The Ellensburg Clan

last minute presents

2008-12-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies,

I know most of you are probably done Christmas shopping but if you are not then...check out amazon.com! Jared and I have saved over $150 this year on buying presents from there which includes (on applicable products)free shipping! I know some of you already know but for those of you who don't, hurry you are running out of time!

Julie

2008-12-13T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I finally took some time to start a blog for our family. Shocker, I know! Anyway, if you want to see my mad blogging skills, you can. www.khaoticpeaces.blogspot.com

I would love to get some more ideas and advice from all you expert bloggers, too. I can type like the wind, but the html kind of gets to me. :) Hope you are all safe and happy this holiday season.

Oh! And we are going to send out Christmas cards this year (double shocker!) so please email me your mailing addresses if you can at kateejames@gmail.com. Thank you and love from Richland, WA!!!

Seriously so blessed you guys, like for reals

2008-10-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

I discovered this hilariously, satirical blog on one of my friend's blog. Ya'll have to check it out if you already!! This blog was created to help us laugh at ourselves; all of us LDS mommy bloggers. There's a lot of truth to it!

http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/

add me to the rest of the bunch

2008-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Jamie---you better not drink the water when you're here. You may end up with four.

2008-06-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

okay so i'm sure we all have our days where we feel completely frazzled and overwhelmed with being a mom. Honestly, lately i have been feeling frazzled and completely clueless as to how to deal with Dalan and his hitting spells. I thought I'd ask all the experts. Do you have any suggestions on what to do when your child(2 yr. old boy, is this a boy thing????) hits you in the face and timeouts don't work(really only make it worse) and ignoring the act seems impossible. It is obviously an act for attention, but trust me I give him plenty of attention, one on one time, we go somewhere everyday(park, museum, jogging, hiking, swimming etc...) What happened to my sweet baby boy all of the sudden, maybe the terrible twos kicking in, maybe i'm doing something totally wrong. Any ideas? Have any of your kids gone through a similar stage? Just thought I'd get your thoughts. Have a great week everyone. Lore

Congrats to the Grads!

2008-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Josh Ramsey and Erin Smith on graduating!!! And to Jolie and Rachel because of all the behind the scenes work that you have done. What are your plans now? Congrats to anyone that may have also graduated and I haven't heard about yet!!

Colby Alan Fry

2008-05-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Colby and I came home yesterday, we are both doing well. Colby was born through an emergency c-section Monday at Noon. For more information check out my blog!

Beat the Heat

2008-05-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

These past few summer weather days have certainly been unexpected! I mean, one day I get goose bumps walking to class, and the very next day I'm digging in drawers for shorts and tank tops!! I guess here in Ellensburg we're just bypassing the whole "spring" thing altogether this year. We're going straight from winter to summer.

Yesterday, after playing at the park and digging in the dirt with some neighbor kids, we beat the heat by having some push ups! Yummy yummy!! And sticky sticky!!

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

2008-05-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hey I thought it would be fun for everyone to post a picture showing what you have been doing to cool off. Since summer has finally decided to come. This is what we did...
I hope you all are having fun! Talk to you all soon!

Humanitarianism at its finest

2008-05-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, Central Washington University's women's softball team is making national news today!! This morning the campus was buzzing with camera crews and journalists from numerous news affiliates to interview two players and their coaches. Good Morning America, The Early Show, ESPN, and more were here.

It's a touching story that will warm your heart!!! Read all about it:

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - When Central Washington University softball players Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace helped an injured opponent around the softball field during an April 26 home game, they never dreamed such a simple gesture would become national news.
But their selfless act has gotten significant national attention, with several news outlets, including the New York Times and ESPN, covering the heartwarming story.
On Thursday morning, Fox News, ABC and CBS will interview them, along with CWU softball coach, Gary Frederick. Their story is slated to air on Thursday's "Good Morning America" and "The Early Show."
"We are definitely surprised by the response," said Holtman, a 22-year-old Wildcat first baseman majoring in business. "I think it's exciting we've gotten so much great attention. It's good for softball and for Central."
During the game, Western Oregon University outfielder Sara Tucholsky hit her first-ever, college-career home run. Distracted and surprised by her accomplishment, Tucholsky missed first base as she ran past it. She turned around to tag the base, but her knee gave out, sending her to the ground with a painful injury. It was later determined to likely be a torn ACL.

As Oregon's coach, Pam Knox, was about to send in a pinch runner, Holtman spoke up, asking if she could carry Tucholsky around the field. Umpires conversed and decided that yes, it would be allowable. So Holtman and Wallace, locking their hands under Tucholsky, gently lifted and carried her from base to base, allowing her to tap each base with her left foot. The three players exchanged giggles as they made it around the field.

"We didn't even know that while we were carrying her around the bases, people in the stands were crying," Holtman said. "We just thought it was the right thing to do."
That sportsmanlike, and most importantly, humanitarian spirit, has caught the attention of the nation - much to everyone's surprise.
"It's humbling and overwhelming," said shortstop Wallace, a 21-year-old elementary education major. "It's true, there's a lot of bad press about sports. I hope this reminds them to love and respect the game. I hope that maybe people who've forgotten that can remember."
Both players credit CWU coach, Frederick, with the sporting spirit and said he's one of the most positive influences in their lives.
"He's one of the best role models we could ask for," Hotlman said. "He teaches us there's more to softball than winning and loosing. There's more to life than that."

Frederick said he too had excellent sports mentorship while growing up, and that he hopes he passes some of that to his players; however, Saturday's act was one of character, he said.
"I'm not surprised that Mallory and Liz did that. I think anybody on my team would have. They are quality individuals," he said. "They felt that young lady deserved a home run and they helped her."
Frederick, a CWU coach for the past 40 years, said he's never seen anything like what he saw Saturday. He can understand why it's become such big news.
"It's true that a lot of the press about sports is negative. I think in this day and age, people want to hear a feel-good story like this."
Photo on the CWU home page by Blake Wolf.

Be sure to visit www.wildcatsports.com, the official athletics web site of Central Washington University, for updated links to stories as they are made available online.

Below are links to the coverage of this story as they are currently available: ESPN.com article (by Graham Hays, posted Apr. 28)

WCBS radio story (Apr. 29)

New York Times story (by George Vecsey, posted Apr. 29 for print Apr. 30)

The Oregonian (by Brian Meehan, posted Apr. 29 for print Apr. 30)

KGW TV (Portland, Ore.; Apr. 29)

Statesman-Journal newspaper (Salem, Ore.; Apr. 30)

CNN News (posted Apr. 30)

KOMO TV (Apr. 30)

New Kitchens

2008-04-24T10:50:00.003-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Kitchen: They include Dishwashers disposal's.

BEFORE:
AFTER:

Hello friends!

2008-04-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

HEy! Never posted on here but there is a first for everything. I really do enjoy reading what everyone is up to. All of your children are so cute! They are all growing so fast, so are mine but you don't notice as much when they are your own kids!
Jared and I are now back in Washington. We really enjoyed living in Arizona for the last year. I really miss all of the sunshine and I get really sad everytime I read Jamie's blog. Seattle is where the Lord wants us so I will just have to deal with it.
My kids are growing so much and I really want another one but right now is not the time. It makes me sad but everything happens in the Lord's time and not my own. The kids really want a baby but I am barely surviving with them right now so...Here are a few pictures of our family.

Let's Here it for the Slacker!

2008-04-17T00:41:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, guess what....I'm alive! It's true, I am totally, truthfully, officially, undeniably horrible at consistent communication. (Whew, too much Wizard of Oz for Audrey, I think. It's rubbing off on me.) My inconsistency is just a flaw of mine you have to get over if you want to be my friend. And if not, sorry to bother you with this post. :)

So, to wrap up the last couple of months, grad school life is crazy-busy and really HARD. I do not envy those of you who are doing dental and med school. I can barely handle one year! (Well, I might envy those salaries in a few decades, but we will see. Ha ha!)

My girls are growing and luckily love each other to pieces. The most common scene of Audrey and Avalee together is lots of laughing and squealing. Not just any giggling, though. I'm talking the gut-wrenching donkey laughs complete with snorts and tears. Audrey starts it by "fake" laughing at Avalee, who seems to think all-things-Audrey are comical. Then it just goes on and on and on until one of them can't physically take it anymore or they bump heads, which, of course, isn't funny at all. It brings sunshine to our house on all these RAINY Portland afternoons. Someone told me yesterday that the rain doesn't really let up here until July. JULY?! I guess I will just have to keep a towel in the stroller to wipe down the playground equipment year-round.

Let me tell you all, WE MISS OUR ELLENSBURG FRIENDS!! I know there are good people in the church everywhere, but we truly miss all of you. I might not have been the most involved of the group, but I always knew if I needed help or a friend, I could call any of you. Anyhow, Matthew has decided to start looking for jobs even though it is a little early. From the specific nature of his degree (Master of International Management: Supply Chain & Logistics in the Asia Pacific Rim) (try saying that fast five times), we could end up with any company or government sector that deals with Asia/Pacific economies. My thoughts? It's going to be Portland, Seattle, or San Franscisco areas. I will try ("try") to update when we get closer to that. In the meantime, I have loved seeing all your updates and everything from Christmas to Easter photos. I will just share a few today so I can motivate myself to do this more often and post more pictures later. :) I hope you are all doing well, and we wish everyone happy spring days ahead! Is Eburg getting warmer yet?

2008-04-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone...I have enjoyed looking at everyones blog. Just thought I would say hi and also apologize for not commenting. I am quite computer illiterate and have had no clue this whole time that comments could be made on blogspots so my apologies. It has been fun reading all the comments some of you have made on our blogsite from the past year. pretty embarressing. I am so impressed with everyone's blogsites....how do you do the music and the fun backgrounds....I love it.

Anyway, Just thought I'd add a few pics. 1st one is Dalan, Jaqueline, Joanna(sorry Jolie I probably just butchered the spelling of their names)hanging out together. 2nd pic is Jaqueline looking so cute so I had to take a pic when I was babysitting one day. Last but not least, I thought I would really put "myself out there" with the ugly pic of me. I was joking with Dustin one night and surprised him with a "Sexy" apperance. I put on my fleece that he really doesn't care for(I love it cause it is so warm, I guess almost 4 years of marriage and a baby brings comfort over style) my glasses that I very seldom wear b/c I hate glasses, my retainers and a hair net. I walked out and we both just laughed as he made the comment "wow, babe you really know how to turn a man on" It is always good to laugh at yourself sometimes and that night we both laughed. Is there a funny/ugly/surprising pic you can share....lets see it....be brave!

Have a great week everyone

Lore

Is there a marathoner in the house?

2008-04-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Congrats Rachel!

NEW SIDING!!! AND ROOFS!!!

2008-04-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

These are the first and second buildings on the Crestview side. New siding, roofs, doors, and not pictured are the ditches for the SPRINKLER SYSTEM!!!

groundbreaking news!!

2008-03-30T14:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the groundbreaking for the new chapel that's going to be built here. ((it was so cold outside that my ankles turned red where my skirt didn't cover!)) The service was about an hour long. The Stake Presidency was there along with some of the past presidents. Paul and Helen Gene Sabin spoke first; he has lived here in Ellensburg since the church members were meeting at the KOA Campground for services back in the 30's. He told a funny story about one of the very first church members living here in the valley. The church wasn't organized here yet, so after a few weeks of not going to church she thought she might go to one that was held out in Thorpe. After a week or two of attending, she stood up and bore her testimony of Joseph Smith and the gospel. She was asked to not return. ;)
Jess Gibb spoke about pretty much the same thing....the growth in the church here in the valley.
Musical number.
Then President Grow spoke about the fullness of the gospel and the future growth here in the valley. Couldn't really hear a whole lot because by that time Corgan and Lily were frozen and ready to go home.
Then they had the actual groundbreaking. It was really neat to see all of those priesthood holders out there in the freezing weather, furthering on the work of the Lord. Then they let anyone who wanted to go shovel up some dirt. Corgan was all over that!

emma and paul + 2

2008-03-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would just post some pictures so that you all can see the twins and our little family...

This is what life was like the first two months. Crazy! And I only share this ugly picture to illustrate how bad it was.

Easter Fun!

Destructicon

2008-03-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is the very suitable name that we have given Paul. I swear all I have to do is look away and he is into something else. We have plenty of crayon markings on several different walls, again, because of this dear son of mine. I have grounded him from crayons, forever! So one of the latest episodes, and most enjoyable, was the marshmallow mess that I tried to write about earlier. This is what happens when he tries to get his own snacks. He also likes to pour his own drink. I left a pitcher of RED crystal light on the counter and he proceeded to pour himself some and share some with the floor. Good thing it was a laundry day.

So here you have it, my first official post. I'm sure Rachel and Jordan will be so proud of me. I hear baby cry-see ya!

our easter

2008-03-28T13:52:00.001-07:00

Here's some of our Easter shots. Good thing it wasn't this coming Sunday; we might have had a white one! BLAH!!!

Snow, snow, GO AWAY!!!

2008-03-28T11:10:00.001-07:00

It was been a very strange spring here in Ellensburg. We woke up this morning and there was snow on the ground. Ethan asked if we could go out a build a snowman. Nathan informed him we are done with winter activities. I whole heartedly agree I want spring to come and stay!!! Hope everyone is enjoying spring-like weather where ever it is you all are, please send warm weather and sunny thoughts this way!!!

Emily

Keep it up!

2008-03-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm loving everyone's Easter pictures on here...so I thought I'd add my own and hope that everyone else does as well! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter holiday and hope that you are all doing great! Check out my blog for more pictures if you haven't already!

Happy Easter

2008-03-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!

Hope you all had a great Easter weekend. It is great to hear about all this fun things everyone has been up to.

The White family

2008-03-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

I must apologize to all of you lovely sisters...so sorry for not keeping in touch. Congratulations Anjuli and Jolie on your pregnancies! I too, am expecting again...and only realized it when we first moved here to Wenatchee. We're having a girl! We are excited, but a little nervous....what to do with a girl? I guess, pretty much the same as a boy. :) We expect Georgia Louise the first part of June. We are doing well here, the boys are doing great, and we are settling into our new ward pretty well too. I will write more in the future, but wanted to say hello to everyone, congrats, and love all the news and pictures.

Becky White

Happy Easter!

2008-03-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great Easter!! I hope everyone will post pictures of their Easter!! Can't wait to see them. I have more pictures on my blog!! Miss you all!!!!

mommy lunch

2008-03-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a few photo's from the Mommy Lunch we had last Friday. And one that shows just a peek of the WHITE cabinets!!! I'll try to take a better picture next time. They've gutted a few apartments and are in process of re-roofing the first three apartments on the Crestview side. EXCITING!!

And here's a picture of the Cindy's twins. For those of you who don't live right next door to them. ;) Claire is on the left, and Ben on the right. They'll be 6 months this month!!

One more thing, my dad called today and said that Bro. Grover is retiring after this year!!!! He's hit that all magical number, 65, and is calling it quits. ;)

2008-02-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone:

I am sorry i have been so out of the loop and such a slacker with blogging lately. I haven't checked the site for a few months. it was so fun to look at the Ellensburg clan blog and get updated with everyone. Gosh, it is so fun to hear what is going on in your lives. Congrats to Anjuli on the news of a little boy on its way, to Jordan.....didn't even know you had a baby. I love the idea Jordan of the homemade gift exchange. we should do it....maybe for mothers day or next christmas. How exciting that you have found some cool finds at thrift stores. I share your love in that Jordan. Well, we are doing great as a family. check out our blog as I have finally updated it. Hope everyone is doing well and have a great week.

Lore Smart

it's really happening!

2008-02-14T15:01:00.003-08:00

It's kind of hard to see, but they've cut down all of those beautiful bushes. They really are going to do something here. It's not all just talk! That yellow thing in the background is the chipper. And notice the naked fronts of the apartments. All of the ones on the right ((with the exception of 2)) are all empty.

And the baby is...

2008-02-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

Well we are having a boy!!! I am actually not upset at all, even though I thought I would be. It should be fun raising three boys and then sending them out with their dad when I need a night off. (ok that being if we ever finish school and Joseph has any free time) We are looking at c names just to stay with our trend, so far the one both Joseph and I like is Colby. Hope everyone is doing well and those that are pregnant, Jolie and maybe Jordan (Jordan you need to confirm this I haven't been able to reach you by phone) are feeling well.

We Thank Thee, Oh God, For A Prophet!

2008-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

President Hinckley passed away today. For me, it's a happy/sad feeling. Sad he is no longer with us, but so overjoyed that he can finally be with his wife he loves so much!! I know we're not supposed to have "favorites", and maybe it's because he's been the prophet for just about half of my life, but I always looked forward to seeing him speak and hearing what he had to say. I'm going to miss him! But excited for the change it brings to us to make us stronger as a church.

Angelic Colin

2008-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hey Anjuli, I thought you'd get a kick out of this new thing that Joanna does. We have a board book called "I Am a Child of God" with a bunch of Greg Olson paintings in it.

Lately, every time we turn to the page with this picture, Joanna always points to the little boy being guided by the angel and sweetly says, "Colin!! Colin!!" Isn't that adorable?!

Guess what?!

2008-01-22T22:54:00.000-08:00

Hello all you former and current Ellensburgers!!! We hope that you and your families are healthy and happy at the moment. Well Josh and I have an announcement to make, but you'll have to check out our sweet blog to find out what all the buzz is about.
No, I wasn't selected to be on America's Next Top Model, and no, Josh didn't get another tattoo. It's bigger and better news than that!!

Shaving in the shower

2008-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

So I was shaving my legs tonight and was thinking about how much we miss our Ellensburg Friends. I've been doing a lot of mental blogging lately...for instance, we were in town the other day and there was a gang of deer hanging out in the bank parking lot (there are deer all over the place here) and I thought "that's kinda funny - i'll have to blog about that" and of course bigger events like our move, christmas, the new baby. So I have been blogging (to myself ) but am going to be better this year...2008.

So i've also been thinking about what I want to do in 2008 (some people call it goal setting...it's whatever though) and I was thinking i'd love to hear ideas for healthy recipes & what not that you've tried out. My sister in law is always telling me about crazy things she does in the kitchen (spinach in smoothies -that sort of thing) and I love trying out her recipes. Also, lately i've been scoring at the goodwill with some sweet finds and don't really have anyone to share it with...i think i'm going to take some pics for you. My point is you gals are a bunch of creative ladies - it would be cool to hear about your cool finds or sweet ideas & your projects. Lastly, I think it would be cool to do some sort of handmade exchange (maybe a little crazy -but I think it would be cool) I feel like i'm missing ellensburg in my home...it would be kinda sentimental to share a little e-burg with each other. We could draw names and make something for one person in the group. (even the non-bloggers) I don't know what do you guys think.

well that's that.
We love you guys,
jordan

Where is everyone?

2008-01-18T11:20:00.001-08:00

So I know a lot of you have you own blogs now and I am truly grateful for that I love looking at everyone's pictures and updates!!! I just wanted to say how much I miss everyone. Last night Joseph, the kids and I got a chance to go out and eat with Raleigh Hayter and it made me realize how much I miss Ellensburg. Raleigh was in DC for a conference having to do with Cornell, and we decided to have dinner with him Thursday night. Dueing to how late his conference went we just drove around DC until we found a pizza place open late. One of those one of a kind pizza place claiming it had New York pizza, well the pizza was great. But what was better was talking to someone that we knew longer the 4 months. It made me understand all the stories that my Mom and Dad told us of the friends they had made as newly weds and as a young family during their college years and all the fun times they had. My parents aren't in touch with as many of them as they would like but I want to make sure that I stay in touch with as many of you as possible. Jordan I am sad you couldn't come down but according to Raleigh you guys want to make a trip sometime this spring. Know that our door is always open for you as is our guest bedroom. That invitation is open to any one else that finds their way out here... ok I know we are really far away but if we ever get closer that still will hold true even 10-50 years from now. I love and miss you guys!!!

Our Christmas Letter, Wanted to send it out to Everyone but I waited to long!!!

2007-12-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

What a year it has been for our family! I was thinking back to this time last year and I can’t believe all that has happened in this short amount of time. Most of you know after many interviews and then a hard decision for Joseph we made the move to Maryland, so Joseph could attend the Military Medical School here. Joseph is glad to be on to this next step in becoming a doctor and is working hard. The boys and I are starting to get used to not seeing him as much as we did in Ellensburg. But we are very proud of his accomplishments.

Colin has become a little man around the house! He turned 4 in November and has become a Star Wars fanatic. He is constantly pulling Conner into games about Star Wars and running around the house calling him Han Solo. He doesn’t stop talking and always has opinions about everything. His other passion is playing this guitar video game with Joseph and when Joseph isn’t it around he sings and plays his “air guitar.” Conner’s personality has really come out the last few months, He is quite different then Colin. He turned 2 in May and is starting to talk a lot more, mostly parroting what Colin says. We went to a friends house for a potluck recently and they had a toy train under their tree, Conner loved it. When we finally set up our christmas tree, Conner expected to have a train under ours too, so he brought his whole train set down and set it up. That is Conner for you if it isn’t the way he expects he will let you know. He keeps us on our toes!

Well I don’t have much to share about me that most don’t all ready know. I am pregnant and hoping for a girl but even if we get another boy I am excited. I was really tired at first but that seems to be finally passing. I have finally finished the stockings I started while I was pregnant with Colin, cross stitching takes awhile and as soon as I find out if this baby is a boy or a girl will start another one. I was also able to make a tree skirt and finally feel like all like our tree is complete. And as soon as the holidays are over I will be on to making my americana quilt for the guest bedroom.

We hope you are all doing well and Miss you all!!

Love Joseph, Anjuli, Colin and Conner

barbershop

2007-11-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

I was giving Corgan a haircut and Emma wanted in on the action. Here's their before and after shots.

Katee, are you out there?

2007-11-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

Katee, how are you? And have you had your new baby yet? Well, I know you have by now 'cause it's November, so c'mon!! Details, details!!! Photos, photos!!! I hope you are doing very well and enjoying your baby girl!! Take care and God bless.

Some costume pictures!

2007-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, I thought I'd throw some pictures of the kids in their costumes on here! It's been so fun to see everyone's pictures!

Kenna was Tinkerbell, Kayden was an Oompa Loompa, and Kyler was Buzz lightyear!

Kyler at the Trunk-or-treat party

Kenna hanging out during trick-or-treating

Kayden checking out his green hair and orange face!

Halloween Get Together

2007-11-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Some of us went to a little Halloween party the other week and I finally got around to putting some pictures on the blog. They really had a lot of fun getting together and making some fun crafts and seeing each other in their costumes.

So Long Washoe

2007-11-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

It appears that I am a blogging fool this week; three posts in two days! But I have some earth-shattering news to share. Maybe ya'll have already heard and Josh and I have been living underneath a rock, but I guess one of the prized chimps at the CWU chimp habitat died. We didn't hear about Washoe's death until my dad called and brought it up. He said that her death has made national news! It's been on radio talk shows and in major news papers. Has it been in The Daily Record? My guess is no. If this is old news to you, sorry! Here is an excerpt from The Seattle Times:

Central's sign-language chimp dies at 42
By The Associated Press
ELLENSBERG — Washoe, a female chimpanzee said to be the first non-human to acquire human language, has died at the age of 42 at Central Washington University.
Washoe, who first learned American Sign Language in a research project in Nevada, was living at The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute on CWU's Ellensburg campus.
She died of natural causes Tuesday night, according to institute co-founders Roger and Deborah Fouts.
Washoe was born in Africa about 1965. Her memorial will be Nov. 12.
A world-famous chimpanzee believed to be the first animal to learn a human language died at Central Washington University in Ellensburg Tuesday night.
Washoe, who was 42 years old, could use about 250 distinctive American Sign Language signs, said Deborah Fouts, director of the university's Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, where Washoe lived.

Birthday girl

2007-11-02T17:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Anjuli!!!

trick or treat

2007-11-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

ok---so i'm posting pictures of our halloween here as well as on our own blog!

tinkerbell-mr. smee-peter pan

trick or treating downtown eburg: blake smith, corgan smith, cash hajny, adrianna foxx, lily smith, connor shoenwald

More Star Wars

2007-11-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Well great minds think alike!! We too did Star Wars except Joseph and I didn't dress up, to much time went into the boys outfits. Conner also didn't like his hood he kept saying "itchy" even though I sewed in a liner that was in no way itchy. But I got him to stand still for a few pictures and once he got a sucker at the church he completely forgot about the hood. More pictures on my blog!! Can't wait to see everyone else's even if they are on your blogs, post them here!!! I found a website that will make books out of blogs so years down the road I wanted to have this blog printed up for everyone, so post pictures!!!

May the Force Be With You...and Hooah!!

2007-11-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Ramsey's with Darth Vader. A little piece of trivia: Darth is actually a Japanese foreign exchange student volunteering at Boo Central. I know, weird. We didn't know that either.
Leia, Yoda, and an Ewok
Our little Yoda!

How was everybody's Halloween? We hope that you all had lots of fun with your families. How did your kiddos fare? Joanna and Jaclyn did better than we both expected. When you consider all that we adults subject them to on this holiday, they adapted and went with the flow pretty well! Joanna hated her Ewok costume in the beginning. She screamed and squirmed to take it off before we left the house. I think she was uncomfortable from the itchy material. And the hood was creeping her out. Jaclyn didn't like her long sleeves, I think because it made it hard for her to crawl. Then we added insult to injury and took them to chaotic and loud places like Trunk-or-Treat and Boo Central. Joanna was scared of half the costumes she saw and clung to me like a leach. Jaclyn gave everyone dirty looks! But once we arrived and showed Joanna that the prize for enduring such public humiliation was CANDY!!! Needless to say, she came around and enjoyed herself!

Both Joanna and Jaclyn got lots of compliments on how cute they looked in their costumes.

Okay, now for a little explanation about Josh's costume. Our intention was for all four of us to be Star Wars themed. Josh was to be Han Solo. He didn't try on anything that he'd bought from the Goodwill until, say, five minutes before we were supposed to go, and when he looked at his ensemble in the mirror, he screamed, "I look like a gay Han Solo!!!" And sure enough, the pants were way too tight, the shirt showed off his chest beard, and the vest looked like something from the BeeGee's wardrobe. ;-)

So we panicked for a split second, then decided that he could go as a member of a different alliance...the Army federation!! Hooah!!!!!! (If you didn't know, Josh used to be in the Army Reserves, so he still has his uniform.) We just told everyone that he was a Jedi soldier serving in the U.S. military. You know, top secret covert ops. ;-P

not so ghetto anymore

2007-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who no longer have the privilege of living at Crestview and Terrace Manor.....Mark the Maintenance Man has been quoted saying that we were finally bought out by another company and they will be doing renovations to ALL the units....kitchens, bathrooms, and maybe washer/dryers and dishwashers in the 3 and 4 bedroom units. YAY!! They are supposed to begin in December and finish in October. Just in time for some of the rest of us to move. But the bad news is that we'll be changing over to different housing rules so everyone living here will be paying rent regardless of income. (i think for 3 bedrooms it's around $450...but don't quote me) I don't know all of the details but it's exciting.

So what are everyone's kids being for Halloween? I've been looking forward to Halloween since about August. Corgan is going to be Peter Pan and Lily will be Tinkerbell. Haven't decided on Blake. Don't forget to watch Hero's tonight!!!

2007-10-13T01:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, just wondering, but have any of you experienced false labor with your pregnancies? We have practically gone to the hospital twice now, but then the contractions ease up and go away. Ugh. What on earth do I have to do to get this girl to come out?! I think I might try acupressure next...we have tried all the other "natural" labor inducers, aside from castor oil and strange herbs. I just can't bring myself to do that. Any fun stories or advice? I am having the daily crazies at this point!

Hi Everyone

2007-10-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Hey just wanted to let everyone know that I started a Hall Family blog. It is group-hall.blogspot.com. So anyway I hope everyone is doing well. Congrats Anjuli I was very surprised and very excited for you when I heard! Talk to all soon!

Never say Never!!!

2007-10-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

Well guess what??? I am pregnant!!! Who would of thought!! We are excited, me about the baby not being pregnant. I am lamenting the 10 lbs I lost over the summer!!! We are hoping for a girl though Joseph isn't holding his breath. He came from a family of 4 boys so he doesn't think it is going to happen. I really want a girl, someone to put cute clothes on and buy pink things for. Well we will see what happens. Check my blog for some random photos of the boys!!!

couch potato

2007-09-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

So who else is excited for watching t.v. this week? I totally am. Here's what I'm going to be watching (i know you're all wondering...) Chuck, HERO'S, Law & Order SVU, Rules of Engagement(the married couple are hilarious), CSI Las Vegas, 30 Rock( i've cought a couple of reruns over the summer and i think it's going to become a regular) THE OFFICE!!!, Mad Men(it's on AMC) Those are to name just a few of the highlights. I don't want to add up the hours that I'll be sitting there watching t.v. But really it's relaxing to me, the kids are in bed and I can just sit there and not have to do anything. Who wants to read, clean, sew, and sometimes even sleep, when you can just sit there and be entertained with the push of a button? So to Philo Taylor Farnsworth, the father of television, I say thank-you!

fun weekend....

2007-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

I no longer have an appendix. But I'm doing well and am still alive. ;) You can read a bit more about the story on our blog. Here's a picture of Blake taking a nap at the hospital.

local news...

2007-09-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Corgan started pre-school this week. Liam Wilson and Emma Erickson are also in his class. And to update those who don't know, Cindy Erickson had her twins on Wednesday, Sept. 12th. Benjamin was first to be born at 3:34p.m. 6lbs7oz 18inches; then Claire came at 3:42 5lbs5oz 17 inches. All are well and doing fine!! Claire is on the left and Ben on the right.

2007-09-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Audrey turned three! She is obsessed with pink and princess everything. Hence, the decor and the "pink" castle cake.

home again...

2007-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

We survived the family vacation. It always feels so good to finally sleep in your own bed, no matter how old and crappy it is! So how's school going for those in school (husbands) and how are all the kids? Corgan starts preschool on Monday. (back at Terri's) HALLEJUELAH!!! Is that spelled right? Anyways, hope you all are doing good! much love...

2007-08-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone~

So i've finally been able to figure out this blog thing. What a great idea Anjuli, thanks for setting this all up. It is so fun to read and look at all the pics everyone has posted. It is a lot of fun knowing how everyone is doing. Yesterday a bunch of moms got together at the West Ellensburg park for the afternoon and I must admit I missed seeing everyone that has moved. WEll we are doing well as a family. It has been a wonderful summer. We have been enjoying the nice weather and staying busy. We have been visiting both families, gone camping, competed in triathlons, spent time with my sister and her soon to be fiance(very exciting for our family that she has finally found "the ONE") painted and redecorated my other sisters bedroom, went to the Kenny CHesney concert for our anniversary(my fav. country singer and a concert I would recommend to anyone) and most importantly celebrated Dalans FIRST birthday!

hey all

2007-08-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

So we're leaving for Idaho and Utah early Friday morning. I was wondering if any of you could give me ideas on how to keep the kids completley silent the whole way. Ok...well maybe that's asking too much. But you know what I meant.
Jamie--I couldn't believe that Teri wasn't going to be doing pre-school next year! Corgan LOVED going. Yeah, some mornings he wouldn't want to go, but that was only because a new 'Little Einsteins' was on and he would miss the ending. ;) We do have him enrolled at the new ECEAP place at the old Kittitas HS. I'm going to go with him a couple days and if it's not what I want then we'll just pull him out. It really is frustrating, because now that he has gone to pre-school I don't want to just not have him go. What about you? What are you going to do with Kyler? Corgan loved the pictures of him on your blog. Super cute, all of your kids.
Hey Anyone---how do you add other people's blogs on your own? And how do you change the layout? Those are probably stupid questions; but it is me asking them, so not really. ;) Hope you all are doing well in your new homes.

2007-08-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

My sister takes amazing photos...Matt and Audrey are at the reflecting pool at the Portland Temple, and I am standing on the Oregon coast at sunset a couple months back.

We're alive!

2007-08-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Sorry it took me so long to do this...our move has been crazy and we had no internet access for quite awhile. Plus, a day after we got here, we went to a family reunion in Lake Tahoe for a week. I am still not unpacked.

Anyway, we really love Portland. Not to rub it in, but the weather is so much more moderate here. It has been between 65-80F almost every day! Very nice...especially as I get more pregnant. We had a scare and were in the ER last night (all night) but all is well--false alarm-- and we are still planning on making it all the way until Oct. 23ish for baby #2. For those who might not have heard, we are having another little girl and naming her Avalee Mae James. Audrey is excited, so we will see if that sticks. She loves her new nursery because there are several girls her age who will will dress up with her and play princess. :)

Wish we actually knew some people here though. You don't realize how great it is to have friends nearby until you have to go to the hospital and wake up your toddler at 3am or want to plan a birthday party but have no one to invite! :( Anyway, we miss all of you. I really would love to post more pics, but I am still in the market for a digital camera, so if any of you photo-savvy people have suggestions, throw them our way! Good to hear about everyone's adventures!

New Layout

2007-08-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

I hope you like the new look!!! I just wanted to have it be unique to us!! Any suggestions just let me know!

Miss you all!!!

2007-08-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well we made it to Maryland and so far the humidity is killing me. I know you warned me, Emily! We haven't had a chance to go to church yet but our neighbors seem nice!! I feel a little crowded when I go outside because we live in a town home, with people on either side and right across the street. Inside the house is fine, I actually feel like I can breath unlike our little crowded apartment in E-burg. I miss you all so much and so do my boys. Love you all!!
Check my blog for more photos!!!
Yellowstone!

Mt. Rushmore!

it's a small world after all

2007-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

hey anjuli--making a long story short....my grandpa died last week, went to the services with my mom and dad yesterday. my mom's old piano teacher was there. and guess what? joseph's grandma was my mom's piano teacher growing up!!! isn't that funny? maria fry was my mom's piano teacher! it really is a small world, especially in the church. well, hope your move went well!

2007-08-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It is great to hear from you Jamie. It looks like Kyler is already exploring everywhere. Amie just had her first birthday and I have to admit I had fun decorating her cake. I think it turned out cute. Amie thought it tasted pretty good. She ate her entire cupcake. She has the biggest sweet tooth. Well I hope this posts right. Talk to you all soon I hope!

Rachel...

2007-08-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

I love the pictures! Your kids are so cute, I just love how tiny Lily is!!! And Blake is so cute! Man, I totally admire you for even thinking about when your next one will come, after 3 I was pretty much good! And so far, I'm still feeling that way...I'll let you know if things change! :) Yes, I must admit, I am LOVING the washer and dryer! I'm pretty sure I teared up the first 10 loads! It is plenty hot here, but it's monsoon season, and so when the rain comes in, it cools down to about 75-80 degrees, so that's nice, but it is only that cool while it's pouring rain! I'm surviving (and I use that term loosely!) with Stan gone, it's definitely an adjustment over CWU! But he does make it home for lunch sometimes and he's home for dinner...but I have to admit, I've been very spoiled and it's just not the same! But our ward is nice and there are quite a few young families, so I'll have to scope out the ones with kids the same age and have pitty parties together! j/k, it's really not THAT bad, and we just have to survive this first year and then everyone says that it gets a LOT easier! (At least on the time aspect of things!) Other than that...spread the word that some more chicas should post on here! It would be fun to hear from everyone! Hope you're doing well! Are you going to send Corgan to the same teacher for pre-school? I got the letter before I left that she wasn't going to be the ECEAP teacher anymore :((((, that sucks! Well keep the posts and pics coming!
LOVE THEM!

2007-08-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

hey Jamie--Things are good. The kids are fine. Blake is growing into a little boy...no longer a newborn. Usually at this time I feel like I could handle having another one, but that's not the case this time around. I'm thinking of waiting until Blake is 2 before we start trying again. :o} So how are things for you? Adjusting to Stan being gone all day? If you're like me, you won't be. I don't like it when Aaron is gone all day. It's just so much eaiser with someone else there to handle things. But I guess somehow we manage without them. I'd complain to you about the heat, but I know that we don't have anything on the heat that you get to enjoy down there. I do have to say how JEALOUS I am over your washer and dryer. What's that like? I dream about it every time I do laundry. Ahhhh.... I really wish we had our own because I'm going to try and potty train Lily soon and I know what kind of messes I'll be cleaning up. Having a washer and dryer at home would make that process a lot eaiser. much love--rachel

I just want to say Thanks!!!

2007-07-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

Well it is our last night in E-burg and I just wanted to Thank Jolie for getting together a small girls night at the last min. Joseph was over gaming with Josh one last time and I was sitting admist boxes after bathing the boys and putting them to bed, when Joseph called and said Jolie wanted to come over with a few girls to play games and hang out. So her, Natalie LaVanway (Julie it was almost like you were there, miss you), Rachel Smith and Jordan Hayter came over. We ended up talking and eating Ice Cream and didn't even finish one game but it was alot of fun. Thanks guys I really appriecate it, We will miss you all! It was just what I needed, what a great way to spend the last night here surrond by friends! I love all the girls here in E-burg and will miss all of you!!! Emily, I had such a great time getting to know you and will always remember all our fun talks while Ethan and Colin played. Julie, even though you moved before all of us, you have been such a great example of long distance friendship, I had a hard time with that growing up but I am glad to have found that it works, thanks for the example. Jamie, what will I do with out all the laughing and teasing our husbands. It was easier to get through all of their long hours studing when we could just sit outside with the kids playing and talk. Jordan, I don't think I ever saw you without a smile on your face, I love your honest and loving heart, good luck in New York. For those of you in 3rd ward, Rachel, Cindy, and Becca, I may not know you as well as I would liked but thank you for always being there, I love each one of you and hope you share photos of your families as they grow. Natalie, you have the same spirit as Julie and I wish I had taken more time getting to know you since you moved here but I hope we can continue that through blogging. Katie, I hope you are doing well in Portland, I always enjoyed talking to you, you seemed to call for V.T. whenever I needed an adult to talk to. (3 year olds don't hold the most interesting conversations) Thank you, for the many times when you and Laurie, sat and talked to me! And I want to see pictures of that new baby when it comes!!!! Lore, you are the sweetest women that I know, take care of yourself and let us know how getting in to Dental school goes. I know Dustin is putting a lot of hard work into it but I know that they can't do it with out our support. Love you lots.. And Jolie, I don't know what I would have done without you this week. Thank you for watching the boys and feeding us Dinner, I don't think I would have made it through the last couple of days sane with out you. I know we will stay in touch because of Josh and Joseph but I hope you start a blog so I can see pictures of your girls as they grow up.
Again I wanted to say thank you to everyone, it has been a truly amazing couple of years and we have had such a great group, I hope we continue to stay close through this Blog!!! I love you all!

YEAH!!!

2007-07-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Rachel, thanks so much for posting on the blog! It's good to hear from some friends! How is the little one doing? What are you guys up to? Stanley started school today, so I'm pretty sure that I'll be in shock for a while because I'll never see him. Plus my mom's been here for a week, but she's leaving tomorrow so that will really slap some reality into me! Oh well! Hope everyone is doing good! And I'll harp on this some more, c'mon guys post some info!!!!

i got it...well sort of

2007-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

I'm finally on this blog thing. It's probably going to take awhile before I master it, so excuse my lame attempt at posting something. But hey, it's something. Thanks, Anjuli for getting this all started. Time goes into warp speed after having kids and this will be a great way to stay in touch. -rachel

Pretzel Recipe!!

2007-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of people asked me for the Pretzel Recipe, and I didn't want to forget anyone so here it is. If you have any questions just ask. I suggest reading all the directions first so you have a clear idea of the steps.
Dough Ingrediants:
4 C. Milk
3/4 C. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. warm water
2 packages. or 2 scat Tablespoons Yeast
12 cups flour divided.
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 Tablespoon salt
Water solution to dip pretzels ingrediants:
6 cups cold water
1 3/4 Tablespoon Lye *****Check note on Lye at bottem of the recipe.

Here it is: 4 c. milk, scalded but do not boil (I do mine in the microwave)
3/4 c. shortening (not oil)
1/2 c. sugar
Heat the milk first.
Next, add the shortening and sugar, stirring to melt the shortening and the sugar (this is one reason to make sure the "milk" is hot but not boiling.
Pour the mixture into your mixer and cool to lukewarm. (You don't want to kill the yeast.with the water too hot.)

1/4 c. warm water (if milk mixture is too hot you can add cooler water)
2 pkgs. (2 scant T.) yeast (add after cooled)
6 c. flour

Mix well in the mixer and cover for 30 min. until light and bubbly.

1 1/2 t. bkg. pwd.
1 1/2 T. salt
6 c. flour (more if needed for correct bread consistency)

Stir down the bubbly dough and gradually add the above ingredients until the dough is the correct consistency. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled. About 1 1/2 hrs.
Knead dough down & divide into six equal parts. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest about 10 min. (If you don't cover it the dough will get dry quickly and be difficult to roll out. Leave all sections under the damp cloth until you shape them into pretzels.)
Have your pans greased and in a saucepan deep enough to dip pretzels in, measure approx. 6 c. cold water and 1 3/4 T. lye ***stirring to dissolve lye. Heat on simmer (again, don't boil) as the lye could "pop".
While that's heating, you can begin to roll out the number equal to a sheet of pretzels to about 16" or so and twist into shape. You'll see how long to make them once you do it. Let them rise a several min. and then gently (so as not to squeeze the air out of them) lift one at a time and slip it into the lye water. I use two flat metal pancake spatulas to help. The better you drip them off, the less they'll stick to the pans. Give the pan a cursory greasing each time you put more pretzels on it. (I use a pastry brush.) Bake at 400 for approx. 12-15 min. It depends on how dark you all like them. Opa likes albino so that's what I'm used to. This should make roughly 5 doz.

****A small note about the Lye my mother in law uses Red devil Lye you find it in the plumbing section. I know it says poison on it but you use such a small amount that it won't hurt you. She has been using it for years and her mom before her. If you don't dip the pretzels in the water/ lye solution they won't brown they stay white. And they don't have that pretzel taste.

hey everyone!

2007-07-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Well, we officially live in Arizona now! It's way too hot here for me this time of year...but I DID know it was going to be like this! I am praying for October however! :) Well, I just wanted to add a post and see how everyone is doing?! Some more of you need to post and add some pictures so we can keep up with all the cute kids and families and what everyone is up to! Hope you're all doing good, and hope to see some posts up here soon!
Love, The Cox family

Fun Pics of the Boys!!!

2007-06-05T15:07:00.001-07:00

These are pictures from Kyler Cox's Birthday!! I thought they were so cute of all the boys together that I couldn't resist posting them!! There are alot more pictures on the Cox's blog (just click on link to the right). I am taking pictures like crazy right now because of the short time we have left here, I am sad because I won't be able to be at the Carnival thursday night So I hope some one will take lots of photos and post them for me.
Anjuli Fry

Welcome!!!

2007-05-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Ellensburg Mom's Clan blogspot!!! Some of us were able to get together for a night out and decided on a name for our site!!! I hope you all decided to join us in sharing fun times and memories throughout the year!! If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to ask by emailing me or by clicking on the comment link below. I know this site is empty right now but we will get it up and looking great soon!! If you have any photos of the kids that you would like me to put in a slideshow, please post them or email them to me. Also any favorite songs that you would like on our play list please let me know. Also if you have your own blog or website that you would like me to put a link on here so others can see it just let me what the address is. I hope you will all enjoy this and find this as a great way to stay in touch!!!!