August 9, 2009

If you know me you know that I love to read. But if you know me really well, you know that book groups never work for me. Why? I don’t read adult books, or inspirational books or educational books. I like to read kid and Young Adult books. So this week I jotted down some novels that have really stuck with me. Books that have made me think. Books that have made me better in some way. My sisters asked me to list an age next to the books, so they’ll know if their kids can read them. I did my best.

Books that made me think:

Mrs. Mike—Benedict and Nancy Freedman—I can honestly say this is one of the only books to EVER make me cry. (12)

I am the Cheese—Robert Cormier—I still have images in my mind from this man’s writing. I hated the Chocolate War. This was the best I’ve read of his. (15)

Slumming—Kristen Randle—Love all her books. But I especially liked this one (14)

The Only Alien on the Planet—Kristen Randle—This was the first YA novel I ever read and just fell in love with. (14)

Goose Girl—Shannon Hale—Probably the book I’ve read the most other than the Book of Mormon. I love it. (10)

Princess Academy—Shannon Hale—Oh I don’t know how anyone can not read all of Shannon Hales’ books. The scene where they chant the history of their village is the best of all. (12)

Book of a Thousand Days—Shannon Hale—Mongolia! This is set in Mongolia and I absolutely loved it. (12)

The Way He Lived—Emily Wing Smith—Emily is a new author and I can’t believe how real this book seemed to me. I was engrossed in it from the beginning. (15)

Out of the Dust—Karen Hesse—This book is all poetry. Hesse weaves an unmatched beautiful story. I read it in one night on the floor next to my bathroom. I think I cried in this one too. (12)

Esperanza Rising—Pam Munoz Ryan—Munoz Ryan has a way of putting me in Latin culture. Her stories always have light and a beautiful ending. (10)

The Giver—Lois Lowry—Okay I’ve read this more than Goose Girl, but less than the Book of Mormon. I taught this for many years and I think it is an awesome story. Everybody should have read it in Middle School. I still love it. (10)

Gathering Blue—Lois Lowry—a sequel to The Giver. (12)

The Devil’s Arithmetic—Jane Yolen—Oh I LOVE Jane Yolen. She is one of my favorite authors of all time. (12)

Ella Enchanted—Gail Carson Levine—So much fun. Too bad the movie had to mess it all up. I mean come on—Anne Hathaway doing disco? (10)

A Wrinkle In Time—Madeline L’Engle—My music teacher read this to me for the first time when I was in 5^th grade. I still love everything about it. (10)

Speak—Laurie Halse Anderson—Pretty gritty. Deals with rape. But it has such a good message and resolve. (15)

Enders Game—Orson Scott Card—Who couldn’t love a book about a video game that is really a war out in the universe? (14)

Stargirl—Jerry Spinelli—I love it. (12)

Holes—Louis Sachar—The movie totally did this book justice. I love both! (10)

Al Capone Does My Shirts—Gennifer Choldenko—I was surprised by this book. It’s middle grade and historical fiction. Did you know people actually lived on Alcatraz??? (10)

Becoming Naomi Leon—Pam Munoz Ryan—Again Munoz Ryan just has a way to suck me in and make me want to understand her world. (10)

Pure Enjoyment

I have to list the books that Ward loves. We’ve read all of these together and they are just so fun.

Fablehaven (1-4) (11)

Harry Potter (1-7) (11)

August 4, 2009

First of all I want to thank everyone for your kind comments. I am so grateful for all of you!

Since I’ve had too many posts about my health lately, I thought I’d take a different direction for a few days.
Recently my friend Brodi Ashton (author of soon to be published—Echo—a YA Novel about an unwilling alien hunter in Blackfoot, ID) blogged about her Prom. What thoughts come to your mind when you think of PROM?
I don’t know where Morgan’s Junior Prom traditions originated, but they are something out of the South, or a movie, or maybe a galaxy far, far away. Regardless of where they came from they were as solid as the M on the mountain above the High School.
So why was Morgan Junior Prom so different from anything I’ve ever seen anywhere else?
1. The Opportunity. (I actually think this part is pretty cool.) Junior Prom is for Juniors, and as such, every girl in the Junior class is asked to the Prom. There was a committee set up to make sure that this happened. Sometimes girls refused the “charity date” but I don’t know any in my class who did. Paul Ordyna, one of my best friends in High School, asked me to the Junior Prom over the course of three weeks. I knew it was him from the beginning, but played the game because that’s what you do. When I answered him by burying a little plastic yes in a bottle of pickled pigs feet he immediately said, “I love those things!” opened the jar and scarffed them down until he found the yes.

2. The Transformation. After the dates were set, weeks of work began. We voted on a theme, chose decorations, and then the PE classes were forced outdoors so we could transform the gym into something akin to the Under the Sea Dance in Back to the Future. It wasn’t that bad, but seriously, I can’t believe how much money was spent to decorate the gym. Why the gym? I know other schools go to fancy places—like the Toyota Dealership (really!). My sister’s class tried to move her Prom off site and the administration went bonkers. Why? See #9.
3. The Rehearsal. Did you rehearse for your prom? We did, at least 5 times in the weeks leading up to the big day. I can still see Mrs. Morrison shaking her head and rolling her eyes at us. Why rehearse? See #9.
4. The Dress. Now I know you spent a lot of time picking that perfect dress out at David’s Bridal, but Morgan Junior Prom was different. Mothers all over the county dusted off their sewing machines to create the shimmeriest, closest to in-style, puffed sleeved gown you’ve ever seen. I am still amazed that my mom could pull it off, and I always thought it was a pretty cute dress, until two years ago, my niece took it out of the dress up box, put her hair in a side ponytail and had the coolest Halloween Costume EVER! (She was Deb from Napoleon Dynamite) My Dad thought this was hilarious! He had me pose like I got stood up. How nice is that?
5. The All Day, Wear You Out, Marathon. My young women fondly called this “the daytime activity”. I’ve decided not to leave my opinion about “daytime activities”, because that opinion makes me sound really old! I always had a great time with Paul. If you know him, you know that he had more energy than a nuclear power plant. We went to the 49th Street Galleria, and if it wasn’t loud and fast and bigger than life, it wasn’t Paul. We had a blast and I was grateful that I got to go with him.But, I came home so tired I just wanted to go to sleep. Instead I got ready.
6. The Hair. Come on it was early nineties! Big Hair was IN!

7. The Dinner. When we arrived at Mulboons I knew Paul was into this date big time. He waved his Dad’s credit card and said, “Get whatever you want. I am!” And we did—shrimp, steak, some fancy pina colada drink. Mulboons was definitely the fanciest restaurant I’d ever been to. And guess what, every other kid from Morgan High School was there with us.

8. The Dance. I thought the prom was about dancing. I was a little naïve because I’d never been to the Morgan Junior Prom before (unlike every other classmate of mine—as spectators). When we walked down the hall to the gym we passed a lineup of at least 500 adults (there were only 134 kids in my class). I wondered why they were all there, even though everybody had told me why. Sure we’d rehearsed, but it wasn’t until we got to the gym and saw the bleachers pulled out and filled with 500 more people with video cameras and flash bulbs that realization hit. Paul and I danced ONE DANCE, AND ONLY ONE DANCE before I learned what Morgan High School Junior Prom is all about—the Promenade.
9. The Promenade. I don’t think a whistle blew, but it felt like it. Suddenly Paul pulled away from me and dashed to his assigned spot on the opposite side of the gym. I scrambled to where I’d been told during rehearsal and stood in shrouds of shadows while two by two (except for the groups of three) my friends from Kindergarten walked down the red carpet into the blaring spotlight. I felt sick. I know we’d practiced, but I didn’t think there would be a thousand people in the stands watching us! Soon I was “on deck” and somebody shoved me from behind. I stumbled to the head of the red carpet where I linked arms with Paul and we walked down the red carpet to applause in the form of cowbells and megaphones. Theoretically I should have heard, “Way to go Anne!” Instead I heard “Way to go Amy!” Why? Because Amy was the girl on Paul’s other arm. You see, Amy had a boyfriend from Henefer, and since only Morgan High School students are allowed in the Promenade girls like Amy were farmed out to nice guys like Paul—not to mention uncomplaining girls like me! Sure it seems sweet, but looking back it seems a little Colorado Cityish. We walked into the spotlight while they read our names and flashes of light blinked around the crowd. I don’t know who was taking pictures, my parents certainly weren’t there. When the spotlight circled back to the next couple Paul pushed me toward my side of the gym where we waited until the Promenade was over and they cleared the bleachers for the big group picture. Yes this is my entire graduating class. And most of them went to Kindergarten with me too!
10. The Paparazzi. Paul was raised in a family with one sister and I think six brothers. When all the logistics were over and everybody was ditching the dance for their “after the dance party”, Paul and I tried to dance one more time, but three brothers circled us, the video camera two inches from my face. Soon Paul couldn’t handle it anymore. Me neither, there were old people dancing EVERYWHERE! Paul grabbed me by the hand and we were out of there.

That was really the end of the date because of an unfortunate argument I had with Paul’s friend. I still feel bad about that Paul & Elijah (if you ever read this), but now that I’m a mom and have seen my kids when they’re tired I think I would’ve done better if I’d had a nap.

So why the Prom? I don't know, I just thought it was a fun thing to blog about. So here's your challenge. Post about your Prom. What did you wear? What was it like? I want to read about it. Good luck!

July 15, 2009

After last week’s terrible bout with low blood counts, shots and transfusions I was ready for a good week. I’m really grateful for good friends stopping by, a new friend inviting us for a play date (even when her own kids were hiking a mountain with their grandma—she invited another friend over to meet me and my kids—very nice.) It just seems like when I feel better my outlook on life is better.

I had to laugh at McCady, who asked me for a hammer and nails on Monday. “What for?” I asked. “I’m building a 4-wheeler,” she innocently replied. I went outside and sure enough she had all the ingredients to build a 4-wheeler: a piano dolly, some sticks, a yoga ball and some sidewalk chalk. When I told her Dad would freak if she put nails in his piano dolly she calmly asked for some glue or tape.

MaLeah has mastered her two wheel this week. No matter how many times Ward and I have shown her how to start, she just doesn’t think we know what we’re talking about. Instead of doing it our way she figured out a way of her own. She skates her feet along until her bike wobbles from side to side in a crazy freefall, then right at the last second she lifts both feet off the ground and somehow works herself into a stable ride. Stopping on the other hand hasn’t been so smooth. She thought that jumping off the bike at full speed was the key, then she tried using her dad’s truck as brakes. It’s a good thing our old green friend (and Ward) doesn’t mind another dent in its side.

Maiya has decided that she is a rooster, up with the sun. She climbs into our bed around 5:30 and though Ward tells her to go back to bed she usually climbs in next to him, pushes her feet in his back and tells him to scoot over. He forgets our rule about no kids in the bed and tries to catch a few more minutes of sleep. When he gets up and goes to work she cuddles up next to me and tells me to read my scriptures out loud. It’s really cute.

Wednesday was a perfect day. My friend Charlotte watched the girls while I went to my writing group. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to go. After a fun lunch with Charlotte the girls and I went to see Ward at his office on my way to the doctor. Since I haven’t driven for two weeks this felt like utter freedom.

I know seeing people you know at the doctor’s office isn’t always the best thing, especially when it’s an oncology office, but Richard McConkie, my good friend’s dad was the first person I saw. I can’t help but smile to see this wonderful man who once came to my rescue when I thought my car had broken down. He kindly showed me how to fill it up with gas and didn’t call me a dumb college girl at all. Then I noticed my wonderful friend Dulcie Carlile, whom I worked with 12 years ago in the WSU payroll office. I wanted to cry with joy that I’d seen her after all these years and cry again because we were meeting up in Dr. Gray’s office. Finally a big burly man, Warren, who I’d sat by during my last infusion (not Frank) stopped me and asked how I was doing. I wanted to hug the guy. It’s good I gained one friend out of that day.

I was feeling so well, that on my way home I decided to stop and get my drivers license renewed. My friend Kelli had told me it was a breeze and she was right. The high point? They didn’t make me take a new picture with a bald head. Even higher? My weight’s down because of my crazy diet, so for four years I’m legally that weight—ha!

July 5, 2009

What I am grateful for on the 4^th of July!

· My life and the option to fight this cancer.

· This week has been pretty rocky health wise, but I made it through and even got to see my girls ride their bikes in the Eden 4^th of July parade! I was forced to do it from the truck because my counts were so low, but still, I was there to see them.

· My husband and the way he works so hard to make our life run smoothly.

· My girls and the freedom I have to give them education, religion, and happiness.

· My extended family. The support and love and fun they give me. And the freedom we have to be together.

· The men and women who leave their families and sacrifice so much to be a part of our armed forces.

· Inspired government leaders who are trying to do what is right for our country.

· My freedom to live, love, learn, worship, speak, write, vote , and remember.

June 18, 2009

We are still here, even though I've been quiet on the blogging side of things.
Our week has been filled with:
A visit from the tooth fairy--McCady
Rides on her two-wheel without training wheels!--MaLeah
A visit to the doctor where he said, "You're right. She has a high fever and she's grouchy."--Maiya
Thinning Hair-Me
Working and cutting up trees (So we can clear the path for the lane to our property)--Ward

We're doing pretty well. The treatments have shown their side effects. When I tried to brush my hair this morning this is what I saw:I stopped brushing.
Yesterday over a similar scene MaLeah said, "Daddy said not to put hair in the sink!" People have said, "It's probably easier the second time around." I'd like to see their expression in the mirror after they pull out a few clumps.
Okay so the bright side of things. I don't know if this is true in all cases, but did you know that I have one good side effect from the chemo. I can sit outside in a cloud of mosquitos and not get bit!!! I guess they don't like the smell of the chemo running through my blood. I've got to count the positives, what else is there to do?
On the really bright side of things--We're out of here! We are leaving on a road trip in about a half and hour. We are going to Lake Tahoe, the Redwoods and up the Oregon Coast. Just think, now I won't have to clean up all this hair all over these beautiful hardwood floors. Instead I'll leave it in Nevada, California, and Oregon. This is one of the things on my LIST. I'm so grateful Ward and his wonderful staff made work flow smoothly so it can happen.
I hope you have a WONDERFUL week!

June 8, 2009

I promised to send pictures of our new place. I'm not sure the pictures can do it justice.  Even though the chemo treatment has kind of taken over the fun this week, it's still nice to wake up with the windows open--birds chirping etc. We feel like we're camping, just waking up in a comfortable bed with nice bathrooms, a leather sofa and a flat screen TV.  I managed to get high speed Internet, the sink to drain (really Ward did it), the garage door to work (Ward again), and my kids to put their bikes away when the rain starts pouring(Okay Ward again, but some of me).  We have no TV service yet, but do you know how much DirecTV is for a two year contract?!?  I'm not sure we're signing up--videos, streaming KSL and PBS kids online are working out pretty well so far.  So do you want to come??? 

Go ahead. Drive up the nice country lane (or is it down, can't remember).  It's seriously about 10 times longer than this   

Take a look to your left . . . isn't she cute? My brother-in-law Alan said this spot was more beautiful than any scene he saw in all his travels across Germany last week. I wish it wasn't so overcast, so you could see the colors.
Then the farm house is on the right . . . 
The view from the front porch isn't that bad, can you see now why we feel like we're camping?
I'd love to introduce you to our nearest neighbors . . .
These kids who are TERRIFIED of little cats, and docile dogs have no problem with Rhino, Smartie, or Concern.
Literally sixty steps (okay long steps) from our front porch you get to see the best view in Ogden Valley, reserved entirely for the Creager's cows, and us.  
We feel so lucky to be here.  My pictures can't show you how beautiful it is.  Don't you want to come visit??    

I am doing pretty well.  The Chemo took a couple of days to kick in.  When it did, it really kicked.  I was not well for a few days. I know I shouldn't have, but I went to church. I barely made it through, and somebody hugged me.  Yikes! No hugs or shaking hands, I know Mary.  Even though I know nobody would care or miss me if I wasn't there, that's the point! I want to meet new people and not be viewed as the sick lady who lives down the lane.    

 We are doing well.  Hope you have a good week! 

May 19, 2009

It all started with KICKBALL!

Last week for Young Men and Young Womens on Wednesday night(I teach the 16-18 year old girls at my church and every week we have an activity for all youth 12-18 to participate in) we played kickball. I wasn't sure I could actually play, but I really wanted to. I love kickball. When they were counting off one-two-one-two I decided I didn't want these kids remembering me as someone who always sat on the sidelines. I felt pretty good. It was afterall my last night of chemo--so why not? We played three innings where everybody got one chance to kick. The other team scored with almost every person up to kick. My team on the other hand could've used a few practice sessions. It didn't matter though. I played. I kicked. I pitched. And I made it through. I didn't think I would a few times, but rounding the bases and even knocking sweet Emily Oborn off Home Plate so I could score (twice--I love you Emily!) was awesome!

After that night I decided--I'm sick of sickness. I was so sore from kickball, but I got on my treadmill anyway and walked. Then this morning it happened.

I had walked twenty minutes and I decided I wanted to run. I turned up the speed and I RAN. TEN MINUTES. I wish it were ten miles, but ten minutes is a start! It felt so good. It's been so long, but I just couldn't read about all those runners in the Ogden Marathon anymore--and not be a part. So I began my own marathon. Ten minutes today. Who knows what it will be tomorrow.

I feel great, tired, but great. Sure I have the pain in my chest and the new growth on the side of my jaw. But I'm tired of worrying about it. There are things I'm going to do. I'm not going to broadcast them yet, but just let your imagination run. Because I'm going to!

May 2, 2009

We have very mixed feelings about selling our home. This is our first home . . . the place we have had such life changing experiences. But we know it's the right time to sell. My goal right now is to get our family settled. That means closer to family and the possibility of building a home. For now we're moving to the farm house Ward's parents own. We'll rent it for now. (The plus side of this? A beautiful location. Close to family and help. Hardwood floors discovered under the old carpet. Old friends and new friends awaiting our arrival) Although we love our neighborhood and friends here, and even our house because of all the changes we made to it, this is the right thing to do.
So I'm posting a slideshow of all the improvements we've made to the house. Not for any reason except that this was a ton of work! And because of my illness not a lot of people have been able to see what we really did. We love this house now. We love our neighbors. We are really saddened to leave.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

January 20, 2009

ENOUGH OF CANCER!
I'm sick of talking about cancer. I do other things all the time. One other think I've been doing is just messing around with my camera. Here are a few pictures I took of the three girls I teach at church. Thanks Marjean for the props and the great ideas of where to take the pics. Thanks Josie, Marisah and Mandy for having fun.
She is actually on top of a train--20 feet up!
She was the best poser!

She wants to be on Broadway when she grows up. I think she'll make it!

December 3, 2008

I had something really witty to say about how much I hate cancer, but I'm just deflated today. Last night I got an email from my friend Marge's husband. We were teachers together in Cleveland--Willowick. Her lymphoma has recurred. She's starting Chemo today. I don't know why this disease, in all it's many forms, has to hurt so many people I love. I'm really sick of it.
I'm sure Marge isn't checking this, but I LOVE YOU anyway.