July 2013 News

Looking forward to Grandkid Visits
Oh no!  It's July already.  Where did June go??  We must have been busy.  Anyway, we didn't do many great things this month.  But we did see Nate and Connie's play, which was fun and interesting.  A British flare so had to follow closely.  But they did a good job.    

Last week we went to the Manti Temple Pagent with Connie and family.  We met Scott and Staci and the boys there.  The weather was perfect and we quite enjoyed it.  We met a very nice lady who lives there and she gave us a pass to park in her driveway and that saved us a lot of walking because she lives just across the street from where the chairs are set up on the lawn.  And by coincidence, she knew Doreen and Frank when they lived in Los Gatos.  In fact she taught Cathy in primary.  She also has some Jacksons in her line that came from England.  We will follow up on that.  

We had a fun talk with Jackson on his birthday; age 7 already.  Everyone is growing up so fast.  Today we went to see Bradley Johnson.  He was having a good day today.  It is so nice to see him when he can talk clearly and we can enjoy being with him.  It's very frustrating for him when he can't be understood.  He is such a good person and we love him a lot.  

Mick worked at the temple 4 days last week.  And although he enjoys it very much, I think it kinda takes a little tole on him.  He has a hard time saying no to people who need a substitute.  

It's very hot here right now, so we are staying in the house as much as we can.  We are looking forward to Jen and family coming next week and then the week after Carri and kids. It is always so much fun when we have them here.  Hope everyone is well and happy.  We heard that John passed his running test.  Hooray for John!  
We love you all very much,  Mom and Dad

Stewart Falls Hike July 4th 2009

Gunnison is Home Sweet Home

It looks like we will be making Gunnison our home!  Our many prayers have been answered and Scott was able to secure a high school teaching position!  A couple of months ago we learned that there was a possibility of a high school Social Studies position opening up at Gunnison Valley High.  It required a chain of events to fall exactly into place in order for it to happen.  The current principal had to be hired as the new Superintendent, the current vice principal be hired as the new principal, the Social Studies teacher to be hired as the vice principal, and then for Scott to be hired as the new Social Studies teacher!  Amazingly, it all worked out.  Almost thirty people applied for the job and some of the competition was pretty tough, but Scott impressed the committee and was hired.  We have had so many people from the community tell us that they were hoping that Scott would get the job.  We know that the Lord has had his hand in this and we are very grateful!

We are sad that just as we will be making Gunnison our permanent home, John and Christine will be leaving.  We will be renting their house from them so hopefully they decide to come back and visit often!  William, Adam, and Jacob are thrilled to be able to stay living down the street from the Hill cousins, as well as Grandpa and Grandma Pickett.  We are having a fun-packed summer and I can't believe how fast it is already flying by.  We have been busy with swimming lessons, baseball, and family gatherings, as well as helping Christine get ready to move in the fall.  The house has been in constant transition mode for months as we temporarily moved in, John moved out, Christine prepares to move out, and we prepare to permanently move in.   I think we are all tired of looking at cardboard boxes!  But we feel very blessed and are grateful for what is ahead for our family.

Staci Jackson

stacijackson2@gmail.com 

Holtrys are Heating Up

Hi everyone- I hope you all are staying cool. We are trying to here in the 106 degree heat. Bleh. Jackson told me yesterday how glad he is that we have a pool and he doesn't know what he would do if we didn’t. I agreed with him. I think if we didn't have a pool we would be sitting in the house all day long. So far this summer we have been going to lots of movies, swimming, barbecuing and taking care of other peoples animals who are on vacation. Not fair! This week alone the kids are taking care of 3 different cats!

 

Hannah and Jackson had a lemonade stand last week. Hannah is trying to raise money to go to Tennis Camp in July. She ended up making $38 towards it! Not bad for a couple hours work. She’s also been folding laundry and babysitting for me. She made up some cute little flyers all by herself and handed them out to the young moms in the ward hoping to make some cash. She’s quite the little entrepreneur. I think she just might have enough to go to that Tennis Camp after all.

Hannah the Helper

I can do:

Yard Work

Mother’s Helper

(helping watch little ones while you are at home)

 Cleaning

I will do anything you need me to do!

Please call

Josh has been working and is really enjoying it. He helps teach swim lessons at the community pool and also lifeguards public swim. There has only been about 3 “fecal contaminations” this season. EWW

Brent had been studying like a madman to take the bar in July but then for reasons beyond our control the date to take the bar had to be postponed to February. He still studies a lot but is able to focus more time on the family and looking for a job or internship in the meantime.

My sweet little Jackson turned 7 last week. It’s hard to believe he’s that old already. We are so blessed to have him in our family and it’s hard to believe he started off at only 2lbs 1 ounce and such a sick little baby and now he’s 50 pounds and super healthy. He is truly a miracle and we are so grateful!

We had a fun time as a family last weekend. We headed to Berkley to see one of our favorite bands, Guster. They are such a great band and so fun to see in concert. The venue was the Greek Theater and I had never been there. It is such a cool place. Very small so everyone had a great view! It was fun to all go as a family and enjoy it.

We are coming to Utah on July 6^th to bring Josh to EFY and will be there for a week. We would love to visit with all of you!

Hope your summers are great!

Love,

The Holtry Family

Some Must Push and Some Must Pull

Don’t you just love the lazy days of summer!  I’m not sure that we’ve been lazy but summer is off to a great start.  The last school bell rang and we’ve been having fun ever since.

June was a month of youth type activities.  And it’s never boring when the youth are involved!  Early June Kels and Jake headed off on a week-long scouting trip to Palisade State Park, not too far from John and Christine’s house in Gunnison.  Their leaders had planned lots of merit badge opportunities that included shot guns, rifles, archery, woodworking, canoeing, kayaking and a whole host of other fun activities that would keep a kid Jake’s age occupied.  Jake taught some of the boys and the leaders how to spear fish on the lake.  Not sure they caught any fish but had fun trying.  The group was also given the privilege of starting camp week with a trip to the Provo temple to perform baptisms for the dead.  It was a nice start to a good week.  That same group ended the week at the Manti temple. 

Girls Camp was that very same week.  It was ward girls camp this year so our camp director reserved a beautiful camp site at Granite Flats up American Fork Canyon.  Kels managed to go between scout camp and girl’s camp putting lots of miles on the car but being able to hang out with both the young men and women of our ward.  Lots of good kids that made camping fun and memorable.

Girls Camp service project-clearing trails

Big Mouth Smores

Two weeks after the youth camps came the Stake Pioneer Trek.  Another great week of testimony building activity.  After 3 ½ days of walking 35 miles in 100 degree weather, one Ma expressed the thoughts of many when she wrote this:

“We made it!! We look terrible, smell a lot, hurt ALL over, blister covered feet and I am dirtier than I've ever been in my entire life, but we have been filled to overflowing with the spirit of our Father in Heaven! We just finished the pioneer trek with the youth in our area, along with 3 of our own children. We walked 35 miles over 4 days dressed in pioneer clothing and pushing our belongings in a hand cart. We camped in primitive conditions and were not able to shower or wash ourselves. We had an amazing group of kids who truly learned about their pioneer heritage and developed a gratitude for the tremendous sacrifices the pioneers made to cross the plains and start over so they could escape persecution. This was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done physically, but I'm so grateful for the experience myself, husband, and children were able to have.” (KJ Fry)

Jake and Kels arrived home pretty dust and dirt covered and worn but with stories that kept us entertained the entire evening.  The girls decided the boys needed a big steak dinner after their long hard trek so after their hour long showers we drove them to Outback Steak House in an air conditioned car, sat down to eat a chef prepared meal, enjoyed clean water, clean clothes and good conversation.  I would imagine that after their trek, the early pioneers were grateful for a place to lay their weary heads.  Blessed, honored pioneers.

Jake reported that his Pa was from London and had pockets full of Pioneer Pringles.  Jake and a friend were the champion wagon pullers in their group.  Jake wasn’t too keen on the square dancing and other related social activities but dominated the stick ball game.  The ball was made from yarn and the bat just a stick.  Hit a homerun that kept going for days! 

Ma and Pa Negus Family (Jake's family)

Attached is one of the greatest memories for Kels from the trek.  I don’t know Isaac but after reading Kels’ story I feel great love for him along with the rest of the Teebles family.  Kels also shared a pioneer ancestor story on the trek.  Evidently the woman in this well-known pioneer story is a relative.  That story is attached as well. (see Tuesday, July 2nd post for the stories)

Ma and Pa Teeple's Family (Kels' family)

3 days razor free

Pioneer Homies

Circle the Wagons

Bianca continues to work adding another job to her summer schedule.  She now works at Ruby River along with a shoe store in the Provo Towne mall.  Thankfully they are about a block apart from each other and she can easily walk from job to job.  She is excited to continue to earn and save for college.  We’re grateful she’s committed to higher learning and working hard to earn it.

Kate, our social butterfly is perfectly happy hanging out with friends all summer long.  Her day is not complete unless she’s met up with at least one or more of her neighborhood friends.  She tried out for a part in the community play “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.  Kate was quite confident that her Aunt Connie, one of the panel of directors at the try-outs, would come up with something for her in the play.  She was right.  Kate was offered the part of Grandma Georgina.  She is thrilled and has already memorized her lines…all 3 of them!  Kate also completed another summer session of swim lessons. 

Lessons went swimmingly

Baseball/Softball season has sadly come to a close.  We’ve grown attached to many of the parents and team members during our 6-8 games a week routine.  We will miss them.  Jake reminded us that fall ball isn’t too far away!

Hey Batter, Hey Batter

Stealing second base...and he's safe!

And now it’s time for a few lazy days of summer.  SEVEN PEAKS here we come!

We love you all,  Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate

Resurrection of the Epic Tom Trails Filmstrip

I FOUND IT!

You might ask why would we want to resurrect Tom Trails!  We have been talking about and looking for the Tom Trails series for years.  Tom Trails taught the Jackson kids almost every Family Home Evening for several months, maybe years.  Carri and Connie can beautifully reenact many parts of the filmstrip...what's a filmstrip you ask?  Go to this sight to find out: http://www.tomtrails.com/films.htm

“Tom Trails is a filmstrip series originally released in 1968 by the Church Educational System of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was intended as a comprehensive tool to teach gospel principles in seminary and Institute of Religion classes." 

Carri, your favorite is in Chapter 12.  

Now we just need Leon's Truck!

The Jackson family was very active in the Indian Placement Program.  Dad was one of the directors.  Mom invited Debbie, Matilda, Arlene, Renee, and Shaun into our home and helped create a loving family life for each.  Kellie shared her bedroom with most and was often mistaken as one of the Indian students because of her long dark hair (some of our students were blonde).  We were taught many valuable lessons about sharing and caring for others.  We also learned the native songs like "Go My Son".  Even created a play, charged admission, served refreshments, all in Ron and Bonnie Cook's back yard.

(side note--The Chatfields also active in the program with an Indian boy.)

For "Go My Son" click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUJVQSu2kFY

 

The Indian Placement Program, or Indian Student Placement Program was a program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1947 to 2000, in which LDS Native American students were placed in Latter-day Saint foster homes during the school year, where they would attend public schools and become assimilated into American culture. Cost of care was borne by the foster parent.

The program was initially developed to respond to the needs of Navajo teenagers and even younger children who were coming to parts of Utahto work. It was felt it would be better for them to get an education.^[1] Only church members could participate in the program, which meant that children had to be eight to be involved. The program initially operated under the Relief Society and eventually became part of Latter-day Saint Social Services (now LDS Family Services).

Beginning in the 1970s, however, the Indian Placement Program came under criticism. In 1977, the U.S. government commissioned a study to investigate accusations that the church was using its influence to push children into joining the program. The commission rejected these accusations, however, finding that the program was largely positive, and enjoyed emphatic support both from Native American parents and white foster parents. However, the criticism of the program continued. Supporters believed that exposure to white culture was beneficial to Native American children, and that it improved educational and economic opportunities, while critics believed the program undermined the children's Native American identity.

In 2000 the last student graduated from the program, though the program never was officially discontinued.

Happy Father's Day Dads!

 

We spoiled the dads with baskets full of their favorite goodies.  Mom made Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner.  Nothing better than that...just ask Nate! 

There was a special gift in Dad's basket from all of his children.

Not just a card...not just a gift.  The best present ever!

A money pad.  

A pad filled with bills of all denominations.  

Just peel off as needed.

It took a minute for Dad to figure it out...but then a great big SMILE appeared on his face.

"Mom and I can go out to dinner several times this week now!"

Cierra was quite impressed as well.

To make your own money pad either ask Jen how or go to this link

There were all kinds of fun cards to read and to listen to.

You Da Man!

Happy Father's Day to some pretty great Dads.

We missed John on Father's Day...hope it wasn't too lonely in Oregon.  When asked what he did for Father's Day John reported that he went to church and they gave him a candy bar.  Good Day!  He also loved talking with his kids and grandkids and dad on the phone.  Miss you John!

Jake's Monster Trophy

Poor thing it's gasping for breath!  Jake kindly threw him back after Kels snapped the picture.  

Lauren Chong 4.0 for 3 Years In A Row!

Lauren was presented with this award for earning a 4.0 GPA, 6th, 7th and 8th grade...all through Jr. High!  Congratulations Lauren!  What a great accomplishment.  Now on to High School!

June 2013 News

Senior Jacksons Visit California Kids 

May was a very busy and fun month for the Senior Jacksons.  The first of the month was filled with birthdays;  John, Connie, Jen and Josh, who have all gained a year.  But they all still are busy and happy.  We had birthday parties with cake and pie and ice cream.  What more can a guy ask for?!?

Then the middle of the month the temple was closed for cleaning, etc, so Grandpa and I headed for Northern California to Jen and Brent’s.  The fun events we attended were Brent’s graduation from Law School (hooray for Brent), Josh’s first prom, and let me tell you he looked smashing ( and he has since got his driver’s license); Josh’s award banquet and Hannah’s choir concert (which she had a solo in and did very well).  Jen and I also made 34 hero capes for the teacher appreciation luncheon which she and Usha were in charge of, and which she said subsequently was a great success.

After our week with Jen and family, we headed for Southern California to spend some time with Carri and her family.  She had lots of things ready for Dad to do to finish up with the house clean-up, like painting, fixing a light switch, cleaning the room off the living room and we cleaned the chandelier, which Carri did most of while I held the ladder, and it looks very nice and sparkly now.  We also took some paint splatter off the back patio bricks.  So all in all, we kept busy and got a good many things taken care of.

In both No Cal and So Cal we had a great time with the kids.  They are all growing so fast.  Josh is as tall if not taller than his dad, Hannah is getting taller and Jackson is also.  Jackson spends as much time in their pool as he can get away with.  He is a little fish.  Ben and Lauren are busy kids.  We went to Lauren’s school open house and the teachers had nothing but great things to say about her.  Ben is loving his water polo and does very well.  What neat grandkids we have!

Now it’s back to the regular routine.  Temple is open this week so Dad will spent 3 days of this week there and I will go once.  We love the temple work and love our family and are proud of each and everyone one!

Love to all,   Mom and Dad

Greetings  from  Portlandia

Most recipients of the JFC know that I have left the comfort of Utah and come to the weirdness that is Oregon.  First of all, it rains!  So it is quite beautiful and green.  Instead of people running around with their Big Gulps they all carry around coffee cups.  The number of dogs in the family outnumbers children and if you were to run over one you would really be in trouble…not sure about running over their kids.

Except for missing my wife and grandkids, I really enjoy it here.  I am fitting in at the prison and they still let me out every day.  I get up at 4:30 and get to work by 6:00 and get off at 2:00 so I have the afternoon to enjoy the area. 

I have been accepted into a great ward and have attended the temple with the youth and they even let me give a talk.  The lady who spoke in front of me only gave me 8 minutes though, but it was fun.

Christine was able to schedule a medical conference in Portland so I got to introduce her to the area.  I think she liked my little duplex but began looking at houses so she must have given the thumbs up to moving out with me J

I took her to a bed and breakfast in Lincoln City which is about 40 minutes from where I live.  It has a beautiful ocean front view and we spent some time walking the beach.  Then we went to Sea Lion Caves and saw many sea lions…they are different from seals.  Do you know why?

I miss my family but am enjoying my job and look forward to some visitors

Love John

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!  Celebrations have been happening all week long for all kinds of reasons.  The biggest…Bianca successfully made it through High School and her graduation, with high honors to boot!  The graduation ceremony was held at Utah Valley University and Grandma Chatfield was there to help us celebrate.  We hope all of the walking in the airports, the grad ceremonies, restaurants, and ball games didn’t wear her out too much.  It was really fun having her around for the important things in our lives, once again.  We’ve missed her.

 

Jake and Kate also finished their school year with a great hooray!  The month of May was filled with all kinds of fun, especially for Kate.  We went from one event to the next, almost missing a few important ones.  We were sitting at one of Jake’s baseball games and a friend walked by dressed in nice clothes and said, “Aren’t you going to the piano recital today?”  We looked at one another, ran to the car, dropped Kate off at the recital venue, ran home to get her dress clothes praying all the way that she was not first on the program.  We made it back just in time for Kate to change and then walk up calm and collected, play her piece beautifully and then sit down.  Jake was left at the ball field although he wasn’t terribly sad about missing another recital…not his favorite thing to go to. 

Just a few pics from our May events:

Kate’s School Play-The Emperor’s New Clothes.  Kate played the Court Herald very regally.  The school’s play director unfortunately (for us) got engaged and will be moving to Texas.  We wonder what will happen next year without Miss Winkle. 

Kate’s 5^th Grade Float Parade-She chose Oregon!  Kate called Uncle John who just happened to move to Oregon and asked him what his favorite things were about his new home.  He said the strawberries and the beautiful green trees.  On Memorial Day we had breakfast with Spence and Kathy and Kate was able to quiz them on a few facts about their home state.  They were almost 100% correct, says Kate!  The float even had a little beaver dam.

Jake is now looking for another part time job.  Dr. Davis (our friend and local vet) broke the news to Bianca and Jake last Saturday that he was in the process of selling his business and will be retiring soon.  This marks the end of a very good job at Mountain West Animal clinic.  Dr. Davis was a one of a kind employer and will always be well thought of at the Chatfield home.  We’re excited for his upcoming retirement plans and if you know him you know that doesn’t include a rocking chair out on the porch!  For the fond farewell, last day of work he let Jake and Bianca take one last spin around the property on the ole’ tractor.  We’re going to miss Dr. D! 

Come see us this summer!  We love and miss you too.

Kellie, Kels, Bianca, Jake and Kate

YEE-HAW it's Summer!

Hi family! Happy Summer! Today (June 5^th) was our kids last day of school for the year. Can I hear a YEE-HAW!!!!! We are doing the happy dance around here. It’s been a fun year, but glad it’s over. Now onto swimming everyday and relaxing by the pool. 

 

This past month was a great one for our family. Brent graduated from Law School. Everything went great and now he is staying busy studying for the bar. It never ends. He’s such a hard worker and we are all so proud of him and his accomplishments.

Josh had a pretty exciting month. In just one months’ time he was offered a job as a Lifeguard, He turned 16, he went on his first date (to Senior Ball no less) and he got his driver’s license! Very exciting time for him. He’s thinking this is going to be the best.summer.ever.

Hannah has had a busy last month of school with several choir performances a piano recital and she got the “presidential award” in a bunch of PE events at her school. This little girl is turning out to be quite the athlete.

Jackson has been enjoying swimming in the pool. He called me out to watch him and said” Mom, watch how long I can hold my breath and swim” – He swam the length of the pool and my jaw dropped when he did an underwater turn and went back the length of the pool all without taking a breath. Our little preemie sure has some great lung capacity.

Brent’s graduation party was a big success. We had so many family members and friends come and help us celebrate. Brent and I both felt very fortunate to have so many supportive people in our lives. Our latest blog entry on http://www.chocolatesforbreakfast.blogspot.com/ is about the party with lots of pictures (PS- have you subscribed to the blog yet? J)

We hope you are all getting a great start on your summers. Hope to hear from everyone soon!

Love,

The Holtry’s