Birthdays this month

Whitney and Danielle,

Happy birthday to the both of you! I sent you each notes on Face Book also, but I wanted to say a few things about each of you on our blog so you know how much you mean to me as your brother!

You are both wonderful people. You have so many good traits that I love about each of you, and yet you are both so different from each other in some ways that make you unique!

I appreciate that both of you care about our family, and love to be around us. We miss being there for all the activities, but count it special when we do get to see you!

Danielle, I love how you treat your kids and your husband. You have a great family, and you are a great mother. Keep doing a great job on those kids.

Whitney, I love your passion for life, and passion to live it to its fullest. I'm grateful for what a wonderful aunt you are to our children. They love being around you.

Thank you both for the things I have learned from you (yes, even being older), I wish you both the best in everything you work for. My the choicest blessings find you!

Love and miss both of you, happy birthday, and many more happy birthdays to come.

Love Sean

superbowl

I loved that commercial.  It was almost a slam to Obama, but making a great point at the same time.  How confused the media must have been.  The choice to honor their great leader, or let a pro-choice ad air; wow what a hard choice for them.  Maybe they figured he's already gotten his fair share, so they better not take any chances on letting people see how beneficial pro-life is.

Superbowl ad

This is it, this is what proves the media is biased in their coverage. They won't air this ad during the super bowl this Sunday.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=404524

Go check it out. It is not offensive in it's production, but I guess it's too the point too much?

I don't get it. And the liberals talk about the unbalance on talk radio?

What a joke! I don't care if you are pro-choice, the ad should be allowed to be aired!

Reply-"Illegals"

I would have to say that I'm in the middle now as far as illegals. Yes they should be contributing, yes they should learn English, and YES they should do it the right way. I am very thankful for those that work hard and don't complain, but I am very angry at them and at the lazy white folk for using mediCAL that I should be receiving.

This was very humbling for me, but a few weeks after talking to Jill Pill, I applied for MediCAL. I don't have a job that offers benefits, I don't have parents to help, and I'm not married. So i did it. Well I got a letter back from them that reads:

"Your application for MediCAL is denied. Based on the information available to us, you ARE a medically indigent adult. A medically indigent adult is a person between the ages of 21 and 65 who is not totally disabled or blind, not pregnant, not living in a long-term-care or intermediate care facility or not living with a child who meets AFDC deprivation requirements. The mediCAL program is prohibited by State law from providing medical services to Medically Indigent Adults. However, if you should have a medical need which you cannot afford, you may be eligible for health care at a Los Angeles County health facility."

Really? It doesn't even make sense. The definition of INDIGENT is "needy," so basically they are saying that because I am "needy" i don't get benefits. Huh?

Did you also hear about the 26 year old from whittier who just gave birth to 8 babies? Yes i said 8. She is living with her parents in a 2 bedroom house with 6 children already. Are you freakin kidding me? 14!!!!! and get this......there is NO DAD! She went down to Mexico to receive hormone treatments so she could try for more than 1 baby at a time. Now talk about taking advantage of the system.

So there is me who has just gotten test results back that I have pre-cancerous cells on my ovaries and doesn't have insurance or a means to pay for treatment.........and then there is this young lady with 14 children who will now be set for life.

This state is unjust.

PS Dad said that blogs are egotistical so he probably wont be participating.

Illegal Response

Jillian, good points about the taxes. They do pay social security taxes, but that's not really my biggest concern. I feel we give away way too much to illegals that take advantage. They come into our schools, use the emergency rooms, and so on. I also agree with you that many white Americans do the same. We are talking about illegals though. Jared brought up a great point for people that want to work here and benefit their family. We have work visas, and maybe we need to make them easier to get, but people can come here and work. And like he said if they reach the end of the visa, they go back home to their country. If they want to stay they apply to become a citizen. We could weed out bad people this way. If you go to jail during this time, you are evaluated for what you did. If you were really bad, you don't become a citizen and you get kicked out. If you get into no trouble and you pay ALL your taxes, then you qualify to become a citizen. BUT, you learn english, and you become an American, part of our country.

As far as lazy people in general taking advantage of the system, well they are here, they will always be here, as long as we are liberal in our treatment of them. If we as a country lean more to the conservitive side, we will actually help people by forcing them to get off their butts. Now, I understand there are circumstances that allow for people to receive help, and some won't be able to contribute, but most could.

How about by providing work situations for people getting welfare. They could work jobs giving service of some kind, to earn the freebies. Kind of like the church does with it's welfare system. Did you know when you take from the Bishops storehouse, you should give of your time. They don't ask time for dollars, just time. How perfect of a system. So when someone receives welfare, how about doing work? It might be crappy jobs we don't like sometimes, like clean up a vacant lot? or collect trash from a freeway? I don't know, but the government could have all kinds of things that people could do to give back when they receive.

Remember the saying, you can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and feed him for life. This is one big thing that scares me about Obama and the liberals, always wanting to give more and create more dependence on government handouts instead of creating self reliance.

I love hearing all the comments by the way, and we haven't heard from Mom or Dad lately, or Christian. I know we are all busy, but remember part of this is to all keep conversations going for the benifit of ME, being a state away, and Jill!

Please contribute!!!!!

Here's a thought....

Well many times illegals have to put down a "false" social security number to get a job. Sometimes a dead persons, and sometimes made up, which I agree with, is not honest. But, each pay check they get from that job takes out money from their check for social security that that illegal will NEVER get in return and will just be collected in the big pot of government money because it is not their real identity. So even though they are being dis-honest, some of them actually are paying some taxes.

Also, we need to realize that even though they are "taxing" the system, are they really? How about all the citizens that are taxing the system? How about all the women who keep having children solely to get more money for welfare. How about the people on welfare who have no itention on ever working. And if its the "system" why do people hate the illegals so much? Ultimately the illegals are the ones who keep our economy where it is. Sam the small restaurant owner can hire 3 illegals for way cheaper than any white guy, therefore Sam can keep more money for his small restaurant, thus adding to the economy. As much as we dont like to admit it, illegals help our economy and do the jobs that we dont want to do, ie: landscapers, cleaning ladies, dish washers, construction workers, and so on.

Everyone also keeps bringing up how they are not obeying the law, and how our country was founded on immigrants. Well the difference between now and then is that yes, we have laws now, and then, we didn't. We were still forming our country and our laws back then, so there were no laws to break. Now there are laws to break. I think generally illegals dont come here solely to tax the system. Generally they come to help their families and to survive. I personally think it takes a lot of guts to have to go to that extreme to help their family. Im not some crazy left wing liberal or anything, I just wanted to add another point of view to our interesting discussion! Now everyone go fire your gardeners and cleaning ladies because now we are adding to the illegal circle of law breaking.

Illegals and Jase

Why can't there be a law made to make illegals pay taxes?I say, if they receive anything from our country, they should have to contribute.  Wishful thinking, I know.  But it's too bad we can't tax them more on housing, cars, and credit cards, things that they have no problem getting.  I don't understand why there can't be a basic tax law anyways.  Everyone; no matter how much money you make, pays the same %.  A lot of people worked their butts off to make more money than others, why should they be punished for that?  This is something I will never understand.

I agree with the taking the car away punishment.  When mom and dad did that I hated it.  Time went by so slow and it was embarrassing to be dropped off everywhere by my parents.  Service is great too.  I don't think we can stress kindness enough amongst siblings, I know my kids take each other for granted.  Would he really have saved that much time anyways? What a dork!

Reply-"Illegals"

Good points Jared. All those coming in should be contributing as much as us that are legal!

AND i agree that Jase should also be doing something nice for Rilee and her friend!

Reply for Jase and illegals

Yes, Jase should have car taken away for week. and do an act of service for his sister and friend. that is a shame to be blessed with a car, and then not show gratitude for it, by helping his sister.

About illegals. our country was founded and populated somewhat by immigrants, and also by those who felt oppressed by their government. but in any case, i believe came and do come to this country for a reason, part of which has to do with God leading them here.

But, .........when our country was first founded and new settlers were coming in, they had to rely on themselves to make food, shelter, etc. the government really wasn't even established to the point, of providing any services, besides a militia. so, everyone had to work if they wanted to survive.

now it's different. this is the greatest country in the world, and has the most opportunities. illegals know that and take advantage of that. they send so much money back to their homes and families. if they want to get a temporary work visa, that's fine with me. you come here for 5 years, work, then you leave. if you want to stay longer, apply for citizenship. i had to get a visa when i went to korea, it was temporary, then i had to leave.

i do believe most of them come now, becuase of opportunity, but they know they will be taken care of, no matter what. and that is the travesty of this issue. our government is willing to take care of them, by taking OUR money (taxes), and deciding who to give it to. and give it to anyone who needs it, whether you put into the pot or not.

as long as you contribute what you can, then you can take what you need. that is the only way socialism will ever work. either **it or get off the pot. so, i don't care who comes to this country, do it legally and lawfully, and do your best to work hard and contribute.

if everyone took from the pot, and didn't put back in, eventually we would all die.

Reply-"What would you do"

I think this is a cool idea. Im not sure if we have eveyones participation thus far, (Ahem Robin), so I hope this will encourage more.

So I'm not a parent, obviously, but I do know a little about being a teenager. I think that being 15, 16, 17 you become the most selfish person you will ever be. Jase is going through that phase of being "cool" because he has the freedom of a car. He doesn't have to rely on his parents for transportation anymore, therefore he can do whatever, whenever. He is also "too cool" for his little sister. I think it really sucks what he did and needs a consequence.

My consequence would be car restriction for a week. Robin sorry, but he should have to go back to what it was like before his licence and have to rely on someone else. Driving a car is a privilege and he mistreated that privilege by treating his sister badly. Were you being Christ like Jase? I don't think it even matters that Rilee was hurt or not, Its still a really crappy thing to do and he should be punished.

PEACE

Reply-"Illegals"

So Jillian you have a good point that most Latin people are super nice. I have been to Mexico and love the people there. I also love most that I meet! I think the ones that I don't like are the ones that were born and raised here! The ones that participate in gangs, the ones that give you the "latino" attitude, and the ones that are racist and think that they are the "chosen ones." So its not that I am racist against them, its that I'm mad that they take advantage of the system. And yes ALL races including ours have trash and disrespectful members.

Sean I agree with you that the illegals should be entering the country the right way! Yes our country was founded on immigrants, but they obeyed the laws at the time. Now the laws are more difficult but that's probably because the US needs to really look deep at the people entering and wanting to reside here. We have so many countries that hate us and terrorists that try to destroy us that the US immigrations laws are set in place for that reason, to protect us.

Danielle, I do feel bad for the couple in your ward, but they can be the most like-able people in the world they still didn't enter the country the right way. If they want to go to the temple then why cant they go to the one in their home country or to one that allows immigration? The country can't pick and chose the people to let in based on whether or not they are nice. AGAIN, the US has its laws for a good reason and I'm happy with the way those laws are set in place.

New Idea - "What would you do?"

OK, Robin had a great idea for a new website, called "What would you do?" The idea being one could write in a question about something and ask what you would do in the same situation. Then get answers and opinions from people. So my idea is that we do the same. As we keep doing our normal posts, when we have something we want other opinions, we ask "What would you do?", and then explain what it is.

This is the situation that Robin had when she came up with the idea.

So Rilee has torn ligaments, and Jase and Rilee were in the car driving home from school. Now Jase, being the selfish butt head that he can be, decided that he was going to be late for an apointment at the gym (he and his buddy have new memberships). So, he stopped the car a mile away from home, told Rilee and her friend to get out of the car and walk home because he was going to be late and made her get out. Rilee called Robin who went and picked her up.

What would you do?

One thing I would like to ask, is to make it more intersting, everyone should participate and give an opinion for each "What would you do?" question.

Look forward to your answers on this.

Illegals

I thought this story would be interesting to share.  We have a family in our ward, a newly married couple, second marriage.  She was already a member, he got baptized, they went to the temple.  They are both illegals but have been trying to make it official for a long time.  The paper work I guess is crazy, and it is costing them over $3000.  He got fired from his job, which he did very well and where his boss loved him, because he was illegal.  They are struggling financially, so are having a hard time coming up with the $.  What a mess.  I saw a different side than what I usually see.  I usually disagree with illegals going to the temple, because in my opinion, they wouldn't be living by the standards (obeying the law of the land).  I think this couple is an exception and I admire them for their perseverance. I didn't realize it was so difficult to become a citizen, which is my point.  Why does the government make it so hard?  Lower the price, keep the classes, and maybe more people would be motivated to abide by the law and respect our country.  I know there would still be a ton that would still take advantage, but it would help those that are really trying.  I learned my lesson not to judge so quickly.

Illegal response

Jillian, I appreciate you comments about Mexicans and Illegals. First, lets make sure we are talking about the same thing. Illegals are people that come into our country illegally, broke the law. I have no qualms about the caliber of people that come in, most are hard working, however they come in to take advantage of our system. There is no payback into the system, only taking.

Now, from a spiritual standpoint, I don't like to refer to people as lower class. In fact I think we need to be better at viewing and treating people as the "same" class.

Now, with that being said, back to breaking the law. No one should be able to do it and get away with it. The law should be enforced, period. If the law needs to be changed, then so be it. But obey the law! Enforce the Law!

So now I bring up a question. What is different now, then from the early years of our country, when immigrants came into our country? Are the laws different now? I ask this with sincerity, because, as I want people to obey the law, what is different now? We speak of past immigrants as brave people that left worse situations to have a better life. Are we full? Are people coming from Mexico just looking for a better life? Maybe what we should do is stick to being America. We make the rules apply. We speak english, not spanish. No free stuff. Work for it, pay for things, pay taxes. Maybe we have a very short period where some help is offered in the form of food and shelter, and then after that time, they are on their own.

Just my thoughts as I try to be a better person. As for stupid people that we make fun of? they can and are any color, white, black, asian, hispanic, doesn't matter.

What are your thoughts?

Response to Whitney

OK I am going to openly admit that I dont know very much about Obama and what his plans and tactics are. I just know that he is very left wing, and I personally dont agree with the very left wing. But I will say, that I personally dont think that the "mexicans" are such a horrible thing that hurt our country, and that are lower class. First, most of them aren't even from Mexico. If you ever ask them where they are from, often times they are from another latin country and it is really interesting to hear their story. Second, even though they are lower class, they are the hardest working, humble, kind people. WHen do you even come across a rude or unkind latin?? When do you come across an unkind asian, white, or black? Very often! Third, Todd and I, being students and all, have seen a glimpse of the lower class life, ie: Me going to the government funded Insurance place and Todd taking the bus to school, have realized that there are actually more white people being failures in their life, and not working, and trying to take advantage of the government. I will not disagree though that blacks have their fair share in that too. I guess the point I am trying to make is I know our family has a little taste of hatred for the latin/illegal group. Since I have been married, I have seen another side to it, and been to a latin American country, and really changed my opinion about them. My post is somewhat off topic here, but I felt strongly about voicing my opinion about it!

Response on he quote

Whitney, I love the quote. That does sum it up so perfectly!

Is it a sign of anything when you don't capitalize???

Jillian - what the crap? Is this Mom?!?!?!?!?

Reply-"Our New Country"

ONE: Jillian, did you not get the memo that even if you are just making a short comment you MUST place it as a new post! We need to see the dynamic of the conversations.

TWO: No Sean, we all don't capitilize, but at least we can spell! JK, LOL, TTYL, <3

THREE: Danielle, your kids are awesome that they ask so many questions and actually care what happens to the mexicans and blacks......I MEAN, the lower class, which Im actually a part of if you think about it.

FOUR: Jared, you serisouly can get deep about this stuff. Its hard for me to follow, sometimes i have to read it twice! I do agree with most everything you say. I was just thinking about when Hitler became leader back in the day. The people were so excited for change and treated him like he was a god. Sound Familiar?

LAST: I read a quote on facebook today and thought it was perfect for our current topic!

The government cannot give to anyone anything that it does not first take from someone else. -Unknown-

Reply-Reply-"Our New Country"

Can you really say "no doi" on a blog?

So my family, what we need to do is help in the process. Write e-mails to your reps and senators. Write to the white house, write to the Senate leader idiot Reid, and the wing nut Pellosi. Write, and encourage others to write. Also, we need to change reps and senators in two years so the power can shift. I would much rather have a balance of power with a Democratic President, that way things would not be automatic. Remember what the country did when they were going to pass the amnisty cramnisty. Remember all the letters and e-mails and phone calls regarding the issue from the American People. It stoped it in it's tracks. We have power if we can unite. I believe Obama will do some things, but as soon as people realize he is full of crap and his ideas acually make things worse, we will see a revolt. We need to encourage it, and do our part by writing letters.

How many of you have done this? I have written to the leaders and my reps, and have also written to our city council and Mayor on different issues. One letter doesn't change things, many do. Plus the satisfaction that I felt by doing my part was cool.

Last thing, why am I the only person that capitalizes?

Reply-"Our New Country"

You guys get me fired up. I agree with all of you in most areas. My kids keep asking us if we're going to be poor now the Obama is president. They have even heard about tax raises. We too are preparing for hard times, it is scary right now, and I fully believe that Obama is turning us into a Socialist country without even realizing he's doing it. I don't live in America to live like I live in Canada, no thank you. Braden, Brynn, and I had a talk in the car about politics, and they said they don't understand why people should get money when they don't work or go to school to get paid even more. I just replied "exactly". I'm so proud of my little republicans. My hope is just that his power trip will cool down in a few months, and the smart people in office will fight against the outrageous things he's trying to pass. I have to believe there are good people in office, and no doi, if you cut taxes people will spend more money, it's not rocket science people!

Reply-"Our New Country"

Yah, Whitney, i gave Bill Clinton a chance when he was elected, and he was way more center than Obama. it still hasn't sunk in that he is actually the president. i feel like some black guy off the streets just hijacked the white house, it's just surreal to me still. but so far, every decision he has made, does not earn my trust, but actually confirms what i thought before i voted. and i think we are seeing the tip of the iceberg. he is very decisive, wants to let people know he is in charge, and i think this nation is in for the some strong weather ahead. socialism has already started with these bailout packages. what a huge mistake. and socialism is going to take our country's economy and flush it down the drain. it will happen in the next 4 to 8 years. i hope not, but it could if obama gets his way and congress gets their way. i don't doubt he has a good heart and good intentions for americans, but you have to have resources before you can distribute them out. and liberals/socialists have never understood and will never understand that principal. we obviously don't have resources right now, with jobs being lost/cut, deficit spending up, tax revenues down.....where does the money come from? it comes from generating it through our hard work, and giving a portion to the government for redistribution. so......yes, we will see what happens, and if things do turn around, if obama makes some good policy decisions, i will call him my president. until that happens though, my allegiance is to my God, my Savior, my wife and kids, my family, and then to my president.
Amen, peace, i'm out! wurd!

Reply-"Our New Country"

Whitney, I have several thoughts about our new President, and I catch myself holding back sometimes with my comments. The bottom line is he won the election per the system. I hate the fact that the media favored him, which I believe changed the outcome possibly if they had kept neutral. With that being said though, he won! Now I need to support him as our President, but absolutely I do not need to support his choices. In fact I HATE that people are requesting non-partisan behavior, that the polititions need to get along. Bull Crap! I voted for my candidate based entirely on partisan thinking. I want that person going to Washington fighting for partisan choices. I am so upset with "My Friends" McCain, because he loves that he is non-partisan!

So, Obama is closing Gitmo, stupid. Where are the enemy combatants going to go? Back home to fight another day? In our jails? I dissagree! And what about not wanting to use harsh tactics to extract information from these people? What if we catch high operatives that know everything? Do we simply ask them what they know and leave it at that, or do we try many tactics including harsh tactics to get the info that will save lives! My opinion is that they made the choice when they chose to fight and be terrorists! They made the choice then and there that they might get caught, and that they might be interogated. Now, there are limits, torture has it's limits, we need to abide by them, but not what Obama is saying.

Stimulus package and taxes. CUT TAXES! Simple! Only answer to stimulate the economy! Regan proved it, it worked. CUT TAXES! Give businesses a break and they can hire more people. Give people a break and we will buy more things! BUT TAXES, and REDUCE SPENDING! Republicans have increased spending in the last 8 years, and it needs to be fixed. Arnold increased spending, and look at where California is. Our idior Governor increased spending, and we are the worst sate for deficit budget! Idiots!

Those are my opinions today! Lets see the results from what Obama does. You know, the stock market looks to Washington to help in the choices investors make. Nothing has helped the stock market yet increase in value! I bet if our taxes were cut, Wall Street would go crazy!!!

Reply-"Our New Country"

Wow, I am totally shocked that nobody has responded to Jared's post. The reason why I started this blog was originally inspired by Jared's emails regarding the election and now NOTHING? Really?

I haven't responded yet because I have been gone since Thursday. I like to stay away from phones and computers while I'm on vacation.

So Jared, I completely agree with you regarding trusting our new president. But i feel like that's how I deal with everybody that I meet in my life. I don't trust anyone until they prove they are trustworthy. I feel like our country needed a "savior" to feel like we were rescued from the crap that it has turned into, which of course the people don't realize they caused themselves, i.e. the economy. So treating him like a GOD is how it turned out. I have to say that I am okay with him trying to be our new president and trying to fix things, but i am tired of republicans and Democrats treating each other like rivals in a super bowl. I thought we were ONE NATION? it just seems like things are such a competition. I don't get it. And I am tired of the people treating him that way. He hasn't even done anything yet.

As far as each thing he is planning to do, we may not agree with his decisions but we all need to do our part to make the world a better place. All I know is that me and Gordon are starting to plan our future, plan for the worse, and plan to have the needs to survive if something major happens. I think everyone should work on those things as well.

so good luck obama, and I hope you prove us wrong.

New Topic - Our New Country

well, it didn't take long for Obama to put his footprint in our nation's history book. i do not call him president obama, becuase it still seems like there is an imposter in the white house. i don't hate the man, but i do not respect him..........not yet anyway. he'll have to earn my respect. we used to be called the united states of america, but i think today, it's just america. we are not united states anymore, and there are definately 2 very different viewpoints among americans today. let's see, obama's agenda is: 1. let the terrorists go
2. enact stricter hate crime laws against homos,lesbos, and trannies
3. pick a treasury secretary.....who doesn't pay taxes
4. shut down a terrorist prison 5. stop being mean to terrorists in general
6. shut down all overseas CIA secret prisons
7. give homos and lesbos more rights, rescind the defense of marriage act
8. make abortion easier, easy access, free access

should i go on? and that's all just in the first few days. so imagine where we might be after.....say 100 days. i can't wait. i can't wait for the first terrorist attack in our country, ....but it'll probably be president Bush's fault anyway.......

so...like i said....i will wait before i give him my support...but so far, he's not coming close to earning respect from me.

Reply- Grandpa

I don't know if I was a brat, but my chats with grandpa consisted of...."Jillian, don't interrupt" and "jillian, don't eat with your mouth full". I do remember though that I felt like I was grandpas favorite too. He would call my jilly pooh and always tell me how pretty I was. He made me feel so special. I wished I could still have him around because now I am much more interested in his life story and experiences with the war. I wish I was more interested in those things when he was still around. I will always respect him in the fact that he knew he wasn't perfect, but he still was a good member of the church, and always was reading church material and saying his prayers. He was always involved in his ward too. AFunny random thing I remember was his closet of church clothes and all of this suspenders! He had so many of them and I thought it was so weird. Grandpa did help me make a couple projects, one of them being a marble game, and I remember thinking how awesome the drill was that made perfect little marble holes.

I will never forget him eating the fat off of the roast, driving me in his bug, grandma telling him he was clear on the right, him taking me camping in his camper, the smell of his cigarettes, and his infamous study. I love and miss him so much....

Grandpa Dunn - miss him

I appreciate the comments made about Grandpa by you guys. I miss him as well. Whats sad is that it has been long enough that we are used to him not being around now. I have a pictue of me and Philip on our fridge. I must have been in Jr. High based on the shorts I was wearing. Anyway, I spent a lot of hours in that shop making things and varnishing them. We always varnished everything I made, with several coats. I got from Amy and Ken the rolling bench that was in the garage. I use it everyday for work.

So I have loved learning more about Grandpa and his life, such as his military experiences and his willingness to serve. Then about his firefighting, and again his willingness to serve. I know that so many people looked up to Grandpa as someone always willing to help out and serve in everyday life. I hope I can be more like him in this way.

Now, to the reality of Grandpa. He wasn't perfect. He smoked, and drank too much. He had his problems. What I learn from this is that we are not perfect, and yet we try our best. He did much more than many in some areas, but fell short in others. I do the same! I think Grandpa would say to all of us to try harder, do better, do your best. Like me hoping that my kids learn from my idiocy at BYU, I hope they do better in college. I think Grandpa would say learn from him in the mistakes he made, and do better in life.

So, the other thing he used to say was "It's Ok to show emotions as a man".

I'm glad he is our Grandpa, and I'm grateful for the time we did have with him here on earth. I look forward to the time we meat again.

Love you Grandpa, miss you....I think we should fly our flags in honor of him!

Reply-"Grandpa Dunn"

I remember the day exactly when I got the call. I was living in Utah working as a nanny to the 2 brattiest kids ever. I was standing in the kitchen talking to their mom when mom called me. I just was so upset, i started to cry and asked my boss if I could leave town for the funeral. She looked at me and said, "are you serious?" I couldn't believe it. what a biatch! Most of you got to see grandpa the last year of his life while I was away. Maybe it was a bad thing since all ive heard are stories of how mean and in pain he was. But i have to say that I have always felt like I was his favorite. Out of how many grand kids? 17? Yeah well I know he probably treated us all special, but when it was just me and him, it meant the world to me. Even as im typing this I have become teary eyed.

i loved to sit on his lap in his office when my sisters had to sit on the floor. I loved hanging out in the garage while he built new things. I loved visiting him and grandma while they were camping. I loved his flannels and the way his belly stuck out. and most of all I loved the way he smelled. like cigarettes, black licorice, and peppermint.

i will always remember you grandma. you will for ever be in my heart.

Reply-"Grandpa Dunn"

Everything Ashley said. It's amazing that it has been ten years, and I have to agree, it seems like I was just talking to him yesterday.

New Topic-Grandpa Dunn

Tomorrow, January 21, 2009, will be 10 years since our dear Grandpa Earl James Dunn passed away. I miss him so much and want to take this opportunity to remember him. My memories of Grandpa are as vivid as if I saw him yesterday. He was such a strong, paternal leader in our family and I will always treasure that. The best thing for me about Grandpa is that he was an incredible example to anyone and everyone in his life. He was a great husand, father, grandfather, friend, community member, patriot of this country and believer in Jesus Christ. He gave so much to so many. I am amazed that as I get older, I'm still learning and developing a relationship with my grandfather through pictures, stories from his kids and especially stories and memories from Grandma Dunn. I miss and love you Grandpa Dunn.

Reply-"Mom and dad's house"

Moving the piles from one place to another reminds me of when Jon and I were engaged and Mom asked him to move a huge pile of wood from one end on the patio to the other. He still doesn't know what the point is, he just learned that mom likes piles, and to move them. I think she was testing him to see if he was a hard worker or something.

Let me try again with pics this time.

which one?

I need a duvet cover for our bed.  Something simple to go with the quilt already there.  These are half the price of anthropologie.

Reply-"Mom and Dad's House" & "Girls Weekend"

so yes i understand that remodeling is hard and money is a set-back. i just thinks it's funny! and i also think it's funny that i am always cleaning up one pile in a room only to move it to another room. and then that pile sits there for a few months and is moved AGAIN to another room! so the process isn't exactly cleaning up the house and finally getting things out, its just moving piles!

we all have memories of different things, its a fact of life. i loved sharing the back bedroom with 3 sets of bunk beds and one small bed next to the window. I loved that Rhonda lived with us for a short time, and even though I hated it at the time, i love the memory of us girls cleaning our room once a month. the strategy was to just push EVERYTHING into the middle and slowly pick through it. we even found some cockroach friends in the pile!

as far as the girls weekend? i am for sure in, but it also depends on Gordons exact surgery date. I cant wait though to stay up play nerts and talk about EVERYONE! jk

Reply-"Mom and Dad's House"

OK, I agree with you guys, it's sad how long it has taken. Money gets in the way, plus I know how Dad is. He can do most of what they have done, and he wants things done perfectly. So, the best way is to do it yourself! Sadly, we don't have the time needed to do everything we want to do. I remember Grandpa Dunn telling me many times, that time goes faster as you get older. As usual he was right.

So, cabinets are close, and that will be a dramatic change. I am going to come out and help install them to help save some money, I'm sure Jared will be helping as well. It will be very cool when they are in.

So Jillian, you didn't have memories of the Red Bus, but I didn't live in Mom and Dad's house until after my mission. Actually, for a month, in the girls room against the window. I saw Sis. Clayton last year at the Newport Temple, and asked her if she had ever been back to the house since they moved out. She said no, that she couldn't go back not living there, too many memories. I told her they were remodeling it, and she said she could go back since it would not be the same. Interesting how things mean so much for us. Our red bus, the bug, the house, the house for the Claytons, etc. When we were in Brea for Christmas, the kids made me drive by our old house so they could see it. They took pictures. Lot's of great memories in that house for us.

I love the memories, and I love making them. We spent the weekend in the mountains in the snow this last weekend. Our 5 oldest kids each took a friend so we had 11 kids and Robin and I. We had to put the 4th bench seat in the van so we could all fit. Anyway, lots of fun, lots of memories, and Delany's friend broke his leg skiing. I got to sit in the emergency room with him for a few hours.

Good luck Mom and Dad, we love the house, and will love it when it's done!

New Topic-Girl's trip

I thought I would just post this since I don't have everyone's e-mail. All girls over 18 are invited to our girl's weekend March 20th, in Arizona. Jillian is working on a hotel so we'll have more info to come. Some are going thurs.-sun., but if you can make it for any of the time that's great.

Reply-"Mom and dad's house"

That looks weird. It's funny to think that Jensen and Carley have really only known the house the way it is, with concrete floors in the kitchen and boxes of cement and grout in the bathroom. I will miss the days when my kids come home with black feet and Carley picks up food from the concrete floor. Mom and Dad like to do things in their own time and I'm sure it will all be beautiful once it's finished. I think that is a reasonable goal (Christmas 2009). And yes, Whitney is a great painter; she just helped me finish our little office remodel and she did a great job (also Gordon:thanks)

New Topic-Mom and Dads house

I think this topic can be a funny one. When did they start the remodel? 5-6 years ago? Its so sad that it has taken so long, almost as if they just wont be able to stand a nice house! well since most of you dont come by every Sunday, I thought I would update everyone on the status of their Pad!

so mom and dad gave me the okay to start painting the library. jillian had picked out the colors for them probably a year ago, so now its time! and yes I know how to prep, prime, and paint!

the next thing is that dad removed a little more of the cupboards in the kitchen. next step: uncle dan comes over to do the final measurement!!!! whoo hoo! I think they might be done for christmas (2009).

Reply-Reply-"Finding a Job"

Sean this is exactly why you are the oldest, you are full have great advice!!!! Yes I know I need to get cracking, ill be the first to admit it. I cant figure out why sometimes I am afraid of something new? I hope that nobody has to go through this crap again....

sean you are an amazing person and i know you will be blessed with greatness someday. we all have challenges, some longer than others. you and robin are the biggest examples to me. Love you so much!

Getting a Job

This is the big question at our home right now. I have been employed and self-employed in my career. I have made the most money when self-employed, but it's not all roses for sure. So lately I have been trying to get a job with a good medical supply company. We have been praying about it a lot, that we might have success, and that we will have what we need as a family. The answer, no job yet, but I have been getting cabinet jobs and referals for future cabinet jobs. Is this the answer? It sucks right now because I'm working out of my garage, and it's just not enough room. But, I don't want to commit to a lease? The coolest would be this house around the corner that has a big shop. I could do cabinets out of that shop very easily!

Anyway, each of us has our place. One thing I try to remember and do a better job at, is we all create who we are. We create what we do. Yes there are outside influences, but how we respond to them is the key.

Whitney, go get a job. Just do it, put your full mind to it. Use all your resources and do it. You will find a job. Even if you have to something else in the time being while you look for a job in your industry, at least you are generating cash. Network, network, network.

Create what you have, I know you and all of us, can do what we want. I know what I want right now, and when I really work for it, things happen.

Lastly, I suggest prayer and pondering. Pray for your success, and then ponder, ponder, ponder. You have to stop and listen and think! I had several interviews in my head while taking showers before I had the real interviews. I came up with some great answers to questions in my head, while pondering.

So, good luck Whitney, and good luck to everyone as the economy goes through negative changes. I hope we have seen the worst of it.

Have a great weekend!

Reply-Finding A Job

i have been very blessed when it comes to employment. i have really only had to look for a job once, from scratch. when heather and i went to utah for school, i had to do cold calls to different cabinet shops. and about the 3rd one i found, he hired me. what a great boss he was to work for. then i worked for dan, then started my business, which has gone strong for about 6 years now, except for one week, where i had to do cold calls looking for jobs. i always worry that my work will run out, or that i'll piss all my customers off so bad........so, there are pros and cons to working for yourself. but all in all, i know someone upstairs has been watching over me and my family.

New Topic-Finding a Job

i was stuck in traffic this morning on my way to work (mom and dads house) LOL, and i was thinking about how much i hate not having a job yet. mind you i haven't put in a huge effort because of Gordon's accident and going to north Carolina, i am still bummed out. and then i got to thinking how fortunate we Warner children are for having steady jobs, and when was the last time anyone except me and Sean had to go on a job interview? Jared has his own company, christian has been loyal to one job, Danielle has a full-time permanent job at home, Ashley is also loyal, and Jillian has what Danielle has. so this leaves me and you Sean.

i have to admit that i absolutely HATE job interviews and the nervousness and insecurities that come out because of them. but then i try to remember that those interviewing are just like me and you, except they probably have a little power trip going on in their little heads. I'm sick of hearing all the tips and ways to win the hearts of the interviewer, when in essence, they want someone with "more experience."

so i guess i just want to point out that you guys are lucky during these times to have great jobs where you can still put food on your tables.

peace
.

wow....once again, absolutely no memories of the red van. See how lucky all you guys are? You guys actually got to live with your siblings for long periods of time. Yes I got to go to Hawaii, but I dont have these kind of memories! It really all does come out in the wash.

What's fair

I think it's funny that so many of us remember mom saying "it will all come out in the wash".  I hated it when she said that, but of course finding myself saying it to my kids, and they say "what does that mean?"  

I think at this point in life you have to take what's given to you, even if it's not fair, and deal with it so it doesn't matter if it's fair or not.  Things don't always work out.  Sean, I like your comment about how you got things first, but didn't go on any cruises.  I think that's true for all of us to some degree, therefore making us all equal, right?  I just know that with my kids, I do my best to make things "come out in the wash" and try to teach them to be grateful.  They have so much!  They will never know the cramped feeling of laying like a sardine in a car, or sitting on a cooler all the way to Utah (yes I remember sitting on the cooler too, and eating sack lunches on the way, and maybe going to McDonald's once but having to get milk).

Cars of the Past

Christian and Mom, thanks for jumping in and participating, Jared, you too. I'm glad we are all sharing here. The red bug has really brought our some great stories and memories for all of us. So for the cars of the past! I remember the green bug. I used to sit on the rear bumper between the round tubes attached to the bumper. I don't know why I remember that, but I do. It was when we lived on La Entrada behind Mary Hellen. I also remember the purpe Dodge. I did not know it was a Charger, but holy crap, that's the car to have now, not the bug!!!! That would be worth some money!

To the van and Datson! I got to drive the 240Z. Now that was a cool car, fast, fun to drive etc. I also got to drive the van. That was fun too. I would love to have a van like that again. One time, I screwed up and backed into the Datson with the van. The hitch went into the radiator. Dad was pissed!

OK, now I will set the record straight regarding the van. The metal cooler was blue not red, sorry Whitney, but that simply means I sat on the cooler more than anyone. You think I sat in the front seat, but actually, Mom would start there, and then Jared would end up there because he was such a turd in the back! Yes, Mom would lay on the back seat, and the rest of us would sit on the floor or the cooler, or the crib.

So the worst of it all, about the van, is that when I went up to college at BYU, I was told that the family was going to get a new big van, and that I would get the VW for school. I planned and waited, only to find out that Mom and Dad traded it in when they bought the new Van. That sucked!

So why do we talk about our old cars, why do we have so much to say? I think it's because we had such a great childhood, and things like our cars hold so many memories of growing up. Think about all the places we went in that van. Yosemitee, Utah skiing so many years, Big Bear, the beach, the circus, church, families homes, and so on! Also, the van was a great car for a big family. So Mom, this topic of the bug is not just about a car, it's about growing up, making our way in life, and now, recalling and maybe learning about our past.

Thanks for great memories, thanks for providing us with so much fun, and again, thanks for everyone participating, I am having a blast reading your posts.

So, what's the next topic?
Sean

New Topic - The Red VW Van

A few of you have referenced the 1972 red VW van so how about we switch to that as a new topic since we are on the topic of cars! It's been fun to hear a few of your memories of this family car. We bought it new in '72 from Lee Woods VW on Whittier Blvd., and owned it for 12 years until we bought the brown and tan 1984 15 passenger Dodge van.
This car took us from 3 little boys to 3 big boys and 4 girls. Can you believe all 7 of you fit into this car along with mom & dad.
I will save my further comments on the red van until hopefully all of you have posted your memories, then I will set the record straight.
Do any of you remember how many engines we put into the '72 van???
Love you all, Mom

The Little Bug That Could

Bloggity Blog *&#@ Blog!!!!!!!!

Jase, have fun driving the "love" bug. whatever you do, don't look under the back seat. i think i left some personal items there that i just remembered. boy, i think that bug was like an appendage of myself. it would go everywhere i went.....i have some amazing memories driving that car, my first car. i was so excited the day mom and dad bought it from grandpa. felt like i owned the world. that bug has been so many places, utah, skiing, dates, surfing, seminary, places it shouldn't have gone, utah, efy, utah, st. george, utah, mexico, wow! went to heathers house a lot, before i bought the red mazda pick up truck. i feel your pain Whit., but i think it's cool that the oldest grand kid gets a chance to drive it. i mean, what an awsome privilage for jase. i hope every grandkid has a chance to drive it at some point in their driving career. heather, you're getting a little witty, and maybe slightly over the edge of smutty, so, let's watch what we say on this blog. j/k. i loved your comments, everyones, but especially my wife's.

Reply-Reply-Reply-"The Red Bug"

so i dont know if i should apologize or just say that i appreciate everyone's inout on this subject, but since reading what everyone has to say, i am okay with jase driving the bug. i guess it was just the initial shock of a 16 year driving such an heirloom! but i have since found out that mom is just loaning the car, she didnt give or sell it to him. all i have to say is, "JASE, this car means a lot to all of us as you can tell, so treat it with respect." okay im done.

NOW as far as the VW bus and being fair, i used to have to sit on the cooler, remember the old red metal one, while mom slept in the back, sean sat in the front, and jillian was in the playpen. and i too looked down and watched the freeway go by through the hole, but it was entertaining only going 55 mph to utah and listening to Neil Diamonds Coming to America!!!!! i think we all got the short end of the stick except for mom and sean!

and i also remember me and josh riding in the back of the bug.....how the heck did we fit back there? and dads datsun? are you seriously telling me that all 6 kids, sorry jill, fit in that 2 seater sports car at once? yes. us three girls laid in the back, fogging the window while we ran our fingers across the supposed de-fogger lines making it sound like an instrument!

PS i stole the bug when i was 15 from the backyard, ditched school and drove it all over town! I hadnt even official learned how to drive stick yet!

Reply-"The Red Bug"

Ok, so I've got the bug (no pun intended!!) to blog. I think it is a great way to journal because you really get to hear someone's opinion on a particular subject. Can you imagine the fun Grampa Dunn would have blogging, let alone sending e-mails.
Well, anyway onto the reply about the bug. I want to tell you a bit about the real first bug - it was the first car I officially owned, a dark green (what other color!!) 1965 brand new VW bug that I bought in K.C., Mo for $3,000.00 when I entered clinic while in Dental Hygiene school (at least that's what I told Grama and Grampa Dunn as to why I really needed a car!). I lived at the main campus of school and the dental clinic was 40 blocks away downtown, so I really did need a car to get to clinic. The fact that dad's school was 100 miles away was another good reason to have a car but I don't think I shared that reason with G & G Dunn.
Dad did not have a car while in school so the bug became our first family car when we were married and became a family. When I graduated in January, 1966 I moved to Manhattan, Ks where dad was in his last semester of Kansas State University and where Sean was born in April of that year. So Sean came home from the hospital in the green bug. (We used to fill the tank for $3.00 - .39 cents a gallon for gas, but then a Big Mac was .20 cents, etc., etc.)
In June of '66 we drove to California with a baby car bed in the back seat (real safe) for our first family vacation - in the green bug. We only had the bug while we lived in Ks for our first year and a half, then we moved to California in December, 1967. Since dad was in school and I was working, G & G Dunn loaned us an old sedan for me to go to work in. After Jared was born, we traded in the bug to buy a new larger car (the purple Challenger). It's too bad we were not able to keep the green bug, I would have loved to have had it today.
So, why is all this important? It is just a little bit of history as to why Dad & I bought the tan (then red) bug from G & G Dunn.
In regards to fairness, no there is not any, anywhere or anytime. It is true that "it will all come out in the wash."
So, since there is no fairness and mom & dad own the red bug, we will make the rules regarding the red bug. Our intent at this point in our lives is to "loan" the bug to different family members from time to time. Right now, the bug is "visiting" Jase. When we decide to bring it home, we will bring it home and then the bug will go and "visit" someone else. In the meantime, like Sean said, the next generation of family (And that would be the fourth generation) will be able to create their own memories of "Life with the Red Bug."
Love you all,
Mom

Reply-"The Red Bug, My Bug Memories"

Most of my memories of the bug started while Jared was driving and it was still tan. He was my ride to school, ride to Stake dances and seminary, I remember going to Brian Head one year, and I remember my first time playing mailbox baseball. Jared and his friends took me along one night and it was my first time "up". I grabbed the bat, leaned out the passenger side window, swung back and hit the back side window, swung at the mailbox and missed but hit the front of the bug instead. After a little practice, I became better than I want to admit, but that first time was pretty funny. I remember painting it red for the first time, getting new wheels and rims, and buying as much chrome as I could. Sean, maybe Jase can get those chrome pieces that go along the front and rear fenders on both sides - I had those while driving it. I had a lot of fun with it in High School and more fun at BYU because it handles so well in the snow with the engine in the back. Every time it started snowing, we would go find a big parking lot and slide all over the place wearing out the e-brake. And I can't forget all the times the clutch cable would decide to snap, "again", and leave you on the side of the road. It is like a $5.00 part and takes a mechanic 15 minutes to fix, but happened way too much. I even got to drive it when Dori & I were newlyweds and living in our apartment in Fullerton. I think it was after my truck was stolen and I needed a car for school. That bug has so many memories. Did you know that 2 small kids can sit in the way back - behind the back seat? I know from experience. 2 small kids can sit in the back of a Datsun Z as well - behind the bench that is not really a seat. Your face is about 2 inches from the hatchback window so you get to make pictures with your breath while you are back there. How in the world did we survive in those cars. And speaking of fair (let me bring up the red VW van for a second) why did the girls get to ride in the porta-crib with all of their toys, which required the middle seat to be taken out, while Mom slept across the entire back seat, Sean sat in the front seat with Dad, and Jared and I sat on the hot black rubber floor and watched the pavement through small holes for 13 hours while driving to Sandy Utah? Those small holes were our only entertainment. No wonder Dad never wanted to switch driving with Mom - he didn't want to be a part of the back "area". Now those are some great memories.



All right - I have to get some work done - see you all later.

Reply-"The Red Bug"

So I will try to be consistent with contributing. Now that the Holidays are over I hope to have a little more time. Sometimes I can't believe that is the car I actually learned to drive in. I remember mom and dad being adamant about learning on a stick shift, little did I know it was the hardest and craziest car to learn in. I remember the seat would not adjust so I basically had to stand up every time I changed gears, and I remember going into reverse was always a little tricky. Going back even further, I remember driving with whoever, and thinking the gear stick was this magical stick that had a funny drawing on it, then as we got older, we would try to mimick the patterns. I hope that car never dies, by the way, when it was in our driveway for a couple weeks this last October, someone put a sign on the window asking if we were willing to sell it. I think we have a real treasure, for more reasons than just the value of an old, cool, car.

Reply- "The Red Bug and Life's Fairness"

This is perfect! Thank you Heather and Ashley for joining the conversation. Now get Jared involved, and someone talk Christian and Dori into getting involved. Whitney, please send an invitation to Robin so that she can post as well, and get Jon and Danielle on here officially. I noticed Danielle posted under Whitney's name. Please send to robinwarner@netzero.net.

To the bug again, what I love is that the care came from Grandpa and Grandma. They used to drive it as one of their cars. I remember Grandpa always messing with my leg when he pretended to shift gears, and grabbing it to tickle me. This car holds many great memories from the entire family, which is cool. One of the great things in life that has meaning! I'm glad for things like this that provoke thoughts and momories of life when we were younger, only concerned about ourselves, or the special one that we were falling in love with. Robin and the 3 younger kids and I went to the store tonight to get some milk and we took the bug. As we were driving, it was very funny to be driving this car, as apposed to a "real" car. It's so simple, like life used to be. I miss that, and yet I would never trade what life is right now. Even going through some struggles as we all are, I am learning to appreciate life as it is. Instead of compaining about whats good and whats not, I am trying to learn and grow, and appreciate what I have, and who I have.

Back to the bug...Just to let you know, Jase and the rest of my kids are creating new memories. A new generation! In the two weeks we have had it here, he has washed it twice, and re-painted the white part of the rims as well as polish the chrome hubcaps. He says he will be waxing it this week. He loves driving it and having people look at it and comment. He wants to find and buy a roof rack to replicate the one that Grandpa had on it that was stolen out of my driveway in Brea. He also wants to put an inexpensive radio in it, and yes Heather, make a speaker box for the back like Jared had in it. I don't think he will be playing Ragae though.

What a great thing to keep going!

Reply-Reply-Reply-"The Red/TAN bug....&whats fair"

Do I dare tell you any of my memories of the bug???? Uh, probably NOT, actually, i can keep it appropriate... When I met jared, then only 19, he's was the proud driver of what was then a tan bug. Of course then it was customized with a homemade built stereo box, with BOOM boxes that filled the back "cubby" and always had reggae blaring! He introduced me to the joys of a stick shift (car that is)! I remember dates to the beach, arrowhead trips, double dates, pick me ups from La Habra High, and how well it "PARKED"...I know "thats enough", but anyway, I probably have more memories of the bug than any of the official Warner girls and totally don't think its fair.......
Which leads me to my next thought...one of my repetitive mottos my kids often hear is "your right, life isn't fair" Like sean mentioned, and so many of us can attest, i often hear about what is and is not fair in life. Maybe my perspective is slighted considering i am an only child and just got and still get whatever i want, therefore never having to consider fairness in life, but so far, raising 4 children and being around the Warners for as long as I can remember, I can confidently say "Life isn't fair"....nobody ever has the same opportunities, experiences, perspectives or needs that would warrant a life that is FAIR to anyone elses. I am not trying to sound negative, in fact if anything I look at it as insurance that in the continued complaints of whats fair or not i wont have so much to worry about!!!
Love Aunt Heather (the UN-real sister)

oops

OMG. Red Bug not red blog. What a dork.

Reply-"The Red Blog"

As mom would say regarding fairness..."it will all work out in the wash"!!

My memory of the red bug was driving it while I was attending...hmm...which college? Oh, ya, I was going to Fullerton Junior College and I think my current used piece of junk cars was in the shop getting fixed and mom let me drive the bug to school. It was pretty fun while it lasted, but I have to admit, I was ready to get back to a newer car.

Reply-"The Red Bug"

OK, as for memories of this car. I drove it to Utah about 4 times to see my future wife Robin. Doug Larson and Jared and I drove up one time in blistering heat playing Depache Mode all the way repeating "People are People". We had our shirts off and the wind wings open all the way to try and have as much air blowing on us as possible. Another time I drove it to Utah with some girl from school, we almost hit a deer on the way home. It was past midnight, totally dark, and we were both super tired. We switched driving every 2 hours because niether of us could stay awake. Anyway, we almost hit a deer. We arrived to morning rush hour traffic, and went straight to school and barely made it to class on time Monday morning. Of course we stayed as long as we could to be with our significant others.

To the issue of the car being in AZ. Sorry Whitney that you were told no. Maybe it was the newness when you asked. Jase does drive it to school and back, but he is not allowed on the freeway, and not allowed to drive it everywhere. In fact, I drive it to the store and other short distances.

This brings me to the question of whats fair! Could this be a new topic? We are always challenged with "What's fair" with our kids! It seems to be impossible to be fair with everything. I want it to be fair, but it never is. How do you balance it? How do you do one thing for one kid, and not for another, and expect the other to not complain? Or...does it eventually become fair in the long run? Being the oldest I got things first! Is that fair, probably not, but I didn't get the last things either, such as a cruise vacation, etc. Should life be fair, or should we just live with what is? Or do we make it what is?

Have a great Sunday
Sean

Reply-"The Red Bug"

The only sentimental value I have of this bug is Christian driving me around in it. I don't remember any of the other kids driving it. But he would pick me up from school sometimes in it, and one particular time he was listening to the song"Lets Talk about Sex Baby" and I was so appalled that he would ever listen to something so naughty!

As far as Jase having the car I think mom was just really excited to lend it to someone who was really excited about driving it, and in his case, he was. But now that he has the bug, that means that me and todd might get to drive the BMW which means that I will have a car!!!! WOO HOO!!!

New Topic-The Red Bug

so im a little sad at mom right now. sorry mom. but i just found out that jase, seans oldest (16), is driving the 69 red bug that has been in our family for as long as i can remember.

im upset because i dont think that a 16 year old should have the privilege of this car that has had its engine replaced as well as a brand new paint job. i realize that its an old car, but all 7 of us had to drive beaters before we had the opportunity to drive a nice car. this to me is a nice classic car.

im also offended because i asked mom to drive this car about a year ago and she told me no. im 30 years old and she told me NO! granted she let me drive while i was trying to get my honda fixed, she denied me and now lets my nephew have it. mom also said to me that she wanted to keep it for herself, an extra fun car for her to drive every once in awhile. so what changed? how is this fair?

i dont even think that jase has any memories like the rest of do. i think if mom and dad decided to sell it, then they should have asked all of us kids first because it has sentimental value to us.

sean im not mad at you for this, just a little hurt by mom.

im done now.

Reply-"Rules of Blogging"

so i agree with sean, i dont think we should hurt anyones feelings.....if I have then please let me know.

i think that a little drama in everyones description is for the interest factor. i want people reading this to be interested. if I were to put that we are all happy jolly then people wouldnt be interested in reading a blog like that. if anyone wants me to change theirs then i will.

Danielle, i think mom and dad treated like a queen because you were the first girl. you were the first to get things, to do new things, etc.

i also hope that everyone participates, seeing that when mom emails everyone about things EVERYONE has time to respond, therefore I think all of us can take a short time to be part of this.

peace

New Topic - Rules of the blogging

OK,

I don't want this to ever be a place to bag on each other, or family! I want it to always be positive in that no one should ever get hurt or ofended.

What I think the first rule should be is this. This should be a place where we share our own experiences and opinions, such as Whitney, you shared your thoughts on splitting time, then I shared my thoughts on splitting time. We both did this without bagging on anyone within our families. It does not mean we don't give our real opinion, just not at the expense of each other. This might take some effort sometimes, but I think it will be worth it.

Now, as far as the descriptions of people, I think we could change them a little, and make them more generic, and maybe, e-mail them to each person to get their OK.

Second rule, everyone needs to participate! Please participate, don't have to do it everytime, but sometimes. I miss having conversations with you, this is a great way to do that. I think we should also include our spouses and let them participate also.

Thats it for my rules!

Reply-"Changes of Blog"

After being sick for two weeks, I'm ready to get back into things. Unfortunately, our trip to Utah ended up being a week of laying on the couch. I haven't been that sick in years. Jon followed me into it two days after I started, then Jensen, but no one else. We got lucky. You never realize how busy life is until you are forced to sit back and watch. It isn't fun.

Whitney, I don't want to make you feel bad, but I don't remember being treated like a queen. I think I must have seen things much differently growing up than my siblings did. I remember doing everyone's laundry, dishes, cooking dinner, driving a piece of crap car, and working my butt off to get good grades and do well in my activities. At the same time, I feel like we were all very blessed growing up to have everything we needed and then some. I guess I shouldn't take it personally, if I was treated like a queen it was Mom and Dad doing the treating.

Also, I want everyone to know that Jon is very supportive of my compulsive decorating. I can't help that I get so crazy with buying new dishtowels and frames from Target; and I guess I would have to blame the 5 kids for growing up and forcing me to get rid of toys and cribs, and replacing them with desks and beds. If I sound defensive I'm sorry, I can't help it.

On the lighter side, Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great time ringing it in.

DANIELLE

Reply-"Splitting Time"

Splitting time, we have been balancing that for 20 years! While most of the time it has worked, there have been some times where it was hard, and "not fair" to someone. What I have realized, is no matter how much we love everyone in our family, we have to do what's best for our immediate family. One thing that we have found though, is that being with extended family makes life better! So, how do you split time? Well, Thanksgiving is everyother year, Christmas is mid-morning with the Hills, afternoon with the Warners, when we come to town. We get three breaks during the year, and try to visit CA. When we are there, we try and visit everyone. We just do our best. Whitney, you and Gordon will figure it our. You will miss us when you are with them, but you will learn to love being with them!
Sean

new topic-changes on the blog

so i updated our blog and gave a little brief description of all seven of us. i hope it doesnt offend anyone. please let me know what you think.

first topic-splitting my time

so for our very first post i just wanted to say that i missed everyone so much over christmas. and i wanted to say thanks for sending your love as you were all sitting down together during the party!! i had a good time with gordon for our first christmas and wouldnt have changed that for anything. i have forgotten what its like to have to split your time between 2 families! how long has it been since my divorce? 6 years? well i guess i got used to the single life. love you all!