California Fires

Last week our family traveled to the Merced River near Yosemite just as the fires were burning near the park. We went through El Portal which had been evacuated the day before but was now reopening. It was fascinating to watch the helicopters fill their tanks in the Merced River. After watching the busy fire personnel for awhile we then went on to a picnic/swimming/fishing area where we enjoyed a day in the mountains.

Welcome to my Spa

Doug, Thomas and their friend Ben love to play in Black Rascal Creek that flows through the edge of our back yard. In the summertime they get in the blow-up rafts and paddle around, in the winter when the creek is fairly dry they dig secret caves and clubhouses. So in the fall when the water is beginning to drain out, here is what they do.

Book Review: Love is Eternal

Love Is Eternal by Irving Stone


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For some reason this was a very slow book for me to read. I get frustrated with historical fiction sometimes because I like to have the historical parts separated from the authors ideas of what may have taken place or what may have been said. I think that I prefer David McCullogh when reading history. That said, however, I did make it through the book, and felt such sorrow for the Lincoln's through all of their lives and for the nation during the Civil War years. It is interesting to review all the hatred that was exhibited towards them and compare it to how Abraham is now regarded so highly by Americans. I think it's tough to not be popular.....don't we all want to be liked by others? It seems that it was very tough on Mary. I didn't realize that her life would continue to be so hard even after his assasination. It wasn't in the book but I was curious and so continued to find out what happened to her and their children. A very sad life. Finally, I was surprised at how emotional I became when discussing this book, the Civil War and the Book of Mormon with Scott. To realize that Abraham was where he needed to be at that time and even with all his shortcomings and "hypo's", played a crucial role in our nation, is a testimony to me that we all have a role to play and that God is watching over us.

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Sports Camp Anyone?

A mother in our Ward asked Scott if he would help her son and some of the other young boys in the Primary learn the basics of a few different sports. Gladly he accepted the challenge and so he and Doug worked together to make a Sports Camp. Last week they played baseketball, baseball and soccer. This week they'll host 3 more days of camp. Come and play!!

Things That Make Me Laugh

Tommy. Need I say more? Here are the pictures, you put the story together, he brought $10 of his own money.

Absolutely Adorable

So blogging is a little bit interesting with Karin home because we are writing about all of the same things. I feel like just referring all my readers to her blog to see what is happening here at the Rowan household. And I have SO many readers, ha ha.

Last week Karin taught classes for dance camp at Merced Academy of Dance. Miss Jane, (pictured) would have loved to have her teach every day and Karin would have loved doing it, but it didn't work with her job. Karin and Jane have been friends for about 15 years.


During her senior year of high school, Karin taught several ballet classes each week and her students loved her. Even now,two years later, when I'm around town and a mother with a young daughter finds out that I'm "Miss Karin's" mom, they get so excited. Here are a few pictures from the class with younger students.


And here are the older students.



Of course, I've always loved watching Karin dance and teach and I thoroughly enjoyed this day. It's remarkable to think that when she was young I could hardly get her to leave my side and go to ballet class. She was very quiet and shy. This day she was all smiles and laughter and confidence, no wonder the girls love her. Miss Jane came in and said to me "look at all those smiles, see how happy they are with her". What a compliment!