Elder and Sister Stilson

Meet Elder and Sister Stilson, our missionary couple from Ferrin, UT. When they came to Pennsylvania over a year ago, we were fortunate to have them stay with us for a week or so while they looked for an apartment. We have been great friends every since. They will be going back to Utah this May, but I wanted to make sure I include them in our family blog, because to us they are like family. I think our favorite memory with them was in December when we all got together and watched the Las Vegas bowl game, BYU v. UCLA. That was an incredible game! We were hoopin' and hollerin' together.
We have 3 sets of missionaries in our ward right now. Our ward has grown so much thanks to their hard work. We love them all, but have a special place in our hearts for the Stilsons.

Our other grandma

Let us tell you about Jeanne (aka Sister Garcia). She is from Canada and is fluent in Spanish. She has a permanent smile and when she laughs her eyebrows move up and down. She has a quick sense of humor and she is loves to tease Tim about everything. She enjoys singing with and listening to the little girls' primary songs. She is such a joy to be with. We met Jeanne a couple years ago and visit her as often as we can at the nursing home. The Sunday before Christmas this year our church Ward went to her nursing home and sang for the residents there. We brought Jeanne in and sat with her during the singing. We are so glad you are part of our family, Jeanne!Honesdale Ward

Another year without any coal

I guess everbody was good this year. Here are some highlights of Christmas. We have Vanessa home now for a few months before she heads back to BYU. It was a wonderful Christmas!

Decorating the tree. I had to twist their arms to hold still for the corny kid picture. They love it when I do that!Becky and Sophia putting the angel on top. The early bird gets the worm. Natty was the first one up! The big hit...Shadow and Patches, Audrey's new bunnies. Even though Santa brought them to Audrey, Becky and Shadow have become good buddies.

High 5!

Sophia turned 5 a couple weeks ago. Mom's a little slow in getting pictures up. She had her annual Chuck e cheese party and a little family brownie and whipped cream dessert at home. We love you, Sophia!

5 candles for 5 years

Sophia, Chuck e, friend Makenna, and cousin Andrea

"B" is for Becky

Last night we celebrated Becky's 15th birthday. Hard to believe the the time has gone by so fast...6 months until she can drive, 1 more year until she can date! The server at the restaurant thought she looked much older than 15. She is a freshman in highschool this year and is our straight A student. We are proud of you, Beck! We took her to a yummy steak dinner. We all enjoyed our steak, and I enjoyed my lobster...so much so I got teased by Tim for not sharing any!

Worth the wait

I don't know how they do it. Sitting in a tree stand for hours at a time, sitting totally still in the freezing cold. Waiting for that moment. It could take an a hour, it could take a week. You may never even see a deer. But, Tim tells me there is nothing like that adrenaline rush when a deer is in site. It was a good year so far of hunting for Tim. Unfortunately my camera wasn't working right to get a picture of Tim's 8 point buck. Here is one picture I did get of Tim and friend, Andy Melton with his buck. Earlier in the week, Tim hunted with brother, Sed, brother-in-law, Jonathan, and sister, Roxanne. Venison in the freezer is a good thing!!!

20 years later?

So here is the scene last night...I walk into the arena, the lights are low, music is playing in the background. And I am about to see my first concert!!! I wait patiently for the opening act to come on. And there they are, warming up the crowd for the big name...John Cougar Mellencamp. But my ticket says, John Mellencamp. Where's the "Cougar". And what happened to my high school girl friends who were with me and their mom? Suddenly I realize I'm not in Corvallis, OR anymore. John Mellencamp comes out on stage. The crowd goes wild...I'm so excited! But, I notice he has more wrinkles than I figured he would. Hmm?, I look down and notice I don't have on my favorite pokodot mini skirt and boots I love so much. I'm wearing a turtle neck sweater, conservative jeans and sensible shoes. What happened?
Then my wonderful husband leans over and reminds me, "Honey, it's 2007, not 1987", and you are in Wilkes Barre, PA, not in Corvallis anymore." Oh that's right, I'm not in high school anymore, and these seats are much better than the nosebleed section I remember in '87. But, nonetheless, there he was, cool as ever. He still had the moves 20 years later. Yes, a few more wrinkles and not as much Elivis hip action as I remember. But, what the heck, we all get a little older. How could I not get up and dance to "R.O.C.K in the USA!" Thank you Tim, for taking me back a few, to remember some great times. The best part was when Tim and I saw ourselves on the big screen in back of the band. They videoed us for a few moments before the show smiling and waving to the camera. They played the clip with others during "Jack and Diane". So cool!