2012 will not go down as one of my favorite years. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't awesome (for me), either. One of my goals for 2013 is to be more positive to make the year better. But I did have some things I liked in 2012 and thought I would list them. Feel free to list your favorites in the comments or on your own post.
Favorite Songs:
#1 Some Nights - Fun.
We Are Young - Fun.
Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
It's Time - Imagine Dragons
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
Ai Te Pego - Michel Telo
Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
Lights - Ellie Golding
Favorite Movies:
#1 The Avengers
Moonrise Kingdom
Favorite Meals:
Date with Tevia at Citizen Public House
Eathai Busaba in London
Any meal with Tevia's new brussel sprouts recipe
Favorite Sports Moments:
The Olympics
USA Women's Gymnastics team winning Gold
Any Michael Phelps race
BYU winning bowl game
Favorite Book:
Beyonders 2: Seeds of Rebellion - Brandon Mull
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Help me I beg of you
Two wall babies will be born
Tho a little Cox will be in my belly
Jimmy will go to the academy in Arizona so we can stay!
Mom and Dad won't move
Someone will have a near death experience at lake powell
Jimmy and I will finally give church talks in our new ward
Jake will get a new kind of job
Tevia will start taking professional pics
Hazel will start a dance or gymnastics class
We will finally go to Mexico!
And the giants will win the super bowl!!!!
Hey, so I was pretty dang close in all of mine with the exception of a few.
Why am I up at 2? Because my child is crying and has been for an literally an hour. Suggestions for taming this wild beast would be well received. (More so for not sitting still in any location ever)... the night thing, I actually think she is starting to have some bad dreams and will just take a mean mom to be strong for a couple nights.
She has been waking up now in the middle of the night for a week now. The first night I went an hour but Jimmy caved. I did not care as much because I have felt like death for the past week. Which is why I have then allowed her to have a bottle in bed with us for 20 minutes the last couple nights. Now I have obviously started a terrible habit which disables me to sleep as well as her.
Anyway, she goes down fine and wakes up frantic. I refuse to give in anymore at this point. But It has now been over an hour.
Maybe she is having night mares that I will kill her. Sometimes I think I just might. =)
As far as the sitting still and crying shamelessly when she has to and/or is overtired, like I said. Wouldn't mind the advice.
An hour and 20 minutes. Still going... quite strong. Not sure what I produced
..... not sure why my writing looks like this.
Tho a little Cox will be in my belly
Jimmy will go to the academy in Arizona so we can stay!
Mom and Dad won't move
Someone will have a near death experience at lake powell
Jimmy and I will finally give church talks in our new ward
Jake will get a new kind of job
Tevia will start taking professional pics
Hazel will start a dance or gymnastics class
We will finally go to Mexico!
And the giants will win the super bowl!!!!
Hey, so I was pretty dang close in all of mine with the exception of a few.
Why am I up at 2? Because my child is crying and has been for an literally an hour. Suggestions for taming this wild beast would be well received. (More so for not sitting still in any location ever)... the night thing, I actually think she is starting to have some bad dreams and will just take a mean mom to be strong for a couple nights.
She has been waking up now in the middle of the night for a week now. The first night I went an hour but Jimmy caved. I did not care as much because I have felt like death for the past week. Which is why I have then allowed her to have a bottle in bed with us for 20 minutes the last couple nights. Now I have obviously started a terrible habit which disables me to sleep as well as her.
Anyway, she goes down fine and wakes up frantic. I refuse to give in anymore at this point. But It has now been over an hour.
Maybe she is having night mares that I will kill her. Sometimes I think I just might. =)
As far as the sitting still and crying shamelessly when she has to and/or is overtired, like I said. Wouldn't mind the advice.
An hour and 20 minutes. Still going... quite strong. Not sure what I produced
..... not sure why my writing looks like this.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Posterity of Gaymore and Esther Wall
As of the day before the funeral, dad and I had the older and youngest great-grandchildren: Jarek and Beckham. Seth Woodland and his wife then had a new baby that week.
Well, I scanned it, but it won't let me post it here. I think all 4 kids got a copy, but if you want one, let me know and I can email it to you.
Leslie is now trying to update it with birthdates and wedding dates. I can send you her list as well.
Well, I scanned it, but it won't let me post it here. I think all 4 kids got a copy, but if you want one, let me know and I can email it to you.
Leslie is now trying to update it with birthdates and wedding dates. I can send you her list as well.
Dad Wall's death & funeral, mom's version
The night of hurricane Sandy, we received a phone call that Gaymore had had a massive heart attack. A week later, the night of our Noreaster, we rec'd word that he had suffered a major stroke. There are two very good stories by Ralph and Leslie explaining his death in good detail if anyone wants to read them.
Dad cried most of the night, and I felt his sadness, as I still can easily recall the death of my father in March of this year. I still come to tears when I think of him, and see things that remind me of him. Dad did not think he would miss him, as he only sees him once a year, but, it is a hard thing to know that you cannot call or see him again here on earth.
We extended our already planned trip to Utah and Idaho to include the funeral and viewing plans. Patty had decided that holding the funeral quite a bit later would make it easier for more people to attend. Dad had 43 grandchildren, and over 70 great- grandchildren. I will post this list on here for reference.
It was hard on dad to know that 7/9 kids were all together at the death and planning things, and he had to wait, go to work, and live life like normal. I think he wished he could get on a plane and go there and not have to wait.
We flew out on Thursday, and stayed at Bonnie's, the first of many nights of moving around from family bedrooms to hotels in Idaho, Centerville, Provo, and Idaho, back and forth.
Both dad & I were very pleased and glad all 4 of our kids came to be with dad and show their respect to the family. Thank you all for coming, and all you spouses for letting them come.
The Fairfield Inn in Burley was suggested, and we had no idea so many others in the family were going to stay there. That was fun, but yet, overwhelming.
The hotel itself was very nice, and we had 2 adjoining rooms. This worked well for Kathy and Lexi.
We didn't get a chance to use the pool or spa, but I did get to go walking one morning on the treadmill.
The viewing was an opposite of my father's. It was more like people happy to see each other, much less reverent, and I kind of felt like Gaymore was not even the focus.
Patty ordered pizza to be served at the hotel, which dad & I skipped, and went by ourselves for a quiet peaceful unhealthy meal and yummy eggnog milkshake at the nearby McDonalds.
This is a good time to mention that Don's brother, Dean, who the family had not seen for over 10 years, came up to attend the events, and stayed at the hotel. There was great rejoicing in seeing him and stories and memories were shared between the siblings.
The next day, the funeral was at 10 am. The talks were both longer than they should have been with that many children in the audience. Ralph gave the eulogy, and Mike gave the talk, which was more like a presentation about Job. I enjoyed it, but felt it was not really funeral material or appropriate. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren each sang a song. There is a CD version of the funeral if anyone desires to have it.
We went to the graveside service, where dad gave the blessing on the grave prayer. Later, I overheard people saying they wished there had been more time spent at the cemetery. I disagreed with that. With all the kids romping through the cemetery, I was glad it was quick. It was a nice sunny day, and the view was beautiful, and I loved watching Lexi follow other kids around. I did my best to keep her from climbing on the gravestones. I felt it was disrespectful, even of little children. Some mothers agreed, some did not.
Back to the church for the typical but delicious meal of funeral potatoes, ham, rolls, and jello. Really.
Lots more chit-chat, and some photos were taken.
I have all the photos that Craig Christensen took if anyone wants them.
Then the 9 children were asked to go to Gaymore's house to go through things. This was hard, as we were all tired, and I just wanted to be with my own 4 kids by then. Dad felt it was awkward and he almost felt like we were intruding on dad's privacy. It was strange, for sure, and slow-going, as most of the siblings just didn't really want to go through things. In the end, dad did take 4 or 5 pictures he had painted, which he send home with Tommy. He thinks 3 of them are not worth keeping - since some of you have requested owning one of dad's paintings, he is asking Tom to bring them to AZ for Christmas, and you can choose one if so desired.
There were 7 guns to be dispersed of. This didn't happen that day because of many disagreements. Later, Ralph took them all to his house. On Thanksgiving, dad did get to take one of the ones he wanted.
We got back to the hotel, and I went with the kids to Arby's. Dad was really upset and tired at this point, and wanted to be alone.
Tom and Jacob went to a movie, and there is some secret story out there about Jacob losing his phone, and Tom being pulled over by the police.
Kathy had a hard time getting Lexi to sleep, so in the end, Lexi slept on the bed with her. I slept on the other queen bed in that room that night, as we were so glad Tom decided to stay overnight with us. I felt it was so cute how he was worried about leaving Holly and the new baby, and she was worried about Tom driving home alone late at night. They are so good to each other.
Sunday the kids went home, and dad and I attended the Boise temple rededication. Very nice.
Patty had tons of her kids and us over for a dinner after that neighbors and ward members provided. More talking and stories and memories. We stayed there that night after most of the people left. At one point, I marveled at the mess that many kids could make in a basement, but, with the good, responsible kids Patty raised, all was cleaned up and put away without Patty even lifting a finger or saying a word. I was amazed at her focus on her siblings and kids amidst basically chaos running around and throughout the house. Think over 30 kids of all ages from 1- 10 all in one house for hours.
Michael John, Danny, and Martin Woodland all took the time to come talk to me individually, which I loved.
I love being on the farm and the view is amazing!
We woke to no power, so, instead of staying over one more day, I was anxious to go down and see Beckham!
He is adorable, Holly looks great, and we attempted to make them dinner with fresh Idaho potatoes. That did not turn out so good.
Tuesday we visited Dean and his wife's place in Bluffdale. Cool place with another beautiful view!
Back to Tom's, Bonnie's, then Ralph's for Thanksgiving. That was fun. Leslie, Dean, Debbie, and others came. I played pool with Martin Wall and Jason Wall, and cards with Andrew and his wife Kim. Really fun and great food.
Back to Tom's on Friday, then went to a BYU basketball game on Saturday, which was my first one, and I loved it!
Loved Tom's ward on Sunday. He did a great job blessing Beckham, and Holly's brother also blessed their baby in that ward too. We had lunch at Clayton's place, and dinner at Tom's, well, actually, we werent' hungry, so we skipped dinner. I have the words to the blessing if anyone wants them.
Sunday night we stayed at the Ketcheson's. Love them and miss them.
Monday, dad had his own day to enjoy Utah. We went to the Tracy Aviary, his old house, past his old schools, lunch at Iceberg, past our old house on Millbrook, saw the Lincoln movie, and went to temple square to see the lights. Dad was in a happy mood all day!
Got to the airport 3 hours early because dad was worried about bringing the gun on the plane.
Took the redeye home, and that was not so fun. Snow, traffic, and an off the road accident made it so we didn't get home till 10 am and we had landed at 5:30 am.
The trip was long, and a strange mix of emotions, but fun to see so many family and be with my kids and Lexi. Glad to be there for the baby blessing! and glad to be home.
Dad cried most of the night, and I felt his sadness, as I still can easily recall the death of my father in March of this year. I still come to tears when I think of him, and see things that remind me of him. Dad did not think he would miss him, as he only sees him once a year, but, it is a hard thing to know that you cannot call or see him again here on earth.
We extended our already planned trip to Utah and Idaho to include the funeral and viewing plans. Patty had decided that holding the funeral quite a bit later would make it easier for more people to attend. Dad had 43 grandchildren, and over 70 great- grandchildren. I will post this list on here for reference.
It was hard on dad to know that 7/9 kids were all together at the death and planning things, and he had to wait, go to work, and live life like normal. I think he wished he could get on a plane and go there and not have to wait.
We flew out on Thursday, and stayed at Bonnie's, the first of many nights of moving around from family bedrooms to hotels in Idaho, Centerville, Provo, and Idaho, back and forth.
Both dad & I were very pleased and glad all 4 of our kids came to be with dad and show their respect to the family. Thank you all for coming, and all you spouses for letting them come.
The Fairfield Inn in Burley was suggested, and we had no idea so many others in the family were going to stay there. That was fun, but yet, overwhelming.
The hotel itself was very nice, and we had 2 adjoining rooms. This worked well for Kathy and Lexi.
We didn't get a chance to use the pool or spa, but I did get to go walking one morning on the treadmill.
The viewing was an opposite of my father's. It was more like people happy to see each other, much less reverent, and I kind of felt like Gaymore was not even the focus.
Patty ordered pizza to be served at the hotel, which dad & I skipped, and went by ourselves for a quiet peaceful unhealthy meal and yummy eggnog milkshake at the nearby McDonalds.
This is a good time to mention that Don's brother, Dean, who the family had not seen for over 10 years, came up to attend the events, and stayed at the hotel. There was great rejoicing in seeing him and stories and memories were shared between the siblings.
The next day, the funeral was at 10 am. The talks were both longer than they should have been with that many children in the audience. Ralph gave the eulogy, and Mike gave the talk, which was more like a presentation about Job. I enjoyed it, but felt it was not really funeral material or appropriate. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren each sang a song. There is a CD version of the funeral if anyone desires to have it.
We went to the graveside service, where dad gave the blessing on the grave prayer. Later, I overheard people saying they wished there had been more time spent at the cemetery. I disagreed with that. With all the kids romping through the cemetery, I was glad it was quick. It was a nice sunny day, and the view was beautiful, and I loved watching Lexi follow other kids around. I did my best to keep her from climbing on the gravestones. I felt it was disrespectful, even of little children. Some mothers agreed, some did not.
Back to the church for the typical but delicious meal of funeral potatoes, ham, rolls, and jello. Really.
Lots more chit-chat, and some photos were taken.
I have all the photos that Craig Christensen took if anyone wants them.
Then the 9 children were asked to go to Gaymore's house to go through things. This was hard, as we were all tired, and I just wanted to be with my own 4 kids by then. Dad felt it was awkward and he almost felt like we were intruding on dad's privacy. It was strange, for sure, and slow-going, as most of the siblings just didn't really want to go through things. In the end, dad did take 4 or 5 pictures he had painted, which he send home with Tommy. He thinks 3 of them are not worth keeping - since some of you have requested owning one of dad's paintings, he is asking Tom to bring them to AZ for Christmas, and you can choose one if so desired.
There were 7 guns to be dispersed of. This didn't happen that day because of many disagreements. Later, Ralph took them all to his house. On Thanksgiving, dad did get to take one of the ones he wanted.
We got back to the hotel, and I went with the kids to Arby's. Dad was really upset and tired at this point, and wanted to be alone.
Tom and Jacob went to a movie, and there is some secret story out there about Jacob losing his phone, and Tom being pulled over by the police.
Kathy had a hard time getting Lexi to sleep, so in the end, Lexi slept on the bed with her. I slept on the other queen bed in that room that night, as we were so glad Tom decided to stay overnight with us. I felt it was so cute how he was worried about leaving Holly and the new baby, and she was worried about Tom driving home alone late at night. They are so good to each other.
Sunday the kids went home, and dad and I attended the Boise temple rededication. Very nice.
Patty had tons of her kids and us over for a dinner after that neighbors and ward members provided. More talking and stories and memories. We stayed there that night after most of the people left. At one point, I marveled at the mess that many kids could make in a basement, but, with the good, responsible kids Patty raised, all was cleaned up and put away without Patty even lifting a finger or saying a word. I was amazed at her focus on her siblings and kids amidst basically chaos running around and throughout the house. Think over 30 kids of all ages from 1- 10 all in one house for hours.
Michael John, Danny, and Martin Woodland all took the time to come talk to me individually, which I loved.
I love being on the farm and the view is amazing!
We woke to no power, so, instead of staying over one more day, I was anxious to go down and see Beckham!
He is adorable, Holly looks great, and we attempted to make them dinner with fresh Idaho potatoes. That did not turn out so good.
Tuesday we visited Dean and his wife's place in Bluffdale. Cool place with another beautiful view!
Back to Tom's, Bonnie's, then Ralph's for Thanksgiving. That was fun. Leslie, Dean, Debbie, and others came. I played pool with Martin Wall and Jason Wall, and cards with Andrew and his wife Kim. Really fun and great food.
Back to Tom's on Friday, then went to a BYU basketball game on Saturday, which was my first one, and I loved it!
Loved Tom's ward on Sunday. He did a great job blessing Beckham, and Holly's brother also blessed their baby in that ward too. We had lunch at Clayton's place, and dinner at Tom's, well, actually, we werent' hungry, so we skipped dinner. I have the words to the blessing if anyone wants them.
Sunday night we stayed at the Ketcheson's. Love them and miss them.
Monday, dad had his own day to enjoy Utah. We went to the Tracy Aviary, his old house, past his old schools, lunch at Iceberg, past our old house on Millbrook, saw the Lincoln movie, and went to temple square to see the lights. Dad was in a happy mood all day!
Got to the airport 3 hours early because dad was worried about bringing the gun on the plane.
Took the redeye home, and that was not so fun. Snow, traffic, and an off the road accident made it so we didn't get home till 10 am and we had landed at 5:30 am.
The trip was long, and a strange mix of emotions, but fun to see so many family and be with my kids and Lexi. Glad to be there for the baby blessing! and glad to be home.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Idaho Adventure
This last weekend I attended the funeral of my paternal grandfather in Burley, Idaho. It was great to see my family (many cousins and aunts and uncles). The trip was quick, but good. It was also fun to travel with my brother and sister. The best memory of the trip will be the following sequence, which I wanted to record.
----
I never miss flights. I am proud of my good karma with traveling via plane. So I really was tempted to leave later that morning. Our flight was at 2 PM and it was only a two hour drive to Salt Lake City. But I thought we should be conservative as we had a baby with us and then we would have time to eat some lunch. We headed out of the hotel and said our goodbyes. I lead out in the rented Ford Explorer and was followed by my brother Tommy (or Tom as he likes to be called now; as if having a child makes him a man) who lives in Provo.
The hotel is literally right next to the highway that goes to SLC. I get on the highway and we chat it up like siblings do while doing 80 on the freeway. About 40 minutes later I get a small thought about why I haven't seen any signs for Utah. We should be close to the border by now. My mind starts computing. Could we be going the wrong way? No, that is impossible. How could I have turned the wrong way? Wouldn't Tommy have said something? The scenery looks familiar, right? Wait, did we see windmills on the way up? Then I look at the compass on the dashboard. It has to be lying. How can we possibly be going North?!?!
All of this happens in my mind in about 3 seconds. We are going the wrong way; the opposite way of the airport. We have been traveling for over 40 minutes. I tell my brother to confirm this on his phone but immediately begin turning off on the next exit. He confirms it and I tell him to call Tommy. Tommy mentions he thought we were going the wrong way but didn't say anything because he thought maybe we had a short cut or something (what faith younger brothers have!).
We turn around and try to determine if it is even possible to make the flight. I am determined we will make it. I am worried about speeding, though, as I had seen many cops on the way up. So we stay about 10 miles over the speed limit to minimize our chances of getting a ticket. We need every minute to make up the time. We are just about back to where we started when Jacob says he has to pee. Really? Now? He can't wait, so we have to pull over. This seems funny, especially when about 90 minutes later he says we have to stop again. It is like going to San Diego with Jimmy all over again. He hasn't even had anything to drink since our last stop. How small is this kid's bladder? We are cutting it close, but when you gotta go... I even take advantage of the stop to empty mine. Why not? The best part is when we stop at the Taco Bell to go in, the men's bathroom is closed for repairs. How typical. We easily remedy this by entering the women's bathroom together. I'm sure somebody will get a kick out of that security video.
The baby (Ms. Lexi) hasn't enjoyed the detour through Idaho. It literally sounds like she is trying to kill herself by a mixed cry/choking routine. Kathy does a good job of not getting stressed. It's not big deal to me; I'm completely focused on looking out for cops and willing time and space to bend to accommodate our flight back to Phoenix. Kathy eventually stuffs something down Lexi's throat (I am sure it was legal) and she eventually calms down. Jacob continually updates us on the time and miles to the airport. 35. 32. 15. We are almost there. I have to return the rental car, but in SLC the rental car place is at the airport, which is nice. We get to the rental car place and I send the other three on their way. I think we have time, but let's not risk all of us missing the flight. If I have to stay behind, that is fine. I'm nice that way. Sacrifice for the good of the group sort of thing. All big brothers are supposed to do that. Of course, there is a huge line at the rental place. I wait patiently trying not to get frustrated. Others in line are doing that for me. Eventually I get there and they charge me nearly double of what they said they would. I question this but realize I don't have time to argue with them. I'd rather lose $50 and make my flight, so I ask for a manager's number to call and rush to the airport. I get a call. All is good. We have time. There is no line for security and we even have time to buy something to eat (well, Jacob takes this time to use the bathroom AGAIN). I get some green machine drink and Kathy and I arrive just as they ask families with babies to board. We made it.
----
I never miss flights. I am proud of my good karma with traveling via plane. So I really was tempted to leave later that morning. Our flight was at 2 PM and it was only a two hour drive to Salt Lake City. But I thought we should be conservative as we had a baby with us and then we would have time to eat some lunch. We headed out of the hotel and said our goodbyes. I lead out in the rented Ford Explorer and was followed by my brother Tommy (or Tom as he likes to be called now; as if having a child makes him a man) who lives in Provo.
The hotel is literally right next to the highway that goes to SLC. I get on the highway and we chat it up like siblings do while doing 80 on the freeway. About 40 minutes later I get a small thought about why I haven't seen any signs for Utah. We should be close to the border by now. My mind starts computing. Could we be going the wrong way? No, that is impossible. How could I have turned the wrong way? Wouldn't Tommy have said something? The scenery looks familiar, right? Wait, did we see windmills on the way up? Then I look at the compass on the dashboard. It has to be lying. How can we possibly be going North?!?!
All of this happens in my mind in about 3 seconds. We are going the wrong way; the opposite way of the airport. We have been traveling for over 40 minutes. I tell my brother to confirm this on his phone but immediately begin turning off on the next exit. He confirms it and I tell him to call Tommy. Tommy mentions he thought we were going the wrong way but didn't say anything because he thought maybe we had a short cut or something (what faith younger brothers have!).
We turn around and try to determine if it is even possible to make the flight. I am determined we will make it. I am worried about speeding, though, as I had seen many cops on the way up. So we stay about 10 miles over the speed limit to minimize our chances of getting a ticket. We need every minute to make up the time. We are just about back to where we started when Jacob says he has to pee. Really? Now? He can't wait, so we have to pull over. This seems funny, especially when about 90 minutes later he says we have to stop again. It is like going to San Diego with Jimmy all over again. He hasn't even had anything to drink since our last stop. How small is this kid's bladder? We are cutting it close, but when you gotta go... I even take advantage of the stop to empty mine. Why not? The best part is when we stop at the Taco Bell to go in, the men's bathroom is closed for repairs. How typical. We easily remedy this by entering the women's bathroom together. I'm sure somebody will get a kick out of that security video.
The baby (Ms. Lexi) hasn't enjoyed the detour through Idaho. It literally sounds like she is trying to kill herself by a mixed cry/choking routine. Kathy does a good job of not getting stressed. It's not big deal to me; I'm completely focused on looking out for cops and willing time and space to bend to accommodate our flight back to Phoenix. Kathy eventually stuffs something down Lexi's throat (I am sure it was legal) and she eventually calms down. Jacob continually updates us on the time and miles to the airport. 35. 32. 15. We are almost there. I have to return the rental car, but in SLC the rental car place is at the airport, which is nice. We get to the rental car place and I send the other three on their way. I think we have time, but let's not risk all of us missing the flight. If I have to stay behind, that is fine. I'm nice that way. Sacrifice for the good of the group sort of thing. All big brothers are supposed to do that. Of course, there is a huge line at the rental place. I wait patiently trying not to get frustrated. Others in line are doing that for me. Eventually I get there and they charge me nearly double of what they said they would. I question this but realize I don't have time to argue with them. I'd rather lose $50 and make my flight, so I ask for a manager's number to call and rush to the airport. I get a call. All is good. We have time. There is no line for security and we even have time to buy something to eat (well, Jacob takes this time to use the bathroom AGAIN). I get some green machine drink and Kathy and I arrive just as they ask families with babies to board. We made it.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Hazel Meets a Doorknob...
P.S. The really sad thing is everyone else was on the other side of the house. So we know it was self-inflicted. Poor accident-prone girl.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Tom as a baby
I found some more pics of Tommy. He was sitting up at 6 mon., in a walker at 4 mon, and could hold a rattle at 3 1/2 months. His closeup is still in 1989, so probably about 3-4 months old. Not many newborn. I was healing from my 4th C-section, you know. That will be my excuse.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Historical Tales of Jarek
I thought I would jot down two neat stories about Jarek on here just to make sure they are documented somewhere. All of our kids are awesome, but this week I heard two stories about Jarek that I wanted to write down.
The first came while up at the church. One of the counselors in the bishopric stopped Tevia and I and wanted to tell us a story. He said that at the church he had seen a group of kids following Jarek around. Jarek was leading them to the family history room and was asking if he could get in in order to get on the computers. He told us in the end Jarek was told he could not go in without an adult and Jarek asked several adults to go in but couldn't find one. So they weren't able to go in. The counselor was curious why Jarek wanted to get in on the computers, so he pulled him aside and asked him what he was going to have all the boys do while in there. "I was going to have them all sign up to do indexing" was Jarek's reply. The counselor was taken aback and was so impressed.
The second was relayed about a situation during mutual. Apparently two kids (much older than Jarek) were getting angry and were about to fight. Jarek - the shortest young man in the ward - stood between the boys and tried to stop them from fighting. He was able to stop the fight. When Tevia asked him about the courage it took to do that, he mentioned that any bodily harm was worth not having people fight.
I have been inspired to me more brave, more caring, and more devoted.
The first came while up at the church. One of the counselors in the bishopric stopped Tevia and I and wanted to tell us a story. He said that at the church he had seen a group of kids following Jarek around. Jarek was leading them to the family history room and was asking if he could get in in order to get on the computers. He told us in the end Jarek was told he could not go in without an adult and Jarek asked several adults to go in but couldn't find one. So they weren't able to go in. The counselor was curious why Jarek wanted to get in on the computers, so he pulled him aside and asked him what he was going to have all the boys do while in there. "I was going to have them all sign up to do indexing" was Jarek's reply. The counselor was taken aback and was so impressed.
The second was relayed about a situation during mutual. Apparently two kids (much older than Jarek) were getting angry and were about to fight. Jarek - the shortest young man in the ward - stood between the boys and tried to stop them from fighting. He was able to stop the fight. When Tevia asked him about the courage it took to do that, he mentioned that any bodily harm was worth not having people fight.
I have been inspired to me more brave, more caring, and more devoted.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Pictures, Pictures, Who wants to see some pictures?
Some of Zizah's Latest:
And so the other two can't accuse me of playing favorites, here's one of each of them. :)
And so the other two can't accuse me of playing favorites, here's one of each of them. :)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Good People
I posted this on Cox&Co but thought I would post on the Wall family blog too. Great story. =)
Yesterday, during half time of the BYU-Oregon game, Bret, Speed, and I went to go get some pizza. I grabbed my wallet and before putting Speed into the car, I placed my wallet on the roof. This act was stupidly forgotten, as we drove away with it still up there. How could I do this... AGAIN!!!! (Literally only months ago, I did the SAME thing with running shoes before we went hiking!... they are forever gone)
I didn't realize my mistake until we got to the pizza place and I went to get my wallet to give Bret some cash. Though, obviously it was no where to be found. It was then that I remembered, oh my goodness, I had left it on the roof!
We went back to Bret's and I immediately left with Lexi to retrace our steps. But unfortunately, it was no where to be found. This put a huge dark cloud over me as EVERYTHING was in this thing! It had numerous credit cards, cash (which I actually never have!) my check book, my license, all my store cards, my recommend, insurance cards, and a bunch of receipts that I needed! And I loved the wallet itself! Oh boy!
To top it off BYU had a terrible (okay.... more like heart wrenching) 4th quarter and lost the game. Well we went home and while Lexi took a late afternoon nap, I made like 10 phone calls, cancelling all the cards and ordering new ones and honestly just when I finished....
Two guys on motorcycles pulled up outside our house. And seconds later, the doorbell rang. I was a bit hesitant as Jimmy wasn't home but I saw my lovely green wallet in the guy's hand through the peep hole!!!!!
Oh my goodness! I opened the door and there it was! In the hands of a bald, tattooed, leather wearing guy! And he said, "It's all there". I wish I would have had something to give him! I thanked him a hundred times and told him he was such a miracle. He really was. This is definite proof that there are still lots of good people out there who want to do the right thing.
He had come all the way to my house from 39th avenue because the only thing indicating how to reach me was my address on my license. What a great person. And honest! Everything was in there! Definitely made my whole week!
The world is still full of wonderful people and it makes me so happy and grateful.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Olympics - Sports - My emotional dependence
I haven't posted anything in a while as it has been a crazy summer, but things finally seem to be slowing down a little and I wanted to catch up on some things. Besides the wonderful trip (nee adventure) to Lake Powell, we also had the 2012 Olympics this summer. I believe I have posted about my love for the Olympics and as usual I was glued to the TV for many hours during the Olympics.
I get so emotional watching them. I cheer for the Americans, of course, but I also love to cheer for underdogs or hear their backstories. I love to see the many emotions, from elation to devastation. I bite my nails watching the Fab Five in gymnastics. I cry when the one girl doesn't make it to the all-around finals. I am overcome when they win the team gold. Shocked when Maroney falls on her vault.
Sports are such an interesting part of our global culture. I say global because almost all cultures have sports they follow, and the emotions invested in them amaze me. They can be good and bad. People can get too involved and have them ruin their lives. People have been known to fight and worse when their team loses or their player does poorly.
Even just this weekend when BYU lost to the Utes it was overwhelming. The emotions were so up and down. Disappointed, disgust, disbelief, hope, joy, amazed, shocked, scared, upset. In three hours I felt all of these emotions - and not just a little bit. These were strong emotions. I left the game almost paralyzed. It was all I could think about. And I'm just a fan. How do the players feel?
Yesterday in the Cardinals NFL game a rookie fumbled at the end and possibly gave the game away. The camera panned on him and he looked distraught. I honestly thought he was going to cry. The pressure must have been unbearable. In the end they still won and I am sure he was the happiest on the team. I get upset when someone in my company screws up - not even me, but someone else that doesn't even report into me - and it can ruin my day (yes, I need to work on this).
But through it all we continue to watch and imbibe sports. And when our team wins, we are overjoyed. It is like a drug. It amazes me. I know some people don't like sports for these exact reasons. I've even had people in the church who believe sports are bad - or even evil. But like most things, I think sports can be good and can be bad. For me, they are more positive than negative. They bring me a sense of hope and thrill that few other things can.
Just today, playing basketball this morning, I had one of those days. One game we played I didn't miss one shot. We play to 15 by 2s and 3s. I took 5 shots, all 3 pointers, and made each one. People were yelling and amazed. I was dumbfounded. It felt great and made a Monday morning so much better. But it was a fluke. That rarely happens. But that is why sports are great. You - or your team - can only try your hardest. Some days things will work out. Other days they will not. And that is a lot like life. Some days we feel like the Chicago Bulls of the 90s. And other days we feel like the Cleveland Browns for the past decade. But we keep going - and so do they.
I get so emotional watching them. I cheer for the Americans, of course, but I also love to cheer for underdogs or hear their backstories. I love to see the many emotions, from elation to devastation. I bite my nails watching the Fab Five in gymnastics. I cry when the one girl doesn't make it to the all-around finals. I am overcome when they win the team gold. Shocked when Maroney falls on her vault.
Sports are such an interesting part of our global culture. I say global because almost all cultures have sports they follow, and the emotions invested in them amaze me. They can be good and bad. People can get too involved and have them ruin their lives. People have been known to fight and worse when their team loses or their player does poorly.
Even just this weekend when BYU lost to the Utes it was overwhelming. The emotions were so up and down. Disappointed, disgust, disbelief, hope, joy, amazed, shocked, scared, upset. In three hours I felt all of these emotions - and not just a little bit. These were strong emotions. I left the game almost paralyzed. It was all I could think about. And I'm just a fan. How do the players feel?
Yesterday in the Cardinals NFL game a rookie fumbled at the end and possibly gave the game away. The camera panned on him and he looked distraught. I honestly thought he was going to cry. The pressure must have been unbearable. In the end they still won and I am sure he was the happiest on the team. I get upset when someone in my company screws up - not even me, but someone else that doesn't even report into me - and it can ruin my day (yes, I need to work on this).
But through it all we continue to watch and imbibe sports. And when our team wins, we are overjoyed. It is like a drug. It amazes me. I know some people don't like sports for these exact reasons. I've even had people in the church who believe sports are bad - or even evil. But like most things, I think sports can be good and can be bad. For me, they are more positive than negative. They bring me a sense of hope and thrill that few other things can.
Just today, playing basketball this morning, I had one of those days. One game we played I didn't miss one shot. We play to 15 by 2s and 3s. I took 5 shots, all 3 pointers, and made each one. People were yelling and amazed. I was dumbfounded. It felt great and made a Monday morning so much better. But it was a fluke. That rarely happens. But that is why sports are great. You - or your team - can only try your hardest. Some days things will work out. Other days they will not. And that is a lot like life. Some days we feel like the Chicago Bulls of the 90s. And other days we feel like the Cleveland Browns for the past decade. But we keep going - and so do they.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Lake Powell 2012
Last week I turned 29! And right before that fulfilled one of my largest goals. A huge family trip to Lake Powell. I had a most extraordinary time and the trip blew away all my expectations. My most vivid vacation memories come from Lake Powell as a kid and now so do my adult memories.
I was so proud of everyone in our family for putting up with my crap and actually showing up. I was even more proud when despite so many small issues creeping up, everyone seemed to just focus on the positive. The trip wasn't perfect and we could definitely do much better, but as a first try it was easily my favorite family adventure ever. Also my kids were exposed to the most fun they have probably ever had.
I have compiled a video and slideshow of the best of the trip. It got a little bloated but had to be chopped up to fit in the 15 minute YouTube slot. Therefore the transitions and such got a little crazy at the end. I am usually more picky, but at 1.2 GB and with a crazy long 45 minute render (even for my computers) I decided this last version was not too shabby. Thank you for coming to Powell with us and I hope you enjoy it.
My YouTube account has exceeded the free range so you will probably need to close an AD or two. Also, be sure to upgrade the quality if you don't want the slideshow blurry. That is all :-)
I was so proud of everyone in our family for putting up with my crap and actually showing up. I was even more proud when despite so many small issues creeping up, everyone seemed to just focus on the positive. The trip wasn't perfect and we could definitely do much better, but as a first try it was easily my favorite family adventure ever. Also my kids were exposed to the most fun they have probably ever had.
I have compiled a video and slideshow of the best of the trip. It got a little bloated but had to be chopped up to fit in the 15 minute YouTube slot. Therefore the transitions and such got a little crazy at the end. I am usually more picky, but at 1.2 GB and with a crazy long 45 minute render (even for my computers) I decided this last version was not too shabby. Thank you for coming to Powell with us and I hope you enjoy it.
My YouTube account has exceeded the free range so you will probably need to close an AD or two. Also, be sure to upgrade the quality if you don't want the slideshow blurry. That is all :-)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Lake Powell - 2012 - Bret's Story
Lake Powell is one of the most beautiful and amazing lakes in our nation. It also holds some good memories from quite a few years ago as we went once or twice with my aunt Patty and her family (and mine) on their houseboat. I was an adult at the time and the memories were of water skiing, cliff jumping, getting very tan, sleeping on the roof of the houseboat, watching satellites and shooting stars, and the warm waters of Lake Powell.
Jacob (Wall) had the idea to relive some of the memories and so last year he decided to put together a plan to rent a houseboat and invited many of us to accompany him and his family. A couple of weeks ago the time finally came to pass for us to go. It took a lot of preparation and money on his part, and I thank him and Cari for all they did. The trip, in my mind, was a complete success.
We left Phoenix on Tuesday morning in our van with Hazel added to our usual passengers. The ride went well as we were in no hurry and we stopped briefly in Flagstaff for gas and treats. We then met up with Cari and Kathy (Cox) in Page at the McDonalds as we waited for Jacob and my father to have the houseboat ready for us to board in Wahweap Marina. After a Hot'n Spicy chicken sandwich we drove to the marina and within minutes we had our stuff packed on the boat and were headed out on the lake. This was a stark contrast to years before when sometimes this phase was long and hot. The marina made this easy and we were off.
Tevia, my dad, Tevia, and Malik went in the speed boat while the rest of us took to the houseboat. Jake and I had decided to go a certain route to Padre Bay, which looked great according to Google Maps and the one map we had. But apparently those maps were out of date and due to the lower water we had to go the long way. This was okay as the way through the Narrows was gorgeous; it just took much longer. I stayed on top of the houseboat for much of the trip adding navigation advice and using the binoculars to see the red rock and other boats. It took us some time to finally arrive in Padre Bay and we were able to find the other boat (which had gone ahead to scout a spot). They found a great spot right in front of Gunsight Butte. We beached the houseboat and began the next few days in the shadow of this beautiful landmark.
My memories of the first evening there are of Tevia and I cooking (we usted the BBQ to do chicken, which came out great). I also was able to go out and remembered how to get up on a wakeboard (it had been years). But my favorite memory of that first night was all of us sitting on the top of the houseboat that first night and looking at the stars. I had my laser pointer and my Google Sky app which helped us locate constellations and other objects like the Andromeda galaxy. It was amazingly beautiful and we saw many satellites and shooting stars as well. We even saw the international space station go across the sky, which was so bright in this wilderness it was impossible not to think it was some UFO. I didn't sleep much the first night (rarely do on any camping trip), but the night was cool and the moon bright (after most of us were asleep and after looking at the stars).
The rest of the trip, my highlights were:
- Wakeboarding several times and learning how to do a 180 and just enjoying the glass that we had several times per day
- Taking a trip into Antelope Point marina to get gas and some other things. We did this on Thursday (Jacob, Tevia, Enok, and Malik) and we got a nice lime popsicle and a big cup of orange soda.
- Jumping/Diving off the boat (we didn't ever find a great place to cliff jump so this was our thrill for the week)
- Going on hikes with my boys and rolling rocks into the lake as well as skipping rocks
- Going on a long hike with Tevia
- Driving the speed boat several times for people
- Tubing with Tommy while Jacob drove and realizing how much energy/strength it takes to do this (when going fast)
- Watching the stars every night
- Having Jimmy arrive for the brief day or so he was there
In the end the trip was great. The weather could not have been better (not too hot, not too cold). Nobody got hurt or really all that sunburned (only Jimmy and Holly of all of us even got burned at all). The food and snacks were great. The boats never broke down.
On Saturday we packed up and headed out before noon. The long trip back to the marina went great and my mom and Tevia joined me for much of the trip back on the top of the boat. Once we docked we were packed in our cars and headed out within an hour or so. We took Hazel with us again. We stopped at Sonic for lunch in Page on the way back this time and the drive was great.
Thank you Jacob for setting all of this up and spending so much of your time on money on some wonderful family memories. I had a great time. I'm sure we'll end up there again some time in the next few years.
Jacob (Wall) had the idea to relive some of the memories and so last year he decided to put together a plan to rent a houseboat and invited many of us to accompany him and his family. A couple of weeks ago the time finally came to pass for us to go. It took a lot of preparation and money on his part, and I thank him and Cari for all they did. The trip, in my mind, was a complete success.
We left Phoenix on Tuesday morning in our van with Hazel added to our usual passengers. The ride went well as we were in no hurry and we stopped briefly in Flagstaff for gas and treats. We then met up with Cari and Kathy (Cox) in Page at the McDonalds as we waited for Jacob and my father to have the houseboat ready for us to board in Wahweap Marina. After a Hot'n Spicy chicken sandwich we drove to the marina and within minutes we had our stuff packed on the boat and were headed out on the lake. This was a stark contrast to years before when sometimes this phase was long and hot. The marina made this easy and we were off.
Tevia, my dad, Tevia, and Malik went in the speed boat while the rest of us took to the houseboat. Jake and I had decided to go a certain route to Padre Bay, which looked great according to Google Maps and the one map we had. But apparently those maps were out of date and due to the lower water we had to go the long way. This was okay as the way through the Narrows was gorgeous; it just took much longer. I stayed on top of the houseboat for much of the trip adding navigation advice and using the binoculars to see the red rock and other boats. It took us some time to finally arrive in Padre Bay and we were able to find the other boat (which had gone ahead to scout a spot). They found a great spot right in front of Gunsight Butte. We beached the houseboat and began the next few days in the shadow of this beautiful landmark.
My memories of the first evening there are of Tevia and I cooking (we usted the BBQ to do chicken, which came out great). I also was able to go out and remembered how to get up on a wakeboard (it had been years). But my favorite memory of that first night was all of us sitting on the top of the houseboat that first night and looking at the stars. I had my laser pointer and my Google Sky app which helped us locate constellations and other objects like the Andromeda galaxy. It was amazingly beautiful and we saw many satellites and shooting stars as well. We even saw the international space station go across the sky, which was so bright in this wilderness it was impossible not to think it was some UFO. I didn't sleep much the first night (rarely do on any camping trip), but the night was cool and the moon bright (after most of us were asleep and after looking at the stars).
The rest of the trip, my highlights were:
- Wakeboarding several times and learning how to do a 180 and just enjoying the glass that we had several times per day
- Taking a trip into Antelope Point marina to get gas and some other things. We did this on Thursday (Jacob, Tevia, Enok, and Malik) and we got a nice lime popsicle and a big cup of orange soda.
- Jumping/Diving off the boat (we didn't ever find a great place to cliff jump so this was our thrill for the week)
- Going on hikes with my boys and rolling rocks into the lake as well as skipping rocks
- Going on a long hike with Tevia
- Driving the speed boat several times for people
- Tubing with Tommy while Jacob drove and realizing how much energy/strength it takes to do this (when going fast)
- Watching the stars every night
- Having Jimmy arrive for the brief day or so he was there
In the end the trip was great. The weather could not have been better (not too hot, not too cold). Nobody got hurt or really all that sunburned (only Jimmy and Holly of all of us even got burned at all). The food and snacks were great. The boats never broke down.
On Saturday we packed up and headed out before noon. The long trip back to the marina went great and my mom and Tevia joined me for much of the trip back on the top of the boat. Once we docked we were packed in our cars and headed out within an hour or so. We took Hazel with us again. We stopped at Sonic for lunch in Page on the way back this time and the drive was great.
Thank you Jacob for setting all of this up and spending so much of your time on money on some wonderful family memories. I had a great time. I'm sure we'll end up there again some time in the next few years.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
My mother
Bernice Margaret Balsom, born 1928.
When she moved into assisted living, she had to get rid of lots of her stuff. She gave me 2 journals. Since I had plenty of time today, I picked them up to read through them. I found them entrancing.
It is funny how little we appreciate our mothers when we are small.
I also noticed how much like her I am. She was a very grateful person, almost every day she would write one thing she was grateful for, even the smallest things, like that she could still walk, or being able to read.
She loved to learn, and often spoke of the classes she took at the community college when all her friends thought she was too old to go to classes. She prayed for a soul mate after she was a widow for sometime, and her journals says she was grateful God heard her prayers and that Milan was a miracle to her in her life.
She had bad days and good days, like us all. She missed her kids, and grandkids. She wrote about how she wished she lived by them. She treasured every time she saw me and any of our family.
She loved me. She wrote how wonderful all her children turned out. What a nice thing to read. I think we always want to know our mother loves us.
Quote- "I am so happy because I have people who love me". First page of her journal.
She also mentions God often, and talks about how she loves to sing in church and pray and how He has always guided her in her life.
It was a beautiful way to spend some time today. I am grateful for her.
" A mother is a person who seeing there are only 4 pieces of pie for 5 people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." I found this quote in her journal.
She really did sacrifice a lot for us kids.
November 9, 1999
"I don't want to die yet. I love to look at the trees and walk among them. I love to fluff my pillows on my bed. I love to make plans to do things. Life is so full of things to enjoy."
to my children- and their spouses- I love you all, and always will. You truly bring me joy.
When she moved into assisted living, she had to get rid of lots of her stuff. She gave me 2 journals. Since I had plenty of time today, I picked them up to read through them. I found them entrancing.
It is funny how little we appreciate our mothers when we are small.
I also noticed how much like her I am. She was a very grateful person, almost every day she would write one thing she was grateful for, even the smallest things, like that she could still walk, or being able to read.
She loved to learn, and often spoke of the classes she took at the community college when all her friends thought she was too old to go to classes. She prayed for a soul mate after she was a widow for sometime, and her journals says she was grateful God heard her prayers and that Milan was a miracle to her in her life.
She had bad days and good days, like us all. She missed her kids, and grandkids. She wrote about how she wished she lived by them. She treasured every time she saw me and any of our family.
She loved me. She wrote how wonderful all her children turned out. What a nice thing to read. I think we always want to know our mother loves us.
Quote- "I am so happy because I have people who love me". First page of her journal.
She also mentions God often, and talks about how she loves to sing in church and pray and how He has always guided her in her life.
It was a beautiful way to spend some time today. I am grateful for her.
" A mother is a person who seeing there are only 4 pieces of pie for 5 people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." I found this quote in her journal.
She really did sacrifice a lot for us kids.
November 9, 1999
"I don't want to die yet. I love to look at the trees and walk among them. I love to fluff my pillows on my bed. I love to make plans to do things. Life is so full of things to enjoy."
to my children- and their spouses- I love you all, and always will. You truly bring me joy.
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