And Still Another Olympic Hopeful

Mitchell David Heath
When it comes to Ping Pong, Mitchell is quite the competitor. Everyday he is out there challenging his father (he doesn't ask me to play anymore.) I guess I am not good enough for him. And when he does play against me, he has this sheepish little grin as if to say, "Okay, I'll take it easy on you." And he does, thank goodness!

The games that they play, father against son, are tallied on a big sheet of newspaper on the garage wall. Current score: Richard is still in the lead. Mitchell is catching up quickly however. He is fine tuning his serve, and learning greater control.

This competition between father and son started very early in Mitchell's life. Mitchell KNEW he was stronger, faster, or more agile than his dad. "Oh, I am faster than you dad!" to which Richard would reply, "Some day you will be son."
"No, Dad, I am faster. Race me! I'll show you, Race me." You know I don't know if they ever did really race, Maybe Richard
knows deep down that Mitchell can beat him. There were many wrestling matches on the floor of our family room. Mitchell took wrestling in jr. high and so every night, he would test his new holds, take downs and throws on his dad. Lots o' fun for the boys! A little tense for the mom as feet were flailing and bodies twisting. It's all good though, as long as no one breaks anything. Yes, I am sure this competition will continue to go on, and Yes, it is ALL good.

Here are some photos of Mitchell playing against his dad:

Mitchell's serve. It looks easy, but it isn't easy to return.

Getting ready to smash it
Ka Ping!

Ka pong!

Ka Ching
Ka Chong!Ka Pow!

Swak!

Crack!

Don't break you mama's back!

Your my "True Blue Boy!" I love you

Yet Another Olympic Hopeful

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Robert Louis Stowell
This Olympic hopeful is the grandson of Bob, "The Big Guy" Stowell and towers over the family as the tallest of all the line measuring 6' 7" high. A baller all his life, Robby played soccer, basketball, baseball, football and finally picked up volleyball as a freshman in high school. Robby earned a scholarship to play volleyball at BYU and started as a freshman. Heearned a position on the Jr Olympic team two summers in hopes of a chance to play other athletes from other countries in Brazil and Vietnam. Robby is a competitor and gives his all to his sport. He is supported completely by his Parents Scott and Adie who were at EVERY game.

But what makes us really proud of this great young man is that he went on a mission for our church serving in Cebu Phillipines mission. He set aside his sports, school and all else to teach people in the Philipines about Jesus Christ. Way to go Elder Stowell. We love you.

Another Favorite Olympic Hopeful

Robert Hill Stowell (AKA)The Big Guy!

What about this man of Steel ladies and gentleman and what a physique. This man can lift his weight and then some. The Big Guy is one of those natural talents who earned his physique digging ditches and doing yard work. But you can't deny that he is a contender. There is nothing this man can't do (except fix plumbing underneath small sinks) Whenever this were to occur Judy, aka "the little lady" would escort the children out of the house where they were out of ear shot of often incendiary language.
Yes this speciman of a man is one of my favorites. The Big Guy has been known to rip verizon phone directories in one mighty tear! He still mows and edges his own lawn, does his own dishes, washes his own clothes and occasionally vacuums the house. He is a winner in my book.

Love you Daddio!

My Favorite Olympic Hopefuls

Olympic fever has sprung and everyone is rooting for the home team and their favorite Olympic hopefuls. Olympic favorite Michael Phelps has not disappointed any of our nations fans. My friend Nancy wants to adopt him. She strokes the TV when he is on affectionately calls him Phelpsy! But how can you not love this guy? He is so humble and yet so determined to do his best. He won't let anyone get in his way. All that work for the honor of being called the best in the world! An amazing feat.

However this post is in honor of a few Olympic hopefuls that don't get as much notoriety. However, they humbly work at their events with the same determination and dedication, except in a few cases where their talent is just so natural, it comes without any effort. My first Olympic hopeful is . . .

Avery Grace Stowell Avery is my first Olympic favorite. Why you ask? because this little lady is so full of enthusiasm and love, you can't help but love her back with equal enthusiasm. Avery tries her hardest in all that she does. Her parents provide expectations and Avery works hard to reach them. She had been working hard for three months to improve her time on her IM. After each practice in which Avery swam for one and half hours, Rob had Avery swim just one more IM and told her to sprint to the end. All that hard work payed off. This last week during the OC south championships, Rob motivated Avery by saying he would give her five dollars for every second she shaved off her time. We were able to see her improve her time on her IM by 7 seconds and she placed 4th place over all. Avery earned thirty-five dollars. Avery also won her breast stroke but was DQ because the judges said false started. She also placed 3rd for each of her medley relays. Way to go Avery. My first Olympic hopeful. We love you

Avery with her adoring fans

Avery just after her race

Avery with her coach

Avery cheering for her team

Sailing

So I have been on a few boats. Oh yeah, quite a few actually. You know, there is the camp canoe. That's fun--tootling around a muddy lake splashing water on your friends. Then there is the deep sea fishing boat--that can be fun too--When I wasn't feeling ill down in the belly of that creaky, steel beast, "praying to the porcelain god." My dad took my lil brother Rob and I with him on a business outing. I was in 4th or 5th grade. I spent a good part of the morning sea sick down below, and the whole time I was praying to Heavenly Father to make it all go away. Finally there was some calm on the water and so a emerged from the depths of the boat, shielding my eyes from the light of day, swaying to and fro as I made my way to my father. He asked how I felt, "a little better." I said weakly.
"Well your brother has been up here the whole time dropping his line. He is sick, but he just leans over the boat, does his business and gets right back to fishing." My dad was telling me this with a little pride in his voice. I guess they liked that it attracted fish.
"Oh, good for him." I don't remember if I thought it or I actually said it. One thing I did know, I didn't want to fish much. That is when my dad's boss came to me and said patting me on the back "Hey, where have you been? Down there praying to the porcelain god?" He said it with a big laugh. Ha, ha, ha!
I was like Yes! How did you know? But I really just stared at him and thought, What is so funny!
So yes, I have been fishing, canoing, kayaking, but never sailing.

So this is the first of my water adventures this summer. . .

Sailing. . .

We were invited by our friends the Kirtley's on a day sail out of Long Beach. Great weather, calm seas and excellent company made the excursion heavenly. We left our kiddies at home and made an escape to the sea. Lisa and Ken are great fun. You can't help but have a smile on your face when they are around. Lisa is a great story teller and has me laughing easily. She is a devoted mother, crafter, creater, photographer, and a bishops wife to boot. She gives so much to our ward and sacrifices so much of her time to benefit the ward. We love her. Ken, is obviously our bishop and is one of the best men that I know. He devotes so much of his time to reaching out to the ward. I'll never forget how he knew our names the first week that we were there. At the time the ward was gigantic and in need of being split. That didn't matter, he always made an effort to get to know everyone and to reach out to them. I had the opportunity of working with him in ward counsel and found him to lead by example and in a positive loving way. Because of this our ward is blessed greatly. To top off these qualities, he has a quick wit and is extremely engaging. Both Lisa and Ken make you feel at home. We sat, talked about politics and laughed as the afternoon melted away. Here is Richard looking like a Macy's model. He looks like he belongs on a boat. doesn't he?

Finally, after we had eaten all the guacamole and chips, Ken suggested that we make our way to the front of the boat and feel the wind and sea. Richard and I made our way up, walking carefully so as not to fall in, (however that would have made for a more interesting blog post wouldn't have, but I didn't want to be sacrificed to the fishes for a good story)

I know that the boat wasn't moving that fast but the energy of the wind and the water was exhilarating, and view of the horizon was serene. I sat at the edge and dangled my feet in the water. The water was surprisingly warm. Here I am sitting up in the front and looking up at the sails. Richard again looking like he is in a catalog. We were hoping that we might see some sea life, but to no avail but for one pelican and a sea lion.

However we did have some good conversations about Hershey syrup pipelines and learned a few facts about Ca trivia, state fish? Garibaldi, state flower? poppy, state bird? golden quail. . .When you are married to a fourth grade teacher you learn a lot of facts. . .

After a few hours, Capt. Ken felt the need to head back to the harbor. We sadly agreed because we are nothing but swabbies. so we turn the boat around and head back. The way back seemed a lot faster than on the way out. I am not sure if that was because of the wind or that I just didn't want it to end. On the way we saw a number of boats preparing themselves for a race. It was a magnificent sight. Beautiful sails
adorned the water. The boats moved together,
tacking, I believe it is called, back an forth, almost like a dance. It was a remarkable sight

Then the race began. We kept up with them all and I believe we even won. Of course Ken could have told me that and I would have believed him. What do I know I am just a swabbie, a guest swabbie at that. Just after the race.

After all the boats were out of the way, Ken handed the wheel over to me an I got to take the boat for a ride. Boy did I. I kept over steering and so we were meandering
all over the seas. People would have thought that I was dodging bullets or something. The winds grab a hold of the sail and so you need to correct the boat by slightly turning the wheel against the force. It took awhile but I figured it out with Ken and Lisa's coaching.
Pretty amazing day for Richard and I. Thanks so much Ken and Lisa for the ride. Anytime you need a sailing companion, count us in.

Evelyn Manning Heath

Brn February 24,1933
Died August 12, 2007
Today is the day that our sweet Nana left us for the comforts of her heavenly home. While we like to think that she is at rest, we really don't believe it. In fact, I know she isn't. I am convinced that she is very busy up there doing something for someone.

Dave, Evelyn and Richard

We loved it when Nana would come to visit us.  We never missed on minute that we could spend with her.  Right from the moment that she woke up until the time that she shut her eyes to rest.  Every night, we would all end up in Nana's room.  She would be in her night gown and ready to sleep but we would all gather around her bed and talk and laugh. 

Christmas on Ambort Way

Evelyn would always make every family event a memorable one. We spent many years gathering at her house in Sandy. She had enough rooms to accomodate every family. Every meal was prepared ahead of time including scoops of icecream already scooped for dessert. She did this so she could spend as much time with family as she could.

Celebrating Evelyn's 70th Birthday

Evelyn was an excellent cook. She always loved to share recipes and also collected them from us.

Evelyn and Max

Evelyn had a way of making every child feel special. She took the time to connect with them and love them. When ever any party gathered, there were special activities for the children to do. We had many a tea party at nana's house--each child had their own china tea cup.

Evelyn Holding Baby Owen

Evelyn never missed a major family event, baptism, or blessing, Even for Emma's baptism last April, she was prepared with her special quilt. She had it prepared a year before she died.

Evelyn Holding Will

Evelyn loved her grandchildren. She said she loved her kids but her grandchildren were her complete joy. All her grandchildren knew it too. She sacrificed a lot to make everyone feel loved and made a beautiful imprint upon their little souls

Evelyn playing piano with Lindsay

Evelyn loved to play the piano. She taught herself how to play the piano and the organ. I admire her determination and her devotion to music. She served as organist in the church for 30 years

Nana and Grandma at Mitchell's Deacon Ordination

Nana could not stop for a minute. She always kept her hands busy doing things for others. She had gift of sewing. She was an artist. She would always push away such a compliment. It seems that she never fully recognized her great worth to those around her. She could make anything out of material. We are blessed with dolls and doll clothes that she made as well as beautiful quilts and table runners. Too we are blessed with wonderful memories. Lets keep those memories a live!

We love you Nana. We will live our lives in honor of you and the example you set.

Best Olympic Fan of All Time

Calling All Olympic Fans!




So if your an Olympic fan, I want you to compare yourself to Mitchy,The Kid who is by far the best Olympic Fan of All Time!


Mitchy The Kid sits with his little American flag in his 1980's paper USA jacket(that he purchased at a thrift store in MN last February) and cheers for his home team!

I am ashamed to say that I discouraged him from purchasing the three dollar jacket thinking it was too much money and, well. . ., how can I say this. . .kind of tacky!

 Now I can see the error of my ways and must confess that I like the jacket!

Now that the olympics are in full swing , I say "Right On Mitch! Grab your Olympic gear and cheer, cheer, cheer!"

Owie Has An Ouwie

Once upon a time, there was a little O Boy, but he wanted to be big. Sometimes he tried to do the things that the big boys did and that got him into trouble.

googley eyed snake by Lisa Kirtley

Little O Boy and big brother Willow climbed up on the life guard tower. Willow told little O Boy to jump off. Little O Boy obeyed. Down, down, down he fell, the whole 6 feet, to crash upon the cement base of the life guard tower.

"Ouwie," little O boy cried!

Where were little O boy's parents you ask. Gladly getting their camera for the cute picture that they wanted to take of little O boy and Big brother Will on the life guard tower.

awesome fire breathing dragon and knight by Mitchell

Little O boy chipped his calcaneus bone (the heel) and will be in a cast for two weeks.

But does a cast stop little O boy from being ready to fight the bad guys?

NO WAY!

Prepared to fight

Kung fu fighter stance

Lesson learned by Little O boys parents: Safety first, pictures later.