Stapp By Stapp

Sunday Morning At Conference

2011-10-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

President Henry B. Eyring (of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - We promise to become charitable, witnesses of God, and endure to the end. Elder Eyring has the duty to be a Special Witness of Jesus Christ. I adore President Eyring. He is a witness with power and I feel the truth of Jesus Christ as he opens his mouth. Undeniable. Deny yourselves of all ungodliness, then is my grace sufficient...

Drink deeply and often from the pages of the Book of Mormon. It is a true witness that He lives.

Elder Robert D. Hales (of the Quorum of the Twleve) - The Lord exercised his agency to suffer for our iniquities. "My God, my God, why has though forsaken me?" He endured to the end. Why is it the Son of God, the prophets, the pioneers have so many difficulties? Why such terrible tribulation? For what purpose? Our purpose is to grow from our experiences. Test and trials are given to all of us, to see if we will exercise our agency to follow the Son of God. All these things shall be for our good. Half way through the computer went whacko.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton (General YW President) - Fathers, bless the lives of your daughters. Rise up, Oh men of God. How do you raise a girl? Love her mother.

Elder M. Russel Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve) - The church is known by Christ name. Retain his name always in your heart. Let others know who we follow, humbly. We can be called Mormon as a people, but we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Music-

Alex: Why do they always have two men playing the organ.

Ben: Because men play the organ better.

Rachel: Because if there were two women they would cuddle (I think Mom said that years ago)

Samuel: Why don't they put a grandma and grandpa together?

Mom: Can't you all just enjoy the music?

Ben: Look Michael Jackson (pointed to one of the choir members)

President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet) - We don't despair over the moral decline, we have the gospel. The laws will not change. The commandments aren't suggestions, the are still applicable. Our code of conduct is definitive, it is not negotiable. Our Father is the same yesterday, today, forever...the same from all eternity to all eternity.

You are entitled to a relationship with Heavenly Father. Inspiration and guidance are gifts he freely gives as we ask, search. Receive, trust, follow the inspiration! Fear not, for I am with thee.

Saturday Afternoon Conference Notes

2011-10-01T14:57:00.001-07:00

Elder David A. Bednar -The coming and spirit of Elijah! Our ancestors-they without us cannot become perfect, us without them cannot become perfect. For the youth - Do not wait! You have the resources to bring forth the spirit of Elijah. Learn about and experience the spirit of Elijah. Do the work in the temple. As you respond to this invitation, your heart will return to your fathers. My Alex sent info to Elder Bednard office at the request of our Stake Presidency and Elder Bednard's office. Elder Bednard did not refer to Alex's temple work and experience, but here it is.

Alex Stapp

Alex has been able to attend the temple often with his ward and family. His dad, Curtis Stapp, had the idea that he did not want to wait until the children were grown to be with them in the temple. At age 12, Alex was able to go with his family to do a temple baptism for his great grandfather in the Sacramento Temple. Now at 15, Alex feels blessed to have done the genealogy and baptismal work for many of his ancestors.

One of his greatest moments in the temple was doing the work for an adopted "grandparent". For years, his family served his neighbor Don. Don and Lorraine, his lovely wife, had no children and required much assistance because of illness. For years, Alex helped this elderly couple with grocery shopping, yard work and small errands. On May 25, 2007, Don passed away. Lorraine died a few days later (during Don's funeral). On July 6, 2010 Alex was finally able to enter the temple with his family and perform the needed baptism for Don. What a joyous occasion! He truly feels that Don and Lorraine have accepted the gospel.

When asked how he feels when he is working in the temple, Alex says, "I feel like I'm home."

Elder Neil A. Anderson - Multiply and replenish the earth. Have faith, bring your family to earth. Don't delay. Your child can come to earth humbly as the Savior himself.

Do not judge other who are not bearing children. These decisions are for a husband and wife. What a wonderful blessing we have to bring children to our home. They bring happiness, but it's no picnic, haha

Ian S. Ardern (of the Seventy) - He who is faithful is worthy to inherit the mansions of the Father. What time we have we must use wisely. Alma: this life is a probationary state, or a time to meet God. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text! Paul: Ye are no more strangers and follower, but fellow citizens of the saints. Devote time that matter most, the things of God matter most. Read and study from the scriptures each day. Draw nearer to Him. Seek from the best books, he will give us knowledge. Grind to dust the time wasting activities! Review what we are doing to prepare to meet God. Loved this message. I needed these words.

Carl B. Cook (of the Seventy) - Believe in God. The prophets redirect our vision. They lead us to God. Look up. Faith to look up and courage to follow His direction. As we look up and step up we will cheer up!

Legrand R. Curtis Jr. (of the Seventy) - How complete redemption's grand design!!! The plan of redemption requires our best effort even though we can never repay the Savior for his sacrifice.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (Apostle) - Repentance is a divine gift. It should put a smile on our face. It is cause for true celebration. The invitation to repent is a message of love. Repentance means a striving to change. We seek his grace to reward our most diligent effort. Too much to include, but so powerful. Thank you Elder Christofferson! The best word about the remembrance of our sins, "and I the Lord will remember them no more." So as time goes by we forget them also, the pain and remembrance is replace by the opposite, complete joy! See Alma.

L. Tom Perry (Apostle) - Examples of the believers.

1. Declare you belief in Jesus Christ

2. Be an example of His teachings

3. Engage in conversation of these truths. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fears. Speak about the church, communicate directly, honestly.

Share feelings and beliefs. A spirit of love and courage will be your constant companion as you share. I try to do this and I what Elder Perry says it true. I feel so much love for others.

Sat Morning Conf Notes!

2011-10-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Elder Richard G. Scott (Apostle of the Lord)-Turn to the scriptures. They can be your friends. Memorize them, let them comfort you. Consistent use of the Book of Mormon brings an added measure of the spirit. He made an audio recording of the Book of Mormon for his family. So wonderful!

Sister Barbara Thompson (Second Counselor RS) - Have ye inquired of the Lord. D&C 6, how we can receive revelation. Desire to receive revelation! He will bless us with his spirit.

L. Whitney Clayton (Quorum of the Seventy) - Growth in Peru is amazing! Daniel's interpret's Neb's dream. The gospel will roll forth. The sun never sets on this work of the Lord and it is only the beginning!! The places closed to us will open. It progresses one heart and one family at a time. The knowledge of a Savior will be spread to every nation, kindred and tongue. His church is that stone, cut out of the mountain, rolling forth.

President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - The building of temples continues uninterrupted. Provo!!! Columbia, South Africa, Congo, Wyoming, Paris.

Jose L. Alonso (Quorum of the Seventy) - When we emulate the Savior, we show our love for Him. When he lost his son in Mexico City he didn't need a planning meeting to find him, in the same sense we don't need a planning meeting to serve.

Elder Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve) - The gospel plan is the great plan of happiness. The prompting of the spirit are felt not heard. The gift of the holy ghost will guide and protect, it is a feeling in your heart.

ABOUT CROWS
by John Ciardi

The old crow is getting slow;
the young crow is not.
Of what the young crow does not know,
the old crow knows a lot.

At knowing things, the old crow is still
the young crow’s master.
What does the old crow not know?
How to go faster.

The young crow flies above, below, and rings
around the slow old crow.
What does the fast young crow not know?
WHERE TO GO.

Youth are being raised in enemy territory. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant. You young crows need not walk aimlessly. You have a living prophet! Trust in the Lord, lean not unto your own understanding.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - (Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - The vastness of God's creations, worlds without end. Wow! What is man in comparison to God's creation. We are his eternal purpose. It is all for our benefit. Paradox: Compared to God we are nothing, yet we are everything to God. (King Benjamin) You matter to Him--God love's the humble and meek, the meek and the simple proclaim the gospel, no matter where you live or how humble or limited your ability, you are not invisible to Heavenly Father, finally the promises is that God will not forsake those who are his disciple in word and deed. Hold on and believe in Him, one day you will receive the things that God has prepared for you. He sees you as His child, he wants you to know that you matter to Him. May we be worthy of the precious blessings.

blogging becomes me

2011-01-30T22:49:00.000-08:00

I was reading my blog for the first time in forever because someone said they had read it and I was curious. What was my blog about? I skimmed it through this for-to-mentioned person's eyes and concluded that blogging becomes me. I am not a great speaker, and I'm not glamorous by any means, but I was laughing at the blog and thinking--yes, blogging becomes me.

So anyhow, I go to thy gym and work out really hard most days. But I don't look like HER-er, and I am guessing I never will. 'Hey, muscle woman. Hey, yes you there with the controlled skin, the skin that loves your body, I'm flabby, but blogging becomes me, so check me...I mean my blog out girlfriend."

I'm sure she'll read it too, then she'll see me in a different light, because, dom dom dom...blogging becomes me!!!

Controlled Freak

2010-11-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm a controlled freak. Or better said, I am consistently and consciously controlling myself from controlling others.

1. My kids can do almost anything, generally not as good as I can (like writing skits for general audiences) and that's ok. At age 47, I know how to back away and say, go for it.

2. It is really fine when underlings fail. Even if it is a reflection on me. I can redeem myself thru myself. (are you following this) And if I don't redeem myself, I don't look back anymore. (see #7, memory loss)

3. I've learned the art of not so subtle persuasion when people are not choosing well. For some reason it works for me. Like texting: Get To Seminary or Else!! Next day the kid is at seminary.

4. Hug a certain boy even if he doesn't know who is boss. Squeeze real tight.

5. I cannot control the weather, but most people think I can. (baseball days rarely any rain, perfect weather for science camp...the list goes on)

6. I thoroughly enjoy seeing young people take control. For some unknown reason I wince when adults take charge. At times I am pleasantly surprised and do not feel threatened by their success. I give praise where praise is due, but I sadly foresee where I'm going to end up if I don't control judgements.

7. I have a short memory. This helps me forget my failures and mistakes. I can take anything on. I could easily control the world or at least my part of it, but I'm trying to be a controlled freak.

10 Things I Learned at Family Reunion 2010!

2010-08-08T22:28:00.001-07:00

1. Pack more dry towels.

2. Cabin walls are not sound proof.

3. Don't catch baseballs with short mitts.

4. Synchronized swimming develops the mind and body.

5. Brothers give the best hugs.

6. Old commercial jingles age me.

7. Alarm clocks in the early morning are very alarming.

8. Bring your own secret stash of toothpaste.

9. I cannot live without Betts BBQ sauce.

10. Nertz keeps you warm.

Macho Man and Madeline

2010-05-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday night. 9:59 pm.

Family room on Fremont Street. Woodland CA

5 boys, ages 11-16

1 adult man, age 51 or 52 (I can't remember)

All watching Madeline. The movie. Yep!

wink wink

2010-05-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in church today listening to the prelude music. Glanced over to see one of the cutest little primary kids. I gave a little wink. No response. Another wink from me. No response at all. A few more wink, and I see a little smile coming on, so I give it the old wink wink wink wink and a small cute wave. In the foreground and in the line of wink fire I see another hand wave. It is a man waving sheepishly at me. WHAT is he doing? I focus my gaze at closer range. It is the scout master man. He thinks I am winking at him, he thinks I'm winking and waving. Oh my goodness. I raise my voice and correct him over the organ noise and across the pews, "I am not winking at YOU!!!!" He looks perplexed and I point to the kid beyond him.

Later after Sunday School I meet this man in the hall and give him a good wink. I say, "Now I'm winking at you." As Scout Master man leaves, he smiles and I can't resist but give him a small cute wave.

Breaking Your Fast

2010-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well this little secret came out recently. Apparently one of Samuel's primary friend has a little routine on fast Sunday. The boy, his name rhymes with barter and starts with the letter "C", packages up a store of cereal in his pocket for church on Sunday. After primary this boy, last name is the lengthened name of "Tom", heads to the bathroom to say his "breaking the fast" prayer. Then the cereal is consumed right there, in the bathroom. Well! I questioned Samuel about this practice. I wanted to know if he had partaken? He said once, they had actually sequestered themselves in the LARGE bathroom stall, prayed together, removed the goods from said pocket and shared a meal (in the stall mind you).

What more can I say? Nothing at all.

Writing #1--Once Upon a Time--I lived.

2010-04-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have written. Yep. Here is a little skit I put together that we performed to go along with Elder Uchtdorf's talk at the 2010 YW Broadcast in March

Once Upon a Time....I Lived"

Characters-- 3 princesses and a reporter. Two princesses do not gracefully live through their challenges and therefore just live. The third who takes on the challenges and lives happily every after.

Reporter: Welcome to Meet the Princess, I'm your host, Rumplstilskin. Today on our pretty princess panel we have Cinderella, Belle, and Snow White. We'll start with Cinderella, uh a princess, I think now...(interrupted by Cinderella)

Cinderella (looking very dirty, tough and rough) I hated my step-mother/sister, yeah, well I went to that ball, I had the best looking dress of everyone there BTW and danced with the prince. I told him how horrible my life was, working around the cinders and all. Gave him a piece of my mind about how dirty the city had become. How I hated the gross, disgusting gourmet foods at the ball, I mean the creme brule was burnt on top. As I was making my grand exit, my glass slipper slipped off my foot. I looked back and boy was I angry. The prince had it. I went right up to him, I'm sure he wanted it for his own gain, well I grabbed it out of his hand with a slap to the face. Anyway, at 65 years of age I am currently cooking and cleaning for my last living step-sister. I still hate her and she hates me, so there!

Reporter: Wow, looks like Cindy lived, but not H. E. A. (whisper) happily ever after if you know what I mean. Now Belle, you look like you've done very well for yourself.

Belle (rich and hollywood) Well yes I have indeed. But let me tell you, I have had my share of trials. After seeing my dad imprisoned by the Beast I ran off. I tried to get the villagers to help for a time, but then got distracted by one of the latest books on the shelf, Twilight. By the time I finished the series, it was amazing I tell you, well, I sauntered out to the Beast castle for a visit with pops. A man named Gaston was the only person I found there. He was quite debonair and he had full access to the castle library so I married him and gave him 10 stapling young self-absorbed Gaston Juniors. Gaston turned out to be an alcoholic, carousing, self-abosorbed, pot-bellied sports addict. He left me for Cindy's (looks at Cinderella) evil step-sister so I started writing for Harlequin and made a boat-load. Ho hum (checking out finger-nails) I never saw my dad again or the beast which is a really good thing. That beast was the ugliest creature I've ever seen, and well I wrote that beast into a best selling novel and have enough to pay the lawyer in the lawsuit against Gaston and his pack of he-wolves.

Reporter: Uh yes....hmmm...Sound like Happily Ever After has a different meaning in literary circles. I'm sure many of you out there have perused the Belle's family drama on every magazine cover at the Wal-mart check out line. Wow, ok, so Snow White. What's your story.

Snow White (lovely as can be, high soft innocent voice). Well, I had to flee from the wicked Queen she wanted to kill me and then I went and hung out with the most beautiful animals. It was so lovely and how I love God's creations, but oh how I missed my friends and family! I lived with 7 very cute men, but never fear I kept myself chaste and virtuous. I cleaned and worked and found pleasure in my trials. I whistled and sang in a high pitched voice as much as possible. One day I was tempted by the devil (who I found out later was the wicked queen, bless her heart) with an delicious apple. I succumbed. I was overcome by this mistake and fell faint. A prince saved me! He kissed me! It was a very warm kiss. I did not make out without with him, it was just a simple kiss, because he was very righteous. Anyway, I recovered, I became white and clean as snow again. My prince took me to the temple, a real palace with lots and lots of white and we feel strong and wise and oh so bless and we lived happily, and may I add eternally, ever after.

Reporter: There you have it folks. Some princess rise up to the challenge of adversity and some do not. We have our pretty princesses and our not so pretty princesses. Some live, and some live happily, and may I add eternally, ever after. Until next time on "Meet the Princess" I'm your host, Rumple, see you next week for Enchanted Castle Makeover--Medieval Architecture, Modern Conveniences.

analogies that hurt

2010-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Worst analogies by High School students! As funny as a garbage bag full of vegetable soup dropped from a 10 story building.

Spring Fever

2010-04-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

It's spring. Alex has a fever. Day 4 or 5! He looks at me in desperations and believes I have control over the fever. "How long is this going to last?" "When will I feel better?" "Will I be going to Seminary tomorrow?"

I keep telling him "probably tomorrow." If he asks again I will say, "What do you think?"

Velcro 4 the Elderly

2010-04-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight Natalie and I took a trip to the Wal-mart and over to Michael's crafts. My shoelace came untied. I just left it. Natalie pointed it out as we were checking out and I hesitated. I handed her my bags and reluctantly bent over to lacy up. On the way down I voiced my concerns about having to get back up. She said she felt the same way. Velcro shoes for the elderly. As ugly as they are, there may come a day when...never...double knot!

The Organ

2010-03-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Took Alex over to the church today. He had a yearning burning to play the organ in the chapel. I dropped him off and told him to call me when he was done. As it turned out, his piano teacher came over to show us where the key was and helped him find his footing. She left, I left. Time flew by. Alex was deliriously happy. He was more than disappointed when I finally called him. "Hey, it's late, and I have places to go, people to see, thing..."

I peaked into the building. I heard music. I was not sure I was in the LDS church. After performing some of HIS music, Alex played "Be Still My Soul" and everything was sweet.

ps. I had no idea the organ could take the bolts off the rafters. I will send Alex with earplugs next time.

Wednesdays

2010-02-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

1. Made lunch for Curtis Stapp--peanut butter and honey, prunes, apple, chips.

2. Took Alex to seminary/worked out at gym/picked him up.

3. Showered/Read Moses 6/Ate Yogurt/Cuddled Samuel/Prepared for classes.

4. Tutored in poetry and taught a short class on Hokusai, the artist.

5. Theater class--14 students! Theseus and the Minotaur!

6. Ate popcorn while visiting with Natalie :) (does this count for my visiting teaching?)

7. Softball coaching @ 1pm--16 kids, caught a fly (this is monumental btw).

8. Cards with Melissa and Sarah. (Nertz, I think I won.)

9. Went with Melissa to pick up her new puppy (Kissed Teddy the Pup).

10. Ate In-n-Out, thanks Curtis. (hamburger, well done, w/ everything, took out most of the onions)

11. Dropped off scouters in uniform.

12. Read my news online/checked FB, chatted with Julia (highlight). Missed Julia.

13 Blogged while listening to a WWII film in the background.

~there you go. Thursdays are ever so much more relaxed.

Oh, It's Blogging Time in Nebraska

2010-01-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

1. Rachel and Ben have gotten hitched. I am happy about all the help I received from my family and friends. It was fun to meet Ben's family. I only have one regret and I cannot get it out of my mind and it is extremely vain. Here it is: I woke up on the wedding day, took great care in beautifying, packed my personal care items and then, like a fool, forgot to refresh before the reception. As people were showing up I even had forgotten to put my classy shoe on (I was still wearing the boot and a tennis shoe). I did not look at my hair, my face, reapply lipstick or anything. I was too busy enjoying myself and who cares anyway, everyone was looking at the bride and groom. If you have pics of me at the reception please do not post them online. I am pretending I was Queen of Sheba.

2. Took a long drive to Oregon en route to Idaho, where Julia settled into college life and also Megan was hitched. I drove this snow trip solo and officially dislike snow. I cried when I drove over the border to CA. All passengers are wondering how they lived to tell the tale.

3. Started rehab. Well we had a ton of rain this last few weeks. Did you know that when you are in rehab you are not suppose to run, even if the rain is blasting you from all sides on the stormiest, windiest day ever? Well I forgot this for a split second and something feels funny in the old achilles. Anyway, I am now club member and am stretching and lifting and hurting myself every morning. Pam would be proud (have you seen her abs lately?).

4. Theseus and the Minotaur. How many kids can I fit in my living room? About 15. That's how many kids are in my Spring play. Our Minotaur cut out because this version does not have a Minotaur death scene, but I told the other kids if they learned their parts early enough I will write an alternate ending. I am going to make it a bit more violent and dramatic, Homer style, since we homeschoolers do not have to abide by rules and such. Alex is Poseidon and Samuel is Bill.

5. Ward Conferences are almost over! What a kick meeting all the Young Women in the stake. I can see what a force for good, strong and courageous young women they are! Love my calling, but not sure I am up to the task. Am I glad for the help I am getting from others and from above.

Toodles!

Scared Straight

2009-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago I had Julia cornered for a heart to heart. Since she is no longer in the seminary program at church, not taking college courses (which usually includes a religious course), and not attending sunday school (she is working with the children's primary) I had some concerns about her spiritual welfare. Wanting to express myself in a way that she would understand I said, "You know Julia, the first thing that happens when you stop reading your scriptures is you start showing up in public wearing a tube top."

Feel free to ask me advice about your parental concerns.

~Caryn Stapp, parenting expert

No stopping a Tidal Wave

2009-11-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I suppose once you stamp and send 250 announcements to your child's wedding you can't easily stop the nuptial tidal wave. Of course it is not impossible. About a year ago I received an invitation to a wedding of the daughter of an old friend. Two week later I received a retraction to the invite. The wedding was off. What happened? I know nothing. But I can guarantee that the mother of the unbridled youngster was worked to the bone to no end.

I am being worked, tested... but with ribboned and embossed announcements now in the air mail system, I'm extremely certain there will be a happy ending. My daughter is getting married. She is going to the temple. She is going with Ben. Ben will happily take her there. We are going to celebrate together with family and friends. Ben will take her to a new home. Then they will have 10 grand kids for me to kiss.

The announcements are out, there is no stopping it and I'm extremely happy!

Counter Argument

2009-10-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

See if you can find the counter argument in Samuel's paper here (typed without correction)

My Dad deserves the award "The Top Helper". He helps clean. He finds things that are lost. And he fixes things that are broken.

My Dad keeps things tidy. He helps clean my room. He makes the yard spotless.

My Dad always fixes broken things. He fixes dishwashers to spinklers. The things he fixes are always good as new.

I know you probably think my Dad is lazy. But when it is working time he is the best. He keeps things spotless. He is a great seeker. And items that are broken will be fixed.

Samuel Stapp

A Message For Our Day

2009-10-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Engaging Thoughts

2009-10-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Ben called last night. There's going to be a wedding. I already knew it, but it became more concrete with the diamond on her hand. Here are some thoughts running through my head.

1. Ben is adorable, funny, tall, good and will produce like children.
2. Rachel is happier than ever and she has an immense love for Ben.
3. Rachel and Ben are going to the temple! Curits and I could not ask for more. It is the true blessing of life. I thought giving birth to her was the incredible moment, but this!!! Wow!
4. I hope I can get to the fabric store, and then there's the cakes, food, decorations, money, December weather, it's going to be the party of the year!!
5. Grateful for my sisters and friends! Feel the faith, it can be done (in a wheelchair).

Feeling Young Again

2009-10-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I have not showered since last Wednesday. Almost a week. To boot, I played a sweaty and crazy ball game that day (about 5 hours after my last shower). I don't think I stink, but people aren't really being straigtht with me either. It's like I am a child again. Sometimes people talk like I'm not in the room. Natalie came over and planned my life through 2020 (that's when my leg heals and I become an adult) Julia has 100% been treating me like a baby. If I don't have my leg at just the right angle...well! She has been rubbing my head and has totally taken over the household and raising my boys. Curtis bought me some baby wipes. I believe these have to do with the no shower dilema in which I find myself. When they start serving creamed meats and showing old Barney reruns, I might has well throw in the hooded towel.

ps. I love you all!!!

Change is Humbling

2009-09-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

I remember the first week I stood in front of the 3-11 year old singers at church.. They were extremely intimidating. Their little patent leather shoes shining in my eyes. An older young lady glaring me down. Older boys slouching and scowling. One girl lifted the dress over her head and caught me off guard. Hmmm...Maybe if I try that I could get their attention. I thought better and just started wearing strange costumes and using dramatic accents.

A year and a half later and I feel comfortable making a fool of myself in front of 30 some odd young children. Kids are my passion. They young ones like to wrap their arms around my leg and tell me family secrets. I especially love this part. We have cried together (mostly the sunbeams when they don't get called to help). The 9-11 year old boys have gained so much self-confidence by pointing out every one of my minute flaws. (Believe it or not, the teachers can sometimes be the hardest to control. I have perfected ways to bring them down.)

In a few weeks we will perform our years work for the parents! It will be my last moment with these little friends. A wonderful way to go out! Looking forward to the change and the humility (or humiliation) I will experience in my new life experience.

Coming Back to the Fold!

2009-08-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday. I'm going back on Facebook today! I have something really important to say to the world and it cannot wait! And I feel out of touch! Besides, I've got to see how my husband is doing anyway.

All of you who thought I was a strong willed person , think twice!

I vaguely remember my new password, something about addiction or the 12 step Facebook anonymous program.

facebook hiatus

2009-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm officially taking a break from Facebook!!! YES. I have had a great summer eavesdropping on everyone's life, photos, information. I especially have enjoyed responding to FB friends ups and downs.

Years ago I took the plunge and said goodbye to T.V. What a wonderful thing that was. I'm not so sure I will be as happy about getting off Facebook, as it is so much more entertaining. I will give myself a week. I have not taken myself off the social network. I should know in a weeks time how I feel about the facebook fast.

I have changed my password and made it so difficult to remember that I cannot get on without working things out with the password police. I have taken it off my bookmarks, and this morning actually felt relieved about it. It was license to refocus on my own family (which was the purpose of getting FB in the first place).

Anyway, all you FB friends (I took my twitter bookmark off too, but may have to get back on this because I get into Julia's mind through this medium) who read this blog, you can call me or email me or better yet, just come over! I love you ALL!!!

Costco Photo

2009-08-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

I wrote this entry last spring for another blog, but I was using my own advice today at my beloved Costco.

Costco has a great price on 4x6 photos. 13 cents!!! I made 150 photos of my Mom for around $20 for her funeral. The folks who attended loved them.

Here are some ideas for using your 13 cent print.

1. A marriage anouncement photo in glossy or matte (I will not be needing this advice anytime soon, right?)!
2. Kid photo postcards (put the photos on tagboard and send them across the planet).
3. A special gift with all your photos. You can have a spectacular DVD made there for only $14.99.
4. How about a 13 cents glamour shot for your valentine.
5. Take pictures of places around town and do a treasure hunt!
6. For 13 cents you can take a picture of your kids room when it is clean and frame it.
7. Send a family photo along to the IRS with your tax return.
8. Download a picture of _________ and use it for dart practice.
9. Take a picture of your baseball team and save money on team pictures!!!

I mean for 13 cents, you can't go wrong. I'm doing a really fun idea for my church primary choir!!!

Forced

2009-08-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

An object may consistently gravitate homeward, to its parental pull, yet there is a time, a force, a strong industrial size power, which known senses alone cannot detect, that reels the object to another, more meaningful mass. ~c. stapp

Big Flowers, Sewing, and the Salsa

2009-07-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's harvest time! Here is what we have growing. Swiss chard (not sure why), carrots (all over and eaten), basil and other herbs, two varieties of peppers, 5 varieties of tomatoes, blackberries (all made into pies and smoothies), 2 types of squash, okra for Julia and Curtis, and sad to say strawberries that aren't doing well. We are also the proud parents of six sunflowers, which average around 10 feet tall! Their circumferences are unbelievable. This is on of the few that can still hold its head high.

Also here for your viewing pleasure, I am finally finishing up Julia's quilt! I will hopefully be done by tomorrow morning (when Julia return from YW Camp) Thanks for all the help Rachel and Nat!

Tomatoes are dripping off the vines! I have been picking about 20-30 a day! Here are some of the finest on the grill ready to make salsa.

The lovely black somewhat carcinogenic finish will make a fine batch. I also roasted the jalepenos.

photos by Rachel Marie Stapp

Take out the Verbage

2009-07-09T10:28:00.001-07:00

Words I prefer not to hear (or say if I can help it).

Boring, bored: When people use this word I cringe. It is a way of saying I don't enjoy the people I am with, the gifts God gives, so just entertain me. Instead use "the trip was uneventful" or "thank you for this peace and quiet" or "I had plenty of time to think".

Hate: I had a missionary companion that used this word so much, that I rarely ever say it. There is too much to love and enjoy. The source of hate is powerful and leads to misery. Instead use: "this is not to my liking" or "instead of the liver and onions I think I will have the chocolate mousse".

Crap (or carp*), Suck and all those other words that pass as non-curse words: Guard your tongue and what flows out. These word limit your brain power and leave an ugly impression. Imagine a fine and beautiful woman appearing, then opening her smile to blackened teeth. It is such a turn off. Instead use: "of all things" or "that takes the cake" or "how could that be" or "that is unbelievable"

*Curtis was explaining to us how some of the women at Young Women's Camp were using course language and instead of saying the word he spelled it C-A-R-P. Carp?

Silent Night and Alma 34

2009-05-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Alex woke quietly today. I didn't think much of it. Breakfast went by and I even got a few hugs out of him. I started talking to him. Telling him his chores and duties and stuff like that there. Not a word of dissent. What's up? I realized around 10 am that I hadn't heard a single peep. Samuel spilled the beans. Alex had taken a Vow of Silence. (like a monk) Samuel warned him he would have to brake the vow during his writing class today. But after that and by 1 pm he had his mouth taped up. The taping last a few hours, even long enough to make an appearance with the tape during all my tutoring and to do an errand up the street at a neighbors house. We played baseball with 7-8 families at the park. Not a peep!

As a family we read scripture in the evening. Curtis instructed our son that monks chanted and read scripture aloud as part of their dedication. Tonight we read Alma 34 in the Book of Mormon. It is an insightful and long chapter. We split the 41 verses 5 ways. Around 8 verses per person. Alex was third in line. You could here a pin drop when his turn came round. Was he going to read? If you have the book and chapter open you can see as the third reader, Alex was fortunate to get the shortest set of 8 verses. He opened his mouth.

Tonight I heard some of the wisest words ever written from one of the greatest voices of all times. Alma 34:17-24

10 Reasons NOT to Blog

2009-05-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

10. I'm busy making panini (those sandwiches with lines on them)

9. It's hard to open up the bottle inside

8. People are looking over my shoulder

7. My thoughts seem extremely shallow

6. Have you read the Judge Clarence Thomas biography?

5. Busy watching FACEBOOK to see if anyones status has changed (refresh, refresh, refresh)

4. I am getting to0 old to count backward from 10.

2. It's almost summertime and I've been preoccupied shopping for a bikini that looks nice.

1. Spending enormous amounts of time deciding if I "Like" each persons FB status or not.

H1N1 Going Green

2009-05-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

What is this? Thought you might want to see a photo of the H1N1 (aka. Swine Flu).

To me it looks like lime belly flops from the Jelly Belly (you know the ones that are misshapen and sugary) Looks very harmless to me!

ps. I heard you can catch it from looking at the picture.

Fake Random Letter Fortunes

2009-04-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

OIhnbbewaoaobIZuhn

The above is just a random hit of the keys. Now I will look to interpret what was hidden inside the randomness for my future. OK, looking deep with my extra sensory word and letter powers.

It looks like I want to start a...business uh some sort, wait some kind of pig way outer Hubble space suit. Maybe I am suppose to send the pigs that started this whole flu to outer space.

Feel free to type a short random phrase. I will interpret the meaning for a small price. The longer the phrase the higher the price.

Happy Easters

2009-04-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Double Click to see full view on youtube!

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2009-04-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Come on down to The Woodland Opera House folks! Starring a load of Stapps (Curtis, Julia, Alex and Samuel). The show is high energy and you will love it! To order tickets online--

https://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/onlineSale?action=selectPerformance&cobrand=wohtheatre&performance_id=919397

PS. Curtis is crazy onstage. For all Curtis fans, you will not be disappointed!! Feel free to leave your review (i.e.:great egyptian arms, lousy drums etc)

Fools Run Red Lights

2009-04-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

In true April Fools fashion, I ran a red light on Main street in Woodland today. Looked around, no cops! Whew. I drove up a few blocks, turned right on College and there he was flashing and riding his cycle, in the rear view. Turned into the Salvation Army parking area asking sister Rachelle, "how could he have seen me that far away"? I pulled out my license, took a deep breath, and felt ready (hey this is the forth time I have been stopped in six months*).

Did you know you have a broken windshield? Windshield, yes officer, I did know that, my husband did that with a long 2 by 4, is that illegal? I handed over the license, the State Farm info, then he asked to see my registration. I fumbled through the paperwork for this and showed him it in its envelope. For some reason I did not hand it to him, I thought a visual was enough.

Here is when he extended his hand. I thought how friendly, so I grabbed his hand. You know, American's do this, shake hands. It was a nice hand, very warm and a bit pudgy. I thought, he's letting me go and this is his way of saying so long. His face dropped here. I'm not sure if the look was perplextion or embarrassment, but it was unusual under the friendly circumstances. He says here, "I need to have your registration." I mentioned to the officer that I thought we were done here with the handshake, my face turned hot, it dawned on me that this gesture was not his intention at all. There was to be no friendly handshake. He just wanted my paperwork.

End of story except for one last thing. After the ticket was issued and he headed toward his bike, I yelled out the window, "Thanks and high five!" I mean really, we had a certain connection and I was thankful that he did not see my red light infraction!

stopped in Idaho for speeding, got off real easy $20 fine not on record

stopped in Woodland for seat belt infraction, got off because seat belt was on, but top of belt was tucked into armpit of passenger

stopped in Woodland for cutting off officer, got off after pleading blocked visual

true computer confessions

2009-03-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last night around 11 pm, Curtis turned out the light. I rolled over, gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "I love my computer".

Why Am I A Fan of Daniel Hannan?

2009-03-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

I like people who make sense and don't skirt this issues, which is extremely rare in our political world. Check him out telling his Prime Minister, Gordon Brown how it is or should be! By the way, this is currently one of hottest YouTubers! Enjoy and become enlightened. One last question--Daniel, can you move to America?

PS. I love how the British say figure!

Cone Update!

2009-03-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

For those bloggers who read the below post about the cone zone, I have a little announcement to make. I now am in possession of my very own cone. Now this is not your ordinary plastic dirty orange old highway cone. It is bright orange, but my dear sweet husband surprised me with a sturdy retractable cone. It was in the driveway when I came home and he ran out to remove it as I came in the drive. I feel so special (can I use the word special?)!

Catastrophic Cooking With Caryn

2009-03-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made burritos. I started with 1/2 lb of ground beef. I rarely cook with the stuff, and maybe this is why. After browning, I added what I thought was taco seasoning (Costco size) and to my surprise and utter dismay cinnamon was applied (Costco size). I knew better than to try to wash the ground beef and reuse, because this is not the first time I have made the mistake and it didn't clean out the taste. Next I warmed up some green chilies in the microwave. I would add half the chilies to the black beans and use the rest as garnish. Taking them out of the microwave, I turned and it just flew out of my...chilies on the cupboards, floor and across my legs. I almost (should've) gave up, but no. I started in on the tortillas. These are special delectable Costco tortillas. Fortunately, I had a lot of them. After cooking about 5 of these lovely rounds, I smelled something burning. Funny?? Nothing seems to be burning. Except, wait, I have placed the plate with cooked tortillas on the adjacent, never turned off, burner. Did you know that a plate, when it gets to a certain degree will explode? I learned this yesterday cooking burritos.

Enjoying Life Again

2009-03-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

Now that Mom is gone, Dad is renewing his love for exploration of nature and capturing it on his top of the line camera! Friday we hiked around the Nimbus Dam area. We climbed to the top of a small, but steep hill, listening to the wild turkeys. This photo was the view we found there. Do I really need to travel far and wide to live, learn and grow? The few hour we spent were filled beauty and wonder. Dad has a gift of finding what to some may otherwise seem insignificant, but on closer look that there bird's nest is amazing and worth a second visit.

Sacramento Temple and Skulls

Speaking Plainly, From Just Plain Vanilla

2009-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

justplainvanilla.blogspot.com/2009/03/bigotry-in-television-target-mormons.html

I Had a Dream

2009-03-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

of seeing this beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art" performed live. My dream came true last night. It was life changing!

Why I would not make a good Fascist Dictator

2009-03-06T19:42:00.001-08:00

So I'm kinda new on facebook. But I got this email saying somebody tagged me in a photo. I go to the photo. It is so very horrible, and it is out there. I really don't like to get my picture taken. I prefer to view photos of others. This is what stops me from become a fascist dictator. Have you noticed how they love pictures of themselves? They especially love the statue form of themselves. Their countrymen are forced to display these in their homes, schools and all public areas. Then they destroy the churches, in case anybody thinks of looking at a picture/statue of any other revered being. They don't seem to care about anybody else's facebook photos. Of course, these are not candid shots. They are calculated poses. The figures always look very stern, ready for genocide. A photo like this may be useful for dictatorship purposes, but I don't want people to remember me mad, ugly, in uniform and hanging from the top of a building on a 20 foot pole.

Flusymptumitis Tag--I tag anybody with it!

2009-03-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

1. Headache
2. Dry deep cough
3. Feverishness
4. Uneasy stomach thingy (nothing tastes good)
5. Chills
6. Don't touch me
7. Green stuff
8. Delirium
9. Messy house
10. Get out of my way if I have to drive. I mean it.

Slow 4 the Cone Zone

2009-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Years ago I was driving by my friends house and saw in her driveway an orange highway cone. Out of habit, I slowed down for the cone zone, mostly out of surprise that she had her own cone. I told her about the cone, and she was unsure how the cone appeared in her property. I told her it was a special gift, how it made me slow down, and how I almost felt envious of the cone. We talked at length about it's many uses. I would love my own cone for a few reasons. Laundry piles. I would strategically place the cone between incoming traffic and folded piles. Next, when I am sick, tired or sick and tired, I would place the cone directly outside the bedroom door and make a sign that says, "$2 fine for disrupting the silence around my orange cone". I could use the cone on others. Mostly teenagers. When they are acting teenagery, I will place the cone near their room, work space, dining spot, etc. This orangy beacon will warns the others of possible head on collisions and that all traffic must merge far to the left or right of the cone. Do not collide with this person's perimeter at the peril of your own life and of course, all infractions fines double if you mess with this coned area!

Now, I need multiple cones for the Sabbath Day. I could place them in each room and especially one on the other side of the wall next to my napping head. I could use one right now. A cone about 5 feet away from the computer so people would stop looking over my shoulder while they are muscling down a very slimy taco in my ear.

Hanging Out With Uncle Mike

2009-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

Julia had the chance to record a song with her Uncle Mike (a professional videographer). There wasn't much of a background in his office, so we used all the computer equipment and it looks pretty darn good. Mike really knows how to make everything real nice. Thanks!!! I'll be picking up my iMac on Friday!!! YES!

Defragmenting Fragments

2009-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

I sit here defragmenting my computer. Fragments are flying through tiny chip highways trying to live, but being rejected and sent down the fragment shute. Tiny little particles of, of fragmented stuff, maybe just numbers 110001011. That's what I remember from my Fortran class back in the 1980s. Maybe there are higher digit floating fragments in the new computer age. And maybe this is all a fragment of my imagination.

aptitoodles

2009-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Learning styles are fascinating to me. Some people can learn in a variety different ways. You may know that I love to read. I learn a lot from reading books. But actually, I retain very little of what I read. This is why I started a web site. So I could remember what I've read. I'm starting to figure out the Book of Mormon after years of study. Finally!

Some learn through visual or listening. Although I would like to think I am learning during General Conference, the truth is, whether it is on video or the written word, it doesn't stick. Yet, certain messages taught through the spirit have stuck with me over many years.

Sometimes this visual learning block serves me well. I cannot remember movies well, so I can watch them after a few years and enjoy it likes it's the first time.

A large percentage of my retention is through doing and creating! Would that be called a tactile learner? Don't read aloud directions to Monopoly. Let's just start playing and I'll pick it up faster than the guy with the race car. I'll most likely make up some fun new rules too. I cannot remember your phone number if you tell me, but if I look at the phone, next time I'll know exactly which buttons to push. That's why I can call people in the dark.

Math was always easy to me. I rarely read directions, but I could look at an equation and see what needed to be done.

If you read this through, share your aptitoodle! Or if you are a professional, feel free to diagnose me.

Furlough (Pelt Lake) News!

2009-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

NO go Furlough! Curtis is one of the few who will be working the beat tomorrow with the State of California. The big guy, the judge dude, said that these certain agencies cannot be furloughed by Arnold. It's unconstitutional! No telling what will happen next week. Anyway, I went out and bought an In-N-Out burger to celebrate. There is still some uncertainty, so I did not take the kids.

Febuary Booooook!

2009-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Chinese Cinderella
by Adeline Yen Mah

R ead my review!

Join the club HERE!

Girl Meets Book January Selection

2009-02-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Read My January Review of
Life of Pi
Here

Want to join GMB? Join here.

Want to review this book? Go here.

Want to buy the book? Click on the book above!

25,000 Random Things

2009-01-31T22:29:00.000-08:00

Seems like this "25 random fact about myself" is epidemic. Since approximately 1000 total people sent this too me, that means I have to blog, what, like, 25,000 random facts about myself. So here it goes.

1. I eat
2. I sleep
3. I read
4. I eat crunchy cereal with cold milk poured over the top.
5. I don't like it when the phone rings after I pour milk over my crunchy cereal.
6. I read a really great book
7. I read a great book called Life of Pi
8. Have you read it? (is this a factoid)
9. I give up easily, but never on the important things. Is dieting important?
10. I love reading people's random facts.
11. I am watching Galaxy Quest.
12. I tutor algebra.

25,000. I love big numbers.

Be Happy! My Mom is Beautiful!

2009-01-20T18:36:00.001-08:00

Please CLICK ON Picture

The plan of happiness is wonderful. We can become perfect in spirit and body through Christ. The plan brings happiness to all of us left behind knowing Mom, (aka Grandma, Diane) is going to live to enjoy these blessing and we will be there with her as we turn to Jesus. So simple, yet so powerful.

Diane Helen Jensen is Free

2009-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

Born September 20, 1934 in Oakland to Nicholas and Helen De Lucia, Diane passed away at home, in Rancho Cordova on Jan 17, 2009 at age 74. She devoted her life to her family, her church, sewing, painting, teaching dance, and directing theatrical productions. Of note, Diane choreographed for the Elk Grove Strauss Festival for many years. Lovingly cared for during her long illness by her husband Willis Boyd Jensen, she also leaves children Marcia and Norman Harris, Michael and Pam Jensen, Stephen and Cindy Jensen, Caryn and Curtis Stapp, Sarah and Kent Blair, Rachelle and Daren Anderson, Jared and Christine Jensen, 34 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her sisters Susan Rosenquist and Marian Brown, and brother Thomas De Lucia. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Nicholas and Andrew De Lucia. Services will be held Friday, Jan 23 at 11 am at the LDS Church, 2400 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association.

Furlough

2009-01-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Curtis received a furlough from Governor Schwarz yesterday. Furlough sounds like such a nice word. Fur is so soft and cuddly. Lough (I looked it up) is a lake. It seems like such a wonderful thought to go down to the lake and wrap up in a nice fur coat. It a fun word to say and rolls off the tongue in such a soft and easy way.

Why don't they (the State of California) use a true defining term for the action like "incursionary derailment" or "despoilment" or "subjugationry". Don't these word sound more like what is happening over here with 10% pay cut. Furlough is just a euphenistic term. Makes us feel ageeable and warm and fuzzy, when really it's time to turn the heater off.

Disclaimer: All words in this entry may or may not be in the dictionary. I really like making new words from other words. It's cheap entertainment and I need some of that right now.

Coupon Craze

2009-01-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

So my friend Natalie is on a coupon craze. It is mostly fun and sometimes worth it, but not today. To make a long story short, we headed to Longs Drugs with a bazillion coupons. Searching high and low for exact products, harassing the store personnel, all for naught because in order to get the great deal the bazillionth coupon had to work (which, of course it did not). That's OK. I found some Christmas gift tags for 25 cents and I didn't even need a coupon!

Check out Natalie's brainstorm blog (yes I'm a contributor, but I'm mostly, although unintentionally, sabotaging her hard work)

http://wisewordsfromfriends.blogspot.com/

No joke. Natalie is on the phone. I'm heading to Walgreens. Goodnight.

Blog Irony

2009-01-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

I added a new ad sense to my blog. I do not choose the ad. It is generated by my blog content. The ad selected for this blog is for a flickerless battery operated candle. See Faux Christmas for the irony. HELP!!!!

Moroni, Son of Mormon, Makes Me Happy

2009-01-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

I finished the Book of Mormon again on New Year's Eve! It was most definitely a new message this year. The words became more real and extremely personal. What can I say but IT IS TRUE!!

I'm beginning to feel a closeness to certain ancient earthly inhabitants. I figured some of them feel close to me as well, as a select few where able to witness my day and trials. Although the book end is the most horrific and gruesome ordeal, Moroni (son of Mormon) was able to tie things up with lovely councel on charity.

By the end of the year's reading I began to wonder why so little was said concerning the women of the day, but I felt assured their special purpose was to raise and nurture all those beloved prophets. Then low and behold, I read a lovely little message for the women in verse 31 of the last chapter. It says I, O daughter, should go and put on my most beautiful clothing and get to work strengthening the Stakes of Zion. Thanks Moroni!

After this verse, Moroni literally sums up the entire books message in three chapters!!! I can't wait to see him brought triumphant through the air. I feel I may very well meet him in the next life in this most spectacular manner.

I believe I will start 2009 by reading Moroni first!

May Christmas Bring...

2008-12-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ciara, Grandpa, and Julia 2007

...smiles and cheerinous,
sausages and assorted cheeses,
health and continued freedom,
lights and all that shiny stuff,
sugary and spicy delights,
glowing candlelights and warm hugs,
kind words and graciousness
peaceful melodies and jingling bells,
fuzzy socks and foiled wrapped Reeses bells,
But most of all faith, hope and Christ!

Take the Time...

2008-12-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

...and turn it up loudly so the family will gather 'round!!

Sweet Sixteen

2008-12-06T23:38:00.000-08:00

So yes, Curtis is 50 (see Dec 5th bloggentry*)! But that is not much to brag about considering...I mean...ya know...Elche is turning 16** on Christmas Day! She's an amazing creature! I think I will start her going on FACEBOOK!

*bloggentry=blog entry, but rhymes with conventry. If that is not already a coined blog term, then I go down in history as the coiner of it, no tags back Stephen.

**Not her actual birthday. I found her at the pound one day in May and the pound lady told me she was about 5 month old. So we are fairly smart and took birth date matters into our own hands. We counted back 5 months, which was not extremely difficult if you have a calendar, found a date near it that would stand out and called it her unofficial birthday. We also are amazing creatures--thank you very much.

Golden Years Ahead!

2008-12-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

At 50 years of age, Curtis Wayne Stapp can kick it. Althought Curtis has always been a late starter (on his mission at 22, first child at 30) nonetheless, he never ceases to amaze. With Curtis there are no timelines or limits. He picked up a real nice guitar this year and took a class at the college. With this he has brought some loyal fans to tears (his Dad) and put some to sleep (Samuel). He has been struggling with his reading of the Book of Mormon this year because he chose to read it in Catalan (wow and it's still true!). Ask him about his genealogy work, his acting career, or his beloved work at the Woodland Opera House and you will understand how Golden Curtis really is!!!

Below is a lovely picture of the geriatric during his 50th Birthday Surprise*! Just Golden!!

*Birthday Surprise--We kidnapped Curtis and took him to a beach house for 4 days. I luv u!

Music to My Ears

2008-11-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Many a evening Julia comes out to the living area ready to perform her latest hit song. She has become quite proficient on her beloved guitar. She prefers the guitar to T.V., books, cell phoning, and sometimes eating. She has pulled in the boys for duets on some of her favorites. Alex is a perfect Joe Jonas to her Demi Lavato. Sometimes when I am outdoors and the windows are open I can hear her in full voice up and down the block. Although she has kept us up rockin' some nights, in our eyes it is the price of stardom. What will it be like next Fall without these free live concerts? The neighborhood will never be the same!

Yo Dad Update

2008-11-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

To see daily "Yo Dad Vocab" see Jensen Family News!

About Yo Dad Vocab

2008-11-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

I have a really awesome dad. He has been caring for my mother for quite a few years. She is now in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease. He has unselfishly given up his life for her.

There have been a few times when I have called his place to check up on them and there has been no answer. Then he doesn't return the call either. After a day or so I get a little worried. What to do? Send my in-laws over (who live about 3 miles from their home) to check on the happenings. So this has happened twice. Both times my in-laws have found them safe and sound.

We have a new plan--now I get an email every day from dad. Since both of us love words and word games Dad send along a vocab word and a little poem to go along with it. This has been going on for months and months. It is usually the first chuckle of the day. Enjoy!

Yo Dad Vocab

2008-11-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

Today's word is cooee (to cry out shrilly)

There was a young mallard named Louie
Who cooeed as he swam around a buoy.
He swallowed a large fish,
For most an elegant dish,
But to Louie it was too gooey and chewy.

Define it and Use it In a Sentence!

2008-11-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today's word is chimb (the rim of a casket)

This may sound grim,
But a comedian named Jim
Died with a silly grin.
So his wife on a whim
Decided to bury him
With his lower left limb
Hanging over the chimb.
Though the church was dim
All saw his nails needed a trim.

(vocab by yo dad)

Have a Very Faux Christmas?

2008-10-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

I visited Costco today. Saw a nice set of candles in the Christmas area. I love candles, but I like fire more than candles. Luckily, you can have fire and candles at the same time. Anyway back to Costco candles. They looked like candles, all creamy and waxy and they smelled like candles, all vanilla-y. I took a closer look. A villainous light bulb had taken over the wicks place. The wax was-was, well it wasn't wax and I'm not sure what the material really was, but it definitely wasn't wax. Ack! A cord! The candle was not real!!!! It was a faux candle. WHaaah? Who wants a fake candle? Where is the fire, the burning fire to warm and flicker? Is there a faux flicker too?

OK, I'm am just sick and tired of all this plasticky stuff people use at Christmas time. The tree for instance. I know the tree can be very expensive, but I would rather have a real tree than the foil wrapped presents lying under it! Sorry!

Wait...hmm..I do have some faux holly garland, but after seeing the candle today, I am going to turn a new leaf and go totally real this Christmas. I will sell my garland on craigslist. The picture will look real nice, when the buyer comes over to get it he/she won't even care that it is plastic, for I don't believe anybody has ever seen real live (or recently living) garland.

What's up with the plastic snowman. Do you guys know it isn't real. Just go up to it. It is not real. It's actually slightly warm around the tummy area.

Along the same line here, I believe the reason people do not appreciate the fruit cake anymore is because they don't make it themselves. It's not real. You may or may not know this but the stuff you buy at the store contains faux fruits (yes, plastics and woodchips are added). That is why they are so hard. Faux fruitcake! We should create a new law mandating the disclosure of these phony ingredients on every label.

As soon as my oranges are ripe I am going to pick one and poke some cloves through their tasty skins and let the smell wreak havoc on my home! None of these fabricated smells, but really orangy and stuff!

Vote No on Faux Christmas!

Stapp Tradition of Tolerance

2008-10-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

To any friends and neighbors who may be offended by our support of Prop 8!

Although our values can never bend, we will always try to love and not judge you! Please love us and tolerate our religious views to protect traditional marriage. We feel the demise of Prop 8 will be an attact on our right to practice our faith of marriage between a man and a women.

Last Few Hours of the Spending Freeze!

2008-10-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Day 9
All is well today. Not a penny spent. Didn't even drive.

Day 10
Took Julia's car into Sacramento. I have only 20 miles left on the van. No milk and everyone is hoping for a bowl of cereal tomorrow. Ate a fresh peach at my Dad's place. It was marvelous.

All in all, and each one of us agreed last night, the Stapp family is very blessed! We have been able to utilize our creativity and stored resource. But most of all we have learned gratitude for all our bounteous blessing. The 10 day spending freeze will hopefully start us on a new path to simpler living! You ought to try it.

Spending Freeze Continued

2008-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Day 7
Tuesday started off with a bit of a crisis. I sent Curtis out the door with a gourmet lunch around 6:40 am. Ten minutes later he was back in a bit of a quandary. He misplaced his bus pass. As you may or may not know, Curtis has taken the bus into the city for the past 15+ years and saves $ with the monthly pass. No pass-a-roosy! We looked here, we looked there and and then we looked everywhere. I reluctantly handed him a $20 that was on circulation vacation. He informed me that the Yolo Bus only takes exact change!!! Even better, let's use the cash in the boy's bank! Luckily, they don't read blogs.

Opened a can of fruit punch from the LDS cannery today. Samuel did not like the smell, but thought it tasted pretty good. Nutritional value; 100% vitamin C, 45% vitamin A. Hmmm...packaged in 1999. Bet I need to cut nutrient numbers in half. Possibly toxic. I'm stealing from and poisoning my children!!!! Nothing like a challenge to cloud better judgment.

Day 8
Tender Mercies!! Dug deep and located 4 Eggo waffles, a bag of frozen Rhodes dough that had defrosted, transformed into a dough glob, then refrozen, a Weight Watcher creamy rigatoni with broccoli & chicken, three Angus beef hamburger patties, and three 3 oz. salmon steaks. Curtis scouted out the calcium rich LDS cannery hot chocolate last night.

Other items in the Maytag Refidgerator/Freezer include; selection of cheeses, 14 eggs, one loaf of bread, 2 lbs butter, a few oranges, ice, a variety of meats, peas, turkey meatball makings, mixed veggies with freezer-burn, frozen plums and leftover chocolate frosting, see day 3 (I'm planning a Friday night surprise dessert).

1/8th tank of gas left in my car. See hypermiling.

Confession. I took Sarah to Costco today. I told her I I had a ton of hand-me-downs to give her. There was the food court. Maybe I could trade her for a frozen yogurt. BINGO!

Click here to see what Samuel and I made with the frozen Rhodes bread ball (without the milk)! I can smell them now!

Almost a Week

2008-09-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

A few temptations today, but Curtis helped me get through.

Day 5 (Sunday)
We were able to survive this day quite well. We ran out of milk. The garden is manna from heaven!

Day 6
I was in Davis today. I took Julia's car since I was low on gasoline. Before I left I called Curtis to confess that I was feeling the temptation too frequent In-N-Out during my wait for the boys during their writing class. He talked me through the temptation. I sat in the car with my popcorn lunch, listened to the radio, and read the Wall Street Journal. I had a great time. By the time I made it home, I was worried about the bank failures and the rest of the economy, so I started looking over my year supply. Hmmm...maybe I should be out spending more money at Winco!! Got my bill for Rachel's wisdom teeth today. Almost $900! And that is with insurance.

Ending Day 4

2008-09-27T22:11:00.001-07:00

Well I feel pretty good about the spending freeze, especially going into fast Sunday.

Day 3
This day went well. It was a Friday and people were getting a little uptight about the lack of ice-cream, but Curtis made a cake with homemade chocolate frosting. I also made 6 loaves of pumpkin bread to feed a mass of boys that invaded the premisis (saving two for visiting teaching).

Day 4 (today)
Curtis slipped out and purchased gasoline at Costco for Julia's car. Ten bucks doesn't go very far, even in a small town. It would be really easy to just throw in the towel, but I give him credit. He took all the kids into Costco and had lunch without buying a single item. Here is what they ate (all in sample sizes); ravioli, kielbasa, salmon with lemon pepper, ice-cream with chocolate sauce, peanut butter sandwiches, cashews, mixed nuts, cranberry juice, Hawaiian rice bowl, chicken pot pie and hoodia diet juice. They came home stuffed to the rafters.

Today Curtis moaned, "Just because I can't spend any money doesn't mean I have to start begging." I think that was after I told him to go ask the neighbors if we could siphon a bit of gasoline from their car. I have a quarter tank left in the van and a half gallon of milk.

Day 3--Spending Freeze

2008-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

We're on day 3 of the Stapp Family spending freeze. No spending money (at all). This is a total buying haltation. Wondering how long the gasoline and milk will hold out.

Day 1

We survived the first day, but there was a tense moment. I told Julia about the plan the night before. She mentioned she was out of gasoline. "Better go get some now, because tomorrow nada." Next morning, no gas. For the first time ever Julia dug into her own wallet, pulled out a $10 and purchased her own gasoline!

Day 2

We survived day two! But here is the situation. I needed three glow sticks for the Arrow of Light Ceremony I was performing at the church. The scouter expects this as part of his advancement and somebody has misplaced the closet key. I guess I will have to purchase these. I know I will get reimbursed, so maybe it won't count. Just in the nick of time the assistant scoutmaster offers to send his dad to the store. Saved. On to day 3 (today)

Dethroned!

2008-09-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Changed the password on my computer to take control of the lives of my beautiful children here in Woodland. You know-- set some time limits, make sure responsiblities were getting done, mainly just utilizing my parental powers. Had no idea what a pain it would be. Changed the password, then spent all day trying to get the internet to work again, on the phone all night with someone (not a local) assisting me with the arduous task.

Well a few days went by. All controls were in place. Kids were mad. My plan was going beautifully. Young family members were more dutiful and I was getting loads of respect. I was the Queen of Compuland!

Not more than a week later, I am doing my duty by attending a church meeting and return home to...to...uh...what is going on here? Why are a computer and two laptops on at the same time? Are you subjects all linked to the World Wide Web? Wha...Wha...is going on here Curtis? A what? A wireless what? Access point? No password needed? How...how...how...Howard (What's up Doc).

I've lost my title, am trying to be ok with the situation, and his plan is going beautifully.

Iluvcurtis!

Mawage

2008-09-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

"Mawage. Mawage is what brings us together today." Princess Bride

I love marriage. It is a great social organization that I feel blessed to be a part. I suppose that is why I continue to be part of this marriage. I happen to also love Curtis, so that helps me in my couplehood.

Some may not understand how important it is to keep marriage between a man and a woman to the believer. It is more than just a stubborness to hold to old traditions. I personally love change and progression. But for the majority of committed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marriage is considered a sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God.

Since I believe that Adam and Eve truly lived on this earth, it might be easier to understand my views. Eve and Adam lived together at the same point in time on earth. The beginning. They were purposefully put together and became part of a union sanctioned by God Himself. They brought kids into the world. Some where a pain in the neck. Marriage and parenthood were not and are not easy, but it is part of the plan.

I don't believe "traditional marriage" began with earth's first couple. Eternal marriage between a man and a woman is an everlasting principle.

So when you see my "Vote For Prop 8" bumper sticker driving around town remember, I am fighting for eternal families. I know you and I can be together with our families forever. What a wonderful blessing!

For more information:
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=true

A Great Joy!

2008-08-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am most happy reading. Today I scanned the Wall Street Journal, read Jacob 5-6 (Book of Mormon), looked over the online headlines, a few stories in the Reader's Digest, the end of the book "A Man Named Dave" by Pelzer and the beginning of a Cushman (one of my all time favorite teen novelist) called "The Loud Silence of Francine Green". This does not include all the reading I did shopping at Winco, online school planning, and checking my email. I am so blessed to know how to do read!!! What a gift. I want to thank the California public school system for this wonderful skill! Some may think I did not get anything else done. But I actually spent most of my day working outdoors. Someone asked me once how I have time to read so much. My answer, "I don't enjoy watching T.V." If you read this blog, maybe you could leave a list of your reading habits for the day. I would love to hear the details. ~Happy Reading

Tom Sawyer--The Musical August 15-Sept 14

2008-08-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sid Sawyer will be as annoying as every while going head-to-head with Tom. Don't ask me how difficult it was to part and place Alex's hairs just so. Thank goodness for Dippety-doo and bobby pins. Pay back for for being so annoying!

PS. Curtis will also be singing, dancing and starring as the local teacher!

Tickets are $20 Adults, $18 Seniors 60+, $10 Children 17- with discounts for Balcony ($10 and $5 for kids) and groups of 10+. Call 530-666-9617

Dancing Queen, waterfights and late night edible castles!

2008-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Girl's Camp Ritchie 2008!

Theme: Wonders of the World

The following is a documentary on the habits of teen girls (and a few old women) in the back woods of California. This is a one week observation of the rare species and behaviors.

Rachel brings the house down singing "I am Harry Potter"

Julia sings "Almost Love" to a full crowd!

Shaving cream fights!

Campfire fun!

Guess who the Adult Councelor of this pack is?

Territorial water balloon fights.

Dancing Queens (Caryn, Carol, and Sandy)

More "I am Harry Potter"

Happy camper!

Thriller Dance (yes they learned the whole dance during free time)!!

Late night mattress surfing (a youth staff priveledge).

Cooks prepare edible late-night castle (without the broccoli center tonight).

Girl Meets Book--July 2008

2008-07-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have been reviewing cool books for over two years now. I thought it was time to add them to my blog too!

The Orange Girl
by Jostein Gaarder

read my review

Not without Mom

2008-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Julia went to a fast-food restaurant today. This particular on-the-fly-eatery, let's call it M*, is not her favorite (In-N-Out), but someone treated her so she went and she ate. She ordered food off the menu like any normal luncher would. But for some unknown reason, she could not seem to get the main menu item down. Gravity was on her side, but it just was not falling. She managed to down about half and gave up. Next she walked around and did some deep breathing exercises. She was on the edge of truly defying gravity. I heard the whole story tonight as she recounted the scene to Rachel, "I just couldn't throw up without Mom there!" Made me feel so good I think!

Full Belly Farms

2008-06-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

In May, our group was blessed to get a spot overnight at Full Bellly Farms. We drove into the Capay Valley amazed at the beauty and production of the glorious organic farm. We ate, worked, slept and played on the farm. It was the most amazing experience for me this year!!!

hay rides around the farm

gathering eggs for breakfast

samuel loves the farm animals

making butter while singing and dancing

harvesting flowers for drying

yarro for flower drying

we drank fresh milk for breakfast and saved the cream for the strawberries

Samuel would make a great farmer

feeding chickens using the feed on foot method

refreshing swim in Cache Creek

harvesting potatoes for dinner

Hypermiling

2008-06-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

I have become a bit of a hypermiler for the past few months. Not up to 100 mpg, like the more serious and somewhat dangerous hypermilers, but I have improved my mpg. Here are the hypermiling tips out there on the www--don't use your breaks (especially when turning), use your gas pedal only when necessary and very lightly, avoid stopping at all, empty out your car of excess weight (went to Weight Watchers for this), turn off the AC, close the windows (aerodynamicy). It's actually kind of fun. I brought my mpg up about 5mpg. So with a 20 gallon tank, that means I can go 100 more miles than before. Unless, somebody drives my car and disturbs the mpg. "Hey, I've been working so hard, fellow drivers have been honking and staring me down on the road and now my MPG work is ruined, ruined I say!"

Or get this one, someone takes the car and parks it for 12 hours with the keys locked in the car with the motor running all day!!!! THAt'S 0 MPG!!! NADA! I'M speaking Spanish HERE and WE just filled the car up with gas LAST NIGHT!!!!! There is joy in every somthing or other when there's love at home. Ahh, I feel much better. Thanks for listening.

Choco, Popco & Tomato

2008-06-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Having had the flu here for a few days and coming back to my appetite, I thought I would post a delicious blog of essentials.

Chocolate In my past, any chocolaty temptation was a go. Now, unless I am really desperate, it has to be dark all the way. Although quite popular among some consumer's, Milk leaves a sugary, pasty after-taste. While Dark leaves you marveling in a long-lasting, bitter-sweet and lovely sensation. You really only need one to two quality choc-chips (I'm particular about brands) every half hour to feel like you been to the all-day-choco-rama! Caution: Out of control choco-chipping can be habit forming. Keep a year supply just in case.

Popcorn, which I happen to be eating right now. Everybody who knows me, can tell you about my popcorn and my machine. The machine is a relic, 1979-80?, JCPenney, two toned, electric, hot-air popper. The machine was owed by my brother at BYU and handed down to me in 1982. It has never failed me and has popped over 30 billion kernels. What? You don't have a kernelometer? I wish I had a car as faithful as my p-machine. Oh well, now for the p-corn commentary. I know most of you love your p-corn oozing with butter and salt. Some of you are even risky enough to try other flavors. I found one that I've been stuck on for years. This recipe is very simple, yet cannot be made by most people (except Rebekah). Curtis does not attempt it. It takes white kernels, popped in the old machine (I cannot lend this out), drizzled olive oil (this is the hard part, for the drizzle must be precise), granulated garlic (I went through a 26oz bottle of this in 6-8 months), and coarse sea salts (from Spain). I have made many friends, but no lovers (Curtis can't smell it anymore) making and eating garlic popcorn. This popcorn goes well with Canasta and Nertz!

Tomato There is no veg...fruit..veg? whatever as wonderful as the tomato. As I peak out my window over my computer, I can see the tomatoes have reddened since I started this entry. A sign that I should quit, but do read about the tomato. It is growing out there in every form and size. It will be a juicy tangy snack, lovely roasted salsa and to-die-for pasta sauce (ours are salmonella free), sandwiches, salads....Do you not agree, ketchup lovers, that the tomato is incomparably the fruit? veg..um fruit of aah and wonder?

You may leave your food opinions. Off to pick a tomato!

The last blog Worked!

2008-05-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

I received my copy of the Yolo County Yellow Pages! For those who live in Yolo County you will know that the previous email (last paragraph) worked! I also received an apologetic email from the Woodland Opera House director for forgetting to leaving some minor details out of her public announcement in front of a full house. So once again--you all have the most wonderful children in the world (can't wait to see what happens tomorrow).

Bragging Rights

2008-04-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are expecting a Stapp photo, there will not be one attached to this blog, for reasons which will soon be made clear.

You may think you have bragging rights. So go ahead--brag your guts out. I do this on occasion because my kids are so darn spectacular. Whoops, I shouldn't have said it. I guess we all have the right, but the humbling consequence is usually well deserved. Please indulge me and read on.

There is a certain phenomenon, and from here on out I will label it the "Nose Against Dirt" (NAD). I will demonstrate this by personal experience. By the way, this is only one example of this occurance which I have endured.

Lately I have been bragging about Samuel, my wonderful (wait a minute, I think I'll take that wonderful back)...um, my son. Well, so Curtis signed a release form for Samuel to be featured on this years Yolo County Yellow Pages phone directory. Of course, a perfect opportunity for bragging rights. "Hey you over there, my BOY SAMUEL IS GOING TO LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE, well at least while you're searching for a plumber at midnight!!" "Dude, come this May you are going to get the coolest book left on your porch wrapped in celaphane. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!"

So tonight, yes this very night, I'm sitting in the Woodland Opera House, the very place that provides material for 75%-85% of my bravado. I hear the details of the Yolo Yellow Pages cover during the Spring Dance Recital in front of hundreds of yellow page users. My Samuel has been pushed aside for some other theatrical star! My head jets back and forth, my mouth wide open, "Whaaa?" People to whom I have bragged are seated around glaring at me, "Whaaaa?" I am guessing the parent signature was not a done deal.

NAD--ddefinition--strong and surprise attack from behind where the victim does not have time or wherewith all to react, therefor perpetrator is able to land victim on ground with nose against dirt.

I think I have blogged about this before. Maybe last year when I was braggedy brag bragging!

So here's to all your kids. I think they are better than mine! They are so accomplished and wonderful and famous! WOW-Whee! I wish my kids had their talents, intellect, physical strength, and spirituality. I guess I will have to settle with mediocrity.

(I wonder what the consequence will be of adding that last paragraph. I'll let you know!)

You're really Smooth Samuel!

2008-04-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

What happens when your mom serves you a super-dee-duper thick blueberry-stawberry smoothy? Sometimes it's so good and it gets stuck at the bottom of the cup and you have to jolt it out. Then sometimes when you do that it drops out a little faster than expected! Then.....

Point Reyes

2008-04-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

In March we took the most wonderful trip to Point Reyes with 15 kids and 9 parents. We spent two nights at the hostel and hiked somewhere around 16-18 miles. The weather was perfect. We had six nature/history teachers, two wonderful dinner coordinators, and a few tag alongs. I was the self proclaimed "boss" of the event. I brought some crafts and organized the night-time program, which included solo night hikes (no flashlights). In the hostel bunkhouse there is a boys and girls dorm. The kids had a great time harrassing each other! Paul Erickson was awesome at teaching astronomy! Basically we ate well, learned much, and played hard.

Come on! Let the Flowers Bloom!

2008-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Julia is getting ready for the ACT. Time to see where the homeschoolers on Fremont Street failed. Can't the college just come over here and scout her out like an athlete. How come athletes get a special viewing. I thought that it was a place of higher learning! I doubt the ACT can assess her true height of learning. Looking at the ACT prep, all the great subject she learned are not covered on the test. And of course, she was never timed while she disected that pig fetus!

I guess failure is only in the eye of the ACT board!

We have succeeded by the standards of famed authored Louisa May Alcott

"I never went to school except to my father or such governesses as from time to time came into the family. . . . so we had lessons each morning in the study. And very happy hours they were to us, for my father taught in the wise way which unfolds what lies in the child's nature as a flower blooms, rather than crammed it, like a Strasburg goose, with more than it could digest."

Oozing

2008-03-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

We have a cabinet for board games. We enjoy playing board games. At times the games, or the people who play the games, get out of control. The dice do not get put away properly. The offender thinks, "Hmm, I'll just leave them here on the edge of the cabinet." "Wow, I found a domino. No sense putting myself out by finding its proper home. I will leave it here inside near the domino box." On and on.....This is when the oozing begins. The cabinet is perfectly shut, but there is $500 Monopoly bill hanging out the side. When you open up out flings a Sorry plastic dilly-bopper thingy and an egg timer. The board game cabinet does not have a Monopoloy on oozing. Certain children, in fact all four of mine, let the towels ooze on occasion. Grab a towel let the rest ooze. DVDs ooze. Tools ooze. Shoes ooze. The most flagrant, and I am sure you will agree, is the oozing of clothing. Believe it not, my computer was oozing. I finally cleaned it up and now I can blog...is my brain oozing? OK, I'll go to bed.

Merry-Go-Round Break

2008-03-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

the temple

a quiet place to step down

off the constant turn

of human life

poet want to be

Queen Elizabeth is Back

2008-03-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Queen Elizabeth is back from her vacation. We are not sure exactly where she spent the last month or two, but she returned a few nights ago when Alex flicked his blankets off his bed from the top bunk. Tarantulas like warm climate vacation spots. A boys bed is a prime location.

Washing Ice-Cream

2008-02-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Have you ever washed ice-cream? I have. You scoop it out and it flies across the room! Aaaah, plop. It is too extremely yummy (and depending on the brand, too expensive) to feed the deluctible cold creamy ball to the garbage disposal. What do you do? I start washing my ice-cream real fast! You don't want the whole thing to melt away, but you don't want any dog hair in it either. It's a real balance.

Pondering the Prophet

2008-01-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

I wonder. I just wonder if...hmmm, if maybe President Hinkley is embracing the likes of Nephi, the Prophet Joseph, Noah, Alma, Samuel the Lamanite...

How to Homeschool?

2008-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

You there! Caryn, hey, what is it all about?

When I tell people we homeschool (homeschoolers have made the word a compound word), most think we have set up a school at our house with desks, text books in every subject, lunch period at noon, worksheets, lectures on every subject from Mom. I suppose that may have been my expectation.

Educational tradition is ingrained into my very soul. How can this child learn without tests, spelling books, and state mandated standards guiding each move? But the fact is-what was I thinking, the kids (at least mine) would have none of it.

Truth is....truth is, we kind of wing it over here. Just today I was talking to my friend/teacher, Natalie. I suggested, "Hey teacher-friend, wouldn't it be fun to concentrate on the the wars (i.e. Civil, Revolutionary, I, II, etc) next year." She says to me, "Yes parent-friend, I've got tons of novels, ideas, movies, etc we can use."

This year I thought it would be really cool to learn about the great artists. Every week we concentrate on an artist. The boys have seen more pictures of naked ladies this year than necessary, but that just goes to show you what happens when you wing it.

Winging sometimes causes insecurity. Sometimes I think, what the heck, nobody is learning a darn here. Slackers! Then one of my children says something extraordinary (usually not in front of anybody else, of course) like, "You know if you took all the planets and put them in a big ball, setting the big ball in the same orbit as the earth, the Sun's gravitational pull would...and I then turn to myself (feigning direct attention on the child) and think, "You've done the right thing Caryn. You deserve some recognition. You're top dog dude!"

Confession: After five years of homeschooling we traditionally use the math text book, to the chagrin of one particular child who prefers to ponder on his scientific and outer space enquiries and theories.

Christmas Vacation Photo Journal

2008-01-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Unlimited Super Smashing

Endless Eating

Grandparent Gift Making

Cute Baby Jesus Clapping (with Donkey)

Wool Sweater Washing (it was a really nice sweater Curtis)

Grandpa's Grand Decorating

Cousin Cuddling

Gracious giving!!!!

Harris' hanging.

Van vacationing!

Ocean treasure hunting.

Men cabin cooking!

Water cascading.

Cute Kid climbing!

Misty waves basking (ok, these aren't rhyming anymore)

Pastry BBQing?? (When electricty goes out never fear, Curtis cooked pie, cinnamon rolls and pizza on the outdoor grill!)

You deserve it all!

2007-12-19T17:14:00.002-08:00

If you don't get what you want this year, the Stapps blog to you cheese balls and muddy buddies! Platefuls of chocolate dipped whatever you like most and all that jazz. Loads of Merry Christmas cards in your mailbox too! Big packages wrapped with snowflaked paper lit by the tree. Lot's of electronic doo dads and warm socks. There you go. You're welcome. Oh, and most of all the true gifts of the Season. Hope of the Savior's promises and a new start for 2008! Merry Christmas All!

Old or Young

2007-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Birthday Reflections

You look closely at this drawing. You see either Old or Young. Each person who looks at or knows me decides what I am. Old or young. Each judgement of my agedness is a comparison of his/her own time spent in this earth life. Older or younger. So from my perspective, I'm young! I'm not older than myself! From an eternal perspective, I'm the same age as everybody reading this blog.

Alive or Dead

2007-12-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Friends and family (mostly the dog-lovers in the for to mentioned categories) come to our house and on occasion wonder, hey what about Elche, the little black dog of days gone by? She must have passed onto doggy heaven by now. Or sometimes one might hear her clickety clackety paws against the tiles in the kitchen and are amazed. An unbeliever has shouted--SHE'S STILL ALIVE?

Elche is timeless. We have had her since 18-oops-1993. See if you can pick her out from the dogs pictured on Julia's bed.