February 14, 2011 was an ah-ha moment for me. It was a nice quiet evening. No fanfare for Roger and me. I prefer a nutritious home-cooked meal free from all the chatter of restaurant dining. I prefer our cozy well-lit home, free from the distractions of local dining and no waiting lines. We exchange valentine cards; Roger buys a few chocolate covered cherries from Cummings and places a bouquet of my favorite flowers on the table. That’s it….
After we cleaned up the dishes, we gathered in our “serenity room”. It’s my favorite place in the house. Both of us sit in ‘our’ chairs, retrieve our laptops and we start watching the tivo’d (without commercials) news. We talk about our day’s activities and its heaven. Roger usually has humanitarian emails to respond to and we discuss other items of interest.
Well, on this valentine’s evening I was reading a family member’s blog describing all the couple’s ‘special songs’ that were meaningful in their relationship. There must have been 25 songs listed. I turned to Roger and said, “Roger, we don’t have OUR song”. At this point, Roger didn't understand my Venus statement. I continued, “Why don’t we have a special song?” He thought for a moment then answered, “I don’t know”. I knew I was not going to get anywhere in this line of questioning. After some silence, he reminded me, “Yes, we BOTH have our special songs. Roger reminded me of his song motto, “Just Treat Her like a Lady”. I agreed that indeed, he treats me like a lady and I appreciate that trait in him every day. He is always kind, soft-spoken and very patient! Then he reminded me of my song. It comes from the musical, The Sound of Music. The song is "I Must Have Done Something Good."
You see, when I was dating Roger, I couldn’t believe someone like him could love someone like me. I felt like Julie Andrews when Captain VonTrapp fell in love with her. Let’s get things straight, I’m no Julie Andrews, but I related to her feelings of, ‘how come’. Ignore the phrase ‘wicked childhood’ and ‘miserable youth’ because I had a wonderful childhood and youth.
Some of this song doesn’t pertain to me, but Roger and I felt we must have done something good to find each other at this season of our lives. So, now I can confidently say Roger and I have our songs. We may have 25 more….except we can’t remember them!
Well, that evening I started making a documentary of our 10 years together. I worked on it from time to time and finally finished it 3 months later. (I had a heck of a time learning ‘windows media movie maker’.) Here's 10 years summarized in a few minutes.
After hours of trying to get blogger to upload my video, I discovered they don't support that function anymore...not even in the 'old editor' setting. (rats) So, as a 'work around', if you're really interested, cut and paste the following link into your browser. I don't think you have to sign in to Windows Live; but its free if you have to. My documentary is now stored with SkyDrive and is 'in the clouds' for viewing. (This is so not cool!)
https://cid-26c886e689d5c722.photos.live.com/self.aspx/Reflections/Valentine%20movie.wmv
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Is This Spring?
We woke up this morning with 6" of snow on the ground. Everytime the temperature gets decent, a cold front moves into the valley. The mountains are 200% above normal snow pack. The forecasters are predicting a heavy runoff....scarey. It's going to freeze again night...there goes all yummy Utah fresh fruits. Utah...a state of confusion and beauty.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What Was So Fascinating?
Going way way back in time when Matt and Kasey came to SLC for the weekend earlier this year....check this out. These pictures culminated our visit to Wheeler Farm.As I said in The kids ran all over Wheeler Farm. Gwama & Grandpa were tired...but not the kids....until, something caught their attention. The kids stop in their tracks. Is anyone wondering what caught their attention?
The kids were fascinated with the mating ritual of ducks. Roger and I chose to ignore the event and leave the explaining to Matt and Kasey.
The kids were fascinated with the mating ritual of ducks. Roger and I chose to ignore the event and leave the explaining to Matt and Kasey.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Matt & Kasey's Visit to SLC in March
Roger and I were upgraded big time...thanks to Matt and Kasey. We now have a new desktop HD computer/monitor without a tower; everything is hidden and we now have audio that works...yippee. Matt went 'over the top' (does that surprise anyone) by setting up the master bedroom with LG HD TV, blueray player and apple TV. We are very grateful for his generosity and his willingness (actually patience) to keep us technically up to date. So Matt's visit was basically a work visit. He did have time to have dinner with friends from dental school.
While Matt was working, Roger checked the kids eyes. It was very interesting. Poor Ethan had a difficult time getting his eyes dilated. But he loved playing with the sunglasses. I don't think Kasey thought she was going to be a patient...but she was, to her shagrin.
They arrived late Thursday night...1-2am Friday. When Roger went to work at his normal time, the kids were awake...so he got them settled downstairs in the playroom. Shortly after he left, I felt a lightweight finger tapping my sleepy body on the shoulder. "Gwama? Gwama? Gwama....I'm hungry" I was awakened everso quietly by the tender voice of Sienna. I turned over and there was Sienna staring at me, eyeball to eyeball. How could I resist. I went downstairs to get her breakfast. The other kids heard us in the kitchen and it didn't taken them long to venture up the basement stairs. I was amazed at how Kaden actually ran the show. It was like he was the man in charge. He knew exactly what Ethan would eat and helped with his 2 sisters. Like clockwork, Kaden cleaned up the aftermath...I was mostly an observer. Then Kaden led us all back downstairs where Gwama found the adult costume box. Was I surprised Ethan loved the hat....not.
Grandpa Roger knows how to entertain kids and he does it quite effortlessly....outdoors; hence a trip to Wheeler Farm! The kids loved it.
Picture in the chicken coup
Sweet Picture
Picture in the outhouse
Ethan shot faster than a bullet to the mud puddle. Grandpa wasn't fast enough!
Just as Grandpa got Ethan out of the mud puddle off the road....Ethan found another mud puddle ON the road.
The Henry gang with Gwama
I was amazed at Kaden's talent with his yoyo!
There's more to this post....a trip to grocery store to buy bread to feed the ducks. ETA, hopefully soon.
While Matt was working, Roger checked the kids eyes. It was very interesting. Poor Ethan had a difficult time getting his eyes dilated. But he loved playing with the sunglasses. I don't think Kasey thought she was going to be a patient...but she was, to her shagrin.
They arrived late Thursday night...1-2am Friday. When Roger went to work at his normal time, the kids were awake...so he got them settled downstairs in the playroom. Shortly after he left, I felt a lightweight finger tapping my sleepy body on the shoulder. "Gwama? Gwama? Gwama....I'm hungry" I was awakened everso quietly by the tender voice of Sienna. I turned over and there was Sienna staring at me, eyeball to eyeball. How could I resist. I went downstairs to get her breakfast. The other kids heard us in the kitchen and it didn't taken them long to venture up the basement stairs. I was amazed at how Kaden actually ran the show. It was like he was the man in charge. He knew exactly what Ethan would eat and helped with his 2 sisters. Like clockwork, Kaden cleaned up the aftermath...I was mostly an observer. Then Kaden led us all back downstairs where Gwama found the adult costume box. Was I surprised Ethan loved the hat....not.
Grandpa Roger knows how to entertain kids and he does it quite effortlessly....outdoors; hence a trip to Wheeler Farm! The kids loved it.
Picture in the chicken coup
Sweet Picture
Picture in the outhouse
Ethan shot faster than a bullet to the mud puddle. Grandpa wasn't fast enough!
Just as Grandpa got Ethan out of the mud puddle off the road....Ethan found another mud puddle ON the road.
The Henry gang with Gwama
I was amazed at Kaden's talent with his yoyo!
There's more to this post....a trip to grocery store to buy bread to feed the ducks. ETA, hopefully soon.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Hunk for My B-day
Now that I have your attention.....I had the best birthday ever. I came downstairs this morning and found a boquet of my favorite flowers, Cummings chocolate covered cherries and this card on the kitchen table....(the front of the card is the guy above, Roger's note is written below.
This card alone might not seem very impressive. However, knowing the behind scenes makes it extra special. When we got married, I initiated the tradition of "no gift giving". My 'relationship history' prior to Roger was that the guy would buy gifts to impress. I wanted a relationship where material things were not exchanged in lieu of treating me with kindness, trust and respect. I feel it's my birthday, Christmas or wedding anniversary everyday because Roger treats me with kindness, trust and respect all the time! I am blessed.
Getting back to the card. I asked for 2 things from Roger this year. First, was that I could read his writing on the birthday card. And secondly, that he would write more than one sentence. WOW...I got both...double whammie! Thank you, sweetie!
P.S. I've noticed the past few years his note writing has become shorter and shorter. I guess that just comes with being married as many years as we have. I should post the notes he wrote me when we were dating.....they were LONG epistles.
P.S.S. I love Roger's sense of humor: 2 sentences instead of 1; surely he remembers I had a tummy tuck in 1998!
P.S.S.S. he just committed to 3 sentences next year!
P.S.S.S.S. he just qualified what he said....3 shorter sentences! Gotta love him!!!!!
This picture shows what beautiful colors adorn our home with special wishes from our kids. We have wonderful children. Thank you, EVERYONE!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Mature Comment by Emma
This post was provided by Emily. I thought it was so cute.
Says Emily:
Emma is being featured as the Star Student in her class this week. Her "All About Me" poster prompted: When I grow up I want to be_____. As we filled it out, Emma just wasn't interested in her usual aspirations (to own a Spaghetti Factory, own a hotel, or be a vet). So what did she finally decide to put in the blank?
"my sister's college roommate."
Emma, July 2010
sister Ivy
Next year she'll say she wants to go to Harvard.
Says Emily:
Emma is being featured as the Star Student in her class this week. Her "All About Me" poster prompted: When I grow up I want to be_____. As we filled it out, Emma just wasn't interested in her usual aspirations (to own a Spaghetti Factory, own a hotel, or be a vet). So what did she finally decide to put in the blank?
"my sister's college roommate."
Emma, July 2010
sister Ivy
Next year she'll say she wants to go to Harvard.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Christmas in Salt Lake City
I must get some instructions on how to blog. I procrastinate posting because deciding on a picture is so hard. I take so many pictures that I'm overwhelmed. I take lots of pics because I'm not a good photographer, but figure with 225 pics, I may get a few good ones. I post each picture from picasa in a separate draft because I never know how I'm going to use the picture; then I cut and paste the picture into the original post. This takes forever! Please, someone, is there an easier way?
Well, getting on to Christmas...
All the Harries were here this Christmas and Kate finally got to play in the snow. Grandpa Roger enjoyed breaking off twigs from the tree and giving them to Kate. She had so much fun placing them in a small mount on the sports court. Oh, such a simple activity brought her so much pleasure. She also discovered her breath in the cold air. She kept blowing and blowing. It was so fun to watch.
It's the Little Things
Isn't this the best picture of Alicia and Greg!
Kate enjoyed looking at the Dicken's Village. But she had more fun getting into costume for the evening.
This picture says it all....pure delight. We got to share in Christmas through the eyes of a child.
I do believe this was one of Kate's toys. But Janelle and Alicia found it most interesting.
Picture this,....all of us in the living room. There's laughter, talking, and there's excitement in the air. But could that be grandpa asleep? Surely, this must be a product of my photoshop skills....NOT.
Paul had a really bad knee injury this summer. He was playing softball and slid into home plate. He said the gash was so deep he could see the tendons and such. Ouch! After 5 months, $6000 in medical costs, infection and immobility for weeks, it is finally healing. We are grateful to live in the US and have access to medical care.
I love those gag Christmas gifts. This one was originally used as a prop at the detention center the Sunday before Christmas. The next day, I hurried to get one at Radio Shack. It broke a couple days later, but I returned it and was given a new one. However, Kate wasn't too thrilled about it, so it was placed back in its box. That's OK Kate, it wasn't a very kid-friendly gag gift.
Grandpa Santa brought a few things for Kate to open. He enjoyed playing a game with Kate. She loved the attention, and we loved doting on her.
Now THIS is a great pic of Jason, don't you think.
When I bring out the camera, there is always a sigh of dread. But I press forward inspite of resistance. I wish there was a way to get everyone at their best. It's so hard getting family pictures. I'm sure everyone has experienced that frustration. I'm so not good about lighting. Poor Grandpa is in the dark while the girls are glowing white.
I decided to present the evolution of a family pic...whaalaa Can you find the missing person?
Grandpa took off work to spend the whole day with Kate. We decided to go to the Salt Lake City Acquarium. At first, Grandpa was reluctant taking Kate to a scaled down version (actually kindof tacky) of the Houston Acquarium. But we soon discovered that those things don't matter to kids. Kate enjoyed every minute of our excursion. And I tried to capture every ahha moment.
I couldn't believe Kate was so intrigued with this ugly tarantula. She even tried to touch it. Wow, no fear for Kate.
such wonderment
I asked Kate to pretend she was a frog with this picture. Look at her expression. It's just like the frog she's sitting on. She is sosoooo observant!
Kate didn't even shy away from the snake.
I should have taken Grandpa's expression with this one. He beamed from ear to ear noting that Kate may be his little scientist.
This is Kate's reflection on the acquarium glass. Can you see the squid? I thought this was cool. I wish I could say I planned it that way, but it just happened when I cropped the picture.
Kate is very sociable. She quickly decided to get into the canoe with a new friend. Then I asked Grandpa to take a pic of Grandma so there would be evidence that I was there, too.
We enjoyed being with Kate. She is so cute and very well behaved! We enjoyed every minute!
Perhaps one of the funniest things that happened....was that dad forgot to put money in Janelle's gift card. Everyone opened up their cards and promptly were thanking dad. But poor Janelle, she opened her gift card and it was bare! Dad was embarrassed, but he took it in stride...even laughing at himself for being so forgetful. He quickly got out his wallet and redeemed himself.
Well, getting on to Christmas...
All the Harries were here this Christmas and Kate finally got to play in the snow. Grandpa Roger enjoyed breaking off twigs from the tree and giving them to Kate. She had so much fun placing them in a small mount on the sports court. Oh, such a simple activity brought her so much pleasure. She also discovered her breath in the cold air. She kept blowing and blowing. It was so fun to watch.
It's the Little Things
Isn't this the best picture of Alicia and Greg!
Kate enjoyed looking at the Dicken's Village. But she had more fun getting into costume for the evening.
This picture says it all....pure delight. We got to share in Christmas through the eyes of a child.
I do believe this was one of Kate's toys. But Janelle and Alicia found it most interesting.
Picture this,....all of us in the living room. There's laughter, talking, and there's excitement in the air. But could that be grandpa asleep? Surely, this must be a product of my photoshop skills....NOT.
Paul had a really bad knee injury this summer. He was playing softball and slid into home plate. He said the gash was so deep he could see the tendons and such. Ouch! After 5 months, $6000 in medical costs, infection and immobility for weeks, it is finally healing. We are grateful to live in the US and have access to medical care.
I love those gag Christmas gifts. This one was originally used as a prop at the detention center the Sunday before Christmas. The next day, I hurried to get one at Radio Shack. It broke a couple days later, but I returned it and was given a new one. However, Kate wasn't too thrilled about it, so it was placed back in its box. That's OK Kate, it wasn't a very kid-friendly gag gift.
Grandpa Santa brought a few things for Kate to open. He enjoyed playing a game with Kate. She loved the attention, and we loved doting on her.
Now THIS is a great pic of Jason, don't you think.
When I bring out the camera, there is always a sigh of dread. But I press forward inspite of resistance. I wish there was a way to get everyone at their best. It's so hard getting family pictures. I'm sure everyone has experienced that frustration. I'm so not good about lighting. Poor Grandpa is in the dark while the girls are glowing white.
I decided to present the evolution of a family pic...whaalaa Can you find the missing person?
Grandpa took off work to spend the whole day with Kate. We decided to go to the Salt Lake City Acquarium. At first, Grandpa was reluctant taking Kate to a scaled down version (actually kindof tacky) of the Houston Acquarium. But we soon discovered that those things don't matter to kids. Kate enjoyed every minute of our excursion. And I tried to capture every ahha moment.
I couldn't believe Kate was so intrigued with this ugly tarantula. She even tried to touch it. Wow, no fear for Kate.
such wonderment
I asked Kate to pretend she was a frog with this picture. Look at her expression. It's just like the frog she's sitting on. She is sosoooo observant!
Kate didn't even shy away from the snake.
I should have taken Grandpa's expression with this one. He beamed from ear to ear noting that Kate may be his little scientist.
This is Kate's reflection on the acquarium glass. Can you see the squid? I thought this was cool. I wish I could say I planned it that way, but it just happened when I cropped the picture.
Kate is very sociable. She quickly decided to get into the canoe with a new friend. Then I asked Grandpa to take a pic of Grandma so there would be evidence that I was there, too.
We enjoyed being with Kate. She is so cute and very well behaved! We enjoyed every minute!
Perhaps one of the funniest things that happened....was that dad forgot to put money in Janelle's gift card. Everyone opened up their cards and promptly were thanking dad. But poor Janelle, she opened her gift card and it was bare! Dad was embarrassed, but he took it in stride...even laughing at himself for being so forgetful. He quickly got out his wallet and redeemed himself.
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