Gratitude

I am thankful that we had a safe, happy & normal childhood which allowed us to grow up into productive (arguably over-productive) adults. That we can agree to disagree. That I have the most fun with my family who makes me laugh til I cry and cry til I laugh. That we are blessed to have our parents still with us and that the generations continue and choose to stay connected whether we are near or far. That the next generation's commitment to family resonates loud & clear.

Happy Thanksgiving & love you all-

Leslie

Thanksgiving Blessings

Okay--quick list from me....things I am thankful for....parents who have instilled the importance of faith and unquestionable love for family and instilling values that can be passed on to the next generation.......having that special "Walton's" brand family who gather together whenever opportunity presents itself to laugh and play, cry and fuss, and remember.....knowing that there's a whole "team" behind us in whatever we do. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!!!

Thank You

With Thanksgiving approaching and not everyone able to be together I think it would be neat if we could share one or two things we are grateful for like we have done in the past at Thanksgiving dinner-I'll start!
I am grateful for a family who supports me no matter what-even when I know my decisions may seem crazy
I am grateful for memories that can never be replaced
Love you all-may you have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!!
Sue

My List

Long time no post. Been busy around here. Things are going well here at work I suppose. No big changes, guess that's a good thing. Zoo is good to. We got our new animals in this past week. Hope you can keep a secret 'cause I sure can't they are just TOOO CUTTTTEEE. They are Red Panda's and I can't wait until their 30 quarantene is over so I can work with them. Bad news is one of our sloths died and 2 of our penguins might be worsing in health. Oh, yeah and I almost got attack by a sea lion. Nothing to worry about Pupper thought if she scared me that I would give her fish, which of course I don't ever have. She's going through a rough spot and acting like a misbehaving little kid. Hannah, I should know soon what we need to do to get you a spot on Zoo Crew if you are still interested... You can check out blankparkzoo.org to see what's going on. Let's see Sassy is good too. A little perturbed at me for being gone last week. On to my Christmas wish list. I too would love to have old memories written down as I seem to have Aunt Susan's memory. Old pics with memories would be good. I would love a weekend of handyman help around the house this summer as there's much I want to do, but not much I want to try by myself. I'm always up for books and a gift card from Amazon.com is perfect as that's where I purchase them from. Also, I just got a Wii and would love to have a charging/cooling station for it. Jeans from Old Navy, The Sweetheart Size 10. In Shirts I where Large. Just remembered, I also got an iPod so a gift card for songs is good too. There is a clock and a wall decoration thing from Target that Mom has the info on as well. Anyway, I should probably get back to work. Love you all and Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Memories

Thought it might be fun to share some
of our old Christmas pictures. ( I am
hoping I have this scanning stuff
figured out!)

Christmas List

Hey everyone! Greetings from St. Louis! Things are busy as usual, though my biggest issue, my car, is finally resolving itself. I had jury duty Monday. I actually wanted to sit on the jury, but it was a long trial, and I don't get paid for j-duty, so I had to cause a little ruckus in the courtroom so that I didn't get picked. Not to stir political fire, but here's a recent picture of me:
This was at the Obama rally in STL in October, me and 100,000 of my closest friends. It was craziness!

OK, down to the real business, haha. As far as Christmas wishes go, my biggest vices are music, books, and movies, and I'm quite open to all. If you really need more specifics:
Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix DVD (which, tragically I have not bought myself yet)
Flight of the Chonchords Season 1 DVD (it's an HBO show)
CD's: Devotchka-A Mad and Faithful Telling, We Are Scientists-With Love and Squalor, and the Legally Blond Broadway Soundtrack (for the record, the bands in the first two are Devotchka and We Are Scientists, then it's the name of the album :) )
Books: there's about a million, but here's a few: Hurry Down Sunshine, The Book of Lost Things, The World Without Us, and The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century

Hope that helps. Can't wait to see everyone for thanksgiving and/or christmas! Love ya'll! :)
julie

Utah wish list

Beautiful weekend here in Utah. Between the three of us we raked and bagged 39 bags of leaves and one very scary bag of tomatoes caught between freezes on the vine. Eeewww. 

Hannah's Holiday Wish List includes: 

DVDs: Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky

Soundtracks from any of the three movies listed above

Headphones--Apple iBuds or Skullcandy earpods

Barnes and Noble gift cards

Itunes giftcards

Anything Harry Potter

Anything Lord of theRings

David's wish list:

A pepper grinder--like over your salad in fancy restaurants, but smaller

Your favorite two recipes 

Your favorite book

Old family photos

A compact kitchen first aid kit for all the times I cut myself cooking (thought of by Carolyn)

Carolyn's wish list:

Old family stories written out or recorded

Ditto on old family photos

A book or info downloaded from the Internet on how to grow and cook with hot chili peppers

Good smelling stuff to spray on sheets (for the cabin)

Good smelling shower gels

Walking/hiking stuff--ie, water bottle

Thanks. We hope everyone has a lovely November and a not-too-stressful lead up to the holidays.  

Merry Christmas To All

I agree-we are a very vocal family who are not afraid to share our thoughts and opinions. I too am glad to put this to rest and focus on preparing for the holidays. This is my favorite time of year-even being in retail. Just an FYI-the Christmas carols are playing at Kohls if you need help getting into the spirit :)
Life in Memphis continues to be interesting-the store is still struggling (we just haven't been able to get ahead). They are bringing in a huge crew to help us prepare for the holidays-it's great for me to finally get some stuff caught up-but never a good thing for a store to need that much help. I have to give up my weekend off, but it will give me some good "bonding" time with my new district manager since he has pretty much taken over control of the store from the store manager (again not a good thing for the manager).
As far as Christmas lists go here are some thoughts for us-
David-
movies (he is registered on Family Video with a wish list-use our email and then 1416spring for password)
socks-he likes the thin dress socks
any kind of gift certificate for restaurants
homemade oatmeal cookies-no raisans or chips or nuts-just plain
CDs-he likes lots of the 70-80's like Cher, Air Supply, I know he would love the CD from Dirty Dancing
Any type of Rams or Cardinals shirts (he likes the polo styles)

Susan-
Inexpensive jewelry-nothing real flashy
Books-just about any novel
Chocolate-in any form!!!!!
Family Calendar
I would love a photo album of other's family pictures over the years
Visor CD holder for my car
Subscription to magazines-Oprah, Family Circle, Womans Day, Good Housekeeping

And from us both-lots of visitors in 2009!

We love you all and can't wait to see you!!

Thanks Everyone, Now How About A little Help

It's nice to know that the "Walton" family is well and reading their blog. Mom and Dad did a good job in making us all feel comfortable in voicing our opinion, no matter what side of the fence it may come from. Wouldn't it be nice if all families felt as comfortable in talking over the pros and cons of family "life?" Let's get on with the holidays. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and then it won't be long before we get together for the Christmas holiday!!
It would be truly helpful if a gift "registry" would appear on this blog...listing not only sizes, but things that you might like to receive for Christmas, both bought and homemade. Dale and I would love to see this list magically appear on our computer.
If you don't mind we'll start....

Dale would love to see any of the following under the tree
CD's both instrumental and vocal anyone heard of Ferranti and Teischer?
Easy playing piano/organ book
Jellies, Jams (home made or bought)
Inexpensive, interesting tools (don't you know --no one ever has enough tools)
a lesson on how to put pictures on the blog
handyman's assistant to help with some projects around the house
recipes of easy to make food for "kids night" (I'm tired of making the same old things, and they hate Aunt Sherry's new recipes!!!)
"bus" toys---anything having to do with/connected to driving a school bus

Sherry would love to see any of these items
CDs of any musical except SOUND OF MUSIC, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA which she already has or Barry Manilow, The Four Seasons
set of GEL pens that I can use for my grading
inexpensive jewelry that can be worn in a first grade classroom without worry of breakage/losing
pictures of family and our activities
calendar of family birthdays, anniversaries (are you reading this Mom and Dad?)
a story of a family memory(ies) (in a binder please) that was written by the gift giver
a special drawing from our youngest members suitable for framing
cheap watch (I know, I know...I have lots of them, but I really do LIKE them)

***this list is subject to updating as we think of things we might like to add so keep checking!!

Christmas

I know im a little late in posting but here it is. I am not traveling 7 hours for presents. My favorite part of the holidays is spending time with my family. Like my sister i am having trouble coming up with anything that I would even want for christmas so i have no problem with cutting out some gift expenses for others. I also have a very tight budget this year. I had budgeted for christmas this year but then I got the Dr. Bill which ment I had to change the christmas budget. The idea of the option to opt in or out is ok with me. Ok i need to get to class, i miss everyone. love u lots

Christmas

Things are definitely tight for Emilee and I. We have 3 kids - each of whom seem to get more expensive to have than they were the previous year. We have a new house. We really don't have much extra at all. But that's okay. It just meant that we had to get a little creative about how we were going to handle gifts for this year.

I think that everybody needs to remember the point of the Christmas gift assignments: it's not about forcing people to spend money, nor is it about receiving/buying stuff. The point is to ensure that everybody is remembered during this time of year. It's a means to preserve our connections to each other as a family. It's certainly not the only means, and maybe in the future there should be other means brainstormed and considered.

But please, let's all remember what it's really about. It's Christmas. We are family. We ought to do things to help us stay connected and remembered during this time of year.

Emilee and I are planning to participate in the family gift-giving.

Hippo Song

Me too

I am ready for a decision too & can live with whatever is decided by all but am glad everyone has had a chance to weigh in. A difficult discussion but I think a necessary one. Not sure if I should apologize?

I agree that we should have the chance to opt in/out. Although it is trickier, I would guess that we might be able to keep some of it the same. What about if we ask mom & dad to be the check-in point and they are in charge of reassigning names as needed? Not that Julie can't but I think it would eat up some time to figure it out. Also, I would suggest people email the name-keeper direct rather than post.

We also need a decision about godchildren/parents. Seems all agree the cutoff of 21 makes sense. That really leaves our two (I don't think the 4th generation has in-family godparents?) and Sara who is just shy of 21.

Our family was always good for a rousing discussion which we can leave at the table. Love to you all, Les

PS- I don't know the hippopotomaus song but can someone bring it to Thanksgiving?
PSS- I was busy in Minnesota but have the salon pics to post. The team worked hard this weekend & Chrissy is a great project manager!

As my daughter said

I too think that enough time has been given for discussion and that we move forward.
Tony and I are in.
I also love the hippopotamus song!!!!!! It makes me smile!!!! I can remember singing it with Eric and Julie and laughing away.
Love you all and make it a GREAT day.
Chrissie

By the way we (the Helds and us) are working hard on the new salon and it is looking beautiful. With the help of the Strackeljahns this coming weekend we will be moving in all the equipment. Opening day is set for December 2. Keep your fingers crossed on that one. We will not have a Grand Opening until Jan or Feb. It does seem the neighborhood is anxious for us to be there. We've gotten calls, people stopping in and drivers slowing down as they pass to have a look. Eric Held took pictures this weekend, maybe Leslie can post them since I am not experienced in that.

Christmas Decision

Well, many people have weighed in on this, so props to us all for being communicative. I don't like unresolved issues though, so I'm calling for a decision. I really do want to start my shopping this week, and I need to know what all I'm looking for. So I, along with my parental units, believe we need to agree to something quickly. I'm saying this: You have the choice to opt-out of the gifts this year, if need be. At Thanksgiving we will redraw names with the people who are gift-giving. You can post in the comments whether you want to opt in/out, or if you want, you can email me, and I'll keep a running tally of who is in/out (friendofmusic@gmail.com). I'll be at Thanksgiving, so I can put the names of anyone who emailed me in the pot. This seems to be a good plan for everyone and is completely understandable.

If anyone has a problem with this, you can let me know; I have tough skin. I think everyone seems amenable to this arrangement, though. I hope it's Ok that I'm calling this decision now, but as I said, I really want to know what's happening so I can plan accordingly, and I bet others do as well. If there is a major backlash or something, I guess we can figure something else out; I just want it done quickly. I'm in, myself.

OK, I love you all!! Try not to stress! Christmas is supposed to be fun, yes? Have some chamomile tea and listen to a good song. :) I recommend that hippopotamus Christmas song; that song is hilarious.

Christmas thoughts

As the youngest (I think) on here, I feel my opinion should be heard on the matter of Christmas. And, since tensions seem to be running high, I know that I may get some flaming. 

First of all, if a person or family are feeling the economy squeeze, then I think they have a claim to back out. 

If people are opting out, we should prioritize who gets gifts. I think that the littlest kids (Ty through Mackenzie) and the young families should get the priority. 

Christmas

It's difficult to understand why exactly this is such a touchy subject. If someone says money is tight and times are tough, how would telling that person they should have budgeted better really fit in the Christmas spirit?

We've talked about this Christmas quite a bit and to be honest, times are tough for us, too, as our income is directly affected by the nation's economic situation. If we had extra in tough times, we'd most like to give to those who have literally nothing. I know people who have lost their jobs already and it is not something to scoff at.

We don't have much extra, and I can't help but agree with Leslie that whatever we can save as a family will be a necessity—not a luxury.

Unfortunately, this year we don't have much extra. We're paying the bills, saving for a home, and mostly getting all the stuff first-time parents need to get.

Personally, I think it'd be nice if putting a bit extra away for a future home or months without pay wasn't considered selfish and inconsiderate. It's not, and having kids really changes everything. If someone doesn't have a lot and wants to put what little they have into their family for a time, it's not a bad thing.

For some, Christmas can really add up: X for each extended family, X for each parent, X for siblings, X for kids, X for godchildren. Sheesh. Is it a horrible thing to say someone'd like to give a bit of that to their kids?

If someone not spending money on us meant more payed off on a credit card, more toward their own kids, or more saved, I say go ahead and spend it elsewhere.

Also, I don't think it's right to ever define the right amount for someone else to give.

Ok, so I'm going to throw my thoughts out here, a little late I know, but here it goes....oh and this will ramble and this is like Leslie not just for me but in mind of others....I would agree money is tight. However, I am still torn on this issue. As for budgeting for Christmas...well we had to budget for the big Branson trip, then for an impromptu trip to AR to TN and back in a not very gas friendly truck pulling a U-haul (though we really appreciated being able to use it!) Various car parts and sewer problems have swarmed us with unexpected charges, we are trying our best to insulate the house as much as possible for winter to help with our ridiculous CIPS bills, I made another trip to TN, we are currently budgeting for another TN trip at the end of the month complete with a ridiculous dog hotel bill, there was an emergency vet trip, there will be another trip to TN in December complete with a week of unpaid shutdown for Rocky. And all this on top of the far too many monthly bills we seem to have accumulated. Now I'm not saying this to make anyone feel bad for us or say we are without any money at all, but I'm just being upfront and honest about a good example of how things can be. Budgeting can't always fit it all in when there is not a large enough sum to work with! I would agree that at least a $20 limit would help. That can still add up quickly for families however. And I know there may be some in the family who are having a very rough time right now but don't want to speak up and come forward for whatever their reason may be, maybe I am wrong, I'm not trying to speak for anyone. This is a very sensitive subject I know. Part of me says to buy a gift for everyone I always have before. Part of me looks at the numbers and the other things pulling for pieces of the budget and think, wow, this is really hard. I truly enjoy Christmas and I LOVE giving gifts, more than receiving believe it or not. Actually, there is no material gift that I can think of that I really need this year and I would like to say if it would help someone in our family not to spend even just $20 on me than please don't! I like Leslie's saying about going into 2009 with less debt, to me that is the greatest gift of all at this point in my life! BUT I also see the other side of people who can afford it easily, whether it be because things are just going well for them or they just mananged to save money here and there to prepare for it, wanting to buy gifts for their loved ones. And I see the point that some have begun shopping already so it's somewhat late. But I'll let you in on a secret, and I'm sure I'm not the only one (or maybe I am, who knows!)...I have not bought one single gift yet. So now is the time when I'm preparing to start (honestly not for another month still though) as I'm running out of time and now is the time that it's hitting me what all I need money for and what all I have to put towards those things, as I stated earlier, it's not a lack of budgeting, it's that I could not budget for everything at once. And I will also let you know, writing this is even hard. I want to voice my personal experience on behalf of myself but also for others that may be struggling even more, because I know with us at least it's just Rocky and I and it's hard enough and we haven't even added any child factors in, but on the other hand I feel guilty even talking about not buying gifts. So I have stated at least some of my rambling thoughts but don't really have a clear answer. But I will say we will find a way to go with whatever decision is made.

Christmas Plan

Since we already have drawn names for the holiday here's my proposal: Leave the drawn names as they are for this year with a Max spend limit of $20. The Godchildren/Godparent gifting should be for those that have Godchildren below the age of 21 (unless you choose to give a gift to your godchild/godparent, but not at the family present exchange. Thoughts. Remember shopping is starting and we really need to decide this like today...

Well, it's a bit late in the year to try to rearrange how things are organized for Christmas at least in 2008 - that said, I agree that godchildren/parents being cut at 21 makes sense, and if anyone just can't afford to get a gift for someone I think everyone would understand - there shouldn't be feelings of guilt about gifts, recieving or giving.

Alirghty. I'm OK with cutting off godchildren at 21. I mean, it does seem that there needs to be a cutoff sometime, and that's as good as any. As far as this year, really, I would be OK keeping things the way they are, but I totally understand that times are hard, and so I would be OK having people opt-in or out as well. Yes, I am not a good decision maker. If we keep things the same, maybe we can impose a flat, all-around spending limit on gifts? I mean, the idea is, it's nice to gather together and have packages to open. Opening things is fun. But they don't have to be expensive. I mean, even getting a book or a box of ramen or cookies or a Harry Potter calendar...all nice. It could even be a joke gift (though I am not joking that a box of ramen is nice). I'm not really so concerned with the material value of the gift. And if there's a limit all around, then no one has to feel bad about not spending as much as someone else, etc. Budgeting is awesome, but unforseen things do occur that throw off budgets (cough...having to buy a new car after yours gets stolen for the third and final time and you didn't necessarily think you were going to have to deal with that for at least another year or so). If we just do the names, and everyone is responsible for one present of maximum $20 or something, that's not too bad. We have Christmas to spend time together. And eat. If the group present-opening gets stripped down to one each, that seems fine. Most of my friends don't exchange gifts with extended family at all. And ya know, if you really want to buy something big for someone, nifty. Buy it and give it to them at another time. I'm rambling like my mother, and I was going to try not to. OK--Cut off godpresents at 21. This younger family member is fine either keeping things the same or having people opt in/out, but thinks maybe a spending limit of a low amount would be nice in order to a) help budgets and b) remember this is about being together, not about buying fancy things. :):):)

I do think it is important that we remember that the budgets and resources in our family vary according to the stage we are in in addition to the economy. Please remember that our positions are all very different and be sensitive to others. What is doable for you may not be for someone else. I think there is an insinuation that I have not budgeted well. That is not it. I am trying to think not only of my family but of others.

Christmas

I have to agree with Leslie that there are many of us who have to be very careful with our budgets. (Eric Held would be so proud of me for saying budget)
The holidays are my favorite time of year only because of the time spent with loved ones. It is not the gifts by any means. It is the memories we make, the laughs we share and just being able to be with everyone.
I do believe it puts a burden on some of us as far as the gift exchange goes. It makes sense that anyone who would like to be a part of this names goes in the hat, and to give the opportunity for those of us who need to bow out (maybe for this year only or whatever amount of time) can do so gracefully and not feel any guilt about it.
For those of you who enjoy giving......I do understand.......however I know what Leslie is saying about the feeling you have if you do not return the giving.
I think I am rambling here with little time for that. So bottom line.........
anyone who would like to be in the exchange should let Laurie know
for godchildren the cut off should be at least 21 (it was when you were confirmed as we grew up)
I love all of you and respect each of your individual opinions. What Sherry said about the memories, pictures, and stories I believe to be true. They are what I remember and my family remembers. That is what counts...the love and happiness shared by this family not only at Christmas but throughout the year.
This coming year is going to be scary and very unstable for our country........
Grandchildren what are your thoughts on this? You are probably the main reason this discussion started. We have heard Laurie's thoughts. How about yours?
God bless us each and every one!!!

Christmas

Thanks, but no thanks. Christmas shopping has begun here. I, too, figure this into our budget before Christmas approaches. My list is long, but I sooooo love giving gifts at this particular time of year. I do believe, however, no one should feel compelled to buy a gift...nor do I think the gift must be an expensive one. I have a priceless frog that sits in front of my TV set made for me by a young sister who wasn't even working, yet wanted to give me something out of love for my bridal shower. I also have a handmade pink doily that another sister made...she, too, didn't have any money, but talked Mom out of some material and hand sewed it for me!! Sometimes, the best gifts are those that can't be bought, but are given from deep within the heart. And certainly not withstanding, I wouldn't trade Mom and Dad's birthday pictures, Christmas calendar, family address book, and life story for all the money in the world!!

Christmas Ideas

Well, the elections are over so I guess this will be the next topic for heated discussions in our family. As always, we have mixed opinions and are not afraid to speak up, which is one of the things that I count as a blessing-no one holds back :)
I have been thinking about this as well, I really feel that EVERYONE who wishes to should be part of a family drawing including those loved ones who are not blood related but we are lucky enough to call "family". And although it does bring us close to what we already do-I would like to include godchildren/godparents until they turn 21.
I don't think that it is only the economy-but the simple fact that as our family grows larger and larger (which is wonderful) you have to begin drawing some lines somewhere. Just as when we were growing up our grandparents, aunts and uncles had to.
The one thing that I would really miss would be the time that we spend together-that is the most precious to me and to my own family. If I could pool all of the money we spent and just bring EVERYONE together for our holiday I would give up every single gift given and received!!!
Our children (and ourselves) have so many precious memories of our family time together that no gift could ever replace......ask them what they got last Christmas and they probably could not tell you....ask them about our trips and they will rattle off a dozen stories!
And when you talk to our own cousins they will tell you how they miss our gatherings-I hope that we never allow that to happen because once you let it slip away it is very hard to return to. I know that just by moving I feel a disconnect that I have never felt before-so, whatever is decided I am just happy to be a part of such a fantastic family! I love you all and miss you SO MUCH
Love Sue

Christmas Names

I for one disagree. Yes the economy is tight, but I have already started purchasing for Chrismas and had it figured into my budget long ago as have a few others that i am aware of in the family. Maybe this should be a discussion for gift giving in 2009 rather than 2008. While I agree that maybe there should be a cutoff on when the godparent/godchildren gift giving should end, it's been pointed out that Leslie receievd a check from her godmother well into her marriage. Just my opinion...

Christmas 2008

Hello everyone-

After conversations with my siblings, I feel it makes sense for me to post a blog to start a wider (but quick) conversation. By no means am I trying to force my opinions but I do feel compelled to voice my concerns regarding Christmas and start a conversation albeit online.

In the present economy, we (Eric, the kids & I) are compelled to re-think our spending habits. Things look different today than they did even a short month ago. As a family, we've talked about conservation in numerous ways- water, heat, spending, etc. While we have tried not to create worry in the kids, I think that it is important for them to understand that neither our nor others resources are without limits. I think this is a valuable lesson.

While we are not panicked, we are facing real risks as are many of those that we know. At least in DSM; layoffs, salary cuts and freezes are becoming commonplace. Perhaps it is due to being the insurance capitol where we are surrounded by finance.

Because things are different this year, I am suggesting that we reconsider our traditions regarding gifts in our extended family. While we love to give to those we care about, the number of gifts creates a very real expense for us all. I want to be sensitive to every member of our family from the retired to the single incomes, newly married, expectant parents, new homeowners to the young families. If there is any gift we can give, to face 2009 with less debt is a worthy one.

I know that we all enjoy giving & not a single one of us expects a thing in return. Realistically, however, it is uncomfortable to receive a gift and not to reciprocate no matter what is said. That is simply human nature. So, for some to do this and not others, simply makes the entire situation uncomfortable.

So my proposal is that for those who wish to participate, we simply draw names. Some may, for various reasons, decide to skip this year & that is perfectly fine.

Others have stated young godchildren should be included. Still others add godparents. I would counter, that brings us close to where we are now. As a parent of one of the younger kids, I have to say they won't know the difference. One gift and time with their family is a blessing.

All that said, I know time is short. I, too, plan to be shopping come Saturday. Whether it is for 1, 5 or 10 I know that I am blessed beyond words to call each of you family.

Love,
Leslie