Christmas was a little different for us this year. Our married kids were at the inlaws and Carly was the only one with us. It was a little lonely, but we still had our traditional pajama photo. Kenny called at about 9:15 am and we really enjoyed talking to him. We were able to conference call Melissa and Billy so we could all speak to him. He only has 7 months left.

The Festival of the Trees

We had the opportunity to go to the Festival of the Trees to see Carly's dance students perform. The boys loved the beautiful trees displayed and were actually pretty good. Ryder was thrilled to see Santa and as you can see the look of terror on Anders' face lets you know his feelings. This was Anders first time to sit on Santa's lap without freaking out and screaming uncontrolably. Ryder asked for "Hungry, Hungry Hippos," and "SpeedRacer." Anders seemed to ask for something but in a voice only dogs can hear. It is so fun to be with our boys and they love to be together.

Easton's Illness

On Thursday morning we had a real scare over our sweet little Easton. Billy called us early in the morning to tell us that Easton's fever had spiked and he went into convulsions. Billy and Nikki had quite a few tense hours waiting in the emergency room. He had numerous tests in the hospital emergency room including a spinal tap. Everything seemed fine except his high fever and large number of white blood cells. Billy and Lynn gave him a blessing and he had a couple of days of intravenous antibiotics and he is his beautiful, happy self. We are so grateful for the blessings of the priesthood in our lives.

It is that time of year and Lynn just offered to go buy the tree without even saying one word about the house burning down. I'm not sure I'm prepared to win that easily. We got the Griswold tree from our favorite place in front of Kings.

Santa is a Utah Man, Sir!

Saturday we went shopping at the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City. Anders wouldn't sit on Santa's lap but he was willing to be the Santa. He is a great shopping buddy while Kenny is on his mission.

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl

I asked Lynn to take pictures for Thanksgiving as we were going out to play our annual family football game. This is the only one on the camera. It is a great one of Nikki and our awesome baby, Easton. I guess I can't complain. It was a beautiful day, and fairly warm. We had most of the family present, except Kenny who is on his mission. I have been asked by quite a few friends and neighbors how the game went. It has been a wonderful tradition started many years ago by Dave and Maria, my brother-in-law and sister. It was a great way to start our fun Thanksgiving Day.

New Family Pictures

On the day of Amy and PJ's sealing we got together for our family pictures taken by Amy Larsen, Melissa and Christian's sister-in-law. It was a wonderful day and we are glad to have these to help us remember being together.

Now I Get It

I haven't posted for a few days because I was too sick. Everyday by lunch time I was nauseated and had to go home. Last night I happened to check my medicines and realized I was taking too much at the wrong time. I feel really good today. I now want to thank my girls for broadcasting our fantastic High School Musical dance routine. I have had many people compliment us for our skills. We are dedicating our performance to our grandsons who are High School Musical fans for life.

High School Musical 49

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Getting Well Soon

After looking him over twice, Dr. Doty asked Russ when he wanted to go home on Friday. He is such a great patient why would they want him to leave so early? He was able to come home Saturday and you will never believe how quickly he started healing almost before our eyes. He walks around without help. He keeps his oxygen by his side but doesn't need it nearly as often as we expected. His kidney function is at 100% and he has started eating very well (thanks to his awesome ward who have him fixed up for the week). It is such a blessing to see him bounce back so quickly. We are so grateful for the time we get to be with him.

Making the Move

Yesterday, Russ Speirs surprised all by being ready to leave ICU long before expected, or maybe the nurses were tired of him singing his silly country western songs. He is now residing in Room 408 and being poked, prodded, and pumped continually. The still have him on serious pain medication so he tends to be loopy but that's not much different from normal. Those of us who haven't been able to visit him yet miss him dearly and wish him a quick and painless recovery.

Everyone Wants a Turn

If you were worried that we didn't have enough pain, despair, and agony, then you haven't heard that Lynn's dad had heart valve and bypass surgery today. He has had a rough 2 years trying to keep up his energy and his well known sense of humor. We are so happy that he is getting a chance to get back to doing the things he loves. He is in ICU at the Murray IHC hospital and will be there for 2 more days and after a few more days of hospital rest he should be able to come home on Sunday. The doctor was very pleased with the results of surgery. Russ can see visitors for 10 or 15 minute intervals but not between 6-8 am or pm. Lynn says right now Russ is covered with tubes, but it takes a lot to keep him tied down to the bed.

Serving in New York

Our Missionary

Sundays are the day I write to Kenny so I am always a bit homesick for him on that day. He is currently assigned to Little Neck, and is very pleased with the work in that area. He recently sent us some pictures so I can share them with you. He has done really well since his kidney stone procedure. We have developed a real love for the people in the New York, New York South Mission.

Park City

It has been a long week but we were able to spend some of it at our timeshare at Mountain Side Resort in Park City. Christian was really stressed trying to do everything for school as well as care for Melissa and Anders which is already a full time job. We talked him into letting us take them for the week and I think he did much better. We also had Billy, Nikki and the boys so we all took turns helping Melissa and babysitting. Melissa is doing much better but cannot lift anything, or climb stairs, or drive. We are so grateful that she and the baby are healing so well. We have been blessed having Melissa and Christian so close to us.

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A Surprise from Melissa

Last Friday Melissa had to be taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. We thought she had kidney stones but were shocked to find out her ovary had to be removed because it was the size of a small football! She and the baby seem to be fine but she will be very restricted in her activities during the rest of this pregnancy. On Tuesday she decided she needed to get out of Christian's hair so he could continue his schooling, and we took Anders and Melissa to Park City where she has to stay down but can be close to the fun. Anders even seems to understand that his mommy can't hold him for a while and he likes to sleep with Grandma and Grandpa. We are so grateful for all the help we have had with babysitting, food, substituting, and other things during this time. We are also thankful for the concern and prayers in our behalf. Here is the now famous picture of the ovary that almost ate Melissa.

Family Ties

My kids often complain that our family is so close we all know when someone in the clan sneezes. Granted we are all little cramped at times but sometimes we realize that we wouldn't want it any other way. Last weekend as we were preparing for my sister to be sealed in the temple, we found out that Michelle, my brother John's wife, had had a seizure at home. She was luckily found by some friends who rushed her to the hospital. The doctors have determined that she has an oligodendroglioma tumor the size of an orange on her left frontal lobe of her brain. We have come together as a family to support John and Michelle at this time. They are in our thoughts and prayers and we want them to know how much we love them. If you would like to know more about Michelle and news of her health, my mom is keeping up an informational blog in their honor. Thank you to all for your concern. http://firthfacts.blogspot.com/

Lunch With the Girls

For many years I have gone to lunch with my friends every Wednesday while I am off track. Today was my pick and we ate at MacCools Pub. I started going with them because my former visiting teaching companion, Virgie Maughan asked me to attend. We are joined by Shirley, Jeanette, Annabelle, and Caroline. We also have a friend named Jan who is usually with us but today she is under the weather. The best part of lunch is the gossip and the laughter. I will miss my friends now that I have to go back to work.

Guess who is 23!

Well our dancing queen is 23 years old on September 16th. Carly's friends, big and little, decorated her car during dance lessons last night at the Jazz Dancer studio. She wants everyone to know that she considers this to be her birthday week and she will be accepting gifts throughout. We are so proud of her and are so happy she has moved home for this semester. She and Melissa have always been the sunshine in our home.

Can You Believe It?

This is truly a sight for sore eyes! I think some thought it would never happen but I always had faith. Amy and PJ Harrigan were sealed in the Bountiful Temple Saturday, September 13, 2008. It was attended by Kathryn and Ralph Firth, Kirk and Laurel Bitton, Dave and Maria Odle, Brady and Cherilyn Bird, Lynn and Andrea Speirs, Billy and Nikki Speirs, Christian and Melissa Larsen, Dave and Nancy George, Bobby and Linda Moon, Elwin and Ileen Roberts, Donna Hamilton, Bob and Peggy Odle, Russell and Barbara Speirs, and some friends of PJ that I don't know their names but I am glad they came. Amy told all that we never again needed to add her name to the prayer roll. She was finally going to give some payback. We will treasure this day forever and are thrilled to share our joy with you.

The Fairfield Ward Pioneers

Trek 2008

Bright and early on July 31, 2008 we left our stake center, clean and pretty smelling in our new pioneer clothes. My mom dropped us off but when she realized that I didn't have my sunglasses she ran home and got them for me. It is good to have a mom who loves you. Lynn and the kids from our ward rode on the bus while I drove with Jennifer Olsen, our YW president in the service vehicle, I've had my share of school buses. We had some terrific experiences and a great family. We love
our Ma and Pa, Mary and Logan Hammer. We really appreciate all the things they did for us (because we are old and feeble). We do have a list of things we will do differently if we have to go again. Our knees are not what they used to be. My favorite thing spiritual experience happened one night just as we had settled down to bed. We were so tired we could not even talk. We heard the sweet melody of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" played on a violin in the dark. Tears came to my eyes
as the tune switched to "Come, Come Ye Saints." What a blessing it was to be with people I loved and wanted to see make it to the end of the trail. The trip was hard and I felt like crying every minute, but I will never regret having this chance to feel like my ancestors coming across the plains. I know they chose to come because they had a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I to have that testimony and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the gospel. I love the youth of our stake and our
ward who shared this experience with us. I don't even mind how stinky we all were when we got back. I think Lynn looked good as a cowboy.

Starting Something New

It has occurred to me that Lynn and I never take pictures of ourselves. Even our on our honeymoon we didn't take any together. We have to start recording ourselves whether we like it or not. I have really loved reading my children's blogs and it has given me a desire to connect with them. So onward and upward, I begin my quest to keep up to date with all of our loved ones.

Twenty-five Years and Going Strong

Lynn and I have been married for 25 years on March 31, 2008. I thought the time would have gone by much slower, but in a blink of an eye, we have been married longer than we were single. We have 4 beautiful children; Billy, Melissa, Carly, and Kenny. We have 3 amazing grandsons; Ryder, Anders, and Easton. Lynn is a managing editor for Ingenix, a subsidiary of UHC and I have been teaching elementary school for 26 years.