DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017
(this blog contains my weekly emails to my precious family)

WEEK 1 ~ 12/3/2017

Hello Sweet Graham Cracker Constructionists!

1)  OREGON!  We spent time in Albany and Tigard this past week.  A few days in Albany resulted in homemade tree ornaments, hot-tubin’, Hawaiian and Asian meals and great family time with Cam, Kim, Anissa and Justin.  

Then on to Tigard.  Backstory - Years ago Erin had a bad experience that left her unable to prepare or partake of that childhood favorite ’there’s-always-room-for-more’ ...JELL-O!  I recently lucked into becoming the first source of knox-blox (finger jello) for Kaelyn, Ava and Brennan.  So when I walked into Jerry’s home Wednesday Brennan exclaimed “Can we make Jello?”  I can’t say no to JELL-O.  

We also created candy houses with a few graham crackers strategically placed underneath a mountain of candy.  

2)  Yesterday we gathered in Albany for an early Christmas celebration.  (Anissa and Justin had dates for the Winter Formal at church.)

3)  Earlier in the day we had lunch, played games, saw a matinee, colored, awarded prizes.

(Justin and Anissa with their dance dates)

4)  In Corvalis we were tempted…did not succumb.  But what a way to go!

5)  I like this from Sunday School today:

“…we should use our free agency and be actively engaged in supporting and defending the principles of truth, right, and freedom.”  

Elder L. Tom Perry, 1987

Coming this week:

~  4th  We travel to Lake Stevens to visit the Hansens

~  8th  Roy’s birthday is commemorated

~  8th  We drive back to Utah

~ 10th  Stephen will celebrate being 14 - old enough to be a MiaMaid.  

WEEK 2 ~ 12/11/2017

My December darlings ~

It’s so good to have spent time with all of you in the past several weeks.  Thank you for finding time to be with us.  

A special appreciation to Lincoln and Carrie for opening their home to us (and their garage to our belongings).  

This past week. 

1)  Monday - We left Oregon and drove north to visit the Hansens in Lake Stevens (north of Seattle)

2)  That evening they concocted a glorious shepherd’s dinner for family home evening.  As 21st century shepherds we’ve gotten spoiled by exchanging goat cheese for easy ‘squirt’ cheese and date juice for sparkling cider.  Tesila and Dalia played Christmas hymns on the piano.  Brian read from the gospel of Luke while we took on the parts of the nativity.  

Hmmm.  Those of you in the SL area might like to consider joining us for a shepherd’s dinner.  Here are your choices:  

Sunday, December 17th, 6 pm ~ Kelley’s home  

Wednesday, December 20th, 6 pm ~ Bullock’s home

Consider yourselves invited.  Costumes optional but recommended.  Please let us know if we can expect you and where.

3)  In honor of Dalia’s first junior high band concert we ate tributes to her instrument.  FRENCH toast stix, FRENCH bread, FRENCH fries & FRENCH silk pie.  Britni assured the meal had some balance by tossing in some meatballs.  Dalia performed well and it was a fun evening.  She is also learning the alto saxophone (and piano).

4)  Our kids love playing!  Cam really caught on to SET.  And both the Albany Howells and Hansens enjoyed playing Five Crowns.  Well, maybe not Kim ;o}.

We drove home on clear roads in one fell swoop on Thursday.  Lincoln and Carrie’s kids had their dad’s back until Lane tried cutting in. 

5)  Lingering in my thoughts all week was a talk assignment in our new ward.  The request came as quite a surprise and I stewed over it much too long.  The topic was “Why I believe”.  I referenced Christ as the ultimate avenger.  He is immortal.  He created worlds, the Earth being his footstool.  He is the Great King Immanuel.  He has all power to restore paralyzed limbs, sight and life.  And power to forgive sins.  Because of His ultimate sacrifice we are all immortal beings.  This because He is the Life, the Light, the Hope of the world whose chosen path leads to happiness now and forever.  And HE IS REAL!  

6)  This morning our red eye flight landed us back in Miami for a few meetings and appointments.  I watched ELF in our hotel room.  When it got to the part where the citizens of hard-hearted NYC begin to soften and join in singing Santa Claus is coming to Town and then they start to sing more enthusiastically as they believe again and remember Santa.  That part.  The Clausometer ramps up to 100% and the reindeer fly Santa and sleigh right over the heads of the carolers who now KNOW that Santa is real.  Jaws drop and smiles spread over their faces.  I cried.  Someone else really knows when we are sleeping, He knows where we’re awake.  He knows when we’ve been bad or good…so be good for goodness sake!

Tonight I imagined the sight, the surprise, the glee, the panic, when Christ appears in His full glory.  Every knee bowing.  Every heart knowing.  I will cry again.  It will indeed be glo-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-o-ri-ous!!!  

This coming week:

13th ~ Shalaun & Tom celebrate 14 years!

13th ~ we fly back to SLC. 

14th ~ Cameron’s surgery happens.  Spare a prayer.

14th ~ Aunt Colleen’s birthday.  We spoke to her last week and she’s pleased to have Shelley visiting again and co-teaching a candy making class in her home.  She’s hanging on cheerfully.  Perhaps a little discouraged that her custom fitted power wheelchair will take 90 days to arrive.

14th & 15th ~ Gerber girls dance recital.

Save the date:  New Year’s Eve.  Ring in 2018 at the Bullock’s (we’ll miss the Oregonians, Washingtonians, and Ohioans).

WEEK 3 ~ 12/18/2017

Felicitations Festive Family ~

It’s beginning to look a lot like…

SHEPHERDS DINNERS.   One with Hansen's.  One at Kelley’s.  One at Bullock’s (Wednesday).  Gerbers on CHRISTmas eve.

Last week:

1) Meetings in Miami - with my dentist, with MAS, with dear friends

2)  A memorable movie night - with Bullocks, Matthew, Scott & Luke

3)  Gerber girls dance recital - they each performed to perfection! …says an unbiased g’momma.

As of this email, baby boy is being stubborn.

4)  Miscellaneous moments -

5)  A night at Kelley’s - with KC, X, Randi, and Centerville Howells (missed Emeline).  Thanks Tyson and Meredith for hosting.  It was super!

Glory to God for the selfless gift of His son.  Glory to His son for His selfless gift of immortality.  And making possible Eternal life with our glorious family.  All we did to deserve these gifts was to choose God’s plan of happiness.  We continue to choose God’s plan for us.  Hallelujah!  

This coming week:

20th  Shepherd’s dinner at Bullocks, 6 pm

???  Gerber baby!

One week until CHRISTmas.  Have a good one.

WEEK 4 ~ 12/26/2017

Merry CHRISTmas!

To sum up...

1)  I spent much of the week getting familiar with a new grandson, Paden Cole Gerber and his 4 big sisters!  Paden arrived one week late.  A home birth.  The mid-wife arrived with an hour to spare.  He is a cute little man, faint eyelashes, a furrowed brow, fuzzy head, long toes, perfectly formed body.  Very grateful for this boy and his incredible mother.  Congrats Uncle Rayson, Aunt Callie, Raylie, Chloe, Sophie, and Sadie!

2)  The Bullocks co-hosted a shepherd’s dinner on Wednesday.  Thanks to all who participated!!!

3)  Random shots from the week:  

Girls lunch with 2 sisters and my mother.  

Uncle Sam IS the Grand Master Wu at a happy birthday party for 5 year old Lee.  

Our tour of the greenhouse with Uncle Greg.  

Temple Square.  

Christmas morning with Uncle Lincoln, Aunt Carrie, Matthew, Scott, Luke, Maggie, & Isaac.

Is was a quiet day for us.  Let us hear the details about yours...

4)  Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my husband, but rather give thanks to God that he hath manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.  ~ Mormon 9: 31, likened unto us.  (We are on target to complete the Book of Mormon on New Years Eve day.)

This very week!

28th  Uncle Lincoln’s 40th birthday

30th  King James (LeBron that is) and his entourage will hold court Saturday.  G’pa Lane & I will be there!

31st  NEW YEAR’S EVE family gathering - Bullock’s.  INFO FORTHCOMING

We love you forever,

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

G'momma & G'pa Howell

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017
(this blog contains my weekly emails to my precious family)

WEEK 1 ~ 11/5/2017

Hello y’all,

This week in photos:

1)  During our move to Utah Lane dropped me off in Ohio - where we met handsome Kamden Thomas Robison November 1st.

2)  Jami is so efficient, he was born within 20 hours of our arrival.  This cute little guy weighed in at 5 lb. 8 oz.  The entire family is doing great!

I’ll stay here in Cincinnati until the 15th.  Lane drove on to Utah, arriving last evening.  Our temporary address will be at Linc & Carrie’s home.  (Thank you!)

3)  We got a rude awakening one morning in North Carolina.

4)  We found FALL and a nice hiking trail in Rocky Top, Tennessee

5)  This is the insanity of the Biltmore House, established in 1895.  It started as a little house but then they…built more.  ;o}

George and Edith Vanderbilt and their daughter Cornelia lived in 178,000 square feet which included 43 bathrooms in an era when most American families didn’t even have one indoor bathroom.  

6)  "In these 3 words you have the finest capsule course for a happy marriage, the formula for enduring friendships, and a pattern for personal happiness.”  Pres Monson  

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you…(Philippians 1:3-4)  And 

I’m thankful for my future tiny home on wheels.

7) 18 days until THANKSGIVING!  We’ll be hosting and no doubt it will look something like a page out of a Martha Stewart magazine.  ;o}

Exact location is 4484 Willoughby Drive, South Jordan 84095

Plan to join us if you can.  We’ll have good eats, games, contests, etc.  Watch for sign-up & start time.

Coming soon:

Scott celebrates his lucky “13” on the 10th

WEEK 2 ~ 11/12/2017

Hello young'uns,

I’m basking in the simple pleasures of childhood.  May each of you, one day, enjoy the blessing that is grandparenthood.

1) the nap

2) the stroll

3) a good burp, or the giggles

4) a popsicle

5) bubbles 

6) become as a child; trusting your Heavenly Father, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love.  Keep your sense of wonder and curiosity — and your appreciation for simple pleasures.

7)  We redeemed a gift from Daybreak Howells & Bullock’s last Thursday - a great stage play at the Hale Centre Theatre.  Thanks.  And thanks to Greg for filling in while I’m on baby watch for a few more days.

   

This coming week:

More details on our Thanksgiving celebration will be sent out.  Oregon Howell’s, Adams' & Robison’s will be sorely missed.

November 14th ~ Matthew will be 15

WEEK 3 ~ 11/19/2017

Happy Sunday evening,

1)  This was my first and last trip to Cincinnati to visit Kamden.  I stayed until Wednesday morning.  Such fun!  But hard to say good-bye.  (G’pa and I will come find you in Mississippi sweet kids!)

2)  Lane met me at the airport Wednesday and we headed south to St George for a wonderful visit with Colleen and Gaylin. However, it seemed logical that we would pause in Cedar City to see Thor.  SEE IT!  We were able to pester the Poulsons, McCarthurs, Kim Herbst, Ron, Phyllis Sue and Patrice…all in a 24 hour period.  Then is was back to a snowy Salt Lake Valley on Friday afternoon.  Colleen asked that we pass along her love to each of her family members.  She feels loved and remembered through your prayers.  Colleen understands that her health may deteriorate quickly.  She tires easily yet her outlook is still positive.  We agreed to take her on a motorhome trip in the Spring.  

3)   Early this year Callie invited me to attend TOFW (Time Out For Women) but the morning of the event she cancelled due to illness.  : (

Last minute plans allowed my mother to use Callie’s ticket for the Saturday afternoon session.  Callie is on the mend and getting well fast.

4)  Now that we are back in Utah we look forward to spending time with family.   Today Matthew’s birthday was commemorated with a special dinner.  He is a standout 15 year old grandson.

5)  I’ve only been back in the city for 2 days but already I am enjoying

- the familiarity of this valley

- seeing Stephen’s hot chocolate on grocery shelves

- temples dotting the terrain (watch out for the Cedar City temple, it has changed the skyline)

- WINCO!

- anticipating the lights of Temple Square

- meeting up with friends

- Deseret Industries

- Church meetings minus the headsets

- walking to church

6) From Sunday School:  To be worthy does not mean to be perfect.    Whew!

7) 3.5 days until Thanksgiving.  Gooble ’til you wobble wherever you feast.  Those feasting in South Jordan with us will receive an email tomorrow with more details.  Please watch, read and respond ASAP.

This coming week:

~ THANKSGIVING!

~ Next Sunday is Britni & Brian’s anniversary.  Lucky 13!

WEEK 4 ~ 11/26/2017

Turkey lovers unite!!!   

1)  We had a marvelous Thanksgiving day.   Check out these beautiful faces.  Those not pictured were definitely remembered and missed!!! 

2)   Appetizers — games — dinner — contests —  a matinee

3) We played a unique form of musical chairs, minus the chairs.  All participants went to the prize table.

Awards Ceremony — pictured are 1st place winners in the COLORING, PUZZLE & NIFTY-FIFTY contests (various age categories).

4)  Thanks to the Hills for overseeing the creation of the NIFTY-FIFTY floor relay/maze.  Several years ago Ava took me to her school playground where together with Brennan, Kaelyn and Justin we discovered this...

5)   We remain GRATEFUL to each of you for your contributions to not only to a great Thanksgiving celebration - which it definitely was - but also your contributions to our family as a whole and to each other as individuals.  It warms our hearts to know of your ongoing game nights, bike rides, recitals, sports events, baby showers, church activities, etc.  Keep being RADD : )

6)  Speaking of RADD  : )  ...Sister Sharon Eubank shared in October General Conference President Kimball’s counsel - Church members should reflect Righteousness and Articulateness and be seen as Distinct and Different - in happy ways - from the world.  You’ve probably heard of President Hinckley’s "6 B’s" in 2000.  But before that there was President Kimball’s "4 B’s" in 1979.  Be Righteous, Be Articulate, Be Distinct, Be Different in happy ways.  

7)  And in closing...

This coming week:

~ Today is the Hansen’s 13th wedding anniversary…celebrated at an indoor fast food playground as they made a beeline home to Lake Stevens, Washington today.

~ Lane & I visit the Albany Howells and the Tigard Adamses. 

~ 29th - Jamie’s 38th birthday!

We love you forever!

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma, Momma C, Carolyn

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017
(this blog contains my weekly emails to my precious family)

WEEK 1 ~ 10/1/2017

What a great week!

1) Weekdays in the Pocono Mountains.  That’s Pennsylvania baby.

2) Weekend in Big Pine Key.  We were totally wiped out Saturday.  Paced ourselves better today.  This area was hit hard but folks are returning, getting their power and water back, finding hope, counting blessings — though many are starting over.  

3) Caden flew to Argentina! 

4) General Conference happened.  Missed President Monson, kinda happy for Elder Hales, but feel blessed to hear from 13 prophets, seers and revelators.  We read talk summaries.  So much to take in.  We’ll try one session each evening this week.  Which talk taught you the most?  

No family birthdays this week.  

Stay amazing!

Can you find 4 photos of Lane?

WEEK 2 ~ 10/8/2017

Dear charming chillin’,

This week.  It’s a blur.  And I’m tired.  Oh well.  

1)  So much so that I’m parading out a dusty lamp that I painted earlier this year.  

The skiwampus design is a mapping of all our home addresses. Seeing it now, I wonder why I chose to save it during our recent evacuation. Now that I’ve taken a photo, I can toss it.

2)  Ever since I taught seminary I have subscribed to the New Era.  I really enjoy reading it.  Try it, you’ll like it too.

"How do we find our way through the many things that matter?  We simplify and purify our perspective.  Some things are evil and must be avoided; some things are nice; some things are important; and some things are absolutely essential.”  Elder Andersen

My essentials center around faith in Jesus Christ and my family.  I couldn’t be happier to be Lane’s wife, the mother of incredible children and a G’momma.  I am a happy lady.  

3)  My mother shared this great news Saturday.  "Dave went to the doctor on Thursday was told he was clear and clean (of cancer)!!  So no more treatments til Jan.”  Yippy!

4) We saw the first photos of Caden in Argentina.  All smiles.  Still thin.  ;o}  

This new week:

I’ll be flying to SLC on the 13th to accept the Gerber’s invitation to babysit darling g’kids while Callie joins Rayson on work detail in Hawaii.  They return to SLC on the 22nd.  Raylie, Chloe, Sophie and Sadie…get ready to PaRtY!  My momma skills are pretty rusty, but this g’ma is finding her groove.  Haha. 

WEEK 3 ~ 10/15/2017

Fall Felicitations,

1)  Life rolls on following hurricane Irma.  In the midst of recovery efforts and breaking in our Helping Hands t-shirts I cleaned up to speak at the baptism of one of our young women.  My friend Sheryl (mother of 3 and recently divorced) just received permission for her two daughters to be baptized.  Lauryn, age 15 is one of our amazing Mia Maids.  She is so ready!  A great day!  Their brother baptized her younger sister, age 10.  An elder baptized Lauryn. (Sheryl’s twin is pictured here with 6 of her 9 kids.)  

2)  Speaking of Elders, we had a near-record number of folks sit down for dinner in HaRV this week.  (The all-time record is still held by the Bullocks, July 2017)

3)  I am enjoying hugs from the Gerber girls this week while Callie joins Rayson for a week's work detail on the Big Island of Hawaii.  At first, Sophie was unsure of her new cuddle-bug.  

Straightaway we made 8-day countdown chains.  And I embraced the Utah hot cocoa craze, with candy-corn marshmallows.  

4)  Autumn is chilly in Utah.

5)  Two weeks from now we’ll wave goodbye to HaRV (and Florida) and begin driving west in our CR-V.  Our little beach house will be one of the hardest home’s I’ve left, but also the easiest to exit.  

6)  RV’s today are unbelievable.  They actually have floorpans with 2 bathrooms, 4 TV’s, residential refrigerators, a freezer in below-storage, solid flooring on slide-outs, a sofa that converts to bunk beds, etc.  Lane just wants a simple dimmer switch on my bed lamp.  ;o}

7)  Only 38 days!  Our Thanksgiving plans are in full swing.  Watch for more details to embrace (or ignore).   

8)  My honey joins me in Utah Monday.

Coming soon!

Monday the 16th - Adelaide blows out 4 candles

Friday the 20th - Kim celebrates the anniversary of her birth

Friday the 20th - Maggie will be baptized!

Saturday the 21st - Samie turns 16

Sunday the 22nd - Thomas marks his birthday

WEEK 4 ~ 10/22/2017

Progeny pictorial,

1)  Time out with giddy Gerber girls. (Oct 14th until this afternoon)  Serious playtime.

2)  Maggie gets baptized!  Taking hot tubbin' to a new level.

3)  Callie & Rayson returned from The Big Island today.

4)  We crashed Tom’s birthday dinner — lucky for us!

5)   I’ve always felt that I can learn a lot about life at a funeral.  I’ve tried to watch the proceedings from Elder Hales funeral, held several weeks ago.  So far I’ve not met with success but I’ve been able to read some of the comments made about this remarkable servant of God.  Here’s one that I particularly love:

“The titles of men really are not important.  If you’re happy doing what you are doing, and if you’re providing for the…needs of your family while getting some satisfaction from your job and you have a few dollars left over, then you’re a rich man.”

6)  We selected our next home.  After a wonderful week in Utah we fly home tonight to prepare HaRV for trade-in.  Saturday we leave him behind and begin driving to Utah via Disney, the Blue Ridge Moutains, and Cincinnati.  Our new RV will be ready next February or March.  

This coming week…

24th  Our 21st anniversary! 

25th Josh will be 15

27th Ava celebrates her 11th birthday

WEEK 5 ~ 10/29/2017

Hello heavenly hooligans,

1)  it’s been a week of bye-bye gatherings with great folks, usually with good food. (One group of 5 couples finally met after attempting for 1yr. We should’ve moved sooner😆!) Pics are of YW, former seminary students, ward & stake friends.  A few neighbors stopped to wave goodbye - one gave us a bible. Sweet Elvia.








2)  We stood by helplessly as HaRV was towed out of our RV park without a whimper.  A few minutes later we began the 7 hr drive out of Florida only to stop from exhaustion 2.5 hrs later. It’s been a jam-packed week. All our weeks are jam-packed. (Aren’t yours?!)  We love it that way!




3)  Today...breakfast in Fort Pierce, FL...lunch in Daytona, FL...dinner in Savannah, GA


Tomorrow we tour the Biltmore Estate (over 175,000 square feet of ridiculousness!!!)  Then continue on to Cincinnati by Wednesday.

4)  Samuel the Lamanite was super human. And Nephi (Lehi’s brother) was master of his universe.  Such protective power and control of the weather bestowed upon obedient servants of God!  I want to serve well so I can be with you guys in heaven.

This coming week:
Oct 30th  Amazing Anissa’s birthday.
Oct 31st   Boo 👻
Nov 2nd Jami & Chris Robison’s son arrives.  Ta-dah!

Live life intentionally.

We love you forever,

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma, Momma C, Carolyn

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994