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The Sunny D: November 2014

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving?


I woke up in the middle of the night it seemed. I turned to the clock and I realized it was 5:30 am! OH SHOOT! I thought. I was supposed to meet my friend at the gym for the first time at 5:00 to start a new work out regime. I was so mad as I had laid my clothes out the night before AND double checked my alarm clocks 4:30 setting. It then dawned on me I had accidentally set the clock for PM. UGH. I text my friend apologizing and decided to exercise anyway. I got out of bed and hopped on my treadmill for 45 minutes. 

I was happy at work and enjoyed my day there. I wrapped my work day up by inputting grades for thirty minutes or so. Then I was off to Costco where I was cut in line by a rude lady with a huge basket of stuff, opposed to my two items. The boy loading the cart gave me a knowing look and said, "I saw how that lady cut you..I am sorry you had to wait for two items." No matter, I decided and headed to the park to meet my Dad and pick up Ellie. You see, every Monday my Dad picks my kids up from school to spend time with them. They usually practice soccer and get a treat at QT. I then meet up with them at Aydan's soccer practice. It has become a highlight of my kids week. 

When I arrived at the park my kids happily ran over to greet me as my Dad practiced his golf swing in the grass. Bouncing up and down a few times and then a pretend swing. It was a common thing I had seen my Dad do a ton of times as a child but had forgotten. Aydan informed me it was picture day for soccer and all of his gear was at my house. I ran home to find his gear.... all the while in the back of my head was the pie I needed to bake...I had PROMISED my class I would bake. I needed to get the crust going it needed to chill for two hours before I could roll it out. By the time I located where Aydan had shoved his gear it was time to pick him up from practice. 

I received a text from the kids Dad asking if I could review Aydan's animal research project it was due the next day. It was here I felt my blood pressure start to elevate. I hadn't seen an email about this in a long time and to tell you the truth, I totally forgot about it. I pictured a long night gathering information and helping a begrudging Aydan write his report as I was mixing the pie crust ingredients. I then looked up the email and realized that only the research portion of the project was due the next day. I felt slightly relieved. It was here that I realized I had forgotten to get the backpacks out of my Dad's car. So I picked Aydan up from soccer and then we had to pick up the backpacks. Aydan had completed everything he needed for his report thus far! YES!!! Fatigue started to settle in as I realized I still needed to make dinner among a few family activities I had planned for family night. 

At home I shooed the children to shower and get in their PJ's as I began to cook dinner. I doubled it since I was supposed to bring something to share to the faculty pot luck the next afternoon at school. I turned on Christmas music and happily made a yummy, balanced, home-cooked meal. Which, thirty minutes before I had almost bagged and hit up the drive through at Kneaders. We ate, and the kids helped do the dishes. I wish I could say happily without argument. That just wasn't how this day was going though. I rolled at the pie dough and put a that yummy pie in the oven to cook. 

By this time the kids were making their lunches and Ellie needed help getting sandwich bags. I turned from the oven and walked over to the pantry to grab her a sandwich bag when I knocked over a jar of pinto beans. The glass jar toppled to the floor and smashed gooey pinto beans all over my flip-flopped foot. Shards of glass were everywhere and all I could see was a huge mess. It was at this point my children cleared out of the kitchen sensing impending doom, I am sure. I grumpily cleaned up the beans, muttering to myself about the glass and the stickiness. 

When before I knew it the timer sounded the halfway bake mark of my perfect homemade pie. I had popped the pie in and forgotten to turn the oven down to 425 degrees. I had left it at the warm up of 500 degrees and burnt it to a complete crisp. It was here that I pretty much wanted to curl into a ball. I sent the picture to a few friends and one said, "How can I help you?" Can I get you a replacement. 




The replacement pie came along with hot chocolate. My friend stayed as we finished the puzzle on my kitchen table, all of us giggling and happy. 

I've thought a lot about yesterday. It was a really not awesome day. Murphy's Law came for a visit, it was like if it could go wrong it did. But then I started thinking of all the things that went right. I thought about the fact that even though there was a set back with my alarm I didn't give up and I still got on the treadmill and that made me happy. I thought about the yummy blueberry protein shake I made myself and that made me happy. I thought about my cute class at school and how they were SO good yesterday morning. They followed every direction and were just silent getting their work done. I thought of how good each one of those sweet students of mine are and it made me happy. I thought of the women I work with who are kind, and funny, and fun. I thought of my new classroom so sparkly and sunshiny with windows that I love. I was so happy that my Dad has taken some of his time to spend with my children and what a joy it is for them. That makes me especially happy. I was so happy to have my children home and to dance with them in the kitchen. I was glad that I didn't cave into buying dinner and fed my children something wholesome instead. I was glad we could do some family activities together and the TV wasn't turned on once! I was reminded how fortunate I am to have friends that love me and help me without me even having to ask or even think of asking! I realized that my day although frustrating was full of beauty and blessings. I realized just how lucky I really am. 


XOXO-Happy Thanksgiving. The Sunny D





Sunday, November 23, 2014

Shiny, Happy People

Veteran's Day Parade = Shiny eyed kids 

My sister suggested about six months ago that I should read her copy of Dave Ramsey's book called, The Total Money Makeover. It was about the same time school was starting up and so...it sat on my dresser until last Sunday when I finally picked it up and began to read. I also started listening to his podcast when I was cleaning the house and my children were at their Dad's. I have since started following his steps to financial freedom. I have closed three credit cards! It is very exciting to me! I have set a firm budget for after Thanksgiving shopping. I haven't read the whole book yet and so these are just the steps I have taken this week. I think every divorcee should read this book. More on that later. 

It was earlier this week as I was listening to a podcast that he quoted a friend who said, 

"I know I am a good leader when my peoples eyes shine." 

You know that really got me thinking. As, I was running into Trader Joe's to grab some Gingerbread Pancake mix to give to my children's teachers to tell them we are thankful for them this Thanksgiving. 

My mind was spinning. How do I lead? Do I want to be a leader..of a corporation..no.... for my family.... for my students..... Yes. All of the roles I lead came to my mind. 

You know you could really fill in the blanks for that statement with any of our sacred responsibilities. 

I know I am a leader when my daughters eyes shine.
I know I am a leader when my sons eyes shine. 
I know I am a leader when my classes eyes shine. 

Then I started thinking of all the ways I could be a good leader of my home to help my children's eyes shine. I started to think of school and how I could help my students eyes shine. 

Let's face it, there are some tasks in life that we have to do that are NOT very shiny. However, I can clearly think of when my classes eyes have been shiny and when they have been glazed over. I know when my children's little eyes are so sparkly and happy. It is amazing when you think that you, singularly have the power to influence all of these people. It is also interesting to think how much my mood or attitude affects these little people. I have made it a goal to be a good leader. To live this life in a peaceful way because I want the people I come in contact with to have shiny, happy, eyes. Even, when we are writing essays or doing math problems..or my kids at home picking weeds and cleaning the house. 

I was thinking about how I am thankful for so many things. I mean anyone can have a pity party. I've had my fair share for sure. The truth though is that I am in control of my life and it's outcome through the choices I make every day and that truth applies to every aspect. 

So how am I going to be a good leader this holiday season? 

I think it starts with me, and how can I have a good attitude if I am tired, run down, or stressed? 

1. Personal prayer and scripture study. I listen to a chapter of scripture every morning on my way to work. It is AWESOME! 

2. I will work out 5 days a week and drink a gallon of water. My friend has challenged me to work out with her at 5 every morning. This is going to be REALLY hard for me...NOT a morning person!! I have to do it or it won't get done. I am just too busy. I know I am cranky and more tired when I don't work out so I am anxious and nervous about this new endeavor. 

3. I am going to spend TIME with my children and my class. The other day it was cold outside and so we stayed inside for recess. I got the jump ropes out and we cleared a big area and I let the kids jump rope in the classroom. You SHOULD have seen how shiny those little eyes were and then I jumped rope with them! That is like magic, the magic of spending time. 

4. I am going to go to bed when my kids do. 

5. I am going to serve others and help others be happy. Recently, I received a box of Godiva chocolates from a friend. It made my day! She stopped by, talked to me for five or ten minutes and I was so happy SHE helped me to shine. I was also given a bar of Macintosh's Toffee. My friend from Canada left it on my porch. It is a special treat you can only get in Canada. Every time I take a bite of Macintosh's I think of my childhood summer trips to Alberta and my family. SHE made my eyes shine. I thought the first thing I must do is restock our Hot Chocolate bar! Nothing makes my children's eyes more shiny than hot chocolate in the morning! So simple! 

6. We can clean and organize the house and get ready for Christmas. Luckily, Aydan's personal Christmas tree is still up from last year and is now back in season. You heard me. That thing has been up all year long. Super Mom award...I know. Especially with the top hanging over...totally the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. 


I have so much to be thankful for. 
Family, Friends, Health, a great job and so, so, much more!

XOXO-The Sunny D









Wednesday, November 12, 2014

A Real Life School Lockdown

Yeah. Those two. 

The workday started as most usually do. I carefully balanced two giant drinks, a gallon of water, my purse, lunch, and stack of grading. I speed walked into the school hallway, eager to set down my lunch and start my day. The kids came in, we learned stuff, the day was over and I was at parent pick up duty. I had walked into the hallway again when a voice came over the PA system. There was some scuffling and then the notice that we were in a real lock down. 

There was no time to panic, adrenaline set all of us in motion. 

Three teachers, myself and two students ran into my classroom. I wasn't sure if the door was locked so one teacher stayed in my classroom as I ran outside to make sure it was locked properly. It was, she swung the door open and within seconds we were huddled together, calling 911. 

Something interesting happened. 

I have never been in a situation like that, the unknown so sharp it was palatable. Would I live? Would we be found out? What was going on outside? All we knew was there was a shooter. Where? Who? We didn't have any answers to those questions. Some of us were brave, some of us cried, my emotions hung in the balance between the two. I kept thinking don't panic. DO NOT PANIC. 

My life clear as a bell racing through my mind and the only two things that mattered in that moment were, Do my children know I love them OH! HOW I LOVE THEM!...Do they know??? How can I tell them? The thought of not being able to mother them on this earth brought salty tears to my eyes. 

And the clear thought that I was sad about my failed marriage, the emotion that hung there with it. Heavy. Draping the moment and my thoughts. Interesting.

My greatest triumph and my greatest failure slicing me seamlessly like a knife through cheddar cheese. The first person I text when I could get my hands on a phone was my ex-husband. I am in a lock down. I am not sure what is going on, but if it is the worst thing.... Please tell the children I love them. 

This is when I said a prayer. I plead for help, protection and to let me know the truth of the situation. I felt calm and peaceful after that prayer and I knew everything was going to be OK. 

And it was. There was a woman who was drunk two houses down the street from the school harassing children with a gun as they walked home. It turned out to be a BB gun. She is facing a stack of assault charges. 

I walked to my car. Called my Mom. I cried a little, grabbed a Diet Coke at Circle K because I was suddenly exhausted. Life went on, I was late for the plumber who was waiting at the house to fix my garbage disposal. Aydan was texting me, "Mom...where are you??" I had pulled pork sandwiches that had been slow cooking all day waiting for us to eat and the kids had piano lessons. These things seemed so trivial somehow. I skipped my run I wasn't up for it tonight. 

It is the month we show gratitude. I am thankful for: police officers, the amazing women I teach with, children.... my own and my students, locks on doors, cell phones, prayer, my life the good parts, the bad parts and even the ugly parts, and home. 

In that moment all I wanted to do was come HOME. 

XOXO-The Sunny D



Sunday, November 9, 2014

Parent Teacher Conferences....The Truth

School pictures FOREVAHHHHHHH........

I graduated a sunshiny, energetic teacher in 1999.  I am still a sunshiny, energetic teacher. There is however one day or two in a teachers life that can create a little bit of anxiety. It is parent teacher conferences. 

Let me tell you what that day is like. 

You clean like crazy to get that room ready, you make sure there is some cute art projecty school work hanging on the bulliten board. You spend hours organizing portfolios for each student. At the school I attend we get one half day to fit in all 25 conferences. Hello twelve and a half hour work day.That is a tight schedule of 10-15 minutes for each parent and if you don't keep it you can KISS your potty break goodbye. Which usually happens because I am a talker AND things happen so parents are sometimes late. Parent Teacher conferences are very interesting it is a great lesson in social sciences. I love meeting with parents now. I look forward to it! I have also learned a lot MORE as a parent going to conferences. I get to see both sides of the spectrum and BOY OH BOY is it interesting! Here is what you can do and expect at your next parent teacher conference. 

One Teachers Perspective...Dear Parents,

1) Know that the teacher has had a LONG day, is probably hungry, needs to use the restroom, thirsty and tired. It never hurts to bring a treat or drink to your child's teacher on this day. A big, cold diet coke would be the best thing ever. I am not kidding. This will make him/her SO happy. I always come to my children's conferences with a treat in hand. I know what a long day it is for them and I want them to know that I appreciate them so much. 

2) Know that this person who spends every day with your child actually loves them. What they have to say isn't a personal attack. They want your child to succeed in life. Please don't take goals we teachers make for your child personally. I mean, if your child's desk sits next to the teachers there may need to be some goals set. It is OK. (My child had a desk by the teacher once. I wanted to cry but I just knew this was information for me that I needed to take home and work on some things with my child.) 

3) Know that most teachers will do what we like to call, "the sandwich". She will start out with something positive to say.  She will show some really great work samples and then slowly tip toe into things to work on..or goals for the next semester. Then end the whole thing with several positive things about your child. 

4) Know that this man or woman works really hard with your child everyday. Every single day. Please treat us with kindness and respect. It hurts our feelings when we are attacked, or all the goals we have set are looked at as "our problem". We want nothing more than to be a partner with you in helping these little people become AWESOME big people. Let's work together! It is hurtful when there is an attitude of "you work for me, I pay taxes". Remember, we are people too and we just want to be helpers in guiding children to a happy future. No one likes to feel like they are "owned" by anyone. We are teachers because we love children, we want to build the future into a better place, and probably because we love summers off. (I won't lie...it is a needed perk, and a good one!)

One Parent's Perspective...Dear Teacher,

I just want you to know that a lot of my parent teacher conferences for my children have been humdingers. I have learned SO much that has helped me become a better teacher by having my own children. Seriously, ENOUGH WITH THE BOOK REPORTS! Right?!?!? I have precocious children, they are much like....their mother. However, it has given me such a great perspective about conferences now! I love it. 

1) Know that I have rushed from my job to get to this parent teacher conference on time. I am frazzled. I'm also nervous because trust me, I live with these children at home so...I PRETTY MUCH know  what they are like. I am nervous to hear what the teacher has to say. 

2) When I see my child's desk by your desk or facing the back wall. I want to cry a little and it brings up terrible memories of first grade and having to sit in "wonder land" with the little boy who also had to  sit in a refrigerator box over him because he annoyed the teacher so much. You know EXACTLY why your child is sitting in that spot. He or she is just like you. (It is OK though because eventually you turned into an awesome adult....will the teacher see that? ) 

3) You are relieved to find out your child has some sunshiny qualities. You kind of gush at their adorable work and are super proud that these little people belong to you. Oh how you love them so...and these amazing teachers that work with them everyday. 

4) You realize maybe you are failing your child because you rush home to make dinner or do all the millions of things you need to do at home. The teacher says, "Your child is really struggling." Yikes. This feels like a reflection on you as a parent. You internalize it, you worry, you make a plan to do better...and then, you do better. 

5) You just hope that the teacher realizes you are a person, doing your best and you want to work with them to help your child be successful. 

And so you see, we sort of have the same goals. Let's be kind to each other, work together and build the future. These kids are amazing. Trust me I have two at my house and twenty-five at school. That next parent teacher conference is going to be a breeze. Just remember, it is just information. Information to become more sunshiny. 

Let the conferences begin! XOXO The Sunny D









Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Savour Every Moment a String of Lucky Events


And it is true. I have had a round of terrible luck mostly due to a hectic schedule. However, with that bad luck I have been so keenly aware of my blessings and the hand of the Lord in my life. I won't go into detail. I will just say, it is a good life and I know Heavenly Father loves me so. Here's how I have been savouring the moments of my life. Enjoying what I like to call a "forced social life." 


I attended an AMAZING reproduction of The Sound of Music at the Hale theater in Gilbert with my cousins, aunties, momma and grandma. It was so wonderful I purchased tickets to see Charles Dickens  A Christmas Carol with my babes. What a fun night we all had! I love all of those women. You always fit in with family. 


I went for an early morning run and I saw this little bright green worm just inching along. I felt like I had something in common with that little guy. Inch by inch...getting there. 


Ellie said, "Mom, when are we going to decorate for Halloween?" I pointed to the wreath on the door and said, "I did." Man have things gone downhill since I started working full time. The house used to be decked OUT! I have since decided that if someone has time to craft....they have too much time on their hands. At least, that is what I feel like now because I'm just trying to get dinner on the table and dishes cleaned up! 


I cleaned out my purse. I am sensing a trend. 


5:30 am run. It felt SOOOO good! I wish I could do it every morning. However, that alarm clock goes off and I think....I can run this afternoon. OH how I LOVE my warm, snug as a bug bed. 


My little sister came to watch Colbie Calliet with me at the Arizona State Fair. We had so much fun, and she got to meet a handful of the gaggle. How I love my sister so! Isn't she beautiful? So beautiful.


The gaggle and JB there in the back after the concert. Colbie was SO GOOD live! 

DR and I....isn't he handsome??? Spanish Sassafras sure thinks so! 

A few of the gaggle and the wolf pack. It is such a great thing to have friends. This was after Colbie Calliet.


And....a kangaroo. At another party....reminds me of another marsupial at a singles party................What's with the marsupials does anyone remember the SUGAR GLIDER???

From 2012...apparently to be cool...one must have a marsupial at singles parties.  Note taken. I am on the lookout for any of these animals to take to my next singles party...maybe a wombat?


I ran a color run with the gaggle...why this is the only picture I can dig up I am not sure. BUT EM's neck and hair were STILL YELLOW a week later!! 

The third time I cleaned out my ear....

Halloween! The kids were with their Dad for Halloween so he let me borrow them for our ward party. I didn't have a costume for Aydan. Luckily, he is such an easy going guy! I asked him if he wanted to be a color runner??(My t-shirt was literally still sweaty) He was all for it. I had an extra color pack I doused him with and VOILA free costume. Complete with an old Ragnar medal. Perfect. 


All Ellie wanted to be was a pirate. Clothes she already had...add my red scarf, a hook we already had and a hat I purchased half off at Joanne's. TA-DA Girl Pirate.  



I had a lot of fun with my kids at the ward party. It is a curious thing the strange feelings I feel going to ward activities as a single person with children. I scan the crowd for a place to sit. Every table is full of families and none of my single mom friends in the ward had their kids that night. It feels as if the friends I used to fit in with I no longer do. It's like the conversation stops when I get there and we have nothing to talk about. I feel awkward, and I am sure they feel awkward. Or maybe it is all in my head. Who knows and its my own screaming insecurities. Its an odd thing being in-between. In-between having a family with a husband and then being single with children. This is one of the things you never expect after your divorce being of the ward but NOT of the ward. HA. You never expect to feel so awkward in a ward you've been in forever. Your kids are only there every other Sunday, who are their friends really? Where do they fit in? Where do I fit in? So I sit and worry about them if they are having fun, do they have friends? Then I beat myself up about not having time to have play dates and spending time to serve women so I can get to know them better and have friends at things like this. We are so darn busy. I feel like I should be fostering these friendships. Then I see my children running around having a grand old time. I get up and find a friend who was single and just recently re-married. Sometimes we run together and I just love her warm, friendly personality. I sit with her family, and feel like I fit in, at least somewhere for a minute and she gets it. The lump in my throat leaves and the tears I was holding down dissipate for the weird awkwardness I was feeling. I enjoy an hour at the party, scoop my kids up before the trunk or treat because times up and I have to have them back to their Dad. 

With my cousin Tiff what a lucky thing it is to have cousins! 



So, I ran out of my usual foundation. All I had was this stuff and I needed to use what I had until pay day. Notice it says.....OPTICAL BLURRING....This make-up was SO good I went from this.......


To THIS!!!! Can you believe how that optical blurring works? AMAZING. I look just like Reese Witherspoon. 



Singles conference...The gaggle/wolf pack

Family Activity with Aydans scout troop. My precious little boy. 

My class read Matilda and so I was the Trunchbull for Halloween. What fun! 

Morning with my baby. 

We went on a walk the other night when we heard this weird noise and were startled to find out it was TURKEY sitting on a fence in our neighborhood. UH HELLO...Who's turkey is on the loose. Those things are HUGE!!!! 


Halloween Party hopping with the gaggle. We were "man-hunters." On the hunt for some...men. 


I ran into one of my old students at one of the parties. Can you BELIEVE that? She is so beautiful. I just love that girl! 


Caught one...I had a hard time making a ferocious face. 


Life is to be enjoyed, not endured. I am so grateful for my friends, they make my life FULL! I love my children. I have a great job. My family is wonderful and so helpful. What a wonderful life it is. 


Savouring every last drop.....XOXO THE SUNNY D