On the Leaderboard!

Our resident young writer has made it onto the leaderboard in Reedsy, an online writing platform. You get onto the leaderboard by having people read and like your stories, comment, and giving you "karma" points by upvoting your writing. Considering that there are thousands of people who submit stories on Reedsy, to be in the top 100 of "those who have contributed most to the Reedsy prompt community" is quite an accomplishment. In fact, it's AMAZING! Our Blythe is AMAZING!! She's a big-time writer. As she said, "I'm important!"

And here's the proof!

I know what you're saying. "This isn't proof of anything. Who are these people?" Well, our Blythe writes under the penname Echo Ross. So it is proof. And that Echo Ross/Blythe Barrus is AMAZING!!!

Soldier Hollow Tubing

We had such a fun time last year doing tubing at Soldier Hollow that we knew we would need to go again this year. We got to go tonight. It was wild!! The runs had not been groomed in a while, it was cold, and the snow was absolutely icy. There is a spot on the run where they tell you to drag your feet in order to stop, but it was an inadequate point the first several times we went down. 

The first run I did with Cora and Kal and we were able to stop. On the second run, I went down with Eugene and Sharae, with Kal in the middle of the three of us. We were going so fast and we did not stop. We were on the first run, closest to the escalator that takes you to the top of the hill. At the bottom, there were three rows of orange "fencing" to stop you if you don't come to a natural stop, and then a large inflated tube you could run into if the fencing didn't do the trick. We plowed through the three layers of fencing and made a glancing pass of the inflated tube, bouncing off it and plunging over an edge as though headed to the parking lot. Fortunately, the drop was only a few feet and the spot where we landed was flat. We came to a stop in a tangled heap of bodies, tubes, and fencing.  

My first thought was of Kal, a small person in the midst of large bodies. "Kal!" I cried, "are you okay?!"

"That was AWESOME!" was his reply.

Phew!

Several workers appeared at the edge and asked if we were okay as they looked down on us. Immediately, all three of us adults said, "We dragged our feet! We tried to stop!" They kick you off the tubing hill if you crash into the fencing, but we really had tried to stop. We were all relatively uninjured (Sharae had a sore shoulder) and untangled ourselves to go again.

Because the slopes were so icy, for a time they stopped letting groups of any size go down together. Brandt and the big boys were frustrated because you could only go down by yourself which slowed the whole process and meant more time at the top of the hill standing around in the cold. After a bit, they pulled out the snowmobile and groomed the runs. This breaks up the snow and slows the tubes which meant groups could go again. Our last two runs were better, with all the girls going together and then everyone going together. The last time it was so slow we didn't even make it up the ending slope and wound up in a heap in a dip. 

But all in all, it was super fun. Kent rode up with us and then hung out in the lodge. Collin did one run then went to the lodge for hot chocolate. Cora did two then joined them. Lyla did one run then sat in the running car and watched her ipad. It was colder than last year when we went, but still really a great time. 

Here's to winter fun!

Work Excitement

Last week we had a client come in and open an account, then deposit several blank money grams, each for $1,000. Over four consecutive days, he brought in additional money grams for $1,000, none with a to or from name on them. Tyler and Amy both told him they suspected they were fraudulent. Amy asked him where they were from and he said, "From my friends. I've got friends all over the world and they are sending me money so I can redo my house." Highly suspect!

Today he came into the bank and wanted to wire the $8,000 he had received in money grams to Peru. When Amy asked why he was wiring money to Peru, he said he needed to pay for siding for his house project and the people he was getting the siding from were in Peru. Amy wouldn't do it. She told him it was fraudulent and she was not going to send money that wasn't really money to anyone. He stormed out of the bank saying he was going to call his attorney. 

Shortly thereafter, he returned, demanding Amy release his money. He called his "representative" who demanded that Amy wire the money. Amy was helping another client open an account, but the man stood in Amy's doorway with the other person on the phone who demanded Amy release his money which wasn't really there. The man on the phone was one of the fraudsters and Amy would not back down one bit. Things became so heated that Tyler finally called the police. Amy had told him not to, but the whole situation kept escalating, and Tyler, in consult with Nick (region president), called. 

Within just a matter of minutes, four officers arrived at the bank. They tried to convince the client to step outside, but he kept arguing that they couldn't do anything for him outside, and he wasn't going to leave until Amy did something for him. He did calm down and after fifteen or so minutes, left the building. By that time, bank security had become involved, Nick had been on the phone with Tyler, and it was determined that his accounts would be closed. We returned the $100 cash he had used to open his accounts the week before, and sent him on his way. Well, the policemen sent him on his way. He was banned from entering any branch of the bank and was told he would be charged with trespass if he came back, even to the drive-thru. 

It was all so stressful. As soon as the client and the police left, I went and gave Amy a big hug. I could tell she was on the verge of bursting into tears, and while that would have been completely understandable, I don't imagine she really wanted to do that in the bank. I sent a co-worker to Swig to get her a drink, and we listened as she talked to decompress. Nick came to check on her and offered to buy us all lunch next week. 

While it was all very tense, it certainly broke up the regular routine of deposits and withdrawals. Let's hope we don't see him again. 

The man sitting at the desk is the client who was opening a new account.

He stayed in Amy's office as a buffer so that if the man standing tried to muscle in on Amy,

he would be there to help mitigate the situation.

So nice!

Amy bought him a Crumbl cookie and had Tyler deliver it to him.

 

Bird Watching

 

Cora came grocery shopping with me today, then came to the house to hang around. She likes to be with me. I like to be with her. It's a win-win. I made her some lunch and while she ate, she watched the birds outside at the feeder. They swooped in and out and hopped around under the bushes. We even saw a little mouse eating the scattered birdseed. She wanted to go outside so she could see them better, but was content to sit by the window when I told her they would all fly or scamper away if she was outside. 

First Tree Burning

Remember all those trees Brandt and I collected?

We had our first tree burning of the year tonight.

It was dry and crispy and went up terrifically!

 

Blythe's Hero

I was looking at Blythe's schoolwork today. She had to do a "getting to know you" survey and one of the questions was "Who do you consider your hero?"

Her answer: "My aunt Mikayla <3 shes had a really tough life, and it never seems to get better, but she always finds the joy and can smile and laugh her way through anything."

I sent this on to Mikayla with my comment, "You are seen. And clearly, we should switch daughters. You're my hero too!"

A "New" Job

I have started a new job. Sort of. I'm still doing the same job, being a teller for Zions Bank, but I have taken a full-time permanent position at the Provo University Branch. I have said to myself that if I was ever going to take a permanent position, I would want it to be close to home, in either Provo or Orem, so that I wouldn't have a long commute. I've gotten my wish. The University Branch is six minutes from home, if I hit both major lights between home and work, and only four minutes if I make both lights. I will be able to go home for lunch every day and will have more time in the mornings so I don't have to rush out the door to drive someplace far away. I'll most likely always be home before 5:30, and because it is my "neighborhood" branch, I will know many of the clients who come in regularly. I interviewed about ten days ago on a day when I was working at the University Branch and was offered the job the same day. I was somewhat reluctant to say yes initially because one of the tellers is young and has a high-pitched voice that sort of drives me crazy, but I think we'll be able to work well together. I quite like the manager, Amy Morris, and the assistant manager, Tyler Thompson. I have worked with him previously, but not really with her. I figure if I'm going to be working in banking, I might as well make the best of it.

*Post-edit: After working at Provo University for a month, I can say that I am very happy there. Amy is terrific, my fellow teller I was worried about, Cinder, has been just fine, and I really like being close to home. I have also been going over to Mikayla's house most mornings to help her get kids out the door for school and do a bit of cleaning, whether unloading and loading the dishwasher, starting a load of laundry, or even vacuuming a room. I have been glad to have the chance to help her, even if my efforts are not huge. It's fun to see her little people in the mornings and to give her a hug. It has been a blessing to be at the branch permanently. If I had my way, Tyler would get a managerial position somewhere else, and I could move up to be the assistant manager. But I'm going to be content with where I'm at for the moment.

Learner's Permit

 

After months of suggesting Brandt work towards getting his learner's permit, today it finally happened! With the "new" car with automatic transmission, he has had a renewed verve to get behind the wheel. He's been studying the driving manual and has pointed out pertinent points he remembers as we drive around. Kent took him today and he passed the test his first try. 

Now we start the 40 hours of supervised driving before he can get his license. And driver's ed.

Church Progress

It has been a wonderful couple of Sundays. Last week, Brandt was ordained a priest, and today he blessed the sacrament for the first time. I tried to take sneaky pictures but wasn't very sneaky at all. Kent ordained him last week and gave him a very nice blessing which I will include below. 

Also last week, Blythe was called as the Class President for the young women ages 14-15 class and was sustained in Ward Conference. Although she has been nervous about this calling and feels somewhat inadequate, her leaders, especially Angela Bradford the Young Women's President, have been encouraging and set her on a good path of learning how to lead. Bishop Elder gave her a very nice blessing as he set her apart which I will also include below. She selected Ellen Mason and Lilly Bradford as her counselors, and Jayne Tayler as her secretary. I hope they will work well together.

It is a joy to see our children progressing in the gospel, growing and learning, hopefully having spiritual experiences that help them know they are beloved children of God.  

Brandt at the sacrament table.

I wanted a picture of Blythe and her counselors, but didn't get one.

Blythe Isabella Barrus, by the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we lay our hands upon your head and set you apart as the president of the 14-15-year-old young women's class in the Pleasant View 6th Ward of the Provo, Utah Sharon East Stake. At this time Blythe, we wish to bless you with a keen understanding of the importance of this role not only in the lives of those who you will serve, but in your own life as well; that you will be able to grow in very significant capacities through this service that you will recognize things about yourself that you were unaware of, that you will recognize the key characteristcs and traits Heavenly Father has blessed you with that will help you in serving others. We bless you to recognize also in this role the primary responsibility is to help others grow in their testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel. As you do so, we bless you that you will have an interest and desire to strengthen your own testimony that focuses on those key basic concepts that will help you to lay a firm foundation for you for the rest of your life. We bless you that you will seek inspiration intently, that you will study the scriptures and learn from others who have had opportunities to receive revelation, that you will be able to apply all those things you learn in your current calling. We bless you to understand that this is your class to lead, that you will receive input from your counselors and your secretary and that you will also receive input from adult leaders, and that you will recognize the role that you have specifically, that you will do so willingly and that you will do so effectively. We bless you with the ability to withstand the evils of the world and temptations that may come to you, that you will be strong and steadfast in your faith in Christ. These blessings we leave upon you and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My good son, Brandt DeMartini Barrus.  Through the power of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood we bear, we ordain you to the office of Priest in the Aaronic priesthood and give you a blessing and a promise. Times are challenging. Temptations are increasing. Evil is readily available at every turn. We bless you with strength to overcome and to resist the evil that is so prevalent, to be cheerful, to continue to be a cheerful spirit that you might be a valiant warrior in defense of those things which are good and righteous. It will seem like at times that you are losing the battle as righteous saints in Zions, but with the priesthood and with the blessings of our Father, I bless you with the strength to be cheerful and carry on the fight and to overcome the difficulties that you have, to repent quickly when you make mistakes, knowing that part of the plan involves making mistakes and learning from our mistakes. But if you repent, you will be blessed and be able to continue to grow and eventually receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and do great things with that priesthood. The priesthood is a powerful force, directly opposed to the powers of evil. We bless you to use it and to follow the Lord in all of your actions, at school, at home, and with those you will work with. I pronounce this blessing, again as a father who loves you, but not as much as your Father in Heaven loves you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Potty Potty Potty . . . "

This is not a brilliant picture of me

Since I am now working all the time in Provo, I've been stopping by Mikayla's house in the mornings to help her and her people get the day going. I'll do a small chore, help feed people, and walk the children to school. Then I leap in the car and make it to work by 8:45. I think it will be terrific. 

This morning when I went over, Freya and Thea were just getting up. Freya had a dry diaper. I said, "Oh Freya! Do you need to go potty? Let's go potty on the toilet." She has been interested in sitting on the toilet, unlike Thea who is scared and doesn't want anything to do with it. Freya said, "Ok!" so we rushed into the bathroom and set her on the toilet. I got a couple of books to read to her while she was there, mostly to keep her engaged while she let her body do its thing. Thea likes a story and is always interested in what's going on, so she came in too and sat on my leg while I perched on the squatty potty. So uncomfortable! 

We had a successful result. Freya peed in the toilet! This was the first time, and she was so pleased with herself. I sang the "Potty, potty, potty" song and Mikayla and I praised her like crazy. We asked Thea if she wanted to try, too. "NO!" was her emphatic response.

Just for posterity, the "Potty, potty, potty" song goes like this:

Potty, potty, potty, toilet, toilet, toilet, Freya (insert child's name) goes potty on the toilet. Potty, potty, potty, toilet, toilet, toilet, Freya is a big girl now! WOO! 

Kent Wrangles the Johnsens

This morning, Mikayla had a physical therapy appointment and asked Kent if he could help get kids out the door for school and managed until she could get back. He went over shortly before 8:00 am. I realized I had time to go help, too, so joined him about 8:10. 

When I arrived, children were everywhere, as is typical. I helped Cora and the girls get some breakfast and then got Kal dressed. I couldn’t find his shoes. I had him help me look all over the house, upstairs and down, but I couldn’t find them. In the end, I set his boots by the door along with his bag and called it good. I showed Kent that coat, boots, and bag were all on the door. I brushed Cora’s hair and we got shoes on, then she and Brick left the house. I had to follow closely behind them, confident that things were under control.

 

Kathryn Seamons was coming to pick up Kal at 9:00 for school, and shortly before then, Kent suggested Kal put his boots on. Boots, however, were nowhere to be found, nor was the bag. They were not by the door where I had left them. Kent began a frantic search and tried to enlist Kal’s help. He wasn’t really inclined to look. In fact, he went and hid himself in the bed. Kent ran around looking for boots and eventually found them hiding along with Kal. There was a struggle to get the boots on and things rounded up with an uncooperative small person hindering forward progress. Kathryn arrived to collect Kal and after waiting, came to door and asked if she could help. 

Wild eyed, Kent said, "Yes!" Eventually, Kent scooped Kal up and carried him to Kathryn's car where Quin thankfully, after a helpful suggestion from Kathryn, allowed Kal to play with his car. They headed off to school.

Kent, with only two small children now under his watch, felt confident he could handle the situation. He went back to enter the house through the front door only to find that the girls had locked him out. To make matters worse, when he knocked, they both peeked around the corner, saw him, and ran away. Kent knocked again. They slowly returned, again peeking around the corner, but they were not keen to open up. Kent was reminded of the time when his brothers locked his mother out of the house and only let her back in when she promised not to spank them. Kent told Freya and Thea that he wouldn't spank them or be mad if they would only let him in. They unlocked the door.

Mikayla returned home and found Kent sitting on the couch with the girls perched on boxes behind him, listening intently as he read Everybody Poops. While things had obviously calmed down, I'm not sure Mikayla will be able to convince Kent to help with the morning send off ever again.

27 Years

It's our 27th wedding anniversary. Twenty-seven years feels like a long time. The last few have not been easy and it's hard to write a glowing synopsis of the past year when it's been a slog. Kent and I are committed to each other and our marriage, but we are going through a difficult patch. 

We went to the temple this evening and did sealings. We had two other couples in our session. One of them had been married a year and the other was engaged to be married in April. They are young. Life is ahead of them. It's a wonderful place to be. The engaged woman fainted at the alter but our sealer is a retired doctor so she was in good hands. 

I suggested we go get a treat after our sealing session and we headed in the direction of downtown. I suggested we stop at Fillings and Emulsions for something, but they closed at 8:00 and we were just after that. We rounded a corner and saw JJ Burger and decided we should stop for shakes and onion rings. Kent took me to Rocky Mountain Drive-In on our first date and we had shakes and onion rings. Rocky Mountain had to move because of construction downtown, and we didn't know where they had gone. Turns out, they moved and changed the name to JJ Burger. Fate somehow led us right to the very spot we needed to be. We had shakes and onion rings, and because it was Brandt's Eternal Day, we brought him home a shake. We brought one for Blythe, too.

Here's to sticking with each other through good and bad, the ups and downs, and hoping for better days ahead.

Stew

I made stew for dinner this evening. Said Blythe, as she tucked in, "Stew fills the void where my heart should be."

Brandt Drives

Any day now, Brandt is going to get his learner's permit. I hope. We got a "new" car to replace the BMW and it has an automatic transmission. No pesky third pedal to worry about. So Brandt has been keen to get behind the wheel. I've been indulgent and taken him driving several times. He needs lots of practice! But he's doing pretty well. I need to look into driver's ed which he probably should have signed up for as a class, but he can do it online at his own pace, so I think we'll probably go that route. Thinking of him driving makes me a bit anxious, but at the same time, I'm excited for him. I remember the exhilarating feeling of freedom that came with being able to drive and expect it will be pretty much the same for Brandt. Here's to learning new things.

 

Tree Collection

After church today, Kent and I took Brandt driving.

 

Somewhat off-topic, Lt. Gruber (the BMW) had significant mechanical issues that when we took it in to be diagnosed and possibly repaired, we stopped at the diagnosis and sold it on to a guy who works for the mechanics. I was sad to lose that car. I liked it. Kent purchased another car, an old Lexus with an automatic transmission. That has made all the difference in the world for Brandt who suddenly has a great interest in driving. He has been very nervous about driving the stick shift, so having only two pedals, not three, has changed his world driving view.

 

So today after church we went driving. We went up into Indian Hills and as we drove, we passed many Christmas trees out by the curb, waiting to be picked up. We drove slowly past several that looked really burnable, full and dry, the kind that would go whoosh! in an exciting way. Kent doesn’t like us to collect a lot of dead trees because he thinks they are a fire hazard, but the rest of us don’t. Brandt whispered that we needed to take the truck (borrowed from Leland Stout while we’ve been down a car, old, stick shift, no brakes) and go get all those great trees we saw.

 

We snuck out when Kent wasn’t looking and went to gather. We piled three trees in the back and drove carefully home, trying not to throw them out onto the ground as we rounded corners. We made it home and put the trees in the garden space, away from the house and in the non-flammable dirt. We are totally looking forward to burnings!

A Dusting Date

Mikayla and I went to lunch together today, then went over to check on Mom’s house. She asked that, in her absence, we keep an eye on things and dust and vacuum every so often. So we went for 180 Tacos, then dusted all over upstairs. Blake is responsible for the downstairs, but we may include a bit of downstairs dusting too the next time we go. It was wonderful to be with my sister, to talk and laugh a bit, and to serve Mom. And because we were working together, it was speedy fast.

I went in to see the girls when I dropped Mikayla off.

They were watching TV and were very happy to have me join them and snuggle.

Who doesn't love a snuggle on the couch?

We Finish Again

Back in November, we finished reading the Book of Mormon again. It always feels like such an accomplishment when we finish as a family, especially as many mornings we have a fair bit of complaining from one camp (who shall remain unnamed). I promised the children we would go for frozen yogurt to celebrate, and it has taken us about six weeks to actually make it. We are in 2 Nephi again already. While Kent did accompany us, he spent the whole time outside talking to Craig on the phone and didn’t get any yogurt at all, as well as missing out on being in the picture.