Tonight I was torn between feeling horrified and having the giggles while I watched Mark "perform" in his 5th-grade music performance. When it was his group's turn to sing or play an instrument, he was mostly cooperative and appeared to be singing or playing. However, when the school choir sang, Mark turned into Jim Carrey, Jr. Mark was seated right next to the choir who was standing. I'll admit that the choir's first song was a little funny, but Mark's antics made it funnier. I was seated in the back of the school gym and tried without making a scene to get his attention. I wanted to stop him from gyrating, making silly hand gestures and bizzare facial expressions, and lip-synching in a most obnoxious manner. I was horrified and giggling at the same time. What's a mother to do? After the event, his classmate's mother made a beeline for me and quipped, "I know who's going to be in trouble when he gets home tonight, but at least he provided the comic relief. I love Mark. Mark is Mark." Yes, Mark is Mark, and he REALLY didn't want to attend or perform in tonight's musical. In fact, this morning as I reminded him of the evening's event, he said, "Well, we won't be going because it will cost too much to get in." Mark didn't consider that his 4 older siblings attended the same elementary, and I attended each and every one of their musical performances for the past 18 years which added up to over 40 musical performances if you count choir, band and orchestra events they've performed in. (Of course, I never had to pay an admission cost to a single one!) I am not stupid. Fortunately for both Mark and me, next year will be the last elementary school musical I'll have to attend as a mother of one of the participants.
(If you wonder where Mark's father was tonight, he was home helping 2 of Mark's siblings with their homework. He really missed out.)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A "Goofy" Trip
In Lance's words, Mark and I just returned from a "goofy" trip. I'll agree--it WAS goofy and somewhat spontaneous. I talked for a couple of weeks of taking the 3 youngest kids to Newport, Oregon for our 3-day mid-winter break. At one point Lance even thought he could take a couple of days off from work and accompany us. Well, most of the kids took sick and I thought we'd have to shelve the trip; however, Mark said he wanted to go "no matter what." Monday morning came and I still waffled. I did laundry and went grocery shopping, and when I returned, Mark had his bag all packed and had found a suitcase for me to use. So, against my better judgment, Mark and I set out for Oregon at 1:30 Monday afternoon.
The 5.5 hour drive turned into a 6.5 hour drive due to accident-related traffic delays in 2 spots along our route. I questioned my sanity and rationale for taking this "goofy" trip several times during the drive. Mark just sat in the back of the car and watched movie after movie, oblivoius to my internal struggle. We arrived at Days Inn in Newport at 8:00 pm and enjoyed a good night's sleep.
Yesterday we set out early. Since our "hotel" provided only a carb-and-gluten-laden continental breakfast, we found a little cafe and had a nice meal (mine consisted of a ham and cheese omelet, hashbrowns and tomato juice; Mark's consisted of root beer--not his typical breakfast drink, sausages, bacon and pancakes. He didn't even taste the pancakes). We went to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and walked around the lighthouse and down to the water. We saw 2 bald eagles and several sea otters. It was cold, windy and rainy, but we enjoyed ourselves and took lots of pictures. Next we went to the old Newport Bayfront, explored some souvenir shops, and tried to gain admittance to the Undersea Gardens. Since it was the "off season," the Gardens were closed. Our final destination was the Oregon Coast Aquarium--the main attraction and reason for our trip. It's a nice little aquarium, and Mark enjoyed every bit of it. He especially liked seeing the wolf eels, sea otters and sharks, and enjoyed touching some of the creatures in the tide pools.
We left for home at 1:30. We stopped in Woodburn at the outlet mall and arrived home around 8:00. We enjoyed our "goofy" trip, but I doubt I'll take another one like it any time soon.
The 5.5 hour drive turned into a 6.5 hour drive due to accident-related traffic delays in 2 spots along our route. I questioned my sanity and rationale for taking this "goofy" trip several times during the drive. Mark just sat in the back of the car and watched movie after movie, oblivoius to my internal struggle. We arrived at Days Inn in Newport at 8:00 pm and enjoyed a good night's sleep.
Yesterday we set out early. Since our "hotel" provided only a carb-and-gluten-laden continental breakfast, we found a little cafe and had a nice meal (mine consisted of a ham and cheese omelet, hashbrowns and tomato juice; Mark's consisted of root beer--not his typical breakfast drink, sausages, bacon and pancakes. He didn't even taste the pancakes). We went to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and walked around the lighthouse and down to the water. We saw 2 bald eagles and several sea otters. It was cold, windy and rainy, but we enjoyed ourselves and took lots of pictures. Next we went to the old Newport Bayfront, explored some souvenir shops, and tried to gain admittance to the Undersea Gardens. Since it was the "off season," the Gardens were closed. Our final destination was the Oregon Coast Aquarium--the main attraction and reason for our trip. It's a nice little aquarium, and Mark enjoyed every bit of it. He especially liked seeing the wolf eels, sea otters and sharks, and enjoyed touching some of the creatures in the tide pools.
We left for home at 1:30. We stopped in Woodburn at the outlet mall and arrived home around 8:00. We enjoyed our "goofy" trip, but I doubt I'll take another one like it any time soon.
Friday, February 15, 2008
75 Reasons Why I Love My 75-year-old Dad
My dad "turns" 75 on February 25. In honor of his big day, I've compiled a list of 75 reasons why I love him.
1. He is a great husband to my mom.
2. He is a hard worker.
3. He has a good sense of humor.
4. He laughs at his own jokes.
5. He is dependable.
6. He is resourceful.
7. He is smart.
8. He is clever.
9. He is a good conversationalist.
10. He goes the "extra mile" in whatever he does.
11. He is a fabulous grandpa to my children.
12. Even though he doesn't enjoy playing games, he'll play with me if I ask him to.
13. He can fix just about anything.
14. He used to help me with my homework.
15. He is compassionate.
16. He is self-disciplined.
17. He takes pride in a job well done.
18. He helped my sons complete some Cub Scout requirements.
19. He's "as cute as Dopey."
20. He's always "been there" for me when I've needed him.
21. He's generous with his time and talents.
22. He's affectionate.
23. He saved me from making an incredibly stupid mistake.
24. He repaired our garage when our truck ran through it.
25. He helped us design and build our patio roof.
26. He moved us from Issaquah to Redmond.
27. He built a padded guard for our fireplace hearth.
28. He prays for me.
29. He accompanied me to a "professional" wrestling match.
30. He expresses gratitude.
31. He was a very kind, loving and attentive son and son-in-law.
32. He wrote his personal history so we could learn more about his life.
33. He let my maternal grandma live with us.
34. He plays the piano.
35. He never gave me a curfew.
36. He humored me, helped me make a creative Valentine for a radio contest and drove me several miles to deliver it to the radio station.
37. He is nice to my friends.
38. He gives good advice.
39. He helped me win the 7th grade science fair.
40. He lives the gospel.
41. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ.
42. He never got drunk.
43. His laughter is contagious.
44. He helps my mom around the house.
45. He videotaped my kids when they were young.
46. He is a good friend to others.
47. He makes clever greeting cards.
48. He likes to play tricks on people.
49. He has very neat handwriting.
50. He is a good provider.
51. When I lived at home, he was always available when I needed him.
52. He is honest.
53. He enjoys little children.
54. He gave me priesthood blessings.
55. He expresses his love for me.
56. He is my cheerleader and showers me with praise (even when I feel I'm undeserving).
57. He let me use his special colored pencils.
58. He let me get a dog--a French poodle.
59. He tried to save my dog's life when she was run over by a motorcycle.
60. He keeps his word.
61. He has cute bow legs.
62. He treats me like a princess.
63. With the help of a few others, he did most of the work to convert a garage/chicken coop into a family lodge for all of our Pearson relatives to enjoy.
64. Sometimes he calls me from work just to check on me.
65. He shares his testimony with others.
66. He added a "chicken room" to make his home more accommodating for entertaining and family gatherings.
67. He works hard to keep his brothers and sisters a cohesive unit.
68. He attends his grandchildren's important events and sports games.
69. He is entertaining.
70. He traveled with our family to Disneyland.
71. He has attended each one of my children's baby blessings.
72. He has attended each one of my children's baptisms and has confirmed them.
73. He taught my boys to sing "You Are My Sunshine" for me.
74. When I visit him, he tries to program the water softener so it won't wake me up at night.
75. He is always well-groomed and neatly dressed.
1. He is a great husband to my mom.
2. He is a hard worker.
3. He has a good sense of humor.
4. He laughs at his own jokes.
5. He is dependable.
6. He is resourceful.
7. He is smart.
8. He is clever.
9. He is a good conversationalist.
10. He goes the "extra mile" in whatever he does.
11. He is a fabulous grandpa to my children.
12. Even though he doesn't enjoy playing games, he'll play with me if I ask him to.
13. He can fix just about anything.
14. He used to help me with my homework.
15. He is compassionate.
16. He is self-disciplined.
17. He takes pride in a job well done.
18. He helped my sons complete some Cub Scout requirements.
19. He's "as cute as Dopey."
20. He's always "been there" for me when I've needed him.
21. He's generous with his time and talents.
22. He's affectionate.
23. He saved me from making an incredibly stupid mistake.
24. He repaired our garage when our truck ran through it.
25. He helped us design and build our patio roof.
26. He moved us from Issaquah to Redmond.
27. He built a padded guard for our fireplace hearth.
28. He prays for me.
29. He accompanied me to a "professional" wrestling match.
30. He expresses gratitude.
31. He was a very kind, loving and attentive son and son-in-law.
32. He wrote his personal history so we could learn more about his life.
33. He let my maternal grandma live with us.
34. He plays the piano.
35. He never gave me a curfew.
36. He humored me, helped me make a creative Valentine for a radio contest and drove me several miles to deliver it to the radio station.
37. He is nice to my friends.
38. He gives good advice.
39. He helped me win the 7th grade science fair.
40. He lives the gospel.
41. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ.
42. He never got drunk.
43. His laughter is contagious.
44. He helps my mom around the house.
45. He videotaped my kids when they were young.
46. He is a good friend to others.
47. He makes clever greeting cards.
48. He likes to play tricks on people.
49. He has very neat handwriting.
50. He is a good provider.
51. When I lived at home, he was always available when I needed him.
52. He is honest.
53. He enjoys little children.
54. He gave me priesthood blessings.
55. He expresses his love for me.
56. He is my cheerleader and showers me with praise (even when I feel I'm undeserving).
57. He let me use his special colored pencils.
58. He let me get a dog--a French poodle.
59. He tried to save my dog's life when she was run over by a motorcycle.
60. He keeps his word.
61. He has cute bow legs.
62. He treats me like a princess.
63. With the help of a few others, he did most of the work to convert a garage/chicken coop into a family lodge for all of our Pearson relatives to enjoy.
64. Sometimes he calls me from work just to check on me.
65. He shares his testimony with others.
66. He added a "chicken room" to make his home more accommodating for entertaining and family gatherings.
67. He works hard to keep his brothers and sisters a cohesive unit.
68. He attends his grandchildren's important events and sports games.
69. He is entertaining.
70. He traveled with our family to Disneyland.
71. He has attended each one of my children's baby blessings.
72. He has attended each one of my children's baptisms and has confirmed them.
73. He taught my boys to sing "You Are My Sunshine" for me.
74. When I visit him, he tries to program the water softener so it won't wake me up at night.
75. He is always well-groomed and neatly dressed.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Well, I Never!
While chatting with a friend today who was on her way to get her "nails done," I was reminded that I have never had a manicure or even a pedicure for that matter. One thought breeds another, so I decided to make a list of some of the things I've never done. I've never . . .
*had a manicure or pedicure
*gotten my ears pierced (or any other body part pierced)
*smoked a cigarette
*drank beer, wine or any alcoholic beverage
*been to Spain (thanks for that one, Three Dog Night)
*bungee-jumped or sky-dived
*driven a motorcycle
*eaten "sweetbreads"
*failed a class
*donated blood
*fainted
*done a cartwheel
*gone on a cruise
*liked red licorice or pepperoni pizza
*had a black eye
*sleep-walked
*read Gone With the Wind
*worn a bikini
*been a pageant contestant
*gotten a tattoo
*worn braces
Maybe I'll add more to the list later.
*had a manicure or pedicure
*gotten my ears pierced (or any other body part pierced)
*smoked a cigarette
*drank beer, wine or any alcoholic beverage
*been to Spain (thanks for that one, Three Dog Night)
*bungee-jumped or sky-dived
*driven a motorcycle
*eaten "sweetbreads"
*failed a class
*donated blood
*fainted
*done a cartwheel
*gone on a cruise
*liked red licorice or pepperoni pizza
*had a black eye
*sleep-walked
*read Gone With the Wind
*worn a bikini
*been a pageant contestant
*gotten a tattoo
*worn braces
Maybe I'll add more to the list later.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Each Life That Touches Ours for Good
I love Karen Lynn Davidson's text in the hymn, "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good." The first verse reads:
"Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love."
During the last week or so, I've reflected on those words many times and have thought of some of the people that have touched my life "for good." One of those people is President Gordon B. Hinckley, late president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't know him personally, but I felt his love each time I heard him speak or read his words. He was the man who asked us all to "stand a little taller" and to "be a little better." His perpetual optimism, almost super-human capacity for work, his vision, and his tireless service have been great examples and sources of motivation for me.
Another person who influenced me for good was a man, Truman Carver, who passed away at age 92 just a few days after President Hinckley died. Truman and Vivian, his wife, lived in our ward (Kaysville 10th Ward) for many years. He was especially kind to me, and we shared the same birthday. Truman always made a point to thank me and compliment me each time I spoke in church. His encouraging words and kindness inspired me to give my best efforts in preparing and presenting my church "talks." Truman was well-known and admired for his hard work in raising and training horses, and for his meticulous house and yard, but to me he is best known for his kindness. I wonder if Truman ever knew how much I appreciated him.
I could fill up pages listing all of the wonderful people who have influenced my life for good. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family, great relatives and amazing friends. I try to remember to express my love and appreciation to them frequently. I can and must do better in verbalizing my gratitude.
There is another group of people who have influenced my life for good that will probably never know of their influence in my life or my appreciation for their words. These are the writers of so many books I've read. I am an avid reader and have an extensive library of all sorts of books. To many, it may seem that I spend too much money buying books, but books are my friends, and their words are treasures. Besides, I write in my books, and librarians don't appreciate extraneous marks in their books. In my next several blog "posts" I plan to share some of the words I've underlined in various books that mean so much to me. Lee Shippey captured my sentiments in the following statement: "The right book at the right time may mean more in a person's life than anything else."
"Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love."
During the last week or so, I've reflected on those words many times and have thought of some of the people that have touched my life "for good." One of those people is President Gordon B. Hinckley, late president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't know him personally, but I felt his love each time I heard him speak or read his words. He was the man who asked us all to "stand a little taller" and to "be a little better." His perpetual optimism, almost super-human capacity for work, his vision, and his tireless service have been great examples and sources of motivation for me.
Another person who influenced me for good was a man, Truman Carver, who passed away at age 92 just a few days after President Hinckley died. Truman and Vivian, his wife, lived in our ward (Kaysville 10th Ward) for many years. He was especially kind to me, and we shared the same birthday. Truman always made a point to thank me and compliment me each time I spoke in church. His encouraging words and kindness inspired me to give my best efforts in preparing and presenting my church "talks." Truman was well-known and admired for his hard work in raising and training horses, and for his meticulous house and yard, but to me he is best known for his kindness. I wonder if Truman ever knew how much I appreciated him.
I could fill up pages listing all of the wonderful people who have influenced my life for good. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family, great relatives and amazing friends. I try to remember to express my love and appreciation to them frequently. I can and must do better in verbalizing my gratitude.
There is another group of people who have influenced my life for good that will probably never know of their influence in my life or my appreciation for their words. These are the writers of so many books I've read. I am an avid reader and have an extensive library of all sorts of books. To many, it may seem that I spend too much money buying books, but books are my friends, and their words are treasures. Besides, I write in my books, and librarians don't appreciate extraneous marks in their books. In my next several blog "posts" I plan to share some of the words I've underlined in various books that mean so much to me. Lee Shippey captured my sentiments in the following statement: "The right book at the right time may mean more in a person's life than anything else."
Monday, February 4, 2008
Homework Trouble
For a homework assignment today, Mark was asked to write a paragraph about a "first-hand experience." He complained to me: "I can't do my homework because I haven't had any first-hand experiences!"
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