Message from FATHER!!!

Well family we made the quick trip to Taos to see Aunt Sandra and Peter this weekend. Mimi and I drove 1800 miles in 3 days. Needless to say we were wiped out when we got home to UC. We left Friday morning at 0630 and drove to Albuquerque. We had dinner and stayed the night at Aunt Nora's. Grandma Call was there too. Early Saturday morning we drove up to Taos with Nora, Bob and Grandma. I would rather drive any day then ride three in the back seat. When we got up to Taos, Don, Patti and Brooke were already at Sandra's. I helped Don load up Grandma's old piano (Grandma gave it to Sandra who gave it to Brooke). Sandra is down to 85 pounds and is on a lot of pain medication. She was up for the party and tolerated all the visitors and activities better than I thought she would. We started the "celebration" with a prayer and then several of her friends had a few words to say. I was very impressed by the many friends and their comments about how much Sandra had helped and blessed their lives. Sandra then thanked all for coming and said "I have never done this before so my main hope is that I do it with dignity." We then had lunch, visited and some of Sandra's friends played music (country, folk, blue grass). About 1730 we said our "good byes" and headed back to Albuquerque. It was really good to see Sandra. My only regrets is that we (the family) did not have any time alone with Sandra. It was hard to really talk to her with so many people around. I am not sure how much longer Sandra will be with us. I do not believe it will not be months but more like weeks. She is holding up as good as can be expected. She is awful thin and in a lot of pain. I just hope she does not have to suffer much longer. She asked about all of you and the grandkids. Mom showed her the latest pictures we had. She did say she loved hearing from you all. If she is still here this time next month I think I will make another trip to Taos. I know there is worst things then death but I do know she will be missed by Peter, family and friends. I guess we just have to remember her in our prayers and pray that the Lord's will be done. Saturday night we went out to eat with Ben and Geraldine and her parents and had some great New Mexico Mexican food (the best Mexican food in the world and beats Tex-Mex hands down). Geraldine's parents were really nice. We spent the night with Ben and stayed up and talked late. I finally went to bed about midnight and am not sure when Mimi turned in. We didn't get off until about 1100 Texas time and did not get home until 2130. It was a really long and quick trip. One thing I realized more than ever before is how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. I am so blessed I was taught the gospel and raised in the Church. I am so blessed to be married in the temple to such a wonderful women. She is indeed a great wife and mother. I am grateful that I have such wonderful children (that includes Stephen and Britni) and the three most beautiful most wonderful granddaughters in the whole world. I love you all mucho, mucho, mucho and appreciate the great lives you all live.

Celebrity sightings!

Hey everyone! Yesterday I was walking to campus. I try to do that when it is nice outside. (It is only about 28 blocks, so it isn't too bad!) Right outside my apartment there is a Starbucks (there are actually 3 within 2 blocks of my apartment)...anyway, there was a familiar lady...Maria from Seasame Street. I would have recognized her anywhere, but it helped that I was just looking at pictures of her from the Macy's parade. Then closer to Columbia, I walked past another TV character. He plays "Munch" in Law and Order SVU. (Mom and dad, I know you know who he is, but if you are reading this and you don't it is the man with the glasses.) When I got to campus, I found out that for the past two weeks, Law and Order has been filming at Columbia. I have seen the TV trailers, but I just didn't know what was filming. Be on the look out for Columbia in the show...not me, but my school! :) FYI: I have now seen 24 rats, and the latest was on Sunday. It ran right in front of me on the sidewalk in Harlem. I almost puked...it was bigger than my foot! YUCK!!! Also, I have walked a total of 494.96 miles since I moved to NYC...my shoes were made for walking that's for sure!

My roommate's Birthday Party

Last week was my roommate's Birthday. She turned a whopping 23! A group of her friends went out to dinner, at an Italian restaurant. It was pretty decent food, but rather expensive. They serve family style, but I've learned that does not always equate to cheaper. Here is a picture of my friend Kristin (from Atlanta) and my roommate Lindsay (she's the Birthday girl!) and of course you should recognize me (although the double chin might through you off). It was a fun night. The waiter was shocked that out of 16 people, not one person was drinking. He asked what the occasion was and why we were not celebrating with "spirits?" (my word, not his) My roommate gets sort of bugged when people say, "Oh we are Mormons and we don't drink," so I said, "You see this is a birthday party of sorts. You see Lindsay is celebrating her first year birthday, of being sober that is. We are her AA group and we are here to celebrate." Everyone burst out laughing. I of course then went on to explain that none of us drank, but it was her real birthday. He then laughed, but I am pretty sure it was because he was DRUNK as a SKUNK! I crack myself up sometimes with the witty things I say! :) Just kidding that was for dad, since he always says, "I know you crack yourself up!" I just figure I have to tell myself how funny I am, because nobody else does! :)

More of Me and Martha!!

Although I don't believe we were actually shown on TV, we had a blast. There was this one lady in the audience that stole the show and there was really no way to trump her. You see today was her due date...she was at Martha and she was due, plus by some random act several OB nurses from the hospital where she plans to deliver were also in the audience. Needless to say they got all the publicity! Sick...I know! The other interesting thing is that there was this camera man who was the exact same camera man from Good Morning America, when Stephanie and I went there. It was weird! If he shows up at Live with Regis and Kelly or David Letterman (which are next on our TV agenda) we will know it is a conspiracy! It really is amazing all that goes into making the show run. Here is a picture of Martha's chef's preparing the food before the show. I learned how to butterfly meat. Next time we are all together, I call butterflying the meat! :)

Me and Martha!!!

Today was the day that I attended the Martha Show. It was great and we (my friends Karen, Kristin, and Stephanie) had a blast. We loved it! We were met with cranberry/zuchinni loafs and juice. Yummy, but we expect nothing less from Martha. We got to watch the show with Doris somebody (the mom from Everybody Loves Raymond), Chef Rocco, and the orchid guy from the Botanical Gardens. It was neat. We got Rocco's new cookbook and a ticket to the Botanical Gardens...FREE! Yes, Martha and her crew came through. It was a great NY experience.

Response to Ros

You are such a good girl! I would take you up on your challenge, but I am trying to finish the Ensign (last Conference) before this conference and I am reading the four Gospels. I too thought I wish Pres. Hinckley would issue another challenge. That is why I decided on the Gospels. Sorry, but I wish you well with your endeaver!

As for your child Kate...she is SOOOO right about chocolate! Gosh I love your girls and Brooklyn too!

Kate says the Funniest Things

Kate really says some funny things...not even trying to be funny. For example...this afternoon I was craving a little something sweet. We don't have much in the house to satisfy sweet cravings, but I did have some chocolate frosting left over from a dessert I made last week when the missionaries came over. So, I got out a spoon and ate a couple spoon fulls before it was too rich for me and I was done...craving satisfied. But of course, if I am eatting it the girls need some too. So they asked for some and I said sure. Clair moaned and groaned with her first bite...she seriously LOVES chocolate. Then Kate took a bite and said, "Chocolate isn't good for you(real seriously), BUT IT SURE IS GOOD!" Maybe you had to be here to think it was funny, but I laughed out loud!

Placing a Challenge

Hello Family. The other night I was just thinking. I really wish Pres. Hinkley would challenge us again to read the B of M. I mean, it really got me going...well that and Dad's little reading schedule he made for all of us. Anyway, I was thinking, why wait for the prophet to "command" us. How does the one scripture go, "It is an unwise and slothful servant that must be commanded in all things". So I just decided I would challenge myself. I decided to read the B of M before the end of August when the baby will be born. (Actually I am ending the first week of August.) That is 20 weeks counting this week and means I have to read 12 chapters a week (only one more than last time). Anyway, so you are all thinking, "Why is she telling us this?" Well, for two reasons...first of all, the best way to stay on a goal is to tell other people, then they are always asking you about it....kind like going on a diet and telling people and then everytime you eat anything not diet food someone is sure to say, "I thought you were on a diet?" and then you are reminded! Second, I would love some company. And knowing how competitive some in our family are (no names please :) I thought some or all of you might want to get in on this action. That said, if you would like me to e-mail you a reading schedule...patterned after the William B. Call Schedule of 2005, then let me know. Yes, I made one! Anyway, who's with me?

More info about Pee from Mom

Dear Fam….Rosalind….I hate to burst your bubble, but I am surrounded by 473 people over the age of 55 that may very well pee their pants on occasion. Yes, I know I am paid to be here, but frankly, there are some days when I wonder what in the heck I am doing here! It can be harrowing. Just today one of them met me at the door as I arrived to complain about the date I had selected to go to the Broadway Series production of Lion King…now I ask you…how many 75 year olds stress about the day they will be seeing Lion King? Of course this person fully expected me to change the date everyone else had purchased their tickets so that the bus would be taking he and his wife (alone, I might add) to the date they preferred. Sound childish? At least Clair is adorable…these people have nose and ear hair and yellow teeth. I need a refreshing change! Give that adorable little Clair a kiss from her Mimi.

Love,
Mom

Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Potty Training

OK, this it is. I AM going to get Clair potty trained. We are back from Florida. We have no major trips planed. The new baby is going to be here in 5+ months...it is TIME! However, she has other plans. She just really doesn't seem to care. We (Clair, me, and Kate) are all hanging out in the kitchen...no way we are going on berber carpet...found out it has to be dry-cleaned! Anyway, we are hanging out in the kitchen...you know on the linoleum. I set up the little portable DVD player, we have coloring books, and games (Em...Go Fishing has made a HUGE come back this weekend!), and snacks and lots of drinks. She actually only completely wet herself once. The other times she peed a little and then finished on the potty. However, it is still driving me crazy. By the way, she is napping now, so I am on the berber, because I won't pee on it! :) Anyway, just keep your fingers crossed for me. We are almost out of panties for the day. Then I guess we will do "what the Mes-icans do" (Grandma quote) and just go without! She seems to do better like that any ways. Scary thought! So, you guys all have a great day surrounded by people who don't pee on themselves...OK....I guess Brooklyn still pees on herself, but it's ok, she is still a baby! :) Love to you all!

ABCall Organization

Hello Family...I am not sure if you are all on the e-mail list for the ABCall Org. but I wanted to let you know if any of you will be in Utah over Conf. this would be a wonderful thing to be able to attend. How I would love to be there. Alas...it seems I am no where close to Utah when they have stuff like this. Anyway, notice the shout out of our dear little Grandma!

Dear Descendant of Anson Bowen Call—

You are hereby invited to attend the annual family reunion for descendants of Anson Bowen Call. If you live anywhere near Provo, or will be in the area for April Conference anyway, this is a not-to-be-missed event. It now appears that all of Bowen’s living children, Lorna, Fulvia, Nelda, Vesta, Ruth and Eran, as well as two daughters-in-law of deceased children, Ora and Glenna, will be in attendance. You’ll hear stories about Bishop Call, about Pancho Villa, about bandits and generals, and even about miracles—from first-hand eyewitnesses.

Remember…even if you’re a second, third or fourth generation descendant, and maybe haven’t had the Call surname in your family for a generation or three, Call blood still courses through your veins, and this is a chance to find out some of why you are the way you are, and feel the way you feel, both from nature and from nurture.

Opportunities like this don’t come along every day, and even though they have been happening regularly, once each year just prior to April Conference, they’ve not always had so many first-generation family members in attendance; and who knows how many more will happen like this in the future (Aunt Lorna is now 99 years old, though sharp as a tac, and my own father Ara Om passed away just last September at 96). Even if you don’t descend from one of the aforementioned surviving first-genners, please recognize that as spread-out-over-the-years as this family was, they were very close, and knew each other very well; and you won’t come much closer to your Call roots than being at this get-together.

This is your reunion. It’s been organized by some of your older cousins for your benefit, and for that of their own children and grandchildren as well, of course. You’ll see wonderful live people and photographs, and hear live conversation and old recordings. And if you have interest, you can pick up several of a number of CD’s (audio and computer) stuffed full of priceless history. To top things off, you’ll get in on a delicious enchilada dinner catered by Joe Vera’s Restaurant. So come and eat, observe, get inspired, converse, and laugh and cry. Here are the time and place details:

The 2006 Anson Bowen Call Family Reunion
(sponsored by the Anson Bowen Call Family Organization)
Thursday, March 30th --- 6:00 till 9:00 p.m.
Provo Oak Hills Stake Center (across from the Provo Temple overflow parking lot)
925 E North Temple Drive
Provo, Utah

Appetizers & Dinner: $12.50 per attendee

Go to www.AnsonBowenCallFamily.org or www.abcfo.org for more details and a map.

RSVP by email to secretary@abcfo.org including your name, from which of A.B. Call’s children you descend, and how many we should plan on for dinner.

You can also RSVP by phone call to Duane or Tamra Call at 801-374-5577.

Hope to see you on the 30th,
Duane Call, 2004-06 organization president


PS: If you can’t make the dinner, at least come by for the program, etc.

New York Botanical Gardens

On Saturday, two of my friends and I took the subway to the Bronx, to visit the Botanical Gardens. Although the actualy gardens are not in bloom yet, they were having a show called "The Orchid Show." They were amazing. We had a lot of fun and it was really girlie and beautiful. I seriously loved it.
The yellow orchids smelled like peaches. They were heavenly. The other orchids were my all time favorite and there were tons of different kinds. My friends are Kristin (from Atlanta) and Karen (in the pink, from Ohio). These girls are great and I always have a fun time with them. When we got off the subway, we were a little lost. All of a sudden from around the corner came three "shiny" missionaries! We all smiled and said, "Elders!" They tried, to help us...but they didn't even know. We were finally helped by a nice lady. The missionaries were darling and excited to see three gorgeous girls! :) Actually they were just excited to see members I am sure. It was a fun day. We took a picnic and ate in the freezing cold. The next time I go, I would like it to be warmer and I want the grounds to be in bloom! Still it was a good time!

Meet my new boyfriend!

Ok, so I just wish he were my boyfriend! Here are a couple of pictures of the hot policeman that was directing traffic near us, at the parade. I had just as much fun watching him as I did watching the parade!
There is something about a man in uniform! YUMMY! :)

My roommate and I

I didn't get to post this picture of my roommate Kirstyn and I. She and I went to the parade together. We had fun!
(Yes mom, my hair needs cutting, but it will just have to wait.)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

HEY LADS and LASSES! I went with my roommate to the St. Patty's Day Parade here in NYC. It was fun, but a little chilly. Here are some pictures from the adventure. I've never seen so many bag pipe players in my life, nor men in skirts! This is a BIG holiday in NYC. It basically give every New Yorker an excuse to visit a Pub and drink, from sun up to sun down. It is fun being sober on this day too. The Irish Lacrose Team participated in the parade (1st picture). Also, the guys holding the sign...are the Emerald Society of the NYC Department of Sanitation. I don't really know why, but that made me laugh! It was fun and I've always loved the Irish and men in skirts, especially if they have good legs! :)

Movie Screening

Last night we went to a movie screening of the upcoming movie "American Dreamz." It was an interesting experience, but it was the WORST movie ever! The movie made a mockery of America and our President. If anyone reading this goes to that movie you are wasting your money and your time. It was hideous to say the least! It was free for me and it was another experience to add to my NYC living moments, but still at the end of the movie I wanted to tell the people in charge to give me my 3 hours back or to at least compensate me for it.

We are back!

Em, thanks for posting all the pics I sent out. I have about 200 plus...so if any one craves more, let me know! We did have a wonderful time! The girls were so good. Stephen wants to go back with the WHOLE family? So, what do you all think! Anyway, fun was had by all, but we are still trying to get back into the swing of things. Laundry is all done, but our clocks are slowly getting back on real world time! The girls still talk about it every day and Kate is already making plans for when we go back!

Nemos and Brights!

Ros wrote this when she sent me the picture..."I can't help myself...I have to send this one out. This isn't the greatest pic, but I about die laughing everytime I see Clair's _expression. She can give some looks now! This was at the aqauarium, looking at "Nemos" as Clair puts it. It was a tank of Clown fish. That face!"

I might add that she comes by the face making honestly! She does look like Papa and he is famous for his "turtle face!"

Kate at Disney World

Kate loved Disney World and talked to me about it again today! I guess it is the happiest place on Earth...just look at these faces!

Clair at Disney World

How cute is this little darling? I love both these pictures, but the one of her little head is so cute!

Princess Lunch at Disney World

Ros sent me these pictures from their family vacation to Disney World. I thought I would post them on the blog. Kate thought this was great. I talked to her right after and she was so excited, I could barely understand her! From the pictures you can tell Clair loves these princesses!

Who knew RICE PUDDING could be so good!!??

Tonight my friend Stephanie and I went to a trendy place in Soho called "Rice to Riches!" It is a rice pudding shop. They have about 15 different flavors of rice pudding. Now I didn't really think I liked rice pudding, but I do. I had a split order..."Sex, drugs, and Rocky Road & Crazy Banana. They were both to die for! I love them both, but only ate about 1/4. Those who come visit will be guaranted a trip to Soho for some great shopping and a stop at "Rice to Riches" for a little rice pudding! If that doesn't tempt you...I don't know what will!

Beautiful Day in New York City!

The big sunglasses might make you think we are celebrities in disguise, but alas...it's just my roommates and I. Today was a beautiful day in New York City. My roommates decided to take FULL advantage of this. We started the morning off in Morningside Park, for a little game of touch football. I did some studying and reading. (The other girls really sucked and I didn't want to make them feel bad about their football abilities.) We then took a walk...from 93rd street to 59th street and then to Central Park. We sat in Central Park for about an hour. It was goreous! We were actually hoping to spot a few stars (maybe Julia, Hazel & Finneous or even Matthew M.) We saw NO ONE! Now I will be a littl ticked if I see a picture of a celebrity "enjoying the NYC weather in Central Park on Saturday." That will not make me happy. We had fun and we logged in 14 miles total today on my pedometer. My feets are a little tired.

New York City Landmarks!

This bridge, in Central Park has been seen in many television (ex. Law and Order) and movies.
Many a Celeb. live in these buildings! Here is a picture of two apartment buildings (nicknamed the candlesticks). Many celebrities live here, like Julia Roberts, Bono, J.Lo, and many others live in these! Since I didn't sight any of them, I just took this picture.

Ward bake off!

Last Sunday for our "Linger Longer" we had a bake off! My roommate and I made sugar cookies and provided frosting. This went along with our cookies. Our sign said, "Build a Date." You can't really see the Angel Moroni on the temple, but it's there! Now I thought this was an ingenious idea...everyone there LOVED it, but somehow we lost! I will repeat that...we lost the novelty competition! THe thing that won was a stupid snowman cookie. Let's think about this...snowman cookie or "Build a Date Bar" PLEASE!!!!!! You know how competitive I am, so basically this was a hard blow to take! :) Everything on the cookie sheet is cookie, plus the naked girl and boy cookies. Now that is funny and editable!

From Mom!

Hello to all of you Calls!

I dashed right out and purchased the new Pride and Prejudice movie on Tuesday morning…(Wal Mart is really quite peaceful at the crack of dawn!) I watched it the other night…sad to say your father kept deliberately interrupting me! He hates this movie and constantly mocks me when I watch it. I am looking for ways to “get even” the next time he watches some hideous John Wayne movie. Ideas, anyone? He even went so far as to moon me…yes, he did! I guess he thought I’d stop watching it and pay attention to him…fat chance! He just doesn’t understand the true Jane Austen fan, does he?

I am hoping the Brights get to come to Texas with Stephen if he comes. I would dearly love to see the little girls…they make me laugh every single morning on the way to work. The other day Kate answered the phone (he pregnant Mom was in the Powder Room barfing) and when I asked to speak to her Mom she politely told me she had “gone to the Tennis Courts!” What a goober! I love to hear Clair when you ask her “How are you, Sweetie?” She says in the most adorable little voice “pretty good!” So cute! Dad and I watched Brooklyn (or Boogey Loo Sue as I like to call her) and she was so funny! She is as fast as lightening and loves to sneak up on you when you are on the potty! She gets quite a kick out of surprising you. SO much fun. Life would be so boring without grandkids…I sure love them.

I talked to Peter this week and Dad talked to Sandra. We are remembering them in our prayers every day. Keep them in yours, too. Emily…thanks so much for keeping the pictures on the blog for all of us. You are a trooper...I know you’ve been so busy with mid-terms this week. I can hardly wait for you to come home for a visit. I love you all…. Mimi