DECEMBER 2022

December 25, 2022

👏🏻Lane paid for extra WiFi aboard the cruise ship and we are learning how to juggle it between our 4 devices…

This week we explored more of Auckland with the traditional and popular Heritage Walk from Takapuna to Milford.  

We took a recommendation to try “Honest Chocolate”, a chocotissary in Commercial Bay.  We ordered “The Volcano”, a superb hot chocolate.  

Our day ended by watching “The Holiday” movie back at our B&B on my i-pad.  It may not be looking like Christmas where we are but singing Christmas hymns and watching Christmas movies helps to bring the spirit of Christmas to wherever we are.

Our cruise began in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday, December 20th.  We checked out of our B&B, returned our rental car, shuttled to the airport, bused to Central City, at our last pre-cruise meal at Denny’s of all places and then walked 1/2 mile to Queen’s Port.    

It began “full speed ahead”  at the Lido, a check-in to our balcony room, later a salmon dinner and a late showing of “A Christmas Story” in the ships theater.  30 days of this is gonna be marvelous!!!

We enjoyed 5 ports of call in New Zealand. The National Fiordlands park was incredible. 
Our weather was super nice. CHRISTmas day was spent ‘at sea’…just off the coast of New Zealand.
~ an outstanding brunch
~ Come Follow Me lesson
~ Luke 2 reading and nativity videos
~ It’s a Wonderful Life in the ships theater
  (My favorite fictional holiday movie)
~ a ham dinner
~ everything was perfect except for one thing…YOU were not here!😭

FYI: 🎀  In case you missed their darling announcement on FB we share Darren & Stephanie Hill’s announcement of a baby girl arriving in early July!  Congrats!!!

We do miss you so much. And we love you, each and every one, FOREVER!
Cheers! Momma C & Dad Lane

We are living in some pretty marvelous and miraculous times. We experienced a miracle recently as we drove 3 hours, late at night, in the rain, on unfamiliar twisty mountain roads, AND on the left side to return from an unanticipated Māori BBQ in Rotorua to Auckland by midnight.  We were nervous, drained, and prayerful. 

These marvelous times are often chaotic and stressful, sometimes contentious. Toss in natural disasters, disease, unrest, violence and evil acts and if I’m not focused on faith that God is all knowing and just I might feel a sense of gloom and hopelessness. So I keep choosing a simple faith. It IS powerful! I feel peace despite the turmoil. Choosing God can  uplift, in a world intent on putting down.  Life is filled with wonder. Explore. Hug each other. Forgive. 

C U in 2023🥰

December 18, 2022

13th  flights to San Francisco and then on to Fiji

14th  crossed the dateline and lost this day

15th  arrived in Nadi, Fiji and immediately changed for a day cruise in hot weather.  (Snorkeling, BBQ, swim, slide, dancing). Coconut shrimp, fish’n’chips and pinacolada at Port Denarau Marina.

16th  Short night at the Fiji Gateway Hotel before an early shuttle to Fiji Airways and we are off to Auckland, New Zealand.  

Key memories from our land tour of New Zealand:

16th  B&B with a great view!

LaRosa Italian, the best ever Italian restaurant (Pink Panther drink, raspberry lemonade with whipped cream and sprinkles)

17th  Road trip to Hamilton for some time in the temple.

On to Rotorua…Māori village, the Hakka, dinner, pavlova

18th  We enjoyed visiting the ward which was super friendly and served a mini-meal.  Lastly, we drove to Pina Black Sand Beach.  It was glorious!

Calendar Reminders:

Dec 19th ~ Paden turns FIVE…nifty!
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)

December 20th ~ our 30 day cruise begins!!!

December 11, 2022

For our Utah based family members, and anyone else interested…

A Shepherds Dinner collage - SOUTH EDITION (Saturday, Dec 10th)

Featuring nibbles and grub from Hills, Bullocks, Scotts, and Linc & Carrie’s families. Also included were Justin, Lindemans, Spallinos and Lizzie (she’s with Matthew😉).
It was a starry night and held on the hillside next to Lincoln’s gym.  Thank you to all who attended. It was gratifying for me to slow down and reflect, even if only for a few precious hours with you!


A Shepherds Dinner collage - NORTH EDITION (Sunday, Dec 11th)

More choice and delectable edibles insured that every shepherd was filled. Those finding refuge in the Hadley homestead were Greg & Jennifer, joined by Zachery, Brock and the Hale’s.  Tom and Shalaun’s family made the trek along with the Bells.  All were pleased to welcome Mike’s 3 kids, Kierstin, Camden and Kira (+ 1) and Mike’s mother. Thank you Hadleys for hosting!  

Greg, Zachery and Jennifer provided music to close out the evening and then we hurried home ahead of a storm.  

Observation: not all beautiful people are good but all good people are beautiful! 
Thanks for your goodness!!!

Happy CHRISTmas!!!

We love you all forever,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

To finish out the month: 
Dec 13th ~ Shalaun & Tom have been married 19 years, CONGRATS!
Dec 13th ~ we delayed our departure one day and are in San Francisco waiting for our flight to Fiji. (Be home by Feb 1st)
It’s best to reach us by email. But phones and texts might work. 
Dec 19th ~ Paden turns FIVE…nifty!
Dec 19th ~ Lee celebrates reaching double digits (10)
Dec 28th ~ Lincoln marks his 45th year of awesomeness!

January birthday gifts may arrive late

December 4, 2022

Weeks whiz by faster, don’t they?

- A Christmas pillowcase for Charlie
- Brennan’s after concert photo
- Maggie & Isaac’s gingerbread house
- sisters
- we sold our sweet car 🚙 (thx Bullocks for the loaner car)
- G’ma Frosty ☃️ 🤣
- private concert by Jennifer, her niece & SIL
- a dinner out with my Mother & David

Three years ago we held multiple Shepherd’s Dinners. Remember?  This weekend we’ll have 2 more. Watch for details by text Monday…


Coming soon:
Dec 8 - Gabriela’s b-day🎈(Mrs Joseph Hill)
Dec 8 - Roy turns fabulous 40!!! 🎂 
Dec 10 - Stephen celebrates being 19 🥳
Dec 10 - Shepherd’s Dinner South
Dec 11 - Shepherd’s Dinner North
Dec 12 - Our flight to Fiji, etc, etc, etc
          (brief stop in SLC Feb 1 - 6)
One day in December - our new car will be delivered to DayBreak
May 31 - we return to Utah

During our travels you may experience a respite from my Recaps. Please email us when you can!  We’ll miss you. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

NOVEMBER 2022

November 27, 2022

Thanksgiving in the Great NorthWest!

A smattering of photos displaying the variety of events.  Playing Façade Games, a temple trip with Dalia, SIL twins, a ping pong threat, pies (can you guess which one is faux?), everyone is a turkey, bonfire from cement framings, Brian’s vision of the feast setting, the buffet, me with 2 of my babes, Jerry’s poultry concoction! Also a coloring contest drawn by Violet and a talent show. 

Such minute beauty at every step on the Hansen creek trail. I gushed at all the choices for a natural table runner. 

Next on to Cam & Kim’s.  We missed Anissa & Abriam but arrived in time for Lane to take Kim’s ticket to the Oregon vs Oregon State 🏈 rivalry. After the right win we enjoyed games, pies, YSA’s, movies and rest. Thank you guys. We’ll be back!

It was a wonderful week. After counting the hundreds of things we are thankful for we first and foremost are grateful for the one gift that always rises to the top…the God-given blessing of YOU, our cherished family!

Coming soon:
Nov 29th - Brennan’s choir concert
Nov 30th - we drive back to SLC
Dec 1st - CHRISTmas countdown begins

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

November 20, 2022

I spent Tuesday the 15th with my mother, raking leaves for her and thoroughly enjoying her company. She dotes extremely well and spoils me plenty.

We are seriously considering selling our workhorse of a treasured Honda C-RV.  The bear repairs are complete and it’s looking really great.

Grandma’s Christmas workshop has been operating overtime in preparation for our holiday trips.  Washington & Oregon for Thanksgiving and a cruise ‘down under’ for Christmas & New Years.

On Friday the 18th we got a do-over for Claire’s 3rd birthday party…at the Kangaroo Zoo in PG.  Bounce houses, blow up slides and mazes, topped off with pizza, cupcakes and a very delightful birthday girl. 

The next morning we took a road trip to Lake Stevens, WA.  With a 5 a.m. start time, clear skies, and clear roads we arrived just over 12 hours later!  We merged immediately into their family routine; running carpool, playing games, and checking band homework.

Coming soon:

November 24th ~ Kira Hadley turned 19 on Turkey day!

November 26th ~ Hansen’s 18th wedding anniversary is this Saturday!

November 27th ~ We drive to Albany to visit Cam & Kim

November 29th ~ Attend a choir concert in Eugene to see Brennan perform.

November 30th ~ Good weather permitting, drive back to DayBreak.

Shepherds Dinner December 10th - Altered to include Hills, Bullocks, Scotts and DayBreak Howells.  (Still hoping for a volunteer host.)

Shepherds Dinner December 11th - Altered to include Hadley’s, Greg, Jennifer and family, Centerville Howells, and Bells. (Held at Hadley’s new home)

December 12th - G’pa and I fly to Fiji and then fly, cruise, or bus to 7 other countries. Due to return February 1st, 2023.

Are you really going to the Black Friday Sale?  

Didn’t you just say you were grateful for everything you had yesterday?  Make it a stress free holiday season.  

I have new emails added for Dalia and Tesila Hansen.  Anyone else?

Please stay in touch.  We care about what you are doing!!!  Thank you for the mission letters from Elder Josh.  Stay unstoppable dude!

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane. (G&G Howell)

November 13, 2022

Sunday salutations!

An 18th birthday for Scott.

A Relief Society party.

A BBQ to celebrate the wedding of my niece. 

A Veteran’s Day concert with Luke on percussion.

A bunch of hodge podge events filled in the cracks. Bullocks have a grand-dog. A day with my mother.  Isaac’s final Primary Program. That’s huge!!!

This week:

Monday the 14th ~ Matthew turns TWENTY!!

Saturday the 19th ~ we start a NW road-trip

Announcing 2 Shepherd’s Dinners!!

Saturday, December 10th 

SOUTH families; namely Bells, Bullocks, Scotts, Daybreak Howells, RayDean’s family

(Would one family be willing to host this group?)

Sunday, December 11th at Hadley’s Home

NORTH families; namely Hadleys, Greg, Jennifer & kids, Centerville Howells

[details forthcoming]

We love you forever!

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

November 6, 2022

Halloween is so last week.  If you check closely you’ll see we blend in perfectly with the Assorted Nuts at WINCO.

The main highlight occurred last evening in the form of a FHEvening of Art & Music. Chris agreed to showcase his Oreo Sculpts…indeed the Utah Premiere…at a private event for family.  The outpouring of support was overwhelming!  Christopher’s gifts are never ending!  Our grandkid’s musical performances are astonishing!  

Special thanks to Tagg, Emy, Audrey, Slater, Adelaide and Sabrina…with special prelude from Isaac, Luke and Lincoln.  I wish I’d taken more photos.  Sorry if I didn’t capture each of you.  It truly was a magical night.  The hour zoomed by and suddenly it was over and we were home again…grateful and loving you all even more, if that’s possible.  Several were absent - including 6 families now residing out-of-state.  We understand.  We missed you.  Get well Roy and Charlie!

Everyone…have a fantastic week!  

Some days you’ll move mountains.  Other days you’ll move from the bed to the couch.  Both are okay and necessary. - peace, love & positivity

Announcements:
Dalia’s got her best time in Washington State XC meet Saturday.
Jennifer has full movement in her left arm (after surgery and 9 pins) yet still deals with pain.
Adelaide and Sabrina are finalists for the Ogden piano festival.
Mike starts a new job TODAY!
Lane has embraced doing laundry!
Claire turned 3 yesterday and among other things received a “big sister” shirt!!!!!!!!!!
Scott celebrates being an official adult on Thursday.

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

OCTOBER 2022

October 30, 2022

October ran away way too fast!  

Last Monday was the day we met up with Ray Burgess for lunch. (Lane baptized him 54 years ago in the UK.) 
24th was also our twenty-sixth anniversary. We celebrated with a 2-nightstay at the Inn on the Hill.  (The SL Temple is unrecognizable.) 
27th Stephen married Emma in the Jordan River Temple. Party followed!
29th  Howell gathering to hang with Cameron. 
29th Carlie & Amanda hosted a costume party. Thank you! Carlie & Jonathan tied for best costumes with the Beachy Bullocks. 

The Inn on the Hill was antique-ee without freaking me out. It was classy and elegant. Timeless, like a living game of CLUE. Try it out sometime. Lane won’t tell me what it cost so it’s probably a grundle. But really, 26 years!!!!!!!!

Coming this week:
October 30th ~ Anissa turns 23 TODAY!
October 31st ~ my least favorite day of the year👻    Why do I still dress up?
November 1st ~ 5 yo Kamden has a Sonic party.
November 2nd ~ a marvelous send off for Judy Dunford (aka a funeral for Kim’s incredible, entrepreneurial and gifted mother) Our sympathies to Kim and her family. 
November 3rd ~ Jonathan is one year older and wiser too!
November 6th ~ Claire is a precocious 3 yo. 
November 6th ~ A FHEvening of Art & Music. 7-8 pm (address below) 
Oreo cream sculpts by my brother Chris. Music by Emy, Audrey & Tagg. Oodles of Oreos…and milk!

How are YOU!!!???

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

October 23, 2022

Howdy ho! ❄️ Oh no! 🫣 Here comes the snow! ❄️ 

Last week was fun-filled side to side, top to bottom with treasured family and friends. 

- A movie and treat night at the Hadley/Kelley home.  Outstanding family! 🎃 If you drop by be prepared to be freaked out ☠️ 
- visits with delightful friends from childhood and the Orlando years. 
- I spent a day cleaning out my dad’s puppet theater at my mother’s request. I had great help from BIL Chris and niece Kelsie who both had to keep shooing away my 87-year old mother who was determined to pull out boxes. 
- my overwhelming fear of mice was matched with 16 sticky traps I set 6 days prior to entry.  Only 2 traps attracted the vermin. My mother insisted on releasing them only to drown them in the washer. I didn’t even feel sorry for them. 
- we delivered pizza and floats to the Bells. They unveiled their fire pit and stirred up some tapioca.  So great!
- Claire embraced G’ma C, likes to build puzzles, is a cute butterfly and giggles when she says “chicken butt”. 
- guess who painted the pink pumpkin?

This week:
Oct 24  our 26th anniversary!!!!!!!!
Oct 26  Josh turns 20 in Ecuador
Oct 27  Quinn can drive 🚗 
Oct 27  Stephen marries Emma
Oct 30  Anissa is an amazing 23 yo

SAVE THE DATE:
Nov 6 FHEvening of Art & Music 
(Flyer attached) 

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G & G Howell)

October 16, 2022

Sunny Sunday afternoon. The day is beautiful!  Fall is fantastic.  Colorful leaves🍁, crunchy leaves 🍂, raking leaves🥴.

Monday we kicked off a fall classic😂…a pumpkin puking guacamole🤮, lil smokie mummies, sipping Black Death ☠️, rescuing hanging donuts🍩, and painting pumpkins with Lincoln & Carrie’s family.

We ended the week at a Pumpkin Bash with the entire Scott family!!!  Jump houses, slides, face painting, cotton candy, pumpkins, swings, donuts and lunch.

Other highlights last week:

Dinner out. Lunch out with assorted sisters.  GNO at Stephanie’s.  Great soups, treats, painting, puzzle, movie. I met Owen!!!  My unicorn hatched - minus a horn. Lane’s facial adjustment was flawless and he’s as handsome as ever. 

Today:
Adelaide is NINE!
Carlie & Jonathan celebrate 2 years of wedded bliss!
Movie & treats @ Mer & Mike’s (thx for dinner😋)

Coming soon:
17th ~ pizza & floats at the Bells
18th ~ Daisy will be an adorable 3YO
20th ~ Kim makes 49 look awesome!
21st ~ Samie turns a sassy 21
22nd ~ Tom lights 43 candles 

Tell us what’s new with you…

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

"We are commanded to love others, not to judge them. Let's lay down that heavy
burden; it isn't ours to carry. Instead, we can pick up the Savior's yoke of love and compassion.”
-Sister Annette Dennis, General Primary Counselor

October 9, 2022

Howdy fantastic family!!! I’m writing this in the sunset glow of the Oquirrh Mtn Temple. 

Monday & Tuesday:
A good week starts with a little pickle ball. Check. I started hatching a unicorn from Greg & Jennifer. Cool!  We got Covid-boosted and influenza protected, then a day to recover. 
Wednesday to Friday:
A road trip to California to witness the premiere of my brother Chris’ Oreo Cookie art. I designed a strange Oreo boutonnière and he actually wore it!  My nephew Kyle flew in from Miami to support his dad. 

Upon our return Friday I spent two glorious days with my Mother while her husband was out of town.  I introduced her to Cup Bop, straightened a cupboard, tried our hands at “5 Crowns” and then while attempting yard work I encountered another hornets nest. Uggh!  I loved spending the time with her. She always makes me feel special and valued. That’s how she treats everybody. 

About my goals last week:
More grateful…yep!
More kind…I slipped here. 
Less time on electronic devices…down 30%

Coming soon:
10th - a fall festival w Linc & Carrie’s fam
          (home version)

11th - Bear repair begins on our Honda CRV

11th - Lane has surgery again to improve his face. He had similar surgery last May. (At this rate he’s in danger of getting too handsome.)

Per Isaiah 60:20 - The Lord shall be my everlasting light and the days of mourning shall be ended!

Perhaps we meet Owen Scott 🙏🏻🤞🏻

Stay in touch.  We love you forever!! 
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

October 2, 2022

Hey yo,  just a little top off to end the week. 

The first weekend in October we listen to a prophet’s voice. General Conference leaves me more hopeful, less stressed and feeling hugged and cared for.  I’m sometimes stubborn, prideful, ungrateful, questioning, and God has not given up on me (or you)!

Collage: Quality and quantity time with our wonderful Daybreak Howell grandkids!!! Maggie bakes thee best orange cookies, Isaac missed his parents even more than he anticipated, a group hug after their flight home. Chillin’ during conference.  
I’m making friends on the pickle ball court. 
I captured an awesome double rainbow.
Last night we delighted in sharing time and a campfire with Greg & Jennifer!
This evening we basked in the company of the Bullocks and friend, Rick…while enjoying Tapioca. 

Other news: 
I spent a day with my Mother & David. Whoa, she makes amazing strawberry shortcake!  
Randi shared an optimistic Owen update🙏🏻 on FB.
Stephen & Emma’s wedding announcement arrived. Congratulate them on Oct 27th. 
Hurricane Ian left Sam’s home interior dry and 1 day without power! 
Kamden can fold towels. 
The Hansen girls are good at running 🏃🏻‍♀️ 

I’m trying to be more grateful, more kind, and spend less time on this here device 📱. 

Coming soon:
4th ~ pizza & floats with Bells
5th-7th ~ Oreo art show in Sacramento 

I’m excited for a new week. 

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)