Dear Family, as promised, here are the notes from our family meeting: 1. Family Reunion. It was agreed that we would begin holding family reunions once a year. We agreed to hold the 2008 reunion in the Boise, Idaho area during the last week or two of June.We agreed to put Heather and Austin in charge of the 2008 reunion. They accepted.We agreed to try to keep the cost down to a minimal level.We agreed to hold a family meeting each year at the reunion to determine the time, place, and who is in charge for the following year. 2. Gifts for Mom/Dad.We agreed to put Justin in charge of the gifts for mom and dad for the next 12 months.There are five gifts: two birthdays, Xmas, and a mother and father's day. 3. Family YearbookWe agreed that a family yearbook was a good idea and we all agreed to support it.We agreed to put Sarah in charge of the 2007 yearbook. She agreed.We all agreed to do whatever Sarah asks to facilitate the yearbook. 4. Family DVD.We agreed that a yearly family DVD was a good idea and we all agreed to support it.We agreed to put Whitney in charge of the 2008 DVD. She agreed. 5. Miscellaneousa. We decided against a family president.b. We decided against a couples' retreat.c. We decided to maintain the status quo as per Xmas gifts.d. We decided to do nothing about wedding gifts.e. We decided to do nothing about missionary gifts/funds.f. We decided to do nothing regarding baby gifts/showers. Your devoted family scribe,Joel

The long weekend without Joel

Well since Joel left on Wednesday, the kids have been keeping me pretty busy. I spent Wednesday (before Joel left) picking raspberries with Heather. As soon as I got home, I made my shoe box full of berries into the best jam ever. I can already tell that my 13 jars arn't going to last long. Emery loves it!
Thursday I cleaned the house and spent the evening doing homework and discovering a "secret meeting place" down by the creek. No one is suppossed to know about it, so don't mention that I told you, to my boys. It is pretty cool, except that you have to push your way through the thick brush to get to it. It is so enjoyable to watch my boys explore and pretend together. I never feel like they need to have friends over because they have eachother. I guess that is one of the joys of having lots of kids.
Today I went over to Lynette Robert's house to "do corn". We decided it would be easier to buy, shuck, cook, cut and bag our 50# bags of corn together. It was a big mess, but I think it will be worth it when we are eatting fresh corn in the cold of February. So far I have canned; tomatoes (from my garden), peaches, pears, 3 jams, salsa, corn, and tomato sauce. I still have applesauce and grape juice to go. It is a busy month and my fingernails and totally gone. At least I can say that I am trying to get my years supply of produce.
Well we only have a day and a half until we pick up Joel. I'm sure I will keep busy (I desperately need to mow our lawn and pull weeds). I can't wait to have him home, I hope he loved his Birthday present (of course that will mostly depend on wether or not BYU wins).
Until next time
Melanie

There, Justin, I hope you're happy now

Joel is out of town, so I have some time to myself, and that is why I am joining the blog. I have to say, the only blogs that impress me so far are; Sarah's, Justin's and Heathers.