I am in a Blue mood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!