It's Your Birthday!

Hey everyone, it's Cherilyn's b-day! #30! That would be Friday, January 2. What a year she's had. I just got thinking as I was putting away Christmas, that just before Valentine's Day last year, we were having an engagement tea. It must have been that couple of days at Oakley and cross-country skiing that convinced Brady that he just had to be part of our family! Anyway, what an eventful year!

Britton's Farewell

As you know, Britton is leaving soon. He is speaking in church on Sunday December 28th at 1:00pm. We will have an open house after, we will start right after and continue after church for the members of our ward. Since I have the most amazing support group that we call family, I was wondering if you wanted to make something to help me out. I would love anything that you want to bring. If you feel like making cookies and freezing about 5 dozen of them now, feel free. I am sure you will be blessed for your efforts. We are having appetizer type food. Thanking you in advance.

Maria

A Fun Day

Today Anita brought breakfast (bacon, pancakes, chocolate milk, pomegranate seeds)over all prepared. Jason and Ryan were still here (Michelle let him sleep in and miss 1st period so he could eat with us). Then we went to Frontenac Mall over past Kirkwood to shop. They have a Sur la Table and Williams and Sonoma plus a wonderful Christmas shop with all kinds of decor. We ate at The Women's Place - a boutique where they sell people's products (all very nice and expensive). We also shopped at some other strip malls until Anita had to rush home to be at the Temple.

I had washed Justin's tuxedo shirt for his concert tonite and was in the middle of ironing those awful pleats down the front when we had to leave and pick up Ryan from school. While we were gone, Justin came home and wanted to take his clothes for tonite with him to physical therapy so he could go to a friend's house right after. Michelle told him to finish ironing it, so I can't imagine how it will look. The pleats were a beast! Oh well. We are just about to leave for the concert - the 3rd in a row this week. It has been fun to hear how talented they are.

My plane arrives at 9:25 tomorrow night. I will miss being here, but am looking forward to seeing you all. Happy birthday Jessica!

More from St. Louie

Hi folks,
Miss you all very much. Thanks for keeping Dad in your schedules. I know he's worrying a lot and needs someone to talk to so that he doesn't focus too much on the things that worry him.

We (Anita, Michelle and I)went to lunch yesterday at a great Italian place (wonderful food in just a little old shack-type building) to celebrate Michelle's graduation from her radiation treatments. She won't have to have anymore of those - ever. She cried when she had to say goodbye to them because they have been so nice to her. She has also been very charming to them. Now she will take the chemo medication for a year.

John, Ryan, Jason and I went to Justin's concert last night. It was a string orchestra-three levels of ability and all three were astounding for high school musicians. Then they brought the band in to join the strings (Justin plays in the band)and it was great. Justin played the whinny of the horse at the end of Sleigh Ride. Then they had a sing along, which was fun. Tonight Ryan has his concert - he plays percussion.

Michelle has taken the dogs out, then is going running with one of them (the dogs). It rained most of the day yesterday with the wind blowing. I was afraid it would freeze in the night, but it didn't. The sun is out today. Two days ago it was so cold that the drizzle in the night froze into a sheet of ice on the driveway. Before I was aware, I was skidding down the driveway almost into the neighbor's tree. Then when we came back home from Michelle's treatment, we couldn't get any traction on the driveway and just kept sliding back down. Finally we changed places while we sat in Bankhead's driveway trying to decide how to get home. Michelle charged up the less steep circle of the driveway and as she tried to turn the car to head for the garage, we did a complete donut! It's good I wasn't at the wheel because my eyes were shut and I was hanging on tight. Finally we were able to creep up the hill and into the garage with only minor slipping. Love for now, Mom

Clubbin'

Last night we all went to a club in Webster Groves where they have live music several times a week. Justin and his jazz band from school were the musicians last night. Even though most of the crowd were probably family members of the band, there was a huge crowd in a fairly small area. There were about 5 different combo sections of the band. 5 or 6 of Justin's close friends had buzz haircuts like Justin and wore headbands that said "We love you, Mrs. Firth." The whole band looked sharp in dress colored shirts,ties and slacks. They dedicated the performance to Michelle. They were so professional in their playing. Justin was featured in several numbers. He did so well. The teacher said he was going to give him an F because he didn't play like that in practices at school.

This morning I went with Michelle to her treatment and they let me come in and see how they did it and take pictures. It was so interesting and they were so nice. We met her oncology radiation doctor in the elevator.

We came home and John went with us to the temple to do initiatory work. Dee and Anita were there working. We then went to a couple of shops for Christmas shopping and to lunch at Kirkwood. It was a really good pizza place.

More later. Love, Mom

St. Louis

Hi everyone! We had the first snowfall of the season the day after I arrived. It has been cold, but most of the snow has melted. Ryan has moved out of his room so I could be in it. (He had moved into the guest bedroom.) He has been sleeping in Tyler's bed since Tyler went back to Utah. He's quite the magician and has lots of tricks. He's also got the rhythm and shows it on his drums and everything else. It sometimes gets him into trouble.

Jason is on the home team of his hockey league and is working hard to become a force to be reckoned with. He is happy-go-lucky and very pleasant to be around. (We missed the bus yesterday and had to drive to Shawn's bus stop so he wouldn't be at school too early. PS - I get to drive a Cadillac SUV - can't remember what they're called.)

Justin is a slighter version of Colton - taller than Tyler, very smart, and a wonder on the trumpet. He just had to give a presentation on a book by Salmon Rushdie - very difficult.

John, Michelle, Jason and I went to the beautiful Fox Theatre last night to see Glenn Beck in person narrating a visual presentation of his book, The Christmas Sweater. It was awesome - very moving. The theatre is so ornate and had a man in an upper box of the foyer playing a theater organ.

Other than a bit of laundry, I have not had to do much except make sure Jason catches the bus (failed the 1st day!) Anita drove Michelle to treatment yesterday and a girl from John's work today. Michelle does amazingly well in keeping everything going and everyone's schedules straight.

Love to you all, Mom

Ryder's always watching

I thought you would all enjoy Ryder's interpretation of us at the Halloween party. Haha

thank you

The turkey is off to NYC. Ryder is very proud to send his turkey to uncle kenny. Thanks everyone!

The Mystery of the Pewk

We took Anders to Primary Children's yesterday to do a swallow study. I'm sure this is nothing new to any of you, but since February, he's had a serious throw-up problem. He throws-up just about every time he coughs (pretty much once a day). I was telling the speech therapist yesterday that I know it's getting to be a serious problem because it doesn't even phase him. He's ready to eat again immediately afterward. Most kids get really bothered by throwing-up. It scares Christian and I more than it scares him! Anyway, the findings were that he has no problem swallowing food. I guess that eliminates swallowing as the cause (I could have told you that). It was not fun for Anders at all. The therapist and radiologist were really nice, but he got really concerned when I had to step behind the wall (because of me being pregnant). Don't worry, Christian was standing right next to him. Anders still cried the whole time and had barium all down the front of him by the time he was done. It broke my heart. My fear is that further investigations will be much more invasive. It's a horrible feeling to have your heart outside your body while your child has no idea why we're doing this!

Family of the Year Award

We were proud to watch Maria and Dave and family accept their well-earned award Sunday night at Central Davis. They represented us well. We were sorry that Dawn Brandvold was not there to introduce them. Mayor Curtis was a lousy substitute! I'm sure he didn't read what Dawn had written ahead of time and stumbled through it. The Odles had a nice display of pictures and items that told about their pursuits.

There's a new Moon!

I am so happy to report that Linda and Bobby Moon are expecting a baby! It's wonderful news and I'm sure it makes Ileen and Elwin feel energized again. Linda will be about the same age I was when I had Cherilyn. June is the due date. Bobby said they had been for an ultra sound to check for heart beat etc. and things look tiny but normal. Can't tell yet the gender.

Hamilton Happenings

Mike, Cari and Alisha came into the bank the other day and told me that Alisha is expecting her second child. She is due in May. She also said that Stacy is expecting her second also, she was only 8 weeks or so along, I don't know her due date.

Jackson and Megan will be singing with the King Choir at the park on Monday night for the lighting of the park lights. I think it is a six.

Update on Marilyn

I wanted to tell you how much we love and appreciate you all and for your thoughts and prayers. There is sunshine on the horizon. Kirk's mother Marilyn is improving. Her kidneys are functioning and the test on her lungs showed no sign of bloodclots. She had a blood transfusion yesterday and a pik line put in instead of IV's for medication. They are weaning her off the ventilator and hopefully will be able to remove the tube today or tomorrow. She is able to open her eyes and seems to know when someone is there. Heavenly Father is and has certainly blessed us.

Tightening our belts

Dear family,
Ralph and I have come to the realization that we must drastically cut our outgo of funds until the bank starts paying a distribution. It is a humbling situation, but since the beginning of this year, we have only received funds with which to pay the income tax on what the bank makes. We don't know if we'll even receive that this quarter. The bank is making money, but the regulators will not allow any of it to be disbursed until all the bad debts are paid and the foreclosures have been sold. We have been depleting our savings account very fast and we don't know how long it will be our main source of support. As a result, we will not be able to give our usual gift at Christmas. Please do not spend money on us. We do not need anything -just your understanding and patience. We are most fortunate to have such a wonderful family of whom we are so proud!

Update on Marilyn Bitton

Marilyn had a rough night not being able to get enough oxygen, not having an unclogged artery in which to insert meds, etc., her blood pressure was on a roller coaster ride and so on. They finally sedated her and put her on a ventilator which will breathe for her. The prognosis does not look good. They called all the family to come in the night. They are now taking turns being at the hospital. Our love and prayers are with her.

Thanksgiving Dinner

We are hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at our house at 1 - 1:30 on that day. I want to make sure everyone knows they are invited. The Bittons are having Kirk's family. The list of guests includes:
The Firths
The Speirs (Lynn, Andrea, Carly)
The Speirs (Billy, Nikki, Ryder and Easton)
The Speirs (Russ and Barbara, Jelean and Rob)
The Larsens
The Odles
The Harrigans (Amy & PJ, not Elli)
The Birds
The Warrens
The total is 26, counting Ryder and Anders, but not Easton
FYI - Mrs. Bitton is in the hospital suffering from a number of things: kidney failure, maybe a blodclot on the lung, congestive heart failure. Our sympathies go out to her and her family.

Family of the Year

Don't forget next Sunday night at 7:00 Layton City will give the Odle family their award at Central Davis. They will have a display made up by Maria and a short program. Ask Maria where at Central it will be.

Turkey

This year I was looking for an idea to boost the "thanks" part of Thanksgiving . My friend jenny thought of a good idea. Each family member writes something they are grateful for on a feather and attaches it to the turkey. By Thanksgiving we should have a pretty colorful bird. I wanted Ryder to make it for Kenny. So just e-mail me or post a comment about what your thankful for and Ryder will make the bird. He's really excited about the idea so I want to hear what your thankful for!

Ryder says he's thankful for "playing baseball and football. o and mom and dad and easton too."

Congratulations Odle Family!

Two police cars with flashing lights pulled up to Dave and Maria's tonight at about 5:45. Policemen came to the door and asked Dave to step outside a minute. Dave fearfully looked back toward the living room and called Colton's name, thinking he might have caused some trouble. Once outside, the mayor, Joyce Brown (councilwoman) and two bank employees asked Maria to come out as well. They presented them with a bouquet of flowers, a plaque and a large yard sign that said "Layton City Family of the Year." Cars drove by slowly wondering what all the commotion was about, and extended family members took pictures (They had been notified ahead.). By the way, it was Dave's birthday. What a present!

All this helped to smooth over sad feelings about missing their 3-legged cat, Mushu, who hasn't been seen since Sunday. Coincidentally, a coyote has been seen in the fields about their home. They're wondering if the coyote made a meal of Mushu.

The Pictures are Done!

I picked up the pictures from Amy (the photographer) yesterday and left all of the Cd's at Grandma's house. If you wanted one, you can pick them up there! There are lots of really cute pictures on there. I LOVE the one of Grandma and Grandpa that says "Grandma and Grandpa Firth" at the bottom (obviously). Along with the Cd's, I left a copy for each person with a CD of the Copyright Release. If you are planning on getting any pictures printed (even at Walmart), you have to take the copyright release or they will not give you the pictures. Believe me, I've tried in the past! She also made a list of printing tips of how to get digital pictures printed. It's all there! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Flu Shot

I started to feel like my neck was kinked yesterday in church. By last night my shoulders and neck were involved. The night was a nightmare. I couldn't find a way to sleep that didn't hurt. I got in the hot tub in the middle of the night, which helped somewhat. I took some more muscle relaxer and could finally sleep a little. By morning the sharp pain in my shoulder next to my neck had relaxed a bit and I could turn my head more to the side. Today I feel muscle pain in my whole body - as if I had the flu. Now I realize that this must be a side effect of the flu shot I had last Tues. I don't have the rest of the symptoms, just the achy body.

Speaking of illness, Andrea has kidney infection again and is having a hard time with that. Cherilyn had the flu as well as a UTI. That's the worst part of having winter come on again - the illness that seems to be in the air.