as BLIND as a bat

Funny story:

Today Russ and Brent got up at 4:00 a.m. to drive to Page, AZ. Russ had to complete an audit/inventory and wanted to introduce Brent to some contacts at the hospital there. When they finished the inventory they began the long drive home. By the time they got to Kanab, Russ was beginning to feel a little sleepy. They decided to stop and get some snacks, walk around for a minute, and use the restroom. As Russ was standing at the urinal taking care of some business, a blind man entered the restroom using his walking stick. He came and stood behind Russ, a little closer than Russ would have liked... but he was blind... so Russ let it slide. That is until he felt a WARM, WET, STREAM running down the back of his leg. Yes, the blind man thought Russ was the urinal. Russ shoved the poor blind man and told him, "You're pissing all over me!" The blind man was very embarassed and apologized over and over again. Poor guy! The funniest part of the story is when Russ came out of the bathroom Brent asked him what was wrong. He told Brent what had happened and the two lady cashiers behind the counter over-heard and started laughing. The one lady came out from behind the counter and proceeded to spray Russ down with Lysol. Luckily Russ had an extra pair of pants in his car and was able to change. He took a shower as soon as he walked through the door... can't imagine why he'd want to do that! Russ said to me, "I don't know why that guy was using a urinal. Our boys can't make it in those, and they can see! He needs to just sit down on the can!" So, there is a good piece of advice: If you lose your sight, sit on the can... or, don't pee on the man in front of you.

Although the picture above was taken in the ocean, I imagine that is what Russ looked like this afternoon!

I can't BEAR it

Grant is progressing right along in scouts. In March he earned his Bear. Due to baseball and pack meetings conflicting, he wasn't presented his award until this week. He has advanced to the Weeblos group and has already earned his fitness award. Good job Grant. You are amazing!

Look what the Redstorm brought in....

Our oldest, handsome nephew graduated from high school this last week. We had the opportunity to go down to Las Vegas and celebrate his graduation. We went to Kurt's (Russ' brother) house. We had a huge pizza party (which I think more ended up on the kids' faces and than in their bellies)...followed by a pool party.

The best part about Reese' graduation is that Dixie State College (right here in St. George, UT) gave him a football scholarship. We will be able to watch him play with the Redstorm and we are VERY excited about it. He is going to live with us for a few weeks before school starts. Gracie is HAPPILY giving him her bright pink bedroom (so she can sleep near me...in my room). We just hope that all 6'4" of Reese will fit in her full size bed. Gracie's bed looks enormous when she is sleeping in it. I am guessing that will not be the case when Reese takes it over!

Congrats Maurice... we can't wait to have you here.

Viva Mexicooooooooooo!

I absolutely blew Russ' 40th birthday. I was planning on sending him on a trip to Mexico to go fly-fishing. Well Swine flu hit and nobody was to travel to Mexico. Russ was not afraid of swine flu and still would have gone, but we could not convince any of his fishing friends to travel there with him, and there was NO WAY he was going by himself. So instead we had a small family party and celebrated his milestone birthday very quietly. BORING!


This year I wanted to surprise him with the trip he was supposed to take last year. In October I began planning and saving my money to send him. In January I recruited a friend in planning. Chris has been one of Russ' fabulous fishing buddies for close to 15 years (or more?). He and his wife, Carie, went to Mexico with Russ and I two years ago. Although Carie didn't love the fishing experience, Chris had a great time and has wanted to go back ever since. I spoke to Carie in January and asked if she was interested in sending Chris to Mexico for his birthday, which is two weeks before Russ'. She loved the idea. Chris was spending his spring break remodeling her hair salon and she was feeling guilty because he usually goes on a fishing trip during that time. Together we went to work. I requested time off for Russ through his boss, and contacted a fishing guide we had used before, and then we made all other necessary reservations. Carie and I booked their flights and took special consideration to give them the most fishing time, using the least amount of time away from work (Russ has taught me some good tricks for vacation planning). He got 6 days of fishing and only had to use 2 vacation days... pretty impressive planning.


On Chris' first day of spring break, his first day of remodeling the hair salon, Russ went over to give him a hand. The kids and I went over to "assist" as well. When we finished we all went out to eat. Carie and I told the boys that night about their birthday gift. They were VERY SURPRISED and VERY EXCITED. Chris said he might even make it through the remodel job without too much pain.


This last week they went on their trip. They had some wild adventures (as always), caught some good fish, hooked a crocodile, flooded a car engine, ate some authentic Mexican civiche, spoke with Spanish accents - like "Creesp and Roose", took very few pictures, and had a fabulous time (well at least Russ did- I haven't talked to Chris yet).



Happy 40th Birthday AGAIN!

Open your eyes and say CHEESE...

On a SUNNY Spring Sunday, I attempted to take a picture of my cute kids before church. It was the week after Easter and they were all decked out in their new attire. Russ has been trying to teach me some photography tricks, and although I am not understanding many of them, I do remember to face the kids towards the sun so they won't have shadows on their faces. Well, let's just say it was a little TOO SUNNY at 11:00 a.m. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw these pictures and thought maybe you might enjoy a little giggle as well.

I've decided I don't mind shadows on their faces, at least I get cute smiles and open eyes.

They look innocent and sweet enough...

It seems like whenever we are with the Ellsworth's lately, they are causing TROUBLE! It began on April 1st at Grant and Gavin's school play. I somehow ended up in charge of the refreshment table. I recruited some help from Kami. Next thing I know we are in a fight with some HUGE-OBESE-WHITE TRASH-WOMAN. She is swearing at us, yelling at us, etc. I absolutely hate confrontation and try to avoid it all costs, so I am just trying to ignore this lady and keep performing my duties. Kami on the other hand is telling this woman, "Bring it on Honey, you don't scare me. I grew up in Compton!" She easily out-weighed Kami and I put together by another 100 pounds. I'm whispering, "Kami, shut up! You're going to get us killed". Kami says, "She'll have to catch us first". We got out of there alive, but two weeks later I run into the gal and her boyfriend (who looked like he had just finished serving time) at Wal-Mart. Luckily, they were eating at the Subway within Wal-Mart and I don't think she wanted to put down her sandwich to fight me. They were staring me down and mouthing the "B" word at me. I was looking over my shoulder the whole time I was in the store.
Then yesterday we went to Garrett's baseball game at Gubler Park. Brent and the kids came to watch (we always love all of the family support). At one point I turn around and Brent is in an argument with the old, ornery maintenance man. He comes and sits down and 2 minutes later the cops show up and Brent is pulled aside and questioned/reprimanded. I suppose I should tell the whole story... but telling of Brent's complete innocence and how the old, grumpy man was absolutely ridiculous and 50 witnesses would agree... just isn't as entertaining of a read. Let's just say that things at the Santa Clara City Hall are going to be interesting Monday morning as several angry will be paying visits and making phone calls about the old, raunchy man. Poor old, grouchy man... I hope you get FIRED!

Fish for Sail

We are so excited to have Russ returning home today from a fly-fishing trip to Guatemala. He has been gone for over a week playing with the sailfish in Central America. Thank heaven for good technology which has allowed us to keep in contact with him while he has been away. We were able to communicate using instant messaging and e-mail almost every night. He had a great time and caught two fish that were 100+ pounds. We can't wait to see more pictures and video footage from the trip.