Picture of the Month
Zach, Grandpa and Josh as School Begins (2007-2008)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
September 2007
Dear Family,
The month of August is past, and as the old saying goes, “I’ve jumped from the frying pan into the fire.” I was released from house arrest on August 20 with the end of summer vacation and on the same day started a new year of supervising homework. I haven’t decided yet which I would prefer if I had a choice, which I don’t.
Joshua now attends a new school, Starr King, and his school day starts and ends 40 minutes before Zack’s at Mariemont. There is about an hour difference between the school bus schedules. As some of you know, the county has undertaken a major overhauling of Watt Ave., called the Watt Ave. Beautification Project, and the traffic Is confined into two narrow lanes, with no bicycle lanes or no parking on the street. When the school buses stop to pick up each boy, the traffic is likewise stopped during the loading process. To see this occur four times a day in front of or near our house for the benefit of any school child really warms my heart, as it undoubtedly warms the temper of many of the waiting drivers.
I recently had a birthday and I was surprised how many family members and friends called to express their congratulation or condolence. It was hard to tell which. I suppose as the old clock is starting to wind down people naturally have a concern about whether I’ll see another Christmas. But don’t any of you despair, and don’t delay your Christmas shopping for me on the possibility it may not be necessary.
I celebrated the day by attending a cub scout pack meeting with Zack and Josh out in a local park for what was to be a fireside, with a real fire, to roast marshmallows. The temperature was over the century mark, there was little shade, and instead of being a fireside it was a smokeside. I’m sure the leaders were using creosote-soaked firewood.
This picture (picture of the month above) shows the family as school started. The one with the special haircut needs a bit more practice or I need to hide the scissors. And since that picture was taken he has started to practice his trade on Zack.
And I'm really not as happy as the picture may suggest either.
I notice the absence of a report last month from many of the family members, and while I’ll not take the time to name them all, I am concerned about Cassie. If anyone knows anything about her whereabouts, tell her she may be able to hide for a while, but eventually we'll find her.
And I can’t find anything to get after Aaron about lately. Maybe now he has gotten religion he has started to shape up, but again, this might just be wishful thinking. So considering everything, this has been a very dull month for me, but hopefully things will improve in coming days. Love, Dad
The month of August is past, and as the old saying goes, “I’ve jumped from the frying pan into the fire.” I was released from house arrest on August 20 with the end of summer vacation and on the same day started a new year of supervising homework. I haven’t decided yet which I would prefer if I had a choice, which I don’t.
Joshua now attends a new school, Starr King, and his school day starts and ends 40 minutes before Zack’s at Mariemont. There is about an hour difference between the school bus schedules. As some of you know, the county has undertaken a major overhauling of Watt Ave., called the Watt Ave. Beautification Project, and the traffic Is confined into two narrow lanes, with no bicycle lanes or no parking on the street. When the school buses stop to pick up each boy, the traffic is likewise stopped during the loading process. To see this occur four times a day in front of or near our house for the benefit of any school child really warms my heart, as it undoubtedly warms the temper of many of the waiting drivers.
I recently had a birthday and I was surprised how many family members and friends called to express their congratulation or condolence. It was hard to tell which. I suppose as the old clock is starting to wind down people naturally have a concern about whether I’ll see another Christmas. But don’t any of you despair, and don’t delay your Christmas shopping for me on the possibility it may not be necessary.
I celebrated the day by attending a cub scout pack meeting with Zack and Josh out in a local park for what was to be a fireside, with a real fire, to roast marshmallows. The temperature was over the century mark, there was little shade, and instead of being a fireside it was a smokeside. I’m sure the leaders were using creosote-soaked firewood.
This picture (picture of the month above) shows the family as school started. The one with the special haircut needs a bit more practice or I need to hide the scissors. And since that picture was taken he has started to practice his trade on Zack.
And I'm really not as happy as the picture may suggest either.
I notice the absence of a report last month from many of the family members, and while I’ll not take the time to name them all, I am concerned about Cassie. If anyone knows anything about her whereabouts, tell her she may be able to hide for a while, but eventually we'll find her.
And I can’t find anything to get after Aaron about lately. Maybe now he has gotten religion he has started to shape up, but again, this might just be wishful thinking. So considering everything, this has been a very dull month for me, but hopefully things will improve in coming days. Love, Dad
September 2007
Ah yes, goodbye summer and goodbye tourists. Now for some people goodbye summer also means goobye good weather. For others goodbye summer means hello tolerable weather. But for those of us who can't afford a home because we refuse to move east of the 5 (or 405 for you LA types) Goodbye summer just means we get our beach back.
Speaking of tourists, the Merciers came to visit us and we were forced to take Cesar to Tony Roma's. Apparently he had an excellent eating experience there in the past and was anxious to relive it. I hope he wasn't disappointed. It was also nice to see Kelly and Julina and Cesar's daughter who's name I am not even going to try to spell. Julina (Im probably spelling that wrong too) was very very well behaved and Jakob loved playing with her. I didn't notice any bruises on the child so apparently Kelly has discovered an alternative form of behavior modification unrelated to corporal punishment. Ill have to look into that.
I am officially a Staff Psychologist at R J Donovan State Prison. I've seen several of Adam's boyhood friends and some of Cassandra's former boyfriends. They all wish the two of you the best.
Other than that we are anxiously awaiting the arrivale of Jakobs "crybaby sister" as he calls her. How true, how true.
Jakob, Mindy, Aaron, and Crybaby Sister
Speaking of tourists, the Merciers came to visit us and we were forced to take Cesar to Tony Roma's. Apparently he had an excellent eating experience there in the past and was anxious to relive it. I hope he wasn't disappointed. It was also nice to see Kelly and Julina and Cesar's daughter who's name I am not even going to try to spell. Julina (Im probably spelling that wrong too) was very very well behaved and Jakob loved playing with her. I didn't notice any bruises on the child so apparently Kelly has discovered an alternative form of behavior modification unrelated to corporal punishment. Ill have to look into that.
I am officially a Staff Psychologist at R J Donovan State Prison. I've seen several of Adam's boyhood friends and some of Cassandra's former boyfriends. They all wish the two of you the best.
Other than that we are anxiously awaiting the arrivale of Jakobs "crybaby sister" as he calls her. How true, how true.
Jakob, Mindy, Aaron, and Crybaby Sister
September 2007
Hello Family,
Justin and I have been making our way across the country. We started from Boston and drove 24 hours straight to Kansas City, KS to visit his sister and her...twins! Then we drove to see Uncle Kevin in Colorado Springs and wow....I want to live there! Colorado is the greatest place ever. Then we drove to Boulder, WY Population 70. Yea, that was horrible. I really really never ever want to live in [that part] of Wyoming. Sorry Todd and Tracy if you have developed a special fondness for highway 191 up to Jackson Hole. One of Justin's good friends just moved to Boulder and we went to visit him. He lives in the middle of no where, there is only sage brush, dirt roads, no stores or restaurants. He and his wife won't let their kids out of the house not because they are afraid they'll be kidnapped by the ghetto thug next door but because there are bears, coyotes and BOBCATS! Yea, wow. Then we are now in Salt Lake City, UT. I love Utah. I feel like I can see all the Cannon's cringe if they read this because I know they were so excited to get out of this state, but I really like Utah after living here for 4 years. Anyway, we saw lots of our college friends, and a good friend is getting married tomorrow in the SLC Temple. It's funny because its almost exactly 1 year from Justin and me getting married here. Then on Sunday we take off for Los Angeles and Kimber has been the best cousin ever and gone to pick up our apartment key so we can move in on the weekend. We are really looking forward to being near to family and friends in Los Angeles. Please let us know if you are coming through.
For more exciting tales and fables, please see our blog at
http://justinandemily.blogspot.com/
Love ya!
Emily and Justin
Justin and I have been making our way across the country. We started from Boston and drove 24 hours straight to Kansas City, KS to visit his sister and her...twins! Then we drove to see Uncle Kevin in Colorado Springs and wow....I want to live there! Colorado is the greatest place ever. Then we drove to Boulder, WY Population 70. Yea, that was horrible. I really really never ever want to live in [that part] of Wyoming. Sorry Todd and Tracy if you have developed a special fondness for highway 191 up to Jackson Hole. One of Justin's good friends just moved to Boulder and we went to visit him. He lives in the middle of no where, there is only sage brush, dirt roads, no stores or restaurants. He and his wife won't let their kids out of the house not because they are afraid they'll be kidnapped by the ghetto thug next door but because there are bears, coyotes and BOBCATS! Yea, wow. Then we are now in Salt Lake City, UT. I love Utah. I feel like I can see all the Cannon's cringe if they read this because I know they were so excited to get out of this state, but I really like Utah after living here for 4 years. Anyway, we saw lots of our college friends, and a good friend is getting married tomorrow in the SLC Temple. It's funny because its almost exactly 1 year from Justin and me getting married here. Then on Sunday we take off for Los Angeles and Kimber has been the best cousin ever and gone to pick up our apartment key so we can move in on the weekend. We are really looking forward to being near to family and friends in Los Angeles. Please let us know if you are coming through.
For more exciting tales and fables, please see our blog at
http://justinandemily.blogspot.com/
Love ya!
Emily and Justin
September 2007
August started out rather pleasant for the McClintocks. The weather wasn't overly warm which Susan appreciated. The first weekend in August found Bob and Susan in Fresno with Mel and Carol. The intent was to visit with the Westovers and also see the wonders of the National forest and park just to the east of Fresno called Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Forest and Park. The beauties of that National area are indescribable. We really enjoyed the area and very much enjoyed visiting with Carol and Mel on Sunday.
On a recent weekend, Grandpa's stake held Stake Conference. Grandpa and the Widow Lowe were to attend the evening Saturday session which would have left Zack and Josh home alone. Now we all know what happens when two ten-year-olds are home alone. We know what happened when that annoying eight-year-old was home alone and two thieves tried to bag the Christmas loot. Being a wise Grandfather, Susan was enlisted to keep Zack and Josh company while Grandpa and Anna Mae went to church. It was a delightful evening. The twins were pretty ambivalent about Aunt Susan's presence until the idea of puppets and a puppet show came up. Then the evening turned into a funny, enthusiastic, entertaining time of make-believe and artwork. Never did the inventor of paper lunch bags envision the true extent to which a ten year old can equal the creativity of the Fandango characters. I seem to remember their mother being equally as creative with her puppet shows when she was little....they must have inherited her ability.
The rest of the month has been equally pleasant. Bob is teaching and taking classes. Susan is working and helping the stake with their fall concert. Emily and Justin started their long drive back to the west coast on August 24th. Susan was a little concerned for their safety because of all the flooding in Ohio and the Great Lakes area, through which they would have to drive, and the high heat knocking against the wet storm, which inevitably makes for good tornado weather. They seemed to have fared quite well. Tomato weather has finally arrived, former Sacramento residents will understand what I mean. It always comes when the State Fair is in full swing. Ah, fresh, properly ripened tomatoes, a treat never to be equaled in today's grocery store, and nights to be endured until the delta breeze returns.
Love to all,
The McClintocks
On a recent weekend, Grandpa's stake held Stake Conference. Grandpa and the Widow Lowe were to attend the evening Saturday session which would have left Zack and Josh home alone. Now we all know what happens when two ten-year-olds are home alone. We know what happened when that annoying eight-year-old was home alone and two thieves tried to bag the Christmas loot. Being a wise Grandfather, Susan was enlisted to keep Zack and Josh company while Grandpa and Anna Mae went to church. It was a delightful evening. The twins were pretty ambivalent about Aunt Susan's presence until the idea of puppets and a puppet show came up. Then the evening turned into a funny, enthusiastic, entertaining time of make-believe and artwork. Never did the inventor of paper lunch bags envision the true extent to which a ten year old can equal the creativity of the Fandango characters. I seem to remember their mother being equally as creative with her puppet shows when she was little....they must have inherited her ability.
The rest of the month has been equally pleasant. Bob is teaching and taking classes. Susan is working and helping the stake with their fall concert. Emily and Justin started their long drive back to the west coast on August 24th. Susan was a little concerned for their safety because of all the flooding in Ohio and the Great Lakes area, through which they would have to drive, and the high heat knocking against the wet storm, which inevitably makes for good tornado weather. They seemed to have fared quite well. Tomato weather has finally arrived, former Sacramento residents will understand what I mean. It always comes when the State Fair is in full swing. Ah, fresh, properly ripened tomatoes, a treat never to be equaled in today's grocery store, and nights to be endured until the delta breeze returns.
Love to all,
The McClintocks
September 2007
Hello Family!
Boy, it has been a crazy summer! We just returned from Glendale where we got to relax from all the craziness. It was wonderful to be able to see family and visit Universal Studios, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland. We are exhausted but it was wonderful. I was able to see how much Alexis, Brenton, Mimi, and Jake have grown up!
We are currently living in a hotel as we wait for our closing date on our house at the end of the month. It is a long story but needless to say we just loving being stuck in one room together for a month. I know you are all jealous.
Tomorrow I start grad school and I am very excited! I finally decided to get my masters in education. Yes, we will have yet another school teacher in the family. I am in a Post Bacc Teaching Credential Program and then will continue through to a master's. I plan on subbing during the week and taking classes on Saturday.
We love you all and wish you the best!
The Mercier Family
Boy, it has been a crazy summer! We just returned from Glendale where we got to relax from all the craziness. It was wonderful to be able to see family and visit Universal Studios, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland. We are exhausted but it was wonderful. I was able to see how much Alexis, Brenton, Mimi, and Jake have grown up!
We are currently living in a hotel as we wait for our closing date on our house at the end of the month. It is a long story but needless to say we just loving being stuck in one room together for a month. I know you are all jealous.
Tomorrow I start grad school and I am very excited! I finally decided to get my masters in education. Yes, we will have yet another school teacher in the family. I am in a Post Bacc Teaching Credential Program and then will continue through to a master's. I plan on subbing during the week and taking classes on Saturday.
We love you all and wish you the best!
The Mercier Family
September 2007
Well, I fear that my report for this month will be the same as my two sisters being that Kelly and Tracy and family were in California this month. Kelly and family were here for the full month which was awesome! However, now Mimi and I are in withdrawal, we have no one to swim with at my dads house now. Tracy and family were here for just one week. We managed to fit in Disneyland twice, Hurricane Harbor, Universal Studios and outlet shopping in Camarillo (fun but exhausting.) I think I need a vacation from this vacation. During the course of this month we became Phase 10 junkies. For those of you who have never played Phase 10, be forewarned, once you start you can't stop. I was also introduced to Disneys "High School Musical" movie which I thought was cute, but more importantly Mimi finds very entertaining as she stands in front of the TV, JAMMING to the the music, it's hilarious! It was a great month.
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
Kimber, Carlon and Mimi
September 2007
Well family, the summer flew by and here we are back in school again. Mel and I got to spend a couple of days in Helena, Montana. It is a very sweet little town. The deer just walk around the neighborhoods and sit on the lawns. Nobody bothers them. We were there for Mel's family reunion. Lots of kids running around, lots of food, lots of singing, games, etc. I got back just in time to give my Relief Society lesson, and start school on Monday.
This year I have a sweet class. I keep having to remind myself that they are in second grade and are somewhat limited as to what I am used to teaching. I have three boys who are quite a challenge. If Kristy came into my room she would immediately say they are ADD. They probably are. Parents just tell me they have a short attention span. Yes, about 5 seconds. Can't get much done in 5 seconds.
They also added a new second grade class. Our district is in impacted in K through 2. They put another Kinder and second grade at our school site. Once again, I will do BTSA for the new teacher.
Erica and the girls are living with us this week, and then on Monday are moving down to Burbank. Adam will be doing his "break-in" (probation) in Newhall. Then after that, who knows. It is finally coming to an end for them. It has been a LONG six months, but it is almost over.
Mel is still building houses. He is now building a new house for the owners of Gottschalks. This should prove interesting. Mel also went to his 50th class reunion last week. His daughter Charlotte was his date. I stayed home and did the usual school work. He had a great time.
We are well and working hard. Hope everyone has a great month
Carol and Mel
This year I have a sweet class. I keep having to remind myself that they are in second grade and are somewhat limited as to what I am used to teaching. I have three boys who are quite a challenge. If Kristy came into my room she would immediately say they are ADD. They probably are. Parents just tell me they have a short attention span. Yes, about 5 seconds. Can't get much done in 5 seconds.
They also added a new second grade class. Our district is in impacted in K through 2. They put another Kinder and second grade at our school site. Once again, I will do BTSA for the new teacher.
Erica and the girls are living with us this week, and then on Monday are moving down to Burbank. Adam will be doing his "break-in" (probation) in Newhall. Then after that, who knows. It is finally coming to an end for them. It has been a LONG six months, but it is almost over.
Mel is still building houses. He is now building a new house for the owners of Gottschalks. This should prove interesting. Mel also went to his 50th class reunion last week. His daughter Charlotte was his date. I stayed home and did the usual school work. He had a great time.
We are well and working hard. Hope everyone has a great month
Carol and Mel
September 2007
Dear Family,
We have had a fun month in August. School started for Alexis and she loves her teacher. She starts soccer on Tuesday for the first time. We also visited the Glendale family and got to see Kelly, Cesar, Jilina and Ruthza (sorry Kelly if I spelled her name wrong). It was great visiting with them! Kimber joined us in Disneyland and Hurricane Harbor. Alexis and Brenton had so much fun. Todd and I had fun, but are glad we are back home. There is nothing like a King size bed! Todd also had fun golfing with my dad. Cesar joined them for his first time for 9 holes. They all had fun. Anyhow, now it's back to work for everyone.
On a sader note, Alexis got her first fat lip 3 days ago when she fell off her scooter and face planted. She is doing better and hopefully her teeth will be fine. I am not too worried. She is healing fast though.
Todd and I celebrated our 7th anniversary by going to Josh Groban in concert. Wow is he amazing! We were lucky because our concert was recorded for the DVD version of his Awake tour. Anyhow, we will be going to his next concert whenever he comes back to SLC. Todd loved him too. He said it was amazing!
Love,
The Wilcox's
We have had a fun month in August. School started for Alexis and she loves her teacher. She starts soccer on Tuesday for the first time. We also visited the Glendale family and got to see Kelly, Cesar, Jilina and Ruthza (sorry Kelly if I spelled her name wrong). It was great visiting with them! Kimber joined us in Disneyland and Hurricane Harbor. Alexis and Brenton had so much fun. Todd and I had fun, but are glad we are back home. There is nothing like a King size bed! Todd also had fun golfing with my dad. Cesar joined them for his first time for 9 holes. They all had fun. Anyhow, now it's back to work for everyone.
On a sader note, Alexis got her first fat lip 3 days ago when she fell off her scooter and face planted. She is doing better and hopefully her teeth will be fine. I am not too worried. She is healing fast though.
Todd and I celebrated our 7th anniversary by going to Josh Groban in concert. Wow is he amazing! We were lucky because our concert was recorded for the DVD version of his Awake tour. Anyhow, we will be going to his next concert whenever he comes back to SLC. Todd loved him too. He said it was amazing!
Love,
The Wilcox's
September 2007
This past month we enjoyed the blessing of having family members come and spend time with us. Mable (Tammy's mother who lives in Littlerock, CA) was the first to join us. She arrived on a little known secret which Grandpa discovered known as Express Jet. I will take a moment to let you know that Express Jet http://xjet.com/ is the very low-cost way to fly from Sacramento, LA-Ontario or San Diego nonstop to the Colorado Springs. There are two flights daily coming and going to and from each of these locations. Okay, I will stop there lest I be required to seek a promotional fee from the airline. Needless to say, we always enjoy the time that Mable is with us.
Soon thereafter, Torrie and Emma came in from Provo to join us. It was a thrill for us to see how much Emma has grown. However, I must admit that since last Christmas we all set up webcams at our respective locations (Levi and Torrie's, Alexis' and our home) so that we can talk and see one another. Therefore, we had the benefit of seeing how Emma has grown throughout this past year. Yet nothing beats seeing one another in person, and having them here was a special treat. During that period, Levi was busy with work traversing the globe, again making a trip to the Netherlands and to Sweden.
Speaking of traversing the globe, on a recent trip to China Levi picked up, among other things, a little dress for Emma. The picture of Emma in her dress has been a big hit with us, and has rightfully earned it's way as our home computer screensaver.
China Doll Emma
While they were here we had the chance to introduce Torrie and Emma to members of our ward at church on Sunday and at our August back-to-school ward picnic which we hold at a park down the street from from our home.
Kaitlin (Arianna's friend), Alexis, Emma and Arianna
Shortly after Mable, Torrie and Emma departed, Justin and Emily came in from Kansas City. Though our time was brief, we enjoyed being able to learn about their exciting adventures of living in Boston, and their future plans for work and school in southern California. Shortly after their departure, Alexis boarded the plane to Salt Lake as she wound up her summer work and headed back for another year at BYU. With Arianna now fully engaged in her final year of high school, things are pretty quiet here at home.
Over the past several months I've been monitoring a great deal of chatter (as they say in the intelligence community) with respect to the possibility of family members, boyhood friends or former boyfriends ending up in prison. As Grandpa has pointed out in the past, when we don't hear from a member of the family for an extended period of time, we tend to think the worst and figure that they may have arranged for their room and board expenses to be covered by state or federal authorities. Because of this being a personal concern of mine as well, our stake president arranged a special assignment for me. In addition to serving the good members of the Northgate Ward, I now serve as the bishop for three federal and one state correctional facilities located in the communities of Florence and Pueblo some 60 miles away. One of these facilities is known as the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX), also known as the Supermax, or the Alcatraz of the Rockies. If you were to Google the Supermax, you will find some notable figures spending some extended time here. Much of my ministration is handled through correspondence, however, quarterly visits can be arranged as needed.
The Supermax, Florence, CO
I only mention this in hopes of offering some comfort to the family, to give all the assurance that should we find that one of our own takes up residency here, I offer my guarantee that their new bishop will take good care of them.
We love you and wish you the very best for this next month.
Love,
The Woodwards
Soon thereafter, Torrie and Emma came in from Provo to join us. It was a thrill for us to see how much Emma has grown. However, I must admit that since last Christmas we all set up webcams at our respective locations (Levi and Torrie's, Alexis' and our home) so that we can talk and see one another. Therefore, we had the benefit of seeing how Emma has grown throughout this past year. Yet nothing beats seeing one another in person, and having them here was a special treat. During that period, Levi was busy with work traversing the globe, again making a trip to the Netherlands and to Sweden.
Speaking of traversing the globe, on a recent trip to China Levi picked up, among other things, a little dress for Emma. The picture of Emma in her dress has been a big hit with us, and has rightfully earned it's way as our home computer screensaver.
China Doll EmmaWhile they were here we had the chance to introduce Torrie and Emma to members of our ward at church on Sunday and at our August back-to-school ward picnic which we hold at a park down the street from from our home.
Kaitlin (Arianna's friend), Alexis, Emma and Arianna
Shortly after Mable, Torrie and Emma departed, Justin and Emily came in from Kansas City. Though our time was brief, we enjoyed being able to learn about their exciting adventures of living in Boston, and their future plans for work and school in southern California. Shortly after their departure, Alexis boarded the plane to Salt Lake as she wound up her summer work and headed back for another year at BYU. With Arianna now fully engaged in her final year of high school, things are pretty quiet here at home.
Over the past several months I've been monitoring a great deal of chatter (as they say in the intelligence community) with respect to the possibility of family members, boyhood friends or former boyfriends ending up in prison. As Grandpa has pointed out in the past, when we don't hear from a member of the family for an extended period of time, we tend to think the worst and figure that they may have arranged for their room and board expenses to be covered by state or federal authorities. Because of this being a personal concern of mine as well, our stake president arranged a special assignment for me. In addition to serving the good members of the Northgate Ward, I now serve as the bishop for three federal and one state correctional facilities located in the communities of Florence and Pueblo some 60 miles away. One of these facilities is known as the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX), also known as the Supermax, or the Alcatraz of the Rockies. If you were to Google the Supermax, you will find some notable figures spending some extended time here. Much of my ministration is handled through correspondence, however, quarterly visits can be arranged as needed.
The Supermax, Florence, CO
I only mention this in hopes of offering some comfort to the family, to give all the assurance that should we find that one of our own takes up residency here, I offer my guarantee that their new bishop will take good care of them.
We love you and wish you the very best for this next month.
Love,
The Woodwards
August 2007
Dear Family,
July 20 was truly a red-letter day at our place. That was the last day of summer school which Zack compared to being let out of jail. However, there are two ways to look at it. It was the beginning of 31 days of house arrest for me. The regular school begins on August 20.
To celebrate the end of summer school, the following Monday I drove the boys to Fresno for a short visit with Carol, Mel and Grandpa Shubin. Now, you might ask, with a full month available for doing nothing at home, why a “short” visit. The answer is simple; visiting Fresno in July is the same as living east of I-5 in San Diego.
Carol was the usual gracious hostess and I especially enjoyed the full day just the two of us spend together. We hadn’t done that for many years. Grandpa Shubin entertained Zack and Josh almost the entire time we were there at his spread on the bluff, a life I think the boys could get used to rather easy. Then we came back home to Sacramento and to reality.
While there, Carol took me to visit one of Mel’s home construction projects. It is hard for a simple man like me to comprehend investing so much in a residence where a person, no matter how wealthy, can only sleep in one bed at a time. The three garages to accommodate nine cars also seemed a bit excessive. The owner should be carefully examined by Aaron for insanity, and Mel should be arrested for aiding and abetting.
For those of you who can visualize the terrain and the personalities, a couple weeks ago the stake presidency re-aligned the boundaries of our ward to now include all of Arden Park, a condition that existed during my tenure but was altered several years later by the then stake president, Bill Daniel’s, so as to banish Earl Taylor to a neighboring ward for insubordination. Apparently Earl has now paid the required penitence.
Also, for you who may want to learn a little more about the history of Franklin, a place the Lord used as a pattern to design the celestial kingdom you can go to franklinidaho.org and link to “history” on the left margin. There is a detailed discussion prepared by your Uncle Eldon (Bennett). Of particular interest is the alleged details of the Bear River massacre, the Franklin county version of the Mountain Meadows tragedy, the latter of which I understand will be reviewed in detail in the upcoming September issue of the Ensign.
Other than the above, I have nothing to report.
Love, Dad
July 20 was truly a red-letter day at our place. That was the last day of summer school which Zack compared to being let out of jail. However, there are two ways to look at it. It was the beginning of 31 days of house arrest for me. The regular school begins on August 20.
To celebrate the end of summer school, the following Monday I drove the boys to Fresno for a short visit with Carol, Mel and Grandpa Shubin. Now, you might ask, with a full month available for doing nothing at home, why a “short” visit. The answer is simple; visiting Fresno in July is the same as living east of I-5 in San Diego.
Carol was the usual gracious hostess and I especially enjoyed the full day just the two of us spend together. We hadn’t done that for many years. Grandpa Shubin entertained Zack and Josh almost the entire time we were there at his spread on the bluff, a life I think the boys could get used to rather easy. Then we came back home to Sacramento and to reality.
While there, Carol took me to visit one of Mel’s home construction projects. It is hard for a simple man like me to comprehend investing so much in a residence where a person, no matter how wealthy, can only sleep in one bed at a time. The three garages to accommodate nine cars also seemed a bit excessive. The owner should be carefully examined by Aaron for insanity, and Mel should be arrested for aiding and abetting.
For those of you who can visualize the terrain and the personalities, a couple weeks ago the stake presidency re-aligned the boundaries of our ward to now include all of Arden Park, a condition that existed during my tenure but was altered several years later by the then stake president, Bill Daniel’s, so as to banish Earl Taylor to a neighboring ward for insubordination. Apparently Earl has now paid the required penitence.
Also, for you who may want to learn a little more about the history of Franklin, a place the Lord used as a pattern to design the celestial kingdom you can go to franklinidaho.org and link to “history” on the left margin. There is a detailed discussion prepared by your Uncle Eldon (Bennett). Of particular interest is the alleged details of the Bear River massacre, the Franklin county version of the Mountain Meadows tragedy, the latter of which I understand will be reviewed in detail in the upcoming September issue of the Ensign.
Other than the above, I have nothing to report.
Love, Dad
August 2007
Well, its finally happened. All of you who have been predicting that I would some day end up in prison can finally gloat. I am taking a position as a staff psychologist at Donovan State Prison here in San Diego (actually, it's barely in San Diego. It's more like San Dijuana). I start at the beginning of August and am hopeful that I will be neither taken hostage nor mistaken for an inmate and shot. The most effective method for avoiding inmate status is to not wear denim, orange, or blue in general. The other effective method for avoiding inmate status is to not break the law. I wonder if Adam knows this.
We had a wonderfully fantastic vacation this month where we went up to Fresno and did nothing. Well, almost nothing. We went to the Water Park and watched Maja, Jakob and "The Crazy Baby" play on the water slides. I also got to play golf with Mel. Golf sure is different in 100 degree weather.
Mindy is still pregnant. This is good news. She receives weekly hormone shots to stay that way. Good times.
I am still in the Bishopric. Apparently these callings last more than a few months at a time. I was unaware of this when they called me. Maybe they will change their mind when they hear I am in jail.
Familjen Cannon
We had a wonderfully fantastic vacation this month where we went up to Fresno and did nothing. Well, almost nothing. We went to the Water Park and watched Maja, Jakob and "The Crazy Baby" play on the water slides. I also got to play golf with Mel. Golf sure is different in 100 degree weather.
Mindy is still pregnant. This is good news. She receives weekly hormone shots to stay that way. Good times.
I am still in the Bishopric. Apparently these callings last more than a few months at a time. I was unaware of this when they called me. Maybe they will change their mind when they hear I am in jail.
Familjen Cannon
August 2007
Hello to everyone. This month has flown by; quickly and smoothly. The Christiansen Family is doing well and everyone is busily engaged in the activities of life. Todd and Sarah are taking a much needed breather from school, but still working full-time. The new term starts in a few weeks, and Mother Christiansen (Kristy) will be joining them in taking yet another math class (oh, hurray!) Both Sarah and Todd are working towards their Teaching degrees, and luckily, I think that I can be of some assistance to them.
On August 9th Kristy begins her new work assignment as Consulting Teacher for San Juan USD. I look forward to LOTS of training in the first few weeks (we start before the rest of the teachers return to the classroom) so that we will be up and running to assist the "new kids on the block." I anticipate a very large learning curve in the beginning. I'll keep you posted.
Todd and Sarah continue to teach the 8-9 year olds in Primary and really love that calling. Kristy will be adding one more Church assignment to her two existing ones. She is presently the SA Rep for her ward not too bad,) the Primary Pianist (the best job in the Church,) and now will be the ORGANIST FOR SACRAMENT MTG. (can't rate that one yet.) Having never played the organ before one month ago this, too, has had a very steep learning curve. I practice at the Church building several hours a week, and am not doing too badly. The foot pedals are months away from any kind of proficiency, but the rest of it is coming along well. (Our ward is pretty desperate for an Organist if they asked me to learn to play, quickly, and so I could be sustained within one month.) I will keep you posted on that one as well. As I've said before, "You can teach old dogs new tricks."
That's it for now,
Todd, Sarah, and Kristy
On August 9th Kristy begins her new work assignment as Consulting Teacher for San Juan USD. I look forward to LOTS of training in the first few weeks (we start before the rest of the teachers return to the classroom) so that we will be up and running to assist the "new kids on the block." I anticipate a very large learning curve in the beginning. I'll keep you posted.
Todd and Sarah continue to teach the 8-9 year olds in Primary and really love that calling. Kristy will be adding one more Church assignment to her two existing ones. She is presently the SA Rep for her ward not too bad,) the Primary Pianist (the best job in the Church,) and now will be the ORGANIST FOR SACRAMENT MTG. (can't rate that one yet.) Having never played the organ before one month ago this, too, has had a very steep learning curve. I practice at the Church building several hours a week, and am not doing too badly. The foot pedals are months away from any kind of proficiency, but the rest of it is coming along well. (Our ward is pretty desperate for an Organist if they asked me to learn to play, quickly, and so I could be sustained within one month.) I will keep you posted on that one as well. As I've said before, "You can teach old dogs new tricks."
That's it for now,
Todd, Sarah, and Kristy
August 2007
Dear Family,
Bob and Susan traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to visit Emily and Justin for Independence Day the first week of July. What a great place to remember and commemorate the founding of this favored Nation plus the weather was fabulous! (not hot and humid for most of the five days we were there.)
Emily, Bob and Susan spent two days hoofing it all over Boston and one day with Justin in tow too. Thanks to the transit system there, one can travel to just about any place in Boston proper within 20 minutes. However, car travel is horrendous so it makes sense that Justin and Emily use the bus or rail line as often as they do. (It also saves on gas!) Here are pictures of Emily and Justin in front of the famous TV "Cheers" bar (picture of the month), then at
Boston Common Square's map
Bob tracking down Trinity Church
and Emily at her desk in Harvard Business School.
We share one rather humorous anecdote. During the first day, while walking to the many points of interest in Boston, it became necessary to purchase water to stay hydrated and moving. The evening of that night it was decided that some water from the nearby grocery store should be purchased and carried the next day of sight-seeing. The water was purchased and then forgotten the next morning when the sightseers started off. On the third day, July 4th, Justin was able to join the group, but again the water was forgotten. So, on the fourth day, the day that Bob and Susan flew home, having forgotten to bring the water with them on the day-trips through Boston, the water went into Bob's carry-on luggage so that it could be consumed during the flight home. Bob and Susan went through the security procedure without a hitch, HOWEVER, as any frequent flier knows, there is a rule that no carry-on luggage can contain liquid in a greater quantity that 3 ounces! The water was confiscated. And due to the oops-factor, Bob forgot to retrieve one of his favorite pair of glasses from the x-ray tray. Airport security may have discarded the water but someone is enjoying better eyesight because of those glasses.
As July progressed Bob and Susan discovered a Raccoon on maternity leave in the crawl space under their house. Bob had the local "Critter Catcher" come set a trap and within a couple of days the mother was caught. Aha! But alas, her babies were still under the house. They could be heard chattering and mewing for her. Bob and Susan couldn't decide what course of action to take: either let the mother back under the house to get her babies (which meant they would never get her out) or hope the babies would make their way out in search of parent and provisions. Two days later Bob discovered two raccoon "kits" in the backyard trying to find mother and milk. He caught them and found a home for them through a local Animal Control officer.
As they, Bob and Susan, live somewhat close to the American River, which hosts a protected animal habitat, and their home is likely in the path of some ancient animal migratory trail, Bob and Susan regularly deal with raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rats, and mice. Sometimes the animals prefer the garage,
sometimes the attic, and sometimes under the house. The McClintock home is a veritable research facility for the habits and behaviors of the wild, small-animal kingdom. As it turns out there must have another kit under the house, too small or weak to exit into the sunlight. Within a week of the first two baby raccoons leaving, the tale-tell odor of dead critter began to waft up from under the floor. Previous experience with hot-weather dead-animals indicates it will be about two weeks before the poor little thing entirely decomposes. In the meantime no one, absolutely no one, should plan on visiting the
Garfield Homestead. Backyard Pool excursions are approved and well outside the smelly-zone.
That's it from the McClintocks.
Bob and Susan traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to visit Emily and Justin for Independence Day the first week of July. What a great place to remember and commemorate the founding of this favored Nation plus the weather was fabulous! (not hot and humid for most of the five days we were there.)
Emily, Bob and Susan spent two days hoofing it all over Boston and one day with Justin in tow too. Thanks to the transit system there, one can travel to just about any place in Boston proper within 20 minutes. However, car travel is horrendous so it makes sense that Justin and Emily use the bus or rail line as often as they do. (It also saves on gas!) Here are pictures of Emily and Justin in front of the famous TV "Cheers" bar (picture of the month), then at
Boston Common Square's mapBob tracking down Trinity Churchand Emily at her desk in Harvard Business School.We share one rather humorous anecdote. During the first day, while walking to the many points of interest in Boston, it became necessary to purchase water to stay hydrated and moving. The evening of that night it was decided that some water from the nearby grocery store should be purchased and carried the next day of sight-seeing. The water was purchased and then forgotten the next morning when the sightseers started off. On the third day, July 4th, Justin was able to join the group, but again the water was forgotten. So, on the fourth day, the day that Bob and Susan flew home, having forgotten to bring the water with them on the day-trips through Boston, the water went into Bob's carry-on luggage so that it could be consumed during the flight home. Bob and Susan went through the security procedure without a hitch, HOWEVER, as any frequent flier knows, there is a rule that no carry-on luggage can contain liquid in a greater quantity that 3 ounces! The water was confiscated. And due to the oops-factor, Bob forgot to retrieve one of his favorite pair of glasses from the x-ray tray. Airport security may have discarded the water but someone is enjoying better eyesight because of those glasses.
As July progressed Bob and Susan discovered a Raccoon on maternity leave in the crawl space under their house. Bob had the local "Critter Catcher" come set a trap and within a couple of days the mother was caught. Aha! But alas, her babies were still under the house. They could be heard chattering and mewing for her. Bob and Susan couldn't decide what course of action to take: either let the mother back under the house to get her babies (which meant they would never get her out) or hope the babies would make their way out in search of parent and provisions. Two days later Bob discovered two raccoon "kits" in the backyard trying to find mother and milk. He caught them and found a home for them through a local Animal Control officer.
As they, Bob and Susan, live somewhat close to the American River, which hosts a protected animal habitat, and their home is likely in the path of some ancient animal migratory trail, Bob and Susan regularly deal with raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rats, and mice. Sometimes the animals prefer the garage,
sometimes the attic, and sometimes under the house. The McClintock home is a veritable research facility for the habits and behaviors of the wild, small-animal kingdom. As it turns out there must have another kit under the house, too small or weak to exit into the sunlight. Within a week of the first two baby raccoons leaving, the tale-tell odor of dead critter began to waft up from under the floor. Previous experience with hot-weather dead-animals indicates it will be about two weeks before the poor little thing entirely decomposes. In the meantime no one, absolutely no one, should plan on visiting the
Garfield Homestead. Backyard Pool excursions are approved and well outside the smelly-zone.
That's it from the McClintocks.
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