Just some thoughts I wanted to get down. I had an amazing institute teacher make a statement once that has really stuck with me. The class was the first half of the Old Testament and we were learning about Abraham. Specifically, we were learning about the sacrifice of Isaac. After Abraham showed his faith in this trial that he was given he received great blessings. In fact, in Genesis 22:17-18 he is promised: “I will multiply they seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the sea shore… and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed”. Really, what more can people desire? Our teacher then went on to say that he felt that everyone would one day be tested with an Abrahamic trial in their lives. That doesn’t mean we will all be asked to sacrifice a child. It will be different for each person and it will be the hardest thing we will be asked to endure. And it will most likely hit your weakest point or at a time you already feel stretched to the limit. It is supposed to be that hard. It seems unfair, right? But, what blessings await us if we make it through this trial faithfully? Heavenly Father is a God of Justice and Mercy and the blessings at the end will equal it all out. 

Now for the real thoughts bouncing around in my head. I’m so grateful for my family. And I’m not just talking about my immediate family, but right now my extended family. There are some who have already had their Abrahamic tests. Some of them I have my guesses as to when and what they were. Some I will never know. Some of them may be going through it right now, whether it is due to a spouse, child, grandchild or themselves. We don’t always know about others. What I do know is that I am in a family that has the gospel. We can ask for family fasts and prayers. We can call each other up for priesthood blessings. We can put each other’s names on the temple prayer rolls. We can do all of this for each other and for this I am so grateful. I admire those in the gospel who are the only members in their family. They are strong and courageous and I’m sure they receive amazing blessings for their faith. But I wouldn’t want to be them. This support and strength I get from my family is what I need. I hope that my family out there who are going through these difficult times know that they can lean on us. Because we have all chosen to be a part of this gospel we have more people that just our immediate family we can turn to in these times of need for we are all bound together eternally. Don’t be afraid to turn to us and lean on us. Don’t try to go it alone but allow us to do our family duty. The family proclamation says that extended family is to help when needed and I really feel, deep down, that this spiritual strength is where extended family can help the most. 

While I have been through some difficult moments, I often find myself wondering what my Abrahamic test will be. I don’t believe I have had it yet. It scares me to think of what it will be. But I am grateful to know that I will have more than just the support of my family… I will have their testimonies, prayers and spiritual strength. 

Lately

Well, I only received a response from one little family but I'm sure everyone wants to hear about them. So here is Kelli and her awesome little clan:

I sit and think about all the fun times I had growing up with all my AMAZING cousins sometimes and it makes me miss you all so much! I am determined to stay in touch better from now on! All of us have such busy exciting lives with being parents, going to school, missions, or just plain life and it's hard to find time sometimes to do this. Here goes.

Since our last update a few monumental occasions have come and gone. Chloe was baptized! What an amazing, eye-opening experience. I can't believe I have a little one that is 8. I mean, I remember being 8! She is an incredible sweet girl and we are enormously blessed to have her as our oldest child. She is a great big sister/mommy to her little brothers. Every morning she walks Hayden to breakfast, and then to class. She takes this responsibility very seriously and the teachers (and I) just love watching her and her tender ways with her younger siblings. Chloe is currently in 2nd grade and is a real wiz in her math and science subjects. This girl LOVES animals, and will watch animal planet, discovery, and national geographic type documentaries all day long if she could. She is really accelerating in reading thanks to this favorite topic.

Hayden is doing great in Kindergarten and is really starting to open up a little socially. My 2nd oldest, sweet 6-year old is very shy and reserved a lot of times and sometimes lets if get between him and communication. He has been our greatest challenge so far in parenting. He is very stubborn a lot of times (I wonder where he got that from) but I'm hoping it will become a great blessing as he faces more of the world as he grows. Hayden LOVES Angry Birds, and we've taken advantage of his enjoyment of this crazy game and used it as incentive for participating and following directions in school and at home. Boy does it work! (Most the time) Hayden just got over a cold, and colds are always 10 times harder for him to beat then his siblings due to his asthma and bronchialitis (I know that is spelled wrong). Poor guy missed a few days of school and a lot of sleep. I sat up with him the hardest nights, with him propped up so he could breath easier and not cough so much. Phew!

Jayce is a cute little ball of destructive energy that, like an Energizer bunny, keeps going and going and going... He is really looking forward to going to school this year and I think he is ready! I'm not sure if I am yet.. to have my last baby in school. He is a sweetheart and is a great helper to me at home with anything I might be doing.  This boy is fearless and has been in the ER twice in his 4 years of life so far for crazy accidents you'd have never imagined could happen. He is my little cuddle boy in the mornings, is very friendly and not shy.

Danny started another semester of school and is taking a class in networking. He is really enjoying it so far. I've got plans to start a class or two this fall while Jayce is in school, but I'm nervous about taking the assessment test and getting out of the super easy classes I don't want to re-take, but it has been a long time since high school! I'm hoping to find a refresher course. We just got a new car, it was exciting for us, our first car loan, our only debt. We're looking forward to building our credit off something so easy to handle. We are loving it. Not much else exciting to say about the 2 older people here. Just busy with the kids and stuff. We sure miss you all and I can't wait for our next reunion.

Love,
The Valdez Johnson Family


As for my little family... we are moving! Yes that is right, we are finally headed south. Right now we are in the middle of finishing up packing and we head out in about 5 days to make the drive! We are super excited though a little nervous about how Scotty will handle all the time in the car. It has been crazy trying to finish everything up. I hate this part of packing where there is just random stuff left around and we don't know what to do! But we are ready to get down there. Scott will be helping my dad build the barn while applying for jobs on police forces and once we know where in the state we are going we will begin the process of looking for a house which I'm super excited and nervous for. 
Scotty is still amazing. He is starting to talk so much and loves anything in the sky (planes and helicopters). He has and eagle eye for the things and can find them when we don't see them. He loves slides and goes down big ones on his own which makes my heart skip a beat sometimes. He is doing gymnastics in a Mommy and Me class and loves it. I don't think he will be a gymnast though. He is too good with a ball. He has great aim and quite the arm. With a football he likes to roll it in his hands to get it in just the right position to throw. He also loves books and can often be found sitting in the rocking chair "reading". Can't wait for everyone in GA to get to know him.


As for the rest of the family I don't really know much but here are some facts:
- Sandy had a little boy...  Jacob. I heard he is cute so can't wait to see him.
- Britnee got married to Jesse Fortenberry
- Heather had surgery and it went well
- We have 4 babies due this summer (Michelle- May (gonna be a surprise!), Racheal - June (boy), Susie- July (boy), Jessi- August (?)
- Krista and Tim went on their missions (I have pictures to put up soon) check out their blogs on the sidebar!!!!!
- Craig and Doll are preparing for their next adoptions. There is a blog for them too!!!!!
- Mandi and Zack moved to AZ and Reid and Susie moved to Iowa
- Becca had her baby way back in Dec and he is sooooo cute!!!!
- Brianna came out to BYU
- Megan is engaged!!!! I think July 6th is the date?


That is all I know so if you want more info on yourself or if I got stuff wrong (which is inevitable) you should really send me a letter next time around! Love everyone!
Lena

September Newsletter

Michelle, Nate, Addison and Bryn

         Michelle and Nate have started potty training with Bryn. They say it is a “joy of joys”. She is a smart little thing though so I’m sure it won’t be too bad. For Labor Day they went down to St. George to  be with Nate’s family. They did an insane hike/slot canyon that they say was really fun. Everyone should check out their blog to see all about it. Yes it was insane but it sure did look fun! I sure was jealous.

         This last month Nate turned 29. I guess that means next year he will be an old man (I can say this since I will be the same age in a couple of months). Michelle had been serving as the Young Women’t president in her ward but recently was released and called to be the Primary secretary.

Addison has started Joy school this month and I’m sure is loving it.

         Check out their blog that is linked on the side to see pictures of some of these happenings and their cute kiddos.

Doyle, Chelsea and Eve

         Doyle just started his second year of law school. They have heard that the first year is the hardest so I’m sure they are keeping their fingers crossed that this is a true fact. Hopefully he does have a little more time because hunting season is about to begin and it is all he and his dad talk about. All Chelsea ever hears about is deer, guns and other hunting equipment they need.

         Chelsea is loving being a stay at home mom with Eve. Occasionally she gets called in to work as a dental hygienist but for the most part gets to be at home with her little one. Her and Eve just recently took a trip out to California to visit her parents and of course loved it.

         Eve just turned 4 months old and is bringing more and more joy to their lives. They don’t know what they would do without her. She is a well mannered baby who is full of smiles and just recently added giggles to her bag of tricks.

         As a family they are getting ready for opposumfest on Oct. 8^th. For those of you unfamiliar with this, last year Doyle caught a opossum and wanted to cook it so they threw a party to watch football, eat it (and other food) and just have a good time. Anyone local who is interested is invited. It will be in the backyard and will include the GA/TN game, country dancing, soups, fall desserts, homemade rootbeer, and cider. There will be more details later. Check out her blog as well!

Kelly, Danny, Chloe, Hayden and Jayce

The school year has started again, with Chloe in 2nd grade and Hayden in Kindergarten. They are both doing very well and excited to get up every morning to get ready (so far). Jayce enjoys one on one time with me while his siblings are in school and we do fun Pre-K activities together. He will be turning 4 years old on the 19th! We are all glad that it is starting to cool off a little. It will be nice when the kids can enjoy playing outside again. Danny is still doing school here and there and I will probably start again soon.

I have been doing little remodeling projects in Danny's Gmas house we are living in. It sure needs a lot of work. We are trying to make the best of it, but hopefully we will find another place to live soon. :)

We love and miss you all.

Kelli & the kids.

Reid, Susie and Abigail

Since the reunion, Reid, Abigail and I have been able to finally set up our apartment, getting new furniture off of Craigslist. Reid started school and has already had like 4 or 5 tests, with 2 more next week! Someone in our ward gave a talk and mentioned how the first year of medical school is like a frog (the first year student) being put into pot of water and someone slowly turning up the heat from a nice hot tub to a boiling pot of water. It is starting to get boiling. Abigail and I went to my parents for a week, my sister came up and we got to spend some time with them, and then Reid met us up there Labor day weekend. Reid and I have made some great new friends. We've gone to the Iowa state fair and had dinners. Reid goes mountain biking a lot with his friends and the ladies have play groups for the kids. We've both been trying to exercise with the facilities they have at school. We have been to a farmers market and got the best corn, corn you can eat raw and is so sweet! Today is Abigail 2nd birthday and we are having a birthday party for her and my dad next weekend. We really love Iowa so far a lot better than just corn here! Check out their blog to see life in Iowa!

Lamar, Chris, Dylan, Garrett, Carter, Sierra and Savannah

School started up on August 29. Dylan is a senior (!!!), Garrett is in 9th grade, Carter is in 4th grade, and Sierra and Savannah are in 3rd grade. Dylan has a total party schedule for his senior year--band (playing trumpet), art, sculpture, astronomy, etc. He chose his classes based on whether they would assign homework--if they did, he didn't take it. (eyeroll) Garrett is also taking band (playing oboe), as well as Spanish, honors math, and the bane of his existence, PE. He'll start taking seminary for the first time next trimester. Carter and the girls all seem to really like their teachers, and we're all still trying to adjust to the nightly homework of reading, math practice, and spelling words (the bane of MY existence).

The kids are also staying busy with their extracurricular stuff, although not as busy as last year, thank goodness. Garrett and Carter are still on the tumbling team, Dylan is on the parkour team, and the girls are taking gymnastics. Sierra is also continuing with ballet. Dylan has decided he wants to discontinue his private trumpet lessons, but he's trying to talk me into letting him take singing lessons for some mysterious reason. Garrett is trying to decide if he wants to start up piano lessons again--I wish he would, because he has a lot of potential. He is getting ready to audition on Saturday for the Lincoln Youth Symphony, a community symphonic orchestra. He participated in it last year and really liked it, so he's looking forward to participating again. The audition is a formality, he's pretty much guaranteed a spot.

The girls are having great fun doing Achievement Days, and I'm having almost as much fun being their Achievement Day leader. Yesterday we went out to the Bear River Bird Refuge, where they had "junior ranger backpacks" for the girls to borrow. We spent an hour being explorers--capturing bugs and examining them, trying to identify birds and butterflies, and looking for animal tracks. They loved it.

Carter has kind of stalled with his Cub Scouting; his leaders took a lot of time off this summer, and now they are meeting at the same time that Carter has tumbling. He's got less than two months before he moves into Webelos, so I guess we'd better get cracking and get his Bear earned! Sigh. Always too much to do. Dylan and Garrett are actually both progressing in Boy Scouts--we just had a Court of Honor on Tuesday, and Dylan was advanced to the rank of Life while Garrett was advanced to the rank of Star. Dylan has less than 6 months til he turns 18, so it's gonna be close to see whether he gets his Eagle earned.

LaMar took up jogging this summer, and he's now running 5K six days a week. He has lost about 20 pounds and he's starting to get runner's legs. During the summer, he went early in the morning, and almost every day, Sierra went with him riding her bike alongside. Now he's going in the evenings, and often Garrett will go with him. He's definitely inspiring the kids to stay fit. I keep hoping the inspiration will hit me....

LaMar and I both stay busy with the clinic. I am working there about 30 hours a week now and trying to keep work, family, and self in some kind of a balance. It's been a challenge. I keep dreaming about doing my writing on a regular basis, but finding the time and the energy to do it right now is a challenge. I am working with a consultant for the clinic who is trying to help us plan for the future. We're working to make sure our practice value stays strong, and that we have systems in place so that it will run efficently even when we are not there. I am really hoping that by next year we will be able to bring on another full-time veterinarian and LaMar can cut back on his hours some.

And I guess that's about it for us! I could give you details about our 5 cats, 3 dogs, 5 horses, and 1 turkey, but y'all are probably already asleep, so I'll quit here. :-) Hope to hear from everyone else!

Chris, LaMar, and family

Scott, Debbie and Daily

Scott and Debbie have been busy trying to stay out of the heat and watching their grass die. It has been very hot down there and there has not been a lot of rain so they are left without many other options.

          Scott, Lena and little Scott came out to visit for a couple of weeks in the middle of the summer and as much as they loved have them here they loved having Scotty the most. They did a lot of playing with him and almost didn’t let him go back home.

         Daily was home all summer with them and while there she worked at a mental hospital or something. It was an internship for her major and I think she really enjoyed the work as a whole. As a family they went on vacation up to the north. While there they got to spend 3 days with Alan and Michelle and their kids that were home for the summer. They jumped over to Philadelphia to visit Debbie’s cousin who she hadn’t seen in a really long time and then over to Ithaca, NY to visit her brother. They visisted many church history sites, including Palmyra and it’s temple, Cumorah, the John Johnson farm and Kirtland. In Kirtland they found Perry and Hulet family land from the 1830’s (these are ancestors for those new in the family). They also found many family grave markers. They also went up to Niagra falls and while in Ohio they went to the Ohio State fair where they saw things like pig races and the world’s largest butter sculpture!

         After the fire this past winter they have begun to rebuild the barn again. They have had a lot of help from family and friends and always seem to be working on it now.

         Having Doyle and Chelsea there they have had a lot of time with Evie. They get to do a lot of babysitting and playing with her and love it.

         They had a good harvest from their garden this summer and so they have been canning, freezing, drying… any other suggestions? J They planted a fall garden for the first time only to have the cows get into it and either eat or trample everything in it. They took their revenge and had a cow processed. It now lives in their freezer.

         They say that they have kept up with their jobs even though now they are always talking about hunting or football when I call home. Sounds like fall is here in GA!

Jessie, Paul, Bryton and Riley

September is usually a big month for us, our yearly lease is up, so we either stay... but usually move. We moved 8 houses up the road from our previous house... silly we know, but it was out of necessity. Our businesses are growing and functioning very well. Bryton Turned 2 on September 3rd. He is also talking in full sentences... can't really believe it ourselves. He is also potty training! Yeah! Riley is 6 months old... weighs about 20lbs... and keeps Jess busy all day. We are all doing fantastic, but hope that Octobers schedule will slow down!

Jessie also sent a quick little update on the other Isenbergers for us:

Gary- Hunting season has begun, so to the forest he goes on Saturday mornings

Sandy- taking some personal time... and carrying number 9 which is 15 weeks along now.

Racheal and Brian -  are doing great…ask rach for more info!

Heather -  working dilligently on her GED and thinking about a mission

Tyler -  on a mission! yeah! growing spiritually in every way... and currently suffering from an ingrown toenail... ouch!

Britne - in school, working and dating a handsome returned missionary!!!!!!

Jennifer - gorgeous, working on homeschool and is an amazing artist.

Matthew -  working on school while taking breaks to practice his bow skills

Sara - a very hard worker! loves reading and playing the piano... can't believe shes in YW!

Scott, Lena and Scotty

         As for our little family we are doing well. Scott is busy at work. It is a busy time for his company as it is their big convention and he is getting busier and busier. I can’t wait for November so that he will be done with that. He is also applying for a job with church security up in Salt Lake and this week he has a physical test with them so he has been busy working out to get ready for that. I guess we will let you know more about that in the next newsletter.

         Lena is busy with Scotty. She is trying not to go crazy at home but is truly loving just being with him. She even turns down every subbing opportunity at he old job because she can’t bear to leave him. She has taken a job 3 nights a week for an hour each night teaching tumbling at a dance studio. Scotty gets to spend the time with his dad and since it is only half a mile away she is gone just enough to get her out of the house. So far, she is enjoying it.

         Scotty continues to grow up. He finally has reached 20 lbs. He won’t eat ANYTHING anymore but he will eat a wide variety of foods so mom is happy with it. He says more, shoes, daddy… sometimes he repeats other words but not really on a regular basis. He is learning to eat with a spoon (messy) and likes to drink our water bottles (messier). He is too smart for his own good sometimes but is a happy, giggly little boy. He is so fun to have all the time and we love him so much.

Thank you for the responses for this first newsletter. We have loved hearing from all of you and hope to hear from you next time as well as everyone who was not able to participate this time around. I plan to get the next one out mid November so be ready. Love everyone!

Lena

Newsletter

Please send me your letter for the family newsletter. I would love for there to be pictures as well. Hope all are doing well and look for the letter to be up on here around Sept 15th!

Saturday

Here are the last of the pictures from the scavenger hunt on Saturday.

"Spooky Barn"

Where Grandpa did a lot of his research

First house the family lived in after leaving Ohio

House on Inverness

Kristen and Scotty

Gary playing with Carter

Monkey man?

Gandma, Heather, Sandy and Brighton

Sarah, Chelsea, Susie, Uncle Craig, Aunt Doll and Kristen

Racheal, Jessie, Paul, Matthew, Reid and Abigail

Riley

Friday

Starting with Helen and ending with a gathering at the Winder building here are the pictures from Friday's activities. I think I got pictures of everyone tubing except Brian... I don't know where the one of him ended up.

Aunt Sandy and Sara caught on rocks

Jennifer, Heather and Daily

Jennifer, Lena and Scott

Susie lookin like a movie star

Doye and Reid

Kristen

Cole

Jennifer in the water... and boy did she have trouble getting back in the tube :)

Uncle Craig, Kristen and Emma... I think she is gonna jump

Sarah (her friend Chelsea was there somewhere too)

Matthew and Carter

Rachael, Afton, Aunt Sandy, Helena and Sara under the water

Uncle Scott, finally floating in all lonesome like

Everyone on the ride back... Scott Kristen, Emma, Cole, Uncle Craig, Sarah, her friend Chelsea, Heather, Jennifer, Aunt Sandy, Sara, Susie, Reid and Daily (good luck finding them)

Nate (with Brynn), Michelle, Addison, Reid, Kristen and Emilee (Russel's wife for those who don't know her yet)

Susie, Jessie and Megan

Scott with Scotty, Nate and Uncle Currie getting fierce

Emilee better watch out, Reid and Susie look serious

L to R: Emilee, Brianna, Ryan, Grandma with Riley, Jessie, Uncle Currie and Aunt Debbie

L to R: Doyle, Jenna, Uncle Gary, Chelsea, Russel, Nate with Addison, Ryan and Emilee

L to R: Shauna with Juliann, Uncle Craig, Paul, Scott and Susie

These are some of my favorite shots of the night. We wanted to try to get a picture of Grandma with all the great-grandkids in attendance. They didn't like that plan so much. And grandma said she was laughin so hard at the parents trying to get their kids to look that THAT is what a picture should have been taken of!

Brighton attacking the lamp on the side and Carter running away 

Helena about to "jump" off the couch

Carter finally made it... happy boy

Abigail showing off her tush

Oh and this is just because I can 

Thursday night

Just a disclaimer: I apologize for spelling names wrong. There are many that I have never actually SEEN written so I am guessing. Others, well, spelling is not my strong suit and spell check doesn't help much with names :)

Here come Reid and Abigail

Plenty of people at the bottom to help catch her

Scott and Lena enjoying some swimming without having to watch the little one

Sara, Afton and Brighton

Carter and Addison

Jenna keeping an eye on Brynn

Doug, Shauna (holding Jackson), Doyle (holding Eve) and Chelsea... probably talking Law stuff

Ben, Becca, Russel, Brianna and Gary (holding Riley)

Russel, Brianna, Gary and Riley, Grandma and Abigail

Aunt Debbie entertaining Scotty and Abigail

Brittany and Megan

Chelsea with her little Evie

Scott and Scotty playing in the water

Jennifer and Jessie (holding Riley)

Racheal watching Helena and Brighton

Daily with her birthday cake

Michelle, Addison, Aunt Viann, Kaylynn and Aunt Sandy

Scotty

Abigail

Ryan, Matthew and Grandma... looks like GA!

...

Karma?