Tell Gomer We Said Happy Birthday.

Every year, sometimes starting in September, we receive emails, voicemails, oddly timed reminders -all of which are to announce that... April 13th is my Dad’s birthday. These reminders… come from him. The emails will have pictures of classic cars, Hershey candy bars and cash. It tells us to forward this to all our friends and put our money together and send any of the following. Then in a huge font is his address and phone number. Then an added note that reads:
“please no sweaters.”

And every year, we make this phone call…. (I speak for all 6 children when I write this.)

calling... ring ring

he picks up

Dad: Tucker Conley Birthday headquarters.

Kid: So Dad. The birthday’s comin up, what c-

(Interrupts)

Dad: a 1965 mustang convertible.
Kid: well-

(Interjecting again)

Dad: “Or any convertible. And a Hershey bar. With almonds.”

We laugh and yada yada and

Kid: so really. what can we get for –“
Dad: No really a convertible. That’s it. And some chocolate. Or a million dollars. And no model toy cars. That's cheating. Want to talk to your Mom? Diana!!!! (yelling for her while you haven’t even answered the question)
Mom: Hi honey. (but probably doesn’t even know which child it is yet.)
Dad: So Diana, the kids are getting me a 1959 Cadilliac convertible for my birthday. I can’t wait! (click)
Kid: Mom? You still there?
Mom: yes honey. He put down the phone and is doing something else now.

(sigh)

I want you all to know that never. Not ever. Has Tucker Conley ever answered this question using any other words. Never has he given a different answer. And while you start to plead with him that this be the year that you get a some other ideas, he passes the phone on to my Mom.

Kid: well I guess you know that we’re not getting him a Mustang or Cadillac convertible.
Mom: uh, yes. I wouldn’t worry about it. (not an ounce of frustration in her voice.)

Kid: Do you know what we could get for his birthday?
Mom: Well. Let’s see. (she’s thinking)…………. Oh I know! (Her voice crescendos as if it’s really the perfect idea). He could really use some socks!

Great idea Mom. Thanks for both your help.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Hello Again

What have I been doing in the place of writing smatchoos? Well...



I built a swing.
Not like it was hard or anything. Because I just told some boys to do it. I have great Home Teachers. And the board for the swing, was a Christmas gift in 1997 from my Dad. He made it so you can take it on and off the rope and has a hand painted poem, "The Swing" written on it that he also recites time to time. (swapping verses and lines with my Mom of course.)

We always had a really great swing growing up. Texas pine trees are perfect for them. But I did the best I could do with the trees we got here in Utah, outside my house.

Dad, Caroline, me and Marianna on our swing.

Also, I have started my bike project. I need to get this painted and ready for summer. I'll show you the finished project in a week or so. Its going from blue to buttterscotch yellow.

I'll be getting back to blogging soon. But just know that I've been having a great time. Lots of good posts to come.