Road Warriors

A long drive doesn't scare us...especially if BYU football is involved. Bill was thrilled that BYU had won enough games to be "bowl eligible" and the fact that they would be playing within driving distance was a beautiful thing! Christine flew home from college on Thursday and we were on the road mid-day on Friday. Albuquerque or Bust! BYU killed UTEP so the game itself wasn't great, but Bill, Christine and Grant had a great time! Although we all went, I am a "fair weather fan"...and I mean that literally. If the weather is "fair", I am happy to sit in the stands and cheer. If there is a chance of extreme heat or cold...count me out! Garrett and I went to a movie and out to lunch...we were all happy! Some old friends of ours from BYU married housing have a son who is playing for the Cougars...after the game Bill and the kids went down on the field and took some great pictures...I'm not techno-savvy and can't figure how to get them all on...but here are a couple with Braden Brown...one mean offensive lineman:)

A request

We had a great chat with William on Christmas Eve. They had a lot planned for Christmas Day, including some baptisms, so he opted for a Christmas Eve call instead of the traditional Christmas Day call. He sounded great and we talked fast...we only had 43 minutes. He is happy and LOVING his missionary work. He did ask for a picture of the family in front of the house...funny that after all of this time, he wants that now. Anyway, we obliged and put the camera on a tripod and stood in hurricane force winds in the front yard...not the best picture, but a great effort. He requested the dog, Smudge, be in the photo as well...the dog who never cared much for William, although he played with her more than anyone else...dumb dog...Excuse the "Ugly Sweater" Christine is wearing...sorry, but I don't think I will be spending money on such a retarded fad...she, however, loves it...ugh...

Ringing in the New Year

We aren't big "partiers", we did play Boogle (I kicked Bill and Grant's behinds), then we watched some football, some "Deadliest Catch", some "David Letterman"...in fact, Bill and I were in bed by 11...Christine and Garrett went to the Stake Adult dance and Grant could be heard counting down "3-2-1, Happy New Year!" as he watched the ball drop in Times Square...he's a character! We didn't even pop open some non-alcoholic beverage...such lame folks we are... Bill and I were up early this morning though. Bill had to get to the start line of a Half Marathon he ran...Lucky for him it was local and I could drop him, run to the gym, get home to take a shower and pick up the kids and then make it back to the finish line for a picture or two...usually he drives himself and we end up with no photos (we are too cheap to buy the ones the race promoters put on their websites). Bill is a huge inspiration. What a great way to start the new year! Proud of you Honey. Happy New Year everyone...good luck with all of your resolutions...I think I actually might write some down this year...and I might even keep one or two :)

A Little Catch Up

We have received travel plans for our dear Elder Casper. He arrives at DFW on February 10th around 7pm...we are definitely nearing the end. Hard to believe we have come this far. I must say that I have handled the "separation" with patience and dignity...but now I am done...ready to have this thing over. I am certain the insomnia will set in within the next few weeks as I anticipate William's return. It will be an ugly scene at the airport...with all of my crying...I have really missed my sweet son's big bear hugs...they are the best! Less than 6 weeks to go...:)

Goodbye Cartagena

William was transferred this week. With only two more transfers left in his mission and the last one being his transfer to Texas, most likely Monteria will be is last area. I looked up the city on our map of Colombia and have to admit that I wasn't thrilled with what I saw. I haven't worried about William's safety while he has been in Colombia...he's been fortunate to serve mainly in the coastal areas where there are a fair amount of tourists. Monteria is a more interior region...Grant asked if William was near the "forest". It's no secret that the jungles of Colombia are the problem areas. He is equal distance from both the mission home in Barranquilla and Medellin (the once infamous drug capitol of Colombia). Nevertheless, I am certain that William will continue to be kept safe. He has spent much of the past several months with only Latins so serving with a gringo will be a change of pace for him. He mentioned to Christine that he was going to an area "where the sun always shines and it's HOT". Sounds like heaven to me :) We are counting the days until we see our Sweet William again...83 to be exact!

The Big 2-1...

21 years ago today William joined our family. Although he came into the world with a few complications, he has been nothing but a pleasure. We are hoping that someone in Colombia is making the day a little bit special for him...not that he is focusing on himself today, but a "happy birthday" is always nice to hear. I deposited some $ into his account and told him to buy something he's been wanting...he thought he might buy a hammock or a Colombian sombrero! No big surprise...I did tell him to think about it first...really, how in the world is he going to transport a sombrero? I can just see him now getting off the plane wearing a huge sombrero...ugh...some things never change :) And about the hammock...we don't have a couple of big trees to tie the thing to...maybe re-think that too and just take your companion to lunch! I did "cave" and send him a box with a few things...you know, it cost $56 to send $20 worth of crap...actually I did find a pair of shoes on sale, so the value was a little more, but you get the idea...I tucked some little bottles of Dr Pepper in the shoes...hopefully the DP didn't explode...he will be most excited about his beloved Dr Pepper :) Happy Birthday Elder Casper...see you in 3 1/2 months!

Marching on...

Like they say..."everything is bigger in Texas", especially when you are talking marching bands. This was Garrett's first marching competition this season and, as you can see, I had to take two pictures to get the entire band...we are "end zone to end zone". We were one of the last bands to perform but the spectators hung around to watch "us" march...the mere presence of the band, some 680 strong, is a sight to behold! "The best band in the land"...we were awarded a #1 ranking (the highest) #1 drum line and 4th overall....way to go kids!


The band is seated, awaiting the results from the judges...there is a band sitting above them also...gives a perspective on the size of our band.