Belated Veteran's Day

I meant to post something about Veteran's Day yesterday, but the day got away from me. Today in the Deseret News, there was a nice article about a gathering of World War II Veterans in Utah, one of which is Dan's Uncle Don. I am amazed at Dan's grandmother Wanda, a young widow, who sent off 4 of her 5 sons into the military during World War II. The oldest brother, Tony, served in the Air Force; Don in heavy artillery (he also stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought for 217 consecutive days in the Battle of the Bulge and later helped open concentration camps); Shipley and Ellsworth, the next youngest brothers both served in the Air Force. I can't even begin to imagine the sacrifice and service of Dan's uncles and then his mother, sister and youngest child Karl back at home. Today, the military tradition continues in our family through the wonderful, committed service of Elisabeth's husband, Ron. You can check out her well-written Veteran's Day tribute at their blog, We Willises. It is with gratitude and sincere appreciation that we thank all our wonderful veterans past and present.

Scout's Least Favorite Thing

My really nice neighbors have one of these...

Unfortunately, Scout HATES cats. I always know when the neighbor's cat is outside because Scout barks unceasingly! While I've never cared much for cats (probably because I am highly allergic to them), I do appreciate their rodent-catching skills. This skill comes in handy when you live in the foothills, so I am grateful for this cat. However, if my own puppy's barking drives me crazy, what are my neighbors thinking? When Scout finally stops barking, I figure my neighbor's have also heard enough of Scout and bring their cat inside. So here's a shout out to my patient and kind neighbors who just might dislike my puppy's yapping but who have never complained.

P.S. Scout's mother also only barks at cats--it's genetic--what else I can say?

Sadies 2008

Sadie Hawkins was last night and Emily had a blast! I think I was as excited as the awesome teenagers who graced the halls of our home.

Couple #1: Rory and Emily Couple #2: A 6'5" Eric and Matisse

After dinner at a hip new Spark Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Provo, they all headed to the dance and then some ended the night at our house around a fire eating smores and drinking hot chocolate!

My Student of the Day

Hannah came home from school a few days ago and casually mentioned she had been named 8th grade student of the day at school. Of course, she emphasized it was no big deal but I feel it is my motherly duty, even my prerogative to give her the kudos she deserves. My choice in pictures to post is one of my favorites of Hannah. I think it illustrates her fun personality and great sense of humor. Last April when we were at the Polynesian Cultural Center, she just had to get her picture with our Samoan friend and no surprise it was her idea to flex their muscles. On top of these two great qualities I've shared, Hannah is a hard worker, determined, and an amazing organizer. Way to go Hannah--we love you!

Spazzola

Scout is looking quite cute in this picture because she just got back from being groomed. And boy, does she smell goood! However, a day has passed and the latest whiff I got of her emitted the old puppy smells again--(eg) the smell of our compost pile. And isn't spaying your puppy supposed to mellow her? It's been two weeks since her "procedure" and she is still as spazzy as ever. I literally have a hole in every pair of my socks! However, like every family's pet she is mauled and loved beyond belief by the entire family--spazzy or not--she's a keeper.

Another Milestone

It's official--Emily is a legal licensed driver! She drove herself to and from school today and to piano lessons. It is wonderful to have another driver in the family and a very conscientious one at that.

SIX YEARS LATER

After six years of orthodontic phases, extractions, expanders, elastics, retainers, bleaching, bonding and countless appointments, Emily finally got her braces off! My dentally delayed daughter with a Barbie-sized mouth is known throughout the orthodontic office as the poor girl with the complicated case. She often left the orthodontist with coupons for free ice cream or movies because it took a herd of assistants surrounding her to get the job done. A postcard in the mail last week was addressed to Emily from one of the orthodontist assistants hailing her as a wonderful, sweet patient. I think they are going to miss her!