Is Anyone Out There???

Hi, everyone! I keep coming to the family blog and no one has posted anything for about TWO months. I guess we're all busy but it's always nice to read what you're all busy doing so take a minute and share a story or picture. This is the only way we can keep up on some of you and what you are doing!

We've been busy, too! Rick and I went up to Seattle with Kent and Pat for a Washington vs BYU game which we barely won. Yes, the men always find a way to watch a good game. It was fun and we did some fun sightseeing at the same time.







Then, over UEA Rick and I visited Zion's National Park--I know...as a teacher I should have stayed and attended the convention but..... The park was just an amazing place with so much to see and do. We went on several hikes but the most impressive was "Angel's Landing." You all really must experience it then you'll know all about "Walter's Wiggles" too!

While we were there, we went over to Micah's to watch another "Big BYU Game." It wasn't so big because BYU lost! Kent was leaving the next morning to drive over to LosAngeles to pick up a truck. What? That's a major vacation for most of us!!! Anyway, he didn't return as early as expected so Rick and I went and visited with Pat and all the kids and their grandkids. This was the first time in the last year that all the grandchildren had been together--even Tonya was there with Brinley and Jayden. Pat had just taken them all to a pumpkin patch and everyone had their special pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern. It was a little scary to see each child with a knife out on the patio but when we saw parents step in and special pumpkin carving knives in use, it helped. What fun they all had and never think that this set of kids don't have their own opinions as to what makes the scariest jack-o-lantern! Tonay really liked being there because she had so much help with Jayden. It was fun to see this growing family! Chelsea is planning on a mission in the near future so we'll all have to stay tuned!



















Sunday, Linsey and Ben came and joined us for Sunday dinner. They are staying in Centerville at his parents' home and looking for a job. He does have a couple of leads so we're all hoping and praying that something happens soon. Linsey says he's become a great guy to have hanging around most of the time!









Of course, Halloween was the perfect time for visiting with family members. Angie's neighborhood had a neighborhood party so we went and helped with the kids since Tom was working. Zac and Abbi were so excited and looked exactly like Indiana Jones and Cinderella! Then, on Halloween, I went to Grandma's and picked her up so she could join in with us for the evening. We met Jan and David (they were in town for his daughter's baptism), Chad's family, Jeremiah's family, Colton and Amy, and Scott's family for a "Trunk or Treat." It was so nice and warm and the kids were all so excited. We had a soccer goalie, a witch, a kitty, a clone, a purple fairy, Buzz Lightyear, the Cat in the Hat, Clark Kent, and Shelley's mom was a Scottish dancer. I went as a the luckiest grandma and Rick was a proud grandpa??????????????










The picture of Alex, Scott's little boy is just too precious. We were watching him and I shared a cookie from school with him....yum, yum, yum! He's not a very good eater unless it's sweets but I let him enjoy it with no guilt from Mom and Dad--that's what grandmas are for, right???

Today, we had Sunday dinner, as usual. We had a FHE about pirates--a story from The Friend. Angie had the kids go on a treasure hunt so here's a picture of our pirates! You can see how excited Lyle and Maddie were. Yeah, that really like the family things!

The Beecher Twins have landed...in Provo!

That's right...we are so excited that Brittany and Brooke are at BYU. This is especially exciting because they will be working at Courtyard in our kitchen. I told them Lindsay worked here years ago and they thought that was funny. In addition, Justin and I are happy to have them as "on call" babysitters occasionally for our kids! I'll have to post some photos of their first day of work. No need to worry mom and dad~I'll keep close tabs on these sweet girls for you!

Summertime 2008

What a great summer! I've meant to write but my computer crashed and I'm now back up. Life is so crazy when you don't have a computer--especially the internet! I feel like I'm finally able to communicate with the world again. Some of the summer highlights seemed to be....Grandkids....Grandkids.....Grandkids and, of course, other family members. We taught Haylee how to roller blade and others tried to skate. Many just enjoyed swinging and learning to hang from their knees. All the mom's and myself took the kids to the children's museum down at the Gateway for a fun-filled learning day on July 25th. It was fun but we learned one important lesson--never plan a big outing just after staying up late for fireworks the night before.

Then, on July 31st, we made the annual women's trek down to BYU for the Women's Football Clinic. We met Linsey and Katie there and had many hands-on lesson about the sport while all the men stayed home babysitting. (Chad and Shelley were out of town but we'll get her next year.) Of course, there's always one or two who think they can crash the party (Lynn and Ben). AND, Linsey won the prize for coming the farthest (Japan) and Ben made it on the BYU news station for trying to crash the party. It was fun and I think we rubbed shoulders with all the right players. We were all in such great shape that no one was sore the next day.....right!

On August 3rd we attended Mindy's baptism. It was a wonderful day and there has not been a better attended baptism ever! This shows Justin and Mindy's kindness to so many others. It was great fun going to their house and visiting with everyone and witnessing the blessing of Celeste's twins--Shawn and Jaxson. As we visited, we realized how many twins were there so we took a picture. We were all wishing we'd thought about it earlier so Kent could have been in the picture but I represented him well and Lori represented Lynette also. Did you know that Celeste's twins were born on April and Amy's birthday? Cool......

On August 23rd, Kent and I attended our 40th high school reunion. Now remember, we were so "advanced" that we started high school at about the same age as all of you were starting kindergarten!!! (Just in case you're thinking we must be REALLY old!) We met Kent and Pat at Tonya's house and saw little Jayden. He really looks great! He smiled and was a very happy little guy. Then, Rick picked up Brinley and she was not too happy about that but she managed to give us a little smile. They really are a cute little family! They are doing well and are preparing for another heart surgery soon. We'll have to stay in touch!

Well, give me credit for getting this posted. It might not look too well organized but I'm learning with every posting I make. I hope all of YOU keep it up, too!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Grandpa (Daddy) Vern Ruby Beecher's Birthday...

Happy Birthday!

Pistachio Cookies

Note: for those of you who requested the reciped for the pistachio cookies we had at our house on my baptism day, you can go to our family blog (jmhillfamily.blogspot.com) and I have posted it. It was a long one and I couldn't get it to copy, but it's there if you would like it. ENJOY!

What An Awesome Day!

There are no words that adequately describe the wonderful feeling I have had since Sunday! Thanks to all who helped to make it such a special occasion. I feel eternally grateful to become part of this wonderful Church, The Gospel, and the love of all of you!

The Spudman!

Derrin and I completed our very first Olympic Distance Triathlon! YEAH! It was a mile swim, 25 mile bike and a 6 mile run. Phew! I'm glad that's done!

Summer Fun with the Francoms

Where did June and July go? I count each day very carefully because I want my school break to be as long as possible but the days....weeks....months are just zipping by. In June, we were able to go to Angie's son's (Zac) kindergarten graduation. They were supposed to dress as the person they hoped to be someday--Batman was the only acceptable outfit! Then, Rick was in charge of his family's reunion so we all pitched in. Kurt made the big sign, Chad, Angie, Scott and Kurt's families directed the games--it was fun! The first week of July was spent up in Park City--we were mostly there for the fireworks on the 4th and the swimming. We were careful to keep the little ones in tubes after having a scare with Chad's Lia! Yes, Scott was the family clown but we swam and swam and then went back for more! Today, July 19th, was the Children's Parade that always falls on the Saturday before July 24th. Of course, grandparents are expected to go to take pictures of grandkids as they file by--Rick and Scott went with me and were not smiling at the thought of fighting traffic and crowds but I think they were both smiling by the end of the parade. Chad had to go to a temple sealing instead but his wife and kids were representing him well--working on the float as well as walking with it. Then, Melissa and Lillie came by with their stake's float. Afterwards, Shelley and I went to the city/county building where they had a big carnival for all the kids who participated. It was fun but very, very hot! We finally went to Wendy's for air conditioning and a bit of lunch. What a day! This summer, we've also had a couple of swimming parties in our back yard and sleep-overs with the grandkids. You know....I don't know how I'd have time to teach school because the days have been so busy! This is what life is all about and we're loving it! P.S. Kurt and Alanna announced tonight (it is now Sunday) that they are expecting a baby next spring!!! I'm so excited! That makes Scott and Melissa's baby in December #10 and Kurt and Alanna's baby #11! Life is GREAT!!!!!

Jan's Family

Jan's family: Colton, Amy, Whit, Mandy, Macin, Jan, Landon and Jeremiah













Family Reunion













Whitney and Maddie














Krista, Jeremiah, Macin, Whitney, Mandy, Jan, Landon, Colton and Amy











Whitney just before she left on the trek. Doesn't she look so happy??

























Red headed twin cousins













David , Kristen, Lauren, Jordan, Kevin and Erin

Grey Wolves

Tanner Francom attended a two week long summer school where he learned to do webpages, music, videos, etc on the Internet.

As a proud (geek) Father, I want to share it with everyone.

Here is Tanner's website about Grey Wolves:

http://www.graniteschools.org/bbasics/11/gwolf/gray_wolf/Welcome.html

My family and I do exist!

I love having fun with my grandsons, Landon 7 and Macin 3. One place we went was Hogle Zoo. Krista, Whitney, Landon, Macin, and I had a great time there.

Celeste,Kris and boy's

We have recently spent time with Celeste, Kris and Shaun and Jaxson. This time Cheyenne
Wy.had warmed up. Those boys are healthy and oh so precios as is each one. Every time being
with grandchildren is a trip to heaven.

Happy 4th of July!

Thanks to Grandma who spent a crazy Fourth of July holiday with us! Her day started at the parade in Provo. Coming from a Missourian, Provo has got to be one of the best places in the world to be on the 4th! After a ride up the Sundance lift, Grandma enjoyed a fun dinner and fireworks at Derrin and Nicole's home in Mapleton with Weldon & Gean and Justin & Mindy's family. We were so blessed to have spent this special time with her!

P.S. For those of you who do not know (this is Mindy...) I will be getting baptised as a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Sunday, August 3rd at 12:30 at our Stake Center in Orem. I would love sharing this day with all of you and will be sending a little personal invite to you soon. We will be having lunch at our home following my baptism. It should be a special time as all 6 of the Hill Children families will be here from all over the country! Hope to see you there!

Words from Grandma Beecher

My Dearest Family,
What a wonderful time we enjoyed together at our last family reunion in Brigham City. Being all together as our family to celebrate our family being together for our reunion. There were 63 of us there as we spent 5 hours visiting and loving each other every minute! Hope we can do it again someday before too long. How I love all of you so deeply. I always pray that Grandpa Beecher is in heaven smiling down looking at all of you and knowing you are my grandkids. Hope someday we can all be together as a happy family again.
All my love,
Grandma Beecher

Thanks to all that came to the Reunion

Thank you to all that came to the reunion. We enjoyed one another and was it great to see all the grand kids and great grand kids that grandma has.
I would really like to thank each and every one that worked so hard on the fence on the farm. We figured we laid 1100 feet of fence and pounded in around 100 stakes. I had know idea we could get all of that done. YOU ALL were awesome. I need to ask if anyone went home will the wrong tools? We are missing pliers ( one large black handle, one large yellow and orange handle and gloves) does any one else have some thing missing? We were all so tied that we didn't think to ask what people ended up with. If you are missing any thing, please email me and I will try and find it for you. beech50@gmail.com If you have some thing that is not yours, email me also. Thanks again for all that came. Lynn

If it's Memorial Day you must be in Brigham City!

Actually, we went to Brigham City on the Saturday before Memorial Day because Jan & girls were in town. That was the best decision we ever made because today (Monday, May 26th) is rainy and cold. We all met at Grandpa's grave and also visited both sets of grandparents' graves, too. We then went to John Adams Park for KFC and other good food. The kids played on the playground and then went and threw rocks in the creek. Then, we followed the upper part of the creek and were right across the street from the old John Bott Monument Company. (This was Grandma Atwood's grandfather's business when he was a polygamist with 3 wives.) It was so interesting to look into all the windows--it seems to still be used for cemetery markers and they had a sign about tour times. Then the kids all had a race down the hill and went back up to roll down it several times. I'm told that Grandma even rolled down the hill but no one caught it with a camera! Zac (Angie's son) had a birthday on Friday so we also celebrated it. What a fun day enjoying each other's company and knowing we were honoring our Grandpa by spending time together in his memory. I'm sure he was smiling down on us all. Hey, all of you other descendants--come and join us next year!!!


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To all Vern Rubies

The Vern Ruby Family Reunion on the 14th of June is soon appoaching. More info. will be coming on the blog so keep checking the site. This is going to be alittle different so here goes. I need all the men, sons and grandson that can work to come as early as possible. (8:00 am) We are going to work on repairing fencing. All the wives and children will meet at 2:00 pm at the park at the end of Beecher Ave. for games. At 4:00 pm we will meet at the Beecher farm and drive up to second flat bottom just above the Indain trail for food. The view is incredible. I need your help. The property was moved out of Green Belt for taxes. That means we pay $1400.00 a year instead of $37.00 a year. I have someone that wants to put horses on the property that will put us back into the Green Belt. So I really do need your help. Please RSVP at this email address. beech50@gmail.com Thanks, Lynn

More Celeste and Twins Info

Celeste and Kris's twins Jaxson and Shaun arrived via c-section early yesterday afternoon. All are doing well! Jaxson weighed in at 5 pound exactly and is 16-17 inches long and Shaun was 3 lbs. 13 oz and also 16-17 inches long. They are at the University of Colorado 12605 East 16th Ave. Aurora CO. Room #414 (720) 848-0000. I just spoke to Celeste this morning and both babies are in the NICU but breathing on their own and doing so good! They are monitoring Jaxson and watching a valve in his heart that is not working properly but expect all to be well. I know they would love and appreciate hearing from all of you!

Celest had her twins!

I don't know all the details, I just know Celeste had here boys today. They are all doing great. The boys are small but doing great! More info. to follow.

Celeste and Kris Email Update

Here is an email we received from Celeste and Kris yesterday, so that all of you can stay informed:

Hey guys, just wanted to give you all a quick update. We were in the hospital in Denver for the last week and a half; but for the last few days the boys fluid levels were looking consistently stable, so they decided not to take them yet and not to remove any fluid from their sacks because the chances are high that it would push me into labor, and since they're looking stable right now they don't want to risk anything. My doctor said that if we wanted to check out of the hospital, stay in Denver and come in a few times a week we could; or we could go home, go down there once a week and be seen in Cheyenne a couple of times a week. So we're back home right now. The doctor's said they don't feel comfortable leaving them in me for more than 36 weeks; so as long as I can not go into labor in the next two weeks, they should make it till then; which is a LOT longer than we could've ever hoped for, so that means less time in the N.I.C.U.! YAY! So that's everything going on now; and we'll be letting everyone know when they get here. -(whenever that is.) Well if you all get a minute don't be shy, write back and let us know what's up with you! Love you all! Love Celeste, Kris, Jaxson and Shaun

News Flash!

For those of you who don't know, Celeste and Kris are now in the hospital in Denver awaiting the arrival of their twins Jackson and Sean. She is 32 weeks and will remain in the hospital on bedrest until the babies come. Things are looking well for them but it is still a touchy situation. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers over upcoming days. In addition, Justin and I would like to thank all of you who made it to Mom and Dad Hill's 60th Birthday Celebration. It was a great time! I will upload a few photos soon!

Birthday Brunch!

Hello all! I will be sending out invites today but wanted to let everyone know about a Birthday Brunch that we'll be having to celebrate Weldon & Gean's 60th Birthdays. It will be next Saturday, April 26th from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m at their home in Layton. Their address is: 1784 East 1150 North Layton, UT. Please RSVP to Justin or Mindy at (801) 592-6193 or (801) 362-9011. Hope to see you all there!

Annual Easter Hunt

Itseems to be a tradition to hunt for candy after dinner on Easter Sunday. Between Lori and myself, we seems to have plenty of goodies for all my grandkids and her girls. Sometimes, the older girls hide the candy but since they're seniors this year we wanted them to join in the fun, too. It was a bit cold and a little wet and the yard was still in its winter state but we had a great time! This is what family is all about, right?

Francom Princesses

As I was downloading picture from my camera to share Nickie's pictures, I realized that I had a lot of cute pictures. Last Sunday, we went to Lyle's place to celebrate his 46th birthday. Yes, even Lyle is finally getting "older!" However, he stopped the night with the thought that he was now the same age our dad was when he passed away. I think we all suddenly realized how young our father really was when he died. Of course, it didn't seem like he was that young at the time because we were just children and parents were supposed to be "old."

Brooke and Brittany had been to the prom on Saturday night so they took all the little girls upstairs to try on their prom dresses. Brooke and Brittany were so sweet because they knew that all the girls dreamed of being princesses and this was almost like that dream-come-true! Just look at the girls and their BIG smiles. Thanks, Brooke, Brittany, and Maddie for making this a fun time for the girls.

Peter Bruhn Isom Joins the Family!

Rick and I went out to Tooele on Saturday between General Conference sessions to see Nickie and her family. Her new baby boy is so small and sweet. Of course, he slept the whole time we were visiting. He looks like a good mixture of Savannah and Loral. He gets his middle name from a line on Chris' side that never had any boys to carry the last name of Bruhn so he's making some people happy! The girls were gone with Chris when we got there but when they arrived home they had plenty of loves and kisses for little Peter. Today is Loral's third birthday so they had gone and bought a birdfeeder with a bag of seeds to feed the birds--she loves birds! It's fun thinking of her watching the birds on her new feeder. It was fun to see how the girls had grown and we enjoyed being among the first in the family to see our new addition.

Chase finally has boy cousins!!!

I am sure that Linsey has her hands full, so I thought that I would share with everyone some new pictures of their new addition--everyone meet Austin Benjamin Rich born February 21, 2008. I personally think he looks like a mini Ben. I can't believe how much Abigail has changed since we saw them during the Thanksgiving holiday, and how much she totally looks like Linsey with blonde hair. We hope you guys are doing well over there in Japan.

I don't have pictures, but Nickie also had her little boy on Marcy 28, 2008. Or as Loral told everyone in my ward at church on Sunday, "Our baby, he came out!!" Congratulations!

I'm glad to see that within two months the odds are becoming more favorable that my son will not be dressed like a princess during family get togethers, now that he has two boy cousins to ward the girls off with swords, bugs, and other "yucky" things.