Thanksgiving and Christmas 07

The Great Pumpkin Visit

Chatters,

Welcome to the newest member of the Cain Clan "Bean". Bean is not even nine weeks in the tummy and has his/her photo on the internet! We are anxious to hear all the updates Zach and Holly.

Nat and Mike came down for a visit last week. We all had a great time and were so sad to see them go. Bandit and Maximus got along great! We are looking forward to coming home for Thanksgiving!

We had a great Halloween. Grace had been looking forward to Halloween for weeks and was so excited to wear her Sleeping Beauty costume to trunk or treat last week. She got plenty of treats there. Her preschool had a Halloween party yesterday and Grace came home with another bag full of treats. Last night I took her out while Carl and "Hot Dog" aka Bandit handed out candy. Grace was no trick or treat wuss. She walked two neighborhoods, went to houses with scary noises and lights, and said trick or treat and thank you at every house. I finally had to tell her that there were no more trick or treat houses left! On this trip Grace obtained so much candy and goodies that the handles on her nylon pumpkin bag were hanging on by two bits of thread! Oh and I forgot to mention that Grace and I stopped by Walmart yesterday and they were handing out huge handfulls of candy at the entrance and exit!

Carl and I dumped all the treats from the past week into my largest mixing bowl. There is a year supply of candy there! We have made plans to donate a large portion to the missionaries as there is no way we could eat all that candy, Whew. Next week is Grace's birthday (more treats).

Carl's parents, sister and brother in law are coming up for a visit this weekend. Ron, Carl's brother in law just got back from Iraq. We haven't seen Becky and Ron in over a year!

This is pretty short. It's late but I just wanted to say Howdy All!

PS. This is a picture of Grace at Trunk or Treat and Nat and Mike's visit.

Its a b....

BEAN!

Sorry, no sex yet. Although the little baby is almost impossible to see, we could clearly see (and heard) the little heart beating away. It was such a sweet experiance. Ive been reading week-by-week pregnancy books, to see exactly whats forming, and growing at the current week. It is amazing, what goes on inside of you, and how 2 people can make another human. This is what's said for week 8:

"Your baby will be about 8-11 mm crown to rump by the end of the week. The baby's hind brain is clearly visible. Spontaneous movement begins! Bones and joints this week have many things going on. Elbows appear and the process of ossification (hardening of the bones) begins. Toe rays become present, almost ready for you to count!"

Just amazing all the things going on!

Other news, is that we are not 9 weeks like we though. Im actually only 8, which isnt too far off, but that makes our due date June 9th! Happy birthday Sheryl!

Moving: A Cain Favorite Pasttime

I have lost count how many times we have helped people move this year. Lets see Carl and Amber, Natalie, Sheryl, and now Holly and I. Am I forgetting anyone? So this morning Dad and some members of the Elder's Quorom came by to help us move. I do not know how we would have moved all of that stuff in just under two hours without there help. Holly and I are so very grateful that they came by to help. Its been hectic as usual and moving just places more stress on everyone. All of the big stuff is moved its just going through all of the left overs that makes you scratch your head and say "Why do we still have this junk!" Jordan's room is a headache and so Holly just decided that he can only have a box full of toys and everything else is getting thrown out. So anyone you know that needs toys there is plenty to give away. Holly is doing well she just gets tired very easily. I am about half way done on my thesis project. Ugh! I need to run but I will add more later.

Our Little Vermont Adventure

Friday, Sept. 28 Dad and I had a wonderful trip to see Cara and Aubrey. Of course we left late. Arnie decided to be very sad and soulful faced when I was packing my clothes. He laid on top and put a total guilt trip on me. We finally left around 3:30 after we had to turn around and come back for something important I forgot. The radio said it was Sept. 28 and it was 83 degrees. Did it break a record? How many of you are voting yes? I thought it sounded possible too. But, wrong. In 1900 it was 83 degrees in Rochester, NY. Global warming just evaporated along with Al Gore. Yeah!

After we pushed through major Friday night traffic jams in the Albany area and ate at a poorly managed Burger King in Troy, Why did we make this mistake again?, we made good time on the roads to Cara's. Probably because they aren't as traveled as you get further into the boonies at night. We arrived around 9:30 and were greeted by the traditional Ruby, mini love bath, and good Old Molson. Vermont had been about as hot as Rochester, but believe it or not that night Aubrey put some wood in the stove because the temp. dropped to 35 degrees. We slept under blankets! At the last minute I had decided to bring a long sleeved shirt and a wind breaker. I was sure glad I did, especially at night and early morning.

The weather was beautiful each day, and it seemed as though we drove in endless forest. It was a great escape. We went to the Peru country fair. It was big doings, a little bigger than the Fairport Farmers Market but not as big as Canal Days. However, in Vermont it was considered big. They said 10,000 people had come through that day. It was a great time with lots of local people milling around, live music, cloggers, folk singers, food. We met Cara's friend Grace and some other people that recognized her. One thing we discovered about Cara is that she knows and is known by a lot of people in that area. Someone was always waving or saying hi to her. Could this be the makings of a Vermont politician? Is the Windham planning board just a stepping stone?

Sunday morning, poor Aubrey was suffering more from a sciatica problem that had been developing since Friday night. He could barely move his leg in walking but he went along on a car ride through some back roads and little towns. Cara knows Dad and I love this kind of stuff, Charles Curalt and Ed Bellis style. Aubrey drove us in Cara's car because it didn't bother his back and legs like riding in the back seat of our mini van. We stopped at a uniqe used stuff shop, “Just Junque” and milled around a big variety of stuff. Amber, Nat, Holly, and even Lauren would love it. I don't know about Sheryl. Some very unique vintage items, artsy too, and there was affordable stuff, believe it or not.

We then ate at a little side of the road healthy foods diner. Very quaint. All the sandwiches were named after famous Vermonters. Believe this, there was a Joseph Smith sandwich. He was born in Shelburne, Vermont. There was also a Grandma Moses sandwich. It was quite a big list. The home made soups really were homemade, and very good.

Our next stop was The Vermont Country Store. It would take another e-mail to describe all the retro stuff in this store. Vintage toys, perfumes, house items, cooking utensils, hunting stuff, and more. Upstairs were clothes that I know did not sell in regular stores but were now priced at 50.00 for an old chenille sweater. There was also some old Christmas vintage cards, toys, and sundries. And..... the Vermont Country Store has a catalog. Believe it or not, the place was packed with people. So what if a pair of socks was $14.00 and a sweater jacket was $230.00. But to be fair, there was something for mostly everyone's budget. Aubrey found sciatica cream and pills. He said later that he could tell some difference. It is possible that the Vermont Country store had remedies that defy modern medicine. After all, most of this stuff was from vintage production, wisdom and marketing. I almost bought a black bear hat with a teeth baring furry bear body as the hat part. I thought it would make a great Christmas Chinese auction item. But my practicality kicked in and I left it for another buyer.

After leaving Aubrey home so he could rest his back, and then we went for the cherry on top visit to the Windham Hill Inn, where Cara works. It is beautiful, expensive, and very idyllic Vermont country views. We met her co-workers and had a tour of the downstairs Inn and the remodeled Dairy Barn rooms. We sat in a $400.00 a night room, and have pictures to prove it. Again, on the way home people waved at Cara. They know her car. One man was the president of the planning board.

We all rested from this full day, Cara made some great stir fry and we watched "We are Marshall", a true story about the death of the Marshall University Football team in 1970, set in Huntington, W.Va. Later we watched some episodes of Grays Anatomy as Dad fell asleep in a chair (surprised?) and Cara zonked out with the dogs in front of the woodstove.

I know why Cara loves this area so much. It is beautiful and away from the rat race. My only wish is that we could have stayed longer, but I'm not sure Cara and Aubrey are ready for that much responsibility entertaining senior citizens for a long stretch. It took a lot of effort and Dad and I are very proud and pleased. I hope more of the Cain Clan can take a little Vermont adventure to visit Cara and Aubrey. But do give them some notice.

Chatters,

I can hardly believe its already the first week in October! We've been staying warm here in the New River Valley with our temps being in the high 70's to mid 80's. That's above average for this time of year here. The leaves are starting to turn here and there. We've decorated our house for fall. Grace just loves all the fall stuff which makes it so fun to do!

Today, as you can see, we baked cookies with our friends the Coiners. Garner is 20 months and very cute. He and Grace get along really well. They both helped cut out cookies and put on sprinkles although not many sprinkles made it on to the cookies. Also I included two pics I took at the Salon when we were home for Jim Cecil's funeral.

Carl is really busy with work and school. He is taking two online classes and when he's not working he's doing school work. Even though we don't get to see him much I appreciate how hard he is working for our family.

Grace is getting excited for Halloween. She has Carl pick her up every morning so she can find Ladybug Grace on the family calendar. She also enjoys looking at all the other costumes we wore as kids. She is really excited about being Sleeping "Duty"(beauty) for Halloween and loves to go down the Halloween sections at WalMart and K-mart. She's not crazy about the life size zombie at K-mart nor the candy bowl that has a monster hand sticking out of it (and actually moves it someone goes in for candy).

Grace is now fully potty trained! She goes all by herself and only wears pull-ups at night as a precaution. No more diapers for this Girl. She also gets dressed by herself and can put on her shoes. I can't believe how quickly she's gone from baby to little girl.

I'm staying busy with home, work and church. My big project is painting the upstairs which has turned into a construction zone. I can only work on it when Grace is sleeping or if a I have a few Grace free moments during the day. Slowly our house is starting to come together. And aside for a few things we all love our new home. I miss NY and the family but all in all we enjoy this little part of VA.

I miss you all and love reading and catching up on all your news from all over. Keep posting!

Lauren Outruns Cancer

I thought I'd write a brief post about my wonderful wife and some things she's busy doing that that you might be interested in. Lauren had a busy day today. This morning she participated in a "Hoosiers Outrun Cancer" 5K benefit run. As many of you know, she runs a few times a week. We clocked the run she typically does (to a nearby LDS chapel and back, ironically it isn't our chapel), and it came in pretty close to 5K. So she was well prepared. The route had some steeper inclines than she was used to, but she did great. Over 5,000 people participated in this run/walk, and they raised over $100,000 for cancer research.

Later today she had a young women picture scavenger hunt activity (as you probably know, she's the YW President in our ward). Still later she attended the relief society general broadcast. Busy busy busy!

Carl the Vigilant

As of Sept. 9, 2007 Carl, the Vigilant may have a little more gray in his hair as his age rose to 34, but that makes him an even more distinguished member of the Cain Clan. In San Diego, California, Carl qualified for his black belt in Kung Fu while he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. During the first five years of marriage he served numbers of desert missions and overseas in the Persian Gulf. He lived the code of the Corps. He earned the rank of staff seargent and was in charge of a helicopter maintenance shop. He had to guarantee the helicopters safe to fly, no small responsibility.

Thanks to Carl most of the Cain girls know how to defend themselves in a sticky situation and Sheryl, Zach, and Lauren enjoyed time as formidable runners alongside Carl's example.

After serving nine years in the marines Carl moved east with Amber and entered the working world of civilian life. What a change! What a challenge! But he had much to offer from all the expertise he developed in electronics in the Marines. Frontier Telephone and then Verizon were wise enough to recognize his great character, work ethic, and potential. It didn't take him long to get onto the track of success and accomplishments. He even took on the added challenge of college courses. Life was challenging. Life was good. But there was an experience still missing that Carl didn't realize would require major change in his stance, endurance, and focus. How could he ever prepare himself for the wonder and power of Amazing Grace.

Happy Birthday to a Great Dad, the father of the Cain Clan princess, Grace Walker. The smile on Daddy Carl's face says it all.

Love,

Nana

Our Friend Jim

I can still remember Jim Cecil at my baptism. I think the Cecil family was one of the first familys that befriended us when we moved to NewYork. His passing was a shock because I had seen him a few weeks prior and he did the typical Jim Cecil bear hug when he saw me. I can still remember the conversation I had with mom when she broke the news to me. It was hours after she told me about David Andersons death. I was completely silent because I could not believe what I was hearing.
When I think of Jim I can hear his laugh. It was very distinct and funny. If you were having a bad day and you saw him he always had a way of making you laugh so you would forget why you were having a bad day in the first place. Not many people can do that. Some of my best memories of Jim Cecil are when our two families would get together for Christmas. We would always have a nice dinner followed by a few games and someone reading A Christmas Carol. Us kids usually ended up falling asleep because we were so comfortable. We did that for many years until we got older and did things on our own.
Jim and Mary have attended so many of the Cain Clan functions. From weddings,baptisms,gradation parties,baby blessings and just good old birthday parties. I will surely miss our conversations at the office when I would go to pay my insurance bill and seeing him at church (the few times a year I do go). ajim really helped me through the hardest time of my life just recently. Mike and I were on the verge of ending our marriage and I was living with Amber except she and Grace had already moved to Virginia and he came to visit me at the house. We had a nice chat and then he asked me how Mike and I were doing. I told him what was going on and he gave me some really good advice. I only wish he could have been around to see the end result. I know that Jim was very passionate about the church and wanted others to know. He was a great hometeacher and was willing to do anything to help out.
He was like an uncle to us Cain kids and it makes me proud to know that he thought a lot of us as well. He had a sweet spirit about hin eventhough he was a jokester. I know that we will see him again someday. He will surely be missed.
Natalie

An Eternal Friend

I think we've all made it clear that Jim Cecil was and is a cherished and beloved friend of the Cains. He's been involved in practically every major event in our family, as well as counseled us through difficult times. My memories of Jim have always been pleasant, and I can't help but chuckle when I think of his mischievous smile as he asked me his most popular question, "Are you staying out of trouble?" Now that I ponder this question, I realize that despite its jocular delivery it was quite sincere. He really wanted to know how life was treating me. Every time I talked to him about school, my plans for the future and my relationships, a look of pride crossed his face and he'd give me a big squeeze. It was almost like I was his own child. I guess in a way I looked to Jim, just as I looked to Mom and Dad, for advice and guidance as I made important decisions. His approval was encouraging, because I knew he was a wise and honorable person.

I spent many hours in his office at the agency talking about life and the gospel. I looked forward to going to his office to sign insurance papers, as I always assumed we'd enter into a friendly conversation. This past April, we had the opportunity to talk at Dad's birthday party. He offered comforting words about Natalie's passing and completed a thorough check-in on Sean and I.

My most cherished memory of Jim occurred not too long ago. July 1st, 2005. The day I went to the Palmyra Temple to receive my endowment. Jim was my first choice to officiate at this ceremony. The sacredness of this religious ordinance is such that one does not know much information about it beforehand. Therefore, I was quite nervous. A few days before this occasion, I went to Jim's office, by my request, to discuss what would happen. He tenderly spoke to me about the basic things that would transpire that day. He put my mind at rest and assured me that it would be a glorious experience. I distinctly remember his smiling and happy face as I entered the endowment room. We both knew that this was the right place and that my decision to carry through with this would change my life forever. For the sake of reverence, I cannot go through all the details of that occasion. However, I have a strong faith that Jim will be one of the first to greet me in Eternity. Much like that day in the temple, he'll have a smile on his face and we'll both know that I've come to the right place. In the meantime, I'll have to bare his absence, but I am comforted to know that we will see each other again.

My Uncle, My Brother, My Friend

In anthropological terms Jim was my "ficitive" uncle. He was adopted into the family and I grew up knowing him in my everyday life. In church terms he was my brother, emotionally close to me so that in times of personal despair he was there to give his famous hugs that everyone has mentioned. However, in my terms he has always been a friend, someone I could talk to about the mundane things of life or the more spiritual concerns that I had trouble understanding.
I placed a lot of responsibility on him, by assuming he would be there every Sunday at church. And if I was lucky enough we would get into a conversation and I would miss some of relief society. Of course during these discussions I focused on the superficial aspect of missing boring "mom talk." It wasn't until later reflection that his words of wisdom and humor were much more beneficial to me in my development. Not all our talks revolved around church doctrine, in fact many were about being in relationships, careers, life after high school, taking advantage of the opportunities of college, and an old favorite of his, bad western movies.
For instance, when in a relationship communication is necessary and no matter how angry I got (he knew I had a bad temper even called me "mean girl") I should always discuss how I feel. His most famous piece of advice, that I hear ringing in my ears every time I think about my life after college and whether to pursue my guilty pleasure of writing or a more serious study, was get a job that pays well, that you can support yourself and if need be your family. It had always been my belief to follow your heart and dream big and it still is, but as that time of graduation is looming ever closer and my loans will be called in, I realize that sometimes to be able to do your extra curricular activities, like writing, I have to work for it. I remember his story of how he was an electrical engineer, but in order to support his family he chose insurance. Such sacrifice is proof of his character and how much more of life he understood that his priorities never held his own interests before others. It has taken me many years to understand that but I value it all more. It didn't matter that I didn't like westerns, Jim nevertheless brought it up at least 1 out of 3 conversations we had. Asking me each time if I had watched Smokey and the Bandit or something like that. He was shocked and probably disappointed each time I answered "what movie, what actor?" Even though I had never seen the movies or hold them in such regard I was fascinated with his notions on the themes or his descriptions of plot and characters. His passion and excitement almost made me want to see the movies myself. I remember one time while over at the Cecil's for a family dinner, he offered to let me borrow one of his favorites, as tempted as I was I declined.
Besides these general memories there are many specific ones, all of which bring smiles. However, the most memorable was in the not so distant past. I was a senior and had been hanging out with Bryce Whitehead and we considered each other friends. One Sunday Mary came over to me after sacrament and invited me over for dinner that evening. They were having the Whiteheads over and Bryce had agreed to come and the ever thoughtful Cecil's thought Bryce would feel more comfortable and enjoy the evening if there was someone else his age there, and since we had been hanging out they thought I would fit the bill. I accepted and that evening went over for a traditional Lebanese dinner, which was by far one of the best dinners I've ever had. I had been apprehensive that I would have nothing to add to the conversation and look like an ungrateful guest. However, within minutes of sitting down I was engrossed with the stories of both the Cecil's and Whiteheads. Poor Bryce barely benefited from my presence I don't think I paid him any attention. It is my most fond memory because it was a chance to converse with the Cecil's without mom or dad to hog all their attention. I learned about their history, their silly stories, and adventures they have had.
Jim was someone that has been to every major event in my life from my name blessing to my graduation party. I always envisioned him being a guest at my wedding. Those times that every girl goes through of imagining the details of her wedding I counted on my fingers the people I would invite, besides the required family, Cecil's followed shortly after. He was my reference for every job application I filled and I felt a twinge of pride as I filled in "business owner" under occupation. He was closer to me and knew more about me than most of my real uncle's. He was a shoulder I knew I could lean on, and his five minute hug at Natalie's funeral was one that sustained me through the days. It is hard to accept that he has gone from this fleshy existence, but I know he has his arm around my shoulder supporting me.

My Memories of Jim

My memories of Jim.
By Holly Hill Cain
9/18/07


Zach, Jordan and I were over at the Cecil's house for dinner. I was still fairly new to the family (not engaged yet). Most of the Cain's were there for a country breakfast, which was delicious. Warm biscuits, sausage in gravy and hash browns (mmm my mouth is watering as I write!). After dinner Jim was talking to me about healthy foods. The conversation made its way to the kitchen, just Jim and I, where he took out his healthy crackers and jar of peanut butter. Not "normal" peanut butter, it was healthy peanut butter! He proceeded to take out a spoon and feed me a bite. I was alone with a stranger, and he was feeding me peanut butter!

As time went by, and we made our appearance at church, Jim would, as Zach said it, greet us as soon as sacrament was over, with the first in my experience of the "Jim shoulder rub". I went home and that night, asked Zach about him. "Do you ever think he's too friendly?" I wasn't used to that from a stranger! My first real experience with Jim was a little weird in my eyes, but I know, it wasn't in his.

Again time went by, and I realized how great a person Jim really was. He has always offered himself to us, and the last time we saw him, he offered to be our home teacher again. He really cared about getting Zach, Jordan and I active in the church. And his help didn't end at church, he offered help in general. "Anything we needed, he would be there for us" as he explained to me what being a "home teacher" was about.

I am sad we didn't have him over for the chili I said Id make. He always said how hot he liked to make it, and he had us over, just zach and I, for a taste. Chili! It was perfect, and Jim, thank you for not making it your hottest, it was all the spice I could take for the night!

I came to really like Jim and appreciate all he tried to do for us. Over the last 2 years, I really got to see what a nice person he was. There cant possibly be a bad memory of him.I'm so glad he made it to Zach’s and my wedding. He was there to offer much advice about traveling out west. One suggestion was to visit red rock canyon. As he told me this I didn't think we would really go. We would have to rent a car, and try driving around Nevada with no knowledge of the place. Our last day there, we did rent a car, and we did go to red rock (a place we never would have known about). It was beautiful. So close to Vegas, and so different. I am real happy we decided to go.I'm sad he is not around to get to know better. He will be missed.

True Friends, more than family

" If you go through this life and can count your true friends on one hand, you will be blessed." My mom counseled me often in my growing years when I suffered the disappointment of "sunshine friends", those who disappeared in stormy times or traded me in for a more popular version.

In those earlier years standing on the threshold of the rest of my life and a world of possible friends, I was yet to learn the difference between acquaintances and friends.

Now at the other end of perspective I understand that true friendship like good marriage doesn't just happen. It requires investment in caring, service, fellowship, and commitment, the qualities in Jim and Mary Cecil that have blessed the lives of the Cain Family for more than twenty years.

I can't pinpoint the exact date that the Cains and Cecils became a blend but I can count our blessings that resulted. For years our Christmas Eves away from our families in West Virginia were made brigter because of our fellowship with the Cecil Family. We took turns hosting. At the Cecils we started off with Jim's "country breakfast" followed by reading the Christmas story from the scriptures and singing carols together while Becca Becca accompanied at the piano.

Jim and Mary have been at every Cain kid baptism beginning with Natalie all the way through Sheryl. Jim stood in the circle for the name and blessing for Lauren and Sheryl. Jim and Mary have been to every
Cain graduation party and all of Dad's surprise birthday parties. Mary was my co-conspirator for his 50 1/2 , a dress like Ron Cain Halloween event at the Cecil's house. Jim and Mary have attended every Cain wedding except Cara's when they were away in the west for one of their grandchildren. Jim officiated for Lauren and Sean's temple sealing when they returned.

As our children grew up and moved away the Cecils and Cains remained bonded. Ron and I and Mary and Jim still got together and shared stories, memories and concerns for our children. Jim was always on the ready for emergency blessings. This past year he came to me and told me that he had requested to be Zach's, Natalie's and Ambers and Carl's home teacher. He wanted to help them in any way he could " I love your kids." I heard from Jim and Mary more times that I can count.

Jim was a teaser, and a hugger. He didn't hold back in expressing his affections and concerns. He braved taking the first steps, even rejection. What a valiant and compassionate friend. His passing has left a big hole in each of our hearts and in the heart of the Cain Clan. His body won't be among us, his arms won't engulf us for many years. But the sweet memories he has given us, the assurance of his love, and the warmth of his spirit can sustain us until we see him again. Jim was an example of Proverbs 18:24, definition of a true friend, "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Our greatest tribute to Jim would be to be a friend like he was. Don't hold back, venture to take the first steps,
risk rejection. Be a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister.

Jim Cecil was my brother, our brother. He and Mary adopted us into their circle of love. The power of their love has made the difference to me and our family. I know that like our family, our frienship began before this life and will go beyond it. I look forward to Jim opening a door and greeting me again with a hug and his unmistakable giggly laugh.

Report from the Bucket Crew

Dear Family,
In whimsical (love that word) fashion I have named Holly, Jordan, and I " The Bucket Crew". All inquires as to why "must be submitted in writing" (Gene Wilder in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). This past weekend was a sad one for our family. Holly and I said to each other that Jim Cecil's passing just doesn't seem real. We went to church yesterday and I really missed not having Brother Cecil come over after Sacrament Meeting and seek up and give the old " massage your shoulders then give you a hug" welcome technique. Wrestling with the fact that he is gone another part of me says that in death we need to celebrate his life. We will all miss things about him but its important that we carry out within ourselves those positive characteristics about Jim that made him a dear friend. I suppose I need to work harder at my thumb wrestling skills.

A comment on Keek-Pooter and Seen-Luke-Picard(Carl's wonderful nickname for Sean). Our family was bewildered about what had struck Lauren when she started hanging out with Sean. I remember Sean when he was a Deacon fresh from Sunday school and learning the ropes about Sacrament distribution. Now he had returned home from his mission tour and was "courting" the sis that seemed immune to silly puppy love. As we all stood astonished at how strong Lauren felt about Sean we realized that their was something unique about Sean. Now we are waiting when a Keek-Pooter II or a Seen-Luke-Picard Jr will wisk these two into parenthood. I will not go on about it but let's just say that the match made was like finding your missing sock in the Cain basement: A Divine Miracle.

A comment on Cara and Aubrey's wedding. We were almost to the farm house were Cara's wedding was and I felt a sharp pain on my arm. My girlfriend (now wife) had given me the worst pinch ever recorded to my memory. I cannot recall what I said or did to deserve such an offense but I know it was over done. Retaliation then counter retalition. Two juvenile mid-late twenty year olds in the back of Mom and Dad's minivan having a Cain pinching reenactment. Bruised and tired we stopped when Mom turned and asked "what is going on".

We finally arrived at the farm house and it was like a little oasis in the middle of the mountains. A nice pond, green vegetation all around, and nice farm house. Truely a picturesque place for a wedding. Holly and I had never met Cara's fiancee. We politely shook hands with him as he smiled warmly to us. We quickly noticed that Aubrey was a soft spoken and gentle person. The ceremony was delightful and Cara's dress and Tiara matched perfectly with the surroundings. The whole ceremony against the background reminded me of an enchanted wedding in a fairy tale. One of my favorite pictures is the one on our family calender when Aubrey is kissing Cara on the cheek. As I visualize Aubrey and Cara I see them safely nestled in their little oasis in Vermont smiling as they converse about having some little turky nerds and Aubrites running around.

Carl-Happy Belated Birthday. We missed you this past weekend. Be on the look out for something that will come periodically in the mail. By the way are you still running? When you and Amber and Grace come for thanksgiving I propose when have a turkey run (before eating).

Signing out- love Zach

A Friend we will miss

The winter had been deep and frozen. Already at the end of January we were having record snows and bitter temperatures. Despite the cold and endless days of shoveling snow our home was warm with thoughts of a new baby in the fall.

One blustry day something wasn't quite right with the baby. I called my doctor and came in for an appointment. They ran some tests and sent me home to "stay off my feet".

Later that night I wanted a blessing but I would need at least two people. I knew of course I would ask Dad but who else? Jim Cecil. I knew he would come out in this nasty weather. I knew he would be kind and compassionate to our situation. He and Dad did indeed brave the horrible weather to give me a blessing of comfort even though I did loose the baby.

Jim Cecil was a natural choice for this blessing at such a dark hour. Our family had know him since we moved to Fairport in 1982. We grew up with his kids, Jamie, Matt, and Becca. We spent several holidays at their house and for a year or so the Cecil's home was a seminary classroom. Almost every Sunday you could count on a playful tap on the shoulder and big bear hug from Jim. He liked to laugh and I can still here his distinctive chortle all these years later.

Mom and Dad have been fast friends with Jim and Mary Cecil for many years. Perhaps it was because Mom, Dad and Jim were from West Virginia. If I listened close enough I could still pick up that West Virginia lilt from Mom, Dad and Jim. Words like window and color had a distinctive sound. Whatever was the connection it grew and strengthened over the years. The Cecils, as a result, have been present at nearly every Cain event. Baptisms, birthdays, holidays, weddings and temple sealings. Jim and Mary Cecil taught our temple preparation course before we were sealed in the Toronto Temple.

Most recently Jim was our home teacher. During this past year while Carl was in Virginia and I was still in New York. Jim and Mary stopped by nearly every month. This was another darker time for the Walkers. Months progressed and the house still hadn't sold. Many times Jim shared his deep testimony of prayer and faith. He shared about the sometimes harsh conditions he grew up in and how those experiences had prepared him for the gospel. His counsel was always given with humility and love peppered with his sense of humor. I could count on Jim Cecil the way I could count on my dad and I can't say that about many people.

Jim Cecil will be missed by the Cain kids. We'll miss seeing his overcoat and checkered driving cap in the winter. We will miss his playful teasing and sincere interest in how we are doing. We will miss him at our family celebrations and events.

Thank You Brother Jim Cecil.

Hodgepodge

Chatters,

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's posts. Like Lauren said, it's interesting to see everyone's different perspective on the same event.

Things are moving along here with the Walker branch. We've seemed to attract a technology "cloud of doom" here at 2200 Peppers Ferry. First it took about two solid weeks to find out if we could get high speed internet here or not. Finally, after almost 3 weeks in the house we were able to hook up to the internet. About a week later my work laptop flashed the black screen of death and I was without a work computer for about two more weeks. Finally, I got my work computer back and then last week we had a power surge that hit our house during a lightning storm and took out our home computer and our modem. Thankfully our new TV was spared. We got a new modem but are using my laptop as the home computer for now. This is why I haven't posted in a while. For those computer geeks in the family who are wagging there fingers right now we have purchased super-duper surge protectors (and I would recommend the rest of you save yourself lots of money and get some good surge protectors.)

Carl's parents are down for the labor day holiday. Carl's dad helped him put in a new front door which turned out to be a really big project. The front door hasn't closed correctly since we moved in. It turns out there was some extensive damage to the frame and the wrong size door was used. It took Carl and his dad most of the day to get the frame fixed and the door hung. They still have a few things left to do.

I picked out colors for our living room and foyer. I'm very excited to paint and am planning on starting tomorrow. I feel like we are living in someone else's home. The former owner didn't have our same tastes in colors.

Grace continues to grow and surprise us every day. She is her very own little person now and makes no bones about letting everyone know it. She is nearly done with potty training (whew, who know it would take sooooooooo long) and is wearing real undies most of the time. She makes up her own stories and songs and Carl and I have found her quietly looking at books on her bed on several occassions. She still loves princess and picked out a sleeping beauty princess dress pattern for Halloween (I only hope I can actually sew it!) Grace also loves Thomas the Tank Engine and knows most of the Engines (which is A LOT) by name. Carl and I have a hard time knowing who is who but Grace quickly corrects us. She is an excellent listener and has picked up many words by listening to everyone around her. The other day at dinner Carl was telling Grace a silly story to which she very matter of factly looked Carl in the eye and said, "Daddy, that's impossible." She misses everyone and has said several times that she wants to go over to Nana and Pappa's or Aunt Nattie and Uncle Mike. She wanted to know today if Uncle Zach, Aunt Holly and Jordan could come to church with us. I hope we can make a trip up home later in the fall.

And now for the Hodgepodge part,

Mom, after reading dad's blogs about the weddings and messing up the wedding march twice, I wonder why you would want Dad to take you out Dancing?

Holly, Thanks for being so brave and posting your packing in process pics. Good-luck with all that and as a tip, don't count on the cat's helping very much.

Lauren, I'm glad the leg was double bagged.

Here are some recent pics. of Grace playing in pudding and play dough. Post soon! love, amber

New Beginnings

Hi everyone. I haven't written in a while and thought I might update you all on life in Indiana. First of all, thanks to everyone who wrote birthday and anniversary blogs. Its nice to hear those stories from other perspectives. I guess I've forgotten how poor a sense of style I had in my younger years. Also, Sean too had a birthday this Tuesday. Unfortunately he was at school for most of the day but I greeted him with one of his favorite dinners, Greek salad, and carrot birthday cake. He got some good presents, including Mary Poppins from mom. He was quite excited when we watched it the other night.

Life out here is busy. Sean has started school and spends incredible amounts of time on homework. He goes to school early in the morning and doesn't usually get home until later in the evening. Its going to be an adjustment going from a summer of relaxing and fun to work work work. He is taking some interesting classes though. When he comes home he likes to tell me about interesting and weird cases that he read or discussed in class. He has met a couple of people in his classes too.

I've started my job and its very interesting, but quite overwhelming. There is a lot of new information that I need to learn and its going to take a long time for me to learn it. I will be orienting for this job until about March of next year! This is because there are a lot of different surgeries that we perform, each with its own equipment, doctor preferences and so on. All of my previous nursing experience really doesn't count in this new job. Everything is different. So although I don't know what I'm doing, I'm excited to learn something new. Today I watched a leg amputation. All I can say is "YUCK"! It was really nasty but cool at the same time. I helped one of the aids carry the leg to the lab. Don't worry, it was doubled bagged.

In addition to my new job, I got a new calling at church. I think mom has told most of you but I am the Young Women's president now. Once again, I have no idea what I am doing. The previous president isn't even in the state currently and she has all the materials that tell me what I am supposed to do. I really don't know any of the girls because Sean and I are still relatively new in the ward. This calling is really intimidating, but I have a great set of counselors and a helpful and encouraging bishop.

So as you can see, we're encountering several new challenges currently. However, we support each other and are just waiting to get settled into our new life. I hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

Love,
Lauren

True Love and the Fickle Finger of Fate

What could Lauren be thinking as she poses wearing "Old Faithful" and flannel PJ bottoms, both wardrobe staples in her middle school and high school years. Even though some of her big sisters admit they were worried about Lauren's fashion sense, they also confess they admired her individuality and independence from the clutches of school fashion police wanna be's.

Lauren might not have dressed like a princess but she surely could sing like one when she immitated Snow White singing, "I'm Wishing".

The big question was not if there was someone out there for Lauren but if there was someone out there good enough to recognize the treasure beneath "Old Faithful." Through high school and college there was no one who measured up. But the family wasn't worried because Lauren was at the top of her nursing class at Binghamton University, and on her way to great career as a nurse practitioner. She was offered a job and scholarship at Strong Memorial after she graduated. Dad and I planned on her living home and taking care of us while she finished. But Fate had other plans.

During summer of Lauren's senior Sean Giambattista, a young returned missionary, was home from BYU working for Xerox. His mom, Catherine, had told Lauren to call Sean, he was shy. Surprise! Lauren, shy also, took the leap and called. Their first date was at Barnes and Noble and lasted for seven hours. Catherine and I worried something had happened to them. Who goes to Barnes and Noble for seven hours?

The answer, unique people, who discovered they loved being together.

There were a few other dates during the short summer break and unknown to their families Cinderella and her Prince had decided to marry the following summer. Their official announcement was made over Christmas break. And on Aug. 12, 2005 they became Mr. and Mrs. Sean Giambattista.

The real twist of Fate's Fickle Finger in this abbreviated story is that

Sean had probably seen Lauren wearing "Old Faithful" because he visited us many times with his Dad as our home teachers. He didn't live that far away from us and he and Lauren went to church and mutual activities around the same time. He was only a year older. When asked why he thought he and Lauren never dated in high school Sean answered that Heavenly Father probably knew they were both " block heads" and not ready. But when the time came it was as it was meant to be. When I asked Lauren how she knew Sean was the right one, she said. "Because we don't have to say anything to be together. I just love being with him.

It feels right." Happy 2nd Anniversary Lauren and Sean. Love Ya!

Summer Weddings - Later

To Continue with Summer Weddings:

Cara and Aubrey,

In the spring of 2005, Mom and I learned that there would be two weddings in the summer. Cara and Aubrey were to be the first in July. Less than month later, Lauren and Shawn were to be married.

Mom switched the wedding planning machine into high gear, and the preparations began.

Cara's wedding was at a rented farmhouse in Vermont. Our family arrived the day before the wedding to help with the preparations. We helped Cara and Aubrey arrange potted plants and flowers around the house. There were already large trees and a small pond on the property to add to the country setting. Mom helped with cooking, Natalie helped Cara arrange flowers in her hair and Carl helped barbecue the chicken.

Cara's wedding was to be informal (no tuxes or dress suits). Aubrey and I did wear ties with our short sleeve shirts and casual pants. I learned to my great relief that there would be no complicated wedding steps for Dad to remember.

The day of wedding started with an overcast sky and we all worried that rain would ruin the plans. It did sprinkle, but not enough to interfere with the outside activities.

The ceremony took place on the front lawn of the farmhouse with the guests located just beyond a low stone wall, below the bride and groom. My part was ever so simple - I just accompanied Cara to Aubrey and the minister and retreated to the side.

My best memory of the day came after the ceremony when we walked to the side of the house just before dinner was served. Aubrey's dad offered a toast to them and then invited me to do the same. Although there were many things I wanted to say, most of them fled my mind or were more appropriate for a personal conversation with Cara and Aubrey.

Mom took my place. With tears in her eyes and emotion in her voice, she said, "Cara looks like I've always pictured her at her wedding - with flowers in her hair." I think she was sharing a mother's vision of a most important time in her daughter's life.

We all enjoyed good food and good visits with family and friends of Cara and Aubrey. Later Cara and Aubrey cut the cake and the party continued into the night.

Cara was very beautiful in the dress mom made for her and with flowers in her hair. Aubrey was a handsome, beaming young groom. They made a lovely couple.

Another move

Sorry I wasnt on to share a story about Lauren, I dont have anything yet! She is wonderful though! And Lauren, we did not forget about you (or Sean), we have a card to send, as soon as we get some stamps!
On to the heading - Yes we are moving! I have mixed feelings about it. After helping Amber pack... wasnt too bad, we have plenty of time since were not moving until October, and we have the whole month. But it was Sheryl! The little she had compared to what we'll have to move, exhausts me to think about it. Its the physically draining part of movning Im not looking foreword to.

The pictures show what our bed looks like at the moment, and Troy and Persia are doing all they can to help (you can see in which ways in the photos)

Over all Im excited! Unfortunaly our living room is a tad smaller, but we have sliding glass doors going out to our larger deck overlooking a nice yard. It is a duplex, so rather than share with many neighbors, its only 1. We also lost the half bathroom, but gained a garage, and the kitchen that is 3 times larger than the one we have now! Ahh, breathing room! We have a basement still, and the 2 bedrooms as we do now. The reason for the move - to save money. Most bills even out, but rent here at Highview is going up to $850! Rent in our new home is $695! Its great.

We will be settle in our new home by the holidays, which is another exciting time coming up faster than ever!!! Any plans on whats going on at Christmas? Will we see anyone back here in NY (although keep in mind we can take turns with the traveling... Amber - I cant wait to have a Sunday dinner at your new house!)

Gotta go clean my bed! Miss you all!

Holly Cain (its official everywhere now)