Our Friends!

Most of you know our dear friends the Messerklingers. We love them and they have been so good to us. Sadly, they are moving back to Germany soon! So, every time we do something with them, I feel like I need to capture it with photo! Here are a few pictures from a rare nice day outside! Kate and Clair have a new "game"...they like to spy! Bowen had a cold! :(

Clair undercover!

Yucky...snot! Poor Bowen!

"Neena"

Kate being a spy!

Kate and Clair having fun! Look at that hair!

Thank you for your service!

I recognize the historic nature of yesterday's Inaguration. I recognize that to many Americans they have a new sense of Patriotism and love for this country. I recognize that many Americans believe that change is going to come and that it will be a good thing.

Here are some things that I know...I know that my patriotism isn't determined by the man or woman that is leading our country. I know that I love this country because it stands for all that is good and right in this world and because it was established by men called of God. I know that change comes from within and to blame or give credit to 1 person is ridculous. I know that for the past 8 years I have been grateful for a God fearing leader, who made decisions based on what he knows to be right. I know that we all have to be diligent in making sure our rights, freedoms, and the constitution are protected. I also know that whomever leads this country deserves are prayers and our thanks for the sacrifice it takes to lead this country.

Brit taped and showed me the ending of the Glen Beck show. This is just the very end, but I stsrongly recommend everyone finding the clip (I couldn't) and watching all the Glen Beck had to say. He started by saying that he was his biggest fan, but also his biggest critic. I really couldn't have put into words how I feel better than Mr. Beck. He said...

"Mr. President, on the darkest day, you gave us hope when we were hopeless. You were unafraid when we were terrified. You led when nobody else wanted to. Mr. President, you don't have any idea what you meant to me personally and my family right after 9-11. Job well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks."


No matter how I feel about our new President, I will pray for him and that he makes decisions that will be in the BEST interest of our country, our freedom, and our safty, all the while consulting our Heavenly Father. This country was built by men called of God and I can only hope that God will continue to be called upon by the new leadership.

Kate in the News

Here is a page from the school newsletter. The bottom section shows Kate's achievements in the reflections contest. For those of you who have contributed to the box tops for education program, you can see that her class is currently in 3rd place over all for the entire school. Keep the box tops coming in.

Monuments by Moonlight

While in Washington DC last week for our National Sales Conference, our Sales team went on a bus tour around the city. It was cold and it was rainy, but it still was beautiful. My pictures didn't come out very good because of the weather and that many of these pictures I was taking from the bus. The other bad thing about this tour was that much of the city was shut down. The road in front of the White House was shut down and all around the hotel where President Elect Obama was staying was also shut down.

We did get out at the Abraham Memorial. Each time I see it, I'm more and more amazed. I read President Lincoln's 2nd inaugurial speech. If you haven't read it, you should. As I read it, I thought how I can not imagine a President today saying the amazing things that he spoke that day. It is worth the time to read it.


At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it--all sought to avert it. While the inaugeral [sic] address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war--seeking to dissole [sic] the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

Dying of Thirst

The question is...if you were stranded in the desert dying of thirst and you came upon this...

...would you drink it?

While in DC last week they were selling "First Family" water as well as "Obama" water. What can I say...capitalism at work!

Older Pictures

It's not that I've had these pictures on my camera for months and months. I took all of these with my new camera. The camera that Santa gave me for Christmas. It's taken me this long to figure out how to use my camera and how to upload my pictures onto my computer. Sorry, but some of these take us back a month ago...to Christmas.

My Christmas Tree
While living in NYC...one of my favorite things to do was to go to the Met. Christmas at the Met was the best. They have a huge tree that is totally covered with angels. It is gorgeous. I decided to create my own Angel tree. I love it.

New Year's Eve
For the past few years we've gone over to the Fernandes' house for New Year's Eve. We eat, play games, do puzzles, eat some more, play Wii or Dance Dance Revolution, the men go out shooting rodents, and when we aren't in drought conditions we shoot off fireworks. We also ring in the new year with a little bubbly. Here are some picutre of the festivities.

Belive it or not...Brooklyn and I were 2nd place and Uncle "Nit" was 1st.

New Year's Day
This year we had New Year's Day at mom and dad's. It was great fun. Mom did a low country boil, Brit made cabbage, and we feasted. It was good. Brooklyn brought her new roller skates. She had a blast skating around mom and dad's street. She was hilarious. I took a movie on my camera, but I haven't learned how to get that uploaded to my computer yet. It gives you something to look forward to.

January 2nd and 3rd
We spent the first few days of 2009 out and about with family. Brit's partents were in town. We went to lunch with Mimi on Friday and then we went to the Bass Pro Shop. Brooklyn and Jack enjoyed the 4 wheelers.


Saturday we went to brunch at the Fork and Spoon in our town. Brooklyn wanted to take pictures with both her grandparents, so she can put them in her little itty bitty locket.

One Smart Kid

Clair amazes me. She isn't the "book smart" type like Kate...she is more of like the "street smart" type!

The other day she was putting on her PJ's after a shower. She picks up her shirt and it is inside out. I watch her put it on (inside out), but before I can say something to her, she pulls it off again, which makes it right side out now! Then she puts it back on, this time the right way! She comes over and tells me,

"Mom, I don't need your help when my shirts are inside out! I'll just put them on wrong and take them off and then they will be right!"

Now how smart is that?

Kids = Funny

Yesterday we had some really windy weather! Wind gusts were like 30+ mph. However, life goes on and I had to run some errands. So, Clair and Bowen and I were walking across a parking lot in these strong wind gusts...holding onto each others hands for our very safety! When we finally got back to the van Clair says,
"Mom, it is SO windy! If I kept a record of the windiest days of my life, this would totally be on the top of the list!"

Our little Bowen is sure growing! He is talking lots! Every day he says something new that amazes us! A few days ago, I found him in the toy room completely emptying Clair new doll house of all it's furnishings and dolls! He had even taken the drawers out of every cabinet and dresser! It was a mess.
I said, "Oh son, what did you do?"
He said, "I made a mess!"
I said, "Yes, and Clair is not going to be too happy with you! Come on let's go tell her what you did." So I took his hand and we started down the stairs to tell Clair. As we were walking down the stairs he yells down to Clair,
"Quare (Clair), you be happy with me! I tell the truth!"
I guess he figured she had no right to be mad since he was going to tell the truth about destroying her doll house! :)

Cheep Gas?

Seriously...this is how much we paid for gas in Aiken, SC two days after Christmas...it actually dropped another few cents! A new gas stationed opened up an had grand opening special prices! So, all the other stations around it got into a pricing war.

Something of Grandma's

While at Grandma's one night, Chy discovered something that she wanted of Grandma's...to remember her by.

No it is not Jane! Really we found this really cool retro piece of luggage and Jane fit perfectly in the bag, so we thought it a great photo op. Jane sure looked cute in Grandma's suitcase. In the end, Chy took Jane and left the bag.

Christmas Morning!

OK...this is a little late, but better late than never...

So, Christmas morning was wet and foggy, but my kids had lots of great gifts to brighten the dismal day! Here is the photo journal of our day!

Santa came...he and his reindeer enjoyed some treats.

Here comes the Bright kids Christmas morning stampede!

Kate's Santa stash...Disney Sing It (wii game) and Baby Alive
Clair's Santa stash...doll house and Cooking Mama (wii game)
Bowen's Santa stash...workbench and personalized matchbox car carrier box!
As most of you know...our kids get three gifts from Santa...so where is number three. Well, as most of you know...Santa worked for MANY HOURS, ALL BY HIMSELF, to finish gift number three. We wrapped the back door so the kids couldn't see what was going on. So, Christmas morning, the got to unwrap the back door and see present number 3...A PLAYGROUND...

Bowen, waiting for daddy to get a towel to wipe the slide dry.Kate waiting for a dry swing...And, it's dry so here goes Clair!Bowen's fleece PJ's made the slide really fast and he shot right off the end and landed in the damp grass on his rear! Look at those happy kids...our Santa is the best for making this dream come true! Thanks Santa Baby!

Christmas Sunday

Here are my beautiful kids all fancy for Christmas Sunday!

Thanks Mimi and Papa for the cute clothes!

Call Men VS SNOW

While in Utah, the Call Men took on the Utah Snow...I'm sorry to say, the snow won!

Grandma's Clan

It was so nice to see everyone, or at least almost everyone while celebrating Grandma's life of 94 years. I always love being with my cousins and this was no different. It would have been nice if all the Segos, Fillmores, Brights, Pearsons, and Calls could have been there. We just had to make due with the majority of the cousins. Thanks to others, I have pictures to document our time together.

Look at all these Call Girls...ok, so I am the only "original" Call Girl cousin left, but I was gratful that Victoria joined us in this picture...so I wasn't alone. :) I think we are a pretty gorgeous group...if I do say so myself.


Here are some of the Call male cousins. We've always been a little short on the males in our family, but not having Mitch, Anson, Johnny, Danny, Lucas, Cameron, and all the little Call guys makes this bunch small in number but still very handsome.


It was good to see all those that could come and I can't help but think how happy it made Grandma to have us all together. 27 grandkids, 36 great-grandkids (with 3 more on the way this year) makes for a great posterity for Grandma. We are one lucky family.

Our sweet Grandma Call

Some of my greatest "family" memories involve Grandma! I know we all (cousins) kind of teased and joked about Grandma in our silly Grandma Fiestas...but I really feel is is because she was so tender to us, a real dear!

When I told my kids that Grandma passed away, Kate was very emotional. (Sadly she is my only child that will have any memories of Grandma.) Kate was very upset and commented, "But mom, it is Christmas and Christmas is about being with family! Grandma should be here with family!" What a wonderful opportunity to remind Kate about the family waiting to be reunited with Grandma.

As I lay in bed last night, sad, and tired, my mind kept returning to one comforting thought...Grandma and Grandpa are back together. My Sweet dad reminded me it had been OVER 40 years! I thought about Darlene...Delamr...Sandra! I just kept thinking about how grateful they are to be with their mother again! I know she had a wonderful welcome home party waiting for her. This gives me tremendous comfort!

After I told the kids, I remembered that Grandma had sent some little baby doll blankets to my three kids for Christmas. They were not Grandma's best work. However, it was obvious there was love in every stitch. I told my kids about how Grandma made us PJ's every Christmas and how she was such good seamstress. Then I told them, how hard it was for her to sew these last few years. However, she still wanted to make something special and personal for them for Christmas! I then gave them the little baby doll quilts and told them that although this wasn't her best work, the stitches were not the perfect stitches I got on my PJ's as a child, it was a gift she made just for them with love! Kate, still crying and upset said, "Mom, I don't care if it isn't her best work, I will keep this blanket forever!" Grandma, I love you and I am so glad you are my Grandma! Thanks for the memories, thanks for the love, thanks for the example!

Grandma Call

Grandma was one of my favorite people. Not many people get to have a grandparent live to be 94. I was one of the blessed ones.

Tuesday I sent Grandma her annual Grand and Great-Grandchildren calendar. She loved getting that calendar and I enjoyed making it...mostly because I got to see pictures of everyone throughout the year. Here are a couple of the pictures that were included in this and last year's calendar. There were lots of pictures sent, but these included grandma.

Grandma and Brooklyn a year 1/2 ago.


Grandma and the Krueger kids. I think we have a picture of all of us surrounding grandma...just like this.


Here are just a few things memories and things I learned from Grandma...
1) She taught me to quilt. I've made each of my nieces and nephews, as well as friends' babies a quilt and all due to Grandma.
2) She taught me to crochet. I'm not very good at it, but she patiently worked with me.
3) She taught me how to make enchiladas, the way she made them. It's all about the frozen red chili.
4) There is nothing like eating a burrito and chatting with Grandma.
5) Grandma always asked me about who I was dating. I've had many a heart to heart with Grandma after a break-up. She was always sweet and would say things like, "I just don't understand boys these days" or "He'll come Emily, he'll come."
6) Grandma taught me about the importance of family. I took a Family History class at BYU and Grandma spent hours and hours telling me stories about her family and Grandpa's family.
7) I inherited Grandma's way of never being able to hide how she felt...her face gave her away every time and mine does too.
8) I will always remember the summers spent at Grandma's house in NM. I can't ever eat a dried apricot without thinking of Grandma.
9) Grandma taught me independence. About a month ago I was visiting Grandma. I was cleaning her house and I tried to get her to let me wash and change her sheets. She wouldn't let me. She said, "I've been doing this myself, most of my life. I don't need anyone to start doing it for me now."
10) Grandma taught me how to live alone. In a conversation with Grandma once, she told me that she had lived alone more years than she had lived with Grandpa. She never complained about being alone, but I know there were times she was lonely. I just can't help but think that she is alone no more.

I love you Grandma and as much as I will miss her...I know she is having the Call reunion of her life.

Bright Elfs

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Tradition Lives on..sickness and all

For the last 2 years we've made a gingerbread house. This year Brooklyn decided that she wanted to change things up and get Santa's Sleigh. So last night was the big night, only 1 small problem...Britni was sick on Monday and Brooklyn and Jack got sick yesterday. We were going to reschedule the gingerbread making, but Brooklyn really wanted to do it and she said she was feeling ok. We had fun inspite of sickness, but we decided that we really missed the gingerbread house...so next year we are going back. Here are a few of the funny things that happened...
1. Joel announced at the beginning that he was going to be the overseer instead of the contruction guy. It is not only "too messy" (his words)...it is also "too stressful." (also his words) I guess it's too much pressure to make sure everything sticks together.
2. Jack wasn't really allowed to touch the actually sleigh...he's a little too distructo! We put a few gumdrops on the cardboard box on the table. Jack decided to crawl on the table and eat the gumdrops like he was a dog. No need to hands, when you've got a mouth.
3. With a mouth full of gumdrops, Joel tried to get Jack to spit them out. He wouldn't do it, until Joel picked him up and then...gum drops droiled out, right down Joel's shirt. So much for not wanting to get messy.
There was something misssing...the Brights. Wish ya'll could have been there.

(I posted several things today...my camera is almost dead, so forgive the Blackberry camera pictures. It's the best I can do until Santa comes and hopefully brings me a camera.)

What's that outside my window?

Look close...right up against the fence. See the white stuff.
Yes, you are right...it is snow. We've lived in Texas for almost 20 years and I can only remember 1 only time that we have had snow. Now I know it's not 26 feet...like I had the year I lived in NYC and it certainly isn't the snow I experienced in Utah.
The thing is...if you blinked you almost missed it. I heard it was going to snow and Ros called to see what I was up to. She asked about it and I looked out my window and said it was clear. Then I saw it...a little patch of snow right under my window.

Main Street Bethlehem

The last few years, we have gone to Burnet, Texas to see the amazing Live Nativity that the First Baptist Church puts on. It is so great. Everyone stays in character the whole time. They recreate a whole town - shops, jail, tax collectors, etc. There are animals and guards that are taking people who can't or won't pay tax.

There are sheppards walking through the town talking about the star and the baby that's been born.

There is an inn and the innkeeper tells you that there is "no room." And then you walk around the corner and there it is...Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

It's a great way to start off the holiday season. If you want to mark your calendars for next year...it's always the 1st and 2nd weekend in Decemeber. Come go in 2009...we'd love to have you.

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Money is tight for everyone this year! So, I found this cute idea for bookmarks in a magazine and decided it was the perfect gift (and in my budget) for my neighborhood friends (who all like to read) and other girlfriends!Emily, wanted me to post pictures! Maybe you will be lucky enough to get one of my fancy bookmarks! :)

The quest for a Pinkberry-like yogurt

I've mentioned before that while living in NYC I fell in love with Pinkberry Fro-Yo. There is only one slight problem with this love affair...you can only get Pinkberry in NYC and LA - neither place is where I lay my head at night. While visint BYU and my friend Kristan (fellow NYer at heart) she took me to a place called Spoon Me. While it was not Pinkberry...it was a pretty close 2nd and the closest thing I've found. There is only one problem with Spoon Me...it's only found in Utah - also not where I lay my head. New Braunfels....when will you get a Pinkberry wanna-be?!