Well school officially starts tomorrow. Teachers went back last week so it will be my second week of work. This school year is going to be different from other years. This will be my first year as a single mom. I think this will bring an understanding that I have not had in years past to other single parents. I also will also work with my partner in crime at the after school program. That will give me a few extra dollars a month.
Tyler is a senior this year and I cannot believe that this is his last year in high school. It seems like yesterday I was signing him up for kindergarten. He has been very lucky to have wonderful teachers along the way. He has grown up into a handsome young man and I am very proud of the person he has become.
Katie is a sophomore and has grown into a beautiful young woman. The advantage she has over her classmates is her determination. She works very hard and every grade she receives she earns. This will help her go farther than most of her classmates. I am very proud of her strong testimony and love for our Savior Jesus Christ.
Noelle or Steve as she is known at school will start the intermediate level at school. For those of you that are not familiar with Telesis she will be in fourth grade. She is nervous because there are new teachers and she is not good with change. I know she will do fine as long as she can stay focused. Steve is a good girl and wants to choose the right.
I have been so blessed by the love of my Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. My family and friends have been my rocks. I am humbled by the love and support of others. As another school year starts, I hope that my children will remember what they were told today during their Priesthood Blessings. I am so grateful for the priesthood in my life. As I sign off I hope everyone has a wonderful school year!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Friends for a lifetime
Well this is my official last post for the summer. I first want to dedicate this post to my very best friend in the world Anna Gosma. I met Anna 13 years ago at the library. David was trying to pull the fire extinguisher off of the wall next to the fire truck. If you live or have lived in Havasu you know that the fire truck was at the old library and the kids could sit in it during story time with Mrs. Brown. Anna was pregnant with Ethan and had just moved to town. A few days later in one of the store parking lots (I think it was K Mart) I told her about MOMS Club. We became instant friends. Oh, Patty Poorten thank you for starting that wonderful group in Havasu. As I look at many of my friends it is because of that group.
Anna and I have been through the birth of 3 children, two of hers and one of mine. We have been through good times and bad. We laugh whenever we see a Hooters and she has been there to comfort me in my darkest hours. Hopefully I have done the same for her. She moved to Michigan about 7 years ago and then came back 5 years later. We haven’t seen much of each other however; we do talk on the phone almost every day. She was the first person next to my parents I called when Jason said he was going to file for divorce. I have cried on the phone with her more than anyone else. I have also laughed harder with her than anyone else.
Today Anna and I had lunch together for the last time. She told the waitress we would need a pitcher of Diet Coke. Anna understands the importance of a good soda when we meet. We talked about her house back east and her trip. We talked about the kids and how David is now going through the 14 year old boy stage that I told her would happen. We talked about making sure that if we saw Hooters we would take a picture and text each other. I would share the Hooters story but to be honest Anna and I are the only ones that ever laugh. We also talked about how I am “Great-Grandma Flo Flo,” a title I will always cherish. After lunch we hugged each other good bye. I will miss my friend but she is only a phone call away.
Why is this important to those that read this blog? Well the reason is you don’t know how you will touch someone’s life. That day I smiled and said, “Hello,” to a young mom who was going to have a baby changed my life. It was something so simple but that one word and the smile that went with it made all the difference in the world. Who would have thought?
As school starts I would like to remind us to all smile and say, “Hello.” It might change your life.
Anna and I have been through the birth of 3 children, two of hers and one of mine. We have been through good times and bad. We laugh whenever we see a Hooters and she has been there to comfort me in my darkest hours. Hopefully I have done the same for her. She moved to Michigan about 7 years ago and then came back 5 years later. We haven’t seen much of each other however; we do talk on the phone almost every day. She was the first person next to my parents I called when Jason said he was going to file for divorce. I have cried on the phone with her more than anyone else. I have also laughed harder with her than anyone else.
Today Anna and I had lunch together for the last time. She told the waitress we would need a pitcher of Diet Coke. Anna understands the importance of a good soda when we meet. We talked about her house back east and her trip. We talked about the kids and how David is now going through the 14 year old boy stage that I told her would happen. We talked about making sure that if we saw Hooters we would take a picture and text each other. I would share the Hooters story but to be honest Anna and I are the only ones that ever laugh. We also talked about how I am “Great-Grandma Flo Flo,” a title I will always cherish. After lunch we hugged each other good bye. I will miss my friend but she is only a phone call away.
Why is this important to those that read this blog? Well the reason is you don’t know how you will touch someone’s life. That day I smiled and said, “Hello,” to a young mom who was going to have a baby changed my life. It was something so simple but that one word and the smile that went with it made all the difference in the world. Who would have thought?
As school starts I would like to remind us to all smile and say, “Hello.” It might change your life.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Road Less Traveled
I have wanted to write a blog for a few weeks but nothing would come to mind. Maybe I had writers block. I doubt that because I am not a writer. I think the issue is that unlike a journal a blog is something others will read and like our mothers before us would say, "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." I have two journals one is my blog (because it is a hip way to journal) and one is my journal. In my white journal, there are all of my feelings good or bad. This will need to be buried when I die, then I have my regular journal or now blog that others can read. Now, you might say who are you not going to say nice things about and it is not who most of you are thinking.
Last night after more tears were shed (I did not think I could produce that man tears) I starting to pray. I have spent time on my knees during this situation but I really plead to our Father in Heaven. I am not perfect, I like to joke and say I am Mary Poppins, who is practically perfect in every way. Nevertheless, I am not even close to her. I have my own demons that live hidden in the back of my closet but I have tried to live a good life.
I have a pioneer heritage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My family knew Joseph Smith and followed Brigham Young on the exodus west. My ninth Great Grandfather even has a few sections of the Doctrine and Covenants written to him. I have never known another way, but I know where I am at is the right place for my family. I have some dear friends from other faiths and I do not want to diminish or make light of what they believe. Because I am happy, to have friends that are good Christian people and those people have been just as important to me as my LDS friends have. In fact, my three most trusted advisors have been of other faiths. However, they gave me the same advice that my lovely Bishop gave to me.
Now, I can get to the heart of my blog. Everyone has agency that is a gift we received when we came to Earth. It was part of the plan. Some people like Mother Theresa used her agency to lift people up others like Stalin tore people down. However, each of us has a right to choose for ourselves. This does not apply to totally to children because they are supposed to do what their parents ask them to do. It is hard to teach your children about agency and not look like a hypocrite yourself. Because you know, your mistakes are what they are going to look at first.
The tricky part of life is when what we used to believe is not what we believe now. Rather it is a family tradition that occurs once a year or something that can change the outcome of a life. Children look up to their parents, we as parents ask our parents for advice on raising kids. Nevertheless, agency is still ours, it is still the gift that we were given and it belongs to us. Therefore, the question is how do we use our agency and still teach our children. I do not know the answer. Other than at a certain age, children get to use their agency and hopefully we have taught them to go to their Father in Heaven and ask for his advice.
I would like to close with a few stanzas from Robert Frost's poem. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference
Last night after more tears were shed (I did not think I could produce that man tears) I starting to pray. I have spent time on my knees during this situation but I really plead to our Father in Heaven. I am not perfect, I like to joke and say I am Mary Poppins, who is practically perfect in every way. Nevertheless, I am not even close to her. I have my own demons that live hidden in the back of my closet but I have tried to live a good life.
I have a pioneer heritage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My family knew Joseph Smith and followed Brigham Young on the exodus west. My ninth Great Grandfather even has a few sections of the Doctrine and Covenants written to him. I have never known another way, but I know where I am at is the right place for my family. I have some dear friends from other faiths and I do not want to diminish or make light of what they believe. Because I am happy, to have friends that are good Christian people and those people have been just as important to me as my LDS friends have. In fact, my three most trusted advisors have been of other faiths. However, they gave me the same advice that my lovely Bishop gave to me.
Now, I can get to the heart of my blog. Everyone has agency that is a gift we received when we came to Earth. It was part of the plan. Some people like Mother Theresa used her agency to lift people up others like Stalin tore people down. However, each of us has a right to choose for ourselves. This does not apply to totally to children because they are supposed to do what their parents ask them to do. It is hard to teach your children about agency and not look like a hypocrite yourself. Because you know, your mistakes are what they are going to look at first.
The tricky part of life is when what we used to believe is not what we believe now. Rather it is a family tradition that occurs once a year or something that can change the outcome of a life. Children look up to their parents, we as parents ask our parents for advice on raising kids. Nevertheless, agency is still ours, it is still the gift that we were given and it belongs to us. Therefore, the question is how do we use our agency and still teach our children. I do not know the answer. Other than at a certain age, children get to use their agency and hopefully we have taught them to go to their Father in Heaven and ask for his advice.
I would like to close with a few stanzas from Robert Frost's poem. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Good-bye Harry for now
I thought it fitting that this week I should write about Harry Potter. When Tyler was in second grade, he found a book in a book order form he wanted to read, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I did not know anything about the book other than it was a "magical journey of a little boy." I do not even remember where I had read that but that is what I had read some place. I gave him the money and we received the book about 2 weeks later.
The deal was we would read one chapter before bed. Katie was too little to read it so we would do it in his room right before bedtime.We started the book and I was hooked with the first chapter. In fact, Tyler made me promise that I would not go ahead in the book. This was a promise I soon broke. We started the book on a Thursday night and by Sunday I was needed the second one and the third one. Then I had to wait like millions of fans for book number four.
There were numerous debates all over this country about these, "so called children's books about magic." Were these books of the devil? I have always thought and shared this opinion when asked about rather someone else's children should read them because of the magic issue. It is a fictional story, a great fictional story, but it is fiction. Harry Potter's life was not easier because of magic because it was not. He was orphaned as a boy because of magic. He had to live in a cupboard under the stairs with people that treated him horrible because of the magical powers his parents had. He had a nemesis (this is Noelle's favorite word) at the age of one. No, his life was not easier because of magic.
I am asked what my favorite book is well here is the answer. I love Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The trials in this book are what make Harry stronger and ready for the final task of the Tri Wizard Cup. He is then more prepared to meet what will happen in the graveyard. The scene where he sees his parents and they let him know what to do. He also sees Cedric and he tells Harry to take back his body to his father. This scene is so touching and this is the first time I cried in a Harry Potter book.
Number five is where Harry loses his Godfather Sirius Black. This was a devastating loss not only to Harry but also, to all Potter fans alike. Here was the man that he did not know very long but loved him more than any other adult. The tears flowed hard. This would be just the first of many of the main characters to die because of Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. Dumbledore in book six and too many in book seven (plus for those of you who have not read the book) I do not want to spoil it. I did write read the book not watch the movie.
Not only did Harry, Hermione, and Ron grew up we all did. Neville Longbottom grew up and became the leader of the DA in Harry's absence. Oh, how people cheered for Neville in number 7. He truly became a man. I have also watched how my children have grown up with Harry as well. Tyler is now 17 and getting ready for his final year of high school. There are trials he will have that hopefully he will have been prepared to go through. Katie is learning to fight her own battles and learning to be a leader in the group not always the follower. Noelle is still finding her place in the world and soon she will be equipped with all the items she needs to help fight those battles she will fight.
J. K. Rowling made reading cool again. Children, teenagers, and adults would stand in line to get a book! Oh, what a readers dream, to think it all started in a coffee shop across the pond. In the end because of the movies, hopefully more children will want to read these wonderful books. Good-bye Harry but I have a feeling I will be seeing you soon.
The deal was we would read one chapter before bed. Katie was too little to read it so we would do it in his room right before bedtime.We started the book and I was hooked with the first chapter. In fact, Tyler made me promise that I would not go ahead in the book. This was a promise I soon broke. We started the book on a Thursday night and by Sunday I was needed the second one and the third one. Then I had to wait like millions of fans for book number four.
There were numerous debates all over this country about these, "so called children's books about magic." Were these books of the devil? I have always thought and shared this opinion when asked about rather someone else's children should read them because of the magic issue. It is a fictional story, a great fictional story, but it is fiction. Harry Potter's life was not easier because of magic because it was not. He was orphaned as a boy because of magic. He had to live in a cupboard under the stairs with people that treated him horrible because of the magical powers his parents had. He had a nemesis (this is Noelle's favorite word) at the age of one. No, his life was not easier because of magic.
I am asked what my favorite book is well here is the answer. I love Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The trials in this book are what make Harry stronger and ready for the final task of the Tri Wizard Cup. He is then more prepared to meet what will happen in the graveyard. The scene where he sees his parents and they let him know what to do. He also sees Cedric and he tells Harry to take back his body to his father. This scene is so touching and this is the first time I cried in a Harry Potter book.
Number five is where Harry loses his Godfather Sirius Black. This was a devastating loss not only to Harry but also, to all Potter fans alike. Here was the man that he did not know very long but loved him more than any other adult. The tears flowed hard. This would be just the first of many of the main characters to die because of Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. Dumbledore in book six and too many in book seven (plus for those of you who have not read the book) I do not want to spoil it. I did write read the book not watch the movie.
Not only did Harry, Hermione, and Ron grew up we all did. Neville Longbottom grew up and became the leader of the DA in Harry's absence. Oh, how people cheered for Neville in number 7. He truly became a man. I have also watched how my children have grown up with Harry as well. Tyler is now 17 and getting ready for his final year of high school. There are trials he will have that hopefully he will have been prepared to go through. Katie is learning to fight her own battles and learning to be a leader in the group not always the follower. Noelle is still finding her place in the world and soon she will be equipped with all the items she needs to help fight those battles she will fight.
J. K. Rowling made reading cool again. Children, teenagers, and adults would stand in line to get a book! Oh, what a readers dream, to think it all started in a coffee shop across the pond. In the end because of the movies, hopefully more children will want to read these wonderful books. Good-bye Harry but I have a feeling I will be seeing you soon.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A new way of thinking
Well summer is about half way done and I have not finished much on my list. That is okay because I still have a month to finish things. Packing is going well and my goal next week is to have the bathrooms, linen closet, and the china packed. You might be questioning my bathroom and linen closet idea but like most people, I have stuff under the bathroom sink that I do not use or even know I have. The idea with the linen closet is I do not need to have all my sheets, blankets, and towels unpacked.
On the advice of a good friend, I am going to try to learn some new things. I might take up fishing but putting the worm on the hook makes me squirmy so that might be out. I think I am going to start a book club. I think that would be a good start because I do LOVE to read. Therefore, a book club could encompass one of my passions. So, if you want to become a member of a book club let me know. I would like to start by reading my favorite book The Help.
This same friend reminded me that anything a boys can do girls can do. (I will add better.) I am a little old fashioned with this idea. Not that girls cannot do whatever boys can do but I do think there are boy jobs and girl jobs. I am also going to learn in the next few months how to take beds apart and put them back together. That will give me a little independence. Putting beds together is a boy's job. Now, I will have to rethink my idea and make it a girl's job. I am still nervous but I know if I need help I have the support of friends and family.
Well I had better get my jobs done for the night so I can start my new book, The Last Templar. I would be remiss if I did not thank my friends and family for all of their support. I am truly blessed to have you in my life and the lives of my kids. I am going to try to add some sprinkles to my vanilla! This will help me find who Flo is again.
On the advice of a good friend, I am going to try to learn some new things. I might take up fishing but putting the worm on the hook makes me squirmy so that might be out. I think I am going to start a book club. I think that would be a good start because I do LOVE to read. Therefore, a book club could encompass one of my passions. So, if you want to become a member of a book club let me know. I would like to start by reading my favorite book The Help.
This same friend reminded me that anything a boys can do girls can do. (I will add better.) I am a little old fashioned with this idea. Not that girls cannot do whatever boys can do but I do think there are boy jobs and girl jobs. I am also going to learn in the next few months how to take beds apart and put them back together. That will give me a little independence. Putting beds together is a boy's job. Now, I will have to rethink my idea and make it a girl's job. I am still nervous but I know if I need help I have the support of friends and family.
Well I had better get my jobs done for the night so I can start my new book, The Last Templar. I would be remiss if I did not thank my friends and family for all of their support. I am truly blessed to have you in my life and the lives of my kids. I am going to try to add some sprinkles to my vanilla! This will help me find who Flo is again.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, June 3, 2011
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.
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.
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