Stephanie Daul - 5th Birthday Sunday, October 4, 2009
October 2009 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
The only reportable event for the month was a 5th year birthday party for Stephanie on September 29, but this is the only evidence I have that one was held (see the picture of the month).
I’m pleased that school for both Zachari and Joshua has become somewhat routine, and they have adjusted well to the substantial changes that were involved in moving from elementary to middle school. I particularly like the transportation arrangement. In the past, Joshua, in particular, spend about as much time on the school bus as he did in class. Each round trip now takes me less than 10 minutes.
I’m looking forward to Halloween. The boys are too old for Halloween costumes, and they gave up “trick and treat” a couple years ago.
The sport season is doing well. Kevin lost our bet on the baseball all-star game, Aaron’s mediocre Dallas Cowboys continue to be mediocre, and if Tammy hadn’t cheated I’d have won the NCAA basketball pool.
Fall has arrived in Sacramento, and you who live in Colorado, Carmichael, or elsewhere--- eat your heart out.
Love, Dad
The only reportable event for the month was a 5th year birthday party for Stephanie on September 29, but this is the only evidence I have that one was held (see the picture of the month).
I’m pleased that school for both Zachari and Joshua has become somewhat routine, and they have adjusted well to the substantial changes that were involved in moving from elementary to middle school. I particularly like the transportation arrangement. In the past, Joshua, in particular, spend about as much time on the school bus as he did in class. Each round trip now takes me less than 10 minutes.
I’m looking forward to Halloween. The boys are too old for Halloween costumes, and they gave up “trick and treat” a couple years ago.
The sport season is doing well. Kevin lost our bet on the baseball all-star game, Aaron’s mediocre Dallas Cowboys continue to be mediocre, and if Tammy hadn’t cheated I’d have won the NCAA basketball pool.
Fall has arrived in Sacramento, and you who live in Colorado, Carmichael, or elsewhere--- eat your heart out.
Love, Dad
October 2009 - Bessey, Ryan & Alexis & Family
Hello Family!
Nothing terribly interesting to report from Provo. Football season is in full swing and that means more painted faces and blue hair. It's getting darker when I walk home from class, and the parking lots are always full as it gets colder and the students become whimps. One of my classes this year is oil painting and it's getting the better of me. Who would have thought working with color could be so dang difficult. Where is grandma when you need her? I'm sure she could show me a thing or two about color theory. And it makes things increasingly difficult when you have a teacher who is a genius at everything having to do with art, and very little having to do with teaching. I asked him a question about "warm" colors in my painting and he ended up talking about Joseph Smith and the first vision... still trying to figure out how he made that connection, and my question never was answered. Other than that, classes are going very well.
Ryan's classes are also very difficult as he nears the end of his undergrad in civil engineering. We will both graduate next fall; he will have a math minor with all of the crazy math classes he's taken. Grandpa told me to tell Ryan to make sure he took many English classes since being able to write and present well would be very important in civil engineering; well Grandpa, he didn't take the advice and he's depending on me to help him out in the "English department" of civil engineering, since I will have an English minor... I'm not the greatest with English. But instead of admitting that, I just told him that I couldn't since it was not in my contract when I agreed to marry him.
Maija is having just as much fun in class as we are as she has to stay cooped up in her stroller during class. There are a few times when the model in my figure drawing class takes a break that I can let Maija out of the stroller and crawl around, getting the attention of everyone in the class. Right now I'm basically the only mother in the Illustration department (I know this because I've been around so long I know everyone), so Maija is still a novelty. My teacher even plays with Maija sometimes while I get my work done in class; you've got to love BYU. Well, Maija is crawling around, her bottom teeth finally came in (after 6 months of indecision), she can say Mama, and she is on the verge of walking, all before 9 months. Did I mention she reads books? She can sit for minutes at a time playing with her books, turning the pages carefully and mumbling to herself....more like grunting actually. She's a cutie.
Well, we love you and we love hearing from you.
Love Ryan, Alexis and the Maija Bessey
Nothing terribly interesting to report from Provo. Football season is in full swing and that means more painted faces and blue hair. It's getting darker when I walk home from class, and the parking lots are always full as it gets colder and the students become whimps. One of my classes this year is oil painting and it's getting the better of me. Who would have thought working with color could be so dang difficult. Where is grandma when you need her? I'm sure she could show me a thing or two about color theory. And it makes things increasingly difficult when you have a teacher who is a genius at everything having to do with art, and very little having to do with teaching. I asked him a question about "warm" colors in my painting and he ended up talking about Joseph Smith and the first vision... still trying to figure out how he made that connection, and my question never was answered. Other than that, classes are going very well.
Ryan's classes are also very difficult as he nears the end of his undergrad in civil engineering. We will both graduate next fall; he will have a math minor with all of the crazy math classes he's taken. Grandpa told me to tell Ryan to make sure he took many English classes since being able to write and present well would be very important in civil engineering; well Grandpa, he didn't take the advice and he's depending on me to help him out in the "English department" of civil engineering, since I will have an English minor... I'm not the greatest with English. But instead of admitting that, I just told him that I couldn't since it was not in my contract when I agreed to marry him.
Maija is having just as much fun in class as we are as she has to stay cooped up in her stroller during class. There are a few times when the model in my figure drawing class takes a break that I can let Maija out of the stroller and crawl around, getting the attention of everyone in the class. Right now I'm basically the only mother in the Illustration department (I know this because I've been around so long I know everyone), so Maija is still a novelty. My teacher even plays with Maija sometimes while I get my work done in class; you've got to love BYU. Well, Maija is crawling around, her bottom teeth finally came in (after 6 months of indecision), she can say Mama, and she is on the verge of walking, all before 9 months. Did I mention she reads books? She can sit for minutes at a time playing with her books, turning the pages carefully and mumbling to herself....more like grunting actually. She's a cutie.
Well, we love you and we love hearing from you.
Love Ryan, Alexis and the Maija Bessey
October 2009 - Cannon, Aaron & Mindy & Family
Ah September....Such wonderful things have happened in the history of the world in September. The Salem Witch hunts were a September occurrence. The Spanish Inquisition began in Sept. WW I and WW II both kicked off in September. I distinctly remember that school always began in September (and still does). Lunatic Terrorists attacked us on the 11th of September. And last but not least, Adam was born in September (as was Kimber, which I believe bolsters my argument). Actually that's all made up, except for the last four. Regardless, nothing good happens in September. Which brings us to this September. Nothing good happened. Happily nothing terrible happened either so we will just be grateful for that.
I continue to be asked to do presentations for various and sundry LDS leadership organizations (stake leadership here, Relief Society Stake Presidencies there) as well as the CA. YSA presentation I did last month. Sooner or later somebody has to figure out that I am making my presentations up as I go along and stop asking.....right? Maybe when Grandpa gets to the other side he can put a stop to this silliness. (And when I say "The other side" I don't mean the other side of I-5. He already blew that assignment.)
Jakob started school (again, in Sept) and Hannah is very mischievous. For his birthday Jakob wanted spy gear so he could "spy on Hannah's mischief." Surprisingly she is undeterred and undaunted. Clearly a Woodward trait.
And finally, all you who keep trying to get me to confirm that we are related on Facebook....plz stop. I don't want people to know I know you, let alone am related to you. Just kidding (except for Adam, I really did reject that one.)
Happy October!
Mindy, Hannah, Jakob, Aaron (In order of current monthly expenditure.)
I continue to be asked to do presentations for various and sundry LDS leadership organizations (stake leadership here, Relief Society Stake Presidencies there) as well as the CA. YSA presentation I did last month. Sooner or later somebody has to figure out that I am making my presentations up as I go along and stop asking.....right? Maybe when Grandpa gets to the other side he can put a stop to this silliness. (And when I say "The other side" I don't mean the other side of I-5. He already blew that assignment.)
Jakob started school (again, in Sept) and Hannah is very mischievous. For his birthday Jakob wanted spy gear so he could "spy on Hannah's mischief." Surprisingly she is undeterred and undaunted. Clearly a Woodward trait.
And finally, all you who keep trying to get me to confirm that we are related on Facebook....plz stop. I don't want people to know I know you, let alone am related to you. Just kidding (except for Adam, I really did reject that one.)
Happy October!
Mindy, Hannah, Jakob, Aaron (In order of current monthly expenditure.)
October 2009 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Hello. This is the Adam Cannon family.
We have our own house now. We moved in on my birthday and have been very busy getting things normal. Everything is good and going well with the girls, except we can't agree on a good name for the newest kid coming in December. I think we should name her opps, but Erica is not in agreement. Anyway, we are good.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava, and #4.
We have our own house now. We moved in on my birthday and have been very busy getting things normal. Everything is good and going well with the girls, except we can't agree on a good name for the newest kid coming in December. I think we should name her opps, but Erica is not in agreement. Anyway, we are good.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava, and #4.
October 2009 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
September is the start of fun in our house. I must say my favorite time of year is fall. As a kid and in college I looked forward to returning to school. I feel a little out of place here on the east coast without a school year to prepare for. However, I am fully enjoying the idyllic east coast fall. Nothing like going to the neighborhood apple orchard during this time of year!
In our little family we have Charlotte’s birthday (Sept. 17th), the Levi’s a month later (Oct. 17th) then mine (Nov. 20th), then right into Christmas. The fun just snowballs. I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. We have now been on the east coast for a year, had our first out-of-college job for a year, and have a one year old. Time flies!
In our little family we have Charlotte’s birthday (Sept. 17th), the Levi’s a month later (Oct. 17th) then mine (Nov. 20th), then right into Christmas. The fun just snowballs. I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. We have now been on the east coast for a year, had our first out-of-college job for a year, and have a one year old. Time flies!
Here is our update. We’re still headed to Lynchburg, VA, but the timing is a little fuzzy. It depends on Levi finishing his current assignment. We did find an apartment. We also figured out that it’s never good to fly out of Lynchburg’s regional airport (we got stuck there for 2 days!) However the best part of our month was Charlotte’s first birthday. We had a ducky party, and she was smart and dove right into the cake.
We also had Levi’s parents for a fun visit, and Nancy (Levi’s mom) was kind enough to watch the girls while we were in Lynchburg apartment hunting. The countdown has begun; I have this and only ONE more post before I begin reporting from Lynchburg. We hope you had a fun month. Ours was jam-packed!
Until November,
The Haupts- Charlotte, Emma, Levi & Torrie
Until November,
The Haupts- Charlotte, Emma, Levi & Torrie
October 2009 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
The McClintocks were very happy to see Emily, Justin, and teenage Rocco early in September. At first Rocco was subdued but after about a day he was happily rocketing from counter tops to skylights without blinking an eye. The rest of the month was uneventful after such a grand beginning.
We trust your October will be fun and invigorating.
Love,
McClintocks
We trust your October will be fun and invigorating.
Love,
McClintocks
October 2009 - Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
The Mercier family has been doing as well as anyone can if they live in New Jersey. I got a job at Jilina's school (where I had been subbing) as an aide in a 5th grade class. Believe it or not, it isn't easy to even get these positions because all aides are certified teachers out here just looking for teaching positions. It is sort of a foot in the door because many schools hire from within, either way, it is more money and steady work.
Jilina started 3rd grade and is doing well. Over the summer she grew 2 inches and is up to my chin already. She now has the same size shoe as me, an 8! Needless to say, her Daddy's genes are kicking in and she is going to be TALL. About a week ago her orthopedist diagnosed her with Severs Disease, where her Achilles tendon is a little short and can put pressure on the growth plate near your ankle. It is likened to Osgood Schlotters. Anyways, she is in a cast for 2 weeks and should be back to playing soccer soon. Her growth spurts are definitely causing growing pains.
Well, fall is here so at least it is the pretty time of year out here in the east. Still wish I were back west near family, friends, and NICE people.
Love,
The Mercier Family
Attached are a picture of Jilina and Cesar in the Bahamas, Jilina's first day of school, and Jilina and Clarence (our cat).
Jilina started 3rd grade and is doing well. Over the summer she grew 2 inches and is up to my chin already. She now has the same size shoe as me, an 8! Needless to say, her Daddy's genes are kicking in and she is going to be TALL. About a week ago her orthopedist diagnosed her with Severs Disease, where her Achilles tendon is a little short and can put pressure on the growth plate near your ankle. It is likened to Osgood Schlotters. Anyways, she is in a cast for 2 weeks and should be back to playing soccer soon. Her growth spurts are definitely causing growing pains.
Well, fall is here so at least it is the pretty time of year out here in the east. Still wish I were back west near family, friends, and NICE people.
Love,
The Mercier Family
Attached are a picture of Jilina and Cesar in the Bahamas, Jilina's first day of school, and Jilina and Clarence (our cat).
October 2009 - Slade, Jeff & Crystal & Family
Well, September has come and gone. We have been in school since August 10th and it is going by so fast! All of my kids are so much happier this year. They love their teachers, they are glad dad is working again, and they don't seem to mind me working full-time either. Our hope is that next year I will be able to go back to part time. We will see.
Mathew is enjoying middle school. What he doesn't like is taking the bus (I remember it well.) Jeff and I thought that Middle school would be tougher on him, but even with GATE and advanced classes he rarely has homework and has all A's (we can check his grades and assignments on the campus portal...or district web site.) He is still in scouts and playing the piano, which he takes from Jeff's mom pro bono. She is a fantastic pianist and we are so grateful to her for doing this....she is just grateful to have interested grandkids!
Felicity is enjoying school this year too. She really likes her teacher and is doing GATE as well. The regular GATE teacher is out on maternity leave and she isn't thrilled with the sub, but she will survive. Felicity has awesome primary teachers who put together great activities for the kids. Last night they had a "movie night" for the kids and their families. They are very dedicated and Felicity adores them. She broke her arm 2 weeks ago racing her scooter. She is fine now, but we are lucky that is all she broke (she wasn't wearing a helmet.)
Andrew is also loving preschool. His speech is much better and he will probably be staffed out of services this year. He goes to daycare a little more than I would like, but he handles it well, is making friends and I really like the staff there. Jeff is very happy at work and is much more successful than before. It is nice to see him happy again. I am working and busy, busy, busy. My days are never boring, whether I am working with an emerging schizophrenic, or a pregnant 16 year old I am certainly using my degree.....and am so grateful for my own WONDERFUL family.
Crystal
Mathew is enjoying middle school. What he doesn't like is taking the bus (I remember it well.) Jeff and I thought that Middle school would be tougher on him, but even with GATE and advanced classes he rarely has homework and has all A's (we can check his grades and assignments on the campus portal...or district web site.) He is still in scouts and playing the piano, which he takes from Jeff's mom pro bono. She is a fantastic pianist and we are so grateful to her for doing this....she is just grateful to have interested grandkids!
Felicity is enjoying school this year too. She really likes her teacher and is doing GATE as well. The regular GATE teacher is out on maternity leave and she isn't thrilled with the sub, but she will survive. Felicity has awesome primary teachers who put together great activities for the kids. Last night they had a "movie night" for the kids and their families. They are very dedicated and Felicity adores them. She broke her arm 2 weeks ago racing her scooter. She is fine now, but we are lucky that is all she broke (she wasn't wearing a helmet.)
Andrew is also loving preschool. His speech is much better and he will probably be staffed out of services this year. He goes to daycare a little more than I would like, but he handles it well, is making friends and I really like the staff there. Jeff is very happy at work and is much more successful than before. It is nice to see him happy again. I am working and busy, busy, busy. My days are never boring, whether I am working with an emerging schizophrenic, or a pregnant 16 year old I am certainly using my degree.....and am so grateful for my own WONDERFUL family.
Crystal
October 2009 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Well, life for the Westover's is busy. Mel went to Detroit on September 11, for an international convention. Our team is growing and growing. We spend our Saturday mornings at training and two to three nights a week at home meetings. I am teaching during the day, come home, change and then go out again.
My classroom is very interesting. I have a new student that is autistic. However, he is very social and will talk to me and look me in the eye, so that makes life easier. He really is not in the right setting for him, and the district is trying to place him in a county class for autistic children. He is very limited intellectually, but a very sweet boy.
Adam and Erica are in their new home. They are very happy, and so are their girls. I know that they are excited for family to come and see their home, so if you are in Fresno, stop by and see us and them.
Hope life is going well for everyone. Stay in touch!! Have a great month.
Carol and Mel
My classroom is very interesting. I have a new student that is autistic. However, he is very social and will talk to me and look me in the eye, so that makes life easier. He really is not in the right setting for him, and the district is trying to place him in a county class for autistic children. He is very limited intellectually, but a very sweet boy.
Adam and Erica are in their new home. They are very happy, and so are their girls. I know that they are excited for family to come and see their home, so if you are in Fresno, stop by and see us and them.
Hope life is going well for everyone. Stay in touch!! Have a great month.
Carol and Mel
October 2009 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
As fall starts to settle in during the month of September, I find it an ideal time to start to wind down business travel and to enjoy uninterrupted time at home through the holidays. So when I received a telephone call to respond to what was considered an emergency work assignment near Philadelphia over the long Labor Day weekend, and wanting to assure my Lockheed Martin colleagues that I’m a team player, I agreed to make the trip. Yet upon my arrival, I found that those who were in need of assistance were planning to take the Labor Day weekend off. So there I was, 1,833 miles away from home, staying at the Marriott Residence Inn with a rental car and three free days on my hands. I got on my cell phone and called Torrie and Levi to see if I could travel north to Saratoga Springs to visit them and two wonderful granddaughters. Needless to say, Torrie and Levi were exceptionally hospitable, Emma and Charlotte were exceedingly adorable, and that long weekend away from home was extremely enjoyable. I have become very acquainted with the New York Thruway (I-87) having now traversed it six separate times in as many weeks (see our August 2009 Newswire contribution for the rest of the story).
Tammy and Arianna are enjoying their callings as instructors in the ward Primary organization. Our ward continues to grow in numbers, as does the rest of the stake. Our Northgate Ward Primary alone is at least 135 children strong, and it is not the only ward with such strength. Perhaps we can prevail upon our stake president to stay in town for a period long enough to sit down with the stake boundaries committee to consider some realignment alternatives that can submitted to Salt Lake for approval.
The fall colors here at the base of Pikes Peak are approaching their apogee. The lawn has acknowledged that it has finished growing for the next six months. The Rockies (local baseball franchise) are stepping out into post-season play (we enjoyed taking in a white-knuckler in Denver against the Cincinnati Reds during the month of September). Halloween is fast approaching, which usually brings the first snow of the season. Yes, it’s time to settle in and try to enjoy uninterrupted time at home through the holidays.
Love,
The Woodwards
Tammy and Arianna are enjoying their callings as instructors in the ward Primary organization. Our ward continues to grow in numbers, as does the rest of the stake. Our Northgate Ward Primary alone is at least 135 children strong, and it is not the only ward with such strength. Perhaps we can prevail upon our stake president to stay in town for a period long enough to sit down with the stake boundaries committee to consider some realignment alternatives that can submitted to Salt Lake for approval.
The fall colors here at the base of Pikes Peak are approaching their apogee. The lawn has acknowledged that it has finished growing for the next six months. The Rockies (local baseball franchise) are stepping out into post-season play (we enjoyed taking in a white-knuckler in Denver against the Cincinnati Reds during the month of September). Halloween is fast approaching, which usually brings the first snow of the season. Yes, it’s time to settle in and try to enjoy uninterrupted time at home through the holidays.
Love,
The Woodwards
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