Merry Christmas from Aunt Florence

Merry Christmas

2014

 

 

To My Dear Nephews and Nieces:

 

 

     This Christmas I would like to honor my Savior's Birthday by telling you of my love for Him and for you.

 

     We tell the story of a Baby born in a manger, because there was no room in the Inn for Him, and no one seemed to care about a young mother ready to give birth.  We all know The Christmas Story, and we love it, because it is so beautiful, and it touches our hearts.

 

     The story tells about a star, an Angel announcing His birth, the Shepherds watching over their sheep, and Choirs of Angels singing, "Peace on Earth."  There are also Wise Men in the story.  They knew who the Baby was.  They had been studying Astronomy for many years, and they believed in what they saw in the Heaven's on the night of His birth.  The story never changes.  It is the same story today as it was 2,014 years ago, and yet the world does not believe.  I hear in my mind the words of a song, "How can they not believe?"

 

     I give thanks this Christmas for my parents, your grandparents, because they believed, and taught their children the wonderful story of Christ's birth.  When the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth, their progenitors believed the story of the Restoration, and they taught their children the truth, and our parents taught us the truth.  How else would we have known?  By knowing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it is easy to believe in the Babe who was born in a manger.  The truth rings clear and certain in our ears and our hearts.

 

     My siblings and I, told the story to our children.  You have told the story to your children and now they must tell the story to their little ones and you and I must be there to reinforce the story, so they will know the truth of the first Christmas.  They must know, so their hearts will be turned to the Savior of the world.  How else will they know if we do not do our job?

 

     In my book, you are all wonderful and I know of your goodness and of your love for the Babe who was born in a manger.

 

     President Hinckley said in 2007, "I pray that we will all find more happiness in our lives as we draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ."  I pray the same thing for all of you.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I love you,

Aunt Florence

 (Aunt Florence is Grandpa Melvin Porter's sister)

 

Alice Neunswander Johnson's Family (Alice is Aunt Florence's daughter, purple shirt)

Aunt Florence Porter Neunswander Seegmiller (center, red shirt)



Christmas Greeting from Aunt Betty and Uncle Leo Pendleton

Dear Family:

This is a great way. To send our Christmas greeting to all of you, our dear friends.

We do hope you each have a wonderful Christmas season an a wonderful new year 2015 WOW!!!

We love all of you much and thank you for your friendship to us. It all makes life so pleasant! 

We were just reminded at a Christmas celebration we attended to "Please don't put an x in Christmas because it erases the true meaning and the reason for the season! "   We loved that thought!  

It is so wonderful to keep in touch and kindle some super good memories! 

 

Much love,  Leo and  Betty Pendleton  (Note: Aunt Betty is Grandpa Melvin Porter's sister)

 

"What I Want for Christmas" by McKell Porter

December 5, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Once again the season is upon us and we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Our children are doing well and facing the joys and challenges of life with dignity and grace. We now have 15 grandchildren and they bring us lots of joy. When they ask us what we want for Christmas I don’t know what to tell them, so I wrote it in a poem. Hope you enjoy it and may God bless you throughout the New Year.
 

                                                                                 McKell and Lesa

 

  

What I Want for Christmas

 

Now I'm pushing sixty and know what I can be

This year I want from Santa, a shiny, brand new me

I've been checking with the doctors and they will go along

With metal and some plastic parts the old me will be gone

 

New knees will be the first thing I find beneath the tree

They will feel just perfect, come and you will see

Then the hip will be replaced with a bright titanium part

And then inside my noble chest, I'll get an artificial heart

 

Now that is just the beginning of a grand and glorious me

I will want a dark toupee that looks just right on me

A facelift will be next in line and then a tummy tuck

Liposuction will reduce my weight, with just a little suck

 

You all see the vanity that's locked inside my soul

Because of Santa's checklist, I'll get a lump of coal

But why not go on wishing, in this there is no harm

Probably I will have to wait till resurrection morn

 

                                                                                           McKell Porter

 

 

                                                                                   

Uncle Mel Suffers a Heart Attack

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, Uncle Mel Porter suffered a  heart attack which he referred to as a "small one."

Uncle Mel sent this text to Uncle Layne today:

"...I had a heart attack on Tuesday.  Stint put in yesterday.  Going home today.  It's a good thing I came in as a main artery was 98% blocked.  My heart attack was a small one.  If I had waited much longer it could have been major so if you think you might be having one go to the ER right away.  Do not hesitate.  If I wouldn't have I might have been spending Christmas with Dad, Mom and Eileen...
Love you all... Mel

Aunt LuAnn & Uncle Mel Porter

Photo taken July 16, 2014

 

 

To Uncle Mel we send our love, our best wishes and

our prayers for a speedy recovery!!!!

 



Katelyn's surgery update

Katelyn's surgery went very well.  The doctor stated that the next couple of days are critical.  They will be watching her closely to make sure that her heart is functioning properly and that no infection sets in.

Katelyn just before going into surgery.

 

Katelyn just before surgery with her parents Eldon & Rebecca Johnston

 

Katelyn just after her surgery.

 





Update on Katelyn Johnston--Surgery on Tuesday

Rebecca and Eldon's baby girl, Katelyn, will be undergoing open heart surgery on Tuesday, November 11 in the early afternoon.  This is a major procedure to re-route her main arteries through the lungs (to oxygenate her blood) then back to her heart.  They will be making her heart a functioning 3 chamber heart.

Eldon writes:

     "Katelyn's condition is called "Tricuspid Atresia with a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect).  Her oxygen saturation levels keep dropping, heart rate races to around 200 bpm, and she vomits.  She hasn't been able to handle her feedings for a couple of weeks now.  We have tried different medications to treat the reflux but she didn't improve.  On Thursday, we brought her in to Primary Children's for observation.  Friday she underwent a cath lab procedure to map and measure the internal pressures of the heart.  On Saturday she had a severe episode where her oxygen levels dropped to the low teens (75-85% is normal for her).  It took her almost an hour to recover to normal levels.  It was then determined that her next surgical procedure, "the glen", would be done sooner than later."

We appreciate all the prayers that have been sent her way and would love it if you could please continue to do so.  We will keep you posted as to her condition.

We send our love to all of you..............Jean

Katelyn Jean Johnston

Photo taken October 1, 2014

Welcome Robin Arias

 Pablo, Arthur, Baby Robin, Laura, Monica and Carmen (front)

 



Congratulations to Laura & Pablo on the arrival of their new baby girl, Robin, born September 12, 2014

Sister Melanie Porter's new missionary blog

Dear Family:  On Melanie's facebook page a few days ago, she announced her new blog.

Sister-Melanie Porter shared a link.

August 26

Hey guys!
So something super cool's happened. I've been authorized to start blogging as missionary! And I would absolutely love it if you checked it out! Feel free to comment or ask questions about anything.
Elder Bednar said, "What has been accomplished thus far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood.
Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally sweep the earth as with a flood."
Let's follow his counsel and flood the earth with righteousness! Let's #sharegoodness with the world.

 

 

Check out her new blog at:

www.justautahgirl.wordpress.com

Update: Baby Katelyn Jean Johnston comes home!

 Eldon and Brandon

Kyle, Rebecca, Katelyn and Jared

Katelyn Jean Johnston, born June 11, 2014 (11 weeks early, weighing only 3 pounds and with a heart defect) was released from Primary Children's Hospital August 15, 2014.

At about 5 days old, Katelyn's vitals indicated that something was seriously wrong.  After several tests it was discovered that her bowels were twisted.  She immediately underwent surgery to correct this problem. 

Katelyn's first heart surgery was at 1 month when it became necessary to slow down the blood flow in her pulmonary artery.  A small band was placed on the artery and so far---so good.

Katelyn now weighs 5 pounds, is taking nourishment from a bottle but still requires a feeding tube if she becomes too tired to finish her formula.  Medications are also inserted in the feeding tube.  She is also on oxygen to help keep her blood/oxygen levels where they should be.

Actually, Katelyn is doing very well.  She is a strong little girl and a fighter!!!............and I might say......she is a little doll!!!

We appreciate your love, your concern and your prayers!!!  Thank you for being such a wonderful caring family!!!

Katelyn Jean Johnston

Katelyn Jean Johnston

daughter of Rebecca & Eldon Johnston

born Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 4:29 a.m.

weighing 3.05 pounds   15 1/2 inches long

 

 

 

Katelyn Jean Johnston was born at only 29 weeks (40 weeks is full term) on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. At 20 weeks, through an ultra sound, it was discovered that Katelyn had a heart defect so because of this, she was life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City shortly birth.

Katelyn was also coming breech so Rebecca delivered by emergency caesarean.  Rebecca is doing well and will probably be released on Sunday.  She is looking forward to seeing her baby girl in person.

Katelyn is actually doing very well considering her early arrival but will be facing surgery shortly to have a ring placed around her pulmonary artery to slow down the flow of blood (hopefully I explained this correctly).

We congratulate Rebecca & Eldon on the arrival of their baby girl and wish them the very best!!!

I will post updates as I receive them.

Callie Marie Casperson

Congratulations to Tara & Brock Casperson on the birth of their baby girl, Callie Marie, born on May 19 at 8:01 a.m. weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz.

Lucas with his new baby sister.

 

Chad and his new baby sister.

 

Porter Family Reunion Schedule 2014

The schedule for the Porter Family Reunion 2014 has been posted under the tab "2014 Porter Family Reunion."

May Birthdays

A very Happy Birthday 

to the following family members:

Pace Owens (Ashley's husband)..........May 3

Porter Casperson (McKay & Marie's son)..........May 4

McKell Porter (Melvin & VaLoy's son)..........May 5

Terrin Porter (McKell & Lesa's son)..........May 6  

Brenda Snow (Layne & Jean's daughter)..........May 7

Korver Smith (Haley & Michael's son)..........May 8

Jennifer Porter (Errol's wife)..........May 9 

Amry Porter (Darin & Amy's daughter)..........May 12

Austin Snow (Brenda & Brian's son)..........May 16

Andrea Wach (David's wife)..........May 16 

Jean Porter (Layne's wife)..........May 17

Errol Porter (Melvin & VaLoy's son)..........May 18

Megan Owens (McKell & Lesa's daughter)..........May 18 

Terry Nelson (Ellis's wife)..........May 24

McKay Casperson (Deanne & Kerry's son)..........May 29

 

Update on Paisley Elle Owens

On April 14, 2014, Ashley Porter Owens (husband Pace Owens) delivered her baby girl 11 weeks early.   

Ashley writes: "Paisley is doing well. She was born 11 weeks premature. Though underdeveloped she seems fine as of now. We will be staying at the Children's Hospital Colorado for at least 2 more months while she grows to full development. The staff of Children’s Hospital Colorado is taking good care of her. Thank you so much for the prayers and the love sent her way!  Thank you everyone. We appreciate all the support. We sure love this little girl! Thanks for your concern!"

We send our congratulations and our love to the new parents and want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers!!!!

Ashley, Pace & Paisley Owens

 This is a picture of Paisley cuddling with her Daddy.

Paisley Elle Owens
Born at 5:19am on 4/14/14
2lbs 13oz 15.5 inches long
11 weeks premature

New Addition: Jetton Dayne Christensen

Devin, Ramona & Jetton (baby) Christensen with Grandma Jean Porter & Grandpa Layne Porter

Jetton Dayne Christensen was born Friday, March 14, 2014 to Ramona & Devin Christensen.  He weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and was 21" long.

April Birthdays

A very Happy April Birthday

to the following family members:

 

Aaron Porter (Mel & Lu's son)..........April 2

 

Ty Porter (Terrin & Angie's son)..........April 3

 

Kassity Cannon (Amy & Scott's daughter)..........April 4

 

Layne Porter (Melvin & VaLoy's oldest child)..........April 8

 

Brooke Casperson (McKay & Marie's daughter)..........April 10

 

Emily Watts (Amber & David's daughter)..........April 11

Paisley Owens (Ashley & Pace's daughter)..........April 14

 

Chad VanOrden (Kristine's husband)..........April 19

 

Chad Casperson (Brock & Tara's son)..........April 21

 

Ari Porter (Darin and Amy's daughter)..........April 21

 

Amber Watts (Eileen & Eric's daughter)..........April 21

 

Dallin Snow (Brenda & Brian's son)..........April 25

 

Kimberly Wach (Lori & Matt's daughter)..........April 28

 

Evan Casperson (Cole & Val's son)..........April 29

 

Micah Lancaster (Jana & Nick's son)..........April 29

Layne's cousin, Jerel Olson, recently shared this photo on facebook.  This photo was taken about 1956 or 1957 of the children of Neva & Dean Lancaster, VaLoy & Melvin Porter, and Roma & Clyde Olson.  Neva, VaLoy and Roma are sisters.

 

Jerel Olson, Rollin Lancaster, Beverly Lancaster Simpson, Bernell Lancaster, Layne Porter

Mel Porter, Eileen Porter Nelson, Evelyn Lancaster Davis, McKell Porter

Update from Amber

Hello Everyone:

We are finally settled in New Mexico. I start my new job on the 24th of this month. It is beautiful here and we are super excited about the home we are renting. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath on 40 acres with horse stalls, pig pens and chicken coups. We are getting our first little flock of baby chickens this weekend. I already adopted 2 kittys to keep the mice down. I guess we'll just have to get a couple horses next. Our new address is:

HC 71 Box 1090
Capitan, NM
88316


Amber

(575) 336-9148

 

March Birthdays

A very Happy Birthday 

to the following family members:

 

Marie Casperson (McKay's wife)..........March 6

Tanner Lancaster (Jana & Nick's son)..........March 7

Brigham VanOrden (Kristine & Chad's son)..........March 10

Isabel VanOrden (Kristine & Chad's daughter)..........March 10  

Laura Arias (Eileen & Eric's daughter)..........March 11

Tambi Fluckiger (McKell & Lesa's daughter)..........March 14

Christy Porter (Aaron's wife)..........March 16 

Doran Fluckiger (Tambi's husband)..........March 16

Carson Fluckiger (Tambi & Doran's son)..........March 19
 Sam Watts (Amber & David's son)..........March 20

Brooklyn Snow (Brenda and Brian's daughter)..........March 20

Afton Porter (Darin & Amy's daughter)..........March 20

Aryn Porter (Darin & Amy's daughter)..........March 21

LuAnn Porter (Mel's wife)..........March 24

Shawn Porter (Layne & Jean's son)..........March 24 

Corbin Owens (Megan & Luke's son)..........March 24 

Kassidy Snow (Brenda & Brian's daughter)..........March 29 

Exciting news from Amber!!!

Dear Family:

I have finished my degree and I am now a family nurse practitioner. I have accepted a job with a family practice in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We will be moving at the end of February. We are very excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to a new family adventure.

Amber

February Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following family members:

Brian Snow (Brenda's husband)..........February 1

Jana Lancaster (Mel and LuAnn's daughter)..........February 1

Jason Millett (Shantel's husband)..........February 4

Devin Christensen (Ramona's husband)..........February 4

Austin Vick (SaDee and Bryan's son)..........February 5

Ramona Christensen (Layne and Jean's daughter)..........February 9

Chad Porter (Terrin and Angie's son)..........February 14

Nichole Fluckiger (Tambi and Doran's son)..........February 20

Tate Porter (Terrin and Angie's son)..........February 21

Rebecca Johnston (Layne and Jean's daughter)..........February 25

Matt Wach (Lori's husband)..........February 28