Been a While

Well, it's about to hit the holidays, so I should probably recap on what's been goin on ... with me, at least.
So, we watched Wall-E not too long ago, very good movie; say what you want, that movie has climbed up to my "top 5 favorite movies" list. Another movie that I would recommend watching is An American Carol. It's very funny, but you'll need TVG or something for a few words they say.
Rifle Team. We are currently at second place in the conference, about 8 points behind our rival team, Daleville. I am the 8th top shooter right now. The whole precision team is in a kind of funk right now, no idea why, we're just not shooting well right now. When we do shoot well, though, our rivals (who normally shoot around 1110 out of 1200 points which is nothing compared to what Entrerprise shoots) "somehow" shoot somewhere around as high as us. About two weeks ago, our match that week we shot 1166, the best that Enterprise has shot in, like, ever; that same week, however, Daleville shot 1153 ... I think they're up to no good. So far, I think I have a good chance at becoming Rifle Team commander next year. Let's see, what else ... hmm ... can't think of anything, I guess I'll just wait til after the holidays for the next post.
This is Hawkeye, signing out.

We are thankful for hot water among other things...

So, we had a pretty calm Thanksgiving---dinner-wise that is. Kira and family went to Anna's (Georgia), Jacob to in-laws, and everyone else lives out of state. So just JaNae and family came over. It was simple: we just had turkey breast, sweet tater casserole, funeral taters and a veggie tray. Minimal leftovers and stress...
WHICH is good because we had enough stress from no hot water. I just read where Nathan's family just had to replace their water heater. What is it about holidays/winter and appliances? (unless it's AC-it will go out in summer of course). So, T-day the water heater quits heating and we just do without until Friday.
Jim was working 12 hour shifts so he wasn't available. I figure(having been through this before)it is one or both of the heating elements or thermostats. So, I get "brave", do research online and decide to change out everything. (yep, me, I surprised even myself) Sure enough, both elements were bad. When we were getting out more of the DEEP collection of sediment at the bottom however, there was a gel-like substance as well. We turned on the power but still no hot water. Decide to continue on Saturday. Saturday did more research...turns out gel junk is the dip tube disintegrating and that a breaker switch is picky. Now what? Before I can decide what we really need to do, Miles and Jotty return home from the Todd's and they bring a new water heater in with them. A gift from the Todd family...can you believe it? Teri Todd wouldn't take no for an answer, refused to consider our paying her back etc. I do sewing for her but never to equal that!
Anyway, we had the water heater but no way to find a plumber or electrician on Iron Bowl game day. I stressed, cried, called men in the ward to see if ANYONE knows how to install one but to no avail. JaNae says she can help but she's got company for the game and I hate asking her to come over. She does anyway, Jim wakes up and she invites us over for game day dinner. We went over, ate, and after calming down (and talking to Jeremy's dad, Denver) I decided we could do this ourselves!
We went home, they wrestled the old water heater out of the laundry room and I proceeded to install the new one. (At this point, this has become MY challenge, my project. I let them help when I needed muscle.) We did it! Denver came over after the game and checked out our wiring job, tested for power (with a multimeter I had but didn't know how to use) and suggested we change out one of the pipes. We did and just before we powered it on, the Todd's came over and he happened to have wire nuts that we didn't so he put those on. It is so nice to have hot water but even better...friends and family to help. I can't help but be pleased about the fact that we did it (for the most part)ourselves. I sure know a lot about water heaters now and I will do better about periodically flushing the tank out to get rid of the sediment. If you aren't doing that, do yourself a favor, save yourself stress and put it on your schedule. It won't save the dip tube but it will help your heating elements last longer. I suspect that the heater won't rust out as fast either because you won't have all that sediment at the bottom.
Anyway, that was our T-day weekend. It has turned cold pretty fast... it is "beginning to feel a lot like Christmas"...what appliance is next??

And now for some Thanksgiving Trivia! No peeking at the answers (found at the end of the blog). I had 5 correct answers.

1. In what year was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
A. 1493 B. 1621 C.1778 D. 1622
2. Which native people celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims?
A. The Wampanoag B. The Iroquois C. The Sioux D. The Choctaw
3. How fast can a wild turkey fly over a short distance?
A. 35 mph B.15 mph C. 55 mph D. 22 mph
4. What is the name for the skin that hangs from a turkey's neck?
A. Snark B. Wattle C. Swag D. Garble
5. What sound does a turkey make to communicate danger is near?
A. Gobble gobble B. Turk turk turk C. Putt D. Clack clack
6. About how many feathers does a mature turkey have?
A. 3,500 B. 2,000 C. 5,000 D. 1,500

We are going to have a small T-day as Kira & family are going to Anna's and Jacob's family always goes to her Mom's. JaNae WAS going to go to Anna's too but plans changed so they will still come over. We are going to do it VERY small and I'm happy about that. Seems we go to all this trouble, have an overabundance of food and the turkey is the least of the things stuffed! Friday we are going to start wrapping gifts so I can make sure I am not leaving any of the kids or grandkids out (not counting me there is 37) and so I can get packages in the mail sooner this year. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, I will get Christmas cards done earlier and get the gifts made for VT and HT families etc. Well, I can dream....

Miles' Eagle Court of Honor was going to be the last week of Dec but Jason and Michelle will be here the second week of January so we'll wait until then so both Jason and Jacob can sit in the "Eagle's nest". Maybe we can get Ian to come up too? We'll see.

Jotty was qualifying last week for the National rifle team competition in Ohio. He'll find out next week if he made the cut. Right now he is ranked 7th in the local "conference" of 7 or 8 schools.
Miles' drill team got 1st place in the two competitions they've had so far. One was 1st place overall and the other was 1st place in demilitarized drill category but 2nd place overall.

It has been getting colder here and that makes my arthritis flare up...however...it does put me in the Christmas mood! (yes, I know, we don't have to shovel snow or live with the cold for 6 months).
Well, until next post!
Here are the answers to the T-day trivia. How'd you do?
1)B, 2) A, 3) C, 4) B, 5) C, 6) A

Well, not that anyone is asking, but here I go again. Sometimes I just find it difficult to get around to blogging. We were so immersed in Jotty's Eagle project that when it was finished I just zoned out. Now work is getting more stressing as we try to finish the individual calendar we do for each set of parents -AND deal with 14 three-year-olds who don't understand "inside voices" or sitting still for 15 seconds. Lately I have been tending JaNae's kids a couple times a week, drive the normal school-day drive (seminary, school pick-up, drop-off stuff), have my allergies winning the battle, and helped a very dear friend while she went through a crisis. Add RS responsibilities, sewing for other people(although Karina's "Genie"costume was kind of fun to create) and my downright laziness (because I DO manage to make time for the "Super Granny" game), and I just never get around to blogging OR a lot of other things which will remain nameless.
Jotty's Eagle project was done at the county DHR too. His project was re-doing the entryway and the waiting room. I included before & after pics. In a nutshell, the wallpaper was torn off a year ago leaving the walls ugly and depressing so we primed & painted and spruced the area up. They were appreciative of the new look. It took our whole week of fall break from school and we were really scrapping for help some days because of that. One client complained about the wall color and one DHR employee thought we should have sanded the walls first. As another employee pointed out, we would have needed equipment and professionals for that...this was just a group of volunteers helping out at no expense to DHR. Well, its done! Jotty still has a couple merit badges to finish. Miles' Eagle Court of Honor is waiting for ME to organize. (yep, I needed more things to do).
Ian sent lots of costumes for the little kids(hurray and thank you) and included two trenchcoats so the boys could dress as brothers Dante & Virgil from a video game(Devil May Cry 3)for their Halloween activities. I had to add a piece down the whole back of Miles' coat as he was just too broad-shouldered for the "one-size-fits-all". JaNae cut Miles' wig, I sprayed Jotty's hair kind of white, we "tinted" the coats, and they put the other stuff together. They went with Jeremy to take the kids trick-or-treating and then went to the last half of the school football game. I couldn't figure out the odd/concerned look on the cops faces as I dropped them off at the game...until I realized I had dropped off two kids in dark trenchcoats, boots, gloves and odd hair. I guess they get nervous about those things.The pirate pics are from an "under the sea" school activity for homecoming week. Miles, Jotty, and their friend Jeremy all dressed as pirates. There were other kids who did also but they had store-bought costumes. Those three did their costumes from stuff they had---friend Jeremy asks, "What are the odds that we're the only three that just happen to have 16th century style shirts in our closets?" We couldn't find the toy parrot we used to have so I sewed a turtle to Jotty's shoulder and a crab to Miles'. Miles would tell people, "Aye, this here is me crab, Clarence. Clarence ate me bird, so now he's livin' a life of servitude". They staged a sword fight at lunch and had a lot of fun. Miles' pic was even in the newspaper. The pic of me is a last minute "put-together" for school...ta-da...Mother Nature! (you didn't know she was aging so badly did you?)

Getting to know you
ok so Anna tagged us to answer these questions. There wasn't a #37 or #38 on hers so I don't know what they were.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No. Rumor has it that being born in January, my brothers offered Jan as a suitable name.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Women's Conference Broadcast last week
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No, but my printing looks pretty good.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Braunsweiger (liverwurst)
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Nine great kids!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Only when asked a stupid question.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, but the Dr. wants them.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NO!
1O.FAVORITE CEREAL? Cracklin' Oat Bran, Granola with lots of stuff in it
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?No.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Dove "Unconditional Chocolate" and most Mint Chocolate Chip
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their attitude
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My OCD tendencies.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mother.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No, I'm reading them online.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Lavender sandals.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Cereal
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sirius Radio (#144 Patriot)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Maja perfume, bread baking in the oven
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Jim
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love my daughter
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH ON TV?: Don't watch TV
27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown
28. EYE COLOR? Dark Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not any more
30.FAVORITE FOOD? Tacos
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings...enough scary thinngs in real life.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? "The Incredibles" (with Cian)
33. COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Lavender and navy
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer; pool gets used and boys are out of school
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs mostly
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? ice cream
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? New Testament
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?Desktop--family pic, laptop---grey grid
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Don't watch TV
42. FAVORITE SOUND? A baby cooing
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany(East and West)
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? NO.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Whittier, California

Okay,okay...I'll update

Not much going on in our neck of the woods. School in full swing (complete with after-school practices and big reports), busy with church callings, work, tending grandkids, and all the things that take up the average day for most people. Miles' Eagle board is Oct 9th, Jim's b'day is the 11th, fall break starts Oct 13th, we hope to do Jotty's Eagle project that week, my BP is(again) not regulated, arthritis is also in my back, and I don't have esophogeal cancer(hurray!)and we were entirely missed by this hurricane season! Isn't it GREAT that Life goes on? Now, if my candidates win too... Make sure you all vote!
So, a couple week s ago I was writing my responses to the ABC tag that Sis mentioned she wanted to tag me with and then my senile 19 year-old cat walked over my computer keyboard and poof! it was gone. Then I got busy with work and R.S. and tending grandkids and now, after urging from Anna, I'll try it again. I thought that maybe Miles or Jotty might blog but they do "Facebook" more. Without further ado...
ABC Tag
A is for your age: 55 (& 1/2) years old
B is for burger of choice: Bacon, cheese...Wendy's or Checker's-
C is for the car you drive: 1997 Mercury Voyager (mini van)
D is for your dog's name: "Moroni" (we didn't choose...now we call him "Moni" )
E is for essential item used everyday: Necessary:glasses--- Want:Diet pepsi
F is for favorite TV show at the moment:Haven't watched TV for 8 yrs,--liked "Quantum Leap"
G is for favorite game: Apples to Apples
H is for home state: from California but Alabama is home now.
I is for instruments you play: hahahaha...right. Oh-long ago I could play 2 songs on harmonica
J is for favorite juice: cherry pomegranate
K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: oh,to count the heinies...
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: um...Olive Garden? Been so long I don't remember
M is for your favorite Muppet: Fozzy Bear
N is for number of piercings: One in each ear.
O is for overnight hospital stays: 15...seven were for birthing.
P is for people you were with today: 14 three year-olds and a co-teacher
Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Zone-out, freecell, sew
R is for biggest regret: Not being more sensitive to others in my teens
S is for status: Married for 19 years (as of Sept 9th)
T is for time you woke up today: 6:00 a.m.
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: Not a thing!
V is for vegetable you love: Artichoke (although it's technically a cactus)
W is for worst habit: getting OCD about things
X is for x-rays you've had: neck, back, hips, hands, feet, legs, knees, elbows...
Y is for yummy food you ate today: bagel with cream cheese
Z is for zodiac: Aquarius
I would like to tag lots of people but I don't know how to link to anyone....if you are reading this and you haven't done it then you are tagged!

Little Jim and Big Jim

A week ago Royal, Elizabeth, Grace, Sienna and "little Jim" came to visit Saturday night, Sunday, and Monday on their way down to Orlando. We had such a delightful visit but it wasn't long enough! Elizabeth and I were so excited that school was cancelled on Monday due to weather. It meant I didn't have to go to work so she and I got to "play" and we all had longer to see the kids too. They also got to be here for our ward conference and the "linger longer" afterwards so some of the ward members got to visit with them too. On Sunday night, we all got together over at Kira and Ben's for Family Home Evening (we were missing Jim and JaNae due to work schedules) but we had everyone else who lives "in these parts". It was a nice (if noisy) get together.

Miles' Eagle project is finally finished! Three Saturdays in a row we have worked on it and it looks great! The woman at DHR (Dept of Human Resources) said that the project totally exceeded her expectations. The room is used for foster children visitations and activities related to that and it looked like a sterile hospital room...you know, not very child-friendly. DHR was just hoping for some toys and a toy box for the most part and maybe a DVD player. The tiny TV/VCR they had was borrowed. They got a whole lot more. The entire project was mostly funded by Wal-mart (and they donated a 20" TV),and three sisters in the ward gave him some money. He also asked for used toy donations from the ward. The first day was spent building parts of a shelf unit for a TV,VCR, DVD player, books and toys. It couldn't be completely finished because they have narrow halls so it had to be completely assembled at DHR when we got to that point. The second day was cleaning all the toys (earlier in the day we had a church building deep-clean "activity") and the third day was building a toybox, putting the shelf unit together and anchoring it to the wall, applying a mural and a few other things. The pictures don't show the whole room but you can see the shelves and the mural. Whaddya think? He is so glad to have that finished. The same day, from 7 a.m. to Noon was an ROTC car wash that he was in charge of (because he's the commander) then we did the Eagle project from 1:00 to 5:00.

Jotty knows what his project is going to be now too and I think that's half the battle. DHR needs a lot of work...in fact, there are about 3 more projects there. Most of it is painting and "cosmetic" work that badly needs to be done. State budget cuts have cut jobs and other money so painting is definitely not a priority and there isn't money for it. Of course this came about after all the wallpaper was removed. It is so ugly its depressing.

We are currently getting ready to "batten down the hatches" for Gustav and Hanna's approach. We will get mostly wind and rain but with those of course come the chance of tornadoes so everything has to be tied down or stored. It can be a real pain but at least we know what to do (we think we do anyway). Ian and Jessica are in Hattiesburg, Mississippi but he says he's not worried and that they have all the supplies they need.

Wherever you are...be safe!

My Girl

Yep, that's me girl. The first time I heard the name, Freya, it was the name of a character on a Final Fantasy game. The next time I heard it, it was the name of a song by The Sword. The other occasion was at EFY, when I met a female counselor with the name. After I named my iguana, Dad told me that it was the name of a major goddess in Norse mythology; the goddess of beauty and love.

As Mom said earlier, she is extremely sweet. She's does, however, squirm when she gets nervous. She's also gotten more active since I let her wander around a little bit (under careful supervision of course). She also gets along with the other pets, to the point of sharing her bath with the turtle (pic). Our cat, Keeter, has touched and sniffed Freya. (On a side note, Keeter is ENTHRALLED by the lizard. Ever since I put Freya in my room, Keeter has been there, as if she's is guarding the lizard.)

As far as likes and dislikes go, we've found that she enjoys her baths. Iguanas are very good swimmers too. After her bath, I can get her to sit still for about an hour by wrapping her in a towel and rubbing her head and neck. She also LOVES bread. I can get her to eat it out of my hand. Unfortunately, she doesn't eat as much greens, which is what she needs to eat.

Overall, I'm very happy that we have her in the family. Hopefully, she'll be around for a while and I'll continue to be able to take good care of her. Ahm Outta Heah!

School Dazed

This is Miles with his new "girl" Freya; she's very sweet. I will let Miles blog more about her...

School started Thursday and seminary starts Monday at 6:30 a.m. Whoopee. I just really hate early mornings...have NEVER been a morning person but life still seems to go on. Anyway, I don't know how the boys do it, but some of their courses sound very intimidating...especially the college ones. And with practice til 5:00 every evening...maybe its because I haven't been in school for awhile but it seems they have definitely "raised the bar" with some of these classes. Want to hear my big gripe? Too bad, I'm going to share it anyway...If a kid takes AP and Honors courses and gets all 'A's his GPA is the same 4.0 as the kid who takes basic "gimmee" courses.(yes, I understand that some kids should take the easier courses...but there are many who take them because they want easy A's) So, if a kid gets a B in an tough course, it is "weighted", and is the same as an A in a basic course...but they don't "weight" the GPA. So much for encouraging kids to challenge themselves...
At Mom's Day Out we had a couple workdays this week and an Open House but there wasn't much Milesa (my co-teacher) and I could do because they are refurbishing our classroom and aren't done yet. It's going to look great when they are done though. Personally, I like the idea of a spruced up room with more closet space but I'd rather have a new director than a new room. At any rate, right now we don't even know where we are going to temporarily be on Monday. I really wish I could quit and stay home and do genealogy and sew.


Miles' Eagle project goes to the council this week for approval. At least he already has most of the money donated. I asked the boys if there were any school supplies they still needed and Jotty started telling me about how all students received a "school bag". A homemade fabric bag with spiral binders, pencils,ruler, & colored pencils. Guess where they were from? Yep, Salt Lake. What is weird is that last year our ward did school bags for our humanitarian project. In fact I think that several wards in our stake also did. Well, you can bet that the story of school donations won't make it to the local newspaper,well,at least the likelihood of mentioning the church will be small.

On average, this summer we have had rain nearly every afternoon, consequently, the weeds seemed to feel that they were being encouraged to grow and three days after you mow, the weeds are 6 inches higher than the grass and it is time to mow again. NOW I understand why the guy who owns the empty lot behind us doesn't mow the weeds until fall-it's pointless. Meanwhile we can't keep up with it all. I think I like the lifestyle our former neighbor has now...someone else mows the lawns in the complex and he has only to take care of his front porch with two potted plants on it. I might be able to manage that.

We're excited that Royal and his family are coming for a short visit at the end of August! They will be on their way to Orlando (Disney World) with Elizabeth's Mom and sister. We'll take them anyway we can get 'em so we're glad they're making the trip. For those of you that don't read their blog, they might be moving to Jim's old "stompin' grounds" --- St. Louis . I think that after they go to Disney World, we will be the ONLY ones in the family that haven't gone...wait, no, Kira and clan haven't gone yet either. Doesn't much matter to me but I'll wager the boys would be glad to go. Jason and Michelle said they were coming back for a visit in December to get the rest of their stuff in storage. Its a permanent move I guess. One of my fondest desires is to get all the families together again for one more family photo. The kids are spreading out...Anna in Georgia, Jason in Calif, Royal in Missouri (or Kentucky), Ian in Missippi. I really think our window of opportunity is small for a family photo...Guess I can "photoshop" them together but it isn't the same.

Well, its time for me to get something done around here. For all you reading this...have you updated YOUR blog lately???

Jacob and Amanda had their baby today(Tuesday, July 29th) about 1:30! His name is Liam James and he weighed 9lbs 2 oz and is 22 1/2 inches long. Mom and baby doing fine and are supposed to go home tomorrow. For those counting,(and I am), he is our 21st grandchild.

Summer swimming, (some'r not)

It took me forever to figure out how to put on a slideshow...had to call Kira (one of my blog-mentors) These are pics of JaNae's, Jacob's and Kira's kids in our pool. Wesley decided he was tired of the pool quickly so he sat it out and watched our dog play soccer with the basketball.
Daniel got more used to the water this year in "swimming lessons" and likes going under water now and Brice learned to swim, so they stay in the shallow end and play... without floaties! Brice will even jump off the board and dog paddle to the edge. Bailey and Amry are such fish! They are all over the pool and jumping off the board. I tried to teach Bailey how to dive off the edge of the pool but she's still too hesitant to trust herself. She'll get it, Amry did. Carlise is fine in our pool---so its weird how she didn't like the water part of the cute little pool set-up her parents did, or the beach. She'll probably be totally different next year. Mary Ann thinks that she can do whatever she wants (ie: no floaties etc) so sometimes it is a constant battle to keep them on her and keep her in the shallow end. Cian just loves to float or kick all around the pool, relaxing in the water. Josey was also content just floating. She was comfortable too because the water is warm. I love it when they come over to use the pool--it justifies the work we put into it.

We went and got the boys' school schedule today. This is how their typical school day will go this year: Seminary at 6:30,wait for them there, then at 7:30 I drop them off at the site of the old high school (stadium), where they catch a shuttle bus to Carroll St. School (an OLD elementary school in poorest part of town--it hasn't been used for much for years) Students will be at Carroll for 1st and 2nd period. Then a shuttle bus back to the stadium, then another shuttle across town to the portable classrooms at EOCC (the college) for 3rd period, then shuttled back across town to the ROTC building for 4th period at the old high school site. I will pick them up there about 5:00 (they have drill and rifle practice after ROTC classes). Any student driver has to leave their car either at the college or the stadium because there is only parking for 8 cars at the Carroll school. The downside for us is that we will use more gas because I'll have to drive back across town to pick them up at the ROTC building whereas last year they walked home because we live so close to EOCC. It's times like these when I long for a community mass transit system..."take the bus home". Ah well. We could let them drive EXCEPT Miles still has to finish his Eagle project (scheduled for the 2nd week in August), and then there is the minor "little issues" like no 3rd car or money to insure one, or money to insure another driver. The good thing is that he isn't chomping at the bit and nagging us to drive.
Wow! School starts in 3 weeks...NOT ready!

This Summer

Hey y'all, been a while, I'm probably not gonna write much, if that's so, it's because Miles said it all and I can't say it any better. So, the Summer started with Scout Camp. Miles went to ROTC camp while I went to Staff Week, where the staff does some last minute preparations for camp. Two weeks later, Scout camp began. Miles and I were there for half of the first week; Thursday through Saturday we were at Youth Conference, which was awesome (but actually not as good as my first youth conference in my view). After Youth Conference, we went back to Scout camp for the second week. To sum it all up, Scout camp was fun, what else can I say? After camp was over, Miles and I went over to Gainsville, Georgia for EFY. Miles already told you about that, so all I can say is, "Ditto". So now we're back for the rest of Summer. Miles has already started practice for the Drill Team, and Rifle Team practice for me is gonna start next Monday and go all the way until school starts. And that's pretty much all I have to say, wish me luck on the Precision Team (and wish me luck on getting the position of Rifle Team Commander, I'm gonna be reaching for that throughout the year).

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

EFY

I got the chance to go to a session of EFY at Gainesville GA. It was AMAZING!!! I met so many people, had so much fun, and REALLY felt the Spirit.
When we got there on Monday, we unpacked into our rooms, and met the guys in our company. Our male counselor, Paul, was a really cool guy. Then we went and met the girls in our group. The female counselor, Leinani, was also really cool. Overall, my group was fantastic. We all got along very quickly. Not only that, but we all started to act like friends that we had known for year, when really I had never met any of these people in my life. The next 2 days we went to classes. I really liked how we could choose the classes we went to. We had a dance on Tuesday and Games Night on Wednesday (a.k.a Pizza Night).
On Thursday, we had a Variety Show. Every performance was great. I brought my practice rifle and a set of BDUs (camoflouge uniform) and did my individual that I performed at Daytona. A lot of people liked it. I got a standing ovation (as well as everyone). If you want to see it, go to my facebook and look at my videos. Brianna, a girl from my group, got the first minute of it. I personally think that my performance was not that good, but everyone else said that it was "sick" ( that means that it was good). At the end of the day we had a Musical Program and a fireside. Then we had a testimony meeting. I had felt the Spirit all week because of the outstanding youth that I was around. But during the Musical Program, that fireside, and the testimony meeting, I felt the Spirit even stronger. As I bore my testimony, I mentioned that I knew that there were other good youth around the world, but that I had never really seen it until now. There were people from around the U.S., and one from the UK. It was a wonderful feeling that even rivaled the time that I went to Navoo (and that was unbelievable).
On Friday, we split up the Young Men and Young Women, and went to our YM/YW activites. The Young Men went and discussed The Living Christ (the testimony of the apostles). Then we discussed how Christ affected our lives personally. After lunch, we had a service project; knitting hats for infants in colder regions. I did absolutely NOTHING!! The girl I was with said that she liked doing this kind of thing. I offered to help several times, but she just said something like, "Hold this." The last thing we had that day was a dance. After the dance, we had a slide show of photos taken during the session. After the slide show, me and the guys in our group escorted our girls back to their rooms. We gave them all hugs, and told them good night. When they went inside, I told the guys that we should sing to them. I suggested God Be With You Til We Meet Again. All the girls came to the window of one of their rooms. After the singing (which definitely was not our best) they came out and hugged us again. Before we went to bed, we had a night time devotional (like we did every night and morning). Then we went to bed.
To sum this all up, I will never regret going to this one bit. I met so many good people, and my testimony was strengthened so much. I'm definitely going back again next year. And when I get back from my mission, I'm going to be a counselor. I also got a TON of contacts form people that I met. I'm very grateful for the Internet (the good part of it anyway) and how it lets us stay in contact with each other. As for now though, Ahm Outta Heah!

What a long strange trip it was

As most of you know, my mother passed away Wednesday, July 2. The trip to St. Louis and back was a memorable one. I left on the 4th of July from Montgomery, Alabama. We couldn't take off on schedule because the temperature in the cabin of the plane was 106. When they turned the power on to cool it off, they found that half the air conditioners were broken. Seems the maintenance people didn't feel like working that morning. They borrowed a large air conditioning unit from Delta and spent an hour and 45 minutes trying to cool the plane. They got the temperature down to 96, and we took off. With that kind of delay, a prayer was said that I wouldn't miss my connecting flight in Memphis. I got there just as they were about to close the door. Finally made it to St. Louis without any further incident.
My sister and brother and I went through Mom's apartment and found the most amazing thing. She had boxed up most everything because she was preparing to move from her apartment, but what we didn't expect to find was that she had labeled some of them as to who was to get that box. She also left notes in items explaining what they meant to her and why we were getting them. I really think Mom knew she was about to go and was prepared for it.
The funeral was different. I'm used to LDS funerals, so the canned country version of "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Loves Me" sounded a little strange. Even my brother thought it was inappropriate. But, it was a nice funeral and I thanked the pastor for his kind words. At the cemetary, I was able to consecrate the burial plot. I enjoyed spending time with my sister and getting closer to her. She's a very special lady.
The trip back kind of made up for the trip up. I met another man about my age waiting for the plane to Memphis. We talked and found out we had several things in common. We were there very early so he suggested we have breakfast while we waited. We talked about the '67 and '68 World Series, our children, our grandchildren, and our military experiences. While we were talking, a woman asked to see my boarding pass. She asked me to follow her and took me to the desk. She said the back portion of the plane was quite full and wanted to know if I would be willing to exchange my coach ticket for a first class ticket. I wound up on row 2. My new friend was also asked to exchange his ticket for a first class one. So, we flew together to Memphis first class. What a wonderful experience. Sooooooo much leg room. Personally, I think they just wanted to take the two big fat guys and redistribute the weight. At Memphis I found my connection to Montgomery and found my new friend (John) was also going to Montgomery. He was going to see his son's new baby girl. We flew the rest of the way together and had a wonderful time. At Montgomery, I said goodby to John, picked up my baggage, and had lunch at Subway. Jan and the boys picked me up a little later and back home we went through all the stuff I brought back and will be giving it to the rest of the family soon. I miss my mother, but look forward to next year when I can get the temple work done for her.

Great Way to Spend A Weekend

Friday afternoon I left for Atlanta with friends in the ward. Friday evening we went to the temple and they did an endowment session and I did initiatory for 5 of my family file and 2 for another patron. The most important for me was doing my mom's work. I kept imagining her there, dressed in white and smiling.

Afterwards we went to eat at the "Sweet Tomato" and it was delicious! Mostly all you can eat salads but it hit the spot.

Saturday morning we went again and all did endowments. I went through for my Mom and it was a sweet experience. All I have left is to seal her to her parents and my Dad and then I can be sealed to them. Can you imagine the celebration that they were all having? My Mom was the last to "join" them, and to have her work done. It will be nice to have that "link" completed.
(I found a letter that had clues to finding more information on my mom's grandfather and further down the line. I am excited at the possibility of being able to finally get more geneology done on mom's side.)
After the temple, we went to the newly opened Home Storage Center to fill a big order for the ward members. There were 7 of us: 5 of us doing the canning/labeling and 2 organizing and boxing the orders. We filled nearly 500 #10 cans!!! We were there for 6 and a half hours and then set out on the 4 1/2 hour drive home. We were beat but it felt good to accomplish so much. We also decided to limit how much we would can next time so we can get home earlier.

While I was coming back from Atlanta on Saturday, the boys got home from camp, washed clothes and began packing again for EFY week. Today, JaNae and I took the boys to Gainesville, GA for EFY . We left at 5 a.m. and got back at 5:30 p.m. It was nice to have someone with me on the long drive home. Everyone slept on the way up. JaNae spelled me on driving for about 30 minutes so I could close my eyes. She was tired though because she had been up all night working in the E.R. but that little nap refreshed me enough to drive the rest of the trip. When I got home I crashed on the sofa for a couple of hours. Why is driving so tiring? We just sit there in the car...
Anyway, return trip is Friday night & Sat a.m. so it won't be up and back in the same day. I am still trying to see if I can get to the marriage in Atlanta before I pick the boys up. While we are busy doing that, Anna and her siblings and families are going to try to go to the beach. I hope to be able to see them sometime while they are here for a few days.
Tomorrow I have to work but there is so much I'd rather get done. I have to go pick up the pool pump motor first. It died and we had to have it repaired. Bishop is going to hook it back up for us and, I think, put in a new timer for it.
Okay, this old body is signaling I have passed my curfew for the night. Later!

A bird built her nest in our "pool toy shed" and we've enjoyed watching the progression of the eggs and hatchlings. The baby bird on JaNae's hand was in the skimmer basket when Brice found it, clinging to the wire handle and trying to keeps its head above the water. Apparently he had tried flying and wasn't successful. JaNae got him out and sat in the hot sun with him to dry him off. She finally got him off her finger (he wasn't eager to let go) and back on the nest and later in the day he and his other two nest-mates had flown away. Amazing how fast birds grow and learn to fly. They sure were cute!

So, more people read our blog than I thought. Now maybe I oughta be careful what I write...?Nah.
So, to answer questions some people posed...
You're right, that back area of our yard should be attacked with a tiller but ours died an inglorious death many years ago. We did have someone bush-hog most of the mimosas out last year. We need to kill the other junk, add nutrients to the dirt, get some energy (ha!) and then plant a garden again. We had one for a few years but then I tore my hamstring and was laid up for quite awhile and the garden didn't get the attention it needed. Then....da da da dummmm ATTACK OF THE MIMOSAS!! Gads, to me it is worse than kudzu...but then, we don't have a problem with kudzu...yet.
My hands are now fine...just a couple of tiny dots of paint on a few of my fingernails that only I see. Of course, I still have to do the second coat-even with gloves I'm sure I won't come out "clean". But I will travel around the pool with acetone handy this time!
The boys are doing fine and VERY busy. Jim picked them up from scout camp (did I mention they are staff again this year?) Thursday a.m., they re-packed for Youth Conference and left at 11:30. They came home from youth conference on Saturday afternoon, washed clothes, repacked again , checked email, made phone calls, (napped-Miles) we watched a movie and talked about youth conference and today before church I had them back at the camp for their last week of work.
This coming weekend is going to be a bear! I leave Friday night with people in our ward to go to Atlanta. We'll go to the cannery, go to our hotel, go to the temple Saturday a.m. and then back to the cannery before we head home. Simutaneously, on Saturday, the boys will come home from camp, wash clothes and re-pack for EFY in Gainesville, Georgia (N.E. of Atlanta). We'll all have Sunday home and then at o'dark thirty on Monday a.m. JaNae and I will leave to take the Miles and Jotty to EFY. The following Saturday I haven't figured out yet. I need to pick the boys up in Gainesville on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. but am supposed to be at the temple for a wedding at 9:00a.m. No one else is going from our ward to EFY and I hate to impose on anyone from another ward (if they even have room)to bring the boys home. I may miss the wedding...maybe I can make it to Atlanta in time...
Anyway, I don't mind that there is so much to do, what gets me is trying to think it all out and get the timing right(okay, so the expense of the gas is REALLY going to bug me). My thinker doesn't plan as well as it used to so I get a little stressed. Not fun.
The wedding dress alterations are just about done so I can soon start on the mountain of mending and projects I have waiting. I guess we won't attack the garage until the boys are home in July...much more FUN when we can all do it together in the 100 degree heat. ;) Oh wait, that won't work, Miles starts drill practice in July. How in the world did I orchestrate everything when all 9 kids lived at home? They were all constantly involved in things and had camp and youth conferences etc. Oh yes, of course, that was a younger me.

All that fencing that has lattice on it had the vine "trunk" on it. You can also kind of see the rickety wooden fence behind the pool area. That chainlink corner is where we did the repairs. Try to imagine the deck looking nice.
Here's where Miles mowed back all the jade vine off of the lawn. The roots are still there but that's another project. On the other side of this fence is the pool area.
Here's the back, behind the pool area, that was filled with mimosa seedlings and the jade vine. Don't know if we can ever plant a garden here again as they continue to pop up all year long and grow like...well--weeds.

Anna asked for an update. But since the boys aren't here I guess I will write it. I'm not sure that anyone reads this except for you, Anna.
So... while the boys were home last week, we worked hard on the whole yard. The lawns were done and we manicured the edges, cut back hedges and more brush and edged around all the stone steps in the back yard. We got rid of some old wood and fencing that was piled up and also tore apart and chucked the wooden sandbox. The vine that grows on the backyard side of the pool fence got mowed back all the way to the fence. It is hard to believe how far it had grown into the lawn. A few years ago I sprayed a killer on the ivy on the far fence of the pool area. This winter it finally died which left all this woody vine trunk that was twisted and grown into 6 sections of the chainlink fence. Over a few days we got it ALL out...down to a "naked fence". Miles had mowed back the area behind the pool area too so now there was NO privacy. So, we repaired the chain link fence in the back corner of the pool area where the tree fell on it. (We did our best anyway...no way to stretch it but it is secure again). The boys had to hack-saw the top rail pieces among other things. Then we put up all the dirty lattice work again and then I pressure washed it so it looks good. We spray painted the top rail of the chainlink fence (the only part that was rusty) with gray auto primer so it blends in just fine. We planted a few flowers that I got on sale because they looked so sad-(they look great now)! And on Saturday, while Miles took his ACT test Jotty and I put up a "Barbeque Pavillion" for Dad's Father's day gift. (A pop-up gazebo, to which we added a misting hose to help keep him cool while he barbeques)
The boys and I worked every day in the humid heat until about noon or so. It was so hot that after just a few minutes the sweat was just pouring off of you. The boys went swimming after work each day so there was a nice "reward" for a job well done. They really worked hard and never complained.
While the boys were gone the first week I also pressure washed a little more of the pool deck. It is such a slow process to get all 3 coats of paint off. There is about 1/3 of the deck left. I can only work on it on odd numbered days (water conservation)and now that I am back to work for the 4 week summer session... Maybe before I'm 60 it will get done? Yeah, right.
Read on for "Jan's stupid trick of the summer"....
In preparation for pressure washing (which will someday lead to staining or painting the concrete pool deck) I went ahead and painted the rusty steel coping around the pool above the liner. I bought the paint 2 years ago and it was eating me that I hadn't gotten around to it yet. SO, I got into the pool and went around painting. This paint (Rust Bullet) is awesome, it BONDS to rust. It was developed for use in ship repair and car repair and after contacting the manufacturer decided it was my best bet for the coping. Long story short---I'm done and cleaning up and notice it is not coming off of my hands very well. I try Oops, WD 40, Goo-gone and even a magic eraser. No luck. I'm out of acetone so I go to Lowe's for acetone or something to clean it off with and Kira calls. I tell her what I'm doing and she looks it up online while we talk and on their website (not on the can) she reads that the paint adheres to skin very well and if not removed in 20 minutes (long since past) you just have to let it wear off over a period of about 7 days. Now, it was Saturday and the paint is all over my hands and I realize I have to sit up front in RS the next day because that's where the presidency sits. At this point I am seriously considering NOT going to church (I mean, my hands looked awful!) Instead, I decide I'm going to hurry the "wear off" period along. I took my hand-dandy foot callous remover and sanded my hands for the next two hours. I got them to look a bit better...enough that I could hide most of the paint that was still there. DUH...think I oughtta wear gloves for the 2nd coat???? Two items of good news...1) it does wear off in about 7 days and 2) it bonds really well to everything.
I still have an unopened quart of this stuff if anyone needs to conquer rust.
I will post a picture tomorrow of the pool area.

Just for Kicks

Just thought I'd do another post for fun (because it's kinda fun to do a blog), yes, i noticed that the name under the description of the shooter that Kira found is Jason Parker, awkward. Also, just to clear it all up, there are three different people that are in charge of ROTC, Sergeant Major (SGM) Snodgrass, 1st Sergeant (1SG) Fuller (who actually retired this year, so I don't know who the replacement is yet), and Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Clark. SGM is the LET 1 (1st year cadets) teacher plus the Drill Team Instructor. 1SG is the LET 2 teacher plus the Rifle Team Instructor. LTC is the LET 3 teacher plus Staff Instructor. Let's see ........ what else to say ............... zee bop badoobop ba dop bam boo!

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

JROTC Camp

I just got back from camp. It was a flippin' blast!!! I met a lot of really cool people and did a lot of cool things. I'll try to sum it all up as best as I can.

1st Day: I arrived on Sunday and set things up at my barracks. I also met my cadre (I was in Charlie Company) and my bay-mates. we ate dinner and went to bed.

2nd Day: Our company went to an area where we went across a rope bridge (i helped set it up). Then we went to a field where we did activities that built up teamwork. Then we went repelling. That was awesome!! The instructor started off by repelling Australian style (for those of you who do not know, that means he RAN down the tower, instead of jumping down it a little at a time). My platoon also played volleyball and won. Three games were won by C Company.

3rd Day: C Company went to the confidence course. To be brief, it's a series of obstacles that helps build confidence in your physical abilities. After lunch, we went to a navigational course. I was the azimuth shooter (which means I used the compass to navigate). We ended up 200 meters from our destination (my bad). My platoon also played basketball and lost. Three games were won by C Company, making a total of six wins and two losses.

4th Day: C Company went to the LRC course. I'll try to draw it out for you:


=====l=======l=======l=======l========l========l======

This is the shape of the concrete walls (just imagine that the l's extend up and down longer). In each section is a puzzle that you have to solve, using teamwork and the supplies that you are provided with. My group completed 3 of the 5 puzzles that we participated in (no one did every puzzle). My platoon played broom hockey and won. Four games were won by C Company making a grand total of 10 wins and 2 losses, the highest number of wins in the camp.

5th Day: The entire camp had a picnic. The rest 0f the day was free time. My platoon practiced our marching sequence. When it came time for the competition, 1st Platoon of C Company won. It was near bedtime though when one of our bay-mates, Dakota Samuels, got some bad news. His father had engaged enemy aircrafts that day while stationed over in Iraq. His father shot down three enemy planes, but was then shot down himself. We all immediately thought that he was dead, but then we learned that his death was unconfirmed. We clung to faith, and hour or two later, Dakota got a text message from his mom saying that his father was okay. He had jumped from the plane and landed on a roof. The extent of his injuries is unknown, but is well known that he is alive.

6th Day: Everyone woke up early in the morning and cleaned up the entire barracks. Me and another cadet from my platoon, AD South, went with several other cadets from our company to clean up the cadre's barracks. After all was said and done, everyone said goodbye and loaded onto the buses.

I had a great time. I wish I could go again, but since I'll be graduating this next year, SGM won't let me. I might be able to convince him though. Anyways, Ahm outta heah!!

SO, while the boys were at their respective camps, I was busy trying to get stuff done that's been staring me in the face for the last couple of months (but too busy or too tired to attempt). I DID finally repaint all the pool furniture (big table, 3 small tables, & 6 chairs) and patch the two bad cracks in the concrete deck. I did other stuff too but they weren't done out in the heat and humidity. I had to feed the turtles their worms too while the boys were gone...and no, I do not use my fingers!
Lots of stuff I want to attempt next week, but my priority is a wedding dress I am doing major alterations to as well. At least the sewing is done in air conditioning. I don't mind doing these alterations one bit as it is for a really sweet young woman in our ward who is marrying a return missionary from our ward. Love them both, so it's a labor of love.
Funny thing about the repainting, Moroni had to be outside when I was outside so he got a little green tinge on his fur. When my friend saw him, it was "uh,...what's with your green dog?"
Miles will trim him a bit and he'll look okay again but he kinda looks Irish right now.:)
Both boys got home today, it's nice to have them home but tomorrow they go at the crack of dawn on a temple trip. JaNae and family got home tonight too from their vacation down in Orlando to Universal Studios.
Well, back to the sewing machine for now.

I'm back from staff week!!

I just spent a week at camp alaflo preparing for summer camp (working in the kitchen) and it was actually pretty fun. This post is actually forKira; yes that is almost exactly what we use in precision (follow the link on kira's comment on my last post, people) we use all of that stuff except for that weird cap thingy. I have found a better picture of the rifle;

http://www.pilkguns.com/fwb700universal.jpg


There are two different models for precision rifles, this is the feinwerkbau, mainly made for small people, but there is also the walther, which is what I use, and it is mainly for taller people. They look almost exactly the same except for the paint job and the barrel, the weights are also different.

About that competition thing, no I am not participating in it because we not only missed the entry date, but we also just didn't know about it at all.

I would like to turn the time over to the Mormonator for his excerpt on ROTC camp (don't know if he will take that time, though).

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

Rifle Team Equipment for Precision (as requested by Kira)

There are two main features about the Precision equipment: the jacket and the pants.

The jacket and pants are pretty much made from the same materials ......... but I don't quite know what those are, however I think that a little bit of it is made from leather; anyways so imagine a suitcoat that has leather on the back; crude bumpy rubber at the elbows, right shoulder, and left hip area; stretchy, flexible fabric (don't know what to call it) on the inside of the elbows; and the rest of the jacket is a fabric that is practically unstretchable, I mean this stuff is STIFF; at the middle of the jacket are buttons that go down to the bottom of it to keep it tight on me; finally the left shoulder has a strap that keeps the rifle sling in place when I'm in prone or kneeling position.

The pants are pretty much made of the same thing except for leather. There is crude, bumpy rubber on the knees and rear end; that stretchy, flexible fabric at the thighs; a lot of tight, tight holding velcro where a zipper would be and a clip-thingy where a button would be; and finally there are zippers at the calves so that you can zip them up when you are in position to keep you steady and almost immovable since the rest of the pants is that nonstrecthy fabric that I described earlier, but you can unzip them when you are getting out of position or when you just wanna walk around.

I have not tried the boots yet, but as far as I know, the soles are almost perfectly flat, and you are able to pull the laces as tight as humanly possible.

The Rifle is a unique design. The handle is made to where it fits your hand, as in if you are looking at me while I'm holding it pointing it at you, you wouldn't see my hand at all (I hope I didn't confuse y'all there). The butt of the rifle is adjustable; you can move it up, down, forwards, or towards you. the area where you would place your cheek is also adjustable up and down. The end of the barrel has a weight that you can move around. The trigger is extremely easy to pull and has a rotatable thingy on it so that you can't "roll the trigger".

There is other stuff that both the sporter and the precision use: the glove, the kneeling roll, the prone mat, the off-stand, and the earplugs.

The glove (for the left hand only) is almost completely made of crude, bumpy rubber in order to hold the rifle in place, and the inside is a thick layer of cotton (I think) that keeps your hand from hurting while in position and muffles your heartbeat so that it doesn't affect your aim.

The kneeling roll is only used for kneeling position (DUH!!). It is filled with a whole bunch of stuffing and you place it under the leg that you are kneeling on around the foot and ankle.

The prone mat is also almost entirely made of crude, bumpy rubber. It is used for the prone position only (another duh).

The off-stand is for standing and partly for kneeling. In standing and kneeling it holds your pellet box which contains 100 pellets. In standing it provides an additional purpose; there is a pad on top that you can rest your rifle on before you shoot (meaning you rest your rifle on the off-stand in between shots).

I haven't quite figured out why we need earplugs, because the rifles aren't loud. For some reason, though, it helps my shooting.

Well, that's it in a nutshell, this is Hawkeye, signing out.

I was telling Kira aboout this and she said I ought to blog it...
Saturday night when everyone was over to see Ian and Jessica, Cian was having a fun time, especially with his Aunt Jessica. After Kira and family departed for home Janae and Jeremy started to gather their kids to leave. Cian told them he was staying. They told him, no, it was time to go home to bed. Again he quietly and calmly told them he wanted to stay here. Then they explained that Ian and Jessica were going too (the idea being that there wouldn't be a fun Jessica to play with) No. He wanted to stay. Ian and Jessica said their goodbyes and left. JaNae and Jeremy tried to leave again with him " Come on kids, get your shoes on and let's go"
Cian replied, "No, I stay here" They asked, "Are you going to sleep at grandma's tonight?" "Yep" . "Okay, goodbye. Goodnight" And they left. He didn't flinch and seemed satisfied that they weren't asking him to go home again. They had told me they would go return some movies and then come back for him. I told them it didn't matter, if he wanted to stay he could. About 30 minutes later Jeremy came back but Cian still said he wanted to stay the night. Every time he has spent the night before it has been all three kids-never by himself. We were all surprised that it was his initiative and that he stayed with absolutely NO problems. We went to bed after watching "Flushed Away" but He woke up at 6:30 this morning so I was tired. He even sat with me all Sacrament meeting with no problems. He was cooperative the whole time. Kids continue to amaze me. But it was fun to have some time with just him. Brice did cry when he found out Cian was staying so it is his turn next.
Postscript: Sunday, JaNae called to ask if Brice could still stay the night. I said sure. She asked him if he still wanted to spend the night (Amry had a friend over so it might be a tough decision) He said, "Uh, how about Tuesday night?" She asked me if Tuesday was okay, I assured her it was and she told Brice. "Yeah, Tuesday is good" he replied...like he had a full social calendar or something. So funnny!

Last Sunday was Seminary graduation (but they still went this last week and have two more days to go) Miles and Jotty both got Perfect Attendance, Scripture Mastery, Completing Old Testament and Course Completion. They will have their annual dinner and seminary auction next Saturday.
Then we had Ross visiting Ft Rucker so we got to see him Tuesday night. It was the week for our combined FHE so we postponed it so he could come. I think he thought we were all nuts and it was so noisy! It was good to see him though. We were going to see him on Wednesday night too until I remembered that we had church meetings. I should have invited him to come to church so he could talk to our scout master or committee chairman. He had a lot of information that I think our whole council could use. I didn't think councils and troops could be so different but it is obvious they are not created equal. Scouting really seems to be on the ball in their area. Ah well, it was still good to see him and someday, it would be nice to visit them and see the whole family again.
The rest of the week I was preparing my part of our parting gifts to the kids of our class. Every year I take pics throughout the year and then I make a musical slide show of them. (you know, Windows Movie Maker). I get real OCD about the timing of pictures to music and picture subject to words of songs. In the end though, I enjoy it and the outcome is worth it but it takes a lot of my time.
Then Friday night, Ian called to say that he and Jessica were on their way down. We got to visit with them Saturday evening. Jessica played with all the nieces and nephews and they loved it! We talked about the house they are buying in Mississippi where she will be working on her Master's degree. The house is a fixer upper but has so much potential! They will be moving down there this summer. It was great to see and visit with them again. By the way, they have issued an open invite to anyone who wants to help with renovations.
Earlier on Saturday there was a combined YM/YW service project at our house. Only one YW
showed up (and Amry) and we had 5 boys and the YM pres. JaNae came over for two hours and of course there was Miles, Jotty and I. We got a lot done, cutting back all the overgrowth in the back yard---now you can see the back fence! THAT means that we have a clear view of another project...replacing the fence! There are still trees to take down behind the fence and in the part of our lot next to the pool area (which will have to be done by professionals)and more brush behind the pool area to remove so we're always behind. It was beastly hot at 8:30 a.m. and lots of pesky gnats around but everyone worked until noon. Then they went swimming and we fed them and they watched a movie. I am so glad for their help. It would've taken Jotty, Miles and I a few weekends to accomplish the same thing and I can't work like I used to. Next task is to get the stumps out but I'm not sure how we are going to accomplish that. There's the damaged chain link fence in the pool area too but one thing at a time (and you gotta have money).
Well, one more day of work for me for a few weeks and 3 days of school left for the boys.

Rifle Team Update

The JROTC Rifle Team juniors-to-be have just been fitted into our precision equipment, and ohhh how I felt the power. Our coach had us get into prone position to test out how everything fit, and when we did, we realized how much this stuff helps us out in keeping our position steady -- I tried to move to mess up my position and I couldn't, that's how steady that stuff kept us. I also had an additional privilege bestowed upon me; I am the Range Officer -- I am pretty much in charge of keeping the range tidy and making sure everyone's equipment is put up at their designated points. Yeah, I feel pretty special since I am the only junior-to-be that has been given a position like this.

Plus, I now have a job at summer camp this year.

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

Drill Banquet

We just had our annual Drill Banquet today. While we are there, we eat dinner, and recognize the senior members. SGM (Sergeant Major)gives each of them a trophy, says a little about them, and thanks them for their hard work. There is another reason for the banquet though. Since the commander is graduating, there needs to be a new commander to take his place. I was chosen as the 2008-2009 Blue Knights Drill Team Commander. The good news is that hopefully, nobody has a problem with SGM choice. I am definitely going to work my butt off to live up to his expectations. I am extremely humbled and hope that everyone will be able to respect me, not only as their leader, but also as their friend. Wish me luck everyone. Ahm outta heah!!

Mother's Day

Wow! I had an awesome Mom's Day weekend. In a nutshell, Jim, Miles, Jotty and I drove four hours to Atlanta where we met Royal and Elizabeth (and family) at the temple and "Little Jim" was blessed in the temple annex. Then we went into the temple and Royal baptized Elizabeth as proxy for my mother and confirmed her at water's edge. Now I can say, "My mom is a member of the church"! It was a special experience. After that we spent a few hours with them and had lunch at the outdoor area of the Cheesecake Factory. It was a beautiful day! At 5:00 pm we said our goodbyes and headed to Augusta to see Anna and her family. We arrived 3 hours later to a steak dinner and a raucus and enthusiastic welcome! A tour of their house and late to bed (there were kids to play with!) and then early rise so that we could be up and ready to travel nearly 30 minutes to their tiny branch. There Kaiya was blessed in sacrament meeting and after church all Moms were treated to a spaghetti dinner. Afterwards, we said more goodbyes and headed for home. Seven hours later we arrived home safe and sound. It was a lot of "car time" and gas (although Jim's car averaged 26 MPG) but such a satisfying trip! Saw the two grandbabies we hadn't seen yet, saw the others we hadn't seen for awhile (boy, they had grown!), Jim got to participate in the two blessings and we finally started my mother's temple work. I so appreciated Elizabeth doing the baptism as I have a hard time doing those now. And they asked her to do 25 other baptisms before she did my Mom; Royal performed 50 baptisms before he did my mom's. You could get a tiny glimpse of eternal families in our weekend...as Miles said to me at one point, "Heavenly Father's plan is flawless!"

I love being a mother and grandmother and am glad that we are fortunate to have grandchildren nearby too. We miss the families that don't live near us and are grateful for the time we got to spend with them.

I will add a few pics soon.

I have returned.

I got back from Daytona last night at midnight. Wow.... that was flippin' awesome. We didn't do so good at the competition, but we all enjoyed ourselves. On Saturday, I went to the beach that was by our resort. It had been almost ten years since I had been to the beach before then. On Sunday, I performed my Individual. I placed 30th out of 65. Even though I didn't place top ten, I was happy that I performed my individual to the best of my ability. On that note though, I have to say that my UFO move went perfectly. I'm gonna try to get a copy of it so I can post it. Finally, on Monday, we left the resort at 5:30 in the morning and ate breakfast at a southern buffet. Then we went to Busch Gardens. That was phenomenally phenomenal. The rides were awesome, the animals were awesome, the food was awesome, everything was awesome. We stayed from about 9 to 5. I'm definitely going to try to get SGM to let us go next year. Ahm outta heah!


P.S. I boxed some of the guys on the team on Saturday night and Monday morning. They were recorded, and I'm told that they were going to be put on Youtube.

Look Ma...I'm blogging

OK, so I'm finally able to post. Seems I waited too long and then forgot my password. Oh well, chalk it up to old age. Isn't technology great? I can jump around to all our children's bloggs and catch up on what's going on and see the latest photo's of our grandchildren. Thank you Al Gore, for inventing the internet (Har De Har Har).

Daytona

Wassup dudes. Me and the Knights are getting ready to go to Daytona for Nationals. We leave at 6:30 am on Friday. Once we get there, we check in to our hotels and chillax. On Saturday, we perform in most of our categories, and then we get some free time. On Sunday, we perform in the rest of our categories and get some more free time. Most everybody is going to the beach, so I had an interesting time explaining to the guys how we Mormons believe that Satan can control the water. I told them that swimming on Sunday wasn't keeping the Sabbath holy. But thankfully they understood. anyhoo, on Sunday night we have the awards ceremony. After the awards ceremony we go back to the hotel and party. As Sergeant Major put it, "I'm going to tell you guys to go to bed, but you won't. I'm going to tell you guys not to order pizza, but you will. And I'm going to tell you guys 'Don't keep me up,' but you will." When we wake up, we load up and head out. We're going to arrive at Busch Gardens at about 8:00 am and stay until 5:00 pm. Then It's one heck of a ride back. For the competition, I've put together an individual. I'll try to get it on to DVD and post it, if I feel that it's worthy for viewing. I might mess it up really badly, but I guess time will tell. Ahm outta heah.

FRESH Strawberry pie

So, Friday we had "Fabulous Friday" at Mom's Day Out which, this month, was going to a produce farm and picking FRESH strawberries. I ended up picking 2 bucketfuls and yes, I shared several pounds of them. They were so sweet and juicy and plentiful! Jim took some to work which made him the hit of the evening and I made a overloaded pie with the rest. I think I'm going to go again after payday. Jeremy had the day off so their whole family went picking. (I also got a farm fresh tomato and made a BLT when I got home). It was hard to believe that some people came out to the activity with their kids and didn't pick even a pint of berries...you can't beat fresh fruit!

Yet another thing I didn't appreciate when I was young was that most of the fruit we ate came from the trees in the yard. I only remember my mom buying bananas and apples. We had grapes, grapefruit, 2 kinds of persimmons and peaches, 3 kinds of plums, pommegrantes, limes, lemons, tangerines, nectarines, oranges, guavas, cumquats, avocados, apricots, crabapples, and mulberries. My dad did plant a banana tree but the climate was too cold for it to produce. Then there was the walnut trees so when the fruit was gone we could snack on the walnuts in the fall. I ate so much better as a child! How blessed I was to have so much available with just a walk around the yard. We'd drink out of the hose when we were thirsty, eat fruit when we were hungry and sometimes even chew on "sour grass" weed. We never worried about germs much either (of course we also breathed in incredibly unchecked smoggy air and drove around without seatbelts or carseats). Its an whole other world now eh?

A "free" Saturday

The boys didn't have to be anywhere today, nor did I, so it was "start catching up on yardwork" time. Miles mowed all three lawns, Jotty edged, "weed eated", and swept. The edger is one that Branton Spivey gave us two years ago---we never used it til today thinking it needed work but Miles got it going. I pulled a multitude of weeds from one front garden, around the mailbox and lamp post and trimmed back the azeleas. I have wild berries around the lampost so I made room for the little things. There aren't many but Amry likes to look for them when she comes over. I had to eat two today because...well, because they were there!

I need to weed and trim back in the other front garden later in the week. I just can't do as much as I used to and it frustrates me! Miles, at one point, while I was washing some stuff off the driveway (yes, hose in hand) and complaining that I was so tired already said, "Mom, you're old. These things happen when you get old." I exhibited maturity though and refused the temptation to spray the puppy down! Seriously though, he was telling me to go in and rest and he would finish the work...I couldn't spray him for being thoughtful.

The pool water is now 77 degrees! I need to get the deck painted but I still haven't finsihed pressure washing the old paint layers off. I had to quit last year because we had a water shortage. It's okay so far this year so I'd better get cracking. Yes, the boys could do it but I find it relaxing. (hey-I never said I was normal). Anyway, I can think, pray, plan, whatever, while I am doing something so mindless as pressurewashing. Well, it is tiring but mindless none-the-less.

So, once I fill a wide crack or two, and finish pressure washing we can paint it. I can't figure out what color though. Maybe a terra cotta? Wait. We have to paint the metal coping before we can paint the deck and before we paint the coping we have to wire brush the bigger rust chunks off. And the gutters on the house have to come down and be replaced, and there's some rotted would that HAS to be replaced ASAP, and then...see why I get so tired??? You know what happens then...you work hard on the outside and then you get behind on the inside of the house. No wonder I hardly ever go in the pool!

There's a sister in the ward that said she'd help me with landscaping ideas for the pool area...if i find the time.

I NEVER appreciated all the work my parents put into keeping up with that acre and a half of ours. I don't know how they did it really...except it may have helped that they didn't have church responsibilities or meetings. Even so, how did they do it? And it was so beautiful too. I know I'm not the only one who felt it was a little paradise right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. I wish I had the focus to do that here.

Well, the boys are goingo over to a friend's so I'm going to clean the pool and then delte programs from my computer so that I have more room on the hard drive. I only have 18% left and that's after deleting 6 GB of photos....that's an whole other story in itself!

Life marches on...

Wow! Today our "baby" turned 16!!! It is so hard to believe that Jotty was born that long ago. We had a small "party" with Miles, Jim and I with a real small cake too. Jim cooked Jotty's request of Mac and Cheese while Miles and I went shopping for Jotty's gift. I think Jotty requested mac and cheese because he loves it (duh...he loves cheese) and because we hardly ever have it anymore since we've been cutting back on carbs. We don't do taters or rice much either.

So, Jotty enjoyed his gift and our home teacher came over to home teach and brought a card for him. JaNae came over with fresh baked cookies for him AND his "special friend" Katie Jeffrey called and they talked for 2 hours!!! They hardly ever talk so he was delighted to be able to so. She is really a sweet girl and Pres Carroll (2nd counselor in Stake Presidency) even said that he's glad that Jotty realizes what a gem she is.

Anyway, it seems we are REALLY on the road to "empty nest" with Jotty turning 16. Somehow that just underscores it. Neither boy is licensed yet because we don't have the extra insurance money in the budget but they aren't chomping at the bit either. With the exception of getting up early, I rather like spending the travel time with them--going to seminary, school, church ,etc. Sometimes we listen to talk radio, often we discuss various things or even plan stuff...it's good "talk time" with them.

At any rate, lest you think otherwise, I am not fooled into thinking this nest will ever really be empty. We've too big a brood for that, they'll keep coming home with their kids and that will be fine with me! I just love my family!!!!

We're Back!!

Yeah! Just canoed 63 miles, and I feel fine! 4th place sporter shooter at Auburn, FYI. Aaaaaanyways, 15 miles the first day, 19 the second, 16 the third, and 12 the fourth (I think). It was fun, and we built up some muscle (and a tan). We're really happy to be back, because we needed those showers. That's pretty much it, then.

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

JROTC competition in Auburn

Well, Jim and I went up in the rain to Auburn (2 1/2 hours) to try to catch some of the JROTC competition. The rifle team ended up off campus in a bunker so we didn't get to that. Jotty's report was that the targets were paper (not hi-tech again) and the range was a temporary one put together just for this competition. They also had less time than they usually do for shooting but no one was informing the shooters of time remaining. (They have to make 10 shots per position; standing ,kneeling, prone). At any rate most shooters were "off their mark". Jotty was the only member of the Enterprise Sporter team to place. He got 4th place out of about 30 shooters. Only one other shooter from Enterprise placed and she is on the Precision team. Even though they weren't his best scores he did good. That's a picture of the medal he won.

The drill competitions were in one of the parking lots after the rain stopped. Two rookies in the drill team dropped their weapons during a throw so they only placed 3rd. Their drill was the most difficult but difficulty only counts for 30% of the score. Drill team placed 3rd and Colorguard placed 3rd also. (Miles is also in colorguard) The 4 in the colorguard had only been practicing the last two weeks-none with previous experience and two of them were rookies so that is an awesome accomplishment for them. Miles also got 6th place for Knockout.

What is Knockout you ask? Well, a few representatives from each school all stand in formation and one captain barks out commands and 10 drill sargents closely check the cadets...every last detail of how they execute the command. If a cadet executes the command wrong, is too late in doing it, does the wrong command or performs it sloppily then they are eliminated from the competition or "knocked out" of the formation. Miles, as you know, has tourettes and he had to keep his tics in check the whole time. Not an easy feat. The girl's drill team also did very well in their competitions.

Sooo, Enterprise won Best Overall out of about 10 schools. The Rifle team doesn't compete anymore this year and Drill team goes to Daytona, Fl in two weeks.

Miles can drill at home now...he got a demilitarized rifle for free! A girl from the female drill team knew a guy that had graduated and had a drilling rifle that he wanted to pass on. The girl thought Miles was dedicated enough that she suggested him. We had looked at these rifles but they start at $200. There are facsimile rifles that are lighter and cost less but the ones this drill team uses are 9 lbs. At any rate, Miles is thrilled to get it!

Auburn Competition and 50-miler float trip

I'll just do this for the Mormonator and me; wish us luck, everybody, the Drill, Rifle, and PT teams are going up to Auburn tomorrow for our competition. This is the Rifle team's final competition of the school year, let's hope we do well.

After that, troop 153 is going on a canoe trip. We will leave on Monday and return on Friday. we will be canoeing sixty-six miles. woopie. hopefully we won't get rained out.

This is Hawkeye, signing out.

Influence of media on my children

I was talking to Anna today about a memory I have of her that just shows how much videos influenced her. We were driving in a parking lot, looking for a parking place when all of a sudden she exclaims, "Wait! Rewind, rewind!" I was laughing so hard I almost missed the parking place she'd found.

Seriously, it is nice to NOT have the influences of TV in our home and in our minds. For nearly 7 years we have not watched TV. Zip, nada, nothing. Before that we hadn't had cable for 5 years but the 3 channels we did get had nothing of any quality to offer. We decided to just quit. We watch movies we have or rent occasionally but for the most part the TV is off. We love it and we don't miss it. (Well, okay, I'd like to watch FOX News and "Hannity and Colmes" but I have Sirius radio so I'm fine.) TV...just say NO!

[On a related note...Do NOT read "The Kiterunner" or see the movie...do the research and you'll know why. Of course, for the most part I am not real interested in the NY Times Bestseller list nor in any movie made from one of the books on it. I had to do research on The Kiterunner because one of the teachers was reading it aloud to her class (Honors English no less...they know how to read) and Jotty complained to me about the content; with good reason!]

Dates

I was reading Kira's blog about their "date" and I started thinking about Jim and I and "dates". It's funny because before we were married, I think every date was chaperoned by the kids. I think our first date alone was when he proposed. Later, before he was on the high council or in the Bishopric we had kind of dates once a month when we went to the ballroom dances. Once he was on the high council and on a different work rotation schedule those went out the window. I think we are so used to NOT having dates we don't miss them. Maybe its old age?? Sometimes it seems like so much work to go out...and what's the fun if we can't afford to go eat something we didn't prepare? And yes, the high points of my life are the foods I eat. (if you saw me lately you'd know that)

At any rate, I'm glad that our kids get out with their spouses and go on dates occasionally. At least it gives their children a break...hahahaha!

Its kind of the same thing re: Jim sitting with us in the chapel. For the most part Jotty doesn't remember Jim sitting with us because he was only 3 years old the last time his dad was able to sit with us (like in a sacrament meeting). I realized that I was in the same boat sort of: a couple of Sundays ago there was a combined RS/Priesthood meeting in the chapel and Jim got to sit with me. He put his arm across the back of the pew behind my shoulders and it seemed WEIRD! I found out later that one of the newer sisters thought I was single up to that point. I know I'm not the only one that has experienced this...just odd that it happens to me of course.

Spring break is coming up and we'll be out of school for a week. My co-teacher and I can hardly wait! She's going to Tennessee to see her folks and I guess I'm going to try to make a dent in the yardwork. Miles and Jotty are going on a 50 miles canoe trip and Jimis working of course. JaNae wants me to go with her to see Anna and family but she wants to leave earlier than I am able. Besides, I want to see the boys compete in Auburn and planned to go up there on Saturday. Maybe I can prevail upon her to wait til Monday or Tuesday.

At any rate, a break from getting up at 6:oo a.m. for a week. Hurray!

Oh, good movies viewed lately: "Arthur and the Invisibles" and "Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium" We enjoyed them.

Promotion Day in ROTC

Well, today the cadets in ROTC got promoted a rank: sophmores (me) became corporals (that's great because we are no longer related to dirt!), and juniors (The Mormonator) became master sergeants. On another note, April 12th is the Auburn competition for the Drill, Rifle, and PT teams, I plan on getting a better medal up there than I did down here at the conference competitions. We are all ready for this.
This is Hawkeye, signing out.

We went to a Rifle Team "dinner and awards night" tonight with Jotty. The food was delicious... especially so because I didn't have to cook it. Jotty got 4 awards:

He got 3rd place of all Novice (first year) shooters in the conference (9 schools),

6th place of all Sporter shooters (Novice and 2nd year) in the Conference,

His team got 2nd place in Sporter Division of the conference, and as one of the top 10 shooters in the conference made the All Conference Team.

Their coach, 1Sgt Fuller is retiring this year. He came up to us and said he enjoyed working with Jotty and said he was a fine young man. I guess he would only say good things to us but he DID seek us out. We were pleased that he made allowances for Jotty to be late every morning to practice. Seminary lets out at 7:20 a.m.(if we're lucky)and rifle practice starts at 7:30a.m. The (indoor)range is close to the church and we usually get there in time but in order to start shooting at 7:30 you have to be there beforehand to set up. 1Sgt Fuller allowed for his friend to set up for him and 1Sgt never gave Jotty any hassle about it all. Tonight we thanked him for that and he said that church was a priority. He's a good man. He also said that Jotty would get to start using a precision rifle after their last competition (April 12th).

Enterprise High has the only high tech(computerized and VERY precise) range in the conference and after the tornado last year, it was one of only 2 small parts of the school that survived unscathed so they were able to use it this year. If the range had been destroyed there would not have been a rifle team. Enterprise High is consistently either 1st or 2nd in the conference.

There is a dinner and awards night for Miles (Drill Team) next month.

I am really pleased that the boys have found something to do that they really like. With their grades and Jr ROTC involvement, they should be able to get a couple of scholarships. Miles would have loved to continue wrestling but the football coach was against it. I think I would rather have him in ROTC afterall.

Well, its getting late and my legs are getting restless!

Just a quick note that Anna's 7th, Kaiya Naresse was born Friday at 4:58 p.m. No photo yet but watch this blog for one soon. (or go to Anna's)

I've had JaNae and Jeremy's kids since yesterday afternoon and I realized another reason old ladies don't have kids (other than the fact that we'd forget where we left them)...we don't have the stamina or patience. Mostly stamina I think. This is the same reason that I am so worn out at the end of a workday. Twelve 3 to 4 year olds, all day, three days a week just saps the strength from me (and next year we get 14!). It would be different any other time but Miles and Jotty are at a Scout Camporee until tomorrow night and Jim left earlier than usual because he had a 12 hour shift. Plus, Cian has been sick so he is more whiny than usual but Brice still feels it is his duty to continue to annoy Cian and bug Amry. At least the dog takes it all in stride. The cats have only come out of hiding since the kids went to bed, the same as last night.

I did get the boys to take a nap today but I had to lay down with them..only place was their pallet on the floor--HA HA-- Jan doesn't do floors very well..I did manage to nap though; I was so tired because Cian kept waking up last night (not used to where he was, and his nose was stuffy).

I love these kids but they wear me out sometimes!

I was reminded that I didn't include Kaiya's weight which was 7 lbs 15oz. That is the smallest of their kids.

Guitar Hero, an awesome game

I got bored, so I decided to write a little bit about Guitar Hero, IT'S AN AWESOME GAME!!! For one, I'm really good at it. There are four difficulties: easy, medium, hard, and expert, I play on expert. And second, the Mormonator, *cough, Miles, cough*, gets really mad when I do really good on a song (especially a song that he likes), and that's funny to see. What's really neat is that most of the time when I'm playing, I surprise myself, MYSELF. If that's not at least kind of funny, I don't know what is. (If I'm sounding a little prideful, let me know)
By the way, an update on my last entry, my highest score now is a 276 out of 300, and my highest scores in each position are: Prone, 98 out of 100; Standing, 92 out of 100; and kneeling, 96 out of 100 (note: these high scores were made on separate days).
This is Hawkeye, signing out.