Monday, November 30, 2020

November 2020

Monday, November 29, 2020
[Picture of the week]

[last week’s communique]

Okay, this week’s picture is ONE collage of pictures.  Thanksgiving summary.  Sorry, I didn’t have photos of each of your tables.  
1)  RIP Big Bird.
2)  We missed being with our family.
3)  I’ve never seen a lego pilgrim centerpiece (nice creation Rockwell)
4)  “You can never have too much whipped cream”, this is true!
5)  #GiveThanks was/is a movement that lifted my awareness.
6)  Potatoes remains my favorite food.
7)  I made my very first sweet potato dish. Scrump-dilly-icious!
8)  We refused to prepare filler - appetizers, salad, raw veggie plate, jello. More tummy space for the essentials.
9)  We tried DoorDashing after dinner but stores had the good sense to stay closed.  
10)  What is your favorite leftover turkey recipe?

Family events:
November 29th  Jamie Howell is now 41 years ‘young’ ;o}  (Young is her maiden name)

We love you still.
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994


Monday, November 23, 2020
[Picture of the week]

Hey-yo!



1) with cold weather setting in, our HOA has removed the community pickle ball nets. Fortunately Jerry shipped us this portable net.
2) our pickle ball cred has been much improved among our appreciative neighbors. Thx Jerry🥰
3) these are yoga pants people, not PJ’s!
4) Lane is winning over senior fuddy-duddies with his Howell Silly Socks...
5) not to mention his hat(s)🤣
6) our turkey day feast will be quiet & isolated yet delicious (think punkin chiffon pie😋)
7) we’ll probably do Doordashing to, if we are needed.
8) please send pics of your Thanksgiving. I’ll use them in a collage for next week’s check-in. 

November 26th is Hansen’s  ~ 16th anniversary

We are most thankful for you!!! #GiveThanks
And we love you still,
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
Sent from my iPhone


Sunday, November 15, 2020
[Picture of the week]

A simpler contact.

One picture...
1)  We dashed up to Lake Stevens Monday & straight home on Thursday.
2)  The Hansens are framing a house on their hilltop.
3)  Delight Bakery was discovered on Veteran’s Day.
4)  Boots are suggested hilltop attire.
5)  Hatcher is enjoying a sugar rush.
6)  Britni takes great photos.
7)  (maybe leave the OUThouse OUT)
8)  Brian and Lane are poured out over the blueprints with the contractor.
9)  Two floors soon will be framed…leaving a third expected late in the month.
10)  Donuts are a blank slate for ANY topping.


We love you still,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994




Sunday, November 8, 2020

Greetings to our amazing family.  Let’s begin with a smile or a chuckle…

1)  Caption anyone?
A pure bread dog!   ;o}


2)  A sense of humor is essential.  Many of us have seen memes like this during the uncertain days of waiting. 
 Lane is so invested in politics that he called the presidential race Wednesday morning.  


3)
Welcome to Joe Biden, 46th President-elect & Kamala Harris as VP (and the first women to serve as such).  Historic indeed!

May the the vast majority of media, Washington insiders and Hollywood elites stand up for them, put an immediate halt to investigations of suspected wrong-doings, overlook their weaknesses and failings and credit them for every good thing they accomplish.  We have reached that point.  



4)  The Hansens held an open house yesterday.  What a fun, fun family.

5)  quote by President Russell M Nelson, April 2020 Ensign
 
Here and now, we live in a time of turmoil.  Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising.  We have great cause for concern.  But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith.  We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

Why do we need such resilient faith?  Because difficult days are ahead.  Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint.  Each of us will be tested.  The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).  That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.  



Family happenings coming soon:
November 10th ~ Scott can legally drive solo.
November 14th ~ Matthew gets the nod to vote…in the 2024 Presidential election  ;o}


Stay awesome people.  Let your upcoming CHRISTmas season be bright.  Follow the leader…our Savior.

We love you forever,

Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994

Also this…

You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair.
However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy.  
- President Russell M Nelson, April 2020 Ensign


Sunday, November 1, 2020

It’s a new day, a new week, a new month.  And I have a new 'do'

1)  Lane & I Dashed yesterday, Halloween.  I didn’t have time to curl my hair so I ran to the basement and found my scarecrow wig.  
(photo from 2014)

2) I wore it all day as we DoorDashed.  I heard these comments.
Nice hair.
Who are you?
Is that a wig?
Hi Pippi Long-stocking.
And my favorite, “Look!  It’s Wendy at McDonalds!  Haha.”



3)  Now, a bit of history.  11.2.1947  The first and only flight of billionaire Howard Hughes’  “Spruce Goose” flying boat occurred in Long Bech Harbor, CA.  It flew about a mile at an altitude of 70 feet.  Costing $25 million, the 200-ton plywood 8-engine Hercules was the world’s largest airplane, designed, built and flown by Hughes.  It later became a tourist attraction alongside the Queen Mary ship at Long Beach and has since been moved to McMinnville, Oregon.


4)  And then there’s this...


5) Having faith in Jesus Christ is to trust that because of his atoning sacrifice He will correct all injustices, restore all things lost, and mend all things broken, including hearts — He will make all things right, not leaving any detail unattended”.  ~ Lynn G Robbins

Family happenings:
November 1st  -  Energetic Kamden turned 3 today!
November 3rd  -  VOTE!  Many of of you already have.  
    Speaking of Elections.  James K Polk was born 11/2/1795.  
    After one term as the 11th President of the U.S. he declined 
    to run for a second term, saying he was "exceedingly relieved” 
    at the completion of his presidency.
November 6th -  Claire becomes a delightful 1 year old.
November 7th  -  National Cancer Awareness Day

We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994

Saturday, October 31, 2020

October 2020

 Backtracking…Booya Babies!  

October 4, 2020


September 28th to October 4th, 2020

1)  We began with a visit to Lane’s brother Ron and SIL Phyllis Sue.  They converted their backyard into a mini-golf course for their 3 local grandkids.  It takes a lot to flabbergast us…but we were…and still are!  Lane drove us back home on Monday.  Our precious niece Patrice (now 54 years old and confined to her disabled body) still has unspoken and flawless beauty.


2) Early the very next morning, while I was still 1/2 asleep, Lane invited me on a new adventure; seeking out the Northern Lights at the northern Montana Border.  Literally we simply jumped in the car and we were off.  Unfortunately the predicted big sky country become clouded over by 1 a.m. before the light show.  

HOWEVER, Lane drove me to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, within view of the western Tetons.  Unspoken and flawless beauty.


3)  Unspoken and flawless beauty…Jesus Christ offers us beauty for ashes.  He gives beauty where destruction and hopelessness had once resided.
General Conference carried with it comfort, peace and motivation.  This line!  “Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jeremiah 15:16 and the TabCats 


__________________________________________________________________________________________________

October 11, 2020

October 5th to October 11th, 2020

Checklist:  pickle ball - organize the office space - donate plasma - complete iPhoto to Photos transfer - make mediocre chili - attend a covid safe Temple Session - analyze DoorDash - 


4) My dad was a coloring sensei.  Did you know that?  Some of you did.  This was most likely his favorite coloring book.  He was still coloring in it at age 82.  He initialed this page on 10.10.2003 (age 75)

Stay strong.  Take adventures.  Play pickle ball.  Follow Jesus.

Upcoming dates:
October 15th  National Cheese Curd Day  - What is a cheese diet?  Eating curds & weigh ;o}
October 16th  Seven is "The Age of Adelaide”.  Check out the similar Blake Lively & Harrison Ford movie 
October 16th  There is a wedding in the Bullock family.  Girls everywhere are celebrating that Carlie is "off the market”.
October 17th  Daisy celebrates being a ONE-derful 1 year old.  


We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

October 18, 2020

Well hello there!


1)  “The Amazing Race” meets GEOCACHING meets Uber Eats. This week I became a DoorDasher, delivering a full menu of eatery items to Saratoga Springs or west of Baccus Hwy for ridiculously low tips.  Lane likes to drive, while I dash.  We play it like a game, it gets us out of the house together, and we make customers happy…usually.  
2) Meet Mr & Mrs Spallino.  The couple is too cute for words.  X created a stunning cake.  The eclairs kept calling my name.  We fought the urge to hug cute grandkids.  The Bullocks throw a sweet soiree.

3)   ;o}


Important family dates:
18th   Daisy Jo’s 1st birthday celebration
20th   Kim's day to be pampered - turning 47
21st   19 year old Samie begins her final year as a teenager
22nd  Tom might feel a mid-life crisis coming on as he turns 41
23rd   Lane & I take a road trip to Avon Colorado for a week in a condo
24th   Yes!  It is our 24th wedding anniversary on the 24th 
25th   Remarkably Josh will be 18 years old

Dream.  Hope.  Become.  Wander.

We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

October 25, 2020

Message to My Marvelous, Modern, Magnanimous Family,

Tonight we are cozied up in a Colorado condo (courtesy of Mac & Pam - copied on this email),

1)  Most of you know that we’d rather run and hide from cold weather.  This week we ran head on into it!
Frigid. RealFeel is 1°.  Frostbite to exposed skin in 15 minutes.  Perfect weather for staying in and typing a check-in to my favorite peeps on the third rock from the sun.
We lost our car…until we clicked to unlock the doors.  


2) Fortunately we knew the storm was coming so we got out and hiked yesterday.  Breathtaking.

3) We continue to get a kick out of playing with the DoorDash app, when in South Jordan.
Social distancing required.

4) Tom has initiated several father/son meetings.  “I’ve learned so much more about my Dad during these visits. What a pleasant surprise."


5)  Can you believe where we were 24 years ago?  Our 24th Anniversary was yesterday the 24th.  On October 23rd, 1996 we met for photos and threw a party…dinner, balloon animals, face painting, dessert bar, live band and dancing.  Remember?
At the time I recall my Dad remarking “it’s a very good sign that all of your children showed up."
Our hearts overflow with gratitude for your taking this journey with us.  We’ve all had to make sacrifices and adjustments.  Thanks to each and every one of you for your support, patience, understanding, forgiveness and acceptance.  I can only imagine the discomfort, sadness and even pain you may have struggled with.  Some of these feelings may surface still.  Please forgive me for not seeing your needs.  I welcome the chance to be a better and more positive influence in your life.  “Behold…I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.” Alma 26:16


Coming very soon:
25th ~ Josh is 18 TODAY!!!
27th ~ Ava will be Fantastic Four-teen
30th ~ Anissa turns one year older and wiser too!  (Twenty-one)
30th ~ We will return home, weather permitting  ;o}
31st  ~ I used to love Halloween, now I tolerate it.  
       What do you get if you divide the circumference of a jack-o-lantern by its diameter?
       (Pumpkin pi!)
       What did the pumpkin need for its boo boo?
       (A pumpkin patch.)
       What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?
       (Squash.)
       Where does a pumpkin preach?
       (From the pulp-it.)
November 1st  ~ Kamden is a totally terrific 3 year old

Please share photos of your big or little goblins!

We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994


Wednesday, September 30, 2020

September 2020

September 6, 2020

 (music playing in your head)

Hey hey hey
Ba de ya, say do you remember?
Ba de ya, dancing in September
Ba de ya, never was a cloudy day….

A little EW&F for those groovy enough to remember September.


1)  Monday started off with breakfast in Brigham City, a drive to Logan, some Aggie true blue ice cream, and a long, breezy hike up to Wind Caves.


2)  Lane planted 2 dozen sunflowers and it’s so much fun watching them come alive.


3)  Wednesday we took a 4 hour loop drive.  Quite the scenery and views!


4)  Don’t break the rules...


5)  September sampler...


6)  Cap this check-in with a little light-hearted covid humor.  How’s everybody doing?

Coming this week…
7th - Labor Day
8th - Justin will be 19!
9th - RayDean is now 1/2 century…WHaaT?
12th - Carrie blows out 43 candles before her 'banana split cake' melts.
12th - Lane’s 1/2 birthday


We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994

____________________________________________________________________________________________________


September 13, 2020

It’s a great afternoon for a road trip...and several nights of camping!!!

Can you guess where we’re headed?
__ __ __ E __ __ P__      __ S __ A __ __

Here’s a big clue...




1) it was a week of gatherings. 
RayDean turned 50. That’s a huge momentous number. But she handled it with her usual grace and flair!
Labor Day brought with it a group who knows how to play as hard as they work. Pickle ball was amazing.  
Greg grows exceptional tomatoes!
The Gerber’s started home school (as did others😘😘😘) and now I’ve got a couple giggly g’daughters crushing on Luke. Shhh...don’t tell. 


2)  🤪goofballs - every. single. one.




Count your blessings...you really don’t have to choose. I still find much about life to be rewarding and enjoyable, even in 2020. YOU ARE OUTSTANDING PEOPLE!!!

Coming this week...
15th - Brian marks the anniversary of his birth
19th - Randi completes her 34th trip around the sun ☀️ (That’s alot of miles)

We love you forever!
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
Sent from my iPhone

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

September 20, 2020

Pardon another check-in. Sometimes Sunday seems to come more than once a week.  Time flys when you are enjoying life - and I do enjoy being part of your family.

Last weekend the Scott’s were sweet enough to stop by with 1/2 dozen mouthwatering desserts and 2 sweet g’kids.   Come back anytime😋!  

This week is capped off in 3 little words but with big impact. 
Camping, COVID, & Carlie

1) our 2 day/2 night camping trip on Antelope Island was memorable, adventurous, eye-opening, relaxing at times but overall exhausting.  From the tippy top of Frary Peak I could see Brigham City Temple, Bountiful Temple and downtown SLC. (Thx Bullocks for loaning us the tent, and Adams for the camping mattress)

It took the better part of 3 days for me to recover. 

2) if you understand all four of these COVID memes you watch a lot of movies.  Be careful out there. 



3) Carlie was the center of attention...again and again. Get used to it Carlie!  The bride-to-be is counting down 26 days. 



4) FYI: new addresses you might want to jot down.


Be careful, be resourceful, be grateful & stay wonderful!  

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


Sent from my iPhone

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

September 27, 2020

Dearest dynamic direct descendants, 

My laptop is on life support. I’m thinking of pulling the plug.  My photo library, and emails are inaccessible. Whaaa!
Ha!  But I still have my phone.  I will not be defeated. 

1) I’ve lived long enough to celebrate a Golden ‘Friendship’ Anniversary.  50 years as best girlfriends!  We met at age 11 in a dilapidated Montgomery Ward (department store) building where church mtgs were held. Lora had just joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Creek’s had just moved to Longview, Washington.  We have survived ups & downs and ins & outs.



2)  The Hills are new residents of West Jordan!!!  Another West Side Story begins!


3)  Speaking of RayDean, she spotted this on FamilySearch...



4)  Meredith & pickle ball doubles partner, Mike took GOLD in a Kaysville Tournament.  7 rotations, undefeated. Now, that was crazy to watch. 

5) Today we are in St George to celebrate the McArthurs wedding. (Cousin Debbie’s son Brian) 


6)  I’ve been texting Yvonne, the 2007 buyer and now seller/realtor of ‘our’ Trimble Creek home. No buyer yet, the price has dropped to 799K.  She loves the home and will gladly stay put if the sale price doesn’t hold up. 


6)  First cup own your fill!?



6 days until General Conference!  God loves us so much.  Watch and you’ll see. 

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


Sent from my iPhone

Monday, August 31, 2020

August 2020

August 2, 2020

My bad…You good.

I fell behind in my reporting.  So I’m sharing these photo collages to catch up.

1)  Monday, July 27th  Lane & I took a fishing charter out of Newport, Oregon.  We ate Rockfish (fish tacos) and crab (fresh with butter) for days.  YUM!
Final day with Cam, Kim & Justin.  Finished off the day with some ‘Five Crowns’ or UNO and simmering in the ‘hot tub of truth’.



2)  Dateline Tuesday, July 28th - Monday, August 3rd  -  Lake Stevens, Washington and the Hansen family.
Most notably we enjoyed time spent with this amazing family.  They requested we join their painting party.  I miss the red house, Hatcher cried, Tess was sad, but after 5 days most everyone decided it was OK.  They hope their hilltop home starts becoming a reality this month.


3)
 “Doh!"


Hip Happenings August 2nd to August 9th:
August 5th -  It’s Slater’s special day, he is now eleven!
August 5th -  Charles Gideon Scott was eager to begin his mortal adventure.  He is a very cute 7 lb. 1 oz. boy.
August 6th -  2 year old Savannah keeps her own birthday all to herself.
August 8th -  Katie X has a bold new look to mark her 31st year.
August 9th -  Greg takes his family to Newport…I hope they enjoy seafood!

How well are you adjusting to the 2020 covid restrictions?  What do you miss?  Does anything make you go nuts?  


August 9, 2020  & August 16, 2020
Here comes a 2 for 1 check-in:


August 3rd - 9th
Howdy totally wonderful and wacky relatives,

August 3rd, we left Washington with a back seat full of special items…and stopped in Bountiful to deliver a gift to Slater.
The following day we visited my mother, and later did some baking and spent time outdoors.  

Slater turned 9 on the 5th and among other surprises he un-expectantly got a sweet darling cousin!
Charles Gideon Scott.  Savannah is already an amazing big sister.  Randi and Roy, we congratulate and thank you!


- Maggie’s gone gray…really prematurely gray, however this trio is hot.  Don’t you agree?  
- It’s official.  I have a full-blown case of Zinnia envy.  Lincoln makes this spectacular Zinnia display from seeds look easy.
- Tom and Lane are practicing the new 12” social distancing guideline.  ;o}


Special events:
August 12th  - Cam & Kim celebrate 24 years of wedded bliss <3

We love you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994


August 9th - 16th 

My four grown babies were together last week to party with their dad in honor of his retirement.  
It was also a personal win as they threw me a pie party!   Thanks!  So good…and delicious.  Hugs and kisses.


Saturday Chloe Bell was baptized.  It was a grand event, as you can see...


These are tough times.  As a mother and grandmother I wish I could ease your burdens.  I pray for each of you to have love and happiness in your homes.  I hope you remain grateful for your blessings and recognize your unique and considerable gifts, even during trials.  Aside from my hopes and prayers and wishes I am confident that there is ONE who stands ready to provide calm in tough times.  I believe in Christ.  


Special events:
My Birthday is Monday the 17th.  I’m now 62.  I love emails, cards, and emailed cards.  I am a simple person.  Ask anyone.  Ask Lane.  
20th - Kelley's were married 16 years ago.  And according to Hallmark it is a Coffee & Tea Anniversary.  ummm.
23rd - Hills set a family record with 30 years of marriage, a Pearl Anniversary.  (They set a record every year.)




August 23, 2020

Sanguine* Sunday Salutations,

My birthday: thanks for the notes, cards, messages, songs, flowers, Outback dinner, manicure, your love.  It was one of my best EVER!

1)  This week we were all over the map.  
Goofy grands.  “Meow” Anissa.  Danika dressed me on my bday.  Scott hones his Tesla skills.
Guapo g’sons come share the sacrament.  Family time.  Wheeler Farm.
Kamden bathes and naps. Paden swings.  Art class.  Scorching hot tractor.


2) This week I made my first homemade tomato soup.  Sooo good.  I can also recommend trying this recipe for fighting loneliness. 


3)  These kids were brave and strong.  We hiked Friday at Danika’s request.  



4)   "Colors are the smiles of nature” Leigh Hunt
(Teeny Genie tagged along)
There is no WIFI in the forest but you will find a better connection.  True that!


5)  And just like that…5 weeks have passed and the Robison’s are gone.  :o(
We miss these babies…all 3 of them.  ;o}


6)  We may have designed this home but Yvonne Tran (our buyer and a genius realtor) made the upgrades.  Stunning!
(Thanks for pointing this out to us Stephanie B)


Some of you are headed back to the classroom this week.  Exciting and wonderful!
Some of you are schooling at home.  Wonderfully exciting!  
Stay positive people.  

And...

Behave, aspire, forgive, hope, giggle, floss.


Important dates:
Today - Jon & RayDean have been sidekicks for 30 years
Darren will be 27 on the 27th!!!

Please share what’s happening in your corner of the world.  

We LOVE you forever,
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994
*sanguine = happy


August 30, 2020

Dashing Dudes & Darling Drama Queens,

I only say that because I’m painting a neighbor’s wall “Drama Queen” pink. It’s gorgeous. And so are all our girls. Our guys are all dashingly good-looking. 

In our little corner of the world...

1) Projects.
- Epoxy floor in our garage
- 3 painted walls for a neighbor
- 1 cushion cover



2) Random events
- We met cute Allison Hill (our 3rd GG’child)
- Justin ‘graduates’, officially
- “You Matter” Issac 
- Lane’s sunflowers open
- Gerber’s cleanup my mom’s yard
- We visit Payson Lake



3) clips from Payson Lake - a bit of paradise from my earlier years.  We sat lakeside and enjoyed takeout Cafe Rio, reading, relaxing and Sudokus. 



4)  ...then we walked the lake path, took photos and I created this collage.  (Dang, my lil phone camera is sweet.)



5)  C’mon Jazz 🎵🏀.  Squeeze out one. more. win. 



6)  My heart feels great love for each and every one of you.

You might wonder how this can be true.  I know that God has given my heart the ability to stretch and expand to encompass each son, SIL, daughter, DIL, grandchild, GCIL (is that a thing...Stephanie and Jonathan?) great-grandchild, and on and on and on, FOREVER!

This coming week:
- September 3rd - Jerry & Erin celebrate their 16th anniversary. 
- It’s SEPTEMBER people!!!  Autumn. Not my favorite season.  Fall = pre-Winter 🥶
- Rather than one long road trip we have chosen to see more of Utah - a ‘staycation’, where we sleep at the Howell Hotel each night. 

We love you forever (honestly & truly),
Scatter smiles & sunshine  Ü
Momma C & Dad Lane (G&G Howell)
801 499 7994