Français très Facile

Mon neveu étudie le français. Je l'ai aidé à écrire un papier ce soir. Les programmes de traduction Internet le rendent très facile. Je ne l'avais pas si facile qu'un étudiant français il y a trente ans.

Viva le francais!

A UTAH "Woman" am I

So the U of U vs. BYU football game is just a week away. U of U basketball begins this afternoon. So, why is it that I, we like the whole U of U stuff so much? Is is beyond just liking the color red. Let's just begin with the number of UTAH grads in the family.

Grandpa Huber
Uncle Glen
Uncle Blaine
Jackie
Judy (Moi)
Cindy
Geneil
Dee
John
Eddie
Karl
Evan
Lori (JD)
Annie
Haley
Ross (MBA)
Gregg
Wade

U of U alums (some coursework)
Grandma Huber
Steve
Maddie
Liz
Karen
Paul

Current U of U students
James
Peter
Lauren
Natalie

Future U of U student
Willie (for sure!)

If I have forgotten someone in the family, I'll just add them in later. Isn't this a pretty impressive list? Our loyalty to the "U" runs deep. Most families have one or two college grads -- we are just a bunch of UTAH educated smartie pants -- three generations strong!

Digital Camera Class

I attended a class today taught by my daughter. She is a very good teacher. I am learning a lot. I posted this picture that displays my new skill -- putting a message on a photo. How about that!

Wait until next year?

I get calls from parents everyday. Today a nice dad called to ask why his son should wait until next year to start finding out what he can be doing now to prepare for college and university stuff. Apparently, his son's school counselor told him to ". . . wait until next year." Well, I have a problem with that. I work with counselors everyday to try to get them to help their students envision their future and to plan for it. How in the universe am I to get them to help their students think and plan that way when they can't seem to see the point. Personally, you can't start planning early enough for the big decisions that lie ahead.

Student of the Month

Willie is the 8th grade boy Student of the Month at Hunter Junior High School. He wants a newspaper article or something written about him. Since I don't have access to a newspaper, he will have to settle for a blog posting. I would say that he is Student of the Month because he is a very good student -- he attends school every day, he pays attention in class, he is respectful of teachers and students, he gets good grades, he is courteous and polite, he is good-looking, and his mother loves him. The people at the school probably don't know that he is close to getting his Eagle Scout, and he is the best uncle on the planet. They may not know about his sweet basketball skills and his international team members who play some pretty intense games in the driveway. I must say that I am very proud of my Student of the Month! His reward for such an honor is lunch from McDonalds on Thursday -- in the school library. (He thinks someone goes to pick it up and brings it back to the school.)

A call for help . . .

Saturday Night
We parked in the Michael's parking lot on 5600 West 3100 South. As we walked away from our car, a white Honda approached us, inside was an older gentleman. He asked if we could help him. He told us he was a little confused and couldn't find his way home. He said he was a little disoriented. I walked over to his car, his passenger window was down. He said he lived in Kearns and asked if I knew where that was. He said he lived alone and there was really no one to call for directions. He was familiar with 5600 West but didn't know which way it lead to Kearns. I told him to turn left at the light on 5600 West and 3100 South and that would take home to Kearns. On second thought, I asked him if he would like to follow us and he was most appreciative. He said he lived on "Dewdrop" near the Wallmart in Kearns. We loaded up the car and were just about ready to pull out when I told Karl to ask him if he [Karl] could ride with him. He agreed that was probably a good idea.

My Car
On the way up [south] 5600 West toward Kearns, I had Willie call Haley to see if she could find "Dewdrop" so I would know the general direction of the man's home. No luck, so Haley called Chris to see if the street name was familiar to her Jefferson Junior High boundaries. Chris was familiar with the street and thought it might be northeast of the Wallmart on 5600 West and 6200 South (near Beehive Elementary). Sure enough, just past Jefferson Junior High, the man in the car [Karl with him] flashed his brights behind me, passed us up, and signaled to turn left.

The Man's Car
The older gentleman told Karl over and over again that he was only needing help, no weapon, no need to fear getting in a stranger's car. He told Karl that his wife is in the Bennion Care Center and he usually visited her during the day but had stayed to visit after dark. It seems his wife is suffering from alzheimers and her doctors don't think she has much time left. He explained that he is in his mid-eighties and has family in California. He told Karl how he had served in the military. He also told Karl he is a high priest in the Mormon church and active in his ward -- his name, Clarance Davis.

The End
The old gentleman pulled in his driveway and as the garage door opened I saw a very neat, clean, organized garage. There was a home-made ramp to the door to the house inside the garage. He and Karl got out of the car and walked toward my car -- Willie and I watched. The older gentleman came to my driver's side window, I held out my hand to introduce myself, he didn't let go. He was so very appreciative for the help. I asked him if he were a member of the Church and he said yes, so I told him a former Bishop was riding with him. He was very surprised and even more appreciative. He assured us he would be okay, finally let go of my hand, walked up the driveway, into his garage, closed the garage door, and we were on our way. Karl, Willie, and I shared our stories. We called Haley and reported in with her. Then we headed back to Michael's.

A Test?
I told Karl that his mom and dad were talking in heaven and his dad wanted to see just what kind of son Ardith had raised and what kind of daughter-in-law and grandson son he had. So, they arranged a good Samaritan service test -- I think we passed.

A week for the record books . . .

• Monday morning Grandma passed away.


• Monday evening family and friends stopped by to share their love and support.


• Tuesday was a very emotional day for me. A special family brought us dinner -- they knew Willie's favorite meal. More family and friends stop by.
  
• Wednesday was cold and snowy - we had 3 to 4 inches on the lawn. We had more visitors -- sharing more kindness and sympathy.


• Thursday evening was RS leadership meeting for all ward leaders - I was in charge of the refreshments. More special people stopped by.


• Thursday night the UTES beat TCU in the battle for the Mountain West football title. Karl and Willie said it was the best game ever -- they kept warm with hand an feet warmers. Scouts are always prepared especially at freezing football games.


• Friday we viewed Grandma's body and visited with many good friends and family who came to pay their respects.


• We wished Karl "Happy Birthday" on Saturday.


• We celebrated and honored Grandma's life in a very nice funeral service.


• Saturday night we went to Willie's football team party -- it was pretty unorganized but brought our week to a positive end.

Sleepiness takes over -- foils NABLOPOMO record

I missed out on posting yesterday. I fell asleep early and didn't realize I missed out on posting Wednesday until this morning. Since I get so few comments, I don't think my oversight is too tragic.

Election Day -- Second Tuesday

I am not sure I voted for any election winners, but I voted. It wasn't crowded at all and it took all of 2 to 3 minutes to put my card in the computer and breeze through the choices.

I voted for Richard Nixon in my first Presidential Election way back in 1972. I wasn't very good at choosing winners then, and I'm not now either. Oh, well.

It's late . . .

Here I sit at the computer a few minutes before the clock ticks away to a new day. I don't have much to report except that Grandma Petersen passed away early this morning. She and I had a very nice visit last Monday (just a week ago). We talked about families and other things. We have had hundreds of hours of good talks over the years. Grandma was good to me and my kids -- we loved her a lot and will miss her love and just being here with us.

Fall back!

I kind of like the change from daylight savings time to mountain standard time. It means an extra hour Saturday night to . . . "fall back" and . . .
-- watch television
-- read a book or something
-- sit and think or eat something yummy
-- just vegetate
-- feel good about having an extra hour for whatever, even sleep!

Now, when we have to "spring ahead" next March -- that is something very stressful and not much fun at all!

Not just your average jack-o-lanterns --

Do you recognize "the Cheat" and the U of U "drum and feather"? If not, I just gave away our fantastic Halloween pumpkin carving. The pumpkins look pretty cool in the dark with the candle light. My camera (oops, Haley's camera) doesn't do night shots too well.

NAPOBLOMO#1

#8152

Guess what? I just signed up for NABLOPOMO. Last year I participated, but this year I have oficially joined the campaign. I am #8152!

Willie and I visited the "bone" doctor on Monday, and his thumb is good to go. The doctor reported that the break/fracture has healed nicely and he can play basketball and any other sport without fear of hurting it.

Today was orthodontist day. The teeth are doing pretty well. This month's colors are orange and red.

I participated on a site visit to a school in Lincolnshire, Il., last week. It was a pretty powerful experience. Adlai E. Stevenson High School is nationally recognized as a school to watch for many reasons, but the school's focus on student learning is pretty amazing. (I know I mentioned this before, but check the site and see for yourself.)

Random Thoughts

So, I am with a school district team at Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois (an hour and twenty minute train ride north of Chicago). It is a pretty amazing school -- 4500 students, 300 teachers, 16 counselors, 6 social workers, a security guard in every hallway, facilities to dream about, pretty successful students. We are here with schools from all over the country to see how they engage students and monitor their learning progress in ways we have not yet determined. I do have a criticism -- there is no guidance program in place. No organized meetings with students or developmental activities to help students PLAN for the future. Oops!

So, I advanced a year on the longevity chart.

So, I have 22 years in the Utah Retirement System. (I really have 31 years in education but part time and years I took out don't count.)

So, I have great kids. I have quite the age span among them -- 30, 28, and 13.10.

So, I have been married 32 years.

So, my nephew, Parker, turns 12 this week. He will be a deacon and passing the sacrament -- he will need to be serious.

So, I have a grandson -- he is such a quick learner.

So, I love my family, my work in the Church and at schools, and hot fudge sundaes with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

No School Today

It's fall recess for students and staff in Granite School District. Yippee! Willie and I have had a great day. Elliott and Annie arrived about 8:15 a.m. Annie had a meeting and we got to have Elliott with us. We had dentist appointments -- but that was fine because Elliott is very good and he made friends with Dr. Boulton and Liz. Dr. Boulton gave him a tooth brush and a little toy car. Then we headed to see Grandma Petersen -- Highland Care is just down the street from the dentist. She was really excited to see Elliott. He charmed one of the nurses into putting a smiley face on the bottom of a pill cup. Then we headed to meet Annie for lunch -- Haley had a lunch appointment with her Tooele teacher friends. Elliott slept through lunch -- we wore him out. Then we all headed home -- Willie to football practice and Annie to cub scouts and me, I'm just home.

Family Ties

No matter the circumstances and situations, my family is very supportive of events and activities -- it's a priority. Sometimes I take their support for granted. My immediate family -- Karl, the kids, their spouses, and Elliott are there with 100% -- always. My extended family is just about 100% -- my parents, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, in-laws and out-laws. Karl's extended family is close to 100%, as well. Birthdays, weddings, and other special events bring out the support. It is just the best thing in the entire universe to have a great family! I (we) love them all!

Fall Colors

The reds and oranges of the maples and oak brush were probably pounded down by the rain on Saturday. However, the Aspens' yellows are as vibrant as ever -- at least from the top of PC Main Street.

Pumpkins for Sale

We went for a nice ride yesterday afternoon and saw this colorful pumpkin display. We included the new Legacy Parkway as part of our itinerary. It's a very comfortable road -- if roads can be comfortable. No, the pumpkin display was not part of the scenery on the new parkway. They were displayed out front of the Albertson's store in Park City.

Someplace I hadn't been . . .

Until today I had never been to the University of Utah Guest House. It is a hotel/conference center on campus. It is situated between Fort Douglas and the medical/health sciences colleges on Fort Douglas Blvd. I attend a legislative outreach meeting there. It's very nice, and the meeting was good. I scanned this image off a napkin.

Nothing to blog about . . .

My daughter is always checking on the blog postings and mine are not as frequent as she'd like. But, the thing is, there just isn't that much going on that I think is interesting.

• I guess I could blog about my niece who plays softball for SLCC. She is an awesome hitter. I caught a picture of her hitting the ball on Saturday.
  
• I could report how Red Hanger lost part of my cleaning -- I went to pick it up on Saturday and it was nowhere to be found (the missing part). So, I went back today and still no sign of the shirts and stuff. I am so dumb -- I even paid for the missing cleaning.


• I could tell you how proud I am of my parents who in spite of their failing health still manage to get around town and even make it to a ball game now and again.


• I could write about my son and the big red thumb. He broke his thumb a month ago today and barely a complaint has come from him. He has taken the whole incident in stride. He made a bigger deal about the braces than the broken thumb.
  
• I could tell you about the women's conference talks I listened to on Saturday night -- Julie Bangerter Beck speaks with passion and conviction that I so admire. Plus, she is a "west side" girl (Granger High grad.).


• I could tell you about how nice it is to have my whole family here for dinner on Sunday afternoon. It's just the best feeling ever.


• I could bog about "fall" my favorite time of year for colors and how nice my yard looks.


• I could even mention the new addition to our backyard -- the pergola -- it is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.
  

Guess what -- it looks like I did blog about something.

What are kids reading?

I went to junior high parent teacher conferences yesterday afternoon/evening. You know, that's where the teachers all squish into the cafeteria sitting at tables with big signs hanging over their heads. There's a small amount of space for each teacher where parents and students line up (for hours) waiting for their turn to see what's up with the student's grades -- assignments turned in, general behavior, etc. Nothing is said to let parents and students know about their LEARNING -- Do the kids get this? Do they understand that? -- absolutely NOTHING. For me, it's a chance to observe teacher behavior, look at their long lines, and decide which teachers I don't want my kids to have.

That said, the other part of P/T conferences is the Book Fair -- you know that, too -- where the hot titles of the day are on sale for parents to purchase for their kid's good job at turning in assignments (not learning). What are some of the titles this fall?

Breaking Dawn -- vampire love story
Believe it or Not -- tattoo history 1010

Secret Codes -- for video games
Top Girl Picks (no such category for boys -- I guess they read the girl stuff)
Zoey Dean's Talent -- no matter how important and famous you are, friendship comes first
The Wild Girls -- how coming of age means finding your own answers
The Clique -- bratfest at Tiffany's
The Ashleys -- girls that rule the school, they are gorgeous

If we are what we read? You be the judge -----

Sometimes in the doing of we forget the reasons for --

The phrase used as the title of this blog post is one of my favorite. I am not sure where it came from, who said it, or in what context it was used. But it has inspired me more that once.

My professional work is all about helping adults to do better things for kids. By better things I mean -- better communicating and listening, better mentoring, better planning, better at making connections with kids, better at helping kids navigate a school system, better at helping kids find out where their interests lie, better at caring about kids, better at helping kids visualize a future, better and recognizing their (adults) ability to help kids, and so on. Sometimes adults make their work with kids more complicated than it needs to be. Adults create forms and checklists; they make schedules and charts; they have procedures and processes; and so on. They really do think these things help kids. Guess what -- most of the time, they are only obstacles to create a distance between the adults and the kids. Yes, there is a need for order and procedure, but I also know that if the adults in our schools would set their forms and procedures aside and do a little better job at making kids feel like they are important and valued, the results would be astronomical.

I spent time with a bunch of very diverse and complicated kids today. At first they were apprehensive about my intentions -- their faces said it all. But, by the end of each of three class periods, some smiled, some thanked me, and they all went on their way. I wished each one a great day and shook their hands or gave my hand to them in a high five. I didn't accomplish much more than that.

Life is tough enough. Our students are getting further and further behind in what adults are thinking they can or should do. Much of what happens in their lives inside and outside of school can put a damper on their energy and motivation to succeed. I hope every day that the adults in our schools will focus more on the reasons for their work (the kids) and less on the doing of (everything but focusing on the kids) -- it makes a huge difference.

Well, for what it's worth ------

Beware of Mothers Asking Daughters for Assistance

of Mothers . . .

asking daughters to help with stuff like this . . .

. . . the outcome is guilt (Toy Story reference - "I feel guilt.")

I don't know what I would do without my girls. They are my best friends and confidants! They are talented, capable, competent, and confident younger type women. We really do a lot for each other, but tonight I was the benefit of their support, help, expertise, and service. I have been asked to plan and carry out two RS craft nights a year. Well, I have never been much of a craft person. The first RS craft I did in my life was a few decades back -- painted a reindeer for Christmas. Next came a reindeer made out of a towel (I was so proud of it, it appeared in a family Christmas picture). Well the crafts I muster up for the ladies are of a technological sort. You see, I never cease to be amazed at the incredibly amazing works (techno crafts) my girls do via computer technology. For the February craft, we (with Annie's and Haley's skills) worked on digital scrap booking and photo collections on the Internet. Tonight, the techno craft was "word art" or "word clouds". Annie and Willie created their masterpieces a few weeks back. I just knew the RS ladies would be interested. So, we pulled it off tonight -- 20 ladies, 4 computers, and three hours later a quiet house.

Everything went well until the last 45 minutes or so -- Annie was tired, stressed, and out of balance in the sugar and energy department. Elliott conked out on Karl's lap -- he was an absolute angel all evening. Willie needed dinner -- 10:00 p.m. Haley needed to finish up some editing on a paper for Peter, and she hadn't seen James all day. Needless to say, I am feeling some guilt for the whole thing. The activity went well, but it was just more than Annie and Haley and Elliott needed to do for me and the RS ladies.

Next time, I think I'll need to revert back to vinyl lettering on painted wood.

Jellystone Park -- End of Summer Tradition

For the past 7 or 8 years we have made a summer's end trip to Yellowstone National Park. It's just one of those places I can visit time and time again and enjoy the next trip as much as the first. Karl and I drug our wounded (broken thumb) son with us this time. We stayed in a nice clean Comfort Inn in West Yellowstone and visited new and previously visited places all day Sunday, August 31. The weather was perfect! We walked out to Morning Glory Pool and then hiked up and down the staircase called Uncle Tom's Trail to the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The animals were sparse, but we saw buffs, elk, woolly caterpillars, chipmunks, and geese. On the way home we stopped at Bear World -- interesting place.

Ethel Meranda Huber, September 7, 1906

Annie, Melinda, Haley, Grandma

(on Grandma's front porch, 427 Kensington Ave., about 1985-86)

I intended to write this blog post yesterday (Grandma's birthday), but the day came to an end and another day began. Grandma Huber would be 102 if she were still alive. She was a good grandma. I spent a lot of time with her because when I was 12 years old, I was lucky enough to work at the family grocery store during the summer. Ten years later, I was still working at the store. Grandma worked every one of those ten years, and before them, and long after them. In fact, Grandma died at 84 years and she worked a full day at the store the day before she died.

Grandma was an excellent cook. I loved her roast beef dinner, especially her gravy. If I think long and hard I can still taste it. She always had cookies in the cookie jar and cold Cokes in the fridge. We were welcome anytime and to anything in the house. Grandma's house was a lunchtime stopping place when my sisters and I were going to the "U" -- there was always something there for lunch and sometimes a note from Grandma.

Grandma was born under pretty poor circumstances in Myton, Utah, her mother passed away when she was a little girl of 7. She was raised by not so nice relatives and an ornery step-mother, Nana. She and her brother, George, were very close -- but he died in his forties.

She was a very classy lady. Grandpa always made sure Grandma had the finest -- china, linens, clothes, furnishings, and more. Grandma always had "club" -- a group of lady friends who got together a couple of times a month to play cards. In the dining room buffet, top drawer on the left, were many decks of fancy cards -- all colors and patterns on the backs. Grandma's best friends were Helen Bird and Norma Riches. I came to know these ladies almost as well as I knew Grandma. Grandma's white hair was striking -- when asked what her real hair color was she always said she couldn't remember.

Grandma worked hard to support her sons in scouting (both Eagle Scouts), sports, church, school, and everything else. She was pretty guarded in her conversations - never really complained, never really disclosed much. I knew she loved me, my sisters, my brothers, and my girls. Willie came long after she was gone -- maybe he knew her in heaven.

Eighth Grade!

I taught junior high school for four years (that was thirty years ago). It was the craziest experience of my entire career. I remember thinking many times in those years that eighth graders should be shipped to outer space and brought back to earth just before ninth grade began. It seemed then that seventh graders were innocent and impressionable while ninth graders were mature and somewhat reasonable. But, for the eighth graders -- every single day was an experience with raging hormones and bull-headed, thick skulls. I was never surprised when eighth graders wanted to hold hands or start fist fights.

I went through the eighth grade years with my girls and lived to tell about them -- mostly I tried to look past their drama of the day and their endless whining. When my girls turned 15-16, they became delightful young women, and I have enjoyed every day since.

In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing eighth grade again -- this time with my boy. I am not sure how to work through this experience. Eighth grade boys have weird voices -- like out of tune fog horns that squeak every once in awhile. My eighth grade boy has lived through braces and a broken thumb in less than a month. He also struggles to sleep without his pet manatee. And, no matter what question I ask him, his reply is, "What?"

For example --
"How do you feel?" --- "What?"
"Do you have homework?" --- "What?"
"Is Tanner in any of your classes?" --- "What?"
"Are you hungry?" -- "What . . . what . . ?" "Yeah, I am hungry!"

When I call my eighth grader to check on him while I am at work, he often answers the phone with, "Meow, meow!" He has grown four inches in less than a year. His feet are huge -- size 13 football cleats -- and smelly. His ears have cooties in them, and he rolls on the floor and lays on the couch a lot. Just about any comment his dad and I make causes him to bust up laughing. Just about everything is funny --- ha, ha! His sense of humor is never ending. At the same time he is very responsible and caring --- he worships his sisters and his little nephew, and he loves hanging out with his cousins. He will always kiss his grandparents goodbye. Then, at the most reverent, somber times, some unforeseen bodily function will explode from his person accompanied by more uncontrollable laughter.

Oh the life of a mother of an eighth grader . . . you've got to love it!

Where did the summer go?

MAAAMMA!

Another Sunday, just like any other . . . -- Church as usual, home a little later, dinner preparations underway, then came Elliott -- "MAAMMA!" He shouted with all his might as he came barrelling through the front door to find me in the kitchen. I love my little grandson! It's hard for most to tell the difference from what he calls me and what he calls his mom -- they are pretty close. But, I know the difference, and so does he, and that's all that matters!

Football: the Long and Short of It

August means football season. This is Willie's 4th year, and he is still having fun. The kids practice, and practice, and practice. They had a scrimmage on Saturday morning with Copper Hills. The Hunter Bantams did well. Although the team members are pretty much in the same age group, they come in all shapes and sizes -- Willie (#75 in case you can't tell) is the longest, and Cody is definitely the shortest. It will be a good season. Games begin on August 23rd.

I love the BEATLES!

I got my first BEATLES' album (Meet the BEATLES) when I was in 3rd grade -- the fall of 1963. That seems like a century ago but was really just a few decades back. I planned on marrying Paul McCartney because he was by far the cutest. I listen to the BEATLES' music pretty frequently. My f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e song is All My Lovin', . . . you know how it goes . . . , "Close you eyes and I'll kiss you" . . .

Well, Annie and Haley have been talking about this movie, Across the Universe, for awhile and how the soundtrack is all BEALTES' re-records. The other day I heard the Across the Universe version of All My Lovin' on niece Emily Dee's BLOG. It was so good, I had to buy the soundtrack. Yes, it is very good, but, my f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e song on the CD is, hands down, "Close your eyes and I'll . . . ."

I love the BEATLES!

Pain is only weakness leaving your body --

Willie got braces on his teeth today. Needless to say he is in pain! He hasn't realized that pain is good -- it makes you tougher, it strengthens your tolerance, builds endurance and stamina, . . .

One of my colleagues told me to tell Willie that, " . . . pain is only weakness leaving your body". Of course, he rolled his eyes at me with that comment. Millions of kids and adults are dealing with braces pain as I write. It's not life threatening and the outcome is always good. So, I guess it's just something you overcome day by day.

I was quite impressed with the whole orthodontic process this morning. It was a very positive customer service experience.

• We were greeted enthusiastically as we entered the waiting room


• Willie was taken directly to the "lab" to have ex rays and molds done while I completed the paper work


• The payment was set up electronically -- credit card and debit for the full 18 months


• The patient room consisted of four chair stations and all patients were worked on within minutes of sitting in a chair -- each patient was attended to and help immediately and efficiently


• The orthodontist and his assistants worked as a team -- in concert together and, yes, they made progress


• The atmosphere was very open and professional


• There was music other than FM 100 in the background


• They really knew their routine -- they got down to business, on task, no time wasted


• Willie got to choose up to three colors of ties to go on the bands (he chose red and blue)


• He received some detailed instructions on braces care


• He left with his private pouch of braces supplies and we were given an electronically printed reminder for our next visit
  

I couldn't help dream about a school system running with such positive customer service -- efficient, professional, individualized -- where students and parents are always important and attended to. I guess in my work I hear more reports of the opposite kind of customer service. Yet, I know this can happen some day in all of our schools!

Utah Daughter of a Pioneer

I am a great-great granddaughter of a Utah pioneer.

I was going through a box of old books and folders the other day and I found a copy of one of the many volumes of family history written by my grandfather, Stewart Bingham Eccles. In this particular journal Grandpa paid a very nice tribute to his mother Anna Rasmussen Eccles. Although Anna is not the pioneer that gives me "Daughters of the Utah Pioneer" status (those who arrived prior to 1869), she was a pioneer nonetheless.

I wanted to share the story on my blog, but it's not where I thought I left it. I can't find it anywhere. As far as I know, no one has been in the room where I read it. It's a mystery! So, the pioneer story of my great grandmother Anna will be reported later on.

This may sound a little out of place for a blog, but I am very thankful for the sacrifice my ancestors made as they immigrated from Scotland, Wales, England, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, . . . . to the United States and eventually Utah! Some came for the Mormon church and others came for work and opportunity. I so appreciate taking one day out of a busy, hectic, hot July month to commemorate and celebrate the first group of Mormon pioneers who arrived close to the Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847. The trek to Utah continues today some 161 years later.

Home at last --

Misquito safety device -- 25 cents at the scout camp Trading Post.

It's difficult to see the true impact of the dirt -- but the hair on Willie's legs went from white to black in a week of scout camp.

I must admit I was looking forward to a few days home alone (Willie and Karl at scout camp), but the excitement for being the only one in my big house diminished quickly. There is really nothing exciting about being the only one home for more that a couple of hours. It's too quiet, too lonely, and not that much fun at all. Haley did keep me from going totally koo koo -- but I am just the kind of person who likes noise, responding to weird requests from 13 year olds, likes listening to the long versions of stories, and fixing hot dogs or pizza to go along with just about every meal served. I like commotion, interruptions, distractions, craziness, and being the "will you help me?" responder at all times.

So, nothing like having the men in my house home at last. Willie quickly caught up on Home Star Runner, Karl put all the camp/scout stuff away in places he won't remember for next time, and I am back to "on demand" support for my family. Yes!

Scout Camp

Willie is at Scout Camp all week. The boys headed out Monday morning. He was excited and nervous about going -- excited to get out in the great outdoors and nervous about the lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). The troop is big this year -- 16 boys! Two leaders are staying with the boys all week and four others will rotate -- Karl picked up the end of the week. He headed up to Camp Steiner late this morning.

Camp Steiner is the highest (10,400 feet) Boy Scout camp in the United States -- and the second highest in the world. It was founded in 1930. The camp is located about 30 miles outside of Kamas in the Uintah Mountains (Duchesne County) and sits on the shores of Scout Lake. It should be a pretty good experience for Willie (and Karl, too).

Mom and Dad's House

Northwest corner of the living room -- yes, the couch is long, 10 feet exactly.

Southeast view of the newly painted living room and dining room and the newly recovered furniture.

The dining room -- it's hard to notice the new paint but the new floor is lovely.

This is a glimpse of the crown molding -- absolutely spectacular!

We've all worked hard on Mom and Dad's house. The living room and dining room have been painted and crown molded. The carpet is clean, the furniture recovered, the dining room floor redone, and much more. The most difficult part was the removal of the cottage cheese ceiling. The family hazmat crew removed it very carefully. I thought I'd share the finished projects so far.

What to blog about . . . summer days . . .

My kids keep telling me to put something new on my blog. I have been enjoying my summer vacation and just don't have much inspiration for blogging. For the past two summers (06, 07), I had a sense of responsibility to work -- to cover the office in the absence of others. In March, a new work assignment came with some summer freedom -- no responsibility to cover the office. So, I am enjoying day 9 of my 18 summer vacation days. I have been sleeping in, passing the mornings away listening to the radio, hanging out with Willie, doing some work at Mom and Dad's, watching the kids swim, and, . . . just whatever.

I haven't had such a restful summer in many years -- I love it. Each day kind of blends with the next. I have been seeing all my kids and Elliott just about every day, Parker and Meranda have been stopping by, and I have spent a lot of time with Mom and working on her house.

In February, one of the long time neighbors down Mom's street passed away. Her kids spent days and weekends going through the house, fixing things up, and holding yard sales for several weekends in a row. At Dad's birthday party in April, the parents presented a request for help to do some home repairs and clean-up. They didn't want to leave their kids with the mess of clean-up once they're gone. So, slow but sure, we kids have all done some work -- the house is looking very nice.

Well, not much more to say. I will just continue to enjoy the summer days.

July 4 -- Celebrate

When your fly into the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., this is the first visual you see once you're off the plane -- the flag -- it sets the tone for any visit to this awesome city. Pay tribute to our great country in your own way today -- Happy July 4th!

American School Counselor Conference

• I am in Atlanta (Hotlanta) -- American School Counselor Conference -- at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The sessions have been good but very crowded. I always learn new things -- attending a conference is like being part of a compact, condensed graduate level program. I love the energy and enthusiasm that radiates from the presenters and participants. Attending helps me do a better job working with students, counselors, . . . . .
  
• I have been very blessed to have so many awesome career type experiences -- sometimes I bring family with me -- this time I am flying solo, but there are 6 other counselor folks here from Granite School District. Willie and Karl came with me to Atlanta a year ago last December. I know the weather was much better then than now. They were smart to opt out this time.