An Banner is Unfurled! Young Women in Excellence '09

Two Amazing Trips in Less Than Ten Days!

With Spencer safely settled in the Provo MTC, and Jordan home for just three short weeks, we had to take advantage of our time together. First stop was Brandon and Whitney's house in Virginia, so that Jordan could meet his new brother-in-law. We had a wonderful time visiting with the newlyweds! The first day they took us to North Carolina to a place called Nags Head. We spent the day in the sun, and sadly Jordan got the sunburn of a lifetime! He literally blistered and peeled all over! On Saturday we went to the Washington D.C. Temple and then over to the monuments for a warm, but rainy afternoon. Welcome to east coast summertime! Anyway, we had a wonderful time together.

This Week's Letter from Spencer- August 21, 2009

I moved Spencer's letter to the blog page I set up for him. See the link under his picture on the sidebar. :) Stay posted for more mission letters and pictures to be posted on Spencer's page.

Homecoming....WooHoo!!

This is what every missionary mom dreams of for two years!!!

Return with Honor Elder Spencer Keables...We love you!

The Family
The whole gang out to say goodbye!


Spencer and Curt
Spencer and Lili saying goodbye without a hug









Close friends from Hamilton High.




Cory came dressed to match just for fun!

Spencer Departing for his Mission this morning

This is not the best quality recording, but you can get the idea. Now we can starting counting down until his return! Saying goodbye is the hardest part. Luckily, two years passes quickly.

Announcing...Mr. and Mrs. Redfern!

Congratulations Brandon and Whitney- married on July 3rd in the Sacramento Temple

Various favorite pictures from the day:














We had an amazing day, filled to the brink with family and friends, smiles and celebration. We are very happy for Brandon and Whitney!

Spencer and Whitney took out their endowments on July 2nd

On Thursday, July 2nd Whitney and Spencer took out their endowments at the Sacramento Temple. Spencer, in preparation to depart for his mission on August 12, and Whitney, in preparation for her wedding the next day. It was a day of harvest!

Tyler and Natalie's Sealing- Congratulations!!!

A wonderful day at the temple on Saturday, June 20th. We are so happy for Tyler and Natatie!!

Spencer's Mission Call

Melissa modeling a dress for Whitney

This one would look good with high shoes.

Janae Modeling Dress for Whitney

I don't think this dress would look very good with high shoes, but that's just my opinion.

Janae's First Prom

Janae looked beautiful as she departed for her first prom with date, Kyle Webb. I remember her asking me many times in the past if I thought she'd ever get asked to prom. Now we know the answer, YES. And it wasn't even her senior year!

Keeping it All in Perspective...

I love this quote by Marjorie Hinckley. Whenever I read it, I find that things fall back into their proper perspective.

"I Really Lived"
By Sister Marjorie Hinckley
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

Congratulations Natalie!!

The message below is from Natalie, Tyler's wife

Hey Everyone!

After all the bad news (Tyler's accident) I shared with you a couple days ago...I have some GREAT, FANTASTIC, EXCITING news for you!!! I got accepted into the Fall 2009 NURSING PROGRAM!! FINALLY!! WOOHOOO!! Thank you for all of your prayers and support while I waited for this fabulous news. Love you all!

Love,

Natalie

Congratulations, Natalie!! We love you and are so happy for you!

Tyler was very blessed last Friday...

Tyler was in a car accident last Friday when a man pulled out in front of him. He was very blessed because, even though his car was damaged, he wasn't injured. He will find out within the next couple of days if the car is totaled. We are all so grateful that he wasn't injured!

Another Post for Whitney and Jordan

Hi Whit and Jordan,
I thought you would enjoy seeing Spencer (soon to be Elder Keables :) in his new mission suit. He's pretty excited about it! Now all we need is a call :) I think that's going to be a few weeks, since he's still working on the reading that the Chico Stake requires. But it won't be long, and we'll certainly keep you posted. Love and Hugs to you both. We miss you!

Dear Whitney and Jordan....

I'm posting this video (below) especially for Whitney and Jordan. Today was Ryan's 10th birthday. He had a great day! We started with scones for breakfast, then he opened his gifts. Of course, he asked for Legos. Later in the day, we went to the movies to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D. That was fun! After that, Curt took him to Big-5 to spend his birthday money. That's where the Ripstick came in. For dinner, Ryan chose homemade pizza, and then we ended with cake and ice cream with Tyler, Natalie, and Cory. I was missing Jordan and Whitney (and Brandon, too :) Overall, it was a great day. Happy 10th Birthday, Ryan!

Ryan's 10th Birthday with new Ripstick

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

Nick Vujicic is an inspiration!

Congratulations Brandon and Whitney!

One of the highlights of our trip was when Brandon proposed to Whitney! He was kind enough to ask her while we were there visiting, which was so much fun for us! This picture is of them standing on the porch of the house that they picked out. Brandon was still in the bargaining process, but has since settled the deal. We are looking forward to July 3rd, when they will be married in the Sacramento Temple.

25 Years of Marriage! And the Best is Yet to Come...

We celebrated our anniversary by taking a trip back east to see Whitney and to visit Washington D.C. We had a wonderful time! This is us standing in front of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. We had no idea how much of the beginning of our nation took place in Virginia. There is so much history there. We hope to go again sometime in the future, but next time we want to take the kids. The monuments in D.C. are amazing. They would love it!

The Miracle of Daffodils

I think it's amazing that during the dead of winter, through rain, sleet, and snow daffodils bloom. I think it's no accident that just when the winter blues threaten to overcome us, daffodils bloom. Out of the ground comes a miracle; a tender mercy from a kind, loving Heavenly Father. There's nothing more cheerful than daffodils!

Women of God

I love this quote by Maragret D. Nadauld:

Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.

Being a Mother...Part 2

Last night I sat down and wrote a post that I’d been composing in my mind for a couple weeks. I wanted to share the things I have learned, and the joys I’ve experienced from being the mother of boys. Ironically, less than two hours later, I was so mad at Spencer, I wanted to string him up! It was 1:40am, and he still wasn’t home. Earlier that evening I sent him a text that read, “Please don’t stay out too late. I need my beauty sleep…..desperately.” He responded, “Ok, I won’t. I’m getting up early tomorrow.” What is it about young adults? I swear they are nocturnal! I lay in bed and reminded myself that both Whitney and Jordan lived away from home at the age of 18, and probably stayed out till 2 am or later all the time. “Go to sleep, Jeanette, he’s fine,” I told myself over and over. Of course, Curt was lying right next to me sleeping like a rock. “Doesn’t Spencer know I’m in charge of the youth snow trip tomorrow, and need to be rested?” I fumed. Eventually, I fell asleep. And eventually, he came home. Sigh. How many weekends till he leaves for his mission? The truth is, being a mother is no cakewalk.

Being a Mother of Boys

I grew up with one sister, Khristine, who was fives years younger than me. Our parents divorced when we were very young, so for several years it was just my mom, Khristine, and me. When my mother eventually remarried, she married Rich who had three daughters from a previous marriage. Consequently, we did not have lot of experience with boys. I definitely came to my own marriage with preconceived notions about men and boys. Now, after nearly 25 years of first-hand experience as a wife and mother, I've learned a few things about the male species. Here are a few of the lessons learned: First, boys have a ton of energy! And if they have the opportunity to expend that energy, all is well…but if not, you may just get a ball through your window! The picture above was taken just a few days ago. Spencer is banned from basketball for six months because of shoulder surgery; however, that doesn’t stop him from dragging Ryan all over the countryside to play Frisbee golf, ride bikes, or shoot hoops. Second, I’ve learned that men and boys are very tenderhearted- they just hide it well most of the time. They might have a gruff outside at times, but they have a very soft inside. The trick is to tap into that tenderheartedness. Third, men and boys take pride in being strong, muscular, and manly. At our house, the boys are very proud of their facial hair. I cannot count how many times one of the boys has said, "Look mom, how do you like my new beard?" I ooh and ahh no matter how insignificant the tuft of hair on his chin might be. Praise a man on his muscles ("guns") or strength, then watch him strut around like a he's on top of the world. Fourth, good men get better with time. I am seeing this unfold with Curt. Those rough edges have been knocked off over the years, probably from enduring being married to me, and now what’s left is a kind, considerate, unselfish, loving, and patient man. Fifth, boys love their mothers. I never knew the bond with my sons would be so strong. Boys rely on their mother in quiet ways, not wanting to seem dependent, but needing her love all the same. For me, the relationship with my boys has been worth enduring dirt tracked through the house, Legos spread everywhere, dirt clods in the neighbor’s pool, broken windows (too many to count), and dirty socks tucked under the sofa cushions. Lastly, boys are just, plain fun to have around! I love being a full head shorter than Spencer, but still having the power to make him take out the trash. I love watching him get up from a complete meal, walk over to the fridge, gaze in, and look for something to eat. I love watching Ryan follow in the footsteps of three amazing big brothers. I love watching Tyler treat Natalie with such tenderness. I love counting down till August 13, when Jordan will be home!! I love watching Curt interact with his sons, whether he’s shooting hoops with them, or teaching them how to fix the car. I love being the mother to four fine boys, and the wife to one wonderful husband.

I'm lovin' that outfit, Ryan!

After Nine Months, Elder Keables is Being Transferred!

Here's an excerpt from today's message from Elder Keables:

I’M FINALLY GOING!!!!!! I’M BEING TRANSFERRED, AND I’M WAY EXCITED!!!!!!! Nine months was a long time, and I am ready for a change. I have had 7 companions, and have been here since June ‘08. I’m packing, and to tell you the truth, I am having a hard time fitting it all. Well, I bet you would like to know where I’m going? Well, it is a place called Sheffield. Now, let me tell you about Sheffield; I have always wanted to serve there. It is the most southern zone in the mission. Second biggest to Leeds, and has a stack of really good missionaries there. Also something that is interesting, remember the big house in the Pride and Prejudice movie? Well Mr. Darcy’s house is in our area, so in the next 5 months I will be visiting it for sure. Also, Sherwood Forest is in the area as well, so I’ll be able to see where Robin Hood hung out in his supposed days. I am so excited to go. I have been waiting for this call for a long time, and this could easily be where I die as a missionary. Oh and also, do you remember the Elder that I took the pictures with, when I was wearing the wig and facial hair? Well, that’s Elder Combs and he is my new companion. He is really short, so it is going to be a great transfer. He is from Las Vegas, and has been out for about a year now. Wow! I can’t wait!

I AM Christ

A friend sent this beautiful video this week. It brought tears to my eyes. I thought of my little grandma, Georgia Beatty, who turned 97 on February 22nd. Her life has been incredibly blessed, but also very difficult. She offers inspiration to all who know her.

Happy 13th Birthday Melissa!

Melissa decided to invite three friends (Megan, Shayla, and Aislin) to go to the snow on Saturday to celebrate her 13th birthday. The weather was perfect, and Dad even talked me into going, too! He got me on the sled with him, although I screamed to entire way down. :) At the end of the day, Melissa told us that she had a great day! We love you Melissa! See two videos below.

Melissa, Ryan, Shayla, Megan, and Aislin Tubing in the Snow!

The kids had a blast linking tubes together and taking a train down the hill!

Ryan, Melissa, and Dad sledding down the hill!

Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven...

Here's an excerpt from today's email from Jordan:

So this week we are doing something different. Our zone is struggling with getting people to church, so we had to do something. I prayed about it, and while sitting in bed on Sunday night at about 12, I thought of this line in one of the hymns we sing, “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven...” Our zone is working really hard, but we were still having a hard time getting people to church. Well, my idea was this: For this whole week we are going to sacrifice all of our lunch hours in the whole zone. Not fasting, but just not taking the time out of our day for lunch. Now we started on Monday and from the get-go, the blessings have flown. There have been teams that usually struggle that have been doing really well. We have found a great African family who is now coming to church. All kinds of blessings are being seen. Each morning we send out an answer phone message to the zone informing them of all the blessings received the last day. It’s great! The zone’s all fired up. Really, it’s great how Heavenly Father works; we relied on Him and he has blessed us because of it.

Happy 17th Birthday Janae! You are beautiful inside and out...

When Curt and I were young parents, and we were having baby after baby, people used to warn us, "Oh, they're cute as babies, but just you WAIT till they're teenagers!" Yes, I'll admit, we've had our moments, but overall I've been pleasantly surprised by the adolescent years. Teenagers and young adults are a blast! Their energy is infectious, and they are just plain fun to watch. I've thoroughly enjoyed having teenagers. Last night, the group shown above came over after Young Womens to celebrate Janae's birthday. They were definitely high energy; between that and American Idol blasting from the family room, no one could hear a thing. But I loved it! And I hope they'll come again soon :) Happy Birthday, Janae! We love you!

Playing in the San Francisco Bay!

Fun Times in San Francisco

Last Wednesday we went with Aunt Khristine and her gang (minus Rich, Darn!) to San Francisco for a fun day at the Exploratorium. When we finished, we drove across the street to the San Francisco Bay and let the kids run and play on the beach. As we were leaving, Curt suggested we park the van and walk out to the first pier of the Golden Gate Bridge. The sun was setting and the lights were beginning to flicker on all over the city. What a gorgeous sight!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures:


The kids had an absolute blast. They were extremely enthusiastic as they ran from exhibit to exhibit.


Aren't cousins the best! We are missing four of the bunch (Tyler, Whitney, Jordan, and Spencer). They always have a great time together.


Julia providing a classic teenage snapshot!


Jacob, Katie, Julia, and Janae on the Golden Gate Bridge.


Adam, Joshua, and Ryan on looking over the railing! Scary!


Curt enjoyed the exhibits, too.


Cousins are friends for life :)



Siblings, too!