Bitter/Sweet

It is full!

This is a bitter/sweet time.... Filling up the Blue Filing Cabinet with stuff that no would want except me, but then I don't even have use for it after a couple of weeks. Then look at all the flowers not to mention all the cards and homemade letters I am receiving.  It is marvelous! I will miss teaching......

Time Flies Fast

Since my last post many things have transpired in my life and the journey has been filled with many memories.

I will touch on just a few. 

 I took off a day from school to watch these 2 rascals  while Leslie went on a Filed trip. 

They sure love the little car!

 Kindergarten kids.... Playing London Bridges... 

but when it came to the end Tug of War this little boy thought I said "Hug a War"

 1st grade Music Program about being PATRIOTIC

 There's a briar in my heal Josey

Chorus and Summer Fiddlers at "Country Music" Concert

My new Ford Escape.... So happy!

Looking up into the future of 2013

 As Kirk and I were up high in the boom lift looking in all directions I was contemplating that this 2013 will be a year of many adventures. We just need to live to the best of our abilitities. Show love and serve others.

 Yes I am actually up, up highand it was not scary ...it was exciting .....

 Seeing our chapel

 Seeing the end of the year 2012 with a grand finale....

 Little Eli loving the fireworks

Sitting on the porch with family enjoying the evening of fireworks

Cool Elder Picture!!

Elders caroling on a NY Street Corner

More of our Family

Thanksgiving Picture 2012

 Thanksgiving 2012

 Christmas Eve PJs 2012

Layna, Kaitlyn, Jenna, Luke, Alex, Jacob Nathan and Luke

Landon and Connor in back

 Matching cousins in NM...Sophie, Ethan, Sammy, Jesse

Elder Hooper in NY (on left)

November - December 2012

Jon on the night of being ordained a missionary November 13th

Decorating Mom and Dad's Grave November 24th 

 2nd grade musical little reindeer....December 6th

 Kirk and his balloon initiation December 7th

 At the ABC ... Arizona Balloon Classic December 8th

 Far East Music PLC - Gilbert District December 5th

Eva, Cherri, Beth, Marcia, Marshann, and Chris

 Summer Fiddlers

 playing at Boulder Creek Ward Christmas Hoedown Dec.14th

 Carol of the Bells -- Chorus Christmas Concert Dec.18th

 Carol of the Bells Chorus Concert

 Jingle Bell Rock with the action leader Ellie E.

 A Partridge in a Pear Tree.....Judi the band teacher and me

Santa and Me

Mayor's Award

I don't really know why I keep writing here on this blog, I know of only three people who may read it, well I am not really sure who reads this. I don't really like to brag about myself, but I want to make a post that I can copy about the Award I just received.

My Principal nominated me for an Award called the Mayor's Lifetime of Service Award. I actually won and received this award at a Breakfast with the Mayor on October 25th. I went at 7 AM to this breakfast with Leslie as my guest and my Principal Tim Moses was there. Also representing our school district was Mr Allison, Barb VeNard, AJ ANderson a Gilbert School Board Member, as well as other people from the district office and other Gilbert Schools.
I received a nice plaque and got to walk on stage to receive the Award from GIlbert's Mayor, John Lewis while there was a huge picture of my plasterd up on the stage screen. Humbling, overwhelming, awesome, embarrasing and a few other emotions all at the same time.

 

 John Lewis and myself posing for the picture getting the award.

 

I took off the rest of the day and had a very enjoyable day.
I was interviewed by a reporter and I found an article in the Gilbert Republic on Saturday about the event and my award.
This is a picture of my principal Tim Moses and me. He is actually smiling!


I was able to read his letter of recommendation and I was very humbled and I loved the way he mentioned the things I have done even though he only been my principal for a little over a year. It is nice to see that someone cares for the arts and for what I do to promote the arts with the kids as well as adults. It was nice to see that he can feel my passion for music. What a nice thing to do the year I retire. Here is a time I can really say..... "I have found some JOY in the JOURNEY!!!!