The Clayton Family Nuthouse

Christmas Gift Exchange

2009-11-06T07:30:00.001-07:00

I think (based on what I could find on the blog) that this is how it goes this year.

A family gift (about $25 total)

Mike and Mindy - Michelle and Ken
Sean and Keli - Spencer
Jared and Kristen - Mike and Mindy
Bryan and Kirsten - Sean and Keli
Michelle and Ken - Jared and Kristen
Spencer - Bryan and Kirsten

Alex "borrowed" my FlipVideo Camera... and this is what I found.

2009-07-05T20:30:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to Jared (7/5) and Bryan (7/7)!

2009-07-05T17:28:00.002-06:00

One is 29... the other is 32.

You figure out which is which.

Dad's New Christmas Decoration...

2008-12-28T10:23:00.002-07:00

This is a follow-up to last year's recommendation. ;)

Uncle George's Obituary (20 Apr 1919 - 1 Apr 2008)

2008-12-21T19:46:00.001-07:00

Talking to mom tonight, I Googled George's name found this:

:(

HASHBARGER, George LeRay, Sr.
b. 20 Apr 1919 - Bellaire, Kansas
d. 1 Apr 2008 - Cheyenne, Wyoming

From Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, Cheyenne, WY - 16 Apr 2008, Submitted by Henry L. Schmick
George LeRay Hashbarger Sr., 88, of Cheyenne, died April 1 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Cheyenne. Mr. Hashbarger was born April 20, 1919, in Bellaire, Kan. He moved to Cheyenne in 1946, after serving in Europe as a private and a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Hashbarger retired in 1985 from a restaurant career in Cheyenne, which included working at the Trail Cafe, managing the Cheyenne Country Club and managing the restaurant at the Husky Terminal truck stop. He was a life member of the American Legion and a member of Zion Congregational Church.

Mr. Hashbarger is survived by a son, George Hashbarger Jr. of New York.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen Marie (RUTTNER) Hashbarger, whom he married Oct. 20, 1950, in Cheyenne; two daughters, Linda Marie and Debra Marie; and two brothers, Delphan "Wayne" Hashbarger and Roscoe "Buddy" Hashbarger.

Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens under the direction of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes. A memorial service will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Zion Congregational Church with Rev. Elmer Wilhelm officiating. Burial of his urn will take place in Olivet Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Names for Christmas

2008-11-28T19:02:00.004-07:00

Has anyone talked about it this year?

I think it's

Mike and Min to Sean and Keli
Sean and Keli to Jared and Kristen
Jared and Kristen to Bryan and Kirsten
Bryan and Kirsten to Michelle and Ken
Michelle and Ken to Spencer
Spencer to Mike and Min

Just a family gift.

Any corrections? objections?

Congrats

2008-10-01T06:30:00.002-06:00

Michelle and Ken had their new baby yesterday. I talked to Ken, and mom and baby both seemed to be doing quite well.

Katelyn (I think that was the agreed-upon spelling)
9lbs, 6oz.
21in.

She has hair, not long like Tressa's was, though.

Congratulations! We're so excited to have another little baby join the family!

Note to Keli...

2008-08-30T11:27:00.003-06:00

I haven't forgotten about what we talked about last week.

I'll call you on Sunday (8/31) and let you know what I've found out.

In the meantime, you might want to try this out:

Copywrite

Talk to you later...

Happy Birthday to Michelle and Emma!

2008-08-01T08:30:00.001-06:00

Yup, you're both a year older.

But Michelle has collected more years than you have Emma.

Sorry.

:)

Anyways, both of you have a great day!

#14

2008-07-02T18:55:00.003-06:00

Congrats to Jared and Kristen who just had grandkid #14 today. Jacob Marshall Clayton was born this morning. He weighs in at 7 lbs. 14 oz, and is 19 1/2" long.

The count stands at 5 boys and 9 girls.

Coral or Jade: Take your pick...

2008-04-20T11:08:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that Mom and Dad had their 35th Wedding Anniversary yesterday?!

Congrats to them for putting up with each other for so long (... and us twits that popped up along the way)!

2 already!!!!

2008-04-12T19:48:00.001-06:00

We just wanted to wish Clara a Happy 2nd Birthday!!! I can't believe that she is two. How time flies. I hope that you had a Happy Birthday, Clara. We love you.

Ken, Michelle, Tressa and Baby

Happy Birthday!!!!

2008-04-08T09:28:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to wish Mindy a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I hope that it is a good one.

Love,
Ken, Michelle, Tressa and Baby

BRYAN!!!!!

2008-03-26T17:27:00.001-06:00

Either check your email or get on iChat tonight!

Dad's orders.

We're trying to get a phone number to you. You know what it's all about.

Happy 4th Birthday!!!

2008-03-19T08:19:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to drop a note to tell Isaac to have a Happy 4th Birthday. It is amazing how time flies by, I can't believe that Isaac is 4. Isaac, Happy Birthday, Buddy!!! We love you.

Love
Ken, Michelle, Tressa and baby

FYI!!!

2008-02-27T09:07:00.002-07:00

I just thought I would drop a note and let you know some info. It is now official, we are pregnant. Our due date is Oct. 2nd. We will keep you updated.

Michelle, Ken, Tressa and baby?

For Dad...

2007-12-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here's next year's lawn ornament:

For Sean...

2007-12-23T16:05:00.001-07:00

2007-11-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, people. I guess it's that time of year again. Since Spencer just got thrown in last year, the rotation didn't work this year because Mike and Min ended up giving to themselves. So I just kind of readjusted it. Hopefully everyone agrees? If theres an issue, feel free to comment!

Will any of you prodigals be here this Christmas? I know we will, sniff sniff, for one last Christmas.

Mike and Mindy - Jared and Kristen
Sean and Keli - Bryan and Kirsten
Jared and Kristen - Michelle and Ken
Bryan and Kirsten - Spencer and ?
Michelle and Ken - Mike and Mindy
Spencer and ? - Sean and Keli

I forget, do we give to all the grandkids, or just the ones in the family we have?

I have started my own blog

2007-09-11T08:58:00.001-06:00

Just to let everyone know, I have finally started my own blog called the Richards Family. How original I know. Anyway, I hope your enjoy our blog. I will try to post the best I can.

Michelle

Happy Birthday!!

2007-08-26T16:28:00.000-06:00

We just wanted to wish Kirsten a Happy Birthday!! I hope that you had a great day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Love,
Michelle, Ken and Tressa

Happy Birthday!!!

2007-08-06T12:30:00.000-06:00

I wanted to wish Emma, Aimee and Keli HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I hope that you guys had a wonderful birthday and got what you wanted.
We love you.

Ken, Michelle, and Tressa

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!!

2007-06-30T20:52:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Aaron. I hope that you have a great day. I can't believe that you are 9 yrs old. Have fun and enjoy the summer off. We can't wait to see you when you come to Grandma Clayton's house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love
Ken, Michelle, and Tressa

Abby and Claire

2007-06-28T11:23:00.000-06:00

Just thought I would put the link on the blog. These pictures are adorable!

Vacationing in Cincinnati

2007-06-27T09:21:00.000-06:00

This past week we went to Cincinnati to visit with Ken's family. Phil and Bonnie are in the process of moving from Boston to Charlotte, NC. They are staying with Ken's parents until they start their job mid July. Tressa had a blast playing with her cousins Sadie and Matt. Although, Matt was a little jealous with Tressa because he was not the baby of the house. Towards the end, Matt would be nice to her and would play well with her. Sadie just adored Tressa and cried when we left for home.

While we were there, the kids played outside in the little kiddy pool on the deck. The adults went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. The day before we left we went to the Ohio Caverns in Northwest Ohio. We had a great time visiting, now it is time for reality to set in and Ken starting his job a couple of days ago.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Tressa enjoying a summer hot day in the pool.

Here we are taking a tour in the Ohio Caverns.

Tressa touching her first cave formation.

Tressa with her cousins Sadie (5 yrs.) and Matt (2 yrs.).

Happy Birthday Mom!

2007-06-05T14:27:00.001-06:00

We Heart you!

We have moved in.

2007-06-01T08:54:00.001-06:00

I just thought everyone should know that we have moved into our first home this past weekend. We are now residing in Illinois. Here is our address and new phone number:

3007 N. Sheridan Rd.
Peoria, IL 61604

(309)966-1841

We are slowly getting everything clean and unpacked. The sellers didn't really clean to the Clayton's perfection. So I have been going through room by room and really cleaning to my liking. We have enjoyed it so far. We just got our internet, cable and phone put in yesterday, so we can now communicate with the world. Anyone is welcomed to visit us. We could take a trip to Nauvoo and see the sites of Illinois.

Happy Birthday Mike!

2007-05-29T14:45:00.000-06:00

What are you, like 40 now?

Happy Birthday!

2007-05-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

Happy b-day Spencer, you rock. Hope you have a great birthday.

Cousin fun in TX

2007-05-23T09:48:00.000-06:00

The Viginia cousins came to visit the Texas cousins this last week and everyone had a great time. Here are a few pictures. For more look here.

Alex and Isaac at the pool.

At the Alamo

At the temple

2007-05-18T09:13:00.000-06:00

Shrek the Third, here we come.

Thanks to Grandma for being a kid at heart and loving movies as much as we do. If only you could hear Maggie say Shrek the Third in her "Maggienese".

Freck da Firt.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T14:29:00.000-06:00

Mom wanted to see updated pictures of Isaac and Clara, so here they are... Happy Mother's Day Mom, you're the best!

Since no one else has mentioned it...

2007-05-10T20:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Ken!!!
You're getting old ;)

BTW... congrats on graduation and becoming Dr. Richards!

Tressa's First Steps

2007-05-05T09:13:00.000-06:00

At nine months old, Tressa is walking about six to eight steps at a time. If you would like to see her walking there is a video on the Richards website. Click on this link and it will take you to her video.

http://206.206.60.52/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=11470

Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday to Claire!!! I hope that it was a good one.

Love,
Ken, Michelle and Tressa

Embracing her gray!

2007-04-16T18:39:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Clara!!!

2007-04-11T13:24:00.000-06:00

I know that it is a day early, but I thought I should wish Clara a Happy Birthday before I forget to do it tomorrow. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, CLARA!!!!

Happy Birthday Mindy!

2007-04-08T18:37:00.001-06:00

Sorry we can't be there. Hope you had a good birthday/Easter.

Happy Easter!!!

2007-04-08T12:50:00.000-06:00

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter!!! Here are some pics of Tressa in her Easter dress. I hope that everyone had a great day.

I can't believe that Tressa will be 9 months this coming Friday. She is doing great and so are Ken and I.

Ken said this is Tressa seducive look.
HAPPY EASTER!!!

We have purchased our first home!!

2007-03-23T15:46:00.000-06:00

Well, it is official. We have now purchased our first home in Peoria, IL. Ken and I both fell in love with the house the minute we walked in, we knew it was home. Click on this link and it will take you to the pictures we took of the house.

http://206.206.60.52/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=53

Enjoy.

Some news that we have been waiting for...

2007-03-19T12:24:00.000-06:00

is posted on Min's blog. Check it out.

We are heading to....

2007-03-15T14:57:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone,

Today was Match Day. Ken and I found out where we are going for residency. We are moving at the end of May to Peoria, IL. Ken is really excited to go. Me, on the other hand, did not want to go. The more I think about it and let it sink in the more excited I am about trying some place new.

Video of Tressa crawling

2007-02-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma's trip to Texas

2007-02-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful stay with Mike and his family. I really enjoyed spending time with my grandchildren. They are really awesome and keep me young. Thanks for giving grandma sweet grandkids to enjoy!!!!

Sweet Grandkids

2007-02-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

We had a Birthday party for Abby, who is now 3 years old! It was a Princess Party! Here is a picture of some of my darling granddaughters!

Happy Valentine's Anniversary

2007-02-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

First let me say Happy Valentine's to everyone...

Now, Happy Anniversary to Bryan and Kirsten!

Hope everyone has a day full of LOVE.

A Day Late...

2007-02-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Abby! We remembered you all day yesterday, but didn't quite make it to the blog. Hope you had a great 3rd birthday!

a little help here...

2007-02-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Will someone please tell me what Jared and Kristen's house number - I know the rest of the address :) I have gotten it before, but it's not in my address book.

Our ranking list for residency!!!

2007-02-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we just thought we would let you guys know that we have sent in our Ranking List for the Residency program. Here's are the top 5 places in order that we ranked:

1. Indianapolis, IN
2. Cincinnati, OH
3. Columbus, OH
4. Peoria, IL
5. Marshall University in Hunnington, WV

We are aiming for Indianapolis, Ken really liked the program and for one thing we get free dental, medical and eye insurance. Who can top that? We talked to residents here in Louisville and they are spending $500 a month on insurance. We will find out on March 15th, Match day, where we will be going. I will let you guys know where we end up in June.

Tressa at 6 months

2007-01-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Tressa got this activity zone for Christmas. She loves it.

She can now drink out of a sippy cup.

Here she is standing beside furniture. We are still trying to teach her to crawl.

She went with her daddy to the University downtown. When they returned, she was wearing his hat and watching me run on the treadmill.

Mom wanted me to post pictures of Tressa as she is growing up because we are the Richards who do not have ichat. Here is Tressa at 6 months old. We are teaching her how to crawl and stand up against the couch. She has already mastered drinking out of her sippy cup. Oh, how they grow up so quickly?

Michelle

iChat with Grandma

2006-12-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last night before the kids went to bed they got to chat with Grandma. Above is a pic of the blessed event.

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving in D.C.

2006-11-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Washington D.C. Temple

The Potomac River

Kirsten and Michelle's Thanksgiving Creation

The Battlefield of Bull Run in Manassas

The booth in the Ford's Theatre where Pres. Abe Lincoln was shot.

Ken, Tressa and I had a great vacation to D.C. for Thanksgiving. Bryan and Kirsten are quite the host and hostess. If you ever want a great time, they can show you how. Ken and I were able to see the Potomac River, the D.C. temple, the National Zoo, Bull Run Civil War Site, the National Air and Space Museum and downtown D.C. We also went to the Ford's Theatre and the room across the street where Pres. Abe Lincoln died. Kirsten and I made an awesome Thanksgiving dinner, we were quite proud of ourselves. If you want to see more pictures of our vacation you can click here:

http: g2_view="core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=9339"

Names for Christmas

2006-11-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

I think this is how it goes this year. I looked at last year, and since Spencer wasn't here, we'll just stick him in. If there are any objections, let me know!

Mike and Mindy - Michelle and Ken
Sean and Keli - Spencer
Jared and Kristen - Sean and Keli
Bryan and Kirsten - Jared and Kristen
Michelle and Ken - Bryan and Kirsten
Spencer - Mike and Mindy

Happy Shopping!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2006-11-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Don't eat too much turkey.

In my spare time...

2006-11-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

These are some of the things that I have been working on this past semester in my 3-D design class. They are all open to your own interpretation.

Dear Spencer,

2006-11-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you for a most entertaining butt crack, I mean family day, at your ward. It was good times. Please keep us posted on the girl situation.

Love ya!

Happy Belated Halloween

2006-11-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from Halloween. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween.

She's finished!

2006-10-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

Let's all give a big "Good Job" to Mom for finishing her Master's Degree.

GOOD JOB, MOM!

Halloween Fun!!

2006-10-16T20:28:00.000-06:00

Isn't she adorable in her little duck costume? Here she is at the zoo sitting on a haystack pile surrounded by pumpkins.

A couple of days ago, I gave Tressa a bath. When I was done drying her hair, this was her new hairstyle. Pretty devilish, since Halloween is approaching. I guess, Tressa just can't wait to dress up.

Tressa was invited to her second birthday party. A friend of ours has a daughter that just turned 1 on Friday the 13th. My friend, Nicole, wanted all the little kids to dress up for the occassion in their Halloween costumes. Tressa decided to go as a duck.

The following day, we went with a couple (the husband goes to school with Ken) and their two little girls to the Louisville Zoo for "The Largest Halloween Party Ever". They gave the kids little trick-or-treat bags and there were candy stations every 20 to 30 feet. They also had Disney characters walking around for pictures. (Don't ducks lay eggs? :) )

Getting cuter every day!!!

2006-10-05T10:40:00.000-06:00

Here are some updated pictures of Tressa at 2 1/2 months. Since we here in Kentucky do not have ichat, I thought I would post some pictures for you guys to see.

IT'S A GIRL!

2006-09-30T18:32:00.000-06:00

Again.

Catoctin Mountain Park

2006-09-24T11:05:00.000-06:00

This weekend little Buddy and I went on our stake fathers and sons campout in Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland and we had a blast.

Meanwhile, his little sister finally had some peace and quiet.

Tressa's blessing

2006-09-05T19:52:00.000-06:00

The Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville, Indiana

Tressa in her blessing dress.

Grandma and Grandma with Tressa, Isaac and Clara

Tressa with her mom and dad

Tressa and Ken going through Fat Man's Misery at Mammoth Caves

We had a great time over Labor Day weekend. We had a lot of family come for Tressa's blessing. On Ken's side of the family, we had Arlyn (Ken's dad), Colleen (Ken's mom), Trav (brother), Carl (brother) and Tiona (Carl's wife). On my side of the family, we had my mom, dad, Spencer, Bryan, Kirsten, Isaac, Clara, Aunt Joan and Uncle Fred. Friday night we went to the hotel and went swimming. Tressa really enjoyed the water, especially the hot tub. On Saturday, we drove about 100 miles south to Mammoth Caves. We went on the Historic tour. It was neat to learn the history that occurred in the caves and what they were used for. After the blessing, we had a big luncheon. Later that evening, we went to the Falls of the Ohio and then went to see the Louisville Temple. It was great to have family visit after living here for three years. I guess it did take a baby to get family out here to visit. :) Ken and I had a great time. We want to thank those who came to support us and participate in the blessing of our little Tressa.

Tressa is smiling!!

2006-08-25T10:37:00.000-06:00

As of yesterday, Tressa is now six weeks old. Last Sunday she started to smile. At her last checkup appointment, she weighed 10 lbs. 5 oz. and is 22 1/4 inches long. She is growing like a weed.

already playing cards at 2 weeks

2006-08-02T16:02:00.000-06:00

Tressa has found a new hobby. She loves playing SkipBo with her dad. The other day, we were playing SkipBo and Ken gave her his cards. We were surprised when she had hold of them. She is sure growing everyday. It is amazing how fast they grow.

iChatting between a PC and a Mac

2006-07-16T21:05:00.000-06:00

This is for you Ken and Michelle:

http://www.mvldesign.com/video_conference_tutorial.html

We're going to try it tomorrow with my in-laws machine, so ww'll let you know how well it works.

Tressa Jeanette Richards

2006-07-16T08:11:00.000-06:00

Michelle and I had a new addition (or spawn as others have indicated) to our family. Michelle's water broke at 2:30 AM and Tressa was born at 1:59 PM EDT and was 8 lbs. 4 oz., and 21 in. long. Tressa is a family name. My great grandmother was nick-named Tressa because of her long beautiful hair, and my mother's first name is Tressa (although she never went by it). Jeanette I believe is a family name, although I am not sure from where.... :) During the delivery, the OB/GYN was playing with our duaghter's hair, trying to give her curls (which is part of the reason we opted for Tressa).

I thought I would include some pics. More pics will be posted at

http://community.webshots.com/user/krrich01

Michelle, Tressa, and Ken

Father and Daughter

Weighing

Not a picture of the baby per se, but thought you might like to see Michelle a month prior to delivery.

EVERYONE!!!!!

2006-07-12T18:02:00.000-06:00

SPENCER CLAYTON'S HOMECOMING WILL BE ON JULY 30TH. AT 11:00 A.M. PLEASE COME IF YOU CAN. I KNOW WE WOULD REALLY ENJOY HAVING FAMILY SUPPORT HIS HOMECOMING. DONNA AND MOM WILL BE HERE. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
BROOKWOOD WARD BUILDING.

On the road again...

2006-06-28T19:41:00.000-06:00

... we'll be taking off tomorrow.

See all y'all real soon.

;)

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

This goes out to all of us... Sean, Jared, Bryan and Ken (almost there).

Congrats on Fatherhood.

... and a big hug to Dad, you've been a great father for over 30 years!

This afternoon, as I was flipping through my Missionary scrapbook that Mom put together for me, I found the first letter that I wrote home, the one that I wrote to you. It's been almost 13 years since I wrote/read it, so I pulled it out and read it.

In case you don't remember it, It old you a bit about my life at the MTC and shared my first experience of giving a blessing. The funny thing about rereading that letter, I don't really remember it, but the principle of that moment has stayed with me for long after that.

Want to quote a part of the letter for you:

"I thank you: for your teachings; for your strict but gentle hand; and your priesthood power and many other things.

"I'm proud to be here. Proud to serve, and proud to have you as my father. I love you."

Elder M. Clayton (Sept 9, 1993)

Sorry I didn't send a card, but we are going to see Superman Returns that first weekend that I'm in UT (it opens 6/30).

Have a great day!

Aaron's Baptism

2006-06-17T19:07:00.000-06:00

We plan on having Aaron's baptism on Saturday morning, July 29th at 10:00 AM at one of the Stake Centers in Roy, UT.

We'll let you know details before they happen.

So mark the date...

... it's the day before Spencer's "talk in church that coincides with him coming home from his mission" so Grandma Clayton and Donna will be there.

#3!

2006-06-12T21:59:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's right folks. We have spawned again. I still can't imagine myself with 3 children! Aren't you supposed to be a grown-up for that? I'm still 18, right? Well, I always said I didn't want to be having kids after 30, and I'll be 30 in August, so I guess I jinxed that one. Feel free to send gifts.

Clara's Blessing

2006-06-04T16:16:00.000-06:00

Finally!

2006-06-02T09:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boys!

2006-05-27T20:10:00.000-06:00

Happy 21st Birthday Spencer!

Happy 32nd Birthday tomorrow Mike!

2006-05-17T11:25:00.000-06:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to Alex!

Claire Clayton's B-Day 5/4/06

2006-05-07T16:31:00.000-06:00

2006-05-04T21:05:00.000-06:00

One more Clayton girl has just arrived. Congrats to Jared, Kristen and Abby on the arrival of Claire!

Long time, no see

2006-04-28T16:49:00.000-06:00

Spencer sent me this photo via international snail mail a few days ago.

The photo that he sent sucked.

But as you can see, he hasn't changed much.

Just gotten uglier.

;)

There are Easter pics over in Min's Room (link)

2006-04-20T15:04:00.000-06:00

Mom and Michelle are headed back to SLC here in a bit, so we put some pics up over on Min's blog. Here's the link:

Min's Room pics - Egg Hunt; Easter Sunday; Grandpa's T-Shirt

Enjoy!

Here's a pic of Andee in her blessing dress.

Spencer's Easter Letter

2006-04-18T10:27:00.000-06:00

Hi Mom, I hope that you and Dad have a great Easter weekend. AS for me here in Guimaraes we aren´t doing that much. Easter here is completely dominated by the Catholic Church and they have some pretty strange customs. The Padres walk and greet people in the road and have them kiss a cross and then they bless their houses and it is pretty strange and interesting.

I heard that Clara was born and that she is quite the cutie. What a surprise that the labor went by rather quickly. I hope that everything is going well with them and that Kirsten is doing good. As for the package, I figured that you would send it a little late. It´s OK. Wait to send it until the beginning of May and then I can tell you for sure if I will still be in the same area. I should know as of the last week in April. We have transfers the 27th of Abril and I should know by then.

Finally the weather here is great and the sun is really shining. I am already starting on my tan. The rain has left and the sun has come out. So that makes the work go a lot more pleasent. So I have a challenge for you and Dad. I know that Porter is getting married here in a week and I would like to see the announcement. Could you tell him to send me one here. I sure would like to see how he is and how Heidi has changed. Just a little challenge. Well the work has been going great. On Tuesday we had a Zone Conference and it was great. I was able to hear from a couple of old companions and see how the people are progressing. I heard that one of the old people that I was teaching will be baptized this weekend and that made me happy. She is a 15 year old friend of one of the members. It would be great to be there, but I am a little far away.

Last Sunday we were able to mark another baptism and it was a great experience. We have some work to prepare her for her date on the 13th of May. But it will be a great experience. We have had some hard times and some good ones. The week has gone by kind of like a roller coaster. But we are having a blast. We pretty much know all the people in the city and we are already known by the majority of them. It is quite hilarious. Rapazes em branco. It´s pretty funny.

Well I have some more email to write. I finally heard from Keli and Mike so I have some more writing to do. Have a great week and save some chocalate eggs for me. Have fun and tell Mike and family that I say hi. Thanks again for everything.

Bye.

Love your son, Elder C. Spencer Clayton.

Our iChat (04/14/06)

2006-04-14T20:08:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics that I snapped while talking with Bryan and Kirsten. In the little pic in the corener you can see Gpa, Gma, Michelle, Min and me.

clara

2006-04-12T18:52:00.000-06:00

Adventures in Massachusetts, Maine, and New York

2006-04-09T18:21:00.000-06:00

Thought we would include a few pics from our trip. More pics are located at
http://community.webshots.com/user/krrich02
(should be updated by 4/10/06)

Salem, Ma. Site of the infamous witch trials.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Palmyra, NY. We are just outside the Sacred grove, looking towards the Smith farm, with the Palmyra temple in the background.

Niagra falls, specifically the Horseshoe falls as seen from Canada, eh?

Cheers, located across the street from the Boston Commons

When Michelle comes to Utah (then to Texas), she will bring the ultrasound pics of our little girl. I don't have a scanner (as of yet) to scan them in.

"Spec"tacular

2006-04-02T12:50:00.000-06:00

Flights for Easter Weekend

2006-03-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dad, Michelle and Keli,

I found flight from SLC to SAT during Easter Weekend for $261 each.

Sound good?

Give me a call.

Pictures of Andee over on our blog

2006-03-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Andee.

Born: 7:38 AM, 03/06/06
Weight: 7 lbs 6 oz
Height: 19.5"

2006-02-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Looks like we are 4 for 4 this round. Congrats Michelle and Ken!

Blogger Widgets Rock!

2006-02-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

I read today that there is a new widget that you can use to post to the blog!

Here's a link to download the widget (you need OS X 10.4 or higher): Blogger Widget

Here we go again!

2006-02-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

As if once isn't bad enough, we have it again! Yep, Strep! Don't let the exclamation point give you the impression that I'm at all excited about this diagnosis. Emma started on Sunday night. The fever, the weepiness, the fatigue. Then, the giveaway. The sore throat and headache. I knew it. We just went through this last month! So, off to the doctor again. And it's strep, again. I know Maggie is gonna get it, too. They're sisters, they share everything. Except toys. Hope everyone else is doing okay!

A little of Portugal, For all those Far Away

2006-02-16T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hi, I thought that you all would like to see some photos of Portugal and I hope that you enjoy them. These are some of the sites that Portugal has to offer. Have a great week.
Elder Clayton

Happy 2nd Birthday Abby!

2006-02-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe all the babies are turning 2! (ok Mags is already 2, but she had a bigger head start) Hope Abby had a fun birthday and that her arm is not causing too many problems.

Frosty's Back

2006-02-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Just thought pictures of snow would go nicely above the picture of sunny Mexico! Hey, don't Frosty's legs look about as white as Dad's?

Here it is

2006-02-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Mona Lisa of Mexico. This is Mom and Dad in Puerto Vallarta. This is the main street through all the shops. There were little Kiosks set up right along the beach front, and there was a Band playing in the distance. Kinda cool. Plus we had killer Mexican food. Mmmmmm, mole.

Saiiiiiling, take me awayyyyy, to where I'm going....Doo doo.

2006-01-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

A little Christopher Cross anyone? I love him. Now that song will be stuck in my head all day. That's okay. It's better than "leaving on a jet plane" that I got stuck in there after reading Phoebe's blog. Oh great, it's back.

I'm sure you all read my blog religiously every day, but in case you missed yesterdays post, I'll post something similar here. We are leaving TOMORROW for our Mexican Cruise! If you could see me now, I'm doing the "cabbage patch" in celebration. Yippee! Thankfully, Jared and Kristen are watching our girls. I think they'll have just as much fun there as they would on the cruise. So for 8 glorious nights we'll be sailing our little hearts out. I will certainly post pictures as soon as we get home. I've definitely got to get one of mom snorkeling. We're gonna have a blast!

Marilyn Beesley

2006-01-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of Marilyn's Obituary. I just thought you'd all like to see it.

Marilyn Hacking Beesley
Love You The Most

Marilyn Sue Hacking Beesley passed away Sunday morning, January 22, 2006 after a yearlong battle with bile duct cancer. She was born May 29,1948 in Vernal, Utah to Grant and Mildred Hacking. She was the fifth of six children, including three sisters and two brothers. Growing up on a farm, she was taught the value of hard work while having fun.
She studied at Utah State University and earned a teaching degree in physical education. She taught middle school in California and Utah until she married. In 1975 she met the man she would ask to marry her, Bill Beesley, III. They were married August 19, 1976 in the Salt Lake Temple. She was very active in the LDS church, serving in many positions. However, her most fulfilling position was being a wife and mother to her loving husband and five beautiful children. For 29 years, she and Bill raised their children and taught them the skills and values that would help them to be happy and successful in their lives.
Marilyn was an incredible event planner and organizer. She was a talented quilter,seamstress and gardener. She enjoyed compiling her family history and picture books.
Her greatest ambitions that weren't realized were to see the marriages of her children, serve an LDS mission with her husband, help raise her grandchildren and grow old with her family.
Marilyn lived a life dedicated to making others happy, and was very successful in doing so. She laughed and made others laugh. She will be missed as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will always be loved the most.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Bill Beesley, III, her children William
(Heather) Beesley, Susannah (Michael) Slade, Zane, Mariah and Rebecca Beesley. Marilyn is preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Hacking, and her sister, Sandra Ely.
Funeral services will be held at 11 :00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the Boulter Chapel (13006 South 1480 East, Draper). Friends may call on Friday, January 27, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Interment: Holladay Memorial Park Cemetery .
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to: The Huntsman Cancer Institute, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
Anderson Funeral Home, Funeral Directors.

May 29, 1948 – January 22, 2006

It's sad, but...

2006-01-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Beesley passed away on Saturday morning of Liver Cancer. She has been quite sick for a while, and the family has been as prepared as they could have been for her passing. I know we all knew her well, and loved her. Emma was especially sad because she remembered Marilyn coming out to swim with us. She hasn't seen her in probably 2 or 3 years, but she knew exactly who she was. In Marilyn's way, she had told her family that she would die this weekend, so they could have her funeral on Thursday, and all still make it on the cruise. Leave it up to someone like her to be selfless even in the end. If I were more spiritual, I would post a touching remark by the Prophet, or an appropriate scripture, but we all know that isn't my way, so if anyone else feels prompted, by all means, do so. I'll post her obituary as soon as I see it.

Also, when I started working at Cottonwood, my first patient there was a cute older man suffering from AML (leukemia). Since I was working nights, we never really go into deep conversation, but he was always so pleasant. The aides would fight for who got Dale that night. He never left our floor, except to go to LDS for a heart surgery. Well, since I left, I've often wondered how he was doing. Today I saw his obituary. He had served as Bishop of the Ward my Brother and Sister and their respective spouses were in a few years ago, and he was currently in the Riverton Stake Presidency. So of course my whole family knew him. But the weirdest thing is that his wife was my Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Jacobson. And I never did see her at the hospital because like I said it was the middle of the night. I just knew her name was Karen. Small world. It's funny how even not knowing someone's perspective on faith, we can tell who has a good spirit. And he certainly did. He suffered for so long here, and now I know he's happy.

So today ended up being a weird day. 2 of our friends are gone, and Emma has Strep. Go figure.

GETTYSBURG

2006-01-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello out there,

Just wanted to post some pics from Gettysburg, PA. We took a little day trip out there and toured the famous battlefield. We hope everybody's doing well and we are sad that we will miss out on the cruise. Hope those going have a great time!

Okay, I know I'm slow, but

2006-01-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I just realized I'm the only one in this family not pregnant. Well, and Mom, but that would be gross. And Spencer, but he's out of the question. So that leaves me. I guess I'll just have to take one of the new babies as my own. Who's gonna give theirs up? Anyone? What? No takers? Okay, I'll be fine.

My new home

2006-01-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well, only if I win it of course. But if I do, you're all invited. Enter everyday to win at www.hgtv.com

Chronicles of Narnia

2006-01-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

We saw this movie yesterday. It was great! I was a little worried when they go into battle that it might be too gory for Emma, but there was no blood and really no disturbing effects. It was the first movie in as long as I can remember that I didn't get restless about half way through. I could have sat there all day. The little girl is so cute, and can you say "Hello grown up Prince Peter?" Hottie. Although they say it Petah. Whatever, he's gorgeous as a grown up. I'd be his Queen.