Tragic news

Today we received an email from a friend who told us about a tragedy that has struck some other dear friends. We met them when my kids were all of 8 and under and lived a block a part for 9 years. Their kids were the same age as mine and so we did a bunch of things together. Three of her 5 and three of mine were all best friends. (Jason and Daniel, Jade and Lauren and Alex and Jonathan) They went to a soccer meet down in Orange County on Nov 23rd and returned to find their house in ashes. It was an electrical fire and they lost everything they owned except what they had with them at the meet and in the car at that time. Can you imagine? I can't. I am just heartsick about it.

Melissa, the friend who told me about it said that the community has been incredible at helping them out and seeing that they got back on their feet and had a good Christmas. Their homeowners is paying for their house rental and they are in a house that is bigger than the one they owned. LOL. She said they don't have a hard line phone anymore and I don't have their cell numbers so she is getting them for me.

I am so grateful for the roof over my head and the dishes in my sink and the pile of laundry awaiting me in the mud room. I will try to realize what a blessing these things are more often.

Celebrating at Disneyland

Thanks Nana!

Thanks Nana for the cute outfit you gave me for Christmas! I look so cute in it!

Lets get to know each other better....

Sometimes even when you live with someone, you don't know them very well. I thought it might be fun to see if we could learn more about each other. How about answering the following questions:

1) what is your most memorable Christmas and why?

2) what is your most memorable Christmas gift and why?

I'll answer both first. My most memorable Christmas was the one when I arrived home from my mission. Lewis and I had called off our wedding but they were unable to change my travel plans due to the holiday. So I arrived to share the holidays with all of you and opening gifts such as "matching towels". Lewis do you remember that? LOL.

My most memorable Christmas gift wasn't an official gift, it was my perception of a gift. Lauren was due to be born on Valentines Day of 1989. She instead was born on December 14th. She had trouble controlling her body temp and so they kept her trying to get her fattened up and they gave her to Lewis and I on Christmas Eve to take home.

I can't wait to read all of your answers.

What are you doing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and who are you spending it with?

Christmas Eve will find us in the company of the Lamberts. They have graciously invited us to their home to share their prime rib. Mmmmm. We are excited about their invitation and opportunity to be with family. Christmas day we will be alone and just relaxing and enjoying each other. The day after Lewis, Caitlin and Jonathan will be headed to Palmdale for a quick visit.

Shelley explained that on Christmas Eve their tradition is to have/cook what ever foods their kids associate with Christmas. She asked me to provide what ever foods my kids associate with the day. When we talked I thought, hmmmm I don't think they associate with the holiday. I was wrong. Both Jon and Dan want "turkey". We always have turkey on Thanksgiving and a honeybaked ham for Christmas. But they said that it isn't Christmas to them without "turkey". Caitlin said its Grandma's holiday jello. Lauren said its "rolls". Lewis didn't seem to have an opinion but after much thought, what came to me was Grandma's slush. I was introduced to it the Christmas I came home from my mission and several times since then and when I get slush, I know its Christmas. What do your kids associate with the holiday?

Snow

So I previously mentioned it has been snowing since 3pm yesterday which makes for some deep snow. Jason was out shoveling it off the driveway and Paisley was out playing in it. I went out for a little bit, but I only own the $1 gloves from target so my fingers didn't last long. Paisley thinks it is so fun to say snow and to play in it. This snow storm ended up getting our ward Christmas party that was supposed to be tonight canceled! Bummer!

Maplan Christmas Party

Last night was Jason's work Christmas party. It was held out at the country club which is a couple miles outside of town. Usually it is no big deal to drive out there but since 3pm yesterday it has been snowing so it was a little more tricky to drive out there. Neither of us had been there before so that was fun. The food was very good. There was music and and drawing for prizes. We didn't win any of the prizes but we did win the center piece! That makes 2 years in a row for us now!! We had so much fun. Some of our very nice friends watched Paisley for us so we were able to attend childless. She had a lot of fun playing with her friends and having her first pajama party. I think we all had a very fun night.

It's Magic!

Well the Magic Eraser certainly lives up to its name! The crayon magically disappeared from my wall with very little scrubbing. I cleaned most of it, but since Paisley was the one who put it there she had her fair share of cleaning. She thought it was a lot of fun and screamed when we told her that was enough. I'm glad she likes to clean, because I see a lot of that in her future!

Any Tips?

Any tips for getting this very orange crayon off my very blue wall? As you probably can guess Paisley did this drawing. She actually did 2. One on each side of the television. We tried to scrub it with hot water and that didn't work. I don't want to repaint our basement, so anybody have any other ideas? I'm pretty sure Rebecca has experience with this.

Ice Storm

As you may know from the new there is a major ice storm "wreaking havoc" in the Midwest and east coast. Kansas is lucky enough to be the dead center of the Midwest so we are getting pounded with the storm. I took these pictures in my backyard this morning. Jason said on his slow drive to work there were tree branches and bushes down all over the place. All of our trees are luckily still standing right now. I thought it was really pretty how the ice encased every single branch and blade of grass. Our whole yard is flooded and Jason said all the streets are flooded with little islands where the road is visible. Last night on the news they said we were going to get an inch of ice and the storm is supposed to continue on with another on the way. Oh the adventures we will have with new weather we've never experienced!

Hello, check out Santa visit to SLO 2nd ward primary and Nathan birtday pics from SB zoo on the smith blog.

Lewis's new calling!

Well, just before we sat down for Sacrament, the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency grabbed both Lewis and I to extend Lewis a calling. He is now the Assistant Ward Clerk in charge of finances. A friend of ours sitting in front of us, after Lewis was sustained joked that "once a clerk always a clerk". Another brother heard that and said "yes you only get released when you die" to which the first gentleman said "not even then, they have clerks on the other side too". LOL.

Just need to thank Shelley for her wonderful support

As I said earlier, me and mine are trying to eat healthier. I am trying to lose weight, Caitlin is too. Not sure if anyone else if dieting. Jon and Daniel are going along very unethusiastically. LOL. I made extra lean pork tenderloin for dinner with steamed veggies and brown rice (I burned the rice). The pork and veggies were delicious. My rice was still hard after most of the chicken broth had been absorbed so after consulting my "weight loss authority = Shelley) I added more liquid and put it back on the stove, only to forget about it and burn it. Yikes, it tasted good but was just hard, such a waste. Sigh. I bought a bunch of fresh fruit for the kids to eat when they are in munch mode instead of junk and have told them no junk is allowed in the house. I am cooking with splenda and splenda brown sugar as well as no sodium flavorings (Mrs Dash). It should be interesting. Caitlin ate her pork and a few veggies, noone else ate more than a taste of everything. Guess they will be more enthusiastic about breakfast? Lauren just got home from work so we will see how she likes it.

Recipe- Chocolate Mint Squares

Shelley emailed me for the recipe of the Chocolate Mint Square and so I thought since it was typed up, I could easily copy and paste is here. Enjoy!

6 tablespoons butter (not margarine)
1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. milk divided
1 tsp vanilla extract

Line 8 inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges. In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter; add cocoa. Cook, stirring constantly, just until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; add powdered sugar, 3 tbsp. milk and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is melted and glossy. Spread half the mixture into prepared pan. refrigerate. Meanwhile prepare mint filling; spread over chocolate layer. Refrigerate 10 minutes. To remaining chocolate mixture in sauce pan add 1 tsp. milk. Cook over low heat stirring constantly until smooth. spread quickly over filling. Refrigerate until firm. Use foil to lift candy out of pan; peel off foil. Cut candy into square. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Mint Filling
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
3-5 drops green food coloring

In small mixing bowl, beat all ingredients until smooth. Add 2-3 tbsp milk if needed for spreading consistency.

I'm a Bakin' Fool

As I get ready for December visiting I have been baking since Monday! We have many people on our list to give goodie plates to so I thought while I was making treats for my visiting teaching ladies I would make a ton and get the goodie plates out of the way.

In this picture I have Andes mint cookies, caramel candy bars, and cocoa kiss cookies

Here we have peppermint pattie brownies, chocolate mint fudge squares and chocolate and caramel covered pretzels with an assortment of toppings.

It has been a lot of fun to make so many treats, but I'm glad I'm pretty much done. Now I just need to make up the plates and make a beautiful presentation and we'll be good to go!

James new email

Dear Family, How are you all doing? I am doing really well. Our zone is working really hard. Being a zone leader has been such a rewarding time of service. My new companion, Elder Asbury, always remembers to pray for the zone members. That has inspired me to do likewise. In last October's General Conference, President Iring spoke along the same lines that if we are in service, to pray for the people in whom we serve. I know that to be true. Lately as we have been praying and serving the zone, our charity and happiness has grown tremendously. Last week, we reached a zone high of 15 people in the baptismal pool. Sadly, everyone has agency and as of last night we have 8 in the baptismal pool. We had one of the most spiritual meetings of my life yesterday as we attended Zone Leader Council. At Zone Leader Council, all 18 Zone Leaders from the 9 zones in the mission, with the Assistants to the President, meet in the high council room and discuss matters of the mission with President and Sister Nielson. It was so wonderful to be apart of such a meeting, I am reminded of the scripture... Alma 52:9 - "... Moroni and Teancum and many of the chief captains held a council of war-- ..." The meeting we held really was just that. We discussed our english class, key indicators, baptismal invitations, the commitment patter, the teaching method, and many other wonderful things. My companion and I on thursday will create our zone vision and than present it to the districts. President Garn is a powerful man. He renewed my love of the Lord and this work. I have enjoyed so much at going outside and talking to as many people as I can. What a wonderful feeling to talk with a brother or sister of God. The feeling is really something hard to describe, but I promise it will always remain in your heart. I know you all probably are asked for referrals all the time; but I know that if we all ponder and prayerfully select a family to refer the missionaries to, we will feel that same joy and will see a big miracle happen within our homes and the lives of our brethern. This church is true. The experience I have obtained and been shown have strengthened that testimony. In Taiwan, men are expected to serve in the military. Our new member, brother Liu has been preparing and contemplating serving the Lord. In taiwan, the mind set is to army, school, that serve a mission. President Nielson, retaught the teachings of the prophets that every young man 18-19 start to prepare and go to serve a full time mission of 2 years. We met with him last night and shared this with him, as well as invite him to pray and find for himself. I know that God will answer his prayers. He has had a testimony of prayer for quite some time. I promise all of you, as we obediently obey the Lord's chosen servants, they will not lead us astray. We can receive the comforting peace that comes from the Spirit witnessing we have done what the Lord has desired. SO! MIRACLES! We went on exchanges with Elder Cai (District Leader) and spent most of monday at a hospital serving or myself doing followups. Monday night though, was soooooooooooooooooo much fun. We talked to a ton of people. (Yesterday, President Nielson taught us that, if you are worthy, you do your morning studies, and are desirous, the Spirit will talk to you. They will not be your thoughts, but the Spirit.) We had two experiences with that. We went into a big apartment complex that we can actually tract in! and were contacting families. On our way out, a Brother Su waved at us, and both Elder Cai and I flipped a 180 and were talking with him. We talked for about 20 min and he has some of the most pure desire ever to know the existance of God. He set up for Saturday at 10am. Later that night, we were contraveling (contacting and traveling at the same time. I made it up.) home I said hello and waved to a high school boy. He waved back and flashed a awesome smile. So I flipped a U-turn and we contacted him and he set up too! It is in the small things we do, where the Spirit will guide us and lead us into the lives of the prepared. I know that the Spirit is the master teacher. All we ever desire to learn and know can be ours if we ask in faith. Moroni 7:26 I love you all and hope you all this festive season will have the Lord's peace in your hearts! Be strong and follow your leaders and parents! Love Elder Whelchel P.S. BE strong!

Maybe I have it right this time. So, Stefanie sent us a box of chocolate that she and Jason got in Germany. It took about two weeks to come and I had just about decided it was lost when it came. She sent a variety of kinds - one bar had chili peppers in it, one was milk chocolate, one was milk chocolate with a dark chocolate filling. Brad and Taryn enjoyed the straws which made milk either strawberry or chocolate. The hearts were yummy milk chocolate. We had a lot of fun tasting the different kinds. Thanks, Stef and Jason for the treat and the very fun experience!

Snowwwwwwwwww

Alright, so its up on Pinevalley Mountain and not in our back yard, it is still very cool to see and very beautiful. Its been really cold here. We have ice on the windshields every morning. This is a real adjustment for us so cal transplants. Jon and Caitlin had NEVER seen frost or ice like this before. I forget that they were really little when we lived in Pennsylvania. Coats are a must in the mornings and at night but layered shirts or a sweater make do during the day.

We had a wonderful birthday/anniversary visit with Grandma and Grandpa and the Lambert children. We all enjoyed cake and ice cream as well as Jolie's funny antics.

Roxy recently had to go to the vet. It seems she had a case of "swimmers ear". Hmmm not quite sure how that happened. She hates water. He said the infection was pretty bad and that her eardrum was VERY inflamed but he thought the antibiotic should kick in before it perforates. I sure hope so. He gave her a shot that night and she gets ear drops now morning and night.

I have been keeping James missionary profile on his mission website updated and had great fun recently hearing from two of his former companions. Then while working on that, it occurred to me that my own misison might have a website and they did. I have since found two of my old companions and been in touch with them. I love the INTERNET!!!

Extreme Gingerbread House Making!

This is what a six hour gingerbread house project looks like!

Yesterday a friend of mine invited me and a couple of girls in the ward over to make gingerbread houses. I should have known that this was going to be a lot more extensive than the typical gingerbread house. This project took 6 hours in total (we did it in two 3 hour segments) It was a lot of fun to make and good bonding time with some friends. It was sad to be away from Jason and Paisley for most of the day, but fun to have friends that would include me in such a special project! I'm going to go back today and pick it up. I haven't decided if I'm going to let Jason and Paisley pick on the candy or not.

Christmas is in the Air

Christmas is coming. Yay... Well anyways here is a useful tool for the countdown 'till Christmas


http://mysite.verizon.net/vze201j5/countdown.htm

Friday Night Dance Party

Happy Birthday and such

I'd like to say Happy Birthday to Lewis and all the other December Brithday's. Also, Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad tomorrow!! I hope you all have fun celebrations for your special day!!

Hello

I decided I need to post at least once a week. The only very interesting events in our family are the plethora of ways Grace tries to maim herself. Just today, she tried to amputate her finger and get a concussion, all while supposedly sitting quietly on a chair or a couch.

Mike is in LA until tomorrow. He is coming home early so that we can go see a Christmas show at the Arvada Center called Plaid Tidings! I'm very excited to go.

I'm painting my laundry room peach and I'm putting a matching print fabric on the the walls behind my shelves so that it looks like I wall papered the back of the shelving. Very neat! I love it. We finally moved furniture into the office, but Mike is unhappy with how the carpet in the closet was installed so we can't finish moving in until that is resolved. But the great room that was full of stuff is now only half full of stuff.

OHHH and the most important thing is that I am also getting a free used couch that doesn't shed cushion! Think of the time savings when I'm not vacuuming every day! I may end up with another calling.

We have no presents under our tree. We don't even have a tree, so I think Taryn is well on her way to a great Christmas. We are going to the Homestead in Jan. Come with us! You could be swimming in the Crater, too.

Love to you all.
Martissa

Merry Christmas

How many presents do you have under your tree? So far we have only 1!! Well hope you have a Merry Christmas. I can't wait to see anyone who comes down this Christmas! I miss ;like everyone. My goal is to see everyone on my mom's side of the family starting New Year's Day.

James most recent email and release date !!!!

We received a letter from the Mission President and James will be coming home on May 13th. Here is his most recent email. He was made a zone leader last month and sent his companion home. He is now a senior zone leader.

Hello everyone! How are you all doing?! I am doing really well. Today is a rainy day! In fact there are two typhoons off the coast of Taiwan. We had a sister in our zone last transfer who was transferred to TaiDong, but because of the weather on the East coast, she could not travel down on plane. I am still in XiZhi! My new companion is Elder Asbury from Michigan. He is the man. He is really fun and always has a smile. We are excited to work together. He just started being a Zone Leader and President asked if I could be a Zone Leader (Driver). The difference is when certains decisions need to be made, I would make the call. Otherwise, we work it! Last night was Elder Anderson's last night to get out and work. We went out hard and had some afflictions (rude people and rain), but we pushed and taught 14 lessons and found 6 new investigators! MIRACLE! Not to mention, we found two awesome families! They are so awesome. I am greatful for the Lord and His mercy. He has helped us find so many wonderful people. I am greatful for that. How are things with everyone in America? I hope well. I had the opportunity to cook a Turkey dinner for the XiZhi ward. I have never cooked a turkey before, so with help from my mom, Sister Nielson, and Sister Dodge (a senior Sister)... I was able to cook the turkey and make some gravy. I had two awesome ward sisters help make the potatoes along with my companion. We cooked some corn and had Costco Pumpkin pies. I will tell you, if you have not eaten a pumpkin pie in a long time... go eat one! It is delicious! President Garn, Asia Area President, and member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy... is in Taiwan visiting our mission! I am excited and ready to learn. We might be interviewed by him as well. Being a zone leader, the General Authorities usually like to know what the mission is up to. What better than to hit the leadership. I know this Church is true. I know that Heavenly Father lives. This is such a wonderful time to be alive. With all the negativity and evils in the world, "the Lord has need of willing hands..." I hope all of you this Festive Season will thank the Lord for all he has blessed us with. Remember your families and close friends. Remember your dentists, doctors, and grocery baggers... the work of God is wonderful. I love you all. Be strong and have an awesome Thanksgiving! I love you all! Love Elder Whelchel P.S. Keep dry and always remember I am a prayer, letter or email away!

The longest I've ever been gone!

I'm back in southern CA again. I drove back last night in the full moon. It was glorious! This past two weeks is the longest I have ever been away from my Nutro office. I came back early so I can go in tomorrow and reassure everybody I'm still alive. :) A noble gesture, don't you think? According to Nutro's fiscal calendar, tomorrow will be the first order day of December, so Merry Christmas to all of you!

A While Back

Okay, well I got tired of trying to find resent picture so I decided to go back a few years in Febuary 2002, and get a picture of all the cousins as possible at one time. And this is what I found.

Two Cute!

Paisley wore a new birthday outfit today and she looked very cute! When we were at Walmart today Santa was there taking free pictures. Paisley was too scared to take one by herself so I got to sit on Santa's lap with her and take a picture. It was a lot of fun.

Funny Stories

Each morning during breakfast, Mialee and I tell a story. I say about 3 words, then she says 3 words and we create a story together. This is how yesterday's went:

R: Once there was a
M: little girl
R: and it was time for her to
M: to go to bed
R: the little girl said
M: I don't want to go to bed
R: and the mom said
M: ok, you can stay up!

I had to laugh so hard. Poor her, that is probably what she wishes I would say each night when she tells me she doesn't want to go to bed.



Walking in to the market this morning Mialee says to me: "Mom, I'm not big, I am still little, I have sharp teeth." She cracks me up.



Nathan too is getting to be quite funny. The other day in the car, he gasps and points at the window and yells, "it's a pider." There really wasn't a spider there but it sure scared me!

Your up-to-date weather forecast is...

SNOW!

Our Family Thanksgiving Picture

This was our 3rd Thanksgiving together as a little family of 3! Our first Thanksgiving we were on our own in provo with a month old baby and we took family pictures, some how last year at Mom's house we didn't think of it, but we did it again yesterday. We've all grown up a bit.

Our Thanksgiving Food

These are the dishes we took to our friends house for Thanksgiving. We took funeral potatoes, jello salad, a fruit plate with dip and a chocolate dessert. It was a lot of fun and we had a lot of good food! Paisley had a fun time helping me and we had to take a picture in our Christmas aprons!

Left at 3:30am and home before 6am!!!

Mission Accomplished!! Yes, Lauren and I got up this morning and braved the 37 degree weather to hit the sales. We had determined that only Kohl's and WalMart had stuff worth
fighting the crowds for. Kohl's opened at 4am. We stayed in the car until 5 mins to for warmth. Got out at 5 mins to and waited for a min in line then the line started to move. We hit the store and thanks to Lauren's famialarity with it, we knew where to go to get what we wanted. Got our stuff and got inline. We were out of there and at WalMart for their 5am opening. We got everything we wanted there and hit the line and just got home. Now its back to bed. I go into WalMart at noon and work til 5, Lauren goes in at 1 and works until 8.

Hope you all had as good of luck as we did!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving family! I hope you have a very special day filled with yummy food and good company. Some of our friends invited us to their house for Thanksgiving, so don't worry about us being lonely. We have made some yummy treats to share, maybe I'll put up pictures. Well Happy Thanksgiving and I'm Thankful you're all a part of my family!

Germany Movie

Our New Bedroom

Well, how many times have you moved into a place and in the hurry of the moment and fatigue of it all just thrown a room together? That is what happened to our bedroom in our present house. I haven't liked it much and have wanted to play with it but knew it would mean moving our bed and that meant taking the thing apart and putting it back together. Something Lewis hates (with good reason). However, the kids asked what I wanted for my birthday and it seemed like a good idea to me to get some help and get what I wanted.....our sanctuary. Here are the results. I love it!! Let me know what you think.

Nathan's Birthday.....Party #1

His Puppy cake. He enjoyed barking at it!
He blew both candles out on the first try. It was so much fun he did it 5 more times!
Opening presents, thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
Wow, it is great to be 2!

Here is a LAUGH

Police cadets are being trained in the finer points of recognizing suspects. To test their skills, the superior officer holds up a photo of a mean looking dude, and then hides it.

"This is you suspect,"He tells the group of three."Describe him."
The first cadet says," He’s an ugly looking, one eyed guy."
" You only see one eye because the photo is a profile," the officer says patiently.
He flashes the photo at the second cadet. " Here’s the perp. What do you do?"
Id round up all the one eyed crooks."
"I told you, it’s a photo of his profile!" the officer repeats.
The third cadet pipes up," The suspect wears contact lenses."
"That’s true," says the officer, relieved that on of the new recruits is on the ball. " How did you conclude that?"
"Easy." Says the cadet. "He can’t wear glasses because he only has one eye and one ear."
Credit to the reader’s digest August 2003

Lewis will soon be off to Portland

Hi,

I will be meeting Mom and Dad in Portland in the early afternoon. As you are all painfully aware, I haven't had great luck with Southwest Airlines being on-time. As a way passing around the fun, I'm creating a lottery. The person with the best estimate to my delayed departure from Las Vegas will win a candy treat of their choice, which I'll mail out when I get back to Utah on Thanksgiving day. Please enter your guess below. The guessing will close tonight, since hopefully few of you will be up by the time I leave for the airport.

My guess: 55 minutes late.

What's yours? :)

More pics