The Whitnah Wire

The year in review

2011-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer, fun for all, that children call, their favorite time of year.” Charlie Brown Christmas
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.
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.
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
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.
Robbie and Tessa reside here in Beaverton, Oregon…we’re glad they are so close.
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 
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!
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!
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.
We hope this Christmas season finds you well and happy. With much love, The Whitnahs, Wes, Grace, Bethany and Bryan

2010-10-16T02:48:00.000-07:00

so 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!
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.
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.
Here are just a few pictures of camping.Bryan enjoyed visiting with his Aunts and Uncles and cousins. Here he is with Aunt Mary :) Gramma got Jack to pop some popcorn over the fire this year. He did a good job, it tasted great!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. Overall Bryan and I had a great time visiting family in PA and NY
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.
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.
One night we had a fire at the beach, it was great.
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! Bryan was pretty excited to be an uncle, even though he was a little unsure how to hold Ryan he did just fine!Bethany also relished in being an Aunt. Ryan loved it when Bethany held him. 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.
The new parents..they are very happy.

Becky and Jeff's Visit

2010-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

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 :)
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
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.
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.
and this photo at the coast is probably one of my favorites.
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.
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.
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.

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!I am sure they will make good parents and will be as ready as ever for the challenge ahead

Bethany's First Prom

2010-04-25T03:06:00.000-07:00

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.

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!
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.
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 night

I am in a Blue mood

2010-04-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

This 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.

What are little boys made of?
What are little boys made of?
Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails,
That's what little boys are made of.

An Early Spring in Oregon

2010-03-01T01:13:00.000-08:00

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!
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!

I'm going to be a Gramma

2010-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
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.
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.

Our Family Newsletter of 2009

2010-01-11T02:02:00.001-08:00

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!
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.

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.

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.

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.

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)
We hope this Christmas finds you happy and thankful for all that you have. For blessings of family, friends and fond memories.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2010,

One Wintry Day

2009-12-30T02:40:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
Is anyone ever too old to make snow angels? I don't think so.
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.
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.
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.

The Secret of Christmas

2009-12-23T15:53:00.001-08:00

I 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.

Look at the happy people
Christmas is in the air
Well I know the secret of Christmas
A secret I'm willing to share

It's not the glow you feel
When snow appears it's not the Christmas card
You've sent for years
Not the joyful sound
When sleigh bells ring
Or the merry songs
Children sing

the little gift you send
On your Christmas day
Will not bring back the friend
You've turned away
So may I suggest
The secret of Christmas
Is not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do
All year through

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FePF_W43_zA

Sean Hits the Year Mark

2009-12-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
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
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.
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!
here is another shot of the Christmas Market. I love the cobblestone streets.
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.
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!

Bryan loves singing Christmas Carols

2009-12-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

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.
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.

2009-11-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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. 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.
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 thankful

I will miss you Dad and I love you

2009-11-06T22:57:00.001-08:00

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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I LOVE you Dad

Introducing Mr and Mrs Jeffrey Boudrero

2009-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

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."
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.
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!!
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.
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.

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.

Elder Whitnah is loving Langen

2009-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

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!
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.
Here is his Distrikt at the Temple last week.
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.

Where were you that September Morning not so long ago?

2009-09-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 years since 9/11. A day that changed America forever. I had woken up early and went up to my oldest daughters room and ended up falling asleep on the spare bed in her room. The radio came on near 6am talking about a plane that had accidently flown into one of the WTC towers. Katie Couric of the Today show was talking and wondering how this pilot was doing and those on his plane as well as worrying about the tower. At that point I too thought...what a horrible accident. Then I heard as both Matt Lauer and Katie Couric reported another plane flying toward the other WTC tower...then I knew just as every American knew that the United States was under attack. This was not an accident but intentional. Those horrible people, even they can be called people that did this thought they could destroy Amercia. They thought they would bring this great nation down. What they didn't realize was that America is a land where people love and support one another. Especially when times are hard. 9/11, as horrible as it was brought our country closer. What still amazes me to this day is the number of those killed. Not that any life should be considered less than anothers but that many more could of and should of been killed that day. For some reason cars didn't start. Subway trains were late. People woke up sick or cancelled meetings to the WTC. My 2 cousins were ones that cancelled meeting there. One cousin in particuler had a meeting every Tuesday around 10AM. He decided the night before to cancel it. Many more could have been taken. The planes were not even full all the way. Even in all this horrible times there were amazing miracles and tender mercies displayed.

3 weeks till Becky and Jeffs' wedding

2009-08-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

In 3 weeks from Saturday Becky will be married. It's an exciting time for her and our family and Jeff and his family. I just had to post these pictures that were taken of them. I thought they turned out really well. A friend of Becky's took the pictures and this girls' family owns a scrapbook company in Utah so they will make the invitations as a wedding gift for Becky and Jeff. That sure helps!
As usual Becky is pretty organized and hopefully her day will go well without a hitch. She has had her colors picked (lime green, black and white) since June, her wedding dress has been purchased and things are set for the Temple and the reception to follow later in the day.
I am hoping for nice weather. Septembers in Portland Oregon are never always predictable. Sometimes it can rain the whole month while other years it is dry and hot. I'll take dry, even if it isn't that sunny. The world is ahead of them and so much awaits them both.

Pennsylvania and Ohio : Family Vacation 2009

2009-08-22T01:31:00.000-07:00

I am still jet lagging and feeling a bit sluggish after a 2 week trip to Pennsylvania and Ohio. I had my class reunion this year and was hoping to find nice airfare to go and $198 RT sure made it a great deal! Once we had that taken care of we decided places we wanted to go and see and visit. Hershey Park was one of them and Bryan couldn't wait to go there. A few weeks prior to leaving Becky opted to come with us. It was great to have her along. Her last trip as a "single chick". Hershey has grown a lot since the last time we were there but it's a fun place to go and on warm sunny days you can still smell chocolate in the air :)
It was a great day at Hershey..temps in the mid 80's with very low humidity..we went on nearly every roller coaster as well as as other rides at the park. By the end of the day our feet were sore and ready for a soak.

After Hershey we decided to head off to Ohio. We had always wanted to visit Kirtland and see the Church History sites there as well as make a trip to Cedar Point. Cedar Point is a place Wes has wanted to go each time we have gone back East but we never fit it in before. We visited with one of Becky's former roommates, Mollie Weisman (who we found out is actually a cousin after some genealogy ties) and Mollie's family. We attended Church at the Kirtland Ward that is real close to the sites as well as the historic Kirtland Temple.

I really had wanted to take photos inside the Temple but that is not allowed. It is interesting how the Temple is talked about by those who guide you through it. They are not LDS and to them the significance of the Temple is merely treated as "history". As I set there and tried to imagine what Joseph Smith talks about in the D&C as he and Sidney Rigeon are visited by Heavenly Messengers including Jesus Christ it was really amazing..yet the Spirit is not there really. You can feel it strong on the property that the Church as restored and owns.

On Monday we were off to Cedar Point..the land of roller coasters. Another hot and muggy day but once again we made the most of it. It was great having Mollie along since she is from Ohio.

After Ohio we headed back to Pennsylvania for an 8 day visit with my parents and family and extended family as well as family reunions. We only had 1 day where it rained..that was pretty lucky. the 15th of August was Becky's 25th birthday. We had a cake for all the those who had birthdays that month. My brother in laws Mike and Jack, Becky and my nephew Matt. I can't believe I have a 25 year old! Mom made sure that we took a picture of my sister Mary with Becky and with Mom. Becky is 25, Mary is 50 and my Mom is 75. We had our family get together at Bingham. This is a small village where my Mom grew up. There is still an outhouse on the property and no running water. Mom has kept this property since her parents died and it has been a great place for family gatherings and get togethers.

After the family reunion I headed off to Bradford to attend my High School reunion. It was great to see so many that I had not seen in SO long. I had hoped that some of the people I went to school with would be there but they didn't make it..too bad, we all had a fun time. The school I attended only had 47 graduates and of those 21 were in attendance. Many that I knew since first grade. It was a great night.

It was great to be back in my hometown for a while. I hadn't been there since 2005 and with my Dad just coming out of surgery it was nice to be closer to him for a while. You really learn to appreciate your family a ton more when you are farther away from them. Tears are always shed as we hug and kiss good bye with hopes that it won't be another 4 years till we all see each other once again.

EFY is GREAT

2009-08-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

Bethany had an awesome week attending EFY(Especially For Youth). This program is simply amazing. The money is well worth it and the spiritual growth that takes place in just 5 days is a miracle to see. This year the theme was the same as the Young Men/Young Women's theme for the year: an example of the believers. Bethany went with friends Alina Grawrock, Courtney Cray and Emily Basham. They attended a session in Tacoma Washington at the University of Puget Sound. It's a beautiful campus where the youth and youth leaders can feel the spirit. These wonderful leaders were great for Bethany to have around this past week. They prepared and studied so that they could be able to steer and help each young man and young woman.
Becky was an EFY counselor 5 years ago and she described it as a "mini mission". There were girls who had come to EFY only because they were forced to go...Becky saw the change in these girls and their testimony strengthen. I think for those that are struggling to feel and develop a testimony EFY makes it possible in a setting of cool counselors and great youth. For those that already have strong testimonies it only helps them want to be better.
It was a hot week for Tacoma..just as it was for Portland. Thankfully the campus has a lot of trees and that helped.
Pizza night is ALWAYS a hit! The girls gather with the other girls in their group and their counselor and share not only pizza but good times. Bethany has made friends with many this year and these youth are all sources of strength to one another.
These gals and guys are great examples of the believers.

Bethany was home only a few hours and wished she were back...she was obviously touched by EFY and had a great time this past week. It was great that she was able to spend some extra time with her "BFF" Alina too :)

September Wedding

2009-07-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

I could tell when I first met Jeff Boudrero that he was someone special. Someone that our daughter Becky has grown little by little, step by step, in love with. I think I knew even after a month of the 2 of them dating that he was "the one" for her. There were others she had dated or liked but he was the one she could share her whole heart with. It has been fun over the past several months to see through her eyes and remember how it feels to find the person that you want to share your life with.
Becky met Jeff on a blind date. How common is that? Jeff's good friend Nathan who worked with Becky introduced them. Nathan was a friend of Jeff's since he was about 8 years old. The 2 of them grew up in Layton Utah. Becky never wanted to marry a guy from Utah. She had ideas of what she wanted and when she wanted to get married...funny how that works out :) He has a calming influence on her. I have seen it as well as most of her friends. Becky is beaming and her outlook on her life has changed so much.
Becky let her friends know on June 25th via facebook that she was engaged. facebook is a great way for friends who lives close by or thousands of miles a part to keep in touch and share life. Many have posted their congratulations and "who is it?" and when is the date and where? They will be getting married September 19th in the Portland Temple. Becky thought of getting married in Utah but she really didn't want to, she always wanted to marry here in Portland. Jeff told her "we are going to get married in your Temple". He wanted their day to be at a Temple that she loved.
Becky has been very organized, as usual, and has nearly every thing set for her day...from the flowers she wants to the colors for her wedding and so forth. She is in Utah and will be until September 10th and what I can get done here I do for her so it will all work out for her day..even down to what she wants her flowers to be like...this sorta the look she's going for..maybe a tad bit different.
and her cake, well this what she's aiming for..minus the red flowers..on top...
It's an exciting time of life for her and I am so happy for her and the decisions she has made thus far that have led her to this worthy man who is worthy of her and that the two of them have their lives ahead of them to learn and love and grow together

Scout Camp 2009 with Troop 888

2009-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Bryan and Wes returned a couple days ago from a week long Scout Camp on the Oregon Coast. This year the scouts stayed at Camp Meriwether. This is a beautiful scout camp where the boys can often earn merit badges related to ocean life that they couldn't earn at camps farther in land. Bryan had a fun time and was able to earn 2 badges as well as half of the requirements for a third badge. There were several 12-13 year old boys that attended camp this year...hats off to our great scoutmaster David Sellers! David put a ton of work into this long before camp even happened and alot of work into it for the entire week. Wes and Mike Painter also attended for the entire week and the 3 adults had as much fun as the kids did.I think Bryan's favorite part of scout camp, other than daily trips to the beach were climbing the rock wall. Can you tell by the smile on his face how stoked he is to climb? He did a great job climbing...He was able to get more than half way up the wall before he decided it might be better to be down on the ground. Great effort Bryan!
The food might now always have been the greatest but over all the boys made the best of it and they had a fun time together...the dessert were always a hit. By the end of the week most of the boys and the leaders were pretty tired and ready to come home for a nice warm shower, home cooked meal and a good sleep in their own beds. The dirt on their clothes, faces and everywhere in between! The whole group including the leaders
Will Bryan want to go to scout camp next summer? You betcha he will! He can hardly wait. I don't know if it will be at Meriwether like this year but where ever it is the boys and the "adult boys" will have fun. Here are just a few more photos I wanted to add.
Happy camping!

Happy Sweet 16 Bethany

2009-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

16 years ago today an Angel entered my life. She has brought so much joy and laughter to our home so many times...I couldn't even write enough to describe her. She's funny, she will act out what happened at some funny event and leave us in stitches. Like most girls her age she in non-stop talk but that's okay..I love her for it.
She is tender hearted and touched by many sad things that have occurred lately in her life. The death of dear friends and the sadness she feels as she misses them. Just a couple weeks ago after attending a boys funeral that she knew she told me "Mom...if I die, these are the pictures I want you display at my funeral." She said it so calmly and matter a fact like that all I could do was say "Okay"...just as she did. Oh her heart is big and she feels so much!
Bethany is SO EXCITED to be able to date now. She is wondering who will be the first boy to ask her out. Bethany's friend Alina and her already have great plans for amazing group dates. They are having fun thinking about it.
Happy Birthday Bethany...I love you bunches.

Girl's Camp 2009: The Hero Within

2009-06-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp was GREAT this year for my daughter and for many girls throughout the Stake..not to mention the Young Women Leaders. This was Bethany's 5th year of attending camp and each year she has looked forward to it and loved it. Partly because she knew how much Becky loved it and partly because each year that Bethany has gone she has grown in spirit and testimony. She has formed strong bonds with other girls throughout the Stake that help her keep strong and remember to live the Gospel. To be "steadfast, immovable and unwavering." Last night after a week of camp President Gale shared his thoughts with the girls and the parents of how great camp was this week. So great that even Satan could not get his toe in that camp because the love and caring that the girls and leaders shared made it impossible. What a great experience!The young women and leaders of the Hazeldale Ward had an great time.
Bethany and her friend Alina posing for a picture
another photo of 3 young women from our Ward: MaKenzie, Allie and Samantha
Wes had the chance to go up on Bishopric night and loved the chance to spend time with the girls and listen to how excited they were to be at camp and the fun they were having. Bethany and Wes
Of course nearly all the girls couldn't wait to ask our wonderful Stake President questions. He loved it!
I am thankful for the great leaders that our Ward has had guide them this past week. They are the BEST!
Tara Feinaur and Jill Allen( our former YWs leader)
Darilyn May and her daughter MaKenzie
Thank you all you great leaders who help our young women grow in self esteem and gospel principles. It was a great week

Elder Sean Whitnah

2009-06-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sean has been on his mission now for a total of 6 months. Usually when you are the Mom or Dad of a missionary you feel like the time goes SO SLOW but for some reason it seems like the past months have shot by quickly. I have asked Sean to send some pictures just because I want to see how he looks or how he is doing. Finally he sent some. Boy...Germany sure is beautiful. The Frankfurt Mission areas are definitely different looking than the areas that Becky served in while in Berlin(the former East Germany). Sean and his companion have taught a lot of people but often times these people don't want to be bothered or visited again. That is frustrating to Sean and any other missionary that is trying to teach. He is loving his mission and nearly every email he speaks of the food that he tries. I wonder if he'll come home a few pounds heavier?? If he did it wouldn't hurt him a bit. He left here weighing in at only 120 lbs. One of the foods he loves to eat are these things called donars...they are actually a Turkish dish but with so many Turks in Germany the Germans love them too.
From the angle Sean is holding it the donor doesn't appear quite that big...but take a look at how big it is as his companion shows it...I know I couldn't eat all of that!
A few weeks ago Sean and his companion took a hike on the outskirts of Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf it a HUGE city...nearly 600,000 people. Sean had hoped to serve in smaller areas and so far has been in fairly big areas. I know he enjoyed his hike into the country and wooded areas. This picture in the woods blew me away...it is so beautiful there. Here are a couple more photos that he recently sent. Germany reminds me a lot of Pennsylvania, where I grew up. I can see why so many Germans made Pennsylvania there home when they moved to the United States. The climate and all are very similar. This photo of Sean on their hike...i bet it was a great day. The weather looked perfect for it and even though the picture is a bit grainy it is good to see that Sean is loving it!

Dance with "No Regrets"

2009-06-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Bethany's dance recital has come and gone. It was great! Bethany has been dancing now for a total of 6 years. She would have been for 9 years but opted to take 3 years off between 4th and 7th grade. She regrets now that she stopped dancing during those years but at the time she wanted and needed a break. It is good to see her enjoying an art that she loves so much. She has not allowed herself to get too caught up in hours and hours of dance. She loves taking tap and jazz and is happy with that...I am too! It works out well for her.
This year's dance recital theme was "no regrets". For those of us who were lucky to attend the recitals, take our kids to weekly classes,dress rehearsals and so forth...there were no regrets. Here is a photo of Bethany that I took at our home prior to her Friday morning dress rehearsal. This is her tap outfit...she looked really cute in it. Her tap teacher, Gail Black, has been teaching dance for years. She is an amazing instructor. She can work with young kids or adults. I am glad both Becky as well as Bethany have been fortunate to have her as their tap teacher.
Bethany loved her jazz instructor this year...a girl named Anna. Anna will be a senior in high school this year but dances like someone who is much older and teaches like someone who has been teaching for years. Bethany picked up on that and really did well in her jazz performance this year. It was great to see. The photo is a tad blurry but even still..she is flying :)
This photo is of Anna.

Dance is a medium where kids can grow their talents and develop self esteem along the way. I am glad my girls have chosen this route. They have had fun with it and have made great friends along the way.

Summertime...I love it

2009-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

The first week of Summer is here and it feels good. The hurried rush of school, trying to study for tests, getting homework finished, making sure to get enough sleep and all that goes with school disappears in the wonder of Summer. There is something about Summer that draws me back in time to when I was a kid. The Alice Cooper song "Schools out for Summer" is still one of my favorite songs to hear this time of year. I think my kids are suprised that I KNOW that song.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, my sisters and I along with neighbors and cousins and friends kept ourselves pretty busy. And IF we weren't busy enough my Mom and Dad made sure to keep us busy with odd jobs and anything that would keep us out of trouble. We had great summer days..from baseball games,playing tag, catching lighting bugs to working and enjoying the hot summer days. Growing up in a small town like Bradford was great.
Bethany will be busy this summer trying to finish up her YW's Personal Progress, attending Stake Girl's Camp as a 5th year,going to EFY in late July and trying to find a job this summer. She is going to be 16 on July 1st...I can't believe it. She can hardly wait to date! Bethany and her BFF Alina have already planned dates with boys they want to go out with and places they want to go for dates..they are thinking ahead. It's kind of scary to think that Bethany is old enough to date!! Bryan will be taking swimming lessons at the Beaverton swim center. They specialize in working with kids and teens with special needs. He will have 4 weeks of one on one swim instruction. Bryan will also attend his first Scout Camp for a whole week in the first of July. Wes is going with him for the whole week. Bryan and Wes are both looking forward to this. It will be at Camp Meriwether near the beach. Bryan is most excited about our trip to Pennsylvania this year and our trip to Hershey Park.

I must admit, I am too. I haven't been home to PA to visit my family in nearly 4 years so it will be nice to see family and friends as well as see old friends from school...I am attending my class reunion. It will be great to see some of the people I went to school with...some that I haven't seen since I graduated.
For now, this first couple days everyone seems to be taking a break, having a good laugh and looking forard to the summer ahead.

My buddyroo is 22

2009-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am a bit behind in posting this but my son Robbie is now 22 years old! Yikes, can I really have a son that old? And where did the years go? I love him so very much. He is a guy who is always full of mischief and fun. Even at an early age I KNEW he was up to something...his eyes gave him away everytime. He has been home from his Mission to Honduras for nearly 10 months now. Oh how he LOVED that mission and the people of "HONDO LAND" as he lovingly calls it. I know he would go back to visit in a heart beat. I am so thankful for having a son with such a gentle heart who seems to notice even the slightest concerns of others and truly cares for their welfare. I am guilty often times of overlooking but Robbie seems to take it all in. He doesn't judge either...whether a person is rich or terribly poor he seems to fit in and makes friends. Why should I be surprised? He's done that his entire life and I imagine he will continue to do so the rest of his life. His younger brother Bryan looks up to him and admires him. I think someday when Bryan is no longer autistic that Robbie and Bryan will have a fun conversation and then a long dirt bike ride...they both would love that! I love you my Buddy...

Bryan's First Temple Trip

2009-06-01T01:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday marked another first for Bryan. His first trip to the Temple to participate in Temple Work. Wes and I spent time explaining to Bryan the best we could what would take place at the Temple and what he was doing. At first Bryan wasn't so sure he wanted to go but after being reminded that his brothers and sisters love to attend the Temple and how they go each month, Bryan decided he would go too. With his autism sometimes you wonder how much he is grasping or understanding and yet I have come to conclude that he probably knows SO much more than I could even begin to know.
This was a special trip in that only members of the Aaronic Priesthood(boys ages 12-18) and the Young Men leaders were there. It was a smaller group than usual but even still it worked out just right. Bryan told me many times how much he loved the Temple and that he had a good time there. I am so glad.
Of course I am sure it helped that Wes took him to McDonalds afterwards for a pancake breakfast :)
When Bryan was little one of his most favorite Primary songs was "I love to see the Temple". He was about 4 or 5 then and he would sing it all the time in the car as we drove from therapy to special ed. kindergarten to other speech and other events. I reminded him on Saturday and sang a part of the song to him...he smiled.
Now that Bryan has had his first feel for the Temple I have a feeling he will want to attend each month with the Young Men and the Young Women. I am thankful for this young man in our life. He wants to always do everything just right. It's been nearly 4 months since he was ordained and made a deacon. Each week he loves to pass the Sacrament and takes this calling very seriously. Monthly he goes out with Wes and collects Fast Offerings. These are important things to him and he reminds me by his actions that he is truly striving each day to do what is right. A reminder to me to step it up and strive to work harder and do better. Children have a way of doing that for us. I believe that is why Heavenly Father wants us to be in families so that we can learn from one another. I hope to "step" it up some as well and strive harder to attend the Temple more often and work a bit harder each day too. Thank you Bryan for your sweet spirit.

Becky and Jeff's Visit

2009-05-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

Becky and her boyfriend Jeff came for a 2 day visit this past weekend. It was great to have them here and the only regret about there stay is that it wasn't longer. We first met Jeff in December just before Sean went into the MTC and we didn't get to know him much on one brief meeting.
This weekend made up for that. Wes and I were able to spend time talking with Jeff, learning a bit more about him and how he feels towards Becky. They are both in love and it is nice to see how they care for each other and the love and respect they show one another. Sunday afternoon we made a trek to the Rose Garden here in Portland. Now this Garden usually is full of roses of every color by now...the aromas and colors are wonderful..BUT...this year everything is green! No flowers, tiny buds but not one rose in bloom! I must admit it seemed kind of strange. We were able to find some other flowers and trees in bloom and we got some pictures.

Bethany also liked getting to know Jeff a bit better and she enjoyed spending time with Becky...talking about dance and her upcoming dance recital...we were able to snap a photo of the two of them together...don't they look a lot a like? Bethany is the little sister that Becky always knew she was going to have. They are 9 years apart in age but I think over time they will grow closer.

When my girls and boys were little I sometimes thought of how it would be when they grew up. Often I was too busy taking care of little things they needed and before I knew it I realized.."oh my gosh...look at them...they are growing up!" I remember a friend in our Ward once saying "oh enjoy them now, they grow up way too fast." When Margie said this I actually said to her "really?" I think part of being a Mom is that you don't see how quickly that time goes and how quickly your children grow and change till suddenly it hits you. Well, at least that is how it has been for me. I love my kids and am thankful for their love for one another...even when there have been times that I have wondered if they even liked each other. I love this photo of Bethany with Becky and I ...they both look so grown up...I guess I am getting sentimental :)

This weekend was great. Portland couldn't have been nicer. We had warm sunny days. Perfect to be outside and enjoy each other and spend time together. We made sure to take a trip over to the Temple on Sunday afternoon. The Temple grounds were beautiful. Bryan had fun sitting and playing by the reflective pond.

Becky and Jeff left early this evening for their road trip back to Utah. I am glad for these little moments when we could all be together. It makes you appreciate your kids more and more and realize that they are not really living at home with you for very long. Yet I guess that is how it is supposed to be

Two Wonderful Mothers

2009-05-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been a Mom now for many years. I never really appreciated all my Mom did for me or my brother and sister until I had my own children. I guess I was a lot like many teenagers and often didn't see beyond myself and what I needed or wanted. Yet even as a teenager I always remember wanting to be around my Mom. I remember many adults who admired or looked up to my Mom. She was a leader in our small town and I count myself lucky and blessed that she is my Mom. Someone who I have been able to go to with simple questions and complex ones as well. Even when I told her that I wanted to change religions and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and no longer be Catholic. ( I was 13 at the time). I remember her concern and yet her love for me. She eventually allowed me to attend and she was the first to tell me that the LDS Church was making me a better person. I trusted and valued her opinion. She has always been a great model of what a Mom should be and I am always thankful for her endless and unconditional love that she has had for all of her kids and grandkids. I count myself lucky and blessed that Mom is still on this earth. Her own Mom died at a very young age and she has missed having her Mother in her life. Mom, I love you...thank you so much for your influence in my life.

The other Mom I would like to talk about is my Mother in law. Emma Whitnah is an amazing woman. Is there anything she can't do? I don't think so. She can cook anything and make it taste delicious. She plays piano, fiddle, accordian. She loves to dance and sing. She knows how to do floral arranging as well as decorate cakes. When I first married Wes I felt overwhelmed by her. She could do just about anything and I felt so inadequate around her. Over the years I have realized that I shouldn't have worried at all. She loves all her sons and grandkids. This past nine months have been hard for her..she lost the love of her life in August of 08 and once again I saw her strength come through. I am sure she has had countless hours of hidden sorrow since then. Yet Emma keeps on doing so much for so many. I am not surprised. She is truly a great woman and I am thankful to have her as my Mother in law.

Happy Birthday Wes

2009-04-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

I'm a bit behind on posting this but on Thursday Wes celebrated his birthday. I can't believe I'm married to such an old man! Just kidding :) Wes and I have been together now since 1983 and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is great husband,a great dad and a great friend. Happy Birthday Wes...I love you :)

Special Ed. Field Day 2009

2009-04-23T13:44:00.001-07:00

I just returned from the annual field day for special ed. kids throughout the district. I prayed that it wouldn't rain...it has been so nice but suddenly became cold last night and the skies looked abit unsure but finally the sun came out and all involved were able to enjoy field day. This year field day was held at Aloha HS..the school along with the volunteer student were AMAZING! I must say, I am bias as I have already had 3 kids graduate from Aloha with a fourth one attending there now. Seriously though, they did a great job. There were games on the field such as soccor, ball toss, crochet, bean bag toss, bowling as well as track and other events.
I don't know why but each year Bryan HATES to run the 100m! He absolutely despises it! Bryan is really fast at running and usually beats most scouts when they practice the mile. His PE teacher at school has even told us that he should take up cross country and that he would be great at running. Well...whether it's his autism and he gets overwhelmed with the crowds of people or something I just can't figure.
Bryan loved seeing his former aides, Kathleen and Michelle. We were lucky to have Kathleen be Bryan's aide in grade school for 3 years and then Michelle was his aide for 2 years. Bryan is now in a self-contained classroom setting with only 6 boys and his teacher Aki Mori. Field Day was a nice break from the norm of school. All kids, volunteers, teachers, aides and parents had a great time and we were thankful that the rain didn't let loose until everything was over!

Robbie and Mikal: Good Buddies

2009-04-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the chance to help out a friend with her son's wedding reception. My son Robbie was there to stand in as the best man to his friend Mikal. Robbie and Mike have been friends since the day the Healey family moved into our Ward when Robbie was 8 almost 9. They were instant friends and many times got into some "sticky" situations" but overall they always had some good clean fun. Some have said that the 2 of them were a bit wild, others have confused their love of life with immaturity..and at times they were a bit immature :) I remember many times when both Mike and Robbie would have this "evil eye" look and I just had to think..."okay what are they up to now?" In the end I usually found myself laughing about things they would do. I have always loved their spark and energy for life! It's great!
Friends are those who stand by you through thick and thin and that is how Mike and Robbie are. I am thankful for their friendship and I really believe people are placed in others lives so they can both learn from, strengthen, help and grow together. On Saturday Robbie did just that...he stood by his friend Mike as Mike married Katie, his girlfriend of 3+ years. Good buddies are one of life's greatest gifts

Susan Boyle: A wake up call on judging

2009-04-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I saw a video clip of a woman from the UK. I am sure you have all heard of her by now. Susan Boyle. She is 47 years of age, nearly 48. For all of us who saw this woman prior to her singing perhaps we made judgements about how she looked, how she acted or how she dressed. When she began to sing "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miserables she blew me away as I am sure she blew most everyone away who heard her sing.
One of the judges who listened to her told her it was a privilege for her to be able to here Susan sing. I felt that same way. This same judge went on to say that it was a "wake up call".
Since hearing this woman sing I have thought about the times I have made a judgement or opinion of someone or something prior to knowing all I could know about someone. Susan Boyle represents a reminder to me that we should not rush to judge, but rather sit back, listen and understand. She is a wake up call to all of us in a world that has become obsessed with beauty, perfect figures, acceptance and so forth. I must admit prior to hearing this woman sing I thought "boy does that woman need to wax her eyebrows and she needs to do something with her hair"...I hadn't even got to her clothing! I wanted to simply share my feelings on this woman with the angelic voice and hope that from now on I will make a better effort each day to keep an open mind, to not judge on looks alone, to really understand the meaning of "beauty is more than skin deep". That I might look upon the hearts of those I meet and get to know them and love them.
If for some reason you have not seen Susan Boyle sing yet bet sure and check it out on youtube. She's simply amazing

The Atonement

2009-04-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

2009-04-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt and Family Times Together

2009-04-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend is here. When I was young I recall my Mom would decorate our home with flowers, baskets full of plastic eggs, and other symbols that represented Easter. It is a time to unite with family and friends and to better reflect why we celebrate this time. On a personal note I am glad that Robbie could be here this weekend. The past 2 Easters he was in Honduras and it wasn't quite the same without him here. Each weekend of Easter the Vial family in our Ward throws a wonderful get together for young and old a like. Little kids love hunting for Easter eggs and the teenagers get together and chat. Adults catch up on how others are doing...all and all it's a great event. It's so nice of Rich and Paula to share their land with so many for one day. Everyone has a great time.
Later in the day Bethany and Bryan had fun decorating eggs and getting their Easter baskets. They still love for Wes to hide their baskets...even though Bethany is 15, almost 16, she enjoys hunting for it.
This year Bethany will be singing in the Church choir for the Easter program. She has a beautiful voice and enjoys singing. She along with many in the Ward have prepared for this and we look forward to hearing them sing.
I am thankful for this time of year that draws families and friends close together. For trying to better understand the sacrifice that Jesus made on all of our behalves.

Photos of Dad and Grandkids

2009-04-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

This is how my Dad looks today. The photo of my Mom and Dad with their grandkids was taken on August 14th 2004. Their 50th wedding anniversary.

Oh my Papa; to me you are so Wonderful

2009-04-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

This coming week my Dad will celebrate his 78th birthday. Wow...I can't believe my Dad will be that YOUNG! I love my Father so very much and feel blessed that he is MY Dad...well, I have to share him with my 2 sisters and brother...but that's okay :) I have so many good memories of my father as a child. I guess the greatest thing I can say about my Dad is that he always had time for us kids. My brother Joe played baseball each Spring and football each Autumn. I remember nearly EVERY night after dinner my Dad going outside with Joe and practicing throwing the baseball or the football. I am sure they had some great talks during this time and as I look back I realize how priceless this was for my brother to feel that Dad cared about him and Joe's love grew for Dad.
My Sisters and I also felt that Dad gave so much of himself for us. He played with us, danced through the house with us..even pulling a ballet move once..that was kick. One night as my parents were getting ready to go square dancing Dad went up to shave. My sister and I gathered around him in the bathroom, rubbed shaving cream on our faces, took the opposite end of our toothbrush and pretended to shave along with Dad. Dad would usually be singing as he shaved. Dad has a wonderful baratone voice. My Dad was greating at tucking us into bed each night. You see he didn't just kiss us or hug us...no..we had to get a kiss, a hug, a raspberry, a squeeze and sometimes a tickle. It was great! I guess my sisters and I felt like we had our Dad wrapped around our fingers. He didn't spoil us but he loved us..and for that I have always been grateful.
Growing up we didn't have a lot and there were many times when my Dad would get laid off of work and my Mom would be the only one with a job. Even then however Dad would work odd jobs anywhere he could to help support his family. He didn't want a handout and he wanted to do all he could to be a good role model to us kids about working and doing your best. I remember when my Dad finally got a good job that he was able to keep until he retired. He earned it..that's for sure!
Even now as I think of my Dad as an older man and when I see how he is around us grown up kids and his grandkids I am thankful for the love he shows and his caring for each of us. When I went to Ireland with my parents in 2003 and was able to spend that one on one time with the both of them it was fantastic. My Dad has a great sense of humor, he cares about others and he loves our Mom. I am thankful for his wonderful example to me and thankful that Heavenly Father gave my Father to me... Happy Birthday Dad!! I love you!

Spring is my FAVORITE Season!

2009-03-23T01:59:00.000-07:00

Field of crocus

Daffodils

Growing up in the small town of Bradford, Pennsylvania...I always looked forward to Spring. Bradford is known for it's cold wintry days with snow storms that can hit in mid April. Don't get me wrong. I also enjoyed the snow and the beauty of the silence that came with it but to me Spring has always been my favorite season of the year.

There is a street in my home town that had a HUGE yard. This house was once owned by a wealthy family. Each Spring their yard was filed with crocus'...dark purple, white, light purples...they were simply beautiful! You couldn't see one bit of green grass because the flowers blanketed this whole space. I regret that I never took a picture of those flowers. My Mom has told me that they no longer bloom as they used to. Flowers like people need to be tended and given proper nourishment or they won't continue to grow. These flowers always brightened my day in Spring

My most favorite flower of all however is the daffodil. This beautiful yellow flower with it's sweet smell seems to herald Spring and welcome everyone to the beginning of life once again. As a young girl I would often go to a wooded area near my home and sit and enjoy the beauty of these daffodils that had spread out and grown wild into the woods. They were so beautiful. I often felt that this was my own private garden that I could go to and think and meditate and enjoy. I always returned home with a few dozen daffodils to put in vases in my home. I placed them on our desk in the living room. On the dining room table and even on the kitchen counter.

I realize that I need a constant reminder that I need to be more thankful for all that I have been given and especially for the things that I have been given that I do not need to pay a penny for. The beauty of Spring is a good reminder to me. I need to push myself a bit more and work harder and appreciate the seasons of each year and be thankful much much more. I love Spring and it's flowering trees to it's buzzing bees to the warmth of the sun and the new life that has begun. I am thankful for it.

Here is a poem by William Wordsworth about daffodils:

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves besides them danced, but they

Out did the sparkling leaves in glee;

A poet could not be but gay,

I in such a jocund company!

I gazed-and gazed- but little though

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils

I think it pretty much sums up my feelings of Spring and why I love it so very much. Happy Spring to you!

Slainte!! (Cheers) Happy Saint Patty's Day!

2009-03-16T23:44:00.000-07:00
When Irish eyes are smiling,Sure, 'tis like a morn in Spring.In the lilt of Irish laughterYou can hear the angels sing.When Irish hearts are happy,All the world seems bright and gay.And when Irish eyes are smiling,Sure, they'll steal your heart away.

photos of Ireland

The McAndrew boys with their Mother Catherin Nolan McAndrew

Beautiful Ireland

O'Briens Tower near the Cliffs of Mohr

I grew up in a family where March 17th was not just another day in the week. It was a day where we all dressed in green. I still remember my Dad dressed for work one day with green slacks, a green shirt and tie. I think if he had them he would have worn green underwear and socks too. I sometimes wore a green dress and other times I wore a green pair of slacks with a blouse with green on it. Heaven forbid you didn't wear green...you didn't want to get pinched by a wee lephrucan!

My dear Dad would always sing Irish songs and I remember trying to sing them as well. To this day I love to sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, To Ra Lo Ra Lo Ra, Danny Boy and so forth. Dad was raised by his Grandmother who came to America from Ireland at the young age of 16. She was the oldest of 8 children to leave her homeland and never return to it. She instilled in my Dad the love of Ireland. I guess that my Dad instilled that same love in me. Rainbows, pots of gold, Irish brogues, shamrocks and much much more. St. Pattys Day was always special in our house and in our family.
6 Years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland (Eire..as it is written in Gaelic). It was as beautiful and as wonderful as I always dreamed it would be. To be able to share this time with my Dad and my Mom was priceless. I was able to meet the Priest in Ballyhaunis in the County of Mayo that I had kept in touch with for several years. I was able to visit Dublin, kiss the Blarney stone, drive through Tipperary, walk the streets of Killarney and visit the beautiful Cliffs of Mohr. One of the best parts of our trip was to visit Ballyhaunis and Bekan and Cloontumper and Mountain Forthhill. The homesteads of my Irish families.
My dear cousin Christina took us to Mountain Forthill and showed us the 2 homes of the Nolan families...one that she lived in while growing up. I saw the field where my Great Grandmother's home once stood and my cousin Lydia had me take a rock to remember that place.
While in Ireland we learned that the Irish do not eat corned beef. No, they eat boiled dinner. A ham bone with some meat on it and carrots and potatos are cooked in a pot of water. When it's just about ready my Mom would take a cabbage and cut it up and place large pieces of the cabbage in the pot. When the cabbage was done it was time to eat!...YUM...one of my favorite dishes! This is something that my Mom would cook not only for St Pattys Day but several times a year. We all loved it.
Now on this St Patrick's Day it wouldn't be right if I didn't remember a few classic Irish Blessings..

"May the road rise up to meet you.May the wind always be at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face,and rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

"Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers—Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours—Shamrocks at your doorway for luck and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!"

A Nice Surprise to Find

2009-03-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

I found out earlier this week that a good friend of mine had their recipe in a new cookbook. Perhaps you have heard of it. It's called "The World Wide Ward Cookbook". Both my friend Lorena as well as her daughter Kelly had recipes in this book. Kelly was even written up in one of the BYU papers...pretty cool.

Lorena jogged my memory of nearly 2 years ago when a Mom on the Missionary Mom website asked for recipes that we had and wanted to know if we would consider adding them to this cookbook.

I remember sending a few recipes in but forgot about this book until this week. When Deanna had asked for the recipes from us and then told us we would receive copies of all that was sent in I thought she would send out a CD with recipes for everyone. I never imagined a nice hard bound cookbook.

I got the book a couple of days ago. It's a nice cookbook filled with recipes from many regions throughout the world. It was great to see so many names I recognized from the Missionary Mom site and some recipes that I am going to have to try. Recipes from Central and South America to regions in Europe and of course here in the good old USA. Some of the recipes were entered by missionaries and former missionaries as well.

As I was flipping the pages I came to a recipe that sounded familiar and then I realized.."that is MY recipe!" "Poor Man's Lobster". Okay, I'm not bragging but I was simply surprised. Anyways, this is a recipe that I really like and used to make a lot when I was first married. It's easy to make and tasty too.

A Wonderful Whirlwind Visit

2009-03-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago Becky and her roommate Mollie decided to make a whirlwind visit to Oregon. Becky phoned us on Saturday at 6 PM and wondered if Mollie and her could drive up for a visit. I said to Becky "you'll be on the road longer than you'll even be here." They didn't care. They were fine with that and Mollie was wanting to see Western Oregon. They left from Sandy Utah around 7PM and the traveling began. Becky picked up Robbie along the way so they had 3 drivers to make the 15+ hour drive. Loaded with Mountain Dew and what other energy foods they used to keep them awake and able to drive they were on their way.
They arrived at our home at 7 AM Sunday Morning...tired and exhausted looking and yet hyped with excitement to be here and visit for even 1 day! We all headed off to Church at 9 AM and I must admit I was surprised that the 3 of them didn't fall asleep at Church. Their adrenaline was keeping them going, not to mention that they are only in their 20's. It's amazing how much you can do when you are under the age of 30! Oh...I remember those days :)
We got home from Church around 12:30 or so and came home to get a bite to eat. Mollie was hoping to see the Portland Temple and boy did she luck out. Our rainy morning changed to a beautiful, sunny afternoon with perfect blue skies and not a cloud it sight. Great for taking pictures of the Temple and the 2 of them. It felt like Spring was in the air as Oregon usually gets this way in mid to late February.
Mollie is a great friend and we were miss having her so close when she moves back to Ohio next month. I am glad she was able to visit us before she leaves. Even though the time here was short. It was great to have the them all here for a short visit. The girls enjoyed rocking out on guitar hero and Robbie...well Robbie headed over to his friend's place in Scappoose. I wasn't surprised that he did that. Mikal Healey is getting married this next month and Robbie enjoyed spending some time with one of his best friends before Mikal gets hitched. Sometimes quick unexpected trips make the most fun and these 3 certainly had fun and we had fun having them here

Elder Whitnah is heading to Deutschland

2009-02-23T11:06:00.001-08:00
Sean was up early this morning at the MTC. 4 am to be exact. He and 16 other missionaries bound for the Germany Frankfurt Mission loaded buses to the Salt Lake airport around 5 am. Once getting to the airport they all got checked through to their final destination city. Frankfurt!!

Sean called from the airport a little while ago. It was great to hear his voice and the excitement he had to FINALLY be heading to his mission. He loved the MTC and the training he received there but he is now ready to begin his mission among the German people starting early tomorrow morning.

His plane should arrive in Frankfurt around 7 am Frankfurt time and then he and the other missionaries will be taken to a hotel to sleep for a few hours. They then will be taken out into the streets and begin "street preaching" They will do this for a couple hours and then grab something to eat. After that they are off to the Mission Home and Sean will have an meeting with President Ninow, his Mission President. He will meet his companion and find out where in the mission they will be serving. Sister Ninow is planning on preparing a HUGE dinner for all 17 missionaries along with the President and herself. Sean is looking forward to that. He is also looking forward to some of the yummy German foods

Needless to say I imagine Sean will be pretty exhausted when it's 9:30 pm Frankfurt time tomorrow night! I think with all the excitement, nervous energy and emotions he is having right now that he will pull his way through. I am so happy for him to finally have this chance to serve his mission. He has always wanted to do this and I know he will love it and come back so grown and mature from all his experiences. Ich liebe dich Elder Whitnah!!!

A Surprise Phone Call From Sean Today

2009-02-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

The phone rang and I looked at the ID. It said BYU. My first thought was maybe the Y was calling in regards to Sean's information and application. They wouldn't normally do that but I wasn't sure. I answered the phone and a young man's voice said a simple "hi". I said hello back and then asked "who is this?" (now I knew it was Sean's voice and yet I knew he wouldn't be calling me from the MTC) When Sean then said...it's me Mom I got a big grin on my face :) It's amazing how the voice of someone you love so dearly can melt your heart! It's great with all the technology we have today how we can record voices and make videos for keepsakes. I loved hearing Sean's voice, we talked for about 10 minutes. It was great.

Sean was calling because their were issues with his debit card and his Branch President asked him to phone us. It seems like it's been ages since he left and yet it's only been 8 weeks! He told me he was so pumped and excited to leave for Germany and his companion also said hello. Needless to say I will need to phone the bank tomorrow and get his card resolved prior to his leaving next week for Germany. Next week at this time he will be bound for Germany. We are SO excited for him to get into the field!

His MP (Mission President), President Ninow wrote us a couple weeks ago and asked that we send out a letter to him which included information about Sean. His accomplishments, awards, jobs, likes and dislikes. It was fun to sit down and describe our son to a man who has yet to meet him but who sounds excited to soon have him as a missionary working for the people of Frankfurt. Those who know Sean, know that he will give his all to this cause and will want to be not only a good missionary but a great one. Now I am in no way bragging when I say this. Sean has simply always been the type of person who strives to do his best and do all he can and I know he will do this on his mission.

I think the only regret Bethany will have when she hears that Sean called is that she was not here to pick up the phone and say hi to him. She has missed him a great deal. Earlier this morning she was playing one of songs that she recorded on the piano and she began to cry and tell me how much she missed Sean. I am thinking of letting her skip school next week so that she can talk with him on Monday when he will make his phone call from the airport. She needs to hear his voice too and know that he is fine and that will make her happy.

Bryan became a Deacon

2009-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a special day for Bryan as he was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. If someone had told me ten years ago that he would at the age of 13 be a deacon I would have probably laughed at them. Bryan was diagnosed at 3 with autism and at that point in his life had no language. He had about 10 words that he had said but then stopped talking all together.

He has been through myriads of therapy, diets and more therapy and through the knowledge we have learned and thankfully to some wonderful aides at school he has progressed and grown in ways I didn't see for him. I was the one with little faith in what he could be.

Bryan is constantly teaching about the love he has for life. The love he feels towards just about everyone and everything. He finds happiness in the smallest details. He isn't afraid of much either...well bees. Bees terrify him. I am so thankful for having this sweet young boy in our lives and for his goodness and willingness to do what is right at ALL times. Literally!

I love you Bryan

Guten Tag!

2009-01-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

Sean emailed us yesterday and is doing great! Loving the MTC and learning so much so fast. I really don't think there is a place where there is so much praying, so much learning, so much studying going on at one time like there is at the MTC.

Last week Sean and his companion taught their first lesson in German and did great. Sean felt like he didn't miss with the wording or any of it. That made him feel good. Bethany was glad to receive a letter from her brother this week and know that even though he is so busy he took time to write her. Sean and Bethany became really close the past few years and Bethany sure misses him. But is glad to have her brother serving a mission

Sean will be in the MTC for 3 more weeks and then it is off to Frankfurt! He can hardly wait!

4 weeks in the MTC already!

2009-01-17T08:57:00.000-08:00
Elder Whitnah is loving the MTC! Just this last week Elder Holland came again a second time and spoke to the missionaries. He thought it was fantastic! His German is coming and he is practicing using it all the time now. He no longer is allowed to read from his English scriptures..only German. He says he is beginning to better and better understand it.

He found Cameron Merritt this week and that was great! They had a great time seeing one another. It's good because Cameron leaves on Monday for Australia. Good luck Cameron!!!

With care packages from his Aunt Shelly, Grandma Whitnah and Us he is pretty well set and usually shares much of what he has. The food in the MTC is beginning to kill him though. His gut has been hurting. I think he has eaten more in the MTC in just 4 weeks than the last 3 months. He feels stuffed. I guess the MTC wants him to be nice and plump when he makes his landing in Germany :)

Sean loves attending the Temple and has had a chance to go twice since being in Provo. The Temple had been shut down for Christmas and it reopened on the 5th. I don't think he's studied and worked so hard than he has been doing these past 4 weeks. And he will be getting an extra week in the MTC. Instead of leaving on February 16th he will now head off to Frankfurt on February 23rd. I am betting he will be dying to get out of there by then!

Last night I had a long conversation with his girlfriend Haley who is attending BYU-Idaho. She also wants to serve a mission and if all goes well she will have her mission papers in by the end of August. I jokingly asked her: "what if you are called to Frankfurt?" I guess Sean and Haley have had that same discussion. She's a great girl and a great support to Sean in that she writes great letters to him .

Hopefully we will be receiving some photos soon of his MTC journies that I can add to this site.

2009-01-17T07:46:00.000-08:00
As an attachment to my last post I meant to refer to Bethany youngest daughter...wouldn't want to leave Bryan out...who is our youngest :)

Our Littlest Angel is Growing Up So Fast!

2009-01-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful Bethany is growing up so fast!! She will be 16 this year and of course she knows she will be able to date, get her permit for driving if she wants, thankfully she doesn't want to drive right yet and I am just fine with that. She has always had a great excitement for life and is so much fun to be around! She sings, she dances and of course LOVES to shop. She is a sweet Angel to have in our home :)

I love this picture of Bethany and her friend Alina taken a few months back at a diner near our home. They are best buds

Bethany goofing off at Goodwill. One of her favorite places to shop for fashion. She has a good sense for it and she it good at picking places to go that don't cost a fortune. Most importantly though she has FUN as she does it.

Bethany and I

I love this photo. This was taken at Allegany State Park in New York about 5 years ago. Bethany is surrounded by her cousins Katie, Amanda and Lizzy...what a fun day that was

Her craftiness paid off in this blanket she made. She loves to work with her hands and enjoys creating scrapbook pages to other fun items.

I think she likes the hat

Winter time a Glow

Gathering to remember Grandpa in August 08

2009-01-09T01:40:00.000-08:00
Robbie with Sean and Grandma Whitnah

Emma holding the youngest baby Whitnah

The Whitnah Grandkids: front row, L-R: Zachary, Jarin
Kady, Emma holding Qwynnah, Eli and Ali
2nd row: Bryan, Bethany, Robbie, Sean, Becky adn Jaina

I am glad we were able to get this photo taken before everyone
left.

The grandkids of Cal and Emma Whitnah 08

We sure miss Grandpa Whitnah

2009-01-09T01:02:00.000-08:00
This past August of 2008 Wes' Dad Cal Whitnah passed away.It was a surprise to all of us and he is missed. His laugh, his smile, his jokes, his playing with his grandkids. The way he helped everyone who was in need without even being asked. He was a great role model for his grandkids to see on the value and importance of hard work and service to others. He loved his wife Emma and his boys a great deal and was very proud of all of them. He was equally proud of his grandkids. These are some photos of him over the years. I love the one of him Cal sleeping on the couch with a young Robbie. I don't know how Robbie even fell asleep, he was so hard to get to sleep. I guess Grandpa Whitnah had the magic touch or maybe his snoring helped lull Robbie to sleep :)
This is one of the last photos we have of Cal and his wife Emma.It was taken at Sean's graduation in June of 2008. He was glad to be there to show his support for one of his grandkids.

This is a photo of Cal Whitnah when he was much younger and still had hair on his head. Something that he lost before turning 30. I don't know if it was having 3 boys that made him lose his hair or not but either way he didn't seem to mind.
Here is a young 4 year old Robbie rock hunting with his Grandpa in Eastern Oregon. Rock hunting was a hobby that the Whitnah boys and their parents shared in. Wes said where ever they traveled they would have shovels and buckets to search for neat looking crystals and rocks

Robbie and Becky( much younger of course) playing with
Grandpa Whitnah

Cal and Sean after graduation in June

Emma Sean and Cal---June 2008

Grandpa Whitnah recognizing Robbie at a graduation dinner for him in 2006. Robbie and Grandpa Whitnah had a special friendship and he seemed to be the perfect person to toast Robbie

Emma, Robbie and Cal..this photo was taken in July of 2006. Just a couple weeks before Robbie went into the MTC for his mission to Honduras. Emma and Cal had traveled 7 hours to see grandkids and wish both Becky and Robbie the best on their mission

I love this photo. This is Warren Whitnah and Cal Whitnah. Neither knew that their photo was being taken. Cal was a great older brother to Warren

Nice Family Christmas

2009-01-03T12:53:00.000-08:00
This Christmas was a special one. We had both Robbie and Becky home this year. They hadn't been here for Christmas since December of 2005. Bothy Becky and Robbie had been on their missions the last 2 Christmas'. Robbie admitted that Christmas in Honduras last year was just like any other day. He was glad to be home with family and friends nearby. Robbie and Sean took a moment for a quick photo. I can't get over how grown up Bryan looks in this picture! He loves Robbie and will miss him now that he is off in Idaho going to school at BYU-Idaho. Good luck Robbie :)
Bethany loved having her brother Robbie around the past few months. She had grown up so much and was able to talk with him and share fun moments. She too will miss Robbie but at least he's only a phone call away now.

This is the ONLY photo we got of both Becky and Robbie and unfortunately we didn't think of getting another one. Becky and Robbie were tormenting poor Tucker. They tried to get him to taste Listerine...which he hated or maple syrup...which he loved. I know Tucker misses them both...even though they loved tormenting him.

I have lived in Oregon for a LONG time now and I have never seen this much snow at Christmas time. It was so beautiful!! It reminded me of the many white Christmas' I had as a child in Pennsylvania. Bethany began to tire of the snow and I had to keep reminding her how beautiful it was. I don't think she really cared though. She was wanting to get out and visit with friends.

2008-12-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

Elder Whitnah and Becky standing by the MTC Christmas tree ( Becky snuck on her German tag :) )

Grandma Whitnah putting Sean's missionary tag on him

Outside the MTC: Becky, Grace, Elder Whitnah and Grandma Whitnah

Mom and Son :)

Dad and Son :)

2008-12-19T10:15:00.000-08:00
Wes and I (December 16th)

Grandma Whitnah and Sean

The whole Whitnah gang and then some

Sean and Eli playing in the snow

Sean making a snowball. He had fun playing with Eli and Zachary that day

2008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00
Salt Lake Temple surrounded with beautiful Christmas lighting. We went there on Monday the 15th
The Assembly Hall on Temple Square

Sean, Becky, Grace and Wes on the South side of the Temple...it sure was cold that night but the beauty of everything made up for it!

My birthday...December 15th. Becky made me a birthday cake...look at all those candles! I can NOT be THAT old!!!

I had to stand a bit back the fire was pretty warm :)

Yet another Whitnah Missionary

2008-12-19T09:46:00.001-08:00
President Dalton and "Elder Whitnah" taken just after Sean was set apart as a missionary to serve in Germany Frankfurt

From left to right: Bryan, Robbie, Bethany, Grace, Elder Sean Whitnah, and Wes

At our home prior to being set apart: Bethany, Sean and Grace

Sean sure looks nice in his suit, don't you think?

Sean has been in the MTC for 2 days. I must admit I was a bit worried as to whether we would be able to get out of Portland when the snow started coming down on Sunday. Thankfully Jeff Wight was able to pick up President Dalton and get him to the Stake Center so that Sean could be set apart. Now Elder Whitnah is, I'm sure, adjusting to his missionary life in the MTC and loving it! He was so excited to be there and can't wait for Germany too.

Grandma Whitnah traveled down from Richland Oregon to be there with him and we had her put his missionary tag on him. I thought that she would enjoy doing that especially since she mentioned that December 17th, the day Sean entered, was her Father's birthday.

Becky was able to take time off of work and be at the MTC as well. She pulled out her German tag for a quick photo opt of Sean and her with their names and German text on it :) It was nice.

Prior to Sean going in to the MTC we visited Temple Square in Salt Lake on Monday the 15th, my birthday. It was cold but very beautiful there that night. The following night, the 16th, Don and Shelly and their boys Zachary and Eli along with Mollie, Becky, Becky's friend Jeff, Grandma Whitnah and Wes and I went to Tacano's for dinner. Zachary had a good time telling his Uncle Wes about how much pineapple he could eat and how he would out eat Uncle Wes.

Sean slept in till 9:30am on Wednesday the 17th. The last day he can sleep in for the next 2 years :) I think he enjoyed being able to do that. It was great to see Sean enjoy some time with his Grandma, his sister Becky and with his Aunt, Uncle and younger cousins.

I must admit I cried some when we took him to the MTC but I know that Sean will be well taken care of and that he is SO EXCITED to go and serve a mission that I just couldn't be anything more than happy for him. It will be neat that Becky and Sean will now be able to communicate in German and Wes is working on keeping his German up that he learned many years ago while he served his mission in Munich many years ago.

Bryan loves playing drums and listening to music

2008-12-11T21:49:00.000-08:00
This is a photo of Bryan taken at the beach over the summer.
He has grown and developed so much since he was diagnosed with autism at age 3. I must admit that his initial diagnosis was devastating. It felt like a death in many ways. Over the years his language has developed, he has improved his social skills a great deal and loves interacting with just about everyone.
Tonight was a great night as Wes, Bethany and I were able to watch him perform with the rest of the 6th grade band. It's been great that he has been afforded this oppurtunity to play in the band and learn to play drums. A dream that he has had for a long time!
Thanks to a great teacher Aki Mori who presented the chance to Mr. Coates the band teacher the idea of letting Bryan be given a chance to play. Needless to say band is now Bryan's FAVORITE part of school and he loves his band teacher.
There really are no limits to those with autism. I have to keep reminding myself of that. As Bryan has grown I have realized that there are many things he may not be able to communicate or do as others but that he has great abilities to do much good. Bryan has always had a love of music and he loves to play it and sing it (even though he won't sing for Wes or myself).

I am thankful for having Bryan in our family. He is always teaching me so many things. Usually the things that are the most important.
He will be 13 on the 18th...I can't believe it! He is so excited for his birthday and to be a teenager.

Sean is ready :)

2008-12-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

It is hard for me to believe that Sean is already 19 and ready to soon leave for his mission! He is so excited to go. He has prepared himself by working hard and being a good student over the years as well as in serving in the Church and community at times. It has helped shape him into the person he is today.

Sean will be our 3rd to "leave the nest". Many years ago a wise woman told me "enjoy your children because before you know it they are grown and gone." Wow, was she ever right! Becky and Robbie and Sean have grown up so fast!

Sean will leave next week and in the beginning of January Robbie will head off to BYU-Idaho. Our house will seem very quiet with only Bethany and Bryan and Tucker ( our dog).

2008-12-03T16:22:00.000-08:00

I have been busy this week trying to get things ready for Christmas and put away our Thanksgiving and Fall decorations.
Robbie couldn't wait to go out and get a Christmas tree! I think after 2 years without one in Honduras he wanted to get one quickly. It is up but and the lights are on it. We just need to find time to get it decorated all the way :)
Sean enters the MTC in 2 weeks. Crazy! I can't believe we were able to get everything done for him but it all worked out. He has been trying to read the Book of Mormon in German as well as English to try and get a head start. Of course I am sure he will find he will have a lot to learn once he gets to Germany

Sean's Mission Call

2008-12-01T02:06:00.000-08:00
The last 6 weeks have been VERY busy. Sean returned from visiting his Gramma and Grampa McAndrew in Pennsylvania. He along with his brother Robbie were there for 2 weeks. They had a chance to visit with cousins they hadn't seen in over 2 years. They had a good time.

Sean was home a day and then visited with President Dalton and his mission papers were submitted. 15 days later Sean received his call and he is going to: Germany Frankfurt! We are all excited for him!! Sean took 3 years of German in High School and Wes served in Munich from 79-81 and Becky served in Berlin from July 06-February 08. Needless to say it's going to be fun having another Whitnah serving in Germany! I told Bethany that she needs to shoot for a mission now and hope for Hamburg. That way all the German missions will be covered :)

The day after Sean received his call we were off to Costco to get passport photos, then off to buy luggage, suits, shirts, ties, shoes, etc..etc...etc... It was fun and exhausting all at the same time. The crazy part was that he was given only 5 and 1/2 weeks from the time he received his call on November 7th to report to the MTC on December 17th!!

It is all working out. His passport has arrived and copies have been mailed to Germany for his Mission President. He has been to the Temple this past week and has given his farewell talk. Phew!! He is SO excited to serve and can't wait to. It is great.

"In the Beginning...There was a Blog

2008-10-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

After reading and enjoying blogs of many friends, I decided to try my hand at it. We have been told over and over how important it is to keep a journal. Well, I have actually been doing an online journal for the past couple years but the thought of putting it with pictures made much more sense. So here I am. My first blog post!
I decided to include a photo of my youngest daughter Bethany and I that was taken a few months ago. At the time we were getting ready to visit the ocean and the weather had been great here in Aloha. Once we got to Seaside though it was another thing all together. We needed to get hot chocolate to stay warm. You never can tell how the weather will be at the Oregon Coasts :) We had a fun day though, even though we really didn't stay as long as we would have liked.

2008-09-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken in Richland Oregon in August 2008. Sean, Bethany and Becky( in front) were sitting in Uncle Warren's hay loft. They had spent some time riding some of his horses.