Lauren ... Another Cool Police Story

In January 2015 Lolo went to to clean Grandpa's house -- he was up at the cabin with the Walls.

Shortly after she started calling me ... over and over.  I was talking with someone so I ignored her.  She finally called Kenzi and screamed get mom there are police cars all over here with guns. 

I immediately jumped in the car and called her.  She said she pulled up to Grandpas and a policeman came out with a gun and asked her who she was, told her to back down the driveway and get down. 

The house was surrounded with officers, guns pulled, going through the house and walking around.  About 6 police cars were in front. 

I pulled up and they waved me away to the neighbors.  An officer came over and explained the house had been broken into and they weren't sure if someone was still inside.  They needed to know for sure that my dad wasn't home. 

After about 20 minutes of watching and waiting they finally let Lolo leave the driveway and we pulled up.

Turns out on Saturday night his house was broken into.  On Sunday they caught the guys in SL with some of his stuff in his car.  They sent the NSL police over.  They knocked and no one answered so they left.

The next morning SL PD called NSL again.  They were curious why nothing had been reported missing or a break in hadn't been reported. An officer went over and this time walked around back.  When he saw the broken window he called for back up.  They had no idea where my dad was.  Why he hadn't called the police.  They worried he was inside. 

Lolo just happened to pull up as the police were arriving and they were searching the house. 

They stole a few things, made a mess and left most of the valuable stuff.  They were younger kids 18 - 20 and had drug addictions. 

It was a bit scary for Lolo, unnerving for Grandpa ... but a great story for all of us!  Plus he got some great new carpet!!!

Happy 10th Cameron! (Posted a year late ... sorry not sure why it was in drafts)

Somehow... 10 years have passed and Cameron, Bambino, Chito, Camaroon and the greatest little guy ever has turned 10.  He is such a good kid that always wants to try to do what is right, has a heart of gold, is so kind to me and others, and just makes me laugh.

I remember two years ago when he turned 8 -- in my near death infection cancer garbage -- he told me all he wants for his Birthday was for me to get better and not die!  It broke my heart.  At that time I really wondered if I would live and if there was even a chance that I would live to see him turn 12 and pass the Sacrament for this first time.  

I remember the miracle of his baptism day -- we just picked a day last minute that I felt good enough to be out and he was baptized.  The room was filled with family and friends and so many people we loved.  It really was a miracle because it was the first day in a long time that I had gone anywhere other than the doctor.

So many times in the past two years he is the one rubbing my back, rubbing my feet, walking with me, playing games with me and letting me know how much he loves me!  

I love this kid with all my heart and soul!  Can't imagine life without him!!!

Losing a Friend ... a Walk Down Memory Lane

 April 11, 2015


One of my youngest memories was going to the birthday party of Todd Smith.  He was my next door neighbor.  I thought he was so cute.  I think I was 4 or 5.  I remember telling my family I was going to marry him.  They laughed and asked how I would kiss him -- Todd is a dwarf and even when we were little I was 2x his size.

Through my growing up years Todd and I were always friends.  We skiied together, we played night games, we did YM/YW, we did road shows, we went to movies and games and sat in the backyard at night talking with Richard and Nat.

Todd was a hero to so many people.  Despite his size he did everything.  He didn't let his size stop him from anything.  I remember an assembly in high school where the star center did a lip synch to "short people" and Todd wandered behind him with a ladder and shoved a pie in his face.  He didn't ever let people's comments or thoughts stop him.  

I remember when he went on his mission Nat, Lezlee, Cheryl, me and a few other people sang a Saturday's Warrior song at his farewell.  Yes ... a Saturday's Warrior song.  I cried through the whole thing.  I was so proud of him.  He had definitely had his share of struggles in High School but he hung in there an did exactly what he should do.  

Todd was one of those friends that you just knew he loved you, and would do anything for you!  And everyone felt that way about him.

Todd passed away last week.  He was 49.  They think it was probably a heart attack.  Todd lived almost 10 years longer than they had expected him to at birth. 

After his mission and I was off to college I didn't see Todd a lot, but whenever we would run into one another at my dad's we would always talk.  I always got that fabulous Todd smile and I felt like we were back in the day.

As I talked to all of our wardie neighborhood friends at the funeral we all commented on how lucky we were growing up.  We had great friends, with great parents.  We had so much fun!  We were creative and goofy and energetic.  We had what I would consider the perfect childhood.  Not that everything was perfect.  As I look back there were a lot of problems.  There was a suicide of Matt Warner, there were several teen pregnancies, there were some health problems, fitting in problems and probably a lot more, but I didn't notice it.  I was loved and I loved so many.  I felt welcome and special and important by kids older and younger and all of the adults. 

Todd's passing this week has brought back so many memories of those wonderful days on Oak Drive!  I learned a lot from Todd in High School and even more from those that shared some special memories about him over the past 30 years!

(http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=l-todd-smith&pid=174626465&fhid=12973)

Cameron 11

I asked Cam a few questions on his 11th birthday ... here are his responses.  Yah ... not sure what it all means either.

Food: crab
Movie : winter soldier
Book: Percy Jackson
Game: monopoly or risk.
Sport: basketball
Crush: not telling but it rhymes widni
Spare time: read or wrestle on the trampoline with amones
Funniest memory:  cabin and locked Kenz out
Best vacation: Hawaii and crush
Candy bar: slot
wisdom: when in doubt watch the shai lebeuf video

2014-15 Another School Year Over

Cameron LAX state champs, Lauren making it to State track finals, Kenzi Jr High graduation, end of year parties, Kenzi singing at a concert ... another amazing school year.

Cameron had a great year with a great teacher ... he learned a lot about honesty in the "making guns" incident and learned those who confess get it a lot easier than those who don't.  They did JA city, festival of trees, science experiments, chocolate dipping, I helped with Lit Circles and Music Start and field trips.

Kenzi finished 9th grade and was an officer.  She had a great year and learned a lot about stupid boys, keeping friendships alive and working hard in school.  Choir as always was crazy and we loved the Barry Manillow concert.  They did a great service project to Ronald McDonald house.

Lolo completed 11th grade with a tough last few weeks.  After a year of soccer and track and soccer tournaments and dances (more fiascos ... could we just not have dance drama) endless energy, eating at the house for lunch a ton with friends, hanging out all of the time, 4.0 ... she got super sick the last 2 weeks of school.  After working her little behind off she caught up and ended up with a 4.0!!!  

Spring 2015 Catching Up

I wish I were a better blogger.  Here are some random pictures from Spring.  Ovarian Cancer fundraiser dinner, Kenzi choir video shoot, choir singing with Barry Mannilow -- yes Barry Mannilow!  Lauren gorgeous prom, and other fun stuff.