The Giles Family: November 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Wedding Times/Thanks MOM!

Wish I could have seen you all over Thanksgiving, but it was a busy time for Mom and I. We worked hard and hammered out a lot of the nitty-gritty details for the big day in LA.
Photos
Flowers
Cake
Sash
Decor
Centerpieces
Menu
Shoes
Going away dress
Honeymoon
Fabric colors
Party favors
etc
etc
etc
Who knew how annoying all these little decisions could be. I'm extremely happy that I only have a month to bother with all this stuff instead of 3 or more.
Overall though, our few days of shopping were really easy. Things kept appearing and working out so serendipitously that I couldn't help thinking that it was all meant to be this way.
I was really happy to get back here to Bubba. We are both much happier when we are together. I think that's a good sign. He was busy working on invitations while I was away. (They should start coming out by the end of the week.)
In all, I owe mom a big huge THANKS!!! for making it all happen. I'm sorry that, in all likleyhood, these kinds of decisions and large purchases will be dominating her next few months, but then again, at least after that it will be done FOREVER. Then let the good-times and babies start to roll.
I love you mom.

Here are a few of my favorites from our engagement session:

This one is my fav

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ahhh hahahaha!

For the K Family Reunion I'm in charge of gathering a picture of EVERYONE in the family that's served a mission, on their mission, for a world map/missionary display. Anyway, so I was looking for a picture of Don and Shirley in Paraguay and came across a bunch of pictures I haven't seen forever! And in the spirit of holidays, and to continue the flashback theme, I thought I'd share. I laughed at some so hard I cried.

Dana loves this one! I think it's funny that apparently I got someone short like Jeff to take the picture since I was looking so good. The clothes, the hair, the braces, the scrawniness. Feb 1991

I remember thinking that the suspenders were a stroke of pure genius! The 4th 1990. Sally, were we both in our awkward stages at the same time?

A great April Fools picture -1992

Sally I just love that you held these up for me so I could take the picture. This one just makes me laugh so hard. Oh- and another "club" shirt. I think this one was mine too! Sept. 1989

JEFF! HAHAHAHA! No date but I think it was October 1989.

A very cute one :) Summer 1989

Morning of our 17th/19th birthdays. 1992

This one's for you Randa since you have such fond memories. "Safety Kids" perform at D-Land. June 1990

Monday, November 9, 2009

Happy Birthday, Randa!!!

Thought I'd do a little birthday flashback tribute to our favorite youngest sister! We love you, Randa! And what a little cutie you were...and are, of course. Look at these little red pigtails!

Does it get better than a My Little Pony on your birthday? Well, maybe. But look at all your sisters excited enough to be hovering around "helping you" with it!

A few other tidbits I'd like to point out. In this picture, Amy is Tatum's age--12. Katie is 10--about the same as Jane and Emma. I'm 7--Eli. Don't we look older than your kids do?

Also, I love my yarn ribbon and florescent yellow sleeves! Ah, 1985--you were so good to us.

Another thing I LOVE about looking at old picture is the stuff in the background because all of these objects kind of make up the everyday history of our lives. They are what we stared at while eating cereal, or what we broke and didn't want to 'fess up to, or loved or hated even then. So, don't we all remember that Nutcracker soldier? I'm wondering if it snuck out before the Dec 1 official decorating date, or (ugh) had it been out since the year BEFORE? ha ha.
I believe that is my crayon and marker set--loved it!
That clown tricycle guy looks really familiar, but I feel like it came and went. And I don't know where from or to? Anyone?
And, best for last, "I LIKE HOUSEWORK. I LIKE HOUSEWORK. I LIKE HOUSEWORK." How many days did I go to school with that mantra in my head. A lot of good it did this pretty unhelpful child.

A cute one of me and Randa at around 1 and 6. Well, cuter of Randa.

And finally, I found this gem, which of course I love because Dad is in it and being totally himself. It must've been a Sunday, since we're all dressed up. Dad, joking around as usual and ruining my 9 year old cool. I'm rockin' my yellow jeanskirt, and probably sucking down the last of my Halloween candy. (Lollipops are last pick.) And Randa, hamming it up and finishing off all those hand-me-downs. A Grandma Giles special?

Anyway, I love our family, and I love you Randa! Hope you had the best "blessed" birthday ever!!!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

A Grand Year

So who's it gonna be? Who will have the ring and date first? It's like all 3 of you are right there. My eager-osity is getting the best of me. 2010 is a BIG year indeed! (someone please hurry)

And in case you haven't yet heard, Dana and I are expecting in July :) We are as excited as can be. We told the kids today who are already giving us name suggestions and seem to be happy about it (although I can tell Emma is reserving some mixed feelings).

I'm just so excited for everything coming up. And I'm so happy we will all be together for Christmas soon. At least for a couple days. Love you all so much :)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Did too do Halloween...

Just so you know... Halloween happened here too. Root beer and all.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Nightmare on Peneplain St.

<----- My pumpkin ate too much candy and threw up all over my porch, so I named her JANE O. Lantern!

My neighbor across the street mentioned that Halloween is a big deal around here, so Carrie and I decided to get festive and decorate the house-- equipped with cobwebbs, orange lights and our pumpkins. Thus began Nightmare on Peneplain St.

Halloween night Doug and his girlfriend, Angela, came over. We didn't end up dressing up this year, but it was fun to pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters as we sat on the porch and ate our Taco Bell. Doug scared many of them. After the kids had stopped coming, we watched "Misery" (awesome movie! I hadn't seen the whole thing and I loved it). It was a fun night of fright, delight and rhyming...

(Carrie wrote most of this, especially the parts that were boring)

Memories of Dad

* When Dad was in the hospital, and had been for a couple weeks. Tatum had been taking a little community tap dance class. Often when we were on our way home from school or anywhere we would stop by to say hello. Tatum wanted to show Dad her dance she was learning. Mom said "oh no, not here honey its just too loud" Dad quickly answered " No I want to see" Tatum was thrilled and Dad loved it or at least pretended he did.
* Dan was reminding me the other night about a story I had forgotten. Many of you probably remember how afraid of men Tatum was. Although she LOVED Dad and Jeff even though she hardly saw them. When Robin and Nick got married Mom and Dad came up for the wedding and stayed in a hotel. We came down from Provo and met them. As we were in the Lobby wating for them to come down,the elevator "dinged" Tatum turned to see and it was "Pappa" Tatum (about 2 yrs) just stood in one spot running and waving her arms! So excited that he was finally there. Dad with his big sweet smile walked over and scooped her up.
*I remember how whenever we went to Big Bear in spite of the fact that he'd been driving two hours. Without fail and without going into the house he would disappear with the blue Yamaha motorcycle. Then he'd be gone for as a much as two hours. Of course when he came back at least two of us kids would be waiting for him so we could go on a ride. The funnest thing for me was when he finally let me go it alone. I was about 12 and he let me red an old Honda. I fell and distinctly remember him saying something like don't tell your Mom about this.
*My biggest road trip with just Dad was going up to Idaho for my first semester. After leaving Joyce’s house on the second day we were passing Kolobe Canyon (which I pass all the time now) and he just took the exit, I don’t think he even asked me if I wanted to see it. We drove up the canyon a little ways and got out and looked around for a while. I had a disposable camera and we took some pictures. It was really beautiful, but mostly I was just happy to be with him--one of those rare spontaneous moments. Too bad I lost the camera somehow when I got to school.
*When Dana comes home from work the kids get excited and run to him and say "Daddy!" Lately, he's been saying "Yay!" in reply. I love it because I remember dad used to say the same thing a lot.
*Thinking of birthday cakes today, I remembered the first (and only) birthday cake Dad made for me. We weren't even engaged yet, and he was trying to make an impression. So he decided on the extraordinary plan to make a cake that would taste like a fruit salad; I suppose he was thinking ambrosia. He used an orange cake mix ( I don't think they even make them anymore) and strawberry flavored frosting (also thankfully retired). This must have been very early in the relationship or he might have guessed chocolate would have been more effective. I think I was polite, but I'm sure that cake never was finished. You all know he wasn't much of a cook, but I loved him for trying!
*Another funny memory I have was when Jeff was driving Mom's white car and it caught on fire. (We were living there with Mom and Dad) so we were all kneeling around the bed for prayers when jeff called. Dad anwsers, Jeff and said "the car is on fire, and the fire dept had to come put it out... kinda scared to tell I think. Dad yells YAAAHOOOO! Let it Burn! He was thrilled to be done with that car finally. And off he went to pick up Jeff!
* I was at the DMV the other day registering my new van (YEA!) When I remembered once running into Dad at the DMV in CA. It was so funny b/c he was dressed as usual in his roofer garb. Old dirty jeans and t-shirt and hat but the best part was that over the hat he was wearing those headphones the big ones with the little antanae sticking up on the side. Just standing there listening to whatever station he could get reception to in there. He was so funny I had to think for a moment to I really want to walk over and say "HI DAD!" Of couse I did. I'm glad for all those memories now.
*I just remembered a time when I was about 11. It was Sunday afternoon, I was wearing my cool new jean shorts, and dad was chasing me around the house. We were in the entry when he grabbed on to me by the belt loop on the back of my shorts. I pulled away really hard, and the loop ripped right off leaving a hole in my back side. I was so mad, but dad was laughing and laughing, so I started to laugh too. I’m sure mom was in the kitchen giving her usual opinion: ‘It’s all fun and games until…” Randa
*One of my most treasured memories is from when I was very little. For some reason I just loved when dad would hide behind the cereal box and then peek out at me from different sides- and the real suprise...the TOP! I loved that he really liked it too and played that game with me frequently. Very simple but very meaningful to me at the time. Katie
*One time driving to Utah with Dad, when I was 15 or so, we kept seeing signs for Hogi Yogi in Southern Utah. First we made fun of the goofy name. Then it started to sound good. Then we decided we'd have to stop and get some at that exit when it came. The exit came and we missed it. Dad got off at the next one and drove about 20 min through a small town, backtracking to the Hogi Yogi. We laughed about it the whole time. I love that Dad would go along with stupid kid stuff with us. Sally

The Giles Family