BIRTHDAYS GALORE!

Harvey Jay started the year with the first birthday and he turned 30.  Then, I think Hayes was next, and he is now 9.  Then, Spencer at 34, followed by Chuck, who also celebrated the big 30. Colton, T, and Jane are all one year old, and Brindi is 27.  Kimberly also turned 30 and tonight we celebrated Chase's seventh birthday.  I think we're about ready for a monthly party for all birthdays in that month.  The family is growing and AGING!

Kellie's family had all of us over for a birthday bash.  What could be nicer than having a hot dog and enjoying their beautiful back yard.  They are wonderful hosts and we thank them for their hospitality, and for sharing their beautiful daughter with us.  They are wonderful grandparents as well.  Chase seemed pleased as he opened each gift.  His eyes lit up and that amazing smile spread from ear to ear.

While I'm posting, since it only happens on rare occasions, I would like to say a word about this little seven year old who has captured all our hearts.  He has had to WORK for every advancement he has made in his development.  Never have I seen anyone fall down so many times and get right back up as though nothing hurt.  Think about that aspect alone.  When was the last time you took a good fall?  I had to sit there for a few minutes the last time I fell to make sure nothing was broken.  Chase isn't selfish.  I watched him share his new gifts with his cousins and brother.  He is not self-absorbed.  He notices everyone, especially his younger cousins.  He will go sit by them and laugh at the cute things they do.  I tell you all, this is a special boy!!  So, on your special day, we are filled with awe when we think of you, CHASE.  Our lives are richer because of you.

Lucy doesn't look like this anymore.

GET THE WORK DONE, GANG!

The Utah house has served its purpose well. The kids were able to get through school and move on to the next phase of their lives. Maren and Lucy went up with Jay and I to do some painting, get the yard in shape, and get someone to put baseboards on.  (Maren took them off when she painted a year ago, and we decided to get some new baseboards that were taller.) Every thing we did seemed to make a big difference. It's interesting how sentimental we are about the house. Hayes, Parker, Charlie, and Lucy all came home to that house after they were born. Harvey Jay spent some of his first months there, too. Here's a look after we painted the front door.

Wind Wind Go Away

The weather at the beginning of the week was absolutely beautiful. It hit 70 degrees one day and 74 another. We had to enjoy every minute of it, because we know at this time of year the wind can begin to blow at any time. I was hoping it would stay that way till Sister Chieko Okazaki left, but we have had two days of mild wind. (enough to be a bother)

Since nearly every grandchild in the family has had stomach flu, I'm just crossing my fingers that it doesn't hit here till after the Women's Conference. I don't ask much do I? Kristen's kids and Kimberly's have really been sick. Where's the Kaopectate when you need it?

St. Johns High School has had a great athletic year. Not only did they take state in football, but just did the same in wrestling. Now the boys and the girls are into playoff season in basketball. We went to the boy's 1st round last night against a christian school from the valley. It was an exciting game with St. Johns squeeking out the victory in the end. They seem like a bunch of great kids and it's nice to see them do well. This includes the dance team and cheerleaders, too.

We are preparing for our stake Women's Conference which will take place on February 28th. Sister Chieko Okasaki, who was a counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency (when Elaine Jack served as president) will be our keynote speaker. We are excited to have her. (All the sudden I'm seeing every cobweb and dirty wall.) Does anyone out there relate?

Also speaking is Sister Helga Burgess from Snowflake. I became acquainted with her at the temple. Growing up in Berlin during the war, she suffered loss of family members and everything they owned. After making promises to Heavenly Father that if he would help them survive she would serve Him always, they soon met Mormon missionaries. She has a wonderful story that I think our sisters will enjoy.

new to blogging

Anna Jane

Baby T

Lucy (in the sky with diamonds)

Colten

Kristen, Parker, Charlie, Briton, and Jane

Maren keeps telling me I must get into blogging and I keep telling her I don't have time.  This morning she came over, pulled up a chair, and told me to sit down and get ready to update my one-post from April.  

Since that time we've added two little grand-babies that actually wear pink.  They nearly look out of place up against the 8 grandsons, but we're happy to put them into the mix.  Anna Jane acts like she knows me and gets a big smile and holds out her hands when they come over.  I take that as a compliment since she is shy and often turns her head into her mother's neck when she is around people.  Maren brings Lucy in to me (when they are over) to put over my shoulder and do the grandma pat to get any bubble that might be lurking and causing discomfort.  She still looks like a little papoose with her olive skin and dark hair.  T. and Colten are the two boys born in the past year.  Both have the biggest smiles and great dispositions. 

All 10 are a big part of our lives.  The little boys walk in the door and go straight to the Legos.  Pretty soon we have castles with bunks for the knights and their horses, or roads for cars, and when Harvey and Briton come we have the jungle animals in homemade cages.  I love having them drop in.