The Mellott Page

Native American Character Types

2011-06-07T22:27:00.012-06:00

Just posting this to make access to it easier for a presentation.

Graduation

2011-04-28T22:42:00.000-06:00

Pictures can be so deceiving. You would actually think I am a BYU graduate by the looks of all the happy faces in this picture. But not so . . .

Nathan, Seth, Carp, Kellie, Carson with Gabby and Sammy in front.

With my parents Mike and Dottie Sampson

I still have one class left to take during Spring term and THEN I will be an official BYU graduate!

Sammy in Kindergarten

2010-09-02T13:12:00.006-06:00

My baby started kindergarten yesterday.

It feels pretty much the same as it did last year when she went to preschool. She is gone everyday in the afternoon.

After her sibling started school last week she kept asking me when she would get to go to school. She was so excited to start again. Let's hope this attitude continues for a very long time.

My baby started kindergarten yesterday. I just don't know what else to say. Sniff.

Sammy with her teacher Ms. Kluber.

Dean Winchester

2010-08-30T12:29:00.007-06:00

Carp asked me over and over what I wanted for my birthday this month. I finally came up with something comforting, fun, warm and sweet to the core.

Meet Dean Winchester, my border collie mix that I picked up at the Animal Shelter almost a month ago. He was the runt of three puppies and I absolutely fell in love with him because he was quiet and sweet while his brothers where loud and bossy. When one of them saw me looking closely at Dean he grabbed him by the ear and pulled him away so he could sit where Dean was. I just felt so bad for him being picked on and all. So, we adopted him.

We named him Dean Winchester after my favorite character on the T.V. show Supernatural.

He is a sweet little guy. He sits at my feet when I am on the computer. He sleeps by my bed at night. I just love him!

He is about 5 1/2 months old. He will be a mid sized dog when he is done growing.

Dean fits in great with our family. He is good with the kids and very playful. We are so happy to have him!

Schools back in session!

2010-08-25T21:24:00.015-06:00

I could have easily blogged 10 times between today and my last blog. I will have to play catch up. But for now, I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures that I take every year - first day of school pictures. I love these pictures because they really show you how much has changed in one year of life. I just get tickled and a bit choked up when I think about how much my kids have grow and all that they have experienced!

So here we go - another blog of back to school.

Seth left for his first day of high school this morning as a sophmore. He was the first up (not a big surprise) and didn't give me any grief about having to do something with his hair. Yep - I had my doubts about that one, but he came through.

Carson was totally cool and collected getting ready this morning because, hey, he's a senior. He wasn't stressed about anything. He was so not stressed that he didn't bring his school schedule with him. I text it to his phone and all was good.l

My goodness! Two good looking young men in high school! Hold on . . . yep, I'm a bit teary. That feels weird.

They both came home for lunch and ate half a loaf of bread and at least one bowl of cereal. (chuckle)

Next Gabby and Nathan got up and ready for their first day of school. I absolutely love this picture! The expression on Nate's face is classic for him.

It's really hard to get this kids to smile an average smile. That's actually an awesome quality. Who wants to be just average anyway.

Gabby looks so much older in this picture! We blow dryed her hair out last night and straightened it. She loves the color purple - hence her purple attire for the first day.

Once again I am experiencing a little short gasp of breath. Are they really old enough to look like this? These different stages pass by so quick! Oh.

Gabby is in 4th grade this year with Ms. Mangum. She is really excited to have her as a teacher.

Nathan is in 6th grade this year and has Mr. Kowallis. He has a normal sixth grade boy attitude about school this year.

We ran into Shelby before school started and I got this pictures of Shelby and Nate together. They grow so fast!

Sam ran into a friend (James) at the school before we headed over for her kindergarten assessment. She start kindergarten next week. I just don't know what to think about that.

I love my kids. They really have made my life sweet. I love, love, love em'!

PA and VA Vacation

2010-07-20T13:18:00.057-06:00

There is never a complaint from anyone in my house when we make the suggestion to go back east for vacation. The kids know all our trips back east will include time at Mom Mom an Pop Pop Herr's farm in Pennsylvania, visits to historic sights and fun adventures. So, here's what we did over the 4th of July holiday. (Most of these pictures are NOT on my fb page.)

The Herr Farm
Everett, PA

Mom Mom and Pop Pop Herr love company. I sometimes wonder if they ever get a weekend to themselves because there always seems to be a visitor at the farm. True to family tradition, this 4th of July on the farm was packed with people from all over. There where over 70 people for about 4 days over the 4th of July. Where do all those people sleep? Well, there where lots of campers, tents, people in the bunk house out in the barn, the loft area and Akido mats in the garage and of course in the two houses. Families are assigned meals together to feed this massive crew and no one goes hungry.

Hiking up to the rappelling spot.

There are always lots of activities at the farm. Mom Mom decided to do an Easter egg hunt for all the younger grand kids because she never gets to do that at Easter for them. The eggs where filled with MONEY! The kids did Survivor again this year and played lots of games. There where hikes and lots of exploring.

Carp helping Mason at rappelling.

Carp brought his climbing gear and took people rappelling almost everyday. Young and old enjoyed the fun. The fun thing I learned to play this year was corn hole. I think I'm going to get myself one of those games!

Brandon, Heather, Sam, Autumn, Carson and Sadie hanging out by the pool.

The pool is always a treat in the humid, hot heat of summer. It was nice to have so many older grand kids to watch the younger ones. It was also cool to see all these teenage and older grand kids hanging out and chatting so much. They really do get along so well!

It is always a treat to spend time with Carp's family. We all enjoyed the conversation and laughing. It was really fun.

Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.

We decided to spend a couple days in Washington D.C. because we heard we could catch the worst heat wave of the year down there. Well, we didn't mean to, but we just happened to tour parts of D.C. when it was extremely hot. Like 105 degrees and humid hot. So the museums were a draw for us. They are air conditioned!

Lanette met up with us and explored Washington D.C. and Philadelphia with our family. We rode the metro in both days. That was an experience in and of itself. I think that's the Apollo 11 space craft behind everyone.

Carson was basically a kid in a candy store at this museum. He had taken a class through UVU called aviation science and pretty much knew what all these space crafts were and information about each of them. He and Nathan eventually went off by themselves for a while so they could explore he museum more in depth. Did I mention how nice and cool the museums where?

Just in case you wanted to know . . . these are the machines you use to go to the loo in space. They have a matching pair for him and her.

The Air and Space Museum is very family friendly. There are sections completely hands on for kids to explore all aspects of space related topics. Here is one that took your weights and transposed it into what you would weigh on different planets. The museum had lots of stuff like this.

That's Capitol Hill behind us. I included this specific picture to illustrate how dry the grass in the national mall was. It was brown everywhere because the heat had been so bad.

The Washington Monument was pretty interesting. Check out the difference in the color of stone about a third of the way up. It probably came from a different quarry.

Next we went to the World War II Monument. It is beautiful. There is a water feature in the middle and 50 individual markers with wreaths surrounding it. Each marker has a state name on it. There is also a beautiful WWII bronze maker inside.

The Vietnam Memorial is surrounded by a beautiful park and had what little green grass we could find in the area. I absolutely love this picture. The reflection of people against all the names of people who lost there lives is quite touching.

This memorial has always been one of my favorites. It is the Lincoln Memorial. The kids where overheating by the time we got here. We walked up the steps, took some pictures and let the kids rest on the marble floor inside.

Lincoln was an interesting character in American history. It feels like home for me walking into this monument.

Museum of Natural History

Washington D.C.

This is another kid friendly museum to visit. Oh, and by the way, all the museums and monuments we visited in D.C. were free. They are some that cost money (the Spy Museum for example) but after spending so much on parking and metro fairs, it was not going to happen. They have different levels and sections to the museum so you can check out all types of natural history. We toured a whole area of just stones and gems. It was actually quite beautiful.

The bone section was my favorite. We started off just checking out skeletons of all different kinds of creatures. You name it and we probably saw it. However, my favorite section was the part to use bones to figure out how people dies and what their lives where like. They found bones from back in Jamestown, Virginia of a boy slave and could map out what his life was probably like and how he died. There was also more modern detective work like you would find on the T.V. show Bones. It was fascinating!

The section with all the animals was pretty cool too. I like this picture of the tiger leaping from above. Many of the animals were positioned around this section in areas that would be their natural habitat. Cool stuff. Or, cool stuffed animals.

In this section where all the dinosaurs and caveman stuff. Yep, they depicted a caveman and cavewoman in there. This area was mostly bones. Again, cool. We saw areas about earthquakes, insects, snakes, you name it . . . . it's there. We didn't get to see the whole museum. That's okay though, next time there will be something else to see.

Museum of American History

Washington D.C.

This is one of the coolest museums EVER!!! It shows all aspects of American history, including Pop culture. This costume of C3P0 was used in the third movie of Star Wars. Seth was so excited to see it! They have all kinds of fun stuff like that there.

This section of the museum chronologically depicted the wars America has been involved in. It was called the Price of Freedom: Americans at War. There were actual red coats from the British Army and an entire outfit of George Washington. There were camps set up just like in the Civil War and uniforms and propaganda from WWI and WWII. The Korean and Vietnam war had a jeep and helicopter.

Some of the more modern wars or military actions our nation has been involved in were also depicted. This is a replica of a piece of the Berlin Wall. There is a real piece inset in it.

These are pieces from the Twin Towers. We where out of time and were being rushed out of the museum at the end of the day so I didn't get to take any more pictures. Sad.

We also saw the original Star Spangled Banner. It's kept in a dark area with low lighting and we were not allowed to take pictures. It's quite impressive in size and worn out. It was a neat thing to see.

Kings Dominion Amusement Park

Doswell, VA

This was a pretty impressive amusement park. We split up almost from the beginning. Carp, Carson, Nathan and Lanette started hitting all the rides for insane people and I took those who were left and rode the ride normal people would be attracted to.

Sammy was the only one small enough to enjoy the little kid rides in Kidville. Ironically, she is an adventure seeker and the only reason she was hanging with me was because she wasn't big enough to ride the crazy people rides. She didn't get my genes on this one.

We did a few rides together. This was our ferris wheel ride.

We also rode the carousel together. It's classic. It's a must do.

Seth is not a thrill ride fan. He did however love this El Dorado ride in a car that went up high. I could hear him laughing the whole time. He rode it 4 times.

Snoopy and friends were found in Snoppyland. We rode a few rides here, but the waterworks area was the best part of it.

Seth had to pay extra money to drive the go carts on the Thunder Raceway. Carp went as a passenger. Seth driving. Um, yeah.

The Shenandoah Log flume was quite fun. Well, not so much for Gabby. She doesn't like scary ride and this one is considered scary to her. She screamed the entire way. But, if you look real close at Sammy, you can see delight written all over her face.

There was a water park at Kings Dominion. However, we never got there. We did run around in the water works area in Snoopyland. It cooled us off enough to take in some more rides.

All in all, I think Kings Dominion was really fun. The kids really enjoyed themselves even though they were dog tired from walking around in Washington D.C. the two days before.

Philadelphia, PA

Here are Seth, Sam and Gabby with one of the fellas that dress up and walk around the visitor center area.

We headed up to Philly the day after we went to Kings Dominion. The kids were good sports walking around and checking out historic buildings in Liberty Square after dealing with all the head and walking around in Virginia.

We got to the visitor center too late to get tickets to tour Independence Hall. They open it up to walk though between 5 and 7 p.m. each night. We just happened to go through when a history fanatic park ranger was there and got a better tour than we would have otherwise.

Out in front of Independence Hall (the actual name is the Pennsylvania State House) the kids found this water pump and pretended they were pumping water for Nathan. It's kindof a cute picture.

We were on our way over to Carpenter Hall when I shot this picture. It is just so GREEN in Pennsylvania. I love it!

This was our second attempt to take a peek in Carpenter Hall. We didn't get it! It closed 5 minutes before we got there - and it was only 4 p.m.! Needless to say, I was bummed because it was closed when Carp and I were back there a couple years ago. One of these days, Carpenter Hall. One of these days!

Check out the POOF on my head! Humidity my readers. It's not your friend! Seth took this picture of us when we were in Independence Hall. While in historic Philly we visited Independence Hall, Congress Hall, New Hall Military Museum, Old City Hall, and a building that housed original documents such as the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. If we had been there a day earlier, we would have heard someone dressed in colonial wear reading the Declaration of Independence just as they originally did over 230 years ago.

We met up with Kelly Winchester and Mason along with her exchange student from Poland, Eliza and her touring teacher Anya and also with my nephew Brandon. We visited the Liberty Bell a second time that day to get this picture. Afterward we went to south Philly to get cheese steaks. Yum!

Harrisburg, PA

We spent that night at Jeff and Judy Kellers (Carp's sister) and then headed back to the farm the next afternoon. We stopped in Harrisburg to visit with Iris Mellott. She was so sweet to let us come visit on such a short notice!

The Herr Farm

Everrett, PA

We spent a couple more days at the farm with Mom Mom and Pop Pop relaxing. The morning after we got there Carp and I let the kids sleep in as long as they wanted. They were so tired!

Nathan worked on a merit badge while we were at the farm so my camera has lots of animal, bird and insect pictures on it. I was with him on a walk when he took this picture down in the secret garden.

Brandon came back up to the farm those last couple days. He and Nate caught some crawfish and cooked them up to eat. I tried them. They were, um, different. We enjoyed spending a little more time with Geneen's girls too.

It is always a stress to plan and carry out a big vacation with so many people to keep track of. It just is so important to do occasionally. The kids will have these memories forever!

I just get giddy . . .

2010-06-30T19:14:00.005-06:00

Yep, I get giddy over the silliest things. I know it. I own it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is coming out in November and I can't wait! I am GIDDY with excitement! Yeah, so is Carson. I love that my son totally shares in my crazy reading habits. Gabby is just starting the series. I bet she has the series read before part II of the Deathly Hallows is released next July. Oh man! Do I really have to wait until July? Silver lining - I can read the entire series again before the final movie installment is out. I can deal. I can deal. I can deal. I'll deal.

Watch the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EC2tmFVNNE

Watch another clip here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6lUS4iG5dE

Wasatch Back Ragnar 2010

2010-06-22T14:30:00.051-06:00

***WARNING*** LONG POST AHEAD.

This past weekend I ran in the Wasatch Back Ragnar from Logan to Park City, Utah. I love running Ragnars! It's more than a good run . . . it's an experience!

If you remember my explanation of the Ragnar I ran in Las Vegas, you get 12 crazy runners together to each run 3 legs of a long distance race. The race starts on Friday and ends on Saturday. That's right, you get to run through the night! That's where their motto of "Run. Drive. Sleep? Repeat." comes from. Notice the question mark after sleep. Yeah, like that's gonna happen.

Team 454 - "Save Our Soles" - Chieko, Brenda, Dena, Alexis, Jamie (back), Annette, Ruth (back), Kellie, Libby (back), Melanie, Wendy (back), and Tifany.

We divided up into two vehicles and ran the entire race with those in our respective van cheering us on and handing us water whenever we were on the road running.

Alexis Geist, Annette Green, and Chieko Bramhall.

These three AWESOME gals where in my van. It's funny how none of them knew each other before we started. There's something about running without sleep, sweating like crazy to bring your team closer to the finish line, and lots of laughs that will make you friends for life. Like I said, it's the experience!

Brenda Dobry and Myself.

There were two BIG differences between running the Wasatch Back and running Las Vegas.

1. Overall, the race was more challenging.

2. The scenery was far superior in Utah.

Our lack of sleep was not because we didn't try! We got showers at a high school and made an attempt at getting some ZZZZZ's on the high school field. Yeah, we got some rest, but most of us didn't get sleep.

Note: My favorite memory of this race was when we were all packing up our stuff at the high school to start our middle of the night run . Someone asked if anyone had gotten any sleep. Most of us mumble a "no." Out of nowhere Chieko said, "I think I did. I saw Sponge Bob." I think we were all ready to run after that laugh session.

Libby, Annette and Alexis waiting at exchange 30.

During the Las Vegas Ragnar I was in Van 1. When our last gal ran, we were done until the last runner of Van 2 was ready to cross the finish line. This time I was in Van 2. We stayed on the road following our runner up until she was just out from the finish line. Between the two, I think I prefer Van 1. It's nice to have your part over early. However, I liked the legs I had to run in this race and wouldn't change how it all went down.

There are some peculiar sights out there on a Ragnar run. This guy was one of 12 fellas running in short shorts or speedos. Yes, I did a double take. It just ain't natural to run in a speedo. And check out his poofy wig and gigantic ear phones. That had to be HOT!

Each team has a name and many runners had added accessories to their running gear to reflect those names. Here are some of my favorite names I saw on vans during the race:

"We ARRRR Pirates Out Chasin" Booty"

"Damn Soles in Distress"

"Off Like a Prom Dress"

"CTR - Choose the Ragnar"

"Duh Agony of Duh Feet"

"Run, Run as Fast as You Can" (They dressed up as a gingerbread man and handed out gumdrops at the exchanges.)

Thing 1- (Van 1)
Thing 2 - (Van 2)

"If You Can Read This . . . NOW You are in Last Place."

"Legs, Breast and Wings" (The runners wore fairy wings)

"Gu Gu Dolls"

"The Chafers"

"Walking Wonders" (They decorated their white vans with red, yellow and blue dots)

"Runamok"

"U.F.O - Unusually Fast Offspring"

"The Fit, the Fat, and the Fossil"

"F.A.R.T. - Fastest Army Ragnar Team"

"12 Running Mega Hurts"

"Victorious Secret"

"Bling it On!" (They wore lots of bling while running)

"XLR8"

"Scrambled Eggs and Achin'"

"Another Long Distance Relationship"

"We're on the Highway to Hell"

"There is no I in Team and no F in Way"

"Go Business Socks. It's Business Time" (See Flight of the Concords on Youtube)

We had white Life Savers in baggies with a note from "Save Our Soles" on it to hand out. We would drive by cars and Libby would chuck one in an open window so runners could enjoy the treat. She made everyone of her throws except one landed on the hood of a car. When I did it I hit runners in the head or hit their cars and the treat landed on the ground. Moral of the story - don't trust my throwing ability in a tight spot. I might give you or someone you love brain damage.

Alexis spraying Libby as she slowed down for a drink during her first run.

Libby and Alexis

We had a great system going. When a runner was out, the van would go ahead of her, pull over and we would walk across the road to wait for her (with our bright orange safety flag, of course.) One person would offer her water, another would sprayer her with water, and the last would grab her water when she was done. Chieko was the self designated photographer of the van so she only got in these pictures when she was running.

Libby, Brenda and Annette

So, check out the scenery in this picture. Did I mention it totally rocked over Vegas? It was like this throughout all the runs. Even when we ran in town, the people came out to cheer us on. So many of these home in the rural areas of Utah are beautiful.

Chieko running with support from her team.

Chieko, Alexis, Wendy, Brenda and Melanie.

Melanie, Brenda, Alexis, Jamie, Tifany and Chieko

We only got to see the other half of our team at major exchanges to hand off the wrist band to the other van full of runners. It was very uplifting to see that they were having as much fun as we were. I so wish we could follow them on their runs too! Again, check out the scenery.

Running (and power walking) "Ragnar Hill." I loved being sprayed with that water!

I actually like to run hills. I know that sounds crazy, but I like the challenge. However, just because I like it doesn't mean I'm fast at it. My last leg was known as "Ragnar Hill." It started on Brenda's leg and I got to finish it on mine. On my leg alone I gained over 1600 ft. in 4 miles. It was my favorite run! It was my favorite run because I did it with a gal I met on the trail named Lisa. We talked the whole time so it went by fast and I totally enjoyed it!

With our medals - (front) Chieko, Annette, Dena, Melanie, Me, Tifany and Alexis. (back) Libby, Wendy, Jamie and Brenda. Ruth had to leave before our team got in.

The race ended at the Canyons Resort in Park City. We all waited for Chieko to come in so we could run up the ramp with her. All the teams did this. It was fun to see everyone there at the same time. Afterwards, we went to dinner in Midway.

Chieko, Kellie and Brenda

Believe it or not, I already signed up to do the Las Vegas Ragnar again. You see, there is a "Saints and Sinners" medal I want real bad. If I run both races in the same year I'll get it. So, come October I will be in Las Vegas running through the night with a bunch of friends again. I can't wait!

Quiltin' Gabby

2010-05-27T13:04:00.005-06:00

All that quilting has paid off! I now have my very own quilting protoge. Gabby asked me to teach her to quilt last year. We decided to make a doll blanket out of squares. She finished it just after Christmas and was ready for something bigger. We went through my stash and found some fabric she liked and the results are seen in this picture.

I don't know which is brighter - the gree in this quilt or the smile of accomplishment on Gabby's face. This pattern was fairly easy. Gabby pinned and sewed each block. I helped to pin the rows together and she sewed them. I put the boards on because the quilt got bulky and Gabby was unsure of her sewing. I also machine quilted it for her.

I think she did a fabulous job! She has a really good eye for a 1/4 inch seam and pays close attention to detail. We are now going go through my stash to look for the next project. I will keep you all updated.

Here's a cute picture of the girls. Sammy looks marvelous!

Dance Festival

2010-05-27T12:26:00.007-06:00

Dance Fesitval is the best event during the last week of elementary school. I love watching all the kids totally enjoy themselves.

This year Gabby's class did "Footloose" which is a new addition to the schools dance repertory.

All the kids were asked to wear crazy socks. Check them out!

Nate was hanging with some of his friends before the dance festival started. Here is Nate with Dawson, Nick and River.

Nate's class did "The Hussle" all dressed up in their tye dye shirts. It's a classic!

I was the room mom for Nate's class this year. I got a chance to to take a picture of the class after all was done. Great kids!

Just a note: I loved the 6th grade rendition of "Thriller." I hope they keep it for next year because Nate would love to do it!

Sunday, May 16th, 2:20 p.m.

2010-05-16T14:28:00.009-06:00

I was told by Carp this week that when he is on the road he checks out my blog to see if I've updated it yet. It never occured to me that he looked for my blog as a way to see us. So, when I saw Nathan lounging in Carps kayak a few minutes ago, I decided to take a picture of where everyone was at that specific moment. Here's what I got:

Nathan had crawled into Carps kayak to relax a bit and take in the nice weather. Notice the Lehi Roller Mills Christmas bag on Nates right foot. Nice touch!

When I was done taking the picture of Nathan, Carson walked into the yard having just finished some home teaching. I told him I wanted to take a picture and he struck a pose.

I found the girls in the backyard playing with Maggie. My sister is on vacation and we are dog sitting. This poor doggie is probably looking forward to Aunt Katie coming home so she gets a little more "alone time." The kids just love being with her.

I tracked down Seth in his bedroom taking in a movie. Of course, true to form, Seth would not let me take a picture of his face. So, we got some hands here.

I knew right where to find Carp. He was finishing up some repairs on his kayak. He has been working on the two kayaks he has for Carson and Brian to float them down the Green River next month. Carp and Seth will also be on that trip, but in different flotation devices (o.k. - boats).

And here's me. Yikes! Thanks for making that picture look a whole lot better Nathan!

So, there we were. Sunday, May 16th, at 2:20 p.m.

What are the Chances?

2010-02-09T19:56:00.005-07:00

Nathan is in 5th grade. It's a right of passage to participate in the annual science fair when you reach the ripe old grade of five. Yep. Right. Of. Passage. Actually, it's an assignment, but I think kids kind of look forward to it because it makes them feel older.

Carp helped out this year with Nathan's project. It was a thing of beauty. I love that man. After much deliberation, Nathan decided to do a project on the probability of dice rolling. He decided to roll the dice 1,000 times to see what number was the most common roll. He used a white die and a brown die. After 1,000 rolls he added up how many times each number was rolled.

Conclusion - I will always bet on 7. It's the most common number rolled. Though, I am more impressed with snake eyes than I ever have been. It's the least common number rolled. So, I'm going with 7 because it comfortable, but I'm more taken with 2 because it's a surprise when it shows itself.

Great job Nathan!

Hypocrite - NOT

2010-01-13T15:23:00.010-07:00

I got a phone call yesterday to help out with our, um, well I don't really know what we call it anymore BUT it use to be "Enrichment Night" at my church. This great gal asked if I would talk a couple minutes about blogging as a form of journaling.

The first thing that went through my mind was . . . now, when was the last time I blogged? Needless to say, I totally felt like a hypocrite knowing I haven't been real consistent the last few months with blogging.

On a whim I looked up the word "hypocrisy" on Wikipedia to see what they have to say about the subject. If you haven't played around on Wikipedia, I urge you to go and do. It makes your time wasting net surfing feel enlightening. Anyways, here is what I found:

Hypocrisy is the act of persistently pretending to hold beliefs, opinions, virture, feelings, qualities or standards that one does not actually hold. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie.

I got to thinking about that definition. I really don't pretend to blog. I do it. Inconsistently, yes . . . but I do it. I believe it's good. I think it's a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and, HOLY COW, I love that other people comment on it!

Here is some more of what Wiki had to say:

Hypocrisy may come from a desire to hide from others actual motives or feelings. Hypocrisy is not simply an inconsistency between what is advocated and what is done.

Ok. I don't hide the fact that I have some flaky loser qualities. I might limit my time with other people so they don't pick up on them. If you have noticed them in me, well, I've probably noticed them to. Some things are just hard to shake. According to the above definition my inconsistency at blogging or being on time isn't that I don't have the desire. It's that I am still working on that one. Right?

When I read the next part I felt vindicated.

Samuel Johnson made this point when he wrote about the misuse of the charge of "hypocrisy" in Rambler No. 14:

"Nothing is more unjust, however common, than to charge with hypocrisy him that expresses zeal for those virtues which he neglects to practice; since he may be sincerely convinced of the advantages of conquering his passions, without having yet obtained the victory, as a man may be confident of the advantages of a voyage, or a journey, without having courage or industry to undertake it, and may honestly recommend to others, those attempts which he neglects himself."

So, to all those who will hear me praise the virtues of blogging as a kind of journaling tonight, know that I am expressing my desire for and further action of some good ol' fashion blogging. Maybe I need more courage. Maybe I need to conquer my time mismanagement issue. Maybe I need to store that stinkin' cord for my camera in a more convienent place! Maybe I need to answer this . . .

Does a hypocrite ever think they're really a hypocrite?

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life feels like the funnies.

Ragnar: Run. Drive. Sleep. Repeat.

2009-10-14T09:53:00.026-06:00

What an experience it was to run in the Ragnar Relay from the Valley of Fire to Las Vegas in the warm state of Nevada. I now get the phrase, "Run. Drive. Sleep. Repeat." that is on all Ragnar logo stuff. There was plenty of all of that (except sleep) during the whole experience. And it was totally worth it!

When I told people I was running in this relay race I got a lot of funny faces and remarks. A lot of people seem to think they could never do something like this. Well, yes, you can. Running is only part of the experience and if your team is there for fun and not to be the first across the finish line, GO! DO IT! You will never regret the experience. Here is what you get if you run a Ragnar:

1. An opportunity to make friends.

The only people on my team I knew at all were Wendy, Melanie and Lisa. At that, I knew Wendy the best. Through our training runs and the race itself I got to know Melanie and Lisa better and made lots of new friends.

Van #1 - Yolanda, Laura, Melanie, Me, Christine, and Cheryl.

I spent the next two days with these awesome women racing around the Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Henderson and into Las Vegas. We shared food, laughter and lack of sleep. I will always remember our choice of conversations and topics. The honesty of it all! Wow!

The hand off from Melanie to Yolanda. Everyone of you ran a great run!

2. In a race like this your teammates give you lots of support.

Cheryl handed off to Melanie but Melanie forgot her gum. Christine set her right.

We were always supportive of the girl on the run and did our best to offer them whatever they needed to make their run good. Everyone had different preferences. Thanks for spraying me down with water, the drinks and lots of cheering. Cheryl was an amazing sprayer. She was always on top of that with everyone. I hope we didn't let you down when you were out on the road! You all rock!

This was my favorite run - into the Valley of Fire. It was beautiful. The moon and the sun where out. The rocks were a beautiful red. We also got to talk with the gals from van 2 at the exchange. I was the last to run from my van everytime and got to hand off to Tiffany in their van. It was just nice to see them there.

3. The scenery you encounter on a Ragnar is varied.

Dusty straight roads. Winding sandy roads. Mountains, desserts and city scapes. We got some of all of this during the race. Early morning sunrise, late afternoon heat and moonlight trails. For an area as "out there" as Nevada, there was actually a lot to see. This is one of the reason I prefer to run outside instead of on a track or treadmill. The view outside is so different from riding in a car.

In the city - Yolanda offers Laura a drink.

A long straight road outside of Las Vegas. Tiffany is greeted with a drink from Rachel and a cooling spray from Libby.

One of my favorite pictures. Lisa is running out of a canyon and into Las Vegas. This was the last leg of the race. It was a beautiful area. Can you see how the experience would be different from driving it?

4. Running makes you feel good.

Whether you feel good because you get the runners rush of adrenaline or because you have done something you didn't think you could do, running will make you feel good in one way or another.

Rachel hands off to Libby. Check out Libby's smile. She's feelin' good!

Here is our team captain Wendy with Jamie. Wendy. I hardly know the words to describe the admiration I have for Wendy. She organized the whole experience. I would never in my wildest dreams take something like this on. BUT - I will happily take part in anything she plans in the future. I told her she make my dreams come true. I apparently have a hard time nailing down what those dreams are, but she gives me a heads up when she finds one for me.

Here's a hightlight - Carp drove down to Las Vegas and cheered me on for my last run. Then we road around together to cheer on the ladies from Van 2. It was really fun to have him there!

Wendy's family also drove down to give her support during her last run. I love this picture of Carp and Jeff. They are so GQ, aren't they?

Back: Libby, Tiffany, Wendy, Jamie,Laura and Lisa. Front: Melanie, Kellie, Yolanda, Christine, Cheryl, and Rachel.

After we were done, with medals in hand we checked in our hotel, showered, dressed, and headed off to the Rio for a buffet. We were all tired but were still able to enjoy ourselves.

The entire experience was great. I am grateful I had this opportunity and that we all arrived safely home. Not everyone made it home from the race. One runner was hit and killed in Henderson - the first in a Ragnar. His family and friends have been in my prayers and will continue to be.

Thank you to all you fabulous women I ran with. Thank you.

Birthdays!

2009-09-14T07:56:00.008-06:00

We had two birthdays in July. Seth turned 14 and Sam turned 4.

For Sammy's birthday we did had a hot dog roast in the backyard compete with chips and gifts.

The kids really like to roast marshmallows around the fire pit. Carson also picked out a few tunes on the guitar.

Sammy loves shoes. She use to have a pair of pink sparkly shoes and out grew them. So, she now has red sparkly shoes.

Sam also got a new scooter. She use to have one just like this that got some heavy use. It was mostly pink. This one is mostly purple. She loves it.

Seth's birthday was the day before Sammy's. He got some yummy brownies. We made the number 14 on his cake.

Seth was so excited to have Sammy born the day after him. He tells everyone how cool that is to share birthdays so close.

Happy Birthday Seth and Sammy!

Philmont

2009-09-10T22:43:00.000-06:00

K. So I finally got some pictures for Philmont up. Yes!

Carp had an opportunity to attend training for the BSA at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, NM the middle of July. We returned home a while ago, but you know, I'm not good at keeping my blog current. So here's the low down on what we did on our family vacation to Philmont.

We packed up the kids in the van with lots of stuff and drove to Raton, NM in one day. That was about a 12-13 hour day of driving. The next day we drove out to the Philmont Scout Ranch (hereafter refered to as PSR) and check in. Within the hour, Carson left for a week of back country adventure while the rest of us unpacked and set up home away from home in our assigned canvas tents before attending an evening church service and opening ceremony.

We each were assigned groups that we did stuff all week with. Here are pictures of our groups:

Sammy was a "small fry."

Gabby was a "roper."

Nathan was a "sidewinder."

Seth was a "trailblazer."

Carson was a "mountain man."

I was a "silverado." I hung with all the significant others of those that came for training.

Carp was a training member of "put more outing in scouting."

Yeah, 5 star accomodations were in order for our trip. We slept two to a tent - canvas tent, that is. HOT during the day, but not too bad a night. The tents were on wood platforms. How do ya like the deer Carp caught a picture of?

This is Carp and Sammys tent. We claimed the first 3 of these closest to the playground. It was quite convienent to be so close to quick entertainment for the kids. Sometimes Carp and I would sit outside and let the kids play while we read or chatted with other folks. Relaxing.

The great thing about this training for Carp was that they offered a family program to participate in if you wanted to bring your family with you. Every day we ate all three meals together in a mess hall. After breakfast we dropped the kids at their assigned stations and Carp went to training while I did, well, whatever I wanted. We picked them up for lunch and then dropped them off again. Carson would go back to training and I would do, well, whatever I wanted. We picked them kids up again around 4:15 p.m. - Carson, of course, was not in the training center with us. He was gone the Sunday we got there and got back the Saturday we left.

We had fun everyday we were there. Here's the week at a glance:

Monday

Sammy: Played at the small fry play center and visited the greenhouse in the afternoon.

Gabby: Made bagel pizzas in the morning and hiked to the T-Rex footprint in the afternoon.

Nate: Hike to Abreu in the morning and had rootbeer at the cantina. Went to the Kit Carson Museum in the afternoon.

Seth: Did archery and Rifle shooting in the morning. Hiked to Lover's Leap in the afternoon.

Carson: Hiked to Clarks Fork. He did branding and chilled with his buddies.

Kellie: Had an adult meeting in the morning to introduce what options I had while I was at PSR. Hiked to Cathedral Rock in the afternoon.

Carp: Training

After Dark: We had a play ground right next to our tent and were right by the South Tent offices and picnic area. We had cobbler and let the kids play.

Tuesday

Sammy: Pony rides in the morning. Played and did crafts in the afternoon.

Gabby: Archery and Rifle shooting in the morning. Villa Philamonte tour and pony rides in the afternoon.

Nate: Archery and Rifle shooting in the morning. Hiked to Lover's leap in the afternoon.

Seth: Handicraft and Villa tour in the morning. Horse back riding in the afternoon.

Carson: Hiked to Cyper's Mine. Had the strong man contest. Had the stomp which was a music thing.

Kellie: Did an all day hike to Carson's Meadows. We stopped at the original woodbadge lodge for a tour and Abreu.

I ate lunch at Carson Meadows with my hiking crowd. I was interested in this hike mostly because they said we would get to sample what the mountain trekers were eating everyday. Afterward, I started saving apples and oranges for when Carson got back. The lunch was, well, high on fats and processed food. I just knew Carson would want something fresh.

We stopped at Abreu for a tour and checked out the cantina. Those on the Mountain Men/Women Treks also stopped at places like this. Nathan had a rootbeer at this cantina on one of his hikes too.

Carp: Training.

After Dark: We had a Buffalo BBQ for dinner and played western games and danced. All the kids enjoyed the line dancing.

Wednesday

We had a family day on Wednesday. We drove about an hour and a half to hike the perimeter of Caplin Volcano and then down the the center. It was totally cool to see the massive amount of lady bugs.

Nathan was in bug heaven. Sammy was not. She is not a big fan of bugs.

The kids and I at the top of the volcano.

This is what it was like all over the volcano area. Kind of creepy, crawly in a way.

Carp and Gabby resting before climbing out of the center of Caplin Volcano.

We meant to get a of picture of all of us by this wagon when Carson got back from the trek. Yep, forgot that one.

We also spent time at the handicraft lodge. They have tons of stuff to "whittle" away the time.

The girls decorated aprons. Look how steady handed Sammy is. Gabby's was creative.

Seth assembled and painted a space shuttle.

Nathan made a bug cage.

After we were done we visited the trading post and bought way too many souvenirs. Well, maybe not too many considering how many kids we have.

After Dark: Some of the kids went to watch "Follow Me Boys" while others (including me) just relaxed and read or played on the playground.

Carson: Hiked to Saw Mill. Shot 30 odd 6.

Thursday

Sammy: Played and did crafts. Went to the handicraft lodge in the afternoon.

Gabby: All day hike to Cathedral Rock and Hunting Lodge.

Nathan: All day hike to Carson Meadows. Campout with Carp at Rayodo.

Seth: All day hike to Window Rock, then overnighter at the Hunting Lodge.

Carson: Cimarroncito. It hailed on them so they had hail fights. Carson saw Seth because they were hiking in the same area. They did indoor climbing.

Kellie: Went horseback riding in the morning and relaxed in the afternoon.

Carp: Training.

Here I am on the lighter brown horse with the "Tooth of Time" landmark behind me.

Okay. So Carp didn't do boring training everyday. He did FUN training much of the time. He did a bit of photography, archery, the COPES course and much more. He had a great time. You know, this picture kindof turns me on. He looks so . . . . manly.

Here is Nathan and two friends he made at Philmont - Matthew and Greg. They ended up hiking in hail and rain on their all day hike. All their shoes were trashed when they got back. I had to clean Nathan's up so he could go camping that night with Carp.

Carp and Nathan on their overnighter campout at Rayodo and Kit Carson Museum.

After Dark: There was cobbler and story telling. The girls and I were the only ones at camp from our family. We showered and had a girls late night.

Friday

Sammy: Played and movie in the morning. Pony rides in the afternoon.

Gabby: Hike to Lover's Leap in the Morning. Handicraft in the afternoon.

Nathan: Got picked up at 7:00 a.m. from Rayado campout. Met at the Handicraft lodge and a Villa tour in the morning. Listened to Western Lore at the pony ring in the afternoon.

Seth: Kit Carson Museum in the morning. Handicraft in the afternoon.

Carson: Did outdoor climbing at Cimarroncito and then hiked to Window Rock. It had a beautiful view.

Kellie: Hiked Urraca Trail. Ice Cream Social in the afternoon.

Carp: Finished training and received certificate.

Gabby and Sam made friends with lots of kids on the playground. Andrew and Elizabeth's tent were right across from us. These guys played together a lot!

This is were I spent 3 hours reading on Thursday afternoon. It is really beautiful around the Villa Philamonte.

This is the belt that Seth finished at his handicraft time with his group. He wears this with his scout uniform. Each of the kids spent time at the handicraft with their separate groups.

Carp's group had a little ceremony to celebrate the end of the training and hand out certificates. In true scout fashion, Carp had fun walking up to get his.

Carp receiving his certificate.

Carp and Tracey.

Carp and I became friends with this couple, Phil and Tracey Mathews. They were totally fun!

Nanette, her boys and then some. Seth and Josh (in the middle) hung out quite a bit. They are from the Atlanta area.

Sammy did a cute song in the closing program. Actually, we all did a skit with out groups. So scoutlike.

Gabby pulled Sam around in this cart after we loaded the van on Saturday. They are just outside the mess hall.

We left Saturday morning at drove to Gunnison. Sunday morning we got up and drove home. It was an enjoyable time!

Now - here's a treat. Carp wrote some notes about the trip. All you kind people that actually read this whole post get to read more! Philmont, in Carp's words. Enjoy!

Philmont

It has been one week since we returned from Philmont and a good time to reflect on the trip/experience.

Friday night Carson and I loaded the car so we could leave early in the morning. We got on the road pretty early and started the trip with a fast food breakfast in the car, so we didn’t leave dirty dishes is the sink. Kellie drove the entire trip (because she likes to.) Also, since Kellie drove, she got first dibs on the radio which meant that she played “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, to Philmont and back. The book literally ended as we pulled into the driveway on the way home. Coincidence, I think not; listening to the book keeps her awake, it serves to put me asleep. There is a method to her madness. On the way down we did hear several times how much longer till we get to the hotel. Since the drive to Raton took 12 hours I can’t really blame the kids. Kellie really enjoyed driving over the mountain passes, the highest was 11,300’.

We stopped in Raton and stayed at what recently changed from the Sands Best Western. We had connecting rooms, so the boys stayed in one and the girls stayed in the other with Kels and I. They all thought it was great and would run from one room to another. We unloaded all the gear and ate dinner. Thanks to a special celebration in the town that evening, there were free ice cream cones for the 4 younger kids. Thank you Raton!

In the hotel room next to us was a Scout and his mother. He was being dropped off at Philmont in the morning for a week of Youth Leadership training. Nice young man, who I gave 2 patches from our local council he also gave me a patch from his council.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

On Sunday morning we awoke and had a cold breakfast of muffins and milk at the hotel. Showers for those who did not bathe when we arrived then Carson and I reloaded the car and roof rack which we were beginning to build our proficiency. After we arrived we held a family service in the hotel room as we were not sure if we would be able to attend services at Philmont that evening. We drove into Cimmaron and saw the couple blocks of business then turned down the road to Philmont. We went to the Philmont museum and then to the trading post to pick up a backcountry map for Carson. We then drove back to Cimmaron for lunch. After lunch it was time to check in, so we drove back to Philmont and checked in at the PTC. We checked in right around 1 PM, because Carson had to check in for the Mountain Trek at 2 PM and would be gone until Saturday Morning. We stayed in South Tent City. The van was unloaded with the help of Carson and then we got him over to the greensward and said our goodbyes. We set about arranging our living quarters, tents 235, 236 and 237. Sammy and I were tent mates and she sure enjoyed the freedom of not being with Mom. We went to dinner and then had the kids get ready to attend church at 7 PM. We went to church and to our surpise Carson was there. He was staying in the trailhead tent city that night and would start on the trail in the morning. Carson had the opportunity to administer the sacrament and Seth passed the sacrament. Elder Wilson told the young men, this would probably be the only time they were allowed to do so without a white shirt and tie. We said our goodbyes once more to Carson and headed back to our tents for what was hoped to be a restful night of sleep. Of course I tossed and turned all night, and at 4 AM heard a loud thump! Sammy had rolled out of her bed. I picked her up and put her back in bed and lay semi-awake until 6 AM when I got up to shower.

Monday

First full day was an experience. We ate breakfast in the cafeteria with the kids and then dropped them off at 8:20 AM with their counselors. Sammy to the Small Fry group, Gabby the Ropers, Nathan the sidewinders and Seth the Trailblazers.

The routine was shower, breakfast, drop off at 8:20, class, pick up at 11:20 AM, lunch, drop off at 1:20 PM, class, pick up at 4:20 PM, dinner, evening activity, brush their teeth and go to bed. Six hours of organized activity each day for the kids was quite nice for both them and Kels. Kellie spent her time hiking each day except for Thursday when she went horseback riding.

About my class, Tracey and Phil.

My training class covered a lot of ideas for getting Scouts in the outdoors. We went covered COPES course, Climbing & Rappelling, Ecology, Conservation, LNT, Outdoor Photography, Rifle and Archery Shooting, Aquatics, Map and Compass, Geocaching and other topic. It was well worth the week away from work.

On my first day of class I met a lady who is a Scoutmaster, Tracey Matthews. When I came back Kels and I talked and she had met her husband in the Silverados group. Tracey told me the next morning that her husband was telling her about a lady he met from Pleasant Grove, UT. Tracey chuckled and said “that has to be Carson’s wife.” Phil and Tracey brought their 12 year old son Colby with them to Philmont. Kellie and Phil hiked together on three of the days. We became friends and exchanged contact information with them.

Monday was craft night, but the craft building was so crowded, that we decided to forgo this activity. As there was a playground next to our tent, this did not seem to bother the kids in the least. They were regulars their every morning and before meals and evening. Nathan made two friends quickly Matt from Virginia and Greg from Texas. Sammy and Gabby befriended a 8 year old girl named Elizabeth. Seth and Josh from Georgia also hung out. Seth also would watch out for and entertain a 2 year old little Emma.

Tuesday night was Western night BBQ buffalo western games and dancing. The kids had a great time and danced for about an hour and a half.

Wednesday was family day we drove 60 miles to Capulin Volcano, came back to the trading post for souvenirs for the kids and made crafts in the craft building.

Wednesday night was movie night with a showing of the movie Follow Me Boys. Since we have the movie at home and have seen it about a dozen times, we opted out of the movie and instead relaxed in camp with the kids playing in the playground.

Thursday was quite a busy day. Kels went horseback riding, Seth, Nathan and Gabby went hiking all day. Seth did not return back to tent city as he had an overnight campout in the backcountry. After dinner, Nathan and I left for a Webelos/parent overnighter at the Kit Carson Musem in Rayodo. He an I had an 8 mile bus ride to the camp with the other parents and Webelos. The counselors and kids sang camp songs on the bus. We arrived, set up our tent then the boys threw tomahawks and had a foot race. AT dark, the staff put on a musical program and had hot chocolate for the kids. We got up about 6:15 a.m., packed up our stuff and rode the bus back to Philmont Training Center arriving in time to shower and to eat breakfast.

Friday night was the closing campfire program. Each family group had a skit or presentation. Yes, even Kels who reluctantly went up and sang with her group. It was difficult, but I was able to get a picture of her by going to the side of the stage area. (She tries to hide behind taller people.) We then had a slide show, but Kellie nor I got to watch it since Sammy decided to bolt off and sit somewhere away from us in a crowd of several hundred people. Near the end of the slide show, Kellie signaled me from across the crowd that she found Sammy. The Philmont staff must have known Kels and I did not get to see the slideshow as they kindly put a CD with the slides in my departing folder.

Saturday morning we got up, ate breakfast, then went to pick up Carson. However, he was no where in sight. We went towards the tent and there he was with Sammy outside the cafeteria. We took him into the cafeteria so he could get a cooked meal. We then went back to our tents and required Carson to shower. Apparently since he was on the trail, he decided to go green and help save the environment. He changed his clothes once but left on the same pair of boxers for the entire week! What can you do but grin (plug your nose) and bear it! Carson actually did not smell too bad. When we went to the trading post for Carson to pick up some souvenirs you could tell a crew that returned from a trek as opposed to once that was getting ready to leave by their scent. There are two reasons to have a boy shower before the ride him. The first reason is obvious; you don’t want to be inside your vehicle with the stench. The second related reason is to keep the paint on your vehicle from melting off!

We spent more money on souvenirs at the trading post and Gabby got a pair of earrings at the museum. We then went into Cimmaron and bought an ice cream cones at the Art Gallery so Carson’s rangers can get a free cone next time they are in town.

Kels drove for about 6 hours and we stopped at our hotel (Holiday Inn Express) in Gunnison, CO. We went out for Pizza at a NY style shop and had a good dinner. We went back to the hotel where we enjoyed the pool and hot tub. The kids enjoyed the cinnamon rolls for breakfast then reloaded the car and were back on the road again Sunday morning. Another 6 hours or so and we were home.

It was an enjoyable trip and everyone has said they want to go back. Carson is talking about a three week trek next time around!

Gabby's Baptism

2009-06-25T16:12:00.008-06:00

Found the cord to transfer pictures from my camera! Back to blogging.

Here's the girl that turned 8 in March.

Here's the boy that turned 16 in May.

Here's the boy getting ready to baptize the girl in June.

Yep. Carson baptized Gabby. It was so neat to see the two of them in this situation. They have always been pretty close so if seemed fitting that Carson was the one to baptize Gabby as a member of our church. He was nervous but did a great job. Carp was able to confirm her.

After the baptism, we had family and friends over for some yummy food. I love hispanic food so we had Pork Barbacoa and Chicken Enchiladas. Quite tasty if I say so myself.

Congratulations Gabby!

Dance Festival - Hooray!

2009-05-27T17:46:00.014-06:00

Somethings just never get old to me. The giddiness I feel when I buy a tasty smoothie just for me. The look of coordinating fabric stacked together. Time by myself. AHHHHHHH.

There are activities in the school I can pretty much count on every year. I like the class parties, field trips (yes, I said I like them) and the end of the year mantra of field day, plays and performances. Mostly, I look forward to Dance Fesitval. I love to watch all the little kids get try to find their groove while the older kids totally think they have it. I twas not disappointed this year.

Who stands out the most in this picture? Right smack in the middle are Shelby and Nate. This was taken when the kids where coming down to the field.

Gabby's grade did the "ABC, 123" song.

Nathan's grade did the "Cha-Cha Slide."

Sammy was lovin' all the music and dancing. She did her own little show for those sitting by us.

Gabby and Nathan

I just love the sunglasses on Shelby!

I look forward to next year! This is always a highlight of the school experience.

Memorial Day Friends

2009-05-26T17:12:00.012-06:00

As much as I love to look at pictures of my kids, I kind of think it's a good idea to change the pictures now and then. Yep. I'm a flake. I really don't have a great reason to have let my blog slide. Sorry. Will catch up. Like I said, flake.

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Yeah - kids out of school, husband off work . . . kind of fun. We had some friends over for food and good conversation. AND we had lots of food. Here are some pictures to check out~

I know I already mentioned the food. I just feel the need to explain why the food is so important. The yum factor plays an important part of a day that I plan on having company. I just love the idea of eating yummy food with others that can appreciate it as much as I do. So - thanks to the Sederholms and the Merryweathers for providing and enjoying the feast with us. A special thanks to Carp for making this gorgeous dutch oven teriyaki chicken. Oh yeah, it was good!

Carp and Cameron.

Nathanael and Cyndi Sederholm. I have to think twice when I write the first name of all of the Sederholms. They spell their names beautifully, but I initially want to spell them Nathaniel, Cindy, and Karl.

Carl (Carl Daddy as Sammy affectionately calls him) and Sam.

Lanette Lagerstrom

Nathan and Shelby playing leapfrog. I can guarantee life is never dull with these two around.

Seth relaxing.

The birthday boy! Nicholas Alexander Merryweather. It's just to impressive NOT to type that name. Love it.

Merryweathers and Mellotts - practically one in the same.

One of the best things about kids birthdays is how they react to their presents. I was too busy laughing and having fun watching Nick open his gifts to remember to take anymore pictures. You'll just have to check out Tammy's blog to get those. They are priceless.

There you have it. I blogged! I will try to post stuff that has been going on since March and keep up on whats happening now.

Diary of a Pinewood Derby Car

2009-03-23T15:25:00.010-06:00

Dear Diary,

Today I have been sheathed and unsheathed several times by a curious boy. He takes me out of the comfort of my box to handle me and stare to only put me back in and close me up once again. I like him. I wish he would just let me hang out - outside my box that is.

**********

Dear Diary,

Today I was outside my box for most the day. In fact, I had quite the field trip with a little girl. I was almost convinced she should be my creator until she shoved me in a basket and piled clothes all over me. It wasn't so bad at first. However, something furry and big started moving around in the same basket with me. My panic left me stiff with fear until the thing jumped out. I was grateful when a big person found me in the basket and placed me back in the safety of my box. I hope they find my wheels soon.

**********

Dear Diary,

Today was a special day. The boy who tries to keep track of me has transformed me into the most amazing car. He did all the work himself. I've heard of cars being created by big people or cars created by boys with aggressive help from big people. I was so excited to find that I would be created by him and only him. I could feel the creative juices pumping through his hands as he formed and shaped me to his liking. He looks at me in such a brotherly way. He loves his creation. I love him back. I hope his mom remembers to buy that paint he keeps reminding her about.

Dear Diary,

I am almost complete! I received a healthy coat of orange paint today. My boy was so excited to almost have me done he could barely wait 10 minutes after covering me with paint to put my wheels on (thank goodness he kept track of those four essential parts!) He got paint on his hands, but he didn't care. It's the same paint that covers my body. We are now bonded. We are "paint brothers."

*********

Dear Diary,

Today is the big day. We have the race tonight and my boy found his way to me as soon as school was over. He is trying out all kinds of ways to add to my weight. He is worried I am not heavy enough. He has settled on some quarters and nickels that he is going to tape to my car body. I hope I don't let him down tonight. I love him. He is so nice to me.

**********

Dear Diary,

We won! We won the "Sportiest Car" award. Almost everyone passed me on the track, but my boy didn't care. He was just happy to have some fun. He had a great cheer team to give him support. I am so grateful to have a wonderful, creative and fun boy to hang with for the rest of my car years. I will always remember this night.

Cheer team: Ammy, Shelby, and Kami with Nathan.

Congratulations on the "Sportiest Car Award" Nathan. Good Job!

Seth's Eagle Project Status . . . COMPLETE!

2009-03-12T14:51:00.012-06:00

Seth made it perfectly clear, "I'm not doing anything with digging!" The last few Eagle Projects he helped out on involved lots and lots of digging. Digging that was needed for electrical lines at a park, digging for play equipment at another nearby park . . . digging, digging, DIGGING! Seth knew exactly what he DID NOT want to do for his Eagle Project. So, in an effort to find something that he DID want to do, he asked his principal at school if he had any ideas. Well, he did. In fact, he has quite a few ideas involving getting all the classroom prepared for an emergency lock down. The principals plan includes a porta-potty, food and water, and first-aid kits in each of the 50 classrooms. Seth took on putting together the first-aid kits.

Seth had to do some research (with the help of Carp) to figure out how much it would cost to put a first-aid kit in each classroom. At $15.00 a kit, Seth had to raise $750.00. That was no small feat! So, during SEP conferences in October, Seth set up tables with information about what his Eagle Project was and how it benefited his school. He was given permission to ask for donations. He made over $400.00 in the two nights he and Carson camped out at the entrances upstairs and downstairs at the school.

Seth greeted the parents and students that entered the junior high upstairs. I sat with Seth and was entirely impressed with his sales pitch. He knew what his goal was and what he talking about!

Carson manned a booth downstairs. He was really helpful!

Seth received additional donations from family members and friends. He also wrote letters to nearby businesses and received gift cards from Walmart and Costco. It took him a while, but by December he was ready to place orders for the supplies. He and his Dad went through information on the internet and our school district catalogue and placed the orders with the help from a sweetheart of a finance gal at the junior high. (Kudos to K'Ann! You are a gem!) He also used the gift cards to purchase items at Walmart. Some of the stuff was on back order from the district. We got the last of the stuff a couple weeks ago. Seth was set. He had to iron out a plan on how to get the kits put together.

This last weekend Seth had the kids separate the cotton swabs into snack baggies in preparation for his project on Tuesday. On Tuesday we set up tables and with the help of friends and scout leaders, Seth ended up with 50 wonderful first aid kits.

The most time consuming part was putting a variety band-aids, wipes, tweezers and tongue depressers in baseball card holders. The baseball card holders allow the small items to stay separated and easy to access.

Lots of people showed up to help!

The end product: 50 first-aid kits ready to go in each classroom at Seth's school.

There might be some of you out there wondering why Seth didn't just buy a pre-made first-aid kit instead of going through all the trouble to plan the contents of each kit, ordering each item, prepping the to show volunteers how he wanted to put them together, and then actually putting them together. Yeah, it would have been quicker. Yeah, it would have been easier. BUT - what would Seth have learned? That's why this process is often refered to "earning his Eagle Scout Award." He had to go through all those steps to "earn" it.

David vs. David Guitar Hero

2009-03-02T12:49:00.008-07:00

Yeah, I was wastin' some time on the internet today. I confess, I waste time. There, it's out in the open and I named it. Oh well.

So, during my ritual time wasting moment, I found this advertisement for Guitar Hero on good ole' youtube. Of course I was intrigued because, hey, I love to play guitar hero. It's fun!

So, I want to hear your opinion. Did you like David Cook or David Archuleta's rendition of "Old Time Rock and Roll" guitar playin'. I know which I like, but what about you?

If you need something to compare it to, here's one of the most memorable moments in movie making - Tom Cruse in Risky Business. Brings back memories!

I can't help myself with this one. There is just something funny about grown men dancin' around in underwear.

Sammy is just too cool.

2009-02-23T20:05:00.002-07:00

Tonight I was helping Nathan put together a report for school. We were going through pictures on the computer looking for things he could use for his autobiography. I came across this picture and just had to laugh. Sammy is such a crack up. You just can't stage something like this.

10 Reasons I Totally Scored

2009-02-13T08:00:00.008-07:00

I am a lucky gal. I know it. I have a wonderful husband. He's a gem. So, with it being Valentine's Day and all, I though I woud share 10 reasons why I totally scored (these are in no specific order):

1. Carp is a really good Dad. I could have easily guessed this would be the case when I fell in love with his family before we got married. They are good stock. Carp remembers his Dad doing things with him and showing him love. He does the same for his kids. He thinks about little things that I overlook like taking a kid with him to run errands so they get some time together.

2. Carp has a testimony of Jesus Christ and that he has a purpose on this earth. This fact makes my desire to be a better person so much stronger than it would be if I didn't have him in my life. He hold me up to a standard that I believe I can reach because he is with me.

3. My man is good looking. He can't help it, he just is.

4. I love a good sense of humor. Carp and I laugh a lot together. Our kids laugh with him. We have lots of inside jokes and family jokes going on. He finds the funny side of everything and I totally love it.

5. Carp is a hard worker. He has always done everything he can to make sure that he is providing for his family. He is driven and likes to improve his skills. He is currently working on his master - not an easy feat when you travel as much as he does.

6. Carp is good with money. He is a saver and a planner. I am so thankful I married a man that is good with the cash stuff because I really don't like to deal with it. Yeah, we lost some money in the market this last year. Who didn't? If it were not for him, we would probably have nothing out there - that's how much I hate dealing with money.

7. Carp appreciates my talents and inspires me to do new things. He's fine with me working on a quilt. In fact, he likes when I work on a quilt. It is just wonderful that he doesn't make me fill guilty if I spend time on that.

8. Carp is adventurous and daring. He likes to do mountaineering stuff and will face mountains I don't ever entertain the thought of climbing. The same could be said of him tackling trials that he faces. He doesn't walk away from anything.

9. He loves me. Heaven knows I am self-conscious about many things. He is so sweet to me and let me know how much he loves me everyday. I sometimes wonder why - but I love him so much back that I can't be second guessing him.

10. Carp is a trustworthy person. I trust him with my thoughts, information, my physical well-being (like when rappelling) and with my life and the life of my children. He is always there for us.

As you can see, I totally scored! Carp is a 10 in my book and I love him with all my heart!

Bootylicious

2009-02-11T19:45:00.007-07:00

On Thursday we can all celebrate the bicentennial of Charles Darwin's birthday. In commemoration, the University of Utah with scientist from Utah and Harvard are doing presentations on why, as humans, we were born to run.

Why are we born to run? Low shoulders, a flexible upper body, but more significantly, the muscle in our butts, called the gluteus maximus are the reason we can run and not fall forward on our faces. So, by this logic, having a little bootyliciousness going on is a good thang, sista.

I think I will do a little celebrating of my own. Mmmmmmmm, another pound of chocolate from See's ought do the trick.

Creative Dreaming

2009-02-04T12:38:00.009-07:00

This was actually posted on another friends blog - Tonja Merryweather - but I had to post it on mine too - so I can go back and watch it over and over. It's quite facinatingly done with pictures - stop motion animation.

When she woke up from the "dream" I wonder if she was tired?

Fun Facts:
* The song is "Her Morning Elegance" is by an Israeli, Oren Lavie.
* The video was shot all stills - roughly 3225 still photos for the entire video, using one camera, hanging from the ceiling for the main body of the movie.
* It took 4 weeks before shooting to create an animated computer generated storyboard for the video, with 3d dummies for the characters.
* It took only 2 days of shooting for the live actors on set to re-create the 3.5 minutes computer sequence, frame by frame.

Psychopomps

2009-02-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

If I remember the saying right it goes, "nothing in life is certain except death and taxes." Well, we've all faced taxes, but if you are reading this blog entry there's a pretty good chance you have never seen death.

Death is described as the total cessation of life processes that eventually occurs in all things.(Thank you google.) This doesn't answer what death looks like, feels like, what we'll see or where we will go (Of course, I have a strong opinion about those.) Throughout history this lack of information has motivated humans to make up figures to represent death.

Enter the Grim Reaper - the black-cloaked, scythe-wielding personification of death. His job is to put a face on the whole ordeal. I guess my question is this - why is he so grim? Why couldn't he be the least bit happy that he is paying you a visit? AND - Why the heck is it a guy?

I'm sure your question today is more along the lines of "What the heck, Kellie? Why are you writing about the death and the Grim Reaper?" Well, while reading an article today I learned a new word. It's kind of an interesting one - psychopomps. At first glance I thought it was psychopoops. I still am laughing at that misreading.

Anyway, a psychopomp is a spirit, angel, or deity whose responsibility is to escort newly-deceased souls to the afterlife. Many are animals. Certain species of birds - owls, sparrows and crows - appear more frequently as psychopomps than other animals. I kind of like the idea of being greeted by a soft cooing owl at deaths door than a mess of bones mysteriously held together in a black cloak holding an hourglass with the last grain of the sands of my life falling to the bottom.

I researched representations of death briefly and found that the Grim Reaper is just one of many personifications of death. There are positive forms and yes, there are women.

So, if I'm free to choose, I'm choosing the cute owl.

Pyxlin

2009-01-26T21:15:00.004-07:00

I was talking with a friend of mine last week, (cough, Vicki, cough) and she shared a really neat website with me. It's called Pyxlin.

I am a horrible journal keeper. I try to make myself feel better about the whole subject by telling people that I keep a blog. The truth is, I know deep down that I am still entrenched in my horrible journal writingness. Well, the subject of journal keeping came up with my friend and she pulled up the website she uses to organize and write her journals. That's right - JOURNALS! I was so impressed, I came home and took a tour of their site and I said, "sign me up!"

The site is http://www.pyxlin.com/ - it pretty cool. Signing up gives you access to the online storage they have for your writing, ability to keep mulitple journals at once, add photos (color and black and white), and you can have them publish it for you or download and take it somewhere else.

There is a fee but it's not bad. If you pay annually ($30) it breaks down to $2.50 a month. You can also sign up for a one month free trial.

So, here goes my "attempt" at becoming more than I am . . . or just actually doing something I shoud really already be doing.

Thank You Sid

2009-01-21T22:48:00.004-07:00

I got tagged by Sid to post the 4th picture in the 4th file on my computer. I love getting tagged for this. It's always fun to revisit picture - especially pictures of when my kids were younger.

In this picture Carson had been attending 11 year old scouts and was receiving a rank advancement. Look at how many merit badges he has - 9 of them babies. He now has 53 which fills up the front of his sash and is starting to go down the back. This picture was in a file labeled "Carson's Eagle Slideshow." Carson received his Eagle in 2007. I put together a slideshow that played pictures of Carson involved in scouting from Tiger Cubs through receiving his Eagle. At his Court of Honor there was a table that displayed items he has collected or represented his involvement in scouting though the years. I left a laptop playing the slideshow on that table so people could watch it as they checked his stuff out. This picture reminds me how proud I am of all that he has done - whether in scouting, school, his music or his personality, he has made some good choices and I appreciate what a great son he is. I love you Carson.

I tag . . . whom ever feels like doing it. What a easy post idea! Just pick the 4th picture of your 4th picture file and write about it.

A unlikely friendship

2009-01-19T08:11:00.004-07:00

I think we all deserve a feel good story for today. Here's a story of friendship. A story of two unlikely creatures forging a bond of friendship under fortuitous circumstances in spite of accepted norms. There's a lesson here somewhere.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Thanks to Uncle Jack for sharing!

Ice Climbing - a sport for crazy people

2009-01-17T10:53:00.012-07:00

Now, I like me some fun outdoor exploring.

However, I just don't think I can EVER envision myself climbing an ice wall. I don't like to be cold. I'm not wild about using axes to keep me from falling. Knowing me, I would probably drop one and severe a limb or impale myself in the chest.

BUT, as with many testosterone driven activities, my husband and son love ice climbing. Carp took Carson up to Bridal Veil Falls a couple weeks ago and did some climbing. Carson came home totally pumped. He recounted to me different manuvers he used and how he had to hurry past certain points because the ice cold spray from the running falls were blowing on him. Wow! That sounds like fun!

It's when I saw the pictures that I could kind of understand the draw. I have seen pictures like these before. However, after Carson's vivid description I did grasp a bit more why he is drawn to the madness, oh, I mean "fun" and adventure of ice climbing.

I have guilt.

2009-01-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have been on a PTA board and quite active in my kids schools for many years. The last two years I doubled up on PTA boards and helped at the elementary and junior high as the membership chair. I have loved being informed and part of making decisions for the schools that my kids enjoy attending.

This past fall my husband shared a few choice words about how he hated that I got so busy with school stuff and let stuff around the house slide. This frustration is understood because membership stuff takes up a lot of time during the fall. During these "discussions" I told him I would not volunteer for anything extra next year and take a break. I have been resolved to do this for him and my own sanity. It didn't seem like it would be such a hard thing.

Yesterday I received a phone call from the next PTA president for one of the schools with questions about training someone to take my position for next year. When that part of the conversation was over, she asked if I would head up the book fair next year. I explained that I was not going to be able to take on anything next year. She sounded irritated and exited the conversation quickly.

Now the guilt part. I don't feel guilting about promising my husband I would not take anything else on next year - my family is first, always. I would really like to see some more parents involved anyways. What I feel guilty about is having to actually say "no" knowing that it creates a burden for the person asking to find someone else - this knowing that I am an able body person capable of doing it. I just can't shake it and I wish I could!

S.U.C.K.E.R.

2009-01-14T09:15:00.002-07:00

Yep. That's me. I am a sucker.

I had my laptop open on my table when Tammy stopped by the other night to pick up Shelby. She took that opportunity to hold me to the, "Yeah, one of these days I'll sign up for facebook" comment. So, she helped me breeze through the process. I am now a facebook sucker, I mean, participant.

Truth be told, it is kind of fun to see what everyone writes. I especially like seeing all the teenage kids interact with the adults. It's interesting what they hold back and what they don't. I also had no clue my son was commenting on all of MY friends facebook pages. Who knew!

There is one thing that has really made the leap worth it for me. Through a "mutual friend" I have located one of my favorite Young Women's leaders. I thought getting new paint on my hallway walls was best part of my day until I got the email from Anita responding to my inquiry as to whether or not she was who I thought she was.

I admit, I am a sucker. Apparently being a sucker can be worth it!

Happy 17th Anniversary

2009-01-05T12:33:00.014-07:00

I was under the weather yesterday and did not post about our 17 year anniversary. That's right - Carp and I have been married for 17 years. The story . . .

Carp and I met at BYU. Yep, we are one of those couples- but not so typical. I worked in the Cannon Center bakery and our fix it guy was on vacation the morning the plug to my mixer blew up in sparks and flames. The fix it guy from Deseret Towers was covering for him and headed on down to my building with his student assistant. That student assistant was set to task fixing my mixer plug. While we worked he engaged me in typical BYU coed conversation, "Where are you from? What's your major?" Etc . . . The conversation went along jokingly with fun punches until I asked where he was from. Lancaster,PA you say? That's were my Dad is from.

Stop in conversation.

There was a definite change in this student assistant's demeanor when he found out my Dad was from Lancaster. He had all kinds of questions for me. Where did he grow up? What high school did he graduate from? And so on and so forth. He continued our chat session until he was done working. See ya later. My thoughts on the conversation: Hum, I wonder if I should call Trent (my boyfriend) when I get home? Actually, I did mention to my roommate I met a cute guy at work. She might find him interesting.

It's strange, but after that day I saw more of that student assistant around the Cannon Center. No biggie - he said "hi" in passing and started up a small conversation occasionally. I figured he must have just started working at D.T. and was hanging where ever his boss went.

Note: This student assistant had been doing fix it stuff at Deseret Towers for quite a while. The fix it boss from the Cannon Center and the fix it boss from Deseret Towers thought it would be a good idea to push him into asking me out because they thought we would be a good couple. Little did they know that the student assistants RED personality only allowed him to do things on his terms.

Back to the main story. Speed ahead about 6 weeks. I was working a double shift (summer)and was not feeling very well. Trent and I had broken up the night before - hence the not feeling very well. I was at the end of my second shift and the student assistant shows up to ask me out on a date. First thought: What the #$^%&! Second thought: I look like *%&U%#! (I was after all, working in a kitchen.) Third thought: Yeah right! I'll go out with you - men are slime - go out with you, use you and throw you to the side. So, I said yes.

As you can see, it did not start off very well. That first date Carp took me to see Ford Fairlane - a woman bashing movie. He laughed through the whole thing! The rest of the night was just as bad as the movie. I really didn't think I would see him again. I did. It was a summer fling. I didn't expect to see him again after he went on one last outing to Arizona before school started. I was actually quite relieved at the thought.

Then the call came.

Carp broke his leg and was going into surgery. Later he told me he wasn't going to call me when he got back from Arizona. He wasn't even sure why he called after he broke his leg. I felt bad for him and helped take care of him. The fix it guys finally figure out we were dating. Took them a couple months!

A year and a half later we were married.

It was a rocky start and a rocky first few years of marriage. I am grateful I went with it though. Carp is a wonderful man and a great father. He is funny and kind hearted. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him. He is my life!

Here are some pics to peruse. (I love the word peruse - it's so cool to write.)

Carp and I visited my parents and grandparents at Thanksgiving in 1990.

Carp had just got a haircut from my roommate. I don't know what I am doing in this picture.

But I sure know what Carp is doing in this picture! (Preference 1991)

Half the reason I married Carp is because he has a great family. The other half is Carp! ;)

(At the farm in PA Christmas 1990)

We were engaged in this picture. August of 1991 we went to Yellowstone with Dale Aston and Lanette Lagerstom. I'm not sure which is more disturbing - my balloon shorts or Dale's polk a dot pink shorts.

The Wedding - January 4th 1992

Carp's sense of humor. How many of you have a picture of your husband sticking his tongue out at you? The reason he's doing it is because my brother-in-law was trying to get "serious" picture of Carp on his knees looking at me. Come on! How could I keep a straight face during that! So - he stuck his tongue out at me!

I don't know, it kind of goes well with his tux.

Carp swooped me up for a picture. I tried as quickly as I could to cover my buttock with my beautiful flower arrangement.

Let's just name it and then we can work at solving it.

2009-01-03T16:54:00.006-07:00

It's greed. It's not healthy and something needs to change.

(Click on picture to see full size.)

I hear stuff on the news and shake my head in disgust. Now I am wondering, what can a insignificant peon like myself do to help?

The Meaning of Christmas

2008-12-22T15:58:00.002-07:00

I have never taken the time to do research on the hymns and carols for Christmas like I have during the last month. My reasearch gave me some great tidbits about the songs and I really enjoyed listening to them. However, there was a greater benefit . . . I truely gained a greater appreciation for the spirit of Christmas. Taking the time to read the words to the music and learn lessons from them helped keep Christ in my Christmas experience this year. This is why we celebrate it . . . Christ.

So, here is the immortal lesson that Linus taught us while Charlie Brown was trying to discover why we celebrate Christmas. Enjoy. . . and Merry Christmas.

My brain is frozen. I need your help.

2008-12-17T13:41:00.003-07:00

Actually, I'm just functioning with half a brain. I've known for some time now that I am becoming more and more forgetful (just ask Marge L.) and can't recall information at the drop of a word like I use to. Heck, every so often I completely loose my head trying to figure out how to spell the word "when." My brain is currently frozen. Well, not really because I can obviously type and that takes some brain power.

This is what I need help with. I am putting together a dvd for my family with pictures of my siblings and myself growing up. I need ideas for what music to set it too. I would even consider a country song, so don't count those out. Here is what I have so far:

1. Little Wonders - Rob Thomas

That's all folks. I have many, many pictures of my sibling brew and need more songs! Anything that would be suitable will be considered. If you help me out with this little conundrum I might just be tempted to leave a sweet on your doorstep.

Okay . . . There is one country Chirstmas song I can handle

2008-12-15T08:44:00.003-07:00

While channel surfing in my car (radio channels that is) I stopped on this one Christmas song that I forgot that I like. To my horror, it was COUNTRY! So, alas, there is at least one county song I can stomach during the holidays. Enjoy!

Top 10 Christmas Melodies

2008-12-10T09:06:00.019-07:00

My issue with Christmas music is just about solved! I seem to have progressed passed the retching phase I went through for a couple years after having Sam. I guess I should explain that.

I was pregnant with Sam during the Christmas holiday of 2004. I started the morning sickness the end of November. I am NOT the happy pregnant woman type so I was often found lying on the floor or on my bed with my eyes closed waiting for the green light to get up and move. The moments of "I really don't want to throw up again" thoughts were often accompanied by Christmas music being played in my house. To deal with it I pulled a pillow over my head to drown out the merry tunes. If I didn't have one close enough I would have to suffer through the torture of the music. The worst was that blasted Country Christmas CD that the kids played over and over and over and over . . . .

The Country Christmas CD met some friends in the trash a couple years ago and time as proven to be my friend. So, at last, I can now say I enjoy Christmas music again - anything but country.
If only I could test out the time theory on the quilt I was quilting for Lanette during the same time . . . . but that's another story.

So, to celebrate my new found enjoyment of Christmas music, here are the top 10 favorite Christmas songs. It was hard to choose - so go ahead and mention your favorites and my top 10 might change!

10. The Little Drummer Boy - The lyrics tell the story of a poor young boy who, unable to afford a gift for the infant Jesus, plays his drum for the Savior of the World with his mother Mary's approval. Miraculously, the baby, although a newborn, seems to understand and smiles at the boy in gratitude. I love the imagery of a child knowing who the Savior is and has an innocent and pure desire to offer his own greatest gift to him.

9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - This carol carries with it words of hope and peace. Many Christmas carol have the same message - I just really enjoy the minor tune of the one. It was also sung in Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" which I watch every year - yeah I own it. The lyrics are some of the oldest Christmas Carol lyrics known. I listened to a Christian rock station in PA that I really like. One of the versions I'm posting reminds me of the music I listened to on that station. So, here are two versions of it. One has more metal in it - of which you all should know by now, I love.

8. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree - Come on! Who doesn't like a "get up and shake that booty" song like this! Brenda Lee's rendition is a perinnial holiday favorite. It's just a feel good song!

7. Carol of the Bells - Originally composed to be sung acapella, this Christmas song has been given the makeover year after year. I love it in every form. Again - the minor key thing. I researched it a little and found this funky tibit to share - The song is based on a traditional folk chant whose language was thought to have magical properties because of the manner in which it manipulated the number 3. The original Ukrainian text tells the tale of a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the plentiful and bountiful year that the family will have. The title is derived from the Ukrainian word for "bountiful." Cool.

6. Away in a Manger - I have always loved this song, sung with either tune of "Cradle Song" or "Mueller" (more common). However, I have become even more enchanted with the melody and words since our Young Women sang it for the Christmas Carol program we had in Relief Society this past Sunday. They did such a fabulous job! I heard it was Karli that came up with much of their parts and use of the song. Way to go Karli - you rock! I wish I could have a recording of it to play!

5. White Christmas - Bing Crosby really is my favorite for this one. This is another Christmas movie I endulge in every year. In a time when movie musicals were made to show off dance and song talent, here is one with a "feel good" story woven into the scenery. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye used their comic relief to teach us that kindness and motivation matters. Acts of the heart. I love the finale and enjoy all the dancing and funnies. It's just a great show with good music.

4. Silent Night - This is simply one of the best Christmas carols. It's is also one of the most popular. Translated in hundreds of languages and dialects, the song was sung simultaneously in English and German by WWI troops during the Christmas truce of 1914, as it was one of the few carols that soldiers on both sides of the front line knew. The word "silent" is used throughout the song. Silence is a way of expressing reverence. The whole song speaks of showing reverence for our Savior. I'm posting two versions because I couldn't decide between the two - I'm a sucker for acapella.

3. Do You Hear What I Hear - This song was originally written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missle Crisis. Noel Regney said he wrote the words "Said the night wind to the little lamb, 'Do you see what I see?' " and "Pray for peace, people everywhere," after watching babies being pushed in strollers on the sidewalks of New York City. As you listen to the song you can see how he moves the understanding of the message of peace froma lamb to a child delivered all the way up to a king. Interesting.

2. What Child is This? - Another minor key song - imagine that! I love this song because it speaks specifically of the Nativity scene. I learned that the gentleman that wrote the lyrics to this song was confined to his bed because of a serious illness and wrote this song during Ephiphany day (celebration of God appearing on Earth in the mortal form of Jesus Christ.) It is set to an old English tune with original lyrics that are not very good. The meld of the tune and these new words to create what we know as "What Child is This" make for enjoyable listening. I'm posting an instrumental version - it's quite pretty.

1. O, Holy Night - by far my favorite Christmas song EVER! The words are so calming they stopped the Franco-Prussian war - at least for one night. On Christmas Eve, 1870, overcome by thoughts of home, a Frenchman jumped from his trench and began to sing "O, Holy Night." His voice reached the German lines and the fighting ceased for the night. In this song, the singer recalls the birth of Jesus Christ. I love the part, "Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!" I imagine that is how those who have met the Savior have felt in his presence.

Please, please feel free to tell me what your favorite Christmas songs are. I am so happy to be able to enjoy them again I just can't get enough!

A funny email from Carson

2008-12-02T12:33:00.004-07:00

I get these kind of "answer the questions and pass it on" emails sometimes. I seldom answer them and forward it to anyone else. HOWEVER, I got one from my son Carson last week that gave me a good laugh. It's truely insightful as to why Carson is one of my favorite people to hang out with. There is often laughter when he is around.

Here is an interesting email I got from josh. I hope you answer the q's and enjoy it.

Carson, your amazing beastly ninja son.

Have you;

1. been on TV? Yes, but you never saw me. (I’m a ninja)
2. walked 5 miles? No. I never walk. I run. Several hundred miles at a time…
3. received a C or F in school? not on a report card
4. kissed someone? Yes?
5. killed someone? Yes. (I’m a ninja remember)
6. put a hole in a fence? Of course! But even though it was a huge hole, I fixed it before you could even go out into your backyard.
7. played poker? yes for keeps
8. been in a gang? Yes. Ya don’t mess with my homies…
9. broken a window? Yep.. almost ten separate windows (repeats don’t count do they?)
10. passed notes in class? yes. . . . . a lot. . . . . . but none have been mine
11. seen a purple-people-eater? Seen it? I won it in the poker game I played for keeps. I OWN IT!
12. driven a car? Yep. I’m too tense…
13.What are you doing right now? Checking my e-mail. (Isn't that a wee bit obvious?)
14. Who are you thinking of?my mom (because im ganna send it to her/you)
15. What is your greatest fear? That I won’t be able to kill one of my victims. You can never have enough weapons…
16. If you had a million bucks, what would you buy first? Well first, I would pay my tithing. Then, I would give 100,000 to a charity, Then I would by an invisible dirt bike (those are the only ones that ninjas can have.
17. favorite food: a ninja can stomach anything except sushi.
18. your age: 15 - 16 in may
19. What you have always dreamed of doing? See that’s the problem. There are no dreams. Ninjas do everything they want!
20. Your favorite vacation spot: Pennsylvania. No question
21. favorite sport to play: Soccer, rugby, and football. Also bloodball on the occasional off day.
22. your most embarrassing moment: Ninjas have no embarrassing moments. Even if we had some, we would have to kill you if we told you.
24. your favorite place: any place I can see my next victim..
25. whose response are you looking forward to get?my moms

I laughed that he would make sure he paid tithing and not so much that he is a killing machine. Here is my response:

Have you;1. been on TV? I can't remember
2. walked 5 miles? I use to. Now I drive it.
3. received a C or F in school? Um, never?
4. kissed someone? It was always hard to keep the guys away . . . 5. killed someone? I ran over a rabbit in California.
6. put a hole in a fence? Do you really think I'm that strong?
7. played poker? Your Dad taught me
8. been in a gang? Yes. The sampson gang, the mellott gang, the girl's night gang . . . .
9. broken a window? Yes, but never in anger.
10. passed notes in class? I had a naughty one taken by a teacher in 4th grade. The whole class had to stay in for recess.
11. seen a purple-people-eater? I would love to meet one someday.
12. driven a car? Often
13. What are you doing right now? Answering Carson's email
14. Who are you thinking of? Carson - still laughing after rereading this email you sent.
15. What is your greatest fear? Something bad happens to one of my kids.
16. If you had a million bucks, what would you buy first? Of course I would pay tithing, then redo my house and pay cash for everthing. Oh yeah, I would buy some chocolate covered strawberries.
17. favorite food: fresh fruit - any kind
18. your age: old enough to have a 15 almost 16 year old
19. What you have always dreamed of doing? Visiting Italy
20. Your favorite vacation spot: Pennsylvania. No question
21. favorite sport to play: I like racquetball when I played sports. I think I still would like it.
22. your most embarrassing moment: Do you really have the time for this - there are too many to pick from.
24. your favorite place: home or a quilt shop
25. whose response are you looking forward to get? Just sending this to you Carson.

I am so grateful . . .

2008-11-28T18:00:00.006-07:00

I hope you all had a safe and fun Thanksgiving holiday. It's pretty fun, isn't it? Eating and chatting with friends and family - I sure enjoyed myself.

There are so many things I am grateful for. I have been listing some of the things on my mind each time I post a blog. Today, I'm just going to make a list of MORE things I am grateful for.

1. That I live in the land of plenty. I ate SO MUCH yesterday at our Thanksgiving feast with my family. I also used gas at my own discretion to get there, stayed as long as I wanted and drove as fast as comfortable on the way there and back. We have so many great things to enjoy in America (cars, gas, food, medical care etc . . . ) This really is the land of plenty.

2. That I can give service in my church. Sometimes I'm not as grateful as I should be. But really, what a great opportunity to have someone trust me to teach kids or to rely on me to answer the promptings to visit someone, to use and develop talents and to be part of something that is healthy and wonderful in my life. I really am grateful that I have a calling that I can grow and serve in.

3. I am grateful for friends. Where would I be without all of you? I have so many great friends with sanguine personalities. You all make me feel so warm and fuzz! Truely - that is a blessing.

4. I am grateful for my ability to see and hear. I would be lost without words and music. I know there are ways to experience those things, I'm just grateful I don't have to face the challenge of figuring that all out.

5. I am grateful for sugar. I know it's an artificial high. I can do artificial.

6. That my cats are tolerant. They really should have run away a long time ago. There really should be scratch marks all over Sammy. I couldn't really blame the cats with how she man handles them. I am grateful they put up with all the extra loving and don't react adversely to her affection and wild ideas of "fun."

7. I'm grateful I live near a second hand store. Hey, everyone needs somewhere they can shop - and afford it.

8. For Christmas Carols. Actually, I love the whole Christmas season. I thought Christmas carols were ruined for me because of the pregnancy association thing (I was pregnant with Sammy during Christmas.) I got sick in my stomach for a couple years whenever I heard Christmas carols. I am so grateful that has passed and I can enjoy carols with out the urge to retch.

9. My scriptures are something I am very grateful for. I am also grateful I have had the prompting to study and read them everyday. I am definitely no scholar - far from it! However, I understand them more than I did a year ago, and the year before that, and the year before that etc . . . I hope I never drop the ball on this one!

10. That I am a mother and a wife. Those two are my favorite words to hear. I don't care if other peoples kids call me Mom besides my own little buggers. I just like to be called Mom. While I was washing dishes yesterday I heard Carp talking to his aunt on the phone. He was telling her he really had a good life. He told her he had a wonderful wife. I paused for a moment when I heard that and thanked God for him and that he appreciates and love me.

So there you have 10 more things I am grateful for. Count your blessings as you watch a clip from one of my top ten favorite movies ever (White Christmas.)

Be selective in your Thanksgiving grocery shopping

2008-11-18T20:44:00.003-07:00

Just a little reminder to be extra careful when picking out those much desired produce in the upcoming week for all the delicacies you are itching to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast. May the force be with you in your choices.

5 Things I'm grateful for:

1. That going to a place of worship is as easy as crossing the street. There are so many in this world who do not attend a worship service because of health, distance, politics or fear.

2. Carson and Brian come home for lunch. A days they come to my house, B days they go to Brians. They are a hoot. You should have seen their rendition of the Acapella Star Wars Tribute to John Williams last week. They crack me up! Check out the video on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4 and just imagine the two of them singing it.

3. Baby wipes. They are not just for baby's bottom.

4. Laughter. I love to laugh. I better. There is so many situations I get myself into that I have to laugh at or else I would die of embarrassment.

5. My husband has a job. With all the crazy layoff stuff that has been happening lately, I am grateful he has employment. Layoffs: been there, done that (three times) and would really prefer not to repeat it.

What you can do with a roll or two of packaging tape

2008-11-11T19:22:00.006-07:00

Seth is taking a sculpture class at his junior high. His class did sculptures of people in different positions made out of packaging tape. I noticed them around the school the other day. Some of the life size sculptures were sitting on a bench or leaning over the top of the lockers and in lots of different places around the school. They were totally awesome.

Seth's group consisted of 3 girls and him. They used their own bodies to make the sculptures. For instance, one of the girls allowed her hand to be wrapped to form the hands for their sculpture and another let them use her legs. None of the girls wanted their head to get wrapped so Seth let them do it to him. What a good sport.

The reason I found the sculpture of his group so interesting was because of the subject they decided to portray. They made a vampire.

You know I love a good vampire story! Well, remember how the kids displayed their sculptures around the school? Seth's group were asked to remove theirs. Apparently you can't display things that show blood at school! I can totally see where the school is coming from, but I had a good laugh about it.

Come on! Isn't this totally cool? Check out the red tissue paper that goes down the throat. That is imagination! There is even blood on the teeth! I totally digged this!

None of the girls wanted to take the sculpture home so Seth got to keep it. You can just imagine the perplexed look on my face when I was driving home and passed him hauling this under one arm while trying to ride and steer his scooter on his way home from school. I pulled over and helped Seth ram the life sized vampire into the trunk of my little white car. That was weird. I felt like I was breaking the law somehow. Oh well.

Maybe some mothers might find it morbid that their kid decided to make a vampire sculpture with blood represented in such an obvious manner. But - I have to say I am very proud of his vampire. It sure made a good display on Halloween night!

5 Things I am grateful for:

1. That I can share interests with my kids. Vampires aside, I love to play Guitar Hero with them, go on Harts runs with them and watch Stargate with them. These are our current interests - they are ever changing and welcomed.

2. For kids that are just kids. I drove up tonight and stopped the car to listen to the end of a song on the radio. While I was listening, Nathan opened the window drape that hangs in our shower and proceeded to start drawing on the steam covered windows. It just made me giggle.

3. The bounty of food I am blessed with. I never have to struggle to feed my family, except when I am just to lazy to figure out what to make. There is alway food in my home.

4. My general good health. I have aches and pains - SURPRISE! I am getting older. However, they are not life threatening and do not keep me from doing anything.

5. Sleep. I am getting to the point that I might just be able to count on sleeping though the night. For the most part, my kids stay in bed at night. It's just my stupid internal clock that can be wacky sometimes.

Sean turns 40

2008-11-10T10:26:00.010-07:00

Phone conversation with my Mom (went something like this . . . ):

Mom: "Hey Sean!"

Sean: "Hey. I'm feeling a little bad. Nobody remembered my birthday today."

Mom: "You mean you didn't get my card in the mail? Maybe it will come Monday."

Sean with his 3 oldest: Cody, Sid and Alix.

I know the conversation didn't go exactly like that, but Sean did call my Mom and said that nobody remembered his birthday. This was probably because we were all invited to a SURPRISE 40th birthday party for him. Yes, he was very surprised.

MaryJane and Sean

MaryJane collected and scanned photos of Sean growing up and of his kids. She also went around to my family and hers and did video clips of people sharing memories and wishes for a happy birthday. She had them all put together in a birthday DVD for him. It was so cool!

There were a lot of people there. It was great fun to see some friends we haven't seen for a while and I always like seeing MaryJane's family because they are so nice!

My sister Jenny and some of her kids: Chase, McKenzie, Sierra and Logan.

My sister Katie, Sean and I.

5 Things I am grateful for:

1. My water heater. The pilot light went out on Saturday. When I tried to give my girls a bath there was only cold water. Thanks be given for running HOT water!

2. That I get along with my family. It sure makes family get togethers fun!

3. For funny misquotes by kids. We have taken to playing the BOM cd's on Sunday morning the hour before church to get the kids settled and ready to go. While doing my hair Gabby came in the bathroom to ask me what "decay in the past" meant. I couldn't figure out what she was getting at. She said, "The guy on the cd keeps saying it over and over." I had to laugh. I guess "decay in the past" sounds a lot like "It came to pass."

4. My home and yard. The bank still may hold a controling interest in it, but someday it will be mine. I am grateful for the shelter it provides, the security it holds for my kids, and the land that I can plop a seed in the ground and grow something.

5. Fresh fruit. I love the colors, the myriad tastes abounding, and the aromas of all fruits. I crave them more than sugary treats - well, most of the time.

Ode To A Fallen Tree

2008-11-07T18:14:00.014-07:00

Ode To A Fallen Tree

As an oddity you joined my life,

Immediately sewing seeds of strife.

Dropping fruit not fit to eat,

Rotting squish beneath my feet.

Fermenting smells drifting through my door,

It was hard to keep up - it was a chore!

To gather the apples you've discarded,

Without love they were brokenhearted.

In their gloom they gave up their guts,

transforming to mush, driving me nuts!

Alas, there is no more fruit to fall,

but no worries, I won't bawl.

We sawed and cut and then discarded,

your limbs, your leaves and in the end, applauded.

No more rotten stink to offend the nose,

no mushy yuck between my toes.

To run in our yard without dead limps leering,

tromping on rotten apples accumulating.

Farwell to our old apple tree we bade,

I sincerely will miss all your shade.

The huge apple tree was taller than my house. Now, that's unnatural. Many of the limbs were dead.

The limbs may have started to die before we moved into our home 7 years ago, but I know for sure they have been dying off every year since. It is sad to see it go. However, sometime dirty deeds have to be done.

5 things I am grateful for:

1. The imagination of all my favorite authors - especially my new favorite - Brandon Sanderson.

2. My knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to honestly know it's right and true.

3. Guitar Hero. It's an innocent addiction - one that I don't want to kick.

4. Girls Night. I don't know which one of you chicas out there decided to start that, but I so need it in my life.

5. Photos. I can't imagine a world without images to spark a memory and invite a smile.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-06T12:16:00.013-07:00

I better get some pictures from Halloween posted before I forget! It's kind of a pain to help my kids figure out what they are going to dress up in for Halloween. BUT - I always love to take pictures of them when they get there costumes on.

Sammy was an Elephant.

Gabby was a Web Spinner - Spider Princess.

Nathan was a Ninja.

Seth was a Philly's Fan (Baseball and Hockey.)

Carson was - well, I guess a cow. He really caught me off guard when he walked into Gabby's school Halloween party with this cow head thing on.

A room mother perk - I got a picture of all her classmates and her teacher in their costumes.

I've decided during the month of November whenever I put out a post I need to enumerate 5 things I am grateful for.

1. My washing machine. It is a thing of beauty to not have to pound my family's clothes with a rock to get them clean.

2. The internet. I love keeping in touch with people down the block or 2000 miles away through this wonderous invention.

3. Coupons. I've saved quite a bit of cashola lately with those puppies.

4. My family. Of course.

5. The change in seasons. I have a need for each of the different season. The winter, so I get stuff done in the house. The spring, because I get inspired to clean. The summer, because I love to garden. The fall, the best of all of them, because I need the beautiful color and chill in the air to inspire me stop and appreciate the seasons in general.

This one's for Peggy

2008-11-05T07:35:00.003-07:00

I love Peggy. She has a great personality and is a reliable source for a good laugh. I loved her 8's blog she wrote. I especially loved that she left it up to those who read her blog to decide if they wanted to do a post on the same thing WITHOUT the guilt or pressure to do so.

So Peggy, this one's for you . . . because I like making my own choices and feeling responsible for them emotionally.

8 T.V. Shows I like to watch. (Disclaimer: I don't watch T.V. - really, I don't. Though I did watch some of the election results last night to see what direction our country is headed. Woooooooo, Nelly! Anyway, I watch T.V. series on DVD's.)

1. Firefly
2. Angel
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. Stargate
5. Stargate Atlantis (Currently viewing for the first time. We're on the second season.)
6. Bones (on my list to watch)
7. M*A*S*H
8.

8 things that happened to me yesterday:

1. I voted.
2. Went to Walmart.
3. Finished reading Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson - EXCELLENT!
4. Started reading Winter's Heart - 9th book of the Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan.
5. Felt compelled to make homemade bread. Yummy.
6. Did general housework.
7. Kissed Sammy's neck. I love kissing her neck.
8. Gave Carp a backrub that didn't require anything else of me.

8 of my favorite places to eat:

1. At my kitchen table with every member of my family present.
2. My Mom's house.
3. Anywhere one or both of the Merryweathers are cooking the food.
4. Macaroni Grill
5. Kneaders
6. Any mexican food place minus Los Hermanos.
7. Olive Garden
8. Picnics during the summer.

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. Actually making up my mind as to what I'm buy/making for whom for Christmas.
2. New doors.
3. A Christmas tree in my living room. I love Christmas trees!
4. New Years Eve - we have a feast!
5. Finishing my hallway painting.
6. Starting my wool tree skirt - though it will probably take me several years to finish!
7. Finishing Carson and Nathan's quilts.
8. Finishing that #!^$%& OMDR stuff for the junior high.

8 things on my wish list:

1. Ipod shuffle to go walking with.
2. Straight hair.
3. New kitchen cabinets, flooring and appliances (does that count for 3 wishes?)
4. Overhead lighting in my living room.
5. Ford F250 quad cab v8 black with lift.
6. New walking shoes.
7. For The Hobbit to be released earlier like Twlight and not later like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
8. To get my door fixed on my van.

8 people I tag:

I'm taking a note from Peggy's book and leaving this up to you. It's really not that hard and it makes a fun post for others to read! So, if you're willing, you're tagged! If you don't feel up to it, that's okay too. I wouldn't have done this last week but this week gave me a little more time.

Have a Happy Day!

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEEEEEEEN

2008-10-31T08:13:00.005-06:00

Snoopy has something here . .

2008-10-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Snoopy is classic. I loved the other characters of Peanuts, but Snoopy was simply my favorite. He don't pull no punches and he sure meets challenges head on. What's not to love about that!

Nathan's 10th

2008-10-29T10:19:00.005-06:00

Nathan turned 10 about 5 weeks ago. I was a flake and didn't post anything for weeks - so to catch up, here are some pics from his sleepover.

Bugs, Slugs, Legos, and Spiderwick Chronicles - these are a few of Nathan's favorite things. He got a taste of all of them for his birthday.

Pretty sure that's Noah's 4th finger he's graciously greeting me with. The kids had pizza for dinner and watched movies before FINALLY going to sleep at about 3:30 a.m. in the wee hours of the morn. Three of the boys had soccer games the next day. Surprisingly, they were in a pretty good mood after waking up at 7:00 a.m..

Nathan's favorite color is orange - like you all didn't know that with all the orange t-shirts that kid wears. I made a white cake and put holes in it with the tip of a wooden spoon. Then I poured orange jello over it and topped it with cool whip and orange slices. My mom use to make cakes like this when I was little. Ah, nostalgia!

I love Nathan's crazy friends. There was quite a variety of personalities at his party but they seemed to all get along pretty well.

I'm pretty sure he is not doing this next year. I know it's good for memory making, but I'm not sure I can pump myself up to do this every year. I must be getting old!

BFF High School Memories

2008-10-26T20:07:00.018-06:00

You know how we all check our caller ID when the phone rings and if it is a number we don't know we don't answer it. I did that a few weeks back. Carp was home early and picked it up anyway. It was Becky.

Most of you that read my blog have no clue who Becky is. Well, let me introduce you to my best buddy ever from my youth!

Becky and I with friends at youth conference. Brad Wilcox spoke.

Becky and I met in our ward in Mission Viejo. She always dressed nice, was a dancer and loved to sing. I wore jeans and t-shirts, loved hiking and played a little piano. We had not so much in common, yet everything in common.

As a teenager we all needed to have someone to talk to, someone to share your dreams with, someone to gush over your latest crush with you, and someone to just, well, hang with. Becky was all of that for me.

Becky and I at youth conference at BYU.

We attended the same ward but were in different schools. We both had early morning seminary, but went to different buildings. When we were not in school or seminary, work or dance classes, we were together. I was incredibly lucky to have someone to spend so much of my time with having fun and making great teenage memories.

Becky and Scott/Jon and I ready for Prom.

Becky sang and I played the piano for different church functions. We often would spend time together at the piano playing and singing for fun. We also spent a lot of time at the beach together.

My favorite thing we ever did was write in each others journals. When I read about her dreams and desires for the future I remember sitting on her bed writing the same things in her journal.

When Becky and I went to college we didn't room together. I think we knew better than to do that! When a guy named Scott moved into my ward and showed up in my FHE group, I told him I had a girl I wanted to introduce him too. They are now married and live in the south.

When Carp handed me the phone and I heard Becky's voice I was filled with gratitued that she takes the time to call or come see me when she is out my way. She has a beautiful family. She still teaches dance and has 5 kids from senior down to almost 1 years old. I LOVED SEEING THEM! It's so wonderful to see her happy and have so many good things in her life. I love you Becky and hope you have many more happy years ahead!

Becky with Jet and me with Sam.

Becky and Scott Haslam.

Abrielle, Cloe, Becky and Jet.

Tetons

2008-10-21T22:19:00.019-06:00

Here are some pictures of the Tetons.

We left Yellowstone and traveled down through the Teton. We camped there for a couple nights at Colter Bay and did some sightseeing.

View from the visitor center at Colter Bay.

All the visitor centers in Yellowstone and the Tetons had tables with different antlers for kids to check out. My big kid liked this moose antler. Of course, it seems as though he doesn't know where on their head it goes.

It was really cold at night in the Tetons. I am so grateful for warm quilts and sleeping bags! We're eating breakfast here before we take off for some sightseeing.

Colter Bay has lots of rocks in it water. People were out boating and stuff, but out kids played in the water and built rock walls.

Nate.

Pretty rocks.

Gabby.

Sam.

This show the rock wall the kids were making.

This is a functioning church. It had some really pretty stained glass inside.

This black tailed deer was near out campsite.

The Tetons are pictured behind everyone.

In Yellowstone you had to be a kid to work on your Junior Ranger patch. In the Tetons anyone can earn a patch. Seth, Nathan, Gabby and Sam all earned their Junior Ranger patches and were sworn in at the Colter Bay visitor center.

My kind of vacation - Relaxing!

We met this really nice family from Oregon a couple campsites down from us. Our kids played together at the campground and we sat down by the showers one night chatting. I'll look for the paper with their name on it to post it later. It was fun talking with them!

On our way home we stopped in Idaho Falls and took a picture of the temple there. It was so beautiful that day.

Yellowstone part II

2008-10-21T20:03:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of the critters we saw on our Yellowstone trip. They're kind of cool.

Coyote on the side of the road.

Old Faithful.

Bison in front of the van.

Elk in the river.

Way cool pictures.

Cute Squirrel.

Yellowstone

2008-09-29T21:40:00.025-06:00

I've taken my time posting about our Yellowstone/Teton vacation. I guess I better get to it before the high of a great vacation fades. I think I'll post in sections. Today I'm going to post about camping and exploring in Yellowstone.

When one spends three days in Yellowstone you are able to see a lot of sites. We saw and smelled many a gieser and hot pot, waterfalls and animals. Sammy was more than happy to climb onto Carp or Carson's back to take in all the sites. We did do a lot of walking around. The first day the kids were really tired. It couldn't have been all that bad because when they woke up the next day they were ready to do it again.

Ahhhhhh - the sulfur smell of Yellowstone. It really wasn't all that bad. I do live with 4 guys so I have become somewhat use to, well, stinky smells.

I took over 400 pictures on this vacation. Trying to decide which ones to post was a challenge. Most geisers have a beautiful aqua blue/green cast to them. This was in the Artist Hot Pots area. I just loved the different color it had compared to everything else I saw.

We only ate out a couple times on this trip. Most of the food was stuff we brought with us. Every afternoon we would stop at a picnic area for lunch and let the kids run around. I chased Sammy around A LOT!

At one of the picnic stops Nathan, our resident entomologist, found this crazy looking bug. He didn't have his Audubon Insect Guide with him to identify it and we didn't let him keep. However, we took this picture and showed the creative creature to every ranger we came across. One mentioned he had seen one before. None of them could name what it was. I kind of wish we let him keep it. It's antennas are something to be proud of!

Throughout the 3 days that we stayed in Yellowstone Gabby and Nathan worked on getting their Junior Ranger patches. Whenever we visit a national park we look for opportunities like this. It just makes the trip more memorable if the kids actually look at what is around them. Ranger programs help do this. Carp paid the closest attention to the junior ranger work.

This is what the older boys did while Dad worked on Junior Ranger stuff with Gabby and Nate. Personally, I don't know how Carson could relax without losing his balance and falling overboard.

We stayed at a cabin in Island Park then camped at Norris campgound in Yellowstone. The kids loved both places. However, camping made the biggest impression on Sammy. She asks us all the time if she can go camping.

Norris campground is right along Yellowstone Lake. We walked down one night and skipped rocks and played near the water. It was quit cold in Yellowstone at night. It actually got down to 29 degrees one night - in the middle of August!

This is a random picture. It's a tree that has fallen over and it's roots are exposed like some rabid octopus. (Can an octopus be rabid?) Anyway, I got Seth to climb it for a picture. I love the funky look of it.

Success! Both Nathan and Gabby earned their Junior Ranger Awards. They received patches for their hard work. All our kids collect patches. Nathan and Gabby got a Yellowstone patch and a Junior Ranger patch from this leg of the trip. Way to go!

My next post will be some pictures of things we saw and animals we gawked at.

Just a little fix . . .

2008-09-12T09:09:00.004-06:00

I confess - I am a Harry Potter fan. Yes, I will be rereading all the books - again. Yes, I will mostly likely see movie numero 6 (Half Blood Prince) at a midnight showing. It's what I am. It's what I do.

I got curious this morning after reading Wendy's blog just how close they are to releasing my next fix of HP.

So, here is what I found. It's not long enough if you ask me. Enjoy!

Jack Johnson

2008-09-08T09:34:00.006-06:00

My friend Erin did a post about attending Jack Johnson's concert and I had to wonder, who is Jack Johnson? My guess is he has some Hawaiian background - explains why Erin would run into him at her local pool. Anyway, I looked him up on YouTube. Believe me, you know who he is- he sings "Upside Down" that I've heard on the radio quite a bit lately. I found this video of his (maybe not as familiar) that was quite entertaining. I couldn't embed it, so you'll have to click on the link to view it. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZwGGKGkuU

I won! I won!

2008-09-05T19:06:00.013-06:00

Many thanks to Amy for awarding me the "Kreativ Blogger" award. I graciously accept an invitation to elucidate 6 things that make me happy.

1. Tammy Merryweather's cooking. When Tammy brings into our discussions a delicacy she has whipped up I can taste in every word she uses the divine morsel she is describing. I crave her cooking. It's so much better than my own.

2. New quilting supplies. I so appreciate that I have a friend that has noticed these are fulfilling for me. A new rotary cutting blade, my favorite pins, a new mat and ruler - "I simply remember my favorite quilt things and then I don't feel . . . . so bad." (Thank you Julie Andrews.)

3. Chocolate covered strawberries - in really good chocolate. They're better than . . . . . .

4. When my kids actually have a conversation with me. Have you ever tried to hold a conversation with a teenager? They seldom last more than a minute or two. I yearn for the closeness I felt with them when they were little. Occasionally one of them will sprall across my bed as I hunker down to start reading at the end of the night. After articulating their thoughts on issues and blessings in their lives, I feel an incredible amount of gratitude for them as my child and to God for letting me be their Mother.

5. Reading Pivotal. There is something satisfying when you see your own name in print - and knowing someone can imagine you kicking some booty. Thanks for the happiness Peggy.

And last but not least . . .

6. The fall. I can't express in words how happy I feel when the growing season is over. I love to garden, but I need the break so that word "love" doesn't turn into "hate." At the end of summer I am rushing to preserve, freeze, can, or give away all the extra produce. I also stop caring about how my yard looks. The fall brings cooler weather, beautiful color, my favorite jeans and a schedule to keep everyone on. I love the fall and feel the best at this time of the year!

There you have it - 6 of the things that make me happy. In accepting this award I must pass it on to 3 other "Kreativ Bloggers" that I know. The lucky recipents are . . .

1. Judy - Welcome to the blog world. There's got to be some "ninja" good things that make you happy.

2. Peggy - I love the way you write - on your blog or on paper you've got the greatest voice. Let's see what you can pull out of a box without a professors scrutiny.

3. Tammy - I know you love me for passing this onto you - well, at least you love me.

Thanks again Amy. It's fun to think about happy things!

More Park City Jazz Festival

2008-08-28T13:39:00.007-06:00

I decided to upload a couple more video of Carson at the Jazz Festival this last weekend. The first is "Boggie Woogie Bugle Boy." You can really hear the bass on this one.

This second one is "Satin Doll."

Enjoy!

Park City Jazz Festival

2008-08-25T12:11:00.013-06:00

Carson had a wonderful opportunity to play in the Park City Jazz Festival this past weekend. He started playing around with the bass in 7th grade. In 8th grade his orchestra teacher needed an extra bass in one of his orchestra classes and asked him to officially play. (Carson's main instrument is the cello.) He played in two orchestra classes in 8th grade and three in 9th grade - jazz band playing the bass, advanced orchestra playing the bass, and elite orchestra playing the cello. He seems to pick it up naturally and really enjoys playing.

He was asked at the end of this last school year to play the bass for a local music school that had lost their bass player just before a major gig down in California. So, he spent the summer playing with the "Little Big Band" which consists of kids from ages 11 to 15 years of age. The name of the group is "Little Big Band" because they are teenage kids that play big band era jazz music. They also wear Zuit Suits for their performances to keep with the big band era feel. They played at main Disneyland and California Adventure Parks during June. He was also able to perform in Alpine and at Thanksgiving Point. His summer ended with this last weekends Park City Jazz Festival.

There has never been a band this young to perform in the Park City Jazz Fesitval playing on the main stage. The kids attended a jazz music clinic at a Park City middle school in the morning and then rushed over to Deer Valley Resort to prepare to perform in the outdoor ampitheater. They performed the best I have ever heard them!

I got a few pics. Most the pictures we got were taken of Carson on the jumbotron. It was kind of hard to get pictures or video because they had reserved seating in the middle of the ampitheater for those who paided humungo buckaroos or donated lots of money to the jazz festival. One of the ladies seating people told me the going rate for the center front seats were anywhere from $1,5oo.00 to $2,500.oo a seat. Those seats had the persons name embroidered on a cover for them. The upper center seats were less than that, but not by much. We had to sit to the side on the grass. As a result, people with reserved seating were walking in front of my video camera the entire time. I can't believe they didn't get there on time to see the teenage group perform. It's as though they didn't have a kid in it or something. Boy did they miss out getting there late!

The Little Big Band played 8 songs. I uploaded the last one they performed called "In the Mood." I suggest watching the entire video because Carson twirls his bass. Cool. If I get other copied onto my computer I might upload more.

Carson will not be playing with the Little Big Band anymore. He is too old to play with them this year and does not want to try out for the Super Band because he wants to consentrate on cello. I am so proud of what he has accomplished and have enjoyed all of his performances in all of his jazz playing. Way to go Carson!

Onions

2008-08-21T15:05:00.016-06:00

In my opinion, only garlic surpasses onion when it comes to cooking. I love the smell of onions. Crazy as it may be, onions and garlic are as attractive to me as sugar and cream. They just make totally different delicacies I crave and enjoy.

I plant lots of onions every year. Part of the reason is because they are the first thing I can get in the ground. It's nice to have your garden look established so early in the season, even if half of it is onion. You don't have to wait for them to get "ripe." A few weeks after planting you can harvest some as "green onion" if you want. Even if an onion is small it's still usable.

Some advice - plant onion from seedlings not from bulb starts. The seedlings usually come in a container that has a bunch of tiny onions growing all together that you have to pull apart and put in the ground separately. Starts are the small bulbs that have already had one growth. The seedlings will grow bigger. I heard that on the garden show years ago and tested the theory out. It's true. Plant seedlings.

In the past weeks I've had a few people ask me how will they know if an onion is ready to be pulled out of the ground. Upon returning from my vacation, I found half my onions were ready to be pulled and few rotten ones. So I took pictures to show you garden lovin people what an onion looks like when it wants to be loosened from its earthly hold.

To start off - onions can be pulled at any time. If you get a hankering for an onion to munch on or throw in your favorite dish, you can pull that puppy out whether big or small. If you like to see how big they can get - leave them in!

Here are some onions that the tops have fallen over. When they do this it okay to leave them in the ground for a little while longer. This was taken last Saturday. This weekend I will probably pull them out. When they have a good amount of green on them as these do you can pull them and braid all the tops together so that they can hang up out of the way. It's really pretty too!

This is how I found half my onions when I got home last week. They are ready to be pulled and cleaned up.

I pull them out and sluff off the loose outer layer. Next I rip the top off close to the onion and most of the roots off. Sometimes I rub them on the grass to get the dirt off. It depends what they pulled up with them when they came out. Don't wash them off if you are going to store them. That makes them squishy.

I store my onions in a crate because the air can circulate around them. If they don't get some air they are more likely to mold. Order of use: Use the walla walla and red variety first if you can. They don't keep as long as white and yellow onion. Usually I have onions from my garden through December. I store them either in a crate downstairs or a few in a basket on my table for quick use.

Make sure you take pictures of these babies. They have nice autumny colors and are enjoyable to look at. Some of these were small. I keep all onions if they are usable. The red onions I am pulling out this weekend are twice as big as the ones I pulled last week. Different variety.

It's important to get them out of the ground if the tops get dried up. If you don't, you risk pulling out what seems to be a perfectly nice onion and finding this . . .

. . . rotten, squishy, yucky, not good to eat onion that smells bad. So don't let your and their hard work go to waste. Pull them before they spoil.

Max deserves a notable mention in this blog. He is my constant companion when I do yard work. Peter hangs with me sometimes, but Max is with me more often then not when I am outside. Thanks for the love Max.

Just Playing Around

2008-08-20T18:22:00.005-06:00

I'm sick of the plain look of my blog so I am trying different things out. Check back in a couple minutes or a couple of days and you might see something different. While working on this, I came across this video I made when I originally bought my digital camera. It was a trial run done in 2005 and I uploaded to the internet to see if I could figure out how to do it. I figure out how to upload and then promptly forgot the password for the account. In my desire to change the look of my blog I needed to upload some digital paper. I was shocked to find I could remember the password - FINALLY.

So, here's a little gem. The quality isn't that great - done on my 8 megapixal digital camera and all. I was prego with Sam and Carson had just graduated from grade school. They grow so fast.

Back to School

2008-08-18T12:52:00.006-06:00

I've heard from many of my friends that they feel a little sad when all their kids go back to school. I feel like a terrible Mom. I don't feel one bit sad about sending the four older kids back to school today. It was a RELIEF! I can have the house cleaned up for a couple hours during the day. I can walk downtown with Sammy to do errands without worrying if my kids a beating on each other at home while I am gone. I can play guitar hero without someone asking if they can play the next song. AND I don't have to listen to them bickering and complaining for a few hours each day. Don't get me wrong. I love my kids. I looked forward to summer break as much as I looked forward to school starting. Change is good for me. I just am so relieved they went back to school today!

Carson is a sophmore this year.

Seth is in 8th grade.

Nathan has Mrs. Bailey for 4th grade.

Gabby got Mrs. Briggs for 2nd grade.

I really like the teachers the younger kids got in elementary school. Kids in three schools this year. It's going to be busy. I'm on the PTA or PTSA board for two of the schools. So, a little breather this week before I take the plunge back into my busy life. I think I hear Kneaders calling me . . .

We're out of here . . . .

2008-08-07T22:36:00.008-06:00

We will be visiting Yellowstone National Park and camping in the Grand Tetons for the next week.

Upon my return, I expect my pictures to look like these.

And - I would really like to meet this guy.

Wish us well. I will post pics when we get back!

Daddy Daughter Campout 2008

2008-08-06T16:12:00.010-06:00

It does wonders to have a Bishop who has brought into this world 4 girls. (Actually, his wife did most the work, but he did play his part.) We now not only have the Father/Son campout, but a Daddy/Daughter campout. This was the second year.

Yummy Smile!

Kissable Lips!

Carp flew got home from Phoenix about 5:30 p.m., finished loading up the van and girls by 6:30 p.m. and then was off. Gabby was having a hard time waiting for him to get home. She has looked forward to this campout since last year. Sammy didn't go last year, so this was her first one. Needless to say, they both enjoyed themselves.

Sammy and Gabby relaxing by the fire.

Here is Bishop Platt making breakfast. The ward provided dinner and breakfast for Dads and girls. They all look like they are having fun!

The girls gathered around the fire in the morning to keep warm. Carp said there were about 30 people there. Not a bad turn out. The girls are looking forward to next year!

Happy Birthday Sam and Seth

2008-08-03T14:19:00.004-06:00

Sammy and Seth had their birthdays the end of July. Sammy turned 3 and Seth turned 13.

We were going to be up in Wyoming on Seth's birthday so he had a couple friends over for a sleepover the Wednesday before. Seth got an ipod shuffle - the only thing on his list besides a cell phone - yeah, right!

Seth with friends and siblings. He had mint brownies and vanilla ice cream.

Sammy had her best buddy over - Cameron. It's been so fun to watch these two grow up together.

Sammy had peanut butter bar cookie with vanilla ice cream.

Sammy got coloring stuff and a couple "littlest pets." Those are interesting critters. I secretly find them appealing. Maybe not so secret now.

Happy Birthday you cutie pies!

Trek 2008

2008-07-30T11:14:00.024-06:00

Carson and I at his camp.

Trek was a success! Carson had a wonderful experience and all the kids from our ward that I talked to had a great time. So - for those of you who don't know what the heck a Trek is, let me explain a little.

The handcarts are off in the distance snaking around on the trail.

About 350 kids and adults participated in a reinactment of Mormon pioneers crossing the Wyoming desert. Why the Wyoming desert? This area was chosen because there were hardships to two handcart companies that traveled the Oregon/Mormon Pioneer/Pioneer trail that crosses the length of Wyoming. These companies were the Martin and Willie Handcart companies traveling to the Salt Lake Valley to meet up with Brigham Young. Many lost their lives to exhaustion, exposure and other illnesses. The trek was put together to allow young men and women to experience in some part what men, women and children endured and experienced during the original travel across the United States and to teach them the history of the pioneer ancestors of their faith. They traveled 40 miles for the trek, 17 of those on the last day.

Sherry and I were told we could walk toward the trekers on the trail. What a great experience to see the surpise on their faces when they saw us -especially when Carson saw me.

The teenagers (ages 14-18) were split up into "families" of about 7-8 kids (teens) with a Ma and Pa (volunteer adult couple). All wore pioneer clothing for the duration of the trek. The kids slept, ate and pulled handcarts with their families. As a result, they grew very close together through work, stuggles, fun and spiritual experiences. Everyone pulled or pushed their handcart along the 40 mile trail. If someone in the family fell ill or felt they could not walk, they had to sit on the handcart along with all their supplies while everyone else pushed and pulled. That's what they would have to do if they were crossing the plains back in the 1800's. When I asked kids from our ward if they enjoyed their family they all said almost the exact same thing - "My family was awesome!"

Carson's family: Raquel (from Spain), Paz, Todd and Kyle Veenker (Ma and Pa), Joanna, Brenda

Carson, B.J., Chase, and Wendelon

Also, each family was given a "baby" (beanbag doll) to represent the youngest of those who made the original travels. Carson's family baby died early during the trek. Others died along the way just as in the original handcart companies. The biggest loss was at Rocky Ridge where eight babies died. Eight of the families had to leave their "babies" at Rocky Ridge. After several days on the trail treating these dolls as a baby, it was difficult for these young men and women to do that. Many said walking away was the hardest part because that is what many families had to do back then. It was an emotional experience for many of the kids.

Carson with his Ma and Pa.

Tammy and Jason organized all the food. Here is a pic of Jason with Sidney. Jason carried Sidney across the Sweet Water River - awwwwwwwwwwesome!

There were missionaries along the way that explained occurances that happened with the orginal handcart companies. Carson really liked Martins Cove. He said he learned a lot about the pioneers there. If fact, he was taken by surprise at how different the trek experience was for him than he thought it would be. It was a very humbling experience for him. Also, there were over 20 foreign exchange students from Spain that went on trek. They were not LDS so it gave all the kids ample missionary experiences. This was good for Carson - practice.

Carson and his family pulling into camp.

Carson really like when they crossed the Sweet Water River. Everyone brought their handcarts across and then many of the young women were asked to go back so the young men could carry them across. The original handcart companies had to pass this river 10 times in their travels, often with ice floating by. At one point when the weather was cold and snowy, some young men carried many of the company across to safety on the other side. They later died of exposure an exhaustion. Having the young men take the young women across helped all of them appreciate what those fellows did.

Another experience that really left an impression on Carson was when there was a women's pull. Just before Rocky Ridge there is a very hard hill to come up. The young men were escorted away, as many men were during the original handcart trek to join up in the army with Brigham Young. The young women were left to pull the handcarts over the rise without the help of their "brothers." It was hard for many of the guys to leave knowing the girls would have to do this by themselves. Carson said he knew his sisters would "kick butt", however he still wanted to stay and help. It was hard to walk away from them. The young men were lead away and had a talk about respecting women. Then they watched with their hats off to the young women as they pushed their handcarts up the hardest hill of the entire trek. All the young men were quite emotional about this when you talked with them afterward. It was really hard to watch and not help. Of course, all the women made it up the hill without help from the men. Carson said he learned that women are a lot stronger than he gave them credit. Stronger in many ways.

A rescue party was sent out to help the Martin and Willie handcart companies. This is what Carp and I went Wyoming for. We were part of that "rescue party." No, we didn't go out and bring them in (well Sherry and I did!), but we were there to greet them when they came into camp. We dressed as pioneers and prepared a meal for them. All of the trek participants were grateful because they didn't have a meal like that along the trek.

Carp helping to prep the dinner. We met a lot of really nice people from other wards helping out here.

We also were able to camp overnight with all the trekers. They had a fabulous fireside and each family had a devotional back at their camps. Carp and I went to Carson's family devotional. The kids shared their thoughts about what they liked or disliked about Trek and what they learned. Carson's Ma and Pa are friends of ours, Todd and Kyle Veenker. We sure appreciate how well they took care of him!

Me, Sherry, Holly and Vicki.

The next morning we had breakfast and listened to the final missionaries speak about the rescue party and how they helped get those who survived the trail into Salt Lake City. I learned so much being able to be up there for that little time. I have a greater appreciation of not only the pioneers but any group of people who have endured hardships and trials for something they believe in.

I hope they have Trek again for my other kids!

And they're off . .

2008-07-24T08:12:00.008-06:00

Carson left Tuesday for the much anticipated Pioneer Trek experience he has been in prep mode for during the last few months. Honestly, most the prep was in the form of Carp picking up things at D.I. for him. The activities he was asked to complete before Trek mostly took place last week. Yes, he is my kid - putting off things to the last minute.

He seemed kind of excited to go until the beginning of this week. His excitement amped up a bit when the departure was imminent. He met his Trek "family" at the last fireside and did most the talking. I hope he doesn't drive them all crazy.

Carp dropped Carson off early Tuesday morning for the Trek departure. There were swarms of "pioneer children" - okay, teenagers, everywhere. He took some pics for me.

Brady, Brandon, Brian and Carson

Carp and I are leaving tomorrow morning to be part of the "rescue party" that meets up with the pioneers at Rock Creek Hollow. We are excited to go and feed the hungry masses. We will be staying overnight so we will be there for the fireside and breakfast before returning home. We tried to keep our involvement quiet until after Carson left so when he finds us waiting for him he will be surprised. I can't wait to see him!

Carson and Sidney

Scout Day Camp

2008-07-23T15:05:00.006-06:00

Nate had an opportunity to attend Scout Day Camp this past weekend. He and about 6 other boys did lots of fun stuff like archery, bb gun shooting, knot tying and whittling with their knives - which all sound quite dangerous considering they were with a bunch of men who love playing at all that kind of stuff too. Oh well, they all came home safe and had a fun time.

Archery

Our Cubscouts

Shooting BB Guns

Nate and Issac tying knots

What a flower would say . . .

2008-07-22T14:12:00.020-06:00

Yesterday I had to get up early to irrigate at 5:02 a.m. - not fun, but worth the watering. It was overcast, muggy and sort of sprinkling a bit. Anyway, I was all finished and decided to stomp around my garden area and grass out front to see what was watered and what was not when I came across the flower pictured below.

Now, the day before Tammy and I had noticed it when we were checking out any new produce in my garden. A single choke cherry had impaled itself on top of the cone flower. This morning, a second had fallen in just the right spot.

For some reason this picture reminds me of Wall-e. It a friendly innocent face, isn't it? It's inviting as if to say, "Notice me, I want to be your friend." It just made me feel happy after freezing my feet off in the irrigation water for 30 minutes.

Here are some more pics of what is happening among my flowers and in the garden.

Nathan is a Bear - GRRRRR

2008-07-16T16:41:00.003-06:00

Nathan has high aspiration when it comes to Scouting. He wants to become an Eagle Scout. He has good examples in his older brothers Carson and Seth.

He received his Bear in Scouts this year. He has had a wonderful leader that helps keep him on track. He does such a great job to get to his meetings every week. He is a grrrrrreat kid! Congrats Nate!

My, how they grow

2008-07-14T23:51:00.006-06:00

While I was purusing my pics I noticed a video I had taken with my camera at the 9th Grade Awards Night in May. Considering most the pictures I took that night did not turn out I am counting my blessings for this little clip. Carson and Sidney have pretty much grown up together and are like siblings - but without the fighting. It's just cool to see how tall Carson is (a whole head taller than Sid!) and what a beautiful young woman Sidey is. Check it out.

When I reinstall my scanner software I will have to post pictures of "then and now" so you can see how much the Merryweather kids and Mellott kids have changed over the last 10-11 years of my pictures taking. It's fun to see them all grow up together!

Sure, I can give a talk . . .

2008-07-12T19:14:00.002-06:00

As I sit here at my computer trying to articulate what I will present for my assigned talk at Church tomorrow, I can't help but feel a bit stressed. I was asked to give a talk on avoiding contention, backbiting and gossip. That is a hard topic to talk about without feeling like I'm preachy. I would rather get up and discuss the reproductive anatomy of man and woman that give a talk on this subject. Then again, maybe not. Both topics make me turn red (for different reasons) and both make me sweat (again, for different reasons.)

I guess and I am grateful for the topic I was given. It sounds a little easier now.

Yes, a cello can be amped up

2008-07-10T22:26:00.009-06:00

One day months and months ago, Tammy and I were surfing the web together. Well, actually, we were on the phone and each of us were suggesting websites to check out and videos to watch. Time waster, I know, but it's what friends do. Friends don't let friends surf the web alone. Anyway, she told me about a video that Sid had found of some crazy guys rocking out on cellos. I was directed to the video of Hall of the Mountain King, that's right, the classic piece had a makeover. Now, I know she did it in jest so we could have a good laugh, but I LOVED IT!!!!!

Now, Tammy being the good friend she is, has humored me as I sent her videos clips and filled her in on the background of this cool Finnish rock band called Apocalyptica that started out playing Metallica covers and now writes their own music that I totally dig. She even bought me an Apocalyptica CD for Christmas. What a cool friend.

As I sat here listening to my music while trying to decide what to write for my blog marathon (this is the 6th day), I decided to share one of my favorite bands to listen to. Some of the songs have just cello music (occasionally drums) and some have guest singers from places like Germany and Finland.

So, here is a video to watch - one of their milder songs, but a Metallica song non the less. It's called Nothing Else Matters.

And here is a playlist with some selections to puruse.

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Enjoy!

2008-07-10T20:47:00.001-06:00

Christensen Visit

2008-07-10T12:58:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago we got a call from my brother-in-law Tracy. He was in town from North Carolina to pick up his daughter who had been staying with her grandparents in Idaho for the last 6 months or so. Geneen was not able to come out because she couldn't get off work.

We wanted to get together to see them before then left for home. However,we had problems with the our van so Carp took all the kids but Sammy up to see Tracy and the kids at their hotel.

Carson, Kalli, Audrey, Sadie, Seth

Nathan Mallory and Gabby

Carp got an extra treat because he got to see Tracy's parents. We love Shirley and Rex. The day Carp and I got married out car was in the shop. These wonderful people were generous enough to drive Carp and I to the temple when we got married so many years ago. They are awesome.

Tracy, Kalli, Audrey, Shirley, Rex, Mallory and Sadie

In Memory of Evelyn D. Kendig

2008-07-09T16:08:00.010-06:00

It's no secret that part of the reason I married Carp is because his family is so awesome. Really, they are fun and enjoyable people to be around. A big part of that is because of those whose lives have already ended in this mortal existence. In April we said goodbye to one of the kindest, most sweet natured woman I have ever known - Carp's grandmother Evelyn D. Kendig.

July 4th, 2007 Everett, PA

We got a call on Easter that Nan Kendig had taken a tumble and broke her hip. Later that week she had surgery and never really recovered from it. I could tell from the conversation with my father-in-law that she wasn't going to last too long. I could feel the anguish in his voice as he explained that she was heading down hill and he wasn't sure she would come back. Distance can really be a hinderance when you want to comfort someone.

Nan passed away a week later. Mom said she was okay with it because Nan had been talking about going home for quite some time. Nan once told me she wasn't scared of dying. She had worked out her views of life after death and was at peace with it. Letting others know that makes it easier to deal with her departure from this life.

Carp and I flew back to Pennsylvania for Nan's memorial service in May. As always it was a delight to see so many familiar faces and enjoy each others company. Carp's family is a blessing in my life.

Jack and Barb Kendig

Judy and Jeff Keller

During the memorial service people were asked to share their thoughts and feelings about Nan. We laughed and cried as friends and family shared their experiences of such a remarkable woman. The thoughts shared from great grandchildren were extra special.

I didn't stand to share any feeling I had bursting inside of me. I was having a hard time keeping my eyes clear. But I do want to share something she said to me once.

Pap Pap Kending was still alive and we were over at their home visiting. I don't remember how we got on the topic but I made a comment that I thought it was fun to see how much Nan and I had in common and how we enjoyed each other. And this is when she said one of the single most touching things I have ever heard from anyone. She put her hand on my knee and looked me strait in the eye and said, "You know, if I were younger and you were a little older we would have been best friends."

Maybe she said that to everyone. If she did, don't tell me because I like how special it made me feel. I knew there and then I wanted to be just like her as I grew older. I wanted to be kind and careful of what I say so I don't hurt others. I wanted to laugh when little kids said funny things or even if they were naughty. I want to attend special events with my family, celebrate holidays with friends and family and be in their pictures ( I love that Nan and Pap would smile for all the pictures I took.) I wanted to live a life that when I am older others will love me just as much as Nan was loved by me and so many other people. She was special and I will miss her.

Philadelphia, PA

2008-07-08T09:13:00.026-06:00

"When in the course of human events . . ." Declaration of Independence

"We the People of the United States . . . " U.S. Constitution

I love history. I especially love American Revolution history. I get excited to read about it, I love to tour historical site about it - just standing in places our forefathers stood gives me pause and I feel reverence.

Carp and I had an opportunity to visit Philadelphia while we were in Pennsylvania in May. It was fun and exciting for me. I'm pretty sure Carp did the tours just because he knows I'm like a kid in a candy store when I have a chance to walk through history.

Carp and I visited the Liberty Bell Center. It chronicles the making and history of the bell, how historically it has provided value to different causes, what kind of trinkets have been fashioned after it and so forth. Lots of fun history.

The Liberty Bell ,which was originally the Pennsylvania State House bell, was casted in London, England. It cracked soon after it arrived in Philadelphia. John Pass and John Stow cast a new bell made from the original English Bell. Their names appear on the front of the bell - but, of course all of you National Treasure fans already know this. This picture would have been awesome if I could have asked everyone else there taking pictures to "step away from the bell. Six feet from the bell." (That was for you Tammy and Erin)

When William Penn created the Pennsylvania government he wanted the people to have the right to choose which religion they desired to worship. The people of Pennsylvania took this to heart. The Liberty Bell has a scripture on it. It reads,"Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof." (Leviticus 25:10)

The bell hung over the Pennsylvania State House, which is now Independence Hall, for many years after it was recasted. It was rung to gather people together to hear announcements. It was rung the day the Declaration of Independence was read to the people - Cool. A crack began to appear in the recasted bell by 1846. It was repaired to ring in the celebration of George Washington's birthday of that same year, but the crack once again reappeared and the bell was retired. No one knows why it cracked either time.

The bell was named the "Liberty Bell" by a group trying to outlaw slavery. By the late 1800's the Liberty Bell began traveling around the country to help heal the division after the Civil War and served as a reminder that our forefathers fought together to bring about our independence. Maybe we need to put that baby out traveling again!

There is a tour guide there that will answer any and all of your questions. If you plan on taking pictures, I just have to tell you it is hard to get a good picture of the front. The entire back wall is glass so you can get a picture with Independence Hall behind it. It was probably mostly user interface, but I could not get the picture light enough because of all the light behind the bell - I had to take one off to the side. So, when you go make your visit to this piece of history, refine your picture taking skills to get a better picture for me. Thanks.

Carpenter Hall is where the First Continental Congress was held in 1774 to discuss what the colonies should do about England's aggressive and unfair behavior towards the colonies. They ended up publishing a list of rights and grievances and sent them to King George. They also organized the boycott of English goods. King George did nothing about their grievances. Hind sight's 20/20 ain't it George!

Carpenter Hall was also the home of the Franklin Library Company (I love you Ben), The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States. I included the picture of the walkway leading up to Carpenter Hall because it still has the original stone. I can picture the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson walking this pathway to get to that hall. Wow.

Independence Hall - the birthplace of the United States. This was my favorite buildings to tour. This is the only building we had to get a timed ticket to get in so they could stagger the tour groups. Beautiful, isn't it?

There was a lot of heated discussion for and against severing ties with England in this building. This was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress in 1775. At this point there was a price on each of the representatives heads for opposing the King George. It was probably the best thing the King could have done to unite them. Benjamin Franklin said something to the like of ,"We must all hang together or assuredly we will all hang separately." Unity was the key to gaining independence.

Look familiar? If you have seen 1776 or watched the recently released John Adams movie you will notice the reproduction of the Assembly Room is right on! It was in this Assembly Room of Independence Hall that George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Also, in this same room the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, and the U. S. Constitution was drafted in 1787. The chair up front is the original chair that George Washington used while he presided over the Constitutional Convention. How awesome is that!?!?!

Here is the court room that is right across the hall from the Assembly Room. It was really dark in there - probably to keep those on trial from feeling any hope at all! Geeze! Check out the right hand side of the picture. There is a cage the accused would stand in. Like I said, no hope. Also the coat of arms on the top left of the picture was altered to eliminate any element associated with King George.

I had to include this picture because I remember seeing a scene from 1776 filmed on it. I just loved the blueish paint. When you enter the front of Independence Hall, the Assembly Room is on the left and the court room is on the right. Follow the walkway pass both and this is where you end up. We were not able to tour upstairs.

Here's a little trivia for you - Independence Hall is pictured on the back of the U.S. $100.00 bill, as well as the bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. The Assembly Room is pictured on the reverse side of the U.S. $2 dollar bill. Just wait for one of those to come up on Jeopardy. Now you know.

Congress Hall sits to the right of Independence Hall. The newly formed United States Congress occupied Congress Hall when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790-1800. That's right kiddies - Washington was not always the capital of this great nation. It was even moved to Lancaster, PA. for a brief time. Oops - better get back on subject.

The lower floor was occupied by the House of Representatives. Talk about grand! With the dark green valances, the long mahogany tables and leather studded chairs, I might wished I was a man who could run for office back then. Sorry the picture is so dark!

We got to sit in those chairs while the tour guide gave us the lecture on Congress Hall. George Washington had his second inauguration there and John Adams had his first.

The upper floor was used by the Senate. The chair at the head of the room is the original that John Adams sat in as the vice-president under George Washington. Many of the desks are original also. The rug is a reproduction but still totally awesome to behold.

There is a raised ceiling in the middle of the room. It has a fresco of an eagle holding an olive branch signifying peace. Also, there is a plaster medallion that has an oval sunburst design honoring the thirteen original states with thirteen stars. My picture isn't really all that great - again the room was dark. I hope you get better pictures if you ever go!

The Bill of Rights were ratified in these rooms. After Congress departed for Washington, D.C., the Hall reverted back to the Philadelphia County Courthouse.

Are you still with me? I know this is an incredibly long blog. What can I say - I've been holding it all in since May! It's just bursting out of me.

The last place we visited was the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. Ingenious, colorful, spirited Ben is my favorite revolutionary period person. I've read lots of books and articles about him. I just had to visit his grave - AND had to pay for it. Believe it or not, it cost us I think $2 to get into the cemetery he is buried in.

The headstone for Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah was actually a slab on the ground near the gate. I guess I could have stretched my arm in to try to get a picture, but I would never have gotten this photo centered. Plus, there are other signers of important documents buried in the same cemetery.

It was a quaint cemetery with paths among the headstones. Check out how the headstones are actually in the path. I have always loved old cemeteries back east. They have creative and decorative headstones and the cemeteries are far more interesting then those I have seen on the west coast.

So, there you have it! I would have visited more places if we had the time. I took this picture to show how Philadelphia is built up around these historic sites. If you ever have a chance to visit Philadelphia - take it! It is an experience.

Rappelling near the falls

2008-07-07T15:10:00.006-06:00

Carp discovered a while back that someone had bolted into a rock just above the falls up Battlecreek. He took the scouts rappelling a few weeks ago. They had a blast. Seth sure enjoyed himself. So when Carp asked if I wanted to go rappelling this weekend I was definitely game. I laced up my shoes, popped some water and my camera in a day pack and off we went.

Starting down. Carp estimates it's about 60ish feet down.

I was a little nervous because I had only gone climbing on indoor rock walls. However, once I got the harness on and started walking my way down I totally loved it! It helps that Carp knows what he is doing and I totally trust him to make sure I am safe when we do crazy stuff like this. Besides, the mist from climbing down near the falls helped me "keep my cool." I would have gone down more than twice but we had to get back because we had left Carson with all the other kids. Don't want to take advantage of his good nature if you know what I mean.

So, if you're in for some fun outdoor adventure, check it out - or better yet, give us a call and we can check it out with you!

Nathan came along for the hike but was to light to rappel down by himself. Carp tried to belay him down but he got to nervous. Maybe next time.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-06T17:28:00.031-06:00

It's about time I break the silence. I have decided to get reaquainted with my computer this week. I've missed updating a lot of fun stuff - of which I will get to, but I had to get the pictures of my favorite holiday out there! So, here we go!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Tammy made this beautifully decorated patriotic cake to share. YUMMY!

I woke up to a beautiful morning and a giddy feeling that I felt a party comin' on! I placed about 20 small flags around my yard among the flowers and shrubs. Then we put out old glory to sway in the breeze. I just love watching a flag dance outside my window! I was feelin' good! I love the 4th of July celebration!

We had a get together at our house for our Independence Day fun. At one point we had 35 people here. No small party!

Carp a grillin' away! We had a feast of foods to enjoy.

Shelby and Nathan

Lanette helped out with all the sparklers. I can't thank you enough Lanette. It helps to have extra hands. Oh yeah, we found all the "extra" sparklers from last year. They were on my dryer. Hey, the 24th is coming up! We can still use em'! I love this picture of Cameron. He is helping himself the the lemonade. Great!

Grandma and Grandpa Sampson

Conner is a good sport and never made a peep even with all the loud fireworks. I love this guy!

Katie, Mom and Kellie

Jenny and her family came to enjoy dessert and fireworks. The kids all lined up near the street awaiting the show to be put on by Carson, Spencer, Seth and occasionally, Nathan.

I'm not sure I completely trust a 15 year old with matches. Carson was a little to eager to be in charge of the fireworks this year. Testosterone.
Seth found a creative use for the pyrotechnic fun - though I am still trying to figure out what it is.

Ready, light, FIRE!

Gabby

We bought a couple containers of the light sticks for braclets and necklaces. We got a kick out of what they came up with. The one's up the nose startle me a bit.
Katie and David

Chet, Dad, Mom and Carp

I read an account once about Thomas Jefferson and his stuggle to pen the Declaration of Independence in the short amount of time he was given. It was a hot week with the weight of our future country on his shoulders. He was inspired throughout his writing. He knew this the whole while along - it didn't all come from him. When he presented his masterpiece to the review committee there was little they desired to change. It was a strong piece of literature such as Machiavelli could write. It was inspiration to rival Thomas Paine. AND it had a beauty only God could weave. Is it any wonder that I love it?!?!

Easter 2008

2008-03-25T10:00:00.014-06:00

I have always enjoyed Easter. I love the fun traditions of decorating Easter eggs, hiding candy filled baskets and the Easter egg hunt.

The kids enjoyed finding there Easter goodies in the morning before heading off to church. Later Carson hid the Easter eggs for the kids to do an egg hunt.

We had my Grandma Robertson and Lanette over for dinner. Actually, Lanette ended up making dinner. I was sick with the stomach flu and she made the dinner I had planned out for our Easter feast. What a great friend. Easter is enjoyable and fun with friends and family around.

I am grateful that I am free to celebrate a holiday that remind me of what my Savior has done for me. As I have grown older I have gained a greater appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each opportunity I get to study his life and lessons for me I feel closer to him and understand his pupose in the "grand scheme" of life more fully.

More than anything, I am grateful I actually care to get to know him. I have a desire to have a relationship with him. I am often reminded that this is not how everyone feels. Whether in a movie I watch, something I read or even in my interaction with people I come in contact with, I see how often his mission and purpose are downplayed, disregarded as something of the past or dismissed completely. But I know without a doubt there is a reason to his sacrifice and that his resurrection was part of the plan. All good in this world come from him. He is my Savior and I love him.

A new hairdo

2008-03-19T13:53:00.006-06:00

Sammy's hair has been bugging me. I mentioned to Tammy how I felt bad for her because she had to tilt her head back to look out beneath her bangs to watch a movie. By the time I left Tammy's house, she had a new hairdo. AND I LOVE IT!!!!

I just don't understand why she wouldn't let me get a good picture of it. Granted, she is two. That fact alone covers a multitude of situations of frustration with her. Alas, she is a cutie and that makes it easy to move on. Just out of curiosity, would anyone like to take a stab at what exactly it is she is wearing?

Also, my friend Lanette decided to buy some fun games for the kids for Christmas. Instead of presenting them all at once, she is bringing them over every so often to perk up their interest in something new. I have to say, it was a clever plan. The kids a really enjoyed all the fun stuff she has brought - me too!

This past weekend she brought over this marble maze. It's loads of fun for all the kids. I didn't get a picture of the maze Carson put together that was almost as tall as the ceiling, but this one is pretty good too! Kudos to Lanette for thoughtful gifts.

Sam

2008-03-10T09:59:00.006-06:00

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

When I found out I was pregnant with Samantha I just laughed. Not because I thought it was funny, but because I didn't see it coming. She is our little caboose at 4 1/2 years younger than Gabby. At first I my thoughts were as follows:

I can't believe I got pregnant AGAIN! I was done!

I hate being pregnant!

I have to replace all the baby stuff I gave away!

I hate being pregnant!

Crap! Diapers!

I REALLY hate being pregnant!

After I entered the acceptance phase of my pregnancy, I calmed down quite a bit. I felt the reassurance that this was my last one. I just knew it. I will be forever grateful that I was given such a strong feeling about being done. I just knew that baby would make our family complete.

Of course I survived the pregnancy. I look back now and realize if I could have appreciated the fact that I could have children so easily and that the whole process is a miracle, I would have enjoyed being pregnant more. I will always regret my general bad attitude about pregnancy. It really is a wonderful thing.

Sammy came and was an absolute delight to have. A little one softens Daddy's heart. A little one brings out a sweet side of teenagers that makes me smile when I see it. Our little Sammy is Gabbys best playmate. Sammy is my buddy during the day when all the kids are at school. We love her!

I can't imagine our family without Sammy. I absolutely feel she was meant to be part of our family. I totally give credit to Father in Heaven for knowing what I need in my life even when I don't think I need it. As with all my children, she is a blessing from above.

I love to watch my kids sleep. They look like angels!

Why I like the Boy Scouts of America Program

2008-03-07T11:40:00.009-07:00

I am not a scouter. There are many of you out there that are. I count my blessings there are adults willing to participate in scouting. I am grateful for those who have a desire to work with the youth of today. With that said, I have no aspiration whatsoever to earn a bead, a patch or any type of recognition ever in the BSA. But I like and support the scouting program and here is why.

1. BSA teaches my boys to make goals. Sure we talk about goals in our home. Sometimes we set them together as a family. What I like about the BSA is the structure it gives to boys to work on goals that have the steps already outlines for them. Rank Advancement and Merit Badges have cut and dry requirements for the boys to meet in order to earn a badge. This shows our guys how important it is to break down a goal into sub goals so the realization is doable.

2. Along with the goal-setting attribute, BSA progressively hands the goal making and goal planning process over to the boy. By the time a teenage boy starts to plan out his Eagle Project, he has had lots of practice reaching milestones. At this point in his scouting career, he is asked to set his own goals according to his own aspirations. As shocked as I was, I have seen it work. Scouting has helped my sons do things I didn't think they could do on their own.

3. BSA helps teenage boys feel like they belong to something important. Belonging to a program or a purpose gives focus to an individual and a feeling of worth. Scouting starts early in our house with Tiger Cubs. The boys move from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts effortlessly. The desire to participate seems to be in their blood - their father's side, no doubt. I owe a debt of gratitude for leaders that have followed through with their commitments to the scouting program and to my sons. A good scout leader is indispensable for a good experience in scouting. Thank you to all those whom have helped my boys and are still working with them.

4. An active Boy Scout is busy. The movie "Follow Me Boys" is the best example of why young men need to be busy. A boy who is active is less likely to participate in boy-related bloopers. Being involved in scouting does not make them immune to the affects of teenage stupidity. However, a good scout leader can redirect the wilds and silliness of teenagers by keeping a young mans hands busy. Busy hands are happy hands.

5. A Boy Scout is asked to stretch himself beyond his comfort zone. There are lots of activities the kids do that they enjoy. Occasionally there are some that they don't like or maybe they are a bit skeptical about. I have seen the kids push themselves to do things or try something new because other scouts were excited to do it. Boys Scouts give our young men experience in life.

These and many other things about scouting help me to appreciate this great program. I hope others will reap benefits from it also.

Seth is currently working on the Climbing Merit Badge.

Seth Climbing.

Carp and Carson went along to help out. Here is a picture of Carson belaying.

In Memory of Carson Amos Mellott Sr.

2008-03-05T11:01:00.008-07:00

Have you ever heard the name of a family member or friend that you haven't seen for a while and thought, "I've got to give them a call and see how they are doing," or "I should take the time to stop by and see so and so."

Sometimes it is hard to know what is most important to spend our time on. I think everyone agrees that spending time with our family should be the top priority. Kids and husband - those alone take up a lot of my time and without regret. What time I have left I divvy out between extended family, working at the schools, church responsibilities, friends, hobbies and so forth. We are all busy with whatever it is that we chose to spend our time on.

Carp's grandfather recently passed away. We were able to visit with him during the 4th of July holiday. Carp and I had last seen him at J.J.'s funeral in 2004. The kids had not seen him for even longer than that. With the distance between us Carp often picked up the phone to call Pappy Mellott and others in his family. He has always been good about trying to keep in touch with those he cares about.

When we received a call from Carp's mom to let us know that Pappy had passed away, my first thought was of Iris, his wife. My next thought was how grateful I was that our family had the blessing of seeing him one more time before he was gone.

I'm not really much of a goal maker. However, I have one that I really am going to try and improve in my life. I want to make sure my crazy, wonderful life doesn't drown out that prompting to visit and call those I care about. It's easy to lose sight of important things like that when I am sooooooo very busy. I just don't want to regret not following through on a thought only to find out the opportunity is gone.

Carp was able to attend the funeral and visit with siblings and cousins. We will miss you Pappy.

Wayne Jr., Judy, Geneen, Colleen, Carp with Troy in Front.

(Back) Heather, Troy, Wayne Jr., Judy, Geneen, and Colleen.

(Front) Angela, Jeff, Kathy, and Carp.

Obituary:
Carson A. Mellott, Sr. died January 16, 2008 at Spring Creek Nursing Home, Harrisburg. Born April 1, 1919 in Lancaster, he was the oldest son of Amos and Silvia Mellott. He was a long-time employee and retiree of RCA, working in the Lancaster and Moscow, PA plants. Carson was one of the founding partners of Mellott Brothers Trailer Sales of Willow Street, along with his brothers, Glenn and Larry. He was a charter member of the Lone Pine Hunting Camp in Potter County and a long-time member of the United Church of Christ in Willow Street. He was also a member of the Elks club of Florida and the VFW in Millersville. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet (Dolly) Mellott; brother Larry; son Carson II; and daughter Joyce. He is survived by his wife, Iris Mellott, in Harrisburg; his son, Rodney, in Florida; stepchildren, Patricia and Zach in PA and Paul in North Carolina; 16 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26, at 1 PM at the Willow Street United Church of Christ, 2723 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carson's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Assn., 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.