Catchin' Up

It has been too long since I have posted anything. Much has happened the last few months. I am going to briefly summarize what has happened. If I get ambitious, I will post pics and videos.

Our family attended Lynn's Pocatello retirement party. It was a very nice ceremony with good food! The Idaho State Journal did a front page story on it. You can see the online version here.

Angie had a dance competition at Lagoon the day before Mother's Day. Thanks to Amy for hosting us the night before. She is such a great hostess (something that has rubbed off from her parents!). It was PERFECT weather for the day. Angie and her dancemates did very well at the competition. We also had a lot of fun at Lagoon. Angie and Lilli loved going on the rides, and I was surprised that Lilli loved the Egg Drop (the kids version of the Rocket). Angie went with Mom on the white roller coaster. Deb said she screamed and clung to her big time. She was all smiles when she got off, but she didn't want to do it again. The downer was when I locked the keys in the car. While we were waiting for the Lagoon Security people to unlock our car, I was huddled with Angie and Lilli to keep them warm. Angie looked up a me and said, "I sure hope my husband doesn't look the keys in our car." Angie's our worrier! (A week later, Angie asked Heavenly Father to bless Dad that he won't lock the keys in the car again.) Thanks again to Amy for the unplanned stay on Saturday night.

Earlier this Spring, we were preparing to go to Lake Powell on the houseboat with Lynn, Leisha, and other family members. A week before we were to leave, the boat sank! So, after some scrambling, Lynn and Leisha's family chose to go to Quail Creek State Park. It was a lot of fun but very hot! On our way down, we stayed at Todd and Chelsea's. The girls loved playing with their cousin Lyla.

We have been looking for a bicycle for Angie. We found one on Craigslist and checked it out. It was a little big for her (20 inch bike), but the $15 price tag was too hard to turn down. The family also had a 12 inch bike they wanted to sell for $5. We decided to forgo on it, but then the family offered it to us for free, so we took it. The family also had a Barbie Beetle power car and an electric ride-on four wheeler which they also gave to us. They didn't run, but they said they were working before the batteries went out. Not sure if that is the case; we still haven't got them running, but batteries cost $63 a piece. After we loaded them into our minivan and started home, Angie said, "Bless God!" When asked why she said that, she said she didn't think she would ever get a car and was extremely excited. I just hope we can get them to work now!

Angie and Lilli just finished with swimming lessons. Both girls love getting into the water and did well with the swimming lessons. Deb was Lilli's teacher for the last two sessions. When coming home from Downata after their last lesson, Lilli said (without any prompting from anyone), "Mom, thank you for being my teacher." Deb beamed as she told me the story.

For the first time in a few summers, I will be working all summer with my new job at ISU's athletic department. However, we are looking forward to the Brower reunion at the beginning of July and and the Gambles reunion during the middle of July.

Go Christie Go!

I love this man! Christie for President!

Gov Christie calls S-L columnist thin-skinned for inquiring about his 'confrontational tone'

Remembering Twila (and Swan Lake)

We just returned from the viewing of an incredible lady, Twila Gibbs. Although I was never really close to her, I considered her a friend and was saddened deeply when I heard of her passing.

As I remember her, she always had a smile on her face. She was a friend to all. She had a wonderful family. Each one of them were in one way or another a friend to me.

As a child, I especially remember DeeAnn. She and Sandra Henderson were close friends to Dad. I can remember riding the bus with Dad before I went to school, and DeeAnn and Sandra would talk with Dad and play with me.

Later, after I returned home when Dad passed away, I became great friends with Trent, Kay and Twila's grandson who lived with them. I really appreciate that friendship to this day.

As I drove home from the viewing, I reflected with some melancholy upon all those great Swan Lakers who had varying degrees of influence on my life. Many of the adults from my childhood have passed on. I fell compelled to list them, although I know that I will invariably forget someone who I should remember: (no particular order) Max Kay, Joe Kay, Doris Kay, Kay Gibbs, Twila Gibbs, Albert Nordick, Pearl Nordick, Glenna Joy Yearsley, Dutch Hadley, Belva Hadley, Arem Allen, Lucy Allen, Boyd Allen, Fay Merrill, Lionel Merrill, Alda Merrill, Ruby Merrill, Venna Gibbs, Martel Thomas, Jim Abbott, Erma Abbott, Don Henderson, Wanda Carlson, Swede Carlson, Edith Millard, Wayne Millard, Verla Bell, Fenton Matkin, Ray Henderson, Colleen Henderson, Marie Henderson, Cal Henderson, Merrill Beckstead, Woodrow Sorensen, and, of course, Grandpa Gambles, Grandma Ruby, and most of all Dad.

Then there were those who I grew to know after returning to Swan Lake at Dad's passing: Rachel Adams, Gladys Heckert, and Linda Henderson and my childhood friend, Mary Ann Matkin.

Each of these souls had an influence on my life. To be sure, they had varying degrees of influence, but all influenced me. I miss them. And I look forward to seeing them again.

Jon Schmidt

I love piano music played well, and Jon Schmidt knows how to play the piano well! I first heard him when he did a Coldplay "Viva La Vida" and Taylor Swift "Love Story" combination. You can find his website here and listen to his music (for free!).

March Madness

It is once again time for March Madness. For those who would like to play a pick-em contest, go here.

Last year, Jackie won the tournament. However, this year I will win it all!!!!!

Life's Toughest Lessons

Often time in life, we must learn hard lessons. At times, these lessons seem not so difficult. Other times, it seems like we can never overcome the problems that life presents us. Yet, sometime it can be the small, minuscule things that teach us the biggest lessons. For instance, learning to not fall asleep on the toilet may come the hard way!



I hope she loves still in 10to 15 years!

Hoorah! Hoorah!

We have big news coming from the Gambles household. Lilli has been going potty!!! It has been a struggle, but over the weekend she decided that she would give it a try...and she is doing it! She has even gone to potty without anyone's help. She announced she was going potty, went into the bathroom, went potty and told everyone about it. We are so proud of her!