Barnard Family

Aidan the Astronaut

2012-01-31T04:09:00.001-08:00

Aidan has been excited about his lessons about space exploration. This is a book he made:
***i am trying the blogger app to post this and I think it scrambled all the pictures up. Update - pictures were not in order so I had to reorder them. Usually I don't think it would matter but this time it was a book so I had to fix it.

Isn't he adorable? He also had a real astronaut from NASA come to the school. They talked about space, got to see real items that were on a spaceship and she gave each of them a coloring book! He was so excited. Now that Obama has cut the space program....well, we won't get into polotics on this sweet little post. ;)

Life is funny.

2012-01-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

sunrise in Florida from my back porch

I was reading one of my posts from just a year and a half ago speaking of the winds of change. How we were trying to decide where we needed to be in life and where the Lord would lead us. It lead us home to Orem and we really loved every minute of it. More than I enjoyed it the first time I lived there! I got to really know some people that I didn't know before - at least not really, and now I am having a hard time living without them. And met some more people that I just can't see how my life was ever complete until I met them.
And then the winds of change came again. I know that they were partially self-inflicted this time - we moved closer to my parents...but I am not sure that they really were. Sometimes the Lord intends for us to go somewhere for a purpose - I am not sure what that purpose is yet. I know that things are different. I know that some days I really enjoy being here and some days it is hard to be here. I miss my friends terribly and wish that this place and that place were closer together. But I am resolute in finding out what the Lord has in store for us. I find solace in the beauty of the place that I am right now. I am amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds me and hope that I can soak up as much as possible while I am here. You never know when the winds of change may decide to pick up again.

Family Pics by Michael Lloyd Photography

2012-01-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

I am really excited to present to you the 2011 Barnard Family pics - these were taken by one of our bestest friends ever - Michael Lloyd. You totally need to check out his work at www.michaellloydphotography.com because he is the bomb dot com. We had never, ever gotten family photos professionally and he made it wonderfully fun and got me through some rough picture stage freight. :) We love him to the moon and back. So here goes nothing....some of my absolute favs!


The fav-fav hanging large and proud on our wall.

I love the fall colors here!

Andrew

Colton

Cannon

Cali

Aidan

Right before sunset

The Girls

The boys

When I said it was on like Donkey Kong...I meant it.

2012-01-23T05:46:00.001-08:00

So blogging hasn't really worked out for me that well. I don't know if I just have consistency issues or what. Ok, I totally have consistency issues, let's be honest. ;) BUT it is a new year and a new adventure and I don't want to miss out on everything that we are experiencing. I think that it would be horrible of me not to document some of these great memories - so here goes the blog again....

The Winds of Change

2010-04-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

March and April have always brought the wind, here to Blythe...somehow this time it has brought with it changes for our family as well. Last month Adam left his job at Desert Security Farms. It was a bittersweet change - there are so many things about the job that we will miss - and some that we will not.

Adam is currently looking for a new job. The funny thing is that I have been really calm through the whole process. I hope that everything works out - I might have to get a J-O-B if something doesn't pan out soon for a new career for Adam. The not knowing is the hardest part. Not knowing if we will live here in Blythe or somewhere else. Not knowing what Adam will do next and if he will like it. Not knowing what school the kids will go to. Not knowing what house we may live in or if we will rent. The dark mist of not knowing is definately the hardest part.

At the same time I am also going to school. I am taking 12 units - the helpful part is that my classes are online and right up my alley. Mostly computer stuff with some education stuff mixed in. My major is Vocational Education aka Career and Technical Education. My area of "expertise" is computers. I hope to someday teach a class or two at a community college. In the meantime it is a difficult process to be out of work, going to school, packing - but to where - only the Lord knows.

This month's VT message is on personal revelation and I feel like it was just meant for me...I could really use a boost of confidence, reassurance and revelation about the next chapter in our lives. I know that the Lord is looking out for us and have seen his hand in this whole process already. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father that knows us personally and guides us to the places and people that we need to meet in our journey. I have been sooooo grateful for the opportunity to come to Blythe. It may not be a perfect place but it has been the perfect chapter in the Barnard Family legacy. I don't know if our next chapter has us continuing here or moving on - but wherever we end up we will be blooming together...It has been nice to bloom as a desert rose for a while!

12 Days of Christmas Adventure - Day 2

2009-12-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

This morning, while waiting for the bus, Cannon happened upon Tom leaving for work and innocently asked...."Did you get anything at your door last night?"

ummmmm.......surprise and mystery has now been 100% kyboshed! Good thing our neighbors are sweet enough to let our kids follow through with the original plan. I hope that they will improve on their sneakiness through the years.

We brought them a finding nemo puzzle that had a turtle and a dove chocolate bar....all neighbors are playing the game and no one was "caught" tonight. hehehehe - such good sports!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Adventure: Day 1

2009-12-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

The twelve days of Christmas could start today (if you want it to end on Christmas Eve) or tomorrow (if you want it to end Christmas Day)....

we choose today.
Our victims: two neighbors
The plan: ding-dong ditch a gift for each day of the twelve days of Christmas
The first gift - an ornament for your Christmas Tree

The first neighbor has about 18 (ok 4) dogs....needless to say, as the boys got closer to the house the dogs went crazy and the family swung the door open and Andrew shyly said...."um, this was supposed to be a surprise"...lol, ok, so they know who we are at day one - not optimal...but still fun.

The second neighbor....this time the kids had an elaborate plan - they mapped out how it would work, divided the labor and had a lookout! Andrew laid in the grass and called the neighbors dog over - she knows us, so no barking. :) Cali crept up to the door and left the gift and card. She went and laid in the lookout spot with Andrew. Colton then crept up, rang the bell and ran around the corner of the house. The neighbor opened the door, saw the gift, looked around, picked it up and went inside! SUCCESS!

Check us out for day two of the Barnard's Twelve Days of Christmas Adventure!

Cannon on the Front Page of the Newspaper.

2009-12-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Cannon had fun playing hopscotch at the new Appleby school. See the cute crocks? Later that day he called me to come and bring him new shoes...he had gotten a blister. Darn crocks! Hope he enjoys hop scotch cuz that's all the new "playground" has. Hopefully not forever!

Andrew is the YOUTH SPEAKER at church...

2009-11-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

but first - Journal Jar Thought of the Day: I love the prophet because....

....he has a gentle strength that can only come to those that serve the Lord with all of the might, mind and soul. I thought that when we lost President Hinckley that it would be difficult to love a prophet as much as I did him. The Lord must have felt that from more than just me and put in a man, Thomas S. Monson, that has every admirable quality that President Hinckley had but in his own sweet, refined way. The prophet's love of the gospel and the children of God can been seen in his very countenance. It is something that I have seen in all prophets and something that I would like to find in my own life.

Today Andrew gave his first real youth talk in sacrament meeting. It was really sweet. Yesterday as he was writing his talk he had written about half a page and announced that he was "done". I looked at the page and regretfully told him that although he had taken 10 minutes to write - and I use that term loosely because he had actually copied it straight out of the Strength for Youth pamphlet - that what he had written would only take about 45 seconds to read. All of the hope drained from his poor, sweet face.
I laughed it off and told him I would help him. I had him gather the "essentials" for writing a talk. The scriptures, his For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and the most recent conference Ensign. I helped him map out what would go where and typed it up for him. I wish that the boy would enunciate his words! - but other than that he did brilliantly. He is such a sweet boy and really starting to come into his own. I am proud of him and hope that he will be able to continue on this path of righteousness.

Here is his talk:

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters. Today I’ve been asked to give a talk on Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. First let me start with the fourth Article of Faith.
^th Article of Faith>
This article of faith tells us that we must first have faith before we are able to repent, get baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This must be really, really important – because it is first!
How do we obtain faith? Is it something that comes easily? The Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Alma made a similar statement: “If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”
In the true to the faith pamphlet it says that Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show your hope for something that you cannot see.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws the greater will be the endowment of faith”.
That means that we must first act! – And by that I mean, we must first choose to be righteous – or as the primary says, “Choose the Right”. As we do this, Heavenly Father will then turn around and “bestow upon us” or give us faith.
When I first heard this, I thought that it sounded backwards. I thought that you had to have faith to choose the right but in preparing this talk, I realized that if you choose the right, the Lord will give you the faith that you are doing what you should and you will want to continue.
The true to the Faith pamphlet says that: “In order for your faith to lead you to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ.” It means believing that even though you do not understand all things – that our Heavenly brother, Jesus Christ does. He is always ready to help you as you remember His plea, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”
The pamphlet also says that we need to be living by Faith. I like to think that Faith is an ACTION word. That means that you must be working, and praying and doing something in order for your faith to grow. President Hinckley likened faith unto your arm. If you put it in a sling and not use it, it will become weak – but if you exercise it, it becomes stronger.

Even when the future seems uncertain, your faith in the Savior can give you peace – Helaman 5:47 demonstrates this thought.
Satan will try at every corner to halt our growth of faith. Elder Kevin W. Pearson spoke of the dangers that Satan will throw at us. He called them the 6 Destructive D’s – they are: doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience and disbelief. We should be aware that these are tools of the devil and if we start to feel any of these things we will know that it is time for a course correction in our lives.
I know that if we strife to continually remember these things, and take action in our lives to gain faith, that the Lord will bless us beyond our understanding.

On the Blog Again, Isn't it great to be on the Blog Again!

2009-08-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so that was a little cheesy...the title was suposed to be like the song, On the Road Again....yeah, well. The point is we are NOT on the road anymore and are trying to get ready for the next big chapter in our lives. The Next School Year!

We are not sure what the new year may bring. I have requested my teachers and we will see what happens. I requested Cali for Mrs. Rymer but so did all the other mormon mom's in town and they can't put all of the "good kids" in one class...so she may get another teacher...we will see.

For Cannon I requested Mrs. Hackney. He had Mr. Hackney last year and did well and Colton had Mrs. Hackney and liked her so I figured it would work out well. With all the craziness and goings on at Appleby though it may be different than expected. I hear that they might have Mr. Hackney's 2nd grade and Mrs. Hackney's third grade class combined into a great big combo supreme class with both Mr and Mrs. Hackney at the helm...so we will see what the new year brings.

Colton is going into 4th grade and is a gate kid (able learners program) so he is supposed to go to Mrs. Schnider's class but we requested that he be in Ms. Vega's class - so we will see. Fourth grade is a rough transition either way - they expect more out of ya, so we will just have to see how things go. I don't have a problem getting Colton to read but I do have issues with the AR testing...I am sure it will work out.

Andrew. Well, this is the first year that the 6th graders will be at the elementary (they were at the jr. high in recent years). I am glad for this as the jr. high is, well...sleezy, honestly. Anyways, that is a whole other topic :) Maybe another day we can explore that. So appleby has brought one 6th grade teacher from the jr. high and is hiring a new one. Honestly, I have heard that the current 6th grade teachers are not spectacular...so I am hoping he gets into the new teacher's classroom.

So that is the kids. Aidan will be home with momma. There will, hopefully, be some kid swapping goin' on - so that I can volunteer one day a week at the school.

And then the BIG news.

MY School Schedule! YIKES! I graduated from PVC and so now I have to move on, and unfortunately the closest school to "move on" to is 1 1/2 - 2 hours away. Blah! So, I got one online class but the others I will need to take face to face. So fridays I will be heading to Palm Desert and the sad thing is - I won't even have time for shopping cuz I only get a 1 hour break from 9am to 9pm. That is one way to lose weight I guess ;) CSU is on quarters so it is only 10 weeks long and hopefully I will get through it just fine. I am honestly not worried about the academics...I have been at a University before and know what to expect - but the driving and being out of town might just get the better of me. Not to mention that saturday morning is pretty much gonna be a wash. I won't get home till 11pm-ish so I will be exhausted I am sure.

Ok, one more big school news...

Adam will be teaching to distance ed Accounting classes this semester at PVC...it is exciting and sure to be lots of fun. I think that it is a great way for him to get a little variety and challenge in his regular routine. He is looking forward to it.

Well, that is the update for now. I will get some pictures up at some point but will back date them to when they happened so be on the lookout for that!

How the heck is the Barnard Family anyways???

2009-06-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been way too long....Life has been busy and we have been just holding on for the ride. Between school (kids), school (me), work (Adam), work (me), church callings and just plain life - well, things have been slightly busy!

It is summer now. So, school is out. Work (for me) is through and life is getting to settle down just a bit. Well, let me see if I can give you the family breakdown:

Adam - working as hard as always. Enjoying as much time as possible with the family. Headed up the "turn off the cable" campaign in our family for the summer - which I would like to report was successful. So far, so good!

Rachel - trying to reorganize my schedule, house and life. The summer seems to be going by quickly so I am trying to play catch up already. It may end more quickly than anticipated. FINALLY, finished up working - and will be taking classes this fall from California State University! (Hopefully not too many!)

Andrew - just went to his first Scout Camp - got 6 merit badges and had a blast with his dad! Learning the guitar and loving it. Hoping to get an electric guitar.

Colton - Consuming books like they are going out of style! Currently reading the "Warriors" series by Erin Hunter.

Cannon - looking forward to his upcoming baptism this fall and learning how to communicate without whining!

Cali - currently in Florida with her Grammy and Grandpa - loving a little freedom and spending time with her cousins!

Aidan - talking up a storm - very opinionated and headstrong. Loving that "his boys" are home for the summer.

Well, that is a quick rundown. Hope everyone else is doing well. I promise to get a little more up here now and again.

Summer of Fun

2009-06-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our summer in Utah...Hangin with M'liss and Jason & Alisha and Jason - and respective children.

The Power of Prayer

2009-02-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

So I have been researching everything that I could get my hands on about charter schools and home schooling. I wanted to be prepared when I went to the Lord with what we should do for our kids with their education. We (Adam and I) have been praying and earnestly asking what we should be doing. Anyways, we were leaning towards homeschooling at least Andrew. We worry about the middle school aged kids and what their influence might be on our beautiful little boy - ok, not so little anymore ;)
Well, we went to Stake Conference and OH MY GOODNESS...it was SO good. I just couldn't get enough. Well, anyways, as Adam sat in the priesthood leadership session - one of the speakers read the scripture - one we have all heard so many times - "Let your light so shine...." you know the one! Well, as he sat there pondering the scripture a whole new meaning jumped out to him - regarding our children and their education. He was revealed that our children represented that light, and that perhaps homeschooling was "putting our light (or our children) under a bushel." I have never thought of it that way. Our children have been reserved for this time. They are strong spirits that can withstand everything that will come their way! If we teach them and help them understand the gospel then they will not be tempted beyond what they can handle! Perhaps our little lights are needed during this time, to stand as an example of truth and righteousness to those in our community and in the world. Can we, in good concious, "hide" them?
It was a strong impression that came to my husband and when he told me I instantly felt the spirit and knew that it was inspiration from the Lord. I am so grateful that my husband was in tune to the spirit and could relay the message to me - and I am glad that I didn't brush it aside. FEAR NOT! Gaurd your children in the armour of God and have them stand tall with my children. We will be at Appleby, the Jr. High or wherever the district decides to put us!

Science Fair - Andrew

2009-02-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

I totally blog lifted this whole thing from the lovely miss trish! thanks trish!!!

Musical Plants, rockin' out!

The Scientists!

Keeping their "scientific journal"

Their favorite part of the experiment: Emptying the soda bottles! (don't worry they really didn't drink that much!)

Planting the sugar snap peas.

This year 5th graders had to do a science project. Andrew and Brad paired up and went to work. They're project was called, "Musical Plants" and they tested how plants were affected by music. They experimented with Church Hymns, AC/DC and none. The "none" plant grew the tallest. Peace and quiet isn't overrated even in the plant kingdom. The "Hymns" plant came in second, and you guessed it, AC/DC in dead last. Good job boys! Now onto the District Science Fair. Good Luck!

Blythe Schools in Turmoil

2009-02-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

The district is considering absorbing the 6-8 middle schools back into the elementary school system (due to budget cuts). This idea has caused quite an uproar in our community. Today at work I was sent an email that attached a newspaper article and then a statement from the person that sent me the email stating her opposition of the idea and encouraging me to attend the community meeting to oppose the idea as well.

This was my response and was sent to my whole Union - which was a little scary to do!

As a parent, I understand the concern for changing the system as it is now.

In researching the K-8 scenario and experiencing it to a degree in a school before moving to Blythe, I do believe that there are also benefits of a K-8 environment:

1. give students greater opportunities at success by building relationships with staff over a 9 year period.
2. increase parent involvement during the 6-8th grade years. As most parents are more involved in Elementary years and since the staff will be the same it will help to keep that same level of commitment to volunteerism through the “middle school” grades.
3. Most middle school-ers WILL behave differently when in an environment with smaller children. I firmly believe this and have seen it in action.
4. teacher collaboration is increased across the grades
5. supervised mentoring from older children to younger children can increase confidence, understanding and retention of core learning concepts. This is also a wonderful opportunity for the mentor to learn character building traits.

All I am saying is that perhaps it is best to keep an open mind when going to the meeting. I too, would encourage everyone to attend the meeting. We need to openly express our concerns while still considering all options available to us given the economic climate.

I have a sick child today, so I am going home soon. I have not had any response to the email yet but we will see. I hope I just didn't get myself ostrisized!

Thank Heavens For Freedom!!!

2009-02-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

Do you know the Preamble for your state?

Be sure to read the message at the bottom!

Alabama 1901, Preamble

We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble

We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble

We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble

We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe..

Connecticut 1818, Preamble

The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble

Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble

We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution..

Hawaii 1959, Preamble

We , the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble

We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble

We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble

We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble

We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble

We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble

We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble

We...the people of Massachusetts , acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe in the course of His Providence , an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamblele

We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble

We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble

We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble

We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .

Nebraska 1875, Preamble

We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble

We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V

Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble

We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble

We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846, Preamble

We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble

We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble

We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble

We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble

Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2.

All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble

We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble

We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble

We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble

We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III.

That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble

We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble

Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble

Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI

Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble

We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble

Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people ofWest Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble

We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble

We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution..

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe the ACLU & the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)

'Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.' - William Penn

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Way to Go Kathleen!

2009-01-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Taken from www.paloverde.edu:

Drawings by local artist Kathleen Jorgensen is being featured during the month of February at Palo Verde College in the Harry A. Faull Library. Jorgensen’s calls her work “Impressions of Nature in Ink” but includes color in some of the drawings. Jorgenson began creating her artwork 12 years ago in Portland, Ore. She moved to Blythe seven years ago with her husband, Timothy, who teaches history and coaches cross country and track at Palo Verde High School. In addition to being a wife, a mother to three young children, and continuing her art work, she will receive an associate degree from Palo Verde College this spring and will continue her education at CSU San Bernardino with a major in fine arts and a minor in psychology. The exhibit opens Feb. 2, and a reception for the artist is scheduled Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the library. Drawings will be offered for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Palo Verde College Foundation scholarship fund.

2009 Goals

2009-01-04T18:16:00.001-08:00

I thought that it would be good to post my goals for the year. We are writing these down for FHE tomorrow but I thought I would get a jump on them.

Read the scriptures more with my family, my husband and personally. We, as a family, have actually done better. We have come leaps and bounds from the months on end of no reading. Miracles can happen. We read quite regularly now. We strive for everyday.

I hereby decree (that is right! decree!) that I will eat better this year! So there!
I will start off by saying that we had more family home evenings last year than ever. However, we did not get every week in! So, this year I would like to have ALL FHEs!
Adam and I both grew up watching television on Sundays. It has become ridiculous. I actually enjoy the time that I spend with Adam watching some of our favorite shows....but we have decided that they can wait for another day. No TV on sundays (including video games and movies!)
As a family we have been doing much better with this one too. I am going to strive to pray more and to pray with sincere intent.

I have made the decision to spend time working out on a regular basis. I was coming home everyday from work to have lunch with my husband. I am going to sacrifice four days away from him to work on myself.Happy New Year! and may all your righteous desires be granted unto you!

Christmas and New Years

2009-01-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

Well, silly mom strikes again and didn't have batteries for the camera :) So I don't actually have any proof that we had a fabulous Christmas, but we did.

Andrew got a guitar.

Colton got twin helicopters that really fly.

Cannon got a bike.

Cali got a refinished cabinet (one that my grandfather made for me when I was little) and some play food.

Aidan got a bike.

It was loads of fun. The family got a TV and guitar hero for the wii.

The day after Christmas we drove up to Utah to visit relatives. We were able to spend time with the (grandparent) Barnards, the (Matt) Barnards, The (Josh) Walkers, The Sabins and The (Jeremy) Walkers. It was delightful. We also went to a cousin party at Maryannes which was really fun.

On monday we were on our way home. We celebrated New Years at our house. Adam wasn't feeling well so he went to bed early. Andrew, Colton and Cannon were the only kids that made it to midnight and we celebrated the new year with a bottle of sparkling grape juice. They loved it!

The rest of the week has come and gone and now I am left dreading going to work tomorrow. :( Oh well. My husband said that I have been lamenting about it all week and have ruined the time that I did have. I have decided he was wrong. :)

Hope everyone has a great new year!

What have YOU done?

2008-12-31T13:48:00.000-08:00

Things I've Done. To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. (in my case...mine are the green)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen an eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Only 46...what can I say? I am boring!

"Accidently"

2008-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

Mom, I accidently hit my brother in the face with my fist...

Mom, I accidently opened the bag of candy and ate three pieces...

Mom, I accidently turned the tv on...

Seriously???????

Why is it that kids can just make up new meanings to words and just hope that we think it still means the same thing?

Mom, I "accidently" hit my brother in the face with my fist but I hope that if I use the word accidently you won't see through the fact that it was completely on purpose and with vengance...

yep, that sounds better.

Be a Hero, Save a Blog - This rocks!

2008-12-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Be a Hero, Save a Blog- This rocks!
Blog lifted from my cousin Natasha - she knows all the cool people! Here is what she said...

A friend of mine's husband and his friends started a blog back-up and publishing service called Bloggled. To launch their new website, they are having a contest in which you could win a Cricut machine or an I-Pod Touch. The other great thing is that right now with their service you can back-up your blog for FREE! Awesome for people like me, who use their blog as a family journal of sorts. So, check it out! Here is their 'official info':

Have you ever had this experience? You are posting to your blog, click the publish button, and the very next thing you know the screen is blank. So, you click back to your drafts and nothing is there, then you click your published posts and nothing is there. At this point you are starting to think to yourself…oh no, what just happened? As you continue searching your blog admin for information you see that all your uploaded images, videos, files, and everything is gone.Living through this situation would be enough to devastate any bloggerKnowing that years of data about your person, family, or business is gone can be difficult to overcome emotionally, but even more difficult of a problem to solve. If you haven’t backed up your blog recently, or ever, chances are your posts and everything else are gone for good.This is the kind of situation that led Brent Ramey to the idea of creating Bloggled.com, “and to honestly save anyone in that situation the act of going insane.” Bloggled.com is a blog backup company that is allowing bloggers to backup their blog for free as an introductory product to celebrate their official launch out of beta and as a holiday gift this season. Bloggled is also offering multiple prizes to those who participate in their “Be a Hero, Save a Blog Contest” that is running through the day on Monday, December 15, 2008. Winners can choose from either a 16GB iPod Touch, or a Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine and it’s quite simple to enter. All you have to do is one of the items below, but if you do more you get entered more times into the drawing…but you have to enter on Monday 12/15 to qualify so act fast, or should I say slow so I have a better chance of winning.

Join Bloggled. Register and sign up for a Bloggled account (http://www.bloggled.com/).
Friend or follow Bloggled on one of the following social network profiles:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bloggled
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Brent-Ramey/1002883214
Subscribe to Bloggled’s RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/bloggled.
Blog about the Blogger Contest on another blog then notify Bloggled about the new blog post by commenting on their blog.

THE SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

2008-12-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas--oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.
Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against another team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharpcontrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids – all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition--one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, And on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, andOur children, ignoring their new toys, would stand With wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolledaround, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope onthe tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.
-Author Unknown

Sorry

2008-12-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to apologize for my "woe is me" post that I put up. I was just having one of those days. Things have just been overwhelming lately but I know that it is only for the hort term and I will get through it. :) Good thing I have such good friends.

Love ya,

rach

What a drag...

2008-12-04T07:53:00.001-08:00

I shouldn't read anyones blog ever. I swear I used to have a life...I used to hang out with friends and do things that were fun! Now it seems like all I do it work, sleep, clean and help kids with homework. (and I can't even seem to get that done most of the time!) I have been so flippin busy that I haven't even posted in almost a month!
Sorry, I guess I am just having one of those mornings...you know the kind, you wake up feeling ok and then as the rest of the house wakes up grumpy and things just seem to spiral! At least it is Thursday!

TAG - Christmas Style

2008-11-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. I am starting a tag. I got this by email but thought it would be great for my blog since I haven't posted in like, forever!......Tis the Season. I know before Thanksgiving even...shame on me!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like wrapped presents better but it gets tedious at times and sometimes a bag is all you have time for!2. Real tree or Artificial? We put up an artificial tree during the month and then on Christmas Eve we buy and decorate a real one!
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime after Thanksgiving.4. When do you take the tree down? The first week of January.
5. Do you like eggnog? It’s all right. I do like eggnog ice cream…everything is better in ice cream form!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I always loved baby dolls.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My hubbie. My mom also gets stumped with that one!8. Easiest person to buy for? Usually the kids, but now that Andrew is getting older, everything is getting $$$.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? I had one but the movers broke it when we moved here! I have a little wooden one but I would like a real one again.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I’m not huge on sending cards…I wish I was, but usually email.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Not really sure. I am pretty easy to please.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Any
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? At the After Christmas sales for the next year.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Of course…have you met me?
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Anything…the holidays are a dangerous time! 16. Lights on the tree? Yes. I typically like white non-blinking but we might mix it up a bit this year…we will see.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh my…can’t say that there is a favorite, but I am definitely going Christmas caroling this year! Anyone is welcome! The more, the merrier.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home.19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? (please enjoy yourself while I sing---) You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall….the most famous reindeer of all…bum, bum, bum, bum….Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer! 20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One present Christmas eve, the rest Christmas morning22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? This year it is going to be that I am working!!! Bah-humbug!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Anything beautiful
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? All of it.25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hmmmm, not really sure. Peace on earth, good will toward men?

I tag Mandee John!

Hair"dos" and Hair"don'ts"

2008-11-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

So these overnight hairdo ideas have been intriguing me because how much easier does it make it in the morning? Easier right? So last night after Cali's bath I decided to take advantage of the few extra minutes before bed. She has curly hair but it sometimes is more frizzy than anything so after her bath I put some defrizzer in and then decided to try this technique that I saw online. So you section the hair and then twist it really tight into a bun.

Hey, I thought that she looked cute just like this. I mean, you only get to be five once right? Why not have fun with it??? So I sent her off to bed. In the morning a few had fallen out and they looked pretty...or at least I thought.

Then we took them all down and we separated them....This is where the 'rule of thumb' comes in. If you have a sweet little girl with sweet little curls (albeit a little frizzy at times) try not to section her hair too much because the curl is going to take like it is going out of style! Woooo! How to control this????

Well, with a little more defrizzer and a lot of patience, this is what we came up with. I think it turned out cute. Next time I think I will try only four sections and maybe it will turn out looser - hopefully a lot looser.

Spoooooooky

2008-11-01T14:38:00.001-07:00

These pictures were taken by LaRae Roberts (thanks LaRae) at our Ward Halloween Party! So much fun. I just grabbed the ones of my family but there are over 200+ photos so you should check it out on snapfish.com! If you haven't gotten a link to view the photos for the Blythe Ward then email me and I will send it to you! Happy Halloween!

Adam looks adorably cute...notice the smarties attached the his pants cuz he was a "smartypants". Aidan's hair is just always fun...and then there's me...

Cute cali as a cheerleader. Her hair looked better when she went to school. Ah well.

Me, Stephanie, Lohnay and Linda.

Just another picture of the smartypants....too cute!

Colton bobbing for apples...he was soaked by the end of the night, but he had fun!

Cool picture LaRae!

Um, I am sorry, I know that I am his mother and so I am biased but dang this kid is cute!

If only he really were a nerd...then momma wouldn't have to worry sooo much about him!

Aidan on Halloween Morning

2008-10-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Aidan looked soooo cute for Halloween. No big costume, just halloween jammies and that infamous hair! Gotta love it!

This is the before...

And this is what happens when you get really scared on Halloween!

Love that kid!!!

The Rooster...

2008-10-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry...my kids took some pictures of the chickens and...is it just me or does this chicken look sinister? I have never really liked birds but this photo has somehow captured the fear in picture form.

See how the stealthy creature hides in the shadow, keeping his true identity hidden? Do not be fooled by the soft feathers and the sweet cockadoodledoo...

Hold my hand....I'm scared.

Beachy Waves - lazy version!

2008-10-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

So my friend Kar, if you haven't looked at her blog you totally should because she is one of my favorite people of all times!, anyways, she recently blogged about beachy wave hair. Here is part of what she had to say:

So we've been trying to figure out how the heck to do it. I read somewhere that you twist a chunk of hair, then curl it with a curling iron to make it wavy. I wanted to try it, but I am currently without curling iron. Then I ran into this tutorial on YouTube, for "beachy waves" - the girl uses a flat iron! (And I like this tutorial because it has the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the background, but it's a different version - Hawaiian-style, with a ukelele - very nice.) So I studied the tutorial and then tried it:

and this is how her hair turned out (these have been bloglifted from her site, isn't she a beauty???)

So, she inspired me and I decided to give it a try, but darn me I don't have a flat iron. So I came up with another tactic. After my shower I put product in my hair, and then put it up in 4 strategically placed messy buns. I was assuming it would dry overnight but of course my hair didn't...It's not cuz it is necessarily that thick but just because there is a lot of it. So I got out the blow dryer and then spritzed some hairspray. If I would've thought about it I totally would have taken a picture but I am new at this whole blogging thing so maybe next time. It didn't turn out curly so much as, well, beachy waves...more like this:

It looks mussed and natural and very sea salty. I did read somewhere that you can spritz your hair with sea salt water for the same effect (after much scrunching) but since I have absolutely no wave/curl to my hair I don't think that it would work. Hmmmm, Cali always looks great after a day a the beach. I think I am going to buy a new spritzer bottle and some sea salt and go to town on her naturally curly hair.

If you are coming to Trunk or Treating tonight then you can see the effect of my procedure...of course that is after a looooooooong day at work.

Next time I think I am going to try rag curls. Fun, fun. Thanks for the inspiration Kar! Love and Miss you tons!!!

FLIP!

2008-10-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, now I grew up in Ohio, so I am not a stranger to foul language. I understand that it is commonplace in our society these days but I am seriously over it. I sit in my office all day, with the door proped open because I am a friendly type person, and as the high school kids come to and from the classes it is astonding how many times I hear the f word. Seriously, like, every other word. I am not enjoying it!...
...In fact, I just walked out of here and told the professors that they need to talk to their kids cuz I am feed up! They said just let me know and they will write them up and send them back to the high school. Thank heavens for little favors!

Good Grades - Way to go me!

2008-10-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have decided a little while ago that whenever the kids were in the newspaper (which acutally happens a lot in a small town) I would clip it and put it in my blog...part of our family history. My husband reminded me that I was in the newspaper. Darn that! Oh well. Sheesh, I need to do something different with my hair. Any ideas? Here is the article for the Palo Verde Valley Times:

Palo Verde College students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2008 semester were honored at a special ceremony Oct. 21. Present to receive their certificates of recognition were (from left): Rachel Barnard, President’s List; Nereida M., President’s List; Cassi S., President’s List; Christina B., Dean’s List; Elizabeth C., Dean’s List; and Daniela M., President’s List.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

One hundred eighteen Palo Verde College students were honored Oct. 21 for achieving grade point averages (GPA) of 3.5 or higher for the Spring 2008 semester.

Sixty-one students were named to the President's List for maintaining a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0. Of that number, 54 had a perfect 4.0 average.

Fifty-seven students were named to the Dean's List for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 for semester.

Diana Rodriguez, PVC Vice President of Student Services, noted that a number of the honor students were married, some with up to six children, some worked full-time in addition to attending classes, and several were now full-time employees of the college.

She thanked "family members, friends and loved ones" for their support of the students.

Dr. James Hottois, PVC Superintendent/President, in welcoming students and guests said all three of the college's vice presidents were Palo Verde College graduates.

He told the audience that he would "like to return to PVC in 20 years and see that current students had become administrators, vice presidents and even president" of the college.

Dr. Hottois was joined by Willie Smith, Vice President of Instructional Services, in presenting certificates to the honor students.

Testimony Meeting

2008-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling that you get when you are sitting in Testimony Meeting and you know you need to get up? Your palms start sweating, your heart is racing, you keep having that conversation in your head, "get up", "no, I can't", "but you should", "but I don't want to". Until finally you give in, pour out your heart and then feel much better?

Well, let me just tell you that didn't happen this month! Why? Was I not fasting? Did I come with the wrong spirit? No, I - emphasis on I, was just fine. The problem was the 5 "sweet" spirits that I was wrestling with on the bench. Seriously, it is like WW3. He took my pencil, I need to go potty, He is sitting to close to me, How much time is left, Do we have a pack meeting this week, What are we having for lunch, Do I have to sit next to HER, I don't want to sit next to him if he doesn't want to sit next to me......AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
And what does my dh do? Well, take out the baby of course. LUCKY!

So, in trying to understand why I was the recipient of 5 beautiful wiggly children I thought that I probably needed to change my perspective.

Instead of considering it a hinderance to my spiritual growth because I can't see, hear and internalize anyones testimony..(also hard to have the desire to share mine when I want to strangle 5 little necks)....maybe it is supposed to be a nudge to go up and bear my testimony despite not being able to feel the spirit. Maybe it is the mormon mommas version of the spirit beckoning me to go up and bear testimony...5 nosiy children driving me up to the stand by driving me insane! Next time I think I will have to take heed to the feeling and put myself in TIMEOUT - it just so happens that this time out is bearing testimony! We'll see.

Suprising....I thought I was WAY more geeky than that!

2008-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

44% Geek

Las dias de mi vida. (The days of my life...Rachel version)

2008-10-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

I was trying to be funny and dramatic with my post title today because I feel like this is the continuing saga of my spanish 102 class. I was thinking of those spanish soap operas...have you ever seen one? LOL, they are so funny. I watched an episode when I lived in South America (Adam said it was a good way to learn some spanish). And oh my gosh! They are hilarious! Think high school drama club type acting meets espanol! hahaha so funny...

So let's see...where were we?

Anteriormente en los dias de mi vida (previously - I had to look that word up! - on the days of my life):
So I had studied for a spanish test and was not feeling that confident. Cut to me sitting in the private testing room tearing up because I couldn't remember how to write sentences in present subjunctive, feeling like a failure and hoping that the earth would swallow me up whole so I wouldn't have to face my spanish teacher again (cuz he is my teacher and my co-worker! we have offices down the hall from each other).

The scene:
I had seen my professor a couple of times over the last week, mostly I made the interactions short and sweet...I was so afraid he was going to...
Acutally, I am not really sure what I was afraid of. I know that I can't be perfect all of the time, I guess I was just afraid for HIM to know that??? I don't know.

The episode:
So during our brief conversations he mentioned that he didn't have a chance to grade the test yet. I assured him that he could take as much time as he wanted and admitted that I didn't understand how to do the last page (I did not admit the crying).
Last week I went over to his office, feeling bad about my lack of understanding on the test. He still hadn't looked at it yet, "Thank goodness," I thought. I had decided after taking the test and doing so poorly (at least in my mind) that I needed to increase my study and try speaking outloud, to people other than myself. So I went to his office and slowly, probably incoherently, said, "Profesor, te necisito a hablar solo en espanol a mi." Which means, for you gringas out there, "Professor, I need you to only speak in spanish to me."
"Ah, Rachel, que es una buena idea!," he replied. And then started speaking in a waterfall of spanish words, some of which I even understood, the others seemed to bounce off of me like little droplets of spray from the waterfall and fall away quickly and disappear.
I gazed at him in a silly way that said, I kind of understood some of that.
"It will get easier Rachel, I promise."
"I will have to trust you on that," I replied, content on the fact that we apparently had an unspoken agreement to speak in spanish unless I look clueless and then we'd try it in English. Does this ever get easier???
And so I waited...
Yesterday, he brought me the test and the homework that I had turned in. I had gotten an 'A' on the homework (thank you Evy!) And then I close my eyes and prepare myself to look at the test (my teacher is still standing there waiting for my reaction). I open my eyes and can't believe my eyes! A "B+" is glistening is red ink bigger than life on my test. No, that can't be right...
"Profesor, no es correcto...I think that you are being WAY to kind."
"No, Rachel, you did fine. My corrections are there."
"But, Profesor, the last page, I didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't remember present subjunctive."
"No es problema, Rachel. You wrote all 12 sentences and although there are some errors you did very well." He turns to leave.
"Gracias profesor. I can't believe it. Thank you. Hasta manana." He started walking towards his office, "De nada, Rachel. You are doing well! Just keep trying!" By this time I am blushing and thankful that he is already headed down the hall. I can't have actually done as well as he says. I read through the test and realize that he had only taken off a few points for all of my errors! He was being too kind but I appreciated his understanding and patience with me. I suppose that he could see that I had tried hard. Luckily for me, some teachers still believe that effort should be awarded.

La proxima vez en los dias de mi vida(next time on the days of my life):
Test number three is looming on Nov 4th! That is sooo soon. With halloween and everything else going on I wonder how I will be able to be prepared enough to take it. I have actually been a week and a half behind the proposed schedule (it is a distance ed course so I can make my own schedule)...so I might stretch it out just a bit longer...we will see.

FREE FLU SHOTS!!!

2008-10-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

You can't beat free even if it is a student that is going to put a needle in you!

SPIRIT WEEK - Really? Have we come to this?

2008-10-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Do you remember during spirit week (week of homecoming...dig back in those memory files) how you used to have a different theme each day? like, dress like a nerd or school colors, or togas? Well, today was cross dressing day at the high school! WHAT!?!? Nope, you didn't read that wrong...Cross Dressing Day. Yeah, actually on the spirit week calendar! Awesome!

Seriously, did nobody but me find this to be inappropriate. Are the kids in charge? What the heck! Next thing ya know they are going to start having lingerie day. Ahhhrg, I am so over the school system here!

We need a charter school with something that will be very novel - rules of behavior, dress, and accountability. How shocking would that be??? Anyone else on board?

check out the charter school that we left for good old PVUSD www.timpacademy.org :( I miss it!

One of those....weeks?

2008-10-22T07:35:00.001-07:00

Have you ever just had one of those days that nothing seemed to go your way? Well, I have been having one of those weeks. Nothing has been horrible, I have just been overwhelmed and I keep asking myself -what can I give up to make things easier. Work? no, Calling? definately, no, School? too late now, 4H? I've already committed, Kids Sports? Between Adam and Cindy I have only had to run him over there twice. So what is making it so hard to find time to breathe?

Yesterday should have been a good day. I was given an award at school for getting on the President's List. Adam came up, everyone was congratulatory. Good day right?
Well, I also had to take a spanish test. I was a week and a half over due and still couldn't wrap my brain around the concepts. My friend Evy had even come over on Saturday and helped me for 2 HOURS! What would I do without good friends? I was cramming right before I it was time to go and take it and my spanish professor walks in the building. There was some question that I wanted to clarify and so I went over to his office to ask. He quickly gave me a response and then asked me something that just floored me. He asked if I would be willing to tutor Spanish 101 students.
"ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME," I thought.
Luckily I said, "Don't you need to, like, I don't know, SPEAK SPANISH to tutor spanish 101?"
"Oh no," he said, "It is just basic vocabulary and conjugation.
I looked at him blankly trying to figure out how in the world he figured that I would be the one for the job!
"No," I said, "there is no way that I can tutor someone in Spanish....there is just no way."
"Please," he said, "I am drowning here."
So there it was...for a second there I was starting to feel priveledged that my teacher thought that I did well enough in Spanish to help someone else...but then I realized, that wasn't it at all -HE was doing the tutoring himself and was just overwhelmed by the time it was taking.
"I'll see what I can do," I said, as I started off to take my test, knowing full well that I would have to say no later... Maybe I could find someone from church or something that would love to make $8.50 an hour for tutoring. I determined that I would ask around and find someone more suited for the job. Like someone that actually spoke Spanish!
Anyways.... so I went to take this test over in the learning center. I was really nervous. The lady that is always there to give me my test, knows that I usually do really well on my spanish tests.
She handed me the test, smiled and said, "I would wish you luck Rachel, but you always do so well, I don't think that you need it."
"Ha!" I thought, "...man do I have these people fooled! I am in way over my head."
I asked to be in the private testing room cuz it is quiet and I like to be able to think when I take a test...go figure. I start the test and did ok for the first 2 of 3 pages and then got to the third page and my mind went blank.
"Present Subjunctive, present subjunctive," I thought.
I knew that I knew this...but nothing came. So here I am sitting in the new private testing room staring at a paper that is asking me to write 6 sentences in present subjective for one situation and 6 sentences in present subjunctive for another situation and I am completely blank. So what do I do?
I start crying of course. Not out and out bawling but that nervous, I am going to fail, why can't I remember this kind of tear that slowly rolls down your cheek. Thank heavens that I am in a private testing room with no one there, the light had even gone off cuz it is a sensor light and apparently I wasn't moving enough.
I felt like an idiot. Sitting in a testing room, crying over a test.
"Pull it together girl!," I thought.
So I wipe my eyes, do that little flapping hand thing to get the extra water out (cuz that works right?) and write the worst 2 paragraphs ever written in the spanish language.
When I brought the test up to the Learning Center clerk she looked at me puzzled and said, "Wow, Rachel, it doesn't usually take you an hour to take your test."
"Yeah," I replied, "the tests are getting harder. I don't think that I did so well on this one."
So I go back to my office and hide out. If I look way to busy then perhaps my spanish teacher won't stop by to ask how I did. Wouldn't it be horrible to burst out in tears in front of my professor. Luckily, I didn't see him the rest of the day.
So, I go home from my horrible day and get the kids to finish up their homework. I call Adam to see when he might be home and realize that he is not in a good mood either. This should be fun. He gets home grumpy and I am grumpy and things are just not going well. I make dinner, give everyone a kiss and head out for my other class. It is once a week on Tuesdays, a parenting class, taught by Trudy Conley. It is actually a really fun class.
So on the way to class, I call my mom, cuz I needed to talk to someone and right then Adam was not mentally ready to handle my problems. He was having his own problems at work. He needed some time, so I decided that I would talk to him after my class. So, anyways, I call my mom and she asks how I am doing and again...I start crying. If you know about my medical issue then this could be explained by unbalanced hormones...but that doesn't make it any easier to handle. I unload on my mom (that is what she is there for right?) and she is wonderful and tells me what a wonderful person I am and encourages me to decline the tutoring and consider what else I might be able to drop from my life to make it easier. I pull up to the school for my class and tell my mom goodbye. I realize that flapping the hands in front of my eyes is not going to cut it this time. So I go out, find a bathroom, clean myself up, put on a happy face and get to class. My only goal for the rest of the night is not to cry!
When I got home I just melted into Adam's arms and bored him with the tale. He gave me a squeeze and told me everything was going to be ok. He also told me that after his mission he tested out of Spanish 101 and then tried to test out of Spanish 102 and only got a C on the test. That actually made me feel a little bit better! Husbands are good - I think I will keep mine.

So, life goes on, work goes on, even spanish goes on. I got an A- on my first test and even if I don't do so well on this one I think I can scrap by with at least a B-...that is as low as I like to go ;) Darn that perfectionist in me! My husband also likes to remind me that "C's get Degrees!" I suppose they do...but hopefully I won't have to get any!

If you have made it through this post then thanks for listening! Sometimes I feel like chicken little and run around screaming that the "sky is falling" when really its just life. I promise to be smiling next time you see me! Thanks for all that you do for my family! I love you guys!!!

Spiderman-man

2008-10-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Kelsey's post on boys and action figures has inspired me to jot a little note about Aidan. Can I just tell you what a cute kid he is? I definately should be writing all of these cute things down so here it goes....

Aidan loves spiderman. It was so cute because he has a few clothing items that have spiderman on them (we don't buy him clothes, he gets hand me downs from his cousin - but my sister is super cute and has the CUTEST clothes for her little boy...so in reality Aidan gets to dress better than if his cheap mom bought him clothes, Thanks M'liss!)...

Anywho, Aidan loves his spiderman clothes but he had a hard time saying spiderman, so he just called him "man-man". It was soooo adorable. Now that he has figured out how to say spider, you would think that he would now call him spiderman, but instead he calls him "spiderman-man".

Oh my gosh! Can a kid be any cuter??? So, so cute!

I know YOU want one.....

2008-10-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Because she was the first one to identify the movie for which the pic of the time turner came from. Harry Potter of course! Kelsey wins a

Congratulations Kelsey and please feel free to grab the pic and post it on your site to let the world know that you, Kelsey, have won this very important award.
And for those of you who didn't quite make the cut this time...check back for more opportunites to obtain a "BeautifulBarnards Blog Award" for yourself!

Next time it may be a little harder...

My life is a Whirlwind

2008-10-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like your world is moving way faster than what you can keep up with?

Now that I started working I just can't seem to slow time down. I am not able to get anything done that I would like or need to do.

Does anyone have ideas for grounding me and my family while I am working...cuz I just feel overwhelmed here...

I knew I should have ordered a time turner????

This may be too easy...but a blog award to whoever can name the movie reference for the time turner....ready, go!

Seriously? There is a law for that?

2008-10-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

I don't actually know if any of this is true because it is random info I found on the internet...but it made me laugh so hard (or maybe that is just because it is so late). Tell me what you think - fact or fiction?

In the state of California....

no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 mph.

in Arcadia, CA, peacocks have the right away in crossing streets and driveways.

in Baldwin Park, CA, it's illegal to ride your bike into a swimming pool.

in Belvedere, CA, it's illegal for a dog to be out in public without its master on a leash.

in Blythe, CA, it's illegal to wear cowboy boots unless you own at least 2 cows.

in Burlingame, CA, it's illegal to spit including sinks with the exception of on baseball diamonds.

in Chico, CA, it's illegal to drive a herd of cattle down Main Street and bowling on the sidewalk is illegal.

in Eureka, CA, it's illegal to sleep in the middle of the road and it's illegal for a man with a moustache to kiss a woman in public.

in Fresno, CA, no one may annoy anyone's lizard in the city park. It's also illegal to hold a private bingo game, to sell permanent markers, and for elementary schools to host poker tournaments.

in Hollywood, it's illegal to drive more than 2000 sheep down Hollywood Boulevard at any one time.

in Indian Wells, CA, it's illegal for a trumpet player to play his instrument with the purpose of luring people into a store.

in Lodi, CA, it's illegal to shoot string at parade participants.

in Long Beach, CA, it's illegal to curse on a mini golf course.

in LA, CA, it's illegal to cry on the witness stand, to charge admission to a house party, for dogs to mate within 500 yards of a church, lick toads, hunt moths under streetlights.

in Norco, CA any person wishing to keep a rhino as a pet must obtain a $100 license first.

and growing oleander flowers is illegal.

in Pacific Grove, CA, it's illegal to molest butterflies.

in Palm Springs, CA, it's illegal to walk a camel down Palm Canyon Drive between the hours of 4 and 6pm.

in Portola, CA, it's illegal to fish from an overpass and carry a fish into a bar.

in Prunedale, CA, it's illegal to install 2 bathtubs in the same house.

in Redlands, CA, it's illegal for a golf cart to drive down city streets without a man with a lantern proceeding it.

in Riverside, CA, it's illegal to carry one's lunch down a street between 11AM and 1PM.

in San Diego, CA, it's illegal to shoot jackrabbits from the back of a moving streetcar and homeowners who keep Christmas lights on their home past February can be fined $200.

in San Francisco, CA it's illegal to pile horse manure on a street corner more than 6 feet high, to walk an elephant down Market Street without being on a leash, and to tie your camel to a telephone pole.

in Santa Monica, CA, it's illegal to play percussion instruments on the beach.

in Shasta Lake, CA, it's illegal to raffle off your dog as a gift.

in Thousand Oaks, CA, before a business can put a going-out-of-business sale sign in their window, they must obtain a special city permit.

in Walnut, CA, children can't wear Halloween masks without obtaining permission and a permit from the Sheriff and men can't dress as women unless they obtain a permit from the Sheriff

Vote Yes on Prop 8!

2008-10-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Check out THIS video....

Protect the Family. Vote YES on Prop 8!

Get out and vote!

Wild West FHE

2008-10-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those family home evenings that have just knocked your socks off? Well we just did. Thanks to Trish and Bryce...although this one wasn't so much family (all the kids went with Trish to play games) and we definately weren't at home (in the desert)...but I guess it qualified as evening! So just 'E' then...

We went "shooting" with some other fun couples. I put shooting in quotes because everyone out here is always talking about going out shooting...and I had yet to understand what that even meant.

So here I was, out "shooting" and I was pretty nervous cuz I had never held a gun. So the guys got things organized, gave us a lesson on gun safety, gave us ear plugs and said..."ok girls, who's first?" Erica and I stepped up and what did Bryce bring out first? I think they said it was a semi-automatic 9mm.

Yikes! I am not sure this is it...but it kinda looked like this:

Really, gonna start me off small then are we? Lol, to say the least, it was intimidating. Not sure I hit anything...pretty sure I didn't (the wind was blowing sand in my eyes...Cookie even asked me if I was closing my eyes...which I guess I was, but not because I was scared, cuz I had sand in them...well maybe sand and fear, whatever). I couldn't tell if I hit the target, at least not with this one...I kinda just wanted to shoot it and get it over with. Sad, right? It felt very Jack Bauer, way to big and powerful for a newbie, in my hands.

See, he can rock that look...not me so much. I probably looked more like a deer in headlights! After that biggie...I got some goggles so that I could actually see (and not tear up from the pile of sand in my eyes). That helped a lot. I also shot 3 revolvers and a semi automatic .22 (which was my favorite, a more delicate, I hesitate to say, even girly gun). I think I even probably hit the target with that one! By the end of the night I had gone from somewhat petrified to comfortable to having fun! Way to go Bryce!

I am not sure that I am going to run right out to buy one, but I am at least feeling a little more comfortable. Maybe someday, but probably this will come first:

Cindy said that she was a little sad that she missed the boat to be the first one to take me out shooting. Ah, but Cindy, there are so many guns and so little time....I promised her she could take me out with rifles...never done that either.

For this sweet little mormon girl there are plenty of 'firsts' to go around (I would like to add that I mean 'wholesome recreational activities' firsts). Also never ice skated, skiied, snow boarded, water skiied, deep sea anything, rock climbed...oh, and the list goes on and on....

So my adventerous friends bring it on...bring it on.

You might have created a monster. Muh-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Ok, probably not, I am still scared of everything ;) but thanks for trying!

I almost got kicked out of a baby shower....

2008-10-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, that's totally not true. The mommy to be was very gracious and put up with us....

Let me back up. So on saturday morning I went to a baby shower for my friend Amanda. She is expecting her second baby, this time a boy. The shower was at her mom's house and of course the food was spectacular, the decorations adorable, and the games - lots of fun!

That being said...I was sitting at the same table as Marianne, Jessica and Eileen. Well, if you include me in that bunch then you have the whole RS presidency. We usually don't all get together unless it is for a meeting and so we were just having sooo much fun laughing and talking (and not even about our callings!). Well, needless to say, as the poor mother to be was opening her presents we kept chatting and laughing. Each time we broke out in laughter the rest of the shower turned to see what you so dang funny. We just couldn't help ourselves! We hardly ever just get to get together and just talk and laugh and have fun.

Afterwards we all felt so bad. Jessica apologized to Amanda for us who replied "I was just wishing I could've sat with you...It sounded like fun! You guys don't get out much do you!"

Lol, It's true...we don't! What fun!

Ok - here is my blog lifting for the day. I took these from my friends page http://www.ecakes.blogspot.com/ so that you could see how cute the baby shower cake was....it was adorable! Super fantastic job Erin!!!!

Oh my gosh!!! Can you believe how cute this is??? Me neither!!!

I-10 Speedway in Blythe

2008-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

This past saturday we took the family to the I-10 speedway to watch the "races". It was actually not as red-necked as I had orginally suspected and fun to watch. My oldest declared that he "likes the crashes the best". There was a crisp breeze and it was chilly but all in all I think everyone had fun.

Colton, Cannon and Cali even got to take a ride around the track in one of the cars. Fun, fun. I didn't bring my camera...cuz I am THAT mom. Oh well, maybe next time.

Here is the info on the track for those of you that aren't "lifer Blythers".

The Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway is located in Blythe, CA, where the I-10 Freeway and the Colorado River cross one another. Blythe is approximately 225 miles east of Los Angeles, CA, 160 miles west of Phoenix, AZ, 205 miles south of Las Vegas, and 105 miles north of Yuma, AZ. The I-10 Speedway is located on the Colorado River Fairgrounds.

And the winner is....

2008-10-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Because she was the first one to identify, well, herself, in my "I have a dream" blog post...

I hereby award Trish the prestigious

Congratulations Trish and please feel free to grab the pic and post it on your site to let the world know that you, Trish, have won this very important award.

And for those of you who didn't quite make the cut this time...check back for more opportunites to obtain a "BeautifulBarnards Blog Award" for yourself!

FREE Handbag? I'm in!

2008-10-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a free handbag!

http://www.handbagplanet.com/

There are a few cute bags. Plus you get to choose which one you want to win! It's worth a try!

Plus if you post this in your blog and email them the link you get 25 extra chances to win ;)

Good Luck!

I have a Dream…

2008-10-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I don't know if I 'have' a dream…but I did have a dream. Since it included one of my favorite blogger friends, I thought that I would enlighten you with my amusing and confusing dream:

So the scene starts with my family…

It was the beginning of a holiday weekend and we had decided as a family to go camping. We were excited and hurriedly getting our camping gear together – sleeping bags, tents, etc.; When all of a sudden The "Smith" Family drives up in their RV*. They ask us if we are going camping for the weekend. We tell them that we are and ask them the same. They say that they are and ask if we would like to join them. As we love to hang out with the Smith family we agree to join them.

*The last names have been changed to protect the innocent ;)

We load our stuff into compartments on the side of the RV and get on board (strange I thought…this RV is too little to have undercarriage storage compartments, isn't it?). Now to give you an image on what we saw when we boarded the RV I will give you two cinematic references…think Mary Poppin's bag meets Harry Potter's tent, rolled into an RV. As we get on the ordinary looking RV, we enter something that is unexpected and magnificent. The RV is quite a bit larger inside then it looks on the outside. It also has a very strange setup that is uncharacteristic of usual RVs.

The front half of the RV is more like a bus…one of those high end team buses used for away games. Comfortable chairs with personal screen TV's in the arms. There are about 10 rows of these. The children are delighted. The back of the vehicle looks like the high end, take up half a city block, costs ½ a mill, mobile home on wheels, grandiose RV. So for the purpose of this blog…we will now call the Bus/RV the Rus-V. As we piled into the Rus-V the kids were of course delighted by what they saw. We had them sit down (our 5 and their 2) in the Bus part and secure their seat belts. They were of course delighted to do so because, their seats, along with the personal TV's, came equipped with personal gaming systems that were interactive with other players on the bus. They were in seventh heaven.

The adults moved to the middle of the Rus-V and the Smiths rolled out a large map of the United States. Now, I knew that it was the United States because #1, it said so on the top, and #2, I recognized many state names from the map, but in the back of my mind as I looked at the map…something seemed inherently wrong with it. Why was Blythe located in the middle lower section of the US...and all of the other states seemed jumbled as well? At least jumbled from what I could remember of my elementary geography days. That was odd, but no one else seemed to see a problem with it so I thought I must be mistaken.

Mr. Smith…being the ever prepared, letter of the law, we must have a plan type that he is…detailed where we would be going on our camping trip (apparently they owned land in Colorado??? I didn't know that), how we would get there and flung out a chart of driving responsibilities and times. That again, seemed odd…how did he know that we would agree to the trip and did the route really take us from Blythe straight up through Nebraska up to Colorado?...that doesn't seem right.

Mrs. Smith in her, ever happy, optimistic, fun-loving, adventurous, annoyed that her husband can't just go with the flow tone, said "We don't need a chart for driving! If someone gets tired we will just trade off." She them turned to me and gave me an 'I can't believe that he made a chart' look of disapproval. I laughed.

Then my husband, in his accounting, must keep the cost down and watch the bottom line tone, agreed- that however Mr. Smith would like to organize it would be fine with him. He then whipped out a calculator (an unusually large one, I might add…when did he start carrying that thing around?) and started calculating mileage and asking questions like, "How many miles to a gallon does this thing get," and "if we take this route here (pointing to the map) that will minimize our total miles and lower our overhead". We girls looked at each other in disbelief. Silly boys we collectively thought.

So the plan was set…we decided that the route would take us one day to drive each way and we would stay three nights camping, fishing, hiking and whatever else we thought sounded like fun. (At this point in the dream…I wondered if this 5 day excursion really fit into our 3 day holiday…but I dismissed the notion as I did not want to be the wet blanket. Maybe time was like the Rus-V...small on the outside, but packed full???)

Then Aidan, my little two year old came over to me in the Rus-V and started tugging on my sleeve and whining that he needed to go potty. I told him to go ahead. He kept pulling on my sleeve and whining and that made me wonder how in the world a two year old could reach my sleeve, was he standing on something….

I woke up in bed to my two year old whining and pulling on my sleeve (see, because I was low on a bed, he could reach just fine). I realized that the whole Rus-V thing was a dream and took Aidan to the potty. Strange dream…but now at least all of the strange things made sense to me cuz my dreams are always exaggerated and strange, especially when I am pregnant! OK, I JUST NOTICED THAT MAKES IT SOUNDS LIKE I AM PREGNANT...I AM NOT! SORRY

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Can you name the ever cute, adventurous family from my story? Please, first names only. If you are the first one to name them then you will win a virtual prize. J See, aren't my dreams fun!

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Special Note: All characterizations are dramatized for the purpose of setting the scene of the larger than life dream and are made with a full love for the people that I have characterized. Their quirky natures make them dear to my heart and special people for who they are. We love them for their quirks not despite them.

FUNDRAISING AGAIN???

2008-10-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

I am not a huge fan of fundraising, but I guess it is part of life. If you would like to support Andrew and Colton in their efforts for fundraising for grades 3-4-5 at their school then follow these instructions to support them! Thanks!

www.gafundraising.com/Landing.aspx

Then click, the yellow 'click here' button.

If you need the rest of the information like, school, city, state, zip, kids names, etc...email me

Have fun shopping. They actually do have some cute items.

Thanks for your support!

The Princess and the Cricket....a tragic tale.

2008-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time in a little desert town lived a beautiful and talented princess name Rachel (hey, it's my story...I can exaggerate if I want to). One beautiful sweltering day princess Rachel woke up early and turned on the shower to get ready for work (in our fairy tale the princess works right now - think ultra modern fairy tale). As princess Rachel slipped into the shower for her royal cleansing and starting washing her hair she noticed something move out of the corner of her eye. There clinging to the wall was a wee little cricket.

Princess Rachel immediatly pointed the shower head at the little cricket and tried to send it down the drain. The cricket resisted but under the strain of the water pressure seemed to be crushed. It did not go down the drain but did indeed appear lifeless. The princess felt triumpant in her slaying of the cricket as the cricket clan had recently invaded her castle and the fierce battled raged on day after day.

Princess Rachel finished her shower and forgot all about the little cricket....

...until... the next day as Princess Rachel started her morning ritual, she again noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye. There again, clinging to the wall was the wee little cricket. Princess Rachel felt the strange feeling of pride well up in her chest. And although this little cricket was her sworn enemy she couldn't help but feel that the cricket had a strength not characteristic of it's clan. You see, usually the cricket clan would jump and flee from the slightest danger unless they were formulating a suicide jump attack. And so, Princess Rachel decided to spare the life of this brave little cricket but requested a truse:

"Now cricket, I am not bothering you, and I promise not to hurt you if you promise to stay just where you are and NOT jump on me."

The wee cricket looked at the fair princess and it seemed to her that an agreement had passed between them in their gaze.

Princess Rachel continued her shower without incident and gave the cricket an 'attaboy' as she left.

The next day, as princess Rachel reached in the shower to turn on the water for her shower she eyed the corners for a sign of her wee little shower companion...but to her dismay she saw his fragile little body floating near the drain; now I say dismay but really a sense of relief came as well - it is a creepy little cricket afterall.

And so this fairy tale does not end in "and everyone lived happily ever after", for the cricket died and the remaining cricket clan continues to invade the castle.

So, is there a moral to this story?

If perchance you meet a cricket in the shower...

... get your husband to kill it and dispose of the body before you shower....cuz its just going to die anyway, and that makes one less nasty bug to worry about!

The End

Like, look at my wordle!

2008-10-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

There is this cool site that I read about on karlenn's blog called wordle.net, and you put in the URL code of your blog, and it scans it and then makes this cool collage of the words you use the very most in your blog. The words you use the most are the biggest.

I didn't know that I was 'like' such a valley girl! or that I talk about books that much...but I think my last post is the culprit!

Very cool website. Thanks Kar!

I've got my copy!

2008-10-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

So I don't know how long we will be in Blythe, but I find it to be a pretty interesting place. Now that I work at PVC I am finding it to be even more interesting (you can interpret that how ever you want).

Anyways, I got an email announcing a book signing here at the PVC library. A local author wrote a book about the Blythe Airport and I thought that since I had gone on a preschool field trip to the airport with the kids, and also since we don't know how long we would live here in Blythe...that it would make for a great momento of our time here. So I went over, bought a copy and had it signed to the kids. I hope they like it!

Here are the details about the book:

Palo Verde College library hosting book signing for local author Palo Verde College’s Harry A. Faull Library is hosting a book sale and signing next Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. for local author Art Wilson. The public is invited to attend, and light refreshments will be served.The library is located on the second floor of the John O. Crain College Services building at the main campus in Blythe.During World War II, Blythe’s airport and the surrounding desert areas on both sides of the Colorado River became an important training area for the airmen who would fly bombing missions in Europe and the ground troops who fought with General George S. Patton, Jr., in Africa and Europe.The history of that period is captured in a new book, “Runways in the Sand: The History of Blythe Army Air Base in World War II,” which took Wilson eight years to complete. It is a well-written, easy-to-read book that includes photographs and personal recollections of the men and women who endured primitive facilities and the harsh climate to work and train at a US army airbase built in a few months on a desert mesa west of Blythe.The book will hold special interest for aviation buffs and anyone interested in learning more of Blythe’s history.Wilson said he first became interested in Blythe Airport while his wife was doing some volunteer work at the Palo Verde Historical Museum. His attention was drawn to a sign-up sheet in the veterans’ section which included names of individuals who served in the 34th Bomb Group, which trained at the airport during a 16-month period in 1943-44.Wilson contacted one signer who had included an address and was rewarded with a membership roster of the 34th Bomb Group organization. Wilson then mailed a questionnaire to individuals on the roster and received “a big response, including letters, pictures and poems” written by members.

Tagged?

2008-10-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I read a post from my friend Karlenn and she openly tagged anyone reading the post...so I am going to give this whole tagged thing a try.

The tag was to post SEVEN quirks. So, here I go:

1. I hate it when the kids rooms are a mess and I beg and plead and yell (I'm working on that one) for them to get it clean and they are doing sooo much better......BUT I am a complete hypocrite because my room is ALWAYS a disaster area! Shame on me!

2. I (like Kar) don't really like chocolate. I too would choose 'fruity' candy over chocolate. Here are my exceptions to the 'don't like chocolate' rule: brownies (but they can't be too rich), hot chocolate, rocky road ice cream. I know, random!

3. I have to move emails out of my inbox after I have read them at work. I like to see the new emails as they come in and know that they are new and that there is nothing I need to do with the old emails. If there is some action I need to take I flag the email but still move it out of my inbox to one of the many, many subfolders (33 so far, I am sure there will be more...I just create a new one if the email does not 'fit' into any of the created folders).

4. I am cheap. Really cheap. I will not buy a box of cereal if it costs more than two dollars (my best buy thus far has been 50 cents a box, with 10 for 10 and coupons). My husband and I have a little competition where we try to make sure that our savings (at albertsons, the only grocery store) is greater than the amount that we spent. So far our record is: Spent $40, Saved $120!!!

5. This kind of goes along with the cheap one but kind of not cuz usually I will splurge on technology....but I haven't gotten a blue tooth for my cell phone and now that it is against the law to drive and hold your cell phone - I put my phone on speaker phone and nestle it in my cleavage to hold it close to my face. I can hear it great and they can hear me great too! Sooooo strange!

6. I am currently a student. I am insane. I must do well or I might die. This has not always been the case. I guess I always gave myself an excuse before I got married. Don't get me wrong, I have always had at least a 3.4, but now it is A's or nothing. I have gotten B's since being married and it crushes me. I worry, worry, worry about my classes and study, study, study myself to death and then when I get an A I can breath.

7. I sing all the time. Admittedly, I have decided to live my life as a musical. I sing in the car, the shower, when I am nervous, while I do dishes...I make up songs, I sing silly songs...I even made up a rap once at youth conference. Most people think I sing well, but I am envious of those (like others in my family) that are amazing singers. I wish that I was an amazing singer and in a way I guess all of my solitary singing is really just a way of practicing because I want to be a better vocalist. I would like to note though that Altos don't get their due props...and thank heavens that lds.org lets you transpose the hymns. Once I realized that I also realized that I don't have to be the harmony...I can belt out hymn in melody in MY range. Way to go lds.org, way to go.

Alright....how did I do? This was my first ever "tag" and I actually had fun blogging about it. So, since I do not have very many of you on my blog list, if you are reading this then - YOU ARE TAGGED!

ATTACK!!! - 2

2008-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

They caught a tarntula at work today. My first thought was something akin to this! The guys asked me if I wanted to come and hold it. I told them that I acutally had ZERO desire to hold a tarantula. They insisted that I at least come and look at it.

I told them I would come and see it. When they opened the box it was just sitting there, larger than life, staring at me with its many eyes.
It looked something like this.

They asked again if I wanted to hold it and assured me that it was safe and wouldn't hurt me. One of the boys was letting it walk from hand to hand like a little spider treadmill. So I trust my hand into the mix and it walked across. It was soft and spooky. It still gives me the heepy-geepies...but at least now when my kids read this, they will know that MOM HELD A TARANTULA!

Oh the dog days of summer!

2008-09-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Alright, so some of you may argue that the summer is long since gone...but when you live in Blythe it is summer nearly 9 months of the year! But really I am not referring to the weather. I am actually glad to announce that our sweet Lilly Belle had a visit from the doggie stork last night. Two precious little doxies have joined our family - at least temporarily. They are both girls and are chocolate and tan little sweethearts. Lilly is still mama bear over them right now so I haven't had a chance to hold one yet, but they are sweet little things. I will have to post pictures as soon as I find the cord to my camera!

ATTACK!!!

2008-09-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at my desk when Joe (the welding instructor) calls me over and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Lou (maintenance crew) with a scorpian in a big gulp cup! YIKES! It had to have been 5+ inches long!

They had found it hiding behind some wood in the Building trades lab. Just down the hall from my office.

All I can say is that from now on....I am looking under my desk before I put my feet under there!

Who knew a blog would cause a reconnect?

2008-09-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

So there I was just blogging away (OK, so I don't do it very often but I am trying here!) and then I read my comments...usually they are from Trish (love her!)....but then I spy an odd comment from someone that I don't necessarily know and by golly - It was the wife of one of Adam's mission companions! How cool is that?

They are living in Anchorage, AK...so we can't exactly reconnect in person but thank heavens (literally) that we live in the age of cyber-wonderfulism. (Yeah, yeah, I make up words-get over it.)

So if anyone else is out there listening....

I would also love to reconnect with my friend from EFY and then Ricks College Adrianne Thurston from Twin Falls, ID! Are you out there???

THE NEW JOB-DUN, DUN, DUN!!!

2008-09-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you have probably been wondering about this whole J-O-B thing I have going on in my life. I won't actually go into all of the details of WHY I needed to get a job - it is too tedious and tiresome to talk about. Instead I will tell you ABOUT my job.

I work at Palo Verde College - a cute little community college that is tucked up on a hill just a few miles from my house here in Blythe, CA. Check it out here!

I am, now get ready for this, the:

Secretary of Instructional Services for the Occupational Education Department

YIKES! Are you kidding me? It took me two days just to even say that right! I am now in my second week at work and so far so good. I have made a few tiny mistakes here and there but overall I think that I am doing well.

It is a real struggle to balance home, work, family, church and other obligations though. I really miss being home with my sweet baby Aidan.

There is no way that I could be doing this without the help of my loving friends (who are my family here in Blythe)! All of those who put your time and effort into bettering my life and my family...well, I just don't know what I would do without you! Your love, support and kind words are sometimes the only thing that keeps me going. You are an inspiration to me and I hope that I can grow up to be just like you! And now I am crying and can't see the screen anymore...just like me!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

FINALLY!!! PICTURES!!!

2008-09-21T08:27:00.001-07:00

CUB SCOUT Raingutter Regatta and Trash Cleanup

2008-09-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Once again I am blog-lifting from the cubscouts to update you on the adventures of Colton the Wolf scout....here is what they have to say:

"Rain Gutter RegattaThe Cub Scouts designed and painted their boats and sails for the big race! We had a great time and the boys are excited to do it again next summer! The race track is a rain gutter filled with water and the boys blow the sail to move the boat to the finish line. The winners received ribbons! After the race the boys stayed to take a swim!"

I would like to add that Colton got 4th place and a cute little ribbon!

"On September 3rd, our first den meeting of the school year we met at Todd Park.We cleaned up trash from around the play area and surrounding grassy area from the pavilion to the community center from the fence to the street.Boys reviewed the Buddy System as this months theme is about buddies. They played some games using their teamwork skills.We are working on the World Conservation Patch which requires service projects in the community and Leave No Trace Behind, meaning they have to leave the place they were at better than they found it as if they were never there!Everyone had fun and we even found a new scout who wanted to join our pack!"

It was HOT out there so the boys really worked hard for this one! Way to go scouts!

Cub Scouts Field Trip to Mitchell's Caverns

2008-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is taken from the cub scout web page:

"We drove to Mitchell's Caverns as a pack and learned how the caverns were made. We heard the history about the caverns and the natives' uses of the different plant life around the area. It was a cool 60-70 degrees in the caverns and we had a nice breeze. The boys learned to use the buddy system and Leave No Trace Awareness as we hiked the caverns! All Cubs enjoyed the day!"

Colton had lots of fun on his first cub scout field trip.

FAY!

2008-08-19T09:12:00.001-07:00

So we are welcomed back to florida with hurricane faye. It will be raining all day and the hurricane is supposed to hit tonight at 2 am!

***Update - as it turns out Fay was only a tropical storm but she did dump 26" of rain on us in 3 days!

2008-08-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

WE got back from puerto rico and i have more tales to tell but i need a high speed connection for that so it will have to wait.

2008-08-18T05:01:00.001-07:00

Where to start! Today we went to visit some towns that Adam lived in as a missionary- Cabo Rojo, Sabana Grande and Naranjito.

Pictures of Ponce

2008-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

2008-08-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

Today was fun. I should have been blogging as i went but i was having too much fun. I guess my favorite part of today was swimming at la playa.

This is a picture of a lighthouse at the beach that we were swimming at. It was beautiful there. There were probably only about 100 people swimming in this little cove by the lighthouse. The finest most beautiful sand I had ever seen and a fun little tide coming in. It was fun to ride the waves.

2008-08-16T05:24:00.001-07:00

Today we are going to Cabo Rojo. We are hoping to go to the luminescent bay and of course to get some good food.

2008-08-15T18:11:00.001-07:00

Well, after all that fancy food-mahi mahi, steak, salad with passion fruit dressing- it would figure that I liked the rice, beans & tostone best

2008-08-15T15:35:00.001-07:00

Now for dinner we stopped at the restaurante tias. It is pricy/fancy but youonly live once so we are going for it! I am going to try mahi mahi.

2008-08-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

Went shopping today at the Ponce Mall. We thought that with the rain it was best to stay in ponce -they drive crazy here!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2008-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is a video I took of us driving in the rain. It rained so much in such a relatively small amount of time...I was just amazed.

2008-08-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

We stopped at a panderia (bakery/eatery) for brunch. We got a sanwich that is reminescent of a panini to me. It was really good but huge! Yum!

2008-08-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

Today we woke to rain. We even made good morning today for a tropical thunderstorm. Not rated a tropical storm but more rain than we see all year

Canepas

2008-08-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

What might you ask is a canepa? Well, Adam showed me first hand on our first day on our Puerto Rican adventure by pulling over on the side of the highway and buying some from a peddler. He was sooooo excited to taste them again. They were messy and took a little getting used to, but they were good!

Here is a definition and description:

The canepa, quinepa, honeyberry or ginip is a seasonal fruit available from June through September. A must-try for anyone unfamiliar with this delicious fruit, you pop the skin by biting it, then put the fruit in your mouth and suck the flesh off of the large seed. Due to their very short shelf life (a few days), you won't find them for sale in grocery stores but only by the side of the road.

2008-08-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

We are sitting at an oceanside restaurant in Ponce and we are on a pier over the water. We just saw a stingray swim by-brown with white spots! It kinda looked like this stuffed toy->

Mobile Bloggin??? Who knew!

2008-08-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

Testing, testing...is this thing on? Totally awesome! I sent this from my cell phone! So cool. Check back and I will see if I can't figure out how to send pics so that I can post and blog during our vacation to Florida and especially pics from Puerto Rico! So, so cool!

Welcome to the World of the Beautiful Barnards!

2008-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

So you probably think that I am quite high minded of my family but in reality barnardfam or barnardfamily were taken...and I didn't think blubbering barnards really described us, and well, I DO think that my children are beautiful. So there you have it - The Beautiful Barnards. Welcome to my site...welcome to my life!