Friday

Watch for a text message from me on Friday morning. We got a call Friday saying we have been assigned a mission call. It will probably arrive Thursday here in St.George, but Rick doesn't fly in until Friday so I will have to wait for him to get here for us to open it together. Then we decided we will send out a text to all 9 of our children at the same time. It will be a long week for Rick and I...praying the Lord remembers certain things about your mom...that she hates to be too cold, that she hates rascals, you know all these things as does the Lord....Rick hates the heat so what can He do with us? We will serve where we are asked to go. It would just be nice to be comfortable, but oh well, Jeff showered with bats and had rascals in the sink while he ate. I guess it all works out the way it is supposed to, but the first time they put an entire goat head on my dinner table, I am sure I will upchuck right then and there. McDonald's may become my best friend after I have ignored it all these years since the boys left home. And if they put a pig head on the table, I think me and bacon would part ways as well. Hallie would love that!! Oh well, my excitement this week will be trying to get through the week. My position is posted at work and they have 4 candidates. I am a lame duck now. boohoo. 46 years of nursing and I am happy and sad as well. I know today is a milestone (a sad one) for my kids. I am thinking of each of you and hope you are having good memories of your Dad today. I love you and wish you every good thing in life. One of the reasons for Rick and I serving a mission is the hope that our children and grandchilren will be blessed while we are gone. this is one of the promises. Love, Mom

Amazing

Here is what I find amazing. My children are seeing what I have been saying for so many years. Families are the best. It seems like each of you in your own special way is finding out that not only your own mate and children are dear and near to you but you also love being with each other. I remember well when I wanted to spend time with my brothers and sister. We were married and all had our own families, but when someone couldn't come for a birthday or holiday, I was so sad...a part of me felt so lonely for that person. You are beginning to understand that. When I was home this summer, Uncle Steve had a cook out and Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Ted, Uncle Carl and Aunt Lynda all came. Of course, Uncle Dan is gone. That was the best night of my trip. All my siblings were there together. That may not happen again in my life time. We did not want to go home. We sat around and visited about the days as kids. We went over to an old farm house that we lived in growing up (Uncle Steve owns it now) and we talked about where our Christmas tree sat and what was each of our rooms. We have memories. great memories. I hope each of you have memories from your childhood and when I am gone you will still want to get together and talk about your family life growing up. Maybe your kids will talk about cousins and how they got together for family reunions. I still love getting together with my cousins when I go to the Hannum family reunion. And we are in our 60's and 70's. Mark, I, like Sherri, really enjoyed your blog. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I have been worried about Jeff working so many hours and I know they have sacrificed family time. Sometimes we all do what we have to do to survive. This economy has hurt every single one of my kids, but has been extremely difficult for Jeff. I am praying that we will be able to find a job he loves in the future but in the meantime I know he is grateful for a job that provides good insurance and some security for now. Rick and I are holding tight waiting for our mission call. Still no word so not sure what that means.We know a couple who put their papers in the same time as us and they heard 3 weeks ago. Is that a bad sign or good sign? Maybe we will end up with McKenna. Perhaps she was sent to lay the ground work for us. I am so proud of her. Sherri does cry a bit, but who wouldn't? I know they are tears of joy. As for Christmas music, Rick might be able to tell you a little about whether we listened to some while we traveled to Yellowstone this past weekend. It seemed fitting. cold, rainy, in the mood weather. I am not as sly as Sherri. I enjoyed it tremendously. Kayla would not be happy with us though, but it was great. I may have to make a pumpkin pie soon. Oh, yes, I have all my fall decorations out. Someone looked at my house last night to rent and they thought it looked beautiful with all the leaves and pumpkins out. Maybe they will want to rent it since it looked so pretty!! I love my family more than this old computer will express. Mom

Its P-Day

Hello family! It's Sister Remund's P-day...that means its my P-day too:) I call it my play day...haha. I admit I have spent more time looking at her blog than the 'journhalls' blog...I will be better:) Doesn't mean I don't think of all of you often! Seems like now more than ever I am thinking of family. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I've had kids leave the nest...makes me reflect a lot on family!! SO, speaking of family...I want to say how much I loved Mark's most recent post. WOW. I'm not one to be emotional (well, since Kenna has left I cry a lot), but I just sat here reading and weeping. That was truly inspiring, touching, and beautiful Mark. THANK YOU for sharing your feelings! I understand that is more difficult for you. You are incredible and I want you to know that I love you too!! I also couldn't agree with you more. Family is where its at!! And I certainly love mine! Thank you again for your thoughts!!

Not too much new to report. Ashley & Justin found a place to live. Another big shout-out here to Mark & Angie (and Mason & Connley) for opening their home to them for awhile!! Their jobs seem to be going well, and I am happy to have them a bit closer. Kam & Hallie are getting used to being the only ones around. They are cute with each other (most of the time) and I relish every moment with them. I realize it is going to go fast and before I blink, they will too be gone. And sweet McKenna is wonderful too. Check out her blog...we post her stuff once a week. It was so GREAT to talk to her at the airport. We only got 30 minutes and it went way too fast. She had memorized Joseph Smith's first vision in her language and recited it to us. Was sweet. If you read her last letter...count how many times she says "Its great". Brett and I have been cracking up!! Everything is great:))) Brett's back/leg is finally on the up and up!! YAY!! Relief. Feel very grateful about that. We've seen a slight increase at the bakery with the onset of fall...hopefully it will continue. I love fall...I may have listened to a few Christmas tunes, but I can't say for certain.

Well, I'm off to frost cupcakes! Hope you all have a great week. Love you, miss you, and am thankful for each of you!
SIS

Hello family

It is almost 1 a.m. here in the Utah Valley and I am just wrapping up some school work. Lately it has become very difficult to focus on school work, so I find myself procrastinating the work in the evenings and then staying up too late to do my assignments. After working all day, when I get home I want to spend time with the girls and be involved. Then when they go to bed I want to spend time with Angela, even though this time is usually spent just watching TV it is time together away from work and other occupiers. Having said that I find myself worried about others in my family, most notably Jeff. I am concerned with the amount of work you are putting in, and the lack of sleep or family time you may be receiving. I sincerely pray your work load will begin to decrease, and the need for you to work so much with your day job, night job, seminary, and your side businesses you are trying to get up and running, will diminish soon. Remember, "Family, It's about time." This is not to say you should not be working so much, because I know in order to get by sometimes excessive work is required. I just hope the end is near, and if it is not please let us, your family, know how we can help. You may live in South Carolina, but you are not alone. I am the worst at asking for help, shoot I move at night just so the ward won't try to come and help, but I am always more than willing to help in anyway I can. Please brother whatever you may need, let us know.

Rather than update my family situation tonight, I really just wanted to share what has been on my mind. The first paragraph has been one of the things on my mind the most. Another thing, and related to the stuff above, is that this life's purpose is not about accounting reports, or selling the most products. Our Heavenly Father wants us to work, and be productive, but I doubt I will need to know how to generate A/R reports in Heaven or dissect an insurance EOB. The purpose of this life is to learn, grow, and experience life. Learning to work with others and manage people, or how to utilize our time, those are valuable skills that will benefit us after this life. Mostly though I believe we are to work on our families, building relationships, working together to build a unified, celestial family. They say we spend more time at work with co-workers than we do with our families at home. That is sad. I made a commitment a few years ago to myself, Heavenly Father, and my family that I would put family first. It is not always easy, and sometimes the demands of work are real and must be satisfied, but if I have to choose between work and family, my family will win every time. This is why we long for the day when Angela will be home with the girls. However, in order to provide the proper home for them, we have had to make some sacrifices. In time we believe the fruits of her labors will reap a better home, better environment for our girls, and her in the home more rather than at work. That time is not right now, but hopefully soon. I just think there has to be more to life than waking up, dredging into work, coming home whooped, killing a couple hours, going to bed exhausted and waking up early the next morning to do it all over again. Obviously there is more to life than this, but sometimes I struggle to get out of that rut and make sure I am enjoying the life God has blessed me with, and enjoying the wonderful people he has surrounded me with. At work, I encourage a lot of camaraderie among my team. I figure these people are part of my extended heavenly family, we should get to know each other and build lasting, meaningful relationships. This is from the anti-social member of our family I know. I love spending time with each of you. The weeks I had to spend with David, Michael, Sherri, and Jeff this summer were awesome. I loved every minute of it. I wish we lived closer and did more together. I find myself dreaming of our rafting trips in West Virginia every time I watch an Ohio State game. I thoroughly enjoy my family. I just am not the world's best conversationalist. My shy nature is second only to by boyish good looks.

I think of each of you constantly, and wish I could do more to help with the many situations we have right now in our family. Unfortunately none of us are rich and have the means where by to help out as much as I know we all could. Life is a grind, and it seems like lately we all have been on the up slope rather than enjoying coasting down the hill. I hope each of you know that I think of you often, pray that your burdens will be made lighter, and that you will stay strong and happy even during these times of trial and tribulation. For myself, I have found the greatest stress relief to be rearranging my priorities. I am unlikely to be rich, so working 60-80 hours a week just to get by wears a person down emotionally and mentally much more than physically. However, as I worked to spend more time with my family, leave work at work, and separate my life into its respective categories, I have found less stress, more happiness, and a stronger relationship with my kids and my wife. Clearly I am not perfect, and I have made many mistakes that continue to plague my family and life, but I cannot go back and change those mistakes, I can only go forward changing the impact and consequences they have on me and my family. One of my favorite quotes is from the movie, Kung Fu Panda..."The past is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift that is why its called the present". I love you Mom. I love you Sherri. I love you Michael. I love you David. I love you Jeff. I love my wife and two beautiful girls. I will do anything for each of you, so please if you need anything just ask. There is nothing to small or too great, we are family, forever. Each of you have helped me many times in many ways, I want to return a portion of what you have done for me. Take care and hope to see you soon.
Love, Mark

good morning

To All My Children, I was at the hospital late last night as one of my ICU Charge Nurses was bicycling, hit by a minivan and killed instantly. He was 36 years old with 4 children and a wonderful wife. He was also a Life Flight nurse and always wore a smile. He told me once he smiled because there was nothing in life that was worth being sad about. He was a marathon runner, Iron man and triathalon. We are in mourning at the hospital as you can imagine. I share this with you because life is short and I want to make sure you hug your mate, your children and call your mom more often. Don't let life get so busy that you forget the important things in life. This great person loved life but I know he never expected life to be over so quickly. None of us do. I love you. mom

If you think it is hard being a parent, wait until you are a grandparent. My heart bleeds when I hear about my grandchildren and what they are going through. I went to the same school for all 12 years so I never had any of those trials like my grandchildren. I cannot stand the idea that Mason is eating alone. What the dickens? Kids can be so cruel. And for Hallie not to get the part...we all know she is so talented. Then Jeff told me today that on McCoy's first day of school, his teacher told Kayla that he was a very bad boy and has no friends. She said it right in front of McCoy. I cannot take such insensitivity. What is wrong with people? I am so upset with all of it. I assumed once I got my kids through school I wouldn't have to worry, but no, I can see this is not the case. I guess this world is all messed up. Tonight I will be praying that things will turn around for everyone. Jeff has to have surgery on his knee. Messed it up when he was here. Kayze's eye surgery is next week. I told Jeff he needs to get rid of the black cloud. They are trying to find a place to rent as well. Gosh, prayers are needed in our family. Love, mom

Try this again...

     I have tried to add to the blog the past few days, but for some reason it would not let me. I am now accessing the blog through Google Chrome and it lets me, but I still cannot type if I go into it through Internet Explorer. Anyways, as if anyone cares! I thought there was a rule that you cannot call people out on this blog? I get on and read others's post everyday, but I either have nothing to add or am in a position where I cannot add at the time. Our home laptops are sketchy, so I really only post at work, and lately work has been pretty busy. 

     First things first, GO BUCKS!!!! College football starts this week, and I am so excited. I have high hopes for the scarlet and grey, so I await the season with cautious optimism. As Sherri and Mom have stated, Justin and Ash moved into our home last week. We are excited to have them stay with us, and the girls have enjoyed playing with Justin this past week. I do worry, they will be bored with Angela and I since we are not the social butterflies they are use to in St. George, and at BYU-Idaho. Our reclusive lifestyle is not for everyone, and quite different than my siblings Sherri, David, Mike, and Jeff, and Mom for that matter. Justin had orientation today, and Ashley had some feelers out there for job possibilities, so hopefully the move to Salt Lake will be good for them. If nothing else, they are 4 hours closer to home/Sherri, plus now the St. George faction will be more motivated to actually stop and say hello when they travel North. It is already working, as we will be having Kamryn and Hallie stay with us this coming weekend, so that Brett and Sherri can celebrate their anniversary properly. We are excited to have them, but I think Ashley and my two girls are far more excited than anyone. It will be a fun weekend, capped with a BBQ at Rick's for Labor Day.

     Our beautiful girls started school last week, so this week will be their official first full week back. So far the first few days of school have been good. Connley was nervous about going to school without Mason, for the first time ever, but on her first day she made a really good friend who was just as nervous as her so they bonded immediately. Starting school as the new kid would be very difficult, especially the older you get. I am glad my girls don't get to upset with all of the moves we have made, but I don't think I could ever ask them to move again. I wish they had more stable friends, and want them to have a good social circle in high school, and am afraid if they don't develop those bonds now, they will not have those good influences in high school. Mason was very excited about 7th grade, and loves having a locker. However, her transition to a new school has not been as smooth as Connley's. They are supposed to have locker buddies, someone they share their locker with. Most kids do not want a locker buddy, because they want their own locker. When you are a new kid, in 7th grade, without any friends you do want a locker buddy. Mason had a locker buddy, whom she never met, but apparently after the first day she moved into a locker with one of her friends. Mason never met her, and is very sad because she was hoping they would become "besties". To make matters worse, Mason's school has floating lunches, so on some days you eat lunch at A time and the other days of the week you eat lunch at B time. Mason has a girl in one of her classes right before B lunch day that she goes to lunch with and eats, but on A day she has been sitting at the end of a lunch table by herself. She talks about it each day, so I know it is really effecting her. Needless to say, as Sherri stated, the desire to protect my kid has caused my heart to hurt and be constantly saddened each day by the situation. I just picture my sweet baby sitting all by herself at a table, watching all the other kids laugh and play around with each other. It really is heart breaking! She even tried to sit with some kids and when she sat down they finished their lunch and walked away. Those kids are dead!!! It was a hard first week, but she has stayed so positive. She is happy and goofy everyday when we get home. As I said, she mentions it so I know it bothers her, but she is trying to not let it get her down I guess. Ah!!! School is way more stressful as a parent than it ever was as a student!

     Other than school, Justin and Ash, things are pretty normal for Angela and I. We continue to work, and spend 23.99 hours together 7 days a week. We ride to work together, which actually has been nice especially for the car pool lane perks, haha. Plus, she makes sure that I do not work too late, since we have to ride home together. We are trying to lay low on our Ward's radar, since we have a new bishopric, so right now we are enjoying being calling free. It has been relaxing. I found out last month, I have 4 classes left to finish my Master's. I should have been done by now, but I took a few semesters off. It was the right decision though because the semesters I took off would have been too busy to perform all of my duties, especially school, to the best of my abilities. So 4 classes, which is 2 more semesters and I am officially over-educated and underpaid. Really I enjoy school, and probably will look for other areas of study to increase my knowledge and portfolio. I do enjoy attending classes much more than online classes, so I am excited to get done with my online classes ASAP. 

     Sherri, perhaps you should tell Hallie they could not cast her as an orphan, because the audience would have been confused about who Annie was her or someone else(since she looks so much like Annie with that red hair). Oh and as for Kamryn and football games, if I were you and Brett, I would become a fan of the Snow Canyon Warriors football team real fast. I would attend every game! Those football games are bad news!!! I remember attending football games, and it was not for the sport that is for sure. It is too bad to hear about this creep boy, but better now than later maybe. I do not look forward to the high school years at all. We will keep all of your girls in our prayers. Ok, I have fulfilled my annual obligation so I better go now. Haha! Just kidding. Ta-ta for now.