LEARNING TO GET ALONG

Thanksgiving in Cincinnati

2011-12-06T22:52:00.000-05:00

We traveled to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. The trip itself was memorable because we left at 7pm and hoped to travel through the night and reach our destination by 5am. However, our alternator went out and the car died just as we crossed into West Virginia about 12:30am. Our roadside assistance was not actually able to assist us for several hours. We eventually were able to get the car to a safer spot at a rest area and then a tow truck came, and a West Virginia policeman drove us 22 miles with the car to a dealer. We waited in the (cold) car at 5am until it opened at 7:30am. Then, thankfully, they fit us in, got a part and had us on our way at 10:30 am. So, we did reach our desitnation about 5:15 like I predicted--except it ws PM, instead of AM. :) Notwithstanding the inconvenience, we did feel that we were blessed in many of the particulars that could have been much worse.

Once there we had a nice visit with our family--Dave's parents, 3 of his siblings and their families. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner.

The next day, Black Friday for shoppers, and Birthday for me was a nice day. Dave helped his parents with some items around their house. I went to the Mall with some of the shoppers. That night Dave had bought a cake and icecream for me--which was fun to celebrate with lots of family. I was excited to receive a new iPAd and accessories, and a Vera Bradley apron.

Saturday was Erika's 25th birthday. We shopped together that day for some clothes for her. Here she opened a tiny present--that holds hundreds of songs-- an ipod shuffle.

Sunday we attended church where Dave still knows a lot of people from when he was younger, and then we headed home--a much shorter, uneventful trip back.

Nationals

2011-12-06T21:01:00.003-05:00

Andrea participated with her high school marching band in the national competition at the stadium of the Naval Academy in Annapolis. It was a great day for it, and they put on an awesome performance, winning 12th place among bands from many states. She is with the piccolo section above, and shots of her in the show below. Congratulations on the opportunity to showcase your hard work!

Future Interior Designers

2011-11-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

Julia with her Interior Design group at Brigham Young University-Idaho. (Bottom row, left) They all seem to know how to color coordinate and look amazing.

New McDonalds Opens

2011-11-15T15:59:00.000-05:00

Everyone is excited to have a new McDonalds near us, and near the High School. Andrea performed with the Marching Band as part of the Grand Opening Ceremony. They had pizza for the kids afterwards, and non-McDonalds food in a big tent for other guests.

Anniversary trip 2011

2011-10-16T20:04:00.011-04:00

Dave and I have wanted to take a trip for awhile to celebrate 27 years of marriage, so even though it isn't our anniversary until April, this seemed like a nice time for a getaway.

Our agenda was basically:
*Fly to Phoenix, Arizona,
*See the Grand Canyon-- including a short hike into the canyon and a mule ride-- and to see both the South and North Rim (which are 5 hours apart by car);
*Take a boat trip on Lake Powell,
*Tour the Glen Canyon dam,
*Visit various ancient Sinagua ruins (Tusayan, Montezuma's Castle, Tuzigoot, and Wapatki)
*Look at lots of Navajo jewelry and eat frybread,
*Visit my childhood home and school in Glendale.

Here are some of our pictures.

Daniel in Nevada

2011-09-19T07:39:00.001-04:00

Here's Daniel with some of the other missionaries he works with.

Daniel loves children. It seems like he is doing well there.

Homecoming Parade and Show

2011-09-18T19:41:00.000-04:00

Andrea was in her first Marching Band Prade for the high school Homecoming this weekend. She plays flute, but is picking up piccolo for Marching Band. Then during halftime at the football game, the Band performed their show. They did a great job! Way to go, Andrea!

Jewelry Designing

2011-09-06T17:20:00.006-04:00

I have been starting to display some of my jewelry on Etsy. (Click this post title to see my site.)

Here are some of my new pieces in various styles and materials.

Mormon Night at the Orioles

2011-08-24T19:07:00.004-04:00

We had Mormon night a couple weeks ago. Erika, Tyler, Julia, Andrea and I drove up to Baltimore.

Why wasn't Dave there? He planned to go standby courtesy of a friend to participate in our grandbaby Blake being blessed in church in Denver. I dropped him off at the airport before the game. As we neared the stadium I gave someone his unused ticket. Then during the national anthem we got a call from Dave saying he had missed the last flight for the day. So, he had to wait at the airport during the game, and we picked him up on our way home. Seven hours at the airport and no flight. And he is the one that likes baseball! I was sorry he couldn't be there.

Tyler got his Orioles hat signed by the Bird.

Still, it was a family tradition, and a very nice night--despite the fact that the Orioles lost.

And here is Kara's family with little Blake at church after he was blessed.

Family Reunion in Tennessee

2011-07-17T14:18:00.004-04:00

Thursday, July 14 we drove to Chatenooga, Tennessee-- a 13-hour drive-- for Dave's family reunion. No one lives there, but it is a central place to meet. Erika, Tyler and Andrea were with us in our van. We arrived that evening in a huge thunderstorm and had dinner with relatives at their cabin. We stayed in a cabin with Dave's parents, 3 sisters and 2 nieces. It was in a pretty setting and was a charming, rustic cabin with plenty of room. (Click the title for more pics.)

Friday I went with a group on a lunch cruise down the river. This is us before boarding. Dave, Andrea, Erika and Tyler were more daring and went white water rafting. They had a great time--some falling out, some jumping out. I'm glad they had fun and were all safe.

Friday afternoon we also hopped a free bus in Chatenooga and saw where the Chatenooga Choo-Choo was. This pretty hotel was once the bus station.

Andrea and cousin Christine had a good time together.

Friday night was a barbecue in a glass pavillion in a pretty park here.

(Christine and Erika) The lights were pretty at night, and it was right on the water.

.
Here's Dave with his sisters that night.
Saturday night all 70 or so of us ate at a restaurant in town. We saw a family slide show and everyone took family pictures. It was fun to see everyone again. It's a nice family to belong to!

My Denver Visit

2011-06-30T15:22:00.005-04:00

Kara called on Monday (June 20) with the news that Blake David Decker was born. I flew out that evening to Denver to see him and help out. Luke picked me up and took me straight to the hospital to stay the night with Kara, while Luke went home with Jacob. Wednesday I went home and watched Jacob and we picked Kara and Blake up at the hospital.

Blake looks so small in his car seat even though he weighed 8 lbs 9oz when he was born. He is ready to go home!

Blake's first bath

Blake in his swing

Luke's parents were here last weekend and took this picture in Kara's back yard.

Jacob is getting more used to me now, and we've done things like gone to the park, the library, blown bubbles, gone on walks and played with his cars.

He will be a good big brother.

Kara is doing well. She's up and about already after one week and we've done some errands together. I think she'll do great with the two boys

Here's the family in front of the Denver Temple (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Blake is on the blanket I crocheted for him.

Blake is so cute!! As my Italian friend said, seeing his picture, "e bellissimo sembra fatto di zucchero". (He's so beautiful he seems to be made of sugar.")

Baby Blake

2011-06-23T13:47:00.003-04:00

Kara had baby Blake David on Monday. She and Luke went to the hospital at 1:00 pm, and he was born at 2:20 pm. Good work, Kara!

Blake weighed 8 pounds 9 ounces, and is healthy and seems happy.

I flew in to Denver that evening and was able to stay with Kara until she was discharged Wednesday morning.

Big brother Jacob had been talking for awhile about baby brother.

What sweetie pies!!

Andrea's 8th Grade Completion

2011-06-17T23:12:00.000-04:00

Andrea has completed 8th grade. Our family has now attended the elementary school and middle school for the last time. She will attend high school in the fall.

Here is the decorated gym for the dance that evening. Congrats, Andrea!! You have well represented the Meiners' family name.

Spring Cleaning

2011-05-24T22:57:00.011-04:00

As we waited for Erika and Tyler to arrive from Idaho, I did some spring cleaning. I like to keep the furniture neutral, and embellish with seasonal pillows, curtains and rugs.

I like change, so it is fun to record the different ways the rooms are decorated.

Erika and Tyler came on May 25th to stay with us so that Tyler could establish 3 month residency to attend school here. We have enjoyed having them.

Family Portrait

2011-05-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

Andrea upcycled our movie 3-D glasses with bright new colors for our family pic while Julia was at home this winter.

Excursion to Harper's Ferry

2011-05-11T21:16:00.044-04:00

Dave and I took a day trip in May to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. It is located in a strategic place where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet. The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet there too. It has a lot of intersting history, particularly during the Civil War era.

We saw several people reenacting different parts of life. These people recreated the boats that sailed up and down the rivers. They let us get on and tour them. They cooked right on the boats, too.

In 1859 John Brown raided this armory where they stored lots of guns that were made here. He was an abolitionist and wanted the arms to fight. He was caught and hung, but it is still quite a controversial topic concerning his role in bringing on the war, and the abolition of slavery.

St. Peters church, built in 1833 was the only church not destroyed during the Civil War.

Harper's Ferry changed hands 8 timesfrom 1861-65 (being so near Maryland, a Northern state, and Virginia, a Southern state in the war.)

It was a fun town to walk through. Many of the buildings are museums belonging to the park service and can be toured, while other buildings are fun shops.

We had some nice weather to take in some of the beauty and history of the area.

ERIKA IS A MASTER COUNSELOR

2011-05-09T17:39:00.003-04:00

Erika with Julia, James and Tammy

Erika with proud hubby, Tyler.

Erika recieved her Masters's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Idaho State University. YAY! Awesome job, Erika!

Jamestown/Williamsburg

2011-04-10T23:12:00.001-04:00

Click the title to see the pictures of our trip to Historic Jamestown which was settled over 400 years ago--the first permanent (European) settlement in America. Julia and Andrea were with us for a 3-day trip on April 8-10 before Julia headed back to Brigham Young University-Idaho.

In Jamestown we saw the recreated village, ships and Indian village much as they were in the early 1600s, as well as a new museum with interesting artifacts. The stories of people like John Smith and Pocahontas interest me. Though it was sad to hear about all the bloodshed, famine, disease and suffering that many of them endured.

Then we walked through Colonial Williamsburg, just a few miles away. It was a scenic trip! Sorry I missed Queen Elizabeth who came last year for the 400th Anniversary of the settlement of their colony.

Christmas in Fallbrook

2010-12-30T20:00:00.001-05:00

We were lucky to find a fouse in Fallbrook that we could rent. We were all here (except Daniel, who is on a mission) for James' and Tammy's wedding, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and James' birthday. Here we are on Christmas morning. My mom and Craig were here for the morning. Santa came and filled people's stockings. Other than that we had a draw and each person picked someone to get a present for. It was simple in terms of the amount of gifts exchanged, but was very relaxed and fun to be together. We were also happy to get to talk to Daniel (Elder Meiners). The last time we had heard his voice was Mother's Day.

Christmas Eve in California

2010-12-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

The day after James' wedding was Christmas Eve. We stayed at a great house in Fallbrook

with tennis courts, a pool table and table tennis.

It was so pretty even in December.

So, most of the kids went to the beach.

I shopped with Dave for groceries and other last minute Christmas things, and cooked.

That night we had James and Tammy with us--who were honeymooning close by at the beach. My mom and Craig were there as well as our other children (except Daniel who is on his mission).We had a nice Danish dinner and the very tradional rice pudding. In Denmark, the winner gets a marzipan pig. My mom had pig ears for the winner to wear--which happened to be her--and we all shared some chocolate with almonds.
Then we read the Christmas story together and then everyone in part shared a part they liked, and then we watched "It's A Wonderful Life"--another seasonal tradition.

James and Tammy are married

2010-12-23T17:14:00.004-05:00

This is our son James and new daughter-in-law Tammy just after they walked out of the San Diego California Temple (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) where they were married for time and eternity. After several days of rain and flooding, the clouds opened up for a few hours and the sun shone down on them as they got a few pictures.

Wednesday, December 22, the night before the wedding, my mom helped us hot a dinner for them for our families. We rented a clubhouse. My mom made enchiladas, and we had a Mexican wedding menu. Afterwards Tammy and James were on the hotseat (near the fire :) ) as they told the story of how they met and dated. It was a great evening.

Midway through Erika, Tyler and Julia arrived. We were so happy to see them because they had car trouble in Utah, were stranded almost 2 days in a big storm, and eventually were able to get a rental car and drive to California (starting out in Idaho) just in time for the festivities.

James and Tammy both looked so beautiful and happy at the temple. After pictures they went with the photographer for more pictures at the beach.

That evening was a reception for them in Vista, California. Here they danced the first dance. Tammy is from Fallbrook--ironically where my mother and her husband Craig live, as well some cousins and an aunt and uncle--so it was nice to also have some of our family there. In addition my brother Vic and aunt Margie came down from Northern California.

They were sent off with a bang! They stayed at the beach for their honeymoon for a few nights--close enough that we could still celebrate the holidays with them.

Julia goes to College to get more Knowledge

2010-09-15T19:05:00.000-04:00

After Julia and I flew into Salt Lake, we took our side trip to the Rockin R Ranch in Southern Utah. There my mom joined Julia and I and after our weeked there, we drove our rental car to Rexburg, Idaho to take Julia to BYU-Idaho as a Freshman. We helped her settle into her apartment, bought food and school supplies, bought Interior Design materials on campus and picked up the textbooks we had preordered online.

That night we all went to dinner--including James and his girlfirend Tammy, who I met for the first time.

I should explain here that when Julia and I flew to Salt Lake the Friday of Labor Day week, Dave dropped us off at the airport in Baltimore. Then he, James and Andrea started their own trek west--by car. Our intention was to leave that car with James and Julia so they could get around in Idaho. They made a stop in St. Louis at Dave's sister Patty's, and then they stopped in Denver with Kara. When they arrived in Salt Lake, Dave and Andrea got right on a plane--and then traveled in 4 hours they distance they had just traveled in three days. James then drove the car from there up to Rexburg.

My mom and I spent one night at a motel in town, and one night at her brother Monte's. He lives nearby with his wife, Violet. She made us a raspberry dessert when she found out we were coming!

My mom and I also visited the new Rexburg temple.

Then we were on to the next leg of the trip--visiting newlyweds Erika and Tyler in Pocatello-about 1 1/2 hours from Rexburg --normally. This time however, I forgot about getting gas, and the rental car warned me just as our car sucked the last drop of gas and started losing power. I pulled to the side of the road on a lonely strip--miles from anything in both directions. Fortunately, I was able to call my insurance company who sent someone with a tank of gas--2 hours later. Just a little glitch and we were on our way again.

Rockin R Ranch Reunion

2010-09-01T16:11:00.002-04:00

Over Labor Day weekend I flew with Julia out to Salt Lake to take her out to the university at BYU-Idaho. But first we drove our rental car down about 4 hours to Rockin R Ranch in Antimony, Utah. Almost 40 years ago, my Uncle Bob was one of the owners of the Ranch and I came to work there several summers. This was the first Reunion of the old gang who were either workers or kids who came to the dude ranch from California to horseback ride, water ski, and have a great, relaxing summer. My mom came from California and met us there.

Here are a couple old friends I caught up with at dinner. It was so fun to talk to them and see where life has taken them, and also how our friendships and experiences at the ranch had shaped them.

A group leaves for a ride. This is the corral where I occasionally took kids out on rides--though most of the time I worked in the kitchen and laundry.

Some of us went on a little hayride--which broke down and we walked back. :)

Otter Creek--where we used to go water skiing each morning, and often had the lake to ourselves. I learned to ski here, and sometimes drove the boat for the campers.

My friend Camille. We were friends at age 14, and were the breakfast crew. People often confused us for one another. Even at the reunion people thought we looked so alike, which we both found amusing.

My cousin Paula competed in the barrel races while most of us sat on the sidelines and cheered. She did a great job! (Sometimes the horses knocked down barrels, or just walked--or even stopped to drink water from the barrels. :) )

At the indoor campfire Saturday night Julia and I listened to Burns, whose family now runs the ranch. He sang and yodeled for us like the old days--the definite favorite being "I'm a long, tall Texan." I also played the guitar and sang a request.

Uncle Bob also spoke that night--reminding us of his great oratory when he told ghost stories and other tall tales at our campfires.

Here's a group shot of everyone--similar to one many of us treasure taken in 1972. Both Paula and I kept the original photo in our laundry rooms for many years--as a reminder of all the camp laundry we did with her mother on a washboard type washer.

Church on Sunday was such a good meeting. This is just some of the people I knew there. Two men pictured here converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints (Mormon) from their exposure to the church at the ranch. I loved seeing old friends who still held on to the same values and principles that I do.

Day Trip to Mt. Vernon

2010-08-30T16:02:00.001-04:00

Dave, James, Julia, Andrea and I took a day trip to George Washington's home in Virginia. It was a warm, pretty day.

Mt. Vernon is a favorite day trip of mine. There is so much reserved land there--just minutes from the nation's capital, but you can get a sense of what it looked like when George Washington kived there.

This painting of Washington praying at Valley Forge was painted by Mormon artist Arnold Friberg.

Here we're standing at the back of the house that overlooks the river. This architecture has stood the test of time. Our house model is a Mt. Vernon.

Happy Birthday Dave!

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my handsome hubby! This year he celebrated it with Julia, Andrea and me. Dave is sporting a tie that Andrea sewed for him.

Erika and Tyler's MD reception

2010-08-14T15:15:00.001-04:00

A week after Tyler and Erika were married in Idaho, we had a reception for them in Maryland. We had family come from out of town, and well as Tyler's parents. We had dinner together at our house the night before.

Dave's parents, brother and three sisters were able to attend, as well as many of our friends.

It was great to have so much of our family together to celebrate this festive occasion.

Erika and Tyler are Married

2010-08-07T22:56:00.001-04:00

Erika and Tyler were married in the Twin Falls, Idaho temple (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) on Saturday, August 7, 2010.

Our family (David, myself, Julia and Andrea) flew to Gooding, Idaho on Wednesday. James, who was at Kara and Luke's house in Denver for 10 days after finishing his summer semester at BYU-Idaho, drove to Idaho on Thursday with them. My parents also came--from Utah and California. The only immediate family member we were missing was Daniel--who is in Nevada on his mission.

On Thursday we helped Tylers' family with set up for the reception.

Friday many in our family attended the Twin Falls temple with Erika, who was attending for the first time, and in preparation for the wedding the next day.

Then Friday night we had a barbecue outside at Tyler's house--complete with fireworks.

Tyler and Erika answered questions from the group that Kara had prepared--seeing how well their answers matched.

Saturday morning was the wedding at the temple.

April, a family friend kindly offered her back yard for the reception. It was very pretty with a fountain, covered deck, lights, decorated tables, room for dancing, etc.

I was able to visit with three of my good friends from Emmett/Boise, Idaho who I've known since high school, and who were also college roommates.

It was a beautiful ceremony--seeing them wed for time and all eternity. The whole day was a great celebration. We were all almost as excited as Tyler.

Elder Meiners heads to his mission in Nevada

2010-08-03T16:39:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday August 3, 2010, Elder Meiners flew from the Mission Training Center near Salt Lake City, Utah to his mission. (This was the day before the rest of the family flew to Idaho for his sister Erika's wedding.

There Elder Meiners met the mission president and his wife,

and his first companion. Though we were sorry he couldn't attend his sister's wedding, we felt that he was in the right place serving a mission and helping other families. He does appear to be very happy, and we are so proud of him!

Library Update

2010-07-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

New Review of my Latest Book

2010-06-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

“Cool Down and Work Through Anger is an excellent anger-management toolbox written at reading level 1–2 for kids ages 4–8. Full-color illustrations provide examples of kids experiencing anger management problems and solutions. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is described as a gentle empowering book that helps kids channel their anger by giving constructive alternatives, rather than focusing on what not to do. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is very accessible and kid-friendly without talking down to kids. Its simple, direct language provides real models of better ways to interact and deal with anger. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is a paperback book that includes an activity guide for adults with specific suggestions for ways to reinforce helpful ideas and also a number of suggested games and activities to resolve anger. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is part of the Learning to Get Along series from Free Spirit Publishing. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is highly recommended for kids ages 4–8 who have anger management issues or concerns.”

—Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch: Reviewer’s Choice

Trip to California

2010-06-25T22:00:00.003-04:00

In June I went to visit my mom and her husband Craig who live near San Diego. I was there to help my mom organize some things in her home. Here is her china cupboard all organized. (Nice of her to display the hanging of Birds in stained glass which I made for her.)

They live in the Avocado capital of the world, so one recipe I wanted to try was a fresh, cold avocado and buttermilk soup. YUMMMM

We traveled one weekend to Santa Rosa in Northern California (about an 8 hour drive) to see my brothers. We ate at a fun Mexican restaurant where we watched a machine making the tortillas.

The next day we went to a fair. Vic had several of his mosaics displayed in this large tent where people could come to get out of the heat.

We also had dinner one night at Amity's house.

One day we saw the Mormon Battalion Museum owned by our church which commemorates the group of Mormons who blazed the trail to California as part of the US army. They suffered a lot of deprivation, but never were required to fight.

Mom volunteered to help demonstrate the gear they wore.

One day my Uncle Bob took us into the nearby town of Temecula. This was actually a town where our son James had served his mission.

We went to the beach one day--and then one evening. The best part was the smell of caramel corn--which was irresistible, and munching on it as we walked on the pier. It was a beautiful trip, and I got to see a lot of my family as well as to help out.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2010-06-20T17:23:00.000-04:00

Julia

Andrea

Sometimes you find out on your camera what your kids are up to
when you are gone. :)

Seminary Graduation

2010-06-06T19:18:00.001-04:00

Julia made a poster of her life to celebrate her graduation from Seminary. For four years she left for seminary every school day at 5:30 am. It's a great accomplishment, and I think she learned from it, and it gave her a lift for the day.

Daniel leaves on his mission

2010-06-02T16:15:00.008-04:00

Daniel received his mission call while attending BYU in Provo, Utah. He was called to the Nevada Las Vegas Mission--speaking Spanish

After he finished BYU he came home for about 3 weeks. He got all his clothes purchased and packed and he left for the Mssion Training Center (also in Provo, Utah) on June 2, 2010.

Daniel attended the Washington DC temple with David and I before leaving.

Dave flew out with Daniel. First they made a stop in Idaho to see James. The brothers hadn't seen each other in over 2 years because James had been away on his mission to California (also Spanish-speaking.) They took a drive to Yellowstone Park before Dave and Daniel headed to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.

One cake, Three Children

2010-05-29T21:37:00.000-04:00

May 29th was a big day in our family. For Andrea is was her 1/2 birthday, which we celebrate with a cake--so she was the first to blow out the cake with 12 candles--being 12 1/2 years old.

Next, Julia got mileage on the cake and blew out the 12 candles to represent 12 years of high school that she had graduated from that day.

Lastly, Daniel was set apart that night as a full-time missionary for the church for a period of 12 Months Times Two. (2 years) This was Daniel's last evening with us for 2 years. The next morning he flew out to Salt Lake City with Dave to begin his mission training in Provo Utah for 2 months, and then to his mission area in Nevada and Arizona--speaking Spanish.

Julia Graduates from High School

2010-05-20T16:58:00.002-04:00

Julia graduated from High School in May. We had Daniel, Andrea, David and myself attending. It was great to see our fifth child graduate--though also a little sad to realize she won't be home much longer. Julia got to wear tassels for being a member of the National Art Honors Society. She also has an academic scholarship to her first school choice--Brigham Young Univeristy-Idaho. Congratulations, Julia!

Julia's Senior Prom

2010-05-14T18:28:00.003-04:00

Julia looked beautiful as she headed off to the Senior Prom. She met a group for pictures,

then went with her date and other friends to a restaurant, and then to a ballroom at the Raven's Stadium for the Prom. After that, the After Prom went from 12:30-5:00 am. It is sponsored by the school Boosters at the local theater for movies, more food and games.

Julia's Induction to NAHS

2010-05-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

Julia was inducted last night into the National Art Honors Society. She has done some great art pieces this year, which will be good preparation for her studies in the Fall in Interior Design. She was relieved to find out that she has been accepted into the Interior Design program, and also won a partial tuition scholarship from BYU-Idaho. Yay!

Julia stands next to her piece in the middle-" Daddy-daughter dance". She's wearing the tassels she received from her induction, and will wear those tassels during her graduation ceremony.

Music Awards Night

2010-05-12T19:10:00.006-04:00

Julia had her last two high school music performances last week. She performed with the Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Women's Chorus.

She had the distinction of winning two special awards, the PRESIDENT'S awards, given by the Boosters president for the student who had helped the Boosters the most. She also won the DEDICATION award for Band. Mr. Dubbs polled the students who overwhelmingly voted her the winner, also.

Here are a couple band memories with some of her friends:

Rocktagon

2010-05-08T23:42:00.002-04:00

Daniel came home from BYU a couple weeks ago. He was able to perform again with his band, the Rocktagon. They performed at the Laurel Festival to a large crowd of fans. :)

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: April 5-7

2010-04-08T22:48:00.000-04:00

Over Spring Break we had Julia and Andrea with us as well as James. He had just finished working at his job where he installed heating and air-conditioning systems, and was heading back to BYU-Idaho for school in Mechanical Engineering.

So we took some time at the beach, and were fortunate to have very warm weather for spring.

It was James idea to get up before dawn one morning to watch the sunrise.

It was spectacular, and very quiet at the beach.

We also went to Dewey Beach one day

and flew our kite

and flew a frisbee. We stayed 2 nights in a roomy suite, and swam in the indoor pool there. We played miniature golf, did a little shopping, went out to dinner, ate salt-water taffy, went for ice cream and had a nice relaxing time together.

Erika and Tyler are Engaged

2010-03-29T10:54:00.005-04:00

Erika became engaged to Tyler Pickens of Gooding, Idaho on March 28th. Tyler visited our family over the Christmas holiday. It was fun getting to know him and showing him around our neck of the woods. They plan to be married in the temple in Twin Falls, Idaho in August. We are very happy for both of them!

Jacob turns 1

2010-03-18T17:12:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, Jacob!
Here he is in his new backyard in Colorado last fall,
talking to us on the webcam with Kara,

and for his one-year portrait. Such a handsome guy!

Julia and Andrea

2010-03-14T18:43:00.006-04:00

Andrea gathered together some pictures of Julia and herself, and made a slideshow for her ipod with a cute song. Here are some of the pictures of the two fun sisters.

Julia will be in college this fall!

2010-03-14T18:35:00.004-04:00

(Andrea and Julia--Behind them is our little wall of high school graduates)

Julia has been accepted to BYU-Idaho. She will be there in the Fall--along with James who returns in April.

Julia has chosen to major in Interior Design. She has applied to that department, and is still waiting to see if she hs a spot in that major this year.

The Envelope, Please

2010-03-01T23:11:00.007-05:00

Daniel received his mission call today, and read it to us tonight. (The letter actually arrived here last Thursday, but we resisted opening it, and sent it to him to open.) Our family was gathered on our web cam and conference calling, and he had 11 friends in his apartment when he opened and read his letter from the prophet and President of the church--giving him the time and place that he will serve for the next two years.

Las Vegas, Nevada Mission (which covers parts of Nevada, Arizona and California) --Spanish-speaking. Yay! Daniel. You will be a fantastic missionary! He reports to the Mission Training Center in Provo Utah (about a mile from where he is now a student at BYU) on June 2, 2010.

New Blogger

2010-02-11T17:22:00.004-05:00

Andrea just started a new blog, and it's pretty cute. Now she'll be able to help me with technical questions I have on blogging!
Click on this title to see it.

Icicles

2010-02-11T09:59:00.008-05:00

Icicles from our house. While beautiful, the dripping water has already made
its' way into three places in the house. We are getting a little nervous about the thaw.

view from our deck

The scale of the same icicles seems more impressive from the upper level.

drip, drip

Snowstorms!

2010-02-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

This is the most snow we've seen in the 25 years we have been in Maryland. Over the weekend my husband David did 8 hours of shoveling, and James, Julia, Andrea and I did 10 hours combined--(which makes 18 People Hours of shoveling.)

James and Dave were at it again today. And, it's is still snowing right now.

Here's the view from our front door. I don't think anyone will try to ring our doorbell for awhile. The bump on the right is our bench --which sits 3 steps below the porch.

Here's our deck. The funny bumps are from a grid on our patio table.

How does snow balance that high on a deck rail?

Some people in this house are going stir crazy because they haven't seen their friends in days. Others feel like they are more behind because they still have their other obligations-- plus shoveling, etc.

I'm saying a prayer for those who are stuck, or are without shelter or electricity right now, but for myself, I'm happy to be relaxing at home with everyone safely inside today.

julia and james

2010-01-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

Julia and James working together on a valentine's day project.

Visit to Smithsonian

2010-01-18T14:43:00.007-05:00

Kara flew in with her 10-month son Jacob to see James when he came home from his mission. As there was no school,we took a day outing to the Smithsonian museum.

Jacob's first metro ride

JAMES IS HOME!

2010-01-13T11:02:00.007-05:00

James, at the end of his mission in Riverside, California.

It was almost midnight on January 12th when we went to greet James home from his mission.

Kara and baby Jacob had flown in for the occasion. It was so exciting to see how great he looked--with his shining missionary spirit.

The next night we went with him to be formally released as a missionary by the Stake President.

Then Thursday night he reported on his mission to the High Council--(his dad being one of the twelve High Council members.)

We heard about some of his experiences, and he spoke briefly in Spanish. We had a glimpse of how much he had grown.
It was time to take down his plaque from the church.

>Jacob is thinking about how he'll be a missionary like Uncle James someday.

Sunday we had about 50 friends over to welcomeJames home.

We put some of his mission pictures on the sunroom door.

Our family-- that were here. (Unfortunately Daniel and Erika had to fly back to school just a few days before he arrived.)

Annapolis Day trip

2010-01-09T07:53:00.001-05:00

While Kara and her son Jacob were here in January we took a day trip to Annapolis, our pretty state capitol. Julia, Andrea, Dave and I were with them, but the sisters wanted some pics together.

A lookout point--with the capitol across the water

Standing at the downtown pier that goes out to the Chesapeake bay

Dan's latest music arrangements

2009-11-30T10:51:00.010-05:00

Click on this title to see and hear some Nintendo music Daniel has put to paper by ear.

Andrea's 12th birthday

2009-11-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

Happy 12th birthday Andrea!

Dinner Group

2009-11-10T10:48:00.002-05:00

Dave and I get together with some good friends every couple months for dinner. So far the menu has been based on a different country each time. The hostess makes the menu and we all make 2-3 of the dishes. It's always good food and great company. This was Tapas night (from Spain) at our friends' house.

Harris Teeter opens

2009-11-03T22:57:00.004-05:00

A new grocery store opened near our nieghborhood. The High School Marching Band (with Julia as clarinet Section Leader) played for the opening ceremony.

Andrea's Sleepover

2009-10-24T23:24:00.002-04:00

Andrea had two friends over for a sleepover. In the morning they made themselves pancakes.

HAPPY 17! Julia

2009-10-08T23:40:00.001-04:00

This year we had a rather quiet celebration of Julia's 17th birthday with just Andrea, Dave and I, but it was still fun. Julia brings a lot of sunshine. Hope it will be a great year, Julia. We love you.

Jewelry making

2009-09-17T22:15:00.005-04:00

Jewelry: Cheri Designs

A few weeks ago I went with a few friends to a craft store to buy beads. We then worked one evening on our various projects and I learned the secret of bead crimping. I have always found jewelry making fascinating, but had never really tried it until now.
My new jewelry site is: http://cheridesigns.blogspot.com/

Julia and Andrea visit San Diego

2009-08-07T14:08:00.000-04:00

Julia and Andrea went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Fallbrook, CA near San Diego.

Julia and Andrea visited a nearby church one Sunday in Temecula (about 20 minutes away) where James was serving his mission. They were all surprised to see each other(except maybe Grandma.)

25th Getaway

2009-07-31T08:17:00.000-04:00

For our 25th getaway, Dave and I took a couple day trips when the house was empty. (Julia and Andrea in California visiting grandparents, Daniel working in New Mexico, James in California on his mission, Erika working in Milwaukee, Kara in Denver with Luke and Jacob.) We visited some interesting spots within an hour of home.

The first place was Londontown--a pre-Colonial town on the Chesapeake Bay--which was first discovered about 400 years ago by John Smith. Dave is standing by a reconstruction of an early home that was rebuilt on its' original site.

Near Annapolis, the Londontowne Museum and gardens overlook a gorgeous view of the Chesapeake Bay.

We then drove down the Eastern Shore and walked around a little on the sand, and looked at antique shops.

Then we ate dinner at a nice restaurant in Annapolis and enjoyed the night lights on the water.

Julia's Trek

2009-07-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

Trek is a youth activity that occurs once every four years in our area (so each youth does it once). It's a reenactment of the trek that thousands of Mormon pioneers took across the plains from Nauvoo, Illinois where they were driven out to the Salt Lake Valley.

Julia with her friends as they set out.

Julia's trek was July 22-25--in itself eventful as the first main group of pioneers entered Salt Lake on July 24, 1846, and one of her relative's was a scout for Brigham Young, who actually arrived July 22 that year and had began planting a crop before the main group of Latter-Day Saints had arrived.

The youth wear pioneer clothes and are limited in their gear and food. They push a hand cart all day the first day in the humid summer heat. The next few days involve other pioneer activities like a hoe-down, washing their hair in a stream, cooking meals over a fire and sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground. Each handcart has a Ma and Pa and assigned brothers and sisters.
The happy arrival. We picked up Julia in Pennsylvania. They had some hilly and difficult terrain to cover, but it was exciting feeling of accomplishment when it was over.

Deep Creek July13-17

2009-07-17T18:40:00.006-04:00

We had a nice vacation in Deep Creek, a 3-hour drive to Western Maryland. My Dad was with us, as well as Kara and her son Jacob: also Erika, Julia and Andrea with Dave and I.

We stayed at a lake house about 5 days and did jet skis, tubing from a pontoon boat and canoing.

4th of July breakfast

2009-07-10T16:11:00.001-04:00

Kara and Jacob were visiting over the 4th of July.

It was fun to have all our girls and one little boy at our ward's breakfast at a nearby park.

Andrea liked Jacob's cool sunglasses,

but I liked them most on him.

Day at the Zoo

2009-07-09T15:30:00.006-04:00

Kara came into town last week with her baby Jacob. We took a day trip to the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

Jacob chose his animal shirt and jungle car seat for the occasion.

My dad was also visiting from Utah. There's my dad, Julia, Kara, Andrea, Erika and Jacob. It's been fun to have my dad here and all the girls together for a couple weeks.

2009 Cougar Marching Band

2009-06-18T15:06:00.004-04:00

We found out rather late about applying for bands at BYU. When Daniel and I looked into it in May, they had already been accepting applications for a couple weeks. Daniel requested the Marching Band music by email and I think he only had a day to rehearse the music. His last week of school, amidst finals, his band director kindly helped him tape a DVD audition to send.

After waiting several weeks to hear back, Daniel got the great news that he has been accepted into the Trombone Section of the 2009 Cougar Marching Band which plays for all of BYU's football games--some of which are televised. Daniel will also receive a small Talent Award for his services. I'm very excited for Daniel. He'll do great. And he'll keep the Cougar spirit alive--as his parents and grandpa are also BYU alumni.

Daniel accepted to BYU

2009-06-18T14:53:00.004-04:00

Since his sophomore year Daniel has collected letters inviting him to apply to colleges. He has over 200 letters here. But he never opened any of them. He always wanted to go to BYU--Brigham Young University (in Provo, Utah), or BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. He was accepted to both schools and based on the Music Program, has decided to attend BYU.

I also started out as a Music major at BYU --though I later switched to elementary education, and minored in music.

Daniel will be living at Young Hall. Back when I attended (34 years ago!) Young Hall was a women's dorm--and that's where I lived my freshman year. That's probably where the similarities end, though. I'm sure Daniel will be very successful there!

Student of the Month

2009-06-18T13:58:00.004-04:00

Julia has snagged two Student of the Month awards. She received an April award from her Math teacher, and a May award for Band.

And only one more day left of her Junior year. Good luck on those last finals!

Erika is home

2009-06-10T14:45:00.004-04:00

Erika graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology on April 10, 2009. We were not able to attend, but her Grandpa Vic and Grandma Susan who live nearby in Logan, Utah were able to celebrate with her at a campus dinner and then at the ceremonies.

She has been accepted to Idaho State University in the fall as a graduate student in Marriage and Family Counseling.

She went to work in Milwaukee for 6 weeks selling alarm systems door-to-door. She flew home a week ago on June 3rd and now has a job nearby at a small restaurant.

Andrea was excited for her to take her to her school carnival on Friday.

Bike Ride to Annapolis

2009-06-10T13:48:00.008-04:00

We try to put at least one special family day a month on the calendar--which we call Make-a-Memory day. Last Saturday we decided to go on a bike ride. Daniel had just left for New Mexico and Erika had just come back from Milwaukee.(James is still in California on his mission and Kara, Luke and Jacob are in the Denver area.)

So, it was Dave, Erika, Julia, Andrea and I who went on this ride. We had just enough bikes and helmets. We (or rather Dave) checked the air and seats on the bikes and loaded them into the van. We drove about 1/2 hour to Severna Park where we parked at a Park and Ride. Then we rode on a nice, wooded bike path for about 7 miles into Annapolis, Maryland's historic capital. We rode over a scenic bridge over the Severn River and into town.

We parked out bikes at the Naval Academy and walked a couple blocks into the heart of town. There we bought sandwiches and chips at a deli and ate lunch in the center of town, on the dock where the sailing and other boats congregate.

On the way back I found that riding on the old bumpy cobblestones was getting to be a bit much for my knees and tired legs. I rode outside Annapolis and opted to wait at a bus stop for the rest of them to finish the ride back. Julia and Andrea then stopped at an overlook and Erika and Dave rode back to the car and picked us up.

We stopped for Slurpees (and a V-8) on the ride back. We were pretty tired, but had a great day together.

Quilts

2009-06-10T13:19:00.008-04:00

When Kara graduated from high school in 2003, I started the tradition of making a lap quilt for college. Kara's was the first quilt I made. I bought a book of patterns and created my own variation.

Erika graduated in 2004. She wanted happy, springtime fabrics in a simple pattern. Small buttons are sewed in all the corners.

For James, the chess enthusiast, who graduated in 2006 I made a chessboard. I also made foam chess pieces so he could actually play.

Then I joined a quilting group that meets twice a month. I learned a little more and did a log cabin pattern for Daniel who just graduated in 2009. I call it a jazz quilt. He requested bright colors, and the fabric with music notation reminded me of Daniel's love for music.

Two more high school quilts to go. Now I need to start on Julia's for next year.

Dan's Seminary Graduation

2009-06-09T16:13:00.000-04:00

We attended Daniel's seminary graduation last night--without him. (He left right after high school graduation for New Mexico, where he is working for the summer.) He has attended seminary (a religion class) at 5:45am each school morning for four years. We're proud of the work he has done and for getting up and driving himself and Julia the past two years. His diploma includes the signature of Thomas Monson, the prophet and president of the church.

Daniel Graduates

2009-06-09T16:12:00.009-04:00

On Thursday, May 28th, at 8PM, Daniel had his graduation ceremony at the Merriweather Post Pavillion.

Here he is receiving his diploma from his principal.

As a member of the National Honors Society, he got to wear this cool white collar.

Daniel sang in the Madrigals, although he wasn't able to play in the band and march down the aisle at the same time. Julia played 'Pomp and Circumstance' with the band for him and the other seniors.

Only Dave, Andrea and I were there to congratulate him, as Julia had to return on the school bus.

At home, we had a steak dinner earlier, and when we got back at about 10:30 we had a little party for Daniel.

Here is the quilt I made for Daniel. I began on it 2 years ago, and fortunately finished in plenty of time. One of the fabrics has musical notation as a reminder of the seven music groups he performed in while in high school.

It's possible that the quilt was overshadowed, though, when he was surprised to receive an i-pod Touch.

We are incredibly proud of all of Daniel's accomplishments and his tenacity to achieve accademically as well as in sports and music.

Spring Concert 2009

2009-06-09T15:44:00.003-04:00

The Spring Concert was the last high school performance for Daniel who performed with the Madrigals, Men's Choir, Men's Quartet, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra. He directed the Madrigals, and was 1st chair and section leader in Symphonic and Jazz Band.

Here's part of the 'Star Wars' song he arranged for the Men's Quartet.

Julia performed in the Symphonic Band, including a clarinet soli with another girl. She sang with the Women's Choir, and was in the orchestra.

The Music Banquet was the next week. Julia was awarded the Band's "Most Improved" award for going from sixth to first chair this year. Daniel was awarded Choir's "Unsung Hero Award", band's "Director's Award, a medal for playing in the pit for the school play, and a small music scholarship from the music department.

Rocktagon

2009-06-09T13:54:00.000-04:00

Daniel plays the trombone in a group called the Rocktagon. They played at his school for Wellness Day, and at the annual Main Street Festival in Laurel. Dan is in the shadows on the right. They had a lot of friends and family listening at the Festival.

Memorial Weekend in Cinti

2009-06-08T17:15:00.007-04:00

We left at 4 pm on Friday for Cincinnati--getting in about 3am to see Dave's Mom and Dad.

Dave's sister Nancy and her children--James, Julie and Christine-- were there on Saturday. Her children are roughly the ages of Daniel, Julia and Andrea who were with us, so they all had fun with their cousins. They had a touch football game together with the Meiners' vs. the Byers.

Then on Sunday his sister Julie came. We had some yummy grilled food and a nice visit with family. Erika was in Milwaukee selling alarm systems door to door. We were glad to have Daniel because he left the next week for New Mexico.

Trip to Philly

2009-05-15T13:14:00.008-04:00

Over Spring break in April we took a trip to Philadelphia to see Dave's sister Kathy (who lives about an hour north) and to see the historic sights.

The first thing that happened as we arrivd into the historic district was to look for parking. Not seeing any, Dave decided to drop us off right by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. I told the kids to get ready to get out so we wouldn't hold up traffic. Dave stopped. The four of us (Danny, Julia, Andrea and I) were out in a flash. Suddenly 4 or 5 policement descended on us and yelled, "Back in the vehicle! Get back in the vehicle!" Flustered, we got back in and went together to park. We hadn't realized what a threat we were to national security by unloading there. That was our welcome to the city of Brotherly Love.

We saw the historic buildings where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed--at the one time nation's capital during the Revolutionary War. We saw Betsy Ross's house and the 'longest inhabited street in the US'. Most important to the kids was the Art Musuem--not for any actual art, but because 'Rocky' in the film by that name ran up and down those steps in his training. So, they've now put a Rocky statue outside the museum.

A picture of Julia and Andrea trying out an old 'dial' phone is at Aunt Kathy's--much more interesting than other historic relics we saw.

We had lovely weather to walk around in.

25th ANNIVERSARY!

2009-05-05T16:58:00.000-04:00

This April 28 marked 25 years of being married to the greatest guy ever. This is a picture of us in April at the Washington DC temple--a reminder of the covenants (vows) we made in the Logan Temple 25 years ago.

Happy Anniversary to us!

That weekend we attended at stake dance at church called the Rose Ball. A local band played and we had fun with other friends.

Our annual anniversary getaway celebration will probably take place later his summer--due to a new grandchild, Erika's college graduation, a Marching Band excursion to Myrtle Beach and other things happening in the family this spring.

Myrtle Beach Music Trip

2009-04-16T12:18:00.006-04:00

Daniel and Julia went on a 4-day trip to Myrtle Beach for music competitions. Dave was one of the group chaperons. Here is the scoop from the school newsletter on how they did. (I am only including awards that involved Julia and Daniel.)

1st Place with a Superior Rating went to the following groups!Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir,

Specialty Awards:
The Symphonic Band , Jazz Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, Women's Choir and Madrigals all won Best Overall for the festival regardless of group size or division.

Grand Champion Awards were presented to the Men’s Choir and Madrigals for the Vocal Grand Champion. Symphonic Band and Orchestra received the the Instrumental Grand Champion for the highest overall score combining two performances averaged together.

Congratulations to Daniel as Madrigal's student director and Trombone Section Leader in Jazz and Symphonic Band, and Julia as Clarinet section leader in the Symphonic Band.

Baby Jacob

2009-03-26T16:10:00.005-04:00

Kara's baby, Jacob Michael, arrived Wed, March 18th. I flew into Denver on Monday, the 16th. I was with Kara on Tuesday and she started to go into labor that night. We (Kara, Luke and I) arrived at the hospital at 3:20am. Jacob was born 9 hours later at 12:18pm. I was allowed to cut the cord.

Jacob weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces--just like Kara did and was 21 inches. He's healthy, cute, and doing well.

Make a Smilebox greeting

ART GALLERY

2009-03-02T16:24:00.013-05:00

For our 'President's Day-Valentine's Day' long weekend, to combine our PATRIOTISM and LOVE of art, we went to our nation's Capital and by it's Capitol

to the National Gallery of Art. Daniel, Julia and Andrea went with Dave and I. I like being able to take pictures of the works. I felt like cropping some this time, and just collected my favorite women's portraits.

At the At the Modern Art building next door, we saw the Pompeii exhibit.
In college I studied art for a semester in London at BYU's center, and remember a Pompeii exhibit I saw then. I found it fascinating that the city of Pompeii, Italy, largely populated by the elite of the Roman empire was suddenly engulfed by the lava of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This preserved things exactly as they were at the time.

An interesting but morbid detail is that archaeologists were able to shoot plaster into cavities in the lava where bodies had been (and have now deteriorated.) However the plaster casts accurately depict the people who were there.

Many artifacts like plaster paintings, tiles, mosaics, marble statues in courtyards and atriums, jewelry and glass bowls show the advanced civilization and love of the arts and lifestyle of the Romans as well as the culture of the Greeks who they conquered.

This is a mosaic of Plato and two closer views. The tiny pieces of colored rock are about 1/8 inch cubes!

Another reproduction depicted a mosaic that involved 1 1/2 million pieces!

Obviously the people of that place and era loved beautiful art, architecture, the Italian agriculture and temperate climate--all things that we value now as well. But it is a reminder to have our lives in order, because we don't know which day might be our last.

Wood Badge Court of Honor

2009-03-01T16:34:00.000-05:00

Dave's Court of Honor for earning his Wood Badge was held on February 18 th, 2009.

It had to be completed in 18 months and required doing a lot of work at the District level to improve the program in our area. He completed 5 tickets in areas like increasing levels of community involvement, lleadership training, fundraising, etc. You can see the blog for June 2, 2007 when he started.

He got a new neckerchief, slide and other memorabilia.

He made his cool belt at Philmont last summer.

We're very proud of him!

Andrea's belated celebration

2009-02-11T16:20:00.002-05:00

ALthough Andrea turned 11 on November 28, she just had a little get-together with a couple friends to celebrate. Julia and I went with them to see the movie, 'Inkheart'.

A 'Picture Perfect' 2009

2009-01-31T16:37:00.003-05:00

We took some family portraits at home while we had Erika, Kara and Luke with us over Christmas break.

We had everyone but James, who is California on his mission.

Happy Birthday, James

2008-12-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

To let James know we were thinking of him--while he is on his mission in California--on December 28 we made brownies, sang for his birthday, and we all helped blow out his 20 candles.

We also sent him some things to open--hoping it didn't blend in too much with his Christmas package which probably arrived at the same time.
Happy Birthday, Elder Meiners!

Our Bowling Team

2008-12-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went bowling with Kara, Erika and Dan, Julia, Andrea during our vacation. We're pretty good bowlers--yup, we didn't even have the bumpers up. :)

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T17:09:00.002-05:00

The hardest present to find was the "soda hat" Andrea had wanted. I made Erika's hat.

I also made Kara's slippers--to wear to the hospital for her baby.

Kara and Luke. Kara is 6 months in her pregnancy.

Christmas brunch.
We had a great time being together.

Traditions

2008-12-24T21:32:00.008-05:00

One Monday night in December we made cookies for our Family Home Evening--some of which found their way into plates for friends and neighbors.

Yay! Erika returned from her semester in Idaho. What an angel.

Making gingerbread houses has become one of our traditions so we made those on another Monday night when Kara and Luke had arrived.

Good enough to eat!

What other traditions did we continue this year?

Christmas Eve--We discontinued our live pageant last year, but we read the Christmas story and Luke and Kara shared a true story of his ancestor who rode 8 hours in freezing Canadian weather in a horse and carriage to bring supplies to a needy family for Christmas.

We had something like a Danish dinner with the red cabbage that we have purely because it's tradition.
We had our rice pudding with the almond. The winner no longer gets the Danish marzipan (almond paste) pig, but a large almond chocolate bar. We further bend the rules and let everyone else split a second bar.

Another tradition is to help a family or two who are in need. It is always wonderful to see how much it is appreciated--though sometimes we do it anonymously. This year our family was also on the receiving end of a special gift.

On Dec. 19, Luke's birthday, Kara came home to their apartment to find it robbed and ransacked. All of Luke's wrapped presents and their Christmas presents were taken from under their tree--along with their two computers and other electronics and items. That was pretty "Grinchy", but we also saw the Christian compassion of people in their ward who made a collection a couple days later of several hundred dollars that they presented to them--as well as a new computer! That was so kind of those people who mostly anonymously gave to them because they consider them part of their ward family.

Of course we hung our stockings. This year James' stocking was out but unfilled--although Santa did find him in California. We got to talk with James for about an hour on Christmas day. We were surprised by his Spanish accent, but it was great to hear his voice! We are very proud of the work he is doing to tell others the glad tidings of Jesus.

Ward Christmas Party

2008-12-20T21:42:00.001-05:00

Our ward congregation has a Christmas party each year.

Andrea was one of the older children this year in the nativity and singing.

I was recently released as our ward Relief Society (women's group) President after serving 4 1/2 years. This party was the first time I directed in my new calling as choir director.

Decorating the Tree

2008-12-08T22:38:00.004-05:00

This is about the 24th year we have gone to the same nursery to get our tree. Sometimes Santa is there with candy canes, and a firepit to stand by and get warm and bags of popcorn, but this year we went in the daytime--just two days after Thanksgiving. That is a bit early for us, but I wanted to have the house decorated in time for a Christmas party we held.

Andrea got to put on the star this time. Again, it's tradition to have this plastic star--although we got it at a yard sale the year we got married, so we don't even know how old it is.

Julia was disappointed because we had to cut off a couple limbs on the bottom for it to fit in our stand--thus making it seem too high off the ground for her taste.

Daniel was with us--though we missed James, Erika and Kara. We usually listen to Christmas music and once the lights are on everyone helps with the ornaments. I thought back to our decorating session a few years ago when the whole family danced together to, "All I want for Christmas is you."

RS Party

2008-12-05T23:22:00.002-05:00

I hosted our Relief Society Christmas party at our house. That's one way to get our decorations up at the beginning of the season. :)
It was lots of fun. I played my guitar for a sing-a-long of a couple carols, and Julia and I did a family favorite duet--'Baby, What you going to be?' with Deborah Hirschi accompanying us--among other music and stories.

Winter Concerts

2008-12-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

Our winter concerts started this year with Andrea performing on the flute in her middle school band. They are very good! and performed a nice concert at the high school.

Daniel and Julia--leaving the house one night of their 2-part concert.

On their first night Daniel performed on the trombone with the orchestra,

and Daniel and Julia performed in Concert Choir.

Daniel played with the Jazz Band where he is first chair trombone.

Daniel sang with the Men's Chorus.

Dan is part of the Men's Quartet.

Then Daniel performed with the Madrigals where he is the Student Director.

One song about food ended with a hilarious burp from the basses. For some reason everyone seemed to think it was all the great work of Daniel . :)

Julia did a nice job singing with the Womens' Chorus.

To cap off the evening, Daniel and Julia performed with their fantastic Symphonic Band. Daniel is first trombone and section leader.
Julia is also section leader, just bumping up (several bumps!) to first chair clarinet.

Trip to New Jersey

2008-12-02T23:11:00.002-05:00

My friend Claudia is certified to teach Creative Journaling--which uses the expressive arts and journaling for self-discovery. She invited me to a training workshop in New Jersey the first week of December.

I could only attend on Friday and Saturday, so I drove up with her Friday morning (a 3 1/2 hour drive).

We arrived at Lisa's. She is an artist with an amazing home.

Our first art project was to make a hat.

Another project I enjoyed was cutting/pasting a landscape picture with tissue paper. Claudia holds hers, and Lisa holds mine on the right.

We also did a collage--cutting pictures from a magazine that represent our life timeline, and explaining it to the group. It's a fun process that I can get lost in.

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We also did a group clay project where we, without talking, connected our ideas. It turned into a very interesting village.

This is Lisa's art gallery in her hallway.

Friday night we were all invited to an interesting event in this 200-year old house. It was a fundraiser for a project in Haiti. We were all served Haitian food. This fireplace mantle was decorated with pineapples and exotic fruit. We heard about the project from two people who had recently been to Haiti. The non-profit had made simple water purifiers. The people only had to put their stream water into it and the water sifted into layers of sand and gravel and within a few hours was purified.

Haiti, very close to us geographically (a 4-hour flight) is a 4th world country. Teaching children about hygiene and giving them these simple tools has produced results that the local people can replicate even when the organization leaves. They had brought back art objects made by children and people of Haiti and I participated in the silent auction. I bought a painted planter.

The other participants of the workshop were very friendly and I had a great, relaxing time. I was happy that Claudia drove and I could just visit with her on the way home.

A Counterfeit note

2008-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

I found a note recently. It had the authentic signature of my husband, David, but the rest of the note appeared to be in the handwriting of 11-year old Andrea. It read:

Dear Cheri,
I would be delighted if you made an excellent meal. A great suggestion would be mashed potatoes and steak. In return I will make a fire to keep us toasty. Please don't disappoint. Thank you,
David E. Meiners

She definitely tries every angle to get what she wants!

Birthday Week

2008-11-28T17:00:00.004-05:00

I share a November birthday with Erika--who is born the day after me, and Andrea 2 days later. They usually take place the week of Thanksgiving.

I had a nice day with breakfast in bed --thanks to Dave and Andrea.

I'm excited to use my new camera for this blog.

Erika had her birthday with a couple friends who were still at school (BYU-Idaho)--though most people left for the week since classes were out for Thanksgiving.

Here's the scarf I crocheted for her.

Andrea turned 11.

She got breakfast in bed, too.

She likes her new coat.

Dave takes movie pictures of her opening her presents.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T16:25:00.001-05:00

We're used to a few more people at the table, but we had a nice time.

It's tradition to think of things we are thankful for, and 'cheer' with our non-alcoholic sparkling cider.

For Thanksgiving dinner, Andrea helped make a menu and got people to sign up for what they would help with. Andrea made jello and rolls, Daniel made a fruit salad. We also had 'the usual' turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a spinach salad.

Julia was proud of her pumpkin pies and cranberry sauce.
I made and sent some Pilgrim, Native American and Turkey finger puppets for James and Erika since they were away this year. James reminded us that he hasn't had Thanksgiving at home since he was 16 (He was 17 when he started college.)

National Band Competition

2008-11-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

November 8th was the National Band Championship in Annapolis for Daniel and Julia. They had a great show, and put on their best performance ever.

Their High School band proudly marches onto the Navy Marine Corps Stadium.

Dave was a member of pit crew. Here they hurriedly put out the equipment and props for the band before their show.

Daniel, the trombone section leader, had a solo in the show.

Great job Daniel and Julia!

An Invitation for Lunch

2008-11-12T13:55:00.009-05:00

Hello Cheri
Would you like lunch with me at Green Turtle? It will be on me. Call me and we will discuss times.
I HEART CHERI!

I saw this email this morning from my husband. We like to have lunch together at times, but we usually don't talk about where we'll eat until I meet him. I thought it was thoughtful of him to think it through--and to invite me by email was different too. I wondered about the 'I HEART Cheri'. His standard signature closing has oxoxoxx, but I thought it was very sweet.

I was going to email a reply when I saw that it said to call, so I called him at work. I teased him that since it said 'It will be on me' that I decided I'd like to go. He seemed happy to get together but seemed confused. He asked if I was sure that he had sent the email. Since the email came from his email address, I assumed he was kidding around. But after talking some more we realized that it was 'innocent' little Andrea who had borrowed his phone last night and asked how to get into his contacts--and had done this good deed. Thanks, Andrea. Dad and I are having lunch tomorrow.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-03T18:58:00.006-05:00

For Halloween it was the first year that Dave didn't take children 'trick-or-treating'. Andrea went with a friend's family in their neighborhood, and Julia had friends over.

I gave out candy, and Daniel sat on a bench with a ski mask. Many kids were stumped over whether he was 'real' on not. He didn't move or talk at all, but he felt bad when one small child cried when seeing him.

Everyone likes to carve their own pumpkin. That's my friendly face created with a drill, Andrea's ghost, and Daniel's jack-o-lantern.

Dave carved one not shown, and Julia didn't have time to carve--so hers became pumpkin pie, and tonight's interesting pumpkin soup.