Pete's Blog

Hogle Zoo with the Meadowbrook Elementary School kindergarten

2011-05-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Converting a Jenn-Air barbecue grill from natural gas to propane

2010-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this Blogger site and because I believe this story will have broad appeal, I’m going to use this blog to share my experience with converting a Jenn-Air barbecue grill from natural gas to propane gas.

Usually though, I’m blogging on my newer family blog, located at Codella.info.

About our Jenn-Air Barbecue Grill

First of all, let’s clarify the name, brand and components of the grill.

Although it boasts the Jenn-Air name (sometimes spelled Jenn-Aire), which makes it more marketable, it’s actually not made by Jenn-Air. I wish I knew that before I bought it at Lowe’s a few years ago.

The grill is manufactured and serviced (and I use ‘serviced’ very loosely) by NEXGRILL.

The grill has four large burners, a rotisserie, a warming rack and a side burner. In our experience it’s well suited for cooking for large groups of people.

It also has workspace on both sides of the grill and a two-door cabinet below the grill for storing barbecue tools, etc. It’s on a nice metal cabinet, on wheels and easily moves on solid surfaces.

About our Situation

We moved in June to a home that doesn’t have a natural gas stub-out in the back yard (our previous home did). We received a couple bids to install a natural gas stub-out and decided it was just too expensive to warrant the project. Plus, if we moved again, we could still be in the same situation with a nice barbecue grill and no way to use it.

So, we decided to take our Jenn-Air barbecue grill and convert it from natural gas to propane gas.

This process, however, was not simple or easy.

Converting a Jenn-Air Barbecue Grill from Natural Gas to Propane

I searched online for an article on converting the Jenn-Air barbecue grill from natural gas to propane gas. I mostly found customer complaints about how difficult the process was and the fact that the grill isn’t a Jenn-Air product.

I called the 800 number provided in the Jenn-Air barbecue grill owner’s manual: 800.554.5799. Calling NEXGRILL only resulted in a giant runaround.

Finally I determined to take the grill to a local barbecue specialist. This was no easy feat as the grill is quite heavy and requires several men to load it into a pickup truck. But it was a good decision.

I’ll tell you right now that the hero in this story is Salt Lake City barbecue specialists Casual Barbecue & Fireplace. The owner, Keith Deppe, was incredibly helpful.

First, he located this article on About.com written by Salt Lake City outdoor cooking expert, Derrick Riches.

Keith tried several times over the course of a week to get the propane gas parts shipped from NEXGRILL so he could convert our Jenn-Air grill. Finally he decided they weren’t going to help so he used his own parts and converted my grill for about $200 (parts and labor).

I dropped the grill off on Tuesday and had it back on Friday.

I was glad to pay for Keith’s expertise and to finally get the job done. Had I tried to do it — which my wife insisted I did not because she was concerned I would end up blowing up the grill, our home, or perhaps myself — I’m sure we still would not have a working grill.

As it is now, we have enjoyed delicious barbecued steaks, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, both for our immediate family as well as for my entire family — parents, siblings, spouses and all the cousins.

We’re so happy to have our barbecue grill back.

What I Learned

I learned several things from this experience:

Don’t be fooled by big fancy barbecue grills offered at relatively inexpensive prices at large home improvement warehouses. Even though I paid what I consider to be a lot for the grill (less than $1,000 but more than $750), it was less expensive than comparable grills that range from $3,000 to $6,000 at most barbecue specialty stores.

Call ahead and find an expert to help. Keith Deppe at Casual Barbecue & Fireplace was very helpful.

Stick with propane. Although using natural gas can be convenient and less expensive, not having access to it when you move to a new location is a pain.

A new Codella Blog

2007-06-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

This week I’ve been working on a new endeavor for my extended family, the Codella Family Blog.

We’re working through some formatting bugs, but the site’s up and running.

The Codella Family Blog will be a site where each member of the family can post articles and photos. It’ll be a fun collaboration of narratives from the lives of four couples: my parents, Vickey and me, my sister and her husband, and my brother and his wife.

It’s still a work in progress but if you care to read my posts, that’s where they'll be from now on - unless I decide I need my independence again.

So, for now, thanks Blogger.

And we’ll see you on The Codella Family Blog.

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-28T12:53:00.001-07:00

We made a visit to the cemetery this morning, Bunkers Eden Vale Memorial Park in the northern part of Las Vegas, to pay our respects to my grandparents, Angelo and Elenora. Vickey and I commented that the facilities look better now than they did the last time we visited.

We removed the old, weathered flowers that were there and left some new silk roses. We had some flowers for grandpa too, but there was no vase to hold them.

Last week when my dad was here I learned a new favorite expression often used by my grandpa to my dad: “Anyone can party all night in Las Vegas, but only a real man gets up in the morning and goes to work.” I guess my grandpa used to say that to convince my dad that sleeping the day away wasn’t the manly thing to do.

We took a couple minutes of video at the cemetery before the camera tape ran out. I’ll post that sometime this week.

A night with Anita Baker

2007-05-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

I’m part of a couple Vegas show tickets clubs: House Seats Las Vegas and Vegas Seat Fillers. It’s a great way to get comp tickets to Vegas shows. The only thing is you have to be spontaneous and willing to jump on last-minute opportunities.

As a former performing arts producer, I understand the value in having a full house. That’s just what these seat filler organizations have capitalized on. They make arrangements with the individual producers to get free tickets to help fill the house. Besides, there’s plenty of mark-up in Vegas show ticket prices to more than accommodate for a few comp seats.

So, yesterday we had the opportunity to get tickets to see Anita Baker at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. I seized the chance early yesterday morning, as soon as I received the notice they were available. Anita Baker is one of my favorite vocalists.

I informed Vickey and my folks that we were going to a concert and to make arrangements for the kiddies. I figured it was a terrific opportunity and would be a good memory for my parents' visit. And boy was it!

First off, thanks to Ellen for being willing to bring her girls over and hang at our crib while we were out partying.

I went to the Hard Rock about an hour early to pick-up the tickets and secure good seats in the general admission seating area. I managed to get seats at the back of the first section at the Joint, about 30 feet from the stage. Vickey and my folks joined me in time for the comedian opening act. He was okay.

Once Anita Baker took the stage, around 9:30 p.m., the show was off and running. This is a low-resolution image captured by my mobile phone.

She was a bundle of energy. I’m not certain if I’ve been that impressed with a singer at a live concert. She was really spot on, on everything. I’ve been to a dozen or so concerts and for the singing, I think I can say Anita Baker was the best.

My critical mentions?

First to The Joint, for cable tying small folding chairs together for the seating and making the space between rows so small. My 34” waist could barely be comfortable on the seat’s surface area. There was a guy on the row in front of us that took up two chairs, easy. And the people next to him just had to suck it up and be squashed.

Second, to the production of Anita’s show. She was calling off instructions to the lighting and sound engineers pretty much throughout the show. It didn’t bother me as far as the songs go, again because she was just about vocally perfect. But without the stage direction the show would have been better.

Also, she was in command of the musicians, waving her arms and signaling the end of songs, transitions and the like. She let on that this was pretty much her first gig with the band, that she had pulled musicians together from Vegas and other parts of the country to play the concert. But that was even more impressive to me.

Musically, her show last night was a solid 10.

She was terrific in her interaction with the audience, dedicating songs, answering call-outs and even singing happy birthday complete with back-up vocalists who joined in on cue.

The evening, although much later than I’m accustomed to, turned out to be a highlight. It was a wonderful 100 minute concert. We all left very impressed with Ms. Baker. And my parents left with a better knowledge of Anita Baker and her music. They recognized a few of her songs as she sang them last night, they just didn’t know beforehand who Anita Baker was. Vickey helped them yesterday afternoon by playing part of the Rapture album for them.

Anita Baker admitted to the audience that at 49 she felt too old to be singing and dancing around. She also admitted that she loved her job and thinks it’s the best one in the world. One couldn’t help but agree that she loves music and it loves her right back. She was stellar.

Eliana's spring dance recital

2007-05-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Eliana's dance recital was last night. Here's the complete video, courtesy of yours truly and You Tube.

Here are a few photos from last night’s dance recital. These were taken as final preparations for the show were underway.

Grandpa and Grandma Codella with Eliana in the parking lot before the recital.

Showing off on stage before the recital. Think she's comfortable up there?

Green room and make-up all in one.

With her friend from dance class.

With Ms. Lori, her dance teacher.

Eliana with Sarah Coglianese.

And here are some shots from the performance.

Eliana’s kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gupton, was gracious enough to accept Ellie’s repeated requests that she attend the performance. Now that’s going above and beyond. Thanks, Mrs. Gupton. It meant a lot to Ellie to have you there.

The recital included about 35 different numbers from Ms. Lori’s 250+ students. It’s an ambitious program sponsored by the City of Henderson. And isn’t it amazing that Ms. Lori has been doing this for dozens of years and can remember all her student’s names?

We talked Ellie into leaving a bit early, before the finale number, so we could go home and watch the American Idol finale. Way to go Jordin!

Preparing for the spring dance recital

2007-05-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Eliana’s dance class has been busy with preparations for next week’s spring dance recital at the Henderson Pavilion.

This year’s costume is a bit more risqué than we’d like, but certainly true to a Vegas dancing girl.

Here are a few photos taken at home and at dance practice during the photo shoot.

And finally, here’s Dominic watching the dance rehearsal.

A flat tire in Salt Lake

2007-05-19T09:47:00.001-07:00

On Saturday as we were headed to Gordon and Murriel’s to sleep (they were away in South Carolina visiting Vickey’s sister, Rachel, and Kevin, but they let us sleep at their place while were in Salt Lake because my parents and sister’s family were occupying all of Brian’s spare rooms), just before we entered the freeway, a car pulled up next to us and kept honking and waving at us. I finally rolled down my window and they told me my back tire was flat.

I was able to steer to the right side of the road and pull off on the feeder road. Sure enough, the back driver’s side tire was completely flat. The rim was riding on a doubled-over tire. And I hadn’t even felt it until after the other car’s passengers told us it was flat.

I called our insurance emergency roadside assistance number and just about an hour later we had the spare on the tire and were ready to go.

Eliana asked me why I didn’t change the tire. Once I saw the equipment the guy had who came from the insurance call I was easily justified. If I drove around with the right tools, it would be a piece of cake. And if no one else could help I certainly could do it. But when your insurance takes care of it, why not?

At any rate, we left Brian’s home around 7 p.m. and got to the Snows in Holladay after 9:30 p.m. The flat tire set us back an hour plus.

Then the problem became finding a tire shop open on Sunday, Mother’s Day. It took me a couple hours to find one that was open and had the right size tire for our car. Our tire was cracked along the tread, so there was no fixing it.

We ended up paying more than expected for a spare, but the way we look at, now we’ve got one new tire and when it comes time to replace all the tires, we’ll only need to buy three more. Then the spare can go back under the car.

We could have risked it and drove to Vegas Sunday without a spare, but Vickey had a close call Saturday afternoon and had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a teenage driver who sped right through a stop sign (I was at my brother’s with the kids). So we weren’t certain if that could have caused the flat and/or if another one may happen.

Between the flat and Vickey’s near accident, we had two nearly disastrous auto incidents last Saturday. We’re grateful no one was injured and we were able to fix the situation without too much inconvenience.

We are sorry though that we didn’t get to enjoy a Mother’s Day barbeque with the Archambaults and Snows (my dad’s sister and her family, and Vickey’s brother and his family) in St. George. We had to drive straight through to Vegas in order to pick-up Tank from our friend’s home before it got too late.

For the first time, the Swans watched Tank while we were out of town. He’s our neighbor (they live in the subdivision just to the north of us) and home teacher, and went above and beyond the call of duty. Thanks, guys!

Tank actually did better at the Swans than he has ever done at the kennel or the dog sitter’s. The last two times he was at the dog sitters he “attacked” a little dog, so he was uninvited. We don’t know what happened, but he was quarantined there and she told us she couldn’t have him back and endanger the other dogs.

Luckily we haven’t ever seen Tank attack anyone or another dog. We’ve seen him attacked by another dog (a neighbor’s rottweiler), but that’s another story. I’m not saying he’s not capable of it. Just that he hasn’t done that around our family. We do believe however that if a stranger came in our home unannounced he or she would have a difficult time getting away from Tank.

Tank and Rascal, the Swan’s dog, seemed to get along fine as long as they weren’t fighting over doggie treats.

Here’s a photo of Tank from a recent camping and hiking outing. He was so excited, winded and exhausted. Look at that long tongue.

A visit to Leatherby’s – an old fashioned ice cream shop

2007-05-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night the whole family went on an outing to Leatherby’s Family Creamery. And what an outing it was. We figured each of us ingested enough calories to account for our daily caloric needs for at least a week.

But it was sure fun! Here are a few photos.

Play day at Brian and Melissa’s

2007-05-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was play day for the cousins. It was a full day of hanging out with the Codella family. The kids played outside. The adults filled up water balloons (with barely a 50% success rate). And the grandparents took several naps. What a perfect day.

How does dirt taste, AJ?

They hooked up the hose to the top of the playhouse slide, slid down and kept going on the slip and slide.

The water in South Jordan is just a tad colder than it is in Henderson, isn't it Ellie?

The water balloon fight. Ellie thought it was great . . . until she got hit in the back with a water balloon. But she got over the shock and did her best to get even.

The traveling duo

2007-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Eliana and Dominic were good travelers during last weekend’s excursions. Here they are watching and listening to a new movie Vickey got from the public library for the trip.

What about Pete?

2007-05-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

A brief history of my life experiences prepared for my friends on the PRSA–Las Vegas Valley Chapter board of directors.

Born in Cedar City, Utah while my parents attended what’s now Southern Utah University.

Spent my childhood years in Logan and Smithfield, Utah while my dad attended Utah State University to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry.

Went to elementary and middle school in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston.

Won best of show in my 6th grade science fair for a project that measured a person’s reaction time. Part of a bowling league; won dozens of trophies for my bowling accomplishments. Frequently went water skiing with my best friend’s family at Lake Conroe. Participated in Cub Scouts. Received regional band honors as 8th place trumpet player. Participated in summer band camp at Sam Houston State University in Texas.

Attended Niskayuna High School in upstate New York, the tri-cities area (Albany–Schenectady–Troy). Upon graduation received the John Philip Sousa Band Award and Medal of Excellence. My parents still live in Niskayuna; my dad works at GE’s Global Research Center Headquarters.

Participated in community and high school theater, high school band, jazz band, orchestra and show choir. Received an Eagle Scout award.

Attended BYU in Provo, Utah as a freshman on a vocal performance scholarship—music, dance, theater major.

Served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in Utah and Idaho.

Returned to BYU and performed with the Young Ambassadors, a musical theater review company. Toured throughout the U.S., Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. Received full-tuition scholarship for serving as the ensemble’s president for two years. Worked as a music department administrative assistant for four years. Now serve on the YA Alumni board.

Changed my major after three years to communication studies with a minor in business management. Received a B.A. from BYU.

Co-founded and operated for two years an entertainment production company—artist management, booking and music production—called Diamond Productions.

Worked for a Salt Lake City talent agency doing TV commercials. Toured the west and southern U.S. with Michael McLean’s Celebrating the Light. Worked at Health Benefits America in Salt Lake City as an insurance provider customer service representative shift manager.

Moved to New York City where I auditioned for Broadway shows and worked as an evening desktop publishing manager at the World Financial Center headquarters of Merrill Lynch. Performed in a dinner theater production of Damn Yankees and received my actor’s equity eligibility.

Moved to Jackson, Wyoming for summer stock theater at Jackson Hole Playhouse to play the romantic lead male role in Calamity Jane.

Worked at BYU’s Performing Arts Management for three years. Traveled as tour manager with BYU student performing groups around the U.S., Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Met and married my sweetheart, Vickey.

Moved to Las Vegas and began working for a public relations agency. Also began serving on the BYU Alumni Association–Las Vegas Chapter board of directors. I’m the current vice-chair.

After three years of teaching school in Vegas, Vickey finished a 10-year teaching career. She now works as an independent sales director for The Pampered Chef; see PamperedChef.biz/vickey.

Our daughter, Eliana Marie, was born at Sunrise Hospital. She’ll be six in September.

Opened Codella Marketing.

Worked at The Venetian in the evenings as a part-time singing gondolier for six months.

Went to work at an ad agency as its director of public relations.

Served as the Public Relations Society of America–Las Vegas Valley Chapter president in 2005 and received my APR in December of that year.

Re-opened Codella Marketing and located its office in the southwest at Durango and Tropicana.

Our son, Dominic Joseph, was born at St. Rose Siena Hospital. He’ll be two in July.

Currently serve on three PRSA boards: assembly delegate for the LVVC, Western District director-at-large and executive committee member of the Independent Practitioners Alliance.

Hobbies and What I Enjoy

An active participant in music at church, serving as choir director, choir member and last year, performing in a musical.

Woodworking—I have built bedroom furniture sets for everyone in my family.

Home improvement and interior decorating—I painted and installed moulding in every room of our home, installed closet shelving, re-designed our landscaping and hired a crew to do the work.

Weight lifting and exercising.

Outdoor recreation—camping, hiking, rollerblading, street skiing (when our 80 pound weimaraner, Sir Tank Thunderpaw, pulls me on my rollerblades as he runs around the neighborhood).

Kennecott park

2007-05-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

By the time we made the pilgrimage from Richfield to my brother Brian’s home in South Jordan, we were a bit stir crazy. So we took the kids on an outing to the old Kennecott community park. It’s only about 10 minutes from my brother’s home.

Here are Dominic, me and my sister, Angie.

Eliana enjoying one of the toys.

My brother-in-law, Vinny, and his son, Vance.

My nephew, Luke.

My nephew, AJ.

Family time in Richfield

2007-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

A positive effect of Lynn’s passing was the opportunity for our extended family to come together. We haven’t all been together for several years.

Here are a few photos from our adventures together in Richfield.

This is Vance's first popsicle.

Mom and dad with Aunt Pauline (widowed from my mom’s oldest brother, Owen).

Vickey with my sister-in-law, Melissa.

Photos from the Richfield Cemetery

2007-05-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos taken as we paid our last respects to Uncle Lynn last Wednesday.

Uncle Lynn’s funeral

2007-05-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening we traveled to Richfield in preparation for Uncle Lynn’s funeral on Wednesday. We arrived late but had a pretty restful night at the Days Inn. The next morning I practiced the song that was requested of me by Uncle Lynn, Be Still My Soul, and the family prepared for the funeral.

The service was very nice, with a few friends and both of Lynn’s children, Steven and Lisa, providing remarks. The family prayer at the conclusion of the viewing was offered by my dad.

Lisa reminded us of some of our favorite “Lynn-isms.” One of my favorite: whenever you’d visit his home, he’s say, “Come here, I’ve got something to show you.” Inevitably he’d pull out a polished stone or some other little treasure he had been working on, or a newspaper article with some interesting little tidbit to read about.

Lynn always made people feel comfortable and at home. I think that’s part of the reason there were so many people at the funeral Wednesday.

The graveside service was also nice with military rites accorded by the V.F.W. Sevier Post No. 5050. It was neat to see a military send-off like that. I hadn’t witnessed that before.

I got the impression Lynn represents an era of the past. He represented our country as a soldier. He was a true officer and a gentleman. The serviceman photo of him displayed at the funeral was really amazing. He looked so young and vibrant. Since my mom is the youngest of the siblings, I haven’t known my aunts and uncles when they were young. In fact, one of my cousins is older than my mom.

At any rate . . . saying goodbye to Uncle Lynn was difficult. I got a bit choked up during my song. It was weird going to Sarah’s home that evening for dinner and not being welcomed by Lynn. Death certainly is a reality of life. It’s ironic that there are such strong opposites. I suppose that’s how we learn.

As promised earlier, here’s a link to Lynn’s obituary in The Richfield Reaper.

He was a fine example and will be missed by those he left behind.

San Francisco postscript

2007-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

I meant to relate this story from our family vacation to San Francisco.

While we were driving on Saturday or Sunday (I can’t remember which day now), Eliana was entertaining herself by singing.

As part of her dialogue, she continued, “And now for our next selection: I don’t want to be part of this family any more.” Then she started singing the lyrics, “I don’t want to be part of this family any more…”

I had to interrupt her at that point to ask if I heard her correctly. I just started laughing. Then we had a little discussion about why she was singing that song. She couldn’t really justify it. No doubt she was annoyed by something. She’s kind of particular, that one. I think she got that from one of her parents, but I won’t say which one.

Uncle Lynn's obituary

2007-05-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

The following obituary was created last night by my Aunt Sarah, cousins Steve and Lisa, and their families. We invited their families over for dinner so they didn’t have to worry about food last night. Today many of them are headed to Richfield to continue preparations for Uncle Lynn’s funeral next week.

The obituary will be published in The Richfield Reaper and I’ll link to it once it’s printed.

Lynn C. Jensen
1930 – 2007

Lynn C. Jensen died in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 3, 2007. He was born in Richfield, Utah on June 13, 1930 to Vance Vernal Jensen and Myrtle Coffin. Lynn graduated from Richfield High School, class of 1948, then enlisted in the National Guard and later served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He married Sarah Hilda Gates on October 11, 1952. The couple was sealed in the LDS Jordan River Temple on November 11, 1982.

After the army, Lynn attended barber school in Salt Lake City and worked several months at Steele Barber Shop in Salina. He worked for UDOT for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1983. He operated Jensen Pavement Striping which later became Sunrise Highway Painting from 1983 to 1996.

Lynn was a member of the Richfield Kiwanis Club and Southern Utah Off-Highway Vehicle Club where he served as a trail guide for more than 10 years. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. He loved hunting, fishing, ATV riding, gardening, spending time at his Fish Lake cabin, woodworking, collecting and polishing rocks, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his children Steven Jensen (Judy) and Lisa Anderson (Don); four grandchildren, Amanda (Ariel Araujo), Jason, Maria and David; and great granddaughter SaraLynn. Survived by siblings Julia Oldroyd (Frank), Kathy Barney (Blaine), Russell Jensen (Diane), and Madeline Codella (Peter); sister-in-law Pauline Jensen and brother-in-law Sylvan Staples. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Owen and Dane, and sisters Betty and Marjorie.

Funeral services will be held May 9, 2007 at Richfield 2nd Ward at 1 p.m. Viewing will be held May 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield and prior to the funeral services at the LDS chapel from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Internment in the Richfield City Cemetery.

A day at the park

2007-05-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Vickey and the kids spent a couple hours with our friends, the Nelsons, at the park. Here are a few photos from the outing.

Jungle gym Dominic

2007-05-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Dominic has learned from his sister that he can take the pillows off the family room couches and then pounce on them.

It doesn’t really matter how many times his parents ask him to leave the cushions alone. Both he and Eliana love to pile them up and take a running dive into them. Or they just climb up on the furniture and jump.

This is kind of like telling the kids not to eat in the family room. It’s one of those things that it just doesn’t matter how many times you tell them, they don’t listen.

So, if we’re ever headed to the hospital for stitches or to repair a broken bone, there’s a good chance the accident occurred while roughhousing, against parents’ wishes, in the family room.

Manic Sunday

2007-05-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Those of you with young children know how things in the morning sometimes just don’t go according to plan.

I was at a leadership meeting last Sunday morning while Vickey was dutifully working to get herself and kids ready for church (she does this each week as I always have a meeting before the family goes to church).

I came home to find Eliana in the family room, ready to go. But Vickey and Dominic were nowhere to be seen. Come to find out, while eating his breakfast just a few minutes before Dominic decided to play with his food instead of eat it.

Here’s the damage.

Vickey was upstairs bathing and dressing Dominic then jumped in the shower to get herself ready with only 20 minutes left before church started. Amazingly we made it to church only a few minutes late.

San Francisco, day 4

2007-05-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

On our final day in San Francisco we decided to be adventurous and seek out what everyone told us was “the best breakfast in San Francisco.” It was a small coffee shop called Dottie’s True Blue Café about seven blocks away from our hotel.

We walked with the kids in the brisk morning air for what seemed like 30 minutes. When we got there we found a long line of people waiting to get in (or course, it was a Sunday morning). Since we were committed to having a real San Francisco experience, we stuck it out, for about an hour (what were we thinking?). Vickey had to run to the corner grocery store to purchase a box of Frosted Flakes and some yogurt drinks for the kids, and I had to go on a couple walks with Dominic to keep him occupied. They weren’t really willing participants in the waiting-to-eat-breakfast line (and can you blame them?).

Nevertheless, we endured and enjoyed a very fine breakfast. I don’t know that I was overly impressed, but it was certainly good. At least we can say we’ve eaten there. Kind of like I can say I’ve gone up the Statue of Liberty. It’s worth the experience, once.

We managed to get a late check-out out of the hotel which gave us a little more time for our breakfast outing. Once we were back at the hotel we packed up and headed to the car at the nearby public parking garage (by the way, parking in the city was mucho expensivo). Here we are going across the crosswalk to the parking garage, each of us with our luggage in tow.

On our way out of town . . . well, it was really across town but we wanted to make one more stop there . . . we stopped at Boudin’s Bakery to purchase several bag-fulls of sourdough bread to bring back to Vegas. Here’s Eliana the next morning in the Bakersfield hotel room with her sourdough teddy bear, affectionately named Brittney.

When we were at Boudin’s we were so impressed with all the shapes and sizes of bread, so Vickey had to get a fun shaped loaf for Eliana.

We stopped in Livermore to spend a few hours with my old college roommate, John, and his family. It was great seeing him, Samantha, and their three girls. I remember when Caitlin, their oldest, was born. It’s strange to think that she’s 14 now, and nearly as tall as me.

Here are some photos of Eliana with the Theler girls, Abby, who shares Ellie’s same birth year, and Alisa, who’s a few years younger than Caitlin.

Thanks for treating us to lunch, Sam. It was great being in your home and catching up with you guys. (And sorry if I misspelled your girl’s names.)

We returned to Vegas late on Monday after making a few stops along the way. In fact, we stopped at our favorite Primm shop — the Williams-Sonoma | Pottery Barn | Hold Everything outlet — only to have Dominic pick up a ceramic platter and throw it across the store. Yes, we reluctantly had to pay for it. Then I took it out of his hide (just kidding).

We had a great family vacation in the City by the Bay. It seems like we crammed a lot of stuff into a few days. We’re sure glad the I-580 bridge was still in tact when we were traveling. It collapsed just one week after we drove over it.

Thanks to Vickey, our Pampered Chef superstar, for earning the trip!

Uncle Lynn goes to his eternal reward

2007-05-03T10:05:00.001-07:00

We received word today that my Uncle Lynn died early this morning. Loyal blog readers know he suffered a heart attack on March 29 then underwent quadruple bypass surgery on April 3 (read my earlier post).

While it appeared Lynn’s heart was fixed, he got pneumonia a week or so after surgery and steadily went downhill from there. He has been on a breathing machine with a feeding tube for two or three weeks now.

Those of us he left behind will certainly miss him, especially his wife, children and their families. We’re grateful that his mortal suffering is over. He lived a good, long life.

Godspeed, Uncle Lynn!

San Francisco, day three

2007-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

As we awoke in the hotel room Vickey took a photo op with the two kids still lounging in bed. Of course Dominic had moved from his crib to tickle Eliana and wake her in her rollaway bed. They look like two little happy angels, but they were being quite devilish this morning. Nothing like long days and a nice long night’s sleep to help kids rejuvenate.

After The Pampered Chef buffet breakfast Vickey took Eliana on a San Francisco cable car ride. Ellie loved it!

Dominic and I ventured out in the Sequoia navigating the city’s confusing one-way streets to get to Fisherman’s Wharf. The four of us met up there and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Boudin’s.

After lunch we did the sightseeing thing, from Fisherman’s Wharf to Pier 39 to Ghirardelli Square.

The kids and I rode on the second story of this carousel at Pier 39 (this was about 30 minutes before it started raining).

Vickey and Eliana got lost in a candy shop. Ellie and Dominic played in the arcade. Ellie left with a handful of prizes in exchange for the tickets she won ($5 for what was worth about $0.25 . . . but I suppose the time together makes up for the rest; it was fun to see how excited she was in the arcade).

This photo has Alcatraz in the background (you can click on the photo to enlarge it).

We even drove down Lombard Street which was pretty close to Ghirardelli Square. I'd hate to be a resident on that street.

Eliana and Vickey spent a lot of time at the seashell store at the pier. Here’s Ellie showing off her new collection. (Ellie says: “Thanks, Grandma Snow, for the spending money.”)

We made it back to the hotel in time to freshen up, get dressed up and attend The Pampered Chef farewell banquet.

We were treated to a good meal, Chinese dancers as entertainment, and a monogrammed Chinese fan for both kids.

After the meal Eliana and Dominic were the first ones on the dance floor.

Dominic was a handful during the meal. He and I spent some quality time together out in the hallway and riding the escalator. I even made a special trip back up to the hotel room on the 15th floor to get his binky. And yes, as you’ve seen, we kept the pacifier in play in anticipation of our trip (the doctor recommended we go cold turkey several weeks ago.) Dominic’s still not weaned. Then again, neither is thumb-sucking Eliana at five-and-a-half.

San Francisco, day two

2007-04-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

I should mention that we were in San Francisco because during the 2006 calendar year Vickey earned an all-expenses-paid trip for the family through The Pampered Chef. Way to go Vick!

On Friday we joined a Pampered Chef excursion to Muir Woods National Monument. Along the way we toured parts of downtown San Francisco while our tour guide lectured us. One of her lectures was, “I’m not going to compete!” (meaning we needed to be quiet and listen to her well-rehearsed remarks, or get off the bus). It was cute in a mind your senior citizens sort of way (she was an elderly woman who just said it like it was).

Of course we stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge for a photo op. Our family was the last back on the bus after the 20 minute stop, so I made a point of ensuring our timeliness at the next stop (I couldn’t help it, it was the old tour manager in me).

We had about an hour at Muir Woods. The environment was remarkable. The crisscross bus ride at the back of the bus was about enough to make me motion sick, but once we were there it was like being transported to another world. The woods were thick and lush. The smell was fresh and earthy. The temperature was moderately cool in the shade and warm and sunny in the light. It was really amazing.

At the end of this stop our family was one of the first back at the bus, arriving even before the bus driver did. I think Vickey was disappointed she missed out on 10 minutes in the woods while we waited to board the bus.

As soon as the door was open Eliana grabbed me by the hand and said, “Come on, dad. You said you wanted to be the first one on the bus.” I was a bit embarrassed thinking our fellow passengers may have looked down on my competitive spirit. I replied, “No, Eliana. I just said I didn’t want to be the last one on the bus. There’s a difference.”

Ah, the perspective of a five year-old.

We drove to Sausalito where we were given instructions to grab a bite to eat and be at the pier in 60 minutes in order to catch the ferry back to San Francisco. It was a tall order but we did our best. In fact, we were quite pleased with our lunch choice. Instead of opting for the burger joint praised by our tour guide (because everyone was going there, duh), we found a cozy joint on the pier. The proprietor/cashier/chief cook and bottle washer took our order (Vickey didn’t like the fact that he handled our money and our sandwiches) while we sat on the pier and Dominic repeated “B” over and over (that’s his word for ‘bird’).

We even managed a stop at our favorite tourist t-shirt shop, Crazy Shirts, and at the local ice creamery.

En route on the ferry we passed close enough to Alcatraz to read the disintegrating old fashioned signs warning boaters of impending imprisonment if they tried to help a convict escape.

Upon re-boarding our bus and returning to the hotel Dominic and I took a well-deserved nap. Vickey and Eliana racked up the tourist points by going back to Yerba Buena Gardens for a game of bowling and playing on the playground slides for a couple hours. (Ellie had a few turns on the slide the night before but it just wasn’t adequate, don’t you know.)

Following their return we loaded up the car and headed out to Twin Peaks. What a stunning view, which on this particular evening was accompanied by an incredible wind and coldness.

After that—because we weren’t ready to throw in the towel on our first full day in the city—we headed in to North Beach. The restaurant we hoped to eat at was full with an hour wait. Eliana and Dominic were both on the verge of hunger collapse so we found a public parking spot and grabbed a table for four at the first available decent looking Italian restaurant. I think we were seated around 8:30 p.m.

I can’t remember where we ate, but it was good. I think Vickey and I were most impressed with the kids’ spaghetti with meat marinara sauce. Still, the whole meal was quite good. We sat right by the kitchen and most of the staff played with Dominic who, in his usual way, ate with gusto leaving nary a corner of his face and hair free from the food on his plate. Ellie sat cuddled with her blanket after a meltdown. She and I watched Andrea Bocelli: Under the Desert Sky—a concert performance from last year’s Stars on the Lake concert series filmed just a few miles from home at Lake Las Vegas—on the restaurant’s TV.

It was a truly Italian experience—dining, entertainment, environment, etc. In fact, Vickey took Eliana to the restroom (and so did I, but that’s another story) and while they were waiting in line, one of the servers goosed one of the patrons as he walked by. She was surprised, then laughed. It was a very forward, unapologetic, non-politically correct thing of him to do. Sometimes that’s just refreshing to witness.

After our late dinner we headed back to the hotel room with two very tired kids who were real troupers. We were all out like a light as soon as we hit the sheets.

San Francisco, day one

2007-04-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

We left Wednesday evening last week and stopped in Bakersfield, which, by the way, is just about exactly half-way between Las Vegas and San Francisco. The next morning we leisurely made our way into the city, arriving at the San Francisco Marriott around 2 p.m.

Our adventures on Thursday included hotel check-in and unpacking, rides on the carousel at Yerba Buena Gardens, a visit to the temporary California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium, and dinner at Mel’s Drive-In.

After that we were ready for bed.

Here are some photos from that afternoon and evening.

Little Miss Muffet

2007-04-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday last week Eliana and her kindergarten class presented a nursery rhymes play. Here are some photos of Ellie as Little Miss Muffet.

She was perfectly composed and quite the little ham.

We even managed to record the play on the video camera after recently purchasing a new battery to keep the camera in operation a little while longer. We had a little memory card scare with the digital camera but Vickey managed to locate the chip in time for the performance (it was on the floor of the car).

Immediately following the play, and a stop at home and at the gas station and grocery store, we headed out for our family San Francisco vacation. More to follow on that adventuresome excursion…

Eliana’s stage debut

2007-04-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight Eliana stars as Little Miss Muffet in her kindergarten class nursery rhyme stage production.

To say she’s excited is an understatement. We’re looking forward to the stage debut.

If this anticipatory photo shoot is any indication of her ability to perform in front of others, I’m sure she’ll do just fine.

Here she is in her ‘costume’ posing for mom. She even practiced her curtsey.

Break a leg, Ellie!

In other news, today after my lunch I noticed something sharp between my two bottom front teeth. I tried dental floss to clean out the space between the teeth only to have the top part of my tooth break off as I lifted the floss up.

So, off I went to the dentist for an emergency filling. $150 later my mouth is feeling back to normal and my tongue no longer rubs against a rough, sharp surface. Hopefully the plastic filling won’t distract too much from my seductive smile.

Dominic enjoying the bra models

2007-04-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

You can’t see what he’s looking at, except it’s a Kohl’s ad. But Vickey called me on Wednesday to tell me Dominic was goo-goo over the Kohl’s circular because of the pictures of women in their bras on the back.

Here he is in his child’s swing enjoying the view. Once he’s potty trained I’m sure this scene will be repeated on the toilet.

Easter duds

2007-04-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Eliana and Dominic posed for a few minutes before church on Easter Sunday.

Here are the results.

Feeling content

2007-04-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Vickey and I have had a debate lately on what it means to live your life with a feeling of contentment.

My perspective is if I say I’m content, what’s left? No more goal-setting or striving to make things better or different.

I believe her perspective could be expressed like this: “Just be grateful for what you have.”

I’d argue for both perspectives.

Since today’s my birthday, I’ve taken occasion to look back on my life experiences. I am content in that I have all I could have wished for at this moment in my life. I’m very grateful for loving and supportive parents and in-laws, and for relationships with extended family and friends that prove equally endearing.

Still, I look forward to the future—to more birthdays, experiencing parenting through all of life’s stages, family vacations and growing old with my sweetheart.

I look forward to all that we’ll build in relationships, memories and experiences as a family.

I look forward knowing there’s no such thing as Easy Street and that our family’s well-being will always be well worth any price. (Sorry for the Wellworth pun, our current street of residence, I couldn’t resist.)

I’m grateful for lessons learned: some more difficult than others and all of them worthwhile and beneficial in making me who I am today.

I’m reminded of the lyrics to a Carrie Underwood song I like called Lessons Learned. I’ll close with them:

There's some things that I regret
Some words I wish had gone unsaid
Some starts that had some bitter endings
Been some bad times I've been through
Damage I could not undo, some things
I wish I could do all, all over again
But it don't really matter
Life gets that much harder
It makes you that much stronger
Oh, some pages turned, some bridges burned
But there were, lessons learned

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes
Everyday I wondered how I’d get through the night
Every change life has thrown me
I'm thankful for every break in my heart
I'm grateful for every scar
Some pages turned, some bridges burned
But there were lessons learned

There's mistakes that I have made
Some chances I just threw away
Some roads I never should've taken
Been some signs I didn't see
Hearts that I hurt needlessly
Some wounds that I wish I could have one more chance to mend
But it don't make no difference
The past can't be rewritten
You get the life you're given
Oh, some pages turned, some bridges burned
But there were, lessons learned

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes
Everyday I wondered how I’d get through the night
For every change life has thrown me
I'm thankful for every break in my heart
I'm grateful for every scar
Some pages turned, some bridges burned
But there were lessons learned

And all the things that break you
All the things that make you strong
You can't change the past cause it's gone
And you just gotta move on because it's all lessons learned

Every tear that had to fall from my eyes
Everyday I wondered how I’d get through the night
For every change life has thrown me
I'm thankful for every break in my heart
I'm grateful for every scar
Some pages turned, some bridges burned
But there were lessons learned

Uncle Lynn the bionic man

2007-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 27 we had my Uncle Lynn (my mom’s brother) and Aunt Sarah, my cousin Lisa and her husband Don, their daughter Amanda and her daughter Sarahlynn, over for dessert and a visit. Lynn commented that he wasn’t feeling quite right and wanted to go see a specialist in Salt Lake City after they returned home to Richfield that weekend.

Then, Thursday evening we got a call from my cousin, Steve, that earlier that morning Sarah had discovered Lynn unconscious on the floor in the bedroom. Amanda ran next door to their neighbor, a highway patrolman, who helped Amanda’s husband, Ariel, attend to Lynn while the paramedics were in route. Luckily Lynn began breathing on his own once they moved his body, positioning him for emergency breathing.

The ambulance took him to the hospital where he spent several days enduring all kinds of tests. They identified clogged heart arteries and determined open heart surgery was in order. That’s when I placed a call to our church friend, Rick Martin, a skilled heart surgeon. He reviewed my Uncle Lynn’s tests and together they determined a quadruple bypass was necessary. Amazingly, Dr. Martin was able to scheduled the surgery for the next day.

The doctors were concerned that the best outcome may be they fix his heart and he suffer kidney failure, ending up on dialysis the rest of his life.

Lynn was transferred to a newer hospital for the surgery, the same hospital Dominic was born in. Lynn received a priesthood blessing from his son, Steve, and me before being prepped for surgery on Tuesday.

The blessings promised have come true and Lynn’s life has been preserved. His kidney function, down to just 25% of normal, has remained steady since the surgery. That’s a huge blessing.

There are so many working parts to this story. There are so many ways things could have gone awry, leaving the family to plan a funeral instead of open heart surgery.

Lynn could have suffered the heart attack in Richfield. It could have taken hours to discover him unconscious, then more hours transferring him to a metropolitan area like Provo or Salt Lake City. He was fortunate to be among family with plenty of people to assist when the emergency struck, and in a large city with competent physicians to tend to his needs. His surgery was fast-tracked by Dr. Martin and occurred less than 24 hours after Dr. Martin first met with him.

Can you see providence in all of this? I’m convinced my uncle’s life has been prolonged because of these seemingly quirky circumstances. I’m also convinced it’s not circumstance at all, rather the hand of the Lord at work in Lynn’s life and the lives of family members.

Lynn has had many body parts replaced since breaking his leg in a riding lawn mower accident a couple years ago. That’s why we affectionately now call Lynn, my mom’s oldest living brother, the bionic man.

Over the past week we have visited him in the intensive care unit at the hospital as often as possible. Vickey was there yesterday checking in on him. He’s still working through the effects of surgery as his recovery progresses.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with him and his family.

Easter egg hunt

2007-04-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Easter Bunny paid a visit here with goodies for Eliana, Dominic and the Coglianese five (Lauren, Madison, Sarah, Jared and Mijken).

It was the end of a busy day-and-a-half for us all. In fact, very soon I’m headed to bed to catch some shuteye since I’ll bet I got an accumulative two hours of sleep last night.

Photos from the Easter egg hunt tonight . . .

Ah, the joy of chocolate (and you can tell this isn’t his first).

Mt. Charleston campout

2007-04-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Mark Coglianese, arranged for our families to get back in touch with nature this weekend by camping out at McWilliams Campground at Mt. Charleston.

Mark was off for Good Friday and I took the afternoon off. Vickey and the kids spent yesterday morning getting ready for the outing while I wrapped up a week of work.

Mark and his family left a couple hours before us and secured our camp site at McWilliams. It’s a fine campground for those of you in the neighborhood. My only recommendation is to wear thermal underwear if you go there before May 1 (we were all very cold last night).

I’ll bet we experienced a 40 degree temperature spread today.
Mark’s family, his parents, his work colleague Scott and his three kids, and our clan (the four of us plus Tank) had a very enjoyable overnight campout followed by a hike up Robber’s Roost trail.

Here are all the youngins. And yes, the snow is real.

To put it in perspective, we could see our breath this morning as the sun rose over the mountains and once we were home and unpacked, we enjoyed swimming at the Coglianese’s pool. I think the temperature went from about 35 or 40 to the high 80s. It’s amazing what a little altitude will do.

After swimming the Easter Bunny paid an early visit here for both families. There was a raucous Easter egg hunt followed by pizza and a few games (toys from Easter baskets).

Right now Eliana’s in her favorite chair in the family room watching her new DVD, Charlotte’s Web, also an Easter basket gift.

Here are some photos from today's hike.

And here are Eliana and Dominic on our drive down the canyon. (That's how I felt too, but I was driving so I couldn't sleep.)

Celebrating Sarahlynn’s birthday

2007-04-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

On March 24 Eliana was invited to two birthday parties. One for a girl in her primary class, a family that lives around the corner from us, and another for my cousin’s granddaughter, Sarahlynn.

Because of an issues management job I took on that Friday I only made it to the family birthday party. Vickey was a trooper and took care of the kids most of the day that Saturday.

The activity de jour for Saralynn’s party was kite flying. I think that was a first for both Eliana and Dominic.

Here are some fun photos from the excursion at Mission Hills Park in Henderson.

The bathtub splash

2007-03-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Dominic thinks it’s just great to splash around in the bathtub. If you don’t watch him closely the entire bathroom gets wet.

This is his other favorite bath ritual: drinking the water. Will kids ever learn to not drink the bath water?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

2007-03-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Here’s Eliana showing off a few of her new favorite things: her Mary Poppins Broadway t-shirt, her horse head (a weird item, if you ask me), and her St. Patrick’s Day hair band.

The t-shirt’s from her parents, a souvenir from Broadway. And the horse head is from Grandma Snow, a can’t-leave-the-store-without-it toy store purchase while Ellie’s parents were in New York.

Laguna Beach

2007-03-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

The sun came out for a few brief precious moments on Sunday while we were enjoying Laguna Beach.

Here are some photos from the frolicking in the ocean.

Afterwards we ate ourselves silly at Olamendi’s. Terrific Mexican food! I highly recommend it.

Cousins and statues and fountains, oh my

2007-03-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

While we were in Southern California we stopped at my sister-in-law’s cousin’s garden shop. It wasn’t just any regular type of outdoor garden shop. It was full of marble and granite statuettes and amazing looking rock formations imported from China and turned into fountains.

Their shop is called Rosemead Gardens. If you’re in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it.

Melissa’s mom walked away with a couple items and I purchased a novelty item for our back yard (you’ll have to wait till I get a picture of it to know what it is).

Here are a few photos of the cousins as they experienced Rosemead Gardens.

Another birthday

2007-03-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks I will have lived longer on my own than I did with my parents. It’s a weird thought, really.

In a way it’s a reminder that who I am and what I’m surrounded by is largely a result of my own decisions.

It’s also a reminder of the good upbringing I had. I’m fortunate to have loving parents who are still together, and to have the guiding influence of faith, virtue and integrity.

I really never went without as a child, although my brother got better nutrition than I, since I was born while my folks were still in college and he came along when my dad was gainfully employed. So alas, my younger brother’s taller than me. But I’m not bitter…

While some choose to downplay birthdays as just another day, it’s my custom to take the day off work and spend it doing only whatever I want. It’s a great personal gift.

I haven’t chosen a project for this year’s special day yet. Keeping true to my friend Becky’s nickname, ‘Project Pete’ must choose something worthy of my grandfather’s expression, “Another fine job by PJC!”

For those of you habitually late in sending birthday greetings, you’ve got plenty of notice. There are still a couple weeks left before my big day.

And speaking of birthdays, we’re excited to welcome another Codella cousin. Brian and Melissa informed the family earlier this month that they’re expecting number four. Still no word on whether it’s a boy or a girl. We’re all hoping for a girl (the odds are in their favor) and that the due date is on the 21st of August, because that would make four kids born on the 21st of a month. So even though the due date is the first week of September, we’ll hope for an early delivery, Mel.

Playing cousins

2007-03-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

My brother’s wife and their three boys joined us in Vegas last week. My nephew, Carter, was on a track break from school, so they decided to warm up in sunny Las Vegas. We also followed them to Southern California last weekend to go to Legoland and Laguna Beach together.

Here are a few photos from all the playing that went on last week.

St. Patrick’s Day at Legoland

2007-03-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to Southern California Friday through Sunday. Saturday we were at Legoland. Sunday we went to Laguna Beach.

It was a whirlwind trip and rather than type my travel log tonight, I’m going to bed. But before I do, here are a few Legoland pictures.

Blogging Vegas named one of Vegas’ top five blogs

2007-03-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

This week a new Internet-based broadcast company, called RawVegas.tv, published its list of the top five blogs in Las Vegas.

Blogging Vegas, the blog network run by Codella Marketing (my company) and Image Domain, was named number five.

Sure, it’s no amazing feat. Still, it’s kind of fun to receive the publicity. I’ve already had one previous client contact me as a result of the rankings.

It was fun to be interviewed by RawVegas.tv and experience what my clients feel like when being interviewed by the media. I shared the same seat with the top-ranked Vegas Popular blog written by the infamous Robin Leach.

You can view The Live 5 review by clicking here or on the image above.

Ranked by RawVegas.tv on March 13, 2007:

1. Vegas Popular, Robin Leach
2. The Movable Buffet, Richard Abowitz
3. Jack Colton, Jack Colton
4. Las Vegas Vegas, Joe Smith
5. Blogging Vegas, Pete Codella

The wrestling duo

2007-03-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Some of my fond childhood memories are of watching my brother and sister mix it up after dinner in the family room. It was almost like a ritual that we’d have dinner, then Angie and Brian would end up in the family room wrestling each other.

I, of course, was too grown up and too much of a good example to get involved. But I sure loved watching and egging them on. My favorite was when Brian, nicknamed CB (short for Cryn’ Brian), was finally big enough to stand his ground and actually gain the advantage over Angie.

Inevitably, someone would end up crying and whining to mom and dad that the other person hurt them. Ah, the good ‘ol days.

Lately Eliana and Dominic have been playing better with each other. Although there are four years between them, Dominic’s getting big enough that he can mix it up with his sister. Ellie still dominates, but that won’t last for long (right, Ang?).

Here are a couple photos of one of the latest Eliana and Dominic battles for supremacy.

Visiting the Jensens in Richfield

2007-03-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

On our drive back to Vegas from Salt Lake City on Monday we made a stop in Richfield, Utah where my mom grew up. It’s been several years since we were there. My Uncle Russ and Aunt Diane hadn’t even seen Dominic yet.

We enjoyed a delicious, as usual, lunch at my Uncle Lynn and Aunt Sarah’s. The kids enjoyed the time to stretch their legs in the back yard. Tank ran around till he about knocked over Sarah, then he got tied up.

We stayed for a couple hours then hit the road again to continue our journey back home after the extended weekend getaway.

Lynn has struggled this past year with his health, having just come out of yet another surgery. He seems to be in pretty good spirits though, and says he’s still plugging along. He did say he’s not spending another winter in Richfield. It’s been cold there this year. He and Sarah are planning to rent a place in Mesquite or somewhere around there this coming winter.

We figured it was time well spent since my aunts and uncles are getting up there in years and you never know how long they’ll be around.

Soon after we got there Dominic decided to cling on to Sarah. It was cute. He latched on to her leg and gave her a giant hug. Sarah giggled and patted him on the back. I’m sure she was happy to receive the affection.

Here are some photos from our stay in Richfield.

A New York state of mind

2007-03-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Vickey and I joined four college friends—two couples we’ve known for years—on an extended weekend getaway in New York City. The idea was hatched last fall while we were at BYU homecoming. And what a great idea it was (yes, it was mine)!

We drove to Salt Lake City on Wednesday to drop the kids and dog off at Grandma and Grandpa Snow’s (thank you!). By the time we got there I had lost my voice due to a sore throat/sinus cold (I’m still recuperating).

On the way to Salt Lake we ate at the Bombay House in Provo—one of Vickey’s favorite Indian restaurants. Then Thursday morning we took a Delta flight to JFK with Troy and Jen (Tyler and Emily met us in NYC after spending some time in Philadelphia).

Our first adventure was getting from JFK to the Times Square Courtyard Marriott where we were staying. I was a little rusty on my subway skills (I lived in NYC in ’96 and ’97), so we ended up exiting the E train too early and had to go up and down some stairs a couple times until we finally arrived at Times Square. Some helpful subway attendants helped us and our luggage (I over packed) get where we needed to be. Then it was a little tricky figuring out which subway exit would be closest to the hotel. But, after two hours, we managed.

The whole time Jen was saying what a fun adventure it was. I think Vickey was thinking, “We should have taken a cab!”

The six of us enjoyed a terrific Italian dinner at Carmine’s then a late-night movie, Music and Lyrics. I’d give the dinner an 8 out of 10. The movie, a 2 (but that could be my tired state of mind and sore throat talking).

Friday morning we took advantage of the “do not disturb” hotel room door sign and the fact that there were no kids to get us up early. After a lazy morning we ventured to Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man in Union Square (a referral from one of our friends). We were not disappointed! We had an excellent meal—a chocolate smorgasbord, really—and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. They have the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had!

We visited a few places on Friday including Ground Zero, Columbus Circle and the Manhattan LDS Temple. It’s still bizarre to see the World Trade Center site and know I was there every workday for a couple years. I worked at Merrill Lynch in the World Financial Center.

Friday evening we ate at Koi on 40th Street (our concierge was kind enough to secure Friday and Saturday dinner reservations for us). The environment was exciting, edgy and inviting. The food and presentation were great. I wasn’t so fond of the sushi, but that’s not my bag, baby.

Then we were treated to the wonderful Broadway production of Mary Poppins. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the musical. It was very well done. I appreciated that the musical didn’t rehash the movie, but brought a new perspective to the thought provoking story.

Friday night we played games, liar’s dice (it’s Tyler’s favorite), until way too late.

Saturday morning I was determined to explore some new areas. So despite the fact that my voice was also on vacation, Vickey and I scheduled an early wake-up call and took off for Chinatown and Little Italy. There was a striking difference between the hustle and bustle of Chinatown and Little Italy early on a Saturday morning.

We were there for a couple hours and it wasn’t until we were leaving for lunch that there was much movement in Little Italy. The folks in Chinatown were going strong from the moment we got there: “Rolex, Rolex…handbag, handbag…scarf, scarf…” They didn’t say things once, everything was said twice and very fast—it helped us feel like we were in a different country.

We had some amazing gelato and canoli in Little Italy. I got a hair cut at Sal’s neighborhood barbershop while Vickey got her nails done in Chinatown.

Saturday afternoon we split-up to see Wicked and Putnam County Spelling Bee. I’ve seen Wicked and although it’s my favorite Broadway show, I wanted a new experience, or more truthfully didn’t want to spoil my memory of Wicked’s original Broadway cast. I was very impressed with Spelling Bee. It was a terrific production. It was hilarious, had good audience participation and very well staged. The performers were all great.

Following a visit to Rockefeller Plaza we had an excellent between show dinner at Bobby Vans Steakhouse on 50th, then headed to our final Broadway experience of the trip, The Color Purple.

The show was highly recommended but I wasn’t as impressed with it as I was with the others we saw. I wasn’t fond of the lesbian love affair (yes, I saw the movie), some of the costuming was questionable, and I was turned off by the cast shushing one another backstage after the opening number. The gospel music and voices were great, although the score failed to provide any memorable tunes. I’ll be interested to read the reviews once American Idol’s Fantasia takes on the lead role next month.

Small world moment: some people I recently met in Las Vegas are co-producers of The Color Purple, along with Oprah Winfrey. They were going to hire Codella Marketing to do some work for another business venture, but it didn’t pan out.

Of course we stopped at the Times Square souvenir shops.

Again Saturday night back at the hotel we played liar’s dice. By this time we were all feeling a bit worn out and couldn’t stay up as late as the previous two nights. Guess we’re getting older. It’s been 15 years since Tyler, Troy, Jen and I were in Young Ambassadors together.

Sunday morning Vickey and I did a bit more exploring. We found Garrett Popcorn Shops near Macy’s and had to get a bag for everyone. Their popcorn is a favorite of Vickey’s and every time she visits Chicago for a Pampered Chef convention she brings some home. We learned the New York shop has only been open a couple months. Perhaps that’s why we didn’t even have to wait in line, either that or the early Sunday morning hour, or the very cold windy weather (so glad to be back in sunny Las Vegas).

We met-up with our dear friend, Carlos, for Sunday brunch at Max Brenner’s again (yes, we really liked that place). Carlos was in Mamma Mia for a couple years and now plays understudy for the roles in Altar Boyz, he’s the swing and dance captain. Next time we have a New York minute, we’ll see you in your show, Carlos. And again, happy birthday to you!

After brunch it was time to load up and head back to JFK. This time our train ride was only an hour. Partly because we knew exactly what we were doing and partly because the passenger volume was lighter on Sunday afternoon than Thursday evening.

Our flight home was uneventful except for the hour wait we had waiting on the runway to finally takeoff.

We returned to the Snows to find everyone no worse for the wear, except maybe Grandma and Grandpa who seemed pretty tired. Monday morning the kids were glad to see us and Tank was my shadow as I loaded the Sequoia. Tank always gets a bit nervous when we leave for extended periods. He’s a weimaraner, what do you expect?

We had an awesome time in New York City. It was terrific! What added to the enjoyment was that it was just the six of us with no little ones to look after. Sure, we missed the kiddies (at least the girls did), but it was also nice to be on a vacation without them.

We’ll look forward to yearly or perhaps biyearly trips. Keep in touch guys!

Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game

2007-02-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had ice box seats—that’s right next to the ice—for the Las Vegas Wranglers versus Idaho Steelheads hockey game. The event was sponsored by one of my clients, Dr. Azimi, a Downtown Las Vegas dentist who’s also the Wranglers team dentist.

We invited some work associates to join us in the ice box where we hung out together, enjoyed food and drinks and all the loud raucous activity that accompanies a hockey game. Yes, there were plenty of player fist fights and checks into the plexiglas. Luckily no pucks came flying into the ice box area. We had a fun time and enjoyed the exposure to hockey.

Here are a couple of rink-side photos of us and our friends, Michelle and Jack.

A river runs through it

2007-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I helped our neighbors to the west (the Cronks) put new landscaping in their front yard. We did some rock landscaping complete with a dry riverbed just on the other side of the small retainer wall we put next to our driveway last year. Now the neighborhood mailbox is surrounded on both sides by new landscaping.

We moved eight tons of rock—and not to make those of you back east or further north jealous—we got sunburned from working outside all morning. And not to make you even more jealous, we enjoyed In-N-Out hamburgers and fries after our hard work (so that pretty much negated any calories burned during the process).

Here are some photos from the work project.

Here are Eliana and Dominic today after church enjoying the new terrain.

In other news, Eliana sneezed out a double nostril explosion of snot today in sacrament meeting (our ward conference) while we sat on the second row, in the middle, and in front of practically everyone. She entertained many much to her parents’ chagrin.

Also today at church, Eliana gave her first talk in Primary. No pressure, she only had the entire stake Primary presidency and all the ward Primary leaders watching her. She and Vickey put the talk together this past week with pictures from Deseret Book and her talk written on the back side of each photo. Ellie wrote her own talk and pretty much memorized it for her presentation today (we’re still working on those reading skills). She did a great job!

Here she is this morning practicing her talk and posing for her mom.

Now it’s off to a late lunch, then choir, then home teachers coming to visit us, then dinner at the Coglianeses, then a visit to one of the families I home teach. Then it’s off to another very busy week.

Hope you all enjoyed the weekend!

Thoughts on Mitt Romney running for president

2007-02-13T21:58:00.000-08:00

See my LDS blog post on Urim and Thummim.

White Christmas

2007-02-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken by Vickey’s dad in December while we were there for Christmas. This is the maple tree outside their kitchen window.

Yes, last year we had a white Christmas. The snow was beautiful…almost as beautiful as knowing we’d be driving south and leaving it behind.

All the courtyard’s a stage

2007-02-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard the famous William Shakespeare lines: “All the world’s a stage…[and we’re] merely players.” Eliana brought her act to our front courtyard this afternoon while waiting for her friend Olympia to join her for an afternoon jump on the trampoline and swing on the swing set.

Vickey took these photos as Eliana belted out, vibrato and all, how happy she was for her family, her friends and for Jesus. She’s starting to remember the Primary songs and sing them on a whim, mixed with some creative lyrics.

She’s been out of school the past two days so I took some time off this afternoon to spend with her. We went to see Charlotte’s Web at the movie theater. She enjoyed her $5 popcorn, drink and candy and I enjoyed the break from work. I’ve been working hard since the holidays. Ellie even cried when Charlotte died…what a cutie.

And out of deference to Mr. Shakespeare, the complete text, from As You Like It:

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

One just isn’t enough

2007-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Dominic’s 19 months old now (and weighs 25 pounds). Today Vickey learned from taking him into the pediatrician after three consecutive months of being sick that for our doc, 18 months is the limit on pacifiers. He says cold turkey is the way to go.

Well, you can see Dominic has a different opinion.

Vickey snapped these photos yesterday just after changing Dominic’s diaper. He had a binky when he was being changed and managed to reach for and grab another one. He was, as Vickey would say, pleased as punch with himself.

Little does he know he’s soon getting a taste of cold Thanksgiving leftovers.

And the little quarter-of-a-year illness: just a cold. He’ll get over it. No prescriptions, just two doctor co-pays, thank you very much.

A sunny day in Vegas

2007-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

This morning I took Tank to get his rabies shot. Those of you who’ve seen him lately have commented that he has gained some weight. It’s true, since he was neutered he has managed to pack on a few pounds. We figured he had gained about 10 pounds. Wrong. He has actually gained 20 pounds, weighing in at a hefty 90 pounds.

I guess that explains why the few times I’ve taken him running lately he’s good for about the first 5 or 10 minutes, then I have to basically drag him the rest of the way.

I’ll have to plan more time to exercise Tank these next few months. At least it’s getting warmer. And I can always use the exercise myself.

Once I got back from the vet, Vickey went to the stake center to contribute to a quilt tying project for homeless children. While she was there I got the kids and myself ready for an outing, the 35th birthday party for CCSN (Community College of Southern Nevada; one of my clients). Desert Toyota Scion donated a Scion to be given away in a drawing this afternoon.

This photo was taken in the back of the truck as we waited for Vickey to return from her volunteer work.

We enjoyed lunch, catered by Claim Jumper, and some of the festivities. Here are the two kiddies at the dealership parking lot. You can see Dominic wasn’t interested in posing for the photo.

And here’s a photo of one of the Scion models they were giving away—the winner got to choose between three models.

After lunch at the CCSN birthday party we made a quick stop (if there’s such a thing on a Saturday) at Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.

This afternoon I pruned some of the plants while the kids played on the swing set and trampoline and Tank dug up rocks with which to play fetch. It was a warm, sunny afternoon in Vegas.

Vickey and I are in the middle of a reorganization project for her Pampered Chef office supplies. Everything’s going in the downstairs bedroom which has now been claimed by the scrapbooking queen and will serve to house her Pampered Chef paraphernalia.

Someday we’ll have the bed in that room put into one of those wall units so it can be folded up and out of the way when it’s not in use. But don’t worry, we have no plans to get rid of that bed like we did our other queen bed. We’ll keep it around for the grandparents and other visitors.

It’s hard to believe we’re already into February. Vickey has three to four Pampered Chef shows lined up each week this month. It’s going to be a busy one.

We’re looking forward to hanging out with the Coglianeses for the Super Bowl tomorrow.

One last parting thought: guys, be thankful for testosterone. It just may be nature’s way of keeping you active and 20 pounds lighter than you could be.

Lying around

2007-01-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

This photo montage is inspired by recent shots of the kids, Vickey and Tank takin’ it easy in the family room.

Here are Eliana’s photo skills - a picture of Vickey tickling Dominic.

Here’s Tank lounging on Eliana’s blanket (a regular occurance).

Here’s Eliana upside down on the carpet.

And here’s the true Dominic — chillin’ with a blanket, bowl of popcorn, drink and three pacifiers. Now that’s the life!

We bring good things to life

2007-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Since Grandpa Codella works for GE, I thought this title was appropriate.

When Vickey was in Dallas attending the annual Pampered Chef leadership conference the second week of January, her parents were here holding down the fort and hangin’ with the grandkids for a few days. Thank you!

One of the evenings we took Eliana to the mall to redeem some of her Christmas gift card money.

A trip to Build-A-Bear was on the docket and Eliana fell in love with the Hello Kitty stuffed animal. She was so excited to see it get stuffed and choose a heart to kiss and include inside her new furry friend which she named Brieta (Vickey says the name’s from a Barbie movie), and choose an outfit.

The next day Ellie even wheeled Brieta in a small stroller all the way to the grocery store and back when grandma went to pick-up a few items. Ellie loves being the mom for Brieta and tucks her in bed each night.

Thanks Grandma Snow for chipping in the extra dollars to clothe Brieta.

And no, Dominic’s not emotionally scared from being left empty handed when we left Build-A-Bear. He hasn’t said a word about it (then again, his only word remains…’og, for ‘dog’).

Annual family newsletter

2007-01-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

Our summary of 2006 is now posted on Codella.info in the news section.

You can view our invitation to read the letter by clicking here.

Or you can link directly to the newsletter.

Happy New Year everyone!

Quoted in this week’s In Business Las Vegas

2007-01-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

In December of 2005 I completed my Accreditation in Public Relations through the Public Relations Society of America. It was an encouraging accomplishment and one that I worked toward for many months.

This week’s publication of In Business Las Vegas has an article on the Accreditation process and I’m one of the three Las Vegas Valley Chapter members quoted in the article.

You can check it out online.

Baby it’s cold outside

2006-12-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

This photo of Eliana playing with an icicle was just so darling I had to post it tonight. It was taken on Christmas day in front of the Snow’s home in Holladay.

Thanks for the knitted hats, Aunt Betty. And thanks, Grandma Snow, for the kids' other winter gear.

The kids had a great time playing outside in the snow. In fact, about three or four times a day Dominic would grab a snow boot and carry it to one of the adults grunting with excitement and anticipation for finding someone willing to suit him up and take him outside. Such a cute lil’ punkin!

The Las Vegas Bowl 2006

2006-12-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

Way to go Cougars!

Don’t let the time lapse between the Dec. 21 Las Vegas Bowl and today, Dec. 30, fool you into thinking I wasn’t stoked by the outcome of this year’s Las Vegas Bowl. Company and Christmas travel plans prevented me from posting about our activities on Dec. 21…until now.

I spent the morning last Thursday at work, my last workday of 2006. Shortly after lunchtime—and after exchanging Christmas gifts with the Coglianese family—the Snows (Gordon, Murriel and Charley) and Vickey and I departed for Sam Boyd Stadium where all true blue Cougar fans anxiously gathered to watch the Cougars perform in the second Las Vegas bowl in as many years.

This year’s outcome was much more appetizing than last year’s. In a difficult-to-argue-with defeat the Cougars prevailed against the Ducks 38 to 8. Regardless of what Oregon’s coach said about BYU defeating a Pac-10 team, the fact is they did. I repeat, way to go Cougars!

The Las Vegas Bowl crowd of 44,615 set a record for Sam Boyd Stadium. This is the first bowl game BYU has won since 1997. The number 19 Cougars, who improved to 11-2 overall, are the first nationally ranked team to ever play in the Las Vegas Bowl.

I have some photos from the game—the American flag that covered the entire field, and the BYU crowd that rushed the field (yes, Gordon insisted we be included in the foray) at the conclusion of the game for the award presentation—but they’re on my mobile phone and not of a high enough resolution to do any good here.

Our day was a bit long since we participated in the tailgate party which began at 2 p.m. Vickey set-up a table with some of her Pampered Chef brochures and spoke to passers by regarding the Pampered Chef opportunity. Charley and I enjoyed following the cheerleaders and Cougarettes around and watching for one of the cheerleaders to fall during their acrobatic feats. Gordon, king of the flea market, was jazzed by all the free handouts from the various vendors.

All in all, minus the sustained cold temperatures, it was just about a perfect day. Thanks to Amber for her Christmas gift, watching the kids from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m.

If you’re interested, you can read what the Las Vegas Bowl folks have to say about the game in their press release: Stadium-Record Crowd Sees BYU Defeat Ducks.

Snowmen

2006-12-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve in Salt Lake City—Holladay to be exact—we went on a walk. Here’s Dominic and I all bundled up (it’s cold up there for us Vegas guys).

We had a great Christmas week at the Snow’s home in Holladay. We ate lots of great food, enjoyed the company of nearly everyone in the family (with the exception of Vickey’s oldest brother, Matt’s family) and played many a game till the wee hours of the night (I’m not used to staying up till one or two).

Last Saturday, the day after we arrived, we spent nursing Dominic who was throwing up all morning. Then he was fine.

But this morning, the following Saturday, we awoke to a throwing up boy yet again. Poor guy! I think he’s gone through three baths and change of clothes today. Vickey had to stay home with him instead of attending my cousin’s daughter’s wedding (I’ll blog about that later, first I need to catch up from where I left off in mid-December; it’s been a crazy few weeks).

In loving memory of Gail “Chris” Myron Christenson

2006-12-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Vickey’s uncle’s funeral was Saturday. We made the unexpected trip to Spanish Fork, Utah to be with family and pay our last respects.

Chris and Jean were great companions for each other. I’m sure it will be difficult for Jean to be without Chris for the remainder of her days on earth. The family will certainly help to fill that void though.

At the funeral service Vickey’s dad, Gordon Snow, shared some great stories of Chris’ life and insights into the type of person Uncle Chris was. Vickey’s cousin, Amy Jensen, shared a poem and her husband, Preston Jensen, played a John Schmidt piano song called Tribute. It was a short and sweet ceremony, which is a good thing since I was wrestling Dominic in the back of the room the entire time. Eliana did a great job of being still and reverent during the funeral.

Here’s an updated photo of Gordon and his sisters, Ruth and Jean, at the dinner following Chris’ funeral.

Chris’ coffin was taken to the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Justin Shipley, Matthew Snow, Charles Snow, Scott Gilchrist, Larry Draper and Dale Draper. I was given the honor of dedicating Chris’ grave. It was the first time I have been called upon to perform that priesthood ordinance. It was a privilege.

This is Vickey’s cousin Gaylene, her husband Craig Shipley and daughter Amy, saying goodbye to Chris as we left the casket at the cemetery.

I learned from Uncle Chris the importance of treating those around you with respect and kindness, especially your spouse. I learned the importance of setting a good example for your posterity. I admire his ability to keep life simple and do what you enjoy.

Uncle Chris was fortunate that the pancreatic cancer didn’t manifest itself sooner and cause prolonged suffering due to that painful illness. It took several days to diagnose the illness and in the meantime Chris died from pneumonia.

Uncle Chris will be greatly missed by those he left behind. I’m so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ which makes it possible for spirits and bodies to be reunited in immortality through the resurrection and for families to be sealed together for time and eternity.

Remembering Uncle Chris

2006-12-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last night we received word that Vickey’s uncle Chris Christenson died. He had taken sick and was hospitalized in the past week or so, then caught pneumonia and passed away yesterday.

Chris is married to Jean Snow Christenson, Vickey’s dad’s sister.

While we weren’t shocked to hear the news, since we knew Chris was sick and in the hospital, we were certainly saddened. Chris is the first of Vickey’s aunts and uncles to die on her father’s side. (Here's Gordon and his two sisters, Ruth and Jean.)

In my interaction with Chris he was always gracious and kind. He and Jean enjoyed life and were supportive parents and grandparents. They lived in Spanish Fork, Utah and spent winters in Overton, Nevada.

When it’s available I’ll link to his obituary. I’ll have to go through our photos to see if I can locate one of him to post here as well (two are posted here, from Amy's wedding last summer).

Chris, we’ll miss you. We know you’re in a better place and look forward to being together as a family in the eternities.

^^^^^^

Here's Chris' obituary from Provo's Daily Herald newspaper.

Merry Christmas curly lox

2006-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Eliana’s year-end dance recital. She looked so cute in her red and black outfit. Vickey and Ellie spent some time this afternoon curling her hair with a fancy new fangled Enzo Milano ceramic curling iron. Here’s the result (compare this to what happened last year following the ward Christmas party - the hair cut!).

And here are a few photos of Eliana at the dance recital.

With her friend, Sarah Coglianese.

Dancing with her oversized candy cane.

And in the interest of equal time (almost), here’s a photo of Dominic from last week. He was so tired from being sick and hauled all over tarnation as part of Vickey’s Christmastime preparations, that he fell asleep in his highchair. Poor kiddo.

Photos with Santa

2006-12-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Our annual ward Christmas party features plenty of good eats, a Christmastime program and photo opportunities with Santa.

Here’s our annual installment in the family photos with Santa file. Thanks for dropping by, Santa.

Eliana can’t wait for Christmas to see what she gets. Now if only we could help her see how fun it is to give as well as receive.

Russian chocolate cookies

2006-12-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

It’s a tradition in the Codella family to make Russian chocolate cookies during the holidays. I’m really not sure why an Italian family makes Russian chocolate cookies, but we do. I think it’s a recipe my dad’s mom was fond of and therefore adopted for the family. (The recipe is so large that we're mixing it by hand on the kitchen table because we don't have a large enough bowl.)

Tonight my cousins Michael and Gina came over for dinner and some holiday baking…and boy was it a baking extravaganza! We had a great time. The evening was full of yummy things to eat, Michael dropping measuring cups on the floor, the usual sibling bantering between he and Gina, and Michael and I trading insults. What a great time for us cousins!

Eliana was right in the mix. So was Dominic for about an hour before he reached his limit. I envy the sleep he’s getting.

After being down and out health-wise a couple different times lately I’m still feeling a bit weak. I had a 102 degree fever for several days this week and have been on antibiotics since Wednesday. It’s been a rough week and I find myself even further behind at work with Christmas and New Year’s just weeks away…yikes!

At any rate, we thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s festive affair—singing along with Christmas music, Ellie and Dominic racing around the kitchen island while the adults were trying to bake, a good dinner and yummy treats that just kept coming, Tank sneaking an unbaked cookie off the table, and even a happy holidays phone call to my Aunt Marie (we wanted a recipe from her and she gave me enough information to locate a peanut butter ball cookie recipe that turned out amazingly perfect).

I put in half a day’s work at the office this morning while Vickey conducted a Pampered Chef show in Boulder City this afternoon. The kids and I ran some errands this afternoon. Okay, they weren’t just errands, we got my Christmas gifts: floor mats and running boards for the Tundra (we’re not replacing accessories, just adding ones always wanted).

It was a busy Saturday replete with good seasonal activities. If only I could get some rest tomorrow.

And I just have to add this before I close because it’s on my mind after reading the week’s mail:

In my mom’s Christmas letter (well it was signed by my dad, but I’m fairly certain he wasn’t its author), I was intrigued by the comment about going on a real vacation someday.

Hey mom, you could consider taking dad up on his offer to take you on a cruise before he gets tired of asking. A New Year’s resolution perhaps?

And as for my dad inheriting diabetes from my grandma Codella…I guess there are bound to be some bad genes in there someplace from many different generations on both sides of the family tree. If only those scientists would wrap up that DNA project and fabricate cures for all humankind’s ailments. Another wish for a New Year.

I’m grateful for my heritage from both parents and hope for healthy lifestyles for all of us in 2007. You’d better take care of yourself dad so you can be there for your grandkids’ graduations from high school. We’d even love to have you around when they complete college.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Gingerbread house

2006-12-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today (Saturday - Blogger's photo upload tool was missing this weekend, so I'm publishing this post on Monday) we took Eliana to Vons to create her own gingerbread house (that way the mess wasn’t in our house). Here she is gingerly crafting her gingerbread house.

I attended a morning-long PRSA board retreat for 2007 and we spent the afternoon doing the usual weekend chores-—shopping, cleaning, laundry, etc.

It’s hard to believe it’s December already and that Christmas is just three weeks away.

Codella Cousins and Thanksgiving

2006-11-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

While we were all together for Thanksgiving, all the Codella family except for Angie’s husband Vinny, the moms took the kiddies to the photo studio for the first photo of all six cousins. Here’s the result.

Thanksgiving was terrific—lots of good eats and hanging out with family. We were hit by a yucky stomach bug which has taken its toll (last night on me) but other than that had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

My dad and Brian (my brother) helped me unload two tons of rock into the front yard to finish the landscaping there. We also finished the outdoor lights in front (still a bit more work to do in back). We hung Christmas lights but they’re not all working. When I feel better I’ll venture up on the roof to assess the situation. Brian and I also managed to get a couple of outdoor speakers installed so we can have music when we’re out back. Then Brian helped me hang the center speaker for our entertainment center which I’ve been meaning to do since we got the large screen TV in February.

So even though I have no energy now, I’m glad we were able to accomplish as much as we did last week before I got sick.

Brian, Melissa and their three boys returned to Utah today. My parents, Angie and Vance return to New York tomorrow (as long as they’re well enough to fly).

At this season this year I’m so grateful for good family and friends. We are a blessed family. I’m grateful for the stewardship of Eliana and Dominic with which Vickey and I have been blessed and for our comfortable surroundings. Life’s good—not without its challenges—but still very good.

Home on the range

2006-11-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of Eliana and Dominic from the past few weeks.

This was taken during our trip to Red Rock with the Coglianeses and Seeleys on Nov. 4.

And here are some photos from a recent trip to the hair stylist.

This week Eliana asked Vickey if she could start a letter to Santa with her Christmas wish list. Here she is in the process.

And finally, Dominic had a great time in the back yard yesterday since he figured out how to turn on and off the garden hose. He’s such an active little cuss we can hardly keep up with him. Last night I finally had to strap him to his high chair so he would stop his Tasmanian Devil tour of the kitchen and family room.

In fact, the search is on for our cable and TV remote control. It’s been missing since yesterday. And one guess as to who’s responsible—the Dominator (as the Coglianeses affectionately call him).

At the Pinnacle Awards

2006-11-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

Although I was on the PRSA – Las Vegas Valley Chapter Pinnacle Awards Committee this year, I didn’t submit any work for consideration by the judges. It really came down to a time issue. I ended up supporting the awards through my volunteer time instead of time preparing and submitting entries.

At any rate, today I received the photos from the evening’s festivities and thought this photo of me with local TV personalities Paula Francis and Gary Waddell of KLAS-TV was pretty fun. So here it is.

You can read about Gary and Paula on the Pinnacle Awards website I did (it was my assignment this year to launch the first ever PRSA Pinnacle Awards website). The evening was fun and overall went pretty much according to plan.

The reason I’m pictured here with Paula and Gary is because I worked with Drek Agency earlier this year on a brochure project and they submitted the brochure in the awards competition. We won an award of merit. Since they weren’t in attendance I accepted the award on their behalf.

And here’s Vickey with our friends, Matt and Shannon Hiller (way to keep those eyes open for the photo, Shannon!).

Shannon and I have worked together a few different times. In fact, we both just attended the International PRSA Conference in Salt Lake City. Good times.

Dinner and a hair cut

2006-11-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I drove to Salt Lake to participate in the 2006 International PRSA Conference. I’m one of the assembly delegates for the Las Vegas Valley Chapter where I’m a board member and past-president. The assembly met last night at Grand America in Salt Lake City – a beautiful, peaceful hotel (I don’t miss the slot machines one bit). We reconvened this morning and spent another 10 hours conducting association business. What a long day!

After today’s marathon assembly meeting where we only voted on eight bylaw amendments and one resolution, as well as conducted the association’s other annual business, I spent the evening with my brother and his family at the Collings’ home. Tomorrow is my sister-in-law’s mother’s birthday. We celebrated with dinner, cupcakes and cheesecake.

To my surprise while we were there Melissa’s sister-in-law, Tracy, pulled out her hair clippers and started trimming Carter and Luke's hair (my nephews). Of course I had to seize the opportunity and have my hair trimmed as well (it was getting bushy after my high and tight hair cut from last month). Now the hair beast is a bit more tamed.

So thanks, Jackie, for dinner, and thanks, Tracy, for the hair cut.

PRSA’s conference will bring about 2,000 public relations professionals and students (members of PRSSA) to Salt Lake City over the next three days. It’s been a couple of years since I attended the leadership conference in New York City so this will be a good refresher for me.

Of course, since the 2004 leadership conference I was on the organizing committee for the 2005 western district conference which we hosted in Las Vegas. And I learned last week that I’m officially on the 2007 western district board as well as assembly delegate for the Las Vegas Valley Chapter. Gotta love all the volunteer opportunities in PRSA.

Speaking of which, I think I may launch an initiative…to host the international PRSA conference in Las Vegas. To me, it’s the perfect venue, and it’s never been held there. They’re already booked three years out, so we’d be looking at 2010. Doesn’t that sound strangely space age? Call me crazy, but I just may make it a personal quest.

At any rate, I’m looking forward to three days of learning and networking with other public relations practitioners. PRSA has launched a conference blog where people can keep up with activities.

Rub a dub dub

2006-11-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

It seems that since birth Dominic has been a tease. There’s certainly a little devilish streak in him.

He loves his bath. As soon as the water starts running he’s squealing with delight. Then he squeals again when you take him out of the tub.

A visit to Red Rock Canyon

2006-11-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

The kids and I accompanied our family friends, the Seeley’s, and Mark and his kids to Red Rock Canyon this past weekend.

We picnicked and went on a hike. It was fun and thanks to the borrowed hiking backpack from Mark, not even too awkward getting Dominic up and down the trail (except for when I had to duck so the tree branches didn’t scratch Dominic’s face).

We even saw some of the wild burros as we left the park.

The Seeley’s came to visit this past weekend. They’re from South Jordan, Utah and wanted to have a break from the daily routine, as well as visit Steve’s brother who lives in Las Vegas. Vickey worked with Cyndy at the Granite School District Mill Hollow summer camp for many years. They’re good friends and good people.

We’re all sickies. Dominic and Vickey have thrown up and Eliana and I have a head cold (most likely a sinus infection in my case). We hear that a bug is going around…probably got it from church.

Here’s a cute photo of Eliana and Dominic waiting for me to get home last night (we had to transfer the car seats because Vickey was headed to a Pampered Chef show). Dominic loves the cleaning tools, the vacuum and duster in particular. He loves to go around the house pretending to vacuum and dust.

I don’t really have anything else to report. Although I do have a few political thoughts since yesterday was election day.

Most of the candidates I voted for here in Nevada were elected, some by very narrow margins. I won’t loose one bit of sleep over votes cast in vain.

I look forward to the day when I meet and come to know an elected U.S. official who is trustworthy.

My take on the “shift of power” newsbytes…it’ll be business as usual. The politicians will continue to do their jobs. Republicans, democrats, independents…it doesn’t matter. We may see a shift in party control next year, and in another six to eight years it’ll shift again.

I think I’ll coin a new term and go on record (at least today) as a 'political non-activist.'

Having said that, I do want to make it clear that I believe each citizen has a right and responsibility to make his or her voice heard. I also think our nation is deeply divided over many issues and soon the majority will call evil good and good evil.

Now I could wax on about religion, but I’ll spare you the dialog. Read Isaiah.

God bless America!

Halloween night

2006-10-31T21:02:00.000-08:00

The kids were all decked out for Halloween. Vickey and Dominic went to school today with Ellie to help with the Halloween party.

Even Tank got to join the party tonight and received plenty of attention during our block party. Each year we gather with the neighbors to barbeque hot dogs and have chili and corn bread.

It was a very full night.

I drove the Coglianese kids and Eliana around the neighborhood in the truck to various friends’ homes. She was a successful trick-or-treater, securing a very full bag of candy.

Here they are, in their Halloween garb.

Eliana at school.

Tank as Batman. Nice ghostly eyes, huh?

Trunk or treat

2006-10-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

For those of you unfamiliar with the term trunk or treat, it’s an event our ward holds at our church building each Halloween. It’s usually a few days before Halloween and includes a chili cook-off (we didn’t win an award this year but have taken top honors in years past), costume contest and decorating car trunks and passing out candy to the kids from the cars. There’s even an award for best trunk.

Here’s Eliana in front of this year’s winner. They kind of cheated (Max!) by using a moving van and turning it into straw alley. But it was fun to have a walk-in trunk from which to get a treat. Right Ellie?

Here are a few photos from the festivities.

Grandma and Grandpa Snow’s highchair

2006-10-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

We have a bushel full of photos of Eliana in the Snow’s highchair. It’s only fitting we have some of Dominic as well.

Here he is after enjoying his breakfast.

We stayed briefly with grandma and grandpa, arriving in the middle of the night last Thursday and taking off early Saturday morning. As usual, we enjoyed the time we spent there. Thanks for everything you do for us Gordon and Murriel!

It was also great to see Charley for a few minutes as well. The paintings are hanging in the family room and look great. We’ll get them framed eventually. We’ll also work on getting better photos in the daylight.

For those of you who haven’t seen Vickey’s Birthday Triptych, here you go. They got their name because they can be hung in three different variations, a clever one Charley is.

Story time with Aunt Melissa

2006-10-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Eliana played and played this past weekend with her cousins.

Here they are having story time before bed while we were staying at my brother’s place.

We enjoyed playing games and hanging out. Vickey and I especially enjoyed—to the point of tears we laughed so hard—watching Rat Race. That’s one of those movies that just makes us laugh out loud! (Sorry for keeping you guys up B&M.)

We also had fun celebrating AJ’s first birthday (and Melissa’s birthday the day before). It was a double whammy birthday weekend.

South Jordan pumpkin patch

2006-10-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Little did we know what green thumbs Brian and Melissa have. They grew a couple dozen huge pumpkins this year. How impressive!

Here are the Codella cousins (minus Vance), hanging out on a cold October afternoon on Brian and Melissa’s porch in South Jordan, Utah.

We had a fun time visiting their family and Vickey’s parents last weekend.

We attended a BYU Young Ambassadors reunion dinner and ice cream social with a performance of Homecoming Spectacular sandwiched in between.

We had an impromptu tailgate party at the Castleton’s new home in Provo and went to the BYU vs. UNLV football game (no contest, sorry Betty) on Saturday. Go Cougars!

I sang in church on Sunday.

Monday we packed up, headed to the Snow’s to load up Charley’s paintings, titled Vickey’s Birthday Triptych, dropped in at Murriel’s work for her to show off the grandkids, stopped at BYU to visit my friends at Performing Arts Management and the KMB where the musical theater program is housed, then drove to St. George where we met Vickey’s brother, Matt, and his two girls and my Aunt Betty and Uncle Art for dinner at Café Rio.

Do you think we could have done any more in four days’ time? I’m not sure.

Getting ready for Halloween

2006-10-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Vickey found a sucker with some fake teeth. Both Eliana and Dominic were coerced into taking them for a spin and here’s the result.

Rubber chips are in

2006-10-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Finally, the beloved day arrived when the weed barrier ground cover wasn’t the only thing under the play set in the back yard. Yesterday I got a call mid-day that the pallets of rubber chips had arrived from California. They told me the forklift driver was there for another hour and that he could lift the entire pallet (50 bags) onto my truck if I got there in time.

I hurried to my friend’s real estate office and borrowed their moving truck (thanks Max and Jenni!), drove to Russell and I-15 to the local Rainbow Play Systems warehouse, had them load the pallet of rubber chips, then drove home.

Vickey arrived home with the kids after Eliana’s day at kindergarten shortly after I arrived. We turned it into a family affair and hauled all 50 of the 40 pound bags of rubber chips to the back yard. Ellie pushed the full wagon. Dominic was strapped to his stroller in the back yard to watch us come and go (and get upset each time he was left in the back with Tank). Tank was strapped to the picnic table in back to prevent him from roaming on the street (because he’s a bad dog and doesn’t listen when we tell him to stay in the back).

After unloading and eating lunch I returned the moving truck. I only had to add two-and-a-half gallons of gas to refill it. Not bad.

It was late last night, after dark even, before I was able to spread the rubber chips out. Vickey was at enrichment at the church so the kids and I took care of it. Eliana was a great helper and took the empty bags to the garbage can and even took her turn leveling out the chips with the rock rake. Dominic crawled everywhere and played in the new chips.

Here’s the final product. There are a few areas we’ll need to touch-up as it was difficult to see while we were spreading the chips last night. We’re so happy the playground area is finally done.

But don’t fret, there’s still plenty to do: replacing dead bushes, fixing some drip line irrigation and outdoor lighting, and installing outdoor speakers. We’re saving that for my family’s Thanksgiving visit (just kidding...kind of). There’s always something, isn’t there?

At any rate, the kids can now play to their heart’s content and if they fall from the five foot high play house floor they’ll just bounce off the rubber chips (and hopefully not break any bones).

Now the other issue is Tank. For some reason he thinks the green chips are food. Last night he kept grabbing a mouthful of chips, running to the other side of the yard, chewing for a few minutes, then coming back for more.

Since I couldn’t find any chewed up chips over there, I can only guess he’s actually eating the rubber chips. Ugh! Either he’ll get sick and learn his lesson (which is doubtful) or he’ll just keep eating the rubber chips. Are there Darwin Awards for dogs?

Fresh paint

2006-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Another contractor came through for us today and finished the job they agreed to do within the time they agreed to do it. The house painters did a great job. There are some minor touch-up things I’ll be doing over the coming weeks, but all in all, the house now has a complete facelift.

We got a few photos this evening. We’ll get some more when the daylight is better.

The walls are a medium hue beige color and there are two shades of a chocolate brown used as trim, along with a sort of cranberry red on the door and shutters. We’re pleased with how the color scheme turned out with the stone.

Play set: complete

2006-10-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today was a momentous day. The kids were good and the weather was outstanding.

Vickey was at a Pampered Chef training meeting all morning till
2 p.m., then she left for a Pampered Chef show at 6 p.m.

So, as I entertained the chitlins, I worked in the yard and was able to complete the installation of the play set. I had to dig a 26” hole for the metal pole in the center of the circular slide, then attach the slide in segments. With a little help from Eliana I managed to get it done. I couldn’t have done it without the six foot pick tool (a solid metal rod with a point on the end) Gordon and Charley had me purchase at Lowe’s when they were down last month.

Here’s Ellie and Dominic enjoying their play time.

I also got a few more yard projects complete and it looks like we’ve finally decided on the colors for the outside of the house. So, if all goes according to plan (and I’m pretty certain it won’t), we’ll have a newly painted home and new gate to the back yard on Wednesday, and rubber chips covering the ground around the play set on Thursday (they've been on back order). Even if it’s all in place by next weekend, that would be just fine.

Summer play

2006-10-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

I’m sorting through photos from this year to fill some 11 by 14 frames Vickey purchased at the Pottery Barn outlet and found this one of Eliana and Dominic from back in May when we took our Memorial Day trip to St. George.

And here’s another cute one of Ellie with two of her Snow cousins.

I like the summer feel to the images, the colors, and of course I love the subjects.

EQ Fiesta and Game Night

2006-10-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Next weekend we’re hosting a dinner and game night for the Fountains Ward Elders Quorum (I’m the quorum president).

Our home teacher made this cool flier for the party.

Tank would love to welcome you to our home.

Rainy weather in Vegas

2006-10-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days have been really rainy here, which is unusual for Las Vegas.

We love it when it rains, especially the smell of rain in the desert.

Here’s something we’ve only seen a handful of times at our home, a rainbow in the background.

School picture day

2006-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Eliana’s first school picture day. She agreed to sleep in curlers Wednesday night and endure curling iron treatment Thursday morning before school.

The last time Vickey tried that Ellie threw a fit when the curlers came out and her hair wasn’t perfect. She did much better this time.

Vickey and Dominic were present to witness the festivities at Cox Elementary, although Vickey didn’t get a sneak peak at Ellie’s photo like Tammy did. (Tammy was Ellie’s preschool teacher and has a son, Chase, in Ellie’s class.)

Before they left for school Vickey took some photos of Ellie. Ellie’s comment: “Now dad will have some cute pictures for his blog!”

Yes, Ellie, I’m so glad to have these cute photos for my blog!

Grandma returns home

2006-10-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

We had a fun week with Grandma Codella. Today she and Eliana painted pumpkins. It’s hard to believe it’s already October.

Grandma, Vickey and the kids did plenty of shopping these last few days. Everyone has new duds—pajamas and some school clothes. Thanks, Grandma!

We had Don and Lisa (she's my cousin) and Sarah Lynn over Thursday night for dinner and games. Here we are.

And here’s Eliana and me working as a team to fish out as many letters as possible before the timer goes off. We were playing a fun new game Eliana received for her birthday last month.

We just received Grandma’s report that she’s now back home in 40 degree New York after an uneventful plane ride (we're still running our air conditioner).

We enjoyed general conference this weekend and are reminded of our many blessings.

I’m still working on a few yard finishing touches, irrigation and lighting. And we’re looking to have the iron gate to the back yard redone (since the old one is too short now that we increased the height of the wall) as well as the house repainted. Also, I still have to dig a two foot hole for the circular slide on the play set and we're still waiting for the rubber chips for the ground cover to be shipped from California. Hopefully those things will be complete this month.

Cohorts in crime

2006-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Dominic and Tank are often mutually engaged in mischief. Here they are, caught in the act.

Despite how many times we ask Dominic not to climb on the dishwasher and stick the dishes in his mouth (clean or dirty), he finds some sort of satisfaction from it.

And Tank’s usually right by his side to lick the dishes clean, or not-so-clean.

Tonight I’m hangin’ with the kiddies while Vickey and my mom entertain some of the ladies in our ward with their first ever cooking class. Tonight the Codella duo tackles chicken Cacciatore. I don’t mind because I got a preview at dinner (and ate twice as much as I should have). Yummy stuff!

My mom’s here this week visiting the grandkids (the adults are an ancillary audience). We haven’t seen her since March. Eliana has tried to monopolize as much of her time as possible. Grandma’s not feeling too great since arriving. She appears to have caught a sore throat bug on the airplane. But we’re having fun regardless.

Beauty school

2006-09-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Vickey took the kids to get their hair cut today. Dominic ended up with what’s called a faux-hawk (that’s a Mohawk that doesn’t go down the back of his head). Whatever!

But it is cute in a sort of baby boy look at me way.

And Eliana asked her mom to take her to get her ears pierced! We thought she was set on waiting till her sixth birthday, but oh no, she decided that today was the day. According to Vickey, once Ellie saw the pink and gold earrings, it was all over.

Here she is, five going on fifteen.

And after her dip in the Coglianese pool…

She insisted she wasn’t done swimming for the year so she and Olympia joined the Coglianese kids for a short swim late this afternoon.

Tonight she’s sleeping in a tent in Olympia’s back yard with Olympia’s mom and sister. What a life!

Sir Tank at age four

2006-09-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tank’s favorite lounging spot downstairs is the bean bag (fair warning – hair alert).

He’s pretty calm and fun when it’s just us, but introduce someone else and he’s hyper!

But like we always say, at least he’s a good looking dog.

Back to dance class

2006-09-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Eliana began her fall dance classes today. Here she’s posing in her new leotard (a birthday gift from grandma).

She had a full day today with school and dance class. Vickey volunteers in Ellie’s classroom on Thursday’s so Ellie even got to have her mom in her class for a couple hours today.

The band aid is covering a zit on Eliana’s leg. Vickey said Ellie acted like she was going to die when Vickey tried to squeeze it today. When I came home it’s the first thing Eliana showed me. I could tell from the limp that she was nursing it for all it’s worth. What a drama queen!

Bellybutton discovery

2006-09-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Dominic has recently discovered his bellybutton. He likes to stick his finger in it and giggle. He also likes to lift up others’ shirts and look for their bellybutton.

Here he’s practicing the manly habit of lounging in the family room with only one article of clothing on.

Good on ya, DJ!

Little man walking

2006-09-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dominic has finally learned what it’s like to be walking instead of crawling on all fours. Several times today he stood up and took a half-dozen steps. Tonight he repeatedly walked from Vickey to me and back giggling with each successful trip.

It’s fun to see your kids progress.

It has been different with Dominic as he develops at a different rate than Eliana. I suppose it’s different for each child.

Of course he’s not a perfect walker yet, but he’s getting pretty close. Perhaps this weekend when Grandma Codella comes for a visit he’ll be motoring around upright instead of crawling. I’m sure he’ll continue to chase Tank with his toy walker. He loves pushing it around and chasing the dog.

The weather finally turned to fall weather last weekend. The temperatures are moderate now and thus begins the three months when you know you’re living in a great climate (it makes up for the past three months).

The birthday weekend

2006-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words. I feel like I’d need to post at least 10 photos to bring you up to speed on the happenings in our family life over the past week. It’s been a whirlwind.

Eliana shared birthday cupcakes with her kindergarten class on Friday.

Thanks to the Snows for surprising Vickey with your presence on Sunday for her birthday. And thanks to Grandma Snow for flying down Friday to surprise Eliana on her birthday. She had a great time playing with you!

We took Ellie out to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory Friday night for her birthday. Afterwards she opted for going home to play with her new toys over getting her ears pierced. I think we talked up the painful part of it sufficiently enough to scare her away from going through with it. She now says she wants her ears pierced when she’s six.

Eliana had a dozen or so friends gather at the Henderson Mission Hills water park for a birthday celebration Saturday night. The kids played in the water, did an art project, and ate cupcakes and cookies while Ellie opened her gifts. Thank you all for the generous gifts!

Charley didn’t disappoint with the commission I gave him months ago to paint two landscape paintings for our family room for Vickey’s fortieth. I thought it would be a sentimental gift, one she would enjoy forever. Unfortunately we’re missing the paintings now because Charley had to take them back to his studio yesterday to put a few finishing touches on them. But I think it’s safe to say Vickey was surprised and very pleased with the gift.

Mark, Gordon and Charley helped over a few days’ time to assemble most of the play set. There are just a few more parts of it to put together. The kids and their friends have already enjoyed the new play set even though we don’t have the rubber mulch down yet, just a weed barrier ground cover.

We went out to dinner for Vickey’s birthday night on Monday and enjoyed some Monday Night Football and good Mexican food. Then the adults played Can I? (a family favorite card game) until way too late.

The front of the house stone work was finished Saturday. It looks great! I did some running around town Friday to secure all the trim stones we needed.

I still have some outdoor lighting work to do, as well as tending to bushes in this heat to keep them alive and completing the installation of the play set.

Work’s keeping me very busy. I usually leave at 6:40 and am lucky to get home by 6. There’s just a whole lot going on right now.

The thousand pound crate

2006-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I signed for a delivery that was dropped off in our driveway by a forklift. It’s the new play set we ordered from Vinyl Adventure.

Tonight I unpacked the crate so I could manage transporting smaller pieces to the back yard, and so we’d be able to once again utilize the garage for parking.

And with an unexpected confluence of the universe, our front courtyard was finished today, so I didn’t have to traverse mounds of dirt, rock and paver stone to get the pieces to the back.

My project for Saturday is to see how close I can come to assembling the play set. I’m hoping Mark will help me—mostly out of pity and partly because of friendship (it’s times like these that I know my brother’s glad he lives in Salt Lake).

There are many pieces: three swings, monkey bars, a play house, picnic table and two slides. The quality of the pieces was apparent by their weight. We think it’ll look very nice and provide hours of outdoor enjoyment for the little ones.

We’ll snap some photos of the front yard tomorrow and post them so you can see the progress. We’re still not done with the cultured stone crew; they’ll be back Saturday morning. And unfortunately, we learned today that some of the trim pieces we need won’t arrive for several weeks. So that crew still won’t be done for many more weeks.

But the front courtyard, plants and rock are all in. The outdoor lighting still requires some electrical work that I hope to get to next week.

I seem to recall suggesting perhaps we’d be done with the re-landscaping project by the end of October. I’m beginning to think that estimate may be too optimistic.

An open house for parents (and rowdy kids)

2006-09-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

I gained a new appreciation for Vickey and her 10-year career as a public school teacher last night (for my sister as well, as she has taught in the public schools in New York and Vermont for about that long).

We attended Eliana’s elementary school open house last night. The school cafeteria was full to overflowing with teachers, administrators, parents and young children.

The small room—small in the sense of everything being designed for kids—was quite warm and very noisy, with a sound system barely adequate to hear what was being said.

We sat (I stood because there wasn’t a spare seat for me) for about 30 minutes while the principal introduced her staff and welcomed us to a new school year. The principal was just what you’d imagine for an elementary school principal: young, cheery, friendly, upbeat and reassuring.

Then we were “dismissed to go to our classrooms.” It’s been a while since I was dismissed like that.

Ellie’s classroom was nice, very kindergarten-esque. I’m sure she enjoys it there with the other kids. Perhaps one of these days I’ll be able to volunteer to be in the classroom to see first-hand.

Her teacher was pleasant, although a bit stressed to get through her presentation amidst dozens of noisy children of all ages and anxious parents. Me, I wasn’t too anxious as I’ve been on allergy medication (it makes me drowsy) for a yucky sinus infection and I was looking forward to bedtime.

I always wondered why Vickey came home from parent teacher nights hoarse. I certainly can understand why after watching Mrs. Gupton for 25 minutes in that setting.

And I should mention that yesterday Vickey underwent the second part of her root canal, sitting in the dental chair for more than two hours. And she still went to the open house! Now that's dedication.

From my perspective, Eliana seems to be in a good school with a good teacher and good support system. I was a bit surprised to hear Mrs. Gupton talk of kindergartners who could read . . . . Could I read at age five? I don’t think so.

At any rate, I’m sure Ellie will progress in her learning and perhaps do better at it than she has at respecting her parents lately. Can you say five going on 16?

Tomorrow’s Ellie’s fifth birthday and I’m planning to take her shopping in the afternoon while Vickey and Dominic pick-up Grandma Snow who’s flying in for a surprise birthday visit. Then we’ll all go out to dinner for her birthday. Ellie chose The Cheesecake Factory (and I’ll bet she orders the pepperoni pizza; so predictable).

After dinner—are you ready for this, grandma?—we’re planning to get Ellie’s ears pierced! That’s what she has told us for several weeks she wants to do for her birthday. Vickey and I keep talking with her about it to prepare her for the temporary pain and long-term care (that'll weigh more on Vickey's shoulders, I suspect). And we’ve told her she doesn’t have to go through with it if she doesn’t want to once we get there.

If I know Ellie and her determined will, she will want to go through with it. We’ll find out soon enough.

Stone walled

2006-09-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have to say I’m completely impressed with our friend, Armando, and his talented crew. They completed installing Eldorado Stone’s sawtooth rustic ledge product on the front of our home in one day.

They’re coming back next Saturday to work on our courtyard wall and complete the trim around the window, door and archway (we didn’t have the materials for that yesterday).

This is a change Vickey and I have wanted to make to the house since moving in, but the builder wanted way too much for the upgrade.

We’re very pleased with the way it turned out and look forward to the final touches next weekend.

A new bathroom floor at Codella Marketing

2006-09-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Since moving into our office space last fall David and I have discussed replacing the bathroom floor. We wanted the linoleum out and tile in.

We finally got around to tackling the project with the help of Kyle.

This slate is the same product that’s being used in the homes at Brickwater Condominiums, one of my clients. I saw it at the sales center a few weeks ago and loved it!

The floor is still a work in progress (it needs grout and baseboards), but it’s taking shape.

Thanks, Kyle, for all your help!

Work continues

2006-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our front yard remains a work in progress.

Today the stone mason crew showed up at 6 a.m. to begin applying cultured stone to the front of the house. They’re trying to finish today since we told them we don’t want them to work on Sunday.

Since this is a side gig for them, what they don’t finish today will have to wait until next Saturday.

Like I said before, perhaps by October we’ll be passed the work part of this project and on to the enjoyment part of it. We’re looking forward to our home’s new look.

The two step

2006-09-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today for the first time Dominic took two steps on his own. He’s also starting to stand on his own.

Last night he was standing at the pantry, something I do myself quite often, only my view is much higher than his, and the next thing we knew he was on his back with a basket full of food on top of him. He was holding on to a drawer and lost his balance. He maintained his grip on the drawer as he fell backwards and ended up bruising his left cheek. Poor guy!

Tonight Vickey and I went out to dinner and did a little shopping for Eliana’s upcoming birthday. It was a fun night out, even though I was bored at the mall.

The landscapers made some progress on the front yard the past few days. Hopefully a lot will happen in that regard tomorrow.

And this afternoon I worked with Kyle (he’s working with my office partner) to lay down a slate tile floor in our office bathroom. Tomorrow we’ve got to rent a tile saw to finish up the project. Should be fun.

First day of kindergarten

2006-08-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

A guest entry by Vickey...

Ah, the first day of school: the crisp, clean new clothes, the excitement of meeting a new teacher and new classmates, the emotional meltdown first thing in the morning brought on because your mom made you sleep in spongy curlers all night, and you just can’t see how those crazy knots on your head are going to be bouncing curls in but a few moments.

Today was Eliana’s first day of kindergarten. She woke up crying because she wanted me (mom; this is my blogging debut) to brush her hair, and fix it that minute, or the rest of her life would be ruined!

She could not be calmed until her hair was just right. I was getting uptight and frustrated with this little emotional outburst, and Pete and Dominic just got out of the way while the two of us came to terms, and an equally happy place, with the Shirley Temple hair-do.

With that first obstacle out of the way, it was time to get dressed in her new leopard print skirt, her brown shirt and fancy new shoes. The outfit had been carefully selected the night before so as to avoid an emotional meltdown first thing in the morning (at least the outfit meltdown was avoided). After Ellie got all gussied up and was feeling better about everything she went down to have breakfast with dad.

Surprisingly, the morning went smoothly after that. Ellie had to have a “first day” photo shoot. As you can see, she wasn’t shy about posing for the camera. I asked her to strike a pose for me, and this was one of the smashing results.

A few weeks ago Grandma Snow took us shopping so Ellie could pick out some new school clothes for herself. We took her in the dressing room at Old Navy, and once she had on the clothes she picked out she became a different creature. She stood in front of the mirror and started bombarding us with all kinds of poses. She was checking herself out over her shoulder, shaking her booty, throwing her hands up in the air, and then this little gem came as the last and final move. I think it is her equivalent of “blue steel” (Zoolander). But, I digress…

8:30 rolled around and it was time to load up the car and go to school. I was worried that I might be emotional as I kissed my firstborn and sent her off to school. Luckily, I was juggling so many things that I hardly had time to think about it. Between snapping photos, talking to other parents and keeping Dominic happy through all the chaos, I escaped with nary a tear rolling down my cheek.

Ellie marched into the room like she was an old pro and had been doing this for years. While we waited in line she kept giving me a finger gauge (refer to photo—no that is not a miniature gang sign she is flashing—it’s a finger gauge) of how nervous she was. This photo was taken right before we got to the door. You can see that she was feeling nervous, but doing okay.

Mrs. Gupton had Ellie pick her name tag from the counter and she stuck it on and was gone to the alphabet rug in a flash. There was no screaming, or weeping and whaling and gnashing of teeth. Not even much of a glance in my direction as she headed off into kindergarten land. I blew her a kiss and left. That was that.

Ellie has been vague in her descriptions of what she did today at school, but she seemed to have a good time and like her classmates and teacher. I hope this turns out to be a great school year for her and that she learns a lot.

I have my worries and trepidations, but what mother doesn’t? She will be a great student and I can’t wait to see how things unfold as we open this new chapter in our lives.