Vintonville

Thanks to JibJab, you can now see the mad breakin’ skills Joshua (and his neighborhood running crew) has been entertaining us with for weeks.

Mah boy’s got skeeeeels! Hollah atcha boy by clicking HERE.

Consider this a case of light yet firm admonishing. The blog is here for Vinton family usage. It’s not getting any. Oh, there have been valiant attempts by April, Emily and Ben… but once a month is just doesn’t cut it- and I won’t even mention the scoundrels who have yet to even post a comment. Take advantage of it or I’ll change it to cleavageforyourmondayblues.com or iloveallcatsbutthefelineones.com.

That said…

President Hinckley’s death has been a big news topic around here as you can imagine. I’ve been listening to a lot of people crying and am left kind of scratching my head at that sentiment.

President Hinckley was certainly loved and brimming with charisma, heart and leadership. He led the church through some of its largest growth in both membership and temples. I suppose the surprise is based on his longevity and seemingly boundless energy– everyone kind of expected him to live forever, but still, with all due respect- ease up on the selfishness, people. President Hinckley was 97 and tenderly noted several conferences ago that he’d reached his twilight. He’s returned to his Father in Heaven, his sweetheart and the mantle will be passed to an equally wonderful successor. It’s sad simply because he was so beloved, but in the end- there’s no tragedy in this. I don’t think any tears need be shed and I daresay he’d state the same.

Let’s be happy for a great man and prophet and all that he accomplished by the Lord’s hand over the last 13 years while thanking our Father in Heaven for such a great leader, example and the fact His plan and his work on earth is alive and well.

Yesterday we had the graveside service for Lucas Daniel Vinton– our “Little Pookie”. Everyone who could show up did and as usual, we had a fantastic mobilization of support and love.

I wanted to share a few pics for those who weren’t able to make it (click on them to enlarge in another window). The little “box” for Lucas was designed and handmade by Mari-Catherine’s Dad, her brother Nathan with assistance by Jermie Montgomery. MCs sister Rebecca made the lining, the gown, the cap and little blanket. Needless to say, it’s pretty incredible.

The service was short and I shared a few thoughts- namely Lucas’ creating a Pretzel Bite addict out of Mari-Catherine, our appreciation of family– the truest friends we could ever ask for. I touched on the hymn “Each Life That Touches Ours for Good”, and 3 Nephi 17:21. We then sang “Families Can Be Together Forever”, I dedicated the grave, the little cousins placed flowers and the family dispersed. The day was incredibly cold so all the little cousins were packed into a heated car. To see a 9 little rascals going crazy with each other in the packed confines of a Volvo sedan was pretty funny. I tried to capture the moment, but I don’t think the pic does it justice.

Long after the last car left, MC sat quietly at little Lucas’ side. The following picture perfectly sums up the emotion of that moment.

Thank you again for your prayers, love and support. We love you!

So we’ve tried our hand at Joshua’s Potty Training. Some days he’s on, some day’s he’s off. In this case… where we left him to decide what jammies he wanted to wear to bed, he came out a little “off” with this getup instead.

These others include the Christmas day candy stash in the tent, the mandatory “campout” in the tent and the the proud architect of the “big ol’ tower that’s sooooo tall as you, Papa!”

Thanks for all your prayers and support. You’ve been a great strength.

Little Lucas Daniel will be buried at Washington Heights’ Baby Land Cemetery on January 19, 2008 at 1pm.

We know everything will be just fine and it’s as if little Lucas wanted to remind us of that fact– he left us with an affirmation: Thumbs up.

We love you.

So this is great, I’m making my first post on vintonville! It’s great having Ben here, we’ve got him changing diapers, babysitting, doing dishes, babysitting, cleaning bathrooms, and babysitting! He’s lovin’ it fer sure. Here’s some pics of him on my kayak, (of mom and dad with the kids when they were here, and a pic with the fergusons, also isaac’s kindergarten pj party and us canoeing in orlando at Christmas. )… okay, so I couldn’t upload the others, my files are too big. Danny, what do I do?

FLORIDA IS SOOOOO AWESOME YALL ARE MISSING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! FLORIDA LETS ALL MOVE DOWN HERE!!! (i just made 5$)

Hey all, seein as how no one else is posting, after updating the ole willem blog, though i would throw up a hello and little pic of the kid here.  Hope everyone had a great christmas and happy new year.  Look forward to seeing anyone soon.