Dear Kids,
      Of all the excitement we’ve had lately, the “Founders Day" Dinner at CEU on Saturday night ranks right at the top. Most of you seemed to know that Dad and I were going to receive a Major Award, but they had told us that Paul was getting the award. And Paul had said that John was getting the award. So I figured the whole family was getting an award. And it was sort of like that. They gave us a “Distinguished Service” award for sending so many of our kids to CEU. So thanks, kids, for all your years of work (and fun) there. I thought maybe we set a record for the most kids from one family to go there, but Tom pointed out the name of Cody Peacock’s mom on the “Distinguished Service” plaque. They had about 13 kids, and nearly all of them went to CEU.
      So we didn’t set any record, but they gave us a wonderful dinner. The food was really good. The printed program had our picture on it, along with the other “benefactors” and such. And it was sure fun to have so many of you show up. I was completely surprised that Vanessa (and Meg) made the drive. (They honored Vanessa as the “black sheep” of the family, for bypassing CEU and going directly to Utah State, and a man in the audience cheered.) Before the dinner, Paul was taking coats from people coming in. (Unfortunately, he didn’t get any tips.) John had fun walking around Sessions hall, and he found Heather’s old room. There was a new “Heather” living there, but she wasn’t home. The rest of us stood around and ate hors d’everes. We talked to Brad King and Todd Olson, and the president of CEU, Ryan Thomas. At the end of the dinner, they gave out the awards, and Dad and I were the very last. We got a stand-up crystal plaque that looks like broken glass. I like it. They took our picture with President Thomas. (Oh, no! I put my arm around a Democrat!) It was great fun.
      After it was over we went to Bentleys, where all the kids were being tended. (Nora’s three, Tom’s three, and Meg.) They had hired two extra “baby holders,” because Trieste and McKenzie were gone off to the Young Women’s broadcast. The house was alive with kids! Karl Bentley looked like he’d been run over by a truck. Otherwise, things were fine. Later on, Nora was outside running after Bentley, and she tripped and scraped her knee. I mean, she really scraped it! As in, skin and blood making a long skid mark on the cement. She had to go see a P.A. on Monday to get it treated. That night was Ben’s birthday party, and in spite of her pain, she made a cute cake with monkeys on it, and decorated the house. Ben got at least two trucks, and a new bike.
      Last Thursday Seth had to “defend” his research proposal, the one about making rats sick. (I was working on his paper, a couple of weeks ago, which was a big part of the project.) So finally it was the big day for him to meet with the professors. He took them bagels, as a bribe. (Sharon said that was no different than high school, when she tried out for Madrigals.) And we all held our breath, and said our prayers, and waited. And he passed! I’m sure he passed with flying colors, but it was a big load off his mind, to get it over with. That night, Sharon said, he was watching TV, not knowing what to do with himself, with nothing to worry about. I’m sure Charlie was glad to have Seth available to play with him again.
      We’re looking forward to conference this weekend, and I’m sure we’ll have fun at the cabin with those of you who are able to come!
      Love, Mom