Can't believe Dorothy Mae has already turned One years old! We love her! We're so thankful she came to our family.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Family Letter : December
Why Hello! This is Emily….the deprived child writing instead of mom. It's a win-win situation since, I get the computer, and it saves mom some arm pain (Just kidding).
BRRRrrrr! Its 20 degrees here, and I looked out the window to find 5 inches of snowing and more coming. It's truly a winter wonderland in Gresham. Nothing gets better than snow during the winter. We weren't able to get down our hill due to the ice that froze beneath the snow so we called everyone in our ward that had a 4-wheel drive to come and pick us up. Finally, President Keith Hansen was kind enough to drive us to church. There were very few numbers who attended as some were trapped. Emily was suppose to play a duet in the Damascus ward with a violinist in that ward, but many were told not to come to church and so we were asked to do it next week. Meetings were cancelled after Sacrament Mtg. Michelle Linton sang a beautiful song, "Mary's Lullaby." Too bad not many were there to enjoy it, including Freeman!
Oh no, I don't know what I'm getting myself into writing the family letter. However, I'll write as much as I can and let mom fill in the blanks. Ha-ha! Which will probably be the whole letter!
The high light of this week is that I can drive!!! I have driven myself to school nearly everyday and love it, let me tell you!!!
Monday, Dad and I picked out our family Christmas tree after Orchestra. It has been quite a few years since we have gotten a real one.
This is Mom, now. Tuesday was the first time I haven't driven Emily to her violin lesson in 5 years! She is enjoying being independent.
Wednesday was the YW Sock exchange Christmas party. Emily has also been very busy studying for midterms and tests in each class. It's now Tues. the 16th and school has been cancelled the last two days because of the snow and ice. I know our Utah family just laugh, but when it snows, life shuts down here. We're just not equipped for it.
Dad and I attended the temple on Friday evening. We enjoyed being in the session with Bryan's brother and his wife. Emily arranged to meet her friend, Chummy Ricker, at Cold Stone and they celebrated their 16th birthday together that evening.
Sat. morning Emily played very well in her piano recital. She commented on the way home, "I love to perform!" She played with such good technique and confidence. It was held at an Assisted Living Center.
We were anxious for Julia to come home that day. There was a bad winter storm in the mountains and we were really concerned. Because of many accidents on the freeway, they closed them down between LeGrand and Pendelton. She and Anna Munger stayed in a hotel in LeGrand overnight. They were able to find out that there was a multi-stake event where they were performing the "Messiah." That was a nice break for them. The next morning they were packing up and a man saw them getting ready to leave. He asked where they were headed and he offered to follow them to make sure they would be safe. He said, "Do you girls have angels following you today?" He was their angel. We are so thankful he was there and was caring enough to watch out for these girls. He helped them repair the chains when they broke, etc. They creped along the snow packed roads at about 30 mph, finally arriving home after two days and 17 hours of driving time! Hurrah! We were so very grateful! It's delightful to have Julia home with us! She finished her first semester with nearly all A's! She worked hard in school, along with getting up at 3:30 a.m. every morning to do janitorial work! Way to go, Julia!!!
Saturday evening we attended the Portland Mormon Choir and Orchestra held in Vancouver. It's always an incredible performance. We're glad Viv and Daisy were able to go with us.
There is worse weather headed our way. The grocery store was packed today as they said on the news last night, you Tues. to run all your errands and get your groceries, and then you may be stuck for the rest of the week. We'll see what happens.
It was fun to receive by email a video clip of Elder Lewis performing the, "El Jarabe Tapatio." What a world we live in to have that kind of connection! We're anxious to talk with Elder Lewis next week!
We send our love to all, Mom, Dad, Emily & Julia
BRRRrrrr! Its 20 degrees here, and I looked out the window to find 5 inches of snowing and more coming. It's truly a winter wonderland in Gresham. Nothing gets better than snow during the winter. We weren't able to get down our hill due to the ice that froze beneath the snow so we called everyone in our ward that had a 4-wheel drive to come and pick us up. Finally, President Keith Hansen was kind enough to drive us to church. There were very few numbers who attended as some were trapped. Emily was suppose to play a duet in the Damascus ward with a violinist in that ward, but many were told not to come to church and so we were asked to do it next week. Meetings were cancelled after Sacrament Mtg. Michelle Linton sang a beautiful song, "Mary's Lullaby." Too bad not many were there to enjoy it, including Freeman!
Oh no, I don't know what I'm getting myself into writing the family letter. However, I'll write as much as I can and let mom fill in the blanks. Ha-ha! Which will probably be the whole letter!
The high light of this week is that I can drive!!! I have driven myself to school nearly everyday and love it, let me tell you!!!
Monday, Dad and I picked out our family Christmas tree after Orchestra. It has been quite a few years since we have gotten a real one.
This is Mom, now. Tuesday was the first time I haven't driven Emily to her violin lesson in 5 years! She is enjoying being independent.
Wednesday was the YW Sock exchange Christmas party. Emily has also been very busy studying for midterms and tests in each class. It's now Tues. the 16th and school has been cancelled the last two days because of the snow and ice. I know our Utah family just laugh, but when it snows, life shuts down here. We're just not equipped for it.
Dad and I attended the temple on Friday evening. We enjoyed being in the session with Bryan's brother and his wife. Emily arranged to meet her friend, Chummy Ricker, at Cold Stone and they celebrated their 16th birthday together that evening.
Sat. morning Emily played very well in her piano recital. She commented on the way home, "I love to perform!" She played with such good technique and confidence. It was held at an Assisted Living Center.
We were anxious for Julia to come home that day. There was a bad winter storm in the mountains and we were really concerned. Because of many accidents on the freeway, they closed them down between LeGrand and Pendelton. She and Anna Munger stayed in a hotel in LeGrand overnight. They were able to find out that there was a multi-stake event where they were performing the "Messiah." That was a nice break for them. The next morning they were packing up and a man saw them getting ready to leave. He asked where they were headed and he offered to follow them to make sure they would be safe. He said, "Do you girls have angels following you today?" He was their angel. We are so thankful he was there and was caring enough to watch out for these girls. He helped them repair the chains when they broke, etc. They creped along the snow packed roads at about 30 mph, finally arriving home after two days and 17 hours of driving time! Hurrah! We were so very grateful! It's delightful to have Julia home with us! She finished her first semester with nearly all A's! She worked hard in school, along with getting up at 3:30 a.m. every morning to do janitorial work! Way to go, Julia!!!
Saturday evening we attended the Portland Mormon Choir and Orchestra held in Vancouver. It's always an incredible performance. We're glad Viv and Daisy were able to go with us.
There is worse weather headed our way. The grocery store was packed today as they said on the news last night, you Tues. to run all your errands and get your groceries, and then you may be stuck for the rest of the week. We'll see what happens.
It was fun to receive by email a video clip of Elder Lewis performing the, "El Jarabe Tapatio." What a world we live in to have that kind of connection! We're anxious to talk with Elder Lewis next week!
We send our love to all, Mom, Dad, Emily & Julia
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
More pics of our Family Reunion July 2008
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| Addison, Grandma Lewis, Preston, Jackson, Emily on Temple Square |
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| Vance's perform "Bananas Unite!" |
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| Alice-Anne & Gary |
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| Preston, Addison, Jackson perform a skit |
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| Meredith & Bryan in their hilarious skit, Meredith as me living to a very old age from drinking Reliv. |
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| We love our grandchildren! |
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| Clark Caudle |
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| Jackson & Addison |
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| Emily pretending to be handicapped! |
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monthly Highlights
News you'll want to know about:
Exciting news: Meredith & Bryan announce they are expecting. You can read about it in their new blog. Check it out at: meredithandbryanwilliams.blogspot.com
Meredith passed her Massage Therapy License Exam. Congratulations, Meredith!!!
Sweet Experiences:
Sat. morning 7/19 was the baptism for Molly and Eamon O’Hallaron. I have been VT their mother for about 8 years. They have been less active for most of that time. I remember trying to visualize what it would look like to see them baptized and to see Angelea come back to church. As their mother gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, I couldn’t help but the think of the miracle that has happened in her life. I remember the days when she had a ring in her nose and a tongue piercing, with her hair very short and spiked. She stood to give her talk with that beautiful glow that comes from trying to do what’s right and keep the commandments. How I love this wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ and the amazing change that can occur in our lives. Crismon gave the talk on baptism. I don’t know when I’ve been taught so well about baptism before. He is a tremendous teacher. Emily played the piano. Crismon was honored to confirm Molly in our Sacrament Mtg. on Sunday.
Bountiful Blueberries:
Emily drove out and back to Pres. Dickinson’s home past Dodge Park this week for the three of us to pick blueberries from his field. We couldn’t believe how plentiful they were! We were able to grab handfuls at a time of this delicious fruit! As you can imagine, Dad was in heaven! In one hour we picked over 10 gallons of berries. We wish we could share with all of you. I had been studying the reading assignment for our SS on Korihor and how Alma testifies to him “all things denotes there is a God.” I was in awe with this amazing creation of fruit and its beauty. I couldn’t help but think of Alma’s words that all things testify of Christ.
Family Fun:
Surprise visit from Brad, Dantzelle, Annaliese & children while Seth & Tiffany were here. They were down in Portland for Megan's sister's Open House. Thanks for stopping by!
Delicious Sunday dinner at Brett & Viv's and fun with cute Clark.
Super summer fun with Seth & Tiffany & family at Multnomah Falls.
We enjoyed having Bryce & Teresa & girls and Freeman & Michelle & family join us for Tiffany's 29th birthday party in our backyard. 7/7/08
Emily delights in tending Tyler and Anslie (they were so good!).
Grandpa & Grandma hike with Jackson, Addison & Preston in forest behind our home.
Water activity will soon turn into a water fight!
Ashton cousins join us in West Jordan (Alice-Anne & Gary's house) for a visit. June 29, 2008
After the Lewis Reunion we gather at Grandpa Smith's house for a wonderful visit. Grandma Julia is recovering well from her hip surgery.
Terrific family time at the Lewis Family Reunion
Exciting news: Meredith & Bryan announce they are expecting. You can read about it in their new blog. Check it out at: meredithandbryanwilliams.blogspot.com
Meredith passed her Massage Therapy License Exam. Congratulations, Meredith!!!
Sweet Experiences:
Sat. morning 7/19 was the baptism for Molly and Eamon O’Hallaron. I have been VT their mother for about 8 years. They have been less active for most of that time. I remember trying to visualize what it would look like to see them baptized and to see Angelea come back to church. As their mother gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, I couldn’t help but the think of the miracle that has happened in her life. I remember the days when she had a ring in her nose and a tongue piercing, with her hair very short and spiked. She stood to give her talk with that beautiful glow that comes from trying to do what’s right and keep the commandments. How I love this wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ and the amazing change that can occur in our lives. Crismon gave the talk on baptism. I don’t know when I’ve been taught so well about baptism before. He is a tremendous teacher. Emily played the piano. Crismon was honored to confirm Molly in our Sacrament Mtg. on Sunday.
Bountiful Blueberries:
Emily drove out and back to Pres. Dickinson’s home past Dodge Park this week for the three of us to pick blueberries from his field. We couldn’t believe how plentiful they were! We were able to grab handfuls at a time of this delicious fruit! As you can imagine, Dad was in heaven! In one hour we picked over 10 gallons of berries. We wish we could share with all of you. I had been studying the reading assignment for our SS on Korihor and how Alma testifies to him “all things denotes there is a God.” I was in awe with this amazing creation of fruit and its beauty. I couldn’t help but think of Alma’s words that all things testify of Christ.
Family Fun:
Surprise visit from Brad, Dantzelle, Annaliese & children while Seth & Tiffany were here. They were down in Portland for Megan's sister's Open House. Thanks for stopping by!
Delicious Sunday dinner at Brett & Viv's and fun with cute Clark.
Super summer fun with Seth & Tiffany & family at Multnomah Falls.
We enjoyed having Bryce & Teresa & girls and Freeman & Michelle & family join us for Tiffany's 29th birthday party in our backyard. 7/7/08
Emily delights in tending Tyler and Anslie (they were so good!).
Grandpa & Grandma hike with Jackson, Addison & Preston in forest behind our home.
Water activity will soon turn into a water fight!
Ashton cousins join us in West Jordan (Alice-Anne & Gary's house) for a visit. June 29, 2008
After the Lewis Reunion we gather at Grandpa Smith's house for a wonderful visit. Grandma Julia is recovering well from her hip surgery.
Terrific family time at the Lewis Family ReunionSunday, July 6, 2008
CV Lewis Family July 6, 2008
Our Lewis Reunion with our Extended and Immediate Family
Highlights- Taylor & Shalie's wedding reception in Taylor - Lewis Reunion had begun!
- Bryson Gary Vance's blessing in Orem - Our family all together! (we missed you Brett & CJ!)
- Celebrated Sydney's 5th birthday
- Lewis Reunion at "Little Bear River Resort" Fun filled 3 days with about 120 Lewises! (Paradise, UT) See Lewis Reunion details at the Reunion Blog.
- Family visited Grandpa Smith in Logan and Grandma Julia (recovering from hip surgery)
- Our first official "Crismon & Vivienne Lewis Reunion" 24 of us
- "Johns Hotel" houses all of us (except Dallin & Janelle) in West Jordan for 3 terrific days together!
- Family events included visiting temple square, board games at night, BBQ at the park, swimming at the recreation center, family talent show (way too funny!), Sunday church meetings together, visiting with Ashton cousins, late night visiting. Ended too soon!
- Seth &
Tiffany returns to Gresham with us - Fun week with our Texas family, 2 outings to OMSI, hot tub fun, storytime w/Grandma & Grandpa, outside activities
- 4th of July events: 3-ward Flag Raising Ceremony at the church, attended the Corbett hometown parade (joined by Vivi & Brett), picnic lunch up the gorge, climbed up to Multnomah Falls, did fireworks at Munger's, boys loved it! Watched the Wash. D.C. celebratation (Julia & Vance's spend the day at DC, National Archives, fireworks, etc!)
- Sunday family testimony meeting (Preston stole the show!)
- Seth's family to go camping at the beach this week
Tender Mercies
Our prayers were answered for our trip home. Our fuel gauge on our van doesn’t work and because of an air pocket not allowing a full tank of gas at one of our fillups, we ran out of gas outside of Mountain Home, ID. Would you believe we coasted to an exit and stopped right behind a flat bed truck that was parked on the exit ramp. The driver w
as taking a lunch break and he happened to have a 5-gallon tank of gas. As he was filling our car he asked, “Did you say a prayer before your trip?” We assured him that we did and he said, “I did, too,” as he prays “every day to help someone.” Our prayers and his prayers were answered that day! What a blessing not to have to try and flag down a car in that 100+ weather and have to wait in the heat for gas! We arrived home in OR just in time to drive Corwin’s car to the airport so he could then drive on home. It was a long day, but we were blessed.
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