GG and Pops Place

Gholson Year in Review

2011-12-27T23:25:00.002-05:00

We have had a fabulous 2011. Ron planted a garden and we tried our hand at gardening. I was able to visit all of the children and our precious grandchildren. I started my own business, Gholson Technologies, LLC and my first client is Boy Scouts of America in Dallas Texas. The Marriott points and American Airlines points are racking up and we are saving for a trip in 2013. Maybe to Greece or Australia. We tried being adoptive parents to what we thought was a beautiful beagle hound and ended up being a Tennessee Walker - large hound that trees bears. Cameron added a spice to our lives but it soon became apparent (as he grew bigger and bigger) that he was too much for us to handle. Cam now lives on a TN Walker farm and had a great time hunting with his friends this fall. Ron and I were able to spend Thanksgiving with my mother in Nashville TN. We did decide that we are getting older and the ride gets harder but Cracker Barrel is the way to go for thanksgiving dinner.

Ron continues to serve in the Oak Grove Branch as Mission Leader. The Branch members love him and the missionaries rely on him. Ron LOVES LOVES LOVES the game of golf and plays with his senior group 3 or 4 times a week. He is improving each time he plays.

I was called to be the Belmont Ward Primary Secretary and still serve as the Ward Employment Specialist. I was ask to be in charge of the Ward Christmas party this year and I have to say we had a great time. I felt the need to have a night of service and the ward members were very willing to answer the call.

Amy, Derick, Kurtis, and Sarah Pikula are in Venice, California.

Katie is in Richmond and works for the YMCA.

Ryan, Jordan, Ella, and Kyler Gholson are in Kaysville, Utah. (they are expecting a new arrival in May 2012)

Jackie, Jake, Tucker, and Carson Saxton are in Virginia Beach, VA.

Christmas 2011 was spent with the Pikulas. Next year we will visit with the Gholsons in Utah. (if they will have us).

We are thankful for all of our blessings and grateful that Heavenly Father has seen fit to bless us far beyond our worthiness.

May we all see a healthy, blessed year in 2012. We love you all!

Kurtis loves Pops Corn is YUMMY!

Sarah rules the roost.

Katie is enjoying life.

Cam learned to play fetch.

The kids loved playing with him.

We mastered the fire pit.

Tucker, Kurtis, and Sarah

Ella is our free spirit

Kyler is content to soak it all in.

Ella and Sarah were discussing the bubble situation.

Ryan as the bubble machine.

Cam grew bigger and stronger.

The grandchildren love their Aunt Katie

Kurtis said Pops cantaloupe was tasty!

Cam grew taller than Sarah!

Everyone loves Nanny's pool.

Nanny is the BEST swimming instructor.

The grandchildren love love love their Aunt Katie

Kyler had NO fear of the pool

It was a beautiful day for a photo opp.

Tucker loves that Carson

Tucker totally enjoyed the BIG truck.

Tucker is a ham.

Carson is a sweetie!

Adoptive Parents We Are

2011-06-26T17:46:00.004-04:00

April 2011 Ron and I became adoptive parents to Cam a mix hound puppy. He has been a lot of fun and presented challenges we thought we had left behind when the children all grew up. We have all been able to bond with him well and he is coming along with his obedience training. He is still VERY excited when a new face comes into the house.

Gholson Update

2011-06-26T17:31:00.004-04:00

Ron planted a garden this year and we have already started to glean the fruits of his labors. We have enjoyed cucumbers, peppers, snap beans, and yellow squash. Many other items are in the field ready to be harvested. Ron has gotten much enjoyment out of tilling, weeding, watering, and harvesting. He went to see Jackie for a week and when he returned the second thing he wanted to see was the garden. The first was the dog, Cam.

Offically Became Adoptive Parents Today

2011-03-15T18:33:00.001-04:00

Today we offically became adoptive parents! We are excited for the addition to our family. We pick up Cam on Thursday March 17, 2011. Stay Tuned!

Hugs and Kisses

2010-12-31T19:49:00.023-05:00

We loved having the children and their families here with us to celebrate this holiday season. I am constantly overwhelmed by the many blessings our family is showered with every day of our lives. This year several Christmas miracles occurred and we are thankful for each one.

Gholson 2010 Christmas Miracles
1. A pilot felt compassion toward a crying mother running to catch a plane that had departed, with two beautiful children literally in tow.
2. Daughters with the "get the work done" attitude. In a matter of hours a fabulous redskins blanket was completed for one very faithful redskins fan.
3. Creation of an "invisibility" cloak to fulfill a young son's Christmas wish.
4. Delicious dinners created by family members and recipes were shared with all.
5. Willingness by all to participate in the live nativity on Christmas Eve.
6. Beautiful family picture and everyone was looking "toward" the camera
7. White Christmas was experienced and a snow man built by the California kids.
8. New glasses and contacts were ordered, received, and enjoyed by Katie.
9. Safety and on-time flights even though some were delayed or read their itinerary wrong.
10. Tucker started the army crawl.
We love you all and are eternally grateful for you and your families. Thank you for sharing your strong spirits and loving attitudes with us this Holiday Season. Enjoy the memories. You can download the photos from https://auth.me.com/authenticate?username=gholsonhome&ssoNamespace=public:%20public@gholsonhome&service=public&reauthorize=N&returnURL=aHR0cHM6Ly9wdWJsaWMubWUuY29tL2dob2xzb25ob21l&lang=en. You know the password.

Love you all! Mom and Dad

Welcome Home Gholson Family Welcome Home

2010-12-31T19:35:00.003-05:00

A Gholson Family Christmas

It was Christmas 2010 and we await the arrival of the fam.

The leaves have been gathered. The grass has been cut. The costumes are ironed. The beds are put up.

The refrigerator is full of our favorite foods, In hopes that the dreams of all the children will come true.

Jackie and Tucker, we pick up first and we’re hoping that Ronnie won’t completely burst.

Next there’s Amy and Kurtis with Sarah in tow. Derick will join soon after, and then comes the show.

Jake’s on the way to help with the stew. He wouldn’t miss it for the world. He wants to show Tucker that he can cook too.

Jordan and Ryan will bring up the rear. Ella and Kyler will sure make us cheer.

We’ll all be together under one roof. 6 is now 14 and this is not a reality spoof.

Jacob Tucker Saxton's Blessing Day!

2010-08-13T23:19:00.004-04:00

On August 1, 2010, Ron and I had the opportunity to attend Jacob "Tucker" Saxton's blessing. Jake gave Tucker a beautiful blessing. One that he can live by and use as a guide the rest of his life. Tucker is our 5th grandchild and we had a great time visiting with family and friends for a week. I promise the next time we visit I wont have to work while we are there.

Jake, Jackie, Tucker, Leeroy, and Dolly

2010-08-02T20:30:00.006-04:00

It took us two days to get to Kansas. Oh my gosh. Anyone who knows me knows that travel is part of the business for me. So I expect quality service. Believe me when i say, I was very close to letting EVERYONE know that I was not a happy camper. But let me tell you, seeing little Tucker aided in the anger melting away.

Last Day Visiting the Gholsons

2010-08-02T19:59:00.006-04:00

On our last day visiting the Gholsons we drove into Temple Square. Jordan and Ryan had never been to the top of the Conference Center so they headed to the top. Karen went to visit with her sister in the Church Office Building. The flowers at temple square were beautiful and Ella could not take her eyes off of them. She loved looking at the reflecting pool. We then went to have dinner with our eternal friends the Curtis family. We went to eat dinner and then sat around the house and chatted.

Kyler Wayne Gholson's Blessing

2010-07-25T20:03:00.005-04:00

On Sunday Kyler Wayne Gholson was given a name and a blessing by Ryan Wayne Gholson. Ron and I had the chance to partake of the spirit here in Kaysville Utah. We certainly can't thank the Hopkins enough for their hospitality.

Ron and I Visit the Children

2010-07-25T19:10:00.007-04:00

First stop is Kaysville, Utah. Ryan and Jordan and here with their two little ones - Ella and Kyler. The first few days of our stay we got reaquinted with Ella and were introducted to Kyler. What a joy it has been. We have laughed until we cryed.

Saturday we ventured out to the Idaho Falls airshow. On the way we to IF we stopped in Pocatello to visit my fathers gravesite. We all agreed it was exactly the right place for Grandpa. It was peaceful and beautiful. It appeared that the patrons had been able to plant extra foliage and the cemetery was covered with extra plants, flowers, and trees. It was interesting Ella found a little metal train right in front of the headstone and she decided that it needed to go on the base of the headstone. We all decided that she had met grandpa afterall.

After leaving the cememtery we stopped to have a picinic and then moved on to the airshow. We and 40,000 other people were there to see the blue angles. They have not performed in IF in 25 years. As usual it was spectacular. It was great to see Ron in his element again. Ella loved the planes and Kyler showed signs of having the flying fever.

We had to park a bit of a ways from the airport and on the way back to the car, Jordan and I decided that we would NOT have made good pioneers. We had to walk about a mile to the car in 90 degree weather. We could have waited for three hours and caught the shuttle but thought since it was pioneer day we would brave it. When we finally reached the car all four of us downed a bottle of water and Ella drank a full apple juice. We felt fortunate to have the water. There were others walking back that were struggling as well but did not have the strength to carry on. Several children just sat down and started to cry and told there parents they couldn't go any further. Jordan and I then started to talk about how the early pioneers had this kind of challenge every day and decided we were glad we just had to walk to the car and get the water. We all slept rather well on Saturday night.

Outdoor Adventures 2010

2010-07-05T19:03:00.006-04:00

Katie and I decided that we need to get out and explore the surroundings of Richmond. We have lived here for 32 years and not explored much of anything. This week we decided to venture out to the Hollywood Cemetery located in downtown Richmond. For those that are not history buffs, Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as several major figures from Civil War history, 6 previous Virginia governors, and Jefferson Davis, The President of the Confederate States of America.

While we were walking the cemetery taking a look at J.E.B Stuart's graveside, we found an Ann Gholson that was married to a Glasgow (a pulitzer-prize winning author). We now need to check and see if she is a relative of Ron's.

We did visit Jerry Gholson's gravesite (Ron's uncle) that is buried down in the waterview area. It was a breath taking view of the river and the old rail tracks that the confederates fled down as they escaped capture from the Union soldiers and exited the city of Richmond.

We were reminded how many gave their lives for our freedom. Men and women who were never afraid to stand up and lead out - whatever their cause.

Next adventure St John's Episcopal Church. We are going to the a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention held March 23 1775 where Patrick Henry declared to George Washington, "Give me liberty or give me death." I can't wait.

Lessons in Life

2010-05-02T16:52:00.002-04:00

It was three years ago that Ron finally saw the fruits of his labor on the front lawn. I think it was because he wanted to have a lawn that reminded him of the fairway and greens of a golf course but none the less it was a beautiful lawn. People would stop and ask if they could have the number of the company we used to do lawn care. They were surprised when Ron would say he worked hard on it himself. Two years ago, the septic tank went bad and we had to get linked to the county sewer. It was a sad day when the ground was plowed up to put the new pipes in for the sewer. The lush grass has never returned. We have had issues with sink holes and divots on the front yard. It has been a struggle to get the lawn back. This week Ron started the journey back to having a golf course like lawn again. He had a 8 cubic yards of dirt delivered and with the help of Jewel, and Katie the dirt was diligently spread out over the front and side yards. After working hard all afternoon they finished up with a fresh spread of grass seed and water. Although Ron missed having Ryan here to help him out, Katie stepped up to the plate and was a major contributor to the afternoon activities.

Accomplishment of a lifetime

2010-04-21T20:37:00.003-04:00

This week something very exciting happened to one of the Gholsons. As you know from the information on our blog Ron loves to play golf. Well, on Monday he was playing and on hole number 8, which is 110 yds, he got you'll never guess... A HOLE-IN-ONE!!!! Many people have called to congratulate him and he appreciates all the love. Way to go Ron!

Our Disappearing Nine - Gholson Quilt Making

2010-03-21T21:34:00.005-04:00

Katie and I decided to learn how to quilt. We found out there are several tools that you need before you can start the job. We gathered our tools, found a pattern and started the task. We had a great time. We learned a lot and enjoyed spending quality time together. (and we soaked in NCAA basketball.)

The following pictures that document our journey.

Step 1 - Sew together 9 blocks on of the same size together

Step 2 - Cut the center section up the middle

Step 3 - Cut the middle section across the center

Step 4 - sew the sections together in a pattern

Christmas Came Twice This Year

2009-12-30T16:57:00.005-05:00

Jackie, Jake, and Katie arrived on December 20 to celebrate Christmas in Virginia. We enjoyed the family traditions of caroling, stew making, family visits, and Christmas Eve at Nanny's. We hope all is well with your families and pray that the new year will bring health and happiness to us all.

This year we joined the Wii sensation. We decided we would enjoy the games by interacting with the children using the wonders of the internet. Our Miis have joined forces with their Miis to defeat all the other Miis. LOL. We are having a great time.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-20T12:17:00.009-05:00

Christmas came a little early for us this year. We had a joyous weekend that started December 4th with the children and their families. On December 5th we celebrated Christmas together with the Ron Gholson family. December 6th Sarah Elizabeth was given a name and a blessing by her father. December 7th we had to head home. :(

Amy put pictures on her blog so everyone has already seen most of the pictures but I will show you ones that she did not share. Amy did not have the videos. HAHA Since I bought the flip video the children constantly give me a hard time about videos on the blog instead of pictures but...hey, Amy already posted all the pictures.

Ron and I cherished the time had with the children. We got to eat, laugh, sing, cry, watch Kurtis and Ella dance, listen to Jackie sing, become members of the "Wii" club, and see other family members. My brother and his family were down in LA celebrating my sister-in-laws birthday and came by to visit with us too. Jewel and the children took us to lunch to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It was a delight to have them all around us. Enjoy the pictures and videos. We love you all!

After Thanksgiving Party

2009-11-28T21:37:00.004-05:00

While Grandma and I accompanied Grandpa to the doctor; Ron, Lisa, and Celia visited Murfreesboro, TN. A site of civil war history. All three are history buffs so they enjoyed themselves. We did a little black Friday shopping and then....it was game night. Wish you all were here!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2009-11-26T15:29:00.002-05:00

This year Ron and I went over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house go! We had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with Grandma and Grandpa Christensen. My nieces Lisa and Celia came to visit as well. Ron shared his cooking skills and was the master chef for our feast. We ate a delicious turkey, funeral potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casserole and fruit salad. Yum Yum Yum!

Who Misses VA?

2009-10-18T10:16:00.004-04:00

We were driving home from Nashville, TN and were reminded of the beautiful scenery VA has to offer. Come to VA!

We Are Family!

2009-10-13T23:23:00.006-04:00

As we have enjoyed Steve and Chesed's stay here in Nashville, we welcomed to the family game of "Tripoli". What fun was had by all. Chesed even started to like the game once he started to win. (We still think he was holding the ace of hearts. Who gets it 4 times in a row - come on! - LOL) Steve was the biggest winner and of course Karen was the biggest loser.

Welcome to the Family!!!

News from Nashville

2009-10-12T21:39:00.004-04:00

We continue to have a barrel of laughs here at the home front. The video shows Grandma, her brother Steve (he lives in Mission, Texas) and his son, Chesed. Check out his video on youTube - Ultimate Motorcycle. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fRHeuiEYPE) He served in the Navy and one of his assignments was as a guard in Arlington Cemetery. Cool.

Home again Home again

2009-10-11T19:18:00.004-04:00

Ron and I are back in Tennessee visiting the old people. Once again we have enjoyed laughing, talking, and eating. Grandma made us a delicious roast dinner with potatoes, carrots and jello. Yum Yum. We have enjoyed playing the Findit game Kayla sent. Grandpa will enjoy trying to figure it out while he is having his treatment.

Thought you all would like to see a little video Ron shot this morning. Grandma and Grandpa are in good spirits. We go to the doctor tomorrow to get results of tests done on Friday.

What do you think?

2009-09-08T21:18:00.004-04:00

While here visiting Grandma and Grandpa we have been checking out a bit of Spring Hill. The city has really started to build up since we were here last. I found a place I was particular fond of and decided that if I can find some investors, we will open a franchise. It seems to be calling my name. Put this on your list of must dos when you come to visit Grandma and Grandpa. It is less than 3 miles away!

I love cupcakes.

We have now tried, Lemon, Key Lime, Rootbeer Float, Boston Cream, Cookies and Cream,

Texas Chocolate, Double Chocolate

YUM YUM YUM!!!!!

My gosh it is dang hot!

2009-08-21T10:12:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we visited the cliff dwellings outside of Phoenix AZ. It was interesting to see how these pepople had everything at their fingertips. No cars, no phone, no internet. They stayed in the same place for 300 years, flourished and prospered. Kind of makes you realize what we really could d0. If you wanted to.

We ended the day at the Marriott Camelback Resort and Spa. If we cant live in a cave I guess this is the next best thing. LOL This is much more my style than the Wigwam. LOL. Ron and Martin are already out on the golf course and Kelly and I are heading out to the spa. Whatever we do today, we have to do it before 10 am. It will be 105 today. It was 108 yesterday.

Camelback Mountain range.

Where in the world are GG and Pops

2009-08-19T20:40:00.010-04:00

We have had a blog blackout due to no or limited access to the internet.

Today we will make up for the shortage.

Much needed rest. Rise and shine time was 4:45 am to see the sunrise.
Unbelievable

Martin come back!!! Please watch your footing.

All morning it was ooh and ahh.

Kelly was much more couragous than I.

Why do we have to be so close to the edge?

We were in awe of the beauty of the sunset.

Words can not describe the majestic power that you feel when viewing the grand canyon.

A gorge view proved to be a prelude to the big one!

Elk having dinner on the lawn of the Grand Canyon hotels. One of the males became agressigve and we had to find a different way out. Agh!!!

Turquoise gecko of the wild west. (so it is not an iguana.)

Wild life of the wild west.

Ron said this was a baby rattler.

Kelly and Karen stayed in the car while Martin and Ronnie chased it like real cowboys.

This is Mator at the Wigwam Motel. This picture is just for Kurtis. GG loves and misss you.

The Wigwam Motel was an experience for everyone. LOL

Look Who We Found On Route 66

2009-08-16T23:45:00.015-04:00

Ron and I caught up with Kelly and Martin on Saturday in Albuquerque New Mexico. I think I got Kelly back for the Thanksgiving surprise. This is what we have been up to here at 5,000 feet above sea level.

Besides it being Martin's birthday one of the highlights was to be driving into Santa Fe and hearing the Newsies music playing Santa Fe are your there? Thanks Marie. The cds you made your dad were great! Oops there was another highlight. Someone else bit the dust today. Usually I am the one to fall during the course of our trip but today it was Kelly`s turn. Look out fair Christensen girls. We decided it must be a Johnson trait.

OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH

Sunday we woke up to a hot air balloon flying directly past our window. We watched it float across the sky and thought on how peaceful it made us feel.

I forgot that we checked out a jewelry store and hat store right after eating lunch on Saturday. Kelly and I bought treasurers for the girls sorry boys and Martin and Ron visited the Mans Hat Store Ron decided his father would have love the store and it convinced him to buy a hat. Thanks Pappa. I have a fun video to show you but it was taking to long to load.

Ron and I love sunsets.

Saturday night we took a tram ride up Sandia Peak approx 10,000 feet above sea level. After I recovered from the tram ride up the sunset was beautiful.

Flip Video - It's FAB

2009-08-08T22:16:00.003-04:00

Ron and I were out on our Friday night date and were driving by the Best Buy. There was a big sign that said no tax through the store. Well of course we had to walk in and see what they had. We saw this flip video camera. We rationalized that we were going on vaca in a week and the flip video would be an easy way to update the blog each day. We bought it! I would recommend it to anyone who has children or need a way to document family activities. it is great!

This is a test of the Flip Video Camera

2009-08-07T22:48:00.005-04:00

Ryan, Jordan, and Ella Visit

2009-08-02T20:59:00.004-04:00

We have enjoyed having Ryan, Jordan, and Ella visit with us this last week. They go home tomorrow and we will miss them.

A must have for every household!!!!

2009-07-17T11:58:00.007-04:00

Dyson DC28 Animal

About a month ago I was vaccuming the carpet and thought it was strange that it looked pretty much the same as it did before I started. I then realized that the vaccum we purchased 2 years ago had experienced the same fate as our last 4 vaccums.

I have been looking for another vaccum for a while and checking the internet for the best price. I had pretty much given up on the vaccum of my dreams. The Dyson DC28 Animal. The cost was more than I could rationalize and then I made the mistake of going to Best Buy and checked it out.

I realized I was hooked and could not settle for anything less. I went on a hunt over the internet and found myself a deal. Buy the Dyson DC28 Animal and get the DC16 the handheld for free. Ron and I could not wait until it arrived. It is sad that we were so excited about a vaccum.

Once it arrived we anxiously opened the box pulled it out and started to vaccum away. Boy was I not ready for what was "pulled" into the canister. The guy at Best Buy said we would be amazed for about the next three months but I really did not believe him. This was after ONLY 30 SECONDS of vaccuming. This is disgusting!!!!! We ran the vaccum three more time and got the same amount each time. What the heck have we been doing the last 30 years with the instrument we called a vaccum?

I have to tell you the carpet looks like we just cleaned it, we have eliminating 75% of our sneezing and you won't believe this but Ron and I are "fighting over who gets to run the vaccum. Not many things leave me speechless but I have to admit I was after the first 30 seconds of working with the DC28.

Everyone needs one!!!! I can't tell you what you are living with in your house if you don't.

July 4, 2009

2009-07-04T19:24:00.005-04:00

I was reading Celia's blog the other day and was touched by her description and explanation on the birth of these United States. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and insight, Celia. It was most inspiring as we reflect on the freedom that we take for granted here in this country.

It has been a tradition in our family wake up early on July 4 and trek to the church for a flag raising ceremony at 7:00 am. This year was no different. Ron has taken it upon himself to be the master chef at the breakfast that follows the flag raising. He loves to cook! The Boy Scout Troop sponsored the breakfast this year and raised $300 for the troop. (if I am to be honest Ron has attended alone the last two years - hence no picture)

Around 12 noon we pile in the car and go to Nanny's house and gather as a family to celebrate by eating good food, enjoying good conversation, and have fun swimming in the pool.

Amy, Derick, Kurtis, Katie, Ryan, Jordan, Ella, Jackie and Jake - we missed you this year so....we had to recruit new family members. But we missed you all!! Hope you had fun as well. maybe soon we can all be together again.

What is Your Title Of Liberty?

2009-06-28T16:02:00.004-04:00

My calling in church is teacher of the CTR 7 class in the Primary organization. We have 4 children that attend regularly and they keep me on my toes. They know the gospel stories better than I do. I constantly feel the pressure to be more prepared for these 4 children and their questions and comments, than I did when I taught the Relief Society Sisters. The Sisters would just hash it out amongst themselves.

This week we had a lesson on testimonies. What constitutes a testimony and what we as baptized members have a responsibility to bear in our testimonies.

Once we outlined what a testimony was we talked about someone in the scriptures that was not shy about bearng his testimony - one my personal favorites - Captain Moroni.

After discussing the story of Captain Moroni and how he made a title of Liberty from his "shirt or coat" I ask them if they felt they could bear their testimonies to everyone they met. Of course they all said yes. We then proceeded to make our own individual Title of Liberty. They were so excited about making their flag to display their testimonies. When I suggested they put it in their bedroom as a reminder to bear their testimony always, their reply was, Sister Gholson, why would we keep it inside? They were so excited to fly them in front of their house, put it by the mailbox so people would stop and ask what it was for, they were caught up in the moment to share the Gospel.

What an example these young 6 year olds are. They are never shy about doing or saying anything. I love teaching them and appreciate their willingness to always be honest with their thoughts and actions. I hope that as an adult I will have the courage to not only talk about being able to stand up and lead out but to actually stand up and lead out.

Funny activity: After reviewing the Title of Liberty story I gave each of the children a tee-shirt to cover their clothes so that they would not get marker on their church clothes. Wylie Green ask when they got to rip their shirts off like Captain Moroni. LOL. Isaiah Hawks ask when Brother and Sister Gholson were going to create theirs? Maybe for family home evening - he suggested.

This week - I love my calling!

FYI - last week I did the dancing raisins for sharing time. Anyone who wants to use that object lesson to demonstrate how to experiment upon the word and strengthen your families let me know. The Sunbeams loved it and the CTRs thought it was really cool.

I am sure I am the only one that did not know this but the church has a new Gospel Art Bool\k. it is a spiral notebook with several of the pictures from the Gospel Art Packet. Not the 600 pixs but some of the best ones. Our Primary handed one out to all of the teachers today. The church has also made them available for download at http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,1-1-4779-2,00.html.

Your Getting Older When.......

2009-06-27T15:22:00.006-04:00

Everyone put on your thinking caps and tell me if you have ever had the feeling you are getting older when.....

You walk into Best Buy and ask the young sales person where the cassette tapes are located. He/she then proceed to look at you like a deer in the headlights. Fearing that your question was not heard, you repeat the question. The reply is then, Huh? not sure what you are talking about. I ask for a blank cassette tape and the reply was oh yes let me show you were they are. Great we are making progress. I am ushered over to the video camera section and handed a cassette tape that fits into the latest mini camera. You have got to be kidding me. No, this is not what I am looking for. Bottom line is the kid had no clue what I was asking for.

You walk into the Hallmark store to get a funny card to send your son-in-law. When you can not locate the funny cards, you walk up to the sales clerk and ask for the location of the Humor section. Again, deer in the headlights. This time though she did not even know what a humor section would be. I ask if there was a section of cards that would just make you laugh. She said sure throughout all of the cards. I said no not a birthday card but just a funny humorous card. No luck. We then proceed to review all of the cards for a funny card with no luck.

Do we live in an age where we have forgotten our past? For those transformer fans, "The past is always remembered so that we may learn for the future."

How will future generations know what we know and be able to learn from our past?

I challenge us all to start today to keep a journal of our comings and goings; experiences that could enlighten and enrich others lives.

We love and miss you all you!

Fun Fun Fun - It is fun to have a little one back in the house

2009-06-20T23:15:00.010-04:00

Kurtis and Amy came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. We get so use to being by ourselves that it is amazing to see how much life changes when a little one comes back in the house. We enjoyed non-stop silly chatter, listening to made up songs, seeing Thomas the Train and friends all over the living room floor, waking up at 7:00 am regardless of what time you went to bed, reading the same story over and over - just because you would do anything for the little one who said, "Please GG. I will love you forever." but most of all we enjoyed seeing Amy and Kurtis' smiling faces. We took every opportunity to "soak" them in as GG says. Unfortunately, GG had to work during the week but was happy that the family wanted to come see the sights in DC so she could see them during the evening hours. Needless to say Amy had some great quality time with Pops. We were thrilled that Katie came to visit too. We always enjoy having her home. She tried to come the previous week but flights were cancelled. Between the three of them, we found ourselves laughing, eating, shopping, swimming, and laughing. We look forward to seeing Ryan, Jordan, and Ella at the end of July. There is nothing better than family.

Kurtis was a little anxious about getting into Nanny's pool. When it was actually time to get in his anxious feelings disappeared and turned to fear. But by the end of the 10 days he was swimming like a fish. If Nanny had had 2 more weeks with him, he would have been swimming on his own - without the life jacket.