Monday, March 27, 2006
Happy Birthday Mom
*Mom always liked to sing fun songs in the car on the way to the cabin. The tradition has been passed down and I love to sign (wait, I don't know how to sign, I meant sing) a rousing rendition of "Mares Eat Oats"(Jody still doesn't get this one, although I was a teenager when I did, and then only because Mom sang it very slowly for me), "I've Been Workin' On the Railroad", or "Waddalyacha"(does that song have an ending?)
Also, I realize now that I'm a mom what a sacrifice it can be to haul everyone off to the cabin without the Dad to help, yet every summer we got to go a lot, and sometimes without Dad. I know this was because she loved us and wanted us to have fun.
* I remember Mom working on crafts to take to boutiques, often late at night. Every once in awhile she would let me stay up with her and just sit and watch her. I loved doing that, it made me feel really special.
*In fourth grade we went on an Amtrak train to Tucson to the Sonoran Desert Museum. Mom came and I felt lucky that my Mom would come spend the whole day with me, even though she had to find somewhere for the little kids to go all day.
* When Mom had crafts at Jerri's Kinfolks at the mall she would often acquiesce and let Alan and I come with her and spend our hard earned money on stickers. Alan and I had quite the album, one of my all-time favorite stickers being the big, fuzzy, scratch and sniff peach. Mom actually acted interested in our sticker book.
*Mom teaching me how to sew. My first project was a long sleeve shirt with four pieces-the front, back, and two sleeves. She was extremely patient with me when I sewed the sleeves together for the front and back, and the front and back together for the sleeves. It was obvious something was wrong when I tried it on-either that or it was an extremely ugly pattern. The next sewing lesson was "Using the Stitch Ripper"
*Mom always made me feel like I could do anything I wanted to. Even when it was something I didn't want to do, like playing softball with the young women, she supported me. I was a senior when I finally agreed to try and so for Family Home Evening the week before our first game we all practiced softball in the backyard so I wouldn't make a fool out of myself. I don't think it worked(I still ran from the ball when it came anywhere close to me), but at least she tried. I don't even think she laughed at me.
*I had an awesome 16th birthday. It started with a Rose and a Snickers by my plate at breakfast, and a CTR ring with a diamond in it. She said "this is your first diamond and it better be your last for awhile" ( was 3 years long enough?). Then she came and got me on my lunch hour so I could go and get my license. Then she let me drive myself to ballet in the Beast on my first day of having my license, which I believe shows an enormous amount of love. (So did paying for ballet lessons when I was 16 - what was I thinking?) Then that weekend she gave me a huge surprise party.
*Going to get a pop, candy bar, and sit in the very long line waiting for emissions test, and just talking the whole time.
*Patiently teaching me the finer arts of Scrabble and not being frustrated when I had to keep showing her my letters and asking for help. (I've only stopped needing this help very recently)
*Surprise "lunch party" for my eighteenth birthday. Jill wanted to go to our house for lunch that day, and when I got there all of my friends were there. That was fun.
*Dedicated hours of time, energy, talents, money, etc into Miss Arizona. The first pagenat I was in my onstage question was "What is your opinion on gun control?" I proceeded to talk about the second ammendment and who knows what else. After the pageant Mom said, "I had no idea you had an opinion gun control" I told her I didn't know I had one either.
Once again, I'm going long. Some quickies
*Being able to sew a t-shirt before you can get the one you're wearing off
*Knowing how to score little league games- I was impressed then, and still am now
*Throwing 100% support behind anything I did
*Limitless supply of talent-really, is there anything you can't do?
*Taught me how to work hard and never give up
*Going to great lengths to help deliver a baby goat(Does anyone else remeber Mom doing this)
*Teaching me to love children and family
Basically, I am who I am today because of you. I know that I've made it this far because of the life lessons I learned from you. I love spending time with you and am so proud to be your daughter. I love you- Happy Birthday. Ang
dearest darlingest momsie
--We always got to do something fun with you on the night that Dad and the boys went to Father and Sons outing. I remember going to the mall one of those times. The candy bar Caramello had just come out and they were handing out free full sized candy bars. We all got one and I was thrilled.
--When I was 11 or so, the Primary sang with some adults in the ward, I don't know if it was the ward choir or what, but you sang and you stood right in front of me. When the song was over, you looked behind you (I guess you didn't know it was me that was right behind you) and you told me during the song you had been wondering who was behind you that had that pretty voice. Now, I am not saying that my voice was great as an 11 year old, but you telling me that made me feel really good, and encouraged me to pursue voice like I did!
--You gave me the best 16 year old birthday party I could have imagined. You planned a surprise party for me the Friday after my birthday, but to throw me off you also planned a fake surprise party on my birthday with just my girl friends. They came over and we had cake and a few presents and I thought it was so fun. Then on Friday, I went on my first date with Matt Lilly and he told me that he had worked it out with you that we all went back to my house to watch a movie. I thought it was a little strange that on a date the guys had planned we were coming to my house, but I didn't think much of it. We came home and there was a ton of people there and good food, and I had so much fun. Thanks for planning all of that!
--How can I even recall all of the hours you spent with me/for me during the pageant? I know I couldn't have done it without you, Mom.
--I loved being with you and was so proud that you were my mom. I loved being in Music Theater with you. I loved when I got to go to activities with you, like when Moms came to Merrie Miss or mutual, or when daughters came to Homemaking.
--You supported me in ballet and softball, even when I am sure it was painfully obvious I no talent whatsoever in either one.
--You keep in contact with your kids that live away so well. I love talking to you on the phone!
--You love family and I know that nothing is more important to you!
I love you so much and I hope you had a happy birthday! Thanks for everything you do for me! We loved visiting last week!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Happy Birthday
I know now how brown cows bow down lowly. Amy wanted to know how many "ow" words I could do in a row.
Anyway, I remember all the crafts you did when I was little. I didn't understand then why you were always doing them. I know you enjoyed some of it, but I spent enough time in the craft store to earn a few points up in heaven. It's akin to enduring religious persecution. I'm sure I could have behaved better in the stores. I enjoyed getting to stay up on occasion- seems there were alway M&Ms or Snickers and Dr Pepper. I remember doing exercises as a family during the summertime. I don't know that we did it that many times, but the bicycle kick exercise was my favorite.
One Birthday of mine in Massachusetts I asked for a bicycle. I wanted a BMX, but Mom and Dad could afford a garage sale special. I remember when Mom came home and told me she had bought a bike. I was excited, until I saw it. Now, I watched the Brady Bunch too much just like any other kid, but I didn't want to experience their lifestyle. This bike was reconditioned, but it was from some ancient time long ago when bikes weighed nearly 100 lbs. I went down to my room and cried for a while. I felt bad that she had spent the money on something I thought was the dorkiest looking piece of garbage I had ever seen. After a long while I got the courage to go tell her how I felt about the bike. I don't know how she did it, but she agreed to go to the store and buy a "cooler" bike. I chipped in $ of my own, but Mom found the money to buy me another bike. I think Aric didn't eat for a week- sorry, but that bike was important to me.
Oh yeah, those jams were hip. Actually I didn't care that they were homemade.
I ran for student council in 8th grade. Mom helped me make posters and write a speech. I lost, but it probably had more to do with those dang Bugle Boy jeans. I thought they were awesome- stone washed and all.
Mom helped me put a nest on my head for crazy hair day. I lost to the Tom Noss who put his long hair in a spike and put silver spray in it like a hershey kiss. That guy had mostly chocolate in his head anyway. I thought mine was original, and plus I got Karo Syrup dripping down my face later in the day!
Enjoy the day and know that we love you mom.
Alan, Amy and the kids
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Luke's First Birthday







This Thursday was Luke's first birthday. We had a great time celebrating his big day. He started the day with his favorite breakfast of scrambled eggs and a drinkable yogurt. The first picture is of his favorite face to make these days. He loves to close his eyes tight and wrinkle up his nose. He knows it is very cute and makes everyone laugh. All of the other kids were convinced that he would magically be able to walk on his birthday since he is just starting to take a couple of steps. They were a little disappointed to find that not to be true. He is making good progress and is very proud of his efforts. He loves to stand by himself but then he gets excited and starts clapping and falls down. We all love having him around to entertain us and to see him delight in the littlest things. It is so fun to experience some of these stages over and over again with each new child. Anyways, for his birthday party we had pizza for dinner and then played in a room filled with balloons. It is amazing how much fun balloons can be for kids. For his birthday cake we put him on the table to enjoy his own cake and he attacked it immediately. It was serious business. There was not a smile cracked. He just steadily stuffed as much in his mouth as he could. We were all thoroughly entertained. After we watched him for a while I brought out the homemade ice cream sandwiches I made for everyone else. Luke took one look at Eleanor's and quick as lightning stole here sandwich. Ellie didn't appreciate it but we sure thought it was funny. He would have sat there and eaten the entire cake and the sandwich had we let him but we didn't want to deal with a puking baby all night so we cut it off early. We opened gifts after that and the other kids enjoyed his presents almost more than he did. He certainly had to compete to be able to have a turn with them. We had a great time but we missed sharing it with all of you. It was our first one year old birthday party where most of the family from both sides couldn't share it with us. We miss you all and hope you enjoy the pictures. I was having difficulty with my camera so they are fuzzy. -Amy
Friday, March 03, 2006
Happy Belated Birthday
Generosity- like the time he offered to pay me a penny for every single nail I picked up during construction of our house.
Thoughtfulness- Waking me up at 2:30 am to go do irrigation with him just in case I was lonely.
Sympathy- Recognizing my hatred of an established bedtime, and finding a loophole that allowed me to stay up and watch Star Trek with
him- rubbing his back.
Now on a more serious note:
Comforting- I remember when we went on that trip with the Packers, the older kids told me some scary story about Bloody Mary and
how if you said a certain thing in front of a bathroom mirror, a ghost would appear in the mirror. Well after that, every time I
had to use the bathroom I was scared out of my mind. I would find myself running the story through my mind and I was
terrified that just by thinking about it while in front of the mirror it would happen. This haunted me for several months until
finally one night I woke up and had to use the bathroom. I was so scared that I went and woke Dad up and explained the whole
thing to him. He simply said that the story was not true and that our Heavenly Father was the only one who could hear our
thoughts, so I had nothing to worry about. He also explained to me that he had used the priesthood to bless the house so that
no evil could enter. All the fear I had felt for months was instantly gone because I knew that whatever Dad said, it had to be
true.
Patience- I remember begging Dad to let me go on a fishing trip he had planned with Alan and Andrew. I was only six I think and he knew
that the trip would not be as fun if I came along, but he let me come much to Alan and Andrew's dismay. They got back at me
though by making me ride all the way up to the cabin hunched underneath the glove box by their feet on the floor of the truck.
Forgiving- Not hesitating to let me take the Jeep out on a date even though I had scraped up the side by backing it into a wall just the
week before.
And lastly I'll share a priceless moment that none of you got to observe (this was only a few years ago) - Seeing Dad come home from a stake meeting one night when mom was out of town dressed in black pants and his bright baby blue sports coat that he probably hadn't worn since the seventies. To this day I don't know if he couldn't find any other coats to wear or if he had been waiting for a long time for the opportunity to get away with wearing that coat.
We love you Dad.
Aric, Jessica, and Tallon
Alan's Comments
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Laughing my head off
Happy Birhday Dad
I couldn't let this day pass without letting you know a few things. First of all, I can't believe your 60. The older I get the younger that seems. I'm sure the same thing is true on a different level for you! Also, I want you to know I think you are the most wonderful dad in the whole world. I know that sounds like something a little girl would say, but part of me always wants to be that little girl who's dad can do anything, fix anything (well, if I ever owned an s-15 pickup, I'd probably let someone else change the battery), and always make me feel better. I haven't read anyone else's post yet, so if I get repetitive here, I apologize in advance. Some memories that stand out to me are:
When I was 14 and Amber was in the hospital for a week I semi took over mom's responsibilities. I had been doing laundry that afternoon and had made what I thought was a pretty good dinner. I don't remember exactly what was said, but there was a lot of complaining and needless to say, I felt very underappreciated. I left the table and went down to my room and cried. After a few minutes there was a knock on my door and you came in and sat by me. You put your arm around me and talked to me. I can't remember what all we talked about, but I will never forget how you made me feel.
I remember you giving mouth to mouth to one of our goats. It sounds funny now, but it was intense at the moment. I remember being really worried about you because you seemed so sad when the goat died.
One fourth of July at the house on Country Plaza we were doing fireworks in our backyard. Just some little ones you had bought- and then the big fireworks started and everyone ran to go watch the big show. I was so worried that your feelings would be hurt because everyone left, so I stayed with you until I was sure you were okay. I'm sure you didn't think twice about it, but I felt protective of my dad.
You seemed to take in stride the many driving issues I had during my first year of driving. There's not room to go into them here, but I really have to give you credit for never yelling at me(although sometimes I thought it would be easier if you did-quiet disappointment can be hard to take), calling me names(which probably would have felt pretty good for you), or grounding me from ever driving one of your cars again(although this is when you upped your insurance coverage considerably, I remember).
One of the best was when you took us to the hospital to see our new brother, Alex. We went in an entrance that for some reason didn't seem quite right. This impression was confirmed when we were walking down a corridor with people lying on gurneys on either side of us. What a sight we must have been. You were, in typical fashion, walking quickly, looking straight ahead in a way that communicated you had somewhere to be and you knew exactly where it was, with six kids trying to keep up. I remember Aaron and I whispering to each other and being a little embarassed, but we eventually did end up in Alex's room.
I loved walking in Boston with you and getting to be the only one that you put braces on in school. I know I talked about this before, but I always felt like you were proud of me when I came in, and I felt important that you would introduce me to everyone.
Your spritual leadership has been one of the greatest constants of my life. I often find myself wondering, "what would Dad do?"
I loved all of our road trips. To this day I still get the urge sometimes to just throw everyone in the car and drive somewhere really far away. Common sense usually kicks in, but someday I'm going for it.
When I was in mutual all the dads had to write down one word that they felt described their daughter. You wrote peacemaker. At the time that made me feel so good, and to this dayI still think of that in so many moments when I feel like being anything besides the peacemaker, and it usually helps me to be a better person.
Your mustache was fun, as well as many of your coats.
When you ran for mayor I could hardly stand some of the articles. I felt so defensive of you. Quite frankly, I'm glad that's over! ( although I would of course support any future efforts)
I felt lucky that you got to interview me to go to the temple. I still have my temple reccommend with your signature on it. When I went to renew it my bishop let me keep it because I told him it was special to me.
Okay, this is getting excessively long. Quick notes
walking arm in arm with you in Utah when you came for conference my freshman year
getting to work at your office- I loved spending so much time with you
the way you make my kids feel
how peaceful you are
your wisdom
your great sense of humor
I love you Dad. Happy Birthday!
Dad is great - gives us the chocolate cake!


There is only one person in this family who was an eyewitness as to why these pictures should appear here together. That person is me.
Most of you would not believe this could be Dad. I know better. I was driving the boat.
When I think about the most interesting "phase" in Dad's life, one word comes to mind: moustache.
If I had a nickel for every time he has said "Now mother, that hasn't been clinically proven . . ." while talking with Grandmother Petersen.
I vote now that for Dad's 65th birthday we get a reprise of "The Yellow Rose of Texas." If you don't remember what that was about, you're a rookie.
Remember, Dad, you're only half way to Moses. I hope you make it all the way. We all love you a whole lot here in this house.
Aaron, Melissa and grandchildren
Happy Birthday
Lesson 1- If you are put in charge of the irrigation, get out of it. You have to have a pretty good reason, but trust me, you don't want that kind of heat.
Lesson 2- Do a poor job of weeding. Only in this way will you avoid the curse of Adam.
Lesson 3- Never put a patient in power chains in an .014 Copper NiTi.
Lesson 4- Clean out the grease from frying hamburgers before dad comes in the kitchen.
Lesson 5- Don't get into dares with your sister while rubbing your dad's feet.
Lesson 6- If you really want to do something, wait until dad picks up the newspaper, then ask.
Lesson 7- Timing is everything, especially the getting to church on time part of it.
Lesson 8- Maybe being a two-footed driver would have saved that water machine.
These are just a few. On another note, I would like to think that I have learned responsibility, work ethic, patience, even temperedness, and integrity from Dad. Mom played no small role either. I still have a lot to learn, and that is why I will continue to seek advice from Dad and Mom. I love you Dad, and I am excited to work with you in 21 months 15 days 15 hours (give or take a few minutes). Until next time. Alan
Happy Birthday Dad!!!!
I have a few fun memories ( well, I have alot more than a few, I'll just share the best ones...):
--When I came upstairs with my hair all done 40's style before a night of the play South Pacific, Dad looked at me strange and said "Who are you?" in a Chinese accent, mimicking, I believe, Pink Panther...it was hilarious.
--going on "dates" with Dad when we were younger
--going on Daddy-Daughter outings. It was fun for Dad to take care of us girls there.
--When I was 23 or so and not married or dating, Dad told me about the lady who married Dallin H. Oaks, who had never married until her 60's and told me I had hope (this was all said jokingly of course)
--I remember feeling really encouraged by Dad, when after practicing my voice in the living room, Dad was in the computer room, and after the practice told me how good he thought I was sounding ...I loved hearing his compliment, especially as singing was a struggle for me sometimes!
--one time I was complaining to Dad and said that I had a big nose and a bump. ( I have Mom's bump on the bridge of my nose, as I am sure you are all aware of). Dad said, "Well, you can't do anything about one of those but you can do something about the other!" I was very puzzled as to what he was talking about, then I realized he thought that I said I had a big bum, instead of big bump. So he was saying I could work out to get rid of the big bum! I thought it was so funny. I still don't know whether Dad was agreeing that I had a big bum, or if he was just being funny... :)
--fishing with Dad
--One time I was telling Dad about a guy in my chemistry class at MCC. The guy's name was Ryan and he was probably 5'5'' or something, but definitely shorter than me. I walked into class one day and I was dressed up because I had to sing in my next class. Ryan looked at me and said "well, Amy, you look sexy today." I was telling Dad how that kind of offended me. If he would have said I looked nice or pretty, that would have been one thing, but I didn't appreciate the word choice he used, because of the word and because that definitely wasn't my aim. I told Dad this and I think he agreed that it wasn't proper for Ryan to say this, because Dad gave me some advice on what my reply should have been. He said I should have said, "Well, Ryan, you look short today!" During that same talk, Dad was cleaning out the backporch closet and he found an old white and pink visor. He put it on when his back was to me, and then turned around with it on and made the craziest funny face...Dad really can get me laughing.
Well, I could go on, but I don't want to take up too much space, even though I might already have. I love you Dad and I hope you have a Happy Birthday! I am excited to see you in a couple of weeks!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Update from the Whites
I hope dental/ortho school is going good for the boys, and that both Jessica's pregancies are going well. We miss Amy and Don, and for that matter, don't see Aaron and Melissa often enough. But, when it comes right down to it, no matter how little we see each other, you all are still my favorite people in the whole world. Love you- Ang
Saturday, February 11, 2006





Here we are on Christmas Day. Oh man was that one of the best meals ever. Those of you that weren't here.... We ate for you. Cannon still hasn't got over throwing his food when he's done. i think there should be an invention where there's rubber that surrounds his seat. then whatever he throws down just pops right back up onto his plate. It would really confuse him. Of course there are some minor details to work out.






