SAM! His summer finale was to get glasses! The last week of the 08/09 school year, he came to me and said he wasn't able to see the chalk board. So, off we went to the eye doctor. Dr. Shwartz suggested a quick recheck right before school before buying the spectacles to ensure an accurate prescription. He's awfully cute in them - don't you think? It's been a busy summer! We had an enjoyable trip to Utah/Idaho at the end of June and since then Jay has been buried so deep in local politics, we weren't sure when he'd get out. But with the help of over 100 volunteers, we've been a part of the recall experience. Knocking on doors, hanging out at the Saturday Market, going to meetings... The ballots go out in a couple of weeks and we'll know the results in September. In the meantime, our city councilors continue on in their pattern of oblivious stupidity and arrogance. They've been in since January and we've had 5 city attorneys in that time, they fired our city manager after he resigned, our city employees felt threatened in such a way they felt they needed to join a union for protection, five city department managers have resigned from their jobs, and you wouldn't believe the number of lawsuits flying around... one of those toward Jay. WHEW! Anyway - it's a long story. I've been busy this summer as Relief Society President. Our presidency has visited 35 of 177 sisters and they have been very enjoyable. My counselor has made super cute magnets that we give each sister as we visit and the other counselor shares a message. My job is to put together a current Sister's Directory. It's been busy, busy, busy... Karina has been painting up a storm with oil paints. She has entered two completed oils into contests and has been 'scandalized' (her word) at the lack of enthusiasm from her family regarding her efforts. She shows them to us and we don't rant and rave as she would like. My opinion.... The girl has talent and though what she's done so far isn't to my liking, it's interesting. Now that may seem like a lame word, but it's amazing to me that she can create these layers of color and lines and actually create a picture that's recognizable. I need a coloring book outline to do that. She has done an interpretation of "the tree of life" that's good! And the crazy thing is -- she has five or six paintings going at the same time! I look forward to her future successes! Jacob has been learning the ins/outs of remodeling/updating a house. Unfortunately, it's not ours! A man in our ward has asked him to help restore an old home. He's enjoyed it and the 'moola' that he's earned while he's learned. Jeremy... is so Jeremy. He breaks down every ten days or so and mows the lawn for school supplies/clothes money and to get us off his back. He has watched way too much TV and really hasn't much to show for his summer. Eight grade football practice begins next week and that will get him busy and active again! YEAH!!! Everyone loves him, because he is a delightful boy child. Well - just wanted to reassure you that we are alive! Living, breathing bodies and I personally can finally say - I LOVE GP!