COOK CHRONICLES

3^rd Quarter 2016

OCTOBER

2 Damien Alexander Cook (2009) – Allen

5 Noah Allen Wood (2013) - Emilee
6 Alexander Silas Koyle (2009) - Eldon
6 Braxton Joseph Cook (2010) – Todd
6 Madilyn Crane (2014) - Heather
8 Evelyn Marjorie Cook (2010) - Jesse
8 Riley Mary Koyle (2010) - Jared
18 Karleen & Kenneth James Kiffer (1985)
20 JOANNE MARIE JENKS COOK
21 Tiana Lynn Jones Cook
21 Mack Wilfred Nelson (2013) - Lanette               
22 Corwin J & Marilyn Lystrup Cook (1982)
27 Allen Vaughn & Loreena Lynn Pedersen Cook (2005)
27 James Carleton Whelchel
28 Justin Brent Webster
29 Landon Bunker Crane (2012) - Heather

NOVEMBER

1 Allen Vaughn Cook (1979)

5 MARILYN LYSTRUP COOK
15 Aaron Kenneth Kiffer (1989)
15 Courtney Michelle Kiffer Whelchel (1989)
15 Jennifer Nicole Axford Cook
16 Camden James Whelchel (2015) - Courtney
18 Russell Allen Reynolds (2015) - Jordan  
19 Blake Daniel Cook (2004) - Robert
19 Ashley LaDell Cook & Jedediah Ralph Romig (2004)
19 Russell Allen Reynolds (2015) - Jordan)
22 Shaun Martin Nelson
23 Emma Charlotte Cook (2014) - Matt
24 Eldon Silas Koyle (1983)
24 Jesse Carleton Whelchel (2011) – Courtney
27 Emma Kathryn Romig (2007) - Ashley
27 Brian Dennis Bench
28 Randall Lee & Joanne Marie Jenks Cook (1975)
30 JAY MARVIN JONES

DECEMBER

1 Owen Goddard Cook (2008) - Zach
3 Courtney Lynn Ahrens Reynolds
4 Sydnee Lynn Cook (2007) - Mark
5 Lyndon Blair & Deborah Pearl Whiting Cook (1980)
6 Isaac Jacob Keenan (2000) - Kandace
7 Ruby Ann Romig (2005) - Ashley
8 Isaac Shane Freeman
9 Justin Scott Cook (1975)
9 Joseph Koyle (2007) - Eldon
11 Heather Cook Crane (1991)
11 August Price Thomas (2011) - Andrea
12 Eli Koyle (2007) - Jared
13 Janneece Renae Taylor Reynolds
14 William Hendrix Cook (2010) - Zach
16 Tiffany Monae Mock Cook
17 Zachary Allen & Jennifer Nicole Axford Cook (2005)
17 Nathan Allen & Tiana Lynn Jones Cook (2008)
19 Hugo Angelo & Kirsten Reynolds DeCampos (1997)
20 Seth Allen & Carrie Ellen Morgan Cook (1997)
21 Leslie Vaughn & Janey Lyn Donat Cook               
21 Daniel Craig & Crystal Lee Scholes Reynolds (2005)
26 Megan Marie Jackson Cook
28 James Nathan Cook (2009) – Nathan
28 Jaxon Brent Romig (2013) - Ashley
30 Jared Allen & Jenifer Holly Mortensen Koyle (2005)

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DINNER

Friday, November 25th

Noon

at the Garland Tabernacle
200 West Factory

Meat and rolls will be provided;

Please bring a salad or dessert to share.
TALENT SHOW:  Please prepare your song, dance, joke, etc. if you want to participate!

Justin Cook will be in attendance, too (his nose-to-the-grind employer is giving him the day off!

NEW ADDITIONS LAST QUARTER

Tanner and Jenna Ann Johnson Cook

August 26, 2016

Rexburg Temple

Heather and Levi Crane 
welcomed a daughter

Friday, September 16th
Emma Rose Crane

Jesse and Debbie Cook
welcomed a son

Monday, September 26^th

Eli  - 7 lbs.

Logan and Joycelyn Cook
welcomed a son
Wednesday, November 2nd
Tean Corwin Cook

Philip and Brittany Cook
daughter was born
November 10th

Blaire Elyse

FUTURE NEW ADDITIONS

Ashley and Jed - December

Matt and Lindsay - a girl in December

Nate and Tiana - a boy in January

Andrea and Travis - a boy in January

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Karina Jones and Adam Lewis will be married

December 20, 2016

In the Brigham City Temple

 

Karina will be receiving her endowments on December 16th,

Mt. Timpanogas Temple, 1:45 pm session

(I believe it's requested that folks arrive 1/2 hour early).

Saturday, December 17th,

Open House in Ogden

250 N 1500 W for all family and friends

Les and Janey.  Les is still Bishop! Lorinda came and visited while Janey was at Mom’s.  Justin is living and working in Las Vegas at Lyndon’s store.  He’s joined a choir and plans to stay until April.  Robert and Tiffany moved to Tustin, CA.  He’s working in Scouts—Assistant Scout Master.  They are busy with three boys!  Mark had lower back surgery last week.  Allen and Loreena are expecting a boy in December. Philip and Brittany – girl November  He’s in the MBA program at the U. Keith and Amber are in Pocatello and is hoping to get a job at the site.  Neil and Jami are in Blackfoot and Gibson keeps them busy!  They have a tiny poodle, a big boxer, and a pig, but Gibson rules the roost!

Darryl and Mary.  Jesse just completed the LoToJa Classic 206 mile bicycle race from Logan to Jackson Hole.  It is a non-stop race, in which riders cross three mountains.  It was 31 degrees in Preston at 6 a.m. when he rode through there! This was the first time he competed in the race.

Darryl is driving to Washington to visit Emilee, Vinson and family.  Kandace and John's older son Johnny received his eagle scout award!  Congratulations!  This is an amazing accomplishment!

Jaylyne and Craig. Julie is teaching Special Ed at Highland and mostly enjoys it.  There are that handful of students who see it as their mission to make life miserable for any teacher, even more experienced ones, and that is difficult for everyone.  Ben is working for a small engineering company in Idaho Falls and feels good about going each day.  They have truly been blessed in finding a duplex with a family nearby who loves watching James and Sierra when they are not in school and James and Sierra love being with that family.  The teacher at Edahow is challenging James academically, which wasn't happening in Texas.  So, in spite of dealing with a refrigerator that didn't work and a dishwasher that didn't work and someone smashing a corner of Ben's car while it was in the parking lot at work, they are grateful to be back in Idaho.

If Andrea and Travis do not respond, they are expecting a boy the end of January.  Elizabeth is tutoring a couple of nights each week and Catherine is looking forward to Drivers' Training in December.  

Except for the long drive, Craig and I enjoyed our Church History trip immensely. We spent an hour or so at the visitors' center in Martin's Cove on the first day of our drive.  Then, we took a couple of days to Michigan and from Michigan, caravaned with Andrea and Kirsten's families to Palmyra.  We visited Grandin's Print Shop, the Smith Family farm sites, the Whitmer home, and of course, the Sacred Grove.  We also attended Church in Palmyra and were grateful for the welcome.  It was before the pageant, but even so, there were lots of visitors:  from Arizona, Virginia, Utah, and of course, Idaho, Michigan and New Mexico.  I am thinking at least eight sisters introduced themselves in Relief Society.  I was also blessed to be able to witness Hannah, Leila, Elizabeth, Catherine and Katelyn to baptisms for ancestors in the Palmyra Temple.  

Our next stop was Kirtland.  We enjoyed the tour there and also stopped at the Kirtland Temple and took the tour there.  The young man who guided the tour was knowledgeable, but he never once said, "I believe" or "I know."  And I must admit it was strange to hear him speak of people and historical events which we share while at the same time knowing that his beliefs are so different from mine in important ways.... like eternal families and priesthood.

We took time to visit the Johnson farm about a forty minute drive from Kirtland while Kirsten and Andrea's families and Elise drove to Sandusky.  As with the Whitmers, to realize what the early Saints consecrated and sacrificed to aid in the building of the kingdom was very humbling.  We also contemplated the impact of the revelations received in the Kirtland area.

We arrived in Nauvoo a day before the others.  That gave us a chance to look around and discover where things were.  The next morning, we did initiatory work for ancestors and then we each went through an endowment session for one of them.  Karleen had shared her feelings of being in the Nauvoo Temple:  How could they leave this?  I shared that sentiment.  Throughout our trip, my love for the Hendrixes, the Allens (both families), and Craig's ancestors who experience that early Church History really grew.  

I spent some time in the Land and Records office in Nauvoo.  It was fun to see names of ancestors and copies of records concerning them.  That night, I had a powerful thought:  YOU DID NOT LOOK FOR BLAIRS!  It was such a strong impression, that I asked Craig for time to go back.  He agreed to arrive in Nauvoo a little earlier the next day.  We knew that Michael Blair and Jane McNutt had married and had children, that Jane had died and Michael had remarried Rhoda Lyle (some records say Rhoda Lyle McNutt) and that Michael's sons from his first marriage (Harrison, Carlton James and Tarlton) had joined the church, but right there in the Records Office, I saw a transcript of Michael and Rhoda being baptized for deceased family members:  Michael for his first wife, Jane and Rhoda for a 'relative' Daniel Nyle.  But we also know that Michael and his family went to Texas for a winter and arrived back in Iowa while the Saints were at Winter Quarters, that they then went to Oregon City, Oregon for a couple of years before moving to San Joaquin, California in 1850 and that Michael died there a short time after their arrival.  So, the mystery deepens.  Would Michael have gone to join the Saints in Utah when his sons did had he lived?  But Rhoda did not go to Utah when her step sons did.  We will probably not know the facts in this life.

Our final family stop was Carthage, a sober stop, indeed.  We said good-bye to family there and they all headed home, but we went to Church in Nauvoo the next day and then drove to Missouri, where we toured Liberty Jail and then drove to Adam Ondi Ahman.  By that time, we were tired of taking wrong turns and having to backtrack, so we did not go to other sites in Missouri.  On our way back to Iowa, we stopped at John Wayne's birthplace (Craig's birthday present a week early) and also at the site of the first moving train robbery (Jesse James masterminded it).  We also found an interesting railroad history museum exhibiting model train sets representing the part railroads played in the history of many states:  mining, cattle 'drives', industry, etc.  

We were so glad to get home, but also grateful for the experience!  

Randy and Joanne.  Randy is in Australia, heading home for  a week, then to Indonesia, and then to Papua New Guinea, and back to Australia...home for Thanksgiving, then back to Australia and Japan…in January they could be going to Australia for 6 months to a year. Matt’s in his last year of medical school and is interviewing for residency programs. Lindsay is holding down the fort!  Seth’s oldest daughter Karina is a senior and hoping to go to BYU next fall.  Adam is in Pocatello and doing well.  Laura is teaching Seminary in Bountiful and enjoying working with the youth.

Karleen and Ken.  Sorry for how late this epistle is!  I had planned to get it out before our trip to Utah--but, obviously, didn’t!  It was great visiting with Mom.  We drove up so she could visit with Ed, too.  Courtney and boys came along--she couldn’t remember ever meeting Uncle Ed!  James recently passed the second of three exams for his CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)--one to go!  Amber and Aaron are working hard wishing they were making more money!  Amber was working a 3:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. shift--YUCKY!

Danna and Don.  Rachelle has moved to Cedar City and is planning on going to school in January.  Hyrum received the Priesthood in August.  Anna was baptized September 28^th.  Jordan and Sonya spent 10 days in Utah last month.  They were able to go to St. George with Don and Danna, and Janey came to stay with Grandma.  Alexis was glad to be returning home to Japan.  Jonathan is working at Utah State with Eldon and Allen.  Jonathan is graduating in December and already has a job in Logan, which is great as Whitney is still in school.

Ed.  Tasia is at ISU finishing her degree in Secondary Education-Math. Jacob is managing Rigley’s. They are buying a home on Washington in Pocatello.

Lyndon and Debbie are traveling the world!

Corwin and Marilyn. Jenna is taking classes and working toward a Masters in Counseling.  Tanner is going into Mechanical Engineering.   Logan and Joycelyn have finished their home--next comes the yard.  Heather and Levi are living in Pocatello--Levi is going to ISU.  Heather was doing some family history and found some information about one of our ancestors:  Emma was born in England and when she decided to join the Church, her family disowned her.  She migrated to the United States and went to Utah.  Later one of her sons was called to serve a mission in England and decided to look up his grandmother.  He told her who he was and she asked about her daughter’s handicap.  The son told her his Mom didn’t have any handicap and didn’t know what she was talking about.  He later found out that when his mother had been baptized she walked out of the font--healed. Thus, Heather and Levi have named their new daughter Emma in memory of this marvelous woman!

Lorinda and Jay made a visit to Utah over Labor Day.  Lorinda is serving as Primary President...still.  Sam is a senior in high school!  Jeremy arrives home in December--in time for Christmas!  They'll be in Utah for the wedding in December!

COOK CHRONICLES

3^rd Quarter 2016                                                                                                                                       July-September

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

JULY
1 Rachelle Ruth Koyle (1996)

3 JUNIOR ALLEN COOK (1925)
3 Christian Richard Cook (2008) - Allen
6 Travis Price Thomas
8 Joseph Todd Cook (1983)
8 Chloe Ann Cook (2007) - Todd
10 Phillip Andrew Cook (1985)
10 Elizabeth Mae Thomas (1999) - Andrea
12 Rebecca Ann Thomas (2005) - Andrea
12 Laura Lee Cook (1979)

12 Brittany Baxter Cook (Phillip)
14 MaLyn Jane Cook (2005) - Neil

14 Lillian Olivia Cook (2011) - Mark
15 CRAIG VON REYNOLDS
15 Kaylee Cook (2003) - Seth
17 Julie Darlene Anderson Reynolds

17 Avilynn Cook (2012) - Ryan
19 Sarah Reynolds Smith (1987)
19 Katelyn Jane Thomas (2003) - Andrea
20 Ashley Marie Morgan Cook
20 Kirsten Reynolds DeCampos (1977)
20 Tasia Nicole Cook (1996)
21 Brittany Gitner Cook
21 Heidi Cook Webster (1976)
22 Ashley LaDell Cook Romig (1985)

23 Benson Matthew Cook (2012) - Matthew
25 KENNETH JAMES KIFFER

27 Marc Allen Reynolds (2012) - Daniel
28 Mark Landon Cook (1978)

28 Sierra Jewel Reynolds (2011) - Benjamin
29 Adam Michael Cook (1977)
30 Catherine Thomas (2002) - Andrea
31 Emilee Cook & Vinson Richard Wood (1999)

AUGUST
4 Joshua Joaquim DeCampos (2009) - Kirsten
6 Chester Jordan Reynolds (2010) - Jordan
8 Hyrum James Koyle (2004) - Matthew
8 Hannah Faith De Campos (1999) - Kirsten
9 Jared Allen Koyle (1981)
9 DEBORAH PEARL WHITING COOK

9 Logan Keith Cook & Joycelyn Durfee (2013)

10 Lincoln Carlton Cook (2012) - Robert
12 Emmaleigh Annetje Thomas (2007) - Andrea
13 Derek James Cook (1983)
14 Courtney Michelle Kiffer & James Carleton Whelchel (2010)
16 Kandace & John Joseph Keenan (1997)
18 Lanette & Shaun Martin Nelson (2007)
19 Andrea & Travis Price Thomas (1997)
22 Seth Allen Cook (1976)
22 Crystal Lee Scholes Reynolds
22 Delphia Mae Freeman (2007) - Erin
24 Darryl Bruce & Helen Mary Dredge Cook
25 Erin Marie & Isaac Shane Freeman (2000)
25 Caleb Wood (2002) - Emilee

27 Nixie Ann Cook (2015) - Derek

27 Robert Lyndon Romig (2015) - Ashley
29 Hugo Von De Campos (2004) – Kirsten

30 Andrew Montgomery Cook (2014) - Phillip

31 Phillip Andrew & Brittany Baxter Cook (2013)

SEPTEMBER
1 Carrie Ann Barnard Koyle
4 Benjamin Craig Reynolds (1981)
4 LYNDON BLAIR COOK
6 Andrea Reynolds Thomas (1978)
7 Lisa Jean Boyle Cook

7 Theo Martin Nelson (2015) - Lanette
8 Morgan Bruce Webster (2010) - Heidi

8 Levi and Heather Cook Crane (2011)
9 Deborah Jean Christensen Cook (Jesse)
12 Jeremy Michael Jones (1996)
13 JAYLYNE COOK REYNOLDS
15 Annalise Cook (2009) - Ryan
17 DARRYL BRUCE COOK
18 John Joseph Keenan
22 Erin Marie Cook Freeman (1981)

22 Lindsay Memmott Cook
25 Anna Jean Koyle (2008) - Matthew
27 JANEY LYN DONAT COOK
29 Carrie Ellen Morgan Cook
29 Edie Rose Thomas (2009) - Andrea

A NEW ADDITION!

Robert, Tiffany, Blake, and Lincoln welcomed

Cohen Sander Cook

April 17, 2016

8lbs 1 oz      21 ½ “ long

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Heather and Levi Crane – a girl (September)

Logan and Joycelynn Cook – a boy (November)

Phillip and Brittany Cook – a girl (October)

Jesse & Debbie Cook – a boy (October)

Matt & Lindsay Cook – December

Ashley & Jed Romig - December

Call for Family Group Sheets

Jaylyne is trying to get a copy of each family group sheet for

Grandma’s ten children as well as one for each of

the married grandchildren and their families.

It is our hope that having all of this information in one location

will help in keeping our family records!

Mary H. Cook, Children  & Spouses  -

Gathering in October!

What does your schedule look like during the October 7-8 weekend?

Let’s get together and talk about a

COOK FAMILY REUNION for the summer of 2017!

Darryl has offered his cabin.  Or we can do dinner.

Please email or call Karleen and we’ll firm up the plans!

FAMILY NEWS

LYNDON & DEBBIE are doing great.  Debbie is serving as 1^st Counselor in the Primary Presidency and loves it. Lyndon has been serving in the Stake Presidency for 7 1/2 years. The kids and grandchildren are doing great!  Shane is working at the Orem Costco as Assistant Manager.  Dallen is busy with work and school.  The family is looking forward to a family vacation at Darryl’s cabin in July.  Ashley and Jed write that Eli is enjoying his extended school year during the summer. The kids are most happy when we are on the go, so after chores are complete we spend a lot of time at splash pads, using our Thanksgiving Point passes, playing at the pond and visiting parks. I was called as the primary chorister and am greatly enjoying it. We are expecting our 6th baby in December, and I think my family is eager for me to be out of my sick and grumpy phase.

CORWIN & MARILYN are doing well.  Both continue their callings in a BYU-Idaho Stake serving with Young Adults.  They continue to teach and model Family Home Evenings and Date Nights at their best!  Derek, Ashley and children are loving their new home!  Ryan is doing well and enjoying his work.  Logan and Joycelynn are settling into their new home in Kearns, Utah. Heather and Levi are moving to Pocatello.  Levi starts the Physical Therapy graduate program this fall at Idaho State.  Tanner is attending BYU-Idaho and is participating in an internship program in engineering—as a freshman!

LORINDA & JAY are doing the same old…however, Jay has signed up for Facebook! Lorinda is once again unemployed (sort of)—she works one morning a week—which is great for the summer so she can do yard work!  Sam has his learner’s permit—Mom and Dad are growing grayer—and will be a senior this fall. Jeremy is doing well—returns in December (get writing those letters!).  Lanette, Shawn and family are coming to Oregon to visit for a week.  YEAH—a Grandma’s dream!  Jacob bought a ‘77 Celica to work on.  He’s working for a contractor laying floors (carpet, linoleum) earning money to continue college. Karina is in Provo and planning to take a class this fall at BYU—the Provo School District will be losing a great teacher!  Rachel and Benson are enjoying spending time at home right now—he’s growing and changing. Brian finished his bachelor’s and is working in Sandy.  David is living in Bountiful and is involved in his Ward (serves as a clerk, and participates in FHE and weekly basketball). 

GRANDMA COOK is doing well. Her leg is still bothering her, but she’s still a mite feisty!  She enjoys visiting on the phone—or in person, so if you happen by, please drop in!

LES & JANEY are stilll quilting and enjoying their peaceful time.   They spent a week with Robert and Tiffany and boys (Les and Robert share a birthday—so they celebrated together) in Anaheim.  They brought Blake back up to Blackfoot with them and had a great time.   Blake did some hefty hiking with Grandpa and camping with Mark and boys. He was also able to spend some time with friends in Pocatello.  Robert and Tiffany are moving to Tustin, CA—an area more in line with their family (not just old folks and young couples).  Justin is doing a lot of camping this summer.  Mark just had shoulder surgery (on the other shoulder) and will be returning to work in a couple of weeks.  Allen and Lorena are doing fine.  Lorena went to girls’ camp—and Danna watched the boys during the day.  Neil works for Alsco and Jamie works for a contractor for the site—and their little guy is growing!   Keith and Amber reopened their store in Pocatello.  Brittany and Phillip are expecting a baby girl in November. Phillip starts MBA school in August at the University of Utah. Brittany repelled from 45' at Camp Williams in Utah at 5 months in her pregnancy to the cheering of all of the young men and women in our Ward at youth conference. 

DARRYL & MARY. Darryl just works, rides his horse, rides his bike, and works at the cabin. Darryl is serving as the Ward Financial Clerk—when he was called, he asked, “Can I just hire someone to do this?  Do you really want someone who hasn’t balanced a checkbook in 40 years?”  Mary is doing fine.  Their oldest grandchild will be a senior this fall and going on a mission in a year!  Ivy is becoming quite a pianist, as are Kandace’s daughters.

JAYLYNE & CRAIG are driving to Michigan to visit Kirsten, Hugo and family.  Andrea and Travis and family are meeting them there, and then they’ll go to Palmyra, Niagara Falls, Kirtland and Nauvoo.  Elise is flying out to meet them as well!  Kirsten and Hugo are heading into a crazy summer with Scout Camp, Girls Camp, a Church History family reunion with my parents and Andrea and Elise and their families.  Hugo plans on climbing Mount Rainier in August and the kids have other activities scattered throughout the summer.  Hannah is prepping her college applications already as she is now a senior! We’ll be looking forward to Julie and Ben moving to Pocatello. Julie has a job teaching Special Ed (Math and English) at Highland in Pocatello.  Jordan is working at Home Depot, but is looking for work in his degree area.  Daniel and Crystal and boys visited over Memorial Day.  Sarah is training at the hospital in the labs and works at JC Penneys on the weekends.

RANDY & JOANNE - Randy is still working for McKinsey and will be for a few more years.  His work address is the world. He has traveled from South America, to Asia, to Australia to Europe.  He has worked on five of the seven continents. He loves the work and the travel but hates the separation from Joanne.

Joanne stays busy quilting, gardening, doing family history and spoiling grandchildren.  She is learning to play the piano as well. She thinks this may be useful when she and Randy serve their missions.  When Randy was working in Australia in February and March, Joanne was able to go with him.  They went sightseeing on the weekends and saw some amazing sights in the Land Down Under.

Seth and Carrie are still living in Michigan, going on 12 years now. Seth was released from being Bishop and shortly after Carrie was called as the Stake Young Women's President.  Seth is now serving as Young Men's President.  Never a dull moment! Karyna is now 17 and looking forward to her senior year in high school.  She played Lacrosse for the first time and really loved it. She stays very busy with a job at Dairy Queen and an active social life.  Tyler will be a sophomore and has really done well in school. He enjoyed running cross country for the first time and even lettered as a freshman with a PR of 18:30 for a 5K.  He's working on getting his Eagle if he (we) can make it through the paper work! Kaylee is going into 8th grade and enjoyed playing volleyball this past year.  She has taken up baking and has heard "this is the best cheesecake I've ever had," said by all who taste it.  The white chocolate raspberry is to die for!  Tayden will be a 6th grader and keeps everyone on their toes with his never-ending bits of knowledge.  Bored with "regular" math he began teaching himself Algebra (only because his mother told him to start with that when he really wanted to figure out Trigonometry to help him with his computer programming.)  And last, but certainly not least, Trevyn just turned 7 and will go into 2nd grade.  He does well in school and has taken up Karate, earning his orange belt and is excited to keep learning.

Adam still lives in Pocatello with the Mecham family.  He is working again at New Day where he assembles trophies. He swims and skis in the Special Olympics and loves attending Special Mutual.  He loves his books about dinosaurs, insects, animals and birds and other critters.  He enjoys learning things on his iPad.

Laura has a job teaching seminary at Bountiful High School seminary.  She is still pursuing martial arts and is involved in the Young Women’s program.

Nate and Tiana  enjoy the outdoors in northern Idaho.  Nate is still working for Idaho Fish and Game as a Senior Wildlife Technician and serves as the Scoutmaster.  Tiana loves being a wife and mom and volunteering at school. She is working on developing home science projects and lessons with her dad and sister.  James is an absolute go getter, loves to draw, and just finished kindergarten. On field day he got first place, for 3 kindergarten classes, in the chicken throw (discus throw with a rubber chicken) and the 50 yard dash.  Julia is sweet and fun and just finished her first year of preschool and received the award for stick-to-itiveness.  Emily is a spunky and talkative 2 year old.

Matt and Lindsay-Matt is in his final year of medical school. He is currently on rotation in the ICU and loves it (just like every other rotation, which makes choosing a specialty very difficult).  He is also in the Ward Sunday School presidency and is determined to sign up for a triathlon this year (fake it ‘til you make it, right?).  Lindsay is enjoying “morning” sickness and home health IV fluid with their third baby. She’s making a deal with the baby that if she’s this sick he or she will have lots of hair and be well behaved. Things are starting to look up, now, so she can get out and enjoy the sunshine on most days. Matt will be rotating in the delivery hospital in December around the due date, so we’ll see what the nurses do when the medical student starts kissing the patient. Benson just finished preschool and is a smart and energetic little boy, emphasis on energetic. He started swimming lessons this summer and finally dunked his head! Emma is a fun, energetic, and independent 18 month old, emphasis on energetic.

KARLEEN & KEN are replacing the ends of the eaves on their house so they can put soffits on—and then, of course, re-side the entire thing. Karleen is spending nearly as much time doing homework for Seminary Teacher Training this summer as she spent preparing lessons during the school year!  But the training is pretty amazing!  Amber just finished participating in the June Special Training in California (Karate) and is in one piece—she’s loving where she lives, but is not especially fond of the heat (is that an oxymoron?).  Aaron is back to work—drum roll!  He’s working 40-68 hours each week, but is a much happier guy—got a little tired cleaning out kitchen cupboards for his Mom!  The Whelchels have great summer plans even though their attempts to cajole grandma and grandpa down for a visit were fruitless! James is biking to work and still taking voice lessons. Jesse is doing a Little Imaginations summer camp (arts and crafts) and loving his little brothers. He asked if we could have another baby last Saturday (we did our best to explain it was not possible :). Brycen is doing a summer camp with Courtney this summer and loves anything with sugar. Camden likes sitting better than tummy time but isn't interested in crawling! Courtney is teaching piano and taking voice lessons to help with her calling as Primary Chorister.

  

DANNA & DON is busy doing yard and garden work. The cherries are about ready, the cabbage is in—it’s all weeded even!  Eldon and Courtney are going on a Trek with the youth in their Ward, so Danna is babysitting the kids. Rachelle is home on a medical release.

ED is doing well—he has a different van and is on the road again.  He has an x-ray of his pelvic girdle that is unbelievable—it really does look like a honeycomb! Tasia and Jacob are moving into their first home in Pocatello in July. Tasia received her Associate’s Degree in May at Iowa Lakes Community College and is enrolling at ISU to get a teaching certification in Math.  They will both be working.

2^nd Quarter 2016

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

APRIL
1 Courtney Jo King Koyle
2 Vinson Richard Wood
3 Amber Nicole Kiffer (1988)

5 DANNA COOK KOYLE
5 Jesse Manson Cook (1979)
5 Kaden Gonsales (2002) - Keith

5 Mikaela Zoe Cook (2015) - Logan
6 RANDALL LEE COOK

6 Emily Elizabeth Cook (2014) - Nathan
7 Quinn Darryl Wood (2007) - Emilee

8 Iris Madeline Nelson (2011) - Lanette
9 David Jay Jones (1988)

11 Carson Nathaniel Cook (2006) - Mark
12 Eli Jedediah Romig (2010) - Ashley
13 Josie  Noelle  Freeman (2010) - Erin
14 Richard Craig Reynolds (1993)
20 Lanette Jones Nelson(1987)
21 Neil Edward Cook (1981)
22 EDMUND ALLEN COOK
22 Mark Landon and Lisa Jean Boyle Cook (2000)
23 Leila Joy DeCampos (2002) – Kirsten

27 Amber Kratzke Cook

MAY
2 Zachary Allen Cook (1983)

2 Theodore Angelo DeCampos (2014) - Kirsten

5 Nathan Silas Thomas (2014) - Andrea
7 Braden Christopher Cook (2007) – Keith

7 Rachel Jones and Brian Bench (2011)
9 Jordan Craig and Janneece Renae Taylor Reynolds (2008)
10 Loreena Lynn Pederson Cook
10 Matthew Orvin Cook (1988)

11 Richard Craig and Courtney Lynn Ahrens Reynolds (2013)
13 James Benjamin Reynolds (2008) - Benjamin
16 Daniel Craig Reynolds (1983)
16 Nathan Allen Cook (1985)
17 Dallen Bryce Cook (1991)
19 Benjamin Craig and Julie Darlene Anderson Reynolds (2006)

19 Wesley Gabriel Cook (2011) - Allen

20 Julia Virginia Cook (2012) - Nathan
21 Craig Von  and Jaylyne Cook Reynolds 1976
22 Hugo Angelo DeCampos
23 Ean Clark Wood (2005) - Emilee
23 Penelope Keenan (2009) - Kandace
24 Jonathon Hyrum Koyle (1989)
25 Trevyn Paul Cook (2009) - Seth

26 Tasia Cook and Jacob Thompson (2015)
28 Logan Keith Cook (1988)

28 Margaret Elaine Cook (2015) - Jesse
29 MOM and DAD
31 Robert Daniel Cook (1977)
31 LESLIE VAUGHN COOK

JUNE
4 Jesse Manson and Deborah Jean Christensen Cook (2004)
4 Joseph Todd and Megan Marie Jackson Cook (2005)
5 Joseph Richard Wood (2000) - Emilee
5 Tayden Lee Cook (2005) - Seth
6 Kandace Cook Keenan (1975)
7 Jordan Craig Reynolds (1985)
7 Matthew Glen and Carrie Ann Barnard Koyle (2003)
8 Jenifer Holly Mortensen Koyle

8 Danica Rose Koyle (2015) - Jordan
14 Jacob Bowen Jones (1994)
16 Sabina Keenan (2004) - Kandace

18 Danica Rose Koyle (2015) - Jordan
19 Junior Allen Cook Family sealed, 1964
21 Samuel Willard Jones (1999)

22 Joycelyn Rachele Durfee Cook

23 Luke Allen Cook
24 Jordan Cook Koyle (1986)

24 Gibson Vaughn Cook (2015) - Neil
28 LORINDA COOK JONES

28 Neil Edward and Jamie Walton Cook (2014)

NEW ADDITIONS LAST QUARTER:

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon (Whitney) Koyle

January 2nd

Benson Brian Bench

January 4th

8 lbs 6 oz     21"
son of Rachel (Jones) and Brian Bench

Tayton Cook
son of Todd and Megan Cook

Michael Allen Koyle 

January 23rd

7 lbs 9 oz
son of Jared and Jen Koyle

FAMILY NEWS

GRANDMA COOK:  Karleen, Ken, Courtney and her boys came and stayed for a week last month while Danna went to Southern UT, Colorado, and Casper, WY with Don for work.  We enjoyed the trip.  Grandma was acting a bit funny one day and Karleen finally got her to tell her she thought it was awful how they had moved in and taken over Danna's house.  Anyone is welcome to come and take over my house anytime.  I would be glad to leave and let you take over.  FYI:  Gerald Pearson passed away the middle of March.  Danna and Grandma visited with Ed prior to the funeral and afterward were able to go to lunch with Les and Darryl.

DANNA & DON: 

Matthew and Carrie are working to finish the master bath in their home between work and being Elders’ Quorum Pres. He has his hands full.  Hyrum was Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in a school play on Mar. 4 he was excited to get the part he wanted because he got to burp.  Ruth Makenzie was in the chorus. They did a great job.  They filled the Roy High School gym to see the play.  Anna is in a singing group.  Fun to listen to them

Eldon and Courtney are headed to visit her parents for the 2nd time since they moved to Greeley, CO.  Joe is in scouts and just had his first pinewood derby race.  He placed 3rd.  They had 2 wards participating and 21 cars raced.  Alex loves anything to do with rocks.  It's pretty amazing for a 6 year old.  Emmalene is 3 going on teens.  She is very independent and knows what she wants.  She gives the boys and her parents a run for their money.

Jared and Jen had a new baby January 28th. Danna got to go stay for a day and then brought the children back to Garland for several days.  Jared was able to take almost 3 weeks off after Michael was born.  Morgan had surgery on her eyes the end of January and is doing well.  She is much busier than before the surgery and keeps everyone hopping.  Riley loves pre-school and singing, and they all love the baby.  Eli is doing well in school and Grandma Koyle loves to have him come and play games with her.

Jordan and Sonya are loving Japan.  They have been here for a year now and have between 2 and 4 more to go. It's spring so the cherry blossoms are coming out. The weather is really up and down. We can have an absolutely gorgeous day, and then the next have 24 hours of torrential down pour. Then have another beautiful day the next. Jordan really enjoys his job in the navy, and really likes the others in his department.  They all get along great and have a lot of fun.  Alexa is really enjoying homeschooling.  She loves math and her Bob books. She is really into animals right now and can't get enough of them.  Danica is army crawling and recently started to pull herself up on the furniture. So it won't be long until she is cruising.  She is tiny, but that doesn't stop her.  I'm doing pretty good too. I stay pretty busy with taking care of Danica and doing school with Alexa. 

Jonathon and Whitney are staying busy with work and school.  They have a nice roomy apartment but probably haven't spent much time there except for the week of spring break.

Rachelle is in Elk Grove, CA.  She loves the weather, rain or shine and loves her companions and teaching the gospel.  She says she is staying busy.  She adds:  We had exchanges this week, and I had the wonderful opportunity to go out with the Spanish sisters. That was exciting! I don't really speak any Spanish anymore, so I got to stand at the door while the other two sisters contacted. They always had to explain I wasn't actually their companion and didn't speak Spanish. But I was amazed at how much of the conversations and lessons I understood!  That was a blessing!
Because I was the blonde one the investigators always asked me to say the prayers...that made me chuckle, and it was a fun experience. In the first evening we had a lesson with an investigator...can't remember his name for the life of me... But I was struggling in that lesson. It was late evening, I hadn't eaten yet, One of the Hermanas and the member present spoke really fast, and I had sat on a cockroach so I just wasn't tuned in to the lesson. I did catch that Hermana
Torrez was talking about Moroni's promise in Moroni 10, when she turned to me and asked for my testimony. I was really caught off guard and nervous...I didn't feel like I should say anything...but I managed to spit some words out. The Spirit was so strong, and I felt truly humbled at that moment to be God's mouthpiece as Hermana Torrez translated for me. The member in the room was just bawling, and she told me (through the Hermanas) that I carry the Spirit so strongly with me. I will never forget that night! It was such a wonderful feeling to know that the Spirit is unhindered by language barriers and our inhibitions. We need just open our mouths and believe that God will help us, and He will fill our mouths with what we need to say. I love this Gospel!

LORINDA & JAY:

Lanette and Shawn’s baby Theo was sealed to them in the Provo City Center Temple on March 26.  Lanette writes: We were very fortunate to be able to get his court date set for the day before the sealing, and we'll be the first family to be sealed in the newly dedicated temple.  His blessing followed the sealing—at their home.

Rachel and Brian blessed Benson March 27th.  It was good for the Jones Family to be in attendance.  I think we need to be figuring out ways to get them here in the "east" on a more permanent basis. :)  

RANDY & JOANNE:  Not much new on our end. Joanne has joined me in Perth, while I serve a client here.  We've been here since Feb 8th and will stay through April 7th. At this point, we will be returning in early May for 3 - 6 months.   We've been able to travel a bit to see some incredible beaches along the Indian Ocean and an animal park with kangaroos, koalas, kookaburra, and a wombat.  Joanne has visited Sydney and I have had business trips to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. 

Laura writes: I am sure my mom will respond but I wanted to get my two cents in. I finally got hired as a full time seminary teacher. It is tough work but totally worth it. I get paid to work the summers and I can't wait to get caught up and ahead for next year.  My parents have abandoned their children for Perth Australia and they are enjoying themselves. I think my mom loves having my dad to herself. She is spending a week in Sydney with a sister in law. We are loving Matt and Lindsay being so close here in Farmington. Nathan and Tiana just came for a visit with their kids. Adam is keeping busy in Pocatello. I don't know what Seth and Carrie do... They are too far away. 

KARLEEN & KEN really enjoyed their week taking over Danna and Don’s house and visiting with Grandma.  Karleen keeps telling Ken they need to make this a quarterly activity!  However, Karleen was recently called to teach early-morning Seminary in their Ward—this could certainly put a glitch into their future travel plans. Amber surprised us when we were in Utah and drove up from California for several days to visit.  She is enjoying working as a dispatcher for a “shipping” company and getting beat up as she participates in karate special sessions.  She has been selected as an alternative for the US West team in an International karate competition later this summer.  Aaron was thrilled to return to work recently even with many restrictions, after falling on the ice at work in January and breaking his left humerus—of course, the break was too high to cast.  Courtney and James blessed Camden in February.  Camden weighed nearly 16 lbs at his 4 mos appointment--at this rate, he'll weigh nearly 46 lbs when he's a year old!

LYNDON & DEBBIE:

Ashley and Jed - Much is going on at our place, Emma and Ruby are signed up for their first season of soccer and are thrilled to the point of begging to wear their jerseys to school before they have even played.  Ruby's in her school play Annie Jr. and is the orphan Molly, as well as in the chorus.  Her play is Easter weekend and we are looking forward to seeing it.  Jed and I recently attended a recency era ball, it was a fun evening. Jed taught himself to tie a cravat, and donned a top hat and a monocle, and on our turn to promenade he willingly did the worm. We had a splendid evening.  After 6 months of hard work and dedication on both our parts, Eli is toilet trained.  It is a wonderful early 6th birthday gift to himself. We are so proud of him.

For those interested, you can follow our adventures on instagram. I am not on Facebook anymore as I couldn't leave it alone. My screen name is ladyromig. I would love to keep up with family there if they use it.

JAYLYNE & CRAIG: Because the Ward boundaries in our stake were changed drastically (a cut from 8 wards to 5), we both have new callings.  I am the Primary Pianist and Craig is a ward missionary.  We are still serving as missionaries in the Addiction Recovery Program. 

Richard and Courtney have moved to 188 Teakwood, a trailer home in the Court near us. 

Ben has been hired by Kroger to unload trucks and stock shelves.  He started training this week.  The plan is that he will get some VoTech training and get an Associate's Degree in Drafting.  He has a certificate in auto-cad but that is not enough for a job that pays well enough to support a family.

From Andrea in Albuquerque:  I participated in a Relief Society service project for the Days for Girls organization.  I helped make washable feminine hygiene products so that girls in third world countries can continue going to school while menstruating.  Elizabeth, Catherine, and Katelyn were able to help as well. I still serve as an activity days leader and the ward organist (with Elizabeth).

Travis spent a week in Kansas City and another week in the San Francisco Bay area for conferences associated with work. Now he has started coaching track at the middle school after work.  He enjoys it but it does make for a busy/stressful time of the year. He is in the Elder’s Quorum presidency. 

 Elizabeth, Catherine and Katelyn have started their track seasons.  This means there are three different track meets a week (Elizabeth is on varsity, Catherine on JV, and Katelyn at the middle school.)  And Emma and Edie are in soccer which ties up our Saturdays.  Rebecca was selected to participate in the fifth grade district honor choir (all of Albuquerque’s elementary schools).  She had an earache on the day of the performance, so we gave her ibuprofen so she could make it through and then took her to the doctor—ear infection.)  Earlier in the year, she started complaining that her tooth hurt.  She had just been to the dentist so I knew it couldn’t be a cavity.  I figured it was just a molar coming in.  Finally I took her to the dentist who sent us to an endodontist. It was a dens en dente (a tooth growing inside of another tooth) which also means that the root of the tooth wasn’t developing.  The condition is extremely rare and it is even rarer for it to happen in a molar.  They said with those odds we should go to Vegas.  I said that since the diagnosis meant that Rebecca had to have a root canal, she probably didn’t feel very lucky.  At any rate, they don’t know if the root canal will stimulate root growth or if we will have to pull the tooth and put in a bridge.  Oh, she was also the first student to run 100 miles as part of runner’s club at her school this year and is on track to get the most mileage of any student in the school.

August and Nathan are, well, …little boys.  Sometimes, like right now, they play so nicely together.  At other times, August just pesters Nathan so that I feel like a referee.  Whenever Nathan is crying and I am not in the room, August calls, “I didn’t do it.”  I doubt the validity of that statement most of the time.  August is surprisingly shy in front of groups (I bribed him with ice cream yesterday so that he would say the scripture in primary).  Nathan loves to kick and throw balls.  He has a “Mr. Happy” shirt that is his favorite.  I don’t remember any of my kids being so particular about the clothes they wore, but he is very adamant about picking his own outfit (which sometimes means swimming trunks in February…with snow boots).

Katelyn gave a talk yesterday in church that was very insightful.  I am surprised at what I can learn from my own kids if I stop to listen to them.  Happy Trails.

Kirsten adds:  Hugo just got back from leading a Study Abroad trip with 20 students to Brazil.  It was quite an adventure - think national protests in Sao Paulo, trip to the hospital with an ill student, jungle tour of the Amazon including eating pirañas!  Kids are happy and healthy.  We are involved in music and soccer right now.  SAT and AP exams are looming.  Huguinho tried wrestling and liked it a lot.  I am still studying one class at a time - this term is Biochemistry.  The material is fascinating!  

Sarah writes:  Well, if I don't tell you my mom probably will.  I started a new job (part time) at JCPenney a week ago.  I'm a sales associate in the misses department.  I love it so far.  I'm also still singing in the Institute choir here (so long as my work schedule will permit).  So, I'm keeping busy.

I'm not sure if my mom wrote about me being sick in December.  I had viral meningitis that caused neutropenia (extremely low white blood cell count), so I couldn't fight off other infections.  I was admitted into hospital for 2 days and was discharged because my risk of getting an infection in hospital was higher than if I just went back to housesitting on antibiotics where I would definitely not be around other sick people.  My oncologist ordered a bone marrow biopsy to rule out leukemia or any other cancers that can supress white blood cell production.  I returned to house sitting and by the end of the night I had a fever.  Because my counts were still low and now had a fever, I had to be readmitted.  I spent 3 more days in hospital.  

I bring that up because if you aren't on facebook, you may not have known it happened, unless you talked to my mom at all.  The bone marrow biopsy came back negative for cancer.  Thus far all my Thyroglobulin (a protein in the thyroid gland from which thyroid hormones are synthesized) levels are showing that the radioactive iodine treatment is successful so far in destroying any remaining thyroid tissue after my surgery.  They have been testing my Thyroglobulin about every 3 months since the RIT and my Thryoid hormone levels as necessary.  They will do a low dose radioactive iodine scan every year and if it shows me being free and clear AND I don't have any new lumps/bumps/etc. I won't have to do any further treatment.  

Anyway, I also mention December because my medical debt is not something I can cover by myself.  Please know that I am working on getting additional employment; unfortunately, even with that, it will take years to pay off these bills on my own. I do not qualify for Medicaid (I've tried) and I did not have medical insurance last year.  I know the answer may be no for most of the family---especially since I have received some help (for which I'm extremely grateful!) from a few individuals, and others are in financial predicaments from unemployment/medical/etc. just as serious as my own.  I've been taught that if you need help, family should help first, then the church, then community and government.  So, if you are both able and willing, I set up a fundraiser prior to my surgery for financial donations.  I would greatly appreciate any and all help you can give.  As I am blessed to do so, I will pay it forward!  I need to update the story a bit, but here's the link:  https://www.youcaring.com/sarah-smith-397373

FROM THE COOK COUSINS:

Allene West Lemons is the eldest daughter of Grandpa Cook’s (Junior) sister Ruth.  She has begun a blog for Cook Cousins on which she has written much about her memories of her Mom and other and others.  She posted this recently about Grandpa Cook’s mother: 

Our German relatives were amazing cooks. This is not the recipe that our Grandma Cook used to make! but it smells like her kitchen and it tastes like her Streusel and it is easier. She had thin beautiful layers to her apple streusel bars and they were rolled up almost like cinnamon rolls and were flaky and melted in your mouth. I watched her make them many times but I wasn't smart enough to ask for a recipe! I watched my mother make them many times, too, and I still wasn't smart enough to ask for a recipe. But I saw this recipe one day and thought it had similar ingredients and so I tried it. It is a keeper recipe and it is a recipe that can bring me right back to our Grandma Cook's kitchen. She tried to teach me how to make Chicken and Dumplings one day. I can remember sitting out in a covered swing that was right between their home and their neighbors so they could both use it! with her and Grandpa and the neighbors and she made us homemade lemonade. They used to take a little sit down time in the heat of the day.

Apple Streusel Bars

SWEET PASTRY:
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. real butter, softened (no, margarine will not work)
1 egg, beaten
APPLE FILLING:
1/2 c. white sugar
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 c. (about 3 medium) sliced, peeled baking apples (Granny Smiths or Galas have worked well for me)
GLAZE:
2 c. powdered sugar
About 3 Tbsp. milk (whole milk is best)
1 tsp. almond extract
To prepare crust, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until you have pea-sized crumbles. Ok, now I tell you that I don't do this! Because I am a Cook, I think out of the box. I take the grater out and grate the butter in! because I have never thought to soften it and then I use my two knives. Gently mix in beaten egg. (and, for the beaten egg, I crack it into a well in the flour mixture and stir it up and call it beaten). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Gently pat about 2/3 of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the dish. Preheat oven to 350 and set aside.
To prepare apple filling, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon and toss with apples.Spread apples out on prepared crust. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture over apples evenly and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. When finished, allow to cool completely.
To prepare glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
Place glaze in a Ziploc bag and cut off a very small portion of one of the corners (or just use a fork) to drizzle glaze over cooled pastry. Let it set a bit and if you are in a hurry--put it in the freezer to cool it. Cut into bars and serve.