Week of July 10

I wanted to write a new post but didn't know what to write.  When I asked my kids, Morgan said, "Write about me!  I'm larious!"  He meant hilarious but he said "larious."

Hyrum said, "Write about me because I'm awesome!"

Liberty said, "Write about how everyone is coming to our house."  By everyone, she meant that Robert's sister Aurelia and her eight kids are coming today for two days.  It's not everyone, but it may seem like it when they are here.  Really, we are delighted to have her.  She is moving to Washington, D.C. and we are glad we get to spend some time with them before they go.

Clarissa said, "Write about how I got home from EFY and I LOVED it and that I did such a good job in the boys' room."  She undertook getting the boys' room company ready because Aurelia is going to stay there, and she did do a lovely job.  Here is a picture from EFY which she did love.  She told me about it for 2 1/2 hours straight and lost her voice as a result.  I stole this picture from facebook.  A girl named Bethany took it. 

EFY sounded so positive and spiritual and testimony-building.  I want all my kids to go when they grow up. 

Carolina did not ask to be written about.  But I'm sure she would like it anyway.  I worry a little about that girl.  This is her ready to go to town yesterday. 

Desi dressed her up.  She is blowing a bubble with her gum.  She wants to be Deseret when she grows up.  Yesterday I had a little talk with Desi and told her that she is worthy of emulation but I wish she would help Carolina be like her in matters of talent and goodness rather than fashion.

Back to 'larious Morgan.  Here's a picture of him.

Isaiah, Hyrum, and Morgan used Isaiah's dog Buddy as a sled dog.  They hooked him up to Morgan's wagon and had some wild rides.  It was painful for the rider so here Morgan is getting properly protected. 

I think he is 'larious.

Provo in the Summer

This week I left three of my favorite people at BYU.  I took Clarissa to EFY and Deseret and Liberty to basketball camp.

Driving into Provo brought back so many memories--especially when I was leaving nervous kids and our expedition was filled with luggage.  I remembered my first glimpse of BYU as a teenager when we rounded the corner on University Parkway.  I remembered going to basketball camp with Erin Swanson--how nervous I was and how glad to have a friend with me.  I remembered my cousin Julie Reber and my friend Julie Liddle that I first met at BYU basketball camp.  I remembered someone blasting the Free to Choose seminary cassette tape on the floor of the dorm and being amazed that there were people that were so like me. 

I remembered being dropped off my freshman year.  I was so nervous!  Would my roommate like me?  Would I have friends?  Would I do well in school? 

Provo in the summer also reminds me so much of Robert.  Our first date was the 4th of July and we dated that summer and got engaged in the fall.  I remembered long walks in the dark--holding hands and talking late into the night.  Summer in Provo also reminds me of when I was a hall advisor and our lives changed with the weekly cycle of EFY.  Monday they would check in.  The week would be busy with them there.  Saturday morning they would leave--and then we would have the dorm to ourself until Monday morning.  I remember having Adam and Thelma, Olivia, Anne, and Jonathan over.  Good times.

I remember singing in a tunnel on warm summer nights.  I miss that and those great friends!

When I left my girls at BYU this week, all three were staying in Heritage Halls.  Because of construction you need to go to 9th East and to the Creamery on the south or 9th East and the DT Field on the north to get to the rest of campus.  Is it still called the DT Field? 

I left Clarissa with some trepidation because she didn't know her roommate or anyone.  But when she checked in and I saw Jason Hall and Brad Wilcox, I thought, "What better place to leave my girl?"

I left Deseret and Liberty with some trepidation because it seemed that the other camp participants were my height and Deseret and Liberty are not--especially Liberty. 

By the way, Carolina was not going to basketball camp.  She just thinks that every photograph should have her in it. 


I heard from all the girls last night.  They are having a great time.

Welcome to my blog!

Yesterday I was talking on the phone to my brother Tabor who recently moved to Boulder, Utah.  He said he feels isolated from the rest of our family.  I dislike the idea of anyone feeling isolated, and I've been toying with the idea of writing a blog for some time so I decided that I would try it now.  I'm not sure if hearing about the Johnsons will help, Tabor, but I hope it does.  I'm feeling a little sad that his family moved.  Four of the kids in my family lived here and now only three do. 

This is a dumb introduction.  Maybe I'm not up to this.  My sister Thelma writes clever, witty posts on a daily basis and I can't even do it once.   I'm going to end this post and write another one and try to add pictures.  I'm technologically challenged so we'll see if it works!