Panthers vs. Dragons

Really? Talk about milestones. The tweenager started Jr. High recently and Seena, as my dad calls her, ended her road to kindergarten and started down a new path. Tween has been figuring out schedules, lunches and buses, while Seena is the tallest in her class! (Thank you fall bday for letting her be the oldest and tallest.) I was always the shortest in my class-I'm sure all the little kindergarten babies sittin the gravy will catch up but for now we will let it be.

I once again am going to give Provo School Dist. a whirl- we shall see. N had the privilege of seeing how a day at kindergarten goes as he took and picked up on Friday- they spotted a huge beehive and reported it to the principals (yes she is your pal) office. C'mon Provo city let's get it down before anyone gets stung!

So far so good- they both seem to be having fun and embracing new changes in their amazing lives- I'm so proud!

Special Exhibition: Monet to Picasso from the Cleveland Museum of Art

I have been asking N to take me to the Art show up at the University of Utah. We took off for an afternoon trip to the big city yesterday. I don't recall if I have ever been to an art show of this caliber. I took my time listened to the audio and stared intensely at each piece of work. The picture to the left is a Van Gogh. N said it was his favorite so I thought I would choose it for the post. I can see why people get lost in thought in art museums and spend a whole day and not even finish an exhibit. I found myself wanting to go back to a piece after finding out more about the artist. I think it is a cool thing to look at an original piece of art and know it is hundreds of years old. My favorite was French artist Georges Braque who specialized in cubism like Picasso. I hope I can get back to the exhibit before it leaves, I would like the tweenager to see it.

Balloon Launch

I attended the balloon benefit for Courtney's sister Stephanie and brother in law Christian. I wasn't sure today if I was going. I am so glad I went. I am not a spiritual person as many can confirm, but this was one of the most moving, uplifting events I have ever attended. I was so comforted that there are reasons tragic things happen and there are wonderful, positive people in the world. I was lucky enough to see some old pals- Wendy,Court,Haley and Anne. Courtney's beautiful blue eyes were just as bright as I remember and she displayed a brave positive outlook. I am proud I went, the balloon launch was amazing and I was happy to have my daughter there.

Stephanie and Christian Nielson donation fund

Many of you( yes I know there are many of you) may remember my friend from long ago Courtney Clark. We were great chums in Jr. High and some of High school- and then of course people go their separate ways. Recently we reunited as she moved in(and out of) my neighborhood and became Coby's favorite teacher at Sunset View- I had dinner with her back in May and since then we have kept in better touch.

There is the background of why I bring this story to your attention. Courtney's little sister Stephanie( 4 years younger then Court) and her Husband were in a fiery plane crash(photo above) this past weekend in AZ. A third passenger died, but miraculously Stephanie and her husband survived. I remember Stephanie being a darling little 9 year old and it makes my hear ache that this mother of 4 children is laying in a hospital bed covered in very severe burns. Christian is doing better but Steph has a VERY long road to recovery. I am not sure if this is old news or if any of you knew Steph but I thought I would join the bandwagon of overwhelming support. There are 2 donative accounts set up(as the bills for this recovery will be astronomical).

They are
***Donate to the "Stephanie Nielson Fund" at any Wells Fargo.

***You can also donate at any Bank of America under the "Christian and Stephanie Nielson Rehab Fund."

http://cjanerun.com/ Cjanes Blog for information regarding this story. There is also a local news coverage video about Stephanie's family.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/- Stephanie's blog- she has 4 darling children.

Taking my monkey to see the kids at the zoo

On Saturday N had a work party at the Utah Hogle Zoo where families were invited to attend. It has been years since any of us have been to the zoo. We had a great lunch provided to us and free admission to the zoo, which by the way was extremely busy. After lunch is was off to see the new to us but 2 year old exhibit of the "Ghost of the Bayou" white alligator. It wasn't very active and I think it was Shannon that said, "didn't it look plastic to you?" Well yeah, but I guess it was cool anyways..... Highlights were the cougar, who was very active pacing and making noise,and we got to watch the girl wolf have her lunch as saliva dripped off her teeth and her yellow eyes glowed. I longed for the days of the hippo and the wax figurines. Cassidy left with a stuffed white albino alligator. We also enjoyed the train and the new carousel.

Demolition Derby Car or Nissan Maxima?? You decide

I'm not quite sure what has happened to my nice car. In the last 5 years it has been in 6 accidents. 1 was my fault and that was when I hit the all too obvious red Suburban that was parked by my house, and 1 was a not so responsible moment with Big N driving. The other 4 have been fender benders not our fault and 3 of those 4 have happened on Geneva Road. But.... it is the little engine that could.... my car just keeps going. As I drove it to the body shop last night it drove like a dream. I wonder when it is finally just going to give up and say, "you have been way to hard on me, I give up." Cassidy and I were rearended Thursday evening on the way home from the grocery store- we are fine, and it was just an accident. Now- I guess just getting everything taken care of is the next step!

Go World

OK so I'm so wound up today. I just can not get enough of the Olympics! I have been saying all summer that I can not wait as a few of my friends/co workers give me questioning glances. I told a few of my friends that Michael Phelps has the best body I have ever seen. I'm in love with Dara, Misty May-Treanor and Keri Welch. I even enjoyed the Basketball game. It thrills me that for 17 days there is 4 hours of TV to look forward to each evening. China is beautiful and I'm amazed at the architecture and culture. I know I'm a geek but it is fun to be passionate about something. To see people from all over the world compete with desire and focus- I love hearing the stories. To me these athletes are "true" celebrities and people of interest- they have heart and soul and they do it because they love it-it makes me want to be healthier, take care of myself and encourage my children to dream.

Thanks Cjane and Shanna for your great insight on the games as well!

Dog Days of Summer

Black Sabbath is 4 years old and a member of my family. He has yet to grace a post in the blog. A week ago after big N's departure I decided it was high time Black Sabbath had a grooming experience. ( N just squirts him off with the hose and calls it good) I wanted to get Sab's eyes, ears and teeth as shiny as I could. Many of you may agree taking a pet anywhere they are not used to is no easy feat. Sabbath had never been to the groomer and he was at that stage where he was wondering if he could trust us to come back- so he became restless as you would expect. This was fun for all the kids but I must thank Cobs for maneuvering the leash and my niece Cannon for barricading the door. You can also see my mothers legs out side the window ready in case the dog escaped. Cassidy was at my side at the check in- so all in all it took 5 people to get the job done. Rub a dub dogie in East Bay Provo, did a great job! I think Black Sabbath looks great- I am sure he is wondering where in the hell dog loving Big N is. I think we all are- something about a cancelled flight in Seattle. Tomorrow sure is Monday

Take my picture by the pool- cuz I'm the next big thing

Jeannette and Jacob

Kylie and Abby Gen and Annalynn

Ski champ Cass on the diving board

My wonderful cousin Gen Gen that watches Cass a few days a week has been beggin me to take a day and come swimming with Cass and her blessing of a daughter Annalynn. So w/my babysitter situation not the best this week, with big N gone, today was the perfect day(other than the weather). I swear the one day in the last decade I decide to go to a pool it is sprinkling. The pool is gorgeous and it belongs to Gen Gen's friend Rosemary. My cousin Jeannette brought her 3 great kids Kylie, Abby & Jake along. We swam for a bout 2 hours before the skies started to look threatening. I'm glad I took a day to spend with my kids at the pool. Coby did tricks off the slide and Cassidy spread her wings(life jacket) and impressed me with her courage- maybe it was the skiing goggles that gave her a boost, she grabbed them instead of her swimming goggles- laugh out loud!

I am sitting at my desk- and I just took the first breath I have taken since Tuesday Night. Nate's Aunt Sherrie passed away and I took off to Idaho as soon as work/kids/life would allow. Nate followed Thursday morning. The services were yesterday and we drove home last night- Nate was in the car over 9 hours yesterday as well as a pall bearer- not to mention Nate left for Canada this morning EARLY- I hope he doesn't conk out in some bathroom stall somewhere.

With all that said- we were happy to do whatever it took to show respect to Sherrie. She was COLORFUL and we loved her. Sherrie never missed a beat with me or my children- she complemented me and was very kind to my children. Nate loved her yams at Thanksgiving and I guess she is the one responsible for the great spot we go to every year at Bear Lake. Uncle Larry and Kelley will have trouble adjusting, but we feel they will once again be able to lead full lives. The trip to Idaho was quick but was worth it because the service was amazing. Joyce and Nate's Aunts did a great job planning. It was nice to see family even if for less than a day. Thanks Cam and Katie for the hospitality!
Ingram, Sherrie

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Sherrie Leone Ingram, 58, of Idaho Falls, died July 26, 2008, from complications due to diabetes.
She was born Sept. 17, 1949, in Soda Springs, to Elmer Richard Bee and Mila Irene Booth Bee. She attended schools in Georgetown and Osgood; she attended Clair E. Gale Jr. High and Firth High School.
On Feb. 2, 1973, she married Larry Barton Ingram in Idaho Falls; the marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple July 12, 1979. She was a mother and a homemaker. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was active in the Scouting Program. Sherrie enjoyed crocheting, playing all kinds of games, ceramics, listening to music, traveling through Yellowstone National Park, and family reunions at Bear Lake.
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Kelley Marie Ingram; and brother, Richard C. Bee. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the Idaho Falls LDS 26th Ward, 2025 Jennie Lee Drive, with Bishop James Hunter officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Ave., and from noon to 12:45 p.m. before services at the church. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at http://www.woodfuneralhome.com/.