The Boy Who Refuses to Sing

The Boy Who Refuses to Sing

Curtis is not a fan of the limelight. When he was a Sunbeam, every kid had a part in the program. One by one, they walked to the microphone and said their line. Not Curtis. He walked up to the microphone, turned his back to the crowd, and said nothing. Then he sat...
Fair-Weather Fan in Unfair Weather

Fair-Weather Fan in Unfair Weather

Curtis is the epitome of a fair-weather fan. Curtis is the epitome of a fair-weather fan. (If his team starts losing, he’ll start cheering against them immediately.) And that’s when the weather itself is fair. Traci’s dad offered me his Utes tickets...
This is Halloween

This is Halloween

Another successful Halloween for the Sutherlands. Paige Halloween can be weird when you’re a seventh grader. Is it weird if you wear a costume to school? Is it weirder if you don’t? Is it cool to go trick or treating? Or is that totally lame? I’m not sure how much...
How far can I kick a football?

How far can I kick a football?

“High school kids suck at football,” Curtis said.  Apparently, now that he’s played one season of flag football, he’s an expert. His comment came after a kid missed a 35-yard field goal at the Dixie High game we went to last week. “I...
Hanging on to Summer

Hanging on to Summer

Fall is Utah is fantastic. But it’s fickle. It can stay warm until November or turn into winter in October. Spring is equally unpredictable. It can start in February or hide until May. Winter can be mild or heavy but it’s always depressing. Summer’s...