Summer time

Well I missed the last two weeks. One was mothers day and you are all aware of my surprise. I need to figure out how to upload videos because McKenna recorded it on her phone and it's funny to watch. It was a great trip. St. George is a special place and I love a few people that live there. So glad mom moved out there when she did. I regret not allowing her to move when I was in high school. I was a little immature about it but she has blossomed out there and is such a happier person. No mom, it doesn't mean you were unhappy before, just not soooo happy like you are now. And it's always fun to hang out with Sher and her family. Her girls are so big and old. And Brett made that home beautiful. I loved it. I cat wait for summer. Talking about summer...we don't know when we are coming yet. For sure for McKennas farewell. We were hoping to get there July 3rd through the 15th. But now, like Marcus says, I have a real job and I have two get off two jobs. I'm going to swing the airport for as long as they let me. I will find out this week if they even let me stay because I have to drop about 16 to 19 hours. Keep our fingers crossed, because we need those tickets to get out there this summer. Seminary is officially over so I'm excited about sleeping a bit more. Maybe I will start working out again. I look like dad when he graduated high school...skinny in case y'all didn't know. You can ask mom, as she pulled out the last morning I was there, I ripped my shirt off (took it off over my head, not like Hulk Hogan) and flexed for her...I'm pretty sure she thought I was Sherri when she had short hair and when she was running marathons;) I saw pics of Brett lying in bed waiting for surgery. So...how is he? Do tell? When is Kenna going through the temple? Is she practicing her hiligaynon? The other days subbed with a lady from the islands but she had never earn of that language. I think she and i will be able to communicate because of its similarities to Spanish. Kayze has eye surgery June 14th. Poor kid can't see. The specialist laughed at the prescription he currently has and said it was worthless. So let's hope this works. He is so tender and well behaved...unless he goes psycho...which he actually just did. Then he turns into a mopey sloppy puddle of no emotions unless they are depression and anger for about 12 minutes. He often times ask about growing in the belly of another woman. He ask random questions quite a bit. This week he asked me about being born by a black lady. Say what? McCoy is the best snuggled but his breath always smells like he drooled all over his face and it dried...oh wait, he does that and it stinks. But I love him finding me in bed because he loves climbing in. The other boys are out growing it and it makes me sad a bit. McCoy had a closing musical thing for his graduation from preschool this week and he had to go potty. Well for whatever reason he didn't make it to the toilet and he was literally dropping terds out his shorts so...he didn't get to sing. He had one poop accident all year and it was with all the parents watching. We do love our Stoid. Cru is about to be finished with the 1st grade. He had an incident this week that broke his heart. A girl tried to sit next to him on the bus and she always tries kissing him so he swung his book bag at her and the plastic part clocked her in the head and she bled a bit and he had to get written up by the bus driver. I believe I started getting written up about the same time. Bad sign. But he was really upset because he would not get ice cream at school if you get written up. So he made her a card and said sorry again. I remember visiting David's class when he had Ms Fairchild in the sixth grade and his friends told me to slap a sixth graders rear end. I can neither confirm nor deny if I did, but I remember walking up the driveway and hearing my full name come ever so lightly from y mothers mouth as she waited on the steps by the door. Let's just say I wasn't getting any ice cream either. Kayla has her yearly girls trip. They went to Austin Texas. She has had great time. I'm glad she has friends like that. Mothers need a break. I still don't know how y'all do it. I think there should be a day every quarter devoted to you. Yesterday was memorial day. We went to the lake all day. It was great. Great food, boating, paddle boarding, swimming, tubing and no gators. I love summer holidays. They are the best. I said earlier that we want to come for the 4th of July. I just read my acceptance offer and it said I get 2 weeks that are prorated. So I'm assuming I can't use 10 days. I will find out soon. I want to say that Sherri is the natural favorite of Mom's, she is the oldest and only daughter. I'm the baby so I am special. Mark...you have somehow pushed your way tot the top. You were the dark horse in the race but getting an actual invite to Mom and Rick's Yellowstone get away moves you to the top. Kudos to you. Honestly that sounds so incredibly fun. One day out will see McCoy as an attraction. They won't know by whence came or even by name...but he will rule all the wild animals the same. Maybe one day we will have a family reunion out there. We would be fine camping...in the summer. Well I apologize for delay. I love you all.

great news Jeff

Okay, today is great news day!!! Jeff, we have all had our prayers answered. Your family has been praying for the job offer to happen and today it has all come true. I have begged the Lord every day and I will be thanking him mightily tonight for taking care of you and your family. I couldn't be more grateful. Then to know that Brett has successfully survived surgery. We have had him in our thoughts and prayers as well and while we expected nothing less, it is always scary to go under the knife. It sounds like from all indications that Sherri's biggest problem now will be trying to keep him occupied and taking it easy for the next 3 weeks. That is hard for Brett to do. I have a confession. Rick and I are enjoying Yellowstone tremendously. Well, we invited Mark, Angela and girls to join us if they could and they came up last night (Thursday). I hope no one feels left out. We would like for all of our kids to come with us and yet, it is never a good time for anyone so we just ask them if they could take a few days this time before we leave for our mission and they decided to take 3 days and come on up. Perhaps another time someone else will be able to come with us. We have seen 3 moose, a grizzly, elk, buffaloes and their calves, coyote, beavers every night right out our door, red fox right out our door, bald eagle. It is quite something. We are hoping Sherri and family will see tons when they come in July. today we woke up to snow but other than the wind, it has been a nice day. We watched Old Faithful erupt and the girls got to see many hot spots and found them fascinating. We just ate a barbeque steak dinner at the condo and Mark and family are in the hot tub. Rick and I decided to stay in tonight and be old foggies. Well, hope everyone's week is great...who could ask for more blessings than our family has had recently? I love you all and looking forward to McKenna's farewell, Jeff and Kayla and boys visit, Michael, Catherine and family's visit, David and Ethan's visit and a family reunion soon. Love to all, Mom

Brett surgery

Hello family! Tomorrow morning is Brett's back surgery. Wanted to ask you all to please keep him in your prayers. It's nice knowing I can count on family:) Dr. says its a 95% success rate, so I'm sure all will be fine. He has been busy today getting done all the last-minute "honey-do's" for me. Haha. We have te be at the hospital at 5:15 AM...holy moly, that's early:) I wish you were here mom to hang with me at the hospital:) But I'm sure you are having  a blast at Yellowstone! Hope everyone is having a great week. School is out for us...summer fun begins! Love you all!
SIS

JULY 14

Hello family! Yes, July 14...this is the date of McKenna's farewell! Holy cow... I still can't believe it. There were 4 other people in our area that got their calls the same day. Two of them go Aug. 28th, one goes Sept. 1st, and one goes Sept. 11th. I did not expect Kenna to go so soon. But, it will actually be better than just waiting around. She has been so excited. We had a neighbor bring over some Filipino food yesterday. Pretty tasty. We have had fun looking up lots of fun details about where she is going. Her city, Bacolod, is nick named the City of Smiles! Fun huh?! Lots of friendly people. I never imagined having a missionary since we don't have any boys. I feel very blessed. Thank you all for being such a great support and example to each of my girls over the years! I've been so excited for her that I haven't thought about the reality of saying goodbye for awhile. She is literally my buddy. She goes EVERYWHERE with me!! It will be an adjustment for this mama for certain. Kam better step it up... unfortuantely, she is in 100% teen mode:)) My girls get out of school next Thurday, May 23rd. I seriously canNOT believe this school year is over!! All four of my girls have gone to Sunset Elementary and we have had some incredible teachers and great experiences. It is a little sad to me that my baby is leaving elementary. An end of an era for me. Kam will be a freshman. I feel tears in my throat as I'm typing. Better change the subject.
Ok, this next part is for Mark (and Angie)... I am seriously a horrible, lame, loser sister. I even thought about calling and telling you we were going to Lagoon. But talked myself out of it. We had an employee give us free tickets (which ended up not being free by the way). It was a quick trip and last minute decision. BUT, that is NO excuse!! We are lame! I'm sorry!! I will never ever do that again!! Forgive me brother??!! Also, whats up with dangling some big news and then saying we shall tell you later???? You're killing me smalls. We are so excited to have you stay with us in July!
Now for Jeff (and Kayla)... thank you a million times for coming out on Mother's Day. What a treat. I still keep thinking about how kind it was fro Kayla to sacrifice her day for us. It was so neat. Mark... you and I are just going to have to get used to being out-done. I mean, it was Jeff who did this whole blog too!! We may have to combine our efforts Mark!! Haha. It was a fun time and I am grateful we had a couple days to visit.
Well, I'm signing off. Let me know your travel plans everyone! I feel like summer hasn't even officially started and its already going fast. We have so much to get done by July! Take care everyone and love you all bunches!
Sher

A travesty!!

I refuse to be upstaged by my younger brother, I refuse! So it is time Angela and I reveal our big news...Angela is pregnant. We are hoping it is a boy, but regardless of its gender we will be naming the child Shay (or if a boy, Shea) Hannum Hall. Take that Jeff, and Sherri!!

Okay okay, I am just kidding. I am glad Jeff was able to come and visit, mom deserved a Mother's Day surprise like that. I wish I could have come down to share in all of those wonderful memory making days. We are looking forward to Jeff and Kayla's visit in July as well. I am also looking forward to a visit from Mike and Catherine and David and Ethan. I am salty with my sister since I see pictures of all of her girls and Justin at Lagoon a few weeks ago, yet I do not remember a call, text, or visit from my sister a few weeks ago, hmmmm. Facebook can destroy families...when posted pictures reveal visits to my area without saying hello, Sherri Remund!

In case the last paragraph was not obvious, Angela is not pregnant. Truly there is not a lot of news to report. We did move last weekend to Eagle Mountain Ranches, which is on the East side of Utah Lake by Saratoga Springs. Now the real fun begins, unboxing all the junk. Yuck! Other than that, all is well with our family. The kids get out of school June 6th, Angela and I are continuing to work hard with SelectHealth, and we are all healthy and happy. As a family we are currently working towards something that may be huge for our family, but in the spirit of Jeff's teasers the further details will come at a later date. Alright, I guess that about wraps up this weeks info. Jeff what is the update on the websites, the job interview you had, and do we know what dates you are coming out here? Sherri, what is the update on Justin and Ashley? Has he found a job after he graduates? What are their plans after graduation? I look forward to hearing some updates to these questions. Take care Hall, Remund, Mayfield family! Come visit Eagle Mountain Ranches!!

best mother's day surprise ever

Jeff has definitely outdone himself...what a surprise he pulled on Sherri and I for Mother's Day. Just as we sat down for dinner Sunday, he walks right in the front door. I am quite sure my heart skipped a beat or more and I was speechless. Sherri was screaming, I was stunned, I was crying, just not sure it was really happening. We had a wonderul 2 days....but alas, it all came to a screeching halt this morning as I went to work and he headed home. It was fabulous, but now I am very lonely. He is gone and I miss him more. But it was worth it. I enjoyed having him home if even for a few moments in time. We ate, laughed, cooked, talked and tried to get caught up on the past year. I guess that is how it is meant to be. Just try to get caught up and know it will have to be enough until the next time. I will look forward to Kayla and boys coming in July...then our whole family can hopefully be together for a short time. I love it. Thanks to everyone of my kids and Ethan as well for thinking to call me and visit me on Mother's Day. And thanks to Kayla for sacrificing Jeff on Mother's Day weekend so Jeff could spend it with me and Sherri. I appreciated it very much. I love each of you. I am so proud to be called Mom or Grandma by each of you. A grateful mom.

McKenna's call

Wow! What an exciting night for our entire family. Sherri's little girl and my 1st granddaughter is headed on a mission. I think we were all shocked when she said the Phillipines. And who has heard of Hiligaynon as a language? My goodness, can I even imagine her being a missionary so far from us and speaking a language that I cannot pronounce? Well, yes I can because McKenna is a young woman that can do anything she sets her mind to. She has shown us so many times that she is dedicated, determined, and devoted. No one will cry more than my little girl (and I suspect Grandma) when McKenna pulls out of here, but no one will be more proud. She is just a great example of all that is good in life. I am so happy for her as well. When she comes home, wow, she will walk even taller than she does now. McKenna, the Phillipinians are in store for a real treat. They will love you and love that red hair. I suspect some might even join the church because of that gorgeous red hair. I am still workig hard on family history. You Hall boys will not believe this; I shared it with Sherri already. I put in your Great Grandpa Hall (your Grandpa Hall's Dad) Reverend Valentine Hall. Guess what? Someone had already entered his name and done the work for his parents and 4 siblings. They did not do your great grandfather and great grandmother. I have finished their dates by looking them up in the cemetery where your grandparents are married. Now you guys can do their work and have your grandpa sealed to them and them have them sealed to each other. Is that ever so neat. I am working on getting your Dad's family sealed so he can not be mad at me any more. And I now have Denny's card ready for you to take in July. I went to the cemetery on line and found his grave. As I say, I am "on fire". Rick and I are even more excited about serving a mission now that McKenna actually has her call. We are still hoping for Kirtland. We are going to Ohio in June and are going to talk to the missionaries while we are there. Afterall, Ohio might need us. I have a son there that needs converted. Right, David? Of course, we will go anywhere the Lord wants. I hope everyone is getting into the spirit of missionary work. This is our family's time to let the Lord know we love Him and we support His work. McKenna will need to hear from Hall of us on a regular bases. No slackers allowed. Mark and Jeff will testify that news from the homefront is important when discouragement sets in. Love my family. A grateful Mom and Grandma!!We must get firm on our family plans now. She will be gone before we know it!!!

Exciting Week

Hello there fam! Well, it is family night and most of my fam is gone for a bit. So I thought I would connect with my other family for a few minutes! I had a great weekend, starting with Women's Conference at BYU and then weekend with all my kiddos (I'm relishing the times I get them all togther now).  Food for thought...we sisters (and mom) should all go to womens conf. together sometime. It is so uplifting, I just love it! We are SO excited for this week...especially McKenna.They told her Wednesday or Thursday, but the cute girl looked today! I have a feeling she will stay state-side. I only hope that she feels good about where she goes. She is nervous about being too close to home and being hoemsick. We will be in touch wednesday or thursday for sure.
Ok now, a few commnts. First of all... JEFF, I never yelled at you for getting lost. Why must you have negative memories against your only sister?!?! I don't even know about that at all. Second, you made up for it by your sweet Christlike service at Trek. Thank you so very much for sharing that Kayla. It touched my heart a 1000 times. Third, MARK...your last blog was the most touching thing I have ever read.As I sat reading it,  an overwhelming feeling of the Spirit came over me! Thank you so very much for sharing your feelings!!! And finally, I will be on the look out for Elder McLean. We actually just got two full-time elders in out stake for the first time. How is the job stuff going for you Jeff? We keep you in our prayers as well. We will be excited to get together this summer with everyone. However, you guys know that I shall never hike the subway again!!So count me out on that day. We are going to Rexburg July 23 for Justin's graduation and are hitting Lava Hot Springs. I shall not be breaking my tail bone again either as I will not be doing the high jump. I have faced the fact that I am OLD! HAHA. Well, hope everyone is enjoying their family night. I'm signing off for today. Thanks again for all the sweet posts! Love you all. Have a good week. You will all be hearing from us soon:)
Love- SIS

love it

I sure have loved all the posts lately.. Kayla, thanks for sharing the story of Jeff washing the feet of your daughters on Trek, while he did share quite a bit of Trek with us, he failed to mention that storing and I have been unable to get it out of my mind. Like you, I will always think of him doing that. I have had quite a week as I continue to work on family history. I have had new doors open up. I was going through some old papers that I had filed away and found a note I made at least 20 years ago mentioning that my mom's mother had had a baby girl die at age 2 back in 1907. I found it on an old tombstone long before my grandparents were even married when my grandmother was married to someone else. I can now have that little girl sealed to her parents. That work might never have happened if I had not jotted that note down when visiting the cemetery one day in Caldwell and just made a note of it. I am amazed of things that are happening. I read of things like this, but now it is happening to me and it is quite unbeliveable. Rick and I continue to move towards retirement and a mission. I confirmed with my boss this week and I will definitely be retired by end of year. I am meeting with a realtor on Tuesday. There are 2 other houses on the market right on my street. Darn. May make it harder, but I will not stress...the Lord will help us. We know McKenna will hear this week on her mission. We are so excited for her. By this time next week, she will know and be making her plans. Can you believe it? Just yesterday, she was in diapers...or so it seems. That is how fast the time goes. Mark and Angie will be in their new home. My family is on the move. David and I had a nice phone visit last week. I wish he weren't so far away. He needs us. June 29th is the Hannum family reunion in Belle Valley. Rick and I will be going. Sure would be fun if some of my kids could go. I would love to show you off but I know it is so far away. Jeff, let me know what you are thinking for your trip here....we want to get making plans ASAP. Well, getting ready for church, but wanted to send a quick update. Rick and I are speaking tonight to the elders Quorum and their wives on balancing our lives...church, family, work, school. I don't know if I am a good one to address those topics, but will give it a shot. My kids might tell a different story. I love you Hall. MOM