It's my big bro Brian's birthday today.
Brian, I'm glad you have always been a part of my life. I hope you have a good one and feel loved. You are so talented and have such a big heart. You will always have a special place in my heart and life. We had such a fun childhood together. I can't imagine life without you. I am a lucky girl to have had such a great, fun, creative, supportive friend for a big brother then, and now. We love you lots!
recent photos of the man, the myth, the legend (as our Father might say)
Here I would have added a nice little 311 playlist for you with grooveshark only for some annoying reason that proved impossible. So go listen to some good old 311 for me. Here are the songs I was going to throw in: use of time, do you right, bomb the town, I can't remember the rest. It was going to be a sweet little list though. What we should be doing today is going to a 311 concert together, that would be sicktight. When I hear "Do you right" I always think of cruisin around with you in your truck listening to that song and rockin out. good times. miss you! Do yourself right today and enjoy it!
Thank you so much Harmony. I teared up when I read this. I miss some of those good times, when we both worked at D-land and would go out there together in the truck. Remember the sweater fiasco? By the way, have you had a chance to hear the new 311 album 'Uplifter'? It's really different for them. Some songs are major departures from what they usually do. And some are very 311ish. I like it overall. Anyway, I also wanted to thank you for that conversation we had in line for Thunder Mountain. It really helped me. I chose to pursue my mystery novel and I am now more than halfway through it. I've written 140 pages! That's the most I've ever written on a single book. So thanks, and I love you to, and I am more than proud of you and your beautiful family, and I love Spencer too. Doreen and I always talk about how much we love that guy and how much he brightens our day and makes us laugh.
Mom and I spent the afternoon and evening with Brian and Doreen and had a wonderful B-Day celebration. We both read the start of Brian's novel, and we can't wait to finish it, what a great start, I am hooked. It is very well written, and I am very impressed with Brian's writing skills, keep up the great work. Whatever you said Harmony, it must have really sparked something in Brian.
I have always thought that both Brian and Harmony are great at writing. I imagined them collaberating on books and being a creative dream team. I am excited about Brian's book too. I was impressed with the beginning and also with how much he has done already. Having a wife who's talented and smart in her own rite doesn't hurt either. Doreen is also working on a book that is very near to being done. It's wonderful to see all the things our creative family does.
We had a nice day with Doreen and Brian on his B-day. We went to a Thai resteraunt for dinner and back to their house for carrot cake which was way too good. We watched a good movie which I keep thinking about.
Thanks Harmony for always being so good to remember birthdays and to say such complimentary things and make us all feel special on our birthdays or other celebratory days of the year.
Brian, I am stoked about your novel!! I'm very excited to get my own hands on a copy someday. Did you get my Facebook message? So yeah, I really like the new 311 album. I wasn't sure at first listen, but I really like it now. aaaah, the sweater fiasco, i'll never forget it.
i'm such a dork. It means a lot that you love Spencer too. He makes me laugh too and brightens my life. and so do you! Mom's got a cool idea with us doing something together. Hopefully we both have plenty of life and time ahead of us, and that could happen someday.
Happy happy birthday (a few days ago). Thanks too for the kind words. Looking forward to the book.
Well Brian this may be to late for anyone to take a look, ha! I am sorry we messed up on your birthday, but we didn't forget it, which makes us maybe even worse jerks, I don't know. You are a guy of so many talents. I was just telling a good friend and artist about you a couple of days ago. I hope you receive our e mails at least the last one didn't come back. My life has been very busy with my meager art the last little while and not doing necessarily the fun stuff either. I am finally replaced in my job as state president of WOCP except for the loose ends to tie up and I am glad to have had the opportunity and learned a lot but also not sad to see it pass on to somebody else. How are you two surviving while your writing? I have thought about you both and hope life is going good. I am sure your novel will be great as all you do is. Hey sometime send me a piece of art you can do without as I am always bragging about you and don't have anything to verify it with, would love to have something, so you can remember my birthday, oh yah. Well love you guys and do not get to see you enough. You can come on up to DIscovery Bay- I hope it is as cool as it sounds. Love Grandma
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California!
So we were able to spend almost 3 weeks in Corona at my parents' house. It was pretty chill. We did Disneyland 3 days, 2 Beach days, lots of play time at Grami's house, ate lots of yummy food, saw a couple friends, went on a date and saw Monsters and Aliens (loved it), shopped a bit, hung out with the fam lots, including all the siblings Brian and Doreen, Josh and Miriam, and Jeffrey, played some tennis with Dad (for the first time in years) and played at the park, and did some art with the kids. We enjoyed all of it. I did not get my fill of In N Out or Miguels, but I don't know if thats even possible.We got picked up at the airport by Grampi/Pop-Pop and Miriam. What a happy reunion. And then the kids were super excited to run in the house and see Grami. It was a joyful moment. And then they were thrilled to see more Easter baskets! One with a huge Transformer for the transformer obsessed Cado, and one with an Ariel doll for Princess Paisley. They couldn't have been happier to be at Grami's and have such desired new toys! I'm sorry to say I've already forgotten many details, but the photos will remind me. In any case,
Thanks for the really great time! We love California!
Aren't vacations wonderful:)! I can smell California looking at the pictures. Nothing like landing at the airport in San Diego, Long Beach or Oakland and that first "ahh, I'm back in California" feeling. Looks like so much love and fun was shared by all. Wish I could have been there too :) <3
So I'm getting back into the swing of the roundbook.com. Is there a way to leave a comment on someone's profile? Or can you just do that on a specific blog/picture. I feel like I used to do that, and on my page it says where I commented to Brian & Spencer... how do you do it?
Welcome back. There was a way, but I changed the profile a bit and added the "Roundeo" microblogs. The idea was to be able to make a Roundeo microblog directly to someone, but I haven't added that part yet. For now just do a Roundeo microblog and say who it's to, like "hey harm...". The other part will be coming (soon I hope)
Cool, thanks. By the way, great job on the site, Spencer. I have yet to meet another family who has such a nice site to keep in touch with their families... well, that's their own site atleast, haha. It looks great! I love all the added features!
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We started our trip to the States with a short visit to Utah! It was so much fun, but 4 days was definitely too rushed especially when you factor in jet lag. I think the pictures pretty well tell the story, but here is a quick recap. Left here on Wednesday 8th, arrived Wednesday afternoon. The kids did so well on the airplane. Lots of people commented on it, so that was really nice. They were so jazzed up to be picked up at the airport by Grama Roundy. I don't necessarily remember the sequence of events, but I did some shopping, we did Easter Activities, ate good food at Grama's house, hung out with Darrell who cleared his busy schedule for us, and Lauren and Jennifer and Mom and Dad, and played games, went on a fun date, dealt with sick kids. Paisley started the sickness here in Geneva, and it wouldn't budge for at least a week. Then Geneve got it, or vice versa actually, and then in California Cado got it. We had a great time. We also got to spend a few hours on Saturday with Grandma Maris and Great Grampa for a big Grotegut Family Easter egg hunt and lunch.
I invite the Grandparents (and others) to share any memories, or impressions of the kids' personalities, or whatever!
Thanks for a great visit! We love Utah!
I guess I forget to login... I didn't know you were in UT!
I am so glad we were able to see you on your quick trip. You have such cute kids and baby geneve is gorgeous. Can't wait to see you again, and hopefully for longer.
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Isn't it wonderful that God still speaks to us through Prophets!
This Saturday and Sunday are one of the blessed times of the year when the current prophet Thomas S. Monson, his counselors and the Quorum of the twelve apostles speak to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the world at General Conference. I look forward to this weekend and the first weekend in October every year.
I invite you to Come Listen to a Prophet's voice and be uplifted, edified, and enlightened.
http://lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,8584,00.html
The first session is Saturday at 10 am Mountain time, then at 2 pm, and the same for Sunday sessions.
Here's is an excerpt of a talk that President Monson gave last October at General Conference:
"I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.” . . .
Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.
This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now. . . .
Said the Lord in a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.
In closing, I pray that all of us will reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die?
He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.
The time came when He stood alone. Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. The Roman soldiers pierced His side. The angry mob took His life. There yet rings from Golgotha’s hill His compassionate words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Earlier, perhaps perceiving the culmination of His earthly mission, He spoke the lament, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” “No room in the inn" was not a singular expression of rejection—just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise." He pleads, “Keep my commandments.” Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.
Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
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So, we've decided to extend our stay in Geneva one year. We're really enjoying our time here, and the US economy clinched it for us.
Most of you probably know that we've been mulling over this issue for months. We first started considering lengthening our stay last Fall. We've both been back and forth in our sentiments many times. I don't like making decisions and waffle over what item to get on a restaurant menu, so you can imagine how difficult truly important decisions are for me! I've really been trying to avoid actually making a decision until recently Spencer's manager talked to him and said, "we really want you to stay, here are all the reasons we think you should, and we want to know before April if you are going to or not". We had planned not to decide until after our visit to the States in April when Spencer could talk to the OC office, so this shook things up. We decided Spencer better talk to them on the phone instead. So he talked to a friend in OC and then to the partner. The partner basically said, "if you can stay then you should". She gave him no cause to feel confident about returning at this point in the economic crisis and basically said you are taking a big, unnecessary risk if you decide to return this Fall. Then we actually had some evidence of her concerns last week when several of Spencer's co-workers from the OC got laid off. We finally hashed it all out one night with the pros and cons of each side, and made our decision, then took our answer to God, and we know its right. We feel so blessed that we have this opportunity to wait out the crisis in safety.
In addition to that very compelling reason to stay, we are also enjoying our time here, our kids are doing well, having fun and learning a second language, this gives us the best chance to build a solid financial foundation, we'll have the opportunity to do a bit more European traveling, we feel good about our service in the church here and missionary opportunities, and ... I'm sure other reasons that I don't feel like enumerating.
We know that we'll continue to miss out on a lot by being here and some main reasons for going back are to be closer to family again, have a yard and more space, and be in the sunshine more often during the year; but when we thought of all of that against why we love being here for now, the instability and uncertainty of going back, and the relatively short period of time this is in our lives, we knew what to do.
This gives everyone more time to visit, so make your plans!
Love, Harmony and Spencer
If you're still wondering what "rester en Suisse" means...it means Staying in Switzerland.
Harmony, you said all of this so well. I'm so glad I have a super strong and supportive wife. I'm am so proud of my little family and am thankful we have each other and this experience together.
When we first started considering staying we didn't know that the crisis would effect my company in California. The financial security that is here for the moment is an added blessing to the other growth and opportunities we are all experiencing here.
Like Harmony said, we do miss you - please come visit us - we would love to spend time with you.
Yay for us! I know this was a tough decision for your family, but I'm so glad you were finally able to come to a decision that you know is right. With the US economy so shaky, we're also feeling really thankful to have a secure job over here.
Well I am glad you are doing well and that you have the security of a job there. We are very disappointed obviously as we miss you and the kids terribly. I hope the economy comes back strong and you have the opportunity to return to the States. I was afraid that an extension was in the works. Can't wait to see you. Dad
Doesn't it feel good when you finally have the decision made, and you also know it was the right one. Bet that is a big weight off your shoulders!
Congratulations - I would love to visit again and bring the family this time! And actually site see more instead of spend time in conferences!
Hip Hip Horay! I'm so glad you are staying!! That means more time for us to play here! Although, I can totally understand that it is a big decision to stay, at least the work here is stable and secure. I feel the same way about missing out on all the family stuff happening back home but that is what Skype and blogs and such are all about. And then it is such a big deal when we do show up that everyone turns out to see us. We are like the main attraction.
I'm just glad you are happy with your decision and that you know you made the right one. Can't wait to play!
I am thankful that you have job security. Sorry that you have to be so far away to have that. We see you more now through skype and your U.S. trips than we do when you are far away in CA. Nonetheless we hope you can come back to the states next year with a job waiting for you. We are looking forward to our trip to Europe to spend time with you.
Good job guys on making the decision! I'm so happy for you that you feel so good about it. Que la fete continue!
well that answes my question to you. i totally hear you when you say you have trouble making decisions over meny items, the big tdecisions make my stomach hurt!!!
when are you in UT??? let me know ok.
marsha
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Mark your calendars! We will be in Utah first and then fly to California on the 13th. Hope we can see you!
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I am the mother of three adorable kids Cado, Paisley, and Geneve. I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My husband Spencer is the creator of this website and also works for KPMG in Costa Mesa (accounting firm), but we...
Interests: Photography Art; in all its forms: visual and performance and music, and design. I lo... | See my full profile.
U.S. visit California Spring 09
