Teresa's Terrific News

The Real Columbia All- Stars

2011-06-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Brock is number 31.

Ashley

Scott in the back, Ty in the front.

Just got back from Columbia where I saw the grandkids and Nicole and Travis. Brock played very well in the All-Star game! The tournament started Friday eve. and lasted until after 1pm Sunday. I had to catch a plane so I missed the last quarter, but Nicole texted me and they won the game and got a trophy.

Panama Canal Christmas

2011-01-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

Paul and I returned from our 15 day cruise and I'm barely being back to normal. We had a great time and met friends from Canada that we now correspond with. Now what awaits us is Tax season. Oh I love Tax time-hee hee. Actually it makes it possible to go play the rest of the year. For the next 3 months I signed up for classes at Dixie for the semi-retired or retired people. My friend Lucille takes classes and so she and I have gone to two already. They have a variety for just $40 for 2 semesters. There aren't any tests, but there are books to read if you want to take the Favorite Book class. They just read The Nine by Toobin about the Supreme Court. I listened to the discussion and will read the book for Feb. called, Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese. I am also taking a Journey of the Hero class-- it makes you look within yourself and find the hero within. There are a miriad of classes, geology, hiking, photography, languages, computer classes, tax management and estate planning; pretty much anything you want. They are generally once a week. So you can pick and choose.

Sister Trip to Vegas

2010-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Having sisters and only sisters is a beautiful experience. I am lucky to have the two best sisters in the world. I'm almost 59 and didn't really get to know them as adults until I was in my 20's and 30's. We have 6 years between us in age and I, being in the middle, get to look ahead to what it might be like in 6 more years and I look behind and remember what it was like 6 years ago. We share joys, sadnesses, and how to deal with life better. We buoy each other up, knowing that in a day or two we will go our seperate ways, have more experiences and learn more until the next year.

2010-06-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Just got back from 2 trips to Missouri/Kansas. I got to see Nicole with her family and was also able to reconnect with my old college roomate, Jackie Springer. It has been an interesting month and a half. I've had a couple of close death experiences which always makes it exciting. One was on Mother's Day when I hit a cement median on the freeway on my side of the car which did extensive damage-$8000.00 to be exact. The roof crumpled, the side was smashed and I was fine. The next happened a couple of days ago in Minnesota at the airport while waiting for a shuttle bus. I hadn't planned on having to stay over enroute to Vegas but because of fun air experiences I had to. I was waiting with about 23 others when the van I had been waiting for rammed into the side of the airport injuring 4 of the 23 that were waiting. One was badly hurt, the others got away with a few problems. I had this silly green blanket that I put on a man thinking that might help-you know "a woobie." Then we finally got to the motel and there were tornadoes all over the place.

The good news I got to reconnect with people, have the opportunity for some more time on this earth, see the grandkids and get a new car.

Grand Canyon with Rick, Deanna,and Paul

2009-12-03T02:02:00.000-08:00

2009-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July weekend has brought Paul and me to his cabin in Island Park, Idaho. We have fished and played tourist the past few days. Last night we watched the fireworks from West Yellowstone and saw a "parade" at Yellowstone's Lake Lodge. The parade was a hoot. I'll put a couple of pics.

2009-06-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ashley (7), Brock (9), Ty (12), Scott (14)

This was in their living room the night of Nicole's Sheriff's Academy Graduation.

2009-06-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Paul and I just spent a couple days in Richfield where we ventured out to Capital Reef. Then that same evening we went down to Manti to see The Miracle Pageant. It was a beautiful day and night!

2009-06-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Connie and I went to Mesa Verde, Arches, and Canyonlands this past 4 days. We had a wonderful time and look forward to more trips.

Island Park and Yellowstone

2009-06-05T09:04:00.001-07:00

I just got back from Yellowstone where I went with Paul. He has a cabin in Island Park where we stayed. It was beautiful but cold, which is a good change from hot St. George.
I've been going hiking with Connie a couple of times and we are headed for another National Park tomorrow.

Phoenix Fun

2009-05-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

The day school ended I headed out to Phoenix with Maureen. We went to see her sister and play. We spent time at a botanical garden with a special treat at the butterfly exhibit. On the way back to St. George we swung by the Grand Canyon, South Rim. It was beautiful.

2009-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd add a couple more pics from the open house.

Sally called me last Thurs and asked if she could have my Panorama T-shirts. I thought, "Man, the vultures are coming out." But she wanted to make me a lap quilt out of all the shirts. It is very cute!

Aloha

2009-05-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

Here I am at the Open House they had for me yesterday afternoon. I'm ready for a fun vacation now, grass skirt and all.

I only have 7 more days of teaching left. I'm getting very excited. I went to a dinner last night honoring the retirees. They gave me a bell with my name on it. I was hoping for the gold watch but a bell is close enough. Paul went with me to the dinner at Courtyard Marriott.

2009-05-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hi there ya'll. I am now a teacher that will retire the end of May! I am in the midst of selling my collection of books, games, and teaching supplies that I've collected for 27 years. I will save some, of course, but my 2 bedroom condo can't quite handle all the extra "stuff." It's an interesting feeling having hoards of teachers coming in my classroom and sifting through my things.

Sun. April 19

2009-04-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty fun week with my sis-in-law, Lori spending most of it with me. We got pedicures, shopped, ate out, watched videos and mostly talked. It snowed on Wed. which was really weird especially since that was our track meet day. I got skin cancers burned off Thurs.(which is always fun).
Friday evening Lori's husband Dan and son Jon (just home from a mission) came down. I've been feeling a bit stressed (understatement) so Friday eve. I asked if Dan and Jon would give me a blessing. It was so wonderful having 2 worthy priesthood holders in my home ready and willing to use the power of the priesthood. There was alot of strength in the house. I have alot of work to do on myself which is sad at this age, but better to do it now than never.
Saturday was a beautiful day and we took the top off the jeep and spent the day visiting my ex-in-laws-Cunninghams and zipping around town.
Saturday was the 3rd anniversary of my mom's death and I re-read the spiritual things that happened the evening I was with her as the bishop used His power to do amazing things. I'll forever be greatful for that.
I'm still waiting to hear if I am qualified to retire. Hopefully that will all be settled soon.

2009-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well new news on this front. I might be retiring at the end of the school year. After 27 years of work work work I'm thinking I may take some time off and travel. Then I'll probably have to go back and be a greeter at Walmart.

2009-03-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

I went to Colorado for my Spring Break, thankfully before the snow storm came. It was great seeing Sue, Paul, Cory, Adam, baby Paul, Sammi, Stacy, Malcolm, Lauren, Caity, and Nanette. Sue and I played "hoof and mouth" almost everyday and went to 3 movies. I got to see the beautiful home in Elizabeth and have a great meal with the Lees. It has been pretty quiet since returning to St. George.

Teresa's Terrific News

2009-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Teresa's Terrific News

Time ticks on and President's Day is tomorrow. Yeah another day off. Next comes parent conferences which are always soo fun. Other than that life is just moving right along.

2009-02-05T16:56:00.001-08:00

I spent my Christmas Vacation in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. I had a blast especially since I met 3 different friends that I spent time with. The one in the picture is Carrie from Wyoming.

Christmas Vacation (a little late)

2009-02-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

2008-11-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

Ty is being a tired football star.

Ashley the cheerleader.

2008-11-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

Nicole graduated from College in Criminal Justice and Pscychology. She's now taking classes to become a Sheriff in Waynesville. She's also working part time. She's a busy lady.

Halloween Fun

2008-11-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

I headed up to Spanish Fork to see Cory's little ones have a fun trick-or- treating time. They are sooo cute! Sammi even shared some candy with me, so she's on my good list.

I dressed up as a tourist for our Halloween party at school. Friday was a very non-productive day with parades, parties, and costumes. But I got to leave at 1:15 to even go have more fun.

I'm not happy that the Hopkins are leaving for Colo. What are they thinking? LOL

School is good as far as my class is concerned. They are good listeners and thinkers, and keep me on my toes.

Much love to all!
Teresa

The Cruise

2008-06-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

The sister's trip was a success! We went to Cabo, and then to Ensenada. We felt as though we were living in a dorm because the room was very compact. We sunbathed when it was hotter than 62 degrees. The theme of the cruise was everyone wearing bathrobes everywhere because it was so cold- and people hadn't expected that. I've never seen so many people keeping warm with the robes. We spent time talking eating, and then eating and talking. It was Fun!

. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL

2008-05-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

School is winding down. The excitement continues up until the last day, which is two weeks away. My "hard student" was taken away to a behavior unit to finish out the school year. That has been hard for me and my class. Even though he was difficult, we only had 20 days left at the time. I just hope he gets help because I sure care about him.
Connie and I are going on a road trip for her birthday, May 24. She wants to take her Mazda Miata to CA and go up the coast with the top down. Yes, I'll use sunscreen. We'll stop several places along the way. She's reliving her childhood and I'm glad she's taking me along. I can just picture her mom ,Beth and my mom watching us and chuckling at the connection we've made. I understand that Gram was a different person when she was with her. It brought out her "fun" side.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there. Connie and I will spend time with Aunt B. She sure looks like mom alot now, since she's lost weight and doesn't wear glasses.
I'm fortunate to have had her as my mother. She loved me unconditionally. I have a hard time doing that at times. But my life would be very empty without my 2 beautiful girls. I love them dearly.
Cory, I'm anxiously awaiting news of your newest little boy. I am praying all will go well.
I love all my nieces and care about each of your lives. I cry for the bad times and applaud(as gramps would have said) at the good times. Thank you for being part of my family.
Happy Days for all.

COLORADO

2008-04-07T15:10:00.001-07:00

Colorado was great! I flew in and Nan and Jeff came to get me at the airport. We zipped down to Sue's where I changed and Kelle, Chris and kids plus Sue, Nan, Jeff and I took off for the base. We went to the Academy Theater where the unveiling of the portrait of Gramps was done. Col. Jones had some very nice things to say about him before the unveiling. We then went to the dining hall and had a small reception. Next we were off to the Prep School main building where Lee C. Black's portrait was hung on a blue wall. It matches his eyes.

I spent the rest of the weekend with Nanette and Jeff. I got to see Deanne, Monica, and cute Brendan. He is a hoot. Next time hopefully I'll see Mikey. On Saturday we went to "the meat man's house"(only Nan's kids will know who that is) where we watched conference and had lunch.

Sunday morning I left for the Denver Airport to fly back to Salt Lake and then St. George. Oh what fun!

Looking Forward to Friday

2008-03-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Friday I am planning to board a plane from St. George to Salt Lake, run like a crazy person and make my connecting plane to Denver. Nan will pick me up there and we'll drive down to Sue's. I'll change into my "business suit" and we'll be off to the AFA Prep School. I'll take pictures and will put them on the blog when I get back Sunday.

Teresa's Terrific News: Easter Weekend

2008-03-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

Teresa's Terrific News: Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend

2008-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Connie and I went to the Art Festival that is held on Main Street in St. George. There were alot of vendors from all over the world and we did our share in contributing to their continuation. It was 78 degrees so we drove with her top down and went and got yogurt, then later on out to lunch. We went to check on Aunt Berniece because she has had pneumonia. She feels pretty lousy.

I bought some flowers to plant and some to put in Gram's planter that I have. It's nice to walk around the corner coming into the house and see the flowers.

This morning the three of us went to The Sun River Golf Course Restaurant for brunch. Berniece had to go back home and go to bed afterwards. She still feels awful. It usually takes her 10 days to feel like a humanoid after one of these bouts, but it's been 7 and she doesn't look or feel well.

Michelle, I got my table at Ashley Furniture. In fact most of the furniture in the living roon is from there.

Ihope all of you are having a wonderful Easter!

2008-03-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

2008-03-20T10:24:00.001-07:00

Home Sweet Home

2008-03-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Monday I missed school and headed to my foot and ankle doctor where he put me in a boot for 2 more weeks. No break, just tissue and sprain. But it still hurts like heck. It's embarrassing to go back to school because I'm getting quite the reputation for not being able to walk like a human.

I decided to take pictures of my living room for those of you who haven't seen my furniture or my new shutters. I love them.

The kids didn't even notice my boot just the cold sore on my lip. That tells you something, doesn't it? I can't believe it's Easter already. Where has the time gone?

Returned from Maui-Owie

2008-03-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

I headed out to Maui as planned and had a great couple of days laying on the beach, watching whales from the shore, shopping, reading and eating. I even got a massage! I've never had one before so that was a fun and relaxing experience.

Then...Wed. a.m. after breakfast and a bit at the beach I decided to go shopping. I stepped off a brick sidewalk into patch of soil, and sprained my left foot badly. As I watched, within seconds it started swelling. The Human Resource lady saw it all and called for security and "Charlie" took me to see a dr. right away. X-rays showed no fracture but a hint of a beginning of one. The doc wrapped it in an ace bandage, gave me pills, and crutches and said no weight bearing on that foot. That's tricky since I still don't have full mobility of my right foot, since surgery. Good thing I started on Boniva!

After that I was confined to my cottage with room service and lots of ice on my foot. Getting packed and doing other things was quite a trick.

One of the highlights of the trip was flying from Maui to Honolulu and having Todd and Michelle pick me up. We went to Spaghetti Factory and I really enjoyed getting to know Todd. I think he and Michelle are a very cute couple and appear to be well suited for each other.

I took the red eye flight to Vegas and met up with Mandy in the morning for breakfast prior to her presentation. After that we moved her stuff to where I was staying and hung out there for dinner and entertainment. She bought a bike at k-mart to ride around while she was there. I have it now. She looked pretty funny on that little bike.

I drove back to St. George this afternoon and Connie helped me haul all my things into the house.

Bruce and Kaytee

2008-03-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Introducing Bruce Warner and his granddaughter Kaytee from Colo. Spgs. He graduated from Wasson High School way back when-- I used to date guys from Wasson back in the good old days. Kaytee is taking her mom and dad and moving to Texas soon. Bruce will be sad. His other daughter Shannon will be on her way to college in PA. He'll be an empty nester. He is from a military family like I am, LDS, and we have many things in common. He has been very kind to me, even sent me flowers to celebrate Spring Break.

Heading to Maui

2008-03-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Sunday I'm heading for Maui to a resort to spend just a couple of days. I'm excited to see this Hawaiian Island that I haven't seen. I'll be flying into Honolulu on Thursday afternoon and will have several hours to kill time until my overnight flight takes off at approx. 9:30 pm. I'm hoping to be able to see Michelle and Todd, since I haven't met the cute married couple. --obviously I've met Michelle, just not Todd. I'll get back to Vegas at 5:45 a.m. then will meet up with Amanda who will be in Vegas presenting at a convention. We'll have dinner together and I'll take her to the airport to fly back to Austin. I'm anxious to see her, since it's been since June.

I'm going out to the Academy for Gramps' portrait being unveiled on April 4. I feel like I need to be there to be supportive and to be part of his heritage. I'm proud of his innovative ability to create a Prep School.

I'm glad I have 3 cute nieces who are keeping me posted on what's going on in their lives. I can smell the cinnamon rolls Michelle is making even way over here. LOL

Nicole and Amanda

2008-02-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

Nicole didn't have to go to Honduras after all. Thank heavens. She's in icy Missouri with her children home almost everyday because of the storms. She's ready for warmer weather. She has just a couple more classes and she finishes her bachelor's degrees. She's getting 2, one in Criminal Justice and a second in Pscychology. Ashley is 5 and loving kindergarten. Brock is 8 and ready to be an astronaut (at least the last time I talked to him on his birthday). Ty is 10 and an all round great kid. Scott is 12 and has joined the 7th grade time of life--I think those are pretty tough years.

Mandy is doing hard time at the Univ. of Texas at Austin. She's being a teaching assistant and inundated with little time for anything else. She will present a paper in Vegas in March at a convention. Finn is 4 and 1/2 and is a great gymnist. He's a little guy but very talented artistically, physically, and academically.

Tree's Blog

2008-02-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'm entering the world of bloggers. Cory, my cute niece, came down and showed me hers and now I'm experimenting with it.

I've been reading Brooke and Rob's and Michelle and Todds too. Sorry about Breanna, you guys! I guess help is on the way. Yeah, Grammy.

The picture here is from my trip at Christmas to St. Thomas.... all by myself. Scary, yet loads of fun.

School is moving along rapidly with Parent Conferences this coming week. Never a dull moment with triplets plus their cousin in class. Their are two other cousins and a boy I'll call, "Bob." This is one of my challenging years. I also have Aunt Berniece's granddaughter, Delaney, in class. She's a darling girl.

I'm not sure who will even want to read this but, hey it's fun to try something new.