I was listening to NPR and they did this fantastic piece on a short story by Brian Greene. Here is the blurb:
From one of America's leading physicists—a moving and visually stunning futuristic reimagining of the Icarus fable written for kids and those journeying with them toward a deeper appreciation of the cosmos. With a minimum of words set on 34 full color boardbook pages, Icarus travels not to the sun, but to a black hole, and in so doing poignantly dramatizes one of Einstein's greatest insights.
Unlike anything Brian Greene has previously written, Icarus at the Edge of Time uses the power of story, not pedagogy, to communicate viscerally one small part of the strange reality that has emerged from modern physics. Designed by Chip Kidd, with spectacular images from the Hubble Space Telescope, it's a short story that speaks to curiosity and wisdom in a universe we've only begun to fathom.
The author read an excerpt and I loved it. I ordered the book immediately. I can’t wait until it gets here and Santa might have to read it before it goes into hibernation until Christmas.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
See. . . .
I am not the only mother with a small child training for a marathon!
Women's Soccer Star Trains for New York Marathon
Chastain's Goal: Just Finish the Race
by Jen Murphy
from The Wall Street Journal
The Athlete
Brandi Chastain, the women's soccer star perhaps best remembered for her iconic World Cup celebration when she tore off her shirt and fell to her knees in her sports bra, is asking herself why people run 26.2 miles. "It's so far," she says. It's 7 a.m. and Ms. Chastain has met me for a run in Central Park. As we jog around the reservoir she cheers along morning runners, particularly the women. Brandi Chastain says her son, Jaden, enjoys racing with her on the sidewalk, loves the starting pose more.
Ms. Chastain, 40, is not a distance runner. As a member of the U.S. national soccer team, she helped the Americans win gold in the 1996 Summer Olympics and scored the game-clinching penalty kick against China in the World Cup soccer final in 1999. But Ms. Chastain's competitiveness, not a love of running, persuaded her to sign on to run the New York City Marathon as an ambassador for ING Run for Something Better, a program that promotes youth fitness. Ms. Chastain has completed two half-marathons, but this represents her first attempt at the full 26.2 miles. She'll line up with approximately 40,000 other participants Sunday.
Ms. Chastain served as a soccer analyst for NBC at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This summer she also helped coach the U.S. women's under-20 national team. She says she'd like to continue coaching until professional women's soccer returns to the U.S. in 2009.
Ms. Chastain is married and has a two-year-old son. They live in Santa Clara, Calif. She stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 128 pounds.
The Workout
Ms. Chastain is used to sprinting and running short distances. The idea of a marathon, not to mention the time commitment to train properly, has been daunting. Instead of her usual circuit training workouts she's now had to carve out time for 10-to-12-mile runs on weekends. Ms. Chastain has generally followed the New York City Marathon training program for first-time marathoners. When Ms. Chastain became a mom two years ago, her son Jaden largely determined when Ms. Chastain had time to exercise. Now, Jaden sits in the jogging stroller when Ms. Chastain goes out for her runs.
Ms. Chastain has transformed her garage into a mini gym with a full weight set, bands, balancing boards, dumbbells, medicine balls and balance balls. Having all of the equipment at home makes it easier to sneak in a workout. She focuses on plyometric and core exercises, and performs multiple repetitions of strength exercises with light weights. Ms. Chastain has undergone reconstructive surgery on both knees and has made sure to incorporate strength and flexibility into her routine as she starts pounding the pavement more.
Uber-competitive, she says the hardest part of the marathon is going to be pacing herself, something she's been working on during her training runs. "I said at the beginning that sub-four hours would be great," she says. "Now I am thinking finishing will be awesome. It will be hard to harness my competitive side, but I am going to just enjoy the journey."
Ms. Chastain doesn't think she'll get the marathon bug after completing her first. "Women's professional soccer begins again next year. I hope I'll be putting on cleats again."
The Diet
Ms. Chastain likes to mix three or four different kinds of cereal together for breakfast. Her favorites include Cheerios, Special K, Raisin Bran and Honey Bunches of Oats. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and a piece of fruit. "Or else it's whatever Jaden hasn't finished," she jokes. Ms. Chastain drinks water throughout the day and snacks on bananas, nectarines and plums. For dinner she usually eats a lean protein, pasta and greens and enjoys a glass of wine.
The Cost
Nike and PowerBar sponsor Ms. Chastain. She says she'll use their products to help her get to the finish line. She's usually clad head to toe in Nike gear. ING is sponsoring her to run the race and picked up her registration fee.
The Effort
"My weeks are not normal or set," she says. "It all depends on what Jaden needs or has that determines what I am doing for my exercise." Ms. Chastain says the biggest challenge of training for the marathon has been trying to fit in the long runs. She says she finally ran 20 miles in early October. "I was dreading it and pushed it back but I finally said I have to do it or the run on the 2nd won't be any fun at all. That is, if 26.2 miles is fun."
The Benefit
Ms. Chastain supports childhood fitness and hopes that participating in the Run for Something Better program and running the marathon will inspire kids to set their own personal fitness goals. Ms. Chastain says she's also excited by the opportunity of getting to view New York City through this very unique perspective. "Seriously, what better way to see the city?" she says.
Women's Soccer Star Trains for New York Marathon
Chastain's Goal: Just Finish the Race
by Jen Murphy
from The Wall Street Journal
The Athlete
Brandi Chastain, the women's soccer star perhaps best remembered for her iconic World Cup celebration when she tore off her shirt and fell to her knees in her sports bra, is asking herself why people run 26.2 miles. "It's so far," she says. It's 7 a.m. and Ms. Chastain has met me for a run in Central Park. As we jog around the reservoir she cheers along morning runners, particularly the women. Brandi Chastain says her son, Jaden, enjoys racing with her on the sidewalk, loves the starting pose more.
Ms. Chastain, 40, is not a distance runner. As a member of the U.S. national soccer team, she helped the Americans win gold in the 1996 Summer Olympics and scored the game-clinching penalty kick against China in the World Cup soccer final in 1999. But Ms. Chastain's competitiveness, not a love of running, persuaded her to sign on to run the New York City Marathon as an ambassador for ING Run for Something Better, a program that promotes youth fitness. Ms. Chastain has completed two half-marathons, but this represents her first attempt at the full 26.2 miles. She'll line up with approximately 40,000 other participants Sunday.
Ms. Chastain served as a soccer analyst for NBC at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This summer she also helped coach the U.S. women's under-20 national team. She says she'd like to continue coaching until professional women's soccer returns to the U.S. in 2009.
Ms. Chastain is married and has a two-year-old son. They live in Santa Clara, Calif. She stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 128 pounds.
The Workout
Ms. Chastain is used to sprinting and running short distances. The idea of a marathon, not to mention the time commitment to train properly, has been daunting. Instead of her usual circuit training workouts she's now had to carve out time for 10-to-12-mile runs on weekends. Ms. Chastain has generally followed the New York City Marathon training program for first-time marathoners. When Ms. Chastain became a mom two years ago, her son Jaden largely determined when Ms. Chastain had time to exercise. Now, Jaden sits in the jogging stroller when Ms. Chastain goes out for her runs.
Ms. Chastain has transformed her garage into a mini gym with a full weight set, bands, balancing boards, dumbbells, medicine balls and balance balls. Having all of the equipment at home makes it easier to sneak in a workout. She focuses on plyometric and core exercises, and performs multiple repetitions of strength exercises with light weights. Ms. Chastain has undergone reconstructive surgery on both knees and has made sure to incorporate strength and flexibility into her routine as she starts pounding the pavement more.
Uber-competitive, she says the hardest part of the marathon is going to be pacing herself, something she's been working on during her training runs. "I said at the beginning that sub-four hours would be great," she says. "Now I am thinking finishing will be awesome. It will be hard to harness my competitive side, but I am going to just enjoy the journey."
Ms. Chastain doesn't think she'll get the marathon bug after completing her first. "Women's professional soccer begins again next year. I hope I'll be putting on cleats again."
The Diet
Ms. Chastain likes to mix three or four different kinds of cereal together for breakfast. Her favorites include Cheerios, Special K, Raisin Bran and Honey Bunches of Oats. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread and a piece of fruit. "Or else it's whatever Jaden hasn't finished," she jokes. Ms. Chastain drinks water throughout the day and snacks on bananas, nectarines and plums. For dinner she usually eats a lean protein, pasta and greens and enjoys a glass of wine.
The Cost
Nike and PowerBar sponsor Ms. Chastain. She says she'll use their products to help her get to the finish line. She's usually clad head to toe in Nike gear. ING is sponsoring her to run the race and picked up her registration fee.
The Effort
"My weeks are not normal or set," she says. "It all depends on what Jaden needs or has that determines what I am doing for my exercise." Ms. Chastain says the biggest challenge of training for the marathon has been trying to fit in the long runs. She says she finally ran 20 miles in early October. "I was dreading it and pushed it back but I finally said I have to do it or the run on the 2nd won't be any fun at all. That is, if 26.2 miles is fun."
The Benefit
Ms. Chastain supports childhood fitness and hopes that participating in the Run for Something Better program and running the marathon will inspire kids to set their own personal fitness goals. Ms. Chastain says she's also excited by the opportunity of getting to view New York City through this very unique perspective. "Seriously, what better way to see the city?" she says.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tricked
I think someone might have tricked me into training for a marathon. . . and running it!
When my sisters were all here for the weekend this crazy plan was hatched to run the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon in May. My sister, Sandy (the marine) who ran in the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. was all for it. Tiff was all excited and I had visions in my head too of . . . running in a marathon. It sounds so romantic to say, “Yes, I ran a marathon.” . . . delusions of grandeur? Perhaps.
So, my sisters and I have 215 days to train and get ready for the event. Now for the Q&A I asked Sandy:
Do I have to run it?
The San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon is “walker friendly” which means that as long as you finish in 7 hours you are good.
How long is a marathon?
26 miles 385 yards
Mmmm, so how fast do I need to go?
You must average about 4 miles/hour (14 minute mile) during the marathon.
Well, there you have it. I am in training and have about 7 months to . . . get into shape. The nice thing is that Tiffani is also in training and we plan to walk it together. I know that San will run it and she might trick our brothers, Jay and/or Spencer, into running it with her too.
Last weekend I got some good walking shoes and broke them in today. After 2 miles I could feel a blister on my toe, bummer. (So I only did 2 miles today.) I averaged 17 minute/mile. (But I was pushing the stoller, that should be taken into account!)
Lots of room for improvement!
When my sisters were all here for the weekend this crazy plan was hatched to run the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon in May. My sister, Sandy (the marine) who ran in the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. was all for it. Tiff was all excited and I had visions in my head too of . . . running in a marathon. It sounds so romantic to say, “Yes, I ran a marathon.” . . . delusions of grandeur? Perhaps.
So, my sisters and I have 215 days to train and get ready for the event. Now for the Q&A I asked Sandy:
Do I have to run it?
The San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon is “walker friendly” which means that as long as you finish in 7 hours you are good.
How long is a marathon?
26 miles 385 yards
Mmmm, so how fast do I need to go?
You must average about 4 miles/hour (14 minute mile) during the marathon.
Well, there you have it. I am in training and have about 7 months to . . . get into shape. The nice thing is that Tiffani is also in training and we plan to walk it together. I know that San will run it and she might trick our brothers, Jay and/or Spencer, into running it with her too.
Last weekend I got some good walking shoes and broke them in today. After 2 miles I could feel a blister on my toe, bummer. (So I only did 2 miles today.) I averaged 17 minute/mile. (But I was pushing the stoller, that should be taken into account!)
Lots of room for improvement!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
In the family way. . .
I am almost giddy with excitement. We are expecting! Our family will be blessed with a sweet daughter! Our family is growing and I am sure Spencer can’t wait to be a big brother. Let me start from the beginning. . .
We have been looking forward to adding to our family and we have started the adoption process again. We have spent a lot of time thinking, praying and mediating about this. It is kind of a surreal experience to know that a child, meant to be in your family, will be born half way around the world.
On September 17, we were accepted in the Nepal adoption program for our agency. Nepal is an amazingly beautiful country located between India and China. Mount Everest and the Himalayas are located there and the country is filled with natural beauty. The country was closed to international adoption in the Spring of 2007. Nepal announced a re-opening with some program changes in June 2008.
One requirement for the Nepali adoption is that perspective adoptive parents cannot select a gender. We were open to either a boy or girl, so that did not make a difference. However, if you already have a boy you will be matched with a girl and if you have a girl you will be matched with a boy. So, it looks like we will be bringing home a daughter.
We have started the paper chase. We have already completed 2 dossiers and that certainly helps to have the experience to draw on. We have already gathered many of the required documents. Our first homestudy visit is November 1.
With Nepal opening again there are some uncertainties when it comes to timelines. We hope to have our homestudy, I-600 A approval, and dossier complete by the end of the year. If we get put on the wait list early 2009 I think a realistic wait for a referral would be 12-18 months, then 4-6 months before we travel. So best case scenario we bring home our daughter Summer 2010. Of course international adoption is subject to change at any time, any moment, any anything. . . . BUT it is nice to have a ball park.
I just wanted to share the good news. We are looking forward to this new chapter and getting the ball rolling to add to our family.
We have been looking forward to adding to our family and we have started the adoption process again. We have spent a lot of time thinking, praying and mediating about this. It is kind of a surreal experience to know that a child, meant to be in your family, will be born half way around the world.
On September 17, we were accepted in the Nepal adoption program for our agency. Nepal is an amazingly beautiful country located between India and China. Mount Everest and the Himalayas are located there and the country is filled with natural beauty. The country was closed to international adoption in the Spring of 2007. Nepal announced a re-opening with some program changes in June 2008.
One requirement for the Nepali adoption is that perspective adoptive parents cannot select a gender. We were open to either a boy or girl, so that did not make a difference. However, if you already have a boy you will be matched with a girl and if you have a girl you will be matched with a boy. So, it looks like we will be bringing home a daughter.
We have started the paper chase. We have already completed 2 dossiers and that certainly helps to have the experience to draw on. We have already gathered many of the required documents. Our first homestudy visit is November 1.
With Nepal opening again there are some uncertainties when it comes to timelines. We hope to have our homestudy, I-600 A approval, and dossier complete by the end of the year. If we get put on the wait list early 2009 I think a realistic wait for a referral would be 12-18 months, then 4-6 months before we travel. So best case scenario we bring home our daughter Summer 2010. Of course international adoption is subject to change at any time, any moment, any anything. . . . BUT it is nice to have a ball park.
I just wanted to share the good news. We are looking forward to this new chapter and getting the ball rolling to add to our family.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday
After knocking off at 3 AM, when Spencer was ready to be up and at ‘em at 7 AM I remembered why I don’t stay up all night : ) I don’t know if I was still running on the sugar rush but I was able to get up and get things started for the day.
We had monkey bread for breakfast and of course Spencer was the center of attention and loved every ounce of the adoration. It was a great morning, even if everyone was a little groggy.
Patti (my mother-in-law) was coming over for a luncheon and so we all pitched in and helped make the Cheesy Potato Vegetable soup. Everyone was gathered in the kitchen and it reminded me of when we were all younger, kind of a flash back.
We had the most delightful time! I adore Patti and think is the more amazing woman. I love that she loves my sisters as much as I do. The perfect guest and hostess. . . I adore her! Dave, his dad and Spencer all went out to lunch as the ladies confiscated the house with chatting and laughter.
The afternoon was dedicated to shopping and napping. Janelle, Sarah and San went out to the Discount Shoe Warehouse and found some killer deals. Tiffani and I stayed home to watch another BBC period piece, “Persuasion” we lazily laid on the couch and napped and we watched Anne and Captain Wentworth find their way to each other. I watched more TV last week then in the last month. It was kind of fun. Dave was totally amazing and watched Spencer and let us all have some wonderful sister time.
That evening was dedicated to Madame Butterfly. We all got decked out and headed off to Lamb’s Grill for dinner before the performance. Our seats were amazing. I can’t remember having better seats before. The opera was touching and beautiful. I think we all were a little less impressed with Pinkerton, but thought the overall production was great. I might have had red-puffy eyes at the end, but I was not alone : )
We all decided to stop off at Olive Garden and order hot chocolate and dessert and talked about the symbolism and the undertones of the performance. I loved it, it has been so long since we all got together and I loved hearing what everyone took from the performance.
As the clock struck midnight, the magic ended. Tiff headed back home, and everyone would be flying out in the morning, but it was totally a fun sisters’ vacation! I already have some plans in my head for the next one.
We had monkey bread for breakfast and of course Spencer was the center of attention and loved every ounce of the adoration. It was a great morning, even if everyone was a little groggy.
Patti (my mother-in-law) was coming over for a luncheon and so we all pitched in and helped make the Cheesy Potato Vegetable soup. Everyone was gathered in the kitchen and it reminded me of when we were all younger, kind of a flash back.
We had the most delightful time! I adore Patti and think is the more amazing woman. I love that she loves my sisters as much as I do. The perfect guest and hostess. . . I adore her! Dave, his dad and Spencer all went out to lunch as the ladies confiscated the house with chatting and laughter.
The afternoon was dedicated to shopping and napping. Janelle, Sarah and San went out to the Discount Shoe Warehouse and found some killer deals. Tiffani and I stayed home to watch another BBC period piece, “Persuasion” we lazily laid on the couch and napped and we watched Anne and Captain Wentworth find their way to each other. I watched more TV last week then in the last month. It was kind of fun. Dave was totally amazing and watched Spencer and let us all have some wonderful sister time.
That evening was dedicated to Madame Butterfly. We all got decked out and headed off to Lamb’s Grill for dinner before the performance. Our seats were amazing. I can’t remember having better seats before. The opera was touching and beautiful. I think we all were a little less impressed with Pinkerton, but thought the overall production was great. I might have had red-puffy eyes at the end, but I was not alone : )
We all decided to stop off at Olive Garden and order hot chocolate and dessert and talked about the symbolism and the undertones of the performance. I loved it, it has been so long since we all got together and I loved hearing what everyone took from the performance.
As the clock struck midnight, the magic ended. Tiff headed back home, and everyone would be flying out in the morning, but it was totally a fun sisters’ vacation! I already have some plans in my head for the next one.
Friday Night
Okay. . .let the fun begin! Everyone arrived and we partied like Rock Stars. Sandy and Janelle went off to campus to take care of some errands and Tiff and I cleaned up a bit and started dinner. We also watched “Hairspray.” It was totally fun, I am glad Tiff brought it.
Sarah arrived in the evening and it made the party complete! We had gobs of goodies and laughed so hard. It was about 10 PM and we decided on a movie. We decided on “North and South” the 4-hour BBC mini-series about “. . the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves.”
So, we put in the first disc and Janelle drops off about an hour into it. But, Tiff, San, Sarah and I all hang in there to the end. We also did manicures and pedicures. It was a total slumber party! Dave retreated to his “man-cave” and read the Wall Street Journal and turned in early. I have not stayed up that late since I was in college. Finally at around 3 AM we all nestled in for a good nap! I don’t think I was the only one with a slight tummy ache from all the candy : )
Sarah arrived in the evening and it made the party complete! We had gobs of goodies and laughed so hard. It was about 10 PM and we decided on a movie. We decided on “North and South” the 4-hour BBC mini-series about “. . the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves.”
So, we put in the first disc and Janelle drops off about an hour into it. But, Tiff, San, Sarah and I all hang in there to the end. We also did manicures and pedicures. It was a total slumber party! Dave retreated to his “man-cave” and read the Wall Street Journal and turned in early. I have not stayed up that late since I was in college. Finally at around 3 AM we all nestled in for a good nap! I don’t think I was the only one with a slight tummy ache from all the candy : )
Friday Morning
Friday was the day that all sisters arrived! Friday morning we drove to Tiff’s place to hangout and see her “new” digs. She moved there about a year ago and I haven’t been there since we moved back to Utah. It was so fun. She has more closets then anyone other apartment I have ever seen. She also has the 70s style glitter ceiling. I LOVED it, I tried to take a picture, but alas it didn’t turn out. We all hopped on YouTube and listened to some of our favorite songs. Tiff shared this totally cool song. I am not much into country music, but this was cool.
They also had some John Deere tractors that Spencer loved! It was fun to hang out at Tiff’s. She is hosting Christmas eve and I can’t wait to go over and have nachos and open presents.
They also had some John Deere tractors that Spencer loved! It was fun to hang out at Tiff’s. She is hosting Christmas eve and I can’t wait to go over and have nachos and open presents.
Wednesday & Thursday
Sandy, Spencer and I all drove out to a ranch that has a horse Sandy wants to buy. (Frankly, I think Sandy was lured here to see the horse more then the Opera. . . but she came and that’s all that matters.) This horse was amazing. He is a 6 year old gelding and San plans to train and ride him in dressage and other English riding events. His name is King and he is the biggest horse I have ever seen. He is just over 18 hands high.
Sandy just fell in love instantly and plans on bringing King home next month. It was the highlight of her trip.
I also enjoyed going out and seeing the ranch where he was, they had some lovely horses and I was able to watch Sandy ride and strut her stuff.
On Thursday we just kind of took it easy. We went shopping and stocked up on some sale items. Sandy made her famous Chicken Teriyaki stir fry and it was great to cook, shop and relax! We also watched Indian Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. . . it was . . .ok. . . but I think when we watched Iron Man on Wednesday we liked it better.
Sandy just fell in love instantly and plans on bringing King home next month. It was the highlight of her trip.
I also enjoyed going out and seeing the ranch where he was, they had some lovely horses and I was able to watch Sandy ride and strut her stuff.
On Thursday we just kind of took it easy. We went shopping and stocked up on some sale items. Sandy made her famous Chicken Teriyaki stir fry and it was great to cook, shop and relax! We also watched Indian Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. . . it was . . .ok. . . but I think when we watched Iron Man on Wednesday we liked it better.
Tuesday
Last week was so great! We had a wonderful family reunion of sorts. My big plan was the blog every night and here we are a week later with nothin’. . . so, Let me recap in a few posts.
Last Tuesday my sister Sandy flew in from California. As a marine (who also owns a ranch and trains horses) she is quite busy, she said she hadn’t taken leave in over 2 years. It was so great to see her. The last time we got together was spring of 2006.
She stayed with us for the rest of week. I think she might have tricked me into training for a marathon and running the “Rock and Roll Marathon” in San Diego in May. We shall see. . . 26 miles huh? My other sister Tiffani has already started training. My goal would be to finish in the 7 hours they allow for a maximum time. Of course San would finish in record time, but I would just finish and count my lucky stars.
My dad was in town for business, so we all got together downtown and had dinner. Here are a few pictures. It was a great evening!
Last Tuesday my sister Sandy flew in from California. As a marine (who also owns a ranch and trains horses) she is quite busy, she said she hadn’t taken leave in over 2 years. It was so great to see her. The last time we got together was spring of 2006.
She stayed with us for the rest of week. I think she might have tricked me into training for a marathon and running the “Rock and Roll Marathon” in San Diego in May. We shall see. . . 26 miles huh? My other sister Tiffani has already started training. My goal would be to finish in the 7 hours they allow for a maximum time. Of course San would finish in record time, but I would just finish and count my lucky stars.
My dad was in town for business, so we all got together downtown and had dinner. Here are a few pictures. It was a great evening!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Projects & Callings & Sisters
Projects
On Saturday we finally did our last scheduled “move-in” project. We hung shelves in the garage. My friend Rae gave us over 80 linear feet of shelving about a year ago. We had it in storage waiting for a garage, (little did we know that it would end up in our home here.) We had a great time hanging them, Spencer was even “helping.” I must admit I sneak a peek every now and then to look at them and sigh in admiration.
Callings
This week we also got callings! Drum roll. . . .
I am working in Nursery! I love it. Our ward has two nurseries, junior (18 months - 2 1/2 years) and senior (over 2 1/2 years). I am serving in senior nursery, most of our kids are over 3. Yesterday was great! We had play time, snack time, singing time, bubble time, lesson time, coloring time and puzzle time. This is a great calling. I know I will love it.
Dave got TWO callings. Two weeks ago he was called to be Stake Technology Specialist and yesterday he was called to Ward Employment Specialist. He will do a great job with both callings. I hope he doesn’t get too swamped, but he feels good about serving in both callings.
Sisters
This weekend is the Sisters Vacation! I am so excited I can’t hardly stand it. It has been two and a half years since we have all been together. Sandy arrives tomorrow and my dad will be in town for business so we will have dinner together. Tiffani and Kyle will also be coming too. It will be great.
Tiff has Friday off and will be coming over, Janelle's flying in in the afternoon and Sarah arrives in the evening. Poor Dave in a house full of women. . . Then the big event is Saturday. All the sisters will be going downtown to have dinner and attend the opera, Madame Butterfly!
Then the magic ends. . . Sunday everyone (except for Janelle) heads home. I am really looking forward to this. I will post pictures and stories as they unfold.
On Saturday we finally did our last scheduled “move-in” project. We hung shelves in the garage. My friend Rae gave us over 80 linear feet of shelving about a year ago. We had it in storage waiting for a garage, (little did we know that it would end up in our home here.) We had a great time hanging them, Spencer was even “helping.” I must admit I sneak a peek every now and then to look at them and sigh in admiration.
Callings
This week we also got callings! Drum roll. . . .
I am working in Nursery! I love it. Our ward has two nurseries, junior (18 months - 2 1/2 years) and senior (over 2 1/2 years). I am serving in senior nursery, most of our kids are over 3. Yesterday was great! We had play time, snack time, singing time, bubble time, lesson time, coloring time and puzzle time. This is a great calling. I know I will love it.
Dave got TWO callings. Two weeks ago he was called to be Stake Technology Specialist and yesterday he was called to Ward Employment Specialist. He will do a great job with both callings. I hope he doesn’t get too swamped, but he feels good about serving in both callings.
Sisters
This weekend is the Sisters Vacation! I am so excited I can’t hardly stand it. It has been two and a half years since we have all been together. Sandy arrives tomorrow and my dad will be in town for business so we will have dinner together. Tiffani and Kyle will also be coming too. It will be great.
Tiff has Friday off and will be coming over, Janelle's flying in in the afternoon and Sarah arrives in the evening. Poor Dave in a house full of women. . . Then the big event is Saturday. All the sisters will be going downtown to have dinner and attend the opera, Madame Butterfly!
Then the magic ends. . . Sunday everyone (except for Janelle) heads home. I am really looking forward to this. I will post pictures and stories as they unfold.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Life is good
The summer of 2007 my 1997 Ford Taurus bid a final farewell to our family and in a tearful farewell, Dave told me Reggie (as he came to be known) would go off and live on a farm with other old cars and be happy.
This began the transition to the one-car family. Lots of people do it and it wasn’t as hard as I thought. Once Spencer came home it took a little extra juggling and fine crafted time management skills to make it work.
Now that Dave has a 40 min. commute to work, dropping him off to have the car for the day isn’t as easy as it used to be. Public transport around here isn’t really effective either. . . it would mean an hour and a half on the bus after I drive several miles to drop him off at the nearest bus stop. So. . . let me introduce the newest member of the family. . .
Our Chevy Colorado:
We are now officially a two-car family. We got an economical commuter car for Dave. This little 4-cylinder baby gets great gas mileage and also will serve as a great utility vehicle when we need it. We have been looking for awhile for the right car and the right deal. This week we found both. Dave says it is fun to drive a manual transmission again, and I love the no-frills interior. . . it reminds me of Novie (my 1987 Chevy Nova that I drove for 7 years).
So. . . now Spencer and I are freeeeee! We can go where we want when we want. Yesterday I drove to Target just because I could. Life. . . is. . . good.
This began the transition to the one-car family. Lots of people do it and it wasn’t as hard as I thought. Once Spencer came home it took a little extra juggling and fine crafted time management skills to make it work.
Now that Dave has a 40 min. commute to work, dropping him off to have the car for the day isn’t as easy as it used to be. Public transport around here isn’t really effective either. . . it would mean an hour and a half on the bus after I drive several miles to drop him off at the nearest bus stop. So. . . let me introduce the newest member of the family. . .
Our Chevy Colorado:
We are now officially a two-car family. We got an economical commuter car for Dave. This little 4-cylinder baby gets great gas mileage and also will serve as a great utility vehicle when we need it. We have been looking for awhile for the right car and the right deal. This week we found both. Dave says it is fun to drive a manual transmission again, and I love the no-frills interior. . . it reminds me of Novie (my 1987 Chevy Nova that I drove for 7 years).
So. . . now Spencer and I are freeeeee! We can go where we want when we want. Yesterday I drove to Target just because I could. Life. . . is. . . good.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hair cuts and suckers. . .
It has been about 2 months since Spencer last had a hair cut. My sister in law gave me a tutorial and I felt up to the challenge. I went to the store and got some clippers. I picked up some cordless clippers for easy maneuvering.
Spencer was all ready and sitting on Dad’s lap. As soon as the clippers turned on and he heard the buzz, it was pretty much over. He cried, was shaking his head and wanted down. He was 100% not interested. The weeping. . . the wailing. . the gnashing of teeth. Let me tell you. . . unhappiness. I used a # 4 for the back and sides and it looked pretty good. Then it came time to use the scissors for the top and around the ears.
Spencer was a pile of tears and pushing to get down. Then it occurred to me. . . I have seen stylists give kids suckers at the salon and it seems to do the trick. . . I wonder. . . So (being Halloween season) I had a sucker on hand. Spencer has never had a sucker before, (never had any real candy before.) As soon as I unwrapped the candy. The tears stopped and he was mesmerized by the sucker. I gave it to him and said “candy.” He examined the blue mystery and put it in the mouth. Then a huge smile crossed his face followed by the most pleasant . . . “MMMMmmmmm Mmm!” sound. I took the scissors and finished the job, while Spencer was blissfully enjoying the sweet confection.
It looks. . . .okay. . . and not too bad for my first try with clippers. Over one ear it looks a little. . . how did Dave put it? “Vulcan-ish” I think it resembles “Vanilla Ice” more. Oh well. . . The next one will be better.
Spencer was all ready and sitting on Dad’s lap. As soon as the clippers turned on and he heard the buzz, it was pretty much over. He cried, was shaking his head and wanted down. He was 100% not interested. The weeping. . . the wailing. . the gnashing of teeth. Let me tell you. . . unhappiness. I used a # 4 for the back and sides and it looked pretty good. Then it came time to use the scissors for the top and around the ears.
Spencer was a pile of tears and pushing to get down. Then it occurred to me. . . I have seen stylists give kids suckers at the salon and it seems to do the trick. . . I wonder. . . So (being Halloween season) I had a sucker on hand. Spencer has never had a sucker before, (never had any real candy before.) As soon as I unwrapped the candy. The tears stopped and he was mesmerized by the sucker. I gave it to him and said “candy.” He examined the blue mystery and put it in the mouth. Then a huge smile crossed his face followed by the most pleasant . . . “MMMMmmmmm Mmm!” sound. I took the scissors and finished the job, while Spencer was blissfully enjoying the sweet confection.
It looks. . . .okay. . . and not too bad for my first try with clippers. Over one ear it looks a little. . . how did Dave put it? “Vulcan-ish” I think it resembles “Vanilla Ice” more. Oh well. . . The next one will be better.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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