Wise Words from Papa Steve

Livermore, CA
11/27/08
7:25 AM Pacific Standard Time

"If you think you're lying, but it's really the truth, it is still a lie."

Happy Birthday Dona

I know the photo looks like we were posing in front of a fake background but this was the sunset in Merrillville Indiana on the evening of October 2nd 2008.  I can't post much information about your Mother's day of birth because I wasn't there.  I do know for a fact that on October 12 1953 a special blessing was welcomed in to the home of Earnest and Idon Anderson.  I'm not sure but I think that Dona was the favorite.  How could she not be.  All of her life she has lightened up every universe she has occupied; daughter, sister, friend, companion and lover, mother, teacher, advisor, librarian (official title is media center director but I like librarian better because it sounds more distinguished) and now grandmother.  As you know she has an unlimited capacity to love and serve.  She has always put her loved ones before herself.  When you were in school she recognized the importance of being available.  That's why you always found her on the couch when you came home from school.  She wanted to hear about your day and offer love and support.  She still does.  When you call on the phone I can hear the disappointment when I tell you that she's not home and you get stuck talking to me. Well I could go on but I won't.  I will share a little story.  When we were engaged, she stayed in Provo for 6 weeks to get a major class out of the way.  I went to LaGrande to earn some money (to pay for her ring).  We developed a code to use in our letters so they wouldn't sound sappy but yet still convey the deep feelings we have.  We would write, "Needless to say..."  With that we figured we covered everything.  Well, Dona--"Needless to say..."

Surprised? Not Really.

Nice job Daisy and Shayne on an awesome marathon. Daisy got 3:32 and Shayne 4:07. I'd ask for training advice, but I think I'll just stick with my five hours marathons, thanks. Anyway, Boston '09? We'll come watch this time.

Great New Blog

I found this sweet training blog. This guy is hard core. Check it out.

To Papa, From Canyon: On his Birthday.

Dear Papa,
I have stitches on my head. Remember that one time when you came to my swimming lesson and then we went swimming at del Valle. I can ride my bike on the rocks and next time you come we can ride in the vineyard. Remember that one time when I watched Indiana Jones with you? You fell asleep and I went inside the house, I never fall asleep when I watch a movie. Remember when I came to play in the snow and me and you went and got a rope and a hot dog and a slurpy…that was a fun day. Happy Birthday. He was fifty-five? and he turned fifty six.

Canyon

Dona and Steve: Pretty Decent Parents

Today, as I sat in dad's favorite Lazy-Boy recliner and ate some freshly baked cinnamon rolls while mom rocked CJ to sleep, I finally realized that I have it pretty good. I'm almost thinking of putting our house back on the market so we never have to move out (just kidding, dad). Here are a couple pictures from the famous half-marathon. Isn't mom tough? I think it's because she had such a great coach.

Isaac is 28

When Isaac came, he came fast. Dr. Hyde said that he need a catchers glove to protect his hands he came out so fast. I know I barely made it to the hospital. School hadn't started yet but we were in teacher meetings (those were the days). The next night he gave us a scare. Dona called me at home and woke me up. She was inconsolable. Isaac had a seizure and as she tried to explain to me what had happened it sounded really bad. I wasn't sure if his life wasn't in the balanced. Of course it turned out that it wasn't that bad, but for a short time I really worried (something I usually leave up to Dona). Eventually the concern was lessened. The hospital sent him home with his mother but Dr. Hyde wanted him on medication to be sure it didn't happen again. The meds kept him from crying and I figured it was a blessing in disguise. By the time his first year was up, he had some painful tests and was determined to be ok. Now look at him! When I filled out his birth certificate, I had to look up the spelling in the Holy Bible. I wanted to name him Isaac because I knew he would test my faith and Spencer because he was born on the day after my Father's birth date. They usually celebrated their birthdays together. In fact one birthday at Ludeans in Willard, I threw a wooden log at him (he was stacking) and it crushed the tip of his finger. That's why his finger looks so messed up. Now I look up to him. I'd have to say that of all the sons I have, he's got to be in the top two. Happy Birthday Isaac.