What do Mormons and Royals have in Common?

Modest wedding dresses!

News is out that Prince William finally proposed to his girlfriend of 8 years (not in common!), Kate Middleton and now the world is already all a-buzz over the Royal wedding detials. I, of coruse, can't wait to see the dress!! Today on People.com they previewed the Royal weddings of old and I could not help but take note of all the sleeved dresses... and most of them absolutely beautiful too.

I wonder what Kate's dress will look like.  Any guesses?

Quick with the Wit

Every holiday we can expect a hand written note, or card, or postcard from my dad.  This is a special treat because the man is witty... seriously funny and smart!  He spends time writing all of his his kid's families - that a lot!   And, it must he said - the man has perfect handwriting. 
This morning I received his mass family e-mail anouncing the birth of my sister's baby and couldn't help but smile.

"Old news by now to most of you... But congratulations to Allison and Tristan on the birth of Tate Sinclair French at about 1:00 am on Friday, November 12.  Weighing in at 6 pounds 13 ounces; measuring 20.5 inches in length; and batting .337.  Allie reports that he is very good looking.  I propose a [French] toast:  'Here's to new baby and proud parents!'

Grandpa Jim

That makes an even dozen (but who's counting?)." 

It also it reminded me of the e-mail he sent when my James was born... read here.

I really love my dad.  Obviously, since I named my first born after him. ;-)

Little Man Tate is Here!

Allie and Tristan welcomed their first born early this morning in California.  Tate weighed in at just under 7lbs and was 20.5 inches.  I heard he did not cry when we was born, nor when they pricked his little foot for the PKU test.  I heard he make little grins a lot and seems content with life.  Mom is happy and well.  Dad is proud and is my favortie person for calling me right after Tate arrived!  I was never happier to answer a 4 am phone call. ;-) 

Tate, little man, we love you. 

We hope you are good to your mommy and daddy. 

We can't wiat to see you. 

Love,

Auntie Lauren, Uncle Danny, and cousin James

I mean... Why not!?

Many of you will begin your holiday shopping soon and I want to give you something to consider.

My cousin Mike, who is a former police officer, started a charity called " Pennies for Heros" that is "dedicated to providing help to the families of our fallen military men and women, fallen law enforcement and fallen fire fighters who have died or sustained serious injury while doing their duty to protect America.” 

Here is a part of a press release from the organization:

On Friday 10/29/10 we went into the home of slain Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputy Franco Aguilar to re-insulate it. We had learned that Franco’s wife Jamie was spending approximately $250-$300 a month on heat bills last winter. In the attic we were able to seal it (we found birds living in the attic space) and then blow in 2 to 2.5 feet of new insulation, significantly raising the R-value. The professionals who assisted us think it will cut her heat bills by more than 50% this winter.

Franco is one of four police officers killed in Utah this year. They are a fraction of the 140 that have died thus far in 2010 nationwide. In addition to the police officers, there have been 71 fire fighters killed. Many of these heroes leave behind loved ones like Jamie and her kids who need help. Last week alone, there were 9 police officers killed, leaving 14 children, and 10 grandchildren.

This Christmas, if you plan to buy anything from any of the following retailers, you can help these families by purchasing your items online & through our website. It will not cost you one penny more, and you will be helping us improve life for these people.

Wal-mart

Amazon

Sears

Target

Buy.com

K-mart

Office Max

Office Depot

(You can also purchase gift cards to be used at the store if you prefer shopping in person rather than online.)

I mean... why not!? 
So when shopping at one of these retail stores this holiday season why not do it through "Pennies for Heros" website (which, don't worry, will send you to the retailers website that you are familiar with). 

Click Here to get shopping and helping!

Halloween 2010

 And we wonder where the pot-belly comes from...

  

 Hope you had a very Happy Halloween!