NOVEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

WEEK 1 ~ 11/11/2018

Tis the season for giving extra THANKS.  We couldn’t be more GRATEFUL for our bunch of TURKEYS,

1)  The Bullocks commemorating Josh’s 16th birthday.  Jerel dressed up for the event!

2)  A day spent with the Gerber’s is always filled with FUN!

3)  We stayed in town long enough to redeem last years Christmas gift from Tom & Shalaun.  The Aquarium was a delight with this bunch.

4)  Halloween morning got us up ‘early’ for a costume parade.  Maggie, Isaac and Luke show special excitement when they see Carrie.  The fourth kid was among my top 10 costume winners - Ricky Rubio, obviously!

5)  Savannah stopped by to watch “The Ghost and Mr Chicken” with me.  Last Sunday her daddy pronounced a name and a special blessing on her.

6)  The Kelley’s were gracious enough to host us for dinner, entertainment and games last Family Night.  They’ve got some truly talented and dedicated pianists.  Having missed their recital we got a private concert.  The night ended with plenty of tapioca for all.

7)  We are so glad that you were made…and then by some twist of fate you found your way into our family.

8)  Last Wednesday we ‘moved’ to St George for a month.

Last night we saw Lex De Azevedo perform in the SG tabernacle, FREE!

Among many beautiful numbers he played sing-a-long songs from "Saturday’s Warrior" and "My Turn on Earth”.

Oh the memories!  And today in church I spoke with Linda Mease (Preschool teacher for Jerry, Britni and Callie).

We will return to SLC for one long weekend. 

-Thanksgiving at Bullocks on the 22nd.

-International Chinese lunch at Linc & Carrie’s on the 24th.

-Eagle court for Josh and Matt on the 25th?

-Dr appt on the 26th, return to St George.

Family events:

Scott turned 14 yesterday!

Matthew will be 16 on the 14th

Kelley’s come visit us in St George (16th-20th)

ENTRY 2 ~ 11/21/2018

Our second week in St George:

We love it at the Temple View RV park.  It is centrally located in the town, within walking distance of interesting places, great hikes nearby, a few relatives live within a few minutes drive.  And besides, the Kelley’s spent a long weekend with us.  (Hiking, dinosaur fossil finds, Pipe Springs national monument, Red Butt Hills, playgrounds, pickle ball, swimming, all-you-can-eat breakfast with the old fogies, the carousel.)

Thanks for coming Kelleys!  

Currently - we left CarLa in St George and drove our car back to the Bullocks for Thanksgiving. This Saturday Lincoln and Carrie host an Asian dinner, 5:00 p.m. and football viewing, 8:00 p.m.  Josh & Matthew’s combined Eagle Court is Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

FYI:

Lincoln & Carrie’s new address:

4958 Lake Ave

South Jordan, UT

84009

Also,

Aunt Reta reports that Uncle Gary will receive radiation in Boise 5 x week for 6 weeks to treat his sinus cancer. Today they were in Boise for an appointment with an oncologist. When we learn more we will update you. Please remember Aunt Reta and Uncle Gary in your prayers.

April 2018 (Colleen’s funeral)


ENTRY 3 ~ 11/25/2018

Hello!

We arrived back in SLC Wednesday and stayed busy all weekend.  Tomorrow we drive back ‘home’ to CarLa, St George and warmer temps.

1)  A Howell, Bullock, Scott, Bell Thanksgiving.  It was everything we dreamed it would be. It was wonderful to have Anissa with us.  The food was superb.  But oh, those pies.  Later we split for the movies.  Most to Robin Hood, a few to Ralph Breaks the Internet.  Then back to Bullocks for more pie, jigsaw puzzle, sudokus and games.  We loved hearing about some of your turkey day happenings and seeing some photos.  Keep on sharing!  

I am thankful to my Savior for second chances.  And for the accommodations of the Bullock Family.

2)  Friday I met Jerry, Erin and family in Lehi for lunch and some pickle ball.  The kids were excited because they play it at school.

I am thankful Jerry took a handicap so I could compete.  I had a blast!  Thank you for taking time to come get a hug.  (The Adams are in town for a Cochran wedding.)  

3)  Saturday was our International Thanksgiving dinner.  Asian dishes, a tour of Linc & Carrie’s new home (they got in Wednesday), and the lopsided BYU/UTE football game.  (Only 30 pictured out of 50 attendees.)  Thank you DayBreak Howells for hosting, you do it so well.

4)  I sneaked over to the Gerber’s to deliver a Christmas gift and found 4 little granddaughters asleep under the Christmas tree.  (A tradition on the first night.)

5)  This evening was the Eagle Court for Josh and Matthew.  And it was very well done.  Many friends and family came to congratulate them.  And just to be sure it was memorable, X provided special sugar cookies!  We are proud of these two young men.

6)  This is sweet...

7)  Update on Uncle Gary:

Thursday’s CT scan shows the cancer has spread so they are expediting his procedures.

Rather than 5x a week for six weeks, they will do 5x a week for 3 weeks, with larger doses.  They start tomorrow (Monday) with a feeding and pain tube. Reta says she is just barely hanging in there.

Their daughter Valerie is a nurse and has been with them but left today. Darrin will be driving from Ogden to be with his parents in Boise.  Continued faith and prayers please.

Coming soon:

Hansen’s anniversary is the 26th ~ 14 years!

Jamie Howell celebrates another trip around the sun on the 29th.

We love you forever!

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

Response and photo from Jerel Bullock:

Thanks for the update. It was a pretty decent week up here. I’m completely hooked on playing pickleball!  I’m glad to hear you guys are playing a bit down there. You need to keep it up so we can play when you get back or when we come down. 

Are you guys going to the Holliday Bowl?  We’re going to have to stay home and watch on TV but that will still be good. 

Don’t know if Steph sent this picture to you already, but that was an awesome poster you made him!  Our kids are extremely blessed to have as wonderful of a grandma as you are for them!

OCTOBER 2018

OCTOBER 2018

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

WEEK 1 ~ 10/1/2018

1)  Okay, so I turned 60 in August and these human beings held a gathering at Ft Stevens State Park on the Oregon Coast.

2) Then I got a crazy weird haircut and considered buying a wig.  Whew!  That was a close call. 

3)  What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

4)  We drove up to the Park City Hot Air Balloon Festival "Autumn Arise”.  They didn’t…rise.  Too windy.

5)  It’s now a tradition that a handful of Orlando friends meet for lunch because we’ve done it twice…in 4 years. 

6)  I flew to Portland while visiting with Mallory from Studio C.  Seat mates.  She’s from Portland.  Very pretty.  And friendly.

7)  I’m visiting Jerry and his family for a little down time.  

8)  Ava & I did a little Geo-caching waiting for the soccer game.

9)  Kaelyn & Brennan postgame pic.

10)  "God’s most extraordinary work is most often done by ordinary people in the seeming obscurity of a home and family.” Neal A. Maxwell

Happy 14th anniversary to:

9/3 Jerry & Erin Adams

Happy Belated birthdays to:

9/8    Justin Howell

9/9    RayDean Hill

9/12  Carrie Howell

9/15  Brian Hansen

9/19  Randi Scott

WEEK 2 ~ 10/7/2018

Hello incredibly great young people!

I’ve just returned from a relaxing week in Tigard with Jerry & Erin’s family.  On my flight to Portland my seat mate was Mallory from Studio C, or the Purple Mattress girl.  

I tagged along to soccer games and practices with Brennan and Kaelyn, a lil geocaching with Ava, went miniature golfing, watched Ava play flag football, walked kids to and from school, ate delicious food, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Adams home.

Jerry treated me to a day in my hometown where we met Britni (who drove down from Lake Stevens with Violet and Hatcher) at beautiful Lake Sacajawea.  Members of my family lived in Longview, WA  36 years.  One by one each of the 7 C’s left home for college and started families.  Lastly, my parents sold our home and moved to Utah 12 years ago. Last Thursday I could not think of one person in town that would remember me.  As we meandered around the lake, drove around a few landmarks (i.e the nutty squirrel bridge), I came to realize that I have no connection to Longview except for fading memories.  Still, it was a beautiful day and I’m grateful that those memories include my children.

I’ve been pleased to stay still this weekend to listen first hand to all 5 sessions of General Conference.  I drove to Temple Square early Saturday and stood for 2 hours hoping to get one standby seat in the conference center.  Turns out I was only fortunate enough to be seated in the tabernacle.  Here are some of the highlights for me.  

A Come Follow Me manual for home use due out in December.

A shortened Sunday Church schedule to 2 hours.

A correction to use the Lord’s designated name for His Church.

And 12 new temples announced.  

The FIRST Women’s Session held on General Conference weekend and the entire 1st Presidency gave us counsel.

     In addition President Nelson invites all women to:

     - Participate in a 10-day fast from social media.

 - Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year, marking every reference to Christ.

 - Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.

 - Participate fully in Relief Society.

Coming this week:

11th - Triple date with Jon & RayDean, Lincoln & Carrie

12th-14th  An RV jaunt with Sam, Jamie and boys to Dinosaur National Park.

WEEK 3 ~ 10/14/2018

Howdy, hospitable, hardworking, heartwarming kids!

This evening we just returned from a 3 day weekend with Sam & Jamie’s family to Dinosaur-land — aka Vernal. 

Vernal is a hub for some off the beaten path adventures.  Vernal itself boasts a Dinosaur museum and has the best community pool in the state! Not far away was the Dinosaur quarry visitor center and shuttle service to the quarry site.  We also ventured out yesterday for a nice hike to find Moonshine Arch.  

And finished off the trip this afternoon exploring Fantasy Canyon.

Last Monday Amanda partnered with me to do some weeding at G’ma Creek’s front flower beds (my dear mother’s house). 

Well-past sunset we decided to weed for 5 more minutes.  Suddenly we found ourselves under attack and feeling sharp pains on our ankles.  We ran immediately to the sidewalk, suspecting red-ants, and stripped off our shoes and socks.  The pains kept coming on our arms, backs, legs, buttocks.  We then ran inside while realizing we had disturbed a beehive, bees trailing along behind.  Where was the iconic lake we were supposed to jump into?  haha.  Six days later my stings are still itching.  

Lane and I also hosted a triple date with the Hills and DayBreak Howells to a David Archuleta and Colbie Caillat concert.  I thought it was wonderful!

To inspire:  LOVE is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.  

Coming this week:

16th ~ Adelaide will be 5!

20th ~ Happy Birthday to Kim! 

21st ~ Samie turns 17! 

WEEK 4 ~ 10/21/2018

Good afternoon, good morning and good night!

Some of the week’s highlights in photo-form:

1) An early celebration of Anissa’s upcoming birthday.  A luncheon at “The Garden”.

2) I’m tending 2 adorable grandkids in Mississippi while Chris Robison is working under contract in Texas and Jami is training full time for a part-time job.

3)  Jami had yesterday off so we visited a dairy farm -- played in a vat of corn, made butter, wandered through a corn maze, rode the “Moo-Choo” train and had the most fun on their huge slides.

4)  Lane opted for deep sea fishing off the coast of Mexico.  He caught several nice tuna and speared the bull fish (with help from his new buddy Ricardo).

What’s the difference between a piano and a fish?  You can tune a piano but you can’t tune-a-fish  ;o}

I like this quote by Gordon B. Hinckley, "This is my prayer for all of us; 'Lord, increase our faith.' Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.”  

Coming this week:

21st - Samantha’s birthday is TODAY!

22nd - Tom’s is tomorrow!

24th - Lane & I celebrate 22 years together…while traveling in separate countries.

25th - Josh is old enough to legally drive!!!

27th - Ava turns 12!

WEEK 5 ~ 10/28/2018

Greetings...

1) I loved every minute with the Robison family.  Such a wonderful group!  And I get to call them F A M I L Y .

2)  We were fortunate to catch standby flights:  Lane from Mexico to Houston.  Carolyn from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston for a belated 22nd Anniversary.  We enjoyed relaxing together and exploring a new city...

Then back to Carla (in Steph's driveway in South Jordan) 2 days later.

3) over the years the entertainment value of halloween has worn off - completely.  I pretty much abhor halloween. But this I found funny...especially since I started counseling and medication for anxiety and depression last month.

We love you forever!  

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

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

WEEK 1 ~ 9/9/2018

My precious children,

We've had our good days.  The 5 of us.  I am very sorry for my shortcomings and mistakes you’ve had to live with.  Yet, despite it all, I am so pleased with the responsible, beautiful, kind people you’ve grown up to be.  Keep supporting and loving and listening to each other.  

Thank you so very much for bringing your families to Ft Stevens to commemorate my 60th birthday.  I can’t thank you enough.  I love each of you with all my heart.  I love the precious memory book and appreciate the notes that were written and gifts that were shared.  Our time together was over much too soon.  I am enjoying reviewing the shared photo files.  

Last evening we arrived back in South Jordan.  We should be parked here at the Bullocks for 6 weeks.  Amazing, huh?  The last week of September we have agreed to sit with Linc and Carrie’s kids while he works out of town and she takes a trip with her siblings.  We are contemplating how to escape the cold temperatures and dangerous road conditions of Utah weather in November, December, January and February.  Any ideas?

I got a haircut last week.  I’ll have to live with it for a while.  In church today someone noticed that I had a rooster tail.  I began to hate my hair.  I wanted to disappear.

Then I remembered this ‘true’ story.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.  

“Well," she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.”  So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

“Hmmm,” she said,  “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.”  So she did and had a grand day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.  

“Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.”  So she did and she had a fun, fun, day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.  

“Yeah!” she exclaimed. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude is everything!

It’s been a rough day.  And my hair was only a small part.  

How are you doing?

(Jerry and Hatcher are hiding. Yeah, I noticed.)

I only emailed ONE WEEK this month...

but WOW was it a GREAT ONE!!!!

I love you forever!

Scatter smiles & sunshine Ü

Momma

haP2Bmi@gmail.com

801 499 7994

AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018

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

WEEK 1 ~ 8/5/2018

It’s a sweet sabbath day in South Jordan.  What’s happening in your neck of the woods?

Main events:

1) Thursday we retrieved CarLa from Infinity Coach Repair in Sumner, Washington and escorted her back to South Jordan.  Lane drove this big beautiful monster bus straight through. My hero!

2) Momma-to-BEE shower for Randi.  (Baby is due August 22nd)  Many family members attended.  It was delightful.

I snapped this photo of the Howell sisters before I made a quick exit to join MY sisters for a playdate!  

3) Here we are at the playdate.  Roundhouse Quilt Festival in Evanston, WY. 🤫My sisters surprised my mom by secretly submitting 2 of her quilts. It was so fun to see her expression when she discovered them hanging in their first ever quilt show.  It was positively lovely!

We love that you are all connected.  We love that you look after one another.  We love that you support each other.  We love that you take turns lifting and leaning.  Most of all, we simply LOVE being counted among your parents (or in-laws).  

This coming week:

Slater turns 7 TODAY!!!

We leave for a trip to Banff, CANADA with Tom’s family on the 7th…returning the 18th.

X is 29 on the 8th.

Cam & Kim celebrate 22 years married on the 12th.

WEEK 2 ~ 8/11/2018
Hi Family,

Carolyn and I left Florida to spend more time with you.  Since some of our best memories with you, over the years, have been traveling and vacationing memories, we are attempting to expand on this with you and your kids.  Our family is large.  We think we can do better with one family at a time.  But this makes us appear as vagabonds…gypsies…wanderers. And I guess it really is so.  It won’t last forever, but we are enjoying the freedom to roam with you for a while.  We hope you don’t think less of us for this.   

If you wake up some mornings wondering, “where are Mom and Dad today?”, there are a few ways to know.  

• Carolyn does a “Sunday Check-In” that gives a few clues, weekly.
• Carolyn is posting pictures on Instagram periodically.  We can also see what YOU post there - we think 10 of you are on Instagram.
• Another tool is the app, “Find Friends”.  This is fascinating to me.  It literally tracks our phones (and yours) on a map and let’s you see instantaneously where we are.  Lincoln can assist with this if you are interested. 
• We can be reached by phone or text almost at any time.  We love to receive random calls or messages, letting us know what is happening in YOUR lives.  Some of our grandkids are actually getting good at doing Face Time calls.  We love it.  

For those of you who are not into any of this, we are not at all offended.  We love you all and pray for you regularly.

Love, 

Mom & Dad Howell

WEEK 3 ~ 8/19/2018

Hey!

We are home!  (But then again we are always ‘home’ when we are in CarLa.)

Our days in Canada were awesome eh.  Here is evidence...



Randi & Roy welcomed ‘Savannah Edith Scott’ on August 6th (2 weeks early)

Good advice:



Next week:
20th ~ Mer & Tyson’s 14th Anniversary
21st ~ Jon & RayDean’s Anniversary
21st ~ Lane & I attend one day of education week at BYU (my first time since 1982!!!)
23rd ~ We begin a road trip to meet up with YOU (Jerry, Britni, Callie, & Jami) at Ft Stevens State Park (Aug 25th to 28th).  Do you remember Lane showing up there in 1996?  Awkward.

I love you forever!!!

Momma (& Dad Lane)