Coles...

Thank you so much, that means a lot.

Christmas Eve program

Bart, Dawney and Candice
Below is the link to the website where you can both listen to an MP3 recording of your song and either look at or print the music. This is the best I could do. I could not send an email to each of you individually. I am very sorry for all of the family who will not be there to enjoy the cantata! We have a great Christmas Eve planned...

Bart - As Shepherds keep their lonely vigil
Dawney - Peace, Peace, Peace
CMPJ - Jesus, Lord at thy birth

If you really don't wish to learn a new song, a more familiar one can be substituted because I do not wish to add to anyone's christmas stress. But, I must say, the more I play these songs, the more I love them. The Cantata is based on the song "Silent Night".

OK. That's all I have time for...presents to wrap, sick children to tend, 5 extra teenagers in the house, program to prepare...all the usual. Sigh.

http://defordmusic.com/silentnightcantata.htm

English is a Messed Up Language

I just discovered that 'discreet' and 'discrete' are two completely different words with completely different meanings.

discreet - 'judicious, prudent, showing discernment,'
discrete - 'detached, separate' and 'individually distinct'

How ridiculous.

I Must Talk About This!

I have just finished this fabulous book! I enjoyed it so much. To me, it was the greatest lesson about the choices we make and how they can follow us and even follow our children. The simplest thing you might choose to do as a teenage, could very well change the direction of your life.

I think this is where Ken Follett shines - writing these medieval fiction books. He really takes you there.

Are you done with it Tatia, how about you Candice? Mom and Dad, are you reading it??

All you readers, this is a great book...don't be put off by the 1000 pages.

Kerry loved it too.

Curious

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

Good News!

Chase is OUT of the hospital, and feeling good!

Zak made the High School Volleyball team!

Compliment to Julie: "You look really cute in pants".

Friday's Entertainment

Have you heard of Elf yourself? Or Scrooge yourself? Well, it was our Friday night's entertainment. It made me laugh. It only works on Firefox...Internet Explorer would not work for me, nor would AOL. I was happy to see it on Firefox.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1231959741

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1232348407

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1232686608

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1232859338

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1232939767

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1232980241

I am not a Santa fan, but...

If TROUBLE comes in 3's.....

If trouble comes in 3's, then the Cole boys should have all smooth sailing from here!

1. Chase had a pneumothorax 6 weeks ago.

2. Steven breaks his leg 2 weeks ago.

3. Today, Chase had another pneumothorax.

I think that is enough!! Chase will have surgery 8:30 sunday morning to repair his lung, then he should be set for life.

It's New to Her

Today, Morgan bought a brand, new CAR!!!

Well--it's new to her, anyway.

Morgan found a 1998 Honda Civic with 53,000 miles on it. For $6350.00. She has saved $1900 for a down payment. She is 18 and has NO Credit History at all. So we went to the Credit Union to pre-qualify her. "You need a co-signer," was the reply. Next Credit Union. "We'll only finance $4600 on that car." Well, that put us down by about $800 bucks. I figured we'd get financing from the car dealership (not my first choice). So we went and withdrew the down payment from Morgan's account. She actually has $2300! We are now $400 closer.

We went to the car lot. "How much was that listed for," he asked. $6350. "Well, really it's $5995" Close enough! He printed up a purchase order and it called for $4695. "You're going to have to drop 95 dollars," I said. "The Credit Union will only finance $4600". "OK," he says. Didn't even blink. No argument. Just--OK.

So back we go to the Credit Union. "I'm sorry, but you are going to need a co-signer."

You need to know, at this point in the story, that we had to get this deal done today. Morgan doesn't have anymore time off for two weeks and she needs this car NOW. She works 2 jobs and walks either to or from both of them. Everyday. It snowed on Tuesday. It's time to get a car. And we were fresh out of co-signers.

On to another Credit Union. "You'll have to open an account, and we'll run the paperwork for the loan past our Loan Officer." ("What if I don't qualify for the loan," Morgan says. "Then we take back your $25 and close the account," I said) Paperwork ensues. Nice lady trying to sell us on the idea of a checking account (she already has one), Credit Cards (she doesn't want one), Overdraft Protection (NO!). Sign here, initial here. "I'll go get your new account package" And then, the nice lady comes back and... "Your loan has been approved".

Morgan was quite calm while we were inside the CU. As soon as we walked out, however, there was jumping and kicking and overall exuberance!!!

Morgan's thrilled to have her car (she has always wanted a black car). I am thrilled because now she will stop driving mine.

The car is at a Tunex getting a little work done. She will have it on Monday. In the meantime, the dealership has loaned her car to drive around this weekend.

Big SMILES!!!

Sharing....

I have discovered these GREAT bags!


They are in the grocery store in the section with the other bags; sandwich, storage, etc.


Get the bag out, get your vegetables, rinse them, put them in the bag for 3 minutes - Voila, you have cooked vegetables!!

Everyone NEEDS a Pretty Apron

Nana got this apron from a good friend. She made it for Nana for her birthday.

I loved it because it is so beautiful and because it was a handmade gift.

Nana let me borrow it so I could follow the pattern to make my own. Here is the apron I made for myself. I really like it.As long as I was sewing, I made the apron reversible.

Thanksgiving in Utah

Or at least in White City...

The Glenns opted to eat at home. Wednesday morning Mom cooked the turkey. (Because if I have to cook an entire Thanksgiving meal with one oven, I have to cook the turkey the day before). We tried something new this year; we brined the turkey before we cooked it. Which means that it soaked in brine for 24 hours before it was put in the oven. (The brine was made up of water, salt, honey, maple syrup, cloves, ginger, bay leaves and pepper corns). It made the turkey very delicious, but it made the gravy fantastic!!

At the last possible moment we realized that we didn't have enough room at the table for everyone, so Dad and Tim brought in the BIG TABLE. After we sat down, but before we started, Tim had another last minute brainstorm and brought his turntable into the living room (while we all waited). We then had Dinner Music, as well as Dessert Music and Cleanup Music, for our listening pleasure.

This year, for the first time, Mom used Grandma Hart's stuffing recipe. (I can't even remember where I found recipe--but it has been hiding in a box since Ma died 12 years ago). It was really, really good. [To help you understand this next part, you need to know that the stuffing I usually make is an incredible permutation of Sherma's stuffing--except that I use cornbread, and add grated apple and pecans and whatever spices smell good. You wouldn't recognize it if you tried it] Ma's recipe is fairly simply with exactly one spice. And it doesn't go in the turkey. So after I pulled it out of the oven on Thursday and tasted it I said, to no one in particular, "Oh this really IS good." And now my men are teasing me mercilessly about thinking that Ma's recipe wouldn't be that good.

After dinner we took the entire family to see the movie "August Rush." We figured that would be a good movie for our family to see together. When we finally got into the theater (it took us 10 min just to get past the line for Enchanted) the theater was basically full. And who did we see sitting pretty on the third row back (excellent seats) but Nana and Bumpa with Candice and Gil!!! So we entertained the other patrons for 10 minutes while I told my parents how disapointed I was that they had not gone to see Enchanted, and hadn't called me to tell me that they changed their minds AND why didn't they save us any SEATS!!! It was seriously hilarious. AND it was a GREAT movie!

All in all a wonderful day.

From Jessica (what some one else besides the Coles my mom and brother!)

Hello all, (mostly the Coles)
thought I would give you an update and say hello. So I'm not working at Wells Fargo as a bank teller. I LOVE IT. Matt and I are still going to get married just still waiting on God as to when that is going to happen lol. He is going on a 4 month trip to New Zeland, Austrial, South East Asia, China, Japan and then home again. He leaves on Dec. 27th so I would love the prayers. I am very active in the youth group at my church. I love every one of those kids ages 11 and up. I'm now just trying to find a dance class I can join and start working on my education and my entire life in general. I promise to make more of an effort to read this AND post back. I love you all.
Jessica

Hope you all enjoy your day.

The Cole's have played their annual Ward Turkey Bowl.

I have started cooking (not finished) - and we have begun the eating - before the meal has started. Why not, the Indians and Pilgrims ate for 3 days.

The football watching is in full swing.

News Article

Salt Lake City, UT (AP) -A seven-year old boy was at the center of a SLC
courtroom drama today when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulation requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest degree possible. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her.

When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried and said that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with the child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the University of Utah Utes, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.

They definitely aren't going to beat BYU on Saturday! Go Cougars!!!

The Letter U

Today for pre-school I taught about the letter U and was VERY happy to teach them the song....The Umbrella Man. It was very fun, and I think they enjoyed it. The girls, especially, like singing the songs. Thanks, Mom, for introducing us to great songs.

After we were done with most of our lesson, the girls asked to sing our Halloween songs - Boo, Boo, Boo, Boo.... and Mr. Jack-o-lantern. I was happy to oblige.

I also got those little paper drink umbrellas to give every one. They were pretty much broken before the day was over.

The Fibula

Just to let you all know - Steven broke his Fibula this afternoon. It is broken just above his ankle. He is doing fine....so far.

Check This Off Your List

You will be amazed to know that OPRAH just picked Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth for her knew book club book. Amazing! Most of her book I did NOT like, I was tricked into reading them, then wondered why did I waste my time. So, she finally picked an excellent book.

Aren't you glad you already read it!! Twice for me.

Kerry is most of the way through with the sequel - World Without End. Kerry is WAY ahead of the game.

suggestions

Family,

I need to write a book review on a book I'm going to finish today on the modern middle east. The only issue I'm having is that I can't remember the last time I wrote a book review, and I'm a little nervous about it turning in to a high school book report. Anyone know exactly what a book review should entail?

Messy and Clean

MESSY

I thought I would do a special thing for my family today and re-make Bumpa's birthday cake, which was SO good.

I went to great efforts and excitement.

I wanted them to taste the delectable cake!

It turned out a mess!

And it was all VERY messy.

I hardly liked it.

Kerry liked it while it was in his mouth.

I think I am just going to throw the whole thing away.

Wish you were here to eat it.

Yes, I had lots of extra frosting.

That's going in the bin too.

Griffin and Kylie both tried it, didn't like it.

Griffin whined, "it's NOT my favorite cake!"

Zak and Quinn did not partake.

CLEAN!

The garage has been clean for 2 full days.

We have all played ping pong a lot.

Ok, the ping pong table is dusty, but the stuff in the garage is all put away and there is NO dog poop around!

24 Candles

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER

We enjoy ALL your faces!

And I need more pictures of them!!

Wonkers!

The day has come that I need my MOTHER'S help with the computer!!

I have been scanning pictures, but now I can't find them to put them on the blog. I know they are there, but where!!

I know, Mom, that you scan pictures and find them all the time.....I have been trying to bring your consciousness into mine....not working....

Oprah Info

The Osmonds will be on the OPRAH show

THIS FRIDAY I know, at least, Mother (Nana) wanted to know.

Happy 70!

Happy 70th Birthday Bumpa!!

We had a great day -

We went to the Salt Lake Temple

Back to Nana and Bumpa's house for a luscious lunch

Best meat you will ever eat.

Scintillating Conversation.

Gifts were opened!

Below is a pictorial of the day...

Just after I, (Julie) was picked up from the airport...driving to the temple. Tatia is VERY happy to see me, Candice, I guess, is praying.

sorry, no pictures of our time in the temple...but this is just after, on temple square. Bumpa is taking a picture of us, I took a picture of him.
in front of the reflecting pool

walking to our car
yes, they are wearing the same skirt...purely accidental

ok, a close-up


at the house, just before we ate
Tatia is pouring the Martinelle's

Mark, and Christopher, then Dawney and Bumpa
Christopher and Chase surprised us all.
I was VERY happy.


Bumpa opening presents!
He got his "I am Special" plate

Chase and Christopher
Nana

Bumpa


Tatia, popping a popper

It is all a bit frightful to Christopher

Bumpa got a new turn table for his records.

He couldn't have been happier.

He is singing and dancing to his "tunes" here.

He got a couple of wire wisks

More singing

More singing
HAPPY

We had a great time.

Next year - same plans - so plan accordingly!

By the way, Dawney got a really cute hair-cut, and she loves it too.

World Series here we come

For all of us in the Payne family that are Dodgers fans (by default most of you should be) then you will all be happy to know that Joe Torre is their new manager. If you haven't already heard, then:

1. you don't care about sports
2. you've been hiding under a rock
3. I'm weird and pay way too much attention to the sports world, while you are normal and participate in society the way any rational person should.

In any case, you should all go out and get fitted your Dodgers swag now so as not to be accused of joining the band-wagon next October when they are playing in the World Series.

... next step, A-ROD.

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

1. When choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. (or your Mom) about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

4. To treat high blood pressure: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

Daily Thought:

Some people are like slinkies. Not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs

Happy Halloween

Jokes

Why are there no Walmarts in Iraq?

Because there is a target on every corner

Why shouldn't you ever change in front of a pokemon?

Because they will pikachu

Sticky Stuff

I found this glue at Walmart.

It is Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive.

It is FABULOUS! It dries quick.

Easy to use.

Adheres well.

I use it to glue paper and photos.

Just thought I would share.

I Need to Talk

Ok, I want to talk about 2 books -

Who will read them so we can talk about them??

Here is the first book: Celebrity Detox

I found it FASCINATING!!

Anyone read it, will you?

I find it interesting to read books about true, other people. Especially people that are VERY different than you. It really opens up your mind about what kind of people we are sharing planet earth with.

This is the next book, a cook book - filled with interesting information about vitamins in food, servings, eating more vegetables cooking with purees.

It is called: Deceptively Delicious

I just got this in the mail. I ordered it. It looks fabulous, and the recipes yummy.

Anyone know about this, you want to talk about it??

good thing I went back and used spell check....I would have been ridiculed!

PPSSSSSST!!

Please, don't anyone tell Mom that she has three starters in her FFL that have a bye this week. Keep it under the Q-Tee and we'll mock her later-----after my VICTORY!!

That is all.

Dad

Book Readers

I just learned about a website:

Paperbackswap.com

Very interesting....you put up books to swap, mail them out at @$2.71, then you can choose books you want, them come to you. Once you send them, they are gone, once you receive them, they are yours. Interesting. Just thought I would share.

To Be Sprung

Chase got sprung from the hospital today!

He is home.

He is feeling fine.

Lungs

Chase's lungs are fine.

On Tuesday, he was diagnosed with a pneumo thorax (deflated lung). He went to the hospital, got a chest tube, and is now doing fine. His lung is inflated now...we are just waiting on x-rays. He may be able to go home on Thursday. Many people rallied round him. He had lots of visitors. Thanks to all.

Kerry is there now, watching out for him.