A Father's Legacy

Rick loves to read every bit as much as I do. In fact, he probably reads a lot more than I do.

He has recently been reading the "Great and Terrible" series by Christ Stewart. He's been traveling a lot for work, and likes to have a book with him. Volumes 3 & 4 of the series were supposed to last him a couple of weeks...he finished them both in about 5 days!

This, however, left him with nothing to read last week. At the last minute, I suggested he try reading the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" books. They are YA novels and some of Spencer's favorites. I read them too, and really enjoyed them.

Shane has been toting the first book around, pretending to read it. (It's a little above his reading level). I remembered it was on the shelf of his bed...

When I grabbed it, I had to laugh. Can you see something sticking out of the top of the book?


Here's a closer look:

And closer still:

Any guess what that is? Why, it's what passes for a bookmark in this household. If you haven't figured it out yet, this picture should leave no question in your mind...

Yep, toilet paper bookmarks is the legacy my husband has passed on to his children. Every single one of the kids do this! Every. Single. One.

I think I will make laminated toilet paper square bookmarks for Christmas this year.

*And just so you know; Rick really recommends the "Great and Terrible" series, didn't really like the "Percy Jackson" books, and...I did find him a regular (no pun intended) bookmark to use while he travels...but here at home? TP all the way, baby!

Cookie Confusion

I'm afraid Shane has lived a very sheltered life.

A few days ago, he asked if we had any cookies. These are the sort of thing he is referring to:

I buy these little packages of cookies to pack in his lunches for school. Sadly, they were all gone.

Then, an idea began to form...my head began to pound, my palms to sweat and even though I wanted to stop myself, I surged forward and ...

I blurted out; "We could make some cookies".

Shane stared at me for a moment, a blank, confused look on his face. Then he said; "Sweet! We have cookie dough?"

You see, Shane thinks cookie dough looks like this:

And comes from this:

"We would have to make our own cookie dough", I gently explained.

More blank stares followed. I'm not sure he can quite get his head around it.

Then he asked; "When can we do that?"

Not wanting to commit myself too much, I respond with a vague; "Maybe tomorrow." He was satisfied, and went on to find another, more interesting activity.

But now, tomorrow is today (technically, it's been several todays and tomorrows) and there is no cookie dough in sight.

For now, we'll just have to settle for this...

It's all I got!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Last week, my mom celebrated her 71st birthday.

I don't have a good, current picture of her, so this is one from about 7 years ago.

My mom loves to read. It's a passion she passed on to me.

Anytime we went on a trip, even if it was just for a day or two...she would find a thrift store or used book shop to search through. She always would come away with lots of treasures. She used to bring the books home and bake them in the oven (seriously) to get rid of any germs or smells. Not sure if it worked or not, but she does have a lot of old, used books. :)

One of my favorite books, "The Rosary", is such a find. And I am certain it "did time" baking in the oven.

One of my favorite childhood memories is of staying up late on a summer evening, reading with my mom. In my mind's eye, I can still see her curled up in the swivel rocker, engrossed in her book. I can still remember looking up and seeing the white, sheer curtains blowing in the summer night breeze, hearing the crickets chirp outside the window, and being curled up on the couch enjoying being able to stay up so late, reading. I even remember the book I was reading; "The Endless Steppe" by Esther Hautzig.

We also did a lot of camping when I was a kid. I think mom owned all of the "Roughing It Easy" books by Dian Thomas, and she always had something new and fun for us to try; Banana Boats, Tin-foil Dinners and lots of other goodies. We always had a fun time together.

Whenever mom is trying to tell a joke, or recount a funny experience, well...she gets laughing so hard that no one can understand a word she is saying...she just starts squeaking and laughing! And the harder she tries to stop, the more she gets to laughing, until everyone is laughing, yet we still have no clue what the "funny thing" was...her attempt at telling is always the funny part. In fact, whenever she starts to share something humorous, my dad usually says, "Here she goes again" because he knows what's coming...

My mom is very organized...and she is always on time! She and my dad always show up 15-20 minutes early to everything. I don't think she has ever been late a day in her life.

She also has always been a 100% Visiting Teacher. Nothing keeps her from getting her VT done every month (early too, of course). Sadly, this is NOT a trait she passed on to me. I think the only time she may have missed a month was when Curtis was in the hospital after his car accident.

Thanks for a lifetime, of warm, wonderful, happy memories (and lots of wonderful books!)

I love you mom! Happy Birthday

19!

Happy Birthday, Emily!
19 years ago, you made your debut...Although it seems like just yesterday that you were a cute, spunky little girl...you have grown into a beautiful young woman. (Still cute and spunky!)

Here are a 19 fun, random facts about Em.

She loves music and loves to sing.

She also can play the piano and the violin.

She loves her friends and is kind, thoughtful and loyal.

She is a daddy's girl.

She loves the San Diego Temple:


Her favorite food is Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Her favorite colors are RED and TURQUOISE. (Not necessarily together).

She loves Orca Whales. Last time we went to Sea World, she cried when "Shamu" made an appearance.



When she was little, she wanted to be a teacher and a hair stylist.

When she was 2, she fell out of her 2nd story bedroom window, but thankfully was unharmed.

She loves football, and Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are her favorite team.

She likes to cook & is pretty good at it. (Don't ask her to sew anything, though!)

She is the only girl in our family. (Well, besides me!)
She is also the only granddaughter on my side of the family.

She is the 2nd oldest of our children, and has 3 brothers.

Her favorite movies are: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"

She has always been happy and cheerful. She has a good sense of humor and loves to have fun.

She does not like "hick" music, so her dad loves to torture her with it on long road trips!

Never leave a drink unattended around Emily. She is sure to add a special ingredient, usually vinegar or lemon juice.

"If You Could Hie to Kolob" is one of her favorite hymns.


We love you, Emily. Have a wonderful, happy, exciting 19th birthday!

( Emily and Spencer earlier this year)