A View From My Laundry Room

Hey Andy! It's Your Birthday....

2012-02-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Andy starts talking about his birthday the day after the last one ends--today we talked about being 28! I am glad it is in January, because January really needs a good holiday. Thank you Jessica for the amazing banner, it will be up for a while!

We started the celebration with the movie "Unitards," a made to order movie for Andy and Co. about a boy's dance team--can't wait for the DVD so we can just keep enjoying the fine acting over and over. We almost had the entire theater to ourselves, until someone straggled in off the street., I guess they didn't realize it was a private showing!

No party would be complete without Andy's favorite person in the entire world-Stacy Tyler!

Being the technically advanced guy he is, he has now joined the iPad generation (even if it is the less expensive, but otherwise just as cool, Fire!)

So many friends dropped by to say hello, including the entire staff of Solitude!

And Charlie's Angels--and these three really do have wings!

All is right in the world on Andy's Special day!

No popcorn, no tootsie rolls and no kissing cousins--just a lot of new hardware!

Keeper of the Hearth

2012-01-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

Everyday for the past week, I have told Jessica I would post something, but each day passes without any excitement. Well, today wasn't looking exactly like a "Ski Utah" advertisement either .... so here is a little view from inside.

Andy started the day "a little under the weather" but still looking very GQ as he ate breakfast in bed wrapped in this year's hottest pink blanket!

I outdid myself by making homemade cookies in anticipation of a storm...which hasn't looked too threatening.

Jake went to the orthodontist and is smiling because it is a short day!

The amaryillis are brightening my afternoon!

Mary Poppins always checks the blogs between school and work.

Luke is under house arrest and is a bit melancholy over the whole situation--melancholy beats the alternative.

These are for those who may have missed my FaceBook post. Five Bucks all in row--obviously our little bit of paradise is a safe haven for wildlife....if they eat my tulip bulbs though, it will be war!!

Caught Empty Handed

2012-01-01T20:02:00.002-07:00

Twice yesterday, I was caught without a camera! Thank goodness Jacob came to my rescue with his iPod.

'Twas the night, before the night, before Christmas...

2011-12-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

And I was feeling a little guilty for not posting a single holiday picture for Jessica who has been so diligent all season...so here is what I have

I am still trying to figure out how to "shoot the moon" but the early morning eclipse started this magical month spectacularly!

There is never a shortage of new tastes and textures at a Derby Girl event--my first persimmons!

Derby Girls and Dude gather to celebrate in style.

Christmas Tree sleepover sent Luke straight to Dog Heaven!

So being a sleepover and all....a couple "pranksters" decided that they wanted to toilet paper their first house, just like their dad had told them he had done when he had sleepovers. First they made sure Nana and Grandpa were fast asleep and then they went to work....and being the frugal toilet papers they were they covered the house..one sheet at a time...even Joseph was in on the fun!

And meanwhile, on the porch the cat and a couple of reindeer were obviously casing the joint for the big night!

Trying to get rid of some pre-Christmas energy--it didn't work

Baking Christmas cookies became more boy friendly when we found the Ninja Turtle cookie cutters!

The halls are decked, the baking baked, the gifts "almost" wrapped and Mrs. Claus is getting older. (I told Heather, I wish there was more time to just sit and enjoy the season without quite so much work, but still have the decorating and food....she replied, "so what you are saying is you want to be a husband!")

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night..... (well for a few hours anyway)

We Could Have Danced All Night.....

2011-12-05T19:42:00.001-07:00

So in addition to our Thanksgiving Day festivities, we also celebrated my Mom's 75th Birthday. We danced the night away and through the decades. The Kanarraville Town Hall has probably never seen such a "wilde" night--with "no alcohol, no smoking and no fowl language :-)"

Katelyn and Cathy donning their 1980's gay apparel and me dressed like Adam's third grade teacher-representing the 1990's. (Mom's outfit is timeless).

At age 75 I guess you start all over!

No one loves a dance like Andy!

Oh, the magic of helium!

Looks like Jordan is about to break out into the Haka!

Lucky called a few square dances--hmmm, maybe part of our problem is that we were dancing in a circle!

Adam was quick to remind the group that the next 75th Celebration would be mine!

(As always, I didn't get the memo that the color scheme for our outfits was black and pink, instead I look like a tree!)

Can I only brag on the incredible talent that the grandkids brought to the evening--Lawrence Welk would be so impressed!

Yes, that is Aunt Cheryl wearing my Junior Prom dress AND IT IS ZIPPED clear to the top--makes me a little ill, of course Andy looks dashing as always in his green leisure suit.

Heather and Dave doing their "Dancing With the Stars" routine!

Were all together again! (Jake there has to be a smart butt in every family photo! We will forgive you this once because it was REALLY your birthday that day!)

Over the river and through the woods....

2011-11-27T19:11:00.001-07:00

... or in our case, through the red rocks to Kanarraville we go! We all gathered for our first annual Thanksgiving/Birthday/Reunion gathering at grandma and grandpa's house and it was bursting at the seams. We missed those who weren't there--Zac, Jessica and Romney...so for you, here are the pictures! I am just sorry I can't blog leftovers.

The Derby Girls pull off another feast

It was gorgeous weather- perfect for a football game!

Turkey hangover

Heather is glowing!

Adam and Merilee are anxiously awaiting!

Andrea is beautiful!

Reconnecting

Just an old fashioned playground!

Andy conquered!

I'll Get You My Pretties.....

2011-10-31T16:12:00.008-06:00

with my camera that is!

Halloween yard decorations at Zac's house are unique to say the least.

Dog the Bounty Hunter.....I am not sure where he is taking Katelyn!

I even got the ever elusive picture of Eli....sharing a ButterBeer with Grandpa at the Three Broomsticks Bar!

Belly Up to the Bar Boys!!

Madame Trelawney fortelling Eli's future!

Professor Lockhart teaching "Defense of the Dark Arts"

The Headmistress of all this Harry Potter fun!

Life comes at you fast, Drumbledor!

Neville, only his hairdresser knows!

Boggart Jake stole the show--as a dancing queen!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

(Come by and Trick or Treat, I have the giant candy bars:-)

For Jessica--and anyone else who might drop by!

2011-10-10T13:59:00.002-06:00

When I went to tell Andy good-night he was immersed in the word-like mother like son! ( I guess he decided he need "readers" now too!)
I think your rose bush will make it after a lot of tender loving care. I hope we have a few more weeks of warm, because I have so many buds! (P.S. sorry this isn't yours but I liked the picture;)
One of those blustery shots so you won't miss fall--except maybe it will excite you to come ski!
A little more sleet and snow--this is a scary picture look at the ghost in the window--tis the season.

Love you--P.S. James package will be a day late--darn that Columbus anyway!

It's autumn time, it's autumn time....

2011-10-05T19:27:00.007-06:00

the leaves are falling down!

With a winter storm literally knocking on the door (and windows), I needed to post a few of my fall colors. Maybe because I am an "autumn" on the color palette or because I am entering the "autumn" of life, it just seems like I have been soaking it in more than usual this year.

And with all the time I spent in the wild this week, who knew I would have to come home to see a porcupine in the backyard.

Who Will Buy....

2011-09-27T12:47:00.005-06:00

Who will buy
This wonderful morning?
Such a sky
You never did see!

Who will tie

It up with a ribbon

And put it in a box for me?

There'll never be a day so sunny,
It could not happen twice.
Where is the man with all the money?
It's cheap at half the price!

Who will buy
Who will buy
This wonderful feeling?
I'm so high
I swear I could fly.

Me, oh my!
I don't want to lose it
So what am I to do
To keep the sky so blue?

I just wish I could bubble wrap my courtyard right now so I could pull it out on those cold winter mornings...It just is not possible for the weather to be any nicer than it has been this week!!

If you chance to meet a frown.....

2011-09-21T18:59:00.005-06:00

spend a day with Andy!

I took Andy to school today and was ask to bring home this work of art which had been entered in the State Fair Art contest, who knew?? I have smiled every time I have walked past it today. And yes, that is a blue ribbon.

And besides that, if Duchamp could get a place in the Tate with a urinal, I can only imagine the possibilities for Andy...

And he is the only income producing artist in the family!!

With the joy Andy brings me, when I spend the day with this group of men my heart sings!!

My religion is kindness...the Dalai Lama

2011-09-11T07:49:00.007-06:00

I have often felt like I have raised my family in two separate generations--I suppose time will tell where one started and another finished. I think, though, that September 11 will always be a defining point and the beginning of what the historians, Howe and Strauss, have referred to as a "Fourth Turning." This morning, I once again read words that have given me strength over the years. The Dalai Lama has a gentleness and wisdom that bring me comfort. His most recent book, Towards a Kinship of Faith, would change the world if we could embrace its simple message. But then again the message has always been simple hasn't it?

Words of the Dalai Lama 9/11/01

The events of this day cause every thinking person to stop their daily lives, whatever is going on in them, and to ponder deeply the larger questions of life. We search again for not only the meaning of life, but the purpose of our individual and collective experience as we have created it--and we look earnestly for ways in which we might recreate ourselves as a human species, so that we will never treat each other this way again.

The hour has come for us to demonstrate at the highest level our most extraordinary thought about Who We Really Are. There are two possible responses to what has occurred today. The first comes from love, the second from fear. If we come from fear we may panic and do things—as individuals and as nations—that could only cause further damage. If we come from love we will find refuge and strength, even as we provide it to others. This is the moment of your ministry. This is the time of teaching. What you teach at this time, through your every word and action right now, will remain as indelible lessons in the hearts and minds of those whose lives you touch, both now, and for years to come. We will set the course for tomorrow, today. At this hour. In this moment. Let us seek not to pinpoint blame, but to pinpoint cause. Unless we take this time to look at the cause of our experience, we will never remove ourselves from the experiences it creates. Instead, we will forever live in fear of retribution from those within the human family who feel aggrieved, and, likewise, seek retribution from them.

To us [Buddhist thinkers] the reasons are clear. We have not learned the most basic human lessons. We have not remembered the most basic human truths. We have not understood the most basic spiritual wisdom. In we have not been listening to God, and because we have not, we watch ourselves do ungodly things. The message we hear from all sources of truth is clear: We are all one. That is a message the human race has largely ignored. Forgetting this truth is the only cause of hatred and war, and the way to remember is simple: Love, [in] this and every moment. If we could love even those who have attacked us, and seek to understand why they have done so, what then would be our response? Yet if we meet negativity with negativity, rage with rage, attack with attack, what will be the outcome? These are the questions that are placed before the human race today. They are questions that we have failed to answer for thousands of years. Failure to answer them now could eliminate the need to answer them at all. If we want the beauty of the world that we have co-created to be experienced by our children and our children's children, we will have to become use that to happen. We must choose to be a cause in the matter.

So, talk with God today. Ask God for help, for counsel and advice, for insight and for strength and for inner peace and for deep wisdom. Ask God on this day to show us how to show up in the world in a way that will cause the world itself to change. And join all those people around the world who are praying right now, adding your Light to the Light that dispels all fear.

That is the challenge that is placed before every thinking person today. Today the human soul asks the question: What can I do to preserve the beauty and the wonder of our world and to eliminate the anger and hatred—and the disparity that inevitably causes it—in that part of the world which I touch? Please seek to answer that question today, with all the magnificence that is You. What can you do TODAY...[at] this very moment?

A central teaching in most spiritual traditions is: What you wish to experience, provide for another. Look to see, now, what it is you wish to experience--in your own life, and in the world. Then see if there is another for whom you may be the source of that. If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another. If you wish to know that you are safe, cause [others] to know that they are safe. If you wish to better understand seemingly incomprehensible things, help another to better understand. If you wish to heal your own sadness or anger, seek to heal the sadness or anger of another. Those others are waiting for you now. They are looking to you for guidance, for help, for courage, for strength, for understanding, and for assurance at this hour. Most of all, they are looking to you for love.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

-Dalai Lama

The Family that Labors Together, Stays Together

2011-09-08T16:15:00.006-06:00

We had a lovely weekend together at the cabin--Zac was the only one who "labored" as he dug the new swimming pool/water leak repair--all of those years with him and Karsten playing together in the sandbox has paid off.

Lots of fishing (thirty to forty for the fish fry including two that Drew caught), BB guns, hiking and marshmallow roasting--unfortunately not a lot of picture taking, except when Andy got a hold of my camera--he has become quite the family photographer!

We had lots of friends along for the weekend which always adds to the fun! And of course, where Heather is so is a good meal--thanks for helping feed the crowd. We need to get a few more of you up there to enjoy the fall colors with us!

A Bike Trail Built for Three!

2011-09-01T18:22:00.002-06:00

A perfect end to the summer--or start of the fall. Heather, Laura, Eli and me rode up Provo Canyon past Bridal Veil Falls to Vivian Park. It was invigorating and beautiful. I really need to get out of the house more often on these gorgeous fall mornings.

(I look like Amazon Mom in this picture--good thing I took my turn pulling Eli in the trailer!)

Eli does not quite share James' love of the camera--all pictures had to be taken on the sly. It is just so hard to resist snapping shots as soon as he is not looking. Thanks Laura and Heather--ski season is right around the corner!

Deep In the Heart of Texas

2011-08-29T09:36:00.010-06:00

In our totally unpredictable, predictable life we made a quick trip to the great state of Texas—and I mean the GREAT state-- this week to see Jessica. Friday evening, Steve informed me he had an appointment there and had grabbed an extra ticket for me, so that we could drive over and see John, Jessica and of course, not such a baby anymore, James. The time went much too fast, but I feel much more comfortable now seeing where Jessica has built her nest. It was a lovely trip and made me feel proud to have so much Texan blood flowing through my veins (it is its very own country down there you quickly discover)!

James all grown up!

It was so fun seeing her house and the beautiful neighborhood that surrounds it!

It is all coming together with all the designer touches--and for anyone who was worried, the red entranceway is a must and totally blends with the look of the rest of the house--pictures can never do the workmanship and uniqueness of this house justice!

Not only does she design--She cooks! Jessica has become quite the gourmet in her new kitchen. With some guidance from the natives she has found her inner TexMexan! I should have brought home the leftovers!

There is only one way to endure the heat-lots of H2O

According to the Ten o'clock news--It was the hottest day EVER! Did you get that EVER! It wasn't just me thinking it was the hottest day EVER! The gauge actually hit 113 at a few times during the day. (Remember this isn't "a dry heat")

So the business part of the trip turned out to be much more "pleasure" than "business," as we were the guests at a WNBA game in a lovely box seat--good food, good company and Dog Day at the NBA (no joke everyone brought their dogs--I can't in my wildest imagination think Luke would have sat there!)

With a few hours to kill, we made the pilgrimage to The Alamo to honor our own Texas history and the Crockett relations!

It is a moving place--even on the outside--what an interesting piece of family history!

And finally, with temperatures dropping into the low 100's, we spent the evening at the famous River Walk--it stretches for miles as restaurants, shops and gardens weave through the city--this town had one imaginative city planner indeed! Now with three hours sleep under my belt--and a sore neck from trying to grab a couple more on the plane--it is Monday morning and back to my real life!

Happy Happy Birthday, Jessica Dear!

2011-08-14T13:11:00.005-06:00

It seems like this picture captures it all--Jessica has always been "Mom's helper" whether it is doing the dishes, looking out for Andy or running an errand, she was always there as my right hand--making it possible to raise a large family. Now that she is a Mom herself, she is still my helper lifting my spirits with her blogs while the world seems to spiral downward, continuing to look out for her siblings and encouraging me to "expand" my horizons and develop my talents. I have thought of you often this week, Jessica. Happy Birthday to you!

I love, love, love this picture!!

Men at Work!

2011-08-06T12:53:00.000-06:00

Men at Play!

Thanks for your help guys...

My Dad is da Bomb!

2011-07-31T15:32:00.005-06:00

My Dad is da Bomb--posted by Jacob Down while in NYC this week!

Happy Birthday Steve!!

Looking through my IPhoto, I realize how few and far between pictures of Steve have been, mainly because few and far between have been sightings of Steve this past year. Here and there, off in the distance, we caught a few glimpses. Wishing him a Happy Birthday the past two years has been something we do by cell phone and FaceBook. If I was more on top of things, like Grandma Carol, I would send him a card. Anyway, I guess this little post will have to do to let him know how much we are thinking of him and how very much he is loved from far away and how much he is loved when he is home and up close and personal. Everyone is our family knows what a hard worker he is and how every day and every moment his family is at the center of everything he does. We are the recipients of far more than his frequent flyer miles. So whereever you are today, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, catching a taxi or burning incense to that bull on Wall Street and praying the guys in D.C. get their #$%^ together, know that we are thinking of you this entire weekend.

Love,

The Whole D%^n Fam

Recent Sightings

Only leave a comment if you read my other post this weekend--on Peace, Love and Rock'nRoll--you know how sensitive we all are around here!

For Heather

2011-07-23T20:53:00.005-06:00

It has been a weekend filled with water fights, fireworks, Pokemon, The Incredible Hulk, bumper cars, sugar coated cereal, late nights, farting dogs and a couple of bandaides....poor Vivienne, now she has to tame them for Sunday!

(Zac found the picture album of when he was three--they were twinners)

Draper Days!!

2011-07-17T15:54:00.008-06:00

This post is for Jessica and Trevor because we missed you....

The chairs have been out for a record two weeks--the anticipation has been building. The new thing on the block is the number of motorhomes staking out spots. My neighbor tried to keep a sense of humor when two families parked their motor homes on her lawn, but we all felt that building a campfire the night before was crossing the line!

Heather and the boys came the night before and we all headed to the park-thank goodness for the new extension of the Porter Rockwell Trail, it is a perfectly straight shot!

Little boys--frogs and snails and puppy dog tails!

And girls are still sugar and spice and everything nice!

The full moon could not be captured on film but it was certainly spectacular!

As Dad likes to point out.. the parade is Groundhog day--same spot, same treats, same floats, same Alta Cheerleaders, same neighbors, same politicians....I just love having something constant in my life!

Look at this picture with the little boy right above Katelyn's head. Katelyn said when the parade was over and everyone was gathering their things, the mother was instructing her children on what they should do if they ever got lost. She asked the little boy, "What do you say when someone asks you where you are from?" "Africa?" he replied. "No" she said, "Riverton!"

Swimming

Napping

And a couple oldie, goldie bands at the park, fireworks and a very late party with Zac and his Draper Dragon friends and another Draper Days has come and gone. I wonder if we need to put the chairs out for next year?

I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree...

2011-07-04T12:23:00.005-06:00

I will always remember this summer as the summer of the pine tree! Last March, when the snow had begun to melt I was walking around the yard and discovered to my dismay that many of my pine trees appeared to have died over the winter. In the spring, an arborist came over and analyzed the situation. My trees had been plagued with scale, often called the white blight, a deadly conifer insect invasion. I often tell people that we bought the property on New Hope for the trees and were lucky to have the house come with it. I love my trees and this news was devastating. Mr. Tree Man, though, gave me hope that for a measley $6,000 dollars he may be able to save them. Knowing that it would cost that much to remove them, we took the risk and put all summer plans on hold. Needless to say, I have intertwined my life with the health of my trees the past few months. I have prayed for my trees, sung to my trees, watered my trees, talked to my trees and learned several lessons from my trees. Maybe it was not a coincidence that during the same period, I have had to begin again and recover from a few of my own "blights."

An interesting thing about struggling plants is that during stressful times such as a drought, they put forth an over abundance of seed, insuring that should they die new life will still spring forth. This spring saw a proliferation of pine cones. As I watched my trees, giving it their all, I was reminded rather that give up it was time to give it my all too. We had to fertilize regularly this year and try to replace many of the lost nutrients that the bugs had sucked from the trees needles. Fertilize regularly I remind myself--a more in depth discussion of this is on my blog colleendown.com. I have spent a great deal of my vacation time this summer sitting under a tree with gratitude for the shade and beauty they provide--I hope they feel my vibes. Things are looking up around here. I see life every time I circle the yard and as I have become more mindful, I have also seen life in the branches. Our large risky investment seems to be paying off, both for my trees and myself. It will be a vacation to remember!

The song that is stuck in my head.....

2011-06-19T08:42:00.003-06:00

White coral bells,

Upon a slender stalk;

Lilies of the valley,

Deck my garden walk;

Oh don't you wish,

that you could hear them ring;

That will happen only,

when the fairies sing.

Embodiment

2011-06-14T13:24:00.003-06:00

Embodiment

Friendship in a marriage;

Majesty in a tree;

Perspective in a view;

Respite in the shade;

Wisdom in aging;

Renewal on the sabbath;

Strength in the vine;

Love in the loaf;

And life in the wine.

San Frandippity

2011-06-13T14:25:00.006-06:00

In a spontaneous moment, I was able to join Steve in San Francisco. The stars lined up and I hopped on Delta and was whisked away for a fun packed weekend exploring the city by the bay.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge--so to speak-- from thirty plus years ago when we first explored the city with Aunt Ruth while we were engaged. (One thing hasn't changed-- the ocean breeze!!)

The lovely view from our hotel room and the streets we walked and walked and walked late into the night--memories of Paris!

All the walking certainly makes one hungry--all these years of waiting to return to the crabpots on the Wharf--my little bit of heaven on earth!

No trip to San Fran is complete with a trip to ChinaTown--we made it out with buying only two polar fleece jackets because it was freezing--As Mark Twain said "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco!"

Art, chocolate and a trolley car--what a way to end the day!

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge has always been on Steve's bucket list--so 9 miles and 3 1/2 hours later we crossed it off. Can I only say that I was not exactly feeling my inner Zen up there especially with the suicide watch signs dotting the route--I don't think anyone has ever jumped, they have simply been blown off!

Now my bucket list on the other hand includes walking around Sausalito, home of one of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott. It was beautiful, and quaint and provided a little soul food--and a romantic Saturday with my soulmate--who has spent so much time here in the past many years without me.

School's Out For The Summer!

2011-06-08T16:14:00.002-06:00

It Was a Wild Weekend

2011-06-06T13:26:00.002-06:00

Right outside our front door!!

Indian Princesses

2011-05-31T09:26:00.005-06:00

Mom and I took a little walk down memory lane yesterday. I had just finished reading a book about the artist Georgia O’Keefe. I didn’t realize that she lived in the same area that my mother had grown up in northern New Mexico. Reading the book, brought back many faint memories of names and places that we had visited in my childhood. It also raised many questions in my mind about my grandfather, who was a photographer and was taking the same pictures that Ms. O’Keefe was painting of Indian pueblos and pottery, mountains and mesas. I felt a connection across time and space with these western artists and my mother and grandparents. In the course of our conversation, mom shared a funny story.

Georgia O’Keefe lived on the edge of the Ghost Ranch, an early “dude” ranch that catered to the rich and famous Easterners, who would come to see her work and experience desert life in the wild west. My Mom told me that her first job was at a variety store in Espanola, the nearest town, where she cut fabric when she was fourteen. She said that the owners of the Ghost Ranch would come and buy huge amounts of fabric to make “squaw dresses” for the guests. My Mom would dream of the time that she could have the means to make and wear these dresses which she considered to be the pinnacle of high fashion—after all it is what the rich women in New York were wearing. We laughed as we discussed whether or not it was politically correct to call them “squaw dresses” or not. A little google search confirms that when they are sold as vintage dresses on E-bay they are still called “Squaw dresses.”

This brought back my own memories of my first favorite dress, my “Squaw Dress,” which of course, had to be worn with a silver concho belt and beaded Indian moccasins. I also remember mom’s genuine silver concho belt. (Hmmm, it must be worth a pretty penny now, I wonder where it is?) I have so many memories of growing up in the SouthWest and Indian PowWows, where Native Americans did hoop dances, drew intricate sand paintings, displayed their black pottery and weaved wool rugs. I don’t know if time or location has not allowed my own children these memories, but it was so fun to share with Mom on “memorial day.”

A classic "Squaw Dress"

"Marge" a google image displaying her fashionable dress!

Cathy, Cheryl and Colleen fashionably dressed--notice the purse; imagine the moccasins! (Sorry Cheryl, someone had to be Jessie)

Georgia O'Keefe's home against mountains

No post about Georgia O'Keefe would be complete without a little erotica!

Party On Dudes!!

2011-05-29T11:30:00.010-06:00

May is a big month for birthdays in our family (interpreted as September was when all the kids went back in school :-) We started the week celebrating Drew's Big Number 8--I have been a Nana for 8 years!!

Since this picture was taken one week ago-Drew has become a champion Ripster--I really have never seen anything quite like it!

Maybe we will just start calling him Hot Wheels!

Hot Wheel Jr.

Next we celebrate the "Fab Four"

Tradition!! Driver's license cakes for everyone

Maybe I should have Cheryl make me a cake of my Progressive policy--a spoonful of sugar helps the premium go down!

An act of love on Aunt Cheryl's part--our" labor" 16 years ago is nothing compared to her labor in bringing forth three cakes in one day (thank goodness Chelsea helped midwife)

"The Amazonian Sisters" playing together since 4:00 p.m.

Andy and Tauna serenading the crowd--and each other!

Somewhere over the rainbow-the sun is shining-Fortunately the rain held off long enough to party. Thank goodness for our new patio heaters!

The Bad Boys of Summer!

The Good Girls of Spring-all grown up

What would I do with my new bar-be-que without Uncle Mike--we learned that veggie burgers don't flip like beef!

There are so many more birthdays in May--Happy Birthday to my son-in law John Gregory, basking in the warmth of the Bahamas, my brother-in-law Dave Down--living on the road with Steve, my darling niece Lindsey-- turning 21 and getting ready for another summer in Spain and my nephew Adam-working hard in South Carolina. Happy Birthday everyone--whew-I need a nap!

Happy Birthday Sweet 16

2011-05-26T11:24:00.008-06:00

Where is that little girl I carried, where is that little girl at play, I don't remember getting older when did they......(whoops, waxing a little Fiddler on the Roof) But really, time goes faster and faster and Katelyn turned sixteen.

One of our birthday traditions involves going around the table so everyone can tell what they love about the "birthday boy or girl". I thought it was interesting that besides the fact that Katelyn is so kind, everyone loves that Katelyn is so authentic. We all love that Katelyn is comfortable being Katelyn and because of that we all feel comfortable being around Katelyn. At a very young age, Katelyn knew who Katelyn was and because Katelyn doesn't seem to have much teenage angst figuring out who she is, she has a lot more time to focus on others...we all wish we were more like her...comfortable in our own skin.
The dreaded restaurant singing of "Happy Birthday"---our waiter was Zac and Karsten's friend, so along with good service and good food came the singing waiters.
Well boys, she can date and drive now, but beware, you date Katelyn and you have to deal with the "brotherhood."
Dinner with Dad followed by a little birthday shopping--was it a coincidence that she chose The Cheesecake Factory which sits right between Nordstrom and Dillards--hmmmm! No Sixteenth Birthday is complete without a little Neil Sedaka!

Peace Like a River

2011-05-23T15:59:00.004-06:00

The mountains shall bring peace to the people Ps. 72

We went to the mountains yesterday and stopped for church in Park City. Andy has been in a "funk" for the past several days, he wouldn't go to school, work or even special needs mutual. On the way to church, he was giving us all the silent treatment. On a lovely, spring morning we found ourselves at the Shepherd of Mountains Lutheran Church. It was small, but the stained glass windows looked out over a grove of aspen trees and it was almost like having church outside. When the music started a lady brought around a basket of percussion instruments. Andy chose a stick and washboard rhythm instrument. There was music, communion and a sweet sermon on prayer. The last song though was one I had never heard called "River of God" --the river of God sets your feet a dancin'. The music, the instruments...it touched Andy's soul...it touched my soul. Andy was smiling, Andy was singing, Andy was dancing, I was smiling. We left there with a little more bounce in our steps and music in our souls. (Andy even opened our car doors and let Katelyn ride shotgun--that never happens!) Oh, the power of the word!

We spent the rest of the day taking pictures of rivers a little closer to home!

When I die, please bury me here!

The Provo river is a rushin'

Spring has only begun to sprung in the mountains!

Smokin'--

2011-05-20T09:38:00.006-06:00

"And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount....Exodus 19:16

Andy woke me up early this morning and came into my bedroom, pulling me out of bed, "Come here," he said, "the mountain is smokin--."

Well, everything was beautiful, I have to say, there is nothing like the "earth right after rain."

I only wish I could capture the smell and the sounds on my Nikon....and with Katelyn practicing "Fur Elise" in the background, it is nothing short of heavenly. There is no place like home, there is no place like home.....

Rain, rain go away

2011-05-17T15:52:00.005-06:00

If you can't beat it....get out your camera and try and figure out how to photograph it. I finally learned how to set the shutter speed and aperture. I just love those young, whippersnappers who are so willing to answer every question about everything you ever need to know on the internet.

But really, snow--I can photograph that without anyone's help.

P.S. Did anyone read CJane's blog today--interesting--I bet she loses sleep though.

Saturday is a special day.....

2011-05-15T07:43:00.004-06:00

Saturday is a special day;

It's the day we get ready for summer.

We hose down the chairs and we hose down ourselves;

so we can be ready for Sunny!

We build a coop;

and we fix the fence;

We call it our get the work done day!

We plant some pot...

Whoops, we plant some pots;

So we can be happy all summer!

(And when Jake asked me why I was taking these pictures and I told him so Jessica would know what we were doing he said, "Oh, so she can be that much more happy in the Bahamas!)

And, he did a flip off the wall!

Here Comes The Sun....

2011-05-13T11:01:00.001-06:00

I am in my happy place.....

But I am so sore :-)

Achy, Breaky Hearts

2011-05-10T12:01:00.004-06:00

My sweet sister, sensing that I was having a rough day, brought me a "bleeding heart" to plant in my garden. It is one of my very favorite plants. As I was setting it in the ground, I thought, "I wish that these lasted longer." It is such a fragile plant with an extremely short life cycle. Then I wiped away my tears as I realized that nature was sending me a message in the language of flowers. Snows melt, clouds lift, the rain eventually stops and bleeding hearts quickly pass away.

"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning" Psalms 30:5

Nana Time!!

2011-05-07T19:53:00.003-06:00

Since my motherhood overlapped my grandmotherhood, I get the best of both worlds.

I was invited to Isaac's Mother's Day Tea at the beautiful Deer Valley resort. The food was scrumptious and the service amazing. Isaac goes to a school that prepares them, from kindergarten, for a life on the slopes. He learned to ski during the winter and how to wait tables in the spring--Look out Uncle Zac and Uncle Trevor-your competition is in the wings!

Cheryl, I got my five servings of fruits and veggies at the tea!!

In case you can't read Heather's placemat. It says,"She needs a new car because ours is getting stinky--and she smells like vegetables--very chic if you are a granola girl I would say!

I could live at Deer Valley!

The rest of these pictures were taken with blurry eyes and a runny nose as I tried to capture my last afternoon with the boys together for a while.

To every season turn, turn, turn...

Dog Pile....(I hope not anyway)

I am one lucky Mom and Nana--more of my Mother's Day ramblings can be found at ColleenDown.com

Two Dimes and a Nickel

2011-04-26T12:10:00.004-06:00

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go." ~Herman Hesse~

In our home growing up, we used the words “two dimes and a nickel” as a code word to describe “change” –not always in the most loving manner-so sorry Mom-I am sorry about quite a few things. “Two dimes and nickel” pops into my head often these days….there seems to be a lot of loose change lying around the house right now. I have fantasized having an imaginary “older” sister, ten years ahead of me, that I could call up on the phone and ask a few of life’s questions....

How long does “the change” last? When should I lighten the color of my hair or my lipstick, so that it does not accentuate the fine lines showing up all over my face? At what age do you stop accumulating extra pounds and begin drinking Ensure? How old is too old to “start over?” Can you begin saving for retirement after you pay for everyone’s college? Do the beautiful floral dresses in the mall make my butt look fat? What should I be when I grow up? Do mother robins cry when the nest is empty or do they redecorate or fly away too? Are these the last snows of spring or the first snows of fall? Is half way across the country or half way around the world the new ”next door,” in our globally connected world? Have two dimes and a nickel become four quarters in this down economy? So many questions……

"You can only lose what you cling to." ~Buddha~

If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it....

2011-04-12T13:44:00.002-06:00

Come on Spring...I believe.....pleeeease......you can do it!

Balancing my Dosha

2011-03-16T22:15:00.004-06:00

In Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient practice of India, “balancing doshas” is the first step in the healing of many ills. Based on the concept that all beings are one with the earth and we carry those elements in our bodies, we can find health by finding balance. This has resonated with me over the years as I can intuitively feel when my life and my body are “out of whack”—another ancient Hindu saying. There are three doshas-Vata, Pitta and Kapha corresponding the elements air, fire and earth and water. Me, being a Vata, or “airhead,” spends the majority of my time in the ungrounded world of ideas. When I begin to experience the symptoms of unbalance in my life-worry, anxiety, being overwhelmed, I must turn my attention to balancing the kapha in my life—or turn to the earth to once again ground myself.

O.K. that was a very long explanation to why I find peace and harmony with a lump of clay or digging in the dirt of my garden or sitting in the grass—it helps me to balance my dosha-even though balance on a potter’s wheel is a hundred time harder that I ever imagined. I love Mondays, I love the feel of the clay, I love being surrounded my earthy people in Tevas and dreadlocks, I love having a goal of someday, somehow being able to “throw a pot” that looks the same from all sides. I love coming down from the clouds and playing in the mud—it is just what the doctor ordered.

More about "doshas" can be found here and here--just in case anyone is feeling a little off kilter!

Care of the Soul

2011-03-11T20:01:00.002-07:00

I'm an Arizona, Arizona, Arizona star,

And I come from the West where the cowboys are;

I can ride 'em, I can rope 'em I can show 'em how it's done,

I'm a rootin' tootin' cowboy with my six-shooter gun!

Flying into the "Valley of the Sun" is always a going home. A wave of nostalgia sweeps over me when I look out the airplane window and see Camelback Mountain, the mountain that I could see from my bedroom window growing up. Stepping off the plane, I always think of walking through the tunnel and into my Dad's arms as he waited for us each summer. It has taken being a mother myself, to realize how he must have felt after not seeing us for the nine months of the school year. A little pang of homesickness hits me as I look forward to walking through another tunnel someday and seeing him waiting.

Each Spring after a long, long winter my body and soul craves a day in the sun like it craves food. Fortunately, by this time of year Steve usually has a few SouthWest tickets saved up and in one hour all my needs are satisfied--water, sun, dry, green, heat----and a lounge chair

And spending time with Steve and Katelyn and Jake was the icing on the cake (thank goodness, they all love to read as much as I do!)

Yesterday

2011-03-08T08:15:00.002-07:00

all my troubles seemed so far away....

Today----well---hell----o winter!

A little More Peace, Love and Rock n Roll

2011-02-26T10:06:00.005-07:00

One of my favorite activities--Trevortex Open Mic Night!

Birds of a curl, flock together!
He sings, he organizes, he buys the hot chocolate and he even writes his own songs!
Many bodies warm up an otherwise cold winter's night!
They are all driving now--how did that happen?
It gives new meaning to the word-GarageBand!

So, the whole experience is giving me those deep, profound, thoughts which will take a few more days to mull over in the back of my mind-and post elsewhere, if it ever becomes intelligible (and I get some laundry done)! Check back--

Whirled Peas

2011-02-23T19:53:00.004-07:00

Perhaps, part of the unrest in the Middle East is because they just don't have enough snow!

Grandpa Down

2011-02-02T09:48:00.003-07:00

William Andrew Down

February 25, 1936 to February 1, 2011

He loved us all unconditionally--for that I will always be grateful!

Oh, how you will be missed.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2011-02-01T11:41:00.003-07:00

While birthdays are always a time of celebration for the birthday boy or girl, it is a time reflection and gratitude for the mother. I never wake up on a “birthday” without saying a little prayer of thanks for my children and the joy they bring into my life. There is also a wave of nostalgia that sweeps over me as memories of days of birth flood my mind. I remember a card that Aunt Ruth attached to one of the myriad of gifts that she welcomed Heather to the world with—it said, “On this beautiful, spring day a new baby has blessed our lives.” I try to remember Heather ushered in Spring in California, even though today the thermometer in the car reads 15. She has continued to bring the hope of springtime into our lives for the past 29 years.

And then there is Andy, on a day never to be forgotten in my life, I always remember the great lesson that sometimes in our darkest hours, we have no idea of the joys that lie just around the corner. Andy has been riding “shotgun” on the ride of my life for twenty-six years now and what a trip it has been! Happy Birthday number one and number three—I will be thinking about you all day today!

Very interesting....

2011-01-17T09:33:00.002-07:00

As someone who loves the internet and blogs, I found this to be a fascinating discussion....hey it is a holiday, so I wasted time this morning reading the comments.

Match Game

2011-01-13T10:42:00.002-07:00

It is my new obsession with coordinating my reading material and blanket--OCD perhaps. I have figured it out though. It is the same feeling I get when a new idea or thought resonates with my soul; no shelving, no mental gymnastics, no tossing and turning at night--just that "peaceful, easy feeling." Everything matches--( Hey, it is January-we are all a little insane.)

More, slightly crazy thoughts can also be found here!

Oh, What a Year!

2010-12-31T15:02:00.002-07:00

Some years are bigger than others--this year was gigantic!

Harmony

2010-12-30T06:58:00.003-07:00

Why does it make me smile that my book matches my outfit which matches my comforter? Consonance in an often dissonant world I guess--(Jessica understands:-)

Playtime

2010-12-28T20:08:00.003-07:00

Cheryl and I spent the afternoon playing with our Christmas toys, including my new waffle cone maker....

Then to burn the extra calories we had a Dance Dance revolution!

Walking in a winter wonderland...

2010-12-19T11:19:00.002-07:00

Some days are just Hallmark days.....

Today is tomorrow's "Good Ol' Days"--

2010-12-16T09:30:00.003-07:00

I hope my children have the same happy memories that I do....

(thanks for preserving them-Cathy!)

And the beard on his chin....well, anyway

2010-12-12T15:30:00.003-07:00

Me: Andy, before you go to church you need to shave.

Andy: I don't want to shave.

Me: If you are going to church you need to shave...you look scruffy.

Andy: I hate shaving.

Me: I don't care, that is what men do!

Andy: It's my life and I don't want you to touch it!!

Me: (exasperated) O.K. then have your own life!

Andy: Well, maybe I will! (steps into shower)

(Steve compromised with a 'stache--now he looks like Kip on Napoleon Dynamite!)

Gentle Reminders

2010-12-10T20:31:00.004-07:00

I have some flowerpots of Christmas bulbs growing on my kitchen counter-paperwhites and amaryllis. They are a gentle reminder that even in the deadest looking seeds there lies a hope of spring.

I also have a painting of Charles Dicken’s Scrooge hanging in my entranceway. When Steve gave it to me, he pointed to the red and green lining of the jacket and said, “ Remember, even in the most hardened heart there is still a bit of Christmas.”

Hanging on my tree is my favorite ornament, I purchased it in high school. It has the words of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” etched in the glass.” These are the words written in 1864 by Henry W. Longfellow, following the tragic death of his beloved wife in a fire and the recent return of his injured son from the battlefield at the darkest hour of the Civil War. In the moving last stanza is the reminder that even in our most desperate hours “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day,

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet, The words repeat,

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And thought how, as the days had come,

The belfries of all Christendom,

Had rolled along, the unbroken song,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from might to day,

A voice, a chime, A chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth,

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound, The carols drowned,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent,

The hearthstones of a continent,

And made forlorn, the households born,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

And in despair I bowed my head:

“There is not peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong and mocks the song,

Of peace on earth goodwill to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

All three are reminders of the first Christmas message, "Fear Not--- Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men."

'Tis the Season....

2010-12-05T07:11:00.003-07:00

......gymnastics season that is!

Addicted

2010-12-04T11:03:00.003-07:00

As I plopped down my last handful of cash at Walmart for "thistle seed," my new drug of choice, I realized I could have a problem. I am beginning to buy bird food instead of people food. I am taking more pictures of my winged friends than my children. I am spending a lot of time lately just "staring out the window." Aaaah, birds of a feather, flocking together.

But, I am also still addicted to blogging and now I have two more to add to my sidebar--which is no longer called "The Women in My Life." Welcome, Katelyn at "Across the Universe" and Devin at "Let It Be" ( I sense a theme here). I love hearing everyone's thoughts and seeing your pictures--it is the "best part of waking up."

Rise and Shout--I am a Utah Man

2010-11-27T17:11:00.003-07:00

In the spirit of Rivalry Week and in the spirit of the famous Max Hall statement, “I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home.” I am going to take this Red vs. Blue moment to state, “I hate Bronco Mendenhall.” And during this Holy War, that is strictly in a biblical football coach type of way. (I am sure if he were my neighbor, I would take him cookies at Christmas and wave at him from the mailbox.) I just think, on a football level he is a candy butt (edited for my sensitive readers).

His” Football is Fifth “philosophy goes totally against my core values and beliefs. You are a head football coach for crying out loud—Football should be Numero Uno in your life! I can’t even fathom being married to such a marshmallow! I guess your “blue blood” like that of Prince Charles allows you to prance around on a pony and cross you legs while you give media interviews. But this America Bronco-not England--football, apple pie, Chevrolet-grow some balls and be a man.

When a man wants to put his family first—he puts his heart and soul into his career. Can you imagine Steve telling “Noahs” that they come fifth in his life? I know that Steve loves me dearly because no matter the weather, the financial ups or downs, the “crisis’s at work, the bickering between employees, the missed flights, the TSA groping, the bad hotel rooms, etc. etc. Each and every morning, his feet hit the floor and he puts on his “helmet and pads” and goes to work. When a man puts his friends first it is because he put his career first, and then a late night call from a teenager in trouble can be solved. When a widow needs help; there are the means to help. When a single mother needs a place to have a wedding, we have a place because someone put “football” first. And don’t even get me started on putting “ faith before football.” Faith is an action word. Faith is having a friend come to you with a sketch of a building on a napkin and saying, “I will help you” make your dream come true—let me go home and call my dentist, he might be interested in helping.” Faith is watching an empty field turn into a building. Faith is pleading on your knees, day after day, week after week, for God to help you to “win the game.” Football always comes before faith unless you are so secure in your cushy Cougartown life that you don’t have to play by the “sweat of your brow” anymore.” I am glad that my Dad was a “ football” player, even when he had to play the swing shift or graveyard. I am glad that my father in law was an All-American Teamster truck driver.I am glad that my boys and sons-in –law have their heads in the game!

I agree with the words of a great, winning football coach that I can respect, Vince Lombardi:

It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That's why they are there - to compete. To know the rules and objectives when they get in the game. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules - but to win.

And in truth, I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head to head combat.

I don't say these things because I believe in the "brute" nature of man or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.

(Boy, that was close game, my heart is still beating.)

Come Ye Thankful People Come--

2010-11-26T19:02:00.004-07:00

Jessica asked me to please take pictures because she would not be here to do it. So here are the pictures that I Picassed. I am a little impressed with myself this very moment--I am also sitting in my pajamas at 6:00 in the evening after a meal of left-overs, recovering from all the excitement. It was so good sharing the day with friends, relatives and children--I think I counted 39 of us! Plus Grandma on Skype--

Freedom Fighters-Putting a Smile on My Face

2010-11-23T09:56:00.002-07:00

Wed. November 24, is Opt Out Day for all of those flying around the country. People are being asked to Opt-Out of airport scanners and put themselves through the humiliation of groping pat downs to clog TSA lines and bring attention to the extreme violation of fourth amendment rights against search and seizure. Certain groups have become very creative in their protest, one group will be going without underwear and flying in their kilts. The airways are a buzz with anti-TSA discussions and the internet has connected people on this issue in ways that have not been seen before. Going to WeWontFly.com andFacebook each morning, puts a great big smile on my face. Finally, people are waking up. Finally, people are saying enough is enough, Finally, people are looking to the founding documents of our country and remembering what people who gave everything for our freedom understood.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-- Benjamin Franklin

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains rest lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!-- Samuel Adams

A 'No' uttered from deepest  conviction is better and greater than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please,  or what is worse, to avoid trouble."- (Mahatma) Ghandi

The reason I am smiling so much as I read this (besides the fact that Steve travels a zillion miles a year and I don’t like him passing through radiation and groping—and I certainly don’t want to have to do it!) is because, it is the “rising generation” who is making all the noise! My generation is a bunch of pansies! I love seeing the youth making websites, exercising civil disobedience, passing out fliers, calling their congressman. Tomorrow’s leaders are taking the reins of freedom today, because my generation woosed out. So this Thanksgiving, I raise a toast to the new “sons and daughters of liberty!” Thanks for taking your clothes off so I won’t have to!

Carolyn Tagged Me!!

2010-11-16T09:19:00.004-07:00

Four Shows I Watch:

1. Dancing with the Stars

2. Dancing with the Stars-Results Show

3. Good Morning America-Review of Dancing with the Stars

4. Parenthood—it follows Dancing With the Stars

Four Things I'm Passionate About:

1. My husband

2. My children

3. My grandchildren

4. Learning new things

Four Phrases I Say A Lot:

1. Drive careful!

2. Pick up your clothes!

3. WTF—I don’t say it but I sure think it a lotJ

4. I need to pull myself together—Dave told me I say this a lot

Four Things I've Learned from the Past:

1. Be a light; not a judge

2. There is no such thing as being “unworthy”

3. Nothing stays the same

4. Use Sunscreen!!!

Four Places I Would Like to Go:

1. Boston

2. Post-graduate school

3. Rome

4. Hike the Appalachian trail

Four Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Drove to St. George

2. Six loads of laundry (thank goodness for two machines)

3. Visited with my parents and watched family videos

4. Coordinated my children’s, dog’s, husband’s, lives via cell phone while traveling I-15.

Four Things I'm Looking Forward to:

1. Thanksgiving

2. Completing 10 Noahs’ buildings

3. a reunion with my Dad (not in the near future)

4. Writing another book

Four Things I Love About Winter:

1. My children are all gainfully employed

2. cross/country skiing

3. reading by the fire

4. Christmas music

Four Things on My Wish List:

1. Freedom

2. Peace

3. Understanding

4. To be able to hike in the mountains until the day I die.

1. Four People I Tag:

1. Cathy

2. Cheryl

3. Laura

4. Chelsea-In Canada

5. I thought Lindsey tagged Heather--your're it Heather. I have no idea why this is in giant letters--it's the blogger boogeyman!

Going Postal--

2010-11-12T19:51:00.002-07:00

New post at Seeking Peace plus don't miss Heather's new daily posts at Growing Heather!

Tai-a-Phobia

2010-11-07T16:18:00.001-07:00

When we put Luke in the car, he starts howling and panting. He hates the car even though in one hour he will be in the mountains, where he can run to his heart’s content. In the past, I have tried to take Andy to a Jazz game, but his fear of heights will not even allow him to put one foot inside the arena. I understand this fear of confined places and nosebleed seating, because I have the same physical reaction to my own unfounded fears. There are phobia institutes that force people to confront their fears. I saw an advertisement for a clinic to help “handwashers” and others germaphobes. They promised that at the end of the session you would be eating your lunch in an outhouse (in my case that could also cure my claustrophobic tendencies—although our hotel in Paris helped me in that regard). This week I was once again feeling sympathy pains for Luke and Andy as I temporarily forgot how my body begins to sweat and shake when I succumb to the temptation of “running into” TaiPan Trading Company. I had barely passed the discounted turkey platters at the front door when I could feel my underarms getting moist. I quickly passed the dishes to just “get an idea” of what a new Christmas tree might cost. It wasn’t the 850.00 price tag that gave me heart palpitations-it was wondering how, with 30 different varieties of pinecones, one could ever choose. I decided to glance at the garlands and my eye started twitching. Maybe I should find a restroom. I looked around, no one else seemed to have white knuckles as they pushed their carts towards the ornaments. I debated with myself, “should I run now?” Between me and the front door was, the BIG display, the themed trees-gingerbread, peacocks, elves, snowflakes, old world Santas, new world Santas, Santas in spacesuits—breathe in, breathe out, I reminded myself. Don’t pass out next to all these breakable items! Oh, what was this, a new section? Does TaiPan now sell clothing accessories too? Don’t stop, I was almost to the door—then out of the corner of my eye I saw the cellophane-a big roll 6.99. I really needed some, it makes the cheapest gift look like you actually care—no I can’t. I can’t stand in line behind all those happy mother/daughter teams with their baskets filled to overflowing. I can’t stay here any longer. My presents will just have to be wrapped in the K-mart Big Roll. I see the door. I see the blue sky. I see my car. I pull out my cell-phone. I call Heather—no one else understands like Heather.

But maybe Jessica understands too. Because she is the one that taught me about the decorating “Bible”-- the Pottery Barn catalog. “Look but don’t buy!” She is one that showed me that anything and everything you need for decorating can be found in three aisles at T.J. Maxx. So until next year, when that weird urge to be like my neighbors, overtakes me again, I will gather pinecones in my backyard and spend 1.69 on real apples and corn at Smiths and I will let Zac cut me a tree on his snowmobile. And always, when passing the 90^th South exit, I will remember to keep on driving.

Branching Out--

2010-10-27T07:51:00.004-06:00

As I have contemplated what to do with the second half of my life, I have realized that I do miss writing and my "notebook" needs to branch out into something a little more substantial. I would love to get the help of my blogger friends. So, if anyone is interested, I will be writing some of my longer thoughts at my new blog "Seeking Peace" found at colleendown.wordpress.com. Please feel free to comment and share your opinions when you have a chance between your carpooling, school homework and photography exhibitions. It has been a little mind expanding just trying to figure out a new blog format--anything to help ward off the Alzheimers. I will keep posting here too. Blogspot is like my comfortable pair of slippers that I just can't give up. (Blogging is much easier with eight inches of snow on the ground and I will use any excuse to not throw off the covers and face the day!)

The Kirkin O' Th' Tartan--(or I like men in plaid skirts)

2010-10-25T08:06:00.004-06:00

When I returned to graduate school, I began to pick up a new vocabulary, there were certain words that professors were fond of using that I had not had the occasion to use in my “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” days at home. Certain words like conundrum, inextricably and bucolic would often surface in a lecture or discussion. My favorite new word to whip out in a blog is catholic, meaning universal. I had always equated this word with one religion, based in Rome, but catholic with a little “c” can be dropped into a sentence without ever referring to religion. When I graduated, I received a Master of Liberal Arts degree, but in a separate folder, I also received a post-baccalaureate certificate in Global Studies. While I didn’t start school with this end in mind, the more my mind has been opened to the catholic nature of our lives, the more this little piece of paper means to me.

Yesterday at church, I had the opportunity to use my new favorite word once again and to smile at the universal nature of our beliefs. Each year the Presbyterian Church celebrates its Scottish Heritage with the Kirkin’ O’ Th’ Tartan. Having no Scottish or Presbyterian heritage, I had no idea what to expect, except that my friend Carolyn insisted it was an event not to be missed. (She didn’t warn me though that no one misses it and that every inch of the church would be filled a half-hour before it began.) In this ceremony each “clan” brings forth their Tartan to be blessed. The program explained it this way, “It is said that when the English conquerors banned the wearing of the Tartan in 1745 that some Scottish clansmen began to carry swatches of the material concealed under their clothing into their church services. At some point in the service, when the clergyman would give a blessing, the clansmen would touch their bits of Tartan, and with no outward signals, an underground Kirkin’ occurred.”

As the service began, each clan—the McCormicks, the Wallaces, the Campbells, etc. marched in wearing the distinct tartan or plaid of their name and carrying a blanket over their arms representing their family. Bagpipes, drums and brass players led the way to the front of the church. (Amazing how a drum roll and trumpet can assist in calling one to worship). We then repeated the Scottish Confession of 1560, written my John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church. One line stood out to me “This Kirk (meaning Church) is catholic, that is universal, because it contains the chosen of all ages, of all realms, nations, and tongues who have communion and society with God the Father, and with his son Christ Jesus through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.” As I looked around the building, filled to overflowing with families, dignitaries, Mormons, Presbyterians and a group of red haired Catholic teenagers from the Ulster project in Ireland. I felt a shiver go up my spine and as the bagpipes played the sweet notes of Amazing Grace I thought to myself, today I am blessed to be a member of this “catholic” community—One God, one Lord, one faith and one baptism.

Couch Potato

2010-10-12T16:43:00.002-06:00

I was spending the weekend at the cabin, enjoying all the changing colors, when I felt that late afternoon sleepiness descending and my eyelids beginning to get heavy. The warm fire in the stove made it all the harder to resist the tug of a nap. I grabbed a blanket and snuggled down on the couch. It was the maroon and forest green couch that had followed our family from the house on Hidden Valley, into the living room of the Corner Ridge house, up into the loft of the New Hope house and now is tucked into the television corner in the cabin. As I grabbed one of the smaller pillows and sunk down into the cushions, pulling the blanket over my head, I was transported back to the many other times I had laid down on this couch. How many pregnancies had I spent pushing the cushions around me just so, in order to try and get a couple hours sleep? What of all the long weeks spent there while I recovered from hepatitis? How many babies had I nursed sitting on this couch? How many children had I read stories to here? How many books had I become lost in over the years as I sat on cuddled under a quilt? Somehow, those cushions seemed to hold the memories and they flooded over me as I drifted off to sleep.

With fifty years now behind me, we often tend to divide our lives into decades. Me, I divide it into couches. In the far reaches of my mind and in a few baby books, I know we once had a brown striped couch. It must hold memories for my mom. Then I remember the bright blue couch. In the “modern” design of the sixties, it brought the era of Camelot into our home. Today, it would be right in style in a “retro” room. Moving to Arizona, my mom went Mediterranean. Whatever, that means. It is how she referred to our living area; it was Mediterranean. This was the couch of my growing up, this is where I had my “sick days’ home from school, this is where I cuddled my dog, this is where I read all the Laura Inglalls Wilder stories, this is where I have memories of my parents. Sitting. Together. I left home before another couch came into the family. I left home for my own home and the Indian striped couch of our early-married days, a couch that with all the cushions removed and a blanket thrown over the top became a fort for many snowy, afternoons with a houseful of toddlers.

Sometimes, when I think that, “just closing my eyes for a few minutes and taking a power nap” will restore my soul, I plop down on the couch. With my eyes closed and the lulling voices of the television in the background, I am often transported, if only for a few minutes, back to my childhood, back to a time when I was not in charge. For a few minutes, I slip backward in time to a place where my Dad took care of all the bills and my Mom cooked the meals. Sometimes, it takes me clear back to Nana’s house and dozing on the pink divan while she watched “General Hospital” and a pot of gumbo simmered on the stove. I doze for a few minutes and with my eyes closed the world is a simple place and a blanket and pillow once again make everything bearable. No wonder Sigmund Freud and psychotherapy is often equated with a couch; a couch is a magic time machine to your inner childhood.

(Cheryl is my lovely model, dressed in her Mediterranian outfit and sitting as to make her thighs look thin--see KSL "How to sit in a picture")

Why we do the things we do...

2010-10-06T07:16:00.003-06:00

This letter was posted by a mother, Vickie Bell, on her blog found here. I wish I would have written it. The funny thing is that it helped me to make sense of the thousand thoughts stirring around in my own brain as I have tossed and turned the past two nights. I did not mean to offend my friends and family, I only feel, as Ms. Bell pointed out, a deep compassion for the "the underdog." Two suicides this summer and living my own life "on the fringe" has made this all the more personal.

Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless tragedy)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010

Hello my girl,
I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I miss you and that I hope your classes are going well and that you are having fun too.
But I also have to have a mommy moment- bear with me here. I won't take long, and I won't be saying anything I haven't already said in one form or another, but it is important.

You may or may not have heard about the NJ college student who killed himself last week because his room-mate had posted videotape of him having sex with another guy. A terrible, senseless tragedy.

My mommy job requires that I remind you of two essential things:
One:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.
Two:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.

If that young man had only waited a couple of weeks nobody would have cared- he'd have gotten past it. People have short memories- life would have gotten better, much better. His parents and friends? They loved him prior to the tape- they would have loved him afterward too. A few awkward moments and then life goes on.

But when you are young you don't know that even the awkward moments are fleeting. On this, you just have to trust the old people. Remember when you were really small and cried and cried over something? Well, it didn't last. That's kind of what it's like- awful things happen, you feel like there's a rock in the pit of your stomach, somehow time goes by and it gets better. I promise you, it ALWAYS gets better.

The students, a girl and boy, who were involved in the taping and posting-- they are being charged with bias crime, invasion of privacy and possibly other things. Their college life is over. They will have to live with this death the rest of their lives-- and their families are devastated. What they did was so wrong- but also so kid-stupid. Not to mention mean. And so their lives will be different forever- but even so- their families will love them and they will have time enough to hopefully live in such a way as to make meaning from their mistake.

So, my beautiful girl, never, ever think something is unfixable. NOTHING you do will ever keep us from loving you. NOTHING you do could be so awful you can't get past it.

And if someone is mean to you, and it isn't something you can ignore-- seek out people to talk to about it. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. If you ever need help and don't know how to ask- try writing a letter instead. And right now- before you might need such help- think about who you would talk to if needed. In the midst of turmoil sometimes we don't always think as clearly- having a plan makes it easier to find help in crisis. And remember there are always alternatives. Always.

Finally, don't be mean. Don't let other people be mean.
Stand up for the underdog, protect those who aren't as smart or confident or easygoing as yourself.
Treat people's feelings like fragile little puppies- if you play with them- be gentle.

I love you so much and I know you really don't need me to tell you this stuff.... but it's my job.
Love and hugs,
Mommy

Read and Rest

2010-09-15T13:10:00.002-06:00

My grandson, Isaac, started kindergarten this year. When I asked him what his favorite part of the day was, he smiled and said, "Read and Rest!" Recalling the old adage that everything you need to know in life you learn in kindergarten, I decided that I would make it my favorite part of the day, too. Fortunately, as an "older mother," my kids enjoy it as much as I do. And, my new Kindle lets me "Read and Rest"-high tech! Life is good.

It's not all about ME, ME, ME

2010-09-07T20:30:00.005-06:00

It's still about THEM,THEM, THEM!

As I look over my summer of blogs it appears as if I, I, I, am the only person I care about anymore! So, just in case you think I have become totally self-consumed, I thought I would post these cute pictures from the first day of school. I still get the “kindergarten mom” lump in my throat when I send my kids off to school, even Trevor. We still school shop, sign disclosures, search for backpacks, go to the dentist, miss the bus, head to Wal-Mart for notebooks, work, go to gymnastics, babysit, give father’s blessings, moan about curly hair, read, read, read, call Trevor for help with Algebra, work in the lunchroom, shop for textbooks, practice the piano, change class schedules, forget our lunch money, agonize over what to wear in school pictures, write countless checks, complain about teachers, pop Eggos in the toaster, moan when the alarm goes off at six, look forward to Saturday and everything else that revolves around this “most wonderful time of the year.”

“Kicking the Bucket”--List

2010-09-05T20:19:00.005-06:00

Ever since Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson made the saying “the bucket list” a household word, we have all been forced to ask ourselves what is on our “list.” Each day, as I look up at the mountains behind my house, and watch the hang gliders and parasailers jump into thin air, I shake my head and remind myself, there are certain actvities that will never be on the list. (Thanks to my sister and daughter, I can live that one vicariously through them.) There are however other things on my list, because face it, whether or not we have written them down on paper, we all have secret ambitions floating around inside our heads. In a somewhat similar vein, my sisters and I have a “Birthday Swim” each summer where we share our “Birthday Wishes” for the year. Somehow speaking them out loud makes them more real. I had my own personal form of “The List” of everything I wanted to accomplish before I turned 50. My fiftieth birthday, in one sense, was like crossing the finish line of a marathon. Surprisingly, I accomplished the majority— I got my Master’s degree, went to Europe, wrote a book, raised a large family, bought a cabin in the woods. I still need to learn to throw a pot on a potter’s wheel and hike the Appalachian Trail. I have a lot of confidence in lists because they help us to get things done and like my sweet niece recently blogged—everyone loves to cross things off the list. With that said, I am now officially “throwing in the towel,” “kicking the bucket” and “banning my list!”

Since the Big 5-0 party, I have been in a funk, as I pondered what to carry over and what new to add to the “Things To Do Before 60” list. I have slept on it, showered until the hot water ran out over it, and taken a hiatus from writing anything until I figured it out. Then I went to my folder, the folder labeled GOALS, and started looking at the now yellowing pieces of notebook paper, index cards, journals and Daytimer sheets, I had tucked away over the years. I have kept every single one from the day I started college until last year. I have always taken goal setting seriously-“a goal not written is only a wish.” Divided into neat categories, my goal setting has helped me to progress in a “well rounded” manner. There are spiritual goals (pray everyday—as if having seven kids doesn’t force you to your knees anyway) physical goals (remain at 110 lbs., 120 lbs, 130 lbs. and I mean it this time. Keep wardrobe updated and stylish—I must have some Freudian fear of elastic-waisted black polyester pants) educational and homemaking goals (learn to cook with wheat—like General Mills hadn’t already perfected the process) and financial goals-organize my desk-written on every slip of paper since March of 1980. It was the last one that sent me over the edge.

As I looked at all those papers spread out on my bedroom floor, they all seemed to be screaming, “Don’t Think Red-Don’t Think Red!” Have I been subconsciously sabotaging my progress? Has all the goal setting, over things that don’t really matter, kept me back from paths that I may have taken? Was I too focused on the things I thought I “should” be doing instead of those things I “could” be doing? Then I ask myself, “What if I tried living the next year with absolutely no goals, no life plan, no list?” What if I said, “to hell with ever getting my office organized or figuring out what to do with the 300 pounds of stored wheat?” What if each day I wake up to a blank page and see where life takes me?

Amid all my goals, I found a sheet of paper that simply said, “I Dream”—it was the only paper that made me smile and say, “What do you know-this all came true.” So this is the year of living spontaneously and letting the petty goals go. (For heaven's sake, someone can take a box of big garbage bags into my office when I am gone and then cross it off my list.) As I put the GOALS folder back in the drawer, I noticed that towards the back was a stack of blank papers. I reached to take them out and return them to the copier, then I stopped myself. Those sheets of blank paper represent the years ahead. I look forward to filling them with all sorts of wonderful experiences, but this time I won’t be in the driver’s seat of life. Instead, I will be along for the ride, looking out the window, waiting to see where the adventure might take me.

Nifty Fifty

2010-08-23T15:55:00.002-06:00

The summer is waning, school has started and the geese flying overhead remind me that fall is around the corner. Time to wax philosophical. For several years, the Big Five-O has been out on the horizon. For me it became a goal, a completion date for all the things on “The List” –and a date to take my pulse and make sure that I was still in “proper working order.” Thanks to my husband and children, it was also a wonderful day to celebrate all those things that I hold dear-- family, friends, faith, home, food, (it was amazing) and books (looking forward to my new Kindle and diving into the stack I brought home from Barnes and Noble yesterday). I fell asleep counting my blessings for my wonderful life.

I remember turning forty and doing a thorough assessment of where I was in life and what I had learned so far. Fifty has been different. I think because it involves so many more physical changes and frankly, it takes too much energy to “thoroughly assess” things these days! What I noticed most about turning fifty is that it is a time of “softening.” The body begins to “soften,” (thank goodness for Spanx), the might begins to “soften” (that is why the youngest children always get by with more than the oldest), but most importantly the heart and soul soften. People are more important than things, little things don’t matter quite as much and you cut both yourself and others a lot more slack. Ironically, as your eyes go out of focus, life becomes clearer. I like being able to laugh at the absurdities of life, to enjoy the grandkids without feeling responsible for molding them into “responsible citizens,” and sitting with my soulmate comfortable in the knowledge that we love each other just the way we are. It has been an incredible life so far; I see today as the ‘halfway” point and look forward to beginning Act II.

P.S. To any loyal readers, I have to regulate my comments because for some reason I have become so popular in China that I simply cannot control my fans there any longer—please do not believe for one moment I will be “censoring” any of you however.

One Nation Under God

2010-07-04T13:54:00.004-06:00

As part of my “In Search of the Early Church” class that I took last year, we did a section on Medieval Cathedrals. In a time when most parishioners were illiterate, the Cathedral became a visual experience to teach the gospel; both symbolically, through the layout of the building and also through the stories told in the stained class windows, frescos and statuary. In one discussion, I bemoaned the fact that we did not have such magnificent cathedrals in the United States. A fellow student reminded me that we have Washington Cathedral in our nation’s capital. So, when I was visiting Washington D.C., I made it a point of attend church there. It left an indelible impression that I wish I could somehow convey through words, but like so many things in life I think it could only be experienced.

The building is magnificent in size and beauty. Sitting on a hill it can be seen throughout the city. The music was heavenly. The sermon spoke to my soul and worshiping, surrounded my so many fellow Christians was empowering. Two things touched me deeply. One was a humble prayer given by an African American woman. She asked the Lord to “bless Brother Barack that he would have the wisdom to know how to deal with the crisis in the Gulf.” In our highly partisan world it was nice to hear not criticism, but a simple prayer for “Brother Barack.” My other experience was in taking communion. As the Bishop invited all who were believers to come to the feast, I understood what the word “communion” truly symbolized. I understood “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” The congregation reverently lined up to ascend to the altar and receive the bread and wine. Represented were so many different nationalities, people from all walks of life, all sharing a common religious experience. It brought tears to my eyes. As is the custom in the Episcopal Church, all drank from the same cup. I chose to dip my wafer in the cup of wine—I regret that now. There is something symbolic about sharing a common cup—it is what families do, including the family of man. On this July Fourth, I count my blessings to live in “one nation, under God, indivisible” and I will continue to pray for freedom and justice for all—and for strength and wisdom for Brother Barack.

A View From My Laundry Room

Hey Andy! It's Your Birthday....

Keeper of the Hearth

Caught Empty Handed

'Twas the night, before the night, before Christmas...

We Could Have Danced All Night.....

Over the river and through the woods....

I'll Get You My Pretties.....

For Jessica--and anyone else who might drop by!

It's autumn time, it's autumn time....

Who Will Buy....

If you chance to meet a frown.....

My religion is kindness...the Dalai Lama

The Family that Labors Together, Stays Together

A Bike Trail Built for Three!

Deep In the Heart of Texas

Happy Happy Birthday, Jessica Dear!

Men at Work!

My Dad is da Bomb!

For Heather

Draper Days!!

I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree...

The song that is stuck in my head.....

Embodiment

San Frandippity

School's Out For The Summer!

It Was a Wild Weekend

Indian Princesses

Party On Dudes!!

Happy Birthday Sweet 16

Peace Like a River

Smokin'--

Rain, rain go away

Saturday is a special day.....

Here Comes The Sun....

Achy, Breaky Hearts

Nana Time!!

Two Dimes and a Nickel

If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it....

Balancing my Dosha

Care of the Soul

Yesterday

A little More Peace, Love and Rock n Roll

Whirled Peas

Grandpa Down

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Very interesting....

Match Game

Oh, What a Year!

Harmony

Playtime

Walking in a winter wonderland...

Today is tomorrow's "Good Ol' Days"--

And the beard on his chin....well, anyway

Gentle Reminders

'Tis the Season....

Addicted

Rise and Shout--I am a Utah Man

Come Ye Thankful People Come--

Freedom Fighters-Putting a Smile on My Face

Carolyn Tagged Me!!

Going Postal--

Tai-a-Phobia

Branching Out--

The Kirkin O' Th' Tartan--(or I like men in plaid skirts)

Couch Potato

Why we do the things we do...

Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless tragedy)FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010

Read and Rest

It's not all about ME, ME, ME

“Kicking the Bucket”--List

Nifty Fifty

One Nation Under God

Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless tragedy)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010