Christmas Joy

Nothing says Christmas like love at home. I'll never be too old to crawl around on the floor and play with our dogs. Dexter snapped this picture and the dogs kept trying to climb on me and lick my face. They are still fascinated by the snow and love to play in it. When I open the door, though, they run inside fast! The heater is close to their beds in the living room and they love to bask in the warmth.

Since Dwayne has a job, he had fun buying presents on his own with his own money. That large stack of presents in front of the tree is all his. He was very generous and we are proud of him for all the time and effort he put into purchasing gifts. Everything was absolutely perfect!

Dwayne had to be at work at 9 am, so we had an early start on unwrapping presents. After he's done whipping up a fabulous Christmas dinner for the kids at Heritage, he'll be coming home to play with all his new toys.

The boys got creative with their gift wrapping. Dwayne added drawings and captions to the wrapping paper. Dexter takes the ultimate prize. He wrapped his gift to his dad completely in duct tape, including a duct tape bow. Beautiful and manly!!

Dwayne and Dexter have rediscovered Rubik's cubes and are pretty good at solving them. Dwayne's gift to Dexter was a 5X5 cube which has Dexter completely perplexed! In this picture, Dexter is also modeling the coat we gave him. He loves it and we're hoping that means he will actually wear a coat.

Dwayne decided to be goofy for the picture, but he really did like all of his presents. Dexter gave him an emergency kit for his car (including jumper cables), but Dwayne didn't remember to take it with him when he left for work. He needed a jump start to get home from work last night, so that may have been a poor choice to leave the cables behind today.
I had one of the most wonderful Christmases ever. With the declining economy, it was nice to see people scale back and really think about the gifts they're giving. It was a relief that more neighbors just said "Merry Christmas" and didn't leave us with plates of candies and cookies. The gifts I received were wonderfully chosen and I felt like each person really knew me and what I liked. Emerson gave me the most incredible set of jewelry, the most beautiful I own or will probably ever own! Santa got me the "Mama Mia" DVD (singalong version) although the family says I'm not allowed to sing along. Dwayne gave me a heart-shaped jewelry box, some sterling silver earrings, and a gold and silver heart necklace. Sharon made me a beautiful and very warm scarf (pictured). Kathy got us a fun family game to play on the Wii. Dwayne gave Emerson an XBox 360 and Dex gave him Gears of War 2 so they can network game systems together and play against each other on different tv's (don't ask me how all that works). It's snowing outside and soon we'll have to find our sidewalk again. It looks beautiful, but we'll be buried in it soon enough.

This year I have thought a lot about Christmases past. Emerson and I have now celebrated 21 Christmases together. Our first Christmas was celebrated at his mom's house and his brothers were embarasssed when I opened a nightgown that was labeled as being from them (courtesy of their mom). The tree at our apartment was the cheapest we could find and it was so crooked we had to weigh it down on one side so it wouldn't fall over. We decorated it with our stuffed animals since we couldn't afford any ornaments. Then there was the year that Emerson gave me his mom's rocking chair for Christmas (I was pregnant with Dexter) and I gave him a used La-Z-Boy chair I bought from a friend. We both stored our special presents at the babysitter's house and she had to keep the secret. Emerson was too sick to enjoy Christmas day much and our tree was all dried out already and we got rid of it by the end of the day. Needles were all over the place! Last year was fun with both of my sisters here. I also loved the year Grandma Myers came out and we had my entire side of the family here (even Dan and Andrea). I remember Christmas mornings when I was a kid and how we had to have breakfast before opening presents. I also remember how Kathy and I were a profession gift unwrapping and rewrapping team so we could sneak peaks at our presents before Christmas. Dad used to go pretty crazy spending a lot on gifts and we spent most of the year paying them off. I'm much happier with the more sentimental gifts, the creative ones, and the handmade ones. Every ornament on our tree has a meaning to me - the Garfield and Odie ones that were our first ornaments as a couple, the baby's first Christmas ones for each boy, ones the boys made, ones from friends and neighbors, the cool Native inspired ones Loren gave us, the free ornaments from Black Friday sales at RC Willey, Mervyn's, and JC Penneys, the Broncos ornaments, the fishing boats from the tree we dedicated to my mom, the ornaments Kathy made for us each year, the beaded ones I picked up this year in Phoenix..... I hope the memories of these Christmases last on and on...

Who Says Mormons Aren't Funny?

A friend sent me this video clip from You Tube. It is from a church talent show and the men are doing a synchronized swimming routine. I laughed so hard when I saw it and I just had to share. Part of me is jealous of their creativity...

Facebook

All four of us have Facebook pages now. Dwayne and Dexter still refuse to be my friends, but I have found plenty of others who wish to be identified with me. It has been a fun way to keep up with friends and family and I have managed to get back in touch with friends from 20-30 years ago. I have gotten a little addicted to some of the games you can play on there. Kathy and I are probably a little too into some of the applications where you grow plants, adopt pets, decorate trees, send presents, etc. in that little make-believe environment. Right now we even have a George family scrabble game going.

Christmas is coming...

I managed to be too busy to deal with digging out the Christmas tree and decorations until this past weekend. The tree went up with only five days until Christmas. I hope I don't cut it this close in the future! We didn't have many presents sitting around, so there wasn't much pressure early on.

We have been hit by several snow storms recently. Most of them hit the west coast first, so Kathy and Rick have had to deal with them before we did. One of our storms hit Las Vegas first and Sharon was snowed in (ironic - Hell freezes over...lol). Monday's storm left at least 12 inches of snow at our house and Emerson had to help me dig out a spot to park when I came home from work. Our dogs have handled it well. They like jumping around in the snow and Scout seems to be searching for stuff by sticking her whole head in the snow. The snow is almost high enough to cover Shadow. I don't let them play in it for long since they aren't built for this kind of weather. They like basking in front of the heater as much as I do.

Let it Snow

It's finally looking like December around here. The snow is falling and is supposed to continue for about the next week. We're enjoying the snow, but we're a little on edge about Dwayne being out there and driving in it.

I thought I'd share some good news. Every year at our company Christmas party, they announce the Spirit of Heritage award winners. These are essentially the employees of the year and they receive a trophy and some cash. Emerson got this award about four or five years ago (much deserved). As involved as I am in so many projects at Heritage, I was sure over the past couple of years that I would get it. One of my coworkers even let me know she nominated me two years ago. Since I take things so terribly personally, I was crushed each year as I was passed over. The HR Director tried to make me feel better by telling me it was virtually impossible for me to receive the award since it would look like the executives were playing favorites. Unless people from many different departments nominated me, I was doomed to being recognized only within my department. I helped type up this year's awards and knew who was on the final list, only to have them surprise me and announce my name at the dinner. I won!! I have an amazing boss who always lets me know I'm doing a great job and that I'm appreciated, but it was so wonderful for him to tell the rest of the campus. I'm having a tough time facing my boss now without getting emotional (I'm such a cry-baby). The money will help me get closer to getting caught up on the money I'm paying to chaperon Dexter's choir trip to New York and I'm trying to figure out the best place to put my trophy.

Anasazi Foundation

The event I attended in Phoenix was for the Anasazi Foundation. They are a wilderness program for at-risk youth and they held a scholarship gala to celebrate 20 years of existence plus raise some money for scholarships. It was very fancy and had quite a few tearful moments telling of the impact their program has had. They had a silent auction with a lot of great items - gift baskets, jewelry, art, autographed sports and music stuff... I'm amazed at the support they have. My boss sent to to see how they run their fundraiser and get some ideas. I also met up with some others in the treatment industry who are hoping to coordinate fundraising efforts. We were treated to music from Brooke White (an American Idol finalist) and Nathan Pacheco (an amazing tenor who is touring with Yanni). Steve Young was supposed to be there but his wife just had a baby and he stayed with her. He just sent money (acceptable substitute).

Living the good life

My boss sent me to Phoenix to attend a fundraising event. I get to stay at the resort where the event is being held. It's a really nice place and I have the room all to myself. The bed is amazingly comfortable and I have a little patio with a view of the golf course.

Dexter as Pharaoh ("Elvis")

Thanksgiving

Sharon came to celebrate Thanksgiving with us this year. Since Dwayne had to be at work by 1 pm, we decided to eat at noon. Thanksgiving is the only day I really enjoy cooking and that's only because it's the only time people really seem to like my cooking. It's so rewarding!! The food turned out fine and no disasters to add to my list of cooking horror stories.

Black Friday was mellow by comparison to previous years. We hit JC Penney at 4 am to get the free Disney snow globe ornament and then traveled to WalMart for the 5 am sale. We usually avoid WalMart on Black Friday, but we got brave this year. Fortunately, the downturn in the economy kept the crowds to a smaller size. I did finally have to ditch the shopping cart in order to maneuver or else I would have ended up with a full blown panic attack.

Most of us have been enjoying having some time off (other than Dwayne). I'm going to be heading to Phoenix next Friday for an event my boss wants me to attend, so next week will be pretty busy. Dexter has some concerts next week and Emerson is finishing up some of his classes for the special education certification.

I'm dreaming of a manageable Christmas 2008

For the past 2 years, the George family has drawn names for Christmas gifts in an effort to keep the holidays happy. Each family has been randomly assigned another family to get Christmas gifts for. Sharon prefers to handle her gifts differently, so she will not be part of the drawing. There are no real limits on gifts, just do what you can for the family or for the individuals in the family. I'm going to list the assignments here. Let me know if there are any problems/concerns. So far things seem to be working other than the fact that I didn't remember to let you know this information until now this year.

Bill's family will be sending gifts to Rick's family
Rick's family will be sending gifts to Kathy's family

Karen's family will be sending gifts to Bill's family
Kathy's family will be sending gifts to Karen's family

Rejected

I ended up being rejected for the BYU job - by email....
That's okay. I prayed only for the right thing to happen and I have faith that staying at Heritage must be the right thing for me right now. It was humbling to not even make it to the interview and I am trying to focus on doing my job even better. Grow where you're planted - right?

The King

I mentioned before that Dexter is in his high school's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He plays one of the brothers (Levi), appears as a guard in a few scenes, and is the Pharaoh. Tomorrow night is their last show and I can honestly say he is the highlight of this production. I watch people fight each night to sit in the "Pharaoh seats" so they can be close to where he comes out to sing. The audience goes wild and girls scream as Pharaoh/Elvis takes the stage. Dexter really gets into the character and looks, sings, and dances like Elvis. He's pictured here after the show with Amber Sorensen, a close friend of his. I hope to eventually post some video since his performance is something you all MUST see...

His name is Shadow

Our new puppy has a name - "Shadow." Scout seems to be getting along with him okay and he's starting to learn the routine of our household and some commands. It snowed overnight and that didn't seem to phase him when I let him outside this morning.

Here he comes to save the day!

Meet my new puppy. He is 13 weeks old and has an awesome personality!

(The picture of him in the grass is when he was 9 weeks old)

He slept most of the way home from Salt Lake (in my arms). Scout seems to like him and he looks like a keeper.

Now the hard work begins:

1. To pick a name we can all agree on. Snickers, Ringo, Halo, Blackie, and Demon are the suggestions thus far.

2. To get him trained. He really needs to learn some boundaries and some basic behaviors or we're going to be miserable real soon. It takes time to do that, but Emerson's pretty good and will have him following commands before too long.

I'm happy to have this little guy and look forward to the peace I enjoy when working with my dog.

No more Snickers

We returned Snickers to the breeder yesterday. He and Scout just couldn't get along. He was a cute little guy and learned commands quickly, but he already had too many bad habits from his previous home. He was babied there and he couldn't handle Scout getting back at him when he was pestering her. After endless days of him being cornered or perched on top of the doghouse to get away from her, we knew Snickers could not stay. It was a sad car ride, but he was happy to see his old home. We're looking for a younger puppy so Scout's maternal instincts will kick in and we can keep the next one.

We are still here

Dang...it sure has been a long time since I posted anything. Here is what you missed:

Dexter is in his junior year at Provo High School. He won the part of Pharaoh as well as one of the brothers in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," which is being performed in November. He has a job at Papa John's Pizza and is trying to earn enough money ($1,500!) for his choir tour to New York. They have been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall!!! I have been selected as one of the chaperones and need to come up with my own $1,500 (donations welcome...). Dexter is pretty busy and usually tired and sore from all the rehearsals and pizza making.

Dwayne graduated from Job Corps and is back at home with us. He is working as a cook at Heritage and is making a nice wage. He invested his paycheck in some new furniture and rearranged his and Dexter's bedroom. His latest investment was in a scooter so he doesn't have to keep asking us for rides. He'll probably have to park it once the roads get icey.

Emerson is still working as the weightlifting teacher at Heritage and is in the home stretch of his special education certification. He helped backstage for this year's play at Heritage and had fun moving mountains and other scenery.

I'm staying plenty busy, as usual. At work I had the performing arts center grand opening to deal with in July, then the usual chaos of the annual play (and rehearsals) in August and September. We had a 5K walk/run that I was in charge of in early October as well as the retirement party for our founder and now former CEO. It has been chaotic at work and my office is evidence of that. I am also serving as the choir booster secretary at Dexter's high school. The good thing is that gave me an edge in getting selected as a tour chaperone. The UVU Powwow is coming up and I'm on the organizing committee for that. I'm in charge of registration and judging. I just applied for what looks like a good job at BYU. It would be a great opportunity for growth and I hope I at least get called in for an interview. The cool thing is that my boss at Heritage is very supportive and wants what's best for me. We'll see where I end up in a few weeks or so. I did get nominated by the Chamber of Commerce for the Athena Award. It's for professional women who serve the community and I even got an engraved clock just for being a nominee.

One of our dogs, Slash, is no longer with us. He got out of his pen and was hit by a moving van on 300 South. We thought he was just lost, but the mailman saw our posters and told us he witnessed the accident. We never got to say goodbye to Slash and my heart still aches for him. He brought peace, love, and sanity to my life in a way that's hard to understand if you're not into pets. Scout, our other dog, misses him terribly. We got another beagle, Snickers, who is 4 months old, but we probably won't keep him. He is driving us all crazy because his previous owners spoiled him. Emerson is trying hard to get me a new beagle puppy to call my own, but we may have to wait awhile.

Teenagers' bedrooms

You haven't truly been initiated as a parent until you've dealt with teenagers and their bedrooms. They're really more like caves than bedrooms. Dark, dreary, messy, smelly....

Dwayne and Dexter each have their own loft bed, but they now have wandered to a spare mattress on the floor. After days and days of cleaning, this is Dexter's idea of clean:

All you can really do is shut the door and hope nothing escapes!

Dexter, being the more artistic and sentimental kind of person, has made the most of the shelf next to his bed. His treasures include his priesthood certificates, state choir rating, program from Phantom of the Opera, and the stems from the glasses he smashed in his wedding scene for Fiddler on the Roof.

Facebook

I have a Facebook page now and I've managed to find Cheri, some high school friends, and some people from work. It's kind of cool and much, much tamer than MySpace. Dexter spends a lot of time on his Facebook page. Unfortunately, he won't add me as a friend. I'm pretty sure he doesn't want me looking at his page and seeing the conversations he's having with his friends. The crazy thing is he has over 188 people listed as friends.

Too much of a good thing?

Those who know me well are aware that I generally put my whole heart and soul into my work, especially when it's something I really believe in. The primary purpose of my job at Heritage is fundraising. Since 2000, Heritage has incorporated a performing arts program into the therapy we provide. I'll let you read more about it on the Heritage website (http://www.heritagertc.org/). What's important here is that I'm heavily involved in the performing arts program and have been focused on trying to raise money to build a theater for it. We've been fundraising on this project for a few years now and we raised enough money to be able to begin construction. The open house and grand opening for our new performing arts center are this Wednesday through Friday. This project has now consumed me as I try to arrange for speakers, entertainment, food, invitations, press releases, film projects, tours, etc. We had the governor speaking and Gladys Knight speaking/singing, then the governor had to cancel and Gladys had a new set of tour dates to play. Back to nothing, we tried for the governor's wife.....didn't work out. Then we got the lt. governor. Luckily, the lt. governor is not going to cancel out on us because his daughter works at Heritage and she'd have something to say to him about it. The building wasn't completed on schedule and we had to change the grand opening date several times. It was supposed to be completely done by Memorial Day. The Open House starts tomorrow and they are still fixing problems, painting things, and cleaning up. We sent out about 1500 invitations to the open house and grand opening. Most of the other arrangements are set, but I still have to print the programs and set up displays and write some speeches.

To add to the chaos, auditions for this year's play were yesterday and today. I had to make copies of the music, help kids fill out forms and get pictures taken, run errands for the directors, and continue to work on plans for the grand opening. It looks like we have a great group of kids this year. Our executive secretary already cracked under the pressure today. I'm kind of surprised I haven't done that yet. With all that's going on, though, I will end up working about 52 hours this week. I don't mind the long hours, but it's really rough on the old marriage. Even after nearly 20 years (it will be 20 years on Aug. 20!), Emerson's not a fan of me working past 5 pm. You wouldn't know it from talking to Emerson or the boys, but I'm pretty dang good at my job. They trust me with a lot and they know I won't let them down. The executives are my biggest fans. I'm hoping that the hard work and my degree will add up to some good promotion possibilities down the road. Who knows? It's a little late to try the stay home mom thing....lol.

Teenagers are messy!

With the Independence Day holiday, we had both boys home all week. Dwayne is working as an intern in the kitchen at Heritage while he is on break. He will be home with us until July 15. It's kind of weird having three of us working at Heritage, but it's nice to see him working. Dexter returned to camp on Sunday. The biggest thing we noticed with the boys home was that the place got messy fast. Nothing ever seems to get put away or thrown away. I think the dogs decided to act like our boys. They managed to find a weak spot in their pen and worked their way out. By the time I found out, the dogs had trampled their way through my garden. More than half of the corn, all the canteloupe and watermelon, and some of the squash is now gone. I managed to forgive the dogs (mostly) and am focusing on what's left of the garden. Things are a little calmer this week. Not as messy with only one kid at home, and the dogs seem to be staying where they're supposed to be.

Empty Nesters - sort of

We're without children right now. Dexter took a job at Scout camp and only comes home part of Saturday and Sunday. Dwayne, of course, is still up at Job Corps and comes home for the weekends. It's just me and Emo and the dogs for the time being. So far things have been somewhat nice and quiet (and much cleaner).

Our friend and neighbor, a real hero

Tyler and Meredith Jensen used to live in our ward until military service caused them to move away for awhile. Meredith worked with me in the Primary for many years and we have been good friends. Tyler was Dwayne's favorite Young Men's/Scout leader and one of the people he looks up to the most. When Dwayne received his Eagle Award, Tyler was the person he chose to give his mentor pin to. We're so proud of Tyler for serving our country well and know the hardship Meredith has gone through worrying about him and raising their two energetic children.


Provo Man Receives Silver Star
First time award has been given to a Utah Guardsman in recent memory

Caleb Warnock
Daily Herald (www.heraldextra.com)

On Jan. 27, 2007, 1st Lt. Tyler J. Jensen of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and his combat patrol were ambushed by 100 anti-government forces in Sangaar, Afghanistan. The Provo resident's heroism that day earned him a Silver Star, the first awarded to a Utah National Guard member in recent memory.

"1st Lt. Jensen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to save a fellow soldier who was wounded. His courage, superlative combat skills and tactical leadership under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning his patrol," said military officials at a ceremony at Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper on Thursday morning.

The Silver Star is given "for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force," according to Army regulations. The decoration is the third-highest medal for valor, after the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

"There is a little more press here than I was expecting," said Jensen with a wide grin to a dozen or so photographers snapping pictures. "In some ways it is easier to be in the infantry than surrounded by so much press. You don't know how to shoot back at them."

Jensen described the award as bittersweet.

"In many ways it was a wonderful honor, very humbling and greatly respectful and I do appreciate all the honor you and the country have attributed to me, but in other ways this is really hard because there are so many of my fallen friends and fellow soldiers who were not here and were not able to receive this award."

Jensen thanked his wife, calling her his hero.

"You have stood by me through so much," he said. "You do so much more than I could ever imagine."

He also thanked his parents, saying their "constant prayers have not gone unanswered."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. called the Utah National Guard "the greatest Guard in the United States," and said he felt "totally inadequate" addressing the men and women in the armed services.

"It is pretty cool to be governor, but it is exceedingly cool to be able to pin on a Silver Star and Bronze Star with valor, knowing what they represent," he said. "Thank you, our heroes, for taking time from your schedules to serve our country and protect and defend our liberty. Freedom isn't free, and many in this room feel that more acutely than others."

Huntsman said he recently took his sons to visit a graveyard "and all they wanted to do was go to see the graves with flags," he said, struggling to control his emotions. " ... The next generation is watching and learning and paying attention to all of this and you have been setting a remarkable example. I thank you as the governor and more importantly as a dad."

Captain Chad A. Pledger of North Ogden received the Bronze Star for exceptional gallantry and valor in the face of a determined enemy in Afghanistan, and had to go back to the rostrum after forgetting to thank his wife.

Referencing that faux pas as "the nearly career-ending mistake," Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet said he wanted to talk to the wives of Jensen and Pledger who "felt such anxiety in your absence and joy in your return and continued devotion to you as you continue to serve your country. You are an extraordinary example to all of us."

Tarbet said he had become what he least wanted to be in life, an old man sending young men to war.

"But what remarkable young men you are, and what a privilege it is, and how you grace the uniform and make us all proud, it is a truly remarkable thing," he said. " ... You make us proud, and for you two, the best is yet to come."

Dwayne is graduating!!!

Dwayne will be graduating from Weber Basin Job Corps (with his high school diploma and culinary arts training) on July 31 at 2:30 pm. We're so very proud of all his hard work. He quickly worked his way up to GOLD level (the highest) and stayed there. Although he finished high school earlier this year, he stayed to complete his culinary training. Dwayne passed off all of the requirements for the culinary program in only 11 months (it's supposed to take 12 months). From now until he graduates, he is working at the Ogden Golf and Country Club and learning from the chef there.

After graduation, Dwayne plans to take some classes at Utah Valley University and put in his mission papers.

Officially Smart!!!

I did it! I finally got my bachelor's degree.

This was the last graduation for Utah Valley State College. Beginning July 1, it becomes Utah Valley University.

Sharon took some time off of work to come up and watch me graduate. It was fun having her here.

Loren came in from Phoenix for the festivities as well. The boys enjoyed spending time with Grandpa Loren and I was flattered that he would go to all the trouble for an in-law.

Dwayne spent the week here so he would be around for graduation. He "dressed up" in his chef's jacket.

It's kind of hard to believe it's all over, but I sure am glad that it is. I'll miss learning things in school, but I won't miss the homework. It's nice to be able to think clearly again and to be able to focus now that I'm not so overwhelmed. Thanks go out to everyone who encouraged me and sent their best wishes.

Surprise Trip

My incredibly wonderful and handsome husband gave me a memorable gift in honor of my graduation. We took a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian. It was our first family vacation in ages and we got to stay with Sharon and see her apartment. The show was AMAZING! I'm really into seeing how things work and all the backstage stuff, so I was absolutely mesmerized by the elaborate set pieces and costumes and how the sets moved and transformed during the show. The only disappointment was that the chandelier did not fall during the performance we attended. Las Vegas has changed and grown a lot since I was last there. I'm happy with all the connections between hotels and the elevated walkways. Unfortunately, the attempt they once made to have a family friendly focus is completely gone. It was fun hanging out with Sharon and getting away from things now that my homework is history. This week has been much more fun after having some time away to relax. Only two more days til graduation...

Dwayne's new style

Dwayne has decided to find some sort of style to how he dresses. A friend of his helped him to pick out some new clothes on his last shopping trip. He is now wearing Avirex shoes (skater shoes you wear laced but not tied), plaid bermuda shorts, and designer t-shirts (Hurley, Zoo York, Sean John). I'm not too crazy about the look, but everyone else thinks he looks great. I think it's just hard for me to see him in anything but courderoys or cargo pants, attitude t-shirts, and converse shoes. He's gaining some new popularity with his new duds, so I guess it's okay.

Well...only 23 years after graduating from high school and being promised a way would be provided for me to finish my education...I'm nearly finished!

I will be graduating April 25. This 40 year-old mom will finally have that nifty piece of paper that proves to the world that I'm worth hiring and worth paying better wages.

On Monday, I have to speak at a scholarship luncheon to thank the Woodbury family since they provided the money for my scholarship. The toughest thing about being done with school will be that I won't get more moments like this where I'm special and get acknowledged for my work. Back in the real world, there is plenty of work to do and accolades are rare.

I know all of you are incredibly busy and live far away, so this is more of an announcement than an invitation. I wish I could have you here to share this moment with. Bill's Air Force ceremony to receive his first real rank was wonderful. Rick's graduation made me appreciate even more his uniqueness and his great accomplishments. Sharon refused to do the whole ceremony thing, but she donned a cap and gown so I could at least have a picture; one I still treasure. I wonder if Mom had any idea how far any of us would go... I have also been able to attend graduations for Emerson's brother, Gene, and our sister-in-law, Brenda (bachelor's and master's). We were able to surprise Emerson's mom when we showed up for her graduation for her associate's degree a few years ago.

Dexter is mostly happy that it's not on his birthday this time. He is spending his birthday competing in the Utah state solo and ensemble competition. I hear his solo is fantastic. Dwayne has been done with his high school work for some time now and is focusing on finishing his culinary arts training. He is also taking a driver's education class so he can finally learn how to drive. Emerson is taking classes to become special education certified (required by Heritage) and is having them count towards a master's degree. With Bill, Sharon, and Holly working on their master's degrees too, it's hard to feel like I am accomplishing much...lol.

President Hinckley

A friend of mine sent me this touching segment on Glen Beck's show where he talks about the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Wildlife

Our winter this year has been tough on everyone, even the critters. The buildup of snow has interfered with wildlife being able to find food.

Since Heritage is at the mouth of Provo Canyon, we've had some of the local wildlife make their way to our campus. The first was a young moose that DWS had to come in and tranquilize to haul off. He had come in to eat the hay we have for our horses. We've had deer a few times. Today there were three mule deer wandering around trying to figure out how to get off the property. I actually had my camera, so I took a bunch of pictures. I also got a picture of one trying to jump over the fence (unsuccessfully).

The state is trying to feed the animals back in their regular environment to prevent more problems. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of deer hit on the roads this year and they expect a lot of younger deer will starve to death.

Mario Mom 2008

How do you welcome in the new year when you're 40 years old, have two teenage sons, and you're going into your last day off before launching into full time work and college craziness again?.... You stay up all night playing video games, of course. The boys talked me into playing Mario Kart. I'm more of a Tetris or Pikmin type when it comes to video games. I can't handle watching very many things on the screen at one time or being under the pressure of time. I'm also severely uncoordinated and can't do all the crazy button combinations that my kids can. I think everyone's familiar with my driving, so you won't be surprised to find out I have even more trouble steering with an overly sensitive joystick on crazy courses while throwing objects and being pummeled by everything my sons are throwing at me. My revenge was that I eventually made them keep racing the same course over and over so I could get the hang of it and I eventually won some races. We stayed up all night and took a quick nap before going to see a movie on New Year's Day. It may be an odd way to celebrate the incoming year, but I had a great time.