My Project was Funded

I have been raising money to purchase an audio system for my classroom. It was fully funded today. Within the next month or so I should be receiving the equipment. After I get installed we can start using it. My students will be so excited when I tell them next Monday. At least I hope they will be as excited as I am when they hear the news.
Thanks

Old Man

Siblings

I was able to go out to dinner with my siblings last night. I always enjoy going out with all of them. Instead of going to 5 Alls this year we went to Olive Garden. We were suppose to go to Mom's house afterwards and sing hymns, but due the wait at OG and some needing to get home we did not get to sing.
Colleen reminded me how old she is; I have trouble believing that she is as she says she is. She is much younger than her age.
I love to be with Todd. For me he is a lot of fun to talk to. He works hard and I believe to be respected by many. I didn't learn until recently that Todd's smile is very contagious. I wish that I had gotten some of the energizer bunny gene that he got. My basement would probably be finished by now. Jeanne is fun to watch with her grandchildren. Such a proud grandma. I have also enjoyed talking about books with her. Though Juli is not shy, but she is the quiet one. I love seeing the pictures she takes and reading her blog. If you need it she would give you the shirt off of her back. Dave adds the humor to the family. ALee's first marriage took place the day before I came from the hospital from heart surgery. Her reception was that night in Centerville. I told Jen that I was going she could take me or I'd drive myself. When we got there, Dave was in the parking lot and said, "I know why you are here, but do you need a kick in the butt?" I told him yes, but asked if he could wait about 8 weeks to do it. Several years later he has not kicked my behind yet. Dave also took me deer hunting the only time I have gone. He is also a hard worker. I am amazed how long he works for the power company when they are having trouble. Definitely, much stronger than I am.
Jason is also a hard worker and is full of information. He also good humored. I wonder what kind of bishop he will be. Though we don't go very often I love to visit with ALee and Jason. I love to hear ALee play the piano. I was able to listen to play in Mom's ward today. It was wonderful. She also makes great cinnamon rolls.
They are all very giving and loving and only wished I could return part of what they have given me.
I am not sure how families were decided, but I have been blessed with wonderful siblings and parents.
Love,

Old Man

Christmas Time and Jen

There have been several times through this holiday that I thought of things I could blog, but that I am now actually here I really can't remember any.
I have an amazing wife. She really knows how to take care of us. I am sometimes amazed at what she can remember. I am talking about keeping track of schedules, birthdays, etc., not the things that wives are accused of remembering.
She often says that we would not survive without her. Of course she's right. We would struggle. I might be able to do the laundry as long as I could dry everything I wash. She makes sure she attends the children's activities a school and is able to go on a field trip with each of the one of them.
At Christmas time she is also amazing. She tries to make memories each year for all of us to remember, though the kids sometimes aren't sure they want to participate. She loves making toffee every year. Oh, how we love our traditional Christmas breakfast. This year we even got to bake it in our own oven. It was fun to smell it cooking, too.
I am really glad that she likes to go to movies. I believe she converted me to going to the movies. I really didn't go to many movies during my teenage years. Once we were married and could afford to go to the dollar movies we would go to escape our life. It is something that we have kept doing all of our married life. I will admit that I don't mind going to chick flicks (I did find recently that I have my limits; think Mama Mia). I love lifting the arm of the theater chair and snuggling up to her. She even lets me have some of her popcorn. The bad thing about the movies is that I think I have to have a cherry coke in hand regardless if I could drink it or not.
She has sacrifices her bonus checks every Christmas to make our life better. I don't know if she would scrapbook any more if she had the time and money to do it.
I know that if money and time allowed she would love to go through and decorate every room in the house. She would do each room different and love doing it. Then she would probably love doing someone else's house.
I have heard the definition of sacrifice is to give up something good for something better. She has sacrificed those things to be a wife and mom. I hope that the trade was worth it.
Love you Jen,

Old Man

Christmas

Christmas was pretty fun at our house. These pictures were taken last night. The pillow cases were made by Grandma Mary. If you can't tell, each child's name is on the pillow case. The kids are also wearing brand new pj's.

WOW!!!!!

Other than Sundays I have only missed going to the gym once in two weeks. Yes, I am impressed with myself. I am not so much concerned with weight, but I do get on the scales twice a week. In two weeks I have lost 1.1 or 1.3 pounds, depends upon how you want to read the scale. I am somewhat surprised that I feel better. My pants seem to be a bit loose. I am thankful for that, too. As I walk, my right shoulder tightens up or sometimes I feel a pain go from a spot in the middle my back to the front of my chest. It seems to depend on the day. I still like lifting weights. I spend a lot of time watching some of the others and then copy some of the things they do. That is how I have learned to work some of the machines. I am still the slowest one on the track, but that's okay, too.
Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Old Man

I have been blessed with a great class at school. The faculty with whom I teach is wonderful. Today while in the faculty room we got on the subject of kids/teenagers and life after they get out of the house. Two of the teachers with whom I was talking said that we will only remember the good parts and so will they. One teacher stated that her kids seemed to leave all at once, and she balled for a long time. Both teachers are emptinesters and miss having the kids around. A third teacher said she misses them when they were youngsters. I commented that I will forget months of my life at a time. They replied yes.
I do look forward to the quiet days and these teachers also told I'd miss the chaos. I said I probably would, but I'd like some quiet days mixed in with the current chaos. Maybe someday (which isn't a day of the week).
Though none of my colleagues will see this blog, I would like to take the time to thank them for what they do, and let them I appreciate them very much. Many of them have been a great source of comfort and resources of information. I hope to pay it back and pay it forward.
Merry Christmas all!!!!!

Old Man

Rambling Along

Where to begin...?
I have made it to the gym everyday except Sunday all last week. I just about didn't make it today. I was enjoying my warm bed and I knew what it was going to feel like outside. The exercise thing won. I am glad that it did. Most of the time exercise usually loses. I walk for about 30 minutes 3 days a week and lift weights the other 3 days a week. I am surprised at how much I'm enjoying lifting weights. It is almost like I could become addicted to it. When I walk I am always getting passed by just about everyone. Even though I take a nitro pill sometime during my walk my shoulder or back seems to tighten up. I am not concerned about it, and maybe I should. I was told to take a the pill and get working. Every so often I am tempted to run just a bit, just to see what I feel like when doing it. I am sure that my chest would hurt more, but I taking it easy.
This is the last week of school before Christmas. A lot of us are already feeling sluggish. I am looking forward to the break. I am not sure if we have anything fun planned. It will be great to chillax some and get some reading done.
A few weeks ago I told Jen that I would get the basement cleaned out by Christmas. I have spent a few hours working on it, but not enough. At the rate I am going, I will not be able to make it. I will keep plugging away at, I'll get it done.
Saturday we took the kids to see Bolt. It is the best animated movie Disney has done in quite a while. There were several times that at least Jen and I laughed out load. A friend of mine saw the 3D version and really liked it. I would like to see it again. Maybe when it hits the dollar theater.
I am just about finished with Inkheart. The movie for it comes out on Christmas Day or the first part of January. Jen wants to read the book before she sees the movie. The movie looks pretty good. I couldn't tell from the trailer if the movie combines all three books.
I have not read Book 6 of the Ranger's Apprentice. I think I will have trouble putting the book down, and I cannot afford that right now. I will have to wait for the break. I go to the gym later in the morning during the break and will won't be so tired.
Have a most excellent day!!!!

P.S.

Though I still am very frustrated with the kids. Nathan asked for some help in, and I was more than happy to help. How sad is than?

Frustrated with the Children

I came home tonight from work and there were some chores that needed doing. I asked my son to come and do. Looking me straight in the eye and without any hesitation he said, "I don't think so, it doesn't fit into my schedule." He's 11. I told my youngest daughter to help; again without hesitation she said no, and then fussed for a moment. I am at my rope's end. It makes it so that I do not want to even be home anymore. My oldest, same thing. She got herself into some trouble and was given the dishes for the week. In three days she has done maybe one set of dishes. Our children know that if they wait long enough that we, the parents, will eventually do it. I am always amazed at the comments that their teachers give them. Their teachers have always said how wonderful they are and how helpful. When do we at home get to see this version of themselves. I have tried to be thankful for them acting so "wonderful" in public, but it is not working. My patience just about vanishes when I walk through the door. I am certainly beginning to understand to some degree why some Dads just walk out on the family. More often than not I seem to be at that point. I get so angry. I sometimes hope that when I die they will live with so much regret and sorrow for the way they treat their mother and I.
I am tired of being angry in my home and the constant disrespect that seems to ooze out them. I feel sad that I am at a point that I cannot wait for them to be out of the house. I do know that this will cause me to live with regret. I can't seem to get past it any more. I so much want to say, "I AM DONE!!!!!"
The only time they are fun to be around is when we do not ask them to do any chores or we are planning to go somewhere as a family. Even one of them finds some reason to complain. For instance, on Sunday night Jen and received some tickets to a spiritual event relating to Christmas. Both of our older daughters complained about having to go.
Yes they are teenagers, but I am still at my wits end.
I cannot wait to go on a vacation with just Jen. Even though they will save up all of the garbage they dish until we get home and coming home will be a nightmare. Scarier than any movie they could put in the theater.
I was hoping that this venting would help to feel better, but it is not.
Thanks anyway,

This Old Man

More Exercise and Australia

We managed to go to the rec center 2 times last week...not because we were lazy, but because Jen was being generous with her cold. She thought it was best for me to stay home and rest. I was a good husband and listened to my sweetie and obeyed. One of the few times that I obeyed. Ashley and I did go this morning. I spend my time walking on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On the other 3 days of the week I plan on walking and lifting weights. Benching 60 lbs. is not a lot of weight, but I'm hoping to increase it as time goes on.
On to other things; I received my Ranger's Apprentice books today. I took a few minutes and read the first page. Even after reading that little bit I'm ready to dive in. Unfortunately, I need to finish Inkheart. I only have about 100 pages or so. Inkheart is not one of those books that grabs me and makes it hard to put down. It does keep me intrigued enough though.
Love you all.

Old Man

Exercise???

Sunday night Ashley came and asked if we could go to AF Rec Center together to exercise. I had asked her if we cold invite other members of the family. When the family was together that night I said that Ashley and I were going to the rec center in the morning at 5:30 AM. Anyone who wanted to attend was welcome to come. Ashley is so funny. When I made the announcement that we were going the following day she said that she was thinking we would go next month. Both Lindsey and I reminded her that tomorrow (Mon 1 Dec) was the next month.
Monday was relatively easy with because we had the motivation to go. This morning???....was a little more difficult. I think Nathan was the only one with a decent nights sleep.
Yesterday I only walked the track. This morning I went to the weight room and lifted some weights. I need to find an exercise that would work my abdominal area. I need to get those muscles working so it will burn the fat that exists there.
I also uncharacteristicly...someone came to talk to me and I don't remember what I was going to say, oh well.
There is a family that lives in town, in the farm area on the outside of town actually that puts on a living Nativity scene every year. I have known about it, but wasn't sure when it took place. Fortunately, some of their kids are friends with our kids and invited us to come. It was wonderful. We met the wise men, shepherds, and the innkeeper.We also sang Christmas carols at each group we visited. The trail lead to the manger and there we sung the third verse to silent night. It was wonderful.
Merry Christmas,

Old Man

Twilight

I have seen Twilight twice within a 26 hour period of time. You may call me crazy, but what can I do. Ashley wanted to go and offered to purchase my ticket. I probably liked it more the second time than the first. I gained a better understanding of why most of the women folk are in LOVE with Edward. This visit I had to keep reminding myself that Bella is a 17 year old. Yes, I believe that 17 year olds are or can be very fickle.
I found myself being curious enough to read the books. I am not sure if I will read the first book, but I could see me reading the others. Hearing pieces of later books I am curious to see how Jacob's character develops and the part he plays in the "keeping our eyes on you." I think that is the line that he says at the dance when he comes from the woods.
I was told that this book stems from a dream that Shannon had. I would be interested in hearing about this dream and it came to span 4 books and a movie. I would also be interested in reading the books to see how she writes.
Wouldn't it be cool to write a book and then see it published and sweep the reading world, not for the money, but just the fact that something you had created is loved by so many people.
I looked at the website for Ranger's Apprentice. That book is published in Australia, US, England, Korea, and one or two other places in Europe. Cool!!!!
Harry Potter is another one. How would it be to have the courage to pursue something as writing a book?
The librarian at my school has published a book, and is looking to publish others. I enjoy talking about books and what it would be like to publish a book. I would like to publish a book just to say that I've published one. If people liked it great, if not, then oh well. I do have a couple of ideas for a book. One would be a picture book. The other would be a chapter book.
I claim to not have time to do all of the research and write. Prioritizing my time is not a talent of mine. Sticking to a plan is not one either. I have been writing a notebook full of math equations and told myself to be done by last Christmas. I have been working on it, but I am far from being done. Once I can get it done I will give to some of my colleagues to use and critique and then start marketing it. I just need to buckle down and get it done. So many dreams and not serious about any of them. I guess that I am just too lazy.

Thanksgiving Weekend

I have enjoyed the last two days. We spent Thanksgiving with Jen's family. I really lucked out on the in-law department. They are wonderful. We enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I have never had a drumstick, but that changed on this Thanksgiving. It was great!!!! Thanks Duane.
For the first time in 19 years I assisted Jen in doing some Christmas shopping. It was a lot of fun. Okay, I didn't get to witness any of the mayhem that I have heard about in years passed, but Jen would stand in line and I went to and fro looking for a few of the products for which we were questing. We shopped for about 6 hours this morning. Then I came home and slept for a couple of hours. This afternoon Jen took me to see Twilight. It was soooooooo much better than Mama Mia. Jen filled in a few details. It was okay. I do have a hard time judging it because of all the hype that has gone with it. I have always had a "whatever" attitude that has gone with it the whole series.
Have a most excellent day!!!

P.S. Linda this is to see if you find me Christmas Oranges.

Thanksgiving

Like many, I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. I am not sure why so much this year than maybe years in the past, nevertheless I have been looking forward to it.
I do have many things for which I am thankful. Good family, great friends, a job I enjoy. The list could go on for quite sometime.
Simply...THANK YOU!!!!!


This Old Man

Miracles

When discussing an issue I find myself saying the phrase, "it comes down to definition." Not necessarily a specific definition to a particular word, but how someone may define an action, a common phrase, etc.
I had really never thought that miracles would fit into that category. It never seemed to cross my mind. What one would see as a miracle another may not. Let me share with a miracle at least in the eyes of myself and Jen (my wife). This past year we have been having trouble around our home. Last November our oven went out. After Christmas we made attempts to get it fixed. It lasted most of the year. Last Tuesday our oven was finally fixed. That is almost a year. I dishwasher went out in the spring and went out again 5-6 weeks ago. Our washer went out shortly after the dishwasher. The dryer runs, but not very well. We have spent tons of money and time at either the laundromat or Jen would drag our clothes down to where she works, they have coin operated washing machine. It has not been a pretty sight.
Jen spent sometime looking KSL.com in the classifieds. She found a set that she thought might be reasonable. She even talked the lady down $100. Well went to get some money out of the ATM and there is not enough money to cover the $250. It was at this time that I started to make my plea. We have been pretty good about paying our tithing and all year long it seems that the "windows of heaven" were opening somewhere else. I thought I was okay with admitting that I could not see the whole picture, and we would somehow, sometime be taken care of. I was still thinking could He just throw me a bone. Yesterday a neighbor told that someone on the street behind us was getting rid of their washer and dryer. We checked them out last night. Jen liked what she saw and asked how they wanted for them they replied, "To get them out of the house." Miracle? YES. Jen is running the first load in the dryer now and the second through the washer. It will be nice to get into a routine again. For awhile I was trying to keep the laundry up to date, but I kept drying clothes that should have been dried. Jen was pretty close to banning me from doing the laundry. I will still keep at it. I can and will do better.
We are very thankful and Jen and I recognize it as a miracle.
This week is a two day work week. Though I love teaching and have found considerable amount of joy this and last year, I am looking forward to some time off.
I am very tired now. The cool thing is that it's one of those happy kind of tired things.
I am going to dream about eating turkey, candied yams , and some sort pie.

This Old Man

Memories

I learned sometime this week that Snow College's football team is playing for Jr. College National Championship in two weeks. This is the second time in as many years. Remembering this information, I was looking on the internet for more information hoping to be able to get to the game. Unfortunately, the game starts just as a meeting I am schedule attended is getting out. The game is being played in ReAl Stadium in Sandy.
As I was looking at Snow's website I enjoyed reminiscing about my Snow College days. Among many other things, I am very fond of the music department. It is certainly fun to see all of the things they are doing.
Nathan was surprised to hear that his ol' Dad could sing and dance at the same time. Okay, maybe that may be a surprise to those who know me, too. Yes, I sang and danced. Jen will confirm that I did it. I might even be able to get a picture from somewhere. How I got there is a fun story for me, but is a little long. If you want to hear it ask me I'll tell you.
I love airplanes. Today we saw 4 F-16's flying over the house today. What a beautiful sight. Nathan and Abbey ran outside, I was able to see them out of the window. That is one dream I would love to live.

Question

I am type of person that likes to know a little about a lot of things. How does one change this attitude to studying a few things in depth?
For example, I have a few model planes that I have not touched in about two years. I so want to get back to them, but seem to cannot take the time to do so. I was just searching the net looking for model trains information. It sounds like it would be fun to do, but with the model thing it is probably takes more money that I have available.
There are four hobbies that I would like to study in depth. I do have a couple others, but these are the ones I want to do. They are not in any specific order. First I want to learn how to use my digital camera more effectively. Second, I want to learn how to play the guitar. Third, I want to start working on my model airplanes. Finally, I thought it would be fun to build a model railroad. I have always liked the HO scale. I picture myself staying in that arena. If I decided to start model railroading and found that I liked another scale better, I would not be opposed to changing. Talk about being a kid again. I would work with 10 year olds, it wouldn't be that much of a difference.
Between these things that may be viewed as trivial and all of the other things that I need to do around the house I can tell you where my time and money will be going.
One thing that I take advantage more than I probably should is reading. I have come to enjoy the time I spend reading. My wife turned me into a reader and sometimes I think she regrets it.
The librarian at my school gets me interested in many books. Lately, I have been reading a lot of fantasy. She hooked me on to Ranger's Apprentice. This is a series. There are 9 volumes planned. 1-5 is available in the U.S. Number 6 will not be available here until next spring. If I had money I would order them from Australia. I found out this afternoon that one of the teachers at school has a son on mission there and is coming home in the first week of December. I am tempted to ask if he could bring home the volumes that are available there. Maybe it wouldn't get him too trunky. Number 5 resolves part of the plot, but leaves Will's osculator in the hands of an enemy. I am anxious to learn how he rescues her.
I wrote the author today and got a response. I was surprised that he responded and responded so quickly. I thought it was really cool.
If you have stumbled upon my blog and have read some of my ramblings, thanks for listening.

Trouble Sleeping

I am having trouble sleeping, so I thought I would blog some more. Hey this is why I created my own blog so that I could ramble.

Though my purpose is to ramble I am still not sure how much I want to reveal about myself to whomever finds there way to my blog. I am a little surprised that I have been found. I will assume that Pyper found me through a comment I posted on my sister's blog.
My tag is One Man's Blog. I am debating about making a change to This Old Man's Blog. I will readily admit to being 84 years old. I do that so I can convince myself that I feel pretty good for being such an old man. I remember asking my grandpa, who was 86 at the time, how he was feeling. He replied, "I'm feeling old." I then asked how long he had been feeling old. His response?..."6 months." How would it be to not feel old until the ripe old age of 85. I feel jealous at times for the fact that I couldn't wait until I was 85 before I felt old. I try to console myself with the fact that I had 3 heart attacks when I was 27. Does that give me the right to feel old before 85?
We almost made it one year without the convenience of an oven. Long story, but suffice to say that last November 30 our oven broken. Through a series of events and hundreds of dollars it is finally fixed. Jen bought frozen pizza to bake in it and I made some chocolate chip cookies and baked them. We have all put in our orders for what we want to be baked. If nothing else it will be something the kids can share with their kids, like we share the fact that we had to walk 5 miles to school uphill both ways in 3 feet of snow with no shoes.
I believe I have rambled enough, maybe I can sleep now.
Love you all,

Bartley

In Response to Pyper's Question

Pyper asked what is the significance of 35 pennies?
When I was playing army with the national guard I happen to be in the motor pool working on my truck. I had left my BDU (battle dress uniform) top in the break room hanging on the back of the chair. When I came to get my top there was a piece of tape with the name of 5 pennies placed over my name strip. Not very long ago I was talking with Dad and talking about personalized license plates and what we would have on them. I had told Dad about the above story and we thought we could use it somehow. I came up with 35 pennies because with seven of us in this branch of the Nicholes family and nickels, well you all can do the math. This could be a high possibility for a personalized license plate.
Sunday morning I pulled in the parking lot and realized that our bishop has a Dodge vehicle, I have a Dodge vehicle, and the second counselor has a Dodge vehicle. I told the bishop that it appears that it is required to have a Dodge vehicle to be in the bishopric, so I am selling mine. He told me that it get me released from that calling.
To be honest I really like my calling. I have learned much sitting next to Bishop Kitchen. It is different sitting on the other side of the desk to issue a calling. I interviewed Jen for a temple recommend, that was weird. I think it was even more weird for her.
I had better finish for know; I feel I could go all night.

My Own

I created this blog for me. I was rambling on the family blog and my wife wondered what I had been smoking. There were some other comments as well.
This is my blog to write as I please. LET THE RANDOMNESS BEGIN!!!!