Holm Life - est. 1976

HAPPY NEW YEAR... circa 1985 and 2012!!

2011-12-30T22:35:00.001-07:00

Here's a blast from the past-- our three oldest celebrating with noisemakers and confetti! This was probably taken on New Year's morning-- after Dad and Mom had been to a dance the night before, and then brought the fun stuff home. E was two, L was seven and J was five. S was born later that year in August, and A several years later.

We wish a Happy New Year 2012 to all-- including the ten children that now call these three "Mom" and "Dad!"

Marriage Celebration of Rachel Fabiano & Spencer Holm

2011-12-17T09:06:00.027-07:00

All the pictures of the Nampa reception were taken by James Murdock.
Most of the Salt Lake pictures were taken by Christa-Rae photography.

Rachel and Spencer at Nampa reception before wedding.

Joe, Andrea, Rachel, Spencer, Debbie, Norm and Alissa: the line.

G and E learn reception etiquette.

Debbie and Norm sharing a moment.

Debbie and Andrea enjoy pie and milk.

Joe, Andrea and Rachel

M eating some ice cream!

Lynn relaxing after leaving Portland in the wee hours and decorating all afternoon!

Bruce and Joel Christensen from Twin Falls.

Becky Christensen visits with Alissa.

Handsome J looks things over.

Janson reacts to somebody's wisecrack. His bow tie-- and about 15 others, including Spencer's -- were sewed by Emily!

J eating pie ala mode.

Janson and Lynn made the lovebirds from old book pages; Lara provided the cage.

Lara made this paper garland and wreath from sheet music and book pages.

Dear friends dish up homemade apple, pumpkin and peach pie, with whipped cream and ice cream on top, and cider, milk or water on the side.

Alissa and Emily share a moment with H and W in the background.

Janson, Marco, Alissa and Emily visit in front of a group of guests.

W models a child sized bow tie!

Pensive little darling!

Janson and Lynn's lovebirds, along with old books and mood lighting on tables!

Lynn made these medallions which were used in Nampa, SLC and Georgia. Tiny birds were punched out of old book pages.

Fanciful and literary-- a tree with "leaves" from an old book-- made by Lara!

More of Lara's fun book decor'!

This quilt was a labor of love given to our lovebirds (Lara made the banners.) We all contributed fabric and some blocks, but Lynn sewed the entire huge top together! Spencer hung the quilt, no small feat.

Rachel and Spencer right after being married!

Happy newlyweds!

Cheesy newlyweds!

"Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God. . ."

Spencer and Rachel Holm-- November 26, 2011-- Salt Lake City, Utah

Joy at the House of the Lord

A heart made of many who love Rachel and Spencer!

Beautiful bridesmaids!

Spencer, Rachel, and their groomsmen and bridesmaids.

We got the kids outside too early-- so by the time Spencer and Rachel came out, they were cold and just a little hyper!

Alissa and Spencer-- sister and brother.

Our ten wonderful grandkids! Note: J R is smiling because it is his 10th birthday!

Just married, and very happy!

Another of Lara's banners was used at the dinner held at the lovelyAtrium at Western Gardens on the evening of November 26.

Att the end of a perfect day, the lovebirds say good night!

Our November Birthday Kids!

2011-11-13T21:58:00.003-07:00

We were blessed with a real "power team" to start our family. L came first, born Nov. 3, 1977. She has always been a happy, testimony-filled example to her younger siblings.

Here they are with L age 3 and J age 1-- a darling pair! Happy Birthday, you two cuties! (and sorry we're late, L!)

Wasn't she cute in her red hat and dress!

Two years later, on Nov. 16, 1979, J came along and provided a male counter-balance to L's energetic personality, bringing his own hard work ethic and testimony, which provide another great example. In this photo, he is "Baby Jesus" for Grandpa and Grandma Nelson's Christmas Nativity (even at age one, he looks cute in the manger!)

A week after J was born we celebrated Thanksgiving with our friends, who also had a November two-year-old girl and were due to have a boy in January. This is L with their older kids.

Six weeks later, it was J's first Christmas.

Shortly thereafter we celebrated Art and Thelma Holm's 50th anniversary.

By the next summer, J played peek-a-boo with me in the sheets on the clothesline.

And, we took a trip to fish with Grandpa and Grandma Nelson at the Teton Dam site. We put a pair of L's training pants on J's head to prevent sunburn: "Son, you got a panty on yo' head!"

Spencer Holm & Rachel Fabiano engagement and forthcoming marriage

2011-11-10T16:24:00.015-07:00

Spencer Holm of Nampa and Rachel Fabiano of Alpharetta, Georgia, announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

The bride-to-be is a daughter of Joe and Andrea Fabiano of Alpharetta. She is a 2007 graduate of Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, and will graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2012 with a degree in journalism and philosophy. She is the copy editor of Scroll newspaper at BYU-I.

The prospective bridegroom is a son of Norman and Debra Holm of Nampa. He is a 2004 graduate of Skyview High School and served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Orlando, Florida. In July, he received his bachelor’s degree in professional writing, with a minor in international studies, from BYU-I. He is employed as an office manager and writer for MazePlay in Firth, Idaho. He plans to attend law school in 2012.

The couple will be married on Nov. 26 in the Salt Lake City, Utah, LDS Temple. Friends are invited to an open house in Nampa on Nov. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Happy Valley Road LDS building. A reception will be held in Georgia on December 20.

The couple will reside in Rexburg.

Labor Day Weekend 2011!

2011-09-17T19:27:00.003-06:00

We had a fun Labor Day weekend with three of our children, their spouses and all ten of our grandchildren together for some great times.

GH and ER had a fun time talking on there banana phones.

MH also enjoyed getting in on the conversation.

AR had a Cheeto phone.

GH enjoyed swinging at Eastside park.

MH was fun to tease as she swinged.

JR and ER at the Boise Balloon Festival.

The rocket balloon.

The BSU Bronco balloon next to the rocket balloon.

So many amazing balloons in the sky.

Janson and JR watching the balloons rise.

The whole crowd.

The Portland and Nampa cousins made a banner for the arrival of the Idaho Falls cousins.

AM posing in the back yard.

Where would the cousins be without their lego imaginations?

WM and JR swinging double.

JR, WM and JM in a triple swing.

WM at lower right corner and big brother HM on the swing.

Cousin fun in the sun at Lake Lowell park.

Fun over and under the rainbow tarp.

Grandpa with his 10 grandchildren celebrating his 60th Birthday!

Where would JR be without a football?

GH and ER having girl cousin fun together.

AM being cute for grandpa.

ER, grandma, and GH reading books.

ER, GH, WM and dolls having a tea party.

Grandpa pulling GH, ER and AR in his birthday yard wagon.

It was a fun and memorable weekend for all.

All Hail the Birthday Kids!

2011-08-07T20:27:00.008-06:00

We cleaned out our closet yesterday! Big news, because we’ll shred 15 years worth of financial records…later! The best “find” was some old family photos. So we decided to honor our two “birthday kids,” E and S with a stroll down memory lane. E turned 29 August 6 and S turned 26 August 4.

In these Christmas photos… E, then S and A, and S, are shepherds who are “sore afraid” yet quite excited to see the angels. J and E portray angels in another picture (yes, apparently some angels have strange beards!)

E was blessed with six cousins born within 18 months of her—these five are mighty cute girls! She helped Kirk and J break a piñata for J’s birthday, and celebrated one Christmas with a new yellow coat. In the last two photos, she pets a baby llama and poses with her older sis.

S was a very cute Keystone cop in his bowler hat—and he really did try to leap tall buildings in a single bound! He grew up to play a trumpet / piano duet with E. His hair has always lent itself to fun, and he loved basketball fervently.

Can you find them on the 2^nd Ward raft in the rapids? Last but not least, our five kids, including E and S, our very cool middle kids!

Our Fourth Child Graduates from The University!

2011-07-28T21:44:00.005-06:00

Our fourth child, SWH, graduated from Brigham-Young University-Idaho on July 22. He received his Bachelor's Degree in English with a professional writing emphasis, and with mirror clusters in Political Science and History. It was a thrill for us to attend his graduation, along with RF from Georgia and his sister EHM and niece AM. We're having some "Sunrise, Sunset" feelings that are bittersweet but he has worked hard for this day and we are so grateful.

Use the “Recipe for Preserving Children” to SURVIVE!

2011-06-26T21:24:00.020-06:00

"Recipe for Preserving Children"

(Found in Joyce Nelson's handwriting and maybe composed by her!)

Take one large field

Half a dozen children

Two small dogs

A pinch of brook

And some pebbles.

Mix children and dogs well together

Put them on field and stir constantly.

Pour the brook over the pebbles

Sprinkle the field with wild flowers

Spread over all, a deep beautiful sky

And bake in Sun.

When brown, put in bathtub to cool.

We recently tried this recipe, with excellent results (Neighbors provided two large dogs, and a friendly horse!)

All of our children and grandchildren, and one dear friend, convened at a cabin near Cascade Reservoir. L. planned the reunion with the theme: "Survivor" We were divided into teams of males... wearing blue bandannas... and females... wearing pink. The pinks won the scavenger hunt, though it was challenged when a young male threw a key item into the fire. But the boys surged back, winning at fishing (JM, age 5, caught the only fish, a perch!) and a few of the beach volleyball games. The girls definitely had the prettiest nails after a manicure party, and boys excelled at horseshoes. Babies won the "cuteness" contests and Wii games veered back and forth between the two teams.

Some excellent meals were served and Norm taught us all how to "survive" the challenges of life by wearing the armor of God.

Both teams won as we achieved our goal of "surviving" and absolutely enjoying a wonderful weekend. After weeks of rain, it was a lovely weekend in both weather and memories made!

Why Not Jailbreak Your iPhone?

2011-05-14T20:36:00.215-06:00

Jailbreaking…it sounds so sinister. But when it comes to my iPhone, I love it! It makes my phone look better with its appearance tweaks, themes and fun apps, and it is much more usable with tweaks that improve its functionality. It‘s a fun hobby, and I think as long as I have an iPhone, I will jailbreak. Here is a definition of “Jailbreaking” and “Cydia” as described in Wikipedia.

Jailbreaking is a process that allows devices running Apple’s iOS operating system to gain full access to unlock all features of the system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple. Once jailbroken, users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store, via Cydia installer. A jailbroken iPhone running iOS can still use the App Store and iTunes and other normal iPhone functions.

At its core, jailbreaking a device gives access to its root file system, allowing modification and installing third-party software components. This gives the user more control over the device and enables features unavailable without jailbreaking. Under the DMCA of 2010, jailbreaking is legal in the United States. The jailbreaking process does not include any modification to the hardware, so simply restoring the operating system through iTunes can quickly and easily reverse it.

Cydia is a software application for iOS that allows a user to find and download software packages (including applications, system modifications, themes, and ringtones) for a jailbroken iPhone. Cydia is a graphical front end to APT and the dpkg package management system so the packages available in Cydia are provided by a decentralized system of repositories that list these packages. Most of the software packages available through Cydia are free, and it also includes several hundred packages for sale through the Cydia Store with a commission setup similar to the App store.

Cydia Home Reloading Data

Some of the packages available in Cydia are self-contained applications, but the majority of the packages are extensions, modifications, and themes for the iOS interface. Since these software packages run on jailbroken devices, they can provide functionality outside the scope of standard applications: system-wide changes to the user interface, modifications of button actions, extensions of networking behavior, and other "tweaks" to the system. Users install these for purposes including personalization, adding desired features, and making development work on the device easier by providing access to the file system and command-line tools. Most of the packages available through Cydia are written by independent developers.

Cydia is developed by Jay Freeman (also known as "saurik") and his company, SaurikIT. The name "Cydia" is an allusion to the Codling Moth, with a scientific name of Cydia pomonella, which is famously known as the "worm in the apple."

Cydia Installing

Here is a listing of some of the great Cydia packages that rest on the pages of my jailbroken iPhone 4 and an explanation of the fun and functionality they add:

Animate BootLogo lets you apply a custom animated boot logo.

Animate Boot Logo

Barrel adds different 3D effects to the springboard. It changes the look of how your home screen icons scroll.

Barrel

BytaFont lets you apply customized fonts, ColorKeyboard lets you colorize the keyboard by changing the colors of key buttons and keyboard backgrounds, FontSwap lets you apply customized fonts, Color Mail Labels allows you to organize your email accounts using color labels.

Byta Font ColorKeyboard

FontSwap Color Mail Labels

CyDelete lets you uninstall Cydia applications directly from the springboard just like normal app store applications, Cyntact shows profile pictures in contact lists.

Cyntact

DeepEnd shifts the wallpaper based on the device orientation, Elert allows you to quickly view incoming emails from any app, Exchange Unlock allows you to bypass the unlock for a Exchange email account, FaceBreak allows you to FaceTime over 3G instead of only WiFi, FakeClockUp accelerates UIKit transition animations giving the appearance of speeding up the iPhone.

FakeCarrier allows you to change the carrier name and time on the status bar.

FakeCarrier

Five-Column SpringBoard allows five columns of icons on the Springboard, Five-Icon Switcher allows five icons in your multitasking switcher.

Five-Column SpringBoard Five-Icon Switcher

FolderEnhancer opens folders faster, creates multiple pages of icons inside of folders, creates folders inside folders, puts folders on the dock, hides the wallpaper in folders.

FolderEnhancer

FreeSync allows you to use your device while it’s syncing with iTunes, Graviboard brings gravity to the home screen and folders by allowing the icons on your home screen to fall down or up.

FreeSync Graviboard

GridLock allows you to freely arrange your icons however you would like, IconRenamer allows quick and easy icon renaming from the SpringBoard.

GridLock IconRenamer

iFile allows file managing and viewing, iSHSHit allows you to easily backup your firmware SHSH blobs from Apple directly on your device for later downgrading if needed.

WeatherIcon puts live weather information on top of the weather icon and in your status bar, LiveClock provides a customizable animated clock icon on the SpringBoard.

WeatherIcon LiveClock

LockInfo customizes your lockscreen to get the information you need when you need it (weather, calendar, sms/mms, etc.), MarkThatMessage time stamps messages (sms/mms).

LockInfo MarkThatMessage

MobileTerminal provides a terminal emulator for the iPhone, MultiFlow provides expose-like and cards multitasking for iOS4, MultiIconMover allows you to move multiple SpringBoard icons at a time, My3G makes apps believe they are on WiFi instead of 3G, NoLockScreen disables the “slide to unlock” part of the lock screen, NoWiggle removes the wiggling effect when you press and hold App icons on the Springboard (for moving/deleting), OpenSSH allows for secure remote access between machines.

OverBoard shows an overview of SpringBoard’s pages and allows you to jump between them, PkgBackup allows backup/restore of all Cydia packages, qTweeter provides a fast and efficient way to tweet and update your Facebook status, Remove Background quickly removes all apps from the task switcher, and kills all app processes, RetinaAppIcons automatically transforms low resolutions app icons into high-quality app icons, Rich Text for Mail allows you to compose and reply to emails using custom fonts, colors and styles.

OverBoard Rich Text for Mail

SBSettings moves important toggles directly into the Springboard where they are always available instantly even while other apps are running, SBSwitcher places SBSettings toggles in the app switcher.

SBSettings SBSwitcher

ScrollingBoard lets you have scrolling, unlimited icons, in your dock and folders, and provides other add-ons in the dock.

ScrollingBoard SBSettings Toggles & ScrollingBoard Sliders

Shrink shrinks or enlarges Springboard icons so that you can fit more or less on one page.

Shrink

SleepFX provides stunning effects when the screen dims, SnapTap allows you to take pictures and videos easily by using the volume controls and wired headset button, Stampr allows you to timestamp photos.

Stampr

Tlert allows you to compose or reply to SMS from within any app, Volume Booster boosts up the volume on your device, Wi-Fi Sync allows the iPhone to wirelessly sync with iTunes, WiCarrier replaces status bar’s carrier name field with the currently connected Wi-Fi network.

WiCarrier

WinterBoard provides the ability to safely and simply graphically theme almost anything in iOS, xBackup allows you to simply backup/restore Cydia sources and packages.

WinterBoard

Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinet Remodel

2011-01-02T10:37:00.009-07:00

About 15 years ago, we thought Santa nearly did himself in bringing our dishwasher down the chimney. But this year, he did better than that-- he brought these lovely granite countertops, covered our old green cabinets with alder and gave us new drawers and doors in both kitchen and bathroom.

We felt blessed in our choice of a carpenter to do the woodwork-- Ryan Nelson, a young man in our ward, did a very professional job, and was ethical, courteous and easy to get along with. (Important qualities in a person who is in your home for many hours over several weeks!) Norm put on the hardware. We got the granite through Da Vinci Stone in Boise, where our former neighbor, Bryan Bauer works. We were pleased with it as well. We installed a new range hood that works much better than the old one, and an under-cabinet magnetic knife rack that Debbie bought at IKEA in Portland sometime ago. We enjoyed all of it during the holidays (we celebrated by having Murdocks cook an Indian meal, naan and curried chicken) and hope you can sense how much we love our new kitchen through these pictures.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas 2010 and a Wonderful New Year 2011!

2010-12-17T21:20:00.036-07:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

If you haven't viewed our Christmas Card click here.

FaceCalling Family on an iPhone...

2010-11-24T20:30:00.003-07:00

Anybody who knows Norm knows he's an iPhone aficionado. With this new app, you touch an icon of the face of the person you want to call, and it dials them. So yesterday, E touched Grandpa Garth's photo and we called him, although she was shy about actually talking to him. Later 2-year old A wanted to try, so I touched Norm's photo and let him talk. Later he was jabbering away to A2, his favorite baby cousin-- we thought it was funny pretending, but I still took the phone away. In a few minutes Emily called back-- he had actually called her and, as closely as he could, talked to A2.

A Beautiful Fall and Early Winter...

2010-11-22T21:11:00.007-07:00

The autumn of 2010 will long be remembered as warm and lovely. We had color from both leaves and flowers because the first frost was so slow in coming! Fall is a beautiful, recurring miracle. When the days get short, trees lose their leaves so we can enjoy every bit of sunlight, or even moonlight (like we've had the last couple of nights.)

It's a good time to enjoy pictures of gorgeous days that are gone, never to return. In September, we started enjoying incredible sunrises and sunsets, which have continued all fall. Emily brought the boys for a visit during October when we were having days in the 60s. J1 and H discovered that rhubarb leaves make an impressive background. J2 just acted corny! All the kids got into the vegetable-creativity mode making a Zuchinni Man. E, Lara and A enjoyed practicing their "baby"skills on A2--(little S will be born in December!)

Just about every year, Roettos play in our leaves, and this year, Murdocks joined in on November 13. What fun! As they helped Norm rake the leaves, they watched Norm sit on a bag of leaves and ride it like a horse, pushing out the air. W said, "Grandpa, let me puff it!" They were good at raking and bagging leaves.

That same day, Norm and Debbie drove to Boise and joined in a birthday party for Debbie's cousin Wilbur T. "Whitey" Nelson-- Cousin Candace Wood is also in the photo. Yesterday our first snow piled up, mirroring the puffy clouds. It's time for another season's joys-- so many things for which to be thankful!

Maid Marian & Robin Hood

2010-10-31T22:01:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween! We're usually sticks-in the-mud about Halloween but not this year. We had watched the entire 3 seasons of the BBC "Robin Hood" series, "Robin Hood" starring Russell Crowe, and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner, so it was only natural that we'd dress up this way when our bishop said, "Dress up as your favorite heroes." We actually went out in public-- to the 2nd Ward Trunk or Treat Party--and whilst we don't know if a good time was had by all, it was certainly had by Marian and Robin! Come on over to Sherwood Forest for some medieval gruel! (Remember, we have to rob from the rich to feed the poor!)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 180th Semiannual General Conference October 2-3, 2010

2010-10-02T16:40:00.020-06:00

October 2nd - Saturday Morning Session

October 2nd - Saturday Afternoon Session

October 2nd - Saturday Priesthood Session

October 3rd - Sunday Morning Session

October 3rd - Sunday Afternoon Session

Flying In and Out of the Empty Nest....

2010-09-21T21:40:00.005-06:00

Tonight there are no cars parked on the street out front. And there are no kids living in our house for the first time in 32 years, eleven months and thirteen days. We are official empty-nesters.

Spencer came to stay with us for August and September, to work and to take a class to prepare to take the LSAT. Alissa continued to work her two jobs-- we were glad she took some time off to go to a play, "The Foreigner," with us at the Starlight Mountain Theater.

On August 25, Norm, Debbie, Spencer and Alissa drove to Provo so Alissa could start her college education at BYU. It was a busy time, getting her unpacked, books bought, etc. We were glad to spend a few precious minutes with Meggan and Ontario Britton and boys, and Joe and April Clark, cousins.

August 26 was Norm's birthday-- and the best gift was a call from Emily that James was declared "cancer free" that day!! It was hard to say goodbye to Alissa. Debbie and Spencer said goodbye and shed a few tears, then went into a building to find restrooms, while Norm stayed behind to watch Alissa toil up a hill on her way to orientation. He was there to wave at her when she got to the top and turned to look back; truly a father's love in action.

In September, Debbie enjoyed going to the Boise Hot Air Balloon Festival with Lara, Jacob, Ella and Axel. We appreciated Spencer's muscles and his truck as we purchased a new couch and love seat on Labor Day (more about that in a future post!) We picked peaches at our welfare orchard and eventually canned 93 quarts. The garden has also been beautiful this year.

On September 10-13 we drove to Portland to visit Janson, Lynn and the girls. We had a fun trip to Laurelwood Park, took the train downtown to the zoo, ( a fellow on the train asked Norm if he had $100 to spare -- his kids should get a laugh out of that!), Debbie spent a pile of money on fabric, and we visited La Tourelle Falls and Vista House with its wonderful view of the Gorge.

All of these were wonderful, but the highlight was going to Grace's Primary Sacrament Meeting. She's only 4 and we wondered if she could do her part without help, but she squared her shoulders and said it: "For God so loved the world that He gave his only Begotten Son..." She sang out with the rest of the children and it was truly a spiritual time for us.

Of course we also enjoyed Mari's dancing ways and explanations-- looking at a book with Norm she said, "That's a jello-fish, Grandpa!" The weather was gorgeous for the trip over and back-- a nice contrast from our two previous trips which were 100 degrees and 28 degrees, with snow and ice.

Spencer headed back to Rexburg today, making it official. We're empty nesters. Once we wipe away the tears, we'll enjoy it!

Holm Family Reunion 2010, "Keep Calm and Carry On, with Love"

2010-08-10T19:35:00.004-06:00

What an impressive family! We think we have the cutest grandkids, the nicest in-laws and the best children, who all look good in green. For our reunion August 6-8, we celebrated birthdays, took rides on Marco's boat, wake-boarded, played on the beach and in the park, had a cakewalk, fish pond and water-balloon throw, ate and ate and played many games of soccer. Check these out:

Family Portrait Time

Grandma Doing What She Does Best

Cousin Sleepover

Cousins at Play

Trampoline Fun

Birthday Celebrations

Big Ball Soccer

Boating and Beach Time

Girl Cousins in Pillowcase Dresses

Fun Games for All

What Are They Doing?

Son, You Got a Pantyhose on Your Head!

That Looks Like Fun!

Did Anyone Else get Wet with Water Balloons!

Great Grandma Enjoyed Seeing the Grandkids and Great Grandkids

Last but not Least Beautiful Baby Anna's Blessing

Wonderful Grandchildren...

2010-07-25T17:16:00.006-06:00

Working with some new iPhone apps Camera+ and Sketch Me! I created these black and white sketches from photos of each of 9 our grandchildren oldest to youngest. Each are great kids who we love very much.

Jacob

Harris

Jack

Grace

Ella

William

Mari

Axel

Anna

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-20T18:32:00.005-06:00

Norm's search for meaning ended in the backyard this Father's Day, as he and Alissa put up a hammock she and Spencer gave to him. It was surprisingly easy-- we never had one before because we didn't think we had a place to hang it, but they hung it between the walnut tree and a fencepost. Ahh, summer lounging in the hammock! But within an hour it was raining, typical of this spring--we're glad tomorrow is the first day of summer! It was a lovely Father's Day with Spencer and Haley visiting, and a delicious dinner at Lara's.

Alissa Graduates in the Class of 2010!

2010-06-07T21:51:00.029-06:00

Here she is-- Alissa Ann Holm, who graduated June 4 with honors from Liberty Charter High School, Class of 2010! The best part is, she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She won a scholarship to BYU in print journalism and a privately sponsored scholarship for $1500.

Why is she smiling? Because for the past four years, she has gotten up early to go to early morning seminary, and on May 23, she graduated!

A glad grad...Where's Waldo? We dunno, but Spencer is in back and four-year-old niece is in front!

Alissa loves her nephews and nieces. (Unfortunately six year old nephew and James were ill, and two nieces and their family were unable to come.)

Alissa's family fans... Spencer's friend Haley, who came for the weekend, took the photo-- thanks, Haley! (We're sorry we didn't get a photo of her!)

Alissa with one of her close high school friends, Aimee.

Alissa and two friends, Brooke and Debra, had a joint open house on June 5 at Brooke's house, where a barbecue was served. This was her display (minus a laptop slide show!) Emily, Lara and Norm took the senior photos.

Norm and six-week-old darling grand-baby rest for a happy moment!

A Lady Baby in the House...

2010-05-02T19:36:00.001-06:00

Here is Anna Alice, modeling an outfit given her by Aunt Alissa for Christmas--before she was born!

She hangs out with brother Will, who will soon be three years old.

Three in a row-- Harris, age 6, Jack age 4 and Anna! When her great-grandma Joyce was born with three older brothers, one of them said, "We got us a lady baby!' The proud Murdock boys can now say the same thing!

The Birth of Anna Alice Murdock!

2010-04-25T22:01:00.010-06:00

Our beautiful baby grand-daughter Anna Alice Murdock was born April 23, 2010 at 2:33 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz., and is 20-1/2 inches tall. Grandma Debbie, Aunt Alissa, and Grandpa Norm were able to arrive at the hospital 2-1/2 hours after she was born. Her mom, dad and brothers are happy to have her here healthy and safe.

Here Anna has her eyes wide open.

Here she is all stretched out.

With her proud Grandma Debbie who came to be with her during her first week of life.

Her uncle Spencer came from college to watch her brothers while she was born.

"Anna Alice" with one of her name sakes Aunt "Alissa Ann."

Fun Family Weekend

2010-04-12T10:09:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed an unplanned family reunion of sorts this past week-end. Lynn came with Grace and Mari enroute to her brother's graduation at Rexburg, and Janson joined them a few days later; James had a law seminar in Boise, so Murdocks came from Idaho Falls; Spencer finished his term at BYU-I and came home for a week. So--we had a family dinner at Lara and Marco's, complete with an Easter egg hunt. Here are the eight grandkids with Great-Grandma Marene, showing off their wonderful personalities. No wonder we think we're the luckiest grandparents in the world, and can't wait for #9 to arrive later this month!

The 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-04-04T16:36:00.013-06:00

We enjoyed viewing General Conference at home these past two days. The Spirit was strong and the peace was palpable. We appreciated the messages about Jesus Christ's atonement, death and resurrection; about adults setting a good example and testifying to children and youth, how we can fortify our faith for the challenges in our world, and how we should follow the example of the Savior in our love and service to those around us.

Norm is blessed with three good home teaching families, and Sunday between sessions a sister in one family needed a blessing. She apologized for interrupting our Easter festivities (we did have some festivities-- Alissa was at home making pizza for the three of us!) and he told her that after hearing the talks that inspired him to want to serve, it was a joy to have the opportunity to do so.

We'll have our egg hunt and egg dyeing a week from now, when we have a houseful of grandkids here (we'll blog some pictures!) In the meantime, we'll be looking over our notes and seeking ways to make our sweet conference experience last a little longer.

A Day to Celebrate!

2010-02-02T22:03:00.005-07:00

Not many guys are tough enough to run a dusty, hot mile (more like a mile and half) on a July evening, but our son-in-law James Murdock did! Today he finished another grueling run as he took his last cancer chemotherapy treatment. He spent his 30th Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as the entire month of January through today, worrying about cancer and having chemicals pumped through his body. The race isn't totally over; he's still weak and won't know until later how the treatment worked. But we are very proud of him and the way he has toughed out the past 11 weeks.

Remembering "Grammy" Joyce Furniss Nelson

2010-01-17T20:49:00.013-07:00

This is a movie that celebrates the life of Joyce Furniss Nelson, born October 25 1920 and died December 31 2009. She brought beauty and nobility to the roles of wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The video was created by her granddaughter, Alissa Holm.

Honoring A Wonderful Lady

2010-01-03T20:43:00.010-07:00

Joyce Furniss Nelson

Joyce Furniss Nelson, 89, died peacefully of heart failure Dec. 31, 2009 in Tooele, Utah. The family will meet friends at Flamm Funeral Home in St. Anthony on Thurs. Jan. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Teton City LDS Ward. Services will follow Friday at 1 p.m. with interment at Teton-Newdale Cemetery.

Joyce was born to William and Rhoda Moulton Furniss Oct. 25, 1920 in Bates, Idaho. She graduated from Teton High School in 1938 and attended Ricks College for a year. Joyce married Wayne Nelson Oct. 18, 1939. They had a dry farm in Clementsville and were parents of ten children. Later they lived in Teton City. For the past four four years, Joyce lived with her daughter Jeanne Jeppesen in Tooele.

If relationships equal riches, Joyce was wealthy indeed. She treasured most her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and there was ample room in her heart for extended family, friends and neighbors. She made each person feel loved, special and unique. She presided over an annual family reunion at their farm home and graciously received wildflowers from children of all ages. She was "The Cookie Grandma" to her family and generations of children in Teton City.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Wayne; two daughters, Holly Joyce and Brenda Nelson Anderson; three grandsons, Owen Anderson, Brett Anderson and Hyrum Clark; her parents; eight brothers and two sisters.

Joyce is survived by eight children: Judy (Glenn) Scoble of San Pedro, CA; Bruce Nelson of Shelley; Ellen (Kerry) Frazier of Downey; Jeanne (Alan) Jeppesen of Tooele, Rex (SuLin) Nelson of Logan, UT; Debra (Norman) Holm of Nampa; Andrea (Ross) Clark of Mansfield, OH; Shanan (Kelly) Cameron of Irvine, CA; by a son-in-law, Sherrell Anderson of Mansfield, OH; by 44 grandchildren and 63 great-grandchildren; and by two brothers, Bud (Jean) Furniss of Rupert and John (Verla Jean) Furniss of Ammon, and a sister-in-law, Marie Furniss, of Blackfoot.

Joyce was dearly loved. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the F. Wayne and Joyce Nelson Family Living Trust for the purpose of supporting descendants’ labors as LDS missionaries. (checks payable to Shanan Cameron, who is treasurer.) FWN and JN Living Trust c/o Shanan Cameron / 4171 Blackfin Ave. / Irvine CA 92620

Holm Family 2009 News

2009-12-17T18:23:00.005-07:00

The Furniss Family Story

2009-11-30T17:47:00.013-07:00

Drumroll, please! The long-awaited, long-anticipated "Furniss Book" is at the publishers! Debbie has been working on it for about ten years (on and off, mostly off,) but more important, Joyce has been working on it for a lifetime. It is the story of her grandparents, Joe and Hellen Furniss; of their children, including her Dad, Will; and of their grandchildren, which includes Joyce herself! Other family authors, including Verl, Ern, Bud and John are featured, as is Brenda's extensive work. It has 85 color pictures, (including photos and scans of Denton's artwork) as you can see in these pages, artfully laid out by Norm. Joyce's writing brings Teton Basin as it was 100 years ago to life. The book will cost enough to cover the cost of publishing and will arrive just in time for Christmas. In a couple of weeks you'll be able to get a copy from Debbie or Joyce herself-- watch for e-mails on it! To download a 62 MB PDF copy of the book click this link: http://www.mediafire.com/?jqji5zfnzyy

Life Changes!

2009-11-30T02:14:00.005-07:00

Norm was released as president of the Nampa East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on October 25, 2009. In one photo, he's with his counselors (on either side) and the high council and stake clerks, and in the other, he's with Debbie at home (yeah-- we were able to come home and eat without waiting for him!) It was wonderful to have Emily's family, Spencer and our friend Emily Martin, and Lara's family all here for this special day. (They took great pictures on their cameras, which we hope to share after they share with us!) The visiting authorities who released him on behalf of the First Presidency were Elders David F. Evans and J. Craig Rowe of the Seventy. There was such a sweet, strong spirit there as the elders expressed deep appreciation for all that this presidency has done, along with taking extra time to visit with and thank their families. After eight years and eight months of service, it is quite a change but we are getting used to sleeping in on Sunday!

Alissa, Volleyball: "Liberty at Wilder"

2009-11-30T02:13:00.003-07:00

Here, Alissa serves as her team gets a point at their game September 29 at Wilder. They won 25-9, 25-23, and 25-9. She is the steadiest member of the team, who stays calm when others get rattled. Her serves are consistent and strong, and stay in bounds. Her hits are also good, and if the setter sets her, she makes kills. Video by Norm on his iPhone.

Simplicity

2009-11-30T02:13:00.001-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful photo? Alissa took it at the Portland Temple this summer. We want to remind everyone to keep voting-- you can vote several times a day and there are 42 days left to vote-- it ends around November 3. So vote early and often! We're proud of our daughter's photography skills.

Back in Black and White Photo Challenge
Brickfish

Fun With Nelsons Reunion

2009-11-30T02:12:00.006-07:00

By Debbie

The weekend of July 11-13 found us buzzing across Idaho and up a dirt road to the beautiful green place we call "the farm." Memories seem to be the crop at this farm, and this year was no exception. Spencer, Will and a cookie seem to be perfect soulmates, while Will, Harris, Eli and Evan got front-row seats for the campfire program. (Spencer and Evan are the two remaining "four horsemen of the apocalypse" born in 1985 who haven't been bitten by the matrimonial bug.) Grammy was there, holding baby Cleo Casares.

Then there was a sego lily, photographed by Alissa, the yearly basketball game at Green Canyon Hot Springs, and Alissa showing off in a brand new ride?! We were pretty proud of James and Emily (who took first and second places) and Alissa for doing the mile run around the farm roads.

My favorite skit was "Star Wars" as presented by Angelo (Darth Vader breathing), Joel (Darth), Curtis (cameraman), Isaac (Luke) directed by Bryce Nelson. Harris, Josh, and Will rest for a moment from the strenuous game I call "farm warriors." Was it tiring? Yes. Will we go again next year. For sure!

Summer fun

2009-11-30T02:12:00.004-07:00

We've had a fun and family filled summer. During July, Grammy Nelson came home from the family reunion with us and stayed two and a half weeks. She was a big help with garden work, snapping beans, etc, and with tending Axel! Shanan and her boys came for a few days which was so much fun. Then David and Vonda, Cameron and Katrina, Ansley and Eric, and their children Serena and Colin, came in a motor home for a couple of days. We had a good dinner here and then David bought us a nice meal at Smokey Mountain Pizza. It was so fun to see them all again! Then we took a quick camping trip to McCall where we picked huckleberries (Norm got stung by a wasp!) and had some fun on Marco's boat. Debbie got Axel started on the best kind of licorice-- black! As always, the fun has to end sometime-- Alissa started her senior year of high school on August 10.

Patriotism, Pacific and Portland

2009-11-30T02:11:00.002-07:00

By Debbie

It didn't take us long to visit Janson and Lynn after they moved to Portland-- we arrived on their doorstep 3 1/2 weeks after they did! They were wonderful hosts. Lynn took Debbie and Alissa to IKEA and Powell Books--and Debbie, the non-shopper, had a great time at both places! Janson took Norm to the Apple Store-- his favorite place. On July 4 we picnicked at Cannon Beach and the kids showed their patriotism with a fantastic sand castle! Alissa dove right into the Pacific on her first visit there, and found out that it's c-c-cold. Debbie's favorite part of the day was watching Grace fly a dollar store kite with ease while several others struggled to get their $50 kites into the air. We finished the the day with red, white and blue cupcakes and Grace's and Mari's first sparklers.

Sunday we attended the Powell Butte Ward where we saw Grace give her first scripture and prayer in Primary closing exercises. Then we hiked up Powell Butte near their house-- the song, "On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever," pretty well describes this wonderful place where you can get above the trees and see the city and nearby mountains. Then they took us to the Rose Garden, which is absolutely beautiful this time of year, and the Portland Temple. Sandwiched between all this were delicious meals and fun times watching the girls dance and play at their home, which is lovely and much bigger than their apartment in Illinois. It was sad to leave, but driving home through the Columbia Gorge is a treat. This was our first visit to Portland in 22 years-- there will be more to come!

Summer potpourri

2009-11-30T02:10:00.005-07:00

By Debbie

Fun from May and June: On Memorial Day we went to Shoshone Falls (taller than Niagra!) Snowmelt had it running high in April and excess rain made it high in June--in May was it less impressive because they were filling canals upstream, but hey, we've seen it dry and this is way better! Murdocks came the next week and we celebrated Will's 2nd birthday--he loves his water wheel. We went to Dan and Kara Hill Hidalgo's wedding at a cool park in Eagle-- where Jacob and Axel (and all of us) had fun.

Midsummer Madness

2009-11-30T02:10:00.004-07:00

By Debbie

For thousands of years, Swedish folks have gathered for food and fun at the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. My (Debbie's) Grandfather Joe Nelson continued the tradition by gathering with Swedish friends and family every year on the Saturday closest to the solstice, an event we called the "Midsummer Reunion" when I was growing up. As a child, I loved it when the picnic was held at Rexburg's Porter Park, because we got to ride the merry-go-round. During the 1970's and 80's, my brothers in law Shae and Ross rebuilt the aged and flood-damaged carousel and even carved new horses, one of them being the "Chief Joseph" appaloosa, with a picture of Idaho's famous Nez Perce chief and a hand print on the rear end (a Nez Perce tradition.) This year, my grandsons Will (seen on Chief Joseph) Harry and Jack rode the carousel at Midsummer. I really appreciated James's help with the homemade ice cream, a big job, and the auction. As auctioneer, he raised $475! We were glad they were in our contingent, which included Bruce, Ellen and Kerry. Another photo shows me with my cousins, Lila and Carmen, partners in many youthful adventures.

BBQ Pit it is!

2009-11-30T02:09:00.008-07:00

By Norm

C'mon over and roast a hotdog, marshmallow or even a Starburst ( yes, you can roast them-- but we don't recommend trying it with Reese's Pieces!) Alissa had the bright idea, we saw a "Make a firepit in 75 minutes" video online, and we decided to try. We started by setting the first row of bricks in order, and Norm cut into the turf around the outside edge.

Then Norm and Alissa flipped each one over, and Norm dug up all the sod from the circle. Alissa and Debbie lugged the sod to the trash.

This shows Norm, starting the painstaking job of placing and leveling the first row of bricks, which he did twice, trying get all the bricks to fit. Then he was interrupted by a violent thunderstorm.

After the world had been re-baptized, Norm went out and cut another inch of sod from the edges, successfully laid the first row, and then Alissa handed him the bricks for the next two rows. The top row didn't fit right, so they got creative and incorporated 4 bricks left over from our patio, pounding them in tight.

Norm poured in pea gravel and raked it smooth.

Norm laid patio bricks over the pea gravel-- this forms a base for a fire, or for charcoal for grilling or Dutch oven meals!

The finished product-- in only five hours!

Come join us for a barbecue!

Janson's Graduation

2009-11-30T02:09:00.007-07:00

By Debbie

"Blog" is just two letters removed from "brag" and I'm afraid when it comes to our family, we are guilty of bragging. Here are some photos of our trip to Chicago: Janson and Lynn after he received his degree-- I'm glad they're both in the photo, Lynn deserves just as much honor as Janson for keeping things going on the home front for the past five and a half years. There's a shot of Norm and I on the Metra Train, our transportation to the very posh Chicago Opera House where the ceremonies were held, a shot of Grace at a pizza picnic which we enjoyed with Doug, Ellen and Sara Oba, and Mari at Oberweis Dairy where we celebrated with ice cream cones, in the good old Wayne Nelson tradition.

Here is what appeared in our local newspaper: "Janson Larry Holm, a 1998 graduate of Skyview High School, received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. William S. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine within the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science on June 5 at ceremonies held in the Chicago Opera House. Holm is commencing his residency at Legacy Emanuel and Good Samaritan Hospitals in Portland, Oregon. Holm was honored as a Swanson Independent Research Scholar and as a member of the Durlacher Honor Society and Phi Delta Honor Society for the Scholl College, class of 2009. Holm’s essay, “Thoughts on Performance and Improvement in Podiatric Education” was awarded a $1,000 first prize by the American Podiatric Medical Writers Association in its Student Writing Competition. Holm and his wife, Lynn Oba Holm, are the parents of two young daughters and he is a son of Norman and Debra Holm of Nampa."

When Mom gets too intrusive. . .

2009-11-30T02:08:00.002-07:00

This week, I read "Dairy of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" by Jeff Kinney. This series is written with lots of cartoons and some text, from the point of view of middle-schooler Greg Heffley. I saw a very familiar person in this scenario. In one of the cartoons Mom goes with Greg to see what the game "Magick and Monsters" is all about. She asks if she can be the mother of Greg's character and he quickly tells her that all the characters are orphans. So she names her character "Mom." Greg writes, "At one point we were hanging out in a tavern, waiting for a spy to arrive, and my dwarf, Grimlon, ordered a pint of mead. Mead is sort of like beer in this game, and I guess Mom didn't approve of THAT. (She says, "Mom accidentally bumps Grimlon and spills his drink.") He finishes with, "Mom was really talking up Magick and Monsters, saying how it could help me with my "math skills" and stuff like that. I hope she isn't planning on becoming a regular at these games. Because the first chance I get, "Mom" is getting handed over to a pack of Orcs."

Awesome kid mows lawn!

2009-11-30T02:07:00.002-07:00

Norm took this picture of Alissa mowing the lawn-- he was so happy that HE wasn't doing it! Notice the leaves on the apple tree-- Janson trimmed it in February.

Honoring A Deserving Young Woman!

2009-11-30T02:06:00.005-07:00

She's lovely inside and out. Besides the big smile, you might notice the gold necklace Alissa is wearing--her Young Womanhood Recognition Award, which she received in Sacrament Meeting in January. She was honored for earning this award, which took six and one-half years of effort, setting many goals and devoting more than 60 hours to special projects. Her display includes a needlework project she sewed on the six value areas, a book of family histories, a quilt she made and a volleyball--representing her favorite sport. A huge, and deserved, honor!

April Conference

2009-11-30T02:06:00.004-07:00

The past two days we enjoyed the 179th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church was organized 179 years ago today, on April 6, 1830. We listened to 26 addresses by the men and women who lead our church. For Debbie, the favorite was by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, who spoke about our need to be unselfish in a world that declares "It's all about me." Debbie also appreciated three other addresses that encouraged more faithful (and unselfish) use of temples. The Boise Temple is just 30 minutes away, so she plans to start going there a lot more often. Other speakers talked about our tough economic times. Elder Robert Hales said sometimes we get into a rut where we almost crave shopping for new things: "An addiction is a craving of the natural man that can never be satisfied, but our spiritual longings can be satisfied through Jesus Christ." Wonderful messages!

Good Family Times, February - March 2009

2009-11-30T02:05:00.002-07:00

Janson had an externship based in Boise for six weeks, so they came and stayed with us. After having them so far away, with all the worries about Lynn's health, it was nice to spend fun, relaxed time with them. These shots show a variety of activities: Grace's first bowling game (she was just about as good as the rest of us, and none of us are as good as Pres. Obama!); our granddaughters in skirts Debbie made for them; Lynn and the kids playing with her homemade play-dough; clowning around with Lara, and Spencer teaching the kids his awesome Lego skills. They traveled some and got to see many grandparents. There's a picture of Great- grandma Marene holding Axel, who is now six months old; a four-generation shot of Janson, Mari, Grace, Great-grammy Joyce, and Debbie, and a photo of the girls with Great-grandparents Garth and Ruthelda. Tons of fun!

Valentine's Day Fun

2009-11-30T02:04:00.005-07:00

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day, which, incidentally, was Harris Murdock's fifth birthday! (We also celebrated for Mari Holm, who turned one in January, Debbie, who turned 54 Feb. 7, and Ella Roetto, who will turn three on Feb. 25.) Since James and Emily got a wonderful new camera for Christmas, and since this was the first time in 17 months that we've all been together, we took family pictures in our backyard. Aside from the fact that a few little ones had colds and just didn't feel like saying "cheese," it went very well. Here you see Norm and Debbie with grandkids, then with kids, and then with everybody-- including our wonderful kids-in-law. James and Emily did a great job, and for the big family shots, I thought everyone did a good job of smiling at that little blinking light on the camera timer. These aren't the best shots, but they are representative, and if you check out our kids' blogs, you'll see more fruits of the day's efforts.

Norm & Debbie

2009-11-30T02:04:00.004-07:00

Here is a nice photo of Norm and Debbie taken by our son-in-law photographer extraordinaire James Murdock. His good work makes us look much better than we really are!

T Shirt Quilt

2009-11-30T02:03:00.005-07:00

Since it's rare for me to sew a complete project, I thought I'd share the T shirt quilt I made for Spencer for Christmas. One photo shows is the "fun side"--T shirts ranging from the one he got at high school graduation with the names of all his classmates, to the "McLenin's" shirt Lara brought him from Russia, and the other is the "sports" side-- recording his basketball efforts from 7th through 12th grades. This quilt is a lot simpler (and less aesthetic) than many-- except for the bat, it's all t shirts. The hard part is cutting the blocks out with the rotary cutter in such a way that the block shows the features you want, and so the grain is fairly straight. Then you sew the blocks together using a ball point needle.

Because I was afraid the knit fabric would stretch too much, I didn't put it on quilt frames, i just used corsage pins to pin all the layers together on the floor, and tied it with red embroidery floss. Lara suggested I sew strips of scraps together with a bias method for the binding, and she helped me bind it. I ended up hand-binding the last step because my sewing machine would get ornery whenever it encountered quilt bat. Hand needles even hated that bonded bat-- it's tough stuff!

Anyway, it's just sort of a TV watching comforter and I'm not sure it's even twin size. I used 12 blocks, 16 inches square-- more blocks could be added to make a bigger quilt. It's a great way to get more wear, and memories, out of those old T shirts that are just taking up storage space.

Museum of Idaho

2009-11-30T02:03:00.004-07:00

We had a fun experience in Idaho Falls last week when we went to the Museum of Idaho. They were having a "free" day so we didn't even have to pay. Harris, Jack and Will enjoyed the children's area with climbing "rocks" and caves, frontier dress-up clothes, computer games, a miniature log cabin and a tee-pee. There are wonderful murals on the walls. For adults, there are displays on the history and culture of Idaho. Creche's, gingerbread constructions and Christmas artifacts were the special feature. The other great parts of the trip were visiting with Bruce, Grandpa Garth and Grandma Ruthelda Holm and Debbie's Uncle John and Aunt Verla Jean, and cousin Sharyn.

Holm for Christmas -- 2008

2009-11-30T02:02:00.002-07:00

2008 brought us a very Merry Christmas! On December 16, Norm received a watch and a $150 gift certificate in recognition of 30 years of working for the City of Nampa. Christmas Day brought a very special Nativity play, with Axel at the perfect age to be a peaceful and inspiring "Baby Jesus." Ella was Mary; Spencer was Joseph; Jacob was a wise man, Debbie a shepherd and Grandma an angel, while Norm narrated. Of course we opened gifts, and Spencer received a quilt made from his high school T shirts. Alissa got a darling new coat (it is either a P coat or a pea coat. It is not, like Grandpa Nelson's "Pee shoe" slippers, a Pee coat.) Jacob-- who had a stomach ache from candy-- got a football. Grandma and Alissa each took their turns holding that sweet baby, while Ella taught the best way to eat olives.

Give Thanks, 2008!

2009-11-30T02:01:00.004-07:00

Here are a few scenes from Holm Life Thanksgiving, 2008! First is baby Axel, who was blessed on Sunday in a darling white sweater outfit. We have a lot to be thankful for, including celebrating 32 years of marriage and Jacob's 7th birthday on November 26--so Jacob is next. Then there are photos of Will, Harris and Jack in the tall tree out front! There are shots of Will, Jack and Harris, emotions evoked by a Memory game, Alissa with pies she helped make for Thanksgiving dinner and a group watching "Kung Fu Panda" with Uncle Spencer. All in all, several satisfying days of fun and feasting.

Introducing the Apple iCar!

2009-11-30T02:01:00.001-07:00

I thought all of the Apple fans in the family would enjoy this recent cartoon concerning the Apple iCar. (The text inserted below the cartoon is from a 1999 Apple iCar Cartoon advertisement by Chris O'Reily www.Chris3D.com)

Why settle for an opaque automobile when you can get the iMac on wheels? Introducing the iCar. It’s the compact car with a personality.
You know how important they say it is to be a well-rounded person? The iCar was designed to be a well-rounded automobile. Smoothly rounded edges that let you squeeze into nearly any parking space, solid semi- transparent rubber tires for a smooth ride, great gas mileage, and a convenient see-through shell that lets you see what's in the trunk without having to open it are among the many thoughtful touches you’ll appreciate about the iCar. And with plastic rust-proof materials, a GPS navigation system, and Y2K compliance, it’s as ready for the next millennium as a car can be.

The Beauty and the Beast
But while you’ll love the way the iCar looks and feels, you’ll learn to respect the beast within. Because the iCar is powered by a blazingly fast, next generation V4 engine—great for cruising the highways, quick trips to the store, or beating the daylights out of friends at the drag strip.

Say goodbye to floor mats
The iCar also offers a very important benefit that'll put your mind at ease. The next time a rodent runs across the road in front of you, just look down through the transparent floor-pans and steer around the little fella'. No more wondering whether you "got him" or not.
So if your in the market for a new automobile, check out the iCar. Oh, did we mention it's available in 5 fruity colors?

The iCar from Apple. Drive Different.

Haloween Pride

2009-11-30T02:00:00.005-07:00

Proud grandparents are always looking for a reason to show off their grandchildren, so even though you may have seen some of these photos on our kids' blogs, here we go again! Here, "the last" is "first"-- at just one month, Axel is sporting a cute character (Mummy Loves Me!) that resembles him just a little! Next is "Pincess" Ella and "Chuck Lidell" Jacob. Then we fly across the country (for all the world like Tinker Bell) to discover "The Chocolate Strawberry" Mari and Tinker Bell Grace. I'll put the Murdock kids on another post (since I'm still figuring out how to download their pictures and I'm only able to put 5 photos in a post.) So stay tuned!

Halloween Pride II

2009-11-30T02:00:00.004-07:00

Here we have Captain Hook (James)-- wielding a tough-looking bread hook (and he really does bake bread!) holding his nemesis, Peter Pan (Will), flanked by Superman (Jack) and Batman (Harris.) Unfortunately, we don't have photos of Alissa, who made a lovely lady bug, and Spencer,who was a GIANT Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtle! Our last photo is sweetest--Debbie's dear mom, Grammy, who turned 88 on Oct. 25, with Harris, Will and Jack. We are sandwiched between generations of love!

Photo Potpourri

2009-11-30T01:58:00.006-07:00

Here are more photos relating to the previous post, as promised. First, we see the Roetto Family, pleased as punch with wonderful Axel. He had had a little jaundice but is doing well otherwise, and hasn't had to have a bili blanket like Jacob and Ella did. A sweet and handsome boy!

Next, we see James with his Idaho Bar certificate (sorry our camera is not up to par.) A quote from the Honorable Stephen S. Trott: "The worst mistake a lawyer can make is to gauge success by money. A much better barometer is your satisfaction in helping people, in devoting your time and resources to helping the oppressed and downtrodden."

Then, James and his lovely wife Emily following the ceremony at the Boise Center on the Grove.

Finally, our newly painted home, backyard view (we'll post the front after the lovely red door gets painted.) Norm, Alissa and Debbie worked like turks to get it done-- especially Norm-- and we're very happy with it. Somehow we managed to hit the only two-week window of time when Idaho temperatures were between 50 and 90 degrees-- the prescribed temperatures for paint adhesion. When we started, we roasted in nearly 90 degree heat; when we finished, we waited for it to get up to 50 by noon. It snowed the next day in Boise.

Painting the Holm Home - "Updated Photos"

2009-11-30T01:58:00.004-07:00

Here are "updated" shots of our fresh paint: the view from the backyard, the south side/chimney, back tri-level detail, the front door now painted, a close-up of the "bling items" that dress it all up-- a new yardlight and house numbers, trim detail at the gable points (matching door color), front view, refinished front stone, close-up of center front; and matching door and mailbox colors. (These new photos show front door painted, the stone work varnished, and the fence repainted to match the house color.) Norm took 55 hours from work, plus much of his own time, and spent most of them on a ladder in uncomfortable positions: nailing up trim around the windows, scraping, priming and painting; sweating and freezing. With all this, and slave labor from Debbie and Alissa, (and our friend, Patty Bess) we saved $2000. After Norm had had some frustration over a project, a good friend asked, "Have you lost your religion over this?" The answer is: Yes, a little-- there were some ruffled feathers. But we survived!

A new baby, a new lawyer, and new paint!

2009-11-30T01:56:00.004-07:00

Hello all! It's been a busy time: Lara gave birth on Sept. 25 to Axel Mitchel Roetto 7 lb. 8 oz. He is a beautiful boy! It is so fun to have a newborn around but he's already growing up too fast! Another neat opportunity last week: Norm and I were able to go with Emily to watch James Alan Murdock be sworn into the Idaho bar association. It was a really thought-provoking ceremony and makes you realize the promises that lawyers make to honor the law and help the destitute. We have pictures but we'll have to post them in the future-- along with pictures of our house, which will be painted soon! We'll keep you "posted!"

The Baby Moses Story for Grace and Mari

2009-11-30T01:56:00.001-07:00

Janson and Lynn, and their daughters, Grace and Mari, are learning about trials at a young age, as Lynn is suffering from severe back problems and Lynn and the girls are at Marshfield WI with her parents while Janson is doing an externship in Pittsburgh. So I made this video to entertain the girls. The trials of the Israelites in captivity is a good metaphor for life: Never give up; the Lord will help when things seem dark. (Adults need not watch this "one-woman show" including camera work. It wouldn't load onto an e-mail, so this blog is for grandchildren only!)

Alissa's Subaru

2009-11-30T01:55:00.002-07:00

Today Alissa used her hard earned income from the summer to purchase a "Baby Blue" 1990 Subaru Loyale. The vehicle only has 93,000 miles, and she got it for $1,425! It's a really clean vehicle in great condition, only owned by the original purchaser, an older gentleman who passed away a few years ago. She purchased it through Craig's List from his son, who lives in Eagle. It spent all of it's early years in Nampa and now it is returning home. Needless to say Alissa is very happy this Labor Day with that which her toil has blessed her. Now she just needs to keep the income flowing to provide for the cost of gasoline and maintenance. We are very proud of her efforts.

A Day in Yellowstone

2009-11-30T01:54:00.010-07:00

Here’s the run-down of our fun day in Yellowstone on Jack’s 3rd birthday, July 14, 2008. “Look, Jack, look! A buffalo!” we cried. He looked up and mildly stated: “It’s called a tree.” Harris was excited to spot an island in the Firehole River.

We left our cabin at Henry’s Lake by 7 a.m. in order to get to Old Faithful by 8. As we pulled onto the main highway, a calf moose and its mother crossed the road ahead of us! We also saw deer, elk, and Canadian geese, and Alissa saw a wolf in the trees. Most of the wildlife was on the right hand side of the car, and Jack was on the left, behind the driver, Norm. So we were pretty excited when we came on a huge bison close to us on the left side of the road. True, a four-inch swath of its mid-section was obscured by a skinny lodge-pole pine, but it was BIG.

We made it to Old Faithful and while we waited for the famous geyser to do its thing, the kids were entertained by “chickmunks” who live under the walkways. Ella counted them: “3,1,4,9!” Jacob had the bright idea of feeding the chipmunks by breaking off the dry grass and holding the seed heads down where they could reach them. Harris came close to catching one, but they were just too quick. We ate cold cereal in the parking lot.

Later we walked through the nearest geyser basin and Ella watched the people pass, saying “ ‘Mon, people. ‘Mon, more people.” At Old Faithful Lodge, she dragged me across a huge lobby to the window of the gift shop and said, “Fox.” She had spotted a cute stuffed fox from clear across the room. When we walked up the wooden stairs at the Old Faithful Lodge with their curved pine railings, on every stair, Jack repeated, “Oh no. Not THAT stair!” He also carried on interesting commentary with the railings on the walkways at geyser basins. Jacob was a good example to the younger cousins and he and Harris chanted “Buddy walk!” while holding hands. He was old enough to earn a Ranger Patch by answering questions and attending a ranger talk.

In the afternoon, we saw a four-point elk and Artist Point, where we had our pictures taken near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Then, exhausted, we drove back to Henry’s Lake.

When we got to Norris Geyser Basin, where we ate Lara’s taco salad lunch, I stayed on a blanket with Ella and Will while everyone else checked out more geysers. Ella threw a pinecone, and Will said “Throw ball!” (I maintain it was his first sentence!) They were entertained by a tame young robin who came very close while waiting for us to get up and leave so he could eat our crumbs, and by interesting bugs. We sang “Shoo fly, don’t bother me,” when the flies came around.

Some of the plant life we enjoyed included: bright blue lupine and a different kind of purple bell growing near Emerald Pool. Along with Sunset Pool, these were two of the best parts of the Black Sand Geyser Basin. We liked Excelsior Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Springs. Roettos drove through the Firehole River Drive and saw Steamboat Geyser, the world’s largest geyser.

It was fun to eat Emily’s homemade chicken noodle soup and Jack’s birthday cake. When we dropped into bed, a huge full moon was shining over all those beautiful sights. (Two nights before, as Harris and I walked toward his tent, he said, “Shh! The moon is talking to me!” And it really seemed like it was. . . .)

A Sunbeam

2009-11-30T01:54:00.001-07:00

This is a video from Ella to Grace-- from one sunbeam to another!

Grandma's Garden

2009-11-30T01:53:00.002-07:00

Lynn asked for some videos to entertain Grace while Janson is at work. So here goes! This is just a walk around the backyard-- hopefully soon someone will tape me telling a story. But Grace should enjoy Will's antics, and I will try to send some funny stuff we recorded for her on Sunday.

Summer Adventures

2009-11-30T01:52:00.004-07:00

If I am successful at doing my first post without Norm's help (he's asleep after a long day of church work) you will see some photos of our summer fun: A trip to Eastern Idaho to attend 1) part of my 35th year high school class reunion (we were only able to attend one night of two) 2) shots of the Nelson Reunion at the dry farm near Rexburg; 3) some shots of Yellowstone, which we toured with Lara's and Emily's families and 4) Jack Murdock's 3rd birthday, which was July 17, the day we saw Yellowstone.

This summer has also included a visit here from Emily's, while James took the bar exam, and a visit from Janson on his way to Portland for a month-long externship. He's safely back in Chicago now, and Lynn is doing better after a disc problem put her back out very painfully.

We also lost our dear dog Bear, who has been with us for 10 years, to cancers in his mouth. I miss him very much.

Spencer is home, working for the city parks department-- it's fun to have him, he's a musical kid who cranks it up while in the shower, making us "rock." Alissa just started her junior year, is playing varsity volleyball again, and worked selling snowcones this summer to earn money for a car.

Sorry we are so slow to post-- but maybe if I learn how, we will do it more often. (And I think I will actually get some pictures in, although not as many as I'd like!) Watch out blogging world-- here I come!

Will The Pink Panther!

2009-11-30T01:52:00.003-07:00

178th Annual General Conference

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The General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held April 5 and 6, and we sustained a new church president, Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. (Click the above post title for a link to the texts of all talks.) Since Spencer was home this month, we had a brief home evening where the four of us shared thoughts from some of our favorite talks in conference. Interestingly, they all came from members of the new First Presidency.

Norm shared President Monson's talk from Priesthood Session. He talked about the power of example and tells a story of a young boy who was watching him from the front row in a meeting. When President Monson crossed his legs, this boy crossed his legs. When he scratched his ear, the boy did. So President Monson thought he'd better try to stop the boy before Pres. Monson was to give his talk. He wiggled his ears (and Norm says he demonstrated this unique talent!) The boy tried it and couldn't—and urged his dad to look at Pres. Monson, who immediately stopped wiggling his ears. Similarly, all righteous priesthood bearers should watch what they do, since you never know who might be watching.

Spencer chose a talk by President Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees" from priesthood session. President Uchtdorf, a former international pilot, told of a jet with 257 people on board that crashed into a volcano because someone modified the flight coordinates by a mere two degrees, placing the aircraft 28 miles east of where the pilots assumed they were. He said, "Through years of serving the Lord and in countless interviews, I have learned that the difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees. Our willingness to repent shows our gratitude for God's gift and for the Savior's love and sacrifice on our behalf. Commandments and covenants of God are like navigational instructions from celestial heights and will lead us safely to our eternal destination. Remember: the heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth."

Alissa shared thoughts from President Eyring's talk at the General Young Women's meeting. He said: "Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began. The fact that you were baptized and received the Holy Ghost is evidence that you chose to walk in the Light of Christ. "When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you were given the right to have the Holy Ghost as your companion. The Holy Ghost is a powerful source of light to recognize truth, to follow and love the Lord Jesus Christ, and to find your way back to God after this life.”

Debbie’s choice was "Looking Back and Moving Forward," President Monson's Sunday morning talk. She says, “During this talk, I received a witness of his calling as the Lord's chosen prophet today. It seemed to me, as Elder Holland later said, that a mantle descended on his shoulders shortly after he began talking—probably where he testified that God lives. I know, and testify that he is the Lord's prophet on the earth today, and if we are wise, we will follow his counsel.”

"See the USA in your Toyotet!"

2009-11-30T01:50:00.004-07:00

Those of us over 50 remember the old TV ad: "See the USA in your Chevrolet, See Scenic-land USA." We've just returned from seeing the USA in our --ahh-- Toyota. About halfway through Nebraska, next to the freeway, someone has created "Chevyland"-- a collection of Chevies in all stages of repair. So though we didn't see the entire USA, we saw a pretty good chunk. In any case, chunks adjacent to I 80. And-- a lot of Chevies (and semis!)

The object of the trip was Mariko Alice Holm-- Mari-- Janson & Lynn's baby-- who was blessed on Easter Sunday. Norm, her Grandpa Oba, and her Uncle Eric Oba joined Janson in the ordinance. Her sister Grace, 2, is a lot of fun and great dancer. We had fun swimming with them, seeing the sights of Chicago, and shopping. Alissa and I went to the Broadway show "Wicked" which was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Wicked is a musical "revisiting" of the stories of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, of OZ. Norm preferred the Apple Store and the Lego shop with Janson & family. (J & L had been to Wicked previously and helped us get the tickets.)

On the way home, we visited Nauvoo, illinois. We went to the temple (Alissa was able to do baptisms for the dead) and the Carthage Jail where Joseph Smith was martyred. We had studied up and realized we were walking in the footsteps of our ancestors: Henry, Eliza and Clarissa Harriman, John Nelson Harper, Adolphia and Rhoda Young on Debbie's side, and David and Catherine Wood on Norm's side. We walked down Parley Street and I put my hand in the Mississippi River. We have a disc from the land and records office that tells where they lived but we didn't have time while in Nauvoo to look it all up. We did stay in a log cabin (modernized) on Knight Street, and we know John Harper lived on Knight Street. Driving home, we crossed the Mississippi River and could look back at Nauvoo from the hills of Iowa as the saints did. Going at this time of year, we could get a bit a feel for their difficulties in winter travel. (Eight inches of snow in Waukegan and about an inch of snow --- but horizontal, in sheets-- in Wyoming-- gave us even more pause to appreciate their trials.)

Both going and coming, I looked longingly at Chappell, Nebraska. I wanted to see the place about 14 miles north of there, where my great-grandfather, Janne Nilsson, helped build a sod Lutheran Church, where he later helped preach until a minister came to the homestead community. We were bound by the need to get in 12 hours (16 1/2 on the way home) on the road to make our destinations so we couldn't take time to look for the Berea Lutheran Church which sits on the site. We've included an "out of the car window" shot of the Chappell grain elevators, and I comforted myself with the thought that it probably looks exactly like about 200 identical miles of western Nebraska we had driven through already. Crossing Wyoming, I thought of all the pioneers-- the Nelson and Holm Lutherans, and the LDS pioneers-- who traveled through that rough country and eventually ended up in Idaho. It's an ordeal, but at least for us, it was measured in hours, not weeks.

We feel grateful for the chance to visit family and see the USA. Even at this gray and brown time of year, all the states we crossed are beautiful, and it is a wonder to see the full moon set on the prairie. But as Dorothy said-- "There's no place like home."

Three Little Pigs

2009-11-30T01:49:00.001-07:00

This blog is for our grandchildren to see and hear. We just got a small "flip" camcorder and I did something I've wanted to do for a long time-- record a story that their parents enjoyed as children. Jacob, Harris, Jack, Grace, Ella, Will and Mari-- this post's for you! Camera credits go to Grandpa.

Holm Family Christmas 2007

2009-11-30T01:48:00.001-07:00

Here's a collage of pictures from our Christmas Day. In the morning, Spencer got a new black pin-striped suit since he wore out his suits on his mission. We talked to Janson on the phone; then Lara's family and Grandma Marene came, and there are pictures here of them, too. We've also thrown in pictures of our trip to Eastern Idaho last week, of Emily, James, Harris, Jack and Will, and the icy Snake River near the Idaho Falls Temple. All in all, it's been a great holiday season!

The Holm Family Report 2007

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This year we were together for the first time in two years! On the left are Marco, Lara, Jacob (5) and Ella (1) Roetto; then Spencer (he arrived home from his mission in Orlando, Florida on August 15) and Alissa (she’s a sophomore at Liberty Charter High School.) In the middle are Norm and Debbie.

Then comes James, keeping hands on Jack (2) and Harris (3), and Emily holding Will Murdock—(William Joseph, born May 25, is named after several great-grandfathers.) On the right are Lynn, Janson and Grace Holm.

We’re glad to have Roettos here in Nampa, helping us and providing a job at Big O Tires for Spencer, who will be off to BYU-I in January. James is now working as a law clerk for a district judge in Idaho Falls, and we’re happy to have their family much closer. Janson will be in school in Chicago until 2009—they are expecting a daughter, “Mari,” in January.

We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2008!

Idaho Sunrise in Holm's Backyard

2009-11-30T01:46:00.003-07:00

During this beautiful fall, with more clouds and rain (which are much needed) and fewer leaves, we've had some lovely sunrises. Norm spotted this one just as he went to shave, and Debbie took a picture. We feel blessed to have a tremendous view of all this glory right here at home.

Psst! YOUR IPHONE'S UPSIDE DOWN

2009-11-30T01:46:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. iWife Debbie, iMom, and IKids Spencer and Alissa had a great day ... we had a terrific meal and we just enjoyed relaxing and considering the many blessings we are thankful for.

Thought you might like to see one of the horrendous iPhone mistakes that are proliferating these days in movies and TV shows. The above pictures shows Charlie Sheen with Jenny McCarthy holding his iPhone upside down in the most recent episode of "Two and a Half Men." I didn't see the show, but found this Internet photo. It seems like actors are for some unknown reason being told to hold their iPhones upside down!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of your holiday weekend. Eat, shop, relax, and whatever you do, hold your iPhone right side up. If you don't have and iPhone you should consider getting one, after all Apple dropped the price of an iPhone $200 just for you! Here's my sales pitch... (and no Apple is not paying me to advertise).

1) iPhone allows you to make a call by simply tapping a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. It also automatically syncs all your contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service. And it lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email. 2) iPhone is a widescreen iPod with touch controls that lets you enjoy music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies — on a 3.5-inch display. It allows you to sync the content from the iTunes library on your PC or Mac and access it all with the touch of a finger. 3) iPhone features Safari — the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device — which automatically syncs bookmarks from your PC or Mac. Safari also includes built-in Google and Yahoo! search. iPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background over Wi-Fi or EDGE. 4) iPhone introduces the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse, the most advanced software ever engineered, and true state-of-the-art technology.

Holm, Roetto & Murdock Cousins Having Fun!!

2009-11-30T01:44:00.001-07:00

Watch Out Across the Net!

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Alissa recently finished her second season playing for the Liberty Patriots volleyball team. Her game improved fantastically since last year, and she started every game as middle hitter. Here she is serving, blocking, bumping and spiking. She was even noted in the newspaper for her kills and aces. (It looks like her arm has a weird angle on the serve, but actually, that's the way they were trained to serve.) We are very proud of her!

Holm Reunion at Beautiful Redfish Lake

2009-11-30T01:41:00.001-07:00

The Norm and Debbie Holm family celebrated being together for the first time in three years over Labor Day weekend with a camping trip at Redfish Lake, Idaho. (Spencer got home from his mission Aug. 15; Emily and James Murdock came from Texas with Harris, Jack and Will; Janson, Lynn and Grace Holm came from Chicago; Lara, Marco, Jacob and Ella Roetto, and Norm, Debbie and Alissa Holm came from Nampa, and Garth and Ruthelda drove over Sunday from Basalt.) With lots of cameras at work, we got some great shots of family at the campsite, playing at the beach and swimming in the lake, tubing and wakeboarding behind Marco and Lara's boat, and a special hiking trip some of the kids took to Heart Lake. Our personal favorites are shots featuring one or more of our grandchildren! (Naturally we're not showing shots of the rainstorm and the COLD nights.)

Return of Elder Holm

2009-11-30T01:40:00.003-07:00

August 15, 2007-- It was a red-letter day for the Holms! Spencer returned after his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Florida Orlando Mission! His first flight was cancelled after hydraulic problems were discovered, so he and his companion, Elder Grant Wagner of Meridian, had to find another flight and ended up spending most of the day in Cincinnati. Their noon arrival was delayed until 9:15 p.m. He was greeted by Norm, Debbie, Alissa, Marco & Lara Roetto and family, James and Emily Murdock and family and friends Devan Woodruff and Jessica McArthur of California (who wrote to him the entire time.) He had a wonderful mission and misses the people of Stuart, Florida and the Orlando mission very much. He gave a wonderful talk in church Aug. 19 Special guests included Grandma Marene Holm and cousins Bruce and Becky Christensen and their boys from Twin Falls. Janson, Lynn and Grace will visit next weekend-- stay tuned for that post!

Our New Patio after 22 Years of Dirt

2009-11-30T01:40:00.001-07:00

Check it out-- Norm and James put in some long hours last week studying, digging, grading, and laying bricks for a new patio to cover the dirt area just south of our back door. Our friend, Jens Jensen, who used to be a mason, showed up at just the right moment to teach them how to level and lay the bricks. James began to have back spasms so Norm did most of the sanding, the final step. It makes a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the backyard (which always looks nice after Norm mows it!) We have Spencer, Emily, James and family here, and soon will have Janson & Lynn here, and it's nice to have it done so all can enjoy it!

FW Nelson Reunion 2007

2009-11-30T01:39:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of the recent FW Nelson reunion held July 6, 7, and 8 at the farm. It was well attended by family. You can see the beauty of the farm in the pictures Norm took from the hill. One of them features the Old Saw, which was where Wayne used to cut the winter wood and Debbie played as child. This year Holms "bought" a trail that Danny cut called the High Road where the Old Saw sits. We have a cool barnwood sign that Danny made. You'll see new babies born in the past year-- Matt Frazier, August 2006; Lilly Casares, November 2006; Thomas Apenay, November 2006 (he was born 2 1/2 months early and it's great to see how healthy he is!); Holly Morrell, Feb. 2007; Will Christensen, May 2007 (8 days before Will Murdock.) And of course family members from Ohio, Illinois and other points, and Grammy with Mariel. A great year in a beautiful setting.

"Beautiful Grandchildren"

2009-11-30T01:38:00.003-07:00

After viewing Emily & James Blog and seeing their "Picasa" ebedded slideshows we decided to try our hand at it as well. This is a composite of some recent photo's of our beautiful grandchildren.

Garden of "Eatin"

2009-11-30T01:38:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of our garden June 11. Norm rototilled it in mid-April and we planted it by about April 24, which is kind of early for us. But thanks to lots of warm weather and Norm's irrigating, it has grown fast and we're enjoying Romaine lettuce, spinach, onions, and Swiss chard already. These pictures show the garden as a whole, the green beans, the tomatoes and red hot pokers in the flower bed.

BSU Graduation Day for Debbie!

2009-11-30T01:37:00.003-07:00

May 12, 2007 was a fairly big day at Holms. In the morning, Norm, Debbie, Lara and Ella went to Boise, where they met Debbie's brother, Bruce, and attended the largest commencement in BSU history-- for the "year of magic-- the year the Broncos won the Fiesta Bowl." At home, Grammy Nelson and Alissa (who had strep) watched online as Debbie received her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in English with a writing emphasis. In the evening, we all headed out to Lake Lowell, where Marco gave us rides in his new boat. A few, including the new graduate, took rides on the tube--tubular! A day to celebrate, to whoop and holler, and be glad that this long road is over.

Debbie & Mom Joyce

2009-11-30T01:37:00.001-07:00

We have had Debbie's mom Joyce with us since the first of April. It has been great having her for some quality time. She is doing well and her leg sore has healed greatly. She will be heading to be with Ellen after this weekend. Bruce is coming to Debbies BSU graduation on May 12th and will be giving Joyce the ride to Downey.

Happy 15th Birthday Alissa!!

2009-11-30T01:36:00.001-07:00

This past week we celebrated Alissa's 15th birthday. She made a tasty birthday treat for the family dinner on last Sunday. She received the nice room decorating presents also shown in these photo's. She has been taking drivers education and will be behind the wheel in a few weeks. Hard to believe our youngest is now old enough to drive. We are proud of her!

Finally Repainting the Family Room... after 15 Years

2009-11-30T01:35:00.001-07:00

The end of March we decided to paint the family room. It was difficult choosing colors, but we followed Mom and Alissa recommendations. Norm might have chosen a little lighter colors, but they have really grown on us the past few weeks. We wanted to pick up and match the colors in the fireplace stone and the birch cabinets. What do you think!?

Our Latest Addition... A 2006 Toyota Camry LE

2009-11-30T01:34:00.003-07:00

Yes, we can hardly believe we took the dive on getting a used aspen green pearl 2006 Toyota Camry LE last week with about 17,000 miles of prior use. We have been looking and thinking about doing something for the last 6 months. We vacillated between getting a Toyota Highlander, Camry, or Prius. The Highlander was our vehicle of choice, but the purchase price and insurance costs were out of budget. The Prius looked good, had great mileage, but was a little small for our needs. The Camry ended up being the right vehicle, for the right price so as to not bankrupt us. A used 2006 model was considerably less than a new or used 2007 model. It is very comfortable, smooth, and has a much quieter ride than we are used to. The interior is dark gray. We also enjoy great sound from the CD player. We hope to take a road trip soon to test it out. Now to get it paid for. . .

LDS Stake Growth - 2005

2009-11-30T01:34:00.001-07:00

We ran onto this video showing the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 to 2005. Quite impressive.

Techno Dancers

2009-11-30T01:33:00.002-07:00

We were looking at a few videos we captured over the holidays. We found this one of our Grandsons Harris and Jack Techno Dancing.

Elder Holm on Preparation Day

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This is Elder Holm with a view through their car into "Lion Country Safari."

"Rows & Rows of Blades & Blades"

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Gracie "Indian Dancing" to Alissa's Piano

2009-11-30T01:31:00.001-07:00

This is a fun vidio of Grace dancing to Alissa playing "Indian Dance", a song that Jacob danced to at the same age when Alissa was 10 years old.

Grace and her "Goatee" with Grandma Holm; Cousins Grace & Ella; Grace & Lynn at the Piano; and Grace with Great Grandma Holm

2009-11-30T01:30:00.001-07:00

We have enjoyed having family home for the Holidays and made some great family memories. Lynn & Grace return home to Chicago this Tuesday morning to be with Janson. It has been fun having our family around. Grace and Ella are shown here starting out the new year wearing "2007" banners. Great grandma Holm came over this afternoon for dinner and time with her great grand daughter Grace.

Boise State Vs Oklahoma: Fiesta Bowl 2007 Highlights

2009-11-30T01:29:00.003-07:00