Posted by Bernard in Events
2749 Meriwether
It’s spring. Flowers poking their heads out after a long winter’s sleep, trees budding, and the Doddema’s preparing to move yet again. It’s our way of deep cleaning.
There’s nothing wrong with the current house per se. It’s a beautiful 5 bedroom/3 bathroom and the landlord is exceptional. The exception: it’s very expensive. $1800 per month expensive.
We decided to search early as our lease was nearing its end and living in an university town, housing for our family size is a commodity. While many houses were available in our price range not all measured up to our normally low standards. A few of the places we looked at probably should have been completely renovated or torn down!
Then we found the ad. The place is perfect for our family. The view is amazing as the mountains are visible in every direction. There are some downsides such as all the bedrooms being on the second floor, unfenced yard and a super steep driveway. Looking on the bright side, the stairs are few! The kids barely stay in a fenced yard anyways and the driveway can be used during the winter as a giant sledding hill! Another positive is that this place will save us over $500/month!
The move is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday (18 April 2009). We’ve already talked to church members and should have enough manpower to help with everything. We get the keys on Tuesday and being as niave as we are….we plan on moving the boxes over and unpacking before the big day. Kara won’t have that following Monday off so having the kitchen fully functional is a must as well as the laundry room!
I would like to take this time to personally thank all those that helped to make this place a reality for us: Linda Peterson (Kara’s aunt), Nannie Stewart (my sister), Kathy Hammond (Kara’s mom) and Kristi Norton (Kara’s sister). THANK YOU!
For those of you that don’t come by that often our new address will be:
Bernard & Kara Doddema
2749 Meriwether
Missoula, MT 59803
I’ve taken some photos of the place before the move-in. I’ve always wanted to do the before and after shots. Here’s my chance. Click on photo below to be taken to the house images.
Posted by Bernard in Events
Hope you have a wonderful birthday and look forward to many more with you!
Posted by Bernard in Events
Kavan, Sarah and Oona are visiting the next couple of days while participating in a friend’s wedding. What was supposed to be an informal get together by Kathy turned into one of her blow-out affairs. While normally not a big fan of those, I personally had lots of fun talking and just having a good time. Maybe it was my meds, whatever the reason I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Unfortunately, Oona hadn’t slept so we weren’t able to visit with her but we’re promised a visit before they leave at the end of the weekend.
Time Flies
It’s hard to believe that Oona is already 11 months. I think the only pictures I’ve seen of her were when she was born. Now, I’m told she’s walking…what’s next…graduating high school! It’s one of the downsides of family being so far apart. Just a taste of what others went through when we were in the Air Force over a thousand miles away.
Beginning of Summer move
Speaking of distance, our family will be moving to a new home at the beginning of June. Although only a few miles away, it’s definitely considered more out of town as it’s hidden away in the mountains. It’s an older home with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage and what seals the deal for me…a hot tub on the back deck. It’s only a little more than what we’re paying now but well worth it. Another bonus is that will be kids on the block that we’re moving to as well as lots of Church members.
What’s next?
Hopefully a visit from Oona and parents. Preparing for our move, packing and such. Mr Papa moving the site over to his web server which should give DoddemGen loads of room to expand.
Comments anybody?
Of course, comments are always welcome and FREE! That’s right, you don’t even have to login to leave a comment. Comments are excellent ways to share your thoughts about the posts being written.
Posted by Bernard in Events
It’s only a week until Thanksgiving. While it’s supposed to be a time to be grateful for all that we’ve been blessed with, it’s also time for hair-pulling, shopping carts slamming into one another in crowded supermarket aisles and family. This year instead of having close friends over we decided to spend the holiday with Kara’s family. Originally it was supposed to be at her mother’s but it’s since been moved to our house. The maddening part is that we’ve just completely and I mean completely moved our house around. All the kids have moved to new rooms and we’re just finishing up the cleaning. Imagine what we’re doing this weekend?!
So why is it being held at my house? Supposedly it’s more kid friendly. Personally, I think it’s because of my new 42″ plasma tv but that’s just me talking. If the family only remembered that I’m not a football fan and would rather pull my eyelids over my head than watch it they might have reconsidered. Despite that, I’ve been helping Kara decide on appetizers, dishes served, etc. To me that’s the fun part…helping plan the meal and watching it all pull together. Kara’s been making Thanksgiving dinner ever since we’ve been married so she’s only gotten better at it. Hats off to her!
So what am I thankful for? A wonderful wife that loves to cook and cook big, my family and the plasma tv to keep them occupied!
On Tuesday August 21, 2007 at 11:00 am at the South Ave. building (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) will commence the services for Clarence Peterson. Father of 3, grandpa to 7 and great grandpa to 9, he will be greatly missed. Although he passed away last September (in California) of health complications, the family awaited for Grandma Peterson to move back home to Montana from California.
Every person who met and knew grandpa will always have an amazing story to tell about him. His bravery, sense of duty to his family and those around him. He walked boldly on this earth and fought to the very end. His strong hands helped those who were struggling, fought off those who were in his way, but were gentle enough to knead bread on a Saturday morning, read the paper and sip coffee and give pony rides on his knee. This is the grandpa I remember.
We all have moments in our lives that we can look back and reflect on what makes your Grandfather turn into Grandpa, or a Mother that turns into mom. Take the time now to find those memories that makes your family important to you.  Even though it is hard to lose someone, I am proud to say I am a grand daughter of Clarence Peterson.
