Christmas Day
Welcome to my blog
Christmas Day
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 125 wordsSend feedback •ConnorConnor loved the Christmas tree, but he didn't understand the Santa thing. He did love the new toys.
Jess, Kate, Uncle Mac, Ashley, Aunt AliceUncle Mac's family came for Christmas Day.
Alice, Me, ReedEmily and KateKate the Great is loving BYU, while her cousin Emily is at USU.
Me and KateAnthony, Casey, Taylor, Uncle ArtUncle Art came to see us with his daughter, Casey, and her children: Taylor and Anthony.
My Chinese DaughtersMy Chinese daughters came to spend the day.
Our Chinese Girls and ReedOur little girls from China loved little Reed so much.
Here is a gang of peopleMax in his car seatMax is now a little tub at 7 pounds. See the chubby cheeks!
Permalink
Millard Family Christmas Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 184 wordsSend feedback •We decided to have a Christmas Party on December 23rd, where we shared gifts and had dinner together.
AbbyAbby opens art supplies. She loves to draw.
ClaraClara just wanted clothes.
EmilyEmily just wanted clothes.
RachelRachel just wanted clothes. Okay, they are teenagers.
Rachel, Clara, EmilyThree SistersConnorConnor got a firetruck and a police cruiser which both make lots of noise. Push the button, and away they go. We want Connor to take these home so the parents can enjoy them too!
EllieEllie got the "Little Pet Shop." Same thing for Megan. Someone has done a good job of marketing little plastic stuff that all the little girls want.
SophieSophie got art supplies too.
Cousins: Abby and SophieMarkJeff in a self portraitReedReed had a set of books.
ReedWe love this baby's bright smile. He is the happiest guy we have ever seen. He always smiles.
Cousins: Connor and JillCousins: Ellie and MeganClaraShamane and MaxDennisJeff and Kristin got Dennis a book on lawncare. He will need this come spring!
Exchange Club Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 134 wordsSend feedback •Me and ShelleyTonight was the annual Exchange Club Party at the Ogden Country Club. Shelley and I have been going for 4 years, and since she is moving to Savannah, this was the last time we will do this together. The dinner was great, but the dance floor was so crowded we decided to leave. Just after snapping this picture, my camera fell on the floor and jammed the lens so that it wouldn't work. I thought I'd have to get a new camera (which was perfectly fine!).
Shopping at SmithsOn the way home we stopped at Smith's Grocery store. While I got some food, Rick fixed the camera and took this picture to prove to me it was working. Darn. I'll have to figure out another way to get a new camera!
Going to See Baby Max
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 217 wordsSend feedback •Grandma and MaxWe have lots to do but couldn't help ourselves. We ignored the duties and went to visit Baby Max. He visited the doctor today who was very pleased because he weighs 6' 13" which is a great weight for him. He now looks like a newborn. They have to be very careful because there is always the worry about the RSV thing for a little guy like him. We remember that when Abby was a newborn she picked up RSV and was in the hospital, giving us quite a scare.
Grandpa and MaxGrandpa gets to hold Baby Max for just a little while.
Connnor, Max, GrandmaWe are so happy that there at two brothers.
Connor is mainly interested in the tree decorations and he regularly rearranges them.I don't think Connor really gets this whole Santa thing. He will figure it out soon. In the past when we would leave, he cried, so we would sneak away which made is worse and we felt awful. We just couldn't bear to see him cry. But, we started a new tradition that takes care of that problem. We tell him to go to the window to wave goodbye. We make a big deal of it and throw kisses and he seems to understand the drill.
Update on Baby Max
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 41 wordsSend feedback •Last night Baby Max weighed 6' 7". Wahoo! Shamane is trying to save extra milk so someone else can feed him occasionally so she can sleep. However, Baby Max is draining her dry. We are so proud of our little piggy boy.
Rachels' Concert
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 195 wordsSend feedback •ChoirTonight we went to Rachel's concert in Salt Lake City to hear their Christmas performance. It was beautiful. Rachel is in the top row on the far right.
Big GuyThere is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven, that everywhere I go the biggest man in America has to come and sit in front of me. I am going to start documenting this with photos. If there are 10 little children sitting in chairs, the biggest man in America has been known to move one of them so he can sit in front of me. It never fails!
MarkHere is Mark in the audience. We were singing "Deck the Halls." Rick pointed out that Mark was wearing his gay apparel. We are definitely in the spirit here.
MeganMegan believes that catching a nap whenever possible allows for the right amount of energy later when the goodies appear and it is important to wiggle through the crowds to get to the table.
MeganShe can be awake when necessary. When I showed her this picture, she said, "Look Grandma, I didn't blink!"
Me, Rachel, GrandpaWe are proud of Rachel and everything she does.
English Department Christmas Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 58 wordsSend feedback •Friends from the English DepartmentToday was the WSU English Department Christmas party held at the Alumni Center.
Kim and EmilyKim is the Department secretary and without her, nothing would happen! She is awesome. Emily came with me because she was close by having just visited the orthodontist and had her braces removed. Notice the bright smile!
Max is Almost 6 Pounds
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 23 wordsSend feedback •Grandma and MaxMax is growing and we are sooooo happy.
Connor and GrandpaConnor constantly reminds us of Dennis at this age.
Mark and Michele's Family
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 23 wordsSend feedback •The Hoferitza FamilyThe Crazy Picture of the HoferitzasAs I said before, it is in the genes. They love to do this!
Commencement
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 92 wordsSend feedback •Today was WSU's 130th Commencement.
Curt and MeCurt and I are getting ready for the processional.
Jeff and CarlForrest and BarryStan is retiring, but we think he will hang around for a while.
MikeHere's my boss, the one and only Mike.
Bob MeyersThe guy in profile is Richard Myers (Myers Funeral Home). He is our neighbor. He's one of my favorite people.
President Millner speakingI really hope I can be working here when one of my family comes through the line to graduate from our university.
President Millner's Christmas Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 281 wordsSend feedback •The President's Christmas Party was held Wednesday night, December 12th, at Rickenbackers this year. The food was fabulous.
Me and Provost MikeMike and I checked out the desserts first. Mike said to say that he made the pie. I didn't realize this, but it looks like I am about to stab my boss, which would be a very bad thing since he does lots of nice things for me, like, oh, let's say stealing jewelry for me. Something like that.
Me President MillnerHere I am with President Millner. She is catching on to the blog thing. I'm not sure how long I can get away with this.
Me and ShelleyHere I am with Shelley. She is going away and some folks will shed tears! She has a new adventure in Savannah at a new university. Thing just won't be the same!
Shelley and RickHere's Shelley and Rich. She's not taking Rich to Savannah. At least, not right away. I will spy on Rich to see what he is up to while Shelley is in Savannah. I will take photos and put on the blog. We will all be entertained.
Camille and BradCamille and Brad are some of my favorite people! Brad belongs to the Breakfast Club, a very exclusive group.
Curt and MarshaCurt and Marsha live close to Shelly and Rich. Maybe they could help me spy on Rich since this will be my new hobby.
Me and CarlCarl and I are both adjunct for the English Department. And, we both have other full time jobs where they pay us money and expect us to do things. This is how it works at WSU.
Update on Baby Max
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 35 wordsSend feedback •Baby Max went to the doctor today, and weighed in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces. We knew we would make him into a little porker! And, he was 18 1/2 inches long. The doctor was pleased. We are thrilled.
English Department Christmas Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 66 wordsSend feedback •Friends from the English DepartmentToday was the English Department Christmas party held at the Alumni Center.
Kim and EmilyThis is Kim who runs the English Department. Without Kim nothing would happen! She is the most awesome secretary in the world. Emily came to the party with me since she was close to campus. Today she got her braces off so she is smiling happily.
Max and Reed
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 67 wordsSend feedback •Max and ReedLast night Kristin took this picture of Max and Reed. It is hard to think of Reed as a baby now! Max is 5 pounds (we hope) and Reed is about 20 pounds. Max is 11 days old and Reed is 8 months old. We love these boys! Note the skinny little legs on Max. He has the Haddow appetite so we know he will pork right up!
Jeff and Kristin's Family
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 87 wordsSend feedback •Sophie, Kristin, Reed, Jill, Jeff, EllieHere is the photo of Jeff and Kristin's family that I will use for my Christmas card this year.
The real Millards?This is the photo that Jeff and the kids would like me to use for my Christmas card. Kristin is the only one of the crowd with sense. That is because she does not have the family's DNA. And, to all of you in the extended family, yes, this is your gene pool! You should be very very frightened.
Dennis and Shamane's Little Family
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 121 wordsSend feedback •Connor holding Baby MaxHere is big brother Connor holding baby brother Max. This is his very first time to hold his little brother. I had to think very hard about who Max resembles in the family. It finally came to me. He looks like Shamane's Grandmother Barbara Butler! I think Max will look like Shamane's side of the family. Connor certainly looks like Dennis at that age.
Dennis, Connor, Shamane, Baby MaxI'm trying to take some photos for my Christmas Card. This is my first picture of Dennis, Shamane, and both of their little boys. We are so lucky to have Baby Max here. We think (and we hope) he is gaining weight because he seems to eat lots.
Visiting Temple Square and Seeing the Lights
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 7 wordsSend feedback •Here we are with our Chinese Daughters
Going to Visit Santa
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 94 wordsSend feedback •Four Hoferitza GirlsJill and ConnorJillJillKristin, Jeff, and ChildrenAbbyClaraEllieRachelSophieGrandpa and JillGrandma and GrandpaReedConnor was mainly interested in riding up and down the escalators, and didn't care much about Santa at all. Later we ate at the food court where some of the little girls had cheese sticks dipped in batter and fried. We can only imagine how many grams of fat is in one of those! Next year we are going to Ogden's Christmas Village to see Santa. We have our reasons.
Panel Discussion at WSU
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 70 wordsSend feedback •Richard Richards, Jim Hansen, Dan Jones, Randy HoriuchiWe had a panel discussion at WSU. It was on Politics and Ethics. Leaving, I met Dan Jones in the elevator, who warmly recalls Mac. He said that Mac was the smartest guy on the planet! He also said I should ask Mac why he didn't fly out to hear his (Dan's) speech. I didn't mention that Mac was golfing in Mexico.
Red Hat Friends
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 14 wordsSend feedback •FriendsRed Hat annual Christmas party was held at Rickenbachers at the Ogden Airport.
Clown Night at Golden Corral
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 63 wordsSend feedback •Connor and the ClownSome people in our family like to eat at Golden Corral. They are all under four feet tall. They like to eat there because you can get little bits of everything, play in your food, and then get dessert. The clown, however, was a first. Golden Corral actually had a clown who did animal balloons. Connor wanted a frog.
Update on Baby Max
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 133 words2 feedbacks •MaxHere is Baby Max with his Daddy's hands. You can see how little Max is now that he only weighs 4 pounds, 6 ounces!
Eyes openHere is Max with his eyes wide open. He is alert and looking around. Everything about him is perfect except for the fact that he is little and we are hoping to turn that around fast.
Max with Grandma and GrandpaMax is so tiny that the premie baby clothes are huge on him. He is smaller than a baby doll. The doctor is confident that all will go well for him and we just have to wait for him to gain weight. We love little Max so much and feel so lucky to have 3 grandsons along with the 8 granddaughters. We are the happiest grandparents on the planet.
USU Symphonic Band Concert
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 192 words1 feedback •Connor watching Max and RubyConnor travels to Logan. The person who invented DVDs in cars for children should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! We will be glad when Connor is old enough to use the earphones because we were sick and tired of hearing "Max and Ruby." It kept him happy in the car and that was the most important thing.
Symphonic BandHere is Emily playing in the USU Music Department Symphonic Band. Of course you cannnot see her, but she is there nevertheless.
Connor at the performanceConnor liked the first half of the performance. He listened to the music while sitting on my lap.
He even applauded. But, because he is a 2 1/2 year old, he decided that the second half of the performance should be dedicated to running all around the Kent Performance Center.
Santa DirectingAs is tradition, the director tripped and fell on stage just before the last number. He was in so much pain he could not direct and so, Santa directed the last number. I didn't catch on to the gag at first and thought the guy had really hurt himself!
Hoferitza Girls
Connor Goes to Church
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 82 wordsSend feedback •ConnorConnor went to our church today. He loves going to the Nursery. He ran in to see all the toys and his new friends, and never looked back. He was happy to see us when we came to get him, but he wasn't happy to see where he was going! He lasted about 15 minutes in Sacrament Meeting and then Grandpa took him home. It was partly my fault. He was yelling for apple juice and I had forgotten his sippy cup.
Boys and Girls Club Breakfast With Santa
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 59 wordsSend feedback •Jeannie, Me, Chris Z.Today was the annual Boys and Girls Club Breakfast With Santa event.
Jody and MetoysToys are there for the children to choose as gifts for their siblings. Other items are for them to choose for their parents.
Wrapping tableThe Pleasant View Stake youth help (along with others) the children wrap the gifts.
Baby Max Duncan Millard Comes to the World
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 311 wordsSend feedback •MaxBaby Max arrived at about 6:30 PM. He came out with a whoosh, spashing everyone. His Mom felt a sharp pain in her right rib. The doctor said that it was Max's foot. He pushed himself right out into the world! He only weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces, so he had to be wrapped up tigtly in blankets to stay warm.
MaxBaby Max and his DaddyMax's Daddy was right there to welcome him into the world. Even though he is small, everything is working and he is completely developed. He just wasn't getting enough nourishment in the womb due to a placenta problem, so it was time to be born and get some real food!
Grandma and MaxI felt so lucky to hold him when he was only a few hours old. He had to get really warm before they would give him a bath.
Connor and MaxConnor was happy to see his little brother.
MaxMax Duncan MillardMaxMax and ConnorConnor and his MommyHaving DinnerMaxMaxMaxMax gets his first bathThey took little Max to the nursery for a while to warm him under a lamp so he could have a bath. He doesn't have any body fat to keep him warm. We need to fatten him up! Usually, fat is not a problem in this family!
Getting a bathAuntie Michele and Baby MaxAuntie Michele says he is smaller than a Bitty Baby, and we agree. We have never had such a small baby in our family. We usually produce those 9 pounders!
Me and Baby MaxWe feel so lucky that everything went well and he is safely in our family. Now, the challenge is to fatten him up and he came with the typical Millard appetite so we won't have any problem there. Welcome to the world, Baby Max!
Lauren Receives an Award
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 35 wordsSend feedback •Lauren, Provost Mike Vaughan, MeMy friend, Lauren, received an award today. She was nominated by a student as being a spectacular professor! There was a lunch in honor of the awardees--I was Lauren's date! :)
Flowers for Sally
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 122 wordsSend feedback •SallySince I had surgery right before John's funeral, I didn't get out to choose a flower arrangement to send to the funeral home. It didn't matter because every flower in Ogden that day was at the Pleasant View Stake Center. Sally and I both agreed that we had never seen a funeral with so many flowers. When Grandma Millard died, Sally brought a beautiful basket of artificial flowers that we still treasure to this day. We decided to do the same for her. I found the perfect arrangement that matches her colors in her house. Sally came over to our house tonight because we had important business to take care of. So, we gave her the flowers and she loved them.
Clara's Concert
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 69 wordsSend feedback •ClaraMichele, Megan, Me, Abby, and ClaraClara performed at a Christmas vocal concert where she did 2 solo performances. We could not believe that our little Clara could sing so well! Clara, you were magnificent, and we know that you got that talent from the Hoferitza side of the family. Rick and I are the only people we know who have been invited not to join the ward choir!
Moving Furniture
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 39 wordsSend feedback •Rick and DennisHere are Rick and Dennis taking bedroom furniture from our house to Dennis' house. This is the bedroom set that we bought for Dennis when he was 3 years old. Now it goes to his little boys.
Saturday After Thanksgiving
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 216 wordsSend feedback •ConnorWe went to see Connor at his house. He showed us how he likes to prop up the chair cushion and sit underneath with his blanket.
Connor and his toysConnor showed us one of his favorite toys that he keeps in his bedroom at his new house: Icebreaker. It has cars that come down a track and break through fake ice.
Connor at the ComputersThen, Connor showed us how he likes to get into Daddy's computers when no one is looking. He tries to do lots of things with all that equipment. He likes to put disks in places and rearrange things so Daddy will be surprised.
Sophie and her Ruby SlippersLater, the men were watching the BYU/UU football game. That didn't interest most of us. We have better things to do. Sophie, winner of the "Name That GA Contest," was treated to her choice of Sunday School Shoes, so we went shopping. She wanted Ruby Slippers from Target, so we complied.
Ruby Slippers all aroundThe last time I took a granddaughter shopping for Sunday School Shoes, she ended up with spike heels! This time I did a little better. Never mind the trail of sparkling red glitter these leave along the way. What my princesses want, my princesses get!
Thanksgiving Day 2007
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 364 wordsSend feedback •Shane and Reed coming as IndiansShane came from Provo and we were glad to see him. Reed came as an Indian in Shane's honor.
Reed as a PilgrimReed also became a Pilgrim. He is wearing a paper Pilgrim hat.
Megan the Indian and Ellie the PilgrimThere were many Indians and Pilgrims. It was Thanksgiving, after all.
Christina holds ReedOur beautiful Chinese girls came to celebrate their first American Thanksgiving. They love holding Baby Reed. It would seem that he was the star of the day.
Lavendar and ReedLavendar holding Reed
Nadia and ReedNadia holding Baby Reed
Emily and ReedEmily holding Reed
Reed and his MommyOkay, so most of today's pictures ended up of Reed. He is so cute we cannot help it! We love to see pictures of him with everyone.
Uncle Art and RickThere was plenty of turkey; on the table and at the table!
Emily and her DaddyAmy and Aunt DebbieJill, Jeff, Dennis, MicheleYou can make up anything you want to go with this picture. However, we can pretty much conclude the cutest one is Jill. Jill has her own fan club.
ConnorAunt Debbie and Uncle ArtWe can thank Uncle Art for explaining to our Chinese friends exactly what communism means! Yikes!
JillThree little girlsJill and ShaneSlicing PieWe had pumpkin pie and apple pie. This was something new for our friends from China. We explained the American customs. First, you look at the calendar. Then, when you see that it is time for Thanksgiving, you go to Costco where they have the Thanksgiving pies. There--that is the way Thanksgiving is done.
Eating PieSophieThe ThesbiansWe were treated to a dramatic presentation of nursery rhymes, directed by Abby. This is where the cow jumps over the moon.
Ending SceneIt ends with Jill being the laughing dog. For some reason, this was really funny. You had to be there.
ShoefairThen we had a Shoe Fair. This is where everyone gets to raid Grandma's shoe closet and grab their favorites. The purpose of this is so that Grandma can go buy more shoes.
Grandma and Obama
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 30 wordsSend feedback •Grandma and ObamaIs there any doubt who Grandma intends to vote for in this election? To her dismay, Clinton will probably bump him out, but Obama remains her favorite.
Boys and Girls Club Scarecrow Extravaganza
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 28 wordsSend feedback •Mr. Hall, Jeannie, and Chris Z.Alan and MeOur preliminary numbers look like we made over $100,000 this year. There were 47 tables and lots of things to buy.
John's Funeral
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 11 wordsSend feedback •Dennis playing the bagpipes at Logan CemeteryDennis, Emily, and Rick
John Thomas Caine V
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 2 wordsSend feedback •North Ogden
Weber State's Last Home Game
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 142 wordsSend feedback •SophieWhen they are passing out purple teddy bears, it is best to have your grandmother with you so they don't overlook you in the crowd. Waldo was throwing the teddy bears to the fans, and no one is a bigger fan than Sophie. You know Sophie was going to have a purple teddy bear or else!
Sophie and her DaddySophie and ChristinaWe took our beautiful Chinese girls to the game. It was the first time they ever saw American football. They made it through 3/4 of the game before they wanted to leave. Luckily, we were ready to go home too. Weber won, so all is well.
With the CheerleadersThe WSU Cheerleaders were happy to have a picture taken with Sophie and our friends.
Flag TwirlerThe game isn't complete without our favorite flag-twirling guy. He is very cool.
Lunch with Hatch Friends
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 182 wordsSend feedback •Norma, Melanie, Susan, Trish, Me, Teri, TinaThe Hatch staffers were in Ogden today so we had lunch at the Union Grill. I resisted the urge to photograph my plate of food! Trish and Susan love to go to the Shepherd's Bush, which is owned by Tina and Teri. And, Tina and Teri are aunts to my own little Kristin. It is like a giant circle of friendships and family relationships. We ended up at the Shepherd's Bush for cross stitch stuff, but I couldn't make up my mind about what I wanted so I have to go back. There was the story of Trish and Susan on the plane and Trish had Susan's scissors (red, white, and blue ones from Shepherd's Bush), and lost them somehow. Trish took the padded seats off the frames and crawled on the floor frantically looking for them. We can't even imagine what the other passengers were thinking. The flight attendants searched until they found them. Those scissors were very precious. Ironically, Tina and Teri brought gifts for Trish and Susan. You guessed it: new scissors!
Ogden City School Foundation Dinner
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 88 wordsSend feedback •Lewis, Me, Mike, CarlTonight was the annual dinner and literary event for the Ogden City School Foundation. Lewis says the label for this picture is Christina and her male escorts.
Now I have become a food critic. This looks spectacular, but the taste was boring. The black Japanese rice was new for me, and I kind of liked it. The seafood needed more spice and the beef was not so tender. Next week we have the Boys and Girls Club event and the food will be spectacular!
Grandma Green and the Diamond Ring
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 56 wordsSend feedback •John, Mom, Alice, Mac, MeTonight we gave Mom the diamond ring. There are 10 diamonds: one for her, one for our father, and one for each of her eight children. She had to get to be 85 years old to get a diamond ring, which is a very long time. She will wear it and be happy.
Lunch at the Hilton
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 52 wordsSend feedback •Lunch at the HiltonThis is what it looks like when you feed lunch to 2,108 people. That's the number of the attendance at the 49th NCURA Conference. I first attended this conference in 1986. Looking around, it occurred to me that I am one of the older folks there. It is rather disconcerting.
Dinner at Sesto Senso
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 54 words1 feedback •Me and AmandaOur friend, Amanda (congressional staffer) took us to her favorite restaurant, Sesto Senso, at 1214 Eighteenth St. NW. It is now our favorite restaurant too! Amanda and Todd both work on the Hill--one for a Democrat and one for a Republican. It is a very fine mixed marriage.
Ravioli to die for!
Senator Hatch's Office
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 75 words1 feedback •Trish in PurpleSenator Hatch's Chief of Staff, Trish, didn't know we were coming, but she was dressed in purple! She is a Wildcat!! She will be in Ogden this week so we hope to see her there. We know she will be at the Shepherd's Bush.
Running with the torchYou can pretend it is the Olympics, and if you try really hard, you can imagine me running with the torch. Well, maybe not.
Sophie Wins New Sunday School Shoes
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 28 wordsSend feedback •Indeed, sitting next to L. Tom Perry, is none other than Earl C. Tingey, one of the Presidency of the Seventy. Sophie had that identified within one hour!
Walking Around Washington
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 7 wordsSend feedback •Washington Monument at NightEinstein and Me
Hanging Out at Dulles Airport With L.Tom Perry
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 168 wordsSend feedback •Me, Elder Perry, and a GASpencer and Elder PerryYes, we were at the airport with our favorite of the twelve, Elder Perry, who is a very good sport. Having said that, after a little while with us, Elder Perry jumped up and practically ran onto the plane. He said, "Oh my, are they calling our flight?" Which they weren't, but we could tell he wanted to get away from the likes of us. Now, a contest. The first one of my granddaughters to email me with the correct name of the GA sitting beside Elder Perry wins a new pair of spectacular Sunday School Shoes! Hurry!
The CaddyAfter a very long bus ride to the Gold Parking lot (he should have parked in the Purple Parking lot), we claimed the Caddy to get to town. Spencer is wearing his old man hat; very appropriate for the Caddy.
Allison and SpencerWe had dinner with Allison (with Secretary Leavitt's staff). She is a friend to WSU!
Clara and Grandma
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 57 wordsSend feedback •Clara and MeToday Clara and I went to Hobby Lobby and made Christmas Cards. I have a little machine that makes cut outs and I have never learned to use it. Now I am inspired. We had lunch at Hometown Buffet. I'm thinking maybe we won't go back. A day with my Clarabelle is absolutely wonderful!!!
Halloween
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 52 words1 feedback •Jill as TinkerbellTinkerbell posesSophie is the Bride of Dracula (I think)The Bride of Dracula and her fatherEllie the Wicked WitchRead has dinner as a tailgate partyReed in his puppy costumeRachelMeganConnor as Thomas the TrainShawn (Kristin's brother) and Lindsey as very cool pirates
Birthday Party Time
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 44 wordsSend feedback •Clara is 15 Years OldRick is 63 Years OldLavendar and ChristinaOur beautiful Chinese friends tried on the Birthday Hats.
NadiaEllie and her dollLavendar and JillReed has his first bite of ice cream at six months of age!Three Little Girlies
The Diamond Ring
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 122 wordsSend feedback •My mother had her 85th birthday a couple of months ago. We all bought gifts and celebrated. Then, we decided to do something special. In her entire life my mother has never owned a diamond. So, John, Mac, Art, Joe, and I pooled resources and bought a beautiful diamond ring. I went to every jewelry store in Ogden and found the best ring at the best price at John's Jewelry. It is gorgeous! My little camera could not take a photo that does it justice, so this is blurred. There are 5 rows of diamonds with 2 diamonds in each row. It is being sized right now and I will pick it up next Friday. We are all excited for her to have it!
Emily and Her Friends from USU
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 80 wordsSend feedback •Emily and four of her friends from USU came to Ogden to go to the Weber State University Institute Halloween party. This is known to be the best Halloween party around for university students, and a little think like distance doesn't stop them when fun is involved. After the party they spent the night at our house rather than drive the canyon in the dark. We are glad for this! It was fun to have all these cute girls here!
Spencer and I Bumming Around
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 235 wordsSend feedback •Spencer and his new carSpencer and I met in the parking lot of Home Depot. He wanted to show me his new car and I wanted him to load my new window blinds in my van. Spencer bought a 1990 Cadillac from some old people who only drove it to the golf course so it is like brand new. He practically stole it from them at $1000 plus some personal service (never mind). Someone is driving it to Washington DC for him so now when we are in DC I can look forward to driving around with Spencer in a very fine Cadillac that will probably be stolen from him within a week. Very fine Cadillac's like this one are very much appreciated by the folk in DC. Spencer wants everyone to notice the WSU license plate. Very cool!
Lorraine and SpencerI wanted to go for a ride in the new Cadillac, so we went to North Ogden to the candy store to see Lorraine. We ate as much chocolate as we could possibly stuff into our mouths during one hour, and finished it off with a Diet Dr. Pepper. Lorraine loves Spencer too, and I am willing to share him! He is wearing his orange Ogden High sweat shirt, and he says he looks like a big pumpkin. This is nice because it is almost Halloween. We could say we were Trick-or-Treating at Lorraine's.
Frightmares at Lagoon
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 128 wordsSend feedback •Pumpkin Patch at LagoonPerfect Sophie and Precious JillGrandma's Baby Abby and Grandma's Buddy MeganAwesome Emily and GrandpaGirls playing piggybackGrandma and Precious JillJill and Megan ride the helicopterSophie and EllieThe brave ones riding Ladybug BopGrandma's Buddy MeganRiding the Dino DropDino Drop againAbby and GrandpaSophie and JillGrandma and Amazing EllieHalloween Funny FacesTrick or TreatingTrick or TreatingTrick or TreatingTrick or TreatingTrick or TreatingPrecious Jill rides the scramblerLittle Jill was not afraid of anything--even the goblins roaming Lagoon. The wilder the ride, the better for her!
Jill and Grandma on the ScramblerMegan on the Merry-Go-RoundAmazing Ellie on the Merry-Go-RoundGrandma's Baby Abby on the Merry-Go-RoundPerfect Sophie on the Merry-Go-RoundKids
This is my Friend Alec from China
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 103 wordsSend feedback •AlecThis is my friend, Alec, in China. He called me on the phone today and we talked for about one hour. He is amazing! In about 20 days he is going to Australia to visit a friend, and then he is headed to Cambridge University to study for a year to earn an MBA. He was offered a scholarship there and I know he will be a fabulous student. After Cambridge, it is his goal to go to Columbia University to study journalism. I am so glad to have him as a friend. I know the paths of our lives will cross again.
Connor Really Did Go to Church Last Sunday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 188 wordsSend feedback •Connor in his Church clothesHere is Connor all dressed up in his Church clothes. We wanted everyone to know that he really did go to Church. However, we learned that Connor really isn't all that religious, as he didn't think much of Church at all. He and Grandpa ended up in the hall playing.
Connor and his monkeyLater that evening we went to the airport to pick up Shamane and Dennis. In the car the conversation went like this:
Me: Guess what Connor! We are going to get Mommy and Daddy. Don't you want to see Mommy and Daddy?
Connor: (wide eyes looking at me like I'm nuts) They're gone!Maybe you don't miss your parents when you have 2 other adults who do everything you want and take you to McDonalds whenever you ask; who let you watch cartoons whenever you like, and have as much candy as your heart desires. At the airport, Connor (the runner) had his monkey on his back. Grandpa held the tail and Connor could go wherever he liked, which mainly consisted of going up and down the escalators about 50 times.
Sunday Morning
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 82 wordsSend feedback •Connor has a bathConnor playing with ThomasWe were a little late for church. Never mind. We were a lot late for church. When you are 2 1/2 there is much to do to get ready for church and we aren't used to this at our house. We are usually fast. In Connor's world, before church we must play with Thomas the Train. We are just the grandparents. We don't make the rules. We pretty much don't care if we are late today.
Saturday Afternoon
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 129 wordsSend feedback •Cousins Tinkerbell, Old Witch, Dorothy, and ConnorWe went to see the cousins who were trying on their Halloween costumes. This was fun. We stayed to play with them because they have lots of toys. Pretty soon Connor was hungry.
ConnorLuckily, Uncle Jeff knows exactly what little people love to eat, so he cooked some macaroni and cheese.
Jill has Macaroni and CheeseBaby ReedBaby Reed had cereal. Someday he will join the mac 'n cheese crowd.
Of course, later we had to go back to McDonalds. This makes it a daily stop. Who else will take you to McDonalds whenever you want other than your grandparents?
Connor was pretty well worn out after climbing through the tunnels and sliding through the tubes. So, we headed home.
Saturday Morning
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 64 wordsSend feedback •We got Connor up at 8:30 AM and started the day. He had a bath and we made his hair all cute and spikey again. He wasn't hungry, but we tried to feed him scrambled eggs.
Grandpa took him to the airport where they looked at a friend's plane. Grandpa and Connor love airplanes.
Connor has lots of plans for the rest of the day.
Connor's Comes for the Weekend!
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 570 wordsSend feedback •This morning Connor and I took Shamane and Dennis to the airport so they could go to California to Shamane's brother's wedding. We dropped them off and said, "Let the partying begin!"
Connor at breakfastFirst we went to Dennys for oatmeal and scrambled eggs.
Coloring at DennysWe like to go places where they give us free stuff like crayons so we can color.
Connor at Dollar CutsNext we went to get a haircut for Connor. We decided to have cool-dude spikes. We were very glad to leave the hair salon as we decided we didn't much care for the buzzing thing around our ears.
Ramona and ConnorWe went to WSU where Connor made friends with Ramona. She gave him Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks that Connor liked so much we had to go buy more.
Connor and the WSU WildcatA quick trip to the bookstore was required so we could get the fabulous purple WSU shirt. Of course, we needed a photo with the WSU Wildcat. Traditionally, our family rides the Wildcat upon graduation. So, we decided at this point we would sit beside the Wildcat.
Nap in the CarBack in the car and Connor had to take a nap. Someone woke him at the unearthly hour of 8:00 AM this morning and so he was wiped out.
Connor and his lootWe went to Toys R Us to buy everything we could find with Bob the Builder.
Connor plays the French HornNext we went to visit Auntie Michele where cousin, Clara, shared her very loud French Horn.
Connor chasing the catConnor had fun chasing the kitty under the table. For some reason the kitty did not want to be petted by Connor. Go figure!
ConnorThe day isn't complete without dinner at McDonalds.
Connor captures a red balloonWe had to make a trip to RC Willey because the microwave blew up. Lucky for us they were giving away balloons at RC Willey. Okay, they really weren't giving them away, but they were tied to a chair and we wanted one.
Connor long goneNext, we went to Target. Connor is a runner. Look carefully and you will see the little speck in the middle of the picture. Yep, that's our runner boy. He is very fast and Grandpa had to run like the wind to catch him. We were sad because somehow the darn balloon got loose and floated up to the ceiling in Target. Bummer!
Connor in Best BuyWe had to make a trip to Best Buy to get a new DVD player for our bedroom. It seems Connor wants to watch his new Bob the Builder DVDs until 2:00 AM. The good news is that they were giving away balloons at Best Buy. Okay, they weren't really giving them away, but they were tied to a display and having lost our red balloon at the last stop, we wanted a yellow one! The little men in blue shirts were amused.
Connor and the Monkey on his BackUncle Mac has grandson, Jack, also a runner. We learned this from Uncle Mac. You need to have a monkey on your back! These fine monkeys come from Target. What you cannot see is that the monkey has a very long tail that Grandpa can hold while Connor takes the monkey for a walk. This will come in handy tomorrow we are sure!
Millard Kids
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 13 wordsSend feedback •Grandma and EllieGrandpa and Baby ReedGrandma and JillGrandma and Reed
Beechcraft Hats From Brad S.
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 20 wordsSend feedback •My friend, Brad S., sent Beechcraft hats for the Millard guys! Wahoo! I owe him big time.
RickDennisJeff
Conference Sunday in Salt Lake City
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 140 wordsSend feedback •Last night we went shopping and bought beautiful new high-heels for Rachel. She looked stunning. We think her parents will really be stunned.
Rachel in her Sunday bestBreakfast at the Inn on the HillBreakfast was served at the Inn on the Hill.
Rachel in the Conference CenterWendys for lunchKyle at Wendys
Our family at the Temple GroundsCousins, Kyle and RachelOur boy Kyle is an awesome 13-year-old! After spending the weekend with him we realize how lucky we are to have him in our family. One thing I really noticed was how well he treated his mother and his grandmother. Kyle knows how to treat ladies. Someday there will be a very lucky girl that will get a husband who is sweet, funny, charming, handsome, and smart. Kyle, you rock!
Joan, Kyle, JenTemple Square
Rick's Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 122 wordsSend feedback •We started the day at the Family History Library.
Jennifer at the libraryKyle at the libraryMichele and Rick at the LibraryMichele came down to do some work. She has connected with a woman in South Dakota who knows lots of stuff about the Suttons. That is one line the Millards are working on.
Rick wearing the birthday fish hatWe went to McGraths for lunch and since it was Rick's birthday, they brought him a treat and sang Happy Birthday while he wore the special fish hat. It certainly is different than the family birthday hat.
Michele, Jen, kidsMarkMe and JoanRachel, Myan Diver, KyleWe went to South Jordan to the Myan to see the divers.
Breakfast at Inn on the Hill
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 89 wordsSend feedback •We are spending the weekend in Salt Lake City for Conference.
Me and RickHere we are having breakfast at the Inn on the Hill. Today is Rick's 63rd Birthday. Here he is with his spectacular birthday gift.
RickJoan and JenniferJoan and Jennifer came from California. Jennifer bought her son, Kyle.
Me and KyleWe love this boy! He is the only one who got the coveted red-hair gene from his Great Grandfather Millard. We always wished for the red hair and Kyle did it for us!
Oklahoma City, Oct. 1, 2007
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 220 wordsSend feedback •I went to Oklahoma State University to see how they work with Tinker Air Force Base. Maybe there is something WSU can learn from them! We started in Oklahoma City.
We took a trip on the river taxi that runs through downtown Oklahoma City.
Look below: Here are some of my friends with whom I traveled (yes, it was the old grandma and 3 very cool dudes!).
Brad S.Brad M.CurtMemorial reflecting pondWe went to the site of the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma Murrah Federal Building. It was very sobering.
Chairs for each victimEach chair represents a person who died. The little chairs are for the children.
Looking back toward the entranceCurt and MeThe Oklahoma Department of Commerce Building is built around an old church. They preserved much of the church, including some of the stained glass windows. Curt and I are here in someone's office. Wouldn't this be a spectacular place to work?
We were treated very well. The folks from Oklahoma State University were very generous with their time and information. Glenn and Tom spent the better part of two days sharing their city and university. WSU hopes to be able to do some of the wonderful things that OSU does in the way of economic development and serving their military base, Tinker.
Reno, Nevada on Friday, September 28-29
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 145 wordsSend feedback •I went to Reno to a conference for Intermountain University Research Administrators (IMURA). I have been part of this for almost 20 years and so many faces are familiar. It is like a very fun club!
Edric and KelseyI stayed over Friday night so I got a chance to visit my niece, Kelsey and her husband, Edric. I haven't seen them for so long and I miss them.
Aurora, Duncan, ChristinaThese are all special. Aurora because she is brand new; Duncan because he (and his mom) lived at our house when he was little; and Christina--well, that speaks for itself!
ChristinaOkay, so I am very partial to this little angel who is named for me. Everywhere we went she held my hand. I adore this little sweetheart.
AuroraLittle Aurora is so precious. They are very happy to have number 3 in their family.
Weber Wildcat Football in the Rain
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 46 wordsSend feedback •Sophie at the stadiumJeff bought tickets to go to the Wildcats football game. The Wildcats lost and it poured rain!
Sophie, Jeff, Ellie, MeWe still had fun. The band was great. The Alumni Band played too. However, we liked the flag twirlers the best!
Michael Brustein Comes to WSU
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 129 wordsSend feedback •Julie, Michael, Me, RamonaMichael Brustein came to Utah and presented to some of our faculty on the subject of federal compliance issues. When he does a national seminar the participants have to pay $600 and the conference fills up 3 months in advance. So, he thought it was hilarious that we paid our professors with a $30 gift card to Barnes and Noble to get them to come! After serving as a prosecutor for the federal government, he started his law firm in 1980 defending the same clients he used to be against. Now he has 15 lawyers with plenty of business, which is why I was anxious for WSU folks to hear some of his stories. Kind of makes you want to follow the rules! And, he is a really nice guy!
Ashley's Wedding
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 26 wordsSend feedback •Ashley and JakeAshley and JohnJohn and 2 Grandchildren: Carston and HannahJohn and his Mother, AftonCutting the Wedding CakeChris and RickSally, Chris, Ashley
Relief Society Retreat at the Stake Camp
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 29 wordsSend feedback •The theme was Hawaiian so some of my friends did the hula.
Pat was the best!Bonnie and Me (I love Bonnie!) Tonight was special for us--we know why.
Real Men Can Cook
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 34 wordsSend feedback •Me and SusanRamona and SusanShelley and MeMe and the Mayor of OgdenReal Men Can Cook is a fund-raiser for the YCC. This is the 16th year. The food is fabulous.
Rich Raises the Jolly Roger
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 31 wordsSend feedback •Rich and the Jolly RogerThis is our Attorney, Rich. He hoisted the Jolly Roger because he just won a very big case which has made everyone at WSU very happy!
The Little Girlies
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 34 wordsSend feedback •Ellie was playing in the dirtSophie has now lost both front teeth!Sophie, Baxter, Jill, EllieWe are not sure, but Jill may be wearing her Wildcat-purple make up for a long time!
Jill Decides to Apply Her Own Make-up
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 15 wordsSend feedback •Our Jill Made BeautifulJill and GrandmaWe think this is hilarious!
The legs too!
The American Provost
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 0 wordsSend feedback •
WSU Getting a Username and Password
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 80 wordsSend feedback •Ryan and our FriendsLate last night we ended up back at the university where Ryan devoted over one hour helping us with usernames and passwords so the women could go back to campus Saturday morning and use the computers. This made us get home very late and they were exhausted, but it was worth it. They are dying to contact their families back in China. Of course, the internet is the easiest and least expensive way to do that.
Greek Festival
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 142 wordsSend feedback •Front of Greek Orthodox ChurchLast night Yas and I took our Chinese friends to the Salt Lake City Greek Festival sponsored by the local Greek Orthodox Church where Yas attends (she knew everyone!). We watched Greek dancing and ate tons of wonderful Greek food. Yas did a short demonstration of Greek and I joined her which was hilarious to our friends from China and everyone else who was watching. Someday I'm going to get Yas to seriously teach me some of this!
Listening to the ChoirWe went inside the Cathedral and listed to a presentation about Greek Orthodox beliefs and heard the choir sing. The music was magnificent! The beautiful stained glass windows depict scenes from the New Testament. I explained the pictures. Our friends are interested in learning about as much Utah culture as possible.
Front of the Cathedral
Friends from China Arrive
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 197 wordsSend feedback •Yas and ShelleyLast night we welcomed 4 Chinese professors who arrived at the Salt Lake Airport. Yas and Shelley came as twins. They didn't give me the message or I might have dressed in the uniform.
Lavendar, Amy, Nadia, ChristinaThey were very tired from all the travel, but were happy to be in Utah.
Lavender, Amy, Me, Nadia, ChristinaThe airprt was crowded and some flights were diverted due to the thunderstorms. We were lucky that their plane was able to land.
Bob and MeNobody could have a better friend than Bob. Very few people have as much fun as Bob, so we all like to spend time with him.
Yas, Bob, AmyPC and the ProfessorsPC wanted to be sure that President Sun knew he was at the airport to greet the women. I have to send this to President Sun.
Nadia and ShelleyChristina and ChristinaI first met Christina in 2005 on my first trip to China. She accompanied President Sun from Heilongjiang College, and we met in Beijing. We saw each other again when we visited the College.
The CondoHere is the condo that they will call home until December.
Connor Had a Sleepover
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 65 wordsSend feedback •ConnorConnor spent the night. He is a night owl. He finally went to sleep at 1:20, while Boombah (or some such thing) played on the television. Since he insists on sleeping with us, we are forced to watch cartoons. Except for me of course. I just take a sleeping pill and let Connor and Grandpa stare at the tube. What you won't do for grandchildren!
Sunday Dinner at Home
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 21 wordsSend feedback •Sophie lost a front toothClaraMeganEllieKristin and ReedRachel Clara EmilyConnor has dinnerBaby Reed and Me
Mark's 47th Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 16 wordsSend feedback •Mark and the Birthday CrownMarkMark blows out the candlesWe celebrated Mark's 47th Birthday.
Emily's Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 47 wordsSend feedback •Emily and the Birthday CrownEmily and the familyWe celebrated Emily's 17th Birthday. Rick and I made a metal magnet board for her to take to USU to put above her bed. I printed some family photos to go with it so she would remember home.
Our boy, Shane
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 119 wordsSend feedback •Shane and RickOur boy, Shane, came to spend the night. We have missed him because we haven't seen him in a long time. Provo isn't that far away, so we need to go there more often. There might be more time once Dennis' house is finished. We figured out today that it has been almost a year since that building project started! Yesterday, a car rammed into the Social Security Administration Building in Provo. This is the very place Shane works! He has been there since graduating from BYU. I tried to get him to spend another night, but he has season tickets to BYU's football games and he will in the crowd this afternoon!
Me and Shane
Purple Pancake Day at Weber State
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 120 wordsSend feedback •Brad, Me, John, NormPresident's Council was serving breakfast for the students. It was "Purple Pancake Day." Here is Brad (V.P. for Community Relations) doing rabbit ears behind me! He will pay for that! John K. is the Director of Media Relations. Norm is the V.P. for Business Affairs.
Pancake LinePurple PancakesMe, Provost Mike, Jan, President Ann MillnerNotice my own boss, Provost Mike, is wearing his favorite overalls. They guy bleeds purple!
AvaThis is my good friend, Ava. We work together at OSP.
Fox News covers Purple Pancake DayFox News covered the activities live. Of course they had "Big Buddha" as the commentator. We love Big Buddha!
Me, Big Buddha, President Ann Millner
Congressman Bishop's Town Meeting in North Ogden
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 82 wordsSend feedback •Town Meeting at North Ogden City CenterCongressman Bishop and MeI'm adding this to my collection of pictures of Congressman Bishop and me. I expect to reach 100 pictures one of these days. There were about 70 people at the town meeting and during the question and answer time, I took the opportunity to tell everyone how much the Congressman does for Weber State University. I asked him to comment on No Child Left Behind and he said it was a horrid bill. :)
Reed in his new sweater
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 88 wordsSend feedback •ReedMy friend, Lorraine, has friend with a knitting machine and she makes very cool stuff for babies. I loved this little sweater and pants. The name on the sweater is very cool. Isn't he the cutest thing in the world????
ReedWeren't the parents smart to name this baby Reed? Everyone who sees Baby Reed and who has seen his Grandpa Reed, says he is a dead ringer! The genes are there. We hope he grows up to be exactly like his Grandpa Reed.
My little girlies
Visiting Our Boy, Connor
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 69 wordsSend feedback •Connor as a movie starConnor and GrandmaShamane, Connor, and Dennis in their new kitchenWork is going well on Dennis and Shamane's new house. The kitchen cabinets are in and they are moving toward carpeting, light fixtures, and a few odds and ends. They will move into the house in a couple of weeks. New baby boy is due in December, so we are excited about that!
Wedding Shower for Ashlee Caine
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 113 wordsSend feedback •I remember when Ashlee was born and so it is amazing that she is old enough to get married. Today was a wedding shower.
Bride--Ashlee and her sister, JennyToilet Paper Bride OneHere is a very silly game. We made a bride's dress, veil, and bouquet, all from toilet tissue.
Toilet Paper Bride 2Me and SallySally and I have been friends for almost 25 years. This is a quarter of a century! Yes, we are a little older, but we are also wiser. We have been around the block a time or two. Some think the years have not been kind to us, but the good news is we really don't care.
English Department Adjunct Faculty Retreat
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 220 wordsSend feedback •Every year we have a retreat for the English Adjunct faculty. Adjunct means part-timers with no benefits. Lucky me since I am a full-time employee.
Me and ScottScott is the Director of Writing, and he is my boss for this gig. Scott is the one who first turned me on to blogging. He is a great blogger. He actually writes meaningful stuff instead of rambling and posting funny pictures like some people.
Me and TeriTeri is my best friend from grad school and she is teaching at WSU. She is amazing and I love her! I have learned everything I know about surviving from Teri. She is alpha-woman!
Kaydee and SunniKaydee was in grad school with me and Sunni is Teri's daughter. Who knew all those years ago we would end up together doing something we all love. We are having that little jolt of energy that always happens just before the semester starts. Talk to us in 14 weeks when we are winding down and there will be a different story!
Laurel and MeThis is Laurel. We agree that when we teach we pretend we are her mother (Donna). It just so happens that Donna is the greatest English teacher in America. All of Laurel's children now go to school and she is free at last!
Back at McDonalds for Breakfast
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 29 wordsSend feedback •We must be nuts. If one of us dies of a heart attack it will be our own fault.
McDonalds breakfast junk foodDiet Coke for my breakfast drink.
Wichita State University
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 421 wordsSend feedback •We went to Wichita State University to see their program, National Institute of Aeronautical Research (NIAR). They have created a partnership among the university, the Air Force Base, and aerospace businesses centered on aircraft support. This is a perfect model for Weber State University.
Me and Curt at FreddiesWe had lunch at Freddies, famous for fries and frozen custard.
Sign at Hawker BeechcraftOur first stop was at Hawker Beechcraft, where we were welcomed. I couldn't take photos inside the facility, but it was amazing to see how aircraft were built. We started at the beginning where the sheet metal was formed, and ended up in the delivery hangar where a new King Air was ready for a customer.
Some of our groupBack in the lobby we posed with one of their first aircraft. Then, off to Wichita State University.
We are visiting NIARGary and John TomblinWe were given a wonderful tour of the NIAR facility located on the Wichita State University campus.
I do not know what this machine is!Another lab shotJohn TomblinJohn Tomblin, the Director of NIAR has been very generous with time and information.
In the NIAR windtunnelThe wind tunnel was spectacular! This photo doesn't show much.
Here is the photo from their websiteGary H.Gary from the Governor's office came with us and agreed that the facility is something that would be a wonderful model for Weber State University. We thought it was a sign that Wichita State University is WSU and Weber State University is also WSU. This is very cosmic!
CurtThis is Curt smiling after I invited his seatmate to trade places with me. She was a very crazy lady and I wasn't happy with the man sitting next to me, so this worked out very well. I hate being squeezed into airplane seats with strangers! Usually I end up next to a 300 pound man. We were diverted to Colorado Springs because there were thunderstorms over Denver. Then they had to check the plane because we hit a few birds coming into Colorado Springs. I'm sure they went to birdie heaven. Then after 2 1/2 hours on the ground due to some mechanical problems, we finally took off for Denver.
Brad S.Brad S. had buried his head in the classified section of a newspaper to avoid the crazy woman across the isle. He also was happy that I moved her away. With late planes and bad weather, I didn't get back to my home until 11:45 PM.
Back to School Day
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 47 wordsSend feedback •Susan, Ramona, Ava, Me, TonyToday is back to school day. Our office attended the breakfast at the Dee Event Center, to hear President Millner welcome staff and faculty. There was a slide show and our office was happy to see our number of $10m on display!
Boating at Pineview
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 116 wordsSend feedback •Last night we took Rachel and went to Pineview to go boating. It was rather windy, and threatened some rain, but that doesn't scare the boaters. There was a little lightning and that did scare me!
RachelMike on his boatWe met up with out next door neighbor, Mike, who had a group of kids from the ward for the outing.
Preston and girlsMike had a 3 person tube, so of course Preston was there with a couple of girls. Later, Preston did some skiing behind our boat, but the water was pretty choppy for everyone else.
Rachel on the 3-person tubeRachel and a couple of boysRickMe and RachelSunset at Pineview
Our Pretend Son, Preston
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 71 wordsSend feedback •Rick, Peston, MeHere we are with our pretend son, Preston, who heads off to USU at the end of the week. We have had a great summer with a basement-dweller, who has cheered us up and reminded us of how spectacular it is to be 18 years old! We will miss him and we know he will go on to wonderful things. He will always be our boy in a way.
New Faculty Retreat at the Homestead
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 59 wordsSend feedback •I am at the annual WSU New Faculty Retreat at the Homestead. I am getting to know the new faculty members. Tomorrow I will do a presentation about how great the Office of Sponsored Projects is for the university, and how we can help the faculty in their careers.
Shelley and MeShelley and I always have fun together.
Ashley is headed off to Pittsburgh
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 36 wordsSend feedback •Ashley is headed off to Pittsburgh to attend a wedding. I won't see her for a little while, but she is soon headed back to Provo. Tomorrow I am headed back to Utah.
Ashley and Me
Jack's Birthday Party--he is Two Years Old
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 67 wordsSend feedback •I am visiting in Virginia and so I got to be at Jack's second birthday party. His mom is home in Boston with Baby Lauren, so Jack is like me, hanging out at Poppy's house.
Jack contemplates the cakeCandles are litBlowing out the candles!Ashley helps Jack open his giftsJack is introduced to Thomas the TrainJack and Uncle JohnJack and his Poppy
The Haddow Family Comes to Visit
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 230 wordsSend feedback •Tonight we had some of the Haddow clan to our house. Annie is visiting her brother and sister in Provo, so they came to Ogden.
Annie, Baby Wendy, me and SarahSarah, Annie, and WendyWhen you get your picture taken you should smile. And, if you don't smile, your sister may offer some help. Apparently Wendy was not smiling enough to suit Sarah.
Annie and her two little darling girls, Sarah and WendySarah seems so grown up now that there is a new baby in the family. Little Wendy has had trouble gaining weight. This may be a first for our family! The good news is that she is 10 months old and up to seventeen pounds. We have been praying that she would get bigger, and sure enough, she has. Tonight we stuffed her with steak, chicken, rice, and her favorite: green beens.
WendyKate and JessWe watched Rocky IV on TV which is pretty much like Rocky I, II, and III. Katy and Jess fell asleep and missed most of the show.
Uncle Rick and SarahSarah loves her Uncle Rick. We have lots of photos of these two.
SarahSarah found a little duckie in the toybox and she loved it so much she had to take it home. This is very lucky because that duck was looking for a new family! How perfect is that???
July 24th, 2007 Bangkok Post (sent to me by friends living in Thailand)
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 120 wordsSend feedback •(Section called Odds and Ends)
Clarence and Mayme Vail, longtime Hugo, Minnesota residents, are the longest-married couple alive in the U.S. They tied the knot on February 17, 1925 when they were both teenagers. The secret of success for their 82 year marriage appears to be to let the wife get her way. "Let's face it, someone has to shut up," said Mayme, a lively 99 year old. "I'm not the one." Clarence, 101, sensibly advises young grooms: "Just do what she wants you to do."
Three of their six children, now aged 69 to 81, have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries. They have 39 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren and 40 great-great-grandchildren.
A final word from Mayme about her husband: "He's a nice guy, and he does what I say."
Our Provost Might Want to Make us Aggies
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 34 wordsSend feedback •What do you think of the overalls? Are we going to be a new Aggie School? Is our Provost going to start milking cows? We are taking purple to new levels.
Me and Mike
Grandma Green was in Town
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 159 words1 feedback •Grandma came to town briefly to renew her Utah driver's license. She was happy to pass even though she is 85 years old! We all think she has no business on the road with all her eyesight problems, but if the DMV says she can drive, who are we to argue?
Michele, Mom, MeWe went out to see how Dennis' house was coming.
Grandma, Uncle Art, Connor, DennisHere is Grandma, Uncle Art, Connor, and Dennis. Uncle Art is very fat. In fact, Uncle Art points out that our whole family seems to be fat. He's right. We are all fat. Uncle Art went to the doctor and had a physical and the doctor said that he is in perfect health except for the fat problem. Uncle Art says we are all fat because of genes we inherited. Uncle Mac says we should all get together and file a class action law suit against our mother!
Connor and Dennis
We get a new baby boy for Christmas!
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 66 wordsSend feedback •Dennis and Shamane had the ultrasound today and we were happy to learn that a new baby boy is coming to our family in December. This means Connor will have a brother and Reed will have a Millard boy cousin. And, this means 2007 will be the year of 4 babies in our family:
Kristin and Jeff--Reed
Kelsey and Edric--Aurora
Jami and Jon--Lauren
Shamane and Dennis--Baby Boy Millard
I have taken up my old time hobby of crocheting
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 65 wordsSend feedback •My sister-in-law, Kathy crocheted a baby blanket for my new grandson, Reed. Inspired by her work, I decided to take up crocheting again, and I crocheted a baby blanket for Kathy's new granddaughter, Aurora (born on Saturday). And, I was so happy with the blanket, I made one for Mac and Alice's new granddaughter, Lauren, born yesterday. Tomorrow I'll mail them to the new moms.
Had Dinner with Rob Bishop
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 64 wordsSend feedback •I had dinner tonight with Congressman Rob Bishop. We went to Hunan, but I was so full from lunch I could hardly eat anything. Our Congressman had to be back for a 10:00 PM vote. The session wraps up at the end of the month and they are all very busy, but the Congressman always makes time for Weber State University.
Congressman Bishop and Me
We Were Ellen's Very First Visitors
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 14 wordsSend feedback •Here is Ellen, only 11 hours old. We got to be her very first visitors.
Lunch with Staff from Congressman Rob Bishop's Office
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 13 wordsSend feedback •We had lunch at the Capitol Grill, and everyone bleeds purple.
Having fun!
Washington DC, Dinner with Senator Hatch's Staff
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 94 wordsSend feedback •Spencer and I were on the same Delta flight, arriving today at about 4:30 PM. Spencer was able to make the dinner arrangements and since he rented a car, we learned how to operate a Garmin GPS system. It took both of us to figure it out. Now I want one!
Trish, Spencer, meAll of UsSpencer took this photo in a men's room and emailed it to me. You have to make up your own caption. It just looks like something the men in my family would understand.
(make up your own caption)
July's Birthday Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 96 wordsSend feedback •Yesterday we celebrated all the July birthdays. Megan was first.
Next was Jeff.
JeffNext was me--60 years old!
Last was Michele
MicheleHere is a picture of the oldest grandchild, Emily, and the youngest, Reed.
Emily and ReedAbbyClara and RachelMegan, Ellie, and JillPrestonHere is our pretend son, Preston. The little girls at our house are all princesses and they wear crowns and often gowns! They talked Preston into being a princess. I'm not sure what his family will think when they see this! Preston as a princess????
Baby ReedJill
Spencer came to my office
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 117 words1 feedback •Spencer came by to see me today. We decided to pose wearing my hats. Spencer chose my purple cowboy hat and is acting a lot like a cowboy. I decided to wear my KGB hat (the real thing--not a fake), and look like a KGB agent.
Spencer the cowboy and me the KGB agentSpencer was very jealous and I had to let him be a KGB agent too. He liked it. Spencer wants to be everything and I let him.
Spencer as a KGB AgentRick asked me why in the world I go to work and play dress up. And, he has this comment about me: I seem to be a big goof off!
Friends from China--Hong Kong
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 65 wordsSend feedback •WSU hosted Professor Jiang Yuanan from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Dr. Jiang lectured on traditional medicine. It was fascinating and I took notes on my laptop. WSU is fortunate indeed, to have the opportunity to hear from experts such as Dr. Jiang.
Morteza (Dir. International Students); Dr. Jiang's son; Dr. Jiang; Ken, Assoc. Dean Health Prof.; me; Ching Ling (wife of Dr. Jiang)
WSU July Picnic
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 102 wordsSend feedback •This is my friend, Greg. I had to talk him into this picture.
Ava and TonyRamona and MeI thought I'd be the only one with a purple cowboy hat, but no! Here is Bruce who also bleeds purple!
This is Ed, my friend for about 20 years! Ed teaches chemistry.
Ed and meNow we are really starting to have some fun. Here I am roping a bull. No kidding!
This is a lot of bull!Here is Provost Mike with his Pretty Pony.
Mike and the Pretty PonyAll this and they pay me to be here! What a country!
More Skin Cancer
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 152 words1 feedback •Okay, so here I am with skin cancer above the left eyebrow now. Dr. A. says that this one might not require surgery. He did the freezing thing that hurt like crazy, but I'll take that any day over the Moh's surgery. The mark is red and blistering. He will check it again in a month to see if it needs a biopsy, meaning we call the surgeon again. It was small enough that I might have caught it before it got big enough to require more cutting. The one above my right eyebrow is healing nicely and Dr. A. says eventually you won't even notice it. Right now that is hard to believe.
self portrait of my face coming off little by littleDon't ask why my eyes are popping out of my head here. I don't know. I always try not to blink for a photo, hence the pop-eyed look.
Saturday night Connor came to spend the night, and other family members were in the Sunset production of "Cinderella."
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 170 wordsSend feedback •We went to Sunset for the community theater production of "Cinderella," to see Michele, Emily, Clara, Rachel, Abby, and Megan on stage. When I watched the news, I learned that the temperature was 105 degrees. This was an outdoor production, so you can imagine how the heat made us feel.
Me and Connor waitingWe got there at 6:30 to try to get a good seat, but even that was too late. The play was supposed to start at 7:00, but they had to delay to 7:30. We had to let Connor out of his stroller.
As it turned out, Connor didn't think much of Cinderella. In fact, he plain didn't like it, so he and I ended up going home and eating scrambled eggs.
Meanwhile, back at the play, Abby and Megan were playing the part of little mice.
Abby and MeganThe rest of them played townspeople and they had a ball. Fortunately, Mark videoed the production and we will watch the entire thing later.
Emily, Abby, Michele, Clara, Megan (Minus Rachel)
Boys and Girls Club Board Party
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 217 wordsSend feedback •Last night Rick and I went to the annual Boys and Girls Club Board party. My couple of years on the board have been really fun with a great group of people. Suzanne and Johnny have a magnificent home and they generously open it to many, including this Board, where Suzanne serves. Chris Z. made his famous barbequed ribs that were out of this world.
Chris Z. at the grillChris, Suzanne, Me and PattyJordan is our Netzsmart Director. He works with kids in schools to teach them about internet safety. This year he has worked with 8,000 kids and does a fantastic job. He graduates from WSU this year--Wahoo! We got to meet his wife, Kara.
Me, Kara JordanJohnny and Suzanne have done some amazing landscaping. Their house is on the side of a mountain so there is terracing, with some of the most gorgeous plants and trees I have ever seen.
waterfall in the back yardJohnny, Me, Chris Z.At the end of the day the issue really is doing what we can for the boys and girls who need a place after school. The Club is only 6 years old, but it has grown throughout Weber and Davis Counties, and provides a safe environment for kids who need a place to go.
Happy Birthday to Rob Bishop
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 71 wordsSend feedback •Tomorrow is Congressman Rob Bishop's birthday. Everyone at Weber State University will be celebrating. He is the Congressman for our district. We cannot count the things he has done for the students at our university. We sent a gift and we are told it is something he will like. It will keep him warm in the winter, and we hope to see him wearing it!
Rob Bishop will be a Wildcat!
My New Theme Song
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 11 wordsSend feedback •Here is my new theme song (courtesy of Rosemary). Remember.wmv
Today is Megan's Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 38 wordsSend feedback •Happy birthday to our little Megan. She is five years old today. This picture is from a couple of weeks ago when we went to Lagoon. She is riding on the family favorite: Bulgy the Wale.
Brithday Girl
Last night we visited Shamane and Dennis
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 123 wordsSend feedback •Shamane and Dennis are working hard on the house. They have about one month to go before they are moved in. The kitchen cabinets should come the third week in July. They are putting putty in nail holes and painting now.
Shamane and Dennis at their front doorShamane's mother, Debbie, was hard at work. She has put many hours into helping.
DebbieMost of all, we like to see our little Connor.
Connor and GrandpaConnor and GrandmaHe was really into throwing a ball back and forth. He was willing to do this as long as someone would chase the ball for him.
ConnorHe is the happiest baby we have ever seen. He always has a smile.
Our happy boy!
Birthday Cake
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 33 wordsSend feedback •Last night Mark made a birthday cake for me. I had lots of help to blow out the candles from Jill and Megan.
Not 60 candles!Lots of help to blow out the candles!
Today I am 60 Years Old!
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 132 wordsSend feedback •When I got to work this morning my office was transformed into partyland! The greatest people in the world to work with are Susan, Ramona, Tony, and Ava! Notice I am wearing a badge that says "Over the Hill!"
PartylandMike and Kathleen surprised me with a spectacular gift. It's in a purple box so I know it is going to be wonderful.
Mike gives me the most gorgeous box in the worldI can hardly waitI am having fun hereA purple Cowboy hat!Mike, Me KathleenIt is Weber so we bleed purple. A purple cowboy hat is the most spectacular gift anyone could get here at our university. And, I couldn't ask for better friends. You only turn 60 years old once, so it is a day to remember.
July 4th Parade in North Ogden
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 129 wordsSend feedback •This morning we went to the parade in North Ogden. We cooked breakfast in front of Mrs. Cavanaugh's chocolate store.
Me, Lorraine, and girlsSophieEllieJillJeffLorraine, Brian, Marie, George, and kidsThe granddaughters are there for the candy!
Looking for the floats where they are throwing candyThey had to wait a very long time this year.Every year we look forward to the best source of the candy: Brian!
BrianI told the girls to always look behind them because Brian is there with the taffy. We think he has more fun than the kids.
Brian throws the goodiesKids at the paradeMe and LorraineMarie and GeorgeBaby Reed enjoys the paradeBaby Reed, the patriotOur pretend son, Preston, Jim, and Rosemary
June 30, 2007 Was A Special Day
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 100 wordsSend feedback •Last evening was very special for our family. Sophie was baptized.
Sophie and JeffAs soon as Sophie was confirmed, Reed was blessed. Then, we all went to Kristin and Jeff's house for a party. Lots of people were there and it was fun.
Mark, Michele and girlsShamane, Connor, DennisShamane and Dennis are expecting a new baby, so we will do this again close to Christmas. We are excited to have a new member of our family, and a new cousin to Emily, Clara, Rachel, Abby, Megan, Sophie, Ellie, Jill, and Reed.
Baby ReedMe holding Baby Reed
Friday Night at McDonalds
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 38 wordsSend feedback •If it's Friday night we are likely at McDonalds. Yes, we hate McDonalds food, but some people in our family love it. And, we are just likely to humor some of those folks.
Sophie, Jill, Grandpa, and Ellie
Dinner at Fleming's Steak House at the Gateway
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 104 wordsSend feedback •We love it when Mac and Alice come to town. Last night we had dinner at Fleming's Steak House at the Gateway. I highly recommend it if you ever go to the Gateway. The food was spectacular, and of course, the company was the best. Rick and I are truly happy when we are with Mac and Alice.
Rick, Me, Mac, and AliceThey are in town to get Katy settled at BYU. With Ashley and Jess in Provo maybe Kate won't get too homesick. It will be okay because if I know Alice she will be back out here within a month anyway.
Sophie Goes to Weber State University
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 122 wordsSend feedback •Sophie and her friend, Michael, came to campus to be university students. Because they live close to campus this was very convenient to crash the class. Also, my university friends humored me in this.
Sophie and Michael in classThey came to disect sheep's brains.
SophieMichaelSophie cuts away!This is amazing, but she really likes to do this! I was terrified that she would cut a finger. The gloves were, of course, entirely too big, but that didn't stop my future doctors.
My friend, Jim, was the Professor for this class. What a good sport he was to have my little darlings in the front row! We will give him credit when they become famous surgeons.
Sophie, Jim, and Michael
Conference at Hamilton College in New York
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 200 wordsSend feedback •I am at a conference at Hamilton College in New York with my good friends, Lauren (teaches psychology), and Brenda (teaches sociology). We stayed at a Bread and Breakfast which was very cool.
Bed and BreakfastWe had dinner on campus last night. WSU submitted a proposal to hold the 2010 Council on Undergraduate Research at our university. The power base of CUR is in the east and they don't want to travel west of the Mississippi. And, they let us know several times that they would never pick a dry campus. We got the message. By Thursday evening we figured we didn't have anything to lose so we shamelessly started lobbying everyone we could get to listen. Our tatics became brutal. We were in a war.
Lauren, Brenda, MeHere I am at the airport grading papers. Syracuse airport has free WiFi. I am teaching English 2010, the regular 15 week semester, in a compressed 8 week format. I feel sorry for the students who have to work twice as fast,and I feel sorry for me who has to grade twice as fast. We just got a call telling us that WSU won the bid for the 2010 CUR Conference. Yeah!
Grading papers
Here is our pretend son, Preston
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 79 wordsSend feedback •Preston's family used to live in our neighborhood. They moved to Arizona. After his years in North Ogden, Preston considered it home so after graduating from high school in Arizona he wanted to spend the summer with his old friends. He is staying at our house for the summer, and then heading up to USU. Here he is after having fixed my vaccuum cleaner. Having a pretend son is very handy! Everyone should have one!
Preston and the vaccuum
Celebrating Sophie's Eighth Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 30 wordsSend feedback •Sophie, her sisters, and some of her cousinsSophie and AbbySophieJill and EllieRachel and ReedReed and his MomReed in his car seatEllie, Sophie, Jill
Back to Lagoon. We must be nuts!
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 294 wordsSend feedback •Yes, we went back to Lagoon. We are crazy, but the babies love it so much we can't resist. Never mind that the temperature was 100 degrees!
Ellie, Jill, Sophie on the helicopteragain on the helicopterJillMeganCousins, Sophie and AbbyJill on Bulgy the WaleOur family has a special history with Bulgy the Wale going back about 6 years ago. Let's just say that we didn't dare go back to Kiddieland for a long time, and in fairness to the employees, they had good reason to hope we didn't come. You'll have to ask me for the story.
Ellie on BulgyJillEllie and JillJill and Ellie loved the Merry-go-RoundJIllJill, Ellie, MeganEllie, Jill, MeganRattlesnake Rapids is Jill's favorite ride, even though you get soaked. Grandpa was forced to ride, but Megan and I waited.
Megan and MeHere they are coming down the Rattlesnake River, knowing there is a waterfall and Grandpa doing everything he can to avoid getting wet.
The gang in the raftYou cannot hide from the waterfallHere are the survivors, all soaking wet. What did they think would happen?
Soaking wet!Clara and I waited while the gang rode the second favorite: the train. I don't get it because that looks like the most boring ride at the park, but they loved it.
Clara and MeNext time we are bringing Connor. We think he would love Kiddieland. There was one little incident in Kiddieland where I was sitting on a bench resting, and some old woman sat down beside me and lit up. Kiddieland is smoke-free, so I reminded her of the rule. She wasn't happy, but I just didn't care. We had a little discussion about smoking and she left.
Emily is Now Working at Baskin Robbins
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 69 words1 feedback •Emily started a new job. Tonight was a practice and training time for the new employees at Baskin Robbins. Lucky us, we got to try anything we wanted. We don't think she will make a career of Baskin Robbins, but we will enjoy visiting the ice cream shop while she is working there (before she goes to USU).
Emily and ClaraRachel, Emily, ClaraMichele and MeMeganAbby
Sophie Plays Softball
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 57 wordsSend feedback •Last night we went to see Sophie play softball. Note the very cool pink baseball mitt.
Sophie in her uniformSophie at batSophie swingsSophie makes it to first baseSophie runs home!Grandpa and EllieJill and Baby ReedJillianReedAfter the game we went to Cold Stone for ice cream.
Jill, Sophie, Ellie
Flowering Clematis
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 44 wordsSend feedback •Last year we planted clematis around a wrought iron arch. The tag says it will bloom all summer and we are delighted with the result of our (Rick's) efforts. We also added rose bushes and pansys, all of which are making the yard beautiful.
Our friends, Dave and Jolene are going on an LDS Mission
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 110 wordsSend feedback •Here are our friends, Dave and Jolene. They are leaving to serve an LDS mission in Brazil. Of course, we will miss them very much for 18 months, but we know they will have a fabulous time in South America making new friends and doing much good. So, it is a happy and sad time for everyone.
Rick, Dave, Jolene, meIn six years Rick and I plan to go on a mission at the same time as our friends, Marilee and Dave. Marilee and I will go to Russia or Italy, while Dave and Rick plan to go to Tahiti. :) Wonder if the Church will have any problem with this.
My Car
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 213 wordsSend feedback •Here is my car. It is a 1994 Astro Van. Yes, that means it is 13 years old and it has 204,000 miles on it. I take a lot of heat (mostly from my kids) for driving this piece of junk, but here is the thing: it keeps on running and it never breaks down. And, of course, it was paid for long ago. From time to time I secretly wish a bus would hit it in the parking lot and then I would have to get a new one. It is on a truck chassis so it rides like a truck, but I have the illusion that I am safer than in a small car. I have 3 car seats in it so I can haul my babies whenever I want. Why would I spend a million dollars on a new car? Spencer calls it the "Millard Mobile." Okay, when it finally breaks down I will junk it and get a new car.
Note the brand new little indulgence for the Millard Mobile. I have a new license plate and it has a Weber logo. And, the plate reads, "OSP" for the Office of Sponsored Projects. I think this is very cool, however, I may be the only one. This may embarrass everyone else at OSP!
Dinner at Cracker Barrel
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 105 wordsSend feedback •Tonight we had dinner with Dennis, Shamane, and Connor.
Dennis, Connor, ShamaneWe met at the Cracker Barrel in Layton where Connor had a good time looking at junk they try to sell to you when you come into the restaurant. Of course, we bought some stuff. We always think about how lucky our family is that Shamane married Dennis. She is a wonderful daughter to us, and a spectacular Mommy to her little boy.
Connor looking at a battery operated NemoAny time we get out the camera, Connor smiles. I remember his father doing the exact same thing!
Connor eating pancakes and eggs
Construction on I-15
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 83 wordsSend feedback •I just have to complain a little. It seems that everywhere I go it takes twice as long as it should because the freeway is under construction. I went to Layton and it took almost an hour to get there because things were backed up on I-15. I think it is just going to be like this all summer and maybe longer. You are wondering why I am recording something like this on my blog. It is because I can.
I-15 under construction
Jim and Annie came to visit
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 76 wordsSend feedback •Jim called today and was headed to North Ogden to visit so we met up at Kirt's Drive In. He was taking Annie for a ride. Annie is 14 years old, and has heart trouble, so things don't look too good. At this point, Jim says Annie should have ice cream because why not? I hope when I am old and have heart trouble someone will just let me have ice cream.
Me feeding Annie ice cream
Groundbreaking at WSU
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 72 wordsSend feedback •The Utah legislature has given the go-ahead, and Buildings 1 and 2 are coming down. Today was the groundbreaking for Elizabeth Hall where the English Department (yeah) and others will live. The newspaper and TV stations were all there covering the event. You would think that big, gold, shovel full of dirt would have been thrown by the President of the University or the President of the Board of Trustees. Nope. It was me.
Breakfast with Spencer
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 54 wordsSend feedback •This morning I had breakfast with Spencer. Notice when he comes to breakfast with me, he wears his Weber shirt. We meet at Dennys where Spencer always eats oatmeal and I have scrambled eggs.
Spencer in his WSU shirtWe talked about business. Spencer is hoping that our friends in Washington DC remember WSU!
Abby's Piano Recital
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 26 wordsSend feedback •Abby had a piano recital and it was fun to listen to her and all her friends play beautiful music.
Piano RecitalAbby at the piano
June 6, 2007: Sophie's 8th Birthday
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 138 wordsSend feedback •For her birthday dinner, Sophie picked her favorite restaurant, Cafe Rio, where we all had Mexican food. There is a little booth in the back where the girls like to sit. The table is in a little niche and they think it is very special.
Ellie, Sophie (birthday girl), JillAfter dinner, we went to their house for a birthday cake. Sophie was telling "dumb blonde" jokes. This is hilarious to me! And, there is nothing dumb about this crowd of blondes!
Sophie and 8 candlesThe picture doesn't show the sisters, but suffice to say Sophie had lots of help when it came time to blow out the candles.
Lighting the candlesGrandpa and JillBaby Reed had a mohawk hairdo, courtesy of the big sisters. He may have a lot of this in his future.
Baby Reed
Dennis and Shamane's House
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 39 wordsSend feedback •Work is progressing on the house.
House in FarmingtonHere are the weary builders. It seems like this is taking a very long time, but they know it will be worth it.
Rick and Dennis in the future kitchen
A Day at Lagoon
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 207 wordsSend feedback •Some of us spent the day at Lagoon. Here is Jill when we first arrived.
JIll in the strollerMost of the time was in kiddie land, which didn't suit the bigger ones. Here they are on one ride (I forget the name).
Kids on rideWe had lunch in the Rose Pavillion (or something like that).
Cousins: Sophie, Jill, Megan, EllieJill and MeganRachel, Abby, SophieDon and Judy were with us.
Three GrandparentsGrandma and JillThe little girls loved the bumper cars. I think Megan rode at least 8 times! It was her favorite.
Ellie in the bumper carsOn the way out the girls cooled off in the fountain at the main entrance. They were really hot and they loved the water.
Jill, Sophie, Abby, Ellie, RachelIf it seems like there are more pictures of Jill than anyone, it is because she was the one who absolutely had to stay with me! It was hard to keep my hands on the rest of them. Of course, the bigger girls could run as they wished. The problem was those who thought they should have been considered "bigger girls," which pretty much means everyone but Jill.
Jill looking like a drowned rat, but happy.
Late Celebrating May Birthdays
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 185 wordsSend feedback •Okay, so we are a little late here, but yesterday we celebrated the May birthdays for our family. It's hard to find a time when everyone can come, and even yesterday we were missing Emily who had to work. In the words of Sophie, "It isn't perfect if one person is missing!" Here is Jill, now three years old. I think she's upset because this birthday was late. She was okay with the gifts, however.
Jill (3 years old)Happy birthday to Kristin.
KristinHappy birthday to Dennis
DennisBaby Reed and his Dad Jeff in the rocking chair.
Jeff and ReedOf course, if it is at Grandma's house, there will be dressing up like princesses. These two princesses are spectacular!
Megan and Ellie as princessesDennis, Mom, JeffMe and MomJIll wanted her picture taken on the sliding board. Yes, she is upside down, and no, she didn't actually slide down this way, but she wants you to think she did!
JillShamane, Connor, DennisHere are Grandma and all the great grandchildren (minus Emily who had to work).
Grandma and Great Grandchildren
Party at Mark and Michele's House
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 107 wordsSend feedback •Last night we went to a party in honor of Emily at Mark and Michele's house.
EmilyMark's family from out of town were there, and Jeff and Kristin came with their kids.
SophieEllieHere are cousins, Megan and Jill in the swing.
Cousins: Megan and JillBaby Reed started out with dark hair but it looks like it is getting lighter as it is coming in.
Grandma Green and Great-Grandson, ReedMe and Baby ReedHere are Grandpa and Ellie.
Grandpa and EllieThe neighborhood block party was going on at the same time so the kids went down the block for a hay ride.
Emily (The First) Graduates from Davis High
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 339 wordsSend feedback •Emily (The First) is our first granddaughter to graduate from high school. Soon she is off to USU, but for now she is still our little girl, and we think she is beautiful.
Emily in her cap and gownHere is our Emily somewhere in the crowd of graduates!
Dee Event Center graduatesHere she is in the center of the picture.
Emily and her friendsHere is Emily with her parents, Mark and Michele.
Mark, Emily, MicheleEmily is here with her other Grandparents whom we love! They have come all the way from Wisconsin to be with her. Since we sit here in North Ogden with 6 bedrooms and 2 of us, we always demand that Don and Judy stay at our house, which is really fun for us. We have many things in common (5 very important things).
Judy, Emily, DonEmily's Auntie Jill came all the way from Wisconsin to be here for her. There are a bizillion people who love our Emily.
Emily and JillEmily and us. We cannot believe we are this old.
Rick, Emily, ChrisWe love this girl! Emily, thanks for being the most amazing granddaughter on the planet. You have always made us proud since the day you were born. You must always remember that you are loved by all of your family forever. USU isn't that far away, thank goodness.
Emily and GrandmaAfter graduation we went to Maddox for dinner. Here are all five sisters.
Five sistersHugs all around.
SistersAfter dinner Emily went to an all-night party for the Davis grads at WSU, where they will have tons of fun.
On the other side of the country in South Carolina our Kate the Great was graduating at the same time (yes, we know she lives in Virgina but it is a long story). Kate, you are amazing and we can't wait to get you out at BYU where we can see you once in a while!
Mac, Kate, AliceYou can see Mac and Alice at this link.
Ogden Regional Hospital Emergency Room
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 109 wordsSend feedback •Today, on behalf of WSU, Shelley and I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Ogden Regional Hospital's new emergency room. This is the hospital where Sophie, Ellie, Jill, and Reed were born, so it is a special place for me and I was happy to go.
Ogden Regional ribbon cuttingA Trauma II Center, the new emergency room has all the newest and finest technology. Shelley and I hope this is the only time we are ever guests at this facilty!
Emergency roomWe met some EMT's who work with Air Med out of University of Utah. Turns out one of them was faculty for WSU's Paramed training program.
Back at McDonald's for Breakfast
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 78 wordsSend feedback •Our little Emily spent the night at our house last night. We took her with us to McDonalds for breakfast. It was so fun to have her along. She is going to the orthodontist's office and then coming back to Weber State University to hang out with me.
Grandma and EmilyIn the fall Emily is going to Utah State University in Logan. It isn't very far away. We can drive it in an hour from our house.
Our friend, Dave, is adding on a room to his house
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 47 wordsSend feedback •Dave and Marilee are adding a room to their house. It is going to be spectacular. Dave and Marilee own Furniture in a Box, and we recommend that you get furniture there!
DaveHere is Dave learning to use a nail gun.
Dave and the nail gun
Going to See Shreck
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 67 wordsSend feedback •Rick took a little time out from his real job of building Dennis' house, to go to the Movies to see Shreck. We are at the Cinemark Theater in Layton.
Me, Megan, Abby, at the moviesOn the way home we sang along with Patsy Cline. Amazingly, Abby knew all the words to "Crazy," and so we just belted out the lyrics like we were doing karaoke.
Memorial Day 2007
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 59 wordsSend feedback •Today is Memorial Day and I'm glad I got to go to my Father's grave last week. I always wonder if I will ever get back to that little town in Pennsylvania again. I typically don't have a reason to go. I'm also glad to have seen Uncle John's grave in the Veteran's section of the Washington County Cemetery.
Sunday and some of the kids came over to our house.
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 266 wordsSend feedback •We had a few of the grandchildren at our house last night. Connor is becoming a typical two-year-old. He wants to play outside on the swings constantly, and someone has to push! He likes to go down the sliding board on his tummy, face first as fast as he can. The problem is that he is too little to climb the ladder so someone has to put him at the top everytime. He exhausted the supply of adults willing to spend time lifting him and it made him mad. Late in the evening he dragged Rick to the back door to go back outside. When he saw it was dark, he was disappointed and exclaimed, "All gone!" These were his only words to describe the absence of sunlight and his view of the swing set.
Connor playing with his train setAbby had a permanent tooth coming in and a baby tooth that wouldn't move. This required a trip to Dr. Liston (our favorite) who did the surgery. Abby remembers the little needle in her arm and then nothing else! Amazing! I know the feeling well.
Abby and her now missing toothRachel was measured on the door and we saw that she had grown one inch in the last six months. She is not a little girl anymore.
RachelEmily had to work and we missed her. Clara didn't have to work so we got to have her for the day.
ClaraMegan immediately put on her Belle costume as usual. She graduated from Pre-School this week, and will go to kindergarden this fall.
Megan
Millard Kids
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 48 wordsSend feedback •This is the picture that Kristin used on her baby announcements.
Jill, Reed, Sophie, EllieWe love the baby's dimple in the chin. This trait shows up in the Haddow family as well as Kristin's family. Reed was bound to show it. We think it is so cute!
Ellie and Jill
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 68 wordsSend feedback •Had a few minutes with 2 of my little girlies today. I can't resist snapping a photo of their sweet little faces every chance I get.
EllieJillOkay, so I wasn't going to put this picture on the blog, but they really like this one the best. They insisted it be shown. I'm going to save this for a couple of weddings in the distant future.
Funny Faces
Last night was Emily's Seminary Graduation
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 78 wordsSend feedback •The Syracuse Stake had their Seminary Graduation last night. Emily was the pianist (making us very proud!).
Emily at the pianoOne of the speakers was a Seminary Teacher who suggested 4 questions to ask:
1. Do you get it?
2. Do you feel it?
3. Do you love it?
4. Are you willing to live it?
These are good questions for LDS people to ask themselves. Living it is the hard part. Some days I just don't want to!Grandma, Emily, Grandpa
Rock in Iowa
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 167 wordsSend feedback •There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. The flag is actually painted on the rock too.
Artist of the rock: Ray SorensonThe patriotism is evident. I am caught in the quagmire of the war. I was not sorry to see Sadam go, but now I wonder if he wasn't good and keeping worse enemies at bay. Perhaps we were right to go into Iraq, I don't know. This I do know: I am not willing to send my sons. We will get a new President and I am guessing that person will pull us out of Iraq. Then what? Will the terrorists become stronger and attack America's soil and American interests abroad? Then what will we do?
I am at Mac and Alice's House
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 83 wordsSend feedback •I am staying at Mac and Alice's house. There is plenty of room!
Tonight we went to dinner at the restaurant where Kate is a waitress. She is also having some interesting experiences driving her new car, but I'm not telling about that right now.
Here I am with Ashley, my sweetie pie! Who is cuter than Ashley? No one!
Mac and Alice tipped this waitress very well. She was a very fine waitress. She will need many great tips for car repairs.
Mom at the Cardiologist
Categories: Announcements [Chris], 78 wordsSend feedback •Today I took Mom to see the Cardiologist. We ended up seeing Dr. Nada, whose name doesn't even appear on the door. We called him Dr. Nada personality. He did a sonogram which looked painful, and Mom said it did hurt.
She goes back tomorrow for another test. The doctor will have results of all the tests on next Monday, and she will be in Utah by then. We will see what the doctor has to say then.
