The Jackson's of Albuquerque
Last week marked a pretty slow week at work for Stacie. She is looking forward to taking this week off and spending lots of time with Henry, Kevin, Scott and Chandra. Kevin continues to work hard in school and is also looking forward to a short break with family. Henry is growing so much and so fast. He is starting to figure out crawling, although he isn't quite ready to get moving yet. Stacie was very happy that Kevin figured out how to fix their camera and she has finally caught up on taking lots of pictures of Henry. Over the weekend the Jacksons enjoyed listening to conference together. On Sunday they went out for a nice walk together.
The Haws Family of Alaska
We have been here in Alaska for almost two weeks now. Getting on the ferry in Bellingham, WA was a little adventurous. I am very glad that my mom was the one parking the vehicle because the guys telling us where to go were trying to fit our full size pickup in a compact car space next to a camper. Luckily they let us back out and park behind the camper instead.
The ferry was an exciting ride to be on. I think the most important part was girls were able to meet new friends on the ferry who were headed to Anchorage. We were also able to see three whales, well the tail ends of them anyways. My mom and I were very lucky because we only got seasick one time for a few hours while we were going over open water. We had the girls turn on a movie while we laid down so we could feel better, well the movie that the girls chose was the Muppets pirate movie, which did not help us any.
After being on the ferry for a few days we got off in Haines, Alaska. I was shocked to see that gas there was $5.30 a gallon! But we needed to fill up the gas cans so we didn’t get stranded. While filling up we met the family from the ferry that was going to Anchorage and decided to a caravan to Tok, Alaska where all of us were going to stay. After filling up, we reached the boarder of Canada and let me tell you that you better be thankful for the roads in the lower 48 states because the roads there were terrible. When the sign told you to slow down, you better slow down because most likely a dirt road is coming up and you wouldn’t want to be going fast on that road.
Finally after 10 hours of driving we arrived in Tok and stayed in a cute little cabin. The people there were very friendly. The next day we headed to Fort Wainwright, Alaska. There were very few spots that had beautiful scenery because of it being the first week of October. Hopefully next summer I will have better pictures of the scenery to show the beauty of Alaska.
At Fort Wainwright we only had to stay in the hotel for a few days before our house was ready to move into. The movers should be delivering our household goods tomorrow which all of us are excited about.
While my mom was here we took a trip to North Pole, AK which is only 15 miles down the road. We went to Santa’s House where the girls were able to see the reindeer. We also stocked up on winter gear that we are going to need.
The ward at church is wonderful! All of the members are very loving and is willing to help with anything that we need. I am so grateful that that is one thing Andy and I do not have to worry about is if there is going to be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where ever the military sends us. The building may be four or 40 miles down the road, but we never have to worry if the church is going to be there. Also at church I was so excited because one of the sisters who used to be my visiting teaching companion at Fort Lee, VA was in this ward! We have already been blessed to eat dinner with two different families from church.
The night I had to take my mom back to the airport we just missed seeing the aurora borealis. Hopefully next time it is out I will try to get a good picture of it. My mom was a little disappointed because we didn’t see a moose or bear while she was here, but I promised her if I see one I will take a picture of it. It was really wonderful to have her be with me as we traveled up to Alaska; it made the trip up here extremely easier since Andy and I were not able travel together.
Haley and Kayla enjoy school. Last Tuesday they had a field trip to see “Riders in the Sky” who sang “Woody’s Round-Up” in Toy Story 3. Haley and Kayla love that we live so close to the school (about 1/2 mile) because I they are able to ride their scooters home from school most days.
Andy made it to Virginia safely. He was able to stop at the Kansas City, Missouri temple and Louisville, Kentucky temple along the way and do temple work for our kindred dead. Andy is glad that he is already done with one week of school but still has four more to go before he can drive up here. We are both ready to be together again.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
We enjoyed the blessing of listening to living prophets and church leaders this weekend. It was comfortable to remain home over the weekend and not having to worry about other activities. We did have the chance to do some yard work and we are at the point that the gardens are ready for the winter. Grant has planted a number of bulbs that promise to surprise us this coming spring.
Logan continues with soccer. His last game is Thursday. He has had a terrific year and is really one of the team leaders. The coach is really pushing to see Logan return to Columbus next year. I am not sure our budget is ready for that but we will have to see.
Lanette spent the weekend with the Elmhorst family. Need I say more...She had a great time.
Mom and I have enjoyed time together this fall. It is such a beautiful time of the year. We have enjoyed spending time with Julie and Jeff while we watch Alex make quick progress. He will be walking in days. Watch out Julie, next comes climbing!!!
We hope that each of you are have a wonderful week.
Love,
Dad
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
September 30, 2012
Grant's News
This week was the tenth anniversary for Grant's restaurant and on Tuesday they celebrated by selling a burger, fries, and shake for $4.50 total. And although Grant thought he dodged that bullet when he had the day off, by mid afternoon he was called in to help out. It ended up being an especially crazy night and Grant even had to make a run to the local grocery store to buy a couple hundred hamburger buns. The rest of Grant's week was pretty quiet and he was able to spend an afternoon in the marsh. The trees are turning colors really quick and it was pretty out there.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
On Friday Kevin went with some friends up to Red River, NM to enjoy some fishing. They caught lots of fish and ate plenty of fish tacos. Meanwhile, Stacie & Henry had a lovely weekend of playing. On Friday night there was a fright when a loud knock came to the door. Stacie called out "Who's there!?" but there wasn't an answer. It was dark and windy out and she was nervous about answering the door while home alone. It turned out to just be a door bell ditch of cookies from someone in the ward. Such a pleasant surprise!
On Saturday Henry and Stacie went to their swim lesson. Stacie is still amazed by how great Henry is in the pool. He absolutely loves it. They went on several errands, but Stacie's favorite stop was visiting Michael's to get some craft supplies. She looks forward to making some fun things for Henry. Kevin returned on Sunday afternoon and the Jacksons are all very happy to be together again. In the evening they had the missionaries over for dinner. They look forward to a week of more fun times together, then Stacie is going to take off a week of work to spend time with Henry and Kevin's parents, Scott & Chandra. Scott & Chandra Jackson are coming to Albuquerque for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
This week was marked by another hawk attack on Logan's chickens. Thankfully the problem is solved for at least now. According to Grant the hawks are migrating south so hopefully this will not be a problem during the winter months. Logan has some young chickens that will need to be watched closely when he ultimately lets them out to range. Logan had a lot of fun this week our joint youth activity on Wednesday night. He is well loved by all the youth (especially the young ladies). He has had a busy soccer week with a 2 win and 1 loss performance last week. Logan continues to play very well and has a strong kick.
Lanette has enjoyed a weekend with the Elmhorst. Today in church she was bothered by a string on her knit shirt. She pulled the string and it kept coming. She showed it to me and I pulled a little more then broke the string. To our chagrin the shirt was open all along her side for about 18 inches. Appropriately Mom went home and got a replacement shirt.
Mom has been busy with canning and preserving this last week making more tomato sauce, apple butter jam, apricot-pineapple jam, apple cider (non-fermented), and mango salsa. We have enjoyed a wonderful garden this year. On Thursday Mom and I had an early date together then I left for a trip to Cincinnati. I attended a dialysis and acute kidney injury meeting. It was very good. I was able to met Andy at the Louisville, Kentucky Temple on Thursday night. We enjoy a temple session, a long discussion of the endowment in the celestial room and a good dinner before parting ways.
It was with great joy that I returned home on Saturday night. I was promised in my patriarchal blessing many wonderful opportunities. This was one of them.
Updates on our family
Andy has made it to Virginia. He will be taking a class for 30 days then heading to Alaska with a short stop in Marshfield. Melanie and the girls made it safely to Fairbanks. Nancy, Melanie's mom, helped with the move. She will be flying back to Utah on Monday.
Jeff and Renata and the boys are finishing up the final actions prior to coming to the US. It looks like they will be up here pretty soon. We are getting excited.
Julie and Jeff and Alex are doing well. A little illness this week. They are looking into some job offers including one in the Madison area. We would love that.
This week was the tenth anniversary for Grant's restaurant and on Tuesday they celebrated by selling a burger, fries, and shake for $4.50 total. And although Grant thought he dodged that bullet when he had the day off, by mid afternoon he was called in to help out. It ended up being an especially crazy night and Grant even had to make a run to the local grocery store to buy a couple hundred hamburger buns. The rest of Grant's week was pretty quiet and he was able to spend an afternoon in the marsh. The trees are turning colors really quick and it was pretty out there.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
On Friday Kevin went with some friends up to Red River, NM to enjoy some fishing. They caught lots of fish and ate plenty of fish tacos. Meanwhile, Stacie & Henry had a lovely weekend of playing. On Friday night there was a fright when a loud knock came to the door. Stacie called out "Who's there!?" but there wasn't an answer. It was dark and windy out and she was nervous about answering the door while home alone. It turned out to just be a door bell ditch of cookies from someone in the ward. Such a pleasant surprise!
On Saturday Henry and Stacie went to their swim lesson. Stacie is still amazed by how great Henry is in the pool. He absolutely loves it. They went on several errands, but Stacie's favorite stop was visiting Michael's to get some craft supplies. She looks forward to making some fun things for Henry. Kevin returned on Sunday afternoon and the Jacksons are all very happy to be together again. In the evening they had the missionaries over for dinner. They look forward to a week of more fun times together, then Stacie is going to take off a week of work to spend time with Henry and Kevin's parents, Scott & Chandra. Scott & Chandra Jackson are coming to Albuquerque for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
This week was marked by another hawk attack on Logan's chickens. Thankfully the problem is solved for at least now. According to Grant the hawks are migrating south so hopefully this will not be a problem during the winter months. Logan has some young chickens that will need to be watched closely when he ultimately lets them out to range. Logan had a lot of fun this week our joint youth activity on Wednesday night. He is well loved by all the youth (especially the young ladies). He has had a busy soccer week with a 2 win and 1 loss performance last week. Logan continues to play very well and has a strong kick.
Lanette has enjoyed a weekend with the Elmhorst. Today in church she was bothered by a string on her knit shirt. She pulled the string and it kept coming. She showed it to me and I pulled a little more then broke the string. To our chagrin the shirt was open all along her side for about 18 inches. Appropriately Mom went home and got a replacement shirt.
Mom has been busy with canning and preserving this last week making more tomato sauce, apple butter jam, apricot-pineapple jam, apple cider (non-fermented), and mango salsa. We have enjoyed a wonderful garden this year. On Thursday Mom and I had an early date together then I left for a trip to Cincinnati. I attended a dialysis and acute kidney injury meeting. It was very good. I was able to met Andy at the Louisville, Kentucky Temple on Thursday night. We enjoy a temple session, a long discussion of the endowment in the celestial room and a good dinner before parting ways.
It was with great joy that I returned home on Saturday night. I was promised in my patriarchal blessing many wonderful opportunities. This was one of them.
Updates on our family
Andy has made it to Virginia. He will be taking a class for 30 days then heading to Alaska with a short stop in Marshfield. Melanie and the girls made it safely to Fairbanks. Nancy, Melanie's mom, helped with the move. She will be flying back to Utah on Monday.
Jeff and Renata and the boys are finishing up the final actions prior to coming to the US. It looks like they will be up here pretty soon. We are getting excited.
Julie and Jeff and Alex are doing well. A little illness this week. They are looking into some job offers including one in the Madison area. We would love that.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
September 23, 2012
Grant's News
The main event of Grant's week was planting bulbs on Saturday...which was Hobbit Day by the way. I planted over 300 bulbs around the yard and is excited for all the flowers to come up in spring. He planted tulips, daffodils, irises, hyacinths, and crocus among many other things. Work was somewhat busier this week and Grant ended up working an extra evening to help out with Marshfield's Homecoming, which makes the restaurant extremely busy.
The International Haws Family
Our week was highlighted by water and the lack of it. This morning we
awoke to our third consecutive day without water having left our
reserves depleted for now a second day and my challenge to find a pipe
with some remaining content that I might fill buckets and carry the
water home.
It may be hard to imagine the effects of going without something so
basic. We forget how reliant we are on the delivery of this commodity.
Clothes piled up, along with dishes. Cooking quickly became impossible
and baths needed to be delayed. Toilets can't be flushed and houses can
hardly be cleaned.
How many buckets of water do you need for your day? More than you might
think. And may I say that it is not light or convenient to carry
either.
At about noon today the water returned. It has been something of a
return to civilization, a cleansing, a relief.
Besides that our week was rather uneventful. Children in school, waiting
for the last approvals for us to travel and hopes that all might resolve
quickly, at least before mid-terms is how the prayer seems to go not
that I was aware there were mid-terms in Brazil.
Work has been exciting. Steven has allowed me to participate more in the
web development which is a new area for. Since I have no experience in
web coding we set up a backup site that I can use as my play-ground, a
place where I can have a crash-course without interfering with the users
in the main website.
Love,
Jeff
The Alaska Haws Family
This is a late posting. Melanie sent it to me last week.
This is a late/early newsletter that I am sending. The girls had a hard time saying goodbye to their friends and teachers at school a week ago. We are truly going to miss everyone that we have met in Colorado Springs. There are so many wonderful people there. On Friday Haley woke up in the middle of the night complaining of a sore throat. My first thought was, I hope she is not getting strep because we were leaving Friday morning. Well half way to Utah Haley ended up with a fever of 102, luckily I had some Tylenol and that brought her fever down. Once we got to my dad’s her fever was back, that is when I decided to take her to the ER and not to my surprise she had strep. The doctor gave her a shot and she was back to her old self again the next day. I was very glad that Haley was feeling better, because on Saturday my dad watched the girls so Andy and I were able to spend the day at the Manti temple. It was so wonderful to have Andy by my side again in the House of the Lord. I am truly grateful for the power of repentance and eternal families. While we were at the temple the girls also enjoyed some time playing with their cousins. Monday we had a wonderful visit with Elder and Sister Johnson at the park. On Tuesday we were blessed to be able to spend a few hours at the Temple with my Mom and her husband DJ. On Wednesday we headed out on our adventure after we dropped Andy of at the airport. We made it to Ellensburg, WA Wednesday night. Everyone that I have talked to said that Oregon and Washington are very green; well it was more yellow and dry with smoke in the air than green. Thursday morning my mom and I were blessed to spend time in the Seattle Washington temple serving before we headed up to Bellingham to catch the Ferry on Friday. Seattle was so foggy that you couldn’t even see the angel Moroni on top of the temple. To end the day we went swimming at the hotel.
The Haws Family of Marshfield
It has been a good week here in Marshfield. Logan has had three soccer games this week and he scored his first goal ever. He usually plays midfield but he got a chance at forward. He was pretty excited about that. Logan's coach is really rooting for him to stay at Columbus next year. We will see if they give him a scholarship to help with tuition. Logan enjoyed a movie night with a group of friends last evening.
Lanette had the chance to enjoy a special day and night with the Elmhorst. That is definitely one of her favorite things. She attending Emily's shower which she really enjoyed. She is working at Goodwill and I am looking into the opportunity to for her to volunteer on the pediatric unit at the hospital.
Emily had her wedding shower this week. It was very well attended by friends and family. She received many nice gifts for her kitchen. She is working only one job but making fairly good money there as she saves to go to college.
Mom and I have been working on storing our garden produce. We are learning a lot. We have put up more this year compared to any other for our year supply. This weekend I have planted garlic bulbs for next spring while Grant has planted a wide assortment of bulbs to beautify our yard this coming spring. We have enjoyed wonderful fall weather and marveled at the change in the leaves.
The main event of Grant's week was planting bulbs on Saturday...which was Hobbit Day by the way. I planted over 300 bulbs around the yard and is excited for all the flowers to come up in spring. He planted tulips, daffodils, irises, hyacinths, and crocus among many other things. Work was somewhat busier this week and Grant ended up working an extra evening to help out with Marshfield's Homecoming, which makes the restaurant extremely busy.
The International Haws Family
Our week was highlighted by water and the lack of it. This morning we
awoke to our third consecutive day without water having left our
reserves depleted for now a second day and my challenge to find a pipe
with some remaining content that I might fill buckets and carry the
water home.
It may be hard to imagine the effects of going without something so
basic. We forget how reliant we are on the delivery of this commodity.
Clothes piled up, along with dishes. Cooking quickly became impossible
and baths needed to be delayed. Toilets can't be flushed and houses can
hardly be cleaned.
How many buckets of water do you need for your day? More than you might
think. And may I say that it is not light or convenient to carry
either.
At about noon today the water returned. It has been something of a
return to civilization, a cleansing, a relief.
Besides that our week was rather uneventful. Children in school, waiting
for the last approvals for us to travel and hopes that all might resolve
quickly, at least before mid-terms is how the prayer seems to go not
that I was aware there were mid-terms in Brazil.
Work has been exciting. Steven has allowed me to participate more in the
web development which is a new area for. Since I have no experience in
web coding we set up a backup site that I can use as my play-ground, a
place where I can have a crash-course without interfering with the users
in the main website.
Love,
Jeff
The Alaska Haws Family
This is a late posting. Melanie sent it to me last week.
This is a late/early newsletter that I am sending. The girls had a hard time saying goodbye to their friends and teachers at school a week ago. We are truly going to miss everyone that we have met in Colorado Springs. There are so many wonderful people there. On Friday Haley woke up in the middle of the night complaining of a sore throat. My first thought was, I hope she is not getting strep because we were leaving Friday morning. Well half way to Utah Haley ended up with a fever of 102, luckily I had some Tylenol and that brought her fever down. Once we got to my dad’s her fever was back, that is when I decided to take her to the ER and not to my surprise she had strep. The doctor gave her a shot and she was back to her old self again the next day. I was very glad that Haley was feeling better, because on Saturday my dad watched the girls so Andy and I were able to spend the day at the Manti temple. It was so wonderful to have Andy by my side again in the House of the Lord. I am truly grateful for the power of repentance and eternal families. While we were at the temple the girls also enjoyed some time playing with their cousins. Monday we had a wonderful visit with Elder and Sister Johnson at the park. On Tuesday we were blessed to be able to spend a few hours at the Temple with my Mom and her husband DJ. On Wednesday we headed out on our adventure after we dropped Andy of at the airport. We made it to Ellensburg, WA Wednesday night. Everyone that I have talked to said that Oregon and Washington are very green; well it was more yellow and dry with smoke in the air than green. Thursday morning my mom and I were blessed to spend time in the Seattle Washington temple serving before we headed up to Bellingham to catch the Ferry on Friday. Seattle was so foggy that you couldn’t even see the angel Moroni on top of the temple. To end the day we went swimming at the hotel.
The Haws Family of Marshfield
It has been a good week here in Marshfield. Logan has had three soccer games this week and he scored his first goal ever. He usually plays midfield but he got a chance at forward. He was pretty excited about that. Logan's coach is really rooting for him to stay at Columbus next year. We will see if they give him a scholarship to help with tuition. Logan enjoyed a movie night with a group of friends last evening.
Lanette had the chance to enjoy a special day and night with the Elmhorst. That is definitely one of her favorite things. She attending Emily's shower which she really enjoyed. She is working at Goodwill and I am looking into the opportunity to for her to volunteer on the pediatric unit at the hospital.
Emily had her wedding shower this week. It was very well attended by friends and family. She received many nice gifts for her kitchen. She is working only one job but making fairly good money there as she saves to go to college.
Mom and I have been working on storing our garden produce. We are learning a lot. We have put up more this year compared to any other for our year supply. This weekend I have planted garlic bulbs for next spring while Grant has planted a wide assortment of bulbs to beautify our yard this coming spring. We have enjoyed wonderful fall weather and marveled at the change in the leaves.
Monday, September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
Grant's News
It has been a pretty quiet week for Grant. There is always a transition time at the restaurant when school starts and suddenly it gets very slow. One day of being slow is fine, but after a week or two Grant goes a little insane. During his time off this week Grant worked on the flowerbeds, pruning things back and getting it ready for planting bulbs this coming week.
News from the Jackson's
I apologize that I haven't provided an update for some time. We are down to one computer and it is also on its last legs. We'll do our best to continue to provide updates. Here is what happened to the Jackson Clan this week:
Last Sunday Stacie and Kevin gave talks in Church on the Atonement and finding peace. After church they invited their friends Jimmy, Terry, Nick and Veronica over fr dinner. Jimmy and Terry are two men from their ward with some mental disabilities, who love to sing hymns and eat enchiladas. They did both.
Last week Kevin witnessed their car suffer through a hit and run while parked in the parking lot by the bus stop. He was able to take it in to the body shop this week and get a rental for a few days. The car was fixed more quickly than anticipated and is back at the Jackson's home, looking much better.
On Saturday Stacie took Henry to his first swimming lesson. He did a wonderful job! They look forward to four more weeks of fun lessons. Afterwards, Kevin, Stacie and Henry went on a nice walk. The temperature has dropped in Albuquerque and they are enjoying the beginning of Autumn. On their walk they saw a coyote, a hummingbird, an inch worm, lots of lizards, lots of dogs, a roadrunner, and a very scary spider. Unfortunately, the spider was on their front door. In the evening they grilled some sausages and enjoyed being together.
This upcoming week Kevin will continue to search for school's to apply to for his doctoral degree. Stacie will try to keep her head above water at work and Henry will get some extra play time on Friday at day care as they have their monthly Parent's Night Out event. Stacie and Kevin are looking forward to their date night.
News from Home
This week we learned the sad news that Jeff Lane's job will be closed down here in Central Wisconsin. That makes it likely that Julie and Jeff will be moving in the new future. We don't know where life will take them but it has been delightful to have them so close for a while. As part of that time together we were able to have family picnic at the Big Eau Pleine Flowage this last Saturday. It was really beautiful. We arrived just before sunset and enjoyed the fall colors, the cool breeze and good company.
We have enjoyed a wonderful garden season and are counter space is filled with cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, peppers and much more. Some items we were given, some we bought at the farmer's market and some at the store but the most wonderful blessings have come from our own garden. It has been really wonderful. I must brag that this has been my very best garden ever. Mom did put up lots of canned tomatoes and we are in better shape for the coming winter.
Logan and I have worked on insulating his chicken coop while at the same time the chickens have been very stingy with the eggs.
We have rejoiced in the news that Andy and Melanie spent last Saturday in the Manti Temple. We are delighted with the news that Jeff and Renata are getting closer to completing their documents. Emily and Trent's wedding date is coming soon.
We love you and wish you the best this coming week.
Dad
It has been a pretty quiet week for Grant. There is always a transition time at the restaurant when school starts and suddenly it gets very slow. One day of being slow is fine, but after a week or two Grant goes a little insane. During his time off this week Grant worked on the flowerbeds, pruning things back and getting it ready for planting bulbs this coming week.
News from the Jackson's
I apologize that I haven't provided an update for some time. We are down to one computer and it is also on its last legs. We'll do our best to continue to provide updates. Here is what happened to the Jackson Clan this week:
Last Sunday Stacie and Kevin gave talks in Church on the Atonement and finding peace. After church they invited their friends Jimmy, Terry, Nick and Veronica over fr dinner. Jimmy and Terry are two men from their ward with some mental disabilities, who love to sing hymns and eat enchiladas. They did both.
Last week Kevin witnessed their car suffer through a hit and run while parked in the parking lot by the bus stop. He was able to take it in to the body shop this week and get a rental for a few days. The car was fixed more quickly than anticipated and is back at the Jackson's home, looking much better.
On Saturday Stacie took Henry to his first swimming lesson. He did a wonderful job! They look forward to four more weeks of fun lessons. Afterwards, Kevin, Stacie and Henry went on a nice walk. The temperature has dropped in Albuquerque and they are enjoying the beginning of Autumn. On their walk they saw a coyote, a hummingbird, an inch worm, lots of lizards, lots of dogs, a roadrunner, and a very scary spider. Unfortunately, the spider was on their front door. In the evening they grilled some sausages and enjoyed being together.
This upcoming week Kevin will continue to search for school's to apply to for his doctoral degree. Stacie will try to keep her head above water at work and Henry will get some extra play time on Friday at day care as they have their monthly Parent's Night Out event. Stacie and Kevin are looking forward to their date night.
News from Home
This week we learned the sad news that Jeff Lane's job will be closed down here in Central Wisconsin. That makes it likely that Julie and Jeff will be moving in the new future. We don't know where life will take them but it has been delightful to have them so close for a while. As part of that time together we were able to have family picnic at the Big Eau Pleine Flowage this last Saturday. It was really beautiful. We arrived just before sunset and enjoyed the fall colors, the cool breeze and good company.
We have enjoyed a wonderful garden season and are counter space is filled with cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, peppers and much more. Some items we were given, some we bought at the farmer's market and some at the store but the most wonderful blessings have come from our own garden. It has been really wonderful. I must brag that this has been my very best garden ever. Mom did put up lots of canned tomatoes and we are in better shape for the coming winter.
Logan and I have worked on insulating his chicken coop while at the same time the chickens have been very stingy with the eggs.
We have rejoiced in the news that Andy and Melanie spent last Saturday in the Manti Temple. We are delighted with the news that Jeff and Renata are getting closer to completing their documents. Emily and Trent's wedding date is coming soon.
We love you and wish you the best this coming week.
Dad
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Update from Melanie and Andy
September 9, 2012
These past two weeks have been very bitter sweet for us. I was able to spend some time with my dear friend Lisa and her family at the parade in Fountain on Monday. The rest of the week Andy and I were trying to pack and prepare for our movers to come on Tuesday. We have been also able to enjoy some quality time together. Haley and Kayla had a fun time playing with their friend on Saturday. On Sunday it was very emotional because it was the last time being in our ward at church and my last time teaching my Sunday school class. It made me feel better to know that my class really enjoyed my teaching and asked if we could Skype on Sunday’s so I can teach them from Alaska. It was hard to say goodbye to many people from church, but I am very grateful that we were able to live here, meet and become good friends with those Brothers and Sisters from church. I know that the Lord puts us in the places that we need to be either to touch someone’s life or for our life to be touched by them. We have been very blessed to be in this ward and will truly miss it.
These past two weeks have been very bitter sweet for us. I was able to spend some time with my dear friend Lisa and her family at the parade in Fountain on Monday. The rest of the week Andy and I were trying to pack and prepare for our movers to come on Tuesday. We have been also able to enjoy some quality time together. Haley and Kayla had a fun time playing with their friend on Saturday. On Sunday it was very emotional because it was the last time being in our ward at church and my last time teaching my Sunday school class. It made me feel better to know that my class really enjoyed my teaching and asked if we could Skype on Sunday’s so I can teach them from Alaska. It was hard to say goodbye to many people from church, but I am very grateful that we were able to live here, meet and become good friends with those Brothers and Sisters from church. I know that the Lord puts us in the places that we need to be either to touch someone’s life or for our life to be touched by them. We have been very blessed to be in this ward and will truly miss it.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
September 9, 2012
Grant's News
August 26th Entry
This week Grant had a bit more than expected time off due to some scheduling issues at work. And he used it to catch up on some reading and savor the last bits of summer. He ended up reading Julius Caesar, The Audacity of Hope by President Obama, and finally, half of a Princess Diana biography...which has involved a lot of crying. The most traumatic thing that happened this week was when Lanette asked Mom "Why can't Grant just be normal?" Apparently, Lanette meant a different Grant... likely story. Grantis looking forward to this final week of summer and reminds the kids daily of how many days until school starts.
August 19th Entry
This week has been a bumpy one at work. Some days the restaurant is hopping, the next day it is dead. So Grant goes in each day not even knowing what to expect. He is looking forward to school starting because that seems to add some predictability to work and what is going on. On his day off this week Grant worked on dividing some of the perennials in the garden and transplanting them to other areas. On Friday, somehow Grant wasn't working, and he ended up watching the movie Flight 93 with Lanette... which was a difficult movie to describe to her since it jumps from scene to scene pretty rapidly.
The Colorado Haws Family
This is the last blog update as the Colorado Haws Family!
August 26th Entry
These past two weeks have been filled with excitement and blessings. First, Haley started 2nd grade and Kayla started Kindergarten which they were both very excited for, especially because Kayla was with her friends Becca and Emma. Last Monday I was able to spend the day with Andy while he cleared post. While clearing we received a call from the housing office on Fort Wainwright offering us a house in the Junior NCO housing area to stay in. Of course we accepted it and signed the acceptance letter. On Friday however Andy made the SFC (E-7) list for September which was very exciting news, but it made it so we wouldn’t be able to have the house that we accepted. I ended up calling the housing office and as a result of a lot of prayer and faith and having the housing office talk to their supervisor we were able to still keep the house that we were offered. One of the best parts of having that house is we will already know one of the neighbors who I have been corresponding with that will also be in the same ward at church. Another blessing this week is we have been able to sell the things that we needed to prior to moving to Alaska. With both Haley and Kayla in school, Andy and I have been able to go on many lunch dates and just spend time together, which has been long overdue with all of the deployments.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
I have really fallen behind in updating the family blog. We have passed Jeff's 30th birthday and Emily's 19th birthday. We have had campouts, visits to New Mexico, garden's producing all sorts of food and many good memories.
Highlights of the weeks include the following:
School started!!! Grant, Mom, Logan and Lanette were all happy to get back into the more usual pattern of life. This is Lanette's last year in high school and Logan's last year in middle school. Logan will be attending Columbus Catholic School. He has some good friends there. The Saturday before school started he joined with about 6 friends to go canoeing. They had a great time.
Mom's trip to see Henry. That was really great. Henry is very cute and Nana had to go for a visit. Pictures of Henry will be on the flickr account for you to view. Stacie and Kevin were great hosts to Mom. They enjoyed a trip to Tucano's for a great meal. Mom enjoyed every minute of time with Henry while Stacie and Kevin had a chance for a date.
Boy Scouts- Logan and I went on an awesome trip to the Porcupine Mountains along the coast of Lake Superior. We did a 6 or 7 mile hike through some beautiful trails that ran along side two different mountain lakes along with wetlands and forests. Logan received today in a court of honor both his Star and Life Advancement as well as 4 merit badges. Pretty awesome.
Temple opportunities. Logan, Mom and Lanette along with Jeff and Julie were able to attend the St Paul Temple and do temple work on Saturday. I was privileged to watch Alex. It was a great day. Earlier in August I was able to go and do initiatories. We have lots of temple work to do so please contact me if you can help.
Canning. We have had a bumper crop of tomatoes along wtih cabbage, carrots, brussel sprouts (yet to be harvested) and squash. Mom and I have canned quite a bit and have more to go.
Well, I hope that you will enjoy this new update. I would love to hear from you.
Love,
Dad
August 26th Entry
This week Grant had a bit more than expected time off due to some scheduling issues at work. And he used it to catch up on some reading and savor the last bits of summer. He ended up reading Julius Caesar, The Audacity of Hope by President Obama, and finally, half of a Princess Diana biography...which has involved a lot of crying. The most traumatic thing that happened this week was when Lanette asked Mom "Why can't Grant just be normal?" Apparently, Lanette meant a different Grant... likely story. Grantis looking forward to this final week of summer and reminds the kids daily of how many days until school starts.
August 19th Entry
This week has been a bumpy one at work. Some days the restaurant is hopping, the next day it is dead. So Grant goes in each day not even knowing what to expect. He is looking forward to school starting because that seems to add some predictability to work and what is going on. On his day off this week Grant worked on dividing some of the perennials in the garden and transplanting them to other areas. On Friday, somehow Grant wasn't working, and he ended up watching the movie Flight 93 with Lanette... which was a difficult movie to describe to her since it jumps from scene to scene pretty rapidly.
The Colorado Haws Family
This is the last blog update as the Colorado Haws Family!
August 26th Entry
These past two weeks have been filled with excitement and blessings. First, Haley started 2nd grade and Kayla started Kindergarten which they were both very excited for, especially because Kayla was with her friends Becca and Emma. Last Monday I was able to spend the day with Andy while he cleared post. While clearing we received a call from the housing office on Fort Wainwright offering us a house in the Junior NCO housing area to stay in. Of course we accepted it and signed the acceptance letter. On Friday however Andy made the SFC (E-7) list for September which was very exciting news, but it made it so we wouldn’t be able to have the house that we accepted. I ended up calling the housing office and as a result of a lot of prayer and faith and having the housing office talk to their supervisor we were able to still keep the house that we were offered. One of the best parts of having that house is we will already know one of the neighbors who I have been corresponding with that will also be in the same ward at church. Another blessing this week is we have been able to sell the things that we needed to prior to moving to Alaska. With both Haley and Kayla in school, Andy and I have been able to go on many lunch dates and just spend time together, which has been long overdue with all of the deployments.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
I have really fallen behind in updating the family blog. We have passed Jeff's 30th birthday and Emily's 19th birthday. We have had campouts, visits to New Mexico, garden's producing all sorts of food and many good memories.
Highlights of the weeks include the following:
School started!!! Grant, Mom, Logan and Lanette were all happy to get back into the more usual pattern of life. This is Lanette's last year in high school and Logan's last year in middle school. Logan will be attending Columbus Catholic School. He has some good friends there. The Saturday before school started he joined with about 6 friends to go canoeing. They had a great time.
Mom's trip to see Henry. That was really great. Henry is very cute and Nana had to go for a visit. Pictures of Henry will be on the flickr account for you to view. Stacie and Kevin were great hosts to Mom. They enjoyed a trip to Tucano's for a great meal. Mom enjoyed every minute of time with Henry while Stacie and Kevin had a chance for a date.
Boy Scouts- Logan and I went on an awesome trip to the Porcupine Mountains along the coast of Lake Superior. We did a 6 or 7 mile hike through some beautiful trails that ran along side two different mountain lakes along with wetlands and forests. Logan received today in a court of honor both his Star and Life Advancement as well as 4 merit badges. Pretty awesome.
Temple opportunities. Logan, Mom and Lanette along with Jeff and Julie were able to attend the St Paul Temple and do temple work on Saturday. I was privileged to watch Alex. It was a great day. Earlier in August I was able to go and do initiatories. We have lots of temple work to do so please contact me if you can help.
Canning. We have had a bumper crop of tomatoes along wtih cabbage, carrots, brussel sprouts (yet to be harvested) and squash. Mom and I have canned quite a bit and have more to go.
Well, I hope that you will enjoy this new update. I would love to hear from you.
Love,
Dad
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
August 15, 2012
Sorry for the lack of updates on our family blog. I hope that you will enjoy the news.
The Colorado Haws Family
August 12, 2012
This week has seemed to fly by for all of us. On Monday Andy and I were able to set up transportation and then have a date night while Vanesa watched the girls for us. On Tuesday Vanesa and I took the kids shopping at the mall. I took the kids to the play place while Vanesa enjoyed peace and quiet while talking to the sales person at the cell phone company. On Wednesday we took all of the kids to the park and then out for some ice cream, which kind of ended up being their lunch (very healthy I know!) We then adventured off to the commissary with 8 extra hands wanting to get things off the shelves. Luckily nothing ended up broken or ripped opened while shopping. On Thursday we were sad to see Vanesa, Wyatt and Luke leave. Both Haley and Kayla cried for a good hour. They started to cheer up when their friend Sydney came to play. Haley was so excited because Thursday afternoon Andy was able to pull out her loose tooth! I think Andy was kind of excited also because that was the first time he was able to do something like that for Haley. Friday was cleaning day for us, especially going though Andy’s military gear so he can turn it in next week. Saturday was another cleaning and de-clutter day for us. Sunday Kayla gave the scripture and prayer in primary at church which she said she did really good. We also enjoyed having Brother Stewart come over for home teaching.
August 5, 2012
This past week we were very grateful to finally receive the amended orders to go to Alaska. Now we can try to get transportation set up and other tasks accomplished for our move. On Thursday and Friday I took Haley and Kayla to two different end-of-summer parties at two different libraries where they were able to have fun doing activities and eat ice cream. Haley and Kayla were very excited to have their cousins and aunt come for a visit. On Saturday we all went to the zoo. It was a very good day to go because the temperature was 70 degrees with a good breeze. Later that night Vanesa had to take Wyatt to the ER because one of his blisters became infected. On Sunday we all enjoyed the day at church.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
August 5, 2012
Stacie's work has become increasingly busy and crazy this week (making her even more grateful she took that week off to play with Grant and the Hirzes), with lots of changes in administrative staff. However, for the first time in six months she has a supervisor, for which she is grateful. Kevin has been enjoying his last few weeks at home with Henry. This upcoming week will be his last week of vacation until work and school start up. While together, the Jacksons have enjoyed watching the Olympics, making a birthday cake for Harry Potter, and playing with Henry. On Saturday, Stacie tripped and fell while holding Henry. Thankfully both of them are fine, though a little traumatized.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
We have enjoyed some great opportunities since my last addition to the family blog.
In late July and early August Logan and I went to Camp Freeland Leslie for our annual scout summer camp. It was the LDS encampment and we had scouts from all over Wisconsin and Illinois. Elder Gibson of the General Young Men's Presidency attended the camp which was terrific. Logan completed 3 merit badges and partially completed 3 other merit badges. On Sunday he met the Scout Board of Review and earned his Life Rank. That is a huge milestone for a 13 year-old boy.
Lanette of course enjoyed some time with the Elmhorst family and will be having an opportunity to spend time with Julie, Jeff and Alex later this month. She has been attending a program that is a combined daycare for older adults and children. Lanette really loves being with older adults just as much as with little children. She loves talking with them and laughing together.
Emily was able to join us for dinner last Sunday. She is working on her wedding plans but the big challenge for her right now is finding the right dress.
Mom will be making a special visit out to see Stacie, Kevin and Henry in the near future. We wish so much that we could spend time with all of you. She has had the opportunity to spend time with Alex while Julie and Jeff did some activities. She has been getting a lot of her things organized that she inherited from Grandma Stewart. One of these days her craft room will be just right.
I have been having fun with scouts and look forward to an upcoming activity in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We will be hiking on the coast of Lake Superior. I have been busier that usual at work which is really nice. Mom and I will be going to the temple this week which I greatly look forward to.
For news from our family-
Jeff and his family are coming closer to being able to come to the USA. We are very excited. Felipe was able to participate as a player in a celebrity soccer game that was held in Angra. Apparently one of the celebrities was unable to attend so Felipe was recruited.
Jeff and Julie are making progress in getting the Lane's home up and ready for sell. Hopefully that goes smoothly. Alex is crawling and playing and doing all the things a healthy little boy should do.
Grant keeps working hard. Tips go up and down. He has witnessed the tip differential between a pregnant server and a male server. He is trying to figure out how to level the playing field.
The Colorado Haws Family
August 12, 2012
This week has seemed to fly by for all of us. On Monday Andy and I were able to set up transportation and then have a date night while Vanesa watched the girls for us. On Tuesday Vanesa and I took the kids shopping at the mall. I took the kids to the play place while Vanesa enjoyed peace and quiet while talking to the sales person at the cell phone company. On Wednesday we took all of the kids to the park and then out for some ice cream, which kind of ended up being their lunch (very healthy I know!) We then adventured off to the commissary with 8 extra hands wanting to get things off the shelves. Luckily nothing ended up broken or ripped opened while shopping. On Thursday we were sad to see Vanesa, Wyatt and Luke leave. Both Haley and Kayla cried for a good hour. They started to cheer up when their friend Sydney came to play. Haley was so excited because Thursday afternoon Andy was able to pull out her loose tooth! I think Andy was kind of excited also because that was the first time he was able to do something like that for Haley. Friday was cleaning day for us, especially going though Andy’s military gear so he can turn it in next week. Saturday was another cleaning and de-clutter day for us. Sunday Kayla gave the scripture and prayer in primary at church which she said she did really good. We also enjoyed having Brother Stewart come over for home teaching.
August 5, 2012
This past week we were very grateful to finally receive the amended orders to go to Alaska. Now we can try to get transportation set up and other tasks accomplished for our move. On Thursday and Friday I took Haley and Kayla to two different end-of-summer parties at two different libraries where they were able to have fun doing activities and eat ice cream. Haley and Kayla were very excited to have their cousins and aunt come for a visit. On Saturday we all went to the zoo. It was a very good day to go because the temperature was 70 degrees with a good breeze. Later that night Vanesa had to take Wyatt to the ER because one of his blisters became infected. On Sunday we all enjoyed the day at church.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
August 5, 2012
Stacie's work has become increasingly busy and crazy this week (making her even more grateful she took that week off to play with Grant and the Hirzes), with lots of changes in administrative staff. However, for the first time in six months she has a supervisor, for which she is grateful. Kevin has been enjoying his last few weeks at home with Henry. This upcoming week will be his last week of vacation until work and school start up. While together, the Jacksons have enjoyed watching the Olympics, making a birthday cake for Harry Potter, and playing with Henry. On Saturday, Stacie tripped and fell while holding Henry. Thankfully both of them are fine, though a little traumatized.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
We have enjoyed some great opportunities since my last addition to the family blog.
In late July and early August Logan and I went to Camp Freeland Leslie for our annual scout summer camp. It was the LDS encampment and we had scouts from all over Wisconsin and Illinois. Elder Gibson of the General Young Men's Presidency attended the camp which was terrific. Logan completed 3 merit badges and partially completed 3 other merit badges. On Sunday he met the Scout Board of Review and earned his Life Rank. That is a huge milestone for a 13 year-old boy.
Lanette of course enjoyed some time with the Elmhorst family and will be having an opportunity to spend time with Julie, Jeff and Alex later this month. She has been attending a program that is a combined daycare for older adults and children. Lanette really loves being with older adults just as much as with little children. She loves talking with them and laughing together.
Emily was able to join us for dinner last Sunday. She is working on her wedding plans but the big challenge for her right now is finding the right dress.
Mom will be making a special visit out to see Stacie, Kevin and Henry in the near future. We wish so much that we could spend time with all of you. She has had the opportunity to spend time with Alex while Julie and Jeff did some activities. She has been getting a lot of her things organized that she inherited from Grandma Stewart. One of these days her craft room will be just right.
I have been having fun with scouts and look forward to an upcoming activity in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We will be hiking on the coast of Lake Superior. I have been busier that usual at work which is really nice. Mom and I will be going to the temple this week which I greatly look forward to.
For news from our family-
Jeff and his family are coming closer to being able to come to the USA. We are very excited. Felipe was able to participate as a player in a celebrity soccer game that was held in Angra. Apparently one of the celebrities was unable to attend so Felipe was recruited.
Jeff and Julie are making progress in getting the Lane's home up and ready for sell. Hopefully that goes smoothly. Alex is crawling and playing and doing all the things a healthy little boy should do.
Grant keeps working hard. Tips go up and down. He has witnessed the tip differential between a pregnant server and a male server. He is trying to figure out how to level the playing field.
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