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!