COOKIES...Bite-Size Life Lessons!

My first lesson this year is about Attitude. I decided to use my book about cookies. Of course that means I have to make cookies for the whole school. Making the cookies won't be too bad. Listening to the kids ask for cookies every time I go into their class for the rest of the year is going to be hard.

"COOKIES... Bite Size Life Lessons"

COOPERATE means, "How about you add the chips while I stir?"
PATIENT means waiting and waiting for the cookies to be done.
PROUD means, "My chin is high, and I sure do like the way my cookies turned out."
MODEST means you don't run around telling everyone you make the best cookies, even if you know it to be true.
RESPECT means offering the very first cookie to your grandmother.
TRUSTWORTHY means, "If you ask me to hold your cookie until you come back, when you come back, I will still be holding your cookie."
FAIR means, "You get a bite, I get a bite, you get a big bite, I get a big bite."
UNFAIR means, "You get a bite, and now I get the rest."
COMPASSIONATE means, "Don't worry, it's okay. You can have part of my cookie."
GREEDY means taking all the cookies for myself.
GENEROUS means offering some to others.
PESSIMISTIC means, "How awful, how absolutely dreadful. I have only half my cookie left." OPTIMISTIC means, "This is great. I still have half my cookies left."
POLITE means, "Excuse me, can you please pass the cookies?"
HONEST means, "I have to tell you something. The butterfly didn't really take the cookie, I took the cookie."
COURAGEOUS means, "It was not easy for me to tell you that I took the cookie, but I took a deep breath....and made the words come out."
ENVY means, "I can't stop looking at your cookie out of the corner of my eye--it looks so much better than my cookie. Boy, I wish it were mine and not yours."
LOYAL means that even though the new person has a much bigger cookie, I'm sticking by you and your little cookies because you're my very best friend."
OPEN-MINDED means, "I've never seen cookies like that before, but, uh, sure I'll try one." REGRET means, "I really wish I didn't eat so many cookies."
CONTENT means sitting on the steps-just you, me, and a couple of cookies.
WISE means, "I used to think I knew everything about cookies, but now I realize I know about one teeny chip's worth."

A few pictures from a long lost friend

Now if this isn't the most amazing tombstone you've ever seen. It's incredible.

It's neat to see my family heritage. Even if it is just on a tombstone.

I may not have known my Aunt Pam very well, but what an incredible woman. And I have to admit, she had (has?) an amazing husband and family. Her funeral just a little over a year ago was such a beautiful tribute.

"We can find something fun to do ANYWHERE!"

My cell phone took a bath...

love,
lindsay

The Monument

Since Mom passed, away Dad has been pretty consumed with getting the headstone finished for their grave site. Well, a few weeks ago it was finished and placed in the cemetery. We had a fun day trip. Lindsay, Max, and London were in town. Jenn, Kate, John, and Liz all made the trip. We had such a great time. So fun to be there together. The little kids had a ball running around the cemetery. Dad was very pleased with the result. He likes to visit the Brigham City Cemetery. It makes for a nice outing. Always a side trip to Maddox and a tour of all of the important places, depending on which caregiver we have with us. Glad we got it done. Glad he is so happy with it. Don't love seeing my name on a headstone...............

"Little Caesar's"

It was a very sentimental day for me. It seems like wherever I turned memories filled my vision. I was vacuuming the house and kept seeing stacks of wedding invitations, boxes of extra food in my pantry, and water colored pictures piled up everywhere. I kept thinking that I was going to have to move something out of my way. But, really nothing blocked my way. I could vacuum everywhere. I didn't like it. It was kind of like everything just hit me. When we are young and having babies we are too tired to think much about anything except getting through the day. When we are old, we are taking care of naughty teenagers and aging parents. The best years are those in between years. The time when your kids don't mind hanging out with you. When your kids are older and married they don't mind, but it is those years from about age 8 through about age 13 that are so much fun. They can't drive, nor can any of their friends. They still like you and don't mind that you know. They are old enough that you aren't doing bottles, diapers, baby food, or naps. I cannot drive into Smith's parking lot without looking at the building that used to be Little Caesar's. It always brings back so many memories. The days when we would spend Friday nights eating pizza and licorice. Watching movies and staying up late. So much fun....so many good times. Enjoy every minute of every stage (when you aren't too tired). They grow up and leave you. They visit. But it is never the same. Thank HEAVEN for grandchildren. Couldn't make it without them!