Happy April Fool's Day

You really must take a look at this BBC segment from 1957. The greatest part about it was there were numerous calls to the BBC in response to the video from people wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. I'd like one too.

Serving the Lord

Perhaps it's been long enough now that I can write. Nearly a month ago now, Daniel was set apart as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is something that we have anticipated and prepared for since he was born. I don't know that I have ever met a better prepared Elder. (We did have to do a button sewing lesson in the hotel the night before he entered the MTC). Daniel will be a fabulous missionary. I am inspired by his obedience, his testimony, and his love of God. These next two years should be filled with life-changing moments for all of us. Right now, we are waiting patiently to hear about his first area of service and his companion. The Field Is White. Go Harvest!

Special Olympics!

We learned yesterday that we will have the privilege of having 3 Special Olympics athletes and coaches staying with us.  They will be flying in sometime next Thursday and we then get to have them sleep, eat, and play with us for several days before they start competing.  We haven't learned yet if they will be from Jamaica or Gibraltar but it won't matter where they are from, it will be fantastic.  We can't wait! 

December In Review

It is tragic that it has been so long since I posted last.  Sorry.  I hope that not everyone has given up on me.  

The first week in December was concert week for Musettes.  That week is always a bit hectic but quite exhilarating.  We sang a variety of wonderful music and the concerts went very well.  I always wish that there were more people in the audience to enjoy the performance but I need to be grateful that anyone comes to hear us.  Perhaps I am a bit biased but I think that we continue to keep getting better.  

The following week we made a quick trip to Provo to hear and see Daniel perform with the BYU Symphonic Band.  It was thrilling to see him on stage in his tux and to hear the gorgeous music. I am so glad that he loves so many types of music and finds peace and enjoyment from it.  What a great surprise it was to have Steven, Carrie, Mark, Grandma, and Grandpa be there at the concert with us.  The frozen yogurt afterward was terrific as well.

Steven and Daniel finished up finals in fine style the third week in December and came home for Christmas.  A few days before Christmas, we got a phone call from Carrie, who was stranded in the Phoenix airport, unable to get to Portland.  She was able to get her flight changed and flew to be with us for Christmas instead.  What a bonus for us.  

Nathan called a bit later and asked if their family could spend Christmas

 with us if they could get out of Portland.  They slid sideways down their driveway, spent an hour and a half getting to the freeway, and kept pushing our direction only because they didn't know if they could get back home if they tried.  What started out as a quiet Christmas alone turned out to be much more exciting.  We got to do all the Santa stuff, a live nativity, and experience once again the magic.  Thanks for coming to spend the holidays with us.

Daniel went through the temple for the first time the Saturday after Christmas.  There are not many more wonderful experiences in life.  I have prayed all his life that he would make good choices and this was the culmination of so many of those good choices.  I admit to shedding a few tears along the way and it was a thrill to have two of my sons there with us. 

We packed up after Christmas and went to see family in Idaho Falls.  Daniel needed to see his Great Grandmother before he left on his mission.  It pulled at my heart to see them saying goodbye to each other.  We were able to attend the temple with both sets of Grandparents as well.  

It was a great month.  It was packed as usual but wonderful just the same.

Redneck Playstation

I know that economic times are hard. This might be an option for the kids this year.  I know they have asked for a new wii game but this may have to do.   You had better check this out. Your kids might enjoy it to.  I hear it is the in game for Christmas this year.

Happy Thanksgiving

A friend sent me this link and I thought it was quite clever. I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving and remember that I am very thankful for you.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS DANIEL GOING?

We heard just about an hour ago that Daniel's mission call came in the mail today. We have spent the last hour coordinating a time that he can open it and we can all hear him read the letter. It's a bit more complicated since he is at BYU. He called me when he got the letter and his voice was shaking he was so excited. I am anxious to hear the news.

Brent left his corporate meeting so that he could be on the speaker phone with Daniel. Those of us at home sat around the computer on ichat and Daniel and everyone in Provo sat in front of his computer on ichat. He anxiously waited for everyone to arrive and then he kissed the envelope and opened it with his ceremonial pencil. He read it aloud to all of us. Wow, what fun.

It is official now. He heads to the MTC on February 4th and will spend two weeks there before heading to St. Louis, Missouri. We are all thrilled for him. What an exciting time! His mission area covers the greater St. Louis area, some of Illinois, and a wee bit of Kentucky. I am anxious to get to see his mission map. I can't seem to find anything online.

There you have it. We are all so excited for him. I am thrilled.