Rubber Ducky....he's the one....

Morgan has been working on a project at school in his ceramics class and was selected to be one of the students from American Fork High School to have his creation in the Alpine School District art show at the Scera Theater. He decided to make a monster size ceramic 'Rubber Duck!' The north Utah county schools has some real talent as evident by the paintings and ceramic arts. Annalisa had one of her art pieces there a few years back on display. The Scera Theater was founded in 1933 and has supported the development of the cultural arts and has had an operating movie theater, stage and gallery for the locals. On Saturday, Morgan and I went on an outing and enjoyed the colorful display at the gallery. Good Job Morgan! He made is duck to float in water even.....THAT will be fun to see!

Bag Pipe Concert

A call from friend, Cindy and an open Saturday night, made for some great girly time as we enjoyed a meal at a mom & pop place in American fork called, Flour Girls & Dough Boys. This bakery has 'made from scratch' everything and has a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. The breads and pastries are divine, and the soup, salads and sandwiches...delectable! We headed to SLC in a blowing snowstorm and got to Highland High School for the concert of the SLC Bag Pipers, known as the Salt Lake City Scots. http://www.saltlakescots.org/main.html Cindy's boyfriend, Jack was the MC and a pipe player as well as the Band Major complete with a baton routine. Intermingled with familiar Bag Pipe songs were occasional Highland dances by a Celtic dance troop in SLC. The theme of the night was honoring the fallen soldiers, including 1000 bag pipers of WWI. After the show, we went to Jacks house on the foothills of Draper which sported a fabulous view of the Salt Lake valley. Jack is an accomplished musician and has a dozen various instruments displayed in his home as well as a pipe organ! (at the opposite corner of the room was a full height Egyptian Sarcophagus! ) After leaving the snowy terrain of Draper, Cindy and I headed back to Cedar Hills to be met with blinding, blowing snow. As is our 'custom', Cindy and I talked till the wee hours of the morning and as we parted, we remembered it was day light savings and got a whopping 3 hrs of sleep before getting up for church! It was a great evening, so of course, it was worth it! In the photo, Cindy is in a white sweater. The other two people were Jack's friends from Jackson Hole, WY.

Carlos Aragon - Lance Corporal - US Marines

On Tuesday evening Annalisa called and I found her to be hysterically crying. I finally understood her to say that Carlos, her former boyfriend of her Jr. and Sr. year of High School was dead, killed in Afghanistan where he had been deployed only 4 months ago. He was 19 and had said he was scared to go to Afghanistan, but was willing to protect his country. Annalisa had seen him in October because he came to visit her at her work at FYE in Provo. She spoke to him before he left in November '09, and then to get this shocking news from her friend Kami Escamilla. Over the past week we have watched the news and kept in contact with his friends and relatives. Yesterday, as a family we attended his funeral in Lehi, Utah.

I have to describe the experience in full. We arrived to the LDS chapel in Lehi to see US Flags lining the perimeter of the Church grounds. In a neat and tidy row were motor bikes of all sorts, the drivers holding flags that lead to the entrance to the Church. The motley crew were in leather and chaps, but all had pride of service. This was a bikers group, a veteren group of men and women. The effect was very cool. Inside, Annie and I walked arm in arm to the open casket viewing of Lance Corporal Carlos Alberto Aragon. He was laid to rest in full uniform and most recognisable was his curly eyelashes. Remember, he was the boy of long curly blond shoulder length hair, a scrubby beard and sweet smile. At his HS graduation he had cut his hair into a butch and it was a stunning difference. We learned that though his body was in presentable shape, he had been killed by a land mine, also known as IED, and it was the repercussion that knocked the life out of him, as in the 'shaken baby syndrome'. The service was so well done and attended by Governor Hubert and Congressman Chaffetz of Utah. Carlos' two older half brothers spoke and to the surprise of his friends, his biological father attended. Carlos had never met his real father originally of Mexico, and had only talked to him twice in his short life. The attending mourners were invited to attend the dedication of his grave and a very long (80 car) procession ensued. It was touching as a long row of Boy Scouts held flags and stood at attention with hands raised to their foreheads in salute to all the cars that passed, with the Hearse in the front, lead by a police motorcade. At each intersection and stop lights of perhaps 10 in number, a police car and officer were blocking traffic to let the procession stay together as we traveled to Camp Williams on Redwood Road. (Side note: Annalisa with friends met the airplane delivering the body at the SLC airport at 8am this same day. She said the same respect was given to the 20 car procession even to the stopping of traffic on I-215 and I-15. Each on ramp was blocked to allow the motorcade, Hearse and followers to travel from SLC to Lehi.) The graveside ceremony was accentuated with a 6 gun salute and the flag covering the casket was folded into the customary triangle and at the last fold 3 bullets were inserted into the flag and given to his mother, a repeat of the flag folding and another given to his natural father. Again those that attended gave condolence to his immediate family and the crowd dispersed. Sadly, another Marine soldier from Orem died two days after Carlos and his funeral will be this coming weekend. Nicholas knew Nigel Olsen from Mountain View High School. Nigal was from the same company as Carlos. The whole experience was draining but so well executed for the family and friends of Carlos. He will be missed and the sacrifice of his live will not be forgotten. In a couple of these photos you will see a young fellow named Hector. He was Carlos' best friend. In an interview with a local paper, Hector said that he and Carlos talked every weekend. He said they talked for hours about everything and nothing at all. When asked if Hector would miss Carlos, he said yes, but at least they had left nothing unsaid. I was very touched by that. Give though to those in your world whom you love and leave nothing unsaid. You never know when you cannot say more. Hector who is dressed in black on black suit and has long black hair. (When Annie and Carlos were together they would hang out with Hector alot and I had met him at a picnic once before.) As folks were leaving and Hector passed me, I told him that I appreciated his comments in the newspaper article. Then, from this fellow of dark colors and deep sadness for his lost friend, he smiled at me with a row of strait white teeth and beautiful eyes and said, "Be Happy.....just Be Happy." Thanks Hector. So Long Carlos.

Big Business Expo at UVU

Curtis Miner Architecture joined the annual Big Business Expo this year and with a couple weeks preparation, we , as a company managed to get the posters designed and printed, and pulled together our display. It was cool to see the outcome of our planning. It happened that the Whitings from our Orem 10th ward passed by as I was taking pictures. Curtis spent the day talking with other Expo contributors and with attendees. In all the company got 8 solid leads on projects......Not Bad! The CMA employees were invited to come see the booth, so I went on Tuesday the 23rd of Feb and spent the lunch hour there. Intent on getting back to work.....this happen........

Bummer!

BUMMER!

With my thoughts on leaving the parking lot of UVU and how to get out, I was surprized by a truck coming across the isle of parked cars and skidded tires but struck the students truck in a 'T' bone fashion. Not much occured to his truck but it seems the trucks tire rotation pulled off the bumper of my Jeep. After getting out of the Jeep, I saw STOP written on the pavement. Dang. The Jeep was repaired within a week and looks great now. Good that I had insurance...wonder if it will go up now. This is my first accident at my apparent fault in my 30 years of driving. Not bad!

New Annalisa Artwork

Annie has completed a new project for an art class this semester at UVU. She re-drew a colored pencil sketch she did before in 8x10 size (8th grade) and drew it larger, about 18x24 inches in acrylic. After I took the photo of the eye, she applied the heartbeat electrical line across the front of the eye in red paper and then a couple streaks of lightning coming in from the right side. It looked pretty cool. She did this sketch of the eye first on scratch paper, and the unfinished fish and flower was in her sketch book. I love seeing her interpretations. Way to go Annie!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Wishing the best of Valentine Day and celebrating the people who matter! I...er...forgot...cough... to send my Grandson a Valentine which has been a great example set by my Mom to her Grand-kids, so I took a photo of this handmade card from a Card Party I attended a long while ago, and presto...sent it to the little guy and felt pretty pleased with myself. Except the photo text got lost in space and I sent it again with victory. Happy Days little buddy, your Grandma loves you! (Isn't that weird....still amazes me to have a G-child.) To the rest of my favorite people.....Happy Valentines....even a day late!

Soldier Hollow Sledding Adventure 2-6-2010

Ethan lucked out and won a contest at his Orthodontist office, guessing how may lifesavers were in a jar. He won 4 tickets to sled at Soldier Hollow which is a controlled sledding hill with a tow rope to get you back up the hill. It's a $20 per person for a 2 hour session, so we were delighted to have the chance. The boys invited a mutual friend named Curtis and we all had a good time. The sun had come out and got us and the snow warmed up to prevent fast runs, but we had a good time anyway. We each had a good run that got the adrenaline going! As we were leaving I couldn't resist a shot of a great looking barn. Soldier Hollow is near the town of Midway, near Heber, UT up the Provo Canyon past the Dear Creek Dam.

New Year's in Blackfoot, ID

With two - four day weekends back to back, I had to take a trip to Idaho for New Years to see Michael and family. We were both ready for some R&R and a break from too much food, so we spent some time watching the first season of Heroes, a TV show. We also went on a venture to Idaho Falls. I took the group to Five Guys Burgers, a new favorite.

Christmas 2009

It's high time I get this blog updated and here goes a view of Christmas morning 2009, a first in this house in Cedar Hills. It was sure fun to decorate and place our familiar things about the house to celebrate the Season. Nick and David came down from Logan to share in the fun of opening gifts and eating lots of food. The holiday fare is fun to make as well as eat! I made my delectable fudge and I won't need to make it till next Christmas!

Curtis Miner Architecture Christmas Party 2009

This year our company met at a place in SLC called Bucca de Beppos. It's claimed to be Utah's most authentic Italian Restaurant. I will vouch for the fabuolous food. I brought Annalisa as my guest (also considered her 20th Birthday dinner celebration) and shared the meal with Dallas and Ashlee Nelson. Annalisa helped me find a company gift for the Miner's which they loved, and I really enjoy wrapping up the gifts!

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Birthday Dinner at Tucano's Brazilian Buffet

And a nice time was had by all! With a couple free-bee Birthday coupons, the boys and I enjoyed the fabulous food at Tucano's Brazilian buffet. The variety of meats are served to the table on skewers roasted over a flame. The crowning flavor goes to the roasted pineapple. The hot pineapple with cinnamon sugar seared into the fruit is fantastic. We also love the Brazilian lemon aide served there. It takes your body a couple days to recover from the insult of lots of meat and salt, but it's worth it!

Celebrate...times 3

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This time of year has many reasons to rejoice....5 birthdays in a short space and Christmas smack between them! We had David and Nick home from Logan for Thanksgiving and took the opportunity to celebrate David's birthday. Since Annalisa's and Morgans are this week, the 2nd and 3rd, we tossed them into the Brithday Bash! One of our favorite dishes is Pumpkin Pie, deep dish style so it served as our Birthday cake and Thanksgiving dessert. After finding no candles, I poked in some sparklers from last 4th of July and the pie was a glittering delight! It was great to spend time together. We shopped for an outside dog house for Bear, I played a game of Othello with David, we cooked and ate a great Thanksgiving meal, and watched a couple movies. Thanks Kids!

'Tis the Season to be Jolly.......fa la la la...

'Tis the Season to start the Holiday magic and start the Christmas cheer. It has been fun to adorn this new house and place our favorite things about. I especially wanted my Holiday decorations out when my college boys came for Thanksgiving. For all of us, it makes the new house feel a little more like home with the familiar Christmas stuff around. Merry Christmas everyone!

Morgan goes to Preference Dance

American Fork High School had it's Preference Dance 2009 (girl asks guy) and Morgan was asked by his friend Brittany.

Morgan and I both forgot to get a corsage and at the last minute on Saturday afternoon went hunting for one. Not to be found! Finally found a place that would make me one for $20. No way, too much! So, I went to Albertsons and found the components and made it myself for $5. Ha! This happened to be during a white out snow storm to boot.

Morgan looked great, as you can see and so did his date. He wore the Tux to church today and looked quite dandy.

I would have to agree with Oma's adage, that I have the best looking children!

Target for Egger - Football Banquet

Friday, Nov. 13th was a pretty eventful day. We discovered the house had been hit again by an egg throwing idiot. This is the third time in 3 weeks. I called the local police and an officer came by and took a report. I decided to make a flyer and I put it on 200 houses in my area calling for a Neighborhood Watch! Later Ethans team held a football banquet and that was alot of fun to see the comraderie and the coach took time to tell something great about each boy. (28) Morgan came and we enjoyed some great food.

Sunday Drive to Logan, UT

With the weather being warm and the time available, Annalisa, Morgan, Ethan and I headed to Logan to see Nick and David. We got to see Nicks apartment, had some lunch together and then went to Davids house and test drove his sweet and nearly done Mustang. He has taken this car from a junk yard disaster to a great sounding and nice looking car. His last investment is to get it painted and his lifelong dream car will be complete. It was terrific to spend the afternoon with my children. Michael and Bridgett wanted to join us, but Bridgett has been plagued with chronic headaches the past week and even had an overnight stay at the Blackfoot hospital. Initially the doctors worried about a Aneurism being the fault, but later, after a CT scan, found a probable deep tissue sinus infection. Even with multiple kinds of drugs, she still is suffering from the migrane level headaches. Wishing you well Bridgett!
A parent loves the little things when time with grown children is possible. Thanks Annie for your company and conversation in the car, and the terrific gift of 'Planet Earth'. Awesome! Thanks Nick for sharing your place and spending time with your family. Thanks David for sharing your sweet spirit and your super car and I especially like your hugs! Ethan and Morgan were great sports and Thanks Morgan for going to the Dr. with Nick and finding out what the rash was on his face. If you recall, Nick had pnenmonia last month and was given anti-biotics. These doses lowered his auto-immune system and he was found to have Shingles! Yes, he had a good case of Chicken Pox as a child, but the Dr. told him a shot of steroids last month probably brought the Shingles to the surface. Go figure!

Friday Night Date

What an eventfull weekend this has been! Friday night I took Morgan to get fitted for a tux and he look quite dashing in his fancy get up! Next weekend is Preference at American Fork High School and his date is Brittney and her twin Stacey will be going with Morgans friend Tyler! Nice double!

Saturday morning I requested Morgans help to put up Christmas lights. With a new house this season, the planning was fun to get the house lit up nice. Ethan had his last Championship game with his Freshman team, and they won 45-12. They were on a 10-0, winninng streak. Even though Ethan still couldn't play he supported his team by going to practises and games for the remaining two months. The last game was as exciting as the others with 80 yard runs/touchdowns, and several interceptions from the AF team.

Saturday night Morgan was again my companion and he went with me to the American Heritage School (private LDS/patriotic school grades K-11, and coincidentally, my employeer, Curtis Miner architecturally designed the school.) A concert was being held there that honored the WWII Veterens through original song & student orchestra and video display. It was very moving and I was so grateful for Morgan coming with me. A family who recently lost their son in Afganistan attended and were honored as well. Curtis and Janine graciously got me tickets and it was such an amazing event with how well the student orchestra performed and the original songs that followed the lives of several real soldiers and their families.

Sunday Drive - Battle Creek Falls

The weather was so great, staying indoors was impossible! After church we packed up the dogs and went to a canyon nearby called Battle Creek. Ethan's dog, Bear loves to fetch anything you throw so the boys had a great time throwing sticks, and discarded water bottles. Bear climbed the steep walls of the canyon and amazingly didn't tumble down. Gretchen did a good job keeping the pace, though she doesn't like to fetch. On the top picture you can see Gretchen walking towards me to Ethans left and Bear is behind Morgan looking for the plastic bottle.

Ethans Halloween Masterpiece

Ethan did a great job of carving his Halloween pumpkin. Our ward did a 'Trunk or Treat" at the church with a chile dinner for the kids and adults. We decorated the back of the Jeep and handed out candy. Saturday Annalisa came over with Chance and Zoe and we had my famous BBQ Baked Beans & bread. It was terrific and later we awaited the throng of kids. Ethan and I set a stuffed spider to drop from the porch overhang when I open the door to greet tricksters. It was pretty funny to tease the kids for their treats. My house didn't get as many kids as anticipated, but enough to make the Spider a hit!