Enjoying the Journey

Welcome James Eugene Gunn

2011-12-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday, December 16, 2011, James Eugene Gunn was born to Tom and Amy!! He weighed 8lbs., 2 oz., and was 20.5 inches long. His delivery was long and hard. He is a beautiful baby. I couldn't believe he could look so good an hour after his birth. No cone head, no squishy face, no bruises. . . just a well developed body and face, curly dark hair, and a sweet mouth! You can see he's absolutely darling.

He looks like Tom and Amy. He reminds me of his daddy when he was a newborn. James is a big boy and he has an appetite to match. He's going to keep his parents pretty busy just keeping him fed!

What a miracle. Amy didn't think she would ever have a baby. They've waited 7 years for James. His name was a secret until I saw him. He is named after my dad, Eugene Gunn Fawcett. Tom had changed his last name to Gunn at the time Merrill and I were divorced. My Dad is a wonderful man and James has something to live up to in the way of integrity, faithfulness, and dedication to his family and the Gospel.
Welcome to our family James!! We are thrilled you are here!

Catching Up

2011-11-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

These past few months have been busy! I spent 11 days in Utah with my mother and sister. We had planned to be gone 4 days and ended up staying for 11 because of my Aunt Leah's death. We had visited Aunt Leah and Uncle Gale in Ogden on a Friday afternoon and that night Aunt Leah passed away. We realized when we saw her that she was very ill and wouldn't be here much longer . . . we didn't realize it was a matter of hours, not a matter of weeks or months. So, we spent the week shopping and visiting and shopping and visiting. I came back with some nice clothes (things I needed) and a few other items. Fortunately the weather was quite good while we were there. We had some cold nights and mornings but the days were nice. You never know in the Rocky Mountains what October will bring.

Funerals bring family members together and I enjoyed seeing cousins that I haven't seen for years. I was impressed with what good people they are. I think our parents and grandparents can be proud of most of us.At least we're trying -- even if we're not the picture of perfection yet.

A couple of weeks after returning home from Utah I got on an airplane again with John and we headed to Washington DC. We spent 2 days traveling and 3.5 days sightseeing. We spent at least 10-12 hours everyday we were there sightseeing. What a wonderful place. This was my third time to DC and I have to say that every time I go I want to go back.

We toured the White House, the Capitol buidling, and of course saw the monuments on the National Mall. What a great way to learn about the history of our country. I learn more every time I go. Of course, you can never see it all and so each time I try to see something I haven't seen before. I felt humbled and grateful. I am in awe of the brilliant men and women who acted (under the direction of God) to establish this wonderful nation.

This is the National Archives. There were very few people there and we were able to see the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.
We also saw early edits and working copies of the Bill of Rights and the Amendments along with other important letters and documents.

The Washington Monument can be seen from everywhere around Washington DC. It's iconic and symbolic and reminds us about the Father of Our Country and his important influence on the establishment of our nation. I LOVE the Washington Monument.

The impact of the Civil War and the importance of its outcome is in evidence all over Washington DC. This is a statue of President Grant. He faces the Lincoln Memorial and beyond the Lincoln Memorial is Arlington and the former home of General Lee.

Our Ever Growing Family

2011-09-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

I love to blog but I haven't spent much time on it recently -- too many things pulling at me!

I don't think I've blogged about Tom and Amy expecting in December. Yes, it's true, after 7 years (sounds Biblical) of trying, Tom and Amy are going to have a baby boy in December. This was an unexpected and delightful blessing for them and for our whole family. Tom started back to school this past year to finish up his bachelor's degree and they really did not expect they would ever have a child without adopting. Amy wasn't feeling well and soon realized she was pregnant last spring. I was sworn to secrecy and didn't tell for several months and I forgot to blog about it. As hard as it's been for Abby and Jeremy and Tom and Amy to have children you would think I wouldn't forget to blog about this!!! Of course we are overjoyed. It's been a long haul. Another delightful and unexpected blessing. We adore Lorena so much and I'm spoiling her! It's good for her to have a cousin to share the love!

Here is the photo of my little grandson due on December 27th!

Lorena's starting lose that baby/toddler look. She's looks like a big girl these days and she's about potty trained. Her language is developing and she loves to call Grandma. Of course Grandma loves to talk to her. She's a delight! Here's a very recent photo of our big girl! We had a great time visiting with her in Pasco last weekend. I love to play with her. She's such a little mommy and loves her babies.

School has started and I will blog about that later. The Lord has been merciful and poured out his blessings on my school! Such a great beginning!

Later!

ALOHA! - part 2

2011-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

As promised here are more photos from my trip to the Garden Isle. I found Kauai to be the way I imagined the Garden of Eden to be. (I also feel that way about so many places in the Northwest. We live in such a beautiful place.) When I've described the experience to my kids, I've told them it's like the Oregon Coast except it's tropical instead of temperate. I would say that's true. Kauai has beautiful rugged coastal regions, beautiful forests that are tropical filled with ferns, and tall canopy trees, palm trees (including coconut palms), vines, and flowers. (The Oregon coast is a forested with ferns, Douglas fir, other deciduous trees, rhododendrons, etc.) Traveling the coast roads reminded me of the beautiful scenes you see along the coast lines in Oregon and Washington.

Here are some more photos:

An old sugar cane processing plant near Lihue. (You can see part of the cruise ship docked in the lower left of the photo.)

A banyan grove. I always wondered what banyan trees looked like. The only one I had ever seen was the sculpture on BYU campus.

Plumeria (top photo) and hibiscus. We had hibiscus planted in our yard in So Cal. I love the sweet fragrance of the plumeria. Plumeria make beautiful leis.

The top photo is near the lighthouse on the north shore of the island. The bottom photo is also the north shore looking toward Princeville and Hanalei. (Don't you think it looks like the Oregon Coast?)

This is looking toward Poipu on the south shore of Kauai. So lovely! (Again, kind of like the Oregon Coast.)

This is a photo of me snorkeling on a reef at Ke'e beach. I'm the third from the left. I LOVED snorkeling. I felt like I was part of the aquarium. I want to snorkel some more. I'm trying to figure out if I can here in Puget Sound.

I LOVE palm trees. These are coconut palms that just grow in groves along the ocean. I remember when we lived in SoCal that I loved having palm trees in our yard. There is something romantic and graceful and elegant about palm trees.

ALOHA!

2011-07-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

I had the MOST delightful vacation! School was out on June 22nd. (We go so late now!) Principals usually work until July 1. Well, this year, this principal went to Hawaii on June 24th. What a wonderful time. My dear friend Joan asked me back in March, if wanted to go to her timeshare with her. What's interesting is that literally a few days prior, I had been thinking about the fact that I really needed a vacation -- I mean a real vacation where I would rest and rejuvenate. I had prayed about it and a few days later this invitation came. Tell me that Heavenly Father doesn't answer prayers!!!

Joan and her husband Neal have a timeshare condo on Kauai. Neal had passed away in February. Joan wanted to go and she invited me. I was truly honored because I knew this was going to be a difficult and sensitive time for her. I gladly accepted -- truly feeling that my prayers had been heard. My job is so stressful and demanding (and I LOVE it) that I do need some good R&R. The challenge of being single is having people to travel with. I love going to the beach with my kids and their families -- but those vacations -- fun as they are -- are not necessarily restful. They are filled with activity and meals and planning and coordinating and loads of fun -- but not restful. I needed a quiet, adult vacation.

My Adventure:

So, on June 24th, I got on an airplane and flew to Hawaii. Before boarding the plane, the airline was looking for 1 person who was willing to take a later flight in exchange for a travel voucher (a nice one). I volunteered since I was traveling alone (Joan had gone over a couple of days earlier.) This meant I had to run to a far off gate to get on a flight that was going to Kona and then to Lihue. (My original flight was non-stop to Lihue.) That was fine. I arrived in Kona - which is beautiful and discovered that Alaska Airlines had not finished booking my flights through to Lihue. So, after a few minutes of great concern (feeling that I was stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a desert island -- love the drama) I was scheduled to continue on to Honolulu and then to Lihue. The gate agent had failed to tell me you don't fly directly from Kona to Lihue -- you have to go through Honolulu. Here are some photos of the airport in Kona.

I had a few hours to wait until my flight and I found a delicious Mahi Mahi sandwich and a great salad and enjoyed the breeze and the warm weather. (Most of Kona airport is outside.) At sunset we took off on wonderful Hawaiian Airlines and flew to Honolulu. I got to see Honolulu at sunset. It was beautiful. I saw Diamond Head and Waikiki and Pearl Harbor from the air with the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. I was already in love with Hawaii and I hadn't arrived at my destination! I literally walked off of the airplane in Honolulu and onto an airplane to Lihue. My seat on the final leg of my journey was next to a delightful Hawaiian sister who lived on Kauai. She talked to me about her children who attend King Kamehameha School. About their ward on Kauai and the fact that Kauai is a stake. She was so nice and fun to talk to.

I arrived about 8:30 or 9 that night in Lihue. I had been traveling since 11 a.m. (Pacific Daylight time) and so it was like 11:30 Pacific time when I arrived. Joan was patiently waiting for me. I was SO GLAD to see her. She took me to the condo and fed me. I was so tired, I'm not sure I was coherent but I was there! My luggage had come through on Alaska with the original flight but they were closed up for the night and so I had to pick my luggage up the next morning.

The next morning we went souvenir shopping, had breakfast, and picked up my luggage. On Sunday, we attended church in the Lihue ward. I have to tell you that those ward members are some of the most welcoming and warm people I've ever met. Church was excellent and when sacrament meeting was over they had the members of the ward come forward and the guests stand (which was more than half of the congregation) and they sang Aloha Oe to us. It was so lovely. Then each guest received a beautifully braided lei with a note from the Lihue Ward. The spirit was so strong and it was so sweet.

Here are some pics from one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen:

Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

Napali Coast

Blow Hole near Poipu

Turtles near Poipu

Da Plane, Da Plane. . . Wailua Falls

The show Fantasy Island was filmed here.

Near the Fern Grotto

I will upload more photos and tell more in my next post! I felt like I had landed in the Garden of Eden. I fell in love with Kauai. I will go back!

Obedience

2011-06-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our RS Lesson today was about obedience. The discussion was pretty good. It's interesting the perspectives people bring to the discussion. Of course, the bottom line here, is that Heavenly Father's goal for each of us to have Eternal Life -- that is the quality of life he has and to be like him. This means that we need to be schooled and taught and trained in obedience to law. In order to live as He lives requires perfect adherence to and obedience to certain eternal laws. The adherence to these laws will bring us eternal joy and eternal increase.

The teacher asked us to share a personal example of obedience and the blessings.I did not share this but, I immediately thought of my Abby and an experience she and I had together when she was about 15 years old. Abby wanted to have a second set of pierced earrings in your ears -- in other words to be able to wear 2 sets of earrings at a time in each ear. She had discussed this with me and had worn me down to the point that I had relented. The very day I told her she could probably do this -- we attended the YW's broadcast from Salt Lake together. President Hinckley talked about this very issue and told the girls and their mothers that this was NOT a good idea and to not join the rest of the world in doing this. Abby looked at me and simply said something like, "Ok, I won't do it." Her commitment to follow the prophet and his counsel was humbling and brought me great joy.

Abby is now 27 years old and has been married in the temple to a wonderful man. She is the mother to a darling little girl and she has been serving for several years as a Laurel adviser. While I know Abby's not perfect -- she's tried to live her life in accordance with the counsel of our living prophets -- since her youth. I know this commitment to obey has blessed her life and consequently has blessed her family.

Personal Revelation

2011-05-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

So, in the weeks since I last posted, I've had an interesting experience. I posted that I had decided to continue to work as a principal for now with some consulting and/or teaching on the side. I had prayed and felt right about this decision. Yet, there were people around me, inside and outside of the district, who kept telling me that I should reconsider that decision. Then, a couple of major central office players announced their resignations and retirements. Wow! Opportunities would be opening that may not come around again for several years. So, once again, I prayed about my decision and felt I had made the right decision. A friend and mentor encouraged me to go talk with the superintendent before I wrote off these opportunities -- just to get a feel about what's going on and where I might fit in --- and IF I SHOULD fit in. I prayed before I went to visit with the superintendent that I would walk out of that meeting with a clear mind and understanding. Well, prayers are answered and sometimes very directly. I walked out of that meeting knowing that a central office job in this district at this time is NOT the right thing to do. The superintendent revealed herself and her thinking in a way that made it crystal clear that I DO NOT WANT to be part of the central administration organization at this time. More information was shared with me after that meeting that confirmed my thinking.

I'm so grateful for prayer. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father doesn't leave us here to struggle without help. I feel so good about my decision AND I know that I received the correct answer to my concerns and my prayer through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father is looking out for me. So, we'll see what my future holds. I feel free and clear and I have deeper understanding about what I need to do at this time.

A Little Crimson and Gray!

2011-05-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

It's my graduation and probably my last graduation for me. I don't think I've got the energy to do another degree! Anyway, May 14th is my doctoral graduation from Washington State University. The school colors are crimson and gray and so I've changed my blog for awhile to my school colors. I've made my own kids walk through their graduations and so they want me to walk and so I am. I didn't walk for my masters degree and I kind of regretted that. I'm actually pretty excited because I get to wear the hood that doctors wear. I've worked toward this for so many years! When I was 20 years old I couldn't understand why anyone would go to school for so many years. I had no idea I would go for more years than I could have even imagined!

I'm glad I did this and I do love learning. Getting a doctorate was the ultimate learning experience. I totally LOVED it. I was truly sad when I was finished. It's taken me about 6 months (I finished in November) to actually adjust to life without writing papers and going to class. Going to school was my lifestyle. I do love academics and learning. I'm grateful that I was allowed in this life to have this experience.

Anyway, everyone assumes that because I have a doctorate I want to be a school district superintendent. In actuality -- I do not. I have no desire to work at that level. Superintendents NEVER quit working. They are literally completely immersed in the job and they have no personal life. In fact, I already work (as a principal) 10-12 hours per day -- I don't want a central office job either. Those people, at least in my district, work 12-14 hours per day. They are exhausted and under huge amounts of pressure. I have pressure but it's pressure I can handle. I've prayed about this and thought about this a great deal and here's my current plan:

Continue working as a principal
Begin consulting a few hours a month
Maybe find an adjunct professor teaching job at a local university

This feels good. This feels like the right thing to do. We will see. Of course, our best laid plans can be disrupted with unexpected opportunities and unexpected life changes -- so I'm open. I do know this: Heavenly Father is aware of my situation, my fears, my needs, and my energy levels. He will guide me, direct me, and provide opportunities for my growth.

Spring in Washington and Spring in Utah

2011-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

I recently accompanied my mother (and my sister) to visit my aunts and uncle who live in Utah. Typically, spring in Washington is well underway and the temperatures are around 60 degrees in the day time. Flowers are blooming and the trees have leaves and blossoms by now. This year, spring is very late and when we arrived in Salt Lake City, we were delayed in getting to spring as I suspected. Normally, Utah is at least a month behind us in with spring -- not this year -- we're in the same place.

We arrived at 10 p.m. on Friday night in Salt Lake and went to our hotel near the airport. The next morning we picked up the rental car and headed up over Parley's summit to Henefer to visit our Fawcett relatives. We spent a couple of hours visiting with them. Then we headed down Weber Canyon to Ogden to visit my mother's sister, Aunt Leah. She is very ill and her health is deteriorating very quickly. It's hard to see my mother and dad's siblings in declining health. They are ill and I'm reminded that this life is in actuality, very fleeting.

Saturday afternoon we headed to the hotel where we would be staying for the next 3 days. On Sunday we had a delightful visit with our cousins and aunt in American Fork.We have a great deal in common with them and we have always enjoyed this relationship. Again, my Aunt Helen's health is declining rapidly. It's fun catching up on the family news.

Monday brought a wonderful treat. We were able to go to the BYU Museum of Art to see the Carl Bloch exhibit. What a beautiful experience and what a treat! I didn't want to leave. We rented the iPads which enriched the experience immensely - allowing us to learn more about Carl Block and the paintings. I am so moved by such beautiful paintings. The huge altar pieces are painted on copper. Bloch's ability to capture emotion, detail, and meaning in the paintings is inspired. You could see that he had a deep understanding of Gospel principles (although he never heard the restored Gospel as far as I know) and the capacity to capture the meaning and the significance of the teachings of the Savior. This was the experience of a lifetime. I feel so privileged to have seen these wonderful paintings. Previously I had seen the painting of the Pool at Bethesda and to see the other paintings and altar pieces was even more amazing.

Words cannot express adequately the feelings I had as I viewed these paintings. I appreciate how these works strengthen my testimony and satisfy my deepest longings and feelings. Beautiful music and beautiful art is a gift from our Heavenly Father.

After we left the BYU MOA, we again spent time visiting family. A quick and successful trip to Tai Pan Trading Company made a complete day. Tuesday, we went to the Joseph Smith Building (Hotel Utah) and went to the Joseph Smith movie at the Legacy Theater. We had lunch in the Garden Restaurant and enjoyed the spectacular view of Temple Square and the Salt Lake Temple and then headed to the airport.

We realize how important it is for Mother to visit these relatives and have time with them during their final years on the earth. I appreciate that we have the capacity and the means to accommodate her.

All in all, a very satisfying and productive trip!

March: In like a Lion and Out like a Lion!

2011-04-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

The title says it all -- March came in like a lion and went out like a lion! We've had double the normal rainfall for March in Western Washington! I'm tired of it! I was never bothered by the rain until we lived in Southern California for 2 years! That ruined me -- I LOVE the sun. When we left SoCal, I had a huge adjustment coming back to the cooler, rainier weather but I adjusted. This past month has reminded me of how hard that adjustment was. Anyway, most of the time I love living in Washington. It's green and cool and beautiful. When the sun shines -- it's spectacular. Mt. Rainier to the southeast and the Olympic mountains to the west. Lake Washington, Puget Sound, and the trees make it absolutely spectacular. But when there are too many gray, rainy (I mean really hard rain -- not the soft Oregon mist) I start to crave the sun again. I honestly am starting to check for moss growing between my toes! It was hard to find a dry day to have a fire drill at school. (The principal has her principles about fire drills in the rain -- too hard on the hair and shoes! Priorities, you know.)

It's been a pretty good month. I've worked too many hours each week but the work is good. We're working on creating a school-wide system of interventions for reading and math for our struggling students. The system is called RTI (response to instruction/intervention) and it's designed to help kids who are lagging catch up. Very research based but it requires a significant change in practice for the teachers. We're on track and I'm excited about this. I know it's important and I know it will make a difference. I have a GREAT team of teachers to work with to create this.

This past month I bought a series of tickets to the Seattle Symphony. We went to the first concert a couple of weeks ago and I loved it. I had forgotten how much I loved doing that. When I was first married we had tickets to the symphony and went at least once a month. After a while with the expensive babysitters and the challenges of taking care of a young family we didn't do it very often. My former spouse was very talented musically and it was something we shared and loved together. When our marriage turned out to be so seriously flawed and had such serious problems I found myself not wanting to have much to do with music and those things we had shared and loved together. My husband used music to escape and to avoid and he ruined it for me. It's taken me a long time to return to something that I've always loved so much and to embrace it again. I can't wait until next Sat. when I get to go again.

Lorena and Grandma, March 27, 2011

Lorena visited last weekend. She's such a little doll! Oh my, the stuff she says and does absolutely charms me and cracks me up!! She's totally my girl. Even though I hadn't seen her since Christmas, she ran to me with open arms when she saw me! She says, "Uh Oh!" when she has a little accident or when she's done something she shouldn't. I gave her a cute pair of bunny ears and she now talks about bunnies as she wears them. She loves Easter eggs with a couple of fishy graham crackers. She also likes peanut butter easter eggs. She's a climber and will stand up on the kitchen table if you take your eyes off of her. She minds quite well and when she wants to do something she shouldn't she will look at you to see if you mean it and if you do -- she obeys! She has to sit on her Daddy's lap until the sacrament is over and then she is allowed to have something to do or play quietly next to her parents on the bench. She shakes her head no and shakes her finger at other babies and children when they are noisy in church. She calls the cats "gatita" and she's got a great pencil grip! At 22 months, she's doing great and I can't believe how absolutely cute and sweet she is. Her temperament is sweet and easy and she's a joy to be around. So much growth and development for a little girl who came into the world weighing 2.5 Lbs. Ok, enough about the joy of my life.

This weekend I'm loving General Conference. The words of living prophets and apostles refresh and renew. Lots to think about! More later.

Till We Meet Again

2011-03-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

My friend Neal Whiteford passed away on Saturday evening. Joan was with him. Joan has shared with me that they had sacred experiences during his final days. In her words, "the veil has been very thin during these last few days." She is being supported by the Comforter. She is not alone in her mourning. We are having the opportunity to serve in small ways. We will miss Neal. He has become a refined, righteous priesthood holder. Joan has proven herself to be a faithful, loving companion. I'm so glad I've known Neal and I will be delighted to see him again.

His passing has brought back many of the feelings I had a few months ago when my Dad passed away.

Let it Snow? No! and a Tribute to my Faithful Friends

2011-02-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, we don't really have a choice about the weather but I if we did I would fast forward to spring! I was just thinking last week I might put some primroses in my pots but didn't. Probably a good thing that I didn't. Nevertheless, I'm so ready for spring to come. Spring does come sooner here than it does in Utah. In a month it will be very spring like and there will be buds on the trees and tulips and camelias beginning to bloom! By April, we will begin to feel warm again and see even more blossoms and leaves. Anyway, I'm looking forward to spring.

On a more serious note, my friend Neal Whiteford is about to leave this life. His dear wife Joan is sitting next to his bedside as he goes through the final phase of his mortal life. Joan and Neal are my heros. Joan is one of the most faithful and stalwart disciples of Jesus Christ I think I've ever known. Her 10 year marriage to Neal has been an experience of faith in every possible way. I have watched the refining of Neal as he's gone through more than 5 years of serious health problems, including becoming a paraplegic and experiencing congestive heart failure. I've also watched the refining of Joan. During these past 5 years not only has her best friend and dear husband been seriously ill, her daughter died from non-smokers lung cancer. Through it all she and Neal have faithfully served in their callings. Neal has been a ward clerk, together they've served a church service mission to the LDS employment center, and Joan has served in her stake calling as the stake webmaster, teaching in RS, and filling in with music anytime she's needed. She's also been a faithful, loving visiting teacher to me. Joan and Neal are loved by everyone in our ward. Every family in our ward has been touched in some way by Joan and Neal and their tireless service.

Joan has had her moments of discouragement and fear. She has wept through Neal's illnesses. She has mourned the loss of a beloved daughter. She has worried through another daughter's divorce and remarriage. I have learned from her as she has pressed forward with steadfast faith in Christ. I have watched her support and encourage Neal -- even when he was so ill and discouraged himself -- he had little to give back to her. I've watched her submit to Heavenly Father's will and accept the answers to prayer that weren't the answers she wanted. Despite receiving the answers she didn't want, she has remained faithful to her covenants and to the Gospel. She has made the choice not to be bitter and angry (even when she felt hurt and angry for a time).

Joan has changed Neal's life and he has changed hers. They have both changed mine. I will be forever grateful for dear, faithful friends who set the example of discipleship. Godspeed to you Neal as you walk into eternity and into the waiting arms of our Savior. Godspeed to you Joan as you press forward in the coming years, knowing that someday Neal will be waiting for you to walk into his arms and on into eternity by his side.

The Hearts of the Children (or We are Family)

2011-02-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Facebook started as a social medium for college kids. In fact, when I first heard of it my college kids told me about it and explained that it was just for college students. That was fine! Then, several years later I heard that Facebook was open to anyone. I ignored it. I didn't think it was something I would ever be interested in. Almost 3 years ago I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Surgery, chemo, and radiation. I was able to go to work when I felt good but many weeks I spent at home trying to cope with the side effects of chemo. During that time, I was feeling well enough one day to get online and explore Facebook. I joined up! I requested my kids as friends. Abby's initial response was, "Mom must be sick, she's joined Facebook!" For quite awhile I just used it to stay in touch with my kids who were all away from home. I began to add other friends. Over these 2-3 years something wonderful has happened -- I've reconnected with many of my first cousins and second cousins, and other relatives.

I have many, many, many first cousins (around 40 or so). I actually know most of them. Facebook has brought many of us back together. I enjoy seeing pictures of their kids and grandkids. I love reading posts about what they're doing and thinking. When they're sick or having a hard time I enjoy offering words of encouragement. One of my cousins has battled ovarian cancer during the past couple of years -- I've been able to share with her some of the information I've learned about cancer. (Ovarian and breast cancer and prostate cancer are related and sometimes run in families like ours.) Another one of my cousins lives in Chicago and this week they're being hammered by a bad winter storm -- it's good to keep tabs and know that she and her family is safe. I've discovered that with a couple of my cousins (actually in-law cousins) and I share a lot of similar tastes in favorite TV programs and political views. It's so great to wish them happy birthday. Facebook has brought our extended family back together and helped us reconnect.

I love knowing that I belong to a very large extended family. I like feeling connected to so many really good people. I enjoy having contact with people who share a common heritage, common values (mostly), and common traits and characteristics. I have to think that Facebook is contributing to turning the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Light!

2011-02-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

It's staying light later in the day! As I left work a little after 5 p.m. yesterday I realized it was still daylight. Woohoo! After the dark months of November, December, and January this is a wonderful gift. Recently I've been thinking about light and the sun and the Son. Some middle school students were being questioned about whether or not we need light to see. The students did not believe we need light to see. They were probed about their thinking and they believed that even total darkness with absolutely no light -- eventually their eyes would adjust to the dark and they would be able to see. One of the students was placed in a room that was darkened so there was absolutely no light from any source. She was in the room (with an adult) and even after quite a few minutes she believed that eventually she would be able to see. She was not convinced that her eyes would never adjust to a completely dark room and that she would never see in the absence of light. Yet, it is a fact that without light our eyes do not see. We rarely, if ever, experience complete darkness. Possibly in a cave, deep in the earth we could experience this. Most of the time, even in a very dark room, there are tiny fragments of light -- even the littlest bit of light allows us to see.

In relationship to the above fact, I've also been thinking about the fact that all of us are born with the Light of Christ.We are born with the light to see the truth. We are taught in the Book of Mormon that the light or Spirit of Christ is given to every person to enable them to know good from evil. We are not born in darkness, we come from a world and environment filled with the light, the Light of Christ, and we bring that with us into the world. I believe that is why new babies and small children are so sweet and delightful -- they are still touched by the warmth and light of Christ.

I've also been thinking about sunflowers. Sunflowers always follow the sun. We aren't as obedient as sunflowers. We don't always follow the Son. We are born with His light and yet, often we refuse to follow the light. I love thinking about this -- what a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father and all we have to do is nurture and nourish our soul with truth and obedience, and love. When we do this -- we can experience even greater light. When we exercise faith in Christ, unto repentance, choose to be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then take His name upon us through the ordinances of the temple, we receive more and more light. We become obedient like the sunflowers.

January Hibernation

2011-01-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

January is the month I feel like going into hibernation. There are probably a couple of reasons for this: first, we're over the excitement and fun and cheer of the holidays. Two, it's COLD and dreary and wet. Three, it's a long time until payday. Teachers and principals get paid once a month and January's a long month! (Not mention we spent a lot in December.) I loved living in SoCal because it felt like we skipped from Christmas to May rather than going through January, February, and March. Most of the time the gray,dreary weather doesn't bother me too much but January is long! If I could just burrow down for the month with some hot chocolate, a warm throw, and some books and a movie or two -- I would love it. Instead, I get up on these dark, cold mornings and go to work. The upside to January is that the days are getting longer and it's not always dark when I come home from work now and it's a litte lighter in the morning when I go to work.

In reality I LOVE my work. I love the children, I feel like I'm serving others in a meaningful way each day. I don't always love their parents. I do love the teachers I work with -- they are some of the best people I've ever met. I love the mental and intellectual challenge that I have as we work to solve difficult problems. One of my strengths as a leader is the capacity to build teams, improve morale, and help others develop leadership capacity. My goal for every teacher is that they will each know their strengths and build on those strengths. I hope each of them will view themselves as learners and realize that working in a collaborative team to problem solve is important to their personal and professional growth. The work is not easy. I don't think about how hard it is -- I simply get to work and focus.

I owe Merrill (my former spouse) a huge thank you in a funny sort of way. If I had not had to step up and take care of myself and take on the primary responsibility for raising and supporting our children I would not have developed myself professionally. I guess Heavenly Father really does know our capacity and he provides ways and opportunities for each of us -- according to our need. I know we each experience the things we need to experience and Heavenly Father increases our capacity and strengthens us according to the need. (I think of the people of Alma in Mosiah 24:15 where it states that they were strengthened to bear their burdens with ease.) I've been strengthened and my capacity to bear and my capacity to do has been enlarged. I have learned important lessons during these years. I continue to learn and grow and I am so grateful!

One of the great gifts of my life is the opportunity to gain an education. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father showed me my talents and guided me to develop those talents. I have experienced the Holy Ghost teaching me and enlarging my capacity to learn. Early in my doctoral program I remember hitting a point where I thought, "I'm not smart enough to do this! I've hit my limit intellectually!" and then I felt the guidance of the Spirit as he taught me how to learn more deeply. All of my life I have loved the feeling of light and knowledge filling my soul as I learn. I was able to overcome the barrier in learning and persevere and succeed! (One thing getting a doctorate teaches you is how little you know -- you realize there is so much to learn and you know a miniscule amount!) I am truly among the most blessed of all people.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:03:00.000-08:00

So, I've been thinking about little things I can do to improve and be of greater service to others. I'm focusing on small efforts in order to be sure I can actually do something towards improvement. I want to improve how well I live the Gospel by focusing on small efforts I can make toward following the Savior and serving others. For example:

Work more consistently on family history. For the past 4+ years I've set aside family history work while I finished my doctorate. I want to get that going again. I really enjoy it. So, my sister and I have agreed to set up meeting times each month when we will get together and organize and focus our efforts on family history. To start we need to figure out where we're at so that's goal #1.
Increase my efforts in my visiting teaching. While I consistently do my visiting teaching -- I need to reach out more to the sisters I visit and make more effort to be a real friend to them. They are all less active and so sometimes I don't feel comfortable reaching out to them the way I should.
Continue to attend the temple consistently.

I also want to continue my personal improvement efforts to improve my health and energy. Since I've had cancer and the extensive treatments which really impacted me more than I care to admit, I've slowly regained my energy and health. I can help this further by:

Continuing to attend WW meetings. I've lost 30 lbs (40 since 2009) in the past year. I need to lose more obviously -- so I will attend my meetings - following the guidelines for healthy eating.
Exercising more consistently. Just moving more each day by parking farther away when I go to the store; tracking my steps with the pedometer; doing my stretching and lymphedema exercises for my arm.
Slowing my life down. I have to constantly work on doing less and focusing more on the simple things that make me happy (and sane) such as reading interesting books, organizing and enjoying my home, listening to music, writing in my blog and reflecting on the scriptures.

Intellectually I want to continue to work on writing and reading professionally and personally by writing articles for professional publications and keeping up with my blog several times each month.

Most of these things I do already to some degree or another. It's a matter of continuing and improving just a little! I remind myself "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." Alma 37:6

Christmas

We had a wonderful holiday. All of the kids were here and Merrill came again this year. (I began inviting Merrill to family events that past couple of years in order to decrease stress for the kids -- they don't have to choose where to go and where to be -- which becomes more and more complex since they are married.) Lorena was delightful. My dear brother-in-law finished a rocking horse for her that dad had started before he passed away. Jim finished it for her and it was so cute and she squealed with delight when she saw it on Christmas morning. It meant a great deal to me and to Abby that Jim finished this for her. Dad would be so pleased to see her enjoy this toy.

Jim also dressed up as Santa and paid a visit a day or two before Christmas. At first she was a little scared by she warmed up to him and we got some cute pics of her.

Not so sure about Santa

A new baby for Christmas

She has learned to pretend and it's so fun to watch her play and pretend to eat or feed you something. She's very smart and very cute.She's such a tiny little thing that it's easy to forget she's 19 months old and quite capable of so many things. We just thoroughly enjoyed her and spoiled her. (I'm so good at this grandma thing.)

We really missed Dad and I know Mom really had a hard time without him. In one week they celebrated their anniversary, Christmas, and Dad's birthday. So, we knew it wasn't going to be easy and it hasn't been easy. It's only been 4 months since he passed away and we're not used to him being gone yet.

Enjoying this Season

2010-12-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine forwarded this link to me and it is a beautiful Christmas card. Not religious -- just very sweet! Just follow the link: http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/bws8Shell_fps24.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3166187/graphic1

We've tried to make this week fun for our students. We're having extra assemblies (reptile man and our holiday sing-along), a door decorating contest, ginger bread houses are being created, and special treats are being shared in the classrooms. Our staff adopts families from our school to make sure all of our kids have a nice Christmas. (Some local churches adopt families as well.) Our student community is pretty low income and so many of our students don't have much to look forward to without support from community members. The kids are having fun and so are the adults.

When I first came to this school I started the tradition of having a sing along on the last hour of the last day before we go out on our 2 week break. My music teacher was skeptical, but being a really good person, she did as I asked and created a wonderful powerpoint with words and pictures, synched to music for the kids to sing to. The whole school (more than 600 kids) gather to sing fun holiday songs. We sing all of the favorites like Frosty, Rudolph, and Jingle Bells. We always end with Feliz Navidad which the kids love. More than half of our students are from Mexico and Central America and they LOVE this song! I had no idea until the first time we sang it and I thought the roof was going to come off of the building!

I'm just enjoying the children and appreciating our teachers and their love and commitment to teaching and learning. I'm looking forward to the time with my family as we celebrate and enjoy each other. In the meantime, we're having fun at school!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

This week I've finished decorating the house and most of the shopping is done. (A few items still to pick up.) I'm grateful for the plenty I've been blessed with, spiritual plenty and temporal plenty. I'm missing Dad and I've had episodes of grieving but beneath the feelings of sorrow are the feelings of assurance that the Savior lives and has overcome death. My gratitude deepens and grows as I go through this process.

This week a family in our ward lost their 26 year old son to the ravages of depression.(Depression is an illness.) This fine young man took his own life, leaving a young, sweet wife behind. It makes my heart hurt to think of the agony his family is going through -- realizing that he was in such great pain that taking his own life seemed like the best option. When our precious children are suffering so much it's total agony. When they take this option -- it's worse -- as you realize how much they have suffered. Our knowledge of the Atonement is the only thing that makes this bearable.

I was deeply moved last week in Relief Society when I was asked to read the story in Mark about the woman who had had an issue of blood for many years and just wanted to touch the garment of the Savior in order to be healed. She was successful and the Savior acknowledged her great faith. I identified with her desire to be healed and her trust in the Savior that he could heal her. Both times when I've had cancer I've experienced healing and through Priesthood blessings was assured I need not fear -- I would be healed. I will never forget the feelings of relief and joy as I experienced the promised healing. I realized that the healing came about because of faith in Christ. I've also experienced emotional and spiritual healing as I've faced the adversity of life. I've needed to be succored as only the Savior can succor. He's never let me down or left me alone. He's always healed me. He hasn't always answered my pleas in the way I wished them to be answered and sometimes the answers resulted in deep loss but he's always succored and carried me.

Well, there's more baking and cleaning and shopping and wrapping to be done.There's visiting teaching to complete and friends to visit. There are Christmas songs to be practiced and meals to prepare. More importantly, there is more pondering to do and more gratitude to express at this most wonderful time of the year.

Oh Now It's Christmas Time!

2010-12-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Christmas! What's not to love? Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift given to all of the world -- the Savior. This year it is taking on an even deeper meaning to me than ever before because I know that it is because of this wonderful gift that I will see Dad again and that we enjoy an eternal relationship as father and daughter. I'm missing him so much but I'm grateful for the knowledge of why we're here and where we're headed. I can't begin to express my gratitude for Dad's life and for his righteous example and selflessness. He understood what it meant to follow the Savior and he lived the Gospel.

I'm loving the music, the decorations, the gift purchases, the planning, and I'm anticipating the fun! I'm reading the Four Gospels (a tradition I began in the last couple of years between Thanksgiving and Christmas). I find that reading about and pondering the life of Christ makes me more open and more receptive to the Spirit of Christmas -- which is the Spirit of Christ.

The First Presidency Devotional opened this season with a sweetness and focus that blesses our whole family. I loved having the boys and Amy here for dinner and to watch the devotional. It felt warm and sweet and joyful to be here and listen to the living Prophet together as we were reminded about the real meaning of this wonderful, important season.

Turkey Day 2010

2010-11-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

We had a delightful Thanksgiving Day. Every dish turned out perfectly from the Turkey to the pies. I couldn't have been happier except that Abby, Jeremy, and Lorena didn't make it over the mountains. They decided that the weather was so bad in Eastern and Western Washington that they shouldn't come. I had had been having those same feelings. Their biggest concern was that they would get stuck over here and not be able to get home in time for work on Monday. (A legitimate concern due to the heavy snowfall in the mountains and on the passes this weekend.) We missed them so much -- but Christmas will be all the sweeter.

Amy made her fabulous, yummy rolls and her delicious sweet potatoes. Mom joined us and brought wonderful relish trays of veggies (with help from Allison). We had lots and lots of delicious food, good company, and a very nice day.

I was concerned for my mother because this is the beginning of her first holiday season without Dad. She's had a difficult week but she's doing OK. I know it's not going to be easy in these coming weeks because not only do we have Christmas but their wedding anniversary is Dec. 22nd and Dad's birthday is Dec. 29th. So, we have some rough water ahead. Mother is a trooper. She has faith and she's filled with hope in Christ. She just misses Dad. We all have the feeling that he's happy and very busy. Every so often, I'll sense he's checking in on me. Sometimes it's like I can feel his presence and in my mind will come his smiling face and his words of reassurance that every thing is ok. I appreciate these little tender mercies of love and reminders that the veil is thin and our loved ones are right near by.

Due to the terrible weather this week, school was canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday and so I had the wonderful gift of time! I was able to work on some organization and cleaning that I had neglected for quite awhile since I've been working on my degree. I can't stand clutter and a dirty house, so I've always done some surface cleaning but I've neglected cupboards and drawers. Not having a paper to write, books to read, and assignments to complete was so strange and I found myself able to think about and focus on some of the housekeeping that I needed so badly to do. What a gift. On Thursday morning I looked around my house and realized it hadn't been so organized and clean and ready for the holidays in years. It felt great! I'm ready to move ahead with decorating for Christmas. Some years I've really waited until the last minute to decorate -- this year I actually have time!!! Wow!

Since finishing my degree earlier this month I've been to the temple 3 times!! That's a huge treat. Friday morning we started off with a temple session and then I spent a good part of the day shopping. I actually made a dent in the Christmas shopping. By Thursday afternoon the snow was melting and the temperatures had warmed enough to make the roads safe.

Friday evening we had the first ever, "Fawcett Family Pie Extravaganza" (so named by my brother Doug). It was a nice evening. We all brought some pie to Mom's and spent time visiting and eating pie and having some extended family time. Our family is now big enough it's not reasonable for all of us to get together for the day. At Christmas we'll have a cookie extravaganza. I'm glad we thought of having a pie night so still get to see everyone.

Today I did a little more shopping and then spent some time with Mom. It's been a nice week filled with some good work, a wonderful holiday, and some family time.

This is a rambling post but I wanted to capture some of the week's events. Enjoy.

Mothers Who Know. . .

2010-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power. - Julie B. Beck -

I just had to post this. It's an important message and one all of us -- old mothers and young mothers need to remember. Mother's who work have the struggle of prioritizing their professional responsibilities with their family life -- those mothers who know will have different priorities than their colleagues.The idea of consuming less and living on less is a challenge for everyone but one worth pursuing. Staying focused on the goal of raising a righteous family helps us stay true to our covenants.

Gratitude and Peace

2010-11-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

This week I've been studying in Jeremiah and the prophecies that the Gospel will be restored in Fullness in the Last Days. What is so interesting about these scriptures (as well as Isaiah's and other prophetic scripture) is that they pertain to Israel and the Church as a whole and to each of us individually. Jeremiah wrote that the Lord would make a new covenant (The New and Everlasting Covenant) and that he would put the new law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts. I've reflected on how He writes the law in my inward parts and in the fleshy tables of my heart. He provides many opportunities for me to apply the law to myself and to my family -- to enter into the covenant of baptism and in the covenants in the temple. To teach and train my sons and daughter that they are part of an eternal family and that they have a responsibility and obligation to create eternal families (which they are doing). Each week we partake of the sacrament and we may attend the temple often -- where we can be reminded of our own covenants and provide extraordinary service to those who have passed on by acting as their proxy. As the Church or Israel is called to repentance, I am called to repentance. As the Church is directed and guided, I am directed and guided. It's actually quite significant because as we read the scriptures we realize these prophets were writing about us and to each one of us.

As I serve in the temple I am reminded of my covenants. My understanding of the Plan of Happiness and the significance of the Atonement of the Savior for me and my family is deepened and enlarged. Over and over I am reminded about the amazing and wondrous love of our Father. Time and again as I raised my family and struggled through the challenges of life I have returned to the temple, to the teachings of the Savior, and to the covenants I've made, for understanding, comfort and peace.

At this time of thanksgiving I am so grateful for the temple and for the role it plays in lifting us, providing us with opportunities for salvation, and light in an ever-darkening world.

Transition and Not What I Planned but I'm Loving the Journey

2010-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

I'm in another transition phase as I leave behind the years of going to class and studying and writing to earn my doctorate degree. So, now that I have some additional free time I'm going to the temple more often, getting my visiting teaching done earlier in the month, and I think I will even make it to our monthly evening Relief Society meeting that I've missed for so many months because I had so much homework.

I don't think Heavenly Father wanted me to go through a divorce. I don't think he wanted my husband to leave our family and the Church. But I think he knew I would have these challenges and he's strengthened me. I've often thought of the scripture in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 24:15, "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." I've experienced this -- the burdens aren't removed but I've been strengthened. I call these compensatory blessings. I've been guided by the Holy Ghost as I've made decisions and choices that have led me to this place. The best blessing of all is that I really enjoy my life!

Will they Remember?

2010-11-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

Today we had the Primary program in our ward. The children were so beautiful! They knew the songs so well and they were so prepared. There was a deep feeling of peace in the meeting as they sang the beautiful songs about Jesus and shared their thoughts and testimonies about what they had been learning this year. I was so touched. The message of the Gospel is one of peace and happiness. As I watched and listened I wondered if each of them would remember the sweetness of their messages through their lives. I wondered if the music they learned would touch them and play through their minds at important moments of choice and decision -- guiding them toward Christ rather than toward the snares of the Adversary. I know the power of the Savior is greater than the power of the Adversary but we have to feel and know for ourselves the truths of the Gospel. I hoped that each of them felt what they were singing and saying.

A Long Journey

2010-11-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well, today I took my final, final, final exam. I defended my dissertation and I passed! I am now officially Dr. Fawcett. As I reflect on this experience my first thought is that it's taken me 4.5 years but on second thought i realize it's taken me many more years than this. It started in 1974 when I was a freshman in college. It continued in 1990 when I went back to school at the age of 34 to finish my bachelors degree and become a teacher. Then after 5 years of teaching, I returned in 1997 to get a Master's in Special Education, then in 2000 to get an principal/administrator certificate. Then, after 4 years of principaling, I returned in 2006 to work on my doctorate. I've been going to school for a LONG time!

During these past 4.5 years I had breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I went to school in the summer as a bald woman. I used this degree as a point of focus and hope. I remember feeling so grateful I had something to focus on and to look forward to that was uplifting and interesting and exciting while I was battling such a scary disease.

Tonight, I am filled with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who has permitted me and guided me and nudged me along to achieve this level of education. I am grateful for the promptings of the Holy Ghost that guided me to return to school. I'm grateful for the blessing of having my capacity to learn enlarge and grow beyond my own natural abilities. I am grateful that I have been blessed with the gift to discipline myself and to make myself work and trudge through nights and weekends of studying for so many years! I am grateful for the love and support of my family, including my parents and children who encourage me and love me -- even when all I seem to do is study.

My Dad was one of my greatest supporters in this endeavor. He told me I could do it. He was proud of my efforts. He felt like my decision to return to school was a smart decision and that this was something I should do. When I doubted my wisdom -- he reassured me.

I know that today he was there and he heard and saw my defense. My mother and sister were there and they were so supportive and kind. I was glad to have their support. But I know Dad was there too. The image of his smiling face came into my mind after it was over. I knew he was pleased. I am so grateful for the knowledge that our family is forever and that my father is still my father and that my relationship with him is eternal.

Dissertation Stress

2010-10-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing for my dissertation defense on Nov. 9th. I find myself waking up in the night worrying about whether the dissertation is good enough, whether I'm really ready, wondering what kind of questions they will ask me, worrying that there will be some blatant error in the manuscript that I will not see until after it's published and forever there for all to see. It's weird. The bulk of the work is done; the issues that remain are not about the research and the content -- they are about formatting and editing. It's crazy!!

No one but my committee and a few people will ever read this. Some poor college student looking for research about National Board Teacher Certification or someone researching about effective professional development will read parts of it -- maybe! But truthfully, most dissertations are unread.

I will be so glad when it's over!

October Visit

2010-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Eastern Washington (Pasco) to visit with Abby, Jeremy, and Lorena. Of course Lorena is the little star of the show. She is small but she is strong! You look at her and think she's just a little peanut (she doesn't weigh more than about 20 lbs. and she's short for her age) but she's solid and strong and so healthy. Her hair is a beautiful chocolate brown and her eyes are deep brown. She always has a tan that I totally envy.

We planned to go to the pumpkin patch. Did you know that it now costs anywhere from $6-9 to get into the pumpkin patch, plus the cost of the pumpkins, by the pound? I was shocked. What happened to the days when you went to the pumkin patch, picked out your pumkin, paid for it and took it home? Maybe a hay ride would be thrown in (even for a few dollars)? We decided to forego the pumpkin patch this year. I'm not sure Lorena would have gotten much out of it. But, we had a beautiful ride around Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland) as we looked for a reasonably priced pumpkin patch.

We enjoyed dinner at Sterlings (a delicious restaurant in Kennewick). We read stories which she loves. We went to sacrament meeting on Sunday morning. Lorena is so good in church. Abby and Jeremy are doing a great job teaching her about how to behave in sacrament meeting. In fact, they are just great parents. She adores her Daddy and she adores her Mommy. They are so busy and they have made her needs the priority in their lives (as good parents do). I'm so proud of their family and their focus on the important things.

We took Great Grandma with us this time. She had never been to Pasco since Abby and Jeremy had moved there because Dad was too sick to travel for so long. We had lots of fun. The drive over the mountains was beautiful. The air is crisp and cool in the mornings and evenings and pleasantly warm in the day time. The leaves are changing, the signs of fall are everywhere. I was a little concerned about how Mom would do but she was fine. She and Lorena love each other and have so much fun! She loves Uncle John and when she saw him she just giggled. She loves to play the tickle monster game!


Playing Tickle Monster!

Happy Birthday #1 Son!

2010-10-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Tom's birthday is today. I can't believe he's already 31 years old. In some ways I feel like it was long ago and in other ways I remember it so vividly that I can't believe he's 31 already! What a beautiful baby boy he was. (And a handsome man he is.) He was born on a warm, sunny day in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah Medical Center. He was such a strong, healthy baby and he absolutely wore me out. Feeding him was like wrestling a little bear cub! He developed a delightful personality (which he still has). He was funny and so smart and enthusiastic about life. I feel like he's a wonderful blessing in my life. Happy Birthday Tom and thank you for 31 wonderful years!

Our Baby, My Dad, and a Paper

2010-10-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've been extremely busy this past year. Lorena is continuing to grow and become more of a personality than ever. Christmas was so fun (it will be even better this year as she is able to understand what is going on). We had a great time at the beach in July. She is such a little comic and knows just how to capture your attention. When she see family members she lights up and reaches for us. When she sees me she reaches for me and wants to play. She knows I'm good for a cookie, a story, and some fun. She already knows where Gr. Grandma keeps cookies at her house and she checks out anyone who goes near the cookies to see if they are bringing one for her.

New Glittery Shoes!

Dad passed away on Aug. 23, 2010. I knew he wasn't going to be with us forever because he was so ill but I dreaded the parting. Dad was a wonderful man. He was a spectacular father and he understood the order of the priesthood and the calling of husband and father. He fulfilled those responsibilities so well. He was very intentional about what he did for us and how he did it. Just prior to the birth of my first child, Tom, he reminded me that being a parent was the one calling I would never be released from -- now or in the eternities. Dad set the premier example for following the Savior. John said it, "Grandpa knew how to follow the Savior." Dad was real. What you saw was what you got. He loved our mother with complete faithfulness and fidelity. He was fun and funny. He was kind about people yet he was real. He recognized a person who was a problem but he never treated them badly. In his passing I've found myself reflecting on how I can be more like him in the way of being kinder. (Not losing my sense of reality and calling it like I see it but doing with it with greater kindness and patience.)

I have also marveled during this time at the comfort I've received from the Holy Ghost. It's been interesting to observe what it's like to go through the grief process and to see how the Atonement blesses us and provides the peace that I've needed during this time. My faith has deepened and been strengthened about the Plan of Happiness and I now understand why it's referred to as the Plan of Happiness in the Book of Mormon.

I will never quit missing Dad in this mortal life. He did so much for me all through my entire life. The world was always safer when he was in charge. I found I needed him as much as an adult as I did when I was a little girl -- just in different ways. He has always been a source of advice and counsel. I could talk to him about important decisions and ask his opinion about how to handle difficult situations and he always supported and guided me in a loving and respectful way.

I look forward to greeting him when I walk through the veil some day. That will be a joyful day.

Now, for wonderful things of lesser importance: I am almost finished with my doctorate degree. During this past year I finished my research and data collection. I received approval from my committee to move ahead last March and I wrote my dissertation through the spring and summer. The month of July was devoted to the majority of the writing. Writing this has been a great experience. I experienced the tender mercies of the Lord during this time. My mind was enlightened. I found that information I needed would come to my mind and I was reminded through the promptings of the Spirit about pieces of research and data I had collected that I needed to include. For example, I had forgotten about a staff survey I had given to my staff a year before. I couldn't recall immediately where I had put the data. Just when I needed it-- I remembered where it was! That is just one little example of the help I received. I found the words, I recalled information, I was guided to check things, and I was able to do the difficult writing much more quickly and more ably than I would normally be able to do. It was a witness to me of how we are helped when we invite Heavenly Father to help us.

Contemplation

2009-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted on this blog. Time flies when you're having fun!! What an eventful summer and fall we've had. The culmination of the events came on Oct. 17th in the Columbia River Temple in Richland, WA when Lorena was sealed to her parents for time and all eternity. She looked like a little angel in her white dress. She was so peaceful as I held her at the altar and placed her hand on her parents hands. She was so peaceful and just looked around -- leaving her little tiny hand where I laid it. Her mother and father were so joyful and I was reminded of the beautiful day they were married in the Salt Lake Temple 5 and a half years ago. They've waited for this little princess for so long!

I love each one of my sons and daughters (including in-law children) so much. I am so happy to have each of them in our family. I take great joy as each has come into our family -- whether I've given birth to them (as in the original 3) or through marriage and now adoption. There is so much happiness as I get to know their personalities and develop an appreciation for their talents and gifts. I want every single one of them and I don't know what we would do without each of them. I can't believe how blessed I am.

Lorena is a beautiful little girl with dark brown eyes, dark hair, and golden brown skin. She is half Mexican. Her biological father is a very dark Mexican man -- probably with a lot of Lamanite or Indian blood. Knowing this about her genetic heritage has caused me to think and ponder about the fact that I know she was intended to be in our family. I received personal revelation about this and I know that she was prepared in the Spirit World to be in this family. I've thought about the prophecies in the Book of Mormon about the dispersed House of Israel, including the Lamanites -- that kings and queens would be their (referring to the dispersed house of Israel) nursing mothers and fathers. I have to believe that this is literally being fulfilled in this adoption -- because Abby and Jeremy have entered the House of the Lord and made a covenant and have been anointed to become a King and a Queen to the Most High God through the order of the Priesthood. They are literally the nursing mother and father to this precious little Lamanite daughter - and she has become part of their royal priesthood line and restored to the Household of God.

Ok, maybe I'm waxing eloquent -- oh well... but I have pondered these thoughts repeatedly and I cannot ignore the actuality and fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in our own family.

Nevertheless -- gratitude continues to fill my heart. My prayers each day are that my sons and daughters will always turn to the Lord and follow the Savior. I know they each have challenges and problems but I also know that they can be faithful and true if they are obedient and determined to honor and keep their covenants and focus on the Savior.

She's Animated!

2009-07-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this grandma work!

A Whole New World!

2009-07-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful! My daughter and son-in-law have a brand new baby daughter. She is absolutely amazing. What has surprised me is how deeply moved I am by this experience. We've waited a long time and they became eligible for adoption last winter. We had no idea that it would happen this soon. I think we were all thinking it might take several years before they found a baby.

Anyway, I was not prepared for how emotionally and spiritually this would impact me. As I've pondered this wonderful experience, I find myself thinking about my own grandparents. I find myself feeling joyful that our family is continuing into the next generation. I am in awe of the wonderful Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has put into place to exalt and bless families. What a wonderful and glorious plan!

I can only imagine that this is just a little tiny taste of what it means to have eternal increase and to experience a fullness of joy. I have a sense that my grandparents and other ancestors are nearby and that Lorena was prepared in the Spirit World to come to our family.

I am filled with gratitude that this wonderful, long awaited blessing has finally come to Abby and Jeremy. Oh, how their lives are changing. I know they are ready and I'm excited to watch them grow and develop as parents.

This is what life is about!

AAAHHH, Summer is Here!

2009-06-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Oh blessed summertime! Finally, the last day of school arrived.... when the final bell rang you could feel a surge of energy through the building and the gleeful (mostly) squeals of students being released from the daily schedule of school. I have a feeling there were some squeals of glee from the teachers as well. Children don't realize that the grown-ups are as ready for the break as the kids.

People who don't work in schools don't understand what it takes to make it through a school year -- the intensity of the work; the sheer exhaustion from dealing in such a people-intense environment; the pressure educators feel to make progress for every child; and the patience required day in and day out to help students learn. People outside of education don't understand what it takes to close down a classroom and a school for the summer... It's kind of like packing up your house for a move. Other professionals work hard - but few work in an environment that requires so many life altering decisions for another person. Very few come under the intense public scrutiny and judgment that schools are subjected to.

This year we did some great work and some great things for our students this year. Our teachers made great professional growth and developed increased capacity for working with challenging situations and students with many challenges. More kids achieved the benchmarks in reading; more students were socially successful (they behaved well); and we did more to reach out to our families.

Now, if I can get through the coming days I may have some time to relax and recover!

Education and Stuff...

2009-05-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

I realized that I have written for such a long time! I guess between finishing up the class I'm taking this semester and the usual demands of work I've just been busy. So, anyway, here's an update.

The best news recently is that John has graduated from BYU. He earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science. This means he's a software engineer. Now the job hunt is on... He's spent the last week kind of recovering but starting this week he's looking. He's anxious to get to work and start using the skills he's learned to earn money. His graduation was wonderful. Tom and Amy were there (so was his father and paternal grandmother)and I was able to be there. I so much appreciate the example John set in perseverance and determination to get through the program. It's been an ordeal because he had health problems which caused him to lose time. I'm so proud of him.

I have often told my kids that the difference between those with degrees and without degrees is that those with degrees stay with it and do whatever it takes. John's a total example of that.

Jeremy (Abby's husband) is now back to school and he's getting a degree in computer science from WSU Tri-Cities. He's still teaching and it will take a few years. Abby's trying to decide what she's going to do about more school. And, I'm about a year to a year and a half from finishing my doctorate. I won't know what I'll do when I finish... I'll have free time again and I can't remember what that feels like!

Tom is freelancing as a writer and he's very talented and having a great deal of success. Amy's so supportive and recognizes his talent and is working along side of him to make this happen. More power to them.

So, for awhile, I have a roommate. I've just become used to living a lone (it only took me about 5 years) and now John's here for awhile. I am actually enjoying it. I'm in no hurry to have him leave.

Setting boundaries...

2009-03-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

The past couple of months at work have been horrendous. I had honestly hit the point that I wasn't sure I could keep doing my job and was beginning to think about how soon I could get out and move on to another job. (A job that didn't require me to be nice to mean, angry, mentally ill people.) The stress of the world comes to schools and principals and teachers are the whipping posts or the wailing walls or whatever you want to call it for the community. I'm used to the fact that people take their frustrations out on me and that's just part of my job but quite frankly, this year is worse than ever. As the stress at home is felt by the children -- it shows in their behavior. Parents don't want to hear about it and quite frankly refuse to believe their little darling is capable of mayhem. Teachers become more and more stressed and frustrated. Teachers hate to call parents with bad news...Teachers need more attention.... So, it's just been extremely difficult and frustrating. In fact things had become so difficult I would start an email at 8 a.m. and at 3:30 the same email would remain open on my computer unfinished and unsent.

I was also dealing with a number of people who felt that they could walk into my office at any time without regard for what I was doing or who I was meeting with. They just didn't understand that the open door policy didn't mean free for all -- it means you can schedule time to talk with me!

I felt I was spending my days doing things that were deemed urgent by many but truthfully weren't focused on what my real job is!

Anyway, you get the picture... things have been rough all over! So, I had been praying and thinking about what to do. I was blessed to get to go to a training for principals and their secretaries about how to organize and prioritize your work so that you get the important things done each day and spend time on what will really make a difference in the core mission of the school.

This training taught us how to focus our work time, how to set boundaries and limits on those things and people who waste time and/or eat up time but aren't really important, and ensure that I can get to what's most important each day.

So now, my secretary arranges my appointments; my door is closed when I'm working and no one except the assistant principal and the office staff can disturb me; my desk is clean and free of piles of paper; my time is divided between the office and the classrooms more equitably so I can be in classrooms and spend time with teachers and children. I am now focused on coaching, supporting, and guiding the adults in the building to support the students. Parent meetings are scheduled and set by my secretary and parents do not get to barge in and yell without an appointment (unless there's an emergency). A couple of staff members who liked to drop by and chat and who took up huge amounts of time (seemingly unaware)aren't happy because they can't wiggle their way in without good reason - which tells me I've done the right thing.

I am leaving work at a more reasonable hour. The important tasks are being accomplished; students and teachers are getting the important attention and support they need; and I'm modeling a healthier way of working for my staff. Most importantly, I don't want to quit my job -- I think i can stay. My oncologists would be so proud and would tell me I've done the right thing!!

I feel like this training and my wonderful secretary and her support are a huge blessing from Heavenly Father! My prayers have been answered and my burden has been made lighter.

It's Snowing?!?

2009-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning to snow! It's March 15th and this is not Utah -- this is Western Washington! Spring will be here in about a week. I wonder what spring will bring?

In some ways, the winter is a reflection of what I'm experiencing at work. So many children in crisis. So many calls to CPS. So many parents struggling with their own mental health and in some cases not really able to take care of their families. I can't help but reflect on how blessed we are to have the Gospel -- not because the Gospel takes away trouble -- we still have troubles and problems -- that's the nature of mortality. The blessing of the Gospel is that it gives us hope, it helps us live sane, hopeful lives.

An example of what I'm thinking about is the confusion and insecurity that children experience when their parents bring different partners home and different significant others into their lives. Frequently, the new partner, becomes more important than the children and the children are subject to someone who is does not put them first in care and safety. (I'm dealing with lots of sad children who fall into this sitaution.) The parent becomes so absorbed in pursuing their own love life that they do not attend to the primary needs of their children. Children are neglected, afraid, and have difficulty doing what children are supposed to do.

Then there is the issue of living beyond our means. Of course, many of us still do. Sometimes we get into trouble just because stuff happens and you can't be prepared for every possible financial challenge. My point is that so many people have been caught up in buying homes, cars, clothing, vacations, restaurant meals, etc. that they can't afford -- living beyond their means. Now, they've lost their employment or their ARMs have jumped in monthly payments that are too high, or they are drowning in debt and the basic stability in providing the basics of life are threatened. (This is a concern for quite a few of my students.)

The Gospel teaches us to be morally clean and to keep covenants. We are guided in paying tithing, living with our means, and given help to prepare for disaster. The calm and peace that comes to our hearts and the opportunity to receive revelation when trouble comes -- because we are keeping our covenants -- is a wonderful gift. We are not spared trouble but we are spared panic, confusion, and hopelessness. With the Gospel we focus on the Savior, and live so that we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the living prophet. Then, after all we can do we will have a peace that surpasseth understanding. We can find our way through and out of difficulty. I have experienced this repeatedly. I have experienced trouble -- some of it pretty scary but the Gospel has the answers and a solution for everything.

Sacrament Meeting and Primary

2009-03-01T22:01:00.001-08:00

Today as I took the sacrament I reflected on the symbolism of the bread and water and the symbolism of the act of taking the sacrament. We take these emblems of Christ's body and blood into our bodies. We ingest them. We make them part of our flesh. The symbolism reminded me of the scripture that refers to having the words "...written on the fleshy tables of our hearts..." (2 Cor. 3:3). We are not only to take these emblems into our bodies in symbolism but we are to take the words of Christ, the example of Christ, the Atonement of Christ into our bodies and souls and these are to be written into "the fleshy tables of our hearts", they are to become part of us.

Mormons take of the sacrament much more frequently than other Christians and I am so grateful because it allows us many, many opportunities make the words of Christ, the Atonement of Christ part of our lives. We renew our covenants and each week we can begin anew to be better and to more deeply engrave His words in our souls.

I have to comment on Primary. I realize what I enjoy so much about Primary is that the children are learning the words of Christ. They are learning to follow Jesus. They are learning to be strong and to be filled with hope. Primary is full of light and in the encroaching darkness of the world it makes me happy to see and hear children being taught where the source of all hope and all light comes from - literally and figuratively.

Ok, I've waxed eloquent enough.... for this week.

53 is off to a great start!

2009-02-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I did all of the things I said I would do for my birthday. I ate some See's chocolate... and it didn't disappoint -- totally worth the calories. I bought some bling. I found some beautiful earrings with my birthstone and diamonds (and they match the birthstone ring I bought a couple of years ago). I left work at 4:30 on my birthday and I enjoyed a delicious birthday dinner with my family. I actually had to work hard to leave by 4:30 but I did it and I'm still alive! I continue to work on doing less and actually enjoying life more.

Each of my children sent me fabulous birthday wishes and showered me with gifts. They are so cool and so amazing. My dear parents, sister, and friends also presented lovely gifts and birthday wishes. I feel loved.

I think 53 is going to be a great year. All of my health tests have come back negative which is great news -- it means so far there is no more cancer. I feel healthier and healthier every month.

Life is good.

One Year Older and Wiser....??

2009-02-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

This week is my birthday and my first thought was that I'm actually getting to have another birthday! Then of course, I started to think about what I've learned this year.

This year I've learned that when you wear sparkly, clothes, jewelry, or shoes you feel better. I learned this watching the Sunbeams in our ward who have some of the best bling I've ever seen! Bling makes you feel sparkly! I've also learned that playing a kazoo in the hallway at church is probably lots of fun... but not appreciated by some of our priesthood leaders. (Somehow I think Jesus would be good with it though.)

I've learned that chocolate really does cure what ails you! Chocolate in moderation lifts your spirits and it is an inexpensive and elegant food. (Smooth, creamy, and delicious.)

It's good to apologize - even when you don't think you should have to and may not have a reason... a little apology goes a long way in helping people move on.

I've learned cats rule. Minty and Licorice are completely in charge. They guard the house, they come and go as they please, they sleep where ever and when ever they want to.... Sounds good to me! Plus, they are great little companions and friends to have around. In fact, I've figured out that the reason the Egyptians worshipped them as gods was that every time they knelt down by their beds to pray their cats would come and lay down in front of them as if they should be prayed to. (And, somehow I think cats do think they should be worshipped.)

Slowing down actually helps you get more done. I know it sounds weird but I actually get more done when I slow down and don't try to do so much... I'm happier, I'm more efficient, and more productive.

Working a little less isn't killing me and my work is actually better. Another contradiction that is really good know and is actually true.

Chemo brain is a great excuse and one I can use for years to come... (Thank you researchers at NIH for discovering this.)

So, with all of this new wisdom what will I do this week? I'm going to buy some new bling; visit Sees candy and get some good chocolate; pamper my kitties; leave work work by 4:30 on my birthday; and enjoy the fact that I really am a little wiser....

It's FINALLY February

2009-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

WhooHoo! It's finally February. Not that February is my favorite month -- but February means that the long, dark month of January is behind us. The family news is that John is on track to graduate in April from BYU with a degree in computer science (not IT!). Abby and Jeremy are looking for a baby to adopt. (See the link on the sidebar of this blog.) Jeremy is thinking about going back to school for his second bachelor's degree -- this time computer science. Tom and Amy may be moving to Moab for the summer and then maybe to Southern California after that. Tom's making a living as a freelance writer and Amy's still doing massage therapy but I think she's doing some writing as well.

I'm hoping to finish my doctorate in about a year and a half. I am making good, steady progress toward this goal. I am still a principal and I really love this job. I love working with my teachers to improve student learning. It's so interesting to me to support these young teachers (and some older teachers) develop professionally. The staff is delightful. We work hard to have a healthy, professional climate and I am so happy in my work.

Right now, I'm serving in Primary and I totally love the children. We have an excellent Primary Presidency and I work with such good sisters. The beauty of this calling is that I have the luxury of having time for more personal study of the scriptures right now and time to reflect and write about the scriptures.

I am making good progress on my goals. I lost about 8 pounds this past month by simply paying close attention to what I was eating and the portions. I am eating in a much healthier way. I eat out much less than I used to and I've taken up cooking again and I enjoy it!

Hibernation

2009-01-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

January is one of those long months with dark, short days and long, dark nights. This Jan. is no exception. At work we're deep into the work and improving student learning. I've been reviewing the perception data and classroom observation data and I'm so encouraged. In fact, I'm ecstatic about the growth we've made over the past 3 years! It's unbelievable! My staff has worked so hard to create a positive culture of accountability, professional learning; to use data to make instructional decisions and they've been so successful.

My grad program is moving along -- this time it's quantitative research - or statistics. (Math is not my strong suit but it's pretty interesting and I actually get some of it after years of looking at IEPs and reading psych reports about IQs and student achievement.) Only 1 more class after this term, preliminary exams, and my dissertation and I'm done!!! Just a little more than a year to go. (I don't know if I can live a normal life without being in school.)

January has been a month of learning for me. I've learned about relationships, boundaries, and how to survive aging parents (who I love dearly and will do anything for) and ornery siblings. I've learned that there's a time to cut off the feelings of obligation to some and to keep my distance from some people. I'm realizing that I can love some people from a distance and not be offended when they totally misunderstand and misjudge me.

I'm slowly coming to accept that my parents may not be here forever and to cherish and be grateful for every day they are here.

I'm grateful for:

My sister. Blood is thicker than water and our history of nearly 51 years together is a bond that I cherish and value.
My work. I love what I do and I love the people I work with. Their dedication and energy is inspiring. For all of us it's more than job -- it's service to individual children and to our country.
My dear, darling children. We don't have grandchildren -- yet -- but we will. They are loyal friends to each other and their spouses are delightful. Their faith inspires me and their friendship and love and support are fabulous.
Faith that everything will eventually work out.
The capacity to be taught and the capacity to learn.
The ability to be happy.
The right to vote and to say what I think and to do something about what I think.
The opportunity for continued education.(My children will have no inheritance but I can be buried with my diploma that says, Dr. Fawcett.)
Dear friends who make me laugh, trust me with their feelings, and share time with me.
The fact that January is almost over!

Goals for 2009: So far, so good!

2009-01-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

I set only 2 goals for 2009. Frankly, I don't normally set goals at the new year because it's too easy to flake out but I decided this year it would be ok. My first goal is to improve on my monthly fast. My desire is to make it more meaningful and more intentional. The ultimate desire is to improve my spiritual capacity, perspective and sensitivity. My second goal is to improve my health through improved nutrition, movement, etc. Again, ultimately to improve my strength, health, and physical capacity.

To some it will be immediately evident that these goals are closely related and that improvement in the first will facilitate and support improvement in the second.

I guess making these public by stating them here will help me be more accountable for my progress in them.

Last Sunday, my fast was more intentional and focused. I had several things on my mind as I fasted. I felt my ability to meditate and pray about these concerns helped me. During this week I have felt the increased awareness and I've been able to more closely access the personal revelation that I need. For example, a decision I needed to make came more easily and clearly to me as I prayed about what to do. Also, I found myself making better decisions about food, sleep, and exercise this week with increased awareness about my body and my spirit and what will I truly need.

The earring and tender mercies...

2009-01-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

Today I had an experience that is really insignificant in the big picture but it started me thinking about all of the tender mercies and little (and big) blessings I have. (This is important because I think that the "natural woman" sometimes forgets to be grateful and recognize her blessings.)

Today I lost an earring (from a very expensive pair of earrings). I was concerned about the loss but for some reason I was not terribly upset --just kind of irritated that the back the earring was defective (as I had suspected) and that I was not going to be able to continue to enjoy wearing these lovely earrings. (They were a Christmas gift.) I said a silent prayer and began looking for the earring. (It is a small earring.) I retraced where I had been sitting, standing, working, walking, etc. while I had been wearing the earrings. My Mom checked her vacuum cleaner bag and we looked under sofa cushions and around the edges of cabinets and rugs. I shook out my coat and even took off my sweater to make sure it wasn't caught there.

We had gone to the store earlier in the afternoon and so we went back to the store. By this time it was dark and very rainy. We parked in the exact same place. I got out of the car, literally stood there and looked down on the ground. Immediately, a little glimmer caught my eye (I couldn't see what it was) and I reached down and picked up my earring! Honestly, I couldn't believe it. I felt like I was guided to look down at exactly the right place and pick it up. I am grateful.

In reality, earrings are not very important. Earrings have no eternal significance that I know of. I've had much more dramatic and important prayers answered fairly recently as well as in the distant past but this little incident touched my heart. It reminded me that Heavenly Father really does know me and he is blessing me every moment of my life. He knows my heart, my desires, and my hopes. He knows that I am struggling with my own character flaws and that my deep desire to be a better person is real. He knows that I feel inadequate and insignificant. He understands my weaknesses and my strengths. He knows what I need. He knew I needed this little reminder and comfort.

So here is a New Year's Countdown of some of the tender mercies I've experienced this past year:

I came to a deeper understanding about the Creation, the Fall and the Atonement this year.
I have gained knowledge about the significance of having a mortal body - even a sick body.
I was comforted and supported by my sister and my parents and my children. Abby took me to my surgery and stayed with me and took care of me following surgery. They all took turns checking on me, taking me to the doctor and to treatment, listening to me, crying with me, and praying for me. I stayed at my parents' home some of the time I was so ill and I felt loved and supported.
I felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost when I was really, really sick from chemo.
My hairdresser lovingly helped me shave off my hair and help me pick out wigs when my hair fell out.
I received the blessing of having many people pray for my recovery.
I received great expressions of love and encouragement during my battle -- in so many ways - cards, gifts, phone calls, prayers, and encouraging words.
I was able to continue to work and go to my doctoral classes between treatments.
I had a lovely, dear visiting teacher who checked on me almost daily and brought chocolate and other treats.
My students have cheered me on as my hair as grown back and they have been concerned when I missed school.
I was able to do my calling in Primary some of the time while I was sick -- which cheered me and uplifted me.
I had dear, sweet relatives and ward members who filled in for me in Primary when I was too sick to be there.
My kitty cats were wonderful companions and guard kitties. They actually looked after me and comforted me while I was sick.
I realized how great it is to be able to work and move and think each day.
I realize how lucky I am to go to work each day and miss most of the daytime TV.
I completed more of my doctoral work and even made it to my summer classes in between chemo and radiation (and completed all of the assignments on time).
My temporal needs have been provided in very favorable ways.
I finished reading the Book of Mormon again.
I spent a wonderful week in Utah with all of my children (and their wonderful spouses) this summer.
I received another witness from the Holy Ghost about the significance of the birth and mission of the Savior.
I was able to partake of the sacrament often.
I was able to listen to all of the sessions of General Conference this past Oct.
I work with a wonderful staff of teachers and support staff who love the children and who work so hard.
I have wonderful, supportive bosses.
I bought a new HD TV (which John has set up with HD cable). Talk about the Wonderful World of Disney.
I am able to recall important information and remember the most important things inspite of chemo brain.
I am getting my energy back -- a little more each month.
I am able to laugh.
I received priesthood blessings when I needed them.
I was blessed with an assurance that I would be made well.
I have learned how to blog and use facebook. (The gift of time has been wonderful.)
I have learned more about photography and using photos.
I traveled to Washington, D.C. and totally enjoyed sightseeing! (And the company of a great friend.) This was pre-surgery and treatment. The experience carried me through some hard times.
I have made more friends in my ward. I appreciate that so much!
I get to serve some of the best children in the world at school and in Primary.
I visit teach some very dear ladies.
I have the opportunity to serve and support my parents right now.
My dad is still with us after several close brushes with death this year. Each day is a gift with him here.
My parents love and serve each other in an exemplary fashion as they have for the entire 54 years they've been married.
I have a wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law.
I have three wonderful children and they love and serve each other and they serve me.

I know I will think of more blessings and tender mercies and so I will continue this list. This is just the most obvious and basic of the blessings I've received.

What are your tender mercies and blessings?

The Fawcett/Higginson/Gunn/Kidd's: One Family, Many Names

2008-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

We're a family with many names. We didn't start out that way. Thirty years ago my plan was that we would all be "The Higginson's" but life doesn't always follow our plan and about 12 years ago we turned into a family with many last names. I became single (another story for another day if anyone cares) and my oldest son Tom, decided that if I could take back my family name, he could change his name all together and so he did and became Tom Gunn. John and Abby stayed Higginson until Abby married Jeremy Kidd about 5 years ago and became Abby Kidd. John's still Higginson and he's bringing honor to that name with his life. Nevertheless, even with many last names, we're all one happy, united family.