It is December 2nd, my house is mostly decorated, my gift giving plans are well in hand, I have baked my first batch of cranberry bread, and I am enjoying Christmas music and lights. But, I have two 'issues' that I need to air in the hope that I can put them aside and enjoy the season.
First, if I never again hear the songs, 'White Christmas' and 'Chestnuts Roasting-Whatever it is Actually Called', it will be too soon. I can stretch my imagination to understand why someone, somewhere might have some kind of sentimental(and I mean that in the most negative sense) attachment to the original, circa Bing Crosby era, renditions of these sappy songs. But, it is truly beyond me why almost every musical artist who records a holiday album feels the need to include one or both of them. I wish people would stop singing this nonsense. I am not opposed to music about seasonal fun, but, of course, the best holiday music is religious and sacred. For Kevin and I, the season really seems to start when we play the Pavarotti 'O Holy Night' album we bought when we were first married. It is sacred music, sung mostly in Latin, and it is amazing.
There are so many really beautiful traditional and ancient carols from many different Christian religions and countries. There are also beautiful modern songs being written and performed, often by the same artists who 'sell-out' in the above described manner, that express religious beliefs and emotional attachments to the holiday season. This is the time of year when I really get my money's worth out of my Napster subscription. I love to explore new holiday offerings and search and research Christmas music from the past. Not to go on and on, because I do have something else to complain about, but if anyone would like to check out any of my very cool and festive playlists that do not deal with weather conditions or burning nuts in the fireplace, let me know.
Second, I am totally done with the assertion that it is somehow anti-religion to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". This is just a right-wing radio ax to grind, an excuse to accuse others and feel victimized. It is supercilious and silly. There is of course an economic side to this-stores jump into the fray and choose, I am sure, which combination of words to use to court the pocketbooks of their target customers.
Here is my reality about what really should be a none-issue: The 'Holidays' traditionally include Christmas and New Year's Day-there are two, three if you reach back to Thanksgiving-more if you include non-Christian religious and cultural celebrations, and they are not all Christmas. We know from the scriptures that all good things-all things that truly bring happiness- come from our Heavenly Father and point us toward Him. The best and happiest of these is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During the the holidays, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We also celebrate a great many other things involving family, culture, and tradition that are all made rich and meaningful for me because of the reality of the Gospel. Woven through our celebrations are echos of peoples and traditions of the past, reaching back to before the birth of Christ. At this time of year we celebrate hope, renewal, generosity, kindness, love and all other good things that bring happiness. If I am wished 'Happy Holidays', I accept the wish with the knowledge that happiness comes from our Heavenly Father through the teachings and sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, and with a desire to share that knowledge in order that more people may experience more true happiness. And, for me the word 'Merry' leans a bit more toward the fun side of celebrating. So, lets all have a very Merry and Happy Holiday season as we celebrate Christmas and all the good things in our lives and let us remember where they come from and to whom we can look for more.

Thanksgiving in Texas

We spent the week of Thanksgiving with my parents in Texas. Although the boys have visited them in their newer home a number of times, this was the first time Coral and India had been there. I feel a bit starved for experiences that give my children a sense of family in a larger context. They are all very good at forming long distance relationships with grandparents, my siblings, and their cousins, but I am grateful we had this chance to enjoy each other's company and to make memories all together. Of course, everyone we would have wanted to see was not able to come, and those who were not with us were missed.
A neighbor stops by with her horse.

India bonds with the horse and the neighbor.

Niall learns to ride the RipStik that my parents gave him for his birthday. He was thrilled and mastered it quickly.

My children were so excited to see Alison's twins. We have missed them since they stayed with us and we all had an emotional and wonderful time seeing them again.
Niall and Joseph

Leith and Nadine

Grandma takes her dog, Miguel, on an early morning walk with the help of Logan, Rose, Niall, and Leith. Casey was just trying to get in on the photo, not the walk.

The children try to encourage the teens to greet the day. The teens reacted with hostility.

Grandpa chats with Coral and India.

Babies on the porch taking in the sun and, unfortunately, tasting bark, bugs, etc.

Coral fixes the little girls hair.

Kevin reads to Rose and the boys in their pantry/bedroom.

Coral with Joseph

India and Nadine

Now in reverse....

Joseph eats mashed potatoes before Thanksgiving dinner is actually served.

The children play horseshoes with Dale and his father and brother while waiting for the feast.

India sets the tables for @30 people.

The food was really amazing with the exception of the pumpkin pies-separate tragedies made both pies a bit healthier, and less tasty than expected.

Polly helps India crank out some Pre Calculus.
Our attempt at a family snapshot before the light completely fades....

Leith was bitterly disappointed that we went to In N Out while he was in school. I told him we would go with Niall after school, but the lines were so long by then that we couldn't do it and still get to Niall's piano class. So, we tried after piano, along with half the population of this valley,it seemed. The drive up was a stationary, police directed, double line of cars more than 1/2 mile long. We found a parking spot and got in the line outside to eventually order inside. I had arranged with Kevin to meet him there after he dropped off India and we were done with piano. He apparently thought we arranged for me to stand with the boys alone in the freezing cold and for him to go home and wrap up some paperwork and get ready to go to bed early. I kept telling the boys that Dad was on his way and that they could sit in the warm car with him soon while they waited to eat.

When we figured out that Kevin was not coming, the boys were very cold-huddling together in a blanket and shuffling along, but still in good spirits and highly motivated to see the adventure through. By the time they ate, Niall was having second thoughts, but Leith was still thrilled to be there.

After a warm bath and a good night's sleep, both boys were excited to wear their hats to school this morning!

It feels like we just finished celebrating Halloween, and now we are jumping right into the Holiday season.

The 'Friends of the Creche' organization had their annual convention in Salt Lake City last weekend. India and I went to their public open house and saw all the amazing Nativity scenes.

This one from Africa had a very old Joseph with grey hair-we wondered what that symbolized for the artist.

I love this one from South America. The two animals on the side are stylized llamas.

This one was labeled 'Cajun' and includes, you will notice, a raccoon and two hungry-looking alligators visiting the baby Jesus. I love the French-Creole artwork, but really, I think that the dangerous predators are a bit much.

It was snowing as we attended the exhibit. The snow and the Nativities made me very excited to begin decorating for Christmas.

And now for something completely different.....

In N Out Burger opened in Draper today. Kevin cynically decided to ignore it-assuming that the lines would be impossible to navigate. Coral refrained from sleeping outside in line overnight because she had an eye appt this morning, but went right over as soon as she was done. I joined her and was pleasantly surprised that the lines were manageable. We called Kevin as we were about to order-he gave us his order and jumped in the car to race down the freeway to join us. What a nut! I was afraid they would both become 'verklempt' as they ate, but they held their emotions in check. I felt the whole experience was a bit surreal. I don't think I have ever been to an In N Out in cold weather.

We will be taking the other children for dinner so they can get in on the excitement! The boys were wondering if having one here will make it less fun to eat there. They always see it as a great memory from living in CA and as a treat when we go back there.

And...

The girls-along with thousands of their peers, and weirdly my peers-will be seeing the new Twilight movie, 'New Moon' tonight and tomorrow. I am not a huge fan of this phenomenon, but am always interested in studying it. My favorite part of the movie hype is all the merchandise with the Jacob quote, "I'm so sorry that I can't be the right kind of monster for you, Bella." I giggle every time I see it. And, every time I see the movie trailers, I use the quote, "Does it bother you that I am half-naked?" But, I am told that that literary gem is from the next book. Nevertheless, I think there will be a lot of 'half-nakedness' in the movie. I am so glad my teens will be 'exposed' to all that.

Kevin and Coral bought BYU 'All Sports' passes together before school started and have been enjoying attending all the BYU home football games. Kevin has taken each of the other kids in turn, but only got pictures at the game India attended.

India, Marissa, and Coral posing with 'Cosmo' the Cougar mascot. They even saw themselves on the big screen.

Yesterday, my turn came up. It was cold, windy and rainy, BYU got their *bottoms* handed to them by TCU, Coral and her friends showed up late, leaving us to watch the first half alone, and I don't really like football anyway- other than that it was a good time.

Leith wrapped up his Fall soccer season Sat. I am sad for it to be over. He and the other boys are so cute out there and have really developed their skills. Coach Quinton is the funniest and coolest coach we have ever had. He is basically a stand up comic pretending to be a kids soccer coach. In the last game, one boy was sad to be rotated out of play. The coach told him he had to sit down because he had kicked the ball so hard that he was afraid the other team would be scared of him. His coaching style is so positive and so funny that we have gone home on an endorphin high after every game.

Fall Fun

I love sunflowers...

Uhh, Coral, who is the cute Scotsman?
Oh, that's right, it is Jack's piping buddy, James, in town with his very nice friend Rita(not pictured) for Labor Day. India had a great time with them all in Park City and we always love their company and piping!

Katherine's Lake on Labor Day. It was crowded, but beautiful. Diana hung out with us Sunday night for the piping and dessert and then hiked with us Monday morning.
Then, we grilled with the DeLanges in the afternoon- I guess I was too busy cooking and chatting to take pictures!

My parents came from Texas in September to visit and to go to Idaho to see my Grandfather and Aunts and Uncles. I am always happy to have them here to spend time with my kids-even when I am sick and can't enjoy it properly. We went to see the Victorian art exhibit at the BYU museum and the Church Art Competition entries in the Conference center-really amazing artworks that can be seen online if you aren't here to go see them in person. We attended a September 11 Memorial Concert at the Draper Historical Park featuring Peter Breinholt and David Tolk. It was a lovely evening with great music.

I love going to Idaho. It is one of the few places from which I have childhood memories that is still accessible to me. When we drove through on the way to Yellowstone in August, the fields were all green and gold. This time the harvest was underway- so interesting to see it all. I loved seeing the 'Aunts', too. Thanks, Karen, for hanging out with us and many thanks, Nyla, for letting us invade your house!

I tried to grow this 'Vining Purple Hyacinth' from seeds I got from my mother in Texas. I don't think the growing season is long enough here. I started to get blossoms and a few tiny bean pods before it started to freeze here at night. I will try to start them earlier next year.

Kevin ran with Leith in the 'Fun Run' fund raiser at school.

During the Fall break from school, I took the kids to the work out station at Draper Park. Niall and Leith are fascinated by the exercise equipment-India not as much, but she participated anyway.

The same day, we drove down to Santaquin to a fruit orchard where we have bought really great pumpkins before- all colors and varieties. Unfortunately, they had none this year. We were bitterly disappointed. They make cider donuts there, but only sell apple cider in a 'slushy' form. It was cold enough outside that warm cider would have made more sense. I guess we are still pining for cider mills like we enjoyed in Michigan. Apple Hill in CA was better than nothing, but the weather was too hot. Here, we are just plain out of luck on that Fall tradition.

We picked up Coral in Provo for lunch and shopping.

She and India had to sing with a favorite childhood album they found in the car.

Fall porch decor...

I joined Leith on his Kindergarten class field trip to the Fire Station.

Coral was a bridesmaid in her friend Maren's wedding. They seem a little young for this sort of thing- actually, they ARE too young!!

Halloween-a bit early....

Our church Halloween activity and 'Trunk-or-Treat' was held on Oct 20th-a little early, in my opinion, for having costumes ready and getting into a Halloween mood. However, the costumes all came out pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself!
India as pretty fancy witch...
Niall as the Hugh Jackman version of 'Wolverine'-complete with spiffy side burns.

Leith as 'Ron Weasley'-his own idea, featuring red hair and 'Scabbers' the rat. I am congratulating myself heartily on the amazing hair and eyebrow transformation.

More witchy-ness!

Wolverine and our very cool pumpkins. We grew all but the two big ones in our garden. Thankfully, none have been stolen this year, but the season is not over yet.

The cutest 'Ron Weasley'ever!!! Leith won a prize for his costume at the party.

I actually don't see the need for a 'Trunk-or-Treat'(an activity where families gather in a parking lot and trick-or-treat from car to car) in this area. It was great in Michigan where the weather was uncomfortably cold for small children and where not everyone at church lived in a neighborhood that would be good for trick-or-treating. My favorite memory of this activity was when Coral invited her best friend from school, Natalie Johnson, and her family to join us. Several generations of their family live in the Detroit area and are active members of the Church of Christ-great singers and Bible literate. When we arrived at the church for the Halloween party and 'Trunk-or-Treat', our own, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Missionaries came to introduce themselves to our friends. One of the Missionaries had taken the sheets off his bed and made himself a Moses costume. While 'Moses' and his Missionary companion chatted with the Johnsons, a group of adults dressed as Egyptians entered the room. The Missionary/Moses excused himself briefly to greet the Egyptians by raising his hands in the air and shouting, "Let my people go!" I will never forget the look of shock on the face of Natalie's mother, Marsha. It was quite a 'Missionary' moment.

Daphne and I got up early to go to the big farmer's market downtown. We saw and tasted an amazing variety of tomatoes and peaches as well as artisan cheeses, ethnic foods, and all sorts of beautiful vegetables. I bought Elberta peaches from a cute farmer with a very country accent as well as another variety grown in Orem that is possibly the best peach I have ever tasted. I thought they called them 'Lady Margaret', but I can't find that variety online to research. I would like to figure out what they are so that this is not the last time I ever taste them!

Heirloom tomatoes- the farmer let me eat one of these 'green zebras'. It was a revelation.

Back to School 2009

'Back to School' this year has been a two week long process! Coral left on Aug 20th to attend the 'Late Summer Honors' seminar entitled 'Machiavelli in Hell' at BYU. She stayed for two nights in Helaman Halls and then moved into her own dorm that Saturday. She had classes each morning, study/free time in the afternoons and social activities in the evenings. She loved the course and the professor and made many new friends. It was all I had hoped for when I registered her- intense, interactive academics, and the opportunity to get settled-buy books, move in, etc.- before the crowds arrived. Her course merged into the Freshman orientation period on campus last week which seemed to involve standing in long lines for free meals and playing get to know you games with her 'Y Group'- something she seems to have a bit more patience for than I did at that age. Her roommate, Marissa Blake, from CA arrived with her mother early last week and the two girls are having fun figuring it all out together. I have been back and forth to Provo more than I planned, but it is nice to see all the arrangements coming together. When I see Coral, she shows signs of nervousness, but she seems to be getting everything taken care of when I am not there. She went to her new Ward on Sunday, attended choir practice, came home for India's birthday dinner and a father's blessing from Kevin and then raced back for Ward prayer- so much fun. I am so grateful for the opportunity she has to attend BYU and for all that she will experience there.

India started at Alta HS in the 10th grade and Niall began the 4th grade on Aug 26th. India has been coordinating outfits and hairstyles with her friends and is happy with her classes and teachers. She is, as usual, getting to know everyone and becoming known to everyone there. She has already wheedled an excused tardy out of one administrator! On Tuesday, she turned 15. She wore a crown to school-what a nut. I am looking forward to having her as my only female ally at home and seeing how she blossoms at this new time in her life.

Niall was sad that his friends from last year are not in his class, but he came home, after the first day, positive. He sees all his buddies at recess where kick ball seems to be the current game to play. Sadly, he is not as excited to get there as early as he did last year, because the playground monitors do not let him do all his favorite fun, but dangerous, feats of skill and strength on the play structures. He is tall and handsome and funny. He has reached an age where he can lift heavy things with or for me and can take care of some real responsibility for his own business as well as around the house- watering trees, etc.

Leith met his teacher Monday for his Kindergarten assessment. Today, he got up, dressed, ate, packed his backpack and then Kevin and I drove him to his first day of school. On the way, he checked one more time to be sure that I would not be staying with him. He played on the playground, posed grudgingly for a few photos, and when the bell rang, lined up with his class. It took 30 minutes to pick him up afterward because all the parents were taking more pictures and holding up the line. He colored a picture of himself in school on the first day- complete with a 'soul patch'. He also came home wearing a 'Class of 2022' college prep wristband!

People keep asking me if I am having an emotional reaction to Coral leaving for college. I have been saying that it all seems quite natural and that I am only excited for her. As I lay awake at 2:30am on Mon morning wondering if she had all the school supplies she needed, I began to feel as if I have been lying to everyone and to myself. On the other hand, I freely admit that I am a mess over Leith going to Kindergarten. I have been teasing him for months about keeping him home. I couldn't sleep much last night and had the 'early warning signs of a heart attack' as he was getting ready this morning. I have actually spent a fair bit of the morning crying- apparently, as I have no more babies at home, I will just turn into one.

Somewhere in all of this, I have turned 40 and although it is still quite warm, the air has begun to smell like Autumn. As the seasons change, we have all changed to a new time in our lives.

India opened in Beauty and the Beast Fri. She is the plate on top.

'Be Our Guest'-India is on top in the back again.

India in the center of the angry mob...

India with her stage family in the finale.

The star of the show-India Sherman!!!

The boys and I took Marie-Anne on a quick trip to Yellowstone. It seemed wrong for her to be this close and not see it. We booked the only room we could find in West Yellowstone-at a 'only room available' price, ouch- and drove up early Tuesday morning. We ate lunch at a darling '50's style diner before heading into the park.

I could look at this blue color in the water forever.

Niall and Leith quickly had their fill of the sulphur smell.

The setting for my up-coming suspense thriller.

The boys climbing on the 'Sheepeater Cliffs'- one of my favorite features in the park when I was a teen.

We had a picnic in the town of Mammoth at the north end of the park. In spite of the signs, there was really no avoiding the resident herd of elk,or the ranger whose full time job seems to be babysitting them. He placed these cones after we had been sitting there for a while. The elk are definitely in charge-stopping traffic, eating landscaping, etc. There were several very young ones with spots.

The lower falls

The GRIZZLY BEAR that we watched for about 30 minutes on the mountainside. Really, it was more like communing with it from a safe distance. I have wanted to see a bear in the wild since I was a child. This was a dream come true-and I am not exaggerating.
We also saw a coyote, a bald eagle on its nest, bison, many, many elk, chipmunks, and so many beautiful landscapes and interesting geothermal features. The 'people watching' was even more varied. The first day I was really bugged by the crowds, but by the time we left I was impressed by the variety of cultures and languages represented. And, I am grateful for and impressed by the organization and work involved in making the park available to the world while still preserving and protecting it.

That being said, I would love to go again when we could reasonably expect a bit more solitude.

I have been covering the tomatoes with netting at night to prevent the deer eating them. I have, however, been taking the nets off in the morning to allow the plants to grow. This has been working so far, and we are eating some cherry tomatoes as we wait for the others to start ripening.

Yesterday, I was working with Coral in her room to sort and pack for her transition to dorm life. Kevin arrived home from work at 5:30 pm to see a deer LAYING DOWN in the middle of my cucumbers apparently digesting all the lovely tops of my tomato plants!

When it noticed it was being watched, and perhaps heard everyone racing to the window yelling, it stood up and stared at us for a while before Leith rushed outside to scare it off.

On Monday, we hiked with the Daudins to the caves at Mt Timpanogos. The views in American Fork canyon were wonderful. We were glad we walked up mostly in the shade, as the day was hot.
The last time we did this, 3 years ago for India's birthday, Leith refused to go into the cave after riding up the 1.5 miles and 1100 ft gain in elevation on Kevin's shoulders. And, once inside, Coral discovered that she has a phobia to being inside a cave. I had to hold her and whisper in her ear the entire to time to get her through. It was a terrible experience for her. This time, sans Coral and without any hitch-hiking small children, we were free to really enjoy the caves and the scenery and the company.
Niall, Leith, Astrid, & Pauline

Taking a brief rest... Toto, we are not at sea level any more!

The Daudin family

The 'Heart' of Timpanogos, with a cool Native American legend to go with it

The two parts in the center of this photo should connect the last 3/4 inch between them in about 200 years.

Here is a list of some of the diversions that are keeping us amused and tolerant of the summer heat:

Marie-Anne and I checked out the Farmers' Market at Pioneer Park downtown last Saturday. I wonder where they put the drug dealers during the market hours? We only found fruit & veg, crafts, and prepared foods for sale. We brought home a very tasty Green River watermelon, some amazing fresh pasta, green beans, and basil. I found a vendor who brings red and black currents to sell early in the season. I will have to remember to get some at the beginning of July next year. We passed on the the cowboy-looking sculpture featuring a cow's skull and a kitschy replica of the Eiffel Tower.

India and I-along with Ashley, Marie-Anne, and the boys-made our yearly drive to the Springville Museum of Art to see the quilt competition entries. I saw some amazing workmanship, both hand and machine, but not as many inspiring designs as in years past. The teens and boys seemed to enjoy the new sculpture garden the most. I also looked around an exhibit of Soviet era paintings-something I may need to revisit for a better look.

Leith started swimming lessons and we are all trying to take advantage of our swimming passes at the Draper pool. The view from in the water is 360 degrees of mountain tops.

We reprised our Bride & Prejudice video party complete with Indian takeout- yum. Afterwards, we heard from a number of people who wished they had been invited. We may have to stage yet another one and broadcast the invitation more widely.

Marie-Anne accompanied me to my book club's discussion of Bill Bryson's I am a Stranger Here, Myself. It was a lively discussion complete with a few shocking moments, a tasty snack, and a variety of people for Marie-Anne to listen to. We are finding that some of my neighbors and friends speak way too fast and slur too many consonants to be easily understood. But, I think Marie-Anne enjoyed reading the book and participating in the discussion.

Kevin skied with friends, Nate and Brian, on Deer Creek Reservoir, Friday. Not surprisingly, they ate junk food and pushed safety limits.

Marie-Anne's family-Steve, Pauline-13, and Astrid-8 Daudin, arrived a few days ago. They are a beautiful family and seem thrilled to be reunited after three weeks apart. They are staying in a hotel while they sight see, but joined us for a BBQ last night. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed getting to know them a bit. Marie-Anne keeps encouraging us to visit them in France. I hope she understands that if it were not for money, an ocean, and the schedules of 6 people, we would come tomorrow. As it is, we will be looking forward to an opportunity to make it happen.

Kevin and I spent this morning at the annual art fair in Park City. We were delighted to encounter an Israeli artist, Amos Amit, from whom we bought prints many years ago at a similar fair in Ann Arbor, MI. Although we both love his work, Kevin is more enthusiastic about it than I usually see him. We bought several more of his numbered batik prints, including the 1/500 of his new print, Tree of Life.

We are celebrating Pioneer Day-an actual holiday here in UT with a day off work, etc.-by mostly feeling grateful for the comforts of a non-Pioneering life. We did wake up the kids early in order to hike before all the cute families and large groups of Japanese tourists hit the trails. We were in Big Cottonwood Canyon, on a trail that leads past Doughnut Falls and a small snake that had to be picked up, and up to... we don't know where, but the section we hiked was rugged and beautiful.

Leith's latest eye Dr appt. resulted in a prescription for his first pair of glasses. He has an eye problem similar to Niall's and related to Coral's. He has lost vision in his left eye, but should regain it with the glasses. I continue to be so grateful to have access to the care my children need for these eye problems. I am also grateful to the eye wear shop that has already graciously replaced Leith's glasses free of charge when they were broken 5 hours after he began wearing them.

Right after the holiday weekend earlier this month, I got a sudden opportunity to host a teacher from France in my home for 5 weeks. I knew instantly that this was a great opportunity to expand my world and jumped at the chance. Marie-Anne Daudin arrived on July 10. She is the chaperon of 8 French students staying with families here in UT, in CO and in CA for a language immersion and cultural experience. Other than keeping tabs on the students by phone, Marie-Anne has no particular demands on her time. We have been having a great time showing her our world, teaching her important American phrases- chick-flick, etc-, feeding her new foods-Coral has been demonstrating the use of Ranch dressing as an all purpose condiment, and on and on. She had a constant look of alarm and fascination in Costco. I totally understand-I find Costco alarming, and I am American. Marie-Anne has a husband and two daughters near Nantes, France who will join her for some sightseeing next week- I can't wait to meet them.

Marie-Anne was very interested to hear of the wildlife we encounter here, particularly the deer. They are so perverse- they seem to have left town just for her visit. It is nice for my tomatoes and peaches, but she was starting to disbelieve our accounts. One evening, I took her out for a drive to find some deer to look at. We drove over the hill to Highland and back without seeing a single one. I decided to drive around the Temple on the way home, and we finally saw one deer grazing in some one's front yard, amid the traffic and pedestrians around the Temple.

Marie-Anne, Leith and I hiked to Cecret Lake at the top of Alta last Friday. The sun was intense and the scenery amazing. We spent a few minutes feeding a Pika granola bars by the lake before returning to the scorching valley heat.

I didn't think of this in the two days I had to prepare for Marie-Anne's visit, but she is getting huge dose of our religion while she is here. We toured the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple yesterday, (it is pronounced 'ochre'- like the paint color) and she has spent some time visiting Temple Square and attending church with us.

I think there are two world class things to see here in Utah: the mountains and natural scenery and the headquarters and temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so grateful to have a hand in showing her both. I am having a great time with her in many other ways, too- sightseeing, cooking, gardening, reading, watching movies, talking, etc., etc.

Backyard wonders

On Father's Day, Church was cancelled because so many people in this area had contracted the Swine Flu- Kevin included. As the long day stretched out ahead of us, Leith noticed through the back windows that the baby squirrels were emerging- perhaps for the first time- from their nest under our patio. We watched the four of them and their mother for over an hour. Taking pictures through the blinds was tricky...

For a while, the mother sat up on the rock wall looking at the babies and communicating with them. We wondered if she was trying to get them to come up to her. We haven't seen any of them since. It is amazing what we miss as we rush through our busy lives. I am so glad we had the down time that day, and that Leith was observant enough to catch this event.

Catching up...

Before we went to the beach, India and I left Kevin at home with the boys and the Swine Flu while we went to Youth Conference in Manti and Ephraim. We did baptisms in the fairytale-like Manti Temple. I had seen photos before, but the beauty of this Temple and its setting are hard to believe, even while standing right in front of it. I kept blinking to be sure.
India and Caitlin at the Manti Temple

The Manti Pageant later that evening was a very interesting cultural event. It was a unique 'take' on the history of the Church. It is billed as the 'Mormon Miracle Pageant', but parts of it seemed to me more like the 'Mormon Folklore Pageant'. It was fascinating to see how the whole community participates in one way or another and how invested they are in making it successful economically for the town to host so many visitors. It would have been worth it to me to go there and sit on the lawn near the Temple and look at the stars- no pageant necessary. So beautiful...

The rest of the conference was at Snow College. The kids played many games on the lawns, ate in the student center and had a fireside with one of the special teams coaches at BYU- a very cool and spiritual guy from Scotland- Robert Grant. We had several youth that turned out to be sick with the Swine Flu, but other than that, it was a great experience.

Independence Day

Our hike took 5 hours plus the time we spent at the lake and driving. We arrived home at 2pm exhausted, in need of showers, with 2 1/2 hours before guests arrived for dinner. We powered through, even though my legs felt like Jello, and had a really nice cook out.
Grandma Denna, Jack & Robin, James & Joy all joined us along with Diana who stayed the whole weekend and helped cook.
James, from Elko & a Grade 2 Piper, generously played for us after dinner. We heard clapping and cheering from other backyard groups around the neighborhood.
I made this to entertain the kids, but it actually turned out to be delicious, too. Lemon juice and zest in white cake, raspberry and cream filling with lemon juice in the frosting and, of course the beautiful berries. I am so bad at making the layers even and frosting it! Good thing it was tasty.

Diana reprised her raspberry pie, this time studded with blueberries. Amazing.

After dinner we went to Thanksgiving Point to spend the evening playing Frisbee, throwing a football, chatting with the many friends and neighbors we saw there and watching fireworks. We were completely exhausted, Diana dangerously so, but we definitely maximized the holiday and enjoyed all the best things about living in this beautiful, wonderful country.

Holiday Weekend Hiking

We hiked on Friday on the White Pine Trail- a favorite. Coral wimped out due to a pulled muscle and stayed home.

Diana was with us Friday and stayed over so she and Kevin and I could go further along the trail into Red Pine Canyon and up to the Lower Red Pine Lake.

It was a strenuous climb with significant snow fields as we got toward the top. The gain in elevation is over 2,000ft with the lake sitting at about 9620ft.

The other-worldly blue-green of the lake and the surrounding scenery were SO worth the effort. Kevin and I are making plans to come up here overnight sometime soon. You can't see it, but the Hotel/Spa/Gourmet Restaurant is just on the other side- JK!!! We are talking serious roughing it.
Kevin was very amusing as we came down the mountain, through the snow.

Beach 2009

This is the path that leads from the house to the beach, crossing a wild flower covered sand dune.

Leith and Kevin play catch as the tide comes in.

At high tide, the waves were encroaching on our space, so Niall undertook to build a little sea wall- it actually did keep the water off the towels, mostly.

We love the self timer feature on the camera.

Leith looking at tide pools.

Niall on the rocks.
India plays in the surf.

Coral tries not to let the wave catch her.

Lunch on the beach.

Leith needed a boost at the bottom, then climbed right up.

Part of the beach has been inundated with a finer sand than usual- not good for tide pools and sea stars, but great for sand castles.

Cute kids!

More self timer photos....

After the self-timers,the boys didn't stick around for more pics, but the girls love the camera.

The last morning...

The path that leads from the beach back over the dune to the car to go home....
As an added bonus, here is a little video of the kids interacting with the gulls that became interested in our lunch....

Niall has been drawing a series of maritime pictures he calls 'Demented Fish'. We are all fairly amused. He is experimenting now with making a comic strip.

Coral graduated from Seminary Sunday night and from High School yesterday.

She played in the Wind Ensemble for the graduation.

Because of her first chair seat, she ended up on the big video screen often.

The ceremony was long- plenty of pontificating by school and district officials, who interrupted themselves at times to chastise the kids for batting beach balls around the auditorium. This is a photo that Leith took which captures my feelings of surreal entrapment. To be fair, my history with graduations does not predispose me to find this meaningful. But, Coral is much different and enjoyed it, and I was there for her.

As I described it all to Alison, she had the brilliant idea that this all could be accomplished by a single text message blast at a certain time on the appointed day.

SMS: "Congrats! We have double checked that you are not indebted to us for any fines and that you have cleared up all your tardies/absences in detention. Your diploma should arrive in your email box by 2pm."

The enjoyable part of the ceremony came when each of the 762 graduates stood one by one in front of the camera, appearing on the big screen above, and posed for a picture while his or her name was read before collecting a diploma cover and shaking hands with the principal. Many of the students did very funny and entertaining things for the camera. One boy turned from side to side as if he were having a mug shot taken, another held up a sign with a prisoner number on it. Several students posed as if they were busily taking a cell phone call or sending a text. There were many funny faces and cute poses. One boy mouthed 'I love you, Mom'. I connected with the idea that each graduate was individually given a moment of technological limelight in which to bask. I didn't get a photo of Coral on screen, but I understand that I will have the opportunity to purchase the photo later- big surprise.

Here she is!

I am proud of Coral and am looking forward with her to the opportunities to come!

Niall is having a lot of fun in scouts. At a recent pack meeting, he participated in a skit where the other boys showed off articles of clothing that they got from JC Penny. Niall played the part of JC Penny who came in at the end pretending to not have any clothes.

On May 29th, India participated in the Temple Celebration commemorating the dedication of the Draper Temple. The program was essentially a musical tribute to the history of the Draper area. I was excited to see the kids have this opportunity. I have seen reports of these types of celebrations around the world and was worried that because we live here, we would never have this chance. I understand that the plans for this celebration were underway over a year ago, but we didn't know about it on a local level until late in January- which gave us what seemed like an impossibly short amount of time to work on it. Our planning and preparation were combined with that of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple district- their nearly identical celebration was held the next day.

The theme of the celebration was 'Come up to the Mountain of the Lord' - taken from Isaiah 2:2. The Conference Center stage was decorated with a huge 'mountain' backdrop. During the final number, the top of this 'mountain' changed into a model of the Draper Temple.

The whole thing really was a three-month-long party of song and dance for the youth. They wore plastic wristbands reminding them of the theme, received weekly text messages and spent many hours rehearsing. For the adults, it was a blur of budgets, costumes, schedule changes and crowd control- in a festive atmosphere. Our Stake's dance number came in the 'cultural diversity' section and depicted Polynesian culture. India was a Hula dancer-she can really swing her hips and was in the very front. I sewed 'Haka' skirts for the boys.

The afternoon of the celebration, our youth gathered for a Luau before going into the city to the Conference Center. Kevin and I took the boys to watch. Most of the floor of Conference Center was taken up by the huge choir waving choreographed flags as they sang. About half of the nearly 7000 participants sang and half danced. The dance numbers were very much in the 'musical theater' tradition- loosely depicting their subject matter while having a lot of fun dancing in costumes. My personal fav was the number showing the rigors of life for the early settlers living in dugouts. Apparently they spent a lot of time dancing around their dugouts with shovels and brooms. We took binoculars so we could zoom in on India and actually see her from the balcony where we were sitting.


Before the boys fell asleep, they had fun watching the whole spectacle. The props were great- handcarts, wagons, a huge train engine, two spectacular vintage cars in the 50's number, stars and a moon hanging from the ceiling, etc.

This is a cell phone pic of the stage after the top of the mountain changed into the Draper Temple.

The associated website www.templecelebration.com has photos and video as well as the beautiful song 'Come up to the Mountain' composed and written for the event.

Leith and I spent part of the afternoon watching this HUGE butterfly work among the flowers in one of our hanging baskets.

The top wingspan.

This is the underside.

I am fascinated by the wide variety of creatures we get to enjoy- or sometimes not- in our small yard.

Memorial Day

After a weekend of rain, we woke to blue skies, puffy clouds and a cool breeze. We headed into Bell Canyon- spring leaves, wildflowers and rushing waters-amazing!

Diana and Ashley joined us.

A lavender butterfly

After the hike, Diana made a fresh raspberry pie-like a fresh strawberry pie and truly one of the most decadent desserts ever- before we headed to the park to hear the Air Force Reserve Band play. They were amazing- their pipe band played the fanciest arrangement of Highland Cathedral that I have ever heard.

Later, we grilled and ate outside and then enjoyed watching the hang gliders float over us as we sat around the fire and the kids ran around the neighborhood. We are truly blessed-it was a perfect day.

I am growing lilac bushes in the backyard, but it is slow going. I am probably a few years out on blooms that can be cut and brought indoors. I am so jealous of others as I drive around looking at the beautiful blooms.
For Mother's Day, I asked Kevin and my children to go out early and 'procure' some lilacs for me. I don't think it is stealing if they are hanging over the sidewalk. They look and smell so wonderful.

We now have visual proof that the varmint tunneling under our flagstone and patio is a darling squirrel. I have been planting a few trees and getting everything weeded and ready for Summer gardening and wondering whether I could just work around the little entrance to his tunnel. Can't we all just get along?
In other wildlife news...I have been scoping out house possibilities for our friends, the Larsens, who are moving to UT from CA and was trying to check out a house I had seen online. As I was navigating the streets of Draper, I had just looked back to the road after seeing Golden Pheasant Dr in time to slow down as a real, live PHEASANT slowly crossed in front of me. I had to come to an almost complete stop and had plenty of time to check him out. I could still see the Golden Pheasant street sign and glanced back and forth between the sign and the bird several times.
I had just taken the girls to school and there were no other cars around. The quiet, cool stillness of the morning as I slowed down and the bird passed in front of my car felt ethereal and supernatural-like an episode of the Twilight Zone before things get creepy. The creepy part is that I keep thinking about it.
It is time for school to end so I can get to the beach and clear my head.

I made some amazing Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo! The only down side is that we didn't invite enough people over to eat it. Kevin doesn't see that as a problem, but I have a bit more of a sharing spirit :) Next year we will have to plan ahead enough to put together a bigger party. I am glad, though, to have had Melissa Davis to ourselves for a little while- she is fabulous, but too busy to see often enough!

I hosted my book club last night for a discussion of To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I first read this last Autumn and it is on the short list of books which, for me, have rocked my world. I am always nervous to invite scrutiny of things to which I respond first emotionally, and I would say that this book would be a challenging read for anyone. However, the smart, accomplished and diverse women in my group really added to my appreciation of this novel with their insights and personal responses.
This is why I love being in a great book group. I treasure the luxury I have to read and study and share. And, the food wasn't bad, either- amazing strawberries, black grapes, multi grain tortilla chips, fancy cheeses from IKEA-thanks, Coral, and coconut toasted cashews- thanks, Costco!

The kids and I are very sad that the babies are going home tomorrow. Coral was sobbing as she packed for her trip to San Francisco last night, and India and I have been teary all day today. The boys have each asked me separately if we could keep at least one baby here.

Kevin ran the Salt Lake City Marathon today. He has been training for months. He was a bit disappointed in his time, but gratified to have reached his goal. I was just worried that one, he might get hurt, or two, that he might find a reason to do this repeatedly. He assures me that he is no worse for the wear, other than a bit sore, tired and hungry, and does not plan to do it again. Good, I get my husband back! I am really proud and impressed, though.

After several days of rain, we woke up Thursday to this...

Alison ventured out to take a picture before the sun broke over the houses above us and melted this all away.

I don't remember Grandpa ever dealing with this in his peach orchard.

Beautiful! I don't think it was cold enough to do any real damage.

Sink Baths

Nadine

Joseph

Children....

Leith feeds Nadine

Niall feeds Nadine

The Easter bunny doing quality control

After the egg hunt

Easter clothes
The kids made monolithic snow balls on one of the many inclement days we have had lately.
A couple days later, Kevin referred to the remnants as 'Snow Henge'

A photo of the 'Medieval Game'

Coral is 18!!!

Coral turned 18 last Sat!! She was feeling a bit sad because she had found most of her presents ahead of time and we spent a good portion of the day having pictures taken of our family and the babies by Janea Greene. Janea took Coral's senior pictures earlier. I am really excited about the photos- we haven't had professional ones taken in years and Janea is very talented. Coral, however, felt like perhaps her birthday wasn't entirely focused on her. Welcome to adulthood! I think the rockin' new laptop helped, though.

She is still feeling a bit sad and lonely about Stevens absence, although she knows he is where he needs to be and fully supports him. But, she has found a new boyfriend in Joseph. She plays with him and holds him and even sleeps with him any time she is home.

Between the waiting for a letter from Steven and hanging out with Joseph, there is really no time for any of her other stalkers. I wish they would all just stop trying, really.

Update....

Nadine and Joseph dressed in finely sewn Jack & Janie garb for Easter- they ditched the hats early on, though!

Nadine outgrew most of her clothes within a week or so of arriving and Joseph is barely fitting in his. New clothes were procured.

My mom said I sound tired when she calls. I am very tired, but it would be weird if I weren't. I get about 5 hours of interupted sleep per night and only sometimes is it convenient to take a bit of a nap in the day. But, it is not an unpleasant fatigue. The babies are sweet and funny and snuggly. My children have all responded to them in charming and caring ways and are enjoying hanging out with Alison & Rose as well. Rose seems at times a bit overwhelmed by the constant company of two rowdy boys.

General Conference Weekend

Joseph and Nadine in clothing sent to them by Clark's kids

I am fully in 'I was up in the night with the babies and am not getting dressed' mode

Niall feeds Nadine

India with Nadine and a sponge curler experiment

Leith and Kevin watching conference

Coral, don't bite Joseph!

Alison and Joseph

Dale and his brother Joe with Nadine

I love General Conference. Early highlights for me this time include talks by Elders Christofferson, Holland, Bednar and Sister Lifferth. The boys continued our tradition of building with Legos while they listen. Kevin ordered cinnamon roles to bake Sunday am, and Alison and I ordered take out Indian food while Kevin was at the Priesthood session. Dale's brother joined us on Sat before taking him to the airport. We all sat around watching and listening to the talks, taking care of the babies and snacking.

Happy 43rd Birthday to Kevin today! I managed to make him his traditional strawberry layered cake and a favorite dinner. Niall, Leith and Roselyn made him cards. Gifts and going out to celebrate will have to wait. Babies trump birthdays.

Let it snow...

Snow has been falling since Alison and her family arrived. The older kids are enjoying the Spring weather!
Thursday...

Friday...

Bath Time!

Nadine likes her bath....

I was warned that Joseph doesn't- here he is before...

And during...Sorry, buddy!!

Joseph and Nadine

Here they are....

Everyone arrived in good shape and are getting settled in.

We are gearing up here- and I mean acquiring and setting up baby gear- for the arrival of Alison, Roselyn, and the 8 week old twins, Nadine and Joseph. Alison is finding that she is still in need of a bit of help with the babies as they show no signs of self-sufficiency, patient turn-taking, or consideration for her sleep needs. I have invited them up here for a change of scenery and to take a turn helping care for them all-read: in order to get my hands on the babies. I am really excited to have them coming.

Leith's first soccer game...

Leith warms up before the game,

takes a throw-in,

runs to the ball,

and cheers at the end!

It was about 35 degrees out, with a stiff wind, and some snow on the ground. The cute little guys, 'scuse me- big guys, powered through and had a great time. With that uniform color, they were definitely the prettiest team out there!

Kevin and I attended the Orchestra at Temple Square Spring concert Friday night. I didn't really look into the program beforehand and began to be a little concerned as we read over the brochure before it began. I remembered a piece in the newspaper warning that the audience might have a difficult time with some of the music. The first half of the concert featured a song cycle of poems written by a Dutch Holocaust survivor set to music. The text was upsetting and haunting. The music was also haunting, but beautiful, and the soloist- the daughter of the Georgian born composer-was amazing. The second half of the concert featured Symphony no. 5 by Shostakovich, which was written in 1937 at the height of Stalin's atrocities. The symphony was crafted to please the ruling party while at the same time containing many symbolic elements of subversion and resistance. I wondered if I would be able to feel this as I listened, and I definitely was.
As I listened to these and the other pieces in the program- all written in response to the Holocaust and to other forms of political repression- I was deeply moved. I found it a particularly appropriate program for this season of Lent, Passover, and Easter. I found my thoughts and feelings turned toward the hope and promise of the atonement and the resurrection.

Sherman Family Ski Day-2

Sundance, Friday, Mar 27

Leith and India ski through fresh powder in the 'Enchanted Forest'

Although Spring is upon us, several very wintry storms have coated the mountains with significant amounts of amazing snow. We just had to squeeze in another family ski day! The air was cold and the snow powdery. We all stayed together throughout the day- thanks guys for waiting for me. Coral and Niall tried new jumps, India and Leith looked great, and I bent my poles- don't bother asking me.

I watch the snow falling today as I reflect on the moment of Spring we enjoyed as we celebrated the dedication of the Temple over the last few days. Friday dawned clear, warm, and still. The trees are just beginning to bud, and the snow is receding up the mountainsides. All reminding me that Spring symbolises the promise of new life in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kevin and I sat in one of the Sealing Rooms in the Temple and watched, on screens, the dedication service taking place in the nearby Celestial Room. We were pleased, also, to see the Cornerstone ceremony from outside, and to hear Coral and the youth choir sing. Afterwards, we walked down the hill toward our house in the sunshine, feeling the warmth of all we had experienced.
This link shows a tiny bit of the day- and about one second of Coral singing in her cute lavender coat:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5909540

(Kevin and I came 'up to the mountain' in another way later that day as we took the boys skiing for a few hours at Alta. The snow was soft, the sky was blue, and the boys were adorable on skis.)
We had the opportunity to attend the last Dedication service Sunday afternoon as the wind blew a winter storm toward us. I felt a strong sense of the Temple as a refuge from the difficulties of life and of the importance of leading my children to the Temple as they grow.

Getting ready for tomorrow's Temple Dedication...

The dedication of the Draper Temple is tomorrow. Coral is singing in the youth choir for Pres. Monson as he performs the Cornerstone Dedication. I attended the dress rehearsal today to hear her sing, as Kevin and I will be inside the Temple tomorrow- we are not sure if we will be able to view this part of the proceedings on screens inside. Coral has had a very uplifting spiritual experience as she has rehearsed for this event. It is quite an honor for her to have been asked to participate. Tomorrow, she will be two flower beds and sidewalk's width from the Prophet as she sings.

The audio on this clip isn't great, but gives some idea of how it all sounds. They will sing "We Thank Thee O, God, for a Prophet" and then "Come Let Us Rejoice"- this is the third verse.

Leith turns 5!!

Leith turned 5 last Sat. It was a crazy day- Kevin ran 20 miles, Coral worked and spent her last weekend with Steven before he enters the MTC, India performed Suessical twice- I feel like I am forgetting something...
Kevin and I took the boys to play miniature golf to celebrate Leith's Birthday.
Leith scores a hole-in-one!
We all managed to gather for an hour to have supper, cake, and presents with Leith.
Grandma Denna made him a chocolate cake.

Leith told me that now that he is 5, he is not the littlest one in the family anymore. I asked him who was the smallest and he replied that now, no one is. Poor guy- he is dying to be big and we just want him to stay small.

India just finished performing in "Suessical".

She was a creature in the jungle of Nool, a jelly fish in McElligot's pool, a circus performer, and a creepy pair of glow in the dark eyes. She also worked hard backstage helping with costume changes for the Cat in the Hat.

"Suessical" combines several Dr. Suess tales with music and dance to make a very entertaining show. The boys were pretty amused as they recognized characters and story lines.

It was a great show- one of the best community theater productions I have seen- and India had a fantastic experience.