Christmas Letter

Christmas 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from the Birdhouse! It’s that time of year again where we look forward to hearing from you and getting an update on your families. We are so thankful for each of you and for the part that you play in our lives.

I always write these letters with a little hesitation because sometimes they can turn into “brag fests” and be a little nauseating. I have figured out that what we usually do is point out the positive things we have done and that have happened to us and not the negative, which is good. Who needs to know about Uncle Jack’s hemorrhoids, or Ned’s boils on his backside when you can hear all about how much money we’ve made and how famous we’ve become, all in the past year?

Beginning with Gordon, he is still serving as Bishop of our ward and it keeps him hopping. Boise Cascade is still in business, which is good considering the economy right now. He still goes on his annual elk hunting trip in the fall with his brother and any of their sons that are available to go. Since losing Chief, Buzz has become horse #1 and they are bonding quite well.

Julie is still in business with real estate, considering the economy. The goal at this point is to still be kicking when the housing market kicks in again and things start moving. Right now it is pretty slow, but that’s why you save for a rainy day. And boy, rainy days are here! It is still a rewarding career and she gets to meet so many interesting people. She’s working on her Broker’s license during this down time.

Rich and Jo live in Kuna, a bedroom community to Boise with their sons, Cameron (3 ½) and Eli (1 ½). Rich is with KPMG accounting firm and Jo works as a Dental Hygienist one day a week. “Baca” Bird gets to watch the boys and it is a fantastic way to spend the day. They are so much fun!

Ben and Laura are still in Provo. Laura graduated in August with a degree in Public Relations and has entered the work force, working in Salt Lake for a restoration firm in Marketing/Public Relations. Ben graduates with his Masters of Accountancy this April and at the end of the summer they are moving back to Boise to work for Deloitte & Touche accounting firm.

James and Suzanne are living in Boise and both attending BSU. Suzanne graduates this April in Elementary Education and James still has a couple of years to go (in accounting…surprise!). Do you see a theme going here? They are the cutest couple and are coming up on one year married on December 28th.

Scott continues to serve in the California Sacramento mission, Laotian and Mien speaking. We are down to 6 more months until he comes home and are anxiously waiting for the time we can all be together again. He loves the people there and we can tell he has grown so much.

Jessica is still our dancing queen. Her season is getting busy with competitions & performances and we love to watch her. She studies hard and plays equally as hard. She drives her little Honda that we have affectionately named “the green weenie”. Being the only child left at home, she keeps her mom and dad young and makes life interesting.

Are we guilty of bragging in the above paragraphs? Yes, we are, but our children have made us so proud and we love them so much. Do we have our challenges and difficulties? Yes, we do but we’ll spare you the gory details. Life is about accentuating the positive, right? We have so much to be thankful for and one of the keys to happiness is recognizing all that the Lord has blessed us with.

One of those blessings is having you as a part of our lives. Thank you for all you do and have done to help us raise our kids, influence us and just be there for us. I love this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley and I think it sums up our feelings,

“(The fact is) most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”.

Thanks for riding along with us.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Gordon, Julie & Jessica Bird

Botox and Brown Eyes

My day was made today for two reasons. I went to the Dr. for my annual (fun stuff!) visit. No, that was not one of my day making events, but two things that happened there were.

1) When my Dr. walked in, she asked if I had gotten Botox. Maybe you wouldn't find that to be a good thing, but I did! She is trained in administering Botox and she has told me about it numerous times, but I have declined. So to have her tell me it looks like I have had it done to make my skin look younger is FABULOUS! (A Grinch line). I told her no, it's genetical(not a word, but a good story I'll share sometime). I have been using Mexi-retin-A, though. This came at a great time, because for the better part of the year I have thought I am 47 going on 48. Only last month, Gordon pointed out that I am actually 48 going on 49. So I feel like I am getting two years older this year.

2) The Nurse Practitioner in training knows my daughter in law, Jo and recognized me as Richard's mother when I walked in. She then proceeded to tell me that my grandsons look just like me! "Yes", I said, "they have my brown eyes. I am the only one on both sides with brown eyes and they got them"...She was probably sorry that she mentioned it because it started a grandmotherly tirade that lasted several minutes.

So, whether my skin looks good or it was just a nice thing to say, and whether or not my baby boys look like me, my day was made. Reality may bite, but perception is tastes really good.

It's really quite easy to make me happy.

Priced to Steal!

Okay, I'm putting on my real estate agent hat here and telling you about an amazing house that I have listed. I know that many of you who read this blog are out of towners, so here is your chance to have the home of your dreams for a steal, or if you know someone moving to Boise, tell them about this amazing steal.

Amazing price reduction on this luxury home on over 2 acres! Motivated Seller has reduced it $300,000 from original list price. You won't find luxury + land for this anywhere in the Boise area! 5960 s.f. features 6 beds 4.5 baths and backs up to Fox Run Golf Course. Ever-hot water heater,two DW's, three W/D hookups, including W/D's. RV Parking, playset & arbor & free internet also included. You must see to believe. Also, zoned for up to six horses.

View video pics here:
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=458990

Price? $799,000 That's $130 per square foot for luxury plus land. Outstanding!

If you don't have 3/4 million to spare, then check these out:
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=461160
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=459073
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=459010

"Iiiiii Feeeel Goooood!"

The line "The Grinch" is saying in this picture - yes, I have another list of favorite lines to post, but "one thing at a time!"

My schitzoid computer keyboard is acting all garbeldy guck again - at least it was for four days until it magically stopped just an hour ago. More to come....

My favorite Christmas movie

Most people have favorite Christmas movies like, "The Miracle on 34th Street" or "It's a Wonderful Life".

I have a favorite Christmas movie:

"The Grinch". (Check out the song on my playlist at the end of the blog)

I listen to/watch it almost every day from Thanksgiving on, like Christmas music. It brings me true joy every season. He is just so twisted and it reminds me a little of myself. I love the message.

So many lines from this movie apply to real life and I try to find the opportunity to use them any time I can, much to the chagrin of my family.

Some of my favorites: (said only with the drawl that Jim Carey uses as "The Grinch", and most of them require an exclaimation point)

"Airbag's a little slow....But that's what these tests are for!"

"One step at a time, Max!"

"Oh, grow up! (said to little Cindy Lou Who)

Cindy Lou: "Martha will be there."
Grinch: "Well, I'm sorry to dissapoint you Martha baby, but the G-train has left the station!"

"What do you think I am, some kind of wild animal?"

When checking the size of his heart: "Down a size! And this time I'll keep it off."

"Am I just eating because I'm bored?"

Checking his messages, "Odd, no messages - better check the outgoing...'If you utter so much as one word, I'll hunt you down and gut you like a fish! If you'd like to fax me, press the star key.'"

"I feel all 'toasty' inside...And I'm leaking."

My new line that I heard last year that I'd never noticed before: (Throwing a "stick": "Max, go fetch (Max runs off) Ha, there's no stick! I'm smarter."

I can't wait to hear a new line this year.

Please share your favorite lines with me. If you haven't watched "The Grinch", please do. You'll be glad you did.

The Birdhouse Lights Up - Bah Humbug No More!

The trees by the door were an after Christmas find for $10.00. At target this year, they were $49.00. I love a good bargain!

Gordon goes above and beyond in putting up the lights & decorations for us every year. Getting the lights up has really made me excited for Christmas.

And....I went to Choir practice after a really long hiatus. It's going to banish any lingering bah humbug and bring a lot of joy this Christmas.

Ben kicked some Gar-bel-dy-guck butt!

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that Ben is my techstser-son. No kidding, he is! While he was home for the weekend, he got on my laptop computer and the next time I used it, the garbeldy guck had disappeared. I don't know what he did, but it worked. I didn't even tell him about it. He is wonderful and I am so thankful for him and his computer expertise. He also helped Gordon put up the Christmas lights on Saturday. A wonderful son indeed.

Jessica's Dance(s)

Isn't she beautiful? In case you don't know, she is the girl to the far left. The blonde on the right is her best friend Meaghan. In the middle is Brooke Millward, another good friend.

On another note, the dance season has officially begun again with two performances at basketball games.

They look fabulous.

Preparations are being made for their first competition at Jordan High School in Salt Lake Dec. 12, 13th. It's exciting stuff! Pictures and video will follow, but I can't post any yet, so that the choreography and costuming can stay under wraps for now. Besides, I am still learning to navigate my new digital recorder. Last night I thought I got the whole performance but when I shut it off, I really started to record, so I got a nice video of the floor, my lap and my conversation with the lady next to me.

Everything but the dance.

Really. I need to hone the camera skills.

Gar-bel-dy Guck Doesn't Do It For Me

I haven't posted in a while, and here's why:

Wshedn IK trfy tol typ;ed oln my olqap;tiolp; tol p;olwst oln my bololg, IK gedt thikws ikikned olrf gqarfbedoledy gujcik.

Mqan! IK’olol nedvedrf bujy qanolthed rfEDEDOLOL colmp;ujtedrf!

Translation: When I try to type on my laptop to post on my blog, I get this kind of gar-bel-dy guck. Man! I'll never buy another Dell computer!

My laptop has been doing this on and off for about a year now and my son Ben, the techster, tells me it is a flaw with my particular model. Usually, it comes out of it and I am on my merry way again, but so far it is stubbornly sticking.

The worst part? When I copied the phrase and pasted it into this blog on the upstairs computer, I could actually read what it said.....Too bad everyone else can't. (Yes, I am complaining about having to walk all the way up the stairs to use the computer....lame, isn't it?)

I hope that by the time we are back from our trip to Idaho Falls for Thanksgiving, all will be well again. We are leaving on Wednesday and returning on Friday. Eating dinner at the Birds and the best part - EARLY MORNING SHOPPING WITH MY DAD! He is so fun to go with. He will pull up to the Birdhouse at 5:00 a.m. and have a nice cold diet pepsi waiting for me. At Fred Meyer (for the 1/2 price socks) he will get a cart and get in line while I grab the loot. But the best part is just hanging with him - he is so comfortable to be with. Ben might go with us - a double dose since Ben is the spitting image inside and out of his Grandpa Wray.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I'm crazy for these cuties!

My otherwise fairly dull week got a shot in the arm last night when my two favorite buddies, Cameron and Eli visited. There is never a dull moment with those two around. I love the unconditional love and joy that children offer. Can't you just see it on their faces?

I'm being a gushing grandma, aren't I? Okay, I'll stop and let you judge for yourself.

Conspicuous Consumption

It's that time of year again. Time to ramp it up for the holdiay shopping.

Every year, I swear I will spend less next year and not contribute to the conspicuous consumption that we Americans have become acustomed to. It is like an illness that we get and it seems so contrary to the real spirit of the season.

Like every year, I want to spend more time in service and thoughtful activities and less time shopping and spending.

So again this year, I will try to thoughtfully make a plan and

stick to it.

So far, I have made my list and found super deals.

Without revealing too much and ruining any surprises I have planned....

I went online to Bath & Body Works and purchased several products that were regularly $12.50 for $4.00 each plus free shipping. (I had a $10.00 coupon, too).

Online shopping is the way to go, man.

No lines, no road rage getting there, no temptations to buy "other stuff".

I highly recommend it.

Now, if I can just stick to my plan.

The Woman's Equivalent of Hunting

This is bargain shopping at it's best:

All of this cost a mere $12.78 at Albertson's today. Yes, that's four pies and four pints of ice cream for $1.59 each.

A friend told me to go and check it out and so I did, but not reading the fine print almost cost me this great deal. Which was that you buy one pie and the other is free. Underneath was the Bryers (my personal favorite) ice cream and it had the same special; buy one get one free.

Then, in the fine print was the real deal. No kidding - buy one pie (at $6.39), get one free and also get two Bryers ice cream free.

Of course, I usually bake all of my own pies (well ok - maybe at Thanksgiving and Christmas) but they are so handy to have in the freezer for a spontaneous dessert, or to just nosh on in the afternoon while you watch Oprah.

I think the special goes through tomorrow, so check out the Albertson's nearest you! (I could totally do their commercial....)

The moral of this story: Have a big scope on your rifle (aka: always read the fine print:)

Elder Scott Bird

Scott is able to view this blog about once a week from his mission and commented that he didn't like the picture of himself on the sidebar. In his words, "It makes me look like I'm 11 years old, or something."

So here is the new picture of him on the sidebar. He looks much older than 11, doesn't he? I think he is so handsome.

By the way - who knew my toilet seat post would stimulate so much meaningful conversation. Be sure to check out the comments. I learned soooo much.....

Public Toilet Seats

Have you ever wondered about the toilet seats in women's restrooms? I don't mean the usual wonders like "who sat on this seat last and what did they have? or "How many germs are floating around here?"

I will describe the toilet seat in a public restroom and see if you can call it to your memory; if not, take a good hard look the next time you are in one.

What is the shape of the seat? Oval, but with about a four inch break in the very front.
What is the purpose of this?

I can only think of one and it doesn't involve women.

Obviously, the seats are man designed with a "spill proof" area in the front. Considerate, right?

Like I want to sit any part of my back side on the rim of a public toilet. It collects things.

But here's my big question? If men aren't using it, how are the collections getting there?

I know it begs the comment, "I just don't use public toilets," but lets be real - when nature calls what else are you going to do? Besides, have you ever seen an epitaph that read, "Here lies....died because she sat on a public toilet".

Now that you know one of my pet peeves, I want to tag Laura, Ben, Jo, Robin, Courtney, Lynda and Tami. Not to get a negative string going here, but we all have them and I am anxious to hear what they are! I would love to hear your comments on mine.

A "Put Away" House

Tonight my next door neighbor came over to bring some mail that had mistakenly gone to her mailbox. I invited her in and asked her if she had seen the house since we had remodeled it and she reminded me that she had come to a candle party I had earlier in the year. She made the comment, "your house is so 'put away'."

As the evening has gone on, I have pondered what that comment meant. Does it mean that everything looks put away in my house? I took it as a compliment and am grateful that she couldn't see inside my pantry, drawers, closets and storage room. I may be "put away" on the outside, but inside those doors there exists a life of it's own. The one exception is my home office; it is a mess. An organized mess, if you know what I mean. Maybe it's because every time I organize things, they just get unorganized. I am not one to keep too much clutter around but if you asked my husband, he would tell you I'm a pack rat. Not! If I put a rug away because I want a temporary change, he wants to know when we are getting rid of it. He is much, much more organized than I. In fact, every night he "stages" his clothing and things for the next day; lays them out nice and neat in perfect order. He even has a bedroom that he has taken over for staging purposes. It drives me batty, though because everything is "out". The other night I got out what I was going to wear for the next day (which I usually don't do but I had an extra early morning) and he exclaimed, "are you staging?". He was so thrilled and proud of me. I prefer to keep my things crammed into any drawer, closet or cupboard that I can so I don't get stressed out by "not being put away".

I have a friend who, when you open a towel cupboard for instance, the towels are perfectly lined up and color coordinated. It looks like Bed, Bath & Beyond. I cannot make that happen; well, maybe for 12 hours or so.

So I will have to settle for just being "put away".

Reading this post, maybe I need to be "put away". What do you think? I love comments!

A Tradition Is Born

Isn't is amazing how family traditions are born?

About twenty years ago, just before Richard's 7th birthday, I went to a store called "Pic-n-Save" (now "Big Lots") to get some birthday things to decorate the house with. I was so pleased with myself because I found a Happy Birthday sign for .29 cents. I raved about my great deal to Gordon and was so excited for the kids to go to bed so I could decorate the house. The time finally came and I began. I got everything done and the last thing to go up was the "Happy Birthday" sign. I opened the package, unrolled the sign and couldn't believe my eyes.

"Happy Birthday Chuck"??? No wonder it was .29 cents! Since it was late, we decided to leave it up. As we looked at the sign hanging there, we began to laugh and laugh and it became hysterically funny at that late hour.

We left it up. Birthday after birthday, year after year.

"Happy Birthday Chuck" became a coveted title for each birthday in the family. We loved the reaction we got when people would come to the door and ask, "who is Chuck?" Visitors wondered when we sang, "Happy Birthday Dear Chu-uck".

We had that sign for about nine years. One year, Richard decorated the dining room for one of his "friends that was a girl's" birthday breakfast. When it was over, he and his friends rolled all the decorations up and put them in the garbage, including the Chuck sign. I didn't discover it until Monday at about noon.

Just after the garbage truck had come.

Goodbye Chuck sign.

I can't tell you how much we mourned the loss of our beloved family heirloom. Birthdays would never be the same. We couldn't bring ourselves to get another sign.

We had almost resigned ourselves to the loss when, for "birthday week" in January, Gordon's brother Larry and his wife Janie got us this replacement "Chuck" sign along with a mini "Chuck" mug that everyone gets to use on their birthday. Although we missed the original sign (it was puny and ripped at the edges, but we were attached to it), we were relieved to have a replacement. We have had it for eleven years now, longer than we had the original.

I love the name "Chuck".

Does 26 years seem like a long time?

(Double click to see a larger view of these pictures)

Benjo man
Benjo my Friend-jo
Benny Bumpkin
Benjamin Bunny
Ben-hamine
Walter
And finally.....
Mr. Benjamin Bird.

11/05/82 12:01 a.m.

26 years seems like a blink of my eye.

Happy Birthday, Ben! I Love You.

Jessica Jams It Up

Jessica made jam for her Young Woman In Excellence project! She made two batches all by herself and it turned out great. Gordon came in just as we were putting it into the jars and exclaimed, "You're canning!". I never knew he was so hopeful for us to be domestic. Jessica will display her goods tomorrow night for mutual. Grandpa Wray grew the raspberries!

She did have a great time!

Jess reports that she had a great time at the dance. Actually, the dance was only part of what they did for the day. The group started off with breakfast (which turned out to be just hot choclolate)and on the way home, one of the boys riding in Jessica's car got sick and they had to stop so he could throw up. This was Meaghan's date. He also got sick on Homecoming day and she couldn't go to the dance or any of the activities that day. By mid afternoon, it was clear he wouldn't be able to go, so she got another date - quick. Anyway, at 1:00, they all went to the swim meet of some of the girls in the group and then had the afternoon free. At 6:45they met for pictures and then went to get something to eat after which they finally arrived at the dance. (Does anyone remember the day when we went to dinner, pictures and the dance?) After the dance they had a bonfire, which was really fun.

What I can't figure out, is all those years her brothers threatened to interview her dates and be here when she goes out and they have yet to show up with a shotgun.

Still waiting for that one......

What is Sadie Hawkins?

Does anyone know what "Sadie Hawkins" really is? All I know is that for at least 30 years now, there is a dance by that name at every school every fall.

Tonight, Jessica went to Sadie Hawkins with a boy named Blaine. Meaghan (Jessica's best friend) went with a boy named Zack, not her original date; he got sick this morning and she found someone else in a hurry. Only Meaghan could pull that off. Here are some pictures of their group. Looks like fun, doesn't it?