Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Naomi
Dad
Naomi, so graceful and capable. Smart, funny, loves her family. I remember when I was bishop, feeling pretty proud of myself - thinking everyone else was "feelin' the spirit" like I was. I asked the family what they thought of their dad being bishop. I guess I expected replies on how much more spiritual our family was etc. Naomi was like"well, we don't see you that much anymore..." Ouch - back to reality, dad. Once, we were out of town and Naomi was in the back yard throwing a piece of plastic pipe on the roof. She missed once and put it right through the window! One of you kids described the terrified look on her face. If you were to see a picture of Naomi's room when she lived at home as a teenager, you would think the walls were only 6 feet tall, since there was so much stuff on the ground! I think she is fine now. You'd have to ask Colin. Naomi is one of the most helpful people I know - you can always find her engaged in setting up or taking down. She is honest and fair and determined. She is a "make it happen" kind of person. I love(d) to hear her sing and play! Love ya nomes- happy birthday
Mom
Naomi, my little butterfly! Besides the hole in the wall from anger, you were incredibly easy to raise. You accepted Hannah's "mothering" graciously and loved her right back. You were never demanding, playing well with or without your siblings. You did love "The Sound of Music" and would pop it in the VCR as soon as the school kids left for school. You would watch all three hours of it every day. I began to sense your demand for excellence while you were in high school. Teachers at school and leaders at church were amazed at your ability to be there on time and be of great help--without having to be told what to do. You expected everyone to have the same values in this and were disgusted at the apathy and laziness of your fellow beings. But the rewards were many for the refusal to back down when a job needed to be done. You gave everything you were involved with 100% of yourself. One of the highlights was when youj received piles of awards as a senior for outstanding orchestra member, choir member and the big ELMA. And though it was no surprise, I was literally bursting with pride. You were also an amazing YW Youth Camp director. You are beautiful, talented, loving and hard-working. Colin is lucky, we are all lucky, to have you. I love you.
Sarah
Naomi-- an incredible girl... and now an incredible student and musician and wife. I remember when she was little someone said, "Naomi is SUCH a beautiful little girl, she doesn't look anything like you guys!" She really was and still is a classic classic beauty. Like Audrey Hepburn...
I was like a mother to Naomi. Her and Gideon would fight all the time! I took her and Gideon to the redding water park before I moved away to Utah and I didn't bring enough money with me so we bought one bread roll from Subway for like 50 cents on the way back home and we all shared it! We also shared a tent at the redding KOA. Mom and Dad, how did you let me do that??? Naomi is also a fantastic homemaker and wife. Her house is organized and well decorated. SHe remembers where she put things and keeps things clean. She tries new recipes and is going to be a way better wife and caretaker than I ever was! I love you Naomi, you always make every gathering way more fun. xoxoxo
Hannah
Such a special girl. My favorite day as a child was the day the Naomi was born. She was really my first child. When mom brought her home from the hospital, I thought she was mine. I loved to change her diapers, read her books, dress her and take care of her. I remember when she turned 5. She looked so cute in her poofy little dress. You always had a sweet demeanor. You are always so willing to step in and help out. Quietly grabbing something from someone's full arms, reaching out to grab a crying baby, or listening when someone needs to talk. Naomi you made my childhood, teen years, and adult life so much richer because you are in it. You make me want to be a better person. Thanks for being such a fantastic guardian girl. Even though I was convinced I took care of you over the years, I am pretty sure you took care of me.
Love you little Nomes.
Your guardian
Jared
I always remember Naomi tromping around with Gideon (even when they weren't getting into trouble). They seemed to be inseparable. Next thing I knew she was going to humboldt and dating boys. I can't believe how fast she became a grown up. She is so talented and has a great husband. Thanks Naomi.
Miriam
Naomi, you are so rad. Number seven. Six kids is quite the act to follow. You were always so dang cute. Everyone would say, "Naomi looks so different from the rest of you. She's so cute!!" Yeah, you got all the good looks in the whole family I guess:) But despite your round eyes and dashing little smile, you were the queen of mischief, as well all know. I remember all the peanut butter and macaroni and cheese and toothpaste quite well. I wonder why I never got roped into it, I was the kid just older than you guys. Well, me and you have had enough mischief since then. Humboldt Branch, Florida, Disney World, Utah - that whole summer of incredible fun and memories. We also took a trip to San Fransisco together and drove down the 'rainbow flag' street. I think it was gay pride week or something. Quite the sight.
We've had a lot of good times Naomi, and I look forward to many more.
*Please send me your thoughts, anyone who didn't send one earlier and I'll put them on here.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Grama Dotty
A blood clot, something so simple, is responsible for this.
It seems so silly to blog about it because it is as common to go through this as getting the flu. But with all of them it is their mother. This is mine.
Tonight, I wiped her very dry mouth and lips. While she lay there unresponsive, I applied the brightest red lipstick I could find in Walgreens. Then a layer of vitamin ointment. She is beautiful. And even though she will not give any indication of a visitor's presence, I know that she would be happy to know a fresh coat of lipstick is ready for them. And if she could, she would kiss them and leave a bit of that lipstick on their cheek.
I do not know what tomorrow will bring. But today is a day for lipstick.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Gift
So I watched High School Musical yesterday afternoon. I watched High School Musical 2 today. Not all at once, but it lightened the day to watch something utterly young and frivolous.
I talked to Sarah today and I was wrapped in her love. I talked with the cub scouts about Ruben's dad and I was happy to share my feelings of love for them. I talked with Sister Craig and I again bore my feelings. I feel so much better now.
Someone said that when a good depression comes upon you (not the clinical kind), just sit down, cry, throw a tantrum, eat a half a pie and enjoy it. I am not sure why this hit me so hard. I know Ruben Sr. is happy and at peace. I know the gospel is true and I know the gospel. So why the attack?
But the bigger question is: Why the blanket of healing that come with such overwheming warmth? I am amazed at the ability I have to move on and to be my perky self again. In my special place I carry my little tender griefs, never forgetting the part they play in my life. But the power to pick up and move ahead is a gift. A gift from the Spirit.
Amazing Grace.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tammy
Mom
One special thing I know about Tammy is that she brought someone very special into the church. A young person named Lilly. Lilly has become a special friend to me (she broke her ankle at girls camp while I was the nurse). It was Tammy's willingness to share about the church that brought Lilly the happiness she enjoys now! We introduced her to the world of great movies, like Lord of the Rings, Bourne, West Side Story, Ever After to name a few. Tammy's favorite thing is road trips. She will miss a Branch temple trip to go to Utah or anywhere with us on a road trip. She never gets carsick, either! I knew Tammy before she came to us at 16 year-old. She was always quiet and happy. She loved piano and church. But my special memory of her was the day that I asked her if she wanted to be a Medley. She lit up so much and said “Oh yes!” The following year, Dad, Tammy, Bethany, Isaac and I went to the Medford Temple to have Tammy sealed to her parents. It was a beautiful experience, Tammy and I clamoring for the Kleenexes!
Sarah
Miriam
Tammy and her sister will forever be a special part of my young women's experience in Eureka. Kendra was a beehive when I was a Laurel and I always remember her little beautiful blond sister, Tammy. She played the violin and was always smiling. Though I wasn't lucky enough to live at home when you came to join the party, I feel like you were always a part of our family and my adolescence.
We are blessed to have you Tammy. Happy Birthday a few weeks ago!!
Naomi
Tammy is so special. I remember when her family first started coming to church when she and her sister came to young womens. Her sister, Kendra, was my age and Sister Messerly would always try to help them get to church. Tammys teachers were always amazed that she did so well in school despite all the hard things she went through. I am proud of Tammy and the things she has overcome. I am glad and grateful to the Lord that Tammy came to live with us. We are so lucky. I remember the night she came to live with us. Right before her birthday in January. That was three years ago... I think. The time she has been with us brightened our home and she brought a new sense of humor into the house. I am happy you are part of our family. I love you. We love you.
Hannah
Dad
Hannah was one of the “three girls” – right up next to Rachel and Sarah – her smile was incredibly beautiful. She also used to have tantrums when she was a toddler and would really let it go! But, most the time she was cute and gentle ( I think she was tankin’ up for later…) I remember “rescuing:” her from the yellow jacket nest on Oregon Street – she was traumatized! I remember her run ins with Mr. Colyar in Jr high (poor guy) Hannah started her long friendship with Jessica Gabriel. In High school she was chief matchmaker for younger brother Jared and convinced him of the need for romantic partnership. FFA! Yeah! Sheep in the backyard and “Big Mac” at Grampa’s. I used to tease Hannah about being on the meat judging team. Whenever I see Ms. Lovald at EHS I tell her how Hannah is doing. Hannah was 19 as a Senior and decided she wasn’t going to seminary for the 4th year. What could we say? Even Mom couldn’t make her go. Once, when she was a senior and was coming home late etc., I decided I needed to talk to her and kinda “lay down the law” about how she needed to change her behavior. Well, I started lecturing her about how she was going to do such and such and not do such and such, and then I noticed she was shaking her head slightly back and forth and when I stopped talking for a sec she said, “no, dad … no” I realized I was starting a battle that would not have me as a victor! So I retreated to that “persuasion and love unfeigned” scripture and we compromised. Her personality and strength of character exhibited then have since served her well! I remember being so amazed and proud of her independence when she moved to Yreka. Her work at the ambulance was amazing. A highlight was seeing her serve a mission and the unheard of success she had. The classic was when Pres Overton had she and her companion giving door approach lessons to the Elders! Hannah, you are a dynamo! Love ya tons, dad
Mom
As the third child, Hannah became the poster child for the stereotype. Yet all her strength, her smiles, her intelligence and determination has been a gift to the world, and especially me. She has taken me with her to Yreka, Australia, and Farmington. She is fresh and frank, open to changing herself where needed, without hesitation. She is always so positive and I never feel like I have to be anyone but myself around her. She is an amazing mother and wife. With Hannah, I can bear my heart and she loves me unconditionally. Every conversation leaves me wrapped securely in her loving arms, and everywhere she goes people feel that way about her. When something needs doing or someone needs rescuing, it is Hannah to whom we turn.
Sarah
Favorite memories of Hannah...
Doing the paper route... for some reason I remember one time we left the house to deliver the tri-city weekly paper (the free one). We walked about a half a block away, dumped all the papers behind a thick tree, and walked around for two hours. Mom and Dad never knew (I guess they do now!).
Cutting school-- I asked Hannah one day or her freshman year if she wanted to go to the beach instead of class. She looked mortified. I talked her into it after she was nervous about getting in trouble, and she never looked back! She's cut many many classes since that "first time"!
Her skinny legs-- She has the skinniest legs. They taper to almost pencil thinness. So much like Mom's legs!
Borrowing Money-- I probably owe her like a thousand dollars. When we were in elementary and junior high, she'd save her money from the paper route and I'd spend all mine on candy and junk food. So when my money was gone, I was like a druggie. I'd go to her begging for ten bucks, five bucks, anything to buy some sugar after school. She'd always give it to me... with all my empty promises to pay it back... she was such an obedient sister. Such a good person! :)
Happy Birthday Hannah!!!!
Jared
I knew it was Hannah's birthday today, but when I realized she was 30, that can't be right. We still both work at the Sizzler together and rock climb on the weekends. Last I remember Hannah was just out of high school working as an EMT in Yreka. She was speeding down the mountain on her snowboard at Mount Shasta, and I could barely keep up. It was just a few years ago we would ditch out on half the school day and go skimming at Moonstone. I wish Dad would have been ditching church meetings to go surfing back then, it would have made it a lot easier for Hannah and I to get some sympathy. I remember like it was yesterday, Hannah and I singing "Somewhere Out There" at the Eureka High student assembly. I remember the toy Dodger dog flying through the air toward my face, followed by 5 stitches on my right cheek, Hannah cried more than I did I think. Even though she had thick skin, I could tell she cared so much about me. When I cried, she cried harder. I wish I could have comprehended at that age the power I had over her emotions. I remember her telling me that my face paint from a ward Halloween party would make my head shrivel to the size of a pea. I have many mixed emotional memories of our childhood, but when I think about Hannah, I think about the amazing strength and determination that she carries with her, that has given me so much strength throughout our lives. Thanks Hannah, happy 30.
Miriam
We wrote to each other faithfully during both our missions. We've both had super short hair. We both wear glasses. We both love Lord of the Rings and reading in general. We went and saw the third one together when you were on call at the ambulance in Yreka! I was the first to meet Sean and you were one of the first to meet Aaron. Our husbands love each other. I have cried to you about too many things in my life to remember and you have helped lift me up every single time - I will never forget that.
I know you were put in my life for certain times and reasons. The ones mentioned above are only a few of those blessed ones.
Love ya Han.
Naomi
My Guardian. I hope you have the best birthday ever. I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you. I am so grateful that you are so loving to all of us. You are always willing to have us over, to party at Sarahs house and be the life of the party. I love that you share your wonderful daughter with us and that you are bringing another one into our lives. I cant wait to meet it!
One thing I remember is when Hannah gave me the pink lamb stuffed animal. We all argued over what it really was but it didnt matter. It was mine. I still have it and it still has the little scent thing in the top and it smells like candy. I love you Hannah. Thanks for being the best guardian ever!!!
Naomi
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Rachel
Dad
The first of the group – Rachel, we both learned a lot from each other. It ran the gamut. From peace to passion. She was the first in the “Snuggly”, a papoose sling kinda thing. It was made out of blue corduroy. The first to go to Alice Birney Elementary School. Rachel has never lost her distaste for a plastic wrapped sandwich. I know as she reads this she experiences revulsion at the thought. I tried to get her to appreciate a well stocked lunch by sending her to school with only a soda cracker in a brown paper bag (I know, pretty cruel, huh?) Backfired. She thought it was great. I think it provided a quicker route to the playground. Rachel is the only child I can remember that I was so mad at once that I opened her bedroom door and put the doorknob through the sheetrock wall (hey, I was young…)
Her world travels started early. As a freshman she spent a few weeks in Germany with a school group. I think she went early and made her own way for the most part. Are any of us surprised now? Once I dropped Rachel off at a Church dance and watched her go in the front door. I found out later she walked out the back door and went to another party with a guy friend. Rachel drove her siblings to violin practice. She would take detours and drive out onto the Mad River gravel bar and show them where she had gone Steelhead fishing. Cal Bingham gave her a shotgun. Rachel built gun cabinets and drafting tables. She raced BMX bikes. She brought home a herd of ducklings and built a pond in the backyard. She adopted a baby pig orphaned by one of her friend’s dad’s pig hunt. It lived in our garage for a while.
All of her talents, bravery, craziness, and charisma came into focus when I looked up into that Redding sky and saw a pink smoke plume rocketing to the earth and some dude on a loud speaker said that was Golden Knight Sergeant Rachel Medley. A lot of thoughts went quickly through my head. One of which was “open that chute, Rachel!”
One thing is certain – Rachel is an achiever and adventurer – anything is more fun and exciting when she is around. She’s the kind of girl you want on your team, and I get to be her dad! Miss ya, and have a great Birthday, Rachel
Mom
I remember how excited Rachel was about each new sibling. I heard stories of the older kids and jealousy but it never happened. She was always jumping all around at the news, then playing with the baby at every opportunity, then taking the little ones on great adventures outside with sticks, boards, blankets and her endless imagination.
I will never forget sitting in the EHS auditorium watching Rachel play the Bach Double with Alicia Gibbs as a freshman in High School. She was so confident and lived to make music. It was beautiful. I loved to hear her perform on the piano in recitals--she was excellent. With these outstanding events, one would never know that when she was youger, I really thought Rachel was tone deaf. She could not sing without help and tuning was always a fiasco in grade school. Then one day it all changed. I don't remember when, but suddenly she knew the sounds perfectly and then her singing caught up around mid-high school age. I'll forever remember singing with her in ward choir, second soprano for a couple of months.
Sarah
Memories of Rachel!
So many. So so many. Going to Bonomini's after school and buying $5 worth of penny candy... that's a lot of candy! Her buying a pig, driving race car style down the Ag. hill... driving to and from violin lessons, also race car style... talking late into the night... going to the river with crazy wigged out people....stealing her clothes... her stealing mine... crying... laughing.. being friends as adults while she lived in Salt lake... dating crazies, living with crazies, dumping crazies... being a thousand different things, having a thousand different careers... visiting me and my kids... being forever skinny and smart and funny and gifted... hanging out in Florida...
Rachel is so special. Too special. I talked to her on her birthday and she said she was going out to eat, then going home to hang out with her cat... that sounds mighty nice right about now as I wrestle Matilda for the keyboard and the rest of the little ones are whining!!! love you Rache, happy birthday!!!
Hannah
The free spirit. Rachel you have always been a friend to me.... well.... I guess we have had our moments of pure rival enemies but it was worth every fight. I think we are kindred spirits because of our fierce independence. I love that about you.
When I think of the greatest bonding moment with you and I, my mind is often drawn back to the dark blizzard we drove through on the way to Yreka from Redding. We were in the little blue Jetta. Half an hour in to the drive, we had to chain up. We drove and drove. Finally when we came to a town, we got off the freeway for a few minutes. As we returned from a freeway entrance north, there was no one on the freeway (found out later, it was closed, that's why). There were no tracks. Just pure powdery white snow for miles. We would stop and wipe the snow off the lights every few minutes. We could see no more than a few feet in front of us. Yet we continued on. When we arrived to Butte Summit is when it began to completely white out. The blizzard was so intense, we couldn't see anything. At that moment I wondered what our fate would be. Would we die out here stuck in a little blue car all night? It happens. In the white of the blizzard there were faint flashing lights and we could tell we were getting closer. We stopped at the car that we found stuck in the snow drift close to the shoulder (I guess it was the shoulder, who knows). When we approached we found two sisters and a little boy about a year or two old. They lived close but were stranded. They swam through the waste deep snow to our car and we headed up the hill to their house. Half way us we were officially stuck. We hiked (or swam) through the snow to their house. There is where we stayed that night. Under an electric blanket. That was the night we almost met our Maker. That was the night we rescued a few young dumb girls, just like us and a little kid. That was a night I will never forget as long as I live.
There is no other person on earth I would have rather shared that experience with Rache, you are the best.
And we still went snowboarding the next day.
Happy Birthday Rachie! Stay true to yourself, you are an amazing woman.
Jared
I remember that on one of the greatest days of my life, the day my mission came to an end, Rachel showed up. Her and Dad came in to town on a bus held together by chicken wire. I proceeded to show them around the city for the next 2 days, wide-eyed, crammed into "shapas" speeding all over town, on the brink of death at every turn, not to be swayed. Rachel has always been able to become completely at home in any place after just a short time. After only 2 days in Mozambique, leaving the few people she had only just met brought her to tears. Rachel has a tremendous capacity to love and learn. She has been going non-stop since I have known her, and that's what I love about her. Keep it up Roach.
Miriam
My guardian. Capture, short hair that made me want to cut mine short in fourth grade, Shakespeare, teaching me what third position was when i was trying to play the bach double at age 5, Tommy Boy, The Messiah, books books books, teaching you that Chopin prelude, straight A's at CR, sharing clothes, Strictly Ballroom and many other movies, music music music, hanging out in NC at Sarah's then coming back to Utah and having too much fun.
Rachel, you've been on so many adventures in your life and with each and every one of them I hold memories very close to my heart. We've had many great intellectual conversations and emotional conversations and you have always been such a special part of my growing up. I love you with all my heart Roach. Love, your forever guardian.
P.S Remember when we went backpacking in April up Canyon Creeks? We slept on the flat rock surrounded by snow...I have since learned the power of snow gear. And then we ate dried apricots on the way back and had the worst gas. Good times.
Gideon
Rachel- The backyard in the Oregon street house was the host of many a game. Capture was a daily thing, and my character of choice was a ninja. Even with my head wrapped in a sock, however, Rachel never ceased to have enough magical power to defeat me. I have a specific memory of laying on the garage floor under her witch spell with all the other siblings. I decided to finally unleash my ninja skills and destroy this paper-clips-on-her-fingers-for-witch-nails villain. Of course, without hesitation Rachel said, "Chiaaa-a-a" and re-cast the spell upon me with her broom. I'm pretty sure she was wearing a cape too. I don't remember much else so the spell must have worked. We miss you Roach.
Gideon.
Naomi
Rachel is definitely the epidemy of style. So jealous. I remember when she worked in New York and would send us pictures and packages with cool seasonal decorations. I always wanted to be the one to put everything up. I usually got my way too. Rachel takes pictures of the places she's been with her foot in the picture, to prove she took it. She always has awesome shoes and they will always be too big for me. Rachel lived with us when she went through EMT training. She had a cot in Miriam's room for a while. We would stay up late, go fun places and embody the crazy medley girls that we were. Right after my 16th birthday, Rachel enlisted in the army. I remember being so proud of her. She was so matter of fact about the whole thing. She would send us letters and give us phone calls from all the places she went.
two years ago, Jared and I went to visit Rachel in NoCakalaka. It was so much fun. Rachel took my skydiving. The BEST experience of my life. I love telling people that my sister jumps out of planes for a living. My oldest sister is the greatest.
I never tire of telling people about my wonderful sister and all the things she has done in her live, all the adventures that she has endeavors.
Last year on Rachel's birthday, I called her from Disneyland when I was on my honeymoon. I knew I shouldn't have called anyone but I couldn't take it. I had to call her.
I love you so much Rachel and hope you have the best birthday eva!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Jared
A little late but still beloved...sorry Jared. It took me some time to put these together today too. I must have really fell of the band wagon at the end of the pregnancy...
When Jared was about 5 or so, one of my friends wonderd, : do ya think he'll ever grow into those ears?" They seem to fit fine now. How 'bout the quote of all quotes offered by Jared when Gideon was born, "I feel like my brain is in the shape of a heart" Ah, a tender and rare man he is. How bout the time Jared lowered Gideon from the balcony in the rope harness- super Melvin, ouch! Jared thought the Merit badge book said lower someone from a substantial height. It actually said sufficient height. Jared went from pesky punk to trusted right hand man in Mr. Middlemiss video class. Jared's film work - what can I say? From deeply moving to hilarious, he did a little of each.
Mom
ahhhhh Jarie. The best memories I have with Jarie are when he lived with us in Lehi on a couple different occasions. I always loved having him around. He introduced me to Nickel Creek and touched my life in a thousand million different ways. The best memory, though, is traveling down to Coachella with Jarie doos. Me and Katie took my truck and Jared drove his car (he bought from Camille). We stayed in Indio together and spent an entire full day at the concerts. Jarie, you are forever the funny and smart. I want to be like you!
Hannah
Highschool can be an awkward and rough few years. You made it all worth it. I am so glad you forgave me for what I said in Jr High, I am still working on forgiving myself! You welcomed me in to your circle of friends. We would go to Moonstone instead of class on a regular basis. We would hit up Smug's for lunch. We would complain about listening to Mr Russell in Limited. I think I ditched class more that year than I went. Still, I call you now and then when I am driving in the car. You answer and you are working, yet you always make time for me. Thanks for being who you are Jarie, stay that way forever.
Miriam
My fondest memories of Jared are during a few poignant times in my life.
The first time was Sophmore year, Jared was a Senior. We would go days without showering or washing our hair. I'm not sure why...I think Jared convinced me it was more important to get sleep between early morning seminary and school than to address personal hygiene. Plus, we grew up in Humboldt - a few days without a shower was NOTHING. I have learned since, but Lynn, I apologize if he has retained any of those habits. We would go climbing, I would listen to him talk about girls til the wee hours of the morning, we drove around in the 'blue light', the name for the VW Jetta, coined by the Dane - Lasse - and we built that awesome climbing wall. Too many good memories. He took me on my first date when I turned 16 too. Mom gave us money to go somewhere nice but he talked me into Subway and a movie instead.
The second time was my first year in Utah. Jared (and Gideon did too but this is Jared's post) would get up at 5 in the morning on Saturday and drive me to work. We would long board the canyon in the middle of the night, eat pancakes with ice cream and bananas afterward, and he was just the best brother ever. I am jealous that I don't have them to myself anymore but I am more happy that they have brought beautiful girls into the family!! Jared has alway been so giving and generous. There is no way I could ever repay him for all he has done. Except that I funded that whole climbing wall project...hmmm, so I guess that makes us even! Ha ha. Love ya Jerry.
p.s. you still owe me a barbie bro. i haven't forgotten.
Gideon
We used to play Kick the Can one summer when I was. It was exclusive to that summer for some reason, but we played enough to last us all for years. Jared was always suiting up in some camo outfit and discovering tunnels and paths through the blackberry bushes. I remember one time playing at night and being on Jared's team. We had hid in Nancy's yard, our neighbor, behind a bush. We heard Naomi, probably eight or nine, timidly scanning the yard as she looked for us. When we realized she was coming right toward us, Jared pulled from his pocket a secret weapon -- one that can wreak havoc in the darkness. Jared flicked a switch and I heard a high pitched ringing that slowly disappeared as he raised it above the bush, calling out to Naomi. With the push of a button the entire yard was illuminated for a fraction of a second, giving me enough light to see that Jared had been carrying around a big ol' camera flash Naomi had looked toward Jared's voice and became temporarily, but totally blinded. Jared and I bolted, leaving Naomi writhing with her hands over her eyes and screaming, "Ja-RED-uh! That's not fair!"
And so Jared masterminded the greatest Kick the Can victory known to Glen street. If Jared only knew how many more times he would set one of those things off in people's faces.
Naomi
Jared was always so much older than me but he has always been so creative- musical and crafty. Unfortunately one thing I remember is when I had a Hanson Brothers CD and I loved it!!! But Jared smashed it along with my Space Jam CD for one of those creative projects. I was very tragic and I think thats why I have remembered that. Jared and I went to North Carolina and Florida for Thanksgiving a few years ago. We got stuck in Las Vegas for a night without extra clothes, internet or much food. We walked the strip and had so much fun spending time together. In the past few years, Jared has been such a great brother letting me stay at his apartment and always offering anything he has when I came down to Utah to visit. He has shared his photography with me as well as his other creativity. I love that Jared brought Lynn into the family. She is so fun. I love that both of you are so happy. Love you. Naomi
Bethany
i dont have any childhood memories of jared since i wasnt born, but i remember when he came back from his mission and we were in the family room and i was sitting right next to him and i started petting his face and he turned to me and said "bethany, what are you doing??? you dont have to touch me to make sure i am really home....". needless to say i was really embarrassed......