Seeing Signs

Signs of our Times...

This is the east entrance sign - we actually see the Leaving Zion sign first and then see this sign in our rear view mirror - when I see it it means we are almost home!

Private property -

on the fence outside the old Gunsmoke Set outside of Kanab (more pics later)

Oquirrh Mountain Temple (pics and post to follow)



In an effort to skirt some obscure law affecting their ability to advertise with a permanent sign - - ZP creatively parked a very movable sign at the North Fork turn-off. All summer we debated the propriety of dropping the girls off for the afternoon and paying them to hang out in the trailer handing out ZP info to passing tourists - maybe they could have sold sno-cones as well?!

This is one of my favorite signs - I've been meaning to take a picture of it for several years. It just seems like a really bad idea to me to be able to buy lotto tickets, guns, ammo and beer all at this Fredonia Gas Station - yes, you can buy highly-flammable gasoline there as well.

Sounds like the beginning of a bad episode of Cops...

...Gee, Officer, I only stopped to buy gas and then I thought, hey, why not buy a gun today. Then I decided to try my luck with the lotto, and with my $25 scratch-off winnings I grabbed some ammo and started in on a 6-pack. On my way to my truck I ran into this guy who used to date my ex-wife and well, things just kinda got outta control...

Great sign - Em took this as we headed toward the airport.

Sadly it seemed a little too appropriate that morning.

2nd Mesa, Arizona

One of our first and possibly favorite trips this summer was to 2nd Mesa in Arizona where we met with Selina and Alberta Weaver at their Hopi Silver Arts and Crafts Gallery. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures while we were there. We spent time with them learning about Hopi jewelry and then designing our own wedding bands. Ever since I lost the diamond from my wedding ring Craig has wanted to have the Weaver's make us silver bands. We both chose the symbols that we wanted and then left our ideas in Selina's capable and artistic hands. Alberta makes superb Hopi coil baskets - I have one on my wish list! We were thrilled to receive our rings later during our trip. (Our rings will be another post.)

The drive to and from their gallery on 2nd Mesa was enjoyable - strangely neither C nor E wanted to get up early to accompany us?! Weird?!

The day included Page, Glen Canyon National Recreation Center, The Hopi Cultural Center (museum and lunch), and a quick visit to Third Mesa. (Brought back memories of attending a Home Dance while working at Jacob Lake.)

The highlight was meeting with the Weavers - they are remarkable artists, generous with their time, knowledge and hospitality.

Pioneer Child(ren)

Pulling Together: A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together” - Joseph Smith

Our Stake Youth Conference this year was a pioneer trek. I always describe our stake trek as being "trek on steroids". They try to give the youth a very real pioneer experience - as realistic as they possibly can. I have my own issues with this type of youth conference -not concerns that I am going to necessarily elucidate on my blog - (what is a 12 letter word that starts with M?).

I put some of my personal feelings aside, focused on the positives, remembered with gratitude my own pioneer heritage and helped her pack. We fed all of the youth a "hearty breakfast" that morning at our home - little did they realize it would be the last thing that they ate until 12:30 am (yes, am) technically the next day when they received a roll and broth.

In her own words, "It was great!


She was blessed to be put into a great family group with a wonderful Ma and Pa. I was able to provide transportation home and was part of the group of parents that met them at the end of the trail. I was surprised/overwhelmed by the emotional response I experienced as I saw them coming down the road - they were accompanied by a young man playing "Come, Come, Ye Saints" on the bagpipes - I was teary eyed.

Grateful for a sweet daughter, grateful for willing adults who shepherded our youth through this experience, grateful again for my own pioneer heritage and the blessings that have come into my life because of the hardships they were willing to experience.

This Slideshow (she is in the LaRue Family - close up of her feet #77) gives you a nice overview of the entire experience. Also this to see what they were/were not allowed to bring.

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

It is hard to believe that we are well into August -

I definitely have some catch-up

blogging to do!

I love summer because:

No real schedule

No real schedule


Did I mention I love the lack of a schedule during the summer?!

Grateful

Several things have made me more cognizant of the fact that our lives are both precious and fragile. The Metro accident today among them. Craig takes Metro's Red Line every day and usually sits in the front car. We take the Red Line to go downtown, to entertain out-of-town company, to go to the theater, dinner, etc. We easily recognized where the accident occurred when we saw pictures on the news. A dear friend was in the train behind the accident. I quickly thought of the people that we know who are Red Line riders - thankfully everyone we know was okay - we are saddened for those who's lives have been forever changed.


Life is indeed precious and fragile.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

I am grateful for a sweet husband, the father of our children. I am grateful for my own father who has helped me to become the person that I am (I hope he thinks that is a good thing). And I am grateful for a father-in-law who is so much a part of who Craig has become. We truly have much to be grateful for today!

Symposium vs. Another Long Meeting

Why does Symposium sound so much better than 4 hour meeting?!

I attended a great symposium (for 4 hours) on Saturday morning in preparation for teaching Early Morning Seminary next year. I am excited that the course of study is The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I am so looking forward to it - having taught it 4 years ago as well. One of the reasons that I am excited is because the youth, in general, have a fairly good understanding of the stories in the Book of Mormon. Because they understand the events, history and individuals so well it gives us a greater opportunity to think more deeply, and gain greater insights and application. I'm determined not to teach gospel-lite...


I can't wait to have Em as a student as well :)

Volunteer

I am a Media Center volunteer at our middle-school. I have been volunteering since Cara was a student there - yes, I even volunteered during some of the years that we didn't have a middle-school student (yes, I know, I'm strange). Today was my last day for this year although I have already committed to going back next year (yes, even though we will no longer have a student at that school).

We ended the year with the "library ladies" as I refer to them taking me out to lunch at the Olney Ale House . It was yummy - I've driven past it numerous times but it was the first time I have eaten there. I heartily recommend the Reuben Sandwich!

10
They love it when I come (I'm occasionally flakey about the time/day).

9
I like bringing order to the shelves.

8
There is always something to do.

7
They take me to lunch at the end of the year.

6
I enjoy having Em's friends run up to me yelling, "Hi, Mrs. J!"

5
When the PTA comes looking for volunteers I smile and say,

"I'm already volunteering at the Media Center."

4
I get inside school scoop occasionally.

3
I'm a big fan of the "Visitor's Pass" sticky badge they print out each time you come (after scanning your driver's license - hello Big Brother). If you stay too long at the school a big Stop Sign turns red on the badge notifying any staff members who see you to STOP you

and find out whether you are authorized to be there. It's as close to

wearing a fashion accessory as I will ever get.

2
I keep up on current trends by shelving Twist Magazine and

putting away the Graphic Novels.

1
Did I mention they love it when I come?!

Weave

www. interweavestore.com

Picked up this great book at the library - it is an amazing book - and I have enjoyed several rainy mornings/afternoons this week thumbing through its pages and marveling at everything a 4-shaft loom can accomplish. I've done so much knitting this year that my loom has been a little neglected.

This book is changing that!

Knitting with Beads...

I attended a knitting class with a friend tonight (thanks, T.). The whole process began with stringing 490 beads onto a beautiful chocolate-brown ribbon yarn. The pictures aren't the best but hopefully you can see the beads (mostly copper-colored) knitted into the bottom of the scarf. Very fun process, interesting teacher and a great group of knitters. I forget how much I enjoy learning new things...

Promotion Pictures

Doesn't she look happy!

Promotion Pictures....

She ended with a Superintendant's Award for her Volunteer Hours, a Science Department Award, and a President's Award for Academic Excellence (yes that President)!


Congratulations... on to the next great adventure!

Middle School is Almost Over

This is how she began her last year of middle-school.

We can't believe it is over...

Seminary Graduation

I had the opportunity to attend our Seminary Gradation this evening. I am always impressed with the youth who attend early morning seminary - and particularly those who graduate. Congrats to our ward graduates. We enjoyed a little walk down memory lane as we remembered Alicia's seminary graduation and speaker...

S is for ....

Yikes why does S-E-M-I-N-A-R-Y have so many letters?!

A week in review..

Where did the week go?

Here is a quick attempt at getting caught up!

After recovering from the fun of our Teacher Appreciation Open House Em quickly segued into performing a small role for a 48-hour film festival. Someone from her school put together a group of people that wrote a screenplay, and then filmed and edited a 4-7 minute movie within 48 hours. At the beginning of the event they were given a genre, a prop and a line of dialog that had to be included. It mostly involved carpooling and getting her back and forth several times over the 48 hours. Last I heard no one was too pleased with this year's efforts - last I heard they were already thinking about next year....

We Heart Teachers

pic from the party 2 years ago...

We also Heart teachers around here.

We held our 16th annual

Teacher Appreciation Open House!

It was another great opportunity to tell the teachers in our lives (school, church, other activities, etc.) how much we appreciate them. It is hard to believe that we have been doing this since before our youngest child was actually born! Thanks to C for telling us about this idea quite a few years ago and thanks to all of our family and friends who are teachers as well. Hopefully you feel greatly appreciated!

Special thanks to my C for taking a red-eye home to be able to help :)

I Heart Libraries

I've been thinking a lot about memories lately - it is interesting the things we remember and the things we forget. It is also interesting to compare memories of specific events with others who were also there.

One of my favorite memories of moving here is that on the same day that they unloaded the moving truck I took the girls to our nearest library to get a library card.

Like I said

I Heart Libraries!

It's a dry heat...

Just got our summer vacay tickets - but I'm not sure

if I am ready for this....

Always stop and buy lemonade at neighborhood

lemonade stands!

I'm not sure where I saw that statement listed as a "life rule"

but I think it is true!

We recently enjoyed delicious lemonade from a neighborhood stand.

It was great watching their faces as when they

realized we were turning around!

Sweet and not too tart memories: the girls selling lemonade and our lemon tree in San Jose!

Anniversary

Anniversary Conversation:

Em: Mom I told my friends it was your 26th anniversary - but don't worry I told them you got married really, really, really young, so they wouldn't think you were ancient!

Me: Thanks?

B'day - continued...

Saturday Night =

great conversation

+

great food

+

great friends
+

unlimited refills

...could it possibly get any better than this?

Celebrate with Raw Fish!

Birthday Sushi

Yummy dinner out with part of the family to

celebrate my b'day on Friday!

E spent the evening at the big

end-of-the-year dance.

She is growing up :)

reposted pic - didn't remember to take my camera...

Yikes!

I will not follow that "yikes" with

1) a list of things about me

2) a list of things I want to accomplish

3) a list of things you might not know

I'm simply sticking with

YIKES!

Part Two

Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
This is kind of a double-post regarding the book Edgar Sawtelle. I ended up not being able to put it down and finished it last night (although there was a small section 1/3 of the way in that was a little slow).



It ended up being a very enjoyable read. Definitely a good book group choice as there are many things about the plot, writing, subject matter, etc. that will make for very good discussion points.



By the end, I could see what was going to happen (although I was surprised by a few things - after thinking I had it figured out). I would read a chapter and then put it down (because I didn't want some things to happen that I knew were going to happen).



Then I would read a chapter and put it down again - Craig laughed and for a minute I thought about having him finish it and giving me the abriged version. I refused to read ahead and in the end I'm glad I didn't.

Edgar Sawtelle

amazon

I went to the library with a list of books for both book groups - and struck out with 4 books in a row before finding this book (not being discussed until the fall I think).

So far - so good :)

Teacher Party Plans

Planning has begun for our yearly

Teacher Appreciation Open House....

Simple invitations

cardstock

+

K & Company blank cards

(from Michaels)

16th Annual (older than Em!)

Menu decisions

Details to follow....

(Thanx for telling us about this idea, oh so many years ago!)

Seminary

This is a collage I put together of my seminary students acting out all 25 of the New Testament scripture-mastery scriptures. It was fun watching them create the photographs - they are a creative bunch. I think next year I am going to do the same activity earlier in the year and then print and laminate the pictures individually and put them on rings - making each student a set. I think I will also print them large so that they can be used for some matching games, etc. During our last class I gave each student an 8x10 photograph copy of the collage (yeah, Picnik and Target Photo Center).

If nothing else, it will hopefully be a fun reminder of our year - a picture of their friends and our class - not to mention possible blackmail material for their futures.

I loved sitting back and watching/listening

when I handed them out on Friday - lots of laughing and remembering!

Sunday Suppositions

It will seem strange not to wake up at 4:45 in the morning (truth be told, I will still probably wake up - I just won't get up)! Seminary is over for the year - although I am already thinking, preparing and planning for next year - just not quite so early in the morning. As we were dismantling the room on Friday we had to dispose of some of our favorite visual aids. I love our Armor Guy from Ephesians 6 (he lost an arm and his CTR shield at some point). One student decided to wear him home :)

I was truly blessed with a wonderful class and look forward to next year!

more posts to follow...

Dinner/Movie Night

Saturday Night... The final frontier.... It was the voyage of the '93 Tracer. Its continuing mission: To explore strange new worlds (Pasha Lounge)... To seek out new life (pleasant dinner conversation); new civilizations (at the theater) ... To boldly go where no one has gone before (or at least not for awhile)!"

All alone on a Saturday night - Craig I had dinner and saw the new Star Trek movie. When advised of our plans our daughters (in three different places) replied:

Nerd Alert

Losers

I guess now would not be the time to admit that we really enjoyed the movie?

Cookie of the Month

May Cookie of the Month

a little ribbon never hurt anything

Went the easy route with classic

Toll-House Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies

Concert

Is it really our last year of middle-school - ever?!

Projects...

E's completed Civil War project.

I love having children old enough to complete projects

on their own. I get so tired of seeing all of the parent-completed

projects (Elementary-High School)!

Road Map - showing major events

Journal Entries and Letters

Memorabilia

Packaging (it is never finished until the packaging is just right)!

The molasses-antiqued pages look great!

PS - Parents, when you do the project we can tell :(

And you thought Grandma's Molasses was only used for Gingerbread! It can also be used in a pinch - when you are trying to antique paper for a Civil War era scrapbook project! E cooked up some interesting things all in an effort to make paper turn brown (unfortunately we were all out of tea and coffee - that would have made things much easier).

Our kitchen smells like cinnamon!

Memorial Day
Much to reflect upon.

Much to be grateful for.

Gratitude

Sunday

10 things I'm grateful for about today - in no real order...

10.

Opportunity to attend church

9.

Fun telephone visit with Alicia

8.

Great discussion(s) regarding modesty

after a controversial talk.

7.

Sunday lunch as a family.

6.

Choir practice

5.

A nap

4.

Knowing tomorrow is a holiday

3.

Baptismal service

2.

Relaxing evening

1.

No need to set the alarm for 4:45 a.m.

I love family photos!

If you are in need of a laugh take a look at these....

Awkward Family Photos

Towel Bombs

These are towel-bombs (knotted towels) that are thrown from the kitchen into the family room at unsuspecting loved-ones who are watching television, knitting or doing crossword puzzles.

Guess who is back after being in San Francisco?

CCW

Children's Chorus of Washington

YouTube.com

Clips of the Concert for Life on Friday, May 15:

The World is Full of Stories (from The Nightingale)

Jubilate Deo

Ave Maria
Schlaf Mein Kind
On suuri sun rantas autius

E is on the back row 4th from the left and then 3rd because someone moves

- not sure what that was about...

Places to Go - People to See

www.weavecast.com

www.theinspiredroom.net

www.hulu.com (catching up on The Office and 24)

www.zillow.com (always interesting)

www.ldsradioonline.com

www.woot.com

www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/

Book Group

pic from Amazon.com

Very interesting book!

Once again I am....

a month late on the book group schedule.

Effort counts for something, right?!

Podcasts

pic from store.apple.com

This is a belated Post regarding a great gift I received for Mother's Day!

I realize that it is possible that I am among the last people to have an iPod or iPod-like device. For goodness sake - even my dad has a facebook account (and no I do not).

Although it has yet to:

"Completely change the way I work out..."

quote from The Office

I am truly enjoying it - particularly the Podcast function. Who knew there were so many knitting/weaving/fiber arts podcasts!

Silence children of mine - I heard you whispering nerd...

The 17th

For the past 2 1/2 weeks I have been telling myself...

"If we can just make it through the 17th..."

I am happy to report that we did!*

*Graduation Trip - Graduation - Business Travel - Nightingale Tech Week - Nightingale Performances - 6 Days of Book Fair Sales - Annie Tech Week - Out-of-Town Company (totally enjoyed!) - College Move-out (3rd floor-no elevators) - National Cathedral Tech Week - Annie Performances - National Cathedral Performance - More Business Travel - Good-bye to Company - Volunteer Work - Concert for Life Tech Week - Concert for Life - Concert - Dance Recital Dress Rehearsal - Dance Recital - Misc. - meals, laundry, bills, shopping, teaching Seminary, etc.

It is a costume, right?

Are you starting to get the impression that my

life revolves around a certain someone's constant performances?

You just might be right!

Can you count to three?

Three, trois, tres, III, theen, moonu, moodu, moovathu....

consecutive weekends

different concerts

distinct repertoires

....2008-2009 season successfully completed....

well-done!

Zion Refi

Grateful for someone who can handle the trickier aspects of refinancing (the house - not the park, nor the pure in heart). He actually knew more than the closing agent (both times). It is good to have a financial expert in the family :)

Balancing

We have "lived away" for almost 24 of our almost 26 years of marital bliss :) that includes 3 major moves/metropolitan areas and 1 minor move (a quick year for grad school at UT). The closest we have lived to family was during a brief overlap with my sis - 85 miles with 5, then 6, then 7 children (the additions were hers!) separating us and occasionally making things challenging - but we made the best of it - getting together as often as we could. I truly believe that the bond that our children share was forged in those early days - days and outings that they might not even remember consciously - but somehow the memories have somehow seeped into who they are and who they are together.

Why am I thinking about "living away"? I think it was because my parents were here visiting last week. It was the first time that they have seen E perform - I was thrilled that they were here to see her but it also made me think about all that they have missed. Not only with E but all of the girls - ballet, poms performances, dance recitals, voice recitals, musicals, plays, cheerleading, awards nights, band concerts, chorus, miscellaneous school "stuff", graduations, etc. And that doesn't begin to cover the day-to-day stuff that our lives are made up of either. We have been fortunate to have family here for a few things - but far too few when you make the list. Is that the price we have paid to live away.

I don't remember ever consciously making the decision to live away

- it just happened -

as an outgrowth of employment opportunities.

Our "Living away" experiences have become so much of who we are and permeate so many of our experiences that I don't wish we had never lived away - but I also realize that those experiences must be counterbalanced by the things we have lost. It is interesting to follow blogs and read complaints about having to go to "yet another family activity". I'd like to comment but don't (my post would be too long and possibly to preachy). But it helps me to understand why I occasionally find myself feeling a little jealous when we settle into our seats at an event and are surrounded by large family groups celebrating the events that make up our lives.

Isn't life and making choices an intricate balancing act?

Glorious

pic from the Kennedy Center Mahler performance in the fall...

Glorius Music in a Glorious Setting

That is actually a trademarked phrase belonging to the Cathedral Choral Society and perfectly describes the concert that we attended on Sunday afternoon at The National Cathedral. Comments regarding the Children's Chorus of Washington are near the end.



Following is a review from the Washington Post....



MUSIC
'Te Deum' Highlights National Cathedral Concert

May 12, 2009
The rapid string figures in the first and third movements of Camille Saint-Saëns's "Organ Symphony" were among the aural casualties of the National Cathedral's smearing acoustics at the Cathedral Choral Society's "A French Spectacular" on Sunday. And the composer's delicate writing for piano later in the symphony pretty much disappeared into the ether as well. Music Director J. Reilly Lewis took these intricately scored passages slowly with his orchestra, sapping a bit of their energy but allowing us to hear at least a hint of Saint-Saëns's canny orchestration.
Elsewhere in the music the vaulting, Gallic lyricism in the upper strings carried well, and the cathedral's magnificent organ (registered with apt pungency and played commandingly by Scott Dettra) made a mighty sound. Passages during which the organ and orchestra played together, though -- both in the Saint-Saëns and in Berlioz's "Te Deum" -- betrayed a slight, but wince-inducing, difference in intonation. Did the orchestra properly tune to the organ?
But those moments couldn't distract from the breadth and sensual beauty in Lewis's reading of the Berlioz. His large forces -- including the Choral Society, pure-toned and richly blended as ever; tenor Michael Gallant, lending a sweet timbre to his solo; and the Children's Chorus of Washington, making an ethereal, tightly focused sound under Music Director Joan Gregoryk (who shadow-conducted them a little farther down the nave from Lewis) -- expanded thrillingly for the fervent opening and closing movements, but pulled back to give the more introspective center of the work a tenderness and immediacy that was truly special.
-- Joe Banno