Week of February 18, 2013

So, if I can remember, I’m going to make an entry each day during the week and try to keep up with the details to share with you. So, here goes:

Monday, Feb 18:

It’s Presidents Day.  A day off of work and school for us all, except Annie.  Subway doesn’t take days off.

Dad left this morning and went to North Bend to take Grandma Hopper a new computer.  After he left, he called Grandma to tell her he was on his way and she told him that Grandpa wasn’t doing well and they might not be there when he arrived.  After a while, she called to tell Dad that the ambulance was coming to take him to the ER.  He was not himself and she was worried.  So, Dad went on to their house and installed the computer.  After that, he went up to the hospital and found that Grandpa was doing better.  They think there was something going on with his medications.  So, the plan was to discharge him to a nursing home later in the day and let him regain his strength before returning home.  Dad returned home again and all is well.

Lainey had a busy day today.  She started the day with conditioning for lacrosse.  Then she went ice skating with Aaron and his family.  When she returned, she went to play practice.  She is playing trombone for Willy Wonka at Century. 

Oh, while Dad was gone, Lainey discovered that the dryer was not heating.  This on a day when all three of us had our laundry to do!!!  So, I’ve spent the day washing and hanging up laundry.  There are clothes hanging everywhere! Lainey and Annie had to blow-dry their things just to have clothes to wear today!  What fun.  After Dad got home from driving all day, he took the dryer apart and troubleshot the problem.  The heating element was broken in half.  I think he may have found the problem!  He is amazing.  Don’t know what I’d do without him. 

I’m going to bed now!!

Okay.  Now it’s Sunday!  And I didn’t write on this all week!  Wow.  I’m amazing.  Anyway, what happened since Monday??? Work and school.  Hmmmm.  Yesterday, Annie and Nick came over to tell us that they just put a deposit on a little rental house in Hillsboro.  It is on Jackson St. and 2^nd right across the street from Bagley park.  We played there on playdates when you guys were little (the year Lainey was 1), but you probably don’t remember it.  Here’s a photo of the house:

Here’s Annie’s description of it from Facebook:

It's on the Hillsboro historical registry. It was turned into condos in the 70's. so it is just an apartment, but it is way cute. Built in 1879 or something really old like that. It has like 12' ceilings in it.

I’m feeling sick today.  Sore throat and headache.  We have Book Fair this week.  Not a good combination…we’ll see how it goes! 

Hmmmm.  Have I shared photos with you of our bathroom?  The leak in the shower got just too bad, so Dad went all “hulk” on it and ripped out the shower along with all the rest of the fixtures.  It is now an empty room.  We are sharing the middle bathroom with Lainey.  She is being SO gracious. 

He is going to tile the floor and then tile in a shower stall.  We are looking for an antique dresser to turn into a sink.  Should be pretty cool when it’s finished.  Stay tuned!

Molly gave her farewell talk today in church.  She did great, as you would expect.  She leaves on March 6^th for the Provo MTC, where she will only stay for 2 weeks before they send her out to Vegas. 

Week of February 11, 2013

·         Hello everyone! 

·         Well, there are many announcements on the service front this week!  Here are the headlines:

Grace Huskey

Sister Huskey: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Brazil Sao Paulo north mission... You should report to the Brazil MTC on Wednesday July 3, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel on the Portuguese language :D :D :D

Olivia Huskey

Dear Sister Huskey: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Brazil Florianopolis Mission.

I'll be speaking Portuguese and I report to the Brazil Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013!

We got our mission calls the day before Grace's birthday and report the day before mine!!!

Elder Marsh arrived home from his mission last week!

Maddy Jones-

Final oath.. I am an official member of the United States Marine Corps. My contract has begun. Oorah

Sara and Lane got married on Saturday, the 16^th.  They had the ceremony at a wedding house in Troutdale.  Only family were invited and the mom group helped with the food (Renee, me, Lisa, and Cheryl and our families).  It was a nice ceremony and President Fotheringham performed the marriage.

Other than those small details, it was a pretty quiet week!  Tomorrow (Monday, the 18^th) is Presidents Day, so we have work and school off.  I will work around the house catching up things that I don’t get done while I’m working every day.  Dad is thinking about going to North Bend for the day.  He’s built Grandma Hopper another new computer and she is waiting for it.  Grandpa is home now, regaining strength after having his gall bladder out.  He takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

Have a wonderful week!

Week of February 4, 2013

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!

So, for Christmas, Annie and Nick gave me and Dad tickets to ride the Mr. Hood Railroad for an Elvis show Valentine’s treat!  We went yesterday and it was a lot of fun!  Well, the train was fun.  The dinner was excellent.  Elvis was, well….creepy!  But I, along with every other woman in the car got a kiss and an Elvis satin scarf right off of his neck!  Eeeewww!  Okay.  I survived it.  The rest of the event was fun! 

       

Dad did the repair to the car that he hoped would fix the transmission problem, but it was to no avail.  The car is still broken.  Instead of the $300 “easy” fix, we are going to need a rebuilt transmission for $2000-ish.  It was worth a try, I guess.  Well anyway, since we don’t have $2000 right now, we just have to drive the Explorer unless it won’t drive.  We took it out to Hood River for the train ride and it made it there okay.  It has trouble shifting (especially into reverse), but it’s been okay.  On the way home, it didn’t appreciate the Sylvan hill and decided not to shift out of second or third and Dad had to limp it the rest of the way home.  We will now only take it to work, church, school and back.  Hopefully, Dad can finish our taxes and they will come up with enough to get the car fixed!  Oh, and that is if the tires don’t go flat again in the process! We need new tires too.  Oh, the life.

Bishop Wendell came up to us in church this morning and we were making small talk.  Then he showed us his hands.  If you remember, he has a nail biting habit.  Well, he decided to knock that nasty habit off.  He showed us his beautiful nails and we had to take a picture for you guys to  show them off for him!

   This is Bishop saying, “why do you want a picture of my face?”

And in Sports news…..

Aloha's Brayden Kearsley commits to Brigham Young University

Mike Richman, OregonLive.com, January 23, 2013 3:19 p.m.

Aloha's Brayden Kearsley has committed to BYU - (Bruce Ely/The Oregonian)

Aloha High School senior lineman Brayden Kearsley announced Wednesday that he has recommitted to the Brigham Young University football program. Kearsley initially committed to BYU in September 2011, but re-opened his recruitment and considered Oregon State, Arizona State, Washington, and Arkansas before deciding to recommit to the Cougars.

Kearsley, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound senior, is rated a four-star recruit by both Scout.com and Rivals.com. He was a first-team all-state selection as a senior, after earning second-team honors in his junior season. As a sophomore, Kearsley helped Aloha to the Class 6A state championship and earned second-team all-state honors.

Although he had visited the campus multiple times during his recruitment, Kearsley took an official visit to Provo over the weekend and reaffirmed his committment after meeting with offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Robert Anae.

At Brigham Young, Kearsley will join three other Oregon high school football players from the Class of 2013. Central Catholic defensive back Dallin Leavitt committed to BYU in September 2011, while Tanner Shipley and Johnny Ragin of Wilsonville gave commitments during the 2012 season. BYU has received more commitments from Oregon athletes from the Class of 2013 than any other FBS school.

BYU went 8-5 in 2012, capped with a 23-6 win over San Diego State in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

Here are a couple of quotes I’ve enjoyed today from President Gordon B. Hinckley.  You might remember him! 

“This is my prayer for all of us—'Lord, increase our faith.' Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 52-53.

“This cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth. Doors now closed to the preaching of the gospel will be opened. The Almighty, if necessary, may have to shake the nations to humble them and cause them to listen to the servants of the living God. Whatever is needed will come to pass.” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 68.

I hope you have had and will have a couple of really great weeks! 

Week of January 28, 2013

Oh, my goodness.  What a week. 

What would you like to hear about first? 

Grandpa-They determined that he had Pancreatitis brought on by a virus that he and Grandma had the week prior.  So, they have nursed him along to strength and will be removing his Gall Bladder as soon as he can handle the surgery.  Hopefully, sometime this week.  I’ll let you know!

Superbowl – It’s still being played as I write this!  We were watching the 3^rd quarter (Beyoncé performed the half-time;  in case you were wondering); the score was 28-6 Ravens, right after a 109 yard record kickoff return touchdown to start the second half.  Suddenly, the power went off for most of the stadium (New Orleans) and all was dark and quiet, except for the fans in the stands!  We have had a half an hour delay while they power up the stadium again.  Interesting turn of events!! 

I have to go to a Girls Camp meeting here in a minute, so I’ll tell you the final score when I return!

Okay.  I’m back.  And the winner is………Baltimore Ravens!  Final score: 34 to 31.  Sounds like it was a great game!  Oh, and did I mention that the head coaches for each team were brothers??  John and Jim Harbaugh.  I bet their parents had a great time!

Engagements/Births/Announcements/Mission Calls:

Here’s the update for the week-

Ø  Nicole Rose is now in New Zealand and in her first area.

Ø  Both Grace and Olivia Huskey are waiting mission calls.

Ø  Lindsay Adams got married yesterday to her fiancé Garry Perza. 

Ø  Cameron Johnson and Kellie Peavler are getting married on March 2, 2013 at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. 

Ø  Oh, and LACEY GORMAN IS ENGAGED!!!

We met her fiancé at Christmas time.  Approval!

Shelbie Kenfield’s baby is due Feb 11^th, so we’ll let you know when we hear about that event.

Finwall’s added a fun group of photos this week.  Thought I’d share.  Cora just turned TWO!!

And, just for fun…

Dad is almost done with the transmission repair on the Explorer (aka-Stanley).  He has just a few things left to do and then we’ll see if the $300 fix worked.  If not, we have to figure out how to get a rebuilt transmission.  That will be more like $1500.  Say a prayer!

Have a great week!  Can’t wait to hear from you!

Week of January 21, 2013

Hello men!  So good to sit down to write you a little bit tonight.  It is my usual Sunday night time slot. 

Well, there were some events of particular note this week.  Don’t know if I should rank them by time or by importance this week. 

Hmmm.  Well we had a CHOMP concert this week.  Lainey played both trombone and tuba for it.  She was great!  Mr. Dunlop told us again that she is improving all the time. 

We planned to go to Waldport (1/2 hour south of Newport) and see Uncle David.  He has purchased a “new” house. We had to rent a car since ours has terrible issues with its transmission right now.  We drove down and expected to eat a fun lunch with Aunt Lynn, Heather and her two kiddos, Grandma Hopper, Wayne and Patty, and of course Uncle David. 

Well, when we got there, we found Aunt Lynn on the phone with the Bay Area Hospital and Grandma Hopper pulled us aside and let us know that Grandpa Hopper was in intensive care.  They were both sick with a gastro crud last week and Saturday morning at about 2am, he woke grandma up and they called 911.  He wasn’t doing well.  They admitted him.  So, they put him on pain meds  and he had very low blood pressure, so they put him in a coma, intubated him and gave him meds to get his bp stabilized.  They diagnosed him with pancreatitis and they have been watching his progress.  His blood pressure is now up again and they are bringing him out of the coma slowly and watching his progress.  That’s all I know about that for now.  I’ll keep you in the loop as we hear more. 

So, we got back into town last night and Molly and Seth had both gotten white envelopes in the mail!  So, Molly opened hers last night and Seth opened his today.  I was able to be there for both.  Wanna know where and when they are going?????? I bet you do.  Hmmm.  I should make you wait!  I love having control.  You’re probably skipping my random talk to see anyway.  So, here you are. 

Molly is reporting to the MTC in Provo on March 6^th and will serve, speaking English in the Nevada, Las Vegas mission!  And Seth will report to the Provo MTC on April 3^rd and will serve, speaking English in the Colorado, Denver North mission, which is the mission his dad served in 30 years ago! 

How’s that??????
So exciting!

When you two return, they will be looking at one year in the mission.  So fun!

Oh, and Grace Huskey is waiting for her call.  And Olivia Huskey is almost done with her papers!

A not so great thing happened today at church.  Sister Hancock, who is the Huskey girls’ grandma (Renee Butcher’s mom) took a fall today right after Sacrament Meeting in the back of the chapel.  Don’t know what happened, she was just standing there one second and she was down the next.  She landed pretty much on her face.  Her glasses took a toll on her face and she now has 12 stitches and an arm splint.  Poor girl!

Here’s a photo from the ER.  Luckily, we have two triage nurses in our Ward now!  They both sprang into action!  It was awesome!

So, I was in the hallway (aftermath of the fall) and when Sunday school let out, out walks the Spanish Branch missionaries from the Gospel Essentials class!  They were new to me, so I called to them and told them I didn’t recognize them and introduced myself.  They knew the name, had heard about you two and had seen your photos in the missionary case in the other hall.  I told them a little about you and then said something about Drew’s speaking spanish and his new Tongan companion.  One of the missionaries got a big smile on his face and said, “I’m from New Zealand!”  They were happy to chat with me for a bit and we found out that they would both still be here when the two of you get off of your missions!  They are excited to meet you!

So, that’s a full week!

It is the end of the semester here, so we get Thursday and Friday off.  Looking forward to it!!

Week of January 14, 2013

Happy MLK Day!  Lainey and I have the day off, but Dad has to work.  Poor  guy.  You know he now has a setup where he plays TV shows while he’s at work??  Slacker.

It’s so cold here, even the spider webs froze!!!  I love this picture.  It greeted me when I showed up to work this morning. 

So there are now three kids from our Ward who are waiting for their mission calls:

Grace Huskey

Seth Carstens

Molly Fields

I’ll let you know about each one when they get their calls!

So, Drew.  You might be interested that the San Francisco 49’ers beat the Atlanta Falcons to win a seat in the Super bowl.  Tonight, the Baltimore Ravens and playing the New England Patriots to decide their opponent.  I’ll tell you by the end of this letter who won!  The super bowl is being played on February 3^rd, I think.

Ravens won!  So, it’s Baltimore vs. San Francisco in the Superbowl!

Next Saturday, we are travelling to Waldport, OR on the coast, just north of Newport.  Uncle David bought a house!!  We are going to have a housewarming party! 

Right now, it’s 10:30pm on Sunday night.  Dad, Lainey and I are studying together for Lainey’s World War II unit test in Modern America.  Three cheers for Lainey letting us help!!

Going to bed soon.  Love you!!!!!!

Week of January 7, 2013

Happy week!  Well, January must just be a very boring month, because each week I’ve sat down to email you the events of the week and I cannot come up with much! 

Well, there are a few new little news items on the friend front:

Amanda Tomlinson is engaged:

And Lindsay Adams:

And Cambrai Loftus!

Weddings everywhere!

My week was filled with work, parent meeting, more work, sewing new tablecloths and chair toppers for the Primary room at church and … not much else. 

Dad has a 2000 piece puzzle from Christmas and he’s spent most of the week working on it.  This one’s a good one.  Very difficult!

Today (Sunday) is Uncle Wayne’s birthday.

This year in Primary, the theme is I am a Child of God.  This month, I’m doing Sharing time and we are talking about the Plan of Happiness/Salvation.  Boy, those kids know their stuff!  What a wonderful thing it is to know that we have a chance to return and live with our Heavenly Father again. 

I am so grateful for forever families!