Friday, August 28, 2009
Just getting it off my chest (mom)
One of my least favorite things about the computer is an email telling me to do something and then telling me to forward it to at least so many people or blank will happen or not happen.
Ask me to donate money to a worthy cause, ask me to tend your kids, ask me to feed the missionaries, ask me to do your laundry or take your car in for a windshield repair, emissions and safety check and oil change. I will happily do all of these things. But PLEASE don't ask me (or especially tell me with silly consequences) to forward on any email.
Thanks. I feel better.
Ask me to donate money to a worthy cause, ask me to tend your kids, ask me to feed the missionaries, ask me to do your laundry or take your car in for a windshield repair, emissions and safety check and oil change. I will happily do all of these things. But PLEASE don't ask me (or especially tell me with silly consequences) to forward on any email.
Thanks. I feel better.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bassett First Friday Club (BFFC) - (Dad)
Okay, let's get real on this Bassett First Friday activity.
Janey, since it's your idea, how 'bout you taking lead and set up things for the first monthly BFF. Technically that would be in 2 weeks on Sep 4.
But before we do anything, you'll want to ask a few questions of the gang...
1. Is the First Friday the best regular weekend to be able to go w/ Nick and Stef, or is there another regular weekend when they might come up? Or should we try to not have it be a regular night, but rather have it be on a night when Nick and Stef are already coming up? So the person in charge would work w/ Nick and Stef to figure out which day would work best, and then plan it around them? Or should we do both? Have a regular night AND get together when N&S are in town. I prefer the later.
2. Do we want to have it be with grandkids (freshman class)or without? May not seem like a big deal when you've got just 4 or 5 kids in the Freshman class... but when all of you have got kids of all ages, it will really take away from the fun of it just being the your generation. But if it means not having some come cuz of sitters...that's tough. That's a question to ask. I prefer the no-kids option(just so you guys aren't distracted when you're there)
3. Do you want to have it be dutch treat or have it be Mom and Dad's treat? (By the way this is a trick Question) If Mom and Dad pay for everyone, then we won't ever do anything very fun.
Other than that...the only advice I would throw in, is for everyone to be excellent to each other...and...party on dudes. :)
Janey, since it's your idea, how 'bout you taking lead and set up things for the first monthly BFF. Technically that would be in 2 weeks on Sep 4.
But before we do anything, you'll want to ask a few questions of the gang...
1. Is the First Friday the best regular weekend to be able to go w/ Nick and Stef, or is there another regular weekend when they might come up? Or should we try to not have it be a regular night, but rather have it be on a night when Nick and Stef are already coming up? So the person in charge would work w/ Nick and Stef to figure out which day would work best, and then plan it around them? Or should we do both? Have a regular night AND get together when N&S are in town. I prefer the later.
2. Do we want to have it be with grandkids (freshman class)or without? May not seem like a big deal when you've got just 4 or 5 kids in the Freshman class... but when all of you have got kids of all ages, it will really take away from the fun of it just being the your generation. But if it means not having some come cuz of sitters...that's tough. That's a question to ask. I prefer the no-kids option(just so you guys aren't distracted when you're there)
3. Do you want to have it be dutch treat or have it be Mom and Dad's treat? (By the way this is a trick Question) If Mom and Dad pay for everyone, then we won't ever do anything very fun.
Other than that...the only advice I would throw in, is for everyone to be excellent to each other...and...party on dudes. :)
Ragnar Relay
IMG_0042
Originally uploaded by bretbassett
By now you've seen the photos...and you've either sighed (oh boy, another event I had nothing to do with) or like me, you've delighted to be part of something wonderful w/o having to have trained for it. Here's how I saw the ragnar.
PS Im testing out Flickr as a way of posting photos...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
To a New Year... (Janey)
Hi Fam-
So, the BAWB hasn’t been very active over the summer, but I can’t blame anyone but myself because I defiantly haven’t contributed. Because of that, I have tried to make up for my wrong doing and have written a very, very, very LONG letter (sorry, I know we all have a hard time reading the long letters.) I have divided it into three portions: the first is this portion I like to call “family business;” the second portion is a “semi-quick synopsis of my summer”; and the third portion is my “thoughts as I begin school again”. Read what you can, I won’t be offended (or is it affended?) if you don’t read it all.
Portion 1: Family Business
1) We are planning something fun for Labor Day, perhaps having a big breakfast, hiking Ensign Peak, and then going to Clark Planetarium while we are downtown. There we thoughts about coming home and having a little lunch, go swimming, maybe go to a movie, maybe a BBQ? Those were some idea’s we had. We know Nick and Stef aren’t planning on coming (although you are still invited), but we just want to make a plan so we aren’t sitting around that morning deciding what we should do! If you want to hang out with us or have any ideas, we would love to hear them.
2) Welcome back Blaine, Kris, Ben, Gwen, and Ivy Jane! I am so excited to have you guys back. I love that you guys just come and hang out; I wish I didn’t have to work so much so I could play more with you guys. Anyway, now I am hoping that once everyone gets back into the groove of life after such a fun summer this blog will kick back into gear with lots of good updates!
Not only would it be fun to hear from each other, but I also thought it would be fun to get a set time each month that we could get together. I know there has been lots of talk but this hasn’t really ever happened. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a BFF: Bassett First Friday (not best friends forever) or whatever day everyone thinks would be best, going? We could make one “couple” in charge each month. I know N &S couldn’t always come, but an occasional visit from them would be fun! Let me know what your thoughts are.
Portion 2: A Semi-Quick Synopsis of My Summer
I have to start this letter with my big thing that I have just accomplished and am sooo grateful is over: Planning my 5 Year High School Reunion. I don't know why, but I have been so nervous for it. It went fine. We were planning on having it in the cafeteria at Granger, but there was a misunderstanding and so we had to change it last minute to the park (which we weren't very excited about.) We had Apple Spice Junction cater, had about 45 people come, and charged $20. We played a little "How well did you know your classmate?" game with prizes and everything. The game was actually kind of fun. Most of the people who came were friends I have seen at wedding receptions and stuff throughout the past few years. By the end of the night we had a new committee appointed to do the 10 year (which I am not on) and then I was able to relax a bit and had a good time visiting with friends. It wasn't fancy, but for a 5 year reunion I think it went okay. Thank you to all you family members who listened to my frustrations, concerns, and helped me through it all!
As the summer is drawing to a close, I can't help but reflect on what has happened and the great time I had! It is amazing how quickly it seems to go by, yet when I think about the beginning of the summer it seems so far away. Some of the highlights or big things I did are:
-Fun trip to Disneyland with two of my roommates! We went on my birthday so I got in for free. We did the beach, the San Diego temple, Disneyland/CA Adventure, and Sea World. The amazing thing was I think it only cost me a total of $100. We did food the cheap way (grocery store shopping), stayed with some friends (no hotel cost), and drove (splitting the cost of gas.) I was excited that it ended up being so cheap but lots of fun.
-Did a spring term at BYU Salt Lake to get my last two generals out of the way. If I had future years left of undergrad school left I would probably do this every year. Although it was kind of a pain at the time, I am so glad I did it. It was a unique thing because of the smaller classes, knowing the professors personally, and getting a semester over in 8 weeks. I still feel like I had plenty of summer to enjoy once the semester was over, so I didn’t really feel like my summer got cut short. Basically, I am really glad I did it! (And the BYU Salt Lake center is beautiful, it was kind of fun to go downtown for school.) Anne Marie (the star in "That Girl") helped me get through the rough summer school days. I would watch 2 or 3 episodes everyday during the semester. I have just purchased Season 4 so she can help me through this coming Fall semester.
-I ran the Wasatch Back, Ragnar Relay. Loved it, but probably won't do it again. It was fun to get to know some of the cousins a little better, but I wasn't a fan of sitting in the car for two days, and live off 3 hours of sleep. It was fun to run at 4:00 in the morning in the pitch black. Sometimes I couldn't see anyone else...a little spooky, but that just kept me running! Good memories.
-I transferred stores and opened the new Smart Cookie in Fort Union (Midvale). I forgot about the initial stress that comes with opening a store: adjusting recipes, making little changes, and having all new employees. Although I learned to like it by the end, I missed the American Fork location (which I am transferring back to this week.) I will be at Smart Cookie for at least a few more months, but I am hoping to find something related to Speech Pathology.
-New York and D.C! Loved this trip and defiantly found it to be the highlight of the summer. I loved having the first few days be just our little family. I miss Rose tons and it was super fun to get her all to ourselves. There were lots of fun adventures that I will remember and cherish, such as spending 30 minutes trying to find a Wendy's at 1:00 in the morning because we were STARVING. It was also so fun to spend time with the big Bassett family in such a beautiful and spacious location.
-Just loving every day of summer. I swear that every year it takes longer and longer into the year for it to get warmer. I don't think it was warm enough to go "swimming" until the very end of June (the parentheses was in behalf of Margaret and Rosey who make fun of Gwen and me who say we are going swimming but really we jump in for two seconds, maybe get our hair wet, and then sit by the side of the pool the rest of the time). I am becoming more and more like Mom as I could now say that July is my favorite month. It's hot, the days are the longest of the year (sunlight from 6 am to 9 pm), it's patriotic, has a few holidays so there are lots of parties going on, and you can just go swimming every day. I really hope that I live close when I have kids so they can enjoy the Winder Pool too.
-I loved going to our home ward. I was in Primary substituting for somebody almost every week which I loved! I am excited to go back to a new student ward, but I will miss Primary!
-I didn't date much over the summer, but I loved having "girl's parties" on a regular basis with Gwen, Andrea, and Marg and Robyn (until Marg left). :( They were usually just chick flick movie nights, but I am sad to see those come to an end.
-Blaine and Kris move back to Utah…need I say more? :)
I think my only regret of the summer is we didn't do as many Sunday night homemade ice cream parties with Yorgy's. But, I have loved this summer and hope I did everything I was supposed to. I think I lived it up as much as I could!
Portion 3: “Thoughts As I Begin School Again”
This portion is me looking forward to/reflecting on school. School is always a new adventure, especially when you are single and you move to a new ward every year. It keeps life very interesting. You get new classes, new roommates, new ward, new boyfriends, :) new lots of things. I only have 12 credit hours this semester and then 6 the next. I graduate this year so I am preparing to take the GRE and apply to grad school. It all makes me a little nervous and I can’t believe I am really thinking/preparing for grad school, but I just need to keep moving in life. Life defiantly hasn't turned out the way I thought it would, but I know the Lord is in charge and this is the best thing for me to do.
As I have prepared for this new school year, it has been so fun to think back on my past 5 years since I have started college and realized how lucky I am to have been the middle child. Some people might complain about being the middle child, but I have found it to be one of the best spots in the family…and here’s why:
Highschool: Jumping back to before college, I have to address high school. I know I would have survived and had friends eventually in high school without any help. However, I owe the successful start of high school to Nick who didn’t care (or at least acted like he didn’t care) that his little Sophmore sister tagged along with him and his friends. Thanks for getting my social life in gear when I started high school, Nick. I appreciated the time we had together.
College:
Freshman Year: I didn’t really expect to like my freshman year very much. However, just the opposite happened. I LOVED it!!!!! It was probably my favorite year. Everything was new, I had tons of friends, I didn’t have a job so I tons of time to socialize and make cookies and then take them to each of the guys apts in the ward. Wow, I almost had too much time on my hands. However, one of my favorite things about this year was getting to know Blaine and Kristi. They were nice to invite me over for dinner and movie nights often, and allow me to do my laundry there. Blaine and I not only faithfully had lunch every day, but we also had American Heritage together. Blaine was nice to show me the ropes and get me off to a good start in my college career. Blaine was always just a little too old for me to really get to know before he moved out of the house, so this was a fun time to get to know Blaine. I loved getting to know Kristi better and really rely on her as a friend. I knew you guys would do anything to help me and I appreciated that so much. The other fun thing about that year was being among the first to invite Gwen into the world. I was the person they called when they needed her suitcase from their house. I loved that I got to see them not only just an hour or so after Gwen was born, but also while Kris was in labor. I just felt so loved and needed. Thanks for letting me be a part of that special time in your life. Also, it was fun to get to know Kris the following summer as we both worked for Aardvark. It was nice to have an excuse to have to call Kris nearly every day. What could have been a 2 minute conversation turned into a 20 minute conversation almost every time. Thanks Kris!
Sophomore Year: This was the year I lived with the Franklins and Maretta. It was fun to get to know these girls better and actually know my roommates before I moved into my apt. I’ll be honest, I am sure I saw Blaine and Kris some, but I think they might have been on an internship for one of the semesters because I can’t think of going over there as often. Oh wait, I just remembered, this is when you lived at that place you really didn’t like very much. Yeah, for some reason I just don’t think I made it over there quit as often as I did my freshman year. What was I thinking? By the end of this year I couldn’t wait to move home. I stayed the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in Provo. By the end of Winter semester I wanted to cry because I was so happy to be going home and getting out of Utah Valley!
Junior Year: This was another year I got to know Nick better…well, sort of. Nick and I lived in the same ward, which was WAY fun. It was fun to get to sit next to Nick and all of his roommates. Again, he was an awesome brother who let his little sister hang out with his friends. It is amazing how living in the same ward opens up windows of conversation. It was fun to be able to talk to Nick about all the drama or non drama in the ward. I loved walking to school with Nick most mornings and then meeting Blaine in the class we had together on Tues and Thurs. mornings. Although they both got better grades than me in that class, I loved being able to take a class with two of my brothers (I never dreamed that would happen.) The “bitter/sweet” thing of that year was having Nick’s attention and time become focused elsewhere..however, that elsewhere lead to a great something. I loved that I was one of the first to get to know Stef and in a way, be a part of that relationship. I loved that Nick would fill me in on how things were progressing, such as trying to text me to say he had kissed her…although that text didn’t go to me, it went to Stef on accident.…whoops (ask one Nick or I about the story, that was a good one!) Although I was sad that Nick and I’s days of “dating advice” and “rate the date” were coming to a close, I am so glad he found Stef. I love you Stef and I am glad he didn’t choose anyone else! That was also an interesting year as I prepared for a mission, something I never thought I would do. I got closer to the spirit and felt this was the right thing to do.
Year at Home: After returning from my mission I lived at home. I will forever be grateful for the love and support that was given to me from each of you (my siblings), but especially from Mom and Dad. I never could have made it through this difficult time without you guys. Although there were times when I wondered what in the heck my life was doing and where I was going, I knew that I had a loving family who supported me. The fun thing about this year (and all the summers I have lived at home) was that I got to be an adult and a kid. It was weird to work and not go to school. It was weird to be one of two children at home. It was a different time in life and one that I wasn’t used to, but I learned to love it in it’s own unique way. The thing I especially loved was getting to know and love and appreciate Mom and Dad more. They do so much and I am grateful for their examples. One of the many things that I miss when I go to school is having someone to come home to to spill my day, especially my frustrations. Mom and Dad were good to listen and give their advice. The other person I got to love more was Choninlostinchon, aka Max. Who would have thought I would get to live with and get to know my brother who is 7 ½ years younger than me. I love that I can tease him, he can try to tease me, he tells me about school, girls, and all the good stuff in life! Max is such a good kid and I am so glad I had that year and the past few summers to get to know him and watch him grow. I truly consider Max one of my best buddies (he even lets me get to know/hang out with his friends too!)
First Senior Year: This was the year that I unexpectedly lived at the Glenwood. Although I wasn’t super excited about the whole deal, I am very grateful it all happened because it gave me time to get to be closer to Rose. Rose is a very busy person as you all know. She has a lot of friends, and just a lot going on in her life. So, because of all she has going it is hard to schedule a play time with the girl…so you have to squeeze in little visits every now and then. Actually, my life was busy too so I can’t blame all the business on her. Anyway, it was great because I could just run downstairs for 30 minutes while she was making her dinner and visit with her while she ate. She was my neighbor who could supply a “cup or sugar” (or a can opener in my case). It was fun to drop by after school if I saw that her car was in the parking lot. It was fun to sit next to her at the few BYU games I managed to make it to that year. It was fun to hang out with her and her CRAZY friends…phew, lots of energy in that apt. Defiantly a memorable (and humbling) experience was playing on her soccer team; WOW! She was really desperate for someone to play if she was asking me to play. However, I again realized how very amazing she is at sports! I was proud to call her my sissy! And last but not least it was fun to share in our ‘first boyfriend’ experiences together. Lots of fun with Rosey! I loved getting to know her as a grown up person.
Second Senior Year: That is yet to come. For the first time in all of my college experience, I am living with some of the same roommates as I did last year. That will be the new experience.
Now you can all see why being the middle child is the best spot in the family…I got to be a part of everyone’s life and get to know you guys better! Thank you! Just as I said at the beginning of this letter, my life hasn’t turned out as I thought and planned it out. If I would have happened how I had it all planned out when I entered college, I wouldn’t have been able to have had these special individual times with each of you. I thought I would come to school and get married my freshman year. Although I am sure that would have worked out too, I am so grateful for the time I have had to develop my relationships with each of you. We have an amazing family and I love you all. Now that I have had my “special time” with each of you, I think the time has come that I can meet my husband, so if you could all keep your fingers crossed…here’s to a new and final (undergrad) school year!
I love you all!
Janey
So, the BAWB hasn’t been very active over the summer, but I can’t blame anyone but myself because I defiantly haven’t contributed. Because of that, I have tried to make up for my wrong doing and have written a very, very, very LONG letter (sorry, I know we all have a hard time reading the long letters.) I have divided it into three portions: the first is this portion I like to call “family business;” the second portion is a “semi-quick synopsis of my summer”; and the third portion is my “thoughts as I begin school again”. Read what you can, I won’t be offended (or is it affended?) if you don’t read it all.
Portion 1: Family Business
1) We are planning something fun for Labor Day, perhaps having a big breakfast, hiking Ensign Peak, and then going to Clark Planetarium while we are downtown. There we thoughts about coming home and having a little lunch, go swimming, maybe go to a movie, maybe a BBQ? Those were some idea’s we had. We know Nick and Stef aren’t planning on coming (although you are still invited), but we just want to make a plan so we aren’t sitting around that morning deciding what we should do! If you want to hang out with us or have any ideas, we would love to hear them.
2) Welcome back Blaine, Kris, Ben, Gwen, and Ivy Jane! I am so excited to have you guys back. I love that you guys just come and hang out; I wish I didn’t have to work so much so I could play more with you guys. Anyway, now I am hoping that once everyone gets back into the groove of life after such a fun summer this blog will kick back into gear with lots of good updates!
Not only would it be fun to hear from each other, but I also thought it would be fun to get a set time each month that we could get together. I know there has been lots of talk but this hasn’t really ever happened. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a BFF: Bassett First Friday (not best friends forever) or whatever day everyone thinks would be best, going? We could make one “couple” in charge each month. I know N &S couldn’t always come, but an occasional visit from them would be fun! Let me know what your thoughts are.
Portion 2: A Semi-Quick Synopsis of My Summer
I have to start this letter with my big thing that I have just accomplished and am sooo grateful is over: Planning my 5 Year High School Reunion. I don't know why, but I have been so nervous for it. It went fine. We were planning on having it in the cafeteria at Granger, but there was a misunderstanding and so we had to change it last minute to the park (which we weren't very excited about.) We had Apple Spice Junction cater, had about 45 people come, and charged $20. We played a little "How well did you know your classmate?" game with prizes and everything. The game was actually kind of fun. Most of the people who came were friends I have seen at wedding receptions and stuff throughout the past few years. By the end of the night we had a new committee appointed to do the 10 year (which I am not on) and then I was able to relax a bit and had a good time visiting with friends. It wasn't fancy, but for a 5 year reunion I think it went okay. Thank you to all you family members who listened to my frustrations, concerns, and helped me through it all!
As the summer is drawing to a close, I can't help but reflect on what has happened and the great time I had! It is amazing how quickly it seems to go by, yet when I think about the beginning of the summer it seems so far away. Some of the highlights or big things I did are:
-Fun trip to Disneyland with two of my roommates! We went on my birthday so I got in for free. We did the beach, the San Diego temple, Disneyland/CA Adventure, and Sea World. The amazing thing was I think it only cost me a total of $100. We did food the cheap way (grocery store shopping), stayed with some friends (no hotel cost), and drove (splitting the cost of gas.) I was excited that it ended up being so cheap but lots of fun.
-Did a spring term at BYU Salt Lake to get my last two generals out of the way. If I had future years left of undergrad school left I would probably do this every year. Although it was kind of a pain at the time, I am so glad I did it. It was a unique thing because of the smaller classes, knowing the professors personally, and getting a semester over in 8 weeks. I still feel like I had plenty of summer to enjoy once the semester was over, so I didn’t really feel like my summer got cut short. Basically, I am really glad I did it! (And the BYU Salt Lake center is beautiful, it was kind of fun to go downtown for school.) Anne Marie (the star in "That Girl") helped me get through the rough summer school days. I would watch 2 or 3 episodes everyday during the semester. I have just purchased Season 4 so she can help me through this coming Fall semester.
-I ran the Wasatch Back, Ragnar Relay. Loved it, but probably won't do it again. It was fun to get to know some of the cousins a little better, but I wasn't a fan of sitting in the car for two days, and live off 3 hours of sleep. It was fun to run at 4:00 in the morning in the pitch black. Sometimes I couldn't see anyone else...a little spooky, but that just kept me running! Good memories.
-I transferred stores and opened the new Smart Cookie in Fort Union (Midvale). I forgot about the initial stress that comes with opening a store: adjusting recipes, making little changes, and having all new employees. Although I learned to like it by the end, I missed the American Fork location (which I am transferring back to this week.) I will be at Smart Cookie for at least a few more months, but I am hoping to find something related to Speech Pathology.
-New York and D.C! Loved this trip and defiantly found it to be the highlight of the summer. I loved having the first few days be just our little family. I miss Rose tons and it was super fun to get her all to ourselves. There were lots of fun adventures that I will remember and cherish, such as spending 30 minutes trying to find a Wendy's at 1:00 in the morning because we were STARVING. It was also so fun to spend time with the big Bassett family in such a beautiful and spacious location.
-Just loving every day of summer. I swear that every year it takes longer and longer into the year for it to get warmer. I don't think it was warm enough to go "swimming" until the very end of June (the parentheses was in behalf of Margaret and Rosey who make fun of Gwen and me who say we are going swimming but really we jump in for two seconds, maybe get our hair wet, and then sit by the side of the pool the rest of the time). I am becoming more and more like Mom as I could now say that July is my favorite month. It's hot, the days are the longest of the year (sunlight from 6 am to 9 pm), it's patriotic, has a few holidays so there are lots of parties going on, and you can just go swimming every day. I really hope that I live close when I have kids so they can enjoy the Winder Pool too.
-I loved going to our home ward. I was in Primary substituting for somebody almost every week which I loved! I am excited to go back to a new student ward, but I will miss Primary!
-I didn't date much over the summer, but I loved having "girl's parties" on a regular basis with Gwen, Andrea, and Marg and Robyn (until Marg left). :( They were usually just chick flick movie nights, but I am sad to see those come to an end.
-Blaine and Kris move back to Utah…need I say more? :)
I think my only regret of the summer is we didn't do as many Sunday night homemade ice cream parties with Yorgy's. But, I have loved this summer and hope I did everything I was supposed to. I think I lived it up as much as I could!
Portion 3: “Thoughts As I Begin School Again”
This portion is me looking forward to/reflecting on school. School is always a new adventure, especially when you are single and you move to a new ward every year. It keeps life very interesting. You get new classes, new roommates, new ward, new boyfriends, :) new lots of things. I only have 12 credit hours this semester and then 6 the next. I graduate this year so I am preparing to take the GRE and apply to grad school. It all makes me a little nervous and I can’t believe I am really thinking/preparing for grad school, but I just need to keep moving in life. Life defiantly hasn't turned out the way I thought it would, but I know the Lord is in charge and this is the best thing for me to do.
As I have prepared for this new school year, it has been so fun to think back on my past 5 years since I have started college and realized how lucky I am to have been the middle child. Some people might complain about being the middle child, but I have found it to be one of the best spots in the family…and here’s why:
Highschool: Jumping back to before college, I have to address high school. I know I would have survived and had friends eventually in high school without any help. However, I owe the successful start of high school to Nick who didn’t care (or at least acted like he didn’t care) that his little Sophmore sister tagged along with him and his friends. Thanks for getting my social life in gear when I started high school, Nick. I appreciated the time we had together.
College:
Freshman Year: I didn’t really expect to like my freshman year very much. However, just the opposite happened. I LOVED it!!!!! It was probably my favorite year. Everything was new, I had tons of friends, I didn’t have a job so I tons of time to socialize and make cookies and then take them to each of the guys apts in the ward. Wow, I almost had too much time on my hands. However, one of my favorite things about this year was getting to know Blaine and Kristi. They were nice to invite me over for dinner and movie nights often, and allow me to do my laundry there. Blaine and I not only faithfully had lunch every day, but we also had American Heritage together. Blaine was nice to show me the ropes and get me off to a good start in my college career. Blaine was always just a little too old for me to really get to know before he moved out of the house, so this was a fun time to get to know Blaine. I loved getting to know Kristi better and really rely on her as a friend. I knew you guys would do anything to help me and I appreciated that so much. The other fun thing about that year was being among the first to invite Gwen into the world. I was the person they called when they needed her suitcase from their house. I loved that I got to see them not only just an hour or so after Gwen was born, but also while Kris was in labor. I just felt so loved and needed. Thanks for letting me be a part of that special time in your life. Also, it was fun to get to know Kris the following summer as we both worked for Aardvark. It was nice to have an excuse to have to call Kris nearly every day. What could have been a 2 minute conversation turned into a 20 minute conversation almost every time. Thanks Kris!
Sophomore Year: This was the year I lived with the Franklins and Maretta. It was fun to get to know these girls better and actually know my roommates before I moved into my apt. I’ll be honest, I am sure I saw Blaine and Kris some, but I think they might have been on an internship for one of the semesters because I can’t think of going over there as often. Oh wait, I just remembered, this is when you lived at that place you really didn’t like very much. Yeah, for some reason I just don’t think I made it over there quit as often as I did my freshman year. What was I thinking? By the end of this year I couldn’t wait to move home. I stayed the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in Provo. By the end of Winter semester I wanted to cry because I was so happy to be going home and getting out of Utah Valley!
Junior Year: This was another year I got to know Nick better…well, sort of. Nick and I lived in the same ward, which was WAY fun. It was fun to get to sit next to Nick and all of his roommates. Again, he was an awesome brother who let his little sister hang out with his friends. It is amazing how living in the same ward opens up windows of conversation. It was fun to be able to talk to Nick about all the drama or non drama in the ward. I loved walking to school with Nick most mornings and then meeting Blaine in the class we had together on Tues and Thurs. mornings. Although they both got better grades than me in that class, I loved being able to take a class with two of my brothers (I never dreamed that would happen.) The “bitter/sweet” thing of that year was having Nick’s attention and time become focused elsewhere..however, that elsewhere lead to a great something. I loved that I was one of the first to get to know Stef and in a way, be a part of that relationship. I loved that Nick would fill me in on how things were progressing, such as trying to text me to say he had kissed her…although that text didn’t go to me, it went to Stef on accident.…whoops (ask one Nick or I about the story, that was a good one!) Although I was sad that Nick and I’s days of “dating advice” and “rate the date” were coming to a close, I am so glad he found Stef. I love you Stef and I am glad he didn’t choose anyone else! That was also an interesting year as I prepared for a mission, something I never thought I would do. I got closer to the spirit and felt this was the right thing to do.
Year at Home: After returning from my mission I lived at home. I will forever be grateful for the love and support that was given to me from each of you (my siblings), but especially from Mom and Dad. I never could have made it through this difficult time without you guys. Although there were times when I wondered what in the heck my life was doing and where I was going, I knew that I had a loving family who supported me. The fun thing about this year (and all the summers I have lived at home) was that I got to be an adult and a kid. It was weird to work and not go to school. It was weird to be one of two children at home. It was a different time in life and one that I wasn’t used to, but I learned to love it in it’s own unique way. The thing I especially loved was getting to know and love and appreciate Mom and Dad more. They do so much and I am grateful for their examples. One of the many things that I miss when I go to school is having someone to come home to to spill my day, especially my frustrations. Mom and Dad were good to listen and give their advice. The other person I got to love more was Choninlostinchon, aka Max. Who would have thought I would get to live with and get to know my brother who is 7 ½ years younger than me. I love that I can tease him, he can try to tease me, he tells me about school, girls, and all the good stuff in life! Max is such a good kid and I am so glad I had that year and the past few summers to get to know him and watch him grow. I truly consider Max one of my best buddies (he even lets me get to know/hang out with his friends too!)
First Senior Year: This was the year that I unexpectedly lived at the Glenwood. Although I wasn’t super excited about the whole deal, I am very grateful it all happened because it gave me time to get to be closer to Rose. Rose is a very busy person as you all know. She has a lot of friends, and just a lot going on in her life. So, because of all she has going it is hard to schedule a play time with the girl…so you have to squeeze in little visits every now and then. Actually, my life was busy too so I can’t blame all the business on her. Anyway, it was great because I could just run downstairs for 30 minutes while she was making her dinner and visit with her while she ate. She was my neighbor who could supply a “cup or sugar” (or a can opener in my case). It was fun to drop by after school if I saw that her car was in the parking lot. It was fun to sit next to her at the few BYU games I managed to make it to that year. It was fun to hang out with her and her CRAZY friends…phew, lots of energy in that apt. Defiantly a memorable (and humbling) experience was playing on her soccer team; WOW! She was really desperate for someone to play if she was asking me to play. However, I again realized how very amazing she is at sports! I was proud to call her my sissy! And last but not least it was fun to share in our ‘first boyfriend’ experiences together. Lots of fun with Rosey! I loved getting to know her as a grown up person.
Second Senior Year: That is yet to come. For the first time in all of my college experience, I am living with some of the same roommates as I did last year. That will be the new experience.
Now you can all see why being the middle child is the best spot in the family…I got to be a part of everyone’s life and get to know you guys better! Thank you! Just as I said at the beginning of this letter, my life hasn’t turned out as I thought and planned it out. If I would have happened how I had it all planned out when I entered college, I wouldn’t have been able to have had these special individual times with each of you. I thought I would come to school and get married my freshman year. Although I am sure that would have worked out too, I am so grateful for the time I have had to develop my relationships with each of you. We have an amazing family and I love you all. Now that I have had my “special time” with each of you, I think the time has come that I can meet my husband, so if you could all keep your fingers crossed…here’s to a new and final (undergrad) school year!
I love you all!
Janey
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Family News (mom)
Hi Everyone,
Hopefully you made it out to Kristi's blog to read about her major award. That is really fun! She is coming over in a few minutes for dinner so we will celebrate!
I thought I would update everyone on Rosey and ask for your prayers as she goes into surgery on Thursday. After we saw Dr. Rada a couple of weeks ago, she had an ultra sound and the radiologist suggest it be biopsied or removed since it is not a cyst but a tumor and it could grow. We went to a surgical consultation with Dr. Darrin Hansen at Alta View Hospital (right next to Kristi's old therapy workplace) and he repeated what others have said. It is most likely not cancer but we should get a biopsy or just have it removed so they can check it. So that is the plan. Rosey will have out-patient surgery on Thursday, Aug. 20. Hopefully all will go well but we always appreciate your prayers.
I had a great time last Thursday and Friday tending little Bret while Stef and her mom went to a Scentsy Convention. What a happy, fun, active little guy he is. We went on a long walk one morning and his favorite thing was to drag a big stick along side of him from the stroller. I learned that he really doesn't like dogs, or cats, or even stuffed animals for that matter. And he isn't too interested in eating. I'm thinking he is an "eat to live" kind of a person. He was a good sleeper down in the laundry room so that was good. And of course one of his favorite things is Uncle Max and the piano. They had a great time together.
Kristi and kids joined us for most of the day on Friday, and then she made us a delicious dinner while Bret, Blaine and Max all went to stake Father's and Sons. They camped for the first time in I don't know how many years. I know Nick was really jealous. There was lots of rain and a service project in the morning so no need to be jealous! But they had fun.
Saturday night was the Remington Reunion. B&K, Janey, Max, dad and I all went. We were celebrating Martha and Burdette's 100th birthday this year. Grandma Bassett went to lots of work planning it and all went well. It was fun that Blaine could go since I think he knows lots of those people from going to Remington FHE for all those years.
I keep hoping little Gwen will burst through the door any second. I haven't seen them since Friday and I miss them.
And I miss all of you. Remember to pray for Rosey. (Oh, you can pray for Max and I too as we are going school shopping tomorrow and he really wants to go to all the cool stores like Holister where they don't turn the lights on and the music gives me a headache. Yes, pray for me.)
Love, Mom
Hopefully you made it out to Kristi's blog to read about her major award. That is really fun! She is coming over in a few minutes for dinner so we will celebrate!
I thought I would update everyone on Rosey and ask for your prayers as she goes into surgery on Thursday. After we saw Dr. Rada a couple of weeks ago, she had an ultra sound and the radiologist suggest it be biopsied or removed since it is not a cyst but a tumor and it could grow. We went to a surgical consultation with Dr. Darrin Hansen at Alta View Hospital (right next to Kristi's old therapy workplace) and he repeated what others have said. It is most likely not cancer but we should get a biopsy or just have it removed so they can check it. So that is the plan. Rosey will have out-patient surgery on Thursday, Aug. 20. Hopefully all will go well but we always appreciate your prayers.
I had a great time last Thursday and Friday tending little Bret while Stef and her mom went to a Scentsy Convention. What a happy, fun, active little guy he is. We went on a long walk one morning and his favorite thing was to drag a big stick along side of him from the stroller. I learned that he really doesn't like dogs, or cats, or even stuffed animals for that matter. And he isn't too interested in eating. I'm thinking he is an "eat to live" kind of a person. He was a good sleeper down in the laundry room so that was good. And of course one of his favorite things is Uncle Max and the piano. They had a great time together.
Kristi and kids joined us for most of the day on Friday, and then she made us a delicious dinner while Bret, Blaine and Max all went to stake Father's and Sons. They camped for the first time in I don't know how many years. I know Nick was really jealous. There was lots of rain and a service project in the morning so no need to be jealous! But they had fun.
Saturday night was the Remington Reunion. B&K, Janey, Max, dad and I all went. We were celebrating Martha and Burdette's 100th birthday this year. Grandma Bassett went to lots of work planning it and all went well. It was fun that Blaine could go since I think he knows lots of those people from going to Remington FHE for all those years.
I keep hoping little Gwen will burst through the door any second. I haven't seen them since Friday and I miss them.
And I miss all of you. Remember to pray for Rosey. (Oh, you can pray for Max and I too as we are going school shopping tomorrow and he really wants to go to all the cool stores like Holister where they don't turn the lights on and the music gives me a headache. Yes, pray for me.)
Love, Mom
Thursday, August 6, 2009
new picture (Stef)
I vote we take a new picture for the blog on sunday when we are all together. Whaddyasay?
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