Festival of Trees

Better Pictures to follow ( well maybe -- if I could get Alisa to take them)

Each year The Festival of Trees is a fund raising event for Primary Children's medical center. People donate trees, and then they are sold. All proceeds go to Primary's medical center. Valcom donated a tree last year and this year. Tonya Steel had great ideas, did all the work and put together a wonderful tree this year. Rich's and my part is to actually put up the tree. You have to put pvc or rebarr down the middle and then rebar the tree to the stand. Since we had just been to Nevada, we found a great piece of copper pipe that we used. We did a fine job of getting the tree up and getting all the ornaments ready for the "decorators."

My other job was to get a mantle that looked like Grandma's house. I had our "garden worker" Sam construct the mantle and Emmalee Glauser painted a beautiful fire for our mantle. My last job was to get a rocking chair, which I did at the very last minute. (Sorry Tonya for making you worry) Thankfully Vintage Oak had just what we needed and they gave us a great price for the festival.


Melanie and Sue came from work to help decorate. They didn't know that part of a decorators job was to put together an end table. We only ended up with a few extra screws. After a few last minute dashes to the store the tree was complete. Thanks to all that helped.

Thanksgiving 2007 - Fallon, Nevada

Even though none of our children were able to travel to Nevada for our annual Thanksgiving Celebration we made the "Fallon Trek." We picked up Adam, Leanna, and Dakota and drove to Fallon on Wednesday.

We had a great dinner in the "barn" and then the little kids got to break the pinata at Jean Lattin's home.

There were lots of babies and so the "playing" part of Thanksgiving was taken over by changing diapers and putting children to bed. Rich finally won at "nurstz" thanks to Lynda's capable partnership. Even though LauraLee was in Idaho for the holiday we enjoyed playing games in her new home. Thanks LauraLee for being a good host. Christmas tree hunting was beautiful. We left early and made a quick side trip to the old Anaconda copper mine, near Yerington, Nevada. There was huge lake in the bottom of the pit and then there were some moon like dirt formations on the other side of the mine -- maybe some sort of reclamation project.


Kevin took care of getting the BYU-UTAH game for us by ordering an upgrade to Jill and Jeff's cable. Rich happily watched the game while I spent time with Mom and Dad looking though some of Dad's old prison stuff, which was extremely interesting. I kept asking myself -- would Brooke and Alisa throw this out? Probably, but I will need some hand holding with a waste basket near by to actually throw anything out. I read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham I was expecting it to be a thriller like some of his other books, but alas it was a book about football in Italy. It was an easy, mindless read so I actually enjoyed it.

Super Saturday Nov 17, 2007

I've never understood crafts and so to do them as an organized activity is beyond my capabilities. But thanks to a great enrichment committee we had a successful "Super Saturday."

I've decided that I will leave the crafts to those that are good at it and actually enjoy it, and I will stay close to my yard which I actually enjoy.


We also did some baby knit hats for newborns in Africa.


Sister Taylor and her very talented young apprentices helped us learn how to braid bread.

Book Review

I just finished "A Train to Potevka" by Mike Ramsdell. I loved it. Thanks to Daija for having me buy it. I think that I finally realized how big Russia is. I'm not sure I'd ever thought about it. I related to his remark that he never thought in his lifetime that the Communist government would allow its people to be free. I also never could believe that it would happen. But what about the prophecies that the gospel would be taken to all the world? Yes, but again not in my lifetime. July of 1992, Ashkii and Josh participated in a 3 week folk festival dance tour in France and Spain. I went along as a chaperone. There were dancers and muscians from Poland, Ukraine, Spain, France, Indonesia, and a few other countries. I have a picture of Josh in front of the American flag that I have framed. It reminds me of how thankful I am for my freedom. I remember one evening after rehersals the musicians from the different countries showing each other their instruments. Our banjo player was admiring the instrument from one of the "soviet" countries. They started playing music together. Words can't express the feeling I had that evening as I beheld a prophecy being fulfilled. Not only did it happen in my lifetime, but I witnessed in part the joy that these performers had from their new found freedom.

Flashback: Circa 1988 BYU dance competition. The floor show was a Russian couple. They had their security guards around them all the time, watching and making sure they didn't defect during their performance. Hard to believe that we now have the best dancers representing the US with names like Olga Foraponova and Maxim Kozhevnikov.

Editorial

If you don't like editorials then skip this entry. Every time I want to write a letter to the editor I chicken out and don't do it and then my blood pressure just rises internally and Rich get to put up with my irritability. ( Thanks Rich for putting up with me!!)

I know how to solve the money crisis in the school system. If we put up photo cop in the school zones and collected $100 for every person that went over the posted speed limit we would have surplus money for the schools.

Out of the 5 people in the intersection today only two of us actually slowed down to 2o miles per hour. Everyone else zipped by and completely ignored the speed limit. I have always wondered who they think they are? Dr.'s going to an emergency? Now that I would understand. But I do believe that it is just people who think they are very important, who haven't planned far enough ahead to get where they need to get at the time they are supposed to be there.

Do they think that the sign only means 20 miles an hour if the crossing guards have children in the cross walk? Maybe if you see children in the cross walk then you must keep going 40-50 miles an hour and then slam on your brakes. Because you had to slow down when they are in the cross walk you then must gun your car as if you were in an indy 500 race to make up those precious lost seconds. I could never be a crossing guard, I would die from high blood pressure from being mad at all the numskulls who think they don't need to obey the law.

The next Vicki editorial will be on barking dogs.

Cedar City Sheep Festival

For those that know Leanna this is how she spent last weekend. It was the "Sheep Festival" in Cedar City and her(Adam's) family herded these sheep down main street on Saturday. If you want to see more awesome pictures of this family event go to http://nycfoodphotos.com/portfolio.php?c=utah&i=1. Some professional photographer was there taking pictures. It is a sight to behold. It looks very fun to me.

Hot Air Balloon

I seldom take pictures when Alisa is around because hers are so wonderful and I am lucky to get any part of it centered. But she wasn't able to "chase" the balloon and watch it land. I have always been fascinated with the beauty of a hot air balloon in the sky and can only imagine what the ride would be like -- but alas the thought of being that high without some kind of protection is too frightening for me therefore I will stay firmly on the ground and enjoy the beauty from afar.

I was first grateful to be on the ground when I saw how he attached the balloon to the bucket. It was only a big T with the rope around it.


Josh and James look happy at the prospect of the impending ride.


I couldn't quite get the effect I wanted but it was an awesome sight to see the jet and the hot air balloon in the same sky.


Chasing the balloon becomes a game of hide and seek. You can see it, but all roads do not lead to the empty field. Brian Kelly was the "chase" guy. In real life he is a "writer" and he was the editor for the New Era ( youth church magazine) for many years. He and his partner started the balloon races at the Provo Freedom festival. It was a pleasure to share the "chase" with him. I learned alot about Hot Air Balloons.




Everyone is still smiling a the landing.


Amazing to think that whole balloon fits in the bag the boys are sitting on.


Sam keeps reminding me that he "bought" the hot air balloon ride at the auction. It was Sam holding our auction number up that won this awesome experience for the boys. Thanks to Rich for letting me have a great time at the PTA auction.

Fun at Strawberry

On one of our trips to Strawberry Leanna and Family went with us. Adam helped Rich make a "ropes course" for his young men's group. It was a good think Adam was there to help us. Dakota had a great time.



The homeowners association has "Christmas in July." We had taken the boys to the cabin with us and it just happened to be the "holiday" weekend. Since there weren't that many children James and Sam were treated to lots of crafts and then a visit from Santa. They decorated the 4 wheeler and were in a parade.



We went up again last week and it was a little cold outside. Luke and I spent most of our time in the cabin and Rich "supervised" James and Sam. It's a good thing I belong to the Fruitland Wildland Fire Council because I think we have a family of "fire bugs"

BOSTON

The Boston Adventure
After driving to Boston, we were supposed to get to Daija's apartment, unpack, and then meet Daija and Jonathan downtown to have dinner. As travel luck would have it-- it took us what seemed like an hour to drive 10 miles. Ashkii got directions from Jonathan on how to catch the bus by their apartment and then change to the "T" and ride the subway to the restaurant. We did ok with the bus other than not having the right change. We got to the T and bought some fare cards. Things were going well, but while we were buying the cards we heard some guy yelling at the top of his voice. Someone goes to investigate and there is a major problem. We are supposed to take the red line but there happens to be a fire at the next stop. They have buses outside to take us where we need to go-- The only problem is -- WE DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING. We try to hail a taxi, but of course they are all busy and who wants to take 8 people! We are determined to get to our destination. "Daija -- you stay put -- somehow we will make it to you" While Ashkii is on the phone, madly trying to coordinate with Daija, Rich suggests that we go back down and hope the red line is running. They say it is!!!! We are excited as we get to the red line -- it is leaving in just a few minutes. We think our problems are solved. Off we go -- we make it one stop and there is a medical emergency now at the next stop. The guys gets on the loud speaker and keeps us updated that there is an emergency - "the emergency people have been called -- now they are on the site -- now they are transporting that person out of the subway -- now we can go". Meanwhile Brooke is telling us that it is "Goldy" luck to have these things happen. We finally get to our destination and have a wonderful reunion with Daija and Jonathan. We had a great dinner.

Richard and Ashkii both loved their lobster!!!









Boston Saturday
We went on a "Boston Duck Tour" It was a tour of Boston that was on land and sea. They were old WWII amphibious vehicles. Trevor drove the "duck" out in the Charles river. Savannah didn't want to go on a "duck" but was soon having a great time.






















TUFTS DENTAL SCHOOL

After the duck tour we had a tour of Jonathan's school. We always knew he was smart, we didn't realize how "artistic" you have to be to be a dentist. He showed us his tools, his "mouth" and the labs and classrooms where he spends most of his time.



























Farewell to Boston

After a wonderful weekend and yes we did listen to some of conference we drove to the Boston Temple and enjoyed it's beauty and then returned home.

White House Tour

t
Auction: You know when I said in an earlier blog that I didn't get the tickets to the White House Tour? The real buyer had buyers remorse and off course could I say no to tickets to the West Wing. Rich and I flew into DC on our way to Boston and met up with Ashkii and Brooke, Trevor, and Savannah. We almost didn't get our tour because they were having an event at the White House and our tour was only when they weren't busy and after hours. We got to see the Oval Office, the Rose Garden, and the Press Briefing room. We didn't get to see the situation room since they were having an event and it like the staging area.


The Press Briefing room is much smaller than I had imagined. The Oval Office never has a piece of paper on the desk. They have people that just take care of paper flow. The desk is intricately carved and very beautiful. I think we saw a few more rooms, but those were the ones that stood out in my mind. We then drove somewhere and since I was a bit tired, I am not sure where we ended up but we slept at a Marriott and Ashkii has the art of negotiating a good price down. We got up Friday morning and drove to Boston. It was a very cool tour and we enjoyed it very much. I also felt a greater appreciation for our freedom and the ability to walk where the president walks without fear.

Hide and Seek

It's a new game that the Josh Linton family will have to play for a while. After having Lehi's own version of extreme home makeover, Josh and Alisa will be left with the job of trying to figure out where things have been put away. This morning Josh asks me where the flyswatter is. I don't know == where would someone put a fly swatter? Good luck finding things Josh.

When Josh and Alisa left for Disneyland I decided that I would deal with the news of Alisa's cancer by doing what any sane Lattin would do -- work -- physical labor work -- what better place than Josh's basement. I didn't end up working that hard, because I had a army full or willing workers ready to do anything needed. Here are a few of the fun pictures.


Being tall has it's advantages.

The stories and blessings for me personally have been overwhelming. I have listened to the stories of how Josh and Alisa have touched someone's lives. I have heard how they are so grateful for her beautiful photography or how she was so friendly to someone new in the ward. Sorry Josh your photography isn't inspiring but I heard you were great to have around and boys don't share quite as many reasons for helping -- they just help. I can't thank the people that rearranged their schedules to accommodate mine. Thanks to the Larabee's for coming when it wasn't convenient. I was touched by the father and son working together for a common purpose.

Brother's, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles all had a helping hand and willing heart. Kari tackled the lizard window without any fear.













John and Julie Peterson
Who said dancers are not handy guys? Julie said that touching the ironing board must count for helping. But she is keeping Amy company.













Since these aren't the real electricians we were hoping for no mixed wires. We had wonderful light at the end of the evening.









What is it about a closet that could make so many ladies smile? Thanks neighbors and friends

Thanks to Tracie for helping out in the organizing department. New friends were instantly made and smiles filled the house for days.










Even the littlest helper is on the job











I know that anyone who reads this and isn't in this valley would have come to help. Just knowing of your willing heart has been uplifting for me. Your prayers are appreciated. This was a fun project.

School Carnival

James school has a fund raising carnival each year. I was expecting Josh and Rich to come to the carnival not long after I got there with the three boys. I got there without my phone which isn't such a bad thing -- but I couldn't find out when I would get an extra hand to help with the boys. I have forgotten how to keep track of three lively boys. Luke was starving so we got him a hotdog. That went pretty well. Then we went to the fish pond. That is where I ran out of hands. James and Sam didn't have pockets so they wanted me to hold on to their prizes. I had stuff in my pockets, my purse was overflowing and I was trying to hold on to Lukes food, plus keep track of the boys. Then it was time for the AUCTION.

They have a live auction and a silent auction. Well last year I outdid myself and ended up with a huge leather chair that I really didn't need. I warned Rich that he probably ought to try to make it to the auction to keep me from doing something stupid. I really wanted the 6 tickets to the White House special tour. Last year they sold for $3000 -- this year only 1600. That was a bargain -- but I restrained myself. But the hot air balloon ride was too much of a temptation and it is really fun to bid. I had Sam and James help me hold up my bidding number. Although while Sam was holding it for me -- we did bid on a few extra things because he was just holding it up at random times. The auctioneers finally figured out to look at me for a nod to confirm whether the number in the air was an actual bid or just Sam helping. I also bought tickets to Tuacahn. Well next time Rich will try to get there earlier.

Gardner Village

Today James, Sam, Luke and I went to Gardner Village. We went to the little petting zoo they have there. Thanks to James making us read about the different kind of goats ears last week at the fair we were able to recognize the goats with the different ears. Sam like petting the bunnies and James and Sam both liked touching the goats horns. After I convinced Luke that picking up the compost was not a good idea because there was animal poop in it, James was pretty careful where he stepped. James and Sam rode the ponies while Luke and I watched. We then went over to Twiggs and Moore to pick up Alisa's picture by James Christensen that had been framed. James announced that he knew James Christensen and when the lady acted a little like that might not be accurate he continued to tell her that he had been to his house. They did help me out of the store with the picture because they probably could tell that I wasn't going to be able to hold a picture and keep track of Luke at the same time.

We then went and looked at all the witches and this one was above the little river and James of course wanted to know how the wheels were turning. Had no real good answer.