White Family News

40 Days Challenge

2011-03-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

Forty Days, Forty Bags of stuff out of the house.

1. Master closet
2. Master Bath
3. Night Stands
4. Laundry Room
5. Laundry Room
6. Girl's Bathroom
7. Mud Room
8. Mud Room
9. Coat Closest
10. Lazy Susan Cupboard
11. Under Kitchen Sink
12. Pantry
13. Refrigerator
14. Freezers
15. Storage Room
16. Storage Room
17. Basement bathroom
18. TV stand
19. Savannah's Room
20. Joe's Room
21. Veronica's Room
22. Bruce's Room
23. My dresser
24. Travis's dresser
25. Theater
26. Book Shelf in Dining Room
27. Furnace Room
28. Furnace Room
29. Joe's dresser
30. Garage refrigerator
31. Garage freezer
32. Garage shelves
33. Garage shelves
34. Garage steps
35. Garage
36. Garage
37. Honda
38. Subaru
39.
40.

Funny Conversation

2010-10-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Joe: Hey Mom, do you want to know why I think Heavenly Father gave us singing voices?

Me: Why?

Joe: To sing church songs, not swearing songs.

A Very Good Night

2010-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bruce's mission call came in the mail Wednesday, so we gathered in the evening at Grandpa and Grandma's house to open the call. There were 59 people in attendance, with six more on Skype and a couple of others on the phone. The news was exciting--Taiwan Taipei. He goes in the MTC on January 5, 2011 and will learn Mandarin Chinese.

He's taken two years of Mandarin Chinese in High School, so he was especially excited. I was so happy he got a call he was so thrilled with.

Four people predicted correctly and won king-sized candy bars. Everyone else had to be satisfied with cookies. Bruce and Travis spent the next 45 minutes calling other grandparents, friends, his home bishop and college bishop and his young men's leaders. We're so thankful for all the good people who have influenced his life to make this good choice.

It's nice for Joe to have a big brother setting a good example.

Bruce and his Grandpa and Grandma Higginson.

We were joined by Bruce's friends, C.J. Pilling, Skyler Bingham, and Harrison Nichol.

After the opening, we had a carload to take home since we brought C.J., Harrison, Skyler and Bryce (Veronica's friend) with us. We took a little detour through Midget Village and then dropped Bruce and Skyler off at the dorms. It was a fun evening and we enjoyed being with the family and having Bruce and Veronica's good friends with us.

The Day Before School Started

2010-08-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

We were trying to think of something fun to do the day before school started and were coming up empty. Then we got a phone call that some paperwork needed dropped off in Salt Lake, so that decided it--we were going to Salt Lake.

We took the paperwork, then toured Cathedral of the Madeleine, then went to Great Harvest where we got a braided baguette and butter and headed to Liberty Park. As you can see from the photos, we had a fun time.

We finished up the day sharing cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory. It was a nice, relaxing way to spend the day before jumping back into the routines of school.

Kids Start School

2010-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Joe - 4th grade

So after sending Bruce off to college last week, you'd think that sending the rest of the kids to school would be a breeze. It wasn't. I love summer. Especially now that my kids are older. Instead of spending the summer thinking of things to keep the kids entertained, the kids were so helpful and fun this year.

Savannah - 7th grade (1st year of Jr. High)

For much of the summer, they knew I was working on my book revisions and they've never pitched in better. It sounds selfish, but I'm going to miss the extra hands pitching in every morning.

It's great to live in a place where there is so much the kids can do outside, and they took advantage of it all--biking, riding the powerwing, night games on the golf course, building boats to float on the pond, digging and building in the piles of dirt/rock provided by the construction site across the street and more.

Veronica - High School Junior

I'm feeling a little homesick for my kids today, but that isn't the only reason I'm a little sad to see school start. I could have mustered up more enthusiasm if my kids had been more excited, but unfortunately, Joe was the only one really happy about it. The girls were nervous and didn't want to go. When they worry, I worry.

So while they looked as cute as can be, we return with mixed feelings. I'm hoping for a great year for them and that by the time they get settled into their new routine, they'll be happy.

Here's to another school year. May it be the best ever!

Bruce Goes to College

2010-08-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a bittersweet day for us. Bruce moved into his dorm at the University of Utah.

Bruce and Skyler, his roommate, drove up separately so Bruce would have his car there.
After waiting in a few lines to get keys, take care of finances and get student ID/Trax cards, we were finally able to go to his room.

This is what greeted us as we walked into their building. Bruce and Skyler both started laughing, not sure if this was a good sign. They were in good moods and excited. Luckily, the power came back on while we were moving things in.

They laughed at the sort of cheesy door greetings. Bruce's said "New Galaxy observed by Bruce White." Skyler's said "Great Barrier Reef Diver: Skyler Bingham." There were some that were worse, like "New butterfly discovered by..." Not sure how many guys would have wanted that one.

Their room is a decent size--bigger than the dorms from BYU that I remember but definitely not huge. Here's Bruce with Veronica, Savannah and Joe in his room. We helped carry their things up to their room, but they had to try to beat the clock and get a few other things taken care of, so we didn't help them unpack or make their beds. That's too bad, because later Bruce discovered he'd forgotten his comforter and only had sheets and a pillow and Skyler discovered he'd forgotten all his bedding. Everything. I'm not sure they had a very comfortable first night.
Me and Bruce as we were getting ready to leave. We miss him already and are so proud of him for working so hard to reach his goals. He's going to do great! He and Skyler are coming home for dinner Sunday, so that helps soften the blow a little.

Love you Bruce.

Girls Camp and Oregon

2010-08-08T15:03:00.001-07:00

The girls went to Girls Camp the last week of July. They had to camp, which isn't really our thing, but they had a great time and some wonderful experiences. It was Savannah's first time going and Veronica was a YCL (youth camp leader) assigned to Savannah's group. That was nice for both of them. We missed them while they were gone.

On Tuesday, August 3, we left for Oregon. (Everyone but Travis was able to go. We missed him a lot.) We arrived there in the evening and had Spencer and Kristi's cute family and a delicious meal waiting for us.

We went to Lithia Park in Ashland. Had fun in the water and drove around looking at houses.

The kids had a great time together shooting baskets, playing outside, reading together, playing with Legos and more.

Spencer and Kristi's kids are so cute. We really enjoyed spending time with them. Each of them have such different personalities and they're all awesome!

Sadly, Bruce had a cold, but of course they still went and played basketball. Unfortunately that game caused Spencer to have an injured ankle the rest of the trip (and probably still now, too.)

Spencer's pants got soaked and he had a t-ball game so they dried the pants while we drove around looking at houses.

We also went to Despicable Me, a really cute movie.

On Friday, we spent a fun afternoon on the Rogue River. The weather was great and we had a great time.

Kristi is a great cook and we had delicious food. Some highlights were pasta and sausage, corn on the cob-twice, hamburgers on home-made buns, grilled pineapple w/glaze, grilled pizzas with home-made pizza crust, tomato and mozzarella salad that I couldn't get enough of (and later used on my grilled pizza), brownies and home-made cookies and cream ice cream-twice. Thanks for the hard work and yummy food, Kristi.

Thanks for the wonderful time. We love your family!Some of the sights on the drive home. Doherty Slide is scary, Nevada is full of long, ridiculous roads, the Salt Flats tree is neat, but we almost didn't get to see it on the way home because of a crazy dust/salt storm.

When we got home I was surprised to see this. The lots on either side of the house, as well as across the street, are owned by the same builder. They're building two houses across the street and have piled both lots on the sides of the house with mound after mound of dirt and rock. It isn't pretty. I guess that's the hazzard of buying a house surrounded by empty building lots.

Summer Odds and Ends

2010-07-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

Finally some pictures from Especially For Youth. Veronica and her friend Bryce went together and stayed in the dorms at the University of Utah. They had a great time and wished they could go a couple of times this summer.

Veronica's first dorm-living experience.

The kids waiting for check-in to be finished. Trust Joe and Boston (Bryce's brother) to figure out a way to make it fun.

Bruce in one of his animal graphic t-shirts. He's collecting them this summer.

This is one of Joe's chores before he can go outside and play everyday. He's gotten pretty quick at it.

This powerwing is how he spent his money this summer. He's had a great time.

Savannah giving Pepper a bath. She enjoys doing it and Pepper patiently puts up with it.
I finally sold the yoyo dress and HOORAY! it is going to be used as a wedding dress, which is what I hoped when I was making it. I shipped it to the bride in Switzerland this week!

Veronica Bakes (with a little help from Savannah and Mom)

2010-07-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

Veronica has always loved to bake. On occasion, she can get Savannah to bake with her. On Thursday and Friday, we all pitched in and baked six kinds of cookies (snickerdoodle, peanut butter/peanut butter cup, chocolate chip, pecan/coconut/milk chocolate, chocolate w/peanut butter chip and lemon kiss), as well as a frangipan torte and a chocolate chip cookie pie. The occasion was the photographing of the desserts by Uncle Robert, a professional, for her online etsy shop, cookieheaven.

As I'm sure you can tell, the first two photos are taken by unprofessional me. The last photos are taken by professional Robert. Quite a difference. We enjoyed a few treats and gave away a bunch. Thanks to Robert and Teresa for the photos and staging, and thanks to Sister Thompson from our ward who provided us with most of the neat dishes.

Let the mouth-watering begin.

God Bless America

2010-07-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we were Victoria, B.C. We took a carriage ride around part of the city, looking at the beautiful architecture and fabulous landscaping. It is such a pretty city. The twenty-six year old woman who was our carriage driver was friendly and open and we asked questions about the prices of real estate and life in general in such a pretty place.

What she said astonished us. She told us of so many of the young people in Canada (herself included) who wanted to move to America. Within weeks of our visit a 14 percent sales tax was being added to everything, no exceptions for food or medicine. This on top of what she described as ridiculous property and income taxes. She said young people are wanting to leave so they can afford to buy property and clothing. America looked good to her.

Sadly, far too many Americans don't realize how good we have it and want to absolve the personal responsibility that comes with freedom to the government. It may seem easier at the time to let the government handle everything, but soon we'll discover that by letting them handle everything, we've handed over our freedom. We must be responsible, smart and patriotic. Our founding fathers knew what they were doing. They were acting under inspiration from God and they got it right. We need to stop ignoring what they did or questioning and undermining it.

I love America. I love what it stands for. I'm okay that much of the world hates us and I don't feel like we should be worrying so much about it. There is supposed to be opposition and it's human nature to hate those we are profoundly jealous of. They want what we have and if they can't have it, they want us to become like them. If they can't be like America, they'll be satisfied with making America more like them.

I'm grateful for our country, for those that serve in our military, for our flag and everything it stands for and for my family's right to freedom.

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America, Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home.

Random Catch-up

2010-06-30T01:09:00.000-07:00

Veronica had a wonderful time at Especially for Youth, meeting new people, having spiritual experiences and a lot of fun. She was exhausted when she got home.

The family went to Lagoon for Bach Corp Lagoon Day. It was fun! The kids had a blast, we enjoyed a good meal, Richard, Matt and Kristina joined us for awhile and we saw Little John (not so little anymore) and cousin Matt while we were there. The only problems with the day were that it was really hot and we couldn't get enough water and all of us had aching feet. I stubbed my little toe and the nail lifted completely off and bled underneath. I now have a fever and can feel my pulse in my little toe.

Nairn and Maria had a beautiful baby boy. We stopped on our way to Lagoon and held him and admired his preciousness. He has ridiculous fingers and toes. I could have held him all day.

I received an exciting letter yesterday with an offer to publish "Gifted." I had a great visit today with my new editor (I can't believe I just said that) and so now the work begins on getting the book revised (they wanted me to add a few things) and ready to go to print. I will have a book in bookstores. I cried and then made a few phone calls to those who have followed my writing career closely and given me encouragement. The editor suggested that I start an author's blog, so you can link on mine on the top right of the blog. Please become a follower! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's me silently but enthusiastically screaming with a lot of excitement and a little bit of panic.

I love Elder Holland

2010-06-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

I remember when this talk was given in October, 1999. At the time, I was pregnant with Joe and so, so, so sick--losing weight, throwing up constantly and in terrible pain.

I read the talk again and again in the next several months as I was on over three months of bed-rest and in excrutiating pain every time I'd have to get up to use the bathroom. It was inspiring and helpful and given just for me.

A few months after Joe was born, I was grocery shopping at Fred Meyer in Bountiful, when I saw Elder and Sister Holland in the produce section. Hesitantly, I approached him and with tears in my eyes, told him how his talk had impacted me and how important it had been during that hard time. He admired my beautiful baby and curly-haired little girl, gave me a hug, and told me that Heavenly Father loved me and knew good things were just around the corner.

How inspired are the brethren. I love conference and I love Elder Holland and this inspired message.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

It's great to have a day to celebrate and reflect on the wonderful fathers in our lives.

First, I'll talk about the one I chose to be the father of my kids. I'm so thankful to have found someone who loves being a dad and wants to be a part of his kids' lives. Travis is a dad who takes his kids to church, prays with his kids, is always willing to take them to a movie or the park, supports them in their activities and loves and encourages them. He would choose to do something with his kids before he'd choose to do something with friends. The kids know he likes to be with them and that's a wonderful thing. He gives them father's blessings and teaches them about faith in the Lord. He teaches them to be practical, thrifty, and hard-working. He isn't frivolous and wasteful and he's teaching all of these qualities by his example. He's a blessing in our lives.Then there's my Dad, a man who sacrificed and worked hard to support eleven children. He's a man who was a great cheerleader, encouraging us and telling us we were world-class in everything--music, sports, etc. He helped us with homework, gave us blessings, taught us the gospel and bore his testimony to us. In spite of limited money, he traveled with us, making sure we saw new places and had new experiences. He's a gifted teacher and to this day is one of my favorite school teachers. He taught us to love good music, to do whatever was asked of us in church and to be loyal.

Travis's dad is funny, generous and thoughtful. He's laid-back and casual and makes you feel comfortable immediately. He's genuinely interested in what is happening in his kid's and grandkid's lives and celebrates every accomplishment. He works hard and taught that quality to Travis. He loves to share with his family, especially good food that he usually cooks himself and fun experiences, like ball games and fine dining.Travis's step-dad is a kind and generous man with a witty sense of humor. He is encouraging and helpful and likes to see people succeed.

We are very blessed to have these fathers and grandfathers in our lives. I'm so grateful for the influence they are on my kids and I love them all.

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-06-18T22:22:00.001-07:00

I still need to catch up on a reunion posting, but that will have to come next week, a little out of order.

So today was my birthday. Birthdays just aren't the same when you get older. I don't look forward to them quite as much. It was nice, though and my family was sweet. Savannah made me a birthday cake. This is no small thing since she isn't my daughter that likes to bake. In fact, she usually rebels at the idea of helping Veronica or me in the kitchen, so thanks to Savannah.One of the things I wanted to do for my birthday was to frame three watercolor cards I purchased in Alaska from an amazingly talented artist at a little booth. Her name is Kana Yamasaki and she was so nice and her work was so beautiful. I also purchased a lovely Christmas watercolor that will be displayed later in the year. I love that I found a frame for cheap at Ross and that this turned out so great.

The kids gave me a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble and Travis gave me flowers.

The three younger kids and I ran to See's to pick up Father's Day presents and we all enjoyed a couple of chocolates or a sucker. See's has to be the best candy in the world!

For the past several days my sciatica (I hope I spelled that right) has been hurting and I haven't felt great. In Idaho I had a woman that did lymphatic drainage and reflexology. Well, knowing I was hurting, Travis called an old colleague and hunted down someone for me to go to. It was both great and brutal. I doubt I'd have hurt worse if I'd been in an old world dungeon with shackles and whips and cruel instruments pulling off my fingernails one at a time, but DO I EVER FEEL BETTER!!! She really knew what she was doing and it made a huge difference. Thank you Travis!

Spencer and Kristi and their family are in Utah visiting from Oregon, so we invited them down for hot dogs around the fire. We had a nice visit. Their kids are so cute. Unfortunately they ran into bad traffic both directions, so that stunk, but it was nice to have them come down. Here are a few pictures. I'm looking forward to lunch tomorrow with Travis for my birthday and Father's Day. Thanks to my family for making today a nice day. I have many, many blessings and five of the best of them live with me.

Summer Vacation 2010

2010-06-07T15:31:00.001-07:00

(From notes I kept on the trip)

We left just as school got out, drove to Bountiful and saw John and Tawnie's beautiful new baby. Drove on to Idaho and saw our house looking a little tired and overgrown. Oregon was beautiful. Hills covered with green and purple grasses. Pine trees. Beautiful farms, red barns, cows grazing.

Ben Lee singing "We're All in this Together," making me glad to be here with my family. Kids napping. Me napping. Travis driving and cracking jokes. Joe asking how much longer 'til we get there. A little talk radio. Peanut butter M & Ms.

Gas is getting cheaper. We see a sign that the powerball jackpot is 220 million. Travis asks what's the first thing we'd do if we won that much money. I say "pay off everyone in the family's houses." Bruce says, "Buy everyone new houses and get the schoolhouse for Grandpa and Grandma." Sounds like a good plan.

I want to read my book but the scenery is too pretty. Love seeing the trains, even the graffiti covered cars. Joe has read 14 chapters of White Fang. I'm enjoying the old-fashioned power lines--the ones that look like a man standing there holding the wires.

Bruce's graduation is happening right now. We're all glad we're here instead.

SATURDAY - Kids swimming. Ivar's fish and chips. Feeding seagulls. The market--flowers, Three Girls Bakery and more. Disappointed that they no longer make haystacks and smaller mounds cost more. Andre Lovett singing on the street. He's excellent.

(For Mehmet)

SUNDAY - We drive around the city and look at some homes. Veronica has a bad cold. Road-raged, insane flipper-offer. Bags of fancies for breakfast. Challenge getting our parking taken care of, then a crazy taxi ride. Long lines, but finally on the ship.

Safety drill. Unpacking. Sign kids up for teen club and tween club. We read in the library. Delicious family dinner. Bruce can't be in teen club. Bummer. Tween club fun, but no girls in teen club. Bruce and Veronica join us for cheesy show, but Bruce gets called on the stage to participate so we're glad we went.

MONDAY - Basketball. Savannah and Joe climb rock wall. Veronica meets girl from Lone Peak. Rocky Road ice cream on demand. Oh oh. Terrible comedian. I mean the worst. I wanted to boo. Beautiful scenery. Bruce and Travis place third in Sports Trivia. Joe wins survivor in kid's club. Veronica and new friend go to teen club and have fun. Bruce, Travis and I go to fun Majority Rules game.
TUESDAY - Juneau. We rent a car. Neat town. We hit a Wal-Mart and a laundramat for the necessities. Mendenhall glacier. Beautiful. Souvenirs. Drive around seeing the town. Sunny and warm. Ski wall entrance. Bruce tries the highly recommended Russian Dumplings. Lobster for dinner. Dance games in Kid's Club.

WEDNESDAY - Skagway. Very old-fashioned and cute and small. Hot! 85 degrees. Souvenirs. Triking down the 4 miles from the lookout. Fun pictures in panorama at the park. Discovered delicious pecan sticky buns on the ship. Golfing and suffleboard. Funny waiter asks Joe to pay the bill several times, even bringing him a fake bill at the end of the meal. He asks Joe for his room card to pay and asks for Joe's signature. Joe writes at the bottom of the bill: Never. The waiter can't stop laughing. Crossword puzzle with Bruce. Bruce entertains the room with his dance moves at a dance party. Fun juggling show. Too much food!

THURSDAY - Glacier Bay National Park. Over 3 million acres of incredible beauty. Calving glaciers. Stunning ice. Park ranger who said "I'd encourage you to..." at least 100 times during the few hours of narration. Breathtaking!

Delicious lamb, pecan pie, mousse and scallops. Travis, Bruce and I took 2nd place in Olympic trivia. Very funny 2nd City Comedy group. 2nd place in True/False trivia (There is a limit of 4 per team, but we keep losing to a family with four playing, but about eight more "watching"--pretty fishy). Can't take Andy the cruise director. Shuffleboard, basketball, pirate fun, photo scavenger hunt, library, gameroom where we play a really dumb game of Office Trivia.

FRIDAY - Ketchikan. Interesting and charming town. Duck Tour. Eagles. Entertaining lumberjack show. Purchased a couple of pretty watercolors. The girls wanted some rings from a seller there. He started out at $20.00 each. The girls started to walk away so he offered to make them a deal. If they'd buy 10, he'd sell them for $7.00 each. They asked if he'd take $28 for 4 of them and he said, "Well, I don't know. How about 5 for $30?" I quickly agreed and we were on our way.

2nd place in 80's trivia--Again. Hilarious improv show from 2nd City group. Chocolate buffet. Beautiful weather. Another crossword.

This eagle was real. I promise!

SATURDAY - Slept in late. Animal towel folding demonstration. Second City improv workshop. We laughed so hard I almost had an accident. They were my favorite part of the entertainment by far. Good juggling show. Crossword with Bruce. Last dinner in Summer Palace.

Victoria. Carriage ride and bus tour. Beautiful city! Incredible architecture. Gorgeous homes. One of the prettiest cities I've ever seen. Last evening with Joe and Veronica's cruise friends.

SUNDAY - So sad! It's over. Easy exit. Really wish the week was just starting. Wish we'd gotten more pictures with the kids' friends. Raining in Seattle - the only city we didn't have sunshine.

Some final thoughts as we go home:

I'm actually glad Bruce couldn't go to the Teen Club. We loved doing more things with him. Loved all the family time--activities, meals, games, shows. So many fun memories with no blow-ups, everyone laughing together and having fun. A fantastic week.

On the way home we visited for a couple of hours about funny memories and experiences, impersonations of people we met, things we'll miss, etc. So glad we went!

Bruce's Graduation Open House

2010-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

(First of all, let me apologize for some of the fuzzy photos. I wanted to include them even though they aren't perfect.)

We had an open house on Sunday before Bruce's seminary graduation. We had a lot of family, two sets of grandparents, friends, and ward members.

We had lots of good food, plenty of visisting...

cousin fun...
cute kids...

and games...and beauty salons.

Bruce has had great young men's leaders.

Bruce has worked really hard and we're proud of his accomplishments.

I'm so glad for everyone who came. We love our family and grateful for a good family and wonderful friends and ward members. We're blessed to have so many great people in our lives.

Dance Fever

2010-05-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

The elementary school had a dance program. Savannah's class danced to Hoedown Throwdown and Joe's class danced to Footloose. They did a great job and were really cute. Unfortunately, I was too far away to get any good pictures of the dances.

The finale was the whole school (over 1000 students) on the floor dancing to Staying Alive. It was pretty cute.
Unfortunately, Travis couldn't get off work to come, but Veronica and her friend slipped in during lunch (and one of their classes) and Grandpa and Grandma were able to come.

Veronica in National Honor Society

2010-05-24T07:54:00.001-07:00

Veronica was inducted into the National Honor Society, Lone Peak Chapter. We went to the induction ceremony and were a little underdressed. Most people were in Sunday dress (we didn't know we were supposed to) and there was a girl playing classical piano. It was a pretty formal affair. Thankfully there were a couple of others there who didn't know to dress up, either.

Great job Veronica!

Savannah Meets Alice in Wonderland

2010-05-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Savannah and her friends planned a surprise birthday party for another friend. The theme was Alice in Wonderland and they dressed up for the occasion. I thought Savannah looked so cute!

Cute, whimsical hairstyle. This was accomplished with a red plastic cup.

She's a cutie. She had to be careful getting into the car with that hair.

Bring on the Summer

2010-05-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

It might be because Bruce is a senior and can't wait to be through with school.

It might be because we have some great things planned for summer.

It might be because everyone is tired of homework.

Whatever the reason, I can't EVER remember a time when my kids have been so ready for school to get out. Every kid has wanted to miss days of school this past month. They are all a little harder to get up in the morning. We're just ready for summer!

Bruce, being a senior has about three days left. The rest have six. They just have to gut it out and then summer will be here.

I have ALWAYS looked forward to summer. For the first time in my life, I have mixed feelings about summer coming. As a kid who didn't love school, I couldn't wait for summer every year. As a mom who LOVES having my kids around, I have always loved summer. But this year feels a little different. You see, in a matter of days, summer vacation will be here and then the fun will begin. And then, all too quickly, the fun will end. The kids will go back to school, but this time Bruce will live somewhere else. He won't show up for lunch every day. He won't ask what's for dinner. He won't be around to tease us and crack jokes. He won't be here to show us a highlight on Sportscenter or to watch Law and Order with me.

Oh great! Now I'm crying.

We're all looking forward to summer, but I just wish there was a "Pause" on the remote control of life. I'm not really ready for what comes after summer.

Bruce used to have cool hair

2010-05-17T12:32:00.001-07:00

Then I made him cut it...
(posted by Bruce)

Good Books

2010-05-17T06:08:00.001-07:00

Here are four books I've read over the past few months and would recommend.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - Requires a bit of a strong stomach as you read about the difficult lives of a couple of Afghan women. The story is heart-breaking, disturbing, inspiring and hopeful.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford - This story is set in the 1940s and the 1980s in Seattle. This was a sweet story that told of the lives of many Japanese Americans that were placed in Interment camps. I really enjoyed this story.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls - I was moved and disturbed by Jeannette Walls first book, a memoir called The Glass Castle. While it was incredibly well-written, it broke my heart and her father had an uncomfortably foul mouth. This, however, had much less cursing and the writing was equally good. This told the story of the author's grandmother, a woman we meet briefly in The Glass Castle. She was a colorful character with a fascinating life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Driven by Larry H. Miller - I couldn't put this book down. It was fascinating, entertaining and inspiring. Full of interesting stories that I remember living through but had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. Larry Miller was an imperfect man who wanted to do as much good with what he'd been blessed as he could. I read this book in two days and was sad to see it end. It made me wish I'd have known him.

100 Blessings to Celebrate 100 Posts

2010-05-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

1. Travis
2. Bruce
3. Veronica
4. Savannah
5. Joseph
6. Wonderful Parents
7. My sisters
8. My brothers' wives
9. My brothers
10. My sisters' husbands
11. My nieces and nephews
12. Family reunions
13. A nice house
14. A job for my husband
15. A job for my son
16. The Savior
17. My testimony
18. My family's testimonies
19. The ability to write
20. The ability to read
21. Reliable cars with 4 wheel drive
22. Substantial, savory food
23. Delicious desserts
24. Curly hair (most of the time and only because of #25)
25. Good hair products
26. Good friends
27. A prophet
28. General conference
29. Church every week
30. Good hometeacher
31. Family vacations
32. Sleep
33. Comfy furniture
34. A great bed
35. Bare Minerals (best beauty product E.V.E.R!)
36. Good movies
37. Eternal families
38. Inspiring blogs
39. Entertaining blogs
40. The internet
41. Kids that are good helpers
42. A husband who likes yardwork
43. Nice neighbors
44. Good friends for my kids
45. An occasional date night
46. The temple
47. Priesthood blessings
48. Sister Julie Beck (she inspires me!)
49. The mountains
50. White clouds in blue skies
51. Flowers
52. Mehmet
53. A pretty healthy body
54. Kids that want me to go on field trips with them
55. Going to church together
56. Bruce's scholarship
57. Kids that try hard in school
58. Bad jokes
59. Good jokes
60. Pleasant family visits
61. Company
62. A good washer and dryer
63. A pretty view out the back window
64. Cool breezes
65. A dishwasher
66. The firepit
67. The Book of Mormon
68. Christ and the New Covenant by Elder Holland
69. Scriptures
70. Good music
71. The Proclaimation to the World
72. Indoor plumbing
73. Fun holidays
74. Food storage
75. Modern medicine
76. Personal Prayer
77. Family Prayer
78. Cooking
79. Hugs
80. Clothes (I'd hate to imagine the world without them)
81. Finished laundry
82. Letters
83. Kids that like to be home
84. Kids' friends that like to be here
85. Recliners (a sure recipe for a nap)
86. Happy memories
87. Pictures to remind us of happy memories
88. Comfortable shoes
89. Tile all the way from the entry to the kitchen
90. Sparkling bathrooms
91. A cozy fireplace
92. Sports
93. Laughter
94. Sunshine
95. The sound and smell of rain
96. See's chocolates
97. A clean refrigerator
98. Leftovers
99. Visiting teaching early in the month
100. Great Relief Society Lessons

The Week In Review

2010-05-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

Veronica turned sixteen years old this week. She was given birthday money to go to a nice restaurant, so she took the family and her best friend to Cheesecake Factory. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and then we shared a few desserts. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday evening we had a birthday party. I made six dozen cupcakes, we had all the fixings for s'mores and roasted starbursts, Travis built a big fire, the kids hit golf balls into the lake, sang songs (a couple of them played guitar), visited, watched part of the Jazz game, played games and had a great time. There were about twenty kids that came.

During the middle of the party, Travis held down the fort while I took Joe to Urgent Care. A reckless dunk on the neighbor's basketball hoop, off a trailer, resulted in a broken wrist for Joe. It was very painful. (This picture was taken the next day)
We enjoyed visiting Grandma Higginson and Grandma Rindlisbacher on Mother's Day. We love them both! I had a wonderful day with cards and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

Bruce's friend (and future college roommate) Skyler came to visit over the weekend. We loved having him come and look forward to seeing more of him this fall.

Our Young Women had a fund-raiser for girls camp. For a $40.00 donation, we'd get a ten-minute family photo session and a disk with the two prints of our choice. These are the two we chose.

Lessons From Mom

2010-05-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

I’ve always known I have an amazing mom, but as the years have passed, I shake my head in wonder at the life my mom has lived. Mom’s life hasn’t always been easy. It’s been filled with sacrifices, challenges and trials, but not being afraid of hard things is just one of the lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) from Mom. Disclaimer: I do not claim to have mastered the many lessons mom has taught, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t teach them. In fact, while I was lucky enough to have a mom who read to us, taught family night lessons and taught homemaking skills, most of what she taught was from her example. Here are a few of the lessons Mom taught.

To write letters – Never have I known anyone who was better at corresponding that Mom is. Probably her biggest obsession and personal indulgence is paper products. Mom is a sucker for pretty cards. Then she uses those cards to say thank you, hope you’re feeling better, I miss you, I’m proud of you, and more. Personal, hand-written correspondence is almost a lost art, but Mom has done her part to keep it alive.

To love babies -- She had eleven of her own and would willingly have had more. But even that many babies doesn’t stop mom from loving every grandchild, every niece and nephew and really about any baby she sees.

That we are our children’s defender – Mom taught me that Mom’s MUST defend their children—from injustice, from bullying, from mean teachers, from the world. I’ll never forget her following a bully (who was bigger than her) home from the school bus and defending her children. She was fearless.

That we are our children’s cheerleader – With eleven kids, I can’t even imagine how exhausting it must have been to listen to every story from school, attend every concert, sporting event, art night, dance program, and more. But she did and made us feel like she loved it.

To fulfill church assignments – Mom is more than willing to be in the background. She doesn’t like a lot of attention and she’s not an exhibitionist. Her favorite callings have been behind the scenes—a small primary class or compassionate service leader. But when asked, she’s willingly, if nervously, taken on the roll of leader. She’s always done what she’s asked.

To do it ourselves (make the things you can’t afford) – Mom never wanted us to do without, so when graphic tees came into style, she used fabric paints and made graphic tees. When western shirts with snaps came into style, mom learned how to use a snap tool and made the boys snap-up western shirts. When everyone was getting cabbage patch dolls, Mom made us cabbage patch dolls. She was always good at seeing something that we couldn’t afford and making a version of it for us.

Creativity -- Mom taught me to be creative. She sewed most of our clothes. She made dolls. She quilted. She cross-stitched. She fabric painted. She decorated our home with the things she made.
To accept the Lord’s will – Mom had two miscarriages and lost a son to death in a car accident. Even though there were really hard things, Mom taught that we need to accept the Lord’s will. When I was eighteen, she had her last miscarriage. Dad was out of town so she called me at work and asked if I could come home and take her to the doctor. On the way home, brokenhearted, she said, “It must have been the Lord’s will.” No bitterness. Just acceptance. I’ll never forget that.

To work hard – Mom fed a huge family on a budget by baking her own bread, making butter and cheese from our own cows (this included straining milk and washing huge pieces of equipment), and more. She moved bedrooms around more than anyone I’ve ever seen, even though it was a huge job. She canned and gardened and did laundry. The work never ended and she did it willingly and I don’t remember her complaining.

Patience – We kids fought. We complained about helping. Some of us were not great students. Through it all, Mom was patient. When I think about how long it would take me to do a sink full of dishes, I don’t know how mom stood it.

To love good books – Mom loved to read and introduced me to Jane Austen and Bess Streeter Aldrich, two of my favorite authors to this day. In spite of how busy she was, she read Where the Red Fern Grows and all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books to us at night before we’d go to bed.

That it’s okay to stay home from school once in awhile – I never wanted to go to school. Most days she made me go. I was rarely allowed to stay home unless I could demonstrate a fever (which I learned to do by putting a thermometer under hot water or on a light bulb). I now know she wasn’t fooled all the time. Surely, when she saw a fever of over 105 and didn’t instantly run me to the emergency room, she had to know I was just needing a day off—a day to stay home and help or watch gameshows. Because of that, I occasionally let my kids have a day off. It’s good for all of us!It is impossible for me to ever thank Mom enough for the lessons she taught me, the incredible example she has been and is, and the wonderful friend that she is. I love you, Mom. Happy Mothers Day.

Happy Birthday Veronica

2010-05-08T08:39:00.001-07:00

So in honor of my first daughter turning sixteen tomorrow, here are a few things I love about Veronica.She willingly helps. Most of the time, without being asked, she jumps right in and helps. I appreciate this more than she can imagine. She’s been that way for so long. I remember what a great helper she was when I was on bedrest with Joe and that was when she was only six. She loves to bake. I rarely have to bake for an occasion or visiting teaching or much of anything, because Veronica loves to do it. And she’s good at it!

Veronica is a no-nonsense gal. She’s pretty low maintenance and even though it finds her on occasion, she doesn’t seek out drama.She doesn’t have any idea how beautiful she is. She’s not fancy schmancy and although she likes to look pretty, she doesn’t spend hours on hair and makeup. She’s a natural beauty!

If the prophet says it or it can be found in For the Strength of Youth, there is no discussion. She’s incredibly obedient and unrebellious. She wants to be good.
She does her best in everything—from school to piano to jobs to babysitting. If she does it at all, she wants to do it well.

She’s a good and loyal friend. Lucky is the person who can count her as a friend. She loves babies and children more than any sixteen year old I know. If there’s a baby in sight, she wants to hold it and admire it. If there’s a child around, she wants to make them smile. She will be an incredible mother.We love Veronica and I’m proud to have her as my daughter and friend.Happy Sixteenth!

Bruce Is Student of the Week

2010-05-07T06:11:00.001-07:00

Bruce was honored with the student of the week award at Lone Peak High School. Quite an honor in a school with over 2,200 students.

With the honor came a cup of Lone Peak goodies, a really nice certificate, a meal at Cafe Rio and a gift certificate for another prize that he got to choose from an assortment of prizes. He chose a gift certificate for Toucanos restaurant.

I'm really proud of Bruce for his scholastic accomplishments. He was recognized for his near-perfect GPA and for his acceptance of a full-ride scholarship to the University of Utah Honors Architecture program.

One of the reasons I'm so happy for him is that during his 4-year high school career, he has attended four different schools. The year we moved to Utah, he kept up his grades while living on Bill's floor and then Leslie's floor, having no access to a computer printer, searching for houses every day and then helping finish our house and get moved in.

In the sixth grade, Bruce won the spelling bee and the geography bee. Since that time, he has had no student recognition except making the honor roll, so having this come three weeks before graduation was a nice honor.

We love Bruce and are so proud of his focus, determination and hard work. Great job, Bruce!

A Garden is Evidence of Faith

2010-05-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

I love tulips. At our last house we planted a few hundred tulips and the spring was breathtaking. Wanting to duplicate the beauty, we planted well over 100 tulips last fall. Most, we planted on the little hill between our house and the water. About a dozen, we planted in the front yard. All winter I looked forward to that couple of weeks of tulip grandeur.

I guess the deer look forward to spring, as well. I was unaware that tulips were like dessert for a deer. We enjoyed the leaves of our tulips for a few days, but as soon as the bulbs appeared, all that remained of the tulips in the back yard (and my vision) are broken stems and uprooted bulbs.These two tulips are the lone survivors of the two big bags of bulbs. (To the left you can see the remains of two others.)

The title of my post is a quote I found. I'm not sure what to make of it. Where do me and my failed gardening attempts fit into that quote.

As I looked for a quote for this posting, I found a few I'd like to share.

"I garden, therefore I am." Whatever.

"A garden is a friend you can visit anytime." This is great if you purposely want to spend your time with a friend that screams at you that you're a failure.

"He who plants a garden, plants happiness."

"A garden is a mirror to the heart." This one is particularly disturbing. My heart must be a weedy, neglected, depressing place.

But here I go again. This is my square foot garden. I was assured in Relief Society that ANYONE can be successful with a square foot garden. We'll see.

Just in case anyone feels that they should get excited for me because of the growing cabbage and swiss chard, don't. The swiss chard came already looking almost this big and Joe grew the cabbage at school. I'm just trying not to kill it.

See these little green things popping up? I'm hoping that since the soil was put into the box free of weeds that they are, in fact, beets. That would be exciting for me. I'm hoping that is true and that our ridiculous wind hasn't blown in any unwelcome plants. Unfortunately, I've never been able to tell if these little sprouts are veggies or weeds.

I hope to be successful this year. I'm having faith!

Thoughts on Marriage

2010-05-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

Last week we heard some heartbreaking news. Some friends of ours are divorcing after about twenty years of marriage and four children. It weighed on my mind all week as I thought of the devastation and heartbreak of each member of that family.

At Stake Conference Saturday night, our Stake President shared a portion of an Ensign article by H. Burton Howard. It was excellent and I want to share it here. If you're married, please read it and apply it to your marriage. If you aren't married, please read it and store it for the future.

"We started as poor college students, but her (his wife) vision for our marriage was exemplified by a set of silverware. As is common today, when we married she registered with a local department store. Instead of listing all the pots and pans and appliances we needed and hoped to receive, she chose another course. She asked for silverware. She chose a pattern and the number of place settings and listed knives, forks, and spoons on the wedding registry and nothing else. No towels, no toasters, no television—just knives, forks, and spoons.

The wedding came and went. Our friends and our parents’ friends gave gifts. We departed for a brief honeymoon and decided to open the presents when we returned. When we did so, we were shocked. There was not a single knife or fork in the lot. We joked about it and went on with our lives.

Two children came along while we were in law school. We had no money to spare. But when my wife worked as a part-time election judge or when someone gave her a few dollars for her birthday, she would quietly set it aside, and when she had enough she would go to town to buy a fork or a spoon. It took us several years to accumulate enough pieces to use them. When we finally had service for four, we began to invite some of our friends for dinner.

Before they came, we would have a little discussion in the kitchen. Which utensils would we use, the battered and mismatched stainless or the special silverware? In those early days I would often vote for the stainless. It was easier. You could just throw it in the dishwasher after the meal, and it took care of itself. The silver, on the other hand, was a lot of work. My wife had it hidden away under the bed where it could not be found easily by a burglar. She had insisted that I buy a tarnish-free cloth to wrap it in. Each piece was in a separate pocket, and it was no easy task to assemble all the pieces. When the silver was used, it had to be hand washed and dried so that it would not spot, and put back in the pockets so it would not tarnish, and wrapped up and carefully hidden again so it would not get stolen. If any tarnish was discovered, I was sent to buy silver polish, and together we carefully rubbed the stains away.

Over the years we added to the set, and I watched with amazement how she cared for the silver. My wife was never one to get angry easily. However, I remember the day when one of our children somehow got hold of one of the silver forks and wanted to use it to dig up the backyard. That attempt was met with a fiery glare and a warning not to even think about it. Ever!

I noticed that the silverware never went to the many ward dinners she cooked, or never accompanied the many meals she made and sent to others who were sick or needy. It never went on picnics and never went camping. In fact it never went anywhere; and, as time went by, it didn’t even come to the table very often. Some of our friends were weighed in the balance, found wanting, and didn’t even know it. They got the stainless when they came to dinner.

The time came when we were called to go on a mission. I arrived home one day and was told that I had to rent a safe-deposit box for the silver. She didn’t want to take it with us. She didn’t want to leave it behind. And she didn’t want to lose it.

For years I thought she was just a little bit eccentric, and then one day I realized that she had known for a long time something that I was just beginning to understand. If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by."

A Few Photos from the Past Week

2010-04-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

This week's quote.
Bruce and Savannah strike a pose on Sunday afternoon.

Veronica doing what she does whenever she doesn't have homework--reading a book.

Joe with his friends, Isaac and Dylan, right after the community haircut. I pulled out the clippers, both boys got permission and we cut a lot of hair.

And I do mean a lot of hair. Most of that came from Isaac. Once again, I stink at taking before pictures.

Getting Organized 2010

2010-04-28T06:20:00.001-07:00

So my goal for 2010 has been to get some of my black holes cleaned out and organized. I wish I always remembered to take before and after pictures, but I always remember when it's too late. Anyway, so far this year I've done the furnace room, the food storage room, the entertainment center, pictures, files and bookshelves. I've made about four trips to DI and have shredded about ten boxes of old paperwork we've hauled around through move after move after move.

I've been sick, so this smaller job has been my most recent bit of organizing--just the plastic and rag drawers. But it's something!

Twenty-five Years and I Still Miss Him

2010-04-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Bruce Daniel Higginson

1969-1985

Twenty-five years ago today, Bruce died in a car accident. Twenty-five years. It was a day I'll never forget. Little details are burned into my mind.

Since then, a quarter of a century of Christmases, New Years, and Family reunions. Brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws he never met. Thirty-nine nieces and nephews have been born.

So many earthly experiences he had to postpone. So many times I wish he were here.

I wonder what he'd be like. Would he still have hair? Would his freckles have faded? Would he be serious or funny or both?

Who would he have married? What would he have done for a living? How many children would he have had? What would he have named them?

Even now, twenty-five years later, I cry. I miss him. I love him.

I look forward to someday seeing him again.

Field Trip To Camp Floyd

2010-04-25T06:29:00.001-07:00

This is Joe with his favorite teacher of all time, Miss Sechrest. Joe's class went to Camp Floyd, out past Cedar Fort. This is where the military was stationed when they were sent by President Buchanan to keep the Mormons from uprising. Since the Mormons weren't actually uprising, there was nothing for them to do except build up the camp, and then be bored, so there was a lot of drinking and fighting that went on out there. It was an enjoyable field trip.
The kids got to learn about military formation and how to hold and fire a gun during drills.

They got to dip candles, do a pony express relay (with stick horses), make adobe bricks and tour the commisary, hotel and school.

Usually when I go on field trips, I'm assigned four for five kids, including my own. On this field trip, I was with another mother (who was standing out of earshot on the phone doing business most of the time) and we were assigned 20 kids. Yes, I said 20.

We ate a sack lunch and had a great time. Joe is a great kid!

INSPIRING!

2010-04-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

So thankfully, I was referred to a wonderful message by Elder F. Enzio Busche, that he gave at a BYU devotional several years ago. The message gave a series of quotes that he tries to live by--a philosophy of life that can't help but improve his life and give it more meaning. I was REALLY touched by all of them and decided I want to try to make them more a part of my life and my family's lives. So I spent the morning printing off the quotes on nice paper and then framed them. There is one framed on the table where we enter the house and one in the kitchen. Hopefully this will help us all memorize them and get them engrained in our lives.

Each week I'll switch them out for a new one. Hopefully everyone will feel inspired by them and they'll help us focus on eternal things.

Thanks to those of you who brought this amazing talk to my attention!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS--AROUND THE HOUSE

2010-04-13T07:38:00.001-07:00

So this morning I was working on laundry and was once again reminded of a couple of laundry products I love. That got me thinking of what other household products I use regularly and am thankful for, so I thought I'd share. Maybe you already love them or will want to give them a try. Let me know what you think! SHOUT Color Catcher

When I get behind on laundry, it is easy to come up with a full load of whites or a full load of darks or towels. The trick is when I'm a laundry hero and I don't have a full load of darks or whites. That is where these come in handy. They let me do a combination load that keeps me caught up and doesn't ruin anyone's clothes. FYI--I always do towels/rags separately. They tend to make clothes look worn faster and sometimes shed towel fibers onto clothes that are a nuisance at best, disastrous at worst. I actually ruined a sweater drying it with towels. These are found in the laundry aisle.

BOUNCE Dryer Bar

I've tried Bounce sheets, Downy Balls, and every other dryer sheet I could find, all trying to find something that would help with pesky static cling. For awhile my static cling was so bad that my pajamas would actually spark in the dark. This has been my solution! The dryer bar lasts for a long time (I got the four month bar) and has cut down our static cling to almost nothing.

Just a note: The little tape things on the back to attach it to the dryer didn't work. Since I often dry clothes at night, it was quite irritating to hear the whole bar and base flopping loudly around in my dryer. My solution was was to adhere the base to the dryer with adhesive velcro--one side on the dryer and one side on the base. Haven't had a problem since.

DAWN Direct Foam

I've never had good luck with dishwashers completely cleaning dishes unless I practically wash them first. This stuff is great. A sponge (that can then go through the dishwasher), one squirt of Dawn Direct and the whole load of dishes are cleaned and ready to be sanitized. Easy and it lasts a long time.

EASY-OFF Glass Cooktop Cleaner

My glass cooktop is pretty and high-tech looking, but I actually cook on it--a lot--so I was having problems keeping it looking clean and well, high-tech. This product is great. I spray it on. Let it sit a few minutes and then clean it up. Much better than soft scrub and tedious scrubbing!

SWIFFER Dust & Shine

I purchased this product to clean the leather furniture that we bought from the classifieds. It was desperately in need of a good scrubbing and this said it cleaned and conditioned leather. It worked great for that but then I noticed on the back that it says it works for granite as well. I tried it and I LOVE IT. It makes my granite countertops so shiny and beautiful, they're almost like mirrors.

DIRT DEVIL Hand Vacuum

I have a lot of carpeted stairs in my house--sixteen plus a landing going down and eighteen plus a landing going up. I use this on the stairs and it is so much easier than hauling around a big vacuum. (Even better is sending a 10 year old with the hand vacuum down the sixteen stairs and a twelve year old up the eighteen stairs. It makes for a perfect little chore for the kids.)

EUREKA BOSS Pet Fresh Vacuum

We like our dog (some more than others), but I don't think I could live without this vacuum. When we needed to get a new vacuum, we looked at consumer reports to find out which one handled pet hair the best and the best one in our price range was this (we could have gotten a better one for around $1000.00. Can't do that!) It works great, is easy to dump out the dust and the filter can actually be sprayed off in the sink and dried making it cheap to operate.

So these are a few of my favorite household products. If you have any great suggestions, let me know! Happy cleaning!

BUILDING, BAKING & FLOWERS

2010-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

So my window looks pretty and springy, even if there is snow on the ground outside.

Joe and some of his friends enjoy birthday cake.

Veronica and Savannah making strawberry freezer jam. They enjoyed an afternoon of baking, making two kinds of muffins, fudge filled squares and freezer jam. It was kinda nice to stay home over spring break. We planted a garden, visited grandparents and cousins, baked, and relaxed.

Joe built a roller coaster and another amusement park ride with his Knex that he got for his birthday. He does a great job of building and really focuses.

Bruce and Travis worked during the spring break. Bruce was happy to get lots of hours in. We're glad he likes his job.

I got really sick the last couple of days of spring break. Travis and I were supposed to speak in church on Sunday and by Friday night I had NO voice. I got a blessing and was able to speak, but went home miserable after sacrament meeting and yesterday found out I have a sinus infection and ear infection--and again, very little voice.

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. unable to swallow or sleep, so I went downstairs, planned May's Webelos, filled out the 2010 census for our family and got pictures ready to blog. I'm really tired.

The kids weren't very excited to go back to school, but thankfully its almost over. We're really looking forward to summer.

Happy Birthday, Dear Joe

2010-04-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago today (April 7), at 7:30 a.m., our lives were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. He still blesses our lives.Joe is an amazing kid. He's a great friend to everyone--friendly, inclusive and thoughtful.
He sings ALL. THE. TIME. This can be annoying at times, but most of the time I'm just glad to know he's so happy.

Joe has a great smile and an infectious laugh. When you hear him laugh, its hard not to join in.Joe would rather play than eat, sleep, or go to the bathroom. Sometimes he runs in on a dead sprint because he's waited until the last possible second to go because he's having too much fun to be bothered. We usually have to insist that he sit down and eat something.

Joe is co-ordinated and fast. He loves sports, even though, on occasion, he's a little bit too competitive. (I wonder where he gets that trait.)Joe is loving and affectionate--just what a Mom needs and loves.

Joe is a good kid. There was a time when I constantly heard from his school teachers how social and talkative he was and then on Sunday, I'd hear from his Primary teacher how perfect he was. I asked him why he couldn't be as quiet at school as he was at church and he said, very seriously, "Because church is Heavenly Father's house." You can't argue with that.

Joe is smart. He loves school, he likes to read and he loves learning.

"Joseph, how can we ever say all that we want to about you. We're so glad that you came our way. We would have perished without you." We love you, Joe. Our family wouldn't be the same without you.

Easter, General Conference & My Conference Weekend Project

2010-04-04T19:58:00.001-07:00

As happens on occasion, General Conference weekend was also Easter. I figured there would be some amazing talks centered on the Savior and the resurrection and I wasn't disappointed. The testimonies were powerful, the music was beautiful and it was a perfect way to commemorate the most important event in the history of the world. I also loved the messages to mothers and parents.

One thing I love about conference weekend is that I can listen to the talks while accomplishing something. Sometimes it is handiwork, sometimes a scrapping project, sometimes it is just coloring with the kids.

This conference, I decided I was going to tackle one of my organizing projects for the year--twenty years worth of family pictures as well as two missions worth of pictures and an album of wedding cake photos. So from two fruit boxes of loose photos, as well as some old, falling-apart photo albums, I started. I spent about eight hours on Saturday and about seven hours on Sunday. This is my finished project. I now have eleven albums, one photo box of loose photos and one photo box of negatives.

Awesome 80s Dance

2010-04-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

So Bruce and Veronica had an Awesome 80s dance at the high school. They both had a great time. Veronica and her friends went all out. Too bad I didn't keep some of my 80s clothes for her. I had the dubious distinction of being the mom that all the girls wanted to do their hair. Should I be bothered or flattered by that?

Savannah wins a N.O.V.A. Award

2010-04-01T07:15:00.001-07:00

N.O.V.A. - Nurturing Opportunities, Values, & Accountability

The American Fork Police Department has been visiting the sixth grade for a good part of the year. They do team-building activities, teach life lessons, and have a lot of fun. One of the main assignments the kids had was to write their own personal constitution. At the graduation ceremony yesterday, a student from each class was recognized for their outstanding constitution. Savannah won the award for her class. Great job, Savannah!

MY N.O.V.A. CONSTITUTION

Savannah White

One of the standards I want for myself is to always try my hardest in everything I do. I know I can do hard things if I try my hardest. I want to work hard in school so I can go to the college of my choice. I want to always stand up for myself, my family, and my religion.
One of the things I value is my family, especially my older sister because she’s a great example to me in every way.
Opportunities I want to take that will lead me to the path of excellence is to learn as much as I can. I will work hard to develop my talents.
Things I want to avoid are drugs and anything near drugs. I will stay away from the dangers of the media and away from people that aren’t doing the right thing.

St. George Weekend

2010-04-01T07:10:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a little weekend trip to St. George last month. It was quick, but enjoyable. We went to a Colbie Callait concert with Grandma and Grandpa Rindlisbacher, hiked a nice trail, went out to dinner and had a great time.

Veronica's friend Bryce joined us. Bruce was on the trip as well, although he didn't join us for the hike. He was seeing the barber.

Joe's Amazing Talent

2010-03-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

(Joe is the boy who starts at the far end of the stage.)

So Joe came home a few weeks ago and said he and his friend, Ethan, wanted to be in the talent show. Since Joe is a good singer, I thought he'd sing a song. NOPE!

Joe and his friend did the worm. They auditioned, had rehearsals and then performed to a cheering crowd. Great job, Joe!

PROM 2010

2010-03-27T22:25:00.001-07:00

Bruce and Camille, a cute girl from our ward.They enjoyed a day a trip to the zoo, dinner out and the dance.

Travis Has A Birthday!

2010-03-24T21:34:00.001-07:00

So Travis had a birthday. Not the exciting occurrence it once was, but we did celebrate with dinner at Joe's Crab Shack and a cheesy but cute romantic comedy, "When In Rome." We had a great time. So, in honor of the birthday, and the man who celebrated it, here are a few things I love about Travis (in no particular order).

1. He's funny. Sometimes he's extremely witty with a quick joke that takes me by surprise. Other times he's so corny I have to roll my eyes--I can't laugh out loud at such silliness. We all get a good laugh, but I think one reason he misses Mehmet is because Mehmet laughed at ALL of Travis's jokes, even the ones the rest of us just shake our heads and smirk at.

2. He works hard. Whether it is at his job, on the yard, or pitching in around the house, he's not afraid to work hard. Of course, one thing I have to laugh at is that if he's working outside, he's accompanied by his workgloves. That's one thing I just don't get, but since he gets the job done, it's okay with me if he wears them.

3. He's a big kid and a girl and a tough guy. By that I mean, he'll watch the most ridiculous kid movies with the kids. I never have to go see the silliest of them because he takes them and he laughs with them at all the stupid parts. One of the greatest things ever is listening to Travis and Joe laugh their heads off at something so dumb I could scream. He also enjoys a good chick flick, which is lucky for me and the girls. And yet, he still enjoys a good action movie with Bruce. He's very versatile!

4. He stands strong for the Family and the Gospel. He teaches his family. He demonstrates faith. He works hard to fulfill his role. He supports me in mine. He takes us to church. He fulfills his callings. He teaches Family Home Evening. He loves us.

5. He cares about the family having fun together. He insists on and plans family outings and vacations. He sacrifices his time and money because he wants his children to have fun experiences and good memories. He welcomes the kids' friends and is willing to have our home be the gathering spot.

6. He knows how to throw a good party and stops at nothing to be sure that anyone who comes to visit feels welcome and has a good time.

7. He considers me a friend and calls me to share interesting stories or ridiculous trivia and statistics. He would rather be with us than anywhere else. His first choice for a companion for an outing or activity is someone (or more than one) from our family.

I am lucky and blessed to have a husband like him. I love you, Travis. Happy birthday!

Joe Builds A Beauty!

2010-03-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

It is pinewood derby time in cub scouts and we were very proud of Joe for his fine entry. He built the car himself with VERY little help from us. He did the carving, the sanding, the painting, and his help came mounting the wheels. The car looked good and he won 3 heats, came in second on 2 heats and third on one heat.

Great job, Joe. You're awesome!

Brief Recap of 2009

2010-03-14T21:55:00.001-07:00

This is without a doubt going to be the most random and ridiculous posting of all time. I figure the only way I'm going to get sort of caught up enough to get back on track is to give a rundown of 2009, and rather than get so caught up in getting pictures in perfect order and making beautiful, thoughtful posts, I'll just crank this out and get caught up and back on track. It's the wanting to do it 'right' that has made me put it off for so long and not do it at all. So rather than get hung up on perfection--here is our family in 2009 (in no particular order, as you'll see).

Joe turned 9 in 2009. He played flag football and was excellent. He was fast and scored multiple touchdowns and had a great time. He likes school, loves playing with friends and is a sweet kid.

Savannah decided that 2009 (6th grade) was the time to get serious about school, especially math. She's worked so hard and is getting good grades. I guess she's getting ready for Jr. High. She turned 12 and started into young womens. She is creative and clever.

Veronica restarted piano lessons and continues to get better and better. She works so hard in high school and gets perfect or better grades (because of extra credit, she often has over 100% in her classes). She loves to babysit, enjoys chick flicks and writing to her grandma.

Bruce started his senior year of high school. After spending the day at the University of Utah, where he was invited to the Honors Architecture program, he decided that he would do his undergraduate work there. He works every day after school and is saving money for college and his mission. This picture is a little teaser of how he'll look in less than a year when he goes on his mission.

Travis worked hard and significantly improved his office's performance winning a place on the top western states list. He served in the Sunday School presidency, enjoyed Jazz games with Bruce and Joe and Mehmet and took a couple of trips to Arizona moving a very large refrigerator.

The kids having fun at the family photo shoot with Rob Higginson photography.

During the summer we enjoyed a really fun family reunion in Idaho. Here is Mehmet showing off.

And here's Bruce's fine moves.

Travis and Veronica enjoying one of the fun activities.

Me clearly not enjoying one of the fun activities. (I only put this in here to prove that I'm alive and part of the family.)

Savannah enjoying the zipline with Caroline.

Joe enjoying a ride with Uncle John and cousin Stella.

Mehmet and Veronica at the Great Salt Lake a couple of weeks before he went home to Turkey. He was such a great part of our family from January until the end of June. It was hard to send him home. We wished we could have kept him. It is hard to imagine that someone from such a different background could fit in so well and be just like a son and brother, but he was and we miss him terribly. He was pleasant, helpful, funny, likeable, laughed easily, was great with the kids, respectful, entertaining and wonderful. He can be in our family any time!

The family at the family photo shoot.

Mehmet, just before he left for Turkey at a little gathering with the extended family. Everyone loved having him around and Grandma and Grandpa made him this wonderful quilt as a going-away present. He loved it!

Bruce and Mehmet at his going-away family party. He also had a great party with about fifty kids from school and church. He was loved by everyone.

Mehmet with the cake Veronica made at her cake-decorating class. She took the class with a friend and her young women's leader during the summer and did a good job. (I know, I could have taught her. In fact, she already knew how to do a lot of it, but this was a chance to do it with them and she had fun).

Mehmet and Savannah at the Great Salt Lake.

Bruce, Joe and Mehmet at M&M world in Las Vegas. We took Mehmet to St. George and Las Vegas. We had fun eating out, playing, riding roller coasters and getting paid for doing a survey on a new television show. It was a great time!

Bruce and Mehmet played on the same high school basketball team for Maiser Prep. They had fun.

Bruce at the Great Salt Lake.

Bruce and Mehmet looking a little too cool at the Jazz game.

2009 was the year we got Pepper. Savannah and Joe love her. Bruce and Veronica avoid her. She usually sleeps in Joe's room, but occasionally sleeps in Savannah. She's a huge, calm Great Dane and is a good friend for the two younger kids.

Savannah and Joe in a tree in a park by their school.

Veronica got to work with Kelsey Nixon of Food Network for three weeks. It was a great experience and Kelsey was so great. I haven't been able to find the pictures of Veronica with Kelsey, but here she is on Good Things Utah with the hosts. Veronica got to go with Kelsey as she did an appearance, helping her prep and getting to watch the taping.

Joe and Savannah playing in the water in St. George.

Joe enjoying the water park.

Travis and all the kids went on the roller coaster south of Las Vegas. Ridiculously big. I didn't participate.

Another sleeping shot of Pepper and Savannah.

Savannah with her new (to her) bike that was purchased of KSL. Veronica got a blue one. They enjoy riding around the neighborhood with their friends.

Veronica and Lily are great friends.

During the summer, we got our yard in and put in a firepit in the back. It is fun and we had some great gatherings there. Looking forward to more this year.

Veronica looking cute.

Mehmet relaxing.

Veronica performing at her piano recital. She did a beautiful job. Granpa and Grandma Higginson were able to come and Grandpa and Grandma Rindlisbacher listened from the phone since they were in St. George.

Savannah and Joe enjoyed the snow with Pepper.

Bruce and his good friend and cousin Nathan, just before Nathan left on his mission. They won't see each other for more than three years. It was tough to say goodbye.

Bruce enjoying birthday cake.

We replaced the Mazda with this 4WD car that makes us much more comfortable with Bruce driving in the bad weather to work. We also replaced the Honda Odyssey with a Honda Pilot.

The family Christmas party was great. It was a wonderful evening with good food, lots of good company, the Nativity and Quilts from Grandma and Grandpa to all the Grandkids. It was an amazing array of gifts.

The kids playing together.

Here are a few highlights with no pictures.

Bruce and Veronica had a great Youth Conference in Manti.

I finished my two novels and got them submitted (still waiting to hear something).

Travis, Bruce and Joe got to go to Texas where they watched BYU and Oklahoma in the new Dallas cowboy stadium. They saw Grandpa White while they were there. It was a fun trip.

We had a wonderful Christmas.

We finally sold our house in Bountiful after several weeks of ridiculously hard work.

We finally sold our house in Twin Falls after having it on the market for almost a year. It was an answer to months of fasting and praying.

We had a great time at an extended family yard sale/bake sale, earning money for the 2010 family reunion. It was a resounding success.

We enjoyed blessings and baptisms and homecomings and farewells of cousins.

It was a good year overall. Not without its trials, but with many happy memories.

Happy Birthday Bruce!

2009-02-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is Bruce and some of his friends on New Year's Eve--2009. Those aren't gang signals. They're making the numbers 2-0-0-9.
The sad thing about getting so far behind like I have is that important days come and go and they don't get recorded or acknowledged. So here is my late birthday tribute to Bruce.

Bruce is smart--4.0 gpa from a very difficult school. He works hard and stays on top of things and I hardly have to worry at all about his schoolwork. After my growing up, I really didn't deserve to have such a conscientious student for my oldest, but I'm grateful.

Bruce is a great basketball player--We enjoy watching him play, his passing, his court presence, his leadership. He is a hard worker and never gives up. He loves a game where everyone scores and does his best with passing and court leadership to make that happen. Coaches love his work ethic.

Bruce is kind and generous--When his friend Mehmet needed a place to stay, Bruce helped make that happen. If a friend needs something, Bruce is willing to help. He's a good person to have on your side.

Bruce is motivated--He is focused and determined to reach his goals. He works hard to do that and doesn't get easily distracted. He knows what he wants and what it takes to get there and then does what he needs to to make it happen.

Bruce is funny--He has a great sense of humor and makes us laugh a lot. He is ridiculous and dry and very witty.

Last but most importantly, Bruce has a testimony--he is never hesitant to say prayers, he is anxious to serve a mission and doesn't hesitate to stand up for what he knows is right. He is willing and ready to fulfill his priesthood assignments. He is a good example to those around him.

We love Bruce. He is such an important part of our family and as happy as I am about the man he is becoming, I hate how fast he's getting there. I can't bear the thought that we are less than two years away from him leaving on his mission. I love having him around. I love visiting with him. I enjoy watching our shows together and I love that he is my son. I love you, Bruce.

Bruce and some ridiculous glasses. I guess these silly glasses sell for a lot of money, so he made his own with tape.

2009-01-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

I accidentally deleted this cute picture of the girls, so it is completely out of order, but then so are most of the pictures in this post.

Once again, my pictures are backwards. I obviously haven't done a posting for awhile. One Saturday, after we'd looked at about eight homes with a realtor and driven by several others, we picked up cheese bread and cookies at Great Harvest and headed around Alpine Loop. The leaves were changing, as you'll see in the last pictures, and it was beautiful. We stopped in Wallsburg and looked around the valley and the school house. It was sad and neglected. I took a lot of pictures, mostly because I wanted them. Hopefully it won't be too boring. It sure doesn't look like it did when we lived there.

This is a picture of the library in Heber. I spent a lot of time here and had my own library card. I checked out every Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew book they had, as well as Harriet Tubman, the Little House on the Prairie books and more.

This is the house the uncles built for Grandpa and Grandma Higginson. It used to be white. It sits on the corner of the school house property. I remember watching Gone With The Wind here with Grandma, among other things.

This is the little post office. It is no longer used as a post office. I don't think it is used for anything. We used to walk down the hill to get the mail here. Phyllis was the mail-lady. I read all of the FBI most wanted posters here. I can remember reading the most wanted poster of Patricia Hearst.

This was our church. It is now used as a community center or something like that. I have many memories of church meetings, learning to lead the singing, the ward choir, Primary, Relief Society, being able to say the prayer by myself because I didn't want Velma Ford's hot, wet breath in my ear, Sunday School parties, ward auctions, movies, and more. Everything, it seemed, happened at the church. Even a little scuffle or two.

This is the first house that Grandpa and Grandma Higginson lived in. It was a couple of blocks from our house. The garage is a new addition since they lived there. I have many happy memories at this house as well as a couple of embarrassing ones that I won't go into right now.

Wasatch Elementary--the school we attended until I finished fifth grade and we were moved to the new school in Midway. I had a one great teacher here, one pretty good teacher, two bad teachers and one wicked, horrible, abusive teacher.

Here are some pictures of what was once a really neat house. Now it is sad, boarded up, run down and lonely. When I think of the difference between now and when Dad and Mom had the green lawn, the animals in the field and barn, lots of kids running around, a bright orange front door with a cool door bell, the patchwork carpet floor, the big windows, the garden, and everything else, the contrast is heartbreaking. I wish I were rich and could afford to buy it and restore it for the family to use as a get-away, because it is a huge piece of our family history. I hope someday to write about our years here.

One of the windows was broken out and the board that had been covering it was on the ground, so we were able to look in at what I think had been the principal's office. It was too scary and dark once you got past the broken window. If I hadn't been worried about hanta virus, and mice and broken glass and all manner of boogey men, maybe we could have explored. But I'm a chicken.

This is Joe through the overgrowth, standing at what was once our kitchen door with the pretty little lawn by it. Oh, it is such a mess now.

This cute car was at Sundance, where we stopped for a few minutes to look around.

It was a nice day.

Jason Mraz--The Interview and The Concert

2009-01-23T22:15:00.001-08:00

So much has happened since Summer. We found out Travis got the job in Utah. We put our house on the market. Travis, Bruce and Veronica stayed in Bill's basement and started work and school, while Savannah and Joe started school in Idaho with me. We finally couldn't stand it anymore and came to Utah as well, thanks to Leslie, who kindly let us stay with her.

During the craziness of looking for houses, making offers, trying to sort of home-school the two youngest kids, new jobs and schools, etc. we won tickets to see Jason Mraz in concert. We had to answer ridiculous questions on the radio, but with Leslie's help on google and Veronica's help tracking down some lyrics to a song, we won tickets and the opportunity to interview him before the show. Bruce and Veronica did the interview and then they along with Travis and me enjoyed a great show. He's an amazing musician and it was really fun.

The interview was really casual and he was very nice to them. I got to watch.

This is us following him back to the room for the interview. He was riding his bike all over the corridors of the e-center. It was a nice diversion from the hectic school, work, house-hunt schedule we'd been keeping.

Miscellaneous July

2009-01-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

We worked on the house a lot during July, in preparation for probably selling it and then Leslie, who was visiting took picutres of the whole house for us. Here's the house we enjoyed for nearly four years and that now we desperately want to sell.

I hesitate to even put this in my blog, but here are Leslie, Veronica, Savannah and me at the midnight release of the fourth book in the Twilight series. I ended up hating it with all my heart and didn't finish it. A piece of crap book as far as I'm concerned.

Here are Joe and Anna watching the actual airshow featuring the Blue Angels. Lori and Scott's family, Leslie's family and our family were in chairs by the side of the road. We had sandwiches, chips and cookies. It was fun.

Here is the main reason for their visit (and everyone else's that came). The Twin Falls temple is absolutely beautiful and we so enjoyed going through the tour with everyone. What a blessing for the people in Twin Falls.

The Blue Angels Arrive in Twin Falls

2009-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

July was a busy and fun month for us in Twin Falls. During the month, Travis was interviewing for a job and travelled out of town twice. Bruce, Veronica and I worked hard during the month on the temple open house and we began having a lot of company as family came to visit and attend the open house.

I haven't posted for awhile, so these pictures are backwards, but on Nairn and Maria's trip to Utah, we drove to the airport and watched the arrival of the Blue Angels who were in town for an air show. We watched them arrive, taxi in formation down the runway, line up and exit the planes with exact precision. They had someone standing on the tarmack leading them, as if they were an orchestra or something. It was very neat.

Joseph, who is obsessed with flying and Daniel were able to sneak in a picture with one of the pilots. It was a neat event.

Shows, Rockets, Haircuts & More

2008-06-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy few weeks. With the end of school came the end-of-school programs and activities. We had a great time attending so many fun things. I managed to get pictures of many of them.

The Xavier Spring Showcase was excellent. Each of the grades shared things they had learned. Joe's class tap-danced and sang a song. Savannah's class did the waltz and a song. Veronica was in a group that did a medley of songs from Le Mis. They made costumes and everything. It was fabulous. It is hard for me to describe the feelings I felt during the show. I love this school and the wide variety of things our younger kids are getting to learn and participate in. It was a great show!
I wish I had a better picture. This was during "At the End of the Day." The kids were bedraggled and bitter because of the hardness of their lives. Their body language and expressions showed that. Veronica did such a great job.
Here is Savannah's waltz. The kids moved all over the stage. It was really neat.
Savannah at the end of their song "Idaho."
This is Joe after singing "America the Beautiful" and performing a tap number to "Eensy Weensy Spider."
You can see their tap shoes in this one.
There were about a dozen kids invited to perform at a Broadway Showcase with a high school group. Savannah was able to do that. They performed three nights in a row. The songs she participated in were "Do Re Mi," "Getting to Know You," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." On the first two songs, their teacher performed with them. She's great. She is the same teacher that Veronica has for piano three days a week.

Mrs. Kokx has asked Veronica if she'd like to be the accompanist for the show choir next year. Veronica is nervous, but I think she's going to do part of it. That will be so good for her.
This is during "Getting to Know You." Savannah is in the middle.

The 8th grade read several of the classics this year. One of the books they read was "Pride and Prejudice," so at the end of the year, the 8th grade had a Pride and Prejudice Ball. It included a wonderful banquet with food that was appropriate--Veronica's contribution was a bread pudding dish. They played parlor games and danced the waltz. The teachers had decorated it beautifully and it was a really neat evening.
Here is Veronica with her friend Andee and her favorite teacher, Mrs. Corpron.
Veronica dressed up and we did her hair. It took much more than an hour to get all these little curls in it. Her hair is so thick.
But look at the end result. It looked so pretty.

Bruce cut Joseph's hair to match his own. He did a great job. I'm in favor of other people doing haircuts.

Joe looks pretty cute!
On Memorial Day, we spent several hours cleaning out the garage in preparation for a garage sale. During the clean-out, we found a rocket that Travis had purchased at NPS several years ago. Bruce spent a couple of hours getting it all put together and ready to go. We took the kids over to the big soccer field across the street and shot it off.

Here is Bruce preparing the rocket for take-off. The information said it could go up to 600 feet. Yea, right, we thought.
Everyone played on the playground equipment while Bruce prepared the rocket for launch.

Finally, it was ready for take-off.

This is the sky where the rocket was launched. It went so high we could no longer see it. We caught sight of it on its descent, but it was traveling quite a ways from where we were. The kids ran after it, but couldn't get there. A group of kids on bikes a block away stopped to watch it come down. We asked them if they saw where it went and they pointed to a row of houses another block away. We never found the rocket, but the area where it came down was at least three football fields away from where it was launched. RIDICULOUS! After about 1/2 hour of looking for the rocket, it was getting too dark, so we gave up.
At the ward auction to raise money for girls camp and scout camp, I donated a birthday cake. It fetched $55 and then I was told it was for a lady's 90th birthday. This is what I made. I thought it turned out really pretty.
Bruce donated high five's for a year. That was purchased for $25.00 by an older couple in our ward. He hasn't missed a week. When we go on vacation, he has found a substitute for the high five assignment. Veronica donated 2 dozen cookies a month for six months.

This takes in our last few weeks. Now that summer is here, I'm sure it will slow down. Maybe.

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

2008-05-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

I LOVE flowers. Two and a half years ago, we planted dozens of bulbs that we have enjoyed for three springs now. They are so beautiful. The sad thing about tulips is that they only last a few weeks. I wanted to post some pictures to help me remember how beautiful they are.

Here are some of our beautiful flowers that will last a little longer!

Two Pianos Find New Homes

2008-05-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

Today was a pretty exciting day at our house. Shortly after Travis got home for lunch, we had a knock at the door. When I answered the door, one of the men standing there said they had a delivery for us. We stepped outside and there was a Bach Builders truck and trailer by the driveway and a beautiful piano sitting in the driveway.

Grandma Renae told her husband that she wanted to set aside money when she rented her Ogden condo and get the grandkids a new piano. A couple of days later, he told her that a new piano was being delivered to us. It came today. It is beautiful and sounds great. What a thoughtful thing to do. We REALLY appreciate it.

Great reactions from the kids as they got home from school. They were completely surprised and very excited.
Bruce stood at the front door for several seconds, looking around and wondering why I had a camera pointed at him. He kept saying "What? What? What?" as he looked around. Finally he saw it and this was his reaction.
It's a beautiful black piano with a matching bench.
Veronica couldn't wait to play it, of course.
One nice bonus was that we had our old piano. Travis and I almost immediately decided it would be nice to surprise Veronica's best friend Andee. She's been taking piano lessons this year at school, but the only thing she has at home to practice on is a toy keyboard. I called her mom and they were thrilled. They came right over and we loaded it in their pickup and they took it home. Her Mom got teary-eyed and hugged me. They were very grateful. So two families were surprised in a wonderful way today.

I Can't Wait Until I'm Eight!

2008-05-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, Joseph and his cousin Anna were baptised by their fathers. It was a very special day. We were so happy to have Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in attendance along with their families. We missed those that couldn't come. We enjoyed a delicious lazagna dinner at our church before the baptism. Thanks so much to everyone for coming to share this special day. As you can see from the pictures, the event was accompanied by a great deal of cousins playing together, a quick trip to Shoshone Falls. The guys watched some sporting events, and some people even swam (sorry, I don't have any photos of that). It was such a nice day. We are proud of Joseph and Anna for deciding to follow Jesus's example.

There are a ton of photos. Look at your leisure. When there are this many people, it requires a lot of pictures to capture the fun!
Joe and Anna just before their baptism.
Joe with his parents.
Scott, Anna, Travis and Joe
Joe, Hannah and Lulu flexing their guns!
Travis, Joe, Veronica, Karey, Hannah and Elise
Jacob and Joe
Veronica and Stella play follow the leader
Happy cousins
Travis and Angus
Savannah and Caroline on the fountain
Karey and Stella

Sophie
Lily
Jacob, Nairn, Joe, Bruce and John play ball
More follow the leader
Sam (I think) and Stella enjoying the fountain. That was a very popular feature over the weekend.

Lauren, Nairn and Ethan
Travis, John and John watch the Derby
Alison and Emily
Sam doing what mothers love
Sam doing his little dance

Anna's funny face
Anna's cute face
Julia
Caroline
Kids at the falls

More at the falls
More at the falls
More at the falls
More at the falls

And still more at the falls.

Congratulations, you made it to the end.

Happy Birthday, Veronica!

2008-05-10T09:35:00.001-07:00

Veronica celebrated her 14th birthday. Shocking that she is already 14 years old. Sadly, Travis was out of town on business, so the traditional dinner out with parents and a friend became dinner out with Mom and Savannah and a friend. We were joined by Andee, Veronica's good friend from school. Dinner at Outback was delicious. Because there were no appropriate movies out this weekend, the girls watched a video at home. We had a nice evening.
Let me tell you a little about Veronica.

Things she IS:

Veronica is smart--she's loaded with both book smarts and common sense.
Veronica is beautiful--not only is she pretty to look at, but she is a beautiful girl inside.
Veronica is helpful--she has been a good helper since she was a little girl. She even pitches in without being asked.
Veronica is a great cookie-maker--really she's good at any kind of baking, but she's amazing at cookies. Her repertoire includes snickerdoodles, the cookies Bruce calls the best in the world, Great Harvest (my personal favorite) and many others. She also makes an amazing banana bread.
Veronica is great with kids--kids love Veronica. She's a wonderful babysitter and her cousins adore her.
Veronica is frugal--she's so careful with her money and spends it very wisely and with much thought. Because she is so careful, she always has money on hand and has been our own personal petty cash fund for a few years now. (We pay her back.)
Veronica is good--she's a good girl, always obedient, with a desire to do what's right. She reads her scriptures and a section of For the Strength of Youth every day. She's a great example to the rest of us.
Veronica is an admirer of flowers, yellow, children (especially babies) and paper products. She takes after Grandma Higginson--the one thing she will buy, even if she doesn't need it, is a box of pretty cards.

Things she is NOT:

Veronica is not a procrastinator--if she has an assignment due on Friday, it is finished on Monday. She starts a project early and is rarely working on it at the last minute.
Veronica is not boy-crazy--she's perfectly content to wait on the boy/girl thing and can't imagine, even in two years, there being any boys mature enough to think about. This is fine with her parents.
Veronica is not content with anything less than her best--everything she does, she does her best.
Veronica is not lazy--whether it is homework, chores, or practicing piano, she works hard.

WE LOVE YOU, VERONICA!

The Music Man, starring Veronica and Savannah

2008-04-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

In April, Xavier Charter School performed "The Music Man." There were two casts. Veronica and Savannah's cast did two performances. Our whole family went to the first performance. The second performance, Joe and I went again with Grandpa and Grandma Higginson, who flew up to see them perform. They did a wonderful job and we really enjoyed it. The Music Man has never been one of my favorite musicals, but I enjoyed it much more than I expected to. The girls did a great job!

Sorry the pictures aren't great. I'm not good shooting from the dark at a distance.

Fun in the Sun!

2008-04-19T18:01:00.001-07:00

During Spring Break, we headed to Utah. I was still recovering from surgery, so I stayed at Grandpa and Grandma Higginson's house. I have no pictures of that because the camera went with the rest of the family to St. George. I'll just say that I had a great time visiting with Dad and Mom and all of the family that came by. It was very relaxing and enjoyable! Thanks for letting me stay.

Travis took the rest of the family to St. George to visit Grandma and Grandpa Rindlisbacher. They got to see their new house and lots of other fun things.

The family went to the tribute to Joseph Smith at Tuachan Theater with Grandma. Grandpa had to drive to Salt Lake on business. He felt bad that he had to miss it. I'm sure I would have enjoyed that a lot. I'm glad the family got to go. They all enjoyed it a lot.

When Travis took the girls out to get the tickets, the box office wasn't yet open. They let Veronica and Savannah go into the theater and see the stage and all the special entrances, etc. They had fun. We're going to try to get back down there this summer to see Les Mis and Sound of Music.

Bill's Dad came by to see Travis and the kids and took the kids for a little drive. I know it doesn't look safe. I hope they didn't go far.

They had a fun time. As you can see, Travis was behind the camera, so there is no evidence of him being on the trip. He was. It was a fun spring break.

Joe's Big Day

2008-04-19T17:57:00.001-07:00

Joseph had a fun birthday. His best friend, Conrad, came home with him after school and played, then we went to Maxie's Pasta and Pizza.
We came back home for birthday cake and ice cream.
After birthday cake, I took Joe, Conrad, Savannah and Veronica to "Horton Hears a Who." It was a fun movie--we liked it a lot. It was a nice day. WE LOVE YOU, JOE!

Happy Birthday, Joseph!

2008-04-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

This cute and cheerful boy is turning eight years old. I can't believe he is already eight. It seems like just yesterday that he was a cuddly, little baby.

Let me tell you a few things about our Joe. Joe loves to build things. He sometimes pulls up a website with instructions for paper airplanes, and then he'll make airplanes for everyone. He even bought a book with his own money that was full of patterns and papers for airplanes. He is good with his hands and good at figuring things out. He loves toys that let him build things or transform things.

A couple of years ago, we went to see the Blue Angels. It was amazing and we were really close. Joe decided at that point that he'd like to grow up to be a trick pilot. Maybe he'll be a pilot or an engineer when he grows up.

Joe is very sweet and cuddly. He loves to sit by my and he tells me he loves me a lot. He worries about my feelings and if I'm sad about something, he will sit by me and watch to see if I have any tears he should wipe away.

Joe loves to sing. He sings all the time and all kinds of music. He sings to himself or anyone who will listen. He has a really good voice and learns words really fast.

Joe loves basketball and wants to play as good as Bruce when he gets bigger. He shoots baskets almost every day.

Joe is a good student and gets good grades. Unfortunately, he's also a good talker and has to be talked to often about being less sociable. Where did that come from?

We love Joe and are very glad he's in our family. Happy birthday, Joe. I love you!

TWIN FALLS TEMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-03-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about the announcement of the Twin Falls temple open house and dedication. The public open house will begin on July 11 and run through the middle of August. It would be great if the family could plan on making a quick trip up here and bring your kids to the open house. The Youth Cultural Celebration will be on August 23 and the dedication will be on August 24. The temple will open for temple work the next day. What a thrilling time! We're happy we're here to be a part of this. The temple is so beautiful. Make your plans and let me know if you can come so we can get tickets.

Last Week Happenings

2008-03-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

The kids at Xavier Charter School had their first annual fundraiser--a dance-a-thon. Students danced the entire day. I made it over long enough to take a few pictures of each of them. They did ball-room, ballet, hip hop and tap. They all had matching shirts. Joe's class was doing ballroom when I got there. It was so cute. They were doing the waltz and even turning the girls.

Veronica's group was doing mostly hip hop and they could pretty much do what they wanted. Here she is with a couple of her friends.

Savannah's group was on a break while I was there, so she did a little impromptu hip hop for me so I could get a picture.

Thanks, Tawnie, for the nice dishcloths and the very nice card. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of so many people. People in the ward have been amazing, Dad and Mom were so helpful, and the cards and phone calls from so many other family and friends have been wonderful. I have to admit that I've had a hard time--slow going, pain and some rollercoaster emotions. The kindess from so many has really been appreciated.
My bishop's wife (and my friend) called last Monday and wanted to know what I would eat if I could have anything in the world. I said that I'd been craving some salmon. This is what they brought for dinner that night. SO YUMMY!
It snowed last night and the kids wanted to make a new snowfort. Unfortunately there wasn't enough snow, so they settled for snow babies.
I wanted a picture of Bruce, but couldn't make it to any of the places where he was doing something interesting, so this is Bruce in the car after I picked him up from school. Not that interesting, but he's still good-looking.

Other than these events, me recovering, the family going to work and school--this is it.

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Husband!

2008-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today (March 5) is Travis's birthday, so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish him a wonderful birthday and list a few of the reasons why I love him. These are not necessarily in order of importance.

He's a great Dad. He teaches his kids, takes them to church, plays with them, enjoys being around them and is even willing to go to a silly kid's movie that they want to see--even if he has no interest in it. I appreciate that because it has saved me from having to see dog movies and superhero movies that didn't interest me at all.
He works hard to support his family. He puts up with bad hours, difficult people and stupid problems, all so he can support his family. He has amazing business skills that would bring him more money and recognition somewhere else, but because his family likes it here, he works hard and makes do with what is available here. He's so unselfish.
He has a great sense of humor. He finds humor in ridiculous and often difficult situations. I love it when he says something completely funny and unexpected.
He has incredible discernment and reads people so well. He has an amazing ability to read a situation or a person's behavior. The mark of his character is that even though he is so good at reading people, he's also very forgiving and willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. I find this to be a really amazing quality.
He's a thoughtful husband, bringing me flowers and chocolates often enough to be thoughtful, but not so often as to be taken for granted. He shows me he loves me in other, more meaningful ways (if there is a more meaningful way than chocolate). He's been known to vacuum, clean bathrooms, call and offer to pick kids up, and he's even willing to go to almost any "chick flick" with me. When I go to girls' camp or go to Utah without him, he always makes sure I come home to a clean house.
He takes the family to church. He leads by example and always fulfils his church responsibilities. He has a strong testimony.
He treats my parents with love and respect. I am so grateful for my parents and it would be hard for me if I was married to someone who didn't treat them well. I love him for loving my family.
He always keeps our yard looking beautiful. I don't much like yard work and Travis always makes ours look nice. I love the fountain he installed. It is beautiful!
If it has snowed and he knows I'm going to have to drive kids to school, he always shovels around the car and brushes off the snow. He's thoughtful.
He supports me in my callings without complaining--even if it means lots of evening meetings, some Saturdays, staying late on Sunday, having people to the house or leaving for a week for girls' camp. He doesn't complain and tries to make it easier for me.
He encourages me in projects and interests I have. He's a fan when I'm doing cakes, cheers me on when I'm writing, and admires the crafts I do.
He puts our family first--ALWAYS!
He loves to travel with the whole family. He plans and looks things up and prepares so that we get the most out of every vacation. He loves to be with the kids and enjoys seeing all of us have a good time.

I love Travis and am grateful to have spent the last 18+ years of my life with him. I look forward to many more wonderful times together for many years to come.

Happy birthday! I love you!

Surgery and Beyond

2008-02-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Dad and Mom arrived on February 19 to spend a few days helping me as I went in for surgery on February 20. Travis took me to the hospital early in the morning and Dad and Mom spent the next three days shuttling kids to school, preparing lunches, visiting me at the hospital, attending to me at home, helping kids with homework, helping feed the family and more. I am so appreciative of the help I had. Dad and Mom went home on Saturday to attend to some pre-planned events, then drove back on Sunday afternoon to continue the above-routine for four more days. Travis had to go out of town for two of those days, so I really don't know what I'd have done without them.
My pantry didn't look this good, even when I first moved in. I came downstairs one morning (after being allowed to sleep late) and Dad and Mom were cleaning and organizing my pantry. They cleaned bathrooms, the laundry room, the refrigerator, and the entertainment/office portion of the family room.
Here is my beautifully clean laundry room. They did so much to help us. I was so sad and a little overwhelmed when they left (okay a lot overwhelmed). I know they're busy and I feel so grateful that even though I'm long past the years that they should have to be taking care of me, they were willing and went above and beyond. Thanks Dad and Mom. From all of us at the White House. We sure do love you both.
Here are the beautiful flowers and cards brought to me by Travis, my family, Dad and Mom, my in-laws, some of my young women. The cute pillow was sent to me by Kara along with the cute hand-made card in front. It went to the hospital with me. Thanks to everyone for your calls, prayers and concern. I love you all!

Snow Much Fun!

2008-02-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

When we had our big snow storm the first part of February, Savannah and Joseph entertained themselves for hours and hours shoveling neighbors' driveways and building snow forts. They had such fun and loved being out in the snow. Every morning, I'd be annoyed that it had snowed and I'd have to drive them to school in the snow. They, on the other hand, were excited and couldn't wait to get home from school. I'm glad they enjoyed it!

Remembering Bruce on his Birthday!

2008-02-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

These pictures are of Bruce, my little brother and the one we named my son, Bruce, after. At 16 years old, he died in a car accident. So young, with so many life experiences unlived.

Thank goodness we know that we have a loving Heavenly Father, who orchestrates the big and little things that happen in our lives. While I miss Bruce, even to this day, I have been comforted these many years by the knowledge that it wasn't random, that Heavenly Father's hand was in the events that took Bruce from our daily lives, but thankfully not from our eternal lives.

It was with sadness that I realized that I would marry and have children that would have no memories of Bruce. Bruce was a good kid, who tried hard to honor his parents and do what he was taught. He was an athlete, playing every sport he could and doing well at them. That is something he and my son, Bruce, have in common--a love of sports and a willingness to work hard and take the knocks that come with them. Bruce played the baritone beautifully, not embarrassed to be a band geek. He was a good harmonizer (ridiculous, I know). We'd be riding in the car and if we were listening to something on the radio or singing, he and my brothers would harmonize. At the time it bugged me to death. I can remember saying, "Mom and Dad, make them stop harmonizing. It's bugging me." The response would be "Don't be bugged." Now, as I think back, I realize they were good harmonizers and I wish Bruce could be a part of the singing that takes place during get-togethers sometimes. The harmonizing still happens.

Someday, Travis and my kids will get to meet Bruce. Someday, I'll get to see him again. I'm thankful for that knowledge. I'm also thankful that Bruce was the kind of person I'm glad to have my son named after. I love you and miss you Bruce. I'm so glad you're in our family!

2008-02-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

"The greatest test in life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commandments in the midst of the storms in life. It is not to endure the storms, but to choose the right while they rage." - Elder Henry B. Eyring

Our Personal President Hinckley Experience

2008-02-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed the funeral of President Hinckley today. Many shared their own personal experiences with this wonderful man. I'd like to share ours.

When Bruce was 2 1/2 years old (just before President Hinckley was made President of the church), my Dad worked at the church office building. We had gone in to see him and ended up riding the elevator with then Elder Hinckley.

"What a cute little boy," he said.

"Thank you," we said.

"What is your name? No, don't tell me. I'm pretty good at guessing names. Hmm, is it Steven?"

"No, it's Bruce," we said.

"Well, Bruce is a good name, too."

He was kind and funny. Bruce says he's considered naming a son Steven because of the story. It would be a great story for how you got your name.

We will miss President Hinckley, but look forward to wonderful things from President Monson.

WE THANK THEE O GOD FOR A PROPHET

2008-01-27T22:32:00.001-08:00

I desperately looked for a way to upload the song "WE THANK THEE O GOD FOR A PROPHET", but unfortunately, I'm just not that computer savvy, so I hope it isn't disrespectful to use the song "Old and Wise", which is a song that reminded me of my Grandpa and came to my mind tonight.

I am sitting here at my computer overwhelmed with emotions. Of course, I knew we couldn't have President Hinckley here with us forever, but I had so hoped he'd be able to hang on until my kids were able to perform for him in person and hear him speak to them at our special temple celebration. That is going to happen sometime between May and July. They have so looked forward to that. The truth is, I was just as excited for myself since I'm YW president and also will be there. I feel so sad that that won't happen.

Along with my sadness, I feel such gratitude that we've had a prophet who loved us so much and loved our children so much. The things he's done are so inspired and he did everything with such love and frankness. For the Strength of Youth is such a blessing to our young people and I'm so thankful we've had a prophet so inspired. What a wonderful thing it has been to have a prophet with such a sense of humor. His conference talks felt more like a friend chatting with us in our living rooms. I loved that about him. What a wonderful leader we've had. I'm so thankful.
I'm so happy for him to be free of the frailties of an old body, even though he put so many of us to shame. What an example of faith he was to us as he endured to the end with strength, courage, humor and love.
What an example of love and eternal marriage. It makes me happy to think of the reunion he is having with his sweet wife, Marjorie.
I feel like I've lost a good friend. He will be so missed. I've loved him so much.
President Gordon B. Hinckley
June 23, 1910 - January 27, 2008

Company--Wii Guitar--Candy, What a Great Combination!

2008-01-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

We sure enjoy having company come visit, and this last few days was great. Robert, Teresa, Zach, Leslie and Aaron, Jr. came for a few days visit and to handle some business. The business was taken care of and we still had plenty of time for visiting, crafts, boggle, television (Amazing Race finale--woo hoo!), good food, Wii and more. The kids and adults alike, competed on Guitar Hero. It was pretty fun and Zach put on a Hero Guitar clinic.

Robert and Teresa stayed at a hotel, as they had promised Zach a hotel and swimming for his birthday, but we still had lots of fun together. Leslie and Aaron stayed with us, which provided the opportunity for Leslie and me to finish Season One of the closer (we started it when she came in December).

Joe and Zach
Leslie and Rob compete.
Look at that concentration!
A little husband/wife competition is healthy, don't you think?

Veronica and Savannah during crafts.
Aaron was cute and sweet and after our grocery visit Monday morning, he had a bag of 'ish with him most of the time.
Robert and Teresa demonstrating by their expressions how much fun it is to come visit Idaho (and us, of course).
Here are the products of our crafting. Fun candy gifts for friends.

Thanks for coming to visit. It was fun and we hope you'll come again soon!

Joe Plays First Game

2008-01-19T16:03:00.001-08:00

Joe played in his first basketball. He scored four of his teams eight points, one at the very end that broke a 6-6 tie. He really hustled and was very cute. In this picture, he's in yellow and about to receive the pass.
Joe after the game.
Joe was suffering from a cough and wasn't feeling 100 percent. He fell asleep on the way home. What a cute kid.

Where Did These Kids Come From?

2008-01-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

Veronica had a test in Science, so she spent nearly two hours in the laundry hall (where the whiteboard is) studying for the test. Of course, she got a well-deserved A. I thought the work was very impressive.

Bruce got his report card and it was all 4.0s. Good job, kids. We're proud of you!

John and I Play Ticket to Ride

2008-01-17T22:07:00.001-08:00

So John and Tawnie called tonight to make arrangements to come up and visit us in a couple of weeks. During the course of the call, John mentioned that he plays Ticket to Ride online. I said, "That's funny, I'm playing a game right now." I finished that game, he got online, and we played a quick game (or three). Nerdy, I know, but fun neverthless.
I just had to share the score. Love you, John.

Basketball, Winter Forts, MacGyver and More

2008-01-12T23:02:00.001-08:00

We've had a lot of things going on the last couple of weeks. We had the open house for our new chapel. I intended to take pictures, but forgot the camera at home and didn't have time to run home and get it (since the gas light was on and I'd have had to take the time to stop and get gas, as well). That's what you call planning!

The chapel is beautiful and if I can ever remember my camera when I go for a young women's activity, I'll take some pictures.

Some of my young women (including Veronica and Savannah) gathered to do some cleaning on the kitchen and ended up washing and putting away all of the dishes and utensils. Hundreds and hundreds of both. It was a big job. There are a lot of details that go into getting a ward building up and running.

We have had about six inches of snow in the last week. It is pretty but treacherous to drive on, especially since they don't really plow roads here. They just dump a little sand on them here and there.

The snow afforded Savannah and Joe hours of fun as they built themselves a fort. They worked really hard and had a lot of fun.
Looks cozy, huh?
A couple of random pictures of Veronica and Joe and Savannah. I'm not sure when they were taken, but I thought the kids looked cute.

Bruce helped out with the Little Dribblers basketball camp at the High School. It is a camp sponsored by the high school basketball program.
Sorry for the grainy photos. I couldn't get very close. Bruce is casually dribbling the basketball, which looks funny since he doesn't appear to be paying attention to the ball at all.
Joe had his first basketball practice this morning for his city team. He was the tallest kid on the floor and did really well. Last night, when we told him he had practice, he said "I think I'm going to do great because Bruce has taught me a lot." This picture looks like he's playing air guitar, but he's not.
What a ball handler!
Since we got the MacGyver, season 1 DVD set at the white elephant gift exchange, some of the family has enjoyed watching episodes of the famous spy/handyman. Here Joe is displaying his MacGyver contraption. There is a string attached to the door and the drawer that will do something (he explained it, but I can't remember) and the necklace has a sparkling jewel that will catch the light, reflecting in the bad guys eyes and rendering them blind. That's my boy!

Sanders

2008-01-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

Sanders, our good dog for nearly three years hasn't been seen since before we got home from Utah. He was a really good dog and is greatly missed, especially by Joe and Savannah. Below are the pictures they've drawn for him. Not being a dog lover, I was surprised by how much I liked him. He was easy to have around, didn't shed and was pretty quiet. His favorite place inside was the front closet. He would nuzzle the door open and go inside to sleep. His favorite place outside was in the window well. I guess he just liked those small, cozy places.
Joe drew this picture for Sanders and hung it on the wall of the closet. Many tears have been shed by Joe and Savannah.
Savannah was probably Sanders favorite--mostly because she spent the most time with him. They were good friends. She goes to the back door every little while and calls his name, hoping he'll be back there. We don't know if he's alive or has passed on, but not having him here feels the same to the kids. I feel really bad for them.

Mark and Suzie Make it to Twin Falls!

2008-01-03T07:25:00.001-08:00

We arrived home at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Mark and Suzie arrived by airplane at about 6:30 p.m. They stayed for two days and we loved having them. We had a really good time. They're great company and we hope they come again soon!

In this picture, Savannah wanted to play Ticket to Ride, so she went in and set the room up so nice. Look at the cards on the piano bench and everything laid out conveniently for each player. She even put a blanket over the folding chair on the right so it would look good and be comfortable.

Bruce wanted a a short buzzed haircut, so Travis got out our clippers. They were junk, and Suzie couldn't get them to cut his hair at all. So I pulled out the trusted flowbee and 45 minutes later, his hair was shorter, but it had gone down to the skin in a couple of places. So to finish it off, Mark and Suzie took the clippers that are really just for shaving the neck and after about 30 more minutes, this was the result. Thank goodness he has a nice shaped head. The longest and shortest haircut of his life.

This is part of the family sitting down to watch Stardust on New Years Day. We were able to fit it in among bowl games and a little sight-seeing. Enjoyable show.

This was Suzie's favorite place to sit. Nothing like a good massage.

We enjoyed playing Wii games during the time they were here. A favorite was Cooking Mama Cook-off, which interestingly enough, Mark dominated. The girls are practicing, Mark, so next time you come they want a rematch.
On our way to do a little sight-seeing. Suzie looks really cute. Mark and Travis, not so much.
This was on the canyon wall on the way down to Shoshone Falls. It was so cold, but it sure made for some neat ice formations.
Once again, my pictures are out of order. Sorry. This is Joe playing tennis.
This is the night they left. We are at the huge Twin Falls airport.

More neat ice.
And more neat ice.
The side of the canyon is covered with icicles. They look pretty small, but they are not right in front of them. Those icicles are really huge and the wall was covered with them. It was beautiful!
The road down into the canyon was a little scary, but we were glad to be able to see this wall.
Savannah in front of the bridge from below.

Some of us in front of the bridge from above.
Shoshone Falls with all the ice. So cold, but really beautiful.
This is all of us that went sightseeing together. We had a volunteer photographer take the picture.
Travis falling down the stairs. Just kidding, although he did make it look pretty real.
Mark didn't want to go to the edge. The closer everyone else got, the more agitated Mark became.

We loved having you come. We ate lots of good New Years food and enjoyed hanging out together. Come again soon. And consider this a standing invitation for anyone else who can come. We love it when family comes to visit!

"Enchanted" and the Higginson Christmas Party

2008-01-01T21:09:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, December 27, we had the Higginson Family Christmas party and gift exchange. We had a really delicious meal. As you can see in this picture, the food was delicious and plentiful.
We had a fun (and slightly competitive) white elephant gift exchange. The variety of gifts was fun to see.
One of the gifts was a package of men's thongs which Spencer kindly modeled for us. Thank goodness it was OVER his shorts.
Travis, with his drawing order number in a place he'll be able to see the number easily.
Opening the presents.
The variety of unopened white elephant gifts.
Grandpa and Grandma Higginson.
More fun dollar store gifts!
Cute cousins waiting patiently on the floor for their turn.

Veronica and Samuel.
A footrace in the gym.

During our stay, we were able to go to the movie several times (thanks Grandpa Dale). The girls saw Enchanted on Wednesday night. We loved it. It was a fun, entertaining movie...

So we saw it again on Thursday afternoon...
...and on Saturday afternoon, as well. We were glad Grandma Higginson and Aunt Leslie and Aaron Jr. were able to go with us. Savannah went with Caroline's family later that afternoon.

While we were in Utah, Bruce stayed much of the time with Nathan. He had his first date on Friday night. HIS FIRST DATE! Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! He had a good time and even went to a chick flick--something he wasn't too thrilled about.

We enjoyed seeing family while we were in Utah and had a nice time. Of course, on the way back home, we ran into more bad weather. That seems to happen a lot to us in the winter. We don't enjoy it. What should have taken 2 hours and 45 minutes, took us nearly six hours. Glad we made it home safely and we're glad we were able to see you all. Love you!

The Cabin In Winter

2008-01-01T20:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas afternoon, we drove to the cabin by Smith-Morehouse. We got there after dark and Travis and Dale took a snowmobile up to the house while the rest of us waited in the cars. They had to dig their way in. We were worried about them and after a little more than an hour we caught a terribly uncomfortable (but kind) ride to the cabin with a neighbor. I was in a bit of pain the next day thanks to that ride, but the warm cabin felt great.

The day after Christmas was spent snowmobiling and playing in the snow. We had a great time. Bruce and Travis were the pros, giving the rest of us rides.

Travis, Savannah and Veronica.

Dale.

Travis, Joe and me.

Veronica, Savannah, Bruce and Joe
Travis
Look at all the snow piled on top of the nest.
This is the overhang of snow on the deck railing.

The snow had collected on the pole and then next to the pole. There was so much snow. It was really beautiful.
One of the snow angels made by the kids.
The kids making snow angels.
Veronica.
Joe, Veronica and Savannah.

Bruce on the snowmobile.
Joe and Savannah warming up by the fire.
We made a yummy salmon dinner on Christmas night and then Veronica made her now-famous snickerdoodles and Lisa's milk chocolate chip cookies.
The guys play some pool.
On the way home from the cabin, we drove through Park City and saw this neat Nativity display. Glad to see the real meaning of Christmas displayed, no matter what church it is.

Christmas Visit with Rindlisbachers

2008-01-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

We traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve amid a big snowst0rm. We arrived at the Rindlisbachers in the early evening and had a pleasant Christmas Eve. The next morning, we got up and opened our presents with them. They gave the kids a blankets and sweatshirts or pajamas. The big gift this year for our family was a WII game system and a few games. It was a nice morning.
Bruce, Savannah, Veronica and Joseph in front of the tree.
The kids with Dale.

Veronica and I fixed a yummy pancake breakfast after opening presents.
Bruce began playing Guitar Hero on the WII.
Again, my pictures are out of order. I stink at this. This is more present opening.

We had a very nice day. In the afternoon, we drove to the cabin up by Smith-Morehouse. More on that in the next blog! Merry Christmas.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Savannah

2007-12-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

Our happy Savannah turned 10 years old today. (I'm calling it today even though it is after midnight. I didn't have a chance to post until now.) We gave her the cute baby doll she is holding the the picture. Doesn't it look a lot like her. She named her Genevieve.

Savannah had a "puppy party" with a few of her friends. They had a fun time.

There are so many great things about Savannah. She's a cheerful girl with a beautiful smile that she shares all the time. She loves to dance and is very graceful, but also loves a good wrestling match with Joe. After years of doing her very best to avoid any kind of chore, she is maturing into a young lady that pitches in and helps. She loves babies and little children and is more than willing to play with the "little kids" if it will make them happy. Savannah loves music and always wants to be singing or dancing. The trouble is that most of the time she slaughters lyrics worse than almost anyone in the world, but her pitch is perfect and her voice is very pretty.

Savannah's favorite color has been purple for many years, and while that is still at the top of the list, she's starting to appreciate other colors, as well.

Savannah is a great friend and loves to make people feel good. She cheers wildly at Bruce's football and basketball games and can actually sit and follow the whole game.

Savannah is a dog fanatic and is the most attentive to Sanders (and any other dog she sees). If she had her way, we'd own a dozen dogs.

Savannah is hilarious when she gets awakened from sleep. Sometimes we let her fall asleep on the couch just so we can rouse her and watch her as she makes her way to bed. Sometimes she says ridiculous things, sometimes she does ridiculous things--like walk up to the wall and place both of her hands on it and just stand there. When she was really little, sometimes she would sleep in the splits. One time we woke her up to put her to bed on a cushion at Grandma's and she did a cartwheel into the bed--all while still sleeping. You never know what you're going to get when you move the sleeping Savannah, but it is always amusing.

After a few medical problems and a hard start, Savannah is strong, healthy and happy. We love her and don't know what we'd do without her in our family. Happy birthday, Savannah. You're a wonderful girl and we love you.