tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85777967736899366972024-03-12T23:58:26.816-07:00The Whitnah WireGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-89680175511050487592014-03-30T08:53:00.000-07:002014-03-30T08:53:04.010-07:00A Spring 2014 update on us allThe past few months have zipped by SO fast. Many things have happened since I last posted on here. Bethany is on the down spiral of her mission. Crazy to think, but she has less than 7 months to go! Last year at this time, she was still attending LDS Business in Salt Lake and awaiting to enter the MTC on April 24th. I can't get over how quickly her mission time has gone. She has been fortunate to only have waited 1 transfer for her visa to Brasil. <br />Many, many missionaries are still awaiting stateside for their visas to come and some have been given the option to stay in the areas they have been reassigned to. Especially Sister Missionaries in that their mission is shorter than Elders. Anyways, with that said, Bethany will be home in mid October. Crazy! <br />
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Robbie and Tessa are doing well and adjusting to life as parents. Their little Duke is 3 and half months old already! He is sure a sweetie pie. I watched him for them on Friday so they could pack up their stuff and move once again. Their townhome they had been living in was being sold, so they moved in with Tessa's folks until they can find a place to buy. That is their hope. They are hoping that happens within the next few months.<br />
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Becky and Jeff are expecting their 2nd little boy in June. They chose a name for him and now are working on a middle name. If he is anything like his big brother, he will be a cutie pie too. Ryan is 3 and 1/2 and has changed so much just since we saw him last. I love being able to do Face Time with him with my I PAD. That is one facet of technology that is wonderful. Especially when you have family SO far away. <br />
<br />Sean is still plugging away at the Y and working at the MTC. He has a little over a year left at school. The time for him has gone fast too. I tease him every now and then to see if he's found someone "special" to date and the answer is always "no". I figure he'll meet her when the time is right. He's doing well.<br />
<br />Bryan has LOVED his junior year of HS. I can't believe he's nearly done with school. It just seems like yesterday we had him in Pre School and then talked about kindergarten and what would be best for him with his autism. The years truly have flown.<br />
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Wes and I purchased our home just over 20 years ago. We are having some work on the external part of the house done. New siding, painting, a new roof and a porch/cover area that will cover the back patio area. I'm SO excited for it to get done. <br />
<br />We have had gobs of rain the last several days with rain being expected for most of this week. I would love to see the paint go on, if only we can get a patch of dry days, that would be great! The same with the roof, we'll need some dry days to help get that finished as well. <br />
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I am heading to Salt Lake on Thursday for a few short days. I'll be there for Conference and also to see my dear friend Elizabeth. We have not seen each other in 30 years! That is a LONG time! We have talked, written letters, kept in touch via other means, but not seen one another in a long, long time. I am looking forward to seeing her after all this time. Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-55105632192753517572013-11-13T15:33:00.002-08:002013-11-13T15:33:52.016-08:00An update on us<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I haven't written on my blog in some time. So, just a quick catch up of what is going on. I began working as a every kitchen worker at Hazeldale School in September. I had been subbing through out the District and didn't really mind that. I must admit though, now that I have a regular school, it's close to home, and all of my kids attended grade school there, I am liking it. I began cooking about 2 weeks ago. I have never had to cook for SO many kids. I would be lying if I didn't say I was overwhelmed some. But, I am taking it day by day and enjoy working at a Grade school with young kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Robbie and Tessa will soon have their baby boy. He is due on December 7th. They are going to name him Duke Alan Whitnah. I bet he'll be such a handsome little guy. With both Tessa and Robbie's dark brown eyes and their great smiles, I just know he'll be a cutie. It will be nice having another grand baby, and one that lives closer to us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are heading to Utah for Thanksgiving. It will be the first trip to Utah since we picked up Bethany from LDSBC in April. We will be staying with Shelly and Don Whitnah in their new home in Highland Utah. It's fairly close to Lehi and American Fork, Utah. I'm excited to venture down to Utah and spend time with them as well as with my grandson Ryan and Becky and Jeff and well as spend time with Emma, Wes' Mom and with Sean. Sean will celebrate his 24th birthday the day after Thanksgiving. It should be fun to spend that day with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bethany has been on her mission for 6+ months already! I can't get over how FAST the months have flown by. She is our 4th missionary to serve a mission and I don't remember the months going by as quickly before with our other 3 who served. If anything, the first 6 months seemed to go slower. Before I know it, she'll be home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bryan has had a fun time this year so far. He took part in Aloha HS's XC sport. He had fun running and practicing running each day. He also was accepted into Concert Choir. THAT is his favorite class of the day! He just loves to sing and learn new music. In October the Choirs had their Fall choir concert. Bryan did a great job and he especially loved dressing up in a tux and all. He looked pretty sharp!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will try and post of few photos of Bryan from XC and Choir. This first photo is with Bryan after his XC meet at Aloha. Steve Ryan, a good friend and Bryan's speech therapist came to watch him race. It was a great day for that. They hadn't seen each other since July.</span> <br />
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Here is a photo of Bryan after his first Choir Concert. He was one happy guy, that's for sure!<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-16423611291196937132013-08-02T23:40:00.001-07:002013-08-02T23:45:06.130-07:00Sisters, Sisters<div>
<span style="font-family: Andalus; font-size: large;">Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted
Sisters. Born in the midst of the Great Depression, Aunt Barb in 1931 and my
Mom, Joan, in 1934. Not only are they sisters, but best friends. Growing up I
remember each summer spending a week at the Carlson home and one of my cousins
would go to my house. We would spend a whole week at Aunt Barb and Uncle Ken's home and my cousin, who ever it was that went, would spend a week at our place with my Mom and Dad. I always felt I could go to Aunt Barb and tell her
anything I needed to say or if I needed help with something, just as I could my
Mom. I know if you were to ask my cousins, they would feel the same about my
Mom, their Aunt Joanie. Mom and Aunt Barb set an example for me on how to treat
family, especially my own brother and sisters. I have admired these two special
ladies. They are strong and have great faith. They both have been through a
great deal and yet they have a great sense of humor and are able to take all
that has come there way and find the good in everything that could be wrong. I
love them and appreciate their example to me. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-91139036665810005842013-07-01T11:53:00.001-07:002013-07-01T11:53:22.246-07:00Happy 20th Birthday to my littlest Angel
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Bethany
was supposed to be heading to Brazil today BUT, since she</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">would
have had to travel on her own the Church decided to keep her in Pocatello for a
complete transfer. (6 weeks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
TOTALLY okay with that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know she will
do fine once she gets to Brazil, but there is something about having one of my
children out of the country and farther away from me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, I love that she is going
to Brazil and I know she will do great, but I would be lying if I didn’t say
how much I miss my baby girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">It
has been really nice for Bethany to spend time in Pocatello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know SO many people who are either from
there or who live there now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Bangerters, good friends of ours who lived in our Ward for a LONG time, moved
to Pocatello about 6 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany
is serving in their Ward!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That has been
a tender mercy and Tracy and Bart have made sure to do extra special things for
her, especially today, with it being Bethany’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday evening they invited Bethany and
her companions to their place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their whole family and their band were there <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to wish Bethany a happy birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tracy made cupcakes and decorated for her and
even bought her a little gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly a
tender mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bethany will never forget
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor will I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True friends are great blessings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
can’t believe Bethany is 20! I am so pleased with her and her decisions she is
making in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is one of the
younger missionaries serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put
her papers in last October, just 3 months after her 19<sup>th</sup> birthday and
got her call in November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brazilian
missions require visas so she had to wait 5 months to enter the MTC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her visa never came so she went to the Provo
MTC for 6 weeks. By the time she does leave for Brazil she will have already
been on her mission 3 months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy or
what?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will have 15 months in
Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t sound like much time
and I am sure she will wish, just as her sister and brothers did, that she
could stay there a little longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I
am thankful for her this day, remembering 20 years ago at the hospital and
giving birth to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing then, who
she would become, just knowing how beautiful she was and how happy we were to
have another little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has grown
into a beautiful woman and one who can be looked to with respect because of the
good choices she has made and continues to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Birthday sugar!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you SO very much </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Andalus; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Andalus; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-87556242304273161822013-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:002013-06-27T14:03:00.498-07:00Bethany's 20th Birthday Gift...She flies to Brazil! Bethany's visa has arrived and she is heading to Brazil! YAY! I know she is super excited. She will fly out on July 1st, her 20th birthday. It will be a LONG day for her. She leaves Pocatello Idaho via bus at 7am. She then flies out of the Salt Lake with a direct flight to Atlanta Georgia. She'll have a layover there for a few hours. By the time her plane takes off and when she gets to Sao Paulo, Brazil it will be the morning of July 2nd. She then will take a bus to Campinas and meet her mission President and his wife. She will be one tired chicka :)<br />
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She had hoped to be able to go directly to Brazil from the beginning but I know she wouldn't have had it any other way now. She loved her stay at the Provo MTC and the friends she made there. Plus she was able to see her brother who works there and have lunch with him nearly every week. In Idaho, she was able to see good friends and make many new friends. It was a good experience for her. I am glad she didn't stay too long. She was worrying about losing the Portuguese she had gained while at the MTC. Not too many people speak Portuguese in Idaho :)<br />
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I'm so proud of her and her decision to serve a mission. It was by no means a easy decision, but, she did as she felt prompted and I admire her for it. I do know she will be greatly blessed. I also know that she will have many hard times as a missionary. With all of it, she will grow in so many ways. I hope and pray that her companions that she serves with all get along with her and she with them. That is huge in missionary work! <br />
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Bethany would often say as "I can't wait for this.. it's going to be the best ever" Well Bethany, aka Sister Whitnah...you have waited and YOU are going to make it the BEST ever! I love you SO much and am so proud of you.<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-19779635807382815902013-06-22T01:19:00.000-07:002013-06-22T01:21:05.767-07:00Asics: The shoes that will make Bryan Fast!School has been out a week now. Bryan is doing pretty good so far, not too bored. I know it must be so hard for him being the only child at home now. Today he went and got new running shoes for cross country this Fall. He is super excited. We found a pair of Asics. They are black with a bright blue color and lime green. As he put the shoes on he said "these shoes are going to make me FAST!" Practices for cross country begin next Monday, that will help keep him busy and give him something to do as well as time to associate with kids his age.<br />
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Here you go, the shoes that will make Bryan fly! Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-84373605816612583682013-06-01T03:26:00.000-07:002013-06-01T03:36:45.430-07:00Bethany's first area: POCATELLO IDAHO, Where in Brazil is that? :)So much has happened in this past year and yet I haven't been great at keeping a journal as well as I should. Hence, the reason I started this blog nearly 6+ years ago. My hope is to be better with it this year and years to come so that I might be better able to write about our family.<br />
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Bethany has been in the Provo MTC since April 24th 2013. She is a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sister missionaries serve for 18 months and Elders serve for 24 months. Bethany is the 4th of our children to serve. She was called in November to the Brazil Campinas Mission. She was supposed to go to the Brazilian MTC, however her visa never came. <br />
I am glad in many ways. First off, Sean works at the MTC and she was able to see him nearly everyday since she has been there. Plus she has had lunch with him once a week. That has made me feel good to know that she has this "inside" connection while she has been there. She was supposed to leave for Brazil on Monday, June 3rd, had her visa come. It didn't come. SO, Instead of heading to Brazil she is going to.....drum roll....POCATELLO, IDAHO! I don't know how many Brazilians live in Idaho and I don't know how much chance she'll get to use the Portuguese she is learning, but she is being sent here for a reason. She called and had 5 minutes to tell me yesterday, we both laughed when she said Pocatello. The great part is that good friends, the Bangerters live in Pokey. Bethany is hoping to see them. So until her visa arrives she will live in Spud Country<br />
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She has had a wonderful time in the MTC, the 6 weeks have flown, here are just a few of some of the pictures she sent over the 6 weeks she was there. I know she has grown so much already and I know the next 16 and 1/2 months she will grow in SO many ways. Yet, I would be lying if I didn't say how much I miss her and how much harder it has been sending her off than it has been sending off Becky, Robbie or Sean. I don't know if it's because she's 19 or if it's because she's my baby girl, but I miss her terribly. I am so proud of her though. I know how difficult coming to the decision to serve a mission was for her. Many don't know what she had to go though to reach this point. She amazes me. I look at pictures of her and think, who is this amazing young woman that I get to call my daughter? I am thankful to be her Mom. <br />
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I love this photo of her. She looks so happy and confident! <br />
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This is her first companion. Sister Loefke. Sister Loefke is a "kindred spirit" to Bethany. They have grown so close.<br />
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This photo she sent just this past week. This is her District that is heading to Campinas (eventually) as well as Bela Horizonte. Look at all of those Sister Missionaries! So cool, normally there would not be so many Sisters, but with the age being lowered, there are tons more Sisters serving now. As a matter of fact, the week before Bethany entered the MTC, Provo had more Sisters enter the MTC then Elders! <br />
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Here is the infamous map in the MTC. Every missionary that goes to this MTC, stands here for a photo opt. Bethany made sure to get this her first week in. This was taken just after her District had gone to the Temple. <br />
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"Thou she be little, she be fierce." I see her standing among most of the Sisters and Elders and she looks so tiny. Yet, I know, just as this quotes states, she is fierce! Over the next year and half she will have a great impact on the lives of so many. Those she teaches and those she serves with. She will NEVER regret sacrificing 18 months of her time to give to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She will be PROFOUNDLY blessed! :) <br />
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-5829713702986442482013-04-27T11:02:00.001-07:002013-04-27T11:02:59.084-07:00I feel as if I have been on a emotional rollercoaster for the last few weeks. Wes and I, along with Bryan drove to Logan Utah on the 10th of April. We had a wonderful time there visiting with our daughter Becky and her husband Jeff and our sweet grandson Ryan. Ryan was doing SO much better since he had tubes put in his ears. It was obvious he was trying to talk more and he didn't seem quite so frustrated. I'm so glad the surgery has gone well for him. We had a chance to visit with him on the 10th and again when we were making our way back to Oregon. We stayed with Becky and Jeff Saturday evening until we left on Monday morning. It was a good visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTNVtw4QQgsrDFta-VQl6N2hE2JipnSXZAUE3jvCrjnj5sMxzmJogBPWcIt5obJw0u7HZXbkYZ2elzpCVmhmqcFj0QbHnIR-EBrUBDBPBsk3LLnMXLsoKBqiRxU8OvtMgGpQqb8VFyuM/s1600/IMG_9074.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTNVtw4QQgsrDFta-VQl6N2hE2JipnSXZAUE3jvCrjnj5sMxzmJogBPWcIt5obJw0u7HZXbkYZ2elzpCVmhmqcFj0QbHnIR-EBrUBDBPBsk3LLnMXLsoKBqiRxU8OvtMgGpQqb8VFyuM/s320/IMG_9074.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjI_uHemcq1KRjd1C5jTwOHYpAL1R0yMdVku546iI5AIVT3zWYUVnvrcGGCbNz9TaD2XwNACcjqp5iEBctqGXasMQMXzZXZ5ANi50_vxyTjwTuNna2Zw138v01J99tAfkT5cPtIo_hik/s1600/IMG_9188.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjI_uHemcq1KRjd1C5jTwOHYpAL1R0yMdVku546iI5AIVT3zWYUVnvrcGGCbNz9TaD2XwNACcjqp5iEBctqGXasMQMXzZXZ5ANi50_vxyTjwTuNna2Zw138v01J99tAfkT5cPtIo_hik/s320/IMG_9188.JPG" /></a> I made sure to bring Ryan Trader Joe's cheese puffs, He knows that Gramma Whitnah brings these :) He sure loved them!
The week went by fast, we headed to Salt Lake and then moved Bethany out of her place. She wrapped up two semesters at LDS Business. Thankfully this girl didn't have a ton of stuff and we were able to fit nearly all of the things in our van. We headed from there to Orem where we spent the night having dinner with family at a Brazilian-like restaurant. It was also my nephew Zac's birthday, so a good time to celebrate. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqvIaU4VyVsa1Bn-FHP7495Y4TjtkaEmEoHIasFwrJEEnWHcNYTmLyMXeV73w3ByW1oRtgCa_nLSbJyh6b4EK0QGAAz8NFvp_AcDVNpobJWXdWIDO4JGqDK07sZyCLd1uieJPtg2G9So/s1600/IMG_9381.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqvIaU4VyVsa1Bn-FHP7495Y4TjtkaEmEoHIasFwrJEEnWHcNYTmLyMXeV73w3ByW1oRtgCa_nLSbJyh6b4EK0QGAAz8NFvp_AcDVNpobJWXdWIDO4JGqDK07sZyCLd1uieJPtg2G9So/s320/IMG_9381.JPG" /></a> after dinner we headed to Don and Shelly's house where we all sang happy birthday to Zac. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcOSiXN4RmNw77XX9SjvlOxPR8io_TIBDIHARi146eSZHm-fxyhYvsl06i7J3um7xpF2fCYNS4tO5IbVKoPhEuyhuiSGEur_4SNmfR44q5-cczOc-jvkCEk6TtrxTp4IToJjwPLV1qNM/s1600/IMG_9410.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcOSiXN4RmNw77XX9SjvlOxPR8io_TIBDIHARi146eSZHm-fxyhYvsl06i7J3um7xpF2fCYNS4tO5IbVKoPhEuyhuiSGEur_4SNmfR44q5-cczOc-jvkCEk6TtrxTp4IToJjwPLV1qNM/s320/IMG_9410.JPG" /></a>. It was good to spend time with family and especially nice for Bethany to see her brother Sean who she wouldn't see for another 18 months. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcfH8X5nBPH3tvISMBjSpo9mKn-GeGWX5Q4Oqy-Y024ye7qAt3XgjQJOMnWQDOhWVE9ws96fPXNmVzKvbDhutRX8UC57hZIB8fHo00H3ese0mV_4xtJAuSJW9DXnLPBRepaeLvT56Poo/s1600/IMG_9424.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcfH8X5nBPH3tvISMBjSpo9mKn-GeGWX5Q4Oqy-Y024ye7qAt3XgjQJOMnWQDOhWVE9ws96fPXNmVzKvbDhutRX8UC57hZIB8fHo00H3ese0mV_4xtJAuSJW9DXnLPBRepaeLvT56Poo/s320/IMG_9424.JPG" /></a>
We had dinner on Friday at Texas road house with Bethany's friend Spencer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4FI9GXTTtm2MUFZ4kwE5K5bJ9mj6eLnXX3RnwMGiLRr5CSlKoQZj4lk4wU8bCjCWVshHtk36y0-dJA_CAPc8B54ofA0wNJO2AzyAAr_dYHZqUXNsXILEF6k8I1mhBcKbaN-Ys2CoATA/s1600/IMG_5379-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4FI9GXTTtm2MUFZ4kwE5K5bJ9mj6eLnXX3RnwMGiLRr5CSlKoQZj4lk4wU8bCjCWVshHtk36y0-dJA_CAPc8B54ofA0wNJO2AzyAAr_dYHZqUXNsXILEF6k8I1mhBcKbaN-Ys2CoATA/s320/IMG_5379-002.JPG" /></a>. Here is a photo I took of the 2 of them later that night at the hotel we were staying in. The next day, Wes, Bethany and I attended a session at the Draper Temple.
A Temple that Bethany had wanted to attend the whole time she had been in Utah. She loved it. It really is a beautiful Temple.
Then we finished some last minute shopping for missionary clothes that Bethany would need, stopped at Deseret Book one more time and then headed up to Logan. We had a great, whirlwind trip.
Bethany is now in the MTC. She left this past Wednesday. I KNOW she got hardly any sleep the night before. She was set apart as a missionary on April 21st, the same day she gave her farewell talk. Here are some pictures of after she was set apart. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1geTQl6iuFT8QZ1JYsSv47ZgZ-SEAZ1E4y8uJc7ohC6OinwVQzhzOBd49hCy85BHKT63Nkah5ucxx2EfvDb1g_IyEyWm6Q9Wr7mYm3SuA7aL6DshTSTK-Bk8qe6MKY3WxdqcFgr0R4O4/s1600/IMG_5402-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1geTQl6iuFT8QZ1JYsSv47ZgZ-SEAZ1E4y8uJc7ohC6OinwVQzhzOBd49hCy85BHKT63Nkah5ucxx2EfvDb1g_IyEyWm6Q9Wr7mYm3SuA7aL6DshTSTK-Bk8qe6MKY3WxdqcFgr0R4O4/s320/IMG_5402-001.JPG" /></a> This last photo was taken EARLY in the morning at the Portland airport. There were several missionaries on Bethany's plane to Salt Lake. One young man we saw was also headed to Brazil. We remember meeting him in the Portland Temple in December.
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-59497182624958231882013-03-29T03:43:00.001-07:002013-03-29T07:57:00.918-07:00Bethany Whitnah is going on a missionIn less that 26 days our daughter Bethany will head off to the MTC(Missionary Training Center) as she embarks on a 18 month mission to Campinas Brazil. She had not always planned or even wanted to serve a mission, BUT, in October of 2012, when General Conference was held and President Monson announced that the age for sister missionaries to serve was being lowered from 21 to 19, Bethany received a huge prompting to go. She fought it for the first week and half, but by the 21st of October, she phoned us to let us know of her intent.
She was attending LDS Business school in Salt Lake City, Utah and had different plans up until this moment. To see the fire that was lit under her as she worked on getting her mission papers done and all her doctor visits taken care of as well as passport and the like, it was obvious to see that she was determined and her mind was set on what she needed to do.
While she was home at Christmas we finished up last minute things to help get her visa processed for Brazil, she went through the Temple, and enjoyed having a nice Christmas her at home. The next Christmas she'll have here will be in December of 2014. Gee, that sounds like a long way off, yet I know her time serving will go fast!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrgsuycP2h9TB_1I_knlCgMraWT7zLp3aenCMIrURasalMQHC3yohCwNLs_rQ_rdx3YRq62OxzBt7TPsrDHeRSj3HVCVlLUsPTKdcHytYoU8IWISci3isDtyt4waBuWCtpZ6fH3wlyrw/s1600/Bethany+Missionary+pictures++March+23+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrgsuycP2h9TB_1I_knlCgMraWT7zLp3aenCMIrURasalMQHC3yohCwNLs_rQ_rdx3YRq62OxzBt7TPsrDHeRSj3HVCVlLUsPTKdcHytYoU8IWISci3isDtyt4waBuWCtpZ6fH3wlyrw/s320/Bethany+Missionary+pictures++March+23+2013.jpg" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-61769076262428163492011-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:002011-12-22T08:03:12.701-08:00The year in review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFn0jElIz59_UWWIqnmduql-QLEyPuiJlLxZx8ien6QQOE1ZlRa4P9WMqUD7tXokJWKLgdMxYtZjgvUmjhqR5OeN73sKqiy3wzwo7cG3wlMWHadzA1q9eI_rNcCh-StQcHEh03PD0Qio/s1600/Christmas+2011+collage.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFn0jElIz59_UWWIqnmduql-QLEyPuiJlLxZx8ien6QQOE1ZlRa4P9WMqUD7tXokJWKLgdMxYtZjgvUmjhqR5OeN73sKqiy3wzwo7cG3wlMWHadzA1q9eI_rNcCh-StQcHEh03PD0Qio/s400/Christmas+2011+collage.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688983287768925442" /></a><br />“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer, fun for all, that children call, their favorite time of year.” Charlie Brown Christmas<br />I love this time of year, I think it brings out the child in all of us. I love seeing homes decorated with lights, putting up the Christmas tree, making home made goodies for friends and neighbors, singing beautiful hymns that remind us all the reason we celebrate Christmas-Christ.<br />Wes continues to work in the high tech field. His company was sold last year and went from being Thomson Group to Grass Valley Group. He was given the opportunity to move up to a manager with his work. To be honest, it was not a position he desired but rather that his work wanted him there. Wes has always liked being involved in the development and creation phases of products. He tries to still keep his hand in that part of his job along with his new duties.<br />In August of last year Becky and Jeff became parents, which made Wes and I grandparents! Ryan Louis Boudrero was born on our 27th wedding anniversary. A nice gift to say the least. Ryan is now 16 months old. We love hearing his voice over the phone and enjoy skyping with him and Becky over the internet. What a sweetie he is. Becky earned her second bachelors in May with a degree in Speech. She has been busily working with schools and researching in hopes to be selected for the Master’s program in speech at Utah State in February. Keep your fingers crossed that she gets in. Jeff is continuing to work and go to school. He is a wonderful son in law and a great daddy. Becky and Jeff reside in Logan, Utah<br />This was a big year of change for Robbie. Last year he began dating a beautiful, blonde haired girl named Tessa. Wes and I could tell early on that she was pretty special. They became engaged in August of 2010 and were married on August 27th of this year. They had a wonderful wedding and reception. Both my Mom and Emma, Wes’ Mom along with other family members and friends were there to celebrate their big day. Robbie is a plumber. He is attending plumbing school and when he graduates he’ll be a journeymen plumber. Tessa works in sales at the Mall and plans to continue her schooling this upcoming year. They recently added an addition to their family. A cute little beagle named Minnie.<br />Robbie and Tessa reside here in Beaverton, Oregon…we’re glad they are so close.<br />Sean returned from his mission in Germany on December 30th of last year. He had a wonderful time there! Those 2 years flew by fast for him. He is currently attending BYU and works at the MTC bookstore. He is adjusting to college life and trying to decide what to major in. He had thought about dentistry before his mission but now realizes that is not for him. Sean is looking forward to Christmas break when he gets to go back to Germany for 2 weeks along with his Dad and his Uncle Don. It will be a quiet Christmas at our home but definitely a great father/son time for Sean and Wes <br />Bethany is a senior this year at Aloha. I can NOT believe that! I don’t know where the past 12 years have gone. She is having a fun year. She loves to dance, sing, take pictures, and enjoys being on yearbook at school. She has this bubbly personality and I enjoy doing things with her. I will miss her next year when she heads off to school. She is hoping to get accepted into either BYU-Idaho or LDS Business College. She is still weighing her options. So much to think about when you are a senior!<br />Bryan began his freshman year at Aloha. He is doing GREAT. This year he is in a classroom with 20 other students. His 2 teachers do a fantastic job and Bryan is learning a great deal. He is continuing his singing in the Aloha HS choir and he enjoys it a lot. He will turn 16 this month; he is super excited for it. Bryan LOVES to attend the Church dances. He has a fun time and usually dances every single dance. It’s fun to see his excitement and love of life! <br />Wes and I were asked to head up a girl’s high adventure this summer. With the theme “Journey to Higher Ground” we organized a two day activity that involved service, fun and hard work. There were many lessons learned through service at the forestry center in Tillamook, fun and games at the beach and climbing Kings Mountain the following day. This definitely showed the girls that they could do hard things and could push on and do their best. <br />We hope this Christmas season finds you well and happy. With much love, The Whitnahs, Wes, Grace, Bethany and BryanGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-56642868164030204222010-10-16T02:48:00.000-07:002010-10-16T03:45:26.686-07:00so much has happened since i last wrote on my blog. I am a Gramma, I will become a Mother in Law for the second time next summer when Robbie gets married. I am still a missionary mom but not for much longer. Sean is due to return home from his mission in Germany Frankfurt on December 30th! <br />Just a few things that happened this summer. Bryan and I took a trip to Pennsylvania to visit my Mom. We left the week after school was out and returned to Oregon on July 8th. It was nice to visit Mom. I would be lying if I didn't mention how much I missed seeing my Dad. It just seemed so strange without him there. Mom is doing pretty well, she's a strong women and someone I've always admired. As hard as this has been for her she is always helping others out and is staying involved in the community, which is really good. Bryan and I went camping with Gramma and the rest of my family for a week at Allegany State Park. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold, other than one night where we had a crazy thunder storm, the week went well. It was nice to visit with cousins and my sisters and brother along with other family members.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqsyamtVE7ttZlDIgwAGQAKbWNR8akgLcGUtipBvzoRX3WFLWGgveakgyXTljhyGwWWEoqxYqc1Puf9w2BVd-xwZLNoFsFaDrJ60jiAAZJhNCaOcSuuHetLnpB9i6VfU1LVrWQdWz4Vg/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqsyamtVE7ttZlDIgwAGQAKbWNR8akgLcGUtipBvzoRX3WFLWGgveakgyXTljhyGwWWEoqxYqc1Puf9w2BVd-xwZLNoFsFaDrJ60jiAAZJhNCaOcSuuHetLnpB9i6VfU1LVrWQdWz4Vg/s400/IMG_2402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528580833163130898" /></a><br />Our last day of camp, 2 older cousins came from Michigan to visit. They stayed through the 5th of July. I hadn't seen these cousins in over 30 years. It was nice to get reaquainted with them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL8s6BzmtJiXEwSHLaPoZjChtg5a-2_8xnFGm6RtfG_TLr3mpqor-nA1L6XogRDKVfdQnSahOcsc1R3SpDwSQsDHnQ4eccoWbhvUfkHSrUPJYut1JSO-Rr6GYmR6g6DdBoNtrYuC0BDM/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL8s6BzmtJiXEwSHLaPoZjChtg5a-2_8xnFGm6RtfG_TLr3mpqor-nA1L6XogRDKVfdQnSahOcsc1R3SpDwSQsDHnQ4eccoWbhvUfkHSrUPJYut1JSO-Rr6GYmR6g6DdBoNtrYuC0BDM/s400/IMG_2406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528581387638128482" /></a><br />Here are just a few pictures of camping.Bryan enjoyed visiting with his Aunts and Uncles and cousins. Here he is with Aunt Mary :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwWoyljcOSghmenFTYJ0-OaYBRw_O3ZuvGEPYlDlRXeMg4pC6Tpfc3SONt4Ad5nOC0E3wvDx-ACgeFIJ8ceIXlFwDwQuVSZudgHMjF78vZYgSOnyNSwNpTPnKqfhzpNlFuiI0uHkIpA0/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwWoyljcOSghmenFTYJ0-OaYBRw_O3ZuvGEPYlDlRXeMg4pC6Tpfc3SONt4Ad5nOC0E3wvDx-ACgeFIJ8ceIXlFwDwQuVSZudgHMjF78vZYgSOnyNSwNpTPnKqfhzpNlFuiI0uHkIpA0/s400/IMG_2380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528581864940627762" /></a> Gramma got Jack to pop some popcorn over the fire this year. He did a good job, it tasted great!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsU8q1ZYo_RJ7uukSlkNLk-kI36JwbrtUlniuszNW1kpEZnDT6vTc8xxFA7KyiiZdbOLqsoDGasVLttQzhO_rG-MtH7hV0KoxooS1wMI-UAR5EjHRlVbtHeRrjgDqfa76Vxxn8OBAULU4/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsU8q1ZYo_RJ7uukSlkNLk-kI36JwbrtUlniuszNW1kpEZnDT6vTc8xxFA7KyiiZdbOLqsoDGasVLttQzhO_rG-MtH7hV0KoxooS1wMI-UAR5EjHRlVbtHeRrjgDqfa76Vxxn8OBAULU4/s400/IMG_2379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528582233798817090" /></a>My cousin Larry and his 5 grandkids there most of the week, they are such cute kids. It was fun to see them run around and play. It wasn't that long ago that my kids were that age and doing the same thing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N0StHjCQI8ql3BBNpiIeoNfgRo8HeZ7Ry5Pgj3PuZZnKkjlovwd3XEJ23L3Mf8x9s2VonPlvL2M5k5jqvvRYkWvqYnY6Ku2pLFljLgzoS7YPe6zR23ELpz2D42n39w_4lGVgCYlS1w4/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N0StHjCQI8ql3BBNpiIeoNfgRo8HeZ7Ry5Pgj3PuZZnKkjlovwd3XEJ23L3Mf8x9s2VonPlvL2M5k5jqvvRYkWvqYnY6Ku2pLFljLgzoS7YPe6zR23ELpz2D42n39w_4lGVgCYlS1w4/s400/IMG_2368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528583003957521314" /></a> Overall Bryan and I had a great time visiting family in PA and NY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEy9OqhWsWLGVSFJNUi5RZPQmrnQ0POlEQJyjPA34XDOigtNi1-ViVLJGJM-zn-_ydv7W0gj-nnPfLje46UqhlsHnGlVH7MPdZIC88xTX26ePKrA6XZ-vPBGO0xTjxbsG28CZOuWDODA/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEy9OqhWsWLGVSFJNUi5RZPQmrnQ0POlEQJyjPA34XDOigtNi1-ViVLJGJM-zn-_ydv7W0gj-nnPfLje46UqhlsHnGlVH7MPdZIC88xTX26ePKrA6XZ-vPBGO0xTjxbsG28CZOuWDODA/s400/IMG_2384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528583248925896914" /></a><br />While we were in PA visiting. Bethany was off to Girls Camp for 1 week and the week after that was off to EFY. She told me it was by far her most favorite time at EFY yet. She had a blast. At girls camp she was able to be a counselor over the 1st and 2nd year girls, that is something she looked forward to and had fun planning with the other counselors what they would do. <br />While I was in Pennsylvania visiting my family, Robbie met a great young girl named Tessa. They met at at FHE (Family Home Evening) activity. I got home on the 8th adn met Tessa on the 9th. She is perfect for Robbie. He has been working as a plumber and they both are planning a summer wedding in 2011. In July we headed to the beach. Bethany brought along her friend Marissa Thompson and Robbie came down with Tessa for a day. I love the beach. It's always so relaxing. We found a nice beach house to stay in at Pacific City, Oregon. After spending a day in Lincoln City shopping (something that Bethany and Marissa especially enjoyed) we headed to the beach home. We were there about 3 days. I would have loved to have stayed longer. It was really nice.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AKxB05cP16cU7TdLVRYEIt6mSWoBrhsnEcTnbO6u9S1z88tTBQgBiz-rdMMPk5_udmRiDD5iJdHBEyB6kkFjKHLpIfisg15NMe0QnpLVWp3wC51j9g7UFkUGokN91sK5VeCf4eSXFUw/s1600/IMG_2483.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AKxB05cP16cU7TdLVRYEIt6mSWoBrhsnEcTnbO6u9S1z88tTBQgBiz-rdMMPk5_udmRiDD5iJdHBEyB6kkFjKHLpIfisg15NMe0QnpLVWp3wC51j9g7UFkUGokN91sK5VeCf4eSXFUw/s400/IMG_2483.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528588851730250674" /></a><br />One night we had a fire at the beach, it was great.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrJeGtEoA09yGLrg1txeJcRD0gLQRUCK1K_7v6Qp7Ql-xaLdZv1s7lWHmgpIjrtt7BBrXDbhKe0sLlEpzo6KyoQWmzr9Bj7n7lW8ba2pzHdYO9AudNyhmFX4KNnHp3KRe_3vT-3fter4/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrJeGtEoA09yGLrg1txeJcRD0gLQRUCK1K_7v6Qp7Ql-xaLdZv1s7lWHmgpIjrtt7BBrXDbhKe0sLlEpzo6KyoQWmzr9Bj7n7lW8ba2pzHdYO9AudNyhmFX4KNnHp3KRe_3vT-3fter4/s400/IMG_2520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528589228149124738" /></a><br />On Wes and my 27th wedding anniversary Becky went into labor and little Ryan Louis Boudrero made his appearance. What a memorable day! I wasn't able to be in Utah when Becky had Ryan but I made it there 4 days later. I stayed with Becky and helped any way I could. Lucky Becky...she lost ALL her pregnancy weight within less than 2 weeks. Then again, she only gained 18 pounds. Ryan weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz and was 21 inches long. Grampa Whitnah loved holding his first grandson, so sweet! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj815HCBZntSjhxFVC0TUFiKdw40q8MUqGp-B4YyEihZ0SY4XVa0o9RV6uImvSKPP8WMI1LymuQRYN-FQ5Fgg2JvrgOFTf-0jIFdgcl8ddhrFC2c7G6O4r1uQrMybHfYT0MNxVWnmHMjlM/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj815HCBZntSjhxFVC0TUFiKdw40q8MUqGp-B4YyEihZ0SY4XVa0o9RV6uImvSKPP8WMI1LymuQRYN-FQ5Fgg2JvrgOFTf-0jIFdgcl8ddhrFC2c7G6O4r1uQrMybHfYT0MNxVWnmHMjlM/s400/IMG_2674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528590341907920354" /></a> Bryan was pretty excited to be an uncle, even though he was a little unsure how to hold Ryan he did just fine!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFVNudf5CV9Dl53N4I02zg61TwZQ5vnlQ554XsdQb9GHxTFl6qKLmjfTIf-sMTixnShEUTFqvRRSdu5eVYo55mcJmFuF7-ICNAHKO9YMHl-mnoeigCxxATdeAbiYiFFoOes3DlYfDkBY/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFVNudf5CV9Dl53N4I02zg61TwZQ5vnlQ554XsdQb9GHxTFl6qKLmjfTIf-sMTixnShEUTFqvRRSdu5eVYo55mcJmFuF7-ICNAHKO9YMHl-mnoeigCxxATdeAbiYiFFoOes3DlYfDkBY/s400/IMG_2727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528590919463008434" /></a>Bethany also relished in being an Aunt. Ryan loved it when Bethany held him.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsBrNXKX7Dz5KKWsYncI7TYQfhQcqMc-BY2baWVwN2WSpl7Lg2c9y8nzG82ocYxWjta1pyTv5g7ew5apZ1LZisILXLwJzC6GcVVvVu7mQ3hiIRqLsAIgrDP1oTl0_ZXgSM439q3ti5Lw/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsBrNXKX7Dz5KKWsYncI7TYQfhQcqMc-BY2baWVwN2WSpl7Lg2c9y8nzG82ocYxWjta1pyTv5g7ew5apZ1LZisILXLwJzC6GcVVvVu7mQ3hiIRqLsAIgrDP1oTl0_ZXgSM439q3ti5Lw/s400/IMG_2705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528591410580029858" /></a> And of course I couldn't hold the little guy enough! He is such a sweetie. The only thing I wish is that Becky and Jeff lived closer so we could see them as well as litte Ryan more often. They are doing well and are adjusting to being parents and little Ryan is growing like a weed. He just had his 2 month check up and he already weighs 13lbs 3ounces. He's more than doubled his birth weight.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFfugs311QPxmHJuZTYK15gQuyR-29Y-DyZqd8RrGA6T-ibjKL6iqoWValFul1MBhf_2oYAEU81GhaGaNGfdOPu-Aqi9czajp1P29cBYcgocHdtG2a00gjlIFvyg_Ykgpwwz9yP4qt4Q/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFfugs311QPxmHJuZTYK15gQuyR-29Y-DyZqd8RrGA6T-ibjKL6iqoWValFul1MBhf_2oYAEU81GhaGaNGfdOPu-Aqi9czajp1P29cBYcgocHdtG2a00gjlIFvyg_Ykgpwwz9yP4qt4Q/s400/IMG_2698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528592447078649058" /></a><br />The new parents..they are very happy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqugY8K_V4OTEzFNbHOgDjHTkuoKtXfwQltZsi0KWT5t5_qzgNVs5SjLxzqX4U-UFf5thFlIlYpTXZvv5z4PLrg70xGhFFQmbkUKWxwGuwa7TZKu3PcpgjAq2rNvkMdnPsifmERTi6wM/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqugY8K_V4OTEzFNbHOgDjHTkuoKtXfwQltZsi0KWT5t5_qzgNVs5SjLxzqX4U-UFf5thFlIlYpTXZvv5z4PLrg70xGhFFQmbkUKWxwGuwa7TZKu3PcpgjAq2rNvkMdnPsifmERTi6wM/s400/IMG_2740.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528592805121230786" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-22345124465591001762010-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:23:05.806-07:00Becky and Jeff's Visit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9r7c-GFxrluTC_xUQyqZiwa1lolDC6X71Bo38qZmIBC_D0rZiJU9VMdFkpZMn5wJvW1FwbBmYherdNBkiYndSPxFVQ6Any-y720AOpASCZAQBZZhJ-9nY6fcgDoTFwm1ieQi_FB1Ay8/s1600/Grace's+photos+004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9r7c-GFxrluTC_xUQyqZiwa1lolDC6X71Bo38qZmIBC_D0rZiJU9VMdFkpZMn5wJvW1FwbBmYherdNBkiYndSPxFVQ6Any-y720AOpASCZAQBZZhJ-9nY6fcgDoTFwm1ieQi_FB1Ay8/s400/Grace's+photos+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483400184204304946" /></a><br />This past week Becky and Jeff paid us a visit from Utah. It was great to see them! I hadn't seen Becky since she found out she was pregnant and to see her little belly and all and feel little Ryan moving around in side of her was fun. I have had 5 kids of my own and I still remember how it felt to have a little baby moving and kicking inside of you. It really is a miracle. I took every advantage to place my hand on Becky's belly when he moved :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-FnAcdxJXdj5UkItkgphJMVUzPoPEhigeqb3Y1nGwF88d3-yoV_n3qTQX41XR3-Gq5DnxI0q1AVMWp0QFHyrT4Jtg5CRCp-vWzf0Fknll8e0LKecTIgqhJ99nCldleGKbdJF0Fcdkww/s1600/Grace's+photos+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-FnAcdxJXdj5UkItkgphJMVUzPoPEhigeqb3Y1nGwF88d3-yoV_n3qTQX41XR3-Gq5DnxI0q1AVMWp0QFHyrT4Jtg5CRCp-vWzf0Fknll8e0LKecTIgqhJ99nCldleGKbdJF0Fcdkww/s400/Grace's+photos+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483399087255542674" /></a><br />Lacey Coakley, a long time school and church friend threw Becky a baby shower while she was here. She was able to get some cute little boy clothes...or should I say, "little man" clothes. That is what Ryan will be, her little man. On Saturday we took off to Tillamook and then to Rockaway Beach. It was beautiful that day. With Oregon you just never know what the weather will be like at the coast, we lucked out. It was sunny the whole time and warm. Bryan loved the beach! There is something about nature that brings out excitement in him. He stimmed like crazy.But it was all great<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0k51JFyK7MyHiG2pdc4VU4NmkUO_1_qu5yYlCxDaqWLZVXIWvsOVBgz__UPYuCuB5jYrvjs9HGZHz226BUEX6NfiutTTnhqrsd3ISFZRwkK1Htq0I7n6wCN1trRg5bHO3R2l5Fbf8JEA/s1600/Grace's+photos+017.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0k51JFyK7MyHiG2pdc4VU4NmkUO_1_qu5yYlCxDaqWLZVXIWvsOVBgz__UPYuCuB5jYrvjs9HGZHz226BUEX6NfiutTTnhqrsd3ISFZRwkK1Htq0I7n6wCN1trRg5bHO3R2l5Fbf8JEA/s400/Grace's+photos+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483400613365913826" /></a><br />You can tell by Bryan's hair that the wind was blowing pretty good, I love the rock in the background of this picture, it makes me think of lockness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfDSDsiO-8GWzCiRweYmmoyfS08JzWHg-4MAupH7-XTU_BiuXkb-ElFBLev-nbWXLI2HrauataXLrX3F3K2QpxTOA-Fs6izzncmi_ySJi9QJ8yYzBL7fWG_xpz11qLLcHCSiS3BaUPXo/s1600/Grace's+photos+015.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfDSDsiO-8GWzCiRweYmmoyfS08JzWHg-4MAupH7-XTU_BiuXkb-ElFBLev-nbWXLI2HrauataXLrX3F3K2QpxTOA-Fs6izzncmi_ySJi9QJ8yYzBL7fWG_xpz11qLLcHCSiS3BaUPXo/s400/Grace's+photos+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483401070709540194" /></a><br />Bethany was busy with her camera taking some magical pictures as well. She is fantastic with photography, one of favorite things to do. I was able to capture a nice picture of Becky and Bethany together though. Bethany was glad to see her big sister that she hadn't seen in nearly a year.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJU_IItNwTi4gJDTULytpZZG7jlHmFZnYihYRtcgoIxOex75BkD8MCI38_y_65aV_3QDSDwMOC_5vIKB54NKlKs4Ky3RdqMC3R_2NtIH-rCTtpYvcREw02dhwFwsowxO5LhxLWC98qk/s1600/Grace's+photos+001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJU_IItNwTi4gJDTULytpZZG7jlHmFZnYihYRtcgoIxOex75BkD8MCI38_y_65aV_3QDSDwMOC_5vIKB54NKlKs4Ky3RdqMC3R_2NtIH-rCTtpYvcREw02dhwFwsowxO5LhxLWC98qk/s400/Grace's+photos+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483401667579721458" /></a><br />and this photo at the coast is probably one of my favorites.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn9H0wSzyKYKPDsydlUXg5MUWlE9aE7b2GZZ1BHhi6PhyKRcpd1pdzP9qcutQ3lkhlBnc_qtVI197bZbRXPWPOePefN2gMo-xS5JFkfhHpVLYdh83klL8RIHMKNRBfx96RRlg4t0V38k/s1600/Grace's+photos+018.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn9H0wSzyKYKPDsydlUXg5MUWlE9aE7b2GZZ1BHhi6PhyKRcpd1pdzP9qcutQ3lkhlBnc_qtVI197bZbRXPWPOePefN2gMo-xS5JFkfhHpVLYdh83klL8RIHMKNRBfx96RRlg4t0V38k/s400/Grace's+photos+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483406720722700466" /></a><br /> Robbie took Bryan to the coast in his truck, buying Bryan a monster drink to have on the way..as if Bryan needed anything else to make him hyper. Bryan loved both the drink and riding to the coast and back with his big brother. It was great to have nearly everyone there.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhotu8y7ZliR1ZDK2A-0nBX4_RnKztLTEUfu3KgHJSpE9nucJOu4QNbN4PkfM4ctD2BM6FEu0MdHRVWbOnQ4AufeVf0GDbQuFsoEMsgwkYIyP4U0L9ofZyIsofLR5hq9kDpoBprWwEY8g/s1600/Grace's+photos+030.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhotu8y7ZliR1ZDK2A-0nBX4_RnKztLTEUfu3KgHJSpE9nucJOu4QNbN4PkfM4ctD2BM6FEu0MdHRVWbOnQ4AufeVf0GDbQuFsoEMsgwkYIyP4U0L9ofZyIsofLR5hq9kDpoBprWwEY8g/s400/Grace's+photos+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483402628931003906" /></a><br />Another photo at the restaurant we ate at, Robbie wasn't too crazy about the place so he walked to McDonalds and ate something else but came back to share some of Bryan's scone. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cSMz4Wxm624JIo2Eucu03LFXZmtW-UmiCJBgBraSMzIdFqox07YtAGtrK8n2jowNTqnfyt5x-C_N13kBHl0WhK5XDb1iuT9unvZxCyjd3bTjb5Yokq54rF3u8soxx8k-rEcq4XQpSZ4/s1600/Grace's+photos+007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cSMz4Wxm624JIo2Eucu03LFXZmtW-UmiCJBgBraSMzIdFqox07YtAGtrK8n2jowNTqnfyt5x-C_N13kBHl0WhK5XDb1iuT9unvZxCyjd3bTjb5Yokq54rF3u8soxx8k-rEcq4XQpSZ4/s400/Grace's+photos+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483403008726877842" /></a><br />I was glad to spend some time with my daughter Becky. With her living in Utah and not getting to see her or visit with her as much as I used to made this trip extra special.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi50_i4igr_zQImwMGeWUWvQN_oCBEU3oH_TouSsssVVqC9SZt8ltzj4fLxCfTsvmk6ruaq_bi-ieQIdU4c5q0dcn02_2TFrIVFRS-7iAwOSdwg_mYeEOYtaXz50go8tZrzp2MdQkFq4/s1600/Grace's+photos+002a.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi50_i4igr_zQImwMGeWUWvQN_oCBEU3oH_TouSsssVVqC9SZt8ltzj4fLxCfTsvmk6ruaq_bi-ieQIdU4c5q0dcn02_2TFrIVFRS-7iAwOSdwg_mYeEOYtaXz50go8tZrzp2MdQkFq4/s400/Grace's+photos+002a.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483403436944737810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVHEhhKiKUivlAG7UV_LvYS5fMmrEmSb0h2pH9mh6ZmmgwTeIlXA7j_eoVbXhN15C-b3LDnFzzT21JwbShDOGDW1bo2vyWCs3k9gAzv3zhfAkjx83WnxfpMYC_z_pf4ngti9l5LXCLWk/s1600/Grace's+photos+019.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVHEhhKiKUivlAG7UV_LvYS5fMmrEmSb0h2pH9mh6ZmmgwTeIlXA7j_eoVbXhN15C-b3LDnFzzT21JwbShDOGDW1bo2vyWCs3k9gAzv3zhfAkjx83WnxfpMYC_z_pf4ngti9l5LXCLWk/s400/Grace's+photos+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483403595927148994" /></a><br />The next time I see Becky and Jeff they will be holding their little Ryan in their arms. Exciting yet busy times ahead for the both of them!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kk-eKWHHwRSJbdJif-HuvqWHTUGvRx7cdDkwQKPZ_ZgQr9UIGblcCbz3yqOVVFTHfHJfrOUhxkhlVB_BSixovssSsu9aATEi_cTNBY6kqa8c05Fdq17W0vX-8M9ABmcfDm_-J1XFatA/s1600/Grace's+photos+022.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kk-eKWHHwRSJbdJif-HuvqWHTUGvRx7cdDkwQKPZ_ZgQr9UIGblcCbz3yqOVVFTHfHJfrOUhxkhlVB_BSixovssSsu9aATEi_cTNBY6kqa8c05Fdq17W0vX-8M9ABmcfDm_-J1XFatA/s400/Grace's+photos+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483404075797951186" /></a>I am sure they will make good parents and will be as ready as ever for the challenge ahead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGAaCMlrQeAejqeS0DWnLHXLG7Hy-39glTybFMOOf7xd8VhEQptb-K6Idp3OT5qt1bJYtXeaYFM3RIKHETSarU_y11czw0V5bzkLngFfHO8BSnnE-8qz5RNjCLyP4nGKP7-HH8jDD4gk/s1600/Grace's+photos+016.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGAaCMlrQeAejqeS0DWnLHXLG7Hy-39glTybFMOOf7xd8VhEQptb-K6Idp3OT5qt1bJYtXeaYFM3RIKHETSarU_y11czw0V5bzkLngFfHO8BSnnE-8qz5RNjCLyP4nGKP7-HH8jDD4gk/s400/Grace's+photos+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483407724424736610" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-29661227056486028932010-04-25T03:06:00.000-07:002010-04-25T03:24:14.126-07:00Bethany's First Prom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NdYrSFo7W7ai9FYv39cwcdH-5LdyC7RTzpyTFzza3qWQvVosXkmjaWknk6FrnTHHI785Plb1qK7J_hlwvYangPZ9rX7iHiBb4lQnr7UBj3QooIZC4Sw2XMpPw52Uxts8H0_XJ1zD4uE/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NdYrSFo7W7ai9FYv39cwcdH-5LdyC7RTzpyTFzza3qWQvVosXkmjaWknk6FrnTHHI785Plb1qK7J_hlwvYangPZ9rX7iHiBb4lQnr7UBj3QooIZC4Sw2XMpPw52Uxts8H0_XJ1zD4uE/s400/IMG_3264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464018927582236914" /></a><br />Last Saturday Bethany attended her first Prom. The Church has begun holding Stake Proms and they have been such a success! First off the music is good, no "weird" dancing that kids have to deal with as well as girls and guys are dressed modest and they ALL have a fun time. Bethany was called by the Stake to help with the Prom and she absolutely LOVED being involved! With her attention to details and her love of music and fun everything she did helped the rest of the group work together to get so much done. It was great and she loved it! Bethany wanted to go and just have fun and so she and Lance Barfuss went together..it was great...they are 2 good friends and they along with many there had a great time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8DzNFlNrrlwEJPKCZVLrJbu9fYLgWNymMuDwB3fdPBIJpwoqNjsF8qyXDAuh7ELA1fwAaFQYm2nXB9BnA-IuSNgKKCZ9kqoYw-bIaOAStEzbgsteqKh62TMouiBSsnLsRhdlxuJXc0/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8DzNFlNrrlwEJPKCZVLrJbu9fYLgWNymMuDwB3fdPBIJpwoqNjsF8qyXDAuh7ELA1fwAaFQYm2nXB9BnA-IuSNgKKCZ9kqoYw-bIaOAStEzbgsteqKh62TMouiBSsnLsRhdlxuJXc0/s400/IMG_3275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464016523799941010" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmK_PG061euYvybCNC2AHWwKoLZA3KkMZEBGumxV5-6jb_LdbOKUc1SQkp_7ccpFcee-M7Kt-aWnl7EtvUICwakG0MttsO2RswibPe86EIR_5oR-wH6C__HUmJmgsfBE543d7-kjZKzA/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmK_PG061euYvybCNC2AHWwKoLZA3KkMZEBGumxV5-6jb_LdbOKUc1SQkp_7ccpFcee-M7Kt-aWnl7EtvUICwakG0MttsO2RswibPe86EIR_5oR-wH6C__HUmJmgsfBE543d7-kjZKzA/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464016724973751234" /></a><br /><br />Of course a dance wouldn't be a dance if she didn't hang out some with her BFF Alina. Alina and Bethany were beaming and had so much fun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ao-6tkh4D2xJ_L-B1z6lFSaMcaW6Y6vXxxa-VSZRkm1VSAnV0SaohMCmyEBKi52aXpAjs46tpinMMVa3biesh9WsuXhZ8G1_IC_G7t9oVn5zI3hEwi_n3-6ssdyc9eKhWWmQeH0ImG8/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ao-6tkh4D2xJ_L-B1z6lFSaMcaW6Y6vXxxa-VSZRkm1VSAnV0SaohMCmyEBKi52aXpAjs46tpinMMVa3biesh9WsuXhZ8G1_IC_G7t9oVn5zI3hEwi_n3-6ssdyc9eKhWWmQeH0ImG8/s400/IMG_3318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464017062543057602" /></a><br />The theme of the dance was "An Evening in NYC" From a crystal chandelier to a small central park and Statue of Liberty, everything looked great and had a blast. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ERYGrTRe4mSA_oEWU8vzh_wCgWrbIDwI5IR2GzuL_2KP3x5QzBgn-LTk-IfDz27T-CHq0TXukg2BQb7xOrDBWZaloCpEzAbJtEZK0B37ihuNAL3H_kEoxxF2nedk7syGarwh_cfvmA/s1600/IMG_3280.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1ERYGrTRe4mSA_oEWU8vzh_wCgWrbIDwI5IR2GzuL_2KP3x5QzBgn-LTk-IfDz27T-CHq0TXukg2BQb7xOrDBWZaloCpEzAbJtEZK0B37ihuNAL3H_kEoxxF2nedk7syGarwh_cfvmA/s400/IMG_3280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464017673716545682" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6laSBCv3P9Fq_uJqUKYiBjkL-25fzkpM4XWRCkJZTzpPzCyIdTKrNDA_bsS5GKwakPa1vxo7JU7dBtI_6h_7Zib6LBTsWaVUx-VcVi1W-nWdqIMkQZIzjVesrGYTIg6C1mFUcEcuQls/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6laSBCv3P9Fq_uJqUKYiBjkL-25fzkpM4XWRCkJZTzpPzCyIdTKrNDA_bsS5GKwakPa1vxo7JU7dBtI_6h_7Zib6LBTsWaVUx-VcVi1W-nWdqIMkQZIzjVesrGYTIg6C1mFUcEcuQls/s400/IMG_3282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464017850809555490" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAATenvUfbCbujOyJLFOOI5qzFeACpeUr2SUqCrRZFR4jJe48M3bPDAUJUjn28kKr-5SMGbTKFCSN75Ms3eRmeJ9yZIEs2hekgFiWLpmOmbRQrknwNLm4dxrxMr32_cYsV2tuFmCCkEJs/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAATenvUfbCbujOyJLFOOI5qzFeACpeUr2SUqCrRZFR4jJe48M3bPDAUJUjn28kKr-5SMGbTKFCSN75Ms3eRmeJ9yZIEs2hekgFiWLpmOmbRQrknwNLm4dxrxMr32_cYsV2tuFmCCkEJs/s400/IMG_3320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464018099026770386" /></a><br />After a long time organizing, those on the committee stayed after and helped to clean up. I don't think Bethany minded one bit..from the smile on her face you can tell she had a great nightGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-89958420807107404522010-04-09T09:49:00.000-07:002010-04-09T10:03:26.789-07:00I am in a Blue moodThis week I found out what Becky and Jeff were going to have...a little baby BOY. Jeff was super excited. He had told Becky all along that they were having a boy and he couldn't wait to take this little guy fishing and camping and all sorts of boyish things. Becky on the other hand was hoping for a girl. Once she saw her new little baby on the 3D ultrasound and saw how cute he was she fell in love with him. She told me that a couple of weeks ago she had a dream of a cute little baby boy and was convinced that Jeff was right, they were going to have a boy. Sometime in August little Ryan Louis Boudrero should make his arrival into this world. What exciting news! Becoming a Gramma certainly feels different than I thought it would. First off, I never really knew how it would feel or thought about when it would happen. I guess it's like having your own first child...the emotions catch you off guard and you are filled with excitement for this new little life.<br /><br />What are little boys made of?<br />What are little boys made of?<br />Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails,<br />That's what little boys are made of.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-27236167624209669272010-03-01T01:13:00.000-08:002010-03-01T01:29:38.302-08:00An Early Spring in Oregon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhqMLSqiQdqUN44czsyg_eELRioPxNzVnEL94cvvqOFg3w-Cuuu2oVtEdMjelMUOZLoc6tPH8YOl6RWi_Kqb4Jk0_mQHfKiDpiv-JuWXWN9NN9vCto1IBFmJIzoSy30ozmKMRORxoNdo/s1600-h/dafodil+2010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhqMLSqiQdqUN44czsyg_eELRioPxNzVnEL94cvvqOFg3w-Cuuu2oVtEdMjelMUOZLoc6tPH8YOl6RWi_Kqb4Jk0_mQHfKiDpiv-JuWXWN9NN9vCto1IBFmJIzoSy30ozmKMRORxoNdo/s400/dafodil+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443594936045591762" /></a><br />While the East Coast is being pounded with 6 weeks more of Winter that Punxsutawney Phil promised, I for one am glad that here in Oregon we are enjoying tempertures in the 50's with sunny days and blue skies. The cherry blossoms are blooming as well as some other white blossoms on the trees. Dafodils and crocus are popping up everywhere. I love it! <br />Spring is one of my favorite seasons. I guess it's because everything comes back to life. The trees begin to show their buds, the weeping willow always seems to be the first tree that slowly changes to green and then the other trees follow suit. The flowers, the blossoms on the trees, the singing of birds...all signs that winter is nearly over and that Spring is approaching. Even if our Spring is a little early this year, it's okay by me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iHJZCAx3AfULV1_g0IRQbIRA2CoN0iHNHNkMLmBbcAPknIZL95Sw6kfGSm4SNYvWSjxliXaIhjUWUBXr3qRU6_0h_NWw0N2dfXvtvndLeUDYlLkr-rS7vkCboR5Z70SicVlRnvP3pys/s1600-h/iPICT0110.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iHJZCAx3AfULV1_g0IRQbIRA2CoN0iHNHNkMLmBbcAPknIZL95Sw6kfGSm4SNYvWSjxliXaIhjUWUBXr3qRU6_0h_NWw0N2dfXvtvndLeUDYlLkr-rS7vkCboR5Z70SicVlRnvP3pys/s400/iPICT0110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443594745620236354" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-49387614467266267922010-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:002010-01-25T11:03:11.337-08:00I'm going to be a Gramma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyz8l-gsaxY2ZJuABYVO2uFJsPKFOIRMybl_aDnULV46tmgIKYZ56lf08w_mNJgi16H51Isdj9Bp6lM4MLPBAnK7R0xlm4tM2IlYizsiBx667zKTPDYml-iN04I_ps95xnCskfpHHuRY/s1600-h/showerpostcard3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyz8l-gsaxY2ZJuABYVO2uFJsPKFOIRMybl_aDnULV46tmgIKYZ56lf08w_mNJgi16H51Isdj9Bp6lM4MLPBAnK7R0xlm4tM2IlYizsiBx667zKTPDYml-iN04I_ps95xnCskfpHHuRY/s400/showerpostcard3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430754878990158722" /></a><br />I am going to be a Gramma this year. Becky and Jeff are expecting a baby sometime in August. When I told Bryan this he told me "Mom, you won't be a Mom anymore, you will be a Gramma only." I don't know about you but the transition and the circle of life that comes to you when you are about to hit this milestone hasn't quite sunk in with me yet.<br />Me, A Gramma? It is exciting and all and yet the only wish I had is that I would live closer to this new grand baby. An 11 hour car drive will have to do but that also means I won't get to see this little tyke very often. Needless to say, I didn't receive ANY sympathy from my Mom. She reminded me that I was here in Oregon when I had her first 2 grand kids and she in Pennsylvania. <br />I am hoping that my daughter will be okay letting us use a web cam so that we can visit via the net and see her baby when we are not around and will be able to see the changes that this new little one will have.<br />I remember when I first became pregnant with my first child, Becky. I remember the fear that came over me for a while. I was never a parent, what was I going to do? What if I messed up or something? It is and was an overwhelming feeling. And yet even still with all that there was a calmness and excitement to know that we would soon have a little life in our family. I am sure that Becky and Jeff are feeling that same way right now. It is definitely life altering but one of the best gifts you can ever have.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-46021932485388570852010-01-11T02:02:00.001-08:002010-01-11T02:06:31.532-08:00Our Family Newsletter of 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwXFw8qbDYTXREztpjzI4BpwGCXvuB3NNzwqtjCmShhiHV2nTnIyPcOu4q9hlSI1h37PhZEAy-MuJZTntT8XB18fVj7iQsVpzBc7gbQGOgeMSuylnMwV42OupXQANbYQysr8xf4bCx5M/s1600-h/2008_12_25.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwXFw8qbDYTXREztpjzI4BpwGCXvuB3NNzwqtjCmShhiHV2nTnIyPcOu4q9hlSI1h37PhZEAy-MuJZTntT8XB18fVj7iQsVpzBc7gbQGOgeMSuylnMwV42OupXQANbYQysr8xf4bCx5M/s400/2008_12_25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425421261445360146" /></a><br />As the song goes “another year has gone by” I find myself reflecting. 2009 brought us great joy, sadness and thankfulness for the many blessings that we have shared with family and friends. <br /><br />Becky made a change in her last name in September when she married Jeff Boudrero. Jeff and Becky began dating last fall and both Wes and I had a feeling right off the bat that this relationship was something special. They are both “adjusting” to married life as newlyweds and moving on with school and jobs. Becky will start up at Utah State and plans to try to take classes in speech and audiology. We are glad to have Jeff as our son in law. They make a cute couple. <br /><br />Robbie came home last August from Honduras and then in January headed off to Rexburg, Idaho aka BYU-Idaho for school. He attended classes for 2 semesters and is now taking a year break, working and living in Logan, Utah, near Becky. He works at a place that sells and fixes dirt bikes and quads. Right up his alley. He loves it. He has plans to take a trip to Honduras this up coming June if he can work it out. <br /><br />Sean has hit the “hump” of his mission in Germany. He has been there a year this week. It’s hard to believe how fast this year has gone. He loves Germany and the culture there. His German language is coming along great. He has been in Krefeld, Dusseldorf, Langen and now Kaiserslautern. K Town as he calls it. He thinks it’s a beautiful town and reminds him a lot of Pennsylvania. I know this next year will fly for him!<br /><br />Bethany is a sophomore in HS. This year has been a bit more challenging as she decided to take an AP European History Class. After the first couple of weeks she wasn’t too sure she wanted to stick with it but so far she’s doing well and learning a lot more than she would have learned in a typical history class. She has taken German and is learning fast to speak Deustch. She wants to be able to converse with both Sean as well as Becky. Bethany continues to take tap and jazz classes and enjoys going on dates. She loves music and it’s great to hear her sing. She was 16 in July and is seeking to get her permit here soon.<br /><br />Bryan has blossomed this year at middle school. He decided that he wanted to join the 7th grade choir and it has been great for him! He loves to sing and really enjoys being with other kids who love to sing. He is better adjusted to middle school life and is retaining more of what he learns and his reading is improving as well. He has become quite independent about his homework. We don’t even have to ask him to do it! Amazing! Bryan recently celebrated his 14th birthday <br /><br />Thankfully Wes still has a job at Thomson Group. With companies laying of or closing doors left and right we are praying that Wes’ job holds and that he will be able to continue working and contributing to the high tech world. I have been volunteering at all schools and am trying to work my way into a job as an aide in one of the autism classrooms at the grade school near our home. There is a hiring freeze on jobs so I figure if I volunteer enough I may get a shot one day!<br />This past summer we made a trip to Pennsylvania. We were lucky to find airline tickets for under $200. A steal! We traveled to Hershey Pa and then off to Ohio to visit Kirtland and Cedar Point. 2 places that we had wanted to go to for a long time.<br /><br />After leaving Ohio we headed back to Pennsylvania and went to Bradford to visit with my Mom and Dad and other family members. It was great to see everyone. Mom organized a McAndrew Clan reunion. It was held up to Bingham and everyone there had a nice time. Later that day I attended my 30th class reunion. Hard to believe 30 years! I remember my Dad going to his 30th and thinking “he’s so old” now it was hitting me in the face. It is amazing how the years fly.<br /><br />We left Bradford on August 20th to head back home to Oregon. I am so grateful for the days I had with my Mom and Dad. Never would I have guessed when I said goodbye to my parents that it would be the last time I would see my Dad alive. Dad had had surgery on his neck in early August and we all thought he was going to recover and be fine. But it wasn’t to be. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure on September 20th and not even a month later he was gone.<br /><br />I was able to get home the day that Dad died. October 17th…one of the longest days in my life. As I traveled on the plane, on a flight that I knew one day I would have to make my heart ached and I was saddened. I began to think of the wonderful man he was, the wonderful father and grandfather he was and more importantly what a great friend he was to all of us. I miss him dearly and miss hearing him talk, laugh, sing, etc. Many people have fathers but it takes some one special to be a great Dad. I am thankful and feel blessed that Dad was with us for 78 years. He made me laugh and smile and showed me how to do more and be more. <br /><br />As this year draws to a close I think of the little things I can do to better be like my Dad. Saying hi to the person at the store, asking how someone is doing, give that person a great smile. Things I will always think about when I think of Dad.(not that I didn’t do these things but that I want to try and do them even more)<br />We hope this Christmas finds you happy and thankful for all that you have. For blessings of family, friends and fond memories. <br /><br />Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2010,Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-83674600175444230822009-12-30T02:40:00.000-08:002009-12-30T03:02:32.903-08:00One Wintry Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWb4zNXNJQrw8VfPqD7qVmYa5lnV13jGx3LXsEfyvMZmVcWwGHupS-fLeFwaGn7GWEyJ2sIDagze6s6ab37FzE_yI4e0AG_iCI-gbmkqf-KdV2uyN15O7TvVNc7tnsKdL90J6YVuL-ag/s1600-h/IMG_1666.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWb4zNXNJQrw8VfPqD7qVmYa5lnV13jGx3LXsEfyvMZmVcWwGHupS-fLeFwaGn7GWEyJ2sIDagze6s6ab37FzE_yI4e0AG_iCI-gbmkqf-KdV2uyN15O7TvVNc7tnsKdL90J6YVuL-ag/s400/IMG_1666.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420982760506059234" /></a><br />There is magic about snow that seems to quiet the world. The color is white and pure and seems to brighten up not only the sky but all those who take time to play in it and enjoy it. Of course those on the roads often forget how to drive in it and many seems to have to wait hours to get home. Even if home was only a 7 mile trip! Of course here in Oregon we are not used to it as much so I guess that is why. Either way it was a great day to enjoy the beauty of cold falling flakes and have fun! Everyday paths seem to have a magic spell as the snow blankets the ground.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGx0fth_qkJicuWTTcQpVCeMknSlC96ak2b2aOtGHXTKvGKqmzFIndK2cWd3Pyfxv52Nw7LnoJV8B9Et-K7qKIC3mvmei7Q7NcMebEAVOfzH34Tr46mywqvMb6w-yt99qtHH0dlvoWyU/s1600-h/IMG_1664.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGx0fth_qkJicuWTTcQpVCeMknSlC96ak2b2aOtGHXTKvGKqmzFIndK2cWd3Pyfxv52Nw7LnoJV8B9Et-K7qKIC3mvmei7Q7NcMebEAVOfzH34Tr46mywqvMb6w-yt99qtHH0dlvoWyU/s400/IMG_1664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420978464636931634" /></a><br />Bryan had fun playing with neighbors and loved sporting his new Steelers beanie that Aunt Annie gave him for Christmas. It sure kept his head warm.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mzwVYyG4CaJ1ovhpaRD5t__G9ZGb6f7k8ayy5hyphenhyphen5Enm7ZvNFymIsLreC2oj9uhZcyC68RqurhsuXFbM6SKLsDt7L8p5qi5IR_7eucUhgoRTl6ivBC3pBn3A45TuVvM27GydGVvuvuJ8/s1600-h/IMG_1688.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mzwVYyG4CaJ1ovhpaRD5t__G9ZGb6f7k8ayy5hyphenhyphen5Enm7ZvNFymIsLreC2oj9uhZcyC68RqurhsuXFbM6SKLsDt7L8p5qi5IR_7eucUhgoRTl6ivBC3pBn3A45TuVvM27GydGVvuvuJ8/s400/IMG_1688.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420978922175444514" /></a><br />Is anyone ever too old to make snow angels? I don't think so.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrpPpiBGZoE1yA_Eb1wf75bjza0-KnlJ2F7U5ro0Y0ObcFH7pvjyhxNFQgmTlK5-vlr566-16R2Gp4IEItV64v3aP0-7Na-IkAJ2UKjyS0wzTv49Mo8nbQCOX-nwMI8-JH6tr08qgvgQ/s1600-h/IMG_1686.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrpPpiBGZoE1yA_Eb1wf75bjza0-KnlJ2F7U5ro0Y0ObcFH7pvjyhxNFQgmTlK5-vlr566-16R2Gp4IEItV64v3aP0-7Na-IkAJ2UKjyS0wzTv49Mo8nbQCOX-nwMI8-JH6tr08qgvgQ/s400/IMG_1686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420979832561067330" /></a><br />Bethany took time to get out in the snow as well. She tried to capture some pictures with her camera but for some reason they didn't turn out so well. Thankfully I was able to capture some pictures of her enjoying the fun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoseRHudBIAZFj7-al4ON2RROxqWCtmlHsdOUU5VCyw8bExv2lvHABNM1Cn08INpK132moNwqKkyV6rpYOoCf-09GfdJtV8eVvMDOrpXdUH_-bHjJj2UxYyXTw59N75bInEx1IaZezog/s1600-h/IMG_1698.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoseRHudBIAZFj7-al4ON2RROxqWCtmlHsdOUU5VCyw8bExv2lvHABNM1Cn08INpK132moNwqKkyV6rpYOoCf-09GfdJtV8eVvMDOrpXdUH_-bHjJj2UxYyXTw59N75bInEx1IaZezog/s400/IMG_1698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420980507165325490" /></a><br />Later some fun young guys from Church came by to build a fort and play in the snow as well. From tossing snowballs to buidling and crunching through the snow all had fun. I was surpised how well these pictures came out at night but then again the snow helped give some extra light to the sky. The first photo is of Tyson Barfuss and Logan Jasperson and Tyson's friend Brent who is visiting from Pendleton Oregon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixihdPPd8tTNnPCwCfR5JRwuI6raqiHNAmz4FXcsPwF42LPb-Ahaq3dYameEgoAktXr4OTot6rmRcJ7D2iemKvkAR1IXoht7IsQAy_uPiL2KLIHiWkK6iF3Z58BHrkjkJCTdYIe-0o_pU/s1600-h/IMG_1722.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixihdPPd8tTNnPCwCfR5JRwuI6raqiHNAmz4FXcsPwF42LPb-Ahaq3dYameEgoAktXr4OTot6rmRcJ7D2iemKvkAR1IXoht7IsQAy_uPiL2KLIHiWkK6iF3Z58BHrkjkJCTdYIe-0o_pU/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420981352989579666" /></a><br />Bethany joined in their fun and spent a couple hours with them at the park near our home. All in all it was a nice wintery day. Especially considering we're supposed to be back to rain tomorrow.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6o6EnMORkVWRCTfsrqYIsLNmsQizHKdSrIq0xcfHag94qIXSKDdx7Gzi4qpCZ8znrOHemHqEDp5vsFCLgpeTj-qlk5cUrt8Om-1rZGltWn6WpnlDeeZqRpS6TirkSV5eBRB6XoZZ1PI/s1600-h/IMG_1724.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6o6EnMORkVWRCTfsrqYIsLNmsQizHKdSrIq0xcfHag94qIXSKDdx7Gzi4qpCZ8znrOHemHqEDp5vsFCLgpeTj-qlk5cUrt8Om-1rZGltWn6WpnlDeeZqRpS6TirkSV5eBRB6XoZZ1PI/s400/IMG_1724.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420981755964099426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBMzJiXKaoAoOpk4E6SL0df6ivQjEB-V7WoiC6YvcB7_stqxnl7WQ-6SJnOc0emHywXv3IKKGxqpY3bnB35T7fBCwJdaISGpfCa5jvkrgM8xztnukthnkFY8vjFqHBd8qYMOAoOhXdl4/s1600-h/IMG_1661.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBMzJiXKaoAoOpk4E6SL0df6ivQjEB-V7WoiC6YvcB7_stqxnl7WQ-6SJnOc0emHywXv3IKKGxqpY3bnB35T7fBCwJdaISGpfCa5jvkrgM8xztnukthnkFY8vjFqHBd8qYMOAoOhXdl4/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420982192756164402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Ooqs1ugJOPYWNzOajxTuaiugcODPIuOedwTngu2yk2Up1wdWV5cSwXDuL8GBYmFJq5VB5uhWeJrGqBxf1Z09zwh3wrW68y01zuoApkXNWzIVh3jtl5r_-H6q2b_JxjHmKQb_Y_Mh_I/s1600-h/IMG_1670.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Ooqs1ugJOPYWNzOajxTuaiugcODPIuOedwTngu2yk2Up1wdWV5cSwXDuL8GBYmFJq5VB5uhWeJrGqBxf1Z09zwh3wrW68y01zuoApkXNWzIVh3jtl5r_-H6q2b_JxjHmKQb_Y_Mh_I/s400/IMG_1670.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420982583297206178" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-26973430299616198792009-12-23T15:53:00.001-08:002009-12-23T16:04:17.009-08:00The Secret of ChristmasI love Christmas songs and if I could have it my way I would start listening to Christmas songs in the middle of October. I really can't choose a favorite song because I have too many. But one song that I have always liked is a song sung by the famous crooner Bing Crosby. The song, "The Secret of Christmas" is a song with a message. It talks about doing things all year through to keep that spirit with you. It reminds me a lot of my Dad as well. Here are the lyrics to the song.<br /><br /><br />Look at the happy people<br />Christmas is in the air<br />Well I know the secret of Christmas<br />A secret I'm willing to share<br /><br />It's not the glow you feel<br />When snow appears it's not the Christmas card<br />You've sent for years<br />Not the joyful sound<br />When sleigh bells ring<br />Or the merry songs<br />Children sing<br /><br /> the little gift you send<br />On your Christmas day<br />Will not bring back the friend<br />You've turned away<br />So may I suggest<br />The secret of Christmas<br />Is not the things you do at Christmas time<br />But the Christmas things you do<br />All year through<br /><br />Here is a link to youtube so you can listen to the song and Merry Christmas and may the Spirit of Christmas be with you not just for a day or two but all year through<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FePF_W43_zAGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-84345708614872589802009-12-17T00:04:00.000-08:002009-12-17T07:33:12.089-08:00Sean Hits the Year Mark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm4JGn6xcfnu4wkdrctdSH1KtAAaolcW03s6NzrKni2YQuHKBE7OEUOoEgWFY0RjXYteRyJmFR5kY4gpsQeEgUClsKWO-aIesRbVrrmqNIYiyNsfcNg0ENEOmQkQ5oe6uDCr0WdIg_tY/s1600-h/sean+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm4JGn6xcfnu4wkdrctdSH1KtAAaolcW03s6NzrKni2YQuHKBE7OEUOoEgWFY0RjXYteRyJmFR5kY4gpsQeEgUClsKWO-aIesRbVrrmqNIYiyNsfcNg0ENEOmQkQ5oe6uDCr0WdIg_tY/s400/sean+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416117774766013762" /></a><br />This week marks a year since Sean has been on his mission. He officially hits the "hump" on December 17th. Wow...where did this year go? Sean is loving his mission and trying all he can to find those who are ready to hear the Gospel and learn more about Christ. He has relished being in Germany this Christmas. A country where so many traditions of Christmas began. The Christmas tree, many ornaments, Advent Calendars and so forth. He has enjoyed going to the Christmas Markets on his Pdays. I know this next year will fly by as it usually does for nearly every missionary. <br />I am thankful that he chose to serve 2 years of his life and have this time to grow and learn so much. It's been great for him and those that he has served with.<br />Earlier this month Sean and his companion Elder Lyman were able to go to Raimstein AF Base and were able to buy soda and other American foods that you can't purchase in Germany. Sean got clever and made a Christmas tree out of his soda cans. Amazing what a missionary will do<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9Rpa25EWuR0uX5Typn_KIOsQM7-gaphfqHsS-3gXTT2hixGg8UF49wNcn9NtezDFEnUeX9nraUZHkj2KFpMF5BHblpbRp_0NUgx847QqEThsvyo9qhaQDCS6uZPQrsPT9B9WlXPARBM/s1600-h/our+christmas+tree.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9Rpa25EWuR0uX5Typn_KIOsQM7-gaphfqHsS-3gXTT2hixGg8UF49wNcn9NtezDFEnUeX9nraUZHkj2KFpMF5BHblpbRp_0NUgx847QqEThsvyo9qhaQDCS6uZPQrsPT9B9WlXPARBM/s400/our+christmas+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416114298495913874" /></a><br />Sean will be staying in Kaiserslautern for at least another transfer(6 weeks). He has been in K town for 2 transfers already and this marks the longest time he has been in one area. He is glad to be here and loves the area. It is a beautiful, quaint town.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWMKDwjGP8T8Fo8h1I2mhH7e48DE1d9CgBtK-4Jky-HZRy476dBMuU_4mj5d4H1_r5wF-obe1AM4w2Fp8YzBjQOM3VpbyfajnTi-_upY3mVkggLDkEJdCJzowjcz0CvpLVNw9vuro68c/s1600-h/sean+004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWMKDwjGP8T8Fo8h1I2mhH7e48DE1d9CgBtK-4Jky-HZRy476dBMuU_4mj5d4H1_r5wF-obe1AM4w2Fp8YzBjQOM3VpbyfajnTi-_upY3mVkggLDkEJdCJzowjcz0CvpLVNw9vuro68c/s400/sean+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416115026620715746" /></a><br />Here are a couple photos of the Christmas Markets in K Town. Sean and his Distrikt were able to visit some other Christmas Markets that are larger on some of their other P days. The gingerbread cookies look delicious! I can only imagine how yummy they smell when you walk around and smell them everywhere!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-8jJTgafKi_YktW9o5OGquNQlb1B65YSE3YKjm06XcmXfi_pTQOmZVLPiYl3pAJjVpMFSvSFl0fSdDyPA9Yea-kyv5RX6SroyOIGsgtAsiBGTzMQ0wGrNbA4zV45nFUWfpvS3kpbgmM/s1600-h/sean+008.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-8jJTgafKi_YktW9o5OGquNQlb1B65YSE3YKjm06XcmXfi_pTQOmZVLPiYl3pAJjVpMFSvSFl0fSdDyPA9Yea-kyv5RX6SroyOIGsgtAsiBGTzMQ0wGrNbA4zV45nFUWfpvS3kpbgmM/s400/sean+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416116418648854098" /></a><br />here is another shot of the Christmas Market. I love the cobblestone streets.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty_6zYCUKTLll6VqvlI1DQ_wm3GEeKcngGNO9R3VGNm7G7iib_xAwXBBir3ahk4PJxF0C7B6ohpvzJX-c5gLM9O3knnM6bo2pFRhBlArSRB-3gNiZ1sLFYiTSsHt7RkTbTg1id8-orxE/s1600-h/sean+007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty_6zYCUKTLll6VqvlI1DQ_wm3GEeKcngGNO9R3VGNm7G7iib_xAwXBBir3ahk4PJxF0C7B6ohpvzJX-c5gLM9O3knnM6bo2pFRhBlArSRB-3gNiZ1sLFYiTSsHt7RkTbTg1id8-orxE/s400/sean+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416116713999453314" /></a><br />Sean and his companion went all out when it came to their apartment. Even putting lights up around the toilet. Leave it to 2 missionaries. What a fun idea. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqMHJSqSRLzP1lacKwsTJA_w4Mwy4fnHbuFGrAR_KPoH-_C10CgX88ciYZw4X85LAN-bB1aHUwGqCQ9aA-SrXY2UsPxQvFuxeDN7HLToYrrOVh0wIe-GyRQG-J3UXKDeHhgr2byYaW-U/s1600-h/sean+012.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqMHJSqSRLzP1lacKwsTJA_w4Mwy4fnHbuFGrAR_KPoH-_C10CgX88ciYZw4X85LAN-bB1aHUwGqCQ9aA-SrXY2UsPxQvFuxeDN7HLToYrrOVh0wIe-GyRQG-J3UXKDeHhgr2byYaW-U/s400/sean+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416115816979555762" /></a><br />I hope Sean enjoys his Christmas in Germany this year and the rest of his mission. It will fly by fast now. It's exciting that Becky, Wes and Sean have all served German missions. If Bethany wasn't married by 21 and opted to serve a mission it would be cool if she were called to Hamburg. Then every mission in Germany would have been covered by 1 Whitnah. Kind of cool. I love you Sean!Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-13040521191094620132009-12-07T19:18:00.000-08:002009-12-07T19:44:41.704-08:00Bryan loves singing Christmas Carols<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZqTVoR4RVDNXpOS2TAR6sOAm6umt7Q33Rut9GDuYAaJLYeN9CbLLPmodWtMgJ2E4iR2qzzTXmJTksTuDHc_yL_xcACG1N2Lpbd4VRfWZUvBNSq8G-LLR0RJvGRA5CB4lq5lraC3vJbo/s1600-h/an+excited+bryan+december+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZqTVoR4RVDNXpOS2TAR6sOAm6umt7Q33Rut9GDuYAaJLYeN9CbLLPmodWtMgJ2E4iR2qzzTXmJTksTuDHc_yL_xcACG1N2Lpbd4VRfWZUvBNSq8G-LLR0RJvGRA5CB4lq5lraC3vJbo/s400/an+excited+bryan+december+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412701858651613842" /></a>
<br />For the past few weeks Bryan has reminded all of us along with many friends at Church about the Mountain View Choir singing at Washington Square Mall. Well today was the day and boy was Bryan excited! He was up before 6am and dressed quickly in his black pants,white shirt and Santa hat. He was ready for the BIG day. When Bryan was little he would sing all the time but when he was about 7 or so he just wouldn't sing at all and we missed hearing his voice. I am not sure if it was his former 11 year old scout master who got him to sing or what it was but he decided this Fall to sign up for choir. Needless to say I was excited for him to do this.Mountain View has an AMAZING choir instructor and she has been great for Bryan. Several of the other choir members have helped Bryan as well. It has been fun to see his growth in singing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IoU_-0Z1krvHhUwizlmWDeEGydWZf3aM5803haczjCNGA_Z5yftnKAZJpluJEpfa-tIF3toI8Go6IsWq1Jr-u3DFj_tjJQPfs-RlxtMuhXjR4_8Wwi9U1sd3iN86S7LRXPIB7El5dAg/s1600-h/bryan+december+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IoU_-0Z1krvHhUwizlmWDeEGydWZf3aM5803haczjCNGA_Z5yftnKAZJpluJEpfa-tIF3toI8Go6IsWq1Jr-u3DFj_tjJQPfs-RlxtMuhXjR4_8Wwi9U1sd3iN86S7LRXPIB7El5dAg/s400/bryan+december+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412702759783075106" /></All of the kids did such a great job and sang some wonderful Christmas songs as well as Hanukkah songs. Everyone put a lot of work into it.Andrea Herinkx works hard with the kids all year and Bryan has enjoyed working with her. Like i said, she's a great choir instructor.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCLo6AIf2Va4e9nwK-WhGFb225mDokHb0_S8JYxSIBRtCg6sRIYVFw43GGdp0UZneRnuIz5ew0-VTcznH-NkQaKj33Jmfe2jOu-mV0tMfhMlZYFpTrxz7UFzpQsUTI4oY-n7lS0Dkz4/s1600-h/IMG_2981.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCLo6AIf2Va4e9nwK-WhGFb225mDokHb0_S8JYxSIBRtCg6sRIYVFw43GGdp0UZneRnuIz5ew0-VTcznH-NkQaKj33Jmfe2jOu-mV0tMfhMlZYFpTrxz7UFzpQsUTI4oY-n7lS0Dkz4/s400/IMG_2981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412703607610021986" /></a>
<br />Bryan along with the rest of the choir will perform next Tuesday evening along with the 6th and 8th grade choirs. He is so excited for it and I am glad to see him so happy learning and doing something he loves. I have a feeling my Dad, his Grampa, would be very proud of him.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB5Zjbeh7MimBk8Bw9TWRXQruRkT6dKjaW9cpBa9ngvmWCopYIilMXzDOlvHrKCMIYlT7i_f79Qi7CXAzlyJXfj8G4frslddGbcVPEb9kkOz62-aDnKrA7If6wSmF50QtF5V5OqH4Weo/s1600-h/IMG_2972.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB5Zjbeh7MimBk8Bw9TWRXQruRkT6dKjaW9cpBa9ngvmWCopYIilMXzDOlvHrKCMIYlT7i_f79Qi7CXAzlyJXfj8G4frslddGbcVPEb9kkOz62-aDnKrA7If6wSmF50QtF5V5OqH4Weo/s400/IMG_2972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412705038935032594" /></a>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-39906334749691797622009-11-28T22:38:00.000-08:002009-11-28T23:09:35.195-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqF79cwASmFL0OCjJfC2hvP9qfc8VFZDVeUAiF4uVfSvZjAX_rvTZzRmYDFPDzA1koHgsqCSH9f32xzMf8lm_S3pulZXdRUGxUgqWNlpaI-NJBgCCZnIvjZ0QQdloaNxT8q9AQguMweU/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqF79cwASmFL0OCjJfC2hvP9qfc8VFZDVeUAiF4uVfSvZjAX_rvTZzRmYDFPDzA1koHgsqCSH9f32xzMf8lm_S3pulZXdRUGxUgqWNlpaI-NJBgCCZnIvjZ0QQdloaNxT8q9AQguMweU/s400/IMG_1485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409412841933512482" /></a><br />This week our family traveled to Eastern Oregon to spend time with Emma Whitnah. Emma lives in the small town of Richland Oregon. Richland is about 45 minutes off the highway and outside of Baker City Oregon. It's about a 7 hour drive from our place. I make sure sandwiches are made, fruit is packed along with cookies and crackers for the journey. It seemed strange going to Grandma Whitnah's with only 2 of my 5 kids. It was a quiet ride. Bethany had her headphones on to listen to music and Bryan brought his portable DVD player to play music and watch movies....both are life savers on a long trip like that! I wish we had those when our other kids were little.<br />On Thanksgiving Day Wes' brother Mike and his wife Angee arrived to share the day with us. It was nice to spend some family time with the Whitnahs. Mike and Angee have 5 kids like we have yet there kids are still pretty young. They range in ages from 18mths to 15 yrs. Close to where we were 10 years ago. It was fun to see how little Qwynna had grown and how smart she was! She can speak so well now and boy does she run the show! Her brother and sisters do almost anything she wants...this can be good and bad. Even still it was great to see them and enjoy getting to spend time with them as well as with Grandma. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd0KgXrf_2JaEKM-cTCoM83ZUbsl0tD7Qlae8BnnOSCU6ROYOiVUReVOxRms-Q-n8PilR6HoiVka4XesazJ1qKZRD8AlnD4OA9KClzn5P8WznPRVxW9SNighbrrYTaYlq79-ejJzP5po/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd0KgXrf_2JaEKM-cTCoM83ZUbsl0tD7Qlae8BnnOSCU6ROYOiVUReVOxRms-Q-n8PilR6HoiVka4XesazJ1qKZRD8AlnD4OA9KClzn5P8WznPRVxW9SNighbrrYTaYlq79-ejJzP5po/s400/IMG_1467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409414287786818914" /></a><br />Qwynna looks like she'll be quite the musican some day and she already enjoys to sing like her sisters. Jaina and Kady. I am not sure if Jarin likes singing that much but maybe someday :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdziXRmOvwpI8CmaFzrXVkv0J0NRYp_6IcEb02OegapJdexmQQaUlvo0Mi8i3-jnG3u464dDV8nHvR6vN98yTUx7dUsjQVSTT7WwQLcu8Yi8ICLonHmnMODX7dOtHt8ql0JT7fOT6KXA/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdziXRmOvwpI8CmaFzrXVkv0J0NRYp_6IcEb02OegapJdexmQQaUlvo0Mi8i3-jnG3u464dDV8nHvR6vN98yTUx7dUsjQVSTT7WwQLcu8Yi8ICLonHmnMODX7dOtHt8ql0JT7fOT6KXA/s400/IMG_1459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409414786069361970" /></a><br />Bethany enjoyed spending time with her cousins...it kept her from getting too bored. She never would get bored before while at Grandmas but now that she is the oldest at home, it seems to happen more. Bethany and Jaina enjoyed getting to know each other better. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUmk_mFb895nd2XimbvLRZRIFR3AqpgAvQkQpAjW76wgM4AbOsLXUTyTLntEx9LMzF_av8FVMCxrL0ZI39Crhz9_U7OAC6bSppAfneoCDCENKUjsxCzZC56j07ka9EvxTRuktLEsJt8/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUmk_mFb895nd2XimbvLRZRIFR3AqpgAvQkQpAjW76wgM4AbOsLXUTyTLntEx9LMzF_av8FVMCxrL0ZI39Crhz9_U7OAC6bSppAfneoCDCENKUjsxCzZC56j07ka9EvxTRuktLEsJt8/s400/IMG_1470.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409415275533133346" /></a><br />Bryan LOVED playing with Betsy. Betsy is Grandma Whitnah's dog and boy does Betsy loved to play ball! That kept Bryan busy. Not to mention a 2 hour walk that Bryan and Wes took on Thanksgiving morning. They both enjoyed it and the fresh air. Bryan with his autism seems to thrive in the outdoors much more than indoors. It's like his personality comes alives.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq2s1n0VPXp1ZswsGufoRqKlJFD2tBOzwcPerKBmrSKkNUFVEyt5EwlEbMACoHLP4dTdqBvWKtG_MG5Equm9ee62W4uYJjNqsN8FoNvCxnXr9M0Uj4ShyphenhyphenR-lK87Myto_Wgzu2iUWnTrI/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq2s1n0VPXp1ZswsGufoRqKlJFD2tBOzwcPerKBmrSKkNUFVEyt5EwlEbMACoHLP4dTdqBvWKtG_MG5Equm9ee62W4uYJjNqsN8FoNvCxnXr9M0Uj4ShyphenhyphenR-lK87Myto_Wgzu2iUWnTrI/s400/IMG_1484.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409416088808997810" /></a> Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends gather and sometimes "pig" out on too many foods but this year I found myself thinking of Grandpa Whitnah who passed away in August of 2008 and my Dad, Grampa McAndrew who passed away in October of 2009. How thankful I am for these 2 good men who raised good kids and loved their grandkids. What a wonderful blessing. Both their wives are alone now and I know that brings them sadness at times but I also know that both of them are grateful for the many years that they spent with their sweethearts and all they were to them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrX5Eh7Fwj-jaDoH-nQwBgeZLMYdyJj_OUJSfRN9m245j692FkB_nGDU_HdDoZco8VErVBBII7H4XD5N-olLues7oAFASbbnxk0x2fK3ou6HkgYtfxvEzVG_qCMKsf2wl6taxESwH2j4/s1600/Calvin.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrX5Eh7Fwj-jaDoH-nQwBgeZLMYdyJj_OUJSfRN9m245j692FkB_nGDU_HdDoZco8VErVBBII7H4XD5N-olLues7oAFASbbnxk0x2fK3ou6HkgYtfxvEzVG_qCMKsf2wl6taxESwH2j4/s400/Calvin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409417233428224754" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sJqJbqdlzOVpx818pqe85mjvKQZ1Zv6J0subxt25q1azxz8dezCXer_B66dw1Eiy-CMWQy5mFfurI6-smJ6mSpzWQcH7PR4Z2_YcGutEFIOXl2gOYyhgy_BoFZNUUQyhtId93UnSl1A/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sJqJbqdlzOVpx818pqe85mjvKQZ1Zv6J0subxt25q1azxz8dezCXer_B66dw1Eiy-CMWQy5mFfurI6-smJ6mSpzWQcH7PR4Z2_YcGutEFIOXl2gOYyhgy_BoFZNUUQyhtId93UnSl1A/s400/IMG_6954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409418524906425138" /></a><br />Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all our many blessings...the blessings of choice people who have been placed in our lives. Sometimes for a short time and sometimes for a longer time. Either way it is important to remember and be thankfulGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-8046458742694227322009-11-06T22:57:00.001-08:002009-11-06T23:27:20.861-08:00I will miss you Dad and I love you<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzTSEOzQJYrZ4p7aMcIxCh_RAHEbbx5c73B1ha1R6YyHmLw0zsWAeMOf7rwUNRnuZugtBVFf7HeCsfaC_UBXnBq6tYf904nf0bqhpWgqnnG7-RQA0cwYb8dXh27chNEKYn4hUiGmByK8/s1600-h/IMG_6891.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzTSEOzQJYrZ4p7aMcIxCh_RAHEbbx5c73B1ha1R6YyHmLw0zsWAeMOf7rwUNRnuZugtBVFf7HeCsfaC_UBXnBq6tYf904nf0bqhpWgqnnG7-RQA0cwYb8dXh27chNEKYn4hUiGmByK8/s400/IMG_6891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401259145406657010" /></a><br />Early on the morning of October 17th the world lost a bit of magic. A voice was silenced and a song could no longer be sung. My Dad, Richard Frederick McAndrew,passed away silently in his sleep after a brief illness. He did not suffer and was only sick for such a short time. That was such a blessing. I was able to make flight arrangements and get to Pennsylvania by 7pm on the night of the 17th. My sisters and brother and Mom and I were all together and shed many tears as well as had many laughs as we shared memories and thoughts of Dad. <br />I am SO glad that I was able to be home in August to visit my parents and spend time with my Dad. It was a nice visit. When I left August the 20th my Dad reached toward me and looked me in the eye with a penetrating look that made me wonder if he was saying goodbye to me. It felt so strong and yet I tryed to shake it off. My daughter Becky felt the same thing when she said goodbye too. I guess he was telling us goodbye...or "see you later". <br />Any one can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad. My Dad was the greatest and he always took time for us kids, his grand kids and especially Mom. Mom was the love of his life and we all knew that. He treated her with the greatest respect. For that I admire him greatly.<br />While we were at the viewing at the funeral home a woman who works for Walmart Stores came to pay her respects to Dad. She told us that everyday when Dad would walk with his friends at Walmart that Dad always took time to say hello to her and ask how she was doing and he gave her his great smile...a thing I will miss so much. I, along with my family were so touched that this woman took time out of her day to pay her respects to Dad. It was a teaching moment. First,as my sister Mary said.."the world saw Dad the way we did" and secondly..how important just saying hi and smiling are to help boost someones day. I learned a valuable lesson from this.<br />My Dad loved his Irish Ancestry and it was only fitting that at his funeral "Oh Danny Boy" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" were sung by the St Bernard's Choir. A Choir that my Dad had sung with for over 50 years. <br />It has been 3 weeks now since Dad has passed on from this life. He is now with his Mother, Grandmother and other family members that have passed on before him. I am sure they are enjoying having him with them...enjoying him just as much as we are missing him. <br />May the road rise up to meet you.<br />May the wind be always at your back.<br />May the sun shine warm upon your face;<br />the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,<br />may God hold you in the palm of His hand.<br />I LOVE you DadGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-59536518564062190612009-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:002009-10-05T01:30:16.955-07:00Introducing Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Boudrero<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklHUfl0nMn5GARTek8J4fbk-4gH7ahe3UH1_7w4g9meQMGkxUu5Fj2LSQDxjulyNzb8W4MwpWxgQjesMyrkT8U9mqRG8KuZTS1l4JQhUXAk2jRtJB7RGGCdVjwrR9woFHYbASLXgI7t8/s1600-h/Jeff+%26+Beckys+Wedding+B%26W+invite.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklHUfl0nMn5GARTek8J4fbk-4gH7ahe3UH1_7w4g9meQMGkxUu5Fj2LSQDxjulyNzb8W4MwpWxgQjesMyrkT8U9mqRG8KuZTS1l4JQhUXAk2jRtJB7RGGCdVjwrR9woFHYbASLXgI7t8/s400/Jeff+%26+Beckys+Wedding+B%26W+invite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386711061887412738" /></a><br />Becky and Jeff were married on September 19th in the Portland LDS Temple. It had been sunny all week and even the day before we had temps in the 80's. So for sure it had to be nice on Saturday, right? Well not so. We woke up to rain and cloudy skies. I must admit I was bummed. We had a tent outside and a reception to be held that evening. It didn't help that once we got to the Temple we found that there was a power outage and the Temple was working on back up generators...moving Becky and Jeff's sealing from Noon to 1pm. As I set there and watched Jeff and Becky go over to the records dept of the Temple and watch the worker hand write ( old school) everything about the 2 of them a peaceful and wonderful feeling came over me. Even though the lights were out Becky and Jeff were where they should be and they were and marrying in the Temple. The only room in the Temple that had FULL light was the Bride's room. As one Temple worker put it..."we have to make sure the Bride looks beautiful no matter if there is a power outage or not." <br />It was great to have family and friends be there for this special day. The sealing room had some light due to the power generators but it was a dimmer light that normal. In a way it made it all the more romantic and special. Obviously a day that neither Jeff or Becky will forget or those that were there could forget either. Vickie and OJ Hansen were able to be there for the sealing..it was special to have them there. Vickie and OJ and I go WAY back to the days of Bradford when I was 13 and investigating the Church. Vickie was at one point my seminary/Sunday school teacher and OJ was my Branch President. Vickie, aka "Yen ta" introduced Wes and I in the Fall of 1982. Several of Becky's Young Women leaders were also able to make it there...Marianne Thelin, Jennifer Thompson, Teri Lloyd and Jane Bleak. We also had members of Wes' family (we were sorry that Shelly was ill and couldn't make it)as well as Jeff's family in attendance as well.<br />Once the sealing was over and we headed outside for photos the skies seemed to have magically turned blue and the sun shone. As a matter of fact it stayed that way the rest of the day! What a blessing...a answer to MANY prayers!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspaZ1EM3pDZ5mZ0CfxBPbF-K1Jpt5guPr8sqbulWipFQW2326x168nGB0PbPMf9z2kZsrROksAlDslfZPcvLbibPL1j4fuFWF5_nWpQmZAMW9QoRv6A6X9nYTMFlOEFPT6E1XY9cOpvo/s1600-h/becky+and+jeff+coming+out+of+Temple+sept+19.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspaZ1EM3pDZ5mZ0CfxBPbF-K1Jpt5guPr8sqbulWipFQW2326x168nGB0PbPMf9z2kZsrROksAlDslfZPcvLbibPL1j4fuFWF5_nWpQmZAMW9QoRv6A6X9nYTMFlOEFPT6E1XY9cOpvo/s400/becky+and+jeff+coming+out+of+Temple+sept+19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386710443656669634" /></a><br />Jeff's family took every one out to a relaxing dinner at Macaroni Grill. It was nice to sit and visit and enjoy family and friends. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrVmX66m7PnyFqDHp60HrJxEF9xXzPfkmuujvhQkZKc61HpV0FW8Z8EuR4008B8M6dQvxfDh36M9e5RDeg06W-s5lkjjhfYl67m1VxsguZnnztiipZJa68Wyb9z18GACXeVZ8ehZVkbE/s1600-h/becky+and+jeff+at+macaroni+grill+sept+19th.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrVmX66m7PnyFqDHp60HrJxEF9xXzPfkmuujvhQkZKc61HpV0FW8Z8EuR4008B8M6dQvxfDh36M9e5RDeg06W-s5lkjjhfYl67m1VxsguZnnztiipZJa68Wyb9z18GACXeVZ8ehZVkbE/s400/becky+and+jeff+at+macaroni+grill+sept+19th.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386711904509295026" /></a><br />The reception here in Oregon went well..Becky was a beautiful bride and Jeff a handsome groom. They sure love each other a lot and Jeff treats Becky like gold. This was definitely one of those "spiritual paydays" that I have heard many speak of before. What a blessing for the 2 of them and how thankful I was that I could share in it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ64DCLjE0jiNC90QhC3YUO6lqduc621dqfhetWEPbYs28XaWTGRy-kzDwhyphenhyphen6hpcO-UtXYraBta4qtYrr2k6gmBEvg3tkCf7sHFa0L3gYUgmyLpLgNv6RTvg4Zc3HTllW2pZrKl2BbsU/s1600-h/beckys+wedding+cake+outside+Sept+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ64DCLjE0jiNC90QhC3YUO6lqduc621dqfhetWEPbYs28XaWTGRy-kzDwhyphenhyphen6hpcO-UtXYraBta4qtYrr2k6gmBEvg3tkCf7sHFa0L3gYUgmyLpLgNv6RTvg4Zc3HTllW2pZrKl2BbsU/s400/beckys+wedding+cake+outside+Sept+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389029999521115634" /></a><br /><br /> After the reception here both Jeff and Becky headed off to British Columbia for a 5 day Honeymoon. They had a great time. Wes and I along with Bethany, Robbie and Bryan headed down to Layton Utah for an open house at the Boudrero home on the 26th. Here are a few photos from that day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznDnvjnEgeaybmOQZA60bgqmKSQhT0AyVZoGKucSTbJskxDikqVHx4KNP-DC-BJtx0LamFZeiyvMOxEohPNhh0DOjjSAwY0-fXWne3aVaHgwuZ5ToGeS2imriGK3n4KlJdXJR2Xbc-EU/s1600-h/IMG_1280.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznDnvjnEgeaybmOQZA60bgqmKSQhT0AyVZoGKucSTbJskxDikqVHx4KNP-DC-BJtx0LamFZeiyvMOxEohPNhh0DOjjSAwY0-fXWne3aVaHgwuZ5ToGeS2imriGK3n4KlJdXJR2Xbc-EU/s400/IMG_1280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713602965185458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7XFlH0qZRGLMCvGt67EVKAyQ5ReW28g8og2vAqwSYxsx4gk3FL9-9sWyN9jYdeQ_5sSmhIXRS6Avx69mF-FrinPwfXeIN0zAXznbp3O11ODcNkdqOdm3XMmGIuRR3TW9JKLZZV0P3bA/s1600-h/IMG_1273-1.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7XFlH0qZRGLMCvGt67EVKAyQ5ReW28g8og2vAqwSYxsx4gk3FL9-9sWyN9jYdeQ_5sSmhIXRS6Avx69mF-FrinPwfXeIN0zAXznbp3O11ODcNkdqOdm3XMmGIuRR3TW9JKLZZV0P3bA/s400/IMG_1273-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713598353709970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38ef_3Ro6NX_GttJV89Dp0NpMwVFFtGe6p_bC8FI00DLp0GQD4N_Fuc4Ij-t9YfcfaW3GTeT0nTpsJLLS_hcEeYWi0_2ngqH8eWC7asCdILZrRs8qTmf5wZrL3iVBUOObuY3k_KLo1RM/s1600-h/IMG_1260.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38ef_3Ro6NX_GttJV89Dp0NpMwVFFtGe6p_bC8FI00DLp0GQD4N_Fuc4Ij-t9YfcfaW3GTeT0nTpsJLLS_hcEeYWi0_2ngqH8eWC7asCdILZrRs8qTmf5wZrL3iVBUOObuY3k_KLo1RM/s400/IMG_1260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713588896576242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC0klE0j1NM2XV102L1XYQyYr3ylQuindZUJ7_ZKBQyyWp86dC3pLUesJrJQLZqrQslI4F18r47GFOPwRDSY9H1uc0GXxdVOaHi89QuHlLRs662yhH0Jk2c0yOIZpWm8IR93VJq3WIaE/s1600-h/IMG_1268.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC0klE0j1NM2XV102L1XYQyYr3ylQuindZUJ7_ZKBQyyWp86dC3pLUesJrJQLZqrQslI4F18r47GFOPwRDSY9H1uc0GXxdVOaHi89QuHlLRs662yhH0Jk2c0yOIZpWm8IR93VJq3WIaE/s400/IMG_1268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713585035145138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb45CAAfRaIkpOQGmXvRJfaxnzhOmQjZT1jmms4wouk_eBkrXRXZ91HlHXdun20nV6tBVXw6x_T6j1ShhiSmx9gfEQLc9IlHP9hbCkCeugxIfAv_olsdevgdjpZXbuM8k6jEW-0JcX_4/s1600-h/IMG_1254.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb45CAAfRaIkpOQGmXvRJfaxnzhOmQjZT1jmms4wouk_eBkrXRXZ91HlHXdun20nV6tBVXw6x_T6j1ShhiSmx9gfEQLc9IlHP9hbCkCeugxIfAv_olsdevgdjpZXbuM8k6jEW-0JcX_4/s400/IMG_1254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386713578378084802" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577796773689936697.post-22081646164255139922009-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:002009-09-15T09:42:08.236-07:00Elder Whitnah is loving Langen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVY0g3IKf387sAYdAHvefjHuvkZXpcNVYHA2MNEqA6JUHBtJ29l56gcF0ldaL_Pci3_sy8Rhvjbdt65hjL2qjcEb6vugOlFeNFV-eOQBQKcURdRXhN24gV3rQYtFQbAwAoTm2ZXjqytg/s1600-h/Sean+outside+Church+August+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVY0g3IKf387sAYdAHvefjHuvkZXpcNVYHA2MNEqA6JUHBtJ29l56gcF0ldaL_Pci3_sy8Rhvjbdt65hjL2qjcEb6vugOlFeNFV-eOQBQKcURdRXhN24gV3rQYtFQbAwAoTm2ZXjqytg/s400/Sean+outside+Church+August+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381734201925350642" /></a><br />Sean has been on his mission now for 9 months. Wow the time flies. He has been in his 3rd area for a month now. It is the city of Langen. Not quite as large as Dusseldorf and he's glad for that. The nice part about being in Langen is that he is close to the Frankfurt Temple. He had an opportunity with his Distrikt to attend the Temple last Tuesday. Sean thought it was great to hear the endowment in German. His German is coming along well and nearly all the time now the Germans can understand what he is saying. Which is great!<br />The Berlin Mission, where Becky served, is the highest baptizing mission in Germany as well as Europe. Sean has not had as much success thus far in having people show great interest but he is working his heart out to share the Gospel. He said recently in one of emails that his President told them at a Zone Konference that they needed to do things like the Berlin Mission was doing...he smiled and remembered some of the things Becky had told him about Berlin. Sean was surprised to see this piano in the Branch in Langen...pretty nice :) I am sure he has had chances to tickle the keys while there. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw2jWqMn-gs-mZZcurtPhV3nOmFnyI0YgNYzWnqSRXsWUQIy4glymnRlZIwqtGAM9x_1PYD-t0RBz9ocp0OKaV6O1geUMWQovFvk4t1M2OX3nIOrcGTK_9K58SDg5scD_LFv7LWeq1KU/s1600-h/Piano+in+Langen+Chapel+Sept+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw2jWqMn-gs-mZZcurtPhV3nOmFnyI0YgNYzWnqSRXsWUQIy4glymnRlZIwqtGAM9x_1PYD-t0RBz9ocp0OKaV6O1geUMWQovFvk4t1M2OX3nIOrcGTK_9K58SDg5scD_LFv7LWeq1KU/s400/Piano+in+Langen+Chapel+Sept+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381734332189744226" /></a><br />Here is his Distrikt at the Temple last week.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqW6ajW2a4idxKRz3RJcM-gsCcaTsgvKlJCtjyseMM_y9P3xv895Aw2a0n3Jt43Kdhw1c2BPi-R5Q2IOOKucyVLOU-gA4ZfDWuQ3WS5sT-qlgbXqz_jm0-GONdTGWlEygvshNtX8fgP0/s1600-h/Sean+at+Franfurt+Temple+Sept+09.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqW6ajW2a4idxKRz3RJcM-gsCcaTsgvKlJCtjyseMM_y9P3xv895Aw2a0n3Jt43Kdhw1c2BPi-R5Q2IOOKucyVLOU-gA4ZfDWuQ3WS5sT-qlgbXqz_jm0-GONdTGWlEygvshNtX8fgP0/s400/Sean+at+Franfurt+Temple+Sept+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381734853270096978" /></a><br />Sean said the Frankfurt Temple will be closed next Spring for renovation and he is glad to be able to attend it right now since he won't have a chance after that.Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674688019997168479noreply@blogger.com1