In Case You Don't Know

Dad said that you all knew that, every year, we have a New Year’s Eve party. (He said you all knew you were invited.) We have done for all our married life. We will have until we die. You all are always invited. If you can come and want to come, great. If you have other plans and/or do not want to come, great. It doesn’t matter, one way or the other, we will love you anyway. I am sending this because two of you seemed surprised that we were having a party this year. One of you was a little concerned that you had not been invited. You are ALWAYS invited. Forever and ever. To infinity and beyond. The children are ALWAYS invited. We have dinner, we play games and watch TV. We break balloons and a piñata. We stay up late (or early) and enjoy one another. We love you all and we always will If you are here, we will love you. If you are not here, we will love you. We just love you.

Mom


From Todd: We won't be down.  Since we were there last year with Kirsten and her family, we will be in Lake Shore this year.  Happy New Year and have a wonderful time.  Don't drink too much. ;)


Myrna: Oh, come on. I thought one gallon of dairy eggnog was about right. Have a happy new year. Love, Mom

From Kim Pitts

Kim Pitts wrote: I hope all goes well with David's knee surgery! We'll be praying for him!  

That honey is great, thanks so much for bringing  it down! Did my Dad contact you about how much it was? And does he  have your address? He'll get it to you ASAP if he hasn't  already.

My Mom hasn't been feeling very well. Her stomach is bothering her.  

Christmas was hectic but very nice. It was so enjoyable to visit with my brother and sisters. It is amazing how hectic everyday life can be!

I see the neuro-surgeon for the discs in my back tomorrow. But the weatherman says there is snow coming. We might have to re-schedule it. Not worth the risk!

Well, have a  Happy New Year!

Sending our love,

Kim, Cassie, Kayla &  Robbie

Myrna wrote:We will also be praying for you. There is nothing worse than a bad back. Let us know what is decided. I hope your Mom’s (Aunt Maxine’s) tummy gets better. Love, M

Kim Pitts wrote (later): Thanks, she had a scope test done under anesthesia 2 days before Christmas. But she still can't swallow/hold down food. The doctor found a nodule in the top of her tummy. But he said that he didn't think it was cancer. He is sending it to the lab, though. We'll know in a few days. Her stomach really hasn't been the same since they both quit smoking over 15 years ago. Dad suffers from bad heartburn related issues as well. It must really do more damage than we thought. I am so glad that I never tried. LOL (I thought it so disgusting while growing up.) I will keep you posted.....thanks again! Love, Kim

David's Knee Surgery a Success

David’s knee surgery was a success. He was in a bit longer than the doctor thought he would be. He said the meniscus had all bunched up inside the knee and so it took some time to repair it. However, in some respects it was better than the doctor expected. He is to stay off of the knee for a month but will soon start physical therapy. He is in a wheel chair for a few weeks. AnnMarie was in St. George visiting her in-laws and so she took care of the kids today. Bree should go into rehab in the next two weeks.

Addresses and packages and fasting

Myrna wrote: We were wondering what you would think about having a special fast for David and family? It seems they are having a bout with illness. We were thinking about   Fast Sunday. Love, Mom

Mom,
Kirsten wrote: I'm finally emailing you. This is why I'm not getting your emails, though, you have "jwaite6" and it's "jjwaite6" (one more j). At least with this email, don't know about the others. Also figured out I was wrong about fasting. It won't be a problem since New Years Eve is Friday and New Years Day is Saturday.  Silly me.  :)
Kirsten wrote: 

Loved talking this morning.

Love, Kirsten

Myrna wrote: That is probably it. I wonder when the other j came up missing? (Oh, my computer thinks you have two addresses. I only have one in the mailbox, so I don’t know why the other  comes up first on preference. Oh, well. I’ll just be careful.)
I enjoy talking to you whenever I get the chance.

Love, Mom

Kimberly, Thanks for sending that email on to Kirsten for me. It was no wonder that she wasn't getting anything. I had the address wrong.

Has Dane got the recorder and the card from us yet? There should be two items?the card and a package.

Love, M

Kimberly wrote: NO NOT YET.

Myrna wrote: OK. Now I am worried. There should have been plenty of time to get it there.

Love, M

Kimberly wrote later: I replied since, and I did get it today and I have hidden it--just kidding.  He thinks the bday cake is pretty fun.  We're leaving to meet Todd's family in SLC for FHE.

Myrna wrote: By-the-way, I know you got the recorder. Did you also get the money in the card? Love, M

Bean Family

I finished the Bean CD of pictures and histories. Are you going to be
coming up near Lindon or should I just send them? I won't get them in the
mail until after Christmas. Sorry.

Love, Donnette

Danish E-mail Addresses

As of Thursday, 12/23/04 7:05 AM

Kenneth Anderson (ccc26646@safemail.cybercity.dk); Juel Gregersen (juel@xmission.com); Howard & Tove Johnson (johnsonhowardr@netscape.net); Mette & Arnie Schaer (schaermh@aol.com); Bruce & Judy Kjar (bjkjar@comcast.net); Judy & Bruce Kjar (judykjar@webtv.net); Erna & Hugh Walker (hawepw@aol.com); Bill & Manette Murri (davall@aol.com); Perry & Mercedes Woolsey (cobblemoor@earthlink.net); Paul & Lisbeth Edmunds (lpkedmunds@hotmail.com); Grant & Ruth Radmall (rradmall@gradmall.aros.net); Phyllis Petersen Walker (pdp@nctimes.net); Leonard & Myrna Trauntvein (mandlht@msn.com); Grethe Ljungstrom (grethe@xmission.com); Dean Klitgaard (cklitgaa@calpoly.edu); DeVon & Rita Jensen (jensenad@comcast.net); Ronald & Carolyn Jensen (ron@woodrealtor.net); Spencer & Libby Greer (spencegreer@cs.com); Kirsten & Aage Pedersen (aagepedersen@afir.dk); Craig & Karen Kimball (yalelane2@juno.com); Kenneth & Marion Anderson (alsoft@vip.cybercity.dk); Laila Hoffman (Laila1940@aol.com); Marion & Joan Davidson (davidsonmarionn@qwest.net); Gilbert & Claudia Olson (gilandclaudia@comcast.net); Frank & Inge Poulson (skatter123@juno.com); Randi Clarke (randi_tax@yahoo.com); Ron & Mary Wilson (mwilsonbtfl1@juno.com); Franklin Nielsen (fnielsen@burgoyne.com); Glenn & Carol Baugh (gcbaugh0447@msn.com); Darrel & Frances Hintze (dchfgh6298@msn.com); Neldon & Alitze Oborn (ojestena@aol.com); Ray & Karen Knutson (karenrayk@aol.com); Paul & Marilyn Burgoyne (burgoyne@cedarcity.net); Leon & Joy Henrichsen (lhenrichsensprint@earthlink.net); Tage Holm Larsen (lageholm@websped.dk); David & June Chapman (davidchapmanjune@aol.com); Poul Erik Buur (poul.buur@esenet.dk); Tagg & Marie Hundrup (thunder5566@msn.com); Jim & Marilyn Madsen (madsenjp@sisna.com); Annie Jensen Strawn (strawn118@msn.com); J Paul & Bernice Tegan (tegan@safelink.net); Allen & Renae Kidd (arkidd1@juno.com); Phil & Gail Anderson (philgail@networld.com); Glenn & Marilyn Smith (glennandmarilyn@mstar2.net)

Holiday greetings from Copenhagen (Hvidovre)! From Kenneth Anderson

Hi all!

Just a quick note at Christmas time!!

Our youngest son, Daniel, just returned from the England Manchester mission
so all the family will be here for Christmas.

For those of you who remember them, we see brother and sister Dressøe at
church regularly. He is aapproaching 106 and she 96!

Am including a couple of short stories and a Christmas verse that may
brighten you day!

Glædelige Jul og Godt Nytår!
Kenneth and AMrion Anderson


Hi again:

The stories didn't get attached! Beklager!

Here they are!
Ken
aka Danny Kaye

"Dear Ruth," "Russian Christmas," and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Office is moving

After about 40 years in the student center, the newspaper office is joining the Communications Department in moving across campus. Over the next few days, the computer servers will be moved and that means you may get an "undeliverable" message until we're back up and running. I hope that only takes a few hours but with our luck it may be a few days. Please be patient and don't think I've left the planet or something. Also, I will not be able to respond to questions or requests until the computers are back up. But you can still call. The phone should be working as soon as I plug it in the wall of my new office!
Kaylene Armstrong <kaylene@newsroom.byu.edu>


From Myrna: Is it a "NEW" office or a "new" office? Which ever it is it sounds like more work than I am capable of doing at Christmas time. Are your presents ready?

Good luck! Myrna


Kaylene: It's a new-to-us office. It's located in the Brimhall building, one of the oldest (and in my opinion ugliest) on campus. It has been a HUGE process. I am also still working on Christmas gifts for some of my kids! So this hasn't been my favorite time of the year to move.
-k-

This is What Happened

MYRNA TRAUNTVEIN wrote:

Dad bought tiny remote cars, about the size of matchbox cars, for the boys. They have all sorts of gadgets to add. He also bought a ton of batteries for them. I thought, since I am still not feeling well, that I would just give those to the boys rather than return them again. I have been pricing the magnetix sets and think he could get a 50-piece set for about $13. The biggest set is $40. We give the kids $25 for their birthdays and he could, if you go in on it, get the biggest set. Or, if you have already bought his present, he could get a couple of the smaller 50-piece sets. Let me know, Mom

From: Shawn Trauntvein

The cars are fine. Sorry you went through so much trouble. The boys will love them.

Palmyra, Syria (From Donnette Smith)

From: "Donnette S. Smith" <powergrandma@juno.com>
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2004 09:29:29 -0700

I just received this from our granddaughter, Elizabeth, Becky's oldest,
who is finishing a semester abroad with BYU in Egypt. Thought you might
enjoy this as much as we did. You can tell her father is a geologist. I
think MESA means Middle East Study Association - or something close to
that. Dil is Dilworth Parkinson, her teacher, who grew up near my parents
home on Lark Circle.

Donnette
*****
December 19, 2004

I want to write people as often as I can, because I don't know exactly
when I'll be able to write from day to day.
The people of Palmyra did not repent, and now their beautiful limestone
city is in ruins. They are fantastic ruins, though. It must have been an
absolutely gorgeous city at its height, I tell you what. There is a
citadel from the early Ottoman period on a hill near the ruins. Some of
us hiked up there this afternoon. I am a really slow hiker, as it turns
out. I thought I was going to die! But it was really beautiful at sunset.
I got my picture taken with the battlements, and we did some reenactments
of the battle of the fields of Pelennor. "Hold the Wall! Send these foul
creatures into the Abyss!" And when I say we I mean we in the royal
sense.
The modern city of Palmyra is a quaint little town. They have chain mail
and helmets here! I might get a little "Something Something" if it's not
too astronomically expensive. And if it is, I'll at least get some
pictures of me wearing some of these aforementioned helmets with my "war
Face." Palmyra is a fun city that way because it's actually well known
for its warrior Queen Zenobia. She conquered quite a bit of the ancient
world, including but not limited to Upper Egypt. They have some Aswani
Red Granite columns here. It's cool because you can tell it's from Aswan
from the really big crystals in the rock. She would have gone on
conquering people but the Romans came in and said, "Nope, you're done."
And then they sacked the city, which caused the eastern defenses to fall
which ultimately led to the fall of Rome itself. Ah, history. Yep, I'm a
MESA geek all right.

On Friday we went to church in Irbid, where they have a small branch of
about 35 members. They had some of us give talks. I was one of the people
chosen. Actually, I have always wanted to bear my testimony in Arabic so
I volunteered, which made me really nervous for days and days. But I had
Dil go over it with me so there weren't too many grammatical mistakes. It
was wonderful to get up and speak in the most beautiful Classical Arabic
ever and then translate it into English for the sake of the westerners
present. The Branch president and Brian said it was absolutely perfect.
And the next speaker said afterwards, "I don't know why I have to speak
after Beth because she speaks Arabic so much better than I do!" That was
a great confidence booster, to know that I did in fact learn something
while I was in Egypt. I talked about how the Lord watches over everyone,
even little branches in Jordan. I might share the talk after I get home,
but at the moment it's up in my hotel room. I originally wrote it in
Arabic and I was able to use all these cool grammatical constructions. I
think we were really able to touch the Jordanian members with the spirit,
and I'd like to think it had something to do with the fact that I knew
how to use cognate accusative correctly.

I don't want to forget anything this time...but really not much new has
happened since yesterday. Oh, I remember - I got a Syrian fossil! That
was exciting. Also, I was able to stand in the center of the Roman
ampitheatre in Palmyra and speak Latin really loudly. "Draco Dormiens
Numquam Titilandus." Never tickle a sleeping dragon.
Day eight draws to a close.
Cheers everyone,
Beth