tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67673577030541004422024-02-08T09:51:52.253-08:00I Want To Be A Writer When I Grow UpSo, I thought I would start a blog to display some of my personal writings.
I would love feed back on any or all of it!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-19185981438767513972010-08-14T10:53:00.000-07:002010-08-14T11:00:45.981-07:00UNUSUAL BABY NAMESHere is a prompt I wrote a story about once. The story isn't finished, but I thought it was kinda fun: <em>You and your spouse welcome a beautiful baby into your lives and, after going round and round on names, you choose one that's very unusual. Write a scene where you announce the name to your family. Include their reaction and your explanation for choosing such an odd name.</em><br /><br /> Most names have been ruined for me. I am a teacher. And I have taught for 10 years. I have seen many unusual names like KeVaughn, Unique, and even, Marajuana. Finding a name that hasn’t been ruined for me has become somewhat of a challenge, but here’s my story:<br /> It was a beautiful Sabbath day, and I was sitting uncomfortably in the wooden pews at church. The hard back benches were agonizing at the best of times, but at 9 months pregnant they seemed almost insufferable. Focusing on the speaker seemed impossible, as I wiggled trying to find a comfortable position. <br /> My youngest daughter leaned her head against my round abdomen. The baby inside kicked at her sister, and Katia stifled a silent giggle. My husband shot us a warning glance to be reverent. I put my arm around my sweet baby girl, who was no longer a baby. “When did she turn 9?” I thought.<br /> Kiara, my 10 year old daughter, was resting her head on her father’s shoulder. She had stayed up late the night before and was fighting to stay awake during the sacrament meeting. I was content with my small family of 4. Scott was a fabulous father to our two beautiful daughters. I loved having children old enough to talk too, sing with and share adventures with. I also questioned my sanity as to having children at my age. Was I crazy? <br /> Abruptly, the routine birth pains began. I silently began timing the contractions. “One Thousand One, One Thousand Two, One Thousand Three…” I had already gone into false labor twice before. I was prepared this time to count and wait it out. But then another cramp began and I knew the pain was too close together.<br /> “It’s time” I whispered in my husband’s ear, while the speaker droned on about the plan of salvation.<br /> “Are you sure?” Scott asked quietly, shooting me a nervous glance.<br /> “Of course, I’m sure!” I snapped, a bit irritated at his lack of faith in my diagnosis. I clumsily plodded out toward the parking lot leaving my husband to find a friend to take our children for the rest of the day!<br /> I continued counting my labor pains as I waited impatiently for Scott to show up. “The Bishop’s wife has our daughters,” he explained as he got behind the wheel to the Hyundai, which would be too small for our family of 5 in a few short hours. We had purchased the car to save gas a year ago when we believed we were done having children. Surprise!<br /> Although the hospital was only 6.3 miles away, it seemed to take us an hour to get there. We hit every red light, and got behind every aging person going 25 miles under the speed limit. Didn’t they know I was about to have a baby? I wanted to scream at all the drivers on the road, including my husband, that I was in agony and frightened of the birthing process. <br /> Although I had given birth twice before, I had completely forgotten the experience. I felt like a novice rugby player about to be pummeled by the opposing team. What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t remember. I just wanted my doctor.<br /> Arriving at the hospital, we walked (actually Scott walked, I hobbled) through the double doors. The receptionist noticed my condition (the huge bump in my belly cued her in) and waved us through to the third floor.<br /> After a quick examination, from a nurse with REALLY frigid hands, I was admitted into a delivery room. The room was bathed in soft light. And the bed was as comfortable as a hospital bed could be. My husband pulled a stool up near my head so he could hold my hand and coach me. (I think it’s funny that men are coaches at something they will never experience personally.)<br /> I was dilated to a five. The attendant only had to poke me three times before the IV stuck in the right place. By then, I didn’t care about the contractions, I was too focused on the needle. Scott kept trying to soothe my distress, by reminding me to breathe and count. (At least he remembered something from our Lamaze classes 11 years ago.) I had had natural child births with both Kiara and Katia. But this one, I was required to have an IV. By now, I was missing the warm showers that I had taken while in labor with Kiara.<br /> Time is different when you are in the throes of childbirth. It seemed like I laid on the birthing bed for over 3 days, but Scott said it was only an hour.<br /> “She’s crowning,” the doctor claimed proudly, as if he had done all the exertion!<br /> A moment later, my husband exclaimed that she was “Beautiful!” The nurse practitioner, who aided in the delivery, quickly wrapped her in a white blanket and handed me the precious bundle. Tears came and I saw Scott wipe tears from his eyes also. She was beautiful! The Spirit of God was definitely present at this momentous moment. “I love you, little one.” I whispered as I handed the little girl to her father.<br /> “What are we naming her?” Scott asked. We knew we had to use a name that started with the letter ‘K’, but we hadn’t found one we liked yet. <br /> “I have no idea.” I said lamely.<br /> “Did you see the name of the nurse practioner?” he quizzed.<br /> “No.”<br /> “Well, it started with a K. It was different. What do you think?”<br /> What did I think? I thought I was tired. I thought I wanted to go to sleep and wake up skinny. I thought I wanted some chocolate. But instead I inquired of my husband the nurse’s name.<br /> “Karabasque,” he said simply.<br /> I looked at how lovingly my husband held our newborn daughter. I smiled, “O.K., her name is Karabasque. I hope our family likes it.”<br /> “They will love Karabasque!” Scott confidently announced. But will they love the name? I silently wondered.<br /> “You’re kidding! Right?” Mom exclaimed when she heard the name.Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-2800197066749292652010-08-08T16:26:00.000-07:002010-08-08T19:03:06.982-07:00TURN TO THE LORDGood Morning! I’m one of those crazy people who actually like public speaking. In fact, I love speaking in church! In high school I joined the speech and debate team in order to perform my speeches. And I took speech classes for fun in college. So I am truly glad to be here today!<br /><br />Brother Call asked me to tell you a little about our family. My name is Sundy – like the day without the “A.” I was raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. My parents are both educators and I am the oldest of 4 kids. My best friend is my sister, G.J. and I have two awesome brothers. I decided to study music in college because it made me happy. I was actually better at computers and math, but music got my vote. After college hopping for a few years, I ended up back in Grand Junction at the local college.<br /><br />Scott grew up in Wyoming, and served a mission in Brazil. While he was serving the Lord, his family moved to my home town. So when Scott came home, he didn’t know the area and he didn’t speak any English. He attended the local singles branch, which is where we met. He was assigned as my home teacher. I didn’t know right away that I was going to marry him… but my father and sister did….<br /><br />Six months after we met, we were sealed in the Denver temple by my grandfather. I finally graduated with my music education degree and began teaching in Colorado and Scott got his bachelor’s in business management. Two years later, we had a baby girl and named her Kiara. A year and a half later I was a full time mother to two beautiful little girls as Katia joined our family.<br /><br />Scott moved our small family to Las Vegas so he could attend UNLV for his master’s degree in marketing. We spent 8 years in Las Vegas and decided to relocate to Arizona. I went back to work, because of the economy. And Scott looked for work.<br /><br />In January, Scott moved here to work for CPS. I had to finish my teaching contract, so the girls and I stayed in Arizona. I moved here 3 weeks ago following my job and bariatric surgery. So far we LOVE it here! Everyone in the ward has made us feel right at home and we are excited to serve and get to know all of you.<br /><br />With this brief history of our family, focusing on the highlights, you might not realize that Murphy’s Law could have been named after me. Trials and tribulations seem to follow our family wherever we are. Of course, none of us are immune from “trials and tribulations.” Wilford Woodruff said, “It is impossible… for the Saints of God to inherit a celestial kingdom without their being tried as to whether they will abide in the covenants of the Lord or not.”<br />I have learned a great secret in dealing with hardships: There is only ONE source of Peace. Jesus Christ¸ the Prince of Peace, has promised us that “our adversities and our afflictions shall be but a small moment.”<br /><br />Turning to the Lord during difficulties has not always been easy. Brother Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy said last conference, “If you feel you have been wronged – by anyone or by anything – deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. … Giving up is not an option. … Turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load.”<br /><br />One of our biggest trials as a family was when Scott was separated from us twice. The first time was when we moved to Arizona. Our home in Las Vegas hadn’t sold and Scott couldn’t find work in Arizona. So he stayed in Las Vegas while Kiara, Katia and I moved to Arizona so I could start my job. Scott would drive 7 hours and “come home” two days a week and live in Nevada the other five days a week. We lived this way for almost an entire year. It was a struggle. And the girls and I cried every time he left…. The second time we were separated was the past 6 months. Scott was here with you, while I was in Arizona. During this time, I had surgery three times and many health problems. This time he didn’t even get to come home so we kept in contact through cell phones and the internet. Turning to the Lord was the only way we got through both separations.<br /><br />I made a list of things that we have done that has helped us turn to the Lord in times of trial. I love lists. I love to write them. I love to read them. I love to cross things off of them. So I made a list of 7 things that helped our family “turn to the Lord” during our trial of separation. Upon reflection, I realized that this list could help others who are going through tough times.<br />#1 PRAYER. Prayer is what held us together during our time of being apart. Every night, before bed, Kiara, Katia and I would call Scott, put him on speaker phone and have family prayer. Those prayers really helped ground us as a family and keep us close to the Lord. Susan Tanner said,<br /><br />“How often have each of us fallen to our knees with . . . feelings of inadequacy and need for divine reassurance? . . .<br />"[As did Joseph Smith,] we too can receive spiritual reassurance in response to our prayers. We can receive a witness that our Father in Heaven knows us by name and that He has an earthly mission for us to fulfill."<br /><br />#2 GO TO CHURCH. Every week, no matter what, we went to church. Kiara and Katia were 8 and 9 years old when we moved to Arizona. I was called as the ward organist. So every week, my daughters would sit on the front row as I sat at the organ. It was extremely difficult to manage two young girls and the music without a husband. But we got blessings out of the deal. Kiara and Katia quickly learned how to be reverent without parents. And I did not have to worry about them at all. Church edified all of us and kept us close to our Heavenly Father.<br /><br />#3 SCRIPTURE STUDY. We daily strived to read our scriptures and discuss them together as a family. We weren’t perfect. But we continued to improve. Elder Christofferson said, that “through the scriptures, God does indeed 'show forth his power' to save and exalt His children. By His word, as Alma said, He enlarges our memory, sheds light on falsehood and error, and brings us to repentance and to rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer." Scott and I felt that we could definitely use those blessings while enduring the trial of our separation.<br /><br />#4 TEMPLE ATTENDANCE. Scott was really good about this one. While he was on his own, he attended the temple at least once a week. He often told me how that was what kept him going when he missed me and the girls. There are blessings from the temples that have helped to shape our family and renewing those covenants and blessings often helps during times of trouble.<br /><br />President Faust told about the difficulties the pioneers faced. Just like today, we face problems and turning to the temple is one of the greatest sources of spiritual strength we can get. President Faust said,<br /><br />“There were over 5,600 members who received their blessings in the Nauvoo Temple. … John and Jane Akerley and the others of the multitude who waited in the bitter cold to enter the majestic Nauvoo Temple received within its walls the greatest blessings offered by the Lord in this life. They endured much, but their suffering was just beginning. Their temple blessings helped strengthen them for what lay ahead. Separated by death in Winter Quarters, they were able to endure all things because of their faith and the blessings received that cold February night in 1846.<br /><br />“As the pioneers had the larger vision in their daily challenge for survival, so also we need to have a greater vision and understanding of our eternal destiny. Our challenges are more subtle but equally hard. Maintaining our spiritual strength is also a daily challenge. The greatest source of that spiritual strength comes, as it did in their time, from our temples.”<br /><br /># 5 GOSPEL DISCUSSIONS. While struggling with our separation, having gospel centered discussions with our daughters seemed to really help strengthen our family and our trust in the Lord.<br /><br />Sister Grassli said that “Children can understand and should witness marvelous events – events like priesthood blessings, special ward and family fasts, the testimonies and prayers of their parents and leaders, and gospel discussions with people they love.”<br /><br />I truly believe our kids are smarter than we give them credit for. My daughters would often compare books they were reading in school with the Book of Mormon. We would discuss similarities and differences over characters from novels and the heroes of the scriptures. These gospel discussions helped us through our trials.<br /><br />#6 FAMILY HOME EVENING. I grew up in a family that truly believed in the blessings of family home evening. My parents had the most awesome family home evenings ever! And Scott and I have tried to incorporate family home evening in our own family. When we were separated, we still had our weekly family nights. We missed daddy, but it helped us through. Family Home Evenings helps families fortify themselves against worldly influences.<br /><br />#7 FAMILY COUNCIL. Family Council was something my husband felt was extremely important to our family. Every Sunday, even when long-distance phone calls were our medium, we held Family Council. These weekly meetings helped us to organize our home and share our spiritual experiences that we had during the week with each other. We also had time to express concerns and express our love for each other. We called it Kudos and Koncerns. We would open with a song and prayer to invite the Holy Ghost into our council. This helped us endure to the end during our struggles.<br /><br />Using this list, we were able to stay close to the Lord. We grew as a family. And made it through our tribulations without too many scars. I know that if we had not turned to the Lord during these trials, it would have been much more difficult.<br /><br />Joseph Smith is a fabulous example of enduring hardships and trials. While suffering in Liberty Jail, this profound revelation was given to him: “If fools shall hold thee in derision, … if thou art called to pass through tribulation; … if thine enemies fall upon thee; … if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murders, … and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” Then the profound statement: “The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” This is followed by clear direction and great promises. “Therefore, hold on thy way, and … fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”<br /><br />Over the following years, Joseph Smith continued to suffer and went through many trials. He stayed righteous. He turned to the Lord. As Elder Hallstrom said, “Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.” I like that quote so much that I’m going to cross stitch it. It is my prayer today that we will make it through our trials and tribulations by turning to the Lord. … Amen.Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-6875062834207210622009-11-19T09:59:00.000-08:002009-11-19T10:09:25.858-08:00LOSTA poem I wrote:<br /><br />I’ve misplaced it.<br />And even Scott can’t find it.<br />It is forfeit now.<br />By default it is gone.<br />Others has questioned it’s disappearance.<br />But it remains absent –<br />Hidden from view.<br />I can’t tell you where it went,<br />But it is irrevocably cast away.<br />***<br />I pray I’ll never find it.<br />Some things are left for lost.<br />I’ve mislaid twenty-five pounds.<br />And I’ll never get them back!<br /> -2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-62719145289341223892009-11-10T12:24:00.000-08:002009-11-10T12:47:02.930-08:00LULLABIES<em>When he was in his early teens, Johannes Brahms had a job playing piano in a tavern in Hamburg, Germany. Maybe that was his first experience lulling people to sleep. He was also the composer of “Lullaby and Goodnight,” also known as “Brahms’ Lullaby.” Brahms himself did not sleep like a baby – he was known to snore. What is your favorite lullaby or nighttime music? Why?</em><br /><br />I know most people associate their mothers or women with lullabies, but I don't. I associate lullabies with my father!<br />One of my earliest memories is of my dad singing and rocking us to sleep every night. My sister, brother and I would all lay down on mom and dad's bed waiting for our turn on my father's lap. Dad would sing two songs to each of us as he held us and rocked us in the wooden chair. The other two siblings would eagerly await their turn in dad's arms. <br />Dad sang six songs every night. His rich voice made the songs magical. We were all entranced in the lyrics. We rejoiced in his musicality. We were caught in his spell - a spell that made us feel happy, comfortable and loved.<br />Dad still keeps lullabies alive. Even now, his own children have children of their own, he continues to carry on the tradition of tranquil, alluring music to his grandchildren. As each grandchild is born, they receive an original lullaby. The joyful, safe, loving feeling that I felt as a child is now instilled in my own daughters, as they listen to their very own song.<br />Katia, my youngest daughter, listens to "Katia Come Home" her lullaby every night before bed. She always says she KNOWS Papa loves her because of her song. Kiara begs me to play "The Grand Valley (Kiara's Song)" for everyone we meet... even her classmates!<br />I'm grateful for the legacy I have of listening to lullabies. I'm thankful my father sang to me as a child and continues to sing to my own daughters! When I struggle with insomnia, I listen to lullabies and beautiful calming music to help me sleep. And unlike Brahms, I do sleep like a baby when the music plays.Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-77467269563799663212009-10-23T11:55:00.000-07:002009-10-23T11:59:19.664-07:00AWARDS ASSEMBLIES<em>I went to awards assemblies all day on Monday (for my job.) While I was sitting there, I was feeling grateful that my daughters both got awards for being on the honor roll. They are excellent students. So I wrote the following poem:</em><br /><br />Waiting for my daughter's name -<br />Enthusiastically listening -<br />Impressed by her achievement.<br />Other scholars are announced...<br />Their accolades are not why I'm here.<br />My beautiful child is beaming as she, too, waits.<br />I'm blessed to be here.<br />I'm honored to be her mother.<br />And still, I wait...<br />Then, her name is proclaimed.<br />I glow with pride.<br />Knowing that the true gratification is hers!<br />She earned the grades.<br />She labored diligently.<br />The honor belongs to her, alone.<br />I share in the joy because she is MY girl!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-58612564879368335792009-10-15T14:33:00.000-07:002009-10-15T14:34:58.269-07:00COMMERCIAL JINGLES<p><em>Here's the writing prompt I gave my choir students: Singer and songwriter Barry Manilow is well known for his pop music hits. But Manilow has written other tunes that millions of people hear every day: the jingles for products including Band Aids, State Farm Insurance, Stridex and Chevrolet. What is your favorite commercial jingle? Have you ever purchased the product it advertises? Why? And this is my reply:</em></p><p> Commercial jingles are so much fun! I find myself singing them all the time. My husband says I’m susceptible to them. Maybe it’s true. But I think in some WEIRD way, they have enriched my life!<br /> One of my favorite commercial jingles from when I was a kid was Oscar Mayer’s bologna commercial. I loved that the little boy would sing about his bologna’s first and last name. I still sing this song when I fix sandwiches.<br /> “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz Oh what a relief it is!” That little melody always pops into my head when ever I have a stomach ache. Alka-Seltzer is a life-saver sometimes!<br /> I can’t stand Dr. Pepper. My husband likes it. But I want to be a Pepper when ever I hear the song “I’m a pepper. He’s a pepper. She’s a pepper. Wouldn’t you like to be a pepper too?”<br /> Coco-Cola’s classic ad “I’d like to buy the world a coke” brings tears to my eyes. It was simple, yet refreshing. But it hasn’t made me a coke fan. I still prefer Diet Pepsi.<br /> I’m allergic to cats. So is my husband and daughter. I’ve never been a real cat fan. But Meow Mix commercial can definitely get stuck in your head. Singing “Meow Meow Meow Meow” really can drive you crazy! But it’s a lot of fun too!<br /> And one that drove me absolutely crazy was Desert Automobile’s add in Las Vegas. They took the Ghost Buster theme and sang “Who you gonna call? Call Desert!” My daughters loved the song, but didn’t realize it was really a rip off. I had to rest Ghostbusters for them so they could hear the “real” song!<br /> So yes, commercial jingles have enhanced my life! I hope I get to hear many more memorable ones!</p>Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-956137453790793422009-10-10T08:16:00.000-07:002009-10-10T08:19:33.212-07:00MEETING...<em>Sometimes meetings are boring, but when you think about what comes after the boring meetings, you aren't so bored. That was the case earlier this year at the first meeting of the school year:</em><br /><br />We converged at the contemporary site<br />Assembled for pep talks and positive orations<br />Words like “World Class” and “Excellence” are tossed around<br />Inspiration dispersed on imported, vogue, paper plates<br />My eyes compete to stay open<br />Weariness and fatigue struggle to be overcome by exhilarated vitality<br />But relief comes, through thoughts of the Harry Potter movie this evening!<br /> -2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-25534094787790352482009-10-06T14:15:00.000-07:002009-10-06T14:18:33.084-07:00BOOKS<em>Fall break is the perfect time to read books! And I have read a lot of them! Too many according to my husband, daughters and father.... but with that said, here's my poem expressing my adulation for books:</em><br /><br />An extraordinary book is an intimate friend.<br />An enjoyable book is an exceptional playmate.<br />An enlightening book is a reliable comrade.<br />A motivational book is a dependable companion.<br />A melancholy book is a tender confident.<br />A dramatic book is an arousing buddy.<br />An ambiguous book is a mystifying neighbor.<br />A memoir book is a candid pal.<br />My attachment to books may be peculiar,<br />I treasure my captivating relationship with my books.<br />-2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-30167362691194671622009-10-01T15:55:00.000-07:002009-10-01T15:57:43.500-07:00RESPECT<p><em>I was feeling frustrated with some of my students at the end of last year. I had a 6th grade class that showed no respect to ANYONE. All the special teachers (Art, P.E. Technology, etc.) were moaning about how they didn't know how to teach these students respect. It was bad. This poem was my way of dealing with the lack of respect and lamenting the fact that my daughters were growing up with these 6th graders as "examples"....</em></p><p></p><p>Respect is fanishing,<br />A lost virtue,<br />Woefully missing.<br />Without this courtesy,<br />Life is full of entropy.<br />Control, self control, is ended.<br />I mourn for my daughters.<br />I sorrow for their generation.<br />Because:<br />Civility has been wrongly sentenced to life.<br />Decency has been brutally assassinated.<br />And the golden rule is being savagely slandered.<br />Is it too late for a metamorphosis?<br />Can respect ultimately triumph?<br />-2009</p>Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-82359809611908398102009-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:002009-09-27T12:51:44.983-07:00ORGANIZATION: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE<em>I had to teach a mini class about organization for Enrichment two weeks ago. Here's what I came up with! Enjoy!</em><br /><br />How can we obtain a more enjoyable life of balance? What we really need to put balance into our lives is more TIME. Unfortunately, we can't control how many hours are in a day. And so we must try to control how we spend the hours we do have.<br /><br />You might be wondering what organization skilss have to do with putting more balance into our lives... You might wonder what difference does it make to be organized.<br /><br />I believe that it makes all the difference in the world.<br /><br />Organizational skills can help you cope with the world around you. Organization provides structure and creates a semblance of order. Being organized helps reduce daily stress levels.<br /><br />I've also learned that organizational skills save time and effort. I learned the importance of this kind of organization when my first daughter was born. I was overwhelmed by the responsibility of a new born. And so the last thing I wanted to be doing was looking around for blankets, burp cloths, baby wipes and diapers. So, I kept all of those supplies on hand in the family room, upstairs, in the car, and in her room. They were handy and convenient anywhere I spent time. I always KNEW I could find whatever I needed when I needed it.<br /><br />I learned to do the same thing with cleaning supplies. For example, each bathroom has a cleaning basket with Windex, Lysol, Comet and other cleaning supplies. It's easier than lugging around my supplies, and it's a little bit quicker. And if you think about it, I'm not really spending any more money on the supplies I use. I do have more, but I'm also not buying them as frequently.<br /><br />Organizational skills are the keystone to having a more balanced life.<br /><br />There are two components to being organized; there are teh STRUCTURES and the REGULAR ACTIONS (habits). The structures are the physcial tools you use to hold things in which you are organizing such as your filing cabinet, desktop sorters, baskets, etc. On the other hand, you can have all the structures in the world, but if you don't actually have the habits like filing papers into your files, or opening up your planner to see what's on the schedule, you won't be organized.<br /><br />Disorganization can quietly eat away, day by day, at your productivity. You may wonder, does anyone really care if you are organized? Heavenly Father does. He said, "Establish... a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." Without some organization, these qualities are difficult or impossible to demonstrate.<br /><br />To become an organized person, you need to start thinking like one. The following is a list of tips to help you become organized and stay ont eh path or organization.<br /><br />- IT'S ALL IN THE PLAN - Proper planning gives the overall picture of teh task or tasks to be completed. It saves time in the long run. I use a VERY large calendar to keep my family organized. It's from moretimeformoms.com. I recommend it!<br />- TIME MANAGEMENT - Successful people spend their time wisely. Did you know that the average human being in our society loses an HOUR A DAY due to disorganization? Just take a minute to think about it - that's more than 2 weeks per year! That's a whole vacation!<br />- DON'T PUT IT DOWN; PUT IT AWAY - An organized person will come to realize that it is always easier to put something away rather than set it down "for now." I really struggle with this principle, but I'm lucky that my husband picks up the slack for me here! :-)<br />- A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE<br />- LET CLUTTER ANNOY YOU - Start to act out against clutter; throw it away or donate it. Act now!<br />- FILE IT; DON'T PILE IT - I love my filing cabinet. And once I created a filing system that worked for me, I use it much more. The fun part about getting organized is helping your children learn the skills too. Both of my daughters received filing cabinets for their birthdays last year, and love learning how to file their own report cards, award certificates, and other special things.<br />- OPEN AND PROCESS ALL MAIL - I once heard a smart person say that you should open all mail over the trash can so youc an file junk mail immediately where it belongs - the trash! :-)<br />- BREAK LARGE PROJECTS DOWN INTO SMALL SEQUENTIAL STEPS - Kiara nd I did this with a skeleton project she created a couple of weeks ago for school. First we drew the skeleton on the fabric. Then we cut out the skeleton. Then we glued the pieces together. After drying, we stuffed the pillows and finished by labeling each bone. SMALL STEPS! :-)<br />- KEEP SUPPLIES WHERE YOU USE THEM<br />- DATE AND TITLE ALL MATERIALS<br /><br />Sometimes there are somet higns that make organization difficult. Knowledge of these "monsters" makes it easier to wage a war against them and stay organized!<br /><br />Watch out for the PROCRASTINATION MONSTER. Don't put things off. Just do it!<br /><br />Watch out for the monster, INTERRUPTIONS. Interruptions reduce motivation to continue to work. Try to reduce the number of interruptions you get while working on organization.<br /><br />MISMATCH BETWEEN TIME AND ONE'S CAPACITY is a frightening monster. When people ovestimate or underestimate time taken to perform a task it leads to disorganization. When we try to do too many things in one time slot it can be frustrating. It reduces our pace. On the other hand, when we do too little in a given time period we are wasting valuable time.<br /><br />Another monster to watch out for is SETTING THE WRONG PRIORITIES. We all have priorities that should be set up in the order of importance. <br /><br />All anyone needs to be organized is just 15 minutes a day. That's all it takes. Organizing your home doesn't have to be thiss all-day, all-week event. Just set aside 15 minutes every day to tidy up and you're well on your way to an organized home. I like to put on our family "WORK" CD and make the "job" of organizing fun!<br /><br />Take it one day at a time - 15 minutes at a time! Rome wasn't built in a day. Take baby steps. If your dining room table is now a flat filing cabinet... Work for 15 minutes creating piles to file. If your idea of being organized, is multicolored Post-it notes, invest in a good calendar and use it! I promise life will be better! You will be happier!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-7656179641146686462009-09-24T15:33:00.001-07:002009-09-24T15:33:53.402-07:00SAD DAYI was having a discouraging day a few months ago. Sometimes that happens! :-) So I wrote this poem to keep me from crying in front of my classes at school....<br /><br />It’s not easy…when<br />All I see are imperfections<br />All I hear from everyone is criticism<br />All I feel is doubt<br />Being accomplished isn’t good enough<br />I fall short<br />If I can’t forgive myself…<br />Who can?My emotions are THINLY veiled<br />An imaginary smile that doesn’t reach my eyes<br />Desperation covers my heart<br />What will heal my soul?<br />I prayerfully implore, “Father, remember me?”<br />I silently sing<br />Psalms of hope in Christ<br />It calms<br />It soothes<br />Perfect? No.<br />Confident? No.<br />At peace? Most assuredly.<br /> -2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-20212563321315907412009-09-23T17:01:00.000-07:002009-09-23T17:02:36.616-07:00After the Election....I wrote this poem after the election. I was really upset that Obama won. But, looking back, I wasn't happy with ANY of the candidates. I think all politics are corrupt right now. I'm worried for America....<br /><br />Oh, remember the glorious story<br />Of America and all her glory!<br />Unfortunately now that Obama has won<br />A hopeless and frightening new future’s begun.<br />Looking around; indecency abounds<br />It’s everywhere: schools, governments and towns.<br />Socialism is the new way to be “free”<br />Palosy will tell you just how to be.<br />It’s Satan’s plan for homosexuals to marry<br />But Liberal actors say gays should be “we.”<br />Crime has reach colossal heights<br />While main street Americans Loose their rights.<br />Terrorists will be allowed to see more free days<br />While Joe, the Plumber, will be the one who pays.<br />Taxes are raised for the “greater good”<br />Corrupt politicians making laws just ‘cause they could.<br />Viciousness and suffering cause people to fear<br />People with morals and values should shed a tear!<br /> -2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-89730682909248554792009-09-16T22:39:00.000-07:002009-09-17T16:28:53.331-07:00BOOKS!I LOVE books! I've always loved books! I remember when I was a kid, and I'd finish a book, Dad would take me into his office downstairs and help me pick out a new novel to read from the book shelf. I never was without books! And I still get caught up in good literature as an adult. There are times (like right now) when I can't sleep and all I want to do is read, read, read!<br /><br />But mostly, I wanted to write a couple of book reviews about the last few books I've read. My daughters are lucky to be a part of "Battle of the Books" at their school this year. "Battle of the Books" is a "club" where they form teams to read 6 different books. Then they get to be in a quiz like game show about the books they have read. Since they were reading books I had never heard of, let alone read, I decided to read the books with them!<br /><br />"Dicey's Song" by Cynthia Voigt was the first of the books that I read in the past two months. I actually started with "Homecoming" which is the prequel to "Dicey's Song." I'm glad I read "Homecoming" first, but "Dicey's Song," which won a Newberry Award, works well by itself too! After walking with her younger brothers and sister for months and months to their grandmother's house, Dicey Tillerman and her siblingss have finally found a home with their "crazy" Grandma Tillerman. Grandma has made it perfectly clear that she enjoys their company, regrets some of the mistakes she made with her own children, and is willing to adopt them immediately. As the eldest, Dicey is pleased but being adopted isn't enough to ease her day-to-day worries. Younger brother James is making himself appear like an average kid in school (rather than the genius he truly is) so that he'll have friends. Little Maybeth has never done well in her classes, though she's a whiz at music comprehension. And youngest child, Sammy, is constantly pretending to be a "perfect" child at school. While Dicey is worrying about these things, it's not as if her own life is perfect either. She shuns friends and cares mostly about scraping the paint off an old sailboat belonging to her grandmother. Still, as things come to a head, Dicey's gonna learn what it means to hold onto the people you love, what it means to let go, and when to decide which action to take. This is a great book about a young woman learning how to grow up. I've also read the third and fourth books in this Tillerman series. They are fabulous too!<br /><br />A COMPLETELY different book would be "The Lightening Thief" by Rick Riordan. But this series is no less GREAT than the Tillerman series. I couldn't put the book down. And I read books two and three already too! :-) I think one of the reasons I loved this series so much is because I enjoyed my high school Greek mythology class and the stories that came with it. This book brings Greek mythology to a modern world! The hero, Percy Jackson, is in fact the son of Poseidon. Kids that are actually children of Greek gods and goddesses are called "half-bloods" in the book. Unfortunately, there are forces of darkness - monsters - whose aim it is to destroy such kids. They are only protected at a special camp - "Camp Half-Blood." Percy lands at this camp, but must eventually leave it and risk the monsters, to fulfill a Quest. Each book is more exciting than the next. And the references to all the fun Greek legends makes this even more fun! I had to go back to my notes from the class for a refresher on who each God and Goddess were. But my daughters have never taken a Greek mythology class and they love the books without the prior knowledge. (Although we did bring out the movie "Clash of the Titans" and Disney's "Hercules" for them to see this past week....)<br /><br />Katia had me read "Frindle" by Andrew Clements. She begged me to read it and told me "it's an easy read!" I laughed at her expression. She was right. I read the entire book in less than two hours! But it is a book that is well worth two hours of anyone's time! :-) I only regret that I didn't read it years ago, so I could've been recommending it to all my friends and their children!<br />Like most successful books for kids, "Frindle" works on many different levels. It's funny, fast-paced, and while the main character, Nick, is kind of a class clown, he has qualities that even a mean teacher like Mrs. Granger would like. And even though Mrs. Granger has a reputation for being strict, she also earns the respect of children and parents. With "Frindle," we get a glimpse how a seemingly insignificant event at a small town elementary school through a media-frenzy becomes an international phenomenon. Can anyone say "fad?"<br /><br />I just finished reading another book today, that my eldest daughter, Kiara, insisted that I read. "Once Upon a Marigold" byJean Ferris is delightful! I finished it in one day! I absolutely loved this book! I loved that it was a fairy tale, and I loved the fairy tale. Christian is a boy that ran away from home and was adopted by a troll and his two dogs. He grows up admiring the princess Marigold from across the river, and when he is 17 he starts coresponding with her. Eventually, Christian takes a job at the castle, to be near Marigold. I don't want to give away the story, but it's a fabulous fairy tale in the same league as "Ella Enchanted!"<br /><br />I hope my reviews are something that will encourage you, my readers, to read today! And I highly recommend the books I've mentioned. They have appeal for young and old alike! :-)Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-18215600323236527372009-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:002009-08-31T14:47:31.498-07:00DUKE ELLINGTONThe assignment I gave my student was to write a poem about what they heard when they listened to Duke Ellington. We discussed some words associated with "jazz." The kids did a great job! Here's my poem:<br /><br />DUKE ELLINGTON<br />Dig those sassy sounds<br />Satin tones rushing over the ivories<br />Hot-buttered jazz harmonies rock the joint<br />Flashy beats with rat-a-tat-tat rhythms<br />Tickle the eighty-eights, Daddy-O<br />Fresh motifs with righteous riffs<br />Smooth gig<br />Frisking the whiskers<br />Jamming with the cats<br />The Duke beat it out on his storehouse, brother!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-2567483185287313392009-08-29T10:30:00.000-07:002009-08-29T10:31:27.170-07:00ANOTHER TESTING POEMThis is from last years AIMS testing! :-) Enjoy!<br /><br />Today is examinations, the Arizona way.<br />I feel like I should wax poetic, on this special day.<br />I’d rather be home sleeping or reading in my chair,<br />Instead I’m vigilantly policing – life really isn’t fair!<br />I’m arduously trying to make this ordeal pleasant,<br />But students are despondent while engaging their brains at present.<br />I’m curious what would happen if I stood upon my head<br />On top of an enormous rhino, who slumbered on a bed.<br />The pupils probably wouldn’t notice anything out of place<br />They’d focus on their answer sheets or gaze out into space.<br />So I guess I’ll be content to rhyme and pen this measure –<br />Perhaps someday this creation will be someone’s literary treasure!<br /> -2009Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-33861367930989955692009-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:002009-08-24T13:09:22.019-07:00Campaign SongHere's my prompt:<br /><em>When candidates run for office, they often choose a theme song for the campaign. In 1932, Franklin Roosevelt chose “Happy Days Are Here Again.” John F. Kennedy had “High Hopes” in 1960. For his 1948 run for the presidency, Harry Truman picked “I’m Just Wile About Harry.” If you were running for office, what campaign song would get your vote? Why? If you can’t think of a current song, what would be the title of a NEW song? Why?</em><br /><br />If I were running for election and had to choose a theme song, I would definitely have Donny Osmond and Jack Johnson sing the song together! Wouldn't that be awesome?!<br />And because I absolutely love Broadway music, I would have to choose a song from a Broadway show. I would vote for the song "This Is The Moment." The lyrics are perfect for a campaign, or any important choice you have to make. I wish I had written the words! They deserve to be heard, believed and felt by everyone!<br /> This is the moment!<br /> This is the day,<br /> When I send all my doubts and demons<br /> On their way!<br /> Every endeavor,<br /> I have made - ever -<br /> Is coming into play,<br /> Is here and now - today!<br /> This is the moment,<br /> This is the time,<br /> When the momentum and the moment<br /> Are in rhyme!<br /> This is the moment,<br /> When all I've done -<br /> All the dreaming,<br /> Scheming and screaming,<br /> Become one!<br /> This is the day -<br /> See it sparkle and shine,<br /> When all I've lived for<br /> Becomes mine!<br /> This is the moment -<br /> My final test -<br /> Destiny beckoned,<br /> I never reckoned,<br /> Second Best!<br /> I won't look down,<br /> I must not fall!<br /> This is the moment,<br /> The sweetest moment of them all!<br /> When I look back,<br /> I will always recall,<br /> Moment for moment,<br /> This was the moment,<br /> The greatest moment<br /> Of them all!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-17277160430341500332009-08-18T16:21:00.000-07:002009-08-18T16:27:18.856-07:00CHOIR PROMPTSThis year I am required to have my choir class write during their class period. So I have them write in a journal twice a week. I always give them a prompt. And I always write with them! :-) Here is the first prompt, and my response:<br /><br /><em><span >Musical styles change over the decades. The hit of 1946 was Perry Como’s “Prisoner of Love.” The top song of 1956 was “Don’t be Cruel” by Elvis Presley. The 1966 favorite was “The Battle of the Green Barets.” In 1976, it was Wings’ “Silly Love Songs,” and in 1986, Dionne Warwick sang “That’s What Friends Are For.” What was your favorite hit song? Why? What do you remember about the year it was a hit?</span></em><br /><br />Favorite is a difficult word for me. I have a hard time choosing favorites because it depends on my mood. But - ONE of my favorite hit songs is Def Leopard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me." The song was really popular when I was 15-16 years old. I remember cruising North Avenue with my girlfriend, Mariann Konakis and my sister. We would turn the car stereo on as loud as we possibly could, roll down the windows and sing along with the song! It's a happy, and crazy memory. Later, I actually used the same song in a silly Seminary video about D&C 25:12. I portrayed a "bad" girl auditioning for heaven with"Pour Some Sugar On Me." Of course, I didn't make it to heaven in our skit. Mickey Matlo and Damon Sheneman auditioned with the song, "Like Unto Us" and St. Peter let them throught the pearly gates! :-)Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-39638756860436040372009-08-15T17:44:00.000-07:002009-08-15T17:46:01.740-07:00HOMEI was sad when we finally sold our house in Las Vegas. Here's my poem about it....<br /><br /><br />It’s just a place…<br /> a habitation…<br /> a residence…<br />Why do I feel so melancholy?<br />Memories made there<br /> Babies grow<br /> Husband graduates<br /> I slept alone – but was never lonely.<br />Seven years of hopes and dreams.<br />But things change.<br />A stranger lives there now.<br />I treasured my Vegas abode.<br />But I choose family.<br />HOME is where they are!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-46700641092875248852009-08-15T17:43:00.000-07:002009-08-15T17:44:50.359-07:00RANDOM THOUGHTS DURING TESTINGI have no idea where these crazy contemplations came from...<br /><br /><br />What do cars think about all day in the parking lot?<br />Do shelves feel lonely when not in use?<br />My elbow needs a Kleenex.<br />I wonder if there are little people inside outlets?<br />What is their job when I plug in my toaster?<br />My ear needs a Kleenex.<br />What if 7th graders had three noses –<br />One for smelling, one for breathing and one for show?<br />My toe needs a Kleenex.<br />Why don’t posters of musicians sing?<br />Why don’t poster of athletes trash talk?<br />My chin needs a Kleenex.<br />Who is the big bad wolf’s hero?<br />Do glasses really work? Or are they a conspiracy?<br />My belly button needs a Kleenex.<br />What if rubber duckies tried to take over the world?<br />Why can’t a law be passed making EVERYONE wear yellow?<br /> I like yellow.<br />My brain needs a Kleenex.Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-69170387404427938382009-08-07T22:20:00.000-07:002009-08-07T22:21:36.758-07:00NUMBERSI've always loved numbers, so I decided to try writing a poem about them. Here's what happened....<br /><br />Bless-ED numbers.<br />Blissfully fitting into order<br />Content-ED order<br />Truthfully keeping math honest<br />Delight-ED math<br />Gratefully making life joyful<br />Satisfi-ED life<br />Jubilantly leading us to God<br />Exalt-ED God<br />Loving caring for us all – with numbers!<br /> -2008Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-62439761483598161282009-08-07T22:18:00.000-07:002009-08-07T22:20:04.222-07:00THE MONSTERI debated about posting this poem... but in the end I decided to go ahead. I mean, most women can relate. It stinks to be a woman once a month! :-)<br /><br />Melancholy sneaks up behind me<br />It surrounds me before I realize<br />The atrocious time has arrived.<br />Pretending it’s nothing,<br />But an “extra special week.”<br />The abominable malady attacks.<br />Leaving behind devastation… misery… unsightly gore…<br /> desperation… irrational feelings…<br />But it doesn’t last.<br />Joy returns.<br />Only to be antagonized again –<br />Every month –<br />By the worst of monsters –<br />P.M.S.<br /> -2008Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-53557844633511886452009-08-02T11:34:00.001-07:002009-08-02T11:35:40.062-07:00TESTINGI was surprised two years ago when I administered the AIMS test to my 6th graders how much I missed standardized testing. I would rather take the test than observe students taking tests. :-) So here are my thoughts in a poem! <br /><br /><br />On the sidelines<br />Surprised feelings<br />Desiring to join in<br />Yet only being allowed to watch…<br />To observe…<br />Youthful games to<br />“Show what you know.”<br />Purpose versus power.<br />I choose purpose.<br />Walking AIMlessly.<br />I envy the #2s.<br />I covet the silent opportunity<br />To think and write<br />To bubble and contemplate<br />To report and ponder<br />Please! Please! Please!Just give ME the test!<br /> -2008Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-70572678575677539412009-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:002009-08-01T22:01:25.099-07:00ALLERGIES!I have a terrible problem with allergies.... Thanks, dad, for sharing that with me! :-) Here's my poem complaining about my nose!<br /><br />I smell yellow –<br />My nasal passages<br /> swell to the size of footballs.<br />Labored breathing….<br />The aroma around me is green –<br />My schnoz feels like<br />a watermelon.<br />Sensitive sinuses….<br />The stench of orange is in the air –<br />My adenoids are<br />fussy, inconsolable children.<br />Watery eyes….<br />I catch a whiff of pink and red –<br />A traffic jam has<br />found my snout.<br />Itchy tonsils….<br />I really dislike the colorful scents of allergies!<br /> -2008Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6767357703054100442.post-9921550327364040892009-07-30T19:29:00.000-07:002009-08-01T21:59:55.579-07:00EVALUATIONSHere's a poem I wrote when I had to be evaluated.... I've always had a hard time being evaluated, because instead of seeing it as a chance to improve in areas and see where I'm doing O.K. in other areas, I've always seen evaluations as criticism. It's something I have learned to try to correct.<br /><br />Listening intently for<br />soundless clues<br />from administration.<br />Evaluations deceive!<br />Reading between the<br />sheets of dittoed paper<br />endlessly copied for<br />needless, necessary information.<br />Is there relevance in this<br />continuous drivel we are<br />supposed to find essential?<br />The judgment proclaimed<br />declares whether I am:<br />- fair or askew -<br />- right or wrong -<br />- honorable or improper -<br />based on one flawed individual’s opinion.<br />Evaluations suck!Sundyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16797111200447480012noreply@blogger.com0