What I've learned today

1. If Evan puts his mind to it he can be an electrician. We installed new lighting fixtures outside today. So far, so good. No fires on the porch and the lights have been on for an hour.
2. If you give a dog enough time he will forget he was faking an injury. Chester was hobbling around on three legs yesterday. The women in the house fussed over him all evening. He even managed a whimper or two and a good yelp. I decided to give it at least another day before a visit to the vet, but by morning he was back to his yard sprints.

What I've learned today

1. Painting a-la Rowley is a minimum two man job. I tried to get a head start on phase two of the painting project but quickly gave up after many times up and down a ladder in order to refresh the edger. Football on Saturday - so who knows.
2. My girls are great! After sitting here watching a double header of Nanny 911, I feel extremely blessed to have Kylee and Taylor . They were (are) so easy!!

What I've learned today:

1. Homework is for parents too.

Getting into the groove:

Not much to report today. I am very busy and work and Evan left for his business trip. The girls seem to be getting into the groove with school and it is very nice having Kylee stick around in the evenings. Her early mornings have taken a toll on her late nights out. She has an interview tomorrow for a volunteer position at PCH.

Taylor is settling into her routine at JHS and is feeling better about things each day.

What I've learned today

1. No matter how much you get done in a day, you can never finish the job. At work, we call our stacks of paperwork our laundry. At home, we call it laundry.

Another day, a better day

Taylor reports that her day at school was much better. She has a funny story to tell but wants to keep it to herself and share it with other in person. Kylee is enjoying the college experience so far. She started her institute class this morning and said that she made it to Biology afterward without a moment to spare. I guess she will need to work on speed and shortcuts. Work for Evan and I is busy as ever and we find ourselves working from home often, but at least we are home.

What I've learned today:

1. My home in the valley is in the perfect location... no flood zone, little fire risk.
2. Being the parent of a child that thought their day at school was scary, is scary. I wish I could take all the hurts and fears away - but sometimes that is where we gain our greatest strength... so I get to sit back and watch (closely).
3. Paying tuition can be very painful yet rewarding at the same time.

The first day of school:

Taylor reports it was scary. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized there were good things about the day. She did see some familiar faces. Kylee was also blessed with familiar faces in her classes as well. She was not too thrilled about the "creepy guy" that sat next to her on trax even though there were many other empty seats. Over all - a pretty good day for the girls.

Babcock's and Morris' evacuated

The corner canyon fire has mandated an evacuation of our dear friends. We are crossing our fingers for the safekeeping of their homes.

What I've learned today:

1. No matter how many times we have started the new school year with the girls receiving a Father's Blessing - each one is just as unique and special as the one before.
We are so grateful for these special moments in our lives and we are most grateful for Evan who honors his priesthood and makes these moments possible.

What I've learned today:

1. When planning a party and the invited guests state that they are not sure if they will make it... they won't.
We spent the day today at the lake for a work party. We had a small enough crowd that we were able to pack everyone in the boat and spend most of the day visiting and tubing. It was a nice afternoon.
2. Donuts attract the masses.
On the way home from the lake, Evan stopped at Krispy Kreme and picked up 36 dozen donuts for the semi-annual Stake Priesthood meeting. Whatever it takes to get the men and boys to show up... It seems to work.

What I've learned today:

1. Don't allow yourself to get roped into a boating party for work.
2. Painting the interior of your home can be a lifetime commitment.
3. And something I already knew... Evan LOVES football.
JHS @ 4:30, Alta @ 7:30.

Catching up on my own life:

I've been so caught up in the Clark family tragedy this week that I have not focused on much of anything else.
Next in line for me - planning and practicing the Primary program. Script is written and we start our chapel practices the first week of September. Speaking of primary - our last activity was a great hit. We had a "Summer Splash" activity and it ended up with a big water-fight. I managed to make eye contact with the Bishop so I could warn him. After he unloaded his pockets I yelled out to the kids "Get the Bishop". He was a great sport.

What I've learned today:

1. You can be inspired by other bloggers. As I check up on Stephanie's condition through her sister's blog - I find myself inspired to be a better journal keeper. Since I prefer typing over writing, I decided to give blogging a try.
2. When I answer the phone at work and the person on the other end of the line start the conversation with "You people"... it's not going to be a pleasant conversation.
3. Everybody Loves Raymond makes me laugh. (Ok, I did not learn that today, it has always made me laugh. It's just on my TV right now and I am reminded that Debra is my hero.)
4. Evan is my greatest hero. He works so incredibly hard and endures tremendous stress at work... so I guess he deserves to golf. (He saved a deal (again) today.)

Best wishes to our friends: Steve & Cindy Clark and family:

News story link below.
http://www.azfamily.com/video/localnews-index.html?nvid=273958&shu=1

Other reports indicate that Stephanie has burns on 80% of her body and Christian 30%.

They have been taken off the trauma patient list and are on the burn patient list. (That is good news) They are hoping that Christian can go home in a matter of weeks.

Medical bills are expected to be in the millions of dollars.