Groneman Family

Well, I have all 3 of my children down for naps. Kim, Kiera and Lydia are all snoozing, and Cambrie and Steve are off having a rare bit of alone time with each other. They don't get a lot of that. Especially, lately! This morning we went over to the VA Hospital to feed the duckies...and there were baby Duckies! SO DARN CUTE! They have probably only been hatched out for a few days, cause they were oh so small! It was really fun to watch them and the little ladies. Yesterday was another rainy day in Southern California. Not that they needed that. For the last 3 days they have been trying to get rid of the mud in the streets from the 18" of rain that they got last week. We are talking THICK MUD! And even where they have cleaned off the worst of it, so there is a little bit left, the traffic makes it fly around as dust so there is dust everywhere too. And the storm drains are filled with THICK solidifying MUD. I am not quite sure how they fix that. But they are sure working at i...

Well, well... if it's not Brett's Birthday. Happy Birthday dude! I don't know if you can call it a Brrrthday today though. With y'all being in Hawaii, it might be more of an Aaahhhthday. When are you coming home? If you come home this weekend, you might get some belated Brrrthday. Have a good one!

I added a link over there ← on the left under the wish list for "Family Recipes".  It's a page Brett made for Christmas that allows us to add/share/print recipes.  Today I added: Kim's Krunch Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce (mmmmmm!) Marilyn's Stroganoff Kim's world famous meat loaf Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Yellow Death Supreme

A Christmas Eve movie and A first for me...the first full length movie I've seen in 3D.  (We paid for it because we had a $20 Cinemark gift card).  I liked the movie .  Action and adventure and good triumps! Unlike some other recent adventure movies (Harry Potter, Lord of the rings), evil in this movie never stood a chance...which makes it a pretty good feel good movie.  The 3D experience is one I think is going to become popular and probably the future of movies if they can get the price in line.  I really liked it.  It wasn't the extreme 3D like you see at Disneyland, but this 3D just made things look very real...like you were there. 

Here are PICTURES OF OUR CHRISTMAS . It started for me about 4:30am when I woke up.  I laid in bed until I could hear indications from the basement that someone was awake.  I got up and brought come carefully hidden presents upstairs, turned on all the Christmas lights and just looked at the magic for a few minutes before Chad called to say they were about ready to come upstairs.  I originally thought this was going to be a quiet, uneventful Christmas for Marilyn and I as it is an off year for Christmas....the married kids were supposed to spend it with the other side of the family.  Well since Katie's parent are in Hawaii they decided to spend the morning with us after Brett got home from work.  Erica's family had their big shindig on Christmas Eve so they decided to share their Christmas morning with us.  It was really fun being able to watch Emmy's Christmas.  She didn't understand it but it didn't take her long to get into opening presents and play...

6:30 christmas morning and my little fam is sleeping away. I've been up since 5:30. Visions of suger plums were dancing in my head all night long and I can hardly restrain myself from going in and waking up my tiny ladies (except I don't want them to be grumpy so I'll let them sleep). We put our cookies, carrots and milk by the tree last night after our drive home from Grandma Nelsons house. Kiera kept searching the sky for any sign of Santa. I told her Santa goes to Georgia and Utah first and Califoria last. No fair hu? The girls were all very excited yesterday when we talked about santa loading his sleigh. Of course, Santa had to have a nap (same as my girls). They were so cute and excited. However, as I put them to bed and they realized that the fat beared man was going to be in our house they both got scared. I did my best to calm their fears but it was cute and funny. Yesterday we acted out the Christmas Story 5 times in a row. Steve was Joseph, I was the innkee...

This is titled a social network Christmas.  It's a serious video, not a humorous one.  Kind of cool actually.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghwe4TYY18&feature=youtube_gdata And this is a new song to me, but it's destined to become one of my favorite christmas songs:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3wujkozv9E

Happy Birthday Steve!   I hope you get a nice, relaxing birthday.  No studying, no tests to worry about, no work.  Play with your girls.  Did they bring you breakfast in bed? 

Sorry for not coming to visit yall.  But frankly, I'm really glad I'm not traveling to Utah today.  After going 100MPH for the past few weeks non-stop we are so behind in home life it is rediculous.  Today we spent just trying to catch up on life: car maintanance, bills, cleaning, laundry, haircuts, bank, post office,  etc etc etc.  I think it will take at least 2 more days of this to catch up on everything.  Then we will be happy to take a break.  I need to find another job, we need to find Steve a job (and a place to live), we have enough to keep us busy every day of this break.  Sorry, but I'm glad that I'm not going to Utah!  Plus, we never could have been able to transport christmas to and from Utah.  We'd love to do a video chat one of these days with any of ya'll. 

This is for you!  http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/dCr2whry4eRNGjIsHmvMEw

This is for you!   http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/L4mF-hLNh7deda3yYQKM4w

A couple of days ago, I paid an washer repair man $189.00 to replace the pump. OUCH!! I asked him while he was here what caused it to crack. He said mostly it comes from little things coming out of pockets and getting stuck in the pump. Baby socks, barrettes, screws and small things like that should be washed in a bag that can zipper close. But, yeah. WASHERS REALLY DO EAT SOCKS! And ruin them. I thought I should pass that along. It was fun today: I got a call from the older lady in Georgia that Breanna talked about being such a sweetheart in her letter a few days ago (that took them out to lunch on p day). She just wanted to call and thank me for raising such a wonderful daughter! (It helps to have the cream of the crop from Heaven to begin with though-I am not taking credit!) She says that she is "perfect, and I just love her!" She says that she is going to church now-because of these sweet missionaries that came and helped her, and she is just really excited abo...

Go Steve Go!  I'm pullin' for ya today.

Happy birthday bug.  Hope the kids let you get some reading time in. :-)

I brought home and gave away some blue Novell sweatshirts.  I had a 2xl for me and gave away some XLs.  Well, now all I have is an XL.  Did someone take home the 2XL by mistake?  If so, I'll trade you!   An XL fits me fine but I like the 2XL to fit over other stuff and I dunno anyone else in this family that would want a 2XL except maybe Katie in a couple of months.

I dunno why we were so lucky, but Erica/Chad & Katie/Brett came over for dinner last night.  Emmy was adorable as usual.  She loved the tree and would point out the mice, baby Jesus, Santa, and the dinosaurs. We saw folks up at Brigham's/Christa's on Friday, got to see most on Saturday when Chad moved, had a dinner last night, will have another one on the 22nd, then Christmas, then to Nelson's.  Wow...fun.  For the record, we have new neighbors now.  The OTHER Groneman family are our closest neighbors for a little while.  I told them they should just step in and take over Brett/Katie's callings in the ward. I got some cute pics of Emmy by the tree...I'll see if I have time to upload some tonight after work.

We are so grateful for everyone who came to help us move. We could not have done it without you. Grandma: Thank you for doing the kitchen and for cleaning and cleaning! Gramps: Thank you for the trailers and for organizing everything so by some miracle it didn't get wet! Christa: Thank you for leaving your family to help us and for cleaning the gross bathroom! Brigham: Thank you for holding down the fort at your house so your wife could come help us! Steve: Thank you for helping us with round 1, even on your vacation! Cambrie: Thank you for thinking about us. We know you'd have been here if you could. Brett: Thank you for lifting and lifting and going down for another trip! Katie: Thank you for coming and helping organize and pack everything even being preggers! Buff: Thank you for being such a good missionary! Emmy loved her birthday card from you. This is not even to say how grateful we are for those of you storing our stuff! I wish we could say we're done but stay tuned...

Crazy crazy week.  It was one of those weeks where I felt like I was barely sliding through each day.  The girls were a bit neglected and thus were acting up which made things a bit worse.  (I always find that my girls are sweeter and more obedient when they get more attention).  Steve takes his board on tuesday and wednesday.  Baby steps until wednesday afternoon!!!   Kiera has a countdown until Christmas and I obviously have a countdown until boards are done. I hope that Chad's move went ok.  I hope that living with the in-laws isn't too hard for you Erica  (not that mom and dad are difficult people or anything).  : )  I is just hard to live with ANYONE besides spouse and kids. Brigham has been in my thoughts and prayers this week.  I hope you Dastrups are all doing ok!

Benjamin: "Mommy, can we have a dog for Christmas?" Christa: "Absolutely not.  We'll have ham just like everyone else" And I hope Benjamin/Kiera get to watch Santa's progress on the NORAD Santa Tracker

I can see the smoke from the tabernacle from my office window.  When I heard it was burning down all kinds of memories came to mind.  My grandfather was the Bishop of the ward where the tabernacle sits for 15 years and lived a couple of blocks away.  When I was a boy around 10 years old (~1965) my grandmother took me for a walk in that direction.  Her grandfather, William Strong (from whence Chad gets his middle name) was a policeman for Provo city.  On the night before he was to retire from the force, a hobo shot and killed him about a block away from the tabernacle.  His funeral was held at the tabernacle.  My grandmother knew the caretaker and got the him to let us inside.  She showed me the stairs where they carried his casket and the spot on the floor where it sat during the service.  Her father had taken her on the same tour she was giving me. The care taker talked to me about the history of the building and how i...

Kim and I were thinking that we would like to have the family over again for dinner before Christmas. And we were thinking this Sunday would be a good time. But then we heard from Chad today that Emmy is sick with a fever, and Brigham also said this morning that Jacob is starting to get something. So lets NOT get together and share the joy of the germs of the season! But perhaps, we could try a Christmas Eve dinner (and I could try to have Nativity costumes done) . With work schedules that may not work. But Kim has Christmas Eve Day off. Maybe Chad does too, and school will be out....so is that even a possibility? Need Feedback folks!

Emmy loves singing Once There Was a Snowman, tall tall tall! Today's snow was absolutely perfect for making one. We invited our next door neighbor (Emmy's friend Townsend) and his mom to join us. Emmy was having a great time until Alena brought out the Oreos for the snowman's eyes and mouth--then she just wanted to eat one. (Sorry the pics are out of order, but you get the idea.)

I don't usually remember anniversaries (heck, I need my calendar to remind me of birthdays!) but since the Google calendar reminded me it's someone's anniversary today, I may as well wish Chad & Erica a happy anniversary!  What's this...three years now?  Good start guys.

Today I made rolls for a Christmas party.  Last saturday I made orange rolls and Cinnamon Twists for a RS brunch, Last month I made....etc.. It is flattering to be appreciated for my bread-making skills, and in the past I've been happy to make bread of some sort for EVERY single enrichment activity and party that there is.  But I'm officially done.  It is hard to say no sometimes but after baking ALL afternoon, taking the rolls to the party and chasing my kids so I don't get a chance to socialize at the party, and then coming home to a disaster kitchen I've officially decided I'll practice saying no for next time.  Not worth it!  I'll go buy some at the grocery store!

Cancel that trip to Hawaii!  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/13/AR2010121301351.html

We have a brand new, never used, Lexmark ink jet printer we've been storing in our basement for a few of years now.  I don't even remember why we have it.  I think it came with one of Grandpa's computer bundles (??)  Anyway, it's new, in the box, never been used.  It's taking up space.  Anyone want it?  If not does anyone want to sell it on eBay or KSL.com and make a couple of bucks?

As told through the eyes of a child:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84u5k4bboU4  Provo Utah Girls - Divine Comedy (has close to 100,000 hits!)

Some good Christmas fun(ny): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFtveCz6QZk

that looking at the MRS Claus banner at the top of this blog for this month is a great reminder that I NEVER want to get fat! And I also need to add my public praise and thanks to Brigham and Katie for their musical # at the funeral. My dad was here for dinner last night. He says that many people told him that that was the best funeral they have ever been to, and the most beautiful music that they ever heard! Dad is very happy with how it turned out. I know Katie spent many hours getting that down in just a couple of days, and I am SO GRATEFUL to her for it! That number was REALLY magnificent. It is still in my mind this morning. Dad also said, "I'll bet people in the audience were dumbfounded that I have so many beautiful grand-daughters!" about our singing "Always". I know mom loved that. One of her best loved piece of music sung by her most loved people: What's not to love about that?

This looks so fun!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE   I'd like to see the MoTab do that!  They could have a great time.

This has been driving me bonkers for years!  I usually just end up wadding them up and stuffing them in a cupboard when I do it (not often, but often enough to be frustrating):    http://kottke.org/10/12/how-to-fold-a-fitted-sheet Of course the ONLY way I fold my T-shirts these days is this way:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An0mFZ3enhM

I realize we're probably too late for Buff to see these today when she checks her email, but I tried. Emmy sure loves her family! :)

I'm just passing along and verifying what I heard.  Christmas party has been re-scheduled for this coming Friday the 10th at 4 pm (??)  We're having some Walmart take home pizza , someone is bringing some dessert and someone else root beer .  We'll still do White Elephant and pro'ly play some little kid games (??).  Nelson's/Buff wish you were here :'-(

Yea, I know we sloberated last night, but today is the day and I want to wish my little sweetheart a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!   You were SO GOOD at blowing out the candles for only being 2 years old! 

We celebrated Emmy's birthday today with the Groneman side of the Family. We committed to Gramps that we would get some media files on the blog. Unfortunately for Breanna, the first one we've tried was the ~500 MB video of Emmy opening presents. It took a while for the computer to shrink the file enough to get up on YouTube. Working on videos is pretty intense for computers, so we let it do it's thing, and it is below. Breanna, we'll work on getting some pictures up. But it's past our bedtime here. It was a fun day -- Emmy was in heaven. For Buff's benefit, Emmy was way into her presents and into her cupcake. She would squeal in delight each time she ripped off any wrapping paper - whether it was the whole thing, or just enough to be noticeable. She loved us singing "happy birthday" to her, and she blew out the candles. On the second try, she got both candles with one blow! She and Ty ran around in delight (especially Emmy) all evening long....

I dunno if anyone is reading this blog any more, but if you are, HERE IS A VIDEO of the Nelson ladies in the snow.

Here are the pictures I took yesterday and for Buff's benefit (and my printed blog history) a couple of samples:

I held my sweetheart last night as she cried over losing and burying her mother.  I remember 3 years ago when I lost my father, laying in bed and tears coming in the dark and a loving pair of arms wrapping me in an effort to take away the hurt.   I think that though our bodies mature, and our minds continually learn through experience, we are still that same child we always were and from time to time we need someone to take care of and comfort us. Though near the end of our parent's lives, Marilyn and I were taking care of them instead of them taking care of us, we both still had an emotional dependancy on our parents because of the many years they were there for us when we needed their love and support.  Losing them still feels like losing a leg on the stool that our emotions sit on, and that the children we really are still depends on.  When that happens you need other people that love you to fill the void.   Don't ...

This is up for auction. Ask your mother for details about how to bid. This was bought for Grandma to listen to in the care center: An iPod nano: http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/ I don't know if it has 8 ($149) or 16 ($179) gig. You'll have to ask your mom. Kathy has the instructions. and an iHome clock radio: http://amzn.to/dM605m ($54) It's going out to bid to the entire family..highest bid takes the package. If you DO place a bid, be sure you specify it's contingent on getting all the cables and instructions. We've got the two units at our house, but nothing else.  Bid what you want...you may get it for  a steal.

CLICK HERE if you want to see some of the cutest kids in the world.    Here are a couple of samples:

Because we realize that December is the month for Parties, we've decided to throw one. We're going to have a moving party on December 18th, we wanted to make sure we don't forget to invite anyone -- so we're just going to post it here on the blog. We don't want to conflict with any other parties, so we're thinking we'll do it in the morning. Probably 9 or 10 AM. If you'd like to come, but can't at that time, let us know -- we're flexible to change the time. Recommended Attire: Warm grubbies Please RSVP to Chad or Erica if you are coming, so we can make sure we have "party favors" for you!

9 1/2 hour drive home. 1 30 minute stop in Mesquite at McDonalds , 1 other potty-break stop. Thanks to dad's DVD player and my fixed power outlet it wasn't that bad of a drive. It is a GOOD THING we took your dvd player those since mine is apparently non-functional now. Lydia who had abandoned all potty training in Utah came home and immediately went in the potty. Then she did it twice more independently before bedtime and went and told steve when she was done. Apparently, Utah potties are not good enough for Lydia's tinkles. I got home in just enough time to change my clothes and go to work. Good thing my job is more of a break than work. But I just keep thinking of the thousands of things I need to do at home right now....

This is something that is hard to blog about. And it is harder today than it was yesterday. Mom passed on to one heck of a celebration in Heaven (I am sure) 2 1/2 days ago. But I have had my kids and grand kids and sweet husband to distract me from the pain of mom's departure. This is the first time I have really been alone since she died. Katie and Erica...and all of my kids in love...I wish you could have known my real mother. She was an amazing woman. She spent her lifetime loving, teaching serving all those around her. She was fun, and somehow managed to "be there" for those she loved in her life even while being a full time school teacher, Relief Society President, and taking care of her own mother in her old age. Mom was always a rock, and anchor in the storm that I knew I could depend on. And even though in reality she hasn't been taking care of me for a very long time...in fact that role was reversed in the end...she has always been a source of comfo...

Thanksgiving took a far 2nd place to the passing away of my dear mother in law, Oral Haslem.  What a great woman.  Cambrie left California and was able to visit her grandma before she died.  Of course the frail, old and failing body was not what Grandma was for most of her life.  She was a wonderful mother who raised some great kids, including my wife.  When I was trying to court Marilyn, her mother was on my side even before Marilyn was!  She made anyone feel welcome in her home.  I told Marilyn a couple of years ago that going to the mountain was more fun when her parents were there.  Grandpa was always off doodling with something but Grandma would make the mountain fun.  A few weeks back when she was mostly mentally gone and sleeping through most visits, I asked her when we were going to go to the mountain again and she opened her eyes and started talking to me about the mountain.  She loved it.  I can't count the number of water...

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. From the sounds of it, my mom likely only has a few days to live. Katheryn called from the care center. Mom's breathing is really irratic, shallow and with long gaps between. She is sore all over now, and not just her legs. They have to give her liquid morphine ( in addition to the longer lasting morphine she is now on 24/7) before they try to change the depends, because the liquid morphine gives quick short term relief of pain. But even on both, she cries out in agony to be moved at all. David was with Kathy. He was with his mom when she died a few years ago. He said that what mom is doing tonight is what his mom did, 2-3 days before she died. And I remember, that the day that we had Jack moved to Saundra's (because I was joining Kim on a Sysop trip) he was also in great pain to be moved at all. That was the day before he died. I will go and probably stay the whole day with mom tomorrow. I am sure that mom won't be...

Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures soon; but no promises.  Nelsons had a good Thanksgiving with steve's parents and 1 younger brother (Kyle).  We had dinner about noon.  Kiera had a few bites of beets and that was all because, just like last year, she filled up on junk food before the meal (last year she didn't even eat 1 bite of dinner).  Lydia did better though.  Bev cooked all of the food 100% by herself other than the pumpkin pie that I made.  Too much work I'd say!  Although we had rolls, they were not orange rolls.   But I made some a few weeks ago so it wasn't TOO sad.  After thanksgiving dinner we had a turkey piniata (nothing at all like katie-quality piniatas).  The girls hit it a few times before I gave the bat to Kyle who graciously busted it open.  The girls enjoyed it, but I think they'll like it more next year.  Personally,  I like the tradition more for thanksgiving since Christmas  has en...

Google can help!  http://bit.ly/gwoXCl   Check out step 27 (and 38)

I dunno if you folks in Utah have been listening to the weather reports but they say one of the biggest storms in years is supposed to move in with blizard conditions Tuesday afternoon about 5 to 6pm and stay through Wednesday about noon:  http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=88    They were saying that people shouldn't be out driving during that time at all.  Not only shouldn't people be traveling on the freeway for Thanksgiving, but not even in their towns.  Temperatures are going to be so cold that salt on the roads won't help.   I love my kids.  I don't want to see your heads smashed.  Don't travel during that time, OK?  Should be fine on Thanksgiving day. On another note, you may have heard that Attachmate bought Novell today.  Not a whole lot of news there..they say they will run Novell as a separate business unit and that employees *generally* won't have to move to a new location.  There will be some layoffs but mainly in ...

Kiera is FOUR !! Happy Birthday to our sweet little Kiera ! We sure with we could be with you today...but I suspect that you will be at Disneyland having a good time with mommy and daddy, after school for dad. I sent you a birthday card last week. I hope it gets to you by today. And I hope you enjoy your present! We sure love our adorable little princess, Kiera!

I have heard quite a bit of talk about this movie being too dark and that there was a nude scene.  Bunk.  I thought this was one of the better Harry Potter movies.  It was intense...the little kid version of HP definitely wasn't there any more.  This was for an adult mind.  It wasn't anywhere close to being as dark as "The Dark Knight"   It showed the battle between good and evil just like the book but you always knew that good was the right side. I asked Marilyn if she liked it.  She said it wasn't nearly as bad as she had been told. She actually liked it.  The "nude scene" was the horicrux trying to convince Ron that Harry and Hermoine were bad.  It showed a fake Harry and Hermoine from shoulders up (bare shoulders) hugging and telling Ron they didn't want him around.  Ron smashed it with his sword.  A nude scene?  Hardly.  You see much worse on TV underware commercials.   It was a good flick.   ...

Be afraid....be VERY affraid.  I'm just sayin.  The 4th is coming right up.....

Would it work better for people to have the party on Saturday the 4th? Brett and Brigham both work the night before, so we couldn't start the party until about 4ish (or would it need to be later, Brett?). Better or worse? Also-- would Emmy be having a birthday party that day?

Hey, fam...it is time to reserve a spot on your calendar for the annual Groneman Family Christmas party !!! Of course, the biggest hurdle to cross in this effort to schedule is to get days off to line up together...no small feat in a family of medical people with non traditional hours of occupation. I have talked to Christa, and we looked at Brett's calendar, and right now, we need to say that it is Friday, Dec 10, just as soon as others can get here after work/school. Brigham as every weekday off that week. Christa suggested perhaps he could trade one of those days to get Saturday off instead (if anyone will cooperate), in which case we could do it Saturday and have more fun (nobody will have to rush home at 6 pm to get little ones down). So kinda hold that day open too until we know for sure. I thought that the foods you call brought for the Halloween party were spectacular! I don't know that we will ever top that...but if everyone brings something, it will be fun and t...

For the past 2 weeks or so, every prayer Kiera says includes "and thank you for Buff to come home soon".  I try to tell her that Buff is not coming home for a year but she doesn't get it.  Then on sunday on the way home she was talking about when Buff comes home (a subject initiated by her)  "When buff comes home from Georgia and takes off her missionary clothes then we can have FIVE people in our family again!"  She talked about how Grandma came and took Buff away in the red car.  (Mean old grandma!)  I tried to explain that buff wasn't in the Nelson family.  All of this is difficult for a munchkin to understand.  Also on the way to church Lydia was talking about Utah and suddenly said "Brett!" (with muscles).  Brett if you were meaning to make an impression or help them remember you, it worked.  I'm working working working.  This week has been long and frustrating.  Trying to keep up with this crazy schedule of ours when i...

Started in Utah waking up at 4:30 am for a flight that left at 7am. Had to change planes in Detroit.  Once I got on the other plane..they said they were having a little problem and it should be fixed in 15 minutes.  30 minutes later they said they had an oil leak in an engine and were waiting for parts.  90 minutes on the plane and they said the first parts didn't work so they were waiting for more parts.  2 hours on the plane and they said anyone that wanted to get off could to walk around.  15 minutes later they said they didn't expect the plane to be fixed until 7pm so everyone had to get off.  Then they told us to go to another terminal to see if we could get on another flight going to Orlando.  Went clear over to the other terminal to be told they found another plane our flight could use that left at 5pm from the original terminal.  Went back over there and finally got off the ground at about 5:30.  I guess I missed the meeting in Florid...

I found an easier way of making orange rolls.  You make them exactly like you would regular rolls except add the sugar/orange mixture to the butter before cutting into circles and folding over.  I for one am not a fan of washing all of those muffin tins.  They are prettier in the muffin tins, but they taste great this way too. 

Hi Family, So, most of you know that we have put an offer on a new house (still waiting on it to be accepted, but we're confident it will be). All of this opportunity of moving to a new home is contingent on our selling our townhome (or getting renters, which we really prefer not to do since we already have a rental property) in 30 days from when the offer is accepted--so the timer hasn't officially started yet but it will soon. We have had 2 people walk through our townhouse, and we have received one extremely low offer. We counter offered, and they then counteroffered a tiny bit higher offer from their original offer. Essentially, we are done with these buyers. It makes me extremely nervous to let them go when the market could slow to an even more crawl than what it is when the snow/cold comes. But we are walking by faith. That's where the prayers come in. We NEED to sell this place, and we need to sell it fast. We don't want to give it away, but we want to be fai...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQJ1k2HMoRU

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486655/     What a cool movie!  I thought it was great.  Your mom liked it too.  It's about old England and a wall in a field that separates this world from another fantasy world.  Three stories mesh.  First, a boy who has one parent from each world goes on a quest to find a fallen star to bring to the girl he wants to marry...only the fallen star turns out to be a girl.....long story.  The other story is about the king of the fantasy world dying and his sons competing to see who will get the throne...they too must find the fallen star.  The third is a bunch of witches that in order to stay young, must ALSO find the fallen star. It has Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, Clair Danes, and a bunch of other people.  We've got it and it's definitely fun to watch.  The checkout book is next to all the movies in the laundry room.

The perfect dress for church when a high councilman is speaking.  Would probably also work good for things like Opera and Ballet, etc.  Elegant yet functional.

First, I got BJ's snail mail today. She gave me her new address which is: 4315 Lexington Road Apt 6-C Athens Georgia, 30605-2545 So now you can all write her plenty! So we usually have our Sunday dinner for the fam each month on the Second Sunday. However, I just talked to Christa, and that is her mother in law's birthday and she will be hosting Brigham's family up there on that day. So we are looking for another day. Yes, I realize that it is Thanksgiving in a few weeks, but I am thinking it would be fun to get together before that. Brett and Brigham can you compare notes and see if there is a day somewhere that you both have off . Chad starts his new job on Monday, but I think it is just a standard 8-5 job with weekends off right Chad? Saturdays work too you know. I suggested this Sunday, but today both Ty and Jacob are sick with fevers...hopefully be gone by Sunday, but one never knows. IF they are better by Sunday, does that work for the rest of ya?

I'm so excited about the holiday season!  I'm ready to sloberate through New Years!  I hope it snows all winter.  And who is it that wants to eat turkey instead of ham?!?  Huh?!?

The Thanksgiving feast this year will be at 3:30-4ish. Sounds like that works for everyone. And that, in and of itself, is something to be thankful for! And before I forget to ask: Did everyone (but Dastrups, evidently) vote to have ham this year? Christa and I think it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the Turkey. We CAN to both, so don't panic people. But I would like to know what your preference would be. Kim and I will provide Turkey, Ham, gravy, Pies (and I wouldn't cry buckets if someone wants to take over pies-I hate making crusts, but it would have to be our traditional recipes or Kim will likely boycott the whole thing!) Christa -Sweet Potatoes and Stuffing Chad and Erica-Mashed Potatoes and Fruit something or other Brett and Katie-ROLLS! Maybe a few Orange rolls even? :) and Veggie Tray If you choose to take over pies, I will provide the pie apples (bottled) and take over one of your assigned dishes. If anyone has a traditional thing on their side of the famil...

With regards to constitutional changes, initiatives, etc. my advice would be to never vote FOR something that changes the status quo unless you really understand the issue.  Too many times changes have been voted for that end up having unintended consequences.  Don't vote for changing something just because someone else is, or you have heard one compelling side of the story.  The voter information pamphlet that comes out in this state is a good starting point to understand all sides of the issues.   If you don't feel you understand it, I would suggest voting against it.  If you understand it and want the change, vote for it.

Here's one I think you'd like:  http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/4575216

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13103515        Ewww!

Can be seen HERE .  Looks like all three boys were into the Halloween spirit.  Jacob looks like he's enjoying it as much as Ty.

Blogging from work again.  No pictures.  I actually haven't even seen the pictures of Halloween myself yet.  I was working.  I probably could have got it off had I wanted to, but I figured we needed the $ so very reluctantly I went to work.  Steve took the girls to the ward trunk or treat.  Kiera has been counting down for 2 weeks (literally counting).  Their ride to the party bailed on them a few hours before it started so Steve had to frantically call everyone trying to find a ride.  He finally found one 30 minutes before it started.  The girls didn't get to bed until 2 hours past bedtime because Steve couldn't find a ride home either.  But at least they had fun.  Steve said they were wearing their costumes (cinderella and sleeping beauty) for hours before the event but apparently right before they left to go they both decided they wanted to wear something else so they ended up wearing tu-tu's to trunk-or-treat in.  ...

You parental units out there are shirking your DUTY! Where are your kids Halloween pictures? We are waiting with baited breath! Also, Dastrups and Chad and Erica: see if you can get together to decide when you would both like to bring your kids here while you do your temple/date. I like them to come together for cousin bonding, and I am pretty flexable on when I can do it. Also, Thanksgiving is coming in a few weeks. Dastrups, I am not sure if you are coming or not, and if you can what time. Also I need to know what time Brett will be available. I am assuming that Chad will be available anytime that day? I just need to know the medical peoples schedules.

We just got back from the Care center. My mom was quite out of it today. She mostly slept through our conversations with dad. She was really struggling to try to get a drink out of the straw. It has a cap that you can cover the straw with and she kept trying to drink out of that, even though I kept putting the straw in her mouth and trying to get her to suck on that. I finally removed the cap and she did better. But she was on another planet today. For those of you who remember Wanda-the lady in the wheelchair that was always trying to find someone to take her home. Well, God finally did. She died yesterday from a viral infection. Rather sobering really. She seemed like she was doing great on Wednesday when I saw her. She still had her blue bear and was eating dinner. I thought she was the most likely one in there to outlive the rest. Dorothy , another resident who lived there, came in mom's room one day and laid down on the bed. When the CNA came to get her and take ...

<- - - -  The Dastrup blog is back!   Christa, did you know you can have one email address forward email to another with gmail?  You can use both email addresses but only actually use one.  I do that.  I have my gmail address forwarded to my novell.com address so anyone that sends me email to my gmail account will get to my novell account.

Christmas Gift Exchange UPDATE: See Brett's shared google document. I believe the previous spending limit was $20

Hurry!  Someone notify your aunt Nadine (or Jonell as she likes to be called)!  Maybe she'll be enticed to move to Bulgaria!  http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101023/blondes-march-bulgaria-101023/

For those of you who haven't lost your blog, I just would like to take a second to remind you of THIS .

We got walloped! I have been out with my broom shaking the branches of my trees that are loaded to the point of touching the ground, so that they don't break. There is at least 12" of snow out there! We were supposed to get 1/2 in but the biggest part of the storm came right over the top of us! It was shocking to wake up to, but it puts me in the mood for the holidays. If we can just get Halloween out of the way. It sure is beautiful though. For those of you counting your blessings that you don't have snow to contend with, it is supposed to be in the 60's this weekend. It won't last. We aren't even going to shovel.

who has who for christmas this year?  I can't remember for the life if me who I gave a gift to last year. 

Click here for mormon.org chat at it's finest:  HERE

Dunno how someone got Christa's/Buff's/Katie's accounts but here are some tips to keep you safe: 1 - NEVER NEVER NEVER enter any passwords, especially banking information if you are connected to an unsecure wireless.  If you are unsure if it's unsecure, don't do it. 2 - Don't ever use your spouse's name, your birthday, his/her birthday, your hometown, or anything else that is easy to find as your password.  There are machines out there that will compile that information (available online mostly) and automatically try combinations of it on your accounts to try to hack in. 3 - When you do have a good password, put some non-alpha characters in it somewhere.  For example if you like "forest", make your password "&forest1" or "for*est".  The longer your PW the better. Change it up once in a while.  Go from "for*est" to "fore$t" etc. etc. 4 - If your password is so complicated you have to write it down ...

UPDATE:  Christa says she lost control of her email account and lost her blog, etc. so apparently this is more serious than I orginally thought.  Suggestion:  Change your password to your google mail accounts asap: "Hi" That's the subject of an email I have received from both Breanna's and Christa's gmail account.  Here is the text of the email without the KIM included: ----------------- Hi my dear Is everything ok?By the way,i found an excellent website in a few days, and the goods on there are cheap and economical, here is the address of that company You can log on their website http://www.famous-elec.kimcom/ well,nothing special,just send u my truely regards, hope u hv a nice day,and god bless u! Sincerely yours.♀ ---------------- It's coming from: " Received: from mail-iw0-f173.google.com not authenticated" which means that someone is spoofing the email addresses and routing them through google servers.  It's actually quite com...

By the way,  who has whom for Christmas this year? News with us...hmmm...   Lydia has been sleeping in a toddler bed this week.  She does fairly well but she is a little jack-in-the-box in the middle of the night.  It seems like every time she wakes up she has to wander in my room and start climbing on the bed.  Then I have to take her back.  Yesterday while I was at work Steve says she apparently fell out of bed.  Her ankle was swollen and she refused to stand on it for hours.  Today she is walking with a cute little limp.  Poor lady!!!   I put curlers in Kiera's hair to curl it for church today.  She was so excited and proud of her curlers. Funny girl.  I hated them at her age!  We have not had any time to try to figure out where we are going to be working 8 months from now.  We need to do some more research and phone calls.  but between my working full time on top of my already busy sche...