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!

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

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I like bringing order to the shelves.

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There is always something to do.

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

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

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

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

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I get inside school scoop occasionally.

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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.

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I keep up on current trends by shelving Twist Magazine and

putting away the Graphic Novels.

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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...