Time and a Season (for everything)

First Triathlon All Alone!

2009-07-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

The triathlon was yesterday and I FINISHED all three legs on my own!
I have some good news, quite a bit, followed but some really, really bad news!
I swam in Lake Mead for 500 meters without sinking! Eric guided me to the shore with that famous "whistle" we have in the family! Then I rode my bike in up hill, both ways, in over 100 degree desert heat! Well, maybe not up hill all the way but there sure were lots of hills and I didn't stop once on the 13 mile bike ride! THEN with my bumm knee, I walked fast for most of the 3 mile run in about 107 degree temperature on hot asphalt path. Fortunately, I had plenty of water and stayed hydrated. I ran across the finish line (of course, you have to run then!) and FINISHED my very first triathlon race by myself! (I've done teams previously.) Eric said I was the oldest participant, not sure about that but I definitely was the slowest, coming across the finish line dead last! Everyone cheered me on to make me feel like I won a gold metal! Well, maybe I have in my own mind having finished the entire race feeling terrific! I was slow but I was feeling good the entire time. The pictures coming across the finish line were AWESOME! A friend took them with my new iphone.

Now the really, really bad news, I went swimming with my new iphone last night! Do you know what water does to an iphone?

Day Two Summer Games Swim Meet

2009-06-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Swimming Sisters! Karen and I getting our potassium on day two of the Utah Summer Games.
Another day and more ridiculously crazy happenings for this wanna-be swimmer athlete! Like getting advice on diving off the block and going far under the water before breaking the surface with my head. The dolphin kick, strict rules with where the hands go for the push up, and on and on. I went over it in my mind over and over. Up on the blocks and BAM, I headed first into the water trying to push arms, dolphin kick, and still holding my breath. I popped up and everyone was ahead of me! What I realized is that this particular dive off the blocks is for the breast stroke. I was supposed to go long and lean on the free style. Then of course, when I got to the other end to turn around (mind you, I'm still in the free style) I missed touching two hands, so I stopped and turned to be sure both hands touched. This too, was the rule for breast stroke, not free style. So it was a crazy race! Then when I completed in the 50 meter back stroke, I took on water like a sinking ship! Somehow, I pulled through on both races to finish and won silver metals for all my efforts! What fun!

First Swim Meet!

2009-06-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today I swam two races in the Utah Games. This is the first time I have ever participated in a swim race. In addition to a million odds against me (I've been practicing swimming on the 25 meter length thinking it was the 50 meter length lanes!) Today the pre-race training was a half hour of RULES! Good grief! I didn't know there were so many rules! Oh, and did I mention I have NEVER use the blocks to dive into the pool to race. The warm up time was when I thought I could practice diving in off the blocks. Well, they warm up for about 30 minutes and then let everyone dive for about 10 minutes. I was able to dive two time! The first time my goggles flew off! The second time I was advised to tuck my chin, which I did, but I went way deep! So when the race began it was my third time in all my life diving off the blocks. I made it without loosing my goggles and was "so-so" for depth. However, just before lining up for the race, this 82 year old man name Robert asked where I was from. When I told him I was from Las Vegas, Nevada, he asked if I spend the night. I told him I just arrived in town about 30 minutes before. He shook his head and asked the elavation. Did you know that if you move more than 1,000 feet in altitude, you should spend the night to climatize!
But I won one gold and one silver!

School is out!

2009-06-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

School is out! Who is excited?
The teachers...yes sireee!
The students....have to be!
But in all the world, the MOST excited
Is the Principal who is plum delighted!

A Life Lesson for Everyone Driving!

2009-04-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

I bit the dust for the first time on my bike! Except for a couple of bruises, I mainly hurt my pride. It all happened on that same Alta hill going over the 215 freeway. I was looking back to see what happened to Jim (he usually speeds out way before me!) Well, I accidentally turned right into the curb and flipped right onto the sidewalk (it was concrete more than dust I bit!)
It was then that I remembered my mother's advice. Never try to adjust any children in the backseat while driving the car--pull over and STOP first. I think I just forgot my mother's advice can apply to many varied situations. So, do you want to see my "owie?"

PS Lesson to remember: Don't fix children in the back seat while driving. Pull over and stop first. Remembering this could save more than a little "boo-boo" on the knee!

Time and A Season

2009-03-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

There is a time and a season for everything. It's my season to be an Grandma athlete! My 70 year old sister ran 3 miles and I rode my bike 13 miles in our first ever Duathlon and we WON 1st in our age catagory! What a great new adventure in life! Yesterday Jim and I road our bikes on the Red Rock Loop (15 miles--the first five miles straight up!) and our two sons Eric and Rob did it twice in almost the same time we did it once! (Youth is over rated!) lol

A Time and A Season....

2009-01-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by so fast...there is hardly time for everything!
Thank goodness for a daughter like Jamie Braithwaite! She helped us print all the invitations for Troy and Trisha's celebration of their wedding! (Yes, if you haven't heard, they were married December 23, 2009, and we think Trisha was sent from heaven to our family!)

Jamie's such a wiz at the computer she also helped me make invitations to our Ward Lula, designed an email invite, too, created some things for her Relief Society Presidency, and all while Gracie and Ainsley were running around looking darling as ever. Unfortunately, I didn't think about taking any pictures until now---so nothing is documented. Just a post with words. How boring is that? Time...it's flying and I think somewhere in time and space someone must be recording things for me! Grandma J. would roll over in her grave to think I don't even take pictues, let alone write the names and dates on the backs of all the pictures! :)

Fire in the Hole! But all not lost for Christmas Dinner!

2008-12-28T14:41:00.001-08:00

The oven element started to burn like a blow torch! We turned off the oven, poured baking soda on it, still it burnt bright! FIRE IN THE HOLE!....so's to speak!
We cut the main power switch and the fire fizzled out, but not before the element broke into pieces. How would we ever cook Christmas Dinner???
Madison and Afton wrapped the potatoes to bar-b-q in the back yard...since the oven caught fire! (That was Jimmy's idea!)
Jimmy worked on the quilt for Troy (Shauna did a LOT of the sewing...where was she when we were taking pictures??!!) He monitored the potatoes cooking on the bar-b-q!
And then we pulled out the Turkey Roasting Pan (That's all we use it for is cooking turkeys!)
It worked like a charm on the Prime Rib Roast!!!! Delicious Dinner!

A new dinner tradition for the FamLea! What an amazing "save" by the boy scouts of the family!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Still happy and loving life!!! Christmas brought all the family home for the holidays. (Five children, five spouces--yes, five!, and 9 grandkids--well, the latest one makes his debu around May 3, 2009!) We had more fun than you can imagine! Not to mention a few unexpected events like Troy married Trisha on Tuesday! The FamLea Talent (Variety) Show on Wednesday, and Christmas on Thursday! What a holiday! (Somewhere in there we saw Afton dance at the Opportunity Village Christmas Holiday Show, flew kites with grandkids, ate, played in the gym, and built snow men in the white stuff that flew down from the sky! (Yes, snow!) What a holiday! Even Great Grandpa JA Lea came for breakfast and gift exchange on Christmas day. Everyone was here and the excitement was rampid! So last night the last of the last of the troops left and we nearly colasped with exhauston! Quite. We sit and wait--wait until they all come home again! (We can barely wait for the next time!)

2008-12-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

We went to the park not far from our house and sailed kites in the wind! Eric, Afton, and Eliot shared their kites with Madison, Cassidy, Grandpa and me (Grandma). We had a riot running around in the park. Cassidy said in spite of the bitter cold, she had a blast flying a kite for the first time! Madison was able to let all her string out to the end and keep her kit in the air! Afton was an expert, except for the moment she flew into a tree. Clever Eric was able to hold the string high and fly it right out of the tree! (I was too excited to remember to take a picture of his skills!)

Jimmy was cold and wanted to get in the truck! Eliot wanted to play on the toys in the park after flying his kit. One kit flew out into the street and was run over (we didn't even have it out of the wrapper yet!) But Grandpa has a plan to super glue it!

When we'd had enough fun and cold, we headed back to the house for Hot Chocolate and Split Pea Soup! (What a combination!)

Three Generations

2008-12-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

Three generations: Granddaughter Gracie, Daughter Jamie, and Grandma Joy...and to think I'M the oldest generation!
Time flys and life is great! On this day Jamie received her Young Women's Medallion. Although she was only required to complete three of the seven sections, Jamie completed ALL seven sections! (Which she also completed ten years earlier as a youth--at which time I also received my YW Medallion as her leader!) The circle to time spins round and round!

Let it snow in Las Vegas!

2008-12-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
The snow came down and we have fun! Gracie, Ainsley and Jamie made a snowman in our back yard. Notice our little palm tree next to the swimming pool, such a cold sight for our usual warm and sunny back yard!

The schools were all canceled for kids and teachers the next day! (Administrators were required to go--like mailmen, through the cold, rain, snow and ice!) Remember, Las Vegas has no snow plows to clear roads, and the drivers aren't use to the dangerous weather!

Proof!

2008-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, we rode our bikes FAR! (for us---or at least far for ME!)
Jim and I are loving being healthy, happy, and moving through life at break-neck speed!

Springs Preserve

2008-11-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

The St. George Lea's came to Vegas over the Veterans Holiday! Madison (10), Cassidy (7) and JD (2 1/2). The three grandkids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa for a few days while mom and dad worked, worked, worked! What fun (for us!)!

Madison, Cassidy and JD came to stay with us for a weekend a couple of weeks ago. We had a great time including an afternoon at Springs Preserve at the original water source for Las Vegas. We hiked until we were too tired...then we toured the museum. Putting all the oranges into the machine and then taking turns turning the crank to explod all onto the floor sent squeels and cheers across the air! Lots of fun!
Then of course, Lunch at Costco! Jamie, Gracie & Ainsley joined for food! Jamie me drive them back to meet Jimmy in Mesquite to make the trade back. (Jamie showed how we need to get out and stretch during the ride!) lol!

Birthday Celebration

2008-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Afton and Eliot let us all celebrate together!
What's more fun than running around where there's plenty of room, riding on carts, jump rope, kick ball, floor hockey, and eating pizza and cake?!!! Not much can challenge this for a group of friends, cousins, aunts and uncles! (Of course, Grandma and Grandpa were there, too!)
This was in celebration of Afton's 7th birthday and Eliot's 5th birthday!

And after everyone was exhausted, we limped to the truck to hear Eliot exclaim, "Grandma, this was a BLAST!!!"

High Tech Photo Shoot at the Movies!

2008-11-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm practicing taking pictures of myself--with Jamie. We went to see the movie Twilight together and Jamie pulled out her iphone to take a picture of us. So I did, too! I tried a few times. Am I kind of getting the hang of it? Can you see the poster for Twilight in the background on the wall? See....I know what I'm doing! lol!
By the way, I read the book and am into the second one. My librarian at school is hosting a Twilight Hour after school next week. One student was shaking with excitement when she signed up! Jamie and I had a great time at the movie, eating what else, POPCORN! (and drinking a $6 bottle of water!)

Jim and I on our latest date!

2008-11-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Dating is great...even after the honeymoon! Jim and I have been dating now going on four decades and loving it even more now than a few decades ago! On our latest date we were reclined, pumping the red heart in hand as we donated our blood. (Come on, lighten up, you have to get creative with dates after this long!)

Notice Jim working on the computer trying to get more work done, even while on a date! By the way, the lady in the picture is our date instructor making sure we have a pleasant time.

Pumpkin Man Triathlon

2008-10-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Man Triathlon proved to be another great FamLea activity! Eric completed the Olympic length and Robert completed the Sprint length. What heroes these guys are to the rest of the family! They made it look easy! I'm thinking, "I could do that!" lol

Gracie & Ainsley Sleep Over

2008-09-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

When we finished playing farm, Gracie, Ainsley and I went out to picnic in the back yard.
But what we found was more exciting than the treats!!! We found a rollie-pollie bug! We all
watched it roll up in a ball when we held it in our hands. We finally sent the bug home in the grass!

Then inside for dress ups and coloring! We danced, colored, ate,
played with the farm, blocks, and ate again!

We had a couple of upsets...in the night Gracie got up and put all the books on two book shelves into Ainsley's crib (yes, she woke up, too!) Of course, Grandpa slept through the entire ordeal!
I decided having Gracie and Ainsley in the same room wasn't that good of an idea. I separated them and they slept the rest of the night!

The other upset was when Gracie was supposed to be going to the bathroom---but instead opened four tubes of lotion and squirted the content into Grandpa's soap dish! (overflowing onto the stool and floor!) Gracie had lotion all over her legs and arms---looked white as chalk, but we rubbed it in to smell beautiful and feel smooth! I thought about the wonderful poem Erma Bombeck wrote describing the grass and that it will grow back--after the kids are gone.

So life goes when we have Sleep Overs at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Ice Cream for All!

2008-09-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

The whole gang came over to walk or ride bikes to the park. When we arrived back home from the park, yummmmm, ice cream or sherbet! What a treat! This would be the FamLea3 (Eric, Carrie, Afton, Eilot, & Simon)! We love having visitors at Grandma & Grandpa's house! The idea that they live five minutes away makes visits extra often and gives us reason to have ice cream or sherbet in the freezer! What a treat (having grandchildren)!

Drum Ditty Drum Ditty Drum Drum Drum!

2008-09-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

One stick, one stick, drumming on a drum!

Drum ditty drum ditty drum, drum, drum!

Troy is teaching a After the Bell Drum Class at Faiss Middle School that started out last week with thirty kids. He worked them so hard last week he was pretty sure a lot would not return this week. However, many more students, coming to drum!

His class grew to forty kids this week!!! All drumming on upside down buckets or mouse pads on the tables. Drum ditty drum ditty drum, drum, drum!

Troy said they sounded like a herd of elephants that are falling down a flight of stairs!
But we heard the students as they left class all excited saying, "Are we great! I am soooo good at this! Wow! This is fun!"

I'm sure next week will be...many more students, many more drums, students coming beating on drums!

I challenged Troy to have something for the students to do at OctoberFaiss (our Carnival) on October 10th. He is planning to meet the challenge. Parents will come and watch the students' drum ditty drum ditty drum, drum, drum!

This all goes back to the Music Man's famous line, "That's MY boy!"

Time--Enjoy the Journey

2008-09-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Is it time?
All our kids have moved out, and I'm thinking about my next hobby......varoooooom! (Notice I can't be too serious about this varoom devise.....check out the open toed biker boots!!!?)

Time is relevant, depending where you are in life. Just take it from someone (me) pasted middle age (unless I live to be 114!) Life is too short on this earth to not enjoy the journey. When we don't have kids, we wish we did. When we have babies we wish we could sleep all night. When they are teenagers we wonder if they'll live to be 21! When they date we worry about who they are dating, knowing they don't realize how impacting their spouse is on the rest of their lives!

Some parents often wish their children were older than they are. Don't wish time away. Enjoy children at their current stages in life! Shortly, they grow up and move out, get their individual identity in the world--it happens fast!

Enjoy life and the journey. Each of our lives are divinely established through choices and agency.

So, once again I say, enjoy the journey! Love every stage in your life. Even the seemingly difficulty stages will look differently in 50 years.

Humanitarian Project

2008-09-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

On August 16, 2008, our Stake (church) worked together on a Humanitarian Project, cleaning kits to use after a flood all packed into a 5 gallon white bucket. After two hours of work we had nearly 4,000 bucket kits combined, sealed, stacked, and fork lifted up on the top shelf to store in anticipation of a need in the world. We all had a great time working hard to accomplish a task together. What a great organization!

The Flower Tradition when School Begins!

2008-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

My Sweetheart sent me flowers the first week of school, carrying on the FamLea Tradition that my husband and children have sustained since I began teaching in 1990.

Emergenetics Night

2008-08-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

We have discovered the obvious---at least in one corner of the FamLea. Everyone is passionate and has an opinion. The less obvious is that not everyone is alway open to share their opinions or to respond to others' opinions. This is self preservation on all levels and is more appreciated after having realized everyone's thinking preference and the collective dynamics of the famLea during our Emergenetics experience yesterday.

The strengths from the Emergenetics and our famLea that I see is people prefer building relationships but we speak different languages in trying to accomplish this task. Sometimes the history, emotions, and individual battles make moving on difficult. Life is not easy, but it's worth the hard work.

Don't lose site of the goal when enthralled with the life battles. It's like the farmer plowing his field, he has to constantly look up and go to a spot that is a distance target in order to have effective and efficient rows in his field. Life is hard, and growth is part of that process.

With the distribution of thinking preferences...it is likely everyone won't agree with everyone all the time. That's normal and ok. But allowing others to be themselves---understanding but not agreeing---is part of the self-growth. My dad would recite the Serenity Prayer including a phrase he emphasized something about--change the things you can and let go of the things you can't change. You have heard me say that you can't change other people. But you can change yourself, which will have effect on how other people respond to you. Life is tough, and it's easier to want others to change...rather than change ourselves.

I believe what I took away from our trainings was 1) to remember to "ask" (be transparent) rather than try to fix or tell others how to fix things, and 2) practice reflective listening! Tall exercise for me, but I'm committed!

Mine & Dad's famLea target across the field is the Tree of Life that Lehi dreamed about! Hold fast to the rod so we can all eat the fruit together! Fight on (work hard) because the goal is worth the pain of self-growth in the process! How does that clever saying go? Something about being on earth is what we are here after is the here-after!

Family night at Saturday's Warrior!

2008-08-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Eric we all went to Saturday's Warrior! Thanks Eric!

Three littleLeas all grown up!

2008-08-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

Summer, where did it go?

2008-07-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ok...so not everyone gets a month off work in the summer.
But not everyone rides herd on 1,000 scouts and beehives all day, 5 days a week!
That's just the nature of my job and I have to say that I love it!
Now that August is coming at me FAST, I have to brace myself to return to work.
Ready...set...go!

FamLea Triathlon Team Practice ...Plus

2008-07-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Famlea Triathlon Team Plus!
Practice. Lake Las Vegas. Hot. Fun.
Missed Rob at Scout Camp.
Ok..so the pictures are out of order. Your job is to put them in order.
I won't mention how long it too just to find and upload these things!

We all rode bikes (even me!) I made it twice around the short course. Eric made it three times around the long course. Jim and Troy were up there somewhere.
Then Troy and Eric ran, and ran, and ran...then jumped right into the lake!
It was a good thing Eric's heart monitor was water proof!

My First Red Rock Biking Experience!

2008-07-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Jim and I shot out of bed at 4:30 am when the alarm buzzed! Jim handed me the "power bar" I was directed to eat before I did anything--so it could digest. I choked it down with a gallon of water then we donned our biking duds that were laid out the evening before in anticipation of my very first "long" bike trip up to Red Rock Canyon. (Jim is old hat at the Red Rock ride...he's gone at least twice!) With the bikes loaded in Jim's cute red truck, we headed to the rendezvous to meet Eric (our second born) and Bill Fischbeck (our nephew) at 5:30 am. Intentionally, we were there early and left a note on the dash of the truck for them to catch us on the trail. We knew my speed was not up to theirs! But alas, just as we sped (at a nice leisurely pace) out of the housing developments and began the climb into Red Rock...my front tire went FLAT! I insisted Jim continue and I walked back to the truck. I walked by Eric and Bill swishing past. They, too, wanted to help me but I insisted they try to catch Jim. Would you believe it? I reached the truck by hoof just minutes before Jim, Eric and Bill arrived by wheel!
In the words of Scarlet, "There's always tomorrow!"

1st FamLea Grandkids Camp!

2008-07-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Famlea Grand Kids Camp 2008

Eric came to the Springs Preserve along with Jamie, Grandpa, me (Grandma!) and all 8 kids! Bath time was a riot!
Learning to share and play together was good for cousins.
Evening break (for Grandparents) as the kids eat pop corn and watch Enchanted!
Everyone had to serve themselves...especially since they helped make the food, too!
Cousins helped one another a grew closer as friends!

Grandpa loved reading and the kids loved listening!
The hot slide was mastered with a towel!

Calico Basin was a fun hike...Madison rode around on Grandma's bike! Grandpa rode his bike back to town!! (He's training for the Triathlon for real!)
The buddy system worked great for hiking...turned out we used the same buddy system all week! We matched the kids by cousins with older ones in charge of younger ones (but not in their immediate family.) Great bonding and eliminated any "issues" of who was in charge! :)
Swiming cousin time!
The library time waited until we ate treats provided by Aunt J before we went in to find books, read books, and even took books back to Grandma's house!

The season for Grand Kids! What a great FamLea Grand Kids Camp we had the last week in June! (I'm just now showing signs of recovering.) We had all of our 8 grandchildren---5 of which are 4 or under! Jimmy's Madison (10), Cassidy (6) & JD (2); Eric's Afton (6), Eliot (4), & Simon (1); and Jamie's Gracie (2) & Ainsley (1) were the five. Robert's two that were a twinkling here on earth must have been looking down from heaven. Jamie helped each day, Troy stopped in one evening and saved the day swimming and playing with everyone...Grandpa was always a great "save!" just when I was about to drop. In between changing diapers we hiked to Red Springs at Calico Basin, swam a couple of times a day in the pool, visited Springs Preserve Museums, cooked green, blue, & pink pancakes, made and ate frozen grapes on a stick, played games, dress-ups and cars, and occasionally took a nap. We threaded beads and drew pictures, read books and told stories, and bonded in ways you just can't do without taking the time. (Quanity coupled with quality is the BEST!) See...there is a time and a seson for everything. I'm just happy that at the end of camp parents were delighted to take their little ones home to sleep in their own beds!

The Big Decision!

2008-06-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Jim's done it! He has made the big commitment!
Jim is going to do a triathlon with 3 of our boys!
Although Eric will go the whole triathlon, Rob will swim one leg, Jim will ride the bike the second leg, and Troy will run the last leg. Now mind you, Eric will do all three legs! I'm the cheerleader along with all the rest of the family! They are calling the team: LiveLea! (long i sound-like lively)

Now I have another idea! Jimmy could swim a leg, Garth ride his bike a leg, and Billy could run a leg!! Great idea! Eh?

School is about over!

2008-05-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

The last day of school is always a huge transition for students and teachers.

Most people don't really think about what the principal's transition is like as school ends...that is most people except other principals! Let me just reassure you....a principal and a mother have similar jobs in that the work is never done!

We all have time for our priorities.

"Ride Babe, Ride!" (That's me on my bike going up hill both ways!)

Games and Grandmas

2008-04-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday playing Eliot with Candyland. I almost got to the end before him when he said "You have to have the exact color to win or else you have to start going backwards." He drew a card and kept moving forward. Each time I drew a card he reminded me, "Grandma, You have to go backwards." When it was my turn again I asked him. "Can I go forward now?" and Eliot would say, "Nope, you have to go backwards."
This reminded me of Troy a few years ago playing Chess with Grandma J.
They had to play by Troy's rules. Troy told Grandma the rules. He would tell her how to move, what piece to move, and when to move. They would sit on the corner of the kitchen table across from each other and play several games. By the end of each game, Grandma would have very few of Troy's pieces and Troy would have almost ALL of her pieces.

Why'd You Do It?

2008-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Another family service project?
Years ago when I was just married and put in as president of the Young Women at church, I observed an interesting pattern evolve. For Youth Conference we always worked several hours on some kind of physical service project. I observed relationships building, communication and bonding developing, and I knew this was a good thing. The physical act of service provided a mental and heart-felt giving attitude. Jim and I decided we would pattern our family around this serving others idea. Gather everyone together and work on something meaningful was the plan--maybe more meaningful than the actual project was the communications, relationships, and bonding. However, the project needed to be something worth while and not just busy work. Thus the idea of our family service projects was born. Then after the project, we partied together, played together, ate together, felt accomplished together, and grateful to be a family together. When the service helped someone out, whether in the family or someone down the street, we talked about how good it feels to help others. When a family member was in need (whether they asked or not) other family members showed up to help! These pictures show the day someone decided the garage needed cleaning (my big energy drain!) Jamie & Garth, Rob & Jaime Lynne, and Troy came together and in a short time (15 minute timer) had Jim and I smiling! Jim always says:
"To love someone, serve them."

Thanks famLea for being so full of love to help each other with a willing heart and giving attitude.

What family service project do you remember? What are your ideas for future projects?

Budget Cuts in Eduation

2008-04-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Check out how Joy Lea did an April Fools joke with help from a few of her teachers for 1050 Middle School Students, 50 Teachers, and 35 Support Staff.
Watch this video:

Basket Ball Story with Autistic Student

2008-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

iPhone Pictures

2008-03-23T22:26:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the wonderful iPhone!

Life is Short so Enjoy Every Moment!

2008-03-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

The title says it all!
Thanks fam...for a great life!
I'm sorry for the pain and sorrow when it happens.
I wish I could make life easy for you all, but that's not the plan beyond my reach.
I just can tell you all that I love you, am proud of you, and appreciate the happiness you bring into my life just by being you!
Thanks fam...for a great life!

I'm trying to enjoy every moment, even the harder moments.
Ok, maybe not enjoying the difficult time, but am enjoying knowing we are a family and support one another through the tough times as well as the good time!

Everyone has the same amount of time.
What we do with our time, moment to moment, adds up to how the ending will turn out.
Enjoy every moment and we'll all work at being that Eternal Family---Family Forever!

Randy Pausch Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

2008-03-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Life Lesson

2008-03-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

A Time for Living

Make time for everyone important in your life.
Do something kind frequently for people important to you.

Be yourself and allow others to be themselves.
Allow people to express energy, positive thoughts and love in their own ways.

Be accepting of how others express love to you.
Be gracious in accepting love and kindness from others.

Enjoy life and have fun, however "enjoyment" and "fun" look to you.

Not everyone expresses excitement for life in the same way.
That's ok, too!

Tagged? (Reading Jaime Lynne's blog!)

2008-02-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ten Years Ago...
My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage.
We had three children living at home (and sometimes a few extra with in-law, my mother, a nephew or niece!)
I was an assistant principal at Garside MS--or the dean at Hyde Park MS (that seems like an eternity ago!) and Jim was busy with his general contracting business.
Yoogie, the darling poodle dog, lived with us.

Five things on my to do list today...
Wake up & get out of bed (rather than remain for an hour or two like I wish I could!)
Be on time to the meeting with the Faiss Family to plan the school's dedication (April 23, 2008).
And the rest are numerous little things---too much to write and not significant enough to be in print!
(Did I ever mention I don't like lists of things I have to do!)

Things I enjoy...
Experiencing life, new adventures, meeting people, doing things.
Resting and relaxing without feeling stressed! (rare occasion for me!)
Accomplishing, building, dreaming, creating, learning.
Fun times with family, additions to the family, and learning the language our in-laws.
Communicating, teaching, sharing, expressing, and admittedly sometimes being a little bizarre for a grandma and principal!

Three bad habits...
1. Drinking the family coined, "Death Water!" (soda) I quit frequently.
2. Being a workalcoholic suffering guilt and addiction to accomplishing something all the time!
3. Refusing to (or avoiding?) exercise

Five places I've lived...
1. Kanab, Utah
2. Provo, Utah
3. Orem, Utah
4. Las Vegas, Nevada (Alcoa Avenue, Family Court, Duneville Street, & Pine Knolls Court)
5. (See above)

Five Jobs I've had...
1. Car Hop & Waitress
2. Delivering Avon for the Avon Lady (because I was 16 and had a car!)
3. Substitute Teacher
4. Stay -at -home mom
5. Owner & director of Joy's Kiddie Academy (preschool)

Five things people don't know about me...
1. As often as I share my opinion, there are many times I do not and bite my tongue.
2. I don't like it when people don't like my ideas. (well, maybe you already know this...it's hard to find things people don't know about me because I am so open about my feelings!)
3. I rather eat popcorn than candy. (at least strangers wouldn't be able to guess this!)
4. I love vacationing with my husband because he will make all the decisions, planning, investigating what to see, etc... and I can simply enjoy the entire time he plans for us!
5. My children are an improvement on my generation (me!)

Things I want to do next ...
1. Learn to play bridge
2. Write a book
3. Teach at the university
4. Start an Empty Nester Group to be more social and less work focused!
5. Exercise routinely (well...maybe)

If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged! (Got 'cha!)

It was only one click!

2008-02-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here I sat at my computer with a minute to spare, thinking I would check my blog. My genius daughter set me up a page on google or gmail or something (can't you tell how techno I have become?) So she changed the count down on the page...it was days until the new school opened and then days until Christmas. Well, today I opened the page and saw the counter was measuring how many days until my daughter and I go on a date! How exciting is that? But the number counter said zero. So in my know how computer savvy self, I set the counter to working to surprise her with my skills. It only took one click to zap the whole thing---gone in a flash of a click! Help! I think I need a technology manual or recipe or at least directions of how to make that counter reappear and work!

Healthy Brain

2008-02-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Jim and I just arrived home from a trip to a Conference in San Diego, CA. The educational conference was outstanding, and one highlight was about brain research. Do you realize you can help your brain be healthy? Oh, my...so much to learn in this life and so little time!

It's good to be home. I relate to my own dad who was always anxious to return home, just to watch the grass grow.

2008-01-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

Words of Wisdom from somewhere but I don't remember for sure. I just know they ring true in my head and heart.

Truth comes from the Lord.
Experience comes from this world.
Love comes from the heart.

My hope is that our children and their mates know these truths, can capture as much experience and knowledge as possible while here on earth, and will:
Laugh Often,
Love Much,
Live Long, and
Learn Always!

That they will remember what is important and what to release (and let go.)

Life is too short to not enjoy the journey...all along the way!

Happy New Year 2008!!!

Who was the favorite?

2008-01-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

By Jim B. and Joy J. Lea on January 20, 2008 – traveling in the red truck!

One day when our children sit together talking, who will think that he or she was the favorite?

Remember the 5 computer lap boards given for Christmas? Remember the science projects, book reports, English papers, proms, band performances, and the times when there were needs? Meetings with teachers and administrators? Elections? Campaigns? Pets from snakes & birds, to dogs and when we finally found the hamster? All the vehicles? Colleges? Weddings? Rings? Honeymoons?

Special trips? With dad offering donuts and candy bars for breakfast? With mom? Kanab? Picking fruit? Grandma’s Relish? The 12year-olds’ Birthday trips?

Scouting? Camping? Boating? Driving? Flying? Quilting? Sewing? Canning? Reading? Traveling? Shooting? Communicating? Talking? Listening? and collecting things?

Concerts? Musicals? Plays? Performances? (What did you feel in your heart when you heard dad say, “Bravo! Bravo!” ?)

Broken equipment, broken lap shades, broken bones, & broken hearts?

Who is afraid of a stick shift? All could say, “Not me!” What if the stick shift was in a large truck? Backhoe? Motor cycle?

Who has been given the courage and self-assurance to attempt about anything they want to do?

Who knows how to work and work hard? Work with a team? Who, when given an opportunity, would like to help with a service project? Who can lead? Who knows how a good leader can be a good follower, too?

Who can remember a time when you laughed, played, and cried with the FamLea? In good times and in hard time? Talent Shows? Changing jobs? School? Moving? Having & not having babies? Vacationing? Holidays?

What do you remember about Alcoa? Family Court? Duneville? Pine Knolls Court? Family meetings? Work projects? Games? Chore lists? Construction? Wall paper? Quilts? Books? Birthdays? Family Home Evenings? Scriptures? Church callings?

Who would give a second thought to helping someone very old? Or young? Or their same age? Who does this almost every day as a part of his/her life?

What did understanding your “color” do? What about understand other family members’ colors?

Who wants to be a family forever? What is important? How important is it? How much is enough?

Yes, YOU were the favorite!

Love,

Mom and Dad, thinking of you this day.

PS Can you tell both mom and dad wrote this? Where does one leave off and the other continue?

2008-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Building Bounder!

2008-01-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Some can run fast and leap buildings in a single bound! I'm not a building jumper, but I am dancing as fast as I can! And then there is that Jamie Lea Braithwaite daughter of mine! She came to my school yesterday (Saturday) and helped me under her rules. We had to stop after 30 minutes work and stretch, move around, and break up the focus. Me? I focus on the project and don't even hear the timer's ding! Jamie commenced organizing my office, every paper, pencil and paper clip! And to think we only took two timed periods!

Now you need to know, Grandpa Jim B. took Gracie and Ainsley to the cafeteria to work on posting a newspaper article on the Read All About It bulletin board and play around while Jamie focused my energy in my office. I Just don't ask any questions about what they do, just if they had fun! And they always have fun with Grandpa! Yes, he can leap pretty high, too!

My Trials vs Yours!

2008-01-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

My trials are exactly for me or so Thora Larson told me when we were living in the same neighborhood on Alcoa Avenue in the early 1970s. She came to Vegas as a young mother of five from the farm in Idaho. Her husband fixed AC units and when working on the church on West Charleson, fell off and died leaving the five children from about 4 to 16 years old in the charge of his wife, Thora. She had never worked outside the home. I wondered how she could handle this huge challenge in her life. She said, "Joy, if we all went down to the church, put all our troubles in a pile on the gym floor and walked around to pick up someone's trials, we would all end up picking up our own pile of trials." The scriptures tell us Heavenly Father won't allow us to be given more challenge than we can handle. We are have talents and strengths---and our trials will be for our good. Look for the lesson you can learn from your trials. What lesson have you learned in your life's challenges?

Ladies

2008-01-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

Had a problem in the restrooms with girls getting crazy. Sometimes is was loud but one time a fight broke out. This made me think about what I could do. I don't like these girls acting out of control, loud, running around, screaming, and now--hitting each other? So, I started a little after school club. When I called a group of students out of class to my office (just happened to be nine top loud leaders of this running, screaming crowd of girls) they wanted to know if they were in trouble. I said if you were in trouble you'd be in the dean's office. You might be in the principal's office to receive an award or something! They all calmed down and sat quietly around my conference table, swinging back and forth in the swivel stuffed chairs. We talked about the purpose for school (learning) and life goals, serving others, and selflessness. I asked them to join my afterschool club to meet every Wednesday after school.

Today was the first official meeting and they all came! They all wanted to tell me about themselves which worked out great. Everyone wanted to go first so we drew names. After each girl told about themselves the rule was established that everyone could ask questions. Each girl took turns and was respectful of the others. Several of them spoke very quietly (I could barely hear them!) I joked with them about the contrast.

One girl said she hated all her teachers, hated school, hated all the other (many) schools she had attended and didn't like to do anything but sleep. Then I went out on the limb and asked her who her favorite principal was. She said I was the only principal she ever knew so I was her favorite. I take that as progress! (positive remark, eh?) When everyone had spoken except me, I told them they could ask me any questions they wanted. They all asked questions and I told them anything they wanted to know about me, my family, my sign, and if I liked animals. Not too intimate in the questioning, but this is only the beginning. I was just excited when they all showed! Now, what will next week bring and how many will stay out of fights, screaming, and trouble? I'm keeping track!

I can sleep when the wind blows.

2008-01-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have heard lots of stories....and with four Eagle Scout Sons, I have heard my share of Scout Stories. But one comes to mind today---during the most windy day I can remember in a long time! The punch line was something like,
"I" can sleep when the wind blows.

The story goes that a farmer, too tired to put his animals in the barn at night and lock up the barn doors, may or may not run into problems---he leaves it up to chance with the weather. Maybe this once or twice won't matter, he tells himself. And when a summer storm blows in unexpectedly, his cattle, horses, sheep and chickens are scattered near and far. The unprepared farmer spends many days trying to collect all his animals back onto his property---and possibly even looses some forever.

But "I" always lock up my animals and secure the barn doors each night...even when I am too tired. So at night in my bed when the howl of the storm rattles the rafters,
I can sleep when the wind blow!

What meaning does this story take on for you, especially since you probably don't live on a farm?

Good Enough is Awesome!

2008-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

All I can do is all I can do and all I can do is enough! (Anonymous)

When worried about getting "it" all done perfectly, in a timely manner, when caught up with so much on my plate...I say, "I'm dancing as fast as I can!" ...and then refer to the quote above.

The scriptures even say we are not meant to run faster than we are able. Now sometimes we compare ourselves to one another and that is when the trouble sets in with our minds. We all need to know ourselves and what we can and should do---then release the rest! We are all divinely bestowed talents and abilities---rejoice and celebrate differences and expertise! Be the unique children of God that we were blessed to be---both individually and collectively!

Five Keys to Happiness, Success, Fulfillment...

2007-12-31T13:30:00.000-08:00

According to Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin...
"Five things that, if you take seriously and apply to your own life, will bring happiness, success, fulfillment and the obtaining of an inheritance int he celestial kingdom:
1) Have faith in your Heavenly Father.
2) Set righteous goals.
3) Once you have established righteous goals, work with all your might to accomplish them.
4) Magnify your callings and be faithful members of the church.
5) Be happy and enjoy the journey.
As you pursue righteous desires and focus on the kind of person you want to be, the Lord will be with you and will direct your paths. He wants you to be happy and successful. He wants you to come unto Him. May you find peace and joy in the journey throughout life."
(Taken from the ward bulletin 12/30/07)

Dove Soap at Faiss MS

2007-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

Dove Soap Takes on Self-Esteem Issues in Young Girls
A company known best for its soap is taking on self-esteem issues in young girls. Dove has launched a campaign (seen on the right here, below the ad) to give girls a reality check, showing them how the entertainment and beauty media create images of un-reachable perfection. Eye on Health spoke...

My Mother Use to Say....

2007-11-29T06:18:00.000-08:00

A Time and a Season or The Bitter to Know the Sweet!

When your children are small, they have small problems that cost a little.
When your children are older, they have big problems that usually cost a lot!

Oh...the lessons of having children who are approaching middle age!!
(What is "middle age?"....it's defined as "mother" of course!)

On the other hand...my mother always said the back side of 50 was the best side!

Enjoy the journey because that is what life is all about!

Gracie Spent the Night!

2007-11-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Gracie rode in Grandpa's red truck to Grandma and Grandpa's house today. She is spending the night. Grandpa took her to the store and he bought her a purple balloon. When they got home they ate soup that Gracie picked out of the pantry. Grandma arrived home from work in time to have some soup, too. She had a different kind of soup because Gracie and Grandpa actually opened TWO kinds of soup but they only ate one kind of soup. Grandpa and Gracie liked the squiggly noodles. Grandma never saw the squiggly noodles because they were all gone when she got home--all gone except the ones that didn't make it into Gracie's mouth and ended up on the floor under the table!
Gracie loved watching a movie and playing with the purple balloon. She has a balloon game to let the balloon go up to the end of the string when she says, "Let it go!" Then Gracie says "Get it!" as she pulls the balloon back down.
When the movie was over and everyone had a sore side from laughing. We all put on our pajamas. Grandpa asked Gracie to say the family prayer, but what happened is Grandma was helping Gracie with what to say and guess who repeated the prayer? GRANDPA!
After prayers Gracie was happy to see Ducky and went right to sleep in Grandma's crib upstairs.
It is pretty fun to have Gracie spend the night!

The Wind is Blowing

2007-11-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

The branches of a green tree will bend with the wind.
The branches of a dead tree will break in the wind.
So always be flexible and you won't break when the wind blows.

Life

2007-11-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Life is short.
Then you get old and time speeds up!

When I was 30 the days flew by....
When I was 40 the months flew by...
When I was 50 I quit trying to change the calendar months...I worked on keeping the right calendar year on the wall!

Pictures

2007-10-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

Technical assistant here to help upload your pictures! Gracie had a great time! Thank you for being perfect Grandparents! We trained you right!

Road Trip

2007-10-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

Today we are on a road trip.
Grandpa, Cassidy, Gracie and me (Grandma)!
What a delightful time of life!
When we arrived at Afton, Eliot, & Simon's house we were greeted with excitement and fun!
It's too bad that in my techno world...I can't figure out how to download the pictures!
Let me describe one: Grandpa, sitting with his new bike helmet with Gracie, eating string cheese, bananas, and nuts while sitting on his tool box in the back of his bright red truck!
We love road trips!

4. Show Up (together)!

2007-10-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Laws of Love from the Leas always includes showing up together.
It's just not the same when you are in love and apart than when you are in love and together.
Coming and going. In the rain and sunshine. Yesterday, today, and all of the tomorrows.
Be together whenever you can.
Life is too short to be unhappy. Decide to be happy together.
Forever.

3. Never have unexplained expectations

2007-10-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Unexplained expectations only leads to disappointment.
Don't expect others to read your mind...or between the lines.
Tell it like it is. Speak up.

For example, the newly married husband followed his dad's example. On Valentines Day he provided beautiful fresh flowers for his new wife. But the new husband could not figure out why his wife was not happy--in fact she was disappointed.

"What? You think I'm fat! Is that why you didn't get me chocolate?" the new wife asked between sobs.

"What are you talking about?" said a disillusioned new husband. He was just trying to show the same love his dad showed for his mother, What a surprise to learn that his new wife's father always gave chocolate candy for Valentines Day and that is what his new wife expected.

Good grief....all about unexplained expectations.

If you are ever disappointed, look back and see what expectation you had that was not explained. Likewise, if your spouse is disappointed, ask him or her to share what the expectation are...and for heavens sake, TALK about it! (No silent treatments!)

(From the Lea Laws of Love)

Unselfish Service

2007-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

2. Always be about unshelfish service.

Always is forever...
Be About is to do...
Unshelfish is with no strings attached--nothing in it for self...
Service is to proivde for, fix, improve or enhance for others...

(From the Lea Laws of Love)

Jamie set me up with a whiz bang computer/TV amazement!
To see is to believe! I'm in bed reading emails AND watching news. (Yes...two TV screens!)
It's amazing....and she did it all with unselfish service for her ole' mother!
(...and I suppose for her dad, too.) We won't go into details about how I couldn't get either TV screen to work last night and finally had to wake dad up for help!) lol

1. Maintain unconditional love

2007-10-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

"Maintaining unconditional love" means exactly what it says.

maintain = continually work on, give attention to, keep in prime working order

unconditional = no conditions, requirements or rules attached

love = love
Words can't describe love...it takes being in love and building upon the relationship through experience, time, and relatives----to even begin to understand the eternal implications of love.
Love can be the most wonderful of all emotions to experience.

Opposite of love? No, not hate. It takes a great deal of emotion to love and to hate.
The opposite of love is apathy---absence of feelings and emotions.
That's why sometimes we hear of a "love-hate" relationship. Lots of emotion.

This reminds me of the scripture that talks about feeling pain to know happiness...once you have truly lived and loved, you will never be the same. That's why our Father's plan is so wonderful...love can be forever!

What does love mean to you?

Hook Up!

2007-10-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

To dad and I, "hook up" means to connect the trailer to the truck!
So...isn't that what "hook up" means to you?
Like connecting two great things...the truck and the trailer.
Troy and Breann said that is not what "hook up" means......
hmmmmmmm...

Laws of Love by the Leas (Continued)

2007-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

(These questions thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Jameson)

5. Ask....
"How important is it?"
AND....
"How much is enough?"
AND ....
"In 50 years, what's it going to matter?"

Laws of Love by the Leas

2007-10-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Laws of Love by the Leas

1. Maintain unconditional love.
2. Always be about unselfish service.
3. Never have unexplained expectations.
4. Show up (in heaven, too) together!

William Tell Overture

2007-10-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

Dancing!

2007-10-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm dancing as fast as I can!

All I can do is all I can do and all I can do is enough!

Do you want to ride my bike?

2007-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Usually...this title question means someone in the family lost interest in the conversation so the question is blurted out, "Do you want to ride my bike?"
Ride...ride...ride.
That kind of reminds me of a song somewhere in the recesses of my mind. But actually, it's my "cheer!" for school teachers. Get on the bike and ride, ride, ride! Sometimes when we ride our bike slowly, we wiggle, wabble and fall over. I say, stop looking at all the little pebbles in the road...get on your bike and ride! Move it! Get going down the road! Good Grief, it's a mountain bike with fat tires! Ride on! They'll all follow you...but if you spend your time wabbling along looking down, you loose everyone! Those behind you take off in all directions because you are either in the way or can't keep the attention of those interested to look up--looking ahead! What's out there? What's beyond the next hill? Move it!
Get on your bike and ride....ride...ride!

Lea Language

2007-10-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

What is "language?" What is "Lea Language?"
Why is it important to understand the communications both verbal and nonverbal?
Well....when we are all in the same small space, it is critical we understand what our communication actually "means!" Believe me...it isn't always the words....but what is the meaning behind the actual words? Or sigh, or glance, or chuckle?

Jamie (by way of Garth) is going to write the Lea Language so we can all understand one another.
Now....who will interpret the rest of the languages? (Lyman, Wells, Woodmansee, Braithwaites, and Hewitt Languages?) Oh, my....our world of communication is expanding exponentially!!

My Sweetheart

2007-10-06T21:09:00.001-07:00

There is always a first time

2007-10-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

Time moves fast and sometimes I do, too.....unless I'm sleeping, then I'm pretty much in the "stop" mode. I have moved (pretty fast) as an immigrant into the technology era. Good grief, I'm typing on my own blog! (Now remind me...what is a blog?) This is an experience similar to jumping off a cliff into the lake---scary but exciting jumping into the techno-cyber-space world. So, here goes!
Oh, how often am I supposed to write here anyway? And what in the heck do I write about?

My first Blog Entry

2007-10-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

This entry is actually put together by my daughter (Jamie Lea Braithwaite). I, Jamie, am getting mom all set up so that she can give some elevator advice.

Thoughts By Joy Lea

2007-10-05T16:25:00.000-07:00