Shelly Leavitt Blog Fans:

This is a message from Michael.  As you know we set up Shelly's blog so that all of her family and close friends could contribute.  Shelly loves to type in entries, but the blog format is not the best family memory capturing format.  it is great for Shelly, but it was soon realized that others had a hard time posting information, pictures, topics etc. So what is the solution? Well Shelly is still going to keep up her blog, but I have set up a private Family & Friends Forum on her site that will be much more conducive to accomplishing her goal of having a family community center.

FORUM - The forum allows each of you to become members, make new topics, and upload any type of files or photos. This will be a much more freeing experience for each of you.  The Forum will be completely private to the world and to search engines like Google. It will require each of you to sign-up and be approved before you can enter. Once inside, you know you are among those that love and care for you.

SIGN-UP TODAY - Please visit the Forum and register.  Once registered I ...<< MORE >>

So, how can I get through today without thinking of my Dad. The answer is...I can't. I really miss him and today is a big, fat reminder of my constant heartache.

When I think about what a great dad he was and how he had no role model, it is amazing to me what a great man he turned out to be.  I mean, he didn't have the gospel growing up, he didn't have parents that knew how to show affection or show pride in their kids' accomplishments. And yet, he did those things and more as our dad.

He took to being a member of the Lord's church like it had always been a part of him. He also took to being a father like he had had great examples in his life...which he didn't. One time Juli asked Dad how he knew what to do when it came to be a father and he said he learned in Elder's Quorum.  Whatever they said a dad was supposed to do, then he did it.  No "wanting to change" or wishing he was a better father--he just became that father.

He loved to be a part of our sports activities.  He enjoyed sports so much and wanted us to have good experiences so instead of letting others coach us, he did it.  And it wasn't like he had time. His jobs were always far away with lots of commuting time but he still made the time to be our coaches. Now that I am a parent and busy, I can better appreciate just what a sacrifice that was for him. Some dads who were given girls instead of boys would have just excluded the girls from their sports life and spent time away from the family doing their own sports activities.  Not Dad.  He started a girl's softball league in Duarte since there wasn't already one.  I have a few memories of playing under the lights in Duarte at 2nd base and some sort of championship with a big trophy and being so small, I was carried on the shoulders of some other girls.  When we moved to Claremont, he must have searched out the girl's softball league because we were immediately on teams and he was involved in the management part as well as coaching. Again, now that I am older, I can see what a big deal that was, too.  It would have been easy to let his busy life keep him from getting us back into softball. But somehow he made it a priority.

Dad worked hard. He worked long hours and always had at least an hour drive each way and one time it was 2.5 hours each way (JIA). That is a lot of time away.  And yet, that is not how I remember it.  He made sure what little time he did have at home at night, his presence was known. Otherwise, I think we would have felt that Dad was never home and that is not the feeling that I am left with.  I know he was a basketball referree at night for several years and he really enjoyed that. But again, I didn't ever feel abandoned or not loved.

As he got older and had more "disposable" income, Dad got to enjoy his love of old cars. He just loved going to car shows and just sitting in his chair by his car and meeting people and looking at cars.  He didn't mind at all that it was the WHOLE day...like 8 or 9 hours of just sitting.  To me that has the same appeal as going fishing.  Just sitting there for hours doing nothin'!  But at least at car shows there were other people to meet and hear about their stories. I am so glad Michael and I were able to go to a few shows with him and enjoy what he enjoyed doing so much. He loved winning a trophy, too.

Wherever Dad went, he made friends.  I got my gift of gab from Dad. I used to make fun of him for talking to strangers and now my kids make fun of me for doing the same thing!  Just wait, kids...you will be next.  You will be at the grocery store and you will start talking to the check out lady and it will hit you...I am just like my mom!  Aaaah!!

Well, like always, my thoughts are all jumbled.  There are so many things I loved about Dad.  What about you??

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!!

14.   Who is changing high schools next year and what type of school is it?

a.       Dylan  decided  to change  high schools  his senior year… what a risk taker! This is a school that specializes  in making movies,  ”film”  is what the industry  insiders call  it.  It is a charter school and is smaller than a  regular school.  It is called  East Hollywood  High School in  West Valley. Making  movies  has  become a  recent favorite  hobby and something  he wants  to  pursue  in college.  This  is  why Lisa  moved.  (see question #31)  Good Luck,  Dylan.  We all  know you  will do  great and have  no  trouble  making  new  friends cuz you are awesome!

 

15.   Who can knit a sock like nobody's business?

a.       Alex, of course.  Her knitting is literally works of art.  She puts me to shame, but that is okay.  She is self-taught and her stitches look like a machine did it…yes, Alex, I just compared you to a machine!  Many family members sport handmade knitted socks from Ali and lots of her friends, as well.  You are amazing, Alex!

 

16.   Who plays basketball once a week with adults and schools them?

a.    Aaron.  He goes with Michael on Tuesday nights (and sometimes Weds. nights also) and plays at the ward building.  At first, he never got to play but would spend the whole time practicing dribbling and shooting on the side.  Soon, however, after the majority would go home and it would dwindle down to 9 players, Michael would entice the other men to let Aaron play to even out the teams.  Now, he gets to play even when they are full cuz he is really good!  The other night he came home and had scored 15 of his teams 21 points!  Apparently he is really good at 3’s, too.  We were able to get him on an organized team this year and that really helped his play.  It only ran 6 weeks and they played only 1 game on Saturdays and had 1 practice during the week, but it was still a great experience to learn plays and teamwork.  This was his first time being able to play on an organized team and so hopefully we can keep doing this for him because he really loves to play basketball.

 

17.   Who just ripped his/her calf muscle and refuses to use crutches or a boot like the doctor "suggested"?  Bonus point:  How?

a.   Jay.  He was rounding first heading for second base and snap! He felt something go in his calf. After limping for a day or two, he went to a doctor and he told him it was not just a pulled muscle, but an actual tear.  He, as Jay put it, “suggested” he stay off his calf completely using crutches and a boot.  Jay decline to follow the suggestion.  How’s your calf doing these days, Jay?  Care to update us?

18.   Who will be portraying The Blue Fairy in an upcoming Princess Festival?  Bonus point if you can name what Disney movie this character comes from:

a.    Jessica is participating in the 2^nd annual Princess Festival held by a local multi-millionaire as a fundraiser for children in Kenya.  He owns this incredibly huge home on a ton of land on which he has a huge pavilion, a fountain with its own pond, a castle, a playground area, a huge playhouse, and in his home he has a huge ballroom. So for the low, low “donation” of $25 per girl, you can dress your daughter like her favorite princess and be taken on a fun tour through different fairy tales complete with live people playing the roles of Cinderella and her Prince, her 2 step sisters, Snow White and Prince Charming, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, the Mad Hatter with Alice in Wonderland, and this year, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.  Oh, and this year, for some reason they have The Blue Fairy as the tour guide. The Blue Fairy is from Pinnochio.  Jessica roped Adam into being Peter Pan at the last minute and so he gets to jump on the tramp and “fly” to Neverland with Tinker Bell.  It is a really cool event, however, the actors all “donate” their time and it is Monday, June 8^th through Friday, June 12^th, and starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs every hour until 5:00 p.m.  It is exhausting and just short of slave labor!!  One last note:  Jay…guess who is coming to the Festival to play the role of The Blue Fairy on Friday for 2 shows only…..Debbie Gibson!!  You had the biggest crush on her growing up! Remember?  Maybe Jess can get her autograph for you…”To my biggest fan, Jay.  Thanks for sticking by me all these years!  Love, Debra Gibson.”   

 

19.   Who recently left her house for the first time in a year to see her grandson speak in church?

a.    Mom/ Grandma Webb/ Patti…the one and the same.  We are proud of you  forgetting out but think you should do it more often!!

 

20.   Who is being released from their calling in a student ward after serving faithfully for 3 years?

a.      Dave.  Apparently on Father’s Day.  From what Juli says, he has really enjoyed this calling.

 

21.   Who hasn't kept up her blog like she wanted to?

a.   That would be me…Shelly.  I am vowing to do better, though.  So don’t give up on me, K?

 

22.   Who just started their own blog within the last 2 weeks?

a.    Jessica.  She says she was really intimidated by Melissa and Juli’s blogs because they are sooo clever and fun to read.  She decided to go for it regardless and so you should check it out at  www.jgoldyn.blogspot.com

I have always told her that there is room in this world for all types of talent…contrary to popular belief that I whispered in her ear every night: “You are ugly, untalented, and therefore should just give up!”  I really have been her biggest cheerleader and tell her she is definitely worthy!!

23.       Who works with 4 disabled men at a home as their job?  And by disabled, I mean none of them can speak.  One of them can only operate his wheelchair with his head because of severe cerebral palsy, but he is extremely intelligent. One has extreme spasticity and can only give you a thumbs up or down to communicate with you.  One smiles a lot and shows his communication with his facial expressions and the last one is not only deaf and blind, but has the mental capacity of a toddler.  Bonus Point if you can name one of these 4 men:

a.    Uh, Jessica…sorry, that was two in a row with the same person… For the bonus points they are Rob, the one who can operate his wheelchair with his head. Jade, the one who gives you a thumbs up or down and sometimes they both look the same due to his extreme spasticity.  Ryan, the smiley one, who communicates through his facial expressions and clenched fists.  And David, nicknamed “the baby” because he is a grown-up adult with a baby’s abilities.  Jessica has grown to love them all so much and can’t imagine quitting.  She would like to work at least once a week even when she isn’t working at all.  She also just got a second job for the summer taking care of a brother and sister with mental disabilities.  Their names are Thad and Tavia and their legal guardian is their older sister.  Apparently, their dad was very abusive and when he died, the state awarded their sister guardianship because the mom also has disabilities. What a heavy burden this sister carries but she only wants the best for her siblings so she uses the money the state gives her and has individual care for them instead of putting them in a group program.  Jessica wakes them up, dresses them, and then plans activities for them Monday thru Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Neither one of these two communicates with words either.  They just smile or shake their heads yes or no.  I’ve met Tavia.  She is cute and funny.  She was shy around me but Jessica says she is a social butterfly usually and waves and smiles at everyone.  I hope to meet Thad soon, too.

Okay.  So this much took me almost 3 hours... So hopefully you will give me a break and let me finish the rest tonight and post it tomorrow.

Also, I will post the scores of those who played along and thus declare a winner.  Hold your breaths...this is exciting!!

 

4.   Who received his/her mission call to Tampico, Mexico?

a.    Timothy Jay Stricklan, of course!  He leaves on July 29^th and is very excited!  Juli, any updates on when he is having his Farewell?

                                                 

5.   What is the date Brock will be coming home? 

a.      August 15^th, right, Wendy?  Any word on when his Homecoming talk will be?

 

6.   What is the date Chad will be coming home?

              June 12^th…this Friday!!  Oh, how I wish we could be there! We hope to catch the Arnetts up here in Utah               sometime soon, as Chad has mentioned a great desire to come visit his Utah friends and family.  We will keep our     fingers crossed!  Congratulations, Elder Arnett, for
              Returning With Honor!  We are all proud of you!

7.   Who is currently starring in a play?

a.        Sherri!  She is in her first paid role at the Wiseguyz Comedy Club in Orem.  It has the 4 M’s—it’s a Musical Mormon Murder Mystery!  It’s everything you could ask for…and more! She stars as the Relief Society President of the 5,067^th Ward and the ward is having an activity and everyone is invited!  It is interactive and really lots of fun. You have to guess who the murderer is and there are even prizes for the correct guessers!  I won a free ticket to come see the play again!  Michael, myself, Wendy and Delaney have all been to see it.  Have you? Don’t miss out…the show ends at the end of the month!

 

8.   Who was named student of the week the very same week that they made it into the elite choir at their school?

a.      Haily.  It was a one-of-a-kind week, as it was also the week she ran for Student Council! She was named Student of the Week on Monday, campaigned Tues, Weds., and  Thurs., with voting on Friday.  She auditioned for the 8^th grade audition-only girls choir, called Treble Trios, on Thursday afternoon. She also interviewed for the advanced art class by putting together 5 pieces of art she has done.  I didn’t mention this in the question because I thought it might give the answer away.  But she also made the art class. I’m telling ya, it was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of week!!  Real easy to brag on her that week!

9.   Who was an awesome kickball player and helped their team many times be victorious over the other teams during a school tournament?

a.       Aaron.  At  Windsor, they have an annual school kickball tournament near the end of the year that only 5^th and 6^th graders can be on.  The 6^th graders are picked as team captains by their teachers and then they pick teams.  Aaron’s team was called Caliente Mamacitas…or Hot Mamas.  They did very well in the regular season part and only lost 2 games.  During the tournament they went very far, making it to 4^th place.  Aaron kicked many home runs and a few grand slams, as well.  It was a lot of fun for him to be outside and playing sports when other kids were doing school work!  Nothing could be better than that! Next year he hopes to be a team captain and do better in the tournament.

 

10.   Who spoke in church on Mother's Day?

a.     Elder Andy Stricklan.  It is kind of a trick question because who has a Homecoming talk on Mother’s Day?  I just told you, Andy, that’s who!!  Tee hee!  I am soooo funny!  Haily was asked to speak on Mother’s Day but had to call back up the Bishop and get someone else to talk.  Luckily, she got to speak in church 2 weeks ago on her favorite Young Women’s value and she chose Faith.  It was a great talk and I was able to go and hear her.  But I digress…Grandma Webb, Lisa, Dylan, Alex, Sherri, Michael, Shelly, Jessica, Adam, Haily and Aaron all were in attendance.  As were Melissa, Nate and Tim.  Jesse was unable to come up again as he had just been called as Elders Quorum President and felt the need to be at his ward.  He was able to greet Andy at the airport and spent the first day home with him so that counts big time!  I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed Andy’s talk. I would be hard pressed to think of another individual who spread the joy of the gospel from the pulpit better than Andy did that day.  The spirit was strong and he was, well, joyful! And it was contagious!  We are all proud of you, Andy! His latest news is that he is moving to Provo, Utah, to room with Jesse while working at Salt Air.  We Utahans are very excited to have him close by!

 

11.    Who won their school's "American Idol" contest?

a.   Adam.  It was called Falcon Idol, after their school’s mascot.  There were 14 contestants that got to sing a 1.5 minute song of their choosing in front of 4 official  judges and an audience.  The audience voted for their top 5, in order, and that counted for half their score.  They then narrowed it down to the top 5 and they sang again, but a different song and the audience did not get to vote.  Just the judges.  Adam’s first song was Michael Buble’s “You’re my Everything.”  I love that song and felt he needed a crowd-pleaser in order to get voted by lots of people.  Of course, he did a great job and was voted into the top 5.  I was so proud of him as he was the first to console the other 9 people who didn’t make it further.  His next song was one that Tim introduced our family to.  I forget who sings it but it was called, “A Drop in the Ocean” and has a good range of notes and was in a great key for his voice.  As they announced the winners starting with 4^th place and going to the winner, it was down to Adam and his good friend who usually wins everything (he was the lead in Oklahoma, a star on the 9^th grade basketball team, very popular, and a good kid). The MC announced that there was only ½ a point separating 1^st and 2^nd place, and at that point I was sure Adam was 2^nd place but was proud of him for getting so close. They announced the other kid as 2^nd place and we all went crazy!! Adam had won! He, again, was so humble and congratulated the other 4 singers and handled the “fame” very well, I thought.  It was a cool night and one he will remember for a while, I would imagine.

12.   Name the non-immediate family members who supported this person at their American Idol contest:
Hint: there were 3 people.

a.      That would be Aunt Sherri, who showed up  with 2 awesome florescent green posters which stated: “Adam can sing the phone book!” and “Adam is OUR Falcon Idol!”  We were able to hold them up and it was so great to see his face when he saw them.  Thank you, Aunt Sherri.  The other two supporters were Jesse and Tim!  They not only gave up their night to come support Adam, but they paid to get in as well.  I tried to pay them back but being the stubborn Stricklans that they are, they refused!!  Anyways, it was awesome to take up a whole row of supporters for Adam and we all really appreciated everyone for coming.  P.S.  Lex, Sterling, and Drew, her brother, also came to support him, which also meant a lot to us.  Thank you, guys!

13.   Who had the most recent birthday?

a.      Well, if you had noticed what day I did this questionnaire, you would have seen it was on Saturday, May 30^th…one day after KELSEY’S 17^th Birthday.  DYLAN’S was on May 20^th, and he also turned 17.  But the correct answer is KELSEY.

 

1.   Who was recently voted by the league's coaches as an All-Star and played in the All-Star game?

Delaney.  Her team went very far in the State tournament, but not quite as far as she had hoped.  If they had continued to win, the whole team would have missed their graduation. So when they lost, it was a semi-good thing because then all the seniors could graduate with their class.  Delaney was all set to go on the Senior trip when she got a phone call from her coach telling her that she had been voted onto the All-Star team for 4A High Schools.  The All-Star game was being held on Friday at 3:00 p.m., so there went her chance to go on the Senior trip! She didn’t mind, though.  What a great honor!  Michael and I and all the kids, sans Jessica who was working, went up to support her.  Wendy was able to get off work and watch as well.  Aunt Sherri was also able to come watch her.  Delaney got to play first base and did a great job.  They had so many pitchers that even though they switched out the pitchers every inning, Delaney never got a chance to show off her skills on the mound.  Also, the 4A team played the 5A team and the 5A team really creamed them.  It was 9 – 0 after the first inning! However, the bright spot was that Delaney had a SWEET hit to right field and got on base. She stole around to third but was left stranded by her teammates.  Considering there were only 2 hits by the entire 4A team, that was pretty incredible!

2.   Who won their political campaign to become a member of their student council?

Haily! She ran for 8^th grade representative on the Student Council with the campaign slogan, “You’ll smile daily if you vote for Haily!”  She was very nervous (and so were her parents). She had some great ideas for next year and has always loved to be involved in all the school spirit days.  This has rubbed off from Jessica, who also always dressed up for all spirit days starting in Jr. high and not stopping till she hit BYU.  There, her enthusiasm has waned a bit, but only because she was a freshman and nervous about how much others dressed up.  Jessica did dress up for Halloween because her Jr. roommate told her “everyone dresses up for Halloween” but saw only 3 others on the whole campus who were in the Halloween spirit! She was embarrassed, to say the least.  Anyways, Haily found out on the Saturday starting Spring Break that she had been elected and had to sit on her excitement the whole week until everyone got back to school and they announced the winners.

 

3.   Who has just announced that they will be making me a great aunt sometime early next year?

Melissa and Nate (Peterson).  Juli didn’t know the due date when she told me.  Any updates, Juli? Melissa? Anyone?  Last I heard it was early February or so.

Alright Everyone! It's time to play Name That Family Member! I will ask a question pertaining to someone you are related to.  It is your job to come up with the correct person.  This is a quiz to see what you know about recent achievements and events.

(Disclaimer: If your child's achievement is not listed, it's because you haven't told anyone. And by anyone, I mean Sherri!)

Post a comment on the blog with your answers. You will receive 1 point for each correct answer.  The winner will receive bragging rights and maybe even a cool trophy!  One more thing...don't look at the comments until after you post your answers. Otherwise you are a big cheater, cheater and a pumpkin eater!! Okay, here we go:

1.  Who was recently voted by the league's coaches as an All-Star and played in the All-Star game?

2.  Who was won their political campaign to become a member of their student council?

3.  Who has just announced that they will be making me a great aunt sometime early next year?

4.  Who received his/her mission call to Tampico, Mexico?

5.  What is the date Brock will be coming home?

6.  What is the date Chad will be coming home?

7.  Who is currently starring in a play?

8.  Who was named student of the week the very same week that they made it into the elite choir at their school?

9.  Who was an awesome kickball player and helped their team many times be victorious over the other teams during a school tournament?

10.  Who spoke in church on Mother's Day?

11.  Who won their school's "American Idol" contest?

12.  Name the non-immediate family members who supported this person at their American Idol contest: Hint: there were 3 people.

13.  Who had the most recent birthday?

14.  Who is changing high schools next year and what type of school is it?

15.  Who can knit a sock like nobody's business?

16.  Who plays basketball once a week with adults and schools them?

17.  Who just ripped his/her calf muscle and refuses to use crutches or a boot like the doctor "suggested"?  Bonus point:  How?

18.  Who will be portraying The Blue Fairy in an upcoming Princess Festival?  Bonus point if you can name what Disney movie this character comes from:

19.  Who recently left her house for the first time in a year to see her grandson speak in church?

20.  Who is being released from their calling in a student ward after serving faithfully for 3 years?

21.  Who hasn't kept up her blog like she wanted to?

22.  Who just started their own blog within the last 2 weeks?

23.  Who works with 4 disabled men at a home as their job?  And by disabled, I mean none of them can speak.  One of them can only operate his wheelchair with his head because of severe cerebral palsy, but he is extremely intelligent. One has extreme spasticity and can only give you a thumbs up or down to communicate with you.  One smiles a lot and shows his communication with his facial expressions and the last one is not only deaf and blind, but has the mental capacity of a toddler.  Bonus Point if you can name one of these 4 men:

24.  Who won't take a break from college classes and continues to go to school at break neck speed?

25. Who recently heard whispers from his/her trees and declared that the recently announced baby will be a girl?

26. Who just graduated from high school?

27.  Who just "graduated" from 9th grade?

28.  Who is starting weight training classes and "voluntary" football prep on Monday?

29.  Who will be performing in the upcoming 4th of July program called "Ellis Island"?  Careful, this is a trick question!

30.  Who is a purple with white belt in karate?

31.  Who just moved on Memorial Day?

32.  Who is in the middle of his Eagle project?  Bonus point: what is his Eagle Project?

33.  Who is going to Boy's State in June?  Again, trick question!

34.  Who just celebrated their one year anniversary?

35.  How many years and what date is Grandma and Grandpa's wedding anniversary this year?

36.  When is Dave's birthday?

37.  Who was nominated "Best Personality" of his/her grade?

38.  When does Tim leave for his mission?

39.  What sport does Kelsey play?

40.  Who enjoyed taking this quiz?



    

Do you remember when Dad would mix crazy combinations on his plate, he said because he liked it, but we all knew it was so he wouldn't have to share it with us!  One time he confessed that this was indeed the reason these weird combinations started.  We, his kids, would always want a taste of what he was eating and he got tired of sharing.  Let's face it...when you have to give 5 or 6 separate bites, there probably isn't much left for yourself.

Favorite weird Dad food:

ketchup and mac & cheese
jelly and cottage cheese - like there was ever a chance we would eat THAT even without the jelly!!

My mind is stuck...

What do you remember?


...<< MORE >>

Did I say BLOG? Cuz I do not think I meant that this is a blog.  In fact, I know I didn't mean that.  Sure, that is what is called. But how could you be confused?

This is more like an interactive spot on the web for everyone to post their memories and thoughts about family and good times.

Both Juli and Melissa have blogs...and billions of others, too. They are wonderful to read and I love having access into their brains and random thoughts.  A blog is a public diary that you don't mind if your sister or brother reads. And it is for people far more creative than myself.  Such as they aforementioned kinfolk who are so clever they make me ill!

I want this to be a spot where we all can post ideas and thoughts and memories of people, places and things. 

So when I posted the question, "What was your favorite present to give?" I really wanted an answer (Thank you, Juli, for following instructions so well.  Must be the teacher in you.  And/or the fear of my wrath...)

So let's try again.  And as soon as I can, I am going to set up everyone as an author so you can post your own random comments and pictures. Everyone say, "Yay!"

So where do I begin?  First, I want to thank Michael for this incredible Christmas present.  I was surprised and so excited when he unveiled this wonderful present by having me unwrap business cards with my website address.  I knew he had been working on something special for me for Christmas for many days because I was forbidden from going into his office, but I really had no idea it would be this!!  A definite out-of-the-park, world series ending, grand slam home run!  Thank you, honey.

I also want to thank Mike Sterling and Jeff Herboldshimer for taking time from their busy lives to make a comment on my new blog!  I sincerely hope your Christmas was filled with loved ones and happy memories! 

Speaking of loved ones and happy memories, 2008 is now a part of history.  Another year filled with moments- good, bad, ugly and beautiful. My hope is that 2009 won't get away from me because I will be able to document all of those moments for not only my own recollection, but for my kids and other loved ones.  I hate to not know every detail of the lives of those I care about and ...<< MORE >>