Averie Bessey born 11-21-2010, ( this is the Jr. Editor's favorite pic that she had access to)
Friday, December 10, 2010
December 2010 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
Has any of you living east of I-5 noted the dismal record of the Dallas Cowboy’s football team so far this season? It is almost as bad as the Los Angeles Lakers having lost its last four basketball games. One would think that Levi has been betting on both teams. Aaron would do well to concentrate on the Coastal Tritions, and support Mindy in the Young Women’s program. He would have less heartburn.
I’m sure we are all very sadden with the death of Rick. I don’t know what else would be appropriate to say at this time except, Kristy, I’m so sorry.
November was a good month here at headquarters. The highlight was Joshua’s decision to be deaconized. He and Zachari now pass the sacrament each Sunday in the ward, and this seems to be a very enjoyable experience for each. Joshua’s fears seem to have been unfounded.
We enjoyed Carol’s overnight visit with us. She said Mel would have come but he had to stay home and watch the Fresno State football team take the worst beating in its history from the lowly Boise State.
School has been going well. At least for what little was held during last month. They took a full week off during Thanksgiving week to rest up for the Christmas holidays.
I’ve thought about cancelling Christmas this year but it will work out alright. The rich Fresno grandpa is taking them to Las Vegas for a vacation the day after Christmas. But I’m not sure that’s legal. Can one take a vacation from a vacation?
I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Dad
Has any of you living east of I-5 noted the dismal record of the Dallas Cowboy’s football team so far this season? It is almost as bad as the Los Angeles Lakers having lost its last four basketball games. One would think that Levi has been betting on both teams. Aaron would do well to concentrate on the Coastal Tritions, and support Mindy in the Young Women’s program. He would have less heartburn.
I’m sure we are all very sadden with the death of Rick. I don’t know what else would be appropriate to say at this time except, Kristy, I’m so sorry.
November was a good month here at headquarters. The highlight was Joshua’s decision to be deaconized. He and Zachari now pass the sacrament each Sunday in the ward, and this seems to be a very enjoyable experience for each. Joshua’s fears seem to have been unfounded.
We enjoyed Carol’s overnight visit with us. She said Mel would have come but he had to stay home and watch the Fresno State football team take the worst beating in its history from the lowly Boise State.
School has been going well. At least for what little was held during last month. They took a full week off during Thanksgiving week to rest up for the Christmas holidays.
I’ve thought about cancelling Christmas this year but it will work out alright. The rich Fresno grandpa is taking them to Las Vegas for a vacation the day after Christmas. But I’m not sure that’s legal. Can one take a vacation from a vacation?
I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Dad
December 2010 - Bos, Kristy
Dear Family,
I am sure most of you know about the passing of my husband Rick Bos. Many of you but not all of you have met him. He was a wonderful man. We both knew that Heavenly Father had sent us to each other. His days were "numbered" but we were able to find each other before it "was too late." Many of you were at the funeral, so I won't recount what was said there.
Rick had been told in several blessings throughout his life time that he had a "special mission" to perform. He was an only child and the only member of the Church. Ten years ago he was given around 2000 names of his direct line ancestors. He had been working on this Temple work diligently for all these years. When we married we were able to step up the pace. We had some wonderful spiritual experienes in the Temple doing his family names. One of the most cherished experiences involved my mother, Grandma Woodward, and one of Rick's female ancestors. About two weeks before his condition was discovered we had completed the last of those names. One of the last things we discussed before his surgery, where he never woke up, was his feeling that, indeed, this had been his special mission in this life. I have no doubt that he had those 2000 family members there to greet him when he arrived on the other side.
I want to thank all of you for the wonderful support you have given me during this trying time.
My love,
Kristy Bos
I am sure most of you know about the passing of my husband Rick Bos. Many of you but not all of you have met him. He was a wonderful man. We both knew that Heavenly Father had sent us to each other. His days were "numbered" but we were able to find each other before it "was too late." Many of you were at the funeral, so I won't recount what was said there.
Rick had been told in several blessings throughout his life time that he had a "special mission" to perform. He was an only child and the only member of the Church. Ten years ago he was given around 2000 names of his direct line ancestors. He had been working on this Temple work diligently for all these years. When we married we were able to step up the pace. We had some wonderful spiritual experienes in the Temple doing his family names. One of the most cherished experiences involved my mother, Grandma Woodward, and one of Rick's female ancestors. About two weeks before his condition was discovered we had completed the last of those names. One of the last things we discussed before his surgery, where he never woke up, was his feeling that, indeed, this had been his special mission in this life. I have no doubt that he had those 2000 family members there to greet him when he arrived on the other side.
I want to thank all of you for the wonderful support you have given me during this trying time.
My love,
Kristy Bos
December 2010 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Hello to all.
We made it through November. I can't remember any of the real details but we are still here, so I know we did make it. Lilah, age 1, started walking at 10 months. Ava, age 2, is very, very, sneaky. Annika is doing great in school. She is starting to read and learn stuff. I know because when I get home she quizzez me on the spelling of words like dog and cat. (I am not the one to ask spelling questions, she will learn this soon enough). Maja is got all A+s and one A on her report card. She was punished a little, but at least we have something to improve upon for the next reporting period. The lights are up on the house, the tree is decorated, but only from the middle of the tree up.
That is all.
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Ava, Annika and Lilah.
We made it through November. I can't remember any of the real details but we are still here, so I know we did make it. Lilah, age 1, started walking at 10 months. Ava, age 2, is very, very, sneaky. Annika is doing great in school. She is starting to read and learn stuff. I know because when I get home she quizzez me on the spelling of words like dog and cat. (I am not the one to ask spelling questions, she will learn this soon enough). Maja is got all A+s and one A on her report card. She was punished a little, but at least we have something to improve upon for the next reporting period. The lights are up on the house, the tree is decorated, but only from the middle of the tree up.
That is all.
Cannon, Adam, Erica, Maja, Ava, Annika and Lilah.
December 2010 - Ekins, Justin & Emily
Hey everyone,
Here's the clip of me on John Stossel's show in New York City talking about the Tea Party. I talk briefly about the signs and a survey I did at the Virginia Tea Party Convention which found about half of the Tea Party to be tea party libertarians and the other half to be tea party conservatives.
Thanks Dad and Mom and sending me the video clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o17u2bPO3Ck
~Emily
Here's the clip of me on John Stossel's show in New York City talking about the Tea Party. I talk briefly about the signs and a survey I did at the Virginia Tea Party Convention which found about half of the Tea Party to be tea party libertarians and the other half to be tea party conservatives.
Thanks Dad and Mom and sending me the video clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o17u2bPO3Ck
~Emily
Thursday, December 9, 2010
December 2010 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
Well we survived our excursion to Everett, WA. I feel just a little like Lois and Clark, it was quite the expedition. We left Lynchburg, VA on Tuesday November 16th and finally landed in Everett, WA on Friday Dec 3rd. It was quite the adventure. We were very blessed to travel safely, the girls were excellent, and we had lots of help along the way.
We are also saddened by Aunt Kristy's loss, but really grateful for her example of hope and faith. Good thing Families have the power to be eternal!
We were able to attend Thanksgiving with all those who were in Utah at the time. The food was FANTASTIC, and Tracy is an awesome Hostess.
We're grateful that Averie is here safe and sound.
The Wilcoxes VERY graciously put up with us while we were stuck in Utah due to I-84 being closed.
For those who care, we currently reside WEST OF THE I-5 in Mukilteo, WA
We're excited for the adventures to come and promise to share via the newswire or in person, we do have a spare room (and an actual house !)
We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
love,
the Haupts
Stir crazy in the car, and for some reason the M&M's and Skittles aren't helping......
ON the SIDELINES at the BYU v. NM game, what a wonderful birthday present!
Silly girl, front seats are for mommies!
Granddaughter number 1 loving the "grand-popula"
We are also saddened by Aunt Kristy's loss, but really grateful for her example of hope and faith. Good thing Families have the power to be eternal!
We were able to attend Thanksgiving with all those who were in Utah at the time. The food was FANTASTIC, and Tracy is an awesome Hostess.
We're grateful that Averie is here safe and sound.
The Wilcoxes VERY graciously put up with us while we were stuck in Utah due to I-84 being closed.
For those who care, we currently reside WEST OF THE I-5 in Mukilteo, WA
We're excited for the adventures to come and promise to share via the newswire or in person, we do have a spare room (and an actual house !)
We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
love,
the Haupts
Stir crazy in the car, and for some reason the M&M's and Skittles aren't helping......
ON the SIDELINES at the BYU v. NM game, what a wonderful birthday present!
Silly girl, front seats are for mommies!
Granddaughter number 1 loving the "grand-popula"December 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
November was an eventful month even though it wasn't intended to be.
Aunt Susan spend the first weekend in November with Carol in Fresno. Mel was scheduled to be in Sacramento on the same Weekend. Carol and Susan enjoyed visiting...visiting...visiting...visiting...soccer...visiting...visiting...visiting...visiting. That weekend Anika bestowed upon Aunt Susan the highest compliment known to womankind. Not quite understanding how a "Great" Aunt fits into the picture of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandfathers, and Grandmothers, Anika decided that "Great Aunt Susan" was better off as "Grandma Susie." Thank you to the angels above for such a kind "grand-niece."
The second weekend Aunt Susan stumbled during the night and fell into the corner of a box on top of a pile of boxes. The result was a puncture wound just above the left eye that wouldn't stop bleeding (skull wounds are like that.) Luckily the eye was not affected (though Aunt Susan's pride was.) However, with the eye bandaged up like a war wound Aunt Susan attended the Church's World Wide Training session at her stake center and had to answer the embarrassing questions: "What happened?", "You did what?", "How did that Happen?". The skeptically raised eyebrows were enough to add insult to injury.
Aunt Susan traveled with Aunt Carol to Utah to support Kristy during her time of sadness and loss. However, the trip was sort of an adventure in itself. Aunts Carol and Susan traveled via the "you are now free to move about the country" airline: Southwest. They didn't know how the seating and boarding system worked and so made up a few rules of their own. By the time they made the third leg of the four-part flight they understood how to end up at the front of the plane and disembark ahead of all those that thought they had snagged the best seats. (If you ever want to travel with panache...work with Aunt Carol!) The Aunts arrived between snow storms. Aunt Carol took a look at Aunt Susan' pitiful shoes and they promptly found low-cut boots designed for snowy Utah weather. The day of the funeral tried to be gloomy and "loom-y" with snow filled clouds and typically cold Utah winds but when it was time to Dedicate the grave the sun came through and the two "California" Aunts respectfully stood through the Dedication without too much shivering.
AND....and....and...Aunt Susan got to see the sweet new arrival to the Bessey household. (Well, yes many of you were there too.) However, going to the hospital to see Alexis and her new baby also meant Aunt Susan got to see big sister Maija and cousins Emma and Charlotte. (A first...since they all live in cities other than Sacramento.) Pictures just don't do justice to Elven-like "cuteness" but it is the best we have so it will have to do.
Thanksgiving at the McClintock house was in fact very quiet. Three old boring people did sit at the table and stare at each other during the meal as was prophesied in the November newsletter. In addition to a quite Thanksgiving meal, earlier in the week Aunt Susan uneventfully passed the Thirty-Year marriage mark.
May the Good Lord bless us all this upcoming month with good hearts and good humor!
Love,
The McClintock
Aunt Susan spend the first weekend in November with Carol in Fresno. Mel was scheduled to be in Sacramento on the same Weekend. Carol and Susan enjoyed visiting...visiting...visiting...visiting...soccer...visiting...visiting...visiting...visiting. That weekend Anika bestowed upon Aunt Susan the highest compliment known to womankind. Not quite understanding how a "Great" Aunt fits into the picture of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandfathers, and Grandmothers, Anika decided that "Great Aunt Susan" was better off as "Grandma Susie." Thank you to the angels above for such a kind "grand-niece."
The second weekend Aunt Susan stumbled during the night and fell into the corner of a box on top of a pile of boxes. The result was a puncture wound just above the left eye that wouldn't stop bleeding (skull wounds are like that.) Luckily the eye was not affected (though Aunt Susan's pride was.) However, with the eye bandaged up like a war wound Aunt Susan attended the Church's World Wide Training session at her stake center and had to answer the embarrassing questions: "What happened?", "You did what?", "How did that Happen?". The skeptically raised eyebrows were enough to add insult to injury.
Aunt Susan traveled with Aunt Carol to Utah to support Kristy during her time of sadness and loss. However, the trip was sort of an adventure in itself. Aunts Carol and Susan traveled via the "you are now free to move about the country" airline: Southwest. They didn't know how the seating and boarding system worked and so made up a few rules of their own. By the time they made the third leg of the four-part flight they understood how to end up at the front of the plane and disembark ahead of all those that thought they had snagged the best seats. (If you ever want to travel with panache...work with Aunt Carol!) The Aunts arrived between snow storms. Aunt Carol took a look at Aunt Susan' pitiful shoes and they promptly found low-cut boots designed for snowy Utah weather. The day of the funeral tried to be gloomy and "loom-y" with snow filled clouds and typically cold Utah winds but when it was time to Dedicate the grave the sun came through and the two "California" Aunts respectfully stood through the Dedication without too much shivering.
AND....and....and...Aunt Susan got to see the sweet new arrival to the Bessey household. (Well, yes many of you were there too.) However, going to the hospital to see Alexis and her new baby also meant Aunt Susan got to see big sister Maija and cousins Emma and Charlotte. (A first...since they all live in cities other than Sacramento.) Pictures just don't do justice to Elven-like "cuteness" but it is the best we have so it will have to do.
Thanksgiving at the McClintock house was in fact very quiet. Three old boring people did sit at the table and stare at each other during the meal as was prophesied in the November newsletter. In addition to a quite Thanksgiving meal, earlier in the week Aunt Susan uneventfully passed the Thirty-Year marriage mark.
May the Good Lord bless us all this upcoming month with good hearts and good humor!
Love,
The McClintock
December 2010 - Scott, Carlon & Kimber & Family
So not a lot to talk about, quite yet. I always have a hard time thinking of things that are interesting in my life that are worth mentioning. We did just finish putting up our Christmas tree. The tree is about 6 feet tall and about 4 feet around. It takes up almost all of our floor space. However, Carlon and Mimi love it and it is pretty so I will am just going to have to put up with sucking in my gut and tip-toeing around it to be able to get into the kitchen.
For some of you, you know that Carlon and I have been saving up to do the IVF fertility treatment for the last 3 years. We finally completed it and after 3 days of bedrest and then 10 days of waiting they took my blood to find out if I am pregnant. The results are that I am “kind of “ pregnant. For most of you, the traditional thought about pregnancy is that you either are or are not pregnant, well, in my case, I am calling it “kind of,” “sort of,” “mostly” pregnant. The doctor told me that although I am pregnant, I am not out of the woods, as they want your HCG levels to be at 100 and mine are only at 30. They are increasing my progesterone levels to hopefully improve that. I told the doctor that it took me 7 weeks and 3 pregnancy tests to find out I was pregnant with Mimi. The doctor said “well I guess your embryos take a while to fully implant themselves.” So this is why I say that I am “kind of “ pregnant. So I will find out next week what the blood tests say and will give you the update next month.
I hope all is well and that you all have a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
For some of you, you know that Carlon and I have been saving up to do the IVF fertility treatment for the last 3 years. We finally completed it and after 3 days of bedrest and then 10 days of waiting they took my blood to find out if I am pregnant. The results are that I am “kind of “ pregnant. For most of you, the traditional thought about pregnancy is that you either are or are not pregnant, well, in my case, I am calling it “kind of,” “sort of,” “mostly” pregnant. The doctor told me that although I am pregnant, I am not out of the woods, as they want your HCG levels to be at 100 and mine are only at 30. They are increasing my progesterone levels to hopefully improve that. I told the doctor that it took me 7 weeks and 3 pregnancy tests to find out I was pregnant with Mimi. The doctor said “well I guess your embryos take a while to fully implant themselves.” So this is why I say that I am “kind of “ pregnant. So I will find out next week what the blood tests say and will give you the update next month.
I hope all is well and that you all have a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
December 2010 - Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
Dear Family,
This month has been a full month. We were blessed to be with many of you during the Thanksgiving Holiday, but also grieved the loss of my step-father Rick Bos. He was a great man that loved my mother. We will dearly miss him and can't wait to see him again, as a whole man! Thank you all who were able to attend his funeral and support my mom and family during this hard time!
As for my pregnancy... all I can say is I am terribly jealous of my cousin Alexis who finally gave birth this month! Averie is a beautiful girl! It was nice to greet a new life! I am 30 weeks along and can't wait for it all to be over! But alas, I have at least 8 more weeks of "waddling and grunting".
We wish the best to you all and a very Merry Christmas this holiday season!
Love,
The Wilcox Family
This month has been a full month. We were blessed to be with many of you during the Thanksgiving Holiday, but also grieved the loss of my step-father Rick Bos. He was a great man that loved my mother. We will dearly miss him and can't wait to see him again, as a whole man! Thank you all who were able to attend his funeral and support my mom and family during this hard time!
As for my pregnancy... all I can say is I am terribly jealous of my cousin Alexis who finally gave birth this month! Averie is a beautiful girl! It was nice to greet a new life! I am 30 weeks along and can't wait for it all to be over! But alas, I have at least 8 more weeks of "waddling and grunting".
We wish the best to you all and a very Merry Christmas this holiday season!
Love,
The Wilcox Family
December 2010 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Dear Family:
This month was a time to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. We were deeply saddened to hear of Rick's passing, and grateful for the privilege that we as a family had to attend his funeral service in Utah. We enjoyed meeting with various family members who came in from various parts of the country. It was wonderful to become acquainted with Rick's children. Most importantly, we loved being with Kristy at that particular time.
Following Rick's funeral, we went to the Utah Valley Hospital to welcome little Averie Bessey into the world. Averie was born on the evening of Sunday, November 21. It was wonderful to have the family together at that time as well.
We have much for which to be grateful. And a loving family that has the potential to endure through the eternities, made possible through the atonement, certainly tops the list.
Love,
The Woodwards
This month was a time to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. We were deeply saddened to hear of Rick's passing, and grateful for the privilege that we as a family had to attend his funeral service in Utah. We enjoyed meeting with various family members who came in from various parts of the country. It was wonderful to become acquainted with Rick's children. Most importantly, we loved being with Kristy at that particular time.
Following Rick's funeral, we went to the Utah Valley Hospital to welcome little Averie Bessey into the world. Averie was born on the evening of Sunday, November 21. It was wonderful to have the family together at that time as well.
We have much for which to be grateful. And a loving family that has the potential to endure through the eternities, made possible through the atonement, certainly tops the list.
Love,
The Woodwards
Monday, November 1, 2010
November 2010 - Picture of the Month
Not to knock anyone's family Halloween photos, but c'mon people, Cassie's in Egypt on a Camel in front of the Pyramids!
November 2010 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
There are only two more days before the upcoming national election as I write this. I thought I should write before the ballots are counted. After next Tuesday I may want to cut my throat.
And as the pro-football season is well underway I expect Aaron will now surface, mostly to justify the dismal record of the Dallas cowboys. I suppose most of you don’t know that Kevin once had a promising professional football career. But the first day he went out for the Rio Americano High School squad he was rejected because his last name was too long to fit on the back of his jersey.
We have now entered the third month of school. Except for devoting about two hours each evening to home work I hardly know what to do with my free time. The other evening I was helping Joshua with some science homework using the periodic table, and when I told him I that I had forgotten the symbol for gold he told me, rather impatiently, that he thought I knew everything. I guess he and Zachari are starting to see their grandfather in the light of reality. And talking about Levi, but that’s a story for another day. Their school takes a 5-day vacation during Thanksgivings week. We all win. They take a vacation from school and I take a vacation from homework.
Taco Bell advertises a 4th meal, a meal between dinner and breakfast. Taco Bell would be inspired to watch Zachari and Joshua between dinner and bedtime. They are adding a new dimension to the word “snack.” I recently bought a larger pressure cooker so I can prepare larger meals in a shorter time.
I’ve gotten a flu shot, seem to be in pretty good health at present, and very little I can complain about, but give me a little time.
I would like to write more but I need to get to the kitchen and rub a pineapple for Sunday dinner.
And after that I need to do some twittering. And Carol, don’t even think about it. Until you can convince Joshua, I’m not about to set up a facebook account..
Love,
Dad
November 2010 - Bessey, Ryan & Alexis & Family
We've had lots of things happen in our little home since last I posted, so I'll try to buzz through everything quickly.
Ryan and I are both still attending BYU and we will be able to finish by this Christmas, yay!
We moved into a bigger basement house to accommodate our new addition, Averie, who will be coming in two weeks, or so mom thinks.
We still live about spitting distance from campus so it's nice to still be in that atmosphere, but with just a little less noise.
Maija is in nursery and just LOVES it! In fact, it is a real issue if I accidentally walk into the church building from an entrance that passes by the nursery, I then have to drag her into sacrament and I've only made that mistake twice so far.
Ryan has been called as Stake Executive Secretary (poor boy) so now not only is he extremely busy, but he is learning to apply his wonderful organizational skills to help others.
I've been called as Ward Activity Chair and I'm both loving and afraid of this calling. I have no idea what I'm doing and I have a lot of big events coming up... but I have a wonderful committee who is always willing to help and they have wonderful ideas. I"m pretty sure we will have a lot of fun.
In fact we just finished our Ward Trunk or Treating party last night. Everything and everyone was helpful and cooperating, except the weather. It rained cats and dogs and we had to use classrooms as the "trunks" and people decorated the door ways. We had fun games and a ton of cupcakes and drinks, and there was even a costume contest.
Our little family dressed up as Pacha, his Wife, and Kuzco from The Emperor's New Groove, as it is Maija's favorite movie this year. We even won a category in the costume contest, I promise I was not in charge of the judging so it was not a fixed competition. We won the "best Homemade Group" costume, I guess it was a good thing that the costume was homemade. In fact, all three costumes cost 50% less than the earrings that I wore that night.
Maija loved seeing all of the candy but didn't quite like the whole trick or treating idea. She would happily grab the candy given to her, but became VERY upset when Daddy tried to help her put the candy in her sack. She wanted to eat it all right away.
Ever since last night she's kept an eye on where I put her sack of candy and at every meal she will point to the hiding place, even when I pick different locations. I guess it's a good thing that she hasn't learned to count, or she'd soon discover that Mom has been dipping into her candy supply when she takes a nap.
Maija loves to see little babies and I'm hoping that Averie will get the same reception. We will be sure to post pictures once she graces us with her presence. We love you all and hope you had fun this month. Happy Holidays!
The Besseys
Ryan and I are both still attending BYU and we will be able to finish by this Christmas, yay!
We moved into a bigger basement house to accommodate our new addition, Averie, who will be coming in two weeks, or so mom thinks.
We still live about spitting distance from campus so it's nice to still be in that atmosphere, but with just a little less noise.
Maija is in nursery and just LOVES it! In fact, it is a real issue if I accidentally walk into the church building from an entrance that passes by the nursery, I then have to drag her into sacrament and I've only made that mistake twice so far.
Ryan has been called as Stake Executive Secretary (poor boy) so now not only is he extremely busy, but he is learning to apply his wonderful organizational skills to help others.
I've been called as Ward Activity Chair and I'm both loving and afraid of this calling. I have no idea what I'm doing and I have a lot of big events coming up... but I have a wonderful committee who is always willing to help and they have wonderful ideas. I"m pretty sure we will have a lot of fun.
In fact we just finished our Ward Trunk or Treating party last night. Everything and everyone was helpful and cooperating, except the weather. It rained cats and dogs and we had to use classrooms as the "trunks" and people decorated the door ways. We had fun games and a ton of cupcakes and drinks, and there was even a costume contest.
Our little family dressed up as Pacha, his Wife, and Kuzco from The Emperor's New Groove, as it is Maija's favorite movie this year. We even won a category in the costume contest, I promise I was not in charge of the judging so it was not a fixed competition. We won the "best Homemade Group" costume, I guess it was a good thing that the costume was homemade. In fact, all three costumes cost 50% less than the earrings that I wore that night.
Maija loved seeing all of the candy but didn't quite like the whole trick or treating idea. She would happily grab the candy given to her, but became VERY upset when Daddy tried to help her put the candy in her sack. She wanted to eat it all right away.
Ever since last night she's kept an eye on where I put her sack of candy and at every meal she will point to the hiding place, even when I pick different locations. I guess it's a good thing that she hasn't learned to count, or she'd soon discover that Mom has been dipping into her candy supply when she takes a nap.
Maija loves to see little babies and I'm hoping that Averie will get the same reception. We will be sure to post pictures once she graces us with her presence. We love you all and hope you had fun this month. Happy Holidays!
The Besseys
Some serious Multi-tasking, cleaning the toddler and the dishes :)
The reason for cleaning the toddler....
" you got to pucker up your lips... like dis!"
going All OUT for halloween, somebody get that girl a gold star!
MAIJA-LLAMA, say that 5 times fast!
Got to love those Family themes!!!
November 2010 - Cannon, Aaron & Mindy & Family
Hello family
We have been very busy these past few months. That of course is not why we have neglected to write. We have neglected to write because I put Grandpa in charge of our submissions. I also didn't tell him. This was a social experiment. I wanted to know if you put someone in charge of something or otherwise expect something from someone but don't tell them about it can you reasonably expect that it will be accomplished? The answer, surprisingly, is no. I am using these results in my practice with my couples. What are the odds they will disagree with me?
We have been very busy these past few months. That of course is not why we have neglected to write. We have neglected to write because I put Grandpa in charge of our submissions. I also didn't tell him. This was a social experiment. I wanted to know if you put someone in charge of something or otherwise expect something from someone but don't tell them about it can you reasonably expect that it will be accomplished? The answer, surprisingly, is no. I am using these results in my practice with my couples. What are the odds they will disagree with me?
There is a new favorite football team in the Cannon home. The Coastal Tritons. This is Jakobs youth team. We have been all football all the time. It began in late July with 5 days a week practices. . This went on for about a month and a half. Then it turned into 3 days a week with games on Saturdays. It was fine at first but then they put on pads. The pads make up roughly 1/3 of Jakobs total body weight. It has truly been a learning experience for him. At first, for example, he didn't really know you could move around and hit people. As such he would just stand there until someone twice his size would pummel him. He didn't like that. He quickly learned to bob, weave, duck, dive, and otherwise scrap for his life. He plays as a defensive lineman and it is fun to watch him squirt through the offensive line into the backfield to sometimes make a play and sometimes get lost in the shuffle. He has gone from loving the games and despising the practices to loving the games and hating the practices. Improvement! Sadly it is all coming to a close. Next up....baseball.
Hannah Grace is Hannah Grace. She currently is in love with Iron Man. That's my girl. Inasmuch as things like Iron Man is infinetely cheaper than anything princessy I will continue to support Iron Man.
Mindy is now the Young Womens President. She is doing very well with the girls and has a great relationship with them. I am still in the Bishopric.
We have had many visitors over the last few months. Family for Jakobs Baptism in Sept, Uncle Kevin and Kimber and Mimi and Carlon in late October. Kelly made us part of her west coast tour. It seems I have seen most people except for Grandpa. I think he's ducking me. Maybe he's waiting for the Kings to win a championship before he shows his face again.
I have had the distinct pleasure of doing many different workshops for free I mean for the church over the last several months. Topics include keeping your teens safe from bad guys, communication, happiness, effective parenting, blah blah blah. My hope is someday someone will pay me for this stuff. Unlikely since I am Mormon and we tend to do our best work for free.
Till next time I mean month!
Aaron and Mindy and Jakob and Hannah
p.s. Facebook.
November 2010 - Cannon Cassie
Hi Family!
I spent most of October traveling to Egypt, Israel, Greece, Croatia and Italy. I rode a camel in front of the pyramids (I can now check that off my bucket list).
I'm still working at the Looney Bin and I'm taking the EPPP (National Licensure) on December 4th. That basically means I will be studying all of November, so I need all of your prayers! It is an expensive test to fail.
My love to all!
Cassie
I spent most of October traveling to Egypt, Israel, Greece, Croatia and Italy. I rode a camel in front of the pyramids (I can now check that off my bucket list).
I'm still working at the Looney Bin and I'm taking the EPPP (National Licensure) on December 4th. That basically means I will be studying all of November, so I need all of your prayers! It is an expensive test to fail.
My love to all!
Cassie
November 2010 - Ekins, Justin & Emily
The editor requested that this video of our own Emily McClintock Ekins be added
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4376728/tea-party-treated-fair-and-balanced
November 2010 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
October was an exciting month in our house! We had more visitors, Uncle Adam (Levi’s brother), came to visit for a few days and gave us the motivation we needed to get up to D.C. before the weather gets bad. We were able to see part of the Smithsonian including Julia Child’s kitchen, and a wonderful exhibit on Abraham Lincoln. We almost lost Charlotte a couple of times on our way from the Washington monument to the Lincoln Memorial to huge flocks of birds, one looked like they were going to carry her away and the other was so intriguing she just kept chasing after it. We also went to the Lincoln Memorial, and I kept waiting for Larry Daly and Amelia Earhart to show up
Emma started pre-school, since kindergarten is full-day here I was trying to get her prepared. She absolutely loves it, especially share time every Thursday. She had made fun new friends and wakes up every morning wanting to know if its a “school” day.
Levi turned 29, on paper, he’s 2 years my senior for the next month, Happy Birthday ol’ man!
However, the most exciting part of our month was Levi and my trip to Everett, Washington. Levi has accepted a job with the company Fluke and we are moving in a matter of weeks. Everett is a gorgeous area about ½ hour north of Seattle. Levi will be working WEST of the I-5, for those of you who are interested, and we’re not sure where our home will be.
We’re very grateful to Grandma who was gracious enough to come out to babysit on short notice (especially since she was just here in September) and for taking such good care of two sick girls. In her honor our air-mattress has been named “Grandma’s bed”
Halloween is something we look forward to. Since our years of princess-free themes are mostly likely coming to a close, we took this opportunity to be some other Disney characters. Levi constructed the foam hats for the girls to be “Pat” the hammer, and “flicker” the flashlight from Handy Manny. We completed the look by Levi donning a handy Manny get-up and I was Kelly, the hardware store owner. If you don’t know who these are you are either not around children or probably not very cool…..
Emma participated in her first Primary Program this last Sunday. She did a great job and was really reverent. She had her part memorized but got a little shy when she approached the podium. I will admit I was crying for most of it. The primary program is one of my favorite Sundays all year. The Spirit is just amazing and its incredible to think what little kids, like the sunbeams, have learned that year. I have a great love for the Primary program of the Church and am so grateful for those who serve in it.
We’re very excited to be closer to family, our invitation to all of you to visit is still in force but I request that unless you’re gonna help unpack, please come after the 1st of the year.
Signing off from Virginia, its been fun!
Love,
Emma, Charlotte, Torrie & Levi
The Fam in front of the White House
Handy Manny, and his tools!
"Cheese!!!" and a little cheesey at the Lincoln Memorial
EXCITED for School!!! Let's go!
November 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
November already?!
Aunt Susan made a trip to Utah over General Conference weekend and had a joyous visit with all members of the family living there there.
The rest of the month was pretty much on cruise control with not much else to report. However, the local water district decided that water users need to pay more of "their fair share" and have hooked everyone up to water meters. There was some difficulty understanding the expectations of the water district's newly installed water meter and the home owner's responsibility to turn on the faucet when water is wanted. The front and back lawns nearly died during the learning period and were rescued just in time when October rain showed up. Silly water meter jokes have found a resurgence among the homeowners of the little community of Carmichael this month.
We have avoided colds and flu thus far and still have all our toes and fingers. Thanksgiving festivities are not nearly as joyful at our house with just three old boring people staring at each other across the table but Aunt Susan will report on it nonetheless in the next newsletter. (There might be something unexpected come along along...one can only hope.)
Love to all,
Aunt Susan made a trip to Utah over General Conference weekend and had a joyous visit with all members of the family living there there.
The rest of the month was pretty much on cruise control with not much else to report. However, the local water district decided that water users need to pay more of "their fair share" and have hooked everyone up to water meters. There was some difficulty understanding the expectations of the water district's newly installed water meter and the home owner's responsibility to turn on the faucet when water is wanted. The front and back lawns nearly died during the learning period and were rescued just in time when October rain showed up. Silly water meter jokes have found a resurgence among the homeowners of the little community of Carmichael this month.
We have avoided colds and flu thus far and still have all our toes and fingers. Thanksgiving festivities are not nearly as joyful at our house with just three old boring people staring at each other across the table but Aunt Susan will report on it nonetheless in the next newsletter. (There might be something unexpected come along along...one can only hope.)
Love to all,
The McClintocks
November 2010 - Slade, Jeff & Crystal & Family
Dear family-
So, the leaves are changing, fall has come, the kids are dressed for Halloween (except for Mathew), and we are in school year mode.
So, the leaves are changing, fall has come, the kids are dressed for Halloween (except for Mathew), and we are in school year mode.
Jeff no longer works for Wal-mart. He is looking for another job. Crystal still works at the local school district as a school psychologist (part-time). Despite the challenges of life (work, health, etc.), we are enjoying each other's company.
Andrew has really gotten into the "Cars" game on the WII, and several of us have tried our hand at it as well. It is fun to drive a car over 100 mph and have no fear of wrecking your own car or anyone else's.
Felicity and Mathew are still doing a great job at developing their talents as pianists. They are fortunate to have a Grandma that is willing and able to teach them and give their parents a really good rate (free). We look forward to family time this fall as it gets cold outside. We enjoyed hot chocolate together the other night and had aebleskivers this morning for breakfast. Yum!!
Love,
The Slades
Love,
The Slades
Felicity and Andrew
November 2010 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Dear Family:
Here it is the end of October. Today is to be 75 degrees in Colorado Springs, and yet the ski resorts are open in the high country (this really means "the higher country" ~10,000 ft.). Yet if past results are any indication of future performance, we should be turning the corner on the Indian Summer shortly.
Tammy enjoyed another trip to Virginia this past month to spend some additional time with a couple of cute granddaughters (Emma and Charlotte) while their parents skipped town for a week to perform their own abbreviated reenactment of the Lewis and Clark expedition to the great northwest. I will defer to the parents for further elaboration. Suffice it to say that Tammy, Emma and Charlotte couldn't have had a better time together.
The Colorado Springs North Stake still continues to thrive in spite of the frailties of its ecclesiastical leader. It is simply a witness of who is really at the helm. I look forward to the visit of Elder Russell M. Nelson who will be in town in early November to conduct training for stake presidencies and bishops in and around the Pikes Peak region. (As an aside, we don't use the term region in the church any longer as we used to. When it involves more than one stake, we now refer to it as multi-stake. Beyond the stake, it is the Area.)
Shortly after Tammy returned home from the east coast, I headed out to the west coast, to San Diego, for a brief business excursion. While there, I was privileged to spend a Tuesday evening with Cassie (our new family mid-east expert), Aaron, Mindy, Jakob and Hannah. It was exciting to hear about Cassie's travels abroad, to see how Jakob and Hannah have grown since I last saw them, to hear of Mindy's new calling in her ward, and of Aaron's effort to balance work, church and his civic duty as a prospective juror (perhaps Aaron can expound on this point). I certainly enjoyed the time with them.
What used to be the October event now spills regularly into November: the World Series. The National League came out on top in this last July's All-Star Game after a long, long losing streak. (I think the last time the National League won the All-Star game prior to this year I was in my 30's). I trust the National League will come out on top again in this Fall Classic. If so, that should even things up with Grandpa Woodward on the Baskin Robbins (or Leatherby's) semi-annual ice cream wager.
Love,
The Woodwards
Here it is the end of October. Today is to be 75 degrees in Colorado Springs, and yet the ski resorts are open in the high country (this really means "the higher country" ~10,000 ft.). Yet if past results are any indication of future performance, we should be turning the corner on the Indian Summer shortly.
Tammy enjoyed another trip to Virginia this past month to spend some additional time with a couple of cute granddaughters (Emma and Charlotte) while their parents skipped town for a week to perform their own abbreviated reenactment of the Lewis and Clark expedition to the great northwest. I will defer to the parents for further elaboration. Suffice it to say that Tammy, Emma and Charlotte couldn't have had a better time together.
The Colorado Springs North Stake still continues to thrive in spite of the frailties of its ecclesiastical leader. It is simply a witness of who is really at the helm. I look forward to the visit of Elder Russell M. Nelson who will be in town in early November to conduct training for stake presidencies and bishops in and around the Pikes Peak region. (As an aside, we don't use the term region in the church any longer as we used to. When it involves more than one stake, we now refer to it as multi-stake. Beyond the stake, it is the Area.)
Shortly after Tammy returned home from the east coast, I headed out to the west coast, to San Diego, for a brief business excursion. While there, I was privileged to spend a Tuesday evening with Cassie (our new family mid-east expert), Aaron, Mindy, Jakob and Hannah. It was exciting to hear about Cassie's travels abroad, to see how Jakob and Hannah have grown since I last saw them, to hear of Mindy's new calling in her ward, and of Aaron's effort to balance work, church and his civic duty as a prospective juror (perhaps Aaron can expound on this point). I certainly enjoyed the time with them.
What used to be the October event now spills regularly into November: the World Series. The National League came out on top in this last July's All-Star Game after a long, long losing streak. (I think the last time the National League won the All-Star game prior to this year I was in my 30's). I trust the National League will come out on top again in this Fall Classic. If so, that should even things up with Grandpa Woodward on the Baskin Robbins (or Leatherby's) semi-annual ice cream wager.
Love,
The Woodwards
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 2010 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear Family,
The executive office is still open, but barely. September was a slow month. The most reportable happening was what didn’t happen. Zachari and Joshua had been scheduled since last spring to have braces placed on their teeth the first week of September. But on the fateful day the orthodontist said he had 2nd thoughts and recommended that the installations be delayed for at least another year. I guess he was current with his mortgage payments. The boys were about as disappointed as California malefactor, Albert Greenwood Brown, was last week when a federal judge cancelled his scheduled event at San Quentin.
I attended a memorial service earlier in the month for our long-time friend Barbara Walker. It was actually a family reunion with a captive audience, and about as long as a session of general conference. Barbara was living in a care facility in Bountiful, Utah at the time of her passing. The institution was just around the corner from the one Winston Langlois occupied when he received his call from above. I’m adding an addendum to my living will. Never consign me to a care facility in Bountiful. Those places are dangerous.
To all you attendees and fans of BYU, I feel your pain. It was unforgiveable for my alma mater, USU, to treat the BYU football team so unkindly. It just wasn’t suppose to happen that way
Love,
Dad
The executive office is still open, but barely. September was a slow month. The most reportable happening was what didn’t happen. Zachari and Joshua had been scheduled since last spring to have braces placed on their teeth the first week of September. But on the fateful day the orthodontist said he had 2nd thoughts and recommended that the installations be delayed for at least another year. I guess he was current with his mortgage payments. The boys were about as disappointed as California malefactor, Albert Greenwood Brown, was last week when a federal judge cancelled his scheduled event at San Quentin.
I attended a memorial service earlier in the month for our long-time friend Barbara Walker. It was actually a family reunion with a captive audience, and about as long as a session of general conference. Barbara was living in a care facility in Bountiful, Utah at the time of her passing. The institution was just around the corner from the one Winston Langlois occupied when he received his call from above. I’m adding an addendum to my living will. Never consign me to a care facility in Bountiful. Those places are dangerous.
To all you attendees and fans of BYU, I feel your pain. It was unforgiveable for my alma mater, USU, to treat the BYU football team so unkindly. It just wasn’t suppose to happen that way
Love,
Dad
October 2010 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
September was a fun filled month! First we had Nana and Papa (Levi’s parents) come over the Labor-day weekend. We had fun in pool for the last time this season. We also had fun going mini-golfing and spent a day at the near-by zoo. Levi and his dad also took in the scenery on a tandem bike ride. We’re so grateful that they came to visit; we all had a great time. Plus we got pics and video of the girls, Levi and Nana on the zoo’s resident Elephant! We hope they had fun and we promise to do similar stuff for any of you that want to visit….
P.S. We promise to take the golf club AWAY from Charlotte.
A little later in the month “Grandma Word” came to visit. Grandpa Word had to stay and work and attend to his stake presidency stuff, however Grandma was a blast. We saw the movie,“Despicable Me”, went mini-golfing, celebrated Charlotte’s 2nd birthday,
and went to a decorate-your-own-pottery store . While at the pottery store, we learned of Charlotte’s love for painting everything, including Grandma’s hand. The girls and Grandma also made some yummy Rice Krispie treats. Thanks for coming Grandma, we miss and love you!
Cooking with Grandma
Enjoying the cake
Riding with Nana and Dad
It was sad to see all of our visitors leave, however we haven’t been any less busy…. We started Preschool for Emma the beginning of October so we’ll save those adventures for the next post.
Hope you all enjoy the start of the Holidays
Until next month
Love,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie & Levi
October 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
Dear family,
A couple of months ago our very own Grandma Anna created a new dietary delicacy. It is simply called the Corky English Muffin. That's right, an English Muffin made out of cork. Whomever suggested that when one enters into the sunset of life clever and innovative ideas flee, simply did not run across some like Anna.
One morning Aunt Susan went to the kitchen to prepare Anna's breakfast. A trail of suspicious material led from the dining table toward the nearby kitchen. On the table were the remains of a cork coaster. The coaster appeared to have been broken in half and one of the halves was broken in to smaller pieces. There appeared to be teeth marks on one of the coaster halves while the other smaller bits and pieces appeared to have been chewed and then discarded. The trail leading to the kitchen was more mysterious. The pieces on the floor were definitely cork but did not appear to fit with the pieces on the table. Counting all the remaining cork coasters revealed that the original number of coasters remained - but one. Where did the extra cork pieces come from? Why was Anna dining in the dead of night on a cork coaster. And, even more mysterious, do nightmares accompany cork consumption?
As of this moment none of the other residents of the McClintock household have the courage to try the Corky English Muffin creation. However, a visit to Ikea uncovered a Cork Trivet that is twice the size of the McClintock Cork Coaster. Might over-dosing on the Cork Trivet be the answer to discouraging a Cork fetish? (On second thought a huge Cork Trivet not be such a good idea since there has been no reliable data regarding the effect of the cork coaster on the digestive tract.)
Life can have lots of interesting and humorous moments. Let it be known that odd dietary pursuits come from the paternal side of the McClintock-Woodward bloodline. McClintock-Woodward off-spring can be assured that the Woodward side can be counted on to consume garden variety nutrition...especially when it comes time for the off-spring's mother and father to be considered "advanced in age."
Love to All,
The McClintocks
A couple of months ago our very own Grandma Anna created a new dietary delicacy. It is simply called the Corky English Muffin. That's right, an English Muffin made out of cork. Whomever suggested that when one enters into the sunset of life clever and innovative ideas flee, simply did not run across some like Anna.
One morning Aunt Susan went to the kitchen to prepare Anna's breakfast. A trail of suspicious material led from the dining table toward the nearby kitchen. On the table were the remains of a cork coaster. The coaster appeared to have been broken in half and one of the halves was broken in to smaller pieces. There appeared to be teeth marks on one of the coaster halves while the other smaller bits and pieces appeared to have been chewed and then discarded. The trail leading to the kitchen was more mysterious. The pieces on the floor were definitely cork but did not appear to fit with the pieces on the table. Counting all the remaining cork coasters revealed that the original number of coasters remained - but one. Where did the extra cork pieces come from? Why was Anna dining in the dead of night on a cork coaster. And, even more mysterious, do nightmares accompany cork consumption?
As of this moment none of the other residents of the McClintock household have the courage to try the Corky English Muffin creation. However, a visit to Ikea uncovered a Cork Trivet that is twice the size of the McClintock Cork Coaster. Might over-dosing on the Cork Trivet be the answer to discouraging a Cork fetish? (On second thought a huge Cork Trivet not be such a good idea since there has been no reliable data regarding the effect of the cork coaster on the digestive tract.)
Life can have lots of interesting and humorous moments. Let it be known that odd dietary pursuits come from the paternal side of the McClintock-Woodward bloodline. McClintock-Woodward off-spring can be assured that the Woodward side can be counted on to consume garden variety nutrition...especially when it comes time for the off-spring's mother and father to be considered "advanced in age."
Love to All,
The McClintocks
October 2010 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
My how the weeks clip by. September marks the end of summer, and it has historically been the one month out of the year in which the stock market performs least favorably. Yet the notable events for this September were Tammy's trip to Virginia to visit the Haupt family, stake conference, a relatively quick trip in which I accompanied Tammy to southern California to visit her mother and step-father, and the implosion of the BYU football team.
Altogether, Tammy was home for about 11 days during the month. Since moving to Colorado Springs, it seems that her travel schedule has been more intense than mine. This is evident from the robust balance of her frequent flyer miles account. She had a wonderful time with Torrie, Levi, Emma and Charlotte experiencing day to day activities with them in the Commonwealth. Since she was in Virginia during our stake conference, and since we typically webcast our conference out to three other buildings in our stake, we made arrangements for her to view stake conference from the comfort of Levi and Torrie's apartment on their home computer. Yet all too soon her scheduled stay came to an end. She was home long enough to barely wash a few articles of clothing before heading west to California.
I won't say too much about our beloved Cougars. Yet I will mention that I watched them play Air Force at the Academy. It wasn't pretty... in the least. The highlight, however, was attending a Friday night fireside at the Academy chapel at which Bronco Mendenhall and his wife spoke. Their messages were very inspiring. Although BYU has gone independent, Bronco indicated that he looks forward to regularly scheduled play with the Air Force. That just means we will have to continue to exercise some creativity in scheduling the priesthood leadership session of stake conference when it falls on the same day BYU is in town to toss the pigskin.
Hugs and kisses to all,
The Woodwards
Altogether, Tammy was home for about 11 days during the month. Since moving to Colorado Springs, it seems that her travel schedule has been more intense than mine. This is evident from the robust balance of her frequent flyer miles account. She had a wonderful time with Torrie, Levi, Emma and Charlotte experiencing day to day activities with them in the Commonwealth. Since she was in Virginia during our stake conference, and since we typically webcast our conference out to three other buildings in our stake, we made arrangements for her to view stake conference from the comfort of Levi and Torrie's apartment on their home computer. Yet all too soon her scheduled stay came to an end. She was home long enough to barely wash a few articles of clothing before heading west to California.
I won't say too much about our beloved Cougars. Yet I will mention that I watched them play Air Force at the Academy. It wasn't pretty... in the least. The highlight, however, was attending a Friday night fireside at the Academy chapel at which Bronco Mendenhall and his wife spoke. Their messages were very inspiring. Although BYU has gone independent, Bronco indicated that he looks forward to regularly scheduled play with the Air Force. That just means we will have to continue to exercise some creativity in scheduling the priesthood leadership session of stake conference when it falls on the same day BYU is in town to toss the pigskin.
Hugs and kisses to all,
The Woodwards
Friday, September 3, 2010
September - 2010 Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
Joshua and Zachari were returned to me on August 8 from their 8-day vacation with their rich Fresno grandfather, aka. Big Nick. The handoff went smoothly at the Manteca McDonald’s on Lathrop Road at high noon. Big Nick now has a trip scheduled for them to Las Vegas between Christmas and New Years Day. He thinks they need a little more experience at roulette and the slots.
I successfully launched them into Arden Middle School on August 23 where they will be matriculating in 8th grade. After a summer of roaming the range, imposing a little more discipline in their lives was not something they looked forward to. Actually the process was somewhat similar to the annual Mustang roundup of Modoc County. Corral ‘em, lasso ‘em , cinch on a backpack and push them out the chute. The only problem I’ve detected so far is they seem to be suffering from computer and Wii withdrawals.
I want to thank Kristy, Carol, Susan, and Wendy for their joint visit during the month, but I did feel a bit intimidated. I’m not accustomed to talking to anyone over the age of 13.
Early in the month I had an enjoyable 4-day trip to Hawaii to visit my friend Jim Beatty and his 88-year old native bride. She is an extremely talented back-seat driver and intimately acquainted with every building, every street, and every high-priced restaurant in Honolulu. This was the first time I ever ate at a Denny’s beanery where valet parking is provided and reservations are recommended. But surprisingly, the price of the Grand Slam is the same as locally.
I learned that “aloha” means anything you want it to mean; hello, goodbye, drop dead. In my next visit she is going to teach me another Hawaiian word. That is, if Jim doesn’t move back to his Orem, UT home first. One can only eat so much mango and I could see he is under a strain.
I attended a backyard barbeque, hosted by Dave and Natalie Boucher for Apostle L.Tom Perry. Elder Perry was in town to attend our stake conference. Natalie is the daughter of former stake president Austin G. Hunt under whom Elder Perry served on the high council and as a counselor in the stake presidency. He inquired about Ken and Corene’s children and his recollections of Arden Ward are very good considering he is the oldest living general authority, a fact he is rather proud of. His first question to me was, “Ken, where in Arden Park is El Nido Way?” How should I know? I seldom drive down it. That is the street he lived on, and he and his present wife spent some time looking for it prior to the evening event but were unsuccessful.
And as he may be the only general authority older than me, I decided to write this during the evening of August 27. Tomorrow I’ll be a year older and at that advanced age I may not know who I am.
Love,
Dad
Joshua and Zachari were returned to me on August 8 from their 8-day vacation with their rich Fresno grandfather, aka. Big Nick. The handoff went smoothly at the Manteca McDonald’s on Lathrop Road at high noon. Big Nick now has a trip scheduled for them to Las Vegas between Christmas and New Years Day. He thinks they need a little more experience at roulette and the slots.
I successfully launched them into Arden Middle School on August 23 where they will be matriculating in 8th grade. After a summer of roaming the range, imposing a little more discipline in their lives was not something they looked forward to. Actually the process was somewhat similar to the annual Mustang roundup of Modoc County. Corral ‘em, lasso ‘em , cinch on a backpack and push them out the chute. The only problem I’ve detected so far is they seem to be suffering from computer and Wii withdrawals.
I want to thank Kristy, Carol, Susan, and Wendy for their joint visit during the month, but I did feel a bit intimidated. I’m not accustomed to talking to anyone over the age of 13.
Early in the month I had an enjoyable 4-day trip to Hawaii to visit my friend Jim Beatty and his 88-year old native bride. She is an extremely talented back-seat driver and intimately acquainted with every building, every street, and every high-priced restaurant in Honolulu. This was the first time I ever ate at a Denny’s beanery where valet parking is provided and reservations are recommended. But surprisingly, the price of the Grand Slam is the same as locally.
I learned that “aloha” means anything you want it to mean; hello, goodbye, drop dead. In my next visit she is going to teach me another Hawaiian word. That is, if Jim doesn’t move back to his Orem, UT home first. One can only eat so much mango and I could see he is under a strain.
I attended a backyard barbeque, hosted by Dave and Natalie Boucher for Apostle L.Tom Perry. Elder Perry was in town to attend our stake conference. Natalie is the daughter of former stake president Austin G. Hunt under whom Elder Perry served on the high council and as a counselor in the stake presidency. He inquired about Ken and Corene’s children and his recollections of Arden Ward are very good considering he is the oldest living general authority, a fact he is rather proud of. His first question to me was, “Ken, where in Arden Park is El Nido Way?” How should I know? I seldom drive down it. That is the street he lived on, and he and his present wife spent some time looking for it prior to the evening event but were unsuccessful.
And as he may be the only general authority older than me, I decided to write this during the evening of August 27. Tomorrow I’ll be a year older and at that advanced age I may not know who I am.
Love,
Dad
September - 2010 Bos, Rick & Kristy
It's the end of the month and I can't believe it. This month has been "family reunion month" for our family. I spent a week in Sacramento and stayed with Grandpa and the boys. They are in 8th Grade now, and have grown taller than me. As they have gotten taller, their voices have gotten lower. That is the way that “adolescence thing” works. Carol came from Fresno, and with Susan and Wendy, it was a time to get caught up on everyone's lives. Other than falling face first into Grandpa’s driveway with Katelyn in my arms, we had a great time together. (Katelyn was unhurt but my face had seen better days.)
I got home and Kelly had come from New Jersey (by way of San Diego and LA) and spent 12 days in Utah. Jilina and Kelly spent half of their time with Tracy, and half of the time with me. It was so much fun and, again, great to get caught up with Kelly and Jilina. Jilina turned 9 on the 29th, so we had an early birthday party for her which included, swimming at the big heated pool, dinner out with the whole family at Tucanos, a Brazilian Restaurant in Provo, and the next day a family dinner at Tracy's house. All of the Utah Christiansens were there and it was, again, great fun.
Craig finished his last college class, and is officially GRADUATED from college. CONGRATULATIONS Craig!!! Todd and Sarah are back in school and are "plugging away" at getting their next round of college courses started. I am back at BYU teaching two classes, back to back on Tuesday. It is 6 hours of teaching and that makes for a long day ( I know. I get no sympathy from Carol.) Then the rest of the week is mine to wear my other hats of wife, mother, and GRANDMOTHER.
By the way, Grandpa Woodward turned 87 years old on August 28th. He still looks as good as he did last year. However, I did find a book on "Geezerhood" that I sent for his reading pleasure. I hope he enjoyed it. (You know he's not getting any younger.)
That is it for this month. My love to all of you,
Kristy and Rick
I got home and Kelly had come from New Jersey (by way of San Diego and LA) and spent 12 days in Utah. Jilina and Kelly spent half of their time with Tracy, and half of the time with me. It was so much fun and, again, great to get caught up with Kelly and Jilina. Jilina turned 9 on the 29th, so we had an early birthday party for her which included, swimming at the big heated pool, dinner out with the whole family at Tucanos, a Brazilian Restaurant in Provo, and the next day a family dinner at Tracy's house. All of the Utah Christiansens were there and it was, again, great fun.
Craig finished his last college class, and is officially GRADUATED from college. CONGRATULATIONS Craig!!! Todd and Sarah are back in school and are "plugging away" at getting their next round of college courses started. I am back at BYU teaching two classes, back to back on Tuesday. It is 6 hours of teaching and that makes for a long day ( I know. I get no sympathy from Carol.) Then the rest of the week is mine to wear my other hats of wife, mother, and GRANDMOTHER.
By the way, Grandpa Woodward turned 87 years old on August 28th. He still looks as good as he did last year. However, I did find a book on "Geezerhood" that I sent for his reading pleasure. I hope he enjoyed it. (You know he's not getting any younger.)
That is it for this month. My love to all of you,
Kristy and Rick
September - 2010 Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
August was fun. The weather is still hot but starting to cool down at night and get ready for my favorite season on the east coast….. AUTUMN! For those of you who have not experienced an east coast autumn, you have not lived my friend, and I do not care if you do live in California, on either side of the I-5, nothing can compare... But I’m sure I’ll have a few months of gloating so I’ll move onto another subject for the moment. August seemed to go really fast, I think it was because I knew family was coming in September and I had to get ready.
We signed Emma up for preschool, which starts in October (I’m sure there will be pictures and stories later)
We had our 6-year anniversary on August 27, yes we know, its been pointed out that we tried to upstage a certain somebody’s birthday, we did send something in hopes of bettering our status from “shun” to “dislike”, let’s see if it works.
My kids spend a lot of time in the water, its amazing they’re not prunes yet. Charlotte likes to pitch a fit over having to wear floaties, she doesn’t seem to see the difference in ages and abilities between herself and Emma. It’s a CONSTANT game of “peat, repeat” around here. They seem to have fun together finally, its been a long 2 years in that regard. They even combined efforts to earn enough "good girl" pennies to go on a family date night!
Speaking of which, I can’t believe Charlotte will be two in September, that also means we’ve been out of school for two years and that we’ve been on the east coast for two years, its crazy how time flies, and how much can go on, in what feels like, such a short amount of time.
Levi is enjoying work for the most part, and has an addition to his calling the YM’s. Our YM’s presidency was called to oversee the tri-ward weekly activities for the youth. There isn’t enough youth to hold separate mutual nights so its held together and Levi gets to help. My calling also changed. I still work in Nursery, although I’m now only in there for the music portion so that I can go the Relief Society and be visible since my other calling is Visiting Teacher Supervisor, its nice to know the sisters that I have to call and have them know who I am.
That’s all to report for know I’m sure next month will be filled with pictures from a certain 2-year-old’s birthday.
Love to all of you,
The Haupts
"Good girl" pennies
Peat, repeat
Lounging in the tub
September 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
The month of August has had its ups and down. One of the ups was surgery for Uncle Bob to straighten his septum. After some consultation with his doctor it was decided that straightening his septum would help him breathe better during sleep and might help reduce the number of infections he experiences over the course of a year. After a false start the surgery was finally performed and the results were deemed successful. Uncle Bob's recovery went well and he is hopeful that the sinus swelling that he still experiences will soon go away.
Another upside to August was the visit of Kristy and Carol; both were in Sacramento at the same time. There was great fun visiting and reminiscing amongst the sisters. Grandpa joined in and a good time was had by all...even Zack, and Josh checked in occasionally on the confab.
Aunt Susan gave a number of the sisters in her stake a tour of the KCRA television studios. This group of sisters meet once a month for lunch in downtown Sacramento. It was decided that a slight alteration in the monthly routine might be in order. They seemed just as enthusiastic about the tour as any Aunt Susan has given. It was a fun time.
This was a terrific year for Aunt's Susan's old-world baby plums. The tree limbs were heavy with fruit. After a full day over a hot stove the result was 17 jars of Plum Jelly. Now, for those not initiated in the fine art of Jelly production, the feat of 17 jars is quite amazing. One does not just pick, pit, and process the fruit. One filters the fruit several times through cloth that has been woven to just the right size. That means the weave cannot be too tight or too loose. Too tight and the juice never passes through. Too loose and too much flesh joins the juice. The filter bag has to be hung above a pot while the juice slowly drips into a receptacle. (FYI...there are no contraptions on the market for hanging jelly bags for dripping. Great Great Great Grandfather Lowe would be proud of his posterity’s ingenuity.)
These plums are about the size of a Brach's Malt Ball. The pit inside the plum is about 1/3 its size. It takes six times as many plums to produce a jar of jelly as those using the standard Santa Rosa sized plum. (Too much information? Well, just stick with it a few more lines.)
If the fruit is not properly hydrated during the year, the weather too extreme, the ground too cold or warm, the bees too lazy, the ladybugs too few, the earth worms too sluggish, the Squirrels or Crows too many; the result is a poor harvest and tasteless fruit. This year it was plentiful and perfect. One learns a lot from time spent in and with nature. One could let the fruit fall or one can experience the joy of work's lasting reward. Isn't Father's plan glorious?
Here's wishing all a happy start of the School year.
The McClintocks.
Another upside to August was the visit of Kristy and Carol; both were in Sacramento at the same time. There was great fun visiting and reminiscing amongst the sisters. Grandpa joined in and a good time was had by all...even Zack, and Josh checked in occasionally on the confab.
Aunt Susan gave a number of the sisters in her stake a tour of the KCRA television studios. This group of sisters meet once a month for lunch in downtown Sacramento. It was decided that a slight alteration in the monthly routine might be in order. They seemed just as enthusiastic about the tour as any Aunt Susan has given. It was a fun time.
This was a terrific year for Aunt's Susan's old-world baby plums. The tree limbs were heavy with fruit. After a full day over a hot stove the result was 17 jars of Plum Jelly. Now, for those not initiated in the fine art of Jelly production, the feat of 17 jars is quite amazing. One does not just pick, pit, and process the fruit. One filters the fruit several times through cloth that has been woven to just the right size. That means the weave cannot be too tight or too loose. Too tight and the juice never passes through. Too loose and too much flesh joins the juice. The filter bag has to be hung above a pot while the juice slowly drips into a receptacle. (FYI...there are no contraptions on the market for hanging jelly bags for dripping. Great Great Great Grandfather Lowe would be proud of his posterity’s ingenuity.)
These plums are about the size of a Brach's Malt Ball. The pit inside the plum is about 1/3 its size. It takes six times as many plums to produce a jar of jelly as those using the standard Santa Rosa sized plum. (Too much information? Well, just stick with it a few more lines.)
If the fruit is not properly hydrated during the year, the weather too extreme, the ground too cold or warm, the bees too lazy, the ladybugs too few, the earth worms too sluggish, the Squirrels or Crows too many; the result is a poor harvest and tasteless fruit. This year it was plentiful and perfect. One learns a lot from time spent in and with nature. One could let the fruit fall or one can experience the joy of work's lasting reward. Isn't Father's plan glorious?
Here's wishing all a happy start of the School year.
The McClintocks.
September - 2010 Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
Jilina and I were able to visit Southern California and Utah for three weeks this month. It was so great to see everyone and get away from the heat and humidity. We were finally able to meet Hannah. I have to say that Jacob looks just like Adam and Uncle Gary and Hannah looks like Cassie and Aunt Carol. I don't think we need a paternity test for those two. We were busy visiting all the amusement parks, the beach, and family. Jilina asked me what we are doing living in NJ, and why don't we move here. All I could say was that I ask myself that same question every day. Utah was unseasonably cool and was so great to see all the family there. We enjoyed celebrating Jilina's 9th birthday and are now getting ready for school to start on the 7th. Happy birthdays to Grampa, Cassie and Jacob too! Missing you all already!
Love,
Kelly & Jilina
Happy Birthday Jilina!
Cute cousins, Mimi and Jilina
See Pic of the Month for another Picture!
Love,
Kelly & Jilina
Happy Birthday Jilina!
Cute cousins, Mimi and JilinaSeptember - 2010 Westover, Mel & Carol
Don't want to miss the newsletter. Another busy month. School has started again. The students have been coming for the last week and a half, and pretty much the whole time we have been doing assessments. Now that I have that information, I can get started. This week we start the real work, and the real personalities will come out. Right now we are still in the honeymoon period.
Got to see dad and the boys twice this month. Always love Josh and his ability to bring the conversation around to "are we going to get grandpa on facebook this time?" I personally think that dad would enjoy all the amazing and funny things that this family comes up with. ALWAYS ENTERTAINING!! Josh also loves my phone. I think that he technically orientated, thus his ability to draw.
Next weekend we will be headed down to Jakob's baptism in San Diego and more family fun. Adam tells me that his girls love school, but I am sure that he will tell you more on his own.
Mel and I are still involved in ACN and really enjoying what we are doing. Pretty soon we will be able to offer Energy. We are excited about that!
Hope that everyone has a wonderful month!!
Carol and Mel
Got to see dad and the boys twice this month. Always love Josh and his ability to bring the conversation around to "are we going to get grandpa on facebook this time?" I personally think that dad would enjoy all the amazing and funny things that this family comes up with. ALWAYS ENTERTAINING!! Josh also loves my phone. I think that he technically orientated, thus his ability to draw.
Next weekend we will be headed down to Jakob's baptism in San Diego and more family fun. Adam tells me that his girls love school, but I am sure that he will tell you more on his own.
Mel and I are still involved in ACN and really enjoying what we are doing. Pretty soon we will be able to offer Energy. We are excited about that!
Hope that everyone has a wonderful month!!
Carol and Mel
September 2010 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
August was a good month. I went to Orlando on business during the first week. But the highlight of the month was a subsequent two-week visit from Alexis and Maija. We enjoyed a day trip to the mountain resort of Breckenridge, and took in the malls, movies and parks around Colorado Springs. Maija was a big hit as she and her grandmother would step outside in the morning and send well-wishes to all of the neighborhood kids waiting for their buses to take them to school. We all had a great time together. Alexis and Maija returned home on the very afternoon that Grandpa, our esteemed occupant of the Executive Office, was celebrating his 87th birthday.
We look forward to the adventures of September, and extend our love to all.
The Woodwards
We look forward to the adventures of September, and extend our love to all.
The Woodwards
Saturday, August 7, 2010
August 2010 - Executive office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
As I began to write this I recalled that 63 years ago today (August 1) I arrived in Sacramento on a greyhound bus from Franklin. It was my first real introduction to California and I had little or no knowledge of what I was getting into (I had passed through Sacramento on a troop train twice during the middle of the night in traveling to and from the Big One in the 1940’s but all I remember seeing was the Western Pacific railroad station on 19th street).
I was carrying all my earthly possessions in a bag which would meet the carry-on luggage limitation on any airline. It was the hottest day of the year and I must have still been wearing my red flannels. I don’t recall now.. A helpful lady at the Chamber of Commerce directed me to a home on 34th & J street where I rented a room from an elderly widow named Jessie Binkerd where I lived for 3-1/2 months until I could find a house and Corene and Susan could join me.
And talking about past events, in two weeks our stake will hold its semi-annual stake conference. Forty years ago at this August conference I was installed as stake president. And if you don’t think that was a long time ago, just remember--that’s the same length of time it took to build the Salt Lake temple..Kevin was 12 and later in the week the two of us climbed Mt. Whitney with the ward scout troop. When you relate that to the temple building time frame, Kevin must be getting along in years himself.
After extensive negotiations with Big Nick, I handed off Joshua and Zachari to him at high noon on July 31 at McDonald’s on Lathrop Road in Manteca. Nick agreed to buy lunch for the three of us as a concession. If he had known that each boy would order three double cheeseburgers merely as appetizers, he may have held out for more favorable terms. Nevertheless the exchange went remarkably well. House arrest is now lifted until August 9 when I’ll reclaim them at the same time and place. As we left for the trip southward Zack said, “it’s going to be hard to leave this house for a week.” Even the trip Nick plans for them to Disneyland and Knottsberry farm didn’t particularly excitement them. They said to me, “why do we have to go to Disneyland and Knottsberry farm? We went there last year.”
During this 8-day hiatus from the boys I’m going to Hawaii and visit my friend Jim Beatty and his new wife. They each wrote separate letters and invited me to come. When I said I would she told me to make a list of the things I would like to see and do. First on my list is to have her show me how to process a pineapple. As an 88 year old native she must be a professional by now.
The boys and I enjoyed the overnight visit of Carol and Mel on July23-24 and Susan joined us for a stake “ 24th of July” breakfast at a local park. Mel claimed he had business elsewhere so he left early in the morning and didn’t reappear until time for he and Carol to start home. While we were later eating lunch at the Dairy Queen he was probably having prime rib at the Hyatt Regency.
School starts on August 23 so the joy of summer is well along. O joy!
I’m looking forward to hearing from each of you through this newswire. I hope Aaron can get off that surf board long enough to write. I’ve had little to criticize of late, and it’s getting real frustrating.
Love,
Dad
As I began to write this I recalled that 63 years ago today (August 1) I arrived in Sacramento on a greyhound bus from Franklin. It was my first real introduction to California and I had little or no knowledge of what I was getting into (I had passed through Sacramento on a troop train twice during the middle of the night in traveling to and from the Big One in the 1940’s but all I remember seeing was the Western Pacific railroad station on 19th street).
I was carrying all my earthly possessions in a bag which would meet the carry-on luggage limitation on any airline. It was the hottest day of the year and I must have still been wearing my red flannels. I don’t recall now.. A helpful lady at the Chamber of Commerce directed me to a home on 34th & J street where I rented a room from an elderly widow named Jessie Binkerd where I lived for 3-1/2 months until I could find a house and Corene and Susan could join me.
And talking about past events, in two weeks our stake will hold its semi-annual stake conference. Forty years ago at this August conference I was installed as stake president. And if you don’t think that was a long time ago, just remember--that’s the same length of time it took to build the Salt Lake temple..Kevin was 12 and later in the week the two of us climbed Mt. Whitney with the ward scout troop. When you relate that to the temple building time frame, Kevin must be getting along in years himself.
After extensive negotiations with Big Nick, I handed off Joshua and Zachari to him at high noon on July 31 at McDonald’s on Lathrop Road in Manteca. Nick agreed to buy lunch for the three of us as a concession. If he had known that each boy would order three double cheeseburgers merely as appetizers, he may have held out for more favorable terms. Nevertheless the exchange went remarkably well. House arrest is now lifted until August 9 when I’ll reclaim them at the same time and place. As we left for the trip southward Zack said, “it’s going to be hard to leave this house for a week.” Even the trip Nick plans for them to Disneyland and Knottsberry farm didn’t particularly excitement them. They said to me, “why do we have to go to Disneyland and Knottsberry farm? We went there last year.”
During this 8-day hiatus from the boys I’m going to Hawaii and visit my friend Jim Beatty and his new wife. They each wrote separate letters and invited me to come. When I said I would she told me to make a list of the things I would like to see and do. First on my list is to have her show me how to process a pineapple. As an 88 year old native she must be a professional by now.
The boys and I enjoyed the overnight visit of Carol and Mel on July23-24 and Susan joined us for a stake “ 24th of July” breakfast at a local park. Mel claimed he had business elsewhere so he left early in the morning and didn’t reappear until time for he and Carol to start home. While we were later eating lunch at the Dairy Queen he was probably having prime rib at the Hyatt Regency.
School starts on August 23 so the joy of summer is well along. O joy!
I’m looking forward to hearing from each of you through this newswire. I hope Aaron can get off that surf board long enough to write. I’ve had little to criticize of late, and it’s getting real frustrating.
Love,
Dad
August 2010 - Bos, Rick & Kristy
This month's report is short and sweet. Kristy has completed teaching her last Summer Session class at BYU and doesn't start again until August 31 (Rick and my 2nd wedding Anniversary.) Work for Rick is the same; stress, stress, stress (this happens with a Start-up Company.)
I am planning to spend a week in Sacramento in August with Dad (Grandpa,) Susan, et al. Todd, Sarah, and Katelyn are letting me tag along with them on their drive as they are spending a vacation there as well. Tracy, Craig, Todd, I, and our assorted families are looking forward to Kelly and Jilina's visit in August.
We also look forward to seeing Kevin and Tammy when they come back to Provo in August for Alexis's graduation. The cat is still alive and the pool is still 92 degrees.
Kristy and Rick Bos
I am planning to spend a week in Sacramento in August with Dad (Grandpa,) Susan, et al. Todd, Sarah, and Katelyn are letting me tag along with them on their drive as they are spending a vacation there as well. Tracy, Craig, Todd, I, and our assorted families are looking forward to Kelly and Jilina's visit in August.
We also look forward to seeing Kevin and Tammy when they come back to Provo in August for Alexis's graduation. The cat is still alive and the pool is still 92 degrees.
Kristy and Rick Bos
August 2010 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
The Cannon, Adam family.
Not much to talk about this month. Summer vacation, so that means the girls go to swim, play, get dirty and make a mess alot. Other than that, we are all doing well.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava and Lilah Cannon
The pic is of Ava. Don't mess with the Ava. ( see pic of the month)
Not much to talk about this month. Summer vacation, so that means the girls go to swim, play, get dirty and make a mess alot. Other than that, we are all doing well.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava and Lilah Cannon
The pic is of Ava. Don't mess with the Ava. ( see pic of the month)
August 2010 - Ekins, Justin & Emily
Justin and I came to DC for the summer and it has evolved into us staying here through December. I'm interning for the Cato Institute. I LOVE it! I'm working with one scholar on monetary policy, another on financial regulation, and another couple on the evolution of the tea parties. I'm meeting lots of great people and working toward finishing my dissertation prospectus. Justin is having a good time in DC as well. We have two roommates this summer; two girls I work with. They are phenomenal and we're really enjoying having roommates, we talk all the time so Justin doesn't have to always be chatting with me.
August 2010 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
This past July has been the hottest month on record for the commonwealth of Virginia. This goes to Torrie’s conspiracy theory that bad weather follows us wherever we go. The 4-month blizzard of Upstate NY in the winter of 2008-09, then the rainiest summer NY saw in 2009. Once we moved to Virginia the 4-month Blizzard of 2009-10 and now the hottest summer on record. To cope with our “interesting “ luck we’ve done a lot of swimming, our fair-skinned, German-descendant husband and father is a little put out that he doesn’t have the tan, that the rest of us have been blessed with, that’s what he gets for being a geek with an office job.
We spent the 4th of July with some families from the ward and had a BBQ and a mini fireworks show. It was a lot of fun although Torrie missed the huge fireworks show like the one at the Canyons Resort in Park City, UT that she enjoyed years ago. We found out Charlotte is a “pyro” and enjoyed the sparklers a little too much. No injuries though, what a blessing.
Later that week, Levi had the unique opportunity to go to Newport News, VA and tour an aircraft carrier and a submarine. He got a pretty extensive look at the inner workings, while the girls and I enjoyed some outdoor fountains. ( see video)
We’ve had lots of friends over to enjoy our pool with us and finally got up the courage to go night swimming and see the pool’s changing colors.
We’re looking forward to August and the beginning of the change to the best season on the east coast…. FALL!!!!!
Until next month
Love,
The Haupts
We spent the 4th of July with some families from the ward and had a BBQ and a mini fireworks show. It was a lot of fun although Torrie missed the huge fireworks show like the one at the Canyons Resort in Park City, UT that she enjoyed years ago. We found out Charlotte is a “pyro” and enjoyed the sparklers a little too much. No injuries though, what a blessing.
Later that week, Levi had the unique opportunity to go to Newport News, VA and tour an aircraft carrier and a submarine. He got a pretty extensive look at the inner workings, while the girls and I enjoyed some outdoor fountains. ( see video)
We’ve had lots of friends over to enjoy our pool with us and finally got up the courage to go night swimming and see the pool’s changing colors.
We’re looking forward to August and the beginning of the change to the best season on the east coast…. FALL!!!!!
Until next month
Love,
The Haupts
August 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
Dear family,
This past July Aunt Susan had a most disturbing experience.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Council organizes an event that takes place once a month called Second Saturday. Local artists can display their artistic work for the public to view after normal business hours. Because most local artists do not have a storefront to display their work many local businesses agree to let the artists use the local business as a display venue. The local business hopes the public will remember them or their goodwill and return to patronize the business, while the artist hopes the viewing public will seek out the artist for the work or talent they display.
Uncle Bob brought a number of his photographs to display at an auto body shop and then he and Aunt Susan decided to see what some of the other businesses had to show. By degrees, they walked into the most spiritually hideous place Aunt Susan had ever experienced. Rowdy people were milling around on the fringes but as one got further into the mass of revelers, those living spiritually empty lives congregated in greater numbers using the cover of the "mob" to sink lower into depravity with lewd dancing, contorting, and giving themselves over to the "moment". It was quite frightening. One could taste and most definitely feel the evil that reigned there. The Holy Spirit left us and the true nature and danger of the situation became quite apparent.
There is most certainly safety in the counsel of the Prophets to be in harmony with the spirit in order to heed his warnings. Had Aunt Susan been more alert to the spirit and less concerned about pleasing her companion's interests she might have been spared the experience. One might fall back on the old adage “Live and Learn" but that doesn’t cut it in better circles.
On a lighter note....the joint garden that Aunt Susan is tending is doing great! The vegetables that have been harvested and eaten are delicious! The weather has been agreeable most days and the Pioneer Day celebrations were great fun...because family was around and the children were having.
Grandma Anna is still slipping but she wakes every morning with determination to have the best day she possibly can.
Love to all,
The McClintocks
This past July Aunt Susan had a most disturbing experience.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Council organizes an event that takes place once a month called Second Saturday. Local artists can display their artistic work for the public to view after normal business hours. Because most local artists do not have a storefront to display their work many local businesses agree to let the artists use the local business as a display venue. The local business hopes the public will remember them or their goodwill and return to patronize the business, while the artist hopes the viewing public will seek out the artist for the work or talent they display.
Uncle Bob brought a number of his photographs to display at an auto body shop and then he and Aunt Susan decided to see what some of the other businesses had to show. By degrees, they walked into the most spiritually hideous place Aunt Susan had ever experienced. Rowdy people were milling around on the fringes but as one got further into the mass of revelers, those living spiritually empty lives congregated in greater numbers using the cover of the "mob" to sink lower into depravity with lewd dancing, contorting, and giving themselves over to the "moment". It was quite frightening. One could taste and most definitely feel the evil that reigned there. The Holy Spirit left us and the true nature and danger of the situation became quite apparent.
There is most certainly safety in the counsel of the Prophets to be in harmony with the spirit in order to heed his warnings. Had Aunt Susan been more alert to the spirit and less concerned about pleasing her companion's interests she might have been spared the experience. One might fall back on the old adage “Live and Learn" but that doesn’t cut it in better circles.
On a lighter note....the joint garden that Aunt Susan is tending is doing great! The vegetables that have been harvested and eaten are delicious! The weather has been agreeable most days and the Pioneer Day celebrations were great fun...because family was around and the children were having.
Grandma Anna is still slipping but she wakes every morning with determination to have the best day she possibly can.
Love to all,
The McClintocks
August 2010 - Mercier Cesar & Kelly & Family
On the 3rd, Jilina and I are off to CA and then to Utah on the 12th. We are so excited! If any of you are in So Cal or Utah during those times let us know so we can see you! Love to all and happy rest of the summer!
Kelly
Kelly
August 2010 - Scott, Carlon & Kimber & Family
Well it has been a while since I have contributed to the newswire, but I am awake at 4 in the morning so I figured I should do something with my time. The summer kind of feels like it is just beginning for me although it is shortly coming to a close. The whirlwind that was Stake Youth Conference and Stake Girls Camp, that occurred only 2 1/2 months apart was successfully completed and it only took me about 2 weeks to feel completely rested afterward. Although, I complain about the lack of rest that occurred during these events it was definitely worth it. It is always wonderful to see the youth bond and grow spiritually.
I have my 20 year class reunion next Saturday and after 6 weeks of looking for a really great dress, I found it! Now, I am frantically trying to find the proper accessories to go with it. Oh, the trivial worries we women put ourselves through.
Anyway, in September Mimi starts Kindergarten and she is out of her mind, excited about it. I can’t wait, as I won’t have to pay for Pre-school anymore.
We are very excited, as well, as Kelly and Jilina will be visiting us in a few days it is so fun to have them visit us in California. Well, that is all that I can think of for right now. Hope all is well with everyone.
Love,
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi Scott
I have my 20 year class reunion next Saturday and after 6 weeks of looking for a really great dress, I found it! Now, I am frantically trying to find the proper accessories to go with it. Oh, the trivial worries we women put ourselves through.
Anyway, in September Mimi starts Kindergarten and she is out of her mind, excited about it. I can’t wait, as I won’t have to pay for Pre-school anymore.
We are very excited, as well, as Kelly and Jilina will be visiting us in a few days it is so fun to have them visit us in California. Well, that is all that I can think of for right now. Hope all is well with everyone.
Love,
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi Scott
August 2010 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Well, we just walked in the door from Heber, Utah. We just spent a week with Mel's family in Heber, where we had a family reunion. It was really awesome. Tuesday night the whole family got to go in and see Niel get set-apart as a musical missionary (Tabernacle Choir). Thursday, the older kids and some adults (Mel and I included) went to the Jordan Temple and did baptisms. After that we went to the Utah food bank and did a service project. Thursday night we went to Deer Valley and watched the Choir rehearse for the performance for the next night. We sat on the grass directly in front of the choir. It was AWESOME. We even sang along with them (not that they heard us). As usual, lots of activities and singing at night with the Westover clan. A very musical family.
Crystal and Jeff and family visited us July 13. We had a great time with them. We went to the Sequoias, had a bar-be-que at Erica's, again our musical family did a lot of singing and playing of the piano. We also watched some of our old videos of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We got some great laughs out of it.
We also spent a weekend with dad and Susan and the boys in Sacramento, and are planning on going back in about a week. The boys are getting so tall.
Spent Fourth of July with Adam and Erica and the girls. I think Ava spent most of the night running around in circles as she squeeled at the fireworks.
Mel and I are so grateful for all of our blessings. We are especially blessed to have such wonderful talented families, children, and grandchildren.
I have to report to school on August 16, (Cassie's birthday) so I have two weeks left. Still a lot of get done before the summer is over. Everyone have a great August.
Crystal and Jeff and family visited us July 13. We had a great time with them. We went to the Sequoias, had a bar-be-que at Erica's, again our musical family did a lot of singing and playing of the piano. We also watched some of our old videos of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We got some great laughs out of it.
We also spent a weekend with dad and Susan and the boys in Sacramento, and are planning on going back in about a week. The boys are getting so tall.
Spent Fourth of July with Adam and Erica and the girls. I think Ava spent most of the night running around in circles as she squeeled at the fireworks.
Mel and I are so grateful for all of our blessings. We are especially blessed to have such wonderful talented families, children, and grandchildren.
I have to report to school on August 16, (Cassie's birthday) so I have two weeks left. Still a lot of get done before the summer is over. Everyone have a great August.
August 2010 - Wilcox, Todd & Tracy & Family
Dear Family,
By now most, if not all of you know that I am expecting my third child. It has been long overdue, but it really did take me four years to get the courage up again. I am expecting anytime now to stop being scared and start being excited! (No really, we are excited.) It has been a bit rougher this time around. I have been so sick, but thanks to some strong medicine and some tips from Torrie, I think I have it under control now. Alexis wants a girl and Brenton a boy. We'll find out in about 7 more weeks. I am confused about what I could be having because I am so sick (like I was with Alexis), but I am not emotional like (I was with Brenton). So maybe if it is a girl she won't cry at the drop of a hat... one can only hope!
Alexis was baptized this month, which was so exciting. It was very cool to see how excited she was! We had my mom and Todd's mom give the talks, (which were so great!) And the grandpa's were the witnesses. My mom also lead the music and basically ran the show for me! Thanks again mom! I love you! After the event we had every family member in town come over for a belated birthday lunch and baptism celebration.
It has been a good month and we have another exciting month to come. In August Kelly and Jilina are coming to visit! We can't wait!
Love,
Tracy
Tracy
August 2010 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Dear Family:
These past couple of months have been somewhat eventful at the Woodward home. This time of year, much of what we do is centered on the youth of the stake.
Reaching back to May, we enjoyed a dance festival which was presented by 300 of the 535 youth of our stake. The event was featured in the Church News. It was an event that was very successful among our youth. The stake presidency has run into a number of parents and youth from the stake at various places around town who ask when the next Dance Festival will be held. It appears that this may be destined to become a triennual event.
In early June I enjoyed a week of camping in the mountains with the 14 - 18 year-old young men of the stake. This is a high adventure activity we have every other year called Aaron's Camp. The camp itself sits next to beautiful Lake Wellington at about 9,000 ft. One unique thing we do is set our clocks back an hour during the week, allowing it to get light and dark earlier in day. At that elevation at that time of the year, once the sun goes down it can get pretty chilly pretty fast. However, it makes a world of difference getting up in the morning with the sun already up. We typically have about 85 adult leaders for our 200 young men. Not a bad youth/leader ratio. As much as the young man enjoy the camp, I think the adult leaders enjoy it even more. With all of the bishops, young men leaders and stake presidency members in attendance, it becomes a regular venue for offsite training.
At the conclusion of Aaron's Camp, I experienced a great deal of physical discomfort just under the ribs on the right side. This was something I had felt off and on for about six months. I seemed to get it every time I had Italian food. I had told myself "no more Olive Garden or California Pizza Kitchen". Previously I had spoken with the doctor about it, and he told me that it had all of the markings of a gallbladder that would only continue to give me increasingly levels of grief. We had made plans to go to Philmont, NM to attend a week-long LDS Scout Leadership Conference at the end of June. Those plans were simply overcome by events. We scheduled surgery a week after Aaron's Camp. We were at the surgery center for a total of seven hours of which the surgery itself took only two. All went well under the steady hand of the Dr. McCann. Things went even better once I got home under the loving care of Tammy. Within a few days, I was up and slowly back at it. The Oliver Garden and California Pizza Kitchen are back on the radar.
Two weeks after the surgery, Tammy and I went to spend two days and a night with the young women of the stake at their annual Girls Camp. The young women have a brand new camp facility called Camp Joseph, about 80 miles to the southwest of us in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It has a very definite Restoration theme. Each camp area is named after faithful women in church history. A day before the camp, our Area Seventy arranged for a dedication of the facility. We had about the same youth/leader ratio at that camp as we did with Aaron's Camp. Next year we will have the chance to spend the entire week with the young women at Camp Joseph.
The summer is always fabulous in Colorado Springs. That's all I will say.
Lots of love,
The Woodwards
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 2010 - Picture of the Month
Haupt Family at the local dollar theater watching "How to Train your Dragon"!
July 2010- Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
The highlight of the month of June at executive headquarters was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Franklin, Idaho (June 15, 1860). The celebration was a glorious event.
Because of what might have been, it would not seem inappropriate to occupy a little space in this Newswire to review some little known, but important, historic facts.
During the highest level of Lake Bonneville the land where Franklin is located was within an arm of the lake 700 feet below water surface. That part of Lake Bonneville is shown on official maps as Cache Bay. Then there occurred one of Al Gore’s global warming periods. Evaporation exceeded precipitation, Lake Bonneville receded to what is now Great Salt Lake, the water backed out of Cache Bay leaving a highly fertile lake bed now known as Cache Valley. Through direct revelation from above, Franklin was located upon the most desirable part of the Valley, and as you know, is now known world-wide as a modern-day Shangri-la. (Aaron, that means earthly paradise.) Had all these events not occurred, I would have had to have been born somewhere else east of I-5 and what that would have meant to the rest of you is only speculation.
Except for the above, our household has been involved in only a limited amount of activity since the last report. We were planning to attend a ward picnic which had been publicized in our ward bulletin for at least two months, but was cancelled the last minute because of fear of a strong wind----which didn’t develop. The pioneering spirit of the local saints overwhelms me. Can you imagine William Woodward deciding to return to Box Elder because the day he arrived in Franklin there was a little summer zephyr blowing out of Maple Creek canyon?
Three of the ten weeks of the school summer vacation have passed and the most memorable trip Zack and Josh have had thus far was a trip to the dentist. But on the positive side Superior California has been experiencing excellent tomato growing weather.
The rich Fresno grandfather has scheduled a 7 to 10-day visit for the boys to his estate beginning the end of July. He calls it a vacation. Isn’t the phrase “Fresno vacation” an oxymoron?
Our combination house cleaning professional/ boys’ hairstylist has resigned her lucrative position with us to move to Michigan to pursue other interests. It was a good arrangement while it lasted, but her tenure was far too brief. If I could find a woman who showed any amount of house keeping talent and a reasonable interest in helping me raise two teenagers I would marry her. But then, any woman who came even near meeting those qualifications should be in an institution.
Love, Dad
The highlight of the month of June at executive headquarters was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Franklin, Idaho (June 15, 1860). The celebration was a glorious event.
Because of what might have been, it would not seem inappropriate to occupy a little space in this Newswire to review some little known, but important, historic facts.
During the highest level of Lake Bonneville the land where Franklin is located was within an arm of the lake 700 feet below water surface. That part of Lake Bonneville is shown on official maps as Cache Bay. Then there occurred one of Al Gore’s global warming periods. Evaporation exceeded precipitation, Lake Bonneville receded to what is now Great Salt Lake, the water backed out of Cache Bay leaving a highly fertile lake bed now known as Cache Valley. Through direct revelation from above, Franklin was located upon the most desirable part of the Valley, and as you know, is now known world-wide as a modern-day Shangri-la. (Aaron, that means earthly paradise.) Had all these events not occurred, I would have had to have been born somewhere else east of I-5 and what that would have meant to the rest of you is only speculation.
Except for the above, our household has been involved in only a limited amount of activity since the last report. We were planning to attend a ward picnic which had been publicized in our ward bulletin for at least two months, but was cancelled the last minute because of fear of a strong wind----which didn’t develop. The pioneering spirit of the local saints overwhelms me. Can you imagine William Woodward deciding to return to Box Elder because the day he arrived in Franklin there was a little summer zephyr blowing out of Maple Creek canyon?
Three of the ten weeks of the school summer vacation have passed and the most memorable trip Zack and Josh have had thus far was a trip to the dentist. But on the positive side Superior California has been experiencing excellent tomato growing weather.
The rich Fresno grandfather has scheduled a 7 to 10-day visit for the boys to his estate beginning the end of July. He calls it a vacation. Isn’t the phrase “Fresno vacation” an oxymoron?
Our combination house cleaning professional/ boys’ hairstylist has resigned her lucrative position with us to move to Michigan to pursue other interests. It was a good arrangement while it lasted, but her tenure was far too brief. If I could find a woman who showed any amount of house keeping talent and a reasonable interest in helping me raise two teenagers I would marry her. But then, any woman who came even near meeting those qualifications should be in an institution.
Love, Dad
July 2010 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
Hello.
I can't seem to remember much about this month so I am going to talk about a few things and pretend like it all happened last month.
Lilah is a perfect baby. No crying, just smiles. Ava has gone from a crib to to a big girl bed. This has increased her level of sneakyness by alot and I am so proud of her. Annika graduated from pre-school and Maja was baptised. I have been waiting since 1996 when I left for Sweden, to baptise someone. I still work and Erica still runs the house.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava and Lilah Cannon
I can't seem to remember much about this month so I am going to talk about a few things and pretend like it all happened last month.
Lilah is a perfect baby. No crying, just smiles. Ava has gone from a crib to to a big girl bed. This has increased her level of sneakyness by alot and I am so proud of her. Annika graduated from pre-school and Maja was baptised. I have been waiting since 1996 when I left for Sweden, to baptise someone. I still work and Erica still runs the house.
Adam, Erica, Maja, Annika, Ava and Lilah Cannon
July 2010 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
Its hot in the good ol' south east and we're still loving our pool. Both girls are doing so well swimming. We've only had one minor catastrophe that involved both girls jumping at me and we were solo in the pool (Levi was on trek, that story to follow) Charlotte was pushed straight to the bottom. Emma was in floaties because she was supposed to be jumping next to me while I caught Charlotte. I got Emma out of the way and reached for Charlotte, when I brought her up she wasn't even coughing or sputtering, she was just fine, what a natural. Whew! Levi also got a Tivo for Father's day which is been helpful in keeping movies for the girls and eliminating our need for movie rentals.
Levi helped as support crew for the youth conference trek that took place at the Marriott Ranch in Hume, VA. He was of great assistance even driving a sick girl home early (about 2 hours) when no one else could. I know that his service in his calling is a great blessing to our family.
We're just hanging out and enjoying the lazy river, if any of you get jealous enough come on down! we have a third vacant bedroom....
until next month,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie, & Levi
we obviously have too much play jewelry..... I can't see charlotte's arm anymore
Levi helped as support crew for the youth conference trek that took place at the Marriott Ranch in Hume, VA. He was of great assistance even driving a sick girl home early (about 2 hours) when no one else could. I know that his service in his calling is a great blessing to our family.
We're just hanging out and enjoying the lazy river, if any of you get jealous enough come on down! we have a third vacant bedroom....
until next month,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie, & Levi
we obviously have too much play jewelry..... I can't see charlotte's arm anymore
July 2010 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
Hi Family,
My, oh my. June started out on rather an unusual note.
One of our cars was "egged" overnight one weekend. What made the incident so irritating was the fact that the very car that was the object of the assault had been hand-waxed that very day. Uncle Bob's quick thinking cleaned up most of the muck so that it didn't become scrambled egg later that day while sitting in the church parking lot. The smell of cooked egg is still with us whenever riding in that car. Over the last several weeks Aunt Susan has found more egg; on the bottom of the front door, on the front window screen, on the post near the front door. It's not that the "eggers" came back its just that we didn't find all the egg that day because it was Sunday and we were on our way to church when it was discovered. We can report that egg allowed to cook and dry in the sun is REALLY hard to clean up after the fact.
The rest of the month has been quiet. Maybe the Independence Day Holiday will give us more to talk about next month.
Love to All,
The McClintocks
My, oh my. June started out on rather an unusual note.
One of our cars was "egged" overnight one weekend. What made the incident so irritating was the fact that the very car that was the object of the assault had been hand-waxed that very day. Uncle Bob's quick thinking cleaned up most of the muck so that it didn't become scrambled egg later that day while sitting in the church parking lot. The smell of cooked egg is still with us whenever riding in that car. Over the last several weeks Aunt Susan has found more egg; on the bottom of the front door, on the front window screen, on the post near the front door. It's not that the "eggers" came back its just that we didn't find all the egg that day because it was Sunday and we were on our way to church when it was discovered. We can report that egg allowed to cook and dry in the sun is REALLY hard to clean up after the fact.
The rest of the month has been quiet. Maybe the Independence Day Holiday will give us more to talk about next month.
Love to All,
The McClintocks
July 2010 - Mercier, Cesar & Kelly & Family
Jilina and I will be in Southern California and Utah during the month of August. We are very excited to see family and get back to the west coast. We have been busy with travel softball and swimming lessons. We hope all are doing well and enjoying the summer!
Love,
The Merciers
Love,
The Merciers
July 2010 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Mel and Carol
I don't want to miss this month like last month. Mel and I just got home last night from Cleveland, Ohio. Quite an interesting trip. We went there for the ACN international convention. As usual it was awesome and we learned a lot. On Monday Mel and I decided to go to Kirtland, Ohio and see the historic sites. We took public transportation because we had a 7-day pass. The train took us to Windmere and then we got on the bus. Very Scary. We were the only two white people on the bus. We decided it was probably a good idea to sit next to the bus driver. Then we got off that bus and got on another one. Again, Very Scary. We drove through areas that were condemned, bullet holes in windows, businesses all boarded up. The only thing that was open was the hospitals and the schools. It made me very aware of how blessed we all are. Very happy to be home.
We are still very busy in our business. IF ANYONE NEEDS A CELL PHONE, ADT., SECURITY, SATELITE TV (DISH, OR DIRECT) WIRELESS AIR CARD, LOCAL LONG DISTANCE, PLEASE TALK TO US FIRST. WE CAN USUALLY SAVE YOU MONEY!!!!
I have been enjoying my time off from school. I think the older I get, the harder. Then when I have conferences with some of my parents, and they are so very grateful for what has been done for their children and their disabilities, I know how worthwhile it is to get up everyday and drive 30 minutes to school. We are excited to have Crystal and Jeff and family come and visit us. Anyone else in the neighborhood, come and visit. Have a happy Fourth of July and a great month!!
I don't want to miss this month like last month. Mel and I just got home last night from Cleveland, Ohio. Quite an interesting trip. We went there for the ACN international convention. As usual it was awesome and we learned a lot. On Monday Mel and I decided to go to Kirtland, Ohio and see the historic sites. We took public transportation because we had a 7-day pass. The train took us to Windmere and then we got on the bus. Very Scary. We were the only two white people on the bus. We decided it was probably a good idea to sit next to the bus driver. Then we got off that bus and got on another one. Again, Very Scary. We drove through areas that were condemned, bullet holes in windows, businesses all boarded up. The only thing that was open was the hospitals and the schools. It made me very aware of how blessed we all are. Very happy to be home.
We are still very busy in our business. IF ANYONE NEEDS A CELL PHONE, ADT., SECURITY, SATELITE TV (DISH, OR DIRECT) WIRELESS AIR CARD, LOCAL LONG DISTANCE, PLEASE TALK TO US FIRST. WE CAN USUALLY SAVE YOU MONEY!!!!
I have been enjoying my time off from school. I think the older I get, the harder. Then when I have conferences with some of my parents, and they are so very grateful for what has been done for their children and their disabilities, I know how worthwhile it is to get up everyday and drive 30 minutes to school. We are excited to have Crystal and Jeff and family come and visit us. Anyone else in the neighborhood, come and visit. Have a happy Fourth of July and a great month!!
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