When the Family Gets Together

As promised, below is photographic evidence of the weekend's festivities:

Mark looks smarter post Graduation, don't you think?

Megan and Anne, aren't they pretty?

We're really proud of Corey's progress.

Maddie, or as I call her, Little Miss Sassimifrass

Brian and Alicia: The Cutest Couple Ever

Gibson: He Represents the Lollypop Guild

Me and My Daddy

Gail, showing off her Birthday Bling

Amanda, I'm sorry that I didn't get the "girls in black and white" posted, but your Aunt appeared to have no neck, and I figured she'd kill me if I published it!

Thanks to all the family who made it a great weekend, with a special shout out to Paul and Teri for hosting Saturday's get together. To all who couldn't be there... well, ya' snooze ya' looze.

ONE FINAL CLARIFICATION: Apparently Brian isn't as attractive as I think he is, because everyone seems to think that the Wisdom Teeth Photos (May 26 Post) are actually of him. These are, in actuality, shots pulled from the internet of people who probably weren't that attractive to begin with. So, either Brian isn't as cute as I've always assumed, or you people have no sense of humor: You Decide.

Parle Vous.... Chinese???

The envelope arrived.  

Elder Brian Nash Rowley will be entering the Mission Training Center on September 17.  He will be serving in Paris, France and speaking Mandarin.  Yes, Mandarin.  The words we've heard Brian repeatedly say to friends and family are over the past twenty-four hours are, "no, I'm not kidding."

Steve has been online trying to learn Mandarin via the web....  Hmm.  I'm not sure how effective it is, but it is wildly entertaining.

It's been a wonderful weekend full of friends and family.  We celebrated my nephew Matt's upcoming mission to Boston, Mass and my sister Gail's birthday together and have laughed and laughed.  We also were thrilled to share a few days with Brian's friend, Alicia.  She is a lovely girl and we had a great time with her.  She fit right in and could even put up with the impressive volume our family can generate.  I'll report more details in a couple days and post a few pics.  As for now, I'm off to the beach with my sisters for a couple of days...

Junuary Bites

This is from the front page of the newspaper today...

Yes, it's colder in Seattle than in "The IceBox of the Nation" or stinking Siberia.

That's all that I have to say.

Our Clear, Bright and Famous Girl

Clair

I found out this morning that your name means "clear, bright and famous". How perfectly named you are! You stand out wherever you are because of your vibrance, zest and the joy you find in everything you do. What a happy life Jared will have. You make every room you enter a funner, more exciting and more energy-filled place than it was before you arrived. You are one of the few people I know whose child-like wonder and joy has not been dimmed by "maturity".

Watching you grow and blossom has been a great joy in the lives of the Rowley family. You've been a sister to my son and we'll never forget the way he would follow you wherever you led. If Clair was going there it must be a really cool place!

Every sign shows that you've found the perfect companion in Jared. I love that he appreciates all those fine qualities you have. We love you and treasure that we will share this weekend with you. If your lives brings you just a fraction of the joy you've brought to others, you will truly be happy.

We Have the Technology... We Can Rebuild him

It was touch and go for a while...  but it looks like he'll pull through.  

After 45 grueling minutes in surgery to have his wisdom teeth removed and have some bone grafting done (those in the know will recall that Brian knocked out his front teeth back in 2002.  Now that he's full grown, we're prepping for tooth implants for him), mom was there to pick up her Angel Baby. Correction:  her completely stoned Angel Baby.   Brian was cracking up the entire Surgery Center with his antics...  (apparently he just gets louder when he's high).  It took him about 5 minutes to realize that the reason talking was such a challenge was that he had about 1/2 pound of gauze in his mouth.  Then, he assured all of us that he was not "under the influence" and that he'd just "manned through" the surgery.  He did a little dance for me in the Elevator that was most impressive and then skipped to the car.

Having a sense that the tide could turn at any moment, I #1, stopped at McDonalds for a Milk Shake for Brian as he hadn't been able to eat all day prior to surgery... (Okay, Yeah...  I got one for myself too... and some fries... so sue me!).  and #2, I ran into the nearest Safeway for narcotics.  After a half hour watching them try to work out our insurance  (argggghhh!), I went back to the car.   It was Not Pretty.  Brian was by now very uncomfortable, but also covered in a mixture of chocolate milk shake (you'll recall that he couldn't feel his lower lip and his aim was off) and blood.

So, three days, 20 percocet and 28 firecracker popsicles later (this is an accurate count), Brian is definitely on the mend.  As of tomorrow morning, I am retiring as his personal maid.  Being back at work will definitely be a relief!!!  I'm a bit slow, but I realized that when he could play Guitar Hero at Expert Level for over an hour, he could probably have the strength to get to the fridge...

As you can see by the photo below, he's doing better and looking as handsome as ever!

Perhaps I Live in Cranford

Since the Jane Austen series on PBS, I've returned to my roots and become sucked back into the world that is Masterpiece Theatre. Yeah, yeah, I know the name has changed and now it is hosted by the X Files chick (and can someone please tell me how that happened??) but for me, it will always be Masterpiece Theatre hosted by Alistair Cooke. I remember watching every Sunday night w/ my mom and dad on the burnt orange sofa.

And now I'm back. Sunday nights dragging Steve to the sofa to watch the latest. And the latest has been incredible!!! It's Cranford, adapted from three Elizabeth Gaskill novels. It's centered on the women of a very small English village in the 1840's. The town never changes, nor do its inhabitants... It is funny, sad and completely endearing. Two-thirds of the way through the episodes, I realized why I was so drawn to this village. I think it is actually the Rosehill Ward.

Could this be Mindy?

The characters are flawed but so loveable, rigid except when their friends are in need, and quirky but absolutely reliable. This is what I treasure in both Cranford and Rosehill.

Time and time again, we've shared in eachother's joys and sorrows. We've "married 'em & buried 'em" together... We've grown older, but better, ladies. And I'm grateful to be a part of our little tucked away village.

p.s. I have burned the episodes on DVD. They are a "must see". Let me know if you are interested! Cindy gets first dibs as recovery from the wedding!!!

To My Kelly-Kelly-Kelly

Kelly & Scott, May 2008

Kelly

I'm thrilled to use the opportunity of your wedding to tell you one more time how much I love you.

I can't imagine my life the past ten years without you in it. You have taught me so much about courage, adversity and finding joy. Your faith and hope have buoyed mine. You have faced life's challenges head on. I love your unique blend of strength and compassion.

I'm grateful that Scott brings you the unconditional love you so deserve. My prayer is that this weekend will be absolutely perfect for you. And that you will have a life time and an eternity of joy and discovery.

Thank you.