JJ "IS" the Christmas present

Mom had JJ's name for Christmas, she knew just what she wanted to get him, but it required a truck so she asked Ron to help get it to Christmas Eve. Ron assured her he would have it there and not to worry about the wrapping. When it came time to open the family presents Ron told JJ come into the family room while Brandon brings in the present. We were a little concerned when brandon brought in a VERY large unwrapped box. In a few minutes we understood. Ron didn't wrap the box he wrapped JJ.

Surprise its a book shelf!! Leave it to Ron to think outside of the "box"

SISTER's

Here is my apron!! I love it!! SISTER's gotta love 'em!!

Christmas Apron - Dressing like my Sisters

Here is my new Christmas apron - given to me by Cookie, I wore it here at the Family dinner and then at Christmas Eve. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - I love that we gathered together and enjoyed the traditions of this time of year.

New Addresses

It's been two years since we updated the family addresses. Or at least that's the last time I saw it updated. Either we should do a whole new one or everyone that has moved since then should email me their address.

The past six months have gone by way too quickly. The biggest change in our family is we had a new addition! A little Chihuahua we call Ozzy. He is a rescue dog from Louisiana and is 1 1/2 years old. We don't really know what his past was, just that he was abandoned at an animal shelter by an owner who didn't want him anymore. We can't imagine anyone not wanting Ozzy- he's only 5lbs! But we're glad he gets to live with us now.

The other big news of ours is that Richard graduated from his program! He is now Master Richard (and would like to be addressed as that). He was getting an MA in Higher Education Administration from Boston University. He is such a hard worker, and completed his degree while working full-time at Boston University as the "Affirmative Action Officer" for faculty. At his job he helps to make sure the hiring process is fair and equal for everyone. Kristal finished classes in her program, and is currently working on finishing up her thesis film before she is officially done.

This summer we did some camping and enjoyed our time in New England. We had the opportunity to venture out to Utah for July 4th and as always love the time we spend there. We are looking forward to the Fall this year, but as usual, not really to the winter!

Love,

Richard and Kristal.

The travel log.

Hello,

I just want to start by saying how much I loved Conference!!! It was so excited when they announced the new temples. Josh was so happy they are building one where he served his mission(he was in the Independence Missouri Miss.) And we are definitely going to go when the temple is dedicated. I told him we should also make a goal to be in Rome(after visiting several other beautiful cities in Europe) when they dedicate that temple.

As for my family so much has been happening big changes and little ones. And a lot of good times to be had by all.

I'll start with Will. He turned 3 years old on June 29. He is still little but he makes up for it with a lot of energy and personality. He runs constantly and screams often. But he is finally starting to speak over the last 6 to 9 months he's Finally started to say words and talk in sentences. He loves Sunday's Nursery is his favorite thing I think ever. When we get to church he always gets upset when we pass the nursery room to go to Sac. Mtg first. He loves the leaders and the other babies. Which is wonderful, it's nice to see him grow and become more social. He brings so much joy to our family I don't know what I would do without him. Will had kind of a tough spring, as I am sure you all know. And I am so glad the string of bad luck (the sickness, hydrasil, hernia, and falling out of stuff) is behind him and me. Knock on wood. I truly believe in the power of prayer after his last accident I just sat with him praying that he would be ok for one and the other I asked for God protection. I hoped that Will would never have anymore mishaps, major illnesses or medical conditions but just in case I begged my Heavenly Father to protect him so that whatever happened to him he would bounce back.

Jacob turned 6 August 16 and started school on the 18th. Sending him to Kindergarten was so hard. It's hard to get over the fact that he's not my baby anymore. but he is doing well in his class and is learning to write really well. He's making friends and loving play time. I am so happy he doing well and am also very proud of him. Jacob is truly my biggest helper at home. He's always ready to help his mom. Also he is the best big brother in the world he loves Will and is the best and entertaining him when I need to get something done. He's very loving and protective of his family. Both Jacob and Will are getting over cold right now but thankfully they were not serious. they barely slowed either one of them down. Jacob also just did his Primary Program. He loves going to church and getting to go to his class and have singing time I am really glad he loves it.

Josh just finished his summer at the raceway. Which is so nice I am finally going to get him back Friday nights. He's going to school and working and just trying to get through it. We've been on several fun trips over the last few months back in may we went to Kansas City to see the places he served on his mission and the Church sites. We went to Independence, Adam-ondi-Ahman. Adam-ondi-Aham was so beautiful and peaceful. the whole area is so green. We got to Adam ondi Ahman kind of later in the evening and spent hours walking around we went to Spring hill where they savior with return. It was humbling to be in such a sacred place.

Also while we were there we saw Wicked. That was a highlight!!! We've listen to the show so many times it was amazing seeing it for the first time. I cried I was so happy. And the show itself was beautiful.

We also went to this beautiful memorial in Kansas City that was built to honor those who died in WWI it was a wonderful place to see we spent most of the morning there. On the large tower that it reads "In honor of those who Served in the world war, in defence of liberty and our country'. you can actually go up to the top of the Liberty tower. there's a great view of the city. Here's a fun fact, Kansas city has the more fountains then any other city in the world except Rome. They had there amazing sculptures outside that were so beautiful.

Then in August Josh took me for my birthday to the East coast we flew into Washington DC and saw the sites there. but the main event was the Six Flags in New Jersey where they have the fastest, tallest roller coaster in the world(for the moment). That trip was a blast we had so much fun. I really love those thrill Parks.

Of course Mom told you all about our girls trip to Hershey ect. That was wonderful but I missed my Boys.

Other then the traveling we've been doing our lives have been pretty ordinary. We just go from day to day getting all our work done and trying to find time to do everything we like to do, I really appreciate Pres. Monsons talk about enjoying the here and now. It reminded me of a quote by Dr. Seuss he says, "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened." I am trying to live in every moment to enjoy my children while they are young be entertained instead of annoyed by there antics.

I hope all my family well and happy. I love you all

Alexis

Rowley Family Update - Fall 2008

Hello Family,

What a great General Conference we just had. I want to let you each know how grateful I am for you. I heard that message from our prophet and I thought of each of you and how you have blessed my life.

We have had a busy 6 months. We have enjoyed visits from others and visiting others.
In May we enjoyed helping other family members working in Mom's back yard. JJ has worked so hard and it is really starting to look great. Grant and I enjoyed gathering with the other family members in the traditional Memorial Day activities. I am so glad that we can remember our grandparents, who are such an important part of our eternal lives. It was our first time to include Dad's grave. I hope we will remember to tell the stories and keep all these people alive in our memory.

We have had a busy Spring/Summer. We were happy to have Ron's family here when Sara graduated. We heard that Randy and Gayle were here also to support Rachel, who also graduated. It is amazing to see how quickly time passes - weren't they just coming here as Freshman? Here they are finishing up their education as teachers.

In June we had a nice visit from Richard and Kristal - and their dog Ozzy. We were able to get some updated family pictures so I was happy about that also. They were here through the 4th of July - we were happy to have JJ, Sarah and their children to come over for 4th of July. Lexi was here also with her boys. It is fun to have the family together. Annaleesa's friend, Susette and her husband Mark came over also.

We were sad to hear about Jeff's mother dying. Carolyn and Jeff came to stay with us for a short time while Jeff's family was burying his mother.

After they left our nephew, Mark and his wife Brenda came to stay for a while. They are in dancing workshops - they have a dance studio in Texas so they were just getting some training.

Grant had a short break from the BYU ward but in mid July they started up again. He has another Freshman Ward and each year they have some great students.

We were happy to have Hokansons come for a visit in July also. We did a BYU Treasure Hunt - Crystal is coming next year for EFY so we wanted to get her acquainted with the campus before she came. Crystal had an incredible opportunity to go to Europe this year. We were so happy she shared her pictures and some stories about what she did while she was there.

Just after Hokansons left Annaleesa was hit from behind on the freeway on her way home from work. Her car was totaled and she had some neck pain (whiplash) which she has been having treated by a physical therapist. She has a Toyota Corolla now and has just purchased a ski rack for the top in anticipation of the new snow boarding season.

We were happy to have Randi Marie and Efrain and their children over for dinner while they were here visiting Utah. They have such a cute family and we enjoyed having them here even for a short time.

September 1st was Annaleesa's 30th birthday. Lexi and I along with some good friends, Susette and Lauri took her to PF Chang's for lunch. That was fun but then on Monday Susette and Lauri took her to some houses of other friends and she had quite the make over. At one house she had make up applied to her face. At another house - new hair do - then on to another house for painted toe nails and another for fingernail polish. She look like quite the glamour girl. As soon as they left she was in the shower to get it all off. I did get a picture - which I will share...

Annaleesa also made the wedding cake for her friend, Susette's daughter's wedding reception. I will share a picture of that also. She stressed about it but I thought she did a great job.

We were so happy to be able to go to Hans and Shelli's wedding. It was so nice to be there to support them and be with the family. Everything turned out so nicely. I have a couple of pictures I will share of what we saw.

Then mid September I had the privilege and going with my daughters to Pennsylvania. This was kind of an extension of Annaleesa's birthday. We flew to Washington DC and then drove to Philadephia and saw the historical sites of our country there. Kudos to Alexis for driving out of Philadelphia during rush hour traffic - she is a trooper. The next day we went to Hershey, Pennsylvania. On the way we saw some of the Amish country. The town of Hershey is an inspiring story and place. I so enjoyed being there and especially with Annaleesa and Alexis. It was a trip I will remember the rest of my life.

Our Family dinner has changed so much since Rachel and Josh and Thad and Malinda have left for their schooling. We miss them but we carry on.

Well, and here we are now in the Fall/Autumn - such a wonderful time of year. We have had an especially warm Fall but this Conference Week end it has been rainy and cooler - so cozy for watching Conference.

We send our love to all of you. I hope you have a wonderful time this Fall and into the holiday season. Take care.

Love,

Grant and Linda