Hawaii-December 2008

Earlier in 2008, our Nanny girl graduated from The University of Utah with a degree in Accounting. We are so proud of this monumental accomplishment after years of sacrifice and hardship! Way to go Nanny!

As a result, Doug suggested a trip to Hawaii! I was missing Nicole, Zach and Boston, my cute grandson whom I am smitten with! It was a dream come true!...despite it being rainy season in Hawaii, Nicole and Zach being right in the middle of a move to a new home, Nanny catching a nasty cold and it being right in the thick of the Christmas holiday...I had so much to do! As I look back, yes, there were some kinks that had to be sorted out, but I am so appreciative of Nicole and Zach's amazing hospitality! Thank you to you both for your kindness to us!!!! This middle-aged Granny loved being with both of her grandchildren at the same time and was so delighted by their individual personalities shining through!

A big THANK YOU to Doug for his generosity and the financial sacrifice that he made so that we girls could be in such a paradise with loved ones who are very missed at home! Again, THANK YOU to the Reich family for their loving hospitality! Though some of us are separated by an ocean or several hundred miles, I think of my children and I just can't help but feel such a warm joy and feeling of gratitude for their presence in my life! I adore and love my family and the great man that initiated it all by asking me to share with him in such an amazing journey! I love you, Doug!!!

The Holiday Season

Both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seemed to fly by so quickly! Where did the time go? Though all of our family were not able to be with us, there was time to pause and reflect on all the blessings in our lives...particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ and our precious family. How much we love and adore each one of our adult children and little grandchildren! We are so proud of our kids and the wonderful choices that they are making in their lives! Every opportunity for personal growth is a success and they have set their lives on a course that will allow them to realize so many goals and dreams!

We love y'all and wish you continued happiness in all that you pursue! May you know just how blessed our lives have been because of you! And as the new year approaches, may 2009 be even brighter and happier for each one of you! Happy New Years!! We love you!!!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Baltimore & Washington, D.C.

As if our time in southern Utah, California and Mexico wasn't enough, Doug and I flew back east for some business/pleasure. We stayed a night in Virginia and were able to meet up with Doug's brother Don and his family for dinner. We sure enjoyed Don, Lisa and Mikaila's company and appreciated their making time for us!

Doug had a conference in Baltimore for several days, so I went exploring and visited some highly recommended sights, did some shopping and made my way to an incredible Barnes & Noble on the Harbor! There were so many old buildings and warehouses that were converted in to shopping or museums...It was really impressive!

Washington, D.C. is one of our favorite places to visit. We love the Smithsonian Museums along the Mall and never tire of seeing it all. For several years, the Museum of American History has been closed for renovation and it was just opened the day prior to our visit to D.C.. Doug and I raced through to try and see it all before catching our flight home that evening. It was all an exciting adventure!

Mexican Cruise

As a slightly belated 45th Birthday celebration, Doug surprised me with a Mexican Cruise in November on a Carnival Cruise Ship. We ported in San Diego, California, and had such a blast! Neither of us had ever vacationed on a cruise ship so everything was total indulgence! There was so much to do, shows to see, sun tanning, eating, visiting sights in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, reading, people watching, more eating, moonlit strolls on the upper deck, late night eating, movies to view, fine dining, shopping, making new friends, and yes, Eating!! I highly recommend a cruise for every couple! I wanted to introduce Doug and I as "Jack and Rose" just to see who would catch on, but in the end, I forgot! I don't mind getting older but I detest losing my memory!

Prior to and just after our cruise, we were able to spend some time with our eldest son, Joseph, and his adorable wife, Stephanie, which was such a treat! We even caught the game cheering the Utah UTES on to victory over San Diego @ San Diego. What a remarkable season for the UTES! We hope they shine in the upcoming Sugar Bowl game!

Oliver's Swimming

Over the many weeks, Oliver's strength, endurance and swim times have steadily improved. He has worked hard and his focus has been to make the qualifying times to compete in Region and in State in the Breast Stroke. In his swim meets, Oliver has frequently competed in the 50 Freestyle, 100 Breast and was even asked to swim Backstroke. He even participated in a late night meet where he swam the 200 Breast. Much to Oli's dismay, his parents have enthusiastically reported to his siblings on how well Oliver is swimming, recently placing 1st on the heats that he has competed in over the past number of meets. We are so proud of Oliver, and while hindsight is wonderful, we should have known he would love swimming so much...We recall our years in Texas where Oliver spent most of his summer days in our backyard pool. He was like a fish that had to be baited out of the water! Good Luck, Oliver, as you push on to place a seat in Region and State Competitions 2009!

The Parable Of The Popcorn

Behold at the time of harvest the ears of corn did bring forth kernels which were dried and prepared for the popper's hand. And it came to pass that when the heat was on, some did explode with promise and did multiply themselves a hundred fold and some did burst forth with whiteness which did both gladden the eye and satisfy the taste of the popper. And likewise, some others did pop, but not too much.

But lo, there were some that did just lie there and even though the popper's heat was alike unto all, they did bask in the warmth of the oil and keep everything they had for themselves.
And so it came to pass that those which had given of themselves did bring joy and delight to many munchers, but those which kept of the warmth and did not burst forth were fit only to be cast out into the pail and are thought of with hardness and disgust.

And thus we see that in the beginning all appear alike, yet when the heat is on, some come forth and give their all, while others fail to pop and become as chaff to be discarded and forgotten. Which are you? Bursting with enthusiasm-Ready to give your all, OR Content to keep yourself and not pop or pop just a little!

We live in such uncertain times, in a world filled with sadness, hardship and conflict. Our country is on the eve of electing a new President. As we move forward, with the hope for change, economic relief, better health care, and peace, you might be asking yourselves, "What can I do? How can I make the world a better place for having lived in it?" A friend of mine and LDS Ward Relief Society President, introduced this parable during a lesson that she gave very recently at Church. It really grabbed my heart and I have found myself reflecting upon it over and over again. I hope it inspires you, as it has me, to live a better life, to lift and serve those around me.

Happy Halloween!

I just had to share some of my favorite pics of this year's Halloween festivities! We hope y'all had a safe and fun Halloween 2008! Oliver was our local "Hippie," Ella was an adorable Zebra, Boston was the cutest Batman, Zach was a jailbird caught by Batman and Nicole was Cat Woman. Fun, Fun, FUN!!!

Pumpkin Carving

On the Monday before Halloween, we enjoyed a fun FHE activity! Nanny and Ella, joined Granny for a little pumpkin shopping and then we met up with the rest of the family for some serious carving. Oliver carved out some wolves howling at the moon, Brian and Nanny carved a pirate skull and, of course, Grandpa was inspired to carve a "U" to represent his favorite college team...Go UTES!!! Here are some pics of our resident artists at work.

U.S. Presidential Election 2008

My hilarious husband has been quite the comic recently! Some of you may have even seen his version of a website/video phenomina of my candidacy for President of the United States. Please completely and totally DISREGARD any thing that Doug may be putting out there! He is a "computer geek" as you may already know...and...I am so computer illiterate! I can't undo any thing that has been done or even "one up him!" It's so NOT FAIR!! However, there is a moral to this post...To all Americans who enjoy the Liberties and Freedoms that this great country entitles it's citizens, please remember to VOTE! It is your duty and is a privilege! GO VOTE!!!

Weekend In New England

Doug, Oliver and I went to New England over Oliver's High School Fall Break. True to his word, Doug's gift, promised back in May, for Oli's Birthday/My Mother's Day was realized. We absolutely had a BLAST! We flew into Boston, Massachusetts, last Thursday and spent 5 days making some really terrific memories! Some of the highlights were of Salem, Plymouth, Lexington, Concord, Sleepy Hollow, House of Seven Gables, Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, all the sights along the Freedom Trail (Climbing 294 steps in the monument at Bunker Hill was a bit more difficult than Doug and I experienced 4 years before..but it was definitely done!), the historical North Bridge - "The Shot Heard Around The World," burial sites of a few famous...Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, "Mother Goose," Mary and Giles Corey, Alcott, Thoreau, Emerson, Longfellow and Hawthorne. We also drove up to Maine and enjoyed the rocky shoreline of the coast. The Autumn colors were totally in its peak and quite breathtaking! Thank You, THANK YOU!!! to Doug for his thoughtful gift and for making the time to be with Oli and I! It was so much fun and we will always remember our weekend in New England with fondness and great love!

Exciting News In The Reich House

Here is a photo of our cute little grandson, Boston Reich, that seems to echo our sentiment after learning some exciting news! Boston's photo should really have the caption underneath that says something like..."Oh my Gosh! I'm going to be what?...A big bwotha?!!"

Congratulations to Nicole and Zach Reich who are expecting Baby #2! They are due on June 19, 2009, which just happens to be Granny & Grandpa's 28th Wedding Anniversary! We wish The Reich Family well and send hugs and kisses across the miles. We love y'all!

Ella's Weekend at Granny & Grandpa's

Our Nanny girl and her sweetheart, Brian, celebrated their 5th Wedding Anniversary in Dallas, Texas, this past weekend. Congrats to you both!! Granny & Grandpa were so pleased to enjoy Ella Bella's company for 3 days, during that time! We went to great lengths to spoil Ella as much as possible, turn the ordinary in to extraordinary, and make Ella's visit loads of fun! Here is Ella taking a little bubble bath in the kitchen sink...Something way out of the ordinary...and she loved it! Thanks for a fun weekend Ella Bella!! You are our little sweetheart!

Brighton High School's 1st Swim Meet

Oliver competed in his 1st Swim Meet today, October 14, 2008. He swam in 3 events...the 50 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay and the 100 Breast. His debut competition was pretty impressive, particularly swimming the Breast stroke, where he placed 2nd and his good friend, Patrick, placed 1st. Congratulations Oliver! Seeing the video of his heat helped Oli to see where he could improve and cut his time...We just might be cheering Oli to state in the Breast Stroke! It looks to be an outstanding year for Brighton High School's Swim Team!

Water Polo League

Oliver participated in a Water Polo League during the Summer and Autumn months. Last Saturday, October 11, 2008, was their last game. Their team led the game until the final minute and lost by one point. It was a disappointing loss but Oliver played a great season and we are very proud of him! His team won the bronze! Way to go Oliver!

Doug & Esther's Get-Away!

Doug had some business in Montana and invited Esther to join him. They stopped through Rexburg, Idaho, where they saw the Rexburg LDS Temple, as well as visiting Yellowstone National Park to and from Montana. Montana's Autumn colors proved to be quite lovely and it was very interesting to visit a number of small towns along the way to Bozeman and Missoula. Montana is definitely "Big Sky Country!" Yellowstone National Park offered an array of animals and incredible scenery to behold! And the Grand Teton Mountains are breathtaking! What a fun trip it was!

Brighton High School Homecoming

With the closing of summer, came the beginning of another school year - Senior Year - for Oliver at Brighton High School. Oli was still busy as a Swimming Instructor/Life-Guard at Cottonwood Heights Rec Center, playing Water Polo on a League Team and trying to get back in to academics. This trimester has been a lot of fun for Oli...as he is very much enjoying all of his classes and, of course, the social aspect of High School. Homecoming was no exception. This is Oliver with his date, Sandy, a foreign exchange student from Switzerland. Oli calls Sandy, "Swiss Miss."

Summer Fun!

Summer of 2008 was a lot of fun! Nicole and Boston came to visit for a while and we made lots of special memories during their time with us. Cousins Ella and Boston really had a great time together and became special friends. It was a blast and the best thing about it was that we were together with loved ones!

Summer Family Reuions-2008

During the latter half of June, Doug, I, Geneal and Oliver (our last two kids at home) were able to take some time off and travel to Jacksonville, Florida, to visit Geneal's former Missionary stomping ground. We had the privilege of meeting some really outstanding people that Sister Cahoon was able to teach or work with during her LDS Mission. It seemed to bring back some very warm memories for the former Sister Cahoon and we loved hearing her stories. We were spoiled by one family in particular, The Pete & Ashley Flores Family, who opened their home to us with the purest form of Southern hospitality and absolute Christianity...We readily came to love their sweet family and feel so blessed to count them among our most treasured friends...Thank You Flores Family! We were also able to meet President & Sister Newman and were treated to the most delicious luncheon in the Mission Home! Many thanks to the Newman's!

Following our 3 days in Jacksonville, we traveled to Orange Beach, Alabama, for The Cochran Family Reunion. What a blast it was to be with Doug's extended family and renew those special family relationships! We enjoyed the nicest of amenities and could not have asked for a more beautiful setting! The family enjoyed time at the pool, on the beach and swimming in the ocean, delicious meals together, a talent show, kareoke, sand crab hunting by moonlight, a dance, and even a Baptism of one of the cousins in the ocean. What a memorable time we had and we so appreciate all who worked so hard to make this event such a joyful experience!

After Orange Beach, we traveled on to Baton Rouge and enjoyed a spiritual feast with family and also celebrated Doug's 49th Birthday! As has been the case for much of Doug's life, his Birthday was celebrated on the road, but it didn't take away from the love and well wishes that so many had for Doug! Happy Birthday, Darlin!

Our final family reunion took place in Natchidoches, Louisiana, at the home of Dwight & Jillyn Epperson. This was the Glen & Geneal Cahoon Family Reunion and our hosts made our stay so delightful! Thank You Bunches, Dwight & Jillyn!! Our activities included a trolley ride and personal tour of Natchidoches, The Alligator Farm, Boating down the river, incredible food and lots of fun just being together as a family! Mike, Judy & Miss Michael...Y'all were very missed!

The final leg of our trip was spent in Dallas, Texas. We visited our former Plano 6th Ward, where we were reunited with some of our dearest friends! We drove through our old neighborhood and felt a flood of special memories! It was great to visit in the Mark & Angie Morell home and to spend some quality time with and in the home of Steve & Barbara Crofts and their family! Thank You, Steve, Barbie and Brandon for your hospitality...It always feels like Christmas in your home! We love y'all so very much! Flying out of DFW was bitter-sweet and we will always remember June of 2008 with great fondness!

Happy Anniversary!

On June 19, 2008, Doug and I celebrated our 27th Wedding Anniversary. Hurray for us!! In today's world this is a really big deal because we live in such a disposable society. If marriage doesn't work out according to our personal ideals, it is easy enough to bail and try again with someone else...or not even attempt a 2nd try. Our journey together has brought many challenges and heartache, but we have also experienced some amazing days that have brought about laughter, smiles, the realization of certain goals, a beautiful family, happy moments and joyful events! We have grown, individually and collectively, in ways that we would have never expected or chosen. It has been our greatest challenge in life, but the most rewarding... Worthwhile relationships typically are! I recently heard that "Love is not a feeling that comes and goes...It is a choice and God wants us to make that choice." Doug was the choice of my youth and has always been the choice of my heart...So this is for you, Doug...I love you! There's no one I want to struggle with more, fight with, cry with, laugh with, talk with, share with or Love...now and for always. Happy 27th Anniversary, Doug! I love you!

Sister Cahoon's Former Stomping Ground

Last month, our family visited some of the Southern states for a couple of Family Reunions and we decided to spend a couple of days in Jacksonville, Florida where Geneal returned from serving an LDS Mission in January 2008. We were able to meet some of great people that she taught or worked with...investigators, new members and ward family members. It was really terrific to see the area and to even get to meet one of Geneal's Missionary companions - Sister Wells-Longshore. We spent a lot of time with the Pete and Ashley Flores family and were so spoiled by their Southern hospitality! We also got to visit with Geneal's 2nd Mission President - President & Sister Newman and enjoy a fabulous lunch with them in their home. It was a marvelous trip and we only wished that we could have had more time to spend in Florida! Mostly, we are so thrilled that Geneal was able to have such a meaningful Missionary experience! She crossed paths with so many wonderful individuals and grew in ways that have forever changed her life. Thank You to all those who made such a difference in our Geneal!

Happy Father's Day!

With Father's Day soon approaching (in just 2 days), I wanted to wish all the Father's in my life the happiest of Father's Day celebrations! I love y'all and hope "YOUR" day is extra special!

First and foremost, my heart is happy and grateful to fully embrace a belief in a Father in Heaven who loves me! How blessed I have been throughout my life! I have felt of God's concern and love for me. I only pray that I can always live my life in a way that will truly praise and honor Him! I am so blessed!

Secondly, I'm so appreciative of a man that came in to my life so many years ago. Thank you, Doug, for asking me to be your wife and for your role as "Father" to our five children. You have worked so hard and taken such good care of our family! Our children are blessed to have you in their lives and I hope that they will glean and implement all of your most outstanding qualities! You are a good man, with a sincere heart and I want you to know that I love you, Doug! Happy Father's Day!!

I'm very thankful for my own father in my life. As a very young girl, I adored him and felt his protective influence over me. By the time I was 7 years old, however, I was without his presence in my life for 11 years. It was a regrettable loss and I thank God for guiding my father back to us. Since then, he has taught me a great many things, wanted the best for me and has loved me. I love you, Papa, and wish you a wonderful day!