A Night with Neil

As a child I don't remember a lot of music in our home.  My parents liked different types of music, but they rarely played albums and tapes on our home stereo.  I can recall one artist that both my mom and dad enjoyed listening to:  Neil Diamond.

The Jazz Singer soundtrack was huge in our home in the early 80's.  All the songs were big hits for us:  America, Love on the Rocks, You Don't Bring me Flowers, and more.  I can still remember my older sister having us all play "dress up" to perform some of Neil's greatest hits.

I continued to listen to Diamond's songs as my musical tastes were developing.  I absolutely loved singing along with Sweet Caroline and I'm a Believer.  How many high schools guys knew all the words to Shilo?  I can name one - this guy!

For my birthday earlier this year Tara asked me what was something special I wanted.  I told her that I would like to see Neil Diamond in concert.  I knew that he was coming and I wanted to be there.  She bought the tickets and last night Tara and I were rocking out with Diamond at Rio Tinto Stadium.

It was a great night.  Diamond brought the crowd to their feet and had the grandmas dancing in the aisles.  Tara and I had a lot of fun, singing along as Neil's cranked out hit after hit.

The highlight of the night was signing Sweet Caroline.  Maybe it's because we love the 8th inning version of the song at Fenway Park, but this song always makes me smile.  Neil knows the crowd loves it as well - he sang the chorus 5 times!  It didn't matter though, we could have sang it one more time.  Our date was amazing, the night was perfect, and the concert was so good, so good, so good!

For Your Birthday

Alex,

As we celebrate your birthday this year I want to take a moment to tell you how much I love being your  dad.  I am so proud of all you've accomplished this year and I can see how you're growing into a wonderful person each and every day.

One of your best traits Alex is your unconditional love.  You are such a soft-hearted person, quick to emotion and long on love.  I have never seen a young man so willing to tell his parents how much he loves them.  I know it doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but it is wonderful to have to express your love to me.  Hearing your son say "I love you, Dad" after a long day at work makes everything worth it.

We all know that you're a cautious kid Alex.  Never the first to jump in the pool or to meet a new person.  Still, this year we've seen you try many new things and get out of your comfort zone.  No where was this more evident than school.  Going to a new school is always tough.  You not only survived in you class, you thrived!  It was great to see you make new friends and do so well with your assignments.

Alex, I want to encourage you to always reach beyond yourself.  I know you're the first of my kids to volunteer to help me with anything.  Never lose than willingness to serve others.  I know it's one of things that brings me the most joy in my life.  If you look out for others, you'll always be happy within. This especially goes for your brother and sister.  Look for ways to serve  Kennedy and Dylan and you'll continue to bring peace and harmony to our home.

Happy Birthday Buddy.  I can't tell you how much you mean to me.  You're my guy and I don't know where my life would be without you.  I hope you have a special day because you are a very special boy.  I love you.

Daddy

Alex turns 6!

Alex loves parties, especially when it is for him and he gets lots of presents.  Alex has been counting down to his birthday since the beginning of summer.  About a month before his birthday, he asked me how many days until his birthday.  We figured it out and he made a little countdown calendar with  the numbers one through twenty-six on it.  Every morning he would cross off a number and let me know how many days until his birthday.  He kept telling me all the fun things he wanted to do and gave us a very detailed list of all the presents he wanted.  So we tried to fulfill all those expectations.

We started Alex's birthday with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.  Alex has been sucked in by all their commercials on TV, so off we went to see Chuckie.  We invited the cousins to come along with us and had lots of fun playing games and riding the rides at Chuck E. Cheese.  We headed back to our house for some pizza, presents, cake and ice cream and a pinata (another of Alex's requests).

Alex couldn't wait to open his presents, so after pizza, we let him go at it.  And boy, did he go.  I've never seen anyone open up presents so fast.  He didn't even see what was in each present before he threw it in the pile and moved on to the next one.  I tried to slow him down, but he was on a mission.  After opening all his loot in less than 2 minutes, he decided to go back and see what he actually received from everyone.

He really did get spoiled, with lots of toys, games and fun stuff.  Later in the evening, he asked my sister Char, "So what did you give me?"  I guess that's what happens when you open presents in record time!

We ended with cake and ice cream and a pinata.  The cake was a dinosaur that turned out so cute.  The pinata was a cool dragon that Alex picked out himself.  Alex had a great birthday and is already counting down the days until Christmas.

Alex, you really are such a sweet boy, with a gentle spirit.  You are so loving and caring for those around you.  I love you so much and am so proud of you as you turn six years old.  Happy birthday, cute boy!

The Secret Word is KEYNOTE

When I finished writing Going Google I knew there was a possibility that the book might help open up some new doors for me professionally.  In the education world having a book to your credit is a nice sign of credibility.  It seems like the years of hard work are starting to pay off.

A couple of months ago the Utah Rural Schools Association (URSA) had a cancelation for one of their keynote presenters.  Now, I've presented at this conference for years, but never had the chance to share on the big stage.  It's amazing how things fell into place.  I was asked to give the Friday morning keynote in front of the entire audience of conference goers.

Normally, my presentations focus on technology tools and how they can be used in the classroom.  While the keynote still has a lot of that content, it is more important to inspire the crowd and help energize them as teachers.  Let's just say I was incredibly nervous that I could come up with a presentation that could accomplish that.  I spent days pouring over different stories, videos, and brainstorming with friends.

In the end, everything worked out pretty well.  I was able to share the presentation and I didn't get booed off the stage.  Not bad for a first effort.  Let's just hope I didn't close any future doors by my performance.

Now Batting - Kaaren and the Softball Hall of Fame

Growing up there were a few constants in my world - I was always the biggest kid in my class at school, we would go camping up in the Uintas for our family vacation, and my mom could be found at the Complex twice a week (or more).   I think Jason and Alicia would agree that we practically grew up over at the playground near the ball diamond.  Because Mom was always scoring slowpitch softball, we would tag along and experience the world that is the Complex.

My mom lived and breathed County Rec for most of my life.  Whether it was working at the Rec office during the day or her evening trips to the Complex - Mom was County Rec sports.  When she retired in 2001 we all knew that there was a big void in her life.  My mom was always part of the action and it took her a while to adjust to life in the country.

A few months ago my mom's old boss contacted me and asked if I would be willing to nominate my mom for the Utah Softball Hall of Fame.  I had never even heard of the HOF, but I said we'd be glad to help.  After calling several of the scorekeepers from the past 30 years, I was able to track down my mom's extensive history as a scorekeeper for the County.  The application was submitted, and my mom was accepted as member of the 2009 class of the Utah Softball Hall of Fame.

Last night was the induction ceremony.   We headed over to the Complex for a barbecue dinner and the  program.  In classic County Rec form, a storm blew in from the South and forced everyone into the catacombs to complete the proceedings.  Even though it was a little chaotic and noisy, it was a very nice event.  Watching my mom accept the award was an incredibly satisfying moment - she really deserves it!

I know I don't say it enough Mom, but I love you.  I am so proud of the work you accomplished and the devotion you showed to your profession.  It's not everyday that someone get inducted into a Hall of Fame - but if there's anyone who belongs in the Utah Softball Hall of Fame, it's you.  Congratulations!

Take a look at the pics....

Bouncing Away

One of the many things I've learned while parenting is to be flexible.  I had a lot of ideas before we had kids about the types of activities that were acceptable and some that weren't.  Before having kids I never imagined buying a trampoline.  No way - too dangerous.  I didn't want to be the house where all the kids got hurt and we had to deal with angry parents.

Then we were offered on a free tramp.  Our neighbors had bought a new trampoline and were looking to unload their old one.  We decided to have a family vote, with the results  being 4-1 I knew it was time.  Little did I know how much the kids would love it.  They were outside all the time, away from TV, away from video games - being kids.

So when the tramp died a couple weeks ago (big tear down the side) we had a choice to make.  Would we buy a replacement trampoline?  It would go against my pre-children ideas of acceptable play.  I would be a flip-flopper who changes his opinions when it was expedient.  Could I become a tramp guy?

Big deal.

In the end, I loved the idea of a family activity that gets us outside and off the couch.  Any time you can be active and get a little exercise it's worth it.  Plus, I love watching the kids jump.  They have the best time.  I'm sure someone will get hurt eventually, but I always tell my kids to "get busy living" and now we're bouncing away the days.

The Streak is Over

I have been driving for over 20 years. There have been momentary lapses of judgement. I ran a stop sign once. Made a few illegal turns. Had a broken tail light. I have never been cited for a traffic violation. Never, that is, until today.

I was headed out to a workshop at Copper Hills High School and I was going too fast. I knew I was speeding, but I didn't know what the speed limit was. As I saw the flashing lights I knew I was in trouble.

I thought I might get a break since I was driving a state vehicle and haven't ever gotten a ticket before.  No such luck.  I was going 15 miles an hour over the limit (I learned that I was in a 35 mile an hour zone)

The streak ended as I was ticketed for driving 44 MPH in a 35 zone. The cop did give a break for a good record - super!  It's killing me. I am a total grandma driver and now I have a speeding ticket. ARGH!