Friday, January 07, 2005

Thanks for the chuckle!
And you in the bishopric yet! (that's the way my grandmother would say it to me).

Thursday, January 06, 2005

If you ever want to undermine everything you are trying to become in life, go play ward basketball. I just lost every ounce of respect I have been working hard to build up over the last six months. No, I didn’t slam anybody into a fence, but I probably yelled with bulging eyes at the 215-pound rough boy that knocked me clean into the bleachers. Only four guys from our ward showed up. According to our rules, we don’t have to forfeit if we play four on five. They were five on the court, and seven deep. We were in dire trouble at the onset and I wanted to go home. If I had left, we would have automatically forfeited the game. I was trapped. Two minutes into the game, I go up for a rebound. Both hands on the ball, everything’s clean. Next thing I know, I’m hit in the face and flying backwards through the air. I land and slide along the floor with the 215-pounder. One of his giant, weight-bearing paws somehow winds up in my unoffending private quarters. Gasps and restrained laughter, no whistle.

In a desperate attempt to reclaim some dignity, I yelled “This has got to stop!” It was too late. All was lost. The worst part about it was the fact that I couldn’t leave. I leave, Haven ward forfeits, game over, poor sport. I suffered through four grueling quarters. Final score: Burton 53, Haven 25.

In five minutes, my head will be on my pillow. Perhaps sleep will dull the sting. Of course, all bets are off if I dream of heavy-handed gorillas.
S
I saw on my calendar that today is "Epiphany." Not knowing for sure what Epiphany is, I looked this up on a Christian web site:
"Epiphany is the climax of the Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are counted from December 25th until January 5th. The day before Epiphany is the twelfth day of Christmas, and is sometimes called Twelfth Night, an occasion for feasting in some cultures. In some cultures, the baking of a special King's Cake is part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA).

"In traditional Christian churches Christmas, as well as Easter, is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of Christmas begins with the First Sunday of Advent, marked by expectation and anticipation, and concludes with Epiphany, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity. The one or two Sundays between Christmas Day and Epiphany are sometimes called Christmastide. For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6th until Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent leading to Easter. Depending on the timing of Easter, this includes from four to nine Sundays. Other traditions, especially the Roman Catholic tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as Ordinary Time. In some western traditions, the last Sunday of Epiphany is celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday."

The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King. In some Central and South American countries influenced by Catholic tradition, Three Kings’ Day, or the night before, is the time for opening Christmas presents. In some eastern churches, Epiphany or the Theophany commemorates Jesus’ baptism, with the visit of the Magi linked to Christmas. In some churches the day is celebrated as Christmas, with Epiphany/Theophany occurring on January 19th.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

When's the party?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN BRASHER!

Happy day dear family.

Saturday, December 25, 2004

The Pelikan 800 was my Christmas gift from Cristie. Medium nib, sapphire blue body. Sure wish you could have seen it when you were here, Nate. A true writer's pen!

Merry Christmas to all.

Friday, December 24, 2004

Well it's Christmas Eve, and I have about 1,496 things to do to get ready. So what do I do? I start fishing around the Blogger site, looking at what other people have to say...

Actually, I'm here becasue I just spent 45 minutes plunging my kitchen sink. It's maddening I tell you. Plunge one side, the other side fills up. Plunge the other side and my dishwasher fills up. Liquid Plummer foam everywhere. Finally I got Sam to come over and plunge one side while I plugged the other side (and just immediately after draining the dishwasher). It seems to have worked. For now, anyway. I'm sure the extensive damage will reveal itself sometime next week. So Lois, no Bratzeli's this year. I'm too pooped.

After that fiasco, I decided to make myself a snack. Cristie's raw diet has rubbed off on me a little and I've been trying to consume more fruits and veggies. I bought a persimmon at the store. They are YUMMY, but I harldy buy them because their about the size of a tomato and can cost 1-2 $ a piece. This was acutally my second time eating one. So I sliced it, put it on a plate and took a bite. The most amazing thing happened to me! As I was chewing, My mouth filled up with cotton! The more I chewed, the more cotton I had in my mouth! The sensation was so real to me, that I ran to the mirror to see what was happening. After receiving no occular validation, I ran downstairs to google in order to find out if I've just poisened myself. (Note, I continued to consume yet another piece as I searched. I really like this fruit! And the cotton feeling was very fascinating to me.)

Here's what I now know, in case any of you should want to buy persimmon fruit. They originated in Japan (that's not the problem), and then they "migrated" to Korea, and eventually came to the US in the 1800s. There are quite a number of varieties, but can be grouped into 2 groups; the astringent group and the non-astringent group. If the fruit is of the astringent class and is eaten before it is ripe, then your mouth becomes a cotton factory. The fruit tastes okay initially, but then becomes bitter. It's kind of a cool feeling though...

ANYWAY, once I knew I wasn't going to have to spend Christmas in the ER, I started snooping through The Blogger. I found this funny site you should all check out. This Michael Paulus guy took various cartoons and drew their skeletons. It's pretty funny! Here's the link: (hopefully it will work)
http://michaelpaulus.com/gallery/character-Skeletons/Hello_Kitty_closed_site

Well, enough sitting around for me! Happy Christmas everyone!
I'm so glad you blogged today Katie! MERRY CHRISTMAS to your darling little family. That picture of your boys is precious! We are all missing you, too. Lois, and I were talking about how it's just not the same without everyone there.

Mmmmm, your dinner sounds yummy! What wonderful memories you are creating.

Have a Happy Holiday, and give those boys some Christmas hugs from their cousins! We're doing memories tonight, and I'd love to read yours on the blog if you get the chance.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Thanks for the kind reviews regarding the new format. I thought the previous one was OK but Cristie hated it, which necessitated a hasty change. Actually, I wish I hadn't changed from the original. I can't find it in the available templates anymore!

We talked to Dave on the phone briefly on Sunday. He called to set up the time for the semi-annual call on Christmas Day. He sounds great. After we told him so, he said "well, I'm happy." It's a blessing to have a missionary serving and a huge blessing to hear he's happy.

My mother arrives for Christmas tomorrow. I t will be nice to have her; I'm sure she'll love being here for the family Christmas party Thursday night. She will have many, many stories to tell (re-tell).

It's cooled off here, but of course is nothing compared to what Katie, Danny, Nate, and Dave are experiencing. I like the cold weather. Increases my gratitude for shelter and a warm bed, not to mention the warmth a nice fire carries to my soul. A time to contemplate the experiences of the last year, a time to slow down a bit in Thanksgiving and in good will to all men. If it weren't for that confounded war.....

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

OH, and Happy Anniversary to the Gerald and Cristie union! What has it been , 31 years or so (I'm not quite sure)? You two have been such an amazing example to me. Thanks for getting together and creating such a terrific family!
Happy Birthday Joe! I hope it's a great day for you. It's amazing to think that I knew you when I was 17....( oh the memories). Enjoy this year, it's a good one!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE! I remember being 17...what a great year that was. mom xox

Sunday, December 05, 2004

Dear Children. Last night I went to Farmington to visit my dad and brought home his book, "The Israel Barlow Story." I thought you would be interested to see how you are related...

Israel Barlow married to Elizabeth Haven

Pamela Elizabeth (third child, married to David Wilken Thompson)

Mary Theresa (fifth child who married Anson Bowen Call)

Cleo Afton (fourth child who married Nathan George Clark)

Nathan George (thirteenth child who married Bonnie DeAnn Peterson)

Cristie (first child who married Gerald Blaine Carter)

YOU!

YOUR CHILDREN.

For years I have been invited to reunion gatherings but had little idea as to how I was connected. Then at the last general conference Israel Barlow was used in a story by one of the general authorities and my curiosity led me to asking my dad some questions last night.

As Israel stated to his wife Elizabeth, "our children are our hope and glory in the Lord." I am certain that he is very pleased to be related to you. Almost all phases of the Church growth, the trials and drivings and tribulations were shared by him and his family. The fruition on which is still bearing sweet fruit.

Happy Sunday! My love to you all, mom

Thursday, December 02, 2004

....and thanks to Valerie for also coming over tonight. The mood has brightened a bit.
I thought it was time for a new look. Maybe it will inspire a new entry or two.

It's pretty sad around here tonight. Lizzy is still grieving for her precious little Violet. Ali and her girls visited tonight with a sweet card and brownies. And Katie, thanks for your calls last night. It means a lot to have such support.

Joe spent last night puking his guts out with the latest edition of the stomach flu to be making the rounds. I'm wondering who will next be stricken....

Friday, November 12, 2004

Dear Family: Last night for enrichment we had a woman come and recite some poetry and tell of the life of

Edna St. Vincent Millay. There was magic in the room as lyrics of beauty filled the air. Here is a piece I found

on the net today.


   Ah, could I lay me down in this long grass
   And close my eyes, and let the quiet wind
   Blow over me,-I am so tired, so tired
   Of passing pleasant places! All my life,
   Following Care along the dusty road,
   Have I looked back at loveliness and sighed;
   Yet at my hand an unrelenting hand
   Tugged ever, and I passed. All my life long
   Over my shoulder have I looked at peace;
   And now I fain would lie in this long grass
   And close my eyes.

Now, as a change of pace ...CONGRATULATIONS! to Danny. I enjoyed checking out your new place of employment and it looks like quite the opportunity. We are so happy for you.

My love to you dear ones...be safe and floss. mom xox

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Dear ones,
Kelly just got me all hooked up to the Blogger again. I'm so sorry for all the ones that I have missed out on. Hope that all is well with every one and that the Halloween goblins didn't capture anyone. My Email address is lwc3527@lausd.k12.ca.us. So now you can send me some news. I need to get clothes and lunches packed ready for tomorrow. I'm worried and anxious to hear how the election has turned out. Love to all, Grandma. PS. Hope Valarie is feeling alot better.
Melissa, I admit it....I thought of you when I saw Mr. Bennett's name on the ballot.
Don't forget to cast your vote today!!!