1. What's your full name? Kimberley Ann Pitts 2. How old will you be on your next birthday? 35 3. What are you listening to right now? Robbie softly snoring 4. What are the last four digits of your phone number? 5981 5. What was the last thing you ate? popcorn kernels 6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? pink 7. Where do you plan to go on your honeymoon? N/A that will probably never happen! 8. Last person you talked to on the phone? My mom 9. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? His eyes and his body lauguage! 10. Do you like the person that sent you this? Yes, I love her very much! 11. Your favorite drink? Diet Pepsi 13. Favorite sport to partake in? not sure if this counts, but I love teatherball! 14. Favorite sport to watch? baseball, especially watching it in person! 15. What's the next CD you're going to get? Not sure, probably one that my kids want to get. 16. Did you ever wear braces? Oh, yes, wore them for 3 very awkward years! 17. Best memories: My Children's births and every day since then! 19. Siblings and their ages? uh-oh, I hope I get this right, Diane ( 48), Garth(45), Sue ( 44). 20. Favorite month? July 21. Favorite food: Cheesecake or shrimp 22. Last movie you watched? A very touching movie called "Dad". 23. Are you too shy to ask someone out? Well, it depends on the situation, but I probably should answer with a resounding YES! 24. Favorite place to go on a date? Dinner and a movie ( especially if it isn't a Disney film or cartoon) ; ) 25. Do you like scary or happy movies better? Happy. 26. Summer or winter? Summer 27. Hugs or kisses? Both 28. Relationship or single dates? Relationships. 29. Chocolate or vanilla? vanilla 30. Who is most likely to respond? Those who have time. 31. Who is least likely to respond? Those who are too busy!-- I love these answers!-- 32. What books are you reading? Empire Falls 33. What's on your mouse pad? A sweet little girl who fell asleep while playing dress up in her Mommy's clothes & make-up. It is a really cute picture! 34. Favorite magazine? Reader's Digest (also Woman's World and Parents) 35. Favorite smell? Robbie after his bath and after I lotion him with baby magic baby lotion or as he calls it " battery acid"! 36. Least favorite smell? dirty kitty litter box 37. Worst feeling in the world? When someone you love dies. -- I agree!-- But also when your child is hurting and you can't fix the problem or make it right with " magic mommy kisses"! 38. How many rings before you answer the phone? 2 or 3 at least, depends on if I can find the cordless phone! 39. Future child's name?No future children for me. But my kids' names are Cassandra Amber, Kayla Ann and Robert Charles! 40. Glass half empty or half full? Half full (But they ARE the same thing!)--great answer!-- 41. Favorite movie(s)? " On Golden Pond", "Overboard", "Dad" and "Go Fish" just to name a few. 42. What's under your bed? That is a scary thought, I don't even dare to look! 43. What is your favorite number? 3 42. One nice thing about the person that sent this to you? Myrna is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I am proud to not only call her my "cousin", but also a very good friend! 45. Many friends or one best friend? Many friends! 46. Favorite current TV shows? I used to like "Judging Amy" but they took it off the air. I now like " My Name Is Earl" on Tues evenings at 8 p.m. (CBS) It's really funny and teaches important life lessons about Karma and how your life will get better or worse by how you treat people and how you live your life! 47. Do you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? I don't think so. 48. Worst thing about your life? My illness , how it effects my life and how my children worry about me when I hurt. 50. Would you like to marry a famous person? No, I am mostly happy with my life the way it is. I am not sure if I will ever marry again, famous or not.
Monday, October 31, 2005
From Kim Pitts
Sunday, October 30, 2005
About Brigitta
1. What's your full name? Brigitta Rae Trauntvein
2. How old will you be on your next birthday? 14
3. What are you listening to right now? No good deed
4. What are the last four digits of your phone number? 2867
5. What was the last thing you ate? candy
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? orange
7. Where do you plan to go on your honeymoon? don`t know! Never thout about it!
8. Last person you talked to on the phone? Kayle
9. What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? What they are wearing
10. Do you like the person that sent you this? Jessica? Umm..not to sure her dragon did eat mi! Lol of couse I like her!
11. Your favorite drink? Sprite
13. Favorite sport to partake in? Soccer
14. Favorite sport to watch? Soccer
15. What's the next CD you're going to get? Sons of provo
16. Did you ever wear braces? still wear'en them.
17. Best memories: camping & summer vacation
19. Siblings and their ages? Dane=10 Toren=6 sorina=2
20. Favorite month? July
21. Favorite food: Danish anything!
22. Last movie you watched? Back to the furture
23. Are you too shy to ask someone out? No, just don`t wanna.
24. Favorite place to go on a date? somewhere.....
25. DO you like scary or happy movies better? Scary
26. Summer or winter? Winter
27. Hugs or kisses? Both
28. Relationship or temporary? Relationships
29. Chocolate or vanilla? chocolate!!
30. Who is most likely to respond? friends
31. Who is least likely to respond? My enemies
32. What books are you reading? Drowed wednesday
33. What's on your mouse pad? Dora the explorer
34. Favorite magazine? Game informer or that wierd soccer one!
35. Favorite smell? Fall
36. Least favorite smell? dumps
37. Worst feeling in the world? when some1 dies in ur family
38. How many rings before you answer the phone? 2 or more
39. Future child's name? Never really thought about it!!!
40. Glass half empty or half full? They are the same thing
41. Favorite movie(s). Prinsess and the pauper!! Ya kayle!!! & batman begains!!!!
42. What's under your bed? TONS of stuff (junk)
43. What is your favorite number? 7
44. One nice thing about the person that sent this to you? Jessica what do I like about u? Ummm......Shes like really funny!!!
45. Many friends or one best friend? Many friends
46. Favorite current TV shows? Xalin showdown!! LOL!!!!
47. do u have a Boyfriend or a gurlfriend?? no
48. Worst thing bout ur life? HOMEWORK!!!!
50. If you could choose who would you marry out of a famous person? I don`t want to marry a famous person.
Friday, October 28, 2005
From Garth
Myrna: Did you get the package? Love, Myrna
Garth: The package arrived safe and sound. I picked it up yesterday. We had just come back from Cedar City. We had to go down and welcome into the world our newest grand son Conner David Childs was born the night of Oct 25th he came in at a whopping 7lbs 14 ozs and 21 inchs long. A big baby if you rember how small April is. Both mom and baby doing well Dad is a little beside his self.
Love ya all
Garth (Garth@e.emery.k12.ut.us)Myrna: Wow! That is a nice sized baby for April! Congratulations, Gramps (and Gram)! Is David happy to have his name used? I'll bet he is! I guess the little guy will be called Conner, right? I love you! Myrna
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Oct Newsletter for Trauntveins Comment from Ann Olsen
Ann Olsen wrote: M&L, What a wonderful newsletter. I really like the way it is set up, etc...... We have been in the planning stages to get ours going so I am so glad to have your good example. You have a great family and I congratulate all of you! Fondly, Ann
Dear Garth
Dear Garth, I think you should get, either today or tomorrow, the 48-star flag and the two little baby suits that I sent to you. The suits are the ones that you and David wore in your photos. I have no idea which is which. They smell like cedar because they have been in my chest. The 48-star flag was the one in use in 1936 when Grandpa was buried. I still have, somewhere safe (that I can't find) the baptism certificate of your Mom. It was with my mother's. I put them away so well that I can't find them. I will, however, and when I do I will mail it to you. I would bring it but I never get there; I just THINK I will. The pathway to you know where is paved with good intentions. Hope all is going well for you and yours. I love you! Myrna
Thursday, October 20, 2005
The Runnin' Utes
Sorina is speaking really well. She loves her cousins and
friends. She is still working on sharing;
because that is not always fun.
She a master escape artist at getting out of the house. She watches very closely when a door is
locked to try to figure how to work the lock. She likes to remind her Mom that
“Dad is so silly”. She has gotten into watching videos, her favorites being
Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues. But she would much rather be outside
swinging. Swinging on the rope downstairs, though, is fun for her also.
Toren had a great time in Disneyland and California
Adventure. His favorites were the
pool at the hotel, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. He’s doing great in 1st
grade. He is really enjoying
writing and drawing. He is having
a great soccer season. He has made several friends, but (true to his age group
characteristics) he only likes to play with them one (or at the very most two)
at a time. Toren is playing soccer
Dane finished up with football. His team nicknamed him
“Great Dane” and that is what was put on his uniform. Their record was 6 wins 1
loss. They went to 1st
round playoffs October 1st and lost to Hyrum’s Mountain Crest. Dane had a great season and a lot of
fun. Now he can make his last 2
soccer games. School is going
great for Dane. He is also getting ready for is Arrow of Light Award in
November, the date should be November 29th at 6:30 pm at our Stake
Center in Layton.
Brigitta is doing well in school. She’s busy as usual.
She is also playing soccer.
And blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada! I can make that fun! I am doing
“well” in school! *wink* I’m busy a lot! That reminds I g2g!!!*leaves* Ok I’m
back! I also play soccer!!!! SCORE!!!! Yes!! We have only lost 2 games so far
my last one is one the 22nd!!! It’s @ 9:30 so I don’t get to sleep
in awwwwwww. Oh well! Hope ya’ll are having fun where ever ya are!!! See u!!!
P.S. My YW, YM are having a carnival for the little kids awesome huh!?
Shawn and Kimberly spent the month with scouts, soccer players,
football players, students, church youth and primary kids. That pretty much sums up all their time
for the month.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Dane Did His Trick
Well, Dane did it. I took him to West Jordan early this am to audition for David Letterman’s Stupid Human tricks. He was on the Channel 2 news here today at noon and on Eagle 101.5 radio station this morning. He may be on the later news today at 5, 6 or 10.
He had a good time. He doesn’t come across as loud on tv/radio as he is person. He’s had his few minutes of fame. On the radio spot he was able to mention his school.2News Viewers Perform Stupid Tricks Photos from kutv.com
http://kutv.com/slideshows/local_slideshow_292122637/view?slide=14Did You Find a Mermaid Costume?
Myrna wrote: Did you find a mermaid costume for Erin? I found these on the internet but I don't know if there is enough time to get one here.
Tell me what to do.
Thanks for being there for me and everyone else.
Love, Myrna
Barbara wrote; We were talking about a mermaid costume this AM at breakfast. Your picture is great, and just what we need. I am going to go ahead and make her one, and this gives me the info I need to do it. You know, Myrna, I like having them here with me all of the time now. Love you very much, -Barbara
That Newsletter
I have gone through the email several times and cannot find your newsletter item for this month. Except for that, it is ready to print. Would you send it again, please? Love, M
Kimberly wrote: Ok, well, um, I guess that would me that, um, well, maybe we did not type one up? How can that be? I will do it tonight or have (hopefully) Shawn do it.
I sent lots of pictures. I guess you want words, too? :)
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The Butcher, The Baker, and the Mammograph Taker
Jason now has both of his casts off. The doctor removed them on Sept. 1, so Jason is back to writing and doing all of the other things people do with their hands as a matter of course. Jason had a hard time doing for some of those things for a while. Actually he wore the casts for six weeks. He is a Weblo Scout now and is enjoying his activities. David is now a cub scout and is enjoying being a part of the program. He loves the scouting activities. He likes working on the computer and is learning to keyboard.
Madilyn is doing very well in school. She likes reading and likes being with the other kids in her class.
A.J. is learning to ride a two-wheeler (with training wheels). He is now an official “big” boy because he is potty trained and doesn’t have to wear diapers anymore.
Eric is still working at Sam’s Club. He likes his new boss very much. They are getting along great and, in fact, the boss would like to move Eric to mornings but that doesn’t work with Amy’s schedule at the hospital. Amy has a job in the church and is thankful for that. The ward has so many members that the policy is to rotate jobs every so often. Now Amy is the new Relief Society chorister and is enjoying that position. She passed a form around to find out what some of the sister’s favorite hymns were but the response (turning the forms back in) was not good.
We love you all!
Eric and Amy
Madilyn is doing very well in school. She likes reading and likes being with the other kids in her class.
A.J. is learning to ride a two-wheeler (with training wheels). He is now an official “big” boy because he is potty trained and doesn’t have to wear diapers anymore.
Eric is still working at Sam’s Club. He likes his new boss very much. They are getting along great and, in fact, the boss would like to move Eric to mornings but that doesn’t work with Amy’s schedule at the hospital. Amy has a job in the church and is thankful for that. The ward has so many members that the policy is to rotate jobs every so often. Now Amy is the new Relief Society chorister and is enjoying that position. She passed a form around to find out what some of the sister’s favorite hymns were but the response (turning the forms back in) was not good.
We love you all!
Eric and Amy
Oh! Hi! Oh!
How the time has passed. We enjoyed seeing everyone, even though it was for the funeral. We made one mistake while there; we should have had a family photo with Mom, Dad and all the siblings. It has been a long time since we were all together like that.
We only have a few weeks left until the baby is here. By the time you read this, there will be about 6 weeks left (December 8th).
I don’t know what all to tell you in this newsletter, because we have only been back here in Ohio for about 1.5 weeks. So, not much has changed since then. We did come home to find all seven kittens still alive (dang it). Both of the other cats were here as well. However, I decided I do like cats. With the right seasoning, they taste like chicken!
I sent a whole bunch of photos. If you see them, then that means that Mom was able to successfully download the mega-email I sent.
Thank you to all for your help with Tyler’s baptism and thank you for making it a special day for him. I am glad we got to move it earlier, so we had some time to talk and to play. I am happy I decided not to go the BYU game, because it was a good day for us and I would have hated to ruin it. J
Well, we love you all. The kids are doing great. We are going to take them to a Johnstown-Johnnie football game tomorrow night (10/14). Tyler’s 2nd grade teacher is the head coach for the team and we have failed to get him to one yet. I’ll have to let you know how it all turns out. They have a 6-1 record and this year’s senior class has about 120 students, so it makes
me feel a little like home.
The Fabulous Four
This has been an interesting month for the four of us.
Erin is doing very well in school and gets “fantastics” on all her papers.
Donovin just keeps getting smarter and smarter and bigger.
David's working very hard and putting in lots of time with his job and even more time with his family.
Arbree just sold 1400 homes to FEMA and made over 20 years salary in less then 2 weeks. Who says that working hard doesn’t pay off?! I have not been able to go to my meetings as much and have been putting in a lot of overtime at work but when I'm not at work I’m at the pool, (which recently got done at our apartment, just in time for winter, I might add) with the kids.! My company is paying for David and me to fly down to Encenada Mexico for the New Year as a bonus and the whole family will be going to Disney World, courtesy of Quality Wholesale Homes at the end of January. All expenses will be paid. We will be staying in a 4-star resort two blocks from Disney World entrance. The kids will have their own suite filled with Disney movies and goodies. They will not find out about this ‘till they read this in the family newsletter.
I am not good writing so I will allow Myrna to edit this letter with her extensive knowledge in writing. (I left this in so that you would know that Bree is actually quite good at writing. The editor had to do very little.)
Brandon and Ann Marie have been gracious enough to help us find a tax specialist that will help in deciding what to do with all this earned money and hopefully Brandon will be helping us spend it on bills and getting us out of debt. We plan on building a house and getting gifts and paying back the people who have so graciously helped us out of the financial strain that we were and have been in for so long. We have a lot of thanks to give to the family and friends that have stuck by us and given us the help and understanding in the many things that we have needed guidance and help on. We look forward to spending more time with the family and getting Erin in Ballet and Donovin in Karate and taking the long needed time to spend with the people that we love. We will be enjoying visiting and family camping trips that we have been unable to attend but will now be able to.
I told David that he can now quit his job and stay at home and take care of the kids, that long ago he told me that if I found a job he would do, but he seems to have forgotten all of a sudden that he said that.
Anyway I count on you Myrna to help me clean this up and make it printable. I love you and will talk with you soon.
Arbree David Erin and Donovin
Brandon and Ann Marie have been gracious enough to help us find a tax specialist that will help in deciding what to do with all this earned money and hopefully Brandon will be helping us spend it on bills and getting us out of debt. We plan on building a house and getting gifts and paying back the people who have so graciously helped us out of the financial strain that we were and have been in for so long. We have a lot of thanks to give to the family and friends that have stuck by us and given us the help and understanding in the many things that we have needed guidance and help on. We look forward to spending more time with the family and getting Erin in Ballet and Donovin in Karate and taking the long needed time to spend with the people that we love. We will be enjoying visiting and family camping trips that we have been unable to attend but will now be able to.
I told David that he can now quit his job and stay at home and take care of the kids, that long ago he told me that if I found a job he would do, but he seems to have forgotten all of a sudden that he said that.
Anyway I count on you Myrna to help me clean this up and make it printable. I love you and will talk with you soon.
Arbree David Erin and Donovin
Rocky Mountain "Hi!"
We made it! We're alive and well in Colorado after our multiple trips from and to Utah this past month and a half.! Thanks for all of your prayers; I'm sure that is why we made it home "safe and sane." I didn't even have to threaten to pull the car over; I thought that was pretty amazing in and of itself.
Despite the circumstances, it was wonderful to be reunited with all the siblings and most of your families (we missed Howard and kids, of course); you know, that's a once in every three-year occurrence. That means, Siovhan, you're not allowed to get married for three more years, at least (I know, such a hard deal), and no one else is allowed to "go to the other side." Mark your calendars.
After being home for so long, it has taken some minor adjustments to come back to our Waite family home and settle back in to life and routines. We do love being in Colorado! As you can tell from the pictures, we're already enjoying our first snowfall. It should all be melted within the next 24 hours (another benefit of Colorado: we get to see and enjoy the wonderful snow and just as it starts to look ugly and get in the way, it melts and we're left anticipating the next storm.) Jared has learned not to appreciate snow days as much as he did while in school; it seems no one wants to brave the weather to see the dentist, though they do take advantage of the time for great shopping.! Oh well.
We have started the official process of looking for a house (the race is on, Ams -- just kidding).! We are a little frustrated; it is a very strong seller's market in The Springs right now. We're trying to stay in an area that will have a strong resale in five years, but then so is everyone else looking for homes right now. I am amazed at how much lumber, a little carpet, drywall, cement and what have you can differentiate in price across the country. I never did like economics and the whole "supply and demand" thing. I always seem to be on the wrong of the equation whether buying or selling.
Emma is now in a playgroup with four girls in nursery. She loves having her friends come over and going to school. We, as moms, rotate the group at our different houses. I love it! It actually has brought back many memories of mom doing the same thing (though, I'm sure some of you remember it even better than I). I've tried to copy some of the same structure: snack, activity, play time, learning activity, lunch (really, it's like being a nursery leader for an extended time period). I enjoy even more the times I get to drop off. Whitney is at school the same time Emma is at playgroup, so I get a couple hours to myself. So far that has been used to run errands, etc. But I hope to fill that time with some hobbies (reading, anything else besides cleaning, etc.).
Whitney is in full swing at preschool! She loves it and loves having some of her new friends come over to play. She loves her teacher, Miss Deb (who also doubles as one of our realtors -- she's leaving the preschool world after 20+ years to sell real estate full time after the end of this school year) and loves feeling so grown up. I'm constantly told what a good example she is and how well behaved she is (most of the time). It makes me wonder, why are our own kids always better for other people?! She is starting to become a great helper at home. She loves to "clean" her bathroom (thank heavens for Clorox wipes and Windex wipes), and even helps with dishes (clearing them, that is) and wiping the table. There are days, but we all have those don't we? She's still determined to save up for a Barbie car (one of those kinds kids can ride in, not Barbies). She is becoming very much like Alyssa (a good thing) and not spending her money on anything she doesn't deem more worthwhile than her final goal (in this case, the car). I guess she is very determined (one of those positive traits you use as your "negative" traits in a job interview).
Jared is glad to have us back for good. Life is still the same for him: get up and run on the treadmill, go to work, come home from work, eat, get kids ready for bed, fall dead asleep and start again the next day. We feel sorry for him, but are grateful he has such a wonderful job he enjoys (most of the time). Work is going well. He still loves the practice, the patients, his fellow workers and the dentist who owns the practice. His most exciting news is that he recently became the proud owner of a Copper Mountain Four Pass, which means he has four, all-day passes to Copper Mountain which he can use throughout the season. And, as you all know Jared, it was purchased at a very extremely "sweet" deal. He's happy and his brother is happy, because he, too, bought one. I think it will be a great thing. He didn't get to go at all last year and that was one of the reasons we moved back to the west (besides being closer to family, of course).
As for me, I'm in the heat of preparing for Young Women in Excellence and enjoying life. I'm a little behind on our assignment from President Hinckley and I have set the goal to catch up and finish reading the Book of Mormon with the rest of you by the end ofmthe year. It's amazing how a simple book can be soprofound and so amazingly influential in our lives. Imhave loved reading the stories over again (though I'm still stuck in the Isaiah chapters). I love how every time I read it, I learn something new or a different verse strikes me and causes me to reflect and change.! It has helped me calm down quite a bit lately and really focus on being a better mom and spouse and having the strength to overcome some not-so-good habits. No other book has that power! I'm so grateful for the miracle of the Book of Mormon, for parents who know of its power and truth and who taught all of us!to walk in the light. All we have to do is read it. It'sworth the little effort it takes on my part. I know it's true.
Thanks for being my family! I love you all and am so grateful we get to be!together forever! I pray for each of you and hope all finds you well.
Love,
The Waite Family!
The Boston Baked Boltons
Where did September go? It seemed like it would never get here, then it was over and done with before we realized.
I never thought that I would hear Howard say that he was tired of flying, but after his adventurous last trip, he said that he was tired of the hassles of flying. He is still teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class, and hasn't had to find too many substitutes. It has been amazing how his travel schedule has worked this year, and he hasn't needed to be away on too many weekends. He does a nice job in the Gospel Doctrine class. He would like it if more people would come on time to class, but he always has a full class by the end of his lesson. He put up the door to the laundry room for me. I had asked him how long it would take, and he told me it would be a couple of hours. I got all the materials ready and we started hanging it. After a few errors and many hours later, the door was hung. It is so nice to not have to have cat hair on my clean laundry. The cat now sleeps on the carpet in the toy room, or on the chairs that are stored in the basement.
I am still trying to read as much as possible and have found the book, "Fire in the Bones, William Tyndale--Martyr, Father of the English Bible," by S. Michael Wilcox fascinating. I was even more interested in General Conference when they were talking about him and his work on translating and printing the Bible into English. It is interesting how the Lord sets his work up on this earth. Without some of the major players in World History, our church might have had a different outcome, or beginning. I am still running, though as I get older, I get slower. I will soon be the tortoise on the side of the road. Actually, there is a gray haired older woman that runs near our neighborhood, and she can keep really good time. Hopefully, I will be like that as I get older. I had a great time in Utah, even though the event that brought me there wasn't a joyful event, it made me grateful for travel by air and for family. The baptism and the blessing were wonderful. I haven't heard all the nieces and nephews sing a Primary song before, and it brought tears to my eyes to hear them all singing "We'll Bring the World His Truth." I am extremely grateful to my siblings for teaching their children the ways of the Lord. My nieces and nephews are wonderful human beings. I love watching them together.
Siovhan had a few tests done on her stomach in September. The Doctors have discovered that she has GERD, gastric reflux disease and she is on medicine. Hopefully the medicine will help her to sleep better and to eat better. She hasn't been sleeping well or eating well for a long time now. Siovhan loves her classes, especially her news writing class. She is well involved in her Ward's social life. She was made the "Grandmother" over all the Family Home Evening groups--which means she is in charge of the family home evening mothers and fathers and making sure they are doing their jobs. She loves this calling. Her Bishop has a standing order, that if Siovhan is waiting to see him, she gets in first. How does that work? When I am sitting waiting for the Bishop, our clerk tells me that the Bishop wants to talk to me for a while, so could the others go first? I need the Siovhanposition- of-power.
Braden is doing well in Seminary and School. While I was away in Utah, he filled in for me and took care of the cooking, the laundry and the cleaning of the house. I came home to mopped floors, folded laundry and lots of good-looking leftovers. He did a great job of making sure that Mikaela and Ben were taken care of and that they had their homework done. I don't know what I would do without him. He called me several times a day to give me updates and ask about certain things.
Ben is still Ben. He has his wonderful moments of wisdom, and when one of the other children are talking back to me, he reminds them, lovingly, who they are talking to. He does his homework and then takes care of the dog. He loves to take Sherlock out on walks and loves to be outdoors. I think he is overcoming his fear of the unknown and is starting to feel a little more at ease on his own.
Mikaela is still loving reading. She purchased a Junie B. Jones book while I was in Utah, and is almost done reading it. She would have finished this week, but she had a lot of extracurricular activities which took her away from home in the afternoons, and when she would start reading at night, she would fall asleep with her book open. She loves to be out on her bike, and would ride ten hours a day, if given the opportunity. She wants to be a grown up girl soon, she doesn't like the waiting. I remember Siovhan saying the same thing.
We went to Sharon/South Royalton, Vermont the weekend of General Conference. The Church owns a campsite there, and we stayed in one of the cabins. The air during the day was a cool 70 degrees, the 34-degree nights however, made us all appreciate warm fires, and warm blankets. We toured the countryside in the morning and discovered a farm in Woodstock, Vermont. It was fun to see the children petting the newly born calves and sheep. Then we learned about chickens and their roosting habits. After that we petted a chicken. I never knew that chickens liked to be petted like cats. We were able to do a lot of other farm style things. It is similar to Young Living Farm, but a lot more hands on activities for the youth. It was a learning experience for us all. The farmhouse was on a huge piece of land, but there was an even larger piece of land across the street that housed the family's mansion. It was amazing. The whole area is an historic landmark and part of it is owned by the government as a National Park. That night Howard and the boys attended the Priesthood Session at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial building. They were among six others in attendance. The church building wasn't even being used. While the men were in the Priesthood Meeting, Mikaela and I huddled around the warm fire, drank hot chocolate, played the card game: There's a Moose in Your House, and read Junie B. Jones. We even sang some campfire songs. We both became tired and decided to turn in for the night. Just as we got in bed, the men came home. I then got up and made them hot chocolate, and returned to bed, only to find Mikaela fast asleep, and as we were sharing a bed, she was taking all the bed. We came home on Sunday to listen to conference from our home. We had decided that it would be best to make the three-hour trip in the morning and beating the traffic, instead of fighting the traffic at night. For those of you who don't know about Fall in New England, the traffic around the borders of Massachusetts gets very busy, much like leaving a BYU football game (when they are in a winning season).
If any of you want to spend time in Vermont during the month of December, it is only about two and a half hours away. The celebration on the 23rd of December might be attended by the Bolton's of Massachusetts.
That's all for now folks. Hope that your October is a fun and family eventful month. We love you all
Love, M
The Old Folks At Home
I was not ready, as I guess no one ever is, to let my daddy and your grandpa leave this life. However, if it is time to go, I guess his way was a good one. Unlike Dad’s parents, there was not any long-term suffering. I am so thankful that I have LHT (Dad to you) to be with me. He is a great comfort and it helps that he also loved my dad. He also stands by me and supports me. He looks after me and tries to make things better for me as we close the memories that were once my father’s home. I also want to thank each of you, my children (that includes spouses) and grandchildren for your support. I know that Heavenly Father is watching the kind ways you are behaving and that, when it is time for Dad and I to go ahead of you (hopefully we are ahead), He will bless you as you have blessed and supported me. “What goes around comes around.” Know that you are all loved! We pray everyday that you will be helped, guided, watched over and protected.
Friday, October 14, 2005
It's newsletter time again!
This is the deadline week for all of your news items. I have Melanie's.
Remember the photos.
Thanks Melanie, Kimberly and Siovhan for the photos of Grandpa Pitt's funeral!
Love, M
Thursday, October 13, 2005
My New Story! Cassie Pitts
Cassie Pitts wrote this story for us to share.
My name is Maya, and this is my story. When I was four and a half years old, a great war broke out , idt was almost impossible to be safe. But my mom found a way to be safer then most people. My mom sighed my dad, herself, me, my dad's friend john, and our colored friend Sam up to privitly murder the "deranged evil soldiers." I rember my father telling my mother that if the soldiers found us, to go hide in my room under the bed. Two years later the army found us. I remember all of the men armed and ready to keep us safe. "Careline" dad shouted "you remember our plan". "No" she yelled "we will stay here." Yeah, mom turned us in we were all aressted, But Sam had a much worse punishment. Mom held me close as the soldiers put a sword to his throat, mama told me not to look and that sam was lucky to be able to leave before us. sam said goodbye, yelled in pain and then he left this world behind.
Julie's News
Dear Family,
It is once again Fall--one of the busiest times of the year for a beekeeper. Jim has been busy jerking honey, extracting honey, selling and delivering honey, and treating the bees for all types of mites and diseases. I wish we could get a prescription card for those bees, it would save us a ton of money. The honey is turning out pretty tastey this year. Jim has a hard time keeping from tasting it as he extracts. He says, "It is sooo good!"
This last month we have had time to spend with both sides of the family. My family all came in for my Grandfather's funeral. It was the first time all of us siblings have been together since Jim and I got married. Then last week, we got to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Jones, Jessica, and Rebekah while they whipped Great-Grandma Steve's house into shape. Mary sure does enjoy her grandparents. We are thankful for Jessica and all of her hard work last week. She became a beekeeping assistant and helped Jim for three days extract honey. She is a quick learner and an even quicker worker.
It was nice to have time to spend with each of you this past month. We got to have Siovhan, Melanie, Tyler, and Emily stay overnight at our house. We also went with Michael, Tyler, Emily, AnnMarie, Matthew, and Rachel to the Dinosaur museum and the Bean Museum. Afterwards, we went to the BYU Creamery for some yummy ice cream.
We also got to spend three fun-filled days in Delta last week since Grandpa and Grandma Jones and Aunt Jessica came down from Twin Falls to whip Great-Grandma Steve's house into shape. They are going to rent it out until someone from the family decides to move back to Delta and live in it. Any takers? Now stop that sniggering. Jim informs me that Delta is an oasis in the desert.
Mary is still growing fast. She had her 18-month check-up last week. The doctor was impressed with how many words she has learned. She talks up quite a storm and if you are good at quick translations, you can cary on a little conversation. Mary has also started going to Nursery, this after a potentially shocking experience during gospel doctrine class. She stole away to the front of the classroom behind the teacher, while her Dad and I were trying to figure out how to get her without interrupting the class, she began trying to insert her fingers into the outlet behind the teacher. She was quickly gathered up and walked to Nursery where the outlets are a lot less appealing.
Elder's Quorum is still taking up a lot of Jim's time. He is busy running from work to church activities, but he enjoys it. Mary and I are still scouting up a storm.
We hope you are all doing well. Love, The Tres Nephites
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Why we live in Colorado
SNOW!!!!!
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Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Photos from Siovhan of Grandpa Pitts' Funeral
I'm sorry, I thought I had sent these a long time ago. But i guess I hadn't. Grandpa Howard Pitts' Funeral.
Love,
Siovhan
Newsletter for Kirsten
Mom,
Will you change our heading from the Late Waites to 'Rocky Mountain "Hi!"?' Here's the rest:
We made it! We're alive and well in Colorado after our multiple trips from and to Utah this past month and a half. Thanks for all of your prayers; I'm sure that is why we made it home "safe and sane." I didn't even have to threaten to pull the car over; I thought that was pretty amazing in and of itself.
Despite the circumstances, it was wonderful to be reunited with all the siblings and most of your families (we missed Howard and kids, of course); you know, that's a once in every three year occurrence. That means, Siovhan, you're not allowed to get married for three more years, at least (I know, such a hard deal), and no one else is allowed to "go to the other side." Mark your calendars.
After being home for so long, it has taken some minor adjustments to come back to our Waite family home and settle back in to life and routines.
We do love being in Colorado! As you can tell from the pictures, we're already enjoying our first snowfall. It should all be melted within the next 24 hours (another benefit of Colorado: we get to see and enjoy the wonderful snow and just as it starts to look ugly and get in the way, it melts and we're left anticipating the next storm.) Jared has learned not to appreciate snow days as much as he did while in school; it seems no one wants to brave the weather to see the dentist, though they do take advantage of the time for great shopping. Oh well.
We have started the official process of looking for a house (the race is on, Ams -- just kidding). We are a little frustrated; it is a very strong seller's market in The Springs right now. We're trying to stay in an area that will have a strong resale in five years, but then so is everyone else looking for homes right now. I am amazed at how much lumber, a little carpet, drywall, cement and what have you can differentiate in price across the country. I never did like economics and the whole "supply and demand" thing. I always seem to be on the wrong of the equation whether buying or selling.
Emma is now in a playgroup with four girls in nursery. She loves having her friends come over and going to school. We, as moms, rotate the group at our different houses. I love it! It actually has brought back many memories of mom doing the same thing (though, I'm sure some of you remember it even better than I). I've tried to copy some of the same structure: snack, activity, play time, learning activity, lunch (really, it's like being a nursery leader for an extended time period). I enjoy even more the times I get to drop off. Whitney is at school the same time Emma is at playgroup, so I get a couple hours to myself. So far that has been used to run errands, etc. But I hope to fill that time with some hobbies (reading, anything else besides cleaning, etc.).
Whitney is in full swing at preschool! She loves it and loves having some of her new friends come over to play. She loves her teacher, Miss Deb (who also doubles as one of our realtors -- she's leaving the preschool world after 20+ years to selling real estate full time after the end of this school year) and loves feeling so grown up. I'm constantly told what a good example she is and how well behaved she is (most of the time). It makes me wonder, why are our own kids always better for other people?! She is starting to become a great helper at home. She loves to "clean" her bathroom (thank heavens for Clorox wipes and Windex wipes), and even helps with dishes (clearing them, that is) and wiping the table. There are days, but we all have those don't we? She's still determined to save up for a Barbie car (one of those kinds kids can ride in, not Barbies). She is becoming very much like Alyssa (a good thing) and not spending her money on anything she doesn't deem more worthwhile than her final goal (in this case, the car). I guess she is very determined (one of those positive traits you use as your "negative" traits in a job interview).
Jared is glad to have us back for good. Life is still the same for him: get up and run on the treadmill, go to work, come home from work, eat, get kids ready for bed, fall dead asleep and start again the next day. We feel sorry for him, but are grateful he has such a wonderful job he enjoys (most of the time). Work is going well. He still loves the practice, the patients, his fellow workers and the dentist who owns the practice. His most exciting news is that he recently became the proud owner of a Copper Mountain Four Pass, which means he has four, all-day passes to Copper Mountain which he can use throughout the season. And, as you all know Jared, it was purchased at a very extremely "sweet" deal. He's happy and his brother is happy, because he, too, bought one. I think it will be a great thing. He didn't get to go at all last year and that was one of the reasons we moved back to the west (besides being closer to family, of course).
As for me, I'm in the heat of preparing for Young Women in Excellence and enjoying life. I'm a little behind on our assignment from President Hinckley and I have set the goal to catch up and finish reading the Book of Mormon with the rest of you by the end of the year. It's amazing how a simple book can be so profound and so amazingly influential in our lives. I have loved reading the stories over again (though I'm still stuck in the Isaiah chapters). I love how every time I read it, I learn something new or a different verse strikes me and causes me to reflect and change. It has helped me calm down quite a bit lately and really focus on being a better mom and spouse and having the strength to overcome some not-so-good habits. No other book has that power! I'm so grateful for the miracle of the Book of Mormon, for parents who know of its power and truth and who taught all of us to walk in the light. All we have to do is read it. It's worth the little effort it takes on my part. I know it's true.
Thanks for being my family! I love you all and am so grateful we get to be together forever! I pray for each of you and hope all finds you well.
Love,
The Waite Family
Monday, October 10, 2005
O! Hi! O!
How the time has passed. We enjoyed seeing everyone, even though it was for the
funeral. We made one mistake while
there; we should have had a family photo with Mom, Dad and all the
siblings. It has been a long time
since we were all together like that.
We only have a few weeks left until the baby is here. By the time you read this, there will
be about 6 weeks left (December 8th). I don’t know what all to tell you in this newsletter,
because we have only been back here in Ohio for about 1.5 weeks. So, not much has changed since
then.
We did come home to find all seven kittens still alive (dang
it). Both of the other cats were
here as well. However, I decided I
do like cats. With the right
seasoning, they taste like chicken!
I sent a whole bunch of photos. If you see them, then that means that Mom was able to
successfully download the mega-email I sent.
Thank you to all for your help with Tyler’s baptism and
thank you for making it a special day for him. I am glad we got to move it earlier, so we had some time to
talk and to play. I am happy I
decided not to go the BYU game, because it was a good day for us and I would
have hated to ruin it. J
Well, we love you all.
The kids are doing great.
We are going to take them to a Johnstown-Johnnie football game tomorrow
night (10/14). Tyler’s 2nd
grade teacher is the head coach for the team and we have failed to get him to
one yet. I’ll have to let you know
how it all turns out. They have a
6-1 record and this year’s senior class has about 120 students, so it makes me
feel a little like home.
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