Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Halloween morning with great grand kids
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Tribute to Dad
The romance began
Between a dark-haired girl
And a starry-eyed man.
"The girl of my dreams"
He would later write,
And from that day on
She would be his delight.
In the temple they married,
As one they were sealed,
Don Robert and Roma,
And his dream became real.
It wasn't long after
He was called back to war.
He served his country proudly
For freedom and more.
He was one of two soldiers
That survived that day.
A tender mercy was granted
In that land far away.
Heavenly Father had a plan
Of which dad had a part -
Of raising a family
With Roma, his sweetheart.
They started out as only two,
But it wasn't long before
One, two, three, four, five, six
Little spirits to adore.
Time went on and now today
That loving family of eight
Has grown into a multitude
Of just around 78!
How to describe this gentle man
Know as husband, brother, and father,
Patriarch, dad, and don't forget
Grand and great-grandfather.
Devote husband to Roma,
Devoted father and friend,
Hard working, loving, and caring
Right to the very end.
A righteous Priesthood holder,
An example for all to see
Of serving ever faithfully,
Working t'ward eternity.
An example of quiet greatness,
Of gentle and kind reproach,
Of leading with quiet dignity,
A teacher, a leader, a coach.
We'll remember with fondness
these words when bedtime arrived.
Almost a nightly ritual -
"Breakfast is served at 5:00!"
And when you made a phone call
And asked, "How ya doin'?",
"Sick a bed," you would know
Was just what you'd be hearin'!
How he loved to tease
With a twinkle in his eye.
"Can't you ever be serious?"
Was sometimes mom's reply.
He got that from his father
As mom could tell you best!
And dad passed it down to his sons -
Which we sisters could attest!
Sunday mornings and reunions,
Special occasions and such,
We can't forget his pancakes
Made with that magic touch!
Popcorn and root beer,
Vacations and camping,
Working hard in the garden,
Bowling and fishing.
So many memories we will recall
As we think about this man
Who with a quiet dignity
Fulfilled Heavenly Father's plan.
The world may never see him
As a man of wealth or fame,
But his posterity will stand tall
As we proudly speak his name!
For the wealth of his example,
The devotion and faith you find,
All are loving treasures
Of the legacy he left behind.
We love you, Dad!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What a treat to have mom and dad living down here in Salt Lake! We had some of the "locals" over the other night to help us make a Christmas tape for Zach, who is in the MTC presently and will be in the Philippines for Christmas. We sang Christmas carols, read the Christmas story together, and had pumpkin pie! Thanks to all who came, by the way! It's a huge adjustment in Mom and Dad's lives, but we hope they know how much we love them and enjoy them being here!
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign . . .
Monday, November 17, 2008
Anxious for the Holidays!
Josh was offered a new position at Select Health, so we are happy for the raise that will accompany the new position and are continuting to stay too busy with our many jobs. I'm really looking forward to Thanksgiving! We look forward to seeing anyone that will be in town for that- and we feel lucky that we get to see everyone who comes to visit Grandma and Grandpa!! So hopefully we'll get the chance to see all of you sometime in the near future. Anything new with anyone else? Hope you are all doing well!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
In case you're interested . . .
Friday, October 10, 2008
Braden is in ninth grade now and thoroughly enjoying it. Taking several honors classes but seems to be keeping up fine. He has some wonderful teachers - young, challenging, and fun! He has started with the high school marching band, so his weeks have been full of practices, competitions, and, of course, parties! I'm grateful he is getting in with a good, solid group of friends as he goes into high school next year. This weekend he does a competition in Orem, with weather forecast of 40 degrees, rain, and snow. Ed and I skipped the last one, so we promised him we'd be there to this one : ( . So . . . We'll all be enjoying the 40's, snow, and rain! Umbrellas, blankets, and hot chocolate! They've gotten 2nd and 4th in their first two competitions!
Jonathan is still enjoying his job at the Blind Center as a Tech II in helping with computers and other adaptive equipment there. He is involved with institute, young adult activities, and activities through state blind organizations.
I'm on the PTA Board at at the middle school and in charge of Red Ribbon Week. A little different than grade school that I was involved with - when you're talking close to 1,000 students. Hard to come up with something effective when there is little money to be spent! But we've got some good things going that hopefully will have some impact for the very important topic of drug prevention. I'm also helping with the yearbook, which I helped with last year also. Very fun, taking candid pictures throughout the year and setting up pages.
Ed just got done with a major project at work and is very relieved to have it done. It involved a lot of engineering type stuff, which he does not enjoy too much. He would much rather be the hands on guy!
I so enjoy hearing from all of you and knowing what is happening in your families. Take care and have a wonderful autumn!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
FAMILY PICTURE
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thanks Zachary!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Hello Hello....
Robert and Lynnae blessed thier newest baby this past weekend. We had a great time having almost everyone together. We are looking forward to another get together in a couple weeks for Zach's farewell!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Burrito Bunch(meza's)
I guess since no one has posted anything for a while, I thought I'd take my turn(finally) and post pics of my little people.
This lovely little princess once told me she wanted to be a ballerina and a grocery shopper. Whatever this 5 year old does end up doing you can bet she'll be in charge!! She is always making lists and giving them to me and telling me to get started. She really keeps me on my toes. Currently(yesterday), she opened her very own "sticker shop" . Her dad and I and one of my piano students were her first customers. She laid out all her stickers(about 12) and made a sign that said "The Sticker Shop". This little lady loves playing with her brothers, drawing and painting, playing barbies, polly's, pets shops, and has currently learned to swim underwater. When told she was "such a good girl", she said "I know I am!"
This is a future scientist of America. He is 11 years old. He always has a question he's trying to find the answer to. He wants to be a chef someday and open a breakfast-only restaurant with his cousin. This crazy boy is currently reading the 'Warriors' series and loves reading his National Geographic kids magazine. He loves watching movies, especially with his Dad. He likes playing with his siblings, eating, cooking, playing video games, riding his bike, climbing trees, swimming, READing (alot), hanging out with his friends, and talking so fast that you can't understand a word he is saying.
This wacky little 8 yr. old(almost 9) is going to be a future herpetologist. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is the study of amphibians and reptiles. His main focus, he claims, will be frogs. He has already raised 2 frogs from the tadpoles stage and released them into the ponds near our home. This young man has collected over 10 stuffed/toy frogs and is currently into his 3rd book about frogs and toads. Doing puzzles, mazes, and the like are some things he enjoys doing. He also likes playing with his brother and sister on the trampoline, playing legos, climbing trees, swimming, riding his bike, and talking in a high pitch voice so loud that it can be heard for miles.
Thanks to all of you for all your posts and comments on this blog and your own blogs. I enjoy reading them all and check them frequently. What a great and simple way to keep in touch with family.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
i hope no one is lost!
Hi everyone. Seems like there's been a lul on the blog, so I'll fill it up.
There's really not a lot to report. We've just finished the first week of school-- John taking classes and me, TRYING to make faculty happy with late requests to update their online courses.
I'm actually quite proud of my last two projects, and wish I could show you the work I've done on them. Fitness for Life, and Foundations of Nutrition both got new text books this summer, so they also got a website make over. Not only did we revamp the content, but I've learned a new way to lay it out that makes it flow a little bit better (I hope) and a new way to put images in a background to make the interface a little more friendly, and energizing. They were HUGE projects... I got the Fitness for Life course done in about 3 weeks, but the Nutrition course didn't get done until the second day of school. My favorite motto at this time of year is..
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John finished up his summer math class with a B+. He wanted his A sooooo badly, but I'd say that a B+ on a condensed summer course is nothing to turn our noses up on. He's taking 15 credits this semester, including General Chem, General Biology, Trigonometry, Intro to Writing, and labs for the two science courses. Our home as been a beehive of activity as he gets organized and settled into a homework routine. It is satisfying some of my "back to school" jealousy as I listen to him do his homework and help him get all of his school supplies in order.
I'm very proud of him and his dedication to his school work... only six more years!! :D
I hope all is well with everyone, and that you are just as busy as we are living and loving life! We are excited for all of the happenings coming up-- Zach's mission farewell, Peter's Baby blessing, etc. etc....
love to all!!
Becca and John
Monday, August 11, 2008
Visitor's Center at Salt Lake Temple
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
TWIN FALLS TEMPLE
I REALIZED WHAT BAD PARENTS WE WERE WHEN TYSON SAW THE BAPTISMAL FONT AND SAID "COOL, THEY HAVE A HOT TUB!" AND I ASKED KIARA WAS THE 12 OXEN MEANT AND SHE SAID " THAT'S HOW OLD YOU HAVE TO BE TO GO DO BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD." I GUESS WE NEED TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN A LITTLE BETTER!! OOPS!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Idaho Visit
I enjoyed being there to see the PT and ST, as well as the nurse and dietitian. Mom was describing our outfits with the ST, as well as reciting back four miscellaneous words given by the therapist. She did great! The therapist kept saying, this is hard stuff, I know, but if it was easy, you wouldn't need to be doing it! Mom was a real trooper.
Dad had mom ready to go see the assisted living center Thursday evening, but in the morning, when asked if she wanted to go see the center, said, after a couple of minutes of silence, "I want to stay right here in my own home." The longest statement I've heard her say! Dad and I were both so proud of her for letting her wants be known!
Dad/Grandpa does an amazing job with helping her! He is so good to her and is able to keep up with all the different meals, meds, appointments, etc. she is needing right now.
Too long, I know, but one more thing for you American Idol fans . . . Remember the guy with the white feathered hat and white cape, singing the song he created, "I am your brother, your best friend forever" etc. - well, Reed baptized him over in the Philippines! Cool, huh?
Enough already . . . hope to hear from more of the "older" generation soon . . . I've been hinting to Cathy and Richard . . .
Thursday, July 24, 2008
John and I took a trip to Arches National Park for his Birthday in March. Here's a few of my favorite pictures from the bunch. John is the wonderful photographer. I'm eager to have a new wallpaper on my computer monitor!!
We are planning a camping trip to go watch a meteor shower. If anyone wants to come, we picked the spot specifically so there could be motorbikes and 4-wheel activities during the day.. We'll be camping the 7,8 and 9th of August at a place called Skyline Drive... somewhere out in the desert. Let me know if you'd like to come!!
fireworks with the Dunn's
Here's some fun pictures from July 4th at Grandma and Grandpa Dunn's house.
This was the day when we tried sooooo hard to go sailing and the wind just didn't cooperate. John and I were meeting Dad, Jenni, Josh and kids at Deer Creek Reservoir. When they got there, the water was too low to even launch the boat. We decided to try to go down Provo Canyon and rent a tube or two to ride down the river. I don't think I've EVER seen that canyon so full of people! After driving around and seeking tubes to rent that wouldn't break the bank, we cried "Uncle!" and went home for a barbeque and fireworks on the driveway.
In spite of all the mishaps of the day, we had a relaxing, enjoyable evening with each other.
The Hulse's
Friday, July 18, 2008
Us. :)
This is us in Lava Hot Springs in June of this year. :) Lame that's the best family photo we have right now, but better than nothing.
We were lucky enough to be able to make a trip to Twin Falls, last weekend. It was so good to see Grandma, and I'm SO glad to hear she is continuing to do better and better. Josh, John and Dad got some good yard work done, and we got to spend some time with almost everyone. Thanks to Cathy for letting us make thier house crazy for a few days, and to everyone for entertaining and visiting with us! We love you and wish we were able to come up and visit more often.
***This post was inspired by Uncle Randy, he said he wished we'd all post pics of the kids, with ages, and/or a family pic. :) ***
** I'm a paranoid person about putting our kids names out on the blog- any blog, so yeah, I'd be happy to send thier names in an email or something. But this scary world we live in has gotten to me, am I crazy? ***
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Visiting Grandma
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
AI
Zachary is gone on a three-day camp - his last one with the Young Men group. Regarding mission prep, he has his acceptance letter in, passport on it's way, and he has his immunizations done. I think this mission is really happening!
Last Sunday Jonathan had an interview with the bishop to become an Elder, so that should be coming in the next while. He has expressed interest in going through the temple, so we will be working on that in the next while.
Next Monday Braden leaves for a week-long camp at Bear Lake. He is way excited and has been looking forward to this all summer. Edward will be joining him there for a few of the days. Braden just got done with a summer PE program that will free up one more period of the school day so he can take seminary and other electives he wants to participate in.
And . . . summer is going too fast!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Tired Girl
This is our little ball of energy Jordyn. She spends almost everyday bouncing off the walls, and then she just crashes. This day she fell asleep using the laundry basket for a pillow. Just thought I would share. I really have loved catching up on what everyone's family is up to, I'll try to keep you updated on our family too.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Hiking Question
SWIMMING LESSONS
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Our Fourth of July weekend was a busy and fun one. On Thursday afternoon we went to Twin and visited mom in the hopsital and was able to go to dinner with Dad and visit with him a little bit. I was glad we were able to incorporate that into the weekend. Then early Friday morning we drove on up to Driggs - got there just in time for the parade. It was an old-fashioned, small town parade, made all the more fun with several of Edward's family being in it. We then had fun visiting and seeing several of his family, and that evening going to fireworks and a movie that evening. The next day was a reunion with his mother's side of the family - some people he hadn't seen in 20 years or more - so it was nice to meet some of them and hear all about the "old times." We went to a fiddling contest in the morning, had lots of food, talking, and games. They play a game from their youth called CAT that at one of our reunions it might be fun to play.
I'm so glad mom is improving and is now over in rehab. I know it has been such a worry for Dad. Both of them are in our prayers and thoughts!
Well, it is now 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Finally, I'm getting this done!
I'll make a comment here - I like this blogging thing, but it's not like emailing and being able to talk back and forth quite as well -you can comment, but then you don't get comments back from the person you commented to . . . okay, so I'm old school . . . but does anybody else feel that way? :)
Busy times
Life the last couple of weeks has been hectic, but most of it has been fun. We had visits from Lynda and Tony, Sarah and Eric and even Aaron dropped in and said hi on his way to Vale, OR.
We visited Dierke's Lake, Balanced rock, Island Park and Yellowstone Park. We swam, hiked and just had us a great time being together.
Mom, (Grandma) had a stroke and has had a struggle, but is putting up a fight and seems to be improving daily. Her speech is getting better and she is getting stonger. She eats good and they say she is sleeping good. She has a long way to go, but she has always had a lot of faith and I know if she is supposed to get better the Lord will help her and with all our prayers she will be able to do as the Lord wants. We love her so much.
"Wherever we may be, our Heavenly Father can hear and answer the prayer offered in faith."
Thomas S. Monson - Ensign, Feb. 2001, 6
Sunday, July 6, 2008
News from the Western Front
Hello everyone!! I sure is fun to read about everyone's news here on the blog!
I read it faithfully everyday... okay sometimes I visit numerous times to see if someone has posted throughout the day. So, It's time for me to stop lurking and post.
John and I are documenting all the "Scary" things I do when we go out and about in Nature... This first video is at Zion's National Park when we were climbing Angel's Landing. We didn't make it all the way to the end. This was the end of the hike for me. But now I can psych myself up to doing the rest of the hike next time we go, right? This was way back last November-- so you can tell we need to get some updated pictures downloaded from his camera so I can post some more recent pics.
Love to all!! Come home soon Grandma!! We'll see you next weekend!!
xoxoxo Becca