January Family Overview

This will be a  new monthly column on the blog that will just give an overview of each family.  We'll start with the oldest and work to the youngest - that's the way it has to be get over it.

Adrian and Todd
The family is saddened at the loss of Todd's job at the Church.  We are all in mourning but know that he will land on his feet and all will be well.  We are grateful for the severance package that will sustain them for a few months.  Go for it Todd, our prayers are with you!

Cameron received his arrow of light award and in March will enter Boy Scouts.  We were impressed with all the pins, flags, emblems, patches and so forth that Cameron has acquired in his time in Cub Scouts.  We are anticipating and Eagle in future years.

Taylor is also beginning to receive lots of Cub Scout awards.  He is just starting but is already advancing rapidly.

Taylor's troop helping with the Arrow of Light program

I thought boy's dancing was never going to happen, but Cameron has a Dance program for his XBox and my, my boys can dance.  Keep up the exercise!










Curt and Melanee
The wedding date has been set --- JUNE 21.  That gives everyone a lot of time to save up for a big present!!

The big house still consumes much of Curt's time.  The carpet is in route, the wood is getting stained and it will soon be time to finish the kitchen.  This is a beautiful house and we are so proud of the work that Curt is doing, way to go son.

Curt did have a little problem with the snow this month.  Even the track hoe couldn't handle it.

Marc and Brittney
Guess what?  Brittney is still pregnant, one more month.  She did give us a scare a couple of weeks ago when she had some severe labor pains, but things have returned to normal and she is up and going again.  Mason came into their bedroom the other day and told them that the baby's name will be Thor; needless to say, the parents aren't complying with this request.

Theron wrote a little poem for Mason that I think we need to share:

Last week I fought a dragon strong
Then climbed a castle wall.
Too bad I fell from off the roof
Mom´s flowers broke my fall.

Then yesterday, I sailed to sea
The pirates at the door.
Too bad the tub was just too small
Now water's on the floor.

Today, I launched a rocket to
The moon for mom to see.
Too bad the wheel came flying off
And so I skinned my knee.

But mom was there to pick me up
And make me feel alright.
Then send me out to save the world
And put my cape on tight.

Someday I´ll grow and fly away
Little doesn´t last for long.
But when I´m big I won´t forget
That Thor still Needs a Mom.

Love Grandpa

 Everyone - mark February 18 on your calendar.  Ali Jo will be 2 years old and she is ready to be older!!!

Theron and Shanna
We are keeping busy.  Each Thursday evening, when it doesn't ice storm or snow, we teach a Stake Family History Consultant class.  On some days, we work on our humanitarian mission calling - it's great to be able to do this from home - most of the time.

Did you know that in 2011 the Church responded to 111 disasters throughout the world.  Think about this, that's about 2 per week.  Give to the Humanitarian Fund for more blessings.

We now have a new family problem - Theron made his first mistake and he is taking it pretty hard.  He was to fly to Florida for BSD and he told me he flew out on Wednesday.  On Tuesday when he went to reserve his seat, he found he was scheduled to fly out on Tuesday and the plane had already gone - hours before.  Children, be patient, he has lots to do each day and can't keep up as well as he used to :)

And that's January 2013 in review.

Grandma and Great-Grandma Spendlove is officially 80

My mother is not a woman who has ever had fancy things nor wanted much by way of material things.  She did request a Neala Tea Party for this important milestone in her life - her 80th birthday.

Before the party begins

From L to R:  Linda, Brittney, Janeil, Susan, Neala and Mom

From L to R:  Linda, Brittney, Janeil, Susan, Neala, Mom, Judy Baugh, Jenna (soon to be a Spendlove), Alison, and Jana

On January 19, 2013, many of us gathered around Neala's table and were treated to a delicious and enjoyable tea party.  We talked, we laughed, we told stories, we listened, we loved and we enjoyed each other.

Mom told us how as a child she would go out in the road and dig a  chunk of asphalt and chew it like chewing gum and how Grandma Inez would give her an egg and she would go to the store and get a bag of candy.

Mom has been married for 62 years, she birthed 8 children and for the most part we are all responsible adults.  She now has 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  She is loved by us all for her kindness and unconditional love.

Curt is "35" years old?

January 11, 1978, was a fairly warm day and I remember being in the hospital about 10 or so in the morning with labor pains.  These pains turned into a cute baby boy that we named Curt Neal Schaefermeyer.  Curt was special and will always retain the spot as the first Schaefermeyer namesake grandson of Neal and LaVelle - Grandpa and Grandma Schaefermeyer.

I can't believe it has been 35 years.  We look forward to this year because it will Curt's wedding year and the year he finishes the "big" house.  He is a great young man and we love him.

It wasn't much of a birthday day, the snow was heavy and we could not all travel to dinner, so we just kind of said Happy Birthday here and there as we saw him.  Again son, H A P P Y    B I R T H D A Y !!!

Is it really 2013?

The year 2013 is now upon us; some, me included thought this would not be possible.  After all, we all read 1984 and after it passed we thought we were safe.  The year 2000 passed without danger and now we are 13 years later and deeply in trouble in our sweet America.  That's the best political statement I'm going to make; the family knows my views.

This year we are looking forward to a new grandson.  Brittney and Marc are expecting him in March.  We are also looking forward to Curt and Melanee's wedding - date to be determined.  I have decided against back surgery and will put it off as long as I can.  Theron and I will continue to work on the humanitarian history project for the Church.  Neala's son Darrin is expecting twin girls and we are all looking forward to this event.  My mother turns 80 next week.  The rest is in the future and we anticipate it with open arms.  Let the good times roll.  Oh, a heads up to the kids, we are looking at an Asia cruise, so if we come up missing for about 30 days, you can find us somewhere in the oceans of Asia -- dates to be determined.

The weather has been cold and snowy so the lawn is still full of Christmas decorations.  Theron has programmed the big tree to stand as a beacon in the storm; I would have been content with one of the strands of lights on the house being lite at night.  It just wasn't showy enough.

I would hope to write more this year, at least once per week, but that is yet to be determined - um, there seems to be a yet to be determined theme here.  Does this mean my prozac has finally calmed down my A personality?

Happy New Year 2013.

We are all waiting to see the workings of the CNC Machine, also.