Hi everyone, I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving time! I wish we had the dough to go somewhere, but we are trying to save to go to Idaho for Christmas. I guess we will be hanging out here by ourselves, but since I never see my husband anymore, any kind of time with him is great! We are all well, Conner had croup a couple of weeks ago and ended up in the ER, but he is fine now. He is attending a 4 day a week preschool, and thoroughly enjoys it. Jackson is my little pretender, he has quite the imagination! He was diagnosed with a moderate hearing loss in one ear, but we have yet to be referred to a speech pathologist to see what we can do to help him. He is doing well with language, but I worry that he misses so much. Bryce is finally pulling himself up on things, but still does the army crawl at 11 1/2 months! He is a great baby though, and I much prefer that to one that is running by now. Chris is doing great in school, and is steadily racking up the free airline tickets from going to Vegas every weekend. I am doing well in my classes, and actually like the time away for a few hours a week. We hope to go to San Fransisco in December, but our plans may be on hold because we just found out Chris' mom has breast cancer. We are praying that she will get through this, but don't know much yet. If you think about it, a few extra prayers from my family sure wouldn't hurt. I guess that is it, we love you and think of you often!
Love, Juliette

Dan headed off for Switzerland yesterday. He will be there a week. We had a great time in Breckenridge. The place we were at was really beautiful. There was just a skiff of snow on the mountains and the weather was definitely cooler but beutiful for hiking and biking. We went to a gold mine and hiked to a lake, went four wheeling over a mountain and spent a day cruizing the outlet mall in Silverthorn. The scenery was gorgeous. I thought of you Ben but remembered you had said your kids were not out of school and we were about 2 hours south and west of where you live. Tyler and Ruth were wanting to come but they had things come up as well. I should have called but I was positively running to get "on vacation" and by the time we had mellowed out enough to call, the trip was almost over. I was just thinking how sad it is that we are all so busy running around that we don't take time to stop and smell the roses as it were...or to remeber our neighbors, let alone our families. It's that trouble of having to prioritize everything until you have prioritized your life right out of control. I must be doing something wrong...Anyway, I do love you all and think of how you are doing. I hope it is well.
Love, Lisa

Well Ben I admire you and Julie. I wish I ran more. I guess I need one of those jogging stroller things I always think I will just wait until I can leave them with Drew (I walk in the AM with friends) this year has been so pleasant for so long that we have not had to quit yet. But I don't think I will be running walking is enough. Although there is a lady in my ward who can walk the 10K in 12 minutes but maybe it is the 5K I can't remember but a bunch of ladies in my ward who walk each morning were very impressed. Anyway I beleive in taking care of yourself. If I have to get old I better look good doing it.

All is well in Idaho. The weather is beautiful and the kids are fine. We have had the usuall colds and stuff but nother major yet. Max is growing fast and loves to smile and laugh. He has more of the personality of his sister than Sam which is good and bad. He got his shots today and was very offended by them. Every time he wakes up he just cries really sad like. Sam has always been one who was very tough and he never cried when he got his shots or when he falls down. In fact now he runs staight to the mirror so he can see the blood, he wont even let me put a bandaid on it till he had stared in the mirror for a while.
Marissa made it into the nutcraker again this year. But that means not going to far for Thanksgiving because of practises. We have tickets to the Utah game the weekend before so we will be at moms then and Drew has the whole week off. We thought we might head over to Denver to visit Drew's aunt and uncle and stop by Ben and Julie's but if you are not going to be there let us know. Take care.

Love,
Angela

I can't believe I forgot Dan and Lisa were going to be in Colorado. You should have called as I only read this thing once a month or so. It will make a nice family history someday.

Julie and I took the kids and did our stake sponsored 5k/10k run on Saturday. We had a pretty good turnout, around 80 people ran. It was fun, and I'm getting to be a better runner, usually I'm sore for a week afterwards, this time it was only a day. There were missionaries at every aid station, and it was well organized. Julie got 4th overall (men included) which rocked. I was, ahem, somwhere in there, too. I pushed the runner and herded Ryan, Lacey and Alan on their bikes. Ryan made it the whole way, and many people were pretty surprised to see a three year old riding a bike like that. The church is sponsoring things like this now, and I think it's great. It's going to be an annual event because one of the new requirements to get the Duty to God award is that the 14-15 year old boys run a 5k in 30 minutes, and the 16-18 year olds have to run a 10k in 60 minutes. I think that's great, and reflects well the fact that as a church, and as a society in general, we need to pay more attention to our health. I think many of us take our health for granted, and assume that if we don't drink coffee or beer, we'll always be healthy. To "run and not be weary" implies to me that you should be running sometimes. The promise is not to "surf the channels and not get a finger cramp". I was especially glad to see a few of our larger members out there huffing and puffing away at it. Good for them, I hope they keep at it. We heard more than once that "of course the Whitehead's are here," which tells me we're setting a good example, I guess. Either that or they think we're whacked.

I am currently the first counselor in the young men's, which means I teach the teachers. There are a few of them that are on the verge of turning their life into a tragedy, but most of the others are good kids. Julie is the primary president. We just got a copy of a picture the ward took of all the mothers with new to ~6 month old babies. It's unbelievable, there are about 20 mothers, including Julie, holding their babies, one lady with twins. It's unreal. When I peaked into the Relief Society room to see them taking the picture, I saw all of these beautiful women lined up, smiling for the camera with their children. It brought tears to my eyes, it was overwhelming. I had to duck out, lest someone see my less than manly demeanor.

Sorry such a long diatribe, hope all is well with each of you. We currently have no Thanksgiving plans, so feel free to start the invites now (hee hee). We're spending Christmas at home. Anyone is welcome to come, and we'd love to help with any travel expenses you might have getting here. Take care.

Lisa, I hope you feel better soon! I am sick too, going on a week and a half wondering if I have allergies or a really long lasting cold. Glad to hear you are all doing well anyway.

We had a fun weekend, we went to a wedding near Calaveras Big trees national park. The wedding was ok, the groom was plastered and could hardly cut the cake. But the camping was the best part, it was really beautiful there. I need to figure out how to post some pictures so everyone can see...anyone willing to help?

Polly is coming to see me today! She has an ob visit, and I get to babysit her kids. Guess I'd better get cleaning!
Juliette

Hi everyone,
I was really bummed Friday. I sat down and wrote this nice long message for everyone and updated you on the latest and then I am not sure what I did but it erased it and I didn't have the energy or heart to write it again. I have been really sick with Brochitis and I am home sick today from work. I wish I felt better I could get something done! Oh well...Julie, I was inspired by your note about your family. It was really nice to hear whats up at your house. Everyones doing well here except me and I guess it's that new teacher thing. They say they all get really sick their first year. Great! We are remodeling our back room into an office and dining area, so my house is a mess and things are crazy with kids in four different schools, work and Dan is traveling again. Ben we are headed to Brekenridge Colorado on the 11th of October. You are still welcome to come up and stay a night or two if you feel like it and your kids are out of school. We will be staying until the 18th. It will be nice to get away for a minute even if it is cold. I hope everyone is doing OK. I love you all. Love, Lisa

It's been a while since anyone posted...must be busy with school starting and everything. We are doing well, time is flying by and soon it will be summer again. Conner was bummed when they finally drained the pool and covered it, I was a little too. It was nice to lay in the sun and get those endorphins or whatever you get from it- felt great anyway! It is starting to cool off here, I love the fall weather- Even if it means that it takes 20 minutes to finally get out the door going anywhere, trying to gather socks, shoes, jackets and other various items. Conner will turn 5 next month- I can hardly believe I am a mom of a 5 year old! Jackson is 3 1/2 and will be attending a 9 week high school run preschool. It is supposed to be really good, I met the head teacher and she is so warm and friendly. They get to play, and learn at various stations and they even feed them lunch. It is 3 days a week, and 3 hours a day for only 8$ a day. He will love it, he has carried his lunch box full of various treasures around for a week asking when he gets to go. Bryce is getting so big, he is now 10 months and weighs nearly 25 lbs. and 30 inches long. He only does the army crawl, but is getting pretty quick at it. He is still very laid back, and will go to anyone who wants to hold him. He gives cheezy grins to those he loves, showing off his 6 teeth- which he will also bite you with if you get close enough. Chris is doing well, and loving what he does. He is the ward finance clerk, and enjoys that because it isn't too time consuming. I am a primary teacher to the 6 year olds, which is fun. I guess it gives me a glimpse of what is to come. I am also taking 6 credits at the community college, and that is really fun. I am taking classes that are in the nursing program, and I love them. I guess that is about it, we are all happy and well (besides a bout with pinkeye this week- yuck). We have an extra bed if anyone decides to make a trip to lovely Reno! I hope everyone else takes a minute to catch up, I'd love to read all about it!
Love, Juliette

Well I sent a regular e-mail, but just so everyone knows we did have a boy on August 14 he is quite cute and eats all the time. I would have e-mailed sooner but I did not come back to work for a few weeks. I am back now with Max in tow and I just hope he sleeps long enought for me to get something done. I will finish the birth anouncements at some point and get them out to you all. I tried to convince Drew that after 3 you no longer had to send one but he thought that was just mean. He also got mad when I told Missy she no longer got a birthday party every year or new clothes for school. He keeps saying that three is just not that many but I still feel that we are now in over our heads and outnumbered.
We are blessing our baby September 28 and all is welcome but we will be going to Jaroms so maybe we can just see you there.

Love,
Angela

Hmmm, that might be fun! I guess if you are willing to brave the drive all the way from Colorado, with 5 kids, we could go 6. We saw Jarom's baby on our way home last week. She is a cutie! Angie's little Max is cute too- we just have good genes in this family! :)
Juliette

Yes, congratulations, Jarom. I'm sure everyone is aware that Joey is home now. Jarom is having his baby blessed on September 7th, and if we can make it, we will. We just may. Haven't been to Twin Falls for awhile, it might be nice.

OOPS...

She was 19.5 inches, not 195 inches! (That would look scary!)

Hey all -

Yes its true... we had a baby girl on August 5th. She was 7 lbs 13 oz and 195 inches long. She has a mas of chestnut hair (like her mother's) and a cleft Whitehead chin. We named her Emma Celeste and she is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen. Pictures will be forthcoming as soon as I get around to it. Love and miss you all. - Jarom

Dear kids, this is Mom. Congratualations to Jarom and Jen. I'm so glad their baby is doing well. I hope to hear from Angela one of these days soon. I've been talking to people involved with Joey in France. He's still depressed and he has a month to feel better or they are sending him home. Pray for him. this doctor who's a member of the church is treating him with flax seed oil. I had arranged to send him medicine, but they won't let him be treated with medicine over there, so pray the flax seed oil works. Other than that, Andrew and Jacob seem to be doing fine. I have realized lately than I haven't quite got the boys raised yet, and I don't think I'll ever get beyond worrying about all you kids. All I can do is worry and pray, as far as Joe is concerned, anyway. His mission pres went to bat for him and got him another month. Church policy is to send them home. He likes the kid, anyway. I feel just awful, but I love him and hope he gets better. We've lived through worse things, though. I love you all. Love, Mom

Congrats on the girl Jarom and Jenn!!!

The reunion (according to Ben) sounded fun and well fun. I am sorry I missed it, but I hada mini reunion of my own with Lesti and her family here. She is always fun to be around. They camped at Jane's at night and that helped out a lot. We hope to get our addition going soon and then I can host even Lesti's brood. With Andrew here I have 4 boys in one room. He doesn't complain much. Keitra's privileged life is unaltered and she continues to have her own Queen bed and post signs declaring her 15x15 territory. The luck of being the only girl. Lesti's kids are really adorable, it was fun to watch them interact with my boys. I loved leaving them all behind to go shopping with Lesti, too. She was really hilarious....I laughed my self sick through "Ross." I forgot how funny she was. we had fun in town while Kip and Tim played on the river. We'll see if things work out so that they can be closer. Andrew is doing fine, even under our Nazi regime. He may or may not stay for Fall, he can decide if he can stand us that long.

Well that's it...congrats to Jarom and Jenifer on their little girl Emma. How exciting to have a little girl....I don't think they realize that girls are more emotional, sensitive and require double the wardrobe, shoes and attention that little boys demand! But they are very fun and oh so sweet. I hear she has dark hair like Mommy--So Jarom has a mini me and so does Jen! Later.

Ben, how do you post pics on the Blogger?

I want to put together a package to Joe this week, any ideas on what he might like or need? Also, if anyone has already done one, anything I need to know about what NOT to put in it or anything?

Things are good here, We had our second rainfall all summer friday and saturday. It was really nice to finally cool off for a day or two. Chris is leaving for Vegas tomorrow, and will be gone all week. The kids and I have made lots of friends though, so we keep busy with playgroups and lunches etc. School starts in three weeks, so we are planning the week before it starts to go to Utah and Idaho for a visit. If anyone wants to get together, let us know!

Angie and Jennifer, hope you are doing well and those babies are growing big! Don't foget to let us know when they make their grand appearance, we are praying for you and hope it all goes well.
Juliette

Hello everyone,
I just got back from taking Polly home to Round Mountain...Andy got us a tour of the Gold mine. It was really cool! They are doing really well. Polly seems to be feeling OK and her kids were really cute. It was fun to see everyone Saturday for the reunion. Time together is getting harder and harder to come by. I appreciate the willingness of all to be there and support each other. Our prayers are with all and we are mindful of each other in our personal struggles. Shari is spending time at Angela's helping her with Sam and Dan is at Scout Camp this week. I hope Lestie and Tim made it home safely as well as everyone else. Ben I love your rendition of the reunion!

Thanks for the message mom. It was a good reunion, and we won the beautiful, hand-made quilt. I never win anything, so I was really surprized. The quilt is worth far more than we all ended up paying for it, and we will treasure it greatly. Thanks to all those who made it. Mom, send me Joey's account number via e-mail, or call me with it. I wrote Joey a very lengthy e-mail empathizing with him on his current struggles. I hope he receives it well, I also printed it out to send him a hard copy. We had fun at Lagoon and had a great spot for just hanging out and talking. Jarom, with his imposing stature, chased the Indians away from camp; Alan and Corbin on scout duties from the tree house. In-your-face smoking was kept to a tolerable minimum, and our own public nudity was tasteful and integral to the plot. We had more than enough food on hand, and plenty of drinks. Thanks again to Valisa for the food, and Tyler for the drinks. Tyler, Jarom, and I got away for a nice bike ride up the canyon later in the day from his house. Tyler let me use his full-suspension mountain bike half-way down the hill, where I realized I need my own full-suspension mountain bike as soon as possible, and Tyler suddenly appreciated his fine ride after having to try to control mine over the many rocks and bumps. I will now auction the quilt I won to the highest bidder in order to purchase such a bike. The starting bid will be $2000, do I hear two? We made it home to find everything in the disorder we left it in (unfortunately no one broke in to clean the mess we left when packing for such an outing).

All in all, it was wonderful to see everyone. The kids had a total blast playing together and I hope they grow up continuing to be as close as they seem to be now. Any or all of them are welcome at my house any time you want to put them on the plane and send them here. We're planning on sending Jordan and Alan to grandma's house next Spring (or sooner) when she hosts the cousin's camp for 5 and older at her house (no this is not a sick joke, she really offered--just tell us when, mom).

Chris, I managed to finish all my work by Tuesday at 8 pm by working many more hours than I'm used to, and getting some very lucky breaks in the process, thus hastening the need for a vacation.

That is all.

Hey Jake! So what is the scoop then, why did mom think that? When are you coming back?