THIRTY YEARS of OUR FAMILY CIRCLE!

Dear Hinckley Family,

RIGHTEOUS FAMILY TRADITIONS

The theme of this newsletter is righteous family traditions. Simple little things when repeated over and over become family traditions the children remember and cherish for a lifetime. A close knit family doesn’t just happen. It takes time and effort and the creation of family traditions to build a sense of sharing and belonging. 

Mother & Father Hinckley were responsbile for many of the traditions we cherish, and still honor today. For instance: Family Prayer, Family Night/FHE, Temple Marriage, Sunday Dinner, Canning Fruit, Family Campouts, Mother & Daughter Luncheons, Honoring Priesthood, Father & Sons Outings, Mother’s Letters, Bridal Showers, Missions & Church Service, Hard Work: Farm, Yard and House, etc., etc., etc., why even The Newsletter is one of our great family traditions dating back to April of 1983.

See how many times the word “tradition(s)” is used in this year’s newsletter.

In preparing for this year’s newsletter and theme, I looked for the perfect "traditions scripture" to use as a possible filler in the printed version. In the Book of Mormon alone I found 42 verses with the word "tradition(s)", but most of them dealt with the foolish or wicked traditions of the Lamanites. There was however one scripture in Alma that pretty much hit the nail on the head. While I ended up not having room to add it to the printed version, I would like to include it here.  I’ve added a few words to help us liken the scripture unto ourselves. 

“And it came to pass that whosoever would not believe in the tradition of the Lamanites/the World, but believed those records which were brought out of the land of Jerusalem, and also in the tradition of their fathers, which were correct, who believed in the commandments of God and kept them, were called the Nephites/Hinckleys, or the people of Nephi/Arza & Erma, from that time forth—”   Alma 3:11

  

It is my sincere hope and prayer that each of us will believe in, and follow the correct traditions of our fathers, that we may be "called Hinckleys, or the people of Arza & Erma", from this time forth.

Our Family Circle Newsletter is one of our cherished traditons dating back to April 1983. So you see, this year marks its 30th anniversary! That’s pretty amazing, and I wish I had made a big fuss over it in the printed version! As the aunts and uncles grow older, I can’t help wondering how long we can continue to produce the newsletter, but WE WILL until we can’t, and then it will be up to you of the younger generation to carry on – perhaps in individual family groups – this amazing tradition that has documented the history of the Arza & Erma Hinckley Family for 30 years.

The Editorial Page: As per plan, I am now sharing the responsiblity for the newsletter editorial with my siblings. This year Uncle Lon wrote a wonderful article on perhaps the most important of our family traditions. Hope you will read it in the same spirit with which it was written.

Your Traditions: I have enjoyed reviewing in my mind and on paper some of the marvelous traditions handed down to us by Mother and Father Hinckley. And it’s been fun for me to read about the traditions you or your folks have instituted in your own families. (Feel free to share more of your special family traditions via comments to this post.)  I counted the word tradition(s) 41 times in the newsletter.

Special Thanks: A special thanks to all the newsletter "captains" in each family who so capably gathered then sent your family's contributions to me in record time with a record low number of emails. It made my job so much easier! AND TO NATHAN PEIRCE this year, for encouraging me to keep the newsletter on line. In the coming days, as a new administrator of the blog, he will be adding some new interactive features  that hopefully will entice you to visit the sight often and share with us your thoughts and news of special events during the year. It’s a great way to keep in touch!

Now enjoy catching up with the family in this 30th anniversary edition of Our Family Circle!
Love,  Aunt Louise

JUST A FEW HINCKLEY FAMILY HEADLINES 

Since our last newsletter.....

• “Tiffany Anne Howell, one of the great lights of our lives, passed away on December 2, 2012, while surrounded by her family. Though her body was ravaged by the effects of her illness, her spirit remained unsubdued. (Tiffany) handled her trials with a grace and optimism that amazed all those around her.” – Obituary in Deseret News

The Hinckley family extends our continuing love and support to Matt, Hillary and Family. We hope they take comfort in the knowledge that Tiffany’s life and example have touched all of us and countless others. She will be greatly missed.

• One cousin has a new jazz CD out.

• One of the aunts celebrated her 15th Leap Year Birthday.

• We had a New Year’s Eve Engagement.

• We now have a full time Seminary Teacher in the family.

• Several of our young women and young men rejoiced at the lower age for missionary service 

        and will be serving missions sooner than expected.

• Two brothers are working together to build and open a major water park in Nevada.

Uncle Lon's Editorial

RIGHTEOUS FAMILY TRADITIONS

Serving as an ordinance worker and sealer in the Salt Lake temple has caused me to become more aware of—and deeply impressed by— the simplicity, but also the depth, of the ordinances and blessings available to us in the holy temples.

Arza and Erma set a pattern, even a tradition for us to follow, of being temple worthy and participating in temple worship.  Their parents before them and their parents’ parents dating back to the time of the Nauvoo temple sealed their marriages and families in temples.  

My earliest memorable experience with the temple was simple, quiet and sweet, but made an indelible impression on me as a small boy of about 9 years old.  At that time we lived on North Temple near the airport and close to the farm.  Though it was difficult for my father to leave the cattle and the crops, my parents attended the temple with some regularity.

On one particular occasion, my father went to the temple alone.  He was rushed and late in leaving and mother was trying to help him get on his way.  I didn’t really think much about it until the phone rang a while later.  

Mother answered, listened for a moment and then said “I love you” and hung up the phone.  I noticed tears in her eyes and inquired as to what was the matter.  She smiled through her tears and explained that in Dad’s rush to get to the temple he felt he had said something that may have hurt her feelings.  He didn’t feel that he could enter the temple worthily to participate in sacred ordinances until he had called to apologize and tell her that he loved her.

I learned at a young age that my parents loved each other and reverenced the temple and that it was important to go there worthily.

Our parents set a pattern for us of temple worship.

And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations.  D&C 52:14

Stephanie learned from her parents of the strength of the sealing power as illustrated in this experience: 

 “I grew up working with my dad in his drugstore. He was not a pharmacist, but he had a pharmacy in his store.  In those days he could fill prescriptions if he had a licensed pharmacist on duty.  At a time when the store was struggling, my dad hired an older gentleman who was suffering from the effects of a stroke.  He could not actually do the work, but he was a registered pharmacist. He lived near our home in the Sugarhouse area and it was one of my jobs to pick him up and drive him out to the store in Millcreek where he would sit in the pharmacy and feel worthwhile.  One day as I arrived to pick him up, I saw him waiting on the porch.  He was standing and leaning against the house.  I got out of the car and started up the steps to assist him and said, ‘Are you ready to go, Mr. Profantz?’  He straightened up a bit and then fell straight forward onto the floor of the porch. I called through the screen door to his wife to help me get him up, saying that he had fallen. But he was dead. Mrs. Profantz became rather hysterical.  I had to call the doctor, family members and the bishop. I remember saying to her, ‘Mrs. Profantz, were you married in the temple?’ She replied that they were. I then said in my 17-year old innocence and with strong belief, ‘Well, then you don’t need to be so upset because you will be with him again.’ (I remember being somewhat surprised that my reminder did not seem to help.) I had been taught and strongly believed that after one had been sealed in the temple—nothing else mattered!”

All of the ordinances which take place in the House of the Lord become expressions of our belief in that fundamental and basic doctrine of the immortality of the human soul. As we redouble our efforts and our faithfulness in going to the temple, the Lord will bless us. –Letter from the First Presidency, 11 March 2003

Let us look to the example of our parents and grandparents and strive to always be temple worthy, with temple worship as a priority in our lives.  

The world is becoming increasingly more hostile toward things of the spirit, of morality, and things that are right and true.

We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints all over the world, wherever possible, to strive to stand more often in holy places.  Our most holy places are our sacred temples.  Within them is a feeling of sacred comfort.  –Pres. James E. Faust

As Ira Nathanial Hinckley served as a guard to protect the Nauvoo temple in very troubled times, may we also guard the blessings offered to us by following and cherishing this family tradition of temple marriage and worship.

Love,   Uncle Lon Hinckley

Cannon Connection

KAY & NED – In 2012, we enjoyed serving as Hinckley family leaders for a second year.  February 29th Kay celebrated her 15th birthday near our frontier home.  Thanks to all the family and friends who braved the unexpected snow storm, and to Louise, who produced the professional multimedia DVD everyone loved – a real treasure!

We enjoyed the Grand Canyon trip last April, including Cedar City and St. George, followed by a visit to Angie and her family in Arizona.  We loved the other fun Hinckley senior  events, including the trip June 7th to Brigham City, and the dinner June 25th at Harold and Diane’s for Lon and Stephanie’s 50th anniversary. 

Our end-of-July road trip to Oregon was rewarding – we loved it.  Words cannot adequately describe the joy we feel when visiting the Oregon Coast.  On the way to the southern coast, we spent a day marveling at the beauty of Crater Lake.  We also attended church across the street from the Medford Oregon Temple, another highlight of our trip. We visited beaches all the way up the coast to Astoria, and still feel Cannon Beach is the most picturesque.

It was a long hot summer of yard work for Ned, who is now rethinking frontier-home ownership.  The added landscaping improved the look, but created back-breaking work.

Kay continued teaching at Northridge High School; (she could tell endless stories about life at “The Ridge”).  This school year, Kay is counting each week as a day, as it seems to go faster that way.  Her admiring former students returning to visit her will need to be more careful to visit the front office first because of increased security.  (Sadly, that’s the world we live in now.)

Kay was elected to be the DUP Captain for the next two years.  It has been 15 years since she had this responsibility and has rediscovered that it does take time and work, but she feels it’s worth it, as she loves the ladies in her camp dearly.

Ned wrote a history book for a client, the Bennion Family of Utah, and we delivered printed copies on Christmas Day.  Our writing/editing business closed voluntarily 12/31/12, beginning a four-year hiatus (a lapse in continuity.)  Ned is clearly optimistic about business-friendly changes coming in 2017.  The break will simplify capital preservation (2012 was especially profitable) and provide time for patient preparation, expecting better times ahead.  (Kay doesn’t get this; to learn more, in the context of geopolitical global economics, call Ned.)

December 30th we were moved back to our previous ward due to boundary changes in four wards, and received automatic releases from our callings.  Kay loved serving as Primary music leader, and was happy to receive the same calling in the new ward January 13th.  Ned will truly miss his job in the High Priest group leadership, and looks forward to serving wherever needed.

We feel privileged to share in this family’s burdens and celebrations.  We pray for you, we mourn with you, and we rejoice with you.  Thank you all for your great example.

ANGIE & CHRIS MEE – Thankfully, the world did not end in 2012, but our provincial life in Pennsylvania did.  That’s right folks, we moved from Waymart, Pennsylvania to Phoenix, Arizona last March.  Chris received a promotion within the Bureau of Prisons to be the Accountant at FCI Phoenix.  We spent the month of February getting ready for the move.  Our plan was to bring only what could fit into the van.  Each family member received one red bin to stash their most treasured possessions.  When the big move came, Chris took hours cramming everything he could into the van.  After a trying week of travel, we finally arrived in Phoenix!  We took a few days looking for places to live and settled in a place very north of Phoenix, called Cordes Lakes.  Just to give you a mental picture:  Cordes is a podunk trailer town, nestled alongside the freeway in the middle of nowhere, 30 to 40 minutes away from any real shopping (food, clothing, healthcare).  It’s definitely a desert out here.  The local park is a dry dusty patch of dirt with an old, metal-framed car, some springy animals, which are heavily guarded by the 32nd storm brigade of fire ants, and a double pair of rusty bucket swings.  We saw our first scorpion!  It was a small one, hiding under a stone … you know … one of those garden stepping pathway stones.  I freaked, but wanting the family not to miss out, I showed them.  Then I chopped off its stinger, then its arms, but I left its ears so it could hear the shrieks, “Dear … what is that thing?” in its perfect little ears.

Nina is officially potty trained, and Miri is trying to follow in her big sister’s footsteps.  Nina is quite the singer at 2 ½ years old, continually performing (for us) a plethora of Primary songs.  Miri (age: 15 months) is quite the talker.  Just the other week, she had a routine follow-up appointment with the doctor.  Our fair-skinned, dark-haired beauty of a screaming nature received several injections of good-for-you vaccinations.  She then shocked the doctor, when in her muffled and beginning speech, she said, “thank you.”  Oh, how we love our two super-cute girls.  We are also expecting another baby this summer, in the height of the Arizona swelter; (due date is July 2nd.)

KATIE & JARED COSTLEY – This year the Costley Family has much to be grateful for.  Jared still has a job as a civilian at Hill Air Force Base. He is enjoying his position as Project Manager in the F-16 sustainment program and hoping to stay there for many years to come.  He especially enjoys the fact that there is a gym on base where he can always find a pick-up game of basketball.  He is now in the last semester of his MBA program and looking to be finished in March.  It will be just in time for the new baby to arrive (a boy -- yeah!)  We will have three boys under the age of three and all three will be in diapers at the same time.  That’s going to be fun.  There is a slight chance the twins will relent to being potty trained before then, but it’s not looking good at the moment.  Jared was recently called to be the executive secretary in our ward, on top of being a Sunday School teacher with Katie. He loves both jobs and does very well at them.

Katie is enjoying every day being a stay-at-home mom.  Taking care of and spending time with the twins takes up much of her time, but more and more they are finding pleasure in playing with each other, so Katie gets a little time for herself.  Katie spends her extra time reading, painting with watercolors, cooking strange new dishes, and of course cleaning up the disasters the twins leave behind.

The major event this year was moving into our first home in Farr West UT.  We are adjusting to being quasi-country folk as opposed to our natural, city-slicker selves.  Our neighbors must have recognized this and have helped us immensely by loaning us gardening tools and such.  We have a big backyard that keeps Jared busy, but is also a lot of fun for the boys to run around.   We have felt so blessed this year with our children growing and developing, and with the news of our third child on the way.

QUINN & BARBARA CANNON – Another busy year flew by a little faster than the busy year before that. 

The biggest change in our family over the past year is Camille.  At 2 ½ , she is a very talkative, active, busy, darling little girl instead of the baby she was just a little while ago.  She is also toilet trained now – hooray!

Dallin is now 9 and in 3rd grade.  He still learns astonishingly fast and enjoys school.  He has fun playing with friends, Camille, and, about half the time, Gabriel.

Gabriel is 7 and in 1st grade.  He enjoys playing at home, tolerates school, and still loves trains, just as Dallin still loves planets, stars, etc.  Gabriel will turn 8 this November and is excited to be baptized!

Quinn is in his 4th semester of pharmacy school at the University of Utah.  He’s doing well and learning a lot.  Barbara is also learning pharmacy tidbits here and there since Quinn talks to her about things he learns.  Quinn continues to work as a pharmacy intern at Walgreen’s, but only occasionally while he is in school.   He serves as the building cleaning coordinator for our ward, which means he makes sure enough families show up each Saturday morning to clean the Church.

Barbara is enduring the cold and snow while dreaming of warmer months (we already had the white Christmas.)  She enjoyed puttering around in her vegetable and flower gardens last year, as well as making the back yard more fun for the kids by adding a swing set, trampoline (smallish), and more grass.  During the non-outside months, she is putting the house in order again (after a spring, summer, and fall of spending a lot of time outside).  She was called as a ward missionary last summer and enjoys delving into missionary work again.

Quinn and Barbara were hired for most of last year to help take care of an older man who lived across the street from us.  It was a good job, and we came to love the man.  Camille became a favorite of his; she was the light of his life.  He passed away in October and we miss him.

We hope you are all doing well and look forward to reading your updates!

SPENCER & ANN CANNON – The Spencer and Ann Cannon Family continues to grow, not in number, but in stature. Bryon and Preston, our two oldest, have quickly surpassed Mom in height, and are now comparing regularly with Dad to ensure they capture the exact moment they surpass him.  He doesn’t have the heart to tell them it will be of no gain to them.  In fact, that moment will certainly bring added responsibility in the form of heavy labor to their lives, and we can’t wait.  Still enjoying the little southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley we know as home. The family has loved camping and jet skiing this year.  Favorite trips were to Bryce Canyon and Bear Lake.  Ann and I enjoyed a business trip together back to NYC where we enjoyed Broadway plays and the best food in the world.  Our year has not all been pleasant though.  Our oldest adopted boy, Ty (from Ethiopia) continued to struggle in our home.  After much prayer, consideration, and recommendations from his therapists, it was determined it would be better for all parties to give him a fresh start with another qualified family.  Though it has been heart-wrenching, there is a feeling of peace in our home knowing he is in good hands and continues to progress.  We are learning that life’s trials are often times answers to prayers. We send our love to all of you.

CURTIS & TRICIA CANNON – Curtis and Tricia and family are busy as ever.  Caleb is reading books and participating in plays almost every spare minute.  He’s a talented actor, singer, and dancer.  He loved being in “Little Mermaid” and is currently shining in “High School Musical” with a leading role.  Elijah, who is in 8th grade, has straight 4.0 report cards this year.  He went through serious femur surgery and spent November in a wheelchair at school.  He made lots of friends as everyone wanted to push his wheelchair and help him.  He graduated to crutches and now he is walking with only a slight limp.  He and a friend started a business to repair Apple products.  Elijah specializes in iPhones.  Hyrum is skillful in all sports; everyone wants him on their team.  Some day he may be an Olympian!  Vera is still the biggest little helper in the home and is doing fantastically in school.  Jaynie Ruth and Brigham are two peas in a pod.  They’re so smart, and love to play together.  Curtis is still working at the Post Office with great benefits.  The family is nearly done remodeling their Riverton home to sell.  They moved into a home owned by Tricia’s parents in South Jordan for the time being.  Who knows … they may like it enough to buy it.  They are also trying to clean up their West Valley rental home from the meth users who trashed it and disappeared.  They’ve had several flaky, dirty, lying renters, and have decided to get out of the landlord business.  Curtis and Tricia, because of their move, were released from callings they loved:  Curtis was in the Sunday School presidency and Tricia was a Sunbeam teacher.

Cannon Family TRADITIONS

As the Ned & Kay Cannon Family, we have tried to keep many of the same traditions as the Arza & Erma Hinckley Family, including: a Mothers & Daughters Luncheon, a summer camp-out or non-camping trip, the extended family get-together (now, the Cousin Connection), the “on” years (every other year) for Thanksgiving, and a children’s Christmas party or outing.  Everyone supports baby blessings and baptisms.  We participate in the traditional Cannon 4th of July at the family ranch, as the annual reunion of the Edwin Q. & Luella W. Cannon Family.  We also have a few of our own  traditions.  A favorite around Kay’s birthday (and un-birthday) is temple attendance with our married children, followed by a meal in a restaurant.  When a grandchild turns eight, we take him/her to Temple Square and tour the buildings and grounds and other sites in the area.

Crosby Chronicles

Richard & Louise - The birth of our 19th grandchild Alec to Ben and Becca and our trip to Iowa for his blessing; the baptism of Russ & Nat’s daughter Liesl, and their move to Washington City just 15 minutes away; Rich & Rach moving to Riverton after being hired to teach Seminary full time at Murray High School; our trip with the Aunts & Uncles to the Grand Canyon; and the lowering of age for missionary service allowing our two oldest grandchildren to begin and even submit their paperwork, are the major highlights of our year. On the other hand, our greatest disappointment and sadness during 2012 was the stillbirth of our 18th grandchild, Charlie, to Adrienne and Chris. Their hearts, and ours, remain very tender, but we all look forward to the time when we can hold, love, and get to know our little angel. 

Richard has a new calling as counselor in the Stake Sunday School Presidency. Yes, they do still have that position in the wards and stakes, and he is informed, and very much excited about the new curriculum for the youth. He’s now looking forward to several months of teaching in ward conferences. We both continue to serve as ordinance workers in the St. George Temple, and as needed teach Temple Preparation classes in the ward. Richard keeps inching his way toward retirement, while I fiddle with my art. Even sold a few paintings this year.

Rachel & Rich Garner - It has been an eventful year for the Garner family! In April, Richie finished his seminary student teaching and then we waited....and waited... It was definitely a faith building experience to put all of our eggs in that basket and know that it in the end, it’s up to Heavenly Father. We were so grateful when our prayers were answered, our hard work paid off and we were selected as one of the 8 out of 80 candidates hired out of Eastern Idaho this year. We let out a great sigh of relief, ate some celebratory pizza and ice cream, and then got to work on the next phase. We started looking for homes near Murray, where Rich was assigned to teach, and happened to find one in Riverton, about 5 minutes from where Rich grew up. Everything just seemed to click right into place and we are settling in nicely even if we still miss Rexburg sometimes. I’m not sure that we’ve finished pinching ourselves just yet. We feel very blessed.  Rich transitioned seamlessly into a full time seminary teacher, although it’s not without headaches, worries, and just plain hard days, but doing something you love makes it worth it!

Miles is almost 4 and excited to go into primary, although I’m not sure he realizes there won’t be toys and snack time.  That might be a deal breaker. He’s really good at throwing tantrums and has quite a stubborn side, but for the most part, he is sure a sweet boy.  We’re continually surprised and amazed at his sensitivity to feelings. He’s always asking us, “Are you happy?” and “Are you ok?”. One of the reasons we love living in northern Utah is our proximity to extended family! We were thankful to attend Tiffany’s viewing and see so many familiar faces. Miles was very concerned over people crying and he still brings it up occasionally, but it was a sweet experience to explain to him that their family can be together forever because her mommy and daddy got married in the temple. Our thoughts and prayers are still very much with you Howell family!

Sometimes I have to remind myself how little Gwen is.  She will turn 2 in March, but seems so much older to me.  She potty trained herself this year (definitely her idea, not mine, although I am grateful), and even though she doesn’t say many words, she communicates very well with pointing, grunting and head shaking. She enjoys tagging along with Miles when he goes to Joy school. Myself and a few other moms in the ward do a joy school of sorts and it’s been great.

I’m enjoying my calling as a Primary teacher to the 6 year olds and Richie is looking forward to his new calling as 1st counselor in the Young Men’s. We’ve enjoyed making this house our home as much as our finances will allow.  So far it’s included  preparing our land for a nice big garden this upcoming spring (Check out “Back to Eden” on youtube if you’re interested in a new gardening technique). We also put on a new roof, put shelves up in the storage room and we’re in the middle of putting in a “new”, fresh from craigslist, wood burning fireplace.  It’s been a very memorable year for us and we hope to see more of you in the future!

Adrienne & Chris Lamb – 2012 was an incredibly challenging year for our young family as I know it was for many others in our extended Hinckley family.  For all the sorrow and loss and all of the trials and challenges many of you have faced - we are so sorry - we love you so much!  I personally felt of the love and concern of our extended Hinckley family when our 5th baby, Charlie, was stillborn on March 4, 2012.  Thank you for sharing that love with our family through cards and prayers.  As I have worked through my own grief my eyes have been opened to the sorrow that is overwhelmingly prevalent in the world and I have had many questions left unanswered but I have found comfort in one particular scripture: 

1 Nephi 11:17  And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

I don’t know when or if I will understand why there is so much sorrow, but I do know that our Heavenly Father loves each of us.

Some of our highlights include:

Chris - Earning his Masters of Nurse Management (so proud of him!) - Becoming the Scoutmaster in our ward - Taking the scouts on the 50 miler - Helping carry a scout with MS on the 50 miler - Participating in other campouts including the Klondike - De stresses with basketball - persuaded Adrienne to get a german shepherd puppy named Lady.

Adrienne - Canning the free fruit given to us by parents and neighbors, THANKS! - Reading when possible - Bear Den Leader in our ward - Proving to herself that jogging is not impossible:) - Volunteering at school thanks to help from Mom - Driving kids and entertaining their many friends.

George - 9 yrs. old and 4th grade - Got braces on in September! - Will earn his Bear in January - Learning guitar - Loves anything electronic / video games - Enjoys taking care of Lady and riding his bike - Earned a little money in the summer by mowing lawns - Helps mom and dad a lot :)

Paris - 7 yrs. old and 2nd grade - Growing like a weed - learning piano and participated in his first recital - Loves to play with his friends - Both Paris and George have had fun this past year participating in baseball, basketball, flag football and soccer! And both boys love to play with beyblades!

Erma - 5 yrs. old and Kindergarten - Loves school - Recently started gymnastics and enjoys that - Loves to color, dress up, do make up, play house, etc. - Dramatic and fun - Road her bike 3 miles almost everyday in the summer with mom and brothers.

John - 3 yrs. old - Energetic and independent - He has to do almost everything on his own and starts over again if I help him - Will be a Sunbeam in Primary (look out teachers!) - Loves cars, diggers and balls - Gives great hugs.

Charlie - We love and miss him.

Ben & Becca Crosby - Chaos and growth have become standard for the Iowa Crosbys. Our biggest news is that we welcomed our fourth - and we believe, final - installment. Alexander Richard Crosby was born on June 29. He is adorable and delightful. He’s a happy, smiley little guy, and we cannot get enough of him. 

Our next youngest, Adeline, is 2. She is potty training successfully, and, as the third of four children, she’s had to insist on being heard and noticed. As a result, she has developed an independent and usually hilarious personality. We’re so grateful for her. 

Theo is now 6. He is in First Grade, and he is doing very well. His interests are football, cars, and chess. He and Izzy joined the chess club at school, and so far they really like it. Theo remains an easy-going kid for the most part, always eager to lend a hand (whether it’s needed or not) and always driven to please. He is a good reader, even if he doesn’t particularly enjoy it yet. He seems far more interested in math, which doesn’t really, eh compute for his parents, who are both lousy with math. 

Izzy is now 10, and we cannot believe it. She is such a lovely girl. She tends to be very sensitive to those around her and very in touch with her own feelings. She has taken to piano with quite a natural liking. She also does ballet once or twice per week and loves it. In fact, she was able to play one of the angels in this year’s production of The Nutcracker, which is a massive Christmas tradition here in Ames. She loves the stage, so ballet is one of her fondest activities now. She continues to love to read books endlessly and hate math persistently - one of many ways she is the polar opposite of her brother. 

Becca is doing very well. She stays home with the kids during the week, and works as a part-time nurse on the heart floor at the hospital on the weekends. She loves using her RN so regularly, and she intends go back for additional schooling later this year. With four kids all under the age of 11, including one newborn and one 2-yr-old, she is always mostly exhausted. Still, she has no regrets. Iowa has treated her well. She has good friends; she loves her neighborhood and ward; she loves her calling as Primary secretary; and she absolutely cannot get enough of her new baby. She does wish she was closer to parents and siblings though. 

For Ben, nothing much has changed. Work is great, but the honeymoon appears to be ending. The university took great care of him during his first couple of years, but now they expect him to do some of the caring. He’s been at ISU for nearly four years now, so he is getting more responsibilities on top of teaching and publishing. He still loves his profession and would never trade it, but it is, when all is said and done, still a job, and that means it includes administrative tasks and more and more meetings. He is in the bishopric now, a calling that may be subconsciously adding to his growing frustration with meetings generally. Like Becca, he loves the neighborhood and ward but misses family out West.

Russ & Natalie Crosby - The seven year itch really had me scratching last year, and so after 7 wonderful years of living in Logandale, NV, we moved an hour north to join both of our families in lovely St. George. This proved to be a terrific move since Russ can now attend Dixie, our children now have access to much better schools, and we frequently get together with our families. 

Russ went from serving in the bishopric to being my Co-Nursery Leader and I joke about him having to serve in the trenches with the rest of us. Natalie is in heaven now that she is so close to shopping, and pinches herself every time she drives by Cafe Rio. Zadi is driving now and looks very forward to being old enough to date (she turns 16 in February). Liesl was baptized last year and she writes in her journal nearly every night. Tess  (age 7) is almost as tall as Liesl and she is speaking Mandarin around the house ever since she got accepted into the Chinese Immersion Program. Jo finally got potty trained and loves to cuddle as much as possible, and loves being the caboose.

Jenn & Mike Wallace - As a family we are thrilled with the new Kansas City Temple.  The cultural event that the youth participated in was amazing, and Mike and I were able to serve as temple tour guides for the open house. 

Mike lost 70 pounds in 4-5 months by eating less and exercising more.  He was also recently called to be on the high council over missionary work.

Taysom successfully completed her first year of college.  She increased her scholarship but decided to put school on hold. The day before Thanksgiving she submitted her mission paperwork, and we are anxiously awaiting her call.

Tucker was able to travel to Tonga over the summer on a Humanitarian Experience for Youth trip. He helped add on to an elementary school there and had the time of his life.  He also was able to present over 300 lbs of Rugby equipment to two local teams (his Eagle project).  He has already started his mission paperwork and plans to submit it at the end of May.

Ilah and Henry are both taking advantage of all of the extra curricular activities.  Ilah had a great volleyball and basketball season and LOVED playing Drizella in her middle school’s production of Cinderella.  Henry tried out football and was able to play Rapunzel’s prince in his middle school’s production of Into the Woods.  We are looking forward to this year’s productions of Alice in Wonderland where Ilah is Tweedledum and Thoroughly Modern Millie where Henry is Jimmy.  Both enjoyed having Mike as their coach (Ilah for b-ball and Henry for football).  And both enjoy playing in their middle school bands.

I try and keep up.  I can hardly believe that we are out of the primary years and beginning the missionary years.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since the newsletter was printed Taysom Wallace has received her call to serve in the California Santa Rosa (Spanish speaking) Mission. She will enter the MTC on April 3rd! The Crosby family is thrilled to begin this new chapter of missionary service.

Sister Taysom Erica Wallace

THOMAS • Times

Sue & jack:  It just seems like every year gets better and better -- not easier, but better.  How grateful we are for our blessings.  It seems like they come so abundantly now days it’s hard to keep up with them.

We believe that the Hinckley Family is one of our greatest blessings.  We are aware of the trials some of you are bearing, and you will remain in our prayers.  We have wonderful memories of the Hinckley family during 2012.  One of the best was being with our brothers and sisters in April where we:  ‘explored’ the Grand Canyon from the safety of its rim; visited Lake Powell and  Rainbow Bridge;  enjoyed the company of two incredible professional artists in Cedar City and St. George; and for Jack and I, we finally realized a lifelong dream of seeing the Meteor Crater in Arizona.  We felt it was almost as inspiring as the Grand Canyon -- not as beautiful but just as amazing.

The Thomas Family finally decided that it was time for me (Susan) to get out of the education business and finally become a wife, mother, and grandmother.  So in June I took down my shingle, turned the key for the last time, and walked away, determined not to look back.  So far, so good.  To celebrate the momentous event, we used some of our savings and bought a beautiful Impala with only 1700 miles on it. It has already been a great blessing to us.  The family took Jack and I out for my ‘graduation’ dinner.  There I received an inlaid music box as a gift.  The school district gave me an old fashioned school bell which I will treasure.  Yes, I do miss the children, the good feeling of doing something worthwhile, and the excitement a good challenge creates.  But I am content with the understanding that ‘there is a time and a season’, and that my season is now over.  I look back with wonderful memories and no regrets about my chosen twenty-one year profession. 

Three weeks after my retirement we found out the Jack had cancer and would need surgery and radiation.  This was quite a blow to our family.  But Jack endured a rather intense surgery and six weeks of radiation very well.  After waiting for a month to see if the procedures ‘had taken’, we were so grateful to learn that things looked very good.  The outcome was exactly what we had hoped and prayed for.  We continue to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for this sweet blessing.

Our family enjoyed a long awaited three day vacation in Joseph, Utah, where we stayed in an old LDS chapel (1929) which had been converted into a vacation destination.  They had left all the original woodwork, stairs, doors, brick work, and windows.  The classrooms still bore the original numbering.  These classrooms had been converted into well decorated, comfortable bedrooms, enough to sleep us all comfortably. The huge original safe, which used to contain tithes and offerings, still worked but was now being used to store cleaning supplies for the maid service.  The cultural hall is now a very large kitchen with stoves, refrigerator, dishwasher, large screen t.v., and all the pots, pans, dishes, and utensils we would need.  And best of all, we could all sit down together at a huge table for meals.  Three bathrooms and a laundry accommodated all of our needs.  The chapel area had been converted into a huge game room with ten hide-away beds, a piano, video games, pool table, Foosball, library, games, and a huge 15 foot screen for watching movies.  And we had the whole building to ourselves.  Since the weather was unsettled, we occupied most of our time in the recreation room, but we did venture out to the reservoir and Big Rock Candy Mountain.  Since Erin celebrated her birthday while on vacation,  she decided she wanted to give herself a gift of going on the zip line at Big Rock Candy Mountain.  Alisha and I decided we could stand a little excitement as well.  So we went with her.  Now what was I thinking!?  There’s an old saying that goes, ‘There no fool like an old fool.’  I am beginning to understand what that means now.   We figured we’d only be jumping once and I thought I could handle that.  But  once we were up there, we discovered it required 6 jumps!  And I, the number ONE fraidy cat where heights are concerned, had no way to get down but jump  -- SIX TIMES!  And by some miracle I quite enjoyed it.   But --- NEVER again!  On the morning of the day we returned home from vacation, Evan, Chris, and Bennett thought they would take a quick canoe run down the Sevier River.  They would be back in an hour.  After two and a half hours we went looking for them only to find that they had survived a pretty scary accident.  In high water, they had been thrown from the canoe.  Shoes were lost, along with personal items like wallets, ID, money, etc.  They sustained many bruises and cuts, and Evan broke a toe. The canoe was a total loss.  But we were grateful that no lives were lost.  And much to our gratitude, a Good Samaritan with strong Christian values, found all the lost personal items and returned them. 

Earlier this summer, Jack and I paid Alonzo a visit in Lava Hot Springs where he works as a chef at the Riverside Inn.  He cooked us a delicious salmon dinner and even took time to visit with us at our table.  We felt very honored.  He makes a very handsome chef.  Since we were going to stay at his apartment for the night, we went back there to wait for him to finish his shift.  As we walked in the door, his darling cat, Athena, met us and began meowing and acting a bit restless.  Within minutes she had given birth to three beautiful kittens (we didn’t even know she was expecting).   It all happened so fast, we didn’t even have time to get her adequately situated.  It was a sweet experience, however, and I am continually amazed at how well Mother Nature directs her mothers in the birth and care of their young.  It’s a miracle.

We are delighted with the homes that have been purchased by Merica/Dave and Evan/Sabrina.  Merica moved from Layton and is living in our old home where we raised our family and where Evan and his family used to live.  Evan purchased the house directly across the street from them.  Both families will be in the same ward.  It is so nice to have Merica and family so close.  Layton seems so far away.  It’s so fun having Evan and family in our basement while their ‘new’ home is being remodeled.  It provides this house with a lot of life!  We love it, though we miss having Alisha here.  She graciously moved to a little rental home a few door down the street from us so the basement could be turned over to Evan.   

Our most memorable moment was this past December when our children surprised us with a dinner at the Lion House for our 40th anniversary.  Since the 40th is symbolized by the Ruby, they bought us an exquisite ruby red bowl which we display proudly in our kitchen.  It’s been a fabulous 40 years.  We are more in love than ever.

We love you all.  May God bless you and keep you. 

Erin and Ben Chipman Family: We have had the most calm year out of the Thomas clan, no major changes to report. Ben is still very happily employed at L3-Communications, Erin is a very happy stay at home mom and Parker is as adorable as ever.

We have had some really good fun this past year. We had a wonderful vacation to Central Utah with the Thomas family  where Erin took Alisha and Susan down the zip line at Big Rock Candy mountain. They were very good sports and Erin had a wonderful time.

We attended the Shakespeare festival with the Chipman Family and enjoyed it immensely. This is our annual tradition and this marks our fifth year at the festival. We are already getting ready for our next trip.

We still refuse to get a TV though we do watch Doctor Who and Psych on disc.  We are now epic geeks, and not a day goes by where we aren’t quoting some line from one of those two series.

Because we don’t have a TV we spend a lot of time playing games, our favorites for this year are Fairy Tale, a delightfully simple and fast game with pretty art work,  and Through the Ages, an epic game that takes at least two hours to play. We find the time usually after Parker goes to bed and sometimes on weekends.

Love you all! 

Dave & Merica DeMille Family: We bought a house!!! We began looking for homes early last year. Evan and Sabrina were looking at buying a home just across the street from their home (which is my parents old home) because they could build onto it. Dave and I expressed an interest in buying their home and the waiting began. After a long and painful process Evan and Sabrina were able to purchase the home and we bought theirs. We moved in the week after Thanksgiving. It has been a dream come true, moving back to Bountiful. Our home is twice the size of the apartment we moved from. We are so happy to be part of a neighborhood and so much closer to everything.

Our oldest son, James (5), was accepted to Spectrum Academy School for Autism in North Salt Lake early this year. We can’t tell you how excited we have been to have him there. The teachers are really good with him and he is making wonderful progress.

Matthew (3) began preschool this year. He is a very affectionate child but still all boy. He loves anything to do with trains and carries a toy train wherever he goes.

Emily (18 months) is our little princess and she knows it. She loves dancing and animals. I spoil her way too much, but I am just so happy to have a little girl to play with.

Dave is still teaching at North Davis Jr. High. It has been an interesting year for him. The school in now a title one school. They have put so much pressure on the teachers to improve student test scores that it has taken all the joy out of teaching. At least the students are pretty good this year. Dave was the 11 year old scout master and Sunday School teacher until we moved in November.

I (Merica) served as the R.S. secretary in our ward until we moved. I really loved the calling and I especially loved the sisters in our ward. It was a hard ward to leave. I spent most of my year driving kids back and forth to school before we moved from Layton to Bountiful. With James in school in North Salt Lake and Matthew in Preschool in Centerville, I felt like I spent more time in the car than I did at home. It’s been a lot better since we moved but I miss being able to listen to the scriptures in the car as much as I did before.

We hope you all had a wonderful year and hope to see all of you soon!

Alonzo Thomas: The past year and a half has been all about food. I have now been with The Riverside Hot Springs Inn, in Lava Hot Springs Idaho for a year and a half.  And I have recently stepped into the chef position here.  And I must say, I am loving it.  The operation here is a small one, with only 30 seats year-round and another 24 seats outside during the summer.  It is just the right size for me.  The menu is varied and I am given a lot of leeway to be creative.

My first order of business when I stepped into the chef position is to get rid of all the premade foods, like the desserts.  We now feature homemade cheesecakes, chocolate lava cakes and honey and lavender crème brules.  As soon as I can talk the owner into buying me a $5,000.00 bread oven, I will also be making fresh bread.  (But I’m not holding my breath).  So as it stands, there is only one item on the menu that is not made in house.

We are all excited for this weekend, as we are rolling out our new menu (forgive the pun).  I think I am most excited about the ahi tuna open faced sushi plate.  This plate features a crispy rice patty, nori confetti, roasted poblano and avocado salsa, watercress salad, wasabi aioli and pickled ginger.  Not only will it be tasty, but it is going to sell like hot cakes (again, forgive the pun).

I remain a huge fan of reading good books, Hitchcock style horror movies and taking care of my cat.  Oh ya, I adopted a cute black and white cat, who then taught me a lesson in punctuality.  You see, I didn’t get her fixed in time… you can see where this is going...  she had kittens!  Three adorable kittens.  I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find homes for them, but they all went quickly.  It was sad to see them go, but also a relief.

I look forward to this new year with love for my family, my friends and for my job.

(No I am not married, or engaged)

Alisha Thomas: Ibid 2012

One exception.  I am no longer a Relief Society teacher.  I am working with the Young Women as secretary.

Amie, Chris, Rex (6), & Reed (2): We had a nice year in 2012. Still at the grind and managing.

Reed is 2 and loves to say “no”...to everything. Even ice-cream, baths, toys and hugs. When he is not responding in the negative he talks almost incessantly about trains, Buzz, cats, dinosaurs, Spiderman and “McQueenaMater”.  He can play Angry Birds on Mommy’s Kindle and is learning his colors.  He likes to feed our cat “cat treats”, he takes them and throws them across the room and giggles as the cat chases them down. Potty training isn’t going well. Every night before bed he takes his turn praying and then holds a set of scriptures and flips through it until Rex is done reading.  He is so precious.

Rex is 6 and loving 1st grade.  His teacher has commented several times at how good of a reader he is. He even helps out other kids in the class who are struggling. He reads his scriptures on his own and really does well.  He is very much into Star Wars the Clone Wars.  One of the characters is Clone Captain Rex and our Rex pretends to be him a lot, he even has a costume.  Over the summer he took swim lessons from a wonderful teacher. By the end of two weeks Rex was confident enough that he was doing flips off the side into the pool...great form and no spluttering from water in the mouth/nose.  It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen watching him do that.  I am so thankful for his healthy body and abilities.

Chris (still less than 40) is still doing web, video and graphic design on the side and is working doing Sign sales, production and installation. He also works part time at HEC Reading Horizons with Alisha. He currently teaches Sunday School and enjoys it most weeks. Plus he’s still incredibly handsome.

Amie (more less than 40 than Chris) is loving being a stay at home mom for now.  I love being with my kids, doing homework with Rex, and playing with Reed.  I have taken a few kids here and there as a daytime babysitter.  The kids are cute but it is always nice to just have me and my boys.  I got a Kindle Fire for my birthday and have loved having fun new books to read.  Rex calls it a “Firepod” and I just can’t bring myself to correct him so that is what we all call it. I was released from the Primary and now teach in Relief Society.  It was a good year and we are looking forward to an even better one in 2013.

Evan & Sabrina Thomas Family:

Which Thomas Are You?

Please enjoy this special edition of THOMAS TIMES, which includes a quiz for our long-time readers.  Take the following quiz to see which Thomas family member you are most like.

1. If given a little quiet time, which activity do you prefer?

A. Getting into trouble

B. Being the mastermind to the above trouble

C. Draw pictures

D. Color

E. Make up songs and dances to perform, daydream

F. Play Minecraft

G. Draw or play iPod

H. Read a good book

I. Avoid studying chemistry.

2. What milestone have you reached this past year?

A. Turned ONE! Learned to walk by myself

B. Turned ONE! Learned to eat by myself

C. Started Joyschool

D. All day school! First grade is awesome!

E. Braces…ouch!

F. Sported a bald head to play Daddy Warbucks in the school play

G. Big Bad Teenager… Started Junior High

H. Survived the first year with twins and a broken wrist

I. Sold a house, bought a house, in the process of remodeling the house!

3. What phrase do you find yourself saying a lot lately?

A. Blues Clues?

B. Sure!

C. Can I pleeeease play with a fwiend?

D. Can I play your phone?

E. Mom, let’s just sit together on my bed and TALK!

F. I can’t wait for my next soccer/basketball game!

G. Don’t I look awesome in this outfit?

H. You guys are driving me CRAZY!!!

I. I’ve got another test this week…

4. What do you seem to wear a lot?

A. Whatever my sister is wearing.

B. See answer A.

C. Pants on backwards

D. Hand me downs

E. Sparkly skirts and boots

F. Basketball shorts

G. Fedora and skinny jeans

H. Scrubs

I. Construction overalls “Kinda looks like Grandpa”

5. What makes you laugh?

A. Getting tickled

B. Being chased

C. Teasing baby sisters

D. Watching Disney Channel shows

E. America’s Funniest Videos

F. Playing with baby sisters

G. Quoting HISHE (How It Should Have Ended- google it!)

H. Seven Silly Kids

I. Clara doing a comedy sketch from Brian Reagan

Results:  Total up how many times you wrote down each letter.  If you answered mostly:

A. You’re most like Stella, 21 months, you love to be snuggled and always act innocent. However, you get into plenty of trouble and have already shown your technical prowess by being able to hack mom’s iPhone and pull up Netflix to watch Blues Clues!

B. You’re most like Scarlett, also 21 months, spunky and curly haired, you’re the ring leader of the twins and encourage mischief like pushing chairs to the counters to reach the cookies.

C. You’re most like Jack, a loud and awesome 3 year old who would rather be playing with a friend than hanging out at home.  You love the Hulk and Captain America and going on errands with mom in the car.

D. You’re most like Henry, 7 years old and first grade wonder.  You love to read and color and play Wii Sports Resort.  You have just started delving into the world of Legos and also started a clogging class this year, which you love!

E. You’re most like Clara, sweet and sassy 9 year old who couldn’t wait to get braces…now you don’t think they are really that much fun. You love to sing and dance and bake cookies and wear creative outfits.  You made your first school play debut this year as one of Miss Hannigan’s orphans! You have found a hidden talent in performing Brian Reagan sketches and even did one for your school talent show.

F.  You’re most like Ethan, the smart and studly 11 year old who thinks he “rules the school” as a 6th grader.  You are still an amazing clogger and win lots of medals at competitions, and you have taken off on the piano and recently wowed the audience with an amazing “Pirates of the Caribbean” piece.  You also love playing soccer and basketball and can’t wait for the weather to be nice again.

G.  You’re most like Bennett, who at 13 just joined the official “TEENAGER” club.  You love Junior High and are starting to embrace the fashion scene by insisting on wearing skinny jeans and v-neck t-shirts.  You are very social and all the little old ladies at church think you are “such a nice boy.”  You are still pretty awesome at clogging and piano but mostly love playing soccer on the co-ed Junior High team.

H. You’re most like Sabrina, 29 (yep, you read right) trying to keep up with it all!  You still love being a Labor and Delivery nurse but don’t love being away from home much.  You’ve had so much fun with the twins that you may have caught yourself saying you’d do it all over again… except for the fact that seven is plenty and you think you may be going a little crazy.  You like to dream about “Spare Time” and what you would do with it…probably read and eat cookies.  You are looking forward to moving into a newly remodeled house across the street from your old one!

I. You’re most like Evan, closer to 40 than 35, who would like to say he is enjoying his second round of college classes, but was never a great liar.  You are finishing the last prerequisites to apply to Physician Assistant schools around the nation and hope to be accepted to a school next year.  You have honed in on your hammering skills as you assist the contractor in demolishing and remodeling the new “old” house.

H•o•w•e•l•l Happenings

Elder Rex & Sister Jean Howell: Being on a mission throughout this past year has caused us to truly reflect on the many, many blessings we have. Of course, we count among our greatest blessings to be our family. They have been so wonderful and supportive of us in every way. We are grateful for all their efforts to live the gospel in the best way they know and to teach their children to do the same. They have been wonderful in the way they have carried on with the family activities and being there to help and support one another as needed.

We have always had a strong testimony of the gospel, but since being here in Ohio, we have come to appreciate what a critical difference the gospel makes in peoples lives. Just living the gospel saves so much heartache and pain. We love the people we work with – the active, the less-active and members of other faiths. Most people really do have good hearts and a desire to live better lives. For the most part, these people live in such humble circumstances and yet they are so willing to give of themselves to help others.

We are so grateful that we have had this wonderful opportunity to serve this mission. We feel like we have learned so much and we have been so blessed because of it. We know our family has also been blessed in so many ways since we have been serving. We recommend a mission to any senior couple, especially the kind where you are actually working with the people. It is so much more rewarding than we ever dreamed it would be. This will be one of those very special chapters in our life that we will always treasure.

We have been a part of less-active member’s coming into full activity; investigators being baptized; new members going to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead and helping members prepare to receive their own endowments. The highlight has been seeing an entire family come together as members of the Church and prepare to receive temple blessings one year from their baptism and confirmation.

While we’ve been out here, we have had some of our Grandchildren leave for their missions, some who have completed their missions and some are preparing to leave shortly. We’ve had some get baptized, several graduate from high school and some just starting out in kindergarten. It was very difficult for us to have to say goodbye to our dear Tiffany. She was such a delight and we love her and truly miss her. We know some of what she has been called to do on the other side. At times like these, we appreciate the gospel more than ever.

We are grateful to each of you for your love and support and for your strong examples. 

Matt & Hillary (aka Hideko)’s Family: Our family had an eventful 2012, much of it good and wonderful, some of it very trying. It was a year that gave us a new perspective on life.

Ashley, our youngest is now in sixth grade, the last of our children in elementary school. She is very social and loves to spend time with her friends. She is doing very well in school and in her piano lessons. She is looking forward to joining Young Women’s next month.

Christian is the president of the deacon’s quorum and enjoys being with the other deacons and scouts. He has some very good friends that he likes to spend time with. He is getting closer to having earned his Eagle Scout. 

Reagan is also working on his Eagle and has only a couple of more requirements before finishing it, hopefully this summer. He has really grown over the past year and is looking much more like a young adult than a little kid. 

Reagan is in 9th grade and Christian is in 8th grade. Because the district is moving 9th grade out of the middle schools and to the high schools next year, they are both in their last year of middle school. 

Rachel is a member of the high school swim team and spends hours each day at practice. She then comes home and practices the piano for hours. Her piano skills are truly amazing. As a junior, she is starting to think about college and what she wants to do for her life -- but no apparent decisions yet.

Brian spent the first eleven months of the year in Malaysia and Singapore for the second half of his mission. He loved the people in both countries and the cultures there. He loved serving the Lord. After coming home in December, he started classes at BYU this week. His long-term plans remain the same as they have been for years, major in neuroscience and then go to medical school. 

Matt and Hillary are just worn out. Between working, running the house, shuttling the kids around where they need to be and all the rest of the responsibilities of life, there doesn’t seem to be enough energy. But we are very proud of our kids and what they are doing. Hillary is the ward librarian, her dream calling. Matt has been the executive secretary in the ward for just over five years.

Of course, the biggest news of the past year for our family was Tiffany’s continued battle against cancer, which ended on December 2. We are so appreciative of all the support that the family provided through that struggle, especially the prayers offered on her and our behalf. Though it did not end as we had hoped, we are comforted to know that her pain and suffering have ended and she will be with her Father in Heaven forever.

“...the top number one happiest day of my life.” – Tiffany

Sue & Nelson’s Family: Hello Hinckleys!  We always feel blessed to get through another year.  Here are a few of our 2012’s highlights and an update on each of us:

Taft (14) has sprouted several inches so we no longer have any small people in our home.  He continues to play the baritone in band, and every so often you can catch him singing harmony (he has a very nice voice) with his sisters.  He is quite social and seems to just naturally take to any sport, with tennis being his favorite, ping pong, volleyball, basketball, and now, unicycling. He has become quite conscious about his grades and doing well in school.  He is looking forward to getting his learners permit in a few months.

Casia (16) is a Junior at WX.  She loves the freedom of finally being able to drive, and has also gone to her first school dance (she doesn’t think it is anywhere close to being worth what it costs!).  She plays the trumpet in band and in the Jazz band.  She is taking several AP classes and will need to start looking for a job, preferably with animals so she can get some experience with them before she becomes a vet (her parents aren’t “pet people” so she has been sorely deprived all of her life).  Casia also went on her trip with her parents to Europe, which included Scotland (her favorite), England, Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland.  

Mataya (17) is a Senior at WX.  She is known for her long, beautiful hair (well past her waist) and her sense of style (which both take a lion’s share of her time).  She spends the rest of her time singing (she’s in Concert Choir and loves it!), playing clarinet (doesn’t love this and wonders why anyone would want to suck on a stick), working at Parson’s Bakery, and homework from her AP classes.  Of course, she seems to also find time to have a social life.  She has been debating for years about what to go into in college, considering interior design, audiology, social work, etc.  Nothing seemed to feel right or be workable, and she refused to consider Engineering, until this last fall when all at once she just decided that’s what she should do.  Then she was at peace.  Strong engineering genes in this house.

Afton (19) graduated last spring and spent 6 weeks living at the U of U involved in the Access Program for girls going into science and math fields.  She loved the independence, the social life, the interesting classes and discovered a love of cooking!  When school started in the fall she was living back at home (much more economical), and very excited to have another great experience.  Too bad some of her professors didn’t know that.  She had a bit of an adjustment to understanding foreign and/or unclear professors.  Once she tapped into the T.A. resources, things got better.  She really enjoyed her one “fun” class:  kayaking!  And she learned to really like programming.  She learned that it is not always very fun to work on group projects when you are the only one who seems to care about your grades.  She survived her first semester and is relieved to have it behind her.  Her life plan took a dramatic turn when the announcement was made of the change in age for missionaries.  The week before, she had been saying that she really just wanted to go on her mission and not wait until she was 21, and that she would be really upset if something or someone got in her way between now and turning 21.  After the announcement she immediately got in touch with her bishop, who told her he had thought about her when he heard the announcement.  She had all the paperwork and appointments done in a week, then had to wait a week or two to get in to have final interviews.  Her call came the day we were headed down to S. California for a quick family trip over Thanksgiving.  She opened it along the way, only to find out that she was called to the Anaheim, California, Spanish-Speaking mission!  She leaves January 30th!  

Parker, started out 2012 in the MTC headed to New York.  There were some glitches when it came time for him to leave however.  The doctors were concerned about his seizure condition and wanted to have him stay at the MTC until they decided it was safe to send him. (Before his mission, his doctor told him he could try going without his medication since he hadn’t had any problems since his surgery 2 years before.  He ended up having one and immediately went right back on his medicine and hasn’t had a problem since.)  He spent 4 months at the MTC, most of the time working in the Call Center for people who find the Church through social media and the Church’s websites.  He taught a few people using Skype who ended up getting baptized.  Finally he was approved to go the NY, which he has loved ever since.  Right now he is serving in the Bronx and has had quite the cultural experience.  He loves being a missionary!

Tayson arrived home from his mission to Germany January 4th!  Being a missionary absolutely fit his personality and strengths, so coming home was a hard thing for him, but he handled it very well.  He looks and seems just like he did before he left, so we have to remind ourselves that he was actually gone for 2 years.  He began school at the U of U 3 days after arriving home, which meant very little down time.  He is working toward a degree in Electrical Engineering.  We love having him home and are so grateful for the coaching he will give to Afton before she leaves on her mission.

Susan continues to spend most of her time trying to keep track of where all the teenagers are, write letters to missionary children, work on the endless YW activities, lessons, administrative duties and drama associated with her calling.  She is very excited about the new curriculum and wishes that her calling was just teaching.  She continues to participate in book club, but, as far as her bread business, she has done no real baking for the past year and a half (way too busy).  She and Nelson continue to find projects to work on in the house and in the yard.  One of the biggest projects this last year was planning and being in charge of the 3-day Holzer reunion.  It nearly killed them, but turned it out pretty well.

Nelson can’t go too long without a big project to work on.  He has begun a remodel project in the house that will give us a big enough room (hopefully) to gather in down the road when our children marry and have children.  This involved relocating the washer and dryer (anything ‘plumbing’ is a ‘bad’ job).  Luckily this went pretty smoothly.  Perhaps by this time next year this project will be complete.  It’s causing us to get organized and really use our storage space wisely.  During the summer, Nelson has been casually working on installing a waterfall in the back yard.  This has been a long-term project because we aren’t completely convinced that we want the upkeep and hassle associated with a water feature (‘plumbing’ again).  We really like the idea, but dreams and reality sometimes don’t match up.  We may or may not finish it this next summer.  We also like the idea of a grape vineyard on our hillside.  We’ll keep you posted if we actually move forward on that one.  Nelson continues to ride his bike/Frontrunner to work (Westinghouse Western Zirconium in Ogden) a couple of days a week, no matter the temperature.  He spends his evenings tutoring his children in math and science, and finds time to play tennis with Taft.

A Holzer Family Tradition

We decided to add a new tradition this last year – a Pancake Eating Contest before the Saturday morning session of October Conference, complete with a variety of pancake flavors, toppings, rules and time limits.

Susan Holzer’s 

Cheesy Quinoa Cakes

With Roasted Garlic & Lemon Aioli 

(Makes 10 to 12)

“This is one of my favorite new recipes....we did it at our new annual Mother/Daughter Pinterest Cook-Off”

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked quinoa

2/3 cup grated fontina cheese

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

salt to taste

Aioli:

½ cup light mayonnaise (can also add yogurt or s.cream)

1 head of garlic, roasted

1 lemon, zested and juiced

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. For the cakes: Place all ingredients, except for the oil, into a mixing bowl and stir together until well combined. Season with salt and allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.

2. Pour oil into a large sauté pan and place over medium heat.

3. Form ¼ cup patties with the quinoa mixture and place in the heated sauté pan. (This will have to be done in batches)

4. Cook quinoa cakes for about 5 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining patties until all of the cakes have been cooked. Set aside.

5. For the aioli: Place all ingredients into a food processor, season with salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Pour into a small bowl and serve alongside the warm quinoa cakes.

2012 Perry Family Recap:This year has been a great year for our family.  Now that our two oldest daughters live away at college, it was especially nice to have everyone home at Christmas.  We took advantage of this time and drove to San Diego to spend a few days together in a warmer climate.

Lon traveled about 20 days last year, nearly 50% less than prior years.  At times, he missed traveling abroad, but the family liked having him home more.  The extra time at home gave him the opportunity to finish some rooms in the basement.  He’s particularly fond of the dark blue theater in one of the rooms, which the whole family now enjoys on the weekends.  Lon continues to serve as scoutmaster with 20 boys in the troop.

As a stay-at-home mom, Laura stocks a cupboard full of chocolate and snacks in her bedroom to lure the children into her room to chat, laugh, and share their daily joys and disappointments.  Sometimes she wonders if she should pick up a part-time job to fill her days and compensate for Lon’s spend-thrifty habits.  Laura puts her full heart into being a Webelos den leader.

Hannah (19) has had the amazing experience of spending a semester at the BYU Jerusalem Center.  She loved it!  The students did go down in the bomb shelters for 20 minutes, but weren’t ever in serious danger.  She came home with a new appreciation for the beautiful Holy Land, its pivotal place in World history, current events, and especially for being the backdrop for the scriptures and the Life of Jesus Christ.  After this next semester at BYU, Hannah will be working as the head cook at the LDS girl’s Oakcrest camp this coming summer.  When that’s over, she plans to head out on a mission.  

Kate (18) has finished her first semester at USU.  She really loves being a college student.  She is studying Biological Engineering.  She continues to cross-stitch and is currently working on a ‘Gone with the Wind’ cross-stitch.  Kate may beat Hannah into the mission field and can go once this next semester is over.  As the graduating high school senior, Kate chose our summer family vacation.  In August, we stayed in Cedar City and attended all six of the plays running at the Shakespearian Festival.  Les Miserables was voted as the best; Titus Andronicus as the most depressing.

Jessica (17), a senior in high school, is very busy with three AP classes.  She was especially thrilled to get a “5” on her AP US test.  Her new favorite color is yellow and she loves painting with watercolor in her painting class.  Last summer—going by the name ‘Rabbit’—she worked in a trading post at a Cub Scout camp.  Jessica loves giving tours at South Jordan’s Gale Center, or museum.  She is excited to attend USU next fall and begin working on a degree in Elementary Education. 

Truman (16) is a sophomore and will be getting his drivers license very soon.  He went on his first date on his 16th birthday!  He sings in the Jazz Choir at Bingham and his mom loves to hear him sing.  He is getting ready for another fun Volleyball season.

Stanford (14) is in ninth grade.  He is getting good on the trumpet and enjoys being in the Jazz band.  

Emma (11) will be going into Young Women’s this year.  She loves learning and plays the piano beautifully.  She has especially loved taking an acting class each week.

We’re not playing favorites with how much I tell you about each child.  Some children simply don’t want to be in the lime light.

Marv & Heather’s Family: 2012 has been a very interesting and busy year for our family. Early in the year Marv started working with Ben in Las Vegas to develop a water park. This has been a very fun, exciting and sometimes stressful project.  Marv typically leaves on Monday and returns home late Thursday or Friday to spend the weekend with the family. Needless to say, Heather has been handling everything at home and could not be busier trying to keep up with 3 boys on her own. We have a much better understanding of why families are designed to have both a mom and dad. 

Our plan is to move to Las Vegas.  We have been trying to purchase a home for almost 6 months. The home we are trying to buy is a short-sale. Like most short-sales it takes forever.  We are very hopeful that the sale will come through soon so that we can all live in the same state together.

Caleb is almost 11 and will be receiving his Webelos badge later this month. He is looking forward to the 11-year-old scouting program. Caleb has decided this season that snowboarding is a bit more “COOL” than skiing. 

Dax is 3-years-old and his favorite pastimes are playing outside on the trampoline, his bike, the swings or just playing in the snow.  As parents, we hope his next big life accomplishment is potty training. We are quite sure he does not share the same hope as we do, but we will give it our best.

Carson is almost 2 and showing a lot more interest in the potty training gig than his brother Dax. Carson likes to follow around his 2 brothers and do whatever they are doing. 

As a family we feel very blessed. We are truly grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, our membership in the church and our family.

Love, Marv, Heather, Caleb, Dax & Carson

Andrew & Julie’s Family: Andrew continues to manage the sales force for Yellowbook USA and is the 2nd Counselor in Young Men’s.  Julie is the 2nd counselor in YW and enjoys being a mom full time.  

Taylor graduated from high school in June and received many academic awards. 

Caitlin is a senior this year and is looking forward to graduating and going off to college.  She has been working as a nanny for a family with 7 children.  She has a real gift with children.  She also enjoyed a return trip to China with her Grandmother.

Tanner is in 10th grade and works part time for a gentleman in our ward cleaning office buildings at night.  He used some of his hard-earned money to restore Grandpa Howell’s old Willy’s Jeep.  He has done a professional job and Grandpa could not be more proud of him and how the Jeep turned out. 

Tate is in 7th grade and is a real cowboy.  He works taking care of horses and cleaning the stables.  He also rides in competitions.  He is very good with the horses.  With much hard work he was able to save some money and recently bought his own horse. 

We are grateful to be a part of the Hinckley family and send our love to all of you.

Blonquist Family: We received so many blessings in 2012.  We can’t help but think many of them came because of Mom and Dad’s missionary service.  It’s amazing how the Lord’s blessings go far beyond those who ‘earned’ them.  And we love reading the weekly missionary e-mails from our parents and nephews – and look forward to adding some nieces to that mix soon.

This year we hosted the Blonquist Family reunion.  Andru’s family lives all over the U.S. so it was fun to have them come to our-neck-of-the-woods.  We rented a couple of RV’s and enjoyed the beauty of the South.  

A couple weeks later Andru’s parents returned so they could be here for Samuel’s baptism.  It was such a sweet baptism.  He shared the day with an amazing 12-year-old boy that joined the church.  Many of our dear friends attended and the Spirit was so strong.  We couldn’t be happier that Samuel made this choice.  And now that he is 8 he is busy with the scouting program too.  He is naturally adventurous so scouting is right up his alley.  His piano skills are improving, but he prefers to ‘compose’ his own songs to practicing those assigned by his teacher.  I’m no musician, but I think he’s got some talent.

Annalee (10) continues to read, excel in school, enjoy Activity Days, improve her piano skills and be an all-around good kid.  She is gearing up for another spelling bee later this month.  She had a great experience last year and made it to the round just before the semi-finals.  We were amazed at some of the hard words she spelled correctly.  

Lauren (5) started school this year – kindergarten.  Not having been to pre-school, the first month of school was really hard on her (and the rest of us).  But she has made a lot of progress since then and is doing very well.  She loves to laugh and make others laugh.  I’ve had her hearing checked because she TALKS. SO. LOUD!  They say it’s fine.  I guess she just wants to make sure she is heard!  She is back in speech to help with a few sounds she still struggles with, but she is working hard to improve.

Lydia (1) is either cracking us all up or tormenting us with her demands.  I suppose that’s what most children do in their 2nd year of life!  She is saying new words all the time and it’s so fun to watch as she figures things out for herself.  She really is fun (most of the time).

We spent Thanksgiving in Ohio with Natalie & Gregg’s family, my parents, Andru’s sister’s family that lives there, and his parents that came down from Chicago.  It was a fun mini-reunion and the food was delicious.

In December we drove to UT.  Yes, we are crazy.  We did have some throw-up and a flat tire on the way out, but aside from that all went well.  We drove straight through so we could make it in time for Brian’s homecoming.  We were so glad we could be there for that happy occasion.  Brian did a beautiful job and you could tell he had grown so much on his mission.  We wished we could have also been there a little sooner for Tiffany’s funeral, but heard it was beautiful.  We will miss her fun smile.

The other reason we drove to UT in December was for Andru’s youngest sister’s wedding.  I think she picked the coldest day of the year to get married.  Having pictures outside the temple I thought for sure we’d all freeze to death.  I don’t think I could ever move back to UT – I’m way too wimpy to endure those temperatures.  I’m trying to convince everyone to move out here!

A Blonquist Family Tradition

During the Christmas break we go to Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC (less than an hour drive) to see the National Gingerbread House Competition.  Pictures can not do these works of art justice.  If you want to be amazed plan a trip out here sometime between Thanksgiving and New Year’s and we’ll take you along!  I promise you won’t be disappointed.  For more information you can check out http://www.romanticasheville.com/gingerbread.htm -- be sure to scroll down to the winners’ pictures.  Everything but the base must be edible.

Robison Family 2012 Highlights:

Miranda:  turning 18, singing in the “Once Upon A Time” quartet with Cami;  having a blast at ‘Modest Prom’;  graduating from high school  (with honors and 2 cash scholarships) and from seminary during its 100th year anniversary; finishing up her classes at Lakeland Community College; working at McDonald’s; attending Girl’s camp as photographer and slide show producer; playing flute in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony and in the pit orchestra for the annual Kirtland play; attending Youth Conference in Pennsylvania with Sister Dalton, EFY in Sandy, Utah, and President Monson’s 85th Birthday Celebration;  staying with Perry’s for a week; being the first one out of Zion Narrow’s after a grueling 16 mile hike; wave-running at the lake and spending Thanksgiving in St. George with Grandma Robison; attending BYU in the fall; voting for her first time for the first Mormon presidential nominee; then coming home to Ohio for Christmas and singing in the Kirtland Temple with her quartet for the annual Christmas program.

Miranda’s  time at BYU: attending orientation; having the best  roommates in the world; playing ‘Assassin’ with her ward;  teaching the Gospel Doctrine class; taking Music 101 from Jaren Hinckley; getting rides, free laundry facilities and mothering from her Great Aunt LaRaine; visiting with cousins nearby;  working at Cold Stone Creamery and hawking food at the football games; early morning baptismal sessions at the Orem Temple;  hearing President Monson’s announcement that changed her life;  taking mission prep classes and RECEIVING HER MISSION CALL to FRANKFURT, GERMANY!!!  (Enters MTC March 20, 2013)

Cami:  turning 17, singing sweetheart serenades in a quartet called “Chord-ially Yours”; singing in the Revue and Honors Choir; accompanying the 8-12th grade choirs on the piano; having a blast at Modest Prom; working hard at the evermore popular Chick-Fil-A (buy-cot please!!); attending her last year at Girl’s camp, Youth Conference, and EFY; hiking the Narrow’s; wave-running at the lake in St. George;  attending Kirtland Missionary Academy each month; face-booking, texting, and skyping Adam; taking  ACT tests and submitting college applications; 5th and last year in the cast of ‘This is Kirtland’; temple trips with the youth; getting wisdom teeth pulled; singing prelude music in the Kirtland Temple with her quartet for the annual Christmas service held there.

Danielle: turning 14; attending Girl’s camp; handspringing across the stage in ‘This is Kirtland’;  first year of attending Youth Conference, EFY and church dances (so many cute boys!); playing and refereeing soccer, sewing  first quilt (turned out beautiful!), working hard on Personal Progress, singing in the school choir and quartet with Ira, donning a yellow Helping Hands vest and working all day in the pouring rain to help beautify the Cleveland Metro Parks, volunteering at the local Halloween Hayrides, and doing baptisms for the dead at the Columbus, OH temple.  

Ira:  turning 12, being ordained to the Aaronic priesthood by his Grandpa Howell; passing the sacrament; serving in the deacon’s quorum presidency; rereading the Book of Mormon in just a few months; reading an innumerable number of other books; playing soccer with Dad as his coach; playing trumpet in the school band and at Lake County Captian’s baseball game; surviving  a rainy and muddy Klondike camp and a super fun and super exhausting week at scout camp; saying goodbye to Izzy (the Alaskan Malamute); singing ‘The First Noel’ as a quartet in the school Christmas concert with Danielle; and attending the temple  for his first time with all three of his sisters…the only time they’ll all be able to go together while they are all still in young men and young women’s! 

Gregg: Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in a single day with his high school friends; attending the U of U vs. Arizona State football game; hiking the Narrows with the rest of the family dragging behind for the first half then encouraged from behind for the last half; coaching Ira’s soccer team; certifying for CPR; bow and arrow hunting in our backyard…with no luck;  finishing the basement after 2.5 years of hard work and determination (it turned out amazing and just in time to move…of course); successfully meeting grueling deadlines at work; receiving a promotion to Director of Operations within Parker Hannifin that requires a big move to California!

Natalie:  Teaching the Gospel Principle’s class; being a ward missionary; attending girl’s camp with all three of my daughters; growing a garden; attending Glenn Beck’s ‘Restoring Love’ event in Texas with Gregg; volunteering in the emergency room at the local hospital; surviving the Narrow’s hike for the second and last time in my life; doing sealing’s in the St. George and Columbus temple; several days of knocking doors for the republican party to get out the vote; suffering  a major bout of depression following the election; exercising and losing weight; escorting my close friend through the temple and seeing her and her husband sealed; seeing an Amish family come to do baptisms for the dead in the Columbus, Ohio temple and hearing of their conversion; hearing the announcement about my daughters being able to go on missions right away; and spending Thanksgiving with Marilee and my parents and Christmas with Mom and Dad!! 

Bill & Janiel Pyper: The Pyper household is a busy place!  We are not always sure what we are busy doing, but we do know that we seldom have a chance to sit down and catch our breath.  Early in the spring Bill picked up, painted and installed the old Howell family swing set in our backyard.   Susan’s family outgrew it just in time for our family to get good use out of it.  We are sure our parents never thought their swing set investment would last so many years.  While all of our children enjoy swinging, Jonathan can’t seem to get enough of the back and forth motion.  The entire neighborhood can hear his squeals every time his turn is up.  He is our passionate little guy!

Our little garden turned out to be more fun than we could have imagined.  Bill decided to plant a few pumpkin seeds to go along with the other vegetables.  However, the pumpkins took over the entire garden and even crawled under the fence and took over part of the neighbor’s yard.  With more than fifty pumpkins, we let Alexa and the others start a little pumpkin business.  Family and friends were generous with their support.  At age three, Alexa blossomed into a confident and enthusiastic pumpkin sales lady.  We are sure planting pumpkins will become a favorite family tradition.

Cooking and cleaning seem to be a constant job with so many little ones around.  David is Janiel’s shadow with whatever she is working on.  He totes his stool around so he can get a better view.  The others think that is pretty smart and often try to get the stool from him.  With everyone standing on their small chairs and stools, the kitchen can become a real obstacle course, but we are hoping all this watching will turn into great helpers as they get older.

Emily enjoys carrying around her baby dolls and taking care of Alexa’s babies when she is in need of a babysitter.  The girls seem to never have enough babies to care for.  Their brothers also take on the role of husband and father when assigned to by their sisters.  Having all four so close in age has proved to be a real blessing, as they are each other’s best friends! 

A Pyper Family Tradition

Our family was blessed this year to have a few of Santa’s elves stay with us during the Christmas season.  These elves kept us on our toes!  During the day they would sit on the shelf and watch us.  Then at night they would do crazy things.  Some mornings we would wake up and they had found our cereal and made a mess.  Other mornings they surprised us with cookies.  They loved reading Christmas books and playing with our manger scene.  We hope the elves will be back to visit next Christmas season so we can continue this fun tradition!

We have been so blessed as a family and are grateful for being part of our amazing extended family.  We love you!

Ben & Sarah’s Family:

Ben – Is hardly seen at home as he is working on one of the largest projects in Vegas (a big waterpark).  After two plus years of trying to find the right partners and financing, Ben found both and is now excited to be working along side his brother, Marvin, on this project. He is working non stop in order to have this project open by Memorial Day.

Sarah – Happy to have Ben home for dinner on the weekends.  Busy with our five children but enjoys every moment of it. Loves her morning walks/runs with the company of the two youngest kiddos.  Happy the ground breaking for the water park is over since, she along with the mayor of Henderson, spoke at the event. A bit nerve racking since all sorts of media were there.  

Hyrum – 10 years old. A voracious reader who is currently working on reading the Hardy Boys series. Looking forward to starting lacrosse.  Becoming better by the day at piano.

Caroline – 8 years old. Mom’s best helper.  Looking forward to staring piano.  Excited to have started Activity Days. Enjoying third grade and is extremely thoughtful.

Grace - 6 years old.  Will be a phenomenal teacher due to many hours of practicing with her imaginary class on a daily basis.  Loves her first grade teacher.  Loud and funny at home while emerging out of her quiet and timid self at school.

Eliza – 4 years old.  Lots of personality and plenty of spunk. Loves her one-on-one time with mom and Friday morning playgroup with friends. 

Isaac - two years old. Growing up too fast. All boy with his love of cars and balls.  Always has been and still is a great sleeper. 

Dustin & Sara Howell Family: 

(written by Lily)

This year was a great year. We continued our home schooling, and we are learning new things each day. Sara is a great mentor and mother to each of the kids and does a great job in helping them progress in their studies. She enjoys reading and learning about health and nutrition. She is fun and everyone she knows relies on her for something. Everyone knows they can trust her to get a job well done. She is also the Chinese Checkers Queen, and can get very competitive. She is a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and mentor to everybody.

Dustin is a great father and provider for our family. He is a great role model and all of the kids really look up to him. His job at Workman Nydegger is going well, and for that we are grateful. He enjoys golfing and has really been practicing this year. He says, “My life is pretty much the same; I get up and go to work.”

Lily turned 11 this October and loves to draw, read, crochet, play the piano, write, and do yoga. She is an early morning person and loves to be the only one up. She has a fascination with the Holocaust and has been studying it for 3 years. She also enjoys studying about medieval times and talking with her friends.

Arza turned 9 in February and the wheels in his brain are always turning. Whether he is thinking of an invention or studying about some part of science, his mind is always racing. He can understand really complex things and can fix anything. When Dad isn’t around, he’s the father figure, and Peter often calls him “Dad.” He loves electricity and science, inventing, reading, and math. He is also very good about journal keeping and writes in his journal every night. He loves to study about the Revolutionary War, Civil War, the Wright Brothers, inventors, Albert Einstein, and science. Arza also started playing the cello this year.

Simeon turned 6 in February and is very creative. He loves to draw and build, and this year he discovered the joy in reading. He can build anything and is great at drawing animals. He also likes to study animals and likes to make animal masks. He is very active and loves to play Wii Sports. Peter really looks up to him and always wants to do what Sim is doing. He also has a great sense of humor and can imitate most voices and clips from movies very accurately.

Peter turned 3 in June and is quickly changing from a toddler to a little kid. He loves to sing and dance and is often found quoting his favorite movies. Some of these imitations also include “opera singing,” which is very entertaining when mimicked by a 3 year old. He is also very good at cheering people up and if some one he sees is feeling sad he will tell them he loves them. He also likes to build and play soldiers and other games with his siblings. Recently Uncle Marv was asking the older kids what musical instruments they play. Then he asked Peter, “What does your dad play?” Peter thought for a minute and then said, “the Wii.”

The HINCKLEY Herald

Harold & Diane: We are grateful for our family and all the good things they are doing. We generally just stand off to the side a little while they race through their lives, doing all that needs to be accomplished in their individual families. We stand in awe of the energy and focus. Even when we are trying to slow down a little, there seems to be much that requires time and commitment. 2012 had a number of family activities that kept us pretty busy. 

Ann’s wedding kept us all occupied a good portion of the year. It was a wonderful time for us. We will never be able to thank all of you for your complete love and support during that time. Ann, and all our children, tell us often how wonderful and genuinely supportive the Hinckley family is for any and all occasions of importance. We know that, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Pics from Ann & Justin's Bridal Shower

Earlier in the year, things stayed pretty active as we were helping the McDaniels Family get settled into their new home in Sandy. We are certainly happy to have them back here with us. They may not be quite as happy to have left Texas to come to this very cold weather we are currently experiencing. 

We finally made the trek to Mt. Rushmore (after all these years talking about it) in the spring of the year; and we loved it!  Even more of a highlight, however, was our road trip around the State Park Drive near Rushmore.  It was advertised as a “wildlife” experience. After over an hour on this narrow winding road, and having Diane nauseous most of the way (because of the winding road), and we had yet to see anything resembling wildlife; all of a sudden, as we round a corner, right in front of us are literally thousands of buffalo and their calves right on our road. They were not going to get off our road and we couldn’t move if we wanted to. If we would have honked, I think they would have just pushed our little rental car off the road and walked right over us. It was pretty imposing, but breathtaking at the same time. After some time they slowly moved on. It was more buffalo, than I’d ever seen in my lifetime. Then we came upon some wild mules lounging on the roadside waiting for cars to come by so they could beg for food. We of course accommodated them. We have pictures of the mules head inside our car, taking food out of the hands of our granddaughters. We also took all our children back to Las Vegas again this year. Had a great time. Nobody in the family is really into gambling, but we did enjoy a couple of fun shows and great eating establishments. 

About the middle of the year, a few months before my term of Bishop would normally end, I requested an early release so that I could spend more time with my sweetheart. She has needed more and more attention and care, and I was feeling a bit guilty about relying so heavily on our children for the care of their Mother. I dearly loved this opportunity of being Bishop, but it was an appropriate time, and now I can sit with my sweetheart in Sacrament meeting and Sunday School, and one of my daughters always comes to stay with her through Relief Society. Our children have been nothing short of fabulous in the care they are providing their Mother. There is somebody at our home nearly every day getting her showered, dressed, and most importantly getting her hair washed, dried, and fluffed just so. Since Adam can’t shower her or do her hair, he brings flowers to her all the time. He’s even got her on the “Flower of the Month” club, where she receives a lovely flower arrangement every month delivered directly to her from the florist. She loves it, and it takes much pressure off of me.

We have spent a lot of “grandparent” time at games, recitals, dance competitions, concerts, swim meets, etc. etc. the past year. Its so fun seeing all your children and grandkids really involved. It’s been a ton of fun. 

Adam will most certainly cover this next item in his newsletter entry, but we are thrilled that he and Kate are finally and officially engaged. He gave her a gorgeous ring on New Years Eve. We are very excited and thrilled for them both. 

We were grateful for the blessings and challenges of 2012, and look forward to more in 2013. We wish you all a wonderful and healthy year. We love you all. Thanks for all you do. Harold and Diane

Allison & Curt McDaniel Family: Wow! 2012 was definitely a year that will go down in the history books for our family! We started the year by moving from Fort Worth, Texas to Sandy, Utah and have been on a roller coaster ever since! :) Curt continues to adjust to his new job as a Sales Manager with ABC 4/CW 30, I (Allison) work from home, and together, we stay busy supporting our children in all of their adventures. The biggest news of the year for our family was my husband’s and ‘bonus’ son’s conversion and baptism this past April. Thanks to the loving and gentle support of our new ward here in Sandy, Curt and Dru both felt it was time to join the church and are now actively involved in the Aaronic Priesthood. I was particularly grateful for my own family’s unwavering acceptance and support and we enjoy the blessings of an even more cohesive family.

2012 brought us many health challenges - we have never been more reminded of what a blessing it is when the body is healthy. And though we are still facing some health challenges heading into the new year, we remain confident and hopeful. We also miss having Curt’s daughter Kate with us, but visit her as often as possible in Texas. She’s a great student who loves her American Heritage Girls troop.

Dru (17) and Lindsay (16) are Juniors at Alta High and after adjusting to such a high volume of students, they have started to really enjoy their time there and are good students. Dru spends his spare time working and playing basketball... at any time, with anyone, in any location!! Lindsay also works part-time, was elected to student council representing Orchestra, and continues to excel in her violin talent. One HUGE success for her personally was a weight loss of 60 pounds from 1/12-12/12!!! She was self-driven in altering her diet and thus, her appearance to be an even more stunning young lady!

I think I write this every year, but Sara (14) is the one that keeps us on our toes!~ She fills every minute being an active and involved 9th grader, being incredibly popular with both her friends (and the boys), and her competitive cheerleading schedule. She began cheerleading in Texas only to discover how much more intense it is here in Utah, so she joined a competitive squad and spends 5 days a week in the gym doing tumbling and stunting. We love her passion, which has been put to the test thanks to multiple injuries this year, including surgery to plate her arm in September.

Our love and best wishes to you all!

Angel & Brian Stevens Family: Brian is still a Captain with Skywest Airlines but is actively looking to get on at FedEx or Delta – anyone with any connections is encouraged to call us. When he flies he’s usually gone at least four days a week – but it varies all the time so sometimes it’s more and sometimes it’s less. He’s the Membership Clerk for our ward. He loves cycling (when it’s warmer) and his sport of choice to watch is Superbike Racing.

I am a teacher’s aide at the elementary school our kids attend. I love being able to see them at school and see who their friends are and how they behave in class. I actually have to “teach” in each of their classes (as well as four other classes) once a week. The other four days of the week I spend helping the 5th grade teachers with all their busy work like grading and recording homework, taking down and putting up bulletin boards, making copies, cutting things out, filing, etc., which I really like doing. I was just released from the Primary presidency after only a year and a half because the president had been in almost three years. I’m going to really miss being in the Primary - that was my most favorite calling ever! I have yet to receive a new calling.

Emily will be 12 years old in February and I can’t believe it. She’s pretty small for her age so she doesn’t really look it yet. She’s our quiet one. She prefers reading, listening to music, organizing/cleaning her room, or playing alone. I can’t believe she’s almost legal to babysit! She LOVES babies and little kids so hopefully she’ll love babysitting and will be good at it!

Jill is 9 years old and is almost the total opposite of Emily. Jill is NOT our quiet one. She prefers video games over a book, keeping her room a mess, and playing with friends. She is one of the youngest in 4th grade since she just barely turned 9 at the beginning of the year, which doesn’t hold her back at all – she’s still one of the smartest kids in her class.

Brian and I had fun with Mom and Dad and some of my siblings in Las Vegas in the Spring last year. I took the girls (while Brian was flying on a trip - also, we’d already been several years before) and went to Mt. Rushmore with Mom and Dad. And of course we always have all the usual family get-togethers like camping, birthdays, 4th of July, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, etc. that we always look forward to. I feel so blessed to have my parents and all of my siblings living in Salt Lake City.

We look forward to change in 2013, another family trip to Lake Tahoe, and hopefully much happiness and many more adventures. We love and miss you all!

Kate and Adam Hinckley: I was thinking we might be able to just send the exact same entry as last year, but after a little thought and reflection, I realized quite a bit has changed for us in the past 12 months.

Jobs – after three enjoyable years, Kate resigned at Chapman Richards Real Estate and accepted a position at CompHealth.  If that name sounds familiar to some of you it might be because Aunt JoAnn worked there for quite some time before retiring.  It continues to rank in Fortune 100’s Top 10 places to work, and so far, Kate would agree.  I’m still at Priority Dispatch Corp. (15 years and counting), and while my responsibilities haven’t changed in recent years, our work environment has.  The company recently purchased, gutted and remodeled the old Deseret News building in the heart of downtown SLC.  I’m loving the new location and the new digs. 

Home – We got lucky and were able to sell our home in the Avenues.  We haven’t found the next best place to live yet, but in the meantime we’re test driving a rental home in Olympus Hills Cove.  Temporary living definitely has its upside, but we’re anxious to find another place to call home. 

Travel – Made it to Cabo a couple of times, drove a few hours through the desert hills to La Paz (interesting drive), and spent a weekend at Grand Teton for Kate’s little brother’s wedding, which was great.  Other than that it was mostly work stuff.  

Am I missing anything?  Had to buy tin foil for the first time since 1995 – thanks, Aunt Steph.  Oh yeah, almost forgot - Kate and I finally got engaged on New Years Eve.  Fun stuff. 

More important than work vs. vacation or anything else, our family continues to pull together and grow closer as we deal with some health challenges that we’ve been dealt.  While the circumstances are difficult, I’m amazed at how loving, caring and strong my sisters and my dad are.  Hoping and praying for the best in 2013.  Love you all.

Amanda & Brian Clark Family: I had plans to copy and paste last year’s entry but apparently didn’t save it! So here’s a brief summary for our family that sure seems like it’s identical to last years!

Brian continues to work as a designer at Teerlink Cabinet and serve in the bishopric. Even with his busy schedule he managed to find time to do what he truly loves and build some beautiful pieces of furniture this year! With the kids in school I decided to return to work. I am working at Intermountain Medical Center in the catering department. (I didn’t know they had a catering dept.!) It’s nice to be doing something I’ve always loved.

Ethan turned 12 this year and we now have a second priesthood holder in our household. It is an amazing, humbling moment when your son receives the priesthood and becomes a young man. He is such a great kid and I hear all the time from teachers how they would like a whole classroom of Ethans! He excels at school, swimming, skiing, scouts and anything else he puts his mind to!

Megan is 9 and in fourth grade this year. After a rough school year last year, she has better placement with teachers this year and has made some great progress. She has worked so hard to catch up and I couldn’t be prouder of her! When SHE decides to, she can really set her mind to something and no one can stop her – such a Hinckley!

Dillon is 7 and rapidly growing up. (Where did my babies go?) I don’t know if there is another kid alive who can rival the hours he spends building with Legos. The kids like a machine! He can’t focus on homework or reading for longer than 10 minutes but can sit in front of a pile of Legos for hours (and hours) and create the most amazing things! Unreal!! Such a fun, silly kid and always keeps us laughing!

Our family enjoyed a fun and safe year and are looking forward to another one! Love you all and with everyone the best! (Now I’ll save this and can copy it for next year!) 

Andrea & Chuck Stackhouse Family: Chuck just opened the new Gap store in Lehi and besides the drive, is enjoying it. I just left Intermountain Healthcare to try my skills at home healthcare as a registered nurse. My new job gives me more flexibility to be at home with the kids and I no longer have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. :) This year we were able to enjoy ourselves on a trip to Vegas with my family (thanks to my dad) and also took a road trip to Denver to experience the first one of our nephews to get married. We hope that 2013 will bless us with good health and many more good times.

Ashlyn will be turning 18 at the end of January. She will be graduating from Murray High in June and is looking forward to attending college. She spends a lot of time with her friends, but prefers to see them outside of school. She is currently suffering from senioritis which makes it difficult for her to get up in the morning. She too works for The Gap at Fashion Place Mall so we now have two people in our family who know a little something about fashion. I will be interested to see if she chooses to pursue nursing or fashion for her future.

Caden is 11 years old and in the 6th grade. To think he will be attending junior high next year is crazy. We feel Caden is burned out from elementary school so we hope that junior high will help him enjoy school again. He is our family gamer and will play anything with a remote. He participated in the Special Olympics last year playing basketball, or as Caden calls it “hoops”, and his team did very well. We will continue to support him as the best basketball player he can be.

Cortney is 9 years old and in the 4th grade. She is the only one of our children to enjoy going to school. She also loves dancing and tumbling and we feel she is a natural at it. She is always on the go, and finds mom and dad super boring. If she could, she would be with her friends or cousins 24/7. Instead she spends her time listening to music, organizing her room, or reading a book. We are excited to see what the future holds for her.

Ann & Justin Hamilton: Justin and I are enjoying married life and can’t thank the family enough for all your support and love surrounding our wedding. We are loving our neighborhood, about 1300 East and 6200 South, and especially our ward. We jokingly asked the bishop if we could be “assistant librarians” and guess what calling we ended up with? I guess that’s how it’s done. I’m still working at Great Mountain West Supply and Justin is still recovering well from his shoulder surgery in November. We love you all.

Peirce Profiles

EARLE AND JOANN PEIRCE:  We’ve had a great life! And we’ve experienced another wonderful year!   As we look back over the year, it was good in all ways.  In our daily prayers, we always express our gratitude for our fairly good health. And our children and grandchildren bless our lives immeasurably.   Think about it…what would our lives be like without our families?  We love them so much!  By the time this newsletter is published, we will have another granddaughter join our family circle.  We are anxiously and excitedly awaiting her entry.   We know the gospel to be true.  We know that without the gospel in our lives and its associated direction and inspiration, as well as the knowledge of the great plan of happiness, we would not be experiencing the joy we feel at this time in our lives.

Earle is still the health and exercise guru!  I attribute his life today to this!  Seventeen years ago, when he had his heart attack, we wondered what was ahead for us.   He still has minor heart issues, and did have to have an operation to offset atrial fibrillation early in January of 2012 that he recovered from very quickly.  Now sleeping with a c-pap machine (after much prodding from JoAnn and Dr. Day), he is doing quite well.   He was released from his High Priest calling in August and is now serving in the Sunday School.  At 79, he can outplay many of the youngsters (college students) in his U of U tennis classes.   We both continue to serve as ordinance workers in the Draper Temple and thrill each time we see one of you at the temple. 

I am enjoying having our little 24-month old Ella live in our home with her parents.  We are amazed at how quickly she learns and how important ‘example’ is.   She says and does everything we do.  For instance, I often say, “Oh, my goodness sakes alive!!!”   Now that I hear Ella saying it, I think what a silly thing to say….and I’ve been saying it for years!    I often babysit her and have had to brush up on nursery-type games, activities, etc. to keep her occupied. With five other ladies in the neighborhood, I continue my exercising.  I’m enjoying Primary; however, I was quite taken back, when one of my little Primary kids, looked me seriously in the face, and asked what all the cracks in my face were.  I don’t like to look in the mirror any more because I see those cracks as well!    I probably spend too much time cleaning drawers, watching TV, doing crossword puzzles, and learning my new Apple I-pad that Earle gave me for Christmas.  I absolutely love the audio scriptures, conference talks, Pandora, dictionary, my Primary, R.S., and Gospel Doctrine lessons, alarm clock, and some games on the I-pad.   I never thought of me as a techie!  I’m thinking that if I can learn the I-pad, that we can learn to use an I-phone.  Our cell phone is a relic now (15 years old).

We loved being with my siblings for a spring trip.  We especially enjoyed meeting with Del Parsons and Annette Everett, both such wonderful artists.  We appreciated Louise’s and Richard’s hospitality, and then again seeing the mesmerizing beauty of the Grand Canyon and Rainbow Bridge.   Of course, we missed Jessie, Don, Jean and Rex.  Our family summer get-away was to Yellowstone Park.  Every single member of the family was there.   It will definitely be remembered because more than half of us got the norovirus that completely immobilized us.  Even though we had a good time, we’ve never been so ill.  In August, Earle and I were able to travel to Europe to see the sights in Austria, Southern Germany and Switzerland.  I think the highlight of our trip was seeing the Matterhorn up close and personal.  In November, we traveled to Mesa, Arizona and spent a few days with Earle’s two sisters enjoying a very sweet sibling reunion while basking in the warm desert sun.

The experiences of Jean and Rex are thrilling.  We see how they truly are instruments in changing many lives for good.  We’re so grateful that they have been so successful and are so loved, and have been relatively healthy. We excitedly look forward to their return this summer.    Our hearts still ache over Tiffany.  What a marvelous young lady!  The funeral was one of the finest we have ever attended.   We continue to pray for Matt and Hideko and family.  

LYNDA & SCOTT AND FAMILY:   Our family had a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon in October. We towed our tent trailer and had made reservations to stay at a campground. We imagined that the weather would be beautiful that time of year. We arrived and it was cold and raining. Right after we set up our trailer, we heard a pop, the lights went dim, we could smell something burning, and the C02 alarm went off.  After making many phone calls, we finally found a hotel room. We spent a couple days seeing the beautiful Grand Canyon even though it rained a lot and they had record cold temperatures for that time of year. When it came time to leave, we thought we would get a head start on our trip home so we left in the evening and headed for Page, Arizona to stay for the night. We were 30 minutes outside of Page and we hit something in the road and our tire blew out. We called AAA to help since we were towing the trailer and it was packed full for our supposed camping trip(s). We eventually did arrive home safe. It’s funny how we still all loved the trip and it will be well remembered.

Our trip to Hebgen Lake in Yellowstone with the whole Peirce family was quite memorable as well. The majority of our group got sick and it rained most of the time.

This past year, we did some home improvement projects which included getting a new stainless steel refrigerator, oven, and microwave, carpet, and hardwood flooring.  We love it!

Scott continues to enjoy his golf obsession..  He enjoyed trips to New Orleans and Chicago for work related conferences this past year. He is often on the road traveling from school to school working with them creating yearbooks. He logged 54 nights in motels last year. He also continues to be a great gospel doctrine teacher.

After 35 years of not touching the violin, Lynda signed up for a Blue Grass Ensemble class. She really enjoyed playing in this little group for a short 6 weeks. She also attended Utah Old Time Fiddlers several times during the year. She continues to enjoy playing tennis and wishes she lived closer to her Dad so they could play more often.

Eric works at Old Navy. He attends UVU while finishing up his general education and prerequisite classes for a degree in Speech Pathology which he will pursue at the University of Utah. He met a cute girl at work and has been dating her for several months now; we all approve!

Lauren cared for some elderly ladies 5 days a week for 24-hours a day.  We always look forward to seeing her on the weekends.  She loves being creative and doing home projects. She painted and decorated her room and bathroom this year.

Nick worked the graveyard shift for Payson Fruit Growers during the Cherry season and earned enough to buy his first vehicle (1992 Ford Ranger).   It’s had some mechanical problems and Nick has gotten to spend many hours learning how to fix it. He currently works at the junior high after school doing custodial work.

Dallin turned 12 this year. We love seeing him pass the sacrament. He was very happy to get his braces off. He started attending junior high and is a tremendous student.

SHANNA & TOM AND FAMILY:  One of the best things that happened in our home this year was the baptism of our daughter, Brynn.  We were so blessed to have Brynn and her cousin, Sydney (Nathan and Robyn’s daughter), baptized on the same day!

One of our other special memories was going to Yellowstone National Park twice - once for the Peirce family reunion and a week later for the Beesley family reunion. 

Here’s what our family has been up to individually:

· Tom - Storm Water Utility Manager, mountain biking, snowboarding, Bishopric

· Shanna - Mommy, preschool, 5k run, Cub Scouts, digital scrapbooking

· Sage (almost 15) - dance, piano, 4.0, reading, 5k run, snowboarding

· Tanner (12) - right tackle, basketball, band-drums, snowboarding, BYU fan

· Brynn (8) - baptized, tumbling, cheer, piano, art, American Girl dolls

· Grace (3) - puppies, ponies, hopping, running, preschool, play doh 

SHERMAN & JOCELYN AND FAMILY: Megan is almost 18 months old now.  Since Jocelyn is busy in Primary during church, Sherman is looking forward to the 18 month mark more than anybody.  Megan is our little joy, constantly making us laugh and smile.  She is in the “into everything” stage, so Jocelyn feels like she spends her whole day picking up after Megan.  Jocelyn does admit, however, to leaving the messes sometimes because it’s futile.

Madalyn, 5 years old, is loving kindergarten. She is learning to read and is so proud of herself.  She has recently been accepted into the Chinese immersion program at our school and looks forward to that great adventure.  Maddie is a happy, joyful little girl.  There is always a song in the house when she is around. 

Landon, 9 years old, is in the 4th grade now.  He is still in the Chinese immersion program and seems to be doing really well.  It is hard for us to tell for sure, since we know nothing of Chinese, but it is always amazing to hear him converse in Chinese.  Landon is our little athlete.  We hardly see him without some kind of ball in his hands, usually soliciting one of us to play catch with him.  He loves keeping up with the various sports teams around.

Braden, 11 years old, is in 6th grade. He is turning into quite the young man.  We can hardly believe he will be receiving the priesthood in just 5 months.  He is our calm amidst the storm of life.  Braden has an innate desire to do good, which we appreciate so much.  We have started giving him the great responsibility of baby sitting, which he seems to love (at least for now).  It has been fun for us to be able to leave the kids at home while we enjoy a few moments to ourselves (although it’s been a big step for Jocelyn).

Jocelyn (not necessary to reveal her age) is being released on Sunday as the first counselor in the primary presidency.  After serving for over 3 years, you’d think she’d be looking forward to the change.  On the contrary, she’s feeling quite sad at the prospect.  She made wonderful friends and has come to really love those sweet primary children, not to mention being able to be with her children on Sunday as well.  She looks forward with a little trepidation to her next great adventure in the ward – maybe nursery leader?

Sherman is getting old.  Lots of gray hair, but at least it’s not disappearing too.  He just recently stopped moonlighting at other optometry offices so he can now focus on his own office in Draper as well as be with his family more often.  In fact, he just had his first Saturday off in 7 years (other than family vacations).  His Sundays and weeknights are still dominated by ward meetings as the executive secretary.

As we look back on the past year, most of our fond memories involve our family – both immediate and extended.  We’re grateful for the legacy this family has been for us.  We love you all and hope you are all well.

BRIAN & BECKY AND FAMILY:  This has been an eventful year for our family. Brian finally got accepted into a radiography program at Weber State University. Needless to say, a lot of changes occurred because of this event. Our parents graciously let us move into their basement apartment so we could save some money while earning less. We already miss living in the Avenues very much but we love living with JoAnn and Earle. Brian’s boss at the Department of Workforce Services apparently liked his work well enough to create a new part-time position for him while he goes to school.  Though he is still, in essence, an unemployment benefits auditor.  School started for Brian in August. As a part of his education he gets to “push the button” and has already started irradiating people in a clinical setting. He has enjoyed this very much and is still very excited about the program. He now spends most of his time at Salt Lake Regional Hospital (formerly known as Holy Cross). If only he didn’t also have to do homework. Brian is now serving in his ward as an Elders quorum counselor.  

Becky has been working for her father for many years as a dental assistant. Ever since Ella was born she has only worked one day a week. However, her father recently sold his practice. As a result, she has decided to fade out this part of her life, for now, in order to focus on being a mother. Especially since we are now expecting our second child.  We are down to the wire and the baby, whom we intend to name Abigail, could be born any day now. Becky can’t wait to reclaim her body but more importantly, can’t wait to see little Abbie.

Ella is quite a cute little thing. She just celebrated her second birthday in December.  She is more than just good natured; she loves to ham it up. Her conversational skills are quite impressive as well. She has learned to sing a number of songs already. Her favorite is “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”. She has also already learned how to boss her father around. We are really lucky because she really loves the nursery at church. 

ED & MARSHA AND FAMILY:  This is more of a recap than an update since nothing much has changed with our family over the last couple of years.  

Ed can’t believe he has been at the Post Office for 17 years now.   So far things have been the same for Ed as a mechanic for the Postal Service.   Ed did turn 50 years old in April and Marsha planned an outstanding surprise birthday party which involved most of Ed’s high school friends.  He was stunned to see this group all together for the first time in over 30 years.   It took Marsha a lot of secret planning to pull this off.   He was expecting the typical birthday dinner.  But Marsha had Ed go pick up a few “forgotten” items at the grocery store, and when he returned, there were five of his old high school buddies, as well as the males from the Peirce family shouting “Surprise”!  One of them even came from out of state.  Marsha had prepared a lovely meal for the large group.    Later in the evening, she took Ed to Little America for the night and for a great breakfast and lunch the next day.  

Marsha’s mother has joined the family again.   She and Marsha are planning a trip back to the Philippines in the next year or two when they have saved enough money.  Marsha misses her homeland and her friends that she has not seen in seven years.  Marsha’s mother is a great help in keeping up the house and tending the children.  She is loved very much.

Garrett is in the 6th grade and doing well.  He loves music and computer games. At his young age, he can do things on the computer that even his dad (who thinks he knows the computer) can’t do.  He really is quite amazing with the computer.  He’s a consistent honor student, as well.

Meadow is in the 2nd grade and is full of energy.  She loves her little white pet rabbit, Snowball, and is also at the top of her class.

NATHAN AND ROBYN AND FAMILY:  The Nathan Peirce family was strengthened in love and unity over the last year.   We’re involved in a wide range of activities that span three different schools, church, and personal hobbies.  Nathan is an engineer and ward clerk.  Robyn is a Cub Scout den leader and teaches three-year olds at church.   Collin has a 100% attendance record in early morning seminary and enjoys marching in band and cycling with his dad.   Randy is our creative one, winning $100 at an inventors fair.   Owen loves computer games, especially Minecraft.  Sydney traveled to Utah with her family to be baptized with her cousin Brynn.   Cora, the toddler, is into dressing up.  She changes her outfits multiple times a day and wears her “fancy” high heels around the house.

The event that brought us together the most was our trek across Wyoming.   Our trek included several months of preparation and training.  Nathan and Collin bicycled 300 miles of the Mormon Trail including Rocky Ridge and the Continental Divide.   The rest of the family followed by vehicle and met up with the bicyclists every other day.  We experienced Martin’s Cove, Sixth Crossing, and Rock Creek Hollow.   Robyn and the kids did a 4 mile handcart trek with three river crossings through waist deep water.   In total, we traveled and camped along the trail for ten days.   We experienced majestic views, a greater understanding of pioneer life, and many tearful moments.   We won’t soon forget what we were able to accomplish as a family this past summer. 

Peirce Family Traditions 

• We started our “Sweetheart’s Night” about 18 years ago.  All the married children and those grandchildren that are dating that ‘special’ one, spend a special evening with us. It is always held in February close to Valentines Day.  We do all the planning and pick up the tab. We usually make arrangements at an upscale restaurant and try to get a private room. The couples often give romantic or sentimental gifts, notes, flowers to each other, etc. We also try to give each couple something to remember the evening by. Pictures of each couple are also taken. It’s a night of sweet remembrances and conversation. No children are allowed this night.  

• Another tradition is our 4th Sunday family gatherings.  We always have dinner, celebrate the month’s birthdays, open gifts, and make plans for the next gathering.  Also each summer, we do a family campout or trip, usually 3-4 days.  Each child takes a turn planning it.  

• We loved our Southern California trip taken two years ago so much, that we are again planning another big trip with every family member saving their money for it.

JoAnn’s 

Crockpot Beans 

1 onion diced

1 pound hamburger

1 pound bacon (1/2 inch pieces)

3 small cans pork and beans (or about 60 ounces)

1 can black beans

1 can drained kidney beans

1 can drained butter beans

1 cup catsup

¾ cup brown sugar

2 T. (or less) liquid smoke

1 tsp. mustard

1 T. vinegar

Brown hamburger, bacon, and onions.  Put in crockpot; add remaining  ingredients and simmer for about 1 hour.  

     (You can substitute pork and beans for black beans, etc.)

This makes a large batch!  It is good for large family gatherings.

Hinckley Harvest

Lon & Stephanie

Celebrated 50th wedding anniversary on June 21st at the Salt Lake airport receiving our family tree burned into a tree and welcoming home missionary grandson Elder Stephen Humphries from the Nicaragua Managua N mission!

Lon (Grampa)—brought the farm to our backyard for the family bridal shower for Ann Renae / planned and carried out incredible family trip to Colorado / hosted a great Thanksgiving celebration with ping pong in the garage followed by a showing of his favorite movies: “Secondhand Lions” and “Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventure.” / hired an amazing driver for Dirty Devil Disposal / continues his service in the SL temple.  

Stephanie (Gramma)—realizes that going on Facebook has taken a toll on her journal-keeping / as ward choir director met goal of choir singing twice a month for one year / received the following message from an 86-yr old widower:   I just wanted to tell you that it was a really great spiritual experience for me to be with the choir and I appreciate all you do and that you encouraged me to start singing with you.  I am looking forward to continuing.  Thanks again for all your help. / gave a Book of Mormon to a couple from France while on our family trip to Colorado—As I handed it to the gentleman, he kissed me on each cheek.  We now communicate via E-mail. / my chili-powder-spiced-sour cream apple cobbler was the hit at Ann’s bridal shower / loves her book club, music groups, Treasurers’ Club, working with Jeanne Thelin on scrapbooks, Trader Joe’s / has purchased more of Jaren’s CD’s than any other person on earth

Jonathan & Audra

Jonathan (Dad)—High Priest Group Leadership / daughter Rebecca’s running buddy in a 5K at Sugarhouse Park/ successful year at Intermountain Print Finishing / improved balance and endurance / loves wife and family.

Audra (Mom)—Nursery leader for weekly stake morning Sisters in Scriptures class over 27 adults and 80+ children / PTA treasurer / Dirty Devil Disposal work / created & compiled Morrill Family Cookbook / busy, happy wife and mother.  

Stephanie (15)—9th grade at Wasatch Jr. High / excellent student / “Once Upon a Time” TV show  / ”One Direction” boy band / UFMC Piano Festival superior rating / tons of friends / happy and content

Rebecca (11)—6th grade at Morningside Elementary / winner Geography Bee / runner / flute lessons / UFMC Piano Piano Festival superior rating, winner in school Reflections for music composition / Playmobil horse ranch / babysitter / active and creative

Rose (9)—3rd grade at Morningside Elementary / French Immersion Program / reader of Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary books, first time participant in UFMC Piano Festival—superior rating / fairies / Barbie house / service oriented / peacemaker

Bryant (7)—1st grade at Morningside Elementary 1st Grade / French Immersion Program / reader of Dick and Jane and many other books / electric slot racing track / Lego Pirates of the Caribbean Wii game / toothless grin / full of fun

Jaren & Jane

Jaren and Jane Hinckley Family—Four-month adventure in Vienna, Austria, where Jaren directed a BYU School of Music study abroad program / fell in love with Vienna, with streetcars, the U-bahn, schnitzel, and kebaps / excursions with the 23 BYU students to Eisenstadt, Oberndorf, Steinbach-am-Attersee, and Salzburg, Austria; and Milan, Padua, Florence and Venice, Italy / Every so often, we gave the students free time for a few days and during those times we visited some places without the students: Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; Graz, Austria; Füssen (Bavaria), Germany;  and Paris, France.  Our children were dedicated souvenir collectors.  The rest of our year we have tried to cope with missing Vienna. We also enjoyed Family Reunions with the Gardners at Aspen Grove, and the Hinckleys in Southwestern Colorado.

Jaren’s CD release (check it out on iTunes, amazon.com (jaren hinckley in Music, or at byumusicstore.com)

Jane’s return to teaching Humanities seminars

Emma (11)—had her first non-babysitting job as a math and reading tutor over the summer / when trying to give her Sunday school class a hint regarding her drawing of a great tempest:  

You know, as in the Shakespeare play!

Cate (10)—the first in our family to sport a cast (broken arm) / continues to improve in French /  when Jaren had performed an illegal U-turn in Germany and a police car turned onto the road:

OK, everybody, act normal.

Ian (7)—drawing published in the December Highlights magazine / also continues to improve in French / when asked why an 18th-century coffin had a little round lid: 

Is it a hotdog cooker?

to Janice in the van:              

“On your mission, no one will buckle you.”

Janice (5)—keeps busy playing with her friends at two kindergartens (BYU kindergarten in the morning and the nearby elementary school in the afternoon / after walking through the Vienna Aquarium:

My legs are dizzy.

in a loud voice to our cousin Nancy after visiting the bathroom with an automatic seat cover in a fancy Budapest restaurant:

The toilets are awesome!

after a rain storm in Provo:

It smells like Prague!

Lissa & Vince

Larissa is Primary music leader / has over 20 students in her cello studio / and still bikes a lot when the weather is good.  

Vince  is in the HP group leadership / recently released an album with Jaren Hinckley: Jaren Hinckley: Jazz-Influenced Classical Works for Clarinet  / 8 years as a Design Engineer with L-3 Communications.

Jason  graduates from the UofU with a BSEE in April / also works at L-3 Communications in Systems Engineering.  

Blake (nephew-in-residence) attending school heading toward a business degree / working for Joel Hinckley at Main Street Valuations. 

Stephen completed his LDS Mission in Nicaragua last summer (mom & dad picked him up) / studies Business at the UofU / still plays sax / still loves movies / works for his Uncle Joel Hinckley at Main Street Valuations.  “My mission was the dream of my life.  I’m kind of heartbroken that it’s over.”

Camille graduated from Bountiful High School / selected by audition to play the 3rd mvt. of Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 1 with the Davis Youth Symphony orchestra / two weeks following that performance, she played the 2nd mvt. of Gershwin’s Concerto in F to earn her 75 point cup from the National Federation of Music Clubs / studies Computer Engineering at the UofU / recently joined her older brothers in the Singles Ward.  

Spencer is a Junior at Bountiful High School, plays trumpet in the Jazz band, loves snowboarding, and recently cut his hair for the first time since summer (and yes, serving a mission at 18 would affect him!!).  

Alex is in 9th grade, plays drums in the jazz band and percussion in band and Davis Youth Symphony, is excited to get his learner’s permit in February, and still relishes being the youngest. All the boys were participants in the Heleman’s March in the Bountiful Handcart Days Parade.

Link to “Drum Recital” with Alex on Drums, Stephen on sax, Vince on keyboard—tribute to Dave Brubeck—Take 5.  You’ll love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWUX1BEBD8k&feature=youtu.be

Joel & Kim

Joel (DZO-el) proper noun  1. thinks Mount Rushmore is still cool even though he’s 38  2. soon to be a father of seven  3. race director at RaceTri.com  4. C.O.O. at Red Bell Real Estate   5. moved to a new house in Heber

Sentence: Joel was very sleepy as he wrote this entry.

Kim (KIM) proper noun  1. pregnant with #7  2. due in June  3. excited about the new house in Heber  4. enjoyed her 20 year high school reunion in Pittsburgh  5. wishes she could still be running every day

Sentence: I am glad Kim likes kids.

Andrei (AHN-dray) proper noun  1. 12 years old  2. Deacon  3. seventh grade  4. baseball (pitcher), basketball (power forward), triathlete, pianist, trumpeter  5.  responsible and funny

Sentence: Andrei enjoyed his very first Jazz Game sitting on row 10 at Energy Solutions Arena with his dad, Grampa Lon & Gramma Steph.

Mack (MACK) proper noun  1. 10 years old  2. soccer (UC Rage - striker), baseball (human backstop), swim team, basketball, triathlete and pianist 3. passionate Pittsburgh Steeler fan  4. very, very fast

Sentence: Mack scored a lot of goals this season.

Tea (TAY-eh) proper noun 1. 9 years old  2. soccer, triathlete, and pianist  3. Extreme fan of “One Direction”  4. promising singer and poet  

Sentence: I am fairly sure that Tea knows all the words to One Direction’s new CD.

Maddie (MAD-ee) proper noun 1. 7 years old  2. triathlete and pianist  3. creative, crafty, organized  4. runs the house for good or ill  

Sentence: Is that Maddie playing school with her little brothers?

Nate (Nayt) proper noun  1. 4 years old  2. wakes up smiling  3. plays with Playmobil  4. soccer (will one day play piano)  5. goes to bed reluctantly

Sentence: Nate has a vast array of super-hero underwear. 

Sam (Sam) proper noun  1. 2 years old  2. family terrorist  3. extremely large  4. plays with Playmobil  5. envies Nate’s collection of underwear

Sentence: That boy Sam sure gets away with a lot.

Burt (bert) proper dog  1. 84 years old  2. sleeps a lot more than he used to  3. doesn’t know we are moving

Sentence: Every family should have a dog like Burt.

Lon & Stephanie Celebrate 50 Years

Last summer the Aunts & Uncles, minus Jean & Rex on their mission, celebrated Lon & Stephanie’s 50th Wedding Anniversary with a wonderful steak dinner, and reminiscing in Harold & Diane’s lovely home. The tributes paid to Lon & Steph were so special! We learned things......sweet things......about Lon and Steph that some of us hadn’t known before and once again were impressed that these are truly great individuals, and we are privileged to be associated with them in a close family relationship! Included below are the tributes paid, and just some of our memories of their courtship and what has followed since.

KAY & NED: I am grateful to you both for putting up with me when I was a child and teen.  I am embarrassed and ashamed of some of the things I’ve heard that I said and did during those years.

I feel a special connection to Stephanie because she taught me piano lessons.  She was my favorite piano teacher.  I still say chocolate, chocolate pie pie and jerky, jerky pie pie in my mind when I am playing trickier rhythms.  Because of the way you divided the pieces into sections and taught your students to learn each section, even without a piano, I was able to memorize and play a fairly difficult piece in sacrament meeting perfectly.   You gave me a jazz piece that opened up my love for jazz.  When we were on our mission in Canada, you sent me a piece that was completely marked up with notes so I could learn how to play it well.  You have the gift of motivating your students. Later, you taught our youngest child, Angie, and instilled in her a love of piano.  She loved to practice and loved being invited to some of your special parties … like the Mozart party.  She continued to take lessons after we moved from East Mill Creek, and received many awards and all the trophies at the music federation piano competitions.  

Lon, we will always be so grateful for the collating projects.  What incredible memories and outcomes for us and our children … the family trip to Disneyland … the family fund that has paid for so many things … missions, trips, meals, etc.

One of my favorite inspiring memories was our trip to Martin’s Cove and Rocky Ridge.  You made every bit of that trip so special.  The story of the young couple who fell in love and were planning to marry, but he died; and to prevent the wolves from eating his body, he was hung in a tree with her shawl/blanket …. The solemn spirit we all felt on Rocky Ridge imagining bloody footprints in the snow and the frozen figure of young Bodell Mortenson, and the bodies buried in shallow graves in a circle at Rock Creek. My favorite part was bouncing over fields in SUVs, racing the sun, looking for the arrow made of stones that encouraged the saints to go to Zion … not the Gold Rush in California.

Memories of the farm were kept alive by many of your stories and our Out To The Farm book, and more recently, your wonderful presentation on Ralph at the Cousin Connection.

To remind us of some neat experiences, you have given us mementos:  the covered wagon necklace, the flat piece and the bowl made from the row of trees at the farm, the horseshoe nail rings, the Promontory Point train, the clock that represents time; Jean and Rex mentioned the evergreen tree from your mission.   These are things we display proudly in our home.

Your home and family speak volumes.  Your children look up to and love you.  You lead by example.  We love hearing about your family Traditions, trips, and outings.  (For example, your Halloween walks, and pioneer trek with extended family.) 

Your home and backyard and garden have been  ongoing projects that have brought so much joy to you and your children … the slide, new garage and cool room over the garage … large fruitful garden … canned and frozen produce … your piano room for recitals …

Just like Daddy, you have helped all of your children remodel their homes.

We admire you for following one of your dreams, that of having your own business.  With Dirty Devil, you showed that you can do it, no matter what your age.  Everything you do, you do it well.

Stephanie, your cookies are out of this world!  The care and pride put into each is obvious.  You could open your own cookie shop!

Your support of each other in your various church callings has been a key ingredient to your success.  You do make a great team.  

Lon, you sealing Chris and Angie together in the temple was one of the high points of our lives.

Thanks to both of you for having such a profound and positive impact on our family.

LOUISE & RICHARD: I have very few memories of Lon during my youth. But some of the things I do remember are: Earning whatever loose change I could find while cleaning his and Harold’s room.  (Because of their farm work.....it was ALWAYS in need of a good cleaning!) The wall-mounted desk in their room that Lon of them made in wood shop. Lon’s butch hair cut and butch wax. He was so cool! Lon’s “funky” car that looked as if he had driven it off a movie set after hauling around the evil KGB. The beautiful plaster of paris model teeth he made while studying dentistry! (His artistic talents have more recently been demonstrated in the way he cares for his yard, garden, and home.) The foggy morning he left on a train for the mission field. Showing up with his companion at Don and Jessie’s wedding reception in Seattle!  And later how handsome he looked in his military uniform and how proud we were to have a family member serving this country of ours.

Truthfully, I don’t remember much about any of Lon’s girlfriends or even Lon & Steph’s courtship. I wonder if that’s because guys spend more time at the girl’s home than at their own. I do have a vague memory of the family gathered near the Christmas tree downstairs, each waiting our turn to talk with Harold on his mission. Pretty sure Stephanie was there and that I was aware she had dated Harold before Lon, but can’t remember thinking “Is this a little awkward?” I do remember thinking that Stephanie was a look a like for Mary Tyler Moore, and in my eyes she could do no wrong.  Stephanie was SO talented, so beautiful, and so nice! Don’t know if it was before or after they got married that I dragged her into my bedroom where she visited with me and made me feel like a friend and not the obnoxious little sister. She was funny too! Remember the nose shield she gave Lon to protect his nose from sunburn while working at the farm? 

I think one of the things I admire most about Lon & Steph is the way they have blended their individual styles so beautifully. Lon is quiet, unassuming, and uncomfortable in the spotlight, while Stephanie has a little more flare and is a gifted performer. They bring out the best in each other and are a great example for the rest of us in supporting one another and their children in the things that are truly important. I love how they worked together when Lon served first as a Bishop, then Stake President, then Mission President, Sealer and even a Stake Trek leader. And Lon, whose natural tastes did not run in the classical vein not only supports but has come to appreciate and truly love Stephanie’s sophisticated musical pursuits and talents. What a blessing that has been to their ward and stake, to their children, and to our entire family!

I’m grateful for the way Stephanie has accepted/adjusted to being part of this large and sometimes crazy family. I’m grateful for Lon’s leadership in the family, and how beautifully he assumed the role of Patriarch when Father died. Not that he desired that role but that it was thrust upon him. He is so very much like our father.......and I bet like our grandfather. (He certainly looks like the pictures I’ve seen of grandpa.) And I know that both of those dear men  are proud of him.

SUSAN & JACK: Since this evening is in honor of Lon’s & Stephanie’s 50th anniversary, my mind should go back to the day they were married.  But it doesn’t.  I should be saying that it seems like only yesterday.  But it doesn’t.  I have absolutely no recollection of that wonderful event in my life.  I don’t remember anything about it except I was awed by the colors Stephanie had chosen.  Today I don’t even remember what those were.  But at the time, I was impressed.  And I do remember what I felt.  I felt it was a good match.  And that feeling has grown over the years till I can’t even imagine one without the other. 

Lon and Stephanie are a perfect match and a dynamic couple.  They have only to walk in a room and every eye moves their direction.  They bring a ‘presence’ with them wherever they go, and that presence commands attention and respect. 

I have personally found them to be a gracious couple.  It’s been said that “A big man proves himself by the way he treats little men.”  I remember shortly after Lon and Stephanie were married and living somewhere over on the east side near my high school, I got it in my mind to pay them a visit after school one day.  So with a friend in tow, we walked over to their house where we were warmly greeted and invited in.  It was evident they were tired and busy, but they took time out to visit with me and a friend whom they didn’t even know.  And that attitude continues today.  Two of the busiest people I know and yet, when you show up on their doorstep, they ‘take you in’ with a welcome and genuine interest. And they always have the most interesting things to talk about.  Being gregarious individuals they seem to find themselves in the middle of fascinating people and experiences.  This makes them very interesting conversationalists.

I love Stephanie.  But there were two times when this was tested.  The first time was when she and I ended up in the same geology class at the U.  She was about to graduate and I had just started my freshman year. Several of her friends were also in the class.   I felt very important sharing the same table with these upperclassman.  I admired Stephanie for sticking with her goal to graduate in spite of marriage and immanent motherhood.  She was very pregnant with her first baby and I worried that under the circumstances she wouldn’t be able to do very well in the class.  We went on all the field trips, did all the same assignments.  We took all the same tests and generally enjoyed the class.  But when grades came out, she bested me by a grade.  I was stunned and chagrined.  I’ve never forgotten it.  This was an important learning moment for me.  Stephanie was not to be underestimated regardless of her circumstances.   She was smart.  She was sharp.  She was strong, resilient, and determined.   I definitely was not in her class.   From then on I was content to step aside and let this ‘thoroughbred’ run a winning race which she has definitely done.  

The second time my love for Stephanie was jeopardized was when Jean and I learned that Lon and Stephanie were taking the new Rambler Dad bought for us back to Missouri where Lon would fulfill his obligations with the military during the Berlin Crisis.  Not a good idea when in-laws should not do anything that would make them out-laws.  But Jean and I survived and were somehow not severely inconvenienced by the loss of the car.  

Lon and Stephanie have been a remarkable and unbeatable team.  They are so courteous to each other, and their love for each other is evident.  They have raised an incredible family.  Their home has always been a place of peace.  The spirit always seems to attend their home. 

Lon and Stephanie are remarkable hosts.  We’ve always enjoyed being in their home for any kind of gathering: whether it be a meeting, a recital, or a party.  We could always expect something exceptional.  And we always got it. 

Lon and Stephanie have many friends.  I think we always knew that, but there was no disputing it when we received an invitation to one of their children’s receptions and found that every guest had a certain time slot – to accommodate the large numbers that were expected. 

We will always be grateful to Stephanie for bringing music into our family.  We’ve loved the special musical programs she has arranged for us.  The Singing Uncles always appreciated her input.  She had the ear and the heart for music.  

We’ve always appreciated Stephanie’s devotion to her book clubs and music organizations.  And Stephanie always seems to know the best places to eat.  We love her cookie recipe book and the collection of Hinckley Family recipes that all the brides receive.  Stephanie’s need for privacy on vacations is very endearing.  

And thank you, Stephanie for your heroic effort to accept and love us.  We love you with all our heart. 

Lon has been and always will be a much loved brother and undisputed leader of our Hinckley Family.   His natural leadership ability has kept us on track throughout the years.  We recognize and appreciate his role in planning and executing many of the parties and vacations that our family has enjoyed.  And can we ever forget the endless hours of collating.  We are very much aware of the monetary blessing this collating experience has been to our family (vacations, missions, Christmas dinners, etc), but I’m don’t think we realize how much unity, love, and appreciation we gained for each other during those many hours or work. 

We’re always amazed at Lon’s drive.  He sees something that needs doing and he doesn’t stop till it’s done.  He seems to love the challenge.  The harder the better.   He’s a natural builder.  He has an eye for beauty and a heart for excellence.

We marvel at Lon’s business savvy and his need to always be doing something.  Someone who can retire and not rest till he’s started a successful business of his own.  That’s amazing; a real gift. 

Speaking of businesses, Jack loved working with Lon at Mailways and was always amazed at Lon’s mechanical ability.  Jack would work for hours trying to figure out a mechanical problem on the mailing machine, only to have Lon walk in, pick a minor tool and in a minute have the machine up and running.  

We constantly marvel at Lon’s ability in the garden.  Who has the patience to raise raspberries?   Or who can freeze or can endless bushels of homegrown food?  And few people can cultivate, groom and beautify a garden like Lon! 

Lon has a gift of making himself clear.  He doesn’t stop talking until he’s explained himself in several different ways and is confident that you now know exactly what he means.  I carried that tactic into my school teaching and found that it worked very successfully. 

Lon is like his dad.  Heavenly Father really knew who to call as his leaders.  Was anyone surprised when he was called as a bishop; a stake president; a sealer; a mission president?  We will never forget the feeling of being in the mission home in Washington; to feel of it’s spirit, and to know that Heavenly Father was pleased with the great work that Lon and Stephanie were doing.

Thanks Lon for being a fabulous big brother.   Thanks for letting me sneak out with you and Harold once, those many years ago, to go ‘golfing’ on North Temple.  It wasn’t very fun when we got there, but the sneaking out was great!  Thanks for not tormenting me with spiders like you did Jean.  Thanks to you and Harold for being some of Dad’s best workers on the farm.  Thanks for making me so proud of you when you wore your uniform of your country so many years ago.  Thanks for being a righteous example to us and our families.  No wonder you have an uncanny resemblance to apostle Hinckley.  Thanks for being someone we can trust.

JEAN & REX: When we think of Lon and Stephanie we think of a team who truly works together and supports one another in order to accomplish many wonderful things.  We think of them in terms of people who have been blessed with lots of talents and abilities and who are willing to use them to bless the lives of others.  

We think of them as people who are willing to be totally committed to a project that they have either been assigned to do or one that they have just decided to do on their own.  We think of people who are more than willing to share with others those things that they have.

When we think of Stephanie, we can’t help but think of her musical abilities - what a great blessing that has been to their ward and stake.  What a huge blessing her 100’s and 1,000’s of piano lessons have been and still are to her many, many students over the years.

We will always remember Stephanie for her ability to entertain and serve wonderful food.

We will always remember Stephanie for her ability to speak in church and teach great lessons.

We will always admire Stephanie for her great support of all the family activities and for her loyalty to the family.  

We will also remember Stephanie for her color-wise garbage-can-dress look-alike that matched the garbage cans in perfect color sequence at the World’s Fair in Seattle.  (Was that back in 1964?)

When we think of Lon we think of the lead role that he has played in our family and how grateful we are that he assumed that role and, as a result, blessed the entire family.

We can’t help but think of his close relationship with Dad and what that meant to Dad.  Also, we know of the influence that Lon has had on the rest of us.

Lon was never one to do anything unless he was willing to give his all to make sure it was worthwhile and would be a blessing to others.

Lon’s many church callings over the years have been most impressive and it reflects a lot about the kind of person he is:  Bishop, Stake President, Mission President and Temple Sealer, to name a few.  

What a great impact he has had on thousands of people who have come to love and respect him for his love and wisdom and devotion.

We love the way Lon passionately embraces a project and makes it part of his life – no half measures – just all out enthusiasm for whatever it is he is doing at the moment.  It might be Martin’s Cove or the slippery slide, or a presentation on Ralph, or a family get together that he is in charge of.  Whatever it is, we know it will be wonderful and we all appreciate his efforts.

We enjoy his taste in music.   We love the way he used carved Pine Trees as a Mission Emblem.

WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO BE ABLE TO “PULL OFF ONE EVENT, JUST ONE TIME, IN THE MANNER AND STYLE” of LON and STEPHANIE.  

We hope Lon and Stephanie both know how much they are loved and appreciated in this family and we hope they know what a huge impact they have had on the entire family.  We can’t say thank you sincerely enough for all that you have done over the years. We love you.

HAROLD & DIANE: Lon & Steph were an automatic. Lon has been my ideal all my life. He was my older brother and best friend. Lon put up with a lot from me and had a gentle ability to guide and direct. It was then a great thrill for me to introduce Steph to Lon, and is still a thrill to see the great family I had a small hand in creating.  The minute I introduced them, I knew Steph was not going to be waiting at home for me to return from my mission.  She had way better plans.    We’ve all heard the stories about Mom and Dad planting that row of Chinese Elm trees at the farm, and literally carrying buckets of water to water them until they were strong enough to live on their own.  That was quite an effort of their parts, and I think that is a significant chapter in the farm history, but I don’t think any of the rest of us would of had the foresight to think of making bowls from those trees as a reminder of that part of history from the farm, except Lon.  The 3000 rings made from horseshoe nails, representing the pioneer trek held in their Stake, presented to each member of the entire Stake the Saturday before Stake Conference, so that all could wear a ring to conference to support the Stake Conference theme.  Only Lon could come up with the idea, find somebody who could fashion those nails into rings, and get them to every Stake member, and have them worn in conference.  Quite a feat.   To be honored as the soldier of the month at Fort Leonardwood when you are competing with 10,000 soldiers, to me seems almost amazing.  Had he continued in the military, he would have been a 5 Star General.  Perhaps, most importantly, after Dad had passed away, I was so touched and impressed by the quiet humble way Lon just naturally became our family patriarch.  He didn’t ever try to replace Father, but, at a tough time for the family and for Mother the most, he was the “rock”, the “inspiration”, the “one” who just seemed to keep the family on track, and unified.

JOANN & EARLE: My earliest memories of Lon are of him being small in stature but with a very big spirit...desiring to do his best in all things. Though smaller than most his age, his spirit, integrity, and determination was superior than everyone in his peer group. I believe he was always looked up to by his group of friends...most of which towered over him. They recognized his integrity...that he was true blue through and through...for he was such a giant in areas of importance, such as; activity and devotion to  the church, admiration and love for his parents and family, an unbelievable work ethic (he could work circles around any of the older and tougher hired hands at the farm), and even to this day...an entrepreneurial spirit. Lon always made me proud to be his sister.

I remember well the wagons, the wheelchair, the bikes, etc. that Lon would find, fix, repair, and turn into wonderful conveyances for us kids to use. Lon can fix anything! He’s just like father!

I remember at a very young age, Lon’s entrepreneurial bent...from selling door to door seed packets, to delivering newspapers, to long work days on the farm. He was always successful in whatever he went after. The farm would not have been as successful as it was without the hard work of Lon and Harold.

Now, Lon always had money. He liked to make money, but he was frugal. And when he did spend it, it was usually for birthday or Christmas gifts for his siblings. He always got us the best gifts...even very expensive Jantzen sweaters. We girls were always excited to get a gift from Lon.

I remember Goldie, our family dog. Even though the family dog, Goldie loved Lon more than any of us...and Lon loved Goldie. It was such a sweet relationship. He was always tender and gentle with animals.

Lon was our Fred Astaire. Mother thought Lon would be the perfect tap dancer. I remember Lon practicing his shuffle-step-shuffle on the cement floor in the laundry area in our home on North Temple. I was quite envious of him...even jealous! I know that Lon, because of his persistent nature, would have made a pretty good tap dancer.

I first realized the spiritual giant Lon was...and would be the rest of his life...when he was on his mission. His letters home were thrilling to me. I couldn’t believe that my brother, who sometimes could be such a tease, was this really great missionary. I’m sure that along with his work attitude and his love for and his desire to teach the gospel made him one of the finest missionaries and leaders in his mission. And that combination of hard work and love for the gospel has continued throughout his life...as a Bishop, a Stake President, Mission President, Sealer, etc. etc.

After his mission, Lon  found that dating was a bit traumatic! He didn’t care that much for the dating games! Harold, on the other hand, had been dating a lot of girls, including Stephanie Smith, a beautiful, dark haired, trim and lovely girl with mega musical talent and leadership abilities. As fate would have it, in time Lon and Stephanie began to date (we owe a big thanks to our brother Harold) and developed a beautiful friendship that quickly evolved into eternal love. I was privileged to watch the beginning of this love affair. Lon would pick Stephanie up at school, but I was in the front seat as well...between them both. Lon would give me the instruction to not move over, even though I knew he wanted me to. I think he was just trying to play it cool. But I could tell there was something developing between the two...and that this relationship could be the real thing!

Lon and Stephanie both have exceptional abilities and talents that complement each other. Stephanie has marvelous creative and artistic talents, and social skills. She is a people person and people gravitate to her. She is a marvelous cook as well. She is Lon’s right hand in everything he does, and Lon is Stephanie’s biggest cheerleader. And Stephanie is Lon’s biggest cheerleader. We love that about you both. We love how Stephie has made music a big part of their family life. We feel extremely blessed to have such marvelous musicians in our family. She has taught piano skills to hundreds of students and has been a dedicated and loved teacher to family and community.

Lon is such an amazing leader. His wisdom and his always good sense, his creative solutions, his trip planning, organizational skills (Pioneer Treks, collating, etc.0, his beautiful family prayers, and his wise counsel that we have loved and appreciated over the years. Lon has a love for the land, and all of God’s creations. He makes the land sing, as Stephanie makes the piano ring. His gardens flourish and they are immaculate! He is a true perfectionist (in a good way). His painting and building and remodeling skills are perfection plus. You don’t ever find a flaw in Lon’s work. Lon and Stephanie truly are a great combination!

We love you both...we are grateful you two fell head over heels in love over 50 years ago...make it another 50, will you?

JESSIE & DON: I was a substitute mother for a few years. At 12 years old I babysat when the folks went to California. Lon harassed me quite a bit. He broke the chair and I sat on it and fell. Lon ran.

They are spiritually minded. Stephanie was quiet and elegant.  Like Mother, she was “fussy” about doing things right.   We have admired their desire to have fun with their family; they have put together fun trips.

I love Lon and Steph. When times were tough for me Lon was first to come to the rescue.

Milligan Moments

Written by Aunt JoAnn

We visit Jessie and Don fairly regularly at Barton Creek.  They always are cordial hosts, and generally in good spirits.  Don had expressed a desire to visit a farmers’ market several times, so this summer we took Jessie and Don to the farmers’ market in Bountiful.  It was a very warm day, but there was enough shade from the trees at the market to make it comfortable enough.  Don had us stop at his bank on the way so he could have plenty of cash to spend.  We pushed Jessie in her wheelchair up and down the aisles while Don went ahead checking out each and every booth.  We all enjoyed the food samples.  Don bought several food items, each time coming back to Jessie to get her approval.  Jessie seemed to enjoy the experience, but Don was in seventh heaven.  From this experience, we realized how much he missed his home garden.  We understand that ward members were able to take them to subsequent farmers’ markets.  We’re grateful to all those members who give of their time and love to our Jessie and Don. 

On one visit, the week before Christmas, we found Jessie and Don enjoying some yummy caramel candies that their son Matt had sent.  Both of them, especially Don, ate quite a few pieces of candy -- you might even say a lot of candy.  We were concerned that Don would end up with a stomach ache.   As the afternoon progressed, we started singing some Christmas carols to them, and then invited Don to join in the singing with Earle, just like old times.  Don was a bit reticent at first, but then really got into it.   Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, and Silent Night, in our view, never were sung so beautifully. Don was perfectly on pitch and could sing all the words without hesitation.  We think it even surprised him.  We have heard it said that people who have memory or speech problems can sometimes communicate better by singing, and this was very true in Don’s case.  Tears freely flowed from Earle, JoAnn, and Jessie as we marveled at what we had witnessed. 

We are so grateful for every phone call and visit made by their children. John is an angel  for making weekly shopping trips for them. And Don and Kathy take them to their home each Sunday for dinner and a good visit.   

Don still walks almost every day to the senior center to spend some time with his buddies there.  He often brings back to the care center  food items such as cookies, bread, and vegetables that have been donated to the senior center.  He loves to share these with the residents and the staff at Barton Creek, and they love him for it.  The Milligans are definitely the most popular residents at the Inn.

Kay & Ned also visited Jessie & Don on 1/13/12 and talked about family TRADITIONS. The following is taken from Ned’s notes during that visit. 

 Jessie on Family Traditions

We’ve had some wonderful traditions in our Arza & Erma Hinckley family:

Dad always called Mother “lover”; Beautiful Christmas trees; The rose garden on North Temple, on the east side of the house; Thanksgiving at the 15th Ward meetinghouse – Mother had made 75 or 80 little Pilgrims and Indians to decorate with; Dad often made fudge for the family (like Don loved to make popcorn to share); For Christmas Dad made a big wooden manger scene and put it in front of the house; We went a few times ice skating on the duck pond; Father loved making ice cream on Sundays – all we could eat; Mother loved to open presents; Wedding showers were wonderfully decorated – the whole thing!  by her; Mother made dresses for us to wear on our dates, for school, and for Easter; Camping trips with Uncle Darrell & Aunt Susannah every year by Mt. Baldy; Dad and Mother, loved the county fair and 24th of July parades; We rode the train to Saltair once.   

During their visit with Don and Jessie, Ned noted Don’s 2013 New Year’s Resolutions posted on the frig in their apartment: “More happiness”  & “Keep smiling” So very typical of them both and two of the best traditions anyone could have!

Greetings from the Dave Milligan Family!  We are alive and well. Here’s the run down.

Ben is a High School Junior. He’s 16 and 6ft 1in. He loves all things Rugby. He plays it, he watches it, he wears it, I think he dreams about it.  He has his drivers permit.  Hopefully he’ll have a license soon. He is a Life Scout and an Eagle project away from becoming an Eagle Scout. He’s a social guy and a friend to all.

Daniel is a High School Freshman. He’s 15 and 5ft 10in last time I checked. He’s seems to get taller every day! He recently obtained his drivers permit.  He is also a Life Scout and an Eagle project away from becoming an Eagle Scout. He is a shy guy and a homebody. He loves his Xbox and his laptop. He is in the Teacher’s Quorum Presidency.   He is kind, and quiet and has a fun sense of humor.  

Jake is 13 and in the 7th grade. He’s as tall as his brother Daniel. He loves music and likes to play the Bass in the Orchestra and in the Chamber Orchestra.  He loves anything related to technology and still loves Apple.  He would like to be the CEO of Apple one day.  Jake is also a Life Scout. He is the President of the Deacons Quorum.  He is always happy and ready for anything. 

Emma is 10 and almost as tall as her Mom. She is a happy girl who loves to play her piano and loves to bake. She keeps our family on track. She plans, organizes, and executes our days. She likes to go, go, go.  She reminds me of her Aunt Sara! She has no trouble keeping her brothers in line. She is a sweet, lovely girl who is a friend to all.

Dave continues to work for Regal Lager. He enjoys his job. He is the 11 year old scout leader and teaches the 10-11 year olds in Primary.  He has learned that the secret to well behaved Scouts is….. candy!! He always has some in his bag, and is frequently attacked as he walks down the hall.  He’s obsessed with the show Gold Rush.  I fear he will announce one day that we are moving to Alaska to mine for Gold!

I, Danean, continue to work for the Doctors office. It’s a rather boring job, but hours are good. The practice continues to grow, and all the doctors are really great.  I am the Webelos leader in our ward and teach the 6-7 year olds in Primary. 

We hope you are all well and happy! 

Suggested Reading

From Rachel Crosby’s blog & 2012 reading list:

GONE TOO SOON  by Sherri Wittwer – Chris and Adrienne had a stillborn baby earlier this year, Charlie. It was a sad time especially for their family, but for all of us. “This book is a tenderly-crafted message of comfort and counsel for those who have lost (or known someone who has lost) little children.”

Mere Christianity  by C.S. Lewis – Awesome. Why did it take me so long to read this? Another book where I want to underline everything and memorize it so I can spout it off and sound really smart. 

Silas Marner  by George Elliot – In 8th grade, my English teacher handed out a list of books we should read before we get to college. There’s at least 100. By the time I got to college I may have read 5. However, I have kept that list pinned to my cork board ever since and slowly but surely I’m checking them all off. Silas Marner was on the list............once I got into it I couldn’t read it fast enough. What a twisted plot! What interesting characters! Wonderful read.

Great Expectations  by Charles Dickens – Another twisted plot! Reading Dickens makes me feel smart. Like I should be saying, with a pipe, “Mmm’yes, I happen to be reading Dickens this fortnight.” Or something like that. I think I’ll read more of him. Pip is plucked from the bowels of poverty to be raised as a gentleman by an unknown benefactor. Really, that’s the plot in a one sentence. The characters drive this book. You love some and really hate the others, and then some you love and hate at the same time! Little bit longer, but worth the read.

Ira Nathaniel Hinckley: A Biography – Great-great-grandpa Ira is the man who built Cove Fort. I am so grateful for those of his descendants who compiled a history of his life. It was inspiring to read about my ancestors and think that some of their good qualities may have made their way down to me. If you’re a member of the family, read it! :)

Aunt Louise suggested: 

But For A Small Moment by Neal A Maxwell

Takes a deep look into Joseph Smith’s experience at Liberty Jail and the revelatory scriptures he recieved at that time. It was a really nice companion to the materials that we are studying in Gospel Doctrine

The Winds & The Waves by Dean Hughes

Past meets present in Hughes new historical novel, demonstrating how much we can learn from those who went before us. 

Jennifer Crosby Wallace Suggested:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller, The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Some Favorites from Susan Holzer:

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled

Belle Pratters Boy by Ruth White

The Guernsey Literature and

Potato-Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

The Teachers Funeral; A Long Way from Chicago; A Year Down Under

by Richard Peck (hysterical)

Nicholas Nickelby

by Charles Dickens (loved this book)

Team of Rivals

Doris Kearns Goodwin (fabulous -- must read!)

These Three Remain

 by Pamela Aidan

3rd and last in the series -- the first is good and the 2nd is o.k, but this one is the best!  It’s Pride & Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s point of view and is so well done

Moonraker’s Bride

by Madeleine Brent  

Some of Uncle Ned’s Favorites:

Walden, Pull: The Power of the Semantic Web, All About Options, the Bible, the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Aunt Susan suggested: 

Killing Lincoln by O’Reiley

Killing Kennedy by O’Reiley

Longitude by Dava Sobel

The answers to "How Well Did You Read The Newsletter?" are the words to look for in  the word search below.