Here's some news...

So I just found out that we're going to have a baby boy!!! We are very excited and will keep everyone posted.
Love Crystal

So excited

I'm so excited! In about 3 days I will be see you all in person! Be prepared for a LOT of hugs! I love you all and will see you very soon. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Pictures

Sorry I'm so late on posting the Thanksgiving pictures, but believe it or not I have been really busy lately. Primary has been super busy trying to get everything ready for next year. I had to put the picture of Julie crying when she was telling what she is thankful for because she never reads the blog.

Crystal my mom was wanting to make sure you got your package.

I'll do a longer blog after Christmas.

Love ya all,

LaNece

Update

Just a quick update for everyone---

I am doing great, I am working lots of hours and trying to stay on top of hiring new employees again. I hope to be done with that by the holidays but who knows. I am continuing with my Iaido classes and love them, the national seminar this year will be in Boise Idaho so I will not have to travel far, although we will be helping out so I don't know how much of the seminar I will really get to attend.

For everyone coming up for the Holidays, it is snowing like a mad man. It is suppose to snow 4 out of the next 7 days so remember to pack you warm, winter clothes so you don't FREEZE! Maybe you could go skiing, there is certainly enough snow to do it!

I am way excited to see everyone at Christmas and can't wait until you get here.

Mom and I have been doing fun activities with the kids and I am impressed by their generosity. We took them shopping to by clothes and toys for a family and it was so cute to see them trying to pick out the perfect gift so the kids would have a great Christmas!

Has anyone read InkDeath yet? I just started it and it has been really good better then Inkspell. For those who don't know what I am talking about there is a series of books called Inkheart, Inkspell, and now Inkdeath. Inkheart is suppose to come out as a movie soon, I loved Inkheart, Inkspell was harder for me to read, but so far Inkdeath has been really good.

Is anyone reading any good books? I am looking for some new books so let me know! I am still taking the Trax most days so I get about 2 hrs of reading time while I ride and I have been flying through books.

My primary class recently finished a coat drive for the homeless shelter, and we had a really good time doing it. It is always inspiring to see kids that are only 10 get excited about doing things for others.

Well I have to go, hope to hear from everyone soon.

Becky

Merry Christmas 2008

I'm just writing a quick message to the family, it sounds like everyone is busy busy busy. It must be the same for everyone. It has been a whirlwind quarter. Being gone for the month of September, catching up the month of October and I can't even tell you where November went.

We missed all the family that were absent on Thanksgiving; you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

I have been doing activities with my grandchildren for December. On the 6th we decorated gingerbread houses (graham cracker) with candy and royal frosting. It was a blast, Jack's Mom did this with our children every December. I am continuing the tradition. This Friday we are shopping for angel tree gifts for children less fortunate. Then this year we are going to try driving through the lights at Wilard Bay. Jack says they look cool from the freeway.

If you did'nt get my e-mail, I found a Christmas Advent Blog with thoughts and stories for each day before Christmas.

www.ashadowcanyonchristmas.blogspot.com

Merry Chirstmas and A Happy New Year to all. We love you all. Count this as your Chirstmas card its cheaper and I can say more.

Love
Colleen

Sorry I've been busy...

So here's an update of what I do know. Not much...I'm pregnant and they are guessing my due date around May 18. I go in next thurs for my first OB appt and should know more then. I'm not having any sickness and am not showing yet. I should know around the first of Jan what the sex of the baby is. If you want wedding pics harass Dad. He has all of them on cd's. To everyone who sent me a wedding gift...I didn't forget to send a thankyou card...I can't find the addresses. So to everyone Thank you so much and we really do appretiate your thoughts.

For LaNece...Max's b-day is Oct 1 and he's the same age I am...( he just turned 25 and I'll be hitting it right before christmas)

I'll keep everyone updated on the pregnancy!!!

Love Crystal

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

Hello all,

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Just want to tell you how excited I am to see everyone over the Christmas holidays. As is tradition, Mom, Me, Evets, and Tasha got up early to hit all the sales. We had a good time dealing with the crazy fun people you encounter. I don't think it would have been bad but we had Julie and her troupe and her friend Susan and her daughter, and Connor's roommates over until 11:30 playing games. Just so everyone know me and Ally kicked it and won Nerts! I thought we had a lot of fun and that we have become almost family with Susan's family (they came over and played games on New Years last year). I am thankful for a loving family that we all have. I am so happy that we still keep in touch and that we are close and can depend on each other.

Love You All
Becky

Very Very Busy

First of all we would like to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for all of you and we are so excited to see hopefully all of you at Christmas.

We have been very busy. We finished the 2008 softball season in St. George the weekend of Nov. 8th. YEAH! The girls played really well. Hanalee's team ended up 0-4 which isn't great but they were in each of their games. They usually lost by 2 0r 3 runs. Hanalee pitched really well, now we just need to work on her hitting. Daphne's team ended up 4-2, they also played well. Daphne hit really well she had 1 home run and 2 or 3 triples. The girls had fun and of course Miles was a real trooper. Next year wont be as easy for us because Daphne's team ages up to 14 and under and Hanalee's stays at 12 and under. So we may have more tournaments and play every weekend. BUMMER.

Hanalee is playing the violin in school and really seems to enjoy it, she practices regularly and is improving. She is also on the schools student council.

Daphne is doing well in school and seems to enjoy Jr. High.

Miles is doing AWESOME in 1st grade. He came home from school the other day informing us that he won his class spelling bee. Soccer wasn't the greatest this fall, his team never won a game. Sometimes we thought the boys on the team were afraid of the ball. Hopefully spring will be better. Miles is taking swimming lessons right now and loves them.

Lynn and I are just trying to keep up with the kids. We enjoy spending time with them. Lynn has stayed fairly busy with work which is a big Blessing to all of us. I love being home and catering usually once a month. I am trying to be creative with activities for Hanalee and Miles to do while off track. They are off track until January 5th.

We Love You All!

Janell

One of these days I am gong to figure out how to post pictures.

School Pictures

Hi everyone again! I just got back school pictures so I thought what a good reason to blog. I wish everyone could have seen Tatum at the school pictures, as soon as the lady called her back she had the wickedly fake smile plastered on her face, so the picture lady told her to say "Hi" to try and get rid of the fakey smile and she said "Hi" teeth clenched and all, I just started to laugh, so after about five minutes of adjusting her and we got what I think is a great picture. And Brooks is all about showing those missing teeth on the bottom, but I think his turned out adorable too.

Now that soccer, flag football, tennis and the Primary Program are over I don't feel as stressed, I had myself way over booked for a while. I've working on a couple quilts. Believe it or not Tatum will not give up her wubby blanket. She sleeps with it covering her at night (well, as good as a crib size blanket can cover a four year old) so she's been waking up during the night because she's cold, so I'm doing a complete hodge podge throw blanket for her and so far she seems pretty excited but with her you never know from day to day. And I've had the fabric for books bed since last year so I'm doing his, I need to just take it in and get it machine quilted now.

Brooks starts basketball in couple of weeks and hopefully he'll feel a little more comfortable than he did last year. I'm going to have to take him into the dentist here pretty soon and have him look at his tooth coming in because there is no way the two that size are going to fit in where they are supposed to. Well I better get going Aunt Rose and Uncle Doyle and some of my friends are coming over to watch the BYU game.

Oh, before I forget, a blast from the past found our family blog and emailed me. Sharla Anderson says to tell everyone "Hi" she had been living in Hawaii for about twelve years now and has two boys, one is in 8th grade the the other is in 9th grade. It was really nice hearing from her.

Love,

LaNece

No Curse Bethany Just Really Busy

Hello all,

I know that I have been extremely busy and I have not had a chance to write in a long time.

Bethany, I am so glad to hear how you are doing, and I am so excited to see you guys when you come home at Christmas time! It sounds like Jake had gotten himself a good job (indispensable), and it sounds like your work is coming along. How has the weather been done there? I hear there is another Hurricane headed that way. My prayers are for it to head in a new direction.

Crystal & Max, I am so happy to hear about your news! I heard that your wedding was great and I am glad to hear from you. I am sure that married life is treating you well.

Larry, Congrats! You will make a great grandpa!

To the rest of the family, WHERE ARE YOU???

I am sure that people have been doing things the last couple of months and I haven't heard from anyone.

Just wanted to tell everyone about my Halloween. I got the opportunity to go to Garrett's school and see him in action. He dressed up like Superman. He and another boy in his class were and they were so cute! I will post a picture because it was so fun. Evets sprayed his hair black and I hardly recognized him. I will post the "Where's Garrett" picture.

My work has been overwhelming and with the holidays coming up it will just continue to get worse. We are having cut-backs at work and we are losing 2 staff members starting January 1st. It makes me worry but I feel like my job is secure, but you never know.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

Love Becky

It's like I curse the blog...

...Did I break that blog again?

I swear, every single time I post something everyone disappears and I hear crickets for weeks! LOL. I should only read this blog. LOL. Just kidding. I love you all and miss you terribly.

It's been too long

Hello my family! First of all I must apologize for being extremely lame. It's been so long since I have posted on the blog. At the same time, not a whole lot happens with Jake and myself so I don't feel like I have anything to write. That and I feel like a terrible writer. LOL.

Colleen and Becky, I'm so jealous! Italy looks absolutely divine, so beautiful. I'm very glad that you two had a good time.

Larry, congratulations! You'll be a wonderful grandpa! :-) So happy for you and for Crystal and Max.

It was wonderful to see Nece, Todd, Brooks and Tatum. The beach was splendid. I have to say that for the most part I don't let the humidity get to me. I guess you could say that I'm acclimatized. That only means I'll be a shriveled up raisin popsicle come Christmas. LOL. The dry and cold will be...interesting to say the least. But I can't wait to see everyone. I miss you all so much.

Things are going well with Jake. He's working hard at his job, it isn't his favorite, but he doesn't let it get to him. They are cutting hours because of how things are working out in the economy, absolutely NO over-time and they took an hour a day off. So he goes in at 7:30 and gets off at 2:30 now. I'm not sure if they will go as far as laying more people off, but I don't worry about Jake. He works too hard, and they like him too much to let him go. He's going to schedule a time to take his GED test soon, then, he will be going to college. :-) I'm very excited for him. It will be nice for him to find something that he really enjoys.

Not a whole lot has happened with me. My court reporter hasn't sent anything in awhile. She only sends me half of the work she takes on so that there is less of a bill for her. I'll just get done with school quickly so that I can find a more reliable client. That's it for me. Not much excitement, you see. LOL

We're really glad to be here in Florida with my family. Living with them and paying a household contribution will make things a lot easier for Jake and me while he is in school. We all get along so well so it is a great situation.

Happy Halloween! I can't wait to see you all very soon (because time is flying by so fast...)!

I'll try to be better about hopping on and saying hello.

quick update....

Just had to tell you, since I never blogged it, Stan's middle school soccer team were the undefeated county champions!  It was so thrilling.  I'm so proud of what he accomplished with a very talented team, and Cody was an amazing anchor for the defense, always taking the toughest assignment.

Josie's team is on a 2-game winning streak.  They are playing very well together, no small thanks for Stan and another father (Arnold) giving tons of their time to assist the team and work with all the girls.  (I'm a little distressed at a couple of our parents...that's a personal gripe of mine more appropriately saved for lunch w/the girls for best address...haha).

Cody just got back from his trip and had a great time.

Larry, I love you, brother.  Wish you hadn't used your vacation time for weddings and stuff (hehe)...we'll miss seeing you over the holidays.  And many congratulations on your upcoming "grandfatherhood"; you must be thrilled.

Anyway, love you all!  Nece, the photos are awesome.  Can't wait to see the rest.  Later....

Lana

I know they say better late than never and it is only a month past the vacation. Here are some pictures from the beach Lana and Stan took us to (I'll email you all the pictures Lana) I think the name was Port Orange? We had a riot in Florida with Lana's family, although I don't know how they get used to the humidity. The our family loved going to the beach my glasses washed off and I was blind as a bat for the rest of the day until we got back to the hotel and I could slip on my contacts. Disney World was not very busy (wonderful time to go if you don't hit a hurricane). The kids really liked the magic kingdom especially Splash Mountain and those type rides, there was this dinosaur ride that was pretty intense and freaked Brooks and Tatum out, but after that if they were acting up we would tell them if they didn't shape up we would go back on that ride.

Question for Crystal, my mom wants to know when Max's birthday is?

Well I've got to run for right now but I'll blog soon.

LaNece

Finally Florida Pictures

Howdy again!

Well I am trying to get into a better mode of writing in the blog.

I guess one of the reasons I dont write as much is I can see that I pale in comparison to by big sis Lana. I can hear your voice when I read and it always lifts my heart but leaves me wishing I could be as expressive.

It is good to hear from you all especally Collen and Becky. Italy looks so cool. I have to admit that I share your disappointment in the European Food. When Michelle and I went to Switzerland we were disappointed in the food. Well most of it anyway. Loved the bread and of course who wouldn't love the Chololate.

I agree with Lana!!! Believe it or not. It would be good to hear from my little sister!

I have some great news. I AM GOING TO BE A GRANDPA!!! Can you believe it? Crystal and Max are expecting a baby. I am waiting for some follow up information about when she is due and all but Michelle and I are so happy for her.

Conference weekend was great. It was inspiring to be reminded and taught about unity, obedienence, love and service.

I am not sure if we will be able to come to the Valley for Christmas. Megan and the kids would love to so I am looking to find a way to make it happen but it is not looking really good yet. Our travels through the year has taken our opportunities this year but we will see.

I love you all so much. It is so good to here from you all.

Love Larry

Where does the time go?

What happened to the summer?!? What's happening to the year?!? It's unbelievable how time drains away and shameful that I haven't spoken with family in so long.

Colleen and Becky, the pictures of Italy are beautiful. It sounds like you had a wonderful time...but it's always good to be home, right? And you're right, we made it through the hurricane season (actually shouldn't say yet...goes until November) relatively unscathed unlike other areas of Central Florida. What a crazy year for storms! We feel very fortunate.

Stan, hope all is going well with your family? I only hear stories about your dog (don't know the name) and that it (he/she?) is spoiled rotten. Yeah, the jig is up, you big softie!

Lynn, I see your family is as busy as usually. It's wonderful to see you so involved in their activities. It's so important for them. How has the soccer season gone?

Nece, can't tell you how wonderful it was to see you and your family and spend some time...btw, I burned the CRAP out of a strip on each leg at the beach...seriously. Hope your kids came away from that unscathed since I'm the one that lotioned them up.... Oh, and the humidity dropped for a bit like 7 days after you left...wish you would have been here then...it was gorgeous.

Larry, I can tell I need to plant some citrus here. I've got an avocado pit I'm working on so I can plant it, just waiting for it to sprout, and am considering a pineapple (easy as can be to start here, I'm told). You ever done avocado there? It's "cooling" here....slightly. Stan was about at his wits end with the muggy...which doesn't bother me as much as I was afraid it would. You going to SL for Christmas too?

Julie, I miss you like crazy, littlest sister. With Josie not in dance, I didn't have that first day of heartbreak at the first dance class without you both there; we'll have to bring Josie's recital DVD so you and Ally can see it. How're the kids? We still need to connect by phone or something.

Mom and Dad, I'm assuming it's busy, busy as usually. Can't wait to see everyone in a couple months. That alone is going to be the best Christmas present ever!

Things are going well, other than watching the market fall with a mixture of desperation and horror and wondering where the bottom truly is. I've worried like crazy about Mom and Dad and how it has affected them. We just have to sit tight, I guess, and wait it out.

Josie is playing soccer and loving, LOVING it. It is really her sport and where she is happiest...even if the team she is with is...well, there will be time for stories about that later. She's doing choir and is on student council and was just elected student council president for the school.

Stan's middle school soccer team, with Cody taking the toughest defensive assignments, goes to district finals on Monday...which is basically equal to what would be "state" in Utah. We are so excited and I'm so nervous I almost feel sick! Cody is very not nervous...takes everything in stride. He's going to be making some big choices about what to do for high school...NEXT YEAR! (OMG, that's right, folks). We're pushing, not so gently, for the IB program. He is going on a trip at the end of October with his gifted geography class. They are going to Williamsburg, Williams and Mary, Monticello and all that good stuff for 5 days. We're very excited for him.

Well, guess that's about it. I'll let Bethany keep you posted on what's going on with her and Jake. I'm going to try to be better again...maybe that once-a-month goal is a good one, like Colleen. It's a start anyway! I love you all and can't wait to see you....

Lana

We are home

Here are just a few shots, me in Tuscany, me with my winning Bingo card (I won $100). Mom and I in front of St Peters Basilica.

We are home. Now we are just trying to get over the jet lag. I got up this morning at 4 am and I am wide awake but by this afternoon about 2-3pm I will be so wiped out. I hope that I will continue to adjust. We had a great time and I feel so blessed to have the family connections that we have. I am so glad to be sleeping in my own bed. The pictures tell the story.

Love you all

Becky

Hello All from Italia

Hi guys,

This is a great picture I took from the bus as we went over the Arno River to the overlook on the city.

Hope you are all doing well. We are up late packing for our trip to the ship tomorrow and I thought I would blog here in addition to our trip blog. We are having lots of fun and eats lots of NOT good food, but the gellato is good so a diet of gellato and water for me and gellato and Coca Light (diet coke) for mom. I hope all is well on that side of the world. talk with you soon!

Love Becky

Hi From Florence Italy

Just a quick note to say hello from Italy. Becky and I are standing in front of the Acadamey of Arts Mueseum in Florence. We show seen so much art today, that I think my mind is numb to the beauty. It starts to look all the same. Monday we were in Verona, Tuesday Venice, Wednesday Raveena, and today Florence. We board the cruise ship tommorrow. Hope all is well with the rest of the family. With being 8 hours forward and never seeing a TV. We are kind of out of touch. But we try to blog and e-mail every night depending on when the charges for internet kick in. Love you all and we will be back in the states Oct 3rd.

Ok I'm really not slow I'm your Brother

Ohh my gosh,

That was for you mom!!! It is so good to here from all of you. Mom and Dad were down a couple of weeks ago and we are looking forward to Julie coming in October. I am assuming that Greg is bringing his golf clubs but I need to confirm that.

I am hoping soon to get the pictures from Crystal's wedding. It was so great to be there. Max is a really great guy. They are going be a great family. Crystal's uncle Randy took like 900 pictures so when I get them I will post them for you all.

The garden is growing nicely and the sprinkler system is holding up just fine so far. I have alittle to much water pressure and could use some advice as to how to regulate it. Right now I have partially closed the valve but that has just restricted the flow and not the pressure. The valve leaks a little bypass when it shut off thats all.

We have beets, carrots, summer squash, lettuce, bush beans and tomatos. They are all doing well so far. The fruit trees are doing well also, grapefruits, oranges, lemons and pomagranates.

The weather is starting to cool down a little. I have been watching hurricane after hurricane in the gulf area and each one I think of my Sis in Florida. I hope all is going well and it sounds like it is. We are all in good health and spirits down in sunny Arizona.

As a side note tonight there is a beautifull full moon out. I hope you all take the time to enjoy it. I love and miss you all.

Larry and Michelle

PS I really feel stupid about posting 2 titles with no blog lol.

And now for the "Rest of the Story"

A note from the Arizona Slacker!!

Hello All,

Just want to update everyone. Me and mom leave on Sunday for our trip to Italy. We are so excited to go! We are going to blogging on a blog that we created if you didn't get the email our blog is at http://www.colleenandbeckyitaly2008.blogspot.com . We will try to post when ever we have Internet access.

I am so excited but I am so nervous. I don't like to fly so that will be interesting being on at plane for 16hrs. I think my nerves are getting the best of me. But with all the plane crashes in the last month it just makes me super nervous, I have only thrown-up a couple of times but it just keeps getting worse.

I like to reflect on the influence that everyone in our family has had on me. It is interesting to see how family interactions can change the way you live and the way that you think. Sometimes for the good and sometimes for bad but I have always learned from it all. I am so blesst to have such a diverse family with such fierce opinions! I am grateful for those who have stood up for the under dog and the person that has been discarded. I have grown from examples that have always taught tolerance and love and for that I will always be grateful.

I just want you guys to know that I love you all for everything!

I will see most of you soon! I hope that you guys in Florida are all well. I have been concerned with all of the storms so far this year and pray that you will not have to deal with that anytime.

Becky

August UpDate

I am trying to update at least once a month. So here goes. The month of August has been hot but not to many days at 100. Our tomatoes are just going on we picked the first six this week. I had tomatoe sandwiches this week (Bread, Mircle Whip, Tomatoes and Salt and Pepper). They are the best, I think of them as comfort food. They bring back memories of warm summers and playing in the sun.

I hope Lana and Stan are not floating away with all the rain they have had in the past week. I haven't heard so I take that as good news. It was great to see Josie and Cody at the family reunion. I can't wait until we see the whole family. When LaNece and Todd visit in September we want to see lots of pictures.

It is only 18 days until Becky and I fly away to Italy for 3weeks. The reality of the trip is just now setting in. When you plan a year in advance it just does not seem real.

I agree with Janelle the Olympics were great, but if they lasted any longer I think the exhaustion would do me in. How about the water sports this year. (Water Polo, Individual and relays) I love the olympics Iwish they would just show everything. I did get on line and watch alot of the events they just do not get coverage (weightlifting, trapshooting, equestrian, badmitton).

Jack is gearing up for his favorite time of year. Goose and Duck Season!!!! I don't know if he will even notice we are gone in September. HA!HA!

Well me commentary is drawing to a close. We are heading to Star Valley for Labor Day and will miss all those who are not there(Which is alot this year including Mom and Dad). I love you all and you are all never far from my thoughts and prayers.

Don't forget to get your stuff to LaNece the book is going to be great!

Love
Colleen

Olympics

Hello Everyone

We hope everyone is doing well. We are doing great, just tired. We love watching the Olympics, but we will sure be glad when it is over. I don't know how many more late nights we can handle. Last night Lynn and I stayed up late to watch the softball, it started at 10 and we we didn't get to bed until after 1. At least the US won 4-1 in the ninth inning. I was commenting to Lynn that if the US lost I was going to be really mad. It was fun to watch the international tie breaker and to see the US pulling it together. We keep commenting about them taking softball out of the Olympics and they have trampoline or BMX bike racing. We like watching some of these events, but why take softball out. We sure hope they bring back softball in eight years.

We Love You All!
Janell

GO USA!

Long Time

Okay, It's been a really long time. Sorry. We are doing great. We loved our trip to Disneyland in May and we have decided that we are adrenaline junkies. Anything that went fast, upside down we loved, especially Miles. We couldn't stand in line to see any of the characters, we just rode the rides. We did spend some time at the beach and the kids had a blast.

Softball has been a constant in our home. It seems like we haven't played as much this year. Daphne's team has been plagued with injuries this summer and Hanalee's team is still trying to get together. The girls have played well and they continue to practice hard. Daphne in one tournament had 3 homeruns and a windshield. Hanalee continues to amaze me with her pitching, we are hoping that her hitting improves soon. They still love the game.

Miles just loves to play with his friends. Every night he asks Lynn to throw with him and he is getting tons better. It also gives him time to play with his Dad. Miles started 1st grade on the 21st of July and he has done well. If we could get the kids to bed at a reasonable time, he wouldn't be so tired come Thursday morning. He loves to eat school lunch and he has adjusted well to all day school. I wish I felt the same. We are now waiting to hear about fall soccer, he is excited because Lynn decided to coach his team. YEAH!

Hanalee is in 6th grade and we are experiencing the attitude already. She loves her teacher and the majority of her friends are in her class. We had a nre family move into the neighborhood in May and their kids and ours have hit it off. They have four kids and three are the same as ours. We love having Lexi in the neighborhood and it has been a blessing for Hanalee.

Daphne is dreading the 25th of August. School should start that day. She has had it rough sleeping in until 10:00 and then hanging out all day with friends or me. She did spent a week at girls camp and had so much fun. The neighbors have a daughter Daphnes age and Maddy has been wonderful for Daph.

Lynn and I are just trying to keep track of the kids and enjoying them. I quit working at the end of April and I don't miss it. I have done some catering with a neighbor and I've loved it. I just love being home with the kids. Lynn has been busy with work, sometimes he thinks he has too much work to do. He has been great with the kids and their sports.

We have loved watching the Olympics. Swimming has been our favorite so far. We are hoping to catch some softball. We just wish they were earlier in the evening so we weren't up so late at night. We are usually asleep by 10:00.

We loved seeing some of you this summer, and cant wait to see you at Christmas.
We Love You all
Janell

Pictures for Lana

Cody and Josie at the Bar J as you can see by the end of the night Josie was pretty tired, I thought it was so cute to see her resting on Cody's shoulder. The reunion was a lot of fun the kids have so much energy and don't need any sleep (I wish I had their stamina). We played Bocce (I think that's how you spell it) it was a lot of fun I would like to buy it to have it here. They had barely cut the hay the day we went up so my allergies were driving me nuts, I've just barely got over my cough from that. Kim Dennis (Jensen) was there with her family and it was fun to talk to cousins that I haven't seen in a while. I borrowed Colleen's Harry Potter the deadly hallows cd's to listen to on the way to and from, I read the book last year when it first came out and obviously I flew through it because I could barely even remember it. I love to listen to books while I drive.

It was very nice hearing from Crystal. But we want a picture posted of you and your in two days new husband. My mom and dad are meeting Larry and Michelle in Portland and coming up. I would have come but my family is going to Florida in September and I couldn't do both. Congratulations!! to you both.

Brooks started back to school a week and a half ago and to be honest it didn't come any to early for me. He is in second grade and his teacher is Mrs Ballard (my best friend Kathryn). She is such a great teach I just wish every teacher was as good. He is going to be starting soccer again and flag football he really liked both of them.

I am excited to post on the Melvin Robinson blog also. I miss everyone, Lana and Stan we will be seeing you before to long.

Love,

LaNece

Hello Everyone

I just thought I would say hi to everyone and see how things are going. Things here are going well. I just bought my first house and am getting married in 2.5 weeks...I'm so excited and I'm sorry my invitations were sent out so late. There was some difficulties with them. I know most of you won't be making the trip way out here but I wanted all of you to know the wedding was happening. I'm very excited to see Dad and whoever else can make it up here with him!! Anything you want to know about me don't hesitate to ask!!

Love Crystal

Florida Date

Lana- We booked our flight to Florida, I'm not exactly sure about the dates but I think it's Sept. 7 through the 15, I'll let you know for sure. I am way excited as are the kids. Brooks' asks everyday, how many more days until Cody and Josie come. We are going to go the reunion a day early and go to the Bar J Wranglers outside of Jackson Hole, with Lynn and Janell family. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow at my birthday lunch with the sisters (we are going to The Pub for Szechuan pasta). I miss you tons and can't wait to see you again.

Todd's job seems to be going well, I can tell he's a little frustrated that it's not the exact job he wants, but what are you going to do?

Love,

LaNece

Wekiva Springs, FL

Just wanted to show some pictures of our day at Wekiva Springs. It's a large freshwater spring that's about 25 minutes away from our house. We were worried it would be too crowded because it's so close to the metropolitan area, but it's such a large spring that it wasn't bad at all. The kids loved diving down to the crevasse where the fresh water came out. They are our little waterbabies for sure! As you can see, the water is very clear...but very chilly! Which is perfect on a hot Florida day! We'll be going to Alexander Springs this week and do some diving. Hoping to send some pictures from that. And Happy Birthday, Dad! I promise I will call even though I'm a bit filled with shame for missing it! Love you all!

Lana

It is HOT!!!

Hello all,

Just wanted to update everyone on how hot it is right now. We almost broke 100 yesterday and this morning when I went out to water my garden at 9 am it was already 87 so we are in for another fun day of heat.

I hope that everyone is well! I have been working hard at work and I will soon be moving into a Clinic Coordinator position. I start training for that next week so wish me luck. I have been really frustrated with how things are going right now but I know that it will get better, I just have to remember that a positive attitude does a lot for my mood. I know that I need to help motivate all of my employee's. Anyone got any great idea's??? They have been working really hard so I thought maybe some kind of treat or something like that???

Any way, last Sunday was birthday dinner. It was great to see Larry and his family and catch up. His kids are all grown up and it kind of freaked me out! The girls are definitely got the tall genes they tower over me! I guess it doesn't take much to tower over me, but still.

I am still madly working in my garden but I can't seem to get rid of the weeds. I spent 6-8 hrs before I went on vacation and pulled all of the weeds and they are back with a vengeance. I guess I will have to spend long days in the garden again, probably this week.

I was so excited to hear that Todd got a job. I hope maybe I will see him on the Trax train. I go by the Grand America everyday that I work.

Well I will write again soon

Miss you all in Florida!!!

Becky

Yeah, Todd got a Job

We are so excited. Todd got a job at Grand America!! He is really excited and so am I, there is a lot of opportunity to move up and he can ride tracks up there with the rising cost of gas.

We are so excited to see Larry and Michelle and the kids tomorrow, Brooks has been counting down the days for a week, I'm excited for Lagoon and everything else that we will be doing.

Well I've got to run, I'll update more when I have time.

Love,

LaNece

Home sweet home

I am finally home. It is so nice not to be so concerned about everything that is going on around me. I got some good sleep so I am feeling a little more rested then I have in the last week. I had a great time in Philadelphia and I hope to return someday. It was so neat to see the places where our nation was born. To see where so much history was made. I didn't even get to do anything that was outside of the city, and there is so much more to do.

I am bummed that I have to go back to work, but I feel refreshed and know that taking time off has been really good for me. I now have to work really hard and get myself ready for Italy this fall.

I hope that Whitney, Hunter, Taylor and Garrett got my postcards, I just mailed the last set yesterday so more still too come.

Love you all
Becky

Brighter Day

It amazes me how much a better day can make you feel. We got a great day of training in yesterday. We trained for almost 10 hrs with 30 mins for lunch. I really feel like things have turned around. We have been training with Saikai sensei and he has given me some really good advice. I also have received alot of positive feedback from several instructors from the West. Yamaguchi sensei told me yesterday that he thinks my iaido has improved alot from last year and that I am headed in the right direction. That makes me feel good about where I am going and how I am getting there.

We had competition today and I got to the second round (only by default) but I did my best and I feel really good about how everything went. I feel OK about losing because I don't think that there was anything else that I could have done to improve. Jason, one of our teachers took 2nd place in his division on the nation. He did very good and we are proud of his efforts. They continue to make us (the Utah group, with no formal instructor) look awesome in comparason with other groups who have top notch instructors year round. I am very proud of where we have come.

Tomorrow is test day, and for the first time in my iaido career, I am not testing. I am not eligible to test until next year. I will be working really hard between now and then to get my technique in line with what I think that I need to be doing in order to do well. I am so grateful for the teachers that I have that are so strict on me and that allow me to grow and improve at a high level.

I will see you all later. Thanks for putting up with my complaining for a few days. I hope that everyone will take care and knows that I love them.

Becky

Flock!

i used to use a browser called Firefox and i was very happy with it, but i just started (by just i mean i've been using this for a grand total of 3 mins) a new browser called Flock.  i like it better because of its collaborative powers.  it pulls everything into one place, essentially.  :D 

Kailey and Chelsea are going to some modeling thing today at Barbizon.  i've auditioned for them a few times and wasn't too pleased with the results.  i got a scholarship to John Robert Powers that i think i'm going to go back and renew...JRP is more about acting anyway and i'm not tall enough to make it very far in modeling. 

well, i'm going to go finish customizing this browser!  love ya!
*Megxoxo

Oh thanks heavens for a laptop

Just an update I slept about 1-2 hrs last night. The bed is so thin that it is like sleeping on the wood underneath so it is pretty hard. Last night I would roll over to 1 side sleep for 10-15 minutes then my arm would go numb and I would wake up then roll over to the other side. I went to be about 11:30-12 and about 3 am I got up and watched a movie. Thank heavens for the laptop! Thanks mom for letting me borrow it!

In addition to the great accommodations, during our 8 hr training session we only trained maybe combined 1-1 1/2 hrs. The rest of the time would spent standing around a Japanese instructor speaking Japanese with an interpreter (from the crowd not anyone official) who would translate about 5% of what the instructor was saying. I stood on a hard wood floor for almost 8 hrs in bare feet and really didn't get any instruction. We did do the Kata's enough to make us sweat in the 95% humidity (with no air conditioning in the training center) which then ran down my legs and caused me to get a rash behind my knees. So I am having a REALLY GOOD TIME! My feet would not fit in my tennis shoes after training they were so swollen I had to loosen up all of the laces.

OK now I am done venting for today. I am just so frustrated with how things are turning out. I wish that I would have thought more about staying in the dorms but hindsight is 20/20.

On the bright side of things the college campus is beautiful. It was built in the early 1900's so the architecture is awesome. The old stones and brick work is amazing. I was going to take some pictures I will try tomorrow.

LaNece, thanks for the look on the bright side of things I really needed that. My bright side is going to be getting home on Sunday! I am excited for your new calling. I know that you will do well with it and that it will help you grow physically and spiritually. I think it might help your patience with your kids too. You will get to see just how good your kids are compared to the Primary kids.

Mom thanks for the words of encouragement. I really needed them. I miss talking to you everyday and having my venting time. It makes me miss you and dad and Timmy (shocking). Sometimes just another body in the room makes you feel like every time will be OK. I hope all is well with everyone.

I need to try and get so sleep so wish me luck. Love you all so much, and apprecicate all that you do for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Becky

Hang in there Becky!!

Not that it doesn't sound completely gross, but try and remember the wonderful couple of days you just had. I loved reading all about Philly and now would like to go there some day. I remember how bad the first room we had in Paris was, we got in late and had to stay by the train station it was so gross and scary I didn't sleep all night, I was so afraid someone was going to break in and rob us. But I don't see any bright side for you to look on when it comes to the room.

Our first tennis game was rained out and now rescheduled for Monday, I am excited and a little nervous (I'm playing singles).

Todd is still job hunting and has had some pretty promising leads, and has another interview today for a job up at Snowbird.

Well the Primary President thing is a little overwhelming, but I'm sure in a year or two everything will make sense.

Love and miss everyone, Larry I'm so excited to see you guys in a week, we are going to have so much fun.

LaNece

HOLY COW

Hi guys,

I have to vent for just a minute. We got to the college where they are holding the national Iaido seminar and we are in the dorms. I want to cry! My pillow is about as think as my finger, my bed is like from the 1960's and the bathrooms are down the hall and tiny and gross. I think I am going to cry. I don't know how I am suppose to sleep in a yucky, gross room. with blankets that have hair and stuff stuck to them. maybe I will sleep in my sweats and jacket. It is so hot. The humidity is right around 90-95% and I can't breathe, my hair is out of control. I just need some moral support. I don't know how I am going to get through this.

OK, I will stop venting but I just needed to tell someone and get it all out so I am OK in the morning.

Love you lots

Becky

Philadelphia continues

I just have a minute to post before the shuttle gets here to pick me up. Today I finished up with all the stuff I didn't have time to do before. I went to Carpenters Hall where they held the first continental congress, I toured the Dolly Madison and the Bishop White houses.

I then went and "Rode the Ducks" that was really fun. They have taken WWII water/land crafts and take you around to see the sites and into the Delaware river to see the USS New Jersey cruiser that has been in 4 wars and them back again. It was kind of really cool. It got really warm inside it though from the diesel engine so I can image being a solider in those waiting to get out on Normandy Beach.

I then got to visit the National Constitution Center which was neat. They show a video and then they have different stations to see throughout the history of the United States. They also have a life sized replica of the room where the Constitution was signed with bronze life sized replica's of all of the people that were there. That was amazing.

I didn't have time to download pictures but hopefully tonight when I get settled at the college.

I miss you all tons.

Becky

Today I went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was great, and I had a great time. I got to see alot of my favorite artists like Van Gough and Rodin. They have a whole separate museum for Rodin which has the largest collection in the world. It was great.

One thing that was really cool in the museum was that they recreated whole rooms. They purchased whole rooms from houses and reinstalled them in the hotel. They had every thing from a Japanese Tea house, to a Hindu Temple. They had 17th century sitting rooms and other really cool stuff. They has a really cool altar piece from a church in France it was just so amazing!

I also went to Penn's Landing and to the Independence Seaport Museum. It was cool too. I got to tour a WWII sub and a ship that was crucial in winning the Spanish American War. I thought that I was going to jump out of my skin in the sub, my claustrophobia really kicked in. It was so neat to see the gunner and the shells on the other ship. I had a great day.

I had to take the trolley downtown and that was a little scary, I should say alot scary! Homeless people everywhere drunk people, people begging for money etc... It would not have been bad had there been someone else on the Trolley but I was on my own for a while. Needless to say I was way excited when someone else got on the trolley. I had a great sundae at an ice cream place called Franklin's Fountain. It is an old fashion fountain shoppe. My chocolate peanut butter sundae was Yum, Yum.

Well tonight I am going the the Lights of Liberty show so I will talk with you all later. Tomorrow is my last day of being a tourist, I then get to become the tortured Iaido student. It is all worth it though. I have had a great time. I am so glad that I decided to pay an extra $10 a day to stay in the historic district. It has really made my stay much easier. I have been able to walk to almost everything except the museum of art. If any one plans on coming to Philadelphia I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn in the Historic District. This has been a great thing to do. I am so glad that I decided to take the time and spend the money to come and see Philadelphia. It has been wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone!

Talk to you all soon

Love you

Becky

Historic Philadelphia

I saw so much today! Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, the US Mint and many many more things. It is so inspiring to hear the stories of the our country's birth and to see the places where things happened. This has been an inspiring journey. The liberty bell was especially moving after reading about its history. The pictures that people take for you are not necessarily great but I am grateful for people who are willing to help. I have not heard so many different languages in along time. How wonderful it is to see some many people enjoying the history of our nation.

I also went the the Christ Church cemetery and saw were Ben Franklin is buried along with 8 of the other signers of the Constitution. I got a tour from a local and we saw notable grave of the signers and also of those involved in slavery whether they were abolitionists or slave owners.

Tomorrow I plan on going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the surrounding buildings. I am excited to see some great architecture. I had another great sandwich on the street and some yum, yum gelato creamy coconut.

I love and miss you all!

Becky

Catching up with World

Hey, all how is everyone doing. Man those are pretty trees, too bad they wouldnt make it in Arizona.

We are starting to think about getting ready for our trip to Utah on the 14th. We are thinking that we are going to be driving both cars up and splitting the assignments between Michelle, Megan, Kailey and me so it is looking pretty good.

I heard from Crystal yesterday and it was so good to talk to her. She is sending out her wedding invitations for August 9th. I am exicited to get there. I hope that you all can make it there with me. I talked to Stan about sending her an invite to the blog so she can join us.

OHH by the way I have LOST 15 pounds!!!!!! Ohh yeah, life is looking up. I am shooting for 210 at the end of the summer maybe 205 but it is coming off alittle at a time.

The guitar practice is going well and I am starting to transition from chords more smoothly.

I love you all as always and will see you all soon. Grats to Cody on his soccer tryouts, and to Conner and Natalie on their High School Graduation. Larry and Family.

Wow

Wow is all that I can say. I have never been moved to tears with art before today. I have never seen so many beautiful things. For all of you who have never heard of the Barnes Foundation, it is a school that was established in 1922 by Dr Albert C Barnes. He has the largest collection of Renoir in the world I think they said 168 paintings. Renoir is not all, they have Cezanne, Van Gough, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Seraut, Manet, Rousseau, and a new favorite artist of mine Soutine. There were so many moving things that I saw today, but there is no photography allowed so I don't have any pictures of what I saw I did get some postcards with my favorite paintings.

In addition to the art, they have an extensive arboretum. The grounds and the architecture are awesome! I took some pictures below of some of the cool stuff I saw. The first couple of pictures are of a Japanese Dogwood. I have never seen a Dogwood it was spectacular!

I had a blast, the tour guides that did my tours were spectacular and everything was great. I then went to Campos and had an original phillie cheesesteak sandwich, can you say yum, yum. I then thought I would take a dip in the pool, but its not heated and 6:30 is a little late and COLD to be swimming in the unheated rooftop pool. I also just walked around and saw Christ Church and the Quaker meeting house. It is fascinating to see things that have been there since the beginning of our country. Bricks from the 1700's WOW. The trees here are massive everywhere you look there is another Huge tree. There is a cobblestone street by the Christ Church that is original and it is beautiful.

Needless to say I had a great day! Tomorrow I am going to Independence Hall and all that stuff. I also want to ride "The Ducks". So far no really scary people so that is good!

I will talk with you later

Love you All

Becky

Hello from Phillie

Hello All for Philadelphia,

I flew in this afternoon and I am having a hard time sleeping because I really don't go to bed for another couple of hours, but I have to be up in the morning to go to the Barnes Foundation and I am afraid I will look terrible (mom has confirmed this yesterday when she stated that she has never seen the black circles go all the way around my eyes). Yes I still love her she always says the right things at the right time. I was all pumped about coming here and kind of excited to do a trip by myself, that was until I sat on the plane next to a lady who works for FEMA and she was telling me how scary the city was and that I was crazy to be here by myself and that I needed to stay away from area A,B,C,D and not go out after dark by myself unless I was asking for trouble. Needless to say I didn't have much anxiety about the flight (like I usually do, I hate to fly) because I was so worried about being here all alone and getting shot at and assaulted etc.... I did talk to my mom on the phone though an I feel better. Just fear of the unknown. I walked down Market Street and got some homemade hazelnut gelato. It was delicious (how many points is in a 1/2 cup mom?)

So now I am rambling, My room is on the 8th floor and the roof top pool is 10 feet down the hall. I will try to do pictures it is beautiful! Tomorrow I will be going to the Barnes foundation, and then if I have time I would like to spend some time and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (anyone who has seen Rocky) should know what it looks like the steps are famous and there is a Rocky statue there at the top of the stairs.

Well I better try to go to bed, I will keep everyone up to date as long as I can find a wireless signal. I want you guys to know that I love you.

Love Becky

Tell Julie to check her email.

I sent an invite over to juliemag@msn So tell her to check it and get on the blog! We've been missing out on the Julie love. :-)

Andreason household

Bethany I hear you on the running. I've been back for about a month now and yesterday boy did I ever bonk. Okay so I forgot to tell everyone that everything went well with the cardiologist and I don't have to see him again. The echo treadmill was pure 16th century torture, they start you out on slow with an incline and then every few minutes speed it up and increase the incline, and can you believe it, they wouldn't let me wear my headphones because I had to be able to communicate with them (I think it's just to make the torture complete). So after my heart rate got up to 160 the one tech said this must be the pace that you run at because your heart rate isn't increasing so they speed me up (oh yeah, and they make you keep hold of the treadmill) so I honestly don't know how I staid on the damn thing, my hands were all sweaty and my short little legs felt like they were going to fall right off. But everything ended up looking good, when I saw the doctor for my recheck he was all surprised and said "I can't believe you staid on the treadmill for over ten minutes", I wanted to say yeah not too bad for a chubba dubba.

On Julie's email, I know Greg has got on and read but I don't think Julie has, her email is juliemag@msn well at least I think it is?

I took Tatum in to have her cavities filled this morning and I'm still having trauma four hours later. They had to sedate her (after her time at the burn unit last summer she freaks out at anyone that remotely looks like a doctor) they ended up having to cap two of her back molars because the cavities were so deep and then she had two others. Can you guys remember Jackie and Slade when they were little and had all the silver caps on their front teeth?

I am so excited for Larry and Michelle to come in two weeks. It seems like I haven't seen them in ages, we usually go down in April, but we didn't do that this year.

Todd has had some really good interviews this week, so I'm hoping that something will come along soon. Well love and miss everyone.

LaNece

Running, running, running...

Hello everyone!

I've been working on my running again. Next week I should be at the point of running 30 mins straight without walking. Woohoo! To celebrate the occasion I'm going to register for a 13K in October. Then to celebrate that I'm going to run a half marathon at the end of November and another in February. That will get me primed and ready for a marathon next fall/winter! WOOT! I'm so pumped.

I was looking at the blog authors and there is an email and profile for Julie and Greg. Did she loose her login info or does she want an invite to another email address? I can't send the invite to the one that is already listed until I delete it. Just let me know. If there is another address she would like to use please send it to my email robinsonbanks@gmail.com. Thanks.

Love you all and miss you,
Bethany

Memorial Weekend Getaway

Some of the Wood Clan spent the Memorial Weekend camping at Willard Bay. If you can believe it, we didn't take the boat because it was too cold. So we just relaxed and saw the local sites. On Saturday we took a trip out to Promomentory to the Golden Spike State Park. We watched the reenactment of the meeting of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads. It was all done in period clothing. but the two train locomotives were not there. But we were able to see them in the maintainance engine house. They are exact replicas and really amazing. Afterwards we stopped at the ADK rocket museum and saw all the different type rocket engines they have made through the years. It was cool all weekend, and I wore a jacket. It was a nice relaxing time, it gave us time to recharge the batteries.

Lana I have tried to get Julie on the blog but so far it is a no go. But I haven't given up. Please have Jake send her an invitation and I will try again.

I hope everyone is in good health and doing well.

Love
Colleen

Additional information in Arizona

Have to say for those in Utah that 92 degrees is a beautifull day. Our spring has been unusually cool down in here. It was just a week ago that we finally broke 100. The hottest it has been is 105. I am wondering what monsoon season will bring. For all of the Utah's we are planning on coming up and spending the week june 14th so lets plan on getting together. As always a day at lagoon, but Michelle and I are planning a bbQ up the canyon and a nice hike somewhere.

I promised to tell you about the guitar. Michelle as most of you know gave me a awsome Alverez guitar for my birthday 5 years ago. I have been plucking on it occationally but never aquired any skill because I never felt like I was playing music. Well Corbys best freind Kimball Coffin started teaching Kailey how to play so I would pick up what I could from him. I have been practicing almost every day and I have along ways to go but I can strum a cord or two with some constistency. I am planning on learning Americas "i been through the desert on a horse with no name so you all better watch out. It has been almost a dream come true for me to be playing. and has been some much fun. Everyone is doing well down here. We will catch you all later.

Love your brother Larry

Good Muffins

Norwegian Apple Muffins

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup walnuts or pecans
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup applesauce
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup canned whole cranberries

Combine brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, spices, soda, baking powder and nuts in a large bowl. Mix eggs, applesauce, melted butter and cranberries together. Pour into center well in dry ingredients and mix only till dry ingredients are no longer dry. Fill muffin pans three quarters full and bake until done. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.



Sure miss all y'all. Take care.
Love,
Michelle

In case you can't read that, it says MINOR LEAGUE FLORIDA DISTRICT 14 TOP TEAM CHAMPIONS! That's right, Josie's team won. Josie led off with the first run stealing home and cleaned up by fielding the 3rd out of the last inning from 2nd base to 1st! We have been busting, we're so proud. I only wish we could keep this team together forever...but alas, that's not how they do it, right, Lynn? That's Josie on the ground to the right, in case y'all couldn't tell. She's going to try out for a travel softball team this week and next and a soccer team the following week. She's giving up dance to play two sports...our little athlete! She's says she's going to miss it, but I know she will love doing the sporting thing.

Cody has try-outs for the new combined soccer league. His coach really doesn't want to lose him and so he will probably continue to play up...at least for another year. We'll see where the try-outs put him. Plus we can always say no. The Bridgewater team had a respectable showing at districts...one of the boy's sprinters took 3rd in the 400 with a 54-second run. I'm just glad we weren't at state in Utah...sounds like a dangerous one (HAHA!). Perhaps that's why they don't do javelin here?

Stan and I are rolling along. He attacked the garage and did a bang-up job...I can actually park in it. I felt so lazy and not contributing...I signed us up the the Dallas White Rock Marathon in December. Our running partner, Chris Ann, is doing it with us...yay! So we'll be limping, maybe, when we come to SL for Christmas...which will be here the day after tomorrow...you realize that, right? Love you all and will write soon! Someone tell Julie to get on the freaking blog so she can address the rumors I hear that Ally is trying out for a comp team...which I think is awesome! So if she doesn't get on, will someone please give her that message?

Hottest Day of the Year.......

Just checking in for the Wood family. As I am writing this it is 92 degrees and cloudy in Sandy Utah. I hope everyone has exciting plans for the Memorial Day weekend. We are going to Willard Bay to just rest and relax. Jonathan and his family are in South Dakota this week visiting Mt. Rushmore. Tim will be down at the Dunes with Stan and his family.

I want to know where the month of May went to, time is just fleeting away. Just 4 months until Becky and I go to Italy. It is becoming reality and can I tell you I am getting nervous. I think it's just excitement.

I check in later.

Love you all.
Colleen

Lana you missed your calling

Lana emailed me her memories of Mom and Dad (hint, hint Stan, Lynn, Larry & Julie). You totally made me cry when I read it, because I could instantly picture what you were saying. You are so eloquent and know how to phrase things, maybe for all of the other memories I'll tell you what I want to say and you could write it for me so it sounds good. It made me miss you a ton. Weight watchers has been good so far (the first day was the roughest). We do our fist weigh in Thursday cross your fingers for me.

Love,

LaNece

Disney Here We Come

Hopefully this will be a short quick post. We are headed to Disneyland bright and early tomorrow morning. We are planning on visiting Mickey and then spending time at the beach and pool. Hopefully the weather will be warm, and yes we will be wearing sunscreen. We are looking forward to hopefully RELAXING. The trip will be cut short so we can be back for Daphne's softball tournament the 16th and 17th. She will be playing in West Valley City if anyone is bored and wants to come watch her play, call and we can give you game times.

Lynn helped Greg Cope with some old swim turns for a new Feature Films for Family film. They are currently filming right now in Salt Lake. When we find out the movie, we will let you know. Lynn isn't in the movie, just helping a few actors with the old backstroke turn.

We would like to wish MOM a Happy Mother's Day and tell her that we Love Her tons.

We love and miss you all tons!

Love,
Janell

I'll post again when we get home.

Happy Birthday Tatum

Well as you can see it was Tatum's Bday Monday and she had a riot. She got a new bicycle, a microphone that plays music that she can sing to in it's boom box, and a drum set from Grandma Joan (I'm about ready to make to rule that the drums and the microphone are only played with outside. Lana it's so weird but sometimes Tatum looks so much like Josie, Dad's even commented about it before. I had a tennis tournament Monday. My partner got sick so I was scrambling to find someone to play with at the last minute. We lost but had a lot of fun.

Bethany, congrats on the band. That is so neat, I don't even sing in the shower because I can hear myself and it's not good.

I'm starting weight watchers tonight with Colleen, Julie, and Greg (yeah, like he needs to). Jonathan has really inspired me. He's been on it for two weeks and lost fifteen pounds.

I don't mean to bug anyone (Lana, Lynn, Larry and Stan). But if you have your memories done email them to me. lanece.andreason@gmail.com if you guys would like to look at the book as it's being done let me know and I can email it to you. Thanks everyone and miss you. One the bummer note Becky won't be playing tennis with us because it's been hurting her knees too much afterwards (sniffle, sniffle).

LaNece

I feel like I should have a conversation with myself...

But I won't. Not yet at least. I just wanted all you Twilight fans to know that there is a link to the official Twilight movie trailer on Stephanie Meyers site. Thanks.

They liked me.

The band that I had the jam with yesterday really liked me. They said that I have the sound they're looking for and they said that if there are any songs that I would like to sing, they would learn them. I'm very excited.
Things are going well for Jake and me. Jake's been keeping busy moving all of our music to a network so we can access it from any computer in the house. He's very excited to go to school. His plan is to shoot for this fall but I think he'll have to wait until spring because there are still a few things that he needs to work out. Work has been even for the last couple of weeks. Other than that things are going as they go.

Go Jazz!

Go Jazz! I hope they cream the Lakers!

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm extremely nervous because of my audition tomorrow. I'll post as soon as I have the verdict. Love you all and miss you so much.

(small thought...)

I'm in heaven. There's nothing better than reading accounts from family about things are with their families. I am so blessed and so grateful...

Lana

Long Time No Write (I'm a loser)

It's been so long since I have even read the Blog. I'm a loser. Just wanted to get that off my chest to start with.

The Wood clan is keeping busy at a rate so fast we can hardly handle it. What happened to the days when you did'nt have a thing to do. You just veggied. Jack, Becky, and I have been hitting the yard. Becky put in 6 tomatoe plants Saturday in walls of water. She previously planted the cold weather crops (carrots, lettuce, peas ect) 2 weeks ago, but with the cold nights we still haven't seen any growth. This spring has been a cool one. We are not even hitting the average highes. I want spring; I do not want to jump straight to summer and I really think that is what we are going to get.

Becky and I are mass transit users now. Becky is riding trax everyday and with the IHC discount on her monthly pass you can not afford to drive. I ride the bus from Bluffdale to the Sandy Trax station at least 3 days a week. My fuel consumption has dropped in 1/2. I never thought to be converted but money is money. I also got one the girls in the office riding also.

We had family pictures taken 2 weeks ago up American Fork canyon hopefully one it attached. It is always an ordeal to decide on what to wear, then where to go and then fit into everyone's schedules. But they turned out beautifully.

I have been reading some excellant books lately. I just finished "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, a good read. I am reading "A Thousand Spledid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner) right now and really like it. Next will be something fun.

Until next week, be good and always do your best.

Love
Colleen