Uncensored Late Night Thoughts

This is what late night conversations you get when you have a son that wakes you at 5 in the morning regularly, especially on holidays.

Kent: "You got sauce on the back of your dress."

Flo: "Dang it. I can understand how I got it all over my belly but not my butt."

Kent: "Is your butt pregnant?"

Flo, sputtering with laughter: "Never say that to a woman!"

Kent: "Well, it (pregnancy) worked for your front!"

A Moment of Silence for the Literary World

I love books. No, I literally LOVE books! (I'm not trying to be punny here) And since the joy of literacy has been with me all my life, I find myself aghast at the ignorance of it's profound effect on our lives. Just the other day I was speaking with a English teacher who has a finger puppet of Shakespeare she keeps on her chalkboard. As all minds tend to wander, particularly near the fading days of the school year, they asked her who it was. In her lovely faux British accent she introduced him as William Shakespeare who was from England. Her students got a good laugh and then stated, "But that's not where Shakespeare is from!" From one of her 'brighter' students she was asked who the author of Othello was. She was too dumbfound to even attempt to reply. As a former teacher I can envision the quivering rage about to break loose after a year of 'teaching' this subject only to have a single moment called into question if the job description wasn't really babysitting!

Another friend has been a Librarian at a the Deer Valley school district for 17 years and now finds herself desperately scrabbling for another job. Apparently cutbacks for the unnecessary parts of education included not only art and music teachers, but librarians. "After all, they only check out books", a parent was heard to say. Apparently this individual doesn't understand that it is a librarian who teaches children about the literary resources available, supports teachers in their curriculum, helps with research and recommends books to hungry minds. My poor grade school librarian maintained a running 'buffet' for me the 2 times a week I went in to see her. Thanks to her, I have a voracious appetite that has opened doors to other worlds for me. I asked this friend who they planned on hiring in her stead. "A clerk." was her terse reply. Maybe that's all parents really want nowadays. She, on the other hand, hopes to find a job teaching English that will make her 'less dispensable'.

I guess this leaves me wondering how much more is dispensable in education this day and age. Most of all it makes me wonder how much more of a responsibility I have in raising my children not only to enjoy the captivating story lines of pop culture authors but to also savor the literary figures that call our attention to deeper levels found in humanity. If great authors such as Shakespeare, Austin, etc are dead in us, how can we expect them to live in our children? My personal prayer ... may they all live long and proper!

Breakfast and Lunch Willy Wonka's Way!

I took Isaac the other day to Cerreta's chocolate factory for some fun. We had read a book recently about Curious George at the Chocolate factory and I think he was hoping he'd be able to help put chocolates into boxes (and a few in his mouth) like George. While he was a little impatient with the explanations of how many of the sweets were made, the samples placated him enough for the half hour 'tour'.
He also enjoyed making the Cerreta's breakfast (4 pretzel sticks, a glob of white chocolate and 2 yellow M&Ms) It looked better than McDonald's! The anticipation was killing him can't you tell?


At the end, we purchased a ticket to make a Chocolate Italian Pizza. I suspect this will be his favorite pizza ever .... just don't ask me to make it at home!

Celebrating Motherhood

I received my first gift from Isaac for Mother's Day. He was just so proud of his painting job and fascinated with the 'flower' he planted that it will be a miracle if the pot or the flower survives! Thank you my little darling!



My big darling was so thoughtful this year, giving everything from a dinner, waffle breakfast and a good massage. The best gift of all though is how much he's trying harder to be fully present at home to help and play with Isaac and I. I'm so grateful to have him in my life!

For Old-Times Sake

I've been sorely hampered by an uncooperative computer, but at long last have downloaded all the pictures I need to blog ... so prepare for the onslaught as I attempt to catch up! ;0)

About 3 weeks ago we heard from an old friend from the singles ward who was organizing a get together in Mesa for Kent's old crowd. Between work schedules, Father's and Son's Outing the following night, travel time and the basic fatigue that comes of a boy who wakes with the dawning of the world - we were hesitant to commit to go. Or perhaps the real reason lies in the fact that most of us are a little more 'rotund' and balding ... whatever! But with a few emails back and forth, an old feeling of nostalgia overcame me and I pushed Kent to go ... after all, it had been 7 years since we'd heard from most of them.

The evening was wonderful! Yes, there was a little of the 'remember whens' that always occur but more than anything it was a chance to see how much life had matured us, taught us and blessed us. Many of us had struggles with health(cancer included), job loss and job's gained, battles with depression or loneliness, major graduate work, changes with marriage, a few lost parents in the intervening years, and then there were children (all darling as a bug's ear!) those hoped for, those coming and those all ready there along with the discussion that goes with that joyous roller coaster ride. In short, we could look back and see incredible growth and faith in God. Later that night, Bishop Snow came with his wife to visit. We had to get pictures of the old 'Gentry' crowd. Here's pictures so you can compare. Don't look too hard!