A Season of Singing

Tonight at the store, a freind commented on how nice the choir sounded for the Christmas program on Sunday. Since that was one of many compliments, I thought I should mention my complicity in the events of the season. The 2 wards of Lenexa and OP 2 combined their choirs and programs and sang in both wards on Sunday. I sang a solo of 'O Holy Night' (1 1/2 verses). Jordan Hale also sang a solo, a sextet sang a number and the primary children from our ward sang in our ward's meeting. There were about 60 people in the combined choirs and we had both organ and piano accompanists. Three of the songs involved congregational singing. Dennis Kinghorn led the combined choirs both times and I stood in when the choir accompanied his sextet piece.

As I've done solos, some people wonder how I can do it. To me it's all in realizing why I do the music and what the message is and who I'm singing to. I look directly at the audience one person at a time and try to present the music to them, phrased just so to make it touch them like it touches me. Other solos I've done this year include 'Danny Boy', 'O Thou Font of Every Blessing', 'O My Father' and 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief'. It's been a great blessing to share the gift of music.

Christmas at Grandma's House

My mother is brilliant. Every year she invites all the family that is in the area to her house for Christmas Eve at 6 pm. She serves boiled shrimp and goodies come from all of us and we read 'the Christmas Story', have a blessing and eat, talk and exchange family gifts. It gives Grandma an opportunity to see everyone and give out her presents to everyone without invading their special family day.

Her small house is stretched to the limit, but this year it was enhanced by a new sun-room in the back that is very well insulated and it took the overflow well. It was really comfortable.

It also gave photo-op a new life. I only put pictures up that looked presentable, so this is not everyone - sorry in advance to those left out.

Maria and Malorie shine with the new hat and scarf.

Genny and Dondi look fetching.

Drew and Drew, Jr. in a relaxed pose with Sabrina nearby.

Elena and Pete, and Farrah didn't make it.

But Johnnie Scott was there with his brother Isreal and Jessie.

Finally, Meagan and Tommie were there prior to Meagan going off to UT for pre-med schooling. We'll miss her.

White Christmas

Well, it really happened. We had a white Christmas. Most of the snow followed after rain and fog and lingered from Sunday through today to give us a white Christmas. This is the picture of the house even as the snow was beginning to melt away.

The lights were added on the Saturday before Christmas as the weather 'soared' to above 50 degrees, balmy enough to feel comfortable getting out on a ladder and hooking the lights to the gutters. The half price sale price the week before Christmas also helped push me over the edge. Another vindication of waiting to shop till the last moment.

Congratulations David

Marriage, that great institution is to be entered into again by my brother David and his fiance Julie Pickens. They will have the opportunity of turning the keys on eternity in the San Diego Temple on December 28th. I'm sorry that I won't be able to be there for the event, but I am pleased that both Debbie and myself have had ample opportunity to get to know Julie with our visits to San Diego.

On my last trip, I did a photo shoot just for the followers of this BlogSpot. I took this picture partially to prove that he really is going into this marriage with his eyes wide open!

Congratulations also on his final semester of medical school. When his final board tests are completed in February, he'll be able to practice all the disciplines he's studied. He has already been practicing for at least the last year. I know he's helped me out a lot.

Brilliant Crystal Days

One nice thing about the grey days of an ice storm is that it graduates to spendid days of crystalline wonder. Elena and I went out to capture the moments

This is Elena at the start of our adventure in wonderland.

Just looking through the trees in a different way can change the scene to marvelucci.

The nearby park had the most interesting photo-ops.

Even the grass was covered with the incessant rain from the days before

Elena decided to give her ice skating skills a try on the once safe sidewalk.

You can also see the effect of ice in the park. And if you listen closely, you can hear the crashing of ice.

Grey Days

These are the grey days of winter. Overcast, icy - even ice bound. School was cancelled today because of the ice storm. It rained while the ground temperature was 23 - 26 degrees last night, but it warmed up this morning to 32 and allowed the streets to be reasonably safe. Then it continued to rain most of the day, adding to the ice on the vegetation and threatening an evening of slippery conditions. It's supposed to warm up tomorrow, so we'll see ice falling from trees, wires and otherwise from the sky. Deb took this picture in the neighborhood of the trees.

On a sunny note - Our passports came, reminding us once again of our Anniversary trip to Mexico in January. Ole.

Thank God for Thanksgiving

Wow! What a feeling, to have family of generations come to our home. My Dad and Mom Scott were there and stayed the night in the guest room (see other blog entry for pictures of the room - call for rates!). There was a movie (Shrek III), games (Cranium and Catch Phrase), food that didn't end. Here's the pictures:

Let's go around the table -

Pete, Elena, Dad, Elaine, John, Israel, Farrah, Dondi, Dad (Mom was the photographer).

Carrie came with her 3 beautiful girls. You've seen them before.

Farrah's Beau, Bo wonders about Farrah as she tries to move ahead with Cranium, masterfully creating the image that will translate into victory.

Mom's trying her best at Cranium too.

This picture is just to prove that she was there, as if the pictures of the table didn't prove that.

Congratulations Mom on a feast well done, a home well presented and guests and family well attended to.

Somehow, she even got Dad to do some of the dishes. Thanks to all who brought pies, green bean cassaroles, crab and artichoke dips, bread, drinks, etc., etc.. Thanks to God for giving us families and friends to share this with. We missed so many of you who were elsewhere this Thanksgiving (A, B, C, G) and we're grateful that you were with others who love you and shared their Thanksgiving day.

Turkey Bowl 2007

Even changing wards did not get rid of the Thanksgiving day tradition of the 'Turkey Bowl'. (We're now part of the Overland Park 2nd Ward - another story). Wind nor sleet nor hail nor snow can stop the Kansas City tradition of the 'Turkey Bowl'. Once again this year, the aging Heisman Candidate - J.R. Scott was joined by Johnny Scott, the famous DJ/Musician. AND as a special plays player we were joined by Johnny's brother Israel Scott.

Here's Johnny calling the plays:

Notice Johnny with his famous trademark, the yellow bandan hanging over his left ear. His brother ready to defend the quarterback to the very end. You'll notice in the next clip, the end comes quickly.

On the other hand, our quarterback tries a pass and then goes right for a first down (passing the 1/2 way point in the field). You'll see Israel chasing him down in this clip.

Well, you've just been treated to the MFL (the Mormon Football league). No promotional fees were paid and no jocks were harmed in the production of this movie clip. MVF (Most Valuable Family) had a tie. 3 persons came from the Bishop's family (Bishop Fareter, his daughter and her husband) and 3 came from the Scotts, Jim, John and Israel.

Something Special for 25 Years

Some time ago, I realized that my wife's 25th Wedding anniversary was coming up. Our actual anniversary date is January 28th. We've been married a long time. I felt like it deserved a big splash. So off we go. I invited her to celebrate on the Royal Caribean Grandeur of the Seas cruise ship.

We will be formally celebrating on the 22nd while on our way from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, an island just off the Yucatan penninsula in Mexico. Our celebration will be during a formal dinner as we sail past Cuba.

I think this will be something special for us both. The ruins of Chichen-Itza await near Progreso, while the clear water will be calling in Cozumel.

It will be an exciting adventure, capping an already exciting adventure of 25 years. I couldn't ask for a better roomate on the ship or in this life.

I love you, Deb.

Fall colors

This is what Fall looks like, A beautiful time of year. A look at Thanksgiving of all the Wonderous colors of time.. it took alot of picture taking just for fun as the leaves in the trees transformed into vibrant colors. Here's my favorite!

A new addtion to the kitchen

I wanted to share a picture of the new addition to our kitchen. Our water hose broke from the refrigerator to the downstairs basement. We needed a new floor and were thinking of replacing it and here is what we put in which extends to the front entry way.

Adventures in Babysitting

Debbie and I were asked to give Carrie and her husband a weekend break from their 3 children. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jim became the parents of Eden(4), Haley(5) and Anna(7) from Saturday noon, until they reprieved us the next day after church. What a time! First step was getting the 2 car seats into the PT cruiser (they are really simple). Next, off to McDonalds. McDonalds is still a favorite (only now updated with chicken nuggets and chocolate milk). The prize was a moving bug from the 'Bee' movie.

Spinning was Eden and Haley's constant request. I've included video proof that even an FOM can spin tiny people (although I got dizzy quickly). Their dog, Jax, also wanted a piece of the action.

We were so thankful when bedtime came. We enjoyed the rule of 7:30 / 8:00 and 8:30 bedtimes. We were exhausted! Morning comes quickly. By 6:30, they were up again and the dog needed 'out'. Debbie made a great breakfast of french toast. They also munched cereal as they each got ready for church. I had to get a picture of them all together. Here's Deb and the girls before church.

Thank you for thinking of us Carrie and John.

Love to the kids,

Uncle Jim and Aunt Debbie.

New Blog on the Block

I'm the new Mom on the block, I have no idea how this is working or what I'm doing. I was just talking to my husband while he's in CA putting out fires! .. alot going out there.
We were just sharing our experiences and I had a few I told Jim about this weekend. I went into work last Friday, taking the last hard boiled egg to eat, in my new purse. I remembered the egg and went to take it out of my purse !!##$$% it wasn't hard boiled.. just a messy side pocket yoke and shells. Yuk! So I washed it out, which came out fine and dried out that lining. I thought I'd dry it in our store room where it's nice and warm. I dried it alright and toasted part of the bottom of my new purse and it cooked the leather. A lady who I just met that day said, I'd throw that away and I thought she's crazy it's leather and brand new, I'm not throwing it away.. cooked leather and all!
By the way next the garage door broke while Jim was away. I noticed as I was pulling out of the driveway that the door wasn't going down. I got out of the car and the track was just rolling and rolling. I pushed the remote button to stop it and decided to pull the garage door down, the emergency level wouldn't budge... so I ended up pulling down the door with a broom handle, being short and not able to reach and having nice clothes on because I was headed out to a reception, and wanted to get there somewhat early. I had to go back into the house, come out the front door and shut the garage from inside because Jim has the remote.

The night of the reception, Pete, my wonderful son-in-law, loaned me his coat because it was so cold. I was as toasty as a clam, then on their leaving I returned Pete's coat and realized after they'd been gone for a good few minutes, my keys were in Pete's coat pocket! I didn't have a cell phone on me, it was in the car. Thank goodness for friends who do. They loaned my their phone so I could call Elena and sure enough ....the keys were in the pocket. I had to call way out of the yard from the reception because they had a live band which was loud! ! On walking in the dark towards the neightbor's back yard corner to hear on the cell phone I stepped in dog dew.. I didn't notice until I drove to my friend's house after the reception for a visit. She gave me some free clothes from an employee of hers who buys really expsensive clothing. I now have three pairs of pants, a hooded jacket, and blue blouse to wear..
Now I have to figure out how to place this in the blog box. I know this is the blog box..

Indoor Soccer News

Whoooah!! A 1/2 time shut out last Wednesday, Oct. 17th. The old guy was hot. In the first half of our indoor soccer match, I kept the competition to 0 goals on around 7 to 10 attempts. I normally bat away 50-66 % but last Wednesday was a shutout (for the first half). The other person who plays goalie would not sub in for me, he said I was 'too hot' (he's 18). The game ended in a tie of 5 to 5, but we did not lose.

I've been playing for just over a year with an adult soccer team in the LOWEST division. I'm the oldest player by 10 years. The age group is 17 - 99. I'm the closest to the top end. I also have the whitest head, so as a distraction, I play goalie. Picture soccer players 24-35 firing missiles at me from short distances and you'll know how I feel as I defend the goal. I rarely go home without hurting somewhere. Hands are bent back un-naturally. Thumb jamb. Knee or elbow burn on artificial grass. Bent glasses from hi-inpact events. But, hey, it's fun. Out of 5 seasons, we've been in 2nd place once, next to last once, and last place all the other times.

My marvelous children

Having 7 children is a great experiment. It’s almost like a lottery. Will they turn out? Will they contribute well to society? Will they reflect well on their heritage?

I’ve been fortunate. Amber is a gifted leader with an adoring husband and a beautiful little girl. Ben is a hardworking builder and has a fine family of a boy and girl with a wonderful wife who seems to put up with him well. Claire is a treasure of analytical talent and understanding. She is also kind-hearted and loving and has made the best of her hardships. Dondi has been independent, and making it on her own, working hard and making friends wherever she goes. Elena has been a great contributor to Dad’s business. She manages a continual growing group of clients who depend upon her organizational talent to keep things straight. Her creativity and editing ability is much appreciated. Farrah has stepped out to work in an area she had never tried before. She’s always been an EXTREMEly reliable and valuable worker. She’s been a trainer of others for years. It’s good to see her succeed and good to see her with her sister. Genny is such a leader, and loves her niece. Genny is a devoted friend and a learner. She loves to read and analyze her world.

I love my children and have been thinking how exciting it is to see them succeed in their own worlds. I have definitely won the lottery.

Mormon Insights on 1 Cor: 1-6

Our Sunday school class had great insight for me this week. It was pointed out the details of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Even though it is designated 1 Corinthans, from the content, it becomes obvious that Paul had written them before and they had written back with questions that he was now answering. Among many topics, Paul talks of the Jews and of the Greeks - the one known for knowing the wisdom of God and the other for their analytical abilities - two ends of the spectrum of worldly thought. Paul states: 1 Cor 22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.



It's the same today. We preach of Jesus Christ, the literal son of God, His only begotton Son in the flesh, crucified, atoning for the sins of all the world, deliverer of salvation and the resurrection as a free gift for all, fulfilling the will of His Father and Our Father in Heaven. To the mass of christendom, we're heretical. To the mass of the learned, simply deluded.



Through the foolish (and simple) things of the world is the understanding of God made known. Approach Him and He can faithfully give you all the proof you need. I don't pretend to know all things, but I do know through the undeniable whisperings of the Holy Ghost, that the Lord has re-established His Church and Kingdom on the Earth once more with simple men chosen as prophets to help usher in His Millenial reign. I'm glad to have a small part in it. http://www.mormon.org/

New Guest Room in Dodge

Here's the new look to Genny's room as it has been transformed into a guest room by Farrah and her good buddy Bo.

Farrah came in over the Labor Day holiday and transformed the room from Friday into Saturday night, buying a few important items like lamps, drapes, hardware, wall nick nacks, end tables and also providing a sleep number double bed, that once was a gift to her.

Then she painted and made magic happen.



Thank you, Farrah and Bo.

Seen at Dad's 7th Birthday celebration. (for the 50th time!)

Grandkids in St. Louis

Debbie and I got the opportunity to see 2 of our adorable grandkiddies and our sweet daughter in law. Alexandria and Benny were a delight. It took Bennie a little to warm up, but he came around pretty quick. As you can see, they take great pictures.

McDonald's is 2 blocks away from their Uncle and Aunt's house where they stayed. It has a great playland area. Ben, Alex and their cousin kept busy while we watched. Alexandria kept busy teasing her brother.


There was also lunch at the house. Benny took full advantage of the Juice box.
His sister poses well for Grandma. Hi Grandma!

Debbie couldn't get a picture of Tara until I forced her to sweeten up my image.

We were so thankful to be able to see all you guys. Thanks for letting us interrupt your holiday, it was so wonderful.

We love you all.

Lenexa 100 part II

Here I am in my 1907 outfit with my 1907 beard. Call me Dr. Scott. I was so tired of the beard, it didn't make it through the evening. The spots on the coat and hat were from the incessant rain.

Lenexa 100 at dinner

Earlier this year, hundreds of people from over a dozen churches came together on May 5th for a celebration of faith in Lenexa. An old fashion revival camp meeting was held in the park under two tents. People of color populated the other tent. Some of the folks from our group, the Lenexa Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints went out to dinner the night before.

New to Blogging

With this new environment, I am just figuring out how to put in my picture.

This is me with Debbie, although Deb would not give her permission to show her in this photo. She had a total laughing face, which she viewed as 'not her best photo'.

We were in San Diego Aug 11 - 15th to celebrate David's graduation from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He graduated on Sunday, Aug 12th.

We were all there to see him cross the finish line. Debbie and I, Chris and Maria with Chase, Marissa, and Malorie, DeLynne, Mom and Catherine (DeLynne's good friend). Also Julie and her parents were there to cheer him on as well.

You'll notice David in his graduation uniform in the previous blog entry.

Blog Creation

After seeing with delight the Blog entries of my children and grand-children, I have decided that it would be good to make a Blog representing 1 generation closer to the grave (without actually being there!). David and I pledged to make a blog within 45 days. With this blog I'm 43 days early.

With this medium, I hope that those children, grand-children and friends who see the sun rise over Boston Harbor, the Potomac, and the Floridian lakes can join with those who gaze with awe the sunsets over Ocean beach, Puget Sound and Point Loma's Sunset cliffs.