Which is your fancy? The premium stuff, like Henry Weinhard's, or your basic A&W? Our ward recently had a root beer tasting party where they blinded the flavors and asked everybody to pick their favorite. They had the gourmet micro brews as well as the less expensive mass marketed brands. A&W won the contest.

Root Beer was about the only soft drink I liked as a kid and I really like it as an adult. It's about as American as baseball and hot dogs. There was a root beer shop not far from our church where I grew up in Reseda, CA and after mutual, we'd beg our leaders to take us by for a brew after an activity. They served it in frozen mugs for a quarter and it went down cold and smooth.

When our older kids were in high school we had a french exchange student spend a summer with us. The poor kid had a hard time adjusting to the casual American palate. He developed a real fondness for hot dogs, but couldn't take root beer. He said it tasted like medicine.

Summer wouldn't be summer without an ice cold root beer now and then.

The Clark Family Memorial Day party was held in a stake center in Farmington due to inclement weather. The food was good, the company was great and the rain didn't dampen the fun one bit. A few sample pics:

This is very weird. I've been retired for seven weeks now and I've virtually stopped reading and writing (I have never done much arithmetic). My journal lies dormant, without a word written so far on early perspectives in retirement. You'd think my examinations on life would increase rather than drop with a thud. You can see The Book Thief still resting comfortably on my bookshelf. I haven't cracked its pages since the flight home from NYC in March. It's not that I've lost interest in the plight of little Liesel. In the past, when I would lose interest in a book I would simply stop reading it and start another on my list, but I have no desire to do that either. Has my literary life suffered a shock?

Much of my reading and journal writing was done 35,000 feet in the air while strapped to an airplane, or in lonely hotel rooms in evenings on the road in my working days. I don't fly every week now, and I'm busy most evenings with church work or umpiring and then catching an occasional tivo of Judge Judy with Cristie before we call it a night. I do read the newspaper each morning and I'm trying to keep up with my news magazines but even that has been a challenge of late. I'm thinking this is temporary and eventually I'll return to my world of books. Maybe I should join with the ladies in Cristie's book club!

Montana. Big Sky Country. Land of the Assiniboine, Blackfeet, the Sioux and Crow. Ed, Dave, Sam, and I joined my brother Tom and his son to fish the Madison and the Beaverhead rivers Thursday through Saturday. You never know what spring will throw at you in the Rockies and she tossed wind, snow, sleet and hail on us as we floated down the Madison Thursday and Friday and mixed in the occasional sun break. Despite the weather we had a blast and all caught fish. We saw bald eagles, golden eagles, sandhill cranes, whitetail deer, mule deer, geese, ducks, and a dead moose. The land was teeming with wildlife. I've always felt at home in Big Sky Country.

The "ump" is back in the game.

Cristie, Lizzie and I went to NYC, I retired April 1st and immediately took up pony league umpiring with my son Ed. The boys in the leagues we umpire range in ages from 12 to 18, so we see a wide variety of baseball. I'm new at this, but so far, so good.

I get asked a lot why I decided to be an umpire. I answer that I've always loved baseball and I like kids, so it seems to me to be a good match. I love everything about the game; the grass and dirt in the infield, fresh chalk lines on the field at the start of a game, the smell of the leather gloves, the perfect fit and feel of a cowhide baseball in my hand, the pop of a fastball into the catchers glove, all of it. Plus the uniform adds an air of credibility and it gives me license to order people around.

A couple of nights ago I was behind the plate for an upper division game between 16-18 year old teams. The pitchers threw hard, good stuff. About midway through the game a batter foul tipped a pitch just enough for the flying fastball to miss the catcher's glove. The ball whacked me on the only spot I was unprotected, my forearm. I wanted to jump up and down and cry and scream, but umpires don't do that kind of stuff, so I just called time out and toughed it out. I was getting some nice sympathy from the fans in the bleachers, so I let the time out drag on a little so I could milk the crowd. My arm is sore but I'm back behind the plate again tonight. Batter up!

We had Laurel's 26th birthday party here Saturday night. Cristie went to a lot of work to pull it off and we had Sam and Melissa and their kids; Ed and Val and the girls, and Cristie, Lizzie and I. Dave was in Vegas at the Mountain West basketball tournament and of course Joe is serving in AZ. We loved having Alison and Katie in town earlier this month, but they weren't here for the party.

It was a disappointment. Laurel wasn't in good shape which was heartbreaking, but we soldiered on and made a night out of it. We continue to take it a day at a time with that girl. We love her and pray for her and we know you do too. We much appreciate the family support.

One bright spot to the night was little Claire's predicament shown in the slide show to the right of this post. Claire is Ed and Val's oldest and she's historically had trouble with the banister posts in the loft which opens up to our family room below. Most of the grandkids have stuck their heads through the posts a time or two, but after a teary episode requiring a parents help to remove them, they don't do it anymore. Sadly, Claire (turning three in June) has been stuck more than a few times. Maybe she's so intent on what's happening below she can't keep her head from poking on through. At any rate, I got a few of her expressions on camera Saturday night before her dad saved her. We love our little Claire.

What's on your ipod? The music you listen to can say much about who you are, so out with it. Who are your favorites? After a quick check of my play list, I list the top five artists by the number of tunes in my "elite" file (the one I listen to when I walk or can't sleep). Now mind you, I have a ton of classical music which I DO listen to, but listing my classical favorites would be difficult. So, we'll go with my popular music favorites for now:

1. Bob Dylan (51)

2. Gordon Lightfoot (45)

3. John Prine (27)

4. Rolling Stones (21)

5. Bela Fleck and the Flectones (16)


No surprises here. Obviously, my "go to" genre is folk music and the Stones are in there with a nod to nostalgia. Bluegrass is also well represented in my play list, but after that my list descends quickly into onesies and twosies of favorite old and new selections. The blues, jazz, country, and oldies from the 60's are all represented in my list, but folk music predominates. I have no idea what this tells you about me, but there it is. Now what's on your list?

Our stake "Cultural Arts" evening was last Saturday night. Each ward was asked to do a musical number from a broadway play. It was a snowy evening, but the house was full. Our ward was the last to perform so we got to watch most of the other ward productions. I was impressed, both at the ward shows and at the music and singing in between the shows. We even had a live orchestra of stake members in the pit.

We did "Be My Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. We'd rehearsed quite a bit and our director had a connection to someone who had professional costumes, so it turned out quite good. I had fun playing the role of Cogsworth. Being on stage brought back many memories of plays of long ago. I like being in the dim lighting of the stage just before the curtain opens to a packed house. The anticipation of going before the lights, playing a character is a real rush for me (I wish I could say the same for rehearsals!)

A ward member videoed the show. You might recognize Paul Wortly as Lumere, Faye Kotter as Mrs. Potts, and Mindy Wagstaff as Belle. www.scottwaltman.org/h25/

This is what the bug that infected me last week looks like. It's a mean one, I tell you, and I didn't even have that bad a case. It mostly just drained my energy and enthusiasm and brought along body aches and the sniffles for good measure. The real rub is, I take great pains to protect myself by getting a flu shot every year. Cristie on the other hand NEVER gets a flu shot and NEVER gets the flu! Do I need to re-evaluate my affinity for the scientific/medical community I've relied on all these years?

Before we took off on a flight the other day, a lady with two little kids a couple of rows back starting reading aloud to them. It was some story about a princess, and the reason I know that is because she was reading loud enough for several passengers around her to hear (including me, even in my rapidly declining auditory sense). After a few minutes of that nonsense I couldn't resist looking back over my shoulder at her to register my displeasure. Couldn't she see I was trying to read to myself? How hard is it to read when somebody else is reading aloud? She did not return the eye contact however, but cheerily kept on reading. Her kids didn't seem the least bit interested.

I've spent a lot of years flying in passenger jets and I got to thinking that in all my experiences I don't remember ever overhearing somebody reading aloud to children. Eventually my annoyance gave way to approval.

My sweet grandmother Mimi used to read aloud to my brother and I in the little house on Keswick when she was the babysitter. I looked forward to those nighttime stories, probably partly due to a delay in lights out, but also because of the wonderful worlds and make believe characters she introduced us to.

My grandkids occasionally ask me to read stories to them. Sometimes I oblige and sometimes I don't. I can tell you I agree to do it far more than I was willing to read to my own kids at bedtime. But even when I agree to read to my grandchildren, it is sometimes done in a hurry. Stories should never be read in a hurry! I resolve to be a better reader to my grandkids whenever they ask and even sometimes when they don't.

Nephi (second from left). My hero. Always doing the right thing, yet he was mortal and subject to the weaknesses of the flesh ("O wretched man that I am!"). I'm loving studying his life again this year.

I've wondered this past week why Nephi was great. Was it his leadership ability? His physical strength? Intellect? Faith? All were contributors and parts of his character but I believe Nephi was great because he desired to please the Lord by obeying him. He had "great desires to know the mysteries of God", which was simply a desire to know Him.

Cristie learned in her religion class that because Lehi was a man of means, he could afford to have Nephi educated so he could write the spiritual history of his people. Thus, Nephi was well prepared by the Lord for the work he would be asked to perform. What is the Lord preparing you for? Often it's only when we look back through our experiences that we see how He has carefully tutored us for what lies ahead.

Why is it that each year when January rolls around, it's like I experience it for the first time? It seems that when other months return they're like greeting an old friend, with familiar sights, colors, smells, light, and the activities we associate with that season, but January arrives each year as a stranger to me.

And I like getting re-acquainted. It's a still, quiet month, a time to assess the year gone by and plan for the year ahead. It's a time to recover from the hectic holidays, to settle in at your hearth by a nice fire. For many, it's back to the grind after the holiday break, but even for them, the short days and long cold nights invite introspection. And the quiet beauty of a snowstorm (of which we've had an abundance so far this winter) is a marvel to behold.

January 2008 is almost half gone, so celebrate it with me until it arrives again in 2009 and we face it again for the first time.

"People disappear when they die. Their voice, their laughter, the warmth of their breath. Their flesh. Eventually their bones. All living memory of them ceases. This is both dreadful and natural. Yet for some there is an exception to this annihilation. For in the books they write they continue to exist. We can rediscover them. Their humor, their tone of voice, their moods. Through the written word they can anger you or make you happy. They can comfort you. They can perplex you. They can alter you. All this, even though they are dead. Like flies in amber, like corpses frozen in ice, that which according to the laws of nature should pass away is, by the miracle of ink on paper, preserved. It is a kind of magic."
---THE THIRTEENTH TALE...by Diane Setterfield

Upon reading these words last night I made a mental note as to which page to retrieve them and share. I have been thinking about plates of gold, the family tree painted on the upstairs hallway, Pres. Eyring's suggesting to make notes of daily tender mercies, and the general New Year's reconsideration of better journal keeping.

People don't altogether disappear...I can resemble my parents now and then. I am made aware of this fact when I make a comment, a certain expression, move a certain way and my husband or children assert that I am a "Clark," or in my mother's case..."Peterson." I am flattered at those times.

More than "ink on paper," the real magic is eternal life. Just the same I can see the value of keeping a record of one's life. I would love to know a little about the names that grace the upstairs wall of my home.

I learned early on that setting a table is so much more than just laying down knives and forks. It is creating a setting for food and conversation, setting a mood and an aura that lingers long after what was served and who said what was forgotten.
---Peri Wolfman

I so enjoyed sharing a simple meal with my family last night. We laughed, bantered, listened and lingered over empty dishes to savor the real flavor of friendship and love. My heart was satisfied and filled as well as my stomach. The perfect meal.

2008 dawns and the Iowa caucuses are tonight! I love the presidential campaign season . I'm a casual follower of politics, and the strategy, posturing, pandering, and the slip ups of the candidates (the Dean Scream four years ago was a highlight) all are far more entertaining for me than any TV show.

Last year I changed my political affiliation from Republican to Independent. I decided I couldn't sign on to the platforms of either party and in the last several elections I voted for candidates in both parties. Because I'm not a Republican or Democrat, here in Utah I won't be able to vote in the Republican primary. The democrats will let me, however, so I'll be casting a vote for one of the democratic candidates. Below is my take on the race so far:


Hillary
A few weeks ago she was all but the inevitable Democratic nominee. Some of her debates haven't gone so well and her comment on issuing drivers licenses to illegal immigrants caused some concern and as a result she's slipped in the polls. Plus, a high percentage of voters really don't like her at all (some even use the word "hate"), so how she would perform in a general election is in doubt.

She proved herself as an able campaigner and she won over enough skeptical voters in more conservative upper New York to win the the state race for the senate. She also demonstrated an ability and willingness to compromise during her short tenure in the senate and I think she's more centrist than people give her credit for.

Barak
Weak on experience with only one short term in the senate. His comments about how he would handle complicated foreign policy issues have been vague and simplistic. His stump speeches can be powerful, but have also on occasion sounded canned and worn out. He is a breath of fresh air and an interesting candidate. He can really draw the crowds and is a hit with younger, professional demo's. We'll find out tonight if that translates to a hight turnout.

Edwards
His tirades against corporate greed and the insurance and drug companies are designed to resonate with an angry public, but he's only addressing some of the many problems in the health care mess. Coorprations are easy targets but their employees and stockholders are also voters. His other policy positions seem reasonable and well thought out. He's proving to be a better campaigner than I expected, but he's a little too much a pretty boy for my tastes.

BOTTOM LINE: It will be interesting to see what happens tonight in Iowa and next week in New Hampshire in this too close to call race. I could live with any of them as our next president and am leaning toward Hillary.

Romney
Really, how can a Mormon run for the presidency? I'm amazed by the anti Mormon bias being thrown about on blogs and even on national TV programs. That stuff would never fly if directed toward Jews, Muslims, blacks, or even catholics, but because so few Americans say they know a Mormon, it's tolerated.

Mitt is honorable and ethical, but seems a bit testy in his interviews and he does the typical politician dodge when asked an uncomfortable question. He has outspent all the other republican candidates in Iowa combined and is dead even in the polls with Huckabee, but there is some indication that Huckabee's surge is petering out and Romney is gaining strength.

McCain
In 2000, McCain was my man, but since then, his unflagging support for the war in Iraq, his age and crankiness have hurt him in the polls. As the war recedes as the defining issue in voters minds, McCain has been gaining in the polls. He has hardly campaigned in Iowa but is showing strong late support there and is about even in New Hampshire with Romney.

I like his independence and his willingness to take an unpopular stance at odds with his own party. Sticking to your guns however, is a trait he shares with the current occupant of the White House and we know where that has gotten us.

Giuliani
They called him the republican front runner last summer but I expected him to free fall from that position as voters took a closer look. Yes, he reduced crime and restored efficiency as mayor of New York and yes, he was a steadier in the traumatic days following 9/11, but look a little closer and you'll see he was a confrontational bully who was derided by many who worked with him. His judgment of character is in question and his personal life will repel conservative republicans if it hasn't already. I don't expect him to be much of a factor in the race except in Florida and maybe California.

Huckabee
He's funny and a natural campaigner, plays a mean bass guitar, and has made a tremendous impact with very little money and not much of an organization. Evangelicals are more comfortable with a baptist preacher than they are with a flip flopping Mormon but as he has gained strength in the polls, the penetrating eye of the national media has revealed his quirky stance on several issues (abolishing the IRS?) which may make him less of an attractive candidate to mainstream voters. I think he's hit his high water mark.

Thompson
The press has labeled him as lazy and he's having a hard time shaking that image. He waited too long to get in the race and that hurt him. Besides, what does he really bring to the table other than his status as a celebrity? Are republicans that desperate for another Hollywood actor? He's through as a serious candidate.

BOTTOM LINE
It's all much ado about nothing. Unless all the demo's implode there is little chance for a republican to gain the White House in 2008.

Feeling a little nostalgic at the passing of 2007? For a whimsical look back not this year, but at the 50's, click on the link upper right. I can recall most all the things mentioned in the song. Burma Shave signs were usually in groups of six spaced along the road. I remember seeing them on trips to the family cabin in the Sierra Nevada mountains when I was a kid. They were edged out as highways became super highways and billboards crowded them out.

"If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life."
----Author Unknown

Today I will focus on this amazing journey and the sacred star that I have committed to follow. May God bless us as we struggle to birth the best that is within. xox

These fashion photos appeared in the JC Penny catalogue about the time Cristie and I got married. Thankfully I was out of style then as much as I am now!

Happy Birthday Valerie!

Latest barrier to getting any work done in my office.

I returned from Tucson today and as my flight descended toward the SLC airport and I beheld the fresh coat of snow in the valley and on the mountains, my heart jumped. Mind you, I've spent the last two days in 70 degree sunny weather at a resort where the saguaro cactus surround, waving and reaching to the sky. A place to where many rush to escape winter's deathly tentacles. But for me, winter in the rockies is peaceful and cozy. It's essence of quiet beauty restores me. I was happy to return.

In downtown Tucson last night I stopped at a drug store to get some toothpaste. After making my purchase I came out of the store, and while walking to my rental car a guy approached me and asked me for my spare change. I quickly raised my hand in the halt position and told him grumpily that I had no spare change. I was telling the truth. In this plastic age, I'm mostly cashless. But I'm sure I could've found a way to help him somehow, without even much inconvenience to me. He told me in a most pleasant manner to have a nice evening after which I guiltily sulked the rest of the way to my car. As I was pulling out I looked to where he had been standing and I couldn't see him. The thought occurred that maybe he was one of the Three Nephites or some other heavenly tester who beamed away to report I had failed miserably....again. I dismissed the silly thought at about the same time he rounded the corner back into my view.

Nevertheless, I had failed. I resolved to slow down this holiday season, to look into the faces of strangers and try to be more like The Master. Again.

A few more pictures of Thanksgiving....


It was fun!

What would my life be like without radio? I got my first one for my 5th or 6th birthday (mine was exactly like the picture, except yellow) and I went to sleep to Lucky Lager Dance Time on KMPC in Los Angeles every night. They closed out the show at 9PM with "Dream, when you're feelin blue; Dream and they might come true." I'm sure my preference even today in having a radio playing by my bed all night can be traced to my childhood days of nightly broadcasting comfort. I've never been a good sleeper.

We moved to the house on Roscoe Blvd when I was eight and shortly thereafter I noticed Dance Time being displaced by some kind of game announced by a golden voiced guy with a strange accent (New York). The guy was Vin Scully and the team was the Los Angeles Dodgers who had just moved to the West Coast from Brooklyn. I became a Dodger fan gradually and reluctantly, irritated at first that my evening program had been preempted by the unfamiliar. Amazingly, Vinny still calls Dodger home games.

In my high school days I still listened to the radio every night. Bland dance tunes had long since been replaced by the Beatles, Beach Boys, The Animals and of course, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. My brother Tom didn't mind so much going to sleep with the radio during this period. Occasionally we could find KSL on the dial, a Salt Lake City radio station and listen to one of the early all night talk show hosts, Herb Jepko. Tom would protest before he fell asleep when I tuned into Herb's Nitecap show, but I got a kick out listening to old folks calling in just to pass the lonely nighttime hours. I drew solace in knowing there were others not sleeping besides me.

Tom and I also occasionally listened to Wolfman Jack, who had his beginnings in Border Radio in the early 50's but by the time we listened to him he was probably broadcasting from Hollywood. When I hear tapes or imitations of the Wolfman, it immediately takes me back to those days. When Cristie and I were first married I think we saw the movie American Graffiti three times.

The Carter Family, country music pioneers, were also Border Radio regulars. See clips of them on You Tube for a real treat. They started out broadcasting at odd hours in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning from mega watt stations just across the Texas border with Mexico in the 1930's during the depression. It was before my time, but I have no doubt had I been alive I would've been a big fan.


With all that competes for our entertainment dollar, it's hard to think that radio was the only option for my grandparents as they were raising their families. I still remember watching my Grandpa Ed swinging at the air as he listened to Saturday night fights on his big console, a central piece of furniture in their living room. It was all they had then. I'd have a hard time living without it now.

Hi family! I just got home from Arizona and the highlight of my trip was definitely visiting the Mission Office and visiting with Joe's Mission President and his wife. Right when we got there Sister Bassett gave me a big hug and said Elder Carter was here just an hour ago. President and Sister Bassett were very complimentary of Joe, told me that he is quiet but get's the job done. We listened to a song that some of the elders sang in a fireside on Sunday sung to the melody of "Be still my soul" but called "I love the Lord". Afterwards Sister Bassett said Elder Carter sang in the group.

I loved being in the office and seeing Joe's picture up on the board with his companion. I am so thankful that he is serving. It was neat to be so close, yet so far :) Love you all.

Keep posting like this Jer- it makes it soo much easier for me to update my blog ;). (Thanks for letting me copy it). By the way I love the picture...now, where was I when all this was going on? I'm glad you stay on top of things!

Sam pulled Tater Tot's tooth last night. She was eager to have him do it! I don't think this girl feels much pain, or maybe she just ignores it when it comes. If so, she possesses a great life skill.

On Cristie's suggestion, we had a family prayer when Sam & Melissa and their kids were ready to leave. I asked Jack to offer it. He uttered a sweet, fervent prayer and was very serious about it. Last week at Johnny Nielsen's farewell, I watched young Ed, sitting in front of me singing the hymns without parental coaching (heck, he wasn't even sitting with his parents). I remember my grandmother being very interested in how the gospel was being accepted by her grandchildren. I see it in my mother, and now I too take great joy in watching my grandkids sing, speak, pray, and most of all accept the ordinances of the Priesthood.

November is the month we celebrate Veteran's Day, and it's the month of my Dad's birthday. My mother presented me with my Dad's masonic ring shortly after his death, and in his honor I wore it last November and have decided to wear it this year as well.

His service to our country all those years ago in WWII means more to me now than it did before, perhaps because he's gone, perhaps because I know better now how young 17 really is. I've watched several episodes of the Ken Burns series on The War on public television this fall. I have no way of knowing what kinds of battle experiences my Dad had because he didn't talk about it much. Even when we were little kids, infatuated with war and soldiers and guns, he didn't share much about his days in the Navy. My mother thinks it might have been because he was ashamed of much of what he did in the war.

Anyway, I'm proud my Dad served our great country in that awful war, and I wear his ring this month in his honor.

TRICK OR TREAT
Okay, I'm sure this layout is going to be messed up. someone help me figure this thing out!
It was lots of fun!

I hate that Doug and I are not in those pictures. What a great group! I thought about you all often and am glad you had a great time. I had a great weekend myself. A girl in the ward called me yesterday and invited me to go to an all day seminar called "Time out for Women". This is an event done by Deseret Book once a year and is kind of like a mini education week. Women come from all around. The speakers were awesome, Kenneth Cope was there to sing, and it ended with my favorite, Sheri Dew - she is awesome! It was so nice to be able to go and be inspired and lifted as well as make a new friend. I love you all and miss you SO much. I look forward to seeing Katie and Danny next week.

Sam dares Lizzie to eat sand.

It was too hot. It was too cold. There was too much downhill, and then too much uphill. It was too long, and many who went said one time was enough. Perhaps their perspective will change as time passes. The Subway is indeed one of the premier hikes in Utah. I loved being there, soaking in the incredible beauty and being assisted through some of the tougher obstacles. My favorite part of the hike is probably the first segment. It's downhill, not challenging, and I'm fresh, so I can better take in the beauty all around. Another favorite for me is the cascades (where we took the last pic). We've made it throught the narrows, we've frozen in the icy waters and the canyon has now opened up and we're in the warm sunshine. My least favorite? The hike out, of course.

I am missing my family tonight. Love you all.

wow, Melissa, you do check this blog regularly!

I added the slide show from my picassa (a free google photo app) web album. Very easy to do.

Wow, what great pictures!

How did you do that slide show thing? Very fancy!

CHRISTMAS 2007

Okay, okay, I know it's WAY early, but Katie mentioned drawing names while she was in town, so I thought I might as well.
I'm not good at the rotation thing, it seems that the same people are giving or getting repeatedly, so I went ahead and just drew names. Let me know if there are any repeats or any other changes that need to be made. Here goes;

SAM gives to VALERIE
MELISSA gives to LAUREL
ALISON gives to DANNY
DOUG gives to ED
KATIE gives to ELIZABETH
DANNY gives to JOE
ED gives to SAM
VALERIE gives to KATIE
LAUREL gives to DAVID
DAVID gives to MELISSA
JOE gives to DOUG
ELIZABETH gives to ALISON


That's it. I'll be sure to remind everyone around October or so... :)

We had such a fun visit in Salt Lake this past week. It sure went fast! As we were driving away Abby said, "That was the best week of my life." I enjoyed being a visitor and staying at home with the family. I was amazed at Mom's patience with all the noise and chaos at any given moment. I loved the late nights up visiting and the daily outings. Thanks Dad for the hikes, car rides, ice cream run and all the fun with the grandkids. Not only was it a break for the Mom's, but memories built these kids will always remember! I couldn't have gotten through that mouth surgery without all of your help - thanks for your hospitality! I love you all and will see you soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOUG!

Jerry, thanks for resurrecting the blog with those beautiful scenes of summer. As I was reading, I was listening to the song "Swallow" by the Wailin' Jennys...totally fit the picture you illustrated.

Speaking of music, Sam surprised me with an ipod last week, and my childhood dream of turning my life into one big musical is coming true. :)


I have loved, loved, loved having Ali and Katie in town with their kids. I love going to Grammy's to see a house chock full of family, every one helping each other out. Little babies, mommies, cousins and grandparents. Pure joy. That is what life is about.

My great-great-great grandmother writes in her journal of cramming into their tiny cabin, mother, father, sisters and their husbands, children, each morning to pray as a family. She and her sister married very tall men, and they had to open the front door so her husband could fit into their house (his legs lay outside while the rest of him was inside).

I love summer time.

Since Ali has started her new blog, I thought it might be nice to get this one going again, so let me be the first to post.

We're looking forward to having Ali and Katie and their kids join us here tomorrow. It will be nice to get the kids together and I'm thinking the noise and activity around here will not only be tolerable but soothing in a strange sort of way.

A couple of current entries from my notebook might catch you up on my summer:

"I drove home through my neighborhood from coaching a softball game. It had been a hot day, over 100 degrees here in the valley. I saw a little girl slowly padding her scooter along a quiet side road. I saw a mother pushing her child in a front yard swing hanging from a tree. Neighbors enjoying the summer evening simply and unmolested. I was grateful for a peaceful summer."

And from yesterday...."I spotted a hawk on my walk today, cruising the updrafts above a sunbaked ridge. I've noticed a rabbit recently, running from bush to bush and perhaps the hawk has too. He glided well above me, free and perfect, unconcerned with the cars rushing on the freeway well within sight. Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

melissa, thank you so much for bringing us up to speed as to ada's surgery and prognosis. it's been fun to watch her fly around with that little cast. nothing slows her down for long.

it's hard to believe that those twins are already six years old and Eli just had his six year old birthday yesterday. these little ones are growing up much too speedy for my liking.

my love to all of my dear hearts. xox

Ada's surgery Wed. went even better than I expected - as far as convenience goes ;) I was expecting to be there 2 days. We were able to go home the same day.

Here's the deal; she has hemiplegic cerebral palsy (which you already know) that affects her right side.

She walks on her right toes, and so the top half of her calf muscle is REALLY tight (so is here Achilles heel) making it impossible for her to go all the way flat on her foot without hyper extending her knee.

The surgery was basically a calf extension (I don't know ho they did it), but now her foot goes all the way to the ground. She will be in a cast for 4 weeks and then a splint after that for a little while, until we can get her weak muscles strengthened (with therapy). This will all hopefully improve her gait permanently, so that she can walk and run 'normally". This is important because she trips a lot and it affected her posture, (we've been worried about her developing scoliosis).

She was a fun little patient. Not ever nervous, always cheerful, and has hardly complained at all. The only time she started complaining was when her room mate (who had a much more severe procedure done) began crying and writhing in pain. Many people came to her aid with lotion, ice packs, back rubs and wheel chair rides. Ada observed all this very carefully and then, coincidentally, she suddenly and dramatically began undergoing more than she could bear. The theatrics were very convincing to the nurse. Soon Ada was gaily enjoying her own wheelchair ride and her pain control was promoted from just regular Motrin to the Lortab.

She's already walking around in her cast...so it looks like things are going well for her. I'm really excited and I hope this helps her out a lot.

Anyway, that's the update. Her cast is bright green with purple hearts on it. She loves it, and has been getting so much attention. It's kind of stealing the thunder from Jack and Ada's birthday today (she's getting loads of attention and get well gifts), which is noticeably bothering Jack.

....all that twirling for the camera reminds me of her Aunt Kate!

Ada at the Gait Analysis Lab, Shriner's Hospital 4/23/07.

She was an adorable little patient. They video taped her walking, running and doing all sorts of tricks. The only thing that made it difficult for the therapist was that Ada kept looking at herself in the monitor (she loved seeing herself on TV). She would smile, twirl and spin...finally they had to turn off the monitor for a minute so that they could get her to walk across the room away from the TV. (They turned it back on though and let her spin to her hearts content). They hooked her up with all sorts of high-tech gear. They could see which muscles were firing, when and for how long. Then they stuck all those balls on her and created a computer animation of her gait. It was all pretty amazing. They will do this again a year after her surgery.

Is that a Red Bull she's downing? Ah, she's her daddy's girl...

Cute picture. She is so much fun.

2006

CHRISTMAS LIST

Sam gives to Katie

Melissa gives to Joe

Alison gives to Sam

Doug gives to Laurel

Katie gives to Melissa

Danny gives to Doug

Ed gives to Danny

Valerie gives to David

Laurel gives to Elizabeth

David gives to Valerie

Joe gives to Alison

Elizabeth gives to Ed

I know it's plenty early... Just let me know if there are any repeats, or if you've been going back and forth with the same two people. I can switch things up a bit if needed.

M

adorable!

The first day of school was so full of promise...or was it dread? :-) xox

First day of school for the kids. Jack can't wait.

awwww, not only have you been a wonderful son, but an outstanding brother with a great sense of humor.
I do love you. me xox

It's all true...every word of it.

Ha! That girl is so much fun. Great picture!

whaddya mean nobody reads this blog, Ed? How'd you get on here anyway?

That Claire is adorable! Fun to see such a happy sweet face. xox

Christmas List:
Sam gives to Ed
Melissa gives to Katie
Alison gives to Joe
Doug gives to Sam
Katie gives to Laurel
Danny gives to Melissa
Ed gives to Doug
Valerie gives to Danny
Laurel gives to David
David gives to Elizabeth
Joe gives to Valerie
Elizabeth gives to Alison

Happy Birthday dear Edward....Happy Birthday to You!

Took this shot today on my walk along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I have enjoyed observing plant and animal life in all of the four seasons now along my walk, and fall is the most glorious. Along with it's brilliance, fall often brings to me a touch of sadness, but this year I've felt only a deep appreciation for it's beauty and for the natural cycle of life.

Two weeks ago I saw a tarantula cross the path not far from where I took this pic. I stopped and watched him deliberately make his way and then became concerned as he was heading for the road. I grabbed a stick and placed it in front of him, he climbed on it and I placed him on the other side of the path facing in another direction. He promptly whirled around and headed back the same way he had been before I intervened. I guessed I was interfering with his errand, so I left and looked for him on my return trip, but he had gone where he planned to go.

Knowing the Truth and Sacrificing for the Lord
---------------------------------------------------
"Our ancestors, along with many other faithful Saints, sacrificed
everything because of their testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. They
knew that the gospel had been restored to the earth once more and that they
were led by a prophet of God. They knew that the Book of Mormon was true
and understood its message and witness. They knew that through the
restoration of priesthood keys, families could be sealed together for
eternity through holy priesthood ordinances available only in a temple.
They knew that temple work was the key to the salvation and exaltation of
the human family. They knew the importance of this work, and they were
willing to give all that they had in order to provide a house acceptable to
the Lord wherein this holy work could be performed. They sacrificed
everything so that past and future generations would have access to the
eternal blessings of the temple."

( Sister Elaine S. Dalton, "We Did This for You," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 89) Knowing the Truth and Sacrificing for the Lord
---------------------------------------------------

This past week I have been making a family tree on a wall in our home. My children's names are the trunk of this tree and then it branches out with their parents names, grand-parent's names etc. Under this tree I plan to have flowers popping up with the name of each grandchild. While writing many many names I have had to think...just how long has it been since someone has said your name out loud. And because you lived; so do I and those children I love so dearly. A whole lifetime has been reduced to a single name written in pencil on my wall. Who are you Mary Ann Price, Esther Stone or Charlotte Lousia Durham? You are more than just a name for me because the gospel has provided a way for us to be a forever family. You are a few of my great-great-great-great-great grandmothers and I thank you for your faithfulness, sacrifice, and courage.

Someday I too may be on the furthest branches of someone's family tree. A name and nothing more...but so much more than five generations from now will ever know about. That is until we meet again. Happy day and let's not only turn our hearts to our father's, but let's make a journal entry as well.

Warmest blessings, mom xox

Happy Birthday to Alison and Carter!

Ed, that sounds like sour grapes....you know Aesop's fable about the fox? In any case your post gives me the giggles.

Christmas List:

Sam gives to Ed

Melissa gives to Katie

Alison gives to Joe

Doug gives to Sam

Katie gives to Laurel

Danny gives to Melissa

Ed gives to Doug

Valerie gives to Danny

Laurel gives to David

David gives to Elizabeth

Joe gives to Valerie

Elizabeth gives to Alison

Google is probably the closest thing to a genuine crystal ball humanity has ever known. This week, I had an infection develop in my finger. I went to Google and did a simple search on "finger infections." Within twenty seconds, I knew I had a paronychia. I went to Google images to compare my own ailing finger to dozens of other sick fingers. In an instant, scores of infected digits stood in rank and file across my monitor, one of them in the process of a good lancing. After my eighth and ninth opinions from various Internet physicians, I decided I needed to see a living, breathing doctor to confirm the Internet's diagnosis.

The doctor said "paronychia" as though it was the first time I had ever heard it. I unintentionally acted unimpressed, and the doctor proceeded to give me a rundown of the etymology of the word "paronychia." Being a word guy, I was impressed. Neither of us was there to talk about words. The doc was there to lance, and though I did not know it yet, I was there to be lanced. The doctor described the procedure, and openly admitted that it would be unpleasant. A scalpel would be inserted between my fingernail and cuticle. The cut would run between .25 and .50 inches under the skin, and the pus would flow freely. Doc left to go get his scalpel, and I honestly contemplated escape. I had a flashback of grade school conversation where various methods of torture were discussed, well away from the recess lady's ears. As I recall it, bamboo shoots forced under one's fingernails ranked right up there with the mutilation of one's privates. When the doc returned, I looked away and he cut. It was a matter-of-fact procedure that yielded not one drop of pus. The doctor was visibly disappointed. I asked why, and he explained that the entire lancing had been unnecessary. He wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic and we parted ways.

Ethos is one of Aristotle's artistic proofs, and can be described as source credibility. Once again, the crystal ball was of great value. In the past it has saved me money, provided me with updated news and shown me images of things my happiness would eventually require. The information (logos) has been good as well. If Google says it, it must be so. Just today, I consulted the magic ball at the recommendation of a colleague. I did a simple search on the word "failure." True or not, I am confident that the search results would not fly in China. Somebody would be getting the bamboo treatment, or perhaps what kids imagine as being slightly worse.

Google could not tell me how to spend $200 billion to rebuild a city. I checked. I suppose there are some problems too big for the crystal ball. I heard on NPR that a guy in the TV will answer the $200 billion question tonight at seven.

S

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. ---Alma 37:37

When I first read the Book of Mormon I remember reading this verse and deciding that I wanted to committ it to memory. The idea of counseling with my Heavely Father sounded inviting rather than dictatorial. I am reminded that he is only interested in my best interest and will indeed watch over me in my sleep. And, when I wake up it's best if I see "the glass half full" and offer gratitude to Him.

As we read the Book of Mormon I wonder just what scripture will sing out to us and want to be memorized. Last night I read Mosiah 7:33---But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

For the first time the idea struck me that He may not just be speaking of Limhi's people who were in bondage, but of what I am being held bondage by...an idea, attitude, pride, grudge, habit and so forth. The scriptures are teaching me and I feel to "let thy heart be full of thanks unto God."

Warmest blessings to you as the Book of Mormon blesses your life. Mom xox

AUGUST 2005

Picture coarse white sand, blue sky, clear blue icy cold lake, amazing stars at night, kids running and screaming going up and down the slide, Joe inching his way across the timbers of the beams in the ceiling of the main floor, yummy food prepared by the girls, french toast prepared by Doug, a swamped boat due to a sudden wind storm, grandma Loie laying on the hammock outside, the player piano banging out tunes both young and old, sunkissed faces, monopoly games five nights in a row, Claire fussing off and on, the kids with their Grammy gathered around the big circular table coloring in the coloring books, the boys fishing and playing golf, fireworks down by the water late at night, raspberry milkshakes, the neighbor's tractor pulling Doug's boat out of the water, the adults madly bailing buckets of water out of the boat near the shore line...boat listing to it's side...as waves keep spilling in more water than we can get out, Abby suggesting that we pray and Doug offering the simple prayer of faith that no less then calms the storm so that we can get the boat upright and floating. If you can conjure up these images in your mind you have a pretty good idea of what our week was like just two and a half hours north of here. I loved it. I'm glad to be home. There is no joy for me like spending time with family.

Cristie and I are in our second day of education week here at BYU. Right now I'm in what was one of my favorite hangouts when I was a student...the library. I don't mean to imply that I spent hours studying and researching here. I knew good places with soft chairs to sleep in and it was a quiet place to study or read for pleasure.

The library is a much different place from when we were students here. Computers all over the place, students working or e-mailing at them with earbuds connected to their iPods. Here on the second floor it's very quiet with the fall semester starting next week and the education week masses mostly up above on campus.

We attended some very educational and inspiring classes yesterday on the media, gospel topics and mental illness. One we selected was a bust...How to live out your later years with "zest." The guy was trying too hard to be entertaining, at least for us. In looking around the room, it appeared we were the only ones not entertained!

I love being on campus, especially this time of year. Most of the time I spent here was in the winter and spring months. The grounds are beautiful and well cared for, the scenery unmatched.

Looking forward to Bear Lake next week, but I'm savoring my time here at BYU.

And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeember, for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father.
--Enos 1:27

We are all moving through mortality on different timetables. I go though my day doing very ordinary things; laundry, gas in the car, make some granola, feed kids and birds...the list goes on and on. But every now and then I am reminded that even though my life is essentially made up of a string of ho-hum activities; I, like Enos, am bound to find a place of rest. I suppose what I am trying to say is that in spite of the ups and downs of my very ordinary life...in this mortal probation; I am thankful for the ride. I am mindful of the abundance found profusely in our lives and I choose to see the glass half full. So, today may we each be mindful of the soulful things that we can do that will help us "see his face with pleasure."
Warmest blessings to you, me xox

I must confess...I am sore after doing 20 pushups on Sunday. Guess I'm getting old!

Katie, Katie, you Beautiful Lady!

Happy Birthday Aunt Lady. I hope it is a fantastic day for you

It sure was nice to see you. I can't wait 'til Bear Lake!

"It would seem that something which means poverty, disorder and violence every single day should be avoided entirely, but the desire to beget children is a natural urge." - Phyllis Diller-

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads. You do great things for us. I'm so very thankful!

Melissa, I love to read whatever you write...another talent that you have dearie!
Jerry caught an early flight home and it's soooo nice to have him here. Sis has a friend over for the night and things are gradually winding down here. My roses have been fabulous this year. I just keep bringing them in and enjoying the color and fragrance.
Ed and Val are looking forward to the arrival of their little girl, but the doc wan't to induce and they are a little nervous about it. You know, the ol" "apple falls out of the tree when it's ripe." Say a little prayer for them as they need inspiration on this one.
I send you my love and highest regards. mom xoxol

If ever you wonder what your weaknesses are, just ask your kids.


In fact, most of the time you don't even need to ask. They will let you know.

Last Saturday the entire Sam Carter family ventured out to Costco (daring, I know). After paying for our groceries, we decided that we would stay for lunch. Sam and the kids had pizza, I opted for a diet coke (nothing sounded really appealing).

As we sat there eating, Eddie asked me why it was that I refused to buy "Sunny-D" for the kids. I explained that it is really just junk-food disguised as orange juice. I haughtily added that I don't like to spend money on junkfood.

Eddie looked at my cup, and then looked at me with a genuinely puzzled expression. "Well, you buy Coke for yourself and that's junkfood too."

What could I say? Sam laughed, and I just sat there with my TV face on, wondering how I didn't catch my own blatant hypocrisy. The boy was absolutely right. And I told him so.

I've decided to quit drinking soda. It's really not good for me anyway. I only bring this up, because my nature is to unscrupulously consume without limitation. (I'm really immature in most matters of self-discipline) and so, I'm asking for some support. Please hold me accountable. Ask me how it's going, and send me raised eyebrows as I'm about to order my drink at the restraunt. I know it's not that big of a deal. But it's that difficult for me to quit a silly little habit.

I don't think, in moderation, that it's bad. I haven't decided that soda is the drink of the devil or anything. I just reviewed my mental pros and cons list, and decided that it shouldn't be something that I need anymore.

On a slightly different subject:

I listened to a portion of an interview on the radio yesterday. It was an author (can't remember his name) discussing his book (can't remember the title). But it was a book about the Ten Commandments (the views of, in America or something) and sounded very interesting. I missed most of it, but towards the end of the interview, the author was asked what commandment was most difficult for him.

I thought it would be funny for him to answer "Thou shalt not kill" as a joke.

It actually was his answer! He explained that he had some history serving in the military. Spent some time in Bosnia, I think. How that experience has led to the struggle of that particular commandment because of having taken people's lives while seeing others desperate for their own, needing to resort to violence themselves.

He also suggested that the worship of idols, is ultimately just the worship of self. And that to worship God is the only way to not worship yourself. It was interesting to think about.

I haven't decided what my most difficult commandment is yet. Maybe I should ask Eddie, he's sure to know ;)

It was sure nice to see people writing. I love to read what you all have to say!

Happy Day.

GASP! Oh my heck! Imagine my shock to find out someone still remembers to write something here. Well, I'll just have to add my 2 cents...knowing just what it's worth.
We loved, loved, loved Chicago with Kate, Dan and the little boys. I'm with Liz...we just didn't spend enough time there with the boys. But, shop, walk, eat, shop, walk, stand, try-on, eat a little more, shop, look at, laugh, rush to beat the light, look at more stuff. Well, it's what girls love to do...not to mention "truth or dare."
The beat goes on here at home. Your dad is out of town for the whole week. We had telephone problems this morning, but they are now resolved. The disposal didn't work but I took an allen wrench to the blasted thing and it's humming along now. I had to buy some watermelon and gobble it down as soon as I got home. For whatever reason I have had a major hankering for watermelon.
Cold day and finally a blue sky. Life is good here for me. I just started reviewing "Preach My Gospel" and I am filled with the spirit everytime I open it up. What an amazing resourse for our family.
I love my family...write soon. mom xoxo

HAPPY 30 YEARS YOUNG SAM!

Our ward had a "country western" party last night, featuring homemade chili, cowboy and cowgirl outfits and line dancing. The activities committee had asked Cristie and I to sing a few songs, so we hastily practiced a few of our old standby's ("Blow up your TV", "I've Just Seen a Face", and "You Are My Sunshine") Saturday morning. While we were practicing, Melissa called and asked what we were doing that night. Sam and Melissa ended up going to the party with us, and as an afterthought, Sam and I drove back to his house to pick up his mandolin so he could provide some instrumentation to the songs.

His contribution was fabulous. He got an ovation after every lick and added a new dimension to those tired old songs. The ward didn't seem to mind our singing, but Sam was truly the hit of the evening.

We're going on the road!