Evergreen Junior High Holiday Concert

What a difference a year makes Nate is in 7th grade and they sounded great , Sleigh ride would bring tears to your eyes. I would upload the video but it wont work on blogger...

Olympus High Holiday Concert 12/16/2008

What an amazing concert by the Olympus High Wind Ensemble, they were amazing. Chris is a senior and makes us proud. I tried to upload a video but it wont work.

Happy birthday Brother!

Today would have been my big brother's 51st birthday He is gone but not forgotten. I miss him, especially this time of year. His birthday always started Christmas at our house. All our holiday activities were around his birthday from getting our tree to family parties. I know he is in heaven watching over all of us and playing music with John Lennon, George Harrison, Frank Zappa and all the great muscians that have moved on.

They that sow in tears shall reap joy. Psalm 126:5

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

We have the tree up and the house all decorated, We have parties, concerts and good food to come. May the Spirit of Christmas be with you all year long!

Be Thankful

It is Thanksgiving time again and at this time of year it is a time to reflect and consider what am I Thankful for? It is real easy to say we are thankful for our home, family work and friends but reality sets in just traveling around the city and seeing those in need. Our friends that help with the rescue mission said there attendance has tripled the last two months. This week Layne witnessed a line at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen that went for a mile just for breakfast. A line longer than we had ever seen. It is a sign of hard times and being Thankful means so much more. This Holiday season do what you can for those in need, have you ever been hungry? homeless? out of work? You can buy a Turkey certificate at Harmon's for 10 bucks and Harmon's will match it for the Road home meal. Donate food to the food bank you never know you may need it one day, give coats and gloves to someone who needs it, and when you see that bell ringer give. Yes, be Thankful truly Thankful for all you have!

President Obama

Wow I'm proud to be an American, I'm thankful for the chance to vote and hear my voice heard for the first time in years. I truly believe this election was taken over by the people for the people, it was what America is about. I had lost hope in our electoral process with the Florida dangling chad and Al Gore popular vote VS the electoral vote, so last night brought hope alive! I'm thankful we can call Barack Obama Mr President. He has taken on a Country that has been run down by George W Bush for the past 8 years. One that is in crisis and did it with a gracious win and a smile. He remained composed and showed the world he is very Presidential. Who honestly would want to tackle the Bush/republican clean up? Not I, nor would I know where to start. Barack and Joe have a hard job ahead and I will keep them in my prayers. We need leadership and we need Barack and Joe!
God bless them everyone!

VOTE 2008 OBAMA!

I voted Obama and I pray he wins!

Happy 50 th

Layne Born October 28, 1958 Good man, great Husband, Father and musician. Happy Birthday baby! You are forever young in my heart!
If you have his number give him a call and wish him big happy 50!

AARP please stop the mailings we are not old enough for that crap yet!

Gotta love 'em!

I just love this pic, Gary, Jess and Quint wearing the hats I made for them, The hats made with love keeping the heads I love warm on a cold Utah mountain day! Of course they all live far away in warmer climates so they might just have to visit me to wear those hats. Gary claims he wears his to work in a meet freezer in San Diego. Quint and Jess may have a cool day in Phoenix but they will where those hats camping and that just makes my heart warm with all kinds of warm fuzzies!!

Westminster 101

Wow I went back to college today, what an expierence. It brought back many memories of life in Old Hogle Hall, my brother Twain & friend Tim Meldrum moving me out of the dorm and good times. My oldest, Chris, want's to attend Westminster next fall. I Hope he can it is an amazing college. It is like my life is going full circle, I loved it when my niece Sara graduated and my nephew Trey attended but sending Chris would just top the scale of happiness. The big problem is cost so keep good thoughts and pray we get financial aid or loans because it would be a great place to send him. He wants to be a Chemistry major and they are building a great new science building "the Meldrum science building" We claim it is after our Friend Tim because when he helped me move out of the dorm He loved the topless college girls sunbathing...... on second thought maybe Chris should not go there? LOL

Nates Birthday Party

Friday we went to Boondocks in Draper for Nates birthday. He invited 8 neighbors and friends all from Evergreen Junior high. Nater said it was the best day of his life! We all had fun and the Go Carts were the biggest hit of the day. My personal favorite was the bumper boats just because I love a good water fight. Now we need our rest and cures for sunburn!
He recieved some great gifts, Chris , myself and Layne gave him Rock Band for his PS2...now we can all rock. Alex gave him new Vic firth drum sticks so he can really play Dad's drums! Matt gave him a Olympus football beanie which he wore all day. Scott his quarterback gave him a 25 dollar gift card to FYE, Grandma & Grandpa gave him dollars to spend-so look out FYE i'm sure they have some game or music he needs. Sierra and Madeline gave him bumper shot game. so he did well and had a great weekend! Thanks to all for the great day and birthday wishes.

Happy Birthday Nate!

Today my baby is 13 years old, a teenager. It is hard to believe one minute they are this cute little baby and the next big enough to talk back! He is a good boy sweet always giving hugs. We have a big party planned at Boondocks this Friday for him and his friends. He recieved great news this week his braces are coming off Oct 7! Now that is a good birthday present!

The hysterectomy blues

Well I have been home recuperating for 5 weeks now and I need some excitement but dread returning to work. I have been tired, sore and miserable but I'm finally feeling better. Before my surgery other women told me it was easy to get over then after they told me about the misery. Honestly I would have liked to know what to expect before because I thought I must be a wimpy. I have never had a surgery keep me down for so long and make me hate the bathroom all together.
During my time off I have watched every good movie on cable plus a few "bad cinema's". I thought I should make a top ten list of the movies I have watched and enjoyed and would recommend to others:

1- The Painted Veil= great movie about love, cheating and medicine, china.....
2- Dan in real life--great story and Steve Carell is great in this one
3-Catch and Release --Jennifer Garner,Timothy Olyphant(he is hot, love him in deadwood) comedy about death, life and love-
4-Michael Clayton--Thumbs up! starring George Clooney, need I say more, I love him!
5-Casino Royal-- Good James bond
6-Mission impossible III -Tom is the man
7- Bourne Ultimatum- Jason Bourne Rocks!
8- I pronounce you Chuck- Funny in an Adam Sandler kinda way...
9- Apocolypto- Cool Aztec outfits!interesting take on life before the Spanish invasions
10-Deja Vu-- Great Denzel Washington show.......cool effects

I'm sure you may have already seen them but We pay for cable and hence cannot afford the movie ticket thanks to the George Bush economy. We must make sacrifices so we can pay the bills and keep a roof over our head. But If you have not seen them now is your chance they are still on Demand!

Happy Anniversary & Congrats to Chelsea and Brandon

Layne and I were married 22 years ago Sept 6, My Niece Chelsea was married Sept 6, 2008 so that is how I celebrated my anniversary, We went to Chelsea's wedding. I hope when I'm over my surgery Layne and I can go out and celebrate for real. He wants to go to the State fair to see Marshall Tucker Band / Atlanta Rhythm Section / Georgia Satellites all on Sept 10,2008. I'm not sure I could sit that long but I may want to dance. My Niece Sara will celebrate her 3rd year of marriage to Derick Sept 10, 2008...Do something fun and enjoy your day! Nate told me tonight I had a great gift for my anniversary --I got to see Chelsea get married and gained a new cousin Brandon for him.....Kids say the Darndest things!

Congrats to you all!
We love you all!
Chelsea and Brandons Wedding:

Layne and I Sept 6, 1986

Sara & Derrick 2005

Go Oly

Nate has began Football season. Last Saturday was the big pre-season game. They played Skyline and won 22-0. Nate did well he kicked off and was a guard playing a great offense. I missed the first game but Layne said Nate did GREAT! Way to go #55. He also started 7th grade this week, He looked so Handsome his first day in his blue shirt and New Jeans!

Thanks for the flowers

Here is a recent photo of the beautiful flowers sent to me during my convalescences, the purple roses and Freesia came from my Parents and brother John. The daisy are from work. They remain at my bedside for enjoyment and I love them!

I'm Back

I'm back and determined to do well. Aug 19 2008 I had a successful hysterectomy. I'm now officially sterile, free of the curse and will save thousands each year by not purchasing tampons and pads!
Apparently it was not as easy as they hoped for but I lived and I'm home recovering feeling better each day. Honestly I never knew how painful going to the toilet could be until I had this surgery but I'm hopeful that will improve with healing and time.
I tried to be a good patient and was not too demanding of the overworked underpaid nurses. I was on the trauma surgical floor at Intermountian medical center in Murray Utah, I must say it was an excellent new facility with great HD TV and Jetson like outpatient pharmacy Kiosk's. Technology is amazing. Thanks to everyone for their prayers , support and care.....I love ya Man!

In Memory.......

One year ago July 24, 2007 my big Brother, Twain passed away . We do miss him and wish we would have had one more time to say I love you, go camping and fishing or just drank a beer together. We will be camping in his honor over the next four days. I'm sure he will be on the Mountain with us listening to KRCL sagebrush serenade and sending us a few shooting stars!

FOOTBALL BEGINS

Well today was the big day for the Olympus Ute football conference sign up. Nate was so excited. We arrived at the High School to proceed when we were suddenly surrounded by big round men in the Oly Green with husky voices and arms that would not go down at there sides. It was frightening I think they were on a steroid high.
Nate loved it and he starts with condition camp next week. He will then go to practice every night for two hours starting July 28Th and the first game is Aug 30. Now get this I either volunteered to help or paid them an additional 10 dollars so I volunteered Layne to set up the fields! He is the old Olympus football alumni. Oh and Get this.... the t-shirts we had to buy have not changed since Layne played in the 70's now that is progress! LOL

Weeding or not????

Chris and Nate were suppose to be weeding this area but it looks to me that Nate is about to get a mudd fart from Chris. Can Tide clean that mud off? Maybe they should take up mud wrestling???

SLC Arts Festival

Chris playing Sax at the Target kids tent

Spider pig and Gnome thiefs ...some of my favorite art!

My Men listening to Jazz

My Roses

I love Roses and my garden is beautiful

My Beautiful Snowball Bush

This is picture of our Snowball bush in our Front yard this May , My Brother Quint told me I could sell the stems when it was green to a florist. I think I prefer them all white and in bloom. It looked beautiful but when it was done we chopped it down hoping it will be just as pretty again in a couple of years!

6th grade graduation

YIPPEE! Nate is all done with elementary school and now an Official 7th grader! He was Soooo... done with school and ready to move on. Next week is service camp at church then his summer will be camping, hanging out and sleeping in!

Happy 17th birthday!

Chris turned 17 and we had a great night out with him and his friend Jennifer. We started the evening with nates 6th grade play then dinner at the Olive Garden, best part was when the waitress and waiters sang Happy Birthday, Chris turned bright red and enjoyed every minute!
Happy birthday son!

Farewell To Soccer

Football won ,so soccer is out but we had a good time while it lasted.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Quint (may 5th) , Jess(May 7th), Ellie (May 8), Noah (May 9)!!
Ellies party was a great hit for all. Ellie bellie turned 1, Noah her big brother turned 3! We enjoyed a great weekend with Quint , Jess, Mom & Dad staying at our house. It was great to have the family together at the party! We love our family and being a Great Aunt is grand! Thanks for the party Brynn.....I'm sad to see Quint and Jess go back to Pheonix maybe I will kidnap them?????? Maybe I should just fly home with them!

THANKS FOR THE ASTHMA WALK SUPPORT

Thanks to all of you who pledge for the Asthma Walk on Saturday. More than 30 people representing SelectHealth walked two miles around Sugar House and demonstrated our commitment to raising awareness about asthma. I appreciate all of you for supporting this event.

In addition to the $5,000 corporate sponsorship from SelectHealth, with your donations and the money raised from the bake sale, we were able to contribute $5,876.55 to the American Lung Association of Utah. Great job!
Thanks!

Happy Nurses day!

HAPPY 51ST ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD

Wow it was only 1 year ago we had the big 50th party!
Thanks for being such great parents!
HAPPY D-DAY! WE LOVE YOU!

May 2nd is Brother and Sisters day

Thanks be to God and my parents for my Brothers Twain, John & Quint !

Happy International workers day!

Today is May Day or International workers day it is a day to celebrate our rights as employees and protest those corporate CEO's that make millions and do nothing.

Most people living in the United States know little about the International Workers' Day or May Day. For many others there is an assumption that it is a holiday celebrated in state communist countries like Cuba or the former Soviet Union. Most Americans don't realize that May Day has its origins here in this country and is as "American" as baseball and apple pie, and stemmed from the pre-Christian holiday of Beltane, a celebration of rebirth and fertility.

In the late nineteenth century, the working class was in constant struggle to gain the 8-hour work day. Working conditions were severe and it was quite common to work 10 to 16 hour days in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were commonplace at many work places and inspired such books as Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Jack London's The Iron Heel. As early as the 1860's, working people agitated to shorten the workday without a cut in pay, but it wasn't until the late 1880's that organized labor was able to garner enough strength to declare the 8-hour workday. This proclamation was without consent of employers, yet demanded by many of the working class
On May 1, 1886, more than 300,000 workers in 13,000 businesses across the United States walked off their jobs in the first May Day celebration in history. In Chicago, the epicenter for the 8-hour day agitators, 40,000 went out on strike with the anarchists in the forefront of the public's eye. With their fiery speeches and revolutionary ideology of direct action, anarchists and anarchism became respected and embraced by the working people and despised by the capitalists.

The names of many - Albert Parsons, Johann Most, August Spies and Louis Lingg - became household words in Chicago and throughout the country. Parades, bands and tens of thousands of demonstrators in the streets exemplified the workers' strength and unity, yet didn't become violent as the newspapers and authorities predicted.

More and more workers continued to walk off their jobs until the numbers swelled to nearly 100,000, yet peace prevailed. It was not until two days later, May 3, 1886, that violence broke out at the McCormick Reaper Works between police and strikers.

For six months, armed Pinkerton agents and the police harassed and beat locked-out steelworkers as they picketed. Most of these workers belonged to the "anarchist-dominated" Metal Workers' Union. During a speech near the McCormick plant, some two hundred demonstrators joined the steelworkers on the picket line. Beatings with police clubs escalated into rock throwing by the strikers which the police responded to with gunfire. At least two strikers were killed and an unknown number were wounded.

Truly, history has a lot to teach us about the roots of our radicalism. When we remember that people were shot so we could have the 8-hour day; if we acknowledge that homes with families in them were burned to the ground so we could have Saturday as part of the weekend; when we recall 8-year old victims of industrial accidents who marched in the streets protesting working conditions and child labor only to be beat down by the police and company thugs, we understand that our current condition cannot be taken for granted - people fought for the rights and dignities we enjoy today, and there is still a lot more to fight for. The sacrifices of so many people can not be forgotten or we'll end up fighting for those same gains all over again.
This is why I say we should celbrate May Day.

Introducing Tino , Nates Soccer Coach

Acquired
RSL: Selected in the second round (17th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft on 1/18/08

After three years at budding national power UC Santa Barbara, rookie Tino Nuñez joins former Gaucho teammates Brennan Tennelle and Kyle Reynish on the Real Salt Lake roster. Nuñez brings a wealth of experience to the Wasatch Front, having been an integral member of Santa Barbara's 2006 NCAA championship team as well as the 2004 squad that fell in the title match. While Nunez will be expected to deliver goals for the squad's Reserve Division team as he continues to develop, what set him apart in the preseason was his ability to hold and distribute the ball with his back to the net, this despite his non-traditional 5'8" "target forward" frame.
SLS boys under 12 have learned a lot from him. Thanks Tino!

Soccer VS Football

It has been a cold spring soccer season but we have enjoyed the games. Nate plays on the SL Scorpions. He is either goal keeper or mid field man. The last game he played forward and he did well assisting in a goal. We bought him a keeper Jersey and since then he has not played the position, I guess that is Murphy's law. The season ends May 9th and try outs start May 21. It is our first year of competition soccer and I must say it is very political and full of serious parents. He has had two coaches this spring from RSL (Real) and the professional players work well with the kids. We asked him what he wanted to do and he said No soccer because he wants to play football.
Football?
I was surprised. First little league football is more expensive--hard to believe but for $700.00 I get two season's of soccer. Football last one season and the rate of injury is higher. We told him it was up to him so I guess we wait and see.

What do you think Should Nate keep playing soccer or become a Football player?

It's a Dell Inspiron

Our upgrade arrived and it is doing well, we have named it Hal-2. So far it runs well and Windows Vista is almost too easy and a little crazy with all it's pop up windows. Sad thing is I don't think any of our old files are going to transfer from the dead dell. We are very happy to be re-connected to family and friends.

Death of an ole friend

We have lost an old friend, Dell. We were fortunate enough to have Dell arrive one christmas 5 years ago. Dell has now gone on to the happy silicon valley of the sky. Unfortunatly this leaves us with a big empty spot.
We can not email, balance the books or update family blogs.
We hope to find a new Dell in the near future thanks to employee discounts and credit. We can not replace the original but it should be a lovely upgrade.
It has been a very pleasant journey and we hope we can transfer our files so our memories are not lost.
Arrangements have been made for burial at the local recycle center
May the force be with you !

ASTHMA WALK

Help me work for cures, clean air and smoke free kids
American Lung Association of -Utah
May 3, 2008
Event Goal:$100,000
Join us at Sugar House Park at 9 a.m.

NO ONE SHOULD LOOSE THE BATTLE WITH ASTHMA HELP US JOIN THE FIGHT!
THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED US IN THIS EFFORT!

Layne, Myself, Chris and Nate will all walk , it is a fun event and this year it falls on Mom & Dad's 51st Anniversary so we will give in honor of the many years of love they have given to us!
here is my page:
https://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?id=1923&acct=0753043216&rid=0

Your donation to the American Lung Association can help make a difference in their research efforts to find a cure for Asthma

Antelope Island ghost hunters

My boys went camping on Antelope Island last weekend with their Scout Troop. They camped with the bison near by and biked the trail around the island while enjoying the beauty of the great Salt Lake.

Did you know the Island is haunted???

This is perhaps one of the strangest tales in all of Utah. The Great Salt Lake covers more than 2300 square miles in the northern region of Utah and is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. It is also a very shallow lake for its size, plunging to depths of only 27 feet in its deepest parts. While these may be the facts behind the lake... there is also a legend. It is a story of a Salt Lake City gravedigger who was exiled to an island on the lake for his ghoulish crimes. He disappeared on that island without a trace. Although may claim that his ghost still walks today.....
His name was John Baptiste and he was one of the first gravediggers ever employed in Salt Lake City. He was also known to be a hard worker and punctual, always carrying out his appointed duties at the city cemetery. John was a quiet fellow though and had few friends, so most people never paid much attention to him as he went about his work. About three years after Baptiste went to work for the city, a man died in Salt Lake City and was, of course, buried by the

gravedigger in the local cemetery. A short time later, the man's brother came to Utah from the east. He was not familiar with the Mormon religion as his brother had been and wished to have his sibling returned to the east to be buried in the family plot. His wish was granted and the grave was uncovered. The casket was pried open and the corpse inside was discovered to be nude and lying in the coffin face down, as though it had been dumped there. Needless to say, the brother was outraged and city official began an immediate investigation. The investigation focused on John Baptiste and several men were assigned to keep him and the cemetery under surveillance. Soon after another burial, Baptiste was seen pushing a wheelbarrow from a nearby storage shed to a freshly opened grave.

Authorities stopped him and found a pile of clothing hidden in the bushes. The corpse had been removed from the grave, his clothing removed, and was now being moved from the storage shed in the wheelbarrow. Baptiste was arrested and his home was searched. His house was filled with clothing! He had used some of it for drapes and furniture covers and in the cellar, a large vat was placed for boiling the clothing of the dead.

The news spread and local citizens descended on the cemetery to check on their deceased loved ones. Authorities believed that he had stolen clothing from more than 350 corpses! All of the clothing from Baptiste's home was taken to City hall for identification by relatives. They also went to local pawn shops, where they learned the gravedigger had sold large amounts of jewelry for cash.


And what became of Baptiste? He was tried and convicted of grave robbery, was branded with a hot iron and exiled to an island in the Great Salt Lake, northwest of the city. There has been some dispute as to where he was sent... either barren Fremont Island or the larger Antelope Island. Regardless, he was put ashore there, never to return to Salt Lake City again.

But this was not the end.... A few weeks later, lawmen returned to the island to check on the prisoner, only to discover that he had vanished. A search discovered the remains of a fire and a small shelter, but no Baptiste. Some believe that he may have taken his own life and others that he built a raft and escaped, but no matter, he was never heard from again..... or was he?

Snow No more

Snow snow go away
little children want to play
please let spring come and stay!

Can you believe this weather?? I bet East Millcreek had 6 inches of snow at 6 am this morning. the sun is shining now but it is only 31 degrees....Brrr is it really March 31st???

Chris and his Clarinet

Chris and the Olympus High Wind Ensemble went to Region competition at Murray high and now they have advanced to the State competition. Congratulations! They sound good and the concert was most excellent!

Sir Nate

Sir Nate in all his Knight gear he made for school. also a model of his manor! He did a good job and now has a great sword & shield for battle!

Too Little time

OK I thought this was a good idea to have this blog. but it just seems to be one more thing I need to keep up. I just do not have enough time in the day. Honestly I was thinking about deleting it. Nate and Chris are very busy with life, soccer, school it all keeps Mom running.
I made the blog for family and I seem to have far too many outsiders with all kinds of crazy responses. What should I do and why do we need this???? just my thoughts for the day If I do delete it I will let the family know.

Just a lil'bit of Soap

It seems that a few people reading my blog think Soap is a toxic substance. I suspect none of them have ever heard of a SS (soaps suds) enema given with the 3 H's (High, Hot and a Hell of a lot)!
Soap is not toxic. It may cause stomach cramping and loose stool but it won't kill you. It is just a natural Laxative. It cleans you out!
Now look at the laxative Miralax, it is made of Polyethylene glycol. Look the chemical up it is kidney toxic, skin sense organ toxic. Look at what products contain Polyethylene glycol:
Agricultural chemicals
Disinfectants (nonagricultural)
Hairspray (non-aerosol)
Herbicides for agric., garden and health service use
Household dry automatic dishwashing detergents
Laundry starch preparations
Lubricating oils
Other hair preparations, including heat setting wave solutions
Other pharmaceutical preparations acting on the skin
Pet flea and tick products, including collars
Pharmaceuticals for veterinary use

Now would you not prefer eating Ivory over Miralax????....
Now I would recommend a good healthy diet with fiber and everything will work it's way out naturally!
Also I must mention my disclaimer for all those potential victims and lawyers. I do not recommend you eat soap nor do I say to not take your Polyethylene glycol
You should always follow the recommended treatment prescribed by your MD. I must admit it works well. I'm sure Polyethylene glycol
would be better than that SS Enema with the 3 H's......

May all your days be filled with happy thoughts and none of constipation!

CYBER BULLYING TIPS

Here is some great info shared with me from the internet task force of the Utah Attorney General's office. Just thought it ws worth sharing considering we have had some interesting situation's occur at our home as of late. I'm fortunate to work with Law enforcement officers that have great info.

How can you protect yourself?
Be careful where you post personal information - By limiting the number of people who have access to your contact information or details about your interests, habits, or employment, you reduce your exposure to bullies that you do not know. This may limit your risk of becoming a victim and may make it easier to identify the bully if you are victimized.
Avoid escalating the situation - Responding with hostility is likely to provoke a bully and escalate the situation. Depending on the circumstances, consider ignoring the issue. Often, bullies thrive on the reaction of their victims. Other options include subtle actions. For example, if you are receiving unwanted email messages, consider changing your email address. If the bully does not have access to the new address, the problem may stop. If you continue to get messages at your new account, you may have a stronger case for legal action.
Document the activity - Keep a record of any online activity (emails, web pages, instant messages, etc.), including relevant dates and times. In addition to archiving an electronic version, consider printing a copy. Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities - If you are being harassed or threatened, report the activity to the local authorities. Law enforcement agencies have different policies, but your local police department or FBI branch are good starting points. Unfortunately, there is a distinction between free speech and punishable offenses, but the legal implications should be decided by the law enforcement officials and the prosecutors. Depending on the activity, it may also be appropriate to report it to school officials who may have separate policies for dealing with activity that involves students.
Protect your children by teaching them good online habits (see Keeping Children Safe Online for more information). Keep lines of communication open with your children so that they feel comfortable telling you if they are being victimized online. Reduce their risk of becoming cyberbullies by setting guidelines for and monitoring their use of the internet and other electronic media (cell phones, PDAs, etc.).


Link to Shrink the cyber bully game

I think they need to eat more soap...Irish spring is tasty!

A good Article from Today's SL Tribune and Desert morning news......
I find it all interesting my boys tell me I would be shocked to hear the language at school even from small children. I find it hard to believe in a State that claims to be so very "Mormon" these kids swear like an old truck driver or( as Layne learned working for the county jail)lady correction officer have the worse mouths..... maybe it is the education system not actually teaching them appropriate language skills.
Now I get mad and swear now and again but damn and shit are mellow compared to the filth I hear from some children in our public schools. I think we have a generation of foul mouth disrespectful angry youth ...or maybe they watched too much deadwood and not enough Christmas Story.....
read and enjoy

By Melanie B. Glover
The Sacramento Bee
Published: Monday, February 25, 2008

Adolescents and preteens are swearing more publicly than ever -- especially at school, experts say.

It's conversational swearing -- in the hallways and in the classroom -- that is on the rise, says Timothy Jay, one of the leading scholars on cursing in the United States.

Teens are more likely to drop casual expletives, or "fillers," than the generation before them and have more trouble adjusting their conversation to fit their audience. That means adults -- especially strangers who cannot sanction the teens -- hear more of the same language that the teens' friends hear, says Jay, author of "Why We Curse" and "Cursing in America."

He estimates that the average adolescent uses roughly 80 to 90 swear words a day.

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"Elementary school teachers report that children are using more offensive language at school than they have in the past," says Jay, who is compiling data for a study he will complete in the fall examining preteens and swearing. "They have been breaking the rules at school more frequently in the last 10 years."

Jay, a psychology professor at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass., has been studying swearing trends since the 1970s. He points out that language values in the United States constantly change.

"Our language values are shifting, and it's just different, not better or worse," he says.

At R.W. Emerson Junior High in Davis, seventh-grader Kaley McGrew, 13, hears peers using cuss words as fillers when they can't think of another way to express themselves.

"Some people swear and they don't even think about what they are doing; they just say it," she says. "It's just become casual to them, but to some people who don't swear, it can be shocking."

Emerson counselor Michael Leahy says that for the most part the students at the school know when to turn off the loose language they use with their friends when talking to him.

"But in the hallways, the kids are in their own little worlds, and all sorts of language is flying every which way," he says. "I think that the lines between public and private language have become blurred for our kids."

Like Leahy, the Emily Post Institute's Cindy Post Senning, co- author of "Teen Manners: From Malls to Meals to Messaging and Beyond," recommends talking to adolescents about the public image they want to convey through language.

"Some people use swear words with friends and nobody is offended," says the etiquette expert. "The problem is that it becomes a habit and it can offend unintended listeners."

Post Senning suggests working on helping teens control their profanity rather than disciplining them for using it. And evidence supports her idea: In a 2006 study conducted by Jay, 94 percent of people who reported being punished for cussing continued to swear.

Cussing is a natural behavior learned from family members, according to Jay.

"It starts as soon as they learn how to talk," Jay says. "At a young age, they're attentive to emotions. When you're swearing to be funny or when you're angry that just draws them right to it."

Jay notes that the Internet, television and other media may be making adolescents more comfortable with swearing, but it is their parents' own language habits that are the biggest influence.

The solution, says Jay, is for parents to teach the etiquette of swearing.

"Kids should know about the power of language. Parents should remind them about how important words can be and when you should use them," agrees Leahy.P.M. Forni, author of "Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct," sees the comfort teens have with cussing as a result of parents and teachers opting not to address the issue.

"Many parents have decided not to fight this battle, and one of the reasons is because they often swear themselves and hear it at the workplace," Forni says. "Parents should ban swearing in the household in the same way that they've banned smoking in the household."

The most recent Gallup Youth Survey addressing the issue of swearing was published in 2001 and found that 46 percent of surveyed teens ages 13 to 17 used profanity at least several times a week or daily, while 28 percent said they heard their parents cursing a few times a week or on a daily basis.

"One of the consequences of excessive swearing is the inability to articulate," Forni says. "The profanities are the fillers. They take the place of a more sophisticated way of speaking."

Sixteen-year-old Niels Pedersen says he started swearing when he was in the sixth grade.

"It was the whole angst-y junior high thing," he says, recalling that he didn't stop "awkwardly swearing" until he got into high school.

The last time Niels was shocked by a profanity was when he was in fifth grade. Now he estimates that roughly 80 percent of his friends swear occasionally in conversation, though he adds that he never uses words that are purely derogatory and obviously hurtful to others.

"I'm more surprised by the slang and free use of cuss words not necessarily used by Niels but by his friends," says Maria Pedersen, Niels' mom. "It takes a lot for Niels to get really upset, and he'll use the language to make his point."

And though the high school junior is still young, he already sees a difference between himself and those a few years younger.

"My friends' little brothers are already naturally swearing in the seventh grade, and it's weird," he said. "I wonder if I was that comfortable."

Alice In Wonderland

Nate was Amazing in his school play last night. He looked like he had a whole lot of fun. He was a cardsman and a crab boy. He sang loud and painted the roses red! way to go Nate! He is the nine of hearts and you can see his head next the Alice sign. He has three performance's total and he loves being on stage. He hopes someday to work for Disney maybe he can be in High School Musical 4!

Christian

This is Chris , can anybody tell me ..What is he thinking?? Arbys??
He hates it when we do this but the Arbys outfit just brings it on.
He is a good kid, he is very kind, smart and loving. He worries a lot about other people's feelings.
He is 16 going on 17.........I think I may sing.....

You wait, little boy, on an empty stage,
for fate to turn the light on.
Your life, little boy, is an empty page
that women will want to write on

to write on.........

You are sixteen going on seventeen
Baby, it's time to think
Better beware, be canny and careful
Baby, you're on the brink

You are sixteen going on seventeen
Ladies will fall in line
Eager young maids and roues and cads
Offer you food and wine

Totally unprepared are you to face a world of women
Timid and shy and scared are you
Of things beyond your ken

You'll need someone older and wiser
Telling you what to do,
I am fourty seven going on fourty eight
I'll take care of you!

I am sixteen going on seventeen
I know that I'm naive
Maidens I meet may tell me I'm sweet
And willingly I believe

I am sixteen going on seventeen
Innocent as a rose
Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies
What do I know of those?

Totally unprepared am I to face a world of women
Timid and shy and scared am I
Of things beyond my ken

I need someone older and wiser
Telling me what to do,
You are fourty seven going on fourty eight
I'll depend on you!

Science Fair

This weekend I helped my 12 year old Son work on his science fair project. We had a great time so I thought I would share a few photo's. I whined about having to spend my days off doing this. But all said and done I enjoyed myself. It is better than cleaning house. Of course the house is a mess because I have spent the last two weekends working on 6th grade assignment's. It is probably the last year I will get to spend time with him on such things, soon he will be too old to want Mom's help.

Memories

Look what I found, a Nancy Nurse doll.....I think I need one of these.......I'm sure it would cost more than I could afford. I did have a Julia doll a very long time ago.
What is Julia you ask???
Julia was a half-hour comedy premiering on NBC in September 1968, the first african american nurse on TV...I loved Julia as a small child ........ The show is about Julia Baker (Diahann Carroll), a young African-American woman working as a nurse. She is also a widow (her husband died in Vietnam) trying to raise a young son (Marc Copage) alone. Other members of the cast include Dr. Morton Chegley (Lloyd Nolan), Mrs. Waggedorn (Betty Beaird), and Earl Waggedorn (Michael Link). It was one of the best shows of the late 60s/early 70s and is a classic.

TEEN MYTHS ABOUT PARENTS

Being a Mother of a Teen has brought back many memories. Mostly as to why I hated high school and living in Utah.
#1 the discrimination against those of a different faith, #2 the games #3 the clicks. #4 The Utah Mormon attitudes and finally the unintelligent ones who only graduate because their parents did their homework.
I never had patients for girls who play the victim either.

I clearly remember thinking my parents were so uninformed and behind the times.
Once I left home at the young age of 17 and my neurons fully developed I knew I was wrong. I have a great family and great parents. I was able to see what other people did not have, I felt fortunate to come from where I did and to be loved.

Due to the recent Teen Drama at our house I thought this information from Dr Phil.com would be helpful

Teen Myths about Parents:

1. My folks don't want me to have any fun.
Parents would actually just prefer risk-free fun. If teens try to understand parents' viewpoint, they might find a way to have fun and keep their parents reassured.

2. My parents care only about what I do for them.
Parents just want their kids to understand that as they get older, they are expected to contribute more in the form of time, energy and ability to pick up day-old boxers off the bathroom floor.

3. My parents have no idea of what it is like to be a teenager.
Nobody forgets what it's like to be a teenager. The real problem is that parents might be clueless about their teens. If that's the case, it's up to teens to clue them in.

4. My parents control my life.
Maybe they control the car keys, the checking account or the charge cards. But minute by minute, hour by hour, teens make the decisions that guide their lives.

5. My parents don't want me to grow up.
Actually, parents would be thrilled to know that their teens are growing up and thriving on their own terms. But they'll also treat their teens according to how they act.

6. My parents will never change.
Parents will change as their teens change. They first want their teens to demonstrate that they are ready to take responsibility for their lives.

7. My parents never forget my screw-ups.
Teens screw up, and it will eventually be a dim memory for parents. But until that happens, teens need to show their parents that they learned a lesson.

8. My parents don't respect my opinions.
Parents may write off their teens' opinions if they're tossed out poorly. Teens: Try getting their attention with true insights, good points, and with the power of your words and thoughts.

9. My parents think they know everything.
When parents come across as all-knowing, it's usually a defense mechanism. Show respect for their wisdom, and they just might admit when their teens are right.

HOW DO YOU GET WATER OUT OF YOUR EAR??

FIRST IF YOU HAVE EAR PAIN, HEARING LOSS OR FEVER CONSULT YOUR MD!
(THIS IS MY DISCLAIMER ALWAYS GO TO THE DOCTOR IF YOU ARE SICK)

Of course the easiest way to remove water is to shake your head to the side with the water if that fails then take 1-2 drops of isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and put them into the ear canal, this works wonders especially after a good swim.

NOW IF IT IS AN EAR WAX PROBLEM...THAT IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT THING AND SOMETIMES THE WATER GETS STUCK BEHIND THAT WAX
If you have a build-up of ear wax that doesn't go away on its own, you may need to use ear drops or you may need to have your ears syringed. These simple treatments are usually painless.


Ear syringing usually helps to get rid of the ear wax, but it can have side effects. For example, it can cause infections in the outer part of your ear. Or the water squirted into your ear can damage your eardrum. But these problems are rare.
Ear drops that contain wax softeners are often used to break up the ear wax.
Your doctor may ask you to use a wax softener for a few days before your ears are syringed. But there hasn't been any good research to show that wax softeners help.

Dr. Mario Capecchi

I have had the most incredible day. I was able to actually sit and asked questions with Dr Mario Capecchi , a Nobel prize winning research scientist. WOW! It was an enlightening lecture on Stem cell research and his research with mice. He is not only a very intelligent man but he has a great sense of humor and can actually talk to an audience of nurses who still remember when they were just discovering the double helix. We are so fortunate to have this man right at the University of Utah. Now if we can get our country to get over the stem cell scares and let us do human stem cell research, I think we could cure so many diseases and we could do it right here in the pretty great state of Utah. Thanks to Mario! Today I have experienced greatness....WOW
http://capecchi.genetics.utah.edu/

Winter blahs

I have had enough snow. I'm so tired of waking every Monday to a blizzard.
It has snowed every other day for 6 weeks. I thought I lived in an Arid state?
Why oh Why can it not go away??
Please Sun give us some Shine..melt my frozen mind and give us some green!
At this rate it will be June before the piles melt......I need to move to Arizona!

Today was a horror I slid three times just taking Nate to the orthodontist, I'm not sure the straight teeth are worth that kind of torture. ...

Welcome to my home spot......