Dear everyone,

Thank you for your sweet thoughts. I am so fortunate to have animal-loving friends who understand why in the world I could be so sad over a dog. Bennett seems to be feeling better, although we cried together in his bed tonight. School and friends have been a great diversion for him, and I'm so glad. I, on the other hand, can't stop crying. Little things set me off. It's absolutely impossible to look in the backyard and not miss her. So basically I am thinking of her all day as I look out the back windows of my house. I'll find myself go to turn on the light for her, or look for her at the gate when I pull up. It freaks me out when people come to the door without me knowing, because Lucy usually barked like a maniac when anyone pulled up or walked by. Yikes. So many habits I had no idea I even had. Here's what I wish: that I had sat outside and petted her for awhile that day. I am glad that I fed her the crusts of my kids' peanut butter sandwiches that day. She looooved peanut butter. We used to laugh when it would get stuck to the roof of her mouth, and she'd lick and lick and lick. Awww, Lucy.

The kids keep forgetting she's gone. They are so careful to hurry and close the gate so she won't get out. Owen wanted to play out in the backyard with Rose's kids yesterday and said, "Don't worry! I'll put Lucy in!" Then he looked up at me with big, sad eyes and said, "Oh. Yeah." Mmm-hmmm. More tears.

Anyway, this might be too much information about how much I miss my doggie, but so be it. I miss her.

Goodbye, old friend.

Tonight our loyal friend, Lucy Lou left us for a better place. A real farm with wide open spaces to run free in, and lots of dirty socks to eat. Lest you think I'm taking this lightly, I'm totally bawling as I write this; tonight has been the saddest night I can remember.

Sometime around 4:15 this afternoon, Owen came running in to tell me that the gate was left open and Lucy had escaped. I immediately dashed out the door with a piece of bread in my hand to use as bait, and ran down the driveway. This is when I hear the most horrible noises I can even think of: a dog yelping in horrible pain, and a little boy screaming in fear and horror. I started running for 200 East where the sounds were coming from, and saw Bennett rounding the corner, still screaming, face grief-stricken. I knew what had happened, and my stomach tightened like I've never experienced. I ran to Lucy while the boys stood on the sidewalk and watched. A big blue truck was pulled over, along with a small red car. Lucy was still alive when I reached her, but I knew she was not going to survive. Her eyes were glazed over; I'm hoping she was unconscious. I don't think I was screaming, but I might have been. I can't remember. I just held her, aware of the boys across the street, and stroked her, saying her name again and again.

The man who had hit her came over with his cell phone. I called Jason, who was on his way to the bike shop, told him what had happened. I asked him to send for our vet friend, Jason Gibson. Then I called Julie to ask if she would check on Jake and Finn, who I had left at home. It wasn't long after my phone calls that I knew she was gone. Oh, my heart ached! I went back across the street and brought the boys over to pet her and tell her goodbye. The driver of the truck had moved her out of the middle of the road. Neighbors started coming out, taking care of the kids, comforting the boys just as Dr Gibson and Jason arrived. Edna, Julie, and Natalie all came over, and then took the boys home while Gibson looked Lucy over. He then lifted her into his vet truck and drove her to our house.

We buried Lucy tonight, in a special burial place for special dogs. She is resting with the dogs of a few of our close friends, in a beautiful pasture near the animal hospital. The big boys wanted to be there when they buried her. Owen came right home and drew a picture of the event.

I just can't tell you how much the boys, especially Bennett, need your prayers in the coming days. Bennett is so upset. All of us have been crying all evening, and we are all devastated. But because Bennett witnessed her getting hit, I worry that he will take this very hard.

We have had some wonderful friends bring things by: dinner, treats, handmade cards, phone calls. Each visitor brings a fresh flood of tears, not just because we are sad, but because we feel so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives. Dr. Gibson, we thank you for the care you took of us and Lucy tonight. It was so appreciated.

Tonight we looked through our iphoto library and found some pictures of Lucy. The pictures made us all feel better, so I'm going to post a few.

We will miss Lucy so much. She was our camping friend, hiking friend, snow-sport friend, protect-the-house friend. We have loved her for 7 1/2 years now, just 2 years fewer than we have been married. So it really feels like someone is missing tonight.

Bye, Lucy. We love you.

Logan's got talent.

I was able to help with a talent show for our Stake last night.  It took about a gazillion hours to plan and carry out, and I basically have about 3 terrible, dark photos to show how great it was.  I wish I had been better about documenting it, because it really was a great event.  I was in charge of the displays of all the fine arts, home arts, creative arts, etc.  It was absolutely amazing to see such a different side of people.  They were coming out of the woodwork to demonstrate their filet crochet, quilting, photography, wood-carving, painting, drawing, set design, etc... We really do have great talent in our stake.  It was so fun to see.

There was also a program which both Jason and I participated in, although I have no proof of my part since there are NO photos of it.  Jason was the leader of the Cache Back rock band.  They were so awesome.  They played "I'm a Believer," "Heart of Gold," and "Twist and Shout."  It wasn't mellow either; it was completely rockin'.  I'm pretty sure nothing like it had ever been seen in our stake's cultural hall.  People were absolutely loving it.  Old and young alike were clapping and whooping it up.  I was so proud of Jason.  They really did sound so great.  

My part was tamer, but also very fun.  Julie Kirby and I taught and danced with her Activity Days girls in an Irish dance, and it was the cutest thing ever.  Those girls were so thrilled to be wearing costumes and dancing on stage in front of a huge gym packed with people.  Mostly they were thrilled about the costumes, and they did look so very cute.  But again, no photo.  So sad.  Maybe some kind person will email me some???

Then Bennett took part in the program when they invited all the primary children to come up and sing with the accompaniment of the Festival Orchestra, led by Nancy Law.  It was such a fun experience for Bennett.  He watched all the performances with rapt attention. There was a Tai Chi sword form, a bagpiper, and other cool stuff to watch.  The best part, though, was to watch Bennett smile while watching his dad rock out with the band.  He was clapping and whistling, so so so proud.

A big ol' thanks to my angel mother who took care of the three youngest boys for us that night while we were performing.  Owen developed a weird high fever early that afternoon, and was asleep on the couch for most of the evening.  He definitely wasn't up for a party at the stake center, so I don't know what we would have done without her.  And thanks also to Jaime & Porter, Cami and Dad for coming to watch us perform.  It was so nice of them.  It's the best when your Dad is still proud of you for a dance performance or anything else when you're 33.  I love my family so much!  And finally, I'm so sorry that this talent show put a damper on my ability to participate in my little niece, Clara's incredible, amazing, beautiful princess birthday party Saturday afternoon.  Happy birthday to her and Kate both.  I will make it up to you girls!

When I grow up...

I have record a conversation I overheard my brother, Lee, having with some of the neighbor kids and my kids the other night.

Lee:  "Owen, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Owen:  "A scientist."

Lee:  "Cool!  Bennett, what do you want to be?"

Bennett:  "A scientist and an artist."

Lee:  "Cool.  Ruby, what do you want to be?"

Ruby:  "An artist."

Lee:  "Cool.  Olivia, what do you want to be?"

Olivia, with no hesitation at all:  "A dishwasher."

It was so cute, especially when she elaborated further by saying, "I want to be a dishwasher so I can always help my Mom."

Julie, I thought you would like to hear that.  What a girl!

Weekend With Jack

We had a great time with Jack this weekend!  Thanks for letting him stay, Kate and Androo!

We went for a chilly but lovely hike and picnic at Spring Hollow.

We found the most amazing climbing tree!

Check out these faces!

Holy handsome boys, Batman!

Why we should donate to public television, and pay our teachers more...

Owen and I spent the morning experimenting with these slabs of ice he found on the slide in the backyard, a la Sid the Science Kid. "I learned something new, something new today!" Owen came up with some really creative things to do to the ice. He drew on it with watercolor pencils, melted it with salt, melted colored sugar on it, chipped at it, poured hot water on it, etc. He really does have a scientific mind, and he asks the coolest questions.  It doesn't hurt that Sid the Science Kid also asks cool questions, and shows kids cool experiments they can do with real life things all around them.

Yesterday Owen was telling me, "Mom, did you know that in the olden days, people thought the world was FLAT? So if you walked to the edge of it, you would just fall off into outer space! PFFF! Can you believe that?! [laughing] We know the earth is round, even though it looks flat. It's just so big, it's hard to tell."

I'm pretty sure I've never talked with him about this, so I thank his teachers for taking time to talk to him about big things, and not underestimating what he can comprehend.

Bennett for President!

Bennett brought this assignment on what he would do if he were president:

And this one gives me insight into why he has a hard time finishing his work in class... More fancy writing from Bennett!

A Day in the Life of a Mother of Boys.

Rose came over with a bottle of bubbly (okay, sparkling cider), and donuts to celebrate the election results on Wednesday. I then walked her out to her car, where we stood in the cold and talked about various topics, including motherhood, and how it's a wonder we all survive some days. Honestly, just as we were talking about that subject, Owen came to the back door, crying about something. And immediately after that, I saw a shiny silver object come flying out the door, hitting Owen in the face. It was, in fact, a knife, thrown by Jacob at his brother in a fit of rage. True story. Here's the resulting cut above Owen's lip:
And the resulting afternoon nap that inevitably comes after a full day of crying:

Kudos and Congrats!

Kudos to Senator John McCain for his gracious concession speech last night.  I was very impressed with his words and actions last night.  (If only his audience had been as gracious it would have been perfect.)  I bet he was really excited to get into bed and sleep soundly last night for the first time in many months.  His defeat must surely be mixed with relief. 

Barack Obama undoubtedly has many sleepless nights ahead, and has his work cut out for him.  I am simply grateful to any man or woman who actually wants  the job of navigating our country through the crises we are facing!  I thought the tone of Obama's victory speech reflected his understanding of the enormity of the job ahead.  He was somber and passionate and celebratory in the same speech.  It was so powerful!

If you missed the coverage last night, or just haven't felt a stirring of your patriotism for awhile, you should flip on your television or look HERE on your computer for a recap of last night's events.  I was teary-eyed again this morning watching the Today Show's reports.  

I think and hope the hearts of Americans everywhere are softened today by the historical significance of this election if nothing else.  I even felt compassion towards President Bush as I watched the congratulatory speech he made this morning from the steps of the white house.  Of course he played no small part in the election of a Democratic president, and I'm sure he realizes that.

I look forward to the next four years.  People across the country are motivated and inspired to be better citizens right now, myself included.  People are feeling hopeful, and positive, and ready for the changes our President-Elect has talked about.  The problems he is facing, starting today, are huge, and he is not super-human.  I don't expect him to be able to fulfill all his campaign promises, but I do expect great things.  The whole world does!

November 4, 2008

I love election day.  I love going to our designated polling spot, a church less than a mile from our house, and first checking to see how many cars there are in the parking lot.  Yesterday we parked between a Lincoln Continental and a black Mitsubishi race car.  Definitely a good sign that there was representation for voters of all ages. :)  

I love walking into the gym and over to our table where LuAnn Nielson is always sitting.  She flips her book open to our page, we sign our names, and then choose a booth surrounded by very old people and very young people (as in toddlers) accompanying their mothers and fathers, and the young college-types.  The sight of voters makes me happy.  The atmosphere is electric and stirring.

I love looking over the names on the screen, names I have seen in headlines and yard signs for months and  months now, and making my selections, then casting my ballot, with confidence and freedom. This is not a universal experience, and I am grateful to be a woman who is able to have a say in the outcome of political race.  Tiny though  my voice may be, it is still my voice, expressed with no fear of death or maiming for making my views known.  The whole thing is very exciting to me.  I am also glad my children can come with me and witness the whole thing.  I hope they won't take voting for granted, even if they live in a red state their whole lives.

Bennett scolded me yesterday after school for not voting.  I insisted that I had indeed voted, and showed him my sticker to prove it.  He said, "No, Mom, I didn't see you at my school, and that's where people were voting. Hundreds and hundreds of people were there to vote and YOU WERE NOT THERE."  He was so disgusted.  I was able to explain that our voter precinct goes to a different location to vote, and that people were voting all over the country in different places, libraries, schools, churches, even grocery stores this year.  He smiled, relieved and proud.  And I was absolutely delighted that he cared.  I was also so glad he was able to witness the event firsthand at his school.  Democracy in action at Adam's Elementary!  

This is a great nation, and yesterday was a great day.

Election Eve

Don't worry, no political post here.  I am so excited to go vote tomorrow, though.  I had to drive to Salt Lake today, and got more than my fill of political commentary on every station.  It was very interesting. I have been so focused on the national elections that I really haven't thought tons about the local issues.  Oops.  Oh well.  I think I know enough.  Oh, and so so sad about Barack Obama's grandmother's passing.  I wish she could have hung in there for just 2 more days...  But no matter what, I'm sure she is so proud of her grandson.

So, today was a BIG DAY for our little Finn.  He got his first tooth!  He has been a little crabby over the past couple of weeks, but not bad at all.  And today he was a complete angel all day as we traveled to and from Salt Lake, and then to an appointment for him at the dermatologist.  Poor little kid's got baby acne that I thought needed some attention.  So, first tooth and first visit with the dermatologist, all in one day!  I'm sure somewhere down the road he might be having more teeth and skin problems when he reaches the tender teenage years.  If our kids get Jason's teeth, we are in for a treat.  We'll be paying for some orthodontist's yacht.  And if they get my skin, well, we'll be paying for some dermatologist's.  So it goes.  

Wouldn't it be great if we could pick and choose which genes are passed on to our children?  My teeth, Jason's athletic abilities.  Jason's charm and my sense of direction.  Unfortunately, our children may be doomed in the math department, since both of us are severely challenged in that realm.  I was pleasantly surprised tonight, though, when Bennett told me what a great day he had at school because they did lots and lots of math stuff.  He said he loves it.  WHAT?  How is he my child?  But that's great!  I'll probably be able to help him with his math homework for at least 2 more years, and then I'll be paying Andrea to video-conference some tutoring sessions with the boy.

This is a weird and rambling post, but I have to add one more thing to the randomness. Our reason for being in Salt Lake today was to have a new battery put in our car.  For those of you who don't know (or care, really), we got a Volvo over the summer.  We love it, and love that it is still under warranty!  It means, however, that we have to travel to Salt Lake for repairs.  So this morning when we discovered the battery was dead, we took a trip to AutoZone and realized it would be cheaper to drive to SLC and get the battery replaced there, since parts and labor are still covered.  Soooo, off we went.  It turned into an epic event.  2 hours to get the battery replaced.  I was very irritated, but at the same time highly impressed with the waiting area of the Volvo service department.  It was a little different than what I am used to.  It was really clean, for one thing.  There was a big-screen TV, a big basket of free granola bars, fruit snacks and other kid-friendly items, hot chocolate, vending machines, etc.  They gave us a big box of crayons and coloring packets for the kids, and found Tom and Jerry on the TV just for us.  The kids loved it!

With a big, contented smile Owen said to me, just before they finally came to get us,  "Mom, it feels like we are in a hotel because we've been here so long!"  Indeed.

Julie K. Kabobs. Patent Pending.

Valuable information for parents everywhere:

Have a picky eater at home? Tired of trying to convince your child to eat a balanced meal? Introducing Julie Kirby's lunch-changing idea: Dinner on a stick! Or shish kabob delight! Whatever you call it, your kids will love it. Use meat, cheese, fruit, veggies, bread, or basically anything you can spear in this revolutionary new idea. It makes ordinary or even unappetizing food come alive in a fun new look for your children. Your kids will love it, or your money back.

*Note: Don't learn the hard way, like I did, that you must cut off the sharp end of the stick before presenting this marvel to your children. I'm just going to remind you that boys (and probably girls too, but I wouldn't really know) love sharp, pointy things that can be turned into weapons of all kinds.

Leaf me alone.

Not really! I don't want you to leave me alone. I just wanted to use the word leaf in a sentence before I tell this story:

We have the cutest neighbors ever ever ever named the Thompsons. Rex and Edna are the sweetest people you will ever meet. Edna is Grandma Ed to all the kids in the neighborhood. So don't think I'm poking too much fun at her when I tell this story, because I do love her. It's just that she wastes lots of water by spraying the leaves off her lawn with a high-pressure hose every fall. It cracks me up! But this year I saw her and Rex actually raking up the leaves, placing them on a tarp and moving them to the curb where Logan City comes to pick them all up. (I love Logan City for doing this.) I thought they had perhaps given up on the spray method because we live in a desert and all. But later that day, I passed by again and saw Edna out with the hose, spraying up into the trees in an attempt to knock down all remaining leaves.

I love Edna.

This is Halloween!

This was a great Hallowen. For those of you who may not know, I really like Halloween. I have so many fun childhood memories of Halloween, and it is fun to now create memories with my own family. By the way, the photo above was taken just across the street. Doesn't it look so creepy? But it's really just Donna's backyard, and an antique iphoto trick or two. Anyway... I like to decorate:

Owen got to dress up for preschool, and went trick-or-treating with his class to all the offices in their building. I love how excited kids are to wear their costumes. Here he is with the carpool gang.

This picture is of our little neighbor girl, who came over just as we were brewing up some homemade root beer. I love this photo! She is such a beautiful little witch!

All the kids were so amazed by the dry ice!

This is a Darren and Missy project called E.T. for obvious reasons. Missy made the dinner in a pumpkin, and Darren drew E.T.'s face. I'm highly impressed with both their skills! As it turns out, their family has all of the same Halloween traditions that we do! But Darren's parents, who usually put on the party for them, are serving a mission in Australia right now. So, we combined forces and had a great night doing E.T., homemade root beer, and a donut fry. Oh, and some trick-or-treating thrown in there too. Thanks, guys! It was a great night!

Stopping by the Mohrs' house. Ruby was a beautiful butterfly. I'm not sure what Jake is saying right here. I think he's saying "Trick or treat!!" really loud.

This is Darren and Jason. That's right. Our Bishop and his first counselor. :) Darren's costume was the biggest hit of the night, and the kids had a great time karate chopping his air suit. He was a very good sport. I am a little afraid of what I'm in for with Jake after hearing him shout, "Look at that big fat lady!" Uh-oh.

The gang out on the front porch just before we left to find some treats.

Lee and his impromptu costume. Rock on. Oh, and his shirt was NOT part of the costume. It was his real and actual shirt for the day. That's right.

More rocking with the boys on the porch.

The donut fry was happening in the backyard all night. Jason thinks he fried up over 100 donuts. I didn't try to count how many people were coming and going all evening. It was so much fun! He made a delicious buttermilk cake donut which we glazed and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Mmmmmmmmmm. If you didn't come this year, make sure to come next year!

This is Lindsay the donut-glazer and Jason. Lindsay is Lee's "special friend." We love her!

Clearly everyone was tired by the end of the night. Lee and Lindsay stayed to watch Nosferatu with us, which was really fun for us. But then again, we're really old, and they are cool young kids, so they were probably bored. But still. It was fun.

A little photo of us after cleaning up the kitchen. Both of us said, "Man, I sure look tired in this picture!" But the funny thing is, we've been saying that about almost every photo of us taken in recent months. I don't think it's that we're tired. I think it's that we are OLD. Getting old is so weird. I don't feel old, but here I am. 33 years old. OLD!

Happy Halloween!