Boys. . .

I love these boys:

I've watched them grow up into handsome, responsible men who are going out into the world to make a difference.  And I honestly believe, with all of my heart, that they will.

Adventure. . .

When I was about 14 years old, I took a Greyhound bus to Gooding, Idaho to spend a week with a friend that I met at camp.  I don't remember too much about it but I don't remember being at all afraid to ride the bus alone.  I guess that's one of the reasons I didn't really have a problem putting my kids on a bus and sending them off into the wild blue yonder this morning.

Of course, Zach hardly qualifies as a kid anymore, so that helps, too.  Mostly, I'm just really going to miss their company.  I enjoy my kids most of the time.  They certainly have their moments that push me towards the edge, but for the most part, they are pretty responsible and self-sufficient.  (Note to self: knock on wood.)

As I write this, they are (probably) comfortably situated at Gil and Louise George's house in Woodlawn, Idaho.  For 10 whole days.  (Ha! Just got a text from Gloria to say she is "good".)

When Louise called a couple of months ago to say she was contemplating putting on the play, Fat, Fat Jehoshophat at her church, I quickly volunteered my kids to help out.  After all, who can play King Jehoshophat better than Zach??

This is Zach playing the King in 2005:

The entire cast in 2005:

Zach in 2008:

And the entire cast in 2008:

So, you see, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to do this again!!

I'll drive up and watch the play on the 29th and then drop Zach off at Quaker Hill where he'll be a counselor for 2 more weeks!! 

Really looking forward to seeing this older, wiser Jehoshaphat. . .

Movie Review. . . The Quaker Games. . .

The Premiere last night was fabulous! I'll write more about that later but in the mean time, here is Tami's take on it:

What's Up Arnett

Movie Premiere!!

This is the trailer to the short film that Zach, Gloria and Madison have been working on for the last month.  What impresses me the most is that it was all done with an Ipod Touch and Windows Movie Maker.  And plenty of skill and talent from the three producers!

The premiere is tonight and we'll all watch it on the big screen together!! 

I can't wait!!

Dale. . .

Dale and Brandon are visiting the states from their new home in Germany.  It's always great to see them but this time it was especially special. 

I'll have to back up for a minute to explain this first picture.  When Dale used to work with us, he and Gloria had a love/hate relationship.  Mostly love but they picked and picked and picked on each other.  Keep in mind Gloria was much younger then- we worked with Dale off and on from about 2001-2007.  They even had pet names for each other.  Gloria called him BobB (emphasis on the last B) and Dale called her Georgetta. 

One of the things he would do to get her attention was to poke her in the forehead.  Repeatedly. 

From a mother's perspective, after the first few pokes it was pretty annoying.  And Dale, single-man-no-children, didn't seem to know that when a child cries, you should stop poking them in the forehead!!  In spite of the tears, they have a very sweet friendship.  We had the opportunity to see them very briefly while they were in town a couple of weeks ago.  They hugged.  And, of course, Dale poked:

And now, back to the reason this visit was especially special is because of this sweet little girl that looks like her daddy:

Yep, Dale and Branden had a baby girl!!  Rob and Gloria both wanted to poke her little forehead but I made them refrain!!  Maybe when she's a little bit older. . .

Dear Blog,
In spite of my lack of attention to you, I have not forgotten all that you have meant to me over the years.  Unfortunately, just like your predecessor, Dear Diary, I've temporarily replaced you with other interests.  In my youth, it was boys and work.  Now it's naps.  And Facebook. 

However, these are just passing interests and will fall by the wayside in time.  I know I've tried to keep you neat and orderly but sometimes crazy and beautiful just becomes chaotic and mind numbing.  I'm in that place now. 

So. . . please excuse the random, out-of-order posts that I'll be putting up in an attempt to re-connect with you.  So much has happened and is happening even as I write that I am paralyzed at the thought of filling you in on everything! 

I think I'll start with this one:

No More Excuses. . .

Love,
Tanya