MOVING . . . . . AGAIN . . . . .

Melissa and Grandpa Dick at graduation!!!!

Yup. You read that right. The Faulkners are moving again. Just about 2 years to the day that we moved to California, we will be relocating again. And it’s a big move. We are going to Boston. Ken has a fabulous opportunity clear on the other side of the country, so we are packing up the one daughter we have left at home, along with the big, hairy dog, and moving at the end of August to “beantown”. We will have to trade in our Oakland A’s gear for Red Sox wear, because we understand that once you cross the state line into Massachusetts the Red Sox chip is implanted when you aren’t looking and you will forever be “one of them”. I will fight to the death if they try to take away my “Packers chip”. That is SO NOT happening !!!!! This is not happening until the end of August after we get Melissa all settled into her new dorm room at University of Wisconsin.

When Ken started looking for a new job, (not too long after we got back to CA actually), we had NO plans to go to Boston. We actually wanted to go back to the Midwest and I had my heart set on Indianapolis. But some amazing things happened and a whole set of miracles took place in about a 48 window and we could no longer deny that we were not in charge and for whatever reason, this is the place that we are supposed to go to now. I know that Liz will think I am crazy but I am actually looking forward to the snow again. I love living in a place where there are defined seasons. Although, I don't think Boston gets quite as much snow as Madison and Idaho got this last year.

In other Faulkner Family news, thought I would let all of you know that Steven graduates from University of Wisconsin in December and he will be heading off right after Christmas to the South Pole!!!! He will have his own web site - www.southpolesteve.com. He will be the student engineer on the Ice Cube Project. He has been the student engineer on the project for the last 2 1/2 years in Madison and they are actually letting him go there for the summer season where it will be a balmy 16 degrees below zero!!!! he will be there for about 6-8 weeks. The professor that runs the program will probably win the Nobel Prize in the next 3-4 years. It is an amazing project and Steve will have a once in a lifetime experience!!!! And a Congressional Service Medal and a great pick-up line (which is the real reason he is going). He is actually hoping to get into graduate school in Boston in the next year. (Maybe this has something to do with us moving - not quite sure yet).

Betty and Tom Faulkner had to be evacuated from their home in Paradise during the recent Butte County fires, but they are back home and their house is safe. They say it's still a little smoky though because there are some fires still burning. tom had knee replacement surgery about 3-4 weeks ago and he is still hobbling around. Very hard to bounce back.

Dave Wilcox graduated from USF with a Masters in Finance at the end of May and he is now working for Tesla Motors in San Carlos. That is the totally upper end green car company that is manufacturing a "green" sports car ordered by only those people who can afford it - like the Governator of California - Ahnold". The commute is a killer, but we think he is finding the work interesting.

No big plans for the summer because ken will be leaving for Boston soon and we are just riding out the summer until we leave this fall. The family will miss us really bad, but everyone says they want to come and go to a Red Sox game. Right now I don't think they are worth watching!! Time for everyone to start posting - school is out and it's time to keep up with the family comings and goings !!!! So . . . . . . . . . and I do want to know if everyone is going to hold their nose and vote McCain (as long as Romney is on the ticket)???

Just a few pictures to let you all know that yes, summer has come to the snowy north country. Snows melted just in time to get supplies and keep the town from starving.

Second Generation of Cousins in Provo - - And other places!!!

WOW!!!!! I can't believe that no one has posted to this blog since February. Caitlin was kind enough to send pictures to her grandma and grandpa - Aunt Marion and Uncle Dick, so . . . that got forwarded to me and I thought that I would post to the family web site. Isn't this cool - the second generation of cousins hanging out in Provo!!!!!

These pictures include Shane Bell, Cade Peirce, Kristen Jensen, Caitlin Jenne and Camille Burgess.

Caitlin Jenne will be a senior in college this fall and Steven Faulkner will graduate from University of Wisconsin with a double major in engineering mechanics and math this December. Melissa Faulkner and Scott Peirce will both graduate from high school on June 13th and unfortunately their graduations are on the same day and at the same time - - - in 2 different locations. Which puts Dick and Hazel in terrible circumstances.

Melissa Faulkner is heading off to University of Wisconsin, where she will be the first Division I NCAA athlete in the family. Melissa has made it onto the crew team and will be rowing for last year's NCAA champions.

Steven Faulkner is the team leader for the Univ. of Wisconsin Formula SAE Racing Team. They won the world championships last year and head off to Detroit in another month to defend their title and this year mom (Lydia) gets to go watch. They are leaving for a new formula competition in Virginia on Tues. We wonder if that young man actually goes to school anymore? Steven decided to become the ultimate fan, following the Badger faithful to the NCAA tournament, starting in Omaha. He actually made it onto national television, thanks to the red suit, and the YOU TUBE link is posted here. (Yes, he bleached his hair to match and it didn't come out quite all the way white). What faithful sports fans will do for their teams is astounding. Ken actually joined Steven for the Sweet 16. They drove all the way to Detroit together when Wisconsin made it that far, but Ken did not have to die his hair for the occasion or wear the white suit.

See this link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nAD6aDFyAs

Dave Wilcox actually graduates with a Masters in Finance from University of San Francisco in another couple of weeks. Matthew and Jared are busy playing baseball and both will be on swim team this summer. Jared made it all the way across the pool which entitles him to 6 and Under status. Kate is bouncing . . . and jumping . . . and dancing . . . and never stops moving . . and Dave says she is the best athlete in the family. Both Kate and Matthew celebrate their birthdays this Tues., April 22.

Cade Peirce is returning from Provo for the summer and he and Scott are planning on making lots of money before they both head back in August. Gregor of course, is still climbing. He made it to the MENS final in the National ABS (American Bouldering Series) rock climbing competition in February even though he is only a junior climber. He was the youngest competitor in the division and actually did quite well before a fall took him out. But the old guys better watch out because Gregor is quick on their heels and ready to take them out in next year's nationals. The entire family went to Denver to see the competition - even Cade drove up from Provo.

Sydney Peirce and KC Faulkner both graduate from middle school this year and will head off to high school next year . . . and Seminary!!!!!

It is time for everyone else to check in, post pictures and keep us up to date on the family activities!!! And Liz - has the snow melted yet??? Time to plan another family reunion as soon as Dick and Marion get home. Did I hear someone mention Hawaii?????

Lydia

BIG SNOW

Looking out our front door.
Down our front walk.
I think this is the front of the house!
Where did the well house go?

Looking out our front window.

Bringing in the heavy equipment.

Me up to my butt in the snow on our roof.

This is our road going south.

This is our road going north.

Hi Everyone - Well I usually do not have much to report, but I thought you might all like to see some pictures from the last week of storms that we had. I won't complain though because we really need the snow, but you can fell a little sorry for me if you like. I feel like I am living in a snow cave. We are scheduled to receive more snow over the next couple of days. If you would like to see more pictures email me and I will give you access to my Kodak gallery. There are about 80 crazy pictures on there.

Mom and Dad are doing well in Storm Lake and their weather has been very cold - they are surviving. As far as I know the rest of the family is doing well also.

Well enjoy the pictures of my winter wonderland. Liz

A Touhcing Tribute to Our Beloved Prophet

I know that most of you probably watched with much love, gratitude and sadness the funeral services today for President Hinckley. I cried almost the entire time. I sent the following email to many of my friends and family, both in and out of the church, because I thought that it was such a touching tribute to a man of such profound worth. I hope that each of you will take a chance to watch this with your families and be grateful for the people in your life that inspire you to be better. Please pass it on.

Dear friends:

I am sending this to many of my friends, some who are members of my faith and some who are not. For those of you who do not know, the President of my church, Gordon B. Hinckley passed away last Sunday. His funeral services were today. I watched with immense sadness the services on KBYU- TV and cried almost the entire time, grateful for what this good man had accomplished in his 97 years here on earth. There is a television commentator of some fame. His name is Glenn Beck. He has a talk show on CNN Headline News. He is a convert to the LDS Church and the other night on his program he gave a short tribute to President Hinckley, acknowledging in his own life how one man had lifted and inspired him to be someone better. It is incredibly touching, not something you see often on TV. I am passing this on to all of you, hoping that you will take just a moment to watch it and remember the importance of those that lift us up and inspire us to do better, to be better and to lift those around us to be better too.

Much love to all those who have lifted and inspired me to do the same.

Lydia

Click on:

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/

Dick and Hazel have EMAIL!!!

Yes - it is true. Dick and Hazel FINALLY have an email account. You can reach us at:

dickandhazel@att.net

Drop us a message when you have a chance!

Christmas in Japan

We're thinking of you and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Elder and Sister Detton

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Christmas Greetings from Sapporo Japan - Elder and Sister Detton

December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas! We have had a great week. We went to four zone conferences, Atsubetsu, Kotoni, Mururan, (three hours away) and Saturday at Higashi. Each time I read "Christmas Day in the Morning" by Pearl S. Buck. We had morning talks, then wonderful lunches provided by the ward Relief Societies, then gift exchanges and games with the missionaries in the afternoon. Tomorrow we drive to Asakikawa, three hours away, north of Sapporo. We will go with the Packard's. Last Friday night we had our last English class until January at Toyhira. Dick had the students read the Christmas story in English and Japanese and we also sang carols. I made alot of food to eat, little sandwiches, fresh pineaple, madarin oranges, popcorn that Janelle had sent (hope it was good.) I made a sugar sauce and poured over it. We had cookies, candy, all sorts of stuff. We played Bingo and then ping pong. A good time was had by all. Dad and I were good and surprised everyone. Saturday we had the Shiroishi Ward Christmas party. Brother Nakaya did an absolutely beautiful power point presentation of the Christmas story, with music, narration, words to carols. It was wonderful. They had long tables laden with all kinds of delicious food. They also presented us with a big red wrapped box filled with presents from ward members. This morning Dick went to Toyohira Ward as an English student (non-member) attended all three meetings. His name is Akio Iizuko. Perhaps you recall I wrote previously about him. He is a IBM computer programer and had invited us to his home and taken us out to lunch. We met his wife at that time. After church today, they went to the hospital to visit his wife, Fusano. She had surgery last Thursday to remove a small tumor in her neck and is now waiting the results of the biopsy. We were happy he came to church. Also Mr. Yamada, a perennial English student, (non-member) attended Sacrament meeting. I stayed at Shiroishi Ward because I played a medley of Christmas songs for special music. At Shiroishi Ward meeting, I looked over and lo and behold there was Brother Aoyama an inactive member who we have visited him at least five times. We did so just last week and sang Christmas carols with the Nakaya's. He is the brother that was converted as a young man and was for several years a building missionary here in Japan. When we first visited him he took us upstairs to his computer and showed us many construction pictures of the chapels and Tokyo temple he help built. He has many pictures of the general authorities. He is now 63 and inactive. Today he looked like million dollars in his navy blue pin stripe suit, gold tie, fancy shoes and mod haircut. So we had a good day.
Tomorrow evening we are going to the Iwata's for Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day we have been invited to the Tuschida's.
These faithful saints are wonderful people. We do love them and they seem to love us.
We have had no snow for a week but it is still cold. Paul and Dale are coming to visit us again and will arrive December 27. We are looking forward to seeing them.
We love you and miss you and think of you. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your families.

hi from storm lake, iowa

Liz has finally steered me on to the blog. We,ll see how it goes next time i want on. Things are slow here. No one wants to see us before Christmas, I guess we'll just put on our faces and go store hopping and street walking with big smiles on our faces. It is surprising how many people smile back and talk to us. We love you all and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Karen

Update on Uncle Dick

Here's the latest on my dad. He was released from the hospital yesterday at 4 PM. They took the catheter out in the morning at 6 AM. All the bleeding had stopped as a result of the surgery, so they let him go home at 4 PM. I called over to the house at 6 PM to just see how dad was doing and my dad said "I can't talk, we are leaving right now to come to KC's choir concert, we'll see you in a little while!" So there yo have it. An entire new lease on life. Dad has had a catheter for at least the last 3 months, so he was thrilled beyond belief to have that gone. When the concert was over, dad said, we are going home right now, it's been a long day. After the concert, Ken and I took KC and a friend to In-N-Out. We were there for about 5 minutes and were sitting in a booth waiting for food. All of the sudden we look right behind us and there is Grandma Doering - in the next booth. We all burst out laughing. My mom and dad didn't even see us !!! How come we are not surprised that dad's first meal out of the hospital was In-N-Out!!!

Steven comes home from Wisconsin tonight and Mallory and Jim's daughter Kristin comes in this afternoon from Texas with her husband Cip and grandson C.J. We are looking forward to the Christmas holiday and send our love to all of you !!

Faulkner Family Newsletter

We just posted excerpts from our holiday newsletter on our Faulkner Family Blog. You should be getting your copy in the mail soon. If we don't have your updated address, send it to us and we will get you a copy.

Merry Christmas!

Uncle Dick Back in Surgery

I just wanted all of you to know that my dad had to go back into emergency surgery this morning at 5 AM. He was bleeding and they had to stop it. He is at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek and he will be there for at least a few days. This had been a very rough couple of months and I hope that you will all keep him in your prayers. And give my mom a call if you get a chance. I know she would really appreciate the support.

Lydia

Update on Uncle Dick and Family

I wanted to let everyone know that my dad got out of the hospital late yesterday afternoon. He is home, still has a catheter and hopefully he will get that taken out in about another week. Yesterday was hard for mom, dad and Lottie because their little dog Lacey had to be put to sleep in the morning. Lacey had cancer and had been suffering for a long time. It was clear that she was in a lot of pain. Everyone is very sad, especially Lottie because she has lost her daytime companion. We went to visit last night to see how everyone was doing. Grandma was alone because mom and dad were getting prescriptions filled at the pharmacy. I asked grandma about turning on the TV for her and about some books on tape for Christmas. She told me that none of that is the same as talking to a live person. So, during December, if any of you have a free moment and can give Lottie a call, I know that she would really appreciate the contact. You might have to remind her who you are, but I know that it would mean a lot to her. I sure would like to hear how everyone is doing this Christmas. Keep the family up to date by posting to the web site. If you don't know how, well email me and I'll walk you through the process !!! Much love to you all.

Lydia

The Story of a Wedding - Japanese Style

From Elder and Sister Detton Where does the time go? I can't seem to slow it down. I have been making Christmas cards (you know the ones) for the faithful sisters in Shiroishi Ward. I gave them out in church today. (following Sacament meeting.) I hope they like them. It took longer than I anticipated and our apt. is a mess because I just concentrated on getting them done for today. Yes, we still got to visit some people. It's always interesting. If I've learned anything on this mission it is the importance of home teaching/visiting teaching. So many lost souls there that perhaps would have made it if members would just regularly keep in touch, show they care, and share a brief message.

Last Sunday night was the big turkey dinner at the "honbu." I promised to tell you "more later" on the betrothed couple who was married yesterday in the Tokyo Temple. Here is the cast of characters.

President and Sister Yokoyama. Sapporo Mission President.

Emma Yokoyama. Daughter of President and Sister Yokoyama. Never married, age 34. Returned missionary.

President Packard, (oops, we sometime call him that). Elder and Sister Packard are from Texas. They are the office couple and speak not a word of Japanese but handle all the finance. It is to him that we pay our monthly expenses every month. He is a very wealthy and generous man.

Elder Morita. Japanese missionary from Honchu. Age 25. Studied in the United States at Snow College. Graduated from Snow College. While in Utah he learned to speak English beautifully, but more importantly, he was converted to the gospel and baptized. Upon his return from the United States, he served a mission here in Sapporo. He is a wonderful/perfect missionary, speaking both English and Japanese well, loves the gospel, and was an assistant to President Yokoyama before his return upon completion of his mission in July 07. (it is here in Sapporo that he first became acquainted with Emma)

President Packard (oops) got to know him well. He could converse with him, and was convinced of his great potential, not only as an individual but as a future leader of the church here in Japan. Elder Packard consequently offered to sponsor Elder Morita at BYU Provo for the next two years at a cost, we were told, of $25,000 a year.

Elder Packard has kept in touch with Elder Morita since his departure last July. He thought he should be married before going to BYU and encouraged him to date Emma who happened to be in Tokyo for Elder Bednar's big single adult conference last October. Well, Elder Morita followed Elder Packard's advice and "now you know the rest of the story."

There were 32 guests last Sunday evening to fete the happy couple. Sister Packard was the head chef, and I along with Sisters Nishijima and Kawamoto helped prepare food Saturday and Sunday. The turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing tasted great.

We are happy for Elder Morita and his new bride Emma, and their future prospects together as husband and wife. Yesterday they were married in the Tokyo Temple. They leave for Provo, Utah and schooling the first of January. Most of all, we are happy for Emma.

Love, Elder and Sister Detton

Update on Uncle Dick

For those of you who are not aware, my dad went back into the hospital last Wednesday. He is still having problems related to his surgery, but he is now at a different hospital and the care is much better. He is feeling good, and he is very hopeful that he will be able to come home today, which is Sunday. Dad had a complicated prostatectomy the Tuesday after Grandma's 100th birthday party, and he has been struggling to get back to normal since that time. He does not have cancer, but the recovery process has been slow and not without complication. But he is in good spirits and a new set of doctors are keeping a close eye on him. Please keep him in your prayers on this Fast Sunday.

Lydia

News from "The Frozen Chosen" in Sapporo

Monday morning, Nov. 19th, 07. Hi everyone. Sorry to say it's been awhile since we've written and here it is almost Thanksgiving. Hope you all have a wonderful one. There are Christmas decorations in all the stores and they are just BEAUTIFUL! There is music of Christmas in the stores and malls, even traditional carols. But that is the only sign of the "real meaning of Christmas." Santa Claus, snowmen, lights, trees, but no Christ child, or mangers, or shepherds and wise men. Soooo Christmas is commercial here too but we've been told presents primarily are for the children.

We had dinner last evening at the Packard's apt. (office couple) and the other two senior missionaries came, the Kowamoto's and Nishijima's (one couple a lives at home) plus President and Sister Yokohama. There were 10 of us crowded around the table. The two Japanese couples speak no English. President Yokoyama speaks good English and I am blessed that Dick communicates well or I would be lost. We had a great time, especially after everyone else left and the four of us played cards, "14 in the corner" and Trump." NO FACE CARDS! Anyway, it is the Packard's idea (they are a great game playing family) and HE said it is okay. When we left their apt. at 10 p.m., it was snowing hard. This is the 3rd time it has snowed since last Thursday. Luckily, we knew the snow was coming so we had snow times put on the car Friday.

Saturday we had a wonderful missionary conference. Elder Evans, the area president and a member of the first quorum of the seventies spoke. It was as expected uplifting. These young missionaries here are great. I am so impressed with them. No wonder one always here that a mission is a life changing event.

Yesterday we spoke in the Higashi Ward. It was the first time we attended that ward and it was fun to meet new saints. It is a very vibrant ward, with lots of children and members of all ages. Afterwards lunch was served (pot luck) before a ward planning meeting. Yummy!

We've canvassed Shiroishi Ward and are now concentrating on about six families/individuals (mostly converts since 2000 who have actually invited us into their homes at least once) and will now concentrate anew on Toyohira Ward. We visit with these 6 contacts, like home teaching, and have decided that we will go Christmas Caroling to these homes. We always present them with a CD, invitation to ward activity and/or Liahona magazine. We just went over the 7000 kilometer mark on our Corolla.

All is well here but alas the snow has arrived big time and I am not looking forward to that. We need some more long john thermal garments. We have written Janelle to send us some. It is bitter cold when we walk to our car parked at the church. We can't say its not invigorating!!!!

We heard all the wonderful reports about Lottie's 100th birthday party. What a great time you must have all had. Dick couldn't say enough about all the "cousins" and Paul, everyone is raving about the honey you brought from the "farm." Dale, we got the pictures. Thank you! Speaking of our brother Dick, we haven't heard how he is doing since his surgery. We were happy we got to talk with him the day before. We will call him this morning.

We pray for you daily and our thoughts are with you. Love from the Sapporo Mission, more aptly named, "The Frozen Chosen."

Elder and Sister Detton

Elder Peirce Comes Home !!!

Elder Cade Peirce arrived home from the Tallahasee Florida Mission on Thursday, Nov. 15th. Everyone from the Peirce family was on hand, including, grandma Hazel, Great Grandma Lottie, Kristen and kids and Lydia and daughters. We all had a great time holding up huge banners and signs and balloons! Not sure what Cade thought about all of that. Jim, Cade and Gregor promptly left on Saturday morning for Bishop so they could all go climbing together. When the kid who won the U.S. National Bouldering Championship in Maryland last February (that would be Gregor) says "we have to go climbing" then that's what you do !!! Scott stayed behind to concentrate on swimming, but everyone will be together this week for a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast. Cade gives his mission report to the ward this coming Sunday and Sydney, Melissa and KC will all be singing. Uncle Dick has returned home from the hospital still attached to all kinds of bags, but he is able to walk around a little, work at the desk and is hopefully getting his 27 stomach staples removed this coming Wednesday. Grandma Hazel is playing nursemaid to everyone in her house and is looking forward to some healthier days ahead!!! We send our prayers and good wishes to all of you this week and we hope that all of us remember to count our many blessings!!

Lydia

Update on Uncle Dick

My dad is continuing his recovery. I have been to the hospital every day to see him, because his surgery was right here in Danville. Hopefully he will be coming home tomorrow. They haven't let him eat any solid food yet, and I think that he is probably dying for an In-N-Out burger. He says that what really hurts is his shoulder and his knee, but he has been able to walk around and sit up. He is off all the major pain medication. Last night he was watching the Democratic Presidential Debates and he had plenty of opinions to share. That part of him has not slowed down. He is supposed to really take it easy for the next 2 weeks and hopefully he will listen to his doctor. I believe he will go for follow-up the day before Thanksgiving. Cade and Jim went to see him yesterday afternoon and I know that seeing his grandson was a real lift. Dad wrote to Cade every single week of his entire mission. We really appreciate all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf and you can probably call him at home on Sunday if you'd like to talk with him. I know how much he loved seeing so many nieces and nephews at Grandma's party and I know how grateful he was that so many of you came. Now he says that he has to live long enough to have great-grandchildren!!!!

Lydia

Great Party

Hi Everyone -
Just wanted to say what a great time the Young sisters had at Lottie's 100th
B-day party. It was great to see everyone.

Also a big thanks to Lydia for setting up the blog. Hopefully I'll be able to get Mom set up on it. It shouldn't require tooooo.... many hours of over the phone instruction.

Hope you all have great turkey day.

Liz

Dick doing well . . .

Lydia went to visit her dad today. He is in a fair amount of pain and is taking advantage of the medication to keep him comfortable - but it is also making him pretty sleepy. He will be in the hospital for at least a couple of days more. Hopefully he will be home for the weekend.

Lydia says now her dad knows what it is like to have a C-section, and it is not very fun! I have included a picture of Dick from his younger days . . . he has not changed much!

Thanks for all your calls and prayers.