Lessons Learned

Well we just got back from vacation. I don't know if you can really count a small family reunion as a vacation but I am going to anyway. I had a great time with my mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I wish I would have had enough time to see everyone but that is the problem with a two and one half day vacation. I realized this on this trip how much I love my kids. Now my sisters are going to read this and say it is because my kids are perfect, but that is not it. I just thought about what it was going to be like when they came to see me when I am the grandma. (This will be at least 10 years away!)

I was shocked how going home can cause so many emotions. I haven't been in the Salt Lake Valley in almost 15 years when my Grandma Philpot died. Yet, I could remember how to get to the houses that I spent most of my childhood in. I enjoyed going past my grandparents house and telling Tyler that this used to all be fields. I found out something that my Grandpa Philpot said I have to say it brought a smile to my heart.

Katie had the opportunity to spend extra time with Grandma and Grandpa Howells. She tied a quilt, learned how to make a boondoggle key chain, (I guess it is now called craft lace) and how to make a heating pad. She also was able to spend extra time with her Aunts and cousins. She also learned that not all parents handle the same situation the same. This does not mean that one way is better just that the best way for you might not be the best way for others.

I was also able to talk to Tyler about The Batman Philosophy. I learned a few things. I thought it was fun discussing this with my son. I am not making fun of him but he is a nerd. He also finished two graphic novels that I can't wait to discuss. I am going to have to re-watch "Batman the Dark Knight, and just watch "The Watchmen." I don't want to sound like I don't know what I am talking about. I might need help with this.

Noelle was fun because she was able to go to the zoo for the first time. She met a new friend whose mother I have known since I was 10. The girls are going to be pen pals in the 21 century meaning email. It was fun to see how much the girls enjoyed looking up things on the map. I loved spending those few hours with Heidi.

Now that I am home, I get to work on packing the house. I am blessed to find a house in my price range and the right size. It also helps someone I hope I am close to for 30 years. I am finding happiness in the world around me and that is a good thing. Well 9 hours of driving and not going to bed until about midnight for the last few nights is making me a little tired.

Summer is Here

Well school is finished for this year. I cannot believe how this year has flown by. I now get to relax and enjoy summer, but this worries me. Why, you might ask? Well school has been a good thing for me since February. It was a place for me to keep my mind off stuff for 11 hours of the day. School is also a place where I feel like I am home and know my place in the world. That might seem funny to not know where my place in the world is but it is true. For almost twenty years, I was a wife first and mother and teacher second and third. Now I am a mom and teacher first and second. Not that I mind, I love those two jobs more than anything.

It is hard to lose something even if it is a title. Rather it is Mrs. or something like Queen or Princess. Some have asked if I will go back to Ms. Philpot, I have said, "No." Because at school I have been known as Mrs. Fallis for so long parents know who that is. I will just lose the letter R. Maybe that is how I should look at it; I am not losing a title I am losing a letter!

I am excited for summer don't get me wrong. I love sleeping in until 6 AM instead of 5 AM. I am excited to put on my black apron back stage for Tom Sawyer and Little Mermaid. I feel like I am doing something important and that the kids almost need my help. I have a soccer chair that we bought years ago, I have used it for football games now it will become my play mom chair.

I am looking forward to seeing two of my sisters. It will be fun and Kathy and Amy have called the first break down before I even get there which is nice to know I won't be on the spot. I am looking forward to seeing my friend Heidi that I have known forever. Also, excited to show my kids a Liger, at the Hogle Zoo. I hope to see some of my aunts and uncles and take a short trip to Grantsville, to see my grandparents' grave. Katie is excited to leave on Monday to see her cousins, aunts, and grandparents. It is going to be fun for her to be up there a week before the rest of us.

I will tutor a few kids over the summer but please let me know if you know anyone that is going to need tutoring over the summer. I would like to stay busy. Well I am off to spend my first day of break at school. Well at least part of the time. I need to get Tyler to work, Katie from Rebecca's house, and Noelle wants to do something fun today. So now, my most important tile (Mom) will be busy doing what I love, spending time with my kids.