Happy Birthday Dakota!

Dakota turned 16 today. Where is the time flying to? Dakota was presented to our ward today, and ordained a Priest. When he was standing up there next to the Bishop, I noticed (and so did everyone else) that he is almost as tall as our Bishop. He said that Dakota has a "completely pure heart." It was a very proud moment for me. Dakota has stuggled, and has taught me a great deal about courage and never giving up. Love you, my handsome son!

A few celebrations

A couple of weeks ago, Carson received his "Bear badge" in Cub Scouts (note the paw paint on his face). He also raced his Pinewood Derby car that night.

Micah has been working for a few weeks to earn a reward, in the form of a pet fish. Today, we went shopping and brought our new addition home. Micah named him "Pepper" because he is a beautiful red color.

Dakota is turning 16 years old tomorrow! I can't believe it. Anyway, be bought him a cell phone for this landmark birthday. As you can see, he is getting it ready:)

Back to the evening shift

I am officially going back to the evening shift at work. This was not a move I wanted to make and know it will bring some challenges, but I am trying to accept it with a good attitude. It has become necessary for Carson to do home school (online school) for the rest of the school year. That means that I need to be here during the day to be his teacher. I will really miss my "morning crew" friends at work, but look forward to getting to know the evening group better.

Here is my favorite quote for the week. It came from Dakota's own mouth, just a few hours ago. He always says funny things... "I'm a doughnut pagan, I believe in more than one."

News about chapbook

For those of you following the news about my upcoming poetry chapbook, this will be the artwork for the cover. It is by Cynthia Reeser (thank you very much) and is called "Intrinsic." The publication date is now officially in June. The title is "A Pebble Thrown In Water" and it will be available from "Tiger's Eye Press." You can see a little about it on their website www.tigerseyejournal.com
There is also a small paragraph about me and the contest on www.utahpoets.com where you can link to a picture (too big) and a very short sample poem. This is all becoming very real to me:)

See you later, John Hendrix

This post if full of sadness and memories. Tuesday night, my dear friend Katie's father passed away. Thoughts of him and her family have been swimming through my mind for the past few days. We were in grade school and already best friends when John (the single father of a boy in our class) began to date and eventually married Katie's mother. It was scandalous:)

Over the years, John put up with countless nights of non-sleeping parties. He and Pat took all of us (his, hers, theirs, and I was often counted as one of the bunch) on many adventures. Mostly in the mountains that he loved. Occasionally, it would be a drive in movie where we would all be hidden under blankets giggling in the back of their Suburban.

So, here is to John Hendrix. May you be well now and at peace.