Bob, the Vampiress and the Crazy Pumpkin Carver

Bruddr Revealed and I Missed Him

This morning Arian's Brudder was apparently visible and I couldn't see him. Intently in the car this morning, Arian pointed and exclaimed," Look mom! Look on that little mountain up there. My brother is there - do you see him up there?" He pointed to the same place and repeated himself 3 or 4 times.

Oh I tried so hard...I looked and looked and looked. Then Ari asked, " Can you roll my window down so I can say hi?" I went along - on the freeway and all, unrolled the window and my son yelled, " HI BRUDR!" Guess what? Brudr was too far away and couldn't hear Arian. ahhh. Then, he flew away with his skateboard in his very big pocket. If you are laughing right now, let me tell you what Arian would say, "IT'S NOT FUNNY, MOM!" I said, "I've just never seen a pocket big enough for a skateboard - I don't mean to laugh."

Chief

Here is Art Leo's Obituary, much of it covers what a sweet, fun man Art was but I have a few things to say too. I found it ironic that the 1st Rosary I ever attended was for Chief's memorial service. I don't know why Steve and Sia called him Chief - but they did, so I am using it here too, then again Duders Dad must have a unique name. The reason I found the Rosary so ironic was because it was so sorrowful, so full of guilt and such a contrast to Art. Art Leo embraced and celebrated life fully. He was vivacious, welcoming, loving and so much fun to be around. If he had a slogan it would be...JUST LIVE! Diane said to me, "Can you believe Chief, Gosh Darn him." I said, that's just what Chief would said - so Gosh Darn him!!! I feel lucky to have known Art, celebrated his 70th birthday, heard his jokes and to have hit the Casino and buffet in Laughlin with him and Kay.

Arthur Troseth Leo "Poppy" 1/14/1938 ~ 10/6/2008 Art Leo passed away peacefully in Bullhead City, Arizona, with his wife, Kay, and his son, Steve, by his side. He will be deeply missed.Art was born to Albert Leo and Josephine Pagano on January 14, 1938. He was raised in Helper, Utah, where everyone knew him as "Trossie." He loved Carbon County and always felt it was his home. He graduated from the University of Utah where he developed his avid love for the Runnin' Utes. In 1961, he married Nataleen Albo and they had five wonderful children. He later married Elaine Kay Curran, and they spent the last 26 years of his life together. They moved to Bullhead City, Arizona, in 1991, where he established a successful counseling business and hit more than his fair share of royal flushes at the casinos across the river. Early in his career, Art worked for the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. He later worked in sales, and even ran his own lumberyard business. But his passion was always helping people, and he spent the last three decades of his life counseling patients with alcohol and substance abuse problems. He was always willing to help others, and he spent many seasons coaching his kids' sports teams and lending a hand to those in need. More than anything else, Art will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. He was always the life of the party, whether he was telling stories and jokes, playing his guitar, or just sharing his love for life. Art is survived by his wife, Kay; his siblings, Alberta Liapis, Catherine Mueller, David Leo, Albert Leo, Robert Leo, and Kenny Leo; his five children, Steve (Tammy), Diane Kirkpatrick, Dave (Mindy), Jane Fullmer (Brett), and Jenny Tovar (Luigi); step-children Cory Curran and Sabrina Maxwell; 17 grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Poppy;" and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Nathan; and his brother-in-law, Pete Liapis. A memorial service will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Art's memory.

Oh Brudder 2.0

Ari: Where are you going mom? My brudder's work is the other way!

Me: We are going home.

Ari: No I need to go to my Brudders Work - I DON'T want to Go home!

Me: I am sorry, but we are going home - now stop.

Ari: Oh that's ok - I'll have my brudder pick me up - he is learning to drive.

Me: Come on let's go- give grandma and grandpa a kiss and let's go.

Ari: NO! I don't want to go! My brudder just got here!

Me: Well, he can come home with us. He can sit in sissy's car seat.

Ari: Uh NO he won't fit- his Tushy is REALLY big!

Mommy forgot her cell phone, purse, and Arian's clothes and SHOES. So grandma saved the day and bought Arian a pair of cowboy boots! Good thing too - Arian's brudder was riding his horse to grandma's that very afternoon.

I think AK might stand for Alex Keaton.

Me: Arian get over here - we need to get in the car! Now.

Ari: No!! And I like John McCain!

Me: Oh - well then I guess you won't be getting in my car.

6:30am Saturday!!!

Ari: Mom can I come in your bed?

Me: Ok - I guess it is morning. You have the perfect little clock inside you -you always know when it's morning.

Ari: Yep, see it's in my bellybutton!

October

October is my favorite time of year! I LOVE Autumn!!! Everybody gave me the perfect early birthday present. My mom and dad kept the kids all weekend, Sia planned a great bike trip to Moab, it rained and rained and rained (I love rain too). Rain is great except when you are planning to bike in Southern Utah all weekend. So we had the most perfect Staycation Ever!!! Siamak and I lived it up like when we were "young..er"! We went out for garlic burgers and beer at Cotton Bottom and watched a fun Independent film, "My Mexican Shiva". Although the 1st movie we saw together was totally mainstream -we have always enjoyed independent film going! Saturday we went on a gargantuan walk in the rain - it was awesome. Then we headed up the canyon to catch the leaves turning again -awesome!!! The Oyster Bar for great food and wine and feeling like grown-ups in the big city. Even SLC can feel like the big city every once and awhile. Then we went to see "Religulous"...made us laugh and laugh and laugh and even cry to say AMEN Bill Maher!!! I am happy to see the season change and celebrate the new year with a fantastic birthday celebration all weekend!! Thank you everybody!

Siamak: Look at all of these leaves Arian. First, nature makes them green, then in autumn nature turns some this beautiful yellow, and some red.

Arian: Nature sure does put on a lot of beautiful dresses.

Saturdays

Fall Saturdays used to mean scramble to soccer, be cold or hot and watch 30 girls run around the field, keep Arian entertained and worry if I was the treat or half time mom. AHHH I love our new Saturday mornings. Everyone is entertained, we are not hot or cold, and everyone is ready to eat by noon. Soccer workouts on week nights and gymastics on Saturdays is just so much better!