The party will be held on July 7th in the usual place (Ralph and Diana’s) at the usual time (6:30 PM) with the usual food assignments:
Brenda and Lynn’s families: Salads, fruits, vegetables
Kent and Wayne’s families: Desserts (no fruit trays or bowls, that belongs in the salad group)
Our family will do the meat, the beans, and the potatoes
If the weather is good we can get out the big slide so feel free to tote your swim suit along and come a bit early. We will be retiring a flag (or 3) this year, so be prepared for that.
Sybil (and Dean):
This has been a tough year for our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and now great-great grandmother. She is still in the house and Paul and Elisa are taking care of the outside and Brenda is doing the running around to doctors and stores for her. Beginning soon after the first of the year Sybil began collecting water (physically, not like in jars and tupperwares). None of us who were seeing her on a regular basis seemed to notice, but she wasn’t feeling well so sometime around February or March Brenda began taking her to her doctor to find out what was wrong. We didn’t figure anything out until we took her to the heart doctor and found out she’d gained around 40 pounds that was obviously water weight. He gave her the option to go home and try to get rid of it or go to the hospital. Brenda and Diana were both there and we encouraged her to do the hospital thing. He had us take her right then. In 4 days she lost about 30-35 lbs. and then we moved her to a rehabilitation center for another week or so. Therapists and a nurse were sent in when she got home and she seems to be doing fairly well, but we have to watch the weight gain, and make sure the medication schedule is followed well. In the meantime she has a paralyzed vocal cord that may have surgery done on it, depending on the ok of the heart doctor. That is what is making her voice raspy if you are calling her. She is using oxygen pretty much 24-7.
She does feel a little discouraged because she is forgetting some things and struggles to do all she wants to do. But she is still wonderful. Everywhere we take her the doctors and nurses just fall in love with her and tell us we have just the cutest mother and sweetest woman in the world. The last three or four months have seen from 1-3 doctor appointments a week, so if any of you can do some of the running for Grandma, call Brenda and give her a bit of help. Visits and phone calls are very desirable.
Getting through the problems that Kent has experienced this last year has added to her stress, but she is still determined to be the best she can be and as strong as she can be.
Sybil is still attending church whenever possible and keeping up on her duties with the rentals, storage, and car-wash as much as it is possible for her to do. She is no longer running down to let people in and out of the storage.
Dean has been dead for 9 years, last January. The total posterity from Dean and Sybil, counting in-laws is now at 173 with at least 5 on the way. Her family is everything to her and she loves every one of you!
Here's the latest (some actual news!) this is from Brenda as of June 20th.
We spent last Friday in the ER and IMC because Mom's blood pressure was quite low and she was so sleepy that she couldn't finish a sentence as she met with Cassandra, the home health nurse. Dr. Gilmore, so busy he couldn't see her and apparently Cassie made it sound quite serious, told her to go the the ER. So we were there from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.; no one there was in any kind of a hurry because, obviously, even to Mom and me, nothing was drastically wrong or frighteningly close to the last breath, and they did performed every test conceivable that Dr. G would possibly need to know (I think I'll list them!): I & R count, urinalysis, blood pressure, pulse, chest X-ray, weight, height, oxygen level at 15-minute intervals for 2 hours, temp, sore throat, belly button type, fingernail length, and hair color. Urine sample done by catheter, by darn. We were both surprised at the request to go, and both a little more determined to establish our own will into these things. Really, really hard for Mom to make those self-determinations. She just doesn't ever feel that she has the prerogative to say what she wants. (However, if there's a chance for a doctor appointment, she wants it!) Because of this rigmarole, I decided to cancel today's appointment with Dr. G. because he had gotten everything he needed and more on Friday. Mom surprised at that, but my logic won her over.
Saturday (or Sunday?) the hospital called and said they had found a bladder infection and wanted Mom on antibiotic, so Diana dealt with that need and found a pharmacy on Sunday and got her started on a 10-day regimen. Mom didn't know or feel like she had an infection.
Today: the long-awaited appointment with ENT Dr. Bradley. Awesome news and all optimistic. We set a surgery for July 5, Salt Lake Surgical Center, 3-hour maximum out-patient procedure (30 min on the surgery itself), general anesthesia approved by Dr. Gilmore, repaired vocal cord will again be connected to its partner, creating the small opening that prevents water and other stuff from being aspirated into the lungs, voice will not be so gravelly, no more THICK-IT in her liquids. She does not have to stop taking cumidin (hurray!!) before the surgery, no threat of bleeding in this little muscle. Can't remember all the other details without referring to my notes, which I won't do at this late hour. The ONLY possible downside is that Mom may FEEL for a while that she is not getting adequate air, but not so, it will just be a change from the flappy open space she has become accustomed to currently. She will get used to the tighter closed vocal cords without much trouble. Just know that it's all good.
We'll do other updates as we know more. Just be aware she will have had the surgery by the time we all meet at Diana's house for July 7th party, and Mom will be there and able to tell us all about it. I cleared this with Dr. B., so she is really pleased about this.
Kent and Sharon:
This year has been a challenging one for us. First we decided to go on a mission. That made it necessary for Sharon to retire, which she did in November of 2011. The first couple of weeks were wonderful, and then it was ‘what do I do now’? Our friends took us to Heber Valley Girls Camp in October during the fall open house. It looked fun but not our type of mission. Brother Wright, the managing director, called us twice and we turned him down both times. Then we got to thinking about our elderly mothers and what shall we do, and how can we leave them, plus the fact Sharon had had two heart stents placed last July after having heart problems. She was told not to go very far away, so we called back and decided to go to HVC. In the meantime Satan was busy at our doorstep, trying to discourage us. The last of December Kent got a virus in his bloodstream and went into septic shock. That was a week in the hospital trying to find out what was wrong with him. The doctors decided it was a virus that causes meningitis, (although he did not have it) and we all ended up having to be treated with antibiotics. Then March 23 he was in an ATV accident at work. He somehow drove off the edge of a bank on the pond and tipped the farm 6-wheeler over on top of him. It slammed him to the ground, hitting the side of his face and head very hard and rolled over the top of him. He managed to call Lynn and told him what happened. Lynn responded immediately and found him face down trapped beneath the 6-wheeler. He got out and stood up and they took him to the shop and gave him a blessing. Meanwhile he started having problems with his memory. We rushed him to the hospital and found out he had a blood clot on the brain. This necessitated transporting him to UT Valley Hospital in an ambulance. He immediately went into surgery. The doctors removed a ‘coke can’ size blood clot off his brain. After a week in the hospital he was sent home, still with a terrible headache and memory problems. After a week of much pain, he suffered a setback and had to return to the hospital and was life-flighted back to Provo. He returned to surgery and they opened up his head again because there was too much fluid on his brain. They left a shunt in his head to drain the excess spinal fluid accumulating in the hole of his brain, created by the blood clot. Now it is just one week before we were supposed to report for our mission, however with staples still in his head, he pleaded with the doctor and the doctor took out his staples and gave him permission to go. So here we are, serving the Lord on a very busy and physically demanding service mission and we are doing wonderfully. We thank the Lord every day for the miracles in our lives, this last year was a whole miracle for us, especially to be on this mission.
Alison and Curtis Sandall: It is literally the midnight hour. Let me tell you about my family.
Jared, Zarah and Claire – Jared got a new job at the beginning of the year delivering Sara Lee Bread Products. He thought about buying the route but the guy he was going to buy it from was upside down and didn’t make it look to promising, so he went back to work for Puro-Clean. There have been some perks and it’s been quite beneficial for the whole family. Jared does a lot of cleanup on people’s houses who have flood damage or fire. Most of the time the homeowners insurance will come in and replace everything the homeowner lost. Jared has the opportunity to take the furniture. Most of the time it’s just been sitting on a rug that’s been completely soaked maybe a little bit more. But, in the last couple of years he has completely furnished his house and given his siblings furniture too (nice furniture). Jared has also started painting again. YAY!!! Zarah, is now a working paid photographer, she has just gotten so good… (I’m not biased). It was a hard start for her. She had to pose for her own pictures to get started. I don’t think there is another photographer out there that can even do that. She is grateful to have a job she can do and not have to work for somebody else. If you want to see her stuff she has a Facebook page. Photography by Zarah, check it out. Claire is now 9 mos. old she is pulling herself up on the furniture and my 3rd grandchild. Zarah is pregnant again with a little boy. That would make no.5 and she is due Oct. 2nd.
Ben, Kaylee and Tenley --- Ben is working for WL Gore in Flagstaff. He has a lot of ideas the big wigs are listening too and he’s moving up and has become a team leader. Ben also hunts and goes fishing A LOT and that is going to lead me into Kaylee. She is very patient with him, as far as that goes. She likes to hunt and fish too but she has definitely become a hunter’s widow. Kaylee is a cosmetologist and works at Fantastic Sam’s (I think that’s it). She works 3 or 4 days a week and is grateful she has a job she could do at home ( if she needed too). Tenley is hitting the terrible twos. She’s soooo much fun, and then if she wants to she will turn on you in a second. I love here more than life though she’s my 1st grand child and Kaylee is pregnant with my 6th and due November 2nd. She should be finding out what she is having this Thursday.
Trevor, Katie and Alyvia – I think last year, (I can’t remember for sure) I wrote about all my kids getting married and how weird it was to be empty nesters. Well, Katie moved back last August so she and Trevor could save money and they just moved out again 2 weeks ago. So I have to go through all that again. Thank you very much. Trevor is working for the Blind Brothers installing blinds here in the Verde Valley and lately he has been going to the Phoenix area and to Flagstaff and Prescott too. Business is good, like I said earlier, both he and Katie moved in when they had Alyvia. When Katie had her she had an epidural, well she had complications and lost spinal fluid. So she immediately got a migraine headache that NEVER went away, so for two weeks she laid he on my couch and cried (not really) it was very painful though and she couldn’t sit up cause when she did the weight of her head would rest on her spine and cause major pain. So Trevor moved down here from Flagstaff to save money for a couple of reasons, not just the headache and they just moved out two weeks ago. They were able to save money and get into a nice place here in the Verde Valley. Katie quit her job this year. She was working as a Patient Care Technician which she loves to do. She and Trev were able to work out babysitting until they realized that Trevor was making more money working than Katie was and he was definitely losing money. So she became a fulltime mommy. Alyvia will be a year old August 11th (hard to believe). She is mimicking us and talking up a storm. She is also close to walking but still won’t let go of our fingers. She is my #2
Kaleb, Megan and Peyton—Well, the newest in the family is Peyton she was born on June 4. Megan gave birth to Peyton Hatch (baby girl) 6Ibs 3 oz 19 ½ inches long, #4 grandchild. She had back labor so it was pretty bad for a while. I have a cute video on my Facebook page of Megan trying to keep herself in labor. It’s cute. Once all the back labor started though they put her on meds…it didn’t seem to bother her so much, until she had to push. But she did a great job. Kaleb is still working for his Dad, in plumbing. I He is doing really well. I love having a plumber in the family. He has helped us numerous times. I just wish I had someone to help me with my stove now that it’s broken. Peyton is very cute and a very good baby. It’s fun to watch new parents.
Curtis and Alison – I still work at the school. I love it and Curtis is still managing Banker Insulation. We are getting restless though. I hear it comes with the time of life we are in. Here is something interesting. My best friend told me about this woman that needed care and asked if Katie would be willing to come in and help her fulltime. This was back when Katie lived in Flagstaff. Anyway she went over there and talked with her for a long time. The lady went into detail about how she was leaving for a Family Reunion soon and she grew up on a farm in Salt Lake and how she was the last living child out of 13 (Joy or Alison have this wrong, there were only 10 children). Well Katie decided not to take the job, but about a week later I got a call from my friend, she said she just got back from talking to this lady and she mentioned Katie and said she looked a little familiar to her, and then she went into the whole story about going to Salt Lake. Well my friend said, “Do you know the Batemans, they’re from Salt Lake/West Jordan area?” She got all excited. I’M A BATEMAN! I’M a BATEMAN!! My name is Joy Bateman. My friend said she couldn’t stop talking after that. So Katie was talking to Joy, looking at her and thinking this woman looks a lot like my Grandpa Cookie, and Joy was looking at Katie and knew she had met her before but of course didn’t know from where. Weird, huh? Sitting in the living room related and not even know it.. Curtis and I are doing great, all things considered. We LOVE being grandparents, it’s the best . It’s weird to think though that 3 years ago I had 6 people in my family and this Christmas at my house I will have. 16. Grandma Cookie your posterity is growing and growing. I’m grateful for my family this one and all of you. xoxoxo
(Brian and) Cheryl Church and Richard: Breanne finished her freshman year at SUU. Her missionary will be home in September so we'll see where that goes. Josh is also attending SUU and working to join the track team in the fall. Kyle is marrying Laren Lowder in the Manti Temple on June 2. They will be living somewhere up north where Kyle will finish is bachelor's degree at UVU. Justin finished his internship with Heath and will complete his Master's Degree in Public Administration next fall. Richard remains busy as the Head Men's and Women' Golf Coach at SUU. I've had a couple of difficult things in my family this year. My niece’s 11 month old daughter died of cancer on May 4th and my brother Christopher has terminal brain cancer but is doing well for now. I stay very busy with the motel, being Director of Panguitch Main Street, Panguitch High School Drama Coach and the Young Women's First Counselor. I have enjoyed keeping up with some of the family members on Facebook and always hope things are going well for the family and wish everyone the very best always.
Brent and Terri Bateman: The Brent Bateman family had a very interesting year. In fact, Brent and Terri’s life is far too fabulous to give a comment, so the report this year has been prepared by the lovely and talented Zoe. It is assumed that they are as happy as they enjoy their jet-setting jobs with two of the highest paying employers in the Universe – the State and the Church. It’s glamour, glamour, glamour all the time for fabulously wealthy them.
Zoe (19) has started an extremely successful business watching and reviewing episodes of Doctor Who and Sherlock. That’s right. She’s livin the dream, baby. Her reviews are widely known for her extensive use of British slang and their general cheekiness. She spends most of her time viewing the telly and attending a cracking good school in Provo. Her family is gobsmacked that she hasn’t yet started gone right barmy and screaming “The lights, precious, it burns us!” whenever someone turns the bleedin’ lights on.
Sam (17) is considering quitting high school in favor of becoming a professional wrestler. You might know him better by his professional name: “Mano Negro de la Muerte”. His signature move is to take down his opponents while simultaneously kissing a young lady. Sam calls his signature wrestling move the ol' SMOOCH and SMASH! He practices both of these moves constantly and extensively. His abilities have gotten such a reputation that girls have been banned from local wrestling matches (not that many girls ever came to the matches anyway).
Daisy (12) is proud to announce that she has received three proposals of marriage this year alone, but has turned down all of them. She insists that she’s not just waiting for ‘her’ prince, but waiting for an actual prince to propose so that she can be an actual princess. Local royal families have been alerted. We expect an announcement by the end of the year.
Jeff (10) is happy to announce that he will be the youngest person to ever join the Star Fleet Academy. All his dreams and aspirations have finally come to fruition. His acceptance was based upon his well-thought out plan to protect the galaxy from any outside threats: Operation Splodee. Next time you see a star ship, raise your eyes. The Universe is safe thanks to our very own Jeffrey.
Heath and Kathy Bateman: The first thing I noticed that it is getting lonely up there. There are a few left up there but not too many. One time, when I bent over and could see the top I noticed it looks like a drink coaster up there. There are some spots up there where there isn’t ANY LEFT. Although it looks like something as fertile as the Tennessee valley, it seems to actually be a rocky place wherein no seed can take purchase. Male pattern baldness. GREAT.
What an interesting year we have had. I guess it all started in August. I had just come home to see Kathy. Kathy met me in the kitchen where we started to chat about my day and a few other token things. In the middle of the conversation, she stopped talking, turned her head toward Lindsey’s fish bowl, said, “Heath . . . . .” and started to cry. I looked over at the fish bowl and thought. “That $2 fish that Lindsey didn’t really care about, has died and now we were going to flush it away.” “Yippie! One less mouth to feed. . . . . OH SORRY . . . . I mean, how terrible. Lindsey will be disappointed. Or probably not.” But Kathy just kept crying and finally she spoke while staring at the fishbowl. “I think I am P-- (what is wrong with her? She seemed so happy a few minutes ago) --RE-- (PRE what? Previously Married? Preparing to leave me? Preparing dinner)--G-- (PREG? What’s a PREG? PREGO Spaghetti Sauce? Sure that’s fine for dinner.)--NA--(WHAT!!!?? Is she going to say what I think she is going to say? What kind of sick joke is this?) --N-- The room is going dark . . . can’t see straight . . . blurry . . . left arm hurts and I taste copper) --T--(Wait . . . . perhaps I am not thinking straight! Let’s spell it out again P-R-E-G-N-A-N-T! Was that all the letters? Perhaps she pronounced it wrong. She really said PRE-GNAT, which everyone knows is Latin for ‘a small larval stage of a small flying insect’! That assumption does not fit the sentence. She said, I AM PRE-GNAT??? Unlikely to say the least. It just must be a joke.) I looked into her crying eyes, paused for a few seconds and said the most profound thing he has ever said,
“HUH?”
Kathy responded that she had thought it was about time to take the Dr. prescribed medication to help her body regulate and as is the usual procedure. Part of the procedure is for her to take a pregnancy test. She took a pregnancy test and there appeared two lines. (you know, I think it would be cool if those had slot machine markings on them. You know, like if you were pregnant there would be three cherries, or diamonds. If you were almost pregnant, there would be two diamonds and a lemon. If you were having a boy, there would be three baseballs. A girl would be three snorkels. If your child was going to need special attention, perhaps you could see three question marks. If your child was going to be hard to deal with, you could have three devils.) I have said before that if I had a nickel back on all the pregnancy test kits he has purchased, he could finance a trip to Disneyland (story to come later)! Kathy didn’t even believe the test was positive so she ran to the Dollar Store and purchase another cheap test. (I’m not sure the Dollar Tree is where the most reliable test kits are purchased. A pregnancy test for a dollar? What’s in the vitamins? Solient Green?) She took that test and that test had two lines also. She then showed both testing kits to me. After I woke up on the kitchen floor of course. I then asked her, “Have you been sick?”
She replied, “Nope.”
“Have you had any signs?”
“Like what?
“I don’t know. . . Ice Cream and Pickles in the middle of the night?
“Nope.”
“Are you feeling different?”
“Nope.”
“Well, what do we do now?”
Kathy responded, “I’ll get a doctor’s appointment and we’ll have a blood draw test done.”
I retorted, “That’s a good idea because I am pretty sure I am going to have a nervous breakdown and it will be convenient to be there at the doctor’s office when my head explodes.”
2 days later we went to the doctor’s office and the nurse came in and said, “Congratulations!” to which Heath replied, “Why, is it my Birthday?” “Nope, your wife is --PR--(OH CRAP, here we go again!)
The doctor suggested another colleague to us whom would serve as a OBGYN (OBGYN stands for OH BOY another GUY sees YOUR wife’s NETHEREGION.) I think husbands should get to choose who holds the catcher’s mitt for when the baby is born. I don’t want some young punk, handsome, BMW driving, large warm soft hands having, no fat gut having, eye winking, having female reproductive organ models throughout the exam room, DOCTOR taking a look at my wife’s junk. I don’t want any woman doctor either because during the Kathy’s exam’s I am afraid I will stare and giggle. I mean, I still am embarrassed and my face turns red when I remember Grandma asked me when I was a little boy if I needed to TINKLE or DO A JOB.
Anyway, when we got to the wife hooha lookers office, I noticed on the counter there was a dipper bag with baby food and dippers in it. I thought that must have been left here by the previous patient. The doctor came in and introduced himself to us and consequently, he was about my age, blue eyes, full head of hair, no gut and spends most of his time in his condo in Hawaii. GGRREEAATT! The first thing he said to us was, “Do you have any questions?” To which I peeped out, “Yea, is she pre . . . preg . . . . Pregn . . . .pregna . . . . . . You know, Baby?” He said, “Well, let’s take a look.” He had this cool machine that he put on her belly which apparently shows what she ate the night before because all I could see was a small peanut. He said, “There it is! Sure enough! You are expecting.” I answered with a loud voice, “EXPECTING! EXPECTING WHAT! I WASN’T EXPECING ANYTHING! I COULD HAVE WOKE UP THIS MORNING WITH MY FACE SEWN TO THE CARPET AND BEEN LESS SUPPRISED! He said, “Am I to understand this is an unplanned pregnancy?” I told him it was. To which he said, “Well, you didn’t hear it from me but a healthy, white, American child goes for $70,000 to $100,000 on the open market right now and if you need a contact person, meet me by the cafeteria door behind the hospital in 30 minutes.” Just kidding. He didn’t say that or the condo in Hawaii would be mine. He was happy for us.
I turned to my darling wife, with tears in my eyes, both kinds of tears, and said, “You did it.” Meaning of course that for years we have been trying and spending thousands of dollars and by the grace of God, Kathy’s body had worked.
About 2 weeks later, Lindsey was staying with Grandmother Chapman when her grandmother started to act funny. Lindsey went into her Grandpa and pleaded with him to take her to the emergency room. All her grandma could say was, “I don’t know . . .”
After a battery of tests, the doctors found a large tumor on the left side of her brain. The doctors immediately put her into the hospital and had the surgeon come and talk to her. The surgeon said she was planning brain surgery the next day and he could not tell us what kind of tumor or what damage has been done until he got in there to see. He also mentioned to us to hope it is not brain cancer. Brain Cancer is not good.
The surgery went well as could be expected. Soon the doctor came in and told us the good news and the bad news. “Good news is, I was able to get both tumors out with little brain matter damage. Bad news is it is stage 4 brain cancer and it is terminal.” The prognosis was about 2 months, but if she did well on chemo and radiation, she might make it for 4 months. What a blow to us. The fact that we were going to have a baby was swallowed up in the pending loss of Kathy’s mother and very best friend. Kathy asked the doctor if there was any way to prolong her life until the baby arrived. The Doctor said it would be a race to see which happened first.
In October, because the new baby was coming, we decided to treat Lindsey to a trip to Disneyland for a few days. Kathy and I have been saving what little money we can to try to take a vacation to Disneyland. We barely make enough money to stay in our home, let alone, enough money to go to Disneyland. We had originally planned on going with Andrea and her slaves (mom and dad) in November but with the fact that Kathy got knocked up, we decided we better get going earlier than later. With U.E.A. coming, (U.E.A. actually meaning Utah Enters Anaheim) we decided, or should I say, Kathy decided that we were going to go to Disneyland for a short, inexpensive trip before the baby comes. I have to admit that I felt uneasy about going because it was so sudden and I have a lot of work that is pressing me down. Kathy reminds me that this the way my father raised us and there is no success in the world that can compensate for a failure in the home. So, she said, “Take me to Disneyland and the beach!” So I decided that since Kathy had saved and scrimped so well, I thought we could go and hurry back. Besides, Lindsey was excited because she could miss school.
We left on Friday after getting permission from my City Manager on Friday morning. We traveled to Levan and spent the night. In the morning, I spoke with mother about taking one of her vehicles (with Andrea’s permission of course because she is planning on purchasing it from my mother) I thought it might be smarter to not spend the extra fuel that her big car would take. After all, we were on a tight budget indeed. We got up on Saturday morning and headed out. Kathy tells me to remember to live by faith. Everything would be alright. I was more than willing to take her up on that because I know God lives and answers prayers. So away we went. Surprisingly, the drive went really quickly. The Doctor told Kathy that we could not drive for long periods of time because he was worried that she would develop blood clots. She we had to stop often and let her out to walk around. The trip was still quick and before we knew it, we were traveling past Mesquite, Nevada thinking about the roller coaster at the Buffalo Bill Hotel where we had reservations for the evening. About 30 miles outside of Las Vegas, while going up one of those hills, my car shifted into its passing gear when I didn’t think it should have. I took the cruise control off and just listened to the car for a minute. It shifted back to the appropriate gear and we traveled a few more miles when it shifted again into the passing gear. I was pretty worried, especially when we starting to loose speed. All of the sudden, I looked up and saw a huge smoke plume coming from behind my car and right behind that, there was a highway patrol officer with his lights on wanting us to pull over. I pulled over and my car was on fire. At least it seemed to be because there was so much smoke coming from it. I could see the police officer was walking briskly and he looked kind of mad so I thought in my mind what I was going to say to him and how I was going to say it, “Hello Officer.” “Hello Officer.” “Hello Officer?” He tapped on my window and I rolled it down and said, “Jello Flopester.” The first thing the patrolman said to me was, “CANT YOU SEE THE SMOKE?” “Smoke? What smoke?” (could not even see the officers face from the smoke coming out from under the hood.) “This SMOKE.” He said with a grin “Oh Yea. . . . . I did see that smoke.” He said that the smoke was so bad, the other cars could not pass because they could not see. I got out of the car and looked under the hood to see all the smoke coming from everywhere. I looked under the car and saw we were pouring oil out of the transmission. The Trooper came back and said, “Well, you have a real problem here. . . . tell the tow truck you are at mile marker 106.” He then went and got into his car and drove away. I cannot tell you the despair that I felt as we were sitting there on the side of I-15 with a broken down car. Just the look on Kathy’s face was so sad and mad at the same time. The worst part about it was what do we do next ? I looked at the car, and for a brief moment thought, “I probably could fix this if I had my truck?” Let me tell you what is in my truck. Behind my seat is a box of tools that include a small claw hammer, a 6 inch bubble level, a cross cut saw, a monkey wrench and several assorted drill bits and screwdriver fittings with no screw driver. In another box, I have a complete set of sockets (all be it they are all metric) There is also a pencil in that box that is actually square, including the lead. I think it is a carpenter’s pencil. There is also in my truck two fishing poles, 3 jackets, a blanket, and a pair of broken binoculars. With all those awesome tools, I knew I could get that car back together again and get on our way. Besides, I already had reservations for a hotel that night. The car was so close to the ground that I could not even put my head under the bumper so I walked along the freeway like a wondering bum until I found an old 4x4 (I think it was an old road sign that had been broken off during an accident in the very spot my family was sitting) and then I carried it up the freeway. The only thing missing from that scene was a white poke-a-dot bindle sack hanging from the back of the 15 foot log on my shoulders. I got it back to the car, laid it in front of the car, and slowly drove the car up on the top of the wood. I think I gained about 4 inches in height, which consequently about the width of my head. So, with the car precariously perched on that fractured piece of wood, I just had enough room to slide my head under that car engine that was spattered with hot, molten hydraulic oil and with one ear scratching the pavement and my other ear firmly cooking in the hot oil and grease of the motor, I went to work on diagnosing and fixing my car troubles. I didn’t have my truck with its’ ample supply of tools but I was able find a pen, a lug nut off of a semi-truck, some broken bottles and a cranking shade cover that apparently blew off of a camping trailer cranny. Looking under the car, I could just slide my head far enough to see the bottom of the transmission, however I must admit that when the large trucks drove by on the road, my head would squish a little as my car would shake. I noticed something that looked like a place you might drain the oil from. There was half a cap still on the hole but I could tell that the other half was completely melted and looked like it was so hot that it appeared as if it was dripping down on the ground. Man, I wish I had my tools. I thought for a minute that I would find an Auto Zone and go in and order that plastic cover thingie and fix that car in the parking lot of the Luxor. I laid on the ground for at least 5 minutes so I wouldn’t have to look Kathy in the face. I knew when I saw her face, she would be so disappointed that it would affect my spirit as well. I carefully slid my head out from under the car, at one point even having to bend my ear the other way in order to get it past the oil pan and decided to talk to Kathy. The look on her face was surprisingly helpful. Although I could see in her eye the fear and disappointment, she simply asked me what I thought. “Man, I wish I had my truck.” I whispered out loud. Kathy snickered as she understood more than me our dire situation. I talked with Kathy and we outlined our attack plan. First, we needed to get off the freeway. I considered pushing the car to Vegas but Norma wasn’t there to help us push up and down the hills. (ask my Mom and Dad.) So we decided that we could call Andrea and have her get us off the freeway. Hopefully, before it got dark and all the desert spookiness come out. I’ve seen the movie, The Hills Have Eyes and you don’t want to mess with those nuclear testing altered hippy freaks that eat people. I first called Dad but he was working in a tractor so I called Mom. No answer, so I called Andrea. I asked her if she would look up a tow truck for me to help me get off of the freeway. She said that she would and she would call us back quickly. 30 minutes later, I called her back and she wasn’t home. Emma told me that she was at Mom’s house so I figured that she went over there to get some help. Soon I reached her at Mom’s and she was still figuring out on her GPS whom they would recommend she call for a tow. I asked her to please find someone in Vegas to come tow me off of the freeway. She said she would and she would call me right back. What seemed like hour I finally got a call from Dad. The conversation went like this:
Dad: Heath?
Heath: Hi, Dad.
Dad: Heath, it’s going to cost $1,500 to put a new transmission in that car!
Heath: Transmission, what do you mean?
Dad: I have been talking with the Bishop and it’s going to cost $1,500 to replace. I think you should just abandon the car.
Abandon the car? Should we just take our bags out of the trunk and walk the rest of the way to Vegas? Should I take the license plates off of the car so nobody can find me to give me the car back? How exactly do you abandon a car? Should I cut down some tree branches and try to hide it or dig a hole and bury it along side of the freeway? Should I flag down a passing car and tell them they could have it? Is there a United States Department of Abandoning Cars that handles that sort of thing? Do we leave a note on the car that says, “first come, first served.” “How in the world am I supposed to abandon the car?” I asked Dad on the phone if he could please find someone that can come and TOW me off of the freeway. He said that Andrea had been talking to AAA to try to get a cost effective tow and he would call me back. Another hour later, I got a call from them and they said that they had found a tow company and they would come there and tow us to a garage in North Las Vegas. Dad had talked to the mechanic and he said that if we could get the car there, he would pull it into the garage on Sunday but he would not see it until Monday. I was agreeable to that if it GOT ME OFF THE FREEWAY! We chatted and even watched a movie in Kathy’s Laptop. I think the movie was Hair Spray. Good morning Baltimore Indeed! One family did stop to help us but it turned out they were on a potty break so they were just interested in dangling their little kids bums out the doors and having them tinkle (tee hee hee). They did offer us a cold drink, however, which I thought was nice. Finally when it was dark and over the next hill, the crazy dessert people eaters where approaching, the tow truck showed up.
Around the corner very quickly came a tow truck that screeched to a stop right in front of my car. Out jumped a large black man who looked at me and said with a strange look, “Hi, did you need a tow?” I turned around to look at my car. Bewildered, I looked at it with its hood up, flashers on, all four doors wide open perched up on a 15 foot broken street sign 4x4 and I said back to him with a snort of derision, “Yeah, I think you found the right guy. He answered me with some confusion, “ I was told there was a pregnant woman stranded on the freeway. “Yea, that’s me!” He looked at me sideways and said, “Oh . . . . . . it’s you.” “Well, my wife is pregnant . . . .see, she is over there” “The one with the grumpy, untrusting. Strange black guy approaching look on her face. She is the pregnant one.” “ Oh, SSHHHEEE’SSS PREGNANT! Ok, let’s get yous alls out a hea.” Yous can all get into the cab of my truck if yous want to.” So we all went and got into his truck. A two seat, flat bed tow truck. A pregnant woman, a fat old man and a 12 year old germaphobe all crawling into one seat in a stranger’s truck. One cheek of Kathy’s on one half of the chair, and one cheek of mine on the other half. Lindsey sitting on my lap.
The tow truck driver got into the truck and schooched over next to Kathy. He said about three sentences that none of us could understand and we headed off down the freeway with my car in tow. It took a lot of time and effort to try to understand the truck driver whom introduced himself to us by the name of MIKE FROM FAST TOWING. I cannot understand how someone from only 650 miles apart can be so different. We made some small talk with him and when we told him that we were on our way to California he responded with the name of our lord spoken in vain. Long pause . . . . . . a snincker from Lindsey . . . . . . Kathy stares straight ahead . . . . . . he continues, “I mean, I’m not religious in any way but I have learned one thing for sure, we got to leave it up to the big guy up stairs. I mean, religion is not for me but I know we have to leave it up to the guy in heaven.” Just then his cell phone rang and he had about a 10 minute conversation with someone that he was not very happy with and he was using a language that I have never heard. I mean, I learned Japanese, I have heard Navajo spoken, I know a guy from Kazhzistan where I work and a gal from Finland works for me in the senior center. I have even heard a couple of Polynesians speaking the Hawaiian dialect called Pigeon, but I swear to you, I have no idea what he was saying. There were some familiar English words mixed in but he was speaking stuff I could not understand. Think of it now, we were sitting in the same truck. Kathy was sitting right next to him, we were all quiet and tired and could hear him perfectly yet I could not understand him. I wondered if all the tow truck drivers in the world haven’t developed their own language. I did know when he was upset or surprised because he would answer into the telephone, “Oh My Go_!” He hung up the phone and we sat in silence for a few more minutes as we approached the bright lights of Las Vegas. I have to admit that as we were driving in the dark, my eyes started looking for the Temple. Perhaps it was because during trials we seem to turn to the Lord but if nothing would have happened to my car, I would probably be looking for the best buffet or the cheapest and loosest penny slots. Man, that is the way I roll. I only ask for help when I am in trouble. The tow driver said after a long pause, “Yea, I’m not saying that religion is for me, but I know you have got to leave it all in the hands of the Guy up stairs.
We turned off the freeway at Craig Road and traveled west almost northwest almost to Reno. We were passing businesses, houses, Paco’s bargain car dealer, a haunted house, service stations, methadone clinics, several guys in black hooded sweatshirts selling what looked like powdered sugar in little baggies and several ugly ladies with Adams apples, all wearing mini-skirts with a mysterious bulge in the front. Half way to nowhere he turned off the road and behind a Domino’s Pizza he pulled into a garage in the end of a dark alley. The first thing I thought was, “HERE!” I felt Kathy squeeze my leg as I was sitting there as if she was saying, “HERE!!” The driver started to fill out paperwork and we sat there in that uncomfortable cab with Lindsey bending her neck funny and Kathy and I sharing the seat with one cheek each. I signed the form and he took down my credit card number, then walked over to his truck, got it, and DROVE AWAY! He had left us there stranded. In a dark ally behind a Domino’s pizza place, somewhere in North Las Vegas. We walked several blocks to a service station and starting calling cab companies and hotels. No hotels had rooms and no cab companies would come give us a ride because we were so far from the Vegas Strip. ( I personally believe they would not come because of the neighborhood.) I kept texting Andrea and she would ask me what my situation was. We were on the list for a cab but they said it was a drivers option to come so don’t count on it happening. Andrea got on LDS.org and looked up the local Bishop and about 11:30 PM, called him and asked if he could help us. Bishop Ferre called me right back and asked me what he could do for me. I was quite embarrassed as I told him my story to which he replied, “I’ll be right over to help you.” He and his 12 year old son, asleep in the back, came over and rescued us. I asked him if he would take us to the closest hotel so I could beg for a room. He loaded us up with a smile and took us to the Cannery. The Lord blessed us because they had a room available. We thanked the Bishop and we went in to bed. (Kathy tells me this is way too long so that is all you get.) ( I insisted he finish the story, so here it is.) But the miracles stilled happened because it was the only room they had left. It was a smoking room, which made me worry a little bit but when we got to the room, it had recently been remodeled and repainted. You could not even tell the room had ever been smoked in. New blankets and pillows. It was bliss. But wait, there is more, the miracles continued on. You know I am a God fearing person and I see miracles where others see luck and I know my Heavenly Father is aware of me and cares for me. The next morning (that is Sunday morning) I got a call on my telephone but we were so tired I chose not to get up and answer it. After we all got up, I noticed the caller had left a message on my telephone. I listed to it and to my surprise it was Bishop Ferre. He said that he was between PEC and Ward Council and wanted to check in on us and see if there was anything we needed. He also told me that dinner would be at 5:00 PM so just call him and he would come get my family. He said it so bluntly it was as if we were expected to have dinner with his. May the Lord bless Bishop Ferre for saving me both physically as well as emotionally. We sat around all day on Sunday and on Monday morning I decided to go out and try to see what was around. Would you know it but just across the street from the hotel was a National Car Rental place. I went and rented a car and drove back to the ghetto to talk to the mechanic. The mechanic said the transmission was gone and needed to be replaced. The cost was $2,200 and would take until Thursday or Friday. His exact quote was, “It’s a shame putting a $2,200 transmission into a $300 car.” I thought I might sell it to him and thumb home. I really thought it might be a good idea to sell it to a junk yard and take a rental car home but then I thought I cant afford another vehicle because I probably won’t find anything worth purchasing for only $2,200. I gave him permission to put the transmission in. Upon leaving the shop, I broke up three drug deals and a prostitution ring before driving back to the hotel. Did I remind you that we were on a limited, TIGHT budget to make the California trip work? Well Phooey on that!
When we got back to Utah and got things a little bit back to normal, about a month later, my truck broke down and before I could say, “Bob’s your uncle!” I had spent another $1,500 fixing that too. Funny thing happened however. The day I picked it up from the mechanic, I was driving down State Street and I turned into a Wendy’s to get a sandwich. When it was my turn at the ordering kiosk, just as I was about to give my order, a man came knocking on my driver’s side window. He said to me that I was blowing Diesel fuel from under my hood like crazy. My heart sank down to the bottom of my shoes. I felt terrible. I thanked him and pulled out of line and drove to the first available parking stall. I turned off my truck and prayed with a sad heart, “Father, now what am I supposed to do? Won’t you please help me?” Just then, someone tapped on the hood of my truck. I looked up and saw that same guy that told me I was blowing fuel out everywhere. He yelled, “Pop your hood!” (This actually means Ladies to pull the leaver and open the hood of the truck where the motor is located. That is where oil is poured by your husbands and your fathers in order to keep your cars running.) With a puzzled look on my face, I reached down and popped the hood latch. He quickly opened the hood. I sat there for about 30 seconds . . . . . . I guess I thought it was a drive through service department. I guess I was waiting for him to, “fill-er up with Petroleum Distillate and to re-vulcanize my tires post haste.” I got out of the truck and walked around to find that guy up on my bumper digging around in my engine. I said something like, “Stupid Truck. . .” and I was interrupted by him saying, “Start her up for me will you?” I walked back and turned the key to which he yelled. OK! OK! Turn it off! I walked back around to the front and said something like, “Hot day isn’t it . . . .?” To which I noticed that he was on his cell phone talking truck parts. It almost sounded like he had a random syllable generator and he was making up words like, “. . . . Well, it looks like the geraphole has broken loose from the haraplexator and the fuel is coming from the miohopher. I did know what he was talking about. Soon I heard him say to the guy on the cell phone, “Ok, I’ll see you in a minute. Later.” Then he hung up his phone and put it back into his pocket. I said something like, “how bout those Yankees.” He quickly said, "We’ll have this fixed in a jiffy." About one minute later, another car came roaring into the parking stall next to me and a really dirty mechanic jumped out and without saying a word, jumped up onto my bumper and started whispering with the other guy. After a few minutes of deliberation, they both jumped down and the dirty one said to me, “Can you see that garage down the street? That is my shop. Drive down there and I'll be right there behind you.” Like a cow called by Grandpa Cookie from across the pasture, I didn’t speak his language but knew this was too good to pass up so I didn’t ask questions, I just started running. When I arrived at the shop, I noticed a guy standing in the middle of the parking lot holding a cell phone and waiving at me. I didn’t know this guy from Adam but he was pointing at me and holding out his cell phone. I pulled over to him and without a word he handed me his cell phone and walked away. I timidly said, “Hello???” It was the first guy that jumped up in my engine to help me. He said, “What do you want?”
“Excuse me?”
“What do you want? I’m in line at Wendy’s and you were obviously stopping there to get lunch. What do you want to eat?”
WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? This guy that has made it his mission to make sure I am taken care of me is even willing to get me lunch? What is going on????
I told him that I was fine and had lost my appetite with my continued vehicle issues. He said that he would be right over. I went it the waiting room and started to think about how I was going to pay for this new repair. There was nobody in there. I spoke to no one. In about 10 minutes the dirty mechanic came around the corner and threw my keys to me and said, “There you go. Have a great day.” Then turned around and walked away. I hollered at him how much I owed him and he said he had that part no an old motor out back so he just attached it and there was no charge. Isn’t that just like the Lord? When you are down and out and you don’t think you can take anymore, he truly does open the windows of heaven.
January 30 at 7:00 PM the Doctor told us that Kathy was about to pop. He put her in the hospital and told me to go home until the next morning because he knew it was going to be a long process with her being older and it being her first natural birth. I came back about 8:00 in the morning to find Kathy doing P90X in the hallway of her room. Not really but she was still really active and not that much closer to having the baby. The DR then gave her this magic medicine that helps by torture and Kathy’s labor began. She was in some pain and being the understanding and loving husband, I sat at her bedside, looked into her beautiful and tender eyes, held her hand and said quietly to her in her ear, “I love you so much. I wish I could take this pain away from you and have me suffer through this torture. But I can’t and I don’t want to and I am glad it is you and not ME! But . . . . Good luck and push hard!” For about 10 hours Kathy was working there having good strong contractions but to no avail. Momma’s womb was too comfy! There were 6 others around Kathy's room that were also delivering babies that morning and you could see all of their vitals on the screen above Kathy’s bed. One by one the vitals got really large and erratic then straight lined, then taken off the screen. Soon only Kathy’s vitals were on the screen. All the other mothers had delivered and had left. Kathy’s doctor came in and sat down and said, “Well, we can go through another few hours or you can hold your baby in 30 minutes.” I yelled, “THE SECOND ONE!” and in a flash, I was in an operating room, holding my wife down in the position of the famous Roman Crucifixion pose. Then the Doctor and two nurses climbed up on Kathy and started to beat the living crap out of her. She was sliding back and forth on the table like she was being punished in the Salem witch trials. I peeked over once and saw the Grand Canyon in the middle of my wife’s belly with a little brown haired softball poking out. I woke up several hours later in a bed in the recovery room feeling dizzy and sweaty. No, not really. However, I was sure they were sawing her in half. Then all of the sudden, above the curtain, the doctor help up a . . . . a . . . . . a . . . . large, blood and white stuff covered. . . . . . lizard! “Here she is!” the Doctor proclaimed and our little Lauren was here. FROM THAT DAY ON, THE WORK REALLY BEGAN.
Kathy’s mother at this time was in full time care at a local hospital because her cancer was back with a vengeance. She could barely speak and mostly just stared at everyone. We took the new baby over to see her wherein she was able to hold her and talk to her. (The first words I had heard her say in weeks) She said in a voice like a whisper, “She weighs a ton.” And also, “She is so beautiful.” (Which she was after the Doctor and several good nurses had worked her magic on to remove the Lizard characteristics.)
About 3 weeks later, Kathy’s mother and very best friend in the whole world, met her mother and father in the world to come. She passed quietly and peacefully one morning with her two oldest sons by her side. This (insert swearword) earth life is sure tough sometimes. We feel so alone and weak. Today, as I finish this story, it is the 20th year anniversary of Brian’s passing. Never a day goes by that I don’t think of him. (Although it would be harder and I would miss him more if he wasn’t such a jerk sometimes) For a brief time in my career, I held the title of Cemetery Sexton which responsibilities included organizing, recording and digging graves for plot owners. I have personally dug 6 foot holes in the ground for people whom have passed away. Part of that job is to jump down in the whole, after the tractor has done all it can do, to use a shovel and square the hole and level the bottom. I must tell you, it is dark and cold and quiet down in the bottom of the graves. Several times when in the hole, I have noticed the sides of other vaults have been exposed and I can see where others were buried. Sometimes buried many, many years ago. I have been in a grave and have noticed vaults made of wood they are so old. Pioneers graves I have even looked at. I must tell all the simple fact that death is not the end. Do not fear. My mother in law, Brian, Renee, Grandpa Cookie, and others are not stuck under 6 feet of cold earth. Their body is there but the spirit is free. I really love my mother in law and I miss her terribly. I have known her since the 8th grade. It is tragic what that brain cancer does but, “Be not faithless, but believing. “ We are not consigned to a fate of a cold, dark box in the ground. We are spiritual beings and we will live forever.
Kirt and Jerry: We are healthy and well. Kirt still runs the Davis Arts Council in Layton and Jerry runs Plan-B Theatre Company in Salt Lake. They still live in their downtown loft in The Gateway District with their two dogs, Stanley and Stella, and two cats, Laverne and Shirley. Highlights this year include three trips to New York; a week on the beach in Laguna, CA; and various and sundry theatrical projects. Kirt would like to ask his parents to stop going to the hospital for a while.
Andrea and Jarom Echols: We are doing well and have had a pretty uneventful year. We have been very busy with our 5 kids and life in general. Jarom is still working 2 jobs and is the secretary in Elders. Though working his 2nd job is tiring, he enjoys getting to know the people around town, and everyone around town only has good things to say about him! I (Andrea) am keeping busy with the kids and home. This Summer has been even busier now that my mom and dad are gone and I have assumed responsibility for their yard and home. I am currently teaching Relief Society once a month and am also the Achievement Days leader. I have spent the year helping in the school as the Box Tops/Labels for Education coordinator. I thought it would be great until I realized that I was just going through other people’s garbage. I trimmed, counted, bagged and mailed over 20,000 box tops, and I only have one thing to say... thank goodness that's over!! After Emma spent the first 6 weeks of last summer with a broken arm, she is now going to spend the first 3 weeks of this summer on crutches. Emma is having surgery to fix her knock knees. She is both nervous and excited to get it done. She was on student council this year and also won 2nd place in the school spelling bee. She has participated in Tumbling, Soccer and Volleyball this year and is excited to be in 6th grade next year. Rachel turned 8 in January! She is the only girl in our ward who turns 8 this year so she got to sneak into achievement days a little early since her mom is in charge! She is really excited to go to Jeremiah Johnson day camp for the first time! She survived 2nd grade and somehow, so did we. She did great in tumbling and soccer, but is loving softball the most. Hannah went to Kindergarten this last year and with the help of a great teacher, did really well. She was always more interested in creating mischief than her ABC's so we are pleased with her progress. Hannah also had zero trips to the ER this year! Yay! Hannah has also done T-ball, soccer and tumbling. She is the tumbling queen in our house for sure! Lily drives her mom crazy every day, because the first thing she asks every morning is "where we going today?" followed by crying, because we are either not going where she wants to, or not going anywhere at all. For this reason, Lily is the first of her family to be signed up for pre-school. Now if we can just hold her off until fall. Lily finally turned the age this year where she could participate in soccer, T-ball and tumbling, just like her sisters, although she only goes for the treats at the end. Levi has done us the favor of meeting our deductible both last year and this. Last September he had surgery to fix his blocked tear duct (totally worth it). This year it was stitches and pneumonia. Thank you Levi! Now to spend the rest of the year thinking of any reason (Emma's surgery) to take advantage of our met deductible! Levi is the sweetest and cuddliest boy! We all agree we'd take 10 more just like him! He certainly was a most needed addition to our crazy family of girls!
Wayne (and RaNae):
Wayne is doing well. This August marks 7 years since Ranae passed. Wayne misses her terribly but knows she awaits him in the life to come. In the meantime he strives to live will so he can rejoin her. He is surrounded by his grandchildren regularly and loves it. At present he now has 27 grandchildren. They fill his life and help him remember the blessings he has. Another thing he is extremely grateful for is Trax; it has increased his mobility and independence. This year Wayne has found a new passion for food storage. He spends much of his efforts on making sure his family is prepared for eventualities that may occur in life. He feels strongly it is important to prepare for not only world climatic crisis, but possible personal crisis as well. His health is much the same as it has been, but he knows it is not as bad as some. He has learned well to cope with difficulties in his health and knows he can be happy despite his trials. He says his obsession with firearms continues “to the dismay of my children, but they love me anyway. On a side note I took a trip to Disneyland this year with Julie and her family, and definitely had my fill of the Magic Kingdom. I recommend Gettysburg instead.” Overall, he is good, he has adopted a new motto, and wants all to know that no matter how bad things get, it will never be as bad as Gethsemane. So hold your head high and take solace in that knowledge.
Amy and Frank Rasmussen: We are getting by. As you already know the last couple years have trying ones. Amy’s health has been a constant trail. Amy had to have surgery on her hip once more, and is still battling some other health concerns. Recently, though, doctors have diagnosed her with MS. Although that was a difficult thing to hear for her she found comfort in it because now there is a name for her problems. Knowing is half the battle. She is determined to remain positive in her new struggles. Frank is supportive of Amy. He is very patient and spends much of his time ensuring Amy’s needs are met. Cody is now 18 he has had some rough years and faced many struggles, but he is now working toward getting his GED and we are all proud of him for moving forward with his life. Zach is now 13 and is very active with his deacons group. He loves spending time with his friends, and is of great help around the house. He makes sure to care for Wyatt in all of his daily activities. He is a great example of what a big brother can be. Wyatt is three--Wow where does the time go? He has finally decided Grandpa Bateman is not so scary. He on the go all the time and you can always find him if you follow his path of destruction. He keeps Amy and Frank on their toes to be sure.
Julie and Jeff Robinson: They are enjoying life. Their kids are growing fast, and they are trying to keep up. Brittney has now completed her Jr. year of high school, and to their dismay, she has found she likes boys and dating. She has a summer job working for a party company that rents out the inflatable jump houses. Sydney has moved past fifth grade and is now 11. She is becoming quite the young lady. She is heavily into taking on the role of supervisor over everyone and every project including Grandpa. Grandpa suspects that she is destined to be Speaker of the House one day; Julie and Jeff suspect president, knowing she will be happy with nothing less. At least as president she would be the ultimate supervisor. Tommy made it through first grade easily; he loves to learn. He is curious about a great many things and keeps everyone busy with his questions. His life isn’t as complicated as his older sisters’, and he has decided they are a little crazy, although, he loves them anyway, and loves to be with them to their regular dismay. Julie still works two jobs--at Joes Crab shack and the Olive Garden. She has also taken up selling Paparazzi Jewelry and loves that. She is crazy busy, or just crazy--the jury is still out. Jeff has taken the summer off from school and is actively seeking summer employment. The two of them together spend all their extra efforts on helping Wayne. They not only help care for him, they are also helping him redo and update his home. The kitchen was finished last year and now they are looking into expanding and building a dining area for the family to gather in. They spent long hours laboring over the back yard and have created a great place for everyone, including the addition of a hot tub for Wayne that the grandkids love! All of the family loves what they have done. Julie’s whole family is focusing on spending more time together these days. As the kids get older and busier they feel the need even more. Julie and Jeff have now adopted and realized the importance of setting aside that one special day a week to spend as a family. They took another trip to California as well and enjoyed every minute of it. Julie feels time is precious and want to savor the moments.
Josh and Shalece Bateman: Josh still remains out of contact, though we have confirmation they do live in Northern Utah. We miss them and the girls terribly. Alexis, would be 13, and Serenity 10. We continue pray for them, and hope things will work out sooner than later. (report by Camille)
Camille and Dustin Haight: Our family is still doing well. The kids are moving right along and growing faster than any of us would like. Kalie has taken up the violin and loves it. She also participates in the community theater. Her recent performance was in The Little Princess. However, according to her the most exciting thing to happen to her this year was getting out of primary and moving up in the world to Young Women’s. Cassidy is nine now and is a very busy kid--she loves soccer and has become a top keeper (goalie). Despite breaking an arm to stop a ball, she swears she will be as good as Hope Solo one day. When asked if she was worried about breaking it again, she replied, “That’s what happens in sports, you have to be tough.” She also loves video games and math. The perfect combination for her was the creation of the game first in math. Emily, who is almost six, is still the little mother of the family. After completing kindergarten she feels she officially knows everything. Still, she is a very loving kid and honestly, the best one at doing her chores. She is excited for first grade, still hates putting her face in the water, and has decided she wants to try dance. Aspen, now two and a half, has officially learned how to make demands, to which Kalie quickly complies. We are still working on the pushing in nursery; she is kind of a brute, but cute enough to get away with it from time to time. Her hobbies include driving mom crazy, giving lots of hugs and kisses, and making a mess in the playroom. As for the parents of this family, well we are getting along. Our lives feel a bit busy these days, but having a 12 year old to babysit gives us time to go on long overdue dates. We are both serving as ward missionaries and co-teach the Gospel Principles class. Dustin officially obtained his associates degree and has now moved forward to obtain his BA at University of Phoenix. In the meantime, he is still trying to get promoted, but our reluctance to move again lessens the availability of manager positions. For now we have decided to enjoy what we have and wait it out. As for Camille, well the most exciting thing I can announce is that my fist book will be released early fall. The title, The Mark of Hope, will be available for all of you. The publishing company loves the second book as well, and wants to publish the whole trilogy at this point. Also, because I am working toward my BA in communications and digital publishing, I been taken on as an intern with this publishing company to help with the marketing of Utah authors they take on. All in all we are pretty blessed. Of course, like many of you, we struggle with current gas prices, difficult politics, and keeping our heads above water in our current economy, but we are very happy.
Chad Bateman: Chad is now engaged. He has found love again with a wonderful woman named Angie Larsen. Angie has a little girl of her own; her name is Lexi. All of the family is happy for Chad and Angie. Ironically, Angie lives across the street from Wayne. This is a great thing because Chad’s boys love to spend their time with Grandpa and Aunt Julie. Angie works for Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Chad is working for Claco, helping create 3d and 2d theaters. He has to travel some with this job, but luckily Julie is willing to help him with the boys. Chad now has full custody of the three boys, and tries hard to be a good dad for not only them, but for little Lexi too. Now, as for the kids, Corbin is now moving to 4th grade and is a happy nine-year-old. Corbin loves his time with Grandpa and comes over to see him whenever he can. Lexi is eight years old, and will be starting 3rd grade in August. Lexi loves to dance, and participates in this activity regularly. She is adjusting to having brothers all around her. Carson is a happy and wild six-year-old with a love for Tom and Jerry cartoons. If the TV is off he spends his time jumping on the trampoline. He is giving his best efforts to wear it out thoroughly. Grandpa has decided Conner needs a new name. He is thinking his name should be El Destructo. He is constantly into everything, and despises the word “No,” although he loves the word “chocolate.” He is three now, and a very busy three at that. We love him though, and he can always make you laugh. For the most part Chad is good, of course there are struggles along the way, but he is happy and so is his new family.
Melissa and Robert Christensen: We are doing great, but have had a year full of ups and downs. This is the ride called life and we are going to ride it as long as we can.
Robert finished his associates degree the end of last year and is well on his way to finishing up his bachelor’s degree early next year. We couldn't be more excited for him to finish school. He is still at San Seagal, but they just declared bankruptcy so he is on the hunt to find something new before they close the doors. We have faith that everything will be fine and work out for the best. Robert has always worked so hard to make sure we have everything we need. We wouldn't be able to do anything without him.
I (Melissa) am doing a little bit of everything to keep busy. First and foremost, taking care of the kids, which is a full time job. My kids are my life and they make sure I know they are truly in charge by keeping me on my toes. They are so much fun and only have one downfall, they are getting too big way too fast. I love my kids and have more fun with them then I could have ever expected. I am also PTA President for Grayson's school for the 5th year in a row. It is a lot of work but so worth it. I love being able to have an active role in Grayson's education. I also take an active role in the Autism Council of Utah to help with fundraising and legislation. Just to top everything off I started a new job working for the Utah Parent Center from home. I may be busy, but truly love helping other families navigate through an autism diagnosis. If I have any extra time I still make and sell bows and clothes.
Grayson (9) has made so many strides this year I don't even know where to start. He is in Cub Scouts and loves it. Sometimes the activities get a little overwhelming, but he is able to ask for a break so he can get some space and calm down. He has learned to calm himself down in most situations now and only gets overwhelmed on very rare occasions. He will be attending The Pingree School again next year for 4th grade, and we are so glad we have a school like it available to us. Video games are still his passion and he has mastered things you wouldn't even think possible (like playing 4 players on the Wii at once--he just stacks controllers). Grayson is such an amazing brother and makes sure to play with his sister every chance he gets. The kids are absolutely inseparable.
Alyia (2) is truly a princess and knows it. She even thinks pants are something only boys wear. I am pretty sure she changes her outfit 12 times a day--every diva knows they can't be seen in the same outfit twice. Nail polish, jewelry, fluffy skirts and hair accessories are all must haves at our house. She is super social and makes friends everywhere we go. Her very best friends are Natalie's girls. The 3 girls get together and can play for hours. She is so lucky to have cousins so close to her. She is a little mommy and thinks everyone needs to be mothered. Grayson is the target for most of this affection. Luckly he is nice enough to put up with almost anything she does to him. My very favorite thing to do is just watch them play. If you want to keep in touch you can always find me on Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/melissa.christensen.90
Nathan Bateman and Malisa: Nathan and his girlfriend, Malisa, are still engaged. They are planning to get married in August this year. They now live South Jordan, and Nathan works for Home Depot in Riverton. Malisa works for Burlington Coat factory in Murray. They have two dogs and, by Nathan’s accounting, one of them, Kenya, is psychotic, and the other, Desmond, is super active. They spend their extra time together and with their dogs. Nathan makes an effort to visit his dad whenever he can, and Wayne is glad his kids love to come by. Overall they are very happy, and we are happy for them.
Natalie and Brett Loveland: A lot of things have happened in the last year for our family. Our oldest daughter Brynlee turned two in November, and is so eager to learn. She was potty-trained by 23 months and talks better than most 3 year olds. Our second daughter Quinn turned one in January, and loves to make people laugh. She is the same size as her two year old sister, and determined that she can do anything Brynlee can do. We also welcomed a third daughter, Cambree into our family on March 17th. She spent a week in the NICU because she had fluid in her lungs. Despite her rough start, Cambree is a fighter and fits perfect into our family! Brett got an awesome new job at Rio Tinto (most people know it better as Kennecott Utah Copper) and he loves it there! As for me, I’m still a stay at home mom, and I keep myself busy keeping up with three kids under two and a half. I love being a mom and being able to stay home and raise our beautiful girls. We are in the process of buying a house and plan to close on it on June 28th. We are so excited to make this house into our home! Overall, 2012 has been a great year for us, and we can’t wait to see what else the year has in store.
Brenda and Gary
2010 summary:
Brenda: retired, cleaning house, some gardening, fulfilling Church assignments.
Gary: not retired, fixing broken things, 11-year-old scouts, building woodshop.
2011 summary:
Brenda: retired, cleaning house, some gardening, fulfilling Church assignments.
Gary: not retired, fixing more broken things, 12-14 year-old scouts, finished woodshop.
2012 summary:
Brenda: Ditto.
Gary: Ditto
Jennifer and Randall Cheney: We thought this was our last year in Japan and had planned to come home in June. But less than two months before our anticipated return, Randall's boss asked him to stay for an additional 1-2 years. It was a big surprise because Air Force civilians are not usually allowed to stay overseas for more than five years at a time. We're planning to spend the summer in Utah though, and are super excited for the visit! Randall loves his work with the Air Force, where he repairs F-15 and F-16 radar and missile control systems. He ran his first half-marathon this spring on one of Okinawa's outer islands. I (Jennifer) have been teaching English at a Japanese hospital twice a month, working in the Relief Society and running (until I ripped my hamstring muscle two months ago...still healing!). Madison is a straight-A sophomore, runs on the track and cross-country teams, and plays the violin. She spent a week in Korea at a language conference this spring and loves her Japanese classes! She attended EFY in Tokyo with a bunch of American and Japanese kids, and had a blast! Jacob is in 8th grade, swims on his school swim team, and serves as the webmaster for his school's chapter of National Junior Honor Society. Jonathan is learning to play a Japanese string instrument called a sanshin, earned his Arrow of Light in scouts, and is a 5th grade honor student. He swims at a Japanese swim school, and was a member of a youth running team earlier this year. Levi has had a great year in 1st grade. He had fun in a Japanese taiko drum club, and competed on his school's soroban (abacus) team. Our family had a great vacation in Mainland Japan last summer, where we climbed Mt. Fuji, backpacked in the Chuo Alps, worked with the Church's Helping Hands in the area hit by the tsunami, and explored Tokyo. It was lots of fun, but we're anticipating that this summer, home with our family, will be even better!
Holly and Lee Woolsey: Life is pretty good for us in Richfield, Utah. We (Lee, Holly, Nathan and Abbie) just got back from a Handcart Trek at Martin's Cove. It was so amazing! This summer we also have Girls Camp, Football Camp, Basketball Camp, Swim Team and Jeppson Cousin Camp to look forward to. We have already done a little camping, kayaking, and fishing this spring. Nathan (15 yrs. old) just finished his Eagle Scout Project that has been stretched out over 2 years’ time. It's a public Archery Range in the foothills west of Richfield. Abbie (12) has figured out how Facebook works so she is our online informant for friends and family. Nick (10) is going to get his Hunter's Safety License this summer along with his ATV license. Luke (5) just had a birthday and his wishes were granted as we had a party on a neighbor’s farm and he received cowboy boots for his gift! Lee and I spend our time providing for our family and maintaining a home and yard. We have fun serving in the ward, enjoying evenings in the backyard with kids or friends and once in a while sneaking away for a hike or little 4 Wheeler ride.
Christopher and Allyson Jeppson: 2012 in Review for Chris Jeppson Family. “Long Years and Fast Days” is the title of one of my recent favorite songs discovered on Pandora. It seems to summarize the essence of our lives these days. Life is busy. Each day’s end finds my wife and I exhausted, collapsed and contemplating how long the day felt with all its tasks and challenges and fun activities, yet we wonder how we suddenly ended up with a three young men in place of our little boys. We’ve had a wonderful, eventful and astonishingly short year filled with monotonously tedious accomplishments.
Allyson and I both finished our degrees and graduated from USU. We both “walked” together in the audience of our three boys cheering for us in the stands. It was so much fun to think of the impression made upon their young minds. Our boys are growing up to be respectable, honorable, healthy young men. Each day, we express our gratitude to Heavenly Father for this, the greatest of blessings.
Our family has enjoyed trips to San Francisco and Disneyland. We’ve added a new dog to our family. Aspen is a Great Dane-Giant Mastiff mix. We’re looking for a saddle maker to contract with to explore an environmentally friendly way of commuting around town for our family. She’s going to be BIG! Still enjoying Stella, our Ball Python who quickly outgrew her 30 gallon tank and now is enjoying her new 80 gallon home. We still haven’t tired of watching her eat her semi-weekly rat.
We count our blessings every day and recognize God’s hand in our lives which we feel is the secret to our happiness.
Brad and Myrissa Jeppson: Noteworthy happenings in the Brad Jeppson family: Logan wrapped up his 7th grade year and did very well. He built a go-cart and designed a foot brake to estimate friction coefficients of several different materials and won a first place ribbon in the science fair. Gabriel finished 6th grade with flying colors. He spoke about missionary work in stake conference and went on a school trip to Catalina Island where he snorkeled and studied marine life. Addison will be going into 4th grade. He is excelling in scouts as a Bear. He played soccer and is hoping to play football this fall. He loves to sing and can memorize almost any tune. Tanner will be in 2nd grade. Myrissa and I gave him the "most creative speller" award for his ability to spell the same word 100 different ways, never the same, never how the dictionary has it. He can jump into the splits and is in gymnastics this summer. He is also a great artist.
Myrissa has been attending ASU for the last year studying theater for youth and has one year to finish her BA. She will then get a teaching certificate. She has been in several plays with challenging and leading roles and played each part beautifully.
I am still working hard to support my kids' habit of eating three times a day and wanting to go to school in more than underwear. I suggested to their teachers that it was too hot most of the year for anything more than underwear, but apparently, they are in on the conspiracy. I wonder if they realize they've totally been hoodwinked...Well I'm not falling for it! I got a relatively positive response when I started "underwear day" at the office, however I am still the only one who participates. Oh well, all great ideas take a while to catch on. At least one good thing has come of it: they tinted my office windows really dark (apparently to keep it cool). I wonder if they meant to tint them so dark that you can't see inside...
Neal and Lori Jeppson: The Neal Jeppson family has settled in nicely in San Angelo. We absolutely love our home. We like the weather. And the scenery, well.... we tolerate it. Meg is finishing 1st grade and loves to invent things. Kate starts kindergarten in the fall and changes her "outfits" at least 6 times a day. Avery is our tornado. She is the happiest darn thing you have ever seen. But she is exhausting! Sometimes we all just stand back and watch. I, Lori, am crazy in love with my gym membership. I go to different classes and the child care is awesome! Neal has recently started Frisbee Golf with the students he teaches, and loves it. We are happy with our little life and owe everything to the Lord.
Diana and Ralph
Ralph and Diana are healthy, happy, and aging! What can I say about our lives? Our lives make boring writing. Ralph is still working at the church print center, where he is very successful and where, Brent has indicated, the pay is high. He is serving on the Stake High Council, which, except for having to speak in Sacrament Meeting, he likes. Diana is still teaching theater and reading at Brockbank Junior High, where again, the pay is overwhelming. Diana is teaching Primary and really loves the calling that is much less stressful than some of her past callings. Ralph can often be found at one of our children’s homes working on one of their home improvement projects, but we have completed two rooms in our house in the last couple of years (sewing room and office) and brought them more up to date in looks and functionality, to say nothing of just getting rid of a ton of junk out of them. This year we plan to do the family bathroom and that will be the last squeaky floor in our house. Hallelujah! That means every room in the upstairs has been redone, now, so we are not too old fashioned. We have traveled a little…we took a wonderful car trip last fall to Oregon and points in between, and this year we are going to take a cruise up the Inside Passage to Alaska, which has been a dream for a number of years. We are leaving at 5:00 in the morning the day after the party on the 7th. We took the whole family to a cabin in Hobble Creek Canyon last week for 5 days and played together and had a wonderful time. Our family would like to figure out how to resurrect the trips to Flaming Gorge that are such sweet memories for all of us. (On a note here, Mark bought a trailer to take his kids out in, and while we were in Hobble Creek he mentioned to me that he has purchased a notebook to record their and our vacations as I did for us when we were all much younger. It is interesting to look back at that record and remember.) One more little thing. I won an award from the Granite District Education Foundation. It came with a big night out, our pictures in the newspaper, and a bit of money and a couple of other gifts. It is actually a fairly significant award. Ralph and I are fine, and feel blessed to have our growing and wonderful family close, the gospel the center of our lives, and our health.
Anne and Mike Sampson: How boring can a family be? No additions to the family, no pending home sale, no job changes, no marriages, graduations or missions, no new technology (touch screens? Bah!), and absolutely no indication we'll ever be released from our callings. Oops! Did I let that slip?
Actually, Mike and I both feel very grateful to be able to serve in our callings as Elder's Quorum President and Primary President, but they do require lots of time and creativity, especially every other Sunday when we both have to be at Ward Council! In between meetings, lessons, and visits, however, Mike has found time to do a couple of triathlons, help Daniel with his Pinewood Derby car, paint the TV room, type a year's worth of Ralph's mission letters, and make the kids' lunches every night. Anne has found time to edit the mission letters Mike typed, wash the windows (inside and out!), tape the TV room so Mike could paint it, volunteer in the kids' classrooms each week, and testify in court. We recently celebrated our 11th anniversary with a trip out east to Charleston, South Carolina to see Fort Sumter, kayak in Shem Creek, and visit a couple of plantations. (Some people go all out for their 10th, but we like to be wild and crazy every once in a while.)
Each of our kids continues to surprise and delight (and sometimes frustrate) us. Daniel is nine years old and getting so capable and grown up. This year we discovered, though, that he is determined never to do a poster, paragraph, or paper when he could piece a quilt, mold 39 skulls, or build a moving diorama. Why make a book report easy? Jonathan is seven and our tender-heart. He's got an entrepreneurial spirit, though, folding hundreds of paper boats and convincing his mom to let him sell them on Ebay. He loves the feeling of money slipping through his fingers. Ella, our 5-year old, having completed the 1st and 3rd grades with her brothers, is about to head off to kindergarten, where, hopefully, she won't be able to get by on her looks! She's got an active imagination and happily plays by herself or with her friends for hours without a problem. The most exciting thing to happen to the kids this past year was a trip to San Diego where they got to see the ocean for the first time and visit all kinds of sites, an amusement park, and museums.
Mark and Jessica Parker: It has been a very busy year for our household. Kaitlyn and Braxton turned 9 in May and just finished the 3rd grade. Kaitlyn loves to draw and loves animals, especially horses. A few months ago she had an activity days that focused on getting ready to be a babysitter. She loves kids and is anxiously awaiting the time when she will be old enough to be asked to babysit more than just her nephews. She keeps her "babysitting kit" next to her bed just in case an emergency babysitting gig was to become available.
Braxton just started his second year of cub scouts and really enjoys being able to have a night out playing with a group of boys. He and Logan are having a blast attending Cub Country, and are pushing the bounds on how much dust can be carried in a single outfit at once.
Logan had the busiest year of all since he turned 8 this past December. He got baptized, and started scouts. He was also the top of his class for second grade and got accepted into the gifted and talented class for next year. He is desperate to get on the riding mower and mow the lawn (thanks, Grandpa...). He only hit the trampoline once.
Hunter just finished 1st grade and is our total boy. He loves catching things like snakes and frogs and playing with them to death. We are not looking forward to the day he gets the bright idea to bring them in the house. The cat is definitely NOT up to dealing with those sorts of intruders.
Erick and Colin both just finished preschool and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. They are both very inquisitive into everything, but in different ways. Erick likes to try everything out and see how things work. He loves to build things with his Legos.
Colin is the king of questions. If there is a question to be asked, you can be sure he will ask it, even when he knows the answer. He is such a bright little boy even if some days he does drive us insane. He will also NOT stop singing. If he can't think of a song, he'll make one up on the spot.
Zach is two and a half now and growing like a weed. He loves playing with all of his brothers and sister (except when they drag him around like a toy cat), and is always ready to try anything he sees any of them doing.
The two of us are always busy as well. Mark is constantly being assigned new projects (our house will be a live in construction zone for at least the next 5 years). Some days it feels like we will never get everything done, but it all just takes time. Jessica spent this last whole school year driving the oldest 6 kids to and from 4 different schools. It took up most of the morning every day, and she especially is very grateful they will all be in the same school next year. The biggest news of all is that we are expecting our 8th child this August, and luckily for us it is a little girl. She will round out our family a tiny bit, and Kaitlyn, especially, is thrilled to be getting a little sister. We are thrilled and excited and terrified all at the same time.
Michael and Robyn Parker: This year we've been trying to grow our family and have met only with frustration. Despite religious cycle tracking, Metformin, Clomid, and other rigorously scheduled activities involving ancient Chinese calendars, we have not managed to produce any more offspring. By offspring, I mean a daughter, as that is the only type I am permitted to make at this point (2 boys are enough, says Robyn). Anyhow, if not in numbers, our family has still grown, Matt and Ethan in height, and Robyn and I have grown in other ... figurative ... dimensions.
We potty trained Matt for the second time, finally. Hopefully, it will stick this time. I think he finally caved in and started cooperating due a significant increase in general satisfaction with his life. This stemmed from the acquisition of a blue rubber duck wearing a red cape from Walmart for $1.00. Matt calls it his Captain America duck (if only ducks could hold shields). And no, rubber ducks are NOT just bath toys!
Ethan finished his first year of preschool (we'll send him to another before he starts kindergarten), and he seemed to do well. He had always flat-out refused to sing, but after a year in preschool, he does actually sing along to some songs (for better or worse).
Robyn works like crazy doing hair and nails, in fact, a bunch of you have made use of her services. Paul and Elisa come over for dinner with us every time their family needs haircuts and we really enjoy that. Natalie and Melissa have been over a number of times too. In addition to her cosmetology, being a crossing guard and willingly playing with every kid that stops by, Robyn works like crazy on our house. We refinished all of our kitchen cabinets and it worked out beautifully. We added molding and bead-board and moved some of them up and out so there are tiers. She's really into Pinterest, which is a tremendous source for great ideas that you have no time for. Check it out.
I left Discovery Research Group this year, and now I'm working (programming) for a company called Browz in Draper. The commute was pretty long and my car was on its last leg anyway, so I bought a new (to me) car. I thought a piece of me died when I let Robyn convince me to get a minivan over an SUV a few years back, and this was confirmed when I ended up with a 1.4 liter 4 cylinder Hyundai Elantra hatchback. I have just given up the idea of having pride in my car. It's gone. Robyn and I both continue to work on our financial responsibility. We've made amazing strides. We're pretty proud of how well we've controlled our spending and then used any surplus responsibly. We feel like if we had won the lottery 2 years ago, we'd be broke by now, but if we were to win it this year (someone else would have to buy us the tickets, of course) we would have the self-control to make wise long-term choices.
Sara and Dustin Marcrum: This year we tried out the whole "revolving door" at the parents’ house idea. We spent just over half the year living in Ralph and Diana's basement. It all started when our house in Magna sold so quickly that we weren't quite ready with a new place to go. I know, two and a half years just wasn't enough time to prepare! In late October we moved to my parents' with a firm belief that we would be in our own place in time to celebrate Christmas. Well, blue toilets and pink bathtubs, as well as a carpeted kitchen and velvet wallpaper got in the way of those plans. We ended up purchasing (at a GREAT price) the home of a widow in Diana's neighborhood that had passed away. At closing in January the estate kicked us back a few thousand dollars, per our agreement, and we started in on the renovations. Now, in June, the house is an entirely new entity. We are so happy with the results and grateful to all our family that pitched in, especially Ralph who spent every evening and weekend laying tile, mudding sheetrock, cutting moldings and more. We are all dead TIRED!! But, Dustin and I have an appreciation for our home that we never would have gained without all that effort. In other news, somewhere in that seven month process, I became pregnant with my third boy whom we will be expecting on July 25th at 6:00 a.m. I will paint a quick picture of our other two boys. Parker is five, and looking forward to kindergarten. If he were an animal I would compare him to a new puppy; excited, loving, social, not always well behaved, but eager/willing to please. Austin is two, and is looking forward to the next long sharp object he can use for a sword. If Austin were an animal he would be a cat; independent, and relatively low maintenance, but not about to do anything except that which pleases himself. Dustin is just now wrapping up his first big project at IMFT in Lehi, since his promotion to project manager for Murata Machinery. And Sara is just wrapping up her swollen feet and aching legs, counting down the weeks till delivery. Our family is healthy and happy, and we feel blessed to be able to report that for another year.
Lynn and Gail
We are busy as ever trying to keep everything rolling. Lynn is still the Branch President for the Singles Branch in Nephi and that keeps us both running. We love serving there and have the best Presidency ever. We have the most spiritual Sunday meetings. The youth give many of the talks and teach all of the lessons. Imagine Sacrament meeting with no babies crying, no kids fighting, and no one running in and out of the chapel. We meet in the Seminary Building, which means that we don’t have to share the building with anyone else. We pretty much fill it up during the summer months (usually around 100 people), and in the winter we have averaged about 45 each week. The kids keep us moving, no time to get old. We have the block on Sunday at 11:00, Branch Prayer every Sunday at 8:00 pm, and Family Home Evening every Monday night. We play every kind of sport, even some made up ones. Last Monday we went to Buriston Ponds where there are some rope swings and the kids would climb trees and swing out into the pond. Others were rowing around in small boats and having a ball. As adults, we have found it wise to watch and not try to act like one of them. We were slow learners at first and sustained several injuries. Slow Learners! Along with the activities, we add in Temple trips, weddings, special performances, etc. in our spare time. Needless to say, our yard is not in the best shape. It will have to wait until we are released to get the attention that it needs. Lynn is, also, still the fire chief in Levan. He still has been unable to talk anyone else into training and taking over. He may be there for a long time to come. I can see it all now, the fire truck pulls up and this old man with a cane crawls out. Gives you all kinds of confidence in the fire department doesn’t it? Gail is still working at Juab Title and has just passed the test to be an Escrow Officer. It only took 6 years to get enough courage to test. We love spending time with our children and grandchildren whenever possible, and love life in Levan. We have been blessed by our Heavenly Father and thank him every day for all that we have and for each of you.
Amanda and Jason Mecham: We are still living in Provo...life continues about the same for us. Jason is still self-employed, and currently doing maintenance for a general contractor and flipping apartments. I am still working for Lowe's in Orem at the contractor desk and working nights with Jason on flipping apartments. We both hold callings in our ward: Jason is Facilities Coordinator and I am Personal Progress Advisor for the Young Women. Greg is now 16 and in summer school this month to make up the few grades that he is behind from the school year. This isn't all bad, as he's made new friends and seems to be enjoying it ok. As he had been sporting this really shaggy hair and for Mother’s Day, I simply informed him it would be nice to be able to see his eyes and ears again... The next week he walked to the mall and came back sporting a mullet! What can I say? He met my requirements! Monica is blooming into a beautiful and smart young women with a wonderful work ethic and fiery temper when she sees someone get picked on. She is in the YW class presidency, and is running cross country this summer with the high school team. She is so excited to start high school this fall! At 15 she seems like she is ready to take on the world. Jeff is now 13 and is incredibly creative! I can't keep craft supplies in the house! He is always inventing SOMETHING. He is my bookworm too. He is so smart and doing so well in school...I have now doubt that one day he'll make his million off something dumb like a pet rock! He is the Deacon’s Quorum president as well. Then there is Ruthanne...she is 6. Need I say more? She passed her kindergarten test with 100%. But we have to remind her to stop talking to eat her dinner. She thinks she is just as big as the rest of the kids. She is still pretty little for her age though.
I guess the only other news is that Jason and I are going to be sealed in the Mt Timpanogos Temple on June 26 (our 3 year anniversary).
Lori Bateman Bird: All is going well in our family. Paige just finished kindergarten, and is doing very well at learning to read. She has had a fun year, as she just returned from a cruise to Mexico she went on with her dad. Her hair is longer than ever, as much as she needs to cut it, Sierra thinks she should wait so she can be Rupunzel for Halloween. Sierra just finished sixth grade, and is looking forward to middle school..... wish I was also looking forward to it, as she always seems to have boys after her. She recently performed the national anthem for her school talent show and did an AMAZING job. Her voice is very beautiful, and she can definitely carry a tune! Adam has finished Job Corp, with a certificate in masonry. Interestingly enough, he is currently working as a plumber's apprentice and doing well at that. He just turned 18 in March, and almost looks like a man. I (Lori) am now working at Diamond Rental's Party store. It has been lots of fun helping people with party and wedding planning. My two girls both learned to snowboard this winter and are looking forward for the snow again, as am I. We have been busy having fun in the sun, too. We have been to the sand dunes several times this spring, and the girls love riding four wheelers. We are all doing well, and send our best to everyone! I love you all.
Kay and Ryan Pettit: Ryan and Kay have made it through another year in Levan, but just barely! Ryan has been working really hard at his 2 or 3 or 4 jobs, depending on the day, and although we really love how he provides for our family, we really wish that we got to spend more time with him. The two of us have been serving as Wolf Cub Scout Leaders for just over a year now, and it has been an adventure spending time with all of those 8 year old boys! I am still at home with my kids, learning patience, tolerance, and unconditional love! Trying to teach my kids how to love each other and treat others with respect. You gotta love pre-pubescent boys!
Branden is almost 12 and has finally caught up with me in height. His shoes are a constant safety hazard, as I am always tripping over them. He just finished 5th grade, and tested really high. His teacher really enjoyed bragging about all of his accomplishments to the other teachers in the school. He carried around one of Branden's essays (which was written about me!) showing all of the other teachers how well one of his students did with his writing. It made us so proud! He is now in the 11 year old scouts, and is doing really well. He is super excited to start going to Young Men’s in September. He is also a really good helper with the little people in our house. Keira and Tyson love him so much and we are grateful that he is so willing to help mom out, with dad gone so much.
Jace--what a Bateman that kid turned out to be! He is the most stubborn kid I ever met! He just (barely) finished 4th grade and has learned how to be a master manipulator and a liar. He earned himself homework everyday this summer by lying about doing it through the entire school year. What a mean mom I turned out to be! Despite all of that, I love him so much I can hardly stand it. He also takes his turns helping with the younger kids, and I am sure that one day he will grow up to be an honest and hard-working young man. He is so loving and sweet when he forgets that he's trying to be tough. Even without handing in all of his work at school, he did excellent on all of his tests. My boys continue to test above their class averages, and most of the time even above the national averages. They really do make us proud.
Ashton had a rough start to the year, but with some help, has really turned things around. He is such a sweet boy, and is always trying to share his things. He loves to cuddle, and sometimes even to the point that mom has claustrophobia issues! He was baptized in January, and was really excited to become a member of the church. He always makes me so proud when he gets up on fast Sunday and bears his testimony. He has such a wonderful spirit, and I love having him in our home. He is such a constant mover, that we get tired just watching him. He has a great imagination, and tells all sorts of crazy "what if" stories!
Gabriel would have turned 6 in Feb., and as of May he has been gone for 5 years. I don't know why, but this year has been especially hard for me. It has been really hard watching all of the 6 year olds in kindergarten knowing that I should have had a son there too. The other kids are always talking about "when Jesus comes back and he lets Gabriel come back too...." We are just crossing our fingers that it will be sooner rather than later. I'm ready. Tomorrow is ok with me. I am so grateful to have the support and love of our families though, and loved the note that Sara sent. Thanks Sara for thinking of us!
Keira is going to be 4 in August, and is the epitome of girl! Everything needs to be pink. She loves to dress up and look beautiful, and she also loves playing with "brothers." No point in naming each one of them, she just lumps them all into one! Luckily, they all love her just as much, and they usually play along. I frequently find one or more of them helping her make plastic dinner for me. My favorite is the pizza with a lettuce. Yum! Who knew that I had such culinary genius at my home! Keira has such a fun personality, and we are so blessed to have her in our family.
Tyson turned one in March, and as of last week, out-lived Gabriel. I kind of hold my breath waiting to make sure that they will make it passed that 15 month point. He is such a funny boy, and has giant dimples that melt our hearts! He loves being social and has decided that he is a big boy and can do anything that his big brothers can do, even if he really can't! At 15 months, he has already learned all of the words that he needs to know in order to get by as a toddler in this crazy world.... mom, cracker, and dinner! Despite being a super friendly kid, he is very stingy with his open mouthed baby kisses, and they are really something to brag about getting at our house. All of the kids love Tyson and are great helpers whenever mom asks!
It's a crazy life, but so good! We love you all, and I for one, am really glad that I can keep up with most of you on Facebook. It has been really great getting to know everyone better!
Paul and Elisa Bateman: It’s been an eventful year for Paul and Elisa. Zach was in 1st grade this year, so he was in school all day. Elisa didn’t know what to do with herself, so we took on a few more kids (she babysits for a couple of close relations). We’ve also filled the time by looking for a new house! We hope to be in this summer. It’s super exciting, but nerve-wracking to say the least, since it will be our first time. That also speaks to how well things are going for us on the job front. Paul is still loving his job at Millennial Vision, making decent money, and is traveling much less than he did at L-3, which gives him more time to spend with Elisa and the kids. It’s a better situation all-around. Elisa has kept our home functioning with her amazing precision, Emily continues to amaze us with her spirit and intelligence, and Zach (despite driving us crazy half the time) is learning and growing at an astonishing rate. All-in-all, a successful and happy year.
Rebecca and McKell Dalton: Not much has happened this year. McKell is still working at Wheeler Machining and just the past couple of months hasn't been going out of town which is good and bad because the field pay is sooooo much better when he goes out. He is currently trying to get on with Kennecott and we are hoping and praying that he will. I am busy with kids, my business and I have gone back to work at Marv Jensen a couple days a week. My business hasn't been the best thanks to the economy; however I have been doing a lot of graphic design which I love. I am also looking into going back to school to get a degree in graphic design to improve my skills. Caleb is going to be 8 next month and is doing well in school. He finally found a sport that he absolutely loves and excels in which is wrestling. He joined a group the last 6 weeks of the season and won several competitions. Conner is 4 and is wild as ever and drives me nuts saying "mom" constantly. He even says it in his sleep because it is such a habit. He has 1 more year of preschool and then he will finally be in Caleb's school which he is so excited about. All of us are doing great and what they call "living the dream" I guess.
