Yes this time of year is quite crazy when you add finals to it. I had two yesterday and I have a really awful one left for tomorow night. In between I have YW and a Christmas party and all the other stuff that goes with it. It is getting a little bit crazy in our house this year. Come Thursday I am going to be running to get everything done by Christmas.
Drew and I got some interesting news yesterday. I was not going to tell anyone for awhile but since Missy knows and she is terrible with secretes, I better tell. We finally figured out where babies come from and we are going to have another in August! Anyway we are pretty excited for us. Our spoiled children will have to learn how to share and everything. Hope you all have a great holiday. I sent all of you something if i am not going to see you in the next few days so let me know if you don't get it.

Lisa, I am jealous. Today I filed my intent to graduate papers for this Spring. It felt really weird, having actually satisfied all of the requirements, except this last class I'm starting in January. It's like in the back of my mind I just know they're going to come up with something that I forgot at the last minute and make me continue another semester. Everyone's had that nightmare. Most of all, congratulations on finishing. I don't know how many times I have almost quit. In the back of my mind I knew I wouldn't, but it just seems so inconvenient. Kissing up to professors that, at this point, I feel like I could tell them a few things about the real world. I think I really am getting too old for this stuff. So, I especially admire people who take a long break from school and then go back. It's just that much harder to take.

I hope you get a great job, or whatever you're intentions are. I'm still employed, but if I do lose my job, my hope is that I'll be more employable with an advanced degree. That's the theory, anyway.

When you're in school, Christmas really sneaks up on you, too. You just finish a final, and after you finish, you are euphoric for only a brief time, then you realize how many things you've got to get done before Christmas. It's crazy. Hopefully, never again. I also realize how much work I have let slide trying to finish my school projects, and now I have to catch up. What fun.

Julie and Chris, I am so glad to hear that your little baby is doing better. I just finished my last final of my Masters program!!! But I have not been checking the blog very well and since no one ever calls I have not talked to anyone either. Ben, your sister in laws baby is really cute. I am glad that all worked out so well. Polly and Andy, it would be fun to see you at Christmas. Your pictures are cute! All is well here. I enjoyed seeing Angela, Julie, Lestie and their new babies with Mom during Thanksgiving. I just can't believe how time flies when your busy. I trying to get all my Christmas letters out. You may get them email...I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying Christmas as hectic as it can be.

Polly I sent you a reply indicating I put the pictures up, but it bounced saying you exceeded your mail quota. I can give you a new free webmail account if you want, it's really easy.

Anyway, the pictures are at andynpolly.meteorbike.com. They are cute.

Well I sent Ben the pictures that I took of the kids to send in a christmas card to family and friends. I hope I get it done. We are staying home for the holidays because Andy has to work. Everyone in his dept. took off so Andy is stuck holding down the fort. I was glad to here Little Bryce is doing better it is really sad to have a sick baby. I hope everyone has a great christmas I will send you a e-mail card as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

Anyone can send me all the pictures they want and I will put them onto my website in your own little folder, and then link them back onto blogger so everyone can see. If the pictures are more than 2 or 3 megabytes, send them to my meteorbike address, which is ben at meteorbike dot com, but use the correct symbols.

I don't like to post e-mail addresses here because it can be obtained by a spambot. Okay, call me paranoid, but I get very little spam.

To see everyones email, click on the Team icon above this window, and there, if you are logged in, will give you the e-mail of everyone in this group.

So, send me those pictures!

We are finally home! Bryce is doing great, he was off oxygen on Sunday night, and now is home with some more meds to take orally. He is changing daily, I almost didn't recognize him when they finally took the IV out of his head, and tubes off his face! If anyone wants to see pics, I can e-mail them but don't have anyone's e-mail. Maybe the wizzard Ben can help me post one?

It's been too long since I visited blogger. Looks like I missed some things. I hope Bryce is okay. I've been spending all my time on school, work, and dabbling on my meteorbike.com and I have neglected peeking in at blogger.

For you guys, and I mean guys, who want a good laugh, check out this commercial. Personally, I think it's funny. My wife hates it.

Oh, and for those of you who missed it, my sister-in-law, Raelynn, had her baby, hence the pictures of "James." She gave James up for adoption last week to one of Gigi's friends. Long story, I think I posted something about it awhile back. Anyway, just so you know the baby pictures aren't ours.

Sorry to hear about Bryce, we will be praying for him.(As well as the rest of the family I am sure!) On a brighter note, Angie and Drew get a big thumbs up on the hosting job they did over Thanksgiving. Angela did all of the cooking while Tim , and the boys played cards and I breastfed. (She is a good cook too.) Drew and Joe did manage about 6 or so pies, and had no trouble finding volunteers to eat it! (Drew is also a good cook, as far as pumpkin pie goes!) Anyway, I hope everyone had as fun Thanksgiving as we did with the Pendlebury crew, thanks again. We will probably see most of you at Joe's farewell.

Well, we finally know what bryce has we think. The doctor is pretty sure that he has pneumonia. He has consulted extensively with primary childrens and that is the diagnosis that they have come up with. They have changed his medication and told us that it will be another four days for sure possibly seven. He does seem to be improving since he has been on antibiotics. He is still on oxygen and has an IV for his meds but other than that he seems to be O.K. He is eating well and is pretty alert when not sleeping. That's about it I guess. Chris.

We are sorry to hear that keep us posted I will call over there. We will pray for you all!

Hello All, I have some bad news to report unfortunately. Bryce is back in the hospital. Our family was hit with a cold virus last week and every one of us got it. Bryce has not dealt with it well and is getting sicker instead of better. They have him on oxygen and antibiotics. They thaught it was a virus so the first day and a half they did not use antibiotics but he was not getting better and one of his eyes developed an infection. Our doctor called primary childrens and they advised him to start antibiotics and run a multitude of other tests. Needless to say he has been poked in just about every visible vein. The last I heard was he will be there for at least 7 days because that is the duration of the antibiotic cycle. Of course, things could change if he improves or gets any worse. This couldn't have happened at a better time with finals coming up next week (ha ha). He is in room 611 at portneuf medical center 208-239-1000. Take care and we will update as needed. Chris.

Thanks that really helps. Does everyone realize that the person that we give to this year will give to us next year I guess we better all rethink our presents.

Mom and I figured out the Christmas list and everyone has the person just older than you this year. So you Polly have Juliette. Anyway that also means that next year we all have ourselves I plan on buying myself something really nice next year! Just kidding, I think that means we skip ourselves and go to the next down. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! Joe is at our house and Drew and Joe plan on baking about 60 pumkin pies and consuming them all by themselves. We will see how that goes. Take care!

I was told we have Tyler and Ruth this year, I know we had Valisa last year, so you can figure it out from there, I think.

For those of you who want a giggle, I put a webcam on my desk in my basement. It automatically uploads the picture here on my new website. I'm now the proud new owner of meteorbike.com, there's nothing really new there yet, but that's where I plan on putting my stuff in the future.

Does anyone know who has who for Christmas I think I gave to Lesti last year but I forget! Anyone who has a clue please do share

Congratulations, guys. There is nothing quite so sweet and peaceful as bringing a new spirit into your home. Are you sure he was four weeks early? He's awfully big! Hope everything is well with you guys and she gets home soon. I told Julie about it and hopefully she can call Juliette soon.

Congrats to Juliette. That is really exciting to have everything go well. I talked to Juliette yesterday she sounded good just a little tired. But who isn't after they have a baby.

The baby is here! Juliette gave birth to Bryce Jacobs Holmes at 10:53 p.m. on sunday Nov. 17. He was about 4 weeks early, but seems to be fine. He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 19in. long. the birth went really smoothly (epideral) and we are glad to finally have it over with. I will let juliette tell the whole story when she gets home. She is planning on calling everyone with the cell phone once she gets out of the hospital.
Take Care, Chris

I am home now, just had the second dose of steroids. Hopefully baby will be healthy when he comes! I am supposed to be on bedrest, but I am sure you all know how easy that is with 2 kids already. I will let you all know when the baby makes his appearance.
Love, Juliette

Hello all,
just a little note to let you know what is going on. Juliette has been in pre-term labor since yesterday morning (tuesday). She is still in the hospital and it looks like she will be there for a couple more days. They have given her medication to stop the contractions but she is dialated to a 4-5. they preformed an amniocentesis (sp) and determined that the babys' lungs were not yet fully developed. they are going to give her steroids to speed up the developement of the lungs. She is at portneuf medical center 208-239-1222 (room) and would probably apreciate a call. she feels pretty good, but is very frustrated with having to stay in the hospital for so long. she is about 35 weeks and the doctor says one more week in the womb would be ideal for baby. The most likely scenario is 2 more days of medication to stop labor while the steroids do their job and then off the meds. and let baby come when he comes. Keep her in your prayers and I will update as needed. Take care, Chris

We are not going to Gigi's either. We plan on having a nice old turkey dinner by ourselves. We have done that the last two years it is kind of nice. That is great to hear that your options are looking good lisa! and Congrats to Ben as well! Not much else to tell. We are doing well. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.

Gigi's is going to be a hot spot for Thanksgiving. I wish I could be there, but alas, my sister in law is having her baby then. So, our plans for Thanksgiving include stuffing ourselves with Turkey right here. Julie's parents may show up, but it sounds like Julie and Raelynn are discouraging them from coming because Raelynn may have her baby then and they don't want their mother at the hospital with them (she's getting wierder every all the time). Ideally, I'd like to get a good computer game and sit in the basement playing it for the whole break, but there doesn't seem to be anything good being released lately. Oh well, maybe by Christmas.

I heard from Lestie that everyones going to go to Gigi's for Thanksgiving? Is that true? I know I'm not. We sold our van and do not plan on replacing it until the first of next year. Hey Ben-Congratulations on graduating again! How does it feel? I am currently being chased down by prospective employers. It is a bit scary, also exciting to be in demand. Maybe I'll be rich and famous someday...Hah! Just kidding. I am positive that will never happen, beside I do not want to be famous...What are everyones plans for thanksgiving?

Julie, I have Jarom's info, I'll send it to you. So, nothing new this week for us. Julie is still pregnant, I'm guessing four months along now. She is due in April. School is almost over for me, we're going to be done, except for the final, by Thanksgiving. Wahoo. One class left and I'll graduate...again.

Jarom...are you still here? Just wondering, we haven't heard from you guys in a while! What is your new phone #? I think I need your new cell # too, if you have it! Just trying to get an updated list so I can call everyone and let them know when the baby comes.

If we get a good enough tax return we are going to try to go. It does look like it should be fun.

Joey isn't leaving until February, so I don't know if anyone has made plans to see him off or not.

Ben I got that ghost story from three other people! It really got around. I looked at it one morning when I was checking e-mail it was great. Then I was showing Andy and It got me again. It is a good one!
I talked to Joey too so do we know when he is leaving? Does anyone know who is going to make it?

Joey got his mission call to Toulouse, France yesterday. I talked to him on the phone and he was very excited. The mission is in the south and covers the French Riviera, which Joey was very excited about. It includes Marseilles. Julie's brother, Thomas, is in Marseilles right now.

So, call Joey and congratulate him, if you haven't already.

Thanks for that nice Halloween scare Ben, you ought to be ashamed of yourself! :)

It's Halloween, so here's a ghost story. Tyler sent me this story:

"Apparently the owners of this house had been seeing images and hearing voices for quite a while. They did some research and found that a lady once lived in the house who lost her husband during the civil war. Legend says that she used to sit at the table and look across the fields in anticipation of her loved one returning home. He never came.

So, they say she still waits. They caught this photo (using digital imaging and sound) of what they claim to be her. This one is wild and a little spooky once you find the ghost in the picture. It took me about 20 seconds to find it, but when you do, it just stands out. Like one of those optical illusions. To save you some time, concentrate around the table and sort of towards the window. Also, if you have volume, turn it up as you can hear some faint murmuring which they say is the ghost talking."

Can you See the Ghost?

Ben, that is very touching. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to have a family. I have taken having kids for granted, until I had two miscarriages. It really makes you appreciate all that you have. I like the comment that dad made, I had forgotten that- but I remember him talking like that. It made me have tears in my eyes to read it. Whenever anyone finds out I come from a family of 12 kids, I get the normal reaction I am sure you have all heard many times- "12 kids, oh my heck! Do YOU want 12 too???" I can only imagine the flack mom and dad got for having that many, but like Polly I sure am glad they had the right spirit about it, because I couldn't imagine our family with one less kid. (No, I don't want 12 kids either! :)

Wow that made me cry! That is so neat how things just seem to work out when you follow the spirit. We have been very blessed to have healthy beutiful children all of us. I know we all are having the families that we promised to have up in heaven and I am so thankful to our mother for having all of us.
Well I have nothing much to brag about we have had the flu here we were just getting over our colds it has been quite the round of sickness here.
Abby's third birthday is tomorrow. I am throwing her a tea-birthday party. It is really wierd to think that I have a three year old. Wow time has sure seemed to fly by lately. I want Lesti and Tim to come and move near me. I will find you guys a job in Reno.
Abby and Brock are going to be bears for halloween. Well I love you all and hope you have a great holiday. Get lots of candy!

Well Ben that is very touching I am in complete agreement with the fertility thing. I have never had the opportunity to take it for granted and for that I know that I am very blessed to have two very beautiful children who I know were meant for my family and because I had to work so hard to get them I think I appreciate them that much more. I think the sacrifices of young women like your sister in law are the greatest ones in life and that new family will always love her for it. I wish her the best of luck with the rest of her life she is certianly doing the right thing.
Also congrats to Lestie I promise I will call you back today I was sick yesterday and got a little behind. I will also look for any jobs for Tim. They are building a new hospital and surgery center here in IF and I bet there is alot of oppenings there.

Though an interesting series of events, which I will only touch on, a friend of Gigi's will be getting Raelynn's baby through adoption. Raelynn has been struggling lately going through the literal stacks of people who want her baby. Gigi called me some time ago and mentioned that she had friends who were going through the whole infertility thing, they lived in Denver, and were trying to adopt. I told her that there was a long line and it was really Raelynn's decision, but I would tell her. Gigi called again several times and talked with Julie and Raelynn, mentioning how much she was being hounded by the Spirit to get this off her shoulders and at least put them in contact with each other. Raelynn had earlier decided, with lackluster, to go with another family that she liked, but when she did go through Gigi's friend's application, she was strongly impressed that they were the right ones.

The agency helped her call the family and tell them they were now expecting a boy, everyone cried and it was a very emotional moment. So, thanks go to Gigi for following her heart and putting these very capable parents in the front of a very long line, as anyone who tries to adopt soon finds out.

I have learned of late just how precious it is to be able to procreate and raise children. You would not believe what many people have to go through to get a child these days. As dad once reminded us, don't put off having your families, as they will be the single most important thing in your life when you are older and wise enough to realize it. I think we have all done well to heed that advice.

I stated that we were blessing Nicholas in December, but we have changed it to the last Sunday in November. There is still an open invite for anyone who wants to treck up to Polson. Having a boy is definately different, and yes Julie he has christened almost everyone and everything in my house. I am also interested in any information anyone may have on a job for my husband near one of you. Just e-mail it to me at timk@polson.net. We are currently trying to find him a more family friendly job.

Yeah Lestie and Ben! Great accomplishments for both of you. Lestie has finally added a boy to her group and Ben has become an official bike racer! Thats awesome for both of you. Julie, I wish you lived close enough to bake some bread for me. I would love it. Best of luck on your prospering business tactics. All is well here, however I don't have anything great to brag about other than I am still going to graduate in May with my masters and it has been a long haul. I am proud of myself for sticking it through. Maybe I am getting older and smarter...possibly. Lestie your little boy is beautiful. Congratualtions again. My kids will be really excited that they have a new little cousin.

Congratulations Lestie! I still cannot believe you have a boy! Has he peed on you yet? That is one you never really get used to. :) He is very cute, Chris and I both think he looks alot like Tim! Ben, congrats on the race- you are my hero. (on a bike) My biggest accomplishment lately...I have started a little bread baking buisness- it is to keep us going with gas $ and extras. I thought it would be fun, but it has grown faster than I expected! I am up to about 10 loaves a week, and with only 2 days to bake it- Tuesdays and Thursdays. (I have classes the other days) My bishops wife is my best supporter, she has told 4 of her friends who all want to buy from me...I may have to quit school and do this full time! Just kidding.

I am all for the family reunion, since I missed the latest one. I did have a baby, if anyone wants to look at him he is on a web site called growingfamily.com. Make sure you only fill in the required fields (noted with an *). The password to see him is my last name, Katsma. You could also try my link babypage. GOOD LUCK! We will be blessing him the first Sunday in December, and of course everyone is welcome.

Great Job Ben! I think it is great we have a place to brag about our accomplishments!So you all heard Lesti had her baby. He is a boy his name is Nicholas Brandon. he weighed 7Lbs. something! Way to go Lesti!

Since this is my self-proclaimed "Aunt Corrie's brag site" (I hope she never see this) I'll relate my latest accomplishment. Salary increase? No. New car? No. Riding a bike real fast? Oh yeah.

I did the normal Tuesday HP race with the big boys and for the first time ever, I won. I beat the cat 2 racer guy (Rick) who has always been this unbeatable type dude. The three strongest guys were not out, and no pros who ocassionally show, so the competition was not as strong as it can be, but two awesome dudes were there, one of whom has ridden me right off his wheel more times than I can count. So, it went like this. Rick and I and one other dude (Sammy) broke away very early in the race. We held off the peloton very well and after Rick and Sammy tried to drop me, but ended up dropping Sammy, they both realized they could use me and I took some tremendous pulls, stronger, I felt than Sammy. On the final leg there is this monster 300 foot, and very steep hill which is the final sprint to finish at the top. Rick (the strongest one) basically dared Sammy and me to pass him on the final sprint up this hill. After letting him sit up front a good while, Sammy attempted to pass him, but couldn't do it, at the same time, I went around the other side and dropped them both.

I'm savoring it because it may not happen again, and I'm pretty sure he's never going to take another long lead-out and dare me to come around him. It's called the power of being underestimated. No one at LSI has ever won this race, so I'm totally stoked.

Ben that sounds great! We will help where we can, I am not positive on the dates as I will be starting a new job in the schools right then. Plan on us unless otherwise noted. Thank you Julie for your call. I am sorry I didn't check the blogger this weekend...Way to go Ben and Julie! We can look forward to a family reunion in 2003!

Thanks for your input. They called us today and said someone else wanted it, so we went ahead and put our deposit in. I hesitate to be so bold, but since it is our year for the reunion, we'll go ahead and make it the plan. That gives you a year to deal with it. We wont make you come out any other time. As for Gigi and crew, we're sorry, but we'll come to Washington in 2004 when it's your turn. That goes for Polly, too. Polly, you need to have yours in Vegas, though.

Whatever you want to do is fine. We are happy to go anywhere.

Ben I think we could do that! Sounds like a ton of fun. I do not know how thrilled I am about the drive though. I guess Gigi is farther! How much would you want for food? That looks really good for our family everyone will have a bed and a ton to do!

Gosh Ben, that sounds perfect! Especially the cost- for us anyway- sounds very reasonable. I think 4 days would be perfect, since some have to travel quite a ways to get there. The dates are good, hopefully Chris' graduate program won't have started yet. Count us in!

Hello everyone. Julie and I have the reunion next year and we are planning it already. We stayed at Snow Mountain Ranch for a family reunion a year ago. It was very memorable and fun. Julie called them and they had a cancellation in one of their 8 bedroom cabins, which will sleep up to 40, for next August 17th through the 21st. Other than that, they are booked out until 2005. We placed our name but must confirm it by the 16th of this month.

It is called Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It is at 8500 feet. You get all the benefits of camping, climbing, hiking, etc. but get to stay in a huge cabin with seperate rooms and bathrooms for everyone with a common area and kitchen, similar to the one Lisa had us in, only all the rooms have at least one queen bed with bunkbeds, and most have two.
This is the actual cabin that is available:



Some of the highlights of the place, all included in your fee, are:

Indoor basketball court (always unused when we were there).
Indoor roller skating rink.
Indoor climbing wall.
Indoor Swimming Pool.
River, lake and canoeing.
Miniature golf course.
Bike trails.
Horseback Riding.
Dance Hall.

For more info, see: YMCA of the Rockies.
Roughly, without food which we can bring, or there is also a caffeteria that costs $5 per meal, the total cost per family (10 families) would be $240 more or less depending on family size assuming 3 nights. We think this is an excellent opportunity for you all to see Colorado and get together next year, at a reasonable price.

Please post your thoughts on this, or e-mail me. If we do make a reservation, we need to pay 35% six months in advance, and a $300 deposit now (which we can take care of). We can do up to four nights, if we want to.

Congratulations on your new job Jarom. I am sure you are relieved to get settled. I wish someone would write all my reports and stuff. Best wishes. You are only @ 2 hours from here so you had better come and visit once in awhile. I enjoyed seeing everyone for the quick trip to SLC. Life seems to go by so quickly between visits. I just want you all to know I love you and think about how you are doing even if I never call. It is fun to have a way to communicate with everyone without charging up a phone bill anyway. We are selling our van and getting a new car. Maybe when we get a new car we will go on a trip and stop and see a few of you. We are also working on a Lake Powell trip. We'll see what I can come up with.

Hey everyone:
We had a great time seeing everyone at Tyler's place last weekend. It is soooo nice being 3 hours away instead of 13. I thought the activities and fun things were well planned and everyone who contributed should be thanked. -- Thanks. Anyway, Jen, Ethan and I are officially residents of Twin Falls, Idaho now. In case you were not personally told, I accepted a job with the law firm of Pedersen, Clark & Jackson in Twin. I have been working since Monday the 30th even though we have yet to move our stuff from Idaho Falls. For the first week I was driving to Pocatello (130 miles) at night and sleeping on Julie and Chris' floor. They were great hosts. We were able to get into an apartment/fourplex this week and the owner let us move in for free if we would paint, clean, etc. So Jen has been doing that while I go to work during the day. This weekend we will actually move our things down from IF and officially be in our new home. My job is great and everyone here treats me very well. It is strange being called "Mr. Whitehead" and having people screen all your calls, make your appointments, open your mail, ask if they can get you refreshments, etc. I'm not even supposed to type my own letters and documents - I am supposed to dictate them. "It takes too much time" or so I've been told. But, eight years of habit is hard to break. I feel stupid asking my assistant to "get me a file" or "make a copy of this." However, when I try and do it myself she immediately intervenes and says something like "the attorneys aren't supposed to touch the files, they mess them up - ask me and I'll get." Hard to argue with that. Anyway, all is well with us and we hope to see you all more in the future. My new contact info is:

Jarom & Jennifer Whitehead
321 Morningside Dr. Apt.#3
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Cell: (208)520-8120 or 520-3432 (for now)

Pedersen, Clark & Jackson
111 Shoshone Street Suite 202
Twin Falls, Idaho 83303
Ph: (208) 734-2552
Fax: (208)734-2772

We are home and well! We really missed our own bed! It was nice to see everyone! Man we are a huge family!

Back to the grind. I was glad to see everyone. Hope you all had a good time.

Here's a comic for the lawyers among us.



Also, the pictures from the reunion are up.

Note the new random picture of the day on the left.

Hope the weather cooperates for you Ben! We are excited to see everyone tomorrow!!!

I like the planetarium idea, it sounds very in-doors-ie. The weather forecast is looking travelable, but it could change. Our alternate route, I-70, is expecting 6-12 inches of snow tomorrow, so if I-80 (Wyoming) is open we'll make a break for it.

Gigi -- Julie wants your most popular seasonal candle, whatever that might be, we loved the little apple-cinnamon one you gave us last year. It's all gone.

Anyway, Jake is apparently back in town. We look forward to seeing him once again.

What ever you guys decide is fine, I will go along! Just let us know so we can meet in SLC, instead of driving to Draper and back, you know?

Gigi, I would love 2-3 of those sample size candles, in the jar ( what do they run, 4-5 $ or so?) in some "fall flavors" like apple spice, or something like that.

It snowed today! It didn't stick, but made the morning commute to school miserable!

Angie and I have been e-mailing and we do not think that our kids would like to go the the plantetarium. We thought that the Pioneer Childrens museum would be fun and then we would like to go the the JS building to have lunch. (since the museum is free.) Anyone that would like to join us are welcome. If the older kids want to go the the planetarium they are right by eachother and we could still do lunch together at least! What do you guys think?

The Hansen Planetarium is doing a lightening show for the next month. They are advertising free admission to all children under 12 with a paying adult(7$). There is also the malls and the church museum and church history sites. I don't think the weather will cooperate very well. I went to SLC today for a meeting and it poured all the way there and back and the high today was 46 degrees. Anything outdoors would be pretty miserable...There is even snow on our mountains about half way down. It is supposed to be this way through the weekend...

Yes Gigi I would like a candle too!
Juliette Lisa and I were talking about the Planetarium right by temple square she says they do a lightning show that the kids would like! We could also go to a play place or the mall food court to eat.

Hey everybody,
Ruth and Lisa have requested a few candles. I didn't want to show up with out a few extra for the rest of you. If you want something, I'll be gald to bring it. I don't want to haul a bunch down and bring them back...so let me know. I am very excited to see everybody!

Polly, the zoo and picnic sound like fun- we just looked at the weather forcast though and it sounds like it will be kind of chilly and rainy...so maybe we should have an alternate plan just in case?

Lisa, our e-mail is holmchri@isu.edu. Everyone else, please put your e-mail addys here, we lost them all in our internet change. Thanks!

Hey I looked up admission prices to the Zoo. It is $7.00 per adult $5.00 for kids 3-up and kids 2 and under are free!
Just thought you guys would like to know. I was worried about the cost but it looks good to me!
Oh yah! they are open from 9 to 5pm They have a web site just search under Hogle Zoo!

Congrats to Jarom!!!! We all knew you could do it! I am getting really excited to see you all. The agenda looks good. Why don't those of us that are going to the Zoo do a picknick at a park before we go. That way we will all be together. Like that one in IF that we all got our wown takeout and met at a park. That way we can all meet our own budget. Well I have a screaming baby gotta go!

This just in...Jarom got a job! It's a good job, the one he wanted originally. More to follow.

Sorry Ben I am just getting the hang of navigating this site. I went back 25 or so blogs and got that you are staying at Tyler's. What fun. I also got the message that Julie is pregnant. That's wonderful and congratulations on her great run! See you guys soon.

Please check your email for an agenda and assignments. It sounds like going to the zoo is a good idea with all the people that will be there on Friday. I am sad that I won't be there so quickly but I am hurrying as fast as I can. Ben are you staying at Tyler's house? I think you guys that are going to be there Friday day should be doing all this planning...When is everyone leaving? I am excited to see everyone. I hope that some organization is better than nothing.

We'll be there tearing it up Thursday night. So, Friday I guess is the free day to do whatever we want.

When will the majority of people arrive in SLC? I was only planning from Friday night thru Sunday morning. I will be able to get there by about 6:30 if I really hurry. Tyler is arranging for the church and stuff. We will let you all know whats up. I posted yesterday but it wasn't published I guess I didn't hit all the right buttons. I offered a schedule of events and fun for all...I will type it up and email it to everyone out there and call the rest I guess.

I think when we thought about taking Jacob out to lunch it was going to be on fri. When we assumed not that many people were going to be there yet. But it seems like most of us are showing up around friday and you are right maybe that will not work.
Juliette we will probubly go in the afternoon. So just show up to mom's and we will wait for you.

Potato bar sounds good! Maybe we could do a ham dinner with rolls etc. then use the leftover ham and such to have the potato bar for the next meal? Just a thought. We are up for one dinner out, without the kids of course! My kids would love the zoo, and we will probably get there early enough to go with you Polly and Angie, so let us know when, so we can meet you somewhere.

Angela - I think you're missing the point of this thing. If you take Jake to lunch, everyone is going to want to go; are you going to pay for it all? And who gets left behind? This is the whole reason we're going to plan this thing so that all the meals will be inexpensive and everyone will know where and when we're going to eat before we get there. There will not be time for everyone to take Jake out to lunch individually, and most of us are going there primarily to see him, and someone, invariably, will get left behind.

Mostly this is conference weekend, and I plan to watch most of it, Saturday and Sunday. I think this will end up pretty informal as people wander in and out of Tyler's room and mom's house watching the tube, but I think it should be on and if people are going to escape to do other things, that's fine too, but it will not be a 'sponsored' event.

Well I should have checked this last week. An adult night sounds good. I will see you all on thurs. I want to go to the zoo. I do want to watch at least one conference Sunday session. I am sure Andy wants to golf. You all realize this is my birthday weekend too! I do not want presents though.
Any type of food is good. I would be up for either idea. Just tell me who to pay. The park sounds nice. Andy sure loves the pick up basketball games. If we could find somewhere to play. I would love the cornmaze as well.

Drew and I will be there Thursday night probly around 7:00 or 8:00. Polly and Andy were suppose to be there Thursday as well. We will be splitting a hotel room with them at the Fairfield Inn in Draper. Since not all will be there on Friday yet Polly and I wanted to take our kids to the zoo or something and we wanted to take Jake to lunch but all who are there are welcome to come. See you all next week.

Julie and I were invited to stay at Tyler's house. We are planning on arriving at Tyler's Thursday night (probably late). If there is a need for more rooms, we can get some hotel rooms for people, too. Julie's family lives in Payson, which is like an hour drive further, which I'm not too thrilled about. Anyway, thanks for taking charge, Lisa. You've got our full support. My thought is that I will be going on a bike ride anyway, but we need at least two, non-conference, planned activities that everyone can be at.

Food suggestion: Baked potato bar with all the options. Just a thought.

Angela, the corn maze is a great idea. Our kids loved it last year.

Chris and I will be staying in Provo only because we have a free hotel there. We are planning on leaving Pocatello shortly after 10 a.m.(class gets over at 10) so we will be there in the early afternoon.
Juliette

OK, I see that someone needs to be in charge...I must have volunteered to be the oldest in the family for a reason right? I will set down a plan and write it up and get an OK from Mom, Tyler, and then I will email it to all and from there you are supposed to pass it on. Got that? Your suggestions will be greatly considered and put into action. Ben I think a bike ride is great but only a few actually own a bike and stuff...you and Julie will be staying in Provo at Julies families? I need to know arrival times and where everyone is staying. If you know the info on someone who is not online let me know or call them so I don't have to. I'll give this some thought tonight and get back ASAP.

So how did Lisa get put in charge of another Family reunion? Thats what you get for making the last one so nice!
Anyway, I want to suggest the corn maze. They seemed to have alot of fun last time. And maybe if we have a meal plan we should be sending out assignments so that we all bring something therefore eliminating the one person who spends alot and then has to collect.
Also rounding up babysitters for a dinner out for the adults is something I am all for. Well Lisa have fun planning this and let me know what I can do to help.

Juliette says "I just want to be with the family, I don't care what we do." We both agree that an adult night would be fun. I, being as predictable as ben, want to go golfing. Going to the conference center for priesthood sounds like a lot of cars and people but I would like to do it just because I have never been to live session of conference. We are willing to bring whatever food items are needed for the pot-luck so let us know. Can't wait!
Chris and Juliette

Okay people, listen up. As Lisa has said, we need an agenda here. Julie isn't too thrilled with driving for 8 hours with kids to just sit around with no planned activities. We need to have something going on the whole time if possible. Someone, Lisa, needs to organize this with a meal plan like the reunion in Bear Lake, which was fun. We can each cover the cost of all the meals as each of our individual means will allow.

Of course, I would like to suggest a bike ride for those who can bring their bikes. Tyler took me up a really fun trail right out his back door. Volleyball also sounds fun. A night out with the adults sounds fun if it can be arranged. Of course the adults now means like a gazillion people, "party of 24 anyone?"

I personally do NOT want to go downtown, but I am but a solitary voice on that one. We need to think about all this and make some definite plans.

Yeah Angela! It seems like quite a few people will be coming on Friday. Tyler mentioned reserving the church for volleyball and a potluck...won't there be conference sessions being broadcast at the church? The park near Tyler's house would be a do able gathering place for a dinner. We had planned french dip for one meal and ham and potaoes for another with breakfast wherever you are and lunch on the run. As far as activities go, do you want family activities with little children, a night out with the adults, guys basketball or golfing, shopping, games, sit around and chat, conference session attendance, watching conference on TV(an excellent choice) Dan did say it would be really neat to take Josh to the priesthood session in the conference center downtown... What do you guys all want to do? We are only limited by money, time, too many people and our imaginations...other than that, the skies the limit! :) Let me know. Tyler asked me to help him plan some activities but a little input would be nice. He suggested we come up with many choices so people could do what they want and thats fine but we don't want to leave anyone out-this is a family reunion...

Two points to Angela for the takedown.

Sunday is conference that is why it is being reffered to as "conference weekend" so I would assume that we are watching it on the big screen at Tyler's.

That is nuts how fast she can move! Maybe she would have a future with Les Schwab tires...:)

In the Romantic period in Europe their definition of genius was "a unique individual" I think we have a few "geniuses" among us.

We are coming to Jake's thing, probably be there Friday night. We are staying in Provo, we have a free hotel room there. Much more desirable than mom's floor! Is anyone planning on staying for church Sunday? Are there any definite plans of activities yet?

Okay, this is the weirdest "sport" I've ever seen, but you've got to see this to believe it. speed stacking You need quicktime to see this 1 meg movie.

Okay, this week's topic, in the spirit of aunt corrie, "my child is a genius because..." Discuss amongst yourselves.

Ben, thank you so much for all the great photos! You are quite the photographer. I enjoyed looking at them here on the blogger, revisiting the middle fork! And I really appreciate the ones sent to me. It was truly an incredible trip. Great company, beautiful scenery and so many fun memories. I need to rty and write it all down before time fades the trip. It will be a few years before I can scrapbook that week. My new calling seems to keep me pretty busy. I am also getting swamped with candles now as Christmas draws near.

I really want to come down for the "Return of Jake." I have a few conflicts I will try to work out. Kip will not be able to tear away, that is the final cutting of Hay and fumigating is full on. I dread the long trip on my own but the kids are getting big enough to be helpful. Kip prides himself on the trip to Salmon in 7 hours flat. My Triips to Salmon take 14 hours!

Any way it is nice to hear from all of you. I am not the tard that can't be a part of this party!
love Gigi

We will be there Friday morning. We took Friday off and are planning on staying at the Fairfeild Inn in Draper in case anyone is looking for a hotel. It was $59.00 a night. Hope to see you all soon.

Hey all would not miss comming to Utah. I am not looking forward to the drive though. Well everything is going well. We had Andy's parents come to visit this last weekend. It was fun. They sure love our kids. That is great news Julie. That is great. (expecting and comming in 10th!) So when are all of you going to show up? I was thinking of comming on thurs. I hope to see you all soon.

New pictures of the Middle Fork are up at my home page middle fork.

Geez Julie, you make the rest of us look bad, running a 5k 2 months pregnant??? Congratulations on doing so well, AND the new baby! When is your due date? We are definitely planning on coming to Jake's "homecoming" conference weekend, I can't believe it's been 2 years already! Things are good here, school is speeding up, and we are trying to keep afloat...I recieved a 97% on my first Spanish test! It wasn't too difficult at all, and I am glad I have a prof. that moves fairly slowly for us ignorant white folk. We have Conner in soccer, his first game was Saturday and he scored 3 out of 5 goals on his team! He is a quick little bugger and enjoys it, I wasn't sure if he would or not- he is actually the youngest kid on his team too- they are all 4 year olds, and he won't be 4 till next month. I am such a proud mommy...:)

Congratulations to Jarom for passing that test thingy. Truly incredible. Good job. Everything else here is going fine. Work is good, and biking is still fun. I have yet to actually pay money to enter a sanctioned race where the winner actually gets money. Julie ran in the LSI Logic Colorado run. First prize was $1000, 2nd $500, and so on. Then in each age group there were similar prizes. We took Lacey and Alan and watched Julie run. She got 10th in her age group, but she ran a 25:15 5k, which is really good. Libby Hickman was first for the women, she's an Olympian and world class runner. Her time? 16:20. That's right, unbelievable. The fastest man on our team ran a 17:55, and he is fast. Here are some pictures, you can see Libby giving Alan and Lacey autographed pictures. Colorado Run Julie was on the LSI team, and did great for her personal time. She's also two months pregnant, so she felt a little drained.

Looks like everyone is sort of planning on being at Tyler's house for Conference weekend. I've heard Jacob gets home 10/2 and conference is 10/4-10/6. Plan on stopping by if you can. Tyler assures me everyone is invited.

Sorry I wrote a nice bit about my trip and it was erased so I guess I will jsut say it was nice to get home! It was great seeing Lesti and Tim and I had fun remembering hanging around with them. I realized how much I miss my family. I hope to see you all in Oct. when Jacob gets home and Ben You should send a new invite to blogger to tim and lesti. timk@polson.net that is their new address. Well if you want anymore details just call me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!

Congratulations Jarom, I was really happy to hear the news from juliette. What a relief that must be! Sorry we couldn't make it to the little "get-to-gether". see ya soon. Chris

FYI y'all (Hint: scroll down to the "W's):

Successful Applicants - July 2002 Bar Examination

Daniel Roland Anderson
Tyler James Anderson
Kelly Arthur Anthon
Joel Andrew Beck
Nancy Faye Berger-Schneider
Jennifer Nannette Bivens Douglas
Jessica Marie Borup
Judith Miriam Brawer
*Jeremy Dean Brown
David Patrick Claiborne
Daniel Robert Clark
Chris D. Comstock
Michael David Dean
Jason Gill Dykstra
Scot Michael Elder
Erin Michelle Farrell
Robert Gregory Ferney
Kelley Kathleen Fleming
Eric Don Fredericksen
Judy Lea Geier
Brad Anthony Goergen
Brannon Stevens Hancock Jr.
David Benson Hargraves
Alan Rexford Harrison
Matthew Earl Hedberg
David Fermin Hensley
Ryan Patrick Henson
Jill Suzette Holinka
Dari Matthews Huskey
Teri Ann Kaptein
Sheli Fulcher Koontz
Joseph Scott Kozlowski
Jared Michael LeFevre
Jerrold Arthur Long
Jessica Michele Long
Wendi Ann Malone
Andrew Charles Marsh
David E. Merrell
Tanya Eileen Milligan
Joshua Dillon Mills
Michele Kay Morin
Tobi J. Mott
Sean Roy Moulton
Joseph Lowell Mrstik
Marcus R. Mumford
Randolph Brian Neal
Jed Keller Nixon
Shawn Christopher Nunley
Valerie Anne Parr
Kira Dale Pfisterer
Jason Curtis Pintler
Jennifer Marie Pitino
Jason Steven Risch
Joseph R. Rockstahl
Dana Hoffelt Rose
Matthew Joseph Ryden
*Peter Joseph Salmon
*David Paul Schack
Gary Lawrence Schreiner
Benjamin Hugh Schwartz
Ronald Robert Shepherd
Billie Jean Siddoway
Jared William Sommer
Robert Preston Tilley
Aaron John Tolson
Andrew Joseph Waldera
Matthew Lloyd Walters
Suzanne West
Jarom Anthony Whitehead
Brent L. Whiting
Kelly Ray Whiting
Herbert Brent Williams
Brent Thomas Wilson

Wow Ben! Have you ever entered any races that had prizes or anything? Can you send some of your energy and stamina over here? I have none... Any big plans for your big birthday? Chris' is on the 11th too, and we both have school, all day long. They have a big fireworks show and stuff planned here, but I have a night class and will miss it.

Can you believe I was the first one up the mountain? This ride suffered from a serious lack of competition, but I beat my personal best by almost 40 minutes.

Too much to post. Must sleep. Had a great time on the river. I have a big bike race tomorrow that I've been looking forward to all year. Bike is all ready, I'm a little anxious. It's only a 30 mile race, but the first nine miles climb 6000 feet. It should be fun.

Everyone must be having fun...it's been slow around here! How did the big float trip go? Sounds like fun! Chris and I just started back into school on Monday- and it is going ok so far...I can introduce myself and say good day in Spanish. :0) Conner is enjoying learning how to count to ten in Spanish also. I am getting very fat and it feels about 10 degrees hotter than it should...I am so glad it is starting to get cooler outside, cause I cannot stand being hot anymore! Polly, hope your trip to Lestie's is fun! Maybe I should come up, then we could truly drive Tim even more insane than he probably already is! LOL

dad i need to know my email password. :> >:[

Polly, when are you going to Lestie's house? Let us know how it goes over there and all that.