....to grandmother's house we go!!!!

Dear Fam - thanks for being so patient while I annoyed and interrupted many conversations with my "picture taking" on Christmas day ~~ just think of it as a gift to Miss - she'll be so happy to see your smiling faces. It was wonderful that so many of you were able to make it over to Mom/Dad's at some point during the day. Of course, we miss being able to put our arms around Cal and Russ and always feel incomplete without them. Things aren't quite right without Gale and Wes either. Reporting that I visited with the Mickelson's on my way to Idaho and from everything I saw, they had a great Christmas! Looking forward to the New Year with all of you, fresh with new opportunities and possibilities. Love - Jan.

He's Arrived!!

The above photo was taken on December 21, 2009. Nate had an appointment at the MTC to visit with Sean before he left the next day for Latvia. They had a really nice visit!

Just got this photo from President Dance of the Baltic Mission. Apparently, Sean arrived safe and healthy, and from the look on his face ---- happy!!

He's Back!

Hey everyone! Nate made it home the night of the 17th --- or was it morning? Not sure, but it was somewhere in between. Thanks to all for your hopes and prayers for a safe and speedy journey to us, without them he might still be in Atlanta! *laughing*

Don't forget ~ his report is on the 27th of December at 0900. We'd love for you all to come and stop by the house for a bite after Sacrament Meeting if you can ♥

Hugs to all ~~ Char

Gobble ~~~ Gobble

Dear Fam - just wanted to thank you for making the trek to Logan for the holiday. Although it wasn't the same as being at the homestead, it was soooo wonderful to have the mayhem of 30 people in my home. Miss said to me the other day, "it only takes a few happy memories of family to make a place dear". How right she is -- I feel that with your help, my little piece of real estate has taken on the form of "home". I am truly thankful for what each of you adds to my life. Jan

Christmas in Malawi

Dear All - I don't know what Christmas in Malawi is like, but I do know that it came early and quick for me.....I had to start shopping in October! Just thought I'd let you know for those who are interested, that it takes about 2 weeks for mail, i.e. cards, letters, small envelopes, etc. to get to Miss in Africa. You gotta be a step ahead on this one. She's had a couple of tough weeks -- we're both grateful for your support and prayers. Jan.

Halloween or something?

I know Halloween was like 2 weeks ago, but here's my contribution of happenings around here, which is very different than what it used to be. Wes went to a party and I went to see "Young Frankenstein" with a friend....we left the Trick 'r Treaters to fend for themselves. Looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner with most of you and will be missing the rest. Love -- Jan and Wes.

Well, another Halloween come and gone...thank goodness there are pictures, hopefully reusable costumes, and cavities to stay with us until next time! This year's especially seemed to last a bit longer than normal. I ended up helping with Easton's class party on Thursday, then MaKenna's on Friday and then again on Saturday -Easton turned 6 this year and had his first birthday party (halloween themed, of course!) I'm quite proud of myself, after stuffing treat bag after treat bag and party favor after party favor along with my own face with a variety of candy...I can say that this year I was not "inspecting" the kids' takes after the annual Trunk or Treat! Perhaps I may be cured of the sweet tooth that has been my nemesis for years..then again - only time will tell, and that time will be Christmas time! With that all out of the way, I am looking forward to my favorite time of year!!! I absolutely love the smells and sounds of the coming holiday season - however, I wish they would start it a bit later and make it last a little longer : )
We hope to see many of you when we welcome Nate home! Take care!
lani

BYU-Idaho Devotional

On 10/13/2009. Dallin H. Oaks spoke to the students @ BYU-Idaho about the constitution and the importance of religious freedom. Take a few minutes and read it, very worth the time. Here is the link to the text of his address: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/religious-freedom


Love you all. Hopefully we'll see most of you this Thursday @ Thayne's shindig.

Ryan

Hunting Trip

Hey all, just posting a photo or two of Mike's elk. He got it with a bow a few weeks ago. It's a nice 'un.

♥ Char

Make 'em Bigger!

Okay, i noticed that some of my most recent posted pictures don't have the option to "enlarge with a click".

Jan or whoever knows how to do that -- Please share your insight!

Thanks,

♥ C.

Russ!! Where is that picture!

Russ promised to post a really cool photo of (me and) him. I can't wait to see it!!

RUSS!! Where is it!?

♥ C.

Chef Easton

We're alive and kickin in Melba --- and baking!! Here is Easton practicing his skills while the girls are at school.

What a fun day for us to spend together!

Love, Char ♥

Temple Day for Sean

Hi Everyone!

Today was a lovely day and we missed you! When asked if he was overwhelmed by his experience, Sean answered, "no, i would describe it more as.....Whu -- at??...." (And -- we'll miss being with you tomorrow Austin. Sean will come though!) It really was nice though and so was Sunday. Lots of family, friends and food, a combination that can't be beat. I know I've said it over and over, but I thank you all so much for being part of the 'village' that has helped us raise our kids. It takes lots of examples and love and patience; you have shared all of that with so much love and care.

Fun photo of Hayden, Sean, and Austin. Elliot and Alex were there too! I should have had a picture of all our 'boyz'! My bad, just didn't get it done like I should have! Also missin: Wes, Thayne and Nate.

We love you all and hope to see you soon!

♥ Char

Noah's Football

Hey all - I am posting this for Noah.

He is playing 5th grade football this year and is really stoked because this is the first year of tackle football for these boys. They beat Ft. Hall 24-6 last Saturday. Anyhow, he is selling raffle tickets for $2.00 each. Prizes include hotel stays (Red Lion, Super 8 . . .), gift certificates to restaurants (Sandpiper, Senior Iguanas . . . ), certificates to sports stores, certificate to Rhino Lining, Downata getaway pkg, golfing (I know the Woodland family is big into golfing), and some others.

It is kind of neat because the kids get to keep the money they get from the ticket sales to help recoup their registration fees, so if you buy tickets the money goes into Noah's pocket, not some organization. You can buy them from now until the end of September. You don't have to be present to win, they notify by phone. Anyhow, if anyone is interested, give Noah a call. Love you all heaps


Ryan

Oooooooooh

Looky what I found! Well, okay, Mike found them. I knew they were there, but Mike is the one who had to go and 'find' them (he's also the one who watered and weeded them. Nice job, eh?). Aren't they beautiful? I promise (to me) that I will make jam this fall, sometime. That was my vow last year too, and the raspberries just disappeared over the winter without one speck of jam bein made. So, as soon as things slow down... in ...November or March or next September, I'll make some loverly jam! And bring you all some! ♥

Additional "sweet" news!! Sean's un-farewell is scheduled for September 13, 2009. In American Falls at our LDS church at 0900 (Sacrament Meeting is first). The temple date will be scheduled sometime soon, I'll post at update as soon as I have one!

Hugs and love to all!

Char

Sean and Ben's Excellent Adventure

Sean has just arrived home from his summer in San Antone. He's got a buncha stories to tell, but this one was pretty good, so thought i'd share it. Sometimes it's better if mom doesn't know everything as it's happening. That's my story, and Ima stickin to it.

The drive from San Antonio takes roughly 24 hours (according to Google), Sean says you can drive it in 20, but it actually took them closer to 30 because of a few side trips.

He (and Ben, the co-pilot) left San Antonio after checking Google Maps and handwriting the directions he deemed important (because of course the bachelor pad had no printer) about 1600. Stopped on the way to get the car serviced and fuel up. (How responsible, cool.) Finally....on the road! Ben fell alseep after 30 minutes and with "Monster Hitman" (2 ounces of concentrated caffeine) on board, Sean drove a coupla hundred miles until the gas level was gettin precariously low. They decided to fill up pretty soon so he woke Ben up so that he could (worry also, and) pay for next tank. Ben pointed 0ut a gas station as they blew past it, but they knew there would be another one up the road a ways. Fifteen miles later, they saw a sign for Iraan, TX with hospital sign on it; they figured there would be a gas station if there was a hospital (makes sense to me). Just off the exit to Iraan, there was a mileage sign indicating 14 miles to go; they had gas for maybe 20 miles (cuttin it kinda close aren't ya?). After driving 8 or so miles, it appeared that they were only heading deeper and deeper into the Texas desert, but now were committed to continue as they didn't have enough fuel to make it back to the freeway. The only things they could see were abandoned oil pumps that covered roughly 30 square miles, but not a sign of life was evident. A few miles farther into that 14 mile stint they came to a "T" in the road where a creepy cluster of 5-6 single wide trailers were crowded together. It looked like someone possibly lived there? Maybe? Our heroes decided to get out and knock a few doors. It was a scene from a horror movie (ever see Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Me neither too, but apparently Ben had heard about it and wanted to bolt.) There were saws and hammers lying all over the ground; old junker auto skeletons; a buncha sick lookin wild dogs. Nice mental picture, eh? Sean pushed open a few gates to delapidated fences to find more dogs, more tools, and more old cars....but no people (maybe that's a good thing?). In the distance, he spots someone wandering into the 'back' trailer. So they walked over and knocked on the door...

A voice from inside hollered, "Come in!"

So they pushed the door open and were met with (a 56 YO, very big guy wearing nothin but a handlebar mustache and soccer shorts) exclaiming, "You're not Joe!"

Sean introduced himself and Ben, "Howya doin? My name's Sean; this is Ben." He then told 'soccer shorts guy' that they were outta gas and wanted to know how much farther to the next gas station.

'Soccer shorts guy' introduced himself as Cecil; said the nearest station was 3 miles farther up the road and then took them on a tour of the complex. He offered them the use of the 'facilities' which were around the corner of the trailer. He pointed to the 'bush' and the 'tree' and a urinal that was duct taped and wired to the side of the trailer. "...Stole that out of a brothel in Mexico", says he. Our boys declined the invitation and were led round the front where they beheld a green sign with white lettering that spelled out HAPPY VALLEY. Apparently, they were in Happy Valley; population 9! Tacked on the same side of the trailer, was some sorta shelter that Cecil explained was called the 'Bunkhouse'. It had a scummy water trough inside that was used by all as the 'Coolin' Tub', which apparently was Happy Valley's version of a public swimmin pool. The several meat hooks and smoker were added attractions to the shelter along with a TV mounted on the wall. There was also one in every room so that they could see the NFL Network (being big, BIG Dallas Cowboys fans) whenever and whereever they were. Cecil even invited them to come back around for a beer and to chat after they gassed up. I can't imagine he has a lotta visitors out there at Happy Valley.

One more thing he showed these guys was the "Shili Wagon" (pictured below with Ben seated in the back--and Cecil tryin to get it started). This is a car with a loveseat bench thing positioned over the trunk and backseat. They use it once a year when they go to the annual Chili Cook-Off in San Antonio, so some of you may have seen it there! It's painted pink except for the hood which is graced with the Texas State Flag; hard to miss that!

The guys headed for Iraan, fueled up and went back to Cecil's place. (Yes! They actually did that!) Cecil proceeded to tell them some of the history of Happy Valley. The trailers were once used as office buildings for the oil fields and when the company moved out, the trailers were left abandoned. Cecil's parents moved on in and so he grew up there in Happy Valley. The other folks living in Happy Valley include his Mom who is gettin on in years and a pest control guy. Others have moved in as well, one even drives a Hummer.

Sean and Ben are now friends with Cecil on Facebook.

From the Old Folks

I'm missing hearing from ya'll; I'm really frustrated that our ways of keeping in touch seem so difficult to me. Email, you tube, facebook, texting, even cell phones, tweeting, and who knows? as opposed to traditional land phones and US Postal service (now in jeopardy). We are going to get a cell phone. I really enjoyed the year Char and Jan provided us one. Thank you so much for that! I guess sometime soon I'm going to be learning how to use facebook at least, because that must be where you all are these days!

Well, we've turned the corner into August and it has really felt more like September! The frost isn't on the punkin yet but it sure felt like a threat at 42 degrees a few nights ago.

Happy Birthday to all the 'Leo' people! Let's see, that would be Russ (4th), Grampa Woodland (10th), Tammy (15th), Amanda (16th), and Mike (29th). And my aunts (Glenna and Gayle) will be 82 on the 10th. Happy Anniversary to Wes and Suzy!

Congratulations to Thayne and Kylie. I heard the 'date' has been moved up to September, right?

Gale was here for a couple of days and so the list on the fridge is a little shorter now; so just be aware, whoever comes next . . . . . . . . .

Abi and Ethan sold their 4H lambs at a good price right, kids?

Marty, where is your latest composition? I've been watching for it . . . .

Joan moved into the little house at 68 W Rich Lane. She is so very happy to be there! I hope she continues to enjoy it for a very long time.

Some of you may be interested in Maria. They are stuck in Cambodia until they can get tickets to fly. It's very hard to get plane tickets during the summer months.

The grain is about cut on the Rich place. And the hay is down here. We are praying and hoping for dry days in sufficient numbers to get the work done, even though it isn't really our work . . . .

We saw Matt Packham in church today. He is out of the Army now and will be living in Twin.
He said he had good memories of being out here with Wes on the farm during those younger years. They have three children, Jake -- Ellie -- and Ryan.

Well, it's late and I'm remembering the sweet feelings I had when I would come upstairs to say good night. Most of you would already be asleep, sometimes all. Sometimes none, utter chaos!!!

But almost every night, I came up at some point and looked at you sleeping; loving all of you and each of you, realizing what choice spirits you all were (and are)and the tears flowed easily; how immeasurably blessed your Dad and I were (and are) to have each of you in our eternal family. Little did I know how deep all those feelings would grow over time, and the tears still flow easily when I'm in those thoughts.

You can't possibly know how much we loved you then, how much we love you now.

Love , Mom and Dad

The Eagle (Wes) Has Landed

Dear Fam~

What a thrill it was to see Wes come down the escalator ~ He was absolutely glowing! It's been great having him home again and is exciting to think about what he'll do next. Thanks to those who were able to come and be with us on Sunday.....we truly missed the rest of you! You must know.....I could not have raised such fine kids without your love, support and influence that gave all of us a sense of belonging and stability. You've blessed my family in so many ways over the years and I will always be grateful. Love ~ Jan.

It's on the Map!

Top: Sean reading his Mission Call

Middle: That is the distance between Nate's mission and Sean's! Only a few inches!

Bottom: Three Musketeers; Edgar (preparing his mission papers), Sean, and Logan (has been called to the Oaxaca, Mexico mission. He reports to the MTC on July 8th)

Hey all...

Well, it's official! Sean got his mission call and was able to open it yesterday (thanks to the speedy US mail, nice people and the Frontier Desk, the airline faieries, good friends, cell phones, and a patient gramma. Thanks Mom!)

He has been called to serve in the Baltic Mission. The area includes Estonia, Lithuania, and Lativa, is bordered on one side by the Baltic Sea (duh!) and Russia and Belarus on the other. He is to report to the MTC on October 7th, 2009 and will learning Russian (is that like Spanish? hmmm, i wonder.)

How fun to have both he and Nate gone at the same time and to have them be in the same 'corner' of the universe. Not sure when Sean will leave the MTC, but maybe he'll end up passing Nate in the air (he is due home the end of December...unless he extends, which he is threatening to do. Do they even do that anymore? not sure.)

Anyway....many thanks to all of you who have been such good examples of service in your lives. We all need help to parent. It takes a village. For sure.

Hugs to all.

♥ Char