Winder Family

Jammin Minute Debut

2012-01-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

My school, Northwest CTA High, has joined the Alliance for Healthier Generation. We have made changes such as removing all junk food from vending machines, not allowing fundraiser with unhealthy foods, and a myriad of other things. These changes have one goal in common - help kids get moving and realize how important physical activity is. We have started a "Jammin Minute" where once per class period, students get up and perform one minute of exercise. The video is our very first, ready to debut on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

2011 Pictures

2011-12-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness that our good friend Brandi Thomas didn't hate us from last year and agreed to take our family pictures again. This time, we met her at Centennial Hills Park down the street. I told the kids to wear their favorite college shirt. Since Greg and I graduated from UNLV, we wore Rebel Red! We had much more fun this time. I love doing casual pictures and wish Greg wouldn't insist on "dress up" pictures that we have to do every other year. Here they are, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Running, running, running

2011-12-20T18:15:00.001-08:00

I run. I have been running regularly since Kel was born. My first run was with Joi Warburton who was my Visiting Teacher in the 23rd ward. (She was also the person who introduced me to aerobics classes and workouts at the gym.) I have ran a million 5k and 10k races, and yearly do at least 2 half marathons. Once a friend of Greg asked with sarcasm if with all this running I do, would I ever get to where I was going. I thought then and still do now that he should stop wondering about why I run and focus more on why he didn't run.

2011

2011-12-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

We actually had fun taking pictures this year. The weather was beautiful. No one was tired or hungry (yes, big kids are cranky when they are tired and hungry too.) We took more pictures and am waiting for our super duper photographer friend Brandy to upload them to us.

Here's our yearly update.

This year

1) Jesse bought his first house. Fell in love with a dog named Henley and got Henley a wife named Leila. He works for the Hilton Hotel, and we love the employee discount when traveling.

2) Kel is wrapping up his service mission. He is registered for college in January.

3) Luke spent the summer and part of winter being a lifeguard. He also had surgery to lengthen his leg, and in 10 weeks will have hip replacement surgery. He also better get registered for college! His plans are to take classes and see what being a paramedic is all about.

4) Michael started high school at NWCTA (where I work.)

5) I am in my 8th year teaching, got to go to girls' camp, got to come home early because of tornado like conditions that blew over and destroyed campsite, and is now teaching Sunday School.

6) Greg taught Sunday School, then was called to the High Priest Group leadership, and is in his 27th year teaching.

That's it for us. It's been another crazy year with lots of wonderful happenings such as

- seeing my sister become a Mom and marry a great man.

-seeing our nieces and nephew have babies and more babies

-seeing Mason get engaged to someone much prettier than him.. Love you Shelby...

-saying goodbye to Braden as he leaves on his mission.

We anticipate 2012 as a great year with much to look forward to.

Greg and Hoai My Winder

50's Dress Up Day

2011-11-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

Today was the 50th day of school. Amy Valentiner (pink jacket) got us 4 to dress up. She's a fun friend and kindergarten teacher. At lunch, the kids danced the hand jive. I am sure glad to work with such fun ladies - Amy, Laura, Noelle.

We Dance!

2011-10-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

I love to dance. Please don't mistake that with thinking that I am any good at dancing. Sometimes in Zumba class, I see myself in the mirror and wish I could throw a rock at the reflection. Once my little sister told me that I look like a chicken pecking at the ground when I dance. I also find dancing very difficult. I have to work at it and concentrate on the choreography as I move along. Perhaps that might explain why my concentration could be mistaken for a pecking head.

Despite all that, I love dancing. I love to teach my students to dance. Despite popular belief, I have been able to "sell" dancing to most of the boys I have taught. (Sadly, only Luke and Kel - 2 out of my 4 sons - actually dance and enjoy it. Michael and Jesse would rather get a colonoscopy). This year, my awesome principal has allowed my students under my direction, to pull of flash mobs at lunch time. This is the link to 3rd lunch when the kindergarten students (that I also teach PE to) performed right along the high school kids. Notice how I only have 5 girls in the whole kinder class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcwUlGIluZE

This link is of first lunch. This was the biggest group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHtLBn66f3g

The dance is to the song "Pause" by Pitbull... I have an edited version of the song if anyone wants a copy so that you can dance along!

NWCTA Flash Mob

2011-09-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s7ga9Z4qLc

My September 11

2011-09-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

It was Tuesday. Every Tuesday at 5:30 am in 2001, I taught aerobics at 24 hr fitness. A regular attendee to this class was my close friend Heidi Wixom. As I was instructing the class and doing aerobics, I saw Heidi through the large glass windows walk across the gym floor, running about 25 minutes late. She paused to look at the overhead televisions by the cardio area. Rather than glancing at them, she stopped midtrack and stared. Quickly after that, others joined her. What was just Heidi watching the news in a moment became a gathering of early bird gym friends standing and staring at the television. As I taught and became distracted by this, Heidi and I made eye contact. She mouthed to me the words, "Come here, NOW!" I announced to the class that I had to walk out and they should come with me.

As I watched the North tower burning on the TV, I asked Heidi if it was a movie. She stated that she thought it was live news. As we spoke, another gym member went to get the remote and we finally were able to hear the reporter. There we were, all gathered together watching as the second plane crashed into the South tower. We gasped in disbelief completely unsure of what we just witnessed.

Heidi broke the silence and announced she was going home. One by one we agreed and departed. Upon arriving home, I found Greg standing infront of our bedroom TV. He was staring with shock in his eyes and a tie he couldn't quite put on as he got ready for work. We discussed what we should do. Greg debated going to work but decided that if his students were there, he needed to go. As Jesse's teacher, he would take Jesse with him.

We woke our children and told them what had happened. Jesse was in 7th grade, Kelly in 5th, Luke in 3rd and Michael in kindergarten. I kept the elementary kids home.

I remained glued to the television all of that day, at times with tears streaming down my face, at other times sobbing uncontrollably. I kept my children close and became ever more protective of them from that point on.

What Did You Do This Summer?

2011-08-15T17:24:00.001-07:00

For posterity sake's...this is our typical summer
1. Beach trips
2. Mountain trips
3. Girls camp
4. Scout camp
5. Dinner out
6. Movies
7. Netflix
8. Gym trips
9. Mall trips
10. Redbox

This summer I went to the Hermosa Beach twice and is leaving for Redondo Beach Wednesday. This trip will be with my cousin Kim and kids. I also went with them to Tuacahn and spent the night in Pine Valley. I also went to the gym every day and took fun classes like cycling, zumba and yoga. Today I felt bored which confirms to me that it's time to go back to work.

Hermosa Beach

2011-07-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

My first beach experience was at Hermosa (Redondo-El Segundo area) as a newly married girl of 21. Every year we have tried to go to the beach at least once. For a period of 10 years while our kids were little, we tried a different beach vacation each year down the California coast. Last year, we went to the beautiful white beaches of San Padre Island, TX.

Despite all the exploring, our kids always ask to go to Hermosa Beach. They will testify that the waves there are the best. (Since we haven't been to Hawaii yet, they may change their minds.)

This is Jesse and Michael on July 4th. We were on the beach hanging out at 2nd street.

So, what do you want to know about being 45?

2011-04-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog, particularly because I entered the blogging world as a way to journal my life. (I suck at journaling). With my 45th birthday come and gone, I should write something down so here goes.
Being 45 feels like being 35 with more wrinkles.
Being 45 means I got 25 years with Greg, who is the best guy in the world.
Bring 45 means I get to be the oldest in my running group.
Being 45 makes me realize that being nice to others is the most important thing in the world-though I am not very good at it.
Being 45 makes me really thankful that I got to spend the last 7 years teaching the best students in the world. The future is in good hands, don't be afraid.
Being 45 makes me happy because I get to see some of the kids I taught in primary grow up and become awesome adults and parents.
Being 45 is fun because I get to see my little boys grow up and learn how to be men.
And lastly, being 45 makes me realize that I would really like to have another 45.

45

2011-04-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's true-I had my 45th birthday.

The Rest of the Story

2011-02-24T19:16:00.001-08:00

I went back to BYU. Greg went back to his life. I came home for the summer to work. Greg asked me out. We got engaged 6 weeks later and married 4 months after that. It was just as simple as it sounded, which makes me think that we were meant to be together. We are both pretty "drama-free" people and once we met, we got along wonderfully. We will be married 25 years this November, and the simpler we keep our relationship, the longer it is lasting. {and oh yes, the regular temple visits help too}

My Valentine

2011-02-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

I am really trying not to be a stereotype--but-- Greg and I did dance for the first time at a Valentines Dance. He was home from his mission (November) and I (on the spur of the moment) came home for the weekend (which happened to be Valentines Day). I wore a pink dress (loaner from roommate-I hate the color pink). He saw me sitting in the back and asked me to dance. We danced the rest of the evening. At the end of the dance, he asked me to go bowling with him and his friends-I declined. I was leaving back to BYU in the morning and needed to sleep. We said goodbye and went back to our respective lives-for the time being.

2010-Family Pictures

2010-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

Getting pictures done is like pulling healthy teeth using dental floss. Every year, to appease me, we gather and have pictures taken. This year, Brandi Thomas, was our photographer. I hope she is still our friend. I tried to warn her :)

To Grade or Not To Grade?

2010-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

I teach PE. In all the years I have taught, I gave a grade when students ran the mile. 10 minutes or less is an A, 11 minutes a B, 12 minutes a C and 12+ minutes earned an F.. that's right, F! It was always my belief that if a 40+ years old woman (me) with a foot injury, shoulder pain, and a myraid of other "getting old" issues can run a mile in about 9 minutes, my young whipper-snapper-students should be able to run it just as fast, if not faster. However, at least once a year, I will have to "face-off" with a parent who thinks I am the most unreasonable person on planet Earth. To this parent, I would say, "if your child has no health issues, and we have been practicing running, breathing, and pacing for 6 weeks, there is really no excuse for taking longer than 10 minutes to run a mile."

Am I unreasonable? I think not!

Where oh where did September go?

2010-09-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

During the month of September

1. Michael quit football. Tired of standing along sidelines not getting to play. Michael injured shoulder so wrestling is out. Perhaps volleyball in Spring, he says.
2. Luke is still wearing fixator device. Went to see a doctor about hip replacement surgery next summer. Doctor wants to consult with other doctors before deciding.
3. Kel is in Elko working and going to college. Quit job at movie theatre for full time job working graveyard as a stocker at Wal-mart. Gets homesick but not quitting this required "away from home" experience.
4. Jesse trying to buy his first home. Made offer. Offer accepted. Now he waits for banks to finish paperwork. (His house is around the corner from us, perfect little starter home.)
5. Hoai My loving her new job.
6. Greg loving that he has 4 years left until retirement. Got called to teach Gospel Doctrine. Makes his wife cry during all his lesson.

That's our month in a nutshell - busy - happy - faithful.

Goodbye Summer

2010-08-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

It's hard to say goodbye to summer realizing that it will remain over 100 degrees until mid October. However, with the first day of 2010-2011 teacher contract looming (Wednesday 8-25), summer vacation is ending.
I will begin my 7th year with CCSD and Greg begins the first of his last 4 years. He is counting days til retirement (June 2014). I attended freshman orientation at NWCTA and know it will be a good move. Greg is returning to Cadwallader to teach math. He is melancholy about the fact that he has taught all his sons as Michael, our youngest, begins his freshman year.
Speaking of which, Michael spent the summer in football camp, waking up 4 days a week at 6am. He had his first scrimmage today and we are looking forward to being football parents. Luke had his limb lengthening surgery and is getting used to life on crutches with a fixator on his leg. He is a senior. Kel is in Spring Creek living with our friend Don and Shannon Woo and attending Great Basin College. He is working at the town movie theatre. Jesse continues his studies at UNLV and works for Hilton Corp.
Pictures below are from the summer. This is such a melancholy time for me. As excited as I am for another school year, I love having time off and having kids home.

The Escape

2010-08-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Monday I traveled to Elko/Spring Creek with Kel and my Aunt Cam. Kel was going there to attend college. Aunt Cam was hitching a ride to visit her son. While traveling, I had the opportunity to talk to my aunt about how my family was able to leave Viet Nam at the end of the war. This is our story.

Background: In Viet Nam, our household included great grandmother Xuan, grandmother Mao, my mother Cang with me and sister Xuan My, her sister Cam, husband Raymond James Pastor with kids - Sonny and Thu, and her brother Ca, wife Kim with kids Kim-Uyen and Nghia. My uncle was in the Vietnamese Air Force. My mother and her sister worked for the American government at the Air Force base, particularly, they worked at the bowling alley. Uncle Ray was an American soldier. (My uncle and aunt's love story is wonderful-I will tell that someday too)

At the end of the war, orders were given for all American military personnel to start evacuating. The base bowling alley became the processing center for all soldiers and their dependents. This was all done with some secrecy as to not send the Vietnamese people into complete panic. Since Uncle Ray was American, he would be allowed to take my aunt and their kids to the United States. His supervisor made a deal with Uncle Ray that if he stayed and helped run the processing center until the very end, he would arrange for all of our family to go with him to the United States. Uncle Ray agreed.

As the Communist overtook one province, town, or village after another, American and Vietnamse soldiers were retreating - evacuating to Saigon to get to the military base or the embassy. As these soldiers walked, Vietnamese citizens who survived joined them for protection and escape. The communists trailed this mass exodus of people, shooting rockets into them, thus littering village roads with dead bodies. Those who made it to the base retold stories of horror as they begged to come to the United States.

Because my mom and aunt were a part of the processing crew, they were privy to the knowledge that Americans were leaving. Listening to villagers retell stories of death, they too began to panic, fearing for the safety of their family. Aunt Cam went to her husband Uncle Ray and with all panic and urgency stated, "If you do not get my family out, I am not going with you." "We all go or we all stay!"

Uncle Ray immediately went to his supervisor and pleaded for our immediate departure. This was 24 hours before the Fall of Saigon. His supervisor agreed. While my mother and Uncle Ray continued working and processing those leaving at the base, my aunt took a jeep and went home to get the family.

When she came home, great grandmother and grandma had just returned from the market with me, Xuan My, Thu and Sonny. As the adults hurriedly grabbed their belongings, my Uncle Ca came home from his tour of duty. My aunt sent him to the base on his motorcycle, knowing he would be able to get inside the gates because he was a uniformed officer. He left immediately. After he left, his wife and children came home from visiting her mother. They too climbed on to the jeep with what they had on them and we all left.

Our family had to leave as though we were taking a nice drive together. The Vietnamese police were arresting citizens attempting to leave the country, jailing them for causing panic. Our family passed through several checkpoints successfully because of the bribes we offered the police in the form of money and jewelry.

We arrived on base and left immediately on a cargo airplane loaded with American soldiers, their families and other refugees.

We landed in Guam. We stayed one night in a refugee camp. The next day we flew to the Phillipines and stayed 2 weeks while Uncle Ray made arrangements and waited for paperwork to be approved. Our first home was Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Uncle Ray did not believe in welfare. For the first year of our lives in the United States, he was financially responsible for all of us. He taught his wife and the other adults to drive. He taught us English. He paid for medical bills, groceries, clothing. He took the adults to look for work. For all this, Aunt Cam said he never once complained. He became a father to me and my sister. It seemed that he was never too busy to play and wrestle with us. I don't remember him ever being tired.

After a year, my mom and her brother found jobs in Las Vegas. We moved. They stayed. After several moves, they too ended here in Vegas. Uncle Ray died of a heart attack when I was a junior in high school. I miss him every day.

I don't know what causes a man to step forward and take on such tremendous responsibilities. I am sure his love for my aunt was a great motivator. I also would like to think that he would have chosen to save us regardless. Perhaps the lesson he leaves is that when we are called to save a life, to make a difference, we do!

Bandages off and we are cranking

2010-07-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hospital

2010-06-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Some things about hospitals that you may have forgotten -
1) They are cold! I froze for 2 days. It's hard to remember a jacket when it's 102 degrees outside.
2) Everything takes longer than you are told. Luke's surgery should have taken an hour. He went in to the operating room at 2:30, finished at 5:00 pm. I was debating a meltdown when Dr. Camp came out.
3) There is a lot of sitting around. Next time, I am going to bring a jump rope and burn off some anxiety.
4) Sunrise Hospital has free wi-fi. So forget jumping rope, I will just catch up on TV episodes on Hulu instead. Anything to make time pass quicker.
5) If you have someone staying in the hospital, plan on staying with them. The nurses can not watch all their patients. If Greg hadn't stayed the night with Luke, it would have been pretty unpleasant.

Waiting for surgery to begin. The IV in the hand is so gross. Luke wasn't very happy about it.

Coming out of surgery

All wrapped up in bandages

First steps
Coming Home

First Visitors-Clarissa

and her sister, Alexa!

Welcoming the Pain

2010-06-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today we spent 3 hours with Luke at Dr. Camp's office. Dr. Camp became Luke's orthopedic surgeon in 2003 when Luke had hip surgery as a result of his arthritis. Though the surgery corrected the destruction of his left hip, it also left his leg shorter because the hip screws crossed the leg's growth plate. We have been waiting for the day that Luke would be done growing and Dr. Camp could correct this through a limb lengthening process. Next Wednesday is the anticipated day of surgery. He will wear this device (see picture) until Thanksgiving/Christmas time.

Luke was so happy to finally reach this milestone. He can't wait for the surgery. He stated that he welcomes the pain, knowing that it's "the beginning of the end" of this journey called "life with arthritis".

Trucks, trucks, and more trucks

2010-05-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is being the only female in this family, but most often, conversations while traveling are like this.
Greg, "Did you see that truck?"
Kids "Yeah, cool truck."
Greg, "Did you see that other truck?"
Kids, "Yeah, that was a cool truck too."

While these types of conversations go on, I am looking at the trucks wondering what makes one cool and another not. Honestly, they all look the same, just in different colors and sizes. I suppose Greg feels like I do when he has to listen to conversations I have with my girl friends like this:

Me "Hey, did you see her shoes?"
Friends "Oh my gosh, they were so cute."

Greg has stated that for the most part, all my shoes look the same except in different colors.

Timelines

2010-05-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

Timeline, deadline, scheduling and things of this nature has been on mind lately. For example, as a teacher, in the beginning of each school year, I submit a yearly calendar with units I plan on teaching. Next, those units are divided further into weekly plans, then daily lesson plans. At the bottom of each of these documents is this statement, "Plans are Subject to Change." I put that there because regardless of what I plan, things change because of weather conditions or school events. If I plan on teaching tennis and there is a wind storm, plans are subject to change. If I plan on teaching yoga in the gym and the school needs the gym for band practice, plans are subject to change.

I don't like change. My students will testify that I stick am pretty strict about sticking to my schedule.

As parents, we also have in our mind certain plans, timeline, deadlines for our kids. I am learning that what we plan for them is subject to change. For example, I would have never planned on Kel coming home for 6 months. Once home, I imagined quickly rushing him to see a doctor and an immediate recovery would happen. I am learning that things do not happen as fast as I would like. He has only seen the counselor once. He has another appointment this week. Kel, too is learning that things do not move as fast as he would like. We are both experiencing a lesson in patience particularly that 6 months is going to take 6 months, not fly by in moments like we had hoped.

I have heard, "man plans, God laughs." and I am almost ready to agree.

Life Is Messy

2010-04-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Much has happened in a rather short time for us. It began with a phone call from Kel's mission president (Murray) letting us know that Kel had 2 anxiety attacks. He gave us Kel's number and told us to call and talk to him. When he did, Kel spent most of the conversation sobbing, a completely melt down. This made us worry even more. After a few days, President Murray spoke to us again letting us know that the anxiety attacks had not ceased and after having Kel speak with the church psychologist, they were considering sending him home on a "mental medical." He stated that the mission was not equipped with handling this type of situation. A few days after that, Kel came home. He will be required to stay home and obtain treatment for his anxiety attacks for at least 6 months.

I wanted to write to record my feelings while they were still fresh. My reaction after the first notice was worry. Next comes the sadness at the possibility that Kel would come home; the sadness about what people would say and think. We tend to stigmatize our young men if they aren't perfect. After a good night's sleep, a day of fasting and prayer, I woke up happy. Yes, happy. I was happy that life was messy. A messy life makes me dependent upon the habits of scripture study, temple attendance, prayers, service, whereas having a perfect life, I might not be.

I became grateful for the many friends who reached out with desires to help, without judgment. I am profoundly grateful for a bishop who called Kel repeatedly (while on vacation cruising the Virgin Islands, no less), a stake president who was ready to support him and us, whatever the outcome, and a mission president who knew Kel needed help that would require him to return home.

I realized from this whirlwind emotional experience which began 7 days ago that though it would be nice to have a perfect life with perfect children, a messy life helps me, helps us to grow.

Kel is home. We will proceed to get him into a good doctor. He wants to return to his mission. He is worried and scared. In short, he isn't perfect . . . which is fine, since I only know of one person who is.

What's In A Name

2010-04-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Sara's blog (see blog list) and got to thinking about the role names play in our lives. With a name like Hoai-My, I have a unique perspective on this topic. I imagine if I had grew up in Viet Nam, my name would be an non issue. The reality was living in the US with this name has put me in a position to be called Ho-my, Homes, Hoi, Homey, Homini, etc. My sis in law Alayna likes to call me Whyms. I really don't mind, I know to whom they are referring to-though I don't care for being called a HO.

Things I Miss

2010-04-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

When Kel left, excuse me, Elder Winder left, I thought I wouldn't miss

a) my house smelling like tuna
Kel went through a stage of 6 weeks where he ate nothing but tuna fish for lunch. We laughed at how our friend Barry went through something like that when he ate lots of tuna. Ask Abby, she'll verify.

b) not sleeping well at night
Kel was working as a security guard and got off at 2am. I wouldn't really sleep until he came home.

c) the sound of Michael screaming, "I hate you Kel"
Kel is a tease. When someone is angry, screaming, or crying, Kel is involved if not completely responsible for it. Even Michael says he misses fighting with Kel.

d) smelly kung fu studios
Kel took kung fu lessons for over 4 years. In the summer, that studio stunk from men sweating. I would come in and quickly signal for him and wait in the car. The heat outside was easier to deal with then the smell inside.

I didn't think I will miss these little things, but of course, I do.

Yup-44!

2010-04-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am 44. I suppose I am to say that I am so much the wiser for being this age. Nevertheless, I feel like I have so much to learn. Here's what I know so far:

1) Be nice. No one remembers anything you stood for or what you believe in. All they remember is whether you were nice or mean to them. I am sorry for being mean to so many people.

2) Parenthood is hard. If you don't believe me, ask Adam and Eve.

3) Parenthood is the greatest job on Earth. I know I contradicted my previous statement. It's a ying/yang thing.

4) Don't say that you "love" your job. You don't. You enjoy your job. You love your family and some friends. (Lesson learned from Bishop Prince) In this same respect, don't think at your job, you are irreplaceable. You are only irreplaceable to your family and a couple of friends, not for those you work for.

5) Have some diversity in your life. Know people from different places and cultures. Don't trap yourself in a bubble.

6) Don't put an age limit on friendships. I have learned much from those older than me and likewise from those younger than me.

7) Expensive shampoos are only worth the extra money if they make your scalp tingle.

8) Don't shave your arms. It grows back darker and thicker.

9) Don't eat ice cream every day for a week if you're lactose intolerant. Your stomach will swell and make you look 6 months pregnant.

10) If you want people to like you, tell them how great their kids are. If you do it often enough, you actually start to believe it. There are worse things in life than to think highly of the youth.

2010-04-01T19:15:00.001-07:00

Provo Day with Kel

2010-03-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's been 4 days since we dropped Kel off and I have regrouped. One wouldn't think that a house of 6 would be noticeably quiet with one gone, but it is.

I am recording the day of Kel's MTC dropoff to have a record of it for him.

Kel woke up at 5am. By 5:30 am, he was showered, shaved and dressed in his suit, attempting to wake up his family. By 6am, he left the hotel room to enjoy the free breakfast and warm fireplace in the hotel lobby. By 7am, he resigned himself to the fact that no one was waking up, so he undressed, and went back to bed.

At 10:30 am, I woke him up. At 11am, he was once again ready. He asked for father's blessing before we checked out. After the blessing, we all took a moment with him to say goodbye.

Since he didn't have to report until 1:30pm, Kel asked if we could go buy him a lint brush. He thought his suit looked dirty. We drove to Costco. While Greg got gas, the boys and I walked around Costco looking for a lint brush. We bought a pack of 5 for $9.99. Kel asked for 2, just in case one didn't work. By noon, we were eating lunch at Five Guys Burgers. Kel ordered Cajun fries. Next door is a yogurt shop where we had dessert. Across the street was a Deseret Book where we lingered. Kel picked out a CTR ring and panicked when he realized it was 1:07 pm.

We left and drove first to the temple and asked a mother/daughter walking to take a few pictures for us.

As we pulled up to the MTC, Kel was staring out the window at all the new arrivals. He commented, "what did I get myself into?" I laughed and told him that he "could figure it out with all those missionaries reporting."

As predicted, the drop off was QUICK! As he walked away, I ran to him for one last goodbye. When I started to cry, he told me not to.

New

2010-03-24T20:00:00.001-07:00

I know change is necessary. Sometimes, I really celebrate a change, other times, I dread any changes. Our family had a change today and though I realize it's a most wonderful opportunity of growth, it is nevertheless, a change. It takes me awhile to get used to change, so bear with me, while I do my best to celebrate this one.

How Clean Is Clean?

2010-03-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I anticipate having lots of family and friends over to eat, talk, and say good bye to Kel. In preparation for a fun filled day, I started to do some cleaning. While cleaning, I pondered whether Greg and I are "clean and tidy" people. I thought that we must be because aside from working all day, I feel like I am constantly picking up things, mostly not mine. Next I began to ponder, "how clean is clean?" Is it good enough that everything is in its place, the house vacumned, the floors mopped, the furniture dusted, and the windows sparkling? Do I need to wipe the baseboards, put DVDs and CDs in the right cases, declutter drawers, etc. Then it dawned on me that if my family and friends care about how clean my house is while they are getting a free meal, they can just leave, after they clean up after themselves, of course!

Two weeks

2010-03-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Why is it that no matter what I do with a deadline, when I hear "two weeks", I go into panic mode. This repeated behavior began years ago with my upcoming marriage, then the birth of children, and so forth.

Kel leaves in two weeks. I am panicked about what we still need to do to get him ready. This is further compounded by the fact that Kel is no help at all. When asked, "Do you think we should go buy you a blanket? Do you think we should buy you some luggage, a raincoat, anything?" His constant reply, "I don't care, whatever you want mom. I don't need anything, really." ARGH! I know he needs stuff!

Unlike other women, I hate shopping. So, when Kel says he doesn't need stuff (that he needs), I am off the hook from shopping! It's not that I don't like spending money, I do, ask Greg. I just hate the tediousness of looking for stuff.

So, who wants to take some time and go get us much needed luggage, a garment bag, an electric blanket, and a raincoat. That should about do it. I will give you some money, with a tip for lunch!

Anonymous

2010-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

I have a huge issue with people who have strong opinions and then sign "anonymous." So, in response to all you "anonymous" people out there, I would like to propose the following thought:

ANONYMOUS IS ANOTHER NAME FOR COWARD!

If you feel strongly enough about something, have the back bone to sign your name. I have.

Hoai My Winder

Kel's mission call

2010-01-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

As predicted by Heidi Wixom, and probably others, Kel's mission call was in the mail today. He took his time opening it (15 minutes) to torture us. His reaction was to jump up to hug me while shouting, "English speaking!" Then, he read to us, Philadelphia, PA, MTC March 24.

How perfect is this mission for Kel!?

Really!?

2010-01-05T16:17:00.001-08:00

Honestly, this came as quite a surprised and I really won't believe it until it is awarded but (drum roll).....
I have been named middle school PE teacher of the year...

Really!? Right!

Dizzy Brunette

2009-12-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

I spent Christmas day suppressing the urget to vomit only to find myself doing the same deed anyway. I was so happy that Greg took over the cooking and remaining festivities so that I could lay in bed, being miserable.

Sunday we found ourselves at Fremont Medical Center with a doctor who told me that I had an inflamed inner ear infection, thus the dizziness and uncontrollable urge to gag. A shot in the buttocks and three prescriptions later, I was home, sleeping.

All this brings me to the memories of being pregnant. I realize that for some amazing women, pregnancy is wonderful. For me, it isn't. I never needed a pregnancy test to tell me the obvious because once my body figured out I was pregnant, I started to throw up. (And yes, I still managed to gain over 40lbs with each pregnancy, go figure.)

Greg asked how I was feeling this morning. I replied, "I feel like I did when I was pregnant." He didn't ask for further clarification. Poor guy.

So as I fight this infection, I am so thankful that I was able to have 4 children despite the absolute misery of pregnancy. As I close this entry, I will confess that I had easy labors, delivery, and recuperation. There is always a silver lining.

Santa Run 5K - Greg took 1st in Male 40-45 division

2009-12-19T11:34:00.001-08:00

New family pictures taken by Stephen Salazar

2009-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

Our First Christmas

2009-12-13T20:04:00.001-08:00

Every couple has a story, but this one is ours. Greg and I were married on November 1, 1986 just shortly after Christmas. We were both in school, working, and very poor. We lived in an apartment in North Las Vegas nicknamed "Mormon Manor." I have no recollection of what I bought him that first Christmas together. However, what he bought me sits in our bedroom reminding me that he spent every dime he made buying it for me - a cedar hope chest.

I had never had a hope chest before. In it I stored baby clothes I bought while pregnant, carvings of Eagles I bought to give to my sons, my grandmothers things after she died, and a variety of things that are only special to me. It's not in the best of shape, having traveled 7 moves with us into our current home. I suppose one day, Greg may have to refurnish it. As for me, I love the scratches and imperfections on the wood, all earned and all reflective of our imperfect yet unbreakable life together.

Working Mom vs. At Home Moms

2009-12-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know why but most of my adult life, I have witnessed this subtle war between moms who stay at home and moms who work. I, myself, never understood why women would choose to criticize each other for their choices. Aren't we busy enough with what we have to do? How did women find time to know what other women were doing, and then find more time to have an opinion and be critical of them.

I know this:
1. Motherhood is tough for both working moms and at home moms.
2. Life is tough-why aren't we supporting each other?

As an at home mom, I never once had a negative opinion of another mother because she choose to work. I was often irritated by those who would express disapproval of working mothers just as I was irritated by working mothers who looked down upon mothers who stayed home. I usually wished people would just leave other people's choices alone.

I will never understand why one woman would belittle another woman's choice. I know that I've been on both sides. It was hurtful when my friends who worked would criticize me for giving it all up and staying home. When I returned to work, my at home friends criticize me for selling out and going back to work. No winning.

So for you who find yourself looking negatively at another-get busy improving your life! And the golden rule still applies-if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

Our story

2009-11-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

I saw Greg for the first time in Wood Shop class as an 8th grade student. I was placed there in error and he was the student aide. I clearly remember turning bright red when he looked at me and feeling confused as to why I reacted like that. The next week, my schedule was changed and I didn't see him again until my junior year in high school. I was at a pizza place with friends and he was there with his friends. He gave me a ride home and asked me all about my friend Bonnie, who he dated the rest of that year. The third time I saw Greg was the day after his mission. I was home from BYU to see the Temple Groundbreaking. Weaving through the parking lot, we crashed into each other. I asked if he remembered me and he did. The fourth time we saw each other was months later at a Valentines Dance when I came home from BYU for the weekend. We danced one dance. A few months after that, I came home for the summer break from school. My first weekend home, Greg called and asked me out. We were engaged 6 weeks later.. and the rest, is history.

Veterans Day

2009-11-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

Not only am I so pleased to have a day off in the middle of the week, I also recognized the importance of this holiday.

My dad is a retired Naval Intelligence Officer.
My uncle was in the Air Force.
My cousin was a sniper in the Marine Corp.
My mother and aunt worked as civilians on base in Saigon, Viet Nam.

I come from a military family. I was taught to respect the flag and those who served in wars. I have taught these same principles to my kids. I was raised to love the United States for the safety and freedom it provided us when we left Viet Nam. I follow the laws of the land and really hate those who don't. There is no better place in all the world.

High School Reunions

2009-10-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion after organizing my 3rd high school reunion (the 10th, 20th, 25th), that you are either a reunion goer or a non goer.

Greg is a non-goer. He wouldn't go to his reunion if he was paid to. He has no interest, he could careless.

I am a reunion go-er. I used to think that I went because I was the organizer. Now, I just plain realize that I really like going to my reunions. The 3 most popular comments that I've heard about high school reunions throughout the years have included:

1. Going to a reunion is like going back to high school.
Response: You can't go back to high school, but you can spend one evening with some old friends and reconnect.

2. Only the popular kids go to reunions.
Response: Maybe so.. but not for my class. One cheerleader was there. That's it. No homecoming king or queen, no prom king or queen, no cheer squad, no dance troop, etc. Those who attended were just small groups of friends who were there to see other small groups of friends.

3. I am self conscious about how I look now.
Response: Get over it! After the 10th reunion, we are all old. By the 25th and from this point on.. we celebrate still being alive.

I am a reunion planner and goer, and proud of it. I graduated with a great group of people who have done wonderful things with their lives. I look forward as the years go by to seeing them again. Next stop, the 30th..

Ward Talent Show 2009

2009-10-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

This is a tradition in the Silverstone Ward - Tule Springs Stake.

Conference Sunday

2009-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Conference for me is just not Sunday, but the sessions on Saturday as well. We consider it Conference Weekend and plan for nothing else to interfere. It's become a mental, physical, and spiritual retreat for me every 6 months to spend the weekend at home and watch conference. This year has been no different and I am grateful for this established tradition in our home.

How do you know?

2009-09-26T18:09:00.001-07:00

This week Greg and I began meeting with our running team to practice. I injured my foot June 8th and this was my first week running since then. I love running. I love the rhythm of my breathing, the pattern of my stride, the freedom, and the huge feeling of accomplishment when I finish each run. One student at the end of practice said, "Running is so boring."To her I replied, "If you are bored, go faster."

I wish that I could take credit for that statement. I heard it the first time I was at the CSN track jogging with Greg after Kel was born. I was slowly bouncing along and noticed a man who was running sprints on the inside tracks. After I finished, he did too. We struck up a conversation about Jesse who had been riding his tricycle on the sidelines while I ran. I told him I thought running was boring to which he gave the same reply. I followed with, "I can't run fast." His reply, "How do you know? Have you tried often enough?"

Isn't funny that so many of your memories are erased, yet we remember moments that helped changed us. I thought about what he said for days after and even at times years later. I began to push myself harder always striving to do my best. I still don't think I run fast, but I know I run faster than I used to, and faster than other women my age.

I use his statement for other things that have come up in my life. When Greg and friend Aida Brown told me I should pursue a Masters. My immediately reply was, "I can't get a Masters" to which later I would think, "How do you know? Have you tried often enough?" I thought that again when I pursued and obtained a second Masters degree. (Yes, thoughts of a Doctorate still float through my head. Stay tuned.)

When I was called to be Primary President, Nursery Leader, Camp Director, Compassionate Service Leader, etc. I thought the same, and rebuked myself the same.

I wonder if this man who I knew for 5 minutes realizes how important his words were to me as the years have proven.

Happy Birthday Michael!

2009-09-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Life has certainly been busy with school starting. September is a great month for it's "getting back into a routine" characteristic, but mostly, for it being the month Michael was born.

I tell everyone as I tell you now that Michael is Greg's and my grandma's baby. I was pretty certain that 3 kids was all I wanted, but they knew better. For a year, I was ping ponged between Grandma and Greg gentle prodding to have one more. (My grandma died a month after Michael was born. I always felt that she stayed long enough to help me through the pregnancy and to meet him.)

Michael is 13 years old now. He is the joy factor in our family and all his older brother's favorite buddy. Greg and I love everything about Michael and I have been so glad that he came to join our family. For his birthday, Michael wanted to go ride go-carts at LV Mini Gran Prix, go birthday shopping at Best Buys, out to lunch at Red Brick Pizza and dessert at U-Swirl! What a fun day we had.

Influences of Cheryl

2009-09-03T04:53:00.001-07:00

It has come to my attention that my posts hold are somewhat impersonal, more like a calendar of our lives.. so here's my attempt at emotions...

When my sons were little, they had this uncanny ability to wake up every day before 7am. I used to dream of days when they wer older and I could sleep in. At the time, I had become friends with Cheryl Viet Barney who had kids that were about 4 years older. She stayed up late to wait for them to come home from dates, and got up early to make their breakfast before the left for seminary and school. I never forgot how she laughed when I shared that wishful thinking.. because she knew....

I always admired her for her tenacity, and I liked how she got up early to make sure her own kids always had a good breakfast. Little did I know, in her own ways, she was rubbing this motherly value to me that never left.

It is 4:55 am, and I have been up for an hour. I get up that early because Kel, in his new job, leaves for work at 4:15am. I wake up to make him breakfast and see him before he leaves. Once up, I make breakfast and lunches for the rest of us. (Take it easy, breakfast can sometimes mean toaster strudels, today, I made chocolate chip cookies... I have my weaknesses) Then, at 5:15am, I check to see if Jesse is up (he always is), and then wake Luke for seminary. Jesse leaves for work at 5:30 am, Luke for seminary at 5:50 am.

After Luke eats breakfast, I can quickly sneak in 40 minutes of yoga, shower, eat, and get ready for work. (By now, Greg is up to take Luke to seminary and Michael is waking up too)

You see, Cheryl knew that my sleeping in days were over. Cheryl and I have been friends for about 20 years. I admire and love her, as well as her husband Brent, her mother (Penny Wray), her sister & crew (the Workmans), her own kids (Cecils, Johnsons, Rachel, Merrick) and grandkids. I thought of her this morning while making cookies. I remember her making these delicious turnovers with phyllo dough for her kids in the morning.

So this morning, I am grateful for Cheryl and the influence she's been in my life. She taught me to be self-reliant, learn new things, study, endure trials with a smile (even if that smile hurt), to never give up on your kids, and finally, no matter what mistakes you make as a mother, at least no one can say your kids left the house hungry in the morning.

Family Tradition

2009-08-22T18:09:00.001-07:00

My niece Cheri just blogged about the topic of traditions, so here's one for us. Scouting. Our family's participation in scouting began when I was called as a Webelos leader when Jesse was 5 years old. Annie Burns was my partner and through her teachings, I learned everything possible about Webelos. From there, I moved around and was a Bear and Wolf leader. Greg and I were also called at one point, to be the cubmasters. Once the boys moved into Boyscouts, Greg took over as the person in charge of helping them navigate through rank advancements and merit badges.
Currently, Greg is the Asst. Scoutmaster which gives him a great opportunity to help Luke with his Eagle project (more details to follow, paper work stage at this point) and Michael with his scouting requirements. Both Jesse and Kel are Eagle scouts.
Here are pictures of the latest court of honor. Michael received his Life and 11 merit badges. Luke received one merit badge (as he is done and awaiting approval for his Eagle project).

Lunch

2009-08-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have now taught PE for 5 years, which means my first group of kids just graduated from high school. I decided to plan 3 luncheons a year (summer, winter break, and spring break) and invite any and everyone that went to O'Callaghan. Our first "reunion" was Tuesday at Ci Ci's pizza. It was so fun to see all my students doing so well and succeeding in sports and academics! The luncheon was especially wonderful because The Leavitts (with baby B) and Mrs. Davis were there as well with her kids. I hope we have another good turn out at the next lunch during the winter break.

50 miles bike ride

2009-08-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Greg has been working with his scout troop on their biking merit badge all summer. This weekend, they went up to Pine Valley and rode into St. George to finish up all their requirements. Michael did such a great job during his ride. I knew he was tired but he kept biking and never once complained.

Weekend Getaways

2009-08-02T14:41:00.001-07:00

This weekend, we headed to our favorite California beach spot-Hermosa Beach. Greg's sister showed us a great spot on Longfellow Blvd. when we were first married. No matter how many beaches we go to, every year, we make a trip to Hermosa at the exact same spot by the lifeguard shack. This time, I watched my niece Carly for about 15 minutes before she realized she was standing in the ocean next to her uncle Greg. She was there for the weekend from Utah visiting her parents.

Day at Adventure Dome

2009-07-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

It has become a family tradition to go to the Adventure Dome once each summer with my cousin Kim and her kids Kaden & Ashley. Through the years, I've gotten wiser and thus, today, I had Tylenol and ear plugs!

Another case of hair today, gone tomorrow

2009-07-23T19:17:00.001-07:00

After 5 years of growing out my hair, on a whim, I asked my stylist to cut it all off. I wanted a "butch" cut, which she wouldn't do. We settled on this and it's gonna be fun to grow it out :)

Luke's 1st paycheck

2009-07-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Luke got paid his first paycheck for his first official job. He has been working at our dentist's office - Dr. Heidemann.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-07-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I love Luke's new hair cut.

Priest Trip 2009

2009-07-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Silver Stone Ward Priest's Quorum prepare to leave for their summer camping trip in Utah. They have plans to go fly fishing, horseback riding, backpacking, visiting the Manti Tempe, and other camping & spiritual activities. Bishop Prince, Brother Confer & Brother Stewart are the adult leaders attending.

Saturday at the Shark Reef

2009-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Camp Fiesta 2009

2009-07-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Movie of pictures from Camp 2009 - Silverstone Ward

Park City Vacation

2009-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Snow Fun

2009-07-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ridiculous Slapping Fight

2009-07-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

My kids do this for fun! Boys are so weird.

HP vs. Elder's Softball Game 2009

2009-07-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is a tradition in the Silverstone ward. The teams are HP vs. Elders (& recruits). This year the HP won thus creating a tie in the ongoing series.

Christmas & Snow Day 2008

2009-07-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Kel

2009-06-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Kel's 17th birthday, 18th birthday & graduation.

Luke's Birthday

2009-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Luke is 16. He loves to paintball hence, his gear for presents.

Jesse

2009-05-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Jesse's 20th birthday and 19th birthday (on top)

Michael's Birthday

2008-09-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Michael's 12th birthday