Cheeri-O Beauty with Rainbow Eyes

A BYU Graduate, Missionary, and a Beauty!

2011-05-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2011

The visiting ducks, Estefan and Alice, are here today. They come and go!

Rob has been tinkering in the garage, and painting.

Bridget is planting June seeds in the garden. Her flower garden from last year returned, it is beautiful.

I have watched one too many episodes of Criminal Minds, and I am restricting this show from my life for a while. Simply too many nightmares. Just ask Rob!

Weston finished up the MTC (likened it unto a very long Sunday School lesson -- well he did!) He is now in Washington. Check his FB page for latest addresses and photos. Speaking of photos: those he took at the MTC were lost in the post when he sent them home. He did not erase them from his disc luckily. So he will resend. Instead of getting his photos we received a letter from a student living in Heritage Halls --go figure! --Inside the photo envelope, even!

Family can email Weston at weston.orme@myldsmail.net, but he doesn't have time to return all emails, except to his MOTHER! Or you can send a letter to his residence at: 309 W. Chestnut St. Centralia, WA 98531 for the next 3 weeks or so, if he is not transferred then it will remain the same.

Trevor graduated BYU this past April. He and Brianna decided to take the Scholarship offered at The Phoenix School of Law. They will move to Phoenix after Brianna finishes TaylorAndrew School of Hair Design in June.

Bridget plans to visit Utah, Idaho, go to Youth Conference, Girls Camp, and then start her Senior year August 10. She's looking at BYU Hawaii or Provo. I vote ASU!

...Humm... that covers it!

February 2011

2011-03-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Weston is off to Tacoma Washington. He will enter the MTC on April 20, but fly to Provo on the 19th to spend a day with Trevor and the Missionary Mall. So proud of my Weston.

Trevor graduates from the BYU school of Business on April 21 @ 4pm. So proud of my Trevor!

Bridget keeps up the fine grades of some AP courses, and I am so proud of her, too.

Proud of Rob and all that he does for the family!

Proud of myself a bit, I am teaching a reading intervention class full time for 4 first grade classrooms. It feels good to be back in the classroom. This position came about in February and lasts until the end of the 2011 school year. So just enough to enjoy and not become exhausted!
I will see what pops up next year. Something always does!

Rob and I returned from a quick trip to Vegas. We saw Nathan Burton Comedy at the Flamingo and Mistere' @ Treasure Island. Enjoyed them both. Rob made $6 on the penny slots. The buffet at the Flamingo, where we stayed, was delicious! ...I loved the bacon!

All is well!
Love,
lana

Rob to Utah

2011-01-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Our sincerest sympathies to the D. Prince family @ the recent passing of Julie Prince. Rob has shared fond stories of her, with me, as they grew-up in Northridge. He will be traveling to Utah to participate in a Life Remembrance of Julie Prince. (Travel safe Roberto)

I am so proud that Bridget has kept up her good habit of running @ least 4 times a week, it is an example to me...get on the running, more like walking shoes for me. Yet still, walking is rated a great excersise:)

Weston landed him a Big Screen @ the Deseret Industries for $16. His room is so COOL! Uses it for xbox stuff. Which opens the downstairs Big Screen, late @ night, for Rob and Bridget's new 'liking to Criminal Minds'.

Trevor is working on his entrance letter to accompany his application into 5 different Law Schools...hoping for Western University of Southern Cal. I think his letter and approach is captivating, and if I get his permission I wil post it:)

Trevor will take the graduation commencement walk this April 2011 and Graduate in Business, Brianna will have until June, thus Trevor figured he may use that time to attach classes for an Italian Minor. Busy couple:)

I have been reading some Tao Philosophy and want to share a tidbit. This section is called Pivoting:

" Some days, you and I go mad. Our bellies get stuffed full, Hearts break, minds snap. We can't go on the old way so WE CHANGE. Our lives pivot, forming a mysterious and beautiful geometry. Yet no matter how profiled the shapes of the day the sunsets faithfully and breath taking."

I thought this to be inspiring:)

What feature do I use?

2011-01-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

First off I have noticed that several blogs have a list at the right side of the blog that shows family and friends along with the day they last posted, I want to learn how to set this up on my blog. Is this easy to do?

Also, what are some free sights -that you may be aware of -that carry a variety of blog templates. Or are these to be purchased programs?

New favorite TV show: Winterland Wipeout!

Love,
Lana

Dragon Ball Z Marathon with my Weston:)

2011-01-10T14:07:00.001-08:00

Okay you're asking yourself, "What in the world?" But I enjoy my time with Weston in many unique ways. Japanese cartoons, video games--at which I stink severely, but Weston always encourages me to try again. I truly think Weston ought to land a Mission Call in Korea, Japan, Tiawan, you know a POKEMON place. Elder Kang at Lila's place put some peace into my heart...excellent Elder, and yet he too, spoke Weston's Language:)

I have noticed that Bridget likes to write poetry and Lyrics. And she has Advanced classes @ School, always pulling wonderful grades.

Rob and I are meeting up with Cliff and Shantelle in Vegas first of February, FUN and only a 6 hour drive:) Yippee! We really enjoy their company.

As of late I have really found some fun vintage clothes @ the Deseret Industries. It's fun to walk out the door with a bunch for so few$. And quality taboot!

Nancy, to whom , I owe a big hug and thanks has provided family research for my Kerbs line. I finally registered up with Family Research and hope to become the great geneologist I see in Nancy. It's the research that gets me frustrated and lost...but I sent a prayer to Heaven--"If you want this done for you, Show up in front of my eyes!" We shall see:) It's a bit demanding!

Bits and Pieces of the week past:)

2011-01-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Weston got cast off--now has skin flaking off like leprosy:)
Bridget dates most every evening in one little activitiy to another-- not so little --activity. Recently went Ice Staking.
Trevor "the New and upcoming Lawyer for the Entertainers of Hollywood is appyling to a law school in LosAngeles specializing in this type of law:)
Rob and all the Orme Brothers and Ormes have been making connections of FB due to the Photo of original Orme Bros t- shirt being a catalyst for reunion:)
Lana take state educator exam today, o e of many over the years to keep credential current.
Lana realy misses Trevor and Brianna, may drive to Utah over Martin Luther King weekend...could happen:)...fun to see some FB friends, and family member too in Utah.
Oranges and Grapefruit are ready for the picking:)
Ornaments off tree and decor in containers...moving right along:) Lights still up, but keep the folage warm on these cold nights.

A Tuesday Morning

2011-01-04T07:06:00.001-08:00

Mornings go like this:
6:30am, although she can drive Juniors are not allowed to park on campus, "Mom time to drive me to school."
6:40am Dogs go out, then come in and eat!
6:55 Lana hits the FB scene:)
7:00 Rob's up
7:30 Rob's out the door
FROM THERE IT VARIES, but the afore mentioned hours pretty much set in stone!

Altima needs smog check
Lana wants/needs nail check
Reading a Tao philosophy book/intriguing
Baptisms @ Temple

And that is Tuesday:)

New Year 2011

2011-01-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

LANA STAYS AWAKE TILL 5AM, with small interminent cat naps--but nonetheless--Greeted Rob with a New Year Kiss:)
Bridget to and fro with Car Keys:)
Weston pulled over, and questioned, Have you been drinking even a little tonight! ha ha --true.
*Weston can share the story: 480-818-3553
Rob sat in the Ultimate couch nearly 5 hours straight swiggin the Martinelli and watching football.
Trevor and Brianna celebrated Las Vegas Strip Style--slept in car at Temple. Next 2 at the Marriott. Geez Trevor gets great rates. It's the perk of his employment with the Marriott.
Rob has a very stiff and sore shoulder --Lana's massage table will attend to him after church.
Santa gave Lana 4 massage gift cards this year:)
Lana's New Year Resolution--maintain a steady, non witchy --personality Ha --sad but true!
Rob seems hopeful about employment and the economy:)
BRIDGET CAN NOW DO THE GROCERY SHOPPING: It's the way of 'the newbie with the Liscence'-- as Trevor, and Weston will attest:)

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Traveled to Grandma Lila's.
Made and Ate Jen Orme's Chicken Taco casserole.
Made Chicken Curry.
Watched a Movie or two.
Eve was wonderful. Rob and Bridget with guitars, and Lila, Bridget and Lana at the piano.
Elders. Singing!
The dogs behaved and had no accidents.
Some flu.
No baptism. Disappointment. But understandable-FLU! Yuck:(
Looking forward to the New Year 2011.
Weston gets cast off January 7.
Bridget obtained official drivers lisence on Monday December 27.
Vicariously smelling Hawaii---the few drops of Plumeria perfume I have left, and wishing we could be there with the D Ormes.
Arrived home late Saturday to find all well:)

Two days Later! Woot Woot!

2010-12-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

Bridget is having a hot dog roasting, smore making double date tonight in the backyard. Rob is taking me to Rosas for dinner here in a few minutes. If you know anything about Rosas, it get real busy past 5pm. I am slowly working on my aversion to crowds, but dinner is always more pleasant without a crowd:)

Weston is doing a ASU Institute Activity this evening.

I put massacre on today! WOW!

Catching up:) All is dandy!

2010-12-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Last post was July 2010 Yikes!
Enjoyed Thanksgiving with Trev and Brianna.

Weston Broke his wrist. He enjoyed a 20th birthday @ the Hibatchi and was served Green Tea Ice Cream:)

I had a Root canal two days ago, and my delicate mouth is still recuperating:).
Rob stays SO HANDSOME! Still my #1 Angel:)

New baby births, marriages, family reconciliations, the holidays=DANDY
Happy and Healthy
Love,
Lana

The Return of a Blogger

2010-07-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Rob's my #1 Angel

Lana hanging out with the dogs. I am "leader of the little pack." May teach school come fall. Signed up to go to the University with Weston, if no job. The CNA wasn't for me--changing adult diapers--NO CAN DO IT!, and Phelbotomy --same thing. So moving onto a second Bachelor's of Psychology. Already with quite a few courses completed.

Trevor and Brianna --pure delight shines from their presence. Working, loving, schooling, all that fun new stuff. (Notice how beautiful Brianna's natural rosie cheeks are, they are delightful.) I call her, Lil Rosie Cheeks.

Weston has a 4 year supply of soda @ the side of his bed, "Mom , it was a great buy; puchase 1 get 3 free (those 24 packs)," okie dokie! Good job my boy:) Working full-time at Deseret. Starts on his 5 years Master track in Computer Science August 23. The guy is going places.

Bridget."Beauty of the Valley" as nicknamed by my late sister Leesa, many years ago, spent her sweet 16 birthday in Utah.

VERL ORME REUNION--Looking forward to it!

*Now try to figure out how to post a photo...face book is much easier for photo posting--at least in my case:)
Toodle Lou:) Love, Lana

Mwahahaha

2010-03-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

I wonder how long it will take my dad to figure out I've been on here

HOLY MOLY

2010-03-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

By the way... TREVOR IS GETTING MARRIED.

Trevor's best friend Jed tied the knot!

2009-11-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Trevor and Robert in DC

2009-11-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

2009-05-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Remembering, with supreme and reverent gratitude, those whose lives have been changed by their service to country -- and the families of those who never returned. May God bless and assist those (and their families) who are honorably serving now.

We had an enjoyable weekend...

Weston graduated from high school on Thursday - well done son! A wet and rainy ceremony - but what does that matter when you're finally done with school !?! ...at least for the moment. He's looking for career suggestions. He has the Stake Youth Pioneer Trek in Prescott, later this week. ...and then we have the annual Orme Brother's hike up in Utah this year next month.

Trevor surprised us all by secretly flying in from Columbus, OH for Weston's graduation. And coincidentally (or not so,) Trevor's girlfriend (Jasmine) came to town with her roommate for the holiday weekend. Jason (nephew) and his lovely wife were also in town. So we called Jenny (niece) and got together for an afternoon. Sorry no photos -- we were too busy visiting and grilling Jasmine.
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Bridget had a great year at school – tennis team, track (won City) and friends-o-plenty. She is 'coming into her own' as they say, and looking forward to high school next year. She will be running in the Wasatch Back (180 mile, 24-hour relay race from Logan to Park City) June 18 & 19 with Lana’s sister, Lori, and a team of runners from her office. 8-person teams, each person runs 4 legs of 4~8 miles each, taking naps in the team van between turns. I hear that it’s a blast (if you’re a runner of course.) Then she is going to EFY (in Flagstaff) with friends the following week.

Lana completed her Certified Nursing Assistant class, but has discovered that she can't bring herself to enjoy changing adult diapers, giving sponge baths to perfect strangers and some of the other tasks that are typical CNA duties. She has also postponed her phlebotomy course, hoping that she will be offered a full time teaching position for the upcoming school year.

Oh, and the chihuahuas returned home to Florida (thank goodness!)

Pat's Run

2009-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Weston, Bridget and I did Pat’s Run yesterday -- 4.2 mile run/walk to commemorate Pat Tillman – a football player who played for ASU (his number was ‘42’ – thus 4.2 miles) and the AZ Cardinals. After the events of 9/11, he was offered a multi-million dollar contract with the Cardinals, but turned it down in order to join the Army and was killed in Afghanistan.

The run started on a street outside the stadium, went around town for a bit then ended on the 42 yard line in Sun Devil Stadium. 20,000 signed up to run (or walk.) Bridget beat both of us by a long shot and she was taking it easy since she has two track meets next week. …but I beat my goal of coming in 6,800th place (I came in 6,799th place.) Actually, my goal was just to finish under an hour and my time was 43:35. Not great I know, but I didn’t collapse and my knee didn’t swell up, so I’m pleased.

Where's Weston?? Can you find him at the finish line?

March / April

2009-04-12T19:32:00.001-07:00

Track, Easter Pageant, Chihuahuas and Medical studies have been the happenings around here.

Lana has started her certified nursing assistant course and is liking this new direction of energy. We are her guinea pigs, but draw the line at enema practice. She'll then take a phlebotomy course over the summer.

Bridget and Rob joined the cast of the Mesa Easter Pageant this year (a good excuse for Rob to grow his hair out.) Did not play any principle characters, but had fun – a great daddy-daughter activity. The two weeks of performances ended last night. Clip from newscast below (we're not in any of the shots -- just a li'l description of what it is.) http://www.easterpageant.org/Fox10/Fox10.asp

Bridget seems to be overcoming her shin splint issues as she is returning to form on her 9th-grade track team with a win in the 4x800 relay and individual 800. We all (Rob, Lana, Weston and Bridget) signed up to run (or walk) in a local 4.2-mile commemorative race. Doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re not a runner…

And then there are the Chihuahua puppies. We are “baby sitting them” while they (both males) grow a bit and get to “know” our (female) poodle which will presumably bring about a “Chi-Poo” or two. Cute as can be, but 4 dogs is a bit much. We keep our carpet cleaner in business – he’s like family now!

Oh, and a word to the wise --
Face prints in the sand don't work very well.

A visit to Zuma Beach on a quick trip to Gra'Mas last month.

2009-02-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

We're number One! ...in the "multi-family builders" category of the annual Ranking Arizona magazine. Mark-Taylor is the Development company I work with. Who is that handsome devil in red on the far left? We won't be building much this year. Nobody will around here! Gotta find a way to get at some of that stimulus money. If only we were builders of bridges to nowhere!

Bridget has been teaching herself to play the guitar over the last month or two. She's pretty good - except when she practices at 5 in the morning!!! (I don't get up that early.)

I took a step back in time this past weekend at the NHRA National drag races in Phoenix. I felt like a teenager again. I noticed there were lots of us middle-aged men there feeling (and some acting) like teenagers again! Kept my eyes open for Orme Brothers' stickers or other paraphernalia, didn't see any. Click on the photo to enlarge it and look at all the guys in the background with their hands over their ears. Raw horse power - gotta love it!

And lastly, this is my simulation of Trevor's finger (which Lana mentioned below) - at least the way I interpreted his description of it. Eeeeeww! (it only goes to that angle if Trevor pulls it over there - and maybe this is a little exaggerated.) We don't have any pictures of the real thing (yet.) Chipped bone and torn tendon. Orthopedic surgeon said to give it a shot at healing on it's own and if it doesn't heal satisfactorily -- we can operate.

2009-02-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

I ,for one, have enjoyed browsing through the blogs and partaking of all the fun info and photos. Everyone is looking FINE! I certainly hope that all are happy and healthy. Trevor did something to his pinky finger while playing basketball that allows him pretty much to rotate into a full circle at the first knuckle! He is working at the Marriott and doing studies, too. Weston is prying his finger from the computer to go over to his friends house to play more computer games! Bridget has her first track meet this week: triple jump, mile, 2 mile relay, and the 800. I quoted her several Steve Prefontaine quotes today, as she has been ordered to not run today due to shin splints. My sister Lori runs Marathons, and has invited Bridget to participate in the Wasatch 24 hour Marathan and the St. George one, too. I will keep everyone posted if it happens that she runs. Rob is ironing all his shirts currently, as I sit and type this blog. I have enrolled and paid my fee for Phlebotomy school to start up on July 20 and last for 11 weeeks, in the meantime the sub jobs filter in a little at a time...less than last year, anywho!
The pool leak has been fixed $900.00 later! But we don't lose 2 inches of water a day now. Ellie will reveal to us if she is having puppies by the end of 10 days. Hope so! She was bred with a Cavalier Cocker Spaniel, they call the hybred Cavapoos. It's possible, a puppy chihuahua will join our pet clan, if I get my way! (usually happens). My sister 's chihuahua had pup and she is offering me one. They are SOoooo cute!...right Rob?

Out with the old - In with the new

2009-01-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

A little cookin'

A lotta eatin'...

Some raquetball soccer...

(at the movie theater -- saw 'Bedtime Stories' -- liked it.)

Some paint ballin'...

(no, Lana didn't really go -- she just wanted her picture taken with the soldiers.)

...and some skiin' and boardin'.

Enjoy Trevor's Beginner Blues
That, along with the Christmas/New Years observances (which included a whole lotta sleepin', YES!) was the sum total of our relaxing, travel-less, guest-less holiday activities. OK, we did a little more than that, but don't have pictures -- and what fun would it be to tell you without pictures???

Trevor is now back up at school, Weston has started his final semester of high school, and Bridget her final semester of jr. high.

Here's to a wildly interesting, and hopefully happy new year for all.

Cheers !

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Eagle project done and paperwork turned in at the last hour. No room for error, so let's hope we did it right.

...and just in time to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend. (Weston's birthday was ON Thanksgiving Day this year -- so shout out to the middle child who had to share his birthday with a turkey!)

Thanksgiving brought some of Lana's family to town, and the marvelous feast was enjoyed at Eric & Tiffany's (thanks guys!) I vote we have it there EVERY year!
.

There's nothin' like sitting around with a full belly, watching football, ignoring the kids and letting everyone else clean up. Speaking for myself -- that really isn't too far from the truth (I did look at the kids a time or two.) Thanks again everyone!
.

Trevor made the trip down from school for the weekend and made the most of his time. We didn't see a whole lot of him (out with friends,) and he didn't get much sleep. We are thankful he came down.

Then there were the weekend activities:

Swimming,

Where's Waldo (at the mall,)

Roasting

mallows,

Muddy buddies,

Laser tag,

...and some interesting activities that defy description...

Cuttin' and Diggin'

2008-11-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Finally started on Weston's Eagle project (building some storage benches for an orphanage in town.) We have been collecting material donations from home improvement stores over the last few weeks (Thank you Home Depot!) and finally got to cutting on Saturday. Not much time left (3 weeks to his 18th birthday) -- cutting it close yuh think? We didn't get much cutting done before Weston had to leave for another state band festival.
While Weston and company were earning another "Superior with Distinction" at Glendale Community College, Bridget and I made a visit to one of my company's job sites in Phoenix which happened to be an ancient Native American burial site (don't know how old.) The Archeology Department has finished digging / extracting / studying the items they were interested in (the remains of a couple hundred bodies) and released the site for development. So Bridget and I went out with a shovel, pick and dirt sifter to see what remnants we might find. We were hoping to discover the ultimate find -- a skull -- but no such luck. Our dusty hour only produced a pile of pottery fragments and one BONE. Actually several bones, but most were obviously from a horse or cow (ball & socket joints too big to be human.) But there was this one (see photo) found away from the others. I don't think it's human either (maybe a recent dog or cat.) Any of you medical folks (or vets) out there recognize it? Maybe while grading the site, more interesting things will surface.

Ecuador

2008-10-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

My brother Alan, my friend Pilar and I took a trip to Ecuador Oct 10 thru Oct 26.

Alan speaks great Spanish having served two years in the Toronto Spanish mission. Pilar is my mission friend from Portoviejo. She was a member in the sector I was serving in...called La Paz. She now lives only 20 minutes or so east of me here in Mesa. She and I were roomates @BYU as she was sponsered to come to the US by a family friend of mine. She has since married and lives in the US. We have been friends for 25 years.

It is hard to put into words the experience, but I'll try. (The photos will do a better job)

No hot water

No water for days at a time, bathed from buckets of saved water

Electricity comes and goes

Fish eyeballs
Chicken Feet

Blood filled intestines

Had three close driving encounters/ Me at the wheel/dark/one way streets/ taxis everywhere /buses /bikes /carts /honking horns /...I have driven admidst chaos and lived.

Killed a chicken in the kitchen (Alan spun it around by the neck until the head fell off) That's how you do the pheasants he said.

Boiled water for drinking

Wonderful hospitable families and friends

Delicious food to choose from

(I truly mean it !)

Homes of cement and tin

Homes of cane and tin

Fruits like the Garden of Eden

Traveled from the North Ibarra (above Quito) and to the South of Bahia de Caracas. If you look at a map.

Didn't make it to Guayaquil the road had been washed out due to heavy rains.

3 members remebered my missionary name Hermana Kerbs.

Alan slept with bats (in the roof) that dropped their fruit pits near his bed.

Met some Otavalan members while bargaining @ the Otavalo market.

Take your toilet paper with you. You pay for it @ public restrooms.

Fun

Laughter

Bridget takes Silver

2008-10-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 24th: Bridget and her partner, America Hansen, took home the Doubles Silver Medal in the 2008 Freshman City Tennis Tournament,-- only losing in the final match (8-5) to a team they had beaten just the week before in regular league play.

It was a fun day of the kind of tournament competition excitement that Bridget hadn't experienced before. Said she, "it was intense."

She will now set her sights on something "track" related -- not basketball as she previously thought.

Three Scenes on a Saturday

2008-10-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Three Scenes on a Saturday.

SCENE 1-A:
On Saturday morning after visiting a few Home Depots and Lowes for donations to Weston's Eagle project, we came home to carry on with the rest of the day. I went upstairs to change into my outdoor work clothes and immediately started coughing, uncontrollably coughing, borderline choking. I could tell something was in the air, and thought maybe Bridget sprayed Tilex in the shower (can be quite strong when not properly ventilated,) but came to find out that she accidentally released a shot of pepper spray in the bathroom (from a cannister of Grizzly-repellent left over from our trip to Yellowstone a few years back that I have in one of my vanity drawers .) I opened the windows, turned on the fans to air out the room then went outside to tend to my yard duties.

To be continued...

SCENE 2:

I was preparing to vacuum the pool and pulled up the bottom-crawling pool sweeper to get it out of the way. When I pulled it out of the water, 'something' plopped back into the water and SWAM TO THE OTHER SIDE! I didn't recognize what it was -- about the size of a small mouse, it looked like an alien critter propelling its way through the water! What the heck is it? (picture the Billy Crystal-Steve Martin skit from SNL) What the HECK is it? Once it stopped swimming, I realized that it was a crawfish/ crawdad/ crayfish (whichever you call it in your neck of the woods.) A very strange find to say the least. Can't 'splain how it got there, but he/she/it became our newest pet. Bridget named it Burt, I called it "What-the."

SCENE 1-B:

Fast forward a couple hours and it's time to clean up for Weston's marching band festival and competition at ASU. There is still a "spicy" scent in my room, but seems bearable enough to shower and get ready. It wasn't until I was drying off after the shower that I noticed a red residue all over a certain part of the bathroom. I was a little concerned when I realized that it was on my twin blade razor (that I had just used to dry-shave my neck,) the bar soap that I had taken into the shower AND THE TOWEL THAT I WAS CURRENTLY RUBBING ALL OVER MY BODY!!! Bridget's shot of potent pepper did not evaporate into the air -- it was a waiting napalm nightmare and my eyes grew large as, almost instantly, little fiery sensations -- especially in the sensative areas (lips, nips and well - you get the picture) -- grew quickly into raging infernos of excruciating pain. Within seconds I was trying to put out the invisible flames with Solarcaine in one hand and Lanacane in the other. FYI, neither work! I soon found myself laying on the bed, writhing in pain, with ice cubes and ice packs balanced and tucked for what seemed like an hour, but was probably more like 15 minutes (you lose all sense of time when panic sets in.) It finally calmed enough that I could carefully get dressed and head to Weston's band competition. Pardon my French, but Holy Crap!

SCENE 3:

ASU sponsors an annual marching band festival and competition -- an all day event where 30-40 bands from across the state perform and compete.
Weston plays trumpet in the Mountain View High School Toro Marching Band -- a Division 1, 120 member band (Division 1 = large bands, 100+ members.) It was a GREAT day for Weston and company. They received the highest possible rating "Superior with Distinction" and awards in all subcategories (i.e. percussion, visual, musical, etc.) during the first session. Then in competition they earned the highest score in their division, received the Robert "Coach" Fleming Outstanding Band Trophy, and took 1st Place overall. As their name was read, I stood to clap amid all the chearing and hugging with a tear in my eye -- but I'm not sure if it was because I was so proud of my son, or because the pepper spray from the carpet had finally soaked into the souls of my feet which were now on gosh dang FIRE !!!

Great job Weston! I'm proud of you.

Their program (almost 9-minutes long) can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/mvhstoroband
The recording isn't great (so much better live of course,) but you can get a feel for the difficulty of their marching formations which I'm sure factored into the judges decisions. And don't forget, this is highschool -- not college or drum corps. I could barely play chopsticks without falling off the piano bench back in high school.

...oh, by the way -- we set Burt free in a local canal yesterday.

Painfully and Proudly narrated by Rob.

Lana is still in Ecuador with her brother Alan, and best friend Pilar. They will return this coming Saturday and, by the sounds of their e-mails, will have stories to tell.

Stay tuned.

Homecoming

2008-10-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Trevor surprised Weston by sneaking into town and showing up at the Homecoming game this past weekend. It was fun to see them playing their trumpets and enjoying the band-stand scene together.

Go Toros !

In between sessions of conference, we also got some used car shopping in -- but found nothing acceptable within the budget, so he's back up at school walking and bumming rides.

...and as you might be able to see, Weston is giving contact lenses another try.

Lana's progress

2008-09-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

I shall type my first post on the Rob Orme Blog. I am slowly getting into the groove. Now I am without anything to say!

Fresh-men

2008-09-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Trevor - BYU Freshman Year 2006
STUDENTS of Provo

Posted here for Trevor and friends to enjoy since the video file is too big to e-mail. ...so y'all get to watch.

2008-09-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

So Bridget, without any experience or knowledge of the sport of tennis, figures she would try-out for the Freshman team. I practiced with her a couple times before try-outs and thought to myself -- at least the try-out process would be a good experience for her. Trevor did the exact same thing, the exact same year of school (try out just for the fun of it,) but he could at least hit the ball back over the net. I know that sounds mean, but just wait...

Try-outs were a week-and-a-half long and Bridget made the squad by sheer determination and upside potential. I practiced with her this past Saturday, after she had been practicing with the team for a couple weeks, and WOW what an improvement.

She had her second match today. Won her first singles and doubles match on Monday and won her singles, but lost the doubles today. Check out the Escalade Limo "school bus" they took to and from the game today.

Must be nice, eh?

This is Bridget hijacking the blog. Yes, the limo was fun. The boys' tennis team said it was sexist that we got the limo and they had to take the cheap van. Oh, and my dad isn't that great either!!

HA!

2008-09-07T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hey people. I have not abondoned my father! I'm blogging rightnow, aren't I?? YES I am! - Bridget. he he...

Back to School

2008-08-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I guess I’ve been left the lone blogger in the family. Bridget, who helped me set this thing up has abandoned me (too busy with her own facebook, school, etc.) Weston couldn’t care less about this kind of thing, Trevor hasn’t caught on yet and Lana doesn’t know how -- and doesn’t seem to want to learn (Eric and Tiffany talk to her won’t you?) So here I sit at the office during lunch, just finished a Taco Bell ranchero chicken soft taco, catching up on all of your blogs and breathing a big SIGH because summer is over and it’s time to focus on the daily mundanity, mundanassity? (mundane-ness) of life (school and work) pleasantly sprinkled with moments of oddity, intrigue, challenge and excitement.

Thanks to everyone who visited us over the summer, and those who allowed us to visit them! OUR lovely time of year is coming up, so any of you in cooler (freakin' cold) climates who want to warm up during the winter a little later -- come on down! I understand Jenny and Tyson are moving this way – woohoo, more family in the ‘hood.

Trevor has been slowly coming down off his mission high -- at times feeling lost, bored and overwhelmed at the decisions he will have to consider over the next few years of his life. Going to the gym to get back in shape and meeting up with old friends has helped the transition -- he'll be JUST fine! He has had an Italian friend visiting for the past week. They’ve been having fun riding motorcycles, cliff jumping, site seeing, shopping and dating the pretty ‘American’ girls we have around here. Trevor heads up to school in a couple weeks.

Weston is in full swing with band practice every morning and the occasional evening under the lights as they prepare for the start of football season -- or more appropriately referred to as “marching band season” as they look forward to their festivals, competitions and trip to a Florida bowl parade (which Weston thinks he will forego since some of his friends can't go.) He is keeping his part time job at Little Ceasars for the time being. This Sr. school year will be a test of his time management skills. School, band, job, YM, the occasional date and getting his Eagle project done before November will keep him busy.

Bridget is the quintessential teenage female (I’m so glad we didn’t start out with a girl!) My stomach is in knots just watching her get ready for the day each morning! What an ORDEAL! She had a great time at EFY in Provo, made some long distance friends and looks forward to next year. She is cooling down on the ballroom dancing for now and warming up to the guitar. She is also going to try out for the tennis team just for the fun of it. She doesn’t really know how to play, but that shouldn’t matter should it?

Lana will be the favorite substitute teacher of thousands of kids this school year (or the bane of their existence if they get out of line.) BREAKING NEWS 19.Aug.08: Looks like she has been talked into taking on a full-time kindergarten class. I would have thought she has enough of my infantile and childish behavior at home to deal with, but I guess not. Now back to the update in progress... She is excited about an upcoming trip back to her mission homeland of Ecuador with her best friend Pilar (who is from Ecuador, but living here) and Lana’s brother, Alan. That will be a fun October getaway for them. Lana last visited there with her youngest sister 14 years ago, and can’t wait to get back and see familiar places and hopefully familiar faces.

As for me – I’ve had more than my share of fun for the year and need to get back to the grind stone to pay for it! …but no tears for me please – I’ll be having fun along the way. Thanks for the call the other day Tobey, was nice chatting with you. Yes, we'll have to hold off on our joint business venture another year or two until timing and opportunity come into alignment -- we still need to work on getting your dad on board though!

Y’all enjoying the Olympics?

Go USA ! …and Italy …and Japan …and Ecuador ...and Germany and France (for our good friends there)

Anyone else we should we be rooting for?

ItAusGermaFranaly

2008-08-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

A sampling from the 4-hour slide show of Trevor and Rob's European road trip. ...sorry 'bout the cheesy music.

Together again

2008-07-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

Together again.

(quick trip report and a picture or twelve forthcoming)

In a Land of Enchantment

2008-07-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I are in Fussen, Germany right now (on the border with Austria.) Having an awsome trip so far. Trevor looks great and had a great mission. He is anxious to get home, but kind enough to humor me while I look around this most interesting part of the world. We went to each of his areas and visited with many of his peeps. Everyone has glowing things to say about him -- makes a parent proud. We also looked up an old Italian friend of my Dad´s from when he was stationed in the Napoli area during WWII. The gentleman has passed away, but we met with his wife and some of the kids who (with tears in their eyes) remember my dad, his friendship and generous help to them during such difficult times. We have had some great experiences, met tremendously interesting people and seen some wonderful, beautiful and amazing places.

Beware anyone who might consider visiting us anytime soon -- you may be subjected to a 4-hour slide show (an estimate for sure, times may vary.) ...will post just a few after we get home.

Rob

2008-06-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Summer is here in full force with a string of temps over 110 -- but that's life in the desert.

Since we last 'spoke' the kids have finished the school year and are glad to see another year of their schooling career GONE (remember those days?) Bridget's math teacher had a traumatic experience that inflicted her life with depression toward the end of the school year. Bridget sprang into action with some comforting acts of kindness including a fun project which had us looking for 'peace-sign' magnets on the internet (not something you can pick up at the corner market.) This teacher, a self-proclaimed hippie, once said that she would like to cover her van (mini -- not VW) with 'peace-sign' magnets so that everyone would think of peace when she drove by. Bridget was able to acquire between 30-40 peace magnets including a 2 ft. diameter monster magnet for the hood. On the last day of school, we all helped Bridget "peace attack" her teacher's car (in the rain.) It was a fun to do, but even funner to watch the smile on the teacher's face (from a covert location) when she saw her van -- the biggest smile I have ever seen. We have a peace magnet on our fridge to remember it by. Bridget will be going to EFY (BYU-Provo)at the end of July.

Weston has just started a job at Little Ceasars Pizza. We have a favorite family pizza place (Barro's for those of you who have been here,) but Weston has always preferred Little Ceasar's. So now he can have as much of his favorite as he can stand. He just started, so I don't have any embarassing photos of him working yet -- I have some from his Peter Piper Pizza days if you would like to see those! After much deliberation, he has decided to return to the marching band for his Sr. year (trumpet.) They will be marching in the Florida Gator Bowl parade in January.

Lana is in the middle of going through, and trying to organize, boxes of memories (photos, love letters between her parents, etc.) She taught part time as a reading specialist this past school year, but is getting calls again for full-time positions. She really enjoyed the part-time schedule, but is considering the offers. She got an i-pod for Mother's Day and can often be found sitting in a comfy chair, with eyes closed, tracing the movement of tunes in the air with her hand.

I have been busy with work (of course) and a couple home improvement projects. The most recent include canopies between the beams over the front entry for much needed shade, and rebuilding and tiling the juliet balconies in front of Weston and Bridget's bedroom windows which have been an eye-sore ever since moving in. Before and After pics shown. If any of you ask which is the before and after -- I will find you and hurt you! Only 139 more home improvement projects to go.

..and I get to, selfishly, go get Trevor and do a European road trip with him (after his tour of duty ends, but before his "release," so I will be his companion for a couple weeks.) We WERE going to wait until he got home and released then all return as a family, but I started making arrangements, added up the numbers and said -- HHyyaah RIGHT! So we whittled it down to Lana and I going to pick him up BEFORE he returns home, and then Lana whittled it down further. I leave Thursday. Trevor and I will get to see much of Italy and visit some of our past exchange students in Germany and France.

Trevor's homecoming talk will be July 27th for any who feel the need to travel to the desert at the worst possible time of year. After a short time at home, he will return to BYU-Provo (Fall) and be looking into changing his focus from business to Political Science and Italian. He will be staying with some friends at the Liberty Square Apts.

'Til next time...

Two Weeks?

2008-05-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

Hey - We've reached a blogging milestone! We have been blogging long enough now that our very first post has dropped off the bottom of the page. Woohooooo - rookies no more! ...oops, this will probably knock off another one -- oh well, life goes on.

The letters are starting to come in from Trevor's Mission Pres. (first to our Bishop and then to us) announcing the final stages of his mission and reminding us that Trevor may need a transitionary environment in which to land softly from his spiritual high -- so I guess we'll have to clean up our language, cancel cable, only smoke outside, replace the Sports Illustrated and Hot Rod display mags with the Ensign and Friend, hide the booze and keep our wild rock-n-roll music confined to our earbuds. Think two weeks will be long enough?

Rob

Nothing exciting.

2008-05-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing exciting is happening over here right now. We are just happy that school is almost over. Then we'll have plenty to talk about -- sleeping in, laying around playing video games, complaining about being bored, swimming, eating otter pops (or as Dad calls them "otter poops.")
Happy Mother's Day to 'yall!

2008-04-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's project time at our house. The weather's warm and the to-do list is long.

Scenes from the first 2/3

2008-04-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of Trevor's mission thus far...

2008-04-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Bridget is still ball-roomin', but ready to replace it with ballet for a while at the recommendation of the BYU traveling ballroom dance troupe Director (or something like that.)

Temperatures Rising

2008-04-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Orange blossoms bloomin'
Spring's pert-near complete
The Pool is a-glistenin' --
BRING ON THE HEAT !

2008-04-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here are my results...

2008-04-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

A message from Trevor...

...anyone know what he's saying?

Testing one, two, three

2008-04-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Watch out ! Student blogger coming through ! Where's the brake? How do I stop this thing?