Merry Christmas Eve

We had more fun caroling tonight than we've ever had. I think the costumes helped! Our friends Terry and Joe Trombley and Trena and Matt Nalley spent the evening with us and were good sports about dressing up and caroling around our neighborhood! Ariann, Travis, Kaity, Brayden and Bryce have to go along with it or suffer the rath of Mom/grandma! We're exhausted. To look at the house tonight you would never know we spent two days trying to get it ready for company. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and we will just let the mess wait until we have more energy. Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your Christmas Eve was as enjoyable as ours was. Love you all!

OKAY, Everyone knows I am technologically disadvantaged!

Sorry about this mess. In order for it to make any sense, you will have to scroll down. Everything is backwards. Start reading where the title says, "An Old FAshioned Christmas....What Fun! and then work your way back to this point. If you just give up I don't blame you!

Last batch.....I promise.

For the final skit, everyone gathered back in the cultural hall where Joseph Smith's family gathered around the fire to hear Joseph read the "Christmas story" from Luke. With Emma's help, the children acted out the nativity. I am so disappointed that I didn't get a picture of them after they had put on their "Mary, Joseph, Shepherd and angel costumes." Their mother said she would get me a copy of her's.

Wonderful petafores were set up beautifully in two different rooms and hot cocoa was available. There was also a room for professional pictures with a backdrop, "A stary, stary night." I'm anxious to see that picture. It feels great to have this project behind and I'm so thankful for all the many willing and talented hands that helped pull it off! I just wish all of my family and friends who seem a country away, could have enjoyed it with us! Merry Christmas everyone.

More Pictures

This was our history of the Christmas Card Room. Stacey Fisher, our resident artist helped the children make a card.

Our Carolers were minus a tenor because he got a migraine on the drive to the church but they sounded beautiful in spite of his absence. What talented singers! I hope you are enlarging all of these pictures!

Chrissy, Robin's wife was another hostess. She bought herself this amazing costume over the internet. They looked great.

Trena and I learned lots of new things about sewing as we tackled the Old Fashioned Santa Suit together. What a project! Santa shared the room with Gary and told the children about an old-fashioned treat called a Christmas cracker. All the primary children got one at the conclusion in this room and everyone got an old fashioned candy stick.

OOPs, I guess the last Santa statue we were borrowing never showed up! Oh well!

An Old Fashioned Christmas...What Fun!

I haven't blogged in a long time and the following pictures will help explain why. Last night was the ward Christmas Party that we have been working on since before Halloween. I have had LOTS of help. Ariann has been a trouper. I litterally mean "trouper". We have been all over creation looking for treasures to turn into costumes or props. What fun we've had! I think we managed to "make a Christmas memory."

Gary was Clement Moore, the writer of Twas the Night Before Christmas. He read the story and everyone got to see the beautiful pictures on a power-point presentation.

Jerry and Carol Wilson were 2 of our 6 host/hostesses. They actually rented their own costumes and they looked fantastic!

This was our quartet practicing for the song that introduced the theme. "Have An Old Fashioned Christmas this year."

Here, hosts were introducing Charles Dickens who told a little background of "A Christmas Carol."

This room was our doll maker shop. Melanie Ambs' character told the story about when she was a little girl living in a mining camp in Colorado with her father. Supplies were scarce and the snows were deep. That year Santa brought her a doll carved from a white potato. It was such a beautiful story and she told it so believably that it made me cry. After the party Kaity said to me, "Grandma, my favorite part was the 'doll story'. It made me cry!" We were in different groups and saw that performance at different times so Melanie must have had a beautiful spirit with her each time she told the story.

What a Full Day!

Why can't I remember that when I select the pictures they always come up with the last one first?! Anyway, it was a full day today. Schools are out this whole week so Ariann, Kaity and I went thrift store hopping. I have been working like crazy for the past 2 weeks putting together costumes for the ward Christmas party. The theme is "An Old Fashioned Christmas" and I need 13 victorian costumes for women and 9 for the men. Thus, on our budget, the thrift stores and garage sales are truly our best option. Today we hit the jackpot! The picture of the "plain" hats were found in the very first store for only $1.99 a piece and they are perfect. Now I have all I need. The pictures of decorated hats are examples of what the "plain janes" will become. When we finished our treasure hunt, Kaity came home with me and we made Ritz cracker turkey's (aunt Renie's idea). We had fun and think they turned out very cute! Lastly, we spent about 2 hours sorting through a HUGE bag of costume jewelry a dear friend gave to me. It was the last of her grandmother's collection. Evidently there were bags and bags that she has gradually given away over the years and LUCKY ME, I got the last bag. She volunteered to help me with the costumes (including a Santa suit) and knew I was using old jewelry on the hats. I am thrilled to be the recipient of the treasure and Kaity is thrilled with my rejects! I'm exhausted but still have 2 capes and a skirt to sew tonight or I will get way behind schedule. I wish my sewing machine was not being so tempramental!

More of "If You Give a Moose a Muffin"

I forgot this picture. Enlarge it to get an idea of the setting. It was really cute! Then read the post below this one. We had a great time. The only thing that could have made it better would have been having Zach, Rachel and Emily with us. YUP, even Emmy would have liked it!

If You Give a Moose a Muffin

Before the doors were opened to the theater, we waited in the lobby of the Shakespeare Theater and enjoyed some of the costumes on display.

The kids lined up after the show to get the autographs of some of the characters in the play.

I should have made sure I had read the kids a couple of "classic" children's stories before we went. Namely: "If you give a mouse a cookie" and "If you give a pig a party". This play had references to the two stories but it wasn't neccessary to know them--it just would have been fun for them to have some background.

My friend Terry Trombley and I thought it would be fun to take our grandkids to see the theater production, "If you Give a Moose a Cookie". Terry's grandchildren are all out of state but many children in our ward love her and think of her as their adopted grandma so she had arranged to take Ava Knight. Sadly, Terry's father passed away last Sunday and she flew immediately to Michigan. As a result, Ava's mom Ila went with us. The kids seemed to have a great time. It's a small theater so all the seats are good. The cast involved the children and a few little hams really got into it. They hollered things out to the cast and it was fun to watch the characters "adlib" to make their outburst remarks work into the script. Kaity says she wants to take acting lessons!

Lot's of fun on Halloween!

Our little Halloween spooks! Hyper before they even started the candy hunt! Well another Halloween has come and gone and that means another ward activity under my belt. What a zoo! Wed. night was the traditional Trunk-or-treat and for the second year in a row we also made it a chili cook-off/cake decorating contest night. It was impossible to count but we think there were about 300 people. Not enough tables in the building to accomodate but everyone was a good sport about the chaos! Lots of people had done as we requested and brought their friends and neighbors. Next year we will have to move it outside. The fire marshall would have shut us down! Good thing he didn't make a surprise visit! Hope our little spooks in Salt Lake had a good time tonight as well!

Bishop putting on a brave face and trying out my Kitty Litter Cake. It looked disgusting but some people said it was delicious. It wasn't the disgusting presentation that got to me. It was the texture!

Ariann's cake was an adorable graveyard! She won one of the four prizes and there were 18 amazing cakes. I thought she deserved to place but I promise I had nothing to do with the judging!

A shot of Travis and Gary at the chili table.

It's the New Me!

These pictures are for you Aubrey.....Proof that I really did something drastically different! For two years now I have had kids at the high school ask me if I am Mrs.____________'s sister. I have "subbed" for her a few times and her kids always ask me that, but this year, a whole new batch of 9th graders asked me that question when I was "subbing" for a teacher in an entirely different subject and part of the building. I had to believe there must be something to it. She is a very nice lady (that must be why they think we're sisters...... lol) but she isn't particularly attractive (so our looks certainly can't be the similarity factor......again, lol) Anyway, I decided that I must be in desperate need of a make-over. Now, here's the sad part: Ariann and Aubrey couldn't agree fast enough that I needed a new look and they have never even seen Mrs. _________________! Poor woman, she must have the same dark circles and bags under her eyes. This week I'm going to hit a cosmetic counter (if I get a day off) and see if someone can work some magic on my face. Here's hoping! Ariann went with me to get the haircut. I needed the moral support. Maybe she'll be willing to help me pick out the perfect eye shadow and lip gloss. Actually, concealer is what I really need! Does anyone know what product can erase about 10 years? I'm open to suggestions. Just don't recommend a plastic surgeon. He's not in my budget!

Perfect Setting for a Halloween Tea Party

Maybe if you enlarge these pictures you will see the spanish moss hanging from the tree branches and the ferns growing profusely on the limbs in the first picture. Enlarge the second one and you will see the headstones in the background. Can you think of a better spot for a "little sqwee Halloween tea party?" Okay, so maybe some over protective mothers would find it a bit morbid but I bet I wouldn't have to worry about reserving the gazeebo!

Gary was anxious to get his hospital picture off my blog and since I had nothing to blog about and since we were both going stir crazy, we decided to take a little drive. We have lived in Apopka for 4 years this month and believe it or not, we have never walked around our city cemetary-----that is until this afternoon. We were surprised by 2 things. First, we expected to find some really old graves. The oldest we saw was birth date 1819. Second surprise, they don't have rules about how much junk you can clutter your loved-ones grave up with or how long it can grow mold before you have to remove it. Let me just say that some people have never heard of "spring cleaning"! I should have taken pictures of some of the worst offenders! Note to my kids: "If you ever turn my burial site into a landfill, I will haunt you until you clean it up! I can handle a few weeds but I draw the line at stuffed animals that are growing things from every pore."

Poor Gary!! Here He Goes Again!!

You can imagine he wasn't too thrilled with my taking his picture but I convinced him I needed something to blog about! What a good sport huh? Soooo here's the story. Last week we got yet ANOTHER bill from his hospital stay due to the stringray surgery 2 YEARS AGO. We have been fighting hospital/ insurance companies and a collection agency over the bill for more than a year. They finally got it right and mailed us a rebate check about 3 months ago and then out of the blue, here comes a new bill! We were spitting nails and Gary made the mistake of proclaiming, "I'm never going to the hospital again!" Famous last words. He has been sick with acute bronchitis for about 2 weeks, and his second round of antibiotics and steroids had made little improvement so he kept his 7:30 am appointment with the doctor yesterday. I had to leave for the high school at 8:30 and was disappointed that I wasn't able to get hold of him before I left. After I signed in, I started leaving messages on his cell, wondering by 9:15 why he hadn't called to let me know what was going on. Just minutes before the first bell rang, my cell finally went off. I grabbed it quickly, expecting his voice----instead, a woman asked for Mr. Davidson. When I explained she had reached his wife's phone, she said, "Oh, this is Florida Hospital calling to let him know his room is ready." Are you kidding me?! I guess I didn't have to wonder any more (as a bunch of rowdy 12th graders were filing into the room.) Evidently he had one of his coughing spells that renders him completely breathless---I'm not kidding----it even scared the doctor----thus the hospital. The pulmonary specialist says they are treating his condition like a combination of whooping cough and asma (spelling). He has lots of tubes and treatments going on and is not happy with his situation. I can't say that I blame him but I do think we have to be grateful that we live in a time when medicine can still save us from such horrible things. It's scary to hear about all the virus and bacterial strains that are becoming immune to our medicines. We are hoping and praying he will be released some time this weekend. He says he feels a little better today.

Can't Believe It But We've Sprung Another Leak!

No picture---nothing exciting about a whole cut out of the wall and brand new pipe fittings! Saturday afternoon Gary came running into the kitchen (from the garage) and made a sharp right turn into the little "powder room" off the kitchen. I thought he must have a case of the runs or something because he was in such a big hurry. Turns out he had noticed a puddle of water forming on the floor in the back of the garage and was smart enough to figure out it was in perfect alignment with the toilet on the other side of that wall! Sure enough, another pipe had sprung a leak and was sending water through both sides of the wall. Why do these things have to happen on the weekend when it costs an extra $150.00 just to have the plumber leave his house on his day off? Needless to say, we made it through the weekend with no runnning water. Actually, I'm counting my blessings because we were home and discovered the problem immediately. I cringe to think of the damage that little leak would have caused if it had been allowed to sprinkle forth all day or heaven forbid all week if we had been on vacation. NOTE TO SELF: Always shut off the water to the house when leaving for a weekend.

This Really is a New Post

It just looks like an old one because I posted the pumpkins again. This time's for you Liz because I couldn't describe the garland I intertwined around them. Ariann found it at WalMart and I thought it added so much. Enlarge the photo so you can really see it. It was cheap! Don't you wish it had pretty little gold, orange and red twinkle lights wired into it. How cute would that be?!

Well, another week down. I had planned to have Monday and Tuesday off so I could clean my house but it didn't happen so tomorrow I HAVE to spend at least a few hours and clean what should have been cleaned last Saturday. The secretaries at the high school are so good to me. They are keeping me busy and I appreciate it because the school district is not letting teachers have many subs this year due to cut backs. There are thousands of us on the list and I'm blessed to have people looking out for me!

I had some rough classes this week and they always make me sad. It's a good thing there are wonderful classes and students mixed in. It makes me happy when so many know me by name now and holler out "Hey Ms D! Waaasup?" (translation; what's up.)

My friend Donna Law is the business manager for a Shakespearian (sp) theater company in Orlando and she invited Terry Trombley and I to a dress rehearsal for "Kiss Me Kate" Tuesday night. We had such a good time and I'm so glad she thought of us! I do love live theater! Thanks Donna and thanks Terry for going with me!

This has been a stressful week. Our little Zachary (Aubrey's oldest) has been so sick with severe stomach pain they had to take him to the hospital. The doctor wouldn't even see him in the office for fear it was apendix. They ran a bunch of tests and finally got out of him that he is being bullied at school. We are just worried sick about it. Hard to believe it starts in 1st grade. I have seen some horrible things in the schools here (at all grade levels) and I have comforted myself with the knowledge that at least my kids would be okay in Utah. This is heartbreaking but we have to trust that our prayers will be answered and a solution will be found soon. Keep him in your prayers everyone. Thanks.

Things That Make Me Happy

Last evening we went to a resort where Bob, Suzie, and grandma Cooper were staying. They are a wonderful family who treated Bryce like one of their own while he was on his mission in West Virginia. They come to Central Florida once a year and we always get to enjoy their company for an evening while they are vacationing. They are fabulous cooks and the great meal they prepare is a bonus to a wonderful evening. Bob's mother is 92 years old but you would never know it! I think I have more wrinkles than she does and she has a better memory than I do! We look forward to their yearly visit!
Grandma is always so complimentary of Bryce. She truly loves him and he loves her back!
I finished my pumpkin patch the other day and it makes me happy when I look at it for a few reasons. First, it reminds me of the good time we had in Utah. While there, Aubrey discovered a blog that had these pumpkins and we decided to copy them. We picked out some fabrics together and vowed we would make them. The night before Gary and I left for home, I experimented with the first one, just to make sure Aubrey knew it could be done! I smile when I look at them now because the same blog inspired Ariann and she actually finished her "patch" before I did! In fact the tall green pumpkin is fabric that she gave me. I'm so tickled that my girls are learning and enjoying the art of sewing. Keep up the good work girls!
And this apron makes 6! That's the perfect number for a little squee tea party. Now if this ridiculous humidity would go away Kaity and I could plan one! I think it would be so fun to have it at the pretty gazeebo in the park. Maybe after hurricane season! Gratefully, the latest one-- Ike-- is headed to Texas instead of Florida. I'm praying it won't be too bad but I'm so glad it's them and not us!

One more thing that makes me happy.....My algebra subbing assignment was changed because an English teacher requested me. I only had to fake my way through algebra for a couple of days. Faking my way through Beowulf and Macbeth was far easier but I must admit, they too are a foreign language. Most of this teacher's English classes are senior A.P. (advanced placement) so there have been virtually no behavior problems. How refreshing!

I had to come up with my own "Journal" writing assignment this morning because the teacher forgot to leave one. Since today is the 7th anniversary of 9-11, I wrote on the board: "Where were you and what were you doing when you first learned of the attacks on 9-11 seven years ago?" I asked them what grade they were in at the time and most answered, "5th". When the students were finished, I asked if anyone wanted to share what they had written. Surprisingly, only one boy raised his hand. He told us that he had been across the street from the first tower that was hit. He had gone to work with his dad that day and described vividly what he had heard and seen. After he told us that he watched people jumping to their deaths he added that he and his father are still haunted by nightmares to this day.

Wow, I just realized that this last story doesn't go with the title of this post so I will end by saying, "Freedom, hard fought for by others, makes me VERY happy and grateful!"

Let Them Eat Crow!

If only my college algebra teacher could see me now! I am teaching algebra at the high school this week and no one would be more surprised than that dear professor who cut me slack every chance she got! That great teacher recognized after only a few weeks that I have a major math disability but she never gave up on me. In fact, she did everything in her power to get me through the course. Thanks to her and to "heaven" I actually got an "A" in the class. I deserved it. No one worked harder-------but today algebra is a foreign language to me. I can still see her face but have long forgotten her name. However, I will never forget a conversation I had with her after class one day. As usual I had been the last to finish an exam and she kindly asked if I wanted her to correct it so I wouldn't have to wonder and worry all weekend. I held my breath as she picked up the red pen. We were both ready for anything. I don't know who was more surprised when she announced that I had received the highest grade in the class! Her curiosity got the best of her and she finally asked in awe and disbelief, "How did you do that?"

I wasn't sure what to say. I knew we didn't share the same religion but I assumed she was a Christian woman because of the way she conducted herself and always treated me. I hesitated only a moment before I sincerely replied, "I'm working my butt off and praying my way through this nightmare."

She smiled and seemed to accept my explanation. Then she revealed to me that she had every confidence I would pass the course and be accepted into the school of education. She acknowledged that I would never teach high school math but had no doubt that I would make an excellent Elementary School teacher.

Her endorsement meant a lot to me and to this day I'm indebted to her but I've got to say, "Let her eat crow!" I'm teaching 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders algebra this week while their regular teacher enjoys the last weeks of her maternity leave.

Truth be told.......I tried to get out of it, admitting to the school secretary that a "math genius" I'm not, but they were desperate. Most subs don't want long term assignments so those poor kids got stuck with me! I've lost some sleep worrying about it but I've surprised myself too! Who knew I could fake it well enough to get by!

P.S. I realize I didn't take a picture of an algebra book but it's the only math book I have in the house. I bought it at a garage sale a few years back with the great intention of getting my skills up to a 6th grade level. Too bad I've never opened it! What a dreamer!

Here's a Random Post

Okay, I know you are wondering what this is a picture of but this crazy cat won't let me get any closer so just enlarge the photo. This tail-less but beautiful cat belongs to the neighbor but she loves our yard. Especially our fence and this is her favorite position. I snuck outside and was able to get this close because she was sleeping----that is until my bare feet stepped onto the grass and woke her up. Talk about a light sleeper. I was amazed that after raising her head to look at me she stayed stationary long enough for me to snap this shot. Every time I see her snoozing in this ridiculous position I'm struck with the thought that she might find a bed of nails more comfortable!

Well Bryce moved in with a friend from the singles ward yesterday. We helped him get his bedroom furniture over to the apartment which is much closer to the church building where he attends. The rent is super cheap because the place isn't much to look at but it's clean and in an "okay" neighborhood. His roommate is a security guard at the temple at night and Bryce works during the day so I don't think they will be tripping over each other very much. He was excited about this "move" and big change in his life. It will be good for him but it's strange to walk by his room and see it empty! Life is all about change and how we respond to it. I have to keep reminding myself of that!

There's a risk associated with this post.......

Ariann this is for you. You requested a picture of the front of grandma's new house and here it is.
Wow! those tangerines look so big. It must be true what they say about the camera lens adding 10 pounds! That however, was not what I was shooting. Check out the newest/old apron. This is for Rachel's birthday. Yes, it is another "re-purposed" item. We found this dish towel in Zach's favorite antique store while we were in Salt Lake. It was also available in yellow but Aubrey liked the pretty blue best. (She was right--it is more retro looking) I must get it in the mail today so it will only be a few days late!
I always loved big bows in the back! Can you believe we were wearing dresses with same said bows on our butts when I was in high school? What were we thinking?!

Okay, I will explain this post title. Here is the risk: I have earned the reputation of a cheapskate! Sunday evening the high priest group leader called to tell me that he had an assignment for me from the bishop. I am to be the concluding speaker at the combined, 3rd hour meeting Sunday (5th Sunday). Evidently he and the Elder's Quorum Pres. will speak first on the topic of personal financial standards put forth by the church. My assignment, should I decide to accept it (yeah, right, like I have a choice) is to talk about how we can live those standards on a daily basis.

I was confused and asked Gerry Wilson to clarify AND to explain WHY ME?! His answer has left me scratching my head: "The bishop thought you would be perfect for this. He said something about you making clothing out of old curtains or some such thing." WHAT?! First of all---how does the bishop know I do that and secondly, what does my hobby have to do with following the prophet's counsel to stay out of debt?!! I can't wait to ask bishop about this one! When I told Gary, he was not enthused about my less than flattering reputation. His comment: "Great! Does the whole world have to know you're CHEAP?!" Answer: I guess they already do-- thanks to the world of blogging.

A Couple More Pictures

I don't know how I missed posting these. I only wish I had taken more during our trip. I will have to tell Aubrey to get caught up on all her orders then pick a few of her favorites from our trip and post them on MY blog. I know she knows how to do that.
I discovered that while I was gone, blogger changed their format. Ariann had to tell me that I can still make comments even though when I tried to comment on her's last night, the symbol of the hand doesn't come up. All I get now is a verticle straight line but she educated me that if I click my mouse on that line it will still work. Wahla!! Magic!! Oh how I wish I were computer savy. (I also wish I could spell!) Be sure to check out my other post because this is just a "P.S."

P.P.S. It has quit raining for a minute. People tell me it's the first time it has stopped in 2 1/2 days!

Can Our Vacation Really Be Over?

Oh how I miss the comfortable summer temperatures of Utah/Idaho summers! We came home last evening to Tropical Storm Fay and what a mess she has made! The stiffling sticky air makes me miss those desert summers more than ever but it was good to sleep in my own bed last night!
We had a great time with the Williams family at Cub River Lodge. Uncle Randy had planned great meals and the time with family was a welcome treat. Today as I posted my pictures I discovered that I had gotten very lazy because Aubrey (the professional) was there with her camera. What made me think that her pictures would work for me? How did I miss getting one big family shot?! I guess with that many people it would have been difficult to get everyone gathered together at the same time.
From that outing held just outside of Preston Idaho, we headed up to Pocatello to another family gathering organized by Ron's girls. Gina's house was the perfect place for cousins to play and get to know each other. Plenty of activities kept everyone entertained and again, the food was plentiful and delicious! Thanks Gina and Jared! (I think I spelled her name wrong. Hope she will forgive me.) We all commented on what polite children she has. What fun to see how the Davidson family has grown! Thanks everyone!
We spent some time at Grandma and Grandpa Sumner's new place in Logan. It is beautiful and they have done a great job of decorating and turning it into a home. More great meals! Gary went golfing with dad and I was able to attend a relief society meeting at a care center where mom taught the lesson. She did a great a job and all those elderly ladies were very appreciative!
Other highlights include: A visit with my dear friend Liz Leary, accompanying Aubrey on a couple of photo shoots, shopping and sewing with Aubrey while Gary took Zach on a hike up Ensign peak, swimming at Murray park, barbeque with Paul's gracious parents as hosts, ride downtown on Trax for our own photo shoot with the kids, chinese dinner (in honor of the Olympics?) with Kent and Aleta, and listening to Rachel tell of her experience with a public pool where she was forced to wear a swim diaper a few weeks ago. I will laugh at her re-telling for years to come. It went something like this:
"And I told them, like........ I have been potty trained for like..........THREE DAYS!" You had to be there but trust me, it was hilarious! It was fun to have all three kids comfortable with us and willing to let us hold them and smother us with hugs and kisses! Oh how I wish it were possible to live where we could enjoy ALL of our family at the same time. We were grateful that Ariann, Travis, Kaity and Brayden braved the storm and picked us up at the airport. Bryce got along just fine without us for 10 days and probably enjoyed his independence!
I'm sure grateful for my family and that includes all of my extended loved ones! We are truly blessed!