On this, the 25th day of March, I want to wish our dear "Maryleborn" a very happy birthday! I have many happy memories of life with you as you grew up. One of my favorites was when as a very small lass, in your little red jacket, you shadowed me everywhere I went in London. What larks we had riding at the top front of the old red Routemaster busses.
I am proud of who you have become. You have a trophy husband, two wonderful and humorous little sons, an attractive and homey house, and you are a killer cook. I love you and hope you have a fun and happy day.
Saturday, while Rob, the night-shift worker slept, Anna and the kids came to Provo. We spent part of a beautiful but slightly cool afternoon at the park. The Wasatch School playground was the focus of our fun.
Later in the afternoon everyone gathered at our home to dye eggs and eat supper. After the dishes were done, we all marched to the Trammell's house for an open house for Jake who has been called to the Nebraska Omaha Mission. It was fun to see all the Trammells again, kind of like a mini reunion. Phillip said he could still remember their phone number after all these years; we all could. And the Trammell girls still remembered our number. Some silly things time doesn't erase.
Today (Sunday) Kris and I went to hear Jake talk. He did a great job and his grandma, Sue, was the "youth speaker." This afternoon we gathered again at Emily's for a Easter dinner of traditional leg of lamb. An Easter egg hunt was the final event of the holiday weekend. We missed our Arizona cousins and hope they had a nice weekend too.
The Hastings kids
Tucker going up the slide
The dying begins
Katy, Ollie, Meg, Jayson, and Phillip mentally prepare to dye their eggs
That's a lot of eggs!
Ed and Sue Trammell with the Taylors
Leah and Jessie with Leah's baby
Katy and Kris in their Easter frocks
Lamb, mint sauce, potatoes and gravy, and green beans - Yum!
The troops lined up for food - Katy and Courtney have been joined by Meg in the Silly-Face Club
Just like many others in the USA, I have been mulling over the candidates for president in both parties. I read someones opinion about Obama's speech and some of the responses and it got my thoughts churning.
I distrust the United States Government and all of those associated with it. I do not see one party as better than the other. I would, in general, find more to like in terms of fiscal-conservative principles in the Republican platforms. I have, however, always opposed the Iraq War, even before I learned about the inconsistencies and lack of believable government explanation of the "terrorist" attacks of 9/11. So I am a conflicted political freak.
I liked Mitt Romney as a problem solver, but hated the fact that he threw over his moderate Republican stance in order to pander to the conservative Christian right who did him in in the end (but, hopefully, are now irrelevant). I have an instinctive feeling that Hillary Clinton is dishonest and expedient, and would be mauled to death by the Republicans, should she be elected. I predict, if elected, her husband would put his oar in and she would spend her presidency on the defensive. I used to LOVE John McCain until he caved so quickly on torture to Bush/Cheney, who comprise, I believe, the greatest presidential disaster in my lifetime; there may have been worse, but I don't know them. I also have concerns about McCain's age. Even though he trots out his nonagenarian mother as an example of how his future looks, I still have concerns about his current mental state. Heck, I am only 61, and I have loads of senior moments. I genuinely believe he is too old. (Possibly, a strange statement from a Latter-day Saint.)
I have come to feel that Obama displays characteristics that will make him a good president. After eight years of holding my ears and screaming every time George Bush speaks, I admire Obama's eloquence and intelligence. I also think that he has shown good judgment in his debates and the way he has run his campaign. I like the way he has raised money with millions of small donations from the people. I like that he would be willing to meet with our enemies to see if there is any common ground and room for conciliation. I am also persuaded by what his close associate has said about him in a Chicago Tribune oped piece. I like what he says about many things, particularly the environment, the war, and influence pedaling in Washington. Whether he can deliver, I don't know, but that wouldn't keep me from voting for him. I am impressed by Governor Richardson's endorsement. I respect him, and the fact that he is part of the Clinton "family" gives his opinion extraordinary weight.
Reverend Wright is a non-issue for me. I have listened to the all of the sermons from which Faux News clipped the tiny sound bites and I found him charming, thoroughly Christian, and I agreed with every thing he said (I haven't seen the AIDS one). Many times during the last eight years I have felt the same emotions expressed by Wright. I have abhorred the actions of government/bankers/and big business. I love the history, the land, and most of the people and proudly hang the flag on national holidays. I wouldn't be opposed to wearing a flag lapel pin, although I don't own one, but would scream bloody murder if I were required to wear one. Living abroad has given me a less dewy-eyed view of what America really is. Just like the very best people in our lives, America is not infallible or perfect and right now is being very naughty. Because of his his own history and the history of his race in this country, Reverend Wright probably feels even more deeply than I. When you hear the whole speech in context it might even resonate. Americans can't handle anything longer than a tiny sound bite, so this may be hard -- it takes about 10 minutes.
So I liked Obama before his speech on race, but listening to him speak in Philadelphia, I was genuinely impressed and wanted someone this rational, thoughtful, articulate, and intelligent leading my imperfect America. I don't know if he really can bring the country together, but I believe he has a better chance than HRC or JMcC.
Clara Ivy Hastings was born 14 March 2007. The year since her birth just screamed by! We joined the Hastings in Taylorsville on Friday afternoon to celebrate her survival. It really merited a luau, but Meagan's grandma was not available to cater. We had to take off before the food and cake to join our friends at the Ostergars for "Group Dinner," which was delicious and very fun. But in spite of the early departure, we had a nice time. Thanks, once again, to Anna and Rob.
Clara has lots of help with her presents
The doll (from the Ensigns, I believe), was a great hit
The birthday girl shows her bottom teeth
The siblings and cousins Max and Lizzy making goofy faces - Clara is using the phone - the cake looked so good I made one today
Oh yes, and by the way, if you enlarge this you will see that it's snowing today
Anna requested that I post the Taylor Tiger History, so here it is. You will also see the Taylor Tiger Flag, which also doubles as a pouch to hold all the important Taylor-Tiger stuff. Kris made the flag out of felt with a little machine stitching and some glue. It has certainly weathered well the ravages of time.
This is the flag/pouch
Above is the History of the Taylor Tigers, authored and signed by William Oliver Taylor in June of 1984
The Taylor Tiger Pledge, also found in the flag/pouch, reads as follows:
"I pledge of allegiance to do my work as a Taylor Tiger should. To not fight or boss, but to be good. If there is anything we can do to improve the cabin or each other we will try to do it.
Since Friday was the first one of the month, we went to dinner with Tom, Katy, Ann, and Stephen. We called in a reservation (or whatever the heck they call it) at Outback Steakhouse, and wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles, we got right in with just a five minute wait. The food was good and the company was even better.
Sunday we woke up with a start, remembering that we hadn't set the clocks forward; it wasn't 5:45, it was 6:45. So we raced to get ready for church. When we arrived, we, the Bishop and the organist were the only ones there! By 9:00 the chapel was about one third full. Something that made us smile was a flyer inviting us to the High Priests' Social next Saturday. The photo is so amusing we had to chuckle right out loud. Some of the women look pleased to be there, but the men all look like they have forgotten that "man is that he might have joy."
It was our turn to host family dinner. I thought I would make enchiladas because they would be easy. WRONG! A roast, spuds and gravy, and veg is significantly easier. But they made a nice change. After dinner Emily and Jayson hosted a birthday party for Lizzy, who turned five. Em made a cute cake and everyone had a great time.
Enlarge to take a look at these happy party goers
Outback Steakhouse with the gang
Clara enjoying the Sunday gathering of the clan
Post-dinner, pre-party visiting
Lizzy and her Tinkerbell cake
She blew them out without batting an eye
Holden, Clara, and Alexandra
Tomorrow we meet with our accountant to do taxes. Both Kris and I would rather be shot. So it isn't a promising start to the week, but we'll see how it unfolds.
It has been so long since I have posted about anything but ill health, that this should come as a relief. Because I went to work today, everyone else has already posted about the splendid party in Taylorsville yesterday, but who cares. It's what we did and it was great to get out.
Tucker's birthday party was a rousing success with delicious homemade chili, cheese, and sour cream; French bread; and a delicious Colton/Auntie Ann salad made with roasted beets and pistachio nuts. The cake featured the continent of Antarctica -- continents are one of Tucker's current fascinations.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the ceremonial opening of the gifts. Kris wanted to get Tucker some books to read for his present, but was unsure of what to buy. Talking to Anna, they decided to give him some money so he and Anna could choose the books he wants and doesn't yet own. I asked the bank teller for some $20s and $10s, but Kris quickly intervened and asked for $1s, which she put in a gift bag. In choosing the card, she offered me two choices. One was cute and all, but the second was KILLLER! It was about a cake with booger sprinkles; decorated with worms, ants, and hair; served on dirty underwear with frozen fish guts on the side. Oh my gosh, what could be better for grade school kids? I knew she had found a gem. Watching Tucker read the card and seeing his face as he dumped the pile of bills on the floor was priceless. I think Grammy outdid herself. Andy crept up quietly, as he does, and asked if he could have a present like that for his birthday. Kris has raised the bar impossibly high.
Some of the ladies watching Anna at work -- enlarge to see the crazy ladies in the background
The birthday boy and his amazing bow-legged sister
Note the grade-school glee regarding the content of the card
Tucker was gobsmacked by the pile of cash
Cool (in more ways than one) cake, dude
Tucker made quick work of all six flames
What a great party! Thanks Tucker (and Anna and Rob). It was the best.
On this, the 25th day of March, I want to wish our dear "Maryleborn" a very happy birthday! I have many happy memories of life with you as you grew up. One of my favorites was when as a very small lass, in your little red jacket, you shadowed me everywhere I went in London. What larks we had riding at the top front of the old red Routemaster busses.
