On being a Grandpa . . .

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Little Samuel (Sammy) 2 days old on 17 December in Boise, Idaho. All 10 pounds of him.

Brother to Brother

2011-12-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

Little Samuel was born this afternoon and his brother got to meet him this evening. The photo, sent by Suzanne just resonated with me as little Chas meets his brother for the first time. You can see in Chas's touching the wonder of he has towards this special new person who is going to change his life forever. It is poignant to view and vicariously touches all of us. Welcome to life Sammy! Your brother will show you the ropes!

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Season

2011-12-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2011-12-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it, we had a little rain yesterday. Yes, even in Las Vegas we get rain - less than 10% of what we got in the midwest, so when we get rain here it's like driving on ice for the locals. They all slow down - well most of them anyway. When we got up yesterday morning we looked out and there was only a low gray cloud cover to see. We thought, "Well that's not so bad. It's nice to have a little cloudy weather and some rain." However, by the time mid-afternoon rolled around the comment from the front room (the alternate quilting room) was, "Where's the sunshine?" It didn't help that we had this little drizzle (or what we like to call a Las Vegas downpour) going on all day and night.

This morning we got up to another day of predicted rain showers. Thank goodness the weather forecasters in Nevada aren't any better than the ones in the midwest. As it started to clear we went out to get the last of those Christmas packages mailed and the sunshine was peaking through. As we looked east to the strip it was shrouded in a low fog that made the hotels and casinos appear as more of a distant mirage. It was sort of cool. As we looked west the mountains behind our home had a light snow covering and those further away in the Red Rock Conservation Area had snow, clouds and the like. It is absolutely beautiful to see the sun, clouds, and snow on the mountains.

By the time I left for work at noon we had beautiful cumulus clouds with breaks of sunshine coming through. Yes, living in Las Vegas with its 300 plus days of sunshine is wonderful and we certainly enjoy it.

I took this a year ago, but this is the view we often see in the winter when we
look west.

Sharing and Rethinking Some Sharing

2011-12-08T18:37:00.001-08:00

As JoAnn and I have had children leave home and had more time for each other we have discovered we are share more and more experiences together and enjoying it. We've always enjoyed driving together to see new or old and beautiful country. We more recently have had fun making salads together. We pull all of the vegetables, spinach, condiments, and other things. While one of us builds the salad the other steams the vegetables. Those salads are sooooo goooood! We've made bread and cookies together. We fold clothes together although there are some of her clothes that I can't fold. We put up Christmas decorations together. We garden together and the list goes on. While I don't help sewing, she values my opion, or at least asks when it related to colors. I reciprocate by asking about ties (when I wear them).

However, we have one sharing experience we are having to rethink. For years we have sat next to each other and shared the hymnal during sacrament meeting at Church. If you sit behind us it probably looks comical. The hymnal almost continuously goes forward, backward, up, down with each of us trying to find the right distance and location for our bifocal and trifocal lenses. We laughed about it last Sunday as we realized that our hymnal was constantly in motion. It's a good thing we know most of the songs and only periodically have to look at the words. I can only imagine what it looks like to watch us from the pew behind us. I suspect we will figure out how to make this work so we can continue to share.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T12:23:00.001-08:00

Black Friday

2011-12-06T10:22:00.001-08:00

We have never buckled under to "Black Friday" in our house. We find Friday morning a great day to stay away from stores, shops, and other commercial public places. This year, however, we thought we might do something just a little different - after all Krissie & David were visiting and we wanted them to have a Las Vegas experience.

So, with that in mind, we made some decisions. While the rest of you were standing in line, pushing and shoving to get those "bargains" we were sound asleep - at least until about 5:30 am. We roused everyone from bed, bundled up and headed out for "Black Friday!"

We didn't go far, but we don't have to to have our kind of "Las Vegas" experience. We drove out to Red Rock Conservation area and watched the sun rise. In this case it's more of a sun drop since the sun hits the tops of the mountains and works its way down. It is a beautiful site. While it was a little cool for Las Vegas, watching the sun come down the mountain was worth the wait - we all thought so!

This is JoAnn's personal favorite. Those are the Spring Mountains in the background.

We watched the sun come down the mountain and it was a beautiful vista. We weren't alone, but that was fine. We like watching the sun set at the beach, but this is just as awesome. It's a renewal.

Following our sunrise watch we drove about 4 miles down the road to a little area called Calico Basin, named for the rocks that look like a calico material. It is one of our favorite areas to visit. It has a small spring and meadow and is so peaceful and beautiful - especially at 6:45 in the morning. I took the following photos while we were there. There are more photos on my flickr account.

I had fun playing with this one and focusing on colors
as opposed to people. The women were horrified I took
the photo, but as a Grandpa I can get away with it.

David and I came into the meadow from a hill above it. I'd never done that before
and the colors and the light were awesome. We were the only ones there!

It's hard to find the fall colors in this photo, but the colors are about as good
as they get anywhere in southern Nevada right here.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-29T23:58:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

click on me to make me bigger

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Quilt Shop is Open

2011-10-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to have 2 of our children visit this week. Well, a child and a spouse, but once they become a spouse they are adopted into our family (in a literal sense). David and Krissie flew in from San Diego on Monday to help me and JoAnn out since JoAnn went into the hospital early Monday morning for a condition that has been resolved and is NOT life threatening. She came home on Wednesday, tired, hungry, and physically exhausted. She had been sick for 3 weeks, but we really didn't understand that until she got to the hospital. However, that has little or much to do with this post.

Because David & Krissie were here I was able to go back to work on Wednesday for what was left of a busy week. JoAnn finally made it home about 6 pm and she went almost directly to bed. We were all exhausted and went to bed early. Thursday was another busy morning at work and I took the afternoon off to spend time with the kids. David and I were busy reorganizing the garage and driving around picking up shelving, tearing down existing work benches, and cleaning up. At some point we came inside and the girls announced they had been to the quilt store!

I looked at them incredulously, thnking to myself, "Your mother just got out of the hospital and you took her to the quilt store! What is the matter with you?" They could see me warring with my emotions and began to laugh. Now I was confused. Finally they said, "We went to Mom's quilt store!" They had me, but it wasn't for the first time.

JoAnn reminded me that the last time we had Sister's Weekend at our house that I was sitting on the computer in her office when I watched our daughters come in several times and go through her well organized quilt storage area. For the girls it was like being in a quilt store and they all readily agree it's one of the best quilt stores they have been in. So Krissie, our lone unrepentant non quilter had finally repented and was quilting to making Christmas gifts for her sister-in-laws (no secrets revealed here). She learned pretty quickly under the steady hand and eye of JoAnn. Krissie did most of the work once she understood the basics.

It's still good to know that we can help our children in small ways that allow them to grow. We do enjoy having our children around and look forward to when we live closer to some of them and not have to depend on a visit to have them over, but it becomes part of a daily routine.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T14:11:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

Plumbers Delight

2011-09-12T03:24:00.000-07:00

A few years ago when we lived in Terre Haute we had to replumb out entire home. It seems that sub quality copper piping was used throughout the home. As we investigated alternatives we finally went with flexible plastic pipe (which has no influence on this blog) and they made the installation in 1.5 days at considerably less cost then estimates for copper pipe. I investigated the viability of the flexible plastic pipe and received ringing endorsements from contractors I trusted. It was not only a short experience, but it was painless. It was almost as if they weren't there.

The living room wall - before

Same wall, during! Plumbing for the spare bathroom (on the
other side of the wall)

We are in the midst of the same experience in our new Las Vegas home, but this time it's the result of a class-action suit and we don't pay anything. There are some differences, however. In Indiana we had a crawl space. In Las Vegas we have a slab. In Indiana the plumbing was under the house in the crawl space. In Las Vegas it is in the ceiling. For a midwesterner the whole idea of water pipes in the attic is scary, but then we don't get very cold here. In Indiana they had to cut a two holes in our walls, and that was to get to the showers. In Las Vegas it was a different story.

On Thursday morning the first crew showed up to plasticize the house. We literally had plastic sheeting handing everywhere. When I got home from work it was like living in a maze. Then the plumbers showed up. I was gone by then and JoAnn figured out in a hurry she was best out of the house also. We easily had over a dozen holes in our walls. The good news was that all of the plumbing was completed on Thursday and on Friday the wallboard and plaster crew showed up to patch the holes and prep the house for painting. By the time they left at 3 pm all the holes were patched in the house and garage.

Outdoors with NO covering!

As a side note, on Thursday I walked out behind the house and there was a hole in the back of the house - a BIG hole. The insulation was laying on the ground and there was no covering over the hole. You can take me out of the midwest, but you can't take the midwest out of me. All I could see in my imagination was rain (and we get so much here!) and critters. I moved the insulation to the patio and went inside and cut a sizable piece of plastic and covered the hole. When I talked to the foreman in the morning it was clear he did not have a midwestern mentality. He didn't see any problems. I did, but it's that midwestern perspective.

I'm writing this on Saturday morning while I wait for the painters to show up. It's 9:12 am and all the other crews have been here at 7 am. The painter showed up at 2:30 pm. On Sunday we discovered, while sitting in Sacrament, that our neighbors from 2 blocks away were hogging the painter on Saturday morning. Today (Monday) it's cleaning, hook the dishwasher up (5 days without a dishwasher!!!), and the walk through. Actually, it looks like no one was even here and we got a new paint job and all the left-over paint!

Cousins! Kissing Cousins! Really?

2011-09-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

The other evening I was having a nice quiet evening at home surrounded by plastic sheeting hanging from the ceiling (that's another blog) and enjoying the NFL opening season game when the phone rang. On the other end was granddaughter 3 who is daughter 2 of daughter 3. Still with me? After a little grandfather - granddaughter banter, mostly by me, she finally said, "Grandpa, I need help with my genealogy." Since that is a topic near and dear to my heart, I said, "Sure, what do you want to know?" She asked for our birthdates, birth places, realized she didn't need our death dates and then went on to ask about other relatives. After getting my parents, she asked, "Who are your dad's parents?" I shared all of the relevant information with her, followed by my mother's parents. Then it was off to JoAnn's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Remember, this was done a little randomly, meaning we didn't always follow a family line, and I'm several hundred miles away on the telephone. When I asked questions the answers were sometimes a little vague. She concurred she was building a pedigree chart, but I wondered why we went to great-grandparents on only one side. That was when she shared she wanted to go back 8 generations and would need to call again! Eight generations is a lot of names.

The next morning I talked to our daughter, her mother, Suzanne, and asked the burning question, "How does Lexi's pedigree chart look." I got this guffaw from Suzanne and she finally said that Lexi came to her and showed that JoAnn and I were cousins. We're not, we aren't from Kentucky (apologies to my family in Kentucky), and were not even remotely from related families. Not that progenitors haven't done that, but not for over 300 years as near as I can determine.

JoAnn and I had a good laugh over the idea we were cousins - maybe even "kissing cousins." This is what makes grandparenting so much fun. We get to see how children interpret what is said and how differently they see the world from us. It is a joy for us to have such wonderful grandchildren and children. Not that we are biased.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hattie just a little on the tired side during our visit
in July.

Remembering Summer

2011-09-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Family reunion time in Iowa with almost all 16
grandchildren sitting still.

Summer is officially over. How do I know? School has started, or in my case, I'm back to work at the university. But what a great summer it has been. For the first time in 10 years I took the whole summer off - granted, not by choice. But the reality is that I'm more prepared for fall then I have been for a number of years. I know there are those who scoff at a "summer off," but that's one of the reasons I went into higher education. Most of those summers over the last 35 plus years have involved travel, research, writing, and an occasional class. This summer I had great hopes for all of those things and the travel provided the best experiences of all.

It's not an official reunion without cake
and ice cream - and LOTS of it!

Trips to Idaho, Utah, and Iowa were stupendous. We were gone for almost all of July and into August and while we thought that was a little long, there were a lot of years when a 3-week vacation was standard for us, but as the children left home and started their own families we found we had not single, but multiple destinations to visit including, at various times, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Iowa, Michigan, California, Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Missouri, and England. That idea of a single summer vacation has morphed into year-round vacation opportunities that are usually shorter. Much of the notion of a 3-week vacation was built around the need to drive from the mid-west to California. Now we hop a plane for those longer destinations.

Summer used to be a time for our families to visit us, but since we moved to the desert there is less interest in seeing us during our summer head and more incentive for us to visit further north - or to the California beaches.

The Allen's hamming it up!

Yet, our summer trips remain a staple of our opportunity to visit family. We have a longer period to stay at each home and we can try to get quality time in at several homes. This summer we were able to spend time with the Bake and Bradley families in Idaho, the Hansen's in Utah, the McLean's in Iowa, and JoAnn spent time with the Dunn's (less David) in San Diego. By the time late August got here we were ready for a quiet few months at home, but we are already planning Christmas in Idaho with a new grandson.

Summer has been good to us. We have enjoyed it. We expect to continue to enjoy it in the future and while it remains the foundation of our vacation, we now visit year round because we love seeing our families. We feel blessed by these opportunities.

Grandma celebrating her birthday with all of her very
best friends - her family!

Hurricanes and Typhoons

2011-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Watching the television reports of hurricane Irene brought back memories, especially after I communicated with friend of mine who took his daughter back to New York for the start of the fall semester. We start classes on Monday and yesterday I asked him what his status was (text message) and he responded he was trapped until Tuesday afternoon. I've been through two typhoons (that's the Pacific Ocean version of a hurricane and I like the name better) in my life.

Note that there were no
windows, just louvers.

I'll start with the second, since it was less dramatic. I was teaching strategic planning to members of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee when my host told me that class would be over in 30 minutes. My response was, "We still have 2 hours." And he said, "Not now, we have a stage 4 hurricane coming and all public transportation stops in 2 hours." Needless to say, I got done in my allotted 30 minutes and let everyone go. That evening all of the big stores were closed and all of the mom and pop stores were open, including the restaurants. The storm missed us and hit Macau, so the next morning we were back in class.

Some 40 years prior to that I experienced my first typhoon as a youngster living on Guam, in the Marianas archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It was in 1956 or 1957 - I really don't remember. We lived on Anderson Air Force Base and had a couple stay with us during the storm. They lived in quarters that weren't deemed safe. Our housing was on high ground at the north end of the island and we had no windows - just louvers and screens. Hence, you can imagine that keeping water out was a challenge. Fortunately we had all rattan furniture and carpets - long before it was fashionable.

Guam is a beautiful island in the Pacific. It recovers
quickly from disasters. This is what I remember most -
the beauty of the island.

We filled up the bathtub with water, for drinking purposes and then mopped the floors all night. Finally about 2 am everyone went to bed and got up in the morning and mopped all the water out of the house. There was a couple of inches of water in places, but the storm had passed. Not far from our home was a great outdoor theater that we often went to. It had completely collapsed. I don't have a photo of that, but the photo below is of the gymnasium, or what was left of it.

The gym was really a big quonset hut that couldn't survive
the heavy winds. It gives an idea of the force of the winds.

For us kids it was a real adventure. We had know idea how ferocious a typhoon could be and what damage could be caused. I think of Dennis and Juanita and their family as they ride out hurricane Irene and know they will be okay.

The Joy of Play

2011-08-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

JoAnn and I love watching our grandchildren play - together and alone. Of course their play is sometimes loud and other times quiet and it is usually the latter that parents worry about. When you have 15 children together ranging in age from 16 to 2 years of age there is a lot of diversity in what is considered play. For the teens it is texting, texting, and yes, more texting interspersed along with a few video games. For the younger children it verges on a lot more spontaneity and physical play. Joshua had a brand new play structure in the backyard that immediately captured everyone's attention who was under the age of 12. I would go out on the upstairs patio and see the youngest ones playing on the structure, running around the house exterior, and having a wonderful time. No one was in charge, but everyone was together. The photo shows six grandchildren from 3 families having a great time - each one of them individually engaged in active play and using their imagination.

The above photo, while only showing Joshua, shows how engaged he (along with his cousins) were with his Thomas the Train set. The train set usually had 3 to 5 children gathered around it, all engaged in a different form of plan. It was amazing how they were all individually engaged and yet didn't seem to get frustrated with the others. There wasn't a lot of space for 3 to 5 children, but they made the most of it each time. They were all pretty much at the age where playing together is still a novel idea.

Playing with Grandma is also very important. All of the kids enjoy playing, and learning from, Grandma. Joshua and Chas loved having Grandma working with them on a puzzle and teaching them to work together. I'm not so sure the "working together" idea was fully grasped. Grandma also found time to eat a little dinner out at the farm with Lexi and Meagan. They are both at an age where food is more important than it used to be, but fun is even more important. Finally, there is the first grandchild with a "driving permit." I personally find that scary, but while we were in downtown Des Moines and found an Italian festival she found the car of her dreams. Of course Grandma was there to share it with her.

It's all about play and fun. It's about practicing for life. It's about learning to work with others, but in the end, it's about family and joy and love. I could have talked about adult play too, but this one is for the kids.

Family Reunion: SquirtGunslingers (Wordless Wednesday)

2011-08-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone?

2011-08-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday, or maybe the day before, that I was courting my beautiful bride in Modesto, California. But yet, it's been 44 years today. It was 107 degrees the day we were married and thank goodness we didn't take that as an omen. It would have been the wrong one. Our adventures over the last 44 years have wonderful. Who would have thought that all these years later we would have 7 children, almost 16 grandchildren, and lived in so many different and exciting places.

Neither one of us had a clue about where our life would take us, but the trip has been wonderful. I count my blessings when I look at my bride - and yes, she is still my bride - even if we both have a little time on our side.

Happy Anniversary Lover! It has been fun and I'm looking forward to the next 44 years. Maybe we can do it together on our own 4-wheeler!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Family Reunion: Lunch in Ames

2011-08-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have taken a long summer vacation as is obvious by the lack of postings, but it has been time well spent. JoAnn and I spent most of July traveling to Idaho, Utah, and Iowa. The latter was for our family reunion.

A long set of tables and no talking
from end to end - at least quietly.

Iowa has a particular hold on the McLean family. We go back several generations in Iowa, on both sides of my family and as a family, we lived in Ames and Cedar Rapids for a total of 13 years.

As a child I have such fond memories of summers at my grandparents' homes in Des Moines. During this trip I showed at least one daughter and granddaughter where my dad's parents lived and where my mom's parents final home was. Then we drove through the state fair grounds, which was busy getting ready, and talked about experiences I had there.

For all of us going to Ames and Hickory Park restaurant was wonderful. JoAnn and I remember the original Hickory Park, located in an old converted gas station where you would stand outside in the cold (or heat) waiting for a table. You ate dinner or ice cream (there was too much food to eat both), but never both. We first went to Hickory Park in 1977 and as our children grew we took them. Usually we didn't have enough money to take the whole family all at once, so it was special occasions when we took a child. When Donna turned 12 we went with our Bishop (I was the first counselor) and his son and had ice cream. It was great and I still fondly recall that experience.

It was unanimous among our family, long before we got to Des Moines, that we would all go north to Ames. Tim called ahead and made reservations. When we all arrived we asked for a table for 29! In 1977, there were only 6 of us, and 2 were tikes and only 1 was in school, we never imagined we would have dinner for 29 ANYWHERE! But here we are 34 years later and our family has blossomed. And yes, we missed David and Krissie, but the USMC calls and they respond.

Most of the grandchildren sitting in front of a big screen
television taking in cartoons while the patiently (?) waited
for our table

As I looked down the loooooong table at all 29 family members comprising 7 of our 8 families I realized just how wonderful our family has become. Everyone was busy talking, listening, eating, corralling children, and having an awfully good time. Plus, following lunch, many planned to run by the old homestead (it was a townhouse) for additional memories. It is these types of activities that help our family to build long-term relationships. It is going to be too soon before our grandchildren start leaving the nest and building their own families. I wonder how big our table will be next time we go to Hickory Park?

The view from the other end of the table. Mike and Allison
on the right and Ellen on the left.

I hope everyone is getting ready for Denver in 2013.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday - Lunch for 29!

2011-08-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the 4th of July in Las Vegas

2011-07-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

This evening JoAnn and I drove a little over a mile to an open gravel field and watched an arc of fireworks demonstrations covering 270 degrees of the compass. We live about 800 feet above the valley floor so we have a great view of most of the city and the strip. There are probably many cities where you can experience 270 degrees of fireworks, but from our perch we could see all of the Las Vegas strip and the many fireworks, plus those over in Henderson, almost 20 miles away, and many different casino and neighborhood fireworks. It seemed that in every direction we turned there were fireworks. They may not always be the most spectacular fireworks, but they were pretty darn good. There were probably 50 or more cars out in the gravel field with us. We don't worry about driving on the grass in Las Vegas. There isn't any!

And then it was home to catch the last few minutes of the Capitol Fourth PBS show (time delayed of course). What a spectacular fireworks show with the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington monuments framed by fireworks, along with the U.S. Capitol. And then, as a bonus, they replayed the whole show and we got to watch it start to finish. What a great way to spend the 4th - Fireworks, good music, the National Mall, great patriotic music - I love John Philip Sousa's marches. We were blown away by Steve Martin and his bluegrass band.

We were a little far away for photos in Las Vegas, but I captured a couple of photos from the National Mall concert and fireworks, in HD!

We hope everyone had a joyous 4th of July and remembered what the day means to us as our day of liberty and that we honor those who served and those who gave their lives to create sustain our liberty for the last 235 years. This is a great country and it is blessed of God.

Speaking of Comfort

2011-07-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Following up on my reading comfortably post, I thought it was appropriate that I give due diligence to the one member of our family who has comfort down to a science. I'm speaking of our devil cat (daughter's name for our feline friend), the queen of comfort -- Whisper. She can be comfortable anywhere and sometimes in locations we have no idea where she is.

On the back of the sofa chair and almost
always on a blanket - especially one some-
one has made. Jeni in this case.

Her nap locations change based on the season and, I suspect, her whim. She loves the wicker love seat on the patio when it is below 100. When it's over 100 she is under the love seat on the paving tiles or on one of our outdoor chairs. There are also a couple of bushes she loves to be under. She can go to sleep anywhere, but I suspect her outdoor naps are less peaceful than her indoor naps. She is always looking for a gecko or bird she cat fetch. Just in the last few days she has started to come right up to the back door and sleep at the edge of the door. Fortunately it's a sliding glass door so we can open it and step over her.

Our peek-a-boo cat keeping an eye on us.

When she comes indoors on a hot day she walks over to make sure she still has food and then plops down on the cool tile and stays there until she has cooled off. She likes the half on - half off model also. Half on tile and half off carpet, if that makes sense. Sheets, not blankets, are her favorite this time of the year and since we moved the coffee table into the family room it too has become a place to relax. There are some other spots were not quite sure of. She will disappear in the middle of the day for a few hours and we aren't sure where she it, but when it moves her, she wanders in. Her favorite spot, hands down, are our office chairs. We can go into JoAnn's office and find her curled up in deep sleep or in my office doing the same. The sculpted contour of those chairs seems to fit her perfectly. It also makes it harder to get the hair off.

Who would have thought a coffee table would be the
place to be. She can also watch TV from here.

Given the length of this post, it would suggest I'm a little envious. I am. She can go to sleep anywhere, any time. In fact as I look out the kitchen door she is stretched out under the wicker love seat and her eyes are just closing, with paws under her chin. The ears are still moving just a little, like a radar dish just in case something exciting occurs, but no, it hasn't and the eyes artfully shut and she is out. Whisper truly is the queen of comfort.

The previous owner had a shelf above the spring tub and
kept his cacti on it. We keep our cat on it. She loves
the sun when it comes in.

Reading in Comfort

2011-07-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

JoAnn enjoys a good reading chair. She has had several over the years. In the early years they were holding chairs for Joann and the current baby, rather than reading chairs. In those days it was and still is a good recliner. It's not about being able to lay back, but about sitting in a comfortable chair and reading.

A few years ago, when Chas was a baby, we were visiting in Idaho and sitting on the glassed in front porch (it was winter) and rocking on a glider chair. JoAnn fell in love with the chair, so when we got back to Terre Haute we went out and looked for a glider. I had no idea how much they could cost, but we found one we liked really well. It remains JoAnn's favorite chair today. She can spend hours in it reading. She has it located between a campaign table and our bed. Almost every evening when I fall asleep one of the last things I see is her reading.

In May we went to Modesto to see my Dad and his wife. We stayed at my youngest sister's home. The bedroom had a wonderful chair, at least that is what JoAnn told me. She spent quite a lot of time in it and said, "It's wonderful. I love it." When we got back we found one - and we've been looking for over 2 years. It was a process of finding something that we both liked - especially since it is now my reading chair. Maybe not my chair, but on my side of the room. I'm always willing to share and she is beginning to enjoy the chair when I'm not using it and I only use it late afternoons and early evening to read and study. I have found I enjoy it as much or more than JoAnn. Thanks sweetheart for finding a chair for my back. It is great.

Wordless Wednesday - cat under hat

2011-06-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Role Reversal

2011-06-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Almost 3 weeks ago JoAnn had surgery on her foot. It was out-patient surgery and the stitches were removed in two weeks, but she has to walk flat-footed for 6 weeks. The first few days she spent on her back and after the first week she sat up more and has become increasingly more mobile. Suzanne was here for the first 5 days and that was incredibly helpful.

After Suzanne left I was pretty much responsible for keeping things going. I don't need any snide comments girls! The first morning after Suzanne left I did the dishes, cleaned the kitchen counter, put stuff away, got clothes going in the washer and drier, and tried to get everything as clean as JoAnn does. After about 2 hours I was beginning to understand why she doesn't get started on projects until about 2 pm. Since then, I've gotten better and quicker, and JoAnn has been more mobile and also helped out. Today I even vacuumed the floors and while I've done that occasionally, I'm like Whisper, when I hear her open the door to the vacuum closet I run and hide.

There have been some behavior patterns I really wasn't ready for. Last Thursday as we got up from lunch she walked over to the recliner and sat down. I looked down at the remains of lunch on the table and realized that I had just experienced a role reversal. I do try to help out in the kitchen and we do more and more together in the kitchen, but I suspect I'm AWOL pretty frequently. Now I know how JoAnn feels after preparing dinner, setting the table, and then being left to clean the table and kitchen. I also thought this was a 1 time role reversal experience, but it's becoming a habit. Not all the time, but more frequently. I think there might be a little payback involved here and I probably deserve it (once again, no comments girls).

I'm just anxious for JoAnn to make a full recovery - and she is doing very well - so we can reverse our roles once again, but with behavior change on my part. I have felt over the last several years that I was doing my part, but I realize now I wasn't, at least not enough. All those old rationalizations pretty much have to be thrown out with yesterday's garbage. They aren't even recyclable.

Father's Day Hopes

2011-06-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day again, my 41st as a father. JoAnn and I were talking about father's days and this father's expectations for our children. As we discussed the topic she said there was a difference between what my expectations were for our children and what they thought those expectations might be. That was both interesting and a little disconcerting.

I do have expectations, but I think the better term is hopes. Hopes are desires and beliefs in what you might become. They are less judgmental. I do not want you (forgive the tense change) to have a pass-fail perception about what I think you do in your life. You need to live your own lives - and you all do - and not worry about what I might think. However, on occasion I've been willing to share my thoughts without you asking for it. I'm trying to get better about that.

What are my hopes? They are simple. First, that you love your spouse and children and make them the most important people in your lives. Second, that you love our Heavenly Father and honor Him in your actions and thought. Third, that you find joy in living every day. That's it. Everything else is incidental to those. Like my own father, I'm proud of each of you and your and families and what you are doing with your lives. Each of us lives a different life. It was meant to be that way. What binds us is our family and the love for one another. Knowing that love is unconditional and free of expectation strengthens our family and allows us to grow individually and together.

This may appear as a bit of a ramble, but at the end of the day, it's what we do in our homes with our families that ultimately is important. It's my joy as a father to support, sustain, and assist (when asked).

Thanks for being such great daughters, sons, sons-in-laws, daughters-in-laws, and grandchildren.

Wordless Wednesday - people identification

2011-06-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I posted this photo earlier this morning and had a request from one daughter to identify everyone in the photo. The 2nd photo (click on it to make it larger) identifies everyone in the photo except the dog. Enjoy it.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Fastest Clean Kitchen in the West

2011-05-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in our blog the other day, our family from Idaho was down for a short morning nap on Thursday. There was our daughter, husband, 3 small children, aunt, and in-laws. So we had a houseful.

One of the traditions we really enjoy when visiting them is going over to the other grandma and grandpa's home on Saturday morning for breakfast. The kids pile in the wagon and we walk the 150 or so yards to grandma and grandpa's house. We've come to call it "the Bradley breakfast," and what a feast it is. We always leave with our appetites sated and the walk back home is slower as we exhibit more of a waddle.

We anticipated this as our chance to reward those Bradley breakfast events with a McLean breakfast. Now a traditional McLean breakfast would involve cinnamon roles or coffee cake or biscuits. However, by the time we got the house clean on Wednesday night it was after 11 pm and we were ready for bed. JoAnn anticipated our exhaustion and with the outdoor temperatures already hovering at 90 degrees she decided we could do waffles. My first clue of her wisdom was when I got up about 4 am to see if the kids were here that the recipe book was out and opened to waffles. I was already willing to wake everyone up and get breakfast going, but I controlled myself.

By 7:30 am I had JoAnn up to help with the kids and then took off for a short walk. When I got back the kitchen was beginning to bustle. JoAnn and Sally were cooking pancakes, children were finding seats, plastic children silverware and plates appeared, syrup began to appear everywhere - hands, table, chairs, hair, and so forth. I love the way little ones can get into their food. Charlotte thinks that she has to eat a little of what everyone has (sounds like Joshua). Sally was already helping cook and I could see bacon and waffles coming soon, with scrambled eggs close behind. We would have had sausage, but forgot to get it out of the freezer.

The smell of food clearly was motivating as dad appeared soon, grandpa Bradley not far behind and finally grandma Bradley. The children were fed and adults were ready to start. I didn't time it, but I suspect breakfast was about a 2 hour affair. We sat and ate and talked and laughed. And yes, we waddled.

JoAnn and Sally took a break to eat, relax, join the conversation, and then they began to clean the table. Dishes began to disappear, the dishwasher was open for quite some time - at least until it was filled and then dishes began to pile up on the counter. Not a problem as we could clean those later. However, grandpa Bradley is a sustained breakfast man and likes to take his time. He commented, "I would like some oatmeal, but it seems my dishes have disappeared.... This is the home of the fastest dish in the west" We all laughed and fixed him a little oatmeal to order.

Even as a young mother (1972) she was well
on her way to being the Fastest Clean Kitchen
in the West.

The children and grandchildren were busy packing and loading the car for the next leg of their trip and the grandparents were still relaxing and after everyone left JoAnn and I got the dishwasher going.
We took a short break and went out for a couple of hours. If we had any common sense we would have crashed. When we got home I looked at what was left to wash and told JoAnn not to worry about it I would take care of it. She had to leave for the temple at 2:45 and hadn't started to get ready and it was closing on 2:00 pm. I worked while she showered and dressed and had all but a few things complete and in the drainer. I took a short break to do something else reminding her that I would finish the task shortly. I was only gone a few minutes, but when I walked back in the kitchen she had finished the last of the dishes.

She is a true McLean. Leave her alone in the kitchen with dirty dishes longer than 10 seconds and they don't stand a chance of staying dirty. When my brother and I were young we did the dishes in the evening. We were too young and inattentive of what was going on, but we never had to deal with the pots and pans of cooking dinner. Our mom always had them done before dinner was served. She was the holder of the Fastest Clean Kitchen in the West.

JoAnn has joined the exceptional ranks of the Fastest Clean Kitchen in the West. I stand in awe of her skills in the kitchen. And thankful for those skills.

Love at First Sight

2011-05-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

One of the wonderful experiences of having grandchildren, especially young ones, but even teenagers, is watching and receiving their love. About 4:30 am this morning we had the Bradley family show up for a short sleepover on their way to San Diego. We are still a destination (we like that in Las Vegas), but we've also become a waypoint as our children head to youngest daughter's new home in San Diego. At least we usually get to spend a night, or a morning in this case, with grandchildren, and enjoy the whole family.

The Bradley's brought 3 young ones with them. I don't even begin to guess ages any more, but none of them have started school yet, so loving grandma and grandpa is still very special. And when they come to town we get lots of hugs and then are asked, "Where are the toys?"

This morning I rescued the 2 youngest about 5:30 so the adults could sleep a bit longer. These 2 had slept all the way from Idaho and felt like they didn't need any more. If I left them alone I'm sure no one else would have gotten much more sleep. We started with a movie on my iPad, followed by a box of toys. I even taught them how to tickle grandma's feet (she didn't wake up for anything). We had a great time rolling a ball back and forth to each other. Love was expressed in being together, playing together, and having lots of fun.

Later as all of the adults were up and we were moving towards breakfast middle child noticed our big screen TV (they don't have one, but the other grandparents do as well as at least one of his aunts, so he knows what it is). What I didn't know was his infatuation with the big screen. He ran over and before I could catch him he spread his arms, placed both hands on the screen, and gave it a kiss! It was love at first sight, albeit, a one way love. And no, we never turned it on, but he let us know what was important in his realm.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

I could do a photo of Mom/JoAnn every week and never tire of it.

Cemetery Hopping

2011-05-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend JoAnn and I were in Modesto, California visiting my dad, his wife, and my sisters. We had a wonderful time with family and did lots of things together. As we got ready to leave I looked at the work related things I could take with me and placed each one aside as I packed on Thursday evening. In at the end I just took my iPad, which was perfect.

One of the things JoAnn and I wanted to do was see local cemeteries where our family are buried. On Saturday JoAnn and I went out the Lakewood Memorial Cemetery in Empire. My grandparents are buried there along with JoAnn's parents. It's probably been 30 years since I was at the cemetery and seen my grandparents site. I had never been to JoAnn's parents site. It's been a long time since she was there. We had to go to the office to find their grave site.

On Monday we drove up to Dixon, CA, not far from Davis, CA and stopped at the Silveyville Cemetery where a number of JoAnn's mother's family are interred. The secretary at the cemetery was so helpful. They keep all of their records on cards that are individually typed. In fact they had an old fashioned manual typewriter of the kind that JoAnn and I learned to type on in the early 1960s. I haven't seen one of those for years - especially in an office. They had a computer too.

As I stated, the secretary was incredibly helpful. Each 3 x 5 card had detailed information on the front and the location the back that listed the individual and individuals who were buried adjacent to the person's card. As JoAnn looked at the back of the cards she found additional people that she had heard her mother talk about, or had met at some point during her childhood. What turned out to be a search for a few people turned out to be a search for many people. The secretary photocopied all of the cards for us, located all of the gravestones on a map and sent us out, but not before offering to have someone help us. Fortunately while this was going on I went out and walked around and got the lay of the land. It was, by today's standards, a small cemetery. We found and photographed all of the gravestones.

It was fun to spend a day together doing family history. Now we have work to do at home to fit the names we found to the family. It made a great weekend with our family even more memorable.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Sort of Wordless Wednesday, More on Mothers

2011-05-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

This photo contains 4 mothers, 2 grandmothers, and 1 great grandmother. Who would have thought . . .

My Work is Finished Here!

2011-05-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've heard some dreaded comments before, but on Friday evening my oldest son casually stated, "My work is done here." What does that mean, you ask? I did ask and his response was, "I just beat your score in Bejeweled 2." Well he should have, I didn't see my iPad almost the whole time he was here. It was bad enough that on Friday evening he beat my high score - let me emphasize that it was MY high score he beat. He doesn't know how hard I had to work to stay ahead of JoAnn's high score. Yet on Sunday, just before we took him down to his hotel he casually mentioned that he had a new high score and had doubled my high score. That's like insult to injury. It's okay to show dad up, but twice in one weekend. We won't mention that he can climb higher than I can because his legs are longer - but at least he didn't make an issue of it. I'm thinking about hiding my iPad in the future. I can only take so much abuse, especially with me delicate ego. Watch out Tim, you never know when I'll sneak up and steal that high score - but then again, don't hold your breath.

And no, I won't erase those high scores. I want mine to show when I finally beat Tim. However, I fear that JoAnn will have high scores long before I will.

Climbing the Valley of Fire State Park with my Oldest Son

2011-04-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's not very often I have a son come to visit us, but we sure enjoy him when we do. Tim has a conference next week so he came to town Thursday evening for a few days with us. I can't tell you how much we have enjoyed having him (of course we enjoy having all of our children visit - alone or with the whole family). JoAnn had a quilt workshop already scheduled and she is doing things that I can't even begin to understand, like sewing in the ditch. That alone brings all kinds of alternative visions to my mind, none of which I care to repeat, but I would love to take a picture of her sewing while sitting in a ditch. Somehow I just don't think that's the right idea. I've digressed enough. On to the real story.

I was always shooting up because I was the
one who was always behind.

This morning Tim and I took off for the Valley of the Fire State Park. It's about an hour north of us and if Red Rock Conservation Area is beautiful, then this is stupendous! It also provides opportunities for casual climbing, except in those areas where it specifically states "no climbing." Today we climbed and climbed and had a great time. If I had doubts about my back today put much of that to rest. I only didn't make one climb - although I didn't try to make all the climbs Tim did.

One of those areas was at Mousse Basin, a desert water trap. You could peek into it, but not get into it. Tim climbed up the wall to the left then across the top so he could look straight down. There was another family there with an 8 or 9 year old. She found a way to climb up to a point. I was watching and wondering when her parents asked where she was going (I think that's what they asked since it was in a European language I wasn't familiar with. Where is Craig when you need him?). She pointed to the rock across the way where Tim had been standing indicating that was the place she was going to. It was clear from the tone that the parents were not the least inclined to let her do that. With a disappointed look she turned around and came down. A few minutes later Tim appeared again and I had to inform him he was a bad influence on the younger generation.

I'm not so high. By this time I was starting to get tired!

The next time family comes to town, if they want a fun adventure we can go to Valley of the Fire State Park. They have great climbing - almost all easy (although not for little ones) and wonderful campgrounds. The campground we drove through Tim said it was the very best he had seen - mostly because so many of the spots were isolated.

That was a staircase we both had to turn
sideways to get up and I didn't as the
step was too tall for me, but not Tim. He
is at the top in the sun.

It was a good day and now we have stories to tell Mom when she comes home from her quilt workshop. Thanks for sharing your Dad, Joshua, and your husband, Lonita.

Wordless Wednesday - Annual Cake Day!

2011-04-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Morning Walks

2011-04-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

I've always enjoyed morning walks, but since last fall it has once again become a habit that I can really enjoy. Also, living in Las Vegas means that I can walk outside except on those really cold mornings (which are like spring mornings elsewhere). Some morning I start and finish before the sun comes up, but as we blend into spring and get closer to summer and the days grow longer the mornings change. If I really sleep in (past 5 am) then I may need my sun glasses or pull my hat down low. In 6 to 8 weeks I'll be wishing for those cool and dark mornings and a walking temperature under 80.

I especially have enjoyed my walks this spring as I've watched the trees bloom and drop, the pansies bloom and stay (it doesn't get cold enough for crocuses and tulips unfortunately) and just recently the bushes have all come out in color. Sunday morning I took my longest walk since coming back to walking and was rewarded with some beautiful bushes. I slept in, got up about 6 and was walking along the beltway and towards the northern end of our neighborhood. I stopped and took a couple of photos with my phone tos share and remind me of the beauty that is all around us.

My walks are enjoyable. It's a time to relax before the day begins and be mindful about what the day will bring and what I will contribute. I do look forward to these morning walks with family, but that doesn't happen often. I'm wondering if walking is becoming a lost art or are we just too busy to enjoy the beauty this is all around us.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-12T15:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Michael

2011-04-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

Seasons come and seasons go and birthdays are a measure of longevity. But more importantly, it's a time for remembering, enjoying, family, and fun. It was a cold icy day in Ames, Iowa when little Mike was born. Number six of seven children, he was as special as all the rest. Being the second boy meant he would have to endure sisters galore and didn't know he would yet have another little sister. Raising a family is always a challenge, but more often it is a joy, especially when you take time to stop and smell the dandelions. It's easy to smell the roses, but they aren't part of our daily life. The dandelions are more of a nuisance and we try to get rid of them in our yard, but when we stop to smell them we realize they too are part of God's creation. I like the dandelion analogy because it reminds us that little nuisances and challenges are what can bring great joy in our lives. In the same sense, our children are great blessings - each and every one of them - but they can be like dandelions and if we don't stop to smell them (read that as stopping to celebrate them) then we miss too much in their lives and our lives. Michael was one of our dandelions, and what a wonderful one he was and is, of course now I'd probably fine a different plant for him, but he remains a joy in our lives and those of his extended family. Moreover he has extended that family to include a beautiful bride (under 10 years of marriage you remain a bride) who has blessed all of our lives. I honor Michael on this birthday for who he is, who he has become, for his challenges which will make him stronger, and for his love of life, his eternal partner, and his family. Oh yes, and for his quirky sense of humor. Happy Birthday Son!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

We are All Enlisted...

2011-03-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Our family is in town and we are doing all of the special places for children and parents. Today we did the Natural History Museum and then Old Mormon Fort State Park. They are right next to each other. Both are fun places for kids. We finished the natural history museum - the dinosaurs and fish area are always a favorite. The fort is a great place to let the kids run around outside. Today, however, there were several people dressed in Civil War attire. Much to our surprise they dressed all of us (see the photo below). It was great fun. Grandma was the colonel, Suzanne the general and me a lowly sergeant. No uniform was available for Hattie, but we determined she was too young to enlist. Enjoy the photo and think of all the fun we had getting dressed.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Things I thought I would never see

2011-03-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

We are on holiday in San Diego visiting our kids and every once in awhile JoAnn surprises me. She found a game called "Fruit Ninja" and she was instantly hooked. Just watch her below:

Wordless Wednesday - Helping Grandpa

2011-03-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday - the photo I couldn't find last week

2011-03-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Little Brother

2011-02-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since we were part of this photo. We were pretty good buds then and still are, we just don't talk enough. Those were the good times on 2nd Avenue just north of Des Moines with Grandma & Grandpa's house right behind us. As I recall that was one long hill to climb up - at least when we were young. Enjoy your birthday.

Happy Birthday Donna

2011-02-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of birthdays I am taking the opportunity to honor our oldest daughter. I'm withholding all dates for fear of retaliation. Not that my life would be in danger, but I got into enough trouble when I inadvertently talked about JoAnn's weight. I do struggle with learning. But, this is about Donna - our oldest daughter and as we like to say our most favorite oldest daughter. I thought we (Mom is helping me) would share some little known facts about our daughter.

She was born in Ventura, California and is a 5th generation California native. Not many of those around.
She was the first grandchild on her father's side and the 3rd on her mother's side.
Like a true McLean she made her first trip when she was a mere 2 months old to visit her paternal grandparents and great-grandparents in Tucson, AZ. It was a wonderful adventure.
She left California shortly after her 2nd birthday and became a midwesterner, after a short 2-year hiatus in Provo, UT.
She has lived in Ventura, CA, Lawton, OK, Provo, UT, Manhattan, KS, Ames, IA, and Cedar Rapids, IA as a child and teenager.
She started kindergarten in Manhattan, KS and finished high school at Kennedy HS, in Cedar Rapids, IA.
She lost her first tooth on a road trip while biting into an apple and without dad in the car. It was a July 4th weekend and Mom and the 3 girls were driving to Missouri to meet Dad who was coming home from Ft. Belvoir, Va.
She was an awesome big sister to her 2 brothers and 4 sisters, but then I have forgotten a lot as I've gotten older. We relied on her for all kinds of wonderful child support. When our last daughter was born she was almost more Donna's than our's since she did such a wonderful job with her.

I could go on, but this is enough embarrassment for one year. We love her and she is a wonderful daughter who cares about people and family. Happy birthday oldest daughter.

Fisheye Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Sally

2011-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday daughter number 4. You have always been special to us. I could talk about a lot of things, but today, on this your birthday I want to focus on a couple of important moments in your life that had meaning for all of us.

This evening as I was rummaging through our files and photos I came across a short letter from you to the newspaper nominating your mother for Mother of the Year on Mother's Day. It touched our hearts then and again today as we reread it. You were 16 and it was a reflection of the woman you have become:

"I nominate my mother, JoAnn McLean, because I love her. She is always there when I need her. She will listen to my problems and help me take care of my problems. She is the mother of seven and is the luckiest lady in the world, because we all love her. She takes care of me when I'm sick and was always glad to support my school activities. She is the nicest, sweetest and most wonderful person. I just want her to know I love her."

Not too many years later we gathered as a family in Salt Lake City for your wedding. It was a great event as you and Jay were sealed in the Temple. For us marriage of our children is a a celebration, but so much more as we see each of you assume the same role that Mom and I did so many years ago. We admire what you have done with your family, the growth and maturity you have, and the beauty of your family. We see so much of you in your children - mostly good - and you honor us by the way you live.

It was a solemn and wonderful experience to see you and Jay kneel across the altar and take upon you the covenants of eternal marriage. This photo shows your love for each other. A love that has grown and will continue to grow as you two grow together. That growing never stops.

And as your parents, it was comforting as you stood next to us in the temple garden. It reminds us that somewhere along the way we did some good things and you have chosen to make the right decisions. One look at my hair tells you it must have been windy, or I forgot to comb it again.

Later, in Bloomington, our families gathered for a barbecue on the back patio. Until I saw this photo I forgot that Grandpa McLean and Grandma Ruby were there with us. That made it even more special.

As I have reread this with Mom I was struck by the similarity of another photo taken in Great Grandpa and Grandma McLean's backyard in Modesto, California in August, 1967, where the families sat around the picnic table and ate and visited. These are special moments that remind us on this birthday of how much we love you and our whole family. Have a great birthday sweetheart. Enjoy your family.

Christmas Redux

2011-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

I'm running a little behind on photos this year. It seems I just can't keep up with the photos. I have been both busy and lazy. I think it's the latter that got me. However, this morning I though I would tackle some of our Christmas photos, which will appear on flickr later. I may have posted some of these earlier - of Christmas, but I found a set I took of Joshua opening up a Christmas gift that tells a wonderful story. So let's get started.

Packages are so neat. But how do I get this open mom?

Okay, I got it. I don't need your help anymore. At least not right now.

Hey, look what's in here. I this cool. My very own bag with farm equipment.

Hey wait, there is something inside. What is it?

It's a box. I like what's in it, but I can't get it open

I wonder if Grandma will open it for me?

Wow, is this cool or what...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Some Reflection on My New Book

2011-01-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, this week, I received an advance copy of my newest book. It is really an update - new edition - of one I've worked on 2 times before, but it takes almost as much time as writing a full book. The joy of seeing your work in print is almost indescribable. It's a surge of pride, of a job well done, of knowing that someone else will read what you have written - even if it is by assignment from an instructor. It makes up a little for the hours and hours of really hard work of finding, writing, editing, looking for photos, case studies, sidebars and the like. But the real joy is in the writing, no matter how hard it is and whether anyone reads it or not.

I am just starting on another book and I've been a little slow getting going, but receiving this book in the mail has really encouraged me. I'm ready to start writing, organizing, outlining, talking, writing memos (a format I use to get to thoughts). However, the book I just received is special. It was written by a friend and colleague who died about 8 years ago and I was asked to take over the book by the publisher. I selected two great colleagues to work with me, one of which has moved on to other projects, and now we are in our 3rd edition. It was a lot of work moving it from a very traditional format to a newer and more current and contemporary format and content.

Beginning with the last edition I began to include photos and material from our family. For instance my sister, she and her husband are big NASCAR fans, wrote me a first person experience of attending a NASCAR race. In this edition it was moved to be the very first piece anyone reads - it sets the stage for the recreation experience. I also asked our newest daughter-in-law to write a piece on Why I like to write and I turned it into a case study.

In the last edition I had photos of family and of trips I have taken. For example, I asked Jeni to take photos of her children at the water playground near their old home in Aurora, CO and included it. It also included the 2 oldest children of Donna. Some of the photos are shown here. The one to the right not only was used in the book, but also in our large wall mural at Indiana State University as a recruitment for the program.

I've tried to mix it up a little, but not always able to use just family photos. They need to look good and they need to fit the topic. In this edition I had a chance to work on the history chapters and knew I had just the perfect photo as I wrote about families, recreation, and children. This photo of my mother reading "Child's Life" is of a girl I never knew and yet I wish I had. I will talk more about that later. The photo has evoked such strong feelings in me that I struggle to understand them and at the same time feel like I'm seeing my mother in a different way for the very first time. Writing does cause introspection and reflection. I enjoy doing both.

Finally, I've been able to include a couple of my favorite photos, one of which I took below at a convent at a mountain side castle near Sparta, Greece. I was entranced by the scene, serenity, and beauty.

Thanks for allowing me to share some of my experiences in writing. I need to do more of this.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jennifer

2011-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Jennifer. On this your 39th birthday I thought I would begin something different. I would find key moments in the lives of our children and talk about them on their birthday. It seems such an appropriate time to do so, and while you are not the first child, you are the first birthday every year. This year I thought I would focus on your mission. I have been busy reading your mission letters home and I have carefully culled them to select some wonderful moments. Happy Birthday Daughter - We Love You!

"Dear Brother and Sister McLean. We are pleased to inform you that your daughter has arrived safely in the Italy Rome Mission. We are so thankful for her and her decision to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. President R. H. Favero." (4/13/1993)

"I've been transferred .... My district leader said I've brought this district together so quick. He is sad I'm going, but I've done my work here and now it is time to move on." (11/2/1993)

"Rome is huge! Friday night we were looking for an inactive family. We rode the bus for an hour. It finally came to the end of the line. We thought it would go further. We got out and waited 15 minutes for the next bus, rode it for a long time and still didn't get to the family's home. It was 9 pm and we had to turn around and go home." (11/16/1993)

And then her boyfriend ditched her... "I got the nicest letter from Suzanne yesterday. Actually, it was a little package - A get happy package. This is what she put in it: 1) 2 dark red rose petals. They are from the rose Mom gave me for my 16th birthday; 2) The LOVE painted wood piece I did one year at Girl's camp. I just wanted you to know how much I love you; 3) Ribbon and a rose from Donna's wedding. It symbolizes forever! Things can last forever; 4) The Jack's country dancing coupon. I've been country dancing and listen to country music sometimes. That is a happy memory; 5) Yellow conference schedule. It reminds me how important Church is to me and that it should be #1 in my life; 6) The doll means to me peace and love; 7) The colored picture of the trains side by side means the Lord is with you always, if you let him; 8) The tape which is church based so I can listen to it. This tape of friends helps me to be at ease with myself and the world and reminds me of you." (1/12/1994)

To Dad, “You’ve always sent so many beautiful cards. I finally found one that I like enough to send to you! I don’t tell you often enough how much I love you. Remember when we were younger and after we prayed you’d have us all tell one another that we loved them: 'I love you Dad! I love you Mom! I love you Donna!...' What a beautiful thing that was. What a great principle it taught. LOVE! Love is such a neat thing. It breaks all barriers. I’ve found so many people on my mission that had a need for love. When I gave them my love - they changed! People do that when you love them. It fives me such a sense of belonging. They feel loved. Thanks so much for instilling that principle in me. I’ll be eternally grateful. Hopefully I will be able to pass it on to my kids! :-)” (3/15/1994) [I think she has passed it on to her kids - DDM]

"I'm doing good here in Cagliari (CALYERI). That's for you Dad." (5/19/1994)

"Dear Brother and Sister McLean. It is my pleasure to extend an honorable release to your daughter who has successfully completed her mission in the Italy Rome Mission. She has served well and touched for good the lives of many of the wonderful people of Italy. Her influence will long be felt here.” (7/15/1994)

The things I do for Ed, the Business Warrior

2011-01-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Peer pressure has finally gotten to me and so I'm putting a pitch in for Ed, the Business Warrior. A great little comic written by my son. I only read two comics and Ed is one of them. I'm not telling the other. The best part of reading Ed is it helps me to get into Michael's head (I think). He is having a contest and so you should go to it here. Read and enjoy it.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Monday Teaser

2011-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little tired this Sunday evening, so I just thought I would share a little teaser from Thanksgiving. We had a great time with the Bradley gang. On Monday evening, following Family Home Evening the kids got some double-stuff peppermint Oreos. I thoroughly enjoyed watching how each of the children approached eating their Oreo. Chas clearly didn't quite understand why it wasn't white; Bonnie didn't much care as long as she could eat it; and Charlotte looks like she still hasn't quite figured out how to eat the center. In her case it was scrape it off with a finger, not the teeth. It was fun and it is always great to have grandchildren visiting ... and their parents.

There's oatmeal, then there is OATMEAL!

2011-01-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Motivated by my latest visit to my doctor I'm moving towards a higher fiber diet. Tuesday when I got up, finished my exercises, watched the snow fall, dawdled, and realized there was no movement from the bedroom I decided to make myself oatmeal. How hard can it be? Water... oatmeal... salt... brown sugar... and milk. I followed the directions to the letter - boiled the water, stirred in the oatmeal (1/2 cup), cooked for 5 minutes ... then a little longer, added the brown sugar and milk (yes, I added the salt). Somehow it didn't look the same as when JoAnn does it. Granted, I've never watched her - in fact I made an effort not to watch. I like it when it just appears in front of me. It's sort of like finding clean clothes - not sure where they come from, but when I get up in the morning there they are.

By the time I got through my yummy (and a little lumpy) oatmeal and was about ready to leave my spouse was up and ready for a little oatmeal. I thought I would watch and see what she does different. The water and oatmeal went in together - not at all what the directions say - and were brought to a boil, then simmered for 3 minutes, added a pinch of salt .... At this point I couldn't take it any more. I asked, "Don't you follow the directions?" The response was, "I've always done it this way." I knew instantly I was clearly out of my depth. However, all is not lost. At some point I will be ready to cook oatmeal again - maybe the next time it snows in Las Vegas - and I will have been taught by the expert.

It just goes to prove that there is oatmeal, then there is OATMEAL! And everyone know which one I make.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Las Vegas! It must be January...

2011-01-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

One thing consistent about Las Vegas is its weather: Sunny, warm, and dry. Well, that's usually the case, but this winter it has been wet and cloudy. We keep thinking we could live in Indiana and it would be no different - except of course for the snow. That was before this morning. I was out late (around 6 am) for my morning walk and as I left I noticed a skiff of snow on the roof of my car. By the time I got home it had started snowing and they were big wet drops.

The cat and I went out back to investigate and take a photo. I loved it, but the cat decided she had seen enough and couldn't wait to get back inside. To make it a real snowstorm, however, you need school closing, road closings and lots of accidents. Pharump, about 60 miles from here has closed their schools and the highway west out of Las Vegas is closed as well as a portion of the beltway near our home. And accidents - wholly cow - they are everywhere. You would think these folks had never seen snow before.

I finally thought it was time to get JoAnn up so she could see the snow and we took this photo from the kitchen window.

Now we realize for you northerners and easterners this doesn't hardly count, but come on, every 700 or so days we get one of these and we really don't know what to do with it. The TV announcer suggested everyone keep 5 to 8 car lengths apart. We looked at each other and asked, "What planet is he from?" When you are in a community that can barely handle rain, snow is a disaster of biblical proportions.

Oh yes, I'm working from my home desk today. I'm not venturing out on the roads with all of those fools ... at least not for a while.

There's a First Time for Everything

2010-12-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that JoAnn and I have a lot of fun together. We enjoy getting out and going places, although over the last 8 months that has been severely curtailed. We used to enjoy a Saturday afternoon drive in the country in Indiana. It was quiet, we could enjoy the beauty of the midwest, and most important we are together and can talk, listen, or just watch. It's more about being together and away from home then anything else. They have become an important part of our life. After the kids left we used to take spring breaks without them and go down into Tennessee and Kentucky and stay in their state parks, explore the countryside, and of course just relax. In recent years we have had fewer of those as we have moved closer to our children. Las Vegas doesn't afford a lot of quiet country driving, although we have a few places we do enjoy, and we seem to spend more time going to see our children or having them come see us. We love having them and visiting them. But we still need our time away from the day to day activities of home.

On Monday we dropped the Iowa McLean's off at the airport (not quite a "drop off" but that's another story) and headed up for a bed and breakfast in St. George. We have driven by St. George so many times, but never really spent any time there. We each took our books along to read, got on the internet and found the quilt stores, and made reservations at a historic and delightful B&B.

It was dark when we arrived on Monday so we went out for dinner, came back, read for a couple of hours and then got a good nights sleep. Tuesday we had a full day of quilt stores, historic sites, the St. George Temple, and a little television in our room. At about 9 pm JoAnn said she was really tired, we turned off the lights and went to bed. You guys know we hardly ever go to bed at the same time. I'm early and she is late. As we laid there I started telling her about the book I was reading and how enjoyable it was. We talked back and forth for a few minutes and then I went into a monolog story. I was quite happy just sharing the story when I realized I might be talking to myself. It was dark so I couldn't look into JoAnn's eyes. I stopped and asked, "JoAnn are you awake?" Not once, but 3 times (I've always been a little slow). Then I listened, and sure enough, there was that unmistakable purr of JoAnn when she is fully asleep.

I've put students, children, and grandchildren to sleep before, but never my wife. I guess there's a first time for everything.

Wordless Wednesday - Conductor Time

2010-12-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

Families are up early. Children look with excitement at their stockings and all the presents under the tree. Families gather to spend time together in reflection of the season, to share joy, and to build strength and love. When families cannot gather they can text with each other, send photos over the internet, talk via telephone and other devices. Christmas is about love and nothing expresses the meaning of Christmas more than families sharing together the love they have one for another.

Today we have heard from most of our families via text messaging, telephone, or email - not to mention a blog or two. We wish we could have all of our family around us each Christmas, but that is not so easy. We have discovered we need to develop our own family traditions - sometimes by ourselves, sometimes with extended family, and sometimes all together.

Whatever we do we cannot forget the reason for Christmas. It was God's greatest gift to all of us - his Son. In addition to giving it should be a time for reflection and an opportunity for us to give thanks for all that He has done for us. So, as we ponder on Christmas this season let us not forget Christ. And in Christ we find our families.

In honor of Christmas 2010 and Christmases past I share a few photos from our collection.

Christmas 1981 - Ames, Iowa

Christmas 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

Christmas 1957 - Des Moines, IA

Christmas 2006 - Spanish Fork, UT

Christmas 2008 - Des Moines, IA

Christmas 2009 - Boise, ID (Just a little early)

Christmas 1955, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam

Hawk Sighting...

2010-12-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

It's not often I write 2 blogs in one day and these 2 are almost 8 hours apart, so it could be two days - dawn and dusk?

This morning Tim, Joshua, and I went out to Calico Basin in the Red Rock Conservation Area for a little walk. Calico Basin is about a mile before the main entrance to Red Rock and a smidgen off the beaten path. You walk up a ramp that cuts back on itself several time until you get to the plateau. The ramp links to a boardwalk that extends around the perimeter of Calico Basin and keeps people out of the spring and field that is downstream. It is up against the mountain and there are many rocks of large size. As I've said before, it is one of JoAnn and my favorite spots for an afternoon or morning walk.

We got to the top and were just starting to walk around. Joshua was absolutely excited, climbed down from his dad's shoulders and started to troop off. Just as that was happening we saw a disturbance on the far side of the meadow. It was a large bird extending its wings to get into the air. It flew a short distance landed, surveyed its area, and took off again landing on a larger rock close by.

I looked at it, could see it clearly, and quickly determined it was an eagle. Upon review of my photos I determined it was too small for an eagle, but certainly fit the hawk size. From afar it flew, but as we got closer it ignored us while it ate its breakfast. I cursed myself for leaving my telephoto lens in the car, but I wasn't going back for it. I didn't want to take a chance and have the hawk leave. I shouldn't have worried. When we left the hawk was still there and probably taunting us. As I said, were not sure what kind of hawk it was, but suspect it was either a Red Tail hawk or a Swainson's hawk. Bottom line - it was fun for Tim and I to see it. Joshua was a little busy running ahead to spend much time worrying about a hawk.

We were out early enough to catch the morning dew and frost, which we almost never have in southern Nevada. But, after 5 days of rain it was humid this morning. As you can see from the following photo, it made for a beautiful photo of Tim and Joshua as they worked their way down the west side of the boardwalk. Click on the photo to see the larger size.

The morning just confirmed how much fun it is to go for a walk on a beautiful Christmas Eve morning in Las Vegas and bond.

A Day at the Park

2010-12-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

It finally quit raining in Las Vegas. Normally we would say that after a 30 minute rain, but 5 days of rain is unheard of in Las Vegas. We have green popping up in all of the wrong places. The end of the rain also meant that we could get out to the park with Joshua who brought his parents along from Iowa for a Winter Solstice. It was an absolutely busy day at the park as Joshua discovered lots of new play devices and in the meantime wore all of us out.

Josh made his first slide attempt down the vaulted locomotive slide and while he thought it was cool, when he got to the bottom he saw a mountain of slides and one in particular caught his fancy. He quickly decided that this little slide was for beginners - and he is no beginner.

So, with a little help from Mom and Dad he was off to the big slide. To get to the slide, however, he first had to cross the trembling bridge, which required the help of Mom. This was the first crossing and he progressively got bolder as he crossed it time and time again.

The first time down the slide was a real rush as he came out headfirst, but quickly, as any real boy, recovered, sat up and said, "Wow, let's do that again, and again, and again."

Tim quickly figured out that the slide looked like a lot of fun, so he said to Joshua, "Let's go buddy!" and off they went to do the slide a few more times. Of course the device is "age appropriate" and Tim was doubled over, just getting to the slide, but it was worth the view (at least from us spectators).

Once the slide became busy with older boys and Josh saw the swing was open he conned his grandma into doing a little pushing.

After we got home everyone left - Grandma to the Temple, Mom and Dad to the basketball game and dinner, and Grandpa and Josh had a Thomas the Tank movie festival. As the evening wore on he became more relaxed and just before bed he resorted to the prone position for watching Grandpa's iPad and Thomas the Tank.

Many thanks to Lonita for the excellent editing.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Calvin!

2010-12-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

A Las Vegas Fall

2010-12-20T04:24:00.000-08:00

This is our fourth fall in Las Vegas, and our most unusual. Of course as I write this most of the places where our family lives is in a deep freeze or has snow, but nonetheless, I find this fall, or what locals call winter, to be different. To begin with, over Thanksgiving we uncharacteristically had the coldest weather since we arrived, and that counts the snow we received during the first two years. We lost several plants outside during Thanksgiving week. It was more Idaho weather than Las Vegas weather.

Since then the weather has been great, yet now we find ourselves in the midst of a 5-day rainstorm. It has people all over the valley scratching their heads. It's more like an Indiana fall than a Las Vegas winter. People are scrambling to find those long lost umbrellas and discovering they can't find them.

The prettiest part of this winter is the leaves that are falling. It seems our Thanksgiving cold snap has caused the leaves to drop in numbers we haven't seen since we arrived. It does remind me of the Midwest. I even went out and took photos. Before the rain began I even enjoyed walking through the leaves and causing a rustle. One day as JoAnn and I were driving by our local park we saw a couple of small boys jumping up and down in a leaf pile their dad's had made. On the downside, no one has a clue how to remove leaves efficiently.

I took this photo at our local park on Saturday while
JoAnn and I were out for a walk. It was a dry moment.

Yes, we do get fall in Las Vegas! And yes, here we call that winter. It's not over and we may even get a little snow this year. However, that idea strikes fear into the heart of all of us.

Have a Merry Christmas you snow dwellers!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Krissie

2010-12-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday youngest daughter. You have brought a lot of light into our family and we love you for that. It seems like you are always at the center - but that happens a lot when you are the youngest. Have a GREAT Birthday.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

November Reflections

2010-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

I was reading some Robert Frost poetry this morning and "My November Guest" reminded me of our falls in Indiana. The poem is from his 1915 book, "A Boy's Will." I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My November Guest

MY Sorrow, when she's here with me,
  Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
  She walks the sodden pasture lane.

Her pleasure will not let me stay.
  She talks and I am fain to list:
She's glad the birds are gone away,
She's glad her simple worsted gray
  Is silver now with clinging mist.

The desolate, deserted trees,
  The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so truly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
  And vexes me for reason why.

Not yesterday I learned to know
  The love of bare November days
Before the coming of the snow,
But it were vain to tell her so,
  And they are better for her praise.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

Birthday Doll

Pulling the Train Whistle

Teasing the Cat

Thanksgiving at the 4-H Camp

2010-11-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

Close to the 4-H Camp and the right season.

While we were living in Ames, Iowa in the late 1970s and early 1980s I became pretty good friends with the Iowa State University 4-H Camp Director. He was a graduate of our program at ISU and I periodically took classes out to the camp for field trips. One year during Thanksgiving break he suggested that we “camp-sit” while he was out of town. We thought about it for a few minutes and decided what a great experience it would be. Thanksgiving at a camp in a large cabin and while not necessarily rustic, it was older and had a certain flavor to it. We had a full kitchen, more bedrooms than we knew what to do with, several hundred acres to run around on, no telephone (this was pre-cell phone days by a long time), and a chance just to be together.

Everyone was excited. We made a list of everything we needed to take, including a television (none were there and we did like some amenities - this was also pre-cable), a rug for the floor, bedding, books, food, and on and on. As you might guess, the list got quite long and before it was finished I found myself making 2 trips out to the 4-H Camp. One to take everything we needed and another to bring the family. We had an 8 passenger station wagon, which we filled. It was about 40 minutes each way to the camp and most of the time the weather was okay. It was an Iowa fall, so that meant it was cold and the chance of snow and ice was always imminent. We had 4 children, and maybe Mike (but we can’t remember - that’s a function of aging) who went with us to the camp.

It was a great time of running around outdoors, watching Thanksgiving specials on television, watching movies on the video recorder, playing games, eating - all in front of a roaring fireplace. It was about being a family. We would usually stay 3 or 4 days and have a great time. For JoAnn and I it was a special Thanksgiving with our family. We did this for 3 or 4 years in a row and had a great experience each Thanksgiving.

As I think about my memories of Thanksgiving I have many, others I will share next year and beyond, but our time at the 4-H Camp was special for us and most of the kids remember it with fondness. It was different, it was just us, and we bonded. For most of the years the children were growing our family lived far away from relatives and so almost every winter holiday were immediate family affairs, absent from the extended family.

Thanksgiving with the McLean family in Idaho. The whole family was together
for this Thanksgiving. The photo is the right season, even if not the 4-H Camp

Since we moved west our holiday seasons have changed. We have the Bradley’s with us in Las Vegas, the Dunn’s are in Sacramento, the Hansen’s & Bake’s are together in Idaho, the Allen’s are with friends in Colorado and holding together our old tradition of family time, and the McLean boys are together in Iowa. We may be spread out, but we still like to get together as often as possible, it’s just more difficult to do it in the winter. What we lose in being together we make up in blogs, phone calls, and photos. Even though we are apart we are together in spirit and love.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Glass is Half Full, Half Empty, or All Over Me...

2010-11-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

When I was a child we traveled for holidays and summer vacations. As our family got older most of that travel occurred in an International Harvester Travelall (the equivalent of today's Suburban). We could spread all over the car (seat belts were just beginning to be introduced and not many cars had them), romp, roam, occasionally get yelled at (and yes, we usually deserved it). I was usually the one who got in the most trouble and times have not changed a whole lot.

Not our Traveall, but it sure brings fond memories. JoAnn and I drove it to Oklahoma
with Donna & Jeni for the 3 months we spent at Fort Sill. We pulled a U-Haul trailer
with it for our household goods. That is another story. This is what I learned to drive on!
photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincollins/4842741366/

One summer we were driving across the desert from Arizona to California. We did not have air conditioning in our car, so it was very hot. We had the thermos for water and that kept us hydrated. We were coming in to Yuma, AZ on this afternoon and I made a comment that was not well received by my mother. I did a lot of that. She had just poured herself a glass of ice-cold water. She turned, looked at me, said something that I don't remember, and threw the glass of water in my face. Everyone was stunned until they realized I was the only cool person in the car at that moment. We started to laugh and laugh. The tension eased, I was cool, and the drive went on.

5-Year Old Scheduling

2010-11-17T04:46:00.000-08:00

We have family coming to town for Thanksgiving. We are delighted about that, especially since it involves three little ones. We enjoy the big ones too!

As we are getting ready for their visit there has been a flurry of emails and even a few telephone calls. One such email started a series of responses. Our daughter said, "I'll send you our schedule so you know what we have planned." JoAnn and I both responded with would you do a schedule for us so we know what we are doing? Of course it was all in fun, but it got me to thinking what would it be like if the children (ages 4, 3, and 1) put the schedule together? I decided to stick to the 4-year old, who will turn 5 while she is here. And I will just do one day, with parental interpretations.

7:00 am - There are toys at this house I haven't seen for a year. I wonder where Grandma hid them? [Parent - Can't they sleep in just one day?]

7:20 am - I can't play alone, I need my brother and sister to help. [Are these really my children?]

8:00 am - Look, Grandma is up. I don't have to go check on her today. [Mom's up, I can roll over and go back to sleep.]

8:30 am - Wow, breakfast, and at our very own table. We can even watch television. If I'm lucky they have got Scooby-do! [Food, and I don't have to make it, what a good deal.]

{Editor's note - For the convenience of space I've abstracted the original schedule, which had 3.5 minute increments and a little more hysteria from the parents.}

8:45 - Time to go to the park. Can I talk Grandpa into taking all of us? [please Dad, take them to the park and preferably the one an hour away!]

10:15 - Time for a morning snack. Why does Grandpa look tired? I wonder if Mom and Dad are here? I haven't seen them all day. [They are back already?]

11:00 - It's boring, all the big people want to do is talk. Let's go somewhere, anywhere, but let's go! [It's only 11 am, it's going to be a long day!]

Okay, you get the idea. I'm of the mind this world would be a lot more fun world if we let our kids plan our schedules, at least until they became teenagers. Looking through the eyes of a 5-year old is refreshing and a little frightening, but we would all do good to spend a little time using their lens of reality once in a while.

I'm actually looking forward to the excitement, hysteria, frenzy and enthusiasm of having 3 little ones for a few days. Of course I'm thinking about taking a few days off after they leave to recover.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Stories

2010-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

Twice a month on Monday evening we meet with several of our friends for Family Home Evening (FHE). Since the children have left home and have FHE with their children, our FHEs have become a little more erratic. Having friends get together allows us to enjoy our company, teach, talk, have fun, and celebrate life. One of the more popular activities are the treats which always come at the end. It's like a reward for being good. It was the most popular part of our FHEs when the children were home. This group really likes McLean frosting. In fact, one of our group said we were welcome to visit him any time as long as we brought a cake with McLean frosting. He has a summer home in the Arizona mountains.

Last night JoAnn made cupcakes that were really good. One of our friends was celebrating his birthday and JoAnn called his wife to discover his favorite cake. We had a devils food cake, that was oh so moist, and THE frosting. He had seconds. Come to think of it, all 3 men had seconds and none of the women.

As we were sitting around talking I mentioned that when I was a child my mother would make cupcakes for our lunches. I explained that she would take the cupcake apart, put the frosting in the middle, put it back together again and then freeze it. The whole idea around freezing it was so that it would still be fresh for lunch. The reality is that it rarely made it to lunch. Most of the time I would eat it within minutes of when I got on the bus. I don't think anything is better than a cold chocolate cupcake with frozen white frosting in the middle. My mouth is watering for one right now.

A couple of our friends were intrigued by the whole idea, but I've come to realize we all have those kinds of stories to tell about growing up. I like to think our cupcake stories are stories we all need to remember. Do you have a cupcake story?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Donna with her parents and Grandma McLean

Building our Heritage

2010-11-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Mom as a young girl skiing.

Twenty-five years ago in December, my mother died from complications of cancer treatment. I have thought of her often over those years and over the last few months I felt a need to introduce her to a generation of grandchildren and great grandchildren who never knew her very well or not at all. Donna, our oldest, was just 15 when Mom died. Krissie, our youngest. was just a few days past her first birthday. Since we lived in the midwest and Mom and Dad lived in California we only got to see them every couple of years. They would usually get to see us on an annual basis, thankfully. Our older children have dim memories of Mom and our younger children have none at all.

From the 1980 Family Reunion

So I've contacted family members and asked them to put on their thinking caps and provide stories and photos of Mom. I'm focusing less on a biography than on capturing the essence of who she was and why she was so important to all of us. My youngest sister Marti was only 24 when Mom died and she said she was so jealous of the rest of us because we had Mom for so much longer. As I've watched my daughters bond with their Mother I really do understand that. My Mom had a significant impact on all of our lives and contributed to our heritage. I want my children and their children, and on, to know about that heritage. Waiting 25 years may have seemed too long, but everyone I've talked to is excited about it and the time is right.

Some of the collected stories and photos will appear in this blog. My goal is to have the book ready to publish by Mom's birthday in late March. That is pretty ambitious, but I think we can be close.

So what did You do Saturday Morning?

2010-10-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Chris really got into the
tree trimming and it was
all I could do to stop him.

Keeping with the spirit of the Hansen family vacation and Donna's up-to-date posts about all the fun they were having I thought it was only appropriate to share the morning of the last day with everyone. I'm not sure Donna would, and anyway she was too busy to take photos.

As you know, I'm still not up to doing too much physical. The doctor has cleared me for light work - not to lift over 20 pounds, and do that carefully. Plus, I should get up every 15 or 20 minutes and walk around. Try to do that at Church.

We have this mesquite that shades our driveway and at least once a year, and usually twice, it needs to be pruned. Mesquite are a great trees for where we live, but when you give them water they really are more like a weed then a plant. Our tree was hanging so low, the sidewalk was blocked, the driveway, and our neighbors yard. I knew it needed to be done, but I wasn't going to pay a landscaper to do it. So when the kids passed through a week ago Chris committed to helping prune the tree when they got back. We didn't realize it would take over 3 hours. Chris cut and cut and cut. The boys cut and cut and complained - or sometimes it was the other way around - but they did a great job, it just wasn't what they had planned for their vacation. Clayton said that if I had no more trees in my yard that was 25 too many. Cole felt the same way. Yet, when the job was done it was beautiful. Our tree was heavily pruned. There is almost NO shade left, and hopefully it won't be hanging over the driveway, roof, or sidewalk anytime soon.

Chris and Clayton were in the thick of cutting the limbs so we could get
them in bags. Chris's cutting tool was 20 years old and not very sharp. I had
to purchase a new one for Clayton so he could cut.

My thanks to the Hansen's for providing this great service. It only cost me lunch at Frank & Fina's, and they have great Mexican cuisine.

For some reason I suspect this may not have been the MOST FUN activity
the boys participated in during their vacation. Their bubbly smiles just
disappeared during this experience. Once we were done, however, they were
all play again. And yes, Donna was there leading the clean-up charge!

He's Walking, He's Walking …

2010-10-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

It has been 7 weeks since my surgery and I'm walking better and better, even with an occasional setback from over doing it! Today I'm down with lower back pain because I didn't listen to my body on Thursday. However, overall, I'm doing so much better then before the surgery. This past week JoAnn and I even went out walking a few times. For example a week ago we walked a mall for the first time in over a year and then on Monday I suggested we go out to one of our favorite spots - Calico Basin, located in Red Rock Conservation Area, just a few miles from our home.

Calico Basin is a natural spring with a boardwalk around the meadow and a spectacular view of some gorgeous mountains. We enjoyed the view and especially being able to walk together. It is so good to be able just to walk without pain and to walk longer than 100 or 200 yards. I took a couple of photos while we were walking around and thought I would share them.

Happy Birthday First Born Son

2010-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe another birthday is upon us. That's all we do at our house is celebrate Birthdays. But then, that is a lot of fun, and especially when they are for our children. Born in Manhattan, KS while we were going to school at Kansas State University, Tim was a surprise, coming just 13 months after his big sister Suzanne. They were a tag team and we had trouble keeping up with them. Given that I have selected a group of special photos to honor Tim on his 35th Birthday. Happy Birthday Son!

Tim in the corner of our LazyBoy recliner (of course, some suggest that when I say
LazyBoy I'm referring NOT to the chair) that we had for all 7 children.

A growing boy needs to be fed and it doesn't matter how the food gets in his
mouth - right Suzanne? Although, if you look carefully, I'm not so sure that might
not be Jennifer.

It may not look like it in this photo, but Tim turned into a pretty good big
brother and Dad. At least he is all smiles.

We even provided quality time for Tim at the beach in Santa Cruze, CA.

This is a great photo taken in Ames, Iowa of Tim and his, at the time, 4
sisters. Please note he is sitting on my favorite couch.

Tim achieving his First Class Scout award on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout.

Tim graduating with the MBA, holding the next generation, and being admired by
Lonita and Grandma/Mom.

Calvin, our Grandson

2010-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

It is becoming a tradition to honor Calvin on the anniversary of his death as a reminder of what a great young man he was. There was so much we did not know about him until people came forth and told us. Even now his parents occasionally discover someone else who was touched by him. He had a zest for life and a love of people.

We are honoring him with photos. JoAnn and I have gone through and selected way too many photos, so we reduced the number and have shared them between our blogs.

Calvin took his first trip with Grandma and Grandpa to Boise, ID when he was
about 2 years old. Here he is with Suzanne.

The boys, just off the airplane in the Indianapolis airport at the Indy 500 Exhibit.

Calvin, Clayton & Cole on a "Giant Beetle" at
the St. Louis Zoo

Calvin, Clayton & Chris climbing a practice wall
in Terre Haute, IN

Calvin on a tank at the Fort Knox Armor Museum
in Kentucky

At the end of the day we can look back and see how special and how blessed we were to have this young man with us for a short period of time. Rarely a day goes by without me thinking of Calvin and how special it was for us to share time with us. We are thankful for all of the memories, the photos, and love that all have exhibited to Calvin and his family.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:00