Joel and Teri's Place

Josh's letters updated on his blog!

2010-01-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

2009-11-18T17:23:00.001-08:00

Sunday, November 15, 2009

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

IN MEMORY OF MY DAD

WALT GIANELLA

June 5, 1918-Oct 24, 2009

I lost my daddy on Oct. 24. It's been a tough 3 weeks, but I feel so blessed to have been his daughter, and to have so many cherished memories. We will all miss "Boppa", but he will never be far from our thoughts, and forever will give us so many reasons to smile.

GREAT LETTER ON JOSH'S BLOG!!!!!!

2009-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Weekend with the kids

2009-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

We had a fun, spontaneous weekend with all of our grandkids at the lake. We met Chad and Em and the boys out there Friday night, and got a call from Andy that they had a motorhome and were on the way out too! They didn't even know Chad was coming, so it was a fun surprise to have all of us together. They pulled the motorhome up next to the trailor, and it was a great extension and worked perfectly. Weather was windy, so no boating, but we had a great time hanging, flying kites, going on walks, and watching general conference. We all had great bonding time with our newest little guy, Blake, who has our hearts, that's for sure.

Updated letters from Josh on his blog

2009-09-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Finally caught back up on Josh's letters. Sorry! They are posted on his blog.

Blake's Blessing Weekend

2009-09-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip up to Utah for little Blake's blessing. On the way we stopped at Mead and had a fun day on the lake with the Webbs. Ray, Brett, and Brett's new friend Lani came down, and we celebrated Ray's birthday with lots of memories of our boys together. Sure made us miss Josh, but it made us feel closer to him just being with the guys. Chad gave Blake a beautiful blessing, and we enjoyed a wonderful day together with the Zwick family, welcoming our newest beautiful grandson. Grampa Zwick and Greatgrandpa Zwick won the prizes for getting the most smiles out of little Blake!

Blake's Blessing Weekend

2009-09-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Weekend with the boys

2009-07-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

Spent a fun weekend with Chad, Em, Parker and Baby Blake Matthew in St. George. We set off fireworks in their driveway (still legal in Utah-this used to be Chad's favorite event), shadowed Blake's first photoshoot (I'll only publish one pix so Em can share the rest when they are done), and took the kids up to Dammeron Valley to see John and Deby's new place. Still can't get over the fact that we can visit these guys whenever we want-it is so awesome having them so much closer!

House upgrades

2009-07-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Finally made those last few improvements we have been wanting to make on the house. Tile in the bathrooms, front door, BBQ and fireplace in the yard, which I wish we had done years ago (Joel's been wanting to do this for at least 10 years!) We have been living in the backyard each evening and love it. And new front door.

Blake Matthew has arrived!

2009-07-04T19:40:00.001-07:00

Blake Matthew Burnham. He's here! And he is adorable, healthy, and big! 8 lb 8 oz. Born July 2.

We arrived in St. George the day after he was born, and loved being able to see him in the hospital when he opened his eyes and looked around for the first time!! Em is doing great. Parker is quite indifferent. Chad is ecstatic, coupled with his recent passing of the Pharm boards, and issuing of his new license to practice Pharmacy. We gave him his diploma, which had been mailed to our house, in the hospital, so now its all official. Finally full-time work and family life can begin. No more homework for the first time in about 19 years! And Emily, he could NOT have done it without you!! We are so proud of both of you!

2009-06-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

3 hours with Elder Bednar--June 8

2009-06-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad-

This week has been so great. It was so amazing getting trained by Elder Bednar for 3 hours! We got there 2 hours early so we could get front row seats in the chapel. I have seen him speak in different settings before, but it has never been like this. We were 10 ft away from an apostle who had prayed and received specific instruction for us as. Before he said anything, he said for us to not write down anything that he said. He told us that what he said really didn’t even matter, but that each of us would receive specific tailored revelation; a lot of which would would have nothing to do with what he was even saying. It was so true, I found myself sitting there many times watching him, but I didn’t even know what he was saying because there was just a flow of knowledge coming in from somewhere else, it was pretty amazing. The whole training was about how we need to seek learning by faith and how we need to help others do the same. If you read his talk, “Seek learning by Faith,” you will know a lot of what he talked to us about. He talked a lot about how we are all agents to either act, or be acted upon, and that Faith is acting and doing, not just sitting and listening. He taught us how we need to not just act upon our investigators but rather help them to be agents and act for themselves by helping them to make and keep commitments. I think his coolest point was that there are 3 different substances that make up Faith: 1.) Faith as the assuarance of things hoped for 2.) Faith is the eveidence of things not seen which are true. 3.) Faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings. As we take a few steps into the dark and act, we have an assurance that heavenly Father will illuminate the way, and as we are walking, we look back and see that he has in fact illuminated the way, which is the evidence of things that are not seen, and as we see the evidence, that gives us more assuarance and the cycle just keeps going. You should really read the talk because I probably just murdered everything he said. Anyways, the 3 hours with Elder Bedinar gave me such great perspective on my mission, and in my life. We were all able to shake his hand afterward which was pretty neat. I haven’t washed my hand since, and I probably never will.

The rest of our week went really well. We exceeded all of the goals that we set for ourselves so that was good. Oh yeah, I got hit by a car on Wednesday, so I was pretty stoked about that. We were going pretty fast down the side walk facing the traffic, and this big black truck pulled out trying to turn right, and I could have sworn the lady saw me because it was a cross walk and she stopped before she turned, so I kept going, and so did she. Nothing too bad happened. It knocked me about 5 ft off my back, but I landed on my feet and jogged it off. The Wheel and Chain got knocked out of place on my bike, but we fixed that. So don’t worry, my bike is ok! I just received a couple minor flesh wounds so im ok too. I wish I could see the look on moms face right now. On Sunday we had 3 unexpected investigators show up to church and they actually stayed for the investigators class after sacrament, so we were very excited about that. We are teaching a couple of solid people right now. Cindy Love is still doing really well, and Reed also. We started teaching a part member family recently and the Dad is the non member. He seems to be really interested. He came to Church yesterday wearing nice slackes, a white button down collared shirt and a tie. Things are going really good lately for us.

Im kinda bummed that Elder Gooch is leaving next transfer. Everyone in our apartment is so cool. We have such a good time, but everyone works really hard. This has been the greatest time of my life. But there will be more great companions an experiences in the future so it will be fine.

We got in a pretty good bash towards the beginning of the week. Some guy was just telling us how the book of Mormon is false because there were no horses in the Americas and that DNA tests show that the American Indians don’t have any Israelite blood in them. We sort of tore into this guy and we both felt bad afterward because he really didn’t have a leg to stand on. It is fun to bash for a little bit, because it keeps you polished on the doctrines, but it just doesn’t feel good and the spirit is never there.

I haven’t ever heard of that school either, it sounds pretty interesting. Brett is going there you say? I will have to check it out. He just sent me an email. I cant believe he is already dating again. Crazy. Im excited to hear his homecoming talk. Im probably not allowed to listen to it on the computer, so yeah just send it on a cd or something.

Well that’s pretty much all I have for you guys, I hope I didn’t bore you. The rest of the week was all just tracting and visiting, so I wont bore you with all that. I love you both so much. And I love everyone else too! Thank you so much for everything. Your all in my prayers! I love you Mom, I love you Dad!

Love, Josh

Josh meets with Elder Bednar

2009-06-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Great letter posted on Josh's blog about his meeting with Elder Bednar. A must read! Also new pictures!

Weekend with the Drawes

2009-05-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

Had a great visit with Kate and Keegan. They came to the house and Katey met and fell in love with Chili. Then we had a quick weekend at the lake with some great weather and wakeboarding. Just never enough time with our kids, but we had a wonderful time with them.

We found another gift in the desert today. Driving in the jeep, we ran across a small herd of wild horses, just yards away from us. Kept us smiling the rest of the day.

Why we love April at Lake Mead

2009-04-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

The magic of April in the desert. Great weather, great family, great friends. It doesn't get much better!

Weekend at Mead with Furgs, Tibbitts and Wallaces

2009-04-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful weekend at Mead with the Tibbitts, the Furgesons, and Wallaces. Eric Lindsey joined us for a day and entertained us with his flips on the wakeboard. Shawna and Andy visited Chad and Em and Parker in their new home in St. George. We had beautiful weather and good time on the boat, and the boys flew and crashed, as usual, Andy's plane. Really got us in the mood for summer. We decided we are adopting the Furgesons!

In Heaven in the hills!

2009-04-08T06:04:00.001-07:00

This pictures don't do our ride justice. We finally found the trail up into the hills which are bright green and bursting with color. Who would guess a fire destroyed everything here just 5 mo. ago. We are loving our new equestrian life. Don't think my life will be without a horse from now on. As I say at least twice a day... I LOVE MY HORSE!

"I Drive"- Parker loves driving Boppa's jeep

2009-04-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

How can you not fall in love with this little guy! Chad, Em and Parker now live in St. George! We helped them move last weekend, so now they are only 1 1/2 hrs. from the lakehouse, and that is so great. They have a darling house with a great view, and Chad starts his job as pharmacist at Walmart on the 14th. They couldn't be happier!

Another little miracle

2009-03-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad-

It sounds like you had a pretty fun week. I cant wait to see Chili, she sounds like a great pet. I can just imagine Sadie’s reaction from seeing her haha. Has Charlie Murphy seen Chile yet? How long are you going to be at the lake for this week? Im so jealous haha! But at the same time im not really too disappointed because I am having the time of my life out here.

This week has been great! Elder Goch and I both still have mild coughs but its nothing that would keep us in. We found 6 new investigators this week! It was so great. We started doing a lot more tracting and it has really paid off. Not only did we find people from tracting, but we also got a ton of referrals as well. The ward is really starting to open up to us. We have been trying to work with them a lot more to help us with rides to appointments and what not so that’s been pretty cool.

The weirdest thing ever happened to us this week! On Wednesday, we got a super random phone call from this guy who was like,” You don’t know who this is, but don’t hang up. Im a return missionary from Fullerton California and im calling to give you a referral for a girl that I randomely met on myspace who lives in your area. She seems really nice, and I have been talking to her on the phone for about a week now. Can you please go buy a cheese cake and bring it to her?” I was so confused! He even knew our names! So I was like,” how did you get our number and how do you know our names?” And he said,” she gave me her address, so I looked up which mission that it would be in and it happened to be yours, so I called the mission home and got your number and your names.” So at this point I believed the guy, and I told him I would do it, because if anything else, bringing this girl a cheese cake would probably get us in with her and allow us to teach her a little bit. So I got the girls name and address from him, and then I asked what his name was, and he said it was Sean Paul. Then I was like, wait a second, you live in fullerton? I know a Sean Paul that I went to institute with in Fullerton. It turns out that I totally knew this guy! When me and Robby would play ping pong down there we would always see him and he played with us a couple times! Super weird! It turns out that we had all the same friends down at the Fullerton institute haha! Anyways, so we were both wierded out at how random the whole situation was that this girl just happened to live in our area out here. What are the odds? So we went to Walmart and bought a cheese cake and brought it to Emily (the girl) and she was super excited. We taught her a little bit and she totally wants to learn more. Sean Paul ended up calling again and I guess she called him and told him that she was totally excited to meet us and that she was up for learning more. So good! That wasn’t just a coincidence, it was a flat out miracle. So anyways, really good things are happening in our area right now, and we are way excited.

We weren’t able to meet with the Millers this week, he was feeling pretty sick, but other than that, the week was good. I love Elder Gooch. He is hands down my favorite companion so far, and its not just because his name is Gooch, although that does play a big factor. He is so easy to get along with and is hallarious. Im so happy right now, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

I just got Jessicas wedding invitation in the mail! So crazy! I think all of my friends are going to be married when I get home. Its going to be really weird. I know a few of my other friends at BYU that I went to school with have gotten married recently also. Have you heard from Casey, Sean, Eric or any of those guys? Page just wrote me saying she hung out with you guys recently. That sounded like fun.

Anyways, I love you guys. I so happy that you are happy Life is good isn’t it? The Gospel makes everything brighter, I love it. K well im gonna go. Mom- I love you! Dad- I love you!
Love,
Elder Joshua Burnham

2009-03-18T23:42:00.001-07:00

Chili meets the kids

2009-03-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Kids all came over for Ryan's 5th birthday. We had a Star Wars kinda' day, and then all went over to meet Chili. The kids had fun riding him, and Chili seemed to love it!

Introducing Chili Pepper Burnham.

2009-03-08T00:42:00.000-08:00

2009-03-08T00:38:00.000-08:00

Well we really truly did it. We got ourselves a horse! Joel promised me a horse when we first got married, but I really didn't think it would ever happen. But if not now, then when? We're certainly not getting any younger! I've been like a giddy 12 year old for the past 2 weeks, and Joel and i have been having so much fun doing this together. I think he's about as excited as I am! Chili is a beautiful quarter horse gelding, wonderfully trained, and a real sweetheart. It was love at first sight! I have some friends who are doing this too, which makes it all the more fun.

Chili's first day

2009-03-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

Got this picture and letter the other day:

Dear Brother and Sister Burnham,

My name is Brother Kevin F. Jura and I am in the Crestview (FL) 1st Ward. I am writing to you today to let you know how grateful both my wife Sarah and I are for the privilege of knowing your son Joshua. He has not only been a positive example, but also a true testament to the Church and to his calling as a missionary.

Over the last few months Sarah and I have had the distinct pleasure and opportunity of getting to know Joshua and we cannot say enough good things about him. We are fortunate to not only look upon him as a friend, but also as family. He is a wonderful young man, as I am sure you already know.

Please know that he is doing a wonderful job in the mission field and has impacted more lives for the better than he will ever know or appreciate. Again, thank you for the privilege of getting to know your son.
Very Respectfully, Kevin F. Jura

From Josh:
"The new area is great. Fort Walton is a pretty big city right on the gulf. Its nothing like Crestview at all. To tell you the truth, I actually miss crestview a lot. The members there were like family. That’s funny that Kevin Jura wrote you guys that letter. He was a less-active member who has struggled a lot in the past.... He had not been to church in almost a year. We stopped by his house a couple of times and it seems like he just kinda took a liking to us. He and his wife started having us over for dinner all the time. We became really good friends with them to the point where we finally just told him that he needs to get back to church. So the next Sunday he came back and talked to the bishop. Every Sunday after that he came and eventually was able to take the sacrament again. They now have plans to get sealed in the DC temple in the very near future. Its been really fun seeing Kevins life turn around. That’s cool that he wrote you guys"...

(more from Josh on his blog)

2009-01-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

2009-01-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas. Katey and Keegan arrived Monday night and stayed through Christmas day. Loved being with them! We spent the night and the Tibbitts Christmas eve and woke up Christmas morning with the kids. When we were putting them to bed so Santa could come, Katey wanted to go to bed too. Later we found out that she really meant it... She got all emotional cause it was the first time EVER that she stayed up to play Santa. She always got to get up Christmas morning to the presents! We felt really bad that we didn't let her go to bed too!

The day after Christmas Joel and I drove to Henderson to pick up Chad, Em and little Parker. We brought them home and kept them for nearly 2 weeks. Loved it! Finally we got to know Parker and what a personality! Chad checked out some hospitals for residency programs and they have decisions to make regarding their future in Feb. when CHAD IS DONE with Pharmacy school at last. Though it was sad to say goodbye, not nearly so sad as usual, knowing they will be heading West in 2 months!!

Christmas with the little guys

2009-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Nov. 15, 2008 Yorba Linda Fire

2008-11-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

First pix is across the street and up the hill, looking out over the hills and gully where we took walks. Second picture is Conleys old house. Next is neighbors just down the street

Unforgetable Birthday

2008-11-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

Most everyone has heard our story about the big O.C. fire on Nov. 15. We had quite an experience here in Yorba Linda. I was having a leisurely morning at the mall when someone mentioned there was a fire in Yorba Linda and Brea. When I left the mall, there was smoke on the other side of Brea mall, and saw a small plume of smoke as I was heading home toward Y.L. The wind was blowing hard. When I pulled up Via del Agua most of the cars were heading out the other direction. Our neighbors were loading up their car s and said we better prepare to evacuate, so I went in and started pulling some things out I might want to take with me should we need to leave. Suddenly Joel started shouting GET OUT NOW!!! He was in the yard with the hose when suddenly there was a wall of fire behind of him We had the animals in both cars and tried to get out and go down Agua, but so was everyone else. The street was backed up and there was a wall of flames probably 120 ft high right at the edge of the road and moving toward the cars. It was that quick. The line of cars wasn't moving and it was the most helpless moment of my life when I realized this well could be it. I put my foot on the gas and pealed over onto the sidewalk toward the flames as it was the only way I could see to get out, and I drove down the sidewalk toward YL blvd. By the time I got down to the blvd. , a biker had jumped into the street, had stopped traffic on the main street, allowing the line of cars coming out of our neighborhood to finally move. Most of them I am sure did not know what was going on behind us. So I waited on the corner for what seemed like 15 min., but it was probably only 5, waiting for Joel to come out, but he didn't, and I just sat there scared to death that he and the dogs didn't get out, not knowing if he even had the phone, and frantically dialing praying he would answer. FINALLY the phone rang, and I saw his car. We were about 99% sure that we had lost the house, from the way things looked when Joel last looked back. Our neighbor's palm trees were on fire and the wall of fire was right at the entrance to Blue Mountain. About 2 later,Joel and our neighbor Joe hiked back up through the barocade to find, miraculously, that our neighborhood was intact, save just one house down the street. Our next door neighbor had thrown on his sprinklers, and that is what saved us, as his slope had burned up to that point. Had his slope burned, ours would have too, and once the pine trees ignited, that would have been it for our house, and probably every house up the hill. So yes, we are exhausted, but so very very grateful for our lives and for our beautiful home, that we certainly will appreciate this holiday season. 20 of our neighbors up the street weren't so fortunate. In all, 90 homes in Yorba Linda were lost, (160 total), 27,000 acres burned, and 22,000 Yorba Lindians evacuated.

2008-11-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Check out Josh's

latest letters.
He's doing

GREAT!

2008-11-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Perfect lake weekend with the Wallaces

2008-10-30T22:20:00.001-07:00

We had an awesome weekend with John and Deby. The weather was perfect, and Deby and John met Thunder and Lightening, and think they liked them alot! Deby said the bad news was, she wants one!! Deby and John are almost finished with their new decks, and their trailor is being painted this week. Their place looks brand new, and is starting to make ours look bad ! We love our friends-- were so thankful we have the Wallaces and the Webbs to share this special place with.

A fun call from Florida

2008-10-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Got a call from a lady who had dinner with Josh and his comp last week! And received a great letter from Josh this week too. Check out his blog!

Julie's seventh birthday

2008-10-14T21:57:00.001-07:00

2008-10-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT PIX OF ELDER BURNHAM ON HIS BLOG LINK!!

2008-09-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't discovered it, Elder Josh has his own blog link where we post his letters and pictures.

2008-09-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

Shawna rocks at surfing. She can go forever. Lake Mead is the best kept secret! No one gets it! Low water? Traffic on the 15? Let everyone think its an issue! No one's here and we own the lake! Its like summer vacation anytime you want it-and instant therapy from the hassles of life. Viva the simple life!

2008-09-10T22:18:00.001-07:00

We spent Chad's birthday with him at the Lakehouse with Emily, Parker, Matt and Ashley, Shawna, Andy and the kids. Perfect weather. A moment of heaven. We scurfed, swam, seadooed, and just plain loved being together. So wonderful to finally get to know little Parker, and what a joy to watch his parents with him. What a ham he is in front of the camera. We have yet to see a pix of him not grinning! He's conditioned to smile when he hears the word "cheese"!

Chad's Birthday Weekend at Mead

2008-09-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Why its hard to stay home on weekends

2008-08-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Thunder, Lightning, a perfect anniversary weekend!

2008-08-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Spent a great weekend with Traci and Dan at the lake. The Webb's had a slight mishap on the way up when a they were stopped on the 15 and rammed by a car. But with a couple of motrin they still had lots of energy to play hard with us the rest of the weekend . We had dinner on the deck and witnessed an amazing light show, and they pursuaded us to join them in a little toy partnership , which we named Thunder and Lightening, appropriately . They finally pealed themselves away at 9:30 Sunday night after a boatride under the full moon, when Dan refused to call in sick despite all of our begging and Trac's pleading and bargaining. What a responsible guy. Joel and I sure felt guilty knowing we had a week off to stay and play. We scrapped our plans to go to Utah and spent a perfect anniversary playing on T and L., and celebrating the 35 years weve spent together.

2008-08-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

2008-08-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

And then there was light ning

2008-08-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

Matt and Ash

2008-08-02T01:06:00.000-07:00

2008-08-02T00:58:00.000-07:00

Matt, Michelle, Ashley and Jeff

2008-08-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

2008-08-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

Emily's family is moving to Henderson! We are very excited, as we will get to spend much more time with them, and maximize our time sharing Parker, Chad and Em. So this weekend they were in town house shopping, and stopped over to visit us for a spin on the lake, and hamburgers.

Visit with the Zwicks

2008-08-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

2008-07-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Katey just sent this article in the newspaper in Provo regarding an update on the kid from Heritage that assaulted Keegan a few months back. That final sentence hit me in the stomach , and I am once again counting our blessings for life's little miracles. Certainly there was someone watching over my son-in-law that night. It is just a reminder to us all that life is fragile and precious, and that we need to live each day with gratitude and thanksgiving.:

Teen sentenced to prison for assault on counselor

Jeremy Duda - DAILY HERALD

A troubled 17-year-old will serve prison time for his assault on a counselor from a treatment facility he fled.

Prosecutors had agreed not to seek prison time for Jerry Gale, but a report from the diagnostic unit of the Utah State Prison, where Gale underwent an evaluation, recommended that he serve a prison sentence. At a hearing on Tuesday, 4th District Judge Steven Hansen followed that recommendation, sentencing Gale to 1-15 years behind bars. Hansen ordered a diagnostic evaluation for Gale after defense attorney Keith Eddington said his behavior was caused by years of severe abuse by the teen's father. The resulting report said that Gale had mostly "shut down" after getting to the diagnostic unit and that he showed a great deal of immaturity in his treatment program.

Before handing down his sentence, Hansen read portions of the report that said Gale is not receptive to critical feedback, sought thrills in behaving dangerously, and minimized his involvement in the crimes he was charged with.

"I don't know what to do with a 17-year-old in terms of prison. I don't think they know what to do with him. I don't think they even have a program for 17-year-olds in prison," Hansen said.

Hansen said Gale was a danger to the community, but that he wasn't afraid of prison. Considering the extent of the abuse Gale has suffered, Eddington agreed.

"[Gale] said, 'What can they do that hasn't already been done to me?'" Eddington said. "The judge is right. He isn't afraid of prison."

Larson said he hoped the diagnostic evaluation would give more insight into what kind of treatment might benefit Gale if probation had been granted instead of prison. Eddington said the program Gale took part in at the diagnostic unit was tailored for perpetrators, not victims, of abuse, which is why he shut down and withdrew when he got to the unit. Eddington questioned whether Gale would be able to get sufficient treatment in prison.

"I don't think the state has that kind of treatment," Eddington said.

Gale pleaded guilty in March to aggravated assault, theft and two counts of burglary. He was charged after leaving the Heritage School, a treatment facility for at-risk adolescents, and assaulting a counselor who attempted to bring him and a friend back to the facility. Larson said Gale pointed a gun at the counselor and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire.

Our new TV at the lakehouse-Given to us by our AMAZING friends!

2008-07-26T22:17:00.001-07:00

I have had a fantasy of getting rid of the monstrosity TV unit taking up the whole corner of our lakehouse, but didn't think it would ever happen. Well our AMAZING friends the Wallaces left this gift for us when they drove up at midnight last night. Wow. We will hang the speakers and hide the wires and I picture a nice big LOVE SAC there in the corner. Sweet. We love you John and Deby!!!

Update on Elder Burnham

2008-07-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

Every Monday brings joy as we continue to read Josh's letters from Florida and we find ourselves smiling all day knowing how happy he is and how well he is doing. He has been working in Fox Run with a wonderful companion, Elder Taylor, and teaching about 3 investigators a day. The work is really exploding in this area. As of this Wed. apparently his companion is transfered and Josh is taking over with a new companion.

He writes: "Time really is flying by out here. In just a couple weeks will be my 4 month mark. There has been some hard times but overall, I wish time would slow down just a little bit. Ive learned so much about myself out here and more importantly ive become so much closer to my savior. It hurts me to see people out here who say they know God and say they are saved, but really they just see God as some mysterious amoeba floating around in space somewhere. I am so grateful that I KNOW who I am relying on and that I KNOW exactly who am praying to when I kneel down at night. I am grateful that I Know that God sent his son to the earth to atone for the sins of all of us, and that I KNOW he lives again, with a glorified body of flesh and bones that is as tangible as can be. We KNOW who God is. And because we know this, we know what our potential is and who we can become. Is there any greater knowledge than this? I couldn’t be happier than I am right now, knowing exactly who I am serving, and knowing what he has done for me."

So now you know why we're smiling!!

Maybe if they didn't feed him so much he wouldn't grow up so quick. We're missing everything!!

2008-07-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

We Miss Parker!!!!

2008-07-26T02:24:00.000-07:00

5 days with the kids

2008-07-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

Lucky us. Shawna and Andy went on a cruise and we got Julie, Ryan and Kenna for 5 days. They were perfect. We are so blessed to have this sweet family in our life! Our home lights up the moment they walk in the door!

Not too much personality!

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This is my happy place

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This trip of course is a write-off, all business.

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2008-07-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Joel finally had his open house for the new office Thurs. afternoon, and I was so proud of him and all he has accomplished. The girls did a Mexican Fiesta theme and we had a great spread of food, and lots of his referring doctors, friends and people from his building came by. The office looks great and things are going well. Dr. Jared Furgeson is a wonderful addition to our staff, and the patients all love him. We are also enjoying his darling wife Kelly and their 3 kids, and love having them over for swimming and BBQs. We even have the kids calling us Nana and Boppa. Decided if we can't get enough grandkids around, well just have to adopt a few!

Left right after the open house for the Lake and arrived here at 4 a.m. , and Andy and Jared drove up and got here about 4 p.m. Fri. So I am having a fun weekend with the boys. Kelly was in Utah with the kids so Jared is batching it , and Shawna succumbed to Dad's pressure to let Andy come and play with him. The boys wakeboarded and scurfed, we hung out on the beach and watched a beautiful sunset, came home and did kerioke, and Jared BBQed the perfect steaks. The boys all did the dishes, and I was quite content with the day! John and Deby and Danny and Traci are coming in tonight. Joel has been going nuts for the last 3 weeks being separated from his new boat, so as you can see from his big smile, all is well in the world.

Weekend with the boys

2008-07-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July at Mead

2008-07-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

We had a great Fourth of July weekend up at the Lakehouse. We had a big group--Katey and Keegan and Bones came up Monday and got to stay the whole week, which we loved! Shawna, Andy and kids came up Thursday thru Sunday. (I rented a room at the lodge for all the dogs, best money I've spent). The Webbs were up with Ryan and his darling fiance Luz, and Mike and Ella, John and Deby, David and Christine and kids, Skyler and Elise and friends. Of course the only windy days were over the weekend when everyone wanted to wakeboard. The rest of the week was perfect weather. Put up the pool and sunshade on the back deck with the shower running and Tracy and the kids were in heaven.

And yes Joel bought a MasterCraft. Totally unintentional, really. The salesman practically FORCED him to do it. It wasn't Joel's fault at all. He only went in to see about servicing the Tige. You see, they hadn't sold a boat in months, and of course the salesman gave Joel a deal he absolutely would have been crazy to refuse. yada yada yada. But actually its the truth! I must admit its a heck of a lot more stable in the rough water, and sure has a lot more room in it without a big ol motor right in the middle of the boat. Push a button and the fat sacks fill up. 16 cupholders (my favorite feature). Swim ladder at the bow. Plus we have to have room for all the dozens of grandbabies we plan to have over the next few years. And much more room for Sadie and the Murph.

I just wish Joel looked at ME with the same look as he gives that boat!!

The Day Spa

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notice the shadows. Someone is taking a picture of his new toy

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Katey and Keegan at sunset

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I wanted to stand up but Dad was in the way.

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As long as no water gets splashed in my face...I'll smile!!!

2008-07-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

wakeboarding with my dad is SO awesome!

2008-07-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

Bored being a blond. Ask Shawna if redheads really do have more fun!

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Elder Burnham and his new comp

2008-06-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Great letter from Josh-First Transfer.

2008-06-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad-
All I have to say is WOW! I love my new area. This is what I thought of when I thought of Florida. Giant willows everywhere, plantation homes, moss and vines hangin off all the trees. Its beautiful here. There are way more mosquitoes though so that’s a bummer. Its nothing like the other area was in. Navarre was more residential in most areas. Here in fox run theres is a lot more space. I wouldn’t say ist a rural area though because some of these plantation homes are giant.
My companion is so great. Everybody loves him. He has a heart of gold. Hes a stellar missionary and he has so much love for the work. I guess about 8 or 9 months ago, this area was one of the worst areas in the mission as far as finding people to teach. But ever since My comp. got here about 8 months ago, its been exploding with new investigators and baptisms. In Navarre we only had about 3 investigators and there hadn’t been a baptism in months. Right now in Fox Run we have about 16 investigators we are teaching, 4 of which we just found yesterday while trackting. We have about 3 baptismal dates set up as well. We are teaching about 3 investigators a day. I love it here. I love my companion. Me and him get along so well. I just cant even explain how excited I am to be here. I think that first area was just a big test for me or something. I dunno, I just know the Lord put me their for a reason. That was probably the hardest month and a half of my life. But the He has blessed me now with an awesome area and an awesome companion.
My district is a lot bigger than my last one. We have 9 elders in our district where as last one we had 4. So thatll be fun on Pdays and stuff.
Sorry about the money ive spent on the home card, we only have 130 dollars a month on the mission card and on the last couple days in Navarre I bought a lot of Dip and Dots and Mcdonalds. I take it easier this transfer I promise.
The storms here in Fox Run I guess are a lot more intense and frequent than in Navarre. They say this area gets the most rain in the U.S. or something like that? I dunno. Google it for the facts I guess.
I promise im sending pictures home tonight. Sorry ive been so bad with that. There wasn’t that much to take pictures of in Navarre but theres tons of cool stuff here so ill fill the card up today. Theres a mail box I saw that says 8769 ½. That was pretty cool. Wow now that I think about it that’s pretty lame. Whatever.
We went trackting yesterday and out of nowhere a thunderstorm came in. so we were knocking on doors in the rain. It was way fun. Eventually someone let us in cuz we were getting pretty wet. We had a good discussion with them.
I don’t know what else to say other than I am so happy here. I love it. The work is the most rewarding work you can possibly do and I am learning so much from Elder Taylor. Im actually excited to wake up every morning at 630! We work out every mornig until 7 so that’s good. We live with a member named brother Allen who is about 70 years old. Hes really funny. I didn’t think I would like living with a member but its actually really cool. It keeps us in line haha.
Could you see if there are any sales at express for their slacks? Those dickies just get way too hot out here. The express pants I have are perfect and they aren’t to expensive. I like dark brown, dark grey, and black in a 30/30. You don’t have to get any if theyre not on sale but I could really use some.
Thank You soo much for the samoas! I cant believe they sell them on ebay hahaha. That made my day. And thanks for all the other stuff you guys have been sending me as well. It makes me happy to get pictures of the fam and what not.
Well I think im gonna go now. I have to write my weekly letter to President. I just want you guys to know how happy I am here and that im staying safe so don’t worry. I love the work Im doing and I know its true. I love my savior with all my heart. Im happy to here your all safe and happy. Mom- I love yo so much. Keep working hard with the business and keep loving dad Dad- I love you so much too. Thank you so much for supporting us all our lives. Keep loving mom I LOVE YALL!!!!!
Love,
Elder Burnham

Our newest pet

2008-06-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't she beautiful! She lives in our pillar on our front porch and she has babies inside the pillar which we hear but haven't seen yet. Hope to have her housebroken by the end of the summer!

2008-06-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

Our newest pet

2008-06-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

2008-05-27T20:03:00.001-07:00

Dad has a new camera and Kenna was his first photo shoot. Pretty cute, yes?

2008-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

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Kenna wearing Shawna's clothes when she was a baby

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

Josh is in a little town on the coast called Navarre. His email is elderjoshuajoelburnham@myldsmail.net. We got some great pix and here's a few of them. Have gotten some good letters and finally an email, so now well be getting some more consistent communication . His address for pkgs. or mail is: Florida Tallahassee Mission 1535 Killearn Center Blvd. Ste. C-4. Tallahassee, FL 32309. Isn't he just so cute?!

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hanging out with Kenna Leigh

2008-04-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

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Why we have fallen in love with the desert

2008-04-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

So if anyone wonders why we can't stay away from our little desert getaway in the springtime, check out these pictures. Joel and I found a new jeep trail and took this beautiful hike over the weekend. A little bit of rain brings out the best in all of us.

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