Baisden's visit

Grandpa, Grandma and our beautiful kids!

Shasta, Owen and the kids came to visit the weekend of the 15th (since Jayden and I had Monday off from school). We had such a wonderful weekend. They arrived late Friday night, so we stayed up to talk and woke early Saturday to sausage, eggs and Grandma's banana bread. I think Braden ate the whole loaf! He loved it, which made me happy. We decided to take the kids hiking at our favorite spot; Chamna Reserve. It's a beautiful hike along the river and the kids did great! Braden found a dinosaur "egg" (much to Grandpa's encouragement) and had to bring it home to wait for it to hatch. By the time evening rolled around, they were all so tired of hearing about that "egg" (rock) that Owen and Grandpa went out and found a dinosaur to hide for him the next morning. He wasn't fooled. He woke up and said, "that's not a real dinosaur!" When Braden told me about it later I said, "Of course not, Braden. Grandma can't have a real dinosaur living in her house." He was content with that. What a cutie. Kaelynn, found my Victorian hat and tin full of jewelry so she was happy to embrace her girlie side. Makenna...is just Makenna. Those precious girls could melt an ice cap. Kaelynn helped me with pancakes, dishes, whatever I was doing...she wanted to help. Karen, Travis and kids came Friday night for a big fish fry! It was good to play games and be with our kids (and feel good. It felt like the flu wanted to be there but we were keeping it at bay!) Such a fun weekend.

Jayden, having more fun with Braden's toy

Kaelynn, loving to dress up

The little princess

Makenna and that beautiful smile!

Uncle Jayden, teaching Braden to stand tall

Say "cheese". Grandma and Kaelynn doing dishes

Such a big helper!

Makenna and Braden, tickling Uncle Jayden

Grandma, getting a special foot and leg massage

Braden opening his birthday card

New Year's 2010

The New Year started off with the winter flu. Josten began the cycle when they arrived Tuesday afternoon, and I ended it on Sunday! ha... Fortunately, it was only a 24 hour thing and we all survived. Shawnte', Cameron and baby Vance came to visit as well. Weather was good, and the kids got to play in the little snow we had. Sarah and I got to take in some shopping on Wednesday. Thursday- New Year's Eve, Josten went shopping and treated us all to a yummy night; shrimp, chips, Martinelli's, etc. Sarah and Shawnte' decided to brave the icy sidewalks at midnight and make their toasts outside! ha...how fun to be young. Saturday, Shawnte' and I met up with Karen and the kids at the mall and by Saturday night...I was down for the count. I didn't even realize that Jovi, Jonbrock and the whole family came to hang out. But, there are pictures to prove it.

Jayden, Breck and Mackenzie

Sienna playing in the snow

Jayden, pulling Breck and Sienna on the sled

Jayden - being a great uncle

Sarah, Grandma and Breck

Breck and Vance - picking on Grandpa

Sienna, Breck and Vance

The Cornett, Olsen, Morton clans

Christmas Memories

Grandpa Jerry holding Tracen

Grandma Lannette loving on Tracen

Diesel putting himself in time-out

Dad and his two pugs

We had a wonderful Christmas beginning with the arrival of my dad and Mom Lannette. They got here about 1:30 on Wednesday afternoon. It was so special having them here. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of homemade clam chowder, baguettes with cream cheese and tomatoes. Afterward, we took a nice long walk along the river talking politics, and various strategies to overthrow the government...ha! My parents have these two adorable little pugs called Diesel and Delilah. I think Diesel's a little strange however; likes to put himself in time-out on a regular basis. Quite funny really. Thursday, Mom and I did a little extra shopping before going over to Karen and Travis' for a wonderful steak dinner. Travis can cook! The kids opened a few presents before we played a little Catchphrase. After heading home, and before retiring we watched our traditional video, Mr. Krueger's Christmas with Jimmy Stewart. It gives you something to think about before going to bed. Jayden and I always watch that on Christmas eve (even though John never remembers that). John and I had a no-gift rule this year but it appears we both broke it...ha! John went a little overboard on me but I'm grateful. I needed some new clothes. Jayden received some fun things but was most grateful for one gift that he had to find. Beginning with a note in his Christmas stocking, he began his scripture chase to his final gift. Ultimately, he ended up pulling out an electric guitar hidden underneath our bed. He was so excited. He really didn't think we'd be able to get that for him. (Thank heavens for Craigslist). We had a marvelous dinner; ham, funeral potatoes, yams....and Martinelli's cider. Later, Karen's crew came to hang out and our son Jovi stopped in. We had a wonderful day. Most especially, it was the spirit that could be felt. Mom made the comment earlier that she felt so at peace with us. I'm so grateful to know that His spirit dwells in our home and in our hearts and that we've prepared to receive him.John got Funny Farm (one of his favorites)

Katrina got a beautiful hoodie!
Jayden on his scripture chaseFinding the prize...electric guitar

Grandpa & Grandma with all the kids

Karen and Shy opening the family gift

Christmas Wishes

As usual, there seems to be too much of a lapse in between entries. Time sure isn't my friend when I'm in school but I love the learning, testing and rewards at the end. To bring our blog up-to-date, I'm attaching our family Christmas letter.

Merry Christmas dear family and friends,

Well, how’s that hope and change working out for you! Seriously, even with life’s trials and worries, we live in a marvelous time--the winding up scenes, so to speak. It’s a glorious time to be alive, isn't it? We're actually here to see history in the making, although it may not all be positive, we are still a part of it. Keep the eternal perspective!!!

My first quarter of the new school year is behind me, thankfully. Chemistry and business math—were challenging but successful. I’m looking forward to the next four classes--of biology. Starting the sciences will help me prepare for the nursing program. I’m excited, yet a little apprehensive. I’m still working on that confidence thing…ha!

It’s been another active year with John’s business. Jayden’s a much stronger person because of the time spent outdoors working along side his dad than inside on the video games. He’s a hard worker, dependable and has a great work ethic, and has paid for all of his expenses himself this year. It seems like the greatest gift we’ve given our son is that lesson. He’s pretty self-sufficient.

Jayden’s had an incredible year musically. In March, he was chosen out of hundreds of students around the state to attend the Washington Music Educators Association (Junior All State Band) and was able to perform under the leadership of a renowned director. Basically, this director borrowed our children for the day preparing them to perform that evening in a stunning concert in Spokane. It was an amazing accomplishment.He also went to Disneyland in May with his school band (he was their star trumpet player) and actually got to perform at the park. When he wasn’t performing, he and his classmates were able to tour the park and take in all the sights and rides. We were thrilled for him. He worked so hard to be able to earn that trip. He also spent a week in the mountains at Camp Grizzly for scouts. At fifteen, he’s ahead of his goal and working toward his Eagle Scout Award. And my final bragging moment is at the end of the school year; Jayden was chosen to be one of the top eight students out of his entire school as an Elite Student in academics and being an overall great kid. The teachers took him (& the other 7) to dinner at the Olive Garden and gave out their awards. He was caught totally unaware…actually stunned--a little humility remains. Ha…

Even though Jayden is a wonderful young man, he’s not above making mistakes. He had a serious knife injury this year that about put me over the edge. He has a pretty awesome knife collection that he had sprawled out on his bedroom floor. I asked him to go put them away but, as any normal teenage boy would do, he decided to play a little first--with a brand new knife. He ended up tripping over something on his floor and fell on his right knee—putting the knife in the back of his calf. He opened it up pretty good. Anyway, about 19 or so stitches later; he was on crutches and the recipient of all the ooh and aah’s of the local girls…ha! I seriously had to question my desire to be a nurse. Although I initially panicked (he’s my baby), Jayden was the one who maintained a calm demeanor. Go figure…guess scouting pays off.

The other kids are doing wonderful. We have new additions: Karen just gave birth to our newest grandson, Tracen (this makes 4 for her). Javis and Chaylia with their new baby girl, Liliana, Jonbrock and Sherry has a new boy, Brody, and Shasta’s due in April with her 4th. We have 13 beautiful grandchildren. Jovi returned home safely in September from his mission. Life has been so good to us; our children and grandchildren are healthy and safe. John’s health is doing well. We have a warm bed at night, food on the table and good friends. We have a love and desire to serve our Savior and fellowman. What more could we ask for?

My greatest lesson this year has been that each one of us is now in the process of becoming the kind of person we must live with throughout eternity. The things you desire from life, you must first give to life. I pray we can all give life our best and be a little kinder, a little more tender in our dealings with one another.

Mom blowing the dirt off

Father and son

Rally for Freedom

Clint and John...reminiscing about the early radio days Clint, encouraging our boys to stand up and let their voices be heard

We attended our local t-party rally today. We had a great turn-out and I continue to pray that we use our voices and combine our efforts in the fight for freedom and personal rights. Clint Didier (two-time Superbowl winner with Washington Redskins and also played with Green Bay Packers) was a guest speaker and so excited to see John after all these years. He and Charlie (John & Charlie in the morning) used to have Clint on every Tuesday and they talked sports. We'd gotten to know him pretty well. At the rally, he announced his plans to run for the Senate and he's asked John and Charlie to help him out. We'll see where it takes us. He has our support...he's a terrific guy.

Jovi's home

Jovi was overwhelmed at the sight of his family

Jovi's friends came out to welcome him home
Dad really is the only one who understands
AMAZED at how tall Jayden got

Jovi made it home from his mission on Wednesday! He was out of sorts, as expected. It's hard to spend two years in the "spirit of service" and then come home to the "world". We're helping him make the transition by just showing an increase of love and encouragement. He's starting some college classes so maybe we'll run into each other on campus! School starts back up on the 21st...

Grandkids are the greatest

Aren't grandkids just the greatest blessing in life. Little Tracen has already learned to snuggled on Grandma.

Then there's Colby, who's loves to snuggle with Grandpa!