I truly enjoyed the blogging!

I feel quite sad that we have stopped blogging on our family blog. I understand and realize that putting pictures of our beautiful grandchildren and their parents out on the web can be rather controversial, and I for one, would rather be safe than sorry, but would just writing work? I know that not everyone participates anyway, so perhaps we need to just drop it. If that is the case, then I want to thank you so much Julie, for setting it up for us and contributing often and thank you, Ryan, and Travis for the fun contributions you made. I love you all, and know that we have a GREAT family!!!

Home Vacation

We thought we'd share a couple of pics from our vacation at home this summer. Thank you all for such great time. We miss you already and can't wait to see you again soon.

The Coast

Hey fam, its been a while since any of us has written on this thing so I thought I'd break the trend. Portland rocks, I really am having a lot of fun and am happy that I have been able to have this experience while I'm still single. Anyways, these pictures are taken at Oceanside beach about an 1 1/2 hours outside of Portland. The water was really cold but bareable. Take care, miss you guys!

My Old Kentucky Home!

Sorry it took us so long to post these pics. We had a great time with Julie and Sophie and Tyler and Lily at "Thunder" (I hope Ryan C's blisters have healed by now). Wish the rest of you could have joined us. It really is kind of sad for us that we will not have some family within driving distance anymore, but we wish you guys the best in your new home! I guess it's only two more years for us! Sure love you all!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Just wanted to wish Dad a Happy Birthday! Doesn't he look like he thinks he is "it" in this pic? But he's still as handsome as ever! Sure do love you Dad, and hope that you had a great day!

Terrible Two's!

Jack turned two last week, and we can hardly believe it. He has, however, been preparing us for the "terrible two's" for some time now. He had a very fun day capped off with his favorite dinner - hot dogs and baked beans (Jack loves any kind of bean). He got spoiled with presents (thanks especially to grandparents) and he had just as much fun talking/listening to Grammy on the phone. We all hope we get through this next year as fast as possible!

Happy Easter!

Sorry we're a little late on this. We had a really great Easter! I guess it is not required to know what the Easter Bunny is in order for him to come to your house. The Easter hunt was a week before and the weather was beautiful. But then on Easter it was cold and dreary outside. So we had to take our Easter pic inside this year. Hope you all had as good an Easter as us.

Easter Pics!

Just wanted to post a couple of recent pics of our kids from the primary Easter Egg hunt last Saturday. It was a lot of fun! We are going to really miss the green here in Kentucky!

Lovin Nascar!

So people back home don't really get into Nascar, but here it's a way of life for a lot of people. We've tried to broaden our horizons and learn a little about "Rednecks." Jack certainly has taken a liking to some of the joys of Nascar! It's clear from the price tag in the first picture that either Jack has no idea how much debt we have, or he hasn't quite figured out the number thing. Sure love you all!

Go Cards!/Go Cougs!

Well, I just wanted to let you all know that Ryan (Shipp) will be watching not only the Cardinals in action but the Cougars as well this weekend. He is currently in Lexington, KY at the NCAA tournament. Kind-of fun! He left this morning with both his Cardinal and Cougar paraphernalia. Let's just hope he comes home happy!

Mom's Week

How fun for me at this age to still be able to enjoy some college life! We had a blast! Thank you, Travis for a great time. Too bad you couldn't get your picture on Big Judd's wall like your brother. Oh well, maybe next time, eh?

Fun with Grammie

We just love it when Grammie comes to town! We stayed busy, busy, busy, and I think we wore her right out! She is probably welcoming being at Ryan and Candace's with just little Jack demanding her attention. Whew! We also enjoyed a quick little visit from Grandpa as he was on his way to deliver a truck to Florida. We love you both and thank you for visiting!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! JULIE AND TRAVIS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our "Birthday Kids"! Yes, Julie, I will still call you a "kid"; and Travis already knows that I haven't yet let go of thinking of him as my "little boy". Vivid in my mind this morning are the memories of both of you on the days of your birth: Julie -- March 5, 1977; and Travis -- March 5, 1984. Julie was supposed to have been born in February, and, it seemed to me, so far over due that I decided this baby was NEVER going to get here. March 4th was a beautiful, sunny day, and I decided to take Brad and Rod to a little Mexican Restaurant after school. I had decided it didn't matter if I had mega garlic breath. There was certainly not going to be a trip to the hospital. (Yes. I was worried about all of the nurses and the doctor possibly having to be bothered by my garlic breath! Oh, worry!) Anyway, of course I went into labor during the night! We called Grandma Slater, and she drove over in the dark of the night to watch Brad, Rod and Vince. Brad and Rod were "antsy" all day in school, and then they had to go to Primary, (which was held once a week after schoo). They were completely delighted when they heard they had a new little baby sister, not to mention the delight of her Mom and Dad! However, I had such a horrific headache for days, as a result of the anesthetic, I couldn't think of a GIRL name. (Ryan, you got the name we had chosen for Julie, 22 months later.) Aunt Arlene suggested the name, Mandy, because of a very popular Barry Manilow song. You all know the rest of the name story. We love you, Julie!
March 5, 1984 was also a beautiful, sunny day. The Slater household woke up that morning to the knowledge that there would be a baby coming that day. Travis actually was a week early, so I had a HUGE afterschool birthday party planned for Julie (23 little girls). Poor Sharon Hone took over, and Julie still got her party. That morning, Brad headed off to High School. He was a senior. Rod headed off to Junior High. He was in 9th grade. Before heading off to Barratt School, (1st grade), Julie opened her Birthday gift, which was a much-wanted Cabbage Patch Kid doll. Ryan was having a "Career Day" in Pre-School, so we dressed him up as a "Salesman", with briefcase, white shirt and tie. Katie was picked up in the School Van, and taken to the Utah School for the Deaf satellite unit in Orem. We had previously called the hospital, so they knew we were coming, but there were just some important family things to be taken care of first! The hospital finally called and told us in an agressive way that we needed to get me over there - fast! They ran a wheelchair out to the car for me, as they must have been standing at the door waiting. I was really humiliated! At that time, there was not a way to determine during pregnancy whether baby was boy or girl. So, no one knew if they were getting a sister or brother. At that time, Rod had just received his Eagle Scout award, and Dad had memories of many years of Pinewood Derby. When the doctor announced we had a fine baby boy, my first words were, "Oh! Another Scout!" Dad's first words were, "Oh no! More Pinewood Derbys!"
But we were thrilled, and Brad and Rod and their friends made frequent trips to the hospital to see their new baby brother, and Julie could not have been happier. She had her Cabbage Patch Doll, AND a "real live" doll on HER birthday! We love you, Travis!
We hope you both have a terrific day. You both deserve it!
Love, Mom and Dad

I did it!

This morning I ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in downtown Louisville. It was really cold and quite windy outside, but it ended up being a fun race. The tall building helped to block some of the wind. I ran it a few minutes under my goal, which was great, but really paid for it the last mile. I have learned that I need to pace myself better. I am planning on running the 10K in two weeks. We'll see how it goes! Oh, and I love my I-pod! "Pump It" by Black Eyed Peas is the greatest. it pulled me through!

Just under a million dollars!!!

So, BYU-I decides to invest in a new football field. Yeah, they're pretty anal about alot of stuff up here...paying $5 parking tickets on time, minuscule facial hair, wearing sandals and other stupid stuff like that. However, they do feel in necessary to invest 850,000 dollars into new turf at the football stadium with a 20,000 cleaning machine. Now, I love football and I love BYU but honestly....why invest in a sport that you don't even have a program for? O-well, it makes for a good saturday night activity. We almost got a trespassing ticket though. (I've found that it is almost impossible to have fun without getting in trouble.) Anyways, things are good and I had a really good time this weekend. One day maybe you'll meet her!

Travis

Pres. Woodruff says it how it is!

In preparing my lesson for Institute tomorrow, I came upon this statement from President Wilford Woodruff. It kind of amused me, but at the same time, it truly puts things in perspective. I decided to share it with my family. "I marvel very much at the little interest manifested by the inhabitants of the earth generally in their future state. There is not a person here today but what is going to live on the other side of the veil as long as his Creator--to the endless ages of eternity. And the eternal destiny of every individual depends upon the manner in which the few short years of the life in the flesh are spent. I ask, in the name of the Lord, what is popularity to you or me? What is gold or silver, or this world's goods to any of us, any further than to enable us to obtain what we need to eat, drink and wear, and to build up the kingdom of God. And to become crazy after the riches of the world, is the very height of foolishness and folly. To see the way that some people act, you might suppose that they are going to live here eternally, and that their eternal destiny depends upon the number of dollars they have. I sometimes ask the Latter-day Saints, how much we had when we came here? ...we were born naked as Job, and I think that we shall leave here as naked as he did."
We have been teaching our class about the Modern Day Prophets, and we certainly have enjoyed studying about them and their lives. They are all very amazing men, with great personalities, and most have a great sense of humor. I can just imagine President Woodruff boldly making that statement, in a bit of a disgusted manner. I guess the statement kind of intrigued me because at times I do think about the people in the world being a little crazy in their hurried lives in pursuit of wealth, or recognition, or beautiful bodies, or even the great amount of time spent in the technology world; when in reality, all that is REALLY important is placing the Kingdom of God first, then all else will fall into place. Sure love you! Mom

Snow Day

Last winter we were spared, but this time we got a real Ohio winter. I guess everyone decided to celebrate, so school was canceled on Valentine's Day - not to mention it was illegal to be on the roads unless you were an emergency vehicle. We didn't complain any. Instead, we decided to have just that - a snow day! Jack loves the snow - except when it gets on his skin. All in all it was a great Valentine's Day. But we're definitely ready for old man winter to kick the bucket!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

To my dear family ~~ Just want to wish everyone a Happy and Loving Valentine's Day! With this unforgettable experience Jenny has gone through (and is still going through), it is truly a reminder that each night when we kneel to pray, we should give our thanks that we have been protected, and are safe. Each morning when we awake, we should be so aware that the day before us is truly a gift, to be enjoyed by loving and doing. My heart is full of love for my children; my daughters-in-law; my son-in-law; and my precious grandchildren. I have been blessed indeed!
Have a beautiful and loving day!! Mom

Lily's new tricks

Lily has her first tooth (bottom right side of her gums)!

Lily can now sit up on her own for a while. She eventually starts falling more and more forward until she calls for help.

Cherish Every Moment

I just wanted to write a little post on how grateful I am sure we all are that Jenny was able to come home safely last night. I haven't been able to stop thinking about her and the frightening situation she was in last night. It is a reality check that life is precious and we never know when it may be out turn to go - cherish every moment. I love you Jenny and will continue to have you in my prayers.

Good Mail from Grammie!

Sung to Jingle Bells:

Dashing to the door, when we hear a little knock,

Looking down to find, the package that we sought

Can't wait to get it open-oh why's there so much tape?

The kids are so impatient...well they'll just have to wait-

Oh Valentine's, Valentine's, the love day we enjoy

Our Grandparent's live far away - do you think they sent a toy?

Oh Valentine's, Valentines, surely there'll be some treats

We'll get a great big sugar high-Mom and Dad will think that's neat! (NOT)

Seriously, thanks so much for sending the package. The kids loved it (we did too)! It is so nice to feel loved!

Rexburg, I..DA..HO!!!

What up fam? How you all doing? Rexburg...what an interesting place. I like it alot now, but the first week was a little rough, especially working in negative degree weather. School is going really good, my financial math class makes sense and I feel that I will really be able to apply it in my life (unlike algebra). I've had two mid terms in two of my aviation classes. In aviation law I scored an 89 and in survey of aviation science I scored a 98. I've got one more I'm doing today in air transport managment so I'm hoping I can keep the trend and get a 90 or better. Anyways, life has been super good for me and I'm extremely happy. As you can see from the picture, there is a very beautiful girl next to me! That wonderful girl is Kelsey and is one of the reasons I have been so happy. I've actually been dating her for about a month but didn't really want to tell anyone. Take no offense, just didn't want to play 20 questions with everybody...till now. I told dad about her about 3 weeks ago but told him not to tell anyone...especially mom (anyone wonder why?) just kiddin mom, love ya! Anyways, I believe she is coming down to the homestead this weekend so some of the fam will be able to meet her. Well ladies and gentlemen, have a wonderful week and I'm sorry it has taken so long to post to you all but I love you guys!

Peace, I'm out
Travis

PS...finally, dark hair and dark eyes, just the way I like it!

Hugs and kisses 'til Valentine's

I told Mom that I would post a picture of this little thing I did for the kids and for the sisters I visit teach. They have Hershey's kisses and hugs in them. On the way to delivering them to those I visit teach, one of them totally melted. It was such a mess. Sometimes I wonder why I do these things!

Family Togetherness

Hi Family ~~ I was just talking with Kim about the importance of getting family together for the "bonding". Anyway, we need to be making some plans, if possible, for a time we can all be together this coming summer. They are already getting their summer filled. So, we need to know, Ryan Albert, when you, Candace and Jack might be coming into Utah. And we need to know, Julie, if you, Ryan Christopher, Sophie, Tyler and Lily will be able to come in from Reno during the summer? Hopefully, Travis will be able to break away from Denver for a planned Reunion. It would be nice to have some ideas of something extra fun we could do all together. Since we have "out-of-Staters", it almost needs to be something quite memorable so the kids remember their cousins. You guys are a lot better with ideas, than I am. You are a lot more fun! Brad and Kim; Rod and Jenny and their families will come up with some ideas. The kids are a great resource for fun ideas. Let us know as soon as possible, so we can get scheduled. Love you all! Mom

Ukrainian Memories

So it has just been incredibly cold this last week! On Sunday the high was 6 degrees (-20 with windchill) - the HIGH for crying out loud! Lucky for us, that was also the day our car decided not to start. We were victims of a weak battery, which I changed the next day, and I think I'm starting to regain the feeling in my fingers. I can't help but be taken back the frozen tundra of Ukraine where I learned what cold really is. Such fond memories - Frozen ink in my pen, Sleeping in my winter coat and hat, and Frozen nostril hairs! It's been really nice to relive all of that. Hope you all are enjoying winter as much as us. Jack is certainly finding ways to handle the cold. Love you all!

Dad at the Symphony -- Can you Imagine?

I needed to let you all know that your Dad accompanied me to the Utah Symphony last evening! It was Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. I truly loved it. Dad behaved decently. (However, he was quite glad when it was over, and said he COULD NOT understand why any man would want to invest their time in learning to play music [or conducting], rather than being out on the football field). He also whispered and asked me, during the performance, if I thought the conductor had a girlfriend, or a boyfriend! I wanted to roll by eyes at him, but I gave him a little smile, and a look that said, "Let's be very quiet during the performance!" All in all, it was a special evening, and I could enjoy more of that type of entertainment. I am not too sure about Dad. I told him it has taken 43 years to get him to the Symphony. We don't have that kind of time left!
The major move for Rod and Jenny went on this morning. Most of it is done. There was a terrific turnout of his Ward Elders who came. Also there were a lot of Jenny's family come. Dad and I did what we could, but I think we were mostly in the way! We can't help that our family is so scattered. The ones that could help are in four different States. (Brad is Delta flying.) I think they close on the house next Friday.
Hope everyone's weekend is going well. Sure love all of you!!! Mom

This Life - A Test?

I finished another exam yesterday - Yay! And I know Candace is glad to have her husband back. This test was on much of the heart and blood vessel diseases and how to treat them. And it also covered diseases of the nervous system. I must say, we have found some amazing ways to cause problems in our bodies, but it certainly is fascinating to learn what we can do to help people with these problems.
By now, I'm starting to get used to this "test thing." I certainly don't freak out as much. And aside from literally living in a cubicle in the library for a few days with only my thousand-page books to console me, taking the test really isn't all that bad. I'm trying to apply this same strategy to the real Test - this life. I'm learning, as I'm sure most of you are, that as I go through life, the challenges and trials seem to get bigger and more difficult. But my ability to handle them also seems to improve. And I've noticed my attitude largely influences my happiness. So I hope that I really am getting used to this "test thing!" And even though it's rarely very easy, taking the test really isn't all that bad.
Sorry to get all preachy, but it's been nice to have some time to think about the things that matter most. I'll post again soon with some pictures.

Misc. musings

Glad that you are on board Rod and Jenny! Now we just need to convert Brad and Kim. We will get there! Mom, to get to the page to post, just go to "theslaterfamily.com" which will pull up the blog. In the upper right hand corner it says "sign in". Click on it, then sign in. It should pull up "A Forever Family" then there will be a place that says "new post." Click on that and there you go!
Anyway, Rod and Jenny, I didn't realize that you sold your house!? That is great news! I have to say that I am just a little bit jealous that you get to move into the basement! We have spent the past couple of weekends de-junking and trying to get ready to put our house up for sale (a bit of a project with our three little kids). We actually had two couples come and look at it on Sat. and one of them called us back that night to tell us that they wanted it. They are trying to get pre-approved this week. I am not holding my breath, but it would be sooooo great to get it sold without having a realtor and trying make my house not look cluttered each time we show it. I still don't know where half the stuff in my house is because we ended up just throwing stuff in cabinets and up in the attic before they came.
Well, you all might as well start making your plans now to come and visit us in Reno. We promise to take you to Lake Tahoe (a mere 30 min. from the practice). They are flying Ryan to North Carolina on Feb. 14th and 15th to meet with the financial group. It isn't set in stone yet, but it looks like that is where we most likely will end up. We surprisingly feel really good about it. I told my OB today that I wasn't too excited to tell people that I am moving to Reno, and he said...well, just tell them you are from Tahoe. I actually like the sound of that.
Like mom said, I have a personal blog that you are welcome to check out. You can read the lastest about Tyler.
Love y'all!

Welcome Rod and Jenny

Hey, Rod, so glad you are with us! (He made a comment on the last blog of mine, about the R.S. Conference). Did you have a hard time knowing where to go to Post? Well, it takes me a lot of fiddling around on the computer to finally pull up a page where I can Post! Julie and Ryan (you must know how to do it faster than me), can you give instructions that may make it easier?
Also, regarding Rod and Jenny's move----they are going to be living in the apartment downstairs. I think it is going to be fun to have them around. They may be experiencing a few different feelings. But, Welcome Home! Hope you are all having a terrific day, (even you, Ryan, with the BIG test on Tuesday -- GOOD LUCK!!) Julie, was Sophie a "Shirley Temple" today?
**The rest of you should check out Julie's personal blog page at: ryanandjulie.blogspot.com it is pretty interesting!!! Sure love you all. Mom

Powerful Stake Relief Society Conference

Hi Family~~
I went to a most wonderful Stake Relief Society Conference this morning. I just wanted to share a thought that I know you can all relate to (Travis in the future). President John Miller, (yes, the band teacher whom I railed on in a Daily Herald editorial, because he did not take a pep band to the High School basketball games) (but I surely do love and respect him now). Anyway, he took the song, "I am a Child of God", and placed an additional tender meaning to the words. He asked us to take the phrases and apply them as though our own children were asking us to LEAD them, (lead out in the direction they and your family should go); GUIDE them, (point out to them, and be aware of the many pitfalls, and danger areas of life); WALK beside them, (be with them. Go places with them. Support their activities and interests). HELP them find the way, (help them by example of family prayer, scripture study, fasting, service, living righteously, etc.)
I know you are all already doing all of these things, but I did really like how it felt in thinking that my precious grandchildren do have that help from their parents.
I surely love all of you! Mom

A Great Christmas Break

Sorry it's taken me so long to sign on. I think we've finally settled down again into real life - Yay!? Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone for a wonderful Christmas break. We really had a great time. We're already looking forward to seeing everyone again in the summer. Hope to hear from all of you soon. - Ryan

How about a Disneyland trip in 2008?

Mom's at it again!!! I just am yearning to see my grandkids having fun at Disneyland (and my own kids too!) I emailed Ryan about it, and when he might be available. It won't be until May or June of 2008, but hey! that is not so far away! Do you all think that would be a possibility? I hope we can somehow work it out. Talk it over and let's see what can be done about it. OK?
Love you all! Mom
p.s. The next time I post, I am going to try doing a picture!?!
Come on, the rest of you! We want to hear from you!

Newport Aquarium

Hey all! We went up to Cincinnati today to go the the Newport Aquarium. We had such a great time! I love watching the kids as they discover new things. They were fascinated by the sharks and could have watched them for hours! Anyway, we miss you all sooooo much! We can't wait to see some of your posts! (hint, hint)

Still Testing!

OK. I am still testing. Now, if I, (Mom) , can do this, ANYONE can do it!!! Let's surprise Julie (and Travis), and learn how to use and enjoy this site!
I must say, it has been a most wonderful Christmas Holiday, with all of the family visiting. Aside from the enormous amount of illness, I know we have all enjoyed spending time together.
Here's to the New Year of 2007!! We wish all of our family a glorious year, with dreams, goals and ambitions finding success in each of your lives. We love you all so very much, and especially pray for the blessings of spirituality to be upon each of you!

testing

Are we ready to post? Isn't this a darling photo? Mom is just learning how to post. Great example mom! Now how about the rest of you?????