More sickness

Kurt and Cornell also have bronchitis. We should havw figured we would all get it as when David first got sick we were all in a car with hom for about 15 hours. David's lungs sounded good when he went to the doctor and the rest of us are now on antibiotics. I am feeling a bit better today but still not well enough to do much. By tomorrow I should be a whole lot better. Kurt and Cornell started antibiotics today so they should be feeling better by Saturday. Poor David is feeling good now but with everyone else feeling bad he is just lazing around also. Jasmine and Brittany will not be coming tovisit this weekend so we have rescheduled for next weekend.

Bronchitis

I have caught what David had only mine has not turned into pneumonia. I went to the doctor and in two minutes he told me I have bronchitis (cost $80) then went to Walmart to get the antibiotics and more Mucinex (cost $98). Boy did that hurt the pocketbook. Not to mention I HATE Mucinex. It has to be the most disgusting medicine there is. Oh well hopefully in 24-48 hours I will feel better because Friday I am supposed to go to Omaha and bring Jasmine and Brittany back for an overnight visit.

Bizarre Driving Laws

From the Nebraska DMV website:
The Greek sage Aristotle once penned, "Even when the laws have been written down, they ought not always remain unchanged." Not only is this wise advice, but also prophetic. Especially when you focus on some of the driving laws that loiter on the pages of state statutes.

Tennessee, for example, has a law that bans shooting game, other than whales, from moving vehicles. Apparently, this law was authored during an unusually high tide or after too many dizzying spins on a Tilt-a-Whirl at Dollyworld. Chances of any whale finding its way into Tennessee via the Cumberland River are about as likely as Tony Danza winning a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival. Yet, it exists.

So as to assure that your next cross-country vacation does not get pricked by the thorns of legality, we at DMV.ORG have organized a list of arcane state laws that you should be aware of. For nothing can be more embarrassing than having to phone your attorney from Kentucky for help in escaping a fine for trying to transport an ice cream cone in your back pocket.

Alabama
· It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
· It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street as long as a lantern is attached to the front of your car.
· Driving barefoot is illegal.

Alaska
· It is illegal to tie a dog to the roof of your car.

Arkansas
· It is illegal for a person to blare the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California
· Any woman dressed in a housecoat is prohibited from driving a car.
· It is illegal in San Francisco to buff or dry your car with used underwear.
· No unoccupied vehicle may exceed 60 miles per hour.

Florida
· If an elephant is tied to a parking meter, the owner or attendant must deposit money in the meter.

Georgia
· State Assembly members are immune from being ticketed for speeding while the State Assembly is in session.
· In Marietta, Georgia it is illegal to spit from a moving car or bus, but is okay from a moving truck.

Illinois
· In Evanston, Illinois it is unlawful to change clothes while inside a car with the curtains drawn, except during a fire.

Kansas
· In Derby, Kansas, it is considered a misdemeanor to screech your tires while driving.

Kentucky
· If you stop for ice cream while driving, be aware that it is considered unlawful to transport an ice cream cone in your back pocket.

Massachusetts
· You will be ticketed if you drive with a gorilla in the backseat of your car.

Michigan
· If you car breaks down in Detroit and you are waiting for assistance, be aware that sitting in the middle of the street to read a newspaper is illegal.

Minnesota
· It is illegal to cross state lines, regardless if you are walking or driving, with a duck on your head. And, if you're crossing into Wisconsin, the law also applies to chickens.
· In Minnetonka, Minnesota, if you drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road, you will be considered a public nuisance who is harming the peace, safety, and general welfare of the town.
· You cannot ride a motorcycle without a shirt.

Montana
· In Whitehall, Montana, vehicles are prohibited from driving with ice picks attached to the wheels.

Nevada
· It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.

New Jersey
· Drivers are required to beep their car horns before passing another vehicle.
· If convicted of driving while intoxicated, you permanently lose the option of registering for a vanity license plate.

North Carolina
· In Dunn, North Carolina, it is illegal to drive on a sidewalk.

Ohio
· In Oxford, Ohio, authorities will ticket you if you consecutively drive around the town square more than 100 times.
· Keep in mind that if your car breaks down and you phone for a cab, you will be ticketed if you opt to ride on the cab's roof.

Oklahoma
· It is considered illegal to read a comic book while driving.

Oregon
· You will be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary.
· You will be slapped with a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.
· It is illegal to pump your own gas.

Pennsylvania
· If you spy a team of approaching horses, you are required by law to pull to the side of the road and cover your car with a blanket or dust cover that has been painted or sewn to blend into the scenery. But, if the horses react skittish to your efforts, you are then required to disassemble your car and hide the parts in the nearby underbrush.

South Carolina
· In Hilton Head, South Carolina, you cannot leave trash in your vehicle out of fear of attracting rats.

Tennessee
· It is illegal to fire a gun at any wild game other than whales from a moving car.

West Virginia
· It is perfectly legal, for road maintenance purposes, to scavenge road kill.

Love this poem

The Touch of the Master's Hand

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile:
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then, "Two!" "Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three----" But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?
"And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand
What changed its worth." Swift came the reply:
"The touch of a master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
A game--and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice,
He's "going" and almost "gone.
"But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.
--Myra Brooks Welch

Baseball fever

On Monday night we were able to attend a Salt Dogs game. This was Kurt's father's day gift. David was doing well enough that he was able to go. It was Mexican night and I think they fed him a Mexican jumping bean as we entered the stadium, he didn't sit for more than 5 minutes the entire time. We had seats in the first row behind the 1st base line dugout and at the end of the 8th inning a player from the visiting team rolled David a gameball across the top of the dugout. That same player went on to hit a game winning homerun in the top of the ninth. Heather joined us for the last 1/2 of the game and even though she doesn't like baseball she said she had a good time. I know Kurt, David and I had a good time.

Icky Sicky who doesn't act sick

David has pneumonia but you would never know it until you heard him cough. He is as perky as ever and driving me crazy. It is very difficult to take care of a sick kid but try keeping a sick kid quiet who doesn't feel sick is impossible. It is also hard to know if he is getting well . He started coughing last Sunday and it got progressively worse while we were in Texas. On Saturday Kurt took him to the doctor and got the diagnosis but at no time did David act sick just the nasty cough and slight fever.

Our Texas Trip

Heading home

We are heading home from Texas. It has rained every day we have been here.

On Independence Day we got a bit of rain while waiting for the fireworks at Ft. Hood but we didn't get to wet. Heading home the real downpour started and we were glad the post moved up the start time for the fireworks. We would have been drenched otherwise.

David liked seeing all the tanks and armored personal carriers while we were here. When I return I will post some pictures we took.

It was good to visit with Kurt and Adrienne and we will see them again in September for Heather's wedding.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Jack In The Box

I love Jack in the Box tacos. They cost $0.99 for two so they are a great buy also. The problem is the is no Jack in the Box in Nebraska, or any of the surrounding states. But for this week I am in Texas and there are 560 franchises here. Yum, yum, yum all the tacos I can eat.

From citation to jail - what was this guy thinking?

Man Gets 10 Years in License Shooting
From Associated Press
June 27, 2007 10:20 PM EDT

REDDING, Calif. - A 49-year-old truck driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting his wife after she failed to renew his driver's license.

Gary Alan Hemsted pleaded no contest earlier this month to attempted voluntary manslaughter, using a firearm and causing great bodily injury in the wounding of his wife, Lisa, 42, in 2005.
Shasta County sheriff's deputies said Hemsted became angry after he was cited for driving with an expired license and blamed his wife for failing to renew it.

Detective Steve Grashoff testified that Hemsted threatened to shoot his wife's horse and fired a round from a .22-caliber rifle that narrowly missed his wife and hit the family's barn.

Lisa Hemsted ran down the driveway of the couple's home while her husband gave chase in his pickup truck. As Lisa Hemsted climbed over a fence to try to get away, Gary Hemsted aimed his rifle at her, told her "you're dead" and fired a shot that hit her in the right thigh, Grashoff said.
A sheriff's patrol car was pulling up as the shooting took place.

Hemsted's attorney, Richard Maxion, said his client could end up serving a little more than six years in prison after the 796 days he has spent in jail and any credits he earns for good behavior are deducted from the sentence.

This is so cute

I received this link from Marsha and had to post it here:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/friend/friend.html

for those of who are like me and this tune sounds familiar but you can't place the words here they are:

Title: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Artist: The Beatles
Album: The Beatles 1967-1970

Desmond has a barrow in the market place
Molly is the singer in a band
Desmond says to Molly-girl I like your face
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand.

CHORUS
Obladi oblada life goes on bra
Lala how the life goes on
Obladi Oblada life goes on bra
Lala how the life goes on.

Desmond takes a trolly to the jewellers store
Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing.

CHORUS

In a couple of years they have built
A home sweet home
With a couple of kids running in the yard
Of Desmond and Molly Jones.

CHORUS

Happy ever after in the market place
Molly lets the children lend a hand
Desmond stays at home and does his pretty face
And in the evening she's a singer with the band.

And if you want some fun-take Obladi Oblada.

"The First Time's Always The Worst"

I can't remember where I got this (probably e-mail), but it is so funny.

by: LeighAnne Jasheway of Eugene, Oregon (1st place winner in the Humor category in the Erma Bombeck Writing Contest )

The first mammogram is the worst. Especially when the machine catches on fire. That's what happened to me. The technician, Gail, positioned me exactly as she wanted me (think a really complicated game of Twister - right hand on the blue, left shoulder on the yellow, right breast as far away as humanly possible from the rest of your body). Then she clamped the machine down so tight, I think my breast actually turned inside out. I'm pretty sure Victoria's Secret doesn't have a bra for that

Suddenly, there was a loud popping noise. I looked down at my right breast to make sure it hadn't exploded. Nope, it was still flat as a pancake and still attached to my body

"Oh no!" Gail said loudly. These are perhaps, the words you least want to hear from any health professional. Suddenly, she came flying past me, her lab coat whipping behind her, on her way out the door. She yelled over her shoulder, "The machine's on fire, I'm going to get help!"

OK, I was wrong, 'The machine's on fire,' are the worst words you can hear from a health professional. Especially if you're all alone and semi permanently attached to A MACHINE and don't know if it's THE MACHINE in question. I struggled for a few seconds trying to get free, but even Houdini couldn't have escaped.

I decided to go to plan B: yelling at the top of my lung (the one that was still working). I hadn't seen anything on fire, so my panic hadn't quite reached epic proportions. Then I started to smell smoke coming from behind the partition. "This is ridiculous," I thought. I can't die like this. What would they put in my obituary? Cause of death: breast entrapment?

I may have inhaled some fumes because I started to hallucinate. An imaginary fireman rushed in with a fire hose and a hatchet. "Howdy, ma'am," he said. "What's happened here?" he asked, averting his eyes. "My breasts were too hot for the machine," I quipped, as my imaginary fireman ran out of the room again. "This is gonna take the Jaws of Life!"

In reality, Gail returned with a fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

She gave me a big smile and released me from the machine. "Sorry! That's the first time that's ever happened. Why don't you take a few minutes to relax before we finish up?"

I think that's what she said. I was running across the parking lot in my backless paper gown at the time. After I'd relaxed for a few years, I figured I might go back. But I was bringing my own fire extinguisher.

Catch up

It is time to catch up on my blogging:

I have been back from Girls Camp for more than a week. It was great. I think I had one of the easier jobs there so I was able to relax from my normal craziness at home.

Last week for Bear Scouts I took the boys on a bike hike. Oh my, way different muscles are used riding a bike than walking. We biked 1.25 miles from the church to Tierra park. It was on a trail and just little hills but I was so tired when we returned. But more than that my tail end hurt for several days after.

I tried a Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake for the first time last week and went back a few days later for another. I had the Key Lime flavor and oh it was good. Of course the price will prevent me from eating to much which is a good thing or my stop the bulge program would go down the drain.

The RADishes have been on two home visits now and neither one went well. They can't get along with each other and Brittany's need to control causes huge problems. I am not sure what is going to happen in the long run. The therapist is in agreement that they are not even close to being able to come home. We will still have to do home visits but the next one isn't until July 21st.

My daughter is Engaged. She is marrying "the boy next door/high school sweetheart". They are getting married in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple on September 1st. He is a really nice guy and they make a very cute couple.

Gone Camping

I am heading off to Young Women's camp for 5 days. YEAH!!! See ya when I return.

Labrynthitis

Yesterday I had an attack of Labyrinthitis. I hate it when that happens, it comes on suddenly and there is nothing I can do about it. I get really dizzy/spinning and nauseous and the only cure is to go back to bed. Because of it I missed church and someone had to teach my primary class at the last minute. I stayed in bed most of the day and by evening I was feeling better but had to be careful about moving my head suddenly less the spinning return. I am grateful that I only get this a few times a year and it only lasts a day or so. I have heard of people having this for weeks, months or even years. I know that I become non-functional when it happens and I can't imagine what it would be like for more than a day.

Stuck at 48th and "O"

My van decided to die at the intersection of 48th and "O" heading south. I was the third of forth car back in the inside lane when the van just died and I started smelling gas. I sat there for a few minutes with no offers of help trying to reach Kurt, who was in court. Finally I realized I might be able to coast backward and turn into the super saver exit if I could get up enough speed. Thank goodness they put in that new light because it gave me time to coast across three lanes and into the exit. Then some nice people helped push the car into a parking space. Kurt got out of court and came and then my mother-in-law picked me up. The problem: There was no clamp on the fuel line. I have been driving that car for about two months, all over Lincoln and to and from Omaha. I guess I can be thankful it died where it did and not on I-80.

The Book Swiper

Last week I ordered this book, Fablehaven after reading about it on the Six LDS Writers and a Frog website (you will neet to scroll down to May 15th). When the book arrived David asked what it was and I told him it was a youth novel I planned to read and that he and I could read together. He took it and was looking at it when I suggested he read the back. He did so without a problem. I then asked him if he wanted to try and read it by himself letting him know that most 7 year olds would not be able to read it. He took the book and is now on chapter five and seems to be really enjoying it. I get to read a few pages now and then when he sets it down or forgets to take it to school.

Tonight I have a meeting at David's school to find out how he did on some testing they gave him this year. It was a pilot program at two schools to try and identify bright kids earlier. Those kids tested were referred by their teachers. It is nice to have a kid being tested being bright since I have so many that have IEP's.

Here is a description of the book: For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite...

Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

Lipstick on the mirrors

According to a news report, Golden Grove Jr. High School was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls werebeginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That wasfine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lipsto the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done.

She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.

Priceless!

Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror. There are teachers.... and then there are educators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Urban Legend or True? Who knows, but it is hilarious.

Bigger than life

Near the southwest corner of 48th and Normal there is this electronic billboard that has my kids on it. The picture is almost four years old but you can still tell who they are. Heather thinks it is cool, Kurt II isn't hear to respond, Cornell appears ambivilant and David doesn't like it. I do like the below picture better. Of course none of the kids in the picture are in crisis, but they can't use real kids in crisis.

Lincoln Zoo

I went to the Lincoln Zoo with David's 1st grade class and four hours is to long at that zoo. David had a good time and got to hold this giant beetle. Yuck!!!

Cornell going to state

Cornell is going to run in the state track meet in the 4 x 400 (also called the 1600 relay). Yesterday at Districts his team placed 2nd. YEAH!!!

Ducks and Turkeys

This morning when I took the boys to school there was a mother duck and her ducklings on the grass at Southeast HS. They were so cute. It reminded me of this book "Make Way for the Ducklings". While I was watching them the mother duck was leading the ducklings to cross Van Dorn when a couple of teenage girls gently blocked the way so they would not go out in to the street.

A few weeks ago I saw a Turkey in my front yard. It went around my house down the stairs and into the neighbors back yard.

Kurt completes the marathon

My dear hubby completed a lifetime goal by completing the Lincoln Marathon. He finished with an official time of 6:00:02. The clock shows 6:07:35 because that is the gun time. The official time doesn't start until the runner passes the start line. There were so many runners that it too 7 minutes 33 seconds for Kurt to even get to the start of the race after the gun was fired. Check out Kurt's blog for more information.

Heather, Cornell, David and I had a good time circumventing the race route in order to cheer Kurt on about every three miles. We even dried off for a portion of the time. Of course right at the end it poured and we were drenched.

Wear Red on Friday

Last week I received an e-mail about wearing red on Friday's to show support for U.S. troops overseas. As I frequently do I went to Snopes.com to check the validity of this e-mail. Here is what they said about it. Take note of the mention of the Nebraska Cornhuskers about halfway down the origins part. Go HUSKERS!!!

Oh so true

"God does notice us, & he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs" President Spencer W. Kimball

It pays to have friends in the right place

Last night Kurt, I and our friends got to see Aida at the Lied Center on complementary tickets. We were in the 7th row center, fantastic seats. The tickets were comped to us by my sister's nephew and niece, T.J. Young and his sister Anya Sulomoni Young. It was a good night to go as Anya played Nehebka, not her normal role but one she did a great job in. T.J. is the associate director/staging. The pop/musical was fantastic and it was great to just have a fun night out.

Novartis Run

I walked (jogged a little) in Novartis 2 mile fun run/walk yesterday. I got a time of 28:36 which was better than I had hoped to get. Also, no 10K runner came in in front of me (they started 3 minutes before the 2 milers). David also ran the 2 miles and his time was 20:58, what a little speed demon. Kurt ran the 10K with a time of 1:08:42. Heather and Ben Ashby came to cheer us on, meet David at the finish and take pictures.

Thoughts

From the book "The Garrity Test" by Brenton Yorganson

How can we, so weak so frail

Shoulder the burdens or hope to prevail?

The master has taught us "line upon line"

Said it was done one step at a time.

and

If ever there's a time of need,

With back against the wall..

Just lift your eyes and ask for help

From Him who gives to all.

Funnies

These are some of my favorites from Reader's Digest:

Every so often I'd challenge a father visiting his newborn in the nursery, where I was a nurse, to guess his baby's weight. Few even came close, but one dad picked up his son, hefted him in his hands, and gave me the precise weight, right down to the ounces. "That was amazing," I told him. "Not really," he replied. "I do this all the time. I'm a butcher." -- "All In a Day's Work" by Nola Faria

A DISTRAUGHT PATIENT phoned her doctor's office. Was it true, the woman wanted to know, that the medication the doctor had prescribed was for the rest of her life? She was told that it was. There was a moment of silence before the woman continued, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious my condition is. This prescription is marked 'no refills'."

A VICIOUS BITE from one of his prize-winning show rabbits sent my 15-year-old son to the emergency room. The doctor and attendants who cleaned the wound and bandaged his hand were clearly amused about how he got the injury. As we were leaving the ER, they handed us a sheaf of papers that included a prescription for antibiotics, a wound-care information sheet and a recipe for rabbit stew. --"Life In These United States" by Jim Lord

MY DINNER PARTY was headed for disaster. One man, an insurance salesman, was monopolizing the conversation with a lengthy account of recent litigation involving himself. Since two other guests were lawyers, I was becoming increasingly uneasy. "In the end," the salesman concluded, "you know who got all the money." I cringed. "The lawyers!" he shouted. There was embarrassed silence at the table. My heart was pounding until the wife of one lawyers said, "Oh, I love a story with a happy ending." --"Life In These United States" by Jane Ghegan.

It had been a nerve-racking experience for my attorney husband. He was working with the FBI on a federal sting operation. Worried for his safety, they put him under protective surveillance. Finally the FBI told him they had rounded up all the criminals and were lifting the surveillance. A few days later my relieved spouse was on the phone, telling his brother about the whole adventure. "Did you happen to mention to the FBI that you have an identical twin?" his horrified brother interrupted. "Who lives next door?" --Contributed to "Life in These United States" by J. D.

Trivia - John Williams

John Williams is a fantastic composer. He wrote the score for all the Star Wars movies, the Indiana Jones Trilogy, ET and Jaws. Did you know he also wrote the score the the John Wayne coming of age movie "The Cowboys", did the adaptation of the score for Johnny Whitaker's "Tom Sawyer" and wrote the score for a "Gidget" movie. Here is a list of the scores that John Williams has written in alphabetical order:
1941 (December 14, 1979)
The Accidental Tourist (December 23, 1988)
A.I. (June 29, 2001)
Always (December 22, 1989)
Amistad (December 10, 1997)
Angela's Ashes (December 25, 1999)
Attack of the Clones (May 16, 2002)
Bachelor Flat (January 12, 1962)
Because They're Young (April 1, 1960)
Black Sunday (April 1, 1977)
Born on the Fourth of July (December 20, 1989)
Catch Me If You Can (December 25, 2002)
Cinderella Liberty (December 18, 1973)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (November 16, 1977)
Conrack (March 27, 1974)
The Cowboys (January 13, 1972)
Daddy-O (December 18, 1958)
Daddy's Gone A-Hunting (July 16, 1969)
Diamond Head (February 20, 1963)
Dracula (1979)
Earthquake (November 17, 1974)
The Eiger Sanction (May 21, 1975)
Empire of the Sun (December 9, 1987)
The Empire Strikes Back (May 21, 1980)
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (June 11, 1982)
Family Plot (April 9, 1976)
Far and Away (May 22, 1992)
Fitzwilly (December 20, 1967)
The Fury (March 15, 1978)
Gidget Goes to Rome (September 11, 1963)
A Guide for the Married Man (May 26, 1967)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (November 15, 2002)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (June 4, 2004)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (November 16, 2001)
Heartbeeps (December 18, 1981)
Home Alone (November 16, 1990)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (November 20, 1992)
Hook (December 11, 1991)
How to Steal a Million (July 14, 1966)
I Passed for White (August 17, 1960)
Images (December 1972)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (May 24, 1989)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (May 23, 1984)
Jaws (June 20, 1975)
Jaws 2 (June 16, 1978)
JFK (December 20, 1991)
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! (March 24, 1965)
Jurassic Park (June 11, 1993)
The Killers (July 17, 1964)
The Long Goodbye (October 28, 1973)
The Lost World (May 23, 1997)
The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing (June 27, 1973)
Memoirs of a Geisha (December 9, 2005)
Midway (June 18, 1976)
Minority Report (June 21, 2002)
The Missouri Breaks (May 19, 1976)
Monsignor (October 1982)
Munich (December 23, 2005)
Nixon (December 20, 1995)
None But the Brave (February 24, 1965)
Not With My Wife, You Don't (November 2, 1966)
The Paper Chase (October 16, 1973)
The Patriot (June 28, 2000)
Penelope (November 10, 1966)
Pete 'n' Tillie (December 17, 1972)
The Phantom Menace (May 19, 1999)
The Plainsman (November 18, 1966)
Presumed Innocent (July 27, 1990)
The Poseidon Adventure (December 12, 1972)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (June 12, 1981)
The Rare Breed (April 13, 1966)
The Reivers (December 25, 1969)
Return of the Jedi (May 25, 1983)
Revenge of the Sith (May 19, 2005)
The River (December 19, 1984)
Rosewood (February 19, 1997)
Sabrina (December 15, 1995)
Saving Private Ryan (July 24, 1998)
Schindler's List (December 15, 1993)
The Secret Ways (May 24, 1961)
Seven Years in Tibet (October 8, 1997)
Sleepers (October 18, 1996)
SpaceCamp (June 6, 1986)
Stanley & Iris (February 9, 1990)
Star Wars (May 25, 1977)
Stepmom (December 25, 1998)
Story of a Woman (1969)
The Sugarland Express (March 31, 1974)
Superman (December 15, 1978)
The Terminal (June 18, 2004)
The Towering Inferno (December 17, 1974)
The Unfinished Journey (December 31, 1999)
War of the Worlds (June 29, 2005)
The Witches of Eastwick (June 12, 1987)

Easter

HAPPY EASTER

Candle on the Water

I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn

I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light

A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the airLighted by a prayer

I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go...

Written by Anneliese Van Der Pol
Sung by Helen Reddy in Disney's "Pete's Dragon"

Bowling cost $$$$$

I took the kids bowling yesterday when I went to visit Jasmine and Brittany. Now I remember why I gave up bowling - it is VERY expensive. For the four of us to bowl one game it cost $27.00. That is crazy.

Mopac trail

Kurt, David and I went for a walk on the Mopac trail. We started at the east end near Wabash and hiked in about 1 1/2 miles. It was an enjoyable and very pretty hike. I can imagine in another month or two it will be fantastic. The stop sign picturne is to help us remember what street to take to get to the trail head as every time we go out there we forget and spend 20 extra minutes searching.

State Farm 1M and 10M

Kurt and David ran in the State Farm races. David ran the 1 mile in 9:17 and Kurt ran the 10 mile in 1:58:54. For more on Kurt's run go to Kurt's Marathon Blog (especially for comments on his number). Next race is the Novartis 2 mile and 10K. I am going to do the 2 mile as it is a "fun run/walk" around Holmes Lake. Hopefully my walking will pay off. After David's race the camera got wet and wouldn't let me take any video thus only one shot of Kurt and lots of David. Sorry honey.

Cornell takes 1st

Cornell took 1st place in yesterday's LPS indoor varsity track meet in the triple jump.

Children

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut-up.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

6. We child proofed our homes, but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY
Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home.

AND FINALLY:
IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE, DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE: "TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" and "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"

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KIDS ARE LIKE SPONGES

The absorb your knowledge,

They sap your strength,

They soak up your resources

and Drain your energy -

But with one squeeze,

They give it all back.

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"A baby is God's opinion that life should go on." Carl Sandburg

Guilty Pleasure

I love fries, especially McDonald's fries (for nutrition information go here, which you really don't want to do unless you are like me and trying to stop eating fries). Runza has good fries and Arby's has potato cakes. No fries available, how about Lay's Wavy potato chips with onion dip. Anyone hungr yet? I am.

Crazy life

Today I was at the "Y" with one friend and received a call from another friend. In the course of the conversation I said something to the effect "when life calms down". My friend on the phone said never and my other friend was shaking her head no. I had to laugh because they were right my life will always be a little crazy and busy. I think I actually like it that way. Life would be so boring otherwise.

The Marathoner

This is my DH finishing up a 24.5 mile run on the Mopac trail. David ran out and joined him for the last 50 feet or so. Kurt is planning on running in the Lincoln Marathon in 41 days, 17 hours, 41 minutes, and 42 seconds, so he is training very hard. Here is his training blog, Kurt's Marathon Blog. One of these days I want to hike the Mopac trail (no running, no timing, just a nice hike). Any hikers out there?

The Research Associate

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. she hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a . . . ?

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as a occupation 'Housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know? The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?), and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by me glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood . . . What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

By Anonymous

Trivia #1

This little boy is Dean Stockwell playing Donald Martin in the Gene Kelly / Frank Sinatra 1940's movie "Anchor's Aweigh"

And this is the same Dean Stockwell as Admiral Al Calavicci in the 1980's TV series "Quantum Leap"

See the resemblance?

Top 102 LDS books

Josi Kilpack recently put together a list of the top 102 LDS fiction books by asking several well read authors to pick their top ten.

I have included the list below and marked the he ones I’ve read in red, made comments after the ones I highly recommend and blued the ones I want to read.

1) A Heartbeat Away—Rachel Ann Nunes
2) Almost Sisters—Nancy Anderson, Lael J. Littke and Carroll H. Morris
3) Angels Don't Knock—Dan Yates
4) An Old Fashioned Romance—Marcia Lynn McClure
5) A Question of Consequence—Gordon Ryan
6) Ariana: The Making of a Queen—Rachel Ann Nunes
7) As the Ward Turns—Joni Hilton
8) At the Journey’s End—Annette Lyon
9) Baptists at Our Barbecue—Robert Farrell Smith
10) Charlie—Jack Weyland
11) Charley’s Monument—Blaine M. Yorgason
12) Chickens in the Headlights—Matthew Buckley
13) Children of the Promise, Vol 1: Rumors of War— Dean Hughes (love this whole series)
14) Children of the Promise, Vol 2: Since You Were Gone—Dean Hughes
15) Come Armageddon—Anne Perry
16) Daughter of a King—Rachel Ann Nunes
17) Dead on Arrival--Jeffrey Savage
18) Double Cross--Betsy Brannon Green
19) Dusty Britches—Marcia Lynn McClure
20) Emeralds and Espionage—Lynn Gardner (A can't put it down until I've read all 10 books series)
21) Escaping the Shadows—Lisa J. Peck
22) Fablehaven—Brandon Mull
23) False Pretenses—Carole Thayne
24) Faraway Child—Amy Maida Wadsworth
25) Fire of the Covenant—Gerald Lund (very good book)
26) First Love and Forever—Anita Stansfield
27) Flowers of the Winds--Dorothy Keddington (One of my favorite authors)
28) Ghost of a Chance—Kerry Blair
29) Gustavia Browne—Alene Roberts
30) Jimmy Fincher Saga Vol. 4: War of the Black Curtain—James Dashner
31) House on the Hill—Annette Lyon
32) House of Secrets—Jeff Savage
33) House on the Sound—Marilyn Brown
34) In a Dry Land—Elizabeth Petty Bentley
35) Lifted Up—Guy Morgan Galli
36) Love Beyond Time—Nancy Campbell Allen
37) Mary & Elisabeth—S. Kent Brown (Non-fiction)
38) MaCady—Jennie Hansen
39) Molly Mormon—Tamara Norton
40) Mummy's the Word—Kerry Blair
41) My Body Fell Off—BJ Rowley
42) My Not So Fairy Tale Life—Julie Wright
43) No Longer Strangers—Rachel Nunes
44) Nothing to Regret—Tristi Pinkston
45) On a Whim—Lisa McKendrick
46) On Second Thought—Robison Wells
47) On the Edge--Julie Coulter Bellon
48) One in Thine Hand—Gerald Lund
49) One Tattered Angel—Blaine M. Yorgason
50) Out of Jerusalem 1 (Of Goodly Parents)—H.B. Moore
51) Out of Jerusalem 2 (A Light in the Wilderness) —H. B. Moore
52) Out of Jerusalem 3 (Towards the Promised Land)—H. B. Moore
53) The Peacegiver—James L. Ferrell
54) Pillar of Fire—David Woolley
55) Poison—Betsy Brannon Green
56) Prodigal Journey—Linda Paulson Adams
57) Pursuit of Justice—Willard Boyd Gardner
58) Return to Red Castle—Dorothy Keddington (One of my all time favorites)
59) Race Against Time—Willard Boyd Gardner
60) Sarah—Orson Scott Card
61) Saints—Orson Scott Card
62) Sixteen in no time—BJ Rowley
63) Spies, Lies and a Pair of Ties—Sheralyn Pratt
64) Standing on the Promises Vol 1: One More River to Cross--Margaret Young and Darius Gray
65) Strength to Endure—Tristi Pinkston
66) Surprising Marcus—Donald S. Smurthwaite
67) Tathea—Anne Perry
68) Tempest Tossed—Josi S. Kilpack
69) Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites—Chris Heimerdinger
70) The Alliance—Gerald Lund (Love this book)
71) The Book of Mormon—Nephi thru Moroni (non-fiction)
72) The Believer—Stephanie Black
73) The Coming of Elijiah—Arianne Cope
74) The Counterfiet—Robison Wells
75) The Emerald--Jennie Hansen
76) The First year—Crystal Liechty
77) The Fragrance of Her Name—Marcia Lynn McClure
78) The Killing of Greybird—Eric Swedin
79) The Last Days, Vol. 1: The Gathering Storm—Kenneth R. Tarr
80) The Last Promise—Richard Paul Evans
81) The Looking Glass—Richard Paul Evans
82) The Miracle of Miss Willie—Alma J. Yates
83) The Single Heart—Melinda Jennings
84) The Visions of Ransom Lake—Marcia Lynn McClure
85) The Work and the Glory Vol 1—Gerald Lund (I loved the Work and the Glory books)
86) The Work and the Glory Vol 2—Gerald Lund
87) The Work and the Glory Vol 3—Gerald Lund
88) The Work and the Glory Vol 4—Gerald Lund
89) The Work and the Glory Vol 5—Gerald Lund
90) The Work and the Glory Vol 6—Gerald Lund
91) The Work and the Glory Vol 7—Gerald Lund
92) The Work and the Glory Vol 8—Gerald Lund
93) This Just In—Kerry Blair
94) Time Riders—Sierra St. James
95) Time Will Tell by Julie Coulter Bellon
96) To Echo the Past—Marcia Lynn McClure
97) To Have or To Hold—Josi S. Kilpack
98) Towers of Brierley, Anita Stansfield
99) Twelve Sisters—Leslie Hedley
100) Unsung Lullaby—Josi S. Kilpack
101) Wake Me When it’s over—Robison Wells
102) Winter Fire—Rachel Ann Nunes

Contributing authors to the list: Tristi Pinkston, Julie Wright, Jeff Savage, Rachel Ann Nunes, Jewel Adams, Annette Lyon, Heather Moore, Stephanie Black, Julie Bellon and Josi S. Kilpack. Special thanks to Josi Kilpack for putting it together!

I see I have a lot of books I can read!!! YEAH!!!

U.S. Army watch out

Kurt II and Adrienne leave tomorrow for Ft. Hood, Texas. He is going active duty in the U.S. Army. He has been in the reserves for almost two years and decided he wanted to make the Army a career, so he got out of the reserves and signed up full time. We are going to miss them but we are very proud of Kurt. Good luck Kurt II.

Gonna be a bear

In this life I'm a woman. In the next life I'd like to come back a bear. When you're a bear you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!