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.

NASA Launch!

Well here I am in Zaragosa Spain standing alert for the Endevour Shuttle launch that is about to take place in about an hour! All systems are a go thus far...but you know anything can postpone a launch. I was able to spend about three days in Germany and while I was there I made it over to Bastogne Belguim for Vetrans day. It was a great feeling to be where brave men once fought and died for the lives of not only our freedom but a Nazi free Europe. Here are just a few of the photo ops we had while at work...? I love and miss all of you especially you Chelsea and Ethan! Love, Anthony

Halloween weekend

Tony and I enjoyed Halloween night with mom, John & Dale watching all the little gremlins come to the door. JoAnna spent a couple nights with her cousins Cameo, Rick, and there little one Leann. She enjoyed seeing how creative people were with their costumes, especially the little ones.
The biggest hit for everyone was going to the church for truck or treating. It is the safest way to go. Not only do you know the people, but the kids walk from car to car in the parking lot for the treats. Some people were creative with decorating there cars as well. Our little ones may be far away, but we can at least enjoy the pictures of Ethan as Scooby Doo. I expecially like this one of he and Chelsea with there cheese grins.





Savannah is a very cute love bug, or lady bug, however she also is sporting an adorable little witch.











Ezekiel makes a very cute little puppy, which doesn't really surprise me much since he loves puppies. I guess he does't do to well with anything on his head however, so most the time it hung to his back.


Rodney and Lauren dressed up formal for the Officers Ball tonight. It was Lauren's first experience at such, and she was a little less than impressed I think. To much drinking going on, and stupid actions. They looked sharp however, and came back sober.

The Fruit Loop

JoAnna and I spent the day together enjoying the amazing beauty and colors of Fall along the Columbia River on a drive to and from Hood River. On the drive we also enjoyed the crispness of Mt. Hood looking so majestic.

This was our first experience of going from one farm to the next and trying a variety of Apples, pears, or many jams, jellies, and fruit butter. Our last stop was at a farm that had an outdoor BBQ that was wonderful. The bad part was we ate to much so it would have been a perfect time for a nap, which worked out for JoAnna for the drive home. However I felt a need to keep my eyes open for our safety.
I know the Dover bunch have enjoyed this tradition for a few years now. If I had known about this event a couple weeks ago, I would have like to enjoy it also with the family while they were in town. Our time was so limited however that it would have been very difficult to manage. I am appreciative that JoAnna is here this fall to have these special times with. She will be leaving back to Rexburg for school all to soon, so I am trying to take advantage of every moment and memory I am able to have with her.

"Time out for Women"

Friday and Saturday the 17th and 18th of October JoAnna and I went to the Convention center downtown for a two day women seminar to be spiritually fed with both word and music. The Theme for this was was "Share the Joy". What I really enjoy about this seminar is that you receive enough information to be able to process, and apply.

Jason Deere and band sang songs he wrote for the CD of Joseph, as well as about the Pioneers. Both were in a story form so it made you feel the spirit of what great sacrifices that were made while restoring the Gospel of Jesus Christ here on the earth in these latter days.

Kenneth Cope sang many songs on both days. Some familiar from past EFY CD's, and many new ones. His message throughout was that the Lord loves all his babies. The real you is in the image of God.

Chris Okazaki spoke on the importance of "Teaching correct principles, then letting them govern themselves. That is how we learn day by day, and how the Lord teaches us. With this we all need to not judge others, but recognize their needs. The Lord has made each of us unique. It is up to us to appreciate our capabilities and use it to help and serve others.

Emily Watts spoke of the need to "Strengthen the Core of the home" as well as a Mothers guilt. All to often as a mother we feel guilty for things that are out of our control. 2 Nephi 10:23 it reminds us we are Free to act for ourselves...
We don't always get to control the Worlds in-put, but hopefully we can contribute. The more right things that are received, the more right things are passed on from generation to generation. Create a Home where the spirit can dwell.

Camilla Fronk Olsen reminded us that we need the Savior in our Life.
The Holy Ghost as a constant companion.
The Lord gives us opportunities, but wants us to let go, stand strong and Lead. Psalmes 55:20 "The Lord will sustain me"

Mary Ellen Edmonds reminded us of the importance of being peacemakers.
Contention is of the adversary, which separates us from the Lord.
The Holy Ghost has great ideas to help us in times of trial and concern.
Let there be Peace on Earth, and Let it begin with Me.

Elia Gourgouris spoke on "relationships" that can give this life great joy, even in times of adversity.
Everyone wants to be loved, and understood
Listen with the spirit to clarify, or have a better understanding
Be the first to apologize, be forgiving, and show Humility
Languages of Love: Quality Time, Physical Touch, Words of Appreciation, Acts of Service, Gifts

Love others the way they need to be loved. Speak there language, then they will respond in your language.

Many of these teachings we have heard before, however it is always good to have refresher courses on how to be more Christ-like to all, including toward yourself.

We had a great time, and hope this information will help you be a little better as well.

Pumpkin fun

Having all the kids, grand kids, and neice PJ with her sweet little one here for a week allowed us to have fun with traditions of old.
Friday Oct. 10th we all went for the first time to the Roloff pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin, but also to take pictures. I love the colors of fall, and the excitement of little ones running and looking for the perfect pumpkin. I know my little ones aren't so little any more. Nor are the babies old enough to really get excited to pick out a pumpkin, but still the pictures are great and the reflections of old are still treasured.
Sunday evening we did the pumpkin carving. Each with there own creations. I'm not sure if this time was enjoyed as much for all, but I know I appreciate all the times we could spend together. Thanks to all of my sweet children for humoring me.