Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My financial advisor called this morning to say that their company was sponsoring the Idaho Falls Chukars baseball game tonight, and offered me free tickets, as well as an invitation to a barbecue before the game. Not one to pass up an opportunity to not cook dinner--this would make two nights so far this week, with two more to come--I gladly accepted. And I thought it would be fun for the boys to watch a professional baseball team in action, albeit minor league.

Dinner was great--what is it about food cooked outdoors that makes it taste so good?I had a cheeseburger with double cheese, Hayden and Cameron had hot dogs, and Jacob, a hot dog bun--yeah, just the bun. There was also fresh vegetables, potato salad, chips, water or pop, and Fat Boy ice cream sandwiches for dessert--really, a pretty decent meal, especially for the price (free).

After we finished eating, we made our way into the stadium to find a seat (general admission tickets get you bleacher seats, but at least there’s a back on the bench). We sat on the side near the dugout of the visiting team, the Helena Brewers, in order to have the sun at our backs instead of in our eyes. Next time we go--if there is a next time--I’ll likely pay the extra five bucks for reserved seating. We saw a grandma and a middle-aged man threatening each other over the fairness of saving a whole row of seats. I was sure there’d be a fist fight before the end of the night; and I’m pretty confident that the grandma would have won.

I brought a book to read while we waited for the game to begin, though, with all the distractions, I didn’t do much reading. Ironically, its title would prove to be an apt description of the game: The Comedy of Errors. Without going into all the painful details, I’ll just say the Chukars were outgunned.

We left before the fourth inning--for several reasons:

Number One: Seated immediately behind us was a hoard of minimally-supervised (you guessed it, they were with Grandma Ali) eight-year-old boys at a birthday party, all of whom were hopped up on snow cones and cotton candy, which, when taken in combination, disables the volume control in juvenile males.

Number Two: I got tired of fielding requests for the aforementioned snow cones and cotton candy from my own sons. “You already had dessert” isn’t a legitimate reason when you’re a boy between the ages of nine and thirteen. It really stinks to have a stingy and sensible mom when you’re at the ballpark.

Number Three: Honestly, we were just plain bored! When we left, the Brewers were up by seven runs and the Chukars were scoreless, apparently incapable of even getting a man on base, and oblivious to the concept of defense (okay, that last part isn’t entirely true. They did make a triple play, but that was the only exciting thing they did).

Had I paid for the tickets, I might have toughed it out, but the seats were pretty hard, and Cameron did need get to bed at a reasonable hour if he was going to get up in time for Day Camp in the morning, and it was already eight-thirty and only the third inning. And so, personal comfort and logic overruled fortitude and perseverance.

In the end, the Chukars lived up to their name--they chucked the ball past the third baseman, they chucked the ball over the head of the catcher, they chucked their chance of winning that particular game (I hope I don’t wake up in the morning to the news that the Chukars made a miraculous fourth inning rally and pulled off a stunning upset over the Brewers, 36-7, because then I’d have to eat my words--and I’m still full from dinner).

“Happiness is not a destination. It is a journey, pure and simple.” ~ Ivory Soap wrapper

Friday was Jacob’s last day of summer school, and I decided to treat him to a smoothie as a reward for working hard. “I’ve got a surprise,” was all I had told him. We drove east down Main Street, and pulled into a parking space in front of Jamba Juice. I glanced over at Jacob, expecting to see him smiling. His response was not what I had anticipated. In a voice that couldn’t mask his obvious disappointment, he said, “Oh. I thought we were going to test drive a Solstice.” (Ever since he had seen the first Transformers movie, he’d been begging me to take him for a ride in Pontiac’s very cool sports car). We had driven past Erickson Pontiac on the way to Jamba Juice, but I never imagined Jacob would think that was where we were headed.

Following an impulse to make a nine-year-old boy happy--and not knowing whether they actually had a Solstice--I put the car in reverse and drove to the Pontiac dealership. There, on a raised platform for all the world to admire, was a shiny, red convertible--a top-of-the-line, turbo-charged, six-cylinder, leather-trimmed, fully loaded Solstice. Jacob was beaming in anticipation. We walked into the showroom and approached the first salesman we saw. I explained to him that I was on a date with this young man and all he wanted was to have a ride in the car parked out front. He said that could be arranged. He got the key and a dealer plate, and asked if we’d like the top up or down. Jacob and I looked at each other, then said, “Down!” We wanted the full wind-in-our-hair experience.

The salesman carefully drove the car down the ramp to the parking lot, then turned it over to us for a few brief moments of what can best be described as unbridled driving euphoria (I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for not owning any automatic transmission cars when I was learning to drive, otherwise this story would have a very sad ending--the Solstice had a five speed manual transmission). As we pulled out of the parking lot and into traffic, my ears were filled with the sound of joyous giggles--Jacob’s, and mine. We drove along country roads to our home where we could show the car to Hayden and Cameron, then took Highway 20 back to the dealership. As we headed north, I was tempted to turn our short joy ride into a longer road trip to Yellowstone--or maybe even Canada. But we reluctantly returned the Solstice to its rightful owner, got in our rather-tame-by-comparison Hyundai, and drove back to Jamba Juice, where we reveled in the memory of our excursion over postponed smoothies.

The drive had been exhilarating, and the look of pure pleasure on Jacob’s face was priceless. But what I loved most was when he turned to me and said, “Thanks, Mom. You made my dream come true.”

At Last...

After being in the works for months, my bedroom remodel is finally complete. I'd like to thank the following people/businesses who made it all possible:

Tyler, Parker, and Hayden - Heavy Lifting (I doubt I'll get them to move my bed and dresser again--ever. At least not without an industrial-sized crane.)

Carol - Painting Assistance (I ignored your advice, does that make me a bad person?)

Cameron and Jacob - Furniture Rearranging (Little boys with strong muscles!)

All my family and friends - Moral Support
R.C. Willey and Pier 1 Imports - Fabulous Furniture
Kohl's - Great Bedding

I think the final product was well worth the effort.





This is a close-up shot of the faux finish on the walls.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cam, Jake and I went to Hayden's Cedar Badge Scout Leadership Training graduation on Saturday at Treasure Mountain Scout Camp, near Grand Targhee. He had a great time, made new friends, and came home mostly in one piece--all in all, a successful week! He went to a movie with Parker later that afternoon, though I don't know how much he actually saw. He admitted to falling asleep part way through it. A week of camping tends to have that effect on thirteen-year-old boys.

Troop Washington - Hayden's troop



Hayden and Reiker. They were assigned to different troops, so they didn't get to spend much time together.



Getting ready to haul his gear back to the car--which was parked about a quarter of a mile away. I was a considerate mom and carried his backpack for him--I've got the bruises on my hip bones to prove it.

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Does this sign seem counter-intuitive to anyone else?

Last Saturday, Brent and I ran the Teton Dam half marathon. He's run several half and full marathons, so this was a leisurely jog for him. It was my first. My legs felt great for the entire race, but my stomach gave me fits a few times. I got light-headed around mile 9; I may have been dehydrated. I'll have to work on the nutrition/hydration equation and see if it makes a difference the next time. Yes--I'd considering running another race, now that I know what I'm capable of.

I decided to dedicate my race to Paul, so I wore his picture on my jersey, as did Brent. Quite a few people along the way asked about him. Thinking of him was great motivation to keep going--especially when I wasn't sure I could finish.



Mom and Dad Carling were waiting at mile 3,



then again at mile 10 or so.


Darla cheered me on at mile 11. As I turned the corner into a subdivision, here came two boys running up the sidewalk to meet me--Cameron and Jacob.



Tyler, Brandi, Chloe, Parker, and Hayden were also cheering me on at mile 12. All of them were at the finish line, including Brent, whose race--as expected--ended well before mine.





I know you've heard all the metaphors about life being like a race, but it really is true. There were portions of the race that were long, hard uphill climbs when I had to just put one foot in front of the other, not think about the distance, but stay focused on the end goal. Then there were parts that were flat and easy; I sailed through those. Most of the race I felt great, but when I started feeling sick I kind of wanted to quit. That's when I had to dig deep inside myself and draw upon whatever strength I could muster to keep going. And I prayed. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father heard and answered my prayers because I really wanted to reach my goal--for myself, for my boys, and for Paul.

Lately, every day feels like a race. And there have been a lot of steep, uphill climbs. But the same strategy I used during the race works equally as well in real life--keep moving forward, one step at a time, and don't give up, no matter how hard it gets. And pray--always. The finish line is worth the effort. I love you, Paul.

Annie, Get Your Gun

My apologies to the faint of heart ~DeLynn

Monday night for family home evening, we planted our garden. Since we got kind of a late start this year, we opted to take a shortcut and plant seedlings, except for the peas, corn, and carrots. Tyler, Brandi and Chloe came up to help. As I mentioned before, there are a few rabbits living in our yard. It seems they've been breeding like, well, rabbits. They were cute--until they started hanging out near the garden. One of them made an appearance at our planting party.

Thursday was Tyler and Brandi's first anniversary. Parker, Cameron, Jacob and I watched Chloe while they went to dinner and a movie. She was a very good baby.

Parker started working for the Cooks, baling hay, on Friday. They start in Blackfoot and work their way up the valley. That should keep him busy this summer.

Hayden spent the whole week out in Roberts, working for and staying with Paul's uncle, Merlin Sharp. I guess he didn't miss us because he didn't call home even once. He ran a loader, helped build a corral, drove a truck, drove a semi, rode 4 wheelers, watered cattle out on the desert, mowed lawns, hit a cow with a 4 wheeler--neither were injured, weeded gardens, played with cousin Kimberley's girls--who he says are very giggly, and had a great time. He came home Saturday night. He's excited to go back out tomorrow after his orthodontist appointment.

Cameron started his twice-weekly art class on Monday. He's having a good time and learning new techniques. He'll be going to day camp in July.

Jacob begins six weeks of summer school tomorrow. They've made some changes this year to make it more fun, so he's excited for the adventure.

I finished classes last Tuesday and finals on Wednesday. I only had one actual final exam; I got 100%. The other two finals were written papers, so I'll have to wait for my scores. I think I did okay. I'm off until September 10, when Fall semester begins. I plan to make good use of my summer break: run the Teton Dam half marathon on Saturday, dejunk and organize the sheds, paint my room, and possibly the boys' rooms; go to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and hike the Narrows in Zion National Park with Darla in July, and do some prep reading for my next big adventure--English TA in the Fall. I couldn't be a TA this semester because I had too few credits to qualify. But I will be taking 12 credits in the Fall: two English composition classes, New Testament or D&C, tennis, and English-Special Projects. I'll be the only student in that class. My special project will be to assist the professor--the one I will be a TA for--in writing a new textbook for one of the other courses I am taking. I'm excited for the challenge.

I've been working hard, trying to get my mileage up so I'll be ready to run the half marathon on Saturday with Brent. I ran 11.5 miles yesterday. I'm hoping he'll run with me for at least the first mile before he leaves me in the dust. :o) From what I understand, we'll have a pretty good cheering section, which will be fun and motivating. My goal is to finish the race in one piece.

Memorial Day Weekend

Whew! Long, fast, busy four days. We kicked off the weekend by visiting Paul's grave Friday evening before heading to Utah. Tyler, Brandi and Chloe went with us--it was Chloe's big debut. Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response, she was a big hit--like we didn't already know that would be the reaction she'd receive!



Tyler and family stayed at Grandpa and Grandma Parker's, where they were treated to the complimentary early-morning wake up call from Cluck, the world's most obnoxious rooster. Yes, he is still living--fortunately for him, I've chosen to adopt a policy of nonviolence, even toward misguided poultry.

The rest of us stayed with Lynn and Carol. Saturday was the luncheon/baby shower held at Chili's for Chloe--she made quite a haul in the wardrobe and diaper departments. The shower was attended by Chloe, Brandi, me, Great Grandmas Carling and Parker, Carol, Hailey, Lindsey, Angie, ShayLynn, Cathy, and Katelyn.




While I was at the shower, Tyler, Parker, and Hayden went to Smith and Edward's, the store of choice for the testosterone set. Then they helped Grandpa Parker with some yard work. I'm not quite sure what the younger boys did--I'm just glad they were in one piece when I got back. That night, the rest of the Carling family got together at Lynn and Carol's for a barbecue and reunion planning session. We may or may not have decided on a date that works for everyone.


On Sunday we went to church with Mom and Dad Parker, then spent the day with them.



Dad made pork roast and sauerkraut--he gained four new converts (sorry, Sherry, your minority status remains intact)--and roast beef with carrots and potatoes. Parker baked a chocolate cake, which we ate with ice cream. Apparently the boys watched a movie--I was having a much needed nap at the time, so I missed it. We played some games and the boys sat around watching Chloe--Tyler posted the photographic evidence on Facebook.

On Monday, we drove to Logan and spent the day at the annual Carling Family reunion--Grandpa Carling's siblings and extended family. We had a good time getting reacquainted with that side of the family. One of the second cousins put on a magic show--the kids loved it! I got some great pointers for running a half marathon from Paul's cousin, Sherry. She had just run one that morning.

Today, the boys went back to school. They only have two and a half days left in the year. I had the day off, so I made good use of it. I ran the hill portion of the half marathon route--ugh! But at least I know what I'm up against. Then I ran a bunch of errands, including switching our landline over to a cell phone. We kept the same phone number, though. And I learned that Parker has very expensive taste in cell phones. Personally, I choose phones based on color or compactness. I got one that's even smaller than my previous phone. We'll see if I like it as well.

Hmm...

I think yesterday must have been Wear Part of a Movie Costume to School Day at BYU-I. In the time it took me to walk from the parking lot to my first class, I saw a guy wearing what appeared to be part of a Star Wars Jedi costume--long, billowing skirt-like pants (they were even brown);



a girl wearing Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirates of the Caribbean boots,



and another girl wearing Gladiator sandals.




I'm just glad no one was wearing Nacho Libre's luchador tights.

Me and Pepe

There's something to be said for living in the country. Wide open spaces, lots of fresh--wait a minute--what's that smell? Ew-w! While running this morning, I nearly had a head-on collision with Pepe Le Pew. Fortunately, I saw him before I scared the stink out of him. I got as close as I dared to take this picture. I need a cell phone with zoom capabilities.






For Mother's Day, Tyler, Brandi, Chloe and Parker gave me an iPod. I know, I know. I said I wouldn't buy one, another of my many battles against conformity. But I didn't actually buy one--it was a gift--so technically I didn't compromise my principles. Hayden, Cameron, and Jacob gave me new running shoes--they just didn't know it until I told them. :o)

Tyler and Brandi went for a jeep ride with friends a couple of weeks ago. Chloe stayed and hung out with Hayden. He's a pretty good babysitter.



Mom and Dad Carling came up Tuesday to help me choose a headstone for Paul's grave. I was grateful for the added moral support. I think we chose one that Paul would approve of. It should be ready sometime in July.



I finally worked up the courage to listen to the recording of Paul's funeral. It broke my heart all over again, but the talks were so powerful that I was comforted by them. If any of you are interested in having a copy, I'd be glad to make one for you.

The Renegade Biker

What goes on in the mind of a nine-year old that lets him think his mom won't mind him riding a motorcycle--rather than a bicycle--down the road to play with his friends? We now have one very grounded little boy at our house.

Parker was called and set apart on Tuesday to serve on the Seminary Council for next year. He's excited, and I'm proud of him. Tomorrow night he is going to the Commencement Dance. I'll try and take pictures of him in his tux when he isn't looking.

Hayden has made the adjustment to wearing braces without too much trouble. He has an appointment on Monday, so the pain will start all over again--for a few days anyway.

All the boys are busy with school activities. It seems like they try and cram three months-worth into the last few weeks. Jacob has a class play on the 20th, a bowling trip, a picnic, field day, etc. Cameron has a field trip, and an Author's Tea/Parent Appreciation day.

I'm staying busy with classes and homework--lots and lots of homework! But it's mostly interesting, so I don't mind too much. I took a test in my science class--I got an A. And my professor appreciates my sense of humor. Let me explain.

The question: Why is nitrogen not considered a greenhouse gas?

My answer: Because it doesn't contribute to the warming of the atmosphere. There may be other reasons, but I honestly don't know what they are.

My professor drew a smiley face and an arrow pointing to the last part of my answer.

The real answer: it doesn't absorb IR radiation (just in case you have a test on global warming in the near future).

My training for the half-marathon is going well. I was a little worried whether I would be able to keep up with runners half my age, but my fears were laid to rest at the last group run I went on. We ran from the stadium to the nature park, about 4 miles, round-trip. When we got to the turnaround point, the others in my group were complaining about how bad their legs were burning. I wondered out loud what it meant that my legs weren't bothering me. The coach said, "It means you're in better shape than we are."
Viva la abuela!

This is where I ran today:

This is what my toes looked like when I got home:
I really did wear shoes!

Chloe loves her grandma

Okay, I know I posted two days ago, but how could I, in good conscience, not share this?



Have a great week!

Back to Class

Spring semester started on Monday and I'm loving my classes. I was offered a job working as a TA for one of my professors, but he was unaware of the university's requirement for students to carry 12 credits in order to work on campus. I'm taking 5, so I'm not eligible. I was excited for the experience I would have gained, but I guess rules are rules. In spite of the disappointment, I'm grateful to be back on a regular schedule. It helps to have something to focus on during the day.

The hardest times for me are at night and on the weekends. That's when Paul's absence is made abundantly clear. I've been doing better about sticking to a reasonable bedtime--no more staying up until one or two in the morning. Okay, maybe once in a while I'll stay up that late, but it sure makes it hard to get up early!

On Monday I begin training for a half marathon. The university has some coaches who offer a free group training program. I figure if I tell you all that's what I intend to do I'll have to stick with it, if only to save face! The race is the Teton Dam Marathon/Half marathon in June. That gives me seven weeks to work up to thirteen miles. I'm about one-third the way there. Wish me luck!

Parker is staying extremely busy with school and work. I rarely see him before nine o'clock at night. He went to the doctor the other day to have his ankle checked. He hurt it on the last day of snowboarding, but neglected to mention it to his mom, until a week or so later. He pulled some ligaments and is wearing a brace for support. Hayden is getting accustomed to his braces. He announced yesterday that his mouth had toughened up enough that he no longer needs to use wax. Cameron and Jacob have been working on some sort of Frankenstein-type bicycle. They're cannibalizing parts from several bikes to build a new creation. I'll let you know how it turns out.




Tyler, Brandi and Chloe are doing well. Chloe is sleeping well, growing well and getting cuter by the day.


See, she's even cute when she's napping!

Oh, are any of you interested in adopting a couple of cottontail rabbits and a marmot? The rabbits were chasing each other around the wheels of my car today. The marmot is huge and lives in the backyard. They're free to a good home. All you have to do is catch them. Preferably before the garden starts growing.




I looked at headstones today, another one of those things I never thought I'd be doing at this point in my life. It was strange to hear myself telling the saleswoman I needed to pick one for my husband. It just sounded wrong.

3 Months

It's hard to believe that only three months have passed since Paul's death. To me, it feels more like a hundred years. Each day brings some fresh reminder of what I am missing. I started to make a list, but it quickly deteriorated into an exercise in self-torture--and I realized it would take days, or even months to complete. So I'll spare us all. Instead, I will list the good things that have happened in the last three months:

Tyler and Brandi had a healthy baby girl, Chloe Rae.

Chloe sleeps through the night--not so much a big deal for me, but HUGE for her parents.

Hayden got braces.

Jacob has a new bike--it's for his birthday, but he got it a few weeks early.

Parker did well on the ACT (he beat my math score, but I totally skunked him in English.)

Cameron got a space maintainer to prepare for braces in the summer.

I got a grant to help pay for school.

We are following the counsel of the prophet to get out of debt.

General Conference was tailor-made for our family.

We continue to be blessed by the generosity of those around us.

We spent many wonderful hours together as a family enjoying the snow. Alas, ski season is over for the year.

We haven't starved to death, not that we were ever in danger of doing so, I just thought it was nice that we haven't. Wouldn't you agree?

The grass is green. Jacob's hair isn't.

Our roof doesn't leak.

I am getting closer to finishing my bedroom remodel--choosing paint is hard, especially when you don't make time to go to a paint store.

No more black marks on the clothes--Hallelujah!

I have six fewer inches of hair length to deal with.

I no longer look like I did in this picture:


Of course, that change didn't happen in the past three months, but I rediscovered the picture during that time period, so it's fair game!

100 Things Tag

Bold the things you've done, then tag someone else.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
20. Slept on a train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Dated someone you met online
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse - lunar
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
47. Had your portrait painted - crayons count, right?
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Tied a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a Bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - been on/drove one!
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (been quoted in the paper)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy


I tag Sherry and Deaun.

Happy Easter

It's taken me 43 years and a series of life-altering events to truly see the multi-faceted nature of the Atonement. I've always believed the Atonement made it possible for me to repent and be forgiven of my sins, and that it is the means by which I can be resurrected. But it wasn't until I had gone through the experiences of the last two years that I recognized the influence of this gift from the Savior in my daily life. I have learned that I am capable of handling everything that is required of me by putting my complete faith and trust in the Savior. The Atonement has given me the strength to do all I need to, the peace that comes with accepting the Lord's will, and the ability to find joy in the journey. That's what Paul would want for me. Though I miss him deeply, and long to have him here with me, I have no doubt we will be together again. One of the boys put it this way, "It feels like Dad's just out of town on business." So true.

To celebrate Paul's birthday, Parker, Hayden and I went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. I like to think maybe those we did work for could have been taught the gospel by Paul in the spirit world.

A Tale of Two Kitties

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, particularly if you happen to be a cat living along Poleline Road. While out on my run today, I passed by two hapless creatures--quite dead--less than fifty feet apart. I couldn't help but wonder what had brought them to that point. Judging from their size, I safely ruled out inexperience. Despair, perhaps? Are cats susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder? I doubt it. And so, we are left with the obvious--plain stupidity. As a concession to those with weak stomachs and the animal lovers among you, I'll forgo posting the pictures--yes, really--that I took with my camera phone.

Poleline Road is also dangerous if you're a road sign.




We had a good time in Utah last weekend. It felt a little strange, being the first time we've been down to visit since Paul's death. He was definitely missed. General Conference was great. It seemed to be tailor-made for our family again. Hayden and Parker went to the Priesthood Session with the rest of the Carling men, while Cameron, Jacob and I stayed at Carol's with the kids and girls. We all got together for dinner on Sunday after the last session. It was chaotic fun. While Parker was snowboarding with Colby at Powder Mountain on Monday, Cameron and Jacob had fun hanging out with the Wilhelmsen cousins. Hayden and I went out to lunch and to purchase the customary several dozen Krispy Kreme donuts. Then after lunch--Subway, not donuts--the three boys and I went to Grandpa Parker's to help construct a fire pit.



The boys worked hard and got most of it finished before we left to come home on Monday.



Sherry, Cluck sends you his love. He misses you!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even though the ward temple assignment yesterday took longer than usual, it helped me to put things in perspective when I realized some of the women for whom I was doing the work had waited TWO HUNDRED YEARS! Thirty minutes didn't seem so long.

Do You Know the Muffin, er, Bread Man?

I think Jacob may have found his calling in life--bread baker. He came home from cub scouts with a loaf of bread he had helped make, ready for the oven. He let is rise, then baked it. After it cooled he sliced it, buttered it and shared it with the family.
It was so yummy! He brought the recipe home, so we will see if we can reproduce the results, this time in a larger format. Way to go, Jacob!

The boys are out for Spring Break from Friday to Monday. Unfortunately, Parker is registered to take the ACT on Saturday, which kind of messes with our ability to go anywhere until after he's done. We'll hit Targhee on Friday, then head to Utah on Saturday afternoon for the rest of the break. We'll watch General Conference, and go to the monthly Carling Family dinner on Sunday, which we generally miss, on account of a single meal not being worth the six-hour round-trip--unless it's being catered by Battista's Italian Restaurant out of Las Vegas, which may or may not still be in business. Good news! I just Googled Battista's and they are still open. Next time you are in Las Vegas, I recommend stopping by for dinner. Absolutely magnifico! Check out their website at http://www.battistaslasvegas.com. Parker has big plans for some snowboarding with Colby on Monday. The rest of us will hang out with the grandparents, maybe hit Krispy Kreme Donuts, play with cousins, watch Jane Austen movies, train for a marathon, the possibilities are endless!

Pinewood Derby XIII

Last night was the thirteenth Pinewood Derby that at least one Carling boy has participated in. I take that back, it was the fourteenth, if you count the combined YM/YW activity a few years ago. With that said, you might wonder why we bother making new cars each year, when we could just pick one from the stable of cars that spend most of the year nestled in a customized attache case of dubious origin--don't ask. The answer can be found in the pictures below.




Both Cameron and Jacob won several heats, but the overall winner was a car that was obviously not constructed by the nine-year-old to whom it belonged. The boys had a great time anyway. They each received a participation trophy and were very good sports.





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I stopped by Tyler and Brandi's place this afternoon to drop off some papers. Chloe was sitting contentedly in her bouncy chair. When I knelt down to talk to her, she looked at me and smiled. She's a very smart baby who can recognize her favorite grandma already! Brandi said Chloe slept through the night two nights in a row; and she has gained a pound over her birth weight.

I've been in contact with Parker, who is having a lot of fun in Moab. Someone was even crazy, er...I mean, nice enough to let him have a turn driving one of the Jeeps. He said it's "warmish" down there.

(He isn't driving in this picture)