Interviews

Dear Donnette:

Are they still doing interviews with service people? My Dad served in World War II. He is 86 now. I would like someone to interview him. We don¹t get a lot out of him when we get him on video. I have done his childhood and some few experiences.

Myrna

Dear Myrna:

They aren't doing any more interviews of WWII vets. They wouldn't come do Richard who just turned 80 last summer. But I did tape an interview with him myself and have that transcribed. Try visiting him again with open ended questions on a tape. That is less intimidating than video.
Donnette

I am worried

I am worried about Garth Childs. He called me yesterday and he has a great problem that may be the end of his mortal life. They did not get all of the cancer when they did the prostate surgery. They will do a bone scan at the end of the month and if the cancer is spread there they will probably not be able to do anything. Otherwise, on Feb. 5, they will begin the hormone treatment that they have used with Grandpa Pitts. This will be more aggressive because the cancer that Garth has is more aggressive.

The family is no stranger to cancer. Alyce, Garth’s wife, and her two sisters and mother, have all had breast cancer. Richard Childs died of cancer. Grandpa Ray Smith died of cancer as did some of his siblings. Great Grandpa Pritchett died of cancer. His son, my grandmother’s brother, also died of cancer.

Don’t tell me that the Pitt’s don’t have cancer. My Aunt Bea died of it. My cousin, Kenny, had his leg amputated.

I hope you will all pray for Garth. I love him so much.

I love you all! M

Todd Trauntvein Family

So, we are moving. We are going to Columbus, OH. I report to work out
there on 02/07. I get to fly the family out there for on the 29th of this
month for a few days to start looking for a school and then a home. I will
get to come home each weekend until the home sales and then we will be there
as a family--1700 miles away from here and 1700 miles closer to Melanie. We
will be 8 hours from Nauvoo and only 2 hours from Kirtland. I think I know
what we will do in the down-time while we are there.

If you know anyone who works for Discover Card, you can't tell them about
this yet until after Tuesday of next week (Kim, can't tell Gordon), because
it has not been announced here until that day. I will be in Ohio for the
announcement.

I will miss the family, the camping, the bee-keeping--yes, I love helping
Jim when I can. It is rewarding work. So, there you have it. Any
questions? My house is for sale. It is well kept as you all know and I
love it dearly. I love the neighbors, the ward and the proximity to the
school, the rec-center and now the stores. If you know anyone who is in the
market, send them my way.

That Darn Recorder That Grammy Gave

Ok, thanks, ouch, my ear is a bit sore-do lessons come with that recorder? s :)

He is NOT taking it in the van today to SLC to meet Dad and Todd's family.

Myrna wrote: Hide it in the van and have Todd show him how to play it. It CAN sound quite wonderful. Todd was actually quite good at it.

I was worried about the card. Mikaela never did get one of her cards. I sent it again. Love, M

Kimberly: He did sneak it in the van, but Toren caught him and took it back in the house.  :)

Myrna wrote: 

I thought Shawn said Dane was going to learn to play it at school. If that isn’t the case, then it could end up on a high shelf while he was at school. Mr. Nobody gets the credit when it can’t be found. Then, it can come out of hiding when he does get a chance to learn to play at school. M

Kimberly wrote: he's really happy about it, and he's really not that bad, no shelf for that recorder, he's too happy about it :)

In Case You Don't Know--Addition From Melanie

Melanie wrote: Sorry, I don't think we'll be able to make it this year, Mikaela has a fever. Maybe next year. :)

Myrna wrote: Where is your pioneering spirit? I didn’t think a fever and (how many) a few miles ever kept a Saint down. That’s why we have so much fun in Primary. Have a great new year. Love, Mom

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