One Eleven Eleven - 1/11/11

Every year has its special numerical days. This year the top one will be 11/11/11. Although that is ten months away, other significant dates should be noted, such as today 1-11-11.

Why not do 'One' thing eleven times today or '11' things once. There is no limit to what one can come up with or create. You could even read the book 'Eleven' by David Llewellyn or listen to the rock group from LA by the same name.

My grandmother, Grace Clarkson Park was born 03-03-03. I knew a gal, LeAna Olsen, born on 5-5-55. We encouraged Alicia to marry on 9-9-99, but she refused. It is my guess anyone tied to a significant date, that it would be their favorite number, as well.

10-10-10 was a few months ago, but totally slipped by me because I was vacationing. Why not prepare all year long for the big one. It's not too late to have a baby on that day, you know.

Brayle, our grand daughter's age 11, corresponds with the year. Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones to boast a significant date on one of your certificates (birth, marriage or graduation). Tell us about it.

Going, Going & Gone

South Jordan Elementary School is officially gone. Knocked down, scooped up and hauled off. The spot awaits a new building, park or business. Who knows what it will be.

The city father's decided it was time for the demise of something old. We await the possibility of new and great things.

The same goes for this year, 2010. You brought us happiness by letting us experience or giving us:

Baptisms: Hunter
Moving & New homes: Jory & Sarah, Alicia and Dave & Breann & Jed
Sites Visited: Timpanogos Cave, Goblin Valley, Mystic River Seaport, Savannah, Hoover Dam's new bridge & points in between.
Firsts: Caught sharks/rays, Blue ribbons @Fair, Christmas tree hunting, Temple Volunteering, YW &/or Scout Leader, & more.
States Visited: Collectively we went to: New Jersey, Nevada, Conneticut, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, Utah, Texas, Wyoming & Washington and returned safely. Did I miss any?
New Jobs: Jed
Just glad to have work: Allan & Aaron
Finally Started School: Kade
Finally Potty Trained: Jacob
Played Sports: Hunter, Brayle, Noah, Kade & Jory
Hosted Guests: 50 more or less

After 365 days of 24/7 living, mostly good, some mediocre and a few bad hours thrown in for making us eat humble pie, we are ready to trade it in for a nice clean piece of 2011. Yes, new year, give us your best shot.

Proof is in the Picture

After twisting Allan's arm weekly for six straight Sunday practices of two hours each, we finally had our performance at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Suits were required. He took the news like a white collared worker, wearing it all day and blended in nicely. You could mistake him for a real Tab Choir singer sitting in the seats looking smug and smart.

The stage was bigger than I imagined. Each seat had a vent beneath it on the floor, blowing fresh air. The organ pipes looked larger than life, and they were. The famous organ sits on a large round turn-table that rotates to whatever position needed. Facing the audience one had to sit still, not wiggle,fall alseep or goof off. Learning the many nuances of conductors and to follow them instead of the music, was a challenge.

Back stage we viewed the official office of the Tabernacle Choir, walked the halls and tried to imagine rubbing shoulders with them. It was a once in a lifetime experience, since Allan said, "Once is enough for him." Well the proof is in the picture.

Christmas Lists

Wow! It's going to be here before you all know it! Here's the low down on who has who for Christmas:

The Kids:
Jenn & Mike have Alicia & Dave
Mauri & Aaron have Breann & Jed
Alicia & Dave have Jory & Sarah
Breann & Jed have Jenn & Mike
Jory & Sarah have Mauri & Aaron

The Grandkids:
Noah & Zach give to each other
Kade & Brayle give to each other
Jacob & Sarah give to each other
Emma & Hunter give to each other

Sound Good?
Good.

Cleaner & Cleared Out

The middle garage door opener is retiring after twenty years on the job at my beck and call several times a day. Basically it broke when Dad tore into it for not closing all the way one time. How many times has that happened.

I am too cheap to buy another one, so we changed things around in the garage. The junk we didn't throw away we moved to the center bay, such as the 1930 car, lawn mower etc. I am now parking in the south spot. Take a look at the cleaned and cleared part of the garage. It may not last long.

I hope we can toss more stuff next spring to get the place ready for the big "sale". Wish us luck or see if you can help get rid of our junk.

Masterpiece Classics

Mom and dad told of their pumpkin carving (new) skills - which mom got from Martha Stewart. These are the results of our awesome carving capabilities! Check those pumpkins out! We all got together at mom and dads house last Saturday and we carved, ate pizza, and chatted a bit. We all had a good time! What do you think of our masterpieces?

Welcome to FOOTBALL!!!

Hunter joined the Grantsville Cowboys Little League football team this year. They are a strong group of young men learning the grownup sport of team work, practice makes perfect, the value of exercise and being hollered at alot.

He loved it! His dad did, too. What is it about this contact sport that gets a man's adrenaline going like no 'shopping at the mall' ever could? Is it the "Push em", 'Shove em', "Knock 'em down" football terms drilled into them they relate to or the comraderie with other guys? Maybe it's learning to 'tough up' and 'beat up' while being cheered on by your fans. Perhaps running your legs off while getting all that pent up energy expelled is it.

A woman may never know, but for some reason we let them play and try with all our might, to enjoy letting someone else teach them all those bad manners. After years of doing it, this hard work helps make them a more resilient MAN. It is impossible to get the love of it out of their system even when they should be the spectator instead of the pulverized participant. Right, Jory?