July 2, 2011

I thought I had better catch up. Two main things that I have done over the past two weeks, besides the regular teaching, working and reading. We took Laura's kids, Maddy, Davis and Joe last Saturday to the Company Picnic and then on a little jaunt the loop of Horseshoe Bend to Idaho City, down to Sandy Point and home. We had a delightful time.

We had a good time at the picnic. We played miniature golf, the kids made airplanes. While making their airplanes Davis was interviewed and filmed with the new sight director Lila. I had never seen Lila and was surprised when she came over to Davis while he was making his airplane and started talking to him with a mike in her hand. Davis even responded.

Davis and Joe ran in the pony and sack races. They came in first and second in the pony races.

Climbed the Rock climbing wall, tossed balls through holes, slide down the tree house and showed their great flexibility doing the limbo.

We had a great time. The picnic was sure more fun when we could share it with grandchildren.

Then we set off for Horseshoe Blend. The Hills and mountains were beautiful! We stopped several times just to check out the lay of the land and even tried panning for gold.

Then even though is was not a very warm day we ended up at Sandy Point and had a picnic and the kids played in the sand.

Maddy even devised a great raft with her tube and air mattress. I thought it was quite inventive.

The kids were so well behaved which made the day even more enjoyable. I was so impressed with how Maddy is such a great big sister and really is a friend to her younger brothers. Davis is full of wonder and is so smart and loves to explore. Joe is so athletic and such a go getter. We enjoyed every minuet. Our goal this summer is to take time with each grandchild.

I have made a big decision. I have decided to retire on July 28th!! It amazes me how it all fell into place. Last Friday I was coming out Directv on Greentime about 8:30 and Marjie Cooper, a gal that had been on one of my previous teams yelled out to me as she was coming into work. We started talking and she mentioned that if you retire from Directv that their were some benefits on the health care. I was excited because that was one of the things that was stopping me from taking early retirement. I have been very concerned about just keeping my job with the down turn of the economy and the new QA requirements that seem almost impossible to get a good score. So I investigate the possibility about how much the early retirement would be paid out. I found out that it was only the difference of $200 between taking it now or at 66. I didn't think it was worth it. I have felt for a long time that I needed to stop working so that I could be a full time mom and grandmother and now the Lord has provided the way for me to do it. I am so excited. Yes, money will be tight, but if I can pick up a few more students and watch our pennies, we will be fine.