Happy First Anniversary, Claire and Jesse!

We can hardly believe that it has already been a year since that very special day in the Salt Lake Temple when Claire and Jesse were sealed for time and all eternity as husband and wife! Even though the weather was less than spring-like (drizzly rain and in the 40s), there was a warm glow about the newlyweds, and sunshine in all of our hearts. It was especially wonderful to have all of our children together once again. We got some great family pictures for the first time in ten years. And what a difference ten years makes in the lives of our children--everyone is really growing up! After the sealing and pictures on the temple grounds (the rain let up while we were outside taking pictures and began again when we went back inside), we went back to Jesse's parents house to get ready for the reception. It stayed chilly and rainy, but Joan and Rick had outside space heaters to put on the patio and around the tent, which kept us from turning into icicles! The weather didn't deter any of the festivities and we were all jubilant in celebrating Claire and Jesse's wedding. The food, thanks to Joan and all her friends, was fabulous. John made the wedding cakes--a rich chocolate with pudding frosting topped with strawberries! Before the reception was over, the clouds blew away and the sun came out, blessing Claire and Jesse as they drove off to begin their honeymoon. We love you, Claire and Jesse, and wish you eons of happy anniversaries to come!

The Blood Donor Dinner

Val and I attended the annual Blood Donor Dinner put on by Inova Blood Donor Services. It is always held at the the Marriot Hotel in Falls Church. Val was invited to attend because he donated six times during 2008 (the maximum times allowable). He received another Inova Blood Donor Services ball cap. That makes about 6 or 7 ball caps for him. Last year he was honored with a special plaque for having donated a lifetime total of 10 gallons of blood! Not all of that blood has been with Inova--some has been through the Red Cross. Next year he will have passed another gallon marker with Inova. Anyway, it was a fun date night together. We had a delicious three course meal, and they always have someone from the greater Washington community speak to us about how donated blood products have affected their life. This time it was a young mother whose 2-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with a blood disorder in which she had no platelets so her blood would not clot. Donated blood saved her life and allowed her body to begin producing platelets on it own. The little girl was there also, and she was adorable, of course. It is so gratifying to know that when we donate blood it does save lives and makes such a difference for so many people. Val has O-neg blood, which is the universal donor. His blood is used for newborn infants and accident victims, emergency situations when there isn't time for blood-typing. I also donate blood when I can, and every time I do I feel so good knowing that I'll be helping someone in crisis. My blood type is B-neg, which is quite rare. Only 3% of the world population has that blood type, so Inova really wants my blood, too! When our blood is actually shipped for use we receive a thank-you card from Inova letting us know that it is being used. I would recommend highly that anyone who is in a position to should become a regular blood donor. It's a great way to make a difference in this world.

The Mormon Prom!

Jeffrey was so excited this year to finally be old enough to go to the Mormon Prom. This annual event for high school juniors and seniors is held for nine stakes in the region at the Centreville Stake Center. Jeffrey received his invitation in the mail several weeks ago. Jeffrey and I carpooled with Nikki Reese and her mom. We arrived at the Stake Center around 8:30pm, and many youth were already there. Outside the main entrance there was a huge lighted marquis sign with the theme, "A Night on the Nile", on it. Inside Jeffrey immediately found several of the young men from our ward to socialize with. The decorations were phenomenal, but that wasn't Jeffrey's focus. He found the food table pretty quickly! He danced with two young women from our stake that he knew from youth conferences. He was having such a good time that it was difficult to pull him away even after the closing prayer!

Jeffrey's First 5K Race!

On Saturday Jeffrey ran in his first 5K race! We drove to Centreville early in the morning to Carolyn's school, Colin Powell Elementary. She teaches art there, and she signed Jeffrey up for the annual Puma Pounce 5K and Fun Run. It turned out to be a great experience for him. He and Carolyn ran the 3.1 miles in less than 30 minutes, and Jeffrey won first place in his age division! Hurray! He gets a trophy and a certificate to Chipotle. He had a big smile on his face when he heard that he had won!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Welcome to your newly designed blog, Mom! We recognize how busy you are. We know that when you write it usually needs to be an essay for your literature class, however, should you use this to supplement a journal or a family scrapbook, at the end of the year we'll help pay for your blog pages to be printed and bound into a book. We'll navigate this unique form of keeping a personal history together!

We love you very much! You are always such a great example to us. Victoria and Maxwell each have a very special relationship with you. We all miss you and are sending you lots of hugs and kisses! Have a great Mother's Day!

Love, Celesta, Paul, Victoria, and Maxwell