Dear Kids,
All of Christmas was fun! The hike up Memorial Hill, Christmas dinner at our house, the sledding party at the cabin–thanks to all of you for making it a great celebration. And thanks again for the beautiful quilt you all went in on. I make our bed as early as possible every morning, just for the fun of spreading it out and seeing how good it looks.
Most of you have probably heard Monica’s wonderful announcement, that there’s another little Prendergast on the way. We hope everything goes well. She says they probably won’t be able to come to the family reunion, since her due date is July 20th. We’ll definitely miss them, but we’re glad they’ll have a new little baby, and Jackson will have a sibling. And Ramona, too.
Last night Dad and I had a couple in our ward over for dinner, and it was odd to set the table for just four people. I realized it was the first time since we were newlyweds that we’d sat down to dinner with just one other couple. But it was fun. Our ward has lots of people about our age, and we need to get to know them better. The husband has been into real estate and property development, and I wanted to play Monopoly, just to see if land developers are any better at it than the rest of us. Dad won! He had incredibly good luck, I have to say. He put four houses each on Park Place and Boardwalk, and we all managed to land on them, while he sat safely in jail. The land developer was the first one to fold! I was second. Congrats to Dad!
But speaking of Sunday dinners, I want to get back onto a schedule of fixing big dinners where all of you are invited. I’m thinking the first Sunday of each month, since it’s fast Sunday and there aren’t so many meetings. I’m planning the first one on February 2nd. Mark your calendars! We’ll eat either at 4:00 or 5:00 pm, depending on everybody’s new schedules.
Life is good! I wish you all a Happy New Year! Love, Mom
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Dear Kids,
I’ve been incredibly busy (but who hasn’t) the last two weeks, so now I’m finally sitting down to write a "Mom" letter. The presents are nearly all wrapped, the tree is up, a few decorations are out, so I can relax. Even though you kids are all grown up and I’m not responsible for making you happy on Christmas, old habits die hard. I still feel a lot of pressure to get Christmas "done."
We all enjoyed the cousins’ gift exchange last Saturday at the cabin, and I was completely flabbergasted at the present you all went in on: the "midnight bears" quilt. I fell in love with it when I first saw it at BB&B, but it was so dang expensive I knew I could never justify buying it. So many thanks to you all! It looks fabulous on our bed. It looks like it was made especially for our room. Naturally Dad is less excited than I am, but he really enjoyed the macadamia chocolates that he got.
Thanks to all of you who came to hear the Messiah in Heber! Now that it’s over with, I can’t wait for next year. It was especially nice singing with Dad and Nora and Tom. Maybe some of the rest of you will be able to join us next year?
And who can believe that it’s finally Christmas week! Tuesday night (Christmas Eve) we'll be doing our traditional hike up Memorial Hill in Midway. Let’s meet at the bottom of the hill at 7:00 pm, OK? Afterwards, we can go to Donna and Bevan’s for hot chocolate. And maybe some Christmas stories? Maybe we can give a prize for the best story (and storyteller). That might be something fun to add to our tradition. Even familiar stories like Giant Grummer and Granny Glittens are always worth re-telling.
On Christmas day I’m fixing Christmas dinner at our house, and we’re planning to eat about 1 pm, but we could move that back an hour or two if that would help anybody with their scheduling. Afterwards we can play games, so bring anything new you got for Christmas, or anything old, either. I’m willing to break away from chess for at least one day.
And of course Thursday will be our sledding party at the cabin. I don’t know who’s coming, but it will be fun. I’ll be making sloppy jo’s, and why don’t you all bring your Christmas leftovers: cookies, candy, other goodies, or even real food, if there’s something you didn’t eat up. There’s plenty of snow on the sledding hill, and the forecast is for mostly sunny with a high of 30 degrees. There will be no stoppin’ the fun!
What a great life we have! Lot of love, Mom
I’ve been incredibly busy (but who hasn’t) the last two weeks, so now I’m finally sitting down to write a "Mom" letter. The presents are nearly all wrapped, the tree is up, a few decorations are out, so I can relax. Even though you kids are all grown up and I’m not responsible for making you happy on Christmas, old habits die hard. I still feel a lot of pressure to get Christmas "done."
We all enjoyed the cousins’ gift exchange last Saturday at the cabin, and I was completely flabbergasted at the present you all went in on: the "midnight bears" quilt. I fell in love with it when I first saw it at BB&B, but it was so dang expensive I knew I could never justify buying it. So many thanks to you all! It looks fabulous on our bed. It looks like it was made especially for our room. Naturally Dad is less excited than I am, but he really enjoyed the macadamia chocolates that he got.
Thanks to all of you who came to hear the Messiah in Heber! Now that it’s over with, I can’t wait for next year. It was especially nice singing with Dad and Nora and Tom. Maybe some of the rest of you will be able to join us next year?
And who can believe that it’s finally Christmas week! Tuesday night (Christmas Eve) we'll be doing our traditional hike up Memorial Hill in Midway. Let’s meet at the bottom of the hill at 7:00 pm, OK? Afterwards, we can go to Donna and Bevan’s for hot chocolate. And maybe some Christmas stories? Maybe we can give a prize for the best story (and storyteller). That might be something fun to add to our tradition. Even familiar stories like Giant Grummer and Granny Glittens are always worth re-telling.
On Christmas day I’m fixing Christmas dinner at our house, and we’re planning to eat about 1 pm, but we could move that back an hour or two if that would help anybody with their scheduling. Afterwards we can play games, so bring anything new you got for Christmas, or anything old, either. I’m willing to break away from chess for at least one day.
And of course Thursday will be our sledding party at the cabin. I don’t know who’s coming, but it will be fun. I’ll be making sloppy jo’s, and why don’t you all bring your Christmas leftovers: cookies, candy, other goodies, or even real food, if there’s something you didn’t eat up. There’s plenty of snow on the sledding hill, and the forecast is for mostly sunny with a high of 30 degrees. There will be no stoppin’ the fun!
What a great life we have! Lot of love, Mom
Monday, December 9, 2013
Dear Kids,
It’s been very cold here. We hit -9 Thursday morning, but it was -16 at the cabin. Funny how it’s so much colder there, even though it’s the same elevation. People tell us it’s the cold canyon wind. Nora says they’ve been burning lots of wood. Luckily there’s a big stack. When Dad and I were piling it all up last summer, we figured there wouldn’t be anybody at the cabin to burn it. We should have known!
The cousins’ Christmas gift exchange is this Saturday at noon at the cabin. There will be sledding, of course. For food assignments and other details, call Nora, if you haven’t heard from her. Thanks, Nora, for putting it together!
Dad and Tom and Nora and I have been diligently practicing the Messiah, and our performances are this coming Saturday and Sunday nights. (The 14th and 15th.) Saturday it’s at the Tompanogos Valley Theater bulding, 90 North 100 West in Heber, and Sunday night it’s at the Heber Stake Center, at the corner of 200 North and 200 West, also in Heber, of course. I think both performances are at 7:00 pm. Both of them are sing-alongs, so bring your music, if you have it! We’ll probably have an after-party Sunday night, time and place as yet unknown. Dad and I would be happy to host it here, but Heber or Midway would be more convenient.
Christmas itself isn’t that far away! Dad and I hope some of you will join us on our Christmas Eve climb up Memorial Hill. (I know, it was always Ensign Peak before, but we’ve relocated the adventure.) I’m sure we’ll have hot chocolate somewhere afterwards. Then, for Christmas Day, I’m not sure what we’re doing. Does anybody want to have Christmas dinner here at our house? That might be fun. Let me know! The day after, of course, will be our sledding party at the cabin. (I know we’ll be sledding on Saturday, but this is the "official" sledding party. Besides, is it possible to have too many sledding parties?) I’ll have more details later.
So much fun! Such a family! Love, Mom
Monday, December 2, 2013
Dear Kids,
Thanksgiving is over, and now Christmas is knocking at the door. By the way, thanks to everybody who helped make our Thanksgiving wonderful. Thanks especially for the great food you brought! It was the best of everybody’s cooking. (Even Smith’s.) We were blessed with a beautiful day–a good day for hiking up the hill, or loafing, or whatever. Also, for giving thanks.
John and Heather are settling into their new house, and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s also very grand. When they were showing us through it, I kept thinking we’d seen it all, and then we’d come to another part. Their lot is more than an acre, so there’s lots of room for Heather to garden (and for the deer to come and grange on it.) Last night all our Heber Valley and Kamas Valley families were there–sort of an informal house warming–and the cousins were romping around in their usual fun way. Dad and Tom and Nora and I came late, because we were at the Messiah practice in Heber. (Tom persuaded Nora to join up.) By the way, having Nora sit next to me at Messiah practice is the best help I could ever have. She and Tom are both "Mr. Wilson protegees," and they really know the Messiah. The altos also had a lady who used to sing in the Mo Tab, and she really knew it, too. For one practice at least, I had it made. Our performances are on the 14th and the 15th, which brings up the family Christmas party, which will probably be on the 14th, in Heber. Our Messiah dress rehearsal is at 8:30 that morning, and the performance that evening is at 6:30 or 7:00, I think. So, maybe we could make the performance part of the family party, at least for the grown-ups. It’s a sing along, so you can join in!
Nora’s kids seem to be settling in at school here. Dad drives Adelaide to the middle school first thing on his route, and then he comes back for the rest of the kids, and takes them down to the bus stop at the bottom of the hill. All the small-town perks are in place. Nora was able to buy a resident family pass to the fitness center because the lady at the desk was one of Paige’s teachers at school, and recognized her. Benjamin’s new friend in his class is our bishop’s son, and takes piano from me. I only wish Nora and James could live here forever, (and all the rest of you, too–we’d be like the old-timers with their big family compounds) but the new house in Centerville is progressing. Sigh.
But life is good. I love you all. Mom
Thanksgiving is over, and now Christmas is knocking at the door. By the way, thanks to everybody who helped make our Thanksgiving wonderful. Thanks especially for the great food you brought! It was the best of everybody’s cooking. (Even Smith’s.) We were blessed with a beautiful day–a good day for hiking up the hill, or loafing, or whatever. Also, for giving thanks.
John and Heather are settling into their new house, and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s also very grand. When they were showing us through it, I kept thinking we’d seen it all, and then we’d come to another part. Their lot is more than an acre, so there’s lots of room for Heather to garden (and for the deer to come and grange on it.) Last night all our Heber Valley and Kamas Valley families were there–sort of an informal house warming–and the cousins were romping around in their usual fun way. Dad and Tom and Nora and I came late, because we were at the Messiah practice in Heber. (Tom persuaded Nora to join up.) By the way, having Nora sit next to me at Messiah practice is the best help I could ever have. She and Tom are both "Mr. Wilson protegees," and they really know the Messiah. The altos also had a lady who used to sing in the Mo Tab, and she really knew it, too. For one practice at least, I had it made. Our performances are on the 14th and the 15th, which brings up the family Christmas party, which will probably be on the 14th, in Heber. Our Messiah dress rehearsal is at 8:30 that morning, and the performance that evening is at 6:30 or 7:00, I think. So, maybe we could make the performance part of the family party, at least for the grown-ups. It’s a sing along, so you can join in!
Nora’s kids seem to be settling in at school here. Dad drives Adelaide to the middle school first thing on his route, and then he comes back for the rest of the kids, and takes them down to the bus stop at the bottom of the hill. All the small-town perks are in place. Nora was able to buy a resident family pass to the fitness center because the lady at the desk was one of Paige’s teachers at school, and recognized her. Benjamin’s new friend in his class is our bishop’s son, and takes piano from me. I only wish Nora and James could live here forever, (and all the rest of you, too–we’d be like the old-timers with their big family compounds) but the new house in Centerville is progressing. Sigh.
But life is good. I love you all. Mom
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Dear Kids,
So much is going on! Yesterday Dad and I helped Nora and James with their move to the cabin. Nearly everything they were taking fit into the back of our truck! They also filled a very large U-Haul truck with other things going to their storage unit in Woods Cross. Luckily there were a lot of people helping out at the house in Kaysville: Donna and Bevan, a nice family of neighbors, Dave Michelson, James’s brother Paul, and of course all of Nora and James’s children, besides Dad and myself. Donna thought it would take all day, but we were out of there by noon. Dad and I drove Donna most of the way back, and then at Keatley Junction we dropped her off where she’d left her car, and picked up Tom, who came to the cabin with us to help unload. Then he and Dad went to Home Depot to buy insulation for his basement. I stayed at the cabin to start a fire, and when Nora and James’s family arrived, it heated up really nicely, with all those warm bodies. I hope they’re settling in OK. They’re in our ward now, and it was fun having them at church today (although Adelaide had to go home early because of a headache.) I think the cabin is glad to have people in it again.
On Thursday John and Heather closed on the house they’re buying. Dad and I haven’t even seen it yet, we’ve been so busy. But we’ve given them all our empty boxes, to pack their stuff in. I think they’re moving the end of next week. John has already arranged to swap us his car for the truck.
Meanwhile, Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday. I’m making the turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pies. Stefanie is making a yam bake. Donna’s making rolls. Nora usually does the potatoes, so maybe she could do that again. That leaves salad and/or a vegetable, extra pies or other desserts, and the drink. Maybe there’s something else I haven’t thought of. Call me if you don’t have an assignment, OK?
Dad and I visited with Grandpa on Friday. He’s still living at Nancy and Bruce’s house, while they’re waiting for a spot to open up at a care center in Spanish Fork. Grandpa was very pleasant, and always tells us how wonderful we are, which is always nice to hear. Dad and I looked through the book Andy put together (our internet isn’t fast enough to see it online) and we’re very happy about how it turned out. Thanks to all of you for sending in your pictures!
Life is good! Lots of love, Mom
So much is going on! Yesterday Dad and I helped Nora and James with their move to the cabin. Nearly everything they were taking fit into the back of our truck! They also filled a very large U-Haul truck with other things going to their storage unit in Woods Cross. Luckily there were a lot of people helping out at the house in Kaysville: Donna and Bevan, a nice family of neighbors, Dave Michelson, James’s brother Paul, and of course all of Nora and James’s children, besides Dad and myself. Donna thought it would take all day, but we were out of there by noon. Dad and I drove Donna most of the way back, and then at Keatley Junction we dropped her off where she’d left her car, and picked up Tom, who came to the cabin with us to help unload. Then he and Dad went to Home Depot to buy insulation for his basement. I stayed at the cabin to start a fire, and when Nora and James’s family arrived, it heated up really nicely, with all those warm bodies. I hope they’re settling in OK. They’re in our ward now, and it was fun having them at church today (although Adelaide had to go home early because of a headache.) I think the cabin is glad to have people in it again.
On Thursday John and Heather closed on the house they’re buying. Dad and I haven’t even seen it yet, we’ve been so busy. But we’ve given them all our empty boxes, to pack their stuff in. I think they’re moving the end of next week. John has already arranged to swap us his car for the truck.
Meanwhile, Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday. I’m making the turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pies. Stefanie is making a yam bake. Donna’s making rolls. Nora usually does the potatoes, so maybe she could do that again. That leaves salad and/or a vegetable, extra pies or other desserts, and the drink. Maybe there’s something else I haven’t thought of. Call me if you don’t have an assignment, OK?
Dad and I visited with Grandpa on Friday. He’s still living at Nancy and Bruce’s house, while they’re waiting for a spot to open up at a care center in Spanish Fork. Grandpa was very pleasant, and always tells us how wonderful we are, which is always nice to hear. Dad and I looked through the book Andy put together (our internet isn’t fast enough to see it online) and we’re very happy about how it turned out. Thanks to all of you for sending in your pictures!
Life is good! Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Dear Kids,
It’s already bedtime, and I’m just getting around to writing my family letter. Dad and I have had an extremely busy Sunday. It started at 8 this morning when we both had meetings–Dad for the Sunday School presidency, and me for the Relief Society. Then, we both gave talks in Sacrament meeting, besides Dad conducting the music and me playing the organ. We came home from church and had dinner, and the bishop dropped by to chat with us. Unfortunately, it was for a calling we couldn’t accept. By then we were late to go home teaching (I’m Dad’s companion,) but we visited all three of his families anyway. Then we came home and went to the Messiah practice in Heber. (We dropped off boxes at John’s house on the way.) We had to leave the practice a little early, though, because we had arranged for the young men in the ward to come by our house and "lift where you stand." We needed them to move our grand piano out of the living room, and then lay out a rug we bought and lift it back again. (We had already discovered that you can’t do it by lifting one leg at a time.) They came on schedule, and it only took a few minutes. We were very grateful to them. Now we’re just catching our breath and winding down.
Nora and James are moving again a week from Saturday–most likely to the cabin. Their new house in Centerville has a foundation, and Mark Ulrich is expecting them to close by January 23rd, but they have to be out of the Michelson’s house right away, and they need someplace to live temporarily. Besides, won’t it be fun to have them close by for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Nora’s planning to put her kids in school here, even if it’s just for a short time. Dad’s going to drive them in the morning. And there will also be sledding on the hill and swimming at the fitness center, plus all the magic of the cabin. I can tell you, the cabin wants people again! It has been crying since we moved out. Even the moose is downhearted. This will be a good development.
Yesterday was Isaac’s birthday, and Nora had invited us to come celebrate with them. We met at the house they’re moving out of, and then we drove to their new lot. What a spectacular view they’re going to have! The front of their house faces the mountain, with a little park across the street, and the back faces the whole valley. It’s a small lot, but James is excited not to mow much lawn. We hope everything goes well during the construction. We really hope they have a better time of it than we had!
Let me know your Thanksgiving plans! It’s coming up fast!
Love, Mom
It’s already bedtime, and I’m just getting around to writing my family letter. Dad and I have had an extremely busy Sunday. It started at 8 this morning when we both had meetings–Dad for the Sunday School presidency, and me for the Relief Society. Then, we both gave talks in Sacrament meeting, besides Dad conducting the music and me playing the organ. We came home from church and had dinner, and the bishop dropped by to chat with us. Unfortunately, it was for a calling we couldn’t accept. By then we were late to go home teaching (I’m Dad’s companion,) but we visited all three of his families anyway. Then we came home and went to the Messiah practice in Heber. (We dropped off boxes at John’s house on the way.) We had to leave the practice a little early, though, because we had arranged for the young men in the ward to come by our house and "lift where you stand." We needed them to move our grand piano out of the living room, and then lay out a rug we bought and lift it back again. (We had already discovered that you can’t do it by lifting one leg at a time.) They came on schedule, and it only took a few minutes. We were very grateful to them. Now we’re just catching our breath and winding down.
Nora and James are moving again a week from Saturday–most likely to the cabin. Their new house in Centerville has a foundation, and Mark Ulrich is expecting them to close by January 23rd, but they have to be out of the Michelson’s house right away, and they need someplace to live temporarily. Besides, won’t it be fun to have them close by for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Nora’s planning to put her kids in school here, even if it’s just for a short time. Dad’s going to drive them in the morning. And there will also be sledding on the hill and swimming at the fitness center, plus all the magic of the cabin. I can tell you, the cabin wants people again! It has been crying since we moved out. Even the moose is downhearted. This will be a good development.
Yesterday was Isaac’s birthday, and Nora had invited us to come celebrate with them. We met at the house they’re moving out of, and then we drove to their new lot. What a spectacular view they’re going to have! The front of their house faces the mountain, with a little park across the street, and the back faces the whole valley. It’s a small lot, but James is excited not to mow much lawn. We hope everything goes well during the construction. We really hope they have a better time of it than we had!
Let me know your Thanksgiving plans! It’s coming up fast!
Love, Mom
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I had a wonderful time in Goblin Valley with Donna and Bevan–at least the first day. We hiked Little Wild Horse Canyon, where there are slot canyons a couple of hundred feet deep, and cottonwoods, and red rock, and sand . . . very beautiful. (Definitely not the Telestial world, if you know what I mean.) After the hike we came back to our camp site, and by then the wind had really picked up. We had the best spot in the campground, behind a red rock fin, but the wind whistled through it, and it had carried Donna and Bevan’s tent 100 feet up the hill. Some nice person had pulled our poles out of our tent, so it was OK, except for a snapped fly pole. We tried to set things right, but the wind got stronger. (We later saw on the news that it uprooted a tree in Cedar City.) We sent Dad and Bevan over to the ranger station to see if we could get one of the yerts for that night, but they were both taken. We thought about getting a motel room in Hanksville, but I was sure it would cost $100 and be full of cockroaches and bad smells. Donna is such a die-hard that she didn’t want to give up, but there were little cyclones twisting across the desert floor, and the wind was so strong we could barely stand upright. So we finally packed up our stuff to go home. But first, we had to drive over and see the valley of the goblins (where a scoutmaster pushed off the head of one, as you probably heard.) Then we headed back to civilization. By the time we got to Price it was starting to rain, and going over Soldier Summit we were in a blizzard, of course. It rained and snowed the rest of the way home. But it was still a great trip. Goblin Valley would be a great place for a family reunion, just not in July or August. It’s all red rock and sand, and there’s a nice group camp site. Just thinking . . .
Thanksgiving is coming up! Al’s family is most likely going to be there, and also Paul and Stefanie. I’ll call each of you when it gets closer. The cabin is up for it! (Not the new house, of course. It’s too wimpy.)
Dad and I are going to sing in the Messiah in Heber. The first practice is tonight, and I’m very excited. Tom will be in it too, of course. We’re putting it on December 14th and 15th.
Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! Mom
Dad and I had a wonderful time in Goblin Valley with Donna and Bevan–at least the first day. We hiked Little Wild Horse Canyon, where there are slot canyons a couple of hundred feet deep, and cottonwoods, and red rock, and sand . . . very beautiful. (Definitely not the Telestial world, if you know what I mean.) After the hike we came back to our camp site, and by then the wind had really picked up. We had the best spot in the campground, behind a red rock fin, but the wind whistled through it, and it had carried Donna and Bevan’s tent 100 feet up the hill. Some nice person had pulled our poles out of our tent, so it was OK, except for a snapped fly pole. We tried to set things right, but the wind got stronger. (We later saw on the news that it uprooted a tree in Cedar City.) We sent Dad and Bevan over to the ranger station to see if we could get one of the yerts for that night, but they were both taken. We thought about getting a motel room in Hanksville, but I was sure it would cost $100 and be full of cockroaches and bad smells. Donna is such a die-hard that she didn’t want to give up, but there were little cyclones twisting across the desert floor, and the wind was so strong we could barely stand upright. So we finally packed up our stuff to go home. But first, we had to drive over and see the valley of the goblins (where a scoutmaster pushed off the head of one, as you probably heard.) Then we headed back to civilization. By the time we got to Price it was starting to rain, and going over Soldier Summit we were in a blizzard, of course. It rained and snowed the rest of the way home. But it was still a great trip. Goblin Valley would be a great place for a family reunion, just not in July or August. It’s all red rock and sand, and there’s a nice group camp site. Just thinking . . .
Thanksgiving is coming up! Al’s family is most likely going to be there, and also Paul and Stefanie. I’ll call each of you when it gets closer. The cabin is up for it! (Not the new house, of course. It’s too wimpy.)
Dad and I are going to sing in the Messiah in Heber. The first practice is tonight, and I’m very excited. Tom will be in it too, of course. We’re putting it on December 14th and 15th.
Hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! Mom
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are heading south in the Sienna. We’re going to pick up Donna and Bevan and their kids and camping gear in Midway, and then we’re all going down to Goblin Valley for two days. Of course Dad and I didn’t think this up. We aren’t that adventurous. Donna planned it all and invited us to come. They’ve fixed all the food, and all we need to do is drive. What a deal! The weather is beautiful and I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful trip.
We’re still trying to settle into the new house, and we’re still up to our ears in projects. The challenge for this week was trying to fit a rug under the three legs of my grand piano. We discovered that you can’t do it by lifting one leg at a time. At least you can’t get the rug in the right place. We even had the help of one of our bishop’s sons, and we still didn’t do it very well. But by then I had discovered that the rug had a warp along one side, and I decided we’d be taking it back. About five years ago President Uchtdorf gave a talk called "Lift Where you Stand," and it started with a story about moving a grand piano. They couldn’t figure out how to do it, until Hanno Luschin, who was just a punk teenager when I was on my mission there, said "Everybody stand where you are and lift." It worked. So when we get the new rug, I’m going to invite the young men in the ward to move the piano off the spot. Then we’ll lay out the rug, and put the piano back. I love how President Uchtdorf always gives such practical advice!
Here’s the latest from Andy. He wanted me to forward it to you: Today we finished editing the book for Dad/Grandpa Allen and sent it off to be printed. He should receive the book in about a week. The book is 56 pages long, and I think that he will be thrilled with it, and can enjoy looking at it often. First let me express my deepest gratitude to every family in the clan. Every single family group responded in a timely manner, and allowed us to put the book together in just over a week’s time. Given we have over 50 families that contributed to the project, I think this kind of quick 100% response is amazing! I believe that the biggest factor to this success is everyone’s deep respect for Dad/grandpa. Also, thanks to Bonnie and Nancy for help in editing. From my perspective, it was an incredible experience to witness the coming together of this project. As the photos and descriptions came piling in, it was overwhelming to witness the sheer volume of wonderful families, all doing incredible things. It just blew me away to see page after page after page of beautiful families. Truly, the book is a reflection of Lester and Marilyn’s righteous heritage. We have created a share site on-line so that anyone who wants to can go and look at the book. Here is how you access it:
1) Go to LesterMarilynAllen.shutterfly.com (no password is needed)
2) There is a green banner across the top, click on the tab labeled "Pictures & Videos"
3) On the next screen you will see a photo album on the right side, click on that.
4) After the book opens, there is a "full screen" option above the pages that you can click on for better viewing. You can also select the "View Single Page" option to make it even larger.
This book will remain on-line indefinitely. If anyone wants to make any changes, corrections, or additions, please e-mail those to me and I will update the book (you cannot edit it from this site). Over the next week I will periodically update the book with the changes/corrections that I receive.
You can also order printed copies of the book from this site. I would recommend that you wait for the changes/additions that may come in this next week before you do that. Also, Shutterfly usually offers a 50% discount on photo books about once a month. When this happens, I will send out an e-mail alert to let everyone know who want to order printed copies. My experience with Shutterfly is that the printed books are of high quality and very professional looking. After I entered the Free shipping code and the 40% off code, the price was $65 for dad’s book. So at 50% off it should be between $55 and $60 per book. If/when you order, make sure you input all promo codes. Thanks again, Andy
There. That was a long message, but I couldn’t figure out how to edit it. Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are heading south in the Sienna. We’re going to pick up Donna and Bevan and their kids and camping gear in Midway, and then we’re all going down to Goblin Valley for two days. Of course Dad and I didn’t think this up. We aren’t that adventurous. Donna planned it all and invited us to come. They’ve fixed all the food, and all we need to do is drive. What a deal! The weather is beautiful and I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful trip.
We’re still trying to settle into the new house, and we’re still up to our ears in projects. The challenge for this week was trying to fit a rug under the three legs of my grand piano. We discovered that you can’t do it by lifting one leg at a time. At least you can’t get the rug in the right place. We even had the help of one of our bishop’s sons, and we still didn’t do it very well. But by then I had discovered that the rug had a warp along one side, and I decided we’d be taking it back. About five years ago President Uchtdorf gave a talk called "Lift Where you Stand," and it started with a story about moving a grand piano. They couldn’t figure out how to do it, until Hanno Luschin, who was just a punk teenager when I was on my mission there, said "Everybody stand where you are and lift." It worked. So when we get the new rug, I’m going to invite the young men in the ward to move the piano off the spot. Then we’ll lay out the rug, and put the piano back. I love how President Uchtdorf always gives such practical advice!
Here’s the latest from Andy. He wanted me to forward it to you: Today we finished editing the book for Dad/Grandpa Allen and sent it off to be printed. He should receive the book in about a week. The book is 56 pages long, and I think that he will be thrilled with it, and can enjoy looking at it often. First let me express my deepest gratitude to every family in the clan. Every single family group responded in a timely manner, and allowed us to put the book together in just over a week’s time. Given we have over 50 families that contributed to the project, I think this kind of quick 100% response is amazing! I believe that the biggest factor to this success is everyone’s deep respect for Dad/grandpa. Also, thanks to Bonnie and Nancy for help in editing. From my perspective, it was an incredible experience to witness the coming together of this project. As the photos and descriptions came piling in, it was overwhelming to witness the sheer volume of wonderful families, all doing incredible things. It just blew me away to see page after page after page of beautiful families. Truly, the book is a reflection of Lester and Marilyn’s righteous heritage. We have created a share site on-line so that anyone who wants to can go and look at the book. Here is how you access it:
1) Go to LesterMarilynAllen.shutterfly.com (no password is needed)
2) There is a green banner across the top, click on the tab labeled "Pictures & Videos"
3) On the next screen you will see a photo album on the right side, click on that.
4) After the book opens, there is a "full screen" option above the pages that you can click on for better viewing. You can also select the "View Single Page" option to make it even larger.
This book will remain on-line indefinitely. If anyone wants to make any changes, corrections, or additions, please e-mail those to me and I will update the book (you cannot edit it from this site). Over the next week I will periodically update the book with the changes/corrections that I receive.
You can also order printed copies of the book from this site. I would recommend that you wait for the changes/additions that may come in this next week before you do that. Also, Shutterfly usually offers a 50% discount on photo books about once a month. When this happens, I will send out an e-mail alert to let everyone know who want to order printed copies. My experience with Shutterfly is that the printed books are of high quality and very professional looking. After I entered the Free shipping code and the 40% off code, the price was $65 for dad’s book. So at 50% off it should be between $55 and $60 per book. If/when you order, make sure you input all promo codes. Thanks again, Andy
There. That was a long message, but I couldn’t figure out how to edit it. Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Dear Kids,
Thanks to all of you for cooperating with Andy on his Shutterfly book. He said he had delightful talks with everybody! He has 52 pages ready to go. If you want a copy of the book, the cost will probably be $52. I’m getting one. I know Shutterfly is pricey, but it works! So contact Andy if you also want to spend big bucks to find out where everybody is and what they’re doing right now.
I’m still dealing with the piles of stuff in our garage, and I bring in at least 5 things a day, but the pile isn’t getting any smaller. How does that work? Are gremlins adding new boxes during the night? And where are the really useful things? Most of the visible boxes have labels like "Liahonas in Spanish" or "Sienna head rests." Where is the box that says "All the rest of Christy’s clothes" or "The kitchen stuff I REALLY need?"
Dad and I are still working really hard to make this house livable. Dad paints and hangs blinds and replaces light fixtures. Our house, when we moved in, had the notorious "boob" lights. 18 of them. They were the default choice, and it would have cost a fortune to upgrade them through Fieldstone. So we’re re-doing them one by one. We’ve found some really cool ones at Lowes and Home Depot. My job, besides unpacking boxes, is putting in curtain rods and towel rods and shelves and extra cabinets. And lots else. It’s fun, but I’m starting to wonder what we used to do before we moved into this house. Oh, yeah, we used to hike up the hill every day. That far-away hill that we don’t have time for any more. Oreo wants to go back. His new territory stinks. Big bulldozers and backhoes are working across the street, putting in new roads, and he hates them. Maybe we’ll take him back to the cabin this afternoon and let him roam. I wish we could leave him there alone, but he needs humans almost as much as he needs good territory.
I hope you all have good territory. Love, Mom
Thanks to all of you for cooperating with Andy on his Shutterfly book. He said he had delightful talks with everybody! He has 52 pages ready to go. If you want a copy of the book, the cost will probably be $52. I’m getting one. I know Shutterfly is pricey, but it works! So contact Andy if you also want to spend big bucks to find out where everybody is and what they’re doing right now.
I’m still dealing with the piles of stuff in our garage, and I bring in at least 5 things a day, but the pile isn’t getting any smaller. How does that work? Are gremlins adding new boxes during the night? And where are the really useful things? Most of the visible boxes have labels like "Liahonas in Spanish" or "Sienna head rests." Where is the box that says "All the rest of Christy’s clothes" or "The kitchen stuff I REALLY need?"
Dad and I are still working really hard to make this house livable. Dad paints and hangs blinds and replaces light fixtures. Our house, when we moved in, had the notorious "boob" lights. 18 of them. They were the default choice, and it would have cost a fortune to upgrade them through Fieldstone. So we’re re-doing them one by one. We’ve found some really cool ones at Lowes and Home Depot. My job, besides unpacking boxes, is putting in curtain rods and towel rods and shelves and extra cabinets. And lots else. It’s fun, but I’m starting to wonder what we used to do before we moved into this house. Oh, yeah, we used to hike up the hill every day. That far-away hill that we don’t have time for any more. Oreo wants to go back. His new territory stinks. Big bulldozers and backhoes are working across the street, putting in new roads, and he hates them. Maybe we’ll take him back to the cabin this afternoon and let him roam. I wish we could leave him there alone, but he needs humans almost as much as he needs good territory.
I hope you all have good territory. Love, Mom
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Dear Kids,
Thanks to all of you who helped us moved last weekend! It saved us a ton of work! Most of the stuff you moved is still in our garage, but I’m tackling it gradually. I’m trying to deal with five boxes a day. I don’t know how many there are all together, but since we’re never moving again, I’m not in a hurry. I just go out there looking for whatever I need. I have no idea where my winter clothes are, however. I was hoping to find them on the top of the pile, but they aren’t.
Both Oreo and Xena have moved to the new house with us. I was planning to leave Oreo behind at the cabin, so he could take care of the rats and mice, but at the last minute we decided to bring him, too. He was terrified the first day and hid under the stacks of stuff in the garage. But the next morning, he was out in back perched on that old flatbed trailer, surveying his new territory, looking very proud. Xena doesn’t care where she is, as long as she has a bed and 3 meals a day.
My brother Andy has a plan to make a memory book for Grandpa Allen. Grandpa is living at Nancy’s house now, and he asked her, "Where are all the children?" (Obviously they weren’t at his 90th birthday party.) So Andy wants to make a Shutterfly-type photo book for Grandpa, to help him remember who his posterity are, and where they live. Here is his plan:
1) Each family unit (children and married grandchildren) need to take 3 or 4 pictures of their family members and the house where they live. I am not looking for portraits, simple snapshots will do. Since everybody in the world now has a camera phone (except for me) this should only take a few minutes to do. Just make sure that every person residing in your home is included in at least one of the photos.
2) Type or text a short description including names of each family member, where you live, and a little about what you are doing (school, work, mission, etc).
3) E-mail me the photos and short descriptions at andyscottallen@gmail.com
There is no good reason to procrastinate this. It should only take 5-10 minutes Do it now and then I won't have to bug you again. I think that Dad (Grandpa) will really enjoy this book.
So that’s Andy’s plan. I think it would be great if you would all contribute your bit.
Life is good! I love you all! Mom
Thanks to all of you who helped us moved last weekend! It saved us a ton of work! Most of the stuff you moved is still in our garage, but I’m tackling it gradually. I’m trying to deal with five boxes a day. I don’t know how many there are all together, but since we’re never moving again, I’m not in a hurry. I just go out there looking for whatever I need. I have no idea where my winter clothes are, however. I was hoping to find them on the top of the pile, but they aren’t.
Both Oreo and Xena have moved to the new house with us. I was planning to leave Oreo behind at the cabin, so he could take care of the rats and mice, but at the last minute we decided to bring him, too. He was terrified the first day and hid under the stacks of stuff in the garage. But the next morning, he was out in back perched on that old flatbed trailer, surveying his new territory, looking very proud. Xena doesn’t care where she is, as long as she has a bed and 3 meals a day.
My brother Andy has a plan to make a memory book for Grandpa Allen. Grandpa is living at Nancy’s house now, and he asked her, "Where are all the children?" (Obviously they weren’t at his 90th birthday party.) So Andy wants to make a Shutterfly-type photo book for Grandpa, to help him remember who his posterity are, and where they live. Here is his plan:
1) Each family unit (children and married grandchildren) need to take 3 or 4 pictures of their family members and the house where they live. I am not looking for portraits, simple snapshots will do. Since everybody in the world now has a camera phone (except for me) this should only take a few minutes to do. Just make sure that every person residing in your home is included in at least one of the photos.
2) Type or text a short description including names of each family member, where you live, and a little about what you are doing (school, work, mission, etc).
3) E-mail me the photos and short descriptions at andyscottallen@gmail.com
There is no good reason to procrastinate this. It should only take 5-10 minutes Do it now and then I won't have to bug you again. I think that Dad (Grandpa) will really enjoy this book.
So that’s Andy’s plan. I think it would be great if you would all contribute your bit.
Life is good! I love you all! Mom
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Dear Kids,
We’re having the oddest weather here at the cabin. The leaves haven’t even turned, but we had snow a couple of days ago. The temperature was down in the teens. Meanwhile, the wildlife have gone crazy. Two moose were rampaging on the hill last Sunday. They honked and bellowed at each other and ripped up the sod we laid so carefully on the sledding trail. This morning, a mama moose and her calf walked by. Herds of deer are wandering around aimlessly. I’ve never seen so many small ones this late in the year. One fawn still has its spots. Why were they born so late in the season? How can they survive the winter?
The cold weather has reminded me that the cabin, which I love so much, is dependent on the wood stove, while the new house has two furnaces. Wednesday night while we were driving home from Salt Lake in a blizzard, I wished for the first time that we were going home to the new house. You can see it from the highway, with its porch lights blazing, and it called to me, "I have two furnaces, one up and one down, and you won’t be cold here!"
Meanwhile, Dad and I are still painting and putting up shelves and knobs and rods. Donna and Bevan have offered to help us move stuff on Friday, so I don’t know if there will still be work to do on Saturday, which was my original plan. Of course everybody is still welcome to come. We could even watch conference! And of course I’ll be making dinner on Sunday. Let me know if you’re going to eat with us!
Our chess club in Heber is still trying to get off the ground. We have one lady from New Jersey who comes every week now, and she plays really well. We’re hoping for more good people. Meanwhile, the chess club at the Harman Center is doing unbelievably well. We have 12 regular people, besides one man off on a mission. Our newest guy drives from his home 35 miles north of Wendover, more than 100 miles away. He says 100 miles is not too far to drive for a good game of chess.
We hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! We are. Love, Mom
We’re having the oddest weather here at the cabin. The leaves haven’t even turned, but we had snow a couple of days ago. The temperature was down in the teens. Meanwhile, the wildlife have gone crazy. Two moose were rampaging on the hill last Sunday. They honked and bellowed at each other and ripped up the sod we laid so carefully on the sledding trail. This morning, a mama moose and her calf walked by. Herds of deer are wandering around aimlessly. I’ve never seen so many small ones this late in the year. One fawn still has its spots. Why were they born so late in the season? How can they survive the winter?
The cold weather has reminded me that the cabin, which I love so much, is dependent on the wood stove, while the new house has two furnaces. Wednesday night while we were driving home from Salt Lake in a blizzard, I wished for the first time that we were going home to the new house. You can see it from the highway, with its porch lights blazing, and it called to me, "I have two furnaces, one up and one down, and you won’t be cold here!"
Meanwhile, Dad and I are still painting and putting up shelves and knobs and rods. Donna and Bevan have offered to help us move stuff on Friday, so I don’t know if there will still be work to do on Saturday, which was my original plan. Of course everybody is still welcome to come. We could even watch conference! And of course I’ll be making dinner on Sunday. Let me know if you’re going to eat with us!
Our chess club in Heber is still trying to get off the ground. We have one lady from New Jersey who comes every week now, and she plays really well. We’re hoping for more good people. Meanwhile, the chess club at the Harman Center is doing unbelievably well. We have 12 regular people, besides one man off on a mission. Our newest guy drives from his home 35 miles north of Wendover, more than 100 miles away. He says 100 miles is not too far to drive for a good game of chess.
We hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! We are. Love, Mom
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Dear Kids,
I’m sure most of you have heard the wonderful news that Nora and James are expecting another little Mair. We’re very thrilled for them. I think the baby is due around the first of April. Nora just had her 12-week visit to the doctor, and they heard the baby’s heartbeat,and everything seems to be fine. What could be more exciting!
Lagoon, maybe? Dad and I spent Friday night at Lagoon with Nora’s and Donna’s families. We haven’t been for many years, but thanks to Allen’s passes, we got in for $11.00 each. (Except for Nora’s family, who got in with their season passes.) I forgot how much fun Lagoon is! And I also forgot how old I am, and that your body doesn’t do scary rides the same when you’re a senior citizen. I was sort of remembering how it was as a teenager, so I took off with Ben and Stu and we did the old white roller coaster, the Colossus, (where I blacked out on the second loop) and the swings, all in a row. Dad was wise and walked around with the grandkids. Oh, he went on the Bat. It was all fun. But I remembered that senior citizens have to have fun differently. Too bad the sky ride and the ferris wheel were closed down!
Dad and I are still fixing up our new house. We’ve mostly painted over the bad smell and the wrong colors. On Friday, our refrigerator was delivered from RC Willey, and our piano was picked up from Tom’s house and brought to ours. On Saturday, Tom and his family came to visit the piano (oops, I mean they came to visit us) and Kim brought her music and played the piano for a while. I guess it was a sad parting for them. With the piano, I mean. Looks like they’ll have to visit Skip Daynes and see what he can do for them. Once you get used to playing a really good piano, it’s hard to make do with a keyboard, or anything else.
Don’t forget it’s conference weekend in two weeks. We’d love to have you here on Saturday, to help us move the last of our stuff. If you’re going to be here for Sunday dinner, let me know, OK?
Life is good! Love, Mom
I’m sure most of you have heard the wonderful news that Nora and James are expecting another little Mair. We’re very thrilled for them. I think the baby is due around the first of April. Nora just had her 12-week visit to the doctor, and they heard the baby’s heartbeat,and everything seems to be fine. What could be more exciting!
Lagoon, maybe? Dad and I spent Friday night at Lagoon with Nora’s and Donna’s families. We haven’t been for many years, but thanks to Allen’s passes, we got in for $11.00 each. (Except for Nora’s family, who got in with their season passes.) I forgot how much fun Lagoon is! And I also forgot how old I am, and that your body doesn’t do scary rides the same when you’re a senior citizen. I was sort of remembering how it was as a teenager, so I took off with Ben and Stu and we did the old white roller coaster, the Colossus, (where I blacked out on the second loop) and the swings, all in a row. Dad was wise and walked around with the grandkids. Oh, he went on the Bat. It was all fun. But I remembered that senior citizens have to have fun differently. Too bad the sky ride and the ferris wheel were closed down!
Dad and I are still fixing up our new house. We’ve mostly painted over the bad smell and the wrong colors. On Friday, our refrigerator was delivered from RC Willey, and our piano was picked up from Tom’s house and brought to ours. On Saturday, Tom and his family came to visit the piano (oops, I mean they came to visit us) and Kim brought her music and played the piano for a while. I guess it was a sad parting for them. With the piano, I mean. Looks like they’ll have to visit Skip Daynes and see what he can do for them. Once you get used to playing a really good piano, it’s hard to make do with a keyboard, or anything else.
Don’t forget it’s conference weekend in two weeks. We’d love to have you here on Saturday, to help us move the last of our stuff. If you’re going to be here for Sunday dinner, let me know, OK?
Life is good! Love, Mom
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Dear Kids,
People keep asking us, "Are you all moved in yet?" and I don’t know what to say. "We’re re-painting a brand new house." "I have to put in closet shelves and rods because I didn’t trust the builders to do it right." "We have to put in a kitty door before we can bring our cats." "We’re really comfy at our cabin and I’m in no hurry." All of the above. So we just say, "We’re getting there." And it’s lots of fun. Dad is doing most of the painting, and the obnoxious smell of the original paint is gradually getting covered up. I’m doing shelves and rods and knobs and blinds. We’ve made three trips to Salt Lake to buy stuff. On our first trip, we bought a TV and a refrigerator and a microwave and a wheelbarrow, and lots of other stuff. We spent $3,000. Our other trips haven’t been so lavish. We’ve gotten all our paint from the West Valley Walmart, because they’re the only ones that can mix it right. (We’ve also tried Heber and Park City and Downtown.) There are a gazillion projects ahead of us, and they’ll all be fun.
We’ll be doing conference weekend here at the cabin. Maybe we’ll have a moving party on Saturday (Oct. 5,) and move stuff out of the bunkhouse, so people can sleep there, if they need to. Of course the guys will be going to the priesthood session that evening. I’ll be fixing Sunday dinner the next day, and we’ll eat around 1 pm. Let me know if you’ll be coming, so I’ll be sure to make enough food. Even though Dad and I won’t be living at the cabin forever, we’ll always have conference weekend here. The TV isn’t very big, compared to the new ones out there now, but you don’t have to really look at the speakers. You only have to listen to them.
I have to go frost cupcakes. I’m going visiting teaching this afternoon, and I can’t disappoint my ladies.
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Dear Kids,
Our only news this week is that we closed on the new house. The garage doors never were replaced, but Fieldstone Homes put $2,000 in escrow so that if they don’t do it in 60 days, we get the money. And if you think the escrow agreement might not be airtight, well, I wrote it. At the closing. The one they put in front of us didn’t exactly say what the problem was, or how we would get the money, so they let me re-do it to our liking. After that, it was just a few papers to sign, and a trip to the bank. I could hardly believe that after all those months of anguish, the deal was done.
All that happened Friday morning. Since then, we’ve been moving stuff and painting. Why would you completely re-paint the inside of a new home? Partly because the color I chose didn’t seem right, and partly because their paint has a smell I don’t like, and it’s still in the house, after several weeks. We’re covering it over with Walmart paint, which has a nice gentle odor that is gone in a couple of days. And besides painting, of course, there’s all the tweaking you have to do with any house you move into: shower curtains, toilet paper holders, towel bars in the right places, knobs on the cabinets and drawers, blinds, all of that. It’s lots of fun. Monday night Phares Gines is loaning us his truck, his trailer, and himself, to move the heavy things. Donna and Bevan are coming to help. Tonight John is bringing his kids and his sledge hammer, to break up the little porch outside the garage. We need to have that area re-graded, so there will be light in the basement window that’s right next to it. I pointed that out to the building supervisor during construction, and he said he was required to pour the porch, but that he wouldn’t put in any rebar, so we could break it up easily. Huh? You’ve gotta love regulations. Thank goodness we’re done with all that. We hope.
We’ll be totally obsessed with moving for the next couple of weeks or so, but after that we hope to get back to real life. We hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it. We are!
Love, Mom
Our only news this week is that we closed on the new house. The garage doors never were replaced, but Fieldstone Homes put $2,000 in escrow so that if they don’t do it in 60 days, we get the money. And if you think the escrow agreement might not be airtight, well, I wrote it. At the closing. The one they put in front of us didn’t exactly say what the problem was, or how we would get the money, so they let me re-do it to our liking. After that, it was just a few papers to sign, and a trip to the bank. I could hardly believe that after all those months of anguish, the deal was done.
All that happened Friday morning. Since then, we’ve been moving stuff and painting. Why would you completely re-paint the inside of a new home? Partly because the color I chose didn’t seem right, and partly because their paint has a smell I don’t like, and it’s still in the house, after several weeks. We’re covering it over with Walmart paint, which has a nice gentle odor that is gone in a couple of days. And besides painting, of course, there’s all the tweaking you have to do with any house you move into: shower curtains, toilet paper holders, towel bars in the right places, knobs on the cabinets and drawers, blinds, all of that. It’s lots of fun. Monday night Phares Gines is loaning us his truck, his trailer, and himself, to move the heavy things. Donna and Bevan are coming to help. Tonight John is bringing his kids and his sledge hammer, to break up the little porch outside the garage. We need to have that area re-graded, so there will be light in the basement window that’s right next to it. I pointed that out to the building supervisor during construction, and he said he was required to pour the porch, but that he wouldn’t put in any rebar, so we could break it up easily. Huh? You’ve gotta love regulations. Thank goodness we’re done with all that. We hope.
We’ll be totally obsessed with moving for the next couple of weeks or so, but after that we hope to get back to real life. We hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it. We are!
Love, Mom
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Dear Kids,
We’ve been inundated with birds! There are hundreds of robins and mountain bluebirds around our house. And lots of lgb’s, too. (Little gray birds.) They crash into our windows on a regular basis. Oreo hears the thunk, stretches, and saunters out to pick up his lunch. Meanwhile, the magpies have moved farther up the mountain.
We were glad to see several of you at Grandpa’s birthday party Friday night. I was sorry your kids weren’t invited, but it was nice to be able to visit everybody in a calm atmosphere. There was a great video that Nancy put together with the pictures that Andy and Renae scanned. Bonnie said they’ll show it again at Grandpa’s funeral. On one hand, we don’t want him die any time soon, but on the other hand, he’s anxious to be with Grandma. In fact, at his birthday party, when we were singing "Happy Birthday to You," I held back from singing "and many more . . . "
The log posts at the entryway of our driveway fell down. Actually, they fell down when we gently pushed them, because they were both tipping badly. They could have fallen on a grandchild, or they could have been lying in our path on a Sunday morning when we were anxious to get to church. So we pushed them over, and Dad has been cutting them into firewood. We’re trying to decide on a new entryway. If any of you have any ideas, let us know.
Our new house? We’re practically there! Everything has been done now except the garage doors, and maybe that won’t be much longer. When we drove past last week and I saw that they had finally hauled away the debris across the street, and leveled out the last two dirt hills, I knew they were serious about finishing. So maybe we’ll be able to start moving soon.
Life is good! Love, Mom
We’ve been inundated with birds! There are hundreds of robins and mountain bluebirds around our house. And lots of lgb’s, too. (Little gray birds.) They crash into our windows on a regular basis. Oreo hears the thunk, stretches, and saunters out to pick up his lunch. Meanwhile, the magpies have moved farther up the mountain.
We were glad to see several of you at Grandpa’s birthday party Friday night. I was sorry your kids weren’t invited, but it was nice to be able to visit everybody in a calm atmosphere. There was a great video that Nancy put together with the pictures that Andy and Renae scanned. Bonnie said they’ll show it again at Grandpa’s funeral. On one hand, we don’t want him die any time soon, but on the other hand, he’s anxious to be with Grandma. In fact, at his birthday party, when we were singing "Happy Birthday to You," I held back from singing "and many more . . . "
The log posts at the entryway of our driveway fell down. Actually, they fell down when we gently pushed them, because they were both tipping badly. They could have fallen on a grandchild, or they could have been lying in our path on a Sunday morning when we were anxious to get to church. So we pushed them over, and Dad has been cutting them into firewood. We’re trying to decide on a new entryway. If any of you have any ideas, let us know.
Our new house? We’re practically there! Everything has been done now except the garage doors, and maybe that won’t be much longer. When we drove past last week and I saw that they had finally hauled away the debris across the street, and leveled out the last two dirt hills, I knew they were serious about finishing. So maybe we’ll be able to start moving soon.
Life is good! Love, Mom
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Dear Kids,
We’ve had a lot of rain here at the cabin, and we’re expecting more. It’s really odd, since we had such a long hot dry summer. I’m glad for the change.
Sharon and Seth left for home on Wednesday. We didn’t see them much the last 2 1/2 weeks they were here because they were off visiting everybody else, in our car, which we were glad to lend them. (Sharon wrote on facebook that they traveled 2,000 miles while they were here. Our Sienna was up for it!) So Dad and I drove the truck during that time, and had some good adventures. One afternoon we went up the canyon looking for hiking trails, and decided to check out an area called Cedar Hollow. We took off on a little road, thinking it would take us to a trail head, but it WAS the trail–a 4-wheeler trail. It got steeper and rockier, with a cliff off one side and a mountain on the other. Naturally we couldn’t turn around or back up, so we kept going. Eventually we came to a turnout with several other trails coming off it. Long story short: we turned around and got back down OK. Now we can say we’ve been 4-wheelin’ in a Chevy truck with 2-wheel drive.
Our new house is still just sitting there, but we have some indications that Fieldstone Homes might be willing to finish it up. I’m not very eager to actually live there, but I really want to move our stuff in and sort it out. Where are my winter clothes? My sewing supplies? Where’s my colored cardstock? Those sorts of things. Besides, there’s at least one dead mouse under our furniture in the greenhouse. Maybe more. I’m anxious to move everything out and clean up the detritus before winter.
If you drive past our old house in West Valley, along 4100 South, you can see that the Salgueros have planted corn in the back yard. It’s taller than the fence. Go, Guatemalans!
We’re doin’ great and lovin’ it. Hope you all are too!
Love, Mom
We’ve had a lot of rain here at the cabin, and we’re expecting more. It’s really odd, since we had such a long hot dry summer. I’m glad for the change.
Sharon and Seth left for home on Wednesday. We didn’t see them much the last 2 1/2 weeks they were here because they were off visiting everybody else, in our car, which we were glad to lend them. (Sharon wrote on facebook that they traveled 2,000 miles while they were here. Our Sienna was up for it!) So Dad and I drove the truck during that time, and had some good adventures. One afternoon we went up the canyon looking for hiking trails, and decided to check out an area called Cedar Hollow. We took off on a little road, thinking it would take us to a trail head, but it WAS the trail–a 4-wheeler trail. It got steeper and rockier, with a cliff off one side and a mountain on the other. Naturally we couldn’t turn around or back up, so we kept going. Eventually we came to a turnout with several other trails coming off it. Long story short: we turned around and got back down OK. Now we can say we’ve been 4-wheelin’ in a Chevy truck with 2-wheel drive.
Our new house is still just sitting there, but we have some indications that Fieldstone Homes might be willing to finish it up. I’m not very eager to actually live there, but I really want to move our stuff in and sort it out. Where are my winter clothes? My sewing supplies? Where’s my colored cardstock? Those sorts of things. Besides, there’s at least one dead mouse under our furniture in the greenhouse. Maybe more. I’m anxious to move everything out and clean up the detritus before winter.
If you drive past our old house in West Valley, along 4100 South, you can see that the Salgueros have planted corn in the back yard. It’s taller than the fence. Go, Guatemalans!
We’re doin’ great and lovin’ it. Hope you all are too!
Love, Mom
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Dear Kids,
Sharon and Donna put on a fun party yesterday here at the cabin. They showed up with their husbands and kids, and Holly and Tim Fower (Sharon and Seth’s old friends from way back) with their four kids. Right in the middle of the party a big storm blew in (Lucy said it was "very thundering") and we had a great downpour. So it was the best possible afternoon.
Dad and I had spent the morning laying sod, dead sod, actually, on the sledding hill. We’ve been working on that project most of the summer. I put down dead sod about four years ago, but it didn’t hold up to the climate here, and the deer. This time I’m overseeding it with sheep fescue and watering it to get it going. We picked up our current batch of sod on Friday, at Donna’s work site high up in Deer Crest. No wonder she likes her job! The view over the Jordanelle is incredible. Plus, she’s "outside," planting trees and shrubs, driving a truck around . . . what’s not to like?!
Dad and I are still going to the Heber Senior Center on Thursdays, (the Wasatch Center), enjoying their great meals and getting our chess club started. We always have at least one person show up, but it seems to be somebody different every week. Last Thursday we had two 12-year-old twin boys who just moved here from Burley. They love chess, and they said they want to come every week. They told us they don’t mind hanging out with "old" people. Fortunately we don’t mind hanging out with 12-year-olds. We had a lot of fun.
The comedy of our new house goes on and on. It’s been nearly nine months. Right now they’re still waiting for the right garage doors to come in. (They gave us plain doors, when we paid a lot extra for doors with windows at the top). But if they were really serious about finishing and closing, you’d think they would have everything else done and be ready to go. But they still haven’t finished leveling the lot across the street and removing the debris, which our contract says they will do. And they haven’t done the final paint job, including all the outside doors. Dad and I haven’t been inside for three weeks, because it’s all locked up now, so we don’t know what else hasn’t been finished up. I try not to think about it too much.
Nevertheless, life is good. I love you all! Mom
Sharon and Donna put on a fun party yesterday here at the cabin. They showed up with their husbands and kids, and Holly and Tim Fower (Sharon and Seth’s old friends from way back) with their four kids. Right in the middle of the party a big storm blew in (Lucy said it was "very thundering") and we had a great downpour. So it was the best possible afternoon.
Dad and I had spent the morning laying sod, dead sod, actually, on the sledding hill. We’ve been working on that project most of the summer. I put down dead sod about four years ago, but it didn’t hold up to the climate here, and the deer. This time I’m overseeding it with sheep fescue and watering it to get it going. We picked up our current batch of sod on Friday, at Donna’s work site high up in Deer Crest. No wonder she likes her job! The view over the Jordanelle is incredible. Plus, she’s "outside," planting trees and shrubs, driving a truck around . . . what’s not to like?!
Dad and I are still going to the Heber Senior Center on Thursdays, (the Wasatch Center), enjoying their great meals and getting our chess club started. We always have at least one person show up, but it seems to be somebody different every week. Last Thursday we had two 12-year-old twin boys who just moved here from Burley. They love chess, and they said they want to come every week. They told us they don’t mind hanging out with "old" people. Fortunately we don’t mind hanging out with 12-year-olds. We had a lot of fun.
The comedy of our new house goes on and on. It’s been nearly nine months. Right now they’re still waiting for the right garage doors to come in. (They gave us plain doors, when we paid a lot extra for doors with windows at the top). But if they were really serious about finishing and closing, you’d think they would have everything else done and be ready to go. But they still haven’t finished leveling the lot across the street and removing the debris, which our contract says they will do. And they haven’t done the final paint job, including all the outside doors. Dad and I haven’t been inside for three weeks, because it’s all locked up now, so we don’t know what else hasn’t been finished up. I try not to think about it too much.
Nevertheless, life is good. I love you all! Mom
Monday, August 12, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are still recovering from the excitement of the family reunion. Thanks to all of you who made it happen! The Tetons are always beautiful, and it was great having nearly all of our family together. Almost anything you do with that many people is bound to be fun.
Speaking of fun, Sharon and her kids were here until Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Dad and I needed to go to Home Depot, and we took everybody along. Surprisingly, it turned out to be lots of fun. The kids and I checked out playground kits in the back of the store, and they each took one of the booklets showing all the swings and slides and pirate accessories. They walked through the store looking at the pictures of forts, while Dad and Sharon and I looked at refrigerators and washing machines and flooring. Later, at home, we planned the fort we’re going to build next summer when the Thacker kids come back. (Any other grandchildren who would like to help will be welcome.) This fort is going to be at the new house, of course. (Assuming that Fieldstone Homes is every ready for us to occupy it.) Besides the fort, we’re going to have the big swings, an airplane teeter-totter, a sand digger, and a grown-ups bench. It will be a real playground. I pointed out to Sharon that we’re slowing down on grandchildren, so maybe we shouldn’t be so extravagant with the play equipment, but she said there will always be more grandchildren.
Besides our trip to Home Depot, we also had fun playing in the river. I don’t remember it ever being so low, and it might never be this low again. A couple hundred yards down from the bridge, it’s only rocks, with water running around them. Conrad was totally thrilled, wading around and sitting right down in the little pools. Charlie found a pool big enough to fall into. Everybody who wanted to get wet, did. Having that much fun in the river made me realize that the best times are often the most spontaneous and cheapest things you can do.
Last night Dad and I drove to Logan for Stefanie’s brother’s wedding reception. I know, Brad was totally single when Paul and Stefanie got married in April, and he didn’t even catch the garter when they threw it. (Dave Michelson did.) But one of his former girlfriends came home from a mission to Spain, and their romance took off like a rocket. Dad and I really enjoyed seeing all Stefanie’s family again, and we had a good time visiting with Paul, while Stefanie and her friend Ann were out decorating the car. The Riebens are happy to have all their children well-married now, although they never expected to have TWO weddings in four months.
Summer is sure winding down fast. Autumn comes early here at the cabin, but we’re up for it! Winter, too!
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are totally enjoying having Sharon and her kids here at the cabin. They came Wednesday morning and we picked them up at the airport. By the time we got back to the cabin, the party had already started. Tom cooked dutch oven potatoes, Nora and James barbecued chicken, and after that everybody contributed their specialties, all day long. People kept getting out food, and we kept eating it. There were 41 people here, and I’m sure we ate more food than has ever been consumed at the cabin in one day.
Since then, the fun has continued. We went to Heber on Thursday, swimming on Friday, and yesterday we met Tom’s family at Wasatch State Park where the kids went fishing in the pond and fed the ducks. Dad and I are having way more fun and recreation than we’re used to.
Here’s a great piece of news: Paul has an engineering job! It’s an internship for Magnus Pacific in Ogden, with long hours and good pay. It sounds ideal. He describes it as "more of a construction civil internship." I’m sure we’ll here more about it. Go, Paul!
Naturally we’re all looking forward to the family reunion, starting Thursday evening. Here’s the itinerary from Monica:
Thursday 8/1/2013 Arrive anytime starting at 1PM (this is the earliest official check in time-Coulter Bay Campground, we are in a group site) Set up tents. Dinner by Tom's family (between 5 and 7) Water bottle craft after dinner. Fire, smores, and celebrate Mom's birthday with cake!
Friday 8/2/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Sharon's family. Beach day-leave for String Lake at 10-11AM and plan to spend most of the day there. Please bring all your floatation devices (rafts, boats, canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, anything you want/have). People can also hike to Holli Lake before lunch. Lunch lakeside by Donna's family (between 11 and 1)
There is a possibility that Lizzette and Theral can do some float trips but I haven't heard back from them. If they can do them then we'll leave for Jackson early and overtake a park in town, which can be a base camp for people both going on a float trip and those who are not. Lunch can be served there.
Dinner (between 5 and 7) by Vanessa's family. Fire, smores, and the newlyweds game.
Saturday 8/3/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Monica's family. Mid-morning hike-the one mile foot trail that leaves from the back of the museum. Totally doable by kids 3 and older. Put the babies in the back packs and wraps. Ongoing craft put on by Ellie-for before/after/during the hike. Lunch by Allen's family (between 11 and 1) Overtake Jackson Lake Lodge (swimming in the pool and/or walking around the grounds or taking a nap on the couches or playing cards in the lobby) Dinner (between 5 and 7) by Nora's family. Fire, smores, and talent show. Please have your family contribute a song, game, skit, or entertainment segment that lasts 5 minutes or so. Maybe we can end up at the cabin lounge like last time for this.
Sunday 8/4/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Paul and Stephanie Devotional at 9AM-lead by James. Pack and leave by 11AM
Extras--Mom and Dad are in charge of paper products, fire wood, and garbage detail. For food assignments: Adults 18 and kids 22 (not counting Heather and her kids-allergies) The rate for the Group Tent Sites is $25 non-refundable booking fee, $5.50 per person per night so with everyone coming (45 ppl) our total bill should be $767.50. I think it would be fair to do $2.5 + 3*(5.5*# of kids) but please let me know if you think this is unfair or if you can't afford this amount. If Lizzette can do the float trip I'll let you know the cost and we can decide if we want to do it. I think the possibility is small but I would love to go out on the Snake!
Dad and I are totally enjoying having Sharon and her kids here at the cabin. They came Wednesday morning and we picked them up at the airport. By the time we got back to the cabin, the party had already started. Tom cooked dutch oven potatoes, Nora and James barbecued chicken, and after that everybody contributed their specialties, all day long. People kept getting out food, and we kept eating it. There were 41 people here, and I’m sure we ate more food than has ever been consumed at the cabin in one day.
Since then, the fun has continued. We went to Heber on Thursday, swimming on Friday, and yesterday we met Tom’s family at Wasatch State Park where the kids went fishing in the pond and fed the ducks. Dad and I are having way more fun and recreation than we’re used to.
Here’s a great piece of news: Paul has an engineering job! It’s an internship for Magnus Pacific in Ogden, with long hours and good pay. It sounds ideal. He describes it as "more of a construction civil internship." I’m sure we’ll here more about it. Go, Paul!
Naturally we’re all looking forward to the family reunion, starting Thursday evening. Here’s the itinerary from Monica:
Thursday 8/1/2013 Arrive anytime starting at 1PM (this is the earliest official check in time-Coulter Bay Campground, we are in a group site) Set up tents. Dinner by Tom's family (between 5 and 7) Water bottle craft after dinner. Fire, smores, and celebrate Mom's birthday with cake!
Friday 8/2/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Sharon's family. Beach day-leave for String Lake at 10-11AM and plan to spend most of the day there. Please bring all your floatation devices (rafts, boats, canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, anything you want/have). People can also hike to Holli Lake before lunch. Lunch lakeside by Donna's family (between 11 and 1)
There is a possibility that Lizzette and Theral can do some float trips but I haven't heard back from them. If they can do them then we'll leave for Jackson early and overtake a park in town, which can be a base camp for people both going on a float trip and those who are not. Lunch can be served there.
Dinner (between 5 and 7) by Vanessa's family. Fire, smores, and the newlyweds game.
Saturday 8/3/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Monica's family. Mid-morning hike-the one mile foot trail that leaves from the back of the museum. Totally doable by kids 3 and older. Put the babies in the back packs and wraps. Ongoing craft put on by Ellie-for before/after/during the hike. Lunch by Allen's family (between 11 and 1) Overtake Jackson Lake Lodge (swimming in the pool and/or walking around the grounds or taking a nap on the couches or playing cards in the lobby) Dinner (between 5 and 7) by Nora's family. Fire, smores, and talent show. Please have your family contribute a song, game, skit, or entertainment segment that lasts 5 minutes or so. Maybe we can end up at the cabin lounge like last time for this.
Sunday 8/4/2013 Breakfast (between 7 and 9) by Paul and Stephanie Devotional at 9AM-lead by James. Pack and leave by 11AM
Extras--Mom and Dad are in charge of paper products, fire wood, and garbage detail. For food assignments: Adults 18 and kids 22 (not counting Heather and her kids-allergies) The rate for the Group Tent Sites is $25 non-refundable booking fee, $5.50 per person per night so with everyone coming (45 ppl) our total bill should be $767.50. I think it would be fair to do $2.5 + 3*(5.5*# of kids) but please let me know if you think this is unfair or if you can't afford this amount. If Lizzette can do the float trip I'll let you know the cost and we can decide if we want to do it. I think the possibility is small but I would love to go out on the Snake!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Dear Kids,
The July 24th party has been moved to the cabin. Nora and James will be bringing all their kids and all the Sutton kids, and that’s a big party in itself. Sharon and her kids are arriving that morning, so Dad and I will bring them back to the cabin. Everybody else and their kids are welcome too. We’ll be eating about 1:00 pm, and Nora was talking about a dutch oven meal. If you want to help, you can call her for a food assignment. In the evening we’ll build a fire in the pit and cook hot dogs and make s’mores. If anybody brings fireworks, you won’t be the only ones setting them off. There are usually a few neighbors who do it. We had a lot of rain last week, so it isn’t very dry. Besides, we have hoses.
Last week when we were in West Valley, I went with Dad to drive the kids home from our piano class. I usually stay at the Lighthouse Church and have him pick me up afterwards, to avoid sitting in traffic. I’ve also wanted to avoid driving by our old house, because I was afraid there would be cars parked on the lawn, and the grass and shrubs would be dead. So I held my breath as we drove past our circle, but the yard looked great! The lawn was green, and mowed, and the daisies were about four feet high. If anything, it looked better than when we lived there! If you’re going along 4100 South and you look over at the back of our house, you can see they’ve built a roof over the deck, with posts on the corners. And the yard is filled with chairs and picnic tables. I’m sure they’re having great parties there. It’s better than I ever expected.
You should have seen Dad tooling around on a riding lawn mower last week. He borrowed it from Jim Curtis. We’ll probably buy one next spring. We’ll also have to get a little trailer for it, so we can drive it back and forth from the cabin to the new house. (Assuming we ever buy it and move in.) If the lawn mower has its own trailer, it could easily go to Heber and/or Midway, couldn’t it? It could have a fun Saturday there, mowing everybody’s lawns.
Life is good. The magpies are still overrunning our yard, but there’s a flock of robins now, competing for territory. Oreo rules them all.
Lots of love, Mom
The July 24th party has been moved to the cabin. Nora and James will be bringing all their kids and all the Sutton kids, and that’s a big party in itself. Sharon and her kids are arriving that morning, so Dad and I will bring them back to the cabin. Everybody else and their kids are welcome too. We’ll be eating about 1:00 pm, and Nora was talking about a dutch oven meal. If you want to help, you can call her for a food assignment. In the evening we’ll build a fire in the pit and cook hot dogs and make s’mores. If anybody brings fireworks, you won’t be the only ones setting them off. There are usually a few neighbors who do it. We had a lot of rain last week, so it isn’t very dry. Besides, we have hoses.
Last week when we were in West Valley, I went with Dad to drive the kids home from our piano class. I usually stay at the Lighthouse Church and have him pick me up afterwards, to avoid sitting in traffic. I’ve also wanted to avoid driving by our old house, because I was afraid there would be cars parked on the lawn, and the grass and shrubs would be dead. So I held my breath as we drove past our circle, but the yard looked great! The lawn was green, and mowed, and the daisies were about four feet high. If anything, it looked better than when we lived there! If you’re going along 4100 South and you look over at the back of our house, you can see they’ve built a roof over the deck, with posts on the corners. And the yard is filled with chairs and picnic tables. I’m sure they’re having great parties there. It’s better than I ever expected.
You should have seen Dad tooling around on a riding lawn mower last week. He borrowed it from Jim Curtis. We’ll probably buy one next spring. We’ll also have to get a little trailer for it, so we can drive it back and forth from the cabin to the new house. (Assuming we ever buy it and move in.) If the lawn mower has its own trailer, it could easily go to Heber and/or Midway, couldn’t it? It could have a fun Saturday there, mowing everybody’s lawns.
Life is good. The magpies are still overrunning our yard, but there’s a flock of robins now, competing for territory. Oreo rules them all.
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Dear Kids,
I didn’t write a letter last week because it didn’t even occur to me. We were at Dallin’s baby blessing, and there was so much fun and so much good food and so many fun people that I totally forgot that I usually write my letter on Sundays. We all added a lot to the attendance of the Midway 7th Ward, because there were 39 of us there. I think that’s the most people in our own family who have all been in the same church meeting at the same time. Anyway, it was a great day. Thanks to Donna for planning the food, and to Tom and Kim for letting us wreck their house. I wish we could have a baby blessing every Sunday.
Sharon and her kids will arrive in Utah on the 24 th, which is only 10 days away. Dad and I are picking them up at the airport, and there’s a tentative get-together planned for that afternoon and/or evening at Nora’s house. Nora and James will have all 5 of the Sutton kids, besides their own, so logistically, that’s probably the best plan. We’ve already had cabin get-togethers on Memorial day and the Fourth of July, but of course, the cabin’s always ready for a good party. Anyway, we’re really looking forward to having the Thackers here in Utah for a while.
Thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to ask about our new house. It’s been an absolute nightmare, and I wouldn’t wish Fieldstone Homes on my worst enemy. Just in the last couple of weeks we’ve dealt with sloppy floor tile (which they finally tore out and re-laid,) mismatched crown molding from Chris & Dick’s, two more broken windows (besides the one that was broken when the windows were installed), kitchen island facing the wrong direction, and, if you can believe this, BLACK appliances, when we ordered white. Every time we drive over to the house, I get a knot in my stomach, wondering what else they’ve screwed up. I don’t care if we never move in. Hopefully I’ll get over that feeling in time.
We’re really looking forward to the family reunion, starting on the best possible day (assuming it starts on Thursday, August 1.) I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about the plans.
Lots of love, Mom
I didn’t write a letter last week because it didn’t even occur to me. We were at Dallin’s baby blessing, and there was so much fun and so much good food and so many fun people that I totally forgot that I usually write my letter on Sundays. We all added a lot to the attendance of the Midway 7th Ward, because there were 39 of us there. I think that’s the most people in our own family who have all been in the same church meeting at the same time. Anyway, it was a great day. Thanks to Donna for planning the food, and to Tom and Kim for letting us wreck their house. I wish we could have a baby blessing every Sunday.
Sharon and her kids will arrive in Utah on the 24 th, which is only 10 days away. Dad and I are picking them up at the airport, and there’s a tentative get-together planned for that afternoon and/or evening at Nora’s house. Nora and James will have all 5 of the Sutton kids, besides their own, so logistically, that’s probably the best plan. We’ve already had cabin get-togethers on Memorial day and the Fourth of July, but of course, the cabin’s always ready for a good party. Anyway, we’re really looking forward to having the Thackers here in Utah for a while.
Thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to ask about our new house. It’s been an absolute nightmare, and I wouldn’t wish Fieldstone Homes on my worst enemy. Just in the last couple of weeks we’ve dealt with sloppy floor tile (which they finally tore out and re-laid,) mismatched crown molding from Chris & Dick’s, two more broken windows (besides the one that was broken when the windows were installed), kitchen island facing the wrong direction, and, if you can believe this, BLACK appliances, when we ordered white. Every time we drive over to the house, I get a knot in my stomach, wondering what else they’ve screwed up. I don’t care if we never move in. Hopefully I’ll get over that feeling in time.
We’re really looking forward to the family reunion, starting on the best possible day (assuming it starts on Thursday, August 1.) I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about the plans.
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Dear Kids,
There are hundreds of magpies squawking and fighting in the back yard. Since Donna and Bevan moved, nobody has been interested in shooting them, and they have multiplied way out of control. If anybody wants to come and shoot them, the bounty is still $5.00 per carcass. Any grandson (or anybody else) who’s a good shot could earn $500, easy.
Donna wanted me to remind everybody of Dallin’s baby blessing next Sunday. It’s at 9:00 am at her church in Midway. There will be a dinner at noon at her house. Anybody who doesn’t want to go to the whole block can hang out there beforehand. The church address and other details are on an e-mail that Donna sent everybody. Dad and I are really looking forward to seeing some of you, and a family party is always fun.
It’s been really hot here lately, and even hotter in Salt Lake. Dad and I are used to being cold, not hot, so when it hit 86 here the other day, we thought we were roasting. But then Dad reminded me that back in West Valley, we used to set our air conditioning thermostat at 82 or 83. It’s all relative.
Donna and Bevan invited us to go to Mirror Lake with them yesterday afternoon, to get out of the heat. I’ve always felt like we lived in the mountains already, but I’d forgotten what it’s like to really be in the mountains, say, 10,500 feet. It was gorgeous. Of course everybody else was there, too, escaping the heat. We hiked around the lake while Bevan fished, and we cooked hot dogs and made smores. Anna got marshmallow in her hair and fell in the river. (It’s very shallow there–mostly big rocks and dead fish.) Watching Anna, I’ve come to understand myself better. She’s so much like me. All I ever really wanted was to be outside and try new things. It hasn’t been that long since I had marshmallow in my hair, and just two years ago I fell in the Jordan River, on one of my bike rides. It’s fun to see bits of ourselves in our kids and grandkids.
Our chess club at the Wasatch Senior Center is getting off the ground, and we’ve had three different people show up to play chess. One is an 80-year old lady who lives alone in a cabin in Timberlakes, at 8,000 feet. She burns wood to keep warm. I always knew chess people were adventurous.
We hope you’re all doin’ great and lovin’ it! Love, Mom
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Dear Kids,
I’m not writing much, because I have a brace on my wrist and it’s hard. Still, I want to say Hi. The brace is because I have a swollen "carpal meta-carpal" joint, at the base of my thumb. I first hurt it while we were moving, probably because I used the tape gun so much. (8 rolls of tape.) It never healed, so I have to wear a brace and not use it for 3 or 4 weeks. No piano playing, no shoveling dirt, no using pliers, etc. etc.
Donna and Anna and Dallin stayed overnight with us Friday, because Bevan was running the Ragnar, and Donna had volunteered to work at an aid station Saturday morning. She had to be at her post by 6:30 am. It was a turn-out on Hwy 32 going up past the Jordanelle. When Dallin woke up, I had to take him to her to nurse. He was a good sport and only bawled for part of the drive. By the way, I thought the idea of the Ragnar was really stupid, until I saw all those hundreds of people running. Now I wish I could do it.
Our wood pile has been infested with prairie dogs, but Oreo isn’t doing anything about it. I guess I’ll leave them alone. At least they’re not under the house chewing the insulation, or under the well head chewing the wires. Besides, they didn’t ask to be born prairie dogs.
Love you all! Mom
I’m not writing much, because I have a brace on my wrist and it’s hard. Still, I want to say Hi. The brace is because I have a swollen "carpal meta-carpal" joint, at the base of my thumb. I first hurt it while we were moving, probably because I used the tape gun so much. (8 rolls of tape.) It never healed, so I have to wear a brace and not use it for 3 or 4 weeks. No piano playing, no shoveling dirt, no using pliers, etc. etc.
Donna and Anna and Dallin stayed overnight with us Friday, because Bevan was running the Ragnar, and Donna had volunteered to work at an aid station Saturday morning. She had to be at her post by 6:30 am. It was a turn-out on Hwy 32 going up past the Jordanelle. When Dallin woke up, I had to take him to her to nurse. He was a good sport and only bawled for part of the drive. By the way, I thought the idea of the Ragnar was really stupid, until I saw all those hundreds of people running. Now I wish I could do it.
Our wood pile has been infested with prairie dogs, but Oreo isn’t doing anything about it. I guess I’ll leave them alone. At least they’re not under the house chewing the insulation, or under the well head chewing the wires. Besides, they didn’t ask to be born prairie dogs.
Love you all! Mom
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I had fun helping Nora and James move yesterday. We didn’t actually haul anything, but we cleaned windows. I was remembering our nightmare of a move from the house on Stillwater Way, and I was afraid they couldn’t get all their stuff out, but they were much more prepared than we had been. Nora’s secret? Hundreds of boxes. Absolutely everything but the furniture was boxed up. They’ve rented a storage unit in Woods Cross, and on Friday they had taken an entire moving truck full of these boxes to the storage place. Yesterday they were taking everything else to the house they’re renting. It’s a house owned by Dave Michelson’s brother, who has moved his family to Arizona for his job. It’s funny that people don’t seem to sell their houses any more–they just rent them out, and move to another house that’s being rented out. I asked Nora if they might ever move back to the house in West Jordan, and she said that’s always a possibility.
Cabin Wildlife Report: Dad just saw two sandhill cranes circling over our cabin. They’re enormous. I wish they’d carry Oreo off and teach him a lesson. Last week there was a terrible smell in the greenhouse, and I searched around until I found a decomposing rodent in the bark by the window. I removed it with a large spoon. It was like a large mouse with a furry tail. Some kind of a prairie dog? Who knows. A generic rodent, that was all. Oreo and Xena looked on. A couple of days ago, some small birds were building a nest in the hole that the woodpeckers made in the side of the bunkhouse. I drove them off and put new duct tape over the hole.
Last week I wrote that Dad and I are starting a chess club at the senior center in Heber. We’ve eaten lunch there a couple of times already, and we’ve been guests of honor at the front table. There’s a homeless, toothless man with a bushy beard who plays jazz on the piano sometimes, while people eat. The director said he was looking for other lunchtime entertainment besides the jazz, and I mentioned that I like to play background music. So I wasn’t surprised when he called and asked if I could play on Thursday. I didn’t know that I was supposed to play a concert, after people had eaten. What’s more, he called John and had him invite all his Heber siblings to come have lunch and listen to me play. So, just before the meal started, here came John, and then Donna and Tom and Kim. Heather came in later. I wasn’t expecting that much attention, so naturally I made a lot of mistakes, but it was fun to visit with everybody. Our chess club didn’t get off to a rousing start–there was just one guy there besides the two of us, but we had fun. Meanwhile, the kids’ chess club at the library across the hall had great attendance! Aaron and Jacob were there. Why is it that kids love chess, but when they get older, they’re scared to play? It’s one of life’s deepest mysteries.
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I had fun helping Nora and James move yesterday. We didn’t actually haul anything, but we cleaned windows. I was remembering our nightmare of a move from the house on Stillwater Way, and I was afraid they couldn’t get all their stuff out, but they were much more prepared than we had been. Nora’s secret? Hundreds of boxes. Absolutely everything but the furniture was boxed up. They’ve rented a storage unit in Woods Cross, and on Friday they had taken an entire moving truck full of these boxes to the storage place. Yesterday they were taking everything else to the house they’re renting. It’s a house owned by Dave Michelson’s brother, who has moved his family to Arizona for his job. It’s funny that people don’t seem to sell their houses any more–they just rent them out, and move to another house that’s being rented out. I asked Nora if they might ever move back to the house in West Jordan, and she said that’s always a possibility.
Cabin Wildlife Report: Dad just saw two sandhill cranes circling over our cabin. They’re enormous. I wish they’d carry Oreo off and teach him a lesson. Last week there was a terrible smell in the greenhouse, and I searched around until I found a decomposing rodent in the bark by the window. I removed it with a large spoon. It was like a large mouse with a furry tail. Some kind of a prairie dog? Who knows. A generic rodent, that was all. Oreo and Xena looked on. A couple of days ago, some small birds were building a nest in the hole that the woodpeckers made in the side of the bunkhouse. I drove them off and put new duct tape over the hole.
Last week I wrote that Dad and I are starting a chess club at the senior center in Heber. We’ve eaten lunch there a couple of times already, and we’ve been guests of honor at the front table. There’s a homeless, toothless man with a bushy beard who plays jazz on the piano sometimes, while people eat. The director said he was looking for other lunchtime entertainment besides the jazz, and I mentioned that I like to play background music. So I wasn’t surprised when he called and asked if I could play on Thursday. I didn’t know that I was supposed to play a concert, after people had eaten. What’s more, he called John and had him invite all his Heber siblings to come have lunch and listen to me play. So, just before the meal started, here came John, and then Donna and Tom and Kim. Heather came in later. I wasn’t expecting that much attention, so naturally I made a lot of mistakes, but it was fun to visit with everybody. Our chess club didn’t get off to a rousing start–there was just one guy there besides the two of us, but we had fun. Meanwhile, the kids’ chess club at the library across the hall had great attendance! Aaron and Jacob were there. Why is it that kids love chess, but when they get older, they’re scared to play? It’s one of life’s deepest mysteries.
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Dear Kids,
The world is absolutely beautiful this morning. Dad and I just drove the whole length of the valley to the stake center. Pine trees, blue sky, green hills . . . I can’t imagine living anywhere but here.
There’s an early-morning priesthood meeting for the guys, so I’m hanging out in the Relief Society room till it’s over. Then we’ll drive over to our church for our block. It isn’t like West Valley, where it was a 3-minute walk to the church and a 5-minute walk to the stake center. We have to plan our Sunday transportation now. I have more empathy for Sharon and Seth, and their Sunday trips to church.
At the cabin, summer has brought new wildlife. Oreo killed a rat and left it for me in the greenhouse, by the computer table. He sat on the ledge above it, waiting for me. When I saw it I shrieked, without even thinking. He was pleased. We’ve had a skunk in the greenhouse, and a raccoon. Our moose keeps watch in the front yard. Most people are probably used to it by now, but a few days ago, a car stopped on the road, and the passenger window went down. A white dog stuck his head out the window and stared at the moose, maybe for a minute. Then he pulled his head in, the window went up, and the car drove on. At least the dog was on the passenger side, so I’m pretty sure he wasn’t driving.
Dad and I are starting a chess club in Heber, at the senior center. (There’s a chess club for kids in the Library, but it only runs six weeks or so, in the summer.) We’re planning to do this for the long haul. We’ll be there on Thursday afternoons, so if you kids in Heber Valley need us to do anything for you on Thursdays, let us know. The best part of the senior center is lunch, because they have a real kitchen (no food service deliveries) and the cooks are the former owners of the Wagon Wheel café. Each meal is a masterpiece. I definitely won’t be bringing my own lunch, like I do at the Harman Center.
Our new house is moving along, but it’s been a nightmare. Every evening when the workmen go home, Dad and I walk through it, and we nearly always find something that’s wrong. I call the supervisor, he makes excuses, and then agrees to meet us there early the next morning. We show him the problem, and he finally agrees to have it fixed. So far there have been problems with the outside grading, the framing (twice), the heat ducts, and the wiring. The electrician is being called back for the third time. I write notes on the floor and the wall studs. He obviously can’t read. Now I try to anticipate what the subcontractors will do wrong, but you can’t figure these guys out. Every day is a new adventure.
Meanwhile, life is good. We love you all! Mom
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Dear Kids,
Nothing can top the birthday party we had for Dad last Monday! Of course the food was good, and it was a beautiful day, but when Donna started seriously into labor, we knew Dad was going to get the best birthday present of all. Donna held out until we had cut the birthday cake, but then she knew it was time to head for the hospital. The rest of us sat around texting Bevan to see how it was going. It went fast. Baby Dallin was born at 7:34 pm, weighing 8 lbs 5 oz. The timing was so perfect that Donna was all composed and ready for visitors so that people could drop in on their way home from the barbecue. I could see Grandma Allen’s hand in all this. After all, it was her birthday, too!
Dad and I helped watch Anna until Thursday morning. (Donna had to stay in the hospital an extra night because she had an infection and needed antibiotics.) Anna kept us on our toes. When the weather was nice, it was easy to tend her outside. I could do all my digging and planting and she just toodled along. She even used her own little trowel to dig in the dirt. You can tell she’s helped Donna a lot outside. The last morning, it had rained, and it was freezing cold, and her sandals were covered with mud, and she had no socks left. She’d had all the fun she could have at the cabin, so we took her home.
Dad enjoyed using the new barbecue, but he didn’t clean off the grease, and an elk attacked it during the night. We found it tipped over in the mud, the tank pulled away, its brand new cover on the ground, and pieces scattered all around. Dad put it all back together and washed it down on the gravel. We didn’t know who the attacker had been until the next morning, when we saw a doe elk licking the gravel. She went over every stone thoroughly. It don’t know if this is a fluke, or if all elk have a thing for barbecue grease. We need to find out more.
Dad and I have been married 41 years today. I don’t know where the time has gone. We aren’t doing anything spectacular to celebrate, because 41 isn’t one of those landmark numbers, and because we’ve already had so much excitement lately. Life is good!
Love, Mom
Nothing can top the birthday party we had for Dad last Monday! Of course the food was good, and it was a beautiful day, but when Donna started seriously into labor, we knew Dad was going to get the best birthday present of all. Donna held out until we had cut the birthday cake, but then she knew it was time to head for the hospital. The rest of us sat around texting Bevan to see how it was going. It went fast. Baby Dallin was born at 7:34 pm, weighing 8 lbs 5 oz. The timing was so perfect that Donna was all composed and ready for visitors so that people could drop in on their way home from the barbecue. I could see Grandma Allen’s hand in all this. After all, it was her birthday, too!
Dad and I helped watch Anna until Thursday morning. (Donna had to stay in the hospital an extra night because she had an infection and needed antibiotics.) Anna kept us on our toes. When the weather was nice, it was easy to tend her outside. I could do all my digging and planting and she just toodled along. She even used her own little trowel to dig in the dirt. You can tell she’s helped Donna a lot outside. The last morning, it had rained, and it was freezing cold, and her sandals were covered with mud, and she had no socks left. She’d had all the fun she could have at the cabin, so we took her home.
Dad enjoyed using the new barbecue, but he didn’t clean off the grease, and an elk attacked it during the night. We found it tipped over in the mud, the tank pulled away, its brand new cover on the ground, and pieces scattered all around. Dad put it all back together and washed it down on the gravel. We didn’t know who the attacker had been until the next morning, when we saw a doe elk licking the gravel. She went over every stone thoroughly. It don’t know if this is a fluke, or if all elk have a thing for barbecue grease. We need to find out more.
Dad and I have been married 41 years today. I don’t know where the time has gone. We aren’t doing anything spectacular to celebrate, because 41 isn’t one of those landmark numbers, and because we’ve already had so much excitement lately. Life is good!
Love, Mom
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I had a moose-moving party on Friday. It was only the two of us, but we managed to move Mr. Moose out to the front of the cabin, onto the rock island that I built. He looked so gigantic, standing up on that hill, that I wondered if he was maybe too big. He was supposed to be a yard decoration, but he’s a landmark, instead. People can say, "I live two houses down from the moose," or, "If you see the moose, you’ve gone too far." For us, it will be easy now, letting people know where we live. "Just look for the moose." Anyway, he’s big. To soften the effect, I’ve been planting trees and shrubs around him, as per the design Donna made me. Two of the aspens came from Tom’s front yard, along with a pine tree (that may or may not survive.) Dad and I have spent a couple of days working with Donna on Tom’s sprinkler system, so we’ve had a lot of fun digging and hauling rocks. (Donna is hauling her own load right now, so we’ve tried to do as much of the lifting as possible.) Tom has been a total fireball, getting off work early, digging like a demon, and gluing pipe like a maniac. Bevan has been there helping, too. Hey, everybody, about a year from now, I want the same work party happening in our yard on Scenic Heights Road. Only we’ll have even more rocks than Tom, if that’s possible.
Besides lots of rocks, our new house now has a complete roof and heat ducts. Dad and I walk through it every evening after the workmen have left. While they were framing, I noticed that an important doorway had been left out, and there was just a wall instead. Naturally I called the supervisor right away. It was easy for them to change it the next day, but it would have been more complicated later. So we check everything every day.
Dad and I are looking forward to his birthday party tomorrow. The barbecue is all ready to be fired up! I have lots of hamburgers and hot dogs ready to cook. The weather is supposed to be great. Life is good!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I had a moose-moving party on Friday. It was only the two of us, but we managed to move Mr. Moose out to the front of the cabin, onto the rock island that I built. He looked so gigantic, standing up on that hill, that I wondered if he was maybe too big. He was supposed to be a yard decoration, but he’s a landmark, instead. People can say, "I live two houses down from the moose," or, "If you see the moose, you’ve gone too far." For us, it will be easy now, letting people know where we live. "Just look for the moose." Anyway, he’s big. To soften the effect, I’ve been planting trees and shrubs around him, as per the design Donna made me. Two of the aspens came from Tom’s front yard, along with a pine tree (that may or may not survive.) Dad and I have spent a couple of days working with Donna on Tom’s sprinkler system, so we’ve had a lot of fun digging and hauling rocks. (Donna is hauling her own load right now, so we’ve tried to do as much of the lifting as possible.) Tom has been a total fireball, getting off work early, digging like a demon, and gluing pipe like a maniac. Bevan has been there helping, too. Hey, everybody, about a year from now, I want the same work party happening in our yard on Scenic Heights Road. Only we’ll have even more rocks than Tom, if that’s possible.
Besides lots of rocks, our new house now has a complete roof and heat ducts. Dad and I walk through it every evening after the workmen have left. While they were framing, I noticed that an important doorway had been left out, and there was just a wall instead. Naturally I called the supervisor right away. It was easy for them to change it the next day, but it would have been more complicated later. So we check everything every day.
Dad and I are looking forward to his birthday party tomorrow. The barbecue is all ready to be fired up! I have lots of hamburgers and hot dogs ready to cook. The weather is supposed to be great. Life is good!
Lots of love, Mom
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Dear Kids,
Dad and I are hanging out in Heber today. Dad is at Tom’s house, helping trench the front yard for sprinklers. Tom and Donna and Bevan are all working on it, too. I thought I was going to be helping, but the trencher was putting out a lot of exhaust, so I had to leave. I went to Walmart, and then to John’s office, and now I’m at his house. Heather is down the street helping clean up their Young Women’s garage sale, which we donated lots of stuff to. In fact, Dad and I went by the garage sale early this morning, to see how things were going. It was weird to see my clothes hanging up. I saw my dress from John’s wedding, along with my dress from Vanessa’s wedding, along with lots of other stuff from our house, which we didn’t need. Everything that wasn’t sold is being donated to the thrift store by John’s office, and I hope it all gets sold and used eventually.
In the same vein, I have to mention driving by our West Valley house last week. Actually, we were out on 4100 South, driving past. I looked over towards our backyard, and I saw lots of chairs on the deck and a picnic table on the grass. It felt indescribably good, knowing other people were really enjoying our house. We certainly hadn’t been using it for picnics and barbecues.
Our birthday party for Dad is just a week from Monday, on Memorial Day. I hope lots of you can come! We’ll probably eat around 2:00 in the afternoon, or later, if some of you can’t come till later. Dad and I will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, and a drink. If any of you can bring chips or salads or desserts, let me know. We’ll have fun breaking in the new barbecue. I’m sure it will enjoy many fine parties.
While you’re at the cabin for the barbecue, if anybody wants to drive over to our new house and walk through it, this is the perfect time. Most of the framing will be done by then. Since they started framing last Tuesday, Dad and I have gone there every day at 6:00, after the framers have gone home. We have lots of fun walking around inside. Out the back windows, you can see a cool horse farm. Out the side, you can see our church steeple. Out the other side is a picture perfect view of the mountains and the river bottom and Victory Ranch. I’m very excited to live there!
Heather and Julie just came home from the garage sale. Julie is wearing one of my old sweaters, and it looks really good on her. Aubrey showed me that she got a ceramic cat, which used to be in our house. It’s all good!
Lots of love, Mom
Dad and I are hanging out in Heber today. Dad is at Tom’s house, helping trench the front yard for sprinklers. Tom and Donna and Bevan are all working on it, too. I thought I was going to be helping, but the trencher was putting out a lot of exhaust, so I had to leave. I went to Walmart, and then to John’s office, and now I’m at his house. Heather is down the street helping clean up their Young Women’s garage sale, which we donated lots of stuff to. In fact, Dad and I went by the garage sale early this morning, to see how things were going. It was weird to see my clothes hanging up. I saw my dress from John’s wedding, along with my dress from Vanessa’s wedding, along with lots of other stuff from our house, which we didn’t need. Everything that wasn’t sold is being donated to the thrift store by John’s office, and I hope it all gets sold and used eventually.
In the same vein, I have to mention driving by our West Valley house last week. Actually, we were out on 4100 South, driving past. I looked over towards our backyard, and I saw lots of chairs on the deck and a picnic table on the grass. It felt indescribably good, knowing other people were really enjoying our house. We certainly hadn’t been using it for picnics and barbecues.
Our birthday party for Dad is just a week from Monday, on Memorial Day. I hope lots of you can come! We’ll probably eat around 2:00 in the afternoon, or later, if some of you can’t come till later. Dad and I will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, and a drink. If any of you can bring chips or salads or desserts, let me know. We’ll have fun breaking in the new barbecue. I’m sure it will enjoy many fine parties.
While you’re at the cabin for the barbecue, if anybody wants to drive over to our new house and walk through it, this is the perfect time. Most of the framing will be done by then. Since they started framing last Tuesday, Dad and I have gone there every day at 6:00, after the framers have gone home. We have lots of fun walking around inside. Out the back windows, you can see a cool horse farm. Out the side, you can see our church steeple. Out the other side is a picture perfect view of the mountains and the river bottom and Victory Ranch. I’m very excited to live there!
Heather and Julie just came home from the garage sale. Julie is wearing one of my old sweaters, and it looks really good on her. Aubrey showed me that she got a ceramic cat, which used to be in our house. It’s all good!
Lots of love, Mom
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Dear Kids,
You know it’s spring here at the cabin because the magpies are swooping around looking for good nesting spots. Two very silly ones decided to build in the pine tree by the back door. I don’t think they’re the same ones who tried it last year–if so, they don’t have the intelligence that Tom claims they have. Anyway, in just a couple of days, their nest was nearly done. Then I climbed up a ladder with a crow bar and destroyed it. It wasn’t easy, because they use thick twigs and weave them together, plastering everything with mud. They mix in a few rocks, too, so it’s really heavy duty. But I brought it all down with the crow bar, and Dad burned their twigs in the stove. Then they came back to the tree and hopped around among the branches for a while. Finally they flew off. It’s OK with me if they build someplace else. I’m not as hostile towards magpies as I used to be. They didn’t choose to be born magpies.
Two weeks from tomorrow is Memorial Day AND Dad’s birthday! We’ll have a barbecue at the cabin, and we’ll probably eat about 2:00 in the afternoon. We have to try out the new barbecue you all gave us for Christmas! Dad put it together several weeks ago, but we haven’t really cooked on it yet. I’ll probably make hamburger patties, or you can bring your own meat if you want something fancier.
Our house on Scenic Heights Road now has a foundation! I wish the grandkids could have been there last Tuesday when the cement trucks and the pump truck were working there. The chute arches way up in the air, and they move it to where they’re pumping next. The next day, they took the forms off the foundation, and now they’ve already done the sub-plumbing, water line, and electrical. They’re supposed to start framing this Thursday. That’s the best part of all.
On Friday, Dad and I went to Heber for Grandparents’ day at JR Smith Elementary. Both Emma and Aaron invited us! We got to hang out with the Bentleys, eat school lunch, do a little school work, walk around the playground, and watch a program. I wish we were closer to all of you, but it sure is nice having three families in Heber Valley! Life is good!
Love, Monm
You know it’s spring here at the cabin because the magpies are swooping around looking for good nesting spots. Two very silly ones decided to build in the pine tree by the back door. I don’t think they’re the same ones who tried it last year–if so, they don’t have the intelligence that Tom claims they have. Anyway, in just a couple of days, their nest was nearly done. Then I climbed up a ladder with a crow bar and destroyed it. It wasn’t easy, because they use thick twigs and weave them together, plastering everything with mud. They mix in a few rocks, too, so it’s really heavy duty. But I brought it all down with the crow bar, and Dad burned their twigs in the stove. Then they came back to the tree and hopped around among the branches for a while. Finally they flew off. It’s OK with me if they build someplace else. I’m not as hostile towards magpies as I used to be. They didn’t choose to be born magpies.
Two weeks from tomorrow is Memorial Day AND Dad’s birthday! We’ll have a barbecue at the cabin, and we’ll probably eat about 2:00 in the afternoon. We have to try out the new barbecue you all gave us for Christmas! Dad put it together several weeks ago, but we haven’t really cooked on it yet. I’ll probably make hamburger patties, or you can bring your own meat if you want something fancier.
Our house on Scenic Heights Road now has a foundation! I wish the grandkids could have been there last Tuesday when the cement trucks and the pump truck were working there. The chute arches way up in the air, and they move it to where they’re pumping next. The next day, they took the forms off the foundation, and now they’ve already done the sub-plumbing, water line, and electrical. They’re supposed to start framing this Thursday. That’s the best part of all.
On Friday, Dad and I went to Heber for Grandparents’ day at JR Smith Elementary. Both Emma and Aaron invited us! We got to hang out with the Bentleys, eat school lunch, do a little school work, walk around the playground, and watch a program. I wish we were closer to all of you, but it sure is nice having three families in Heber Valley! Life is good!
Love, Monm
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Dear Kids,
We had a lot of fun at Paul’s graduation Friday. Dad and I drove to Logan with Donna, Bevan, Anna, and Paige (to entertain Anna). The most fun was standing outside the Spectrum and watching the graduates walk down the sidewalk. Paul stood out, of course. If the graduates were really smart, they would peel off before they got inside, and go to their various parties, because the ceremony was very dull. When the masters degrees were done, we thought we were home free, but then they started the PhD’s, and they were taking half a minute per person! I decided that Anna needed to run around outside, so she and Paige and I made our exit. Outside, Anna decided that the cemetery was the best place to play, and she went in through a break in the fence. In a few minutes she was crying, so we went in and found her with blood on her face. I took her back inside to the first aid station, where they cleaned it off and showed us she had a puncture wound that needed stitches. (She probably fell against one of those sharp headstones.) All six of us gladly left to find the instacare. It took more than an hour for the stitches, but Dad and Paige and I watched the movie "Up" in the waiting room. It was definitely more interesting than watching PhD’s get hooded.
Later we had a picnic at Merlin Olsen Park with Stefanie’s family, and the little girls played. That was probably the best part of the day.
Back here at the cabin, things are always fun. We had a raccoon in the greenhouse (he probably came in through the kitty door) and he ripped open a cardboard box with dried beans and macaroni in it. He made a total mess of the greenhouse. I think he’s the one who destroyed Oreo’s cat feeder, not Oreo and Tomcat. The wrong people always get the blame!
Over on Scenic Heights Road, our hole in the ground now has footings! The big dirt hills around the hole are still the biggest excitement, however. When we tended Nora’s kids on Tuesday, the highlight of their day was climbing all four hills. (Even Isaac.)
Hopefully some of you will want to come to a Memorial Day picnic here. It’s a double holiday, because it’s also Dad’s birthday! We’ll have to have an extra big party!
Lots of love, Mom
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