The Jackson's of Albuquerque
Stacie and Kevin are enjoying Christmas in Provo, UT with the Jackson family. They flew in very early on Friday morning. They have enjoyed playing lots of games, going out to eat, and just enjoying each others' company. Today they especially enjoyed the opportunity to talk to Kevin's brother, Chris, who is serving his mission in Mexico. He is currently located right across the border in Nogales. Kevin's sister, Carolyn, is due within the next few weeks with her daughter Claire. Stacie and Carolyn enjoyed lots of baby bump moments where they bump each others' bellies sumo-wrestler-style. Everyone is encouraging little Claire to come out and play. Stacie and Kevin look forward to having so many cousins to play with little Henry.
The Haws Family of Colorado
This week was a bitter sweet week for us. On Monday Vanesa and her family left to Utah for the Holiday season. On Tuesday we took the girls to Chili’s thinking that it was going to be our last dinner with Andy for the next six months, when to our surprise we looked at his itinerary and realized that he did not have to leave until Thursday instead of Wednesday! Needless to say we were all very, very excited for the extra day with him. On Wednesday night into Thursday we had a very icy snow storm and were hoping that his plane was going to be delayed, unfortunately it was not and I had my first real experience driving on complete ice coming back from the airport. Obviously we made it back okay. After taking him to the airport I took the girls sledding to try and get our minds off of Andy having to go back. They loved sledding and our little neighbor Logan seemed to enjoy it also. On Saturday I took the girls sledding again and Haley thought it was fun to run and do a belly flop onto the sled to make her go faster. Sunday the girls opened up their presents from grandparents, and then we went to church and to Brother and Sister Stewarts house for dinner. Andy made it back safely and is staying busy with work.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
We had a wonderful but relatively snowless Christmas here in Wisconsin. Mom and I had a wonderful time distributing fruit baskets in people in our circle of friends. Our wish was that we could have had more baskets to distribute. The faces of the reciepents was wonderful. One person came to us the next day and told us that they rarely received anything from anyone. That made it very special. We also spent a delightful evening with a widow that lives out by the Eau Pleine flowage. Mom gave her a beautiful pink robe that was perfect.
We enjoyed church as a family. It was really good. Afterwards we opened presents. Some of the wonderful presents included a cooking skillet from Logan to Mom that he purchased with his egg money, a didgeridoo that Mom gave to Grant (for info on what a didgeridoo is please click the link provided).
http://www.chacha.com/askChaCha/What+is+didgeridoo%3F
I received a new subscription to ancestry.com while Emily received a ukelele and Lanette received disaster documentaries from Grant. It was lots of fun.
I have enjoyed the days off from work and time with our family. Today we went see "We bought a zoo". Except for some swearing it was a fun movie that I can recommend to all of you.
As the end of the year 2011 approaches I want to let each of you know how much we love you. Things that Mom and I are praying for this year include the safe arrival home of Andy. The move of Renata, Felipe, Lucas and Derick from Brazil to permanently join Jeff. That Grant will have a wonderful year as he continues to brighten our home. We pray that Julie & Jeff and Stacie & Kevin will be able to welcome healthy boys. That Emily will find a college that will bring her joy. That Lanette will be able to enjoy the transition into job opportunities while Logan will continue to grow up in light and truth. Mom and I love you each deeply and wish heavens greatest blessings on you.
Love,
Dad
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
December 19, 2011
The Haws Family of Colorado
This past week has flown by fast for us. On Tuesday Andy and I took Kayla to the doctors to find out she had a double ear infection…which explained why she was crying all night for the past couple of nights before. Later that day we watched Haley play her last basketball game, she did very good. Thursday Andy and I went on a date to Olive Garden. Friday we went to the ward party at church. Haley and Kayla did well playing their part in the nativity scene. Which later that night Melanie’s sister, husband and kids arrived which made Haley and Kayla very happy on Saturday morning when they woke up and found them here. Saturday we all went bowling and then of course Andy and Dewey headed off to the gun store, Wal-Mart and Lowes, but before then they enjoyed a “noisy” dinner with us at McDonalds. Sunday we all went to church. After church Andy and Dewey were supposed to be watching the kids but ended up falling asleep after turning on a movie for the kids. All in all it was a good week.
Grant's News
The beginning of Grant's week was fairly quiet. Sunday was a short day at work and so when he got home he made more soft gingersnaps for the family. Monday he found out that he was in second place at the restaurant for a month long contest of upselling appetizers, shakes, and desserts to guests. Grant takes a lot of pride in his job and his ability to acquire loyal regulars, so he was pleased that he was doing so well. He also had a contest this week between another coworker and him to see who could do more cleaning duties. Grant won. Tuesday he started a new book, "The Walking Drum" by Louis L'Amour which some of ya'll may remember from Mrs. Naegle's English class at Heritage Academy. The weekend was nuts at work with crazy long lists of guests waiting to sit down and crazy long waits for food to come out of the kitchen. Such are the holidays in the restaurant business.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
This week was the last week of the fall semester for Kevin. He is happy to have completed all of his courses. He felt that his finals went well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. On Thursday evening Kevin and Stacie celebrated Kevin's half-way mark (for his master's degree) by going out for pizza with some other graduate students. On Friday they went to a Christmas party at their friend Nick's house. Unfortunately they don't have any pictures to share of their impressive bad sweaters worn at the event.
On Saturday Kevin enjoyed golfing with his friends Justin & Nick. Meanwhile, Stacie enjoyed a baby shower with some friends. The baby shower was Harry Potter themed. Her favorite part was receiving a little, baby-sized sorting hat. This week Kevin and Stacie look forward to celebrating "early Christmas" on Monday evening and traveling to Utah on Thursday to celebrate "real Christmas" with the Jacksons.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
We have enjoyed a mild December with temperatures unseasonably warm. That is OK because I am working on a project in an outdoor shop and warmth is much appreciated. We had the opportunity to go to Winter Wonderland here in Marshfield. It is a wonderful light display held at our zoo. For those of you that remember the Bang Family. The light display was largely inspired by Brother Steve Bang. It has grown into a wonderful event combined with a great way to fill the food banks in the area.
Logan continues to raise his chickens but tragically has lost another bird this week. It is pretty amazing how dedicated he has been to his birds. He received his first class badge along with three merit badges at this weeks Court of Honor.
Lanette has been trying to recover from Dad and Mom's decision that we would not give her a doll for Christmas. We have also asked the school not to encourage "play" with dolls. That resulted in my new title as "doll snatcher". Apparently I have made it to the Internet. I hope that Grant's blog is not read by anyone with Child Protective Services in Wisconsin.
Emily has been out with friends a lot this week and I do not have much to update you on. She is playing to go to Chicago with some friends and one of their moms.
Mom and I really had a delightful evening going out to dinner with Brother and Sister Kolts. We enjoyed the opportunity to sit and talk for hours. They are good friends and we will miss them as they move out to Utah.
We enjoyed a family home evening tonight with a widow in our branch. She loves Jahzee. We also enjoyed singing Christmas songs together.
Finally many of you that called on Sunday noted that we did not have much time to talk. We were taking care of two little energetic boys. Wow, that was a long day but it was a blessing to them.
We love you all,
Dad
This past week has flown by fast for us. On Tuesday Andy and I took Kayla to the doctors to find out she had a double ear infection…which explained why she was crying all night for the past couple of nights before. Later that day we watched Haley play her last basketball game, she did very good. Thursday Andy and I went on a date to Olive Garden. Friday we went to the ward party at church. Haley and Kayla did well playing their part in the nativity scene. Which later that night Melanie’s sister, husband and kids arrived which made Haley and Kayla very happy on Saturday morning when they woke up and found them here. Saturday we all went bowling and then of course Andy and Dewey headed off to the gun store, Wal-Mart and Lowes, but before then they enjoyed a “noisy” dinner with us at McDonalds. Sunday we all went to church. After church Andy and Dewey were supposed to be watching the kids but ended up falling asleep after turning on a movie for the kids. All in all it was a good week.
Grant's News
The beginning of Grant's week was fairly quiet. Sunday was a short day at work and so when he got home he made more soft gingersnaps for the family. Monday he found out that he was in second place at the restaurant for a month long contest of upselling appetizers, shakes, and desserts to guests. Grant takes a lot of pride in his job and his ability to acquire loyal regulars, so he was pleased that he was doing so well. He also had a contest this week between another coworker and him to see who could do more cleaning duties. Grant won. Tuesday he started a new book, "The Walking Drum" by Louis L'Amour which some of ya'll may remember from Mrs. Naegle's English class at Heritage Academy. The weekend was nuts at work with crazy long lists of guests waiting to sit down and crazy long waits for food to come out of the kitchen. Such are the holidays in the restaurant business.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
This week was the last week of the fall semester for Kevin. He is happy to have completed all of his courses. He felt that his finals went well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. On Thursday evening Kevin and Stacie celebrated Kevin's half-way mark (for his master's degree) by going out for pizza with some other graduate students. On Friday they went to a Christmas party at their friend Nick's house. Unfortunately they don't have any pictures to share of their impressive bad sweaters worn at the event.
On Saturday Kevin enjoyed golfing with his friends Justin & Nick. Meanwhile, Stacie enjoyed a baby shower with some friends. The baby shower was Harry Potter themed. Her favorite part was receiving a little, baby-sized sorting hat. This week Kevin and Stacie look forward to celebrating "early Christmas" on Monday evening and traveling to Utah on Thursday to celebrate "real Christmas" with the Jacksons.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
We have enjoyed a mild December with temperatures unseasonably warm. That is OK because I am working on a project in an outdoor shop and warmth is much appreciated. We had the opportunity to go to Winter Wonderland here in Marshfield. It is a wonderful light display held at our zoo. For those of you that remember the Bang Family. The light display was largely inspired by Brother Steve Bang. It has grown into a wonderful event combined with a great way to fill the food banks in the area.
Logan continues to raise his chickens but tragically has lost another bird this week. It is pretty amazing how dedicated he has been to his birds. He received his first class badge along with three merit badges at this weeks Court of Honor.
Lanette has been trying to recover from Dad and Mom's decision that we would not give her a doll for Christmas. We have also asked the school not to encourage "play" with dolls. That resulted in my new title as "doll snatcher". Apparently I have made it to the Internet. I hope that Grant's blog is not read by anyone with Child Protective Services in Wisconsin.
Emily has been out with friends a lot this week and I do not have much to update you on. She is playing to go to Chicago with some friends and one of their moms.
Mom and I really had a delightful evening going out to dinner with Brother and Sister Kolts. We enjoyed the opportunity to sit and talk for hours. They are good friends and we will miss them as they move out to Utah.
We enjoyed a family home evening tonight with a widow in our branch. She loves Jahzee. We also enjoyed singing Christmas songs together.
Finally many of you that called on Sunday noted that we did not have much time to talk. We were taking care of two little energetic boys. Wow, that was a long day but it was a blessing to them.
We love you all,
Dad
Monday, December 12, 2011
December 12, 2011
The Colorado Haws Family
The past couple of weeks have been very exciting for us all. The first surprise that the girls had was having their Nana come to visit. Haley was excited because Nana was able to watch her play basketball. Kayla just had fun being her crazy self with Nana. Last Tuesday the girls had a sleepover with Nana while I went to a very important “meeting.” While with Nana the girls had a lot of fun decorating gingerbread and snow men ornaments. The next day when Kayla came home from school she was very, very excited and surprised to have Andy pick her up! She would not let go of him. Haley also was very excited and surprised to have Andy pick her up from school. She had a smile from ear to ear for hours! I was so glad that I was able to keep the secret of when Andy was coming home from the girls because the surprise turned out wonderful. On Wednesday we all went to Chili’s for dinner (Kayla’s request) for a welcome home dinner and a goodbye one for Nana. Saturday Andy took me to the Denver Temple and the girls to Target and Deseret Book. We decided to celebrate Christmas early because Andy has to leave back to Afghanistan on the December 21; Needless to say that the girls were okay with opening up their presents when we got home from the Temple. Sunday Andy help Kayla give a talk in primary on the birth of the Savior. I am sure that she did a great job. We are all very excited and grateful to have Andy here with us of course I don’t want him to go back but at least we will be on the second half of the countdown for his return home.
Grant's News
Grant had a busy week while Mom was in Colorado, between work and helping out around the house. On Tuesday, he became the family undertaker when one of Logan's chickens died. Logan was too sad and scared to take care of the dead chicken, so Grant removed it, dug it a grave, and with Logan they held a funeral service for the poor chicken. Grant got Saturday off, so he spent it with Lanette watching Polar Express and making gingersnaps. He also had the desire to switch up his hair-do, and so he shaved off the beard and bleached his hair. His Sunday morning regular guests were very shocked.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
This week was filled with studying and hard work for Kevin as he continues to prepare for his upcoming finals. He worked late several evenings assisting the woman that he tutors. On Wednesday evening Stacie & Kevin went out to eat with Kattia (the woman he tutors) & her husband, Martin. They shared some funny experiences, like the time Kattia ate three triple cheeseburgers right before going into labor with their son.
On Saturday Stacie & Kevin attended the second half of their child birthing course. They appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the risks and benefits of various medical interventions and to tour the hospital birthing center. The center is very nice and should be a good environment for them to deliver in. On that note, Stacie & Kevin were excited to finally decide on a name for their baby. His name will be Henry Owen Jackson.
Please keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult week of finals. He certainly looks forward to the holiday break, which should begin for him on Friday.
The Lane's of Virginia
Happy Birthday Daddio!
Well this week has been a busy but good one for us. Everyday the baby's kicks get stronger and Julie gets more symptoms of forthcoming popping :)! Yesterday, Sunday, everyone was coming up to Julie to tell her she looks like she is going to "pop" any day now.
Last Monday, we decorated a gingerbread house in honor of Christmas. The ingredients we had for it was stuff that we found on clearance for a dollar last year and lets just say they are so gross that they are not even flammable or just capable of melting. Julie tried to test it with a match and the icing did not even move!!! Needless to say it will not be on the holiday snack this year-purely decoration. We do not want any deaths in the family due to the inability for a perfectly functioning liver not to be able to process this alien material. In fact, if the world was to suddenly explode it is very likely that it would not even allow soot to attach to it.
Tuesday, we had our week 34 appointment. Alex is still measuring big and everything is looking really good for our situation so far. We are getting so antsy to meet the little guy and discover who he is and well even just to hold him. 9 months can feel like such a very long time sometimes! However we are now no more than 4 and half weeks from meeting the little guy! (If you did not know they will not let Julie go past her due date because of how the cord and the placenta attach.) Julie is pretty convinced though that he will come on his own sooner! She has been getting pretty nauseous through out the day which is one of those early symptoms of impending labor sometimes. Still we do not want him here before Christmas Eve! He can come with Santa and that will be just fine!
Wednesday we made chocolates to stick in the freezer for the nurses that will help deliver Alex. Since there is a good chance of him being born on Christmas Eve, Day, New Years Eve or Day we thought it would be the nice thing to do. The chocolates turned out really yummy and so me have to make more :)
Thursday, Julie had book club. She enjoyed talking to all the other women who just announce that they to are expecting this spring of summer. The really nice thing is that both wards here have lots of new babies either just born or will be born in the next year. Those potential friends will hopefully be great for Alex. Jeff had a hankering for our favorite date night spot, buffalo wild wings. We decided to go and that was enjoyable except the part where we had to move the car because of the silly layout of the tiny parking lot. (They get enough business from all the college students that they could build probably three parking lots is our guess because they are always packed with wait lines).
Friday, Julie had visiting teaching. We then packed some presents for those on the exchange lists and the parents.
Saturday, we posted the presents and then went shopping for the stocking "stuffers" for the mothers when they come out to meet Alex! We spent many hours trying to find the perfect things so hopefully they will be great. We also found two little balls to protect Jeff's hands for when Julie goes into labor- if you remember back when Julie sewed through her thumb--well she is a hand squeezer- they had to giver a screw driver then. Haha That night we went to the ward Christmas party which was a lot of fun. After we took some small presents to some friends that do not have hardly anything this Christmas. Jeff doorbell ditched them and then ran up the stairs of their apt complex rather than out the building's front door. All dressed in black, Julie hid in the car and giggled as she saw the husband bolt out and look around for a moving car. He searched the near by bushes and area but when he saw no one went inside. Jeff came out a little later and we felt victorious as we went home. This morning we saw a note from the wife to the public thanking whoever left them and telling her predictions for what was inside the packages. That was sooo much fun! Addicting really!
Sunday, we had a fairly normal day at church besides the fact that Julie was told that she like she is going to pop and when one of her students threaten to punch the baby because she made him take turns using the restroom (the boys in her class like to exert extra energy when they are in the bathroom). We then had hometeachers come. Jeff and Brother Logan gave Julie a blessing so that Brother Logan would not have to come out if we go into labor in the middle of the night. It was short and sweet and then Brother Logan's son said a really kind prayer for Julie and Alex when we said goodbye. It ended well.
Julie
The Wisconsin Haws Family
This has been a good week for us here in Wisconsin. I enjoyed a wonderful birthday. Mom, Logan and I attended the temple on Saturday. Mom was able to do initiatories while Logan and I did work in the baptistry. Mom suprised me beforehand with a new pair of white pants and belt. That was much appreciated. On arrival at home I was treated to a delicious meal featuring crab cakes. It was really good.
Logan's week included a performance with his school choir on Sunday and Monday. He has started voice lessons as of today. He loves to sing and serinades us on a regular basis. He was able to join friends for roller skating on Friday and has a pretty enjoyable week.
Lanette's week has been a bit frustrating for her. Dad (aka the doll catcher) has told her that we will not be buying dolls for Christmas. She does not like that answer but I am hoping we will be able to move onto some other topics in the new future. She is looking forward to visiting the Elmhorst family later this month when some of their illnesses subside.
Emily has been working hard in school. She did not make it home until nearly 10 pm tonight but was pleased with having caught up with all of her homework. She turned in her paperwork for graduation announcements. It is hard to believe that her senior year is almost half over.
Mom had a wonderful visit to Colorado to visit Andy, Melanie, Haley and Kayla. She had such a wonderful time. She is now looking forward to helping Julie and Stacie after their deliveries. Mom is such a super mom and super nana.
We love each of you and hope you have a wonderful week. Kevin, you will be in our prayers for sucess with your finals.
The past couple of weeks have been very exciting for us all. The first surprise that the girls had was having their Nana come to visit. Haley was excited because Nana was able to watch her play basketball. Kayla just had fun being her crazy self with Nana. Last Tuesday the girls had a sleepover with Nana while I went to a very important “meeting.” While with Nana the girls had a lot of fun decorating gingerbread and snow men ornaments. The next day when Kayla came home from school she was very, very excited and surprised to have Andy pick her up! She would not let go of him. Haley also was very excited and surprised to have Andy pick her up from school. She had a smile from ear to ear for hours! I was so glad that I was able to keep the secret of when Andy was coming home from the girls because the surprise turned out wonderful. On Wednesday we all went to Chili’s for dinner (Kayla’s request) for a welcome home dinner and a goodbye one for Nana. Saturday Andy took me to the Denver Temple and the girls to Target and Deseret Book. We decided to celebrate Christmas early because Andy has to leave back to Afghanistan on the December 21; Needless to say that the girls were okay with opening up their presents when we got home from the Temple. Sunday Andy help Kayla give a talk in primary on the birth of the Savior. I am sure that she did a great job. We are all very excited and grateful to have Andy here with us of course I don’t want him to go back but at least we will be on the second half of the countdown for his return home.
Grant's News
Grant had a busy week while Mom was in Colorado, between work and helping out around the house. On Tuesday, he became the family undertaker when one of Logan's chickens died. Logan was too sad and scared to take care of the dead chicken, so Grant removed it, dug it a grave, and with Logan they held a funeral service for the poor chicken. Grant got Saturday off, so he spent it with Lanette watching Polar Express and making gingersnaps. He also had the desire to switch up his hair-do, and so he shaved off the beard and bleached his hair. His Sunday morning regular guests were very shocked.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
This week was filled with studying and hard work for Kevin as he continues to prepare for his upcoming finals. He worked late several evenings assisting the woman that he tutors. On Wednesday evening Stacie & Kevin went out to eat with Kattia (the woman he tutors) & her husband, Martin. They shared some funny experiences, like the time Kattia ate three triple cheeseburgers right before going into labor with their son.
On Saturday Stacie & Kevin attended the second half of their child birthing course. They appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the risks and benefits of various medical interventions and to tour the hospital birthing center. The center is very nice and should be a good environment for them to deliver in. On that note, Stacie & Kevin were excited to finally decide on a name for their baby. His name will be Henry Owen Jackson.
Please keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult week of finals. He certainly looks forward to the holiday break, which should begin for him on Friday.
The Lane's of Virginia
Happy Birthday Daddio!
Well this week has been a busy but good one for us. Everyday the baby's kicks get stronger and Julie gets more symptoms of forthcoming popping :)! Yesterday, Sunday, everyone was coming up to Julie to tell her she looks like she is going to "pop" any day now.
Last Monday, we decorated a gingerbread house in honor of Christmas. The ingredients we had for it was stuff that we found on clearance for a dollar last year and lets just say they are so gross that they are not even flammable or just capable of melting. Julie tried to test it with a match and the icing did not even move!!! Needless to say it will not be on the holiday snack this year-purely decoration. We do not want any deaths in the family due to the inability for a perfectly functioning liver not to be able to process this alien material. In fact, if the world was to suddenly explode it is very likely that it would not even allow soot to attach to it.
Tuesday, we had our week 34 appointment. Alex is still measuring big and everything is looking really good for our situation so far. We are getting so antsy to meet the little guy and discover who he is and well even just to hold him. 9 months can feel like such a very long time sometimes! However we are now no more than 4 and half weeks from meeting the little guy! (If you did not know they will not let Julie go past her due date because of how the cord and the placenta attach.) Julie is pretty convinced though that he will come on his own sooner! She has been getting pretty nauseous through out the day which is one of those early symptoms of impending labor sometimes. Still we do not want him here before Christmas Eve! He can come with Santa and that will be just fine!
Wednesday we made chocolates to stick in the freezer for the nurses that will help deliver Alex. Since there is a good chance of him being born on Christmas Eve, Day, New Years Eve or Day we thought it would be the nice thing to do. The chocolates turned out really yummy and so me have to make more :)
Thursday, Julie had book club. She enjoyed talking to all the other women who just announce that they to are expecting this spring of summer. The really nice thing is that both wards here have lots of new babies either just born or will be born in the next year. Those potential friends will hopefully be great for Alex. Jeff had a hankering for our favorite date night spot, buffalo wild wings. We decided to go and that was enjoyable except the part where we had to move the car because of the silly layout of the tiny parking lot. (They get enough business from all the college students that they could build probably three parking lots is our guess because they are always packed with wait lines).
Friday, Julie had visiting teaching. We then packed some presents for those on the exchange lists and the parents.
Saturday, we posted the presents and then went shopping for the stocking "stuffers" for the mothers when they come out to meet Alex! We spent many hours trying to find the perfect things so hopefully they will be great. We also found two little balls to protect Jeff's hands for when Julie goes into labor- if you remember back when Julie sewed through her thumb--well she is a hand squeezer- they had to giver a screw driver then. Haha That night we went to the ward Christmas party which was a lot of fun. After we took some small presents to some friends that do not have hardly anything this Christmas. Jeff doorbell ditched them and then ran up the stairs of their apt complex rather than out the building's front door. All dressed in black, Julie hid in the car and giggled as she saw the husband bolt out and look around for a moving car. He searched the near by bushes and area but when he saw no one went inside. Jeff came out a little later and we felt victorious as we went home. This morning we saw a note from the wife to the public thanking whoever left them and telling her predictions for what was inside the packages. That was sooo much fun! Addicting really!
Sunday, we had a fairly normal day at church besides the fact that Julie was told that she like she is going to pop and when one of her students threaten to punch the baby because she made him take turns using the restroom (the boys in her class like to exert extra energy when they are in the bathroom). We then had hometeachers come. Jeff and Brother Logan gave Julie a blessing so that Brother Logan would not have to come out if we go into labor in the middle of the night. It was short and sweet and then Brother Logan's son said a really kind prayer for Julie and Alex when we said goodbye. It ended well.
Julie
The Wisconsin Haws Family
This has been a good week for us here in Wisconsin. I enjoyed a wonderful birthday. Mom, Logan and I attended the temple on Saturday. Mom was able to do initiatories while Logan and I did work in the baptistry. Mom suprised me beforehand with a new pair of white pants and belt. That was much appreciated. On arrival at home I was treated to a delicious meal featuring crab cakes. It was really good.
Logan's week included a performance with his school choir on Sunday and Monday. He has started voice lessons as of today. He loves to sing and serinades us on a regular basis. He was able to join friends for roller skating on Friday and has a pretty enjoyable week.
Lanette's week has been a bit frustrating for her. Dad (aka the doll catcher) has told her that we will not be buying dolls for Christmas. She does not like that answer but I am hoping we will be able to move onto some other topics in the new future. She is looking forward to visiting the Elmhorst family later this month when some of their illnesses subside.
Emily has been working hard in school. She did not make it home until nearly 10 pm tonight but was pleased with having caught up with all of her homework. She turned in her paperwork for graduation announcements. It is hard to believe that her senior year is almost half over.
Mom had a wonderful visit to Colorado to visit Andy, Melanie, Haley and Kayla. She had such a wonderful time. She is now looking forward to helping Julie and Stacie after their deliveries. Mom is such a super mom and super nana.
We love each of you and hope you have a wonderful week. Kevin, you will be in our prayers for sucess with your finals.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
December 6, 2011
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
It was difficult to return to work and school after the nice break last week. However, with a busy weekend ahead the week still seemed to go quickly for Stacie & Kevin. Most evenings were spent doing homework or preparing for their ward Christmas activity. On Thursday Albuquerque was hit with the strong winds that affected most of the western states with winds reaching all the way up to 88 mph around the mountain passes near their home. Stacie & Kevin were thankful to come home and see that the worst damage was a missing window screen and lots of leaves bunched up next to the front door.
On Friday the weather let up and introduced the first snow flurries to the Albuquerque area. It snowed quite a bit more on Saturday, which added a holiday spirit to the ward Christmas activity that Stacie assisted the Relief Society in coordinating. Overall Saturday was a busy day for both Stacie and Kevin. After dropping off lots of Christmas decorations at the church, they headed over to the hospital for a childbirth course. Although watching graphic birth videos did little to relieve their fears, they did enjoy the relaxation and massage techniques taught. Afterwards they spent the afternoon decorating and preparing the church. The activity went well. It is a relief for Stacie to have the two big ward activities behind her.
Grant's News
Grant had a pretty quiet week. He started the week with some bartending shifts, which was a new position he started doing at Hudson's. He enjoyed it because he gets to take tables and bartend at the same time...which means more mulah. Grant has been reading "Revolutionary Road" this week, as well as starting a project called the "100 thing" project. It is based on the Tiny Houses he loves and it is the goal to only own 100 things. It is one of his goals for 2012 and will be a whole new experience in minimalism.
The Lane Family of Virginia
This week has been a mix of ups and downs. Monday was a little rough as we ran from one appointment to another at the hospital and the pediatricians. We also had some battles to fight with the lovely insurance company which basically informed us that Alex will need to be born before New Years in order for us to have any pre-paid deductible to apply towards Alex's birth.
Friday we had young marrieds which we enjoyed up to the point where we had to leave due to some lovely third trimester discomforts-haha. Oh the joy!
The rest of the week went rather smooth and quiet. Saturday, we had a friend over for cake, which was the yummiest death by chocolate cake, and met up with another couple for dinner at Applebee's. Julie was very surprised by a kindle that the parents generously gave her and a beautiful "Mom" locket her hubby dear gave to her. (It was her first "mom" inscribed or noted thing so it meant an extra something to her .) She has hardly even taken it off :)
Today we enjoyed the ability to sleep in a little and then played with Julie's new toy. At church Julie's primary kids had written "Happy Birthday" on the chalk board and then sweetly hid from her under their chairs as a birthday surprise. She was also presented with three of those funny shaped rubber bands with church pictures and symbols on them. After church we gobbled up some more yummy cake and then put the calories to our hips as we enjoyed a long nice nap. Jeff then made Julie his incredible wooo- the- girl veggie pizza and we enjoyed the Christmas devotional and giving Lanette a very hard time about wanting a real baby doll. We told her we could have Alex supply her with the real-filled-diapers- she did not think that was soo funny. I wonder why. Can we say glutton for punishment! :)
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
Mom is spending some wonderful time with Melanie and the girls. We are all excited that Andy will be arriving home on Tuesday night. With all the crazy news from Afganistan I consider it a direct answer to our prayers that Andy's life has been protected. How my heart goes out to those people of Afganistan and to the families of American soldiers who have lost love ones in this war torn land.
We are doing OK back here at home. There is no doubt that life with Mom out of town is incomplete but Grant has done so much, Emily has helped drive Logan to important events and Logan and Lanette have stepped up. We cannot wait for Mom to come home but we are so happy that she can get time with Melanie, Andy and her darling granddaughters.
We went last night and got a star to complete our Christmas tree. We have enjoyed a beautiful snow that makes the trees look very winter-like. Logan's chickens are doing OK and keep on laying eggs. Our new roof is almost done and should be done by the end of the week.
It was wonderful to hear that Derick and Lanette had great birthdays. Can you image a better gift for Derick. As my 54th birthday approaches I want to tell each of you how much you have made my life wonderful. I have continued to marvel at the sacrifice of my mom, Grandma Haws, to bring me to this earth even though pregnancy was a very difficult thing for her. Thank you Julie and Stacie for your sacrifice to make a home ready for two special spirits anxiously waiting to come to earth.
I love you,
Dad
It was difficult to return to work and school after the nice break last week. However, with a busy weekend ahead the week still seemed to go quickly for Stacie & Kevin. Most evenings were spent doing homework or preparing for their ward Christmas activity. On Thursday Albuquerque was hit with the strong winds that affected most of the western states with winds reaching all the way up to 88 mph around the mountain passes near their home. Stacie & Kevin were thankful to come home and see that the worst damage was a missing window screen and lots of leaves bunched up next to the front door.
On Friday the weather let up and introduced the first snow flurries to the Albuquerque area. It snowed quite a bit more on Saturday, which added a holiday spirit to the ward Christmas activity that Stacie assisted the Relief Society in coordinating. Overall Saturday was a busy day for both Stacie and Kevin. After dropping off lots of Christmas decorations at the church, they headed over to the hospital for a childbirth course. Although watching graphic birth videos did little to relieve their fears, they did enjoy the relaxation and massage techniques taught. Afterwards they spent the afternoon decorating and preparing the church. The activity went well. It is a relief for Stacie to have the two big ward activities behind her.
Grant's News
Grant had a pretty quiet week. He started the week with some bartending shifts, which was a new position he started doing at Hudson's. He enjoyed it because he gets to take tables and bartend at the same time...which means more mulah. Grant has been reading "Revolutionary Road" this week, as well as starting a project called the "100 thing" project. It is based on the Tiny Houses he loves and it is the goal to only own 100 things. It is one of his goals for 2012 and will be a whole new experience in minimalism.
The Lane Family of Virginia
This week has been a mix of ups and downs. Monday was a little rough as we ran from one appointment to another at the hospital and the pediatricians. We also had some battles to fight with the lovely insurance company which basically informed us that Alex will need to be born before New Years in order for us to have any pre-paid deductible to apply towards Alex's birth.
Friday we had young marrieds which we enjoyed up to the point where we had to leave due to some lovely third trimester discomforts-haha. Oh the joy!
The rest of the week went rather smooth and quiet. Saturday, we had a friend over for cake, which was the yummiest death by chocolate cake, and met up with another couple for dinner at Applebee's. Julie was very surprised by a kindle that the parents generously gave her and a beautiful "Mom" locket her hubby dear gave to her. (It was her first "mom" inscribed or noted thing so it meant an extra something to her .) She has hardly even taken it off :)
Today we enjoyed the ability to sleep in a little and then played with Julie's new toy. At church Julie's primary kids had written "Happy Birthday" on the chalk board and then sweetly hid from her under their chairs as a birthday surprise. She was also presented with three of those funny shaped rubber bands with church pictures and symbols on them. After church we gobbled up some more yummy cake and then put the calories to our hips as we enjoyed a long nice nap. Jeff then made Julie his incredible wooo- the- girl veggie pizza and we enjoyed the Christmas devotional and giving Lanette a very hard time about wanting a real baby doll. We told her we could have Alex supply her with the real-filled-diapers- she did not think that was soo funny. I wonder why. Can we say glutton for punishment! :)
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
Mom is spending some wonderful time with Melanie and the girls. We are all excited that Andy will be arriving home on Tuesday night. With all the crazy news from Afganistan I consider it a direct answer to our prayers that Andy's life has been protected. How my heart goes out to those people of Afganistan and to the families of American soldiers who have lost love ones in this war torn land.
We are doing OK back here at home. There is no doubt that life with Mom out of town is incomplete but Grant has done so much, Emily has helped drive Logan to important events and Logan and Lanette have stepped up. We cannot wait for Mom to come home but we are so happy that she can get time with Melanie, Andy and her darling granddaughters.
We went last night and got a star to complete our Christmas tree. We have enjoyed a beautiful snow that makes the trees look very winter-like. Logan's chickens are doing OK and keep on laying eggs. Our new roof is almost done and should be done by the end of the week.
It was wonderful to hear that Derick and Lanette had great birthdays. Can you image a better gift for Derick. As my 54th birthday approaches I want to tell each of you how much you have made my life wonderful. I have continued to marvel at the sacrifice of my mom, Grandma Haws, to bring me to this earth even though pregnancy was a very difficult thing for her. Thank you Julie and Stacie for your sacrifice to make a home ready for two special spirits anxiously waiting to come to earth.
I love you,
Dad
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