
Here are a couple pics from the night. Jenna is the 4th from the right 
I've seen a couple shows about the new group of employees entering the work force for the first time. What bothers me is that they expect their bosses and others to let them come in late, wear what they want - they expect praise and rewards and you aren't allowed to tell them when they are doing something wrong. I don't get this - I'm not that much older than these people - by just a few years (5 or so years). I was trained to come in when your are assigned to come in, follow the rules, accept criticism and do what I need to do to correct any problems. Call me crazy - but isn't this how it is supposed to be?
Sure, I would love to be able to come into work in my pj's, listen to my ipod, and do what I want when I want - and expect to get paid not only monetarily, but also with prizes - like a new ipod or a wii.
They talked about the reason for this - every child, they say, expects a trophy and only words of encouragement. They say that adults are building this society...not this adult.
I don't expect Jenna's teachers to only say positive things to her, I want her to learn and grow - to become a responsible adult (not that I'm looking forward for her to grow up).
I have taken classes in communication techniques in the workplace - and yes, when I started working 10 years ago - things had changed from the time when my parents started working, but there has to be a stop or the American economy, in my opinion, will continue to fail.
What do you think? Are children being babied too much? Would you only want your child to be praised and rewards?
I don't really have any deep thoughts today, but I do have a lot of friends who don't know the full extend of what is going on in my family's life right now - so I am going to talk about that instead.
Many of you know about my niece, Alia, and all of her medical problems. She was released from the hospital earlier this week, only to have to return again last night. She has a very fast moving "cousin" of tuberculosis growing inside what is left of her left lung. Today she is going to have surgery to have a port put in where they can directly administer antibiotics and draw blood. They are hoping this will help and will make it so that they will not have to remove the remainder of her left lung. The incision from the surgery over a month ago reopened and the doctors have called it "interesting" and "amazing" - coming from dr's who have people coming from across the US for their help, it's not quite what you want to hear.
Poor Landon, Alia's 8 year old brother, gets shuttled back and forth from grandma's, aunts, neighbors as Suzanne, my sister is living in a 1979 winnebago in the parking lot of the hospital. My brother-in-law tries to divide his time between Landon, the hospital, and work. Thankfully the hospital is only about a 40 min drive away.
Needless to say, it's been quite hard on our whole family.
Then, about the same time as Alia's major surgery (a little over a month ago) - my cousin was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread throughout his body and they are treating him as much as they can but of course, that's a lot of setbacks. His blood sugar went screwy and he was hospitalized for that. Now, my cousin is about 15 years older than me, and he's always been so good to me. He let me borrow his car when I was still in HS so that we could get up on base to go shopping. He's always a happy cheerful guy.
My dad is also going to be going in for neck surgery this summer because of an accident that happened over 20 years ago. He's had different surgeries to help as things come up, and this one is no exception. He keeps losing feeling because his nerves get pinched and other times he hurts so bad.
If I could only stay in a little bubble that only included Jason, Jenna and I - life would be great. But, I would miss out on all of my family. We are close knit and love each other so much. When one family member hurts, we all do. I am truly thankful for the family I have - with all the chaos that it brings and wouldn't change our relationships.
The question has been asked - how much can 1 family take - I guess the only answer comes from the scriptures where it says that our Heavenly Father will only give us as much as we can handle. Guess He has more faith in us than we do of ourselves.
Thank you for all your kind words and support - it means the world to me and to my family.
