Hotel Carlston

Grandpa and the boys

2011-11-05T13:40:00.001-06:00

Grandpa Wayne with Cade and Will at Briar's blessing.

Happy Halloween 2011!

2011-10-31T11:15:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Pete & Dave!

2011-10-07T10:48:00.004-06:00

My favorite and best OLDer brothers....

Retirement is Cool

2011-09-09T19:34:00.003-06:00

Hooray for Dad! Thanks for working all those years so we could all have the amazingly blessed lives we have. We love you!

Will's Blessing Day

2011-06-29T21:25:00.005-06:00

William Roscoe Whiting
Blessed at home on Sunday, June 26, 2011.

Uncle Hal was nice enough to snap these. Fun day! We had about sixty family members crowded in the living room. Bishop Henry Kesler presided. Only thing that could have made it better: if everyone could have been there. We missed you California & Idaho peeps!

oldest and youngest

2011-06-20T20:37:00.001-06:00

Here are the oldest and youngest of our clan. They like each other... Grandpa and Cade.

Welcome to the family Will!

2011-02-08T13:59:00.002-07:00

We're so glad you are here! What a cutie. Good job Gin and Josh.

Sometimes you need a good horse ride

2010-12-08T09:58:00.003-07:00

And sometimes you need to get bucked off.

The Sir

2010-09-26T19:51:00.003-06:00

They have arrived...

I feel it appropriate to start planning our next Knight's Tourney.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-09-16T11:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to our Mom! Love and Miss you!

O, To Be in England

2010-09-12T19:03:00.001-06:00

Our Mom

2010-05-10T10:29:00.003-06:00

Although Mother's Day was sweet for me, I also felt some very tender, sad feelings yesterday. I guess that is how it will be from here on out. I'm grateful that Mom was able to influence our lives so deeply. She always told me she disliked Mother's Day because it reminded her of all the ways she wasn't the perfect mother. I have a funny memory of sitting next to her in sacrament meeting one Mother's Day when I was little and she was just bugged. She was kind of rolling her eyes at the primary songs and the gooey talks given about the angel moms. At the time I was a bit surprised, so thought that Mother's Day must be an annoying holiday for all moms.
Now all these years later, as a mom, I don't really feel that it is annoying. And I don't look back and think Mom needed to beat herself up for not being the perfect mom either. Instead I can smile and look at how our family turned out. She did good. She can rest in peace.

Abby Rocks!

2010-04-30T08:33:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to my best friend. Abby is my favorite Carlston (no offense to the rest of the family), I am really blessed to have married her.

Easter

2010-04-06T14:12:00.002-06:00

Easter was fun in Boise. We missed everyone else while feeling really spoiled we got Dad, Chris, Amber and Piper to ourselves. You all need to come visit. And you all need to get an iPad.

The gals, vacations, and such

2010-03-08T11:47:00.003-07:00

We had fun visiting you guys in Utah. Afton and Ben miss all the attention and space to run. Now that we've made a recent visit, all of you are invited to see us in Boise. Only Dad is excused from making the trip to visit soon. :)
Have fun in Hawaii this week DKKP!!! Wish we could all be there again together!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T14:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks Amber for putting this together!

She's Married!

2009-12-21T12:26:00.002-07:00

Hooray for Buff and Shaner!

Sure Was Great

2009-12-01T17:02:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving was lots of fun at the Hotel this year. We missed you PJJL! Here are some photos I snapped. For some reason pictures taken in the dining/living room are always blurry. Doh. But the food was sensational and the company superb.
Dave, Kara, Jared, me, and kids took in Temple Square lights and a Trax ride. So much fun!

Happy Anniversary

2009-11-17T17:25:00.002-07:00

Here's to celebrating this day as a start to a wonderful marriage full of love, life, and joy. Mom is missed more than words can express.

Connecting Hearts and Talking Eyes

2009-11-11T23:49:00.006-07:00

I read Mom's Obituary Comments online tonight and again, like I have often felt these past days, felt overwhelmed with the amazing GIFT that Mom was given to really share her heart. I think back to a major theme that was in each of our 3 minute talks. Mom had the ability to connect with people. She loved people. Dad and I have talked that this indeed is/was a rare gift.

I'm learning what a blessing this is to acknowledge this and learn from it. The gift to love people, to see them for their heart, to see them as a good Child of God. I definitely want to develop that in my life. Thanks Mom. For the rest of this week, my challenge to myself is to see people for the good that they have inside of them, and make the effort to connect to that good in a way that they can feel that I've found something special in them.

I've thought of this before when meeting people. I've seen that with some people they have stories or depth 'behind their eyes'. Alex Baird Thomas is an example of this, her quiet grace exterior can't quite fully mask the depth of goodness that is in her eyes. Chris Shane has this, those eyes tell many stories sometimes that make them sparkle, sometimes that make them weep. President Child has eyes that squint with a hug and enveloping love. Aunt Annie has eyes that smile big and want to see you. Mom's eyes, eyelashes in all ,would light up at the very thought of life itself. That's amazing.

Mom

2009-10-30T21:08:00.002-06:00

Stephanie Adele Howells Carlston
1946 – 2009

Stephanie Adele Howells Carlston passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2009, after years of bearing serious illnesses with exquisite grace.

Born on September 16, 1946, to Ruth Felt Howells and Paul Steed Howells in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was affectionately known as “Taffy” to many. She happily spent her early summers tagging along with her father on his Thousand Peaks Ranch in Weber Canyon. After graduating from Highland High School, she attended the University of Hawaii and the University of Utah, where she affiliated with the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She met her husband, Wayne Alan Carlston, at the U and was married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on November 17, 1972.

Theirs is a marriage for the ages—infused with friendship, romance, unwavering commitment and a fierce loyalty. “Taff” is Wayne’s best friend, his confidante, his shelter from the storm. They moved through life as one, providing a remarkable example of unselfish love to everyone around them.

Together they raised six headstrong children; each one has served an honorable LDS mission and by year’s end, each will be married in the temple. She loved them completely and unconditionally, selflessly giving them everything they needed in life. As matron of “Hotel Carlston”, she fostered an accepting and warm environment of creativity, appreciation for all things beautiful and fun, and an abiding faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She really shined (and will certainly continue to do so) as “Grandma Taffy,” and she leaves a rich legacy for her family, most poignantly felt at the family cabin as it continues to be an anchor point of family togetherness.

Stephanie loved nothing more than to give. Impulsively generous, she often would give away flowers as soon as Wayne brought them home to her. Her approach to her essentially non-profit floral business – Weeds ‘N Things – wasn’t much different—providing beautiful and unique floral arrangements for countless funerals and weddings. She freely gave of her artistic, theatrical, and creative talents to her kids’ school programs, church activities and theatrical productions, and community events, adding color and life to everything she touched.

As prone as she was to give, her ability to receive gifts was equally delightful. Upon receiving a gift, she expressed so much sincere delight and gratitude that it made you feel like you were the recipient of a much greater gift. She was the best of friends to many. She had a knack for making friends for life in an instant because she only saw the best in everybody. She lived and loved deeply; we love her and will forever call her name blessed. Oh how we will miss her exuberant joie de vivre, vivacious intellect and magnanimous spirit. She was and is a beautiful and regal lady.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Wayne; their six children and their spouses, Peter (Julie), David (Kara), Virginia (Josh) Whiting, Abigail (Jared) Stubbs, Christopher (Amber), Amy (Chris) to-be-Shane, and seven remarkable grandchildren: Katherine, Afton, Parker, Ben, John, Luke, and Piper. Her mother, Ruth Felt Howells, and her siblings, David (Carole) Howells, Spencer (Ann) Howells, and Amy (Karl) White also survive her, as well as too many close friends and relatives to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents-in-law and her father, who is undoubtedly glad to have his Taffy tagging along with him once more.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 2 at noon in the Holladay 26th Ward, 4601 S. Chapel Street (2565 E). Friends may call Sunday 6-8 or Monday 10:30-11:30 at the Ward building. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of donations, send flowers!

Yippee!

2009-10-13T15:43:00.003-06:00

Buff and Shaner are engaged! I'm trying to think of funny couple names like Buffer, Shuff, Baner. Hmmm. Maybe we should go with their REAL names. Um, not coming up with anything besides Chrimy. That's no good.
Well, I'm still excited for you guys. Happy engagement!

How well do you know...

2009-10-07T13:05:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Pete! Happy Birthday Dave!

I think this calls for a little game of how well do you know Pete and Dave? I claim a special talent of being able to tell which is which in any photo, any year, any day. Think you can beat me???? Here are some flashback photos to test your skills. I wish I had access to more pictures, but this will test your skills nonetheless. Good luck.
Photo A
Photo B
Photo C
Photo D

Parker is 2!

2009-10-03T18:25:00.001-06:00

happy birthday Parker. You are awesome.

Officially Piper

2009-09-30T08:51:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-09-16T13:50:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to you, Mom and Grandma Taffy. We LOVE you lots and lots.

Grandkids Rule

2009-09-03T14:46:00.001-06:00

Last Weekend

2009-09-02T14:10:00.004-06:00

Another fun trip added to our big happy trip file. Here are some of the candid photos I got. Mostly blurry, but I'll post 'em anyway. (I'm not much of a photographer but the desire is there)

Sorry I seemed to have missed a pic of Buff. I'll get you next time!

Way to Go 35 Years Dad!

2009-08-18T14:17:00.005-06:00

Dad gets honored today for being at OCTanner for 35 years,

WAY TO GO DAD!

Piper's First Day in Video!

2009-08-06T15:58:00.006-06:00

She is really little!

I like her!

Piper is Born!

2009-08-06T13:34:00.001-06:00

Picasa Web Albums

2009-08-03T09:43:00.001-06:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/amycarlston/HLC?feat=directlink

There are 2 Web Albums of Family History photos, here is the direct link to The Herald Carlston picutes. Then you can access the rest of my public photos on the top left of the page.

Great Family Pictures

2009-07-31T01:03:00.000-06:00

I've uploaded this whole album of pictures that Aunt Joan has scanned and will be giving out at the Carlston Family Reunion this weekend. Check out my Picasa web albums for more, and I can send any of you the files if you are interested! Fun Carlston family times!

The Sir vs. The Dragon

2009-07-29T00:36:00.004-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKQJEVDHq9Y

*New: longer video of the birthday party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPdaTenXBE

.

Happy Birthday Sir Wayne!

2009-07-27T10:01:00.003-06:00

What a fun party. Let's do it again sometime soon!

There are more photos of the party on my web album. I think we'd all love to see what funny moments were caught on different cameras, so let's share!

Vacancy: The Hotel's Open (the blog)

2009-07-20T10:48:00.002-06:00

So... after missing the automatic updates from the Hotel Carlston's blog since sometime around Christmas, I've re-opened the blog to outsiders (only registered user can comment) and the ability to publish RSS feeds. This means that others besides just the authors can view and comment, as well as subscribe to our updates here!

We are back, and open for business!

Cabin Project:

2009-07-16T09:00:00.008-06:00

Here are a few pics of the project that we have been heading up for the past few weekends. We're thinkin' it will be all finished on Saturday!!!

My Sibs were amazing! They dug in the dirt with Chris for 4-5 hours! I made lemonade and took pictures :) My fam sure appreciated being at the cabin for a week though, we haven't been together like that in a loooong time.

Chris, Kev and Trev braved the mosquito infested woods to find some big ol logs for landscaping. I think we ended up with 15 twelve foot lengths!

Here is the finished landscaping work! Good job boys!!!

Last Saturday (7/11) Buff, Chris and I leveled the land where the shed would be sitting, built a waterproof base (that is actually sitting on some embedded cement risers.)

Here is the shed's foot print! (We couldn't have done it with out you Buff!!! thanks for chillin with us on a Saturday night!)

We closed up shop about 10:30 - we were all super spent. But here is a good visualizer pic of how things are going to look. As you can see, Chris has matched the shed's pitch to that of the window and roof! See ya'll next weekend!!!

The Mom-Dawg

2009-07-14T15:44:00.006-06:00

Family, I thought I'd post the links for the blog posts that Abby and I have made for the Mom-Dawg on our very own family Hotel Blog.

It made me stop and think how grateful I am for our Mom.

We love you Mom!

AmyisBuff

TheStubbs

And I know I have grammatical errors up the wazoo on my post, I haven't cared enough to fix them yet. Enjoy!

Mom's Got No Mo' Lump!

2009-07-02T23:14:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting here at the Huntsman Cancer Institute with Mom after a long day for her. She's gotten the lump removed and it much happier for it. She is pretty drained now but her neck and collar bone area look a lot better. She is making friends and making her nurses laugh as usual. I'm constantly amazed at the attitude of this woman! I mean how many people do you know, who after a day a hospital time who is still just fun and sweet.

Yup, I LOVE MY MOM!

Happy Birthday Ben

2009-06-20T19:30:00.002-06:00

BenjaMark is ONE today! Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Tiny Tim

2009-06-17T09:10:00.002-06:00

Here's Afton singing "I Had a Baby Turtle" for you Grandma Taffy.

Little Red Riding Hood

2009-06-09T09:51:00.002-06:00

Buff, Kate White, and I did a big 67 mile bike ride in Cache Valley last Saturday. It was gorgeous, tough, fun, and totally worth it. Besides the unexpected sunburn, we are fairing well!

There was quite the celebration at the finish line including a tiki (dry) bar, a chocolate fountain (see my chocolate covered mouth?), and tons of yummy food to replenish our calories. And it all was in the name of raising money for women's cancer research. We hope our little donation helps.

On the beach

2009-05-26T22:39:00.004-06:00

We spent Memorial Day on a beach. Where you ask? Well, we wished it was Hana, but it was actually just a beach by a reservoir in Idaho. Still fun though! Afton swam, dug in the sand, and had to warm up in a towel after all that fun. Ben only ate one handful of sand (that we saw) and loved splashing in the icy cold water. Hope you all had a nice holiday too!

Happy Birthday the Gin!

2009-05-22T13:17:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday the Gin! We all love you like crazy big sis!

Moms

2009-05-10T15:55:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of us moms! To our most experienced mom Taffy, to our working-on-it moms Kara, Julie and me, to our almost-a-mom Amber, and to our as-good-as-moms Gin and Buff. I am so glad that each of you women have had an influence in my kids lives. I can think of many times that each of you have taught them and loved them and that makes you the best kind of moms there are. Love you all!

It's a Birthday!

2009-05-09T11:20:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Buff!

May Day May Day, Twins Turn One

2009-05-01T16:05:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday boys!
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Happy Birthday, Beautiful Abby

2009-05-01T15:28:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet, sassy, brainy & beloved Abby!

.

Remembering our Grandma VG

2009-04-20T10:41:00.003-06:00

Today is Grandma's birthday. She has been on my mind a lot lately because the whole month of April makes me think of her for some reason. There are so many lovely reminders of her in my home too... the aprons, the little zipper bags, the quilts, the pillows, the place mats, and of course the legacy of family and gospel knowledge. I miss her all the time but I feel happy thinking about her, not sad. This pic is from her 95th birthday party in '07.

Jennie Smith posted a really sweet little video on her blog: jenjeffsmith.blogspot.com.

I have sweet memories of her telling me stories, teaching me how to sew, giving me advice on my upcoming marriage to Jared, and loving every move of my daughter. What are your favorite memories of Grandma VG?

Congrats Jin & Gosh!

2009-04-08T17:42:00.003-06:00

Happy Anniversary!!! It's been a sweet year and we're glad to have you in the family circle, Josh.

Family Counts

2009-04-07T10:27:00.003-06:00

This past week was such a great example of how family can pull together in times of need. Although I am sad that we had to get together for a funeral, it was so filling to see everyone again. I have been thinking of Dan's legacy and his family so much. They have lots of hard times ahead still. The gospel is the thing that will pull them through. Thanks Dad for your incredible talk at the funeral. Thanks Dave for being a clear-headed support. Thanks Gin for creating the beautiful flower arrangements. Thanks Kara for pulling together the lovely programs. Thanks to all of you who went to the Howells house to help with the family, and who helped with the funeral arrangements in any way. I know that your service was given without any need for a pat on the back. You are all examples to me of charity.
We had such a nice time being with you at the Hotel. I feel so grateful that our family is so dedicated to each other and that we make the most of our time together. Jared, Afton, Ben, and I are better for having spent the weekend with you. I love you all!
Here's a link to my web album of the photos I took. http://picasaweb.google.com/abby.stubbs/April2009#

COUSINS FOREVER

2009-03-20T13:02:00.002-06:00

Some of the "Cousins" get together at Grandma and Grandpa Carlston's home for dinner. We party every time we can. Ben on left, then Parker, Afton and Katherine. (The other two guys are in Hawaii ! ) March 2009

Aunts & Nieces Night Out

2009-03-20T12:38:00.010-06:00

Gymnastics Meet !
Afton is entranced.

Katherine thinks its COOL.
Total absorpsion

Aunt Buff and Aunt Amber took nieces Afton and Katherine to the UofU Gymnastics meet at the "U". They had a great time!! What an adventure. And everybody wore RED ! Utes won.
GO UTES!

Hotel Happenings

2009-03-17T14:07:00.003-06:00

We had such a fun time visiting you guys. Thanks for making the effort to come and see us and spend some good time. Afton already misses the extra attention! I miss the great company, the yummy food, and really want to play Alhambra again.
See our blog for a full rundown of our fun trip!

Did you Feel the Wind?

2009-03-15T11:53:00.004-06:00

The other week there was a super wind storm in Holladay.
The next morning we woke up to this...
Crazy, huh?

Happy Day (squared)

2009-02-25T12:00:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to Kara (yesterday!) Hope you had a nice day!

And the other happy day we need to give a shout out for is that we recovered all our lost photos! Happy Day! Here is one of my faves.

Soggy February

2009-02-22T16:56:00.005-07:00

Well, after a few too-dry years here in CA, we've got a wet winter! This photo represents about how waterlogged we feel these days - rain rain rain. John and Luke don't seem to mind - they're Julie's boys, total waterbugs.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-13T11:13:00.008-07:00

Yes I stole these images from my friend Rene,

but they make me SO happy.

I love you Family Carlston!

Who needs some sunshine?

2009-01-27T12:18:00.004-07:00

I know I do! And to think it is only January. All I can think about lately is how much I want to be in Hana right now. Soaking up the warm sun on Hamoa Beach. Mmmmm.
Anyone have any ideas for entertainment?

Birthday Bonanza

2009-01-15T10:27:00.003-07:00

We sure have a ton of birthdays to celebrate this month! Today happens to be Chris' birthday, so happy birthday CHC!
We need to throw out a late happy b-day to Julie and to Jared, and a soon to be happy b-day to Amber and to Josh!

Some Christmas Pics

2009-01-11T00:29:00.005-07:00

What did you do for New Year's?... and also: GO UTES!

2009-01-03T09:55:00.004-07:00

Some Christmas pictures of people we love

2008-12-27T15:18:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T09:40:00.003-07:00

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the wonderful gifts. We loved getting on skype with all of you and seeing a slice of Christmas day at the Hotel.

A Great Idea

2008-12-21T19:12:00.002-07:00

I have decided the next family vacation we should all take is to Europe. I have it all worked out. I'll win the Idaho lottery (it's totally easy to win here) and pay for us all to jaunt on over. We'll start in the Mediterranean and work north starting with Jared's and my mission areas in Spain, then we'll see Chris' work on the cottage in France and Julie's mission area, where Gin spent that summer in Italy, lots of other stops, and finally Dad's mission area up in England. It's perfect! The lottery will give us enough money to hire a personal chef, chauffeur, pilot, nanny (or two or three), and any other person who will make our trip comfortable to our variety of needs. Sound like a plan? Let's shoot for spring of 2010.

I'm Ready for Christmas

2008-12-09T11:11:00.004-07:00

Are you?

Thanksgiving at the Hotel '08

2008-11-28T23:14:00.005-07:00

THANKFULNESS is a good habit to get! Most of the Fam met on Friday this year at the home base. Lots of laughter, some games played, lots of pictures of little cousins and TERRIFIC FOOD! Really missed the California clan. Love to Pete, Jules, John and Luke!

Everyone did several parts and all was the best its ever been. Sweet, sweet memories! Could put up another dozen pictures easily. Heavens! We're a good lookin' Family!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2008-11-17T11:48:00.002-07:00

We are so glad you got married and had all of us kids. Hooray!
Thanks for your wonderful examples and love.

I'm in for Blog Posting!

2008-11-14T00:10:00.003-07:00

I'm jumping in on the cool family posts! Yahoo!
Sometimes I don't post to the family blog because I can barely post to my own! But just so you all know I am SUPER happy of late. I really like my new job and I am just plain 'ol in a good emotional state, ya know?

I love seeing all the cute grandkid mon'sers but I wouldn't mind hearing about the adventures from their parents. Ya know, like deep thoughts, what is keeping you up late at nights, and the like... :) Today at work we had a man that owns his own successful mental health help company (Blomquist Hale Consulting) come to talk to us Health Coaches. He is not only one of our little companies' major supporters but he also provides an EAP (Employee Assistant Provider) for loads of employers out there. He had some really fascinating things to share with us about recognizing seasonal depressive disorder, low moods, depression, anxiety and how to deal with these as a coach. I was really interested about the physiological aspect of what depression is. It's actually the nerve impulses, or sparks as he called them, not fully working their way up and down. He says that a depressed person often renumerates the same thought around in their head, and these are usually negative ones. It was fascinating for me to think about depression as a physiological issue as well as a psychological one. Not that this is any new news flash for me, just interesting. I've got some neat handouts if any of you are interested. OH, and also I liked the info he gave on anxiety and I think my problems of trying on like 5 different outfits before I actually go out are some symptoms of anxiety. Good chewing on stuff that's keeping me up late.

What you got family?

2008-11-12T12:32:00.004-07:00

I'm sure our lives are more interesting than this blog reflects. Come on peeps! How about someone post something! In honor of November being National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) I suggest we all give a snippet of what were up to last year.
Here's goes mine:
We took a trip to Utah to meet our new nephew/cousin Parker and we found out that we'd be having a new little one of our own on the way!

This is Park, can you believe it????

The gals sure have grown up a ton in a year.

And this big sister LOVES her Ben.

Costume Parade

2008-11-01T13:54:00.002-06:00

What were you for Halloween?

'Scuse Me

2008-10-30T13:57:00.005-06:00

Lately everything that his big sister does makes our Ben laugh. He thinks she is very entertaining! And so do we. This is a scene I came upon last night. You can hear Ben busting up at Afton jumping. Then there is a special treat hidden in there cause you can hear Afton say " 'scuse me. I said 'scuse me!" If you can't remember why she says that, just listen harder to the clip. hee hee

Monsers Captured!

2008-10-26T12:07:00.013-06:00

A pretty dairy maid found them in the redwoods nearby. These little creatures have disarmed us thus far with cuteness factor^2 but we're still watching those dragon claws and jack-o-lantern teeth carefully.

I SPY !

2008-10-19T23:36:00.002-06:00

Grandma Taffy has sent a SPY among you to find out what your costumes will be for Halloween. Don't be scared! She's a nice SPY !

More of Grandma's Favorites

2008-10-19T23:32:00.001-06:00

vorites

'Cuz They're Cousins

2008-10-14T13:32:00.006-06:00

Albeit sans the Park, had to post this pic.

Palling around with the Four Horsemen.

Water is off!

2008-10-13T15:31:00.003-06:00

Chris and I spent our Saturday and took a beautiful drive up to the cabin with my Dad and bro to shut off the water and prep the screened porch. This is what we got to see... not as warm and fuzzy as Pete's fall pics, but unusual to say the least.

We were only at the cabin for 1.5 hours... but we managed to forget to put the benches inside (as you can see in the picture - oops!) At least we won't have any flooding in the spring!

BTW: the Rhode Island Diner is worth the stop. A super fun environment, great food and reasonable prices!!!

Happy Birthday Boys

2008-10-07T10:35:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday (three days ago) to Parker! What a cutie.
And Happy Birthday to Pete and to Dave today! We love you guys. Sure was fun to be with you all weekend. Have a happy 35th!!!!

unpacked!

2008-09-26T14:15:00.003-06:00

Hey fam! The Stubbs are unpacked into our new house! I have posted lotsa pictures on our blog. Now you are ALL officially invited to Boise! It's a long drive, a short flight, and a fun place to visit. These kids would love to see you!

I'm Still Here.

2008-09-20T18:57:00.001-06:00

Hi family. I'm still here and I'm still well here. I haven't been to active on the blog but just thought I'd share a lil love in the form of a post. Good job posting and check out my blog for whatever thoughts or updates on my lil family of 1 (and Shaner too I guess).

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-09-16T14:47:00.004-06:00

She's having a birthday, shout hooray!
We love you SOOOOOOOOOOOO much Mom/Grandma. Hope these cyber kisses and smiles make you happy.

Happy Days Ahead

2008-09-09T00:35:00.004-06:00

That's right. This Friday will be my last day at RemedyMD and I/we couldn't be happier about it. We've decided to start my own business--my first big gig will be doing software product management/marketing for a company based out of South Carolina (working from home, probably traveling there once a month for a while). We'll see how it goes--but I really look forward to getting some balance, health, and happiness back in my life.

Workin'

2008-09-05T11:40:00.003-06:00

We had a ton of help from Amber and Chris last weekend! They helped us jump start our house projects. Thanks sooooo much guys. We all were working to get baseboards installed in the whole house and painting done. Here are some action shots!

And one before and almost after picture of Afton's room:

Today the carpets are being installed in the family room and master bedroom. Then we just need to convince a painter to come and actually follow through and paint our main rooms. Then we should be done. Our move in date is the 13th! Yippee!!!!!!

Twins @ Tahoe

2008-08-25T01:16:00.003-06:00

We were lucky to enjoy a nice weekend at Lake Tahoe - our first long road/beach trip with the intrepid Luke and John. The skies and massive lake were deep blue and the huge ponderosa pines perfumed everything. John decided to start standing tall like his bro Luke. Luke's mohawk was looking tough. And John added to his repertoire of noises and laughter. Of course, we're all pooped and coming to terms (at least I am) with how different life is now - with feeding, sleeping, and logistical planning being the main drivers of everything we do (props and thanks to you Mom & Dad). Photos of the boys' first forays into the woods and the lake are on our blog.

What a nice port--HEY! What in the worl--HOW DID THEY GET IN THERE!

2008-08-21T16:51:00.001-06:00

They've done it again.

Herbert Discovery

2008-08-18T21:18:00.005-06:00

So we're just about to have most of the Herbert basement sheet-rocked over when we uncover these hieroglyphics on the wall next to the little closet under the stairs (in Dad's old room). To the upper right, Dad's towering height at the age of 12, and lower to the left are record darts/ping pong/etc. scores for "H.G." (Herald Grover--Uncle Hal) and "H.L." (Herald Lamar--Grandpa Hap). Cool, huh? They are forevermore preserved behind new sheet rock.

All Things in the Time Thereof

2008-08-17T23:39:00.004-06:00

Perhaps I should have labeled this entry "all good things come to those who wait"... but that's not particularly appropriate either. The Dad and I still have not been able to come to a decision as to what to do about living space. The "Hotel" still has a sign outside. In fact, Candy just called tonight and said she had been contacted by another agent who has a "couple" that want to see it on Monday, the 18th. Hmm. Might they be our "magic family" or is it just the beginning of the tramping through the house that has to happen? To get ready for someone to see the house just after a weekend is a lot of much for me to think about. Hopefully Buff will be able to help.

To read of the Stubb's new possibility is encouraging. Looks like a great house for them... even if it is in the wrong State.

We have had a new design drawn that is about half the size (and hopefully half the cost) of the original extension for "our" little house. We also have had two inquiries checking to see if we want to re-sell the little house. No names or $ ... but ain't it interesting?

Keep us in your prayers. my loves. You are in ours all the time!

hijinx and other things

2008-08-15T12:48:00.002-06:00

Things have been interesting around here lately. Afton feels like being silly to catch our attention away from Ben. Well, silly or else naughty. But I thought I'd share the silly. First, can you see our little goofball here?

Then we thought we'd try and go for the punk look this morning.

We ended up taking it out because I was having flashbacks to my Driggs days of five ponytails and Afton wasn't happy with the colors of the hairbands.
The next photo is what she does every day at 5:40pm. She waits for her Daddy to get home from work so she can run around and get tickled.

Ben is growing up in a hurry and at his eight week old mark today is full of smiles. He smiles and coos at me and just laughs at Afton. It is a low, boy-laugh that makes me laugh and makes Afton say "Ben make me totally laugh!"

Last but not least is our big announcement. If you haven't heard, we are on track to close on our new house on August 30th. Here's what it looks like from the street. Interior pictures to follow in about two weeks. We'll be doing some work on it so I'll post some before and after pics. I'm so excited!

Love you guys!

Family Group #7

2008-08-05T13:36:00.003-06:00

The "Blessing Weekend" and ensuing family visits were the highlight of our world, to say the least. The Grandpa and Grandma are feeling "way Blessed." Thank you all for the effort to come and gather and share. These pictures are just a token of what I have. Out thanks to Andy and Alex Thomas for being our photographers and entertainment (who can forget the jumping purse?).
Our blessings are overwhelming... and it's all your fault. If any of you want more samples, let me know. It's only taken me ten thousand hours to post this many on my slow computer.
We love ya forever!!

Family Group #5

2008-08-05T13:08:00.002-06:00

Family Group #4

2008-08-05T13:02:00.003-06:00

Family Group #3

2008-08-05T12:57:00.002-06:00

Family Group #2

2008-08-05T12:48:00.002-06:00

Family Group Pictures '08

2008-08-05T12:40:00.002-06:00

Group #1 of about a thousand!

Belated gifts for Grandpa - Sir Wayne

2008-08-05T00:15:00.002-06:00

It seems that Grandma Taffy wanted the Grandpa to be well supplied with armor to protect his growing family. I think the sword count is now nine... buy I'm not sure. But there is an official splayed holder to house them for a while. Silly Grandpa. Way 'round the bend Grandma.

Afton and Ben and horse!

2008-08-05T00:11:00.003-06:00

Other Shots to see!

2008-08-05T00:05:00.001-06:00

Some other closely related pictures of the Reunion Weekend.

Blessings Galore !

2008-08-04T23:40:00.003-06:00

Here are some of the photos that were shared with me from our Blessed weekend. I'm hoping that Pete or Dave or someone can add to the overall. The only shot I have of the three blessed guys is from the other side.

Request

2008-08-04T11:40:00.001-06:00

Calling for any/all photos of the fun family "reunion" we had at the Hotel. I didn't have my brain together enough to get out my camera for the blessing day. Did anyone take any fun pics of the boys in their blessing outfits?
Also, let's get at least one family photo up so we can all scrutinize it...

Happy Birthday Dad (July 21)

2008-07-21T09:38:00.002-06:00