Bing Fam

Welcome back!

2009-12-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for this next year is to remind all of you family about this FAMILY blog. I will use whatever tactics necessary - bribing, cajoling, and pure stealth. I know I'm one to talk about posting regularly on a blog - I go several months between postings on my blog. But it doesn't have to be a long or particularly poignant post. Just tell what you are doing today or what you did last weekend. Just so we can stay in touch a little more.

For example, I've been working at Santa's Workshop (in my room, on my bed) making a scarf for my roommate, presents for Curt's family, and for Mom and Dad (wouldn't you like to know what they are? Ha ha ha!).

Or, if you post on your own blogs, you can just put a link saying, "Look at this new painting!" (Ginni), or "Look at the delicious shephard's pie I made!" (Shannon), or "Look how cool Clint and Derek's lego creations are!" (Rachel), or "Look what funny face Cole made today!" (Curtis). Get my drift? Cool. Love you all.

She impressed a lot of people...

2008-08-26T22:00:00.002-06:00

This is a comment from my sister Shelli who met Esther. Esther made an impression on lots of people. More than we will probably ever know...

Shelli said...
I remember Esther. She was in the back seat of the car, I think when you were getting married. I remember being impressed with her at that time too. If I remember correctly she was a pretty lady, slim. I don't remember why she was in the back of the car, I think it was just you, me and her. I just remember she had a testimony, and was interesting. Sorry to hear of her passing, but I guess we should rejoice for her! P.S. I'm glad your home.

Remembering Esther

2008-08-26T21:42:00.002-06:00

The first time I met Esther, Jeff and I were engaged. We met up with her at Bridal Veil Falls and she took my arm and wrapped it around hers, and said "So, You are going to marry my Jeff..." It was not a question. It was a statement.

I was so impressed with her immediately. She was so sweet and kind and strong.

She was always kind. And always interesting. It was hard to be closer to her because she lived a few states away. But she made little efforts to stay connected. I have a cassette tape of her singing primary songs for Clint when he was a toddler. I remember her unrolling her posters of mind maps whenever we made it up to Oregon to visit. I remember thinking that they were actually pretty cool.

She remembered birthdays, and lots of other things too. I admired her for phone call termination techniques, and also her stamina and Independence.

When Jeff and I first bought our house, I was feeling overwhelmed with the mess of the remodel and the plans for Clint's birthday, and I think one of my nieces was having a crisis...I was in the kitchen and immobilized by the mess. She came in and while I made phone calls and dealt with other problems, she quietly cleaned the entire kitchen...and I was grateful.

She really knew how to get things done. And I am so thankful to be a part of her family. I am grateful for her example and for the life that she led. I am grateful for the family she raised. And I know she is busy now...working hard, more than ever...with Russel at her side.

We Love you Esther!

Pictures of Ryan

2008-05-05T13:54:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures of little Ryan. He's a little gooky; I don't think they had cleaned him very well when Lance snapped some of these. If you want to see more pictures, click here. He's doing well so far - he hasn't been eating too much, but still seems okay. Ginni gets to go home tomorrow (Tuesday) and if Ryan starts eating a little more and is still doing well, he will get to come home as well. Lance and Ginni had a hard time getting any of the clothes they bought him to fit! The cute little shirt and overall set will positively drown the little guy, so they'll have to find something else. They weren't quite prepared for Ryan to come so early!

New Addition!

2008-05-04T21:14:00.003-06:00

Hey family!

The newest family member was born at 3:22 pm...Ryan Lance LeVar! He decided he wanted to come 4 weeks early and there was no stopping him! Once Ginni started pushing, he was out in less than 10 minutes! He weighs 6 lbs., 5 oz. and is 17.5 inches long. He is very little, but very cute! So far, he's a healthy preemie. He's breathing on his own and seems to be doing well.

Ginni started having labor pains around 2 am this morning. She and Lance went to the hospital, just to be safe, and by 6:00 am, they knew they were having a baby today! I rushed down from Sandy to pick up Leah and have been watching her all day. Since I'm off-track for 2 more weeks, I'm hoping to be able to take care of Leah quite a bit while Ginni recovers and Lance is finishing up teaching and starting his graduate school classes at BYU. Leah is excited to have a new baby brother. We watched from the nursery window as Ryan was given his first bath. Leah said, "baby wah wah wah!" as Ryan was crying at being woken up. That's what she calls him now, "Baby wah wah wah". I'm calling him "Elmo" because he is red! We'll keep you all posted...

When are you ever going to work?

2007-05-10T17:01:00.000-06:00

With all of the river-frontage, when are you ever going to find time to work?!

Cell phones still not working? You should be able to call the companies and get them to let you out of the contract.
CB

New House, continued

2007-05-07T11:25:00.000-06:00

The view of the entryway.
The kitchen.
The living room.
The back of the house and the deck.

New House

2007-05-07T11:16:00.000-06:00

Hey family! Kimm took these photos of our new house. It's still in the unpacking stage, but I thought you'd like to see what we've got up here in PARADISE. When are you all coming to visit us????

The front of our home, with all of our boxes in the garage!!! Clair is already planning his garden, lots of colorful flowers, bushes, and trees, and his very own waterfall!
The Washougal River marks the edge of our property.
The first peek of the house as you come in the driveway. It's a VERY steep hill that we have to go up to to get the mail - so we'll get into shape very soon!
The view off the deck in the back. There is a shed for wood, and then down the steep hill is the river.
Clair's office (not quite set up yet) and me, trying to figure out how to get better internet service.

Charlie the Unicorn

2007-03-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's a magical leoplurodon charlie!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Or, Happy Valentime's Day, as my students say. Today is a great day! I don't have a specific valentine, but it's such a super day! Besides that's what nephews are for!!! ;) I got up WAAAY early this morning to make cinnamon rolls with pink frosting and red sprinkles for my roommates. Later today, I'm going to my old school (where I did my student teaching) to visit the kids for their Valentine's Day party. I'm excited.

I just love Valentine's Day - it's a great day to tell your friends and family that you love them. So, family, I LOVE YOU!!! Hope it's an awesome day for all of you.

Hare hair

2007-02-12T17:22:00.001-07:00

I straightened my hair - hairs, really. Not permanently. Just for a change.

Although, who ever gave us the curly hair gene, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Also, any of you who know a really cute curly haired single guy....let me know. I could use one...

Also also, anyone know of any food photographers that would be willing to give an amateur some tips? I think this is going to become my new hobby.

Halloween Continued

2007-02-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

| Click to Play Now

2007-02-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

| Click to Play Now

Clint's Dolphins

2007-02-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

| Click to Play Now

Pictures from Kelsey's YW activity

2007-02-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

I sent a number of pictures to be included in a YW slideshow and thought I'd share them with you all and embarrass Kelsey in the meantime.

The first is from Christmas. She received the purple down vest and was especially pleased with the U2 CD.

We all went on a Scout Family Campout to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and managed to get a pic of everyone in uniform.

Kelsey and the Venturing Crew have gone rock climbing a fair amount and she's become quite good at her new-found hobby!

Classic Kelsey stare--"Whaddya want?!"

Kelsey is gonna kill me for this one... Another Christmas shot. I don't remember what she was so excited about but it was good, whatever it was!

Kelsey on the paintball range! She had a ton of fun with the rest of the boys. Turns out that Cole kept shooting her by accident :(

Kelsey in full costume at the Holiday Bazaar where the Venturing Crew held a fundraiser.

I Am A Teacher

2007-02-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

This statement really blows my mind sometimes. I can't believe it! Sometimes it's really scary to think that I am responsible for teaching these students all that they need to know in second grade. Whew! What a job!
Most days, I really enjoy my job. The kids are pretty good (with only a few that regularly cause problems, and I'm dealing with them) and I really like the team members that I work with. On Friday, we had our Valentine's Day Party. I gave the students a piece of paper shaped like a soda glass, with the words "Everyone likes you, and 'soda' I." I attached a mechanical pencil to the card and put it in everyone's bag. About 15 of the kids came up to me throughout the day and said, "Thank you thank you thank you for the mechanical pencils! We love them! Now we don't have to use the pencil sharpener anymore!" It was funny to see what a little pencil does to a 2nd grader!
I wanted to see what any of your memories of 2nd grade were. I remember learning to tell time on the Judy clocks (the yellow and red wooden clocks). I remember mean old Mrs. Harris who always yelled at our class, until she quit or got sick and Mrs. Lowry took over for a long time. She was nicer, but I don't think she knew as much.
Here is a picture I took of my class on Friday. They were being monkeys all day because of our party, and it was the last day before our 3 week vacation (I'm "off track" now, which means I don't have school until the 2nd of March. Instead of a summer vacation, I get periodic breaks during the year).

New Houses!

2007-02-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that a few of us are moving. For those of you who are out of the loop, or who don't check their email, here are some pictures of Mom and Dad's new house that they bought in Washougal, WA. Here is the front yard.

The back yard - there is a lot of forest continuing all the way to the river.

Here is the river bank that butts up to their property. Good fishing, so I hear. Trout, anyone?

And, I moved into a house at the end of December. It's not much outside, but it's huge inside with plenty of room for me and my 5 roommates. I really like living here. It's pretty much a party, all the time! ;)

Here is the outside of the house.

Me!

I am so excited about my FIRST BRAND NEW BED! Once I got my first real paycheck as a teacher, I "splurged" and bought a bed after sleeping on the floor for 2 months.

New Job!

2006-12-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

For anyone who reads this, I FOUND A JOB! And this is no flipping burgers job. I've got me a teaching job at Daybreak Elementary in the 2nd grade. Daybreak is a community on the West side of south salt lake that is sponsored by Kennecot Land, which means there is quite a bit of wealth in the area. The school is very large and equipped with the latest technology in all the classrooms (the school is only about a year old). Also, there is a community center attached to the school which has gym facilities, a workout center, and a plethora of other stuff. I hear there is a lot of parental involvement in the community, which will be nice for me. I start this Wednesday (whew!) and it should be an interesting ride!

Haircut

2006-11-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Just for kicks, and because I don't have anything else really to say, here's a pic of my new haircut - Ginni did it. She does a good job.

Speaking of jobs, I am currently in the process of filling out job apps, making a stellar resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Fun for me. Blech.

Clint and I

2006-10-23T22:23:00.000-06:00

Well, I have a new car (pictures are forthcoming). It's a 2001 Dodge Neon, in Cinnamon Glaze (kind of a gold/brown color). On Friday, I picked Clint up and took him for a ride and ice cream in my car and we took some funny pictures. Here they are.

Dream House - Washington

2006-10-23T16:56:00.000-06:00

Hi Family,

Here's our "dream house" in Yacolt, WA. It looks huge, but is actually smaller than the one we're in...but there's certainly still room for you all! On Nov. 2nd, we're going to look at some houses and try to narrow down our search range, but this is the best we've found so far. It has a "hot tub house" in the back yard that would be GREAT FUN for everyone...especially when it rains, which I think is about 50% of the time!

Love you all,
Mom

Run, Derek, Run!

2006-10-15T20:38:00.000-06:00


Derek runs.

Al Qaeda like Mormons

2006-10-04T21:46:00.000-06:00


Funny video. Our techniques are catching on, eh?

2006-10-01T14:33:00.000-06:00

little ear guy's "I'm frustrated" look

2006-10-01T14:32:00.000-06:00

little ear guy's happy look

2006-10-01T14:31:00.000-06:00

little ear guy's puzzled look

2006-10-01T14:28:00.000-06:00

little ear guy's evil eye

2006-10-01T14:19:00.000-06:00

Sprinkler heads installed in front yard and working!

2006-10-01T14:18:00.000-06:00

These are some major improvements for us around here!
New concrete walk along front of house.

2006-10-01T14:16:00.000-06:00

new pergola posts

Bangkok Tour

2006-08-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

So a word to the Utah clan - I'm storming your state in 5 days. I can't wait! Just thought I'd post a picture from last month's bangkok tour. My microphone gave out, so I tried a cucumber. It amplified my voice very well. ;)

Advice

2006-07-29T17:55:00.000-06:00

This is copied from the Isom Family Blog:
Shannon's brother Jeff said,
"Please post pictures regularly and often to the blog. Family snapshots and activites are perfect to share and enjoyed by everyone. You can post using the following method. Go to the link New Post on the right side of the blog. When in Create mode, click on the tiny photo in the menu above the text box. It will bring up a pop-up that will guide you through the process of selecting a photo and how it will appear in your post. This is perhaps the easiest method."

Shannon said,
"Scott is doing very well. He has been working alot the last two weeks in preparation for not being able to do much after the surgery. We started a trim and tile job together two weeks ago for a friend. We had so much fun being able to work together again. The kids were able to come with us and play at the house we were working on. They loved all the new toys, movies and kids to play with. We stayed up until 3:00 a.m. the night before his surgery to finish some book cases for the job and then he had to install them before the surgery in the morning. So Scott loved lying on the hospital bed knowing he would be in a drug induced sleep. He actually really likes being laid up because he is forced to rest and gets lots of extra attention. He has been watching lots of movies and drawing and coloring with the boys. Garrett is really into coloring. He fell asleep on the floor the other day while coloring. Preston gets sweeter and sweeter every day. He is the most enjoyable easy going child. He will play on his own for hours. Especially when Garrett is not around. Preston always has a car in each hand and when you ask him what he is thinking about he says, "cars"! When we were at the splash pool the other day he told me in two very well formed sentences that he did not want to go down the big slides again because that would make him sad. We love reading to him because he is such a cuddly little ball engrossed in the stories. When he wants something besides the cars in hands, he says, "hand, hand, hand...." until you take them out of his hands so he can have whatever it is he needs. The sucker at Choa's, a drink of water, his toothbrush. I could go on and on. He does so many little things I love. The boys' Thomas movie is starting to wear off and Garrett is calling Preston the "little ear guy". Preston is telling him "boys don't hit". "

Take some good advice. Post something, especially pictures.

Happy Birthday Ginni!!!

2006-07-29T08:07:00.000-06:00

Gib, I know this is a day late, but I meant to put this up yesterday. Can't wait to see you!

Happy Birthday Becky!

2006-07-21T09:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday (late) Becky! Hope it was a wonderful day for you. Did you do anything fun?

Road Rage

2006-07-19T15:13:00.000-06:00


Don't mess with Granny!

Need more speed?

2006-07-19T15:11:00.000-06:00


Slow is not good!

The Great Watermelon Escapade

2006-07-08T14:30:00.000-06:00


Preston really digs into some watermelon.

Utah Trip

2006-07-08T11:19:00.000-06:00

Hey family! I thought I'd post some pictures that I took while in Utah, for all who wanted to see them.

Happy Birthday Lance!

2006-07-08T10:38:00.000-06:00

Lance, I hope today is great. We are starting a new tradition of photo birthday cards. We might get a little creative. Love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON!

2006-06-30T12:36:00.000-06:00

Mom wasn't there so we added her into the picture. I didn't want to worry about "photoshopping her in". I hope today is great. I love you, Shannon!

-Kimm, Mom, and Dad

Why I didn't buy the BMW.....

2006-06-19T23:17:00.000-06:00

The BMW was faster but ya just can't get as many sticks into it!

Bundle of Joy

2006-06-07T19:34:00.000-06:00

Well, it's time to welcome the newest member of our family, Leah Rebekah LeVar. She is so cute!!! I've been spending the week with Lance and Ginni, therefore, I get to see and hold Leah everyday. Jealous? I would be. She's really cute when she has a clean diaper! She peed on me once, which was really gross, but overall, I love her. I call her "Monkey Baby" because of all her hair, and Ginni calls her "Flopsy" because her head flops around. Here are some pics of the little rascal.

She's getting ready for when she is 16!!!!

Sinking...

2006-04-27T18:18:00.000-06:00

So, here are some funny and cool commercials, if you have a little time to waste, which we all do. ;)
http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2006/sinking-p1.php

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowArticle.action?article=1128495777479&site=odw_en_GB

Anyway, with the bouncy ball one, they blocked off a whole street in San Fransisco and shot the bouncy balls out by machines. Cool!!! Have a good day, fam. Can't wait to see you all.

Don't delete!!

2006-04-24T20:19:00.000-06:00

Well, I almost deleted our blog. I was trying to change the settings and things got a little crazy there for a little bit. There was text all over the place, and not where it should have been. Yikes. Speaking of deleting, Shannon, will you ask your brother Jeff not to take off any of the movies from Garrett and Preston's blog? I really want to look at them, but my computer at my house is broken and the campus computers don't support quicktime very well. Tell him not to clear off the older videos to make room for more. I still want to watch them. Thanks.

Kimmby again

2006-04-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

I just thought I'd post a few recent pictures for those who read this blog. Oh wait, that's me... ;)

Last weekend, I went on a field trip with my friend Drew to Welfare Square and the Church Humanitarian Aid Center. We toured, sampled some food, and did three service projects. It was wonderful! We even tied a quilt. I'm totally sold on the church's amazing efforts to help members and non-members all over the world. Anyway, this picture is me jumping up in front of the grain towers in Salt Lake.

This is my good friend, Drew. He's a funny guy. Don't read anything into this please.

This is my 4th grade class that I've been teaching this semester. The kid in the cowboy hat on the left is really funny. He likes to be tricky. I'm in the back on the right. I love these kids!

Binky

2006-04-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

Shannon-
Good job on "losing" Garrett's binky. I hate it when you see a six year old kid sucking on a binky. Gross. 3 is a good age. My friend was telling me how her sister would always cut the tops off the binky so it would just go flat when her toddler would suck on it, so they would spit it out and wouldn't want it. It's like they get rid of it on their own.

For all the family members out there who want to see more of Garrett and Preston, Shannon's brother Jeff has made a blog for them with pictures and funny videos. Here's the link: http://web.mac.com/jeffkirkisom/iWeb/Photos/Welcome.html. Check it out - it's cool.

Love you all.

Easter

2006-04-10T21:12:00.000-06:00

What is everyone doing for Easter? I am thinking about coming down, and it would be nice to get together if we could. I'm "eggxited"! Haha.

Rachel, do you know if Clint's school has student teachers from BYU-Idaho? I requested to be placed there, but I don't know if they sponsor my school... Did you have a good birthday?

Halloween

2006-04-05T21:14:00.000-06:00

So it's never too easy to start planning for the next Halloween. Ginni and Lance, perhaps you should consider going for a Star Wars Theme, and putting little Leah in this costume:
What do you think? It's Chewbacca!!! Maybe Preston could use it then...

Happy "Berthaday" (as Ginni calls it) to Rachel!

2006-03-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!!

Here is a poem I wrote especially for you:

Ahem, ahem.

Happy Birthday to you

I know you'll say, "Phew!"

Please don't be blue

(Yellow is better)

I'd send you a letter

But I can't afford the stamp

Unless I sell my favorite lamp

I'll just buy you a new...

Never mind. Happy Birthday to you!

I love you. Hope it's a great day. See you soon.

Tricky Tricky

2006-03-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

So while I was teaching today in my 4th grade classroom, I saw this riddle in a kid's math book:

"A $1 bill weighs about 1 gram. How many grams does a $5 bill weigh?"

I almost said, "5 grams", but luckily, I caught myself. Tricky, eh?

Ninja Kimm II

2006-03-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am practicing my ninja moves again. I made sure to shout, "Allah Akbar!"

My hobo party this weekend for my birthday was awesome! We had tons of people come to warm themselves by the trash can fire and roast marshmallows, and eat peanut butter and jelly hors devours and cake/ice cream in a can (we made 5 cakes and had 3 gallons of ice cream!). We also had a can walk (like a cake walk), pin the mustache on the astronaut (like pin the tail on the donkey), more mattress jumping, sumo wrestling (on the mattresses), fireworks, and night games. It was fantastic!!!

Thanks all of you for calling me on my birthday. It meant a lot to me. You are the best fam ever!

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

2006-03-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Copied from Shannon's family blog:
"Garrett has been begging for a train set. Enola and Liam have cool train sets and Garrett realizes he needs one also. He asks everyday all day long. His hand me down train set from the neighbor boy is well used. He has been playing with that for over a year most everyday.Today we went to the Red Ballon. They have two train tables. One with a Brio train set. The other has a Thomas Train set on it. After playing for half an hour it was time to go. The tantrums thrown were incredible. Garrett's legs were broken (they always break when he wants them to) and he howled in the isle. Preston was a screaming "NO"-saying lunatic. It is hard to manhandle two boys throwing tantrums to the car. Especially when one has broken legs. I felt true pain over Garrett's sadness. He wants a train set so badly. I would love to buy him the cool Thomas or Brio sets. We have been looking on Ebay to find him one for his birthday. He is going to have a train cake for his birthday. He told me in the car today that he wants a train set that isn't a cake.

I was just called as a nursey leader. I am very excited about it. Preston will be in nursery in one week, with Garrett."

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-03-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Scott got the job with WPA. Long story about Scott's job quest and how he came about the decision to stick with architecture. We are so happy about this job. He will be working about 5 blocks from our house. No more getting up a 5:45 a.m. we can eat lunch in the park a block away. Without his commute, he will have 3 hours added to his day. Health insurance will be fully covered, and no need for a bus pass, is an automatic 450.00 raise. He has wanted to work with WPA for years, how everything fell into place for him to earn this job is amazing. The splash pool is only a block away from WPA so Scott can actually go this year after work. He is sad to leave his current job, it has been good for him. His is loved at EDA (of course, everyone loves Scott) and has been given a lot of resposibility for the amount of work experience and education he has. His new job does more residential, Small scale commercial, a lot of Park City architecture. We are so dang happy and excited about this new job. Scott has been commuting for work and school for 3+ years now. To have him home in the evening and breakfast with the boys in the morning will be so wonderful. We can actually start to work on the house again. So to clarify we are dang happy! Want to hear about our latest yard sale Ebay transactions? O.K. Old WWII goggles paid .25 cents sold for $140.00. We ended the aution early for some Frenchie, we should have been greedier and rode out the auction, because the same pair sold for $355.00 a few days later. A rug that we bought for the boys room for $28.00 sold for $175.00 at an antique store nearby. I think we will be selling the one that is currently in there room (paid $17.00) soon also. Yard sale season is coming up again we are so excited. Sure am lucky that Scott knows what is valuable junk to people. Scott knows these items have value but, he doesn't know how much people are willing to pay until the auction has ended. It is exciting for us to be able to earn money in this way. Scott's infecion in his arm appears to slowly be getting better. Nasty, Nasty infection. I sure am glad we rarely need medical attention. His Prescription for 5 pills was $51.00. Add on the ER visits and doctor visits and a few hundred $'s is gone. I Sure am glad we have insurance and Scott is alive. And it's a good thing we have yard sales to supplement our income.

The E.R.

2006-03-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Do not pick ingrown hairs. Scott had to go to the E.R. at 11:30 last night because his elbow was swelling up like Garrett's belly on corn dogs. He picked an ingrown hair earlier this week and it became infected. This is the second time it has happened to him. Last time it happened the doctor explained the seriousness of the condition, the possibility of surgery, amputation, death. I called Casey and the Doctor said go to the E.R. Scott was given an antibiotic through an IV and came home at 1:30. I went to Walmart to get him a heating pad and was shocked at how many people were shopping. A family of 3 young girls with mom and dad. What are they doing up at 2:00 a.m. clothes shopping? When I got home Scott was in terrilble pain and couldn't sleep. And I realized I forgot the bag with the heating pad in it back at Walmart. It is frustrating to admit that this is happening to me often now. So back to Walmart to get the heating pad. We went to bed at 3:00 a.m. I sure love my little family and am so happy we have good medical care to keep us well and alive. The boys are watching Cinderella to keep there minds off of sleeping Scott. When Scott is home he is the life of the house and the boys don't leave him alone. Preston is a two legged boy, finally. It is so cute to watch him toddling around after Garrett. He likes to line cars up now in rows just like Garrett does. He is talking a lot also. Today he told me "I wuv you" Garrett likes to check for chicken eggs and then make them. He always tells me he is hungry and wants eggs just so he can crack them, stir them in a bowl, and pour it in the pan. Then he doesn't eat them. He loves to help in the kitchen. We have had a few nice days lately and the boys love going to the river to throw rocks in. I believe they would be content to stay there all day if we could.

Tribute to school...

2006-02-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here's my first and last tribute to school in art form.

Kimm ninja

2006-02-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Kimm you would have had much better success in your kidnap raid if you would have shouted "Allah Ahkbar" multiple times after entering their apartment.

Facelift

2006-02-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to give the Blog a face lift. It's eyes were sagging beyond belief and there were wrinkles all over the place! I hope you all don't mind.

Rachel, since you read the blog - post something!!! Anything! Just so I know you are alive! Oh, by the way, can I interview you about Parent-Teacher Conferences for an assignment?

Should we send the missionaries?

2006-02-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Shannon,
Should we send the missionaries to your house to convert little Garrett to become a Mormon? Perhaps they should bring some cookies to convince Chubs over to the right side. I can just see it now - two missionaries holding out cookies, while the Episcopalians are holding out chocolate cake and Garrett running back and forth trying to decide which is better.
I thought the story about the cheese bottoms was funny too. What a character Chubs is...

So, just in case you all think that Shannon and the boys are the only ones who have escapades, it's not true. I do too. A few days ago, my roommates and I wanted to watch Ultimate Makeover, Home Edition on tv, but we only get cable channels and no local channels. So, we decided to pack up and go over to some boy's apartments to watch it, because they were all at a stake fireside. The first apartment we tried was locked, but the next apartment was open, and all the lights were on - pretty much just waiting for us to come in a make ourselves at home. We know that's what they wanted us to do. ;) Anyway, we did just that. We left them a note saying, "Thanks for letting us use your tv. The show was great. Have a good night!" Then we turned all their furniture upside down. That was the fun part. They don't know it was us... So, don't tell anyone...

Then, last night, we wanted to kidnap someone, so my roommates and I dressed in our best spy clothes, (see picture) and went to another boys' apartment and our plan was to run in, throw a blanket over someone in the apartment, and tape them in the blanket, then take them outside and run away. Well, it didn't exactly go as planned. We ran in, but they wouldn't cooperate! They just sat there - one boy just watched as we acosted his roommate. Needless to say, we weren't successful, and they knew exactly who we were, regardless of our disguise. Oh well. I guess I don't have a career as a ninja or a spy. I guess I'll settle for a teacher. ;)

Also, this picture is one of the newest Olympic sports - mattress jumping. If you get the right airspeed velocity and thrust, you can almost fly. It's pretty fun..

Well, I hope you all can still trust me with your kids after these stories. I hope I haven't totally ruined your images of me. Haha. Good night everyone.

snacks

2006-02-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today was stake conference. Garrett was having a fit towards the end. He said he wanted to go to a different church. To appease him Scott suggested the Presbyterian church and Garrett was happy. Walking to the car Garrett began his questions about the Presbyterian church where was it, when are we going etc. Scott tried to explain he was teasing and Garrett threw a real fit. So we drove to an Episcopalian Church and Garrett and I went in. On the way in I discovered the real reason he wanted to go to a different church. He missed snack time in nursery. As we were sitting in the big empty Noah's ark chapel talking about the pictures he asked if there were snacks at that church. That's when the nice woman in the foyer came to talk to us. Lo and behold there were snacks, best snacks ever and Garrett was happy. I think we might start attending that church more often. I need the chocolate cake recipe.Garrett likes to make towers out of everything. His cheese towers were having a conversation about who had to go to the bathroom. When I asked if his cheese needed to go to the bathroom he said, "no, cheese don't have bottoms."

Faker

2006-02-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

So I don't think I ever told anyone this, but when I was just a little tyke, I remember I wanted glasses REAL BAD! (For some reason, I always wanted to be "normal" and break my arm/leg, get braces and/or a retainer, get glasses, get my tonsils removed, etc.) Anyway, I think I remember lying to the optometrist so I could get glasses. I told him that I couldn't see the very top line - you know, the really big E? Yep. He saw through my charade really fast. Sorry that this scandal has to come out now. I know you all are disappointed. ;)

Shannon, your stories about the mishaps of Garrett and Preston crack me up all the time! Keep them coming (during nap time of course...)

Opthamologist

2006-02-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know a good opthamologist in Provo /Orem. Mr. Italian Costco guy just isn't cuttin' it for me.

Bean bags

2006-02-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bean bags
Garrett and I made bean (wheat) bags the other day. I sewed them and he poured the wheat in through a funnel. I left him alone with the funnel and container of wheat, while I sewed some more bags. I knew he would make a mess but didn't realize how big a mess. He poured it into the sink and all over the floor and counter. He had a great time though and was occupied. When I went upstairs I told him I was disappointed that he made such a mess. He smiled his cute little bucky smile at me and we cleaned it up.Later, Scott was telling him what a good job he did making the bean bags and Garrett said, "No, Dad. Mom made the bean bags. I made a mess."

nap time

2006-02-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE nap time. The boys and I walked to the duck pond once again today. Those ducks is hungry. People don't feed them much in the winter. Preston and Garrett are becoming quite adventurous. They think they are mountain men and come home filthy from most walks now. Crawling through underbrush, getting rocks from muddy stream beds. Preston can barely walk with my help and he tries to do everything Garrett does and throws tantrums if we don't follow him or do something cooler than Garrett is. Preston still shouts out car at every car he sees. So you can imagine what that is like when we are walking down the sidewalk. Once in awhile a bike, balloon, or dog while throw him off track and he'll have to say those cool words too.Enola came over yesterday to play, and she brought her bus that unfolds into a child size bus. She and Garrett were driving around the house in their bus and playing with ALL the toys inside of it. Garrett's imagination is exploding. His cars have converstions about who is getting into the semi transport and who is staying, and why.

Isn't that the CUTEST???!!!

2006-02-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love this picture - the boys look so cute with their matching curly hair. Way to be with the trend of electronic cards, Shannon!

Lambormagnum

2006-01-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

Jeff, maybe you should consider upgrading your magnum to this. Tada! Lambormagnum!

You all have got to check out this site - especially the "Mate a car" section, where people have combined two or more cars using photoshop to create a new kind of car. It's pretty amazing. Curt, has Kelsey submitted anything on that site? I bet she's got the talent for it...

First time snowboarding

2006-01-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

The boys and I went snowboarding in Vermont for the first time ever this past weekend as part of a New England Boy Scout Ski Weekend. One of my ecstatic boys said, "Dad, this was wicked awesome! Can we do this EVERY year?"

We were all VERY sore the next day, walking around like serious old-timers. Every muscle ached--especially the tailbone variety. I had one spectacular spill where I landed on my tailbone and I felt the bones click-clacking together all the way up my spine until I heard this wrenching "CRIAACK!" in my neck. I'm still stiff--2 days later!

Here are some photos:

Funny

2006-01-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Funny picture. One of my favorites.

Baby Baby

2006-01-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Curt - Thank you, thank you, thank you! See, it wasn't that hard, eh? Curt, why do you hate blogs? Is it because people go off on a diatribe about things that don't matter? They share their deepest feelings about irrelevant things? They write about unimportant subjects, such as the life and times of a pickle? I know; all those things frustrate me too. But, this blog is for funny pictures, like you've found, as well as what is going on with kids, Mom and Dad (and sometimes poking fun), and of course, ME! Haha, just kidding. I hope you can overcome your bad feelings towards blogging...

Scott - what's going on with work? Mom mentioned that you decided not to work with RD. Does that mean you are going to continue on at your company? What about the easels? I'd like an update! P.S. How are those peanut butter 'n jelly sandwiches with white bread that I'm sure you've been having since Shannon's been gone? Or have the Falgoust's taken you under their wing? I hope you aren't all emaciated!!!

Ginni and Lance, you should post your ultrasound pictures on the blog... Maybe I'll save you the trouble, since you don't really read this blog very often.

More silliness

2006-01-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

I hate blogs

2006-01-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

I hate blogs. Really. But just to please my sister, I am now blogging. So bleh.
Here are some funny images for your purple perusing pleasure:

Correction

2006-01-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I made a mistake. I am actually graduating on December 20 of 2006. The school said I couldn't walk in graduation as early as April, so I could either do it in August, December, or April of 2007. Who would want to graduate LATER??? Now that's just silly... Anyway, I think Mom and Dad are going to spend Christmas in Utah...

I love you all! Someone post something! I'm going nuts reading my own posts over and over again.

Fonduuuuue...my new best friend

2006-01-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have (or heard of) a good recipe for cheese fondue (without the alcohol)? I bought me a fondue pot and I want to have a fondue party, without people getting a little tipsy. Anyone have any ideas?

Well, I've started school for the last time at BYU-Idaho. This will be my last semester here in the great Spud State. (Check out the link, especially you, Dad. This one will top Neldon's hands down!) Anyway, I plan on walking in graduation come Saturday, April 29 (I would absolutely LOVE everyone to come to my graduation!!!!) and then officially receiving my diploma in December, when I finish my student teaching in Salt Lake.

Right now, I'm taking a class called Education Methods, which prepares me for student teaching by allowing me to go into a local elementary school 3 days a week and teach half the day, as well as going to training seminars the other two days a week on campus. I'll be in a 4th grade classroom, where the teacher is my roommate's mother. She is very nice and I'm looking forward to going to that class.

I wanted to thank all the Utah clan again for letting me stay with you, letting me play with your kids, watch your tv, bum around your house, and for picking me up from the airport. You all are great! Let me know if I can do anything for anyone!!! I plan on coming down again for Derek's birthday...

P.S. Curt and family, haven't heard from you in a long time...... Sure would like to! Post something!

Picture book list

2006-01-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

For all the moms (or moms to be), I thought I'd post a children's book list that I've compiled. Many of these authors have many great books. I'm sure Rachel knows a ton more (Rachel, would you post the names of some books that you really like?) Here it is:

Goodnight, Moon - Margaret Wise Brown
Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Mo Willems
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type - Doreen Cronin
The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg
Sector 7 - David Wiesner
King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub - Audrey Wood
No, David! - David Shannon
Rumpelstiltskin - Paul O. Zelinsky
The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales - Jon Scieszka
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! - Jon Scieszka
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly - Simms Taback
Olivia - Ian Falconer
Alphabet City – Stephen T. Johnson
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Judi Barrett
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – Judith Viorst
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday - Judith Viorst
If you give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Joffe Numeroff
Strega Nona – Tomie dePaola
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing – Judi Barrett
Paper Bag Princess - Robert Munsch
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse - Kevin Henkes
The Mitten – Jan Brett
Skippyjon Jones - Judy Schachner
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear - Don Wood
The Monster at the End of This Book - Jon Stone
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash - Trinka Hakes Noble
Miss Nelson Is Missing! - Harry Allard
Late for School - Mike Reiss
The Great Show-and-Tell Disaster - Mike Reiss
You Are Special – Max Lucado
Imogene's Antlers - David Small
Where's Waldo? - Martin Handford
Monster Mama - Liz Rosenberg

Narnia....A disappointment at best.

2005-12-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah, not a good image.....

Both Rachel and I were disappointed by Narnia. It should have been done in three movies and by Peter Jackson!

We were really disappointed by Aslan. He was pretty much a wuss until the end. He needed to be a lot tougher and carismatic.

Narnia

2005-12-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Haha - Hilarious caption, Jeaf! Would you pronounce that Jeef (like beef) or Jeff (like bread)? That's the age-old question.
Well, we saw The Chronicles of Narnia tonight. I really liked it, except for Aslan's (the lion) voice. I could tell that it was Liam Neeson's voice (especially after watching Batman Begins the night before) and all I could think about was how he was poisoning Gotham City's water supply!!!! I think they should have used (if it was going to be someone famous) James Earl Jones' voice. After all, he was Mufasa in Lion King - it would have been totally fitting! But I suppose I might have been thinking the whole time, "Luke, I am your father!" Oh well, I guess I'm glad I'm not the director. But, all things aside, everyone should see the movie. It was very good, followed the books quite well, and had a great storyline. "4 stars says Ebert!" Just kidding...
Have a good night, and a good Christmas all.

Wow, another empty box. Thanks Mom. Woohoo...

2005-12-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

From Old School...to cool!

2005-12-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I found this picture of Dad and his brothers and thought it was really cute. Then, I saw this picture of the next generation of Bingham Boys. Kinda fun, huh? I think Garrett really looks like Scott in this picture, especially in the forehead...

Old School Family Christmas

2005-12-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well Fam,
I thought you all would like to see how we've all changed. Here's some old-timey pictures of us at Christmas time. Love you!
-Kimm

Oh boy!

2005-12-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Man, that is one sickly baby! I bet Dad feels the same way - he's been spending lots of time in bed with a bad cold. He says that this is the first time in 20 years he's had a cold... Mom's been using all her home remedies on him - telling him to wrap his throat (he made me show him how becuase he didn't know. Boy are the tables turned now!), take a sweat bath, etc. Poor, poor Daddy.

Shannon- Mom and Dad and I laughed so hard at the mishaps at your house, especially the part about Garrett lying. I don't know how you kept a straight face!!! How did Garrett respond to you? Also, you have no idea how much suspense that present that you gave me is causing me to be in!!!!! I've been looking at it every single day for 3+ weeks and I still have NO CLUE as to what it is. I think I'm going to open that one on Christmas Eve!!!

Well, I hope things are going well for you all. I'm home in OK for a little while (until the 3rd) and Mom's got me working. Yippee! Haha. I'm looking forward to Ginni and Lance coming on the 28th to add some more spark to the house. I can't do it all by myself. Soon I'm going to post some funny old pictures that I've found around the house so you all can laugh a little bit. I love you to whoever reads this!
-Kimm

pictures

2005-12-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sick baby, two weeks later my baby is back.

Thin

2005-12-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Garrett has had very little to eat for over a week now. He is so thin. I fear he may blow away. Every time I ask him how he feels he tells me, "I'm so sick mom. I feel so sick." He has been very onry towards Preston all week ,lying on the stairs so Preston can't pass, lying around anywhere he thinks Preston might be trying to go, clocking him in the head with blocks, tripping over him etc. The poor boy is miserable. This is the worst sickness either of them have had. Garrett is so sweet to us most of the time though. He always tells us "I love you" and nice little things like, "I had fun with you today Dad. Your sweet too, Mom. I wuv you so much." He started opening a Christmas present tonight and told us a bold faced lie. He said, "some neighbors came in and opened it." Scott lost it and had to leave the room. It was all I could do to keep a straight face and tell him that we do not lie. Preston had to sit in time out today. I think he kind of likes it, because he smiles when you set him down in the chair and he just sits there as if he is proud. Maybe he likes it because he feels more like Garrett. He immitates every move Garrett makes. When Preston is told he can get out of time out his tiny body turns around and he slides off the chair backwards until his dangling feet touch the floor. They should both be doing much better this week as Garrett begins to feel better.

Wow.

2005-12-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Shannon-
I'm sorry that poor skinny baby has the croup. Yikes! I hope no one else catches it!
I think that sounds like a good decision that you guys are making concerning Scott and his business. I think that it's really important to enjoy what you do, especially if you need to be doing it for the next 30-40 years. I was watching Scott over Thanksgiving (and I was thinking about this recently) and it was so cool to see how he interacted with the boys. For all the rest of the family, he brought Garrett out to the shop with him while he worked. Garrett had a grand old time playing with wood, screws, and all other sorts of scraps. He dusted all the wood in the shop as well as all the other surfaces he could reach. I'm sure those times in the future will be ones Garrett will remember for a long time. As for Preston, I love to see Scott sit down and read with him. Preston will crawl lickety split right up to Scott's (or anyone that can read!) leg and hold up a book, going, "uh, uh, uh". Scott will pick him up, go to the couch, and read with him. It's so cute! Scott is so good with those kids (as are you, Shannon) and I think it is a VERY good thing that he will be able to spend more time with them, and the family.
Jeff, thanks for providing that opportunity for Scott. I'm glad that we are able to pitch in as a family to help each other. I think that is what family is really about. Let me know if I can do anything to help (anyone). I love you all!

The Scott Bingham Family

2005-12-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Copied from the Isom family blog.
Poor Preston has the croup and an ear infection. He wheezed, coughed, fevered,and cried all night last night. I made him fresh squeezed orange juice throughout the night and that was the only thing that would get him to settle down and go to sleep. I made Scott stay home today so I could take Preston to the doctor and so I could be a nice mom today, instead of crusty, cranky. Scott has a hard time missing work. That is one of the problems of architecture. There is always a deadline and it is always crunch time. If you want to be a good architect it is extremely difficult to have a good family life. Scott has been doing a lot of thinking and has decided architecture isn't for him as a career. He struggled with this all during school, wondering if architecture really was for him. He does like his work, but the stress and pressure that comes with it is too great for him to really enjoy. He is always racing against a deadline. He is happiest in his shop designing and creating on a small scale where he excells vs. the large scale where it takes everything out him. For an architect to be really good that creativity must be on a large scale, including all aspects of the project. Everything has to flow more freely than it does for Scott.He would really like to make the easel business work sooooo........ He is going to work until his projects are completed at EDA Architects, then he will quit and start work at Contempo Tile where Kimi and I worked and his brother is the manager. This will enable us to have a steady income while he developes the website, marketing structure, and logistics of mass producing his easels. Jeff (Scott's brother) has offered to pay Scott more than he is currently making, plus profit sharing, better health insurance, and regular hours. He will still be working all the time trying to get the easel business to go but he will be home and in the shop where I can help after we put the kids to bed. It will be like old times when we worked together. We will see where this takes us.I remember last year when I got so sick I couldn't get up without falling over. Preston was 3 months old, Garrett 20. Scott couldn't miss school that day because of a final. Mike Falgoust took care of us. Several weeks ago a friend of mine was sick so her husband stayed home to take care of the kids. I couldn't imagine how nice it would be to be able to have that kind of job. If Scott continues on with architecture we will never know that luxury. He stayed home today because he knows he will be leaving soon. His deep sense of commitment and obligation to the company is waning. If he absolutely loved architecture I think we would make it work for our family but we feel another career will be more fulfilling for our family and him.

The boys love the chickens.

2005-11-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Garrett feeding the chick rocks.

2005-11-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Testing...

2005-11-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Testing... 1...2...3... Mom, I uploaded this pic easy as pie. Make sure your pop-up blocker allows pop ups from this site.

2005-11-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

I took this photo this morning at 8:35 (needing to be at the lab to develop my film at 9:00!!). I was driving out in the country and saw a Sportsman's Access sign for a river or something, and so I followed the road and saw this barn with tons of tools hanging up on it on the side of the road. It also spelled out "Yesterday" with horseshoes. I don't know if it was private property - I just kind of parked my car and went right up to the side of the barn and shot the picture...
Well, this is my first product of using Photoshop! I'm hooked! For my photography class, we are supposed to spend 3 weeks on the computer, scanning in our negatives and then fixing them in Photoshop and then print them on inkjet paper. I admit I like the look of the glossy photo paper better, but it is so cool to be able to fix all the blemishes that inevitably marr the appearance of the negatives. It's sweet!
What do you guys think?
-Kimmby

l

2005-11-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Battleship

2005-11-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Battleship season started last night for me. In case you all don't know what Battleship is, (besides the board game), I'll tell you. It's in the swimming pool on campus and with 9 or 10 canoes. There are 4 people in a canoe, and everyone has buckets or bowls of some sort. Each team tries to get as much water in other canoes as they can, eventually sinking the canoe. You can't bail water out of your own canoe, so you want to attack other's as much as you can, all without tipping over, of course. It's so dang fun! I'm on a team with 2 of my roommates and 3 of my Family Home Evening Brothers. We enjoyed talking strategy (I'm not really sure there is one...) to try and win the game. Because a lot of them haven't played before, we didn't do all that well, but we'll do better next time. I'll try and post some pictures soon. Have a good week, family!
-Kimmby

Halloween costumes

2005-10-26T10:51:00.000-06:00

Family,
What do you guys remember being for Halloween? What are your kids going to dress up as?
I remember being a cat for like, 5 years in a row. Then, because Mom needed to make me some new pajamas and didn't want to make a costume as well, I was a pink cat (footie pajamas with pink ears, I suppose). I remember being Lovely Lady Locks and wearing a multicolored wig. I've been a pirate, a pumpkin, an indian, a Q-tip, and a Rubix cube. That one by far was my favorite....

Anyone there????????????

2005-10-17T16:48:00.000-06:00

What's the deal, family? Why won't anyone post anything except for me? I just want to hear from you - know about your kids, lives, funny stories, etc. Please? I don't want to sound desperate, but I would like to be a little more in the loop. It's so hard to get ahold of some of the fam by phone...

Speaking of phone, everyone should call Jeff and listen to his new answering machine message. It's hilarious. Jeff, where do you get the ideas for your great messages??

Oh, if you guys want a laugh, click on this link. It's a hilarious video. I can't get enough of it! http://www.StupidVideos.com/?VideoID=685

2005-10-15T21:55:00.000-06:00

The temple and the statue of Joseph and Hyrum leaving for Carthage Jail.

2005-10-15T21:53:00.001-06:00

The Nauvoo Temple at night. Isn't it beautiful!!!

2005-10-15T21:53:00.000-06:00

My friend Roz and I at Liberty Jail.

Nauvoo, Part 3

2005-10-12T09:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, here's the continuation of my Nauvoo trip... That same day, we also went to Liberty Jail. After that, we headed off for Adam-ondi-ahman. On the way, we drove through an Amish village and saw all the horse and buggies (Ginni, remember when you insisted on calling the shopping cart a "buggy" for almost 2 weeks? You're crazy!!) which we waved to. We saw some kids jumping on a trampoline, some bearded Amish men climbing into a truck, and a house with a phone booth out front. It's kind of interesting - maybe some people just aren't as strict as others. Also, my teacher said their belief is that as long as they don't own modern things, they can use them. Funny, huh?
Adam-ondi-ahman is just a series of hills where Adam and Eve lived after they left the Garden of Eden. It is very beautiful and green. There is a great spirit there - very peaceful. After running through some of the grass below the hill (my friend and I pretended it was a tall grass savannah and ran through it, and then laid down and watched other people run through it) and getting a chigger bite (hooray!!!) we boarded the bus like cattle (except cattle don't board tour buses). We drove forever to get to Iowa, where we stayed in a trashy motel across the river from Nauvoo. This place was a square building all enclosed with a swimming pool inside and rooms all against the sides, around the pool. It was a junker, yet someone had a wedding there the night we stayed. They put a plastic gazebo right next to the pool, and the air had the sweet scent of chlorine. I wish I could be married there...
Nauvoo was on the docket the next day. We toured Carthage Jail, and then went to the temple and did baptisms for the dead. The font there is amazing! It's like 10 feet high off the main floor! There was also a lot of beautiful woodwork - wood floors, wood doors, molding, etc. all in dark beautiful wood. I didn't get to see the famed spiral staircase, but I suppose I'll have to go back someday! After the temple, we went to the various sites around Nauvoo - the schoolhouse, the bakery, the blacksmith's shop, the Red Brick store, the brickyard, etc. It was fun to be back there, especially with the temple there now. It's such an important part of Nauvoo's history, as well as for now days. After a fabulous buffet meal (it was like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, and home cookin' all rolled into one!!!) we went down to the Mississippi river and looked at the sunset.
The next day, we started our journey back to Idaho. We took the basic trail of the Saints as they left Nauvoo (except we didn't walk across the frozen Mississippi river) and headed for Winter Quarters, where we went to the visitor's center and walked around the temple grounds and the graveyard containing the graves of the saints that died there. It was a very cool experience. After that, we took the looooooong drive home, in which we got stopped by a cop for speeding, haha. Luckily, we only got a warning...
Sleeping on the bus was not fun because I was sleeping on the floor of the bus amongst all the dirt and people's feet. Oh well. Then we got back to Rexburg at 9:00 the next morning. It was such a great trip!!!! I'll post some pictures soon.

Nauvoo, Part 2

2005-10-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

Can I just say I've had the most whirlwind weekend of my life? Nauvoo was most wonderful. First, I left on Thursday and we drove across country in a large tour bus. We arrived in Independence, MO Friday morning and went to the Reorganized Church's (Ahem, "Community of Christ") temple, which looked like a large upside down ice cream cone. It was pretty cool inside, looking up into that cone that went way way up. There were plenty of gaudy paintings depicting women and men administering in the priesthood as well. Then we went to the temple site in Independence and got yelled at for gathering on the lawn by a Church of Christ apostle, instead of going in their building and being taught by them. We booked it out of Independence and then went to Far West, and saw the temple site there, which was much more peaceful because it was owned by the church.
It's so amazing the difference between the sites owned by someone else and the sites owned by the church. The Spirit is definately present and can be strongly felt on Church owned sites. Members and missionaries teach and bear testimony with the Spirit, instead of trying to lecture and persuade, like the others seem to do.
I'll continue this post later; today the First Presidency, 4 apostles, and a host of other church officials are coming to campus for the Inaguration of our new BYUI President - I've got to go get a comfy seat so I can listen!!!

Nauvoo

2005-10-04T19:29:00.000-06:00

Hey fam! I know it's been a while since I've posted anything... Does anyone know why it says on the main page that it's been updated lately but no new posts show up?
Well, here's an update on my life for all who want to know... I'm in Rexburg and enjoying it. I'm really busy with school and work. I'm working on campus as a computer lab assistant - not that I know all that much about computers, but I took a class so that qualifies me, Hooray! Anyway, I'm taking a black and white photography class that I'm really enjoying. When I learn how to scan pictures, I'll post some of them for you guys. I just barely learned to use the meter on my (ahem, Dad's) camera last week, so finally I'm taking some decent shots. I don't know why my teacher didn't tell us about that before so I didn't waste 3 rolls of film on crappy pictures, but oh well. The other day I was driving and saw a junkyard full of old chevy trucks and tractors (probably from the 40's and 50's) and so I got some good pictures of them. I'm going to Nauvoo this week on a school trip and hope to get some more good pictures.
Speaking of which, do any of you guys want anything from there? I don't know if there is much to want, but I thought I'd check. We are taking a charter bus from Rexburg on Thursday and driving, driving, driving. I get back next Monday, so it's a really short 5 day trip. I get to go to Missouri as well.
Jeff, do you have any extra pictures from Clint's baptism? If so, I'd like one.

By the way, my address here in Rexburg, just in case anyone ever needs it is:
60 W 2nd S
Rexburg, ID 83440
(cell phone is 208-403-5246)

Well fam, I love you all. Have a good week.

2005-07-30T10:37:00.000-06:00

Garrett's sanctuary.

2005-07-30T10:35:00.000-06:00

Scott and Garrett like to peruse for cars on Ebay.

2005-07-30T10:33:00.000-06:00

Preston loves strawberry drinks!