Here is a great video that I really liked. I hope all of you enjoy it as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY
-Love, Chris
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
So, where do you think you're going?
Yesterday morning (Thursday) Chris asked "Where's Devin?" "He stayed at his apartment last night," I replied. Then, to Trevor he asked, "Why aren't you at work?" "Because I quit..." he said. "I'm heading to Logan tomorrow." Chris sat there with a look of disapproval. "Where have you been, Chris?" Trevor chided.
Today, Chris came home from his two classes (UVU doesn't start till next Wednesday), and asked Trevor, "So, when are you leaving?" Trevor replied, "As soon as I get loaded up." I happened to look outside and invited Trevor to come have a look. Chris had parked his car directly across the driveway so no one could get out.
Have just a little sympathy for Chris, Dad, and me. It's been fun the last few months to have our 3 last ones home and it's a little sad to see Dev and Trev leave. (However...it will be nice to get the African room put back together!)
Mom
Today, Chris came home from his two classes (UVU doesn't start till next Wednesday), and asked Trevor, "So, when are you leaving?" Trevor replied, "As soon as I get loaded up." I happened to look outside and invited Trevor to come have a look. Chris had parked his car directly across the driveway so no one could get out.
Have just a little sympathy for Chris, Dad, and me. It's been fun the last few months to have our 3 last ones home and it's a little sad to see Dev and Trev leave. (However...it will be nice to get the African room put back together!)
Mom
Monday, August 17, 2009
"Let me Esplain...it ees too much"
Before I head into all the updates, allow me just to express my love and gratitude to everyone for making the effort to be together this summer. We actually got family pictures! And Bear Lake was terrific! (Missed you Ted!) What a wonderful, funny, beautiful family we have. Dad and I sometimes look at each other--a bit dumbstruck at what we started 36 years ago. Who would believe that a couple of cock-sure kids (well, we felt like kids)would be blessed so abundantly?! Truly the desires of our hearts are known to a loving Heavenly Father--we ARE rich beyond measure. Remember, there is nothing that compares to the joy of having and keeping eternal covenants.
Now, for some extended-family updates: My brother Kent had a severe foot infection that threatened amputation, but after weeks in hospitals, he is doing better and his foot is healing. His wife Lynda, however, has had a series of strokes and will probably not live much longer. Her son lives in Alaska and is supervising her care. Next, my youngest brother, Mark is anticipating neck surgery this fall. He has suffered increasing pain and numbness, and the surgery is necessary to prevent further injury. Good news is he'll still be able to water-ski. Jerry & Ann's oldest grandson, Taylor, left for his mission on the 12th. And Trent and Ashley are planning to be married on October 16th.
Finally, closer-to-home updates: Chris started school today and is excited for his Senior year--can you believe it? He'll be 18 in a few months--time to include him in the adult circle. Devin is moving into an apartment in Orem this week; the promise of a social life won out over Mom's cooking. Trevor will be heading to Logan on Friday and moving in with Sam. His love life is on hold for now. He received pell grant funds that will almost pay for school, which is a real blessing. Sam is getting ready for teaching next week; and he received in-state tuition status, so that's also a blessing.
Our congrats to Swen and Bex on the upcoming #5! Swen should finish up work in California in a couple weeks. Mike is studying for his comprehensive exams coming in November, and Angela is looking forward to having 3 of 6 in school soon. Alexis and Paul are hoping to find the right buyer and the right home in preparation for their move to Illinois/Iowa. Ted is already working hard in school, and Allie has found a new use for old sheets--making rugs--so look out yard sales!
When Alexis was here, she had a good visit with her friend, Amber Hunter. Amber shared four guidelines to follow in relationships, and they are very helpful, so I'm sharing them with y'all. 1) Don't take anything personally 2) Don't make any assumptions 3) Be impeccable with your word 4) Always do your best. I assume you will consider these carefully ;).
Love and blessings,
Mom
Now, for some extended-family updates: My brother Kent had a severe foot infection that threatened amputation, but after weeks in hospitals, he is doing better and his foot is healing. His wife Lynda, however, has had a series of strokes and will probably not live much longer. Her son lives in Alaska and is supervising her care. Next, my youngest brother, Mark is anticipating neck surgery this fall. He has suffered increasing pain and numbness, and the surgery is necessary to prevent further injury. Good news is he'll still be able to water-ski. Jerry & Ann's oldest grandson, Taylor, left for his mission on the 12th. And Trent and Ashley are planning to be married on October 16th.
Finally, closer-to-home updates: Chris started school today and is excited for his Senior year--can you believe it? He'll be 18 in a few months--time to include him in the adult circle. Devin is moving into an apartment in Orem this week; the promise of a social life won out over Mom's cooking. Trevor will be heading to Logan on Friday and moving in with Sam. His love life is on hold for now. He received pell grant funds that will almost pay for school, which is a real blessing. Sam is getting ready for teaching next week; and he received in-state tuition status, so that's also a blessing.
Our congrats to Swen and Bex on the upcoming #5! Swen should finish up work in California in a couple weeks. Mike is studying for his comprehensive exams coming in November, and Angela is looking forward to having 3 of 6 in school soon. Alexis and Paul are hoping to find the right buyer and the right home in preparation for their move to Illinois/Iowa. Ted is already working hard in school, and Allie has found a new use for old sheets--making rugs--so look out yard sales!
When Alexis was here, she had a good visit with her friend, Amber Hunter. Amber shared four guidelines to follow in relationships, and they are very helpful, so I'm sharing them with y'all. 1) Don't take anything personally 2) Don't make any assumptions 3) Be impeccable with your word 4) Always do your best. I assume you will consider these carefully ;).
Love and blessings,
Mom
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
In Review
Hi Family-heads,
I was just reviewing my birthday cards, this last week at Bear Lake, and many other experiences that I've had with y'all, and I realized that my contributions to the family are not commensurate with the blessings and love I receive from all of you. I occasionally forget your birthdays, never get anyone gifts, rarely call or Skype, don't remember my nieces and nephews birthdays, and just talk about myself all the time whenever we're together. Anyway, I'm ashamed of my narcissistic tendencies, and hope you'll all forgive me for my lack of reciprocation, too occasional patronizing comments, and compulsive critical analyses of everything.
I really enjoyed spending so much time with all of you this summer. This has definitely been one of the happier times in my life, and I owe much of that to all of you. Thanks for being the accepting, forgiving, unconditionally loving people that you are. And thank you for letting me beat you in a race, Swen and Mike. :) Take care all, and I look forward to seeing you soon, whenever "soon" is.
-Sam
I was just reviewing my birthday cards, this last week at Bear Lake, and many other experiences that I've had with y'all, and I realized that my contributions to the family are not commensurate with the blessings and love I receive from all of you. I occasionally forget your birthdays, never get anyone gifts, rarely call or Skype, don't remember my nieces and nephews birthdays, and just talk about myself all the time whenever we're together. Anyway, I'm ashamed of my narcissistic tendencies, and hope you'll all forgive me for my lack of reciprocation, too occasional patronizing comments, and compulsive critical analyses of everything.
I really enjoyed spending so much time with all of you this summer. This has definitely been one of the happier times in my life, and I owe much of that to all of you. Thanks for being the accepting, forgiving, unconditionally loving people that you are. And thank you for letting me beat you in a race, Swen and Mike. :) Take care all, and I look forward to seeing you soon, whenever "soon" is.
-Sam
Thursday, July 23, 2009
In Regards to the Upcoming Triathlon...
I just want all of you to know that for the first time in a long time, I'm actually in good physical shape. I've been swimming, biking, hiking, playing soccer, playing ultimate frizbee, and even jogging here and there. O.k., I admit that I've been training for the upcoming mini-triathlon. Now that my ultra-competitive older (and some younger) siblings are in situations that keep them from being in optimal shape, I started to feel like I might actually have a chance at beating them in a competition for the first time in my life.
But then I remembered something about my older brothers' and older and younger sisters' characters. (1) I remembered being in Tai Kwon Do classes for two years and yet still not being able to land a single punch on Swen. (2) I reminiced on all of the impromptu, "casual" vollyball games when Alexis or Allie would dive and dig over and over again, sacrificing their bodies for the win. (3) I recall balking every time Mike would burst past me at the speed of light, repeatedly, to nab the impossible catch of a frizbee.
I have a sinking suspicion that, despite being in great cardiovascular shape, I'm still gonna lose this one. I know that if any of you see me in front of you, some gene-switch that I wasn't born with will turn on, and you'll pass me. And if I start to catch up, your brain will send the signal to release that secret store of adrenaline that most people save for near-death experiences, and I will be left in your proverbial dust.
Oh well. Maybe one day your joints will all be ground down enough, or you'll be pregnant enough, or busy enough to let your poor non-competitive brother win a race. But I have a hunch that this year isn't going to be the one where that happens. Anyway, go easy on me guys. :)
But then I remembered something about my older brothers' and older and younger sisters' characters. (1) I remembered being in Tai Kwon Do classes for two years and yet still not being able to land a single punch on Swen. (2) I reminiced on all of the impromptu, "casual" vollyball games when Alexis or Allie would dive and dig over and over again, sacrificing their bodies for the win. (3) I recall balking every time Mike would burst past me at the speed of light, repeatedly, to nab the impossible catch of a frizbee.
I have a sinking suspicion that, despite being in great cardiovascular shape, I'm still gonna lose this one. I know that if any of you see me in front of you, some gene-switch that I wasn't born with will turn on, and you'll pass me. And if I start to catch up, your brain will send the signal to release that secret store of adrenaline that most people save for near-death experiences, and I will be left in your proverbial dust.
Oh well. Maybe one day your joints will all be ground down enough, or you'll be pregnant enough, or busy enough to let your poor non-competitive brother win a race. But I have a hunch that this year isn't going to be the one where that happens. Anyway, go easy on me guys. :)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Join the conversation
If you are intereseted in joining the conversation, my opinion letter about the current healthcare debate has been posted on the Deseret News website: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705318334/Letters-Right-health-plan-needed.html
The last thing I want to do is degrade our family blog into a political sounding board, so please comment on the Deseret News site. I just can't keep some of this inside when I see us heading for a train wreck. Love you all!
The last thing I want to do is degrade our family blog into a political sounding board, so please comment on the Deseret News site. I just can't keep some of this inside when I see us heading for a train wreck. Love you all!
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