Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Playing the Taxes Card
Just snuggling into bed when I remembered with a start, "The Blog!" I'll have to blame my almost-oversight on the mind numbing process of preparing our taxes. Steve got the bug tonight (easy to get when your getting money back!) and we are just about done.
Other things of note that happened this week:
I got to teach an art lesson in Ellie's Kindergarten class. What fun!
I got to paint with my own art students this week. Messy paint makes me happy!
We had the awesome opportunity to hear Steve's dad give an impressive speech, to important people, in a large venue, that was also on radio and TV! Our Idaho relatives came down for the event and we all went out to lunch after to celebrate the occasion and Grandpa's Birthday. We are so proud of the amazing job he did.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
BYU MOA
Monday was a holiday, so we took the kids to see the Carl Bloch ex
hibit at the BYU Museum of art. They had many of his alter pieces from Europe and many of his etchings as well as some non-religious pieces. It was wonderful to see such masterful, original pieces, up close and in person. A trip to the creamery for ice cream after the museum topped it off just right!
hibit at the BYU Museum of art. They had many of his alter pieces from Europe and many of his etchings as well as some non-religious pieces. It was wonderful to see such masterful, original pieces, up close and in person. A trip to the creamery for ice cream after the museum topped it off just right!Take 6 by Whitney
This last week we got to go see "Take 6" perform at the University of Utah. It was amazing! I wasn't sure what to expect because my dad had just told me about them earlier that day when he dropped me off for school. Turns out that they are and African American singing group that specializes in accapella. I had never heard of them before but they were excellent singers. They had a base a tenor, two high tenors, a beat box type and an alto. They sang about a dozen different songs ranging from pop to gospel. It was an excellent experience to be able to hear that type of southern culture that I'm rarely exposed to here in the west. I personally can't wait to hear them again via itunes!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Eagle Application vs Packet Submission
What does it take to get an application for your Eagle Scout award submitted? Countless hours of work and an explorers spirit. When Steve L and Noreen went to turn in the packet at the local scout office, they found out that they needed to also complete an application summarizing Steve L's total trail to the Eagle. This required reviewing his records to complete the application that tracked his progress through the scouting ranks to get to the point that he could even submit this application. Did you know that the number of all scouts that begin the program and advance all the way to achieving their eagle award is less than 5%? Yes, it takes a lot of work and determination, and a loving mother to make it happen. Dad has helped a bit too. Congratulations Steve L and we look forward to your eagle board of review and eagle court of honor. Good luck completing these final steps!
-Dad
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A Name for Kitty
(His favorite resting spot. We bought him a nice bed, go figure.)After a couple weeks without a name, we finally held a vote. The official results are in and our cat's name is now:
Cosmo Triage Bacon Kitty
Cosmo, because he acts like a little cougar and our favorite cougar is of course Cosmo, the BYU mascot. Triage, because he has white legs look like he's wearing bandages. Bacon, because Steve L. loves all things bacon, and Kitty because he's been answering to Kitty since we adopted him.
You see now why he's been Kitty for so long? Instead of consensus we have a really long name!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Blistful Week Off!
Week-off Top Ten
10. Dad's Beard
We all had the week between Christmas and New Years off, and took advantage of every minute. It's been a long time since Steve took that long off of work and decided to grow a beard to prove it. I didn't especially love kissing him with his red beard, but I loved what it stood for - time off!
9. Whitney Behind the Wheel
Whitney got some good driving time in this week, as she works toward her drivers licence. She got her first freeway and canyon miles logged.
8. The Book Launch
My famous sister launched her second YA novel this week. The launch party was amazing!
7. Brick Films
Steve L. made some impressive brick films with his new Christmas web cam.
6. Merit Badges
Daniel had a goal to earn all 4 Historic Boy Scout Merit badges that were only available until Dec. 31st. He finished the last 3 this week.
5. Jump Start Passes
Dad gave all the kids Jump Start passes for Christmas - certificates for 3 hours of his time and up to $10 towards materials to work on a project of their choice. He and Whitney built a cat tower, he went shopping for and installed Steve L's new camera. Daniel chose to work on merit badges and Janey went shopping for a used mirror for her new dance studio. Ellie and Dad bought a new cat bed. Connecting with the kids was the goal, and they all enjoyed their one-on-one with Dad.
4. Painting
What I wanted to do most this holiday was paint! I painted 2 accent walls in our home and spent an afternoon with my artist brother learning an under-lay technique for a landscape painting I'm attempting. So much fun!
3. Movies
We took the kids to see Narnia one afternoon and then on New Years Eve it was so cold, we spent the day at the Dollar flick. We saw the Guardians of Gahool, went to In and Out Burger for lunch and back to the dollar flick for Secretariat. To quote Janey, "Best day ever!"
2. Cross Country Skiing
Steve and I spent a morning Cross Country Skiing up Millcreek Canyon. We had such a great time, we rented skis for the kids and went back New Years Day.
1. Playing with Kitty
The biggest surprise has been how much we've all loved playing with and snuggling our new cat. Steve and I often keep playing with him after the kids go to bed. Poor guy still doesn't have a name, as their are seven different opinions, but he always answers to Kitty.
10. Dad's Beard
We all had the week between Christmas and New Years off, and took advantage of every minute. It's been a long time since Steve took that long off of work and decided to grow a beard to prove it. I didn't especially love kissing him with his red beard, but I loved what it stood for - time off!
9. Whitney Behind the Wheel
Whitney got some good driving time in this week, as she works toward her drivers licence. She got her first freeway and canyon miles logged.
8. The Book Launch
My famous sister launched her second YA novel this week. The launch party was amazing!
7. Brick Films
Steve L. made some impressive brick films with his new Christmas web cam.
6. Merit Badges
Daniel had a goal to earn all 4 Historic Boy Scout Merit badges that were only available until Dec. 31st. He finished the last 3 this week.
5. Jump Start Passes
Dad gave all the kids Jump Start passes for Christmas - certificates for 3 hours of his time and up to $10 towards materials to work on a project of their choice. He and Whitney built a cat tower, he went shopping for and installed Steve L's new camera. Daniel chose to work on merit badges and Janey went shopping for a used mirror for her new dance studio. Ellie and Dad bought a new cat bed. Connecting with the kids was the goal, and they all enjoyed their one-on-one with Dad.
4. Painting
What I wanted to do most this holiday was paint! I painted 2 accent walls in our home and spent an afternoon with my artist brother learning an under-lay technique for a landscape painting I'm attempting. So much fun!
3. Movies
We took the kids to see Narnia one afternoon and then on New Years Eve it was so cold, we spent the day at the Dollar flick. We saw the Guardians of Gahool, went to In and Out Burger for lunch and back to the dollar flick for Secretariat. To quote Janey, "Best day ever!"
2. Cross Country Skiing
Steve and I spent a morning Cross Country Skiing up Millcreek Canyon. We had such a great time, we rented skis for the kids and went back New Years Day.
1. Playing with Kitty
The biggest surprise has been how much we've all loved playing with and snuggling our new cat. Steve and I often keep playing with him after the kids go to bed. Poor guy still doesn't have a name, as their are seven different opinions, but he always answers to Kitty.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas 2010
Christmas Eve morning, we took the family out to breakfast and then hiking up Millcreek Canyon. We climbed up above the yucky inversion in the valley and enjoyed blue sky and and sunshine! That evening we enjoyed a lovely Christmas Eve dinner with Noreen's parents.
Christmas morning was a delight. Everyone received some fun gifts, but the best one of all was our new kitty. Steve and I picked him out at the shelter on the 23rd and successfully hid him in our bathroom for 2 days, until Christmas morning. The kids had been begging for months for a cat, but didn't really think we'd get one. That's what made the surprise so fun. Steve and I would sneak upstairs and play with him, and then make sure there weren't any cat hairs on us to give it away. Our kitty is a nine month old boy, who is very affectionate, mild mannered, and great with the kids. Boy did we luck out! We haven't been able to agree on a name yet, but we all agree that he's adorable! 
After an enjoyable morning at home, we got to travel to both sets of Grandparents' homes and continue the Christmas Celebrating. We hope you all had a wonderful and memorable holiday too!
Christmas morning was a delight. Everyone received some fun gifts, but the best one of all was our new kitty. Steve and I picked him out at the shelter on the 23rd and successfully hid him in our bathroom for 2 days, until Christmas morning. The kids had been begging for months for a cat, but didn't really think we'd get one. That's what made the surprise so fun. Steve and I would sneak upstairs and play with him, and then make sure there weren't any cat hairs on us to give it away. Our kitty is a nine month old boy, who is very affectionate, mild mannered, and great with the kids. Boy did we luck out! We haven't been able to agree on a name yet, but we all agree that he's adorable!
After an enjoyable morning at home, we got to travel to both sets of Grandparents' homes and continue the Christmas Celebrating. We hope you all had a wonderful and memorable holiday too!Sunday, December 19, 2010
18 Years!
Steve and I snuck away early on Friday to celebrate our 18th Wedding Anniversary. 18 years! It's hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. We went window shopping downtown, to the movies and out for some German food for dinner. Steve got us a hotel reservation downtown, and I packed a snack basket of our favorite foods. After about the 10th call from home with some urgent question or concern (ie. I can't find the hair clips for my costume, Ellie won't brush her teeth, or I'm starving, can I get a snack (at 10:30.)) I realized we hadn't gotten far enough from home! Oh, well, it was fun to celebrate so many wonderful years together, even with interruptions.
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