Flashback Friday- August 1985

August 1985-From my mom's journal

We all walked up the road about a quarter of a mile and down into a secluded spot surrounded by trees. It was very beautiful and peaceful. . .our own sacred grove. Dan took Sharalee out into that cold Teton Creek and his voice boomed out in the silence as by the priesthood he baptized her. I felt very close to the spirit at that moment. I am sure there were angels in attendance and maybe her Grandma and Grandad! It was a thrilling moment for all who were there.

Sharalee's journal
I turned 8 on August 10th. I was baptized two days later on August 12th. It was Monday. There were 29 of my cousins and aunts and uncles there. We all walked down to the creek. Daddy walked into the cold water first. Then he took my hand and I followed. He showed me how to hold his arm and then my nose Daddy said the prayer and then dunked me into the cold water. I was sure cold when I got out, but Mom was there with a big warm fluffy blanket. We hurried back to the house and I got my white dress on. My Daddy confirmed me and my uncles helped.

I don't think that on this day that it really all sunk in- the actual act that I was participating in. I loved having so much of my family around. Did it register that it was a saving ordinance? Of course not. But none-the-less I knew it was important, even as an eight year old.

Lindi Lou and Shara reunited


Lindi I was just thinking about you today. I can't remember if I already blogged this picture before . . . oh well, if I have.

See you on Monday!

I do wish we could have the whole gang back together for a picture as well. It seems like everyone is going to be in California except for Lindi and me and Shelly. Any chance Shelly you are moving to California or Utah? Could we narrow the distance at all?

Confessions of a Thief

The fridge door is an excellent venue for displaying Wiley's artwork. That said, the acclaimed exhibit has a fast rotation, not because of his prolific output of work and the shortage of space (although that's part of the reason), but because there's an art thief in the house. Sometime in the night, pieces simply disappear. Thankfully, the renowned artist has no idea; he's too busy creating the next one-of-a-kind to care.

The confession is, well, that I'm the thief. Now before you act too shocked, please note that I do keep a file full of original "Wiley's." Those pieces of art will be treasured for all times, and will never be put on the black market (or back on the fridge, for that matter). The remainder of his pieces, however, are currently up for sale only to the highest bidder. If you're interested in owning an original, please contact me. Otherwise, the work will shortly find its way to the largest collector of our children's early artwork -- one with a white plastic lining, if you know what I mean. Should you like a peek at these black market finds let me know they are going fast.

Do I hear 1 dollar? (Silence.) How about 50 cents? (Frogs croaking.) Alright, how about 42 cents just to cover postage?




This following is a picture of some of his 3-D work. Which he is submitting to the Lego Magazine to get some national acclaim.

P.S. I'm not joking. He brought me the camera and had me take the picture . . .

True Magic

Wiley came home this week and showed us a magic trick. He turned a six into a nine. We have had the trick demonstrated for us many, many times. It hasn't gotten old for Wiley. The true magic of this simple trick is that he truly believes that it takes magic for it to happen. Three taps and a blow. We have also been hunting for Leprechauns as of late. If you see one at your house, be sure to let us know.

Wiley turns SIX.

Mommy hosted three parties on his behalf. A Sunday family party, and then two birthday parties back to back. This was so that I didn't have to have all the kids at once, plus I planned a 15 minute break between parties. Wiley wanted a Pirate themed party, his cake was really a skull and cross bone cupcake creation. Aunt Keri also came to help and I hired my favorite babysitter to help. Seriously, the parties were great. Short, sweet and manageable. It was great. I think I'm into something here. Call if you want more birthday party hints. haa haa.














Wiley joins an indoor soccer league.

Wiley has watched a dozen or more of mommy's soccer games and hasn't been inspired to play soccer. Dad subs in for one game and Wiley has a new passion.

Wiley just got bunk beds which he shares with Rosie.

Good old fashion bunks, the kids are loving them. But please, mothers of bunkers, how on earth do you change the sheets and make the beds? I forgot how hard it is to do that with bunks.

Wiley takes a HIP HOP Break dance class.

Wiley started taking the lessons with his two cousins, the teacher is fabulous and it is hilarious to see 5 and 6 year old boys working on their coordination.

Tonsils and Adenoids ... GONE.

Wiley also had one cavity filled, four teeth pulled, adenoids and tonsils removed all done in the same week! Also, he has become a very quiet sleeper.

The tooth fairy has come twice, he/she/it has only taken the first two teeth. He is not ready to hand over the last two, even though it means money. He loves showing them to people, roots and all.

What a year it has been already for my big boy. Scratch that, he has graduated from big boy to KID.

It's official! We are going to Germany!

We bought our nonrefundable tickets. There is no backing out now. Wiley will miss the last month of Kindergarten, but Ben and I will just team teach the letters x and y. He he.

I've also discovered that it is challenging to get a two year old to pose for passport pictures.

Which Austen Heroine are you?

Take the Quiz here!

Take the Quiz here!

As a lover of Jane Austin, I was curious as to which Jane Austen character I was most like. I was hoping to be Fanny Price or Elenore Dashwood. I am most like Marianne Dashwood and Emma Woodhouse. I am surprised to say the least. I guess I thought I was better than I am, I didn't realize that I'm not the wonderful characters that I thought I would be. Oh well. At least Marianne gets the right man in the end, and at least Emma grows up.

Check it out, who are you?