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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

March 29th- The really late blog

I am really sorry this is so late. I have been taking care of a critically ill infant and my sleep has been pretty limited. I did get an rejuvinating night of sleep last night. So here is the family blog. I hope you will enjoy the blog despite the late update.

The Colorado Haws Family

This week Haley and Kayla had spring break, so we all were very glad to sleep in for the majority of it. On Tuesday we discovered a new McDonalds that we have not been to yet that had a very cool playground according to the girls. On Wednesday I took Haley and Kayla to a friend’s house to play who used to live next to us at Fort Irwin and is now stationed here at Fort Carson. It is really great to see old friends and neighbors who we haven’t seen in a long time and thought that we would never see again here on the earth. On Thursday I took the girls to the dentist and of course they both have a cavity, but what was so funny is it is on the exact same tooth on both girls! On Saturday we went to our ward party at church. The girls did very well behaving themselves and I was glad to see that they wanted to help clean up. Today Kayla was able to give the scripture and prayer in primary; I was not able to be in there with her because I had to teach my class, but she was very, very happy to have Andy in there to help her.

The Jackson's of Albaquerque

This week Stacie and Kevin were happy to celebrate Kevin's 25th birthday. On Wednesday Stacie decorated the house and made Kevin a nice dinner. Some friends came over to share cake. Stacie was excited to serve an easy-to-make & very delicious "punch bowl cake." Kevin enjoyed all the nice cards that everyone sent, so thank you for your thoughtfulness. On Friday Stacie and Kevin headed over to a cub scout pack meeting. They focused on teaching the boys about disabilities. It reminded Stacie of how blessed we have been to have Lanette in our family to teach us about being open minded and helpful to those with disabilities. Directly after the pack meeting, Stacie and Kevin grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to the stake dance to chaperon. It was a busy day for them, but they enjoyed the opportunities to be together. On Saturday Kevin enjoyed going to pick out some new running shoes. He looks forward to using his new running shoes and his new trail running shoes. Stacie enjoyed napping most of the day.

The Lane's of Virginia

This week the Virginia Lanes had a attempted a bbq on Monday we ended up with more smoke then heat. That plan got abandoned and Jeff cooked some beef and fish on the stove. Wednesday we went out to a Restaurant we had an eye on, Bob Evans. It was alright, but very Denny's-esqe Friday was Young marrieds that was fun- we discussed human nature. Then Saturday the other couple, who planned to join us, canceled on the Starwars Marathon We watched an episode though.Tonight we went to a friends house to play cards. We also had our home teachers over.

The Wisconsin Haws Family

We had a huge surprise this last week. The weather had warmed up so nicely. The daffledills and tulips were coming up. The robins were all over. Then came the snow and more snow and then more snow. Grant's car got stuck trying to get in our driveway. Schools were cancelled. My patients did not come to appointments. My snowblower got reved up again. It may have been the most snowfall we had all winter. The snow is only beginning to melt.

Logan has started track practice this last week and Emily is now in soccer. Emily was delighted to make the varsity team. Lanette was overjoyed that a new set of twins were born in the Elmhorst family.

Mom and I were able to attend the temple. I did an endowment for one of your ancestors and Mom did the sealings for more than a dozen of your ancestors. It was really neat. I had the opportunity of going out to dinner with Stephanie, Aunt Dona and Stephanie's boyfriend, Kenneth. It his a very delightful person that was raised in Costa Rica but living now in the Twin Cities.

Well again sorry for the delay in the newsletter but I hope you each know of our love for you.

Dad

Monday, March 21, 2011

New updates for the March 20th Post

Late breaking news from New Mexico

Stacie got the new job she has recently applied for at the University of New Mexico!!! Congratulations. Remember that this Wednesday is Kevin's birthday!!!!

News from Andy and Melanie

This week we have been enjoying the beautiful weather by trying to stay outside as much as we can. The girls kept reminding me that on Thursday they needed to wear green because of St. Patrick's Day. Haley was happy to see that the "leprechaun" left them a bunch of chocolate in their classroom. Yesterday Andy took me to the Denver temple so I could do the 10:30 am session. We got there just a little after 10:00 am and I was excited that I was going to be a little early for the session. Little did I know that every 3rd Saturday at 10:30 am was the Spanish session, so I was able to sit and ponder and feel of the spirit a little longer before the 11:00 am session. When I was waiting for that session to start they had to ask other matrons/patrons to go on the 11:30 am session because there were so many people and not enough seats. Seeing that many people at the temple yesterday doing the Lords work made me feel so much gratitude towards Heavenly Father and the Savior, that we have His gospel here on the Earth and that we are very privileged to have a temple so close to do the work for those who have passed away so that they can enjoy the eternal blessings of eternal families. Andy enjoyed spending time with the girls walking around the temple in the beautiful weather.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

March 20, 2011

The Lane's of Virginia


Helloo family!


Thank you to those of you who made an effort to call this last month. It really is much appreciated. As wonderful as the newsletter is nothing should replace the efforts to call one another.

This week has been really busy. We kicked off this week with finishing our taxes. We are really excited for the H&R Block's estimate of a return. Being married really makes things nicer with taxes woo-hoo!

Tuesday night we went to get materials for achievement day, but were sorely disappointed when there was no fake food to be found.

Wednesday, Julie made all sort of laminated food for the achievement day lesson on nutrition. The girls had a lot of fun putting together some balanced meals. Luckily, Julie has been studying a lot about health so this was right up her alley.

Thursday, Julie went to book club where everyone, all two +baby Mya, decided to read THE RED TENT. Hopefully it will be good cause I have heard many good things about it!

Friday, we went to lunch at a local Mexican food place. Then we participated in the ward's "potato feast"; which was just that and then when we went to the grocery store we nearly cried when we purchased all the food that we would need to boost our health and well it cost a lot. It was sad to have to pay so much more than we normally do, but hopefully it will help.

Saturday, we split the cost and made veggie pizza with an engaged couple-one of which used to be Julie's old roommate the girl if you did not guess that fact :) . Jeff makes a killer veggie pizza it is soooo good!


Today we made dinner for an older couple in the ward that has taken us out to eat and made us dinner. They loved it and were so excited about the food. We sat and talked with them for a while and listened to the myriad of stories and memories they have stored.

Our goal for the next few weeks is to stay busy so we do not stress and Jeff found a new project on the side of the road to keep us busy. It is another fix-me rocking chair, but hopefully that and our upcoming Star Wars Marathon Part I with our friends the Wyats will keep us busy enough to relax by. It is really important to us that we do not stress these next couple of days-weeks, so unless an emergency please save any stressful things for a couple of weeks for us. Thanks!

The weather here is rainy, but really greening up. There have been some flash flood and tornado warnings, but we planted a garden on Saturday since the weather is really looking up.

Grant's News

This week Grant found out that he will officially be switching to managing the kitchen at the restaurant. It's going to be a whole lot of a mess to fix up.This week he had another meeting in Neenah and it was all about the back of the house...so every bit of the trainwreck Grant will soon be in charge of. But on the up side he will no longer be closing manager. During April the general manager will be training him on ordering and all the other back-of-house issues, and then throughout the month they will alternate who opens the restaurant But by May he will be always opening the restaurant and getting off work between 5 and 8 pm, rather than 1 or 2 in the morning. All the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths Grant planted last fall are starting to come up, especially the ones out front. This week Grant also found Dad's hollyhocks in the backyard starting to grow back.

Jeff and the International Haws Family

I just got off of the phone with Renata and have decided to share our week.


You may find some new pictures on Flickr of Renata, Derick and Felipe. Lucas was not inclined to share his photographs and is not included. Felipe only wanted to be seen with his surfboard, his new love, and denied access to his soccer pictures.


All appear to be well.


Lucas continues to train hard with his soccer team and is becoming quite the player. He no longer plays on Felipe's team as he was selected to play for a team that is sponsored by a professional soccer team Fluminense. They are quite proud of him and he enjoys it very much.


Felipe continues to like soccer but loves surfing. It is his new favorite activity and Saturday mornings are sacred to him. It is nice to seem him enjoying himself so well.


Derick has been very good this week. He has gone to school happily and helped Renata in all that he can. Renata says that Derick misses Daddy most and often wakes up early and complains that I am not there to play with him in the early hours before his friends are available.


Renata had a tough week. Renata has had some kidney stones and is continuing to run exams and will likely need to have a small surgery to have them removed in the near future. Just as a warning to all, her stones may have received supplements for growth in the form of soda pop and lack of water intake, so reconsidered your habits in the liquid consumption arena.


I am doing well. Work has been very busy and challenging and I have enjoyed being in an office setting very much. I am currently staying at an Extended Stay hotel and should be here until my lease becomes available at the end of April. I was unable to purchase a car because I do not have a PA drivers license and cannot get a license until I am in my rental address so I opted for a more economical option, a bicycle. I picked on up yesterday and am quite happy with it, unfortunately to my luck the forecast shows rain tomorrow and snow on Wednesday and Thursday. In the end it appears that this week may be similar to the cruel first week at any sports training or military training entry or else I will have to resort to a bit of bus riding. Still I am excited to get in better shape and save some money doing it.


That is about all that I have to report. I hope your week has gone so well.


Love,
Jeff

The Jackson's of Albuquerque


Kevin and Stacie enjoyed beautiful weather this week in Albuquerque. Also, this week was spring break. Kevin enjoyed not having homework to do and Stacie enjoyed how quiet the dorms were throughout the week. On Tuesday Stacie interviewed for a new position. The interview went well and she anticipates hearing back tomorrow afternoon. On Wednesday Stacie, Kevin and their friends, Nick, Amanda, Jeramie and Clare went out to Tucanos to celebrate Kevin and Jeramie's birthdays. It was delicious, as always. On Friday Stacie headed out of work early to join Kevin and his friends in roasting a pig head and some rocky mountain oysters. Attached are some pictures of their grilling adventure. (please see the Flickr picture stream)

The Wisconsin Haws Family

This week has been busy for Logan. On Wednesday night he went cross country skiing. He finished his Winter Sports Merit badge that night. I was able to join Brother Lonsdale and him for the skiing. I really enjoyed it. On Friday and Saturday we went on a scout campout at Eagle Cave. We slept in a large cave with 300 other scouts. There were tons of tunnels to explore. It was a really fun experience.

Emily has been working on stage crew for the upcoming play "Camelot". Soccer work outs have been another part of her daily schedule and the phrase "I'm sore" has been a common statement in the home.

Lanette has come home for the spring break. She will be spending some time at the Marshfield High School as she prepares for the new school year. Of course, she loved spending a night at the Elmhorst's.

Mom and I were able to get our taxes done. Yes, Julie, we agree that being married has some real benefits including filing joint. That blessing is a small blessing compared to the sealing power of the eternal priesthood. We are approaching our 31 anniversary and it seems like yesterday that we were kneeing at the altar of the Oakland temple. This coming week mom will be helping in the sealing of a large group of her ancestors.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

March 13, 2011

The Jackson's of Albuquerque

This week has been a busy one for Stacie and Kevin. On Tuesday Stacie attended a very small mutual, with only two beehives. However, she enjoyed playing an obstacle course with the two girls and the leader. Attached is a picture of her from mutual where she raced to find a whistle inside a dollop of cool whip. On Wednesday she had a Young Women's presidency meeting and Kevin finished up his midterms. We are very proud of him for working so hard in school. On Thursday Stacie attended a baby shower for her friend Melinda's baby. Since Melinda's baby was adopted, it was great opportunity to discuss adoption with her fellow sisters and the benefits of growing up with three wonderful, adopted siblings. :-)


On Friday Stacie and Kevin attended an endowment session with their ward and continued to work on completing some family names. Thankfully this week Stacie and Kevin did not get separated in the temple. Kevin started the day on Saturday with a 25 mile run. He continues to work on preparing for the 50 mile race in May. Stacie spent the morning shopping for a nice outfit to wear to her job interview on Tuesday. They spent the evening with friends, grilling and playing games. This morning, unfortunately, they arrived late to work because Stacie forgot to switch her alarm clock. The most embarrassing part is that their church starts at 2pm, so they couldn't even say that they slept in!


Please send your prayers for Stacie on Tuesday!

Grant's News

Grant's work-week was mostly comprised of him and his boss Bill preparing for a training meeting on Saturday where all of the trainers would be re-trained. It was a big to-do since folks from the corporate office were going to be there. Grant is excited about the news that he may be moving to the morning shift, which would do wonders for his sleep schedule. This week Grant's seeds took off and now most of them are growing. In addition to starting seeds, Grant has been stocking up on bulbs that are planted in the spring, such as freesias, gladiolus, dahlias, and elephant ears. He is anxious for the snow to finally melt so he can start work on the garden.

The Wisconsin Haws Family

This was spring break for Logan and Emily so we took advantage of the extra time together. On Monday we went to Wisconsin Dells. Emily and Logan each brought along one friend. We had a great time together. Logan was able to return to Wisconsin Dells on Thursday and Friday. He was invited to join another family. For those that do not know, Wisconsin Dells is a city full of amusement parks. The parks are not only huge indoor (and outdoor) water parks but also amusement parks. We would love to have you visit us so we can take you there.

Emily was able to pick up some extra work hours this week. She enjoyed the leisure of a week away from homework. Extra sleep was much appreciated.

Lanette came home on Friday to enjoy Grant's teasing. She is looking forward to her vacation in a couple of weeks.

Mom and Dad enjoyed time together on Monday while we watched Logan and Emily and friends enjoy their time together. It was enjoyable to talk and laugh together. We enjoyed spending more time together this weekend. We watched with sadness the devastating effects of the Japanese earthquake. We feel true sorry for the tragic events there. In church today, Sara and Ellen Oba shared some of the concerns about the friends in Japan that are experiencing the tragedy first hand. Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers.

Have a wonderful St Patrick's day.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

March 6, 2011- nearly complete

Grant's News

Grant had a couple days off this week and enjoyed them by starting some seeds indoors that will be going outside in a mid-May when there is no more chance of freezing. He started snapdragons, impatiens, delphiniums, Chinese forget-me-nots, and rosemary. Grant was excited because this week he received a Lord of the Rings replica sword he ordered the week before. The sword is Glamdring, which is the sword Gandalf has in the movie. Grant particularly likes the story of the sword in the Tolkien mythology and frequently reminds people that they don't appreciate the importance of the sword in the movie."After all, that sword was originally forged for Turgon, King of Gondolin," is what he frequently tells people but then they just roll their eyes at what a Tolkien nerd Grant is. Grant has been reading "The Time Traveler's Wife" very slowly and spent a good deal of his time off this week catching up.

The Jackson's of Albuquerque

You may remember that at the end of last week Stacie and Kevin decided to celebrate their love of Star Wars by renting the original films and cooking from their Star Wars themed cookbook. This last week they enjoyed Twin Sun Toast, Mos Eisley Morsals, Greedo's Burritos, TIE Fighter ties, Tuskan Raider Taters, Han Burgers, Jabba Jiggle, Jawa Jive Milkshakes, Crazy Cantina Chili, and Wookie Cookies. There are lots of pictures for you to enjoy!

On Thursday Stacie was happy to learn that she will be interviewed for a new position within her department as an Administrative Coordinator. Her interview is a week and a half away, but she is working already to prepare for the big day. We wish her luck in the process. On Saturday Kevin continued to prepare for his big race in May by running 20 miles. In May he will be running a 50 mile race.

Tonight Stacie and Kevin look forward to sharing dinner with their friends, Clare and Jeremie. Afterwards Clare, Jeremie and Kevin will hopefully be able to get some studying in for their upcoming midterms.



The Colorado Haws Family

On Friday I was able to take the girls to the library for Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Haley volunteered to play Lolla-Lee-Lou from the short story with Gertrude McFuzz, a bird that has just one blue feather. She did very well and made sure that her feathers did not fall off. The Cat in the Hat was also at the library. Kayla was scared and ran over to me anytime she saw the Cat in the Hat, but Haley and her friend from school, Magdalena wanted to take a picture with him. On Saturday we took the girls to a "Cooking in the Kitchen" activity where they were able to learn about nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Their favorite part was winning prizes of course. I have included pictures from last week's visit to the Children Museum in Pueblo.

The Wisconsin Haws Family

This week Logan and Dad went skiing on Wednesday night with the scout troop. It was a lot of fun. Logan enjoyed skiing with his fellow scouts. He was excited that it is spring break this week. He will start it with a trip to the dentist but afterwards we are going as a family to Wisconsin Dells.

Emily was in Solo & Ensemble on Saturday. She will be going to state for her saxophone performances, both solo and quartet. She went with a girlfriend to the new Beauty and the Beast movie last night and really enjoyed it.

Lanette had a quiet weekend at home. Her spring break is not for several weeks. She will be meeting with her future teachers and working on transition to being home year round.

I had a wonderful experience this morning. As I was waking up but still between sleep and total alertness I began to recount the days of my courtship with Mom. You all know that was a fairly short period but as I thought about our courtship I recalled the special things that makes your mom so special. She is the luckiest catch of my entire life. You are very fortunate to call her "Mom".

I hope you will have a wonderful week.