Thursday, July 31, 2008
Alex Bateman
I know my brother is very modest when it comes to bragging about his children, so I will do the bragging for you, Monte! For those of you who have not heard Alex sing, here is a video of him singing Frank Sinatra's Nice and Easy. He sings so well!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Stacking the vote
I know math is not my forte, but I'm having a difficult time figuring out how we can have a total of 10 registered users and there are 13 votes on current issue at hand. If the system is allowing individuals who are not approved authors on the system I have about 45 friends I could have visit our blog and stack the vote the way I want it to go. But I'm not going to do that, so instead I think we should invalidate the current vote using the hidden ballot system and have all siblings log on and tell how they are voting and why and perhaps make a case for why others should vote their way. Just trying to keep things fair for all vested parties. Please cast your vote and make your case by commenting on this blog entry.
AI Outcome
Well, I'm not going to try to convince anyone that the entire audition process for American Idol was fun, because it was painful drudgery. But I'll share the experience with you just in case one of our other nieces or nephews decides they also want to pursue this dream.
Sunday morning we picked up our wristbands and tickets for the Tuesday audition. Then because we weren't sure about how the order of auditions would be determined, we drove up Monday night and slept in the parking lot, then got up at 4am on Tuesday and wandered over to the Energy Solutions Arena to get a good spot in line. It turns out being near the front of the line didn't matter, since it was the number on the ticket that we picked up on Sunday that made the difference.
So at 8:00am they brought us in the arena and sat us in the bleacher seats to wait our turn for the audition. Then then started the auditions section by section and finally got to our section around 2pm. Consequently, we had a lot of time to observe from a distance the likelyhood of getting selected since the auditions were held on the main arena floor. There were 11 booths with one to two "screeners" in each booth. They would have four contestants stand in front of them and then one at a time they would be asked to take a step forward front and center to sing their song. If they didn't like you, you were done. If they liked you, they would ask you to sing another song. If they really liked you they would ask you to sing a third song. After each song they would put their clipboards over their faces and confer and decide if you were worthy of the golden ticket. Almost everyone who sang a third song received a golden ticket. So prior to Alex's audition, there were probably 25 who had received a golden ticket - basically a pass to get through to the next round of auditions.
So now it was Alex's turn and of the group of four he was in, he was the last one to sing. The other three before him were only asked to sing one song. After Alex sang his first song, he stepped back into line and after a minute of writing their notes, they asked him to sing a second song. Then they put their clipboards in front of their faces to confer. Although I could not hear from where I was sitting, Alex told me later how things went down. They then asked him to sing a third song, something contemporary (his first song was "NY State of Mind" by Billy Joel, and his second was a Frank Sinatra song). Alex asked them what they'd like him to sing. They said something from Jon Meyer or another artist like him. Alex owns every album by Jon Meyer, but he blanked. He couldn't remember a single song. He asked them to pick a Jon Meyer song for him to sing (I think hoping it would trigger his memory), but they declined. So they put their clipboards in front of their faces one more time and because Alex couldn't think of a contemporary song to sing, they sent him packing. No golden ticket!
So Alex is being pretty pragmatic about things. I have a couple of free airline tickets Southwest owes me from all the traveling I did on their airline last year, and I offered to use them to go to another audition venue so Alex could get another crack at it, but he elected not to take me up on my offer. He says what's done is done and it just wasn't meant to be AND that he'd rather earn his musical stripes rather than having fame handed to him relatively easy. His alleged philosophy is the speed at which your star rises is equivalent to the speed at which it falls back down. So Tammy, I'm sorry if your girls are disappointed that he didn't make it. If he had made it through this round, he would have had two more rounds of judging to make it through before even getting in front of Randy, Paula and Simon, so he could have been cut at any step along the way.
Sunday morning we picked up our wristbands and tickets for the Tuesday audition. Then because we weren't sure about how the order of auditions would be determined, we drove up Monday night and slept in the parking lot, then got up at 4am on Tuesday and wandered over to the Energy Solutions Arena to get a good spot in line. It turns out being near the front of the line didn't matter, since it was the number on the ticket that we picked up on Sunday that made the difference.
So at 8:00am they brought us in the arena and sat us in the bleacher seats to wait our turn for the audition. Then then started the auditions section by section and finally got to our section around 2pm. Consequently, we had a lot of time to observe from a distance the likelyhood of getting selected since the auditions were held on the main arena floor. There were 11 booths with one to two "screeners" in each booth. They would have four contestants stand in front of them and then one at a time they would be asked to take a step forward front and center to sing their song. If they didn't like you, you were done. If they liked you, they would ask you to sing another song. If they really liked you they would ask you to sing a third song. After each song they would put their clipboards over their faces and confer and decide if you were worthy of the golden ticket. Almost everyone who sang a third song received a golden ticket. So prior to Alex's audition, there were probably 25 who had received a golden ticket - basically a pass to get through to the next round of auditions.
So now it was Alex's turn and of the group of four he was in, he was the last one to sing. The other three before him were only asked to sing one song. After Alex sang his first song, he stepped back into line and after a minute of writing their notes, they asked him to sing a second song. Then they put their clipboards in front of their faces to confer. Although I could not hear from where I was sitting, Alex told me later how things went down. They then asked him to sing a third song, something contemporary (his first song was "NY State of Mind" by Billy Joel, and his second was a Frank Sinatra song). Alex asked them what they'd like him to sing. They said something from Jon Meyer or another artist like him. Alex owns every album by Jon Meyer, but he blanked. He couldn't remember a single song. He asked them to pick a Jon Meyer song for him to sing (I think hoping it would trigger his memory), but they declined. So they put their clipboards in front of their faces one more time and because Alex couldn't think of a contemporary song to sing, they sent him packing. No golden ticket!
So Alex is being pretty pragmatic about things. I have a couple of free airline tickets Southwest owes me from all the traveling I did on their airline last year, and I offered to use them to go to another audition venue so Alex could get another crack at it, but he elected not to take me up on my offer. He says what's done is done and it just wasn't meant to be AND that he'd rather earn his musical stripes rather than having fame handed to him relatively easy. His alleged philosophy is the speed at which your star rises is equivalent to the speed at which it falls back down. So Tammy, I'm sorry if your girls are disappointed that he didn't make it. If he had made it through this round, he would have had two more rounds of judging to make it through before even getting in front of Randy, Paula and Simon, so he could have been cut at any step along the way.
More Memories of my Family
Faline
When I was little, I remember her organizing relay races for fun and giving candy for treats ( I like candy!)
When they lived in Aurora I went to her house for primary and learned to sing the Fourth Article of Faith.
I played frequently at her house with Milaka, Cortney, Shanda, Keturah & Malauna.
When I went to college, her house was my home away from home. I went there frequently and had some fun times.
One time I made some lasagna for dinner when I was at her house. I followed the recipe (perfectly, I thought). It turned out instead of using 8 oz. of cheese (like the recipe called for), I used 16 oz.! (Really cheesy--and yummy!) She laughed when she found out my mistake.
Recently, she played with Teddie, Brennan and I in the Bateman String Quartet. We practiced every week at Teddies house and had fun and some good laughs.
I sat and talked with her in the celestial room where we shared some love and tears.
I have gone to her house on several occasions to return something and we would sit down to have a nice long talk.
She makes some yummy peanut brittle and other holiday treats!!
I went to her house for a get-together when she had some exotic chickens. They were an entertaining sight!
She has a small pond in her backyard that is surrounded by pretty flowers and plants. It is very beautiful and peaceful.
Ladawn, Faline and I went to breakfast at IHOP and had a very stimulating conversation.
She is a very strong woman with a drive to succeed and has instilled in her children that same spirit.
When I was little, I remember her organizing relay races for fun and giving candy for treats ( I like candy!)
When they lived in Aurora I went to her house for primary and learned to sing the Fourth Article of Faith.
I played frequently at her house with Milaka, Cortney, Shanda, Keturah & Malauna.
When I went to college, her house was my home away from home. I went there frequently and had some fun times.
One time I made some lasagna for dinner when I was at her house. I followed the recipe (perfectly, I thought). It turned out instead of using 8 oz. of cheese (like the recipe called for), I used 16 oz.! (Really cheesy--and yummy!) She laughed when she found out my mistake.
Recently, she played with Teddie, Brennan and I in the Bateman String Quartet. We practiced every week at Teddies house and had fun and some good laughs.
I sat and talked with her in the celestial room where we shared some love and tears.
I have gone to her house on several occasions to return something and we would sit down to have a nice long talk.
She makes some yummy peanut brittle and other holiday treats!!
I went to her house for a get-together when she had some exotic chickens. They were an entertaining sight!
She has a small pond in her backyard that is surrounded by pretty flowers and plants. It is very beautiful and peaceful.
Ladawn, Faline and I went to breakfast at IHOP and had a very stimulating conversation.
She is a very strong woman with a drive to succeed and has instilled in her children that same spirit.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My Favorite Memories
Noelle and Holly were on the same wavelength I've been on the past few days in mentioning everyone in the family and why I love them. I'm going to go a different route, however, and tell about my favorite memories. It's hard to think of memories of my oldest siblings, because I was so young when they moved away, but I will do my best.
Mom
My favorite memory of Mom is when she let me play hookey for the day when I was in high school, and we went horseback riding together. All she asked was whether my grades were good. It was a great day!
Dad
My favorite memory of Dad is all of the times we drove from Aurora to Ithaca for my orthodontist appointments. I got to know him so much better during those times!
Faline
When I was at her house in Ithaca, babysitting her kids. She never paid me much for it, but I got to know her children and her so much better during that time.
Teddie
I have always thought of Teddie as my second mother, because she was my "buddy" when i was growing up, and I remember always going to her whenever I needed anything.
Lamona
I always heard from Mom what a great cook Lamona was, and I have always wanted to cook well just like her. I have succeeded in the baking area - I make great cakes, cookies, brownies, and all kinds of desserts. I'm still working on the cooking part, but being married to an Italian husband who also likes to cook makes for some competition in the kitchen. I give in easily, though, because Tony really is a good cook.
Gayla
I was so happy when Gayla and John decided to move to Elmira to be closer to us the year before she died. Gayla said that it was because she wanted to get to know her little sisters better. They would come and spend weekends with us, and Gayla would stay up really late with us reading dramatically from the romance novels. We shared a lot of laughs! I'm grateful that I got to be the last one to give her feet a good massage the night before she passed away.
LaDawn
I remember one night before Christmas when I was really young. I went into Mom's sewing room, and LaDawn, Mom, and Gayla, I think, were sewing Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for us. I still have my Raggedy Ann doll!
LaMonte
I remember sitting on the wall at the Trumansburg house watching the parades go by. I remember Monte dressed up like a Native American(to be politically correct), and riding Misty, I think? in the parade. There is a picture of it somewhere!
Kelly
Kelly could always make me laugh. He never took the time to give presents the way most people do, like wrapping them and waiting for the holiday to give them. He would buy them and bring them to my room, still in the shopping bag, and hand it to me, with a "here's your present".
Holly
Holly never liked bugs(maybe because there were certain family members who took delight in making sure she wouldn't like them!), especially not bees. I love telling people the story of how a bee climbed up in the back of my shirt one day, and Holly flipped out. She tried so hard to get the bee out of my shirt that the bee stung me. I think she felt really bad about it. Luckily I'm not allergic and Mom got the stinger out with no problems.
Brennan
Brennan and I are so close in age, that we share an awful lot of memories. It's hard to choose just one. We were in the show "Oklahoma" together in high school. He played the part of Curly, and I had a kind of major girl part. At one point during the rehearsals, we realized that he was supposed to kiss me during the show. He said "there is no way I'm kissing my sister!" I felt the same way. The director figured out a way around it, but it was pretty funny at the time.
Noelle
Noelle and I share a lot of memories, too. When we were little, we used to fight a lot. I remember Mom making us move into the same bedroom, then making us stay in that room until we got along. We pulled each other's hair, pushed each other down, and then decided we'd better get along so we could get out of there! I believe that we are better friends because of it.
Rachelle
Because I am so close to the end of the family, Rachelle is the only one I remember as a baby, since she was born when I was two weeks away from turning 5 years old. On her first New Year's Day, I remember all of us putting her in the carriage with a New Year's hat on and pushing her around the house, yelling "Happy New Year!"
I hope you have all enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane. I'd love to hear my older siblings' memories about our family. I learned a lot about the older siblings from Teddie's letter that she sent a few years ago.
As a personal note, I am going into the hospital on Thursday for an emergency procedure. I'd really appreciate your prayers on my behalf, and phone calls if you can.
I love all of you!
Mom
My favorite memory of Mom is when she let me play hookey for the day when I was in high school, and we went horseback riding together. All she asked was whether my grades were good. It was a great day!
Dad
My favorite memory of Dad is all of the times we drove from Aurora to Ithaca for my orthodontist appointments. I got to know him so much better during those times!
Faline
When I was at her house in Ithaca, babysitting her kids. She never paid me much for it, but I got to know her children and her so much better during that time.
Teddie
I have always thought of Teddie as my second mother, because she was my "buddy" when i was growing up, and I remember always going to her whenever I needed anything.
Lamona
I always heard from Mom what a great cook Lamona was, and I have always wanted to cook well just like her. I have succeeded in the baking area - I make great cakes, cookies, brownies, and all kinds of desserts. I'm still working on the cooking part, but being married to an Italian husband who also likes to cook makes for some competition in the kitchen. I give in easily, though, because Tony really is a good cook.
Gayla
I was so happy when Gayla and John decided to move to Elmira to be closer to us the year before she died. Gayla said that it was because she wanted to get to know her little sisters better. They would come and spend weekends with us, and Gayla would stay up really late with us reading dramatically from the romance novels. We shared a lot of laughs! I'm grateful that I got to be the last one to give her feet a good massage the night before she passed away.
LaDawn
I remember one night before Christmas when I was really young. I went into Mom's sewing room, and LaDawn, Mom, and Gayla, I think, were sewing Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for us. I still have my Raggedy Ann doll!
LaMonte
I remember sitting on the wall at the Trumansburg house watching the parades go by. I remember Monte dressed up like a Native American(to be politically correct), and riding Misty, I think? in the parade. There is a picture of it somewhere!
Kelly
Kelly could always make me laugh. He never took the time to give presents the way most people do, like wrapping them and waiting for the holiday to give them. He would buy them and bring them to my room, still in the shopping bag, and hand it to me, with a "here's your present".
Holly
Holly never liked bugs(maybe because there were certain family members who took delight in making sure she wouldn't like them!), especially not bees. I love telling people the story of how a bee climbed up in the back of my shirt one day, and Holly flipped out. She tried so hard to get the bee out of my shirt that the bee stung me. I think she felt really bad about it. Luckily I'm not allergic and Mom got the stinger out with no problems.
Brennan
Brennan and I are so close in age, that we share an awful lot of memories. It's hard to choose just one. We were in the show "Oklahoma" together in high school. He played the part of Curly, and I had a kind of major girl part. At one point during the rehearsals, we realized that he was supposed to kiss me during the show. He said "there is no way I'm kissing my sister!" I felt the same way. The director figured out a way around it, but it was pretty funny at the time.
Noelle
Noelle and I share a lot of memories, too. When we were little, we used to fight a lot. I remember Mom making us move into the same bedroom, then making us stay in that room until we got along. We pulled each other's hair, pushed each other down, and then decided we'd better get along so we could get out of there! I believe that we are better friends because of it.
Rachelle
Because I am so close to the end of the family, Rachelle is the only one I remember as a baby, since she was born when I was two weeks away from turning 5 years old. On her first New Year's Day, I remember all of us putting her in the carriage with a New Year's hat on and pushing her around the house, yelling "Happy New Year!"
I hope you have all enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane. I'd love to hear my older siblings' memories about our family. I learned a lot about the older siblings from Teddie's letter that she sent a few years ago.
As a personal note, I am going into the hospital on Thursday for an emergency procedure. I'd really appreciate your prayers on my behalf, and phone calls if you can.
I love all of you!
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Next American Idol
Sunday, Alex and I went up to the Energy Solutions Arena to pick up our wrist bands that will allow us a place in line for the American Idol auditions on Tuesday. Wish him luck! Is this an appropriate thing to ask for your faith and prayers on his behalf? If so, well then please pray that he'll do his will and that the Lord's will will be done in his regard. Thanks all. I love you.
Monte
Monte
Please vote
In the interest of not appearing to be the dictator I would like to be, I've put up a poll for you all to vote on how we proceed from here regarding the use of this blog. There has been a request to open this up to all extended family members. I personally feel that we need to work on our brotherly and sisterly relationships first before we muck up the waters with trying to work on relationships with extended family members.
Also, the second question that we should answer here is whether or not this should be decided by a simple majority, 2/3 majority, or that as Patriarch of the family, Dad should be the one to decide.
Love,
Monte
Also, the second question that we should answer here is whether or not this should be decided by a simple majority, 2/3 majority, or that as Patriarch of the family, Dad should be the one to decide.
Love,
Monte
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Family Picture
If you ever go to my blog (gosnellfamily-noelle.blogspot.com), you will see that 99% of the pictures are Rachel, Scout or my garden. You have probably forgotten what Jeff and I look like, so here is a picture of all three of us.
This is my subtle invitation to everyone else to post some pictures.
This is my subtle invitation to everyone else to post some pictures.
You made me cry, Noelle
I thought we weren't supposed to do that on this blog(just kidding). I have great memories of those Christmas Eve Family Home Evenings. I don't remember a lot of what we said about each other (except once when Monte said Denny Kartchner told him I was good looking when I thought I was ugly) but I remember feeling that strong bond of familial love. So at the risk of being a copycat I'm going to jump on the Love Wagon. Here goes...
I love Dad because he went through so much to keep food on the table for us. Also he's such a great Grandpa!
I love Mom because she loved me through times when I didn't love myself. She made me believe in myself, that I could do anything I wanted to do if I put my mind to it.
I love Faline because she makes me think about truth and error and what it means to be a true Latter-day Saint. I also love her family get-togethers. It always seems like everyone is having a good laugh.
I love Teddie because she is so thoroughly truthful about what she feels and takes risks to let others know those feelings.
I love Lamona because she is sweet, humble and so darned efficient when it comes to raising her tribe. I don't know how she does it but I really admire it.
I love Gayla because she was always so positive even through all of her health crises. I also remember when she asked me for advice once when I was a college sophomore and I was a little taken aback because I idolized her and thought she knew everything. Now I realize how truly humble she was. (my advice wasn't that good by the way).
I love Launi. I saw her once in a dream and I was confused because it was in the Spirit World and I thought it was Ladawn. I only later realized it was Launi. What I remember of her was her shining countenance and bubbly personality. Many people were gathered around her because her personality was so magnetic.
I love Ladawn because she also has managed to keep her beautiful, bubbly personality through all the trials of life. She never fails to make me smile.
I love Monte because he is full of so many good ideas in so many areas of life and he follows through on as many as he possibly can--including this blog.
I love Kelly because he took (and dished out) a few beatings at school protecting my honor and I had to find out about it through the grapevine. He never said a word.
I love Brennan because he's a good man and you can never keep him down. He stays unrelentingly on the bright side of life and radiates it out to the rest of us.
I love Luella because she reminds me so much of Mom in her continuous energy and creativity. She is a great mom too.
I love Noelle because she is a gentle, kind soul who could probably convince me to do just about anything with that great smile of hers.
I love Rachelle because she is strong and capable and very, very loving herself.
I love Dad because he went through so much to keep food on the table for us. Also he's such a great Grandpa!
I love Mom because she loved me through times when I didn't love myself. She made me believe in myself, that I could do anything I wanted to do if I put my mind to it.
I love Faline because she makes me think about truth and error and what it means to be a true Latter-day Saint. I also love her family get-togethers. It always seems like everyone is having a good laugh.
I love Teddie because she is so thoroughly truthful about what she feels and takes risks to let others know those feelings.
I love Lamona because she is sweet, humble and so darned efficient when it comes to raising her tribe. I don't know how she does it but I really admire it.
I love Gayla because she was always so positive even through all of her health crises. I also remember when she asked me for advice once when I was a college sophomore and I was a little taken aback because I idolized her and thought she knew everything. Now I realize how truly humble she was. (my advice wasn't that good by the way).
I love Launi. I saw her once in a dream and I was confused because it was in the Spirit World and I thought it was Ladawn. I only later realized it was Launi. What I remember of her was her shining countenance and bubbly personality. Many people were gathered around her because her personality was so magnetic.
I love Ladawn because she also has managed to keep her beautiful, bubbly personality through all the trials of life. She never fails to make me smile.
I love Monte because he is full of so many good ideas in so many areas of life and he follows through on as many as he possibly can--including this blog.
I love Kelly because he took (and dished out) a few beatings at school protecting my honor and I had to find out about it through the grapevine. He never said a word.
I love Brennan because he's a good man and you can never keep him down. He stays unrelentingly on the bright side of life and radiates it out to the rest of us.
I love Luella because she reminds me so much of Mom in her continuous energy and creativity. She is a great mom too.
I love Noelle because she is a gentle, kind soul who could probably convince me to do just about anything with that great smile of hers.
I love Rachelle because she is strong and capable and very, very loving herself.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Why do I love you?
I remember around Christmas time (seems like it was Christmas Eve, thereby stealing time from my special day) we always had a special family home evening where we shared why we loved each member of our family. I thought that might be a fun thing to do here, so here goes.
I love Dad because he taught me the value of work. I may not do it as well as I should, but he has always been a good example. He also taught me the importance of gardening, and when I finally started doing it, I always think of him.
I love Mom because so much of who I am is so much like her. She loved music, I love music. She loved animals, I love animals. She was strong, I am strong. She loved her family, I love my family.
I love Faline because she introduced me to a very fun hobby, women's barbershop, and also because she came to visit me last year and helped me organize my house.
I love Teddie because she shared with me (and with everybody) a great talk she gave for Mother's Day a few years back. When I re-read it a couple of weeks ago I felt like I was getting to know her better (and Mom too).
I love Lamona because she is a great example of how to keep a small home with a big family. I need to keep a small home with a small family, and when I get frustrated, I think of her and think, "if she could do it with 12, I should be able to handle it with one!"
I love Gayla because when I was going through my traumatic teen-age years, she sought me out to be my support.
I love Launi because even though I never met her in this life, I'm pretty sure she was an awesome sister in the Spirit World.
I love Ladawn because, she came last year with Faline to help me with my house. She also opened her home to me when I came home from my mission and helped me get back on my feet.
I love Monte because he has been such a great example of the entrepreneur. I have always been a little scared of risks, but Monte is such a go-getter.
I love Kelly because he has such a great sense of humor and an easy-going demeanor. He is always easy and fun to talk to. I always wanted a nick-name, and Kelly is the only person in our family to give me one and stick to it.
I love Holly because she is such a good example of love and compassion. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, and doesn't judge.
I love Brennan because he always opened his home to me (and his candy closet). He has no problem finding the joy in life.
I love Luella because she seems to have forgotten what a bratty kid sister I was. Just kidding. She has always been a friend to me, and whether we live near or far, she has always made the effort to stay close.
I love myself because I am just so darn good-looking.
I love Rachelle because she is sweet and strong. She cared for Mom in her ailing years. She has always been my friend.
Batemans Rock!
I love Dad because he taught me the value of work. I may not do it as well as I should, but he has always been a good example. He also taught me the importance of gardening, and when I finally started doing it, I always think of him.
I love Mom because so much of who I am is so much like her. She loved music, I love music. She loved animals, I love animals. She was strong, I am strong. She loved her family, I love my family.
I love Faline because she introduced me to a very fun hobby, women's barbershop, and also because she came to visit me last year and helped me organize my house.
I love Teddie because she shared with me (and with everybody) a great talk she gave for Mother's Day a few years back. When I re-read it a couple of weeks ago I felt like I was getting to know her better (and Mom too).
I love Lamona because she is a great example of how to keep a small home with a big family. I need to keep a small home with a small family, and when I get frustrated, I think of her and think, "if she could do it with 12, I should be able to handle it with one!"
I love Gayla because when I was going through my traumatic teen-age years, she sought me out to be my support.
I love Launi because even though I never met her in this life, I'm pretty sure she was an awesome sister in the Spirit World.
I love Ladawn because, she came last year with Faline to help me with my house. She also opened her home to me when I came home from my mission and helped me get back on my feet.
I love Monte because he has been such a great example of the entrepreneur. I have always been a little scared of risks, but Monte is such a go-getter.
I love Kelly because he has such a great sense of humor and an easy-going demeanor. He is always easy and fun to talk to. I always wanted a nick-name, and Kelly is the only person in our family to give me one and stick to it.
I love Holly because she is such a good example of love and compassion. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, and doesn't judge.
I love Brennan because he always opened his home to me (and his candy closet). He has no problem finding the joy in life.
I love Luella because she seems to have forgotten what a bratty kid sister I was. Just kidding. She has always been a friend to me, and whether we live near or far, she has always made the effort to stay close.
I love myself because I am just so darn good-looking.
I love Rachelle because she is sweet and strong. She cared for Mom in her ailing years. She has always been my friend.
Batemans Rock!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Where do we fit on the family tree of Lucy Ward & James Barnet Cole?
(1)Bateman siblings ->
(2)Georgie Gay Bronson & Ted Bateman ->
(3)Lou Ella Jones & George William Bronson ->
(4)Elizabeth Ann Stout & William Harris Jones ->
(5)Lucy Elizabeth Cole & Allen Joseph Stout Jr ->
(6)Lucy Ward & James Barnet Cole
(2)Georgie Gay Bronson & Ted Bateman ->
(3)Lou Ella Jones & George William Bronson ->
(4)Elizabeth Ann Stout & William Harris Jones ->
(5)Lucy Elizabeth Cole & Allen Joseph Stout Jr ->
(6)Lucy Ward & James Barnet Cole
One of "Our" Pioneers
Our youngest son Carson (15) is on Pioneer Trek this week at the Sixth Crossing and Martin's Cove. He comes home today (Pioneer Day).
I like to remember stories about the pioneers, and one of my favorites is a direct ancestor of ours, Lucy Ward. She was in the 4th Company known as the Willie Handcart Company. Lucy was in the Third hundred of approximately 500 members of that company (there were 87 people in her "100").
According to one of Lucy's granddaughters, Ruby Hall, "To each hundred there were five tents with 20 persons to a tent; 20 handcarts and one Chicago Wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen to hold provisions and tents, each person was limited to seventeen pounds of clothing and bedding.The strength of the company was equalized as much as possible by distributing the young men among the different families to help them. Several carts were drawn by young girls exclusively. Lucy was one of these. She had just turned 23 years old in May."
Lucy was a native of London, England. She was apprenticed to a milliner (hat maker) and became very skilled and her hats were popular. After she joined the church she wanted to "go to Zion" and she worked for a year making hats to earn the money to get on a ship to New York City. Then in New York City she saved money from hat-making for another year to join the Saints in Winter Quarters, Iowa. She had a fur coat and some green netting, and she cut off a strip of fur from her coat and made herself a fur cap with a green veil to keep her head warm.
I have read enough Regency novels to know that ladies who "move in the first circles" are very particular in their milliners. The best milliners, in addition to spectacular talent in their art, must be genteel and well-mannered. And one of the Pioneer Trek websites says this about our Lucy: "Lucy Ward was a well-to-do, and proper lady, [even] bringing high-heels on the journey!!”
We know something about the experiences of those pioneers in the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. They were caught in early winter storms, they didn't have enough warm clothing and blankets, and they ran short of food. Fingers and toes were frostbitten. Infants, children, and adults died from the cold, from hunger, from illness. They suffered terrible hardships, and many developed tremendous faith.
At this time, (6 October 1856) the Salt Lake Conference was taking place and Brigham Young was sending a rescue party to the stranded handcart companies. James Barnet Cole was called to help in the rescue. One night on their way, James dreamed that when they met the emigrants he saw a beautiful girl wearing a fur cap tied on with a green veil, whom he married. He was so impressed with his dream that he related it to Brother William Kimball who remarked, "We will see no beautiful girls in green veils among those half frozen and starved emigrants." Reminiscing, James Barnett Cole said that they saw the encampment just as the sun was sinking in the west. It looked like an Eskimo village which was fully a mile away. The snow was very deep and paths had been made from tent to tent giving the camp that appearance. It was located on a plain near the river. It was October 21, 1856. When the people caught sight of the wagon train coming, they shouted, they cried, they threw off all restraint and freely embraced their deliverers. When they finally reached the suffering Willie Handcart Company, Brother Kimball noticed a girl with a green veil tied over her fur cap to keep her head warm. He drove the wagon up to her and exclaimed, "Brother Jim, there is your dream girl." James asked her to get in the wagon and her reply was, "No, I don't know you." She got used to the idea of having him around, because just 12 days later, November 2nd, on the way to Salt Lake, Lucy Ward, the dream girl, and James Barnet Cole were married at Fort Bridger by William Kimball. They stayed at Fort Supply the rest of that winter and came to Willow Creek (near Willard) the next spring, 1857.
I love this story. I think it's partly the idea of romance in Martin's Cove. In the midst of sorrow and despair it is a story of normal hopes and dreams and love.
There is a story about James's mother being a little impatient with Lucy, because she had been gently brought up in a middle class family in England. Of course Jim and his family had been driven from place to place with the early saints, and had known only hardship and pioneering. When she complained about Jim doing what she called 'women's work' around the house he said ,"It's a damn poor family that can't afford one lady."
On January 31,1858 Lucy Ward Cole gave birth to a baby girl. That spring Johnston's Army came and all the homes and mills were prepared to be burned, if necessary. Lucy described their preparations to move south. Sacks of flour from the Cole family mill were piled high in a covered wagon. Then she and her tiny baby were hoisted up to ride on the flour to Provo.
James and Lucy had 11 children. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. James died while Lucy was away helping someone have a baby. She was needed there, and couldn't get home so she sent word to bury him and where, and she didn't even get home for the funeral. They were tough people. Even the "ladies."
* Rescuing the handcart pioneers was not the first time James Barnet Cole willingly accepted a call to serve from the prophet. In February 1846 his parents with their children, were driven from Nauvoo. They crossed the Mississippi River with the exiled Mormons and settled temporarily at Mount Pisgah, Iowa where James Barnet, aged seventeen, joined the Mormon Battalion.
I think we have "inherited" some traits and strengths of these amazing ancestors of ours. Toughness. Steadfast. Skilled. Determined. Loyal...and "beautiful!"
I am proud and blessed to be a part of this family!
I like to remember stories about the pioneers, and one of my favorites is a direct ancestor of ours, Lucy Ward. She was in the 4th Company known as the Willie Handcart Company. Lucy was in the Third hundred of approximately 500 members of that company (there were 87 people in her "100").
According to one of Lucy's granddaughters, Ruby Hall, "To each hundred there were five tents with 20 persons to a tent; 20 handcarts and one Chicago Wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen to hold provisions and tents, each person was limited to seventeen pounds of clothing and bedding.The strength of the company was equalized as much as possible by distributing the young men among the different families to help them. Several carts were drawn by young girls exclusively. Lucy was one of these. She had just turned 23 years old in May."
Lucy was a native of London, England. She was apprenticed to a milliner (hat maker) and became very skilled and her hats were popular. After she joined the church she wanted to "go to Zion" and she worked for a year making hats to earn the money to get on a ship to New York City. Then in New York City she saved money from hat-making for another year to join the Saints in Winter Quarters, Iowa. She had a fur coat and some green netting, and she cut off a strip of fur from her coat and made herself a fur cap with a green veil to keep her head warm.
I have read enough Regency novels to know that ladies who "move in the first circles" are very particular in their milliners. The best milliners, in addition to spectacular talent in their art, must be genteel and well-mannered. And one of the Pioneer Trek websites says this about our Lucy: "Lucy Ward was a well-to-do, and proper lady, [even] bringing high-heels on the journey!!”
We know something about the experiences of those pioneers in the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. They were caught in early winter storms, they didn't have enough warm clothing and blankets, and they ran short of food. Fingers and toes were frostbitten. Infants, children, and adults died from the cold, from hunger, from illness. They suffered terrible hardships, and many developed tremendous faith.
At this time, (6 October 1856) the Salt Lake Conference was taking place and Brigham Young was sending a rescue party to the stranded handcart companies. James Barnet Cole was called to help in the rescue. One night on their way, James dreamed that when they met the emigrants he saw a beautiful girl wearing a fur cap tied on with a green veil, whom he married. He was so impressed with his dream that he related it to Brother William Kimball who remarked, "We will see no beautiful girls in green veils among those half frozen and starved emigrants." Reminiscing, James Barnett Cole said that they saw the encampment just as the sun was sinking in the west. It looked like an Eskimo village which was fully a mile away. The snow was very deep and paths had been made from tent to tent giving the camp that appearance. It was located on a plain near the river. It was October 21, 1856. When the people caught sight of the wagon train coming, they shouted, they cried, they threw off all restraint and freely embraced their deliverers. When they finally reached the suffering Willie Handcart Company, Brother Kimball noticed a girl with a green veil tied over her fur cap to keep her head warm. He drove the wagon up to her and exclaimed, "Brother Jim, there is your dream girl." James asked her to get in the wagon and her reply was, "No, I don't know you." She got used to the idea of having him around, because just 12 days later, November 2nd, on the way to Salt Lake, Lucy Ward, the dream girl, and James Barnet Cole were married at Fort Bridger by William Kimball. They stayed at Fort Supply the rest of that winter and came to Willow Creek (near Willard) the next spring, 1857.
I love this story. I think it's partly the idea of romance in Martin's Cove. In the midst of sorrow and despair it is a story of normal hopes and dreams and love.
There is a story about James's mother being a little impatient with Lucy, because she had been gently brought up in a middle class family in England. Of course Jim and his family had been driven from place to place with the early saints, and had known only hardship and pioneering. When she complained about Jim doing what she called 'women's work' around the house he said ,"It's a damn poor family that can't afford one lady."
On January 31,1858 Lucy Ward Cole gave birth to a baby girl. That spring Johnston's Army came and all the homes and mills were prepared to be burned, if necessary. Lucy described their preparations to move south. Sacks of flour from the Cole family mill were piled high in a covered wagon. Then she and her tiny baby were hoisted up to ride on the flour to Provo.
James and Lucy had 11 children. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. James died while Lucy was away helping someone have a baby. She was needed there, and couldn't get home so she sent word to bury him and where, and she didn't even get home for the funeral. They were tough people. Even the "ladies."
* Rescuing the handcart pioneers was not the first time James Barnet Cole willingly accepted a call to serve from the prophet. In February 1846 his parents with their children, were driven from Nauvoo. They crossed the Mississippi River with the exiled Mormons and settled temporarily at Mount Pisgah, Iowa where James Barnet, aged seventeen, joined the Mormon Battalion.
I think we have "inherited" some traits and strengths of these amazing ancestors of ours. Toughness. Steadfast. Skilled. Determined. Loyal...and "beautiful!"
I am proud and blessed to be a part of this family!
Memories of my Family
Hi everybody. I have always enjoyed hearing stories and fond memories about family members, so I have decided to come up with a few of my own. I want to start with Dad and Mom and eventually say something about all of my siblings. So here's some memories of Dad and Mom:
(this might be a gratitude/memories list)
Dad
He helped me learn how to garden
He let me sit on his lap (quite frequently) when I was little
I don't remember it, but I'm glad that he sat and held me all night when I had pneumonia as a baby
He came to my softball games and band and chorus concerts
He asked me to dance at youth dances, where we danced a big circle covering the full area of the gym
Often I would play the piano and he would tell me that he enjoyed listening to me play
One time we hooked sleds up to the back of the truck and he pulled us all around the research farm
As most of you know, I loved cats and at first, animals were not allowed in the house, but eventually he consented to letting me have my cats inside
I remember frequently seeing him sitting and reading his scriptures or the Ensign
While I was sleeping, him "needing" to hammer something on the roof, so I eventually woke up
I have enjoyed several bowls of ice cream and popcorn in his "honor"
Many times I have seen him cry at church or while telling a touching story, which would make my tears flow
He occasionally was the driver who took me to the store with my friends to stock up on candy
When dishes needed to be done, he never hesitated doing them
I followed him out to milk the cow and thought that it was funny/cute how our cow liked him so much
We sat and watched movies and played games
The night before I left for college, he told me that he would miss me
He used to give all of us a kiss before he left for work
Mom
She took me to music lessons
She instilled in me a love of singing (especially with my family)
She taught me to think for myself
She gave me a love and enthusiasm for many things-- music, literature, art, the beauties of the earth and a love for God
She (and Dad) helped me buy my own horse, then helped me work to pay for boarding
She made sure that we had horses, cats, dogs, etc.--I have always loved animals
When I was kicked by the horse, she came to my rescue and gave me mouth-to-mouth resusitation.
When I was in Jr.High, I got a failing grade in one of my classes. I was devastated. When I brought it home to show Mom, she didn't get upset. She was compassionate and understanding and helped me to succeed.
When I struggled in school or didn't want to go, she would help me with my homework and several times let me skip going to school. In place of school, I had several fun shopping trips to the mall.
She took me to horseshows and horseback riding lessons, sometimes stopping at McDonalds for a shake.
She tried to teach me how to sew (even though the first dress that I made looked terrible!)
She and Dad sat at the table and played games with me. One time while we were playing, she made a hurtful comment to me. I told her that what she said made me feel bad and she immediately apologized for saying it.
She faithfully wrote me letters after I left home to go to college or on my mission. Her letters were full of praise and encouragement and helped me feel good and feel that I could handle the difficulties of life.
When I was dating Mike and having a difficult courtship, she would call and listen to my pains and offer advice to help me know how to handle certain situations
She always used to tell me that I was beautiful
After I had my first baby, I longed to have my mother there. In spite of her failing health, she made a difficult journey from New York to Utah to be with me and give me some company and help as much as she was able.
I love her greatly and admire the wonderful things that she did. She made mistakes, but she had far more successes.
(this might be a gratitude/memories list)
Dad
He helped me learn how to garden
He let me sit on his lap (quite frequently) when I was little
I don't remember it, but I'm glad that he sat and held me all night when I had pneumonia as a baby
He came to my softball games and band and chorus concerts
He asked me to dance at youth dances, where we danced a big circle covering the full area of the gym
Often I would play the piano and he would tell me that he enjoyed listening to me play
One time we hooked sleds up to the back of the truck and he pulled us all around the research farm
As most of you know, I loved cats and at first, animals were not allowed in the house, but eventually he consented to letting me have my cats inside
I remember frequently seeing him sitting and reading his scriptures or the Ensign
While I was sleeping, him "needing" to hammer something on the roof, so I eventually woke up
I have enjoyed several bowls of ice cream and popcorn in his "honor"
Many times I have seen him cry at church or while telling a touching story, which would make my tears flow
He occasionally was the driver who took me to the store with my friends to stock up on candy
When dishes needed to be done, he never hesitated doing them
I followed him out to milk the cow and thought that it was funny/cute how our cow liked him so much
We sat and watched movies and played games
The night before I left for college, he told me that he would miss me
He used to give all of us a kiss before he left for work
Mom
She took me to music lessons
She instilled in me a love of singing (especially with my family)
She taught me to think for myself
She gave me a love and enthusiasm for many things-- music, literature, art, the beauties of the earth and a love for God
She (and Dad) helped me buy my own horse, then helped me work to pay for boarding
She made sure that we had horses, cats, dogs, etc.--I have always loved animals
When I was kicked by the horse, she came to my rescue and gave me mouth-to-mouth resusitation.
When I was in Jr.High, I got a failing grade in one of my classes. I was devastated. When I brought it home to show Mom, she didn't get upset. She was compassionate and understanding and helped me to succeed.
When I struggled in school or didn't want to go, she would help me with my homework and several times let me skip going to school. In place of school, I had several fun shopping trips to the mall.
She took me to horseshows and horseback riding lessons, sometimes stopping at McDonalds for a shake.
She tried to teach me how to sew (even though the first dress that I made looked terrible!)
She and Dad sat at the table and played games with me. One time while we were playing, she made a hurtful comment to me. I told her that what she said made me feel bad and she immediately apologized for saying it.
She faithfully wrote me letters after I left home to go to college or on my mission. Her letters were full of praise and encouragement and helped me feel good and feel that I could handle the difficulties of life.
When I was dating Mike and having a difficult courtship, she would call and listen to my pains and offer advice to help me know how to handle certain situations
She always used to tell me that I was beautiful
After I had my first baby, I longed to have my mother there. In spite of her failing health, she made a difficult journey from New York to Utah to be with me and give me some company and help as much as she was able.
I love her greatly and admire the wonderful things that she did. She made mistakes, but she had far more successes.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Pinelli family's day
Tony and I are teachers, as most of you know, which gives us lots of vacation time together as a family(that can be good or bad - it's mostly good, I think). We have been using our summer vacation time working on our gardens, growing and protecting our raspberry bushes from the local cardinals and catbirds, and trying to grow tomatoes in a teeny tiny patch of sun. Those of you who have visited us know that we get lots of shade from very tall trees on our property. It has been very rewarding work, and Nicholas and Michael have been learning the value of working and making an empty spot in a garden bed beautiful.
We have also been spending our summer going to the library, seeing "Wall-E"(I highly recommend it!) at the $4 all day Tuesday movie day, visiting local parks, and getting our pop-up trailer ready for inspection and camping.
Since I have been the Primary President these past 4 1/2 years, I have learned the value of the Scouting program. Nicholas completed all of his Cub Scout awards, up to and including the Arrow of Light award, and the Faith in God square knot award. I had very little to do with it - he read the books on his own and pushed his Cubmasters to get him his awards. I say I learned the value of it, because it gave Nicholas goals that he knew he could reach, and he has become a natural leader because of it. I am so proud of him! Michael is now following in Nicholas' footsteps and will be earning the first award for Cub scouts(the Bobcat).
Nicholas is now getting ready to go to Boy Scout camp for the first time this summer. We just came back from the orientation meeting where he got to know the boys in his patrol, and tried to learn how to accept someone else's leadership! He is very excited to go away on his own for five days.
We have also been spending our summer going to the library, seeing "Wall-E"(I highly recommend it!) at the $4 all day Tuesday movie day, visiting local parks, and getting our pop-up trailer ready for inspection and camping.
Since I have been the Primary President these past 4 1/2 years, I have learned the value of the Scouting program. Nicholas completed all of his Cub Scout awards, up to and including the Arrow of Light award, and the Faith in God square knot award. I had very little to do with it - he read the books on his own and pushed his Cubmasters to get him his awards. I say I learned the value of it, because it gave Nicholas goals that he knew he could reach, and he has become a natural leader because of it. I am so proud of him! Michael is now following in Nicholas' footsteps and will be earning the first award for Cub scouts(the Bobcat).
Nicholas is now getting ready to go to Boy Scout camp for the first time this summer. We just came back from the orientation meeting where he got to know the boys in his patrol, and tried to learn how to accept someone else's leadership! He is very excited to go away on his own for five days.
Rachel's 10-month-old birthday
Today Rachel turned 10 months old. Holy cow! I can't believe how fast time has gone. She is such a sweetie. Yesterday we were harvesting green beans and tomatoes from our garden. As I was carrying it into the house, Rachel snatched a cherry tomato, stuck it in her mouth, and chomped down. Tomato seeds and juice squirted everywhere. The skin was a little tough for her to be able to eat on her own, but I helped her finish the inside of the tomato. She seemed to enjoy it.
This past weekend Jeff, Rachel and I enjoyed a very special trip to Indiana to be with Rachel's birth-mother as she was re-baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's not like I don't already have enough sisters, but Rachel's birth-mom is like a sister to me too.
This past weekend Jeff, Rachel and I enjoyed a very special trip to Indiana to be with Rachel's birth-mother as she was re-baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's not like I don't already have enough sisters, but Rachel's birth-mom is like a sister to me too.
Talks cheap, so here's the blog!
Dear family,
Several family members have expressed a desire for us to have our very own family blog. So consider this the official kickoff of our family blog. I'm granting you all authorship--this is a great way to share loving feelings, personal experiences, learnings, pictures of your family members and family events and just whatever comes to mind.
I understand that family is not always all about "honey bees and lilac trees and snow-white turtle doves" but THIS forum should always stay positive. Love is spoken here if you get my drift. There can be other times and places where we work out our differences. Well, so there you have it. Blog away!
Love,
Monte
Several family members have expressed a desire for us to have our very own family blog. So consider this the official kickoff of our family blog. I'm granting you all authorship--this is a great way to share loving feelings, personal experiences, learnings, pictures of your family members and family events and just whatever comes to mind.
I understand that family is not always all about "honey bees and lilac trees and snow-white turtle doves" but THIS forum should always stay positive. Love is spoken here if you get my drift. There can be other times and places where we work out our differences. Well, so there you have it. Blog away!
Love,
Monte
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