Mostly Smiles

This year Southern California was the destination for our family's summer vacation. Disneyland (and Disney's California Adventure) was our first stop. As expected, there were smiles all around--especially on the new Radiator Springs Racers.

WAIT. Someone is not smiling. Is that the look of pure terror?

Kellie?!

The ride is just not that scary.

I still laugh whenever I see this photo, and to her credit so does Kellie. The only explanation she can give is that she wasn't expecting so many hills.

Abby could only persuade her dad to go on California Screamin' with her. They both LOVED it and somehow convinced the rest of us to give it a try the next day. "It would be such a fun ride for the entire family," they insisted.

Travis and I should have known better. Our faces say it all. It took hours for both our stomachs to settle.

There really were plenty of smiles--particularly when candy was involved.

I saw some smiles in the line to ride the Matterhorn

and at Autopia,

especially when it became apparent that Travis couldn't fit behind the wheel of his car.

I caught a few at the top of the Ferris Wheel, although mine was a bit forced. Heights are not my forte.

I did love the parades--something about the music and the dancing and the colors.

Mostly smiles and magical memories--it was a fun trip.

Fifty Years

Fifty years ago today my parents were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(June 21, 1963)

Sadly, my dad is not here to celebrate. He passed away November 9, 2006.

My mom has been alone for 6 1/2 years now, but she is not really alone. My parents were married not only for the time they shared together on this earth, but they were married for all eternity.

I miss you so very much, Dad. I know Mom will be spending the morning in the Salt Lake Temple then visiting your grave in Clearfield today. Mom, Happy Anniversary.

(2005)

Fifty years is a great start on forever.

Dear Rachel (#17)

Dear Rachel,

School's out for us here in Provo so our days have slowed down a bit. Let me show you some of Abby's latest creations:

She isn't afraid of the sewing machine.

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The Provo City Center Temple is coming along. It's interesting how they have dug the foundation out from under it. This view looks north.

This one looks south from the same spot. The Travel Lodge used to be right there.

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I've been doing a bit of creating myself with new pillow covers to brighten up the house for spring.

It all started when the fabric store had all their fabric samples on clearance for $2 each. They were the perfect size and I got a little carried away. 

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Memorial Day weekend found us at the Clearfield and North Ogden cemeteries as usual.

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Abby and Kellie had played (and coached) the U14 State Cup Finals earlier that day. It was an awesome game, but we lost in overtime on the sixth penalty kick. I couldn't be more proud of these two.

I'm glad you had a good 26th birthday on Sunday. Thank goodness for Skype. Love you and David lots!

Mom

Empathy

A mother is only as happy as her most miserable child.

Why must this be so?

Hiking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail

To celebrate spring finally arriving in Provo Brian surprised me one Monday morning by suggesting a spontaneous hike along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

After spending the night at our house for a self-proclaimed "spring break" Kellie drove us to our starting point in Springville. We set off from this craggy canyon and headed north towards Slate Canyon.

I need to brush up on my wildflower identification. Blooms were all along our path and, honestly, lifted my spirit.

(Primrose?)

These looked like they could be wild snapdragons.

(Utah Milkvetch?)

I term this some type of flowering ground cover. Beautiful.

(Longleaf Phlox?)

Brian is about as cooperative as Abby when it comes to picture taking.

We ran into a couple shelters/hide-outs along the way

and an old abandoned lime mine.

We quite enjoyed the view

UNTIL we spied this long snake stretched across our path.

Nevertheless, I loved our morning in the foothills and hope it becomes a habit this summer.

Dear Rachel (#16)

Dear Rachel,

How did this happen? Your little brother grew up and went to Junior Prom!

He had a great time. Both he and Mallory had to run the 800 meter race at the BYU Invitational track meet the day of Prom so they went directly to their "day date" (paint balling with seven other couples) from the meet. In the evening they had dinner at Gloria's Little Italy in downtown Provo followed by promenade and the dance held this year at the new Utah Valley Convention Center. I wonder if Timpview is the only school that continues the tradition of a having a real promenade at prom?

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Prom wasn't the only celebration on our agenda. I did indeed have another birthday. I am in awe that I am actually 49. How did that happen?

Grandma Stoker made me this awesome apron. She's getting back into sewing now that she has a new sewing machine. Any guesses what I'm making for dinner?

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I went to IFA Country Store today to pick up some cat food, and I definitely felt like a city girl when this display stopped me in my tracks.

The sweet little chicks were constantly cheeping and easily startled. Poor things.

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When the kids and I arrived at church on Sunday morning your dad and I discovered that we matched. A springtime couple picture was definitely in order.

Take a picture of you and David for me and enjoy your Atlanta spring.

Love you!

Mom

A Good Coach

Recently my kids' high school was searching for a new boys basketball coach. The principal asked us to create a profile of the ideal coach to aid him and the search committee in the interview process. We asked Kellie to send us her insights. Below are her thoughts. I think they are spot-on. (Kellie wrote this at 1:00 in the morning after a long night of studying.)

A good coach:

1. Knows the game--proper technique, good plays, good tactics, good play calling etc. Probably needs to also have been a good player and have coached at that level before.

2. Good communicator--what do you need to improve on, what are your strengths, why I am taking you out, why you are running, why I am yelling at you? Uses the right tone of voice at the right moments and for the right kids. Ask him how he will correct his players.

3. Charismatic--inspires the players, makes the players love him/her despite having to punish/correct every once in a while. This can be done by humor, loving/serving the players, exuding excitement or love for the game--every good coach or teacher has their own style, but not every coach is charismatic.

4. Cares about the players on and off the field. They talk to the players individually about things unrelated to the sport. They know and communicate to the parents. They are approachable, honest, respectful, and listen to the parents, but is not controlled by them. 

5. Organized. Practices and games are run well. You know what the schedule is in advance. Ask what he thinks a good practice looks like.

6. A good administrator. Can they raise money for the team, can they handle the overwhelming logistics of it all (tournaments, jerseys, grades, liability)? 

7. Cares about the entire program, not just varsity. Do they go to 7th and 8th grade games? Do they do camps? Do they watch and are involved in JV and Sophomore and Freshman? Do they hire good assistant coaches? Are they respectful and supportive of the girls program?

8. Has a handle on his authority. If they are too authoritarian for their own good, then the players will literally hate their coach. If they are a wimp, then the players won't play for him. How much does he care about discipline?

9. Good role model. Does he care about school? Does he swear excessively? Does he lose his temper too much?

That's all I can think of for now.

Kellie

(Kellie was a 4-year varsity basketball player and a 4-year starter on the varsity soccer team at Timpview. She was also a scholarship athlete on the soccer team at the University of Utah. She currently coaches a premier U14 girls soccer team for Celtic Storm in the Premier 1 division.)