Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Family Reunion Info - Map and Rules
Hello, Family!
Here is the first of several posts that will give info about our family reunion! For future reference, we will label all these posts with "Family Reunion 2013," so you can click the label link (at the bottom of the post, under the comments button), or find the link on the right hand side of the blog (under the "Labels" section). Clicking on this link will pull up all the posts related to this year's family reunion.
First of all, we wanted to include a link to a wonderful Google Map that Mike made. This map shows the route from Grandma and Grandpa Bean's house to Heise Hot Springs, and if you zoom in on that area, you will see the individual campsites we have reserved, as well as various fun things to do there! Check it out here (make sure you are using Satellite view, not Map view, for the most accurate map).
Secondly, we need to make you all aware, per the campground managers, of the camp rules. Please read these carefully and go over them with your children. They are as follows:
Heise Campground Rules
1. All campers must register upon arrival.
2. Checkout time is 12 noon. Sites are to be vacated at this time unless prior arrangements have been made with the office (*note: prior arrangements have NOT been made with the office, so we will all need to be gone from the campground by 12 noon on Sunday, August 16th).
3. Each vehicle must have a vehicle pass with the gate entry code. Do not give this code to anyone.
4. Only two vehicles allowed per registered camper.
5. Fires are allowed in the fire pits provided. Do not move fire pits.
6. Place trash in cans provided, not in fire pits.
7. Do not leave your fire unattended. Put it out when you leave.
8. Horseshoes are allowed in designated areas only.
9. Quiet hours are from 10:30pm until 7:30am. After 10:30, you should not disturb neighboring campers. Quiet hours are strictly enforced.
10. Generators will not be operated in the campground (except for power outages).
11. No drinking to excess or loud parties.
12. Pets must be kept on a leash, kept quiet, and picked up after. Do not leave dogs unattended in or around your RV or campsite.
13. No fireworks or water balloons allowed in the campground.
14. No big rugs. They kill the grass.
15. Any violations of these rules may be grounds for evictions. No refunds.
Thanks, everyone! If you have any questions, let Mike or I know. We will continue to post more info to the blog as the family reunion gets closer!
Here is the first of several posts that will give info about our family reunion! For future reference, we will label all these posts with "Family Reunion 2013," so you can click the label link (at the bottom of the post, under the comments button), or find the link on the right hand side of the blog (under the "Labels" section). Clicking on this link will pull up all the posts related to this year's family reunion.
First of all, we wanted to include a link to a wonderful Google Map that Mike made. This map shows the route from Grandma and Grandpa Bean's house to Heise Hot Springs, and if you zoom in on that area, you will see the individual campsites we have reserved, as well as various fun things to do there! Check it out here (make sure you are using Satellite view, not Map view, for the most accurate map).
Secondly, we need to make you all aware, per the campground managers, of the camp rules. Please read these carefully and go over them with your children. They are as follows:
Heise Campground Rules
1. All campers must register upon arrival.
2. Checkout time is 12 noon. Sites are to be vacated at this time unless prior arrangements have been made with the office (*note: prior arrangements have NOT been made with the office, so we will all need to be gone from the campground by 12 noon on Sunday, August 16th).
3. Each vehicle must have a vehicle pass with the gate entry code. Do not give this code to anyone.
4. Only two vehicles allowed per registered camper.
5. Fires are allowed in the fire pits provided. Do not move fire pits.
6. Place trash in cans provided, not in fire pits.
7. Do not leave your fire unattended. Put it out when you leave.
8. Horseshoes are allowed in designated areas only.
9. Quiet hours are from 10:30pm until 7:30am. After 10:30, you should not disturb neighboring campers. Quiet hours are strictly enforced.
10. Generators will not be operated in the campground (except for power outages).
11. No drinking to excess or loud parties.
12. Pets must be kept on a leash, kept quiet, and picked up after. Do not leave dogs unattended in or around your RV or campsite.
13. No fireworks or water balloons allowed in the campground.
14. No big rugs. They kill the grass.
15. Any violations of these rules may be grounds for evictions. No refunds.
Thanks, everyone! If you have any questions, let Mike or I know. We will continue to post more info to the blog as the family reunion gets closer!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Family Vacation
Yes- I like vacations. A lot. And they have to involve the beach (almost always). So next May is our next planned vacation. We've planned on going to S. Cali BUT I found that allegiant if flying direct to Hawaii from Boise... and this April tickets were at $300 round trip. That is pretty cool and exciting, and I have to admit that I am tempted. IF I can save a bunch of money, that might be an idea, but either way- next spring we are vacationing.
THE POINT IS- we would like to invite anyone that would like to come. I realize that work, life, time, etc. happens, so don't feel bad if you don't come. We have just found that we LOVE traveling w/ our Aunts and Uncles and always want everyone to feel like they can come if they want.
And I travel cheap. Like, really cheap. But would love to go w/ a beach house again.
THE POINT IS- we would like to invite anyone that would like to come. I realize that work, life, time, etc. happens, so don't feel bad if you don't come. We have just found that we LOVE traveling w/ our Aunts and Uncles and always want everyone to feel like they can come if they want.
And I travel cheap. Like, really cheap. But would love to go w/ a beach house again.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Oblivion
So, I have been waiting for this movie to come out FOREVER. Unfortunately, it has questionable material so I will likely never watch it. However, the reason I was so excited as because one of my favorite bands, M83, was commissioned to to the entire soundtrack. I have been listening to it and love it. Wouldn't it be cool if more movies commissioned artists to write original music just for the soundtrack?
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Weekly Recommendation: mental_floss
I miss two things about college. I miss the unique passion for and depth of literary discussion that can only be found in 300- and 400- level English classes. College was like the best book club ever. And I miss the joy of simply learning. So this week my recommendation is for a product that has brought that particular joy back into my life.
It's my new favorite publication, mental_floss. I first learned about it in one of Ken Jenning's wonderful books (all of which I also highly recommend), but I didn't check it out myself until a couple months ago, when I found a copy at our library. Since then, I have been reading through all the old issues that the library has.
Each issue of mental_floss contains articles, quick facts, and photos about random information from all disciplines - history, science, technology, current events, literature, art, etc. Alton Brown even has a food column in each issue that is reminiscent of his show Good Eats. The articles discuss topics that range from powerful nuns throughout history, to the dark internet, to influential TV shows, to Russian science experiments. The articles are so fascinating that I often can't put the magazine down. Some interesting facts I have recently gleaned from mental_floss include:
1. Though people credit Benjamin Franklin with coming up with the idea of Daylight Savings Time, the forum in which he "proposed" the idea was a satirical article criticizing French laziness.
2. Jelly Bellies introduced their blueberry flavor for the inauguration of Ronald Reagan (who was a lover of jelly beans) so that red, white, and blue combinations would be possible.
3. A man named Boothroyd wrote to Ian Fleming to point out that James Bond's gun was too ladylike, and suggested the more macho Walther PPK. Fleming took the suggestion, as well as several others Boothroyd gave him over the years. Boothroyd refused compensation, so Fleming named "Q" (whose real name is Boothroyd) after him.
Each issue also contains fun trivia tests and personality quizzes, which are great fun to take with your spouse. Recent quizzes include: "Are you the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria?" (Mike and I are the Pinta and the Santa Maria, respectively); and "Which forgettable U.S. President are you?" (Rutherford B. Hayes and Franklin Pierce); and "Which defunct political party are you?" (The Bull Moose Party and the Free Soil Party).
mental_floss also has a website, but I actually prefer the magazine, so that is my recommendation for the week.
(Also as a side recommendation, I strongly encourage you to watch this video.)
It's my new favorite publication, mental_floss. I first learned about it in one of Ken Jenning's wonderful books (all of which I also highly recommend), but I didn't check it out myself until a couple months ago, when I found a copy at our library. Since then, I have been reading through all the old issues that the library has.
Each issue of mental_floss contains articles, quick facts, and photos about random information from all disciplines - history, science, technology, current events, literature, art, etc. Alton Brown even has a food column in each issue that is reminiscent of his show Good Eats. The articles discuss topics that range from powerful nuns throughout history, to the dark internet, to influential TV shows, to Russian science experiments. The articles are so fascinating that I often can't put the magazine down. Some interesting facts I have recently gleaned from mental_floss include:
1. Though people credit Benjamin Franklin with coming up with the idea of Daylight Savings Time, the forum in which he "proposed" the idea was a satirical article criticizing French laziness.
2. Jelly Bellies introduced their blueberry flavor for the inauguration of Ronald Reagan (who was a lover of jelly beans) so that red, white, and blue combinations would be possible.
3. A man named Boothroyd wrote to Ian Fleming to point out that James Bond's gun was too ladylike, and suggested the more macho Walther PPK. Fleming took the suggestion, as well as several others Boothroyd gave him over the years. Boothroyd refused compensation, so Fleming named "Q" (whose real name is Boothroyd) after him.
Each issue also contains fun trivia tests and personality quizzes, which are great fun to take with your spouse. Recent quizzes include: "Are you the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria?" (Mike and I are the Pinta and the Santa Maria, respectively); and "Which forgettable U.S. President are you?" (Rutherford B. Hayes and Franklin Pierce); and "Which defunct political party are you?" (The Bull Moose Party and the Free Soil Party).
mental_floss also has a website, but I actually prefer the magazine, so that is my recommendation for the week.
(Also as a side recommendation, I strongly encourage you to watch this video.)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Anyone here watch survivor?
Anyone watch survivor? Does Cochran remind you of anyone?
Hey, I am adding to this post.....Anyone watch The Walking Dead (big fans over here)? Does Daryl Dixon (cast name) remind you of anyone? -Steph-
How about this photo? Remind you of anyone?
Hey, I am adding to this post.....Anyone watch The Walking Dead (big fans over here)? Does Daryl Dixon (cast name) remind you of anyone? -Steph-
How about this photo? Remind you of anyone?
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Weekly Recommendation - Pondering
My recommendation will be short and simple, so you can take time to ponder it! One of the things I love about our house is that the master bedroom looks towards the mountains. Our house is on a hill, so it gives spectacular views of the foothills. I've greatly enjoyed taking time to sit and look out the window and appreciate the mountains' beauty. That made me decide to ponder more, and to pay closer attention to the beauty around me. As I've done so, I've been blessed to see the beauty in flocks of geese overhead, in the call of a pack of coyotes at night, or a beautiful early morning sunrise. As such, this week I am recommending that everyone take more time to ponder the beauty around them. Take time to sit still and think. Take time to look at nature, to see the birds, to look out into space, and try to comprend the complex yet simple beauty. God has blessed us with so many incredible things right at our fingertips, yet they are ofter overlooked, lost in the hustle and bustle of daily lives. So take a few minutes each day to notice the beautiful things around you, to say a quick prayer of gratitude and as you do you'll notice it more and more and your life will be enriched. And yes, I know I sound a bit like a hippie, but try it, and you'll see what I mean. Love you all!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Dad's Yearbook Pictures
So a few weeks back Dad and I had a conversation where he said that he was sad that he had thrown out all his old yearbooks. I was sad too, so I began to search. I called Tooele High School and asked if I could order an old copy. Unfortunately, they don't have enough old copies to sell, but, just this year they loaded all of their old yearbooks online. I found a book for every year dad was there and I had a great time searching for him. I thought I'd share and post all the pictures I found here. Unfortunately it cut them off if I blew them up too big so sorry some of them are small. Dad doesn't know I did this so this will be new for him too. I love you, dad, and I hope you enjoy! For anyone who wants to go through these more thoroughly, go to www.skalooza.com and register. It's free and you can look through all the old yearbooks. You can zoom in lots more there and the pictures are much clearer. Unfortunately, Orem High has not yet gotten their books online, so sorry Mom, but I tried.
Freshman '64
Freshman '64
Freshman '64
Senior '67
Freshman '64
Freshman '64
Junior '66
Junior '66
Senior '67
Junior '66
Junior '66
JV Basketball Team, Junior '66
Track Team, Junior '66
Sophomore '65
Sophomore '65
Sophomore '65
Sophomore '65
Track Team, Sophomore '65
Senior '67
Drum Major, Senior '67
Senior '67 on Band Trip
Senior '67
Senior '67
Senior '67
Monday, April 1, 2013
Don't buy this
This is Vanna. Our 2003 Chrysler town and country. And while the angelic glow in the picture may make it appear that I am going to give this vehicle praise: Think again. This car is trouble, no matter what ethereal luminescence it throws off.
As a caveat, Vanna has got us where we need to go. And she has successfully entertained our kids by way of her DVD player, but overall, she has sorely disappointed. I will list just a few reasons why you should never by this car (or really any Town and Country .... Unless you really want to ... Then PLEASE buy ours):
- We have had to replace the rack-and-pinion ... TWICE. Most mechanics say cars NEVER have to have that replaced. So having to fix it twice ($600) is like watching Cheech and Chong win dancing with the stars ... It should never happen.
- We have had to replace the window motor ... Twice! (See pic above to see how we used packing tape to secure the window ... Über ghetto). Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to open your door at the drive through at McDonald's to order, let alone be caught ordering at McDonald's at all? Windows should always work, period.
- The tailgate won't lift when it's cold. It's like this car has attitude and when I push the button to open the lift gate, it responds," Meh." And don't you think that 10 degree weather is certainly the time you need your liftgate the most? When you are glove-bearing and Christmas-package laden? Nope. Chrysler doesn't care.
Now for the laundry list:
- Cracking leather seats
- Tail lights that, after 2,000 miles of traveling decide they are done and literally just fall off on the highway.
- 11 mpg in the city, 18 on the highway
- Automatic doors that never close when you want them to but will crush you in a heartbeat if you get in their way.
- Buttons that spontaneously fall of your remote
- A battery that will die at the most inopportune times
Seriously, it's like our car hates us. In fact, I hope she's not reading this ... It make her even more stubborn ...
As a caveat, Vanna has got us where we need to go. And she has successfully entertained our kids by way of her DVD player, but overall, she has sorely disappointed. I will list just a few reasons why you should never by this car (or really any Town and Country .... Unless you really want to ... Then PLEASE buy ours):
- We have had to replace the rack-and-pinion ... TWICE. Most mechanics say cars NEVER have to have that replaced. So having to fix it twice ($600) is like watching Cheech and Chong win dancing with the stars ... It should never happen.
- We have had to replace the window motor ... Twice! (See pic above to see how we used packing tape to secure the window ... Über ghetto). Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to open your door at the drive through at McDonald's to order, let alone be caught ordering at McDonald's at all? Windows should always work, period.
- The tailgate won't lift when it's cold. It's like this car has attitude and when I push the button to open the lift gate, it responds," Meh." And don't you think that 10 degree weather is certainly the time you need your liftgate the most? When you are glove-bearing and Christmas-package laden? Nope. Chrysler doesn't care.
Now for the laundry list:
- Cracking leather seats
- Tail lights that, after 2,000 miles of traveling decide they are done and literally just fall off on the highway.
- 11 mpg in the city, 18 on the highway
- Automatic doors that never close when you want them to but will crush you in a heartbeat if you get in their way.
- Buttons that spontaneously fall of your remote
- A battery that will die at the most inopportune times
Seriously, it's like our car hates us. In fact, I hope she's not reading this ... It make her even more stubborn ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)