Lisa n Tom (n James n Joseph)

Lisa writes: The foxes are back. This is what we were serenaded with last night. (I didn't take this video, but that's exactly what it sounded like.) It's Spring and foxy love is in the air. Tom is convinced that, to a fox, the song above sounds like this:

Lisa's mom writes: These are fun memories with dear friends, Ken and Marilyn McAllister while we lived on Rankin Avenue, Brentwood, Missouri -- just outside of St. Louis. The McAllister's were in Webster Groves where I taught at the high school. Roy, Baby Christi and me (Rexene) with Lori in the striped skirt, Marilyn holding Baby Becky, Lisa in the blue dress, and I believe the Halls who were in the duplex behind us: Dad and Baby Amy. (Note: Other friends, the Bells, lived across the street and their baby boy and Baby Amy met again at BYU years later and are now married with children!) Marilyn (who still looks EXACTLY THE SAME), Rexene, and Lori.

Lisa's sister, Debbie, is on vacation in Florida with our parents. She texts: We are at the Lion King show at Disney World. There are a million strollers outside, all covered in half eaten food. The birds are going nuts and pooping on 'em. We also took Mom and Dad on a roller coaster. That was priceless. Mom wanted to go and then screamed her head off the whole time.

Lisa writes: Current state of the bathroom: Cabinet is in. Counter, sink, mirror, and light fixture are not. Contractor insisted upon the 3" longer "comfort" oblong toilet seat. I wanted the rounder seat to save a little space am still not sure how this longer seat is more comfortable. Does anybody know why? If it's a delicate matter of the opposite sex, you don't have to say anything; just nod a little bit. Contractor thought I'd made a mistake when I ordered the THREE soap dishes. Nope. No mistake. I have finally trained Tom on the difference between body soap and face wash. There's no going back. Contractor really, really, really wanted to repeat that line of black pencil tile again higher up on the wall. I stuck to my guns. I am pleased. This the old closet door, filled in, plastered and painted. It really turned out flawlessly. Still waiting for the trim to go back in.

Lisa writes: We have relatives in town and went to Arlington National Cemetery yesterday. We passed by just in time to catch this tribute.

Lisa writes: Tom got a miniature black eye from his 2 year old niece. They were play-wrestling and one of her little fists or feet caught him in the eyelid. The picture doesn't really do it justice: it's very shiny and purple. Sweet.

Lisa writes: You missed the pictures of the gaping hole in the wall straight through from the front door to our bedroom. You missed the pictures of the clouds of dust that magically made their way through closed doors to descend on everything (EVERYTHING) in the house as we pounded down the cement-and-chicken-wire backing behind the old tilework. You missed me making Tom choose between two dozen nearly identical shades of light blue ("This is important! You need to make a decision! I know it's midnight and Sherwin-Williams isn't even open -- just choose right now!") You missed the audio of all the bad words our contractor has said and will continue to say for a few more days. But here are some pictures for you: Our bathroom, right now, exactly as it appears. There is light at the end of this tunnel. Click for bigger pics.

Lisa's sister, Christi, writes: Some people spend their Spring Break building sand castles. Here in sunny Logan, we prefer snowmen. Unfortunately, there was a tragic accident in our driveway today...Oh, the horror! Always remember to look before you cross! (Click for more gruesome detail) (Uhm...can you tell the long winters are getting to us?)

Lisa's sister, Christi, writes: This is what happens when you put Uncle Tim in charge of the fire :) That's Christian behind the giant flames. Baby Steven with the cool hair-do (compliments of his favorite cousin Christi). And, the Eater Bunny note & carrots are from Chandler. I think he's figured out that if you're extra nice to the Easter Bunny, he'll leave you extra eggs...I think his theory worked. There were a ton of eggs! Cousin Stephanie and Steven. Baby Steven. Timothy's haul. Chandler's offering to the Easter Bunny: "FOOD ALL FOR YOU!" Uncle Tim and the fire pit. Uncle Tim and Aunt Joyce. Yowzers -- back it up, everybody!

Lisa's sister, Christi, writes: Easter in Pine Valley with the cousins on my mom's side. Cousin Stephanie has four cute little kids that kept our kids entertained. Steven (3 months) was such a fun cuddle bug. I noticed most the pictures involve us in our PJs and lounging on the couch...we really did run the St. George Triathlon, too. These are recovery pictures :) Aunt Joyce was always on the move...we need to work on her PJ/lounging skills. Aunt Joyce with the Easter rolls. Christi and baby Steven. Expressive eggs by Madison. Madison, Timothy, Christian, Debbie, Kellen, Taylor. Taylor and Christian dying eggs. Breanna and Steven. Timothy, Taylor, Chandler, Christian. They make this look fun, don't they?

Lisa writes: Per the internet, somewhere around 1993 many auto manufacturers still considered the headlight idiot buzzer* to be optional equipment. Tom's 1993 Honda Accord was one of these cars, and over the past 17 years, Tom has developed a nice case of obsessive-compulsive disorder related to wondering whether he remembered to turn off his headlights. He's forgotten to do it (and drained the battery dead) just enough times to make him good and paranoid. BUT NO MORE! Now, thanks to the magical internet, Radio Shack, and $3.49, Tom is the proud owner of an idiot buzzer of this very own. If you need something like this for yourself, here are the instructions (scroll down the post by "liquidfusion") and here is the link to the part at Radio Shack. Takes all of five minutes to install and works like a charm. I can't emphasize enough what a difference this crazy little thing makes in his day-to-day sanity. Wish we'd thought to do it years ago. Tom's only co...

Lisa's brother, Donny, texts: We just had a 2 minute earthquake that shook the whole house. I was was outside and fell over.

Lisa writes: Christi's kids did the Saint George, Utah triathlon again this year. It's a mini, family-friendly event where you can write on yourself with permanent markers. (That's a favorite activity of all my nieces and nephews, in or out of the pool, actually.)