"Now why don't he write?"

When saying the title, you must think of Dances with Wolves and say it like the guy driving the mules. Well it has been sometime since I last posted, but I am still alive and well. Angela has done a job managing our family's post, but I am here to get rid of the sappy nature of her post. The last few weeks have been hectic, which is why I have not posted. Work has become busier, now that they expect me to actually earn my income, and school this semester has been increasingly more difficult. I finished my final paper for this semester last night...it only took me two days, and 9 hours yesterday for a 4-5 page paper. Ridiculous! I thought you pay your fees and they give you an MBA?? Anyways, now that I have a small break between semesters, I woke up happier and more alive today than I have in weeks. I had so much free time this morning. At work we have added Medicare and Medicaid to our product options, and it has increased work and worry. There are so many crazy rules and stipulations, that it is causing real headaches for every department at SelectHealth. I am over Recoveries so it has not even affected us much yet, but trying to write letters, get compliant ASAP, and working with our IT dept to develop a new database for Medicaid and Medicare has been time consuming. Angela has had the real difficulties, as the Medicare enrollment specialist she has been hit head on and they have asked her to basically see that it all gets done since there were so many mistakes made back a few months that have now caused major problems. Angela's supervisor took medical leave for a month, so they asked Angela to fill in for her, the least experienced specialist at the time, and she has done a wonderful job. There have been so many fires, it looks like she has failed, but these fires were caused by lack of proper preparation and a failed computer system, so nobody blames her, instead she has stepped up and is doing great. She has done so great that they have decided to split her department, Medicare one team and Medicaid the other, and they have asked Angela to apply for the supervisor position. Literally our boss, personally asked her to apply for it. They are casting a wide net trying to recruit numerous applicants, especially those with Medicare experience, but to even be thought of and encouraged to apply is a real honor and I am proud of her. The dilemma is we also expected her work to be coming to an end, so she can be home more, but we will just see what the Lord has in store for us.

The girls are doing great! A little more whiny as they age, but they are maturing fast in other ways. We found out a few weeks ago that Mason will be turning 12 right before or during the Stake Pioneer Trek, so the Young Women's leader wanted to make sure she would plan on attending. Wow!! Young Women's already! I know what you are talking about Sherri, time has flown. Last night she had her first New Beginnings, and is so excited about everything. Connley unfortunately has a ways to go. We were thinking about it last night and Connley will be far behind most of her friends with everything, she will not even get her driving license until the last month of her junior year in high school, entering her senior year. Yikes!! She will get a beat up old car and luggage for her 16th birthday so she can drive and move out to college, haha. Henry is well also. He is spoiled, fun, trouble, and adorable all at the same time. So he fits right in.

As mom has said it has snowed here quite a bit this year, and been abnormally cold. I love it! It really has been beautiful to have some big snowfalls, and to wake up to fresh snow covered yards and trees. Plus, I figure I might as well enjoy it while I can, before I am old and don't enjoy it anymore. Having said that I hope McKenna goes to a warmer mission. I would not want to be in an area where it is in the negatives or freezing more days than it is warm. Although all missions are great and wherever you serve you will do great things as you share the precious gift of the gospel. We will definitely plan on being wherever for any farewells and other get togethers.

We miss all of you! We look forward to seeing each of you soon, hopefully sooner rather than later, and continue to pray for your health and happiness.

I know I know, I missed two weeks. To be honest, I forgot the log in and password and couldn't ask y'all for the login and password to my own account. So, back to business.
The last few weeks have been interesting to say the least. Where to start? First, if you were not aware, Kayla and I were extras in the TV show Army Wives. They specifically said do to approach the stars because they were there for work and if we all approached them, it would be chaos. So Kayla decided that after working next to Ashanti for about an hour, she would tell her a funny story. So Kayla told her about a dream I had about her years before. She thought it was hysterical and later she approached me and wanted to take pictures so she could tweet them. So she did and it went through the tweet world with Kayla and I and Ashanti and a brief sentence explaining what happened and my dream. Pretty embarrassing but funny. So they asked me to come back this week and when I got there, the crew and cast thought it would be funny to replay what happened to me and what not to do with the stars. But it was a good ice breaker for all the new people that I worked with and they had a nice laugh about my experience. Most of you don't know who Ashanti is, she was a rapper/singer that is now an actress, director, and producer. Kayla next to her put her to shame. Glad that dream didn't come true and I get to live with the girl of my dreams everyday. Watch tis season of Army Wives. This last episode I was in it a lot when they are in a bar scene. They had me with a pretty hot young lady on our first date in the bar. It was fun.
We have moved on to soccer now. I stepped down from head coach to assistant. It is hard for me not to yell when I coach but Cru is getting much better. He doesn't have the biggest foot but has a nose for the ball and dominates the field at center mid. He has a natural know of the field and understanding of the game. The power will come in time.
Kayze has to get new glasses. He lost his lense. Been there done that. He is so fun right now. He is sweet and well behaved, except when the school nurse calls and says in her deep south black voice, "this Elijah mom, ok, he done wet himself again, and we ain't got o clothes that fit him". It's happening weekly.  Oh well, what are we gonna do.
McCoy, had a few rough days. He knows when he won't see me for a few days and lets Mom have a piece of his wild side. I can't keep making a list of his bad things because that will be on the journal for ever. So, some good things. He is perfectly potty trained. If you give him any task that adults do, he tackles it and won't stop till he is done. He hugs everyone at Cru's games, strangers and friends. He is loving and tough. He loves to kiss me on each cheek, my head, chin, then a squeeze around my neck that we both love.
I decided to go after life with more vigor and passion for the things I love and want to do to define my career. I will keep you posted.
I'm praying for you all to be happy and to take advantage of our once in an eternity mortal lifetime. I'm so blessed to have you all as my family and that we accepted our call to come to earth when we did and to whom. I know we all agree that we love mom and appreciate her example and love. I am grateful for my siblings and our father. I love my wife and boys so much. I love my life.

weekly update by Mom

Today is a beautiful but chilly day in St.George.  However, I hear from news reports that Mark and Angela are getting hit with a real blast of snow today..glad Rick came my way as I am pretty much done with winter.  I am ready for 90 degrees, sunshine, blue skies and the sound of pool parties...not me at the pool as I haven't gotten wet for at least a couple of years, but I do love to see my kids and grandkids enjoying the water.  I used to like it a little, but not so much anymore.  too cold.  Rick has been out walking this morning and I have been working on a puzzle...he got me a couple of moose puzzles for Christmas..I really have taken a liking to moose.  We finished one that is a 1000 pieces...I framed it and when you sleep at my house the next time, it will be hanging over the bed in your bedroom..that is if anyone comes to visit us. We want everyone to know you are invited.  AS a matter of fact, it looks like McKenna is planning on leaving for a mission as soon as she turns 19 so I am thinking we had better plan on a big family reunion in July.  As soon as the Remunds know a for sure date, we need to get serious.  We will want to be at her farewell and send her off with the best of all we can offer her.  She is such a beautiful young woman.  I love seeing how my grandkids are becoming such wonderful people.  I am so grateful for loving parents that you are and that you are teaching them to live good productive lives.  It is worth every minute of energy, tears, and effort you put into it. 

You all have so much more to report than me, yet I feel like I am the most dedicated to see that I update the blog weekly.  If I bore you to tears, let me know and I will stop.  I just get excited to read more about my family.  I am sure you all read the news that I now am down to just having the need for one tooth.  I cannot wait.  It may take some time yet, but I feel somewhat better just knowing that I have one more tooth than I had last week.  I can't believe the process.  It has been over 4 months.  For those of you with lousy teeth like me, you understand...if you have good teeth, then you have no idea what it is like.  I wish I had good teeth, but like many things in life, heredity is a big factor.  I guess I got in the wrong line  in Heaven for teeth also.  I am good though because the things that really matter the most to me are what I got when things were handed out.  I got each of YOU in my family.  I would rather have you than perfect teeth or all the other riches in the world.  I am sure you question my intelligence from time to time...but I had a Bishop tell me once that I actually chose the spirits I wanted...wow, amazing.  You thought you chose me...sorry. I chose you.  Who knows how it all works, but I am happy I got the spirits I did.  I love each of you and YOU are stuck with me regardless.  Have a good week and  if you take time to read this, how about blogging back?  Love, MOM

one tooth

I am happy today...I got one tooth.  I now have one to go and then I will not be toothless.  that is all for mom to report on.  Love you all.

Pretty Nails

          Sorry to post again so soon but after reading the posted inspiring thoughts on temples and eternal families I felt compelled to pass on the following story to ya’ll (shout out to Kayla). It was shared with me when I noticed a colleagues pretty nails. Hope I give her experience justice. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
 

A woman named Gale would get her nails done at the same salon on a regular basis. The owner of the salon was an authoritative Korean woman who would loudly order her employees around in their native tongue. This owner was so abrupt that she was affectionately nicknamed Dragon Lady by her customers. On one of Gales visits a young woman named Kim who was fairly new to America and spoke limited English, was assigned to do her nails. Gale was so impressed by Kim’s work that on her next visit Gale requested Kim by name. Dragon Lady overheard the request and was furious that anyone would be so bold as to direct her staff without her permission. Dragon Lady yelled at Gale that Kim was with another customer and not available. Gale replied that she would wait for Kim. This only angered Dragon Lady more and she made a point of keeping Kim busy with odd tasks, and even other customers in an effort to discourage Gale from waiting. Dragon Lady’s plan failed as Gale was undeterred and waited patiently.  Finally, four hours later, Dragon lady gave in and allowed Kim to work on Gale. This routine became a regular occurrence for the next few months; Gale would request Kim, Dragon Lady would become infuriated and occupy Kim for hours, Gale would wait, and in the end Gale would eventually have her nails done by Kim.  Despite their language barrier, during this time Kim and Gale formed a fond friendship and Gale witnessed Kim blossom and grow in her abilities and confidence.   

One day Gale entered the salon for her monthly visit and was told that Kim no longer worked there. No one would offer Gale any information as to where Kim had gone. Gale believed the staff feared the wrath of Dragon Lady if they helped her locate her friend. Terribly saddened, Gale searched nearby salons to locate Kim but had no luck and eventually gave up her search. Eight years passed and Kim became just a found memory of a unique friendship.

           Blocks from Gale’s home, a new nail salon opened and because of its convenient location Gale decide to give it a try. Upon entering the salon, Gail was greeted by a squeal from the back of the business and the familiar face of Kim rushing toward her.  Gale was shocked and thrilled as she hugged her long lost friend. Kim explained that when Gale would request her at the salon and stand-up to Dragon Lady by not leaving it built Kim’s confidence in herself.  Kim decided that if she was good enough at her craft for someone to wait hours for her services then she must be good enough to break away from a degrading task master and open her own salon. Kim had tried to find Gale to thank her; she even went to the business where she thought Gail’s daughter worked but with no luck. But now, eight years later, their paths had crossed again in the fourth salon Kim had opened and was managing. Kim was now a successful, confident woman and mother who tearfully explained to Gale, “I was able to do this because of you”.

  Just as Gale did for Kim, I imagine our Savior is patiently waiting for each of us, despite how hard Satan tries to keep us busy with other things and create doubt in our abilities. Jesus is our number one supporter, always lifting us to our full potential. When we finally trust in Him and what He is telling us we can be, what we can do, and what we are fully capable of, only then can we make the leap to a better way of life.  So we too can look back on our own life and say to our Savior, “I was able to do this because of you”.                                                                                                   

May we all have the confidence to act on faith in our Savior and in ourselves.  -Angela

no news from Mom

I feel like I say the same things...no news, no teeth, same old things.  However, I can brag about the gorgeous St. George weather today.  As Rick and I drove home from church, it was 68 degrees and sunny..what more can I say?  Beautiful.  I hope Ohio and Boise are boding well.  I know Jeff and Kayla have already had some great temps.  I had to laugh at Angie's post about Mason going to Jr. high.  It seems impossible that my grandchildren are growing up so very fast.  It was only yesterday that Mark was in Jr. high himself.  That is just how fast time goes.  I am grateful for the promise of "forever families" because otherwise, what would we do?  Ethan called me this week and I cannot get over how much his voice has changed.  He is going to be a man before we know it. 

Since I have little to say, I will let you know that Rick and I went to the temple last night.  The session was full...they can only accommodate 130 patrons and so we were told we may not get to go in.  There were 4 live endowments and so they were letting families in first who had someone going through for their own  endowments .  I got to thinking of what it would be  like if I get to the final gates and the gates close and I don't get to  go in.  or what if my entire family doesn't get to enter?  I was feeling sad last night because it was our ward temple night and I wanted to be there and Rick and I actually got there nearly 45 minutes early so we would have plenty of time so I thought "sheesch"  we want to go in.  We did get into the session, but point of story is, we must do all in our power so we are not shut out in the final race.  Life is a race to the end.  We cannot give up on the last event, we cannot wear out, throw in the towel, say no more, I am done, we must perservere and never, ever give up.  I am determined to see it to  the end.  I have come too far to turn back now. I hope we  will all keep on going and not ever ever ever give up when the road is rocky.  Across every bump is a smooth spot, even if there are other bumps ahead.  I  love the gospel plan and I know it is the only way home and the best way to get there is to live the commandments.  I will not be happy unless all of my posterity is there with me as an eternal family.  We can make it.  I know we can.  Don't be the one who gave up.  I love you.  Mom

La Familia Es Todo

I am very sorry that you are still a toothless Annie. Maybe the Hall boys need to have a “talk” with your dentist about priorities. Front teeth are a pretty big deal! You are a trooper and we love you and your good attitude through a very frustrating, long, experience. Chin-up for the day when you have a shiny new smile to share with the world.

Today Mason registered for Jr. High School; Honors English, Spanish and DRAMA (encapsulates her I think J). I have never felt so old and proud to be so at the same time. I know pride may seem silly as most American children do go to Jr. High regardless of ability but I am more proud of the young woman that my little girl is growing up to be. Tear.

Mason and Connley are on the same basketball team at school and today they lost their first game 0-12. Connley is deflated, Mason doesn’t care. Seeing as how the only other time they have even played B-Ball is in Hallies’ driveway I feel like they should just be glad they are part of a team at all!

After the game the entire school practiced a “soft” school lockdown and a “hard” lockdown. A shooting in a nearby area sparked the need to practice emergency maneuvers in case of a school shooting. It is strange and scary to think of the cycle of our society. My parents practiced covering their heads in case of an atomic-bomb, I climbed under my desk to practice in case of an earthquake and my kids practice turning off lights and hiding behind coats in case of an active shooter. I can’t relate to the fears that children have to face today, but their grandparents can. Thank heaven for the bond between generations to support the select children that are being raised today and yet to be born. La familia es todo. Love to all from SLC Halls!  

false alarm

No tooth today.  the dentist said my mouth hasn't healed enough so I didn't get my new tooth so still toothles and still 2 false teeth.  darn, I am sad and shed a few tears, but what the heck...what's a few more weeks or months.  maybe by Easter.  whenever that is.  besides, nothing to do, but wait. 

2nd attempt

Yesterday I was writing an update and not sure what happened, but I lost it somewhere so going to try this again.  If I lose this one, I am done for the week...very frustrating.  I don't have much to say this week.  No star to brag about, no more teeth fell out.  But I can tell you that tomorrow should be a good day as I get one of my implants put in so by tomorrow night I will only be wearing one false tooth...however, I will still have a  lisp as I have to wear this awful plate in  my mouth.  I cannot wait to be able to eat and actually taste food again.  I have not eaten an apple since beginning of October.  No teeth to bite down with.  I know Jeff wanted to make fun of his  mom without her teeth and I do hate to disappoint, but it is not going to happen.  Sorry, son, but I just am humiliated to let anyone see  me.  Sherri saw me because she picked me up after surgery.  Rick hasn't even seen me.  it is that bad.  Hazel witch is a credit to what I look like.  Scary!!!

I took Rick to the airport at 5:00 tonight and it was spitting snow...it has been a cold weekend in St. George.  I think I have had the fireplace on most of the weekend.  Mark, do you remember sending me a book "The Lost Valentine" in 1996 when you were on your mission?  They made it into a movie and it was on TV last night.   I pulled out the book you gave me and it says your branch presidency in the MTC wrote the book.  I really enjoyed the book and the movie is very good as well.  Thanks much for giving me the book.  Here is was 17 years ago and I remembered the book totally as Rick and I watched the movie.  It was on the Hallmark channel...you all might watch for it as I think it will be rerun this week for Valentine's Day.  Betty White stars in it.  Love is very powerful. 

I hope each of you will remember to tell your loved ones how much you love them, not just on Valentine's Day but every day.  It is good to tell them often.  I hope I have said it often enough to each of  you and  to  my  grandchildren.  I do love you all and your mates.  I am glad we have the promise of eternity if we are worthy so our family can be together forever.  That is my goal.  I hope it is yours.  Happy Valentine's Day.  Mom

Hello my family!
Time for my second post. Here's the thing, I realize that I'm not the writer that my siblings and mom are. You all are have humor and spiritual and insight. I seem to just post the basics. But I guess its better than nothing.
 I'm sorry things in Boise have not worked out for you Catherine. It makes me sad! If you want to stop in St. George on your way to Ohio, we would love to see you and those sweet, sweet kids that I love!! Let me know if we can do anything to help. We love you guys.
Now for some bragging rights... I may not have a star (nor probably ever will) but I have however, gotten to see mom's missing teeth. I highly doubt that mom will ever post a picture, hence, the right to brag. Now I realize this is no joking matter mother! You have handled it all like a champ. Yay for the modern technology of dentistry!!!
Update on girls: Ash still continues to miss Justin. He flew to Vegas last weekend and Brett and I went to get him. She had no idea he was coming for the weekend and was SO excited. She is definitely more pleasant when he is around (not that she's bad just happier). My girls were so excited too...they got used to having a big brother around and have missed him. PS. today is his birthday so maybe send him a happy birthday on FB:) Ash graduates on her birthday, March 20th and then heads back to cold Rexburg.
McKenna had an eventful weekend. She had a guy in her math class ask her to get together to study for test. SHe said yes and gave him her number. then he texted and said actually, I'd like to take you to dinner. So she went out. He was very nice and she had fun. (And I think he is way cute). However, since then, he keeps texting her weird things. Like...tell me your top 3 qualitites you are looking for in a guy. And tell me your secrets about yourself. She is bugged. He is almost 24 and is obviously looking for more than fun. HAHA. I told her to just be nice and tell him you want to go on a mission. Oh, and also...she said he sings and dances...and she told him she loves athletics. LOL. Oh, and she also said that he wears too much gel in his hair (u all know how she likes soft hair). But HEY, she got asked out!! Then the next day, she got her first speeding ticket... DANG IT! Many tears were shed. Then she had a great round of golf with her coach and was feeling high again. Oh, and she got to coach two of Kamryn's basketball games... she actually did really good!! I was impressed. Oh, yes I did say Kamryn and basketball!! She decided to give it a go this year. And now, half way through the season, had decided she hates it and wants to be a cheerleader! My other girls are disgusted. (None of them have been big fan of cheerleaders). Even Miss Hallie says she will for sure play sports and NOT cheer. Speaking of Hallie, she got to go to Young Women New Beginnings last week. (All the new beehives going in this year are invited). Yes, she doesn't turn 12 til December, but it still FREAKED me out that my baby will be going into YW this year!!! WHAT IN THE WORLD?!?!?! So yes, family of mine, it is true...I"M OLD!
We went ans saw the Impossible last week. Holy cow, it was hard to watch but VERY powerful. I loved the lessons the mother taught her son about serving and helping others. I think she needs to hear from the missionaries!
Quick update on Brett... he has a bad herniated disc in his lower back. (MRI showed a few out of whack actually, but one bad). He has had an epidural injection and another one scheduled for Feb 12. If no relief, he is looking at back surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. He has been in a LOT of pain. I feel so bad for him. And yet, he continues to work through it. That's what he and all my tough brothers do!! Proud of our hard-working men!!
Oh, and one more thing before I end this book. The bakery got broken into. Only got away with $200.00 (they didnt find the hidden deposit thank goodness). However, the door was 500$ to replace. Good grief!! But we are lucky still, could have been worse. You just feel so invaded though.
Well, it is for sure time for me to sign off. Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you all as well. Love you ALL!!
SIS

tufless

Just to let mom feel loved by Cru, his favorite character of any cartoon is Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. And one of my favorite baseball players is Toothless Joe Johnson...the cousin of Shoeless Joe Jackson. I think we should take a family vote and make mom post a picture of her without her flipper in. SC votes...5. I bet SLC Halls vote yes and that is 4 more. Boise Halls for sure want to see it...6 more. No matter what Remunds say, mom, Rick, or Dave say...we have the popular vote. Get on it mom. Today. We know you have nothing else to do in that frozen tundra, so now works for me. Plus we need this in our family journal to show your posterity what happens when you don't brush or floss.
SLC Halls. Mason has a twin that is famous. She is the teenage girl in the movie "Parental Guidance". That movie is great. You all must see it ASAP. I mean it. Mason is in it and we should support her. I had a love hate relationship with Valentines Day in school. I would oft time get a Valentine but not always who I was hoping. Fun but awkward day in elementary. Cru has a crush on a cute girl in his class name Gracie. He can't stop that grin no matter how hard he tries when we just mention her name...or his teacher's name. Reminds me of me. Mrs. Kilger...she had me hooked when she taught me times tables. Cru's underfeated bball team that Kayla coaches suffered their first lost. They lost my 2 and Cru missed his foul shots that would have tied up the game. He started to cry and threw the ball but we got him to stop when Kayla told him that Gracie was there watching her Dad coach the other team. He has a problem. If he loses anything, he gets so upset. Even losing at soccer or basketball in the back yard brings him to tears. I just want to beat him when he does that so...advice. I remember those nights at the pinewood derby. Never thought about the spot your were in mom. My day will come.
Kayze is going to love Valentines. He has so many girlfriends. Everyone likes playing with him. He did say he wishes he was a boy Barbie, so that has a wee bit worried. But he is trying to play more sports with the boys and is right now running with a squirt gun with 2 other boys outside so we are happy.
McCoy. I went to his school this week for Daddy Doughtnut day. The teacher couldn't wait to see me. The second I walked in she had me in the corner talking about my little buddy. We all know how he is. He is just so dang cute. He loves sitting next me to in High Priest. They are going to put him on our rolls.
I had a crazy week at work. I did about 82 hours of actual work this week, but I don't have to work till Thursday at the airport so I'm excited for 9 hour work days till then. At the airport they always say I talk to much to the passengers when boarding and checking in. Well this week a lady that is on Army Wives (it's filmed here) told me I should be a paid extra. She gave me the web address to apply and send in my photo. So I did. She also told me to send one to them where I'm fully clothed and one to her email address...unclothed. Fear not, she was very old...like 45 or 50. Kayla applied to. Just something fun.
We are getting ready to go to a super bowl party at one of our new friends houses. His name is Brett Gardner. He plays for the Yankees. His son is in McCoy's class and Kayla and his wife have become pretty good friends. They invited us to a birthday party at a really nice jump castle/gymnastics place. We were having a great time till Kayze puked all over the place. We left early. Hopefully today's outcome will not end the same.
What's this about summer vacation? What are the options being shared?
Another week of 60's and 70's. Love y'all

Happy Groundhog Day!
The Salt Lake Halls are representing hard core with Mark hosting a fabulously successful Elders Quorum activity this week. He thought up the idea for a Great Paper Plane Challenge with dinner and competitions for distance, air time and best tricks. It was a great time!
Mason is preparing for her schools Valentines dance with weekly boy/girl dance practice. They are filling out dance cards ahead of time and she is hoping to be asked by some boys and crossing her fingers not to be asked by others :)
Connley has had some serious life lessons lately, from breaking down in tears for a homeless man outside of Cafe Rio until all we could think to do to console her was to buy him dinner, to learning about how gossip hurts people. I guess really they were life lessons for the whole family.
I would like to add my testimony of the power of prayer, even for the little things. A woman at work was not my favorite person and causing me some heartburn but after a morning prayer from Mark where he asked that we be kind and loving to those around us, I was remind that this woman is also a child of God and while I don't have to "like" her I don't need to "dis-like" her either, just respect her as a person. This reminder helped me to relax and focus on doing my best work, no matter who I am working with.
Last thing, this snowy weather has me jonesing for some sunshine and summer! There have been rumors of a Hall summer vacation, may I add the idea of a cabin at Bear Lake to the location idea bucket?  Love you all, Angela

Can't sleep

Well, since I am wide awake and don't want to go to work quite yet, thought I would send out my weekly update early.  Last week I bragged about having a star named after me, this week I find out that instead of missing one front tooth, I am now missing two front teeth.  While having a second crown done on my other front tooth so it will match the new tooth I am getting (this has been going on since October) the entire tooth broke off.  I am now totally toothless in the front.  I had to have some oral surgery yesterday to have the broken tooth and root removed thus I slept the day away and that is why I am wide awake now.  I did want to tell each of you when you see my new teeth, just know that is your 2013 Merry Christmas gifts.  It is costing me a fortune as I tapped out my dental expenses.  Let's just say I paid almost this much for my little Toyota Echo some years ago!  But I will add that without my front teeth I am worthless so it if costs a million, I have to have it.  I hope to have both front teeth in place by end of March, but I may be dreaming.  I have bad habits of expecting too much too soon, but if you had to wear this darn flipper in the front of your mouth for this length of time, you would know what I mean...ugh~!!

Catherine sent a picture of Brayden last night competing in his derby.  I hope he did well.  Can I just tell my sons how much I hated derby night.  I had too many boys all competing against each other.  I begged Dan Bravard to let them go home more than once as a tie when the Hall boys were the last ones standing.  He wouldn't do it of course, but I wanted it so badly.  My heart was broken every time I piled you all in the station wagon and headed home with a winner and one that wasn't the top winner.  I get sick just reliving those nights.  I suspect Jeff will be faced with the same thing in the near future and will get a taste of what I went through.  Perhaps the parents of the superbowl coaches are feeling it too.  That is amazing that both their sons are coaching the two top teams though.

Congratulations to Brayden for winning the most creative award at school.  Wow, what a grandson! I am proud of all the accomplishments of my kids and grandkids.  Keep us posted on who is doing what.  It makes me so happy!!

I head north today where Rick has had 20"of snow this week.  I am leaving 60 degree weather so it must be love for sure. Have a fabulous weekend and know that Mom might be toothless, but still Mom and loves each of you.