Graduations, Reflections, Goals

Attended graduation today and it gave me flashbacks to my own graduation day. How many people can say they walked down the graduation aisle with their future husband? That was in 1980 and here we are-- still together-- still in love. We've weathered many storms, but experienced far more blessings and times of happiness. We've supported each other and encouraged each other to strive for our dreams and reach our potential. Together we have sacrificed and grown. The fact that we have accomplished many of our goals and realized much of our individual potential is a testament to the type of marriage we have. Though far from perfect we are unselfish in that we strive to help each other realize the fullness of our potential as individuals as well as a couple. We also strive to keep God a cornerstone of our life and marriage.

Today, before we headed to the graduation, we had time to hit a few yard sales. We hit the jackpot on the first yard sale. Scored an electric Wok in excellent condition. The husband thought he was funny when he told Jason that it came with the book-- 20 Ways to Wok Your Dog. :0 Also had a ton of Transformers and a Princess chair (the round framed ones that cost some ridiculous amount in the stores). Got it for $2.00. Got a whole bag of Lego Transformers at another yard sale for $1.00. Oh and curtains still in the bag for 50 cents and hi-top tennies for $1.00. Some cute clothes for 50 cents each. The list goes on. Didn't have much time, but made a haul. Today we got a lot in a short amount of time.

Jas and Anne met us and we had them pick up another score I made on Craig's List last night. A Shelf/Hutch unit for $10. I thought it must be cheap for that price and told the husband not to get it if it was. The people lived not too far from us, so he went and looked. Had Jas bring the truck to pick it up today. It was a very unusual piece and awesome. Jas and Anne loved it and took it home for their office. We also stopped by an old bridge and took some impromptu pictures with them. Their little family is growing. It makes me happy to see them happy.

And thank you Anne for helping Jason realize his potential by encouraging, lifting him up, and supporting him in his dreams and goals. These are trying times-- especially for beginning teachers and it'd be easy to be worried and upset and cause more discouragement, but it is refreshing to see that you show support and respect instead. That's what it takes to not only make a marriage work, but to allow each other to grow both individually and as a couple. Baby Maddi was quite the cutie today too.

Just as there is so much beauty in an old, rusty bridge that has weathered many storms-- there is so much beauty in a love that has weathered its own storms. :D

Inner Peace

So I went to Kung Fu Panda II. I loved the first one so much that I was pretty pumped to go...... What a let-down! Oh it's "cute" and all, but wait till it goes to Redbox or the cheap theater. I didn't laugh much (which is why I liked the first one) and it leads to KFPIII. Whoopee. The only thing I did come away with was a lesson that's very applicable to my own life at this time. With all the cuts to education and the demoralizing and disrespect shown these days for teachers, I have really struggled with my choice to become a teacher. In the movie, his whole objective is to find "inner peace". Once he finds that, he can conquer anything (even fire). Then we came out of the theater and the lamp posts outside were just coming on and the air was warm and fresh from rain and I remembered that work is not life. Life is. I also had the thought that "this is a challenge" and that's the adventure of life. What will I do with it? Will it make me weaker or stronger? I repeat... What will I do with it? And suddenly, I was actually kind of excited. In fact, I had a major brain fart tonight and I'm gonna fly with it this weekend. It's a crazy one that might land like a wounded plane, but I'm gonna let her fly anyway.

So when I was watching American Idol three episodes ago and Hailey was visiting her hometown.... this fan was screaming and freaking out and Hailey said, "Thank you for freaking out!" and she meant it. I thought that was so real and funny and unique. Hailey is a bit full of herself, but she is unique. I'm glad Scotty won-- who isn't, but how about the liplock between him and Lauren???? Hello! Millions of little teeny-boppers will not like that. They are secretly engaged to him in their future dreams. He reminds me of that big-eared kid that used to be on some ad years ago, so I don't exactly picture him as a teen idol (maybe because I'm old now), but apparently he is. And... he did a great job singing with Tim McGraw. In fact, I thought he sounded just as good and I was actually surprised by that. So life after Idol means I move on to... the Voice-- not as good, but I watch it.

In real life, Jeremy and Stacy are almost completely moved, my brother from Iraq is headed back there and helped the kids with their electrical problems at their new house (thank you Bob). Mandy is still being a coupon queen and Jason is wrapping up the end of the school year, as am I.

Today was our last day with students. I put together the Freshmen Celebration. It's tough being that age, so it's good to celebrate making it through that first year. I had a girl (well she's 20 now) I knew from a former school I taught at, come and sing for them (she's made a music video and has an album out). She talked to them about some trials she faced (including bullying) when she was in school and the importance of picking good friends and working hard for your dreams. She did a GREAT job and the kids responded very well. Check her out on youtube-- Kelly Packer, Seventeen. The song is called "Seventeen" so that's her video too. We also ate and did the photo slide show of the year. This year just flew by. We're all ready for the break, but it'll be upon us again before we know it. Summer ball has started and I love being in the gym again. I also love the beautiful pink flowers sitting on my desk. Friends are priceless. So is inner peace. May you find some.... :D

moving on

Yesterday and today spent time with family that I have not spent a lot of time with in the last 10 years. It was nice and long overdue. We are all reflecting and reconnecting. Funny how it sometimes takes funerals to bring people together and to force everyone to reassess their priorities. So it was nice. Had dinner at one of my sister's house last night and everyone visited. Had the actual services today. My brothers from Iowa fly home tomorrow night. My brother who came home from Iraq for the funeral will go back Tuesday or Wednesday. Two of his sons were down for the funeral today. It was good to see them today.

My counselors n primary brought dinner over and we ate it tonight. It was so appreciated. Jeremy and Stacy got a lot of their stuff moved in to their new house-- enough to stay there tonight. They are very excited about that and we are happy for them. Jason's been called as Elder's Quoram President in his ward and they'll set him apart tomorrow. Mandy got in another coupon class before the funeral today. Hope your feeling better tomorrow sweeta.

So I picked it right on American Idol. :D I do have to say that it was pretty funny when they were doing their hometown visits and Hailey said to the one fan, "Thanks for freakin' out" and she meant it.... and the girl was freakin out. I wasn't surprised Hailey got kicked off though. Even though her voice is so unique, her attitude is not attractive.

I am tired. Long week. Glad the memorial service is over. More on that tomorrow.

almost there

Well my students got to work today and worked hard in all their classes, practicing for the play, filming a commercial, and my drama students cleaned and sorted. This was a huge load off my shoulders as we near the end of the year. They know I like things sorted and cleaned at the end.

Ben and Andy made it to Denver, but got bumped (they're flying stand-by) and didn't make it in to town tonight. I'm sad, but we got them regular tickets out in the morning (since it wasn't looking good tomorrow for standby either). They will finally be here. Funny story though-- Andy called and said, "Bad news: My luggage left without me. When I got bumped it went on." I told him it should still be here whenever he arrived, but he was frantic because "Pops" ashes were in it. He's bringing them for the funeral. He said, "I think we lost dad." He sounded stressed so I didn't laugh, but c'mon. That's funny. I bet he's up there laughing about it right now.

So the boys got a hotel room and they're laid over in Denver, but they'll be here tomorrow. That means I won't dust and vacuum till tomorrow. :D Too tired. Going to bed. Finally. :D

Limbo Days

It's a bit weird when you're waiting for a funeral for closure. You feel like you're going through the daily motions like you're supposed to, but you feel reluctant to allow yourself to think too far ahead or to pay attention enough to the normalties of life to laugh and carry on. Seems wrong. It's like you're on hold. I have a friend whose dad died (she's older, like me) and her mom cremated him and put the ashes on the family fireplace mantle, but they never had a ceremony. If I feel like I'm in limbo mode because I had to wait almost two weeks because of services in two states, I can't imagine what she is feeling since it's been two months. I think it's definitely necessary to have some type of ceremony to find closure.

At any rate, we are nearing the time for the services and I ran the obit yesterday, printed memorial service programs yesterday, scanning pics for the picture video tonight, and picking up my two step-brothers tomorrow. It's a heavy kind of work and I am tired, but I know that once everyone gets together we will find healing and closure together.... like we should. I also know that the step-brothers had an even heavier load dealing with the funeral home, legal stuff, and the services there. That's way more than we've had to do here and they just have the two of them down there.

Divorce creates these unknown valleys that we all journey through at different times and in different ways. I am thankful that I reconnected with him after I became an adult and learned to love him again and look past the mistakes of his youth just as I hope others will look past the mistakes of my youth. I am thankful that I took time to travel across the states and visit him there with his wife and my half-brothers. They were all very kind and loving to me and my family. I am thankful my children had that opportunity to get to know him and form their own opinions. I am thankful I flew back on my own and spent a week with them before his wife died. I am thankful I remember him as someone who always had this huge grin and could talk to anyone. He didn't know a stranger. He loved the Elvis shows and got a kick out of taking us to one. He loved visiting people and did a lot in his church. He loved his ice cream. He didn't know a stranger.

Andy said that any time he or Ben (his brother) go outside "Pops" house people stop because he talked to everyone who passed by on the street. I am thankful I know what the inside of his house looks like and his church. I'm thankful I can picture him by his garage or on his sidewalk, because I've been there. I'm thankful I took the time to know him and love him again. I still regret I didn't call more often and that he didn't make it to his 55th Class Reunion that happens in two months. But I am glad that through his death we are all talking about forgiveness and getting to know each other better.

I have one more day of going to work and going through the motions (limbo) and then I can begin the process of closure. Coming together as a family to remember and to heal and to grow. I am thankful for my own family and the knowledge they have that families are eternal.

Riding Rainbows

It occurred to me the other day that I have stopped imagining the way I used to. I no longer imagine what it would be like to ride a rainbow. Yes, I was/am a strange child. I never wondered about the pot of gold at the end, but instead wondered what it would be like to ride it as it formed and disapated, catching a cloud or diving to the sea as it lost its force. Where has my imagination gone? Why have I stopped seeing worlds of possiblity within a flower petal world or magic dandelion pollen potion? Where is that little girl?

Perhaps coming up on 49 and losing a parent has caused me to examine not only the crossroads I am facing, but the dreams and desires I once held dear. Certainly new ones take shape. Certainly simple things often make me smile the most. But where is my adventure and have I given up on some of those childish dreams? Have I let the politics and temporal demands of work and everyday life stiffle the creative and bury those thoughts? No-- I'm not going to dye my hair, buy a Harley, or quit my job.... but Yikes! I thought of all three! I've come back to my senses and I'm settling for highlights, not ruling out the Harley (3 wheel type though), and need to do one more year on the job at least to get us into our final house.

This week has been emotional yet renewing. Planning a memorial service, reconnecting with family members, and reflecting on where I come from has been good for my soul. I've gotten such a kick out of spending time with my two aunties who are in their 80's and still kickin' strong. They have been such a hoot. Today, as I was typing up their brother's obituary I asked them if he did anything in high school that stood out. One is a bit deaf and the older sister does the talking on the phone when I call. One tells me that he did woodshop and asks the other one if he did anything important in there. The one in the background says the only thing she can recall him doing was cutting his ruler in half then they both bust out laughing like that was the funniest thing in the world... and so it was the way they said it. So we all laughed. I said I didn't think I'd use that in the obituary so they thought maybe I could mention it at the services then. :D They have made me smile a lot this week.

A good friend of mine called out of the blue yesterday. She doesn't know about the death in our family and I didn't mention it. She just called to talk because she missed me. Her words of comfort and love to me and her expressions of how she valued our friendship came at a time when I needed to hear positives in my life. She has no idea how much her phone call lifted my spirits. I've also talked to my brother quite a bit this week and that has been a treat. He is somewhere between Pakistan and Texas as I type this. He is flying home for the funeral. My two step-brothers are flying in Thursday. A certain healing has already started with the three families involved. Sadly, it is death that brings us together, but gladly we are coming together.

Yesterday I also met with Aunt Bertie and her pastor to finalize the details of the service. What a nice man. I was a bit concerned about a church that's in a rented space in a business mall, but as soon as I got inside and met the pastor, I felt very at ease. There are certainly good people in lots of churches and lots of places. I'm not used to the big screen and the drum sets on the podium, but this is Aunt Bertie's church and if it makes her happy as she puts her brother to rest, then it makes me happy. We hammered out the details and laughed and cried a little and I feel relieved that it's all falling into place.

Greg and Rellie got a little garden planted this weekend too. Tomorrow night Greg is going to plant some corn in Aunt Bertie's garden plot and throw in a pumpkin patch for the grandkids and some tomatoes for the aunties. This week is finals week at school and then we only have one week left. Hard to believe. Summer always comes at a time when we all need it to. It will be a time of healing, renewal, and making crossroad decisions. I also hope to paint, and imagine, and write, and listen to the ocean. Aunt Bertie said, "You always feel young" and I think there's a lot to learn in that. She'll probably live to 100. Grandma died at 94 and her last bit of advice to me was to "never stop... that's when it gets you". :D

Bittersweet

I am so tired I can't sleep. Tonight was bittersweet and my mind is going a hundred miles per hour about so many things. First thought, I had an unforgettable night with my daughter and daughter-in-laws. It was a girls night out and the boys were good sports to keep all the kids. Of course most of them were still bouncing off the walls or at least still bouncing when we arrived home at 10:30 pm and considering the majority of them are under the age of 4-- this is a bit scary! :D

We (the girls) had dinner at Bajios and it was so good as usual. Then as we were headed to the Morrison Center I spotted Lee's Candy and it'd been so long since I'd been there that I just had to stop. We had to have chocolate to go with such a perfect night. We also got a few treats for the kids and boys at home. It was all good.

From there we headed to the center to see "Wicked". I thought the show was at 7:oo and wanted to be early for good parking and comfy waiting hall seats. We got both-- especially since the show wasn't till 7:30. It was fun though. We were so early the lady doing the programs asked us to help her put little inserts in them. We took lots of nonprofessional pictures of ourselves sitting in the lobby and eating red cherry sourballs. It was just fun.

The play was nothing short of amazing. You can't even really describe it because the set and transitions are so over the top that you feel like you're on Broadway. It was just amazing and so technically genius that it was unforgettable. The singing and acting was outstanding as well, but the transitions and special effects were mind boggling for a play. I would see it again and again.... if I was rich. :D I am so glad I was able to share it with the girls. Thank you boys for watching kids so we could have a girls night. I have a feeling we will do more of those. :D

That was the "sweet". The bitter was news I received that someone I love has passed away. That is all I care to say tonight. It is still strange and hard. Each person in our life-- especially our families-- makes us who we are. They are a part of our yesterdays-- a part of the child that never forgets- -and a part of our todays and the person we are now.

Happy Mothers Day

The Race for the Cure on Saturday was an inspiring event. Thank you Mandy for inspiring me to participate. Next year I'd like to make it a full family event. As I walked with the thousands of others I read the signs tagged on backs in front of me. Somene was a survivor or someone was walking in memory of "Aunt Katie" or "My Mom" or a sister. Some were wearing survivor t-shirts and being pushed in wheelchairs. My neice, who's in her 20's was one of the featured survivors and one of my daughters good friends. She had a team (the team I was on) of supporters who wore matching t-shirts. Many groups had matching t-shirts. I saw ladies in pink boas and hula skirts and pink sunglasses and pink wigs, and pink flamingos. There were guys there too. It was all very inspiring and it's such a simple thing-- just to walk together.

The weather turned out perfect for it. Luckily, I stopped at a yard sale on the way because Mandy had grabbed the wrong stroller and we had her two little boys. Rellie ended up riding with his legs up over the dash of the Little Tikes Flinstone type car I picked up at the yard sale that morning and I had brought another stroller so Kayson rode in it. We were only signed up for the 1 mile (which is way too easy), so we walked from the stadium over to the place where it starts to add another mile and a half then walked back, so when we add in all the booth walking and visiting we did in between, we figured we easily did 5 miles. That also felt good.

Today at church the kids sang a song about being their mom's strippling warriors and they did such a great job. But after church Jer and his family were waiting with pizza cooked and "Happy Mother's Day" when I got home. That was so awesome. It really touched my heart. Little Jilly looked adorable in her little piggy tails (which she promptly ripped out a little later) and Tucker the talker camped on my lap (and I loved it). After that we went to Jas and Anne's for a wonderful BBQ and Mandy and the boys came over as well. I love to see them all together -- the kids and their kids. It is the best gift any mom can have. The brothers are still a bit too bossy with their sister-- I suppose that protectiveness will NEVER change-- but I think it might be paybacks for her "bossy" years too. :D Love you Mandy. They do all love and support each other and I enjoyed the day. I really loved my BSU hoody that they had all the grandkids put a handprint on. That was extra special.

I have not done a lot right in my life or excelled at too many things-- except being a mother. I did not do a perfect job. I could have done a better job. But I love them the way they are and I love that they love and honor their parents, they love each other, they love their families, and they love the Lord. What more can any mom ask for. Thank you kids and Happy Mother's Day to you too. Mandy, Stacy, and Anne-- you are all loving, wonderful moms.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom too! I love you!

Is It Friday Yet?

All my students just finished their mandated standardized testing that assumes the state test is the only way we can determine if they are smart enough for their grade level and that their school is doing a good enough job to stay out of AYP jail. There is little human consideration given when assessing the children. For example, one of my student's dad died this year (he was also our head wrestling coach so it affected our wrestlers as well) and another became depressed when his parents divorced and yet another comes to school whenever and yet another has major test anxiety to the point he feels like throwing up but is a hard-working B student. There's nowhere to calculate that in their test.

Overall, they performed as I expected them to with few surprises except that they all said there wasn't anything that we hadn't covered. I am glad it's over and we move on to the final unit of the year -- Romeo & Juliet. It's a way to end the year with shoulders at ease and put smiles back on their faces after three straight days of state testing and two straight months of pre-testing. And smile we did. Today they got to choreograph the sword fighting scenes and they were quite entertaining. They are also catching on to the Shakespearean language and what is going on in the play. I have given them the edited version so we are not swimming through 120 pages in our textbook, but they get the main idea, the main scenes, and the chance to dabble in drama.

Speaking of Drama.... my drama kids cracked me up today. After they did their cold readings for their final performances, we played freeze-frame (Improv Game) and I laughed so hard I cried. It also helped that the weather was beautiful. Unfortunately, it looks like the yucky weather is going to roll back into town about the time I walk in the Race for the Cure event. Oh well-- at least it isn't snowing. I hope. I caught the summer bug so bad I just finished making two batches of strawberry jam.

Went out to dinner with the husband tonight and we went to Angel's in Boise again and after having such an awesome lunch there a couple months ago we had high expectations. Do not eat dinner there. Opposite experience. It was 52 minutes before we even got our salad. Then it had the cheapo (iceberg) lettuce in it (including yellowing pieces) and the tomatoes were ONE tomato slice. The house salad was $6. I also had a bowl of their clam chowder that was SO good last time and it burnt my nose hairs. I asked the waiter if it had wine in it and he said "no" indignantly, but that he'd ask to make sure. Why, he was so surprised when he found out I was right, but reminded me that it cooks out. Okay..... well I wanted to taste clam-- not wine. Then the husband had a meal that was $29 and well.... it was worth about $9. Luckily we had a gift certificate because we usually don't get something expensive like that. I repeat.... I would not recommend it for dinner. The prices are much better and the food much better for lunch.

Tomorrow is Friday. I am so ready. Actually, I'm just so ready for summer that I keep expecting it to show up on the weekends. It's supposed to rain Sunday and cool back down Saturday, so I think we might have to plant the garden next weekend instead. Maybe summer will be here next weekend.

Kiester Family Sundays

Beautiful Sunday

The sun was shining and it was a day off. Church was great and as soon as we got home I put a big batch of brownies in the oven and we headed out on our bikes. We decided to take the bike path toward the bridge this time. In Shelley it's about 4 miles round trip and beautiful scenery (including the river) along the way. Well, it was probably a mile or so over and another mile or so back and some of it was nice enough, but they have a ways to go before I get too excited about it. Still, it was a beautiful day and we were outside breathing in the fresh air. A couple of times along the path I even smelled the rich aroma of heavenly lilacs. I love that smell. It takes me home.

I love looking at everything turn green and seeing everyone outside with their families. I love being with my family too. Both of my sons and their families came over for dinner. I have been craving corn on the cob and squash so we had that with some crockpot chicken and some Spanish rice. And of course I had the brownies for dessert. Oh and I made broccoli salad too. I was hungry. Most of what I made (minus the brownies) was pretty healthy though.

Jilly and Maddi are growing up so fast. They are just adorable together. They play with the little kitchen and fake dishes etc. when they come over. We bring it out in the living room for them and they are so cute to watch. Tucker is shooting up like a proud bean pole and the pants we just got are already highwaters on him. Daisha still has 3 inches on him though. With dad at 6'6" they both stand a good chance of remaining at the top of their class in heighth!

Mandy stayed home still sick with the boys. There's so much of the spring sicknesses going around mixed with allergies right now. That's another reason I'm glad it's warming up-- Spring Cleaning! Get out the vinegar and start washing everything down. My grandma used it to clean everything including the walls and windows. Not today though-- it's Sunday.

We went on our Sunday drive and delivered some brownies to a friend and went to see what we could see as far as houses for sale, but it's pretty hard to do that when you forget your glasses. I had forgotten that I took my contacts out. We got a couple miles down the road before i realized things were a little blurry. Kind of hard to enjoy the scenery when you can't see it! Still, it was nice just to drive.

I wish today could last longer. I'm thankful for sunshine in my life.