Monday, June 2, 2008
June Newsletter
I will start with Laurie this month. First of all she was released as the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency and then 26 seconds later she was sustained again as the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. Our dear friends and neighbors across the street, the Walkers, are moving to Midway. Sister Walker has been the Relief Society President and one of Laurie’s close friends for many years. The sister that was called to take her place, kept some of the members of the Presidency. So Laurie gets to keep on trudging along. Overall, I think she enjoys the calling, all except having to give the lessons and conduct. She could do without those two things if she had the choice. Anyway, back to the Walker family, their kids are the same age as many of our kids, so they are going to be sorely missed. Shane, Miranda and Mollie won’t have their buddies just across the street to play with anymore. Staying with the Laurie theme, she is going to California to spend a week with her mother which will be good for the two of them. The rest of us will have to fend for ourselves. It always gives us a good dose of reality when Mom leaves for a week. We certainly gain a better appreciation for all she does. Laralyn has her tonsils out a few weeks ago and is struggling to recover. It has not been easy. It is a good thing she married such a patient kind husband in Rodney. Prior to getting married, Laralyn was hardly sick a day in her life. Since she got married, she hasn’t had a day that she hasn’t been sick. Bethany still works for the hospital, Austin is looking for a job for the summer, Macall is busy making plans and looking forward to EFY, Youth Conference, Girls Camp and just a lot of having fun this summer. Bryce is going to work on his eagle project and said today that he wants to try out for the play here at the Draper Theatre (Peter Pan). Shane is our little baseball star these days. He had a slow start this year but he is playing awesome here at the end of the season. The last two games he has hit the ball clear over the center fielder’s head. He got a homerun, a triple and batted in two runners in the last two games. His coach gave him the game ball last game for catching a fly ball in the outfield and hitting the home run. He got a new bat and helmet for his birthday and has been making good use of them ever since. Miranda is our big news this month. She was baptized on Saturday and we want to thank those of you who came to support her. She looked very cute in her white clothes and was very excited about getting to be baptized. Mollie graduated from Preschool this past month and is excited to start kindergarten next year. I got interviewed by the Salt Lake Tribune about our wellness program and the story landed on the front page of the Sunday paper a couple weeks ago. Well that catches you up with what is going on around here. Have a great summer.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
May Newsletter
Let’s see, what has happened around here lately. Well, Shane got the game ball from his coach the other day for playing an awesome game of baseball. Bryce broke his collar bone by playing football at middle school. Laralyn caught mono and will be out of commission for a while so Rodney gets to do all the chores. Austin broke the prior record at Hagerman’s for eating the most servings of French toast (16 pieces). Mollie learned how to ride her bike, now she just needs to learn how to stay out of the street. Miranda is going to turn 8 this month and get baptized. Macall did an amazing job in her middle school’s dance company presentation. Bethany loves to control the TV remote and Laurie loves digital scrap booking and me. I am trying to pay the bills from the wedding and we all got a new stone fence along the back of our yard. Well I guess that pretty well sums it up. We love you all.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
April Newsletter
Dear Family
Here it is April 6, 2008, the real birthday of Jesus Christ. Being conference weekend, things are not as busy as they usually are. It was good to listen to conference yesterday and participate in the solemn assembly to sustain our new prophet. I can’t help but reflect back on my days in junior high when I shared a locker with Clark Monson, President Monson’s son. At the time, I remember thinking, with President Monson being so young, there was a very good chance that he would be the prophet someday. Sure enough, that happened. I enjoyed hearing President Monson’s first conference address last night at the priesthood session. I couldn’t help but think how well he will pick up where President Hinckley left off.Around our house, baseball has become all consuming. Both Shane and Bryce are playing on little league teams. Shane is on the Angels and Bryce is on the Marlins. It seems like someone has a game or practice every day. The weather has not been real great for baseball the past few weeks. They keep having to play and practice in the shivering cold. Macall has been playing basketball with the ward’s young women’s team. They did very well and took 3rd place in the region tournament. Bethany is enjoying her work at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. She is very interested in going into the medical profession. She works in Central Processing where they sterilize the surgical instruments. She gets all excited when they get to see blood and gore that comes down from the surgery floor. The other day she was all excited to tell about the ball joint she got to see from a knee replacement surgery that came down. Austin is enjoying his computer technology and repair class and loves to take apart and put back together computers. He worked along time on installing Windows XP on an old computer that we have. He was pretty happy when he finally got it to work. Miranda and Mollie enjoy playing together and with their friends in the neighborhood. Laurie stays busy in her calling in the relief society, sewing, blogging, scrap booking, baking, and of course everything that goes along with keeping the family organized and in clean clothes.
We love you all and wish you a great month of April.
Darrell, Laurie and kids
Here it is April 6, 2008, the real birthday of Jesus Christ. Being conference weekend, things are not as busy as they usually are. It was good to listen to conference yesterday and participate in the solemn assembly to sustain our new prophet. I can’t help but reflect back on my days in junior high when I shared a locker with Clark Monson, President Monson’s son. At the time, I remember thinking, with President Monson being so young, there was a very good chance that he would be the prophet someday. Sure enough, that happened. I enjoyed hearing President Monson’s first conference address last night at the priesthood session. I couldn’t help but think how well he will pick up where President Hinckley left off.Around our house, baseball has become all consuming. Both Shane and Bryce are playing on little league teams. Shane is on the Angels and Bryce is on the Marlins. It seems like someone has a game or practice every day. The weather has not been real great for baseball the past few weeks. They keep having to play and practice in the shivering cold. Macall has been playing basketball with the ward’s young women’s team. They did very well and took 3rd place in the region tournament. Bethany is enjoying her work at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. She is very interested in going into the medical profession. She works in Central Processing where they sterilize the surgical instruments. She gets all excited when they get to see blood and gore that comes down from the surgery floor. The other day she was all excited to tell about the ball joint she got to see from a knee replacement surgery that came down. Austin is enjoying his computer technology and repair class and loves to take apart and put back together computers. He worked along time on installing Windows XP on an old computer that we have. He was pretty happy when he finally got it to work. Miranda and Mollie enjoy playing together and with their friends in the neighborhood. Laurie stays busy in her calling in the relief society, sewing, blogging, scrap booking, baking, and of course everything that goes along with keeping the family organized and in clean clothes.
We love you all and wish you a great month of April.
Darrell, Laurie and kids
Friday, March 14, 2008
March Newsletter
Well, around our house, Laralyn’s wedding has been the focus for a long time. Yesterday was the big event and we are glad that everything went as well as it did. We want to thank all of your for your support, generosity and help. Thanks Mom for the wedding shower you put on for Laralyn. She went through the temple on Tuesday and that was a wonderful experience. Wednesday was spent setting up for the reception and a lot of last minute preparations. Thursday started off by driving Laralyn down to Kyle and Sarah’s so Sarah could put her hair up. Thank you Sarah, it looked great. The ceremony was wonderful and we want to thank everyone who was able to join us. Randy’s family put on a wedding lunch at Gardner Village which was just for immediate family members. It was nice to get acquainted with Rodney’s brothers and sisters. We were happy with the way everything worked out at the reception. Laurie worked hard for many weeks getting everything organized and it all came together very well. We appreciated everyone that came to celebrate with Laralyn and Rodney. We wish that people had eaten more food. We ended up with a lot of extra food which Laurie has been busy trying to give away today. Our house is now full of wedding presents. The newly weds are due back on Monday evening and then maybe we can empty out our house of wedding stuff. They went to Kanab for their honeymoon. I must say being involved in this wedding has brought back a lot of memories of when Laurie and I got married. I don’t think I ever had a clue of how much my parents and Laurie’s parents went through to pull off our wedding. It is definitely not an easy process. We are very happy for Laralyn and Rodney and proud of them for getting married the right way in the right place. Rodney is a great guy and we are happy for the addition he is to our family. Laralyn has been a wonderful daughter to raise and we are very grateful for the good example she has set for her younger brothers and sisters. We wish you all a great month of March, what’s left of it, and want to say again thanks for all your help and support. We love you all.
Darrell, Laurie and kids.
Darrell, Laurie and kids.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
February Newsletter
Dear Family,
I hope MaryAnn and Michelle both had wonderful birthdays. I know I did. Thanks Mom and Dad for the great birthday dinner. January and what we have seen of February have been full of shoveling snow. I don’t know about the rest of you, but we have mountains of snow piled up around our driveway. Today is sunny and I think the forecast is for warmer weather. I just hope it doesn’t get too warm too fast to cause flooding. I am sure you have all felt as we have the loss of our beloved prophet president Hinkley. I have been impressed with the expressions of love and affection from those who are not of our faith from around the world. He was truly a wonderful ambassador for the Lord’s church. I couldn’t help but feel grateful that he was blessed to not have to suffer a long drawn out period of poor health. It seemed as though he was able to carry out his work up to almost the last days of his life. His whole life has been a testimony of the promise made in the oath and covenant of the priesthood, “are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies”. Laurie and I enjoyed the World Wide Leadership meeting held for all adults yesterday. It is good to know that the Lord’s pattern is set and won’t change with every wind of change in today’s storm of values and philosophies. For an update on the activities around our house, wedding plans pretty well fill the air most of the time and consume most of Laurie’s time. Laralyn and Rodney were able to start moving stuff into their new apartment yesterday. I believe Rodney is going to be living there until they get married. Our house was getting filled with shower gifts and Laralyn’s stuff. Now it is just full of reception stuff. Bethany has a new job, and a pretty good one at that. She works at the new Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. She works in central processing cleaning the surgery instruments. It is full time work and includes full benefits. Austin’s 16th birthday is coming soon and he thinks that is pretty cool. Macall started working at the local elementary school as a sweeper like her older brother and sisters all did. Bryce and Shane weathered the Klondike Winter Camp up at Jordanell State Park along with their dad a few weeks ago. It was cold and there was a lot of snow. Putting up spring bar tents in 8-10 feet of snow became quite a trick. Dave let us have his club 100 tickets to the Jazz versus the Bulls basketball game last night. We had a great time. What a fantastic experience it was to get to go to the dinner before the game and then sit 3 rows up from the floor. It was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities and a lot of fun. Thanks Dave. Miranda and Mollie have enjoyed getting a bunch of their big sister’s (Laralyn’s) fun hand-me-downs as she is sorting through her stuff. Until next month, we wish you all a healthy safe and wonderful time.
Darrell, Laurie and kids.
I hope MaryAnn and Michelle both had wonderful birthdays. I know I did. Thanks Mom and Dad for the great birthday dinner. January and what we have seen of February have been full of shoveling snow. I don’t know about the rest of you, but we have mountains of snow piled up around our driveway. Today is sunny and I think the forecast is for warmer weather. I just hope it doesn’t get too warm too fast to cause flooding. I am sure you have all felt as we have the loss of our beloved prophet president Hinkley. I have been impressed with the expressions of love and affection from those who are not of our faith from around the world. He was truly a wonderful ambassador for the Lord’s church. I couldn’t help but feel grateful that he was blessed to not have to suffer a long drawn out period of poor health. It seemed as though he was able to carry out his work up to almost the last days of his life. His whole life has been a testimony of the promise made in the oath and covenant of the priesthood, “are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies”. Laurie and I enjoyed the World Wide Leadership meeting held for all adults yesterday. It is good to know that the Lord’s pattern is set and won’t change with every wind of change in today’s storm of values and philosophies. For an update on the activities around our house, wedding plans pretty well fill the air most of the time and consume most of Laurie’s time. Laralyn and Rodney were able to start moving stuff into their new apartment yesterday. I believe Rodney is going to be living there until they get married. Our house was getting filled with shower gifts and Laralyn’s stuff. Now it is just full of reception stuff. Bethany has a new job, and a pretty good one at that. She works at the new Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. She works in central processing cleaning the surgery instruments. It is full time work and includes full benefits. Austin’s 16th birthday is coming soon and he thinks that is pretty cool. Macall started working at the local elementary school as a sweeper like her older brother and sisters all did. Bryce and Shane weathered the Klondike Winter Camp up at Jordanell State Park along with their dad a few weeks ago. It was cold and there was a lot of snow. Putting up spring bar tents in 8-10 feet of snow became quite a trick. Dave let us have his club 100 tickets to the Jazz versus the Bulls basketball game last night. We had a great time. What a fantastic experience it was to get to go to the dinner before the game and then sit 3 rows up from the floor. It was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities and a lot of fun. Thanks Dave. Miranda and Mollie have enjoyed getting a bunch of their big sister’s (Laralyn’s) fun hand-me-downs as she is sorting through her stuff. Until next month, we wish you all a healthy safe and wonderful time.
Darrell, Laurie and kids.
Monday, January 7, 2008
January Newsletter
Dear Family,
December was quite an eventful month for our family. Most of you met the reason at the Christmas party. His name is Rodney Smith. He is marrying our daughter Laralyn. They were good friends during high school; however, they didn’t date before he went on his mission to New Jersey. He returned in October, and it didn’t take them long to get engaged. Their wedding plans are: Date-March 13th; Place-Timpanogus Temple; Reception Place-to be decided; and Colors-pink, green and brown. Laralyn has already bought her dress, which is very beautiful.
I must say, it came as quite a surprise when I received a call at work from this recently returned missionary, who had been seeing a lot of Laralyn for the past few weeks, when he said he wanted to meet with me. I figured that could only mean one thing, but so soon? After agreeing to meet with him, I called Laralyn and said, “You better start talking!” She said they loved each other and wanted to get married. Laurie and I met with him a few nights later. He really is a very fine young man and there is nothing about him that is not to like. He is very respectful, kind, and loves Laralyn very much. He would have to, she can be a pretty big handful. Anyway, we are very excited for them both and wish them our very best as they prepare to start their lives together.
It was cute when they came over to talk to the kids about their getting married and Laralyn started the “Send a Whisper Around the Room” game. She whispered “Laralyn and Rodney are getting married” to Mollie. She then whispered it to the person next to her. Well, none of the kids believed that what they were hearing was what Laralyn actually said to Mollie. When it came back the same as it had left, and Laralyn confirmed that it was true, it still took some of the kids a while to let it sink in. Macall was hyperventilating and after about 5 minutes, Bryce asked, “So are you really getting married?” Anyway, it was cute.
Our Holidays were great, except for a little stomach flu. Of course, as usual, Laurie did all the work getting ready for Christmas and I just got to enjoy being home. She really does spoil me. Both Bethany and Laralyn were at home, so we had all 8 kids again for a few weeks. It was probably the last time our kids will all be single and at home together. Bethany started back at Utah State today. Laralyn just got a job today at Rise, a program that works with kids with disabilities. A few weeks ago, I got to go with Dave to see his cabin. That was a lot of fun. We wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Darrell, Laurie and kids
December was quite an eventful month for our family. Most of you met the reason at the Christmas party. His name is Rodney Smith. He is marrying our daughter Laralyn. They were good friends during high school; however, they didn’t date before he went on his mission to New Jersey. He returned in October, and it didn’t take them long to get engaged. Their wedding plans are: Date-March 13th; Place-Timpanogus Temple; Reception Place-to be decided; and Colors-pink, green and brown. Laralyn has already bought her dress, which is very beautiful.
I must say, it came as quite a surprise when I received a call at work from this recently returned missionary, who had been seeing a lot of Laralyn for the past few weeks, when he said he wanted to meet with me. I figured that could only mean one thing, but so soon? After agreeing to meet with him, I called Laralyn and said, “You better start talking!” She said they loved each other and wanted to get married. Laurie and I met with him a few nights later. He really is a very fine young man and there is nothing about him that is not to like. He is very respectful, kind, and loves Laralyn very much. He would have to, she can be a pretty big handful. Anyway, we are very excited for them both and wish them our very best as they prepare to start their lives together.
It was cute when they came over to talk to the kids about their getting married and Laralyn started the “Send a Whisper Around the Room” game. She whispered “Laralyn and Rodney are getting married” to Mollie. She then whispered it to the person next to her. Well, none of the kids believed that what they were hearing was what Laralyn actually said to Mollie. When it came back the same as it had left, and Laralyn confirmed that it was true, it still took some of the kids a while to let it sink in. Macall was hyperventilating and after about 5 minutes, Bryce asked, “So are you really getting married?” Anyway, it was cute.
Our Holidays were great, except for a little stomach flu. Of course, as usual, Laurie did all the work getting ready for Christmas and I just got to enjoy being home. She really does spoil me. Both Bethany and Laralyn were at home, so we had all 8 kids again for a few weeks. It was probably the last time our kids will all be single and at home together. Bethany started back at Utah State today. Laralyn just got a job today at Rise, a program that works with kids with disabilities. A few weeks ago, I got to go with Dave to see his cabin. That was a lot of fun. We wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Darrell, Laurie and kids
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December Entry
Merry Christmas and Winter Wonderland. What better way to get in spirit of Christmas than a good hard winter storm. November may have been fall, but December sure blew in with a winter storm. Yesterday was December 1st and it snowed most of the day. We probably got 5-6 inches of snow. The kids couldn't wait to get outside and play in the snow. They built, while it was still snowing, an 8 foot snowman in the back yard. Definitely the largest snowman I have ever seen. The bottom ball had to be at least 4 feet in diameter. I don't know how long it will stay standing, when we got home from church today, it was leaning at about a 20% angle.
Last night, the whole family, we rarely do anything as a whole family, went to the BYU folkdancers Christmas Around the World. It was very well done. Boy, there are some very talented kids down at the Y. We went because Laurie's nephew and the kid's cousin, Collin Slade, was one of the dancers in it. It was a lot of fun and it was a great way to get in the spirit of Christmas. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We enjoyed it at home with Laurie's sister, Lani, and her family joining us from Sheridan, Wyoming. It was fun to see them and spend some time together. Bethany came down from Logan and Laralyn was back and forth all weekend from Provo. Laralyn has a new job working for a telephone surveying company. It seems like in all her jobs she winds up on the phone a lot. We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Darrell, Laurie and kids
Last night, the whole family, we rarely do anything as a whole family, went to the BYU folkdancers Christmas Around the World. It was very well done. Boy, there are some very talented kids down at the Y. We went because Laurie's nephew and the kid's cousin, Collin Slade, was one of the dancers in it. It was a lot of fun and it was a great way to get in the spirit of Christmas. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We enjoyed it at home with Laurie's sister, Lani, and her family joining us from Sheridan, Wyoming. It was fun to see them and spend some time together. Bethany came down from Logan and Laralyn was back and forth all weekend from Provo. Laralyn has a new job working for a telephone surveying company. It seems like in all her jobs she winds up on the phone a lot. We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Darrell, Laurie and kids
Sunday, November 4, 2007
November Newsletter
I hope everyone got through October ok. We did, Halloween and all. We had a chance to attend the Regional Conference a few weeks ago down at the conference center and enjoyed the spirit of being in the same room as the prophet. His council to couples to have a successful marriage was wonderful. His 4 points, for those that weren't there, were 1) Mutual Respect, 2) Soft Answer, 3) Financial Honesty, and 4) Family Prayer.
For an update of things around here, there isn't anything of tremendous note that I can think of. Four of the kids started back taking piano lessons and they have a recital this next week for which they have been preparing. Macall enjoys playing beautiful music, and Shane has really picked up playing the piano very quickly. They all enjoy their new teacher who they say if very nice.
I was reminded this past week of how very little many people know of what LDS people really believe. We have a new sales person working for my company who lives in the Denver area. Since joining our company she has expressed a great deal of interest in learning about the "Mormons". She often asks us various questions about our church. She even asked for a Book of Mormon to read. Well, this past week as I was in Denver working with her, she was reluctant to ask a question, but she finally got it out. She had heard about polygamy and the church and wanted to know what the truth was. Of course it gave me the opportunity to let her know that we no longer practice polygamy. I am sure that there are a lot of people around the world who think we still do.
A few weeks ago, we had Sarah take some picture of our family. They turned out very well and I must say I was very impressed. If anyone in the family is looking to have their family portraits taken we have a very talented photographer right here in the family. Thanks Sarah for doing such a great job.
We love you all and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Darrell, Laurie and the kids.
For an update of things around here, there isn't anything of tremendous note that I can think of. Four of the kids started back taking piano lessons and they have a recital this next week for which they have been preparing. Macall enjoys playing beautiful music, and Shane has really picked up playing the piano very quickly. They all enjoy their new teacher who they say if very nice.
I was reminded this past week of how very little many people know of what LDS people really believe. We have a new sales person working for my company who lives in the Denver area. Since joining our company she has expressed a great deal of interest in learning about the "Mormons". She often asks us various questions about our church. She even asked for a Book of Mormon to read. Well, this past week as I was in Denver working with her, she was reluctant to ask a question, but she finally got it out. She had heard about polygamy and the church and wanted to know what the truth was. Of course it gave me the opportunity to let her know that we no longer practice polygamy. I am sure that there are a lot of people around the world who think we still do.
A few weeks ago, we had Sarah take some picture of our family. They turned out very well and I must say I was very impressed. If anyone in the family is looking to have their family portraits taken we have a very talented photographer right here in the family. Thanks Sarah for doing such a great job.
We love you all and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Darrell, Laurie and the kids.
Monday, October 8, 2007
October Newsletter Entry
I felt bad after reminding everyone last night at the talent show to write their monthly newsletter knowing that I had not written mine either. So I guess I had better write something before any grass grows under me. We send our congratulations and love to Denise and Jonathan on their new little Elizabeth. After a very rocky start to life, we were glad to hear last night that she would be coming home soon. We took our whole family to the park and Sarah took pictures of everyone. It doesn’t seem that long ago when we did the same thing up the canyon in the fall amongst all the fall colors. But wow, have they all grown up in last 4 years. Bethany is now taller than Laralyn, Macall has almost passed up Bethany and Austin has passed up them all, and will probably soon be taller than me. Of course they all passed up their mom a long time ago. Soon she will be the shortest one in the family. But of course that is only in height. She has us all beat in spiritual height. The other day, our home teacher, who was recently called as our Bishop, Bishop Dave Davis, came over to home teach us. He took a moment to complement and thank Laurie for a very impactful visit she had recently made to a past member of our ward, Donna. He had recently gone to visit her and she commented to him about Laurie’s visit to her a few days earlier. Although our ward recently spent thousands of hours helping her move, she has been very bitter about some things, both towards the church (she is a recent convert), and the ward members. She was expressing her regrets for the way she had been so awful towards Laurie during her visit to her, and yet Laurie responded in a very Christ like loving way, and because of her response to her awfulness her heart was touched and she realized how unkind she had been and what Christianity is all about. The Bishop took the time to thank Laurie for her kindness towards Donna. Now Laurie isn’t going to like that I wrote this in the newsletter, but oh well, call it payback for the Donna story she wrote about me a couple months ago. We look forward to the upcoming holidays and wish you all a wonderful October.
Love Darrell, Laurie and the kids.
Love Darrell, Laurie and the kids.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Darrell's September newsletter entry
Dear Family,
August was a rather unusual month for our family. Laurie started it off by taking off to see her sister who just moved to Wyoming. She was gone for a few days. That is the first time she has ever taken off on her own like that. When she got back, she and Laralyn flew to southern California to take care of Laurie’s mother. Laurie was gone for about a week and a half. Laralyn came home a little sooner than that. I took those days off work and we had a family vacation with those who stayed home. We just made small trips to fun places here in the Salt Lake area. That is the first time we have done that. We also spent a lot of time replacing the back patio during that week and a half. As soon as Laurie got back we took Bethany up to Logan to go to school at Utah State. That was Bethany’s first time to move out of the home, and our first to go to school at Utah State. Then Laralyn moved back down to Provo to go to BYU. That wasn’t a first. The kids all started school and for the kids in elementary school they are going to the school near our home which is a first in about 10 years. Laurie doesn’t have to drive kids back and forth to Willow Creek every day. That is a very welcome first. The local school finally changed to a traditional schedule. This is Austin’s first year in High School. This is Bryce’s first year in Middle School. He has decided to play the tuba. What a monster of an instrument. I just opened up a new office outside of Utah. That is a first for my company. We are expanding into the Denver, Colorado area. So as you can see we have had a lot of first this past month. Definitely, it was not a usual month at our home. We are all doing pretty well and everyone seems pretty healthy. We send our love to all of you and hope you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors soon to be upon us.
August was a rather unusual month for our family. Laurie started it off by taking off to see her sister who just moved to Wyoming. She was gone for a few days. That is the first time she has ever taken off on her own like that. When she got back, she and Laralyn flew to southern California to take care of Laurie’s mother. Laurie was gone for about a week and a half. Laralyn came home a little sooner than that. I took those days off work and we had a family vacation with those who stayed home. We just made small trips to fun places here in the Salt Lake area. That is the first time we have done that. We also spent a lot of time replacing the back patio during that week and a half. As soon as Laurie got back we took Bethany up to Logan to go to school at Utah State. That was Bethany’s first time to move out of the home, and our first to go to school at Utah State. Then Laralyn moved back down to Provo to go to BYU. That wasn’t a first. The kids all started school and for the kids in elementary school they are going to the school near our home which is a first in about 10 years. Laurie doesn’t have to drive kids back and forth to Willow Creek every day. That is a very welcome first. The local school finally changed to a traditional schedule. This is Austin’s first year in High School. This is Bryce’s first year in Middle School. He has decided to play the tuba. What a monster of an instrument. I just opened up a new office outside of Utah. That is a first for my company. We are expanding into the Denver, Colorado area. So as you can see we have had a lot of first this past month. Definitely, it was not a usual month at our home. We are all doing pretty well and everyone seems pretty healthy. We send our love to all of you and hope you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors soon to be upon us.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Darrell's September Newsletter
Darrell headed off to Denver just as this newsletter was due (BIG mistake), now it is left to me to update ya'all on the happenings around here--for good, for bad or otherwise.
The end of August brought the beginning of school (yepee!).
We took Bethany up to Logan on the 21st, and her first Connections class started on the 22nd. It took her a couple of days to adjust to college life (she wanted to come home when she found out that her text books were going to cost her $400--welcome to reality), but she is now enjoying herself (who needs money for food when you have text books to read?). She seems to have some fun roommates, so we are hoping for a fun and growing year up there.
Bryce had his first half-day of school on the 23rd (the seventh graders go for half a day to get oriented before they unleashed the older mob in the halls). He came home just a little intimidated, but he has adjusted fine--just fine. He is taking beginning band and is learning to play the tuba (joy), which came home today. This should be an interesting year.
Laralyn moved back down to BYU on Friday the 24th (I got to help her with that project, it also got me out of attending the work Luau--thankfully). She wanted to be moved in before all of her roommates got there. We went "shopping" at Donna's during her garage sale this summer and Laralyn got some nice things to decorate her apartment. She was afraid that her roommates would come in and plaster the walls with football posters. Plus that, I think she was tired to living at home and anxious to be out on her own again (that is until she wanted me to pay for her bus pass and load her fridge with food).
Austin, Macall, Shane and Miranda all started back to school on the 27th. This is Austin's first year at Alta ("How was your first day, Austin?" "Huh? Boring.") Apparently it is not an adjustment for him.
Macall is the "big man" on campus now that she is in 9th grade. We are hoping that 9th grade will bring more responsibility in turning in her homework. We made her freedom directly proportional to her grades. Hopefully that will get her attention. I truly don't understand doing homework and just not turning it in ("She didn't ask for it!" "And? You didn't know it was due?" "Yes, but she didn't tell us to turn it in." "Arrrrrrrrg!")
Shane and Miranda started a new elementary school this year. After 10 years of driving across town to Brookwood, my kids are now attending our neighborhood school (Draper Elementary). Draper went back to a traditional calendar this year (I feel that it was an answer to prayers--the way everything just fell into place. Someday that will have to be another story.) So, with a heavy heart and many mixed feelings I pulled them out of the only school they have known and threw them to the wolves (it develops character!). Now after two weeks, they are adjusting. They still say they like Brookwood better, but I'm sure that will change with time. They do have friends at Draper--I'm not THAT mean.
Mollie and I are adjusting back to being the only ones at home during the day. She really is ready for more structure. After the kids leave at 8, she starts in with, "Mom, will you play a game with me?" "Mom, will you read me a story?" I need to get my act together and have some fun activities ready for her, BUT that'll have to wait until tomorrow--heeheehee!
Darrell was just called as the second counselor in the YM's presidency/Scoutmaster (they are combining the two positions in our ward). I think he would be excited if he didn't feel that it is such an uphill battle (lots of retraining other leaders--the boys are fine). Things have been such a mess in our ward over the past several years, but we just got a new bishopric (Dave Davis-Bishop, Kevin Cox-2nd counselor, Bruce Gwilliam-ex. sec. . . .that's for Denise and Jonathan--they used to live in the Brinley's ward), and we can see some really good and needed changes on the wall. We are excited!
Darrell also remains busy at work. He is in Denver trying to "build business" in a new area. When Mom and Dad came for Mollie's birthday, Darrell caught Dad's ear and talked and talked about his work. Dad is a good sport--no one around here wants to listen to "work talk" anymore. It really is the only thing that makes Darrell truly happy (well, besides me--of course!)
Well, I guess I should probably stop here. . . .my next stories should probably be kept quiet . . . .so until next time. . . .
The end of August brought the beginning of school (yepee!).
We took Bethany up to Logan on the 21st, and her first Connections class started on the 22nd. It took her a couple of days to adjust to college life (she wanted to come home when she found out that her text books were going to cost her $400--welcome to reality), but she is now enjoying herself (who needs money for food when you have text books to read?). She seems to have some fun roommates, so we are hoping for a fun and growing year up there.
Bryce had his first half-day of school on the 23rd (the seventh graders go for half a day to get oriented before they unleashed the older mob in the halls). He came home just a little intimidated, but he has adjusted fine--just fine. He is taking beginning band and is learning to play the tuba (joy), which came home today. This should be an interesting year.
Laralyn moved back down to BYU on Friday the 24th (I got to help her with that project, it also got me out of attending the work Luau--thankfully). She wanted to be moved in before all of her roommates got there. We went "shopping" at Donna's during her garage sale this summer and Laralyn got some nice things to decorate her apartment. She was afraid that her roommates would come in and plaster the walls with football posters. Plus that, I think she was tired to living at home and anxious to be out on her own again (that is until she wanted me to pay for her bus pass and load her fridge with food).
Austin, Macall, Shane and Miranda all started back to school on the 27th. This is Austin's first year at Alta ("How was your first day, Austin?" "Huh? Boring.") Apparently it is not an adjustment for him.
Macall is the "big man" on campus now that she is in 9th grade. We are hoping that 9th grade will bring more responsibility in turning in her homework. We made her freedom directly proportional to her grades. Hopefully that will get her attention. I truly don't understand doing homework and just not turning it in ("She didn't ask for it!" "And? You didn't know it was due?" "Yes, but she didn't tell us to turn it in." "Arrrrrrrrg!")
Shane and Miranda started a new elementary school this year. After 10 years of driving across town to Brookwood, my kids are now attending our neighborhood school (Draper Elementary). Draper went back to a traditional calendar this year (I feel that it was an answer to prayers--the way everything just fell into place. Someday that will have to be another story.) So, with a heavy heart and many mixed feelings I pulled them out of the only school they have known and threw them to the wolves (it develops character!). Now after two weeks, they are adjusting. They still say they like Brookwood better, but I'm sure that will change with time. They do have friends at Draper--I'm not THAT mean.
Mollie and I are adjusting back to being the only ones at home during the day. She really is ready for more structure. After the kids leave at 8, she starts in with, "Mom, will you play a game with me?" "Mom, will you read me a story?" I need to get my act together and have some fun activities ready for her, BUT that'll have to wait until tomorrow--heeheehee!
Darrell was just called as the second counselor in the YM's presidency/Scoutmaster (they are combining the two positions in our ward). I think he would be excited if he didn't feel that it is such an uphill battle (lots of retraining other leaders--the boys are fine). Things have been such a mess in our ward over the past several years, but we just got a new bishopric (Dave Davis-Bishop, Kevin Cox-2nd counselor, Bruce Gwilliam-ex. sec. . . .that's for Denise and Jonathan--they used to live in the Brinley's ward), and we can see some really good and needed changes on the wall. We are excited!
Darrell also remains busy at work. He is in Denver trying to "build business" in a new area. When Mom and Dad came for Mollie's birthday, Darrell caught Dad's ear and talked and talked about his work. Dad is a good sport--no one around here wants to listen to "work talk" anymore. It really is the only thing that makes Darrell truly happy (well, besides me--of course!)
Well, I guess I should probably stop here. . . .my next stories should probably be kept quiet . . . .so until next time. . . .
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Zack's Story
Just a little over a week before his 7th birthday Steve and I had made Zack an appointment with his pediatrician. Something had been just a little off with him in the prior month so we just wanted to take him in to make sure everything was all right. It started to snow pretty heavy that day. Driving in the snow still terrified me, and it was really coming down hard, so I called the Dr’s office and rescheduled Zack’s appointment. Dr. Elliott was going on vacation so the next appointment date was 3 weeks out. We set the date for 3 weeks. Not even 10 minutes after I got off the phone with the appointment line the snow completely stopped, so…I called the Dr’s office again and said that I would just go ahead and bring him in. After Dr. Elliott examined Zack he said everything looked normal. He had lost about 4 pounds from his last visit, so that concerned him. We discussed his recent behavioral issues, but there was one thing that really bothered me. Zack was using the restroom sometimes 4-5 times an hour. He said they would do a quick test; maybe he had an infection of some kind. 10 minutes later Dr. Elliott came back and pulled his chair right in front of me. He patted my hand and said, “I’m glad you brought Zack in today, his body is dumping ketones, we are going to need to admit him right away” I still did not understand what he was saying, I knew it had to be bad, as he was still patting my hand.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Darrell's August Newsletter Entry
First of all, let me thank Laurie for the hours she has put into getting this blog newsletter put together. Even though it is a little different from a standard newsletter, it creates the opportunity for even more communication for those who want. For those who are used to the traditional, it can be the same. If anyone wants the entries printed out and snail mailed to them, so that it feels like the old newsletter, just let me know and I will do that for you.
For an update on how the Draper Moons are doing, Laurie has worked her fingers to the bone for a month getting Donna moved out of her house. Inspite of finding dead mice and getting ring worm, she was there almost every day for about a month.
Laralyn enjoys her love life here and writing to her missionaries out there. She is a little worried about what is going to happen when her missionaries get home and she has to manage them all being here at the same time. Bethany is having fun getting or having her mom buy for her all her fun things she will need when she is on her own at Utah State, like her own toaster, which by the way can also cook an egg.
Austin, can't stand the fact that I won't take him driving. School starts soon and he will be taking drivers education. He is old enough to have a permit, but I won't take him down to get one until I see some changes in his behavior. He is having a hard time making the changes (like arguing about everything, typical teenager). I'm in no hurry to pay for auto insurance on a teenage boy.
Macall has been the most active this summer with Oakcrest Girls Camp, Youth Conference, Girls Camp, and now this next week she is going to EFY. She has been pretty moody lately, maybe it is all the instability this summer. Oh well, I hope she has a good experience at EFY, I know it has been good for her older brother and sisters.
Bryce gets to go to boy scout camp this week and he is very excited about it. He is planning to learn how to drive an airplane and swim in a cold lake. Those represent the high and the low of his upcomming week, no pun intended but accurate just the same.
Shane got to go to cub scout camp this past month and had a great time. Miranda and Mollie just love to play. I am tearing out my cement in the backyard, and Miranda has been a great help. She is not afraid of hard work. She likes to be with her Dad and I don't mind the support. Mollie just likes being her own person. You will usually find her in her swimming suit running from one neighbor's pool to another, usually without permission. Laurie spends a lot of her time just trying to keep track of Mollie.
For me, I don't know if you read Laurie's last entry where she tried to embarass me, and yes I probably did blush a little. But I was just glad to know that Laurie thinks I'm hot, or at least she inferred that she did. Love ya, Laurie. I think you are HOT too!
I hope everyone has a great August and enjoys getting ready to go back to school.
For an update on how the Draper Moons are doing, Laurie has worked her fingers to the bone for a month getting Donna moved out of her house. Inspite of finding dead mice and getting ring worm, she was there almost every day for about a month.
Laralyn enjoys her love life here and writing to her missionaries out there. She is a little worried about what is going to happen when her missionaries get home and she has to manage them all being here at the same time. Bethany is having fun getting or having her mom buy for her all her fun things she will need when she is on her own at Utah State, like her own toaster, which by the way can also cook an egg.
Austin, can't stand the fact that I won't take him driving. School starts soon and he will be taking drivers education. He is old enough to have a permit, but I won't take him down to get one until I see some changes in his behavior. He is having a hard time making the changes (like arguing about everything, typical teenager). I'm in no hurry to pay for auto insurance on a teenage boy.
Macall has been the most active this summer with Oakcrest Girls Camp, Youth Conference, Girls Camp, and now this next week she is going to EFY. She has been pretty moody lately, maybe it is all the instability this summer. Oh well, I hope she has a good experience at EFY, I know it has been good for her older brother and sisters.
Bryce gets to go to boy scout camp this week and he is very excited about it. He is planning to learn how to drive an airplane and swim in a cold lake. Those represent the high and the low of his upcomming week, no pun intended but accurate just the same.
Shane got to go to cub scout camp this past month and had a great time. Miranda and Mollie just love to play. I am tearing out my cement in the backyard, and Miranda has been a great help. She is not afraid of hard work. She likes to be with her Dad and I don't mind the support. Mollie just likes being her own person. You will usually find her in her swimming suit running from one neighbor's pool to another, usually without permission. Laurie spends a lot of her time just trying to keep track of Mollie.
For me, I don't know if you read Laurie's last entry where she tried to embarass me, and yes I probably did blush a little. But I was just glad to know that Laurie thinks I'm hot, or at least she inferred that she did. Love ya, Laurie. I think you are HOT too!
I hope everyone has a great August and enjoys getting ready to go back to school.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Welcome!
Welcome to our new blog.
Darrell will be doing most of the posting as this is his family's newsletter, but since he has no idea of what I am doing, I'm going to steal his thunder for a moment (I really embarrass him by the things that I say--oh well).
I have to tell you this funny story--mostly because it will embarrass Darrell. . . .We have been helping pack up this lady, Donna. Darrell has been a trooper. He really has because he has stepped in and picked up a lot of slack around the house while I have been gone. And even when I am home he is still doing my chores, since I'm usually "wiped out!" Darrell has even come over to help carry boxes out of the silo and just plain be a "muscle man" at Donna's as well. So, the other night Darrell came over rather late to take some paintings out of the rafters in the garage. He was very sweet to come and do it (none of us wanted to climb up there with all the spiders. Believe me, there were plenty of those--and mice--where we were cleaning and packing!).
The next day Donna proceeds to tell me what an attractive husband I have. She says that he is not only handsome and physically "hot," but that he is also so kind and gracious and that is an extremely attractive combination. She wanted me to know how lucky I am! Of course I already know that, but isn't it nice to know that even at 47 he's still "got it!"
Donna makes me smile, and yes, Darrell is blushing!
Darrell will be doing most of the posting as this is his family's newsletter, but since he has no idea of what I am doing, I'm going to steal his thunder for a moment (I really embarrass him by the things that I say--oh well).
I have to tell you this funny story--mostly because it will embarrass Darrell. . . .We have been helping pack up this lady, Donna. Darrell has been a trooper. He really has because he has stepped in and picked up a lot of slack around the house while I have been gone. And even when I am home he is still doing my chores, since I'm usually "wiped out!" Darrell has even come over to help carry boxes out of the silo and just plain be a "muscle man" at Donna's as well. So, the other night Darrell came over rather late to take some paintings out of the rafters in the garage. He was very sweet to come and do it (none of us wanted to climb up there with all the spiders. Believe me, there were plenty of those--and mice--where we were cleaning and packing!).
The next day Donna proceeds to tell me what an attractive husband I have. She says that he is not only handsome and physically "hot," but that he is also so kind and gracious and that is an extremely attractive combination. She wanted me to know how lucky I am! Of course I already know that, but isn't it nice to know that even at 47 he's still "got it!"
Donna makes me smile, and yes, Darrell is blushing!
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