Monday, April 26, 2010
My Plan Worked!
Last year I did something I'd thought of doing for quite sometime - that is I planted citrus trees and flowers in various large containers on the side yard so when we opened our living room shades we'd see something prettier than a fence. I wanted citrus for some fruit but also for the lovely blossom aroma they offer. And I also planted a jasmine. So - yesterday - with the living room window open - the breeze brought in a lovely, lovely fragrance. Perfect.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
SURPRISE!
Eric is staying for Spring and Summer terms at BYU. No plans to come home. We just saw him a couple weekends ago, he came home for a wedding, and Greg and Evan saw him a week ago. He is in the process of moving from one place to another but move out and move in dates do not line up. There are a few days where he has no place to call home in Provo. Remembering this, that he might have no place to sleep besides his car, I called him on Wednesday afternoon to find out what his plans are. I had to leave a message. He called me back. I wondered what he was doing. He said he was with a friend of ours from San Jose, Camille - who is also staying for Spring semester. Not to intrude on their fun I quickly said "Hello Camille" she said "Hello Kathy" and I asked about what his living arrangements would be for the few days in between moves. He told me he'd be staying with his cousin Blair. All sounded good. I said "Love you, good bye..." and that was that.
Around 6 pm, about 3 hours later, Eric came walking into our family room. Camille was with him. SURPRISE!
They'd been on the road when we talked. Camille and two of her roommates and another young man from San Jose were on their way to San Jose - in Camille's car. And, when Eric gets back on Monday, he will stay with his cousin Blair and the two of them will move into the new place on Tuesday.
I tell ya - surprises do not get better than that.
Around 6 pm, about 3 hours later, Eric came walking into our family room. Camille was with him. SURPRISE!
They'd been on the road when we talked. Camille and two of her roommates and another young man from San Jose were on their way to San Jose - in Camille's car. And, when Eric gets back on Monday, he will stay with his cousin Blair and the two of them will move into the new place on Tuesday.
I tell ya - surprises do not get better than that.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Something fun to do
Ever wonder what to do on a slow day during Spring break? We have the answer - Go to Home Depot. 
It helps to have an avid fan in tow.
We find that Home Depot is one of the best places to play the "What would you do if...?" game.
"What would you do if I climbed that ladder and started helping people and I ended up knowing all the people here including the guys out on the side walk - that you found out that I'd been working here along time and everyone is my best friend?"
"What would you do if I put my hand in that machine and turned it on?"
I'll let you guess which child said what. There was much much more and all that silly talk reminded me of an SNL skit. I told Evan and Claire about it. Later that evening we were out to dinner and Evan looked it up on Greg's Iphone. What he found was a script - oh my goodness - I thought Evan was going to bust a gut! The poor waitress. We were all laughing. Well, The Three Sillies were laughing. Greg did not know what we were laughing about.
Give it a look if you find such things funny - Willie and Frankie script It is so Evan, he could have written it.
It helps to have an avid fan in tow. We find that Home Depot is one of the best places to play the "What would you do if...?" game.
"What would you do if I climbed that ladder and started helping people and I ended up knowing all the people here including the guys out on the side walk - that you found out that I'd been working here along time and everyone is my best friend?"
"What would you do if I put my hand in that machine and turned it on?"
I'll let you guess which child said what. There was much much more and all that silly talk reminded me of an SNL skit. I told Evan and Claire about it. Later that evening we were out to dinner and Evan looked it up on Greg's Iphone. What he found was a script - oh my goodness - I thought Evan was going to bust a gut! The poor waitress. We were all laughing. Well, The Three Sillies were laughing. Greg did not know what we were laughing about.
Give it a look if you find such things funny - Willie and Frankie script It is so Evan, he could have written it.
Friday, April 9, 2010
To be an Eagle or not to be an Eagle?
Remember back in November when Evan organized this? Well - last night he finally had his board of review. Evan felt like he was getting ready to go before a firing squad. He'd heard some stories about how tough some of the people on the board can be. He was sure they'd ask him questions he wouldn't be able to answer. He was really very, very nervous.
Our family had a busy night last night, I had a stake meeting to attend at 7, Greg had a baptism to conduct at 7, Claire had dance at 7 and Evan had his board of review at 7. Greg left around 5:30 (had to fill the font), Claire left at 6:30. I left at 6:45 with the admonishment to Evan "Don't be late!" My meeting ended around 8:30. I don't know what time the baptism ended and Claire doesn't get home from dance until 9:30ish. I called Evan on my way home - but there was no answer. I called his cell - no answer. I called Greg to see if he'd heard anything from Evan - no answer. I got home - no one was home. I started to worry about Evan. At 9:05 Evan walked in the door.
Me: (from the family room getting up to greet Evan) "How did it go???!!!"
Evan: (in a weary but happy voice) "I passed!"
Me: "YAAAAAAY!"
Evan: (feeling special) "And we had a little party afterward...Sister Ellington made cookies..."
Was there any question that he'd pass? Well - not really - at least not in his parents' opinion. But when he was so nervous, and HE was afraid he wouldn't pass. You just hope it ends up being a good experience and not something that's going to set him back in confidence.
The board of review had lasted nearly 2 hours! I don't remember his brothers' being so long. He said he was so nervous he doesn't remember all the questions they asked him nor what his answers were. He wasn't "before" the board the entire time though. They reviewed his paperwork first - then they asked him questions - then they talked amongst themselves without Evan there - and then they had him back in to tell him their decision. The decision was that he'd passed but there was something missing from his Eagle Project write up - they issued him homework to get that done. And then they had the little party which means they ate the cookies.
So, while trying to recount the review to me, (I was so anxious myself to find out what his experience was like), he did the homework. He finished it and sent if off to one of the board members last night. This morning she replied with a thank you, and said everything is complete now - she's submitting the paper work today.
GO EAGLE EVAN!
Oh yeah - as soon as he got home he said "You should take my picture." So I did.
By the way - there was one question that stumped him - Sister Williams, the District Advancement Chairperson, asked, "What is the Scout Slogan?"
I had never heard of it! Have you? We know what it is now of course. And as soon as you know what it is you'll go "ooooh - OK..." it's
"Do a good turn daily."
And - he was asked what good turn he'd done that day. Like the good scout he is he had done something nice - helped someone in his chemistry class with a problem. He wished she'd asked what he'd done the day before because he'd helped clean up Br. Parker's yard on Wednesday evening. Br. Parker used to do what Sis. Williams does now and she commented that she was missing his help. A reminder of who our dear Br. Parker is here.
Our family had a busy night last night, I had a stake meeting to attend at 7, Greg had a baptism to conduct at 7, Claire had dance at 7 and Evan had his board of review at 7. Greg left around 5:30 (had to fill the font), Claire left at 6:30. I left at 6:45 with the admonishment to Evan "Don't be late!" My meeting ended around 8:30. I don't know what time the baptism ended and Claire doesn't get home from dance until 9:30ish. I called Evan on my way home - but there was no answer. I called his cell - no answer. I called Greg to see if he'd heard anything from Evan - no answer. I got home - no one was home. I started to worry about Evan. At 9:05 Evan walked in the door.
Me: (from the family room getting up to greet Evan) "How did it go???!!!"
Evan: (in a weary but happy voice) "I passed!"
Me: "YAAAAAAY!"
Evan: (feeling special) "And we had a little party afterward...Sister Ellington made cookies..."
Was there any question that he'd pass? Well - not really - at least not in his parents' opinion. But when he was so nervous, and HE was afraid he wouldn't pass. You just hope it ends up being a good experience and not something that's going to set him back in confidence.
The board of review had lasted nearly 2 hours! I don't remember his brothers' being so long. He said he was so nervous he doesn't remember all the questions they asked him nor what his answers were. He wasn't "before" the board the entire time though. They reviewed his paperwork first - then they asked him questions - then they talked amongst themselves without Evan there - and then they had him back in to tell him their decision. The decision was that he'd passed but there was something missing from his Eagle Project write up - they issued him homework to get that done. And then they had the little party which means they ate the cookies.
So, while trying to recount the review to me, (I was so anxious myself to find out what his experience was like), he did the homework. He finished it and sent if off to one of the board members last night. This morning she replied with a thank you, and said everything is complete now - she's submitting the paper work today.
GO EAGLE EVAN!
Oh yeah - as soon as he got home he said "You should take my picture." So I did.
By the way - there was one question that stumped him - Sister Williams, the District Advancement Chairperson, asked, "What is the Scout Slogan?"
I had never heard of it! Have you? We know what it is now of course. And as soon as you know what it is you'll go "ooooh - OK..." it's
"Do a good turn daily."
And - he was asked what good turn he'd done that day. Like the good scout he is he had done something nice - helped someone in his chemistry class with a problem. He wished she'd asked what he'd done the day before because he'd helped clean up Br. Parker's yard on Wednesday evening. Br. Parker used to do what Sis. Williams does now and she commented that she was missing his help. A reminder of who our dear Br. Parker is here.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Food Nanny
Have you seen this show? It's on BYU TV. I've seen one episode and it totally cracked me up but it is great. Here's a website. http://thefoodnanny.org/
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What would you do if...?
Do you play the "What would you do if...?" game at your house?
I guess it's not really a game - but it is something we hear a lot here. Evan has been asking these questions since he was a little boy. It's the worrier in him coming out. One of the most memorable questions when he was little - he and I were riding a ski lift up snowy slopes and he asked "What would you do if I fell off...?" he was serious, he needed an answer. I told him he'd probably be OK since it really wasn't very high and the snow would cushion him and as soon as I could I would alert ski patrol what had happened and we'd go get him and pick him up. I answered in the most calm of voices. Questions like that continued for years and years. Now they have just turned absurd and usually with some gruesome detail. My answers are usually something like "I'd start screaming?" or "We'd take you to a psychologist."
So - here are some of the questions of late (Claire likes to get in on the act as well, and I guess I do it too now)
What would you do if...
Claire while at the airport - "...you saw two dogs and a cat running across the tarmac?" (we'd just seen Homeward Bound a few days before)
Claire - "...I sang a solo in church and did horrible? Would I get the special plate?"
Evan - "...I cut my finger and started chewing on it and I *liked* it?" (that has been a running theme - appendages coming off, Evan eating them and liking it)
Evan - "...I had built a stargate and kept it under my bed and while you were watching Stargate I popped out of the stargate on screen?"
The other day, Evan and I went to Office Depot and the car we pulled up to had two flat tires on the right side of the car. Big Bummer! Evan saw that and said "Do you think someone slashed their tires?" We didn't know, we didn't inspect. But there was a note on the windshield. Evan wanted to look at it. I said we should not touch the car. So we went on our way.
Evan - "What would you do if the note was a chain letter saying you have to slash two tires of a car or you'll die? Pass the note along."
Now he's saying "What would you do if I had Alzheimer's?" and he has asked me 4 times.
Yah - the fun never stops!
I guess it's not really a game - but it is something we hear a lot here. Evan has been asking these questions since he was a little boy. It's the worrier in him coming out. One of the most memorable questions when he was little - he and I were riding a ski lift up snowy slopes and he asked "What would you do if I fell off...?" he was serious, he needed an answer. I told him he'd probably be OK since it really wasn't very high and the snow would cushion him and as soon as I could I would alert ski patrol what had happened and we'd go get him and pick him up. I answered in the most calm of voices. Questions like that continued for years and years. Now they have just turned absurd and usually with some gruesome detail. My answers are usually something like "I'd start screaming?" or "We'd take you to a psychologist."
So - here are some of the questions of late (Claire likes to get in on the act as well, and I guess I do it too now)
What would you do if...
Claire while at the airport - "...you saw two dogs and a cat running across the tarmac?" (we'd just seen Homeward Bound a few days before)
Claire - "...I sang a solo in church and did horrible? Would I get the special plate?"
Evan - "...I cut my finger and started chewing on it and I *liked* it?" (that has been a running theme - appendages coming off, Evan eating them and liking it)
Evan - "...I had built a stargate and kept it under my bed and while you were watching Stargate I popped out of the stargate on screen?"
The other day, Evan and I went to Office Depot and the car we pulled up to had two flat tires on the right side of the car. Big Bummer! Evan saw that and said "Do you think someone slashed their tires?" We didn't know, we didn't inspect. But there was a note on the windshield. Evan wanted to look at it. I said we should not touch the car. So we went on our way.
Evan - "What would you do if the note was a chain letter saying you have to slash two tires of a car or you'll die? Pass the note along."
Now he's saying "What would you do if I had Alzheimer's?" and he has asked me 4 times.
Yah - the fun never stops!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Easter Egg?
Look what we found in our backyard!
Whoever left it didn't do a very good job of hiding it.
Isn't that weird?
Whoever left it didn't do a very good job of hiding it.
Isn't that weird?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Annual Snomobile Trip
Every year around this time, for the past 6 years or so, Greg and his brothers have gone snowmobiling around Island Park, Idaho. It's a guys trip - only guys old enough to drive go. Extended family and friends go as well. This year it was Greg's brother Grant (they stay at the brothers' cabin in Island Park) Greg's dad Wally, nephews Blair and Dane, cousin Scott Howlett and friend from Middletown, Duane. Eric picked Greg and Evan and Duane up at the Salt Lake airport on Friday afternoon. Evan missed little school for this, he had a half day on Friday - nice. They made it to Island Park in the late evening. They snowmobiled on Saturday. Went to church in Island Park then part of the group left to head down to Tremonton. Greg, Eric and Evan stayed Sunday night in Tremonton and then left early, early in the morning to get Evan and Greg on a first flight out back to CA. Evan missed a tad of his first period class Monday morning.
Did they have fun? Of course.
The group stopping for a rest.
Eric kickin' back.
hmmmm, is that Evan?
Yep, that's Evan!
Did they have fun? Of course.
The group stopping for a rest.
Eric kickin' back.
hmmmm, is that Evan?
Yep, that's Evan!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A little bit of news -
Claire finally had her first drive with the behind the wheel instructor. That was on Monday. For several days before she had been freaking out at random times saying "I have to drive in so and so many days!" On Sunday, on the way home from church she was in freak out mode and I told her we could call the teacher and tell him she's not ready. Claire didn't like that idea. She kept the appointment. The instructor picks the kids up from their various schools (usually three students each time) and off they go for three hours. Evan and I waited in the parking lot of the school just to make sure she made it off OK. I invited Evan to come and sit since he'd be able to say if she was waiting in the right place or not. He was a little peeved saying "You didn't have Ryan do this for me when I drove!" As it turned out there were some friends waiting it out with Claire. I assumed they were going to drive too but nope - as soon as the instructor showed up we could hear them wish her luck then left. It was nearly a half hour after school! Back at home - we waited the 3 hours for her to come home. I expected stories and laughing and maybe some tears. She got home - no tears but lots of excitement and laughing - "I drove on the road! I drove on the road!" over and over "It was so scary!" But she quickly asked if she could drive to one of the girl's homes we carpool with for dance. So - good sign. No driving on Tuesday, it was too wet (nice out for me). And yesterday she wanted to drive so we just went round and round the block practicing right hand turns. I wonder what she'll want to do today?
The next bit of news -
Evan is going to BYU Idaho! How cool is that? Checkout this video on besmart.com Click on BYU I then "video" and then "I came to BYU Idaho". besmart.com
Evan will probably study a lotta this or that.
How beautiful is this?
Is this place still there? Maybe Joslyn has helped maintain it.
Are they still the Vikings? How perfect is that? Time to bring out the Viking in everyone!
And how wonderful is this?
He's so relieved to have been accepted and is hoping for a Fall Winter track so he can get in as much school as he can before he leaves on HIS mission (Oh my goodness, my little boys....) in June of 2011. Yeah Julie, I can totally understand a cartoon bringing a person to tears!
Go Vikings! Go Evan!!!!
I think I'm going to start calling him Thor.
The next bit of news -
Evan is going to BYU Idaho! How cool is that? Checkout this video on besmart.com Click on BYU I then "video" and then "I came to BYU Idaho". besmart.com
Evan will probably study a lotta this or that.
How beautiful is this?
Is this place still there? Maybe Joslyn has helped maintain it.
Are they still the Vikings? How perfect is that? Time to bring out the Viking in everyone!
And how wonderful is this?
He's so relieved to have been accepted and is hoping for a Fall Winter track so he can get in as much school as he can before he leaves on HIS mission (Oh my goodness, my little boys....) in June of 2011. Yeah Julie, I can totally understand a cartoon bringing a person to tears!
Go Vikings! Go Evan!!!!
I think I'm going to start calling him Thor.
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