NEW YEAR 2011

Well, I believe that was about the longest I have left the Christmas tree and decorations up at our house (January 5th). But this year is a little different. There was so much snow around that it still seemed like Christmas. And since Denis and Sarah returned to the U.S. 7 months earlier than we previously thought, they were my Christmas surprise. Sarah and Denis decided that after 2 months of him trying to get a job in Ukraine (besides him performing a few nights a week), they would get Sarah back in school here and find jobs here. Of course, the family is all happy about that. We have given them free reign of the basement to live in and of course love having them upstairs also. Our December was wonderful with Spencer and Jane's family here for the Christmas week. Wyatt is such a fun little boy to be around and loves his Grandpa and Grandma. Norah is a very good baby and I just couldn't get enough of holding her!

Before the snow grew to be over a foot deep, Spencer and Wyatt went outside and played for a while. They threw snowballs and built a baby snowman.

Wyatt remembered his Grandma Great when we visited her on Christmas Day.

For Christmas Eve we had a traditional ham and turkey dinner and Candace's pretzel jello salad was the hit of the night.

We had an evening of sharing by everyone

and then Christmas morning ate our traditional cinnamon-roll breakfast.

Raidon came over with Andy and got better aquainted with his cousin, Wyatt. He even got to spend a night with us. We fell asleep watching "Shreck". With Skype on the computer, we got to spend a little time with family that weren't in Utah. The gang got to hang out at Diane and Dallon's house in Ogden that they recently moved into. Sophie played with the little cousins and showed us her newly painted yellow and pink bedroom. She doesn't like me taking her picture.

Family, friends, and neighbors were very generous with all their thoughts and gifts to us. We're thankful that we have such good people around us. Please accept our heart-felt thanks!

Bruce and I look forward to our trips this month to see my parents in Alabama and hope to spend time with Kathy and Keith. Then we will fly out to Washington again for Zachary's birthday and ordination into the Priesthood as a deacon. I can't believe how fast they are growing up as well as Whitney who will be turning 16 on February 1st! We hope to see Linda and Rashadd at their new home too.

HOWARD HOLIDAY HEADLINES 2010

Picture taken February 2008

A big HELLO to all our family and friends at this festive time of year. We have grown this year from 18 to 21 in numbers. Our main headlines this year were Joshua Johnathan Christopher born on August 3rd to Lee and Karyn's family and Norah Jane born to Spencer and Jane's family on October 13th. Then we enjoyed the wedding of Sarah and Denis Fedotov on October 29th, making our 21st member of the Bruce and Jeri Howard family! We have tried to see each of our families as often as possible throughout the year but it is never enough when about half of us live in Washington state (Lee and Spencer's families) and the other half in Utah. We are spoiled living only five minutes away from Jared and Candace and see them at least once a week. Andy has an apartment in Salt Lake not too far away and Diane and Dallon have just bought themselves a house in Ogden.

We enjoyed a visit from Lee's family in April and celebrated Easter and Raidon's 2nd birthday together.

In May we were able to visit Bruce's father's grave on Memorial Day and took some beautiful Iris from our garden. It's always nice to be able to visit with Bruce's mother.

July was a busy month when Jeri's Garrard family held their family reunion at Daytona Beach, Florida. So before we flew there, we drove to Washington and wished Wyatt a happy birthday early and visited the families there.

We then picked up two of our grandchildren, Zachary and Emily, to go with us to Florida. It made our trip so much more fun to have them along.

The hotel on the beach with all the swimming pools gave us much to do as well as a night out on a small cruise ship for dinner one night.

Jeri's sister, Kathy Underwood, with Zach and Emily

It was wonderful to see so many of Jeri's family there in Daytona. Thank you to sister, Jeanette, and her daughter, Kristina, for all the work they put into it!

Then we flew back to Washington and drove home to Salt Lake.

The next day we picked up Whitney, Lee and Karyn's oldest daughter, from the airport so she could attend EFY at Utah State in Logan. We had time to go to fireworks on the 24th of July with Jared and Candace first.
Whitney was excited to find her dormatory room.

For Christmas last year we told our children that we would begin having Howard Family Reunions every year. So we found a summer home outside of Boise, Id that would fit all of us in. In August everyone in our family except for Sarah, who was in Russia/Ukraine, got together for about three days. We had a great time and it was so fun being all together. We were able to meet our newest member at that time, baby Joshua, and even Great Grandma, Edna Howard, was able to come. We're still working on where we will go next year.

Joshua was blessed the first Sunday of September, so Bruce, Jeri, Jared, and Candace drove to Shelton together.

Some of the Conway nephews and nieces that live in Washington made the trip there also and stayed for a nice dinner at Lee and Karyn's house.

In September Bruce's mother organized a get-together picnic in Orem. All his side of the family came....

....including his sister, Carolyn and husband, Craig Lasker.

Our oldest daughter, Sarah, began attending the University of Utah shortly after returning from her mission to Ukraine in August of 2009. Majoring in Russian, she was able to do a study abroad program there beginning in June. After six weeks when it was over, she wanted to fly over to Ukraine to see friends from her mission....one being Denis Fedotov, who served in the same mission. They had been in touch since her return the year before. As it turned out, they fell in love and became engaged.

It was a short engagement as they returned to Utah to get married in the Salt Lake Temple two months later.

They decided to live in Kiev, Ukraine for about a year after honeymooning at Newport Beach, California.

Wedding planning was about all I (Jeri) did September and October when I wasn't working, going to Choir, eating, or sleeping. But everything turned out wonderful and the bride and groom were, and are, very happy. We really are excited to have Denis for a son-in-law. He is everything we have wanted for our daughter.

We were able to fly to Spencer and Jane's home in Vancouver, WA the middle of November to meet our new granddaughter, Norah.

They are always a joy to be with and they weren't able to attend the wedding because of Norah just being born.

The kids all had fun at Chuckie Cheese Pizza while we were there.

Jared and Candace have decided to adopt a child as soon as possible. They have been working hard getting their home ready and making the adopton arrangements. We wish them blessings in order to receive a little one soon.

Andy became a General Manager for Dominoes Pizza like he was a few years ago. He decided that this is what he enjoys doing and is good at it. He is able to have his son, Raidon, on weekends and we look forward to geeing them both on Sundays if not more.

Diane, out youngest, and Dallon Wheatley were married just one year ago on November 15th. They recently closed on their first home and are now in the process of moving in. It is in Ogden not far from Dallon's work and Diane will begin working for Convergys at home. They now have custody of three-year old Sophie.

Taken at our August Howard Family Reunion before Norah was born. Our grandchildren: Raidon, Wyatt, Whitney holding Joshua, Zachary, Sophie, and Emily

So this was our life for 2010. In the wintertime we have to hunker down inside when the snow blasts us like it has so far this season. And in the summertime we like to work out in our gardens, growing flowers and vegetables and berries. Jeri still works as office manager for a dentist and has 1 1/2 years left in the Tabernacle Choir. Bruce is still with ATK where they have had many lay offs this year. His job changes as people leave but he keeps hanging on. Retirement is not too far away. We've also, with some encouragement from our children, become more conscious about our health and have joined a fitness center where we excercise as well as do a lot of walking outside. We're trying to eat healthier and not as much. It will be a life-long process, but one that will hopefully keep us enjoying our family for many more years to come.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas and New Year. We are thankful for you and for our Father above who makes all things possible. We celebrate the birth of his son, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

All our love,

Bruce and Jeri

OUR 2010 NOVEMBER

Norah Jane Howard was born to Spencer and Jane on October 13th, making our 8th grandchild. Bruce and Jeri were able to go see her and the rest of our Washington families the first part of November. She is a beautiful and very good baby.

Wyatt loves his little sister and Jeri enjoyed playing with them both.

After they unwrapped Norah's present, Wyatt tried to wrap himself up.

One day we took Wyatt to get his first hair cut at the salon. He was so good and held very still.

Grandpa got a hair cut at the same time and they both looked very handsome!

Lee's family came to Vancouver to see us and especially to see Norah for the first time. Joshua is just two months older. Someday they'll be able to play together.

We all went to Chuckie Cheese so the kids could have some fun together and we got a bite to eat.

Later after we came back to Utah, we got dumped with snow a few times. This is our back yard when Bruce is shovelling a path for our dogs early one morning.

Last Tuesday we had blizzard conditions and Jeri's Tabernacle Choir rehearsal was cancelled, which doesn't happen very often.

Bruce's 60th birthday landed on the day after Thanksgiving this year, so we had seven that day for dinner and five on the actual day of Thanksgiving. It worked out better that way for the married couples.

This is the group on Bruce's birthday. Somehow, I didn't take a picture when Andy, his friend, Liz, and Rick Garrard came on Thanksgiving Day.

Our little Sophie looked very pretty and had a fun day.

This weekend I got our Christmas decorations inside the house set up. Hopefully we'll have a warmer day outside to put up some lights. I couldn't resist turning Clark into a reindeer for a picture.

Raidon came over and enjoyed the decorations but had the most fun just climbing inside the storage boxes.

He wanted Grandma to put the lid on and stack Santa on top of him. Don't worry.... Grandma was careful not to keep him in there too long so he didn't suffocate.

We have talked with Sarah and Denis quite often on Skype and they are doing well. You can see her blog from my list above. I told them I would send my chili recipe that Denis liked so well when they were here, so I will include it below. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the Chistmas season. We will get a Christmas letter out sometime in December. Love, Jeri

CHILI

1 1/2 lb. hamburger (I used ground turkey)

1 large green pepper

1 large onion

2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans

1 (28 oz) can tomatoes (I used frozen tomatoes, with the juice, from our garden and omitted the water below.)

2 cups (15 oz) tomato sauce (I used a can of tomato soup)

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1 Tbs chili powder (I only put in half as much for a milder chili)

2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbs honey

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed

1/2 ground cinnamon

1 large bay leaf

In a large saucepan, cook ground meat with green pepper and onion until meat is brown and vegetables are tender. Drain off excess fat. Add the rest of ingredients and simmer 1 hour stirring occasionally.

As you can see, I made a lot of changes to the recipe, but it is good either way.

October Birthdays, New Grandbaby, and Wedding

Warning: this is a pretty long blog, but we had a lot going on in October!
The month started off with Spencer's birthday on October 2nd. These are photos from last year.

Wyatt loved the candles burning and helped to blow them out.

Happy 35th Birthday to Spencer!!!

This is how Bruce and I first met Denis Fedotov, Sarah's fiance, back in August. I snapped a picture of him with Sarah and his best friend, Magonif (sp) in the background while they skyped with us from Ukraine. Denis sang "Be Good To Your Daughters". We were very impressed by this young man. Soon afterwards, Denis e-mailed to Bruce asking if he could ask Sarah to marry him. Bruce answered, "yes", of course.

We were lucky enough to get Raidon with us for a few weekends this month. One Saturday we helped Jared and Candace move some dirt around their back yard so they could plant some new trees and grass. Raidon is waiting for his turn to help with his own shovel.

Now he is helping! What fun he had!

As soon as we could get invitations ordered, I set to work with the lists, addressing, etc. Sarah and I did our planning by skype, e-mails, and phone.

Our newest grandbaby, Norah Jane Howard, was born on October 13th. Mother and baby are doing great! We are excited to go meet her in person on November 10th.

When the day arrived for Sarah and Denis to fly to Utah, October 24th, Diane,

Jared and Candace,

Andy, Raidon, and Bruce, and I were anxiously waiting at the airport. They were very tired from the long trip but happy to be here!

The week that followed was a whirlwind of activities! Andrea Jardine, Sarah's best friend, threw her a bridal shower on October 26th.

We had fun visiting and eating lots of yummy things. At the same time, Bruce and Jared took Denis out on a fun night at the go carts and Pat's Barbeque.

Diane's 23rd birthday was on October 27th, so we all went to Red Robin restaurant in Layton for dinner. Sophie joined us also. Happy Birthday to Diane!!!

Denis has tried a lot of new food experiences this week, but his favorite thing is peanut butter.

Here's the group that went to Red Robin. Andy has to work a lot at Dominoes Pizza and couldn't come.

At my regular Tabernacle Choir rehearsal on Thursday night, the 28th, I got permission for Denis to be a guest to rehearse with us. We had to dress for some filming before he came up. Sarah sat in the audience and both were introduced to everyone. It was fun to see him there and he liked it too.

Afterwards we hung out at home for the last night before the wedding.

The next morning, Sarah's friend came over early to help her with hair and makeup.

Lee's family flew in from Washington to be with us and here is Emily in her very pretty dress.2 1/2 month old Joshua looks very handsome too! The sealing cermony was beautiful at the Salt Lake Temple and I was happy to help my daughter get dressed in her wedding dress we picked out just four days before. Look at those big smiles as they come out of the temple to greet everyone!

Lora Knight, my pretty niece, was our photographer for the day and she took over 1200 pictures! She is editing them back in California and will share them with us soon. She did a great job. After our group pictures, the bride and groom went off for their own photos while the rest of the wedding party waited.Here are a couple of friends from Ukraine, Surgeh (sp) and Natalia, who are going to school here.

My wonderful brother, Ron, flew in from California with Tran, his wife, and Lora, the photograper, his daughter,and Jayda (in his lap), daughter of Lora. Rick, the son going to BYU, came also.

My awesome sister, Linda, and her darling daughters, Deana and Beth (and 2 young daughters) drove all the way from Washington State to be with us.

The kids got tired of waiting, but lunch was planned for the Lion House a couple hours away. This is Emily, Whitney, and Zachary Howard. It wasn't long before Sarah and Denis came back and joined us for lunch.Denis was very nice to all and was easy to get to know. Emily was brave and spoke into our "open mike" how she loved Denis and "her Sarah".
A beautiful picture caught on the stairs.

Lunch was over and now... on to the rest of the day.

Good bye to Temple Square for now.

That evening, granddaughter, Whitney, sat at our guest book table and greeted the guests to the Aspen Landing Reception Center.

Sarah chose fall colors with purple and yellow as the accents. Candace, Jared and I put together all the live flower arrangements. It all turned out so pretty!

I enlarged pictures of Denis and Sarah at different ages in their lives including a few together to display on this table.

Wasn't Denis a very cute baby!

All dressed up in his Ukrainian costume.

Here he is as a missionary where he and Sarah met.

Denis is a very talented musician and he favored us with a songs at the luncheon and at the reception. I love listening to him sing, play the guitar, and play piano.

I think this is my favorite picture of them! So in love!

Cute Emily was a little overwhelmed by the choice of desserts to choose from.

Candace put together these bouquets. Sarah threw one and kept one that I am drying for a keepsake. The other lady is my good friend, Amy Johnson, from Honeyville that came.

Amy's daughter, Becky Johnson Fuller, is the floutist in the Briarwood Musicians that I got to play for the evening. They were excellent. It all turned out so well. We even had a little dancing starting out with Denis and Sarah, then Bruce and Sarah, and Denis and I. Jared was our master of ceremonies.

The next day Bruce and I went with Ron's family to visit our Aunt Marjorie who had a stroke not long ago. She is in an assisted living center in Ogden for now and says she will be going home soon. I can see an improvement from the last time I visited her a couple of weeks ago.

That evening was Halloween and Candace showed us her costume a couple nights before when she had a party. I had to show you how great she looked!

Well, Denis and Sarah are in California now on a fun honeymoon and then they will be flying off back to Ukraine to live there about a year before returning to America so Sarah can finish her degree at the University of Utah. I know they'll be very happy and we welcome Denis to our family!