September 2013 News

Holtrys on board with Family Reunion next year.  Are you?
Hi everyone- Are you tired of hearing from the Holtry family yet? I sure would like to hear from all of you. I don’t talk to everyone that frequently so it would be nice to hear from everyone. School has begun here and it’s a whirlwind as always. Josh is a Junior, Hannah is in 6^th grade and Jackson is in 2^nd grade. It’s been a busy year so far and at first I was mad summer was over and school had begun but now I suppose I am happy for the routine that fall and school starting brings.

Josh is off to a great start with Water Polo they won their game last week and he has many more games this season to still play. It’s a really fun sport to watch. Very intense. He is also keeping busy with school and other activities. We got an extra car for him to drive to school and seminary so it’s been nice not getting up so early!

Hannah is doing awesome in 6^th grade. She is on a field trip today doing a Ropes Course at Sac State. I’m jealous about all the fun field trips my kids get to go on at our school. All I remember was going to an occasional museum. Our kids get to do amazing things and I’m glad I often get to go with them! Hannah is playing Soccer this year and loves it. She’s come a long way from her first season in Kindergarten where she wasn’t thrilled playing because she didn't want to run. She is a great player now and a real go-getter.

Jackson is in 2^nd grade and learning things 2^nd graders do. He keeps using the phrase “personal space” so I am assuming his teacher is saying to them to stay out of others “personal space” a lot. Not surprising. He recently got glasses and loves wearing them. My first thought when he got them was – UGH- another kid in glasses and since his prescription is pretty small I figured he would wear them for a day or two and then not be interested anymore. Surprisingly he wears them every day and takes pretty good care of them. One of the moms at the school asked him if he liked his glasses and he said “I like getting all the compliments” – such a Jackson thing to say. Funny kid. He is also playing soccer and his favorite parts are the practices. He is a social kid and likes to play but doesn’t like the pressure of the games yet.

Brent is getting ready to take his patent bar in the next month or so and then has to really dig in and study to take the regular bar in February. We’ll be glad when it’s all over.

We went on a family trip this weekend to Santa Cruz and had an amazing time (except for Josh getting poison oak all over his body from looking for a football in bushes he shouldn’t have been in) – I want to propose a family reunion there next summer. The place we stayed at was called Seascape Resort. It’s right on the beach and they have a lot of amenities including beach, pools, shopping, hiking, biking and much more. Plus it’s only a few minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea and much more. I really feel like this would be an awesome place to gather. I am thinking the end of June might be a good time but I would love feedback from everyone. What time of the summer is usually best for you? I know summer is so insane for most families these days but it’s been far too long since we had a reunion. Please give me some feedback!

Hope all is well and that you all contribute to the next newsletter. Please know I, for one want to hear from everyone.

Love to all

The Holtry’s

Check out this link to Seascape Resort:  http://www.seascaperesort.com/

Josh First day of school-wouldn't hold the sign!

Family tearfully sends John and Christine off to Oregon.

Chatfield Chatter (entry from Kels' family newsletter)                                                                                       

We loved the “Grandma and Dahl show” in the last Chatter.  It’s so much fun to hear what is going on in your lives.  Sounds like Vegas is the happening spot!

Springville is definitely a little less happening.  Except for the start of the new school year.  And that doesn’t get much excitement from our kids.  Kate and Jake like the social aspect of school but not much for the homework.  And come to think of it I really don’t care for that part either. 

Kate’s 6^th grade teacher believes that there should be enough time during school hours to accomplish all the work and sees no need for homework unless students waste their time in class.  I agree.  Although next year might be a bit rough (in Jr. High) for Kate if she is not used to doing homework. 

Jake seems to think that all assignments (both at school and home) need only take about 10 min.  After that he’s bored.  He’d rather spend his hours in the school weight room or on the baseball field.  Better yet up Hobble Creek, fishing.  Jake signed up to take a dance class this semester.  He thought it might build his core.  He was right and it didn’t hurt that he along with one other guy are the only boys in a class of 30 girls.  We’re waiting to see how that turns out.  Jake also started Seminary this year.  We are grateful that Seminary is released time at school.  I’m not sure we could drag Jake out of bed any earlier than we do already.

Bianca is currently an employee at 3 different businesses.  Her greatest challenge is working her schedules so they don’t conflict.  Thankfully they are all within walking distance of each other and seem to be good places of employment.  We hope that her savings account grows and grows.

Kels found out the middle of last month that his company was laying him off (along with a few others).  After 10+ years it came as a great surprise and didn’t make him too happy.  It seems that the company needs to downsize and is now trying to assure the remaining employees that they are solvent, at least for another 6 months.  The good thing in all this is that Kels just completed all of his CPA tests and can now officially apply for accountant/CPA jobs.  He was planning on making the move anyway.  Just happened a little earlier than we’d planned.  He’s been able to pick up some contract work and has had several promising interviews with companies in the area.

Kels also received a new church calling.  He is now attending the single’s ward.  Not because he’s single but instead as one of the Priesthood leaders there.  He was sustained 2 weeks ago as the Executive Secretary to Bishop Tipton.  This isn’t a call for the family.  We continue to attend our home/family ward but occasionally join Kels for his Sacrament meeting.  There are some very nice young adults in the ward and we think Kels will really enjoy being with them.

I continue plugging away at PTA, Young Women calling and being a Mom.  Most of which I enjoy.  I’m especially looking forward to cooler weather.  And fall activities.

Love to all of you,

Kellie, Kels, Bianca, Jake and Kate

Jake's first day of 9th Grade

Kate and her 6th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Larsen

Kate was looking forward to her first day of school because she revealed a “whole new 6^th grader!”  She is now glasses and braces free.  She’s a beautiful young lady.     

Jake…well he’s taller than his mom and almost as tall as Kels…if you listen to him he’s already passed Kels up.  Jake still has a month to go before his braces come off.  Then Kels and I will be Orthodontist free!  Now that’s a great feeling!

Pictures of other grandkids that have returned to school!

Brad at BYU.  Melissa...how bout you?

Hills in Gunnison

Kauers in West Haven

More cute Kauers off to pre-school!

Mr. Scott Jackson-Gunnison High School teacher

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-Pure Imagination

Kate spent at least half her summer preparing for the Springville Playhouse version of

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It was a summer blockbuster!...I can say that because I was one of the stage moms.  Kels was the stage dad responsible for much of the set movement.  We would often find him between scenes, in the dark reading a book.

Kate played Grandma Georgina brilliantly! 

(Stage mom comment again!)

  

We caught a little glimpse into the future as Kate played a very fun grandma.

Because my Springville Playhouse Board Member sister volunteered my services, I was asked to create the Wonka Candy Shoppe.  It was a family affair.  Carri, Connie, Mom and Jen all took part in the creation.

We visited Blickenstaffs Candy Store at Riverwoods (a posh candy/toy store in an upscale strip mall in Orem) and saw a candy case of art.  Carri and Mom went home and recreated the candy case in miniature version and then presented it to the Wonka Shoppe on opening day.  Clever girls. 

Jen was a pro at Wonka bars from Josh's Wonka play days.  She suggested the very popular golden ticket in the Wonka bars.  We sold out every night--BIG HIT!

Even had Wonka Water.

Willie Wonka was a hit as well.  We see a great future on stage for him.

Our stage manager and prop people were amazing.

Special Effects and Lighting also amazing.

And as always...the Oompa Loompas stole the show!

Check out this LINK to see more fabulous pictures of the fun.

Turned out to be a great way to spend half our summer.

Lauren Loves to Dance!

And she's so good at it!  While on summer break Lauren took a two week dance intensive at BYU.  At the end of the two weeks we were invited to come to her performance.  Wow they worked hard.  Lauren is a beautifully gifted dancer.  Just a few pictures from the intensive and poses at home with palm trees and ocean views.  All around beautiful. 

BYU dancers

Lauren's roommate and dancing buddies

Lauren's BYU counselor

Home Sweet Home at BYU for two weeks.

The Roadhome Project, August 2013

August 2, 2013                                 My Story Matters-Community Project

Jake, Cierra, Lauren, Carri and I (along with 30 other volunteers) took part in a wonderful, carefully planned day at The Roadhome shelter in Salt Lake City today.  It was a day filled with all kinds of feelings and experiences.

As we arrived we drove up to an area that made us a bit uncomfortable.  We searched for the entrance to the building.  While searching we walked through rows and rows of people.  Some were playing in the streets, some asleep on the sidewalks, many were just sitting and watching the world go by.  Our group walked quickly and quietly to the double doors and breathed a sigh of relief as we recognized familiar faces. 

As we entered the doors we saw children, moms, dads and the Roadhome staff waiting for us.  It was very apparent that this building saw a lot of activity with a lot of people benefiting from the programs there.  We were a bit unsure of what would come next.

The people in charge gave us some on-site training and then we began to check families/children in at the front table.  Those of us that hosted families were able to follow them to 7-9 different stations where each of our photographers would take as many pictures the children would allow.  The volunteers, both photographers and interviewers were great people to work with.   

One of the most memorable moments at the Roadhome for me was watching a mother carefully prepare herself and her family for the pictures that would be taken.  This family was dressed in their Sunday best and were excited for what was to come.  The husband held a very small mirror up to the sweet face of his wife while she painstakingly applied her make up.  She then worked on her hair, wanting it to be just right.  This went on for about 20 minutes all the while her husband stood quietly holding the mirror, not wanting to move a single inch.  Once satisfied with her appearance the mother moved on to her children.  The father continued to quietly help where needed.  They were ready!  Just before their host called them to start I watched as another lady walked by, glanced quickly and then stopped and looked for a few seconds, then cried out, "You look BEAUTIFUL!"  And then I saw it...the sweet mother broke out into a HUGE grin.  A smile that was so big and so beautiful and so meaningful to me.  My heart felt a little tug and I realized then that this woman and her family lived in a tight little community of people that needed and wanted the same things in life that we all look for.  To feel noticed, to feel beautiful and to feel loved.

 

Once all of the children were interviewed and photographed we took a little time to unwind and think about what we had just been a part of.  Some of the children returned asking when their storybooks would arrive.  We would patiently tell them in about a month and that we could hardly wait to see them as well.

As we opened the doors of the Roadhome to leave, we walked out with a much different feeling than upon arrival.  We saw many of the same people on the sidewalks and streets but instead of “homeless people” we saw children and families that we now knew, that we now had sweet memories of and wishes for a bright future.

It's now been several days since that Saturday and my heart and my head are still full of thoughts from the Roadhome.  A full day of sharing, caring and taking time to get to know these beautiful families was unforgettable.  I realized that this is what fills my soul, this is what I long to feel in a busy, somewhat uncaring, get the job done kind of life.

Thank you to the MSM Board members and especially Amy Chandler for having the vision to DO GOOD and then having the will and energies to make things happen.  To all our wonderful volunteers…Thanks For Giving!

Delivery of the storybooks was well worth the wait.  Each child received "their story" in a book and a blanket to snuggle up with while reading.  Many families that were new residents of Roadhome came to us and requested another event like this.  The children were showing their friends 

We've scheduled one for October!

  

Joe's Birth Day

Joseph Richard Jackson was born August 15, 1978 in Murray, Utah.  He was a happy baby from the very start.  Since I was 40 years old when he was born and had had all the other children by natural childbirth (not my idea, the anesthetic always stopped the labor), the doctor promised an epidural said I would feel no pain and it would be wonderful.  I was all excited when I went to the hospital because this was going to be so simple.  Got the shot. Waited and the labor stopped. - as usual.  So after some pit and some time passed, the labor started again and he came whipping out, naturally.  Of course with four big sisters living in the house, he wasn't allowed to be unhappy.  Joseph was very pampered.  I loved his 2 am. feedings because that was the only time it was just he and I.  As he grew he was always the best dressed kid on the block (very preppy), of course because the sisters dressed him.   Joe's favorite friend was a stuffed cookie monster.  He took it everywhere, even on the father's and son's outing.  When he was bout 4 the beloved cookie monster was left at a motel and it was such a sad day.  We lived  in Hawaii from his K-5 then moved to Sacramento.  This was in January and it was cold, but he wouldn't wear long pants to school because "they bothered his knees".  After about a week he relented.  While in Hawaii our house was broken into and his skateboard was stolen.  He was so mad because he had earned the money and bought that board himself and he couldn't believe that someone would just take it.  Joseph was a fun little kid and we still have fun when we are with him.

Joe liked to snuggle with Grandma and Grandpa Brague when they visited.

Joe and Reggie...in Showlow, Arizona

Stephen, Maria, Uncle Joe, and Michelle

Dave's Birth Day

David Michael Jackson was born August 15, 1961 in Bountiful, Utah.  He was the second baby born in the new hospital and the first boy.  He came out yelling and got fluid in his lungs and the delivery room was not completely equipped yet, so they had Daddy Mick running all over looking for a suction device, which he found.  Dave was sucked out and all was well.  As he grew and before he could crawl or walk, he used to sit on the floor surrounded by his toys and with a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face he would watch John and Kellie take them all away from him.  Later we figured he was just biding his time until he could get back at them, which he eventually did.  He was the adventurous one growing up.  He had a broken nose, a broken, arm, a chipped ankle bone, many road rashes and even had sunburned eyes from skiing without goggles.  There was never a dull moment with David.  He was very protective of his sisters, even as adults, for he loved them very much.  He was taken from us way too early, but we know he is doing good things where he is at.  We love you David!

August 2013 News

The Gale's Have Moved!

Well, mostly.  All of the big stuff left our home in Ballard about a week ago.  Stephen found a new job in Kremmling, Colorado!  He is the new Director of Technology for West Grand School District.  It's basically the same thing he did before, minus the babysitting at night.  He gets to work in the day and since the school district is so small (only 2 schools), he is the sole technology guy.  But he gets a fancy title and an appropriate paycheck, for which we are grateful!  He's been working since Monday and, so far, really loves it!  They treat him very well and he finally gets to do what he loves.

Kremmling is awesome.  I've been in and out the past week.  Everybody seems so nice.  It's green and very beautiful!  And the backdrop of the town is the absolutely beautiful cliffs.  Really, they are stunning!  The school is new and well maintained.  Sarah will attend the half day four year old program.  It's technically private but is housed at the elementary and services the district's preschoolers with IEPs.  She is all set to go and I can't wait for her to be able to go to school again!  She misses it and has really struggled being happy this summer.

While house hunting, we visited a few awesome properties.  Rentals go fast, so they are hard to snatch when you really need one.  One day we visited 4 properties.  Though they were nice, beautiful, places, they all have the baseboard heating.  We couldn't decide on one and kept going back and forth with pros and cons.  Then I remembered that Sarah likes to sleep on the heater vent in the winter.  Baseboard heating is extremely dangerous.  If pillows or blankets touch the heaters, they will burst into flame.  We realized that none of the properties would work.  In desperation, I called a mobile home park to ask if the mobile homes had baseboard heating, as well.  The lady explained that all mobile homes have forced air.  We decided to come look.  The home was completely remodeled, and clean.  And it came with a shed and fenced yard.  Though tiny, we decided to take it.  We have moved from a 4 bedroom home with nice sized rooms to a 2 bedroom mobile home.  The master was able to fit our bed and furniture (a miracle!) but the second room is absolutely tiny.  Sarah and David each had their own nice sized bedroom with awesome closets and went to sharing a 7x7 room with an okay closet.  It's a good thing they aren't old enough to know they're being gypped.  David will have to sleep in his play pen for as long as he can.

This past week, with moving and everything, we've had a few "are you kidding me?" moments.  We had to return our truck to Boulder, 2 hours away.  So, as soon as we signed the papers for our new place, Stephen and I headed to Boulder.  Stephen drove the truck and went on Highway 40 through Granby.  I, with the kids, drove the car toward Silverthorne so I could catch I70.  Ten miles out of town there was rock slide.  I had barely missed it.  I did my best to avoid the debris on the road but one of the rocks hit my back tire and, voila, I had a flat!  And, of course, there was absolutely no cell service.  Neither one of us had a working phone.  I didn't know that Stephen had gone the other way so I sat there and waited quite a long time.  There was an older gentleman who had literally driven over the rocks as they fell.  He was in a Jeep with good tires, so his vehicle was fine.  He found cones from another project and set them out.  Then he came back to check on me.  He took the kids and me into Silverthorne, but it was so late that all the tire places were closed.  I still had no way of getting a hold of Stephen.  The nice man got us a room at a motel and we stayed the night.  When I got to the room, I realized that I'd left the diaper bag in the car.  I had NO diapers for my kids.  So, as you can image, I was nervous to see what would happen.  That night, I called the Boulder police from the motel.  I explained that my husband was returning a truck and would be waiting for me to come so I could bring him home.  Thankfully, I had Stephen's paperwork for the truck.  I gave the police man the address and asked if he would write a note and tape it to the key drop box with my hotel information.  Stephen slept in the truck and called the next morning.  Thankfully, there was a car rental place within walking distance.  So, he rented a car and picked me up in Silverthorne.  We spent the day getting the tire replaced and returning the rental car.  Oh, and the diapers held out!  He was able to pick some up on his way in and we got the kids changed!  If you don't believe in miracles, well, this is definitely a miracle.  Especially if you know how many diapers my kids go through in a day, and how huge and soggy they are in the morning!  So that was a very awesome thing. 

So now, I am back and forth, taking care of business here and at the house in Ballard.  There are few small odds and ends and appointments we must keep.  Some friends will be renting our house.  They just moved to Ballard and have been living in their camper.  She is having a baby in September and the land they bought won't be ready for 3 months.  So they'll live in our house and keep it occupied while we put it on the market.  I have a lot of cleaning to do.  I will surely miss my friends in Ballard and Roosevelt.  But I will be passing through every so often, so thankfully, I'll be able to stop in and say hello.

On August 17th we will be out in the Salt Lake area.  We will celebrate David's birthday (He'll be two!) and have a get-together to say goodbye to everyone.  So come if you can!  And spread the word- everyone's invited!  Watch for an event of Facebook with details.  I want to see you all- We don't know when we'll be back!

Love, the Gales

Chatfield Chatter                                                                        

Well Kels is starting to get on everyone’s nerves.  For years he has had work and bishopric duties, fitting in a BS in Accounting and an MBA where he could, then studying for the CPA exam.  During July he took the last section of the CPA exam and thinks he did pretty well.  Within the week he was also released as bishop after serving 5+ years.  There’s no new Church calling for him yet, so he’s seems to be getting underfoot no matter which way the rest of the family turns.  He cleaned some carpets and volunteered to help with stage work for Kate’s play, and Jake was all for the High Uinta’s fishing trip they took last Saturday.  Next up is a trip to visit Mom in Las Vegas, and a camping trip with the kids.  Maybe he’ll find some accounting works soon to soak up some of his time.

Kate is having a blast with a community theater production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  She has been getting up early enough to be at rehearsals at 8am most weekdays.  She plays Grandma Georgina, and looks forward to makeup that makes her look old, in addition to wearing furry house slippers and her old lady dress.  There’s nothing worn down or slow moving about her the rest of the time.  Kate used some of her savings to buy a small snow cone machine, then set up shop in the front yard to sell snow cones to a hot neighborhood.  Her cousin Hannah came for a week, and as usual the two were inseparable.  She hopes to go with Kels to Vegas and swim in Mom’s pool, and maybe see where they film the Pawn Stars series.

Jake finds himself in a break with no basketball or baseball, even considering the accelerated (year round or travel) teams for which he sometimes plays.  In Jake’s book, that means there is more time for fishing.  A neighboring town has both a small reservoir and a pond that are stocked with fish, and Kels can work at either while Jake fishes.  When that gets old, Jake talks his way into daylong trips like the one to the Uinta’s, or after-work evening trips up the local canyon to fish the creek there.  Jake and Kels see people picnicking up Hobble Creek canyon, but almost no one fishes the creek, so they pretty much get the fish to themselves.  Kels doesn’t do well with his rod and reel, but Jake knows just what flies to use as he fly-fishes in the little pools, managing to catch several fish in just a couple of hours.  Caught forty last weekend.

Bianca wasn’t getting enough hours working at the restaurant where she is a hostess, so she found a second job at a shoe store in the local mall.  She doesn’t seem to have a lot more money yet, but her hours are starting to accumulate, and she has access to both great food and cool shoes.  Bianca has been amazed to learn what the markup is on the shoes they sell at the store, so she’s starting to learn retail and is getting great experience working with different sorts of people.  She wants to take a break from school for awhile, so having plenty of work will keep her busy and allow her the opportunity to save some money for whatever the future brings.

Kellie will be glad once Kate’s play is over.  Maybe Kate would have gotten the part anyway (there were 50+ kids trying out for a dozen parts), but Kellie is well known in the community for volunteering to help, for being organized enough to get things done, and for actually doing the work for which she volunteers.  No doubt the play’s producer knew that if Kate got a part, Kellie would be a big help, and that has been the case.  She’s done a great job learning how to handle the stage crew in case she’s needed there, and she has put together the Wonka Candy Shoppe so that patrons can donate some extra money to the community theater by buying candy and drinks.  No doubt Bianca would say that she needs to mark things up like they do at the shoe store, but the candy shoppe will do great just the same.

Another thing that Kellie has the family involved with is My Story Matters.  My Story Matters is a non-profit organization committed to giving the gift of story to individuals in need.  MSM focuses on young children with cancer but on August 2^nd we have the privilege of visiting a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City.  The Road Home shelter houses about 150 children and families.  We will be interviewing, photographing and offering to tell each of their stories.  Once published they will be given their very own book.  When we initially offered this service the sign-up sheets were completely filled in the first 30 minutes.  We are really looking forward to Friday.

http://www.mystorymatters.org/

Our summer has been filled with many good things and it’s almost time for school to start…don’t remind Jake.  He’s become accustomed to his life of leisure and says he is not yet ready for the rigors of school life.  Kate can hardly wait!

We love you,

Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate

Pictures of the fam 4^th of July hike up Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.  A little picnic, a quick nap, a hike and feeding the fish.  What a great life and a beautiful place to live!