Lagoon '09

The Many Faces of Cara

Family Fun!

Must finish summer post(s)...

381 Miles + One Long Day =

Family Picnic + Temple Open House + Wedding Reception

Family picnic at Liberty Park right before Shauna was whisked away to the airport. I'm not sure what happened to all of the other photos. Apparently I was only interested in documenting the fact that Alicia, Bub, Miriam and Regan were in attendance?!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House - apologies to anyone who might have seen me trying to change out of jeans into a dress in the parking lot. Hopefully my well positioned posterity outside of the car was enough to hide my posterior. Did I mention that it was HOT and I thought I was going to have a coronary. As soon as I sat down in the "pre-open-house-tent" I felt a feeling of calm wash over me - it might have been the fact that there were industrial-size fans and cold water! In reality it was more than that - I actually started tearing up before the video even started. I love the temple!

The tour was self-guided and not very crowded. It was beautiful - the wood trim, the murals, the paintings, and the fabrics were gorgeous. Thanks to Elisa for telling us about the glass medallions. My favorite was all of the upholstery fabrics - very modern - I refrained from touching although I wanted to. The interior design reminded me of a home - appropriate don't you think. Sweet to sit in the sealing room with our girls.

Love the pic of Craig pondering the mysteries of life :)

The day was far from over when we went to a wedding reception for a young man from our home ward. It was fun to see him, his family and his bride. None of my pictures of the happy couple turned out. The only picture that did turn out was with a family from the ward that moved west a couple of years ago. It was such a treat to see them and to get caught up - if only a little :)


I quick detour to Syracuse, dinner with more family and a drive north finished off our long day!

Angel Moroni - Guardian Angel?

I'm interrupting our vacation recap for a story that I saw last night on the local news.

Because I am technologically challenged I only know one way to do this...

click here

Then click on the camera icon for the story

"Dump Truck Dumps Two Wheels on SUV"

and watch until the very end.

Gunsmoke, Petroglyphs and Ants, Oh My!

Update: Thanks to an ornithologically-inclined younger brother the dead bird has been identified as a female black-headed grosbeak. Thanks Darin! May she rest in peace.


I love it when our schedule is no schedule. One day found us headed towards Kanab and the old Gunsmoke set located east of town. I am starting to think I can justify a better camera than my trusty digital point-and-shoot since so many of the things I want to take pictures of are on private property. Either a new camera or a reckless desire to jump the fence so that I can get closer. There are some nice petroglyphs (yes, located on private property) not too far from the Gunsmoke set. There is also what I think might be Southern Utah's first billboard advertising Jensen and Brooksby Store and Garage.


We found some beautiful fields of sunflowers on our way to the Gunsmoke set and the petroglyphs - so pretty - they would make a beautiful background for photographs. Again the problem of private property. Dinner at the Rewind Diner (we ate with Betty Boop) - yummy! My burger had a creamy dill relish - unbelievable! Cara fell in love with hamburgers and sampled Apple Beer.

Sadly, a bird flew into one of our picture windows on the deck. I was hoping that it was stunned but several hours later there were several signs that it was indeed dead (I will not mention any of the specific signs - but trust me, it was dead). I scooped it into a dust bin and after a prayer in my heart I released its spirit to the great bird heaven in the sky and its mortal remains to the gulch behind the cabin.

I have been trying to figure out what kind of bird it was - a sparrow of some sort perhaps, but have been unable to identify it. Any birders?

Ghost Hunters

Grafton, Utah

Settled originally in 1859 and abandoned in 1921, Grafton is a fabulous window to the past. You really do get a sense of it being a real ghost town. It still feels somewhat inhabited to me. It isn't hard to imagine what life might have been like in this town along the Virgin River.

Visting the cemetary is a stark reminder of life and death and hardship in the late 1800's. There are so many children's graves. Perhaps the saddest is one tombstone for two girls who were friends. They both died when the log holding their swing fell on them.

If you are interested in a Grafton ghost story - this link tells a story regarding the two girls mentioned above. The music is performed by Red Rock Rondo as part of an album that celebrates Zion Canyon. The songs were written based on oral histories of people from the area.

The cd/music and histories are wonderful.

I thought I was a grown up...

When are you old enough not to have your feelings hurt?

Craig is always reminding me:

No good deed goes unpunished!

I have never liked that quote and I always give him

a bad time when he says it...

Why

is

it

too

often

true?

If I could Hi(k)e to Kolob...

Kolob Canyon is a beautiful somewhat hidden treasure that is part of Zion National Park. We highly recommend it if traveling between St. George and Cedar City.

No crowds, no shuttle and amazing scenery...

Remember that one summer when both C and E packed the same pair of tennis shoes to wear on the hikes?

After countless arguments, I think this is what happened...

E put a pair in the shared suitcase (for herself) and C saw them and thought "How thoughtful of E to put my shoes in the suitcase." Needless to say there were fireworks when E came down wearing them on the day we planned to Hi(k)e to Kolob.

Yikes! Seems funnier now than it did then. Note the sad C face...

We had few options:
1) one person wear them and the other go without
2) each person wear one shoe
3) no one wears them and you hike in flip flops

We (meaning I) settled on #3 - (it wasn't a strenuous hike - although shoes would have been both recommended and preferred). I had to smile/laugh to myself when they were stopped by an elderly lady (you knew it would be) on the path who commented on their unlikely footwear.

When will they learn?

Craig had the quote of the day after hiking (yes in flip-flops) to the Timber Creek Outlook.

"I actually think the view is just as good from the parking lot."

Now that A doesn't live in Cedar City anymore the only reason to go there is to see the Shakespearean Festival (and our friends the K's) - particularly since the Sonic is closed. It is embarrassing to admit that we actually drove there just for the Sonic - sometimes you just need a Route 44 Diet Coke with extra ice and vanilla flavoring. Unfortunately we had not been notified that the Sonic was closed :(

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!