Family History, I am doing it...

Well, sort of... Carol Raymond of our ward has been so excited about the finds that have occurred in her family recently, that her enthusiasm caused me to decide that this evening, I'd do a little family history research. Mike's Grandmother, Marjorie Goodman Christensen, was not a member of the church. I know that Mike's mother, Caroline, has researched some of the work, so I decided to start pulling things together. I found a several items. While the Goodman's came from the south, via Texas to Colorado and Utah, I found that generations before settled in the New England area. With that information, I knew that some of the work was probably done. (If you have ancestors from the New England area, there is a VERY GOOD chance all of their work has been done - SEVERAL TIMES!)

But, I think we can build up names from those that went to South Caroline and moved on to Texas. I'm not sure how it will happen, but I decided it was good that I at least found a place to begin.

While looking for this information, I came across some video I took of Madison playing the piano. This is from my visit to Guam in September 2006 - just two years ago. Personally, I think she is a natural at the piano - just like her FAVORITE AUNT, but I have to confess, she has the HART genes as well. She'd only been taking for a couple of months when she played this piece.

Will Mike Fly???

I just found out my brother's family - aka navylangs - will be moving to Hawaii next summer! The big question is now, "Will Mike fly to Hawaii?" I had a good time in Guam, but the only downside was that MIKE wasn't there! Does anyone have any Valium or Xanax we could borrow!

Musings... Renters vs. Children

September has flown by as Mike and I had three tenants give their 30 day notice and a fourth who is struggling with rent. We have six units so having 1/2 give notice was a little scary. We've spent a lot of time getting the homes ready for new tenants, advertising, etc.

The good new is that in early September - we won a judgment against a former tenant who owed us $$$. We'll see if they make good on there promise to pay. Otherwise, come October 1st, GARNISHMENT. (Don't think I'm heartless. They have had PLENTY of chances! Read Alma 48:22-24)

NOW FOR MY MUSING...

I'm wondering if there is much difference between having renters vs. raising children. So, here are my thoughts...

1. Both have their own versions of hazardous waste and leave it to me to clean up!
2. Both have a tendancy to whine and complain.
3. Both seem to never have enough money and think that you - the parent or landlord - should fund THEM!!!
4. Both never seem to be able to clean up after themselves.
5. Sometimes, they tell you one thing and then don't follow through.
6. Rules are nothing they enjoy and would like to CHANGE!
7. Sometimes you really like them, and then, sometimes you don't!
8. There are some who like to keep to themselves. You never seem to know what is going on in their heads!
9. Sometimes you have to spell EVERYTHING out. Clean your room or Clean your home has a different meanting for EVERYONE!
10. Both require a personal long-term commitment to realize your investment in them!

Tomorrow... another trip to Ogden and hopefully a new tenant!


By-the-way - May I just say how grateful I am for FREE ADVERTISING on ksl.com and craigslist. I am amazed at how many of our tenants come from those two sources!

FHE...

What did you do for FHE? We were up in Ogden working on a couple of properties this afternoon. The good news is that one of our properties is rented - the home in Sunset. YEA!!! 1 down, 2 more to go. Our goal is to have all of them rented by the end of the month! So we spent FHE working on properties, having the business take us to dinner, and then for our activity, Mike and I drove the new Legacy Highway - just two days after it opened. I confess, it was dark when we drove it, but we did notice that the overpasses look like fortresses. We also saw a little 'wetland' area. But hey, at least we can say we've driven on it!!!

Hopefully, on another trip home from Ogden - we'll be able to drive home during the daylight and REALLY SEE what's out there!

Survey Results...

In case you were wondering, the one purchase I really liked from Mexico was the GREEN PITCHER! Although, I have to admit, the blue one is growing on me. I do enjoy wearing the earrings, so my nieces will be glad to know that their votes were not in vain!

The Green Pitcher on the left is my favorite!

I Can't Stop Laughing...

Do you remember the Old Testament story of Abraham wife's Sarah? When she found out she was going to have a child at 90+ years of age, she LAUGHED! Well, that's the way I feel today...

NO, I AM NOT WITH CHILD...

Yesterday at the end of our Sacrament meeting, Presidency McConkie arose and said that the Dilworth building - the one we are currently meeting in, and have been doing so for the past 9 months - is going to be torn down and a new Stake Center is going to be built. What does that mean for the Foothill 3rd Ward... WE ARE MOVING... AGAIN!!!

I just can't stop laughing...

The year 2008 has been so interesting regarding my present calling. Three bishops, three buildings, two moves, what more do I have to look forward to?

This latest move just cracks me up! I just keep laughing about it. The good thing about this move is that our ward is EXPERIENCED! Plus, we have already gone through all of our JUNK and have very little to move. YEA! The good news too is that I don't feel like I'm moving a building. I don't think the 3rd ward has much of an ownership with this building so it will be a lot easier emotionally.

Where is our new home??? The Roosevelt Building...