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Flashback Friday

South Summit Middle School

8th Grade

PJ, Jessica, Justin, Nicole, Cherise

Clifford, Tyler

Charlie's Adventure

Last night we couldn't find Charlie anywhere. They boys are usually outside most of the night during the summer but before we go to bed I like to call them to the door so I can see both of them and so I know they are together and alive. We called and called and Nate walked around the block with the clicker. The problem with Charlie is that he doesn't really have a typical meow--it's a strange crackling noise-- and when he does actually produce a meow it sounds like a tiny kitten. Last night the crickets were in full force and I knew it would be very hard to hear Charlie meowing if he was stuck somewhere. I was just hoping he was out frolicking and lost track of time.

We went to bed and I was thinking of all the worst case scenarios and didn't sleep very well. I got up several times (so did Nate) and went outside and called and called. Nothing. I kept getting the feeling to go into out neighbors yard--but being as it was 2:00 am I figured I should wait until morning to sneak around their house and go snooping. (they are the ones with all the sheds)

So finally at 7:00 this morning I got dressed walked around the block once to see if Charlie was out and about and then I got on one of our chairs so I could peer over the fence and look into the neighbor's yard. I looked over and called Charlie's name several times-----and then I heard it! The tiniest little meow! I called, and heard it again! Charlie was stuck inside one of their sheds! I took off in a sprint to go around the block so I could get into their yard.

Once I was near the sheds I kept hearing him meow and realized that one of the sheds wasn't locked. I opened it up and he came running out! My baby! When the shed was open yesterday he probably climbed in to explore and then hid when someone came in (because he is still so shy) and then they closed it up not knowing he was there.

I hugged him and snuggled him like he was the prodigal son--which was a little difficult because he was filthy and smelled like he had been laying under a lawnmower all night. I am so glad he is okay and safe and seems relatively unscathed. (he is sitting on my lap purring like crazy right now)

Conference Center Tour

Last night for our Young Women's activity we took a guided tour of the LDS Conference Center. I have been inside several times for meetings (only to the first floor) but haven't ever had the time to take a tour to see the artwork, the roof, and to hear the inside scoop from a tour guide. They give free tours Mon-Sun 9am-9pm to anyone who would like to check it out.
The Conference Center is an amazing piece of architecture that seats 21,000, houses a massive organ, and faces the Salt Lake City Temple. I learned that it is 7 times the size of the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC! The artwork inside was wonderful (no copies, all paintings are the originals)--I felt like I was at a mini museum. We got to the roof just as the sun was setting and it was gorgeous. The girls really enjoyed themselves and of course we had to cruise State Street on the way home.

Bella's Babies

Bella, the neighbor's pug, had her puppies! Six darling, tiny, wrinkly, precious, sweet, cuddly baby puglets just a hop skip and a jump from my door. I was in heaven nuzzling each one to my bosom while Bella watched me to make sure I didn't try to nurse one. Their little eyes and ears are still closed and all they want to do is sleep and suckle. Bella is a total natural --animal instinct is amazing!
I have been seriously toying with the idea of a pug child until Shannon told us how much she will be selling them for: $350 each for the males, and $400 for the females. Ouch. So we will just enjoy them while we can and be part of the screening panel to help Shannon make sure they go to loving homes.

Wakeboarding

Yesterday we went to Jordanelle Reservoir for Nate's company party. After watching Nate make wake boarding look so easy I decided to try it. I loved it! What I don't love is being so incredibly sore today I can barely move. (Nate and I have been moaning and groaning all day) I didn't take my camera (unlike me, but I needed a break) but the pictures above pretty much capture what I looked like out there. We had a really good time and enjoyed just relaxing on the boat. I wish boats weren't a billion dollars.

Health Care

Health care is the one of the issues that more often then not becomes a heated debate when Nate and I discuss the world, politics, and social work. I take a more socialist stand on the topic, and Nate feels that the government should stay out of it in order to maintain quality, competition, and innovation. Today on KUER Doug Fabrizio interviewed Washington Post reporter T.R. Reid to talk about his investigation, "Sick around the World."

T.R. Reid traveled to the UK, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Switzerland to investigate health care and the pros and cons of how 5 other capitalist democracies handle it. I thought it was very informative and pretty unbiased.

I was amazed that in Great Britain doctors get a bonus for keeping their patients healthy! Reid says because of this they have become a world leader in preventative medicine. But he also says, "There is probably too much government here for American taste." I liked a lot of Germany's ideas, for example pregnant women don't have to pay anything.

Click here for an overview of facts or click here to watch the program.

P.S. I like how at the doctor's office in Japan you put your money on a little tray and you get your change back on a little tray too. I love details.

Flashback Friday

Party Like a Rock Star

2000

Elisha, Jess, Laura, Haley

To Kill a Mockingbird

Got this book several weeks ago at a thrift store ($1.50--sweet deal!) and I am really into it. I never read it as a kid. Has anyone seen the movie?

Lazy Summer Days

The boys have had a fabulous summer vacation. They have been outside 99% of the time--coming in for dreamy catnaps, sips of cool water, and light hors d'oeuvres . Their friend, Bella the Pug (our neighbor Shannon's dog), will be having babies next week and it will be interesting to see how they react to them. I can't wait to hold little baby pugs!

Say Eight!

Friday night we went with the Tews to see one of our favorite comedians--Brian Regan. The show was at Thanksgiving Point and it was such a beautiful spot! I thoroughly enjoyed laying on our blanket, bare feet in the grass, summer breeze in my hair, and a soothing sunset in the background. I think I would have liked Woodstock. Brian was hilarious and I was exhausted from laughing so hard. Thanks to my mom and Jacob for introducing us!

Flashback Friday

South Summit Junior Prom 2000

Red Iguana

Last week for our anniversary we headed over to a local restaurant we have both been wanting to try: The Red Iguana. I was thinking, "Oh good, it's a Wednesday night--probably won't be too busy and we won't have to wait." Boy was I wrong! We had to wait for over an hour! It was a lovely summer's eve so we patiently waited outside. We ran into a friend of mine, Maggie Willis, who is a delightful human being, and whose wonderful little oil painting hangs in my kitchen and makes me happy every time I look at it.

Maggie is part of SLC's art council and every summer they have a Twilight Concert Series where they offer free concerts every Thursday night at the Gallivan Center. She was at the Red Iguana waiting for the band Nada Surf to arrive. She and her co-workers often take the musicians out to dinner/drinks before their show the next day. Nate and I were trying to remember one of their songs and it finally came to me...."POPULAR!" I think when I was 12 I used to watch this video at least 5 times a day on MTV. Check it out here.

Anyways, we were finally seated and it was definitely worth the wait. The food was incredible, our waitress was awesome (which after being a waitress for several years I never take for granted), the decor was bright and cheery, and I had my favorite person with me--who could ask for more? We told our waitress it was our anniversary and she stuck two candles in our fried ice cream and wished us many happy years to come. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better she brought out our to-go containers. Goodbye styrofoam, hello brown 100% recycled and recyclable containers! Needless to say, I slept like a baby that night.

P.S. Did I mention it's a family owned business that has been around since 1985---and they have vegetarian refried beans... happy day.

Flashback Friday

Holly, Rachel, Kensey, Laura, Jess

Youth Conference

Moab, Utah

1999ish

Sweet Sixteen

My little sister Kelsey turned 16 years old today--wow! You are so grown up and beautiful---Happy Birthday Kelsey, I Love You!!