October 2014

The Winner is… Mom and Dad. Usually Hannah is the first to get her newsletter info in, but this month it was Mom, and without any reminders!

Dad and Mom

Heeheee!! I'm thinking I'm going to be the first one to get this in this month! I need to do it while I'm thinking about it as the next two days are kind of crazy. Your dad is taking the young men to Nashville on Friday for a fireside with the BYU football players who'll be down to play the following day...he and I have tickets for that game!!! I'm pretty excited!

Our month has been incredibly busy. Somehow I thought that when all you guys had left home life would be "easy" and "carefree". It's so not! However, I'm fully aware that in comparison to the lives, schedules, pressures, and complications you all face each day, my life really is easy! I promise, your day is coming when you'll have a chance to breathe and enough sleep! Just ENDURE till then, ok?!!

The first week of October I spent in Sevierville, TN (down near Dollywood and the Smokies) with three friends from my biggest loser club. Tricia had come from Savannah, GA, Gina had come from Illinois, and Cathy flew in from Canada. I had the opportunity to meet some friends from the club when I had been in Salt Lake a few years ago and it was so fun. It was just as amazing to meet these guys and spend the week with them. Tricia and I hiked and visited the Smokies (Rachel and Mary will know just what we did ;) and no, we didn't see any deer! Lol!), we went to Dollywood (again, Rachel and Mary will relate ;), and THEY rode the Ferris wheel ( and no! I didn't ride it - that giant one!!!). But mostly we spent time laughing and enjoying our time together. We did play Apples to Apples, they had never played it, and we had a blast!

I actually enrolled in BYU's organ class...their regular class for beginning organists. I had been working through the BYU course that had 12 lessons for beginning organists to learn for church. It is similar, but this one is way more in depth and I'm really enjoying it. They require about 6 hours of practice a week at the organ and then the regular course work and reading. That, plus my regular practice for meetings, means that I'm at the organ about 2-3 hours a day. It is a challenge but I'm grateful for the opportunity. Your dad is so good to support me in this. He's the one that got me my organ shoes for Christmas and he's the one that comes and sits at the church with me in the evening if I have to go then. His support is truly appreciated. He keeps telling me to get an organ teacher but I don't know about that...kind of wondering what my goals are there...wondering if I'd rather have organ lessons or piano lessons...or if I just like my freedom! Lol

Obviously we both thoroughly enjoyed general conference. I hope you all were able to take advantage of it. I was thinking that we have five different time zones represented in our family and what hurdles those time zones create for you to be able to listen, especially with young families. Your Dad got the pies and ice cream for our buildings' Priesthood broadcast and had the young men help him. He really, really, really enjoyed President Monson's talk to the Priesthood and spent the next few days working on putting the movie about the Bismarck and President Monson's talk onto a DVD. He had the young men and their fathers come over and watch it together and had pizza. He enjoyed their time and hopes that the ym did too.

I had an eye dr. appointment with my opthamalogist. It was a regular 6 month check that has been going on since my cataract surgeries. Principally they measure the pressures inside my globes. They have been high for as long as I can remember...even in El Centro. The danger is that it could be glaucoma and could cause blindness. Dr. Dahl really believes that the probability is that it's the thickness of my corneas, but there was a slight variation in the pressures and he's prescribed lumigan drops for the treatment of glaucoma just to be sure. Supposedly the risks are minimal with the drops (my eye lashes could grow very thick and long - oh darn! Lol!) but if he were wrong, the damage is irreversible. I mention this just because there are obvious genetic potentials for you and your kids.

Over Veterans Day weekend your Aunt Marsha and Uncle Blair came up for a visit. Obviously that meant that we had the opportunity to see more of your Uncle Bob too. Unfortunately that particular weekend was the weekend that Noah should have launched the ark around here! It didn't just rain, it poured and poured all weekend until Monday morning. One of the things that your Dad had wanted to do was work at the cemetery on your Grandma's grave. We did that on Monday! We also had Chinese (in honor of Joey, Felicia, Janna, John, and your Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Jeanie who were here for Grandma's funeral). Truly, we had so much fun and it doesn't take much for us to enjoy ourselves! Lol.

Your Dad has had his own series of medical appointments...we've been to Sevierville, Mountain Home VA (near the North Carolina border) and local drs as well as had a sleep study done again. When you add physical therapy, lab appts., and training appointments you can see that much of his time is spent coming and going and sitting in waiting rooms. However, he's doing remarkably well right now, especially considering it is autumn and how much seasonal changes affect him.

Most of you know I also accepted another responsibility as R.S. Meeting Coordinator. Your Dad just laughs and laughs...says it's because I wasn't attending! *snicker snicker*. Sadly, he might be right! It is occupying much of my unoccupied mind and if you see or hear or think of anything that would help...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell me! Lol!

And, just as a heads up...there is a young man in our ward who has been having a problem or two. We may provide a safe haven for him for a few months until legal and cps issues have been resolved. It is just a possibility at this time but we want you to be aware of it, nevertheless. There is nothing certain, but if the need arises, it could happen at any time. If someone answers our phones, and you don't know who it is...it may be this young man.

Well - see? I actually am getting this out! Yea!!! I'm wishing all of our October birthdays - Rachel, Emmett, and Ivy - happy birthday! And wishing we were all able to be together for cake and ice cream! I sure miss each of you. And, I can't tell you how grateful I am for the videos, pics, and phone calls you send our way...each of you are precious to us and it blesses our lives. And Hannah and Carlie - that goes double for you! I know we may not be on your radar as much as your own parents - but we soooo appreciate your efforts to always include us - and besides - we feel like you're every bit our daughters! And, Cherstin, Felicia, Wanda, and Desi - I know your parents-in-law appreciate your efforts too! Thanks so much to all of you! We love you with all our hearts! And...Gideon, Glory, Scarlett, Joseph, Bekah, Rachel, Mary, Ben, and Sam - anything you can send our way would be adored! Love, Mom and Dad aka Grandma and Grandpa

Wanda and Robert

We had a great time camping in Nauvoo. Remember that heat wave? We must be jinxed because we were there for a surprise cold snap. Man it was FREEZING.

Robert is getting a handle on his Branch President commitments and I’m finally figuring out how Pathway fits into my daily routine. Joseph and Rebekah both have college applications in and we’re awaiting news from the college fronts. Rachel just got a third quarter of straight A’s. Mary and Ben are enjoying goofing off during school time. Ben, Sam, and Ruth are FINALLY done with soccer, so hopefully our weekends will be freeing up. Moroni and Adam just jointly purchased Skylander Trap Team with birthday money and are having a lot of fun playing together. Hyrum has resorted to taking his diaper off whenever he’s dirty or wet, so the therapists are trying to convince me it’s time to potty train him. Joshua is learning new words every day. His favorite words are bottle, shoes, backpack, ball and marble (which sounds like ball-ball). We had a lot of fun at our branch’s trunk or treat, and Robert and I even won the chili cook off. Here’s to November.

Joey and Carlie

October has been busy… The Stake Young Men’s sponsored a Daddy Daughter Date. Joey and the girls had a lot of fun.

Joey had a quarterly motorcycle safety ride for work. It was only a small 60 mile round trip ride down to Big Sur. Scarlett tagged along on her first real ride. Carlie and Joey took most of the same ride a few days later down to the Bixby Bridge on Hwy 1, Pacific Coast Highway.

Carlie and Joey took another trip down to Big Sur to the Point Sur Lighthouse for a Halloween ghost tour.

Carlie, Gideon and Scarlett went to Sacramento to volunteer at a Spartan Race to earn a free race. Gideon spent the day picking up trash and Carlie and Scarlett worked The Biggest Loser Run/Walk done in conjunction with the Spartan Race. They worked with Pam from Season 14 Biggest Loser.

They then drove from Sacramento to the LA area for Carlie’s cousin’s mission farewell.

Gideon finally got off his tale and got his permit.

And took his first driving lesson.

Glory got to stick the month out at home, not motorcycle ride, no Spartan Race or trip to LA… She’s been a big help around the house though. October is, of course, Halloween. Glory used her own babysitting money to come up with a lion costume.

All the kids did some trick or treating, but it didn’t last long because it was pouring rain.

Philip and Hannah

Wow, October is over with already. Not much to report from our family. Philip is still working. Despite his great efforts at trying to win a million dollars by playing Monopoly at McDonalds all month, the only things we won were some RedBox rentals and some free food. Sorry Phil, maybe next year.

We had parent teacher conferences at the beginning of the month. William is doing awesome in school. He absolutely loves his teacher and all the things he is learning. Orion still hates school. He even tells his teacher on a daily basis that he hates school. That being said, he is also doing well academically. Really well. If we could just get him to stop bugging his neighbors and stop swinging on the bathroom stall doors, he would be a model student.

Oliver is potty trained!!

Winston is diaper trained!

I got to go to Time Out for Women in Madison earlier this month. That was a lot of fun and I am so thankful that Phil was willing to stay home all weekend with the boys and let me have that time! Halloween was fun. The kids all chose easy costumes, and Philip just used one that he already had, so I didn't spend a lot of time at the sewing machine last minute putting together costumes.

Mike and Desi

October was a pretty busy month for us. Mike stayed at work several nights which made for long nights being with kids by myself. I guess I shouldn't complain because at least it means work is steady. Soccer ended this month too. I am always glad for a break from soccer practices and busy Saturday's. Emily and Mordecai really enjoyed playing and Mordecai will continue with indoor soccer during the fall. October of course brought trunk-or-treats and Halloween. For the trunk-or-treat Emily and Mordecai both invited friends and their families and to our surprise both came. That made it just a bit complicated trying to care for out-of-control Ruby and Ivy tantrums and two non-member families. There were also school parties which made it chaotic for me because I am the room parent for Mordecai's class who coordinates all that stuff. Halloween costumes this year were as follows: Emily was a fairy, Mordecai was Harry Potter, Ruby went as Doc McStuffins, and Ivy would not wear a costume. The Kids had a blast at the trunk-or-treat as well as trick-or-treating in our neighborhood on Halloween. It was odd that on a Friday night for Halloween the number of kids out trick-or-treating was on the low side.

I also taught as lead student for our Pathway program the 30th.

Excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

Dan and Cherstin

We are pretty boring. Dan’s been gone a lot for scouts or YM so we've hung out at home quite a bit. I'm at the point where it's not worth it to haul all of the kids out when they're so happy to stay at home and play with friends on the street.

Our days are getting shorter. The sun sets around 4:45; rises around 8:30. We are predicted to have a warmer winter than typical, which would be nice. We still have snow and ice on the ground from a few weeks ago. It doesn't melt because the sun never really reaches those areas.

We took a school break two weeks ago and it was awesome to be able to sleep in and get stuff done.

The kids all loved Halloween. They did not love trick or treating in the dark and freezing.

Abby is continuing her avid reading. This month she's finished up 101 Dalmatians, a biography on Pocahontas, more Harry Potter, on and on. I am happy we can claim books for her school stipend!

Emmett is up to his normal stuff. He is moving past his wave of obstinate, which we are ALL grateful for. His schoolwork is done quickly so he can play all day long.

Ellie is still a princess. She is starting to try and sneak things so we are combatting that. I also have to constantly remind her that she can't go outside in just a sleeveless dress. And when she does slip out like that, she whines incessantly about being cold. You'd think she'd learn...

Hyrum is getting better at the potty. Hallelujah! He is less messy when wiping, and only forgets to put his underwear back on about once a day. He is still obsessed with games. And asks to pull out a board game at least fourteen times an hour.

Enzo is still super clingy. He must sit on me with his hands in my hair to not be whining. He learned a couple of words recently: choo choo, sh, and drink. He's not very verbally expressive, which has me a bit concerned. I'm probably just being paranoid.

Tom and Felicia

Nothing much to report here in the Bibber household! Noah, still isn't walking. :/ But he's getting better about cruising and stuff...when he feels like it. He had his 15 month well baby visit on the 29th and he has moved up to the 5th percentile for weight. I thought our pediatrician was going to pass out, she was so excited. This was really the first visit we had where she didn't raise some sort of concern. We celebrated Halloween--Noah was Pigpen from Peanuts and Tom was Linus but no one really got it. Sad day! Other than that we're just looking forward to seeing family in Denver for Thanksgiving.

 

September 2014

Mom and Dad

Hmmmm...I've been trying to think of things we did during the month of September. There is a reason I should journal, huh?

I guess it should be acknowledged that there were several birthdays for the month - Joey, Adam, Ben, and Mo. We hope they all enjoyed them.

That said, Joey had a TDY in Alabama and we had the opportunity to drive down and see him. I think that was the highlight of my month! And your Dad's too. Somehow you're always thrilled as your kids grow up and live such wonderful lives...but sadly...usually that means they're not at home any more! :( This is a warning to each of you!!! Lol. You're so busy in the thick of raising your families and I know you only dream of when the laundry is done once a week or there is no fighting or screaming or lost shoes, or there is more money at the end of the month than the bills, etc. But, the reality is that all the noise, messes, frustrations, sleeplessness, and sheer exhaustion quickly gives way to a wonderful life of quiet, order, pretty much all that you dream about in the hectic pace of your lives...but what you don't realize is how very much you'll miss those very years, those sweet, crazy, frustrating little bodies that never sleep when you want them to, create mess after mess along with mountains of laundry and dirty dishes, challenge everything you ever thought you knew, and love with every fiber of your body. Thankfully we have modern technology...but nothing is like spending a little time with one of those loves!

One of the church things that happened this month was my new calling as RS Meeting Coordinator. REALLY????? Your dad is convinced that it's because I never go! Lol. He's probably right! I wonder what it is that I have to offer...and what in the world the RS presidency or Bishopric was thinking...but it is what it is. Between organ, primary music, and now this - I'm pretty sure some of my peace and quiet has just been compromised! Lol.

Well - we send our love to all and wish you all a great next few weeks. Love, mom

Robert and Wanda

Things are going well in the Husted house. It’s always a little crazy when school starts in September, but this year was a little crazier with me starting school too, but I LOVE it. Robert is trying to get into a routine as the new Branch President, and Joseph is submitting papers for college. Rebekah has a last hour study hall this year, and since she’s a senior she can just come home early. Rachel says that seminary is much improved this year and I think she’s actually beginning to enjoy it. Mary’s first month in High School has been a bit rocky, but I think she’ll come around. Ben, Sam, and Ruth are all in soccer this month and it’s been a little crazy trying to stay caught up with practice times. Moroni is getting better at reading and Adam is smoking it in Reading Eggs. Interestingly enough, Hyrum is also beginning to read and spell. He loves to spell his name, cat, pig, duck, stop, and his new favorite word, friend. Joshua is sticking up for himself more and more. He is really quite an ornery little boy with big attitude. He reminds me a lot of Rachel at that age. We are all looking forward to a Nauvoo trip next month. We’re going camping and hopefully it won’t be during a heat wave.

Joey and Carlie

Joey -- pretty lazy month. He turned 38. He went TDY to Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama for the Language Enabled Airman program selection boards. He tried to go a few days early to hang out with Mom and Dad but was unable due to some issues with his orders. Mom and Dad did drive down to spend some time with him and eat dinner.

Carlie and Joey went to the Air Force Ball

Usually Joey has his jacket on too

Carlie took a trip it have friend to Yosemite National Park and hiked Half Dome.

September was a busy, but normal school month for Gideon, Glory and Scarlett. On the last Saturday they made it out to the stake youth service project where they picked apples for Ag for Hunger.

Status quo for Levi and Reah.

Mike and Desi

We are still just plugging away with everyday life. Mike's still working hard, and enjoys it. Emily and Mordecai are in full swing at school, piano lessons, and soccer. This last month we attended a tree memorial for Emily's friend and soccer teammate. It was nice and Emily was able to share with Taneka, KK's mom, that we are LDS too. Emily and Mordecai also auditioned for the school talent show, playing piano pieces, and both made it. I am pretty proud that Mordecai didn't get nervous. Speaking of Mordecai they are learning about mammals at school and everyday he is coming home with words like viviparous etc. I just wish he would listen so closely when Mike and I talk. Ruby and Ivy are still very much a handful. Best friends one minute and enemies the next. They keep life busy...oh yeah Ivy turns 2 this month and I am kind of shocked. As for me, I started school this last month, I've also heard so have Wanda, Phil, & Hannah so good luck! The religion class is busy, I wish I was just taking an institute class. My general studies class seems so mundane and just busy work , but I enjoy the car ride to class with my dear friend Marci. Speaking of the class, I volunteered to play Love One Another for our first class because nobody else played the piano. The sister missionary assured me that we could just sing with the CD the rest of the course, however when I went to class last week she asked me to be the official piano player. It will be a good thing to help me better my piano studies. Also, about my friend Marci, she was just diagnosed with breast cancer last week. I was so sick for her. She had an MRI done today and hopefully surgery this week and then she will know her plan of action. Prayers for her would be appreciated. She is like family to us. Anyway, that's about all from us.

Phil and Hannah

September has been a super busy month for us!

Orion and William started school on the 2nd. William loves it! Orion does not. And so far this month they have both missed a day of school due to being sick and have both been pulled out early 3 times for various reasons. And they will be missing all day on Monday for dentist appointments. I am pretty sure their teachers are wondering if we really want them to get an education.

Oliver is kinda struggling with both of his playmates being off at school. He does ok with just Winston, but he asks daily if a friend can come over to play. He isn't really picky on who, just as long as SOMEONE comes over.

Winston is doing well. We have officially weaned him off of his reflux medicine. Hooray! We will have to monitor his weight a little to make sure that he is still gaining at the rate he should, but I think we are good. The kid eats like crazy! It's like he is trying to make up for all the time he spent not eating.

Philip and I were super ambitious and decided to cut down a 60 foot pine tree that was in our yard. A few weeks later, our backyard ALMOST looks normal again.

We also started Pathway. I am still questioning the brilliant idea we had to do it together.

And, as you all know by now, we found out on the 22nd that I lost the baby. I went in for my first trimester screen at almost 12 weeks, and baby was only measuring 9 weeks and there was no heartbeat. I went in for a D&C on the 26th. I am doing pretty good I think. I kinda knew that something wasn't right because I stopped throwing up a few weeks before we found out. The kids were all a little sad. When we told Orion, the first thing he asked was if it was because they (the kids) had made too much noise. Or if it was because Winston was pushing on my stomach. Philip and I assured him that there wasn't anything that anyone did to make me lose the baby.

.

Dan and Cherstin

I am thinking we are pretty boring. The kids are continuing with schooling. Most of our stuff is done by lunchtime. They spend the rest of the afternoons outside riding bikes and playing with friends. Our nearby mountains got dumped on yesterday, so we are keeping an eye on the forecast. Most tentatively put snow on the ground in Anchorage sometime next week. Emmett has a swim meet this weekend so we are going to have to catch Saturday's conference after the fact. The kids are actually happy with that. Lol

Tom and Felicia

Things in the Bibber household are going well! Noah is pulling up on things more and more every day. We're hopeful that he'll learn to walk sometime before high school. Haha We also moved into a bigger apt at the beginning of the month. Tom is also looking forward to Halloween at the end of the month. Other than that we are just staying busy with work and a 14 month old. :)

August 2014

Dad and Mom

Well - I guess I don't have much to report. We spent the first of August with Mary and Rachel. We finally got to Dollywood and the girls seemed to be obsessed about getting me on the Ferris wheel (with a lot of additional razzing from your Dad). I did it - can I just say I don't like heights?!? They even got me on one of the roller coasters but I drew the line at that one. I know they would have had lots of fun with friends and the rest of their family.

We headed up to Wisconsin, to take them home on the 11th or 12th. We certainly enjoyed having them and hope they'll return soon. I know their families and friends missed them. Joshua wouldn't leave Rachel's side when we got there and I know it wasn't long before both girls had friends in the mix as well. I have some pics but again, don't know how to get them onto this email. I hear that Apple has a thing coming out that will sync all your devices and so whatever is on one is on everything else. I know...your Dad tells me that isn't such a big deal because of the "cloud" but I don't get the cloud and at least I might have a fighting chance!

Our trip to Wisconsin was a quick turn around. We only spent one day there before heading home. Your Dad, Phil, and Hannah went to see the new planet of the apes...I wasn't interested and Wanda had a school activity she had to attend to and Robert probably would have liked to go but they had a friend of Ruth's come, along with her family, for dinner and for a first discussion with the missionaries. I don't know where things will go with them but the Dad gave Ruth such a terrific compliment. I guess Ruth had decided to give her friend a Book of Mormon and when she delivered it to her friend, it was her Dad that took it and listened to what Ruth had to say. He was touched and he started reading it and could feel the power of the book immediately. He was in tears as he shared how much her simple act meant to him personally. Both parents shared that they could feel something special about Ruth and had always felt that way about her. Quite a compliment and a great reminder that we may not see our light - but others really can.

When we got home we quickly seemed to fall back into old routines, as if we'd never been gone for the summer or had the girls with us. It's amazing how fast that happens :)

This past week I've been pretty sick - I'm pretty sure it was pneumonia. My chest hurt and breathing was difficult. However, a course of antibiotics and I'm feeling much improved. Still coughing, but that may be with me of a few weeks. I have been trying my best to not be around your Dad as I don't want him to get it. So far he hasn't.

We also started the Book of Mormon challenge together on Labor Day. I see that some of you signed up to join us. I hope all of you will. Wouldn't it be awesome to have our whole family read it by the end of December???? Four pages a day! :)

Well - that pretty much covers our August. I'm looking forward to reading about all of the things you have been up to. I'm still missing pj info from a few of you and I really need the previously mentioned docs for family history. However, know that you are all in our prayers and we love you all so very, very much! Mom

Robert and Wanda

Robert is the new Branch President of our unit. He’s really excited, and really humbled. Wanda is still plugging away in primary and working to get the kids ready for school (they don’t start until Sept 2).

Joseph had his dental appointment for his missionary papers and is now just waiting on his medical appointment in September. Rebekah is excited to start her senior year. She has 8th hour study hall and since she’s a senior she can come home early. Rachel loved school supply shopping. She kind of a nerd about pens and office supplies. Mary is a freshman and gets to start seminary this year with the other girls.

Ben is getting ready to start soccer again. I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. Didn’t soccer just end? Sam is excited to start school with WIVA again… he can’t wait to take the beginning of year assessments. Ruth will be the first one of my traditional schoolers to start school again.

Moroni doesn’t want school to start again. We’ll have to see if we can change that attitude. Adam signed up for Reading Eggs over the summer and has surpassed Moroni’s ‘level.’ He loves to play it. He’s really disappointed that he has to wait another year for school. Hyrum starts school on Sep 3. He will be going Wed and Thurs for 2.5 hours each. I’m a little anxious. Joshua has started dragging people by the shirt to take them to what he wants. We’ll have to teach him to take us by the hand.

Joey and Carlie

August has been busy for Joey as he has a new Commander, though otherwise uneventful.

Carlie has been working hard getting a key spouse program up and running for the spouses in Joey’s squadron. It should be easier, but sometimes it has its high school drama. She is getting to work with a lot of different personalities, some pleasant and some tough.

Gideon finally started his sophomore year of high school. He is currently enrolled in online drivers’ ed for his permit. He also started youth orchestra again and will have several difficult oboe solos throughout the year.

Glory got accepted into a charter school and has been preparing to return to school for 8th grade. Scarlett will be attending with her for 6th grade.

Levi started 2nd grade and has returned to cub scouts for the fall. He is participating in a community pack as the ward pack conflicts with his karate schedule.

Reah has lost all of her friends this summer and there haven't been any move ins her age.

This past month Monterey and Pebble Beach hosted the Concourse d'Elegance, a very ritzy car show. We don't even know how many lamborghinis and ferraris we've seen.

We also all went to AT&T Park in San Franciso for a Stadium Spartan Sprint. Joey, Carlie, Gideon and Glory ran the full 3.1 mile obstacle course while Scarlett, Levi and Reah rand the junior race. Levi an it four times for a total of 2 miles.

We also had a great Labor Day weekend at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Ok --- that's everything from us

Phil and Hannah

It seems to me that August was kinda a crazy month. But I don't think we really did anything, so I am not sure why I feel like it was crazy. Lets see, nothing new with Philip. Still working and doing young mens. William is excited for school to start. Orion is not. Although he is super excited that I bought him an alarm clock so that he can wake up on his own this year. Oliver had a cough most of the month, so I finally took him to the doctor. He has pneumonia. Poor boy. Winston is Walking!! For the last 12 days of August we are watching a couple of girls from our branch while their parents are on a cruise. Wow that has been exhausting! Especially since morning sickness is kicking my butt! Only a few more days, and then they will go home. A few days after that school will start (which I am NOT ready for!), and things will quiet down around here. In theory.

Mike and Desi

We got back from a very fun family reunion for Mike's side of the family on the 12. The kids started school on the 18th. Mordecai is in 1st grade and got the same teacher that Emily had, Mrs. Welch, and we LOVE her. Emily is in 3rd grade and she has Mrs. Larson. We only heard she was nice, and so far we LOVE her too. Emily and Mordecai also go soccer assignments and started their first weeks of practice this last week with their first games this Saturday. Emily also started the braces process. She had spacers put in the week we got back from Utah, a week after that they made an impression mold of her mouth to fit for an expander, and last week they installed it. It has been a little difficult thing for her at first...cranking it, and talking a little different with extra salivia, but this is a good thing to her and Mike and I to remember that we can do HARD things. Ruby and Ivy had a hard adjustment when the older 2 went back to school, but they have figured out they get Mom all to themselves and that makes for a fun time. Mike and I are heading into our 3 month of P90X3 but pausing for a dew days so we can get over the colds we have. We also bought a sleep number bed when we got home from our trip, but are still testing it out because we thought we would LOVE it but come to find out we like it, but don't LOVE it. That's the news over here.

Dan and Cherstin

This month has been busy with back-to-school, finishing up unpacking, extracurriculars for the kids, etc. I'm sure you all know how it goes. So, down the list I go...

Dan - Dan's work has been same ol', same ol'. He has been sick most of this month with a sinus infection which has kept him from flying. I'm not complaining. He spoke in church and then the week afterwards, they asked him to give the prayer. LOL He was also extended a calling, but has yet to be sustained.

Cherstin - I've been busy unpacking, sorting, coordinating family pictures (check my facebook), planning school, and keeping everything going. School has been going easier than I thought it would most days. Dan gave me a blessing before we started school with some inspired directions that I've been trying to diligently follow. When I do all of those things, our days go smoother. I'm very grateful for the Priesthood.

Abby - Abby started piano again this month. She told her new teacher (yes, NOT ME!) that she didn't remember anything, but when she sat down for her lesson, it was like she had played all of those songs for the last year. I guess she'll fly through the first little bit of the book. For school this year, Abby is learning Latin and absolutely loving it. Between teaching Dan her new Latin words, drawing and writing stories, writing to her penpal (in Australia!), and playing at the park, she is pretty busy.

Emmett - Emmett is very motivated to get his schoolwork and chores done of late. He wakes up and cleans everything he knows he's responsible for so when it comes time for a break, he can be out and riding his bike. Emmett also had his first swim meet of the season this month. We are so pleased with his new team and the improvement we've seen. His coach says he's got some beautiful form and a whole lot of talent. He still loves swimming and practices as hard as he can. He had a week or so where he was in a funk and not swimming much, but his coach knows to get him in the water and keep him busy and he does great.

Ellie - Ellie tried out swim team and was capable of swimming a whole 25m on her own. However, she's decided it's too tough and she doesn't want to do that. She doesn't know if she wants to do swim lessons, gymnastics, dance, or what. Until she asks for something a few times, I'm going to just let her continue to be in nothing. She likes to play outside as much as Emmett, but she is not as motivated to get her things picked up to be out there. She's kind of in this funny stage where she is willing to play with Hyrum and participate in the younger kid games, but she's also just as willing to hang out with the older kids. I guess she's a true middle child.

Hyrum - Hyrum is loving that school has started and he constantly sits behind the older kids' chairs pointing out their letters, sounds, or whatever. He's also been known to sound out a few words and "help" Ellie with her phonograms. He is nerd to the extreme. He's also working slowly on potty training. I haven't changed a stinky diaper of his in over a week. Still, if I put underwear on him, he potties in it. So he spends a lot of time naked at home and in a diaper when we're out.

Enzo - He had a spell of good where he was happy and playing with everyone and not on top of me. For the last few days, though, he's been running a fever and REALLY CRABBY. I have no clue what's wrong with him. If he's not better by tomorrow (day four with a fever), he'll be seeing the doctor. I'm waiting for him to talk a bit more. He only says a few words: go, gone, bye, night, Mom, and hello. He does babble in conversation, though.

I can't wait to read everyone else's updates. I'm sure there's big news somewhere in there!

Tom and Felicia

For once, you will not be waiting on me! Haha

August has been an eventful month in the Bibber household! At the beginning of the month we took a trip to Denver so we could see Ray Lamontagne in concert at Red Rocks. The concert was great but it would have been better if we hadn't had to deal with people smoking Mary J. I guess we shouldn't have expected anything less in Colorado, eh? While we were there we also purchased a new couch! On the 13th I started work part time at the Hospice agency here in Rock Springs. I will be doing assessments to look at people's ability to grieve and cope mentally as they approach the end of life. It will work out so that for the most part I don't have to leave Noah with anyone other with Tom. On the 15th Tom and I celebrated our two year anniversary. it still feels as though it was yesterday that we were in Nauvoo which it kind of was but kind of wasn't. This last Monday on the 25th I was at work and a double tanker truck got stuck in the narrow streets up by my office and ended up backing into my car. One of my windows is completely smashed and there is a giant hole in one of the doors but the other guy is taking care of it and we are just thankful no one was in the car when it happened. Other than that Tom and I have been busy packing as we are moving in to a bigger apartment on September 1st! Noah is getting bigger every day. He started crawling last month and we are hoping that he will soon start pulling up and walking. Hopefully that way he quits getting beat up by other kids his age. That's all for us! Hope everyone is doing well!!

July Newsletter

(I'm going to start taking over posting these on the family blog since it's a pain in the neck for Wanda. If you've got any pictures you'd like to include with your post, you can email or iMessage them to Wanda or me and we can get them inserted here. -Cherstin)

Mom and Dad

Well - I'm kind of wondering what there is to report since I've been with family since our last newsletter! lol

We left Tennessee on June 2nd for Oklahoma. We were pretty tired heading out as things had been pretty hectic to get to the point where we could leave and I'm supposing things will be just what they are when we return as there isn't much to be done about it anyway.

The trip to Oklahoma was uneventful and we arrived late at night/early morning so we just got a room at the local Hawthorne Inn. We knew that Dan had a briefing in the morning so we worked it out for Cherstin and the kids to could come over to the hotel for breakfast as we knew they would have little in the house. My thought was that the kids could come swim in the hotel pool while some of us went back to the house to do the finish loading prior to our departure...but Dan's brief was much shorter than we anticipated and he ended up with us at breakfast and we ended up all heading to the house so we could just get out on the road ASAP. It was a little bittersweet for me...sometimes I think I'm more attached to OKC than they are! lol

By late afternoon we were on our way. We stopped in Hays, Kansas for the night because we had stayed in a hotel once that was pretty old but had a great pool and water slide and thought the kids would enjoy it after a long car ride. we got in too late for the pool and the next morning the pool was pretty cold - but Abby and Emmett didn't mind much.

We got into Desi and Mike's the next afternoon. Desi had prepared yummy stromboli for supper and the kids all seemed to enjoy seeing one another. Felicia, Tom, and Noah all arrived late that night too. The next morning we prepared for Abby's baptism. I'm grateful for Desi's Bishop and his counselor - he has presided at Noah's blessing, Emily's baptism and now Abby's. They were as gracious as could be, especially considering that two of these events were for our family and not even in their ward. Abby was baptized and confirmed by Dan. And, both grandfathers were the witnesses. Two of Dan's brothers and their families were able to be there and of course, Felicia, Tom and Noah were there, along with Desi and Mike and Family. It was a beautiful occasion and afterwards we all headed to Red Robin to celebrate.

Sadly Felicia and Tom had to be back in Rock Springs for Sunday but Cherstin and Dan were able to stay around until Tuesday before heading off to Alaska. But - before they could drive out of town Rich had to take the kids out to Krispy Kreme for donuts. I don't know who enjoyed it more - Rich or the kids! lol

We stayed with Desi and Mike for another week before heading out to Rock Springs. As usual, we enjoyed our time immensely and were so grateful for Emily sharing her room with us!

At Felicia's we relaxed and enjoyed learning about Rock Springs - the following pics are the BLM's wild horse adoption pens. A person can buy a horse through the BLM's program for about $125! That was just amazing to me...and there were plenty of foals there too!

We also spent a couple of days working on a couple of skirts that Felicia had bought fabric for and was interested in making. They ended up being adorable. Felicia could sent anyone the tutorials she used if you're interested. Sadly, I thought I had some cute pics of them on my phone, but not surprisingly, I didn't!

We then headed west to SLC so that we could attend the wedding shower for CJ and Sarah given by Brittany and Julia. It was a lot of fun to be able to see ALL of my brothers and their families, except Mike and Shauna who were in Lake Powell.

We spent a week there and I visited cemeteries and checked out the house (it's been sold) and rummaged through a few of the many boxes left to go through. And, of course, my brothers and sister-in-laws (except Jim and Maria this time) had dinner together one evening. It really was fun to see everyone and catch up on what's happening in our families.

On Friday (in the early, early, early morning) we headed for California. Levi was having a promotion ceremony for his karate - to yellow

Sunday we had the opportunity to go to church at the military installation. One of Joey's callings is to be a Serviceman's Group Leader there. He provides sacrament meeting and Sunday school for any of the service men and women that come. On this particular day I played the music, your Dad blessed the Sacrament, Gideon passed the Sacrament, Joey conducted the meeting and spoke and Carlie gave the prayers. Joey also taught the Sunday School lesson. All of the family attended. It really was a beautiful service and once again I was reminded of how grateful I am for the Priesthood which allows all to feel the love of our Savior and partake of the Sacrament.

Yesterday Joey, Carlie, Reah, and your Dad and I headed down to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. We had some lunch and then headed over to Pacific Grove where Grandma and Grandpa Pehrson had lived before and after his deployment to Japan. I had the opportunity to drive with them when Gideon was blessed as they were here for that event. I tried to remember exactly where everything was but will probably need to go back to the old photos to be sure.

This is a couple of pics of Reah standing with a statue in the park we went to yesterday...isn't she cute?!?!

On Saturday Levi will be baptized. He is pretty excited. Joey told me that they will be purchasing a cake with a rainbow on it from Costco (I Like To Look For Rainbows), when they asked him whether he wanted chocolate or white he was, "WHITE!!!! I'm getting baptized!" Duh!!!!??? lol

I know that this is more of a travelog than anything else...but we have had a great time and will be here a few more days and then be wending our way home back through Utah, Rock Springs, Colorado, Wisconsin, and finally to Tennessee. Wanda reminded me a few days ago, as I was commiserating about the frustration of getting your Dad's INR done at labs all across the country, that we are son fortunate to live in a day and time when we are able to do this. And we are. I'm really grateful that we are on this jaunt and hope that this finds everyone hale and hearty. We love you! Each and EVERY one of you!!!! And, see you soon!!!! :) And, thanks to Gideon - he helped me get these pics on here....just need to do it a gazillion more times to know what he/I did! lol

Tom and Felicia

Not much to report here. It was good having mom and dad come visit for a week! Other than that we're just loving life. We're looking forward to the 4th and being able to enjoy the few months of nice weather WY actually has. Noah still isn't crawling but he gets closer and closer every day. We're looking forward to celebrating his first birthday at the end of the month! Where did the time go?!

Dan and Cherstin

We have been BUSY this month... obviously. We left Oklahoma on the third of this month and arrived in Alaska on the 18th. We have a four bedroom house on base. Get a hold of me if you desperately desire our new address. We would prefer to live off base, but our housing allowance is such that we get the most space and most house on base. It is what it is. We camped mostly as we drove up here and it was quite hectic, but a neat experience. The drive up the Alaska Canadian highway was quite cool with lots of wildlife and pretty scenery.

The kids are having a few issues adjusting and getting used to the new area (some positive, some negative), but I think they're getting along fine. I'm happy that, while our house is two floors, our stairs have a landing in the middle so that means my kids will only fall down half a flight of stairs when they fall. LOL

Abby - Abby got baptized on the fifth of June. She was happy to do it in Denver where lots of family got to be there. We all enjoyed spending time in Denver with Mom and Dad, Mike and Desi, and Tom and Felicia. She's excited to go to an Activity Days' Girls camp they do up here. She is excited to start piano lessons (NOT from me) and maybe take part in some sort of drama class.

Emmett - Emmett was a big help on the move up. He is the strongest and most willing to work most of the time. He has his own room in the new house, which I thought would be a privilege he'd enjoy. However, one of the first nights here he had a really creepy nightmare and is sometimes afraid to go to bed. He's working on that with prayer and some "monster spray." He did try out for a new swim team today, and while he was nervous, he did a great job. This team really focuses on strength and endurance and Dan and I think he'll do well with that.

Ellie - Ellie is still loving her reading lessons. Dan and I don't always love it because she can't sit still and pay attention half the time, but still begs to do it. She is happy with her new primary class. The only thing she DETESTS is that she is not old enough to go to the park on her own like Abby and Emmett are.

Hyrum - Hyrum has finally given up the bottle. YAY! It took him forever, too. We are now teaching him how to get dressed on his own in preparation for eventual potty training. We haven't had to explicitly teach a child to do those things since Abby.

Enzo - Enzo is same ol', same ol'. He's nearly fifteen months and likes to scream for what he wants. With our loud crew, it adds just another layer....and grates on our nerves...ESPECIALLY when he's screaming at Church. I can take him around the halls sometimes, though, and he points at the pictures and says, "Jesus."

Dan - Dan checked into his new squadron today. He says it's a very laid back squadron and is happy he'll have time in the mornings to devote to exercise. He is looking like his desk job will be working stan/eval so he should have a good office.

Me - I sure am looking to having all of our furniture and household goods so we can get our things and figure out where they go and how things fit and a new routine set up in this house. I enrolled the kids in a public charter that will give us funds to still homeschool the way I want. It'll be good for the activities they provide, I think, as well as paying for our internet (because it is NOT unlimited here - $70 for 60 gigs a month!) and extracurriculars we want.

So...things are just rolling along. We're excited to read what everyone else is up to!

Mike and Desi

I guess the biggest thing that was exciting in June was all the family that was here! Cherstin and Dan and their family stopped here on their way to Alaska. The really neat thing was that we got to attend Abby's baptism. Mom and Dad, and Felicia and Tom were also here.

Mike is still plugging away at work. Good thing he enjoys it. He still loves his Saturday morning bike rides and can't wait to start p90x3 that His awesome wife got him for Father's Day/anniversary present.

Desi is excited to start p90x3 with Mike too. We a enjoyed a movie night out to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It's been a while since we have been to a movie without kids. She will also start the pathway program from BYU-I in September to finish her schooling. She looks forward to the religion class you have to take the first 3 semesters but not so excited that she has to do basic math and english again to transfer her previous credits into BYU-I online courses.

Emily still has her singing group and piano that she participates in. Perhaps the biggest thing for Emily this past month was the passing of her sweet friend, Kalynn Colon. They have played soccer together and her dad, Marcus, was the girls’ coach. She was playing with sheets and making forts/hammock in her bottom bunk when she got tangled up. We don't know if she suffocated or strangled herself. Emily and Desi attended her memorial service and both had a hard time. It's a hard thing talking about death with a kid when it's someone who shouldn't have died. Emily still tells us once a day that she can't stop thinking about it.

Mordecai is still a ball full of energy. He is constantly driving desi crazy! He was a trooper this month with allergy testing. He cried and asked them to "please stop" but he did it. He is for sure allergic to peanuts and most likely tree nuts. He's also allergic to dogs and Bermuda grass. I guess we won't be getting a dog anytime soon ;)

Ruby is still a feisty one. She is currently learning to ride her tricycle, and loves it! She is so funny with the hand on her hip attitude and the grown up phrases she uses.

Ivy is constantly learning new words. Her favorite is "Ruby". She likes to pester Ruby one minute but then turn around the next and be her best friend.

We are headed to Colorado Springs for a little family vacation and get away. We will be there from 6/30-7/3. When we get home Keith and Kim and their girls will join us for the fourth of July...And then some time after that mom and dad get here again. That's it for now. Until next month.

Phil and Hannah

Wow, what a month June was! Hannah celebrated her 30th birthday, Winston turned 1, and William turned 5! Hannah’s parents came out to visit for 10 days and we put her dad to work doing lots of odd jobs around the house. Hannah’s sister Jada is staying with us for the summer and having a live in babysitter is wonderful! At the beginning of the month we went to Jamboree with the Husteds. The kids had a lot of fun and Orion displayed some mad skills by climbing up and over this rope wall thing. William and Orion also started gymnastics. Orion is SOO excited and overdoes a lot of the exercises. The kid needs to slow down and do it right instead of just trying to do it as fast as he can! Overall, we are doing really well and looking forward to a fun filled July.

Joey and Carlie

Reah - still 4... She changed the words to the song "do you want to build a snowman?" to wanting to play with Carlie's phone. She also sang Katy Perry's song "roar" to me yesterday. It is awesome to listen to her sing!!!

Levi - He was promoted to yellow belt this week in karate and is looking forward to getting baptized on the 5th. Carlie found a rainbow cake at Costco for his baptism and asked him if he wanted chocolate or vanilla, he wants vanilla. He said it had to be white.

Scarlett - is having a great summer with many friends, though she has been sad to see her best friend leave. She wanted to go with to North Carolina, if it had been three weeks earlier we may have let her and she could have come back with grandma and grandpa.

Glory - worked all day out at the Spartan Beast and earned a free race entry

Gideon - he ran the Spartan beast and then he spent the first week of summer vacation at chawanakee for summer camp,came home and spent the next week getting everything ready for his eagle project and thine turned around and spent another three days hiking and camping.

Carlie - is happy June is over and Gideon's eagle project is done

Joey - ran the Spartan Beast, top 25%, is happy June is over and Gideon's eagle project is done

Robert and Wanda

I thought things would get easier now that school is out, but boy was I wrong. I do get to sleep in until after 6!

Joshua is turning into a little stinker. When he plays with the shape sorter and I show him which hole it goes in, he’ll try all the others first. Hyrum is learning more and more ‘words,’ he can do just about any with ‘reduplicated syllables’ (think mama, beebee, papa). I’m having to keep Moroni and Adam busy. They’d play online and watch minecraft videos all day if I let them, but they’re also happy playing in the pool and on the trampoline.

Hyrum’s therapists are working on teaching Ruth how to run some of Hyrum’s programs. She’s always trying to get in on the therapy sessions and tries to do what they do, so they’re going to teach her how to do them correctly. Sam just went to scout day camp and nags me to do Webelos stuff. Maybe he’ll be a scouter we don’t have to nag.

Ben and Joseph are house-sitting for a family in Blue Mounds and Ben is getting ready for scout camp - Joseph is relieved he’s done with scouting. Mary enjoyed Youth Conference this year and is looking forward to girls’ camp (unlike her sisters).

Rachel has been doing a lot of personal progress. Rebekah just bought a new-to-her yellow bug. She’s grateful to have her wings back.

Joseph had his graduation with WIVA. It was kinda cool to go to the graduation ceremony… my first graduate! We took him out to Red Lobster after and it was really apparent that he doesn’t get out much. (“Should I have opened my silverware already?” “What’s a virgin drink?”)

Robert and I always seem to be short on sleep and running tight on funds (new back door new water heater). But… as they say… “They’re cheaper by the dozen.” (Yes, we threw that in here to see how many of you read all the way to the bottom.) March 6, in case you’re wondering, and yes, that’s why I’ve been extra diligent on getting this newsletter out. :)