Christmas Morning

The girls in our Christmas PJ's... minus Keri, Giselle, & Maylie :(

Sledding on Christmas Day

Logan, Owen, Joshua



and here's a quick video

We found Santa at the YMCA in Caldwell today!!!

Here are the little kid-o's telling Jolly Ol' St. Nicholas what they want for Christmas!!

They've been extra sweet angels this year and deserve a lot of fun surprises!!!

Just a quick note, we have had some special times this past week. Melody is out of the hospital and doing well and that makes everything better. Melody played in her first piano recital ever last Thursday evening and she did a fabulous job. She has a lot of style and poise. I even got to play a duet with her.

Jennifer, Melody, Sarah, Hailey and I all went the Eugene Ballet Company’s presentation of the Nutcracker last Saturday. It was very good and fun to be able to see. It was Sarah and Hailey’s first time to ever see it. It was fun to have a girls outing. We missed Autumn as she had another commitment and we missed Keri & Giselle too… wish we could have flown them here.

We love having, Jeff & Sarah, Jonathan, and Autumn and Mark & Hailey close to be able to see them more often. Of course we are enjoying having Logan & Lucy with us. They are both so adorable. We look so forward to seeing the rest of the family and our other precious grandchildren at Christmas time.

Jonathan & Autumn are very excited to be moving into a home that they have a chance to rent this week. It is very close by and they will be in our ward, so that makes us happy to keep them close.

Jennifer’s student dance recital is this Friday evening and we are excited to see all of her little children dance. She has been working hard with teaching school and dance. Also, we will have an extra treat as she will get to dance with a local music teachers dance company at the recital as well.

I am in the heat of preparing for the Christmas Program as always but it is going well... today anyway.

Love you all.

Brenda/Mom

Dear Family and Friends,

While I have time to write this I felt the need to share with you the great experience I had reading the Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck.

Its a book based on his life and about some of the trials he has overcome. The books main theme is on forgiveness and what the real meaning of Christmas is. He talks about the birth of the Christ child and the purpose he came on this earth was for the atonement. I never really have thought about Christmas in that way as looking at it as a time to be thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ but in a way that is a big part of Christmas. Not only celebrating his birth but also being thankful for what he has done for us.

There are so many ways that this book has given me new insight on this holiday season. I am thankful for this time of year and for the wonderful family that I have and all of my many blessings. "The two most powerful words in any language are 'I am. Those two words contain all the creative power of the Heavens themselves.This was one of the most powerful quotes in the book and I am thankful that I can say I am happy, I am healthy, I am strong, I am a daughter of God! The list could go on but take a time out to really appreciate who you are. Sometimes I feel that we can get lost in this world if don't remember who we are and where we came from. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who help me get through this life. I am thankful for my parents that have given me so much and such a wonderful life.

I hope we all have a wonderful season and keep the spirit through the whole year.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Luke for this wonderful Christmas gift.

Love,
Jennifer Anne

Christmas Memories and My Thankful List

While I have a few moments at school I thought I would share a few of my favorite christmas memories with everyone. First off let me say that mom and dad and Santa Clause have never let me down. I was such a lucky little girl and was never without anything that I have ever needed ( my brothers would probably say that I was spoiled but being one of the only girls that happens) Anyway Several things that I love about Christmas is that we are all together and able to share a couple days of just being a family.

When I was younger I used to sleep in Mark's room sometimes on Christmas eve. He would make it so fun for me and usually we would stay up most of the night seeing if Santa Clause had come. Mark would always go check to see if the stockings were stuffed and if they weren't he would come back and tell me because I was too scared to go out there in case I saw Santa. Every few minutes I would ask if Mark was still awake and he always said yes! I guess we were both really excited.

One of my most cherished memories is when we made baskets for people in our ward and gave them out on Christmas eve. We were all huddled in the van and I can't remember which brother would call the house but they would tell the family to look on their porch because Santa had come a little early. We would hide the van and wait till they opened the door. The Spirit of giving really is the best present of all.

Christmas Eve dinner is really one of my favorite things to have. The food is so yummy and everyone is laughing and talking, Bing is the background singing White Christmas, mom has the video camera out, Jon is burning a napkin on the candles or some other burnable thing. Then after dinner we gather round the tree and act out the nativity. Everyone is dressed up as dad reads the nativity and the spirit of Christmas truly enters our hearts. I am so thankful for the traditions we have as a family and being able to connect as if we haven't been away at all. I am thankful that I do have a family that loves me and cares for me. My brothers have married such wonderful women and I look up to them so much! I am thankful that we have that bond as an eternal family.

I am also thankful for the wonderful parents that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I have seen many children at school that are not as lucky as I. I am thankful for the chance to be Melody's sister. She has blessed my life in so many ways and is kind enough to put up with me. She is an example of courage and strength to many people in the things that she has been able to accomplished in her life.

I am also thankful for the wonderful grandparents that I have. I am thankful that they have lived their life in such a way that I am reaping the benefits of their good faith and determination. I only hope that I can be half as strong as them. I love them very much.


So in conclusion of my very long blog I just wanted to say that I am very thankful that I have a wonderful family and I am very thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love everyone and I wish a very HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!!!!

LOVE JENN

Christmas Memories

Jeremy, you forgot about the really expensive toy boat Logan got, it had to be about $100. From what I understand, he still plays with it.

Anyway, good topic, I have so many holiday memories. One memory that never gets old to talk about is the miracle of the Christmas goose. If I recall, that Christmas it snowed and outside was a winter wonder land. It was around noon, and we were all in the family room just chilln’ and shooting the breeze (which honestly is the best part about Christmas, just being together). When out of the corner of the window, we saw a goose land in the backyard. We all jumped up and ran to the window. Some hunter must have wounded it, and by chance, or by miracle, it landed in our backyard. We all thought it was pretty cool, Matt thought it looked pretty tasty (Matt being the hunter in the family, was trained in these types of situations). Matt then proceeded to take a snow shovel to the head of this miracle goose. He kind of looked like Happy Gilmore trying to take a swing at a golf ball. After smashing the goose into the side of the fence he then grabbed its neck a finished the job. Even though we all thought this was very interesting, our two little sisters did not, in fact they did not partake of the miracle goose that Christmas dinner. Some might think this goose story is a little bit disturbing, but what are you suppose to do when a miracle goose lands in your backyard on Christmas day.

Jennifer and Melody, sorry for not pulling you away from the window, but that “goose was cooked,” the moment it landed.

BYU 38 Air Force 24

What about soup and bread bowls, I love that stuff. Hope everyone has a great week!

Conference Call

Yo,

This is just a quick post to tell Matt that the conference call idea was a good one. It was nice talking to all of you today. You guys are awesome!

I thought I would officially post the times I am going to be at mom and dad's so we don't have any confusion. We will be there from the 23rd to the 28th of December.

Mom, could you post the way we are going to do the gift giving from now on so we have a written record of it. Also, I thought we could up the limit on gifts this year to either $25 or $30 because chapstick and Slam Magazine aren't getting any cheaper. [much love Jeff :)]

Because I love the holidays and have so many great memories of them, I thought we could start doing some posts on our favorite holiday moments. Here is a quick one -- cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning!

I hope you guys all have a great week. I watched BYU's basketball team play this week. I think they'll be pretty good. Here is a quick picture of me trying to take my three pieces of candy (Dad's rule) I earned while taking Joshua trick-or-treating. He wasn't too cooperative. Maylie is a ghost if you can't tell and Joshua was a dog. Giselle was a Zoobie and Iwas a vandal (You can't see my Idaho Law logo on my sweatshirt).

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Treasure Valley Band Invitational

Thought that you would love this cute picture of melody‏ -

Love Jenn

Our team gets to play in a state playoff tonight and so a surprise to us, Melody gets to play in one more game before they go to California. They can all wear costumes, so she will be playing the Conga Drum as “The Fairy Godmother”.

Autumn and Jenn have planned a Halloween Party tonight as well, so we are in for a very fun evening and it is Jeff’s birthday on Sunday! This will be the first birthday he has celebrated at home for a very long time. Wow, it seems only yesterday we were off on our Dawson, Minn adventure.

In several of my classes, we have listened to “Hall of the Mountain King” while we have walked and then run to the beat of the music while looking for the Troll’s Cave… it has actually been a very fun experience and I can say that I have exercised this week!

Well I best hurry and get ready for our little choir to sing at the beginning of the Harvest parade. It will be interesting. I have about 5 dedicated little choir members who sing on one note... a bit of a challenge but it will all be ok.

Happy Day everyone and be safe. Love, Mom/Grandma/Brenda

In regards to melody, marching & much fun‏

Hi all, I just read the e-mail that I wrote last night in much haste. Whew! That was some pretty tough reading… albeit with all the grammatical errors… It is a good thing I am not an English teacher… although if I could slow down a bit, I would do much better. Actually, I wrote it mainly so I could remember what we did… so hopefully you will get this one first and be forewarned.

Anyway, happy day! Love, Mom

Melody, marching band & much fun‏

Dear Family,

This is just a quick note to let you know about some of the happenings up North . On Friday Melody had her senior night with the marching band. It was there last home game and they honor the seniors in the band and auxiliary. Melody plays the Conga drum and she is fantastic. Jeremy and Giselle drove down from Twin Falls and it was the first time they had seen her play. Jeremy couldn’t stop laughing with delight, he was so amazed at what she was doing. Jeff & Sarah. Jonathan and Autumn, Mark and Hailey and Jennifer were all there to cheer her on. When they announced her name as one of the seniors, it seemed the whole stadium erupted in cheers. She waved and loved it all. It was very fun.
On Saturday evening, she played in the BSU Stadium for the Dist. III competition. They did such a great job. Vallivue took 3 over all. Melody had a wonderful time and she played all the way through the program and even was perfectly on for the last arm motion and cheer that the whole band did.

Saturday morning Jonathan and Autumn, Logan & Lucy, Jeremy, Giselle, Joshua and Maylie, Jennifer, Melody and Bruce and I all went to the pumpkin patch in Marsing. It is so beautiful there and we all went on a hay ride down around the snake river in the Marsing Valley. It was such a beautiful day and we had so much fun.

Then Melody and I left for her band competition, the boys and Bruce all went to play tennis, they watched a delayed version of the BYU game, Jeremy & Giselle got to go on a much needed little date, Jennifer went on a little shopping trip and found some good deals on clothes for her “Miss Pittard” role at school, (she looked adorable in them) and then they all carved pumpkins, while Bruce left to go join me in cheering Melody on. It was a wonderful day, I just wish I could have been in on more of the family fun and they could have all been twinkled over to BSU to watch Melody, but sometimes, we have to divide and conquer.

Today was a lovely day, Bruce spoke in Sacrament Meeting and gave a wonderful talk. A young man Beau Kimball, was leaving on a mission. He had been a home teaching companion with Bruce. He gave such an inspiring talk. He has had many challenges, one being that of never knowing his father, but he has faced them with great courage and faithfulness.

Bruce and I teamed taught in Primary two classes about 15 children. The lesson was on the Sacrament and it was a very special experience. I began our lesson with the Tabernacle Choir singing “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee”. We all felt the spirit of that song. What wonderful children they are. I was then able to go to Relief Society and listen to Autumn give her lesson on our Divine Roles as Mothers. She did such a great job. It was a joy to be in Relief Society with three lovely daughters-in-law and our little granddaughters.

Jonathan & Autumn and kids left to go up the mountain for a get together at Autumn’s Grandma’s. We then had a lovely dinner and a great visit, before Jeremy & Giselle had to leave and then Jeff & Sarah, Jenn, Melody and Bruce and I walked around the neighborhood in the beautiful fall evening. The colors are gorgeous. Then we had a nice visit with Matthew and Keri over the phone. I am excited for the possibility that they will meet Melody and I in California when we go on her band trip in Nov. We missed Mark and Hailey this weekend as they were in Provo for Mark’s work.

Anyway, I feel so very blessed and grateful for these precious moments with family. We love our little grandchildren and enjoy them so very much. Logan & Joshua had a lot of fun together and our little granddaughters are so sweet and beautiful and cuddly.

Well, have the best week ever!

I love you all. Brenda aka Mom aka Grandma

Dreamy Joshua

I took this picture of Joshua in honor of Adam & Aunt Robyn. You can't see his muscles, but Giselle thinks he looks pretty dreamy. Also, Joshua is not engaged or even dating anyone seriously. I just thought I would throw that in to avoid any speculation. He does like to play at the play ground with a girl name Addison. He has been seeing her regularly since mid September. Joshua even shares his cars with her.

Paz afuera,

Jeremy

Rise and Shout the Cougars are Out!

Who can forget that bugle call every morning before seminary! Yes, our passion for BYU football was ingrained in each of us every day as mom would wake us up to get a move on. Favorite memory? Gee, where do we start? Dad would go to great lengths every week during football season to make sure we could witness the game. The Bates, Taylors, Christensens, relief society rooms and sometimes local bars were all privy to the extreme cougar Pittard pride. Games were always very fun to watch--especially with the family. A few years ago, Jeff and I were able to watch a game here in Tucson together. Though the outcome wasn't like we had anticipated, it was a cherished memory to laugh and talk together.

And what about BYU/Utah 2006 at the Crocketts? Uncle Steve was screamin like a little girl after the last second heroics! Mark would frequently get harassing updates throughout the game from the prodigal Uncle Brian Pittard about the game. In fact, he was on the phone with Mark during the last and final play of the game. I don't think Mark heard the dial tone over the pandemonium that ensued in the Crockett residence. Yep, BYU football has and will continue to produce great memories.

Hi everyone,

I just finished leading our little honor choir for our school dedication and ribbon cutting. The children sang “Step Into The Spotlight” with a fabulous trumpet soloist. It was very fun. They also sang “Song of Peace” with a little girl from the Chech Republic singing the solo. The children did such a great job. They always seem to come through. I also had some chime players….we are still working on those…but they did fine. The whole school sang our school song, let off balloons with their dreams attached to it and baskets full of doves were let loose to fly up and around the sky (actually a few children were given the honor of being dropped upon J) and then they cut the ribbon to the school. It was a very nice program and very fun. It was a beautiful day.

Bruce and I and Mark & Hailey were able to go to Washington to Brandon and Erin’s wedding celebration this past weekend and we had a great time. It was very beautiful and we enjoyed being there so very much. Steve & Melody Ann were wonderful hosts as were Brandon and Erin at their celebration. Thank you very much!

We also got to see Travis play his football game which was very fun to see. We had a bit more excitement than we planned… which had nothing to do with football, but all ended well… and they won their game.

It was also very nice to have Mom & Dad with us to share the weekend and precious little Cameron was such a good boy. What a beautiful baby.

I am still waiting to see pretty little Charlotte. I have to go home to open up the attachment with her picture. Our little Lucy is such a delight. We will have to send an updated picture of her as well.

Enjoy the rest of our Monday. Hope everyone’s treats for Home Evening are yummy. After this week end of delicious treats, I think we are going to have carrots for our treats.

Love you all,
Mom, Grandma, Aunt Brenda, Brenda

GO COUGARS!!!!

Yo Jeff,

Before anything, Happy belated birthday Jon. You are a stud! Enjoy your 27th year because it is down hill after that. :) Just kidding. I am proud of you bro. You can always be Mark's practice tennis partner. :)

Nice topic. It would be extremely hard for me to pick a single greatest BYU football memory. I do vividly remember the Miami game. We did watch the game at the Christensen's home. I remember several of the people in our ward were there. I also remember running around the Christensen's house during each good play BYU made. I also remember Brother Lynn saying that BYU would lose by around 21 points after Miami's first drive. I'm not sure why I remember that. That was fun.

My earliest memory would have to be dad watching the BYU v. UCLA (I think it was UCLA) game in 1985 while we were living in Illinios. We were living those apartments by the lake (the ones where Jeff slept walked right outside the doors). I remember dad being pretty bumbed because BYU lost. I remember him trying really hard to get the game. We had a pretty crumby t.v. I guess that was where my passion for BYU football all began.

One good memory I have is getting allsport passes with Matthew every year we were there. We were pretty diehard fans. I remember Matt would always sing the National Anthem as loud as he could. I guess it was the men's choir in him. We always had a great time. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

One good memory was the last minute victory BYU had over Washington. BYU threw a 50+ yard bomb to win the game. I think that was the loudest I have ever heard Lavell Edwards Stadium. Matt and I were at the game with Chris and Rob Garner, I think.

I was also at the BYU v. Utah game when Luke Staley ran the ball in for the winning touchdown. The place when crazy. I think I rushed the field after the game.

The Hawaii game we all went to a few years ago was pretty fun. One of the coolest and funniest things was when Jeff got hooked up with the receiving gloves some BYU player threw up into the crowd. I think Jeff and Mark both went after the gloves, but Jeff wound up with them. That's ok. because Mark and I are still 2-1 (eat it Jeff and Dad). I think Jeff may still have those gloves. We also had a crazy rain storm.

I think my favorite BYU football memory isn't tied to a specific game. Rather, I think my favorite thing about BYU football is how it brings us all together. I cherish all of the times dad took all of us kids to the stake center to watch the games or woke us up at midnight to watch the Hawaii games. I loved how we were all together just hanging out with a common cause--cheering for our favorite football team, BYU. BYU football is much more than just a simple football game. It is hanging out with some of my favorite people in the world.

I'm out. Jennifer stopped by today on her way to Rexburg. It was nice to see her.

Paz afuera

Greatest BYU Football Memory

OK, so I thought it would be kinda cool if we all told about our favorite BYU football memory. There are a whole bunch to choose from, but if I had to choose one, it would be the BYU vs. Miami game back in, I think 1990. Miami was ranked #1 in the nation and BYU shocked the world on the arm of Ty Detmer. We watched the game over at the Christensen's, at least I think we watched it there. I was only 11, but it was crazy, Dad was going bonkers, and so was everyone else. BYU football games have sure been some great memories. The Beck to Harline was another great BYU game. I just about cried watching this video..............I LOVE BYU Football!

Byu vs miami

Road Side Camping!!!!

Jonathan forgot his swimming shorts when we went camping this summer, so I almost too willingly let him borrow a pair of mine. I thought for sure this would make him feel a little un-easy, and I would get a few chuckles from his embarrassment, but come to find out (and to my dismay), Jonathan actually likes the short shorts!!! What is it about these not so illusionary "basketball style Daisey Dukes," that intrigues him so? Is it the freedom of it all, or is there some secret unseen admiration of the skimpish styles of David Hasellhoff? A mystery...

For more of this compelling story visit: The Pittard Page at http://pittardpage.blogspot.com/2008/09/road-side-camping.html

Tonight is Melody’s first football game and she is playing the Conga Drum in the Marching Band. She is part of the Pit and she gets to ride in the golf cart on the way in. This will be her 4th year…..where has the time gone. Have a great weekend everyone! Love, Mom/Brenda/Grandma

Congratulations Jeremy!

Jeremy had an exciting day yesterday. He learned that he had passed the Bar Exam!

Way to go Jeremy! We are so proud of you! What a happy day…..

From Brenda aka Mom aka Grandma

Thanks Sarah

I am super excited about my new job. I just finished my first day of teaching and the kids were great..... except for a few little kindergarteners but they were still cute!
Congrats Giselle and Jeremy!!!!!

Our precious new grandbaby has arrived!

Giselle had her little baby girl around 9:30 a.m. this morning. Jeremy is one proud papa. I was so excited when I got the news that I forgot to ask all the details. I will send those later.

They are still deciding on a name.

Now we have two beautiful little granddaughters.

Love, Mom

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know Giselle is in the hospital and their baby girl will come today! Our sweet little Lucy Mae will have a little cousin to play with, Yea!

Have a great day everyone! Love, Mom

spiritual feast‏

Our dearest family,

I want to take just a moment to share with you the wonderful spiritual feast we have enjoy these past two days. We have just returned from hearing via satellite the last dedication service for the Twin Falls Temple. It was such a joy to be there and hear the testimonies and messages from area authorities and from our beloved prophet Pres. Monson, to share in the Hosanna Shout and to hear the inspired dedicatory prayer. We were blessed to attend with Jeff & Sarah, Jonathan & Autumn, Jennifer and Melody. I thought of all of our children and look forward to the day when we can all be in the Holy Temple together. I am so grateful for my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and for the blessing of having a temple close to us. The beautiful hymns sung by the Tabernacle Choir were background as we viewed the beautiful rooms and grounds of the temple. Bruce leaned over to me with tears in his eyes and overcome with emotion and he said. “ It has just hit me so powerfully that the people in this area finally have a temple. They are so deserving, like your parents and mine who have lived in this area and have served the Lord so faithfully. It is exciting that they get to witness this in their life time.” I too was filled with emotion and gratitude for our parents and our ancestors and for the lives they live. I feel to rededicate my life to doing and being better… to be an example to my children and grandchildren.

This weekend was our Stake Conference and we were privileged to have Elder Yashihika Kikuchi of the Quorum of the Seventy with us. The Saturday evening session he shared his testimony of Christ as he told of his life and of his Atoning Sacrifice for each of us. The whole meeting was filled with the spirit of our Father in Heaven to such a great extent that it was almost tangible.

Today, Autumn and I had the special opportunity to sing in a woman’s Choir “ Lord, I would Follow Thee”. I loved singing those words of faith and commitment. Also for the prelude, we were able to sing I am a Child of God in Japanese, while a descant of beautiful soprano singers sang the English Words. It was so beautiful to be part of such a choir.

I was blessed as well to be able to lead the music for the conference and at the end of the meeting, Elder Kikuchi said, “I want to change the program, I want to sing “As I Have Loved You” Do we have an accompanist?...yes you (and he pointed to Connie Hadlock.) Do we have a conductor? And he pointed to me, Yes you.” He had us all stand and he had the Stake Presidency and the Mission President all join him at the pulpit.He put his arms around them and he sang strong into the microphone, “As I Have Loved you, Love One Another” As I looked out at the audience and at my family I was so overcome with gratitude for the gospel and for the blessing of being part of this great church.

I want each of you our family especially our children to know that we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, That Jesus Christ Lives! This is His Church. We have a living prophet today even Thomas S. Monson.

We have been promised that as we attend the temple and keep our sacred covenants that our lives and the lives of our families will be blessed.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

We love you all.

Love, Brenda & Bruce

Spiritual Feast

Our dearest family,

I want to take just a moment to share with you the wonderful spiritual feast we have enjoyed these past two days. We have just returned from hearing via satellite the last dedication service for the Twin Falls Temple. It was such a joy to be there and hear the testimonies and messages from area authorities and from our beloved prophet Pres. Monson, to share in the Hosanna Shout and to hear the inspired dedicatory prayer. We were blessed to attend with Jeff & Sarah, Jonathan & Autumn, Jennifer and Melody. I thought of all of our children and look forward to the day when we can all be in the Holy Temple together. I am so grateful for my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and for the blessing of having a temple close to us. The beautiful hymns sung by the Tabernacle Choir were background as we viewed the beautiful rooms and grounds of the temple. Dad leaned over to me with tears in his eyes and overcome with emotion and he said. “ It has just hit me so powerfully that the people in this area finally have a temple. They are so deserving, like your parents and mine who have lived in this area and have served the Lord so faithfully. It is exciting that they get to witness this in their life time.” I too was filled with emotion and gratitude for our parents and our ancestors and for the lives they live. I feel to rededicate my life to doing and being better… to be an example to my children and grandchildren.

This weekend was our Stake Conference and we were privileged to have Elder Yashihika Kikuchi of the Quorum of the Seventy with us. The Saturday evening session he shared his testimony of Christ as he told of his life and of his Atoning Sacrifice for each of us. The whole meeting was filled with the spirit of our Father in Heaven to such a great extent that it was almost tangible.

Today, Autumn and I had the special opportunity to sing in a woman’s Choir “ Lord, I would Follow Thee”. I loved singing those words of faith and commitment. Also for the prelude, we were able to sing I am a Child of God in Japanese, while a descant of beautiful soprano singers sang the English Words. It was so beautiful to be part of such a choir.

I was blessed as well to be able to lead the music for the conference and at the end of the meeting, Elder Kikuchi said, “I want to change the program, I want to sing 'As I Have Loved You' Do we have an accompanist?...yes you (and he pointed to Connie Hadlock.) Do we have a conductor? And he pointed to me, Yes you.” He had us all stand and he had the Stake Presidency and the Mission President all join him at the pulpit.He put his arms around them and he sang strong into the microphone, “As I Have Loved you, Love One Another” As I looked out at the audience and at my family I was so overcome with gratitude for the gospel and for the blessing of being part of this great church.

I want each of you our family especially our children to know that we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, That Jesus Christ Lives! This is His Church. We have a living prophet today even Thomas S. Monson.

We have been promised that as we attend the temple and keep our sacred covenants that our lives and the lives of our families will be blessed.

Have a wonderful week everyone. We love you all. Love, Mom & Dad

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
JENNIFER ANNE!!!!

We're ssssoooooo EXCITED for you!!

You're going to be an awesome teacher!!!

ANNIVERSARY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD! TOMORROW 7TH OF AUGUST!

Well, this is my first post on the new family website. In fact, this is only my second blog post ever, and Giselle and I have a family blog. I think I will do a little better now that I am not in law school.

I want to start by saying that the name for the blog is fantastic and a pure stroke of genius. Second, I think the idea of putting the family crest on the blog is awesome. I never knew that we had a family crest. It would be really cool if someone could look up the history to the crest.
Jeff's description of how the Pittard Loop got started is quite accurate. We were taking a family vacation to Yellowstone and we were staying at Uncle Gordon's sweeeeet cabin. Here is what I remember of the Pittard Loop beginnings.

As Jeff stated, we were on our way back to the cabin. Dad is notorious for trying to find quicker routes, and he decided to take one. I don't blame him for it, however, because our brown and gold (Vallivue colors) van was packed with five dirty, impatient, hyped-up boys and one sweet little girl very anxious to get back to the cabin (I don't think Melody was born yet). We had been sight seeing for most of the day. We all wanted to see buffalo but hadn't seen any yet. (Yellowstone has some of the most amazing and perplexing wonders of nature. I think that Yellowstone trip was one of my favorite vacations ever). As we started to head back to the cabin, Dad saw what he thought was a shortcut on the map. He decided to take it and that is when it began.

I am not sure how long we were traveling before we started to complain. We were hot and sweaty and ready to go home and eat dinner. Thankfully the buffalo saved us. I am not exactly sure about where we were in the Park, but there were a lot of them. Dad pulled into an area where we could park the car and get out. The buffalo were just minding their business grazing on the lush summer grass. They were a sight to behold. It still amazes me how big and powerful they are. Most of us kept our distance. However, if I remember right, Jon got so close he could almost pet one of them. That's Jon for you. :) Anyways, as we started back, we were all tired and ready to eat. Nevertheless, we were happy and content to have finally seen the buffalo. I think it was mom who pointed out that if it hadn't been for Dad's loop, we wouldn't have seen the buffalo. I think she dubbed Dad's detour, a Pittard Loop and since that bright and sunny day in beautiful Yellowstone there hasn't been a Pittard Vacation without a Pittard Loop. Gotta' love being a Pittard!

Well isn't this neat! I think it will be a cool way to keep in touch. Wasn't the Yellowstone trip the one where my stroller ran over the buffalo poop! Anyway, can't wait to see everybody!

Origination of 'A Pittard Loop'

So this is my recollection of how the 'Pittard Loop' all began. Back in the early 90's, we all went on a family vacation to Yellowstone and stayed in Uncle Gordon's cabin. By the way that cabin is awesome and we have had some sweet Luke family reunions there. Anyway, so we went to Yellowstone (how did Yellowstone get its name anyhow?) and one day Dad decided to take a different way back to the cabin... I think he thought it would be faster. Well, it wasn't, not by a long shot. I remember it being really long and Dad had on Billy Joel, and we were all jamn' out to, "These are the Days to Remember." The other cool thing about the really long way home was that we were able to see a ton of bison, which we hadn't been able to see yet and we would have missed them if we'd have gone another way. And while on the trip home I think we did a complete circle, and someone said, "we just did a loop!" and then someone else said, "Ya a Pittard Loop!" and that is how it all begin... I think. So even though it was a whole lot farther to travel, it was a lot of fun. Let me know how you guys remember it.

And so it begins... A Pittard Loop blog!

PS. This blog is in dedication of Moms & Pops' 33 year anniversary this coming Thursday, August 7, 2008!!

Jeremy, we are thinking about you and praying that you will be able to remember all that you have learned.

Dad & I are so proud of all of you and the choices you are making. Thanks for being such wonderful and thoughtful sons and daughters. Hope you are all having a great day... well Jeremy, your days will be a little less stressful by Wed. night. We are excited to see you guys this weekend.

Melody is in her room singing to the top of her lungs. She just got back from her percussion camp. Next week she has band camp... she loves it.

Well, I best get busy. Melody and I are going to go exercise and I am going to visit teach and deliver baby gifts and get some sure jell so I can make some apricot jam. I have been working on the order form for the new school all day... which is a bit frustrating.

I stopped by my new school yesterday and I was able to go into my room. It is absolutely beautiful! I will really enjoy teaching in it. Dad was saying that I had come along way from pushing a cart to 3 carts to a nice room to a fabulous room.

Dad & I had a very wonderful time in Washington for Grandma & Grandpa’s 60th anniversary. If you guys get a minute, you might send them a note of congratulations if you already haven’t.

The canna lilies are incredible... I love this time of year... the yard is beautiful, Dad does a great job... but we definitely need some of your expert trimming, Mark.

Ok... I am signing off for sure... I love you all very much!

Mom

well hello from boston

hi everybody this is Jennifer. Just letting you all know that I love MA!!!! It is so pretty here all the blossoms are out and the freeways out here are beautiful they have rock cliffs with trees growing in them its hard to explain but it is so pretty. We live (Jeff Sarah and I) live in a little town about 45 min away from the city. The town is called Hudson, it has beautiful old buildings and a fun little main street. The people I work with are so fun, and i get to work with a lot of young men my age. So pretty much I have the perfect Job. ;) The singles ward is a little far away but occasionally I will go visit (what I mean by that is I need to make a little money first). The singles ward is in Boston but I hear that all the LDS Harvard students attend there so that will definitely be a priority..... ;) I hope all of you are doing well I was feeling a little homesick these past few days but I wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything. LOve you all and give all my nephews a hug from there Aunt Jenn.

Love Jenn