Fall Fun

September has been full of fun. We went bowling as a family on the 5th, and that is always an adventure. (It started before we arrived as I had a massive bloody nose in the car and we had to go back so I could clean up and change!) But I still "got it." I rolled two 158s! The boys tried to bowl like Uncle Spencer (throwing the ball halfway down the alley before it hits the floor). But we aren't strong enough to emulate him just yet. The girls had bumpers and each got a strike. It was fun.





September also means soccer, and we've been trying to keep up with two girls' game schedules this year. Katie's team is full of promise and has lost once I think. She plays goalie or forward and likes both. (She is just left of the ball here.) Becky's team is there for the treats and not much else. But they are having fun and getting exercise. Both/all teams tend to run in packs like wild dogs...


Last week I flew to NY to visit Dad along with Saralyn and her kiddos. We had fun playing in the woods and walking the dog a lot. We went to church and the temple too. And we ate yummy food that Saralyn made. Poor Emma got sick on Sunday but she managed to smile for most of the pictures anyway.




















We saw lots of old friends from church.




















We visited the Sacred Grove on lovely Monday morning. It was fantastic to be there again and enjoy the spirit of that holy place.
















Imagine me with my eyes open. Yes, I'm a full-fledged Britt now, always blinking for photos...


I got home that night and found Jim to be recovering from his lack of "independence" or rather, his appendix. He had an internal organ attack on Thursday and surgery on Friday while I was away. Silly man. But he is mending and walking around more each day. A friend who drove the kids to school Monday asked the girls how their dad was doing. Alicia answered, "He can still yell." Katie chimed in, "and spank!" Apparently they were dilly dallying all morning and he got after them. hahaha. Lucky you, I am sparing you the gore of his surgery photos. But if you visit in person, you may not be so lucky.


Feeling blessed this month in many ways.


Dar

Enjoy the Moments

"Fall is here. For many this means football games, back-to-school nights, pumpkin carving and zucchini bread. Soon the holiday season will be here and the hustle and bustle of normal life will double, maybe even triple.


"No matter how busy life gets, be sure to take time each day to enjoy life itself. Relish a quiet moment, gaze into the face of a child, soak in the fall colors, or spend time with a friend or loved one.


"If you're like me, you're looking for ways to simplify the chaos most days bring. And often, it's not about eliminating a whole lot, it's about looking deeper and finding more. Take time every day to enjoy the simple, important moments."



I wrote this on Sept. 6, 2007, and it was published as a message from the editor in my company's October 2007 magazine. I don't office wax this sentimental (outside of my journal), and ironically, I typed this just a few hours before learning that my little brother had passed away. I came across it again this week as I was cleaning out some magazines from storage.


I think this message still rings true. We need to take time for family and friends, for enjoying nature and making memories. It's not easy to find or make the time. But it is what's most rewarding.


Have a "sweet" day.


--Dar

Happy Birthday, Shelly!

Today is Shelly's birthday. Yes, she is old. I asked her if she wanted a new hearing aid or walker retreads, and she said she'd just take a big bag of prunes. Ha ha.

Actually, we celebrated her special natal anniversary two nights ago at the Def Leppard concert. You remember DL, they were really popular in the early and mid 80s. They are touring with Poison (we like to pronounce it poo-swah') and Cheap Trick. We missed Cheap, but we heard Poison and were blinded by their light show. They trained us to scream out every time they said "Salt Lake City" to the crowd. or it seemed like it.

Def Leppard sounded really good for a bunch of guys who have been playing rock music for 30 years. We were way too far back to see them, but they could still move around the stage well and they put on a rockin' show with lots of hits like Bringin' on the Heartbreak, Rocket, Photograph, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Rock of Ages and a few others I remembered. Shelly way outshone me in the singing-the-actual-lyrics department. She is a true fan. I am a fake. But we had fun singing and listening and people watching. Wow. What a crowd. I don't get out of my Happy Valley bubble all that often, and I know why! (Mullets and tank tops and beer...oh my!) Not to mention the plentiful potty language and tats everywhere. I definitely felt like a minority with my long pants and long-sleeve shirt on. Very interesting.

But I digress. It's Birthday time! Please raise your Dr. Pepper high...to an unbelievable friend who always has my back...who can tell a story like nobody else...who laughs and loves and works her tail off...who gives generously... who has great taste (especially in friends)...

Happy Birthday, Shell! We love you!

Just a Few More Pictures to Cheer

A few more... Edinburgh was a "blur," but I love the expression on Dave's face.






























The Castle at Tulum, Yucatan, Feb. 2005






















Singing at my wedding barbecue party, Oct. 2005



























Clifford and friend, Scotland, Aug. 2007























Meeting up with Fords, Fredonia, NY Summer 2004 I think




























Super Eagle, Jan. 2007






























FHS Graduation Hug























Dave's PJ pants ripped and he made himself a bandanna. This picture makes me laugh every time I see it.
























I love this shot. Waiting for the bus at Gatwix airport.

Happy Birthday, David!

I want to honor my late brother, David Frankie, on what would be his 21st birthday. This beloved boy: sneezed like a horse, painted water towers, took pride in not combing his hair, thought there was a bee in my camera (as a tot), ate steak with his hands, cracked us up constantly, skiied straight down hill then tipped over, cried when he said good-byes, played rugby and volleyball, gave awesome hugs, loved to play games and cards, and had the heart of a giant.



We love Dave/D2/Deuce!



Dave at Edinburgh Castle in August 2007




















Dave and Uncle Spencer having lunch on his birthday two years ago in Ireland. He loved ketchup and wasn't impressed with what he found in the British Isles.



















Tracy, Saralyn and Dave were home for Dad's 70th birthday in October 2006.




















Dave zonked out in the rental van in Scotland. I commissioned this picture.

























Dave got his Eagle Scout with the support and help of loving family and friends. Dad was very proud.























I took this picture of Dave and Charity right after graduation from Fairport High School in June of 2007. I love this smile!

All I Want for Christmas...

Not sleepless in Seattle, toothless in Springville.

The Family that Plays together...

We played spoons the other night as a family. You know the harmless little card game you played as a kid where you try to collect four of a kind and grab a spoon before they're all gone? Well, Jon and I taught the girls how to play and at first it went smoothly.


Then Jim and Kenny joined in, and it got a little more competitive. Becky got a mashed finger. We had a few whines from those who weren't winning. But the coup de grace was in about the 10th game, in a fight for a spoon.


Final score: Kenny 1, table cloth 0.