Halloween Ups and Downs

My board looked like this today:

I also took my kids into the computer lab and felt like I really used my master's degree (instructional technology) because of the assignment I wrote for them. They worked at their own pace, used technology as a tool for learning instead of just a word processor and most of them really liked it. They were engaged and when I helped students I was able to zero in on exactly what each kid needed. Exhausting work letting the computer be the teacher.

I got my annual big hair on (it was bigger 12 hours ago). It is hard to tell from my picture, but it is purple too. I wore my zombie shirt. I'll confess--Plantboy loves the big hair.

On the downside, I have one that refused to trick or treat once he saw his brother looking like this:

He then started thinking about all the scary things and people and costumes and started weeping into his ravioli. Then, very quietly, "I don't think I'm going to go."

And it wasn't my youngest. 

Dear Middle Child. How can I love thee better? Rather than outgrowing fears he seems to be adopting them tenfold. It is keeping him from embracing so much that is sweet about life. It is keeping him from unlocking his potential. And I'm not talking about trick or treating.

Best Sister Ever

My sister sent me the cutest necklace and matching earrings. Sometimes a little costume jewelry from Wal-Mart is just what a girl needs. It compliments my Goodwill sweater and $20 blazer quite nicely!

Melt Down

Okay, I haven't done it yet, but I came close a few times this week. Plantboy being sick hasn't helped matters, but my parents in town this weekend has helped a lot.

Just keep swimming . . swimming. . . just keep swimming . . .

12 Today

I felt like an old lady shipping Jedi Knight off to Young Men's tonight. Grandparents in town for the weekend. This is one happy big kid.

Autumn Senses

The smell and sound of raked leaves when you ride your bike through them.

The crisp sound and taste of a fresh apple dripping juices down your fingers.

A delightful breeze blowing across your face and a sky so blue you could swim in it.

The bright orange counterpoint of pumpkins in dead and dying fields. 

The savory smell and herb-filled taste of every soup recipe in the box tried in a single week.

October isn't always so lovely; but this one is one for the ages. 

A Good Day

One of my Young Women got married today. In the temple. It was a delightful, small and peaceful wedding. I remembered marrying my own sweetheart and thought about my own boys one day doing the same. I also thought about a friend who should have been there with us, but wasn't. The bittersweet, however, was more sweet than bitter and I felt a great measure of peace.

The next time I go to the temple will be to take my 12 year old to do baptisms for the first time.

I'm Not In Today . . .

But you can find me here:

Aspiring Mormon Women

I have really enjoyed writing for AMW, and when I read their other writers I am really amazed that I was even invited--both in the quality of writing and the wealth of experience from the other contributors.

The monthly deadline thing has also been really good for me; it helps me to see that sometimes part of the creative process is just sitting down and working, even when "inspiration" doesn't seem to be ready to strike.

Doubt Your Doubts

The title of this piece was probably my favorite quote from conference. I am grateful to Elder Uchtdorf for acknowledging that people leaving the church is not a simple situation and for recognizing that asking a lot of questions can lead you both out of the church as well as in to greater truth. 

His counsel was beautiful and timely; I wish some of my friends had stuck around long enough to hear him . . . but maybe it wouldn't matter.  I know many people who are proudly embracing their doubts at the moment. As if to do so makes them smarter or more savvy or more sophisticated.

I pray for the humility and wisdom to doubt my doubts and embrace my faith instead.

Conference Sunday

A lazy weekend. We made the traditional CTR pretzels and worked puzzles. Oh...and one with stomach flu!

Doing Science-y Stuff

More Hours

Well, our school had some FTE left over and I was given another section of class to teach! This moves my preparation hour to earlier in the day (every other day; our school in on an A/B day). However, because this extra prep hour is before lunch (instead of after like before) I effectively need to be in to school by 10:00 instead of 12:30. I can still put my kids on the bus, but very little else and my mid-week lunch dates with Plantboy are at a sad end.

On the upside, most days I was on campus that early anyway . . . now I'm just getting paid for it. I think. I was asked to teach the class, but I've yet been asked to sign another contract!

It was a busy, crazy week (lots of grading, prepping and picking up the new class) and Plantboy has been out of town all so I cannot say with 100% certainty that I'm loving being a working mom, but it has definitely had some perks.

Exhausted.