United from a distance

One of the ways we as a family are united at Christmas is our matching Christmas pajamas. Though it would be great to be closer together this seems to be what we have to work with, and some how I feel a bit more complete after receiving all the pictures and talking to each of the kids.









At this time however I would like all to have a wonderful New Year with many goals outlined, dreams to fulfill, love to share, and service to render as our thoughts and actions unitedly become more Christ centered.

Christmas Eve in Portland

This year ended up being spent at Mom DeRoest's home instead of the beach due to the snow. In fact John & Dale and Mary & Randy had all of there families together.

JoAnna was especially excited since she and Matt coordinated the reenactment of the Christmas story to bring it more focused on the holiday we were celebrating, so after a delicious dinner that mom prepared there was a gift exchange and program. Non professional, yes, but set a tone that was quite enjoyable.








Matt represented Caesar, as Sam played the guitar and Narrated the story. Bob and Natessa were Mary & Joseph. There two boys were the shepherds, JoAnna was the Angel that visited the shepherds, and the three Ferland boys, Randy, Ryan, and Ricky were the three wise men. It was really a fun focus to set the stage for Christmas.

Christmas is here again...

go ahead and say it you know you already thought it..."Stand up and cheer again!" Ok now on a serious note we had our annual Christmas Eve pajama party sent with love from Portland and here are the results...some good, some bad, and some awesome! We did get out earlier this evening to some friends house for a "Southern Tradition" Bon-fire for Santa Clause...either to signal him in, or to set him on fire I'm not really sure what the true purpose was, I wasn't really listening that attentively but it was fun none the less to come together eat some Jambalaya, roast mooshmellows, and be in good company. After our little venture we came home jammied up and took the photo op of the year. Please direct your attention to the crooked photo, this is Ethan's first picture of Mommy and Daddy. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas this year.
Love from Georgia Anthony, Chelsea, Ethan, and Jersey

Pre Christmas celebration" Winter wonderland"

Well who knows what will happen tomorrow. We have had snow for a couple of weeks now, however have not gone anywhere since last Friday night, so the snow has really piled up with no signs of stopping. In fact my car, though it did get cleared off on Saturday, is almost completely covered now.
I think we have now gotten about 18 " of snow depth, with drifts up to 36" in many areas.

Yesterday Peter, Jessica, Ezekiel, JoAnna, Tony, and I had our Christmas celebration with dinner, scripture reading, singing, and Christmas PJ's. The plan was to have Rodney and Lauren here also, however due to the snow they were unable to make it. We had a very nice day. Peter's sister Na, and her daughter came after dinner for a visit. She ended up driving down our driveway and getting stuck. Oh surprise! After getting her pushed out she visited for a little while longer, then headed home. It did give a form of entertainment for some.


Today my boss came to pick me up for work. I spent 3 hours rescheduling patients since the roads are all so bad, and confirming for tomorrow. If all works out we will have some patients come in, but a skeleton crew. Brad will pick me up first, then the hygienist for a 8 hour day. I'll be plenty busy. Needless to say however we probably will not be going to the beach tomorrow, so we loose out there. Its better to be safe, than sorry however.

" Christmas in Zarahemla. "

Tonight we went to our church Christmas dinner for a very enjoyable evening of food, fun, visiting, and entertainment. The theme for the party was "Christmas in Zarahemla", which depicted another time in history when the announcement of the Savior's birth was given.
As you can see we all wore timely clothing to be more a part of the fun and set the mood for the evening.
Dinner consisted of Lamanade (Lemonade), Nephries (Sweet potato fries), Liahoma balls (baked potato's), Kishkumen Kabobs both veggie & fruit, Corihor corn cakes (corn bread), Teancum's turkey, Rameumpton Rice (Spanish rice), Laban head of lettuce (green salad), & Sariah Salads. What a combination to choose from. It was set up in various booths around the room buffet style.
Some of the other booths housed various games to be entertained with.
The evening and program was concluded with the Primary children and audience singing a special rendition of Silent Night. Despite the snowy weather, there was a full house of people having a great time.

"Let it Snow"

I had so many things I had planned to do over the weekend, however all plans changed when the weather changed, and we received snow. Peter, Jessica & Ezekiel made it into town before the real storm hit, which was good. Our church was even canceled on Sunday, so we relaxed at home, read lessons, played games (which also included playing blocks with Ezekiel) and closed the evening with hot cocoa and a movie. It was a tough day! lol
Sabbath days are supposed to be a day of rest - and that it was.
Monday was a little frozen over which put Tony on snow days at work. On the other hand, I went to work for a pretty full day, as has been the trend this week. The weather man keeps saying we are to get freezing rain, which hasn't happened here, but we have gotten beautiful falling snow. It has stuck, but is only slushy on the roads which makes it easy to drive in.
Hopefully I can get out after work today to finish up the few things I need to do prior to Christmas.

Brent & Randi

Today Brent and Randi celebrate their 3rd wedding anniversary and with those three years has come allot of adventure, romance, fun, and much growth. They moved from here to Rexburg Idaho for college, then once graduated they moved to Elk Washington to be closer to Randi's family. The hope was to both find teaching jobs, settle down in a home of there own, have a family, and live happily ever after. When the jobs didn't manifest they moved to Sierra Vista Arizona In July of 2008 where both were offered jobs teaching, which they love. I would have to say they know how to make the best out of everything. Come spring they will welcome a new addition to there family for more fun and adventure, which we are all excited about.
So for now and forever continue to enjoy the journey of life together even in the tough times. Both dad and I really love you, and are grateful for the great example you set for all.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!

Happy Birthday to My Boy!!!

Happy 29th Hubby!
I'm not sure he'll even see this today but I'm doing it anyway.
You are incredibly loved & missed when you're away. You are an enormous blessing to all who know you. Thank you for your smiles & for sharing your talents with those around you. Ethan & I are thankful for all that you do & for the person you are.
I'm glad I'm yours, thank you for being mine.
XoxOXooxOxOO
Love,
Chelsea & Ethan

No longer a teenager

Today my baby turned 20 years old. She seemed to be very excited to be considered an adult. Its amazing how the feeling changes as we get older. I know from watching my children get older that I to must be as well, however if it weren't for the occasional aches or pains, I really don't feel like I should be as old as I am. Age really becomes irrelevant.
JoAnna decided for her birthday she wanted to make home made turkey pot pies, so Saturday night we made both vegetable pot pies, and turkey with broccoli pot pies for Sunday dinner. Rodney & Lauren came from Kalama Washington to join us, as well as cousin Cameo. It was a small gathering for dinner and visiting, then we enjoyed watching Christmas specials in the evening. I can always count on JoAnna to join me with that tradition. Its the only time of year that I reserve the TV.

A time of Thanksgiving

We have truly had a time of Thanksgiving, even though we are apart. JoAnna, Tony and I enjoyed a great time and meal with Rodney's new in-laws, and our friends for years, the Yeaman family in Kalama, Washington. It was fun to visit, enjoy a wonderful feast, and be entertained by the serenading of one of the LDS missionaries who played the violin. Such a beautiful talent. He played a variety of types of music, but closed with a hymn and bearing his testimony of our Savior great divine plan of happiness. I am grateful for my knowledge and comfort of the gospel that leads and guides myself and my family in our everyday life.

Both Brent & Randi, Anthony & Chelsea sent pictures of there special Thanksgiving.









I remember how amazing it was to be off on our own, away from the extended family, and enjoy the time as husband and wife.

We missed the big gathering, yet were Thankful for the start of our future together. I am glad that the kids are enjoying those things as well. We have much to be Thankful for.