Rockwood October adventures!

Royal Family Update!

You would think that I now have all the time in the world to do whatever I want since I am home alone all day and no longer homeschooling. Wow, 20 years of homeschooling!!! Well, think again, I am so busy doing all the things I have neglected over the years, such as organizing the food storage room, cleaning out closets, learning to cook, and reading the myriad books in my expansive library.

I found that I like to cook! I am having a blast learning how to use my food storage. I've known for years I am allergic to MSG and corn products, but have recently added food preservatives, chemicals and additives to the list of "no-no-foods" which basically means everything I eat I have to make from scratch. I now make my own pasta, yogurt, bread, tomato sauces and pastes, soups, etc...

I will be teaching a "whole foods" class each month for a Relief Society sister's activity group. As I was talking to a woman about this, she started to brag about how she already makes everything from scratch, so I asked her if she made her own spaghetti sauce. Of course, she answered yes. So I asked her how she made it. She proceeded to tell me how she adds one can of this to one can of that, mixes them together, adds seasonings and "ta-da"--spaghetti sauce. People--this is not making sauce from scratch!!!!! This is making sauce from other canned goods! I didn't bother to explain this to her because she wouldn't have understood anyway! I'm hoping she will attend the class and learn humility as she learns to cook.

Andrea and Dylan are both in high school --Andrea is a freshman and Dylan is a Junior--and doing well. My heart goes out to them because they have early morning seminary instead of during school hours this year. This is their choice--there were just too many classes they wanted to take during the day to take time out for seminary.

Samantha is taking 16 credits this semester at Utah State University. She is regretting taking such a heavy load her first semester at school, but she is doing better than she gives herself credit for. She is also working part time at the Logo shop (the place where Rabecca worked). She likes working there.

Meghann and Richard still have their problems fighting with insurance and workman's comp people. However, one good thing recently happened. The mean lady who was his workman's comp case worker was fired(!) and the new caseworker is very nice and, so far, very helpful. I'm sure Meggie will add to the blog an update of their situation when she gets a chance. She is working full-time, going to school, taking care of home and husband. In other words, she has a lot on her plate right now!

I hope everyone is well! Our love to all. HEY, DON'T BE STRANGERS! Let me know what's going on in your life.

An up date on Richard

Since the wedding Richard has had many doctor appointments to try and find out what is wrong with him. He is still suffering from the work accident back in Feb. So far non of the doctors have been able to help him they just keep telling him they will need to do more test to rule out more things. Richard has had two injections in his back hoping it would help but it has made things worse off than when they started and now they are saying this might be something he has to live with the rest of his life and they want him to go back to work. We are having a hard time trying to get through to the Workman's comp. nurse that is over his case she just seems to think that he should tuff through it. Two doctors have said that they are going to present Richards case to a panel of doctors and see if they can't work something out. But that isn't for four weeks.

Everything is okay other than that we are just moving along best we can. Love you all

Meghann

Now You See Them... Now You Don't!

Annual Family River Rafting Trip, July 13-16, 2007

Call For Pictures!

Would you please send me any pictures you took at Meg's wedding, reception, and Open House... I would like to put together a wedding picture file for Meghann and Richard and your help would be appreciated! You can either snail mail a CD or email jpegs -- I'd prefer the CD if you can because my computer is still not working correctly.

This month we took our annual Snake River River Rafting trip. Brad, Rabecca, and Elliot joined us this year. It was fun! We are already making plans for next year's trip.

Jeff and I celebrated our 25th anniversary yesterday. I like living in Utah because each year on our anniversary (July 24) the state celebrates with fireworks (Utah Pioneer Day celebration)!- heehee

I want to say thank you again to all who helped during the wedding week and all who attended the wedding. It was a wonderful event. It was a mixture of unconventional and traditional--just the way Megs wanted it!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Hi Everyone! I'm Home!

Hi everyone. I love you. It's good to be home.

Sammy calls this picture "The Road to Nowhere." It is of one of the roads near her host family's home in Germany. However, I have renamed it for this occassion "The Road Home!"

I took this picture of Sam while we were visiting the British Museum. Security personnel are at the entrance and exit of each exhibit. There are signs all over the place "DO NOT TOUCH THE EXHIBITS!" in 5 different languages. The security guy monitoring this exhibit nearly tackled Samantha as she "pretended" to kiss the statue. He stopped about 5 feet away from her when he realized that she wasn't really kissing it afterall. Kissing and lips are just part of who Sam is.

Hello Everybody!!

Hey guys. It's been a long time since I published a blog. I never really know what to say. It's mostly because I never do anything worth reading. But now that it's starting to warm up in Colorado I'm starting to do a lot more. I've been doing a lot of climbing with Ross and his dad. Our favorite spot to climb so far is Castlewood Canyon. It's so beautiful up there. I wish I had scenic pictures of Castlewood but I do have pictures of me climbing.
The climbing walls out there are around 50-80 ft. high. I thought I would be more scared than I was. I just had to keep telling myself that I'm on a rope. I'd really like to do a lot more climbing, hiking, camping and etc this summer. There is just so much to do and so much to see in so little time. :) I'm really enjoying myself.
I'm also moving out with a girl from the Singles Ward. I'm really excited to finally have a place of my own. I know it'll be hard and at times my room mate will probably drive me nuts but I think It'll be worth it. I'll learn a lot about myself and It'll help me grow. I'm just glad she has a strong testimony and good standards. An 18 year old is going to move in with us in August. So there will be three of us total. It's a three bedroom apartment with 2.5 bathrooms so we'll each have a toilet. :] Anywho, I'm getting anxious. I start moving in the 22nd that means I'll have only four days to help Mellisa unpack and organize the apt before I go to...DUN DUH DUH DAH... UTAH! for Meagans wedding. I can't wait to see everyone in just a few short weeks. I'm so happy for Meagan and I can't wait to meet the lucky guy.
This is my plan so far for the trip: I'll ride up to Utah with Sarah, Curtis and Curtis' brother and sis-in law and Spend a few wonderful days in Utah with my family and then I'll ride back down to Vegas with mom (I think she's still planning on driving) and spend a few days there to see the rest of the family. I'm going back to Colorado the 6th of July which is three days before mine and Andrea's birthday so I'm hoping to do something with the family for my birthday before I go back to CO. That pretty much sums it up. I can't wait! I miss the family so stink en much! I still get homesick a lot. Especially when I see video of Lauren and I receive pictures through e-mail.

SEE YOU SOON!
<3

Schedule of Events for last week in June

Wedding invitations finally done. The printer messed up on them a couple of times which made them a week late and Jeff's name is still spelled wrong. Well, not going to wait another week for a name. Invitations are late already!!!

My computer has a blown capacitor and it is risky even typing this post because it can crash any second. But I really need to get this info out to everyone so pray for my computer to hold up a few minutes.

Schedule of events for June 24 to June 30

Sunday, June 24: Sammy and her Aunt Kim arrive SLC airport 1:45 PM (American Airlines flight 1125). We are going right to Benihana's Japanese Restaurant from the airport. This was Samantha's last meal before she left so we thought it would be a good excuse to go there again when she gets home. (It's sooooo expensive so we only get to go every few years.) If anyone is in Utah on the 24th and wants to see Sam and go to Benihanas, plan on $30/person plus extras.

Monday, June 25: Nothing formal planned. (However, sleep sounds good right about now because I'm geting tired just thinking about everything that will be happening this week.)

Tuesday, June 26: Gramma Rainey arrives SLC (Delta #922, 9:35 AM). Donna arrives--she is driving so arrival time unknown, but she is planning sometime in the morning 9-10 AM. Sarah, Curtis, Robyn & Tracey arrive--they will be staying in Provo--arrival time unknown.
Welcome home party for Samantha in Logan.


Wednesday, June 27: Meghann's formal bridal shower. One of her very dear friends is throwing her the bridal shower of a life time. If you did not get an invitation ( and you are a relative reading this), please consider yourself invited anyway!!!!! It will be in Logan. Meghann has all the particulars. Contact her.

Thursday, June 28: There will be a family dinner--at Jumbo Buffet restaurant banquet room at 5:30 PM. (6930 South State Street, Salt Lake City). If you can attend, RSVP is needed. You can RSVP to me and I'll get the info to Debi (Meg's future mother-in-law). You should receive an information card in the wedding announcement with information about this dinner. If you don't, contact me.

Friday, June 29: Sherry, Joshua & Savannah arrive--arrival time unkown. Meghann wants to go tubing down the Logan canal in the afternoon. The more the merrier! Tube rental is $10. If interested, let me know so I can get enough tubes. Friday evening at my house (Logan)) will be the Open House. Since they won't be married at the time of the Open House, there won't be a formal wedding party "line." It will be more of a "meet and greet" for those who attend.

Saturday, June 30: I was hoping to get all of the family together for a family brunch, but because we will be spread out from Mapleton, Utah, to Rexburg, Idaho, this will not be practical (especially with the price of gas what it is now!). Maybe we can all just think about each other as we eat breakfast-heeheehee!
Wedding in SLC. Need to be there and in your seats by 5:15 PM. Formal reception immediately following wedding ceremony.

As you can see there is a lot of back and forth between SLC and Logan during the week. It will definitely be a busy week, but fun at the same time! Looking forward to seeing all of you!!!!!

Beverlynne

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

So apparently I cannot write a comment on the sellers blog.
Can some please invite me? <megaboo14u@yahoo.com>

Also how is Beverly and Rose? I haven't heard anything since Rose was born. I was just wondering, could someone give me an up date, that would be fantastic!!!! I was hoping to see them at the wedding, but I guess we will have to go to Las Vegas to see them instead!

Wedding planning sucks!!! Just to let all of those out there no I having a very hard time getting things done. I live in the big city now so things shouldn't be that hard right? It has not been enjoyable, many times I have said, “I don't care let people run around naked for all I care!” But then I think of that and it motivates me to start caring a lot more... it isn't pretty picturing Jaba naked!!(Richards large step mother which he nik-named)

How is Johnny and Ashley. When are they due?

Richard is getting better, his long thoracic nerve was fried when he got shocked. The long thoracic nerve starts in the neck runs down the lung cavity wall and branches off into the shoulder. His left shoulder is really messed up and they can't get rid of the pain. Because it is on the lung cavity wall every time Richard takes a deep breathe in it puts pressure on the nerve and it hurts. All of his meds was making him go a little crazy in the head and it was scary, but the doctors say stay on them because they are suppose to help. So he has been on bed rest until something happens.....

Well something did happen... he is sick of the doctors not doing anything for him and basically sedating him with all the medication. He has stopped taking all his meds and now just takes IBU for stiffness, and he is working out on his own. He feels better the pain has gone down his attitude, emotional, and mental state is a lot better. He is going to tell the doctors to put him on a month of physical therapy and hopefully after that he can go back to work and have a real life.

My Bird is growing his feathers back!!!! Twilight decided to pluck himself bald because he was mad at us and now it is growing back. He is a funny funny bird. I heart him!! He is basically my bird he wont go to Richard any more in fact he bits Richard when ever I hold him and Richard comes around, and we were told by the bird lady that Twilight is in love with me and doesn't like it when Richard touches his woman!!! Ha ha isn't that funny.

Oh nights on the ICU can be very slow.... very very slow. But they wont send me home just in case something happens. (Which is hardly ever.) but I better go now and look like I am doing something worth while.

God Bless
Megs

Hey Aunt Beverly!

Can you give me more details about the things going on like times and stuff. When does Sammy get back and if she is having a welcome home party. we will be getting into Provo on the 26th and we are staying there most the time. we are going to stay with becca for the day you have stuff going on so we don't have to drive so much. You are probably really busy with the wedding and sammy so if you get a chance to read this, i hope you do, just let me know. thanks

where is everyone!

i know it's summer but that should mean everyone is doing things post worthy. well for mother's day i got to take pics with robyn at the penny's studio(by the way i work 1 day a week now) since i cant take them myself. they turned out better then i thought. i dont really have high expectations for the photographers there. They dont train them well and they arent picky who works there. anyway i also got a family size george forman grill! i love it, i was so thrilled cause the one we had you can barely fit a burger on. As for memorial day our ward had a family bike ride daown the Sante fe trail, and then a picnic. we just went to the picnic cause of robyn and we dont have bikes. it sounded fun though. we also got to watch the thunderbirds practice the the airforce academy's graduation. i got a few pics of them flying around. since we are in the mountains parcialy they were flying kinda low where we were. it was neat. anyway. i am so excited to see everyone for the wedding i am going to bring my studio lighting so if anyone is interested in getting portraits done let me know. indoor or outdoor. well here are a few portraits of robyn and i. love you all!

He is so darn cute!!!!

These are some pictures of us we took for our engagement. We can only pick one, but all of them are just so cute!

You'd Think She'd Never Been To A Zoo Before!

Sammy just called home to tell me about her wonderful day at the Krefeld Zoo. She was so excited about some of the things that she saw and did I hope I can capture that excitement for you. I even took notes of the telephone call, because she made some Samantha-ism type comments (italicized in the text) that just cracked me up! She gave me permission to post her experience, so you can share in her excitement too.

"Mommy, mommy, Krefeld has a zoo! It's much bigger than Willow Park Zoo but smaller than Hoogle Zoo. I went there today with my friend Jenessa and our Krefeld exchange program representative. I had some fun and exciting things happen to me at the zoo. The zoo has elephants, camels, llamas, monkeys, birds, and FLAMINGOS! Guess what mommy, I actually saw a real flamingo! I mean I've seen pictures of them and little lawn statues, but I actually saw my first real live flamingo. 'And guess what! They really are pink! And they really do stand on one leg! And it was so cool because they act like real flamingos!'

"At the zoo there is a building with no cages--it is an open building with crocodiles, monkeys, and some other animals. As we were walking on one of the walkways, Jenessa stopped and screamed because there was a monkey in front of her. She got behind me; she was so scared. I got down, held out my hand, and said, come here little monkey. And wouldn't you know it. The monkey came over and stepped into my hand. He actually stepped in my hand. It was so cool. Then he gave me an underhanded 'high five.' I actually touched a monkey. When he saw that I didn't have any food in my hand, he got down and stepped on my shoulder as he walked away.

" 'I spoke with the peacocks. I had so much fun; the zoo people probably thought I was ten.'
(When I asked her how a peacock sounds, she didn't miss a beat in speaking peacock to me over the telephone.)

"Next, it was so cool because the elephants danced for us. They danced! They were outside waiting to be fed and they rocked back and forth on their legs, wiggled their ears, bobbed their heads, and stepped around--'they did an elephant dance.'

"I talked with the penquins too. (I then asked her if they talked back to her.) Yes, they did talk back, but they scared me because they were speaking in a weird way, in a 'penquin sex talk' kind of way, more of a groan and moan instead of talking.

"Our representative had to leave early, so Jenessa and I stayed at the zoo. When we got to the seals, 'they gave us an impromptu seal show, given by the seals, just for me and Jenessa.'

" 'I was wearing a clean shirt, but I got crapped on by the birds in the bird house.'

" 'I wanted to curl up with the lion, that is, if he wouldn't rip my head off.'

"Oh, mommy, I had such a great time today at the zoo. The worst part of the day was that I didn't have my camera with me! So I'm gonna go back again with my camera."

What's In a Name? A Rose By Any Other Name...

A little over an hour ago we had an interesting telephone call from the local police. Mind you this call was at 10:30 at night! Here's how it went.

"Hello, this is Beverly"

"Hello, I am Officer W. from N.P. Police Department and I am calling concerning some charges of harassment that have recently been filed against Samantha P..."

Needlesstosay I was somewhat shocked by his announcement, but not enough to stop me from telling him, "Stop right there. My daughter is out of the country and has been for a year."

He hestitated somewhat before asking, "Are you sure she's out of the country?"

"Yes," I responded with a slight sarcastic tone, "I just got back from visiting her in Germany where she lives and has been living for almost a year."

"Oh." Pause. "Is she nineteen?" was his next question.

"Yes, but what has that to do with anything? I don't know who filed a complaint against my daughter, but it is obviously false."

"Well, I could have the wrong Samantha. So I will check the complaint again."

"Good, you do that and once you find out who filed this complaint against her, I want to press formal charges against this person for this false complaint."

"Okay, well, I'll check the complaint again."

"You do that and let me know. "
And then we said our goodbyes.

Jeff was half-heartedly listening to my side of the conversation from the livingroom. When I told him what just happened, he called the police station immediately. His intent was to find out if this was a prank telephone call or not. He spoke with an officer, who transferred him to Officer W. who then informed Jeff that he had the wrong Samantha P. He needed a Samantha P. in Idaho.

Okay, the questions that started darting around my brain were numerous. Questions such as Why did he call at 10:30 at night? Does he not have any civility to know that is not an appropriate time to call people? Shouldn't he have checked his complaint report in detail before calling and scaring the wrong person with this information?

Maybe I'm just a simpleton, but, come on now people, whatever happened to basic common sense!

I feel bad for Samantha knowing that she has a doppelganger in Idaho. It's something she will need to be aware of at least until she gets married and changes her name.

There is a Jeff P. in the same town as us. We often get calls for the other Jeff P. Just last week a bill collector called about an outstanding bill. I had a heck of a time convincing this guy that he had the wrong Jeff P. My Jeff has had to deal with a bunch of crap having to do with the other Jeff P. ever since the other Jeff P. moved into the area about 6 years ago. It has been a "royal" pain in the arse!

I looked up my name on the internet once and found five people with the exact same name (first, middle and last names).

The more people there are the greater the likelihood that someone else will have the same name as you. In this age of fraud and identity theft our names aren't safe. Don't ever let things slide if they concern your name, but not you. Such as this telephone call from the police. This could have become a BIG complicated mess if we didn't take an immediate stand and see it properly resolved.

Be safe and do whatever you need to protect yourself!

Measure Twice Cut Once

Jeff and I have been together for 33 years now (8 1/2 dating, 25 married), and you would think in all that time I would have learned the carpenter's phrase, "Measure Twice, Cut Once." I admit I have heard Jeff say it 200 to 300 times in the last 33 years. But it's a guy thing; I never paid too much attention to it because I don't do any carpentry work at home. Jeff and Dylan do it all! It's a good thing too because they knew how to shave, cut, and strip part of the wall and the cupboard to get the refrigerator I bought to fit!!! I guess 3/4 inch does make a difference after all!!!

Moral of the story: Measure Twice Cut Once is a good thing for women to keep in mind when buying refrigerators.

Another Crook update.

Me, Brad, and Elliot went down to Tucson, Arizona for all those who didn't know and we had a BLAST! We stayed in the Marriott Hotel for the first three nights, then stayed over at Nate and Jyll's through the weekend. The hotel was very nice, but expensive and even though Brad's work was paying for it, I didn't want to spend the money on the extra things. So While Brad was at work, I would stay in or go hang out with Jyll. It was nice seeing Nate, Jyll, and all the nieces and nephew's again and I know Elliot loved it as well. He had a blast! I think hanging out with the cousins helped him walk more, because before we visited them he would only would walk to us, now that we've been home that's all he's doing! Just walking around, if he falls he gets right back up. The things we did in Tucson was......

Visiting "Old Town Tucson" for anyone that doesn't know what that is is basically where they shoot all the western movies, Brad found a book that listed all the movies that filmed there, and well I think it had like 100 pages, so TUNS! We got there at 5:00pm and they close down at 6:00pm the only reason why because after five is only five bucks! I think it was plenty of time to hang around, watch a little cowboy fight, and take some silly pic. Overall it was fun.

Watched Tristens, and Caleb's baseball games, and that was a full day for itself but we had a lot of fun as well. Watching the games made me more excited for our boys to grow up and do these little activities. Plus watching Tristen pitch his first game is priceless, he was awesome, better then the 11 year old (well, I think he was a 11) but he was great, Caleb is getting to be a good player as well, we only caught the last half our from his game, but what I had seen those two boys are gunna make mommy and daddy rich one day. :)

We also did little activities such as....Eat out, had some good home cookin, hung out watched movies, chatted, and just had a good time. I actually told Brad that I wouldn't mind moving to Tucson, the feeling I had there reminded me so much of Las Vegas but I would never move back to las vegas, but Tucson? now theirs a possibility.

Now for alittle update, Brad is doing his final exams and is pretty much busy with that. Elliot is now walking and keeping mommy busy, but Brad and I are proud. I am slowly giving Brad hints that next weekend is our fourth year anniversary, so he can prepare something amazing!! :)

Some more pic

Some pic I thought you guys would enjoy :)

The first picture is of Elliot in his little toy box down stairs, he climbed in all by himself. How cute!

The second is him in the bath tub taking a bath.

The Third is him playing in the park.

The fourth one is Elliot closing his eye's, it just looked darling!

And the last but not least is him walking!!

Andrea is on the Blog!!!

Hey,
it's Andrea. My mom told me how to use the Blog. Well, I just got home from school. We had a guest speeker in 7th hour. She talked about Pork. It's way funny when ever we have a speeker on some type of food. They tell us how great the food is and they tell us things that we can do with the food, but it's funny that the food market most be so low that they have to start telling KIDS to get it and make it and to tell their parents it is the BEST thing ever. I bet by doing that the kids go home saying, "Oh mom we learned about this food it is so cool and good!!!" and the mom is like "Well ok we will try it today!" then the sales go up! It is all a gimik! They are not trying to teach you about the food they are trying to brain wash you into bying it! Today the lady gave us a sample and she told us how wonderful it is, and you start thinking "mmmm that sounds good!" so in your mind you think it is good already! Then she gives you the sample and it...SUCKS!!! Believe me I was the only one that did not raise my hand when she asked if we liked it. Also I was the only one who did not think it even sounded good. I did not even think of it! The point is that the world has weird ways of brain washing now-a-days.~*~*Andrea*~*~

HELLO!!

Hello Family!!

I'm still here, sorry you haven't heard from me in a long time. I've been...well, we can say busy...but what I really mean is playing in the German pool with my German host siblings in GERMANY! I have a little sun burn, from the German sun... I'm not obsessed really!

Yep, thats right, I'm still here and I'm going to be for another two months. It's weird to think that I have spent almost a whole year in another country away from Family and Friends.... Weird! I do have to say, the weather here is amazing! It's the warmest/sunniest April Germany has had in many years. Everybody is saying that I'm lucky to be here this year cause it's been so beautiful. I must agree, I am lucky to be here, regardless of the weather. It's almost been unreal...

Enough rambeling, I wanted to let you all know that I'm still around....well in Germany but still alive at least. For awhile I thought I was going to slowly turn into a German cause I'v been here a long time, but then I realized, that's what they want!! AHH!! Don't worry I'm still me....mostly!

Love you all so much! My family means everything to me, it hasn't been the easiest 8 months of my life without you. I'm looking forward to seeing most of you (I hope all of you) in June for my big sister's/best friend's wedding.. Until then!

babysitting info again, please.

i have a question about the whole babysitting thing for the wedding. do you have babysitters available or do we need to find someone? we would like to come but we don't know what to do with Robyn. She will be 10 months then if that changes anything. we have family in provo but we don't want to leave robyn there because we would like to stay as long as possible.

Changes to Powell Family Blog

Due to comments from non-members of the blog on May 15 I have decided to restrict the blog to just those who have been invited to use it. The process now for reading the blog will require you to sign in first with your username and password. If the 'sign in' box is not showing, all you need to do is click on the big blogger "B" to get it to show. If you need another invitation or you know another family member who would like one, let me know.

Time to Plan for 2008 Family Reunion

Gramma Rainy will be sending family members a proposed schedule for the 2008 Family Reunion. If you do not receive one either by e-mail or regular mail, contact me or Rainy to receive one. I would like as much input from family as possible and as soon as possible. It's not to early to start planning for next year's event!

No Wedding Brunch Afterall

This is to inform you the Wedding brunch that was tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning (June 30) has been removed from the schedule altogether. Everything else is the same. Official announcements should be going out the first week in June.
Lots of love!

Asphalt, sandals and skateboarding

So today me, Richard and Andrea were over at Richards mothers house on a hill. Well we brought the long board (extra long skateboard), needless to say no one would go down the hill on the board so i decided to be the courageous one and attempt it. As i was flying down the hill my board started to tip and ...well... i went flying through the air landed on the asphalt and slid about two feet on the asphalt. My main concern was my board, but i ended up with 10 abrasions and i split open my toe because... i was wearing sandals.

The moral of this and as i later explained to Richards nieces and nephew was... you never go skateboarding with out the proper equipment, ie helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and of course real shoes!!!! So what does asphalt, sandals and skateboarding have in common???? A real rough ride and yet another embarrassing moment foe Meghann.

Good Question

Someone asked me the other day if the wedding plans have changed because of Richard's accident. I figured others might have the same question in mind. Rest assured, although Richard's recovery is going very slowly, wedding plans remain unchanged. He will be on bed rest for another few weeks, he is scheduled for an MRI this week, and still antsy to get back to work.

Recap of wedding plans:
June 27 - Bridal Shower in Logan
June 29 - Open House in Logan
June 30 - Wedding brunch (Place, time, cost still to be determined)
June 30 (evening) - Wedding* and reception*

(*reminder: no children under 14 allowed. This isn't our rule; it is the wedding/reception place's requirement.)

Looking forward to seeing you in June!

Who Would have "Thunk" It!

The results of a major research study comparing every city in the United States has recently been published. The study focused on a number of factors including population growth, income, employment, education and higher education, etc... and ranked the cities from best to worst in the US. It blew me away when I saw the number three ranked city was none other than Logan, Utah. All these years I've been bitching to get the hell out of Logan only to discover it is the third best city in the US. Who would have "thunk" it.

It's ironic that the only negative comment made about Logan was that its population is 70% mormon.

Please pray for Richard

All hospitals have a "Code Blue" team, that is a team of employees that is called when there is an medical emergency, and Richard is on that team at Pioneer. On Feb 20 Richard responded to a code and was giving CPR. During the compressions the person working the defibrillator did not yell clear and Richard touching the patient got the full blow of 360 joules of the shock. To non-medical this type of shock is to stop the heart and reset it in a normal beat. This bolt of electricity went through Richards body making all of his muscles cramp up, the doctors say that it crossed over his body in his chest and exited his left big toe. Thank goodness it did not stop his heart, but it did throw him into a slower heart rhythm . For the first two weeks Richard has been dealing with his arm being numb and chest tightness.

But Richard has been complaining of chest pain the last week, so he got checked out and they found that when electric bolt crossed his chest it burnt his right lung and nerves to his lungs giving him a hemorrageic contusion. Because of that blood has leaked into his lungs and he is at risk for pulmonary embolisms(PE which are deadly) and he has contracted an infection and pneumonia. He has been put on bed rest with very little activity-he can't get his heart rate up because it would cause his lungs to expand and dislodge a PE. This is very serious because this can cause permanent damage.

So that is all the news i have to update people on sorry its not good news but hey news is news.

Passed the First Time!

Dylan passed his driving test the first time! The ironic thing is that neither Jeff nor I even knew he was taking his road test. He did it at school with the Driver Ed teacher. Dylan may have his license now, but Jeff and I feel he needs more driving experience, especially highway driving. So we will be taking a road trip to Vegas one of these upcoming weekends. We'll let you know when--look forward to seeing you!

The POWER TO POST!!

Yaaaay!!! I regot the invite!! Ahem, I forgot my user name and password from before.... :-)

Oh wait, I should have something to say, huh? Um, Meghann's forwards are really funny. I'm trying to find a Wii for Dylan, because they ROCK and I bet the Beverly will even get totally into it. Um, well, that's about it. Seriously thinking of moving to Utah in a year, but we'll see.

Okay, that really is it.

Love you all!!!!
Kim

Snow At Last!

We were beginning to fear the trees would bud early because of how warm it's been in the valley. But no fear snow has finally come! There are only three inches on the ground and the mountains still have more trees than snow visible and it will probably melt by tomorrow but... at least there's snow for today!

Samantha Doll Gets Ready For Easter

The Christmas costume was getting out-dated for the wonderful spring weather we are having, so Samantha Doll asked me to get her an Easter dress. The only problem I'm having with her right now is she doesn't want to take off her elf hat. She said that if I find the "most perfectest" Easter bonnet, then maybe she'll reconsider. Golly gee, she is as stubborn as her name-sake!

Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

I've looked all over . . .
and still can't find my Sammy!

Good and Bad News

Bad news first. Jeff won't be transferring to the Aircraft Sustainment Division as Branch Chief afterall. Everyone in his current division (and I do mean everyone from the Manager, Supervisors, Engineers, and the workers on the floor) went to the Senior Branch Manager and put in a "stop request" on his promotion and transfer. Because of this he has been deemed "Mission Critical" to the Airforce in his current division. :(

Now the Good news. The Airforce will be giving him a promotion of title and the pay increase he would have gotten with the original promotion just for staying where he is and doing what he has been doing. Plus, being deemed "Mission Critical" is now in his file. This will dramatically increase his chances for promotions and advancements within his current division. :)

Missed Photos read 'a wonderful new year...not'

here are the pictures they didn't work the first time sorry

What a wonderful New Year....NOT!!!!

After a wonderful Christmas with the family, Richard and I had a sucky New Year. We both got the stomach virus that was going around SLC. It consisted of vomiting and major diarrhea, you cannot go more than a room away from a bathroom because there is no warning when it comes…it just comes!!! It causes you to get extremely dehydrated, which physiologically makes your muscles cramp. So not only are you constantly expelling liquid from both ends but every muscle in your body is aching. Needless we celebrated our New Years hooked up to IVs in the Emergency Room at Pioneer Valley Hospital in complete misery.

After recovering from that we continued life as normal, but I had the added bonus to plan for a wedding. My soon to be sister-in-law is getting married in September so we planned to go to bridal fairs together. I never realized how much a person can spend on a wedding…it is insane!!!! I want a nice wedding to remember-special to Richard and me, and that is what we are going to have… Our wedding.

To top off the New Year Richard's grand parents give him a truck, at no cost, just gives it to him. As he pulls in the drive way it dies. A week and a couple hundred later it works. Then a week after that on the way to the hospital the clutch goes. So another week and another couple hundred and it works. Well something was still not right so yet another week and another hundred and now it works just fine…knock on wood.

Well on Jan 26 around 2pm on my way home from work a (here come the racial slurs) stupid un-insured non-english speaking Mexican runs a red light and smashes…let me repeat SMASHES into my car. I get out to look at the damage and he says, “I from mexico…no insurance… I pay… I pay…give me your number…I pay.” Luckily for me there was a cop who saw the accident and came over. I had to file a police report-that whole shebang. I hit my head on the side of the car and got a major head ache and had to go to the hospital (Pioneer Valley, home away from home) There I got checked out with nothing but whip-lash. But my head has not stopped hurting so more medical testing is being looked into. Here are some pictures of the car. I was hit on the driver’s side front tire to the end of the front end, it shifted everything over by about 6 inches. My guess is that I will need a new hood, bumper, and 2 fenders, a door, and a window.

So I want to make sure that everyone else is having a better year so far than I am!!!! And you all better be. I love you and wish you the best.

Totally Random

When I lived in New York and Nevada I would get compliments on my long straight freshly washed hair. Since moving to Utah, strangers approach me weekly complimenting me on my long, full head of hair. No lie, people approach me at the grocery store, doctor's office, and even at the temple! So what's the big deal you ask? Well, I only get compliments from Utahns when my hair is 3 or more days dirty and I have to back-comb it so it doesn't stick to my head. I never get compliments when my hair is freshly washed, shiny, straightened or styled. So this leads me to believe that one of the following is true about Utahns: 1) they long for the big hair of the 80s and their sense of style is freakishly antiquated, 2) they have no sense of style, or 3) they only compliment my hair when it's dirty to be nice. Either way it is really beginning to freak me out!

To make matters worse. Yesterday a complete stranger complimented my fingernails and asked me where I got them done. The only response I could muster was, "I grew them."

God help me; I need a break from Utah!

WazUp?

Some news to share...

Meghann and Richard have found a place for the wedding/reception. It's a greenhouse garden reception hall. From what I saw it looks beautiful. Meg will tell you more later.

Jeff applied for a promotion and got it. He is now the Branch Chief of the Aircraft
Sustainment Wing (division). (That makes him equivalent to a Major in the Air Force.)


Meggie and Richard's bird, Twilight, doesn't like Jeff because of his beard.
Here is a once in a life time shot of the two of them together.

Love to all!

Hi everybody. Some of you have asked about the wedding plans. Well, we are still working on them. The date is set for June 30, and it will be in Salt Lake City -- somewhere. The place is still undetermined. I want an out-of-doors late afternoon wedding (4 ish), then a family dinner, then a reception (6:30 ish) Sorry nothing set in stone yet. But at least you have the date! I hope you can schedule to attend.
love ya
Megs

Happy Birthday Sammy!

A picture is worth a thousand words!
Sam, would you please buy a doll liederhosen costume for our 37" Sammy Elf?
Hey Sam, dad wants you to pass the salt!
Ducky sends her love.
Happy 19th Sammy!

Guess What?

I've been dating this really cute, adorable, amazing guy Richard for nine months. On December 22nd he became my fiance. That's right--I'm engaged!!!!!! Wedding date is set for June 30, 2007. (This is only 5 days after Samantha gets home from Germany.) More info to come at later date.


The ring is a family heirloom from Richard's mother's side. It has 6 small diamonds around a larger center diamond.










This is a picture of me and my sweetie taken during our family annual river rafting trip (July 2006). This is my favorite picture of us. It shows our adventurous side. He is an EMT-I and works at Pioneer Valley Hospital in the Emergency Room. That is where we met--I work in the Lab at the Hospital. Richard's hobbies include ultimate fighting, jujitsu martial arts, snow boarding, mountain biking, hunting, and just about every other out-of-doors activity and sport.

See I told you he was a cutie!!!!!!


Merry Christmas. Love to all!

Concerned about flying with Robyn

Beverly, do you know of an over the counter seditive i could give robyn to sleep on an airplain? one that wont harm her.

Samantha Elf

We have a 37 inch daily reminder of Sammy on our kitchen table. On the scarf I put a small angel pin and a larger heart pin with a sister poem on it. On the hat we put a picture of Sammy blowing us a kiss. The Smile on our Samantha Elf reminds us of Sam's beautiful smile. The Samantha Elf helps us not miss her so much especially during the holidays. WE LOVE YOU SAM!

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving Family!

Hello agian! I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. My family here decided to have a Thanksgiving dinner so I won't feel homesick, but the trick is, I have to cook it!! I've help my mom for years with Thanksgiving dinner but I don't really pay close attention to things like that, I just help. Well now I'm stuck learning how to make a Turkey, let alone ALL the other food...Oops! I wish I knew what I was doing. This calls for a mommy and daddy to the rescue!

Other than that, Germany is great. I have to addmit that I haven't been feeling my best for the last while but I've been working on it. I have been sick for two weeks cause it's getting colder and I have to ride my bike every morning to school. I've just started feeling better. I've been keeping busy here, for the most part. I am in the community theater, surprise surprise I know. I have also been doing a lot with my host mom, running erands mostly but if I can help I try. I have friends but only do things on the weekend with them. And my teachers in school are taking me more seriously, which is a bad thing cause now I have to much homework and I only understand every third word. Over my head! Well that is about whats going on here in Deutschland for me. Surprised it's only 5 sentences? I am!

Happy Thanksgiving Family!! I wanted to tell you know how thankful I am for everyone of you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have you guys. Every single one of you mean so much to me. Love you, Take care.

**Samantha-isms** (lost in Danglish) ....To feel = "tasten" in German, that one is self-explanatory. I know I lost my Sanity but I didn't think I was getting my five senses mix up....until now.

You all know I love pickles!! Pickles pickles pickles I'll eat them anywhere, anyhow, anytime. Love Pickles, yummy!! Now that you know how much I love eating pickles, guess what pickle mean in German???......ZIT. that's right, zit. Now with that in mind go back and read the first few sentences again. YEP, I know....gross! I deffinatley made that mistake. I actually said that, I love eating pickles, of course I got a lot of grossed out looks...I actually felt like vomitting after all that....So now I hope you all enjoy eating your pickles and that it "feels" good. Thank you, Thank ya very much....peace out

The Drumm's new addition!!!

Wow! This is my beautifull family.

Bethany Elaine Drumm arived on Monday the 13th of November at 3:24pm. Weighing at 8 bls 1 oz.

They induced me at 12:00pm, broke my water around 2:00pm (while diolated at a 5) and checked my cervex again an hour later. The nurse said, "Oh! I can't find your cervex!! Your ready!" Doc. Swainston was in the middle of a C-section and said to hold for 5 min. I started to get the urge to push right before he came in. He checked me and said,
"Yep! There's a baby in there."
"Are you sure?" lol
"Well, we'll soon find out. Do you feel a contraction?"
"Yeah, I feel one right now."
"Okay, push."
2 1/2 mins later, Bethany was born.

Emilee loves her baby sister. "Bunny" as she calls her. Emilee has been wonderful. Bethany sleeps through the night and isn't colicy and takes my milk really well. She also takes a pacifier and a bottle. I wanted to test a bottle the other day to see if Josh would be able to take me to a Birthday movie ("stranger then fiction"-great movie) while mom watched the kids. :) Even Emilee did well without us. It could be cause we left Emilee with Mom for a whole 24 hours the day Bethany was born, with the help of Aunt Beverly (thank you). I have a beautifull family and it just keeps getting more beautifull.

Bethany doesn't look like Emilee. She looks just like baby pic's of Josh. But they both have my double-jointed thombs. ;) And we think Bethany might have my green eyes.

Well, it all feels like another dream. I'm ready to do it again!!! :) Well, maybe I should wait a while and just enjoy the moments with my new family.

i found some pics

hey guys i found these pictures i took that i forgot all about. hope you like it. its nothing fancy but you guys look great.

lots of love,

sarah

Happy Birthday Dylan!

What's worse than one teenage boy playing "Halo 2?"

Answer: 15 teenage boys playing "Halo 2."

For Dylan's 16th b-day party he had the Halo party of the century. Seven tvs, two router stations, and 15 controllers attached to 15 pairs of teenage boys hands spread out from the garage, dining room, hallway, and livingroom. The noise level could be compared to a sonic boom except it lasted for 7 hours... 6 pizzas, 5 boys sleeping over, 4 cases of pop, 3 quarts of ice cream, 2 cakes, and a partridge in a pear tree!

I'm glad he will only turn 16 once. All in all I think he had FUN.

And yes, he does have his driving permit. He got it last month.