We Need to Keep this Alive! - So Here Goes Nothin'

So, Samantha and Bobby have been in town since last Friday night. Things have been going well and we've gotten to know Bobby more - which is a good thing. It's been funny going around looking at dresses, suites, cakes, decorations, etc. and having everyone think that both of them are still in high school (well funny in general, not funny to them). We keep checking things off the wedding to-do list and everytime we do two things happen: 1) it relieves stress for Amy as her to-do list gets shorter, and 2) it increases stress for Erik as his must-pay list gets longer. In the end, we hope that it will be a fun and memorable time for everyone as we surround one of the most important moments and ordinances of their lifetimes with a celebration of family, friends, and the love that surrounds all of us. We are really looking forward to seeing all of you in September. Hopefully you'll enjoy the view from the Best-Western that I booked you at (it looks out over an auto parts store and the local liquor store (sorry, but that's were it is)).

We're still waiting on Emily's doctor to call and tell us "what's next." I'm growing short of patience and hope he will call soon. Our own plan includes getting her into the world-class surgeon in Phoenix and getting her healed up in plenty of time for Samantha's wedding. Emily had her patriarchal blessing this past weekend and it was a great experience. The spririt was strong and her blessing confirmed her unique place in this life. I'm even more convinced that even though the surgery is serious, it is necessary, and it will be successful in helping her live a longer and better life.

Madeline was selected for the Varsity cheer squad for next year (she'll be a junior). She's very excited. Emily is considering "hiring on" as the manager for the school drill team. If she gets that it will be great experience for her. We're really hoping it will work out.

Samantha is going to Indianapolis for the summer to work as an office manager for the security systems company both she and Bobby work for. They expect to make a good amount of money over the summer. We hope that works out well for them. We finally had a chance to talk with Bobby's parents between the Sunday afternoon sessions of conference. We spoke for 90 minutes and found them to be very nice and pleasant people. That helped to alleviate the concern of that new relationship in our lives. So yea!

My knee is still improving, but is still giving me some problem (catching and popping from time to time). My rehab is going fine, but I wish it was just "problem free." I'm targeting October to get back on the Basketball court (I'm not going to risk hobbling myself prior to the wedding by playing any earlier).

So, our blog has "blogged down" it looks like! Well, I'll put a little in here and maybe it will prime the pump so to speak.

This is a picture from the back of the bed and breakfast that Judy and I stayed at about a month ago up in Midway. It was part of our Christmas and the first weekend that I started to feel that I was recovering slowly from whatever strange illness that I have had. It has been a very strange and eye opening two months or so that I have had - feeling the effects of mortal life and realizing how quickly all can change in one's situation. I am grateful that as of now - I am feeling about 85% of normal and have hope of continued recovery. It makes one certainly have more empathy for those who deal with physical limitations and chronic illness on a daily basis. I know that I will not forget the lessons or feelings I have had recently.

Nathan is going back in April 2nd for another round of ear tubes and this time they are going to take out his adenoid tissue. Fun for him - luckily he is off track for this time.

Julianne is in braces and has an expander on - so every night I get to be the torturer and "crank" the device open for her. After the initial day or two, she has done well. Now, we get to see her front teeth separate just a wee bit more every day!

I do have a little funny story to tell you - although it was more funny if you were there. We went to Mama and Daddy's for dinner last Sunday and they got out that game from our childhood that is gospel based where you describe things that are related to certain subjects. You have a little red window you hold over the card to see what the words are you are describing. Well, as the honor of being the "talker" got to me - I put the red plastic window over the card and read, "Things associated with job" Then I looked puzzled and read...."Satan" This is what was written on the card. Although appropriate, I couldn't figure out what my profession had to do with gospel subjects! Then it hit me .....not job, but Job, the old testament prophet! Oh what a difference a capitalization makes!

Best wishes to all - and we hope all survive another week in this world!

St. Lucia's eve.

So, Judy decided to start a new tradition in memory of Hildur and Benard's meeting while he was on his mission in Sweden. As we know, Hildur was selected that year to be the representative of St. Lucia, a young woman who was martyred because of her desire to serve God instead of marry. These processions (with attendants and star boys) go from house to house offering treats and good wishes on Dec. 13. We went to a few neighbors with Swedish gingerbread and wished them a happy Christmas.

By the way, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Emily and all of Erik's family. Hope his knee surgery goes well tomorrow.

Happy New Year!!

Well, now that I've figured this out...I hope...I can now with you all a very Happy New Year! We spent the evening with friends (somehow I avoided chaperoning the youth dance) and we had a great time!! 2008 is going to be GREAT! It has to be - it rhymes!

We had a wonderful time with Mama and Daddy while they were here. They got here just in time to watch Megan perform in the Nutcracker, Daddy got the fun of refinishing the top of Great Grandma Binns' hopechest, we play lots of Nerts, and just had a fun time together. I will always be greatful for the time I was able to spend with them.!

I hope you all are doing well! School starts for us tomorrow morning...yay for seminary and yay for school. Brenden flies back to BYU on Friday. Oh, our Christmas phone call with Sean was so fun! He's still Sean....goofy and fun. I can't wait for him to come home. He'll be home around June 4.

I love you all!