Swiss Days

Swiss Days yesterday was fun. Monet met us up there as well as my parents.

Morgen brought his friend Karsten. Markus saw some little boys with these rubber band guns and wanted to buy one. So guess who ended up buying 4 of them?
I thought this barn was cute. (Does CB stand for cute barn? Hmm...I wonder!)

Nothing

That is the answer to the riddle from yesterday. "Because sometimes, nothing is a cool hand to have."

I googled the riddle and the research shows that the study was never actually conducted on the kindergartners or the graduates of Stanford. So never mind about that part, I think it is still a good riddle though.

Riddle

When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University seniors. What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

Spend some time alone every day.
Dalai Lama

Action Jackson

Adam & Jen's baby boy Jackson, born Sunday. Adam had Jen come with him to pick up his new dog in Texas and she wasn't due until next month, so she went. I guess she had back pain all night and kept getting in the shower, until finally she realized something was wrong and told Adam she needed to go to the hospital. When they arrived she was at a 10 and ready to have him. His little nose is bruised from him being born so quickly I guess. He weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. Not bad for being a month early. Congrats bro!

Active animals at the zoo

Markus and his friend Errol, that he met yesterday at the zoo. They played at the park together, then went on the train, then just wanted to hang out pretty much the rest of the time. His mom was really nice and she moved here from Alaska.

The bird show was really cool. Check out this owl's wing span...
This golden eagle was flying across the theater to a nest on the other side. Right after I took this photo, he hit me on the head and my hand holding the camera, with his wing!
Markus made a contribution to the save the earth fund and then had his photo taken with this beautiful bald eagle...
and this owl....
as well as the same golden eagle that bonked me on the head!
It was a nice time to go to the zoo, early in the morning before it gets too hot and too crowded.

Markus wanted me to take a picture of all the money in the fountain.
Markus
On the train...
With Errol at the bird show

Funny story: On the way to see the giraffes, Markus heard this crazy noise coming from the turtles habitat. He and Errol ran over to investigate what was going on. The noise sounded like a loud moaning, every few seconds. A few other little boys heard it as well. Errol's mom said that is a big turtle before she realized what was actually happening. Errol said the turtle was having a baby, which was close but not exactly right. But there probably will be a baby turtle coming to the zoo soon!!! (If you know what I mean!) Yessiree, the animals were really ACTIVE at the zoo yesterday. ;)

Back to School

Morgen - 1st day of 8th grade
Max - starting 4th
Markus at the zoo

I have a funny story about the zoo. But I will post it later. :)

Weenie Roast

So tonight we headed up the canyon to Daniel's Summit to roast some weenie's. Monet organized it and sent an email to everyone. When Adam replied all he said was, "My weenie won't be there." So it was basically just Monet and her girls, Ben, me and the boys, mom, dad and Cole.

What a fun way to finish off the summer. Thanks Monet for organizing it. (Sorry I forgot the ketchup!)

I was watching a video this morning of Markus in Paris and it made me think of crepes. So I made some for the last day of summer vacation.

I think the boys of summer have had a great time. It seems kind of different to not see them out playing night games, nobody on the road, nobody on the street...

Hopefully they will be able to adjust to the early schedule of going to bed and getting up sometime this week.

A sign

I saw this sign while I was on my bike ride today and thought about how true it really is... I do have some shoulder work ahead. But hopefully not too much more. I have one more P.T. appointment and that is a good thing, because I just received the bill today as well. Apparently it is a $20 co-pay for each visit not just a one-time co-pay as I thought before. Live and learn.

Morgen went to classic skating tonight to meet a girl that he has been texting non stop (731 texts since Wednesday!). His cousin Casey met her there at Morgen's party and gave her Morgen's number. So I have to admit I was curious just what he had been texting her so much about, so I peeked this morning before he woke up. Usually he turns his phone off and I don't know his pin to turn it back on, but this time he forgot to turn it off, when he went to bed at 4 a.m. All of the texts that he had been sending were deleted but he didn't delete the incoming so I read what Sierra (the girl) had been saying:

I can't stop looking at your picture

I can't wait to kiss your lips

Just curious, do you ever swear?

Have you ever made out?

lol

Are you tired?

Sweet dreams, sleep tight, I love you

He has never even met this girl!!! Holy cow, I am so not ready for teenagers!!!

Max had such a great time at drop in hockey today. I was glad that he invited his friend Dillon to play with him because there was hardly anyone else there. Markus is going to try it out next week before he starts in September in the learn to play hockey program.

I loved the yard that a reception was held at tonight in Alpine. So beautiful, all of the flowers looked like they belonged at temple square. It was the Wunderli's other daughter, they had two daughters get married this summer. It was a really nice party but the yard was unforgettable.

I have been thinking about agency today. I don't know why, just have. My dad always used to give these lectures while I was growing up on our agencies or will. He would draw these circles and talk about the pre-existence and how our wills existed before we were born and how they will continue on long after we die, the only thing that is truly ours in life. I don't remember much else about the long family nights he would try to have, except for that they would always end in a fight, usually Adam and Lara would get bored and start goofing around until my dad would throw his pen that he was drawing with at them. Then all h*** would break loose. So much for the spirit. At least he was trying I guess.

Rage

Today after I went in for physical therapy, I came home and cleaned out Morgen's closet. So fun, not! He had some pretty old clothes in there that he hasn't worn for probably two years, so I figured he probably wasn't going to this year. He only likes certain shirts and won't wear anything else. So I might as well give them to D.I.

After that we went to Raging Waters for the last splash of summer. I forgot my camera so I don't have any photos, but it was raging, let me tell you. We just came home and the Internet is finally working again. It has been down since last night because Molly had chewed up the cable. Crazy dog. :)

Life

Morgen got a Life!

That is what he kept jokingly saying after the court of honor tonight. He received his 'Life' rank and didn't even want to go to the stupid court of honor to get it. He really likes to do the camps and activities of scouting, he just really dislikes the meetings. Can you blame him?

I spent the entire day entering all the info in to Troopmaster and the B.S.A. Internet advancement site. Then I went to pick up all the awards and printed out the labels for all the different boys who received them. I think that I bought something like 69 merit badges for our troop and 18 rank advancements. Sorting that all out took pretty much the entire day. I am glad that is my calling only once every 4 months. So I can't complain too much I guess.

Boys

My youngest nephew, baby Noah is six months old now. I can't believe he is growing up so fast. His mom Ashley, just sent me these photos of him. I think he is such a cute little guy.

I have been getting the boys all ready for school today, haircuts, clothes, shoes, registered at school, etc. While I was waiting in line at one of the stores, Max looked up at me and said, "Do you wish you had a girl to buy clothes for?" to which I replied, "No way, I love buying cool clothes for my cool boys." And it is true, I really think that shopping for boys is so much easier than all of that 'girl' stuff. Morgen is not really excited about going back, he is totally going to have to change his sleeping schedule (3 a.m. - noon) when school starts again on Monday. Max is pretty excited to go back and see all of his friends again and Markus can't wait. Kindergarten doesn't start until the day after Labor day though, so he is going to have to wait. I taught skating classes as well today and most of the kids were excited for school to start. The next session of learn to skate starts Sept. 17th, so I get a little break for a few weeks from classes anyways. I still have my private students coming on M & F afternoons. I am not quite ready for summer to be done yet, I am going outside right now to play some ball with Max. Later, :)

Why I didn't make the Olympics

Videos

Monet came over last night to pick up her home movie videos that we took in to have transferred to DVD last week. She and I decided to take them in together thinking that we would get a discount if there were like 50 of them and we did. It was $5 less per video which is great, I think. So the place we took them to, finished up on Saturday and I went to pick them up. Monet put one of hers on while she was here and it was so fun to watch with her. She ended up staying for dinner and we watched almost the whole video of her living in Florida when she had a house with a pool and Kailey was only three years old and SO precocious. Usually home movies make me sick to watch them because they are so jerky and give me motion sickness or something, but hers was pretty steady, so it wasn't too bad. Monet said after that she was really spoiled in her life back then and didn't even realize it. Kailey just kept saying, "You used to be such a good mom," to Monet. I think that she still is a great mom.

I am cleaning house today and taking Morg to guitar at 3. Later. :)

Morgen's letter to his congressman

Morgen was writing this letter to a congressman for a merit badge that he is working on, when I saw it and started laughing. Seriously, he has the funniest sense of humor!

I am Mr. Bobbie Chonz I think the gas prices here are insane. I move here
from China to get good job but can't get far because gas. I have other big
problem. My favorite snack to eat Mr. Fu's Chewy Delicious, but I can't buy
because they must be imported from china, but gas far too expensive to get here.
please help me, am craving Mr. Fu's! Any help very appreciated. Thanks, Mr.
Chonz.

Pretty funny, don't you think?

History

I was so excited when Michael Phelps became the most decorated gold medalist in history, winning eight gold medals in a single Games!

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=3539386

Reading

My friend and fellow blogger, KL, recently made a post on her blog about TV and reading. I actually typed out a comment to her post and then when I went to sign in - lost it. So, I decided to post a comment by creating my own post about the subject. (thanks for the idea KL)

Since I have only been teaching about 4 hours a week, I have a lot of free time. I try to fill my days with time at the pool with my boys, trips to Wal-Mart for something for dinner, swimming, biking or running (although swimming is still pretty painful in my shoulder), doing stuff around the house, driving Morgen to Sonic for 'Happy Hour' after his guitar lessons and scrapbooking.

But even with all that, I still spend a significant amount of time reading or watching the Olympics on TV. When I am not doing any number of other activities, I am reading. I would categorize the genre of books I like to read as 'chick lit'. I like stories that have a lot of descriptive details. I recently admitted that when reading a book, I take forever because I really try and envision what the writer is trying to portray in all of the descriptive details. This way, I get the story and can make the most of each book. At this rate, I only get through sometimes 2 books a month. I jokingly said that is probably why I took ten years to graduate from college, because textbooks have a ton of detail and I try to understand all of it. Although I did not take ten years to get out of college and graduated with flying colors, I did manage to do it without ever 'skimming' through a textbook.

There must be something positive I am gaining from all the 'details' that I'm reading because I do find that when I am reading on a regular basis I am able to talk better. Does that make sense? Meaning, I am able to put words, thoughts, and sentences together more clearly. Sometimes, until it is time to tell someone something that I have been thinking about saying forever and I can't quite get it out. The book I am reading right now is good (Breaking Dawn) chick lit, but pales in comparison to the book I finished this week. The contrast has opened my eyes to the details writers can put into their work to make it come alive and keep it real. More 'adult lit' I guess. I do enjoy reading and I enjoy being able to communicate effectively even if I am only reading the ever so pressing conversations that happen in 'chick lit'.

Birthdays

I have been meaning to post a photo of Kate's new baby Norah, I just kept forgetting about it. So here she is with her older sister Ellie and brother Nathan. What a lucky baby to come to such a great family! Congratulations Kate.

I also went to Marilee's birthday party last night. I didn't take the camera but we had a great time. We had dinner at a very pricey restaurant before going to the movie 'Momma Mia'. I loved the movie and was laughing and crying the whole time and loving the music. I would love to see it again. In fact I might need to buy that one when it comes out on DVD. Morgen and Casey were bored and left to go in 'Mummy' mia! Markus went with them and when I went to get them after our movie was over, they were sitting on the second row, and Markus had a headache from watching it so close and he said his stomach hurt. I took him out to get a drink and he said he felt like he was going to throw up. I had him sit down for awhile and then he said he was too sleepy so I went in to get the boys before the movie was over. Morgen was NOT happy about that and so we went home with two out of three unhappy. Expensive night. Morgen wouldn't even talk to me at all and he knows that I hate that more than almost anything else. If you are mad about something I always say that you should talk about it and so you can work something out or at least feel better. Not saying anything is the worst! Argh!!! What is it about spending money and then not having your kids appreciate it, that is so annoying? It just seems like no matter what you do it is never enough, I guess.

Baby Samuel

My friend Carol sent me an email of her new little bundle of joy, oh and it's a boy. She named him Samuel and she says he is "the love of her life she never knew was missing!" Congratulations Carol!

Photo: Carol, Samuel, Lilly

Tension Tamers

As I write this, Ben is grumping around upstairs organizing his high-council binder. He has not been sleeping well at all (3 hours total last night) and as a result, is not a happy camper. Morgen is at scouts and will need a ride home in a few minutes, Max and Markus are playing baseball with the neighbor boys and I should be folding a batch of laundry but I am blogging instead. It is, in other words, a normal day in a normal American household, where most things are shared -- including the stress. Research shows that children mirror our stress and I was just reading something in a magazine that talks about tips and strategies for reducing everyday stress.

1. Head Outdoors: Researchers are starting to unravel the science behind the stress busting power of the great outdoors. "The human co-evolved with nature, so without even being aware of it, we respond to nature in an instinctual way, using our senses differently, breathing differently," explains Melinda Pruett-Jones, executive director of the Chicago Wilderness consortium. I have always believed that being outside is one of the best ways to be happier. I love to sit out on the swing at night, enjoying the cool breeze, either reading or listening to music and watching the boys play night games.

2. Make time for people and pets: simply spending time with friends or animals has the power to whittle away stress. I love to have my friends over for dinner to share a meal and conversation. We play catch-up and discuss problems and solutions, which helps ease everyday pressures. I have always thought that there is no better way to forget your own stress, than by serving someone else and now there is research showing that your body actually produces endorphins when you help others.

3. Get some exercise: Exercise actually causes a shift in brain chemistry. A good workout releases feel-good chemicals, including endorphins, and helps override stress chemicals, such as cortisol. Which explains why I when I get "complainy", I break out my running shoes and go for a run. Afterwards I am usually feeling better again. To banish the pressures of the day, I love to clear out the family room table and turn on my favorite tunes so I can dance with my little buddies for an impromptu after-lunch dance party. Morgen kind of looks at me funny now when I do it, but he used to really like it. Max and Markus always start giggling.

4. Slow Down: Easier said than done for me. I can do it though, especially if I go to a yoga class, which I really love to do. I take a minute to breathe deeply before the class begins and it makes a huge difference. Deep breathing can stimulate the body's parasympathetic, or calming system, they say. In fact, I think I may go to that class tomorrow morning. Ommmmmm..........

5. Start a soothing ritual: Whenever my kids are feeling bummed about a certain situation or day, I ask them 'What is the best thing that happened today?' It is not always easy to recognize what good might come from an unfortunate situation, but it teaches my kids to look at the bright side of life. In addition to the lessons they can offer, rituals provide a sense of safety, predictability, and structure.

6. Don't forget to play: I am talking about real play, the kind that's spontaneous, unscripted and has no purpose other than pure enjoyment. "When you play spontaneously, you begin to discover that there's a whole other dimension to life that has nothing to do with tasks or being right and wrong," says Adam Blatner, author of 'The Art of Play' - and that can be a potent stress reliever. I love to blow bubbles outside on the porch with Markus, that is why it is covered with little sticky dots! Also, sidewalk chalk is fun to draw and doodle with until the driveway is covered with art. By the time Max and I are done, I am ready to face the world with a renewed sense of calm.

7. Talk to each other: Hello! I absolutely, positively love to communicate. The kind in which each person's opinion counts. Come to find out, this kind of communication not only relieves stress but can actually prevent it. What a concept!!! That is what I love, to help people reduce stress in life. Share one anothers burdens, joy and pain, sunshine and rain.

Til Tuesday

Tonight I went to this Landmark Forum orientation that Monet has been telling me about and trying to get me to go to for so long. I finally agreed to go when we were talking this past weekend, and it was tonight downtown. It took forever and I didn't get to go on my run since I didn't get home until after 10. I really liked what I heard about it I just am not sure if it is really worth all of the money. I told Monet that I am going to participate in it, I don't know when. I was also talking to her about a song that I like by Til Tuesday and she was telling me that Aimee Mann is dating a guy, named Reindhir that Monet knows, who just joined the church. Small world, ha?

Anyways, I forgot to register Morgen for school today as well. I received a call from his school asking if he was still going to attend. I guess I need to go up there tomorrow and pay all of his book fees. Whoops! (I am so losing it!)

Om sweet Om

Some photos of the boys over the weekend while I was away....

Markus & Max eating ice cream
Acting out a play at the children's museum



Acting out the nativity at the primary activity at the church history museum
Morgen and his friend Karsten at the stake activity
Max awaiting being dunked at the afore said stake activity




I have been trying to chill today and not do too much. It is hard though when you come back from being out of town, there seems to be so much catching up stuff to do, i.e. laundry, mail, phone calls, bills, emails, etc. I forgot an appointment today for Morgen at the ortho, they called and I rescheduled it, oh well! Anyways, I am almost caught up again, just need to put some receipts in quicken and finish making dinner. I am glad to be home though, I missed my little boys so much! Markus last night when I came home, was climbing up on my lap while I was sitting at the counter and I asked him if he needed a snack or something, and he said no he just needed some love and gave me the biggest hug ever. So cute!!!

Ommmmmmm.........

I was teaching my student Amanda today at the rink and was thinking about skating in SV though and how much more fun it is to be outside skating. I love it!!!








Ommmmmmm.........





Thanks Ben for taking care of the boys while I was away and taking them to all of their different activities. I am sorry that you didn't get to go on the tri club ride on Saturday since you were doing all of those unadmirable things for me. I appreciate it.

Cruisin'

Darlin and I cruised around town today in her darling little '73 VW Karmen Gia convertible. We went and washed it, put gas in (it only holds 7 gallons) and bought some food at the grocery store for breakfast. The bacon alone was $12.00! After we made breakfast, we went to the pool and hung out reading our books and sunning ourselves, Darlin even had coconut oil which I am sure is soooo good for your skin!
Darlin and Jan were invited to a party this evening at their friends ranch. She looked so darling in her little Marilyn Monroe dress.
Jan rides his scooter around town but they took Darlin's VW to the party since it matched her dress. Monet and I headed home when they left for the party. Thanks so much Darlin for letting us stay with you in your beautiful condo in SV. I loved seeing you and had such a great time. Love ya! xoxo

Play Day

At Brunch today Monet wasn't feeling very well. She thinks it was all of the junk food she ate yesterday on the way up here. I feel bad that she isn't feeling well on our little sister's retreat, but hopefully she will start to feel better soon.
Darlin had a break from teaching today so that she could join us for a bite to eat
Monet on Darlin's cruiser bike, which she tooled around SV all day on. I brought my road bike up and so I rode that around.
The biggest bumblebees I have ever seen were gathering nectar from the hollyhocks
After we came back from our bike ride and brunch, Monet took a nap while I read a really great book. Then we went rollerblading out past the hospital on the way to Hailey. The trails up here are amazing and they stretch on for miles without stopping. They are also incredibly smooth and well maintained, so it was really fun for me, Monet had some blisters by the time we came back but she said that it was still fun.

Darlin Shines in Sun Valley

Darlin was in eight numbers in the show on Saturday night. Check out her video on You Tube I found of her in the show in SV on my side bar ----}
After the show is over all the skaters come out for a "greet and meet" to sign autographs and take photos
Monet, Darlin, & me
Monet, Eddy & me: Eddy is a skater from S.L. that used to go out with my sister Sheri before he knew that he really liked my brother! j/k ;)
Before the show Monet and I ate at this totally yummy thai restaurant called Rickshaw. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was outstanding with all these tiki torches, fountains and flowers, eating outside on the patio with a view of Baldy in the background.