Gotta Love the Family

My New Year's resolution to spend more time blogging lasted about as long as my resolution to not each chocolate. Not much has been happening in my life lately except shoveling snow, going to ball games, and trying to stay out of trouble at school (which seems to be my biggest challenge as of late). I got called to the principal's office on Thursday and I have to say, it is not as fun as when you were in school and got called to the office. This often means your job is on the line and as I made the long walk down the hall, my thoughts were "what have I done or said now?" Usually, I am aware of things I say, but this time I was clueless. Due to the fact I am walking on thin ice after following a group of boys into the boys restroom to get them to go to class, I have been on my best behavior ever. Then, when I enter the office and he tells me to shut the door, wow - panic!! What a relief to find out the only problem was that a parent complained that I was trying to influence their child politically. Gee me? Not the Nancy I know. We talked it out, and I apologized again and said I would watch my big mouth but I had to walk a little prouder back to class knowing that at least one of my students listened to me. It wasn't that I was trying to push my political views on any of the students, but we were talking about economics and one student asked the question "where did all the money go." I couldn't resist. I had to mention that the government was spending money they didn't have so had to borrow from the Chinese. That led into a big discussion as to where the government gets their money and I guess I got a little carried away. In the end, I get to keep my job and will have to stay away from politics.
The real reason I am entering a new entry is I want it in the record that I am soooo thankful for my family. I feel sorry for my chldren that they got stuck with me for a mom, but it must have been for a reason. I was asked to be on a committee for the city, and as I entered the home of a lady about my age, I looked around and it was so clean, everything in order with beautiful furniture, a clean carpet, beautiful paintings and wall hangings and I have to say, I was jealous as to all her "stuff". As we sat there, I began to notice that she had no pictures of family - especially children or grandchildren. My curiousity got the best of me, and later when the opportunity arose, I asked her about it. Come to find out, she had never married. Been a school teacher all her career and had recently retired and had moved up to our valley to enjoy the beauty. My heart went out to her. Later as I came back to my humble home, I studied every picture I had of my family and was so thankful that family decorated my home instead of expensive pictures. I certainly don't have all the "stuff" she has but I have something more valueable than money can buy: A healthy, happy family who love me inspite of me being me. What more could I ask for in life?
So, thank you my children for loving me as I am. You mean the world to me and I want to tell you now as I didn't tell you enough growing up. I actually didn't know how important you were to me. I was just so busy being with you that I didn't realize that those times would eventually be "The good old days." Thank you. I love you. For you young parents, savor every minute you have with your children. Those minutes will be the best time of your life (until the grandkids come along). Some day you are going to miss them and you can never get them back.

Christmas 2009

The new year has started and trying to keep with my resolution (list more on my blog but keep it shorter), I need to visit a little about my Christmas before it escapes me.
I packed the back of my little car/pickup to the hilt and took off from little Tetonia, Idaho headed for my final destination of McCall, Idaho. I made a stop in Rigby then headed west.
On Wednesday, Summer, Max, Macey, and Madison met Aunt JJ at the airport for a fun reunion. She had flown to Boise from El Paso to spend Christmas with her side of the family while hubby Tommy spent the holdiays with his daughter in Spokane, Wa. She was sad to be separated but was making the best of it. I'll bet it won't happen again though.
The kids had fun getting to know Aunt JJ again and she had them perform on Christmas Eve. They did a cute Twelve Days of Christmas then she and I took off North to McCall. The roads were clear and the sky filled with stars. I was worried about travelling to MaCall at night but Jess did a good job and we made it safe by about 10:30 p.m. I really felt like Nana Santa by now.
Christmas morning at the Crossleys was wild and wonderful. We all had fun opening many presents and the boys made a killing. Ned's family joined up for dinner (lunch) and Grandpa Crossley played with the boys and their toys most of the time. What a great Grandpa he is. Again, I felt bad I couldn't provide them with a great grandpa but it is what it is. Grandpa Crossley takes the place of two grandpas.
Sat. Jess and I too off for Boise and missed seeing the Neads as Jess had to catch a plane at 4:00. She had already said her goodbyes but it would have been fun to say goodbye again.
Me, I dropped her off at the airport and headed home. I spent the night in Burley which is about half way home for me. I literally crashed and slept as long the next morning as I could. Nana Santa had completed her job and needed a little rest.
What a great Christmas!! Now, to look forward to a new year and hopefully I will make it one of the best years of my life.