Guess Who Has an Allergy

Mom, here are a few of pictures of Emily. I am hoping that the rash peaks today and then begins to diminish. The doctor checked her ears and the infection is gone so hopefully, she will be better in a few days. Who new that she would have such a reaction to Amoxicillin.

They're Off

It was a blue Monday when we sent Ben and Karin off to Utah. We have loved, loved having them spend so much of their summer with us. Ben enjoyed a successful internship with Ernst & Young in San Francisco. He came away with "high marks" for his performance there. Our family loves Ben so much, he is such a great example and so fun to be with. He is a story-teller extraordinaire, has a great sense of humor and is willing to try anything. Life was crowded whenever he was with us, we definitely could use a home twice the size of the one we own. But, Ben never complains AND is helpful in the kitchen. Love, love that man.

I loved having Karin with me. A mother/daughter relationship is so special. I am so proud of her attitude and the way she survived the SF living conditions and weather. My favorite week was "girls week", I enjoyed quiet time with her, me helping her sew (mother you would be so proud I actually put in two zippers) and she helping me on my computer. She is so kind to her brothers and sister, no wonder we all cry for a few days when she leaves.

Scott will be leaving tomorrow. It's been a quiet summer for me without him here. I love our conversations and book discussions and even our debates. He loves BYU and is such a happy kid. Tonight was special as he received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained to the office of an Elder. His cousin Jeffrey returned from his mission in Guatemala just 30 minutes prior to Scott's ordination. My heart was filled with joy as I watched them talking together. I'm glad they will have time together at BYU.

So now my house will be quiet and I'll probably get organized again and maybe even clean out the closets that were on my "to do" list for the summer. But I'll be crying and wishing for the chaos, laughter, fun and family.

First Day of School

Monday was the first day of school here in Merced. Emily was very excited. Her favorite class this week was EP where she practiced hoola hooping. Karin figured out that EP is actually PE, I can't wait to hear her talk about EP all year long. Today on the way to school, which is Purple Friday - which means that if you wear purple you get an extra 10 minutes to recess in the afternoon - she pulled out a loose tooth. She was so excited! I think to be in first grade is very nice.

Thomas started middle school this year. He was nervous Sunday night and Monday morning but came home very happy and loves his teachers and is making new friends. Love the hair?

Doug is way too cool to show much enthusiasm for school. However, he just got his driver's learning permit and you should see him get excited about driving.

A Few of My Favorite Things

All of our children were home with one last weekend to enjoy before school starts tomorrow. We spent it in the mountains - one of my favorite things to do. This is Rainbow Pools.
Scott and Doug jumping together.
Ouch for Ben.
Camera in hand to catch all the action.
I love this picture of all four of the boys jumping together.
This is my favorite outfit - shorts, tshirt, baseball cap and backpack. I'm so glad Emily likes this outfit too.



Devils Postpile at Mammoth Lakes, California.


Rainbow Falls



Some of the boys wanted to catch a little fishing time.
Others just relaxed.
I love this picture of Matt helping Thomas.
My brave Emily, (actually very afraid of heights) did great on a zip line.
And both Emi and Tom tried climbing.
The four boys did some mountain biking. Unfortunately, Ben came back wounded.

We also visited Obsidian Dome and then ended the weekend at church in Yosemite Valley.

Joke of the Day

Karin and Ben have finished their time in San Francisco, Scott has finished his summer term at BYU, and school begins on Monday for Doug, Tom and Emily. I really wanted to have one last weekend with all of us together before everyone goes in different directions and I am home all alone during the day.

We came to Mammoth Lakes which is a ski resort in the winter and has hiking and mountain bike riding in the summer. On the way here, Matt was telling how we would travel through Yosemite National Park and then enter the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Tom piped in by saying "Oh so will that be in black and white"?

Farewell Concert

For two years Doug has been studying piano with a wonderful teacher at CSU Stanislaus, Dr. Stephen Thomas.Our family is very sad that he has left the University and moved on to a new position at Brigham Young University - Idaho. In July he gave a farewell concert and invited Doug and a few others to participate with him. Here are a few video clips of the evening. I did not post the solo pieces that Dr. Thomas played because I haven't had a chance to ask his permission.

In the home of our lovely neighbors, Jerry and Kathy Callister, Doug is playing Liebestraum No. 3 by Franz Liszt

Prelude in G minor, op.23, no. 5 by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Ashley Callister Carter, a former student of Dr. Thomas visiting from Chicago and playing Fantasie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, op.66 by Frederic Chopin

Dr. Thomas concluded the evening by sharing his feelings about music and nature and God. Jessica sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" accompanied by Doug and then Doug and Steve played it as a duet.


Friends often say to me how proud I must be of Doug. I am proud of him, but my predominant feeling is that I am happy he has found something he loves. All people should be so lucky to find early in life something that touches their soul. Most, spend entire lives searching for something that fulfills them. How blessed we are to have the Gospel and music.

I am proud of the work that Doug has put in. All accomplished musicians make a performance look easy. But even if someone has a gift, there is still a lot of work required. Doug has practiced what I would consider faithfully for a 15-year old boy and he is getting better at practicing and doing more of it. It isn't easy when others are watching TV, playing with friends or just relaxing to sit with a metronome and work at the piano. This summer, when the Callisters were on vacation, Doug regularly hopped on his bike twice a day, rode to their home and practiced, sometimes 4 hours in a day.

I am glad that he feels this talent belongs to him. When he first began lessons with Steve, of course he was nervous and asked me to come along. After a short time, he told me he no longer wanted me in his lessons. Since then, everything he has done has been between him and Steve. I am glad for his independence.

Again, we are so grateful for the wonderful person Steve is and the sacrifice of his family as he spent nearly every Wednesday evening in a lesson with Doug. He is a generous, kind, funny person and of course a beautiful musician. We will miss him and we are still crying (literally).