Bonjour!

Hello from Marseille! Jeremy and I dropped in for a bowl of bouillabaisse, and then we're back on the train to Aix-en-Provence. Just wanted to say a general hello and check in. How is everyone?

Just in case you haven't checked, I want you to know that I am narrating the trip, to some (food-focused) extent, on my blog. =)

My love to everybody! Take care,

Kate

PS. Bo - just a note that I haven't slept on any hills.

On your marks.....get set.......

Tom and Emily get ready for the big Indian Princess derby race today. You might remember that several years ago Andrew and Tom swept the entire race to win FIRST place among hundreds of father/son want-to-be winners! Now it's Emily's chance. Wish them well.

Kristin on the News!

Kristin was on the San Francisco news briefly last night, speaking about a new paid sick leave ordinance going into effect in San Francisco in a few weeks. "We have been at the forefront advising employers and working with the San Francisco agency that will enforce the ordinance. Anyway, here's the link to the news story.".
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=4968826

CONGRATULATIONS KRISTIN!

-Mimi

We've got more birthdays...

February Birthdays!

Keegan Scott Pedersen

2/3/99

Emily Gwen Sabonis-Chafee

2/5/99

Jeremy Friedman

2/10/86

William Thomas

Sabonis-Chafee

2/18/04

My little brother also has a birthday Jan. 25. He was born in 1950 (a mere child). I had better stop with the extended family list or I will be naming birthdays all day every day! I'll leave that part up to Nana.

HAPPY-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!

-Mimi

Off to Europe!

This coming Monday, Kate and Jeremy are off to Europe...

They will see; Paris (about 4 days)->Avignon->Marseille->Carcassonne->Barcellona and other places inbetween. Feb. 10 ( Jeremy's Birthday!) they fly to Dublin (for about 3 days)->Cork->Gallway->Aran Islands->and back to Shannon Airport on Feb. 27th.

Sounds like quite an adventure! I am sure I speak for all of us when I wish them well and God Speed. May you stay healthy and safe, enjoy all you see, and broaden your horizons...and Jeremy, have a "Happy Birthday!".

Dad and I will be waiting for your return. Bon voyage!

-Mimi

Andrew in the spotlight!

Saturday, January 6th, Andrew Sabinis-Chafee was ask to speak at the Wesleyan School Open house. He was one of two elementary students that spoke that day, he sat on a stage with the headmaster, admittance director and other teachers and dignitaries. I can not tell you how proud we were of his writing, delivery and his poise while making that speech. He worked hard over the Christmas holidays, practicing so he could and do a good job telling others what his school meant to him. Kudos to Andrew!

He changed a bit in his delivery (in order to make us laugh) but his speech was as follows...

What I like About Wesleyan

Hi. My name is Andrew Sabonis-Chafee and I’m a 4th grader at Wesleyan. I’ve had the privilege of being at Wesleyan since Kindergarten, and today I’m honored to be standing here talking to you about my experience here at Wesleyan.

My mom would say that the reason my sister and I are here is because God paved the way and continues to provide. I sure am glad that God knows what he’s doing because I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else other than Wesleyan for the past 5 years.

Wesleyan is a great school with great teachers, great faculty and all around great everything. Whenever the teachers have a chance, they always do something nice for you. Whether it is to set up a game or grading papers. Our motto here is J.O.Y., Jesus, Others, Yourself, and the teachers are always following that rule.

When I started Kindergarten on the first day of school, I was nervous, but everyone treated me like we had known each other for years. Everyone is like family to me at Wesleyan.

As I think back to all my years here so far (and God willing more in the future), there are a few things that I can remember about each of my teachers that made a difference to me:

In kindergarten, Mrs. Podojil was loving and kind. If we were good we got to sleep in a loft that was built for her room. I was a bit chatty so I would only admire the loft from a distance.

In first grade, Mrs. Johnson was ready to share what she knew (and she knew a lot). And when we were good, she always gave us a piece of candy.

In second grade, Mrs. Dailey (who’s no longer here) was always patient and caring. I’ll always remember going on a long nature walk trying to identify what things we found. She had a way of teaching us through actions.

In third grade, Mrs. Ching taught us by making everything fun. Most of the time when we had trash at our table she’d allow us to throw it into the waste basket. If you made it in the first try she’d give us a piece of candy. By now you can probably tell what children are motivated by.

Last by not least, Ms. Waters in forth grade is always nice and considerate of other people. If we have a problem, or something we need help with, we can write her a note and talk to her about it. She also assigns kids who have extra time with fun projects to complete.

Plays in every classroom are also a highlight each year and since I have a passion for acting I usually get a good part.

The teachers at Wesleyan are just one thing that makes the school special. We learn about Jesus through bible class, we learn about what to do when we encounter everyday problems in Chapel, we have Guidance class which teaches us to make good life choices, and we have a great playground for running and playing on.

Our principle is cool because she gives out mentions for students once a month. A mention is when the teacher gives an encouraging comment and Mrs. Wood reads them over the intercom. She is a great principle that makes the students feel extra special.

We have lots of field trips. One of my favorites was when we went on a train trip to Alabama. The school lunches aren’t that bad either, but they do need a little help with their macaroni. We have really fun parties that the parents usually put together for us. We are really lucky to have caring parents that help out with parties throughout the year. They even throw us really big parties like the annual Hoedown. That’s one of my favorite things.

Even though this is the only school I’ve ever known, I am thankful for each year that I can stay here. Thank you for giving me a chance to talk to you about Wesleyan, and thank you to my teachers who have made an impact on my life.

BRAVO, ANDREW, BRAVO!!

- Mimi

(P.S. Joe and Mike (in a men's league) started roller hockey today...I hope the big guy didn't get hurt! Let me know the extracurricular things that you and yours are doing. I would love to let everyone in on the fun and achievements.)

Memories from Christmas Past...

2006 was a wonderful Christmas. Kate home and in the kitchen cooking up delicious things, the Caroling Party at Tom and Kim's, being with Mike and Mary at the Lawyer's Club Christmas Party, keeping up with Molly and Shannon's adventures while Molly was in China, beautiful singing at the candle light Christmas Eve service, the sweet gathering at Mimi and Grandad's on Christmas morning, our blessed time at Nana's house and of course the addition of Jeremy Friedman to our celebration. Each moment together, each thoughtful gift, phone call or Christmas card made for a joyous season.

Smiles and special visits....



Playing games....and Grandad's supprise....


...even a hint of Santa Claus' excitment....


Christmas morning came and without a doubt, the magic was in the air. We laughed and we played and marveled at the gifts. We even felt the loving arms of love of those far away.


Grandad gets love from the Pedersons and Keegan!


I know I've gone on far too long but I am so
very grateful for all those I hold dear and in some weird and wonderful way...
I can't wait for next year!

I love you,

-Mimi

Message from Layton Croft

Mimi, please post on Chatterbox. Thanks.

Terrence Lee Croft
Trial Lawyer, Mediator and Arbitrator
King & Croft, LLP
127 Peachtree St., Ste. 707 Atlanta, Ga. 30303
404 577-8400
404 5778401 fax
tlc@king-croft.com
www.king-croft.com
www.henningmediation.com

From: Layton Croft [mailto:LaytonC@Ivancorp.net]Sent: Sun 12/31/2006 12:57 AMTo: Layton CroftSubject: SAVE THESE DATES!
31 December 2006

Dear Family and Friends:

Warm pre-New Year’s Greetings from the Gobi desert; I am writing you all this email after just dismounting from my trusty camel. Back in September, Ally ran a half marathon down here in the Gobi and Chaandmon and Sky helped hold up the Finish Line.

Ally and I got married in Ulaanbaatar on 27 September 1997, and soon it will be 10 wedded years together, six of them as a trio and the past two of them as a quartet. Since we effectively eloped the first time, as far as y’all are concerned, we wanted to celebrate with a reprise that includes loved ones from all over the place, and a venue that is a little more accessible.

Consider this email your pre invitation. Please save the dates of 16-19 August 2007, with the core dates being 17-18 August. The location will be Driggs, Idaho, USA, which is just west of the Teton mountains and Jackson Hole, WY, and a short drive to Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River and other beautiful sights and fun outdoor activities.

The main gig will consist of reuniting, hanging out, music, food, drink, laughter, PowerPoint presentations and special surprises on August 17-18 at the Grand Targhee Resort, and everyone will stay in traditional Mongolian gers. More details at www.grandtarghee.com and in the attached PDF (which includes discounted rates for rooms at that resort). But you can stay in other places – rented homes, apartments, hotels – in Driggs, or in Jackson Hole if you want. Some useful web sites to explore those options are:
www.grandvalleylodging.com
www.tetonvalleyidaho.com
www.vrbo.com/90977

The closest airports are Idaho Falls and Jackson Hole. Salt Lake City is also doable but is about a five-hour drive to Driggs.

If you have more time please note that on the evening of Thursday, August 16, at the famous Knotty Pine restaurant and live music joint in downtown Victor (between Driggs and the mountain pass to Jackson Hole), there will be an encore performance by a reunion of a band consisting of members of Aggressive Pedestrians, Balsa Gliders and Rose Bowl. And there will be a brunch on the morning of Sunday, August 19 at the famous Miso Hungry café in downtown Driggs.

Please tell us if you plan to come and how many people in your gang so we can start building the gers.

~Love Layton, Ally, Chaandmon and Sky

p.s. – soon we will launch a family web site (password protected and we’ll send the password soon, too) that will have more information about the 10th anniversary gig bash and more fun stuff, including PowerPoint presentations!

p.p.s. – our apologies if this email is coming to you seemingly out of the blue and ten or more years after you saw our faces last…

p.p.p.s. – just kidding about the gers.


------------------------
T. Layton Croft
Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility
Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia Inc.
(976) 9911.3339
www.ot.mn

Happy New Year! 2007

The hour is fast approaching that begins a new years. I pray that each of you look forward to all the joys your hard work, family dedication, and positive living has in store for you. Love one another, stay healthy, visit when you can and don't sweat the small stuff!

You are loved by us...

Mom/Merry/Mimi and

Dad/Terr/Grandad

Merry Christmas Family

May you have a good nights sleep and wake up to a glorious Christmas morning, full of blessings in the giving and joy in the getting. Hallelujah, Christ is born!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

-Mimi

The Great Mother

Passing on the tradition and keeping the story alive... enjoy the traditions of my childhood!
-Mimi

Honoring our Great Mother

Macon Anderson Floyd

Christmas 1987

The Great Mother

by

Kenneth Anderson Floyd

Listen my children and you shall hear
Of Christmas Day night with the Great Mother dear.
The Great Mother sits in her favorite chair,
Waiting patiently for her loved ones to get there.
The house is all ready, it’s warm and it’s bright,
It seems that it knows it’s to be a great night.
The children, and grand-children, and great-grandchildren too,
Have had “Christmas” today till their faces are blue.
But somehow they rally because they all know,
That the Great Mother waits them, so they hurry and go.
And slowly they gather- a trickle at first,
When their number’s complete, it will make the house burst.
They bring in the goodies, to give and to eat,
Finding space just to place all the stuff is a feat.
The Great Mother greets them, her feelings sublime,
That all of her family is home for this time.
She hugs and she kisses each one with a prayer
Of grateful thanksgiving that all could be there.
For so many years they’ve come to her door,
She’s thankful that God has allowed her one more.
To have all her brood gather under her wing
To eat, and to chatter, to laugh, and to sing.
How special to her is each one, and how dear,
How fine that they honor her year after year.
But the honor is theirs, just to be a small part
Of the Great Mother’s family; of the Great Mother’s heart.
Her life’s as example; her care never waives,
She’s worthy of honor; she’s worthy of praise.
Let all of her loved ones, the big and the slight,
Give homage and love to the Great Mother this night.
As long as there’s Christmas, her love will remain
To guide all her loved ones, their love to sustain.
The children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren too
Will keep the Great Mother’s tradition like new.
And generations to come will be filled with delight,
When told of the Great Mother’s Christmas Day Night.

God's Angel turns One

Although it makes me cry a few tears, I have to mark December 8Th, the anniversary of my Dad's death, with thanksgiving that I can now think of him with a smile and beautiful memories of Christmas. What a bright star he was at Christmas time!

To all of you who have loved and lost, I hope you can do the same. Christmas is especially hard but we have to remember that love is the gift that keeps on giving and now we have the baton...so pass it on and never let the light go out.

To my Mama; thank you for keeping the home fires burning. Thank you for loving my Daddy and for continuing your journey with us in his absents. Thanks be to God for the Gift.

-Merry

The Grandfather speaks...

What Grandad doesn't understand is that no one goes back in time to read old post, so when he tries to tell new information through an old related article; he never gets read. I appreciated him adding to the family news so I took the liberty of coping and pasting his new comment and turning it into a post for him. Maybe one day he will learn to do it himself.

I think he likes the chatterbox and I know he is proud of his family! (Forgive me Grandad if the copy/paste thing doesn't get the layout just right. It never does!)

-M

Grandad has left a new comment on your post "Ford's basketball schedule": On Saturday, Dec. 2, Joe Regas and I went to the Decatur Recreation Center (on Sycamore in Downtown Decatur, next to the Library) to watch Ford and his Celtics play basketball. After only one practice, his team came up just a few points short, but fought fiercely against a much bigger and taller team. The Celtics are well coached, and will improve with practice. Ford hit one field goal and one free throw, but got in several critical fouls against much bigger players and saved several baskets with his aggressive style of defense and rebounding. He is the third tallest player on the Celtics. Several of his opponents were my size. It was a hard fought game. Joe and I enjoyed cheering for Ford. Joe is playing soccer and rollar hockey this winter. He is a whiz on skates and very exciting to watch, as he flashes in and out of the reach of other players, before he takes his shot. He still prefers football, but soccer is his next favorite. I just love to watch my grandchildren perform. I wish I could see Keegan in action on the soccer field. I know he has scored several goals. Maybe his Mom or Dad could post a photo of him in action, here on the Chatterbox. Keegan acted in real movie, recently. When it is release, he promises to tell us, so we can all watch him on the big screen. Speaking of acting, Andrew, who has is own email address, andrewleesc@comcast.net, is a regular performer in a long running show at his church, called Apostlelot. He has played many roles. His father, Tom, is an adult mainstay in the series, too. Together, like Batman and Robin, they are a daring duo of acting at Apostlelot. I hope Kim will post some photos of them in action. She has been busy, with Tom's help, and some from Mimi, perparing her house to be one of just five on the Horseshoe Bend Festival of Homes, a benefit for the Gardan Club. About 500 people paid $15 to tour Kim and Tom's house. I snuck in. It looked like a million dollars! Andrew, Emily and William spent Saturday night with me and Mimi, so their house would look perfect on Sunday. I wonder how long it will take to look lived-in again? God Bless you every one.

Love,

Grandad.

Mary has a Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Sweet Mary!...

and many happy returns of the day.

Molly's going to China!

Monday, Dec. 4Th, our very own Molly Croft is going to China...for a week! She will arrive in Beijing, with other delegates from Georgia Tech, to join up with a team from Peking University and participate with some sort of great workshop.

Molly will have the privilege of seeing things like The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs and how life is lived in China. Wow! I can't wait for her to come back with tales of her adventure. We'll all get an education.

Shannon will stay home with the kids and their busy school and extracurricular schedules. I think in order to fill Molly's rotation, he has cancelled all business appointments after 4 p.m. so he can stay on top of things.

Have a safe and wonderful trip Molly. Take lots of pictures and bring home lots of Christmas presents! (Shannon expects all Christmas shopping to be done by the time she gets back....as if she will have time!) We're sending you off with our love, prayers and good wishes. You GO Girl!!

-Mimi

I am Thankful...

Today I was reminded of days gone by. Back in 2002, after our Thanksgiving day together, Kimberly sent her jouneral entry to me. It filled my heart and I never forgot it. I am posting it on the Chatterbox as a way of saying; I am grateful for each of you, of the times we have spent together and of the sheer joy you have brought into my life. For those of you who will join Terrence (Dad) and I this Thanksgiving...I can't wait to see you, to pray in thanksgiving with you, to spend time with you again and to share a meal. For those who will be somewhere else this year, I pray you will pass the love around the table until everone is full and be thankful, for the more you give away the more you will have. Happy Thanksgiving. You are loved...

-By Mimi

Journal entry, thanksgiving 2002

..."it's funny-that family thing. We gather at mom's. All coming from
separate lives--with separate desires of the heart--with separate internal
struggles and emotions. Whether spoken or unspoken, we know. We're reminded
of mom's loss and battle with elderly parents through the special leaves she
adds to the thankful tree. And the silliness of the S-C's--trying to lighten
the load of heaviness that is felt, too. Yet, knowing...we go on with the
day...only to realize our tradition is too being deep-seeded in the hearts
of each of us there.

We all congregate in the kitchen. Kids disperse and make there way to their
separate hide-a-ways. Girls go to the nursery and boys, who-knows-where, to
seek adventure. Deet home sharing her stories of college and making all of
us wish we were 18 again (only for a moment). Mom and the girls scurry in
the kitchen. Shannon brings the traditional "beef log". Tradition? Why
yes....Mom makes the best turkey breasts of the season, Shannon steps out
with food that pushes our taste buds to the edge (and we like it). The S-C's
bring the cheescake-o-the-day, Mary makes an awesome salad, Marleen and
Shannon bring the dueling squash while Deet scurries to cut the fruit and
adds her personal dressing touch to an old tried and true. Terr leads in the
prayer of thanks--more tailored for the children but we know the deeper
prayer of thanks in his heart. Kids settle at their respective places that
Mimi has made so special. After everyone is served, Mom sits in amazement
that the food actually looks good despite not making it all herself and
grateful that she didn't have to.

After the feast, we move to the dining room to share past tails of
vacations. As we laugh together, I find myself longing for more memories
together. I think of how fleeting the years pass and pray that God will
grant us with more memories that will make us laugh together for a long time
to come.

As the day goes on, we settle into just who we are--Deet off to J----'s, the
boys at the bar working in the activity book, Molly upstairs in the nursery
reading Wizard of Oz to the girls (and Joey), the men lounging in the den
pontificating on who-knows-what, Mom in the kitchen trying to make sense of
the mess, I wondering around trying to find a place where I would be most
helpful.

Tradition--oh yes--tradition. And as I get older, these traditions get
fonder. No longer do I long for another tradition or a deeper meaning for
the day of thanks. I cherish ours because the day is shaped by the people
who are in it. We give our hearts the way we know how. And that makes our
tradition so unique and not like any other. That makes us a family.

My prayer is that we all continue to deepen our love for eachother, to
recognize the needs of one another, to cherish our differences and to
embrace our tradition and long for more.

From the heart.
Kim

Beta Log-In Trauma?

All -

I've gone and messed up the family chatterbox! Last time I logged in, Blogger asked me if I wanted to upgrade to Blogger Beta, which has cooler features. After I agreed to upgrade, I found out that the Blogger account gets tied to the administrator's Google account (I guess Google bought Blogger?). Anyway, if you've had trouble logging in, that's why. I've attempted to remedy the situation by creating a communal Google account for us all to use to log in. I'll email you all the log-in and password personally. Sorry about the mess!


Love,
Princess Mononoke

Ford's basketball schedule

Ford had a very successful baseball season, he was exciting to watch! If anyone wants to attend a Saturday basketball game you might enjoy stopping by Decatur High School:
2 p.m. on 12-2
3:30 p.m. on 12-9
1:30 p.m. on 12-16
2:30 p.m. on 1-6
1:30 on 1-13
2:30 on 1-20
3:30 on 1-27
3:30 p.m. on 2-3

GO CELTICS!
Post your schedule, whatever it may be, you never know when someone might be in the neighborhood and could stop in to watch you do the things you like to do. Have a good season Ford!
-Mimi

Brian shows his youth...

...after endearing us with your rendition of the Banana Boat Dance, our last night at Grayton Beach, I wanted to wish you a special birthday wish this day. Happy Day and many, many more dances to come... Sorry to say, you need a little more flare to keep up with Kim and Tom...and Mike, with his famous sideways swing, just can't be beat....but I was impressed. Keep up the good work. You are loved by us, Happy 39th!!

-Mimi

Andrew's birthday today...

Shhhh....everyone is waiting for the week end celebration at Northcroft, so take it easy and get all rested up...(hope you sneak in a few good presents and some cake and ice cream.

Happy, Happy

Birthday

to

Andrew!

We love you,

-Mimi and Grandad