Hello New Blog!

I've tried blogs in the past and failed miserably so this will probably be my final attempt.  Sink or swim.  I saw a friend's blog printed out in book form and it really inspired me.  I do think it is so important to document my personal and family history if not for my own sake in remembering it all when I'm old and senile, but for the sake of my children.  As a child, and even now, I do love to look back on photos and trinkets of my childhood.  I wish we had more family videos to watch, I find that I take a ton of those, maybe to make up for what I thought my childhood lacked.  I would like to make time for journaling once a month at minimum, preferably every week.  It is definitely something that you have to get into the habit of doing.

For the sake of starting fresh, this is an overview of who I am and what makes me tick:

I am most importantly a family member; I have a wonderful, patient, loving husband who basically lives and breathes to make me happy (at least doesn't let on that there is anything else more important).  Second, I also am blessed with an almost-two year old daughter, Jane, who we become more in love with each and every day.  Even as the notorious toddler behavior rears its' ugly head, we still continue to cherish her presence in our family.  Always a homebody, I enjoy being with my family there, although every now and then we step out to do something fun.

My version of fun is to work on DIY projects around the house, and Jeff goes with it.  I have the creative energy and a little technical know-how, though Jeff has more strength and hands-on experience with power tools.  We don't have a very large or extravagant home by any means, nor the budget to do the kinds of things I get to do for clients, but I do think that even small things can go a long way, at least in making my home feel more like mine.  So, because of this, I often go 'thrifting,' or find things for cheap.  I can sew and craft and whatever, it doesn't just have to be 'interiors' projects.  Jeff is also pretty proud of some of the things he has been able to build and accomplish around our home, despite maybe rolling his eyes at a few of them.  Jane enjoys her time around the house, especially in pulling out toys or other messes, playing outside, and following me around.  She loves to get out to the neighborhood pool.

I am an interior designer, specializing in space planning and materials selection for kitchens and bathrooms.  I also do contract work for an architect who does small renovation projects at local college campuses.  I started my own business in 2009 after losing my first job as a kitchen and bath designer when the company I worked for went under due to the recession.  I love my work because it allows me to be creative and work with clients and business associates while also being extremely flexible.  I love being the master of my day, and while it does mean inconsistency, I like to think of it as variety!  One of my latest new things is that I got to design a custom house for a family friend.

I spend a lot of time devoted to my church family.  Three hours a week bare minimum, usually it takes much more time than that to do the other things that need to be done.  So, most of my friends are found there because I am either spending my time there or at church.  Hoping to change that as Jane gets old enough to participate in some extracurricular activities and meet new faces.  The label 'religious' might be applied here, but I just feel that it is a mis-used word.  My beliefs are ultimately who I am and make up my core values and morals.  In that sense, everyone is 'religious', it just varies on what or who you worship or devote your time and energy to.

I love old british literature, especially romance and murder mysteries, i.e. Jane Austen and Agatha Christie.  Also adventure stories.  It carries over into the things I enjoy watching as well... I love seeing the costumes and old mannerisms and just the propriety of the old days.  It all seems so romantic but at the same time dark and maybe full of despair and repression.  Sometimes I wish I could have lived in Victorian era, other times I realize how far we've come and how many advantages I have as a woman living here and now.

Well I suppose I'm getting a little bit too deep into the details, I really just wanted to do a quick summary.  More detail can come later if I keep up at this.  I doubt friends and family will read this now, but hope it comes to some significance later on!

Andrea

Birthday Cards to Me, 2011

Dear Andrea,

You take the cake!  Happy birthday, hope you are feeling good and ready for and addition to your family!  Sure wish we lived closer to see her- please send photos!  She will join Lily and Weston so perfectly!  Then Jenni's girl in October and Cheyenne expecting next March!  It's hard for me to figure out this news on an Xmas card and Hyrum and Alyssa Petersen's wedding.  Ezra will soon be in Frankfurt, Germany for mission.  Tyler going to Pocotello to be airplane mechanic.  Brandon going to BYU-Idaho.  Heber working Burley on Cheyenne's house until mission time.  Eric and Katy both graduate BYU-Idaho in December.  Hope he can find a job!  Dad and I are "ageing approotely"(?) Hot summer has been hard, but thankful for air conditiong and all our blessings, may our Lord bless you through this new experience!

Love, Nana Lael  (card by Lori)

You have to schedule an appointment and take me with you to use the pedicure, but I'll pay for a manicure also... before and after the Baby!

With Love, Mom

We love you, Andrea!  Thanks for all you do for Jeff.  I hope you've had a great birthday.

Love, John and Shelley (Mom and Dad Pack)


I also received cards from Anita, Jim Harris.

My first Mother's Day

Ah, heck- You're going to be a mom, so you should get a Mothers Day card!  Looking forward to the baby!  Love, Anita and Frank

We are excited for Baby Pack's safe arrival!  This gift is to help you get a new wardrobe.  Love, your family!  (Mom and Dad)

Birthday Wishes for Jeff, 2011

Dear Jeff,

Here is money for a GPS or for a GPS and something else or for something else... clothes or whatever you need.  Happy Birthday.

Love, Mom and Dad

They also sent a card... Oh ya and those other three words too... We love you!  You're great!  Have a great birthday.  Love, Mom and Dad


Jeff,
We hope you have a great birthday.  Can't wait to see you guys in July.  Love, Bryan and Michelle

He received cards from Ethan and Courtney, Anita, Walker parents,

Easter letter from Grandma Lael, 2011

Dear loved ones,

We are so happy you are going to have a cute little girl!  And hope all is going well for you.  Be sure to keep us posted!  Ezra will go to Frankfurt German mission.  Hyrum is marrying "Alyssa" in June at New Port temple.  Cheyanne's in Arizona this summer with Hyrum and Heber selling for them.  Esther will go there in June to help Cheyenne with her 2 cute little girls.  Katy is expecting soon and naming her Lillian Marie Ballestero.  She will graduate BYU-Idaho too!  I am going to call her Lily, because I like them (lilies) and it is OK with them.  Tyler will graduate May High School, also Brandon.  He just got Eagle Scout.  Michelle expecting boy in July.  Weston _? Williamson.  Grandpa likes that name.  We hope you feeling good and happy.  I love you so much and am thankful for your blessing!

Love and Love, Grandma Feller (Nana Lael to your little girl).

Happy Valentine's Day from Grandma Lael

Hello!  Have a great "romantic" day!  We are celebrating Grandpa's 80th birthday on Saturday.  Anita is coming for the week-end.  We hope things and work are going OK for both of you.  Our winter was fairly cold- but now warming up.  Grandpa doesn't go to his shop until 9am or after- so I sit and read scriptures until he finishes his sleep= otherwise my noises of putting things away wakes him up!  Cheyenne and Jennifer both expecting in July- Sept.  Ezra Peterson got accepted to USAFA= like Christopher!  It sure helps to pay for schooling.  Hyrum has another 9 months on Seattle mission.  Matt Harris and Alyssa Feller graduated December from BYU-Idaho.  Matt and Cheyenne bought a fix-up house in Burley.  Did I ever give you pillow cases made by my mother Elsie?

Let me know, GM Lael.

Letter from Grandma Lael

Dear Andrea and Jeff,

Happy Anniversary!  "Late!"  I just withdrew some IRA money (we have to) = so here's some extra help for you- Things can only get better!  Notice stamps- In 1954 after we moved to Caldwell, I so wanted a car with fins!  I had a maroon/pink Dodge picked out; But no money.  There will be bad and good times and we still live!

I had to include this because I love the last line.  That's good advice for life right there.