Allen Family News October 2007

"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home."

Johann con Goethe

Sid & Jeanne Stephenson

September was another wonderful month full of ‘the good life’. We count our blessings if we can still jump out of bed…rather than crawl out of bed…each morning.

It’s nice to say that our days aren’t full of doctor appointments, but rather time we are able to spend with some of our children. We feel so blessed to have Shauna and Ron close by. Ron came to the rescue recently and helped out with some electrical problems we were having, and Shauna and Troy stop by regularly just to check on their ‘senior parents’. We always enjoy their company.

Early in the month I had a wonderful week in Texas with Stephanie and Dave and of course I got to be with Susan too. Their children are so precious and are doing the ‘right’ things to bring about achievement and success. Choices are what it’s all about…making the right ones on the little things as well as the big ones. (And…a sneak preview of next month will tell you I’ll be back in Texas again.)

With a few relaxing weeks at home I have started to index my music books. It’s long overdue, but even if it takes me a year or so, the indexing will be worth it. My greatest fear though, is that I might lose my master copy of the indexing. Anyone have a safety deposit box?

The last week in September I spent at Stacy’s home, and what a delight that was. Too bad she had to have surgery in order to have such a memorable week, but while she recuperated we read part of a book together, chatted, cried, laughed, and shared secrets. Just like being “young” again…only with an older body.???? The children were so helpful and polite. Little Emma and I must have read a hundred books together. It was so enjoyable getting reacquainted again. While I was at Stacy’s, Sid was visiting his children and grandchildren. His son, Scott, drove to Idaho Falls with Sid to keep him company while he visited his brother and sisters. Then they picked me up on their way back to SLC and we took our flight back to Mesa. We are so grateful for family… wherever they are. We love your visits here, welcome phone calls, and appreciate any communication we may receive from you. The Family Newsletter brings us all together… Thank you for all who participate in sharing their family experiences. We love you,

Mom and Sid

P.S. Jeff Flake, our home teacher, was visiting us last week and brought us this picture. He said when he was on Air Force One with President Bush last May 18th, and Jeff called Sid to see how he was doing 3 days after Sid's heart attack, President Bush walked into the room and asked if he could speak to Sid also. Jeff said he remembered the press on board the plane had taken a picture while Pres. Bush was talking to Sid (and Jeff is on the phone also). So Jeff asked if he could have a copy of the picture of Pres. Bush speaking to Sid, which Jeff received from the press recently. Jeff was kind enough to share the picture with us. It was a very thoughtful gesture and we truly appreciate it.

Shelly & Dave Senior

Senior Family Newsletter

September was a landmark month as Dave and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary! We were lucky enough to spend it in Martha’s Vineyard, a beautiful place. The provincial Edgartown is beautiful in the fall with lighthouses, beaches, beautiful sunsets, darling cottages and shops with awesome restaurants. Highly recommended to anyone for a romantic getaway.

Scott and Derek are now at BYU and are enjoying being there together. They are embracing the college life complete with football games, acclimating to roommates, associating with old friends and meeting new ones. It is not unusual to have 10-15 kids show up for Sunday dinner at our house. We are lucky to live close enough to share these experiences.

Jeff has enrolled in independent college study and has started working toward an associate degree. This has been a long time coming, but better late than never. With his enrollment we have three enrolled in college coursework.

Ryan is deep into drum line season. He loves playing the tenors, and has had to learn some difficult music but has really enjoyed it. He will be heading to Washington D.C. in a couple of weeks for a National Competition. Late last night a stuffed dummy was left on our doorstep with an invitation for Ryan to the next school dance. He seems to keep on top of his social life despite how busy school and drum line is.

Hope all is well with each of you.

Love,

Dave, Shelly and boys

Stacy & Greg Hansen
This past month we had a few challenges as you all know. We would like to thank all of you for the prayers & fasting for me & Emma. It is a comforting feeling, that often brings me to tears, knowing that so many are praying for us. It makes me feel so close to you all. We truly have felt an abundance of love & a peaceful feeling from the prayers said in our behalf. Emma got shot in the eye with an air soft & has had some major problems with her eye. The doctor has said she cannot attend preschool, dance or nursery for 6 weeks. In the beginning she couldn't see at all out of her eye. After a week of eye drops & many, many prayers her vision has improved considerably. She still cannot see up close to read a book out of her bad eye, but can see things far away. It is a miracle! We will not fully know the extent of the damage for another 4 weeks. Please keep praying for her. I know that miracles happen & I know the prayers have helped her. I had surgery a little over a week ago. Everything went well with the hysterectomy & I am feeling better every day. Mother came & stayed with our family. She is a miracle worker! She ran my carpools, fixed meals, took care of my children (including all of Emma's ailments), read the book Pope Joan to me, did my mending & laundry, & pretty much everything that needed to be done! She truly blessed our family & I know how blessed we are to have her as our mom. Sid & his son Scott came & saw us for a day too. We sure enjoyed their company & cherish the moments we can spend with family. Koby went to his first prom, Homecoming last weekend. He really had a great time, inspite of the difficulties he faced beforehand. He looked so handsome in his Tux! We had over 20 teenagers hang out at our home that night. We truly enjoy having people hang out at our home. Madelyn is busy with her dance team, ballet & gymnastics. She is really enjoying the business of her schedule. She is also working hard on her piano skills. Emma is still struggling, having little to no interaction with her friends, but she is still so good natured. I have started teaching her piano lessons & she really loves it. Greg has taken great care of me, Emma & all the other children in addition to work & church. He has really helped so much! I have been pampered by him, mom, many family members, extended family members, so many friends, people in my ward & people in my previous ward. Thanks for the prayers, fasting, the visits, phone calls, cards, care packages, flowers & more for both Emma & I. They have meant more than you know. It is great to be surrounded by those who care about you & love you when you feel the challenges come. It makes those difficulties much easier to face. I have the best family in the whole world! Keep praying for my little Emma, the prayers are really needed & appreciated! I love you all. Stacy








Shauna Allen

Well, needless to say, it has been a fun but crazy month. Troy and I have sure worked hard to play hard. We started the month at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and went to Zions National Park. What a pretty part of Utah. We went with another couple, and really roughed it. As we were driving home, Sherri called and invited us to Hawaii, but we only had 3 days in preparation.

What a blast we had. Sherri and Spencer and their family are so much fun to be around. I felt like we could have stayed another two weeks. Sherri and I played cards like mad women, and watched the boys roll their eyes at us. We did get them to play a few games, but after they lost to us world champions, they quickly found other things to play with.

We made it to the Polynesian Cultural Center, thanks to Craig and Linda, and we also had the privilege to see Pearl Harbor. This was Troy’s first time to Hawaii, so I think he seriously fell in love.

We missed our flight, and got to spend our last day with Craig and Linda and Steph (A.K.A. Phenee) We got to see a junior pro surf competition, and little Steph took us to every beach on the North Shore. It was AWESOME.

Troy and I are heading to Mexico this weekend. He has to finalize some architectural plans for his upcoming build there. He is heading to Playa De Carmen for a month to be submerged in a Spanish course that all you do is eat, drink, and sleep Spanish. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it is on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. His Dad is going with him, and it should be fun for both of them.

We have been playing softball for my office. Last game I thought I was a Yankee, and slid into third. Though I made it safely, my ankle didn’t, and now I am in what feels like a 90 lb cast. First bone ever broken. I feel like a complete idiot.

Work is going great. I feel like I am learning so much and that I am constantly being challenged. Isn’t there supposed to be a day when you know it all?

I send my love…

Shauna

Sherri & Spencer Plummer

Well, I will have to write for the last two months, since I forgot to
send it in last month. August was a great month for us. We had
just as much fun at the reunion as everyone else did, and am looking
forward to the next one! The hardest part was seeing everyone
leave. The kids enjoyed their last few weeks of summer before we
started them hitting the books. We travelled up to our cabin and
enjoyed a relaxing couple of days. Samantha and I were able to
celebrate our birthday with Shelly as we met for lunch and icecream.

September was a lot of fun! Spencer and I celebrated our 11 year
anniversary. I can't believe it has been that long! We are so lucky
to have each other. We enjoyed a trip to Hawaii with the kids, and
Shauna and Troy were our nanny for that trip. We went with our
friends Justin and Stacy, and then we had an employee Andy and his
wife Brandy go as well. It was so much fun. The kids could not get
enough of the water. It was so much fun to see. After we returned
home, it was hard for the kids to wake up early and go to school
again. They managed and are back on track for a great year of
learning. When we returned home, I was able to take a day and make
Jalapeno Jelly.

Spencer and I had to plan a big event at the Miller Motor Sports
Park, and it turned out great! Everyone had such a great time, and
99% of it went smoothly. There was one accident on the go carts, but
everyone was okay. All the many hours of preparation paid off. It
was a lot of fun.

Spencer and I are back in Hawaii now without the kids, and are
completely relaxed. We went snorkeling yesterday, and finished the
day off with eating at Mama's Fish House (The most incredible fish in
the world). We are with our good friends, Steve and Chelby, and are
enjoying every minute of being with them, even though we miss our
kids immencely. Since we have been gone (two days), Spencer has
become the star of soccer with his new team (scoring 6 of the 8 goals
at his game),
and we heard that it was snowing.

These are the only pictures I have on my computer, we did take some
normal ones.



Stephanie & Dave Farnsworth

This month was a great one. We spent most of it getting into new routines for new schools, new sports and new responsibilities.

Dave spent most of the week ends this month working on his research project or working at the dental office in Plano. He has really enjoyed his job and seeing how a dental practice is run and operated. He enjoys his staff and the patients he gets to work on. Dave has been working hard to insure that his thesis project (involving rabbits and mini screws) will work. Keep your fingers crossed Dave also spent the month updating his CV and writing personal letters to all (yes all) of the Orthodontists in the Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale area. We put packets together and mailed them out. We hope to find a lead or two to work with. Anyway, Dave took the kids and I along with him to the Southwest Dental Conference in San Antonio a week ago. We had a wonderful time together. Family vacations are great pick me ups & we especially love the drive where we get to chat, sing songs and just spend time together. On the days Dave got home early this month (which are rare but cherished) he took the kids to the pool, the park and practiced baseball with the boys. He is a great dad (& hubby too)!

I had a crazy month. For primary we planned & executed our primary activity, "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice". I think the primary kids really enjoyed it as Austin assured me "It was really cool, Mom". As a presidency we are now hustling and bustling to get the finishing touches on the primary program. We are anxious to have the primary kids perform. I am the co-room at Austin's school and have enjoyed the few times I have been able to witness the Texas school system in action. I especially love going to lunch with Austin (when I am invited) at his school. It has been sad to have him gone all day every day...I miss him. Chase, Blake & I have enjoyed our time together. We have spent some time at the Fort Worth Zoo, going to story time at the library, and most frequently going to the park. They are funny, funny boys. I spent a nice little chunk of time this month down & out. I had a severe kidney infection that seriously stopped me in my tracks. What? I never get sick...really. I went through the nice cycle of chills, fever, sweat for about 4 days reaching the 104 range several times. Mom's can't get sick!! But luckily my sister Sue was here and she honestly helped me so much with the boys. I was literally helpless. With a couple doctors (& one emergency center visit) I recovered and all is back to normal and well. I also started an Institute class this month. We are studying the Old Testament. I LOVE IT! I honestly look forward to it every week and feel so blessed to learn from the great people that surround me. It is my BIG spiritual upliftment for the week since Sacrament is usually spent juggling kids and I am in Primary for the last two hours of church (not that primary isn't spiritual it is just short intervals of feeling the spirit- very short- rather than one big). My mom came and visited this month too. It is always great to have her here. We love all visitors We had lots of good laughs and good talks. The kids loved having her here too.

Austin is such a big boy. Honestly sky is the limit for this kid. He has more confidence than any other 5 year old I know (or 20 year old for that matter). For the first week of September his goal every morning was to make a new friend at school. By the end of the week when he would follow up at dinner time he informed us "everyone in his class was his best friend" so the following week he moved on to the other kindergarten classes that had recess with him. By the end of the month "everyone in the school was his best friend except some of the 5th graders he hasn't met yet and their teachers". What a riot! I love that he loves people so much. He is doing great in school too. He is so responsible with his morning routine (make bed, pray, get dressed, brush teeth, do chores, practice piano, hug mom). He needs little reminding. Also, he has been amazing at doing his homework without any coaching. I just check it, but he is one self motivated little boy. He is loving piano and is still not minding that mom is his teacher. He LOVES baseball. I think it was wise to switch him from soccer. He is doing great and was so proud to get "game ball" a week ago. He also gave a talk this month in church. He helped write his talk on service. He is doing so well and getting up and talking in front of people. Hopefully this will hold true for the primary program as well!

Chasey is such a cutie. He is so happy to be going to real preschool. He is so obedient to his teachers (which I am kinda surprised about cause sometimes he is a teensy bit ornery). He has lots of friends and is really starting to feel (& act) like a big boy. His new thing is he wants to live every place we go. "Mom I want to live at that book store", "Mom I want to live in that car", "Mom I want to live at the park", you get the idea. He loves our weekly trips to the library and enjoys helping Austin "read" at night. He still has his one true love...star wars. Chase loves to sing. He picks up songs every where and will be caught singing them often. He looks forward to Austy getting home every day & is learning to try to share with his baby brother.

Blake is growing up ever so fast. He is running every where and beginning to speak clearly. He says "Dad, Mom, More (still signing this too), down, uh oh, dog, & that". This is a great stage and we are enjoying every minute of it. Blake honestly has surprised Dave and I to no end. Believe us or not but Blake truly truly will sing tunes to songs. He sings the words "Da, da, da" to the tune of Star Wars, ring around the rosey, and basically will mimic almost anything sung repeatedly to him. We have video proof for all of you doubters:) I am amazed, but he always makes me smile when he breaks out in song in his car seat unsolicited.

We are no doubt doing well. We are anxious to start finalizing our plans to move to Arizona next year. It is a bitter sweet thought for us, but we are certainly ready to start a new chapter in our life. We look forward to being close to lots of family and lots of friends. We hope all of you are well.

Lots of love,

The Dave Farnsworth Family