Slowpoke

A fair young boy and nice girl met.
One sunny day Jeanette got all wet.
She said, "This boy just moves to fast!"
That tale is now something of the past.
December temple wedding was set.

My Prize

We spent a couple weeks in Utah last month. We had the opportunity to spend some time with my mother. She bought a new computer and I was compelled to use it while there to keep up on my blogging habit. In the craft/sewing/laundry/storage room that contained the computer was a collection of frames and pictures that were being prepared for the family reunion that was the coming week. There was one needlepoint that was to be mounted and framed. My mother asked me if I would help her with mounting it. I was not very helpful. The time there managed to expire before it was mounted. Mom wanted to mount the needlepoint using tape. I told her that it would not work well and that something mechanical would be much better. She sewed an extension on the needlepoint and stretched it around the back of the mounting board.

Before the work of art was mounted, I noted to Jeanette the nice appearance of both sides of the needlepoint.

We stuffed bags, ate out, looked at historical sites, and many other things.



The family congregated at the cabin that mom arranged to get for our use in Pine Valley. Those that attended the reunion were given the opportunity to earn storebucks for the family store. I earned enough to buy the needlepoint.

Now I need to find a nice place to hang my prize. I think it is beautiful.

Reunion starts with a temple visit

For a long time, Mom (Gatha) has wanted all of her family to go to the temple together. We did that on Thursday, June 12. Mom was pleased to have us all together.

In the photo to the right are Larry and Jeanette Vance, Emery and Bonnie Olsen, Betty and Kent Vance, Donnie and Gloria Vance and seated is Gatha Wilson

The Reunion

We were fortunate to have some time to spend together in Pine Valley, Utah. Momma Gatha has a friend that owns this fine place we stayed for a couple days. We gathered and conversed.



We worked in the projects for the reunion that have been proceeding for the past few months.



We then began to have some fun. We played games -- like this redneck horseshoe game. Balls on a rope were hurled at a stand with three rungs. The lower rung scores three, the middle two, and the top but one. Here Emery shows off his style.



And here is Bonnie holding her cache of blue balls waiting her turn.



We had a jumping good time.



Sometimes I even surprise myself.



Shandi says, "What are you thinking?"



Monica just is happy to be here.



And then there is the good looking brother, Kent.



We enjoyed watching some skits.



Some are less inclined to be photographed.



With some coercion I was able to see most of her face.



Now she thinks it is funny.



And then we see. It was our beautiful Danette. Why be camera shy?



Someone scores a ringer.



YUP, it was me.



Story time.



We had a birthday party. Here Katee is toting her bag on her shoulder.



The store was kept for last. There was a merit system, where each participant was allowed to earn redneck bucks to spend at the store. Here are the hoards descending on the booty.



Aubrey followed her mothers queue of being a bit reluctant to put on her best for a photograph.



But her grandpa, Don, was there at his best.



Then we packed and ...



Said goodbye.

January Musings -- by Larry

It has been a while since I have written a regular family letter. I don't know that I can explain why I have not taken the initiative to write, but it seems to get harder and harder to write.

Jeanette has been teaching seminary for the past 2-1/2 years. I amaze at the effort she puts into preparing and thinking about seminary. We get up at 4:45 in the morning to make sure that Debra and Jeanette get to seminary in time to make sure things are prepared. They go hop in Grey and head to the church at about 5:30.

While Jeanette and Debra are gone to seminary I am riding my stationary bike and listening to the History Channel. After working up a sweat I go get some breakfast and then go to the shower. Now it is my turn to get ready to go to work. Around 6:00 I head out the door and say goodbye to Eric, who is mostly lethargic lying on the couch.

I, owe; I owe; so off to work I go. I work all day and return home to play.

Eric and Debra are both doing well in school. Debra is involved in Choir. Eric also sings in choir. Eric likes soccer and played in a team last year, he participates in school soccer too. Debra has some fine art that she has produced in the recent past. Both of them are examples to all of us.

Here's Larry

When I left my mssion I was required to put together some goals for my life. I have accomplished some of the goals, but some of them I have not yet finished. The goals I have not finished do not have end dates because they are recurring. One of those goals is to communicate with my family one time in each month. For several years I was fairly good at doing just that. The past few years I have not been compliant with that particular goal.

It feels good to have a little more contact with my family. I love my family.

Jeanette and I (amd Eric and Debra) are far from all of you. We live in Hewitt Texas. I work at L-3 Commications Integrated Systems as a structural engineer. The past year has been tough for me at work. We are busy here with our activities from day to day.

Jeanette is teaching seminary, early morning seminary. We get up at 4:45 to start the day. We get back home before 5 PM and have supper.

I am now the 11 year-old scout leader. Camping is not as much fun now that I am over 50.

Eric is almost ready to be awarded his Eagle Scout rank. We are proud of him and the effort he has expended in his Eagle Scout Project. He collected more than 2500 books for Kids and Company. They sponsor after school learning sessions.

Debra is a Senior this year. She is planning on earning her Young Women in Excellence Award. We are proud of Debra and the positive influence she has.