Hey Steven!

Those pictures of Andrea are awesome! I forgot how sexy Dolph Lundgran (sp?) was. I wonder what he is up to now. Kyle - those programs sound like a great opportunity. I will keep you in my prayers. The weather is so nice in Vegas right now. I love it!

Love,
Natalie

tragic photos sent to Grant on his mission

Summer Dental Program

So here's the latest and greatest in college life. I applied to a program for freshmen and sophmores interested in dental or medical school. It's six weeks long nad if fully paid for (tuition, food, room and board) and you even get three stipends for participating. On top of all this you can get up to 250 bucks for traveling if you have to come from a ways away.  I applied to this national program and my application will be sent to the University of Nebraska, University of Texas, and University of Washington. Everyone cross your fingers for me and say a little prayer because this would really really help down the road when I apply to actual dental schools. I'll take classes in math and science as well as get a workshop on financially planning for dental school.  Anyway that is the newest and greatest from Provo.

From Natalie

I totally agree about the shows. As far as the guys on American Idol I really like the Australian guy because I think he is sexy and I like his voice. The girls I'm not sure because I haven't finished watching but I think the Irish girl might be pretty good. And Lost is so good - especially last night. (Don't continue to read if you haven't watched it). Kate is raising Aaron - what is up with that? So he is the fifth survivor. That was unexpected. I wonder what happened there. And why aren't Kate and Jack together? I guess we will find out. Another really good show is Psych. It just finished the season but will be back on in the summer. It is worth it to rent the DVD's or watch the repeats. Shawn on that show is so funny.
Grant, I can't believe you had knee surgery and didn't tell your family. How rude. I am glad that you are doing well. The father and sons vacation sounds like it will be fun. Next year it's mother and daughters so plan your pregnancies accordingly. I guess that only affects Andrea or maybe hopefully me. That sounds really bad but you know what I mean. Nothing to report as far as dating/guys. When I see a cute guy in the temple I look to see if he has on a wedding ring and he almost always does.
I am just keeping busy at work. We are in "tax season." So I now work 45 hours a week. And my calling is keeping me busy. We had New Beginnings a week ago. And I have to teach this week. Our Young Women's doesn't even have one teacher right now.
I'm looking forward to the weekend. Adam and I are going to go hiking. Only this time we won't do the most difficult hike so we can actually finish it.

I love you all!
Natalie

Shows I'm excited about

Okay I don't know who's watching what, but first i'll discuss American Idol. Love it! So much better than the previous years. The people are better looking and have more potential to be a realistic "pop star". I haven't watched the girls yet, but my pick for the boys is-Michael Johns-the Australian dude. I like the little Mormon kid too-he's kind of awkward, but he has a GREAT voice. I kind of like the rocker with the hair plastered to his head too. Oh and I think I might like the white guy with dreads too-we'll see next week. I am intersted in others' opinions. Next LOST. LOVING IT!!!!! Love the flash forwards, love everything about it. Loved the episode a couple weeks ago with all the people being super distraught about finding the plane in the ocean. What was up with that? How does it get into the ocean-we know it's not in the ocean it's on the island!?! Good stuff. My current favorite characters are Locke (cause he's super focused and doesn't care-he'll just stab you) and Saed (sp?) I like that he's back to his killing ways. charlie where are you?? Are you really gone?....................

From Adam in Las Vegas

There isn't too much here to report - just doing the whole school thing. Thanks to everyone who called me on my 26th - yes 26th (so everyone else do the math to realize how old you are) - birthday. Sorry to those that didn't get lucky enough to talk to me, but I appreciated the messages.

Dad, Greg, Grant, and I are going on a father and sons trip to our nation's capital in August so it looks like it will be a busy month for the family. I think we have planned it for around the 2nd week of August. We plan on getting a room with two twin beds and then just spooning or whatever (you know - to cut down on costs). So I am super stoked for that trip. Also, Michelle and I are going to Conn. and then to NYC for Jake's (that's Michelle's brother) graduation in May so we are excited about that trip.

Well that's it from here. It is good to hear from everyone. I give my love to you all.

- Adam

I guess I should read the posts in order because I read Michelle's post first and I was like-"What the H is she talking about? Parasites?" I get it now. That reminds me of an extremely disturbing dream I had recently-STOP READING IF YOU GAG EASILY- I was standing in my hallway pulling out a never ending tape worm out of my mouth-I mean could there be a worse dream? It was more disturbing than the ones where Gabrielle falls in weird bodies of water. Anyway-I am very happy to see Grant contributing. Not too much new here-We're just now feeling better. We've been sick for about the last 3 weeks-and a month before that we were sick for a while too. I've always prided myself on my strong immune system-I'm a little upset. A big change I've made is having set times for meals (For gabrielle). I know that's how it's normally suppose to be, but things can get out of hand quickly and before you know it you 20 month old is pointing and demanding snacks-and i'm complying. That was my rock bottom so I made an open/closed sign for the pantry door and typed up a rough schedule for eating. It's been totally fine. Some minor meltdowns when she wants a snack and it's not time, but I can usually distract her with a game or something to put her off and she's good. Once I've got this down as a habit-that's when I'll work on incorporating some different foods. That's it for now!

After my last colitis episode maybe I should get me some parasites too! I have started CERT training. It stands for Community Emergency Response Training. Basically, citizens are trained, by the fire department, on what to do in the event of any kind of natural disaster or anything else that may happen where emergency personnel are spread too thin. It is every Tuesday for 6 weeks. They were stressing the fact that in any natural disaster it takes at least 3 days (can you say 72 hour kits) for emergency personnel, FEMA, etc. to get to the area. So we are basically on our own in our own neighborhood. It's quite an impressive program and besides I get a hard hat and a vest and next week I get to learn how to put out small fires! Our stake is really stressing this program.

Ryan is moving up here in two weeks. Maggie has been in Arizona for the last month. We miss them so it will be good to have them back up here. They are planning a summer wedding (probably August) so keep that in mind.

Love, Michelle

Update on the other SacTown family

Hey all,

Since I've enjoyed reading all the posts on this happenin' site, I thought it high time I contribute as well. Life here in EDH (that's how we locals abbreviate El Dorado Hills) is good. First, I had knee surgery yesterday (Feb. 19th), and it was the first time I had ever been "put under" in my life, so I was a bit nervous--didn't want to be seeing the Big Guy prematurely. :) At any rate, the surgery went fine and I'm at home just rehabbing. I want to thank everyone for the flowers and well wishes (oh, that's right, I didn't get any.) I'm just teasing--I guess in order to receive those wonderful things I'd have to actually communicate to the family.

Ethan has had some good weeks and some bad ones. We work with a doctor in Florida who is probably one of the top 5 autism docs in the country. He has a son with autism, so he can relate well. Over the past month or so, we had to draw Ethan's blood three times (yep, my fun meter's broken) and send in stool/urine samples to run a combined 20 tests or so to figure out what Ethan has. So, after getting most of the results back, it basically boils down to Ethan having Inflamed Bowel Disease, which is pretty severe. So, we are constantly trying to tweak his medication to deal with yeast and bacteria in his gut. When things are good, he poops normally and doesn't have self-injurious behaviors (known as 'SIBs' in the autism community). When his system is out of whack, he's either constipated or has diarrhea and he beats on himself. This week he's actually doing well. So, we talked to his doctor today who is recommending we try a procedure called TSO. In a nutshell, it's having Ethan ingest parasites into his gut so that the microorganisms can clean him out. We'll be getting the stuff from Thailand (and they say nothing good comes from Thailand), so that should be fun. Go to www.ovamed.org should you want to know more. I'll include a piece of the doc's email to us at the end of this post. Lisa's mom has Crohn's disease, so some of Ethan's stuff is probably hereditary as well. All in all, we sure appreciate the prayers on our behalf.

Love, Grant

Here's the snipet from our doctor:

Trichuris suis ova therapy: (TSO) Over the last decade several research teams have uncovered a possible explanation for the dramatic rise in autoimmune disease and allergy that has occurred in industrialized countries. Many diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes and asthma became much more prevalent during the last half of the twentieth century (1). The increase in prevalence for these diseases occurred in conjunction with increases in standard of living and hygienic conditions. These types of immune-mediated diseases remain rare in less developed tropical countries. It is clear that a change in our environment has promoted development of immune-mediated disease. Many changes in our environment have occurred. One of the most significant, from an immunologic standpoint, is the eradication of exposure to helminthic parasites (2). These complex organisms have far-reaching effects on the immune system that could prevent development or inhibit expression of autoimmune disease (3).

So, even though we've got MonaVie cranking, I think I'm going to start peddling "helminthic parasites." Join me in the revolution!!! :)

For Edge

If you saw Gabrielle and Cal wearing jackets, which one would you think had grown out of their jacket? You'd say Gabrielle wouldn't you? You'd be wrong though, It's Cal. Jack Handey rules and should never be forgotten...........

So I just had one of the best weekends EVER! My darling husband surprised me with a Rejuvinating Weekend w/ Hubby & No Kids (this was the title of the typed up itinerary he provided). The kids stayed at David & Jill's and we stayed home. I was a tad hesitant as Garrett has dual ear infections, but hey he could be sick at home or with his aunt and uncle, so I might as well let them get up with him in the middle of the night. On Friday we went to dinner in LA and then to Wicked. It was even better the second time! Don did enjoy it, although he is not familiar with the Wizard of Oz and so i think something is lost without that background, but he liked it (endured it?) neverthless. yah, um i have a question... who isn't familiar with the story of Dorothy, Toto, munchkins, glittery golden bricks, glittery red shoes and those freaky monkeys? Anyway, the rest of the weekend was filled with sleeping in 'til 8:45am (which is late!) a massage and pedi/mani, shopping and a glorious dinner at Roy's. Seriously, their butterfish is heaven! I'd have to say the best part was that my house stayed clean for 48 hours and I felt so FREEEE not having to load and unload kids into carseats. I do love those kids, but whew it's nice to have a little break. And yes, my son did not give a crap about me when we picked them up. Only his dad... Seriously... what is that about? This "daddy's boy" business is getting a bit ridiculous. Anyway, hopefully his ears are on the mend as we are tackling his lack of speech next. He will be assigned a case worker to assess and then we go from there. It is his expressive speech that is delayed, which is the most common and quite often works itself out, but we don't need to wait. He does communicate with much pointing and noise, he responds to his name and follows directions and maybe does a Ma and Da, but that is it, so hopefully we'll see some improvement in the near future because I CAN'T WAIT to have another child whine at me! So, my kids have returned, bringing with them their messes, and my wonderful weekend is but a memory. However, I now know I have something to look forward to... 17 years from now when Garrett leaves home and I'm 53 years old... time alone with my wonderful husband :) Those are going to be some good times... probably thanks to a little blue pill, but hey whatever it takes (was that inappropriate?) Love to all... Alison

ZINGO!!!!!!!!!! Bingo with a zing!!

Thanks Isabella and Olivia!! I love Zingo! We play it all the time and Cal loves it too! Love Gabrielle

From yo' mama! There sure isn't much news from Paso Robles, except that we really like our new neighbors (the ones that moved in where the six families lived). Anyway, it's a couple with an 8-yr old boy. They completely gutted the inside and made it very nice. And they only have 2 cars! I loved watching Pres. Hinckley's funeral--it was wonderful. His life was such a great example for us all. Let's see---I went to Lunch Bunch today with the ladies from Paso 2nd ward. It was fun, we have it once a month. Keep up with the blogging and pictures--I love it. My love to everyone. Mom

Adam, you're right the end of the game was exciting. I wish we'd placed a bet in Vegas. At the beginning of the game Matt said, "I think it will be Giants 17 Patriots 14!! Oh well... I agree with you about the whole politics mess. I had planned to vote but I knew that Romney was going to take Utah anyway so when I ran out of time I didn't even bother-how pathetic. Now if I'd still been in Arizona...

Michelle

Politics, Superbowl, etc.

Hello, Adam here. First things first. Michelle K, I think you missed the end of the game because it was pretty exciting. And the Tide-to-go-pen commercial was hilarious. Although, I was rooting for the Pats because I wanted to see the 19-0. Also, a player for the '72 Dolphins named Mercury Morris is super annoying with his "we are the only undefeated team" business - he is really over the top and I wanted him to shut his boca. But, ya gotta love the Mannings (I do, anyway) so it was good to see Eli win it after all the crap he has put up with from the NY media.

Now, what's up with our country and the conservatives? First of all, why do we have primaries, delegates, caucuses, conventions, blah, blah, blah??!? Answer: So that as much power as possible can be taken from the individual. We should do away with political parties and all the other aforementioned crap, have one election based on the popular vote, and one 6-year term for a president. We should also have a standardized voting system for all states in federal elections. Lydia (Michelle's mom) pointed out that she didn't even have to show ID to vote today!! Hello!! We really need these changes. It would only take a constitutional amendment - I know that sounds crazy but we've done it before. I mean, that would have meant Gore instead of Bush, but all in the name of democracy. Also, we should change the voting age to at least 21. I don't want to offend any readers of this blog under that age, but you know better than anyone how many of your peers are absolutely CLUELESS when it comes to what is really good for our society. So I am proposing that we, as conservatives, band together to teach the Republican party a lesson! We either get a true conservative to run independantly against McCain or Huckabee (whoever wins) or, if that doesn't work, we may have to - I'm serious - vote for the democratic nominee so that our country can go to the pits and then look to a true conservative to save it from the grasps of, well, hell.

Alright then, have a lovely day!!! P.S. Lawschool is good and stuff and haircutting is good and marriage is great and go Rebs!!!

We had quite the snowstorm today. They cancelled church!! When does that ever happen? Of course I had to take Spence to the airport. Thank goodness for all wheel drive. I would post pictures but of course I don't know how. When Spence gets home I'll have him do it and then you can all see what you're missing. It's a snowboarder's dream! Speaking of snowboarders...Matt got a new car. Subaru Outback Sport - now he just needs one of those hats with the "braids". He gets mad when I call it cute but it is. Now he'll be safer driving up the mountain. Matt decided that he wanted to build up credit, and since he doesn't have any, a co-signer was required. As a result, Spence bought a new car and Matt is also on the title but he worked out a deal with Spence that he will make the payments until he leaves on his mission and then Spence will make them while he's gone and that will give him something to drive. It's a good thing he works from home since he doesn't have a car! Watching the Superbowl - boring! I have yet to see a commercial that's been worth sitting through this game. Spence and I spent our anniversary (Feb. 1) up at Sundance. It was really nice. For those of you who didn't hear...they finally finished my bathroom. With Pres. Hinkley's passing this week I've been grateful to live where there has been so much media coverage of his life, stories I've never heard and interviews with people I would have otherwise never seen. When the paper told where he would be buried they also printed the locations of the other 11 prophets buried in the same cemetary. I had no idea. In the spring I think I'll take the tour. That's about all for now. Love to all.

Michelle