Balancing the Checkbook--a Trip Down Memory Lane

My computer decided to freak out September 4, sometime between 5 and 8 p.m.  I remember because I had been writing that afternoon and shut the computer off at 5 to fix dinner.  Later that evening, I tried to log on again, and all my data was gone.  We were headed for Arizona for Caleb's baptism in just over 24 hours, and there wasn't time for me to do anything about my computer, except worry and mourn the potential loss of so much that is important to me.  I packed it in the car with us for the trip in case my boys (who know a lot more about computers than I do) could provide answers.  They did:  take it to a professional!

Returning from Arizona, I scrambled to prepare for a visit from my in-laws and jump back into work.  And life.  It took a while, but finally, I got my computer repaired. Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours entering data from a pile of receipts, reconstructing how we've spent our money over the last two months.  It was a strange and nostalgic chore, entering these receipts:

Long term airport parking (for NJ trip)

Allen's (trip food as we left for AZ)

Michaels  (frame for the needlework I made for Kate)

New Jersey turnpike

Reams (getting ready for company food)

Shell gas station in Kanab (traveling to Caleb's baptism)

Target (birthday gift for Atticus)

Cafe at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center dated September 19 

Another one dated September 20 

Safeway in Flagstaff (travel food)

Parking at Newerk International Airport (picking up Jenny)

Copies Plus (funeral programs)

Deseret Musical (fund-raiser for Eric & Briana)

Reams (Hagan Dazs ice cream only--dated September 21)

The House of Miracles in Berlin, PA (a yummy cafe where we ate with Eric & Briana)

Hudson News in Newerk airport, Paradies Shops in Phoenix airport, Gold Coast Dogs in Chicago airport, Paradies Shops in Salt Lake airport--(each for sandwiches, bottled water and snacks)  

Distribution Center (Burial clothing)

So much has happened over the last couple of months, I haven't had time to stop and process it all.  But there have been many sweet moments, moments when I have had reaffirmed that Heavenly Father does know us and love us.  I am grateful for that knowledge which sustains me during hard times.  

Stalling

Today is the day that I am to begin my summer writing.  The day has been figuratively circled on my calendar for a couple of months or more.  It's my first "real" day of summer--after all the family festivities are over, after Andrew has returned from Helaman's Camp, a Monday--which always seems like a good start day.

So why am I terror-struck to click on that icon and begin?  Courage!

Before and After

Thirty-five years later--

Nearly thirty-six years ago, I moved into an apartment just a few blocks south of BYU campus, Crown 3.  Although it wasn't the nicest place I looked at, and although I didn't know any of my future roommates, it just felt like the right place to live.  These five girls would become cherished friends.  

Crown 3:  Sindy, Tracy, Lisa, Maureen, Laurene and me

Last week I met two of them at The Olive Garden for lunch.  We talked for six hours!  Catching up, reminiscing, philosophizing.  We remembered the bond we had those many years ago, how we talked and talked and talked (and occasionally visited Baskin Robbins).  How we ate together every night (and always included at least a couple of handsome young men who paid for the privilege of sharing our table.)  We were a family then! 

Thirty-five years later, with Sindy & Laurene

We discussed the events which made up the fabric of our lives and how each of our lives have taken different directions than those we anticipated when we sat on the floor and dreamed together those many years ago. We shared what we knew about our missing roommates, marveling at the many experiences that had come into our collective lives. None of us has been spared life's challenges, but we talked about how those experiences had strengthened us and our faith.  

My mind was flooded with memories as the years melted away.  We laughed and shared and encouraged.  What a delightful way to spend an afternoon!  

Introducing . . . The Anonymous!

Andrew competed with friends, Quinn, Kate and Maddie, at the Vocal Sport III competition.  The audience awarded them 1st place in their category!  You can see their performance on YouTube.  (Unfortunately, although I've tried and tried, I can't seem to put the video itself on my blog.)  Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmICGJ7tI5o

P.S. Credit goes almost exclusively to these four talented 15-year olds!  They chose it, arranged it, practiced it, and perfected it--with almost no adult input.  Congratulations!

Turning Fifteen

We celebrated Andrew's birthday with a surprise party.  Quinn got him out of the house, then when all were assembled, we drove to Quinn's house, the boys popped a pillowcase over his head and hauled him out to the car!  From our house, the party-goers were sent on a quest to buy a can of olives--but not until they had unraveled clues, answered riddles, played Just Dance at Amy & Ryan's, and sung (in four part harmony, I might add) the National Anthem in Reams!  They returned, their quest complete, for dinner and some good hang-out time.  Andrew was completely surprised, and gave it two thumbs up!

Andrew, Quinn, Noah, Chase, Reagan & Pierce (Ciera arrived later.)

Andrew & Quinn

Andrew, Quinn & Noah

Andrew as Jimmy Smith

A few photos--

"Honey, you're my New York horror story!"

"'Well, I had my big adventure, but it sure is
 nice to be back in my own bed.'"

"You're looking at the hottest speak-o in town!"

"Eighteen years on Long Island:  if that ain't misspent,
 I don't know what is."

"What do I need with love?"

"Call each one of them the same pet name:  Hey, Baby!"

"Talk about a four leaf clover me."

"Golddigger!"
"Womanizer!"
"Jezebel!"
"Cassanova!"

"What am I doing on a window ledge,
hundreds of feet in the air?"

"I Turned the Corner"

"You suspect foul play?"

"Funny, I found myself an emerald."

Curtain call

Andrew (Jimmy), Pierce (Ching Ho), Quinn (Trevor Graydon), Maddie (Millie), Ciera  (Miss Dorothy) 

Kissing: Thoroughly Modern Millie Style

Director's Notes:

After first kiss:  "You can't kiss her like your mother."

After second kiss:  "That's a start; we can work with that."

Next day, to other kissing couple:  "You need to kiss like them."

Next day:  "Andrew, that kiss is too aggressive."

Two performances down!  The play is fabulous!  Well cast, colorful, funny, and just extremely well done by all.  Very proud of our boy and all his great friends!  

If you want a glimpse, first night photos are available by way of Andrew's facebook page.  There is a link to a Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. page on his wall.  One of the play dads posted about 200 photos.