Charlotte Haupt: Cougar for life!
She is our diehard BYU Cougar fan, we had to buy a second shirt so the first could make it into the wash
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
January 2011 - Picture of the Month
Charlotte Haupt: Cougar for life!
She is our diehard BYU Cougar fan, we had to buy a second shirt so the first could make it into the wash
Birthdays
~A Happy Birthday to all of those who have birthdays in January~
Tammy Woodward January 3rd
Felicity Slade January 17th
Maija Bessey January 22nd
Mindy Cannon January 29th
Kelly Mercier January 29th
We want to make sure our birthday list is complete, so please tell the Editor if you notice a birthday missing
January 2011 - Executive Office of Ken Woodward
Dear family,
Seventy years ago last night (New Years Eve-12/31/40) after a delightful evening of waltzing at Balsar Petersen’s Persiana ballroom in Preston two of my friends and I and our dates discovered four flat tires (there may have been 5, I never checked the spare) on my dad’s 1931 Studebaker, wheels any used car dealer would have been embarrassed to have on his lot, but it was our only means of transportation. A disgruntled suitor of one of the young ladies wanted to make a statement. The night was so cold even the thermometers were complaining.
Until Joshua and Zachari learned to tell time I would tell them that it was midnight all around the world as soon as the ball dropped in Time Square (9:00 p.m. Pacific time) and we all went to bed. I can’t go to bed now until the New Year’s revelers in Old Sacramento roll up the sidewalks.
We had a delightful Christmas. I was able to take down the inside and outside Christmas lights and dismantle the Christmas tree as soon and the last present was opened. I wanted to get ready for New Years Eve. The boys spent four days with their rich Fresno grandfather patronizing the casinos in Las Vegas and I was able to attend the grand opening of a new Burger King just across the street from McDonalds, and two doors down from Dairy Queen. Home cooking is becoming old fashioned.
School takes up again on January 3, with down time for the Martin Luther King holiday at midmonth, and a full week during the later part of February.
Happy New Year to each of you and with our new governor, and my old friend, Jerry Brown, taking office in two days the future of California has never looked brighter.
Love,
Dad
Seventy years ago last night (New Years Eve-12/31/40) after a delightful evening of waltzing at Balsar Petersen’s Persiana ballroom in Preston two of my friends and I and our dates discovered four flat tires (there may have been 5, I never checked the spare) on my dad’s 1931 Studebaker, wheels any used car dealer would have been embarrassed to have on his lot, but it was our only means of transportation. A disgruntled suitor of one of the young ladies wanted to make a statement. The night was so cold even the thermometers were complaining.
Until Joshua and Zachari learned to tell time I would tell them that it was midnight all around the world as soon as the ball dropped in Time Square (9:00 p.m. Pacific time) and we all went to bed. I can’t go to bed now until the New Year’s revelers in Old Sacramento roll up the sidewalks.
We had a delightful Christmas. I was able to take down the inside and outside Christmas lights and dismantle the Christmas tree as soon and the last present was opened. I wanted to get ready for New Years Eve. The boys spent four days with their rich Fresno grandfather patronizing the casinos in Las Vegas and I was able to attend the grand opening of a new Burger King just across the street from McDonalds, and two doors down from Dairy Queen. Home cooking is becoming old fashioned.
School takes up again on January 3, with down time for the Martin Luther King holiday at midmonth, and a full week during the later part of February.
Happy New Year to each of you and with our new governor, and my old friend, Jerry Brown, taking office in two days the future of California has never looked brighter.
Love,
Dad
January 2011 - Cannon, Adam & Erica & Family
To whom it may concern.
The Cannon, Adam family. I can sum up our year the same way I can sum up December. The girls got everything they wanted for Christmas and I got a rotten potato. All of the decorations are down, toys forgotten, messes cleaned up but I still have that potato. Maybe next year will be better for me. I cant think of how it could get better for my spoild kids though.
That is all for now.
The Cannon, Adam family. I can sum up our year the same way I can sum up December. The girls got everything they wanted for Christmas and I got a rotten potato. All of the decorations are down, toys forgotten, messes cleaned up but I still have that potato. Maybe next year will be better for me. I cant think of how it could get better for my spoild kids though.
That is all for now.
January 2011 - Haupt, Levi & Torrie & Family
December was a lot of fun in our house. On the 3rd we finally made it to Mukilteo (muckle-tee-o) Washington. Its SOOO pretty here, I can even handle the rain because the scenery is amazing, we’re really close to the Possession Sound (just north of Puget Sound) we can see the Cascade Moutains to the east, and the Olympic National Rainforest, or rather, its mountain range to the west across the Sound.
We’re so excited to be renting a house! NO shared walls, my kids can run amok (they’ll do it anyways) and I don’t have to worry about apologizing to anyone, o happy day!
Our ward is wonderful and we’ve already had a couple of fun activities and met some really nice people. For those who don’t know, our ward building burnt down, back in October, actually on the weekend we were here house-hunting ( yes, we both have alibis) and so we’re having to attend church at another building and because of the other wards’ schedules our Sunday meetings are reversed. Not, the most fun thing to try and keep kids quiet during a 3rd hour Sacrament meeting, but when is church ever easy with little ones? We’ll cope and hopefully we’ll have our building back soon.
We had Christmas in Portland and it was so nice to not have to take a cross-country flight. The girls had lots of fun, Emma made cookies for Santa, we got some toys that were very hard for “Santa” to get out of the box quietly the night before, I wish I had a video of him hopping across the house to the couch to smother Buzz Lightyear, it was entertaining. Levi had to work for a few days on the week between Christmas and New Year’s, so we left the girls in Portland to wreak havoc, and took a mini-vacay. We did miss them but glad they had so much fun without us. We were in the middle of an intense board game when we realized we had about 3 minutes until the “ball” dropped for us, and all I could think about was Grandpa conniving the boys into an east-coast New Years, and how he can’t do that anymore ;)
We hoped you all enjoyed the holidays and are as excited for this new year as we are.
Happy 2011!
Love,
Charlotte, Emma, Torrie, and Levi
Charlotte and Woody
just a LITTLE excited to set out cookies for Santa
Charlotte, Santa and Emma at our Ward Christmas Party
January 2011 - McClintock, Robert & Susan
What makes the New Year new? One digit! We left 2010 behind and now we will date everything 2011.
The latest from the McClintock is that there is not much to report. December in Carmichael was rainy. January in Carmichael is rainy. Emily made Bill O'Rilley's top ten list as he reviewed the most notable news stories of the year 2010. And those of us living east of I-5 can rest easy now that Gov. Schwarzenegger has reduced the manslaughter sentence of a former California Speaker's son. (I don't know about those on the west side of I-5, though.)
There have been a few Church calling changes for the McClintock. Aunt Susan is no longer choir director or Gospel Doctrine teacher. However, that does not let one off the hook when it comes to reading and studying the weekly Sunday School assignment nor does it mean one can sleep in on Sunday morning and skip choir practice. Aunt Susan is back in Stake Primary and loving it. This time she has no administrative assignment. Some church members joke that one receives a church assignment in order to grow and if one does not learn the necessary lesson the assignment comes around again. (No speculation, please.)
Well, best wishes for a grand new start to a new year. Oh, and of course, much love to the Family!
The McClintocks
The latest from the McClintock is that there is not much to report. December in Carmichael was rainy. January in Carmichael is rainy. Emily made Bill O'Rilley's top ten list as he reviewed the most notable news stories of the year 2010. And those of us living east of I-5 can rest easy now that Gov. Schwarzenegger has reduced the manslaughter sentence of a former California Speaker's son. (I don't know about those on the west side of I-5, though.)
There have been a few Church calling changes for the McClintock. Aunt Susan is no longer choir director or Gospel Doctrine teacher. However, that does not let one off the hook when it comes to reading and studying the weekly Sunday School assignment nor does it mean one can sleep in on Sunday morning and skip choir practice. Aunt Susan is back in Stake Primary and loving it. This time she has no administrative assignment. Some church members joke that one receives a church assignment in order to grow and if one does not learn the necessary lesson the assignment comes around again. (No speculation, please.)
Well, best wishes for a grand new start to a new year. Oh, and of course, much love to the Family!
The McClintocks
January 2011 - Westover, Mel & Carol
Wow! This year went by fast! But, I think I always say that!! This last month has been a very full one. On Dec. 1, we took all of the second grades to see the Shoemaker and the Elves. It was absolutely adorable and the students really enjoyed themselves. For many of them, this play was a first. Our Christmas program went off very well. The students sang Silent Night and also did sign language as they sang. The next week went by fast as the second graders finished up parent gifts, tests, and a Christmas party.
The last two weeks I have been home enjoying the Christmas Holiday. Cassie visited the week before Christmas so that we could have a early Christmas with her. Of course the little girls were entertaining as usual and we had a great Christmas dinner. Once Christmas is over, I then start to organize and clean.
I have one more week to finish my "Christmas Bucket List" before I go back to school. One of my great failures this past year was to get Grandpa to join Facebook, where he can see what is going on in the family on a more regular basis. I am starting to think that he doesn't want to know what is going on, or how many times I mention his name in my posts! Anyway, there is always 2011.
We hope that everyone is well and having a wonderful holiday. We wish everyone a great New Year, 2011, and hope to see our family members soon.
Love from us.
Carol and Mel
The last two weeks I have been home enjoying the Christmas Holiday. Cassie visited the week before Christmas so that we could have a early Christmas with her. Of course the little girls were entertaining as usual and we had a great Christmas dinner. Once Christmas is over, I then start to organize and clean.
I have one more week to finish my "Christmas Bucket List" before I go back to school. One of my great failures this past year was to get Grandpa to join Facebook, where he can see what is going on in the family on a more regular basis. I am starting to think that he doesn't want to know what is going on, or how many times I mention his name in my posts! Anyway, there is always 2011.
We hope that everyone is well and having a wonderful holiday. We wish everyone a great New Year, 2011, and hope to see our family members soon.
Love from us.
Carol and Mel
January 2011 - Woodward, Kevin & Tammy & Family
Dear Family:
We certainly had a December to Remember. Tammy underwent an abdominal hysterectomy on Tuesday, December 7. While we were in Utah over the Thanksgiving weekend, she came down with severe abdominal pains. We decided to go to the emergency room at Utah Valley Hospital. They confirmed a condition of which we had been aware, that of numerous fibroid tumors. She was planning to undergo a hysterectomy after the first of the year (2011). However, what we didn’t know was that an infection had set in causing her a great deal of pain and an elevated temperature.
We contacted a surgeon in Colorado Springs through our first counselor in the stake presidency here, a surgical center administrator, prior to our departure from Provo. The day after we returned, we had a consultation with that surgeon. He quickly made arrangements for the operation. His post-operative assessment was that, "she was tough, and did wonderfully." Tammy spent the following week in the hospital recovering, and was released on Saturday, December 11 (Arianna's 21st Birthday). I was able to be with her the entire time and work remotely from the hospital. She is resting and doing very well here at home. Full recovery will take about 6 - 8 weeks.
Arianna arranged her busy schedule such that she was able to break away from Provo and join us here in Colorado for Christmas and New Years. We had a very restful and enjoyable time together. We trust everyone else had an enjoyable holiday season.
Much love,
The Woodwards
We certainly had a December to Remember. Tammy underwent an abdominal hysterectomy on Tuesday, December 7. While we were in Utah over the Thanksgiving weekend, she came down with severe abdominal pains. We decided to go to the emergency room at Utah Valley Hospital. They confirmed a condition of which we had been aware, that of numerous fibroid tumors. She was planning to undergo a hysterectomy after the first of the year (2011). However, what we didn’t know was that an infection had set in causing her a great deal of pain and an elevated temperature.
We contacted a surgeon in Colorado Springs through our first counselor in the stake presidency here, a surgical center administrator, prior to our departure from Provo. The day after we returned, we had a consultation with that surgeon. He quickly made arrangements for the operation. His post-operative assessment was that, "she was tough, and did wonderfully." Tammy spent the following week in the hospital recovering, and was released on Saturday, December 11 (Arianna's 21st Birthday). I was able to be with her the entire time and work remotely from the hospital. She is resting and doing very well here at home. Full recovery will take about 6 - 8 weeks.
Arianna arranged her busy schedule such that she was able to break away from Provo and join us here in Colorado for Christmas and New Years. We had a very restful and enjoyable time together. We trust everyone else had an enjoyable holiday season.
Much love,
The Woodwards
Friday, December 10, 2010
December 2010 - Picture of the Month
Averie Bessey born 11-21-2010, ( this is the Jr. Editor's favorite pic that she had access to)
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
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