Choices

I could choose to be miserable.

Somehow, instead, I am choosing to be happy and to enjoy my blessings. Not sure how I am even able to make this choice, must be many prayers in my behalf.

I'm sure it is also that when Noah is happy, he is more helpful and kind, and it makes it easier for us all to be happy.

So rather than think of it as losing a husband, I prefer to think of it as gaining someone to help with the honey-do list.

:)

Dragon Training

We recently re-watched the movie "How to train your dragon." I was very impressed with it when we first saw it in the theater, and I was not disappointed watching it again. It follows the same storyline as many great movies and books--conflict and rejection that requires sacrifice but ends in peaceful resolution.

Let's look at the details:

1. Father rejects and is ashamed of son.

2. Vikings fight dragons because they think they are bad, but they really just don't understand them. Stories are told of the dragons, stories told as though absolute truth, but Hiccup discovers that the stories are not true at all, and that the dragons are feared because they are misunderstood.

3. The young generation stands up for what they discover is right, acting with much courage to change tradition. Risk and sacrifice are involved in finally helping the older generation to understand, and years of fighting and fear end up in peace and joy for both the vikings and the dragons.



But for me, the story is not just about Vikings and dragons. There is much more to it than that, a message of hope in youth and in the future.

So, here's to hoping that the new generation will change tradition and bring understanding and peace. Here's to my brave LGBT students. Here's to my loving and accepting children. Here's to hope of a beautiful future and the courage to fight the battle that will get us there!

Flowers

This week one of the RAIN club officers texted me to apologize for forgetting to come by my classroom and get some permission forms that she had asked me to copy for her. She said she was distracted by her girlfriend presenting her with flowers right after her last class that day.

I told her it was no problem, and then commented that no one brings me flowers any more. :( (In Noah's defense, I am allergic, so although I LOVE flowers, having them in the house tends to make me sneeze.)

This morning she came to my classroom with one long-stemmed red rose for me. A friend of hers (and former student of mine) was already in my classroom getting help from me with his math assignment from a different teacher.  This kid has been like a therapist for the last couple of years, and always insists that I tell him how my life is going. He commented that I should notice that the rose was "single." It had a very thick stem, so I commented back that it was also strong. One single, strong and beautiful rose.

I love my job!

...and my kids...

...the ones at my house as well as the hundreds that have come and gone from my classroom over the past decade. I am very blessed with angels in my life.

:)

Depression

I recently saw the stake president at my church meetings. He greeted and chatted with me, then mentioned that he had called my father-in-law a few weeks ago.

So I asked Noah's dad about it this past weekend, and he said that the phone call was to forewarn him that they may need to call Noah to a disciplinary court.

For what, I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure I've never heard of a court being held for "word of wisdom." There are no morality/chastity issues....not yet, anyway. Does looking for a boyfriend count?

I guess it could be apostasy...

I couldn't sleep well that night.

When I mentioned it to Noah the next day, he became very frustrated. "I was thinking of resigning my church membership anyway. I guess now is the time." Then he settled into a bout of depression that lasted over the weekend.

I wish he was still taking his antidepressants. He claims he is fine without them, but I'm getting tired of this roller coaster...

The List

When I was in the LDS Young Womens program as a teenager, I'm pretty sure that I made a list of what I wanted in a future husband so that I could keep certain qualities in mind as I began to date and seek for that special someone to be with forever.

Now, I have begun mulling over a new list just in case I ever decide to seek for a new relationship in my life.  Here is what I have so far, in order of importance.

1.  Straight
2.  Completely and totally in favor of gay rights, including gay marriage, and okay with me being a gay-rights advocate.
3.  LDS would be good, or if not, LDS background with testimony, and if not, then Christian background with strong faith in God and Christ.
4.  Likes to cook.  Not sure I can live without this one.
5.  Good with kids.
6.  Likes yard work.
7.  Organized and motivated to keep things organized and working.
8.  Okay if he likes sports, but NOT a sports fanatic.
9.  Handy man with regards to computers and other household basics.
10. Good, stable employment, including benefits and retirement plan would be nice.

Hmm, I'm sure I could go on, but this is enough for now. I doubt this will be an easy search.

ARK

I recently watched "Evan Almighty" with the kids. What a great film. I loved the ending message. Life is about ARK: Acts of Random Kindness.

Just thought it was appropriate to this blog, and wanted to share.

Thanks to all of you for the kindness you show to me. It means a lot!

Happy Birthday, RAIN style

RAIN decided to have a party and celebrate a couple of birthdays for people in the club. They invited students from the club at a neighboring school, and we all had a blast. A mom of one of the ally kids in the club made and donated the cake. It was gorgeous and yummy! The kids planned and brought everything they needed. I turned on my disco ball with ABBA music playing. Everyone hung out, visited, talked, ate, made their own ice cream in Ziploc backs, some danced. No one wanted to go home, but finally, I told them I had to go. Everyone helped clean up.

I just wish everyone could understand like I do that these are normal teenagers. They are such good kids and I am so lucky to call them friends.

I hope the club continues to survive. I recently heard a story of students in St. George trying to start a club between four high schools, and meeting with resistance from the community and the administration. When a principal was reminded that legally he had to allow the club, or get rid of all clubs, he chose the latter.

So sad.

One group of students have stopped coming. One of them stepped down as an officer. There are kind of two groups of friends, and the two groups were not getting along. It is sad, and I hope it is not a sign of how hard this club will be to keep going, especially in years to come. There have to be students who want to run it and are willing to work together.

But in the meantime, they all know that I am there for them, and I am grateful for that.