January Newletter

Mom and Dad say:

Hello again, I have spent the last few days getting my christmas letters out. Since I didn't get any sent in December I thought If I wanted to hear from anyone this next christmas I'd better do something! Included one of the family photos taken at our beach party. January saw the start of basketball for Sophie and Alexa. Their games are fun to watch for me but not for dad. Its fun to watch the learning process. Dad had three falls so is going to see the doctor and see if there is anything he can do. He was lucky that nothing was broken. We have been shoveling snow this last month! Just find the driveway and it gets covered up again. I'm starting to see flowers in the stores but I know they are just baiting us-especially after the groundhog seeing his shadow! Was glad we could watch President Hinckley's service from home. He was such a wonderful man. I look forward to the direction of the new presidency. Alexa and Sophie and I went to the Hannah Montana movie concert last week- screams and dancing and cell phone lights waving in the air lets me know I don't think a live concert is in my future. Happy birthday to all the January birthday's. Know that you are loved!
Love mom and dad



Angie and Mark say:

Hello Family! January was a very fun month. Alexa turned 11, Aunt Angie turned 40 and Sophie turned 9. Alexa had one friend over for her birthday - played and did a homemade facial. Sophie had her birthday party on Friday after school. They played wii, one of the friends brought over guitar hero and they all played air band. One of the boys wanted to play the drums, so he improvised and found colored markers from Sophie's gift, the velvet poster, he was drumming so hard that the red marker exploded on the carpet and the wall. (Still trying to get the pink out of the carpet) The centrifugal (spelling correct) force of the drumming action and holding the marker ink side down was not a good combination. Be warned when forming air bands, that you do not use markers as instruments!

We got lots of snow in January. When the plow came down the street, Nonnie and I hailed the driver and asked him to pile the snow in our yard. We were able to get a pretty good hill and Mark formed a berm to curve in front of the house so that the kids would not sled through the front door. So from the corner of the driveway, into the yard and onto the berm to go parallel along the door and living room window worked out very well. The kids had two great weeks of sledding in our front yard.

We also started organized chaos this month, the girls call it basketball. We teach them the fundamentals during the week, then we loose our voices during the games yelling at the kids as to where they need to be, find the person you are guarding, and move to get open so that you can get the ball. Defense is coming along a bit better than offense. Alexa did very well in her last game, posting up and using her height to her advantage. Sophie does well with ball handling, shooting and rebounding. Sophie's games are early in the morning and Alexa's games are the end of the day. It makes Saturdays tricky, but we have managed to get it all done.

Alexa has found a mom that has three young children, and they set up a trade. Alexa will help with babysitting and get practice with that and then the mom will spend time with Alexa teaching her how to stamp, make cards and scrapbook. The mom Lora, (secretary in Primary with me) is excited and so is Alexa. We are all hoping this works out, that Alexa gets the practice for babysitting, although she is still nervous about staying home by herself for short periods of time, perhaps by 12 she will be more comfortable with that, maybe not.

Hope you are doing well, it is fun to hear how things are going.
Take care, Love, the Jackson's




Laura and Nathan say:

Okay, so here is my news from January.....

We had a good January!! Our biggest news in January is our new car. We absolutely love it and can't wait until we can take it on a road trip. With the money mom and dad sent, we were able to get new carseats for Spencer and Benjamin and so we feel pretty "styl'in" in our new car!!! I've washed it and vacuumed it out more in the past month than I did our last car in almost a year. I over heard Sarah tell her friend when she was showing her our new car, "Yeah, my mom is super picky about our new car. She won't let us eat in it and we always have to clean it out." I hope to let them think that as long as possible!!!!!

Much like most of you all, we had so much snow that we began to feel like all the animals that hibernate in the winter. We prayed many times and did silly "snow dances" to increase our chances of having a snow day, but only ended up having two. On those two snow days, we did many crafts and baking yummy things!

Nathan has often wanted to "get into" Longaberger baskets, so with some of the money mom and dad sent, he signed up. He fell in love with the baskets when we were living with the Balls as MaryAnn has then all over the house. He loves the look and especially the fact that they are all hand made in Ohio. You can see his website at www.longaberger.com/nathansmith and of course, if anyone is interested in ordering anything - just remember you'll get his discount. :) He has also decided to do classes in our neighborhood that include a basket and some type of flowers or food. His mind hasn't stopped with all the possibilities, but don't worry, I haven't let him quit any job yet.

We hope everyone else is doing well and know that we love you all!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO,

Nathan, Laura, Sarah, Andrew, Spencer & Benjamin






Jon and Heidi say:

Why be difficult when with a bit of effort you can be impossible?

What can we say that is new and fun? Caleb had a wonderful birthday party on the 2nd of February with lots of friends and Dr. Seuss galore! He also got to go with Palmer and Heidi to the nickel arcade on his actual birthday. The boys love their Webkins and go online all the time. Caleb used some birthday money and bought another Webkins for his birthday. He got a pig and named him Chef Gazpacho. Now Palmer is trying to find ways to earn or finagle money to buy a new one. He even yanked out his loose tooth Saturday night so the tooth fairy would come. His other two front teeth are wiggly and will come out soon. We'll be sure and get pictures of his toothless grin.

I intend to live forever. So far, so good

We love to play board games as a family and lately Heidi and I have even designed and created a few different ideas. They are all in different stages of creation and someday we'll hopefully market one, or many, and sell hundreds of thousands of copies. Heidi has been making some jewelry lately (mostly necklaces) and placing them for sale at her local boutiques. I think she'll have success with them as with most of her artistic endeavors.

Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
-Winnie the Pooh

We look forward to going to a Jazz game in a couple of weeks. Palmer got two tickets when he signed up for basketball. There was a mother there who said she wouldn't be able to use them so she gave them to us so we all could go! I hope it's not too loud and crazy for Caleb.



Well, besides the fifteen feet of snow we've gotten, that's about everything in our neck of the woods. Hope all are well and safe!



Love,

JHPC Sears

A couple of quotes for Mom

2 Sew or Not 2 Sew?

Is it even a Question?

She who dies with the most fabric wins!

Jayna and Ryan say:


Trying to think back on the month and all I can remember was snow, snow and more snow. I am sure that is what all of you experiences as well. I for one am ready for spring and am looking forward to warmer weather! Ryan and I have been busy with school and work. We are getting into the swing of things with our primary calling and really love our kids, all 8 of our 4 year olds! We get to do sharing time next month, we will let you know how it goes.
One interesting thing this last month was seeing all of the news coverage of Presidents Hinkley passing. He was on the nightly news for about 2 weeks. It was really interesting and we really enjoyed watching his funeral service and seeing the state really celebrate his life.

It is sad to say but that is all that we can really report for this last month. We have been pretty low key but I suppose I would rather have that than have something crazy happen. We hope all the birthday folks last month had great days! We love you all and hope you are doing well!

Love
Ryan and Jayna

December Newsletter

Mom and Dad Say:

Hello everyone-- We had a very quiet holiday at our house. We had a fun day with Angie's family christmas morning with the fun surprise of a WII for their family. Mark was surprised! Angie was glad because he is seldom surprised. Sandy came the 25th and stayed until Jan 3. She was able to sleep until 1:00 if she wanted to and got to see some other friends.

We were saddened by the loss of our baby-to-be--hope Jayna and Ryan could feel love and support from everyone. Look forward to getting to know this little mystery personality someday. Want to congratulate Jon and Heidi on their success with weight watchers!! Congratulations to Jayna and Ryan---A,A,A,A,A!! When the weather warms up, the Smith family will be looking for a road trip to try out their new car. Maybe we will get to see a picture on an e-mail. I am grateful to each of you for what you add to my life--Know that you are loved. Love Mom and Dad

Just for a laugh:

Adam looking at Eve in the garden " Eve, you put my favorite pants in the salad!"

Angie and Mark,

December at the Jackson home. Dec. 1st was our ward Christmas party, with the primary singing Christmas Carols. Mark's office party was the next weekend. Then the craziness began . . . Come Unto Christmas was very enjoyable. We invited non-member friends, the Nelson's, Sophie's best friend Kaylie, and the Anderson's, Alexa and Sophie's friends, Hannah and Quinten. It was fun that their entire families came to look at the Nativities and listen to the choirs.

Alexa had a choir concert two Mondays that month. I went up with Alexa's choir on Tuesday to Mt. Bachelor to sing at MB employee Christmas party. I saw Ernie Poole and Denise.

Mark and I had a coaches meeting for basketball. I am coaching Sophie's team and Mark is coaching Alexa's team starting in January.

Thursday we went Caroling as a family with the other families in the primary presidency and went to children's home. We all sang the beginning of Dashing Through the Snow and then 3 year old Henry sang a solo of Jingle Bells, it was darn cute.

Friday was my office party which we go to as a family. The kids go downstairs and play and have pizza, while the adults stay upstairs and enjoy a yummy catered meal.

Christmas week was very enjoyable in that Mark and I did not work and we did not have an adgenda. I was able to keep a secret and surprise the girls AND Mark with a wii. We opened all of the gifts, had breakfast and then opened our last gift (the wii). Mark said the girls screamed so loud that his eyeballs rattled in his head. We then proceeded to set up the wii and played that the rest of the day. It was nice to stay home, we played wii and board games, we went to National Treasure, and spent time with Nonnie, Grandpa and Sandy.

We are so grateful to be a part of this family, we love you all so very much. Take care, Mark, Angie, Alexa and Sophie








Laura and Nathan Say:

Hello everyone,

We had a jam-packed, but very fun month!!! I will only share the highlights!!
Sarah was presented with the Principal's Award for the Month of December. The Principal wrote a very kind letter to her and read it in front of all the school and parents. I will only share a part of it. "Every time Mr. Conant's class passes by I know that I can count on you to be smiling and on your best behavior. I want you to know that your teacher and I are both very proud of you. We are very excited about your academic potential. More than that, we are proud of the respectful and sincerely pleasant person you are each and every day." We were very proud of her! She also happened to wake our entire house up at 1am on Christmas morning. We will never forget this Christmas.

Andrew had a very fun 6th Birthday. He wanted just a few to come to our house and we had a Webkinz party. We played Webkinz Walk and they each "won" a webkinz that was wrapped in a paper bag so they wouldn't know which one they were getting. The rest of the party was playing games with their new webkinz on an obstacle course and webkinz bingo. Thank you to everyone for remembering Andrew on his birthday! He felt very celebrated!!!

Spencer got Little Pet Shops for Christmas and has turned our whole family into a LPS family. We all love them and play with him and the LPS often. He had several fun questions for us about Santa around the holidays and had a hard time imagining Santa coming down our chimney so we bought a Santa key that would allow Santa to come in our front door - just in case he couldn't fit. He also wondered why Santa always says "Ho Ho Ho" and always SO loud. It was a magical Christmas for us all this year! He continues to love Preschool and has had many playdates lately.

Benjamin is at such a fun stage - learning things all the time. He absolutely LOVES the Wii that we got for Christmas. He plays with the controllers any chance he can. When the Wii is on - he makes really loud noises because he is SO excited. He loves for me to hold him and play. He loves to stand in front of the TV with a controller acting like he is playing while actually someone else (mostly Andrew) is playing. He also loves any phone. The other night Nathan had a whole armful of toys he was bringing in from the car and bent down to see which one Benj wanted to play with. He looked at all of them and then grabbed Nathan's cell phone and walked away very content. We also have found him to LOVE anything that has to do with cleaning. He loves the vacuum, all the cleaning supplies under the sink, the broom, the mop and the duster. Let's hope this interest continues throughout his life!!

Nathan took several days off around the holidays and this was fun for all of us. We went sledding at the Balls and had lots of fun in the snow. Sarah and I were able to go to see Enchanted and we both LOVED it. Our whole family knows the song "That's how you know".

Nathan did some shopping after Christmas and got all of Christmas down before Andrew's birthday.

We love you so much and hope you are all doing well! We found out today that Sarah will be getting baptized on July 5. If you can come, we would love to have you!!

Jon and Heidi Say:

Wow the New Year is here! 2007 was a blur! Christmas was wonderful even though we didn't end up getting to go to Boise. Poor Heidi and Caleb were sick and the roads were terrible as well. We did get a chance to see Heidi's brother Ryan for a few brief minutes when he had a layover at the Salt Lake airport. We met his girlfriend Shilo and she seemed really nice. It's hard to get to know anyone in less than an hour. Hopefully we'll have a chance to see them again.

We went sledding on New Years Day and it was a blast. Palmer was raring to go, but it took Caleb a little while to warm up to it. By the end of the day, he was going solo down the biggest hill and having a great time. Another great benefit was that Heidi and I got some great exercise trekking up the hill. Afterwards we defeated the the purpose of the whole thing by going to Chuck-a-Rama and stuffing our faces. Heidi and I stuffed ourselves with mostly salads, fruits and veggies. We both lost a little weight over the holidays which was an amazing feat. I love our friends, but they are too generous with all the treats! We gave throw blankets to our friends cause they're low in calories. The blankets, not our friends

We were glad that Jayna and Ryan came up for a Super Saturday and Heidi tackled (and conquered) a slip cover for their chair. Heidi is SOOOO Mega Talented!

Palmer started basketball. He met his coach Thursday, will have one practice Wednesday, and his first game is Saturday morning. I guess the best thing is to just throw them out there and let them have fun right? Palmer has also been reading like crazy. He loves the Magic Treehouse series and has read 15-20 of them.

Caleb is ready for his birthday to be yesterday. He is going to have a Cat in the Hat B-day. The kid is crazy for Dr. Seuss . . . and The Wiggles . . . and Barney . . . and The Polar Express . . . and Bob the Builder . . . and Willy Wonka (New and Old) . . . and just about every other character he sees on the boobtube.

I could probably go on and on but I won't.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

JHPC SEARS

A parting thought:

"Some people are like Slinkys.

They aren't really good for anything,

but they bring a smile to your face

when they're pushed down the stairs."

Jayna and Ryan Say:


December was an interesting month for us. It was full of good things and not so good things. We appreciate your support and kind words as we went through a rough time with Jayna's miscarriage. It was a sad time but we are doing well and looking forward to new opportunities. We both received a conformation that we really want to start our family and are hopeful that things will go well for us. Jayna has been very strong and has handled the whole situation very well being active and outgoing even though she may have been sad inside. Jayna says that I have been supportive and very loving. (Sometimes a little pushy too.)

We had a fun Christmas with Ryan's family. Everyone was there except for Jason, who stayed up in Alaska. We played holiday bingo on Christmas Eve and we slept out in a tent in the back yard. We got to see a deer run by when we were setting up the tent that night. We think it was one of Santa's reindeer scoping things out. It snowed quite a bit that night but it was fun. (even though I forced Jayna to do it).

We both finally finished school (at least one more semester) and we both got A's in our classes. Ryan was very relieved to be done with Anatomy and Physiology and is still recovering.

We hope everyone is recovering from the holiday season and look forward to hearing what's been going on with everyone.

Love Jayna and Ryan

November

Mom and Dad say:

Jayna reminded me this morning that our letter was over due for the family newsletter. I am grateful that they have decided we need to do something like this. Hope we can support you! November was a good month because we were all able to be together in Boise. It was very fun because our Steed family got to announce their new family member. I am grateful we all had good weather to travel. Jayna and Ryan caused a lot of laughter when they took pictures and then re-arranged the faces. Enjoyed the kids production/performance. A big thank you to Laura and Nathan for hosting the dinner. Know that you are loved.

Mom and Dad




Hello everyone!

We can't believe it's the end of another year! There have been a lot of great times this year as well as some interesting twists. We had the insane idea to try and get into real estate and we bought and flipped two homes here in Ogden. That would have been fine if we had separated things a bit but we did them at the same time because we're crazy! We were lucky to be able to sell them both for a profit before the housing market started slowing down here in Utah.

The boys are both loving school. Palmer is in the second grade and loves to read! Caleb is in preschool and loves to sing and dance! Heidi has had some incredible opportunities with her art and interior decorating skills, including our trip last November to paint a bathroom in NY! Jon has read hundreds of books like he always does.

Heidi got Lasik surgery on her eyes and she can see! Caleb got his tonsels removed and he can breathe! Palmer got to play T-ball this summer and will start basketball in January. Jon and Heidi together are working hard to lose weight and live healthier. We've both had some good success and together we've lost 70 pounds!

We look forward to the new year and all the fun life experiences yet to come our way. We love our family and friends and hope we can spend more time with each and everyone of you.

Love, JHPC Sears

>> :.<<<

>> :.<<< Jon >>:.<<<

>> :.<<<

>> :.<<<Heidi >>:.<<<

>> :.<<<

>> :.<<<Palmer >>:.<<<

>> :.<<<

>> :.<<< Caleb >>:.<<<

>> :.<<<

ME RRY CH RISTM AS!

Ryan and Jayna say:

November was a great month for us...it was the month that we found out that our little one is on the way! We had a lot of fun telling the family. We appreciate all of your enthusiasm, it is nice to be supported. We were able to visit with Grandma and Grandpa Steed to tell them about our big news. It was a good visit.

We really appreciate everyones efforts to make it such a fun Thanksgiving, and a special thanks to Nathan and Laura for hosting everyone. We also had the unique bonus of finding out that our good friends Kevin & Rhiannon, and Jake & Amy are also having babies in July! Our due date so far is July 4th so we might have to name the baby "Liberty" or "Justice for all." Jayna is feeling great and is just sleepy, weepy and hungry. Not too different from regular life. We had our first doctors visit, but it was pretty uneventful. We will go back on Dec. 31st to hear the heartbeat so we're excited about that.

We really enjoyed the break from school and work and are looking forward to the end of the semester. We have been settling into our little house (very slowly due to school) and are finally getting things organized. I am slowly coming to a realization that I will no longer have an office in our little 2 bedroom condo. I guess the baby takes priority over my computer and "stuff." That's okay. I'm getting more and more excited every day for our little addition. I'm sure it will get scary really fast when it is finally born, but for now it is just exciting. Jayna says that the baby itself isn't going to be scary but it is true that Ryan will get scared since he is a chicken (at least when it comes to babies).

We have also started a blog for ourselves to help us stay in touch with friends. You can visit it at http://willnmarly.blogspot.com We are looking forward to Christmas, most of Ryan's family will be here in Utah so we are excited about that. We have been getting to know Lucy (Marc and Katie's new baby)and we are happy that she is finally here and that our little baby will have someone to play with. I think that's about all we can remember right now (it's finals and our brains are a little fried).

Love Ryan, Jayna and their little fig (That's about how big the baby is now!)








We missed submissions from some of the other siblings. They must be off spreading holiday cheer. We hope everyone has a good holiday season full of the true Christmas spirit.

Crazy Kids!

First Issue of the Family Newsletter

We are going to try and have our first issue of the Sears Family Newsletter by the middle of this month (December). We have sent out an email asking each family to send us their submission for the what happened in November. Feel free to talk about anything from school to work to crazy things kids say. We would also love for you to send pictures as well. The tentative deadline for this month is the 13th. If you have any questions you can email us or give us a call. We're really excited for this and hope you are too. Talk to you soon.

Love Jayna and Ryan

Sears Family Reunion

These are just a few of our favorite photos.

Hello!

Welcome to the Sears Family Blog