So Red Ribbon Week is not normally all that special or fantastic to me. I always remember in school it was a good excuse to get out of class. But since I've been working here at Canyon View, I've had a new profound smack in the face about it. Last year, I was literally brought to tears by the Every 15 Minutes video. It was soo graphic and showed every detail of what happens when you get into a car wreck due to drinking and not wearing seatbelts. After that, and since then, I ALWAYS buckle up and make sure the kids are secured tight. This year, it was a different experience. On Monday they started announcing every 13 minutes (yeah...deaths have increased from every 15 to every 13. scary.) someone from our school who had died from an alcohol related accident. Although it was fake, those kids weren't able to be in school; no phones, no friends, no going home, no priviledges at all. They even stayed at the principals house from Sunday to today. But today was the big funeral assembly.
The school decided to make their own video and showcase 2 of the kids who die, and 1 who goes to jail for texting while driving, and killing those 2 kids as a result. It was kinda crazy to think that something as little as shooting a text real fast while driving can cause fatalities. The video was very well made (good job to the EMS, Fire Dept, Police Dept and funeral home) and really showed the affects our choices have on ourselves and others. But what got me and the students was when the 2 kids who got "killed" had their final goodbye letters read to their parents. Wow. To be read a letter from your child who is now dead; apologizing profusely for their mistakes, naming all of their regrets, telling all of the dreams they had for the future that will no longer happen. Man I never want to have to go through that, ever. And on the flip side, I never want to put my family or friends through that experience either.
So what did I learn? I WILL NOT drive and text again. Or even drive and talk on the phone unless its necessary, or I can figure out how to use my bluetooth. And my kids will be trained very well not to drink and drive. I will drive that into their heads till my dying breath. Its not something little, its something to take very seriously. Its not something that only affects you but so many people around you. Be smart. Think.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Enrichment Night Discussion
Last night we had enrichment and it was definitely worth going to. After we ate some yummy spinach lasanga John Ault was the guest speaker, and it was kind of an open forum on things we had questions about. Alot of people wrote down questions for him to research and answer of trials they were going through and how to get past them. Most of the talk was focused on the first topic, which was wondering how to love and support wayward children. Although I didn't think I would get much out of it, it was really helpful.
John spoke alot about how we need to realize that our lives have been planned out, there is a path that is in place for us, and for our children. Even though we make mistakes, Jesus died for us. He had perfect empathy for us. When he died, he was able to say that he was one of us...he was Kim Stubbs...for a brief time when he had to live all of the mistakes I've made and will make. That is a really big thought provoker for me. Also that if we stay in tuned to the Holy Ghost, there are times we will be provided with that same type of empathy to a degree if it is needed to understand someone else's situation. This also goes along with dealing with our own children.
He discussed for quite a bit how alot of time we will try to change people, maybe not even realizing it, but try to do it without getting dirty ourselves so to speak. But there are times when we have to step in and suffer right along with them, and have true genuine love for them, like Christ did for us when he died on the cross. There is a bigger picture that we can't fully see, and it causes us to want things to be the way we want them, when in fact they are going the direction they need to according to our master plan. So because of that we try to take the easy way out, the way thats least 'dirty' for us. But thats just not how its supposed to go sometimes, we need to be able to have non-hypocritical love, again true genuine love for ourselves, or for the person that we are concerned about, and have faith that things will work out how they are meant to work out.
Another big thing he talked about was how to really guide our children thru victim empathy. There were three main keys that can lead to this kind of empathy. The first is being able to state what they are feeling, thinking, or doing. So for example, say "You FELT you wanted that toy because you really like playing with it, even though your brother had it first." This helps the child feel like you understand why they did what they did. The second is getting them to understand how the other person felt, the one they had wronged. This could be done by stating a sentence such as "How did it feel when your friend took your favorite toy when you weren't done with it?" That helps them to be able to see things from the other persons side, and realize that it made them feel bad. The third was asking "How did it feel when you did that?" This can help them get in touch with why they did it, and that maybe it didn't feel very good. Such as, "How did it feel when you stole that toy from him? Did you feel happy, sad, mad?"
Through that all though, it is needed to follow through with what you say, and make sure if you make a mistake to acknowledge that as well. I really liked the qoute John said while talking about this. He said "Once you have had to step into the ring to battle, you have already lost, even if you win the fight." I thought that was great because it's true. When you fight and argue it just leads to the other person getting hurt or feeling less of a person, or if your on the other end of it you end up hurt as well.
There was much more he spoke of and some personal experiences he shared that were very enlightening to me as well, and I really learned alot about myself as well as what I can do to be a better mother. It also made me think of ways that I can do better for myself and my family, to create an all around better environment. I really appreciated all of the things that were taught that night and the spirit that was felt because of it.
John spoke alot about how we need to realize that our lives have been planned out, there is a path that is in place for us, and for our children. Even though we make mistakes, Jesus died for us. He had perfect empathy for us. When he died, he was able to say that he was one of us...he was Kim Stubbs...for a brief time when he had to live all of the mistakes I've made and will make. That is a really big thought provoker for me. Also that if we stay in tuned to the Holy Ghost, there are times we will be provided with that same type of empathy to a degree if it is needed to understand someone else's situation. This also goes along with dealing with our own children.
He discussed for quite a bit how alot of time we will try to change people, maybe not even realizing it, but try to do it without getting dirty ourselves so to speak. But there are times when we have to step in and suffer right along with them, and have true genuine love for them, like Christ did for us when he died on the cross. There is a bigger picture that we can't fully see, and it causes us to want things to be the way we want them, when in fact they are going the direction they need to according to our master plan. So because of that we try to take the easy way out, the way thats least 'dirty' for us. But thats just not how its supposed to go sometimes, we need to be able to have non-hypocritical love, again true genuine love for ourselves, or for the person that we are concerned about, and have faith that things will work out how they are meant to work out.
Another big thing he talked about was how to really guide our children thru victim empathy. There were three main keys that can lead to this kind of empathy. The first is being able to state what they are feeling, thinking, or doing. So for example, say "You FELT you wanted that toy because you really like playing with it, even though your brother had it first." This helps the child feel like you understand why they did what they did. The second is getting them to understand how the other person felt, the one they had wronged. This could be done by stating a sentence such as "How did it feel when your friend took your favorite toy when you weren't done with it?" That helps them to be able to see things from the other persons side, and realize that it made them feel bad. The third was asking "How did it feel when you did that?" This can help them get in touch with why they did it, and that maybe it didn't feel very good. Such as, "How did it feel when you stole that toy from him? Did you feel happy, sad, mad?"
Through that all though, it is needed to follow through with what you say, and make sure if you make a mistake to acknowledge that as well. I really liked the qoute John said while talking about this. He said "Once you have had to step into the ring to battle, you have already lost, even if you win the fight." I thought that was great because it's true. When you fight and argue it just leads to the other person getting hurt or feeling less of a person, or if your on the other end of it you end up hurt as well.
There was much more he spoke of and some personal experiences he shared that were very enlightening to me as well, and I really learned alot about myself as well as what I can do to be a better mother. It also made me think of ways that I can do better for myself and my family, to create an all around better environment. I really appreciated all of the things that were taught that night and the spirit that was felt because of it.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tylers pictures :)
Ty just coming out of surgery...poor guy had blood everywhere :(
Me and Ty in front of a waterfall in the garden
Tyler playing in the registers waiting room, it took forever to register.
Finally getting his "jammies" on so we can go in to surgery
Surgery was delayed so a sweet volunteer lady helped Ty paint a car while he waited
This cute lil guy was in getting surgery too, and kept pushing Ty around in the cool cop car.
Just waking up from surgery...he was so sad and sleepy
Feeling much better now....waving to the camera :)
Playin in the wheelchair today...he loved that thing.
Tylers Big Surgery
Tyler had his surgery on Tuesday, and oh boy what a trip it was. We went up on Monday night, fully expecting to have to be at the hospital early, so we stayed in a hotel. A rather creepy one at that but that's a totally different story all together. The next morning we found out surgery was going to be delayed, so we figured it wasn't going to be that bad. We got there about 11:15 am, and waited...waited...got registered and checked out....and waited...until a little after 3:00 pm! I felt so bad for Tyler, but he was a real trooper.
The surgery took about 2 hours, and when I went in to see him, he was having such a rough time. Everything hurt and he was confused and crying, and blood was coming out of his nose and mouth. He also couldn't breath well or talk at all due to the breathing tubes. I felt soo bad for him, it was really hard. But we got him calmed down and back asleep and he ended up sleeping for quite awhile after we wheeled him back up in his room. When he woke up he was alot better, we watched TV and movies for a while before bedtime.
The next day we got really bored, so we decided to go roam the halls. The nurses gave us a wheelchair that was just his size and he had a ball in it. We also went to their playroom where we were able to get a prize for bingo day....even though we didn't play. He was very excited. After we got back we got discharged and left, eating some food then stopping in Cabelas for a bit. Ty rode with Dan to Parowan and I picked him up there and then we came home. It was an eventuful trip thats for sure....long and very rough. But we are happy to be home.
Thanks to everyone whos been wishing us well and sending out love and prayers, it was much appreciated!
p.s. Im downloading pics seperate just cause its easier :)
The surgery took about 2 hours, and when I went in to see him, he was having such a rough time. Everything hurt and he was confused and crying, and blood was coming out of his nose and mouth. He also couldn't breath well or talk at all due to the breathing tubes. I felt soo bad for him, it was really hard. But we got him calmed down and back asleep and he ended up sleeping for quite awhile after we wheeled him back up in his room. When he woke up he was alot better, we watched TV and movies for a while before bedtime.
The next day we got really bored, so we decided to go roam the halls. The nurses gave us a wheelchair that was just his size and he had a ball in it. We also went to their playroom where we were able to get a prize for bingo day....even though we didn't play. He was very excited. After we got back we got discharged and left, eating some food then stopping in Cabelas for a bit. Ty rode with Dan to Parowan and I picked him up there and then we came home. It was an eventuful trip thats for sure....long and very rough. But we are happy to be home.
Thanks to everyone whos been wishing us well and sending out love and prayers, it was much appreciated!
p.s. Im downloading pics seperate just cause its easier :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
The SLC Trip
Finally posting a couple pics from our Salt Lake trip. Tyler had his first procedure to pop the prosthesis out of the roof of his mouth...step one to the big surgery coming up next month. We had to wake up super early...at 3:30 am...to make it in time for the appointment. I ended up getting lost...as always in big cities haha...but we did make it on time. Barely. He was soo brave. They let us go in the room with him to be able to hold his hand while they put him to sleep and the doctor was soo nice, he drew smiley faces on the oxygen balloon as Ty was going out. The procedure itself was very quick, it didn't take long at all. Me and Dan waited in the waiting room for like, 10 min and it was over and I was able to go in to the post op room while he woke up. He was a tad woozy at first but soon enough he was his own little playful self. We then went home..and got stuck in the craziest rainstorm. Ahead we saw where it broke, right in the middle...and was clear to the road. It was like the rain was parted just for us to go through...for a lil bit. But then it hit us hard and I was hydroplaining all over the place. But...we made it home in one piece. The hospital let Ty keep his oxygen mask, his socks, and a pillow from his stay, and he loved it! So it was a good trip...and he keeps asking when he gets to go up there again! Thats probably a good thing haha instead of him being scared. Anyway...next trip is in a couple weeks on October 6. Wish us luck!
Ty being so brave after he woke up...he was so happy to have poppy blankey :)
Ty being so brave after he woke up...he was so happy to have poppy blankey :) 
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Last 2 months or so.....
So I finally have internet access...woohoo!! So I'm posting a bunch of pictures from what we've been doin the last two months. When my phone gets turned back on....yes UGH! I will be posting pics from our trip to Salt Lake with Tyler, but for now....here goes!! The last 2 months in pictures form! :)
This is my new hair color...or colors lol I need to get it re-done though its growing out :P
This is Nates soccer team....he loves playing...sometimes....lol
This is Nate throwing the ball in at one of his games...he does awesome when he tries to.
And the infamous first day of 1st grade picture...Nate goobering it up as always...yeah lol
These are the cute lil kitties that were chillin in my parents backyard..RIP fluffy, vince, and possibly tiger who have passed on to kitty heaven.
This is the family at our recent family reunion...it was tons of fun!
So thats it for now...but I'll post some more soon when I can transfer from my phone to internet. Woooohooooo! :)
My cute lil Ry waking up from his nap at Grandpa Cowleys house durin the reunion :)
This is my new hair color...or colors lol I need to get it re-done though its growing out :P
This is Nates soccer team....he loves playing...sometimes....lol
This is Nate throwing the ball in at one of his games...he does awesome when he tries to.
And the infamous first day of 1st grade picture...Nate goobering it up as always...yeah lol
These are the cute lil kitties that were chillin in my parents backyard..RIP fluffy, vince, and possibly tiger who have passed on to kitty heaven.
This is the family at our recent family reunion...it was tons of fun!So thats it for now...but I'll post some more soon when I can transfer from my phone to internet. Woooohooooo! :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Been Awhile...
Sorry it's been so long since my last post...life has been busy! Nate started 1st grade, I started up my school job plus Convergys, not to mention soccer for Nate which he is doing really good with so far! And....no internet connection. Yeah. No bueno! But hopefully soon I'll get it back! So anyway life is good...just very busy and tiring.
I'm also doing better this month than I thought. The 29th was supposed to be my due date...and I thought I'd be bummed out all this month but its really not bad. The realization comes and goes that I would've had a lil boy right about now, but I'm ok, the boys are ok, and we are just trudging on. We'll see when the actual date comes...but so far so good.
One last side note...Tyler goes for his surgery to get the prosthesis out on Monday so say a lil prayer for him. This one is very minor but when being put fully under, its always kinda scary. So I think thats it for now! Thanks for the love and support from everyone! I love ya all! <3
I'm also doing better this month than I thought. The 29th was supposed to be my due date...and I thought I'd be bummed out all this month but its really not bad. The realization comes and goes that I would've had a lil boy right about now, but I'm ok, the boys are ok, and we are just trudging on. We'll see when the actual date comes...but so far so good.
One last side note...Tyler goes for his surgery to get the prosthesis out on Monday so say a lil prayer for him. This one is very minor but when being put fully under, its always kinda scary. So I think thats it for now! Thanks for the love and support from everyone! I love ya all! <3
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Black Ninjas!!
Today was Nate's first soccer game and they actually did pretty good. They ended up losing but for only having one practice...and just now meeting the coach for the first time (he had been gone for the first practice) they did awesome. They still got some things to work on but all in all they were pretty good. Theres alot of natural talent on the team. Nate was awesome and wonderful and marvelous when he was playing goalie, he wasn't afraid to dive for the ball or anything. We just need to work on drop kicks, and his field play. Anywho...here are pics :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
SLC and Back in ONE DAY!!
Today we went up north for Tyler's doctor appointment with Dr. Morales. It was a VERY long day but it had it's upsides. We left at about 6:45 this morning....ugh sooo early! Me and Ty slept most of the trip up....so that made it go by quick. I can't believe all the construction up there! It was crazy! So we got the doctor appointment out of the way and all the scheduling for surgery out of the way, and were up in the dental clinic scheduling the surgery to take out his prothesis, and what happens? They call a code blue (a code meaning someone has stopped breathing) in that very clinic! Ty was amazed at all the people who ran past us, from nurses to docs to security to office people...one thing I know, if something does happen to Ty, he will get speedy help! They are good up there! Then after that we went to eat at Chuckarama and right out the window, the Trax rolls by. Ty wanted to ride on it soo bad! And my mom told me my dad had been wanting to ride it for a long time, so we parked and hopped on. We rode from Trolley stop clear to Central Station and back. It was kinda fun! It was late though, so we had to get headed home. On the way home, it was soo windy that we passed a semi that had just got blown over! It was crazy! And then...we went back to sleep haha! It was a very long day and lots of driving but really good. Oh and as for update...Tyler will be having the same day surgery to have his prothesis popped out on Sept 14, then his actual surgery is on Oct 6.
Bored on the way up...after I had woken up.
Ty got his own ticket...and was SOOO excited!!
Dad was soo funny...had the big ol' map pulled out lookin just like a tourist :P
Bored on the way up...after I had woken up.
Ty got his own ticket...and was SOOO excited!!Dad washing the Blazer with Nate and Ry..doesn't really have to do with the trip but I thought it was cute :P
Sunday, August 2, 2009
1 of 2 things.....
When God leads you to a cliff, trust him fully and let go.
Only one of two things will happen...
He will catch you when you fall, or He will teach you how to fly.
Ryder is sleeping, the house is quiet...and kinda messy (I should be cleaning not writing this but oh well)...I'm listenin to my new favorite song She Is Love...and I get this email (thank you Steph for sending it). It tells a sweet story of a wealthy woman who takes care of a homeless man, who in previous years had taken care of her when she had nothing. The story was good, but what got me was the qoute...when God leads you to a cliff, trust him fully and let go. How many times have I hit that cliff? Oh wow more than I can even count.
I've made some stupid choices in my life that did lead me right to the edge. I've felt utterly alone, and like no one understood. But as I was thinking back on my life, I realized the second part of the qoute is true as well; 'He will catch you when you fall, or teach you how to fly.' I have fallen..and hard. But I was helped up and dusted off everytime.
So this brings me to my life at present. I hate my apartment, I hate my job, money is too tight, and the list goes on and on. I could whine and gripe all day. And why? because I'm not doing my part. I am too scared of falling. I don't want to hit rock bottom again...even though I'm already headed there if something doesn't change. But I'm afraid of change. Notice anything similiar? Fear. Fear of pain, fear of hurt, fear of stress, fear of soo many different things that could all go away if I could just let go and jump...and have a little faith. I keep making excuses of why things aren't my fault, why I can't change things around, and it took a good friend of mine to give me a little slap of reality.
He literally told me to quit whining and making excuses. If I want a new job...look for one and actually apply. If I want a new place, call around and get budgeting to see what I really can afford. If I want a better education....get one. Do what it takes. And he's right...I didn't have any excuses anymore when I was done talking to him. And whats the worst that will happen? I fall...and land right back where I am right now.
Only one of two things will happen...
He will catch you when you fall, or He will teach you how to fly.
Ryder is sleeping, the house is quiet...and kinda messy (I should be cleaning not writing this but oh well)...I'm listenin to my new favorite song She Is Love...and I get this email (thank you Steph for sending it). It tells a sweet story of a wealthy woman who takes care of a homeless man, who in previous years had taken care of her when she had nothing. The story was good, but what got me was the qoute...when God leads you to a cliff, trust him fully and let go. How many times have I hit that cliff? Oh wow more than I can even count.
I've made some stupid choices in my life that did lead me right to the edge. I've felt utterly alone, and like no one understood. But as I was thinking back on my life, I realized the second part of the qoute is true as well; 'He will catch you when you fall, or teach you how to fly.' I have fallen..and hard. But I was helped up and dusted off everytime.
So this brings me to my life at present. I hate my apartment, I hate my job, money is too tight, and the list goes on and on. I could whine and gripe all day. And why? because I'm not doing my part. I am too scared of falling. I don't want to hit rock bottom again...even though I'm already headed there if something doesn't change. But I'm afraid of change. Notice anything similiar? Fear. Fear of pain, fear of hurt, fear of stress, fear of soo many different things that could all go away if I could just let go and jump...and have a little faith. I keep making excuses of why things aren't my fault, why I can't change things around, and it took a good friend of mine to give me a little slap of reality.
He literally told me to quit whining and making excuses. If I want a new job...look for one and actually apply. If I want a new place, call around and get budgeting to see what I really can afford. If I want a better education....get one. Do what it takes. And he's right...I didn't have any excuses anymore when I was done talking to him. And whats the worst that will happen? I fall...and land right back where I am right now.
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