Camille and David Nixon

Not much...

2009-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello to one and all. I really don't have much to say, but feel the need to blog just the same. The only real news is that we have been waiting to hear about a particular job that David had been interviewing for. It was with Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. David really wanted it and felt really good about his chances. Alas, it was not to be. We got the call yesterday. They went with a guy who already has some experience working with a foundation. Drat and blast! So now we go back to the drawing board. There are only two other possiblities out there at present, one in Seattle and one in Philadelphia. Neither of which has started interviewing yet. We realize that the right job just hasn't come along yet, but it is disappointing just the same and a little frustrating at the long wait in between interviews and decision making and all that. With that said, we also realize that we are truly blessed and we are much better off than many other families who are also out of work.
Just a little shout out to Chris--if you haven't checked his blog lately you need to. He has started blogging again in style!
In another week or so David and I are off to the island of Kauai in Hawaii!! Thanks to Cathy (David's sister with the timeshare) for the invite. Chris is going too and we are going to have a blast. Perhaps it will be our last hurrah 'cause if we don't find a job in the end, we will have to cut way back on our living expenses and try to join the ranks of the retired. I can't think of a better way to go out than in Hawaii!! I hope it doesn't come to that, but hey, we can party like it is the last time!!!
We are also looking forward to a visit in August from Sara, Wade and Matt. They are planning a road trip to Texas and we are excited!! The only problem may be if Sara gets the job she interviewed for this week. While we hope she gets the job, we will be so very sad if they don't let her off for the trip. Matt says that he will have to come by himself if Sara can't get off. I told him that he and Wade should come together, but we are pretty sure Sara wouldn't like that too much. Plus, Chris is coming home in Sept. for the BYU/OK football game at the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington. Hopefully it will work out and we will get to visit with all our kids in the next few weeks.

Retirement?

2009-05-27T12:16:00.001-07:00

Hello one and all. I realize that I am well overdue for an update and as usual I have no good excuse for the delay. I hope there is still someone reading this...
Anyway. First of all congratulations go out to the Kodi Nixon family on the birth of Parker and to the Andrew Steele family on the birth of Henry! Both extremely cute babies and they both have a jealous Aunt Camille and Uncle David who wish they lived closer!! By the way, where did Parker get all that HAIR?! Doesn't he know that babies are supposed to be bald unless they are Hispanic? (In my limited experience working in the nurseries of hospitals only Hispanic babies are born with tons of long hair!)
So, David finished his twenty-five years of work with Electronic Data Systems on April 30. I have already been asked at least once if he is driving me crazy yet being at home all day. The surprising answer to that question is "no, not yet". He does spend most of the day in his office working on the computer. He is researching job opportunities, working on investments, revamping his resume, buying pool supplies, etc. etc. etc. He does have a couple of job opportunities in the works, however. One in Chicago with a utilities company and one in Ft. Worth for Cook Children's Medical Center. He has a second interview with Cook Children's a week from Friday. So, we wait.
Meanwhile, we are "pretending" like we are retired. Last week, for example, we took off for what turned into a really fun road trip. It started out as a trip to Branson, MO. David has talked about going there for a while now. It is supposed to be loads of fun (according to people we know who have been there)and it is within a days drive from here. We took off without any reservations of any kind and decided to see what happened once we got there. The area is really pretty--green and hilly. Branson itself is situated between a couple of lakes. The trouble is that what there is to do there isn't really what we enjoy doing. There are LOTS of shows to see starting at 10am every day. There are two amusement parks, miniature golf and go-carts on every corner, two outlet malls, two regular malls and lots of places to eat. It is hard to know which of the shows are ones you would like and they cost between $20 and $50 each per person. We decided to see one called SIX. It is a family of six brothers who sing making the sounds of intstruments with their mouths--singing acapela the whole time. We like the LDS group Inside-Out (who do the same kind of show), so we thought we would like SIX. They were really good and it turns out they are LDS too. They come from a family of ten boys from a mom who was told at 17 that she wouldn't be able to have kids. The show was really good and very entertaining. The next show we decided to see was an Elvis impersonator. I have always been an Elvis fan and saw a very good impersonator perform during Parent's Week one year at BYU-Idaho. This particular performer was touted as being voted the #1 Branson enteratiner for the past 6 or 7 years--so we thought we would give him a try. Big mistake!! He was way into himself and not so much into Elvis. He did sound like Elvis, but I just couldn't handle his ego. Too worried about how his hair looked and he even sang a song he wrote himself. Each of us wanted to leave at intermission, but didn't say anything to the other. Too bad. A wasted two hours.
The next day we decided to make a break for it and drove to Memphis. I used to live there and have always wanted to revist Graceland. When I was there last you could drive up to the front of the house when Elvis was out of town, but you couldn't go inside. So, we went to Graceland. It was really cool! They have an audio tour that you listen to as you walk through the house and it was very informative. The house is straight from the 70's and it isn't hard to imagine Elvis living there. Of course, it is all terribly commercialized--but we got over that part. Except David was sorely tempted to buy one of the powder blue jumpsuits availble for a mere $3,000

After Graceland we drove on to Corinth, MS (where my grandfather was born), Red Bay, AL, Baldwyn, MS (where many of my ancesters lived and are buried),and Tupelo, MS (where my mother was born--oh, and Elvis too!) We found three different cemeteries using our GPS and I was able to take photos of all the headstones of my ancestors there. I had never done anything like that before and it was a blast, believe it or not! We had a really good time looking for and tromping through all the cemeteries. Driving through the cities and area where my ancestors lived was cool too.

On the way back home we stopped off in Memphis again for some BBQ and on to Hot Spring, AR for the night. Hot Springs is an interesting place. We took a tour of one of the original bath houses and rode up the observation tower in the National Park there. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed the bath house tour a lot more than we thought we would. Best of all--it was all free!! The next day we headed for home. We had a lot of fun just being together and sort of just following our noses. I really can't remember the last time we took a trip like that just the two of us.
Now, on to the rest of the family: Mike has been working for Kroger for the past several weeks. He works in the evenings and it looks like it is turning into a full time position. He is also going to begin some free-lance graphic design work for a company in UT this week. He can do that from his computer here at home. Melinda continues to work at the pre-school. After school is out she will go to part time there for their summer program. Chris continues to work at his job in San Fran. He still likes CA, but wishes his work was a little more interesting. Once the new guy starts in a few months, he is hoping some of the grunt work will get passed on. Matthew is working full time at the Independent Study Office on campus. He likes it well enough and it is paying the bills. He joined a gym too and is working out again. Soon he will send in his application to the Marriott School of Business and hopes to get accepted for the fall semester. We are keeping our fingers crossed for him. Sara and Wade continue to work through the summer preparing for graduate school in the fall. Wade was accepted into the Sociology program where he will be for the next two years. Sara continues working in the kiosk at University Mall, but is trying to find a receptionist/secretarial position. She isn't having too much luck, but she is applying for everything she can find.
So, that brings you up-to-date with this fam. We can all use your prayers: David with his job hunt, Mike with his continued job hunt, Chris that his job will get more interesting, Matt that he'll get accepted into the Marriott School, and Sara that she will find another job soon. We appreciate you all and love reading your blogs etc. I'll try to keep you informed about our comings and goings.

Don't Faint

2009-04-01T12:10:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know it has been months and months since I blogged, so be it. I actually have some energy at the moment and decided not to waste it on going to the grocery store. So I am blogging. Lucky you.

Life has been pretty non-eventful these past five months (thus the non-blog)so it shouldn't take too long to catch up. Thanksgiving was really fun 'cause David "surprised" me (I was secretly hoping he would)by flying all of the kids home for the holiday. It was short, but very very sweet. We had a great time eating, talking, playing games, playing Rock Band, and eating. The Cratches and the Jetsels came over for T'giving dinner and were able to meet Wade for the first time. It was great!

David and I went to Provo for Christmas with Chris and Matt. Mike and Melinda stayed here in TX with the Walkers and Sara and Wade went to CA for Christmas with the Jacobsens. Everyone got together, however, on January 1st for a Nixon reunion at Aspen Grove. It was our first one during the winter months and turned out to be really fun. There was lots of food and some cross-country skiing, and lots of sledding, and plenty of games and visiting plus a little shopping as well. EVERYONE was able to come and we were all able to stay on the same floor of a newly finished lodge with a great common area and a nice kitchen. Every family had a private room or two with a bath--it was probably the best accommodation we have had at a reunion yet--except for our house in England, of course.

I went back to UT a few weeks later to help Joan after she had hip replacement surgery. It worked out really well. She needed my help and I was also able to spend some time with Sara/Wade and Matthew too. Joan has recovered nicely. She is so dedicated to doing her exercises etc. She is a real example--I know she didn't feel like doing everything the doctor told her to do all the time, but she didn't miss a session and now she is up and running good as new.

Now for the kid update: Mike is still searching for that design job, but starts at Kroger today training as a cashier. Melinda is relieved that she won't be the only one working in their family, although her teaching job ends with the school year and look doubtful for next fall due to cutbacks at the school. They are still living with us until their financial situation perks up. Mike has started looking for design jobs outside of TX, so maybe he will get lucky as he broadens his field.

Chris is really enjoying his job at Deloitte in SanFran. He recently changed apartments since his old roomie with all the furniture got married. He is now living with his friend and workmate, Matt. They get along really well and now he can carpool to work. He loves SanFran. One of these days David and I are going to get out there and visit him and let him show us what all the fuss is about!

Matt is plugging away at school. He is preparing to apply to the Marriott School of Management for the fall semester hoping to get into the business program. As of now, he is planning to stay in Provo and work during the summer--he just needs to find that elusive j-o-b.

Sara and Wade will be graduating in April--YAY!! Wade has been accepted to the master's program in the sociology department for fall. He will be doing that for two years and then, I think, plans to go on for his Phd. Sara is working at a kiosk in the mall selling childrens accessories, but is hoping to find a different job for the summer. She would like to eventually work in the library system for the city or in one of the local schools, but sounds like she will need to start out in a volunteer capacity before she can work her way into a real job. They both determined people and hard workers, so we aren't too worried about their success.

David's job at EDS will end on April 30. He has been interviewing with several companies these past few weeks and we are just waiting for those interviewing processes to continue and see what, if anything, comes out the other end. One job is in NY, one in Ohio, and another in Chicago. We aren't entirely sure at this point what we will do if none of them work out...stay tuned. David just got back from a fabulous trip with Scott and Sherma (and Cathy and Ray) to the Craven Cabin. Scott and Sherma go in a couple of times each winter with snowmobiles and David has always wanted to join them. He was very excited to go and had a great time. He bought these HUGE artic expedition boots at REI for the trip, plus, he had to buy a helmet 'cause the rental place didn't have one big enough for his head. 'Nough said.

I continue to work at the physical therapy clinic and in primary. My rheumatoid arthritis has been giving me trouble of late and my doc and I are trying to get that under control. It is slow going, but things are gradually improving. I am trying to get my head around the possiblity of moving east and getting the house ready etc. Meanwhile, life goes on. We are looking forward to going to UT for graduation in a couple of weeks and I am hoping we can work it out to join Cathy (and whomever else can make it of the invitees) in Hawaii in August. I won't make any promises, but I hope to blog a little more often in the future.

About David and Me...

2008-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Sara did this "Marriage Tag" on her blog and it looked like fun--who knows, maybe some of you might learn something you don't know.

1. What is his name? David Robert Nixon
2. Who eats more? Actually, I probably do. However, I am trying not to. Since January I have lost twenty pounds and am trying to lose more, but am currently at an impasse.
3. Who said "I love you" first? He did. We were sitting on the sofa in one of the "formal" rooms of the mansion where I lived with about fourteen other nursing students. I asked him to repeat it just to make sure I had heard him correctly.
4. Who is taller? He is, of course, by 10-11 inches.
5. Who is smarter? He is, hands down.
6. Who is more sensitive? I am, hands down.
7. Who does the laundry? I do, but during the past several months when my rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia were acting up and my hands were really hurting, he did it without being asked. He does a really good job of it too.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Well, the deal is that where ever we are sleeping I sleep on the side of the bed nearest the bathroom. He probably doesn't know that is the deal, but it is. Currently in our house that is the right side if you are facing the head of the bed.
9. Who pays the bills? We split it.
10. Who cooks more? I do.
11. What meals do you cook together? Anything on the grill. He grills and I do the rest.
12. Who is more stubborn? Depends on the subject. He has his and I have mine.
13. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? I am. He is never wrong.
14. Who has more siblings? I have 4 sisters (2 step) and 1 brother, he has 3 brothers and 1 sister.
15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Ditto with Sara and Wade.
16. What do you like to do together? Play Wii tennis, go to the movies, eat out, chill in front of the TV.
17. Who eats more sweets? That would be me, by far.
18. What is his guilty pleasure? Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla icecream.
19. How did you meet? At church at the old Dallas Stake Center on Keist Blvd. in 1975 right before he left on his mission and right before I joined the church.
20. Who asked who out first? While on his mission he bet me that I would be married before Valentine's Day 1977. I told him he owed me a dinner when I won that bet. It took him a year after he got home to pay up, but pay up he did. We went to Pizza Hut in Duncanville, TX on Camp Wisdom Blvd.
21. Who kissed who first? He kissed me and actually asked permission first. How sweet!
22. Who proposed? He did. At Sundance Resort at night under the stars with a ring.
23. His best features? His nice blue eyes, his forgiving nature, his calm cool collectiveness and his Clint Eastwoodness.
24. What is his greatest quality? He knows a good choice in a wife when he sees one.

See what Chris has been up to...

2008-10-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Chris at Alcatraz

View of the Golden Gate Bridge

Chris' apartment--2nd floor furthest to the left/his office building

Chris and friend from Provo/Alcatraz Island

Since Chris has retired from blogging (he IS a big-time executive now), I asked him if I could publish this email I got from him which is just as good aa a blog. He said yes--so here it is. I'll add some pics too.

So, things here are going well. My roommates Mike and Ed are pretty
cool guys, and we live in a nice place right next to the Golden Gate
bridge in a neighborhood called the Presidio. I live just a few
hundred yards from a great beach called Baker Beach, and there are
fantastic running trails all throughout the neighborhood. I live in a
quiet, clean area, and there are a few other apartments close by with
LDS guys and girls.

I spent my first few days here before I started work just checking out
the peninsula, including finding a new bank, grocery stores (they've
got a Costco!), the church where I've been attending Sunday meetings,
FHE, and weekly institute, and a few other sites like Golden Gate park
and the downtown area. The distance from one side of the peninsula to
the other really isn't very much at all (like 6 or 7 miles), so
getting around with a car is great. The public transportation is
decent, but it's much quicker to have my own car. I'll have to start
shopping around since I have to give the Corolla I'm using back to my
dad around Christmas time.

As far as work goes, I did a lot of training last week and have just
recently started working on some small client engagements. I don't
know everyone in the office yet, but for the most part people seem
very friendly and willing to help me in my transition. I still
haven't been paid yet (hopefully I will be this Friday), so sometimes
I forget why I'm there, but I feel pretty good about it all. Also,
two people I work with are BYU grads, and one, a guy named Matt, lives
in my neighborhood. We've become pretty good friends, and it's nice
to have someone to be able to go to with questions. You asked how
long it takes me to get to work... From my bedroom to my cubicle it
takes almost exactly 45 minutes. I drive to a bus stop about 2 miles
away, and then I take a free bus that goes to downtown. It drops me
off right next to where I work, which is a big blessing. The commute
is a little long (especially during rush hour), but I feel lucky to
have a free way to get there each day.

I've been to two different wards since I've been here, one about 3 or
4 miles from where I live, and the other in Palo Alto (nearly an hour
drive). Both had a lot of fun people in them (along with a few weird
people, but they are single's wards so I expected that). I will
probably end up attending the ward closest to where I live despite the
fact that the majority of the people attending it are older than me.

As far as fun things I've done since I got here, I spent Saturday with
a friend who was here visiting from Provo, and we went and saw
Alcatraz island. It was a lot of fun, and I especially liked the
audio tour they gave on the island. It was put together by ex-prison
guards and ex-convicts who had actually been on the island during its
use as a federal prison, and they had some amazing stories to share.
A midnight tour is also available, but we decided to see it during the
day instead so we could see the great views of the city from the water.

That same weekend my friend and I ate sushi at Fisherman's Wharf too
(which was delicious), and we even went down Lombard St. (the world's
most windy road). It was a fun weekend.

I am so proud!

2008-10-01T15:29:00.001-07:00

I get the urge to sew about once a decade. Here is the result of the 2000-2010 effort. Melinda got the idea to put her treasured T-shirts in a blanket form (so far I think she has made three so far and has one cut out and ready to make for Mike), so I gathered all of mine and a few cast-offs from David and Chris and made my own. I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. It is a great way to preserve those memories that only a T-shirt can. Besides, I don't look good in a T-shirt anyway!
I am excited to have found that Kodi & Lindsey, Willi, Teddy, and Acey & Jenny Nixon are already bloggers. Although Acey & Jenny really could use a little coaching on what the blog thing is all about (no offense intended :) ) I have added them to my link list as you can see.
To update the family goings on: Chris is loving San Fran. His job is just getting underway after a week+ of orientation and getting in the swing of things. He likes his ward and has even gone to intstitute at least once. He isn't too keen on the 45 minute commute each way to work, but it could be so much worse. He is just spoiled 'cause David has only had a 15 minute commute for the past ten years or so.

Mike is very nearly finished with his portfolio. You can see some of the pics of his projects that will be going into the finished product on his blog. Hopefully he will be starting to make phone calls to prospective employers next week. Hopefully.

Melinda is getting ready for a "Halloween" project with her kids at school. She just bought 24 gourds and pumkins that the kids will color and put stickers on. She can't actually call it a Halloween project because technically they can't celebrate any holidays at the school in order to be completely politically correct. Oh brother.

Matt is plugging along at school and has decided to work toward applying to the Marriot School of Management next year. GO MATT!! He sounds really happy to have made a decision about his schooling and career plans and feels really good and secure about his recent decisions.

Sara has been getting off of all the medications she has been on for many years. As a result, she hasn't been feeling too well for a long while. But, it looks like she is starting to feel better now and the effects of coming off of the meds are starting to wear off. She has accepted a job at a new kiosk in University Mall that will sell baby beanies and leg warmers. It is a new business and hasn't actually started up yet. She should have some more info. about a start up date this week. The owners have the actual kiosk already and just need to get it set up with product.

David hasn't heard anything yet about his job. We continue to wait. And wait. And wait. It is about to drive me crazy even though I am trying really hard to not let it. I have had five migraines in the last six or seven days. I REALLY am trying!! We are supposed to hear something by the end of this week, but I am not holding my breath. Stay tuned!!

...and on with the story.

2008-09-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

So...now that Sara has finally updated her blog, I can safely update mine. I know that sounds pretty lame, but after you read hers, you will know why I haven't been able to update mine.
I figured the whole getting engaged and getting married thing was totally her deal and I didn't want to spoil any of her thunder by spilling any of the beans, so to speak.
After Sara went back to school at the beginning of spring term, we were really hoping she would be able to put the unpleasantness of the past several months behind her and be able to move on in a positive way. Little did we know just how positively and how quickly she was going to be able to do just that! It didn't take but a few weeks before she went out to a movie with Wade Jacobsen and texted me the very next day that she had gone out with a young man that she "really liked". The next thing I knew, they were seeing each other nearly every day. And then they WERE seeing each other every day! Then just a few (or was it only a couple) of weeks later we got a phone call at dinner time. Sara asked if Dad could get on the phone with me and asked if we were sitting down and then announced that she and Wade had decided they were getting married. They were thinking of December after graduation. We were not totally shocked (we figured their relationship was headed in that direction) but we were a bit surprised at the shortness of the dating period. But we were happy for them none-the-less and glad they had decided to wait until December, giving them some more time to get to know each other etc. etc. etc. Then we got another phone call the next night letting us know that they had rethought things and had decided to get married in August instead. Their reasoning was that if it was right (and they were certain it was indeed the right thing to do)then why wait. We encouraged them that waiting was still a good idea, but that we supported them in their decision. So in the end August 16 was the date decided upon and wedding preparations began.
David and I were able to make a visit to Provo over the Fourth of July weekend (joined by Mike and Melinda from Rexburg) to meet Wade and spend some time with the happy couple. Plus, I stayed on for a few days and traveled back to Idaho with M&M to help them start packing up their stuff in preparation for Mike's graduation and their move back to TX in August. So I got to spend some good time with Sara and Wade and was even able to be with them when they found their first apartment.
This is probably a good place to interject how much we love Wade Jacobsen. He is such the perfect match for our Sara Lou. He is kind and caring--putting her first in his heart. He is thoughtful, respectful and obviously loves our girl very much. We truly couldn't ask for more in a son-in-law. As time goes on, I contintue to find new and wonderful ways to love him.
So, on to the wedding. Wade's parents arrived in town from California on the 15th (really great people I would love to get to know better) bringing with them a trailer full of furniture and things for the kids new apartment. Once that was all unloaded, we all met at the Timpanogos Temple and Sara received her endowments. In the Celestial Room I realized that I had my whole immediate family--all four of my kids and my husband as well as Mike's wife Melinda there all together in the temple at the same time. So many people live for that moment in their lives and it never comes. All my kids and two kids-in-law and my husband were temple-worthy at the same time and in the Celestial Room together. It was quite a moment. Afterwards we all descended upon an all-you-can eat Chinese restaurant in Lehi. Four of Wade's siblings were there too (one brother and one sister are on a mission in Brasil)plus the Nixon's, Wade's two sets of grandparents, Cathy, plus Laurel and Tori Nixon. It was quite a crowd.
The next day everyone was at the temple bright and early for the ten o'clock sealing. It was wonderful and Sara looked radiant. The day was bright and sunny, but not too hot and photo's afterward were gorgeous. We had a light lunch afterwards at the Nixon's and tried to rest up for the reception that evening.
We held the reception at the White Willow Reception Center in Provo. It is a renovated older home built in 1902. It was gorgeous and just the perfect setting for the reception. The food was exceptional. There was wonderful music, the guests were plentiful, there was dancing, and all in all it was a terrific evening. Wade's old roommates gave him and Sara a night at a local B & B for their wedding gift, so after the reception, the two of them drove off in their decorated car to spend the night in a special room far away from the day-to-day.
The following day we all met for church and then lunch at the Nixon's and then gift opening to follow. The next day Wade and Sara took off for the cabin in Jackson, Wyoming to spend the next week on their honeymoon. Since then they have moved into their apartment, started school, looked for jobs, and basically settled into the married life. Sara has discovered that she likes to cook and has eased into the domestic life with a flair she didn't realize she had. They are both working hard and enjoying married life. I just wish they lived down the street is all.
Now, for news of the rest of the fam. Matthew went up to Provo for the wedding and stayed waiting for school to start. He was somewhat bored for a couple of weeks, but is making up for it now that classes have resumed. And, the good news is that he actually has some good roommates that he can relate to for a change. He enjoys his ward and is meeting new people. He likes his classes except for one which he has had to drop because he couldn't understand anything his prof. was talking about. He will replace it, but I don't know with what yet. He fears all the girls in his new ward are freshmen--but that is according to one of his roommates. I am waiting for a first-hand observation.
Chris left for San Fransisco last Friday. He will arrive there next Tuesday driving through Colo. Springs and Provo on the way. Work starts the 22nd and he hopes that by the time he gets to his new apartment his application will have been officially approved--otherwise he might find himself living on a park bench in Golden Gate Park.
Mike & Melinda stayed in Rexburg until the wedding and then drove on to TX right after the wedding. They are living with us until Mike finds a job and they get their finances in order. He did in fact graduate in Graphic Design in August. Melinda found a job the day after they got here. She is working for Apple Valley School as a full-time teacher for two year olds. She teaches 40 two yr olds in four different classes. She has an assistant to help her and she is off every day by 3pm. It is a great job and she is enjoying it so far. Plus, I like having her home in the afternoons!! Mike is currently polishing up his portfolio and getting it ready to present to prospective employers. His goal is to have it finished by the end of this upcoming week and then he is going to start hitting the pavement looking for the perfect job. GOOD LUCK, MIKE!!
David expects to learn this week or next if Hewlett Packard has a job offer for him or not. One way or the other, we should have some news about his future with either HP or EDS. They will want him to stay on and help with the transition here in Plano no matter what, so that time frame will have to be established one way or the other also. So, we are still somewhat in limbo, but we should know more in the next week or two.
I have been feeling better since the wedding. I changed doctors (not happy with the non-response to my pain issues from my old doctor)and he put me on some prednisone (anti-inflammatory)so I could act like a human and enjoy the wedding. He has kept me on a low dose of the prednisone and started me on Lyrica for the fibromyalgia and I have been doing quite well. He will take me off of the prednisone in another few weeks. I just hope it all doesn't fall apart at that point. We will just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I am trying to exercise and strengthen what I can while the pain is at bay.
I promise I won't wait so long next time to update my blog. You can blame it on Sara this time. Hee hee. That is about it for now, or at least about all my feeble brain can remember. I think I did petty well considering...

Mother's Day and then Some

2008-05-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had a really great Mother's Day. No breakfast in bed (sleeping in preferred), but a delicious dinner prepared by David. Steak cooked on the grill with crab legs, shrimp salad, asparagus and chocolate cake for desert. Mmmm good!! Plus I received two bouquets of flowers, not to mention a hand made card from Primary (thanks Matt and Chris), and a candy bar from the Bishopric. Plus, David bought me a lovely necklace that I wanted from the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Fair that we visited with my parents a few weeks ago. And, to top all of that, we got a new refrigerator!! It was delivered today and now sits gleaming full of food and with all of our magnets on the front in our kitchen. Quite the Mother's Day, I tell you.

I also got to listen to Sara and Mike on the phone. I say listen, because I still can't talk. Sara is doing well but has tons of reading to do in her two English classes. She has still managed to go rock climbing with Derek and go to a baseball game with Jeff in the past week. Mike got a job doing design work for a local bank in Rexburg. It is part time and may keep them in Rexburg through the end of July--otherwise they would be able to leave the end of June after he turns in his BFA project. We will see how that develops.

Chris had a blast in Hawaii, maybe he will take a few minutes to fill us all in on his blog. He has started his marathon study for the CFA exam today and may not have a spare minute until it is over June 7. He has a lot to cover between now and then. Matt is keeping busy working the early shift at the gym and sleeping and playing video games on the huge mega screen TV he is borrowing from Ryan.

I went to a specialist today about my voice. Apparently my vocal cords are not closing all the way when I talk. The right one is slightly swollen and a little red. This is likley a response to the bronchitis I had in mid April. He wants me to try a stronger and longer dose of steroids and see if that won't get things back on track. If in two weeks I am not better, he will go in with a scope for a closer look. The good news is that there are no nodules or creepy things growing on my vocal cords, so hopefully these drugs will work and I'll be back in good working order soon. 33 without a voice and counting--ugh!

Graduation

2008-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are back. We got back on Sunday night. I have been sick ever since we left and am still sick. I still can't talk. It has been 14 days so far and I can tell you it is getting old! I went back to the doctor on Monday and she wanted to try to dry up my drainage hoping it would reduce the inflammation of my vocal cords so she gave me a prescription. I am to call her tomorrow if I still can't talk and she will bring out the "big gun" antibiotics. My cough is better and my second sore throat is getting better, so something is working--just still no voice. Plus I am tired. I haven't been to work except for one day and pretty much just staying in bed and sleeping alot. Blah.

Our trip to Utah was quick and full. We got there on Wednesday afternoon. Matt and Chris came over later that evening and the two of them, David, Sara and I went to eat at TGIFridays for a celebratory graduation dinner. After dinner we went to a nickle arcade where all the machines take nickles to run. Chris is the Ms. Packman champion of the whole place--naturally. We won enough tickets between us to get some of Chris' favorite candy and then it was late enough to go back to the Nixon's.

We were talking to Chris about Commencement. He was all raring to go, but had no idea what it entailed. We told him about the processional, the talks, etc., the recessional, etc. He asked how long that took and I said about "3 hours" and I thought he would have a heart attack! We determined that the whole thing was going to be broadcast on BYU-TV, so Chris opted out of going to Commencement--and I have to say that noone was arguing with him. So we all spent the day hanging out--the boys played some b-ball, Matt packed up his stuff and moved out of his apartment, Sara moved into her apartment,and right about dinner time Mike and Melinda arrived from Rexburg to round out the proceedings!

The next day we all met up for an informal "lunch" and get together at the Tanner Building at 11:30 where we mingled with ourselves and ate a few snacks. After that we took some pictures and then trotted over to the Marriottt Center for the Convocation ceremony. This was just for the graduates of the Marriott School of Management--and let me say, I was looking for something sharp to land on before it was all over! There were about 1100 of them!!! Thankfully only two speakers and one of them was a student that we knew who used to be in our ward here in Plano (Austin Peterson) before his family moved to Dubai. The other speaker was as dry as toast can be--even Paul had to get up and leave during his speech. He was lucky to be seated on the outside of the row. Finally they got to the calling of the graduates names and the handing of the diplomas. It took forever, but they eventually got around to Christopher Z. Nixon and we got to do our cheering thing. So now it is official--he is a graduate of BYU with a masters degree in accounting. Hooray. One down and three to go. After the ceremonies Dad took us all to Carl's Jr. for lunch (we were all starving). I had my very first Six Dollar burger and it was Fantastic!! I think I am glad there is no Carl's Jr. here in Plano.

Since we have been home, Matt has started working the morning shift (5:00 to 10:00) at Express Fitness and Chris has escaped to Hawaii. Chris gets back a week from Friday. Once Chris gets back he will start studying 10 hours a day for the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) exam he will take June 9. On May 10 my brother Zan his wife Bonnie and their four kids are coming to Texas for a short visit. To my knowledge Zan hasn't been back to Texas in over 25 years--so this is a milestone of sorts. It will be fun to visit them here for a change.

It looks like Mike might be finished with his school stuff by early to mid June and they could be on their way back to Texas by then. His final project will need to be turned in 2-4 weeks before the end of the semester and since he only has the one class, there won't be any reason for them to hang around. I will mean that he won't "walk" at graduation, but could mean he will start a job that much sooner. He will know for sure this week. So, the state could be bulging with Nixon's before the summer is over.

Camille Cratch

2008-04-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

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Don't Faint! I'm Back Again!!

2008-04-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

I know this is totally out of character, but I had the urge to blog. Go figure. Not much to say, just thinking of how we are leaving day after tomorrow to go to Utah to see Chris graduate from college. Big day. I seem like yesterday he was just a little pup...

Anyway, we take off Wednesday and return Sunday. Sara will go with us and stay and we will bring Matt and Chris home. I am glad two are coming home with us, otherwise I don't know if I could stand it. It is really hard leaving kids and coming back home alone without them.

There has been much to do to get Sara ready to leave and to prepare for the boys, but I have been sick as a dog and nothing is getting done. Poor Sara is left to get herself completely ready as well as work for me at APT when she thought that last Friday would be her last day. I am hoping to be able to go to work tomorrow, but I don't know if I will make it. I haven't been able to talk since last Thursday night and I have an awful sounding cough. If I can at least talk tomorrow, I think I will give work a try. I have been on antibiotics since Saturday morning, so I should be good to go if the voice comes back.

So I'll be back with an update once we return from the graduation festivities and maybe I'll even surprise myself and add a picture or two. Wouldn't that be something? Not much of a blog, I admit, but there you go. Until next time...

Yeah, I'm Still Here

2008-04-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been officially chastised for not keeping up with my blog. I have no real excuse, so I'll just leave it at that and carry on. First of all let me congratulate Melinda and Micah for their award winning blogs and also Chris for his latest update with a video even! I applaude all of you for having the fortitude and thoughtfulness to keep us all informed. In comparison, I am scum.

I shall begin with the youngest, Sara. After breaking up with Travis last semester, Sara decided to take a break from school. She came home to Texas in January, got a part-time job and has been taking a couple of independent study classes from BYU. She has been working with me at Allen Physical Therapy doing general office work and sometimes helping out with the patients in the treatment area. It has been a real treat to have her home and to also get to spend time with her at work. I have been doubly blessed. She will be leaving next week to go back to Provo and I am going to miss her terribly. She has enjoyed her break from studies, but the social scene here in Plano leaves quite a bit to be desired, and she was missing her friends from Provo pretty quickly. She is looking forward to getting back to the old gang, taking some classes this summer and hopefully getting a part-time job on campus. If all goes as planned, she should be able to graduate this December.

Matthew was able to transfer from BYU-Idaho to the Provo campus for winter semester. He has really enjoyed the change, although he has also found classes a little more challenging in Provo. He was able to find an apartment just upstairs from Chris, so they ended up in the same ward. They have spent a fair amount of time together and that has been good for both of them. After switching his major from Graphic Design to Business, he has been taking some computer classes trying to see if he has any interest there. He likes the classes and I think is planning on exploring that avenue a bit further. He will be coming home next week for the summer. It seems that he already has a job lined up at Express Fitness where he worked last fall. If it works out, he will really have a leg up because it usually take several weeks to find a good paying summer job around here. Plus, if he gets the promotion to sales that he expects, he won't have to deliver pizzas at the same time like he did last fall.

Chris is looking forward to 4/24 which is his graduation day. He will graduate from BYU with his masters degree in Accounting. We are so proud! The whole family will be there including Nini and Granddad, so it should be a real rip-roarin' party. Right after graduation he plans a trip to Hawaii with Cathy Nixon and her gang for a week to chill out and celebrate. He deserves it! Then it is home to Texas for the summer. He doesn't plan to work because he has several major exams to study for and take during the course of the summer. The CFA, and two or three parts of the CPA exam. That should take care of all of his time until the end of the summer. I think he plans a quick trip to San Fransisco in there somewhere to scope out possible living accommodations and wards since he will be moving there in mid September to begin working at his career with Deloitte. It will be great to have him home for a few months before he moves away to start his "real" life. I just hope he doesn't get too bored or burn out from so much studying.

Mike and Melinda have opted to stay in Rexburg for one more summer. Mike will be taking his last class and looking for a job/internship that will start in the fall. He will graduate in July and they hope to have a job lined up here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by then. Meanwhile, Melinda will continue to work at the call center there in Rexburg and try not to go stark raving mad. It being summer and not winter will help a lot with that. I'll probably go up a couple of weeks before graduation and help them clean out and pack up their things in preparation for the big move. They have been in Rexburg now for almost five years.

David and I just keep on keepin' on, so to speak. Not much changes for us except for what changes with the kids. Life is good here in Plano and we are looking forward to the next few weeks. It will be great having Matt and Chris home for the summer (really sad, though, to lose Sara) and be able to spend so much time with them--especially Chris before he is gone into the big wide bad world forever. We are surely proud of our kids and the accomplishments they are acheiving, the choices they are making, and the people they are becoming. What more can we ask out of life than to witness the successes of our children.

It Is About Time For An Update

2007-12-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back online here. After reading a few of your updates, it has inspired me to get moving!

David and I are working hard to get things ready for Christmas. Matt and I leave for Provo next Tuesday and David will follow on the 23rd. We are all getting excited to see everyone and to spend the holiday with family.

After much thought and prayer, David and I decided not to take EDS up on their early retirement offer. The timing just wasn't quite right. So, we will be members of the working class for a few more years at least. I know, I can hear you all crying for us even now...
However, two of the guys who work for David did opt to take the early retirement and there are no plans to replace them, so David will be scrambling to figure out how to get all of their work an his done at the same time for a while. Fun times.

Mike was able to spend several days last month in San Fransisco visiting companies that use graphic design artists. He learned a lot and came away excited to get on with his last semester of school and on to graduation. He and Melinda hope to get a job back here in the Dallas area close to family etc. We are hoping... Melinda also hopes to start cosmetology school as soon as they are settled with Mike working.

Chris accepted a job with Deloitte in San Fransisco which starts in September. In the meantime he will finish school--graduating in April and will come home to Texas for the summer. He will take part II of the CMA exam in June and then try to take a couple parts of the CPA exam during the summer. It will be nice to have him home for a few months before he takes off for his new life in California. No girlfriend on the horizon, but he has a few months to work on that!

Matthew is looking forward to getting back to school. He has been on a break these past few months working and saving money. He has been officially transferred from BYU-Idaho to BYU-Provo starting in January. He will be living in an apartment just one floor above Chris and in the same ward. That will be great for both of them! Matt is looking excited to start his studies again and get back into the college social scene. The singles scene here in Dallas/Plano has been pretty thin this fall.

Sara has been having a pretty rough go of it lately. She and Travis have really and truly broken up and it hasn't been easy. Things are finally starting to look up at this point though, and she is looking forward to some time off for the holidays. She may take a semester off to work, may launch back into a full load of classes, or may even go to class part time and work part time. She has a few decisions to make, but feels blessed to have so many options. She is still on track to graduate some time in 2008 and is turning her sights toward that goal.

We are glad that most of you in Washington survived the floods etc. Hopefully Anna and Ben will get their apartment situation worked out soon. Congrats to Lei and Jacob on their new cutie!! We need more pics!!!! I can't help being jealous of Grandma Susan, though. You will all have Nini and Granddad visiting you soon and I'll get first hand news back in a few weeks. That will be almost as good as being there. We love all you guys and miss seeing you like we used to.

We send our love and best wishes to all for a wonderful Christmas! Count your blessings and don't forget to share them. I'll try not to be so lazy with the blog next time.

2007-10-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Time for another update, I fear. Not too much has happened, but enough to make sitting down at the computer worthwhile. Melinda and her friend have started making purses to sell and have a trip to Salt Lake/Provo planned for next weekend to buy some fabric. Perhaps we can talk Melinda into putting a photo of one of her purses on her blog so we can all see what she is talking about. I am not aware if she has a new job or not or just how the job hunt is going. Mike is looking forward to his class trip to San Francisco next month. They will have the opportunity to visit and investigate different companies that would use a graphic design artist. He will be gone about a week and hopefully gain some valuable knowledge that will help him secure a fabulous well paying job after graduation!

Chris got callbacks for a second round of interviews from Price Waterhouse and Deloitte and is still waiting to hear from Bain Capital. He also has a first interview with Boston Consulting Group next Wednesday. So when he takes off for San Francisco and LA in a couple of weeks, he hopes to have quite a few second round interviews lined up and make the absolute most of his time there. GO CHRIS!! He has also joined a bowling league and I understand is still dating up a storm. Plus rumor has it that he is also going to class.

Matt is keeping busy checking in all the babes at Express Fitness during the day and delivering pizzas at night. He keeps bugging them at COSTCO for that elusive third job, but so far, no luck. One of these days they are going to wake up and smell the postum and hire him! They should give him something for diligence if nothing else.

The most recent intelligence on Sara and Travis is that they are currently dating again. She is enjoying her Shakespeare class as well as her technical writing class. Other than that, I really don't know what is going on.

David is still considering the EDS early retirement offer. There is quite a lot to consider. He has to make a decision by the end of the month, so the pressure is mounting. I don't think we are ready to give up a job altogether, so the decision now is do we stay here with EDS another 3 or 4 years or do we retire with EDS, move to UT and get another job there. (Anybody know of any openings?) I know what I want to do, but I am just going with my gut--who cares about the numbers?!

That is it for now. I am still waiting for the Nixon clan to get onboard with the bloggin' . Get movin' you guys!!

2007-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone. This week there is actually some news to report. First of all Matthew got another job last night. He will be working part-time for Express Fitness starting Monday. He still hopes to get on at CostCo as well. If he does end up with CostCo, he will have three jobs!! CostCo would be from 6am to 10am, Express Fitness will be from 11am to 3pm, and then he goes to deliver pizzas for Dominos from 5pm until whenever. If this all works out, he may actually end up with enough money for school. That makes us happy. He also got all of his paperwork completed and sent in to apply for a transfer from BYU-Idaho to BYU-Provo. He should hear within the next two or three weeks if he makes it or not.

Sadly, Sara and Travis decided to "break up". Things just don't feel right to Travis for now, so they elected to stop dating. They are still talking as friends and that is good. Sara was pretty upset for a couple of days, but is doing well now and thinks this is for the best--even though she is still having trouble understanding just exactly what isn't right about their relationship. Time will tell, I suppose. Meanwhile Sara is going to class and enjoying time with her roommates. It has been difficult to see her go through such a tough time lately, but I know she is growing and learning important lessons from the experience--it is still hard though. No one likes to see their child go through such hard things. The worst part is feeling so impotent, knowing there isn't too much one can say or do to make things better. Plus, being 1300 miles away isn't too fun either.

Chris has had a few interviews this past week. I think with Deloitte, Arthur Anderson, and McKenzie. He is leaning toward the consulting side of business, thinking that is where his interest and talents lay. He is also leaning towards working in San Fransisco. It is an exciting time for him and for us. It will be fun to see what offers he gets and where the possibilities lay. Then comes the hard part of making a decision. Fortunately, his hard work and diligence with his studies is giving him the many options he now has to consider. Plus, he went on three dates with three different girls in the first week and a half of school. Go Chris!!

David is still considering the early retirement offer from EDS. He gets the entire package of information concerning the nitty gritty details on Monday. So he should be able to make a more informed decision after he analyzes all the data. He is worried about not having an actual plan for what he will do after retirement whether it be now or in a few years. I told him that I think he will be surprised how fast his time fills up, but I am not sure if he will be satisfied until he has concrete plans.

I may take another unplanned trip to Utah in two weeks. My friend Penny from work is going to be driving a new car to BYU for her daughter to have and wants me to drive up with her. If I do that, I will probably stay in Provo through the 19th of Oct. David and his brothers are all going to Utah for that date as it is the day Cathy Nixon gets inducted into the BYU Sports Hall of Fame. It would be fun to be there for those festivities. Then David and I could fly back home together.

That is about all the news for now. Nothing from the Mike and Melinda front. No new job yet for Melinda, and Mike is enjoying his classes--especially his ceramics class. I hope everyone is doing well and those of you not blogging yet, get on the ball!! Dell and Laura Nixon have said they are going to figure it out and I hope they are online soon. Can't wait for the rest of you.

Kiwi-Strawberry Spinach Salad

2007-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

As requested by Jeanne Cratch:

12 cups torn fresh spinach
2 pints fresh strawberries, halved
4 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar (or raspberry vinagrette)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

1 tablespoon poppy seeds
In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and kiwi. In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, oil, vinegar, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce; cover and process for 30 seconds. Add onions, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 12 servings. (I serve the dressing at the table, as any leftover salad wilts fast if it already has dressing on it.)
Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 121 calories, 6 g fat, 0 cholesterol, 64 mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 veg.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-09-15T20:19:00.001-07:00

15 Sep 2007

2007-09-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Now it is time to get serious about family information on this site. I thought I would recap the summer for everyone. Matt came home from BYU-Idaho in late April (he is on the Winter/Summer track so Fall semester is his break) and started looking for a job. He had hoped to start working right away at COSTCO where he worked last year. Alas, it didn't work out, and he was left shopping around. He ended up delivering pizzas for Dominos and is still looking for another daytime job to round things out. The COSTCO position may still work out as we get closer to the holidays. No ladies to speak of here in Plano--to his dismay. He has applied to BYU-Provo for Winter semester and should hear soon if he will be able to transfer. He plans to change his major from Graphic Design to Business.

Christopher came home for the month of May to study for the first part of the CFA exam which he took (and passed!) the first week of June. He then took off to Boston for an internship with Delaware Investments. He lived in Cambridge with five other LDS young men and had a blast!! He was able to travel to New Hampshire for fun and games, to Palmyra, New York for the pageant there as well as to visit some of the Church historical sites. Plus he was able to spend the Fourth of July in Boston and partake of several fun events taking place there including "the best fireworks display I have ever seen!" It was great to hear how happy and stress-free he sounded all summer long. I am sure it was an experience he will never forget. This fall he is back in Provo to finish up his Masters degree in Accounting at BYU. He is living in a brand new apartment (with all the amenities you can imagine) with five of his buds. Interviews start in the next couple of weeks with the Big Four accounting firms and he is getting ready to give it his best shot. If all works out well, he should have a job offer in the next few weeks for when he graduates in April. No ladies on the horizon, but he is on the lookout. If any of you have any suggestions, he is all ears. Blind dates are accepted within reason.

Sara opted to stay in Provo this summer to work at ShopCo and room with some of her good friends from last year. Plus there was the small matter of a boyfriend who was also staying in town...She was able to work a full-time schedule for the first time and managed quite well despite the recurring headache problem she suffers from. Working for ShopCo has its perks (for those who don't know, ShopCo is like a small department store on the par of a WalMart or Target) She bought a Papasan chair on clearance for $13 and a 21 speed mountain bike on clearance for $9. Plus she was singled out as a star employee for having the #1 selling cosmetics area in the region! She and Travis (the boyfriend) have been dating for 6+months now and things are moving along well for them. She is enjoying life. Her education continues this fall with her majoring in English. If all goes well, she should only have three more semesters (including this one) before she graduates. Not bad.

Mike and Melinda keep holding the fort down in Rexburg. Melinda quit her job at the day care center and is now a nanny for a family who used to go to the day care. She likes that job a lot better--no politics involved! Mike has been working as a maintenance man for a Best Western Hotel in town this summer and hopes to be able to continue with that on a limited basis during the school year. He starts the Bachelor of Fine Arts program this Fall and will graduate in April. They are excited to "get out of Rexburg" and hope to end up in Texas-the Dallas/Ft.Worth area where they can be near family after graduation. We hope so too.

Camille still works four mornings a week for our friend Mike Fisher the physical therapist and volunteers at the Stake Family History Center every Tues. afternoon. Plus she has recently started teaching Relief Society once a month. David keeps plugging away at EDS. Recently he was offered early retirement (along with 12,000 other employees) and is currently weighing the pros and cons of taking the offer. It is tempting, but with four kids still in college and none of them with permanent employment as of yet, it may be too soon to start thinking of getting out early. Nice to think about, though.

Camille spent a few weeks in Provo this summer with Sara goofing off before everyone else joined them for a family vacation in Wyoming. We all went to the Nixon family cabin near Jackson for a couple of days and then drove to West Yellowstone, Montana where we stayed for a couple of nights. Using that as a base, we were able to drive around the north loop of Yellowstone National Park. We have had the opportunity to go through the south loop of the park several times, but never the north loop as it takes so long from the cabin. It was a nice time to spend with the fam. Mammoth Hot Springs was breath taking! If I can get my photos to load from my camera, I'll put up some pics from our trip. We had a great time. On the way out of the park on our way back to Jackson, we had just about given up seeing any more animals. We hadn't seen any bears at all. We were almost to the exit, when we saw a lot of people stopped on the road. We stopped too, of course, and there were four grizzlies feeding practically on the side of the road. A mother and three year-old cubs. We stayed and watched them for a while. It was amazing. They were gorgeous! Certainly worth the wait. After we got back to the cabin, everyone but Camille went fishing the next day and everyone had success. Of course, we had water problems and David had to spend most of his fishing day figuring out how to fix the water supply, but he did get to go again the next day too. After a couple of days at the cabin, we all drove to Bear Lake in Utah for a Nixon Reunion for the Labor-Day Weekend. This is a yearly get together of David's parents, Paul and Joan, their five kids & spouses, and grandkids with spouses. By now there are 34 of us. We stayed in two houses, took turns cooking the meals, played games, went boating, had family home evening/testimony meeting, went to church, and had a great time. It is short and sweet and everyone comes and everyone has a great time. Then it was back to home and school and on with every day life.

That about sums up the summer and gives you an idea of what everyone is up to this fall. I'll try to keep you aprised of the goings on as newsworthy items arise. I'd love it if more of you would make a page and share your info. too. I know everyone is busy, but think of it--you only have to write it once and everyone in the family gets to read it!! It actually saves time if you think of it that way. We would all love for this to be a regular site for the family to share information--I for one would love to be better in touch with everyone else. Think about it. Love, Camille

Welcome Bloggers

2007-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

OK. I absolutely hate the word "blog". Who came up with that anyway. But I guess I'll just have to go with it. I have decided that since no one else has come forward, I will be the "blog master" of the fam. The Walker family has one and Melinda Nixon has one and my friend Teri's family has one and they all seem to work really well. Teri is always showing me the new pictures of her grandkids etc. at work on her kids blog pages. So, I figured, why not. What have we got to lose. The only problem will be if people don't contribute. But if they do, it will be a great way to keep in touch with what everyone is up to and we can even keep up with photos etc. I chose blogspot 'cause this is the one that Teri's family uses and I just like the look of it. Also, it is free. So, bloggers, now is our chance to get really techno as a family and go for it. If you have any suggestions, I am game, but as you can see, we all get to design and contribute to our own pages and just link them together. I hope. I am still very new at this and I guess we will just learn together. As you learn new features etc. just pass it along. Meanwhile, I will try to get some photos of the family on board and make this first page look as cool as I can to try to inspire you all. Happy blogging. (I still really hate that word!) Love, Camille