Season’s Greetings 2008 Year in Review

By Janet and Heather Walgren

 

January ~

 

In the first month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Janet)… a left eye through which I could see.

 

Thanks to good insurance and a cafeteria plan that made a year’s worth of deductions available in a lump sum at the beginning of the year, I was able to finally have my cataract surgery restoring my sight in my left eye.

 

February ~

 

In the second month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather & Janet)… a new member of our family.

 

Helen gave birth to a baby boy named Chris. Mom is now the grandmother of twelve wonderful grandchildren.

 

We also bought a new car. Well almost new. We got a 2007 Hyundai Elantra, fully loaded dealer demo with only 6,000 miles on it for a really sweet price.

 

March ~

 

In the third month of 2008 the good Lord gave to me (Heather & Janet)… a road trip to Bear Lake and a book with an old recipe.

 

We decided to take a day trip to Bear Lake to test out our new car, Aria. The lake was covered in snow and ice. It looked like a winter wonderland. Although we did not get a chance to see the water (it was covered in snow) the town’s gift shop was pretty amazing.

 

We drove around Logan on the way to Bear Lake. As we moseyed through town we came across a wonderful used bookstore where mom discovered an old edition of the Fannie Farmer Cookbook… something she has been looking for since the 70’s.

 

April ~

 

In the fourth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather & Janet)… a visit from Jamie’s family.

 

Jamie, Thi and family came for a visit and we had a wonderful time. Mom gave Anna and Amy an art lesson (see photos of their paintings) and we made beaded necklaces.

 

We celebrated Anh Minh’s birthday at Aunt Heidi and Uncle Dillon’s home with guests Aunt Sara and Uncle Don Fuller. After the party we watched general conference on Heidi’s new big flat screen TV.

 

May ~

 

In the fifth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Janet)… a clean bill of health – yippee!!!

 

My cancer screening, EKG, MRI, CATT scans and dozens of other tests the doctor has been telling me I needed to have done all came back with great results. – Had I known this was going to happen, I would have taken better care of myself. I guess my first thirty years as an athlete and fitness guru are paying very nice unexpected dividends.

 

June ~

 

In the sixth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather & Janet)… a road trip with our family.

 

Heather and I went on a trip with Dad and Becca to visit Les/Poco in Monticello for Father’s Day.

 

We made a pit stop in Moab on the way down and ogled over some Indian jewelry and pottery through the windows of a closed gift shop. Later, we toured Becca’s mountain and went to Newspaper Rock where we bought necklaces from the Cly [Native American] family.

 

We also took a day trip to Mesa Verde, CO to see the cliff dwellings. Then, we stopped in Cortez, CO on our way home for a yummy Chinese dinner.

 

July ~

 

In the seventh month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather)… a trip to see my sister, Jamie.

 

I was able to take a nice ten day vacation to Seattle to go visit Jamie, Thi and family. I got to play Auntie Heather, which is one of my favorite things to do.  We had sleepovers in the family room with movies and treats. We went camping on a lake where we had some interesting competitions with Mother Nature to see who was in control of the canoe and paddle boat. And, I had my first go at archery.

 

August ~

 

In the eighth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Janet)… a visit from our good friends – the Whaley family.

 

Heidi and I took them on a tour of the Conference center where we attended a Sunday broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, then Jay treated us to a lunch and we had a nice visit, my how the kids have grown. It’s hard to believe that Nick is already going to be a senior and is checking out colleges.

 

(Heather caught the Whaleys in Seattle when they visited Jamie’s family.)

 

Heather also celebrated her first year as a genealogist at Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. We are enjoying having a dual income economy for our household. My how that changes things!!!

 

September ~

 

In the ninth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather)… a trip to New York and Philly.

 

I attended a genealogy conference and was able to go early and spend a few days in New York City with my colleagues before catching the train to Philadelphia to attend the conference.

 

My friends and I were able to tour the Statue of Liberty in New York and see several of Philadelphia’s historical sights.

 

Mom wasn’t left out of the vacation scene as she went for a short visit to Keli’s and Gina’s in Denver, CO for some much needed R&R and playtime with grandkids.

 

September 5^th marked mom’s third year at EWI. With the downturn in the economy, and especially the real estate market, we are grateful that mom is still employed and that so many of EWI’s students are doing quite well.

 

October ~

 

In the tenth month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather)… a trip to Nevada with my sister to see Helen’s family.

 

Reuters sent Heidi to Las Vegas for a Stock Market convention. I was able to go with her to visit Helen and her family. My niece, Charlie, and nephew, Chris, are very adorable.

 

I enjoyed some incredible shopping and came back with a Greek goddess Halloween costume that needed some alterations to make it modest (I called them modestfications). Heidi made the costume adjustments, and mom styled my long blonde wig. I looked more outlandish than anyone could have ever imagined… it was a rather funny to see my co-workers gasp in disbelief.

 

November ~

 

In the eleventh month of 2008, the good Lord gave to me (Heather & Janet)… so many blessings that if we weren’t so grateful we’d feel a little greedy.

 

We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at grandpa’s place with several of our family members. We feel so privileged that we still have dad/grandpa here to bless our lives.

 

Heidi, grandpa and I also received a short visit from Helen and Tim, who was driving Helen back from Washington where she had her annual date to the Marine Corps ball with him.

 

One kind of funny thing that mom was really excited about was finding a really good deal on two industrial shelving units that are 8.5’ W x 8’ H x 2’ deep and have five shelves each. They will be a really great asset while we are moving all of our things into storage. Mom even had ideas about how she could use them to build an emergency shelter while camping.

 

December ~

 

In the twelfth month of 2008 the good Lord shared with me (Heather & Janet)… the role of secret Santa and the love of an amazing family.

 

We started December with EWI’s company Christmas party, a rather fun affair. I enjoyed an elegant dinner in the company of wonderful co-workers and my guests dad and Heather. The entertainment was by “Octapella” (look them up on the web, they’re great fun).

 

Tom Painter, the owner and President of EWI gave everyone a nice gift card and a year end bonus which were both greatly appreciated.

 

The next weekend, Heidi and I had a fun Saturday roaming Salt Lake City. We found Lam’s, a restaurant that was founded in the 1920’s. It still has some of the original decorations in the dining rooms. The food was delicious and the wait staff courteous in an old fashion way. It was fun to sit and wonder whether Grandpa and Grandma Walgren had eaten there and perhaps sat in the same booth that Heidi and I were sitting in. Knowing my grandpa Walgren, it was quite probable because it’s not too far from the old ZCMI building where he worked.

 

After lunch, we wandered over to the Salt Lake library and found some fun books to buy. It’s my weakness. Anyway, I chose one about musical instruments from the origin of time up to the present. After the library, we wandered through an antique store that reminded me of Great Aunt Irene’s house. I loved going there as a child because she had such beautiful things.

 

Heather attended a siblings party put on by Heidi and Dillon the next weekend. (They’re becoming quite the grand host and hostess this year.) We were back at Heidi’s for Christmas Eve dinner and presents, then mom was back again for a parents breakfast on Christmas morning. Heidi and Dillon, the food was delicious and we love our presents. Thank you!

 

Heather and I decided to be very frugal this Christmas because we are trying to save money to by a house. I was excited when I got my year end bonus and called Heather to tell her the news. “Heather, guess what? I have $$$ in savings so I’m going to meet my minimum year end savings goal!”

 

Our car had a different idea. Aria decided she wanted a Christmas present, after all (it was her first Christmas in our family). She is now sporting a full set of new, heavy duty studded snow tires.

 

Just when I had consigned myself to the fact that snow tires were a need not a want and bit the financial bullet, Heather got a very nice year end bonus and was able to meet the need and I didn’t have to pull my money out of savings which was very appreciated. (And, of course, Heather exceeded her savings goal for the year.)

 

Life is good. In a year of uncertainty, we are both gainfully employed, our needs are met and we have the blessing of peace of mind. This year has been one of those rare ‘Seasons of Rest’ when we have been able to look back in reflection and realize the blessings and tender mercies of the Lord.

Come visit us even if we can’t remember in which month you came (like Pat’s family, or Bryce and Amy Egbert who I think came in July) we will never forget that you came. We love and miss you all. We wish each of you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Blessed and Prosperous New Year. 

~ Janet & Heather Walgren

Anna's Mountain Painting

Amy's Mountain Painting

Anh Minh waiting for his birthday cake

Don & Sara Fuller, Heidi & Dillon Browning, Jamie & Thi Nguyen, Heather Walgren (front center

Heather's first go at archery

Heather & Jillian visiting with friends from England

Our new car, Aria (named for her stereo system)

Our Magnificant Dad/Grandpa out hiked us all at Mesa Verde

Cliff dwelling at Mesa Verde

Kris in Egypt (I love Facebook)

Everett at park playing with grandma

Jade showing off for grandma... it's harder than it looks!

Kyler showing grandma her skills at the climbing gym

Dad serenading his sweetheart

Tis the Season for gifting and receiving – We just wanted to mention a few thoughtful gifts we’ve received this year and shout out a big “THANK YOU!!!” to everyone for your thoughtfulness, kindness and most of all your friendship and love for which we are truly grateful!

 

·        Dad – Thanks for the necklace. It means a lot to me. I know you miss mom, but thanks for hanging around. We treasure these bonus years with you and want you to know how much you are loved.

 

·        Cheryl – What a great gift, I love the book and hope everyone will take an opportunity to read Glenn Beck’s, Christmas Sweater. It’s guaranteed to be a life changer in the way you think about love, life and presents.

 

·        Jamie & Thi – Another year of cell phone service so we can stay in touch with family and I can keep track of Heather (or is it the other way around?).

 

Jamie, I still laugh when I remember the first time you gave me your cell phone when I wandered off to Portland to look for a job. – ring, ring… ring, ring… (Jamie) “Mother, where are you?” – (Me) “I’m driving up the coast by Astoria J.” – (Jamie) “Well don’t you think it’s about time you come home? It’s time for dinner and it’s getting dark L.” …I appreciate knowing that I am loved and cared for J. Thank you Jamie and Thi.

 

Thi, I appreciate and admire the way you lead, provide, watch over, love and care for your family. It gives me great comfort to know that my daughter and grandchildren will always be loved and well cared for as long as you’re alive. You are a real man and I’m grateful to have you for a son.

 

·        Heidi & Dillon gave mom and me their old phones when they bought their iPhones. We will always love our old phones. They embody so much that is good in life – love of family, caring, blessings… Thanks for such a wonderful gift that allowed us to keep the things we treasure while giving us a big upgrade in the memory department… (I think mom is getting to the point where she can really use it. lol)

 

I also appreciate the many nights you allowed me to sleep on your couch so mom wouldn’t have to drive me up to Salt Lake City in the wee hours of the morning. Thanks to you two, I don’t wake up to hear mom repeating the mail man’s slogan… neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night shall keep me from my appointed rounds… and the early morning trips to the airport were greatly appreciated.

 

·        Keli & Gina – Gina, when Keli married you, I got a daughter. I appreciate the love and concern you show to me. Thanks for having me (and wanting me) in your home and in the lives of your family. Keli, you are such a good son, brother and friend. You’re a good father to your children (I can hardly wait to see your daddy robot). You work hard and sacrifice a lot to provide for your wife and family and I really admire that. I love you! Congratulations on doing so well in school!

 

·        Becca and Poco – we had so much fun visiting you. You have the gift of hospitality. I love Becca’s stories. You never stop giving and delight in serving. Thanks for everything.

 

·        Uncle Paul/Brother Gary – We love and appreciate you so very much! Seriously, Paul, you are such an amazing person. You serve and serve, and then, you keep on serving. Thank you for always being there (not only for us, but for everyone). You have truly been our guardian angel so many times this year. Our lives are so much better because of you.

 

·        Barbie – I appreciate your friendship and love. I admire your continual willingness to serve others and your indomitable and generous spirit. Also, thank you for the continual supply of test strips. I really appreciate them. You have saved me over a thousand dollars this year.

 

·        Tom and Bob – Thank you for your hard work, good decisions and sacrifices over the years that has allowed you to provide jobs for so many people. I love my job. I can’t think of a better one for me. It is so much fun to get to know our students and hear their stories. You have changed so many lives for the better including mine. You are amazing, generous men and it is a privilege to work for you.

 

·        EG, Chase, Avriel, and Mirinda – In preparation for a long tedious move, Heather and I got a 10’ X 15’ storage unit. As we prepared to move everything out of our small storage into the bigger space we were really overwhelmed at the generosity you shared with us. On a cold stormy Saturday morning EG, Chase, Mirinda, and Avriel showed up to help our move along. EG helped us even though he was preparing for finals. Chase rode his bike several miles across town in the freezing cold to come help. Avriel kept going and going until everything was done. And Mirinda woke up early and put her flip flop on the chopping block to get the shelves up (literally: she even provided the hatchet). Thank you, again and again and again.

 

·        The Goff family – We have so much fun visiting with your family around the dinner table in your home. I don’t know which is more delicious, your family or your food. You are such an awesome family and a real inspiration to us. Julia, we are so happy that you are getting married. Oops! Oh well, everyone knows the engagement will be a done deal shortly. Congratulations!

 

(Just a fun side note: when we went to mom’s company party, the master of ceremonies announced, “A big congratulations to Neil Lutz who just got engaged tonight.” Everyone applauded for Neil and his befuddled date who was enjoying her first and possibly last date with Neil.)

 

·        Barbara – I have enjoyed our theatre dates. Thanks for inviting me. Aida was awesome and I can hardly wait to go again. Season tickets… what do you think? At least we should plan on doing lunch and talk about starting the His, Mine & Ours business in 2009.

 

·        Alyce – Everyone needs a friend like you. You’re so gracious, thoughtful and inspired, yep definitely inspired. I told the Lord I needed a good massage because my shoulder was really hurting and right out of the blue, you called and asked if I wanted to go to the Utah Massage Therapy College with you because they were having a two for one special and you needed a partner. You asked me if it was in my budget because the massage would cost $12.50 for an hour. Only $12.50, what a bargain, believe me it was money well spent.

 

The last time I told the Lord I could use a good massage because my shoulder was hurting, Elvis called me and asked if he could come over and give me a massage. REALLY! I’m not kidding.

 

We had a couple in our ward. He was a 30 something year old Elvis impersonator married to a 60 year old Marilyn impersonator and they just happened to be selling magnetic massage gear to fill in their income gap.

 

They had to do a certain number of massages in a very short period of time and I felt as sorry for them as I did for my back so they didn’t have to beg me too hard to be their Guinea pig.

 

They came right over, whipped out their magnetic foam pad and told me to lie face down on it. Then they took out a rolling pin (like the kind you use to make pie crust only magnetic) and gave it a spin to show me how it lit up emitting magnetic energy that would travel through my body to the magnetic pad below me. Fifteen minutes later, I was feeling as good as pie crust.

 

Alyce, thanks for praying that I would get a good massage therapist on my first visit. After an hour, I felt better than pie crust and I can hardly wait to go again. We’ll make it a standing date.

 

·        To everyone who has a blog, especially the Wikle families – Thank you for blogging about your lives. It is so much fun to be able to keep up with friends and family that way.

 

·        Emy, thanks for adding me to your blog roll. It made me feel all warm inside when I saw that.

 

·        Thanks for everyone who shares their lives and their photos with us on Facebook, Flickr, Linked In and Twitter. I love the way technology helps bring us closer together as family, friends and co-workers.

 

Wow! There are too many of you to even mention here!

 

All we can say is Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Each of you makes our lives rich and rewarding. We Love You! We appreciate you!
We feel blessed to call you family and friends!