Henry Kent Fontano

Henry Kent Fontano was born Saturday, August 22, 2015 about 8 pm in Cedar City, Utah to Danielle and David Fontano.  He is the little brother (6 lbs. 1 oz. - 19 inches long) of Griffin James Fontano.  He looks just like his big brother and his dad.  I took out a picture of his dad and was surprised to see the resemblance in that hospital picture taken many years ago. 

I found out Dani was in labor about 2 pm and then was surprised to feel the relief that all had gone well by about 8.  I didn't realize I was so on edge but I was and it was such a blessing to know that this little guy was born and all was well.

Henry is grandchild # 23.  I feel so blessed to have some many adorable and wonderful grandchildren.  It is a special thing to be a grand parent.  Some of my grandchildren adore me and some of them aren't so sure about me.  I know that I love everyone of them.  I wish I could know them all well and that they could know of my (our) love for them.  I sincerely thank Heavenly Father that I am so lucky to have this wonderful, eternal family!

May to August 2015

May 18, 2015
Dear Susan:  

I am going to mail this card and gift to you because I have just been unable to get to your house or meet up with you for you birthday. 

So this is my plan.  One day, when you are free (and I am free) please plan to come and join me for lunch in honor of your belated birthday, and then we will go to Bealls and you can use your card to purchase something you like (or need!) 

I am so sorry that this has been such a “fun” filled year and we just haven’t been able to get together as much as I had hoped.   If I had my way, I would be going out and playing with you all the time.  However, as you know, we are both tied to other things.  One day, however, we will be able to find the time to be together more often.

You are my dearest friend ever and I love you and care about you so much.  I think of you so often and as I have said before, I treasure our relationship and the memories we have made together. 

I hope you have a good year and that bright things happen for you! 

Love always,

Kathy and of course Jim too!

June 5, 2015

To our sweet Marien: on her High School Graduation:

We just want you to know how much we love you and how proud we are of you and all that you have accomplished so far in your life.  We have great faith that you can do anything you put your mind to. 

We know you testimony is strong and that your desire to live the gospel is unwavering.  We hope that you will follow your goals and keep close to our Savior.  We know that you will always be blessed with his spirit if you continue to live as you have and do all that you know is right.

You are truly a beautiful daughter of God.  Your sweet personality and inner goodness are reflected in all you do and say. 

We love you so much!

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Kathy

How are you?

Glad to get this email from Mike….

To

Kathleen Fontano

Jun 12 at 5:40 PM

We got your email.  Liana's personal email is now lianafontano2@gmail.com as the non 2 version was hacked.  The other two addresses are good.  Sorry about not getting in touch with you - I'm really bad at that and feel I was much better before I got married, so I blame Liana.  The apartment was great until they opened the pool for the summer.  We border the fence and are on the second level, so we get to hear everything.  The benefit is it's only open on Saturday and Sunday.  It's funny, the place was sold as being so beneficial because it comes with a membership to a tennis club, but it's obvious the tennis club doesn't want us there.  We can't use the normal locker room, we have to pay extra to use the pool, and forget about ever bringing a guest -it's like $25 for adults and $20 for kids to come as guests.  We figure they'd tell us "don't look full members in the eyes" if they could.  Other than that we actually love the place.  

We were a bit worried about Karcher and Hardee and how they would react with sounds - they've always been very protective - anyhow, they've been really good. Hardee is even less likely these days to growl at people, and we take our walks without leashes (except when we walk in front of the office as there is a $25 fee for not having them on).  The funny thing is to see how people with dogs react.  I use to think Cesar Milan was a bit dramatic with dogs adopting the fear of their owners, but people here are super worried anytime they see the dogs without their leashes.  I just call them over and about 90% of the time they listen.  We even went to the dog park and they fared well with dogs 4 times their size.  We believe it all has to do with them being around a lot of people compared to our Laramie place.  We've been very happy with them both, but Hardee is night and day from even a few months ago.  I started feeding him fish oil capsules too, which has helps with the shedding and itching.  I love the dogs - as you may know.  

Jobs seem fine.  Reno is very very slow with CarMax and I've been applying for everything.  Apparently there are enough people applying in everything because I haven't had a single reply.  I did apply for the alternative route to license program with Washoe County and was denied from that.  That was a bit of a disappointment.  Liana seems to like the work, but she had her clique going in Laramie and as much as it would pain her to admit, I think she misses it... somewhat.  The truth is she's been happy for months and often goes on these long speeches about feeling trapped in Laramie, and blah, blah, blah.  The truth is I miss it a ton, but was apparently standing on Liana's shoulders and breathing just fine, while she was under the surface and drowning.  

No official callings yet.  I have been told by the Elder's Quorum President that I will be the teacher for the 3rd week when our current teacher finally moves out -that guy is actually from Vegas and knew Jim in the Stake YM presidency a few years back.  The ward is a very established ward, in the oldest Northern Nevada stake.  Liana often has stories of disappointment from Relief Society.  We were given the assignment to talk at the end of the month, so hopefully they'll see her brilliance after she speaks.  

Not too much going on with friends in the area.  Everyone is married with children and I seem to work every Saturday.  We'll just have to plan when the situation is right.  We did see a few folks in March, but haven't really done anything with anyone other than Kurt and Steph - which has actually been good for us.  Their boys are pretty wussy and we're toughening them up.  I don't know how much Kurt and Steph appreciate it, but the kids know us and hug us, so it's worth it.  Nothing else really to report there.  We have eaten at El Charro, but that's the same menu from a decade ago.  It was Liana's choice between that and China East, and she "loves chips and salsa, so...."  I did take her on the old houses tour, which she says I have done a thousand times before.  I'm not sure we made the right choice in coming back here, but Liana loves it and is convinced we're set for life.  Oh well, life goes on.  

Good luck with Poppy - we will certainly pray for you (we're running out of new things to say).  Sorry I couldn't get that guy to contact Dad, I guess he wasn't quite the reliable guy I thought he was.  You guys can come visit whenever.  I don't really foresee anything happening.  It's just a matter of what you'd like to come for, Hot August Nights, or September.  I'll look stuff up and let you know what's going on.  Whatever you guys want to do works for us -we don't have an extra bed yet, so let us know if we need to get one.  I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it over for the 4th.  We shall see.

Mike   

Thanks so much Mike for bringing me up to date.  I am so glad that "some" things are working out... I wish everything could be perfect for you but life doesn't seem to ever work out that way does it!  I know moving to a new area is so hard.  I am just starting to feel comfortable here and it has been over a year and I know a lot of people outside of my ward here... 

I see that you got the text about Dad and no surgery at least for the next month.  Just concerned that his heart will give out although we are pretty sure he'll be okay.  None the less, we can't do anything without the approval of the cardiologist so that is the breaks.  We'll probably look back on this and recognize it as a blessing as we have so many times in the past.

We'd love to see you over the 4th.  I think everyone will be here but we know it is a long ride and you both are in new jobs etc.  We are having a talent show however and that might motivate you.  It is however a family talent show so you will have to include Liana in whatever you do and somehow I am sure that she isn't going to be up for your last performance!

Marien and Clayton are here for the next few weeks to work at the cafe.  Marien is staying with us and Clayton at John's.  HOpe they aren't too board with us old people. 

Went to Salt Lake last weekend and met up with Laura and Nigel.  We spent most of the time eating...  Cheese Cake Factory, Crown Burger, Menchies and Melting Pot.  Yummy but my pants are a little tighter today!

Well, I so appreciate knowing how you are and what all is going on.  If dad recuperates okay then maybe we will be able to come that way at the end of August or in September. 

Keep smiling... LOve you both, MOM

Dear Mack:

This is your pen pal writing from Cedar City Utah.  I got home last night from SG and Grandpa's surgery and finally had time this morning to sit and go through my cute "Grandma Jar" from you!  What a delightful gift that was.  I laughed and teared up and smiled as I read those cute memories.  I am so glad that you can remember so many things.  I am glad you liked to come to our house even though half the time you didn't know where we were living!  I am glad that you look fondly on these memories as do I. 

You are one of my favorite people in the whole world.  You are not able to remember that when you were a baby you would just go crazy to see me.  You always wanted to let me hold you and you would laugh and smile and do all the things that let me know you loved your grandma Kathy.  You hold a very special place in my heart.  I love you so much and I am so proud of you and who you are and who I know you will become. 

What a blessing to have a grand daughter like you.  You are so dear and thank you so very much for giving me such a wonderful gift.  I will save it for ever! 

Love, Grandma Kathy

JULY

4^th of July  2015 – John’s backyard 
Kathryn, Tommy, Tara, Griffin & Marien

Ash Creek Canyon – 4^th of July 2015

JULY 12, 2015

OK, it is Sunday the 12^th of July.  I have been looking over my last week or so and thought I should write some of my feelings of gratitude.  First of all I am going to include a copy of Jim’s thoughts about our family reunion this year – July 3-6 or 7 depending on how long each family was able to stay…

So I am in agreement with Mom--it was a great weekend and wonderful to spend time with the (almost) whole family. I started a list of memories, most of them good but some not as good (missing Natty and Andy, for instance). I got part way through and decided to put it on here and let everyone add their piece.

Mom being sealed to her parents
Dad being able to kneel at the altar as proxy for Grandpa Jim
Having all siblings and almost all spouses in the sealing room (we missed you Dan!)
Taking over the restaurant on Thursday night
and Olive Garden on Friday morning
Teaching Shey what the little white-tipped tubes were at Olive Garden, then feeling bad after Laura found out that Shey was a true Fontano child swallowing the sugar straight
Jayson's socks
Jaykob's hair
Winning Tornado (or whatever it's called) Saturday night at John's house
50-50 Bacon burgers
Jaykob's nun-chuk skills
Dave and Dani's "Uptown Funk" (still having a hard time believing that was a pregnant woman up there dancing)
The Jay Fontano family "Double Dream Hands" routine
Variety hour with Karcher and Hardee (narrated by Mike)
Abbie's worm
Jayson on the pogo stick sans hands
Benny's sweet shooting skills
Liana's sweet shooting skills
Abbie, Shey, and Anna's joke telling
Benny's belly dance
Pete joining Benny on the belly dance
Jack's awesome Neil Diamond impersonation, complete with the blue cooler and the wig as props
Kathryn's cheer routine
Jeremy singing "Berries and Cream" while prancing across the stage
The dice game (what is it called?)
Awesome Hawaiian food
Jack really wanting some dessert after Hawaiian food
Three words: paper umbrella basketball
Singing Neil Diamond "Jazz Singer" songs with John, Pete, and Mike
Getting drenched during the 3 minute storm that only rained while I was walking into the church
The boys trying to convince Marien to stay for Sunday School, and one of those boys retreating quickly after Marien pointed out which guy was her father
Missing Natalie and Andy
Shey being so depressed about having to leave on Sunday
Nigel and Laura's shave ice business
The parade
Sam's really big smiles
Dan's really big back flip (or was it back flop?)
Donny and Ollie's kung fu skills, and making the chair not-so comfy
Jeremy, Ben, and Mike playing some kind of flinch ball
Marien, Clayton, and Kathryn's EFY dance routine
Those bean sprouts. Crazy good.
John working the meat grinder
Jack pulling the plug, repeatedly, on the big vacuum at the church
The only person to stay for all 3 hours of church? Clayton. (Well, at G'ma and G'pa's ward, anyway).
Ollie dropping trou and peeing in the bushes at the temple

AND THEN ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS FROM OTHER KIDS (FAMILY MEMBERS)

JOHN:  Great list there. I know I've been inspired by it. So much so that I think I'll build you a rainbow.  I should also mention the down pour that hit us in the middle of Ash Down Gorge and a few nervous nieces and nephews that made it down the trail a lot faster than the pace we were hiking up it.

PETE:  It was a great weekend. Wonderful to see all of you. Abbie asked if we can do the same vacation every 4th of July week from now on.

AMY:  I enjoyed benny's belly dance that pete joined in on.
Also abbie's smack talk the entire time we played fry 'em, lightening.. [whatever everyone calls it] towards her brothers and mike.
Jack sneaking up behind the random group of girls at the park and scaring the crap out of them.
The awakenings ball throwing.. drooling involved.
The ribs.
The 3 little boys being dragged behind grandpa's jazy at hawaiian night.
Sam crawling for the first time!! BAM!

JAY:  Answering "Why did Uncle Pete take off his shirt?" wink emoticon Getting schooled on the basketball court at the church by Ben and Jeremy. Coming down the spiral stairs in the temple. Being politely asked to get out of the way for the photo shoot at the temple. Karcher and Hardee swimming across the creek. Hiding out under the big rock waiting for the storm to pass. Nacho was really PO'd at the man with the sticks. John saying the only thing that would make the hike better would be if there was a landslide. There kinda was one. The Ruby Burger. Just being together.

ME:  Amen to that... again, a weekend never to be forgotten!!! Better than I could ever imagine! Let's try to top it next year!!!

Of course from this weekend of fun we went to Jim headed for back and arm surgery at Dixie Medical Center.  I was a bit frazzled about it all since we have had such good luck in the past year and I just don’t know how long Heavenly Father will want to bless us… I guess the blessings are still coming.  Jim came through and out of surgery beautifully and only had one bout on Friday morning with some dehydration.  He diagnosed it himself and they gave him a couple of IV’s and he bounced back. 

We are now home and he is resting up.  Not eating too much yet but other than that he seems to be doing fine.  Went to Walmart yesterday in his Jazzy and then came home and slept for about 4 hours.  Had some dinner and then went back to bed and slept all night.   His attitude and patience amaze me.  We have learned many things this year but I think #1 is to TRUST IN THE LORD.  He’s got us covered and he will take care of us.

July 31, 2015- this boy is one of my Tender Mercies… today he is 39, I can remember the day he was born and his baby days like they just happened.  He was such a good baby and that was a blessing and tender mercy in itself since he had 3 older brothers who were already running me ragged and none of them were in school yet!

Happy Birthday Jay.  I keep track of tender mercies in my life and I think you are one at the top of my list.  You are a special son.  You are humble and you work hard to be righteous and obedient. 

I appreciate all of the kind things you have done for me and for Dad over the years.  A day doesn’t go by that I don’t look at the picture of the Kolobs and think about the  time you came and painted that sitting in our front yard. 

I also am grateful for the times we have spent together when you lived here in Cedar and although less frequent, the times in Denver and now in Springville. 

I also appreciate how you serve in the church and serve the people around you.  I know that you can be shy and step back but I also know that you care about others  and reach out to them in times of need.

You are a blessing in my life.  I love you and I love your family.  You all bring me great joy!

Love MOM

July 31, 2015

Last night Jim’s cousin Sharon Lewis and her daughter Afton came over to our house.  We probably haven’t seen Sharon in over 20 years if not longer.  She was so recognizable.  We enjoyed our visit with them so much.  It was like we had seen them last week.  Family is such a blessing.  When explaining Sharon to our kids I mentioned that she was just good and righteous.  For sure she radiated all that was beautiful and worthy and her daughter as well.  Only a short visit but one to be treasured.

AUGUST 7, 2015

Dear John,

A quick note to wish you a very HAPPY 42^ND BIRTHDAY!  It is hard to believe that 42 years ago I held you in my arms for the first time.  You looked up at me with that adorable face and we began a life together!  It really does only seem like yesterday…

You were such a sweet baby and such a determined little boy!  You have accomplished so many good things.  You are still sweet and still determined.  We are proud of all you do.  You are a great father and a good son.  You have always been a good worker and a spiritual giant.  Each year you take on greater challenges and you seem to keep it all together.

We hope that in your life you find a woman who you can love and trust and who can bless your home.  That would be our sincerest wish for you.  Perhaps such things will happen this year!!!

Treat yourself to something just for you with this Amazon $.  We love you and continue to pray for you and for your family.  You bless our lives with laughter and with joy and we are glad you live so close by.

Have a wonderful year.  We love you so much.  MOM & DAD

AUGUST 8, 2015

Dear Mike,

A quick note to wish you a very HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY!  It is hard to believe that 36 years have gone by since I held you in my arms for the first time.  You looked up at me with that adorable face and my life was never the same!  It really does only seem like yesterday… 

You were such a sweet baby and you just took your place in our family and we all loved you to death!  You have accomplished so many good things.  We are proud of all you do and your actions of love and concern for us and for all members of the family mean so much. You really are a great brother and son.

You have always been a giving person and you have such a likeable personality.  We hope that things are going well in Reno and that you can get into a program that will make it  possible for you to do what you want with your career.  We know where your talents lie and we hope that you can use them.

We also wish you and Liana a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  You are lucky to have that darling girl.  We love her dearly.

Treat yourself to something just for you with this Amazon $ and then enjoy dinner on us for your anniversary.  We love you and continue to pray for you both!    You bless our lives with laughter and with joy!

Be looking for us toward the end of September… we are trying to work things out to spend a week in Tahoe…

Have a wonderful year.  We love you so much.  MOM & DAD

AUGUST 13, 2015

Dear Jeremy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the finest young men we know!  We are so glad to be related to you!  

Some people might think that 13 is kind of an un-lucky number BUT we think that this is the year to give you 13 reasons why we think we are lucky to have you for an amazing grandson and why we love you so much:

1.       We love your smile and we love how often you use it!

2.       You are such a sweet boy – always thinking of others!

3.       You always seem happy to see us

4.       You are a great athlete and you work hard to do well at every sport you play

5.       You are an amazing drummer

6.       You are a friendly person to both people you know or don’t know yet.

7.       You are obedient and we can tell you keep the commandments

8.       You honor your priesthood

9.       You are such a great help to your mom and you always hurry to do whatever she asks

10.   You are a good big brother and you set a good example

11.   You are a good student and you make an effort to complete all your assignments for school and for scouts

12.   You love your parents and you show them respect

13.   You work hard every day to be the best boy you can be!!!

YOU REALLY ARE AN AMAZING THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY WHO WE LOVE MORE THAN WE CAN EVEN SAY!!!  HAVE A GREAT, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, SUPER-DUPER BIRTHDAY

AUGUST 13, 2015

Dear Abbie:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our favorite girls in the whole wide world!!!    We are so glad to be related to you!  

Here are ELEVEN (for some reason that number just rings a bell right now) reasons why we love you so much:

14.   You are so adorable

15.   You are so sweet

16.   You make us happy every time we see you!

17.   You are such a “smart” cookie

18.   You are a great worm dancer and soon to be Clarinet player

19.   You are an amazing swimmer

20.   You are an incredible quilter

21.   You are such a great help to your mom and you always hurry to do whatever she asks

22.   You put up with your brothers and are helping them to grow up and be strong priesthood holders

23.   You are very good at smiling and even laughing (especially at your Dad’s jokes!)

24.   You are a happy and kind person

YOU REALLY ARE AN AMAZING ELEVEN YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER WHO WE LOVE MORE THAN WE CAN EVEN SAY!  HAVE A GREAT DAY!

August 13, 2015 – Such a blessing this girl is!

Dear Grandma, 

HELLOOOOOOOOOO

I just felt like telling you about my day.

First I went to volleyball and it was tons of fun :) we worked on blocking and serving. I love to play and I'm very excited for the season to start.

After volleyball, I got to go to the dentist. I got my very first filling! It was weird because I couldn't feel my face for a long time afterward, and I had to go to work with a numb mouth.

My job doesn't pay me, but it's still loads of fun. I go to Hollywood Kids ad help out with the 4&5 year olds :D Right now they are doing Cinderella, and their very first show was tonight. I got to help four kids go on and off stage during the whole show! I even got to go on stage for a little while. I got I wear a gold vest and a black suit coat so I would fit in :D it was awesome.

I hope you had as good of a day as I did. I love you Grandma!

Love, Kathryn