The Todd Family of Lemoore

Baby Reagan born to Sarah and Sean

2009-09-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Lupe and Steve's first grandchild was born on Sunday
August 30th at 10:00 AM. Sarah's water broke Saturday
night while dining at the Olive Garden. Lupe, Joy, Seth,
and Bria were at the hospital while Steve taught Sunday
School at church. His lesson was interrupted a couple of
times with text messages from Seth giving him and the
congregation updates. Steve got to see the baby that evening
along with Lupe and now Aunt Joy.

Grandpa holds sleeping beauty.

Proud dad (our son) with Reagan.

5lbs. 15.7 ounces, a small peanut.

Mom, Dad, and baby Reagan.

Aunt Joy holding the baby at the hospital.

Seth Shines on State Tests

2009-08-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

We received the results of last Spring's state testing for Seth. He scored very high in all areas. He was advanced in Algebra, Language Arts, Science, and History. We were pleasantly surprised and delighted with the results. We were very grateful for his two eighth grade teachers who were very inspiring and encouraging.

He is now enrolled in the Lemoore Middle College taking both high school and college classes concurrently. He is very excited. A surprise to us is his enjoyment of working out at the college gym. He has set some goals for his workout. The reason that this is a surprise is the boy sits most of the day in front of a computer. He doesn't like sports but working out is an individual thing and setting his own goals fits his style.

Scenes from Varsity Scout Trip To LA and Catalina

2009-07-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

The story of the Varsity Scouts super activity is found
on the right side column.

Los Angeles Temple

California Science Center

Bro. Sare's Happy Face

Guinness Museum of World Records

Los Angeles Temple at night.

Fish in the water at Catalina

Alligator lizard, same one donated to an annoying group
of nearby scouts in one of their tents.

Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California

Ay, is that Captain Jack Sparrow coming
back from the underworld?

Speeding back to the mainland.

Seth Promoted from the Eighth Grade

2009-07-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor's daughter.

Seth received honors for poetry and

making the Dean's List both semesters.

This was a morning ceremony and he

was treated to breakfast afterwards by

his mother. Joy and Bria joined him at

the Black Bear Restaurant where Seth

came with a big appetite.

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

2009-07-05T20:23:00.001-07:00

Relaxing, cooking, enjoying Memorial Day weekend.

Steve afloat in Joy and Tim's salt water pool.

The mighty Tim dunks two ways.

Lupe refuses to be photographed. Steve says you get

what you get.

Steve's Father's Funeral

2009-07-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Steve's dad died April 21, 2009 at the age of 89.

He was a veteran of World War II.

He grew up in Modesto, CA where he was also buried.

A Jack-of-all-trades he was able to do cement, electrical,

plumbing and other types of construction. He was one

of the first members of the church in Modesto and was

part of the Manteca branch. Both places now have stakes.

A memorial service was held on a Monday with the burial

and a 21 gun salute the next day at the cemetery. These

are some of Steve's relatives. He attended Mondays service

but only his wife and two daughters attended the burial.

Joy and Tim In San Diego

2009-07-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

Joy and Tim's new house.

Below are pictures from their San Diego trip. They

went to the San Diego on tickets they bought years ago

that were still good.

Another Poe? You decide. Please comment below as Seth would appreciate feedback on his assignment to imitate Poe.

2009-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Temptation
By Seth Todd

“Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers—of my sagacity.”—The Tell-Tale Heart, Edgar Allan Poe

I was given a blessing. As I look at my life before that fateful night, I hated myself. I, also, pitied myself for being weak.

I heard the shrill cry of an alarm clock, jolting me out from the dark wonder of sleep. I hope you know that I neither hallucinated nor did I still slumber. Would you say what occurred next evolved from a dream? Vexed about where I sat. I presumed a warehouse. I walked towards a black window—perhaps I could tell where I stood, but no! I felt the chill wind as I looked through the charred window; I peered through broken glass high above a city of ash and ember. I must ask, do you know where I found myself? The city itself existed in the abyss of ruins.

I suddenly collapsed—you must think of awe—and started to cough until a red liquid landed upon my hand.

How was it that I was sick? I clawed at the floor.

“No!” Death’s hand toyed with my heart. I looked up and I saw a woman in a scarlet dress—a woman with, oh, such beauty. She relieved me of my pain; it was like Death itself was admiring her.

She spoke silk words that caressed the very soul, “A cure is here, so near for you. One sip and you’ll be better. What ever is your life’s true desire will come true. I can help you get to the cure.”

I hearkened to her words that spun me around; do not think she deceived me like a snake, she only wanted to help.

“My dear love, I will follow you,” I smiled at her and she bowed to me. I lifted my weight from the floor and she beckoned me.

Step, step, I saw nothing that passed by me. It was all a blur and the woman was the focus of my eyes.

“Tell me your life’s true desire?” the woman asked.

Now, men may say money; I, however, longed for infinite knowledge.

“I desire knowledge… knowledge that surpasses the limitations of man. Knowledge that would expand across the universe,” I replied in a choked voice. The woman angelically smiled to me. At last we stopped and I collapsed on the floor with spasms. She gave me a pained look.

“Oh, my dear, are you all right?” She helped me up. I nodded. “Do not waste your energy. I will get the cure.”

My response was a hoarse cough that nearly drew the red liquid. Do you not know how the sweet woman intoxicated me? She drew me in like Eve, holding the white, sweet fruit; she was an angel that she was.

At last, she brought a glass vial. I grabbed the vial and drank. At once, I felt cured. At once, knowledge filled my mind.

“Thank you!” I cried.

“I never meant to save you. I wanted to see what you truly wanted. I wanted to see how selfish you were. Knowledge kills. I kill.”

Her words sounded true. Perhaps the knowledge, I once longed for, possessed me with Eden-like deception.

“Ask yourself, who are you?”

I thought about it, but I drowned in knowledge of light and darkness. Of all the knowledge, my own self disappeared. Hearken! No less had I thought about who I was, I felt like I was choking. Alas, I died by the knowledge that men would glorify. My brain could not handle the very question; nor the sorrow filled answers.

You must think it was the woman who killed me, the knowledge didn’t exist, and most of this was lies. But you must hearken to my words: the knowledge did choke me like a rope strangling my throat—not the woman.

I must warn you though. As I explored my mind for the answer, I saw you. I do not know you, not in the least of all possible ways. I wanted to face you, face to face. I cannot anymore for now I live among the dead and cannot give direct revelations. But, the three words that came to mind were: “You are next!”

Seth Camps in the Snow

2009-01-24T23:33:00.001-08:00

On January 8th, 9th, and 10th, Seth spent two nights and
three days in the snow. The Young Women joined the boys
on Saturday.

It is always nice to get above the fog.

There was snow but icy.

Seth gets ready to slide down the mountain.

Self portrait. What can I say he's 14 years old.

A Golden Christmas Find

2009-01-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

During a visit to his mother after Christmas, Stephen came across
a disc of photos that his niece had scanned. They were
pictures of Stephen's siblings, grandparents, aunts and
uncles, and great aunts and uncles. Enjoy this journey
with Stephen back into time.

Looking very dapper is Stephen's grandfather,
Robert Maxwell, on his mothers side.

Here you see Stephen's mother, his older sister, Loraine,
and his dad who served in the army during World War II
as a postal carrier.

The lady on the left is Allie Ough Maxwell, Stephen's grandmother
who lived with the family for a time after her husband died. Stephen
was named after her father, Stephen Ough. Next to his grandmother
is Stephen's sister, Carolyn, and his brother, Larry. In front and on the
left is Stephen's younger brother David (who eventually would grow
taller than Stephen) and then in the suit and bow tie is Stephen.

This is Stephen's mother and second stepfather, Jim.
Jim converted to the church after they were married.
Jim has served as a temple worker.

Todd Family Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Bria, left out when we first decorated tree, adds her touches.

Bria, home from work and school gives her dog Chloe some

attention.

Oh, to be a dog at times. Chloe and Coda rest from their

walk and play.

A little more awake. Coda on left, Chloe on the right.

The clan. From left to right; Joy; Tim, son-in-law; Lupe;

Steve; Bria; Sean; Seth, in front; and, Sarah, our daughter-in-law.

Just for laughs, there's always cleaning to do before

company comes. The following is a little break from cleaning.

Although hard to see, Coda has a fascination with the vacumn cleaner.

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-24T17:02:00.001-08:00

A Christmas card for you:

From the Todd Family in Lemoore to your family,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

Check our blog for the latest update on our family. Look
for new pictures and news articles. If you missed Sean
and Sarah's wedding pictures look in the right hand column
and look for past postings and click on October.

Court of Honor

2008-12-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Seth conducted voluntarily a Boy Scout Court of Honor
held on December 18th.

Seth received four merit badges,
three of which are required for the rank of Eagle. He
received merit badges for Family Life, Environmental
Science, Citizenship in the Community, and one for cinematography.

He lacks two required merit badges for Eagle and is currently
working on one and is looking for a counselor for the other.

Two of our ward's eleven year old scouts made first class before
their 12th birthday. They are honored for that by receiving a
manzanita carved neckerchief slide from our former stake
president. Several in our ward have done this including Seth.
If they can make first class rank before turning 12
they are more likely to make Eagle.

Christmas 2008 Underway At 465 Mike Ct. Lemoore, CA, 93245

2008-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

We bought a tree the day before Seth's birthday and decorated it the next day on his birthday, December 7th. For the past few years we have bought our tree from the nearby Armona Fire Department. The trees are a little expensive but I believe it goes towards their community outreach programs. The other reason is that it is close enough to maybe make it home without the tree and luggage carrier falling off the car (happened once).

Lights were put up on the house after Thanksgiving. Steve usually tries to get them up before but it was wet on the roof and Steve has fallen off twice before. I think he learned his lesson, finally.

It was a stretch for the short, fat guy.

Seth's 14th Birthday

2008-12-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Seth celebrated his 14th birthday at his choice of restaurants which
was the Olive Garden. The location was convenient for Sean, Sarah,
and Bria. Sean and Sarah were coming from out of town and Bria had
to work. Also their were Steve, Lupe and Joy.

Seth has shown a recent interest in drawing and is joining the ranks
of Sean and Bria as well as several of his cousins who have some artistic talent.
Also of interest to him are dragons. He has read several stories involving
dragons and he wears clothing with dragons.

For his birthday he received a box of candy called "Zours," "Drawing for Dummies,"
"How to Draw Dragons," a jacket designed with a dragon, cards, and a $2.00 bill along with a check for 14 dollars from his grandparents. And at grandma's age, she got Seth's age right
considering all the grand and great-grand children that she has.

Olive Garden sang "Happy Birthday" to Seth.

Dead Bird Day

2008-12-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

We had our whole family together for Thanksgiving minus our son-in-law Tim who opted to work double shifts for the extra money (in today's economy, I didn't blame him and it wasn't like he didn't have some of our turkey dinner sent to him).

Pics by Seth (Some were lucky and didn't get caught on camera, others, well, I'll kill that kid!)

Dinner is ready.

The Dead Bird

Bria with her gorgeous smile.

Sean kicking back. What you don't see is Bria practicing

a reflexology foot massage that she is learning to do on her own.

A little scratch and a little tongue. Content dog.

Bria massaging Sean's smelly feet.

The newlyweds, Sean and Sarah.

Seth loves to have fun With Bria.

Crazy kids.

Sean, stuffed with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and a foot massage.

I think he enjoyed Thanksgiving.

Whoa! Is this my daughter-in-law, or

America's next top model. The original photo

was very striking. Sean, you did well.

Kisses!

Somebody needs a kiss from Chloe.

Girl problems, Koda moves in for the kiss, kiss, kiss.

Dog day afternoon.

Yep, a stuffed turkey. I mean, doesn't she look like

Sleeping Beauty.

Out for the count.

Yes, I've got bling. And I'm a pampered thing.

Matching teeth. They both need braces.

Donations, please.

This is my happy face.

10 minutes into the movie and he was unconscious.

Dog like master.

Steve's U10 Soccer Team

2008-11-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

Stephen's U10 girls team presented quite a few challenges. Mostly, it involved girls who did not show up to practice (practicing with less than a full team was hard), didn't know their left from their right, thought they should have the ball only or showed up as the game was to start or even after.

In league, we placed seventh out of nine teams. In an end of season tournament, we beat the team that placed fourth in league. After the first round, teams were placed into a gold, silver, or bronze bracket. We ended up in the silver (fourth place team went to bronze) where we lost to the fifth and sixth placed teams each 2-0. Those games were played on Sunday and our star player is the bishop's daughter, Sadee Ball, who didn't play.

All in all, the team showed great improvement. To beat the fourth place team with Sadee and losing to the other teams by only two goals (they beat us by 3 goals or more in league) without Sadee says a lot. I was very proud of how we ended up.

Above all, I fulfilled my dream to coach a team on which I had no son or daughter. It felt great but I was busy. As for Lupe, she wasn't always a happy camper about this so instead of a coach's gift I talked them into a coach's wifes' gift of $50 to Kohls. That made us both happy.

Safe and Secure

2008-10-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

There was one time, perhaps a year ago, when I used PayPal to make a purchase, I think on Amazon.com. Anyway, on Sunday, October 12, someone gained access to my PayPal account which was tied to my bank account. That evening we began to receive emails from PayPal which
seemed to be odd. I didn't trust the emails so I went to the PayPal site and logged in and everything looked Chinese. They changed the language on the account. The next day on Monday I found out that they had accessed my bank account for $137.50. We contacted the bank. Stop payments were issued. And we were not out of pocket but had to close the account and open a new one. The interesting part is, after a round about way of contacting PayPal in English (which was not easy), I found that purchases were made in Euros not US dollars.

Safe and Secure. Yeah, right.

Seth's School

2008-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Seth attends the University Charter School located on the

community college campus of West Hills Lemoore. Steve

was on the school board when it was decided to go into

partnership with West Hills and Fresno State. The joint use

facility relationship with the college allowed this school

to be built without having to pass a bond. (Our second school

built without a bond or borrowing money). This school

has two classes each of 5th through 8th grade.

It doesn't take much to hit water around here. Near the

school there are some drainage ponds that were used

in order to lay pipe to the school. Between the school and

Lemoore NAS lies the Kings River wetlands.

At the West Hills College, Seth has access to the Library

because he has a West Hills Student Body card.

Pumpkin Carving October 2008

2008-10-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

An anuual event is pumpkin carving.
And yes,
Bria's mother had her carve a pumpkin.

Scotland

2008-10-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

Returning to the land of my ancestors, my sister, Carolyn and her husband, Jerry traveled once again to visit friends in Scotand. They found a town with my father's first name of Leith (rhymes with Keith and often confused with that name). Here are some pictures from their trip.

My sister Carolyn on the right with a mime.

My sister once again.

My brother-in-law, Jerry dressed in a kilt.

Sean and Sarah's Beach Wedding

2008-10-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our son Sean married Sarah Greer, a recent convert to the church, on October 4th, 2008, on the beach in the town of Grover Beach, CA. The ceremony was conducted by their bishop, Bishop Haar of the Fresno Singles 3rd Ward which meets at the Institute of Religion across from Fresno State. Sarah was first escorted by her stepfather and then by her father who gave her away. In spite of an early morning rain shower and a ceremony conducted under cloudy skies, the wedding concluded with the sun peeking through just in time for their first kiss as husband and wife. Wedding picures were taken by Sister Amy Evans and the wife of Sean's boss who is also LDS. The honeymoon couple spent their first night in Huntington Beach followed by in the ensuing days with a cruise to three Mexican ports.

The groomsmen. Sean is first to the left; next is his best man
and former soccer team mate, Kyle Zimmerman; his boss Matt
from PML landscaping; his friend from Visalia; and Seth.

A closeup of Seth in his penguin suit.
He seems to be wishing to see one-piece
swimsuit clad girls on the beach.

The procession of bride's maids.

The ring bearer, Sarah's half brother.

Sarah escorted by her step father.

Sarah escorted by her father.

Sarah and Sean standing before Bishop Haar. The bishop

related the advice of Sarah's father (stay close to God),

the advice of Sean's mother (compromise), and some Scottish

advice based on Sean's ancestory that Sean's Dad and Aunt gave

(the husband needs to remember two words "Yes, Dear!").

Sarah passing off the flowers before the exchange of rings.

The sun breaks through on a day that had an early

morning rain shower and on a wedding held under overcast skies.

Husband and wife.

Sarah's bachelorette party

2008-09-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hawaii with Tim and Joy - Sept.1 through the 10th

2008-09-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Wameia Canyon

waterfall at waimea canyon

Yellow Hisbiscus

Tim snorkeling at Tunnels Beach

Tim, Joy, Sarah, and Norma @ Waimea Canyon

view at Queen Emma's bath

View of Hanalei Valley

Riding bikes at Hanalei

Sunset at Black Pot Beach Pier

Tim hanging out at a lava pool

Tim playing his ukelele

underneat pier @ Black Pot Beach, she's
holding it up

purple flower

Queen Emma's bath

Ready to skydive

Plumeria

posing at a river bridge

pu`u poa beach

spouting horn

Joy paddling @ Black Pot Beach

na pali coast catamaran tour

Joy and Tim's backyard view

paddle surfer at sunset

"I survived," Joy after jumping tandem out of an airplane.

Annini Beach

Got car insurance or just geckos?

Hanalei Valley

Just chillin'

Seth Camps with Scouts in Sequoia Nat. Park

2008-09-15T21:17:00.001-07:00

We teach our boys to grow up to be men. These boys
never looked happier than when they posed with
these girls on Moro Rock

Yep, these boys hiked 36 miles in the coastal redwoods,
camped in the snow, survived a survival camp in the
in the mountains outside Coalinga eating beans and rice,
went 4 wheeling with a crazy doctor who tipped his vehicle
on its side, and posed with some hot chicks on Moro Rock.
Yes. sir, these boys are well on their way to becoming men.
They're cool, way cool!

Seth Earns the Rank of Life

2008-07-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Seth has earned the rank of Life in Boy Scouts.
He is now working towards Eagle.
His goal is to achieve it by the end of next Summer (2009).
He is 13 years old and will be an eighth grader this coming school year.

Surfing in Newport Beach:Joy and Tim

2008-07-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sean and Sarah get engaged on the 4th of July: Bria and Seth are there to catch the action

2008-07-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2008 Makes for 28 years of marriage

2008-06-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

Although, Sunday is our wedding anniversary, Lupe and I went to Moro Bay, CA on Saturday to celebrate. I bought her a carved zebra for her zebra collection at home. I had clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, and fish and chips for my (Stephen's) dinner; whereas Lupe had a club sandwich. Later, we drove along the beach to San Simeon where Lupe was able to see the free running zebras on the Hearst property (that made her day).

Bria grows up

2008-06-14T23:38:00.001-07:00

Bria Graduates from High School

2008-06-07T21:26:00.001-07:00

A very proud Dad!

Bria and her sister Joy.

Joy, proud mama Lupe, Bria, and Sarah Greer.

Bria serious? Right.

That's more like it.

Bria, a Lemoore Tiger.

Who knows what her dad is telling her? Probably, your

things are packed, when are you moving? Nah! Just

kidding.

Charge! Watch out world!

Believe it or not she used to dance on this fireplace.

She still brings us smiles.

Pictures from Sunday's baccalaureate
with Falyn Fortner (friend from church).

Senior High School Prom

2008-04-19T23:18:00.001-07:00

Dogs X4

2008-04-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Chester, our Boxer, who had cancer treatment collapsed after a 30 minute walk. He threw up and fell to the ground. He had trouble getting up. Luckily, they were almost home. After calming Chester down Lupe was able to get him to walk home. I took off work early and took him to the vet. It seems the warmer weather and age is taking a toll on his body. Last November he weighted about 70 pounds; he now weighs 100 pounds. His walks will have to be shorter and perhaps when it is cooler. By the time I took him to the vet he was back to his old self.

Messing Around

2008-04-19T22:50:00.001-07:00

Easter 2008

2008-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

This year Sarah had a big influence on
how we celebrated Easter. Although,
normally we do the traditional Easter
bunny stuff on Saturday, we decided
to wait for Sean and Sarah to come down.
Sarah has many fond memories of Easter
growing up. What she said was so family
oriented in bringing family together that
we decided to build on those memories.
Sean and Sarah came down for church
services, we had a turkey dinner and watched
a movie on the life of the Savior. Afterwards, Sean
and I hid eggs. Then with lots of pushing and
dashing, Seth, Bria, Sarah, and, yes, Lupe
hunted for eggs in our front yard.

It was a great day!

Our newest family member: Coda

2008-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

We adopted Coda when her owners could not take care of her like they should. They have a special needs child and it wasn't a good companion. Although, she was free we have had in to see the veterinarian for some sores. So instead of being free, she has cost me approximately $200. she's wearing an old sweatshirt of Seth's to keep from licking the wounds on her leg. They wanted her to wear one of those lampshades and I said no. It's torture for a dog. They can't eat or drink and they always run into things. No thanks!

She is very playful and likes to play with our other female, Chloe. They are within a year of each other. Chester, still going strong after chemotherapy, has let her know that it is nice to have her but he doesn't want to play. He has made his point by pinning her down (not hurting her).

Walking three Boxer dogs and Joy's dachshund all at once is sometimes a challenge; especially, for Lupe. Coda is getting used to being walked. We think she was kept in a kennel for most of the day.

Bria and High School Soccer

2008-02-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

This is what happened when Bria collided with one of her own players in a soccer game. They both went to head a ball and bumped heads. A different girl was playing the sweeper position. The girl who normally plays sweeper was out and had she been in this probably wouldn't have happened. The regular sweeper and Bria have played soccer together for years and they know what the other is going to do without speaking to each other.

Nevertheless, Bria had a good season and was able to play in the last game of the season against the number one seed in the semifinals of the playoffs (they were seeded fourth). They lost to a very well coached team.

The Orange Fight

2008-01-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

What happens when a Scout Leader and a Boy Scout

fight over an orange? You have a duel.

Just some fun!

2007-12-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

Aint she sweet!

He can't be bluffing, he has all of the cards!

Dog eared fun!

Pillow for pillow!

Puffy cheeks! Wisdom teeth were pulled. Ouch!

My cheeks puff out too, when I do this!

Winter Formal 2007

2007-12-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Bria went to the high school winter formal with a sophomore!

He is just a friend. She has never gone to a formal with the same person. Each boy was someone different. She does not and has never steady dated anyone. To make the dress more modest she had a short lengthed, long sleeved dark sweater for her shoulders.

Just for a smile!

2007-12-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

The following are pictures of the pets of the Todd Family of Lemoore, CA.

What are you looking at?

This is my happy face!

I'm hungry, too.

A dog's life. .

... until you get rear ended!

Do you mind if I lie down here and put my legs up?

Guard dog?

Hey, I'm not your pillow!!!

Blanket hog!

Get that camera and flash out of my face!