Checklists: The Solution

As this was the first Saturday morning in many weeks that four of us were home for a few hours at the same time, I set us up a plan to get some things done around here. And I made lists for everyone.

I am a natural, genetically-predisposed to list making. My mom has been making lists for as long as I can remember. They are wildly helpful, you know.

So for each of the kids, I made a checklist of all the chores that they were facing today. Many were the regular Saturday chores, but they each got a few more than normal just because it was the first day of summer vacation and they aren't tired enough to be grumpy about it yet. Plus, Genius Golfer went out early and bought donuts and chocolate milk. His donation is the bribe.

Somehow, when the kids see the chores on the paper and they can check them off the list, I think they are happier to do them. Well, "happier" might not be the exact word for it, but they are less likely to whine. Plus, as an added bonus, when I make the list and they do the chores and check them off, I am more likely to feel satisfied with their efforts at the end too. Maybe it is something visual about seeing the list checked off.

Whatever it is, I have no problems with them playing with friends for the rest of the afternoon (The Boy's plan) or heading off to work and then meeting friends at the pool (The Girl's plan) or playing in a tournament today (GG's plan, nearly every weekend).

Expressive

Nice, right? Would you guess by their expressions it was the last day of school? Yeah, I didn't think so.

I had one telling me he was in a hurry to dry his hair (?) and then one telling me she was going to be late for her early class today. I've been taking the annual last day of school photos for 10 years. Did they think I would forget it? I don't think so.

Graduation Day

Today is graduation day for our local high school. They have their ceremony at BYU in the Marriot Center, as there are too many people to hold it at the football field, like ours was back in the day.

Thinking of my sweet "kids" who are graduating today I was reminiscing about our graduation...long ago and far away--as illustrated by my favorite graduation photo, above. At our ceremony, I remember singing the national anthem and "I'll Be Seeing You" with the Chamber Choir. Then I recall some beach balls and Craig Rubio "surfing" on the backs of the chairs on the field. I sure don't remember what our valedictorians said in their speeches, but there were about 6 of them. I remember wearing my blood red snake skin heels; oooh, I loved those shoes. I remember seeing so many friends and saying goodbye.

A Dear Friend who works with the Young Women with me told me recently, as I was already missing these YM and YW that are moving onto bigger and better things, that it was a good thing that I no longer teach high school. She said that I would be a basket case this time each year. I'd have a hard time letting any of them go. She is probably right. I admire and love these kids and want them to be happy and successful and do what they know is right. Plus, being a grown up isn't all it is cracked up to be some days.

Life in the Rear View Mirror

There have only been a few times this year where I really missed our little elementary school. Today was one of those days. It was Dance Festival today. I missed it.

Dance Festival, for those who don't know, is half a school day long where each grade performs a dance. Some grades do exactly the same thing every year. Why mess with choreographing something new when you have an ace up your sleeve? Other grades, sometimes the ones with new teachers, create a new performance.

Dance Festival is generally the last event of the year that the PTA gets to help with at our school. It is also the day when the in-coming PTA president publicly thanks the outgoing president for her efforts on behalf of the whole school.

But the real excitement comes from the kids and their dances. And the sixth grade is the best--every year.

The 6th graders get a new number to perform almost every year I have watched it. I've seen the 6th graders perform Men in Black, complete with aliens and that song from the High School Musical show that I can't remember right now. They have done a number from the musical Hairspray. But this year I think might have them all beat--as the 6th graders performed Micheal Jackson's Thriller.

I heard about it and saw some of the costumes. But I didn't see the performance. I forced myself to SLC for some overdue errands today so I wouldn't be tempted to go hang out with my elementary friends. I didn't really have a reason to be there legitimately. I am feeling it today. I do miss that event at the grade school.

On Inspiration

This series on GMA made me want to stop and think of what inspires me. I don't have a fancy, glossy, eight minute video presentation to show it, but I do have many sources of inspiration. I don't believe that this list is a definitive one, but it is a start. Perhaps, after this clip and my list, you will think of those poele who inspire you too. And then, tell them THANKS.

I am inspired by my parents.

I know they weren't perfect, and I know they never thought they were. But they did a pretty good job--against some pretty fierce odds in raising my sister and me. My grandparents lived with us for many years while their health declined and my mom cared for them while she cared for us. My dad works long hours doing something--for a while--that he didn't really like. But he did it to take care of us. Then, together, they took a chance on a new business, and worked themselves ragged making it prosperous. Meanwhile, at home, we were allowed pets, responsibilities, chores, opportunities and glimpses of things in the world that were different to help us appreciate what we had and open our minds to what could be.

I am inspired by my children.

I had no idea having kids would be such a learning experience. I knew I had the responsibility of teaching them the things they would need to know, but I had no idea that I would learn so much from them. They are both very different and consequently have different needs and both require different things from me. I find my self inspired to do better tomorrow when I blow it with them, or trying to duplicate the day when I get something right. They give me a reason to do the other things in my life--PTA, my callings in church, my hobbies. All of those things give me additional connections with my kids. All the things in my life, I hope, reflect just how much I love my family and what they mean to me.

I am inspired by volunteering, and then walking away.

Especially in PTA, I have seen the good that comes from selfless giving of my time and energy. But I also have seen how much more beneficial it is to the children I have served to finish my commitment and then move out of the way for another volunteer to fill my spot. The kids have that many more adults who can learn to love them and they can trust. The system gets another backer, another advocate for teachers and administrators. If I think I am indispensable, and never walk away from the situation, there is no allowance for my own growth, or that of any one else--who maybe could do it better than I did.

I am inspired by the teens I have worked with this past year or so.

They are standing on the brink of adulthood, and have so much to look forward to. They have made some accomplishments, and have goals for others. They are working to fulfill their dreams and are working out what dreams they might have down the road. They are full of energy and excitement and enthusiasm. Three of my favorite things. Best of all they have opened their hearts to include me in their lives and I am inspired to be a little better than I was for them for the next group I get to work with and learn to love.

I am inspired by teachers.

I did that job for a little while in my past life. I remember the sacrifice of time they make for their students. I know they sometimes are working in a hostile environment, and have many hoops to jump through. I am inspired by the care they take in their work quality and the connections they have with students that influence them for life--not just books. As school winds down this week, I am impressed by the endurance they exhibit too. May can be the longest month of the year when you factor in reviewing and testing, year end requirements, high level excitement for summer to come, parents' expectations, and continual preparation.


That is five groups that inspire me. There are many more, especially when I try to list them as individuals. I feel very blessed to have many friends and neighbors that have inspire me and continue to do so. But to keep myself for accidentally missing someone in a list, I won't name names.

And if you recognize yourself in this list today, I thank you.

Having inspiration can get me through some tough times and can remind me to enjoy the good times. I hope you find inspiration all around you today, and can use it to get you through too.

The Word Of The Day Is...

Do you see that series of white flecks in the photo? That is snow. Yes, my friends, it is snowing here on the circle and it is May 24th. Graduation is Thursday. The Girl's ninth grade water park party is Wednesday. Elementary schools will be holding their dance festivals this week. Popsicles are the preferred treat, traditionally. But this? Really?!

The word of the day is STERN. My feelings exactly.

PS--At 11:00 this morning there was about an inch of slurpee/slush all over everything...I was too annoyed to take a picture of THAT. Now at 12:35, the slurpee machine in the sky has stopped and the driveway is drying off. I just hope my tomatoes are OK...but I am aftraid to look.

Video Sunday

Thanks Dear Friend Karen for sharing this with me this week.