A brief update

My hopes have been flushed. Someone must have got there before me because the 1 fer $50 or 2 fer $100 deal on the Royal Thrones must have caught someone's fancy...either that or the Code Enforcement Officer drove down 7th street today.

THE TOILETS ARE GONE!!!!

The family reunion spot

Every year its a family reunion...but it's always a surprise to see who shows up. I'm talking about the cemetery tour of course. I'm a die-hard when it comes to cemetery visitin' & flowerin'. Well, maybe not a die-hard, but I can't remember a single Memorial day that I did not do it. And we now incorporate Mike's family too, so we add another day in the weekend. Fun family memories, the opportunity to share our heritage with our kids, and remembering those that came before. Good stuff.

I attribute my flower placin' passion to my ancestors...my parents of course, my grandparents and quite as well important my uncle Willard. Willard was my grandfather's brother. When I knew him he lived alone in a house next door to my grandparents. He had the most wonderful, enchanted play place under HUGE pine trees complete with stumps for walking on and playing anything your imagination could cook up. He had a tiny little kitchen that always held some sort of sweet and a beautiful piano in his parlor. He was the only one I knew that had a parlor. He loved to hear it played--loved to listen to hymns. But word to the wise, don't play Sweet Hour of Prayer at twice the speed just so you can show him how fast you can tickle the ivories. He was a simple man, a poet, a sailor, a lover of all things artistic. I'm sure there are many things I don't know about him, but I love what I do. One of those things, is he was the keeper of the cemetery. He carefully cleaned each headstone and arranged the flowers perfectly around with the help of my Grandmother and her incredible garden. He also made it known that you were not to step, climb or sit on those stones. That stance is debated in my family now and maybe I just have too much of the youngest child-want to please everyone syndrome, but I have it deeply ingrained in my soul and teach my kids the same because of Willard.

Ahh, but I digress.

The exciting thing about visiting the cemetery is that you know it will soon become a family reunion. Who will show up? Well that's anyone's guess, but you can bet on a few old and a few new--but all related faces.

So for this year's Guess who popped up at the cemetery list we have:

*Cousin Terry, who is related to the White's who are next to my family who are descendants of Robert & Annie one of the founding family's of Smithfield.

*Grace Afleck, okay she didn't pop up, she died in the 1800s but we found her grave. She was the second wife of John Thornley after his first wife Hellen died., the oldest member of our family buried here...born 1801. My sister-in-law happened upon a descendant of hers while on a business trip with my brother in Wine country California.

*Ray & Joy (You met them in a previous post)...well we do get to see them just about every year, but it is always fun to catch up.

*My uncle Virgil (My Mom's brother) and his daughter my cousin. This is about the only time we see Virgil anymore, as my Mom's older brother he knows a lot of the family history on that side of the family that we just don't know.

Part of the ritual is to repeat old stories and come learn new.

This year we learned all about my Grandpa Anderson. He was a member of the Utah National Guard and served in the First World War in the 145th Field Artillery Regiment Battalion A. He trained at Camp Kearney and served in France. I found this little tidbit on the Internet about it. (Paragraph 10). We also learned more about the orchard he owned on the land I now live and about his career as a shoe salesman. I never knew my grandfather, he died just a few months before I was born. I love hearing the stories.

So why is it so important to visit some green grass with rocks poking up? That's a good question. Couldn't we honor our departed relatives over a root beer and a barbecue? All in good time of course, I'm definitely not opposed to grilling up a hamburger. But there is something, real and almost tangible about hearing those stories in that hallowed place. About hearing about Robert and Annie, how in 1859 as they traveled to Smithfield they struggled because one of their oxen couldn't make it through the sandy soil and Robert had to hitch himself up...in the place they called Sand Ridge...the place they now call Roy. The thoughts of mothers & fathers and wives & husbands, sisters & brothers losing family members in 1919. The flu hit hard in our family. The memorial to Moselle 1902-1902. The heartache that must have been felt. Wondering how Grandpa felt when his cousin only 2 years younger than him died. Finding out that John outlived both of his wives...and they are both buried in the 'old' part of the cemetery. He must have lived by himself for many years. Wondering about one of the other founders of Smithfield. Seth and Sarah Langton. Noticing that there are never any flowers at their memorials. Wondering if their family has just moved away or if the family name simply died out. On Mike's side remembering how his several great grandpa John Walker survived Haun's Mill and his son William walked to Utah as part of the Mormon Battalion. Learning that your Mom's mom used to ride the Union Pacific to California to visit her fiance that was scheduled to ship out to France in the 'Great War', then marrying just days before he deployed. Yes, hearing the stories does the spirit good. We find out that we have incredible strength behind us that has weathered many a terrible storm. Somehow that makes it easier to forge ahead into the blustery unknown ahead.

Like Father....Like Son...

Like Father...

Like Son...

Coming soon, the results of all their hard work. (Just don't hold your breath as we are prone to drag projects out much longer than needed.)

The Perfect Combination...

Railroad tracks...Magic Tricks...Bubbles...Petting Zoo...Animals that still want to be combed even though they are nearly threadbare...New Backpack...Iconic Heroes...
Everything perfect for the 5 and under crowd...
Leaning out the window as the wind whistles by...

Must mean we had a Day out with Thomas.

(p.s. it's ok if you don't know Thomas...that probably just means you don't have a boy between the ages of 3 and 5.)

5 W's Rant

At the risk of sounding elitist, WHO on earth, leaves a used toilet on the front lawn with an attached for sale sign? Better yet, WHO buys it?


WHAT in the heck is Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi thinking? And WHO does she think she's fooling?


WHEN will I be able to clean a room without the fear of equal damage being done to a different room?


WHERE is my sanity?


WHY, when there are at least 4 different ways to drive my kids to school does EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM include construction and WHY do I ALWAYS pick the route with the most delays?

My take on Governor Huntsman.

It was annouced Saturday that Utah's Governor Jon M Hunstman Jr. has been nominated by President Barack Obama for the position of Ambassador to China for the United States of America. See link here for more information.

Here is my take on the latest in Utah Politics.

1) It is a bit irritating when you vote for someone only to have them bail on the job 5 months later.

BUT...
2) I think he is VERY qualified for the Job of Ambassador to China.

3) When he ran for Governor I was NOT a fan of Gov. H. As a County Delegate to the Republican convention, my first impression of the man was 'plastic', 'entitlement', 'kingish'. I was very upset that he refused to come to Ogden to debate Nolan Karras (and others) during the primary. HOWEVER, I have found him to be a REALLY GOOD Governor. This is a man who just days (maybe hours into his term) had to deal with a natural flooding disaster near St. George. Has had to deal with a legislature that slants FAR right of his moderate views, and has fortified Utah for the hard times.

Some things I have liked about him:

*He has fortified education spending like no other governor in (Utah) history.

*He lowered the corporate sales tax significantly to be more in line with surrounding states. The consequence has been HUGE growth in businesses in Utah. Some I can think of off hand are Amer Sports, Hershey, Proctor & Gamble. All of have opened either corporate headquarters, manufacturing plants or distribution points in the last few years.

*He has taken on tough issues like the environment. I know he has done some crazy (stupid?) things there too, like the whole cap and trade agreement. Please someone explain in terms I can understand why that makes sense because I can't grasp it. BUT, on the other hand FAR too many republican members act like the environment is a democrat issue and they are not to be bothered with it. Well guess what the environment is a people issue. It is what we breathe, what we see, and what we are. We MUST pay attention to it so our kids are not strapped with health care costs like asthma and so we can continue to entice businesses to come here. I drove through California a couple of years ago and saw first hand the pollution around L.A., Utah because of its mountain setting is headed for that ugliness if we are not careful. We definitely need to preserve and keep clean our environment.

*Gov. Huntsman has taken on the Nuclear Waste lobby head on. He even once said he'd chain himself to the trucks /tracks if they tried to bring spent nuclear fuel rods into the state. He has stayed firm and unmovable on that important point.

*He has been proactive throughout the downturn in the economy. Calling special legislative sessions to stay on top of budget concerns rather than making drastic cuts because he waited too long.

*He has been fearless in implementing his ideas. Going to a 4 day work week was not too popular, and he did it just before an election. That takes courage.

*He pulled out the stops to get Real Salt Lake a major League Soccer Stadium built in Utah. There was a HUGE uproar about that, but I think he did exactly the right thing. The tax funds contributed to the stadium came directly from a tax set aside for tourism. It did not come of school funding or health care or anything else it was from a tax that could ONLY be used for supporting tourism. I think this is a wise use of the money as the stadium in only a short while is repaying the benefits by booking concerts, and international soccer matches. When they hosted Real Madrid and they didn't even have their stadium they had people from all over the world flying in to see the game. Controversial? Yes, but he stood firm.

In short I DID change my view of him and I think he has been an excellent governor. Does that mean I agree 100% with everything he has done? NO, but if I did don't you think there would be a problem with one or the other of us? Disagreement is central to a working society, its how we work out the differences that matter.

4) That said, I would have liked to see him stay on the job and work on some other pressing issues like health care and immigration.

5)Like I said before he is VERY qualified to be the Ambassador and that job will be of GREAT importance in a time that our economy is so closely connected to the world's largest population. It makes me feel better to have a person that appears to have high morals, high standards and a great work ethic tackling the issues.

6) For the future--I think if like speculation suggests that he might run for president someday, I think the move could only help him.

7) I'm not sure about Gary Herbert. There are a few things that bother me, but I had doubts about Gov. Huntsman too so I'll let things play out before I pass judgement.

I resemble this today...

I'm still picking gnats out of my teeth and eyebrows. BUT, I made it 16 miles on the Legacy Parkway trail today (It's a very nice trail and I saw and heard some cool birds), 13 miles last week, next week I'm going for 20 and the week after 26. So...on race day I'll just have to add 11 miles more. No problem right? The numbers sound daunting so I'm coming up with a new plan.

I tend to ride until I can't then take a break. I'm thinking though that if I took scheduled stops say like every 5 miles whether I need it or not I should be able to last the distance. Which by the way is now 37 miles instead of 35. What's up with tacking 2 more miles on the end?? Maybe I'll just add them to the beginning. :D

So Peggy, if you are reading this, what do you think?

21 Days and counting. If I was smart enough I'd add a counter on the side...but as of yet I can't figure it out. Anyone have ideas?

Classic Family Stories--D.C. Style

My friend Brenda challenged her readers to share the 'Classic Stories' of their families. So here's my first installment. It just so happens to correspond with a picture that Sharon included in my photo book. Now whatever you do...DON'T LAUGH... or you won't be my friend anymore.

OK...just kidding...you can laugh...and actually if you don't laugh...don't bother being my friend anymore. This picture is hilarious!

Starting left to right. My uncle Ray (Sharon's Dad). I love Ray because he has the best sense of humor. All his children (my cousins) have inherited it so seeing so many of us together means that we WERE laughing most of the time. He's a laid back kind of guy, go with the flow be there when you need him. When we had Easter Egg hunts he would give great clues like "What goes up must come down unless its on a shelf" It's a classic.

Next is my cousin Janis. Janis is cool because she shares my birthday--which by the way we got to celebrate on this trip. :) I was at the end of the cousins and she at the beginning so we don't know each other really well, but I had a total blast with her when visiting Oregon for Sharon & Ken's wedding. We really had fun at the Rose Garden.

Next in line is Joy. She is a joy...she is a hero of mine. She makes the best bread. And just makes me happy. She even laughed at the weird thoughts that Mike used to leave on her refrigerator. Notice she is standing sideways? It is a running joke that EVERY time we took a photograph she would be standing on an angle. It was hilarious. She is a fast walker...Sharon also inherited that trait from her mother. On the way to D.C. we had a stopover in Chicago. It's a big airport and we didn't have a whole lot of time to get from one side to the other. Joy and Sharon took off, I tried to keep up but couldn't and the rest of the crew took a laid back follow Ray sort of meander. I nearly got lost in the crowd, but kept an eye forward for the advance party and an eye back for the laggers. Luckily we all made it in time...but let me tell you there was STRESS involved.

Next is Phyllis. Phyllis rocks...whenever I think of her I think of old sappy movies and the line "Just think, the same moon that is shining on me is shining on Pete's tomatoes." said in a deep sighy lovesick voice.

Next is Sharon...The two of us were often called the bobbsey twins because we were always together...but this trip we really were. We had terrible allergies and everywhere we went we fell asleep due to the Actifed we were on. I'm sure there are a few too many pictures of us floating around wherein we are shown in the backseat asleep (snoring?) with our heads bobbying a way. We even started using just a half a pill to combat the bob...but alas, no luck. I'll just say it was the drugs that made us look this way...nothing to do with the awkward teenage stage.

Next...oh MY who has that TERRIBLE HAIR! (No, Joan don't feel guilty!) Joan is my sister that reads my blog but never comments...maybe I can guilt her into making a comment because it was HER hairdresser that did that to me. *Laughing* Really Joan I'm just teasing you...it wasn't bad when it was short...unfortunately that only lasted about 1 week after the hair cut. (This pictures was obviously WELL out of the 1 week range.) Thank goodness I made it passed that stage!

The last is my brother Randal, an all around good egg. We spent most of our childhood torturing each other but we get along fine now. :)

I'm thinking the photographer must have been Paul, another cousin because I know he was there and he's not pictured. He is a stand up comic, but he also does comedy when he is sitting down. He's versatile that way.

It's only a part of my awesome cousin family (My Dad only has one brother so as cousins we were close). We were visiting D.C. for the wedding of Sharon's oldest brother David. We all wanted a nice picture of us in front of the White House, but because of traffic and the obvious varied interests of the subjects...this is what we got. Isn't it priceless?

If you look really close you might see ducks in the background..no? Well maybe not, but everywhere we went we found ducks that trip. So it became the running question.

"Ducks, What are you doing here?" What you are not laughing? I guess you had to be there.

The coolest gift ever!

Ding Dong....run, crash, bump, "I'll get it. No I'll get" (yelled by little voices).

Finally I get the door open and who was there? The FedEx guy with a box. Huh...I didn't order anything...must be for Mike. But wait, it has my name on it. Cool.

Rip off the tape...what's inside?

ONLY THE COOLEST GIFT EVER!

A photo book documenting the adventures of Sharon and me from our punch drinking days to present. (Aren't we cute---and stylish?)

THANK YOU SHARON! I absolutely love it. I don't think Mike had seen a picture of me with such bad hair...it may have aroused second thoughts on his choice of a wife. (LAUGHING) (Also how come you never looked so homely as I???)

If I can convince Sharon to send me a few pictures via email maybe I'll share them...I just don't want to bend my awesomely cool gift scanning them. I will truly treasure this forever. :)

Laughter

This post is for a photography contest at I ♥ Faces. This week's theme is laughter.

You can join the fun too by going here:

This one's an oldy, but a goody. Hard to not smile at a swing induced belly laugh. :)

I love to see the temple...

The reason I love the temple...

Ruby Raptors 2 Orange Tigers 0

SOCCERFIELD, UT, USA---With just a few seconds left in the first half, Sierra drove down the field and hefted a powerful kick into the goal just inching past the keeper's hands. Both teams played hard and each goalie stopped several goals, but it was Sierra that blazed the path for the Raptors Victory on Saturday. She parried, dribbled and shot with the best of them. The second goal was made by her teammate as Sierra's shot was blocked, bounced off her leg and kicked in by 'A'.



Sierra's mother was thrilled to be in attendance as she recently thought she might be some kind of bad luck charm as her children always seem to shoot, score and perform better on the games she is absent.





After the game, it was agreed that this was Sierra's best effort to date. Her mother could be seen high fiving and yelling, 'Way to go!' The Raptors have one more game this season.

Potion Station Sensation

We set up a potion station...and it was a sensation. I can't claim credit for this fun idea. I just followed the lead of these cute girls over at Three Girl Pile-Up.

The set up included mixing bottles, water, vinegar, baking powder, baking soda, orange jello, lime jello, flower petals & sunflower seeds. (Next time I'm going to try cabbage water and get some cool syringes to work with.)

The kids had no idea what the powders and liquids were, so they were thrilled when colors started appearing. (Aren't all those red heads cute? We have a plethora in the neighborhood.)

And down right shocked when it started bubbling.

Potion making is serious stuff...

Definitely a do-over!

Dandelion King

This is the great Dandelion King. If you need Dandelion seeds spread far and wide he's your man.

He is also a GREAT nephew. Now, I have some really awesome nephews but he is the only great one. It helps that he's the son of my niece. :)

I love that you can see dandelion lint all around his face if you look close.

Stress Tests

As you know, the government has put the nations largest banks through rigorous testing recently designed to assess the viability of the institutions. I'm 'sure', like me, you are anxiously awaiting the results of the tests that are due out later this week. I'm not privy to what all the tests entail, but I'm pretty sure they must include "Asset Displacement" matrices, "Sudden Withdrawal" exercises and a myriad of other tests like walking the economic tightrope or crossing the glass laden money pit with bare feet.

In true likening things to ourselves fashion, it appears my children have adopted a similar quest as the feds in determining the suitableness of retaining me as their mother. Scores and interpretation of those scores are still forthcoming and will likely not be released to the public for some time. Do, look for leaks as is customary in all such important endeavors.

(Names have been changed to protect the innocent and by that I mean guilty. And yes I know any frequent readers will have no trouble picking out the culprits...I planned it that way.)

Test 1 Asset Displacement

Monday Morning 7:47 AM
Scheduled School Departure Time 8:00 AM

Me in conversation to SON: "Do you have all your materials for your project." (Said project has been in the works for sometime and Son and husband spent several hours on Saturday figuring out what needed to be done.)
SON: No.
ME: Well gather them up, it is about time to leave.
SON: I don't know where they are.
ME: I know you put them away, Dad told you to put them up so the little kids would not get them when you were done on Saturday.
SON: I don't know where they are.
ME: Well find them.
SON: (Looks, well, scans, well, skims the surface of two semi-likely spots.)
SON: I can't find them.
ME: Well you haven't even looked yet.
SON: Yes I did they aren't here.
ME: You know the reason we spent so much time on this Saturday was so you could be ready and organized today right?
SON: Yes.
ME: So why did you not put your stuff in a place you could find it?
SON: I don't know.
ME: (Evidence of serious cracks in the system.) WHY DO I TRY?????
SON: Can't you tell I'm trying?
ME: NO!

Test results: Subject did not fare well on the first test and so other tests may be necessary to verify the viability of motherliness.

Test 2 Sudden Withdrawals

Tuesday Morning 7:47 AM (Do you see a pattern?)
Scheduled School Departure Time 8:00 AM

DAUGHTER: Mom, I don't want to go to school today, I might die. (dramatic)
ME: (Thinking...she is very good at dramatics) Why? (Said in a I'm not so dramatic way)
DAUGHTER: I need a nurse costume.
ME: Wear your scrubs.
DAUGHTER: For Florence Nightingale.
ME: *PAUSE*
*MORE PAUSE*
*MORE PAUSE*
ME: How long have you known this?
DAUGHTER: A few days....
ME: Well it would be nice to know these things earlier than later.
DAUGHTER: Yeah, I know.

Test results: Instant withdrawal, not available on all deposits. 'Perhaps', we may be able to wrangle 'something' up for the Final Withdrawal date. Test results uncertain.

Test 3 Myriad of other Testing Methods.

Starting Monday 8:07 AM- Continuing on an as needed basis
(Test subject is still worked up over Test 1) (Testers move in for the kill)
Tests include: Little Son & Little Daughter in various relay style maneuvers including Unauthorized Toilet Plunging, Retrieving of previously put away light bulbs and creating broken glass obstacle course and last, but not least, the Cacophony of Little Voices simultaneously scheming wonderful (meaning destructive) adventures and teasing each other to the point of insanity.

Test results: Not good. Subject is facing likely derangement and mandatory therapy!

A night out with Sierra

My middle child.

Sierra

She is sweet, quiet (not shy), thoughtful, smart, wise, friendly, dependable and sometimes lost in the shuffle. It must be hard to be the middle child--not leading the pack, and not commanding the attention of the caboose.


Tonight, Sierra and I had the grand opportunity to go on a bike ride together. We talked, laughed and shared ideas. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Some things I RE-learned about Sierra.

• She is a leader. Not readily apparent at first glance because Sierra is quiet, but Sierra is a go to girl for her friends. She is generous with her advice, whether it be how to make friends or learning new things.
• She is an oak tree, not a willow. Meaning--even though her peers may blow one way or the other, she stands firm on her ideas and opinions.
• She is physically as well as mentally strong. She biked and talked nearly 4 miles with me tonight with not a touch of getting tired.
• She is thoughtful. We discussed some things that were on her mind and I was amazed at the thought processes she used to figure out the dilemmas.
• She is a great conversationalist. She thinks of the other person and makes interesting comments.

We do a lot of family activities together, but sometimes the one-on-one times are too far between. Thanks to Sierra I have a definite desire to make them much more frequent with each of my kids.

Jenny the Bubble Gum Queen

Savanna had her annual Dance Recital last night and along with her cute friends rocked the house. She tap danced to 'Jenny the Bubble Gum Queen' You can hear the song here. I hadn't been privy to what they were learning before the dress rehearsal and I soon learned WHY I had to cut out a big chunk of bubble gum out of Savanna's hair 2 weeks ago. Just as the first chorus started the girls pulled a huge string of bubble gum out of their mouth and twisted it around their fingers. It was hilarious.

This is the point where I must cry though. (insert tears) I went to take her picture before we left and sadly my battery was missing. It's a rechargable specialized battery and I don't have a back up. I had found my charger a few days before and thought it was weird to find it on the floor but stuck it back in my bag without another thought. So much to my distress...no photos from last night. I am hoping to beg, borrow or steal some from friends that came.



So here she is in her 'Isn't she lovely' ballet costume for her class pictures.



When we were done last night. Savanna was picking up her clothes and was struggling not to cry. Turns out she was sad that dance was over. Yep, it will be a long summer.

Take time to laugh...