Christmas Gifts 2010

Rachel to Hannah

Micah to Laurel

Andrew to Rachel

Ariel to Micah

Hannah to Andrew

Laurel to Ariel

Rae Rays

Hello Family,

It's time to share a little of our lives at 1246. Today, let's see Rachel.
First we have Rachel the Bug-itarian. She had such compassion on this katydid that she worked very carefully to free it skinny leg by skinny leg from the sticky packing tape on which it was trapped. Laurel and I were more like the priest and the Levite. If it did not survive life in the backyard after its liberation, it was not for Rachel's lack of compassion.
Here is Rachel the Tincturarian. The past two months she has endured cup after cup and dropper after dropper of a variety of teas and tinctures. Most yucky--squaw vine and false unicorn root! But those may have helped her pregnancy.
Rachel the "I CAN'T BREATHE!" Anti-drug Crusader in the recent devastating cold that flu through our house. PS My mustard plaster didn't seem to be very effective, but it was fun to make.
Rachel the Swinger.
Rachel the Plantetarian, modeling one of the two sets of twin summer squash from our garden. Could this portend something else?
Rachel the Conductor of the Director, supporting Maestro Micah in his astonishingly beautiful early fall orchestra concert at Good Old Oly.
Rachel the Impromptu Tutor. When she saw my inept attempts to help Hisso with her math, we traded cooking for tutoring. Neither suffered in the exchange. Life with Rae is a blessing--many hats, one beautiful woman!

Building Zion One Planner at a Time

Hi Everyone,

Dad's at it again. Tomorrow morning he will be the keynote speaker for the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association, showing over 100 slides and speaking for an hour and a half to this group of city builders. I can't wait to hear his talk. He has been working hard at it for weeks. He is truly one of the most productive men I know. Currently, besides that project, he is advising the Church legal department on immigration issues and planning travel to Honduras to help the church with environmental issues. He gives another paper at a conference in Denver in a month on an environmental law issue. He is taking the Garden Park Young Men backpacking, taking me on dates, performing lots of pro bono and working long hours at his day job. What a man. I am so in love with him!

xo Mom

Here's the blurb: Local Attorney Craig Galli

Educating both local and regional planners regarding unique historic and cultural roots of urban design throughout the Salt Lake Valley, how this design has changed over time, and today’s challenges of building sustainable communities in a region will be reviewed by Mr. Galli. He will also detail the integration of social, physical, political, and theological influences into the existing urban fabric and review the historical and current trends in transportation, housing, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.

Impostor

Can there be two Hannahbananagalli's?

Hannah Rose Flowers

Hannah is another one we keep hearing about. Here are two unsolicited email compliments I received this week: From Skinny Jenny Jardine: "Thank you SO much for sending me the link to Hannah's inner*i. I looked through every photo. She is incredible...so many arresting and and amazing images. I loved it... beautiful art." Dad's cousin Susan Bastian, Mom of Sera, (the actress) said, "I am in absolute awe at Hannah's gift!! Her pictures are just out of this world! I kept thinking I had the wrong pictures because these were obviously National Geographic quality--and they are!! I will be looking forward to watching this young lady's star rise." Today in the parking lot the stake Primary president said, "I can't believe your daughter's pictures. They are so beautiful! I mean, they really are! I looked at every one. I became a fan (on facebook). I especially love the ones from Africa." I told her that they were really photos of our own refugees in Salt Lake, and she said, "Now they mean even more to me." When we were meeting Hannah's boss at the vault the other day, he said, "Hannah is a great employee. She contributes a great deal at work. She is so talented. We are so lucky to have Hannah." Smile. Keep up the great work sweet, beautiful, talented Hannah!!!

It Makes Me Feel Like Flowers

Last week I got a call from Laurel's Mia Maid leader. She said, "I just have to tell you how wonderful Laurel is!" She then took many minutes telling me that Laurel is so engaged in class, that she is confident with so many kinds of people, and that she has her head on straight. She said, "I wish I could be like Laurel right now! She is the light in that class. She's what makes it worth teaching." I know Carrie loves all the girls, but she wanted me to know that Laurel is special, and that she is a leader. This is pretty much exactly what I heard at parent teacher conference. Three of her teachers said things like, "She is the kind of student that makes it worthwhile to teach," "She is always engaged." "Laurel brings a great, positive attitude into classroom." Just today as we were going in to sacrament meeting, Sr. Stevens caught up to me and said, "Your daughter is growing up! I couldn't believe how lovely she was and how serious about her job (at the wedding)last night." Finally, this email titled "Your cute daughter" from Jennie Lloyd arrived two days ago after Laurel spoke in a stake YW/RS meeting: "I loved Laurel's talk and her demeanor. So refreshing that she referred to scripture time as 'me' time. If only all of us RS sisters could catch that vision!" Just wanted to pass on the good news about our Little Dootie Q at almost 15 years-old ;). As she humbly acknowledges these days, "I am a princess." And she is. I love her, and I know you do, too!

Progressive Pioneer

When I learned about this website, I immediately thought of our earthy Ari, but I know that all the galligals would enjoy this blog. I found an article about it and its writer Jen Thompson at the farmer's market today, where Laurel and I went for an artist's date and some treats. Jen is an LDS mama who rejects the labels "hippie"or "granola." "Those terms carry baggage and tend not to evoke an image Latter-day Saints are eager to embrace, but pioneering, now that we can get into!" she says. She calls herself "an urban homesteading, attachment parenting, LDS mama." Fun! She now has advertisers she carefully screens. When you've got a minute, look it up! Her little boy is almost as cute as ours! progressivepioneer.com.

PS Bubby, find her thoughts on baby gadgets and "crying it out" at her link called "What is a progressive pioneer?"

PPS I'm going to join your co-op!

Earth Hour Redux

Girls, Dadda is at it again. He's working hard on a new environmental article, and was one of only two people he could see documenting this important gesture by the Church. Following is the quote he sent out with his beautiful pictures:

On Saturday, March 28, 2008, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined with millions of churches, local governments, businesses, and private residences to participate in “Earth Hour,” a program sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund to encourage a billion people around the world to turn off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm to heighten awareness of global climate change. Church spokesman Scott Trotter explained the symbolism behind turning off the exterior lights on the Salt Lake Temple at the designated hour: “Prudent stewardship and wise use of resources are principles that church leaders have emphasized throughout the history of the church. The church encourages its members to join with their fellow citizens in supporting worthy programs that will make their communities better places to live and raise their families.”
Scott Taylor, “Some Buildings in Salt Lake to Dim for Earth Hour,” Deseret News (Mar. 27, 2009).

Pray for Jodie

Please pray for our neighbor, Jodie Cashen. She's been having contractions today with her twins, and it's over two months early. Thanks!

When That Day Comes

We got a post card from Elder Osborn today! Here's what he said:

Feb 4, 2009

Dear the Galli Family (and extended family),

Things are going great here in Malaysia. I am still in Ipoh (7 months tomorrow) with my 2nd companion, Elder Shipp. I love the people of Malaysia, even the Muslims who even if they are interested, we can't teach the gospel to (not yet, anyway. When that day comes the Church will explode here n this part of the world). I'm enjoying the work more and more every day. The plan of salvation is for all of Heavenly Father's children, no matter what culture, and the Church of Jesus Christ is for all. I know I belong here. Thanks to Rachel for the wedding invite, and to all of you for the support and love thru letters, email, and prayers. Thanks for the Christmas $, too. It's worth 3x's as much here. I am so grateful to have you all as friends. Continue to take advantage of the Atonement of the Savior, and keep doing member missionary work. It makes conversion much smoother.

--Kasih Sayang (Love)

Elder Osborn (followed by oriental characters.)

He sounds so good! Let's keep up the letters and prayers.

Fun Family Sport

Girlsie's--Dad's looking into a new family activity for this summer when we get together. If you can't find a suit, we'll rent one for you. Should be great fun! I'll be on the camera, recording you all! Check it out. Abe will love it!
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1778399&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1

Grandpa Attacks Sprinkler

As you may know, over a week ago, Grandpa Evans fiercely kicked a sprinkler which jumped in his path. He fell, as he said, "Like a sack of potatoes." Since then, his leg and ankle have not healed. Today he learned that, besides breaking a small bone near his ankle, he has torn some ligaments. Therefore, this Thursday, he will have surgery where a Dr. Green will insert some screws into his leg, as well as cast it. He is expected to be on crutches for 6 weeks. Please keep him in your prayers, and let him know that you are thinking of him!

Grandma's Globe Pays Off

Laurel went to the 7th and 8th grade ELP Geography Bee for extra credit and got third place! Did you know that Myrtle Beach was in South Carolina? Neither did she, but she got it right.