gee, Danny, you made me burst out with the loudest laugh of the week I'm sure:) You guys write so well and I love catching up with you.

Well, another load of laundry is in and my bed is still unmade....not good when it is calling for me to hop back in. It is already 85 degrees outside and Joe is weeding. Dave is off to work with a couple of sandwiches and an apple. I made four pumpkin pies yesterday and we still have mostly three left...so if you have a hankering for some of Davey's 'billy boy' come on over.

Violet is watching intently as I type. She has missed her mistress who will be home this afternoon. She just hopped onto the keyboard and made the screen look a little different. Laurel is off to Kim's house today and it should be fun for her. We keep our fingers crossed for good clean fun!

We took Dave and Joe for a birthday dinner at the Macaroni Grill. Oh, if you could have seen Dave blush at the Italian version of 'Happy Birthday.' He kept rubbing his right eye and grinning and looking at the very loud 'songbird.' Yes, he had his hair reduced by one inch or a little more. No, he did not make it for school pics because he needed to go to work.

I love you all; you make me smile. And laugh!

Happy birthday Dave!!! Wow, 18, time sure flies by doesn't it? I wondered why the heck your hair was so long!! hope you had a GREAT day
love you,mary

Dear Davey, The first time that I saw you was in your Mom's arms getting off the plane in Dan Diego. You were arriving for the family reunion in DelMar. Your were such a darling baby and soooo good. I was a little worried about your Mom bringing you, because you had been on oxygen at home. But you thrived at sea level. When the reunion was over and I took you to the airport I couldn't stand to go back to the condo to that empty portacrib. I drove around until after dark and so missed that darling little boy. I hope that your day was great and that your 18th year will be wonderful. Your have so much to look forward to this year----Sr Prom, graduation etc. Love your so much , Davey and see you soon Grandma

Happy Birthday Dave! Hope it was a good one. How is your hair looking these days? Did you manage to keep it long for the pictures?

I forgot that we had planned a Cherry Hill trip tonight, so that's what our little family did. We saw Rachael there, as bronzed and cute as can be. We also ran into my sister Rikki (and family), so you can imagine how delighted Eddie was to have Bronson to play with.

I saw a woman with triplets. At Cherry Hill. They weren't more than 9 months old. She had a stroller for 4 (didn't even know that made 'em that big)!!! Now that is a mother dedicated to family fun. Goes to show, just when you think you have it tough, someone or something suddenly appears and sets you straight.

Hope all is well. I sure love reading the blogs. Keep it up y'all! (Valerie, you're getting me hooked on that word!)

Happy Birhtday, Dave! Ed came over this morning shortly after 7 to take Dave to his new job at the auto auction. Cristie and I enjoyed seeing our boys go off to work together. I'm proud of my boys.

Eighteen years ago today was quite a day. Cristie and I had been at the hospital all night; Cristie having contractions and me helpless. After sunrise the doctor told us the baby was in stress and he was concerned. I went to call a rep to tell him I wouldn't be working with him that day and as I was coming back, the nurse met me in the hallway to tell me they needed to do an emergency c-section. Before I knew it, Cristie was being wheeled into the OR, and after they put her under they came and got me. I watched David come in to the world. They whisked him off to pediatric intensive care, which is where he stayed for the next several days.

The kids and I went to the park and watched fireworks on the 4th of July without Cristie and Dave.

A few weeks later, fireworks hit our house again in the form of a lightning bolt. Little baby Dave had been sleeping in the bedroom that was hit, but Cristie had taken him in to our bedroom just before lightning struck. It was a good thing. The room was damaged, and Dave could've been hurt.

It's hard for me to believe that was all 18 years ago. Dave's been a lot of fun and a barrel of laughs. Happy Birthday, Dave!

Ed I'm glad your lesson went well. It does not surprise me that some of the Saviors final words were in regards to the comforter, for I would surely be lost without it! I just had some news that I'm not thrilled about. They're taking yet another one of my favorite families from us. Kent Hart, you know his family Bub, was called to the Singles Ward. Kent was a counselor in our Bishopric AND our home teacher, plus his wife sang Alto with me in the choir! I'm EXTREMELY bummed! They just took another fantastic, fun, hilarious person from our choir last month! There are other wards for cryin' out loud!!! geez!!! How many people do they need over there anyway! .....I am seriously murmuring now. Speaking of, at our Stake Conference during the business,callings and such,when they went through the brethren in the presidency and asked that question,All in favor,All opposed...Well I just happeded to be sitting on the stand with the choir and was shocked to see this little Oriental man go stiff and shoot his little arm in the air! It kinda caused a pause in the whole thing too, but I thought the Stake Clerk recovered nicely by turning to the President saying, we have one opposed, and President Huckvale actually made a mark on something he was holding..I of course have never seen any thing like that so I was in shock and wanted very much to say out loud, DID YOU SEE THAT?!....BUT I didn't. Mother said she once opposed a change in the Ward boundaries but no one paid any attention to her...so that was the end of that!

I had a very nice visit with Laurel yesterday, we're both thankful for our freedom. She also expressed her difficulty in finding a job that did'nt need computer skills, I suggested a class like one that I'm considering and she thought that might be a more productive way to spend all of the free time she has right now. She sounded good.

I'm glad the Trekers are home safe but sorry to hear Dave wasn't feeling well. I didn't quite get the part on lizzies upset,whether it was "violet" or "violent" and how Ed could be mixed up in it either but I'm sure it all worked itself out anyway.

I'm lovin' all this for sure! Later, Mary



Just a short PS from me. Everyone here is getting excited about Carpenteria. Al was here checking on dates today. I wish that I was as computer litterte as he is. We still aren't hooked up to the other phone line. I 'll get some help with it from Dick this week. Nancy and family had a nice time at Del Mar. She was surprised at the changes in TJ. Love to all, Grama Loie

Mary it is so good to hear from you. Welcome to the family site! I look forward to all that Sunday brings and feel blessed to belong to such a wonderful family. The boys are back from the trek...none worse for the wear and I dare say blessed for their participation. Dave was under the weather yesterday but he seems to be well enough to be the youth speaker today in Sacrament meeting. Liz had another Violet upset yesterday and tried to make Ed a part of it but lucky for him he was busy downtown going to school. I'll let her bring you up to speed on that account. Ali and Doug will be returning from Jackson Hole today and I will be interested to hear how their trip went.
Today I share the sentiments of the pioneer season, 'and should be die before our journey's through, happy day all is well. We then are free from toil and sorrow too, with the just we shall dwell' my love to you all...mom

What Mary didn't say in her message below is how much of a help she was to my mother after her surgery. Loie said Mary always knew just what to do to make her feel better. So....she's inherited that compassionate streak from her mother. Welcome to our family site, Mary. We'll look forward to hearing from you regularly. Heaven knows you have stories to tell!

Dear Family, It's really neat being able to receive these little tid-bits from all of your busy lives,I really appreciate my brother setting this up for Gram and I. I feel like I belong again.
It's a beautiful day here. I just came in from digging in the dirt and I feel like I've just had a great work-out! Only alot more enjoyable! Although I have to say I think I'd like to be your client just fine Melissa. I can hear your voice right now urging me on! You'll be extremely busy once the word gets out I'm sure. Alan came over last night and helped me get started with figureing this all out...this is a whole new world for this 'ol girl! Fortunately I've always liked to type! And I already found some guy in Maryland that belongs to A.A. that has been sending me stuff.
My life is 100% different than it was at this time last year. My mother,Bishop,Stake President,& A.A. sponsor have all been of immence support and encouragement. And with them, and a little willingness from me I'll be celebrating 1 yr. of sobriety in just a few days. Spiritually I feel as though I've traveled a much greater distance in time than just 1 year. Amazed at my Heavenly Fathers love for me doesn't even come close to describing how I have felt this past year. Being worthy to wear my garments again and partake of the Sacrament is a gift. Having the missionaires teach my sweet Kelly the discussions was a special time for us both. Everyone else is fine and I'm sure will be over to update you all themselves.
My mother is recovering slowly but well. That whole thing was a much bigger deal than I had anticipated, of course thats par- for- the- course for me....avoid reality at all cost! In my own defence I will say that our Home Teacher gave her such a great blessing,Iwent to the hospital fearless!
Her being so terribly sick and having all thoes complications,{none of which we'd anticipated or discussed}was very unsetteling. Mom and I both thought of you and your mother Cristie during that ordeal. I know we have a deeper understanding of and for your feelings. As of today though shes recooperating nicely. Carp will be nice for her and she is so glad that Valerie and Ed have decided to make the trip. It will be nice seeing all your faces again.
My love to you all, Mary.

Hey, Im on! Just trying to figure out the set up's. Take care. I will be back later|

Melissa, thanks for a good chuckle. I could relate to the ow, ow, ow, stuff...even though I hate to admit it has been way too long. You are inspiring!

What have I gotten myself into? My new personal training job has been a very intimidating step for me. I certainly don’t look like the typical trainer. This was most profoundly confirmed to me when I attended a training meeting (Monday) for the new trainers at Bally’s.

First, I wasn’t prepared. I wore comfortable clothing because I was told that I was going to walk through the equipment and make sure we knew how to use it correctly. Little did I know, that they were going to observe our training abilities and then take us through a circuit training session. I learned very quickly, that when trainers train other trainers, the goal is to make them want to puke their guts out from working out so hard. I have never, ever been so sore in my life! Our house reeks of Ben gay these days. And today was the first day I could go up or down the stairs without wincing and saying “ow, ow, ow, ow, owwww!”. And sitting on the toilet? If I could have held it for four days I would have.

My greatest fear going into this was that I’d be laughed at for even wanting to do it since I’m still fairly out of shape, and completely inexperienced. So when I walked into the room with all of the others (and took one look at their tan, 0% fat, muscular bodies), I thought about just walking out the door.

I have been amazed at the support that these people have given me. The training managers really seem to view me as competent enough to learn, and they are very willing to teach me and let me go for it. I hear things like, “just go for it, you can’t fail”. “You’re going to be great” etc. Trainers seem to be good motivators in every aspect.
This is a great opportunity for me to develop some confidence. I can’t wait to actually start getting some clients to work with. I think it will be so much fun to get to know people and help them reach their fitness goals.

That's enough rambling for now, have a great day everyone!

Dear Family: I just heard from Doug in Jackson Hole. He was wondering if Ali and he should make the trip to Yellowstone tomorrow. I told him it was a definite must. To be 60 miles away and miss such a spectacular creation would be regretable. Anyway, he was concerned that Ali might get car-sick so we'll have to wait and see what they were up to. They will be back on Sunday and the trip should be rejuvinating for the both of them.
Mark August 16th on your calendars for a family photo at 11 in the morning. I asked that Dave be the photographer hoping that we will be pleased with the results. It's a Saturday morning, and we should all be sporting a healthy glow after having been to the beach.
I am so delighted to hear the Ed and Valerie can get away and come to Carp. Just so you know, Magic Mountain is a definite...no maybe about it:)
The boys are off on Trek and I can't help but think about them and what they may be doing. I am hoping that they are going to be helpful and positive. I can hardly stand it when teenagers act like pampered babies!
I love this time of day! The shadows are getting long and the whole world that I can see has a rosy glow. What a blessing to be able to see. I love you all. mom

My quick trip to Los Angeles was nice. Got some work done, enjoyed the sunny, mild weather (June Gloom was gone), and really enjoyed being with my family. I got my Mother and Mary's computer installed and running. Now we'll see what they do with it. I understand some of you have already started receiving e-mail, which is a positive sign. My mothers address is "LoieatDelMar@aol.com." Mary's is "Crittersaver03@aol.com." I'm sure they'd both love to hear from you.

My mother looks good and says she is feeling better every day. I'm so happy the surgery went well. I hope her energy will be at a reasonable level by the time we get to Carp.

My Dad is about the same. When I got to the nursing home, he was in a room with about 50 other old folks listening to a guy play the piano and sing. Before I walked in, I stood and watched him for awhile. I thought that to the workers there, and anyone else who might be passing by, he looks like just one of the other old men, but I was looking at my father. He didn't seem to be enjoying the music. Just looking down, and occasionally rocking in his wheelchair.

Val, I'm thrilled that you and Ed will be joining us at Carp. I'll make sure and bring the horshoe set. And yes, a Dodger game and maybe Magic Mountain are on the agenda!

I love summer (actually very late spring, soon to be summer) mornings. I've been doing my training rides in the mornings, and being on a bicycle at 6AM has it's advantages. I like the feel of getting a head start on the day, of seeing other cyclists, runners, and walkers out enjoying the awakening day. I catch a lot of smells as I ride through neighborhoods. Bacon frying, fragrant flowers opening up their day's petals, canyon winds carrying fresh mountain scents into the valley.

There are also hazards, but they are common to any time of day. This morning, beginning my rapid descent from Wasatch Blvd. on 45th South, a lamebrain almost pulled out right in front of me. If he'd continued, it would have been curtains. Drivers in a hurry to get to work are sometimes rude and impatient. But overall, my morning rides have been a great way to start the day. I'm noticing a slight improvement in my strength up hills which is encouraging. My plan is to keep up a riding routine even after Ragbrai.

Your mom and I went to John Goodfellow's wedding dinner last night. It was a nice affair at the Grand Hotel. This was my first venture into the hotel, and I was impressed with it's beauty. I really liked the wood paneling in the lobby area. After dinner, family members from both sides spoke. Several mentions were made of Gary, of how much he would have enjoyed being there, and how proud he would be of John. It was sad to see how broken up John became at just about every comment made of his dad.

I sat next to Gary's father. What a congenial old fellow! He's 81 yrs old, and still active and relatively healthy. His wife sat on the other side of him, and it was a treat to see how sweetly they treated each other. He told me he's having a very difficult time coming to terms with his son's death. He said he told Gary repeatedly a couple of years before his death to see a doctor and get treated for his jaundice, but Gary was too stubborn to do anything about it. Then after Gary's death, when he learned it was due to alcohol poisoning and severe cirrhosis, he was stunned. He'd never seen Gary drink much alcohol, let alone be intoxicated regularly enough over many years to bring on cirrhosis. I felt very sorry for him, for the whole family, celebrating without a son, husband, dad, who should have been there.

I hooted and howled as I pictured a sight that too was mine not so very long ago.

Sleep tight…

It’s another Friday night with my descendants. Could I possibly be any grumpier? My entire posterity is screaming and splashing in one bathtub, and Child Services would be here in an instant if they were aware of this example of mayhem and neglect.

As you probably know, Melissa is off book clubbing in Heber tonight. As ornery as I am, I’m glad she gets the chance to venture into the world of fresh air and nature. Regardless of how the weather turns out, it will be a whole different nature than she’s used to around here, though far less vivid.

It’s gonna be a short post. One’s entire future can stay penned in a single bathtub for only so long.

…don’t let the bedbugs bite!

S

I enjoyed the post, Sam. It is literature!

Several weeks ago, Melissa and I sat in the family room on a Sunday afternoon and had a discussion about our babysitters. For those of you that were present, you will recall that Melissa claimed that she picked up one babysitter, and drove another home. The explanation was simple. For their own convenience, they had switched while we were gone. The only problem with the whole idea was that I did not remember things the way Melissa did. I remembered Melissa picking Kyla up, and dropping Kyla off that night. As far as my memory had served, there had been no switch.

I was only slightly disturbed that my memory had been false. I had been both preoccupied and tired that night, and it was certainly possible that I was wrong. After all, she was willing to bet a million dollars, and we all know what a hefty sum that is. I was definitely ready to let it go.

Melissa was not. Fearing that she was truly losing her marbles, the question plagued her whenever she thought about it. After all, she had initiated two very different, detailed conversations designated for two very different people. There was one little piece of evidence that did not add up for her. How does someone get from Spanish Fork to 2320 South in twenty minutes? You’ll have to ask her for the details on that one.

Well, we had Kyla (and only Kyla) over to tend last weekend. We could have probably called Lizzy to tend, but we needed Kyla to set a few things straight. It turns out that Kyla was here the entire time on the night in question. Kyla softened it a bit, saying things like: “I’m pretty sure I was here the whole time, sister Carter” and “Sometimes people get our names mixed up.”

I would have been no more surprised if I had made the goof. I would like to casually point out that not a single person believed my version of the story that day. The jury opted to swallow a tale of switching babysitters and a journey from Spanish Fork just to take care of our relentless children. People really love a good story.

During the discussion, mom pointed out how unreliable eyewitnesses can be. That is the real lesson to be learned. No, Melissa is no less sane than any of us. As humans, most of us try to take comfort in what we know, when we really know far less than we suppose. History is colorfully painted with exquisite disasters and unforgettable misadventures fueled by misconceptions. Poor Gorge Custer could have probably told you all about misconception if he’d lived through his. As a side note, Comanche, one of Custer’s horses, was the only survivor of Little Big Horn. They found him “hiding” in a thicket with seven arrows sticking out of him. Exquisite disasters. . .

Sam

Speaking of "Lord of the Rings", a lady here at my meeting in San Francisco has a voice that reminds me of Gollum's. When I leaned over to a couple of friends my age to tell them, they didn't know what I was talking about. They've never seen or read "Lord of the Rings!"

Grandma Lois came through her surgery just fine. She had a small area of her small intestine that was inflamed, which they removed. Everything else checked out just fine. They planned for a two hour surgery, but finished up in about an hour.