Well, talk about tootin your own horn...geesh...My employees said I did a great job on their launndry this week...but they sure didnt buy me a star! Not much in Boise..still no job..that pays anyway..Cords headed to an outdoor winter camp 2 hrs north of Boise for a week. After all the camps, braces, electronics,select soccer and basketball...I really cant afford to keep him anymore..
Mark-I know what you mean..We told Chloe she'd see cousins on Thanksgiving..we cancelled..Christmas break...we cancelled..She flat out calls us liars now..She is so sick of boys..We had a mom/daughter lunch yesterday and I said" I dont really like the boys"..she took my hand..looked me dead in the eyes and said"Mom, I know your joking..but I really dont like the boys..at all..seriously"  no flinching or smile or anything..Im sure Sherri felt that way at times : )
She just came in the office and said the boys were passing horrible gas in the playroom and she was gonna be sick...aahhh, kids. Jeff-I too have many memories of that old house...raking leaves..and running around the house in underwear in the middle of the night during thunderstorms...U kno..just regular family memories. Well, this week it was freezing in Boise..My windshield cracked..the van door handle snapped off completely and the dryer broke...I love telling Michael these things...it makes him SUPER happy....despite alllll that...The Boise Halls are happy and healthy...and gassy I guess.                                        Love you all, Catherine

Apologies

First off, my apologies for missing last week. I shaln't do it again. Not too much exciting is happening here. I did have to wrestle a 14 year old fat kid to the ground and hold him for 25 minutes after he ripped his shirt off, punched a police officer in the face, and then banged his head on the ground to make himself bleed and then tried spitting on me. As he was being restrained, he shat his britches. Now he is safely tucked away in a mental institution at MUSC and school is normal again.
I wanted to welcome Sherri to our family blog and congratulate our special star, mom.We all knew she was a star but never bought her a burning ball of gas. That award should go to Sherri...you now why. But we are not surprised by your accomplishments and successes. But quit setting the bar so high.
I thought of my childhood this week. Today I watched the original Karate Kid with my boys and Kayla. It reminded me of us watching movies like Karate Kid and Rocky and then having to fight because your so pumped up. Today all my boys were trying to do the Crane and kicking each other. All fun and games till...you know what. A wee bit of a fight. So Kayla showed the boys who the real karate champ is. She did the Crane followed by a round house kick to each of the boys faces and then mine without bringing her leg down. Pretty proud at that moment I was. I loved the lessons Miagi taught. It is a classic. Doesn't matter abou winning, just earning respect. You are being trained constantly but are not always aware. I think Heavenly Father has us waxing off and painting the fence and sanding the floor and we are wondering why are  we doing this or this is hard, but after enduring it well, we come out better equipped. Not always to be 1st place but to grow and become better. Miagi said to have balance is most important. I like it.
I remember being a kid and watching Rocky and mom or Tom got us boxing gloves to fight in the basement. No face punches, only body blows. But one accidental shot to the face and gloves were off, head locks followed, and maybe some shouting and/or name calling. As I watched my boys fight today, I remember those learning experiences. I missed my childhood. I missed Fridays Cardo's Pizza and watching my brothers play soccer all weekend long. I missed raking leaves for 3 months and raking huge piles to jump out of trees into...even head first because I was so little. The one tree that was n the bordr of the field line by Gages property. I kinda feel like a bigger smarted brother should
have stopped me from doing that. I love life and all it's stages. I know that right now I have people all over the country that love me and are there if I ever fall. I feel that right now I'm somewhere between painting the house and sanding the deck. But I know that soon I will be doing the Crane to some guys face and earn my reward. Love Jeff

Mom again

That is probably what you are thinking...here she comes again.  I love to hear what my kids and grandkids are doing, but it does seem like I have been the most faithful blogger. Who would have thought that to be the case?  the most incompetent one with the 21st century tools?  I do, however, have some exciting news to report.  I will be the envy of each of you this week.  In a meeting on Thursday, with approximately 170 other leaders throughout the Southwest Region of Intermountain, the CEO, Terri Kane, called for 3 people to come to the front of the room.  I was one of those people.  The theme of the meeting was Christopher Columbus and how he chartered unknown waters and we are being asked to do the same (with Obamacare and new things happening with Medicare).  She said she had 3 shining stars she wanted to recognize for their contribution in 2012.  I was one.  She paid tribute to the great work I have  done in our ED. Told a story of a long time nurse in the ED who has been difficult who took Terri aside and Terri said she expected the worse, but the nurse, with tears streaming down her face, told Terri that I was the best thing that had ever happened to the ED and the team loved me and did not want to see  me leave.  Terri then went on to say she has named a STAR in the universe  for Sharon Mayfield and she gave me a picture of which star it is.  She paid to have a  star named after me.  So when you look up into the sky and see a bright star, you can just say that is our mom's star.  It was quite humbling and I cannot tell you the number of staff and peers who have told me they cannot think of anyone more deserving.  So, the moral of the story, hard work does pay off, and no effort goes unnoticed, whether here on earth  on in the heavens.  I tell  you this not to brag so much, but to remind you to keep on working hard and remind you when it seems futile, it is all worth it.  I have always worked hard, all my life, and I am a living testimony that it really does pay off, even at  my old age of 64.  There I said it...I really am that  old.  I cannot believe it!  Just a few  years ago, I was Sherri's age and felt so young.  I still feel young, but the mirror no longer lies. 

I get excited every time I open our blog and see  a message.  This week, I reread all of them.  I hope even with busy lives, you each will take a few minutes to update us.  It helps me to know my family is well and happy.  This is  a tough world right now and we must be able to know that each of us might be struggling, but still hanging on and fighting back when the world throws  a hard ball.  As Mark said, we are here for you.  Rick and I are headed to temple tonight so each of you will have your names on prayer roll by evening.  I know it works.  Sure love  you and praying for each of you. MOM (rainy day in St. George, but not too cold. 50's) puzzling, reading and relaxing today.

Welcome welcome

Welcome to the family Sherri! Just kidding, we know you have been busy with a move. I do not envy you for that, that is for sure. Well I haven't posted this week so I thought I would take a minute, but I doubt it will be very long. Family wise we are all well and happy. Really there is nothing new to report. The girls are getting a little cabin fever with the cold, snow, and now ice keeping them couped up more than usual. Angela and I continue to plug away at work, school for me, and parenting. I have about two semesters left before I will finish my MBA, but two months is starting to feel like two years. I am at the point where I am dragging and getting sick of papers, papers, and more papers to write. Plus Angela is a bad influence on me, because she distracts me causing me to simply want to spend time with her and the kids. It is all her fault!

I was shocked to read mom's post about serving a mission next year, I did not know we were considering that so soon. That is great! I also did not know that McKenna was so close or so serious about serving a mission. That is awesome! I only hope she is blessed on high to serve in the greatest mission in the church, TSAM (Texas San Antonio). In all seriousness, I see our missionaries this week out on bikes in freezing temps and think, I hope McKenna goes somewhere more warm than cold, haha. It sounds like a lot is happening with every part of our family. It is nice to have this blog to stay updated, but I also feel like I am missing out because we are so spread out. That is tough sometimes. My girls tell me weekly, almost daily, we should go to Boise to visit Chloe, it has been so long or go to St. George because they haven't seen Hailey forever, or ask when will see Cru, McCoy, and Kaze again. The distances between us make regular visits tough, but we do intend to visit everyone as much as possible. Yes even South Carolina, "shoot 'em Clint, shoot 'em!" Until we do make it to see all of you, we hope things are going well, we pray for you daily, and are here and willing if you ever need anything.

SURPRISE

Alright fine....I admit that I can no longer use the excuse of being busy. I know everyone is busy.So here I am...first official blog. I'm only a little late:)  I hope I'm doing this right, I may be the most technological-challenged member of our family!!
Hallie ask me today when we would get to see Jeff's family again?? I hate that its so far! I want to figure out how to post pictures on here. Directions please (Mark or Jeff). No school today, still unpacking. Put my head down and sigh when I see all the "stuff" (aka crap) still in garage. Girls are helpful. Well mostly Kenna today. Ash is in Salt Lake visiting Justin. Kam is up Heber Canyon playing in the snow. Hallie is off at friends (little social bug) and Kenna is stuck here helping Brett & I. She is awesome that way!! She is getting ready to start her mission papers! So crazy!! She can put them in in March. She has been calles as a ward missionary. Goes to mission prep every week. It will be exciting to see where she goes! Ash will go back to Rexburg in March. My family is dwindling and changing so quickly!! I want to keep everyone put. But life moves quickly. And speaking of moving.... its a pain. However, its been so great to go through everything and "clean out". I will tell you all that as difficult as I thought it would be to leave our "dream home" that we worked so hard on...I have been amazed at my feelings. I truly have felt nothing but gratitude! I am so grateful that we have a home still and for a husband  that has worked SO hard on to make it nice! I am very appreciative and feel blessed. I really thought I would struggle with it all, but quite the opposite has occured! Life is challenging, but I know that we all have much to be grateful for!! Perspective is a wonderful thing! Well family of mine, I'm signing off. Time to get back to work. But I promise I won't be a stranger!!! Thanks again Jeff for this great gift!! Love you all.
Sher, Sis, Bear, Poop (as Jeff calls me), or whatever else you may desire to call me:)))

mom's weekly update

Wow, near 60 degrees in St. George today.  I am excited after the cold spell we have had.  I fully intend to take a walk today in the luscious sunshine.  I don't know if I told you but for Christmas we were given a fancy pedometer by the hospital and we are in competition to see what Service line can walk more steps.  Well, I was totally on a roll.  However, I accidentally left mine on my pants and it went through the laundry and it went to pedometer heaven.  I was forced to purchase another one but my boss, Gary's, team loss the first week due to my losing a week's worth of steps.  I felt bad but what could I do?  I have to try to catch up but so far, I am not doing so good.

Monday is the day my new ED manager arrives.  I am so happy.  I am hoping to reduce my hours from 12-16 hour days very soon.  I will not know how to act if I can work 10-12 hour days.  I will be able to do some of the things that I have let go recently.

Maybe I will take a trip to SC and visit my son and his family.  Jeff, did you find out when the Azalea festival is?  That might be a good time to come.  Any more word on McCoy?  Rick and I have been praying for some good news.  He is such a happy boy and was so much more sociable this summer..I am praying that you will get some good answers.  One thing is for certain...he is in the right home with great parents.  We will not let up on our prayers here.

It is almost time to start thinking of making plans for when our SC family will come to UT for a visit.  I get excited when I think of seeing those little boys playing.  I hope we can make it happen.  I know Jeff is busy working a ton.  Everyone is so busy...The years go so fast and then one day you realize you didn't take time to get together when you could have.  Let's plan some fun time for the summer.  Hopefully, Boise Hall's will be in.  Michael is busy right now..he hasn't written a blog for days.  Sherri never has. I look forward to reading everyone's weekly updates so get hopping guys.  Rick and I hope to be leaving on a mission in 2014 so 2013 is the year to make it happen.  I might be in the frozen tundra of who knows where by the end of 2014????  or maybe I will get lucky and go to Kirtland, OH or sunny Jamaica.  I guess the Lord will decide.  Anyways, when I get back, Cord will be making plans to go, McKenna will be home when we leave....it goes on and on.  2013 is our year.  before we are all scattered on missions.  Love to all, MOM

Got a scare

Ok, so I am reading and enjoy the blogs today and then I read "two of my children have double digits, including Michael" and I think for sure Gary has come back from the dead.  I think who else could be saying that except Gary.  I realize Catherine was teasing about Michael being her child so I am now breathing normal..

Mark's counsel to Jeff is correct..I was told more than once to get help for some of my boys.  well, perhaps I should have, but I thought they were pretty much normal.  who knows, maybe I should have. 

Hey, who wrote the nastygram about Rick and Mom being in their 60's?  remember the rules!!! 

I love it that Mark has to struggle with Mason and get her up for church.  Oh, remember the days I had to make him get up and how he hated it???  What fun I had singing to him to get up.  He didn't want to do it, but I sang and sang and sang. He loved it so much he finally got up just to get me to shut up. 

16 degrees in St. George this morning as I drove to work.  It was ok as it was even colder at Rick's place.  I am wearing 2 sweaters and coat, gloves and scarf to work every day.  some of my friends don't even have a coat.  Really something.  I know Jeff is laughing his head off at us.  It will be in the 50's by the weekend. 

I sure am loving reading what my kids and grandkids are doing.  Only wish Sherri, Michael, & David would get into letting us know how they are doing.  Maybe they will one day soon.  Love you all and don't stop.  MOM

As an inlaw

Okay okay I'm kidding, so I have to apologize for not yet responding to my older brother Mark's loving post. Let me be honest for a second ( and hopefully for the rest of my life )  after I read Mark's post I was so touched I felt like maybe I should just leave it at that, but I needed to express my gratitude for my own growth in love with the Hall family. It has, after all been 8 1/2  years since my inauguration and it has been quite the ride. I love my family and pray for them and their families.. Now I'm going to log off because we just heard Kayze  either having a nightmare or throwing up.. Joys of flu season. This is Kayla by the way

Salt Lake Halls

I thought I would take this morning to just simply update our family's status or going on's. With the New Year came unwanted change, 9 am church. I can hear mom and Rick already, 9 am is the best! Well maybe when I am in my 60's, but right now I do not like 9 am church, especially with a sleepy head like Mason. Mason is much like I was as a kid, she would sleep till noon if we let her, and if you wake her up before that Watch Out, you never know what you will get. She is not a morning person. Anyways, 9 am church means up early, nap after church, and then cannot fall asleep Sunday night. I do like that Sunday's seem so long now, and we get to lay around and relax most of the day as a family. Mason and Connley have decided they want to explore their non-instrumental musical talents, and have begun attending choir Thurs and Fri mornings at school. Connley is so concerned that she will not be famous, and has become quite the fan of Taylor Swift. She is doing great with guitar lessons, and even memorizes every practice song, which her teacher said people just don't do. If you mention a song she has done she will recite back to you the letters/notes AABDEAAB.... However, in order to be famous like Taylor Swift she feels like she needs to learn to sing, hence choir. Mason on the other hand, simply wants to do stuff with others. She is a social child, and just wants to belong to a group. She has been doing flute in the band at school, as well as taking private flute lessons. The problem is she never, and I mean never, practices. After talking to her, we have realized she wants to be a part of the band, for the social group environment, but she hates practicing because it requires her to be in her room by herself. She hates the alone part of practicing. The happy compromise, drop flute and the expense of renting the flute and paying for lessons, and let her join choir. It is free, there really is zero practicing and she gets to belong to a group with her friends.

Not much has changed with Angela and I. We continue to drive to work together every morning, work a few cubicles away from each other for 9 hours a day, drive home together, and then spend the rest of the night fixing dinner, laundry, cleaning, getting the kids to bed, and watching a few episodes of Lost. We are almost done with this ridiculous show, I just want off this island! We then go to bed together, and wake up at the same time to do it all again the next day. Essentially Angela is my shadow. It is a good thing I love her or else we may get sick of each other very quickly. She is fun and I am grateful that we have so much in common that I do enjoy being with her. My sports radio has gone out the window on the way to work, because instead Angela and I get to talk, yea! :)

I hope all is well with each of you. Jeff, don't fret too much about McCoy. Could you imagine if we had some of the test and diagnoses we have today when we were kids? I would have been on so many ADD and ADHD drugs, and every other drug to try and "control" me. Plus I had a speech impetiment that may have led to further assumptions of my problems. I looked up aspergers and it looks like someone can live a pretty normal life with aspergers, so perhaps he will be a cross between rainman and normal - genius!

And so it continues. But I will not complain because I don't want to be negative on our family journal but I would just love to have each family post weekly. Angela, I love your post. It's nice being able to trust in a most perfect, most reliable, and most loving tender Heavenly Father to guide us. Mom, GC has to be put away till July 4th. Our week was incredible. While most of my family was freezing, we have been in high 70's and even 80 tis week with no humidity. On Saturday we had the windows down coming back from Cru's basketball game and all jamming out to country. It just felt perfect. Tomorrow I have to work in Savannah, GA for more airport training so Kayla is taking the boys to the beach because there is no school. I do love it here. But there is plenty I miss out west. They have asked Kayla and I to be a Ma and Pa for the trek the first week of April. So we had a meeting tonight. I'm so excited. The stake leaders dressed up like pioneers and read real stories of the pioneers. I'm grateful for their sacrifice and they chance we have to relive it even for a few days. I know it will be tough but it puts things in perspective again. This week Cru had a high fever for two days and I hate seeing my kids suffer. How blessed we are in our fami with health. McCoy is actually in serious trouble at school and there is going to be a series of test done shortly to see if something really is off. He is an energetic boy that loves life but has no regard for rules or danger if he has his mind set to do something. They will to say yet but aspburgers(sp) has been thrown around the most so far. I hopes it's something he can still have a normal life, go on a mission, get married, and function like the rest of us. Say a little prayer for him. Kayze still loves crying and hanging out with girls but he is starting to want to play basketball more and soccer. There will be no wrestling or softball for him ever. Kayla and I are trying to excersize again. I tried a crossfit workout named Barbara. Look it up and try it. Still so sore and love it. Not much to report but lovely weather, good times, and enjoying life.

I have been called out! So I must respond...The other day while driving home from work I was scanning through radio stations and it landed on some weird Christian station. Right as I was going to skip to the next station a heavily Nashvilled accent said that he and his wife had been praying about what they could do to grow closer to the Lord in this New Year. I was intrigued. Huckleberry continued, their answer came, to give themselves up fully to the Lords will and not be afraid of the unknown but trust that whatever the Lord had in store for them was best.  Oh man, that hit home. I can look back and see in my own life the times I have given over to the Lords will and the great blessings that have come from it. Sadly, I can also look back and see the times I wanted a certain something and followed my own desires and the eventual problems that occurred because of it. Our lives are a series choices. What was the right choice yesterday may not be the best decision today. Because the Lord can see all the twists, turns, pits and cliffs in each of our lives the best way to get through it all is by relying on His direction. This is my resolution for the New Year; Believe in the Lord and trust His guidance. I am anxious to see where the path will lead me and my family. Better be good ;) Love to all! - Angela

Self-defense

I have had zero calls from my mother, and one text last night, Friday night, which I immediately responded to within 5 minutes. Perhaps my mother's phone is broken, because I have had only that one text in the past few days, since I called her for her birthday.

The snow is thick, probably two feet at least, likely more where we live, and the roads have been slow and treachorous. We haven't had any problems getting around ourselves, but it has been slow going everywhere. I love the snow, and especially now that it is the weekend, it is most enjoyable. Even though is has snowed for two days straight it is significantly warmer than it was, now in the mid-20"s so that has been nice. It makes it easier to enjoy sledding and other snow activities when it is above 5 degrees out. haha

I just wanted to get on and defend myself, but I will post a family update tomorrow. Hope all is well with each of you.

Mom is getting into this

Ok, I have found out you are never too old to learn new stuff.  Who would ever think I would be blogging at my age?  I did want to thank all my kids for calling me on my 50th birthday this week.  Yes, even though I worked a 12 hour day, each of you made it special and it was very nice to have most of my grandchildren sing to me on the phone.  It might not have been the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but to my ears,  it was the sweetest music ever.  I  appreciate each of you for calling me and thinking of me.  Hard to believe I am that old!!  Not sure where the years went.  I assure you, one day you will look back and wonder that very same thing.  Sherri & McKenna surprised me that night by bringing me a chocolate/marshmallow milk shake and visiting with me.  It was nice since Rick was up north and I didn't have to be alone that evening. 

Rick flew down to St. George yesterday leaving 12" of snow behind and more that came later.  SLC has been hit hard.  I have tried to reach Mark and Ang to see if they are surviving the snow storm that has hit SLC but he hasn't responded.  He seldom does unless he wants to talk to me...Maybe he will blog today!

Rick and I woke up to 17 degree temperatures in St.George today.  Rick took a walk, but I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and enjoyed those instead.  Who wants to walk in those temps?  I am  spoiled rotten.  I want temps in the 70 and 80's to keep me comfortable.  I have thermals on, the fireplace going, cookies, my puzzle set  up.  That is what I call an ideal winter day.  Who wants to walk outside and be healthy?  Oh, and Kayla will love this, but I didn't have enough time to listen to Glen Campbell's Christmas music this season so as I cooked homemade waffles for breakfast, I did slip my GC Christmas CD back in for a little postlude special.  I still have  my Christmas candle burning so I truly was in hog heaven.  Rick came in the kitchen and I said "sorry" but I just needed a little more Christmas music...it was so hectic towards the end of the season I didn't get to enjoy.  I had a birthday note from a friend in Ohio this week.  She said every time she  listened to her Christmas music this year she thought  of me.  Guess my reputation precedes me.  I can't help  it.  I just love it.  Remember, I want some of it played at my funeral.  I think "I'll be home for Christmas" will be just fine. 

I am so enjoying the family blog, but I notice that we are not getting much action from the  Remunds, Michael, David, Ang, Kayla.  Guess Mark, Jeff, Catherine and I are going to have to do something to inspire our family members to get on board. I told David to send it to Ethan also.  Maybe I can get Rick to add something.  He is really into Journaling these days.  He found something  in his mother's things that started like this "My Story Lest I Forget" 1930.  She would have been 14 when she started writing it and it was started 82 years before her death.  I feel so guilty that I am such a slacker.  I must do better for my children, grandchildren, and all those that come after me that will need to know I had a testimony.  It may be necessary to sustain them through a difficult time.  I will do better, but this is a great beginning.  Thanks to all who read and all who write.  I love my family and am hopeful we can grow together through this blog.  MOM

So much to be grateful for this day. I bore my testimony today. I was not going to because time was running out and I was just going to ignore that prompting. But the sister bearing her testimony said that sometimes we ignore promptings or wait too long and it's too late. Kayla kindly looked at me and said go. As you may know, 2012 wasn't my favorite year. But as I look back, there were many great things that happened, even on a daily basis. I testified of Abaraham 3 when we were in the pre-existence that we would be tried and tested in all things. And then in second Nephi 2 it says men are that they might have joy. So...tried all the time...and have joy. I spoke of the few times in the scriptures when it teaches us how to have a fullness of joy. Only by living the fullness of the gospel can we have a fullness of joy. In John 16 Christ is teaching his Apostles about the Comforter that will come to them after he is killed. He tells them they will have great sorrow but that their joy can be full through Him and then he ends the chapter telling them that in a world of tribulation, we can have peace, commands them to be of good cheer...because he overcame the wold. 
I can't tell you why it's hard at times or how see your big picture. You have an appetite for big nice things. We all like these things but some more than others. But that is not my observation. You also both love the simple things. A snowy day to stay inside and snuggle your kids or each other. Cold weather, which is depressing to me. You love family time. Road trips across the country, a camping trip, going to each others games, floating a river, skiing together, movies, having people in your home to entertain, and on and on. In all of our lives there are chapters. I learned this early on in my marriage from Brett and Sherri. Some chapters are so clear and fun. Others seem like we are treading too long or rowing all night. I have personally told the Lord, enough rowing, please come to me and help, after all, you promised you would. Well guess what, I then learned I can't tell the Lord when I'm done rowing. He gave me more strength but I was not out of the boat yet.So many times we row longer than needed because of our own choices of disobedience or pride. as Kayla has said while we were rowing what seemed forever, if the Lord stops the storm too soon, we would not have the necessary strength to get out of future storms. 
I want to tell those posting frequently what great joy it gives me. I love reading each of your post. I hope we continue to do so and get David and Sherri on board.
As for references of weather. I am freezing here and it's hitting mid 50's but when I go to seminary it's like 32ish so....freezing is accurate. We are enjoying Cru's first basketball season. Cru is running the point and Kayla is head coach. Cru is best at defense, that's a Hall trait. We are good at D because of soccer but we are not known for being shooters. Kayze and McCoy continue being fans for all of Cru's games. We live n the gym on Saturdays. It reminds me of being at my older brothers soccer games and tournaments every fall and spring. Great times and great teams. I love you all and pray for your fullness of joy...even if you are in a frozen tundra of death. 
Oh yea...I laughed out loud when I read moms post "what if his car breaks down". That vintage mother right there. Love it

Happy Birthday David

Happy Birthday David and Catherine,

I have had a little difficulty blogging and remembering what to do so let me try this again.  Tried to reach David yesterday to sing Happy Birthday to him, but I am sure he didn't take my calls because he has heard my singing.  In case I don't get Catherine to pick up today, I will wish her a Happy Birthday as well.  January is full of birthdays...Brayden will be 10 on the 10th..wow, he is growing up way too fast.  Michael will be having a birthday on the 13th, but no use mentioning which one.  

Rick and I attended Jeremy's daughter, Kyndi's baptism yesterday.  I don't know that I have ever seen anyone smile quite so big when they came up out of the water.  She was truly so happy.  It was a good day for the Mayfield's.  Last night we got to have dinner with Mark and Angela and girls.  In case you haven't seen Mason recently, she is tall, thin, braces, long hair and absolutely beautiful.  And very mature.  She is having a Valentine's dance at her school and she told me she HAS to dance with 19 boys.  I can tell it is going to be pure pleasure for her.  Connelly is following in her sister's footsteps as well.  I love seeing the young women they have become.  Mason will go into Young Women's in July...it is down right fun and yet scary to see how old my grandchildren are becoming.  After dinner, Mark and Angela helped Rick and I put together a puzzle that Sherri gave us for Christmas of Yellowstone (one of our favorite places to visit).  Thanks to their help, we put the last few pieces in just his morning.  We have one set up in St. George and one in Fruit Heights. That is what old people do when on cold winter nights.  

Speaking of cold, it has been below zero up north here.  Who wants it?  Mark likes it.  He is not altogether sane.  Last night he wore sandals to dinner.  It was 17 degrees and snow everywhere.  I failed in that area as a mother.  However, I do love him, but what if he had car trouble????

Catherine, to answer your question as best I can.  When I decided to move to Utah, I did pray about it and felt like it was the right thing.  However, I cried all the way to Illinois the day I left Ohio.  I had been in the same ward nearly 35 years.  I was leaving a job I loved, family, a new home I loved, friends, everything I had known all my life.  I felt good about coming to Utah.  In Illinois, I told myself to stop crying and have faith that this was the right move.  From time to time, I have been lonely, or sad, or homesick when I don't get to see my siblings, or when my aunt died and I couldn't be there.  I knew her all my life.  But, that didn't change anything for me.  I trusted the Lord gave me an answer 7 years ago and I am not going to second guess him when I get sad or homesick.  You will have times when you might wonder, but put it aside and look at the blessings you have received.  I know it was right for me.  I met my eternal companion.  I have a job that I love and it will be the job that carries me to the end of my career.  I have met many new friends. I am close to my family.  I talk to my sister every week.  I keep in touch with old friends.  I still miss much and I miss my  house.  I can't go back and wouldn't if I could.  Find peace where you are.  

Love to all.  Happy New Year and stay warm, trust in the Lord.  He will help us stand tall.  Mom

In-law stuff?

What is this in-law stuff? This blog is for the Hall Family (and Remunds and Mayfields). Catherine did not preface her comments with "as an in-law". You are family! As Jeff's wife you are my sister, and just as much a part of our family as Angela, Catherine, or even myself. Shoot I know for a fact many in our family prefer Angela to me sometimes, haha. Your last name is Hall, you are married to our brother, and you are the mother of three beautiful Hall boys. There is no need for the in-law title, you are a full Hall, and always welcome to post as such, anytime. I am sure you know that, since Jeff set this blog up, but please do not hesitate to contribute whatever you think or feel. Sometimes Jeff is a little shy about really telling us what is going on, or how he is feeling. We expect you to fill in the gaps for Jeff, so we really know how y'all are doing. Hopefully I am not breaking any rules with this post, because I am not trying to post against someone else's comments, but hey I need to make sure my sister Kayla Hall knows her place in this family, mixed right in with the rest of us nuts. (Go Bucks!! - Sorry nuts makes me think Bucks :) )

Today is a crisp winter day in Salt Lake City. The ground is still covered in about 6 inches of snow, and the temp has hovered around single digit temps the last week or so. Yesterday it was 6 degrees when our kids arrived at school at 8:45am, and they were playing outside when a teacher made them come in because it was too cold outside. They said it felt great, and was too hot in the gym where they wait for school to start. It is brisk, but beautiful. I am not a huge fan of mountains, I am indifferent, but I will say when I can only see the tops of the mountain peaks covered in snow, and the base is hidden in clouds with a blue sky background, that I do love. What marvelous and beautiful creations God has given us to enjoy. Whether it is the trees, warmth, sun, and beaches of South Carolina, or the trees (especially red leafed trees in fall), green grass, and rainy days of Ohio, or the mountains, clear skies, and wildlife of Idaho and Utah, simply magnificent. This could not be an accident or coincedence, but simply a creation of a loving Father in Heaven for his children on earth. I can only imagine what our heavenly home will look like. No matter what it will only be home if our entire family is there, together forever. Love you all.

1st day of the new year

As an in law I just wanted to post a lil somethin somethin. Jeff's love for his family has grown with his age and small bald spot in the back of his head. He has a great desire for his family to be close, to know one another and to share your family's joys accomplishments, and memories you make. Hope y'all find happiness in this family journal and that all of our children will get to know us or remember all of us through our own entires. Happy New Year!