D. Bee

February 2nd

2012-02-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

Kevin got me 4 citrus trees...my own grove..too much fun.

I didn't see a groundhog this morning, But I Did see a coyote. Pretty cool.

This is whats blooming in our yard today.

Nice to see a colorful February.

Elder Marcum

2012-01-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Jeff's farewell.

Man, were we Impressed!!

He looks so good.

When he came to the house to tell us of his call - I knew the minute we opened the door.

His talk was great..deep,some funny lines well timed,and truly heartfelt.

He has grown up.

He talked about the two darkest years of his life. He was living at our house during that time (although I am hoping we weren't the reason.) And yet even then, I thought he was one of the most thoughtful, sweet,"real" kid I knew. Imagine him now!

We are all so proud of you jeff.

We love you.

Watch out Milwaukee...elder Marcum is coming your way !!

new beginnings..again

2012-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you are done with New Beginnings, you get called back into Young Womens. Beehives this time and I am thrilled to have the calling.

It was different tonight though. No Devin..no Kelly..not even a teeny,tiny Kerriann. But there was something even more different. We had it outside. At a real pretty park. Under the stars with luminaries lighting the activity. It smelled devine too. It is january people and we had new beginnings Outside!! I am loving this winter.

new beginnings..again

2012-01-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

christmas 2011

2011-12-26T21:24:00.001-08:00

happy winter solstice....brrrr

2011-12-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

Joe's Farm Grill out in gilbert is fast becoming my favorite go-to spot. A perfect place to celebrate the winter solstice with my now intact family.

Gourmet yumminess tastes even better - if that is possible- when eaten out in the orange groves.

Hmmmmm...building a snowman or climbing an orange tree. They each have their moment, but I am with Preston on this gorgeous day.

here is an idea !

2011-12-18T16:40:00.001-08:00

I pulled up behind this car...and light went off...here is the vanity plate I should get.

" 6 COCKS"

What do you think?!

2011-12-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

ok, this was way fun !! On our way to get a christmas tree we stopped by a you-pick-it orange grove. For $5 you get this orange sack and then go out in the groves and pick various citrus to your hearts content. My heart was Bursting with content!! The orange smell alone was so darling. But to be out in the sunshine in december...divine. Great new tradition.

The plantation shutters got lit up ( have you seen the "mad men" blue leather chair?! I love it.)

The front door went gold, jingly festive.

And..ta da..the two palm trees that we now own got their own lights!!

Next year we are going to tackle the cactus !!

Feliz Navidad !!

A truly fun part of moving - no, not the unpacking - is a new way of seeing christmas. Even traditions and old decorations take on a new glow. And our decorations have some miles on them. I remember where they sat in Reno, or San Carlos or Wilsonville...and now here they are in Ahwatukee..hello Santa.

Nice day for an outing

2011-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

who would you choose ?

Preston chose the giraffe.

I don't think that I have ever gone to the zoo ( and carousel ) at christmastime!

grateful for thanksgiving in hawaii

2011-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Pick your Quirk

2011-11-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Some people call them "pet peeves", I prefer quirks. Something that inexplicably gets jammed in your brain and you can't shake it out. Mine is daylight savings time. You too ?!!! Well, I beat this bugger..I simply moved to Arizona where they know what is what. No changing time here for No reason. Every 6 months it drove me crazy to Have to change my time - I didn't want to, but try as I might it was a very hard thing to boycott. The cute little rhyme just confused me more. And if I really tried to "wrap my mind around it" I got dizzy. Easier to move to Arizona. I hear that Hawaii doesn't change either..another nice option. I woke up such a happier person, and no one heard me screaming," Kevin, did you change This clock?!" I am all about making life a little easier.

Ok..moving onto something with a tad more substance. The most incredible thing happened last night. I was clearly recognized for my dessert making skills. It was at a Ward Family Home evening held at the park. They have it on the first monday of every month. Alpine wards take note...they served hotdogs and dessert. Thats it..no vegetable plates, no sides, no sign ups or "ask these people to bring dishes so we can get them there". No posters, no flyers..nada. And no one was complaining about the meal. There was a prayer on the food but then no program of any kind!! The turn out was good. Men folk were playing basketball, just playing not some tournament thing set up. And then people started asking who made the tres leche cake. At first it simply made my heart sing, but then people were really talking about it. I would hear, "oh, you've got to try that cake." This happens to my good friends and daughters..but not me. As Porter once lovingly said," your desserts always taste good,but they look like hell." Ok, this tres leche cake was not a stunner either but the taste was apparently spot on. Oh, and the other thing is that the sista's down here don't do" homemade". You show up at events and its all costco pie this and Safeway brownies that. Two people had even brought nothing-bundt-cakes, and they were still choosing mine!! Brought a tear to my eye. It is not a huge thing, but I am going to take it.

All this because I finally don't have to reset my clocks. It is MY time you know.

hello november

2011-11-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fun this year..except for two pumpkins missing. Arizonians get INTO this holiday. They come out of there houses - it being delightfully "cool" now ( 82 today)- and sit on their front porches with fellow neighbors and pass out candy. They visit while the kids trick or treat. They decorate their houses up too. We sat in our living room with the door wide open and Preston gave out candy after he was done with walking our neighborhood.

Denver was an Unbelievably good sport. We decided that Buddy the Elf was the perfect costume for him..but we couldn't talk him into it. But he did go for the Pillsbury doughboy hat that hasn't seen the light of halloween since Kevin wore it back in 2002. Harrison had two buddies from school and Denver ( never one to make plans ) went out with them. Someone asked him if he was the dad !! And Denver just takes it in stride. Plus neighbors were very generous with him..so who cares if they think your a dad?!

Devin is putting this on her blog too..but I took the picture and love it..so it goes on mine as well. Porter is the other good sport in the family. He went as a pepsi can -of course. We don't go all out on costumes. Oh, random tag-on. Harrisons Jr. Varsity soccer team won the championship last week. They had a "banquet and awards" and Harr received, "the team hippie". The only LDS boy on the team, and he is seen as a hippie. Interesting. Probably has to do with his hair, but I believe it is more because of his groovy thoughts.

autumn in arizona

2011-10-29T21:02:00.001-07:00

It is a different autumn for us this year. Today was the kick-off Farmers Market in Scottsdale..the beginning of the season ?! The nights have cooled down, but the days still beg for the AC to be on. Being outside is lovely. The ward had its "trunk or treat" tonight and we ate dinner outside before the kidlets paraded around the parking lot. Last time I went to one of these parties was with Devin and Kelly back in Reno. I was with Devin and Kelly again..plus a few other little goblins tonight. Preston chose to be Santa Claus. I made the beard.

Cooper was a darling monster. The fur became too much and he went down to a onesie. Ok, this costume would have been perfect back on chilly halloween nights in Utah. And the little fairy foo-foo that we would have to cover up with winter coats, would be ideal here!

Jane made a precious elf to her brother Santa. Mom and dad have reindeer antlers to round out the theme. Despite how cute she looked - and the heat hadn't even hit her yet - the costume was OFF before we were even in line for dinner. Jane has a mind of her own...and if she didn't want to wear that costume at that particular time..end of discussion. I hope to get a full length shot of it on monday because the outfit is just perfect. You have got to see the hat !!

I wanted to add this picture because it so reminds of Devin.

It is all different down here - turned around - and yet just the same.

Trick or Treat.

the old goat remembers

2011-10-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

The Wortons went down to Disneyland and we were able to have Preston and Jane for four days, aka the grand sleepover. Darling children. And Denver and Harrison are the best uncles when it comes to entertaining and helping out. My only complaint is those dang car seats..such a pain and one that definitely makes me think twice about going somewhere. Don't worry..I am using them, and I did use them when my kids were little (ok, most of the time.) Why do I always have to throw in disclaimers?!

The car seat issue - as well as every other tiny daily item - came back to me. The brain just needs a jump start you know ! Day 1&2, Kevin and I were simply sleep deprived and exhausted. Oh yeah, that memory came back Real fast. Except this time when I woke up on the little bed we made up on the floor, and Preston is up in my spot in the bed because he had a monster scare in the middle of the night I am Stiff and creaky. Or on sunday-sleep-in-morning and Preston wakes wide up at 7:05 to greet the day after not the best night. I do remember this stuff but -wow- the "older" element is really making this so much harder.

By day #3, we are all sleeping better and hitting our rythmn. Jane is falling asleep in Poppy's arms watching the world series rather than in her crib..but it works for these old goats. Jane looks so much like Porter, but she is also a dead ringer for Devin at this age. This is a Good memory..and a fun one. My day slows down considerably..and it consists of play food, and my favorite little books being read over and over again and sharing fruit snacks. It is a nice , simple world. I remember that now.

Beaver Nation

2011-10-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Oregon State is pretty cool. Went up there for the BYU game last saturday and this is what I found.

Phoenix zoo

2011-10-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

ohhh..Phoenix has a lovely zoo. And I am tough on zoos. They really have to be open and humane as possible. This one seems to fit the bill. And the weather was perfect. Kevin took it easy and had many rest breaks. A nice Columbus Day was had by all.

Meanwhile, back in the desert....

2011-10-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Denver went to the Priesthood session of General Conference with his brothers the other night. He was sitting there listening, staring at the ground when he notices something moving. Sure enough, it was a scorpion...in-the-chapel !! Denver gallantly crushed it with his shoe ( not really an easy thing to do..one has to Grind it.) I surely would have screamed and tripped off my eternal fear of coming down with tourettes syndrome while in church.

Never fear, I still adore Arizona. But I hate those dang scorpions.

2011-10-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a little story that further explains our decision to come to the Vattukuti Institute in Detroit.

This whole ride begins with a gem of a woman named Judy. Her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and she was clearly Not satisfied with the options presented to them. Judy is the most intelligent, articulate woman I have ever known. She intimidates the scrud out of most people..deservedly so. Each sentence is peppered with comments metaphysical,biophysical and everything "physical". And her comments are spot on, not like some genuises whose thoughts are pinging around. All of this is rounded out by a very frank, witty style. Like I said, she is an absolute GEM. I love her dearly. And now, even more so.

Judy was not going to accept the choices for her husbands needy surgery, so she researched the heck out of prostate cancer. Hundreds of hours and probably an equal amount of conversations later, she found the Vattukuti Urology Institute in Detroit. A doctor was pioneering a robotic surgery and Judy and her husband, after extensive thought and prayer chose him. This was 10 years ago, and Judy is still in constant touch with him. He wanted Judy to come work forn him and help improve - not the surgery obviously - but the Institutes approach/care of the patient. Their way is one of respect that I have not seen in medical care before. Judy didn't take him up on the job offer, but they talk all the time. In fact, when he came in to see Kevin several hours after the operation he asked if we had called Judy yet. When we said no, he flipped out his cell phone and said let's call her and tell her how you wrestled 5 nurses but still ripped your catheter out.

When Judy's husband was cancer free and doing well she didn't forget the Institute. In fact she wanted to help them to reach and save more people. She asked Dr, Menon if she could observe an operation and he let her. Then,
when she went back to Utah she asked another urologist who was starting to do the robotic surgery if she could observe one of his operations .She said that the second operation was like watching a kindergartner trying to tie his shoe in comparison.

The doctor has my eternal gratitude for saving Kevin. And Judy will always be my hero!!

Ramblings in Detroit

2011-09-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Cancer is no respecter of persons, and the people watching has been fascinating .
Was able to attend the Penile Rehab Class this morning. But I wasn't making any jokes there..because everyone else was . We have walked a fine line here between being frank and open, and listening to crass and uber obvious jokes. Some things are and should be private. How odd that I was the prud in the class group.

The perky coordinator that I mentioned before, she was very kind and efficient . But she Also made some weird comments...like, on the way to the post op she said," let's go see your honey bunny" ..several times. Ok, whatever. Kevin was covered up somewhat,but not on his chest and she squealed,"oh women would love him in Asia..they go crazy over hairy men like him.". Eh ?!!! Then he said something and she squeled again over his baritone voice.Then she told him that she had hand picked only the prettiest nurses to attend to him. I think that she was trying to be nice but it reminded me of the incident at Kelly and Bo's reception. A neighbor of the Bowens shook my hand in the receiving line and said," Oh, your daughter got the pick of the litter. When I drive by their house and Brian ( Bo ) is mowing the lawn with his shirt off I have to drive around the block again." Hello ? Melissa was yaking at the front of the line and it wasn't moving and I was stuck with this neighbor. Exactly what does one say After that ?!! And what does one say to a perky coordinator when she is going on about ..well..I don't know. It was just weird. She had a little rubber toy today that had an inflatable penis when it was squeezed. people were hugging her and telling her how much they loved her. Hmmmm, Fascinating people watching here.

Kevin is doing better today and resting. We are doing good.

Ack!! Story continues...

2011-09-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

That's embarrassing..but alas, typical.

Anyway, I am chalking up his strange behavior to coming out of surgery. The intern ( or whatever he is ) is trying to explain to me that the internal catheter is not working ( internal as in it was inserted right below his belly button during surgery into his bladder..it is a Huge leap from the usual catheter.) This was a Very important item to Kevin. He discussed it often with the doctor who assured him that all would be well. nonetheless Kevin worried about this. There was no output however and this Chinese intern - did I mention that? I am sure he is an excellent doctor, but his English was..pretty non-existent - says he has to put in a real catheter. Kevin becomes coherent enough to say " No No..No." Oh geez, his very worst nightmare coming to pass. I think the Chinese doctor was telling me that if it worked maybe we could go back to the other way. but I honestly can't say that is what he was saying for sure and I would ask the nurses and they would say..ask him he is the doctor. What?! Kevin was cramping up terribly and something had to be done..so we went with the dreaded outside catheter. yeah, he drained a liter out in about 30 seconds . later that evening the Real doctor ( who is Awesome ) comes in and is joking about Kevin taking out 5 nurses in the post op..and is sorry that Kevin was able to pull his catheter out. HUH? So after all of Kevins worrying..HE is the one that went wild and ruined the ideal catheter. oh well, we go back to the main premise that he is cancer free..and the other is just kind of a funny story now. Well, maybe not this week,but I am sure in time it will be.

We are in healing mode. I am thinking "secret life of bees" ..get out the honey and a wooden masthead.

September is prostate awareness month

2011-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

And Kevin is the poster man for it !! He is cancer free and we are So grateful. I am considering deleting that -because obviously - " grateful" doesn't even begin to convey how " happy" ( not the best word choice either ) we are to have a healthy Kevin back with us. He would have surely slipped away from us with that aggressive time bomb inside of him. It is a thought I can not even consider ( ok, I did consider it a lot in the middle of the night!!) I just wish that everyone's battle with the nasty C could be dealt with in one operation. And please, don't take that as a trite comment..as it really is not meant as one. My brain and emotions are fried and I probably shouldn't even be writing on here.

But so many people have so wonderful in asking about Kevin and keeping him in their prayers..that I have to write somethig !

here is the update. We are already backnat the hotel. Kevin is doing good..but the day after surgery finds him in pain and discomfort. The discharge took forever and left him exhausted. We walked in our room and there was a big "edible arrangement" from his office coworkers. How thoughtful ! We are surrounded by lovely, concerned people ! Now we are here in The Henry for the next week healing.

I want to share a few stories from the past 36 hours. Henry Ford built this hospital in the early 1900's for the people of Detroit. As you drive down the Grand Blvd. You can tell that this was once a truly beautiful area. Old stately homes and grand civic buildings ( including the hospital.) But now the buildings are empty shells with all their windows broken. The houses that are occupied look like crack houses, or worse. It is just so sad to see. But, you know, that everyone we talked to ( and Devin, you would be Way proud of How many strangers I have struck up conversations with!) truly love Michigan and feel so badly about Detroit. I think that it is her citizens that will eventually save this motor city. Michigan pride..woot woot.

I remember how Trevor Back use to love working in the poorer areas when he was serving his mission here. But I am fairly certain that they still weren't allowed in this particular area. We arrived at the hospital at 5:45 am and sat down in the surgical waiting room. I use to think that they had Hollywoodized the waiting room on shows like "ER". Um, no..I think they filmed it here. Toto, I don't think we are in the American Fork hospital waiting room anymore ! SCARY. The pre-op was akin to the Ford assemble line we had seen the day before. Albeit, a ton more chaotic. I couldn't even tell you How Many people were jammed into this area. yeah, I was having some second and third thoughts about this decision to come here.But when I focused on how good and caring most of the people were being I eased up. The doctor and his team are mostly Indians and they were so gracious ( you know how I love all things Indian..this was a Good sign.) Quick kiss and Kevin was off, and I went back to the "ER" waiting room. I watched the people in this room and wondered about all their stories. A gal across from me was talking on her cell phone telling someone how her son was in surgery right now for a GSW ( "Law and Order"education.) I was there for awhile witnessing these kind of things when I was suddenly sidled away by a perky coordinator from the medical group to a special waiting room. Much nicer accommodations, boxes of pastries ( not the Albertson kind ) a retrieve stocked with drinks and other culinary delights, a computer to use,more magazine choices that an airport newsstand, and thisnpeky coordinator to cater to my every wish. I felt so guilty being in there and leaving those other people who could really have used this kindness way more than me. Ok..I am getting more sidetracked than a railroad station. Sorry.

The operation lasted about 2 1/2 hours. I knew he was out because the nurse in the OR kept calling me with updates and then ton tell me that the surgery was completed. I had asked before if I could be in the post op when Kevin came out and that was just fine. ut the perky one was stalling, " oh,we'll go in in just a few minutes." I wanted to be there when he woke up and I was rather frustrated. Sure enough when we went down He was awake. Acting different..but ok, he had just come out of anestsia . he would talk to me, but wouldn't make eye contact with any of the nurses. Odd, but evertone

Ford, Ford,Henry Ford,Ford

2011-09-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

This name is on EVERYTHING in Detroit. I think they really like the man !!

I looked out our window of our hotel - aptly named, The Henry - and could see the Ford Motor Co. main headquarters literally across the field.
Our drive over to the hospital - yes, the Henry Ford Hospital- was on streets all named after cars..mustang,thunderbird etc.
After meeting with Kevins surgeon - ok, his name was not Ford - feeling Really good about our decision to come here we had an empty day ahead of us. Kevin is still counting down.."22 hours to cancer free..21 hours to cancer free"..and we desparately needed a diversion ! So we ventured out to the - whatelse - Henry Ford Museum. Way cool place, and even better, a tour of an actual plant where they were assembling Ford 150 trucks. Porter would have thought that he had died and gone to heaven. There wasn't a ton of people there today, but you could tell by seating and roped off lines that this is a Huge draw at the right time. It was a real guy thing, but I was happy to be there with my sweetie.
It poured rain all day, which was a Lovely respite from the arizona heat of late. It is green with lots of trees..and we are definitely a minority here. And thats cool fool - I can do black accents. Something to work on this week (or more than a week here)
Hold a GOOD thought for Kevin tomorrow. The surgery is at 8 a.m. EST..so most of you will just be getting up when - hopefuuly - he is all done and prostate free ( which should be worth a few ounces or so.) I will write again.

Motown

2011-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Detroit.
The flight was sooo long. I had the middle seat next to a stranger. I got a cramp in my left buttocks, and by Iowa it went numb. Oh, and the stranger put the window shade down at the get-go and I hate that! I like to see out and some sunshine before night hits. dallin knows what I am talking about.
Kevin got all choked up and teary ,then had Kelly play the piano for him. Then he really lost it. I don't know exactly How one is suppose to act before a "vacation" like this . it was going to be tough any way we went. Despite the tears, Kevin is in a pumped mood. His mantra is "48 hours til I am cancer-free.
I'll keep you posted. Reporting from beautiful, downtown Detroit.

Brianna, Cooper y Dallin

2011-09-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

a happy man

2011-09-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Look how darling Dalboy is here. And the toddler with the golden locks..yeah, thats Denver. So cute, so sweet. Kevin is looking pretty happy and content. I ran across this picture this morning after Kevin left for a business meeting in Annapolis. His surgery is a week from today. He has been keeping himself real busy so as not to have too much time to dwell on this cancer. Problem for me is that I am a pre-stressor...dentist appt.,new school starting, a surgery that is hopefully going to eradicate the evil cancer from your husbands body etc. I worry and worry, but come "showtime" I am generally calm and rational. Hmmm, next tuesday..an entire week of worry. It does Not help to be alone right now. It makes me realize how awful life would be without Kevin as I go over all the "what if's" in my mind. Not that anything should go wrong..but I have watched way too many episodes of "ER" and "Grey's" to Not imagine various scenarios. Especially if it is late at night and I am alone. Of course it Is going to be just fine. Yikes..who invited Cybil to this party ?!!!!!

adaptation

2011-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Kevin took the boys to utah this week-end for a BYU football game ( he got off the red-eye from Hawaii, had Kelly drop the boys at the airport and they all caught the next flight out to Salt Lake...to no one's surprise.) So it was just me, myself and I that went to our AZ ward this morning. I sat alone, I am a big girl..I can do that. But as the meeting started I soon realized that it was the Primary Program today. It was the first time since 1986 that I haven't had a child participate in one (although we have had our share of children - mostly Dalboy - who refused to say their lines from time to time..but there was always another sibling in the crowd to preform - mostly Kelly .) Being fresh off the open wound of leaving Kerriann in Hawaii this was Not a good place to be alone. So I did elaborate doodles and even wrote kerriann a note - because that is what I normally do in sacrament meeting. I stuck it out and went to my other meetings.

Kelly and Bo's ward meets in our same building, just a couple of hours later. So I stayed and went to their sacrament meeting because Kelly was preforming ( see above..most things never change.) I sat down with them and the whole row - in the middle bigger section even - was family. Melissa ( Bo's mum ) was there from utah tending two of her granddaughters , Bo's sister ,husband and two young boys, and then my favorite little Bowen branch - Kelly, Bo and Cooper. It made me So happy to take over a whole row again..just like old times !! Although the Bowens aren't as loud and rowdy as our clan. But it was lovely. Adaptations happen..but if you give it a bit something new always comes around.

aloha oe

2011-09-17T20:41:00.001-07:00

ja, we can save the turtles.

BYU Hawaii campus

This is my happy place.

2011-09-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Shouldn't saying good-bye to my children be common place by now ?! Ohhhh, This was a Tough one. We were having such a great week together there in Laie..and then the brutal truth of us having to go home reared its ugly head.

Kevin says the day before we leave, " you two are so close..this is probably going to be hard." Hmmmm, I guess I have only been thinking about it for the past couple of years!! This was no drop-your-daughter-off-several-miles-down-the-road-at-Provo kind of deal. This was MTC curbside worthy. Ouch. There is this big,old ocean between us now. I have a hard enough time when our vacation comes to a close..but to leave Kerriann behind was brutal.

But the week we had there with her only served to confirm that she is where she is suppose to be. What an awesome opportunity for her ! I love the smallness of the campus. Not too big, not too medium sized..just right. Waiting in lines - which was merely a fact of daily life both at Cal and BYU - are non-existent there. The dorms ( hale's) are a stones throw away ( even for my wimpy girl talents.) The parking lot for the dorms only has a spattering of cars. Most students get around on cruiser bikes. She liked her classes. Thinks her single room is ideal. Everything is just going so well.

I remember years ago when Amie was getting ready to attend college down in Cedar City and Sue was so concerned over how much life was going to change with her gone. Well, we all learned a lesson..not very much. Kerriann has seen Devin, Kelly and Dallin go on their walk-abouts and come back to the family. I think it is reassuring for her and me. Our family is a constant,going away to college doesn't change that..just adds a new flavor to the pot. wow..heavy.

Sabbath day in Paradise

2011-09-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

You know where I am then. Hawaii. Everything looks and smells and sounds so familiar now. It feels like home. And now with Kerriann living here..it truly is a part of our home.

I wake up super early our first morning on the island. I sit out on the deck to watch the day come on. As usual I can hear the hotel staff setting up the lounge chairs down around the pool before I can even see them. the surf sounds delicious. Kerriann joins me as the sky begins to lighten. She looks across the Turtle Bay complex. There is one woman also out on her deck..only one mind you..and Kerriann says - doesn't that woman look like Chere ? ( a dear neighbor/friend back in Alpine.) And - of course - it was. The world is such a teeny, tiny place !

Our setting Kerriann up at BYU Hawaii has been full of moments like that. I am so happy that she has chosen to go here. It seems like such a great fit. This morning we went to her new ward with her. There was Chere and several other Alpine mums sitting behind us, and then Dan Ord comes in and sits next to Kevin. How fun and familiar. We meet her new Bishop..Fatafehi Niutupuivaha. Awesome. The ward is a wonderful swirl of Polynesians,Asians and - Kevin counted- 5 white boys. Toto, I don't think we are in Utah anymore.

We ate lunch at a shrimp truck with Dan and his son Nick that is just starting here too. We adults are so jealous of the experience they are about to embark on !! How lucky they are. I want to stay and go to this college !

The good news is that I still have 5 more days here.

Aloha.

2011-09-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

a rare sighting

2011-09-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

I rarely publish pictures of myself. I didn't get the photogenic gene that most others around me do. There has been 33 days of 110+ weather in Phoenix..seriously..I am sure it had to be 94 days. what does one do with all that indoor time..look through pictures of course. And i thought to myself - yeah, I like those pictures. they show the love around me. Put them on the blog.

2011-08-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Denver Dear !!

my keiki gets a room

2011-08-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah..yeah, Kerriann HAS a dorm room !!!

She has been on the waiting list..and the waiting has Not been pleasant.

But she is now an official BYU Hawaii student with an official dorm room.

Me ke aloha.

months and months and months

2011-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I love the calendar. I love watching months tick by. I am crazy about calendars. Must be the amish in me ( ?!!!) I could never have "too many". Thanks to Olivia, I found Snow and Graham - which has absolutely Beautiful pages. I found this bird cage at World Market and clipped on all the months..I don't believe I will take it down when 2012 comes along.

My fascination with birthdays is really an off-shoot of my extraordinary fondness for the months of the year. They carry certain personality traits. And they are usually feminine or masculine...are you with me ?! For example, August is definitely masculine ( oh, a birthday shout-out to chris, who is turning 59 today..wowsers!) So is February despite that it is done up in red hearts - but a lovely, manly month nonetheless. No self-respecting man should claim April as his birthday month as it is Decidedly feminine. But then November comes along So gender-neutral. It is a definite Mix..and I assume everyone has their own feelings on this subject.

there is a newbie in the Eagle's Nest

2011-08-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely,sultry night in arizona.

Denver had his court of honor and joined the Eagles Nest. Although he earned it back in Alpine, we never had a chance to formally acknowledge him and the Foothills Ward was good enough to include him in theirs. It is a very friendly ward.

We had great family support...but we did miss Dallin and Brianna. The 3 little grandkidlets added a lot of sound effects to the evening - they inherited the Haycock loudness factor. Sweet baby Jane is probably the rowdiest !!

Remember when these two were often mistaken for twins ? That is Denvers new high school behind them. The Bowen's home is 3 houses up from the church here.

My newest pin on the scout mothers ribbon..thanks Denver. Way to go !!

my children are my social life

2011-08-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

AKA...BECAUSE OF my children I HAVE NO social life." But that is really ok. I love these guys. We moved here to be near Devin and Kelly. Kerriann is my BFF. I can not spend enough time with Denver. Harrison will always be my baby doll. But Dallin...ah, Dalboy..my special son. And I had to leave him behind- he is getting on with his life and all-but I really miss him. He is such a vital part of my life..it is like a limb is missing. Is my brain a limb? My heart? Perhaps my leg, because I am just not getting around without him.

Does Brianna catch the vision that Dallin comes in a package deal ( /me ) ?!!

I know it is an issue to Kevin that Dal and I are so much alike.We both amuse and annoy him. Kevin loves us dearly, but also looks at us like, "what on earth - where is that coming from?" Kevin definitely uses one side of his brain. It is unclear what side or region or hidden part that Dallin and I use. But we get each other. No one can do "nothing" better than Dallin or I can. We can be with each other for days on end..months..no years, and not get sick of each other. My mom use to say, " they forgot to cut the cord on that one." So true, so true.

I miss this guy so much. Phone calls are not cutting it. Is it possible for one little, itty ,bitty person to cause such a great, big, gaping hole in our family when he isn't here?!

come back little sheba:)

arizona ..reds/blues the real part one

2011-08-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

oh, I can't figure this blogging set-up. make sure you look at the pictures on the Next entry ( it was all suppose to be one of course.)

the arizona "reds" were going to be self-explanatory. the "blues" were in response to the 3 e-mails I received just this morning on WHY would anyone live in this corner of the untied states. Jan was bluntly poetic in simply calling it hell. Mary called me a "brave"soul to move here. Well,yes..I imagine so. I can't even reprint what sweet little nancy sue wrote !! Its all good though - my skin/hide has toughen up in this desert sun. By-the-by, I don't think that the temperature broke into the 3 digits today. Guess I need to justify this move.

A home is just a house without a family you love in it.

I know this for a fact.

I also know that as hard as it is to leave certain friends behind..that we always find some new great people. I shudder to think of some of the dearest people I know and love - well, if we hadn't moved around I never would have met. It isn't always easy..but you might be surprised how it all just falls in place too. Denver and Harrison were numbly repeating my mantra as they trudged off to their first day of school at brand new schools. Ok, yes, I had moments of guilt and regret as I uncomfortably spent the school day at home waiting to hear how it went for them. They not only survived but went back today !! small victories.

I don't know if moving to arizona was the right thing..but it felt like we should give it a go.

I wish that I could know exactly WHAT is the best thing for our family,each individual, for me.

We try different things and just keep moving (hopefully) forward.

Apparently I like to mix things up.

Honestly, arizona was not Kevin and my first choice. Oregon or California would have been ...whoa don't forget Austin Texas. But these places are not financial convenient for the younger families. And we are back to point #1 of having us all together..as much as possible.

c'mon..I like the desert. I always have. When was the last time it snowed in Phoenix?! It does lack an abundance of trees..but the palo verdes that they do have are lovely. It is all about looking and finding the good things in the area. I did that in utah..it was simply time to see,and do new things.

Guess I need to define "things". Another entry..ha.

arizona blues/reds

2011-08-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

now this is the kind of desert visitor I enjoy seeing in the backyard

way cool sunset last night that left everything red

I put the girls out by the pool so that you could see the true red

palm trees are so key to the landscape

Woot-woot

2011-08-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Dallin found my cell phone wedged into a tiny space in the infinity...yeah!! I guess I am not a complete and total loser. it has been missing for at least two weeks and people probably think I am so rude not returning calls. Of course, those of you who truly know me know that his was about the seventh phone I have lost...make that six phones, because the little blue cell is Found !! I just can't figure out Why keeping track of a phone is such a challenge for me. it just doesn't go along with rest of my personality.

This was Denvers last day of summer...WHAT?!! Yes, it is the 4th of august. Way too early to be going back to school...but dang, no one asked me again. Denver has decided to play frosh football. As his mother I have very mixed emotions on this. First and foremost is the practicing in this disgusting heat. Seriously ?! They practice from 3:30-6 o'clock every afternoon....couldn't be at a grosser time ! I am probably going to have to deny myself water and air-conditioning at that time every day now too. Would this concern other mothers out there?! Today it was 113... Would you want your little cub doing wind sprints in that ?

Not so great news

2011-07-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

We went in for Kevin's biopsy results this morning, and he does have cancer. it didn't come as a shock at all, we were fairly convinced that he had it before he we went in. It is a huge relief to have the " waiting to hear" part behind us though. Kevin immediately wanted to hear our options for treatment. Kevin was so incredibly informed that the doctor didn't tell us one thing that Kevin didn't already know. I even looked fairly intelligent ! So it is off to Detroit in sept./October (sometime) to have this robotic surgery preformed.

the real lesson to be learned here is early detection. Kevin felt so strongly about having a colonoscopy done back in may. And although the colon part came back clear the doctor said that something looked amiss with his prostate. He is so good about having his PSA taken every 6 months, but the cancer wasn't even registering in those numbers yet. And there are several men in our ward ( in the High Priests group don't you know) who have had this cancer as well and found this new laproscopic approach back in Michigan. They have been So good and helpful and positive to Kevin..well, it has made a World of difference in our facing this cancer.

The support we are receiving has been so sweet, and totally appreciated. We turned our fears and concerns and outcome over to the Lord and we have already felt His blessings.

More later.

Summer 2011

2011-07-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, this summer isn't as "bad" as I made it sound in that last post. In fact, I realized that it is like a LONG girls camp ( 15 weeks ?) for Kerriann and I. We live outside ( even sleep under the stars when tile is being laid ),we go on excursions, we eat fun and oft times "themed food", craft time is simply on going, instead of skits we watch movies ( lots of those ), we have our spitual thoughts, literally we hang out 24/7. Lucky girls !!

Waiting to see if Kevin has cancer or not..well, that is obviously a strain on our life. Kevins responds to it by meeting the enemy head-on and finding out ALL there is to this war. He also keeps himself super busy with projects. Our lives have never been so organized, our home has never been so clean. We will finally hear the results tomorrow.

It has once again been a summer of simplifying, paring down. I LOVE living out of a suitcase, having one Sunday outfit for everyone, doing a lot of wash - but wearing the same favorite outfits over and over, seeing just how little you can really live off of. it is very liberating. meals have gone in that same direction. I will admit - and it is embarrassing for me - that when we moved most of our stuff down to Phoenix and then came back to Alpine for the month of July, we are totally functional in our "empty" home. last night Ihad to borrow a bunt pan from a neighbor but that was the first item I have thought, uh oh that's down in Arizona. It is a real nice way to live.

kick..and push..and coast

2011-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

I miss last summer. It really was the greatest. I ran across k-ann's pictures and it almost made me cry. Thought I would throw in a few "favorites". My tree-hugging Dallin. Those Huge trees made us all smile.

It's not that this a bad summer..it is just different. Full of boxes to pack and then unpack.

I liked when kevin was between jobs and with us all the time. This year he is all business again. he tries so hard to work fun in...but he is very busy and it just isn't the same.

A "moving" summer is what it is.

It definitely is gone before you know it.

No Chelsie hitting the wall at girls camp.

No more Cindy..sad.

I miss Maine.

Her hydrangees.

Lobster everything.

Darling stores..beautiful places that I simply wanted to move into.

With sweet little ideas - like twinkle lights in glass bottles - that kerriann and I couldnt wait to try at home.

Ahhhh, the shades of blue in Maine.

Harrison thrilled to be at a red sox game.

Denver always thinking and doing outside the box. ok, that hasn't changed.

Not going to Tahoe is a hard pill for everyone to swallow. Bo just loved crawdad fishing. We all simply thrived on hanging out by the lake. I miss going out on the kayak..big time.

Kelly isn't pregnant this summer (are you?!!!) but the good news is that we have that precious little Cooper with us this year. There are many things to be grateful or enjoy this year. It isn't that I don't appreciate them all..I just miss last summer.

A desert storm ...amazing.

2011-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

The heat, although not as sky rocket high as it has been was just oppressive today. Denver and Kevin flew back to Utah early this morning. This was our day here to pack up and leave the house " nice" before we drive tomorrow. But Devin had a hard day with Jane whose " waste products" were chalky white. Devin took her into the doctor who sent them off to get lab work done at the hospital. Long story - but it took all day and well into the evening. We were all concerned ( especially when you look the problem up on the Internet - yikes!) The tension only built as the hours past and the air grew heavier and heavier.

Around dusk, I sat outside with my feet in the pool and watched the most AMAZING storm barrel in across the valley.It was such a thick dark cloud ( a 30 plus mile across cloud!) Very eerie but cool. Harrison was both mesmerized and scared at the same time. perhaps that is what a plague of locusts or flies would have looked like. It looked a bit like a firestorm to me.

Then it hit and was full of sand. Like out of the Sahara. it blew fierce. The palm trees were doubled over. It did an incredible number on our pool ( will the filter be able to handle it ?!!) The walls of the house ( we had to retreat inside ) were shaking with the power of the wind.

Then the rain came..pouring rain and the oppressive heat broke. As I stood outside and the low rumblings of thunder and lightening flashed down the valley - and felt an actual " cool " breeze...I sure felt like lighting up a cigarette..ha.

more smiles..despite the heat

2011-07-03T17:11:00.001-07:00

Denver just gets better looking by the day. He is about 2" taller than Bo now. Speaks fluent german. Has his own investment portfolio. Enters high school next month.

Aunt Kerriann is "ON" this summer. Jane sporting a patriotic look for July. Darling !!!!!

Preston turned 4 ..and Loved the concept of birthdays and celebrating !!

Devin made this fun robot cake...lucky little guy.

I made these bookends for Preston's room.

It was a really fun day for Pres..despite the 120 degree heat. Record breaker. And I am not exaggerating. That was a HOT one.

Let's see...I thought of a few more items to add to my,"things I like about AZ" list.

* our mail comes before 9 am. I love that. I am serious about this.

*the freeways don't allow billboards. it is so refreshing and clean. every city should .

*Bo got himself a push mower. The lawn is so small, this works just fine. But our baby going green (albeit light green) makes me tear up!!

*lizards eat scorpions and are now on my,"to be tolerated" list.

Have a Great 4th !!!

smiling in AZ

2011-06-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Our master bathroom shower floor..all the rocks are smooth and it is like standing in a river. love it.

This bank of windows in our kitchen. There is a door in the foreground and again after the windows that opens onto a covered patio with our dining table on it. A lovely spot for breakfast these days. To the left is on of two islands in the kitchen. I thought at first that I would rip it out. But it has definitely grown on me and now it stays. Needs a new top. I like the cement ones with crushed glass in it. What I really need here is better pictures !!

Oh..this was fun. I had a gazillion things to do, and somehow I decided color coding my bookshelf was on the top of my list. Funny how happy that activity made me.

And this truly makes me smile. A pool filled with many of my little goats ( aka "kids") The ladder in the back ground is left over from Kevin's scorpion hunt from the night before. I told you...he Really gets into it !!

" I don't speak parsel-tongue"

2011-06-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

" There could be nothing more inspiring to an architect on this earth than this spot of pure arizona desert." Frank Lloyd Wright on seeing in 1929 - what is now - South Mountain Park. This is what lies directly behind our new home. I do love the desert..I always have. But the rattler killing Cindy and the subsequent scorpion infestation has thrown us all for a loop. I realize that every area has its particular critter "problem". I mean, we were killing giant spiders practically on a daily basis back in Utah. But there is something about venemous,stinging,striking, SCARY creatures that I am having a Really hard time coping with. I do not believe that they are God's creations. They snuck - or I should say - slithered in somehow.

Kevin is equally feeling the shudders-down-the-back with this problem. As usual, Kevin decided to literally attack it head-on. He got himself a black light and a scorpion killer spray that could Never be listed on any "green" list of household products. He has enlisted ( or enslaved ) Denver as his wingman, and they go out when it gets dark in search of the enemy. Scorpions are nocturnal, and when it is pitch dark and a black light is shined on them they actually glow in the dark. Just like a childs toy, but not quite as fun. If you know Kevin at all, you can imagine How Into this hunt he is. It doesn't help that we are currently watching "24" reruns and he thinks he is Jack Bauer throwing up his gun moves. The black light he purchased is top-of-the-line in scorpion warfare.Huge credit must go to Denver who absolutely abhors creepy crawlies. Such a loyal son/wingman. This is a nightly activity.

Back to Frank Lloyd Wright...I Needed his poetic words. I serendipitiously (thank- you Eyres ) found this book in the library the other day ( "FLW in Arizona") There are Many good things to be found here( like the library which has an amazing selection!!) Need to focus on the good. Remember the reasons I wanted to move down here.

Cindy. May 9 2002- June 17 2011

2011-06-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Kerriann's sweet little kitty Cindy....of the Cindy and Mindy fame....died early this afternoon. A tragedy to us all. A rattlesnake bit her and the prognosis was not good. The vet was amazes at how well she was taking it ( pain wise.) That was Cindy though, a tough little cookie to the end. Even on pain meds she was wobbling on her legs to get some petting in. She was even purring as I rubbed her. Kevin and I were both holding on to her and telling her we loved her as the lethal drug entered her body. Cindy- so full of life- was gone in a heartbeat and purr. Wow, that is tough,tough thing to do.

My heart breaks for Kerriann..she loved that cat. we will all miss her so. I like to think that she is with Jon Ton, Comet, Fluffy..the list goes on. No, I Know they are all together ...and that makes me feel better. But I will always miss her.

Boys will be boys

2011-05-19T12:52:00.001-07:00

Here are my sweet little lambs Denver and Harrison,"cuddling" ( could they get any further apart?) Kevin, Kerriann and I are in New York, and whenever even one of us is gone they like to sleep in our bed. How darling, they are reading books and winding down from the day..when in walks Dallin to stir up the situation.

Denver makes a run for it, but Harr obliges when Dallin yells cannonball.

Oh, that Harrison can really get creative when called upon.

NO, Denver didn't run..he just wanted to take the pictures. Does anyone - besides my mattress- think that perhaps Dallin is too large for this activity?

Things just keep getting better.

Boys will be boys.

Parents remain clueless in New York.

2011-05-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

This was a Very fun find in the JFK library....Jackie visiting the Taj Mahal.

Then I keep adding them on these iron rods.

My latest gift from Dallin on his trip to Oregon. Nice one.

Many are cards that I simply cannot pass on.

Several years ago, Chelsie and I starting sending each other postcards from our latest travel spot. The odder the better. Oh, and odd ones Are out there!!

Animals are Always a strong draw for me.

And quirky cards are tons of fun!

I have always Loved paper stores. My collection of cards goes way, way back. Nothing like a good Papyrus or something to get me salivating. There are places in my life..Berkeley, Portland, Trolley Square of yesteryear that Really knew what they were doing. If I were to open a store it would include paper ( to write on, decorate with or merely to caress) whimsical books, and japanese or nautical fabric ( depending on the mood of the day.)

I was taking one of my collections down to pack and thought I might show a few off.

DISCLAIMER

2011-05-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Geez...I am Not addicted to cough medicine. Kerriann did not find Any humor in me looking forward to taking this stuff. Hello sweetpea..I was giddy about getting some sleep/rest from all the hacking. She even showed me a news blip on kids becoming addicted to cough medicine. Some people Do take medicine for the right reason you know!! For the record, i am over my illness and Off the stuff.

Last Sunday it was my opportunity to "introduce" Kerriann into Relief Society. It was a pre-recorded message that all 9 of us mothers did for our graduating seniors. Most appropriately, the other moms ticked off their daughters accomplishments and talents. For a variety of reasons ,I did not get the detailed memo on what, and how to say this on the video. They also had written their spiel beforehand and then read it - the teary voices were a nice touch. Mine was off the cuff. I was the last speaker.

So, what I said - and this truly pertains to the cough medicine debate - that Kerriann and I pulled a "freaky friday". That she is the responsible one, the mature one, the grasshopper in the relationship. Was I always this way? Did I bring Devin and Kelly up this way? Was I Ever a disciplinarian with Kerriann? Or did she merely wear me down at an early age? It started as a joke, when I would say," Is school REALLY more important than ______ (fill in the blank: sleeping in, going out to lunch, seeing a movie etc.") I just wanted her to understand "balance in one's life." But she is just SO dang good. Always makes the best decisions, realizes where she is going and what she needs to do to get there. An amazing person!! She turned 18 this past week. I simply love her to death. Despite ingesting copious amounts of fortune cookies, we can not seem to reverse our "freaky friday" status. It is ok, she Is a better mom than me!

She made this darling sailboat and button sea picture for my birthday yesterday. Yes, she is talented and beautiful..that graduating senior of mine..sniff, sniff.

"I don't want to fade away.."

2011-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

For the past five or six years ( ok, more like six weeks ) I have been dealing with a virus, lingering cough that is horrendous. Coughing is too nice a word..more like HACKING up bits of my lung is more like it. And when I get on a plane and one of these attacks hit and people- rightfully- shoot me crusty looks..I feel like the flight scene out of "The Hot Zone" ( a MUST read for any germaphobe!!)

A delightful introduction to my latest adventure,but an appropriate one. I ventured out to North Carolina with Devin and her sweet babies. We needed to meet Cohen Knudsen and see where Olivia and Ben are calling home these days. And who wouldn't want to see this lovely state?!!

Was it what I was expecting..? Yes, and a lot more so. Trees that just never end. Green beyond belief. I like the way the east feels older. The historic vibe - yes - but also its buildings. Carolina just has Presence. The grounds at Duke and UNC at Chapel Hill..outstanding.

But this trip was more about the people we came to see. When people heard I was going out there they thought Cherie was going to be there as well. Unfortunately she was not. As Kelly so frankly put it, "what are you going to DO with Devin and her friends?" Clearly I was along to help Devin with the little kids, although Jane is in a "mommy ONLY" phase so I don't know how much I truly helped out there. I was the financial backer for the expedition and that was all good. Perhaps I forget my age too often,but I enjoyed being with the girls and thought it was real fun. Oh, and Abby Lyman drove down from Virginia to be with "us" as well ( see how quickly I can lump myself in with some group!!) Abby is the quickest wit i know and I adore being with her.

Ok..here comes the philosophical part of this entry. I don't know if it was the cough medication, menopause, or worse things I don't want to even imagine..probably a combination. When Devin had Preston I was like - yeah this is great na na na na . Jane however sends me tripping back to 1985 ..SHE IS SO MUCH LIKE DEVIN. Then add Cohen, who is a male version of baby Olivia and my head really begins to whirl. Devin and Olivia are chatting non-stop babies, and memories of their growing up. I could cut the dejavu with a knife. Once I almost called Ben, Koki...that was TOO much. I faded back, took some deep breaths and remembering where I really was, enjoyed watching the girls be together.

(stay with me here..I am wrapping this up) The flight out to North Carolina is a long one. I was on the aisle seat and the man sitting kitty corner to me started "The Godfather" as the plane took off ( it is a really long movie.) I obviously didn't have sound but I found myself being drawn into the movie. I hadn't seen it in quite a while, and the whole cast struck me as so young. Especially Al Pacino. He aged as the Scarface, italian mob character he always portrayed. But in Godfather he is so young and beautiful. I don't mean that in what-a-hunk way. His close-ups in that movie are breathtaking. It was made in the 70's..the Cherie decade. And here we are today..with babies that looked like our babies. It has been quite the ride. A good one.. a great one. I like the way the cough medicine makes me float wavily between these two times. Devin and Olivia can grow up, Koki- Cherie- Kevin and I can all be in our 50's..Al can get all the wrinkles he needs to at his present age..it's just the way it rolls. It is our life and I love it. I just don't want to fade away..ha. WHO WANTS TO BORROW A CUP OF MY COUGH MEDICINE ?!!!!!

Definitions of Chelsie:part deux

2011-04-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

This was an outstanding gift shop..dare I say better than the Met's.

I love tile..I want to do my pool in these blues.

From the top of 30 Rock

I thought I could see Stuart Little out on this pond in Central Park.

Inception?! Ready for it to fold up.

Oh yeah..this was my #1 favorite place..Purl SoHo.

The Clarkes went to New York the week before us and Chelsie wrote up darling entries on their adventures there. Kerriann and I were so excited to read them and jot down all of the things we wanted to do now. That is why I titled this entry part deux, because it is practically everything that Chelsie did. Why mess with perfection?! Chelsie KNOWS New York. Two items we didn't get to do..frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity and going to a Yankee game. But we couldn't really do that without Harrison. Another trip. Oh, and we will go back!!

We got wonderful seats to "Wicked" and " How to Succeed in Business without really Trying." Super fantastic to see our Harry Potter on Broadway. As Kerriann said, "I grew up with him." He was great in the part.

It was so hot on our day in SoHo that we had to duck into Old Navy and get t-shitrs for Kerriann and Kevin. Oooooh, we go to New York and end up shopping at Old Navy!! Then the very next day it decides to pour rain and since we had already had our double decker bus tickets purchased, we sat on the top ( well all the seats downstairs were taken ) in cheap little rain ponchos they gave us. We were absolutely soaked!! But dang it, we SAW New York City.

The food is Amazing there. It is like pineapple that I will only eat in Hawaii - now I can only eat bagels and chocolate almond croissants in New York ( which is probably a good thing!!) Kerriann found us the Very Best Thai food I have ever inhaled. you see this was Kerrriann's trip. She wrote up the "to do" list and called all the shots. It was a lot more shopping than Kevin had invisioned!! But he was a trooper. the Forever 21 store was 5

signs of spring

2011-04-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Someday I AM going to the Holi Festival in India. Until then , I practice in Spanish Fork. I went with my little goats. Kevin opted for a morning on the tread mill. We arrived early as thousands of people go. And for good reason..it is awesome. Of course ,there was snow on the ground here..that doesn't happen in India. The crowd soon trampled it down into mud. Luckily the colored chalk made it look happy and spring-like. These pictures are off google as ours did not turn out so well. I noticed pretty early on that the crowd was made up of very young people. Much to my children's credit, the did not shun me. Oh, wait..there was a 50-ish woman with her hair blowing in the wind, dancing with abandon to the strains of an indian sutar..I didn't join her ( although -yes- it looked like fun.) So, it was the hippie,me and 8,000 high school and college students.Reminiscent of last years float down the salt river with a mostly ASU crowd. Hmmmm..well,it is a fun and messy welcome to spring.

Such a cool picture !! Ok, my other rite-of-spring-passage is more age appropriate. I know spring is coming when I smell the bonfires of last years dead branches and leaves, and the smoke trickles into our house. I just Love that. So with burn permit in hand, I drag whatever lucky child is near to help me move the trampoline out of its pit. The ideal bonfire spot !! Then with much joy and frolicking I pick up around the yard and toss it into the fire. It is either a latent urge left over from some farming posterity, or pyromania. Probably the latter. But man, it feels Good !! You just can't start spring or a garden without a good burn first. My children can attest to how excited I get when the town hall issues me my permit for the year. This might be my last one if they read this blog. But can anyone out there relate to this?! Happy Spring to you ( it is suppose to snow the next 3 days..grrrr.)

cabo san lucas 2011

2011-03-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

this is a beautiful coastline and beach

lots of fun cacti down there

except this one that looked like a snake and I could Never have it in my cactus landscape.

we couldn't resist getting the nacho libre mask for Harr

this is where we had breakfast every morning..with a lovely breeze floating through

whale watching was thrilling/relaxing at the same time.check out that BLUE water.

cute

Harrison got behind the backdrop before he knew what it was.I really liked Denver.

we did a little bit of shopping..I was out numbered on this trip..but the flags were festive.

the daily commute

2011-02-25T14:06:00.001-08:00

As I pull my camera out to take pictures of our commute to the boy's school, Desmond surprises me...he has been napping in my fern. bad kitty. but too cute to scold.

typical..I put these on backwards. this is the salt lake valley as we crest the mountain. sometimes during the inversion we can't even see any houses let alone hills or sky. gross. but this was a clear day.from here to their school is 15-20 minutes more.probably faster for kevin.

hello moroni !! we spy him every day on the drive atop the draper temple.

the wasatch front

the snow is picturesque..it is the fog that freaks me out. I imagine the drop off is just inches away..and I am probably right.

I am much happier with this commute over-say-the freeway. It takes 32 minutes from our house to Waterford School. If they forget their lunch-well- I Don't drive it back over to them.

Here is our destination. And yes, it is worth that drive everyday. What a great experience they are having there.

And then I turn around and drive home.

happy valentines..love deb ballentine

2011-02-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

oh sweet, Dallin and Brianna

we have celebrated at Heaps Brick Oven for years now

Kerriann made her own little valentine message to carry around

the kids always pose at the barber chair ( that you cannot see for some reason) and Denver traditionally never smiles. Spock never does either..ok.

and they shape their pizzas into a heart..worth the drive, I guess.

We missed our Worton and Bowen families !!

Hook 'em Horns !!

2011-02-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

They say Texas should be it's own country. Then Austin is it's own little world. I love it. But you knew that.

Kevin had business in Houston, so he proposed that I come along and we would week-end in Austin. What a guy ! Equal kudos go to Kerriann who remained at home and took care of things..especially when there is nothing that she would rather do than go to Austin as well.Wouldn't she make a darling little longhorn?!!

If Kevin said ," we need to move down to Austin"..I would be ready to go in 24 hours. Pulling the Wortons and Bowens along in our wake. We live as a tribe..you know.

But for now, I will take what I can get..and a 3 day week-end in Texas was divine.

You have to love a state that..

grows pecans and scrub oak ( you just can't get enough of em)

has rain boots shaped like cowboy boots

has the Greatest accent ever ( yeah, I can speak fluently in it in less than 10 minutes AND

keep it up a whole week-end..lucky Kevin)

they call their main cow trail through town,"Capital of Texas Highway"..just darling

the flagship store of Whole Foods is right there..but you knew that too.

they like to use the word "waterloo"..well, who doesn't?!

My only disappointment..never saw a dang armadillo. I need to go back.

Woot! Woot!

2011-02-19T10:33:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Kerriann!!!

Who knows if she will end up going there..but it did her good to hear that she made it. Always a lovely feeling to have options ahead of you, nice choices and having the freedom to design your own future. I am so excited for her ! Wait..yeah, I am also feeling envious of her.

Mimi loves to show off her g-kidlets

2011-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

tigger dress up day

nary a shell to be found on our so cal beach house

this Jane is just too cute for her own good

the wortons visit at Capistrano Beach with us

I love this picture !

uncle Dallin is the best !

2011-01-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

new mum kelly

Cooper has learned to smile

Desmond has fit into the family like a champ

if you see these two boys hitchhiking up in the canyon, I would Not pick them up!

Desmond

2011-01-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said, "if someone left a cat on my doorstep I would take it in."? Well, someone took me up on it. Slid it in my garage actually. Sweetest disposition. Purrs if you just look over his way. Could you say "No" to that face? Because he was Lost, we named him Desmond.

devotion

2011-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

I am pretty hard on myself. I fall short of the mark in most anything I do. But there is one "thing" I did Really well. I brought Denver into this world. That is what I did for him..and then he did All the rest. I realize parents say this about their kids all the time..but, I mean this kid is really, truly Amazing. I have had teachers say - seriously - with tears in their eyes that Denver is one of the brightest/sweetest/humble students they have ever had. Honestly, this has happened more than once ! When we left Oregon his football coach ( he had played for the Oakland Raiders ) said, " I am going to remember the name Denver Haycock because I know I will hear about him in years to come. That boy is going Somewhere". He has a photographic memory..if we are talking about something that happened in the Harry Potter series he can remember the CHAPTER that it happened in !! His jokes are as dry as his wit is sharp. Church teachers say, " Denver GETS it." That is really the bottom line..he gets everything. And the best part ? He is humble, respectful and dear to the hearts of his parents.

Utah is in the midst of a nasty freeze. Last sunday I was driving Denver up to church early because he had been asked to prepare the sacrament before the meetings started. It was 11* as the mothership slid around the corner and before I could mutter something colorful about what on earth were we doing out in this stuff, the sun crested over the top of the mountain and lit of the tops of the snowy peaks. I looked over at this darling young man all dressed up,who got himself up and has not made ONE complaint and I smiled to myself and thought, add devotion to his long list of attributes. I love this boy.

Ok, and then I thought..stop being so hard on myself..I Am driving this saint up to church. Wow, I have a long way to go !!

i remember 2010

2010-12-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

2010-12-31T12:21:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, I love christmas. But it is a BIT of a work-out. Some people get real sentimental, even depressed during this week between christmas and new years. Not me..I think this is the Best week of the year!! I love it so much that today I am rather giddy with anticipation of a new year. First, I love to clean up christmas and then the house ( Nancy Sue and I always race to pack up..odd?! I think not.) Then my organizational personality goes into hyper-drive ( Sybil does drawers.) It is a Fabulous time of year to move BTW. I am energized,but also reflective. It was a perfect time for me to get married. It is like mentally streaking threw a snowy meadow (because i would never do that physically...snow is far to cold..maybe the beach.)

Devin said that I should write down my top 10 favorite meals of the year..

1.Best breakfast Must go to Betty's Kitchen in New Hampshire - believe me it is worth the drive!

2.Best local/organic/tasty lunch goes to The Glenwood in Eugene, Oregon. Simply groovy.

3.Kevin is quite sure that the very best lasagna he has ever eaten was in Boston's North End.

4.Lovely surprise..Udon soup in SeaTac with the rain coming down..cozy and yummy.

5.Best Pizza - and this is a Big category in the Haycock log - Rubicon Pizza up in Northstar/Lake Tahoe. Red Thai Curry.. UNBELIEVABLE!!

6.Kerriann found "deep fried pickles" out in Bar Harbor, Maine. That is on Her list, not mine.

7.Coolest award is another toughie, but I am going to go with 22* (that's degree) North in Kauai . Sustainable..gourmet..divine.

8.Best Blow-out Celebration..Maggianos.

9.Dessert-to-die-for has to be the Klamath Cafe's rhubarb/raspberry pie.

10. Any and Everywhere in Maine..lobster rolls and blueberries.

11. Best Atmosphere..I am going to have to go with eating dinner ( probably fried everything) in Memphis with an Elvis impersonator singing - no belting- out songs for us. It brought me Such joy!!

That all being said..who can truly pass up a homemade meal done up by chefs like Devin or Richard, items grilled by Daddy or chopped salads of Dallin's. Ah, there really is no place like home.

christmas 2010

2010-12-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

a lovely winter solstice ..

2010-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

attention..due to an incredible snowfall

there are no roses to make wreaths

and we certainly can't have any bonfire under the pergola. Winter Solstice must be celebrated in ones heart. Enjoy.

feliz navidad

2010-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

The girls are worried that christmas in arizona is just not going to "feel" right. Maybe it is because I grew up in california and we certainly didn't have a "white christmas"there. Also - being a realist - I do know that not Every christmas is a white one in utah..we just like to think it was. The feel of christmas can be -and is - different everywhere I have lived. But I am happy and relaxed right now. I am in a "good" place both mentally and physically. I LIKE to hear the christmas songs on the radio..I am no longer changing the station when they came on. And all those songs have a different memory And place attached to them ( the smooth Bing Crosby songs are So my dad and the martini swirling 60s...John Lennon's "so this is christmas" is such a groovy,listening to the hi-fi in our woodside living room, "blue christmas" was when Kelly was a tiny little thing going through her Elvis phase, Kevin humming "grandma got run over by a reindeer" the years she came to visit etc. etc.) Music is a key part of feeling christmas.

I like how people put lights on their cactus..I really like that. Many lights on houses in the neighborhood - in fact, We are the ones who look like the "bah-humbugs."Lights look very festive down here in the desert and I say, bring it on. Have you seen that darling Target commercial with various shots of people uber decorating with lights..especially the barn at the end. The best "lighting" of course is the gorgeous sunsets each night with the sagauro cactus silloetted against the skyline. Never fails to hit my "ahhh" button.

We walked around the mall yesterday and Preston was So excited to see Santa. We walked right up,no waiting..we definitely weren't in utah. The little guy waves at the jolly one and says," hi Santa, It's Preston." Well Santa should know him I guess. Last year Pres wanted No part of Santa. Things change, places change..I'm just glad that I am not missing it!

And that is the bottom line. I am Feeling christmas because I am with the ones I love. Snow is good , but my little haycock family is all I really need.

holidays in the desert

2010-12-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

the holidays in phoenix arizona 2010

Preston loved Tia Rosa...who didn't?!

Jane's first bites of pumpkin pie. Yeah, I know it doesn't look like her first bite!!

Poppy meets Cooper James.

The new little Bowen family. Check out Bo's groovy sweatshirt that is now immortalized in all the "first day" pictures.

annoucing...

2010-11-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

Baby Bo is officially Cooper James Bowen. I will definitely put on pictures as soon as I can. What a week !! Both girls moving into their new homes down here in Phoenix. Kelly and Bo have been in an apartment here since July, and sort of forgot that when one moves one prepacks ones stuff in boxes. Throw in a brand new baby and his parents on a learning curve ( and they are catching on nicely.) Porters family traveled down to help with their move-in. Bo's family - those who aren't currently living in Arizona - came down as well. A fabulous turkey dinner was truly on the back burner this year..and thats ok. The weather has been devine..although the natives are complaining about it being chilly. Seriously?! It feels lovely.
I have taken pictures, and I Will get them on.
My blessings, and the gratitude I feel for all of them have never been more apparent than they were this year.

baby bo

2010-11-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

WELCOME LITTLE ONE !! After laboring since friday, Kelly finally gave birth to baby bo at 3:15 pm this day...november 23rd...her actual due date. The baby remains un-named, but odds are on "Dallin" for at- very least- the middle name. He is a very charming little guy. Kelly was simply beaming with him in her arms. As the post-partum nurse settled the two into their room for the night, she said to Kelly "do you feel as good as you look?" And so true - Kelly looked absolutely fabulous even without make-up on and having just gone through a marathon of labor. I loved seeing this new beginning for her and papa bo...she seemed to be taking to the motherhood role beautifully. So glad the little man is finally here - we feel complete again.

vital statistics : 6 lbs 15 ounces....20 3/4 inches....little bit of hair....ten fingers and ten toes

Hopefully a name tomorrow !

summer memories..

2010-11-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

It is snowing..I am already nostalgic about last summer. What an amazing summer it was. What a lucky gal I am. Blessed with a fun-loving husband and a big chunk of wide open time. The children were done with another school year,no one was on a sports team and Kevin wasn't working. So why not write up a list of places we have always wanted to see, or go back to and share with others. And that is what we did..hit the road running with the whole dang summer Open in front of us. We paced ourselves and far from exhausting, the adventure became energizing. What better way to spend our money ( after writing out the Waterford tuition check of course ) than to see America with our family?!! I will never regret that we took this time and had ourselves a Real adventure.

There are so many new things to see in this world ! Imagine experiencing Both the Redwood National Forest and Acadia National Park in the same summer ! It was wonderful to let the little goats see Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine for the first time. To see how incredibly different the northeast is from home.One only truly understands this first hand. To visit historical sites from Concord&Lexington, to the John F Kennedy library and Fenway Park.

We traveled by plane, car, kayak, bus, hydro-jet, subway and tram for a total of 20,000 miles (includes a parental finale in Hawaii.) The dogs were the least excited about our travel plans since they had to stay home! I really wish that they could have come to Tahoe with us..they would have Loved the lake. Even in Tahoe, with all our traditional " have-to's" we found new and wonderful things this year.

Allrighty..some of the-best-of-the-best..

1. The art supplies at the University of Oregon's student bookstore..FABULOUS !!

2 . A funky little beach in Kauai COVERED with sea glass- WOW.

3. Kayaking on Long Pond in Maine.

4. Finding this little restaurant way late at night in Tahoe..an old ski cabin that someone turned into a dining spot..complete with twinkle lights in the trees and Excellent food.

5. Being so Impressed with the classic charm of Dartmouth..beautiful.

6. Whiskey Town lake in No. Cal. Why have I never even heard of it?!! Absolutely gorgeous.

7. How darling javalinas are when they trot/bounce along a desert skyline.

8. Wondering if sharon Vermont is THE most beautiful place in America.

9. Sailboats in the late afternoon sun ,they are the definition of summer.

10 .How many stunning shades of blue are there ? Each state has its own particular hue.

11. Is seafood better in Maine or Hawaii ? Not sure, further investigation is needed !!

12. Are blueberries or pineapple the best fruit ?! ( see #11 )

The list goes on and on..and i wouldn't have known any of it without traveling. My cup of gratitude runneth over. Thanks Kev..

Even in Tahoe, with all our traditional " have-to's"we found new and wonderful things to do

oak trees and november sunshine

2010-11-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

This entry finds me in Sacramento. Kevin's father dick passed away on the 29th, and we are all out here for the funeral. Kevin has been out here since last monday when the doctors disn't think he would make it through the day. He lasted the week on a morphine drip,but no feeding tube. Not the best way to go...hard on his immediate family standing vigil - they could have used a morphine drip by mid-week as well.

My mom had her 85th birthday in the middle of all this, and even Kevin was saying," I hope he doesn't pass on her actual b-day. She gets rather - I don't even know what the right word is here - about these kind of things. So my mind has been all caught up in dying,death and reactions. Years ago, ok decades really, my best friend mom died on my mom's birthday. Not just next-door-neighbors but inseperable buddies she and I. My dad brought home a brand new deep cooper colored Grand Prix for moms birthday. It was a very sweet gesture of course - just rather awkward timing. The Allens were flooded with family and friends coming to the house to see how the family was doing etc. Holly and I were in second grade. She finally escaped the sadness/tears/cheek-pinching and came up to myhouse. And there we were oohing and ahhing over moms new car. When they left us alone we got in the car and shut the door. I was trying to say how sorry I was about her mom, and of course at 8 years old doing a lousy job. She starting crying again and so did I...and then suddenly we were crying/laughing and completely unable to stop. I remember us saying how glad we were that the doors were closed and no one could hear us. It wasn't at all mean spirited - more like a release, and not knowing what else to do.

Reacting to death is complicated..its messy..it is so personal. One of my little goats was feeling bad that he didn't cry when we told him gramps had died. Oh yes, reacting to death is also a real guilt swirly. I tried to reassure him that everyone responds differently..and honestly ever death that occurs in one's life is a new experience. With Dick, most of us are just so glad that he is out of pain and his worn-out body.Dick was crazy about his first family and childhood in Pangiutch..and I like to picture his mom and siblings welcoming him home. It is hard to cry when he is in such a good place now.

2010-09-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, this indian summer weather brings back great memories !! An outstanding time of year, when we headed back to Berkeley. Typically after four months of working hard at a summer job and being away from my Theta gals, I would be Beyond psyched to get back across the bay. It always started the same..with Rush Week. Unlike fraternities drunken revelies , the sororities put on these elaborate parties with themes and flower arrangements and lovely food. They were super organized and had been planned out in minute detail for months. It was intense and all-consuming, but it was also a wonderful bonding time and tons of fun. In particular, the Rush of our junior year is one of my All favorite time memories. You know how seniors are all ready to finish and move on..yeah, it was like that x10..our class ruled the house. Not to mention that our class was just the best group of women- I mean seriously outstanding and way cool. The stars alined when this group came to the Theta house..they are probably still talking about us!! I was the Rush Chairman and Murph was, of course, my constant right-hand gal. We would opened the door at 2723 Durrant and charm the throng waiting out front,"Welcome to the Theta house..please come in". Like I said it was very organized from the ( well..what were they called?!)university org. side too. Hundreds of girls who had signed up and then were housed in a nice hotel..put into groups and then went from house to house,meeting girls,trying to be at their best Without being snobby (ok, certain houses liked those who were snobby.) And then at an appointed time I -as well as the Rush chairmen in every other house - would say how lovely it had been having them but our time was up, and they would move onto another house.The first two days were brutally long because you were going to every house, but then the "cuts" came and every ensuing day you only go back to the houses that invited you. It gets down to two houses and then the girl chooses which house she wants to join. It worked both ways however, and the girl rushing can "cut" your house as well. Oh yeah..intense. so why was it SO much fun?!!! After the daily parties, we fortified ourselves and sat down to Hours of discussion and voting..more often than not into the wee hours of the morning. Then we had to get the next days party ready (think- themes) and do it all over again. We just weren't sleeping. Those nightly sessions were accompanied by a slide show with each rushee's picture that would come up and then I would say,"who met her today" and then we would discuss her. This is going to be hard to picture but I would make comments after each picture- mostly humorous ones. Oh yes, I was ON. The whole group was having such fun. No, of course, there were those individual gals who probably thought I was so obnoxious and out-of-control. I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and acknowledge that...but WOW it sure was Fun!! I love those sisters..and we all knew this was our time because soon all those girls that we were working so hard on getting were going to move into our house and change the dynamics. I least that is how I saw it. I was nostalgic and liked things just they way they were. So I lived each moment to the max that week and perhaps always.Because I am eternally nostalgic. And when indian summer rears it lovely head, my heart goes back to Berkeley and my eyes get misty.

Lake Tahoe 2010

2010-09-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tahoe is magical. Not only for Kevin and I, but now it holds a place in our children's hearts as well. Our first week there was full of family-including my siblings- and sun and activities. Then people had to trickle back to school and work. It wasn't just our group. California schools started earlier than usual, and our second week there was so quiet. The temperatures cooled off too. The end of summer eminent...but what a great summer it was. Kerriann began her 12th grade year by missing the first three days of school-wow, senioritis setting in early !! We made the most of each remaining day..and really it was lovely The kayaking was devine-the lake is so crystal clear ( Keep Tahoe Blue.) Our place was right on the beach. We kept the kayaks right outside the front door and it was so easy and lovely to just take them out whenever the urge came. We rented a speed boat one day, and that was fun but I so prefer the kayaks. I love all the traditional things we do (float down the truckee, hike northstar,go to the bridgetender for an alfresco lunch,kings beach marathons etc.) but it is just as great to find wonderful new items ( funny how most of that revolved around food/restaurants!! but some real yummy ones.) We love Tahoe!

Kelly is 6 months along and hiding the little Bo in baggy sweatshirts. She feels great and is still our energizer-bunny.

Baby Jane took her first hike at Northstar and did really good. ok, her mom was the Real trooper!!

next oops

2010-08-08T11:58:00.002-07:00

So, my cell phone is missing. As I was about to fly down to arizona, Kevin says I need a phone, and offers up Denvers. How sweet. Well, now I have gone and misplaced that one. Wait, it gets worse. So I borrow Dallins and -BAM- yeah, that is missing too. Am I cursed, or what is going on?!! Now when I use Bo's phone he wont let me leave the room. Aside from that it has been great to see the kids. Their place is so clean and organized-definitely Bo's good influence. We went floating down the salt river on inner tubes. Gorgeous view-oh man. I really stood out in this floating crowd though...1. I was the oldest gal out there by a good 10-20 years (except a few hippie women but I am not putting myself in that category..yet) 2. I was -for sure- the only person wearing a one piece swimsuit ( bringing modesty to the salt river"several" pounds at a time!!) and 3. I was definitely the only person without a tattoo or 100 of them all over my body. But I was ok with all that and just had mucho fun. We have had lots of yummy food. Enjoyed a farmers market and gone shopping at cool spots. And I haven't even been to Smeeks orFrances yet.

relatively off the grid

2010-08-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

I "lost" my cell phone right around the beginning of May. So if anyone has left me messages or tried to get ahold of me That is why I'm not answering. Wow, there might be a segment of people out there who think I am the rudest person when really I am just clueless. I adapted, using my childrens phones or-gasp-the landline at home. It works. Then life got tough because I "lost" my ipod. I say "lost" cause now I'm thinking someone is playing with my sanity and stealing my things. The little goats don't share their ipods as readily as they do their cell phones!! On the most recent trip back east I only went on a computer for a very brief moment ( to write an entry actually ) while Kevin was checking out of our hotel. I didn't bring the DS intentionally to show the fam that I am Not addicted to sudoko. I glanced at newspapers-but never once saw any comics. And-this is a biggie- I didn't get a sunday paper. So there ! I think that is pretty darn off the grid. And I survived just fine. I did notice in Boston ,where people live in extreme proximity, that they use gadgets (ipods,cell phones and such) to find their own little bit of space. The trains-while efficient and obviously necessary-would drive Dallin the germ-a-phob CRAZY, and me..well,give me my car back Now please. I truly need my independence and privacy bubble, and I am not afraid to let that be known. Apparently the definition of a Westerner. Don't get me wrong I loved visiting back there. But I know where I belong. The trees and vast openness of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are gorgeous. Sharon, Vermont in particular is an absolute gem. I never knew Dartmouth was spectacular. And That is the real value of traveling..you find these things out and it is So fun!! That being said, less than 48 hours after landing back in the beehive state I am off to Arizona to see how Dallin and the Bowens are set up. I need to know where my loved ones live so that when I write them or talk to them via the landline, that I can truly picture where they are. A sprinkles cupcake doesn't hurt the learning curve.

2010-07-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

There is a reason that people "summer in Maine"...it is Divine. All my life I have been drawn to books about Maine, and then I created my ideal image of it. And I have not been disappointed one bit. That doesn't happen too often in life. I even knocked off a big item on my bucket list...went kayaking on Long Pond in Acadia National Park. It was perfect. The water was so clear, the temperature was mild ( both in and out of the water.) I have found another "happy spot" in the world. Then I found the cutest shop on the planet earth. I mean, REALLY, I could just move into that shop and be perfectly content the rest of my life. It was if the buyer had purchased everything in the store with me in mind. It was called-of all darling things-"under the dogwood tree". Not that this day needed anything more BUT the lobster rolls and blueberries have been sublime. Truly one happy camper on this road trip!!!

computer/old person malfunction..

2010-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

what the hay..my computer wouldn't let me finish my writing. Is it telling me that I write too much?! Ha- I will show it and just continue on in another entry! What? It works for me. So , look at the pictures and then read this . The photo of Denver was snapped as he went out the door for a week long boy scout hike/camp thing. When he walked out with all that gear on top of that hot,hot sweatshirt I almost died. Well,no not died but I immediately started sweating for him. He had a great time but they did come home a day earlier than planned. The scout master said the "boys" were just exhausted. Hmmmm. I've been there buddy, I know who was the tired one! Yes, and that brings us to the next pictures. anyone who has been knows what embroidery floss, mega braids,canoes,and "twilight" paraphernalia means...GIRLS CAMP !!! We had simply the Very Best time EVER. So glad that I was asked to go up and help. Our camp director is the most creative person and it is always a Joy to work with her! It was a bittersweet time however as this was our last camp. Next year Kerriann and all her friends will be graduated and moving onto college. It was a very special treat to have Chelsie with us one more time. Honestly they were many moments when my eyes were welling up realizing this was the last time. Well not for them. They will have their own daughters and opportunites to go back to camp. Chelsie is just destined to be asst. camp director for the rest of her life ( we decided "asst." was better because you get to go but aren't really in charge , so you get to play more!) But it is different for me..I want to "end" my camp days on an up-note. Ack, I sound as morose as my mother. Moving on then, Preston turned 3 and we celebrated down by a shallow creek,perfect. Jane got blessed on the 4th of july. Porter was there but not for the picture so Bo stood in for him...way to be in every picture Bo. Our days have been full..but in a lovely way. More lemonade please.

summertime

2010-07-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is just gliding along . Here are some pictures of what I've been occupying my time with. Kelly and Bo moved down to arizona. Dallin moved a week later.

His "last night" he wanted to spend up at sundance-would be my choice as well. It is always wonderful to get up in the mountains where it is cooler. It had rained that afternoon which made it even better.

Little Jane is putting on ounces nicely. Preston calls her "baby j" in a funny western voice. She is a very good little gal and Devin deserves that.Such a patient mother. Harrison is having a good kid summer. I took this one morning when he was sleeping in ( going back to our 6:30 am wake-up in september will be a bear!) His room is done up in flags and posters of the things he loves. Apparently he was so fond of Muhammad Ali's famous quote,"stings like a butterfly, floats like a bee" that he made up his own poster!! My garden is on auto pilot this summer. But it still knows I love it and it tries so hard to make me happy. It is a mish-mash of volunteers..grape vines and california poppies from one neighbor, sunflowers-just because this is utah, some wildflowers that must have blown in on the wind..and they all live together so nicely with my tomatoes,lavender and strawberries that I put in years ago.Its really a lovely little spot.Kevin is not allowed to spray any of his nasty chemicals in d

2010-06-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

It felt GOOD to be back in Oregon. Can you see the traveling gnome? He came along.

Allright, We all Loved Eugene. This is a beautiful area!!

Wildflowers were everywhere.

The sports facility at O is incredible. And we saw it all..work-out hangers, super-sized stadiums, Duck shops,historic track fields. As Devin says, our trips have truly evolved from when she and kell were little girls. We didn't look at sports anything then!

It is a great college town with funky shops and marvelous organic restaurants..this Glenwood is worth the drive alone. Very reminiscent of Berkeley. Did I mention how GREEN it is?!!

2010-06-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

This man Loves the ocean...and makes it all possible.

This spot is mere miles from the beautiful redwoods.

We took awesome hikes.

Kevin's idea of a perfect road trip does not include camping. However, we do stay at some amazing places. This view is from our motel deck in Crescent City,California. People went down to the beach to watch the sun set and have bonfires.

Good-morning Mr. Elk. This is what I saw when I opened the curtains of our charming cabin at -what else..Elk Lodge. Seriously, they were this close!! And so tame.

the great western road trip..#1

2010-06-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

A retro road trip is one where Kevin and I haven't been back to since we were wee ones (respectively of course.) And the lucky children get to hear All our memories until they think they are getting car-sick. The obvious choice was the majestic california giant redwoods.

We didn't need to read this sign to know what we were seeing !!

A retro road trip needs funky statues of big-foot and darling little boys.

The Ultimate kitsch..Paul Bunyan's blue ox Babe. I know I have been here before!

2010-06-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

I went to Boy Scout camp . Unfortunately I don't have a son in this particular group..but I still went. We set up the tents and kitchen before the rain started. We ate lunch with our hoods up because it was raining and we were in the middle of a meadow (you know how it goes when you are camping.) Blessedly, our first aid class had a tarp overhead because now it was Pouring. Sue and I were the only female leader pair there. We already stood out from the adult crowd since we weren't dressed in either head-to-toe official BSA gear or "camo"- Everything,including a hat with BSA or NRA pins all over it. It is Fun to people watch there. I did enjoy it because 1) we have a cute little group of boys that were LOVING it, 2) it was amazingly beautiful up the Hobble Creek Canyon and 3) what better activity for a summer day than being at camp?!! I left that evening to go celebrate Bo's birthday. This was the way to truly make him happy..go to dinner at Chuck-o-Rama ( talk about a crazy place to people watch- and WHO names their restaurant that?!!) After stuffing ourselves silly with an odd assortment of food, we rolled over to the movies and watched "The A Team." Wowsers, what a guy day..the testosterone was running thick. Happy Birthday Bo-dog..we love you!!

2010-06-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Devin got a new baby..I got a new kayak!! Kevin surprised me , but then thought-"what good is one lonely kayak" and bought another one. Dallin is seen here with me at Tibble resevoir this morning reaping the benefit of Kevin's generous decision.

This is Jane Aubree Ann Worton..hello cutie !!

Welcome,Welcome Baby Girl..

2010-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter how many babies you have seen, the sweetness factor never gets old !! This little darling arrived at 8:10 this morning.

She weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz. Very alert and obviously intelligent.

Mama,Daddy Port and baby are all smiling.

Despite high anticipation..baby has not been named yet.

CONGRATULATIONS WORTONS...we love you.

2010-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Kevin FINALLY received the package from Bank of America (although it wasn't quite as cute as this, but I don't think he truly minded.) That also makes this, his last day there. For those of you who have issues with big corporation severance packages-relax- because he worked VERY VERY hard for this. They took most of his sanity as well..but we are going to fight to get it back. This was the very last day that you could receive this from B of A, which is also quite fitting, so Kevin. This does not mean that the big Kahuna is retiring... c'mon!! He has a job lined up starting the day after labor day. Which means he gets to have a summer vacation. He hasn't had one since 1979 and is More than ready for one. I have always felt bad during summer when we are planning some fun day and he is going off to work. But not this year. CONGRATULATIONS and ENJOY. We love you !!!

Finding your true sport..priceless.

2010-05-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

I feel my children cringing as I write these words. Because I have seen them audibly groan when I reach in my make believe quiver and pluck an arrow. Legolas and the fairy gal ( forgot her elfish name ) made archery look so sexy ( oh, Devin hates when I use that word in a blog.) Rather, it was exquisite when the elves let their arrows soar through the air. The elves were my very favorite part of "Lord of the Rings." Their world was so pretty and I loved how they lived in trees. The rest of the movie was filled with such darkness and evil-yes, the elves life was to be envied. And then "Avitar" comes along-taking the tree dwelling to an even higher plane and the arrow whooshing was majestic. Plugging your hair braid into an animals psych and becoming one was ..well, pure genius-but that branch of thought should wait for another day. Enter "Robin Hood" and Russel Crowe looking dashingly heroic with his bow and arrow. Ok, yes, I realize now that this is also my natural ( if somewhat hidden ) talent !! I am one with these archers. I too could live in a tree or on the outskirts of Sherwood Forrest. Don't laugh when you see me next wearing my quiver..I am going to make this work.

Food Memories need a makeover..

2010-05-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have been reading Molly Wizenberg's darling book, "A Homemade Life". Wow, not only is she a great writer but her recipes look divine.It is a good idea..she writes a couple pages on a memory of her parents/childhood and food and then includes the recipe.Molly's compositions are like comfort-food for the soul. You definitely want to curl up in her charming life. Naturally, it made me reflect on my early days in california and what food memory could I conjure up. Nothing came to mind..I mean not a thing! Well,ok, I had some memories but they weren't exactly good . My mother has some marvelous qualities, but cooking isn't one of them. She overcooked everything and served canned vegetables ( which were also overcooked..gross.) Most meals I couldn't eat, to which she would always say," well, grab yourself a bowl of cereal then." I am sure I have consumed more than a million bowls of Life cereal ( I don't remember her buying any other kind.) Which brings up the issue of variety-there was none. Ironically, the very worst meal of the year was thanksgiving dinner. Her dressing was wet and gooey and included Huge chunks of onion. She also made an oyster dressing-a speciality- that was a white/gray goopy mess of oysters and saltine crackers. The sweet potatoes were her first undercooked item and even the marshmallow sat half-melted and askew. No comment on the turkey. Her lasagna-which was not served at thanksgiving- was decorated with halves of hard boiled eggs. Here is the one memory I came up with. I was about 5 years old and she served me a PB and J. But she had put on slabs of butter Under the peanut butter. Slabs mind you, they weren't even smoothed out. Who does that?!! She made me eat it anyway, and I chocked it down between sobs. Sounds like a chapter out of "mommy dearest" instead of "a homemade life." Cooking just wasn't her thing. I was a skinny little kid..until I learned how to cook for myself!! Do you know who Tasha Tudor was ? An extremely talented artist who drew bucolic scenes of children and chickens and corgi dogs. She illustrated books with these dreamy images of christmas and simple home life. My very favorite was one where the family floated a birthday cake -with candles all aglow- down this meandering creek to the little girl's festivities (obviously it was a summer birthday.) Ubercool. I wanted a life like that!! I loved her drawings and collected practically every book she illustrated. Then I read a bio on this Tasha Tudor and it appears that she had an awful childhood and created these visions to help herself/heal from these memories. Whoa, I am NOT "outing" myself as an abused child. But when I read that about Tasha I thought-good for you, you go girl and all that stuff. Life just NEEDS imagination and creativity.And if I sometimes live vicariously through Tasha's drawings and Molly's yummy childhood memories..so be it.

Happy Birthday Mother Dear!

2010-05-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here's to a wonderful Birthday!

You're a joy in all of our lives.

* Thank you for teaching us the importance of recycling...I will never be able to throw a can away without thinking "what would mother do". I know the planet is a greener place because of you!

*I don't think there is a book on earth you haven't heard of or given a chance. I love your love for reading and your obsession with children's books. Every time I read to Preston I remember how much I loved you reading to me when I was little. Thanks for saving all "my books" and passing them down to the next generation!

*Your love of bees is very fitting for a hard worker like yourself. And yet you take the time to enjoy life too. You're so much fun to beeee around, life is a constant party when you are there!
Not to mention you're BEEEutiful!

Thanks for all that you do for us,

but most of all for being YOU!

Love you!

feliz cumpleanos..thats how they say it in Spain

2010-05-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

next spring birthday gal up to the plate!! a wonderful 10th of May to you Kerriann! I wish you..sunnier days than today..continued success with your schooling, you Very smart girl..loyal friends and no bitter enemies...that your beautiful clear skin will persevere...that your true love of cats will take you places...that you and Seth Cohen WILL find each other...that your fun,vibrant laugh might stop giving you headaches..that Hurley will explain All the mysteries to you..and that you will live a long and prosperous life ( and find out where your chinese lineage comes from.) You are the BEST my dear. May your day and life be filled with gorgeous moments. I love you..mama

2010-04-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kelly-Bell

2010-04-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

I don't believe that it has ever snowed on Kelly's birthday,or been this cold ( which is really not her thing.) But we are still celebrating this darling girl..all of us are so happy that she is a part of our lives. Even Bo, who is being a dud today and taking two finals, is thrilled our little kitten is turning 23. Nice memories of Reno floating around in my mind all day. Oh, and now Kelly is going to be a mother !! Debuting this thanksgiving..woot,woot. What very fun news on this very special day.

This is what I know..

2010-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

After spending several days out in colorado helping my mom gut and purge her little home, and then a week-end in sacratomato moving Kevin's parents stuff from their home of 50 years to an assisted living place I learned quite a few things!! First and foremost..STOP buying your parents JUNK. The accumulated kitsch is out-of-control!!! And you most likely aren't the only sibling adding to the pile every single holiday that rolls around. I am as guilty as the next well-intentioned kid, but I am determined to repent and reform! Parents are such tenderhearted people that they will not get rid of a single item.A few special pieces can be claimed as sentimental, but not EVERY SINGLE ONE !! The G-units are too far gone to change their ways..so it is up to you to cut back. Where is Koki, I know he would support me in this !! I keep telling my mom..stop spending money on gifts to family and give away some of your cool stuff that you aren't using anymore and someone else might enjoy. i am not advocating throwing things away-heck, give it to Amie and she can re-purpose it!! Take the added stress out of gift giving..simplify it all, give gifts of food or things they truly stand in need of. Give of yourself and a new memory. Help your parents, help yourself, help the earth. If you still aren't buying this go take a turn at gutting your parents or your own home and then you will see what I a talking about !!

2723 Durrant Ave.,Berkeley

2010-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

This was home for four years of my life. K-Ann took this picture last fall.Sadly, it is missing it's beautiful old tree that graced its front walkway. Other than that, it is still the same..at least in my mind and heart. I have never been back inside the Theta house since I graduated and walked out the door. I think that is best because than it always stays the same. If I had been with the program at all back then I would have taken pictures like crazy..but I just took pictures of people..go figure. It was a lovely home built back in the early 1900s with tons of charm. Unlike the ratty fraternity houses, sorority homes are meticulously maintained with pretty gardens. Lets see, you could live in the boxy,grey dormitories and run the risk of getting a militant,revolutionary roommate or live in a gorgeous,old, Berkeley-style architectural home with maid service and a cook (ok, we had to clean our own rooms.) Typically,girls would move out their junior or senior year and get an apartment.But not our group, maybe we were a touch dorky ,or maybe we just knew a really good thing when we saw it!! The Theta house wasn't my first choice when I went through rush my freshman year..but ultimately it was the very best decision I made at Berkeley. Houses are always" known" for one thing or another, but I had no preconceived notion of the Thetas. The Tri-Delts were giggily blondes, the Kappas snobby little rich girls, the Pi Phis had the corner on cool and the DGs were cute (in a tiny,irish,catholic way.) See, anyone could find their niche.. that is the point of rushing. But the Theta house was ALL over the board-some girls were drop-dead gorgeous,some were little Einsteins, there was the organic Marin faction, a few nyphomaniacs, more than our share of bohemians.A nice mix really. I think others would define us as girls-who-liked-to-party..well, we did. It was a fun and eclectic group that I came to love dearly. But what I have been thinking of is the house, the physical house. It had an addition built on during some aesthetically bland period..it was referred to as the "new" side but I wanted none of it. The old part had crown moldings, crank windows, little wooden closets and sun-porches. It was light and airy . It had views of the aforementioned garden or the Berkeley hills. None of our rooms had locks on the doors and men weren't allowed upstairs. If you had a brother or a platonic guy friend who was moving some heavy item for you you had to announce"man on" as you climbed each floor. Oh, I haven't mentioned the stairs ( Berkeley as a whole was Very fond of stairs) without elevators-very unfriendly handicapped wise- but great for the calf muscles. All told, 90 girls, a house mother and one "house boy" lived at 2723 Durrant. There was an old,dark stairway that went past the house-boys room and to the kitchen and eventually to the back alley. I feed the feral cats there. we were always told not to-diseases and that kind of rot-but on my watch,for four years they were well-fed. The house-boy thing is odd,yes? An archaic idea to protect the girls I assume. They got free room and board for doing manly jobs around the house I guess. They were the butt of many a joke, and ours had the unfortunate name of Julian. Monday night dinner was our fancy meal of the week and Julian and several other young men had white coats on and served us dinner. Does this sorority stuff sound FUN or what?!! I want to go back!! Our version of "texting" consisted of a lovely, old, wooden message center that stood at the base of the stairs. Mail, phone messages on slips of paper or notes from boys were waiting in your own little box. It being a sorority tiny girlie friendship quotes or flowers were also included. I , of course, found much joy in putting random, odd items in peoples boxes. But -WOW-I loved the box. Remember we didn't have cell phones so we really relied on "the box"...there were 3 house lines that people could Try and get you on. And once a week you had "phone duty" where you answered the phone"Kappa Alpha Theta" and then would get on the intercom and say "Nancy Tufts call on 45, Nancy?" If the aforementioned girl didn't answer you wrote down the message and left it in her box..for her to find joy later. This all makes it sound like I was there in the early 1900s doesn't it? It worked, and if you were trying to avoid someone, it worked real well. Don't hold your breath, but I will probably post some more riveting info later.

Listen to moms playlist #2

2010-04-05T18:02:00.001-07:00

2010-03-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

this is my gnome-like daughter, and that is all her own hair

it has been a big skiing year,the boys are up the mountain every chance they get

Denver is a happy little krautmeister

these guys dress up so nicely

lets face it, Harrison is gorgeous

2010-03-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Two of my very favorite men.

Old indian guys hitting on Devin.

Desert Botanical Garden

I love all the variations of cacti.

We all went down to Arizona to see the new year in.

2010-03-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Botanical gardens there are fabulous !!

We would just drive around the island and stop at beaches that called to us.

This gorgeous spot in Oahu is where Sun and Jin got married..ubercool.

Life doesn't get much better than getting a pie to go at Ted's bakery and watching the sun set.

After Turtle Bay we found much more rustic lodging.

2010-03-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

We hadn't seen Matt-from-Medford in years and it was great.

The birthday boy celebrates ..Frank Sinatra style.

Beautiful bark on a eucalyptus tree in Hawaii.

I embroidered Valentines this year.

Harrison and friend at their Russian booth at his schools world fair.

"dreaming in Hindi"

2010-03-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the most wonderful picture ? A man named David Gilbert took and won a photo contest from a travel magazine. I love those indian colors, the reflection of them on the wet sand. Amazing. Anyone else have "experiencing India " on their bucket list ?!! Until then, I am reading "East of the Sun" and then "The Twentieth Wife" for book club ( NOT a Utah polygamist story.) Both are great Indian books..very descriptive. That being said about this very creative photographer, I am about to post some of my pictures of 2010..not that I am any good,because pictures can capture part of one's life.