CHRISTINA TAYLOR / Scroll
Roger Jephson, a senior from Idaho Falls, takes time to read with his son, Ashton.

Holding down the fort

While the mothers are away, the fathers will play

Amber Meyers MEY04001@BYUI.EDU Special Sections Asst. Editor

Mothers’ Weekend; a weekend of relaxation and enjoyment for mothers and their children as they attend various events at BYU-Idaho. At home though, it’s another story.

All over the United States, fathers are left at home to care for the children not yet out of the house. It may be crazy as they “party like six-year-olds,” said John Jenkins, a father from Idaho Falls.

“I am going to sit at home, eat popcorn and watch videos,” Jenkins said. “There will also be a long list of honey-dos that I won’t get around to.”

Jenkins also jokingly mentioned a possible trip to Disneyland with the children left at home.

These weekend plans lead most fathers to agree they can’t take their wife’s place in taking care of the family, and they will miss her guidance.

“I will go to soccer games and stake conference, which is that same weekend,” said Blaine Soelberg, a father from Payette, Idaho. “I will miss good meals — really good meals and all the nice things mom does.”

“My brothers are 14 and 16, and pretty much can cook,” said Jennifer Gneiting, a junior from Parker, Colo. “He’ll just have to make sure the 16-year-old does his homework. They will probably eat Tortinos pizzas and cold cereal. My brothers will raid the freezer for the pizza, eat them all, and my dad will eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Ron Gneiting, Jennifer’s father, added to his sons menu by admitting they will probably eat macaroni and cheese mixed with pork ‘n’ beans.

“I will actually be in Colorado River that weekend for business obligations,” Ron said. “I am sure their mother will leave food in the freezer for them to eat.”

Jenkins said he will also miss out on the food, but most of all he will miss the structure.

“I can’t be anywhere on time with a six-year-old, but I am glad that my wife gets to go,” Jenkins said.

Even though mothers will be missed, most fathers agree it is a good chance for the mothers to relax and enjoy time with children they don’t get to see every day.

“She will be able to have a fun time at classes and workshops,” Soelberg said. “She will also be able to have a good time with her old friend who now works at the university.”

Jennifer’s mother will also be visiting her new granddaughter in Salt Lake City with Jennifer’s younger sister, who will stay there while her mother comes to Rexburg to visit Jennifer for Mothers’ Weekend.

“I just hope that she will have a good time [that weekend],” Ron said. “I know Jennifer is looking forward to it. It will be fun for them, I hope they enjoy their time together.”

Even so, many fathers wish they had the chance to go spend a weekend at BYU-I.

“It is going to be so much fun, I wish there was also a Fathers’ Weekend,” Jenkins said.