JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018
(this blog contains my weekly emails to my precious family)

WEEK 1 ~ 1/1/2018

Happy New Year and best wishes for a wonderful 2018!!!

Photos from this past week:

1)  All of my siblings were in town.  So we gathered on Wednesday.  Later I popped in on Paden and the girls.  

2)  Thursday we focused on Lincoln’s 40th birthday.  Good times…and great Boston Cream Pie!

3)  Saturday we redeemed a fabulous Christmas gift at the Vivint Arena.  Thanks kids!  The Jazz hung on to beat the Cavs.  

4)  Last night we bumped into everyone that we could while commemorating the seamless transition from 2017 to 2018.

Games, piñata’s, guessing jars, artichoke / clam / sausage dip, soups, supreme mac-n-cheese, Shalaun’s rolls, soda, fondue, prime rib, hot chocolate, crab, roasted potatoes, shrimp, CAKE!

5)  Message from Sunday School yesterday: Hymn #217 has poignant lyrics for the new year.  The lyrics in italics really stood out to me.

Come let us anew our journey pursue,

Roll round with the year, And never stand still till the Master appear.

His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,

And our talents improve By the patience of hope and the labor of love. 

I never considered God’s will to be adorable.  Not once in all my years.  Yet he invites me to adore Him.  And as I keep reaching and improving I’ll be able to adore Him and everything He offers me.  His will included!

This week:

1st  HAPPY NEW YEAR’s DAY!

1st  We leave to pursue a one-month journey.  We will periodically check our email for messages.  Lincoln has a copy of our itinerary.  However, in an emergency you can contact Fun For Less (801)619.1022 or (800)591.2432  Tour: South America to Antarctic Cruise.  Dates: Jan 5 - 30, 2018.   

2nd  Michael will be 26 - yea!

5th  Sadie turns 2 - whoopee!

WEEKS 1-4  January 1st - 30th, 2018

Hello landlovers!!!

We missed you!!!  Your break from ‘check-ins’ is over.  Let’s play a picturesque game of catch-up after our one month cruise.  Destination: Antarctica via Argentina around Cape Horn to Chile...various stops in between.  This was the chance of a lifetime trip that Lane has dreamed of for years and officially started planning last February.  

1) ARGENTINA (8 days)

Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires Temple - the Tango - Travel with Mac & Pam - Cruise begins - Puerto Madryn - Ushuaia (southern-most city in the world)

Highlights: getting drenched in the falls right ofter this photo.  Tango poses.  Hot weather in January!

2) URUGUAY (1 day)

Montevideo - (Uncle Perry Howell’s mission area) - Temple - Independence Plaza - Old Town tour - Chivito, a traditional sandwich (it really was that colorful!)

Highlight: Setting foot in a new country!  Number 40-something.

3) FALKLAND ISLANDS (1 day)

Stanley - 5 hour round trip jeep tour - Volunteer Point - King, Gentoo & Magellanic penguins 

Highlights: walking among penguins.  When the jeep ride was over!  Making it back to the cruise port in time to sail away on the Zaandam.

4)  ANTARCTICA scenic cruising (4 days)

Wilhelm Archipelago - Danco Coast - King George Island - Hope Sound - Gerlache Strait

We were so fortunate to have good weather for 3 of the days and SPECTACULAR weather 1 day!!!

Highlights:  Being at the end of the world.  Icebergs.  Watching killer and humpback whales.  Stunning scenery mirrored in the Antarctic Sea. 

A new continent for us! 

5) CHILE (6 days)

Punta Arenas - Tierra del Fuego - Patagonia - Puerto Chacabuco - Isla Chiloé - Puerto Montt - Valparaiso - Vina Del Mar - Santiago

Highlights:  Rather ironic to shop for Patagonia wear in Patagonia proper.  Touring a replica of Magellan’s ship.  Another new country for us!

6)  Days at Sea (8 days)

Atlantic Ocean - Drake Passage (2 times, ugh)  - Cape Horn - Strait of Magellan - Tierra Del Fuego - Chilean Fjords - Pacific Ocean

Highlights: bobbing around in the ship pool during the rough seas of the Drake Passage.  

FREE 24 hour room service.  Playing Five Crowns & learning to play Hot Dice.

We disembarked this morning.  Tonight we sleep in Santiago - our last night in South America.  Fingers are crossed that we can catch a flight home tomorrow night.  We should be home Tuesday.

During our absence our beloved prophet President Monson moved on.  Now we whole-heartedly sustain President Nelson and his counselors.  What else did we miss?  Please catch us up on your lives.

While we’ve been traveling:

Jan 9th - Audrey has now reached double digits!

Jan 10th - Darren & Stephanie Hill celebrated 4 years of marriage - XOXO

Jan 11th - Carlie is now 18!

Jan 14th - Cam blew out a ridiculous amount of candles!

Jan 14th - Meredith was eligible for the spanking line ;o}

Jan 21st - Thatcher is TWO!!

Jan 23rd - KC marked the anniversary of his birth!

Jan 26th- Happy 'cake & presents day' to Shalaun!

Jan 26th - Sam & Jamie Howell celebrated 7 years together - XOXO

Jan 28th - Spencer turns 3 today!

Jan 31st - And Sister SARAH Hill comes home!!! 

Chris & Jami Robison are homeowners in Mississippi!!!

Coming this week:

Tom & Shalaun’s baby!???

Jan 29th - Jami makes her annual birthday wish!

Britni and Hatcher come visiting to meet Paden!!!

Feb 4th - Callie is the birthday queen!

Feb 4th - Rayson is the birthday king!

Feb 4th - the Super (SOUPER) Bowl at Bullock's

We love you forever!

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma, Momma C, Carolyn & Lane

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

PS We have plenty of photos if you’d like to see more ;o}

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