Post Christmas Shananigans

    We celebrated Christmas for almost the whole month, which is just the way we like to do it! We had quite a few neighborhood parties, YSA and AR socials.  Amazingly we were able to be with all of our family many times between Thanksgiving and New Years, just not at the same time..

    For Christmas Eve, we invited Rob's family, Kathyrn's parents, Brother Lovatto, his grandson, and Mary to dinner and a program.  It was a wonderful evening, and we were so glad they came. The next day we hosted a soup dinner and games with some of our Home Evening group, plus friends who needed some cheer in their lives.

Home Evening Game Night with Friends

We received lots of wonderful gifts for Christmas, but the one most meaningful was delivered about 10 days before Christmas and we read, and reread it.  "T'was the night before Christmas" started with a Wilcox spoof on the tradition poem, and Anthony filled it with lots of humor and allusions to Christmas's past.  He and Autumn rallied the rest of their siblings, asking them to write their memories of Christmas, as well as their own family traditions.  Autumn added photos and did the layout, and somehow miraculously got it published and to us before Christmas!  
    We learned a lot in the process of reading our children's stories, some of which we'd known about before, but others were surprises.  It was a great memory jogger, and we laughed a lot, and even cried a little as we recalled the hectic Christmases of long ago.  

Thank you so much for taking the time 

to pull together such a great present.

This book was the inspiration for several

Christmas tricks of our own.

  On Christmas Morning as we opened presents with Rob, Kathyrn, Ethan, and Travis, there was one last present which had especially been prepared.  We had found out by reading the book, that Rob was sorely disappointed one Christmas when he was about 9 years old, when he didn't get the Nerf Rocket Launcher he wanted..instead Chris received it.  Tears were shed, and he even double checked with Mom to make sure she hadn't made a mistake.  

   Well, Santa made restitution this year, and wrote Rob a note saying that Mrs. Claus had finally cleaned the back room, and found requests from the 1980's which had been lost.  Always one to keep his promises, Santa wanted to deliver the goods, even though it was late.  

           It wasn't quite the same Nerf Rocket launcher of 30 years go, but was happily received.  

                      Merry Late Christmas, Rob.

The other fun thing about Christmas was participating in Ethan's treasure hunt to find his Christmas present.  It started in Monticello, Christmas morning, then went to Blanding to Granny and Papa's, then to our home, then back to the Sandbox at Redds.  It was quite the treasure hunt, and low and behold--Ethan's Christmas request wasn't "shot down" afterall.  He got a single shot .22.  He was one excited boy.  So he and his dad both had new firearms to shoot.  Safety instructions were reemphasized, and the first target practice planned.

Tuesday Dec. 27-30  Nathan and Anthony's families join us for a fun filled week

















Dad's Root Beer from Quent and Bev, also a big
summer sausage and Almond Roca

The highlight of Dec. 27th was the gift from the Christmas Story Store. 

When we read Nathan's reflections on Christmas's past, we discovered that Tammy didn't have the same appreciation of the movie, The Christmas Story, like most of our kids do.  Shortly afterwards, we saw Joel Tate wear ing a Christmas Story Lamp necktie, we knew we needed to get one for Nathan, as he had a special affinity for the crazy movie. In the next few days the idea grew, taking on new dimensions and angles! Until Dad determined to create a replica of box which could feasibly contain the infamous lady's leg lamp.  Of course, the cylinder for the leg, only contained the necktie, but it looked like it could possibly hold the leg, and there was even an antique lamp shade with black fringe, albeit, fringed plastic!  He even saved the mailing label from the tie, to make it look legit.

  Here is the letter Dad composed:

Nathan reads the letter

We were pleased with the effort that you kids made for us on our Christmas book that Autumn put together.  It was fun reminiscing about past Christmases.  We even learned a few things we hadn’t heard before.  We appreciate your contribution.  We are glad that you still enjoy watching “The Christmas Story”.  We are surprised that Tammy doesn’t share your same enthusiasm and were wondering what we could do to improve this situation.  We thought about getting Brendan a BB gun, but that might not help matters.  
   We also thought getting some genuine bunny pajamas for Laurie, but we are not sure if she would wear them.  Finally, I went on line and I discovered the perfect gift -- A real Christmas Story lamp.  I’m sure if this lamp is displayed in your front window you will be the envy of all the neighborhood and it will give Tammy a greater appreciation for this classic movie.  In this package, you will find a real Christmas Story lamp.  Hope you enjoy it and may you use it for many Christmases to come.

Tamara can hardly contain her excitement as she anticipates
the great Leg Lamp in her window!


I had a great video of the reading of the letter, but it was so big blogspot won't accept it.  Que Lastima~
It was very fun to see both Nathan and Tammy's reactions.

Everyone was excited to see what was in the box.

The infamous lamp shade in all its tacky glory

Now, what do you suppose is in here?

Sigh, relief!  It was only a tie....not a leg

What we really want to know....Did he wear that tie to Church Sunday?!
===========================
Wilcoxes Rock-out with Wii Rock Star

Some day we may rue the day we put guitars 
and drums into their hands

This combo above came the closest to real talent

Even Grandma tries to keep up with Ethan (and Elton) on  Crocodile Rock
unfortunately, she couldn't see the words very well.


Grandma's Deja vu reality game:  Fox and Geese

Back when grandma was a girl in Idaho, we always had a lot of snow, so we filled our free time hours with lots of outdoor games.  If we could find enough kids, or coerce our parents to play-- Fox and Geese was the funnest, because it was a running game.  Others we played were "Who's the Boss of Bunker's Hill"--where you tried to stay on top of the snow pile, while others tried to push you off.  Dad was always best "Boss".  The words are so old I can't even find them on Google search, but the taunt went something like this: "I'm the boss of Bunker Hill, I can fight and I can kill."  Gruesome I know!


He made us a harness for our dog, Pal, and then he could pull our sleigh.  He also made us mini-toboggans which could be used on soft snow, but we had regular sleds for zipping down the hills which surrounded our home on the farm. He also made a large toboggan out of corregated steel, which fit our whole family.  It was very heavy to pull up the big hill, and the snow had to be frozen to use it, but it was very fun to do it together as a family.


 We also made snow angels, had snow ball fights, built forts, made trails, and all the other fun outdoor things that kids can invent.  The winters we lived in Ririe, sometimes Daddy, or another parent would pull us behind a car on our sleighs.  We'd all be roped together in one long line  I'm sure it would be illegal now, but it was very fun, until a sharp turn would tip someone over.  Sneaking off to do that one Sunday afternoon, is the only time I remember being spanked by my mother.   In later years we learned to ski, and that became our new passion, especially for Doug and I.  Lynn, Clint, and Nancy later took up the craziness as well.

Fox calls "Scatter" and all the geese run from the center when the game begins.

Even though we had been blessed with about 4 inches of rain the week before Christmas, there had been no snow, and it was about 45 degrees in the day.  Then The Perfect Snow Storm arrived in Blanding Dec. 27-28 after Christmas, putting down about 2 feet of soft fluffy snow.  It didn't pack very well for the Fox and Geese course, so Anthony revved up the snow blower that Chris had given us, and made the best circle and cross cuts I'd ever played on.  

The running course is a circle with pie wedges radiating out. The center is the Fox's den where the captured "geese" must go, until they are saved by being tagged by a "free goose".  There are also two safety pens where the geese can run to to avoid being tagged.  To make it more exciting two foxes can be selected.  After they wear out, a new fox is chosen, until everyone has a turn at being foxy.  It is great fun.  This may be my last time to play, and it was so fun, with no injuries!! I think we had  three generations of us playing, 9 altogether..which was a great size for the game.

Friday was a beautiful cold day, perfect for playing outside--for a little while at least.

Aren't they cute little geese?

Hmmm, how do we save Laurie from these two big foxes?

Ethan's Birthday Dec. 30th at the Redds

Christmas letter 2010

Christmas 2010

Dear family and friends,

We have Valley of the Gods in Utah; in Greece they have

a mount of the Gods on the Acropolis

It’s a good thing we write these yearly updates, or we wouldn’t know what we’ve been doing or why we’re so tired! We are both enjoying good health and are very thankful we can still climb, and hike and remember how to get back home!

   
This past summer Steve was called as an ordinance worker at the Monticello Temple. He works Tues. mornings. This fits our schedule nicely because we still teach the LDS Family Service Addiction Recovery class on Tues. nights. This allows us time to travel to see family.

We continue to work with the Young Singles in our ward and have had some fun times with them. We try to have a couple of activities each month: usually a game night and Sunday dinner. In November we hosted a donut making activity for Veterans Day. Had about 24 YSA making and delivering donuts to 50+ families. The veterans really appreciated this gesture.

Steve raised another big garden this year and we had lots of produce to give away, can and store. Janet does a monthly column for our local paper on provident living. http://providentponderings.blogspot.com/

She was recently elected the president of the local sewing guild for next year. She made several quilts this year; one of them was a difficult lone star Eagle Scout quilt for our oldest grandson. She also filled up all of our empty fruit jars. Her new specialty is Jalapeño jam, and green tomato raspberry jam.


Kathyrn and Travis, Pam and Emily, Autumn and Hinckley



There were three new grandchildren born in 2010:
Emily Hope born March 3, Hinckley William born March 26, and Travis Robert born August 28.

We now have 23 grandchildren with one more on the way.  We love all these wonderful children and are so pleased with the good parenting that goes on in their homes.

 Here’s a brief update of what each family is doing:

Rob and Kathryn - Rob still works for the Sheriff’s Office; Kathryn works part time for a law office in Monticello. Ethan will turn nine this month and they are in the process of adopting a baby boy that was born on Aug. 28. Travis is very adorable and looks so much like Ethan.

Nathan and Tamara live in Toole and have a lovely home which they continue to make improvements on. Nathan works at Dugway as a civilian. They are kept busy keeping up with Laurie and Brendan and all of their activities: academics, dancing, cub scouts, & soccer. They are very active in their new ward and provide much service there.

Chris and Pam- added Emily Hope to their family March 3, so they now have seven children. CJ, Michael, Kylee, Dan, Hailey, Adam and Emily. He works for BYU, as well as his own business. He is Scout Master and is super busy. Pam is the family activity/ homework manager, and cook. We always enjoy going there to play games with the kids.

Quentin and Bev- are now in a larger new home in Gilbert. Quentin still works for Avnet. They have three adorable girls: Quincy, Sage, Ava and one handsome boy, Brig. They will be adding an addition to their family next May. They have callings in the Young Womens and Elders Quorum.

Anthony and Ashley have two kids Sam and Logan. Anthony is half way through law in Phoenix and is doing exceptionally well. He was invited to serve on the Law Review Board this semester. They live in Mesa. Ashley is Primary President and Anthony teaches gospel doctrine SS class.

Autumn and Theron are still in West Valley City and have 3 cute kids: Hunter, Peyton and Hinckley. Theron applied for a different job this fall, and when his boss found out about it, they offered him a promotion to entice him to stay—which he did. It’s nice to be appreciated. He is also bishop of their ward. Autumn holds the home front down. They both continue to compete in bike and running races.

Andrew and Amy also have 3 children: Madison, Jaxon and Gannon. Andrew works for Workforce Services as a fraud investigator and Amy teaches CNA classes in Davis County. They are very busy keeping up with 3 busy little kids.

Year in Review

Had a huge snowy winter last year and hibernated for 4 months! Snow levels were half way up our kitchen windows and didn’t melt until April—just like Idaho!!

Janet worked on Hole-in-the-Rock history sites and profile stories for the two Blanding stakes, preparatory to youth treks last summer. We both participated in the west side trek in June. It was a great experience. If you haven’t read The Undaunted by Gerald Lund, be sure to do so. It is about our part of the world. Learn more at: http://wmmeanderings.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html

Janet’s next big spring project was producing a DVD show and web site for her 50th Ririe High class reunion in May, which we attended in Idaho Falls. See at: http://sites.google.com/site/rhs50years/

Everyone had fun reliving the events and music of the 50’s. We also visited her Idaho siblings. Doug and Della, and Nancy and Bruce and also got to attend the Rexburg temple for the first time. It was a wonderful trip though short.

The annual Welsh Festival was in Malad about a month later and we met up with Nancy and the Westenskows. One of our cousins from Wales Aled Betts was a presenter there. We visited with relatives from the 3 families of Jonah Evans, our ggg grandfather from Wales, and also with the Talbot family in Malad, who are Thomas relatives.

We hosted the extended Wilcox family reunion at the Blue Mountain Guest Ranch in June. All of our kids and grandchildren were there plus some of Steve’s siblings and their families. Autumn organized the activities and meals and kept the kiddos busy. It was beautiful and green and everyone seemed to have a good time. Face painting, scavenger hunt, Madagascar night, and family jeopardy were all part of the fun. Our friend Diane even came over from Colorado for it. Pictures of the reunion can be seen at: http://picasaweb.google.com/jwilcox42/BlueMountainReunion#

The first part of Oct. was our Mission reunion and we saw many dear friends again. We stayed for General Conference, then left the next day for a 14 day Mediterranean Cruise. We flew to Milan, Italy and toured Milan, Verona and Venice. We stayed over night in Venice and then boarded the ship. We visited Egypt, Israel, Greece, Croatia and Italy staying each night on the ship. There were about 300 in our LDS tour group; at each port we were bussed to the different places. It was an amazing experience. Shows of our trip can be viewed at

http://www.photodex.com/share/jwilcox

We were on the road again for Thanksgiving visiting our two families in Phoenix. We had a very good dinner and enjoyed playing games, golfing, visiting a high school friend, and surviving a 10 hr. Black Friday marathon! Thanks, Ashley for the memories.

Arizona Cousins: Ava, Logan, Sage, Quincy, Brig, and Sammy



We came back to Blanding and spent two days madly wrapping presents then traveled to SLC for an early Christmas party up north with five of our kids and their families. Autumn organized it and we all had a wonderful evening. One of the highlights of the evening was making gingerbread houses. Autumn spend many hours baking gingerbread kits and the kids got to put them together and decorate them with icing and candy. We also had lots of good food to eat.

We did a Victory arch for all the grandkids to celebrate their good works.  Their parents told of their accomplishments and the rest of us cheered and gave high fives.
We then presented CJ’s with his Eagle scout quilt and encouraged the rest of the boys to work towards earning that award.

We’re now on the final countdown to Christmas, and it has been way busy. Just in the past 3 days we had a neighborhood party at our home, helped with a funeral, attended our ward party with 3 neighbor kids, went to a baptism of a neighbor and hosted a dinner for her, attended a 50th Anniversary party, fixed dinner for 8 young singles Sunday.  Whew, I'm tired tonight. Nice to have a day of rest!

This week I’m just going to kick back, be lazy and read a book, and watch a few Christmas specials – that is if I get this letter done and sent. (Please write and tell us what you’re doing.)

It is our 43rd wedding anniversary this month. The years have really flown and we’ve been so blessed with good kids, who are still making changes and moving forward. We feel our Saviors love, and are learning to listen more attentively to the Holy Ghost. It has made a difference in our lives, and I hope it does in yours too.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and an Inspirational New Year.

                  Love, Steve and Janet Wilcox

Fourth of July Family Letter

 IIt is going to be pretty quiet down here, compared to some of the past July's when we've had others in the family to join us and Rob's family in celebrating. But since we had everyone here two weeks ago, we'll just have to rejoice in that. The one thing I am feeling very badly about however, is that we didn't take our whole family's picture while everyone was there. I can't believe I didn't think of it...and having one with all 22 grandkids would have been wonderful. Promise me that you'll all be at the reunion next year so we can get a good picture of the family and grandkids!  I know Andrew and Amy will have great things up their sleeves for that.

Ethan's creative face protector, in case something goes haywire!

We've enjoyed having Ethan come each Monday again this summer.  He paints a lot with Dad, but I also steal him away to make concoctions, and give him piano lessons.  


There are so many good things going on that you've been involved in. I hope you share such things with each other, but I wanted to pass along some of the good news of the past few weeks and salute you all for being such good parents and citizens and members of the church. There's nothing that makes your dad and I happier than knowing you're doing your very best to be good parents, love your kids and spouse, and to be anxiously engaged in good causes.


--Chris is still being a faithful Scout Master, camping each month, sun or snow with his scouts. I know he's being a good one, despite having a very busy work schedule. Pam is such a great supporter of good things, including her husband. CJ is close to getting his Eagle Scout..just needs a project. Hopefully it wlll be finished in 2010, as I already have the year embroidered for his quilt! The pressure is on!


Kylee was in a musical last week of Repunzell and we got to watch her video last Sunday, There were lots of cute songs in it, and she did so well. Michael, Hailey and Dan took me on a tour of the yard showing me all the changes they are making. Taking out bushes, and putting in new plantings. They've all been busy.


--Nathan successfully completed another course towards his Masters, and should be finished up soon. He and Tammy have orchestrated a major landscaping project this summer, with cement, fences, and yard work. We can't wait to see it. Laurie is taking dance twice a week and Tammy is being a super mommy- teacher again this summer, keeping both kids reading, and learning. They both did exceptionally well this past school year, at the top of their class. And one thing for sure, I know no one can talk as fast and as animatedly as Brendan. It makes my head swim. 
High Fives! Nathan and Tammy are very actively engaged in Relief Society and Elders quorum, and do a lot of friend-shipping and helping in their new ward. We're so happy they've found their niche and are enjoyed it.

--Rob (and Kathryn) just finished up coaching Ethan's team of 8 year olds. I noticed they had put together a photo packet for each of the boys at the game today, which means going the extra mile. He made it lots of fun for the boys, and we could really see the progress they have made since they started. Ethan is becoming quite a ball player. He is also making progress again on the piano..once he starts counting he'll really be amazing. He is also great at figuring things out..when grandma can't operate a hand-held device!


 They've got their new landscaping in, and it is going to be really nice once things get growing again. They are always so good to do service for others and give Ethan good experiences and direction in life..

--Andrew is ready to start canning cherries this week, and called today for final instructions. The main thing is to not get scalded! He always fixes amazing meals when we stay there...grilled red-fleshed trout last time...very good. He and Amy are going a great job of tag-teaming the kids, and somehow surviving...just had a garage sale last weekend, and their garage has room again!

Mattea was in a big (500 student!) dance recital two weeks ago. We haven't see the big event, but assume it was wonderful. Amy keeps her funny sense of humor through each new bump in the road and finds time to enjoy her little kiddos and the funny things they do. (This was our April trip to Thanksgiving Point with Autum's kids.)


--Quent and Bev helped her mom quite a bit, cleaning out her grandparents place while they were here in Blanding. They are turning their girls into extraordinary readers. Bev is working in YW, and Quent has his favorite job back in the new ward--teaching Elder's Quorum. They are enjoying their new home and still figuring out where things need to go.


--Anthony is have a great learning experience this summer working for the county attorney's office Duschne county. He enjoys it and the people he works with. He is racking up brownie points with his mother-in-law by hauling out garbages every week, moving sprinkler pipes and keeping things watered. He just learned this week that he is now ranked #9 out of 210 law students and was asked to work on the Law Review, which will be yet another challenge. All his diligence and hard work last year paid off. His GPA was 3.67 this semester, qualifying him for an $8000 incentive bonus each semester, to return. In the mean time, faithful Ashley keeps their two adorable but strong willed children healthy, dressed and out of trouble...mostly.

--Autumn and Theron are ready to orchestrate their healthy lifestyles, ward 4th of July breakfast again. They started it about 4 years ago, and it keeps growing. There is never a dull moment in the life of this busy bishop, and Autumn is so good to keep things at home at an even keel and happy. Peyton had her first dance classes this summer, and her enthusiasm is a joy to see. Hunter is getting bunk beds and his room ready for brother Hinckley...he is so tender and sweet with him...just wait though until he's ready to play dinosaurs. That will be another story!!


--Steve is keeping really busy, and is determined to have his garden weed free and productive, so every day there are many things to do. His remedy to keep moths out of the fruit trees seems to be working very well. I think we'll have a bumper crop of apples and pears, maybe apricots.

The Osmond's Matriarchal Cabin in Samaria

Steve was so congenial and patient during our trip to the Welsh Festival. I really appreciate him taking me, and participating in everything, even though he'd rather take a nap. He also fixed the front room light last night. I looked over at the table, and it was hanging by two wires, as it had jarred lose from the fan component. He always says he can't do something, and then he goes ahead and figures out how to fix it. He's so good at figuring things out.


Those are some of the things I'm thankful for this 4th of July...What a great family. Have a wonderful weekend and week.


Love, Mom