Thursday, August 31, 2023

AUGUST 2023

8.27.2023


Me again!  Here is yesterday’s update, only one day late. 

Most of my week was enjoyed in Pinesdale, MT. at the Gerber’s ‘homestead’. Six grandkids!!!!!!, Callie๐Ÿ˜ & Rayson๐Ÿ˜, ATV’s, chickens, a creek, barn, dogs, trampoline, vast mountain view’s, geo-caching, painting, baking, puzzles & games. Oh, and ice cream!

I returned home Friday evening and welcomed our Greek group for gyros and slideshow Saturday. 

Sunday Lane accompanied me to teach a precious primary class of 5-6 year olds!

That’s it. My most current update!


































Calendar dates:

Sept 3rd ~ Jerry & Erin Adams commemorate 19 years of building an incredible family!!!  They live in a ‘treehouse‘ in Eugene!



































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



8.20.2023

Hey beloved ones!!!  

I keep falling behind. Most of you know what that feels like.  Lane says “don’t worry Carolyn, no one is holding their breath waiting for a ‘recap’.” So, I record it for me and Bcc my choicest humans. 

I’ve loved time with my extended family, discovering a treasure trove of paintings of a joyful savior, hosting a tea for a handful of RS sisters, reaching 65 y.o. and making a spontaneous trip to be with the Gerbers in beautiful Montana. 



Calendar dates Aug 21-27:
21st ~ Owen Scott in the BIG ONE ☝๐Ÿป 
21st ~ Kiersten Hadley is now 15๐Ÿ˜Š
25th ~ I schedule a brief stop at the Missoula airport departing for SLC✈️.
27th ~ Darren Hill is 3 decades old!! 

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


8.13.2023

Our Greece cruise ended August 7th with a 2 day stay in Italy’s floating city of Venice. So, think Italian Job, The Tourist, and MI7. A truly remarkable international gem! 


















Aug 7th & 8th: The Rialto Bridge, dabbing Mona Lisa Tee, a flooded St Marco square, bell tower views, gondola ride, visits to Murano (glass blowing) island and Burano Island (lace & crazy bright homes). More pasta, pizza, gelato, crepes, cannoli’s๐Ÿ˜‹)
Aug 9th: A long day with 3 miraculous standby flights. We arrive home to thank Sarah & Matt Lindeman for staying on our home, reconnect with my mother, and begin teaching an outstanding class of 4&5 yo’s in Primary. 

Calendar dates:
Aug 17th ~ Camden Hadley marks his 18th year
Aug 17th ~ Carolyn now receives Medicare
Aug 18th ~ Carolyn plans a spontaneous trip to see the Gerber Family in beautiful Montana. 

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


8.6.2023

Have you heard of Zadar, Croatia?  Well, now you have!  It’s a picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic Sea. 

(None of these photos are from Zadar๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ)



























Greece continued…Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Zakynthos, also Ephesus (Turkiye), Dubrovnik & Zadar (Croatia). We kayaked, hiked, attended church, ate and ate some more, and Amanda consented to improve my hairdo.  

Lessons from Greece:
It’s HOT ๐Ÿฅต 
It’s also peak tourist season ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ
Many cats ๐Ÿˆ ๐Ÿˆ‍⬛ 
It’s far from home ๐Ÿก 
Ancient sites abound and astound ๐Ÿ›️๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿ•Œ
We meet good people in every land๐ŸŒ
I still lose at Five Crowns♦️ ♠️ ♥️ ⭐️ ๐Ÿ‘‘ 
Our traveling companions are champs!
We can find Latter-day Saints everywhere. 

Calendar dates:
Aug 6th ~ Savannah Scott blows out 5 candles!!!
Aug 7th ~ we disembark the cruise and travel to Venice
Aug 8th ~ Happy 34th bday to Katie X Bell!
Aug 12th ~ 27th Anniversary to Cam & Kim Howell

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




Monday, July 31, 2023

JULY 2023

7.30.23

Hello and warm greetings from our Greek Cruise.  Very warm indeed!

Our WiFi is spotty so I’ll just share a quick collage from July 24th to the 30th. 


















24th of July, I visited my mother and Luke turned 16!!!
26th, we flew SLC to Paris, adored the airport macarons, then departed for Athens. 
28th, visited the Parthenon ๐Ÿ›️ and surrounding areas. Ate Greek gyros, gelato and donuts.
29th, boarded the cruise 
July 31st ~ Chloe Gerber celebrates 11๐Ÿ˜
August 5th ~ Slater Howell is a handsome 12!
August 5th ~ Charlie Scott is a sweet 3yo๐Ÿ˜Š
August 6th ~ Savannah Scott is 5 & readying for Kindergarten๐Ÿ˜ณ
We visit Greece, Turkey, Croatia & Montenegro.  Greece ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท is my 75th country!

How are you!!?? Stay grateful, healthy and think twice before watching Barbie๐ŸŽ€.’

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

Bah-bye…until we get better WiFi.


7.23.23

Put down the cookie and listen up punk.  Gotcha!


Highlights from last week.  Five grandkids and 2 daughters leave for the Northwest.  I tag along to spell the drivers.  They each take turns driving on the Salt Flats. Kamden is so neat he eats Cheetos with a fork. Nevada is a new state for some.  Shoshone Falls are the Niagara of the West.  Dalia and Tesila take me paddle boarding on Lake Stevens. I fly past Mt Rainier the next day.  What a fast yet fun trip.  We are blessed to have local g’kids hang out.  Love each one of you!!!



Calendar dates:
23 ~ Taggart Kelley is 15 TODAY! ๐Ÿงจ
24 ~ Luke Howell should be getting his license any minute now…๐Ÿš™
25 ~ Margaret Howell celebrates turning 14๐ŸŽ‚
26 ~ Mer & Mike Hadley have already made it ONE year! ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍❤️‍๐Ÿ‘จ
26 ~ We begin making our way to Athens for a fabulous fiery๐Ÿ”ฅGreek Cruise ๐Ÿ›ณ️
30 ~ David England is 92…I think๐Ÿ˜ณ

Behave, be kind, and stay hydrated!  We love you forever,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)


7.16.23

Hello one and all, 


Spring was mild and welcome.  But summer has hit hard and fast.  Next week we fly to Athens which is in the middle of a “red alert” for record temps.  In the meantime we enjoy the relative dry heat of Utah, averaging in the high 90’s and welcome visitors. Tom’s family had a sleepover, Matthew stopped by to show his haircut (Shalaun promised him a higher IQ with shorter hair๐Ÿ˜…), Lincoln and Maggie brought friends and ran the Nifty-Fifty, Luke and Isaac found the Octopus and played Qwixx.  

The Robison family came and stayed 12 days (Chris left early to get back to his job). Britni made a spontaneous choice to drive out with her 3 youngest (to participate in weekend festivities).  There was shaved ice, nail polish, cookie baking, geocaching, spa treatments, Orbeez, garage pickle ball, swimming and splash parks.  


This past weekend was devoted to a Family Reunion for my Mother and her 7 kids, 37 g’kids, and 84 Greats (and in-laws).  It was called the CREEK WEEKend and it was my turn to plan it. 

That is my explanation for so many photos highlighting the Creek family this week.

















Saturday: Temple time in the morning. Afternoon swim party at my nephew’s house in Highland (I skipped that). The main event was a potluck with shenanigans in our cultural hall.  Besides great food, we had guessing jars, a Fruit by the Foot challenge, held a family art contest, my sister brought her bounce house, ran the Nifty-Fifty, a messy Cheeto Toss, and prizes.  
(Thx for the cake platters Carrie and Steph, and to Linc for the Hot Dog roller!!!)


















Sunday:  The Spoken Word, Conference Center tour, Nacho bar at my sisters, nap time, we hosted a dinner for my core family (parents and siblings), followed by an ice cream social.  Overall 116 attended.  Sounds like a lot, but we missed 48 important family members.  

While on the subject of family…. How many of you remember this wall of fame?  We have NOT put back these photos.  Besides all of you adding years and height, EIGHT families have significant changes.  Give some thought to sending us an update when you can.  High resolution is best.  We are proud of each of you and want to highlight you again.  If your family members have not changed we will still use your photo.  

















Calendar dates:  July 16th to July 23rd.
18th  ~  Jerel celebrates 53 years grounded on earth.
18th -19th ~ Carolyn takes part in Jami and Britni’s roadtrip to Lake Stevens.
20th  ~  Carolyn flys back to SLC.
21st   ~  Jerry ignites 42 teeny tiny torches. 
23rd  ~  Taggart can drive…but only with a parent.  Whew!

Please excuse the late recap.  You may see another one tomorrow, since I’ve recovered from the self-inflicted pressure of last week-end.  

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




7.9.23

It’s very late Sunday night. But you’ve been on my mind and I can’t sleep. I want very much to share memories and moments with you and my family. 


Key events last week…
1) a ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ freedom picnic at Bullocks:
Introducing Tanner, reintroducing Josh, burgers, dogs, mega dips, and home-churned ice cream, games, chalk art, cool shade.

















2) Welcoming Tom, Shalaun and family for a slumber party.  Jami & Chris Robison arrive from Ohio, visit Kennecott and perform service for my mother. 


3) Josh gave his mission report today, followed by a family gathering, tacos, oodles of amazing desserts, sunshine, smiles & g’kid squeezes.

















Calendar dates:
Greg turns 51 on July 12

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


7.2.23


Hey y’all!

It was a crazy momentous week. How was yours???

Elder Josh Bullock returned from Ecuador ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ.
My niece Tayva was sealed in the Draper temple and we partied that evening. (I made silk boots and corsages.)  We moved back “home” yesterday. Linc & Carrie spent the week in Scandinavia.


























Calendar dates:
~ Darren & Stephanie anticipate baby #4 soon๐Ÿ’—
~ 4th of July ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐Ÿ‰ ๐ŸŒญ 
~ 4th Linc & Carrie return ✈️ 
~ 5th sleepover w/ Tom & Shalaun’s family!
~ 7th (or 6th?)Robison family come visit⭐️

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

Friday, June 30, 2023

JUNE 2023

6.25.23

Did I write anything this week?

6.18.23

…Formally introduced to Tanner Bell๐Ÿฉต
…There’s always time for Boston crรจme pie!
…The Saratoga Temple open house was glorious and the roses were stunning. 
…We turn heads as we crochet in our doctor’s waiting room.
…RayDean Howell hosted a successful and fun baby shower for Sarah Lindeman. 



Important dates:
18th ~ Father’s Day.  We cherish all the amazing dad’s in our family๐Ÿฉต๐Ÿฉต๐Ÿฉต

Much love ❤️ 


6.11.23

Claire Bell awaits ‘her baby’.  Randi Scott hosts a huge belated 40th birthday for Roy.  We monkey around with Tom and Shalaun Howell’s family.  Claire gets to meet her baby brother!



Important dates:
June 11th ~ Sarah is 26 years young!
June 12th ~ Tanner Bell was born on his birthday.  Coincidence?  I think not.

Much love ❤️


6.4.23

Baby Animal Days in Logan with the Hadley clan. Ax throwing, camel petting, bison busting…it was a real treat!  Thx for the invite๐Ÿ˜


Scott Howell and Amanda Bullock and Daniel Howell graduated from HS. Congrats ๐ŸŽ‰ y’all. We are proud of you. 


Important dates:
June 5th ~ Randi & Roy Scott have 1 decade under their belts๐Ÿ’•
June 7th ~ Erin Adams marks her 38th year ๐Ÿฅณ
June 7th ~ Stephanie Bullock is beyond counting her fingers & toes ๐Ÿงฎ(47๐Ÿ™‚)
June 9th ~ Allison Hill is 36 months๐Ÿฅฐ
June 10th ~ Sophie Gerber is still a single digit…NINE!!!
June 11th ~ Carlie Spallino 312 months ๐Ÿง 

Much love ❤️

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

May 2023

5.28.2023

We served up a “Hawaiian Dinner to Lincoln & Carrie’s family. AKA how to sneak Spam into your diet๐Ÿ˜‚. 



















Spam website shares more recipes…spam & eggs, spam fried rice, spam & Mac-n-cheez, spam tacos, spam kabobs, spam fritters. I think I’ll pass thank you. 


Important dates:
May 29th ~ Baby Animal Days in Logan w Hadleys
June 4th ~ we celebrate the arrival of Benjamin Hale to our planet๐ŸŒŽ.

Much love, ๐Ÿฅฐ


5.21.2023

We venture to Montana just in time for 5 Gerbers to perform in an impressive dance concert. Raylie, Chloe, Sophie, Sadie & Paden are confident entertainers and Paden stole the show as he performed footloose as Richard Simmons. 

Amanda graduates from seminary. And we slipped in at the end to congratulate her!

My dear Mother had a “Bee๐Ÿti-ful” 88th bday party. The Queen Bee of the Creek family. 




Calendar dates forthcoming:
May 22nd ~ Rockwell Hansen turns a terrific 12๐Ÿ˜Ž
May 22nd ~ Sam Howell makes birthday wish #42 ๐Ÿฅณ
May 27th ~ Kylie Howell is more adventurous than ever at 23 y.o. in Austin, Texas.

Smooches ๐Ÿ˜˜ and Hugs ๐Ÿค—!!!


5.14.2023



I am appalled about the ‘PhotoGrid’ logo destroying the photo w Luke…but evidently he is mesmerized by it.  Other noteworthy items…Oquirrh Temple in full bloom, crocheting, dental crown, Mother’s Day, bleeding hearts are perfection, Luke performs with the JrHS orchestra. And after 27 years we can all smile together…it was me that needed the 27 years.  Thanks to every Howell for your patience with me.  I love you. ๐Ÿ˜˜ 
(This week we celebrated the life of “Uncle Mac”.  What an unmatched soul!)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Revelation 21:4

Dates that matter:
May 19 ~ Stephanie Hill enjoys ‘cake & presents day’!๐Ÿฅณ
May 19 ~ Elna Creek England is a glorious double eight 8️⃣8️⃣ ๐ŸŒน 
May 20 ~ Amanda Bullock is rockin’ 18 ๐Ÿคฉ
May 20 ~ X & KC Bell celebrate 14 years of wedlock๐Ÿ‘ฐ๐Ÿผ‍♀️๐Ÿคต๐Ÿผ‍♂️
May 21 ~ Caden Bullock is 1/4 century๐Ÿ‘ด๐Ÿป๐Ÿ˜

5.7.2023Fun time spent with Charlie & Savannah Scott. Issac Howell turned 11!  Stars wars day on “May the Fourth” brought a themed meal. I like “chew-bacca-li”, “Han Solo cups” and wearing Princess Lea buns.  Maggie participated in an evening of ARTS ๐ŸŽญ. We shared a night out with dear Miami friends. 

SAM popped in for games!  Smoking pot is a thing in this John. 

Dates to remember, May 8-14, 2023
12th ~ Raylie Gerber is a totally terrific teen!
14th ~ Anissa & Abriam Buggs celebrate their 1-year anniversary๐Ÿฅฐ

Much love ❤️

Sunday, April 30, 2023

APRIL 2023

4.30.23



Spent this week living large in South Jordan:

⭐️Maggie Howell (aka Margaret & Ret) had a brilliant ๐ŸŽญstage appearance in her schools production of “Newsies ๐Ÿ“ฐ.  We met for lunch with a kind “sister” that Elder Lane baptized. It was great to catch-up!  Issac can play “The Entertainer” ๐ŸŽน faster than the piano can play it๐Ÿ˜†. I began outlining my Creek Family WeekEnd for July. Otherwise, we just took in the beauty of our surroundings and loved the welcome onslaught of spring…my favorite season๐ŸŒท.

Important dates: May 1st to 7th
2nd ~ Bluey fan, Benjamin Hill, turns 5๐Ÿ–๐Ÿป
7th ~ Issac Howell, speedy pianist, is 11๐Ÿฅณ
7th ~ Joseph & Gabriela Hill ๐Ÿ’˜arrived at their 1st anniversary๐Ÿฅ‡

Much love & hugs ๐Ÿฅฐ

4.23.23

Well, well, well…returning from a long road trip with no immediate plans makes for a simpler collage. 

We did laundry, opened mail, had a few doctor appointments, family visits, and seriously discussed moving back into our home this summer (most likely in July). 


Calendar dates:
April 25th ~ 14th anniversary for Callie & Rayson Gerber ❤️
April 26th ~ Hatcher Hansen turned 7๐Ÿฅณ
April 29th ~ Dalia Hansen is now 17 ๐Ÿ˜
April 30th ~ Greg & Jennifer Howell celebrate 1 year married❣️

Much love๐Ÿฅฐ

4.16.23

WE CONCLUDE OUR WINTER ROADTRIP!


Tesila Hansen stars as Elle Woods in her school musical production of Legally Blonde Jr. (Brian gets his share of attention wearing pink pants!!!)  We admire Dalia Hansen as she competes in her HS track meet. Marvelous!!!  Soon after we make a beeline ‘home’ for Elder Caden Bullock’s mission homecoming. 

What a week with amazing family members!
Sorry, if your photo isn’t found in the collage below๐Ÿ˜”.
If you live in Montana, Ohio, Florida or Albany, Oregon we missed you.

Calendar dates:
April 17th ~ it was a terrific road trip but it feels good to stay put for several months…having left early December on a 30-day cruise, then a week in Maui, followed immediately by an 8.5 week road trip. 

April 22nd ~ Dillon would be 17 in earth years and in the class of 2024, graduated 17 years early. Miss you buddy!

Much love to all ❤️!


4.9.23

Northwest loop before driving ‘home’ in mid April. 

Highlights included days & nights in Eugene, OR with Jerry & Erin’s family. More Geocaching, Kaelyn’s birthday, coloring eggs, great meals, Spring popping out in flower-form๐Ÿชป๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒผ, hugs & wonderful memories! (I respect Quinn too much to steal their image.)

Next…Northbound to Lake Stevens, WA for Easter weekend on the Hansen hilltop. Baskets, bunnies, baked ham, and bunch of beauties. So unbelievably blessed!
Upcoming Calendar dates:
April 13th ~ Alta Kelley is the same age as I was in 1970๐Ÿคช

We love you all so much!!!❤️

4.2.23

Winter runaway road trip continued up the West Coast.  Frisco, Jelly Belly factory, Coast, Redwoods, GeoCaching in California. Puzzles & General Conference in Albany, OR.


Important dates:
April 3rd ~ We drive to Eugene, OR
April 3rd ~ Kaelyn Adams is double ONE’s  (11)
April 7th ~ The Robison’s celebrate 9 years, 6 moves, and 2 incredible kids๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ
April 8th ~ We drive to Lake Stevens, WA
April 9th ~ Easter ๐Ÿฃ!!!

Much love ❤️ ❤️