Get ready for softball.....

Meranda's softball career as a "Bruin" starts this weekend.

She is off to Las Vegas on Friday for 5 games - then on to St. George for another 8 and finally back home.

She will be gone 10 days - and will be missed by all of us - especially her "little brother" (who won't be little for long).

Her 53 game season includes trips to exotic locations such as Ephraim, Utah; Carson City, Nevada; Rangely, Colorado; and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

She is excited for the new challenge - loves her coaches and teammates.

HOPE - just when we need it......

So my lesson in RS this week is on the "Infinite Power of Hope" based on a talk given by the "handsome" President Dieter Uchtdorf in October general conference.

It's amazing how often people use the word "Hope". Barrack Obama used it today in his inauguration address "We have chosen HOPE over fear".

George Washington used it (as quoted by Obama) "...when nothing but HOPE and virtue could survive...."

Mark Shurtleff (Utah Attorney General) used it in a radio interview "I HOPE everybody in Utah will remember him (Obama) in their prayers. He will need it."

On CBS Sunday Morning this past Sunday, an artist named Shepard Fairey, talked about designing an Obama poster. I'm sure you have all seen it - a picture of Obama - originally with the word "Progress" across the bottom. It was requested he change that word to "HOPE".

Happy New Year.....

2009 promises to be another busy, crazy, eventful year in the lives of the Wood Family....

Preston's release date is May 20th - but he probably won't be in Utah until May 21st. He is having a lot of success in Villa Ballestar. Did you know that the church "discourages" parents from picking up their missionary in the mission field? We received a very detailed letter about this adivising us that if we do come - we should dress like a missionary - we shouldn't expect to pick up our missionary until 6:30 p.m. on May 20th - we shouldn't rent a car (rather we should probably hire a driver) - we should be aware that there are demonstrations, strikes and other dangers of a big city. Makes me feel really good about Preston being there!!!!!

Meranda starts her 50+ game softball season on January 30th in Las Vegas. She is on the road for the first month between Las Vegas and St. George. She plays at least 4 games every weekend and she says she is way excited. In case you didn't know, SHE LOVES SOFTBALL. Oh and she loves school too. First semester she got a 3.88 GPA - how great is that!! Did you know that she isn't cutting her hair until Preston gets home??????

Parker will end his elementary school career at Carl Sandburg Elementary. Hopefully he will survive Mrs. Shepherd who as she says "loves to torture students". At Parent Teacher conference she said that Parker will probably be a SBO in high school - I would agree with her! He is busy with swim, scouts and will start baseball in the spring. He is such a great kid - always happy and loud.

Evan starts his new church calling - Stake Young Men's President - major FACE TIME. He is excited for the new calling. He will continue to try to get to Lyman at least once a month to check up on his parents, the cows, the farm, etc. AND - in his spare time - he will try and get the last "unfinished" room in the basement "finished".

For me, I am just going to try to keep up with everyone and everything. I'm going to try to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. I hope to continue to do my laundry, fold the socks only when necessary, clean the toilets at least once a week and be at as many swim meets, softball games, and baseball games as possible.

WOW - that was a long post........

Party #5, 6, 7, 8, 9.....(just kidding)

Party #5 - Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa Hubers. Turkey dinner - including a new microwave version of mashed potatoes. Didn't save any time - but they would be great for a couple of people.

Party #6 - CHRISTMAS!!!! Presents - yes Parker got is WII (he is in Heaven)!!!! Meranda got her down comforter and feather bed (she is in Heaven too). Call to Preston (took 3 times to finally get a hold of him). More Presents at Grandma/Grandpa Huber's. Visit with the Whitby's. Ended at Jackie's for more food...

Party #7 - New Years Eve - not really a party - but I guess it counts becuase the family all watched a complete movie together - Ironman - it was great! Then some major Guitar Hero in the basement. Stayed up until after midnight - didn't bang any pans or make much noise - but was a pretty good time.

On to 2009 - great things in store - Preston has 134 days until he has been out two years - no official release date - could end up being longer or shorter. Meranda starts softball on January 30th - yes on the road in Las Vegas, St. George, Las Vegas - her season ends in May. Parker enters the last half of elementary school - YEAH - on to Hunter Jr. High in 2009!!! Lot's of great things in store - we are truly blessed!!!!!