Charles & Colleen

AND THE WINNER IS....

2009-10-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Julie and her friend Kristy, organized a 5K run to benefit two families who have members struggling leukemia. The run was called "Pay it Forward". They had several sponsors and one sponsor was the "Destination Homes" at the end of Sunnyside Rd. where the run was held. Dad helped direct the runners on the path and I helped with the Granddaughters who ran the mile race. Ryan had the Jamba trailer there and gave out Jamba's to the runners at the end of the race. It was a great success with all the proceeds going to these 2 families. They had alot of services and items donated so they held a raffle in conjuction with the race. Since neither Charlie or I ran, we wanted to donate to the cause, so purchased $10 worth of tickets. I never win at these things so I was hardly paying attention. Brianna ran the entire mile with Julie in the banana man suit. She was standing by me as they were announcing the winners. She said that her legs were tired and wanted to sit down so we went to the porch on one of the houses. I had just got out the tickets and started looking at the numbers when I heard 4420. It was my number so I cautiously said, " did you say 4420?" I expected to have won a massage or some Jamba cards, which I would have loved. Then Julie looked at me and said in shock. "You won the grand prize which is this bike. They had a little kid pulling tickets out of a bowl. Our name was not on the tickets but I still wondered if it was legal for us to win. They decided we bought the tickets and we had the same right as anyone else. Charlie and I looked at each other in disbelief then Ryan said come on Mom go for a ride. It is worth $3000. It is a Hawthorn "The Ride" bike. It has an amazingly smooth ride and is so comfortable. I've become a bike riding nut, going everywhere on the bike. Charlie thinks it is fabulous. We just have to say thanks to Jules for this fun run that turned into a fun bike for us. I can't wait to teach the grandkids to ride a big bike. Maybe it won't snow this week-end and we'll go for a bike ride to the Arfmann's. ( in Idaho Falls)

Amazing Mom

2009-10-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Mom, (Grandma Great) has been staying with Charlie and I the last few months. She had a fall early this summer and tumbled all the way down a flight of stairs. Amazingly only breaking one finger and one toe. Her whole back side was a giant bruise, but she didn't break her hips. Donna lovingly cared for her thru some painful weeks of recovery. This summer they investigated several suspicious skins lesions that the doctor was concerned about on her arms and legs. The dermatologist started conservative treatment on all of them but one large one on her upper left shoulder was a carcinoma. When we went to pick up mom from Donna, Tom and Charlie gave Mom a blessing. She was worried about the process. A week or so after she came to stay with us, we started treating it with a chemical that produced a burning, blistered, oozing, wound larger than a softball. The last 2 weeks were terrible. She couldn't sleep, she didn't want to eat and she was in pain. I want to say thanks to Charlie who helped us survive this difficult time. He is so kind and patient. I was especially glad he was around when the healing process started. Sheets of skin peeled off with the bandages no matter what kind of bandage we applied. I could hardly stand to look at it let alone scrub and dress the wound as directed. Mom is a amazing. The first couple of weeks of healing were not easy for her either but her appetite gradually came back as I think the chemicals came out of her body. I am sparing you how it looked at the worst but I am including a photo of how well she has healed.
There is really only one spot left that is open. If you can imagine the whole pink area a bloody, oozing burn you have a small picture of what she went thru. She is courageous and a wonderful example of enduring to the end. We are so blessed to have her as our mother.

Woodbadge Trainer

2009-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

He kept reminding himself that scouting was not about camping but that camping provided the opportunity to teach the skills of scouting. Charlie called me the evening (11:00pm) when the activities were over for the day. I asked him how his presentations went and he said I think everything went fine but I learned a lesson today. "Simplify" That has been something he has focused on since then. I believe that lesson will bless his life.

This is the walking stick his troop surprised him with at the end of 6 days of training. The item on the left is the flag his troop made to represent their "Beaver" troop. I was amazed how fresh and energized he was after 7 days of camping and planning and presenting.

She has his new neckerchief and beads in her hands and is telling some woodbadge background.

This is the neckerchief he got last year for attending woodbadge. This is Kathy his troop leader who mentored him in earning his Woodbadge beads.

Charlie has been busy the past few months preparing to be a Woodbadge trainer. He went last year as a trainee and learned so much. He set his ticket items (goals) and completed them over the past year. He helped the scouts do skits on tolerance, wrote poems, read and prepared a brief powerpoint presentationof the life of Baden Powell. He presented the presentation at Scouts and then conducted some fun activities with the scouts. He also made some progress in his life history by adding several facets to his journal.

He enjoyed his troop last month as a trainer and this year praised the talents and kindness of each member of his troop. He enjoyed very much his association with the other Woodbadge leaders. Many who will be life long friends. He made several presentations there and I was so impressed by the skills taught. He has felt it was a life changing experience for him.

True Blue Calls

2009-08-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Salmon mountains at Williams Lake was the site for the family reunion.

We went to Springfield Illinois while we were at Nauvoo and got to see alot of the museums about Abraham Lincoln. It is his 200th birthday this year. Anyway, on one of the books we bought on CD was a wonderful story about a group of men the fought with Ulyssys S. Grant, they proved themselves so valiant and committed to the cause and firm in their resolve that they became known as the "True Blue Core". It gave me the idea that our family can be "True Blue". We wanted to honor Brian and his family for their sacrifice also.
Lots of opportunity to be together and have fun and eat!

Thanks to Ryan's Uncle Jim Bob, we had a great place to hang out and we brought the motorhome for a few extra beds and storage.

Everyone tried their luck in the water. Brianna and Maylie got more brave as each day went on.

They each took turns on the tube behind the boat with dad at the helm they felt pretty confident.

We invited their neighbors to take a picture of the "True Blue Calls" I dyed shirts for the adults and we had matching neck ties and Grandpa taught everyone how to make waggles for their ties.

(Good practice for Woodbadge in a couple of weeks)

Brad and Shanna showing their True Blue colors!

Ryan and Julie, Maylie, Brianna and Ashlie look especially patriotic to show how proud we are of their brother who is serving as a Jag in Iraq.

The whole gang saying "We are True Blue"

We miss Brian and Natalie, Kennedy and Nathan.

We love you and God Bless the USA!

We had a great time with the boat and Ryan even helped us to get the canopy to work. It was great.

The "True Blue Calls " are

*True to our God

*True to our family

*True to our country

*True to ourselves.

Brad is going to try his luck at starting on the dock. It looked easy for him.

The Arfmann gang all had to jump in the water one last time.

They know how to make things fun!

Ashlie wanted to make sure Dad was near. It was pretty cold water. She is brave!!

Jules did some knee boarding and wake boarding. You'll have to check her blog for the wake boarding. I was doing crafts with the kids.

Brad did some pretty cool jumps on the wake.

Lots of smiles and hugs from Maylie.

Lots of hugs and kisses from Brianna.

Ryan did some cool sprays while he skiied.

Sisters forever!

Grandpa and Brianna, two sweethearts.

I loved this picture with the googles and the earrings! This girl is ready for anything!
She didn't want to take off the earrings till absolutely necessary.

Jules ready for some water fun.

Shanna the Wake board dudette.

Life jackets everyone!

We are ready for fun!!

Everyone painted Lulu Lady Bug but Ashlie especially showed her talent with paint. She was so careful.

Brad and Shanna in the lake withthe new little paddle boat and Uncle Jim Bob's kayak.

I'm not sure who won this race. I just know I kept going in circles in the paddle boat.

LESSONS LEARNED BY ME

I had prayed that this time together would be fun and help us build our unity as a family. Well the Lord answered my prayer but a little different than I had planned. On our way up a very steep pass to Williams lake, Ryan got a flat on his truck, with 4 wheelers behind him. Quite a process. Everyone jumped in to help and I kept the kids entertained in the motorhome. Then 15 minutes later Charlie and I took a wrong turned and climbed much further than we needed and smoke started coming from under the hood. We had to sit and wait while it cooled but Ryan and Brad came to the rescue when we didn't show up and took the kids back while it cooled. It drove fine to the cabin. Charlie drove Brad and Shanna's car home on friday for Woodbadge. Brad and Ryan left early pulling the boat so they could do some 4 wheeling. I drove the motorhome down this steep revene with Julie and Shanna shaking the whole time. It was simple but Shanna was on the edge of the cliff. When we got to town we did some shopping at Arfmann's Four Seasons.

All the girls buckeled in the motorhome and headed for Idaho Falls. We had gone a few miles when I saw some strange white smoke coming from the exhaust I thought. I really just wanted to get home and tired to imagine it came from another car. Then I asked Julie if she could see it. She thought it was because of the new pavement. (She wanted to get home too) Finally there was so much smoke that we could not ignore it any more and I finally found a spot to pull over on this narrow 2 lane road. When I tried to move the motorhome ahead a little it would not go forward or backward. We got Ryan on the phone just as they were passing us and we determined it needed to be towed to Salmon. We put everyone but me in the truck and headed back to the Arfmann home of hospitality. Brad and Ryan met me with the tow truck at 10:45 at night in Salmon and helped me unload the motorhome into the back of Ryan's truck. We all went to Arfmann's where they found beds for all of us. ( They are in the middle of remodeling but still invited us in with open arms. ) We all got up and waited for Charlie to come with the pickup to tow the 4 wheelers and haul all of our stuff. When it was all done we all worked together and included all the adventures as part of the fun and part of being a family. The Lord knows that challenges make us strong. We want to be a strong family. I am thankful to the Lord for his blesssings. I want to thank everyone for going the extra mile in preparation and planning and helping with everything. I felt the unity and love as I had a group hug with everyone who helped. Thank you.

Brian and Natalie, Kennedy and Nathan, we look forward to when you can unite with us.

We are the "True Blue Calls"!

Nauvoo Pageant

2009-08-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

As we were getting ready to pack, Ryan came over with the girls to say good-bye and they climbed in the trunk of our new car. We sure hated to leave them! They truly light up our lives.

The beautiful Mississippi River. We were almost there.Nauvoo pageant site. We are back. What a wonderful spirit here!

This is the home we rented for 2 weeks. It was on a bluff just 1 mile out of town. We saw deer, racoons, foxes, skunks rabbits, possoms, and dozens of birds.

This is at one of the afternoon vinettes. This is the person who played Emma in the pageant and at all the vinettes. Here, she and Joseph share letters.

This is the gentelman who plays Joseph in the pageant. He has a wonderful smile and a great testimony you can feel as he speaks Joseph's words.

This is the silk panels the members of the pageant raise to represent the building of the first temple in Nauvoo. It is a joyful scene where couples enter the temple to be sealed. At the end of the pageant the panels drop and the new temple on the bluff of Nauvoo is lighted and the voice of President Hinckley speaks of the Nauvoo temple and the Salt Lake Temple as book-ends and they face each other. The Moroni on the Nauvoo temple faces west. The only one to do so.

The finale scene where every one has changed into light colored costumes and Joseph and Hyrum and all are on the stage representing the resurrection and families being together forever. It brought tears to my eyes every time I had the chance to see it. Their are about 150 people on the stage at various times and most of them have at least 3 costumes. That is what I helped with. There are 2 casts there at all times it is amazing what the costume department does. One cast turns is their costumes on Saturday night they have volunteers who take out all the hems on all the dresses we go the every laundromat within 15 miles at about midnight and wash and dry, bring them back and hang them up to be ready to fit on the next cast who will learn all the dances and songs and be the primary cast the following week. It is quite amazing to see how peaceful and loving they do all the instruction and direction. The spirit touches every life that comes or particiaptes in any way.

Just below the temple they have a lovely garden. This statue represents Joseph and Hyrum as they looked back at Nauvoo as they were on the way to Carthage.

We love going to the temple in Nauvoo. A special feeling is there as we both think of the sacrifice many of our ancestors made in the early days to build the temple and now I feel as though we are fulfilling the promises made to them. Both sessions we had time to attend were led by a relative of Charlie's. We were even chosen to be the witness couple at one session. We love to see the temple!

Costume room filled with different colors and sizes. The color of dresses and style was determined by what district each family was assigned. Men, women, and children are fitted with costumes on Monday and Tuesday. During that time costume department is hemming skirts and pants and little girl dresses and boys pants as fast as we can. Some families may have 100 pieces of clothing to keep track of for two weeks. All the men have hats, shirts, vests, pants in at least 2 colors. Ladies have bodices, skirts, huge slips, pantaloons, hats, and shawls in at least 2 or 3 colors. The costuming is amazing!!!

Charlies favorite past time when he wasn't doing security. We lived on a dirt road and our new Avalon did not like the dust. (Charlie loved cleaning and driving it to Nauvoo.)

We worked backstage at night also to help with the costume changes.

These were 2 very talented ladies, Pennie and Marlene.

Charlie worked with Pennie's husband Denny.

We were taught alot of skills while we were there and made new hats to replace the ones that are getting worn out. The base of this hat is a mum wicker basket that you iron, cut and wire before covering it with fabric and putting an eyelet lining inside.

These were costume helpers from Canada. Everyone comes with such willing and helpful hearts.

Maxine and I helped in "the can" behind this green curtain to help alot of ladies change in a matter of minutes several times each night. She had her son-in-law there also as cast members.

We feel so blessed to participate in this great work. The Lord is bringing to pass promises. The people in the area are softening their hearts and great things come from the pageant and the truth it teaches. Missionaries came to our last cast meeting and told us of some the miracles of conversion as investigators listened to the truths of the gospel taught by the wonderful story and the spirit that testifies of the truthfulness to them. Thanks to our family who took care of things in our absence. We love you all and hope to be faithful forever like our forefathers who were inspired to join the church and endure the persecutions so that we could have the blessings of the gospel and the temple.

Florida Fun!

2009-08-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

Grandpa demonstrated how Pinnochio's nose grows.
Kennedy was not going to be out done and her nose grew even longer!

Nathan loves lemons!

Nathan, the muscle man!

Kennedy and Sleeping Beauty doll.

Nathan and Grandma exchanging hugs!

Grandpa and Nathan playing on the beach.

A birthday cake for Daddy!

Nathan and Mom and Grandma and Handy Manny tools.

Handy Manny tools and Kennedy.

We flew into Florida on Tuesday and met Kennedy running to greet us in the airport. Nathan had a giant smile and not quite sure who these grinning huggy people were. Now he is nine months and he was only 3months when we saw him last at his blessing. Natalie had been living with the kids at her Aunt Chie's for a week or so because of a mold problem in their home. Natalie is such a good sport! She and the kids moved into our hotel for the week while she was

encouraging the rental company to do what they said they would do. We had so much fun with them there. We went swimming in the pool and looked for a new home for them (which thankfully they don't need). We spent a day at the beach and built a birthday cake for Dad in the sand. We tried to get Natalie to let us help her clean their home after the crew did their work cleaning the mold, but she wanted us to have a bit of a vacation and play with the kids all we could. (We were happy to play, play, play.) Handy Manny is a tool box that dances and makes music that we brought for Nathan but the fun was not lost on Kennedy. We acted out Handy Manny scenes every day. Kennedy was Handy Manny, I was the hardware store lady named Kellie and Nathan and Grandpa and Mom gave Kennedy repair jobs and she would come to the store for parts! We never lacked for things to do because I like to bring a bag full of games and paints and art paper. We missed Brian every day, especially as we went to his favorite Indian restaurant Bombay Masala. Brian, I gave double hugs each day. One for me and one for you.

I'm surprised the kids were not tired of hugs but Kennedy could always find time for one more. Nathan is so cuddley that he didn't seem to mind. We were amazed at how capably Natalie managed staying with us and working out the mold issues. We know the Lord has blessed her to take care of their family in Brian's absence. We love their little family so much!

ON OUR WAY TO FLORIDA

2009-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

We made it to Omaha Sunday evening and spent a delightful evening with Carl and Carol. We are liking the lap top alot but I need to get my photo shop added. We are in Kansas City and waiting anxiously till morning to fly to Florida. We can hardly wait! We are already missing all of you at home. Hugs and kisses all around!!!!

The Wonderful Men in My Life.

2009-06-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

My Dad as golden gloves champion in his early 20's.

Eldon & Clara near their wedding day.

50 Year Anniversary

Carl, Dad, Karen, Brenda, Mom expecting Janice, and Colleen about 7 years old.

I was blessed to have the most wonderful parents and in particular today I want to remember my father who passed away 11 years ago on June 7th. He was a great man who loved the Lord and knew that the Lord loved us. He tried very hard to live what he taught. He farmed and had a dairy farm for a living but he was a philosopher at heart. He loved to think about the truth and how we should apply its principles. He was strong but very gentle and a couple of soft spoken words from Dad could correct most any behavior. We certainly never wanted to disappoint our parents. They always expected the best from us. He believed that we should be taught correct principles and then learn to govern ourselves. He treated us with respect and the way he would like to be treated. He taught us how to work and set goals and never quit trying. Until we meet again Dad, I love you and we are trying to take good care of Mom.

Brad and Shanna at Disneyland this spring.

Brad encourages Shanna in her exercise and running enthusiam. He even joins in!

What we love about Brad is his quick smile and a quick "what can I do to help", followed up with "you got it". Thanks Brad for all your bring to our family.

Brad and his brothers are BYU fans and any sport on TV! He is pretty good at alot of sports himself.

Brad is multi-talented and enjoys being a chef. He has created alot of great recipes for he and Shanna. He loves to bake bread and clown around. That's why he fits so well in this family.

Most of Brad's family at seminary graduation for the triplets.

Brad and Ryan playing out their MBA dreams! Nice to have son-in-laws that love the same things. Sports, sports, sports, and Call sisters. One of my greatest blessings is the wonderful young men who became the husbands to the most wonderful girls in the world. (my daughters!)

They bring so much joy and enthusiasm to our family.

Thanks to Ryan and Julie we have these precious darlings in our lives that are learning from their Mom and Dad to be so loving and kind.

Ryan is very dedicated to running the very best business!

Way to go Jamba!!!

Ryan doing a back dive off the waterfall in Hawaii. Yes he is a little bit of a clown , too. He fits right in our family.

The Arfmann Family Maylie, Brianna, Ashlie

Ryan's Dad, Loren, with Ryan. What great friends.

Ryan loves to work hard and play hard. What a blessing you are in our lives.

Ryan has a gift for making other people happy. He and Julie are such a wonderful team they make our lives better because of the love they share and bring to our family. Thanks Ry.

To the Wonderful Men in My Life

2009-06-21T17:07:00.001-07:00

His family is the center of his life. Daddy first!
Julie found this wonderful figurine when she was at Pearl Harbor and brought in home as a tribute to her brother.

We recognize his pursuit of excellence.

We are so thankful for a son who is willing to sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms we in enjoy in the USA!

A loving husband and thankful Daddy!

A special father-son moment. So many great memories! So much joy!
O where in the world will this boy go... Hong Kong, Baghdad, Iraq??? I never thought of that!

I love him for helping our family on our quest for eternity together. Salt Lake Conference Center October 2009 with Shanna and Brad.He's always ready to grow from a new challenge of Woodbadge.

You are amazing!

He's always willing to share and involve others in his love of music.

First of all, I would like to recognize my precious husband who always goes the extra mile to be kind to all around him. I love his quick sense of humor that keeps me smiling.
This is my favorite father-son photo on Nathan's blessing. The first son, of a first son, of a first son.

Only Grandpa could hypnotize the seaguls to join us for fun.

Grandpa the King Magician! What ever he can do to bring a smile and fun!

Vacationing with Friends & Family

2009-06-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Debbie Croshaw, Beau & Phil Burk, Charlie on the deck at Croshaws Lake house. We spent the memorial day week end with them. They have been great friends and travel partners for many years. Thanks Croshaws for the great house you share with all of us! Looking over the lake from the deck.

West Yellowstone with Julie and David Jorgensen. We went to the playmill and saw a wonderful play , "Guys and Dolls". Last week end all of Charlie's brothers and sister got together to help his parents move back to Idaho Falls. Julie and Dave had an extra day so we decided to join their vacation.

Cute Townhome

2009-06-16T22:01:00.001-07:00

We purchased a new townhome right behind Edwards theater. It is so cute!
This is the exact one. It is still in the finishing process so I got to pick carpet and paint and tile. It has a covered carport and extra parking with a cute little yard in back and a large common play area. Most of the units are purchased by owners but we will rent this one out. I think I rented it today. There will be landscaping!

MUSHROOMS IN THE GRASS !!

2009-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Charlie put this cute bridge in our back yard to connect our yard to the tennis court.
The broccoli really likes the rain!

Idaho Falls has received 3 times the amount of rain in the first 13 days of the month than it usually gets all of June! Yesterday the news said that Palisades reservoir was at 98% capacity. We have had to turn off the sprinklers at home and all the townhomes. Mushrooms were growing in the grass! Every where is a wonderful lush green. We even had to turn the water off the gardens. The plants were turning yellow from over watering. Can you believe this is Idaho in June? It is supposed to be sunny this week-end. YEAH!

Cousin Photos

2009-05-17T18:22:00.001-07:00

Aunt Carol, Elise and Shawn
Donna, Elise and Shawn Bevan Hi Brian!

Shawn in taller than Uncle Carl now.
Proof that the family does have tall genes!

Spring In Idaho

2009-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Flowering Plum Tree
One of our Garden Boxes almost finished.

Rock waterfall in front courtyard.

See the pretty tulips for a few more days.

Spring is finally in full bloom in Idaho. Charlie bought a wonderful water fountain for the court yard by the front door. It makes a wonderful sound and it is a great compliment to the spring tulips there. Our flowering plums are in bloom which makes the whole yard wonderfully fragrant. We covered the garden when we went to Nauvoo but we still want fresh vegetable and tomatoes. We bought a book about Square Foot Gardening. Charlie built the boxes and we mixed the soil ingredients just as Mel suggested. He promised no weeds and wonderful harvest. We are ready to plant on Monday. Wish us luck. I feel a green thumb growing and Dad found his good luck gloves so we are sure we will enjoy success!

2009-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Carl & Carol visited Idaho for a few days. We had a great visit with them and shared some geneology and photos. Carl and Carol have spent alot of time the past couple of years organizing his life history as well as parents and grandparents. He would like me to update our family info and forward to him. I will be calling you. It was great to visit with Carl as he has been reading and researching Church history. I am so greatful for those who withstood the great challenges of the early church to make it possible to enjoy so many blessings. We had a nice dinner and visit with the sisiters.

Uncle Carl and Aunt Carol Visit

2009-05-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

2009-04-20T19:06:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2009-01-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

Can the Grandkids stay and play?

2008-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Practicing for the Christmas program. We have a surprise for Mom and Dad.
Grandpa at his best building a play house for Ashley, dolls and trees.

Ashlie insisted on putting the miniature Christmas tree inside the doll house. At least that is what Grandpa said!

Fun on the beach with Kennedy!

Cousin parties!

Celebrating being home from Nauvoo this summer. We missed playing with them.

We wouldn't allow pillow fights, would we?

Yes!!!!!!!

Play school for Brianna and friends. What cute Shepherdesses's.

Grandpa can be quiet with the girls, sometimes!

Come play at the park!

Spin us faster!!!!

They won't get dizzy.

Read to us Grandma, just one more. Okay!!!

Thanksgiving, the rest of the story!

2008-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Brad and Shanna at Island Park
Bundled up for 4-wheeling fun!

I ran out of time the last time I added to the blog because I am still figuring out how to do it. Sometimes I fiddle around with the details so long that I don't even get to do what I really wanted. But today is Saturday and Charlie is practicing with the "Firth Filharmonic " orchestra so I am not doing what I should be doing ( walking on the treadmill) and I am going to finish the blog I started last week. Welcome to the Croshaws, I see that she found our blog! I am still trying to access yours by clicking on the photo as you suggested but I am afraid that I must not be right or left clicking properly even though I have been instructed "how to" several times!

I hope any who view my efforts at blogging will be tolerant of a beginner and a grandma who is willing to try new things! I am getting used to looking foolish by now as I have been doing that for many years!

We did have a wonderful time at Island Park. It has been a tradition since the kids were in high school to go there at least for a few days because it seemed that was the only time they had free from school and it was a way to get free from all the extracurricular activities so we could spend some family time with each other. Now we rent an extra condo so the Arfmann's have a place to stay. We always have to do plenty of swimming and the tv still has essential football games and its an added challenge to cook thanksgiving dinner in a strange kitchen with strange equipment but somehow it always turns out fine! Although Charlie said the turkey was not as juicy as usual. I think he is just getting picky in his old age! Julie cooked her famous breakfast quiche for Wednesday breakfast, Brad baked an apple pie for the family, completely by himself, Shanna made a wonderful Pecan sweet potato pie for the big dinner and they all helped me do the rest.

May hands make light work. Of course the little girls set the table and helped clean up and sang lots of cute songs as we prepared.

We were especially grateful as we heard from Brian and Natalie that they were bringing Nathan home from the hospital. (For details see Natalies blog)

I had prepared a lesson for visiting teaching using the Ensign for November. I chose Elder Wirthlin's talk, "Come What May and Love It". I didn't know that I would need that advise so much over the next few days. We were shocked when Brian called on his way to the emergency with Nathan and said "pray for us". Then a few days later Brenda called and said my neices daughter was in the hospital with a head injury and said "pray for her". Just a short time later a heart breaking call came saying "pray for them". Their 20 month old daughter had passed away.

We want them to know that the comfort of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only healing power that can soften the pain of such sorrow. We do have to take what comes and learn to love it and find the blessings that come from our challenges. Our family will do all it can to soften the pain. Heavenly Father gave us family in times like these.

More photo treasures of the grandkids.

2008-12-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Brianna and Ashley

Ashlie, showing grandma the pretty flowers which she thought were growing in grandma's front yard for her to pick and put her little nose right in the middle.

Precious glimpes of our jewels. Grandkids!!!

2008-12-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

Nathan just a few weeks old.

Doesn't he look like he is ready to carry on a conversation filled with wisdom?

Nathan Charles, nothing so lovely as a sweet baby at sleep.

Kennedy in a "rock N roll" pose.

Big sister and Little Buddie. He looks so grown up!

Kennedy getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Celebration of a New Generation

2008-12-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Brianna and her mom at Island Park
Maylie at Island Park for Thanksgiving. She is so grown up!

We have been so blessed with the birth of our new grandson, Nathan Charles Call. We are looking forward to seeing him and his proud Mom and Dad and hovering big sister in about one month. It feels like much has happened since his birth but I don't want to go on in my blog until I have shared the most important happenings as we celebrate the lives of those that bless me and
Charlie so much every day!

Celebrate Life

2008-11-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

My mom, or rather Grandma Great has stayed with us most of the last year.

What a blessing to have her with us. She recently moved to Firth to stay with Janice. Our little granddaughters were so loving and kind to her and they still ask when she is coming back.

Who's yo Grandpa?

Ashlie went right to Adrian and gave him a big hug and laid her head on his shoulder just like he was grandpa. Then when Grandpa came in she just looked at them with the funniest look and dove in grandpa's arms and would not let go. She is a grandpa's girl.

Tyson & Kim with G&G Call

Julie & Leisel with Jacob and Hinckley.

Adrian with Parker and wife Carolina.

Julie & Ryan and girls with Great G&G and Charlie and I.

All the brothers and sisters with their mom & dad. Janet, Julie, Jacque, Kathy, Charlie, and Adrian.

I guess I will start the blog with the most recent events. Great Grandma Laura Call celebrated her 79th birtday last week. It has been a couple of challenging weeks for them. Two weeks ago Great Grandpa Charlie suffered a mild stroke and a broken rib. Last week Grandma Laura hit her head and split it open. The impact knocked her down and she has a bad lump on her head and bruised all over. We decided to counter act the hard times, we would have a party. It turned into a fun family reunion with Aunts and Uncles and cousins getting to know each other alot better. The kids ate and played and the adults ate and talked so it was a great success. Of course, plenty of cake and ice cream for everyone.

Times like these do make me reflect on the joy of life and reminds me to celebrate each day with our loved ones. Some people are concerned about what the future will bring. Brianna was worried about a "mean president who was going to take all our money". We had a nice talk about Heavenly Father being the King of the World, and if we do our best and make good choices he would watch over us and all our family because he loves us and he will help our families be happy and safe. That seemed to relieve her fears. I am thankful for the counsel of our prophet, the optimism and hope the gospel message brings to each of us.

I hope to add a few pictures of some of our adventures this past year. It has been a year I hope always to remember. At least this is a start. Thanks Jules for getting me going today. Now I just need to find some cute backgrounds and fun music and and and. At least it is started.