Reading / Friends

I like reading, especially during football season. Needless to say I have done a lot of reading lately. Currently I am reading a book by one of my favorite authors - Nora Roberts. Before this I have been reading every good Harry Potter fan fiction I could find. But it has to be good. Not too violent and a happy ending. Anyway... I started this book without reading what it was about and started to laugh. It actually starts with 3 ten-year-old boys in Maryland, who are best friends - decide to make a blood oath of friendship and end up letting loose a demon. Oh, and they end up with a few special powers.... Ok.... Something is really going on here when I can't get away from 3 friends, magic, powers, demons...



Anyway, as I was reading I thought back to when I was 10 or 11. Harry Potter starts at 11. This story starts with the boys being 10. I remember having friends at 10 that I thought would be my friends forever. I remember the spit in your hand and shake oaths. (Didn't like blood much.) I remember thinking, breathing, living for these friendships all through my teens. I still know where those friends are but I am definiately not with them. It is funny where life leads us. My grandmother had a set of girlfriends. She was friends with these women for over 70 years. Of course, none of them left their little home town, they all married friends, or even brothers of each other. But I remember thinking it was cute that at 80 she was still running around with her girls. It was hard for her to watch the girls leave this earth. I am sure they were waiting for her it was her time to go. Do we still have those kind of friendships?



Travel and technology has made the world so much smaller. But at the expense we don't create the close knit communities or relationships we used to. It is easier to stay indoors and be entertained so we don't put the time into the relationship. It is easier to move across the country for a better opportunity. With the distance the relationship can suffer. Which is better? We lose the small number you can rely on completely, but you gain the opportunity to meet so many more people. Each opportunity to meet another gives us the ability to touch another life, even if just for a moment. That touch could make all the difference in the world.



Life isn't a story book but we do create our own stories. My story will definiately be a story of multiple touchs of many people. It is a good thing I have 7 siblings. I will always have them.

Blogging

Today must be my blog day! Jay was teasing me on the way to work this morning that I haven't been adding to my blog. I said, but of course I have.... Then I look at my blog and the last time I added was Thanksgiving! Ok, maybe he is right! (Oh no.... It is written on the internet.... Jay is right! For all the world to see... I am in trouble now!)

Of course, I check out all my families blogs, not much there either. I guess I am not the only one that hasn't been adding much. Only Natasha has kept it up well (go, Girl! You are my hero!) However, I promised Jay I would do better.

Christmas this year is going to be odd. It is wonderful to have Jace home, and I am so excited to have Greg, Natasha and Gavin coming. I can't wait for that part. But my kids are grown so we won't have as much gift giving. I never thought about it that way, but I love to watch them open things. The joy in giving is seeing their faces light up. Now that they are grown, they just don't need as much. What they do need is expensive so they don't get it as often. In a way it is sad. I love to give gifts, especially to the boys. I will must have to buy them all socks and wrap each one individually.



Hee hee hee

Thanksgiving to you!

What a wonderful holiday thanksgiving is..... I have been meaning to add something all week, but was enjoying the holiday too much. Maybe it was having friends arrive, maybe just having Jace home, or maybe just the time off, but whatever it was I loved this holiday.

Jace arrived home from college Tuesday morning. Jay and I both took the time off to pick him up from the airport. I don't know about Jay but I don't know that I have been so glad so see someone as I was to see my son. It was so wonderful to have him home. He is such a great young man, and so grown up. Jay spent all day Tuesday laughing at me because as he put it "my whole demeanor for the day was.... All is right with the world, Jace is at home". I am such a mom.

Of course, Jaron was as bad as I was.... He truly followed his brother around for the whole week. They do so many of the same things, like so many of the same things, and just generally like each other. It was fun to watch them interact. Jaron has grown so much the last few months that we were so sure Jaron would be taller than Jace. Well, he wasn't... Jace has grown too. He is still a couple inches taller than Jaron. I am definiately the shortest now. I am still the boss though! Any question of that, see above (I am such a mom).

Wednesday our friends Anita and Greg arrived. We had such a relaxing, fun, holiday with them. They got to drive a train, swim in the heated pool, and did we all eat. I dont' think we did much else. Anita helped me put up all the Christmas decorations. I couldn't have done it so well without her and I actually enjoyed it. I usually don't enjoy putting up stuff. With Anita's company I did. She should come every year.... hee hee hee

All things considered I love thanksgiving. As we do every year during the meal we went around the table discussing what we are thankful for. You have the obvious: each other, freedom, family and Friends. You have the comical: video games, cat fur, food, and chocolate. You have the thoughtful: creativity, laughter, hope, and dreams. But doesn't matter who says it or how simple, the truth is we have a lot to be thankful for. And I am truly thankful for the life I have.

Football Season!

Here I sit in my normal sunday activity during football season. I am lying in a lounge chair by the pool, reading and watching the birds. I love living in Arizona in the fall/winter/spring. It is 80 degrees with a beautiful bly sky, slight breeze and noisy birds. I love this activity.

In our backyard we have a bird feeder. We also have a fountain. Arizona has a lot of birds all year long but especially in the winter. Even though we don't need to I can't stop myself from feeding them. (Must be from my parents, they were always watching and feeding the birds.) Anyway, the feeder has 8 holes to retrieve seed. But birds being how they are, are always fighting over the holes. Then they start fighting over the bushes around the feeder. The starlings, finches, and such drop as much seed as they eat, but the quail and doves just run around the ground to pick it up. It really is kind of fun. Then of course they need a drink. That is where the fountain comes in. Well, a drink or a bathe, they don't seem to mind either. We love to watch the birds in the fountain. They don't seem to realize how close to the windows they are. (or how much they drive the cats inside nuts.) They also splash a lot of water out of the fountain leaving the plants dying from too much water, and the window spotted all the time. The most amazing is the hummingbirds. They are so vivid and small. But they sit right in front of the window. It is kind of fun.

T-Shirts

My boys love T-shirts with funny sayings. Jace especially has had them for years. But the problem with a T-shirt is it wears out over time. Then you start to forget the sayings that you thought were so funny. Jace and I put our heads together and thought up some of our favorites:

1. He who laughs last, thinks the slowest.

2. Do you believe in love at first sight.... or do I have to walk by again.

3. The leprechans are after my stash.

4. I live in my own little world but they know me here.

5. Don't make me get my flying monkeys.

6. My imaginary friend thinks you have serious mental issues.

7. I'm out of bed and dressed, what more do you want.

8. Note to self - Reds not washed with whites (Pink T-shirt of course).

9. Your not a complete idiot, some parts seem to be missing.

and my favorite!!!!!!:

10. Silent is golden.... Duct tape is silver!

Unicorns

Ever since I was little I have had a fascination with unicorns. I don't know why, or even what intrigues me so but I just remember it always has. Jay and I even had Unicorns at our wedding.

I am sitting in my office listening to music while I work. The selection playing is "the last unicorn". For all my fascination I haven't ever looked up where the legend of the unicorn came from. I know that they symbolize purity. I know that there are many references to hunting unicorns in Renaissance tapestries. Maybe I should find out more about something I have been attracted to for so long. Don't know why I didn't think of that before now. Got to admit though, they just look so cool.

Call Center Trivia

As I mentioned before I work in a call center environment. As a Project Manager I do many thing but somehow I became responsible for Telecom issues for the call center. Last weekend out Telecom Engineer was on vacation. This meant that I had to be on-call for any Telecom issues. Not that I can fix any of them. I can however, call around to get someone else to fix them. Of course, Saturday morning I tested the phone lines and they weren't routing right. I spent until early afternoon working with our vendor to get the issue resolved. Nothing new really just something I don't do every day. And spending my weekend checking phone routing every 4 hours is not my idea of fun.



Jay spent the weekend watching movies and sports. Jay loves to DVR all the football games and spend the weekend watching as many games as he can. Since we have two DRV machines he is able to record 4 games at the same time. Of course he has to watch some all day too or he will run out of room on the DVR. I think he has it down to a science of how many he can record and what he has to watch to keep ahead of the space limitation. It is funny to watch.



Jaron played games all weekend. He is entertaining, and I love having him around. I can always count on him being close. He was supposed to be home alone this last weekend. Jay and I were going to go to St. George so he would be on his own for the first time. Didn't go after all. I think Jaron was a little disappointed.



Hee hee hee.

Arizona Fall

So who said we don't have fall colors in Arizona. Jay and I drove up to Show Low Arizona to see the leaves change. We miss the leaves in Utah changing so we thought we would find them here. It was beautiful. Jay just loved the drive! I have to admit, Jay does take great photographs.

Technology

I am a Project Manager for a Health Care Insurance company here in the desert state. Project Manager is a good job for me because I get to do the the three things I like most: Organize things, play with software, and work with people. I was telling Jace yesterday that I didn't find my job though, it found me. I didn't know I was going to do this when I was young. It just worked out this way.

I was thinking about this yesterday because I work in a call center environment. (OK - The funny thing is I did want to be a telephone operator when I was like 5 - I thought all the buttons looked fun to push.) I just heard a one hour call with a few of our Managers about how the agents can't talk on the phone and type in a lead at the same time..... I was like... WHAT? I have been doing the same thing since high school. I can't believe someone can't talk and type at the same time. They can talk and write on a piece of paper at the same time! Our Agents (Licensed Agents) are writing scheduling information on paper then typing it in later. Sometimes a few days later.... What gives? Are they nuts? These are adults in the 20's through 50's.

Then I started to consider. What I started on computers I was in my early 20's. I was using a dual disk dos program. You had to put a different diskette to spell check. (Now that is funny to think about.) I was also trained on a dictaphone.... I was on the phone as a certified software technician when Windows (GUI - Graphic User Interface) came out. We all knew that it would be the standard, it was so much easier for the average user. Now I can't imagine living without a computer. Even the kids homework reminds me of typing on a manual typewriter to do term papers in college. (I always seemed to get to the last three lines and make a typo - I had to start the page all over.) Is this what it felt like for someone that lived through the invention of electricity, the telephone, the Automobile.

There once was a spider named DAVE!

Halloween is upon our house and that means we have to bring out DAVE. Dave is a spider. A 2 foot square stuffed spider. Dave has been with Jace since we moved to Arizona but Jace left him home. Since we don't get fall here we like to decorate the house for halloween. Who am I kidding, we have always decorated the house for halloween but in Arizona our theme is the spider. We have webing up the stairs and over the TV nock. We have 3 2 foot long spiders outside climbing over the house. And then we brought out Dave. He is hanging from the ceiling in the entry of the house. Jace used to carry Dave on his backpack to school each halloween, until Dave became a 7 legged spider instead of an 8 legged one. Jace then decided it was time to keep him at home where he wouldn't get hurt. Dave misses Jace, but he does like his perch above us all.

Franky is a different story. Franky is a 8 foot inflatable frankenstien. He is also mine. But I can't find him. I know I wouldn't throw him away. I just know it.... But I haven't been able to find him for 2 years now. It is so sad. I have his spot all ready for him. I miss Franky, not as much as I miss Jace but all the same i do miss him....

Hee hee hee Happy Halloween!

Fall Colors!

One of the things we miss most about Utah is the fall. Everything about the fall is wonderful. Crisp air, leaves changing to vivid orange, yellow, and red, all of it is just amazing. Well, we don't have fall here. So this is how we see the colors we miss...






Nothing like an Arizona sunset......

How we met, Jay's Point of View

A friend reminded me yesterday that she had already heard the story below, in fact both versions of the story. Jay, of course, read the account below and told me I got it all wrong! So here is the story from Jay's point of view:


The night before the ward went tubing up American Fork canyon a friend was having a video party at her home. I really wasn't planning on attending but Paul wanted to go and didn't want to go alone. We were friends, nothing more but the fact that we arrived together caused a bit of a stir. Jay was at the same party and during the night made a completely snarky comment about a womens place which forced (completely against my will) me to throw a pillow at him. To this day Jay insists that I was flirting with him.


The next day when I broke my leg Jay didn't plan on going to the hospital, after all he didn't know me that well. But he went to the tubing party with a group of young men and they were all stopping at the hospital. Alas.... he had no choice but to show up in my room. Yes, he saw me with no make up, my hair in knots, white from the meds, and completely dilerious. It wasn't that I looked good. No, it was that he thought, this is as bad as I would ever look and I really didn't look that bad!!!!!


All this happened on a Monday. Jay did arrive in my hospital room on Tuesday with a card and flowers. This time I wasn't dilerious but I did make a big deal about not having on make-up, having my hair now plastered to my head from lying down all day, and I really wasn't confident to having male company. What does Jay say, "that's ok, now I know what you will look like when I lick all your make up off!"


Now you know why I like my version of the story better.

The Ward Newsletter.....

We got a mail message today from the ward we live in. They are doing a newsletter and to make it entertaining they would like stories from individuals in the ward. The story they asked of Jay and I.... How did we meet? This is my answer.....


My husband and I went to high school in the same school but 4 years apart. We never met although we realize now we were in the same place at the same time many times. After we both went to college and he returned from a mission we ended up back in our home town. We met in my hospital room after I woke from anesthesia. We saw each other before that but never said anything to each other. Anyway....


We had both gone to a young adult ward party, tubing up American Fork Canyon in Utah. On my second run down the hill I broke my leg.... Truthfully I pulverized both bones in the lower leg. Being at the bottom of the hill and unable to put weight on my leg I had to be carried back to the top where the cars were waiting. A hill full of LDS boy scouts and no one thought to splint my leg! Needless to say it was painful. It must have been quite a scene but I just grit my teeth and hoped I got to the top in one piece. Taken to the hospital by a guy I arrived with, I had my leg set. When I woke up from surgery, I could make out 12 young men in my room, along with my sister and soon to be brother in law. My sister thought it would be entertaining to determine if I knew who everyone was. It took me a good 15 minutes since I kept falling asleep in between but I got through all 12 by name. The last name was my husband. 5 days later, while still on crutches I went to a ward dance. He asked me to dance. I told him I couldn't dance in a cast to my hip. He proceeded to pick me up and carry me to the dance floor where we danced with me pivoting on one leg.


To this day he says he decided that after tubing in the snow, going through surgery, and waking I didn't look too bad! And after not making a scene or wailing with a broken leg, why would he let me go!!!!!

Open Enrollment!

I work at a large insurance provider in the sales depatment. It is a big change from working in the Computer industry for years. But the biggest changes happen in dealing with Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment to me has always meant, sitting through the meeting, and having to pick my own benefit options. But now it means preparing for the onslaught of phone calls to help others pick their benefits. And when I mean onslaught, I am not kidding. We go from 7000 calls a month to closer to 30,000 calls. We go from handling all calls ourselves to utilizing 3 vendors to help qualify the calls, handle outbound calling, and just plain sale. Because of my job I do most of the ramp up work. I am so busy I don't even have time to blog effectively, and if I do have time in the evening - I just don't have the energy. Without energy I am not doing much to report anyway so life goes on! It is a vicious cycle caused by "Open Enrollment". Now I understand why it is called enrollment..... En = End of my energy..... Roll = roll over and start again.... Men = causing more problems than they are worth.... t = trapped until it is all over!!!!!

What goes by while I am working?

Sitting at my desk, happily minding my own business when the phone rings...


My husband just to say hello right? But no, he doesn't say hello, He says look out the window. I did one better than that. I went outside and this is what was driving (as in powered), as in moving down the track in front of my work.








Yes my husband is the one front and center, still without a hard hat! Good thing he has a hard head!@!

Flowering Rocks!

Before Jace left for school we went school shopping at our favorite mall. There is a new addition to the mall that sells insence, rocks, swords, merlin fanware, and such. Of course, Jace had to stop. We saw a display that said "Flowering Rocks". Reading the fine print we found that these rocks were unique and only found in Utah. Harper "Utah", of course we had to try it. We followed the directions and sure enough a week later the rocks had growths on them that looked like crystalites. Jace had to leave for school before they were completely finished "growing" so I promised to add the end results to the blog. Granted we only tried the rocks because they were from Utah but it is kind of cool.

We had rain last night and it looks like we will have a little more weather this evening. We did get a chance to hang out in the pool all afternoon though. I love the weekend! I could do this every day. But only if I didn't need food, clothes, insurance, power, toys, dinners out.......

:)

College Boy!

Everyone keeps asking me when I will update my blog... Funny, coming from my siblings that all still list July as their last post!!!! (HINT, HINT).... However, Jace did get off to college this last week. It was a busy week for us as we helped him get packed, did all his school shopping, and sent him off. Jay and he drove up to Logan on Saturday, August 18th. I stayed home with Jaron so he wouldn't miss school. Jay says it took he and Jace all weekend to get his dorm set up, his car taken care of, his books bought, etc. Jace is all ready and truly excited. Today he begins his Freshman connections class. It is a class that just helps freshman get familiar with the campus, meet each other, and build unity as a class. All the other classes won't begin until Monday. I really like that Utah State offered this class, and they get credits too. It will help Jace feel more comfortable with being there when class begins on Monday.

As for Jay and I, we are getting used to Jace being away at school. Jay had a ball going up with Jace. It was really important that it was Jay that took him. They needed to spend a little time just the two of them. Jace gets really uncomfortable when we tell him how proud we are of him, and how much we think of him. But it is much easier for him to accept it from me. He and his Dad needed the time to focus on just the two of them. And Jay loved being able to fly back instead of driving!!!!!!

While they were gone Jaron and I just relaxed. I did clean house and work on a few things but mostly not! Jaron is going through a little bit of shock having Jace gone. He only has us to talk to. It is really funny because after Jay had been home 1.5 he came in to me and said..... "boy, Jaron hasn't stopped talking since I got home..." And it is the truth. Jaron is a great kid, has a lot of friends but he is used to having his brother to talk too. It will be a change for all of us. And for me, I just can't wait for Thanksgiving as I already have Jace's flight arranged so he can come back home! Love ya, bud!!!

Middle of August!

Where has the month gone already. I can't believe it is the middle of August. Jaron started school last week. In fact he has gotten past the jump out of bed and out the door quick mode to the I really can't wait for the weekend but get me in the shower as I drag my feet the whole way mode. Jace is still enjoying the house to himself all day, doing what he wants for one last week.

This last weekend I was sick again so we didn't do anything but lay around the house. I wasn't too bad, just the sinus headachy stuff because of the humidity of course. We had planned to go out on the boat but never went. Never got the house cleaned either though which is much worse. Anyway, I digress! Because I haven't felt well, Jace and I have been playing on the fan fiction websites again. Jay thinks I have a serious issue or addiction. I have always liked to read but he might be right about me spending to much time in it. It just amazes me that people spend so much time and effort to write full books on these fan fiction sites. And some of them are really, really good. Some are bad, not well edited, or even just abandoned but it amazes me the time and effort of creativity involved. I enjoy the glimpse into the mind, desires, humor, and hopes of any fan of a book. I know how much effort and confidence it must take to write something for all the web to see. So... To all the fan fiction authors who have taken the time, effort, and courage to place a story.... You ROCK!

Now just someone tell me to turn off my computer already!!!!

PETS!!!!!

As I have mentioned before we have a house full of pets. Two of those pets are cats. One cat is a long-haired female Tortie, the other an extra large male maine coon. (OK, who am I kidding, he is just plain fat!) Well, when I work from home I am often interrupted by the female as she tries to crawl in my lap, sit on the keyboard, or stand in front of the screen. But I am never bothered by the male. Today it was very different. As I started absentmindedly petting the cat who was visiting I realized it was Harley, the big male. He rubbed against my hands and the screen a bit then stretched out and went to sleep. Only problem with this is, he had to sleep on top of all my workbooks. And the more asleep he become, the more he stretched out. The more he stretched out, the more of my desk space just disappeared..... Makes for a difficult work environment!



Now this picture has nothing to do with today but I had to add it. Jaron took this the night the new Harry Potter book released and I just thought it was funny. The dog doesn't look to pleased, more of a "are you through yet!!!!!". But I think it is funny. The glasses glow in the dark... Now that would look funny.

Anniversary.... 20 years and counting!!

Can't believe it has come so quickly but today is Jay and my 20th Wedding Anniversary. We were married on August 7th, 1987 in St. George Utah. Each year since that day has been an adventure for the both of us. But how has it gone by so fast? It feels like we should still have 10 of those years in front of us. Looking at the boys I can see that the full 20 years have indeed past, they have grown into amazing, gifted, beautiful young men. So it has been all of the 20 years past, and to this day Jay still makes me laugh at least once every day!

The beginning of August has been lazy for us. I haven't been feeling well so we didn't do anything but school shopping and relaxing at home. For our Anniversary Jay and I went to Sedona Arizona and stayed over night. We went to a nice dinner, relaxed and then Jay gave me a letter which made me cry. I really think it is his goal each year to see if he can make me cry. We could only stay one night because Jaron starts school tomorrow. For the rest of the day we will be finishing the school shopping, getting Jaron a haircut (he looks like a beattle right now, his hair is so long) and getting a couples massage. I like it when I get to decide what we do for the day! :)

Monsoon Mundane!

July begins the Monsoon season in Arizona. Monsoons are usually very violent, dusty, windy, wet storms. This year the Monsoon season started really late and has been very weird. Yes we have had the humidity (YUCK!) and the heat but there has been very little wind and rain. Of course, now that I say that we will have a dousy on the way!

Did I mention I hate humidity? My hair goes flat, even out of the shower you feel sticky, and no one has any energy to do anything. Yesterday we were going to go out on the boat. But after church, no one really wanted to so we watched movies all day instead. Everyone just wanted to stay inside, with the air conditioners running, watch movies or read.

Saturday Jay did take the boys over to his Valley Metro Rail Facility on a tour. He was doing a tour for another employee's family so the boys went along. They had a great time seeing all the trains, but the best part was the Brant... Next time I will have to go so I can tell you what all they did. I did hear about the racing around on the security golf carts though.....

While the boys were all gone I cleaned house. It is so nice to clean the house when no one else is home. Takes me half as long and I remember all the little things like dusting the picture frames, cleaning the nooks, etc. While cleaning I listened to Deathly Hallows again. When the boys came home they ended up finishing the book on CD with me. I think we have officially read/listened to it 4 times now. But there isn't anything more interesting to do while you clean!

Jaron starts school in 0ne week. This week he has his open house for seminary and his introduction to High School. To say he is disappointed is an understatement. As for me, I am still trying to figure out where the summer went! Soon we will all be back to the grindstone for sure.

WOW!!!!

What a weekend.... I loved it, spending time as a family, I really don't think our house has been so quiet in a long time. Jace and Jay were listening to the Audio book CD's. Jaron and I were each reading a book. Jaron and I were both finished by Saturday after picking up the book at the Barnes and Noble Friday Night party. Jace and Jay finished on Sunday. All I can say at this time is, WOW!!! We loved it.... It was so worth the ride.

The boys were a little embarrassed by the emotions Jay and I display. I guess you have to be a parent to understand the feelings that go through us with the Harry Potter stories. Just the fact that they are done is another sign out kids are growing up and moving on. The world of Harry Potter has brought my little family through many years of fun. Can't wait for the new movie to be out in DVD next.

I will miss the wonders of the world of Harry Potter. The characters live and learn with greatness, and fears just like we do. So when my personal fears or anxiety becomes to much for me, I will still pull out the books and escape into the world of Harry Potter.

And I will be making Jay a Severus Snape costume for Halloween next year... He was convinced many years ago that Snape was a true hero.

As always, Monday came again!

I always hate Mondays. To some it is just another day of the week but to me, it is back to work. Don't get me wrong, I like what I do but just the thought that my free time is over makes Monday hard for me. This week was a little harder than most because Jay is in Minneapolis. Jay and I usually get up in the morning and get ready for work together. We even car pool into the office together. That makes Monday a little easier but today I did both alone.

We had a wonderful weekend full of nothing but leisure. We watched movies on Friday and just relaxed on Saturday. We did go to the HP movie again on Saturday which I completely enjoyed. Then we started reading the Half Blood Prince when we got home. We have the book on CD so we could all read it together. Of course, I had the book as well because I always have to read on ahead. On CD it just seems so slow to me. On Sunday we played in the pool while we listened to the Half Blood Prince. We were only 1/2 through when Jay let for Minneapolis so he had to load the remaining CD's onto his IPOD. It was kind of funny that we were all so into it. After Jay left I finished the book and crocheted.... I love these kinds of weekends.

The only good thing about Monday this week is we are one day closer to Saturday. Saturday is the release of the final book in the series. I am afraid we are addicted. It is getting so hard to wait.

Amazingly fun....... The Twins are the best!

Last night was so much fun..... It is one thing to go to a movie you are looking forward to but going to it at midnight is another. As I mentioned the boys wanted to do this and I am so glad we did. It was literally a party at the theater. Because we bought our tickets online we were seated in the theater at 9:00 p.m. No waiting in line outside like the rest of those getting tickets that night. This time the theater did it right... So much complaining happened last time because you got the tickets online, went early and still didn't get a good seat. We had perfect seats and everyone was just excited. The boys took a laptop with us and watched "Goblet of Fire" while we waited.

Going to the midnight movie is a little different. People cheer for the characters, talk to the screen, and really get into the story. That must be why the boys wanted so badly to go. And this movie is true to form. I won't say much other than.... We all loved it, even Jay who wasn't so sure about the book. You really love the characters, new and old. Or you really hate them, depending on their side of the story. It was amazing.... Boy, holding my tongue until everyone gets a chance to see the show is going to be so hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's your hero?

We all have our hero's.... I think mine is Winnie the pooh! He doesn't need all the Junk that we all get stuck on, the trappings of life. He just needs to be with his friends and family, and have a little honey..... :)
My lovely husband's hero is Homer Simpson. What does that say about him? You tell me. The boys and I tease him about it all the time. Homer is loud, basic, and not to bright. Jaron's assessment of Homer Simpson, "the worlds biggest coach potatoe".
I have no idea why this is Jay's choice for a hero but it could be worse. It could be: X-men's Magnito, Lex Luther, Agent Anderson, Snape, Voldermort, or Delores Umbridge......
I have a one track mind... Tonight is the premium of the new Harry Potter movie. We have tickets to the midnight show. I didn't want to do the midnight show on a weekday but we have done every other HP movie. I guess to the boys it is a tradition because they really wanted to. I know we are all looking forward to it. We will have to tell you how it goes tomorrow....

Happy Independence Day All!@

I love the 4th of July. Just the thought of what we are celebrating puts me in a good mood. It is a good thing I wasn't born before our Independence was won. Jay always says that I hate being told what to do more than anything in the whole world. Just imagine me trying to live in the 1700's. Too all the men, women, and children that fought and suffered for our freedom, those in the 1700's and now, we are ETERNALLY grateful.

The 4th in Arizona is different than anywhere else I have ever been. Just for one reason! It is so dang HOT! We don't have a parade, or spend time outdoors unless you are in the pool. For the 4th this year we made Jace a quilt to take to school. A Brenchley tradition is that the family ties a quilt for each child. Well, we decided to continue the tradition mixing with a Harper tradition, the quilt is presented to the child on High School graduation. The boys were great sports about it and actually helped tie the quilt all afternoon. We had it done in a couple hours but it was fun for all of us. Ok! mostly fun for mom. Jace chose the sheets we used, kind of wild huh.

We also watched movies on the 4th, and went shopping to buy Jay new shorts and swim suits. The 4th is a great time to shop in AZ. Everything is on sale, with extra mark downs for the day. After shopping we had to go swimming just to cool down. We didn't go see all the city firework displays because again "IT WAS TOO HOT". hee hee hee. We did watch firework celebrations from around the country on the internet. What a great blessing the internet is.

Well, all in all it was a great holiday, one of which I didn't get homesick for the freedom festival nearly as much as I usually do. I hope everyone else enjoyed the day and celebrated the fact that we are free. Freedom isn't easy, cheap or painless but it is ours! I can't see the flag, watch the fireworks, hear the anthem, or see a soldier without feeling the tears well up. God, please help us protect our freedom the best we can!

Tim the Toolman Taylor he is not!

Drumroll please...... This is the end result of our many days working on the master bathroom. Whenever I walk in this room I think of the episode of Tool Time where Tim is going to remodel the bathroom for Jill. He doesn't get the measurements right for the tub so they have to cut out the exterior wall to get the tub in. Well, Jay is no Tim Taylor. Jay got it right the first time and I love this room. We don't have the motorized closet but who needs it when you can just relax in here.


All the tile around the shower matchs the tile pattern around the tub. It is hard to see in the picture but the toilet room is bright red! Kind of funny when you are in there. We don't have the new lights in yet. They have been ordered but if you want to see the bathroom with the new lights, you have to come see us!

When we started the project I didn't plan on tiling around the tub but I have to admit, Jay was right again. It makes the whole room.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Friday was Jay's birthday..... He isn't much for birthdays, especially as his age increases with each one that passes. This year wasn't any different. Jay did take the day off, we took him out to dinner, made him two different birthday cakes (both his favorites) and went to a movie as a family. It was a great day for me although I had to work. Jay had a hard time relaxing. When he has a day off, doesn't matter the occasion, he feels like he should be working on something. Made for a long day for Jay!

The weekend we spent finishing up projects. And I am happy to say the Master bathroom is finally done. It was something we couldn't stand being torn apart any longer. I have to admit it looks wonderful, and Jay outdid himself on the design and pattern of the tile. I could just sit in their for hours and enjoy the environment. I spent the weekend cleaning up after the projects, painting the bathroom, touching up things, and finishing the grout. But it was worth it.

We also had to take the dog to the vet again on Saturday. I mentioned before the dog loves the pool. Well, he gets in the pool so much and has so much hair, he doesn't get dry. When he doesn't get dry, his skin gets irritated, and now he has a skin infection. Jay dropped the dog and I off, then picked us up. I thought he would faint when we got the bill. Whenever we have to spend money on the dog, he becomes mine alone. When Jay came to pick us up he told the receptionist, "I am looking for my spoiled wife, and her more spoiled dog!". I think the office staff were still chuckling about that comment 15 minutes after we left.

What is in the pool?

When we moved to Arizona I had only one request. I would not live in the heat without a swimming pool. I still live by that statement, I love having a pool. But you would be shocked at what ends up in the pool. We do have a cleaner that skimms the pool each day but you always have a few things that stick close to the top.

Ok, part of it is our own fault. We wanted privacy from our neighbors house so we planted Oleander trees around the South West corner of the pool. Oleander trees have wonderful white and pink flowers all summer long. Well, the flowers fall, of course, and end up floating in the pool. It looks sweet to see the open blooms floating on top of the water. But not so sweet when the same blooms get waterlogged and sink to the bottom. But then again, it is our own fault we planted the trees.

However, we also have 3 very large Fan palm trees in the south east corner of the yard. That is as far away from the pool as you can get and still be in our yard. This time of year the palm trees seed. The kids call the seeds fireworks because that is what they look like. They get spiky seed heads all around the palm fronds, then the seed heads burst into little tiny flowers. The flowers (seeds) fall in the breeze and end up in the pool. We have a net to clean the pool, but the little seeds are so small they just go through the net most of the time. It is like swimming with hundreds of little Knats floating it the water.

With the normal stuff that just happens to end up in the pool, these flowers and seed are becoming a real nuisance. Of course, it could be worse! We could have another suicidal bird floating in the pool. Luckily, this only happened once. The bird tried to land on the hose the cleans the pool to get a drink. 2 pound bird, small hose full of water????? Drowning bird...... Who knew birds couldn't swim!

Harpers Harry Potter week.

I think the boys and I are excited for the new Harry Potter movie and book to come out. We have had a Harry Potter week. The first Harry Potter book came out when Jaron was very young. He couldn't read on his own yet so I had to read it to him. I think I read it to him 3 or 4 times. The boys grew up with these stories. When Jaron started reading he would always read the Harry Potter books. (Of course, we didn't realize he had them memorized and wasn't reading them at all until he was in 4th grade.) On Monday Jaron started playing the books on tape again. He started with the Half Blood Prince so when the new book comes up he remembers everything. Yesterday we had a Harry Potter movie marathon and started all the movies. I am surprised at how much I have forgotten. I guess the boys will always love these stories. Not just because they are great stories but because the 4 of us always read and watched them together.

We haven't bought our tickets for the movie yet but we will within the next week. But we already pre-ordered 2 copies of last book, and the book on CD. :)

Fathers Day, Harper Style!

Sunday was Fathers day and of course, we took the boat out. It was a beautiful day and the water was cool. It was so nice. We took the new wake board and tube. The wake board didn't get used much but we all loved the tube. This is Jay and Jaron out for a spin!

Jace has to captain the boat while Jay is in the tube. I have to admit, he is as good a captain as his father! Jay didnt' stay in the tube for long, being so tall it is hard on his neck.

And yes, that is me in the middle with both my boys. I am afraid this is how we spent the most time on the lake. Poor Jay was on the boat by himself most of the day. Jaron was so funny, he was the one that was always getting thrown from the tube. We all got launched once but Jaron took the most "AIR". I don't know if it is because he weighs the least or not but he did take off the most. The most dramatic == Jaron did six summersaults on top of the water when he was thrown while riding alone.

When we arrived home from Utah this is what we found. Now that is one cute husband I have! Jace and Jaron thought it was entertaining.

After the hours on the boat yesterday, today we are all home with various aches and pains. Jaron has a sunburn on his face... Or he could just have a water burn from landing on his face too many times. Jay can't move his neck from side to side, and me == I am just trying to care for them all.

This is what Jay did while we were in Utah

Jay took a bunch of people he works with out on the boat while we were gone. Jay is the one in the water... "Toes Up, so the fish won't nibble on him!" He loves the boat but decided it is harder to take a group out on the boat without the rest of us to maintain order.






The captain of the ship!@!!!!

USU Bound!

Last week the boys and I made the trek to good ole' Utah. We left on Saturday, June 9th because Jace had to be in Logan for the Freshman "Outdoor SOAR" program on Monday, June 11th. (Don't know what the acronym SOAR stands for, you will have to ask Jace.) It was an easygoing trip although I missed Jay going with me. I don't know why but for some reason I really wanted him to go. He stayed home and babysat the dog instead.

Jace had a great time at SOAR. He spent 3 days at Bear Lake and then one day on campus at USU. He got all registered for class and mom/dad received the sticker shock that comes with the bill! :) I was just glad he had a good time. He is so excited about being on his own: his own man, the big cahuna, independent! I think he is counting down the days. After registering though, he realized that with this independence still comes CLASSES! Like English, Math, Social Sciences.... Now who needs all that.

It was fun to see Logan again, well, what I was able to see of it in the short time I was there. It hasn't changed much since Greg was in school there but Wellsville looks a lot different. And of course, Sardine canyon is the same. I got a speeding ticket in Mantua. I didn't notice that they slow you down through that sleepy little town and was pulled over. I haven't got many tickets but it was my fault so I just told the police man "thank you" as he handed me the ticket. He looked at me with a smile and said, "Don't thank me for giving you a citation!".... I had to laugh. I won't forget to slow down through the little sleepy town in Sardine Canyon again.

Jaron spent the week in Utah with his friends there. He spent most of the time with Winters but saw all the boys in the old neighborhood when they were collecting flags for "Flag Day" with the scouts. It is always interesting to see the reaction when people see how grown up Jaron has become. In some ways people expect him to be more grown up than he is because of his size, but he is just Jaron.

We came home from Utah on Saturday June 16, 2007. We had to be home in time for Fathers Day......

Lazy White boy walks the dog.

Jace and Jaron are responsible to walk the dog once a day. When summer rolls around in Arizona it gets really hot. It isn't just too hot for the boys to go outside but the road and sidewalks are too hot for the dogs feet. During the summer, the dog is usually stuck with the swimming pool or being chased around the house. (Jaron plays hide and seek with him too.) Recently we watched the dog behaivorist on TV as they put a dog on the treadmill. He decided to try it. After one day, this is the results. Jace had him trained after only about 10 minutes.

It really is a funny thing to watch, Gandolff on the treadmill. I don't think he likes it but he does get exercise. And he does walk!

Jace doesn't get much exercise though.... :)

Who says there are no flowers in the desert?

Well, I made such a stink about the freeze this winter I had to add these pictures. As you can see, the blooms are back. Granted, some we actually had to replace to get them back but I love that fact that we have flowers in June. Just like everywhere else I have lived.
This is for you Anita... remember India?



Purple has always been my favorite color too....



Such a beautiful bloom on such a mean looking plant. Jace and Jaron call this the jumping cactus. They call it that because if you brush by it at all, it will leave a whole branch stuck to your clothes. We placed the cactus by the side of the front yard, just were the elementary school kids pick up the school bus! Great planning. hee hee :) The blooms are only open during the day, they actually close at night!



It is hard to tell but these blooms are about the size of my hand, on a cactus that is at least 6' 5" tall. And they are only open at night. Part of the reason it took me so long to place this blog! I had to keep trying to get this early in the morning. Finally got it today at 6:00 a.m. (in my pajamas - sorry neighbors.)




I love these little spikes... And the color is amazing







Up close look at the bloom in the 6' 5" cactus. It really is amazing.







The kids are out of school and I think their "vacation" from summer work keeps extending. And Jaron is celebrating right now that Mom is a pushover - or marshmellow as he calls me. Jay is in Toronto for a Rail conference. I know it isn't good for the boys, for me to be so lienient. I just can't seem to stick to the rules when Jay isn't around. Poor boys! I guess they will just have to learn from my mistakes.

Sunburnt!

Whenever I think of a sunburn I always think of my sister Debbie. She has the very fair skin that burns easily and freckles even more. When we decided to move to Arizona I actually started paying attention to the sun and my skin. I didn't want to look leathery so I have never been one who tans much. Even with the pool I don't seem to do too bad with the sun (maybe it is the lower elevation) but I seem to get a good burn once a year.

Last weekend Jay and I took the boat out of storage planning to go to the lake. There was a problem with the gate at the storage facility so by the time we got the boat out it was too late to actually go to the lake. (If we had gone to the lake, I know I would have remembered sunscreen). So we decided to just head home and play in the pool all afternoon. I started out playing but then began to work on the sides of the pool with a maintenance. I never even thought about whether I was in the sun or had sunscreen on. By 3:00 p.m. I knew I was burnt. But it couldn't be that bad.... Just my shoulders were burnt.

That was on Monday, today is Thursday and my shoulders/back/neck are still sore. The heat is gone but I am definiately going to peel. Next time I really need to remember the sunscreen!

Party, Senior Style!!!!

And the party begins.... Getting the kids out of the stadium was one of the biggest tasks of the night....













And Friday night was the bash at our house... Sorry, Parents were banned upstairs so I didn't get any of the pool party earlier or the food/videos after that. This was when they had all settled down to play Cranium. Best part of the night, it was a great success.

More on graduation!

Jace had a great graduation, and the high school did an amazing job presenting for 600 plus seniors. It was held in the high school football stadium which forced us to be a little far away but it was still a great experience. And I am proud to say I didn't embarrass Jace too badly by crying my eyes out.

Graduation is an amazing time in a young persons life. You are so at the threshold of life. All you have known for 12 years is school. Now you are ready to embark onto your future. But it takes a plan. Kind of like a map. Those people that create a map, or plan out what they will do are successful. Those that don't can delay on the path to their plan. Both can be successful but with a plan or map, it is so much easier

Jay and I weren't really the type for creating a plan or map. We always said, our careers found us, not the other way around. But we were a few of the lucky ones because we truly like what we do and are good at it.

I asked Jace if it has sunk in yet that he has graduated from high school, that he is an adult, and what he is doing now will create his future. He doesn't feel any different. He doesn't think it has sunk in. I don't know when it sunk in for me. Jay remembers it was the day he walked into the dorm for the first time at college.

As for the future, all I can guarantee to Jace is that plan, map, or none, it will be quite a ride. But I will guarantee another thing, we will always love him and be be proud of him.

And he is off!!!!!!

Now does this look like an excited face to you.... And he is finally done.

I won't even begin to tell you how the end of last week went. Lets just say Jace was to graduate Thursday night. Jaron answered the door Thursday afternoon and our local power company just mentioned that the power would be off for 20 seconds or so. After it had been off an hour we got a phone call. They wouldn't turn it back on until some repairs were made on our power box outside our house. No warning, no official word on what was wrong. Needless to say I was on the phone with the power company for the next few hours. We ended up leaving the house to go to Jace's graduation with still no power. No power in Arizona means no Air conditioning!!! Luckily it was a cool day for us, only in the mid 90's. After Jace's graduation that night the boys slept outside, even with the mosquitos. Friday Jace was having a big graduation celebration. But we still had no power. We did some begging, some more phone calls, and they finally came at 2:00 and turned on the power. All we needed was for them to send someone out who could open the power company side of the meter so we could sink two lag screws in the box to secure it better to the wall. What an experience. You never know how much we love power or air conditioning, until you don't have it!

More Class of 2007!!!!!

Just one more....

Richard Nash Fowler

Running Back

Pitcher / Center Fielder

Track/Field

SCHOOLS OUT !!!!!!

Woo HOO !!!! As Anita would say.... Schools out here and today is graduation. Does that look like an excited senior to you! Natasha... That was the sweetest thing you put on you blog for Jace. Jace loved it, and I cried of course!

Jace is at commencement rehearsal right now then this evening is commencement. Commencement will take place in Highland Hawk Stadium at 6:30 tonight. As it is supposed to be only 95 degrees today, we should survive...

Seriously though, we couldn't be more proud of this young man! He is a great son, friend, definiately a keeper!!!!

Natasha, just for you!

all about me. ..
A) Four things about me:
1- I love being a mom most of all.
2- My favorite thing to do is to laugh.
3- I am a homebody.
4- My dog weighs 85 pounds and is great company.

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1- Armagedan
2- Independence Day
3- Notting Hill
4-Mulan

C) Four places I have lived:
1- Denver Colorado
2- St. George Utah
3- American Fork Utah
4- Mesa, Arizona

D) Four TV shows I love to watch:
1- Bones
2- NCIS
3- Numbers
4- Planet Earth

E) Four places I have been on vacation:
1- Kyoto, Japan
2- Astoria NY
3- Victoria British Columbia
4- London England

F) Four of my favorite foods:
1- Mexican Food (Anything Mexican)
2- Molten Chocolate Cake
3- Ice Cream (Caramel Cashew Shake specifically)
4- Hamburgers

G) Four places I would rather be right now
1- In the Pool
2- Curled in the sun with a good book.
3- On vacation
4- With my friends and family, anywhere!

hee hee hee..... That was fun....

The Joys of Parenting!

Anyone who has followed this blog realizes that I have been silent for a long time. Anyone who is familiar with me personally knows that I am not silent very often. However, the last week has been both busy, and stressful. As I write in my blog when I am feeling particularly clever, chipper, or happy I didn't add anything this week. My baby is still sick - my baby who is 18 of course. My baby who is also a senior in high school, and expected to "walk" at commencement exercises on Thursday.

I have been to more doctors with him in the last few weeks than I have his whole life. This child in the one that was always well. He never gets sick. Our last visit to the doctor was very productive. They took him off all medications and we are basically starting over. And the doctors initial thought is, it might be what I suspected (and told the family practicianer) 3 weeks ago. But at least we are getting somewhere. Needless to say though, as parents we are worried.

As I mentioned this week is the end of the 2006-2007 school year. I don't know who is more excited about it, me or the boys. Jaron will start high school next year, and Jace is off to start college June 11, 2007. It is both exciting, and depressing. Realizing this is a necessary step in the journey of life, doesn't make it any easier on a parent! No one warns you how hard these benchmarks are on the parent. You smile for them, cheer with them, and celebrate with them. But Jay and I look at each other and realize the tears will come in time.

This weekend we had big plans around the house but didn't do much at all. We worked in the yard, did some shopping, picked out the stone to use on the front of the house. And watched movies with Jace. Since he is unable to get around too well, we have seen a lot of movies in the last few weeks. I do love the relaxing, stay at home, weekends.

Happy Mothers Day!

Sorry in advance, this could be long today. Historically Mothers day isn't a good day for me. My brother says that it and Fathers Day, Valentines, etc. are days created by card companies to sell more cards. Whatever the case is, I don't need someone to set a day for me to remind my family that they love me. My family shows me their love, affection, and appreciation every day. Mothers' day can cause to much pressure. Everyone has the day here and there when they don't feel like making a big breakfast, cleaning the house, having a big dinner. What happens when that feeling falls on Mothers day, fathers day, memorial day, valentines? Pressure! I would much rather receive the convictions I do every day, than have that one day a year that everything is given to me, done for me. I know someday my boys will have families of their own to celebrate the day with. I would love to hear from them on Mothers day, just like I would love to hear from them any day. But I hope that they don't feel the pressure to meet some expectation. For the record and all the world to see, Boys, you love me perfect every day, mothers day is just another one.

This weekend has been interesting. We had Jace in the emergency room yesterday. It actually wasn't a bad deal this time. The emergency room wasn't crowded like they usually are here in AZ. Jace had another bout with the dreaded mosquito. Some how Jace got a dozen or so bites ending up with another systemic allergic reaction. After a shot of steroid and a perscription antihistimine he was feeling much better. For a day or two there he was looking like a puffer fish. The school nurse even sent him home from school on Friday. Sorry all, I didn't take a picture of him like Dad would have.

Don't Tag me!!!

Three Characters I would like to be:

Eve Dallas: (Nora Roberts, Innocents in Death) The unspeakable just makes her stronger.
Temperance Brennan: (Kathy Reich, Cross Bones) Brilliant but socially innept (I just want the brilliant part.
Eve Duncan: (Iris Johansen, Stalemate) Strength, courage, an incredible talent and tenacity.



Three Characters I wish where real so I could meet them:

Professor Minerva McGonagal: (Harry Potter of course!) Anyone that is magic and can handle all those kids must be special. I would turn them all into toads.
Roarke: (Nora Roberts, Innocents in Death) He just sounds fun, a little devious but still good
Robert Langdon: (Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown) Intelligence and puzzles are his specialty.

Three Characters that scare me:

Dolores Umbridge: (JK Rowlings, Order of Phoenix) She is just downright evil.
Opus Dei: (Dan Brown, DaVinci Code) Evil in the name of religion is just scary.


Believe it or not the hardest part for me was to think of characters that scare me. Books I read are fiction, so the characters really aren't scary.


Tagged: April, Jace, and Anita.

Hot Blooded!

May is here and it look s like we will finally start feeling the heat. Last weekend it was in the low 80's, unusual for this time of year. We took advantage of the great weather and spread 7.6 tons of new landscaping rock, we really needed it after the trenches that were dug to put in the pool heater. It was hard work but looks so nice now. We also finished some of the odds and ends in the house. The plumbing work was a joy, that is for sure.

Friday we had a handyman here doing work on the house. One of the things he was supposed to do was change out the shower/faucet/tub sets in all the bathrooms. We have Delta sets now and some of them were starting to leak or drip. All we were supposed to do was change the handle sets to get a new look. The handyman started on Friday by telling us the model to purchase. I went to three Home Improvment stores to find the right one. After finding it he tried putting it and and it wouldn't work. It wouldn't change to shower. The handyman left with us only having one shower working. All the other hardware was missing.

Jay did some calling around and found a plumbing supply store open on Saturday, and went in to get a new set. He came home with a real nice set, but when he tried to put it on a piece was missing. Luckily the same store was open on Sunday for a few hours. He went back in and picked up the part he didn't have. Got home and it still didn't fit right. Monday he had to work but stopped by on the way home. Got a new part, didn't work again. Finally, this morning Jay got up early and took the old part with him. He got home with the correct part and got one shower fixed this morning. Tonight is a late night though, (more Light Rail testing) so we are still only at 2 showers. But I will take 2 over one any day.

Jaron and I had upset stomachs yesterday but we are feeling much better today. Since I didn't feel well, I was reading a book. Do you ever read a book and realize you don't like it? I do it all the time, start it but just don't like the writing style, or plot. What do you do? Read the last few chapters, or continue reading. It may be because I read mysteries but I can't just put the book down and not finish it. I have to know how it ends. I have learned to start skimming through the book to get to the end. I wish I knew why I can't just read the last few chapters. It is too confusing, I have to see how the characters got where they did. One of my many quirks!

May Mayhem for sure!

Some weekends you are just glad that they have come and gone, others you feel were just too short... This past weekend, I am torn between both. It didn't feel long enough because we were so busy and did so much I couldn't recharge. I was glad it has come and gone because we were so busy it is a relief to have so much finished. It was quite the weekend.

Jay took off Friday. Jay did the high speed test Thursday night so he was actually working from 8:00 p.m. Thursday to 5:00 a.m. Friday. Therefore he slept all morning on Friday. The rest of the day we didn't want to do anything so Jay and I had a spa day, we got a pedicure, and a massage.... It was wonderful (" sigh ") Saturday we worked on our projects. Jay and I made new cornice's and curtains for the back of the house, washed windows, cleaned the pool, cleaned the house, touched up the tile, watched movies, did the laundry, and purchased supplies to complete the kids bathroom. Sunday was church and more curtains, tile, fixing a big dinner, and doing an extra project for work.

The last thing we did last night was put together our calendar for May.... Anyone with kids knows that May is the busiest month of the year. When we got the calendar done, we noticed we have two or three activities a week for the whole month. With Jace graduating we have the scholarship banquets, and graduation activities. May is mothers day, the fathers/sons outing, appointments at colleges, and much more. Then of course, May begins Jay's working evening/night time hours to do the testing on the rail cars. It is exciting to think of what the month will include, but at the same time exhausting. I often wonder how my parents did it. It is bad enough with two kids but the thought of 8 kids, and being in your 50's is mind-boggling. We are always telling our kids that they have to be patient with us. Were the 8 of us patient with my parents? Something to think about anyway.

Exercise the Dog the easy way!

this is a little hard to see but I had to add it! Our dog loves the water. He loves to chase the hose. I was out with the hose and got a bright idea. This is a sprinkler, it sprays water as the two circles spin different directions. It was the funniest thing to watch, the dog chase the water as it spun around. By the time I got the camera he was tired, and got smart. He just stood in one spot and waited for the sprinkler to come to him.

He is just too smart for his own good. Now I guess I will have to actually exercise him the right way.

Elevators, Politicians and Jay!

One of Jay's many jobs now that VMR has moved to the new building is to take VIP's on a tool of the facility. He has done many tours, long and short, but was tagged for another one yesterday. This time the tour was for a high profile democratic politician and his entourage. As is Jay's custom they start at the mezzanine; with the wide expanse of window existing on the 2nd floor mezzanine you see the complete garage and numerous trains below. Start them out with a bang, give them the WOW! factor from the beginning. After meeting on the mezzanine Jay took the group through the offices and the control room. This completes the tour of the 2nd floor but the best is yet to come. On the main floor you can get into the cars, touch and feel the actual train. You get to watch the trains run back and forth on the practice tracks. Oh, the best part of any tour, the nuts and bolts of the operation.

Jay took his guests to the stairs and mentioned that any who would like could take the elevator. Jay and a small group took the stair while 9 of the entourage loaded onto the brand new elevator. I failed to mention that the facility has only been open for about a month. And Jay, to get a little exercise, always takes the stairs. Jay and his small group went to the first floor and waited in front of the elevator. He waited... and waited... and waited.... then became concerned. Jay heads up the stairs taking them two at a time and starts to hear yells from above....

You got it! The elevator was stuck between floors. The elevator held 9 large men, including the politician himself, and had started down to the main floor only to get stuck about 5 feet down. Jay didn't lose his cool at all. He pulled on the two doors to separate them about 3 inches and started to make decisions. They tried all the resets, fail-safes, and restarts. No luck. Jay points to his co-worker and says, "you call the elevator company, I will call 911, whoever gets here first will get these people out!" After waiting only 5 minutes or so both the elevator company and the fire department arrive at exactly the same time. The elevator company employee tries the resets, fail-safes, and restarts, but the elevator still doesn't move. By this time it is getting warm in that elevator, and hot around Jay's collar. The elevator repairman turns to Jay and says "it says that there is a door open. Jay pulls apart the outside door 3 inches again and asks "is there a door open in there?" Someone from the entourage answers, "yes, we pulled it off the hinges trying to get it open." The Elevator repair man says, "that's why it won't reset." Out of his little front pocket comes a bent piece of metal. He places it in the top of the outside doors and they open all the way. Jay turns to him and says, "why didn't you do that 15 minutes ago?"

Needless to say, they help all 9 people out of the elevator and the paramedics checked each one of them out. All was well but they had been in that elevator for 35 minutes. Now their time was gone and they never did get to complete the rest of the tour. After the group was gone, Jay is told that is the 4th time the elevator has broken since the facility was open, and the second time with people in it. The moral of this story: Don't let Jay put you in the elevator!