Dec. 23, 1996

Hey! Today our family did our annual Christmas caroling with the other families in our group. (Morses, Wrights, Rhoads & Cranes). After caroling we met at the Rhodes's house and had a potluck dinner and exchanging of gifts. I got a music poster and $9 dollars. I figure that I am now 14 dollars in debt. Considering that Dad owes me 7 dollars I am only 7 dollars in debt! Hallelujah! It appears that I'll be able to pay off my debt & pay for the clarinet. It's a miracle!

Naomi E Ott

Dec. 9th 1996

Hi. It's me again after what seems a decade later. In the last week of August I started what is to be my first full year of public school. So far I have averaged at a 4.0. My mom says that I have the teachers wrapped around my little finger. Maybe I do. There are only 9 more school days until Christmas Break. I can't wait! 2 weeks of! It'll be great. I'll write again soon.

Naomi

July 1996

1 – When we took the car in this morning they told us they couldn’t work on it until the end of next week! Thank goodness my cousin works there. He said he would push it through for us.

3 – Naomi had her first concert today. Unfortunately it was at 8:00 in the morning so I didn’t get to see it. Stephen and the boys all went though. I hope Naomi recognized it as a sign that her brothers really do lover her since they didn’t have to get up early to go.

4 – We went over to the Hundtoffs for a life group pot luck picnic today. It was very nice and the kids even seemed to enjoy themselves. Afterwards we came home and did fireworks. I think it’s getting to play with fire that the boys enjoy more than anything. In the middle of doing ours the display at City Park started so we stopped to watch that. The kids all went up on the roof and Stephen & I sat in Peter’s room.

June 1996

9 – The church voted unanimously tonight to call Ray Gustafson as Associate Minister of Christian Education. I have never seen a church vote unanimously on anything before.

13 – Naomi has made friends with some of the girls in her clarinet class. One of them invited her and 2 other girls to spend the night tonight. They will eat pizza &watch a movie. Her mother will take all the girls to practice tomorrow.

17 – Stephen & the boys left for Philmont today. They were supposed to leave at 1:00 but did not leave till after 2:00 because Norm was late. The car stalled 3 times by the time they got to Denver. Stephen called Daddy who came and swapped cars with him. They finally caught up with the others at the Kochari Indian reservation.

20 – Naomi is spending the night with Brianna tonight. It sure is quiet. The appraiser came earlier today. He really went over the house carefully, did some measuring and took several pictures. He said he would call if it didn’t appraise for enough and we wouldn’t have to pay so much. I’m not worried about that being a problem.

32 – After I got home from work Naomi & I packed up and drove down to Mom & Dad’s for the weekend. Traffic was absolutely crazy. Everybody was heading down to Denver. This weekend is Promise Keepers, the Home School Convention & a large women’s conference and everyone was on I-25 trying to get there!

26 – When I picked Naomi up after work today I also picked up SaraJean so she could spend the night. We went to the show case of homes. It didn’t compare at all to the Denver show. After a dinner of pizza we all played Life

Naomi & I got postcards from Stephen today. It sounds like they are having a pretty good time. He says he has a white beard.

27 – I got another post card from Stephen today. He slipped and hurt his knee pretty badly. He is not sure if he will be able to continue. Of course the card was written last week and I haven’t heard anything from him so he must not be too seriously hurt. He says his beard is white and soft. HAH.

28 – I got the appraisal to day. I knew it didn’t have to worry about it. It appraised at $135,000 which gives us just a little over 32% equity.

29 – I thought Stephen & the boys were going to be home today. At noon he called to say he was back at base camp and that he would be back sometime after lunch tomorrow. I am very disappointed.

30 – The guys got home today. Stephen’s beard is gray & white. He looks like a vagrant off the street. I am so glad they are home.

May 1996

1 – Stephen brought me flowers today. In the morning one of the boys asked what day it was and I said “May 1^st – oh, it’s May Day.” I was remembering the May baskets I would give as a child. Stephen thought I was giving him a hint. It was the farthest thing from my mind. Anyway, he came home in the middle of the day with a boquet of daisies. Hint or not, it was still nice to get flowers.

2 – Naomi got her hair cut today.

5 – My speakout soap box piece was published today. Naomi is totally embarrassed. That’s because I used her name in it. She didn’t mind the article itself – she just would have preferred to remain anonymous.

6 – After Moppets today there was a luncheon for all the workers.

8 – I started work today.

11 – Today was the Mother-Daughter tea.

13 – Tonight they had an ice cream social at Boltz for all the Core Knowledge kids. Naomi enjoyed herself except for the scavenger hunt. Mike Walz just went alphabetically through the list to assign groups. She got “stuck” with to “idiotic” boys. I didn’t go with her to the social because I spoke at the school board meeting. I gave a speech about Bran flakes & Cocoa Puffs. The school board members did NOT like it. Cindy Lopez was “outraged” that I would call PSD education sugar coated fluff.

18 – Stephen and the boys went on a hike with the Scouts today. When they got home Stephen was absolutely exhausted. I don’t know how he will make it at Philmont. I took Elizabeth Murphy & Naomi down to Red Rocks for a Girl Scout Sing. The car got vapor lock right where 76 joins 70. I had to cross the freeway and call my Dad. Of course, I didn’t know it was vapor lock and wouldn’t have know what to do any way. Then on the way home a semi tried to run me off the road. I ended up on the shoulder. I tried to honk at him but I couldn’t find the horn on that car. I much prefer my Colt!

19 – Peter sang with his school choir at graduation today. He and I left right after church so we would have time to eat and get ready.

21 – I took Michael to the orthodontist today. He was concerned that he would end up having to take finals since he was missing a class during the last week of school. I cleared that all cleared with Randy Yaussi. At the orthodontist it turned out the Michael has not been wearing his retainers. He has lost a lot of his correction. Now he has to wear the retainers all the time. Dr. Ebert adjusted them so the help bring his teeth back in line.

22 – Naomi got her clarinet today. We left for Boomer’s Music as soon as I got home from work. Steve McNeil’s wife worked there and helped us with all the details since I know absolutely nothing about the clarinet. Naomi is disappointed though because they asked her not to even try to put it together until the first day of class.

23 – Today was the last day of school for the boys. Michael only had to go in for a speech and was going to ride the city bus home but since it started to rain he decided to come home when I picked up Peter. I took Peter over to the podiatrist where he was fit for orthotics. I hope they will really help. This evening Peter went out to Beau Jo’s with his friends to celebrate their summer freedom. Afterwards they went to a friend’s house. He was out till 10:00.

24 – We went down to Mom & Dad’s today. Stephen came home at 1:00 and we planned to leave by 3:00 but then we found out that Mom & Dad were going out to dinner. We decided to take a nap instead and then Stephen & the boys tried to get to Greeley & the Scout shop before it closed at 5:00. (They missed by moments!) We didn’t leave here until 7:30. Stephen let Peter drive almost all the way down. I would not have chosen a rainy night to be the first time he drove through Denver but he did all right until he got on the Morrison Rd exit.

25 – Today was Westin’s BD party. He was so excited. Every thing had a western theme down to the cake which was a cowboy boot. It’s a good thing Mom didn’t plan the meal to be outside since it is still raining. After watching Westin’s new movie “The Aristocats” we came home. Only 3 of us came home though. We left Michael and Peter there so they can go with Mom and Dad down to Texas for Doug’s graduation & Eagle ceremony.

28 – Naomi had her first clarinet lesson today. She was thrilled. She learned how to put it together, how to clean it, and how to play 4 notes. All afternoon she kept practicing those 4 notes.

30 – After only 3 days of lessons Naomi is playing “Ode to Joy.” Granted, it is only the first part and it is simplified so there ae no eighth notes. Still, it is very recognizable and she is doing a very good job with it.

May 24th

Today we came down to G&G Barr's in Denver. Tomorrow we celebrate Westin's birthday.
N.E.O.

May 23

Schools out Yah Yah Yah (can't you just hear the sarcastic ring). Who cares if schools is out if it's raining cat's and dogs. Bri went to an after school party. They were playing with water ballons when the downpour hit them. Bri was freezing. She also told me that there is a tornado watch out. I doubt it will live long.

May 21

Nothing much happened today. The Brothers & Dad went to Shane Sanker Eagle Ceremony.

April 1996

1 – I went down to Front Range today to talk to one of the advisors about what I might do now that Naomi will be in school. Most of what I would like to do would take quite a bit of schooling. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to be spending so much money on college for me when the boys will be ready for college in only 2 years.

2 – Naomi went to the orthodontist today and got the rest of her braces put on. No sooner did we get home than one of the brackets popped off so we had to go back again. Dr. Ebert said she had really been pushing to try and get that one on any way. At first Naomi said her teeth didn’t hurt at all but by the afternoon they were really bothering her. She wants soup for dinner.

5 – Michael had a physical therapy appointment today. The therapist came out and talked to me while Michael was having ultrasound. He basically said the same thing the other therapist said – Michael will always have to do exercises to keep the hip loosened up or he will have pain.

6 – Naomi’s basketball team looked much better today and won their first game.

7 – Today was the Cantata. It really went very well. I think this was probably the most moving cantata I have ever been a part of. The people who designed the set did an excellent job and all the drama people remembered their lines. I think the congregation really got caught up in it. Afterwards we all sang the Hallelujah Chorus. It was really a wonderful morning.

13 – Naomi had another winning day at basketball. Her team is now 2-2.

14 – Today 26 churches gave up their regular Sunday services and all met together in Moby Arena for worship. They expected about 5000 people but ended up with over 7500. It was really exciting to see that many people come together.

15 – Today was the chili supper for Boy Scouts. Stephen was not happy with Michael or Peter because they just would not go out and sell tickets. The supper went all right but they didn’t have as many customers as they had hoped for.

16 – The boys had a JV meet today at Thompson Valey. We weren’t able to stay for all of it because Stephen had a meeting. We got to see Michael do the shot and the 800 and Peter do the mile. Michael was not happy with his performance in the shot nor Peter with his in the mile but they were both happy with the other races.

I went to the doctor for my yearly physical today and as usual I am galling apart. The latest thing is that I apparently have asthma!

17 – Stephen went to the doctor today and his blood pressure was 140 something over 99! The doctor told him it was time to quit fooling around and start taking medication. One of the side effects of the medicine is that it is slightly diuretic. As if Stephen doesn’t spend enough time in the bathroom as it is!

19 – Today was competition for the area’s choirs and bands. We went this afternoon to hear Peter’s men’s choir sing did very well and got all ones (the highest score) from the judges.

Earlier in the day I helped Naomi finish cleaning her room. She was not at all happy about that. It was amazing all the things we found!

20 – Naomi was one of only 6 players for her basketball team today. Nevertheless our team beat a previously undefeated team. Naomi got a rebound, forced a jump ball and was fouled against for a turnover.

Afterwards we went to the church yard sale and got a desk for Peter and a bicycle for Naomi.

We spend the rest of the afternoon doing yardwork – Stephen watering & mowing and I cleaned out the vegetable beds and got the broccoli planted.

21 – This afternoon Naomi & I rode bikes over to the Treasure Publishing open house. My legs were like rubber when I got back. I’m really out of shape.

Stephen & Peter went out to get legs for his new desk and get it all set up. Both Stephen & I (at separate times) told him we figure his GPA would go way up now.

This morning was youth Sunday and Peter led the prayer for the offering. Everyone keeps telling me what a good job he did.

23 – I took Naomi down to Denver today for the State Board of Education hearing of the charter school approval. The board turned the charter school down. Naomi was so upset she was in tears.

27 – Stephen & the boys went camping with Scouts. Hike 8 miles. It started to snow and the troop decided to leave early. Our car would not start.
28 – Stephen and Norm Brown went back to Scout camp, but couldn’t get the car started and had to get it towed.

Saturday, April 20, 1996

We won the game! 21-10! The other team had all their players yet we (with only 6 players) won the game. Coach Simecka says I did very good today. I am so happy. I also brought drinks today. After the game we went to the yard sale at FBC. We bought a bike for me, a desk for Peter and a Radio for Dad, plus food. Really a fun day. Last night our troop went on a night hike at ELS. Very fun. got a shirt there - it was free.

Love,
Naomi

Wednesday, April 17, 1996

Only 6 player this Saturday!
Today at girl Scouts we decided on a song and game to teach the Brownies. We choose the Human Knot and a song I've never even heard of before. We also decided on what to do at the mother/daughter tea on May 11th. I was part of the menu committee. Also, even after that and going to the YMCA at Estes Park we still have $675.00 to blow. We have decided to get manicures and pitchures and give them to our moms. Still, that only takes $64, so we still have over $600. We have no idea what we want to do with it. Some of may be spent on Bridging costs. The Bridging ceremony may be at CSU! (the same place we will hold the mother/daughter tea) It is outside but if we like it we'll use it. One place we definitely won't hold it is at the Tavelli Gym. Ugh!

Love,
Naomi

Sunday, April 14, 1996

Dear Diary,
Today was the City in Harvest Sunday. 26 churches (I think that the right number, either that or 29) participated. Pastor Larry speaked as did Dary Northorp of First Assembly of God and Rick Olmstead of Vineyard (I think). At night church we talked about what had happened to us the past few weeks. Everybody was razzing Jack Hill because he fell down in the cantata.

Love,
Naomi

Saturday, April 13, 1996

Dear Diary,
We won! By one point. The 1st half we were way ahead of them. Then in the 2nd half they came back and were winning. But Kari sunk a 3-pointer and that clinched the game for us. It was an exciting game for sure Dad showed me a few things that I think will help with my next basketball game. Only 2 more left.

Love,
Naomi
Don't you just love my signature

Friday, April 12, 1996

Dear Diary,
Today I didn't do much. Just school and I started on a new puzzle. Tomorrow is a basketball game at 11:00! I don't know who it is against. I hope we win like we did last time. It was something like 17 to 31 our favor! I also have a night hike with me GS troop. Tell you all tomorrow.

Love,
Naomi

March 1996

1 - Naomi, Stephen & I drove up to Estes park & Rocky Mtn. Natl. Park with his folks today. We stopped at Estes Park to eat. While we were there we went into a chocolate shop and got some candy. Then we drove up to Bear Lake but we didn’t even get out because the snow was so high & it was snowing so hard. When we came home we had to rush Naomi over to Moby Arena. The Girl Scouts were watching the women’s basketball team play. It was very exciting for her because the CSU team won & became the WAC co-champions.

2 – Mom & Dad Barr came up for the play. Dad worked on getting Michael’s closet in. At 2:00 we went to watch Naomi’s Jazzercise performance. It only lasted about 5 minutes. This evening we all went to see Peter in Guys & Dolls. He did a very good job. He went to a cast party afterward and doesn’t expect to get home until the wee hours.

3 – Stephen’s folks went to church with us this morning. Afterwards we were all so tired that everyone took naps. Then later in the afternoon we celebrated Naomi’s and my birthday. Mom & Dad had purchased a strawberry shortcake that we had instead of a regular cake. We said goodbye to them tonight since they are leaving first thing in the morning.

8 – Stephen went to the doctor today. His blood pressure is down, but not enough to please the doctor. He wants to put Stephen on medication but Stephen would really rather try the exercise & deep breathing route. He must get it down or he can’t go to Philmont.

9 – I am teaching Spanish to the group that will be going to Nogales this summer. Today was the first day and I wish I had it to do over again. All we did was learn the alphabet, choose names & sing a song but I feel like I could have done a better job.

10 – Stephen & the children played basketball today. Naomi & Stephen beat the boys for 1 game and the boys won 2 games. Then they played Pig and Naomi won. She was really excited by that.

11 – I took Naomi down to Mom’s & Dad’s today. She is going to spend the week with them. Michael is disappointed that he can’t spend the week, too. While I was there Cindy & the kids came over. The kids are so cute but I’m sure glad mine aren’t so little any more!

12 – I took Michael out this morning to get new running shoes. The cost of those things is outrageous!

This afternoon Stephen & the boys went hiking up Arnold’s rock. Stephen carried a pack to help him get ready for Philmont.

13 – We went out and bought a new bike for Michael. Actually, it is a used bike we got from a cons pawn shop. It needs a little bit of work but Stephen thinks he can fix it.

This afternoon Stephen took Peter out on the freeway in the Dynasty and Michael out in the Colt.

14 – Stephen took the boys up to Cameron pass to go snowshoeing. They were out about an hour and had a great time. Peter told Stephen that it has been a good spring break.

15 – We went to Longmont this afternoon for a track meet. It was well run and the different events were even being run a little ahead of schedule. We barely got there in time to see the boys’ first event. Peter scored a point for his team. Afterward we drove down to Mom & Dad’s. today is Naomi’s birthday but we won’t celebrate until tomorrow we we’ll have a big family party. I did manage to get her birthday spanking in though!

16 – We had a combined party today for Naomi & me. Most of it was aimed at me. There was a black table cloth and everyone wore black armbands. Mom made a tombstone cake. Of course, everyone had nasty “old” gifts for me. Naomi got a dress from Mom & Dad that is quite a bit above the knees. It’s really cute but I wish it were longer.

17 – Stephen (and the kids and the life group) planned a surprise birthday party after the evening service today. It started out with the final NOT question being “who in the congregation will be 40 on Wednesday?” Then we all adjourned to the lounge where we had cake, nuts, punch & balloons. Stephen also borrowed pictures of my childhood from my folks and put together an album for people to look at.

19 – Last Saturday Stephen & I went to the mall by Mom & Dad’s to get a present for Naomi. While there I answered a survey a was given a pan of rolls to try by today. However, I left them in Mom’s refrigerator, so today Naomi & I went down to get them. We spent about an hour there & then went over to Cindy’s. Her kids are so cute! Naomi brought UPWORDS down so we played that and Cindy won again (the first time was Saturday after Naomi got it).

20 -what a day! At noon Stephen cam home and took me to Caninos for a very nice Italian lunch. At 3:30 Naomi had Girl Scouts and we just left her there for Basketball practice at 5:00. At 5:00 Stephen dropped me at Poudre and picked up the boys for dinner. I started parent-teacher conferences. Michael started wrestling while Stephen joined me for conferences. At 6:30 we had to get the boys and go pick up Naomi and go over to the mobile home park where the Girl Scouts put on a play and had an awards ceremony.

21 – we went to the parent-teacher conferences again today. From the reports you would almost think the boys had switched with each other. Michael had very good grades and all his teachers were saying things like “he’s really a hot student.” Peter on the other hand is not doing so well and all his teachers are wondering why. Classes he should be acing he has C’s in and in chemistry he has an F!

23 – Today was Naomi’s first basketball game. It’s easy to tell that she has never played before. Still, if she has fun and learns then it will be good for her. I missed the first part (I was teaching Spanish) and Stephen & the boys weren’t sure of the score but I know her team lost.

28 – Naomi had her registration at Boltz today. She started at 8:50 and ended at 1:15. I didn’t know what to do with myself. She took math tests (which she thinks she did well on) and leaned about band and other classes. This evening we took Naomi to see Anything Goes at the dinner theater for a birthday present. It was a cute show and we all enjoyed it. We embarrassed Naomi by having them announce she was celebrating her birthday.

February 1996

January 31 – 21/31

                     21/29

                     42/60

1 – Michael won his wrestling match tonight. Though he didn’t pin his opponent, he won 17-3. One more point and he would have had a 5 point win.

3 – Michael went to the JV district meet today but wasn’t allowed to wrestle because of his ringworm. I don’t understand why they let him wrestle Thurs. but not today. If they hadn’t let him wrestle Thurs. I would have taken him to the doctor.

Naomi had her first Jazzercise class today. I think she enjoyed it.

Stephen spent some time working on getting the closet unit up in Michael’s room.

8 – Today was the Poudre High School Dedication. It was held during the school day so the students could be involved. It was a nice ceremony.

Afterwards, Stephen & I switched cars so Michael could drive Naomi and me home. It was the first time I had been in the car while either of the boys were driving. It wasn’t too bad but I don’t know if I’m ready to travel in heavy traffic with them yet.

9 – Michael went to the doctor today. His hip is still bothering him so Dr Paddack is sending him to a different therapist. I think the biggest thing is for Michael to do the exercises regularly, but of course Mom doesn’t know anything and dare not “nag.”

10 – Well, we finally moved Michael into his new room today. There is still a lot of work to be done but the blinds are up and the closet unit is done so we went ahead and put him in. Both boys were really excited about it.

12 – Stephen came home for lunch today & brought me flowers. They are white carnations with red streaks and solid red ones. They are very pretty. Since he has meetings for the next 3 days, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to do it on Wednesday.

13 – Stephen & the children went to a basketball game at Poudre tonight. They were playing Ft. Collins and lost. Apparently, the refs were not too good and the Collins fans were really nasty. Of course, all of this did not sit well with Peter and he got into one of his critical, criticizing moods. When Stephen reprimanded him, Peter yelled at him then told everyone to just shut up. Stephen ended up taking his driver’s license away till Saturday.

14 – Naomi had 2 teeth pulled today. They were baby teeth that should have come out long ago since they have no roots left. While she was at the dentists I went to take Stephen’s lunch to him. On the way, I stopped at King Soopers and got an individual heart shaped cake and a boquet of balloons to give to him. He was quite surprised when I arrived at the office.

15 – I picked up the Girl Scout cookies today. We got 149 cases. Diana Grant came with her van to help. Thank goodness! By the time we had unloaded them from the cars and Naomi & I had them mostly sorted I was exhausted. I would have gone right to bed but I had to go to an IBPAB meeting tonight.

16 – Stephen & I want to the Fiesta de Amor tonight. It was very nice. We shared a table with the Lever, the Bucks, & the Wrights. We had some kind of chicken & saffron rice. I was surprised it was not some kind of Mexican meal. The youth did a good job with the serving and the entertainment. I wore my angel costume from the cantata 2 years ago.

17 – This morning Peter & I went to cantata practice from 9:30 – 11:30. I think it is going to be great.

This afternoon our Girl Scout troop had a cookie booth at King Soopers. We sold far more cookies than I expected. Everyone kept saying that no one had come to their door this year.

18 – this afternoon Naomi and I sorted her cookies and went out to deliver. She really did not sell many door to door. Fortunately everyone was home except for 2 families here on Foxtail. That will make it easy for trying again.

Stephen takes Michael to drive on the freeway. At first the speed makes Michael nervous but he does well and gets up to 65.

19 – That a day. First off we got Naomi & Stephen to CSU by 8:00 for her booth. Then I flew over to the church for Moppets. I had only 8 children but 3 “helpers.” I think I would have done better by myself. Then I raced over to pick up 4 more cases of cookies before going back to CSU to take over from Stephen. It’s a good thing I got the extra cases. Out of the 252 boxes I ordered for 2 days of booths, we only have 24 left!

20 – Peter had Tim Rorabaugh over this evening for their prayer time. He had play practice that was supposed to last till 6:30 but actually got out at 6:50. From there we picked Tim up and brought him home.

Stephen had a Boy Scouts parents meeting and was disappointed at the turnout. Next time he plans to call parents the night before to remind them.

22 – I went to Life Group for the first time in ages. I really enjoy going! When I got home Stephen told me that he had called his folks and they will leave Saturday & get her Monday. I’m glad he called so I could have a little warning!

23 – Michael left tonight for camping with the scouts. Originally he planned on going up tomorrow with Stephen & Peter but at the last minute he decided to get ready & go up this afternoon.

24 – Stephen and Michael left this morning for the Klondike Derby with the Scouts. Peter decided not to go because he had a cold and doesn’t want to risk being to sick for the play.

25 – Stephen & Michael got home today. They really enjoyed themselves. They slept together in a snow cave, went snowshoeing, and Michael lost his glasses in a snowball fight. Fortunately Norm Brown was able to find them.

26 – Stephen’s folks got here today. We were a little bit concerned because it snowed all day. Fortunately it didn’t stick to the road or cause them to be slick. They got here about 2:30-3:00, got their hotel room, rested for a while, then came over for dinner.

Track practice started today. It lasts from 3:30-5:00. Then Peter’s play practice goes from 5:30-?. He won’t get to see his grandparents at all!

27 – Michael had a wrestling awards dessert pot luck tonight. Afterwards we went to watch Peter practice for a little bit. At least he got a chance to say hello to his grandparents.

29 – Peter’s play opened tonight. He said the cast did very well but the tech crew had some trouble.

January 1996

1 - Spent the day at Mom & Dad Barr’s. It snowed most of the day – glad we weren’t driving back. They got 6-8”of snow. Mom & I played computer games while the guys watched football and Naomi watched ice skating.

2 – Drove home today. Almost no snow here. Spent most of the day getting all the Christmas decorations down & packed away. All that’s left is to get the tree outside. Looking forward to getting back to a regular schedule tomorrow!

4 – It snowed all day today, a fluffy dry snow. We got about 4 inches. Tonight Stephen and I went to see Brigadoon at the dinner theater. I had seen it on TV when I was a child. I must have been pretty naive because I’m sure I didn’t understand all that went on. It is really a very bawdy show.

5 – Peter threw a fit because school wasn’t closed today. Since it had stopped snowing by 10:00 last night, I knew school would be open. Tonight Stephen took the kids over to Epic to sled. They all had a good time & cam home frozen.

6 – We spend the day over in Eaton at a wrestling match. Michael wrested 3 times and lost 3 times – very disappointing for him. We did not get home till almost 6:00 pm. Then Stephen took Peter & Naomi & Brian to a CSU women’s basketball game. The Rams won, so that was nice.

7 – Naomi went home with Bri after church this morning. Later she called to see if Bri could go to evening service with us which was fine.

Dale and Jan Williams, missionaries to Cote D’Ivoire spoke. It’s always fascinating to hear the missionaries speak.

11 – Peter had his first practice for the play today. He said he spend most of the time just sitting around.

Michael had a wresting match against Thompson Valley tonight. He got pinned with 26 seconds to go.

12 – Michael went to the doctor today for a recheck on his face. The doctor was concerned that his hip still bothered him. He has to come in in another 4 weeks to check his face again and if his hip is still bothering him the doctor will send him to an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion.

13 – Michael had another all day meet, this time at Rocky. There were 2 brackets and then the Champions of the 2 brackets wrestled each other. Michael was the champion of his bracket but lost to the champion of the other bracket. It was a long day, but his 3 matches were very exciting.

14 – Stephen & the boys have gone winter camping. Actually, Peter left yesterday but because of the wrestling match, Stephen & Michael didn’t leave until today.

Since Naomi & I were by ourselves we decided to go out to Jefferson Station for lunch.

15 – Stephen & the boys got back today. I guess they had a good time. There wasn’t as much snow as they hoped and it was taking too long to pile up as much as they needed for a cave big enough for the 3 of them so they made more of a snow cave instead. They earned 20 frost points by sleeping out.

18 – Peter went to a girls swim meet over at Epic today. There is a girl he is interested in on the team. So far that’s all he’s told us about here. At 6:00 Stephen picked him up and the 2 of them went to Michael’s wrestling meet in Longmont. After the long drive they didn’t even get to see Michael wrestle. He won by a forfeit.

19 – Stephen went to have his stress test today. After they got him all hooked up (which involved boring the wires into his chest) the machine wouldn’t work. Now he has to reschedule. They did check his blood pressure though and it was too high. If he can’t get it down he won’t be able to go to Philmont.

20 – Today was the Poudre Invitational meet which was just for varsity but we were busy anyway. Stephen took tickets, Michael wiped up blood and I worked concessions. We were there all day. As soon as we got home, Stephen turned around and took the kids out to the Poudre-Fort Collins basketball game (which Poudre won!)

23 – Naomi had an orthodontist appt today. She has 2 baby teeth that don’t have any roots left but refuse to come out so Dr. Ebert said she needs to have them pulled. Then the next time she goes in she’ll get full braces.

25 – it has been snowing all day. What was supposed to be a light snow has turned into a real dump. Because of the snow Michael’s wrestling match had to be re-scheduled. The boys are hoping for a snow day tomorrow but by about 9:00 the snow had stopped. I’m sure school will not be closed.

26 – Michael wins by forfeit. Poudre wins met. Naomi spent the night at Bri’s.

27 – Stephen takes the boys to DVM for drivers test. Even though there open they don’t do test on Saturday. Stephen takes the boys, Naomi, and Bri to a Poudre girls basketball game which they lost.

Stephen buys hiking boots for the boys & him – over $400!!

29 – The boys get their driving permit. Linda had to make two trips to the school. Despite snow cover roads Stephen has the boys drive around the block.

30 – The weatherman said we would have flurries, we’ve received 6” of snow. The boys are hoping that school will be canceled.

31 – Another 1-2” of snow today. This is the most snow we have had since moving into this house.