Thomas Family

Line Drive to 75

2011-12-06T03:50:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Some long awaited news. I signed a contract this morning with Y Mountain Press to publish Grandpa Thomas' new book, "Line Drive to Seventy-Five - A Conversation with Donald C. Thomas." Starting this week (I'll let you know the day), you will be able to order this 477 page book directly from BYU's internet site. The cost will be $39.95 for a hard bound copy. You can even save mailing costs if you pick it up directly at BYU. The BYU bookstore will have a copy of the book if anyone wants to look at it before buying. Now, for a limited time only, until Dec. 24, 2011, we all can buy this book in an imitation leather (a real leather bound book this size would cost over $100!) for $39.95! After Dec 24th, the cost of that edition will go up to about $65 since they will most likely only be printing them one at a time. After Dec 24, there will only be a hard bound (but not a vinyl leather look alike) printed on paper that will be $39.95. So even years down the road we can have access to the hard bound "non-leather" book. So, even though the actual book won't be delivered until after Christmas, this would be a great Christmas book for all immediate family. Spread the word! Talk to your brothers and sisters, kids, and any other relative you think might be interested and lets get the good pricing on the leather look alike before Christmas. If any of this is confusing, please call me up and I will do a better job of explaining the options over the phone!

By the way, for any of you who haven't heard, Amy, our daughter, gave birth to a big baby boy, 8 lbs. 4 ounces on Friday November 18. His name is Reuben Scott (RS?) Harward.

Love to all,

David

Essay from Mark Thomas

2011-11-13T19:38:00.001-08:00

On MoralGravity

by Mark Thomas

After the 11 p.m. celebration on11/11/11 of Emma Leavitt, my granddaughter’s eleventh birthday,which followed hours of playing soccer with my grandsons, I sense aslight, and mysterious pain in the medial portion of my left knee.Still, as I trip into my sixties, the major problems of aging do notyet plague me. Perhaps some of my success in keeping gravity at baycan be attributed to my daily exercise routine coupled with an effortat proper nutrition. I like to think that it’s not only the luck ofthe gene pool that has kept me on the winning side of the battle withgravity. I track my age out of the corner of my eye.

Still, there is my knee. And. Iremember my aunt and uncle on the Young side of the family---both intheir late nineties--- stricken, both mentally and physically, withthe gravity of age. This collapsing from the pull of age reminds methat unrelenting gravity, both physical and the social, is one of thefundamental principles of the moral and physical universes in which Ilive. Basic texts on physics tell us that gravity is the naturalphenomenon by which physical bodies attract each other with a forceproportional to their mass. Gravity causes objects to fall, dispersedobjects to coalesce, and coalesced objects to remain intact. Humanlife is inconceivable without it.

The human skeleton is built, in part,by gravity and, wisely enough, to counteract gravity. Gravity helpsbuild and maintain the functions of the body. The pull of society isno less universal and essential to the function of the individualhuman. Yet that which builds, also destroys. Gravity compresses andbends the spine, and the powerful pull of those around us may destroythe very moral sentiment that they seek to encourage. Given the riskof a humped back caused by physical gravity and a timid moral willcaused by giving way to the power of excess social pull, the healthylife requires the ability to overcome our various gravities when theywork to our detriment.

To be bound by the earth and to ourvarious societies is the grace of a blessed life. However, if we donot exercise the muscles in our physical and moral backbones, weslump, and die, both morally and physically. If we do not exercisethe healthy independence of moral autonomy, we abandon the will thatis the base of all moral freedom. If morality is not based onindividual choice, it necessarily ceases to exist. By combating themoral and physical pulls that pervade all creation, we fully exercisethe highest manifestations of our humanity.

Our mothers have taught us to standstraight and throw our shoulders back to maintain good posture.However, we cannot delegate the effort to stand up tall to ourmothers or even to our personal trainers. Similarly, theresponsibility to make ethical choices hourly over the course of alifetime cannot be handed to psychologists or politicians orecclesiastical leaders. Ours alone is the responsibility to exercisethe greatest courage of all, the courage to be imperfect, especiallyagainst the constant social forces pulling us to the ground. Toexercise our daily freedom responsibly against the constant pull ofsocial gravity is the high calling of the moral man and woman. Itrequires of us the divine second sight of compassion—the sight tosee hidden pain and heal it, the outward focus to find the lonelyface and smile, the searching the moral compass for the prodigal andreaching with the arms of an embrace, the inner search (not on MtSinai) but within our own subconscious for a burning bush, and thestrength to clear the high moral hurdles that stand between us andthe sunset of each day.

We need not wait for a major crossroadsor the spotlight of renown. The day to stand as fully human is today.The moment to see with new eyes is now. The time to lift the head andthrow back the shoulders begins as we exit our beds. This moralcourage, this defying the selfish gravity of Unthinking and Unseeingand Uncaring is a daily task. Towering moral pyramids are built byplacing the pebbles one by one at our own feet as we walk. The heightof the pyramid we build will be proportional to the breadth of itsbase. Gravity dictates that it is so.

With gratitude and grace, let us acceptthe blessings of physical and societal gravity. But, in the samemoment, let us gird up our loins and stand. By this physical andmoral token, we remember that our highest humanity is realized bybecoming independent of those gravitational powers that create us. Aswe stand tall with our shoulders back and our head up, we will walkwith courage and confident calm through the wilderness of thisworld.

Fall updates 2

2011-11-13T05:33:00.001-08:00

Here’s a quick rundown on the Petersons:

Alan wakes up everyday still self unemployed but contracting with BYU-TV, various political candidates, etc. I am working one day a week at the “old office” in Sugarhouse (come see me, Mark) and learning almost as much as the kids as we dive into home school studies every day.

I am a home schooler and had two babies at home…*gasp*…I have become a hippie!

Brittney and Ben welcomed Lola Marie last February and chose a home birth this time. Lola and Livi could be twins born two and a half years apart! However, their personalities are very distinctive! Livi is more cerebral, and Lola is an explorer who eats everything she can grab. Hmmm…that sounds a little like Brit and Julie when they were little!

Julie is back in Utah (yeah for us!) and working at Chili’s in Centerville. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by for lunch and say hi! She is doing well, living with TJ and we are so happy we get to see her often.

Colton is studying game design via a distance learning charter school in American Fork (American Leadership Academy) and taking US Government from BYU Independent Study. He recently signed up for a paper route and has to be folding papers at 3 AM! He’s a trooper and I haven’t bailed him out once! He continues to perform in Ballroom dance and teach beginning classes at Silhouette Ballroom in Bountiful.

Mac is playing violin and he and Henry (our double bass player) are in a quintet. They learned how fun it can be to play at the Farmer’s Market and earn money. We are still home schooling the younger three through an online charter school (DaVinci Academy in Ogden). Academically, they are performing extraordinarily. We had a Hogwarts “Spell”ing Bee: we invited a few other kids and each got a list of words to study. They all dressed up, received progressive awards for how many correct words they spelled and had a party…chocolate frogs and all! Our biggest challenge is boredom. We’re done by noon and friends usually aren’t available to play until after 4 PM. Thank heavens for field trips.

Lucy is also playing violin and is halfway through Suzuki book 1.

We have been very blessed to have Uncle Mark as our number one cheerleader for recitals and other performances. You’re the best, Mark!

We send our love and hope those of you who are around can join us at our home for a Thanksgiving for a feast!!

Nancy

Becky Wagner family-

Baby Harrison was born this past July. He was 9lbs 6oz, was born naturally with many thanks to Rachel as my doula and my mom both helping me so much! Drake and Lincoln have adjusted really well to having the new baby around. Drake started kindergarten this year and Lincoln started preschool. Life is very eventful. There is always something going on! I am now officially a retailer of Happy Heinys cloth diapers and also g diapers. I opened up my first website to sell them!!! www.earthybabystore.com

We are all healthy and very blessed!

Fall Updates

2011-11-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

John North family

I'm finishing up my deployment in Afghanistan. The time was very challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally. Being with those who fought and taking care of those who were injured, or killed was a very unique experience. I learned much about myself and about life. What really hit home is what is important in life, it's not the things we have, or what we have become. What matters most is who we are, children of the God of earth and heaven, what we allow to happen within our hearts and minds, and how well we promote the Lord's plan, if we fully understand it, or not to those we come in contact with. My testimony that as we focus on the Lord and live by the spirit, we are cared for and the full effects of the atonement are ours has been indescribably increased.

Rose and the girls have moved back to Groton, CT where we will stay for a few months until we are transferred to Yokosuka, Japan (South of Tokyo). We will be there for three years and look forward to the experiences and adventures we will encounter there. Isabelle and Gabriella are both enjoying gymnastics and Isabelle, the violin while Gabriella, the piano. Rose continues to go to school, working toward a nursing degree.

Marti Dumas family

The Dumas family is doing well. Marti had her 4th baby on July 8th. We had another girl and named her Naomi Mae. She came out with gobs of black long hair. She is a dream baby!

Haley started 1st grade and is loving eating lunch at school, although she has had an adjustment staying all day.

Laney and Tessa ate 3 and are doing preschool at home and love it. They ask me everyday if it's preschool. That call me miss mommy. Cute huh?

Nic is really busy right now with his company. Although the market is still not coming back up, the lord has blessed them to find work! I am always amazed at the power of prayer, fasting , and tithes and fast offering.

It was so fun to read that letter from grandma to uncle don, wishing for a husband and family of her own, and knowing what a big family and heritage she left behind. What a fun look into
the past.

Rachel Leavitt family

So much has happend:), but I'll give a brief run down. We sold our home and moved to Maricopa, Arizona. And I came just in time to doula for Becky and Casey. It was so much fun getting to know them and being a part of that time. One baby even came on my birthday:) I'm now seriously contemplating going back to school, but have a few other things to do first. So in the mean time I'm doing doula stuff and working on a program to train doula's.

Brent got a children's video up online for sale. We're just hoping to make enough from this one to make another one. In the meantime, he is doing well with his web design business and is keeping busy.

The kids did fairly well with the move. Emma, being the oldest and most social, has had a harder time, but I'm proud of how well she is working to jump into things.

Letter from Beth Young to Uncle Don Young in 1935

2011-10-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

I just recently got a letter from my dad that had a transcribed letter from grandma Thomas to Uncle Don when she was 13 years old. I enjoyed reading it and has it has reminded me of my own experiences with a growing testimony when I myself was 13. In any case, here is the letter as well as an intro from Collette.

Dear Family;

When Paul and I were going through some of Uncle Don's things after his fall, we came upon an interesting letter that mom wrote to Uncle Don when he was on his mission in 1935. It is remarkable that Mom was only 13 yrs of age when she wrote this. She felt that this was a very significant letter and she instructed Uncle Don to keep it. It is to his credit that he did.

I will transcribe it for you since it is hard to read. Yes, she wrote it in red. Her handwriting looks very similar to her adult writing. It cost her 5 cents to send the letter to Stockholm, Sweden. It is postmarked Nov 19th, 1935 - smack in the middle of the Great Depression. The address she sent if from is 4222 Hol. Blvd. I guess she lived in Uncle Max's house at the time, but I didn't know that they changed addresses from back then. Mark may have more info from his research of the area. I left any typos.

Please pass this on to any that I may have neglected.

Love you all,

Collette

Nov. 15, 1935

My Dear Brother Don,

I wish you a happy birthday (the 13th of Nov.) and luck through out your years. You know this letter is not going to be like the one's I usualy write. This letter I wish you to keep.

You know I have just awakened from a deadened sleep which mostly every one dose. I have just been realizing purposes. I realize why we all have come to this earth for. It is a beautiful thing to look forward to isn't it Don. I have also (throught) realized a great importance which I and many other girls must abide by and that is being a sweet heart a wife, and mostly of these great things is motherhood. If your don't understand my explanations in what I am trying to express to you try to understand how wonderful the awakening of my Childhood has been to me. Everything has changed even myself. You know Don maybe it is too big for me to analize but you know that I am trying (to)express my gratitud for having been born. I could shout and cry both for it is a glorious world if you see it in the right way.

You know you may think it silly that I am looking forward to be a Young Lady and even maybe a mother and wife which to me would be the most wonderful that happened to me. I think if it wasn't for my parents I would not be grateful for my having been born. I also was glad that I had parents of the Latter Day Saint religion. I realize that thing more clearly than anything. My religion comes first in every thing. You know I have as much faith in my religion that even if I were to die if I were a Latter Day Saint I wouldn't deny the Gospel or God.

You know this is a Testimony to me and it has been my first testimony that is why I wish you to keep this little letter so that when you bring it back from Sweden I may look at it and feel that it was a very great testimony and that I may grow to be moral day by day that I may be fit to live in "Gods Kingdom" and that I may not feel grouchy and mean. I do slip in my actions sometimes and I try to keep in mind it wont be long before we are tested and a greatest test that we have ever had that we may enter our Glory.

Love,

Beth

Note from Ann In Israel

2011-06-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

hello!!!! i made it!!!! it is soooooooooooo awesome!!!! everyone has been very kind and hospitable so far. There are two other Finland girls here volunteering!!! Everyone is helping me out. The center here has internet so it shouldn't be too hard to stay in contact.

I will check back soon,

ann

Note from John North

2011-04-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody,

Thank you all for your notes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of them; they have brightened my week.

Marti, thank you so much for the package. The snacks widened my eyes and got me to say, "yesssss" several times. The reading material was spot on. I'm currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo as I await the arrival of Change your Questions, Change Your Life (I'll write my thoughts of Three Cups of Tea when I remember to do that). So I'll get to the books right after I'm done with that one. Thanks again. There is nothing like getting a package when you are far from home; it feels like a piece of home was sent to me, very comforting.

We've had a slow week, which I see as good. We see a variety from patients ranging from the "enemy" to the innocent. We have seen a couple kids, which especially tugs at heart strings. One is currently here in our ward. I went to get a Pound Puppy and a ball for him to play with. As I entered his room he was laying on his side looking up with his arm raised making movements in the air. As I focused in on him, there were several flies that were flying around his hand as he made the movements. It litterally looked like he was playing WITH the flies. Speaking of the flies, they are very aggressive here. They come right back to you when you swat them away. As for those we call detainees, I have been impressed to find that I feel as much compassion for them as I do any other of my past patients. One of the things I have been worried about is if I will feel some amount of hate, or indifference for someone who would take my life if he could. This has strengthened my testimony in the power of prayer, scripture study, and a general desire to improve myself. My burdens have truely been made light and my life has gained more purpose, just as promised in the scriptures.

Yes, it is very dusty. Tarin Kowt is surrounded by mountains that are even more rugged than the Wasatch and they are brown with not one tree on them. In the distance on several sides of me I can see white capped mountains. However, on very dusty days, the mountains disappear, just like they do when Salt Lake has a bad inversion. On those days, I don't run around base. As I drive around base, I always find myself looking at the mountains, they are very beautiful, Greg Mortensen mentioned that about the Catacorum range, that even though barren, they are breath-taking. Most everywhere I go on base is rocket proof; I work, eat, and sleep in rocket proof containers, and I even shower in the same type of container. There are sidewalks everywhere. Both the containers and sidewalks are unique to this base. I've heard from contractors and others who have been around Afghanistan that this is by far the best base in the country. I primarily eat Australian cuisine, which is not to far from U.S. food. There is a lot of curry. They eat several English dishes, their bread pudding is great. They served red cabbage prepared like that Dad makes, except they added white raisins which I thought were good. The eggs have orange yolks. The milk is boxed, long-life. However, a several minute drive will away we can find an American dining facility where, on Sundays before church, we go and eat all the fried foods, steak and seafood that is offered there. They even have Baskin-Robbins ice cream. Needless to say, it is hard to keep skinny if you are not active.

Church is unique, more so than that of Ft Dix. We have it in the evening. We have one meeting where we have sacrament and a lesson. There is a lot more casual conversation in the place of announcements and we have extra time after the sacrament to meditate. There are not very many active members around base, I think there are six. However, we've found there are four others in our hospital that were raised LDS. I've also had the opportunity to speak of the the church and our beliefs and one of the corpsmen asked for a Book of Mormon and is reading it. I've mentioned this before, but the spiritual insights that I've had since I've deployed have been so wonderful. I truely believe that by trying to live even closer to the spirit these past couple months, I have been not only protected, but strengthened emotionally and spiritually. In fact another simple demonstration of this is that I have been assigned to room with one of the other active members, giving a place for us to retreat from "the world", which can be a bit thick at times here.

We do interact with the locals, but only as far as emergency care is concerned. I am trying to learn some words and phrases so that I can be polite and speak with them without the interpreter. I've learned that there are language classes, so I'll try to take advantage of that. They are a very quiet, respectful people. They are very group oriented. It is interesting to see how quickly they age and how stoic they are.

We do have a gym in a hanger. Our medical group has begun P90X (a work-out program) and they make it a point to pull me away from my work. I've got a constant workload and have a list of projects that I want to accomplish. Being the only administration person in our group can be taxing, but the doctors and nurses have stepped up and have relieved me of some of my roles; that has saved me from going insane. One of my toughtest jobs it helping patients get home when we discharge them. I'm learning about how the theater aviation system works and how to get people moved around. We are getting some Singaporians in our group and I hear that a couple of them are administration, so I'll have them to help me. We are on a multi-national base. There are Austrailians, Slovakians, Singaporians, Dutch, New Zealanders and a couple other countries that I haven't seen. I think there are seven nations in all. It has been fun interacting with them. I work especially close with the Australians and soon with the Singaporians. They are all a fun group and bring a good mix to our health care team.

I am taking a lot of pictures and will try to send some, it is a bit complicated to get pictures to a computer that I have internet access on. Thanks again for all your support. This has been an amaising experience so far. Well, I meant for this to be a quick note, but I let myself go on. I hope you are all well and happy.

I Love you all,

John North

"The Lord doesn't ask about your ability, only your availability; and, if you prove your dependability, the Lord will increase your capability." Neil A. Maxwell

Spring family updates

2011-03-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest family updates.

Becky Wagner family

Hello from Arizona! We are expecting our 3rd boy in July! Casey is due a week after me but doesn't know what she's having yet. Drake is turning 5 this week and Lincoln is turning 3 next week. Ted teaches the 16-17 year old sunday school class, and I am a teacher in Relief Society. We are all doing wee, everyone is healthy and happy.

Mark Thomas family

We just heard that Jeremy is working in New York. Things seem to be working out well. Ann is attending University of San Diego for a masters degree in International Relations. Ann loves San Diego. She will be in Bethlehem during the summer to complete an internship. Mark’s garden books are out getting ready for the spring. He has ordered 7 blueberry plants and two grapes. Visitors are welcome. We still have bottled grape juice from last year as an enticement. We want to see you all as often as possible. Mark is working diligently on studying the Greek New Testament. He still practices weekly with a string quartet that plays at weddings and church meetings. Rachel gave us some trees grown from the pits of apricots from the old apricot tree, the last remaining one from Grandpa Young’s orchard. (Who knows but this was from a seeds from Grandpa Hagman---he used to walk as an old man from the avenues to here eating fruit and planting seeds in their orchard.) We have half a dozen little apricot trees. May be one of you wants one?

Here is the text of a letter from our Grandpa--John Hagman. Chana Cummings gave this to me when I expressed the longing to speak with Grandpa Hagman. He died in the 30’s. We never knew him. The misspellings are his own. He was a tailor from Sweden that joined the church and came to Utah. He was grandma Thomas’s grandfather. This letter is addressed to his daughter Marie Hagman Caine (Grandma Young’s sister) and her family. He bears his testimony in this letter. The misspellings are his own. We will first send an edited letter and then a copy of his original spelling below. You can almost hear his Swedish accent as he writes. He bears a powerful testimony. He went to Sweden on several missions and left his young family in Utah. He was poor but very powerful as his words attest. We all need to read this, as difficult as his writing is. His testimony and power shines through. He in fact sounds a lot like Grandma Young:

EDITED LETTER COPY:

“Salt Lake City Marsh 28, 1911

Albien Caine and family

Dear Children,

I certainly wish that I had writhen to you long ago, but you see I am getting old and lazy. So there---- that accounts for it all. Any other excuses I cannot find, except the spelling of the language that bothers me a good deal. If it were not for these short comings, letters would be coming from me thick and fast. But you see, it takes me long time to scribble a letter. So when you get a couple in a year, that is about what can be expected from me. What I fall short in doing, you must not pattern after. Now, I will thank you for my newest Birthday present. And I also will say that I feel very glad--- yes, yes, very, very glad to hear that you are struggling along and helping with God’s great work upon this Earth. Of all things we can do while we exist in this probation, nothing will pay us better, when we have opportunity afforded us. Let not this great blessing slip away from us---- no, never. But stand up as men & women and never fail in doing our very best and be very glad and thankful in our heart for such opportunities and privileges. I can say to you that in all may experience since I came in to this church that I have never seen a moment in my life when I regretted the minutes or the labor or the time that I have spent for God’s Great Work. The Lord will provide for those who love to do right, and keep his commandments. He will not forsake them. He will have his watching eye over them and they shall not lack for bread, but there will be a way open for them. We have the only true religion upon the Earth. May we be grateful for his fatherly kindness towards us. Let us not neglect our devotion and thankfulness unto him neither morning nor evening. May we be obedient under all circumstances and not be moved. If we never leave our God, the more we will have of his Holy Spirit; we cannot live true and faithful very long without it--- I will have to quit and go to bed, for tomorrow we intend to go to the Temple and assist in helping what we can-----the Lord will do the rest.

Kisses and Love to You All

Your Father

J Hagman

Grandfather Caine and also Grandmother Caine are not well—Grandfather Caine have been sick for sometime. We send ours best regard to father and mother Caine and their Children. The whole family is notforgotten”

HERE IS THE LETTER IN OROGOINAL FORM
“Salt Lake City Marsh 28 1911

Albien Caine and family

Dear Children I sertenly hav to have writhen to you long ago bout you see I am getting old and lasey, sau thear, that acount for itt all. Anny othear excusses I can not find exsept the spelling of the language that baders me a good del if itt was nout for this short comings, letters wold bee comming from me thick and fast butt you see it taiks me long time to skrible a lether so when you geat a coppell in a year that is about watt can bee exspeckted from me so what I com short in doing you must not pattron after. now I will thank you for mey neyse Burtday present and I also will sey that I fil werry glad yeas, yeas, werry, werry glad to hear that you are strongling alang and helping along gods great work uppon this Earth. Of all ting wi can do wiel wi exsist in this probession notting will pay us bether, when wi have oppertunity aforded ous. Let not this great bleassing slip away from ous no never. Butt stand upp as men & wemmen and newer feal in doing our werry beast and bee werry gald and thankfull in our heart for sush oppertunetys and preweleg I can say to you that in all may experience sins i came in to this church that I newer seen a moment in me live when I regreated the mins or leber or thim that I haf spent for gods Great work the lord will provid for those that love to to do right, and kipp his commandment. hi will not forsake them he will have his watching eay over them and the shall not lake for bread butt thear will bee a way open for then wi have the only tru religeon upon the Earth. may wi have to be greatfull for hiss fatherly kindness towords ous lett ous not negleckt our dewosion and thankfullnes onto him morning nor---evening butt bee onsjeken onder all sirkumstanses and not bee moved ju never wi leve our god ju more will wi haw of his holy spirratt amd wi can not leve tru and fetfull wery long without itt--- I will have to qwitt and go to bedd for to morro wi intend to go to the Temple and assist in helping what wi can the Lord will do the reast Kisses and love to you all yours Father J Hagman

Grand Father Caine and alsa Grand mother caine ar not well—Grand Father Caine have been sicke for som time wi send ours beast regard to father and mother Caine and ther Children the hole family and non forgotten”

There it is. Chris and I would like to repeat Grandpa Hagman’s sentiment of love and regard for the whole family to be “non forgotten,”

Mark and Chris

Whitney

Life in Indonesia continues to be an adventure, full of blessings and challenges. Jessie is growing up and changing from a baby to toddler way to fast for my taste. She calls everyone mom and loves to make animal sounds. Her favorites are monkey and lion. Morgan just got stitches four days ago after crashing her friend's bike without wearing a helmet! She now reminds everyone to wear their helmet. This is her third time needing stitches. She is proud of her collection of "stitches stories", finger-chin-forehead. She is a wild one, but full of life. Thomas is looking forward to turning eight and being baptized. Plans float back and forth between doing it here in Indonesia in April or waiting until we come to the US in June. Sydney is beautifully and gracefully learning to navigate the choppy waters of "tween-hood". She is a good friend, likes to be the peacemaker and is a good example to others of making good choices. She and Tanner are enjoying working on their "Faith in God" program together. Tanner is working hard at 6th grade math, HARD math! I swear I didn't do geometry and algebra until 9th grade! At any rate, he has passed me up and I can no longer be his study partner. Jeff takes over in the math homework department. He is still reading like crazy, we can't keep enough books in the house to satisfy his voracious appetite. He reads anything he can get his hands on. It was a sweet moment walking in to his room last night to turn out lights and catching him reading his scriptures. He loves reading the Book of Mormon. I can't believe he will be twelve in June and will be a deacon. Where did time go? Jeff is still finding growth and challenge in his job here. Doing business within the context of a very different culture constantly provides him opportunity to stretch, think outside the box, and practice different applications of western business practices. Sufficeth to say, he sometimes comes home shaking his head, but is grateful for learning opportunities. Patience and perseverance are important words here. We are still enjoying many missionary opportunities, chances to service in the community, and seeing how the gospel applies to each of Heavenly Father's children regardless of nationality or temporal circumstances. We hope everyone is well and happy! We miss you all, Jeff, Whitney and kids

Jared Thomas

Sorry I never write back. What's new in life? Let's see, recently divorced so single life again (no wife or kids, big adjustment), moved to Tempe (closer to work). I still work at Classic Party Rentals (in Phoenix), been there 6 yrs.

Brittney Patridge

Well, as you know, our biggest news is that we had our baby on Feb 27th at home! She was 8 lbs 2 oz and 21.5 inches long. She still doesn't have a name yet, but she is just beautiful and already growing like a weed. She also has the best big sister ever in our sweet Alivia. For a two year old, she is making the transition from only child to new sibling quite well and loves to be a helper with her new baby sister.

Right now I'm especially thankful to have Ben as my wonderful husband. He is a great daddy and a huge help to me as I get back into the swing of things post-delivery.

Not much else is going on here at the moment; just adjusting to life with two kids and enjoying (almost) every noisy, adorable, messy, snuggly, sleepless minute of it!

John North

I'm busy finishing my preparations for my deployment to Afghanistan. It has been fun in a way and I've played with many "guy toys" that I wouldn't have otherwise. Let's just say the Army has some fun machines and equipment.

David Thomas family

Our family is doing fine. Jared is still working in Phoenix. He got some football bowl tickets through his company. Lori and Sean flew down, thanks to some buddy passes so generously gifted, and joined Jared for a few days of diversion. Justin is off on his own now in his new condo. He recently was sustained as Sunday School President in his Pleasant Grove ward. Amy and Tobby are having a blast with their two little girls. Tobby is starting to count down when he will be done with school. Zoey, their youngest, turns 1 one Marian’s birthday. We are all waiting for her to take her first steps! Sean’s golf green business starts up again this month. Trevor was just transferred near the University of Maryland and is a new zone leader. Lori and I are still working full time. I particularly enjoy my naps when I get home! We love you all and appreciate all of your prayers in our behalf

Nancy Peterson family

Not much is different at our house, except Brittney and Ben are expecting a new baby any day! We're still heavily involved in violin and bass lessons, and are embarking on a new adventure in karate. Colton is still involved in ballroom dance and he will be competing this weekend up at BYU-Idaho. Alan is doing contract work with BYU-TV while raising funds for his film, "Blitz Kids". Julie is working at Olive Garden, I'm working at home, and Mac, Henry and Lucy working on math, spelling, grammar, Latin, history and science.

Rachel Leavitt family

So we've got the house finally remodeled on the inside and ready to sell. Regardless of when it sells , we'll be moving down to Arizona in June. I just recently quit my job at the hospital and am just doing doula work, which I love. It's a lot more of what I like to do and also is not as much time away from home. This all works out great for me:) Brent is still doing web design and has been doing a lot of work for Novell. He is also finishing up his first short children's film in a series he's been working on for years. We're excited for this and hope to see a second one done soon also. The kids are all doing well in school. And with the exception of one broken leg have been healthy and well. Love to all Rachel

Family summer updates

2010-08-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

David Thomas Family

We are doing great! Justin has been working almost a month now with Mozy Corporation. Sean is still with Green. We hear from Trevor that 8 months out is now a district leader in Anacostia, a slum area near downtown D.C. Lori and I are well and doing fine. I'm working full time and holding up under the strain of the transplant. We hope everyone else is fine and are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Venessa's wedding.

David and family

Mark Thomas family

The big news for us is the beginning of graduate school for Ann. On August 1, Ann left for San Diego to begin her graduate work in international relations at the University of San Diego. She is working toward a masters degree in international relations. We plan on visiting her toward the end of 2010.

Dumas family

The Dumas family is doing well. a few changes. Nic is finally on his own and his company is doing really well! He is busy and best of all we see him every night now! WE are loving having him home more! Marti got called to be Primary president in her ward, so needless to say, things are busy. It is a good challenge and keeps our family relying on the Lord. Haley starts Kindergarten in a couple of weeks and is SO excited! The twins are two and they are crazy a lot of the time! They are talking a lot and it's fun to see them play together. Our summer was filled with Disneyland, camping and hanging out with Whitney and Jeff and their family while they were here for the summer. Now that they have gone back to Indonesia, it is back to normal life...still busy though! Hope all is well with everyone!

Nic, Marti, Haley, Laney, and Tessa Dumas

Barr family

hmm this year.....

Graduations;

Emily promoted from 6th grade
Bethany graduated from Mesa High
Vanessa graduated from BYU - Nursing
Brian graduated from ASU - Computer Systems Engineering
Steven (Nicole's husband) from UVU - Accounting
Tyler (Vanessa's fiance) from BYU - Biology (major) / Spanish & Business (minors)

Marriage issues;

Vanessa getting married on Aug 26th
Casey getting married on Oct 23rd

Teeth issues;

Bethany has wisdom teeth out right after graduating
Collette had perio surgery again (2nd time)/ and a root canal.
Emily just got braces on.

Just plain fun;

Collette and Bethany hiked the Grand Canyon
Casey and Emily hike the Grand Canyon (the 3 mile jaunt) - Casey now requesting a girls' outing at the canyon every year.
Casey, Collette, Jace, and Emily spent 3 luxurious days at an Oceanside campground. (Oceanside the city, not the setting). Still recovering from mesquito bites

Baby issues;

Lerek Steven Mendenhall born on 1.21.10 to Nicole and Steven. Weighed in at 8 lbs 4oz
9th grandchild due in November to Brian and Melina - this will be their 4th daughter. Like father like son.....

Relocations;

Becky and Ted moved
Nicole and Steven moved - three times so far this year
Casey bought a house with her wedding money and will move....in October.
Vanessa moved to married housing at BYU to finish clinicals/Tyler taking the DAT - We don't have enough dentists in the family
Bethany wants to move - no mon...no fun. She does have a job.
Emily starting 7th grade at Taylor Jr. High - Our first and last child at this school.

Haley (Brian and Melina) will be baptized this year.

Peterson family

Hey there!
Things are going great here.
We get to see Brittney and Ben usually once a week for Sunday dinner, and Julie comes when she can make it. I’m surprised by how great it is to have adult kids! And the grandma part is amazing.
Colton is attending Woods Cross High School this year, just finished a ballroom dance camp in Idaho, EFY and Trek (busy, busy).
Mac is now playing in a performing violin quartet, and discovered he REALLY likes karate and Calvin and Hobbes.
Henry is playing the bass (double bass violin) and will have his first performance in October. He gets to be baptized this year!
Lucy starts violin this fall with our beloved Mrs. Jeanne Grover. She is a tom-boy for sure. At her friend’s princess party, she wanted to be a dinosaur. So she wore the dinosaur costume with a dress over it and a tiara. Priceless.

Take care!
Nancy

Leavitt family

Well, we've made the decision to move to AZ and have put an offer in to a house there. It's a short sale, so we're not sure how long that will take. And we have to wait for our house to sell in Utah. So, we're not sure when it'll all happen, but it's in the works. Emma, Aaron, and Dallin are all in school now. Dallin is being called by his first name (which is Mark) at school and seems to enjoy it:) Brent is still working in web design and Rachel is still doing L&D, also working on getting certified as a doula. Hope all is well with everyone.

Another family update

2010-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you our update.

Hello family! The Dumas family, or The Dumi as some like to call us, are all doing well. Nic is working some seriously crazy hours. Most weeks he puts in 60-70 hrs. He works he regular job, but is starting his own cabinet company and does it at nights and Fridays. He is hoping to be just doing his own business by the summer (cross your fingers!). He is working so hard and I know it will pay off! So if any of you need cabinets, he does beautiful work!

So with Nic working as much as he does, that means I am at home with the girls that much! Yikes, it gets to be long days sometimes. I still do hair 2 days a week, but it is a much needed break sometimes. I am running a lot and hope to the the Salt Lake Half Marathon again this April. We are excited for the summer when Whit and her family get here so I will have a perminant play buddy, and babysitter(hehe) and Haley can't wait to reajurn the meetings for their club they set up this Christmas.

Haley is doing well. We still are going in every three months for scans but everything looks fine so far. This summer marks 3 years from her diagnosis. Time has flown. She is so funny! She is very focal about the fact that she used to have cancer. She will tell random people sometimes and it is funny to see their reactions. She is a delightful little girl, who I feel like takes care of me half the time.

The little girls, Laney and Tessa are going to be 2 this June. They are into EVERYTHING and fight like they are 15 yrs old. Sometimes I feel like I fight right along with them! I am trying to think about potty training 2 girls but hope they just figure it out one day all by themselves! It is so fun to have them and so interesting to see how different they are. They could not be more so!

We have been very blessed this year and have had lots of trials, but always feel the Lords hand in both! I agree with Whitney about what she said about Grandma and Grandpa. They are looking out for us and I feel it a lot. I miss them enormously! I find myself thinking for a split second that I need to visit or call Grandpa. I am sure they are proud of the great, giant family the have left behind!

Wow...you can tell I don't get to talk to many adults during the day! Sorry this was so long, but better you than the postman I suppose!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Marti

For Mark and Chris

2010-03-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry to hear Ellen is battling cancer. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her and with your family too.

2010-03-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the updates so far....

Becky Wagner

We are getting ready to move for the first time since our kids have been born. I am still in young womens as a mia maid advisor, Ted is the 1st counselor in the elders quorem. We just celebrated Drake's 4th birthday and Lincoln's 2nd. Drake had a transformer party and lincoln had a monkey party. It was a lot of fun. I am going to be working one day a week as a surgical assistant for a periodontist. Just until this economy gets better. We are are healthy and doing well.

Nancy Peterson

Everything is going well around here. Ben and Brittney are doing great. If
you have a need for a beautiful cake or cupcakes, Brittney is the one to
call! She has done some amazing projects with cake frosting and fondant.
She's considering starting a business. Julie just celebrated her 21st
birthday, which I find very hard to believe. Colton is taking drivers ed and
opted to go to Viewmont High for the last semester of this year. He is on a
formation ballroom team and is really into piano and music in general. We're
still home schooling Mac, Henry, and Lucy - we love it; it works very well
for our family. Alan is commuting to DC still and things are very busy for
him right now. He's had to put his own project on hold for awhile. I am
learning to cook, and it's almost like a foreign language to me! But Henry's
health has been impacted immeasurably by changing our diets, and though I've
never really enjoyed cooking, it's becoming a joyful experience to learn to
prepare healthy, whole meals for my family. The dogs are great too. Even
Argus, the little thief, has come a long way.

Mark Thomas

Jeremy has graduated in math from the UofU and is completing his student
teaching this year. He wants to teach in a high school. Ann has applied to
various masters programs and is waiting for acceptances. Mark is working on
students projects in Mozambique (Gorgonosa National Park), Lockheed Martin
(the production of the F35 stealth fighter), Stephen Covey (recently joined
business school at Utah State) Craig Jessop (former director of tabernacle
Choir and leader of music dept at USU). Chris is the busiest of all helping
her sister who is going through chemotherapy and radiation for cencer
treatment ---we are hoping for the best (no phone calls at the
moment---Chris is very busy and needs to conserve her emotional strength).

Whitney

Greetings from the other side of the world!
We are all happy and healthy and enjoying our adventure here in Indonesia.
We loved spending the holidays in the USA and welcoming Jessie Emily to our
family.
Coming back to Indonesia was much easier the second time around. We had a
brighter perspective, and a greater appreciation for what our family has
here.
We are really learning that home is where you hang your heart.
The kids are enjoying school, Jeff is whipping the economic efficiency of
oil production into shape, Jessie is growing like a weed, and I am running
to keep up!
Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve, came to Jakarta two
weeks ago for District Conference. We flew over to attend the meetings and
had
a great time mingling with the Saints and meeting Elder Nelson. When he
learned that we are the only members here in Borneo and that we have our
meetings at home his advice was "Ohh, you'd better be strong"!! Well, we
feel like weaklings most of the time, but that causes us to rely on Heavenly
Father and Jesus Christ more and more and we consider that a great blessing.

We love you all and miss you! I think about Grandma and Grandpa a lot, and
their adventures in Africa. I find great solace in knowing that they are
watching over us and that they have great empathy for our challenges and
opportunities here. I consider that a tender mercy. What a legacy of faith
and perseverance they've left all of us, no matter where we live or what
life holds for us.

Love,
Whitney, Jeff, Tanner, Sydney, Thomas, Morgan and Jessie

Ben North

Rachel, thanks for following up with everyone, you are so good to keep this up. Our family is great! We are expecting our 4th child in June, a girl, which will make 2 boys and 2 girls. Our kids are growing by the day! Carter is in first grade and much smarter than I ever was, he is top of his class in math. He also just took 2nd place in his pinewood derby! He begins player pitch baseball next month also. Elle is in preschool and has unusually neat handwriting. She is also taking dance lessons and loves it. Garrett is 3 and it shows. He is full of energy and loves action. He fully enjoys jumping off high furniture! Tricia enjoys staying home with the kids and is more than ready to have another child join the group, soon! I am working like crazy (which is great in such a nasty economy) and feel very blessed. Work, family and church keeps me busy and satisfied. Hope everyone is healthy, happy and blessed! Hope to see you soon.

Ben, Tricia and Kids

Rachel Leavitt

Now that Spring is here, house renovations are starting again. We're crossing our fingers that we'll be able to pay for the second story this year. Brent's work is going well and he is still working from home in web design/media. On the side he is doing stuff with the lds film festival, and building a house:) Nic Dumas just put in a beautiful cabinet for us that I love(THANKS!). And our side walk will hopefully be in soon. I'm still working L&D part time and being mom full time. Emma, Aaron and Dallin are all doing well in school and working hard. I'm very impressed with what hard workers they are. We also have three new members to our family...three chickens. The kids won't let me kill them to eat:), but we're looking forward to the eggs. Love to all, Rachel

Picture of Grandpa

2010-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Family Happenings

2009-10-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

David Thomas family:

Trevor got his mission call a week and a half ago. He is going to the Washington D. C. North mission. He will be leaving December 16th (his birthday is the 7th!). He gives his farewell speech on December 13th. So, he will be spending Christmas in Provo at the MTC! He went to the temple for his endowments just two days ago, on Saturday. Amy is feeling well, and the baby's due date is now April 6th, an auspicious day!

Nancy Peterson Family:

Alan has been working in Washington DC this month on a new film to be
released in November entitled Generation Zero. It looks like there will be a
theatrical release for this one. I am still a home school mom which is
becoming increasingly more busy as the little kids begin more academic
studies. Brittney, Ben and Alivia are in North Salt Lake (I'll let them tell
you more), Julie is living in Layton and looking for a job. We don't get to
see her as much as we'd like. Colton is busy with both public and home
school studies and made a formation ballroom team this year. He is taking
voice lessons and art. Mac is diligently studying violin, enjoying a
literature class and science club. Henry is still "itchy", but we're working
on that. He and Lulu have learned perfect pitch from Mac diligently teaching
them to sing an A. The two little ones play, play, play and Lucy is always
inviting her friends over for a zoo party, game party, tea party...you name
it, she'll turn it into a party.

We've taken in a second dog - another standard poodle. He's 9 years old and
was in need of some TLC, so we scooped him out of a neglectful situation and
are working with him. He's turning in to quite a nice gentleman! If you know
of anyone who'd love to adopt this boy, let us know. He's in very good
health.

Paul Thomas family:

It's Miriam writing. Paul, Ryan, Monica and John went to England to meet a distant cousin on the Dowden line. Monica found geneology that was wrong and that is why Grandma Thomas couln't go any further on that line. Monica found the errors and she and Heather went to England a couple of times in the past and found the proof they needed at the Family History Center in London. She was on the internet and found a Charles Dowden from Marnhull who was doing geneology on our line. So they emailed one another and found that we came from the lst wife and he came from the 2nd wife. Neither knew about each other. So they visited him in September of this year and he will share his geneology and we ours with him. They have pictures of him also and the surrounding area. That's it for the news! Love you all, Miriam

Here is an update on a trip Monica, Ryan and John and I made to england to meet and distant relative.
We had a great experience in England and the meeting with our distant relative was very productive both in terms of genealogy and also friendship. Before we made contact with Charles Dowden, Charles had never met a Dowden family member other than his grand-father, his father, and his brother and sister. He had no idea that he has had relatives in America and just how many relatives he had in the States surprised him...many, many, many. Charles is about 50 years old and is married to his second wife as his first wife died a few years ago. He is a fine man and is on the county government council of the largest county in England; Dorset County. He is an engineer and started his career in the British military as an officer. Early in his service he was serving in the dangerous area of Northern Ireland. An explosive was set of near him and his leg was injured. After 8 years he retired from the military and moved to the village of Marnhull near Salisbury, England which is near Stonehedge. He is the owner of a military metal and medallion manufacturing company and his clients include almost every military, including our won. They are cast in metal and hand painted.
Charles had a great deal of genealogy that we do not have on the Dowden line and is preparing to scan and email to us. Let left several books on Arizona and a copy of the Book of Mormon. Monica was so excited to see it all as she has dedicated so much time to research on this side of our family.
I wish we could have had all of you with us in England. Maybe one day we can all to to the mother land of our ancestors together as brothers and sisters.

Marti Dumas:

Babies are getting big! One is walking and one still crawling. They are 15 months now. Haley is good and healthy. Nic is soon going out on his own for his cabinet business, so if anyone wants cabinets, book shelves, entertainment centers...etc. let us know. Marti

Whitney:

We are settling into life here in Indonesia. It has been a challenge and
adventure for all of us, but we are grateful for the opportunities here.
We've learned a lot and hopefully we've grown a bit through the struggle.
We are planning a trip home to the USA to have a baby, celebrate
Thanksgiving and Christmas, and eat some ice cream and Mexican food!! We
are excited to see everyone, and welcome the arrival of the newest Evans.
Morgan and I (Whitney) will arrive late October and Jeff and the other kids
will follow middle of November.

Love to everybody!
Whitney, Jeff and kids

Becky Wagner:

Drake is 3 now and he just started pre-school. He loves it a lot!

Lincoln is 1, and is so much fun to have around. He loves to cuddle and he loves to eat any food!

I am going to be a part of my first boutique sale. I am making boy neck tie's, aprons and baby onesies with applique's.

Ted is busy rounding up work in the wonderful economy.

Collette Barr family:

Love to all!

Brian and Melina - Brian is finishing his last year of computer systems engineering, and is actively applying for internships in his field. Haley is now in 1st grade.

Becky and Ted have a sad story - Drake killed their best chicken.

Nicole and Steven - Nicole is spending some time down in AZ doing hair and having a baby shower. Steven is visiting his con in Orange County at the same time.

Casey - working hard at Nordstrom's and si trying to figure out a way to get into the esthetics thing

Vanessa is starting her last year at BYU - wow.

Bethany has started her senior year and was just called as Laurel president.

Emily is now in student council and is in 6th grade.

Kent is working on getting his blood pressure down, and Collette is planning another trip to the Grand Canyon in October (sorry Marcus, it will probably be on the same weekend as your triathalon)

Rachel Leavitt:

I'm still working in Labor and Delivery and feel I've found my calling there:) As well as enjoying (most of the time) my five beautiful kids. Emma, Aaron and Dallin all are in school this year, and the house feels so quite with them gone:) Brent is still busy working on web design and internet media. Plus, I'm sure he'll be involved in the LDS film festival again. We're still slowly working on the house. Hope to get a sidewalk put in before it snows. And saving up money for the second story.

One last thought from my dad Mark Thomas. This is a poem he sent me...

Rachel:

I have read a poem nearly every day for the past month. This is a poem by an
8th century Chinese poet. It was common at the time to belive that the truth
cannot be spoken, it is too profound. This poem is a story along a journey
to find someone who never appears, and is filled with symbolism about life
and truth:

Searching for the Taoist Monk Ch'ang at South Creek

The way is crossed by many paths,
The moss by sandal tracks.
White clouds lean, at rest on the silent island.
Fragrant grasses bar the idle gate.

Rain past, observe the color of the pines.
Out along the mountain, to the source,
Flowers in the stream reveal Ch'ang's meaning:
Face-to-face, all words gone.

Brad Westwood Master's Thesis:Joseph Don Carlos Young

2009-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Your help is needed for the following projects: (let me know if you want to help with these projects or anything else you can think of)

Photograph existing buildings he designed

Jan

Interview Aunt Manie

Interview Uncle Don

Interview Richard Young and architects that have studied his work

Alan and Nancy Peterson, Jan

Make a list of buildings he designed

Jan

Do research on aspects of his life and family

Find out when he died and correct the Wickipedia entry on him

Brent and Rachel Leavitt

Look at his materials and writings being held at the U0fU special collections library and church headquarters

Jan

Place him in his historical and architectural setting

Come and have fun

2009-05-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Rose wanted me to let everyone know that you all need to come to the reunion because this will be the last time that she and John will be able to see everyone for a while. So come!:)

Family reunion

2009-05-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

Here's the schedule so far:

June 8:
We will be meeting at Hamlet Park in the north pavilion at 5pm. Bring
a sack lunch for you and your family. At 6 we will have a Thomas
family family home evening. We'll start with a song, prayer, then a
lesson and game on ancestors, then we'll introduce a project being
done by Brad Westwood's on Joseph Don Carlos. We'll be talking about
what we can do to help with this. Afterwards we'll have a dessert
bar.

June 9:
Morning Hike at Cascade Springs. We'll meet at 10am at the trail
head. This is an easy hike so kids should be good to come.

June 10:
I'm looking into the Utah state high school rodeo finals held
8-13...http://www.gohebervalley.com/uhsrodeo_finals. I'm hoping we
can go to the 7pm contest, but I'm not sure about prices and such.
So, I'll keep you up to date on this one.

June 11:
Lunch at Hamlet Park again at 11am. I'm wanting to get some water
balloons filled up and maybe the kids (or adults can play balloon
toss:)).

Please come for whatever you can or want. Below are the addresses for
where we will be. Also, there are some links to other sites of
interest if anyone wants to go out on their own and explore.

Address for Hamlet Park:

Johnson Mill Road (850 E.) & Main (Hwy 115) in Midway

CASCADE SPRINGS INTERPRETIVE TRAILS
Length: Variable
Difficulty: Easy

Description: Boardwalks with interpretive signs form a network of
trails around Cascade Springs, where you'll find a series of beautiful
springs, cascades and pools. The area is located on the east side of
Mount Timpanogos, and provides excellent views of the mountains.

The area is forested and is scenic in its own right. Trout can often
be seen in the pools. Other wildlife abounds here.

The area is full of color during fall. It is closed during winter.

Cascade Springs
The boardwalks here are fully accessible. The stroll around them may
take just a few minutes, or hours if you want to linger and enjoy the
serenity and scenery. This is a great spot for young children and
family picnics.

Alpine Loop Summit
The main access is via the Cascade Springs Backway, which runs from
the summit along the Alpine Loop Road down to Soldier Hollow in
Wasatch Mountain State Park. From Salt Lake or Provo, get on the
Alpine Loop Road via American Fork or Provo canyons and just drive up
the mountain to the summit. The Alpine Loop Road is clearly signed, as
is the Cascade turnoff.

Soldier Hollow
From Heber or midway, drive the Charleston Road, which runs along the
east side of Deer Creek Reservoir. Turnoff into Soldier Hollow and
follow the signs pointing toward Cascade Springs. The route is easy,
regardless of your approach.

Things to do:
http://www.hebervalleyrr.org/
http://www.pcballoonadventures.com/
http://www.parkcityadventurecenter.com/
http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/soldier_hollow.htm
http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/uinta_mountains.htm
http://www.utah.com/fish/strawberry_reservoir.htm
http://www.utah.com/heber/byways.htm
http://www.deercreekislandresort.com/
http://invitedinn.com/
http://www.gohebervalley.com/Outdoor-Recreation
http://www.gohebervalley.com/Heber-Valley-Aero-Museum

family reunion updates

2009-03-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ok-so far we are planning on having a fhe Mon. June 8. So far that's all I know:) if you have any great ideas, contact me or Nancy.

We will be having a lunch on the 8th and on the 11th.

Again, if you can't make it for all of it, just come to what you can. More details pending:) Love to all!

2009-03-13T21:26:00.001-07:00

Family Reunion

2009-02-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Ok...so we're going to be doing it June 8-11. Come for all or just for some of it. I think we'll do an opening thing on Mon. and a closing thing on Thurs., but you can come for whatever you can. Try and get reservations early. I'll be posting numbers here as I get them. For now I have the state park number if you want to camp. It's 435-654-1791. If you have any ideas on what to do or what you want to do, let me know and I'll see what we can find or plan.

Family Gathering

2009-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to thank everyone for coming to our little gathering. I really enjoying getting to see everyone plus I have the added bonus of getting out of my house and being able to be with real adults:) I saw some cameras out, so post some pictures if you can.

Angels

2009-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Posted by Kent & Collette Barr at 9:16 PM 1 comments
“My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”13 On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” Jeffrey R. Holland

I received a message the minute that I turned on my cell phone after landing in Philadelphia. I went to a Carpet Network annual meeting a little early, because I am on the Franchise Advisory Council, and we were having meeting prior to the owners’ meetings. Kent was going to follow me a day or two later.
The message was from Marian, asking for a return phone call. Dad had gotten some bad news that day from the Doctor. His bone marrow wasn’t producing any mature blood cells – not red or white blood cells, and no platelets. The doctor told him that he didn’t know how long it would take, but that he could have one more transfusion, and he should call his family. This really was going to be it. He had a day or a week – maybe. Dad asked to go to the Iceberg for a shake, (which ended up being his last meal).
I immediately placed a call to Marian for the details. I asked to talk to Dad. He didn’t have a lot of energy. He did say he was tired, and to make sure I told my family he loves them. Then he said, “Goodbye! Goodbye!”
I called home and told them if they wanted to speak to Grandpa, they needed to do it now. Bethany’s call was the last he was able to take.
He told my sister that he felt a little like he was jumping off a high dive for the first time. I have never before heard such a poignant description of what it must be like on the brink of death.
I got settled in the hotel and fitfully fell asleep to be woken up early in the morning by Carol. Dad had passed away. I cried, called Kent and told him what had happened. I tried to lay down for a little sleep, hah. I wasn’t able to get comfortable, and I felt utterly alone. To get comfortable in bed, I put pillows behind my shoulder blade, and to my horror, I realized that the pain I was feeling in my body was a complete recreation of the pain I felt for several days after I was hit by a car in 2004 while riding my bike. I had forgotten how much my shoulder ached after that…. It’s strange how powerful your brain is…. I laid there for several moments, dry-eyed and anxious. I had a meeting first thing in the morning that I couldn’t miss and I knew I needed to get some sleep – I had just flown over 2 time zones and I felt like I was going crazy. I said a little prayer for help.
Almost immediately, I felt warmth and pressure on the top of my head. It was a very familiar feeling -
When I had been sick or needed a blessing from my infancy to the year he died, I remember Dad resting his giant hands on my head to give me a blessing.
I held very still, and the feeling persisted for a couple of minutes. The pain left and I fell immediately asleep after.
I was very fragile the next day, and unable to leave Philladelphia because the flights were full. I found myself in the same bed the next night, anxious and unable to sleep again. Again I felt warmth and pressure on my head for a shorter period of time, and I was able to sleep.

I believe that someone was sent to comfort me.

From the Thomanders

2009-01-11T20:44:00.001-08:00

TOP TEN THOMANDER MOMENTS OF 2008 (in chronological order)

10. Kayla had tubes put in her ears; greatly improving her hearing and speech!

9. Kayla is learning to spell and read small words!

8. Dave graduated with a bachelor’s in civil engineering (CE), commissioned with the Air Force, and was assigned to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs!

7. We started our first family blog: commanderthomanders@blogspot.com

6. We moved into our first little house (rented, someday we’ll own a house!) and bought our first lawnmower! 

5. We had a small car accident (someone rear-ended us) which “forced” us to buy a new car.

4. We traveled to Alabama for six weeks and lived in a hotel (with at least a kitchenette) for Dave’s 2^nd Lieutenant training.

3. Kathy performed in a singing competition called Front Range Idol on base competing with Peterson & Shriever Air Force Base and the Air Force Academy and did AWESOME!

2. We survived being apart for Dave’s CE training in Ohio for 7 weeks!

1. Kayla has started at a new preschool! (Recently she has learned the Pledge of Allegiance!)

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year’s! We love and miss all of you and hope to see you soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Love, Dave, Kathy, & Kayla Thomander

Picture of Trevor

2008-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Trevor from the Provo Daily Herald. There was an accompanying article that talks about Trevor being a senior captain and returning starter. Some of the other players in the picture have scholarships to division 1 schools (like BYU and U of Washington).

Quote of the Day

2008-11-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

'If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.'
- Mark Twain

(hehe)

Get together

2008-11-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all who came to our get together this month. It was great to just hand out, enjoy food, and talk. We decided to to this quarterly. So the next one will be the first sun. in Feb. We also had a cake and ice cream to celebrate the birthdays of those who were born the last three months. So, if your birthday is in Dec, Jan, or Feb, don't miss out on this next one...you get to have everyone sing happy birthday to you:) Also, for those out of state, let me know when you are around the SLC area so we can include you also. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving every one!

Spot light on the family

2008-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Scariest Halloween

Congratulations to Mac Peterson (Nancy and Alan’s son) and Emma Leavitt (Brent and Rachel’s daughter). They have both agreed to the scariest thing you can do---getting baptized at 8 years old, which happens to be near Halloween for these two. “But” you ask “why is baptism scary?” It isn’t for Emma and Mac, because they are brave. But it was very scary for me when I was 8 years old. In October of 1957, one of the scariest thing of my life happened. Grampa Thomas walked with me down into the baptismal font in a Sandy Chapel to baptize me and all that I could think about was how I was going to die in the water for sure. I didn’t know how to swim. But I wasn’t as smart as Emma or Mac. There was no possibility of drowning. No one knew what I was thinking, and I was farid to tell anyone what I was thinking. But the water was only 4 feet deep. All I had to do was stand up in the water. But much to my surprise, I survived that scarry October, and actaully became a member of the church at the same time. Actually, I mostly missed the whole baptism, because I was so worried. It's strange how fear gets so exaggerated that it takes over everything and you miss out on what is really happening in life. It's not the falling down that wrenches your back; it's the contortions to avoid the fall that puts you in permanent traction. So maybe it’s a good thing to have baptisms at Halloween. Maybe it’s good to pay attention to scary things once in a while, so when the real dangerous things come, they don’t scare us and we can think about what’s really important things in life, like ice cream. So with that point out of the way, let’s talk about two people who are more important and a little less scary than ghosts ---Emma and Mac.

Mac was baptized in September and Emma will be baptized in December. They are both smart, mature beyond their years, good musicians (Emma on the piano and Mac on the violin),and socially skilled. But they do have their differences. Mac is sensitive, and easy going. Emma is competitive, and strong willed.

Mac likes to listen to the news. He loves politcal discussions and commentary. He sees in the mirror of politics the reflection of his own bright and good-hearted soul. One day he announced to the family, “I think I might be president [of the Unitesd Staes one day]” Good for you, Mac. I hope that when you reach that age of political accountability, the world is ready for you.

As far as I know, Emma has no ambitions for the Whitehouse, but she is a determined figher in all that she does. She can speak Spanish well. But one day she came home from school frustrated that she couldn’t trill her R’s in Spanish. So she worked and worked all day until she got it. She worked so hard that at night she was trilling R’s in her sleep. Typical Emma. Emma the fighter, Emma the competant.

Congratulations to you both. And keep in mind that whether in politics or in Spain, the water is never more than 4 feet deep. It’s not as deep as it looks. Just stand up when trouble comes, and you will have a Happy Halloween.

Mark Thomas

From John North

2008-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

am in my third and last year of my graduate schooling. I have finished all the requirements to receive my Master of Public Health and am just on the tail end of my business classes for my Master of Healthcare Administration. I would also like to change healthcare. I believe we will see great change within the next five years or so. Especially on the state level. This is probably where the change will come from and then the Feds will look and see what system works best and then implement it nationally, if we do get around to a national healthcare system. It's interesting to see what is being debated in Utah and around the country in this area. After graduation, I am off to Rhode Island for Officer Development School and then the Navy will ship us wherever. I should know for sure by April where we are going.

Rose is being grateous and is putting her schooling on hold right now. Maybe she will take a class or two in the spring, but we will play this by ear. She is working at the new Intermountain Medical Center in Murray and is enjoying it.

Isabelle started 1st grade and is loving all the new changes (school lunch, full-day school, extra recesses, etc). School has become a passion for her. She loves the interaction and tries really hard in learning everything that is presented to her. As a social butterfly she really absorbs the presentations and interaction with other kids that come through school.

Gabriella has started pre-school; don't call it school to her, she gets offended. It is pre-school. She is in an intercity school where there are may nationalities and a difference in curriculum, focus, and expectations. This has been a change for us as parents as Isabelle has been going to a public school in the upper-class neighborhood at the mouth of immigration canyon. Overall I think it is a great opportunity for Gabi to understand people of other races and cultures. They really emphasize diversity.

More Summer Going on's

2008-07-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Marcus Norths family

On Memorial Day, we were at Annice's family cattle ranch helping with the branding, etc. In the two pictures, Ashley and Andy are holding the back leg of a little "bully" while they become a little steer, if you know what I mean. We were hot and sweaty, and the dust coats your thoat and nose. You can see that the girls do just as much work as the guys do. That kind of work cleanses the soul, and the country cookin' is everything you'd imagine! I just need some spurs and chaps.

In June, Annice and I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim. We started on the North Rim and walked with 30 and 35 pound backpacks for two days. We stayed overnight at Phantom Ranch in the bottom of the canyon near the Colorado River. They fed us well and we each had a real bed in our respective dorms. This picture is on the South Rim just after we finished the 24 mile, 10,000 vertical foot trek. We were smiling on the inside, just too tired to let it out. :) You can see the canyon we hiked through in the background to the right of me. It was a great little adventure, we recommend it highly! We'd go again if anyone wants to do it.

For our birthdays in July, we went to Cedar Point on Lake Erie to ride roller coasters. It has been touted to us as the "roller coaster mecca" by several friends, so we had to go. They were right, we spent two days eating terrible amusement park food and having the rides of our lives! Seriously, it was better than flying jets. Here is Andy and Ash in line for the Mantis (yellow and red track), a stand-up ride that was insane. In the background you see the Millenium Force, which goes seventy two mph. Our favorites were the Top Thrill Dragster (120 mph and the highest coaster in the country) and the Maverick (first hill goes past vertical downhill with awesome acceleration and turns). Once again, a definite recommendation.

I just finished my first year flying for Southwest Airlines and couldn't be happier with it. It doesn't really seem like work, especially compared to how busy the Air Force was. I've seen a lot of the country and done some fun stuff. I ran through Philadelphia the other day past Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed), the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art where Rocky ran up the stairs and where they erected his statue.

Life is good, it's hard to complain. We are gearing up for the new school year starting in August, a wedding in September and the St. George Marathon in October. The pace is fast but it is good. We'll sleep when we're dead. :)

Marcus, Annice, Ashley and Andrew

Summer Happenings

2008-07-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Steve and Janae

We just spent two weeks in Provo, visiting Janae's family and attending her 20 year HS reunion. It was great to see everyone from old times. Janae's family is doing great. Her brother and wife just had their first baby, girl. We also visited Janae's grandpa, who is 99 years old. He ended up in the hospital while we were there and has since passed away. We will be going up for the funeral next week. He lived a good life and is with his loved ones now.
School starts at the end of the month for our boys. We are going to try to get through the last few weeks of summer staying cool.

Steve Janae Dallin and Weston Thomas

Ben and Tricia

We have had a busy and fun summer. We went to Mission Beach in San Diego for a week. We were able to go to the San Diego zoo, Disney Land and had plenty of beach time. We just went to Bear Lake for a week with Tricia's family. We had fun camping and water skiing. We have had a handful of weekend getaways for fishing, camping & the MS150 bike ride in Logan. We have had a ton of fun & have grown closer as a family. -Ben

Dave and Lori

We are headed for Lake Tahoe and the Clark family reunion (Lori's parents). We will be driving to Nevada on July 30th and returning August 4th. I can't be out in the sun any more because of my medication making me susceptible to skin cancer, so I'll just be lazing around. We hope to maybe attend the Reno temple on our way through. We'll see. I'll have my cell phone with me, plus my work number will roll over to my cell phone. Justin is hoping to run up to Washington at the end of August to watch the BYU vs. University of Washington football game.

John and Rose

We went to St. George and Las Vegas. We saw Mamma Mia in Las Vegas and weren't impressed, it was done tastelessly. Other than that there is nothing new going on in the next couple months.

Brent and Rachel

Our kids have spent most of the summer in the pool with their grandma Thomas. We also have a baby blessing coming up for Brent's brother and then we'll be headed to Colorado for a week. Monica and her little girl Chloe also came over and we went to see an art exhibit up in SLC. It was a blast. We've been working on remodeling (a never ending process). We are actually wanting to add on a second story, but for now are just redoing the living room. We put in bamboo floor and hopefully will be able to paint this next week.

Kathy Thomander's new move

2008-06-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends,

Our new address is:

6429 Hannah Rose Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80923

We have a land line, # (719) 358-6331......we still have our cell phones, but will use our land line more.

Here's the latest from us:

We are here in Colorado Springs now and we love it! We moved into our house on June 6th (renting) and we got a lot of help from our new ward. It is a two-story 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath with a decent backyard. We will send pics soon.

Dave was lucky enough to get a full week off to get settled even though normally a week is given to go "house hunting". He's put in a full week now and has already ran over 7 miles (and still getting acclimated to the 6500+ ft elevation). He has been running around the CE squadron without a job in particular yet but today found out that he will be in the Readiness flight (more details to come but basically deals with preparedness and training in the event of an emergency, etc.).

Kathy's brother Michael and his wife Ruth and son Jacob live not too far away and we've gotten together a lot already and love being close to family for a change. The ward has a lot of fun activities for their play groups. She is doing a great job decorating the house and getting everything settled and organized. She (and Dave) miss our friends in Moscow a lot but we're excited for new friends and for keeping in touch with everybody!

Kayla is having fun playing in our new house and backyard. There is a brand new – HUGE- playground close by so that is convenient and fun. So far she has adjusted very well. She loves playing with her cousin Jacob and we're excited to get together with Dave's sister Rachel and their kids (they live in Denver and their youngest is Kayla's age). She loves the primary at church even though she was really shy when we first dropped her off; she excitedly told us all about it after church was over.

More news to come. We are planning on creating a blog SOON and we'll let you know the address so you can read updates and see pictures. Thanks everyone! We love you all and pray for you.

Love,
Dave, Kathy, and Kayla

Dream from Mark Thomas

2008-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

On June 25, 2008, I gave a sacrament meeting speech at the hospice facility on 4500 South. I accepted the invitation reluctantly, thinking that I should come to listen rather than speak. I arrived with a reluctant gratitude. I decided to tell them about a recent dream I had experienced, shortly after Grandpa Thomas’s funeral.

In this dream I found myself in pine covered mountains with a group of friends. These friends were there to run a marathon. I started running at the first of the race to give them moral support. But after running a short while, I realized “I can finish this race!” So I ran to finish it. I was slower than my friends. So by the time that I finished the race, my friends had all gone home. The race finished at a large wooden building. I went inside. The building was apparently empty. I wandered around the building hoping to find someone that could give me a ride home. To my surprise, I saw my Dad. He was about 30 years old, tall with black hair, just as remembered him as a child. “Hi pal, do you need a ride home?” he asked me. Yes, I did.

I told my audience about this dream and told them that I had learned two things from it. First, I started a race that I didn’t even consider running. But there were powers once I started to run, that arose within me, that I didn’t know that I possessed. I have come to believe that this is a universal experience. When the crises comes, hidden powers that we do not even recognize arise to our aid to help each of us finish our race in life.

The second thing that I learned from the dream is that none of us is alone. We possess thousands of generations within our own bodies, our own DNA, that go wherever we go. The dead have great power, and we embody it. None of us goes through or out of this life alone. We are surrounded by thousands. Then I turned to the handful of elderly that I was addressing: “I noticed that this is a large wooden building we are in. Does anyone need a ride home?”

2008-05-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Rachel, add me to the reunion committee.

2008-05-21T20:10:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the older grandkids will remember this. At family reunions when the adults were making plans, grandpa would sing out, "I speak to babysit!"

Family Recipe

2008-05-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

As a wedding present, grandpa and grandma gave my parents an ice cream maker. Every Fourth of July my mom (Carol Worthington) made this delicious ice cream for us. The ice cream maker lasted somehow for 32 years!!! This recipe is definitely a family favorite, and since grandpa loved ice cream, we wanted to contribute it.

Fruity Homemade Ice Cream
**This recipe is for a gallon sized ice cream maker.
If you have a smaller one just half everything.

-1 quart whipping cream
-4 cups sugar
-1 pkg. frozen raspberries
-1 pkg. sliced sweetened frozen
strawberries
-1 large can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple
-4 bananas chopped
-1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
-1/4 cup lemon juice

Place all ingredients in big bowl and
stir till combined. Dump into ice cream
maker cylinder. Add milk to the fill line, leaving
1 ½ in. from the top. (Make according to your
ice cream maker instructions.) Enjoy!!!

Congrats grads

2008-05-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

We are going to have three new graduates this month (as far as I know)! Jeremy Thomas graduated with a degree in math and is planning on going to Mexico for two weeks before he starts on more schooling to get a teaching certificate. Ann Thomas graduated in political science and is also traveling to Guatemala to improve her Spanish. Dave Thomander graduates in civil engineering and will be moving with Kathy and their little girl to Colorado Springs in June. If there are any others, let me know or leave a comment!

Congratulations all!!!

2008-05-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Aunt Mildred' s Scotcheroos

1 c white sugar
1 c Karo syrup
1 c peanut butter

6 c Rice Krispees cereal

6 oz chocolate chips
6 oz butterscotch chips

Bring sugar and Karo syrup to low boil for about 2 minutes in a large, heavy pot. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Add cereal and coat evenly with peanut butter miture.

Press into greased 9x13 inch pan and cool. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together over low heat or in double boiler. Pour over Rice Krispees in pan. Cool and cut into bars.

2008-04-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

These pictures are compliments of the Ben and Tricia North. Thanks!

New Arrivals Coming

2008-04-13T14:12:00.001-07:00

Just to let everyone know that Marty's twins are due in July and Brittney is due with her first in Sept. Congrats! Rachel

We'll see you soon

2008-04-08T03:01:00.001-07:00

Just sending out hugs to everyone. I hope you are all okay.

Nancy

Update from John North

2008-04-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

At the end of this semester I will be finishing my Master of Public Health with another year of school to get my Master of Healthcare Administration. After I graduate, I will be heading for Rhode Island for a five week Officer Development School for the Navy. I find out early next year where I will be going after that. Other than school, I am working for Hamilton Partners, a Commercial Realestate Investment firm on the building managment side of things. I spend the rest of my time getting in shape for the Navy and being with my family.

Rose is working for Intermountain Health Care in their new Intermountain Medical Center. She still prepares surgical instruments, but has been moved to the department just outside of the operating rooms. She is currently being looked at for a supervisor position. She is taking a computer class toward her Associates degree.

Isabelle is in Kindergarten and loves to read. She is very good at social skills and has a giant heart for people. She loves to do work around the house and is always happy to help do anything she is asked, especially cooking. She would rather cook than go play at a friends house.

Gabriella is a brilliant girl. This week I asked Isabelle the name of her friend when she was three. This friend had moved to Virginia when Gabi was one and Isabelle never talks about him. Gabi was the one who remembered the name. She has a fantastic memory, problem solving skills, and is a gifted artist. She has been drawing small details and coloring inside the lines since she was two. I'm excited to see where she goes once she gets into school. Right now she loves being the youngest in the family and Isabelle's best friend.

Rose's mom has been with us for the past six months. She has extended her visitor's visa in order to see her grandson born in Chicago, Rose's sister lives there. She spends her time cooking, cleaning, and watching the girls. She has been a big help for Rose and I.

Birthday cake

2008-03-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

When I was little, dad had an associate who made cakes. I remember a Barbie birthday cake among the many creations dad brought home for birthdays. I don't remember much about those birthdays, but I do remember the amazing cakes.

2008-03-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Interesting fact about Dad/Grandpa:
He arose very early each morning (I think around 5 am) and went for a work out at the Spa on Highland Drive. He always smelled of eucalyptus when he came home.

2008-03-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a small video of Grandpa talking. I am going to get full text of what he was talking about posted up here soon, but I wanted to show a little bit more of grandpa here. I did it with my digital camera so I didn't have much space:) Or ability to edit.

Becky's baby

2008-03-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here's some Pictures of Becky's new baby, Lincoln.

Marti and Haley

2008-03-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Marti and Haley were in a front page story of the Deseret News today.

The link is on the page entitled Granting Wishes. Congrats Haley. I'm sure she was adorable. I can just imagine her at the school as the princess.

Memories from Monica

2008-03-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have so many fun memories of Grandpa that I don't know where to start. I can remember being about four years old and we had just moved to Arizona. I can remember Grandma and Grandpa coming down to visit quite a bit. It must have been in the winter because every time he would come he would say " I came for sunshine but the rain followed me here." After a few rainy visits and hearing him say that, I wondered how the clouds knew my Grandpa was in town. I also have very fond memories of double mint gum and tictacs because Grandpa (and Uncle David) always had some and were always happy to share them! I think I must have been in junior high when Grandpa won a Jeep in a raffle. Not only did he have a cool Trans Am but also a Jeep. I can't think of a higher compliment than to have a 13 year old think your pretty cool!! I loved going to Grandpa's house to visit because I always felt loved no matter what and he and Grandma were always so happy to have you there!!!!

From Kathy Thomander

2008-03-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

We are doing great. We are nervous and excited. Dave will hopefully be graduating in May in Civil Engineering and commissioning with the Air Force. We know that we will be stationed in Colorado Springs at Peterson Air Force Base, but we just don't know when....if everything goes to plan! Kayla is sunshine to us! She recently got tubes in her ears and is still in Speech Therapy and attending pre-school, which she loves! I keep busy with different projects at home and attending various enricment groups our ward has. Life is pretty good!

Becky's New Arrival

2008-03-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

We got home from the hopsital yeasterday. My baby was
born Tuesday Morning at 4:39 AM, March 11, 2008. Only
a week late! My baby was posterior so labor was hard,
but it went very fast, only 6 hours, I almost
delivered on the curb of the hospital. I was at a 10
when they checked me in triage and my water broke
there on the table. And I started pushing. They
hurried me to the delivery room. My midwife got there
as they were delivering his shoulders. The cord was
wrapped aroung his neck 3 times. But I didn't have an
epideral so I was able to get him out fast. He
weighed 8 lbs 10 oz, and we named him Lincoln. He is
doing really well.

Coming Home

2008-03-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite memories is when dad would step through the front door after a day at Thomas and Kolkmann Engineering. I'd run to greet him and immediately ask him for a "mint and a gum". Usually he had a Certs candy with green flecks in it and a stick of Doublemint gum. I would wrap the gum around the mint and eat them together. I must have swallowed the gum; I don't remember chewing it!

Memories of grandpa

2008-03-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'll go ahead and start this, but I would like more to add on. :) When Brent and I first moved to Utah it was about 5 or 6 years ago. We stayed in the basement with grandpa at the time. I remember Brent and I laughing because we would stay up to about 12 at night and grandpa would still be out gallivanting around who knows where. He would eventually pop in at the wee hours of the morning. I thought it strange that my grandpa would be staying up later than I would:) I love you grandpa!:) Rachel

Welcome family

2008-02-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome all. I wanted to start this blog because grandpa said he wished the cousins were closer. I thought this might be a good way to at least begin that. At this time I'm not sure how to give everyone access to this blog, so any entries can be e-mailed to me and I'll post. Let everyone know what's going on in your family...births, graduations, special events. Anything that might help us all to get to know anyone better. I'll probably be posting questions every month to help out that process. For right now if anyone could post a favorite memory of grandpa, since I am starting this in response to his wishes. Also, any pictures would be wonderful too. Love to all, Rachel Leavitt