Charlotte & Emma HauptWednesday, December 3, 2008
Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear Family,
Time really passes fast when you aren’t waiting for time to pass. Here we are another month. It is hard to believe that we are less than 60 days away from Martin Luther King’s birthday. Seems like we celebrated the last one just yesterday. I remember it well because the boys had the day off from school. One of many (too many).
Earlier this month several of us had the privilege of participating in the blessing of John Christiansen’s latest grandchild. Susan and Bob almost made it, but their GPS was on the blink that Sunday morning and they ended up at a different stake center. Bob stood in circle for the blessing of two babies before he realized his mistake. It was also good to see Kimber. She assured me that there was nothing to the rumor that she had gone underground, and that she might again start participating in the family newswire. Time will tell.
Bob and Susan hosted an outstanding Thanksgiving dinner at their home. The food was excellent, the “start serving” timing was tolerable, and the whole process took less than 90 minutes. I’ve probably said this before, but with such little time I have left, I can’t afford to waste a minute of it.
And talking about Thanksgiving dinner, I was touched By President Monson’s “First Presidency Message” in the December Ensign, I commend it to all of you. The part that really touched me is on the last page of the article which reads, “The adults ate first, and then the plates and cutlery were washed, and the children ate in shift.”
I thought my mother’s family was the only one that engaged in such torture. With my grandfather Lowe having two wives and 22 children, I had a lot of cousins, and so the kids were not only fed last, but in alphabetical order. I still hate those Belnap cousins. They would have two or three servings each, and by the time the Woodward kids were served, about all we had was the turkey wishbone, and wishing we were home---or better still, having never come.
If they only had Boston Markets in those days, my growing-up experiences with extended families might have been more pleasant.
Here’s wishing you all a pleasant, and on time, Christmas dinner.
Love, Dad
Time really passes fast when you aren’t waiting for time to pass. Here we are another month. It is hard to believe that we are less than 60 days away from Martin Luther King’s birthday. Seems like we celebrated the last one just yesterday. I remember it well because the boys had the day off from school. One of many (too many).
Earlier this month several of us had the privilege of participating in the blessing of John Christiansen’s latest grandchild. Susan and Bob almost made it, but their GPS was on the blink that Sunday morning and they ended up at a different stake center. Bob stood in circle for the blessing of two babies before he realized his mistake. It was also good to see Kimber. She assured me that there was nothing to the rumor that she had gone underground, and that she might again start participating in the family newswire. Time will tell.
Bob and Susan hosted an outstanding Thanksgiving dinner at their home. The food was excellent, the “start serving” timing was tolerable, and the whole process took less than 90 minutes. I’ve probably said this before, but with such little time I have left, I can’t afford to waste a minute of it.
And talking about Thanksgiving dinner, I was touched By President Monson’s “First Presidency Message” in the December Ensign, I commend it to all of you. The part that really touched me is on the last page of the article which reads, “The adults ate first, and then the plates and cutlery were washed, and the children ate in shift.”
I thought my mother’s family was the only one that engaged in such torture. With my grandfather Lowe having two wives and 22 children, I had a lot of cousins, and so the kids were not only fed last, but in alphabetical order. I still hate those Belnap cousins. They would have two or three servings each, and by the time the Woodward kids were served, about all we had was the turkey wishbone, and wishing we were home---or better still, having never come.
If they only had Boston Markets in those days, my growing-up experiences with extended families might have been more pleasant.
Here’s wishing you all a pleasant, and on time, Christmas dinner.
Love, Dad
Cannon, Aaron & Mindy & Family
So, uhhhhhhhhhhh, we bought a house.
We entered escrow in june and closed the 28th of October. I have never purchased a home before, but isn't that a bit long? Our purchase price is about 350k less than the tax appraisal for 2007. And the place was built in 07. Mindy's mom came down and we cleaned and taped and painted and moved all in one week. Quite a feat I would say. Poor Hannah was almost to the point were she didn't recognize us anymore.
Apparently we are the last two people in America to get a loan, and by two I mean one since it was just me on the application. I asked if I could include grandpa on the application but they said "No, we are not in the habit of loaning money to people who root for the Sacramento Kings. Thats called poor decision making." Thanks for nothing. When I told them I was a Laker fan they then said "Oh sure, here's the money. No please, don't worry about paying it back. Just send us some money when you have it. No No, we trust you. (You should be thinking Eddie Murphy and SNL.) I know I know, you are asking why in the world would anybody purchase a home knowing that their taxes are about to go through the roof thereby making their ability to continue to make mortgage payments nearly impossible? Ill tell ya....I have a plan. My previous plan was to work as hard as possible knowing that in America we reward hard work with success. I am officially up to 4 jobs (Prison, University of Phoenix, LDS Family Services, and I am working on a book with a friend). Silly me.
My new, and much better plan, is to quit all my jobs and let you fine people pay for our new house. Genius, no? Thank you in advance for your support. And no, I don't expect you to volunteer your money. My new friend Barak Hoover is going to take it from you and give it to me.
I know many of you were waiting anxiously to hear of our new address. Yes, we are west of the 5. Point Loma officially. I had requested a change of ward boundaries at the very least as that is the most certain way to get a new calling but my family overruled me. Jakob has been swimming in the pool every night for the last month. It's the end of November, isn't it? It can't possibly still be that warm. But it is.
Speaking of work, if you go to:
sometime within the next few weeks you will hear a radio show I did with a friend of mine who is a financial planner and has a weekly radio show. He asked me to come and speak about some of the Psychological principles related to wealth. It officially airs Sunday November 30th and will be posted a few weeks later.
Jakob was the "Most improved student" for his school for October. His handwriting is starting to look less like mine and more like humans. I think that was the basis for the award. Hannah is fearless. I know most babies are fearless but this one is much more fearless than her big brother. This has me a bit worried.
Mindy is enjoying turning her new house into a home. And I am killing myself trying to pay for this fiasco.
xoxo
Hannah Jakob Mindy and Me
Daul, Rob & Wendy & Family
Well, I haven't written in over a year - really has it been over a year? Hmmmm, maybe not quite that long but long enough! Yes, Aunt Wendy is still alive and kicking - barely. 41 has been easier for me to accept than 40 was - mainly because people are sweet and tell me I don't look 40 yet. Those people have only seen me at night or in a poor-lighted area, however. The double chin that I inherited kills it for me - no matter how small I get it always hangs there, like a turkey's waddle-thingy on it's chin - what are those thingamajigs called again? 10 points to the first person to email me with the answer - and I promise that I won't fix it so my Mommy wins by default. *clears throat* Right there, Splaaron??
Speaking of Splaaron - I understand congratulations are due to Adam & Erica, Aaron & Mindy, Torrie & Levi, Todd & Sarah - anyone else pop out a kid in 2008? If I didn't mention you and you had a little one this year - I apologize. I can barely keep track of my own children.
OK, enough about everyone else. Let's get back to me. Me me me beautiful me. I had a lithotripsy in August and thought I was done with the kidney stones this time around - until I had to drive myself to the ER about 2 weeks later. My urologist, Dr. Roger Low (no relation to us), tells me that the “lithotripsy was not as successful as we had hoped.” I still had a 6mm fragment in my kidney they had missed. So they put me on Flomax - yes, my prostate was hurting - and scheduled me for a stent insertion/lithotripsy for one month later. By the morning of my surgery I had passed the stone but they still put me under and “explored.”
I DO however finally have a Dx and a name for the condition I have that causes me stones almost every 2-3 years. I've been told I have Renal Tubular Acidosis and take 6 Uricet-K every day now. They are salty-tasting HUMONGOUS pills and sure fill up my tummy. It could be hereditary so If you wanna learn more about RTA, check out this site:
Speaking of Splaaron - I understand congratulations are due to Adam & Erica, Aaron & Mindy, Torrie & Levi, Todd & Sarah - anyone else pop out a kid in 2008? If I didn't mention you and you had a little one this year - I apologize. I can barely keep track of my own children.
OK, enough about everyone else. Let's get back to me. Me me me beautiful me. I had a lithotripsy in August and thought I was done with the kidney stones this time around - until I had to drive myself to the ER about 2 weeks later. My urologist, Dr. Roger Low (no relation to us), tells me that the “lithotripsy was not as successful as we had hoped.” I still had a 6mm fragment in my kidney they had missed. So they put me on Flomax - yes, my prostate was hurting - and scheduled me for a stent insertion/lithotripsy for one month later. By the morning of my surgery I had passed the stone but they still put me under and “explored.”
I DO however finally have a Dx and a name for the condition I have that causes me stones almost every 2-3 years. I've been told I have Renal Tubular Acidosis and take 6 Uricet-K every day now. They are salty-tasting HUMONGOUS pills and sure fill up my tummy. It could be hereditary so If you wanna learn more about RTA, check out this site:
I must be checked regularly now to catch early kidney failure - may happen, may not. Good luck in me finding regular medical benefits aside from Medi-Cal now - “pre-existing condition” and all. Actually, on second thought, forget I mentioned anything about it - if anyone asks, you know nothing!
Robert and Stephanie are doing just fine. It is hard for me to watch the Doo grow up - next year she may start Kindergarten, but I will see how she is socially - remember how Splaaron had “Pre-Kindergarten”? May be a solution for the Doo - right now she is sooooo antagonistic to her playmates “Neener neener neener - I am a winner and you are a loser. *points at self* Winner! *points at me* Looooooser!” And she tortures our poor cats. Vixxi has finally learned it is better to just drop to the floor when the Doo grabs her tail. Tigger isn't so bright - pray for him, please. Actually, pray for us all. When she is a good girl she is a very sweet, loving good girl, but when she's bad - she WILL be my penance to pay for the ill-behavior of my teenage years.
Well, this is much longer than I attended it to be and I apologize. I'll try to be better about writing monthly more often. LOVE to you ALL, and may we ALL have a fantastic Christmas holiday this year.
Wendy, Rob and Stephanie - The Daul Family
Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
This is our November in a nutshell:
Week one –sick
Week two- sick
Week three- had a birthday, bought a car, (I am in the last year of my mid twenties! )
Week four- barely sick, trying desperately to get over it….
The flu bug is on its way out hopefully taking the cold bug by the hand. We got out for a few hours on turkey day to have dinner with some of the families from the ward. I refuse to shop on black Friday so we just hung out and watched movies. Levi had from Wednesday through the weekend off, which was a rare treat. I am sure Emma will be going through major withdrawals come Monday morning. We are headed to Oregon this year for Christmas and hope that we can make it out and back through the inevitable snow okay. Charlotte has started to smile and coo a lot this past month and with everyday she is more interactive. Time is short before she and Emma will be partners in crime and I will seriously be outnumbered. Hope all is well with the rest of you and that you enjoy this holiday season.
Much love,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie & Levi
The car is my birthday present and insurance against going crazy being shut up with two kids during the winter.
Week one –sick
Week two- sick
Week three- had a birthday, bought a car, (I am in the last year of my mid twenties! )
Week four- barely sick, trying desperately to get over it….
The flu bug is on its way out hopefully taking the cold bug by the hand. We got out for a few hours on turkey day to have dinner with some of the families from the ward. I refuse to shop on black Friday so we just hung out and watched movies. Levi had from Wednesday through the weekend off, which was a rare treat. I am sure Emma will be going through major withdrawals come Monday morning. We are headed to Oregon this year for Christmas and hope that we can make it out and back through the inevitable snow okay. Charlotte has started to smile and coo a lot this past month and with everyday she is more interactive. Time is short before she and Emma will be partners in crime and I will seriously be outnumbered. Hope all is well with the rest of you and that you enjoy this holiday season.
Much love,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie & Levi
The car is my birthday present and insurance against going crazy being shut up with two kids during the winter.
This picture of the girls is classic, Emma looking guilty and Charlotte looking constipated (see Picture of the Month).
McClintock, Robert & Susan
December is here again!
Uncle Bob continued to take pictures of the local Sacramento City football games, even traveling with them to away games. He was also commissioned for a wedding during November. Aunt Susan participated in the Stake Fall Concert that took place at the beginning of the month. Grandma Anna is developing a routine of visiting her house on the weekends and attending her ward with the help of her Home Teacher, Mark Stewart. As you can see the McClintocks live quiet lives.
Thanksgiving dinner this year was enjoyed in a cozy setting. Since the resettlement of the Sacramento Family Hostess, Kristy, family gatherings have to be carefully analyzed. Grandpa has the larger dining facility but no banquet cook. Susan has the "on site" cook but not a large dining facility. It was decided to let the Todd & Sarah contingent of the family have a "first" Thanksgiving with their new little daughter in the familiar surroundings of their quiet Welton home. The other members of the Sacramento family got cozy at Susan's house. When dinner was over Grandpa was able to time his departure to a quieter location just as the last crumb of his dessert plate disappeared.
It should be noted that Grandpa baked a scrumptious pumpkin pie, Wendy helped with cooking the turkey, dressing, and cake dessert for the non-pie eaters, while Grandma Anna set a very, very beautiful table. Also of note is the fine development of Zack and Josh. When each member of the family was asked to share something they were thankful for this year, Zack and Josh spoke without hesitation and with eloquence. As long as the local family numbers do not exceed ten, holidays will see a future at Susan's house. (Oh, Kristy your expertise and facility size is certainly missed!) Family gatherings where numbers exceed ten will be planned for warmer days when all can gather in the backyard. Susan now has some inkling of what Thanksgiving is like on a submarine. (It is a good thing everyone gets along.)
We hope your Thanksgiving was the best yet! We pray for every member of this family and we specifically pray that during this time of economic uncertainty that each and every one of the family members will receive strength from our Father above and recognize His hand and blessings in their lives.
Love,
The McClintocks
Uncle Bob continued to take pictures of the local Sacramento City football games, even traveling with them to away games. He was also commissioned for a wedding during November. Aunt Susan participated in the Stake Fall Concert that took place at the beginning of the month. Grandma Anna is developing a routine of visiting her house on the weekends and attending her ward with the help of her Home Teacher, Mark Stewart. As you can see the McClintocks live quiet lives.
Thanksgiving dinner this year was enjoyed in a cozy setting. Since the resettlement of the Sacramento Family Hostess, Kristy, family gatherings have to be carefully analyzed. Grandpa has the larger dining facility but no banquet cook. Susan has the "on site" cook but not a large dining facility. It was decided to let the Todd & Sarah contingent of the family have a "first" Thanksgiving with their new little daughter in the familiar surroundings of their quiet Welton home. The other members of the Sacramento family got cozy at Susan's house. When dinner was over Grandpa was able to time his departure to a quieter location just as the last crumb of his dessert plate disappeared.
It should be noted that Grandpa baked a scrumptious pumpkin pie, Wendy helped with cooking the turkey, dressing, and cake dessert for the non-pie eaters, while Grandma Anna set a very, very beautiful table. Also of note is the fine development of Zack and Josh. When each member of the family was asked to share something they were thankful for this year, Zack and Josh spoke without hesitation and with eloquence. As long as the local family numbers do not exceed ten, holidays will see a future at Susan's house. (Oh, Kristy your expertise and facility size is certainly missed!) Family gatherings where numbers exceed ten will be planned for warmer days when all can gather in the backyard. Susan now has some inkling of what Thanksgiving is like on a submarine. (It is a good thing everyone gets along.)
We hope your Thanksgiving was the best yet! We pray for every member of this family and we specifically pray that during this time of economic uncertainty that each and every one of the family members will receive strength from our Father above and recognize His hand and blessings in their lives.
Love,
The McClintocks
Scott, Carlon & Kimber & Family
Although I am still waiting for something interesting to happen in my life, I am writing you none the less. Although not necessarily good news, it is news. Carlon and I finally found out what we are going to have to do to have another child. . . .IVF. So once I can fork out, at least $12,000. We can get pregnant again. The doctor said that either Mimi was a miracle or something has drastically changed since 4 years ago. So those of you who are conceiving children (on purpose or by accident) for free, by greatful. At least when your children are teenagers you won't have to wonder why you paid $12,000 to have them. We are still trying to get things going with our house in Alta Dena. The contractor is finally available, but now we will see if the economy will afford us the ability to use him.
My dad and I also had an enjoyable time in Sacramento for the baby blessing of Kaitlyn, Todd and Sarahs' baby. We also had Emily and Justin over for Thanksgiving to stuff ourselves, which is always fun- oh, how I love "cheat days." Aaron and Mindy opted out of joining us, for fear that the Prop 8 protestors would get them (the cowards.)
Hope all is well, Merry Christmas to all.
Love, Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
My dad and I also had an enjoyable time in Sacramento for the baby blessing of Kaitlyn, Todd and Sarahs' baby. We also had Emily and Justin over for Thanksgiving to stuff ourselves, which is always fun- oh, how I love "cheat days." Aaron and Mindy opted out of joining us, for fear that the Prop 8 protestors would get them (the cowards.)
Hope all is well, Merry Christmas to all.
Love, Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
We are happy to offer a favorable report from the Woodward home for this past month. We started the past 30-day snippet of the year by having our stake day in the Denver Temple. This was followed by our stake conference which included a Sunday broadcast involving all stakes in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. We thought of the Slades to the north. President Eyring presided at the Sunday session. We had a weekend visit to our area by Elder Charles W. Dahlquist (YM General President of the Church). Tammy and I spent a Saturday with our Area Seventy Elder Funk and his wife, along with the other 9 stake presidents in our mission and their wives. We attended a wonderful Temple President’s fireside featuring the Colorado Mormon Chorale. As a family, we took in the biennial BYU-Air Force football game at the Academy. We attended a BYU football team fireside which was held at a neighboring stake center on the night prior to the game. It was good to meet coach Bronco Mendenhall and his family.
Two weeks ago a gentleman who was one of the Air Force’s highest ranking chaplains, prior to his retirement, was baptized. He had been taking the missionary lessons for about 3 years. I had the chance to participate in his confirmation the day following his baptism. And over the six month period ending November 30, I’ve had the chance to set apart 21 missionaries and release 9. We have 4 more scheduled to be set apart in the next couple of weeks.
Two weeks ago a gentleman who was one of the Air Force’s highest ranking chaplains, prior to his retirement, was baptized. He had been taking the missionary lessons for about 3 years. I had the chance to participate in his confirmation the day following his baptism. And over the six month period ending November 30, I’ve had the chance to set apart 21 missionaries and release 9. We have 4 more scheduled to be set apart in the next couple of weeks.
We have a good number of military families living in our stake. Many of these husbands and fathers have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and will be there over the holidays.
We enjoyed the privilege of having Ryan and Alexis here for Thanksgiving. We all spent Thursday afternoon and evening at the home of some dear friends in the ward. Alexis celebrated the long-awaited removal of her braces. She says she now feels like an adult.
May each of you enjoy this Christmas season that is fast approaching.
Much love,
The Woodwards
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear Family,
October was a good month, but then any month for me is a good month if at the end I am still breathing.
I was extremely disappointed with the outcome of the World Series. Kevin finally won our long-standing milk shake bet on the outcome, the first time in several years. And Aaron's beloved Dallas Cowboys probably couldn't beat Rio Americano high school this year, of which I'm very pleased, and which incidentally, for you Rio alumni, upset the pride of Carmichael, Del Campo high school the other evening. Rio was so surprised they wanted a replay to see if the outcome might be different.
We are now into almost two and a half months of the school year, and as usual I'm impressed with the amount of time spent by both boys' schools in non-learning activities, such as creating a wax museum, and spending afternoons with a kindergarten buddy. Whatever happened to the reading, writing and arithmetic concept of learning of earlier days? But I guess that is only to be expected with Kristy bailing out the "so called" learning profession.
As you can tell by now, there has been a paucity of activity in our home worthy of reporting this past month, but with the coming of the holiday season the future prospects look much brighter.
Love, Dad
October was a good month, but then any month for me is a good month if at the end I am still breathing.
I was extremely disappointed with the outcome of the World Series. Kevin finally won our long-standing milk shake bet on the outcome, the first time in several years. And Aaron's beloved Dallas Cowboys probably couldn't beat Rio Americano high school this year, of which I'm very pleased, and which incidentally, for you Rio alumni, upset the pride of Carmichael, Del Campo high school the other evening. Rio was so surprised they wanted a replay to see if the outcome might be different.
We are now into almost two and a half months of the school year, and as usual I'm impressed with the amount of time spent by both boys' schools in non-learning activities, such as creating a wax museum, and spending afternoons with a kindergarten buddy. Whatever happened to the reading, writing and arithmetic concept of learning of earlier days? But I guess that is only to be expected with Kristy bailing out the "so called" learning profession.
As you can tell by now, there has been a paucity of activity in our home worthy of reporting this past month, but with the coming of the holiday season the future prospects look much brighter.
Love, Dad
Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
This past month has settled down only slightly…. We made it safely here to New York. We had a great time with my mom for the first part of the month. By the tenth Grandma had gone home and I was on my own in a new apartment, with two kids, and a husband with an actual work schedule. I am trying not to get overwhelmed and to take it a little at a time. We have enjoyed going to our new ward and getting to know the area. It’s been beautiful, there is nothing like a East Coast autumn, however, the leaves are fading and winter is on its way.
We also celebrated Levi’s 27th birthday, the girls and I made a dinner and cake and the girls helped Levi blow out the candles. After the candles were blown out they posed with Emma’s patented “ smile . “ Emma had a blast being “Captain Hook” for Halloween, she scored big time bringing home a completely full pumpkin of candy.
Levi has enjoyed the job thus far, although it’s been an adjustment for both of us since he can’t tell me anything about what he is doing, for all I know he leaves for work and meets up with other engineers to play video games all day… Charlotte has been growing and changes by the day.
She is over 6 weeks old now and has an opinion all her own. It’s been so fun to see the sisters interact, Emma is quite the one woman show and charlotte is her captive audience. We should be able to report more fun stuff next month, since we have double the source of entertainment. We hope the holidays treat you all well and can’t wait to read your reports.
Love,
Levi and the girls
She is over 6 weeks old now and has an opinion all her own. It’s been so fun to see the sisters interact, Emma is quite the one woman show and charlotte is her captive audience. We should be able to report more fun stuff next month, since we have double the source of entertainment. We hope the holidays treat you all well and can’t wait to read your reports.
Love,
Levi and the girls
McClintock, Robert & Susan
Happy November, Family.
Another quiet month for the McClintock's. Anna is well. Bob is well. Susan is well. Uncle Bob took several hundred Football pictures, Anna worked on her life story and Susan stood for Proposition 8, the Definition of Marriage initiative. In fact Susan spent one Saturday afternoon in the rain holding Prop 8 signs along with 2000 other people lined along a five mile stretch in Sacramento County. Quite an experience to be applauded and insulted in rotating and successive order during that afternoon.
We hope the rest of you are well and families are growing and progressing and happy.
Love,
The McClintocks
Another quiet month for the McClintock's. Anna is well. Bob is well. Susan is well. Uncle Bob took several hundred Football pictures, Anna worked on her life story and Susan stood for Proposition 8, the Definition of Marriage initiative. In fact Susan spent one Saturday afternoon in the rain holding Prop 8 signs along with 2000 other people lined along a five mile stretch in Sacramento County. Quite an experience to be applauded and insulted in rotating and successive order during that afternoon.
We hope the rest of you are well and families are growing and progressing and happy.
Love,
The McClintocks
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
Dear Family,
We have had a very difficult month. On Mom and Carol's birthday we found out that Cesar was laid off from his job. He worked for CIT, a financial institution. They have been hurt by the economy and have been laying people off by the hundreds over the past two months. Well, on the 22nd Cesar, along with 40 other people, was called in to a "meeting" and told their jobs were being outsourced to India. This is Cesar's 3rd job to be outsourced to India. When will our country figure out that we are sending too many good jobs overseas!!!!
I am student teaching until mid-December so I cannot even work. We are looking here in NJ, NY, and CA for jobs. We would be willing to move again only if it will take us home. If anyone sees anything that looks good please shoot us an email. Cesar is a systems engineer.
We are enjoying the beautiful fall that the East Coast brings. Halloween was absolutely a beautiful day and we really had fun. Jilina told us this year she "was NOT going to be a princess again." She was thrilled to be SpongeBob.
We hope all is well with the family and we hope Todd and Sarah had a wonderful blessing for Katelyn.
With love,
The Merciers
We have had a very difficult month. On Mom and Carol's birthday we found out that Cesar was laid off from his job. He worked for CIT, a financial institution. They have been hurt by the economy and have been laying people off by the hundreds over the past two months. Well, on the 22nd Cesar, along with 40 other people, was called in to a "meeting" and told their jobs were being outsourced to India. This is Cesar's 3rd job to be outsourced to India. When will our country figure out that we are sending too many good jobs overseas!!!!
I am student teaching until mid-December so I cannot even work. We are looking here in NJ, NY, and CA for jobs. We would be willing to move again only if it will take us home. If anyone sees anything that looks good please shoot us an email. Cesar is a systems engineer.
We are enjoying the beautiful fall that the East Coast brings. Halloween was absolutely a beautiful day and we really had fun. Jilina told us this year she "was NOT going to be a princess again." She was thrilled to be SpongeBob.
We hope all is well with the family and we hope Todd and Sarah had a wonderful blessing for Katelyn.
With love,
The Merciers
Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
The Wilcox family is doing well. Not much to update. Halloween was fun! Alexis went as Hannah Montana and Brenton was a bat.
We got way too much candy, and my kids barely even care. I don't know where they came from. All I know is that I have to hide the candy from me!
Happy Holidays to come!
Tracy
Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
This past month, we effectively crisscrossed the lower 48. Tammy spent the first 10 days of the month in Saratoga Springs, New York with Torrie, Levi, Emma and Charlotte as they were getting settled into their new home and surroundings. Tammy was impressed by the color and the abundance of trees and lakes. She loved the small-town feel of Saratoga Springs. She was even impressed by the ease and efficiency of the nearby Albany airport. She had a wonderful time. Yet in due course, she had to say good-bye to the Haupt family and set out for California, with a brief overnight stop in Provo with Alexis and Ryan.
As Tammy was traveling to California, I set out to intercept her. We arrived about the same time at LAX, picked up a car, and traveled north to Palmdale. I had a week long business trip scheduled at the same location I had worked at for many years. Tammy’s brothers and sisters also came to Palmdale from various parts of the country. We met together and went to visit Tammy’s mother Mable. For several years now, Mable has been slowly suffering from dementia. Recently she also experienced a small stroke. She is currently residing in a private home where she can receive full-time professional attention. It was good to have all of Mable’s children there to be with her. She seemed very pleased and surprised to see everyone. We also had the chance to visit with dear friends in Palmdale, and to attend our old ward. At week’s end, we returned to Colorado Springs.
Later in the month, I traveled to Orlando for a week to attend an annual corporate symposium. The symposium went well. However, the weather was a different story. As beautiful as Florida is, it was warmer in Colorado during the period I was gone. In fact, it has been quite the Indian summer in Colorado this year. Although we had an overnight snowfall in mid October, it has been consistently clear with highs in the 70s. The fall colors here have been fabulous.
As Tammy was traveling to California, I set out to intercept her. We arrived about the same time at LAX, picked up a car, and traveled north to Palmdale. I had a week long business trip scheduled at the same location I had worked at for many years. Tammy’s brothers and sisters also came to Palmdale from various parts of the country. We met together and went to visit Tammy’s mother Mable. For several years now, Mable has been slowly suffering from dementia. Recently she also experienced a small stroke. She is currently residing in a private home where she can receive full-time professional attention. It was good to have all of Mable’s children there to be with her. She seemed very pleased and surprised to see everyone. We also had the chance to visit with dear friends in Palmdale, and to attend our old ward. At week’s end, we returned to Colorado Springs.
Later in the month, I traveled to Orlando for a week to attend an annual corporate symposium. The symposium went well. However, the weather was a different story. As beautiful as Florida is, it was warmer in Colorado during the period I was gone. In fact, it has been quite the Indian summer in Colorado this year. Although we had an overnight snowfall in mid October, it has been consistently clear with highs in the 70s. The fall colors here have been fabulous.
Arianna is getting closer to finishing her year of cosmetology school. She is now down to the final weeks. Once she finishes, she will then take her state boards. That will take her into the early part of next year. She has been accepted and plans to start school in May at BYU. In the meantime, she plans to take some BYU online courses here at home and work during the months prior to her departure to Provo.
Eternal hope can bring about amazing outcomes as evidenced by the Phillies’ World Series win. I guess I was fortunate to eke out a baseball draw with Grandpa for the year.
Much love,
The Woodwards
Friday, October 3, 2008
Executive Office of Ken Woodward
September was a quiet month. Joshua and Zachari are well into the school routine, with the usual homework and school lunches that I prepare seven days a week. I have prepared the same lunch for them every day for at least the past three years, even to the direction that I cut their sandwich. One insists on a straight cut, the other insists on a diagonal. They abhor any change in routine in their lives.
I’ve been worried whether Aaron closed the deal on his house, and whether the real estate “el crasho” has forced him to relocate east of I-5. Come to think about it, being the cheapo that he is, he is probably part of the problem. But then I don’t know much about ARM mortgages and Dow Jones Average. Until recently I thought Fanny Mae was one of Aaron’s Fresno girl friends of the past.
I appreciated the visit of Kevin and Kristy, who fortunately were here at the same time. And especially having Todd and Sarah bring the new great granddaughter over to the house so I could see her. I was so impressed that I have made a picture of her the wallpaper on my computer. Take a look.
I’ve been worried whether Aaron closed the deal on his house, and whether the real estate “el crasho” has forced him to relocate east of I-5. Come to think about it, being the cheapo that he is, he is probably part of the problem. But then I don’t know much about ARM mortgages and Dow Jones Average. Until recently I thought Fanny Mae was one of Aaron’s Fresno girl friends of the past.
I appreciated the visit of Kevin and Kristy, who fortunately were here at the same time. And especially having Todd and Sarah bring the new great granddaughter over to the house so I could see her. I was so impressed that I have made a picture of her the wallpaper on my computer. Take a look.
Anyone heard from Carol in the last several weeks?
With the arrival of the fall season, I’m beginning to get excited about the upcoming holiday dinners that has always been such an important part of my life. If any of you want to join me at Boston Market for Thanksgiving dinner we’ll need to get our reservations in early. Love, Dad
With the arrival of the fall season, I’m beginning to get excited about the upcoming holiday dinners that has always been such an important part of my life. If any of you want to join me at Boston Market for Thanksgiving dinner we’ll need to get our reservations in early. Love, Dad
Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Not much to report. School is going well for Maja. Annika is taking advantage of her big sister being gone during the day by destroying all of Maja's toys. Ava sleeps pretty good during the night. She wakes up only a couple of times to feed. We blessed Ava last Sunday. Maja received an award at school. "citizenship" apparently, she is a good kid. Who knew?
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava.
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava.
Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
WHAT A CRAZY MONTH!!! I have never been so busy in my life. When it rains it pours! Levi was scheduled to defend his thesis on September 17th, two weeks before we had a flight scheduled to move us to NY. I was scheduled to have a c-section on the 23rd just in case the baby didn't come on her own. In trying to have a blessing that a good portion of our families could possibly attend, we decided to have Charlotte blessed on September 28th, a mere two days before our flight and 5 days after my scheduled c-section. Thinking that I was absolutely crazy trying to get all that done in one week, I begged the doctors to c-section me a week earlier, on September 17th. Yes, that's right our sweet Charlotte came on the day Levi was scheduled to defend his thesis. Luckily good ol' BYU was okay with Levi re-scheduling and he has successfully defended. I had had a c-section with Emma and Charlotte was not descending on her own so the c-section was written in the stars. Everything went really well, the extra week that I was given to recover has made all the difference. And now when I want to have kids I get to schedule them, no doctor is going to allow me to have a normal delivery after two c-sections, oh well, longer recovery time. But that's enough about me, Charlotte is such a sweet baby! She is eating pretty well and seems to go pretty well with the crazy flow of our family. My mom has been a huge help and it was a blast to have her and Arianna visit before we moved. The move has gone pretty well and we are enjoying our first few days on the east coast. The best part about this month, besides the healthy baby, is how incredible Emma is handling all the changes around her. She is so sweet and gentle and is being so obedient. I just love our sweet girls. I hope to have just fun stories to report and not too much drama, but we shall see….. Until next month.
Love
Emma, Charlotte, Levi & Torrie
McClintock, Robert & Susan
Is it true, has September come and gone already? It appears it has and with very little to show for it at the McClintocks.
For those who would know her, Evelyn Green passed away peacefully on Saturday Sept 20th. She was in good health until about 10 months ago when congestive heart failure became apparent. One of her most joyful times during the past 10 months was getting a portable oxygen tank so that she could come to Sacrament meeting. (Never, never take anything for granted.) I guess Corene has her choir pal back with her now.
Uncle Bob has been and will be keeping pace with the Sacramento City Community College Panthers during football season. Uncle Bob takes pictures during their games and then posts them up on smugmug.com. He has several galleries and lots of great pictures. (http://creativ-eservices.smugmug.com/)
Susan is participating in the Carmichael Stake Fall Concert. Grandma Anna continues writing her life story. And that is pretty much it.
We include pictures taken at the Christiansen/Bos reception. The Bos children are just as enthusiastic as their dad about jam sessions. Unfortunately the photographer didn't anticipate the impromtu Bos concert and didn't get any pictures of the Bos family "jammin". It would have made quite a shot.
For those who would know her, Evelyn Green passed away peacefully on Saturday Sept 20th. She was in good health until about 10 months ago when congestive heart failure became apparent. One of her most joyful times during the past 10 months was getting a portable oxygen tank so that she could come to Sacrament meeting. (Never, never take anything for granted.) I guess Corene has her choir pal back with her now.
Uncle Bob has been and will be keeping pace with the Sacramento City Community College Panthers during football season. Uncle Bob takes pictures during their games and then posts them up on smugmug.com. He has several galleries and lots of great pictures. (http://creativ-eservices.smugmug.com/)
Susan is participating in the Carmichael Stake Fall Concert. Grandma Anna continues writing her life story. And that is pretty much it.
We include pictures taken at the Christiansen/Bos reception. The Bos children are just as enthusiastic as their dad about jam sessions. Unfortunately the photographer didn't anticipate the impromtu Bos concert and didn't get any pictures of the Bos family "jammin". It would have made quite a shot.
Happy Autumn Family!
The McClintocks
The McClintocks
Westover, Mel & Carol
We have had a busy month. School always keeps me very busy. I have an interesting class this year. As usual, I have some very needy students. This class will keep me on my toes!! Mel is still building houses, although it has slowed down some. The economic news doesn't look very good. I guess the prophet has been warning us for quite a while. Hopefully, we have been paying attention.
Mel and I went to Detroit for a convention on September 12. We flew out of L.A.X. on September 11. (911) I have never seen so many police in one area. They were very very visible. Detroit was an interesting place. You can say that you would not see any foreign cars there. Where we were staying, they had futuristic concept cars. VERY INTERESTING. The hotel (Marriotts) was enormous. We were on the 56th floor. This place was awesome. It was totally self-contained. To get to the convention, we just took a (people mover) trolly/tram . This went all over the city, so we could go where ever we wanted to go.
Last Sunday we were in Los Angeles at little Ava Cannon's blessing. She had quite a group there to celebrate this special day. She just mainly slept through it. What a beautiful baby. We are so happy to add her to our family.
Cassie also was here last weekend to go to her 10 year class reunion. I will let her talk about that.
Hope everyone has a great month.
Carol and Mel
Mel and I went to Detroit for a convention on September 12. We flew out of L.A.X. on September 11. (911) I have never seen so many police in one area. They were very very visible. Detroit was an interesting place. You can say that you would not see any foreign cars there. Where we were staying, they had futuristic concept cars. VERY INTERESTING. The hotel (Marriotts) was enormous. We were on the 56th floor. This place was awesome. It was totally self-contained. To get to the convention, we just took a (people mover) trolly/tram . This went all over the city, so we could go where ever we wanted to go.
Last Sunday we were in Los Angeles at little Ava Cannon's blessing. She had quite a group there to celebrate this special day. She just mainly slept through it. What a beautiful baby. We are so happy to add her to our family.
Cassie also was here last weekend to go to her 10 year class reunion. I will let her talk about that.
Hope everyone has a great month.
Carol and Mel
Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Well, this past month marked 120 days that I have been on the job with the Colorado Springs North Stake. This would suggest that either my probationary period is up, or the stake’s warranty has expired.
A good portion of September has been on the road for our family. Tammy and Arianna winged their way to Provo on September 17 just as baby Charlotte Haupt arrived on the scene. I paid a weekend visit to the Executive Office on Watt Avenue, just prior to spending 4 days in San Jose on legitimate business. I got a chance to meet newly arrived Kaitlyn Christiansen. After coming back to Colorado Springs for an overnight visit, I joined the rest of the family in Provo for Charlotte’s blessing on the 28th. It was wonderful to see family members who reside in Utah. Early morning on Monday the 29th, Arianna and I flew back to Colorado Springs to jump back into school and work. Tammy stayed with Levi, Torrie & family to escort them to upstate New York for about 10 days.
Well the Colorado Rockies closed out their baseball season pretty quietly this year. Not a great deal of fanfare. Oh well, March is just around the corner. For the past 42 years, Grandpa Woodward and I have enjoyed a friendly ice cream wager on the All-Star game held each July and on the World Series in October. He’s consistently supported the American League and I the National. Suffice it to say that unlike the 1970s, the past decade or so has not been my friend. But hope springs eternal, as I look forward to this next month’s World Series.
We love you,
A good portion of September has been on the road for our family. Tammy and Arianna winged their way to Provo on September 17 just as baby Charlotte Haupt arrived on the scene. I paid a weekend visit to the Executive Office on Watt Avenue, just prior to spending 4 days in San Jose on legitimate business. I got a chance to meet newly arrived Kaitlyn Christiansen. After coming back to Colorado Springs for an overnight visit, I joined the rest of the family in Provo for Charlotte’s blessing on the 28th. It was wonderful to see family members who reside in Utah. Early morning on Monday the 29th, Arianna and I flew back to Colorado Springs to jump back into school and work. Tammy stayed with Levi, Torrie & family to escort them to upstate New York for about 10 days.
Well the Colorado Rockies closed out their baseball season pretty quietly this year. Not a great deal of fanfare. Oh well, March is just around the corner. For the past 42 years, Grandpa Woodward and I have enjoyed a friendly ice cream wager on the All-Star game held each July and on the World Series in October. He’s consistently supported the American League and I the National. Suffice it to say that unlike the 1970s, the past decade or so has not been my friend. But hope springs eternal, as I look forward to this next month’s World Series.
We love you,
The Woodwards
Monday, September 1, 2008
September 2008 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear Family,
The boys and I survived another summer and they are now unhappily back in school matriculating in the 6th grade. They seem to live for the next holiday or vacation. And our school district seems to have an abundance of both. Joshua is fortunate to have the same teacher he had last year. Zachari drew a new teacher and his class is composed of twenty seven 6th graders with seven of the more advanced 5th graders in the school.
I noted a paucity of contributors to our last month’s Newswire, and particularly, with nothing from Aaron, August has been a slow month. The only comfort I had was knowing that Adam was out on the Interstate protecting us from whomever he protects us from. And I’ve been waiting to learn whether Ava has arrived. I guess he has been so busy issuing traffic tickets for burned-out tail lights that he overlooked the fact that I’m waiting for the news. Maybe there will be some hint of the event in the upcoming issue.
I didn’t think the time would ever come when the most exciting news I can share with you is a picture from my garden, but here it is. My tomatoes are so big that it only takes 10 to make a dozen. Here's a sample.
The boys and I survived another summer and they are now unhappily back in school matriculating in the 6th grade. They seem to live for the next holiday or vacation. And our school district seems to have an abundance of both. Joshua is fortunate to have the same teacher he had last year. Zachari drew a new teacher and his class is composed of twenty seven 6th graders with seven of the more advanced 5th graders in the school.
I noted a paucity of contributors to our last month’s Newswire, and particularly, with nothing from Aaron, August has been a slow month. The only comfort I had was knowing that Adam was out on the Interstate protecting us from whomever he protects us from. And I’ve been waiting to learn whether Ava has arrived. I guess he has been so busy issuing traffic tickets for burned-out tail lights that he overlooked the fact that I’m waiting for the news. Maybe there will be some hint of the event in the upcoming issue.
I didn’t think the time would ever come when the most exciting news I can share with you is a picture from my garden, but here it is. My tomatoes are so big that it only takes 10 to make a dozen. Here's a sample.
Maybe next month will be better.
Love, Dad
Love, Dad
September 2008 - Cannon, Aaron & Mindy & Family
Hello Family. Hello Friends. Hello Adam
We have very exciting news to share this month! Wait a minute. No we don't. I can tell you this however. Buying a home is an absurd process filled with lunatic fees, shmarms, sheisters, hucksters, and crackheads. As a result of our foray into this process I have decided to totally change the way I do business. The following fees will immediately be charged:
-Diagnosis fee
-Assessment fee
-Medical records review fee
-Documentation fee
-Your boring me fee
-What in the world are you talking about fee
-I don't think that's true fee
-Sitting fee
-Thinking fee
-Because I can fee
-and so on and so forth....fee
No wonder the housing market is el crasho (that’s Spanish for crashed. I grew up in Fresno. I know Spanish.) These people are unbelievable. I think we close in three weeks. Who knows.
Other than that, all is well.
Jakob, Hannah, Mindy and Aaron
p.s. I’m charging Grandpa a fee for always being on my case. Cash only please.
We have very exciting news to share this month! Wait a minute. No we don't. I can tell you this however. Buying a home is an absurd process filled with lunatic fees, shmarms, sheisters, hucksters, and crackheads. As a result of our foray into this process I have decided to totally change the way I do business. The following fees will immediately be charged:
-Diagnosis fee
-Assessment fee
-Medical records review fee
-Documentation fee
-Your boring me fee
-What in the world are you talking about fee
-I don't think that's true fee
-Sitting fee
-Thinking fee
-Because I can fee
-and so on and so forth....fee
No wonder the housing market is el crasho (that’s Spanish for crashed. I grew up in Fresno. I know Spanish.) These people are unbelievable. I think we close in three weeks. Who knows.
Other than that, all is well.
Jakob, Hannah, Mindy and Aaron
p.s. I’m charging Grandpa a fee for always being on my case. Cash only please.
September 2008 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Well Hello.
This month we greeted a new girl into the Cannon family. Ava Cannon was born on 08-18-2008 at approximately 6:20 am. She was and still is 8 lbs, 10 oz. and 21 inches long. She sleeps a lot, poops a lot and eats a lot. She lives the life I could only dream of. Erica is doing fine. Maja started 1st grade and she loves it. I get to take her to school in the morning and as we walk towards class, she is bombarded with kids running up to her and saying "Hi Maja!" and giving her hugs. Apparently, people like her. That is a personality trait she did not inherit from her father. Annika is doing well. Annika likes to point out that "Mommie feeds baby through her booty?" (as she pats her own chest) We haven’t had an in-depth anatomy discussion yet, so I let it slide when she makes a mistake now and then, plus... it is funny. I am towards the end of week one out of three that I have to take as vacation. A vacation filled with dirty diapers, crying, dishes, laundry, cooking, and cleaning. How did I get tricked into this?
The Cannon Family.
Here is a link to a youtube video of Ava Crying. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUd7vgHmP5M
This month we greeted a new girl into the Cannon family. Ava Cannon was born on 08-18-2008 at approximately 6:20 am. She was and still is 8 lbs, 10 oz. and 21 inches long. She sleeps a lot, poops a lot and eats a lot. She lives the life I could only dream of. Erica is doing fine. Maja started 1st grade and she loves it. I get to take her to school in the morning and as we walk towards class, she is bombarded with kids running up to her and saying "Hi Maja!" and giving her hugs. Apparently, people like her. That is a personality trait she did not inherit from her father. Annika is doing well. Annika likes to point out that "Mommie feeds baby through her booty?" (as she pats her own chest) We haven’t had an in-depth anatomy discussion yet, so I let it slide when she makes a mistake now and then, plus... it is funny. I am towards the end of week one out of three that I have to take as vacation. A vacation filled with dirty diapers, crying, dishes, laundry, cooking, and cleaning. How did I get tricked into this?
The Cannon Family.
Here is a link to a youtube video of Ava Crying. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUd7vgHmP5M
September 2008 - Ekins, Justin & Emily
Hello All! We’ve had a very busy August. We’ve been traveling all over the country. I (Emily) went to Sacramento at the beginning of August to help my dad organizing his office. The office looks fantastic now.
Then Kimber and Mimi came over to play at our house and Justin, Kimber, and Mimi rocked out to Rock Band. We got a few videos with Mimi really getting into the songs, but those videos are a bit to large to go onto the blog.
Then I went to Kansas City to help my sister-in-law with her one-year-old twins and help her travel to Salt Lake City for the Bradley/Ekins family reunion. The babies are so adorable! I have even great admiration for parents. Children are so much work! I brought all this work with me to do while I was there and I barely got it all done because the kids required so much time. Every time I was away from the babies though, I realized how much I missed and loved them. I hope that this gives me an idea about what being a parent is like. So although kids can be annoying, they are so cute and loveable that we just have to be with them. Overall, the experience has even more convinced me of the importance of guys helping out! My brother-in-law Cameron is a pediatrician and emphasizes in helping premature babies (neonatology) and is a wonderful dad! He and Kristen work really well together and both take equal responsibility for taking care of the kids, changing diapers, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Kristen and I took the twins, Lydia and Robbie, with us to Salt Lake City and met with Justin’s mother Kathy and her family. We stayed at a resort up in the mountains. Justin met us up in Salt Lake and had one week off from work. Given that he’s been working until midnight or even until 3am on his latest case, this was a great vacation. In the picture below we are riding the Peruvian Chair, aka SKI LIFT!
Justin and I also went to our good friends’ wedding. It was the most beautiful wedding we’ve ever been to. They got married in the Ritz-Carlton in Los Angeles. It was one of those fancy weddings so Justin rented a tux and I found a dress that was actually (and surprisingly) cute even with sleeves!
Speaking of weddings, I’m very excited to be going to Kristy’s wedding this weekend. It seems that since we don’t have family reunions anymore...., weddings are a great way to see family members!
Of course, in addition to all of our traveling and wedding attending, we watched the greatest of all Olympic swimmers, Michael Phelps, win his monumental number of gold medals. (Do you remember this moment??)
Alright, we hope you all thoroughly enjoyed reading our very entertaining, yet un-proofread, blog edition this month.
~J&E
September 2008 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
Since we neglected to contribute to the August newswire we have some catching up to do…. Levi and his brothers and dad successfully finished the 200+ mile Seattle to Portland bike race.
His little brother Reuben also returned home from serving a mission in the Dominican Republic. So we had a good time visiting with his family. That was a two week visit during July. By the time we got home and settled we were off again on a house-hunting trip to upstate NY. New York is so beautiful, and the Hudson River is actually a nice river before you get down to NYC. During the House-hunting trip we took a detour down to NYC for a few days so that Levi could present a paper for an international geek convention, I mean Mechanical Engineering Conference. The Conference went well and because I was patient, and because it’s our anniversary in August, Levi was kind enough to treat me to the Phantom of the Opera, on Broadway. We had a great time and it was well worth the hike in heels.
Oh and by the way we found an apartment to rent in Malta, NY. Malta is just outside of Saratoga Springs where there is the famous Horse-race track. We're very excited. We have plane tickets for the morning of October 1st to be relocated. So we have just a few weeks to finish and defend Levi's Thesis, have a baby girl, and move across the country. When it rains it pours in our family. Just to let all of you know we are planning on blessing our new little addition on September 28th since its slightly easier for the majority of our families to travel to Utah instead of NY. We just wanted to let you know you're all invited. We love you and hopefully we'll be a little more settled in the next few months.
Love,
Levi, Emma, Torrie and baby girl
Love,
Levi, Emma, Torrie and baby girl
September 2008 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
The McClintocks have had a warm, quiet, August.
The California State Fair came and nary a one of us got to the event. We have been very busy organizing, de-junking, and generally reclaiming our "space".
For several months the one-hundred year old dairy next to the television station has been under demolition and Susan has experienced "quaking" like no earthquake can offer. The demolition has revealed a building code that was quite surprising. Even the architects of last century understood the need for walls to have leeway when the earth moves. One building, don't know its significance, but one building had walls FOUR bricks thick. The four-story pasteurizing building took five days, two huge Caterpillar dozers, and a blowtorch to weaken the otherwise quake-proof building enough for it to only lean over onto it's side rather than collapse in a heap. Apparently the metal, brick, and cement is quite valuable and the entire demolition project is behind guarded fences to discourage thieves from running off with the lot.
School has come once again to our part of the County and that means four lane roads that see cars stopped for buses with flashing red lights picking up children. That reminds one of a young Woodland, CA woman who was in China for the Olympics as a discus participant. She is a member of the Woodland Stake and ranked 12th in the World. We found out about her because her Aunt lives in our ward.
Our stake is having an unexpected visit from a General Authority, D. Todd Christopherson, the first Sunday in September. We suspect, though we don't know, that the occasion of the visit is the Marriage Initiative on the California ballot.
Hope all have a good September.
McClintocks
The California State Fair came and nary a one of us got to the event. We have been very busy organizing, de-junking, and generally reclaiming our "space".
For several months the one-hundred year old dairy next to the television station has been under demolition and Susan has experienced "quaking" like no earthquake can offer. The demolition has revealed a building code that was quite surprising. Even the architects of last century understood the need for walls to have leeway when the earth moves. One building, don't know its significance, but one building had walls FOUR bricks thick. The four-story pasteurizing building took five days, two huge Caterpillar dozers, and a blowtorch to weaken the otherwise quake-proof building enough for it to only lean over onto it's side rather than collapse in a heap. Apparently the metal, brick, and cement is quite valuable and the entire demolition project is behind guarded fences to discourage thieves from running off with the lot.
School has come once again to our part of the County and that means four lane roads that see cars stopped for buses with flashing red lights picking up children. That reminds one of a young Woodland, CA woman who was in China for the Olympics as a discus participant. She is a member of the Woodland Stake and ranked 12th in the World. We found out about her because her Aunt lives in our ward.
Our stake is having an unexpected visit from a General Authority, D. Todd Christopherson, the first Sunday in September. We suspect, though we don't know, that the occasion of the visit is the Marriage Initiative on the California ballot.
Hope all have a good September.
McClintocks
September 2008 - Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
Hello family!
It has been a busy month. I actually had a break from grad school but it is starting back up. I am student teaching this semester and I am excited to get going. Jilina just had her 7th birthday on Friday the 29th. It is crazy how time flies. We have just been busy getting the girls ready for school, etc. My Dad came to visit us in Jersey at the beginning of the month which got us to do a lot of touristy things we hadn't done yet. It was fun and good to see him. Besides seeing New York we visited Philadelphia. We had just finished watching the mini-series on HBO "John Adams" so it was really cool to be amongst so much history. Of course, we have been really excited about the election this year and have been trying to teach the girls a lot about how our system works. They are actually showing some interest for young people. I have been a teacher in RS but just got called to be the 12 and 13-year-old Sunday School teacher. It is such a difference. My patience is definitely being tried. Anyways, we miss you all and still wish we were back in CA. (However, with Gustav we are glad we are not in Houston!) Okay, well maybe more reasons than just Gustav. Well, take care and love to all.
The Merciers
It has been a busy month. I actually had a break from grad school but it is starting back up. I am student teaching this semester and I am excited to get going. Jilina just had her 7th birthday on Friday the 29th. It is crazy how time flies. We have just been busy getting the girls ready for school, etc. My Dad came to visit us in Jersey at the beginning of the month which got us to do a lot of touristy things we hadn't done yet. It was fun and good to see him. Besides seeing New York we visited Philadelphia. We had just finished watching the mini-series on HBO "John Adams" so it was really cool to be amongst so much history. Of course, we have been really excited about the election this year and have been trying to teach the girls a lot about how our system works. They are actually showing some interest for young people. I have been a teacher in RS but just got called to be the 12 and 13-year-old Sunday School teacher. It is such a difference. My patience is definitely being tried. Anyways, we miss you all and still wish we were back in CA. (However, with Gustav we are glad we are not in Houston!) Okay, well maybe more reasons than just Gustav. Well, take care and love to all.
The Merciers
September 2008 - Slade, Jeff & Crystal & Family
Well family this month has been busy as usual. My kids are back in school and they LOVE it. I am always hearing about the songs and cars Andrew plays with, who Mrs. Jacoby just might be Felicities new favorite teacher, and Mathew is always asking me to be a part of his at-home science experiments (his teacher is big on science.) Both Mathew and Felicity are in Gate with the same teach and they LOVE her. This has been a great school for them. Jeff is busy with business and working hard. I have been working the past 3 weeks (which ironically they catered a luncheon for the district from a facility that gave us food poisoning...oops) They recognize with the high enrollment and the heavy SPec. Ed. percentage in addition to all the other duties they have asked me to do that they need me there more than half a week. The new plan is that I will be there 4 days a week. In a nutshell we are great, just be care full when a lunch is catered to you!
Crystal
Oh..no news on the house, so far no work has be done because the claims adjuster is being difficult.
Crystal
Oh..no news on the house, so far no work has be done because the claims adjuster is being difficult.
September 2008 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Today is August 30, and we are thinking of Kristy and Rick. We wish them all the best. Mel and I are sorry that we could not attend, circumstances kept us home.
School has started again. It is a lot of work to get your class up and running. I come home very tired. I think that approaching 59 is catching up with me. I have a new principal (boss). She is great to work for. I got my students scores from last year, and they did awesome. I am very proud of my class. Our school's overall Star score was 844. Since I have been at that school (2001) we have brought our scores up over 250 points.
Last Sunday, Mel and I went to visit our newest granddaughter, Ava Cannon. She is beautiful. I am sure that Adam and Erica will have more to say about her.
Aaron and Mindy are in the final throws of buying a house in San Diego. (I am not sure if it is east, or west of the 5). I am sure they will also tell you more about that.
Crystal is working as a school psychologist this year. I am sure she will let you know more about that.
Cassie is still working, and finishing up her dissertation. I am NOT so sure she will tell you more about that.
Mel is still building houses. He is building a house for the owners of Gottschalks. That will take about a year and a half. We'll see if he will continue to build after that. We are both very busy, and know that everyone else in the family is also busy.
Hope everyone has a great month!!
Carol and Mel
School has started again. It is a lot of work to get your class up and running. I come home very tired. I think that approaching 59 is catching up with me. I have a new principal (boss). She is great to work for. I got my students scores from last year, and they did awesome. I am very proud of my class. Our school's overall Star score was 844. Since I have been at that school (2001) we have brought our scores up over 250 points.
Last Sunday, Mel and I went to visit our newest granddaughter, Ava Cannon. She is beautiful. I am sure that Adam and Erica will have more to say about her.
Aaron and Mindy are in the final throws of buying a house in San Diego. (I am not sure if it is east, or west of the 5). I am sure they will also tell you more about that.
Crystal is working as a school psychologist this year. I am sure she will let you know more about that.
Cassie is still working, and finishing up her dissertation. I am NOT so sure she will tell you more about that.
Mel is still building houses. He is building a house for the owners of Gottschalks. That will take about a year and a half. We'll see if he will continue to build after that. We are both very busy, and know that everyone else in the family is also busy.
Hope everyone has a great month!!
Carol and Mel
September 2008 - Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
Todd and Tracy just got back from 6 days in Cancun while Grandma Kristy watched the kids. We had fun despite the HEAT and HUMIDITY! We visited the Aztec ruins (hotter than hell!) and went to a Xcaret which is their version of a water theme park It was fun, but not "Wet 'n Wild" fun. Overall we liked our trip, glad we did it, but once was enough. When we got back I found my house in immaculate condition! No problems had occurred and....Brenton is finally eating food thanks to my moms doing! Now to the Christiansen side of the family. You may be thinking sarcastically..."Great job, a near three year old is eating." I say this because on our side of the family our lives revolve around food. Some how though, I have given birth to two children who could care less about food. It is an after thought, as it may be for many of you. Anyhow, my milk bill will finally be going down a bit, yaaah, and food will go up, boooh. But I am very happy about it. I also want to tell my mom THANK YOU SO MUCH for watching them and cleaning my house! I love you!
Tracy
PS I had Lap band surgery and hopefully I will finally be losing some weight soon!
Tracy
PS I had Lap band surgery and hopefully I will finally be losing some weight soon!
September 2008 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
This past month we enjoyed a visit with Alexis, a business trip to Washington, D.C., and a family evening at nearby Seven Falls. Yet one of the highlights of the month was our week-long visit with Emma. We had an Emma Haupt reception committee awaiting her arrival at the airport. One would think she had achieved celebrity status, at least in the minds of her grandparents. Tammy prepared and sent the following correspondence in preparation for her visit:
Dear Miss Emma,
I want to email this list of activities, and subsequent itinerary for your approval, for your planned vacation to Colorado Springs and "The Woodward Bed and Breakfast", (oh wait that's Bed and Breakfast and all other meals, snacks and goodies.) We are greatly anticipating your arrival and stay with us, and hope your visit will be a pleasant one.
-Playtime
-Outdoor activities
-Pool time
-Sun bathing
-Regular bathing
-Shopping (for toys)
-Spa time (under the direction of our specialist Arianna)
* Manicure
* Pedicure
*Up-do's
-Park visits
-Play dates (with children in the ward)
-Movies (of the Disney and Pixar variety)
-Storytime
-Snuggling
-Watching Bobo (the neighbor’s dog) out the kitchen window
-Walks
-Cooking with Grandma
-Watching baseball with Grandpa
-Riding Ginger (a rocking horse now serving a third generation of children)
*Baking cookies
*Rearranging Grandma's cupboards
Please go over this list and email us your preferences. Arrangements will be made at that time and be in place before your arrival.
Warmest Regards,
Woodward B&B Team
Emma partook of over 70% of the activities listed, and intimated that she was having a wonderful time. We hope that she will visit us again soon.
We love you all and wish you the very best this month,
The Woodwards
Dear Miss Emma,
I want to email this list of activities, and subsequent itinerary for your approval, for your planned vacation to Colorado Springs and "The Woodward Bed and Breakfast", (oh wait that's Bed and Breakfast and all other meals, snacks and goodies.) We are greatly anticipating your arrival and stay with us, and hope your visit will be a pleasant one.
-Playtime
-Outdoor activities
-Pool time
-Sun bathing
-Regular bathing
-Shopping (for toys)
-Spa time (under the direction of our specialist Arianna)
* Manicure
* Pedicure
*Up-do's
-Park visits
-Play dates (with children in the ward)
-Movies (of the Disney and Pixar variety)
-Storytime
-Snuggling
-Watching Bobo (the neighbor’s dog) out the kitchen window
-Walks
-Cooking with Grandma
-Watching baseball with Grandpa
-Riding Ginger (a rocking horse now serving a third generation of children)
*Baking cookies
*Rearranging Grandma's cupboards
Please go over this list and email us your preferences. Arrangements will be made at that time and be in place before your arrival.
Warmest Regards,
Woodward B&B Team
Emma partook of over 70% of the activities listed, and intimated that she was having a wonderful time. We hope that she will visit us again soon.
We love you all and wish you the very best this month,
The Woodwards
Saturday, August 2, 2008
August 2008 - Executive Office of Kenneth Woodward
Dear Family,
Only two more weeks until school begins. It’s been a long dry summer. I have mixed emotions of whether I prefer house arrest or homework. Surely there is a preferred third alternative but I haven’t found it yet.
I see Aaron is back to his old form. I was beginning to seriously worry about the direction his life had taken, but I shouldn’t have. All I need to do is loan him my Roget’s International Thesaurus so he can avoid as much as possible offending the sensitivity of his high-society clientele.
Last month I reported that Zachari and Joshua had just been consigned to Grandpa and Grandma Shubin for an indefinite period, which I speculated would last for only a few hours at best. They stayed for a full week and didn’t even phone me once during the entire period. I was very pleased with their perseverance. For any visitor to stay in Fresno for a full week this time of year is probably worse than house arrest or homework in Sacramento.
My 74-year old brother Ross, who resided in Logan, got a little overly patriotic during the 4th of July holiday and burned his house to the ground. I told him that it was dangerous to shoot off that Piccolo Pete in his living room but he wouldn’t listen. Sounds just like something Aaron would have done.
And I guess the groundhog had nothing to do with Kristy’s disappearance for weeks on end.
The Department of Motor Vehicles extended my driver’s license last week to year 2013. I don’t know whether I can hold out that long, but if they have that much confidence in me I’ll do the best I can.
Love, Dad
Only two more weeks until school begins. It’s been a long dry summer. I have mixed emotions of whether I prefer house arrest or homework. Surely there is a preferred third alternative but I haven’t found it yet.
I see Aaron is back to his old form. I was beginning to seriously worry about the direction his life had taken, but I shouldn’t have. All I need to do is loan him my Roget’s International Thesaurus so he can avoid as much as possible offending the sensitivity of his high-society clientele.
Last month I reported that Zachari and Joshua had just been consigned to Grandpa and Grandma Shubin for an indefinite period, which I speculated would last for only a few hours at best. They stayed for a full week and didn’t even phone me once during the entire period. I was very pleased with their perseverance. For any visitor to stay in Fresno for a full week this time of year is probably worse than house arrest or homework in Sacramento.
My 74-year old brother Ross, who resided in Logan, got a little overly patriotic during the 4th of July holiday and burned his house to the ground. I told him that it was dangerous to shoot off that Piccolo Pete in his living room but he wouldn’t listen. Sounds just like something Aaron would have done.
And I guess the groundhog had nothing to do with Kristy’s disappearance for weeks on end.
The Department of Motor Vehicles extended my driver’s license last week to year 2013. I don’t know whether I can hold out that long, but if they have that much confidence in me I’ll do the best I can.
Love, Dad
August 2008 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
We have had a great month. Erica finished school. Maja and Annika are taking Hula dancing lessons. We bought stuff for the new kid. I still work and the girls still spend my money. I have had many more photo opts this past month but they are all being used as evidence and I think the attorneys would frown on me posting them here. Those sneaky #$%!! are always looking for a reason to throw out a case. We arrested a Sherriff Deputy last night. He told me we could not arrest him because he was a Sherriff. I told him he was wrong. He then told me I was ruining his life. I then explained to him, I was not the one who made him drink and drive. Consequences for his actions... It is a new concept. He then told me to let him go cause' "No one will ever know" I then explained to him, again, that "Everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law" He did not like that at all. We called his boss to have him come pick up the Deputy at our office. He didn't like that either. It seems no one likes me anymore. This is gonna be lots of fun in court.
That is all we have to report for now.
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, and Ava....as soon as she gets here.
That is all we have to report for now.
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, and Ava....as soon as she gets here.
August 2008 - Christiansen, Kristy & Todd & Sarah
Dear Family,
The Christiansen family has split into two branches, the Sacramento branch and the Utah branch. As of July 25th I moved to Utah and Todd and Sarah moved to Sarah's parents home in Sacramento. As you know I am getting married to Rick Bos of Saratoga Springs, Utah, therefore, of necessity, I have moved to Utah. I am living with Tracy for five weeks until my wedding on August 30. After that date my address will be: 724 Laguna Cove, Saratoga Springs, Utah, 84043. My new cell is 916-225-7797.
Todd and Sarah's new address is: 2321 Rogue River, Sacramento, CA 95826 with Todd's new cell number: 916-812-9051 (Yes, we switched phones so you could recognize the numbers as belonging to the other person.) Sarah and Todd are finishing up yet another summer session of school with this move directly in the middle of the term.
I have officially resigned from my job from San Juan USD AND retired from the California STRS (retirement system for teachers.) Right now I am in the middle of finalizing plans for the wedding and reception. We were planning to be married in the Mr. Timpanogos Temple, but the new church policy does not allow for marriages for Time in the temple. So, we are being married in the Saratoga Springs Stake Center by Rick's bishop. (We plan to be sealed when all of the paperwork has been taken care of.) You all will receive an invitation when I gather together all of your addresses. You may be receiving an email from me asking for your address. This is a time of change but it is an exciting time as well.
That is it for now.
Kristy, Todd and Sarah
The Christiansen family has split into two branches, the Sacramento branch and the Utah branch. As of July 25th I moved to Utah and Todd and Sarah moved to Sarah's parents home in Sacramento. As you know I am getting married to Rick Bos of Saratoga Springs, Utah, therefore, of necessity, I have moved to Utah. I am living with Tracy for five weeks until my wedding on August 30. After that date my address will be: 724 Laguna Cove, Saratoga Springs, Utah, 84043. My new cell is 916-225-7797.
Todd and Sarah's new address is: 2321 Rogue River, Sacramento, CA 95826 with Todd's new cell number: 916-812-9051 (Yes, we switched phones so you could recognize the numbers as belonging to the other person.) Sarah and Todd are finishing up yet another summer session of school with this move directly in the middle of the term.
I have officially resigned from my job from San Juan USD AND retired from the California STRS (retirement system for teachers.) Right now I am in the middle of finalizing plans for the wedding and reception. We were planning to be married in the Mr. Timpanogos Temple, but the new church policy does not allow for marriages for Time in the temple. So, we are being married in the Saratoga Springs Stake Center by Rick's bishop. (We plan to be sealed when all of the paperwork has been taken care of.) You all will receive an invitation when I gather together all of your addresses. You may be receiving an email from me asking for your address. This is a time of change but it is an exciting time as well.
That is it for now.
Kristy, Todd and Sarah
August 2008 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
Dear Family,
It was very, very nice to have Emily and Justin visit us at the end of June. We were able to celebrate Emily's birthday with extended family and meet Kristy's fiancé Rick Bos at the birthday barbecue. Justin is a wonderful son-in-law because he shares Emily with us even when it is inconvenient for him.
We shall miss Kristy when she moves and though Todd and Sarah will still reside in Sacramento we will miss seeing them and Sarah's mother and father, Lori and Don, on a regular basis. Kristy has been the official family "hostess" here in Sacramento which has been a real blessing to the troglodytes here. Those remaining seem to be more timid, have other priorities, or less willing to accept the family "Hostess or Host" assignment. But if we pray hard enough, another talented family member might surface and step into those shoes giving Anna Mae a bye for the time being.
Zack and Josh have come swimming at our house several times since school ended. Their swimming and diving skills are greatly improved over the previous years and they seem to enjoy swimming and playing with one another. Grandpa, on the other hand, is likely measuring the gas tank level and the cost of gas against the whining of bored boys with each swim trip. Gas prices are certainly hard to swallow for all of us so we hope Zack and Josh appreciate the great sacrifice Grandpa makes to fill his gas tank in order to drive them to our house. We know our pool appreciates having something to do other than just lie in the sun.
The weather was a little off in June. We got hot winds from Fresno instead of the cool delta breezes. The KCRA weather department was asked to explain this oddity and much to our disappointment could only offer a shrug in place of a hopeful forecast for cooler weather. Of course the forest fires fanned our discomfort and yard work was out of the question in June. You might think it odd that anyone would bemoan the imposition of being forced to NOT work. On the contrary, work is its own reward and in this case the forced idleness put us at a disadvantage as weeds and other botanical growth got the upper hand.
The warm weather has been greeted by Grandma Anna with great enthusiasm for she finds herself shivering with cold even in summer. Much like those years when infants require a "diaper" bag loaded with emergency items to sooth and comfort even the most mundane affliction, we too are outfitted with similar requirements for Grandma Anna when we attend church. A blanket is a must to help warm her legs or hands or arms in Sacrament meeting when the air conditioning is on. One recent Sunday there was a power-outage just as Sacrament meeting was about to start. Uncle Bob moved the organist to the piano, the conducting member of the bishopric had to be reminded to speak louder as he addressed the congregation without a live microphone, every curtain and blind was opened to let more light into the room and then, just in time for the Sacrament prayer, the power came back on. I don't know who was more disappointed, Grandma Anna and Uncle Bob because the air conditioning was back or Aunt Susan because the lighted room made it easy to tell whether or not she was sleeping during the talks.
The California State Fair will be firing up in August. That means fireworks at 10 P.M. every night of the Fair. Some of the fireworks can be seen from Grandpa's house but the best place to see them is on Arden Way. I know most of you don't know where that is unless you use a cyber-map program. But for those who do know they can appreciate the absurdity of trying to balance on the top of the fence at 950 Watt Avenue to catch a glimpse when we might have walked a short mile up to Arden School and had a spectacular view every night of the week.
We hope every one had a happy Independence Day and will have a great Labor Day weekend. We look forward to reading what you have submitted. We wonder if Todd and Sarah, Emily and Justin, Cassie, and Craig will be heard from soon, your brief updates mean a great deal to us all. Think of it as writing your personal history one month at a time.
Love,
the McClintocks
It was very, very nice to have Emily and Justin visit us at the end of June. We were able to celebrate Emily's birthday with extended family and meet Kristy's fiancé Rick Bos at the birthday barbecue. Justin is a wonderful son-in-law because he shares Emily with us even when it is inconvenient for him.
We shall miss Kristy when she moves and though Todd and Sarah will still reside in Sacramento we will miss seeing them and Sarah's mother and father, Lori and Don, on a regular basis. Kristy has been the official family "hostess" here in Sacramento which has been a real blessing to the troglodytes here. Those remaining seem to be more timid, have other priorities, or less willing to accept the family "Hostess or Host" assignment. But if we pray hard enough, another talented family member might surface and step into those shoes giving Anna Mae a bye for the time being.
Zack and Josh have come swimming at our house several times since school ended. Their swimming and diving skills are greatly improved over the previous years and they seem to enjoy swimming and playing with one another. Grandpa, on the other hand, is likely measuring the gas tank level and the cost of gas against the whining of bored boys with each swim trip. Gas prices are certainly hard to swallow for all of us so we hope Zack and Josh appreciate the great sacrifice Grandpa makes to fill his gas tank in order to drive them to our house. We know our pool appreciates having something to do other than just lie in the sun.
The weather was a little off in June. We got hot winds from Fresno instead of the cool delta breezes. The KCRA weather department was asked to explain this oddity and much to our disappointment could only offer a shrug in place of a hopeful forecast for cooler weather. Of course the forest fires fanned our discomfort and yard work was out of the question in June. You might think it odd that anyone would bemoan the imposition of being forced to NOT work. On the contrary, work is its own reward and in this case the forced idleness put us at a disadvantage as weeds and other botanical growth got the upper hand.
The warm weather has been greeted by Grandma Anna with great enthusiasm for she finds herself shivering with cold even in summer. Much like those years when infants require a "diaper" bag loaded with emergency items to sooth and comfort even the most mundane affliction, we too are outfitted with similar requirements for Grandma Anna when we attend church. A blanket is a must to help warm her legs or hands or arms in Sacrament meeting when the air conditioning is on. One recent Sunday there was a power-outage just as Sacrament meeting was about to start. Uncle Bob moved the organist to the piano, the conducting member of the bishopric had to be reminded to speak louder as he addressed the congregation without a live microphone, every curtain and blind was opened to let more light into the room and then, just in time for the Sacrament prayer, the power came back on. I don't know who was more disappointed, Grandma Anna and Uncle Bob because the air conditioning was back or Aunt Susan because the lighted room made it easy to tell whether or not she was sleeping during the talks.
The California State Fair will be firing up in August. That means fireworks at 10 P.M. every night of the Fair. Some of the fireworks can be seen from Grandpa's house but the best place to see them is on Arden Way. I know most of you don't know where that is unless you use a cyber-map program. But for those who do know they can appreciate the absurdity of trying to balance on the top of the fence at 950 Watt Avenue to catch a glimpse when we might have walked a short mile up to Arden School and had a spectacular view every night of the week.
We hope every one had a happy Independence Day and will have a great Labor Day weekend. We look forward to reading what you have submitted. We wonder if Todd and Sarah, Emily and Justin, Cassie, and Craig will be heard from soon, your brief updates mean a great deal to us all. Think of it as writing your personal history one month at a time.
Love,
the McClintocks
August 2008 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Well, this month went by just as fast as the last month. This summer has been nice because we really haven't had a very hot summer. It makes it so you don't feel like you have to hide inside the house. It is nice to take morning walks while it is still cool.
Mel and I have been busy with our ACN business. It is doing very well. We also have some of our kids involved. We have met some very nice people that we wouldn't have met otherwise. It has been exciting to see the business grow so fast.
This month we both gave a talk in church and I am giving another Relief Society less this month. I am substituting for a sister for June and July. It is nice to get those things out of the way.
We have a new principal at my school this year. She is a former teacher. I am looking forward to working with her. It is nice to have a principal who has spent a lot of time in the classroom.
We got to have Aaron, Mindy and family spend some time with us this month. Also Erica and the girls spent some time with us before Erica has the baby in August. Cassie will be coming up in August to go camping in Yosemite.
We are happy that so many exciting things are happening with our family. It is especially nice to hear from all of you to see how you are doing. Have a great rest of the summer!!
Carol and Mel
Mel and I have been busy with our ACN business. It is doing very well. We also have some of our kids involved. We have met some very nice people that we wouldn't have met otherwise. It has been exciting to see the business grow so fast.
This month we both gave a talk in church and I am giving another Relief Society less this month. I am substituting for a sister for June and July. It is nice to get those things out of the way.
We have a new principal at my school this year. She is a former teacher. I am looking forward to working with her. It is nice to have a principal who has spent a lot of time in the classroom.
We got to have Aaron, Mindy and family spend some time with us this month. Also Erica and the girls spent some time with us before Erica has the baby in August. Cassie will be coming up in August to go camping in Yosemite.
We are happy that so many exciting things are happening with our family. It is especially nice to hear from all of you to see how you are doing. Have a great rest of the summer!!
Carol and Mel
August 2008 - Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
Dear Family,
I can't believe the month come and gone so quickly. Anyhow, Hotel Wilcox has a permanent resident for the month and my house has never been cleaner... can you guess who is staying? Yes, my mom! Kristy arrived on July 27th and will be staying with us till Aug 30. We hope to see as many of you as possible at my mom's wedding.
Also, the Hotel Wilcox expansion project is coming along well and should be done in two weeks or less. We are praying for less. But when it is all said and done we will have doubled our square footage! We have added two more bed rooms, one food storage room, a craft room, a bathroom, and a big family room. We just finished painting and had all the finished electrical put in. Todd just finished tiling the bathroom. Next will be the finishing the fireplace and laying carpet and putting in the toilet and bathroom vanity. Then I think we will be done!!!
Alexis has started first grade this year and is loving it. It is definitely weird not having her home during the day.
Brenton started speech therapy classes and I have already seen a great improvement. He will say please and more and thank you, I even heard him today trying to sing to Shrek 2. (Very Cute!) We are also trying to get him to work on eating more (or eating at all really). He would live off of milk if he could.
That's it from the Wilcox family!
I can't believe the month come and gone so quickly. Anyhow, Hotel Wilcox has a permanent resident for the month and my house has never been cleaner... can you guess who is staying? Yes, my mom! Kristy arrived on July 27th and will be staying with us till Aug 30. We hope to see as many of you as possible at my mom's wedding.
Also, the Hotel Wilcox expansion project is coming along well and should be done in two weeks or less. We are praying for less. But when it is all said and done we will have doubled our square footage! We have added two more bed rooms, one food storage room, a craft room, a bathroom, and a big family room. We just finished painting and had all the finished electrical put in. Todd just finished tiling the bathroom. Next will be the finishing the fireplace and laying carpet and putting in the toilet and bathroom vanity. Then I think we will be done!!!
Alexis has started first grade this year and is loving it. It is definitely weird not having her home during the day.
Brenton started speech therapy classes and I have already seen a great improvement. He will say please and more and thank you, I even heard him today trying to sing to Shrek 2. (Very Cute!) We are also trying to get him to work on eating more (or eating at all really). He would live off of milk if he could.
That's it from the Wilcox family!
August 2008 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Our family had a very enjoyable July. We watched the fireworks at the Air Force Academy and at a nearby country club all from the comfort and convenience of our home. I spent a night at our ward Girls Camp up in the mountains. I’ve been getting a lot of time in the high country this summer. Tammy received a new calling in the ward as the Primary Secretary. She’s been busy organizing things left and right. I believe she now surpasses all residing in our home in the number of e-mails and telephone calls that she receives. Arianna jumped to her next level at school. This is code for “she is coming along wonderfully”. I don’t know what I’m going to do when she leaves home and heads off for school at some point in the future. She’s the best hair stylist in town.
It really didn’t occur to me until just the other day that I had a unique opportunity to release myself from my calling as bishop. For that matter, to release myself from any calling would be an unusual experience. I did the deed last Sunday. It is wonderful to have our newly called brother, Bishop Rogers, now at work fully focused on our Northgate Ward.
We get to have baby-girl Emma come and visit us in early August while her mom and dad go to New York to do some house-hunting. We do the big handoff at Denver International. I don’t recall if they told us that we need to return her when they finish. We also look forward to Alexis coming for a week-long visit in August.
In the past words of Aaron and Adam, “hugs and kisses”. We love you.
The Woodwards
It really didn’t occur to me until just the other day that I had a unique opportunity to release myself from my calling as bishop. For that matter, to release myself from any calling would be an unusual experience. I did the deed last Sunday. It is wonderful to have our newly called brother, Bishop Rogers, now at work fully focused on our Northgate Ward.
We get to have baby-girl Emma come and visit us in early August while her mom and dad go to New York to do some house-hunting. We do the big handoff at Denver International. I don’t recall if they told us that we need to return her when they finish. We also look forward to Alexis coming for a week-long visit in August.
In the past words of Aaron and Adam, “hugs and kisses”. We love you.
The Woodwards
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
July 2008 - Executive Office of Kenneth Woodward
Dear Family,
Only eight more weeks and counting. School begins August 18. No time at all. My tomato plants are showing much promise, and living conditions here couldn’t be better. The boys do no homework, school or otherwise, but a day without a swim in Susan and Bob’s pool is a wasted day for them.
I have been a bit despondent of late. I carefully read each monthly Newswire but I can find nothing in the past few issues to get after Aaron about. I’ve wondered if he is well. But I try to be optimistic, and hopefully this coming issue will be more productive.
The three of us attended a birthday dinner for Emily last Saturday at the Kristy/Todd/Sarah’s soon to be X-domain. It was a fine affair as usual. As we were driving out to the dinner I was asked how old Emily was. My thoughtful reply was somewhere between 20 and 30. Corene always had the birthdays and ages of all her posterity memorized. I’m a bit faulty when it comes to those details.
On the afternoon of June 29 I met grandpa Shubin at a neutral point midway between Sacramento and Fresno and released to him for an indefinite period the two younger members of our household. Earlier in the day Joshua complained that he was very ill. I accused him of faking because he didn’t want to go south. After an extensive vomiting spell I retracted my claim and apologized for any “ill” thinking that I had harbored. It couldn’t possibly have had anything to do with those hamburgers Todd was serving the evening before.
As I write this I have no idea of how long they will be gone. Nick was thinking in terms of perhaps a week, I’m thinking in terms of hours, but on the outside chance that we may never see them again, here is what they looked like a few days before they left the house.
Only eight more weeks and counting. School begins August 18. No time at all. My tomato plants are showing much promise, and living conditions here couldn’t be better. The boys do no homework, school or otherwise, but a day without a swim in Susan and Bob’s pool is a wasted day for them.
I have been a bit despondent of late. I carefully read each monthly Newswire but I can find nothing in the past few issues to get after Aaron about. I’ve wondered if he is well. But I try to be optimistic, and hopefully this coming issue will be more productive.
The three of us attended a birthday dinner for Emily last Saturday at the Kristy/Todd/Sarah’s soon to be X-domain. It was a fine affair as usual. As we were driving out to the dinner I was asked how old Emily was. My thoughtful reply was somewhere between 20 and 30. Corene always had the birthdays and ages of all her posterity memorized. I’m a bit faulty when it comes to those details.
On the afternoon of June 29 I met grandpa Shubin at a neutral point midway between Sacramento and Fresno and released to him for an indefinite period the two younger members of our household. Earlier in the day Joshua complained that he was very ill. I accused him of faking because he didn’t want to go south. After an extensive vomiting spell I retracted my claim and apologized for any “ill” thinking that I had harbored. It couldn’t possibly have had anything to do with those hamburgers Todd was serving the evening before.
As I write this I have no idea of how long they will be gone. Nick was thinking in terms of perhaps a week, I’m thinking in terms of hours, but on the outside chance that we may never see them again, here is what they looked like a few days before they left the house.
Love, Dad
July 2008 - Cannon, Aaron & Mindy & Family
I decided this month to list the members of my family in relation to how much they cost me. I don't know which is the greater injustice, the price of gasoline or the price of baby formula. Wait a minute, I do know! The price of Mindy's haircuts! Wow, that was easy.
We attended the US Open here at Torrey Pines at the beginning of June. It was an incredible event and we had a lot of fun. Those guys are good.
We are planning a trip down the south fork of the American River sometime in July. It will be a whirlwind trip that will cost me several hundred dollars, but I am looking forward to it.
We have been house hunting here in the Point Loma area where we live. I made an impassioned plea to leave the area as it is 1) Absurdly expensive and 2) A surefire way to be released from my calling. My spouse has not been very understanding in this matter and so we continue to look at 1000 sf homes for half a million dollars that were built fifty years ago. Oh, if only I were exaggerating. The boys old enough, maybe he can skip school and go get a job. Or if Mindy stops getting her hair cut.... The good news is that if we do purchase something and are then by default house poor we live so close to the beach that we wouldn't need to spend money on other things like food (fish from the sea are free), entertainment (surfing and swimming in the ocean is free), electricity (attach a generator to Jakob), Gasoline (it's only 2.50 in Mexico...of course you may get kidnapped and I am pretty sure its not really gasoline. The word goat piss comes to mind) I wrote that so Grandpa can get mad at me. I know he has been struggling for reasons to get after me. I thought I would make it easy on him. Your Welcome.
And that's all.
Hannah, Jakob, Mindy, Aaron
July 2008 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Hello to all, except Aaron.
This is the Cannon, Adam family reporting. This past month has gone by very fast. Maja finished kindergarten and started swim lessons. She likes swim lessons because her teacher is a boy and he is "cute". It is a good thing daddy carries a gun. Annika also started swim lessons and she enjoyed running...walking around on the slides and playing in the water. She disliked the boy teacher and would give him the look of death every time he came around. I like Annikas attitude towards boys and I think I will encourage it. She can like boys all she wants, but as long as she continues to give them the look of death when they approach her, I will have less to worry about. Erica is still taking care of the girls and going to school and still pregnant. I feel sorry for her, her feet have started to swell, the baby has started to dance, and I work a lot. I have had a very busy month at work. Lots of arrests, lots of horrific traffic collisions, lots of horrible people telling me " they didn't do it." and lots of overtime. I thought about attaching a photo, but I decided against it. Maybe I can get a photo of the girls doing something cute for next month’s newsletter. Our baby’s is due in Aug.
Till next time.
bye.
This is the Cannon, Adam family reporting. This past month has gone by very fast. Maja finished kindergarten and started swim lessons. She likes swim lessons because her teacher is a boy and he is "cute". It is a good thing daddy carries a gun. Annika also started swim lessons and she enjoyed running...walking around on the slides and playing in the water. She disliked the boy teacher and would give him the look of death every time he came around. I like Annikas attitude towards boys and I think I will encourage it. She can like boys all she wants, but as long as she continues to give them the look of death when they approach her, I will have less to worry about. Erica is still taking care of the girls and going to school and still pregnant. I feel sorry for her, her feet have started to swell, the baby has started to dance, and I work a lot. I have had a very busy month at work. Lots of arrests, lots of horrific traffic collisions, lots of horrible people telling me " they didn't do it." and lots of overtime. I thought about attaching a photo, but I decided against it. Maybe I can get a photo of the girls doing something cute for next month’s newsletter. Our baby’s is due in Aug.
Till next time.
bye.
July 2008 - Christiansen, Kristy & Todd & Sarah
Dear Family,
June is almost over and none too soon. I am writing this letter on June 27th, Alexis Wilcox's 6th birthday (Happy Birthday Alexis.) Lots is happening in the Christiansen household these days. Todd and Sarah are awaiting the arrival of Katelyn Renee around September 22. She just might make it to Tracy's birthday on September 25th.
Todd and Sarah will be moving out of our home in Citrus Heights at the end of July, into Sarah's parents home. It is closer to Todd's work, and overall a money saving move for them. I will be moving out of our Citrus Heights home on the same weekend, but I am moving East to West Jordan, Utah. I will be living with Tracy, Todd, Alexis, and Brenton for a month until I get MARRIED on August 30th.
I am marrying Rick Bos who lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah (near American Fork.) He is my age (a mere 58 years old,) owns a business in Salt Lake, and is just a great guy!
We had hoped to be married for Time in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, but marriages for time are not done in the Temples anymore. We will be married in his ward chapel, and we plan to be sealed when the paperwork is done for a Temple Sealing. I am resigning from my job in San Juan USD and retiring from teaching in California. I am not sure what I will be doing in Utah (teaching, getting a Master's Degree at BYU, or whatever.) Time will tell.
Until the move takes place, I am teaching Summer School and Sarah and Todd are taking summer school classes. I will be in Salt Lake for the Fourth of July with Tracy and Todd and their family, Craig, and one of Rick's children. Craig is coming to visit in Citrus Heights just two weeks before we move, and we are looking forward to all of us spending time together for the week he is here.
That is it for now.
Kristy, Todd, Sarah, and Katelyn Renee
June is almost over and none too soon. I am writing this letter on June 27th, Alexis Wilcox's 6th birthday (Happy Birthday Alexis.) Lots is happening in the Christiansen household these days. Todd and Sarah are awaiting the arrival of Katelyn Renee around September 22. She just might make it to Tracy's birthday on September 25th.
Todd and Sarah will be moving out of our home in Citrus Heights at the end of July, into Sarah's parents home. It is closer to Todd's work, and overall a money saving move for them. I will be moving out of our Citrus Heights home on the same weekend, but I am moving East to West Jordan, Utah. I will be living with Tracy, Todd, Alexis, and Brenton for a month until I get MARRIED on August 30th.
I am marrying Rick Bos who lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah (near American Fork.) He is my age (a mere 58 years old,) owns a business in Salt Lake, and is just a great guy!
We had hoped to be married for Time in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, but marriages for time are not done in the Temples anymore. We will be married in his ward chapel, and we plan to be sealed when the paperwork is done for a Temple Sealing. I am resigning from my job in San Juan USD and retiring from teaching in California. I am not sure what I will be doing in Utah (teaching, getting a Master's Degree at BYU, or whatever.) Time will tell.
Until the move takes place, I am teaching Summer School and Sarah and Todd are taking summer school classes. I will be in Salt Lake for the Fourth of July with Tracy and Todd and their family, Craig, and one of Rick's children. Craig is coming to visit in Citrus Heights just two weeks before we move, and we are looking forward to all of us spending time together for the week he is here.
That is it for now.
Kristy, Todd, Sarah, and Katelyn Renee
July 2008 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
In terms of activities this summer, the month of June is our down month. We all came home from our whirlwind adventures and have laid low. Levi has finished his last college class, and is working full time on his thesis. Emma and Torrie have turned our little apartment into the scene from Father of the Bride II where Steve Martin has to walk around in a winter coat since the A/C is working overtime. They have had a lot of fun hanging out inside, especially with Emma's favorite color play-doh. To try and enjoy our last summer as college students we have started a little tradition of having a picnic everyday. We head over to a park close the BYU and hang out under a tree. There is never any wind, but Emma always tries to fly her kite. Also Levi has picked up on the bicycling. He is training for the 202 mile Seattle to Portland ride next weekend, July 12th. To train this last week Levi rode with his friend to the top of the Alpine loop on Mt. Timpanogos. Somehow he survived. It has really been fun to take a little time to enjoy the summer; hopefully it will cool down soon for Torrie, the 7 months pregnant woman's, sake.
July 2008 - Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
Dear Family,
We have been pretty busy here in Jersey. We didn't finish school until last Thursday so our summer will be short. I am in my last class before student teaching this coming fall in a 2nd grade class. I will then officially be a certified teacher. I get about 9 credits from this post Bacc program toward my masters so I will have 21 credits left after that. Unfortunately, here in Jersey there are very few teaching jobs so I will be looking for a long time. Oh well. When we move back to Cali I know I will find a job. (Yes, I am still hopeful that we will move back.) Jilina had her first dance recital and did a beautiful ballet routine to Sleeping Beauty. She loved it. There is not much to report here. We are disappointed not to be able to travel this summer because of my classes. However, next year we hope to be able to come home. We hope all is well with everyone and miss you all!
Love,
The Merciers
We have been pretty busy here in Jersey. We didn't finish school until last Thursday so our summer will be short. I am in my last class before student teaching this coming fall in a 2nd grade class. I will then officially be a certified teacher. I get about 9 credits from this post Bacc program toward my masters so I will have 21 credits left after that. Unfortunately, here in Jersey there are very few teaching jobs so I will be looking for a long time. Oh well. When we move back to Cali I know I will find a job. (Yes, I am still hopeful that we will move back.) Jilina had her first dance recital and did a beautiful ballet routine to Sleeping Beauty. She loved it. There is not much to report here. We are disappointed not to be able to travel this summer because of my classes. However, next year we hope to be able to come home. We hope all is well with everyone and miss you all!
Love,
The Merciers
July 2008 - Scott, Carlon & Kimber & Family
Hi All,
I haven't written in a while because I keep waiting for something interesting to happen, that is worthy of writing down and telling you guys all about. Well . . . . nope, still nothing. Hope all is well.
Love, Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
I haven't written in a while because I keep waiting for something interesting to happen, that is worthy of writing down and telling you guys all about. Well . . . . nope, still nothing. Hope all is well.
Love, Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
July 2008 - Slade, Jeff & Crystal & Family
June has been busy for our family. We have spent the month cleaning up from the tornado. We have been able to clean up the debris (fencing, shingles, glass....I can't tell you how many places glass can hide). We just hired a general contractor to take care of the big stuff (replacing fence, windows, roof, siding, painting, floors, etc.) We are very glad that everyone is OK. Andrew is so cute, he still likes to tell people.." a very big wind came, and the fence blew away." We celebrated Mathews 10th birthday and my 35th birthday with family fun (a trip to Rocky mountain national park, and dinner, for me, Mathew chose dinner and a drive-in movie.) I was excited to contract with the local school district and will be working at the high school as their psychologist 3 days a week starting in August. Jeff is still with AXA and still very happy and enjoying his job. Other than that we are playing a lot and my kids are enjoying having the summer off (except for the list of things mom makes them do before they get to play on the wii or watch TV......I am so mean.)
Crystal
Crystal
July 2008 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Well the month is slipped by very quickly and I am not even sure where it went. School got out on June 6. I always take home a lot of school work to do for the next year. It always makes the year go by smoother if I have things organized and done ahead of time.
Mel and I went to San Diego for the Open. Aaron got tickets for June 12. I babysat the kids and Aaron, Mindy, Carlos, and Mel spent the day at Torrie Pines watching all of the golf pros play. They came back very sunburned. Jake, Hannah, and I had fun playing together.
Mel and I and about 50 other reps from Fresno flew to New Jersey and spent last weekend at an ACN convention. It was awesome!! Donald Trump was the keynote speaker. He was very warm and entertaining. He announced that he likes ACN so much that he will continue to endorse the company. We flew back Sunday night, but because of the weather, our plane was delayed and we left two hours late (which is really not bad). However, because it was late, we got home at 3:00 in the morning. We are still recovering.
Right now, Erica and the girls are visiting. It is nice to see them. Hopefully we can get some playing done.
It has been a busy month. I hope the whole summer doesn't go by this fast!! Have a great month.
Carol and Mel
Mel and I went to San Diego for the Open. Aaron got tickets for June 12. I babysat the kids and Aaron, Mindy, Carlos, and Mel spent the day at Torrie Pines watching all of the golf pros play. They came back very sunburned. Jake, Hannah, and I had fun playing together.
Mel and I and about 50 other reps from Fresno flew to New Jersey and spent last weekend at an ACN convention. It was awesome!! Donald Trump was the keynote speaker. He was very warm and entertaining. He announced that he likes ACN so much that he will continue to endorse the company. We flew back Sunday night, but because of the weather, our plane was delayed and we left two hours late (which is really not bad). However, because it was late, we got home at 3:00 in the morning. We are still recovering.
Right now, Erica and the girls are visiting. It is nice to see them. Hopefully we can get some playing done.
It has been a busy month. I hope the whole summer doesn't go by this fast!! Have a great month.
Carol and Mel
July 2008 - Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
Hello family,
It is official, Hotel Wilcox is officially under construction and should be done mid july! The expansion includes 3 rooms, a family room and a bathroom. Just in time to house my mom before the marriage and anyone else who needs a place to stay in SLC.
Alexis had her 6th birthday on the 27th. She finished kindergarten with flying colors winning every award possible at the school. Honor roll, principal's pride, and Leadership. I am so proud!
Brenton is doing well. His speech is not coming along, so we will be seeing a speech therapist to help him. Otherwise he is doing well.
I have been struggling a bit with anxiety and depression. I have always had this problem, but the anxiety has increased a bit. Hopefully I will find the right combination of drugs to help with the situation.
Todd has been doing well. He has been great trying to alleviate my anxiety issues. He is a very kind and understanding husband!
Till next time,
The Wilcox Family
It is official, Hotel Wilcox is officially under construction and should be done mid july! The expansion includes 3 rooms, a family room and a bathroom. Just in time to house my mom before the marriage and anyone else who needs a place to stay in SLC.
Alexis had her 6th birthday on the 27th. She finished kindergarten with flying colors winning every award possible at the school. Honor roll, principal's pride, and Leadership. I am so proud!
Brenton is doing well. His speech is not coming along, so we will be seeing a speech therapist to help him. Otherwise he is doing well.
I have been struggling a bit with anxiety and depression. I have always had this problem, but the anxiety has increased a bit. Hopefully I will find the right combination of drugs to help with the situation.
Todd has been doing well. He has been great trying to alleviate my anxiety issues. He is a very kind and understanding husband!
Till next time,
The Wilcox Family
July 2008 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Ah the month of June. It was quick. We enjoyed some time with Tammy’s mother Mable, as she visited with us for a week. Kevin has been serving as both the bishop and the stake president for this past month, and will continue to do so for part of the month of July. Sundays are rather long for him. He spent a week up in the mountains with 175 teacher and priest-age young men from our stake on a high-adventure camp. However, he had lots of help from 45 stake adult leaders, many of whom are medical doctors. Arianna continues to get high marks for her studies and time on the floor at school. We couldn’t have ordered better weather than what we have enjoyed. That pretty much sums up the past 30 days.
We love you all,
The Woodwards
We love you all,
The Woodwards
Sunday, June 1, 2008
June 2008- Executive Office of Kenneth Woodward
Dear Family,
May was a good month , and if there were sufficient space in this newswire and family interest I would tell you all the exciting things that Joshua and Zachari and I didn’t do.
But what really stands out now as something to savor is there is just one week of school left, and for the past few weeks homework assignments have been decreasing noticeable. I’m sure their teachers do this so the children don’t get the “bends” from a too rapid reduction in required work effort. But I have no fear, the boys are adjusting well. Their homework mentor, Mrs. Elliott, has been very helpful during the school year but except for possibly an occasional “baby sitting,” I don’t expect to be using her during the summer vacation. The expression “baby sitting” is now never used in their presence, as to them it is akin to profanity.
Joshua is scheduled for the same school next year, as well as the same teacher, Zack’s future is at present uncertain.
With the onset of summer vacation I hope to find some reason to get after Aaron. The past few months he seems to have been unusually normal, and Kristy surfaced a few times which has been comforting. So overall, I’m leading an usually satisfying dull life, and I look forward to the coming months of much the same.
Love, Dad
May was a good month , and if there were sufficient space in this newswire and family interest I would tell you all the exciting things that Joshua and Zachari and I didn’t do.
But what really stands out now as something to savor is there is just one week of school left, and for the past few weeks homework assignments have been decreasing noticeable. I’m sure their teachers do this so the children don’t get the “bends” from a too rapid reduction in required work effort. But I have no fear, the boys are adjusting well. Their homework mentor, Mrs. Elliott, has been very helpful during the school year but except for possibly an occasional “baby sitting,” I don’t expect to be using her during the summer vacation. The expression “baby sitting” is now never used in their presence, as to them it is akin to profanity.
Joshua is scheduled for the same school next year, as well as the same teacher, Zack’s future is at present uncertain.
With the onset of summer vacation I hope to find some reason to get after Aaron. The past few months he seems to have been unusually normal, and Kristy surfaced a few times which has been comforting. So overall, I’m leading an usually satisfying dull life, and I look forward to the coming months of much the same.
Love, Dad
June 2008- Cannon Adam & Erica & Family
This month, Erica finished another semester of school. Maja will be turning 6 on the 30th and Annika is still a wiley sneaker who is always up to no good. She locked her self in
the bathroom today and seemed to enjoy us not being able to get to her. I work at night. Only scumbags and hoodlums drive on the freeway at night so it makes every stop interesting. Not much else has been going on on this side of the front.
That is all we have to report.
the bathroom today and seemed to enjoy us not being able to get to her. I work at night. Only scumbags and hoodlums drive on the freeway at night so it makes every stop interesting. Not much else has been going on on this side of the front.
That is all we have to report.
June 2008- Christiansen Kristy & Todd & Sarah
Last month slipped by me, so I decided that I would be sure to make the deadline for this month's newsletter. I do want Dad to know that the Groundhogs and I definitely come out once in awhile.
We recently had a change in our Stake Presidency. In and of itself, this information would be of interest to only Susan and I (maybe Dad, but only for conversational reasons.) However, the General Authority that came to our stake and conducted the reorganization might be interest to some of you: Elder Lance Wickman. Lance and his wife, Pat, were very dear friends from Glendale. He was a childhood friend of John Christiansen, and they lived 5 houses away from ours. He later became our Bishop, we lived through the death of their second child, Adam, who died at the age of 6 years, and the birth of their daughter who had a stroke while a fetus and
has Cerebral Palsey. They do have two other sons near Kimber and Tracy's age and four grandchildren.The Wickman's later moved to Poway near San Diego, he became a Stake President, and then the Regional Representative responsible for overseeing the building of the San Diego Temple. He took our family through a private tour of the Temple during the Open House. It must have impressed my daughters as they were all married in that Temple. Lance was eventually called to be the General Counsel for the Church, which he still is. He became a member of the Second Quorum of Seventy and later in the First Quorum of Seventy. Tracy might be interested in knowing that Pat came and sat with Kimber and Kelly at 2:00 a.m. while I was whisked away to the hospital to have her. Lance and Pat are wonderful people and it was such a joy to see Lance again. He gave me a huge hug, told me he was going to to call Pat and tell her he had seen me, was introduced to Todd and Sarah, congratulated them on the impending birth of their baby, and then, too soon, had to leave so he could set apart the new Presidency. After all of these years, his presence and spirit are still the same. He is truly a great man.
It is official. Sarah and Todd are going to be the parents of a girl somewhere around September 22. Now that they know the gender, cute girl baby clothes are beginning to accumulate in the closet. They already have a crib, a stroller, car seat, etc. You get the picture. They have several copies of the sonogram and maybe I will be able to convince them to post it in the newsletter. Finals are over for this semester, and there is definitely a look of relief on both of their faces. My school year ends the first Friday in June. Then I am off for a visit with Tracy in Salt Lake, and then back for Summer School. We are anticipating a visit from Craig in July for about a week. I think Craig, Todd, and Sarah are planning to take in a baseball game in San Francisco. After that we are going to be very flexible in our activities during Craig's visit.
That's it for now from Citrus Heights.
Kristy, Todd, and Sarah
We recently had a change in our Stake Presidency. In and of itself, this information would be of interest to only Susan and I (maybe Dad, but only for conversational reasons.) However, the General Authority that came to our stake and conducted the reorganization might be interest to some of you: Elder Lance Wickman. Lance and his wife, Pat, were very dear friends from Glendale. He was a childhood friend of John Christiansen, and they lived 5 houses away from ours. He later became our Bishop, we lived through the death of their second child, Adam, who died at the age of 6 years, and the birth of their daughter who had a stroke while a fetus and
has Cerebral Palsey. They do have two other sons near Kimber and Tracy's age and four grandchildren.The Wickman's later moved to Poway near San Diego, he became a Stake President, and then the Regional Representative responsible for overseeing the building of the San Diego Temple. He took our family through a private tour of the Temple during the Open House. It must have impressed my daughters as they were all married in that Temple. Lance was eventually called to be the General Counsel for the Church, which he still is. He became a member of the Second Quorum of Seventy and later in the First Quorum of Seventy. Tracy might be interested in knowing that Pat came and sat with Kimber and Kelly at 2:00 a.m. while I was whisked away to the hospital to have her. Lance and Pat are wonderful people and it was such a joy to see Lance again. He gave me a huge hug, told me he was going to to call Pat and tell her he had seen me, was introduced to Todd and Sarah, congratulated them on the impending birth of their baby, and then, too soon, had to leave so he could set apart the new Presidency. After all of these years, his presence and spirit are still the same. He is truly a great man.
It is official. Sarah and Todd are going to be the parents of a girl somewhere around September 22. Now that they know the gender, cute girl baby clothes are beginning to accumulate in the closet. They already have a crib, a stroller, car seat, etc. You get the picture. They have several copies of the sonogram and maybe I will be able to convince them to post it in the newsletter. Finals are over for this semester, and there is definitely a look of relief on both of their faces. My school year ends the first Friday in June. Then I am off for a visit with Tracy in Salt Lake, and then back for Summer School. We are anticipating a visit from Craig in July for about a week. I think Craig, Todd, and Sarah are planning to take in a baseball game in San Francisco. After that we are going to be very flexible in our activities during Craig's visit.
That's it for now from Citrus Heights.
Kristy, Todd, and Sarah
June 2008- Haupt Levi & Torrie &Family
This last month was quite the whirl wind of vacations and activities. Our adventures lead us quite a ways away from our home in Happy Valley. As we reported last month Levi graduated with his Master’s in mechanical Engineering on April 25th. On Saturday April 26th Emma turned two, this is where we headed up to the Wilcox’s for a little celebration before Emma and I left for the airport. We headed out to Denver where we met up with Emma’s Grandpa and Grandma Woodward as well as aunt Arianna. Then we all boarded a flight bound for Orlando FL. We were privileged enough to spend two weeks with them at the Walt Disney World resort. We had a blast!
Thank you again grandpa and grandma. Being able to visit the four parks at leisure was great considering Emma is still a little young to fully appreciate it and I was 5 months pregnant at the time. After the two weeks we still had two more weeks before Levi would be home so we hung around in Colorado Springs and were lucky enough to be there for Arianna as she walked in her high school graduation.
Meanwhile, Levi was across the Atlantic, visiting a mere 9 European countries in 3 weeks with his last class of his college career. There is too much to report so please visit our blog. Levi has posted some amazing pictures, and a full disclosure of all his activities.
We were reunited on May 26th and later that week we had an ultrasound of our next girl and everything is good, everything is on track and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival sometime mid-September. We’ve written enough, hope you had a great month. We’ll see you all next month.
Love,
Emma, Little Sister, Torrie & Levi
Princess Aurora and Princess Emma
Thank you again grandpa and grandma. Being able to visit the four parks at leisure was great considering Emma is still a little young to fully appreciate it and I was 5 months pregnant at the time. After the two weeks we still had two more weeks before Levi would be home so we hung around in Colorado Springs and were lucky enough to be there for Arianna as she walked in her high school graduation.
Meanwhile, Levi was across the Atlantic, visiting a mere 9 European countries in 3 weeks with his last class of his college career. There is too much to report so please visit our blog. Levi has posted some amazing pictures, and a full disclosure of all his activities.
Levi on top of a nuclear reactor in Budapest Hungary
We were reunited on May 26th and later that week we had an ultrasound of our next girl and everything is good, everything is on track and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival sometime mid-September. We’ve written enough, hope you had a great month. We’ll see you all next month.
Love,
Emma, Little Sister, Torrie & Levi
June 2008- Westover Mel & Carol
We are having a wonderful May. The weather has been great!! Testing and school is almost over!!! I am looking forward to a restful summer. I really need it. The class this year has been extra hard. Some very sad and needy kids, who, unfortunately try to make the rest of the class sad and needy.
I am sure that Crystal will let the family know that they are okay. The tornadoes that hit Windsor, Co. did some damage to their home, but it is not nearly as bad as some of their dear friends, whose homes were demolished.
I am sure that Adam has set a new record of arrests at his work. I will let him tell you about that. I am sure that Maja has set new records at her school for Kindergarteners.
I talked to Cassie the other day on the video phone, and she is doing well also. We traded tips on a R.S. that she has already given, and the one I will give.
I am sure that Aaron will have something clever to say about everyone and I will let him do that. He is busy trying to cure the prisoners in prison in San Diego. I think that prisoners ask to go to that prison, just so that Aaron an help them. The Cannons are also seriously looking to buy a home. Once again, I will let them tell you about that.
Mel is working hard. He is as busy as ever. The building business has not slowed down for him. He is also doing very well with his ACN business. We will be going to New York in June for an ACN convention.
We love being back in our old ward with the boundary changes. We are also very proud of #1 brother and his service to the Lord.
Hope everyone has a wonderful month.!!!!
I am sure that Crystal will let the family know that they are okay. The tornadoes that hit Windsor, Co. did some damage to their home, but it is not nearly as bad as some of their dear friends, whose homes were demolished.
I am sure that Adam has set a new record of arrests at his work. I will let him tell you about that. I am sure that Maja has set new records at her school for Kindergarteners.
I talked to Cassie the other day on the video phone, and she is doing well also. We traded tips on a R.S. that she has already given, and the one I will give.
I am sure that Aaron will have something clever to say about everyone and I will let him do that. He is busy trying to cure the prisoners in prison in San Diego. I think that prisoners ask to go to that prison, just so that Aaron an help them. The Cannons are also seriously looking to buy a home. Once again, I will let them tell you about that.
Mel is working hard. He is as busy as ever. The building business has not slowed down for him. He is also doing very well with his ACN business. We will be going to New York in June for an ACN convention.
We love being back in our old ward with the boundary changes. We are also very proud of #1 brother and his service to the Lord.
Hope everyone has a wonderful month.!!!!
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