John & Joyce

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

To all of our wonderful family we express thanks and appreciation for each and everyone of you. The Lord has truly blessed all of us in many ways and given understanding to our lives.
Mother and I have been married 62 years and during that time we find that our greatest blessings are the joys you have brought into our lives on a daily basis.
Someone said we should be thankful for the difficult times. During those times we grow. Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.
We are thankful for each other and for our parents who have sacrificed much and overlooked our weaknesses and taught the principle of forgiveness.
We are thankful to our Father in Heaven and the atoning sacrifice of His only begotten Son so that we may enjoy eternal life because He is our Redeemer.
We hope that you have a wonderful time on this memorable day of Thanksgiving which is also comemorative of the day that we were married and began life together and now we have this wonderful family lovely children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Thanks Be To God is what President Gordon B. Hinckley always said and we also say that.
Make every day a day of Thanks.
We love you.
John & Joyce Sonnenberg

2009-11-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day

2009-11-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day is a memorable day in our lives. We shall always be grateful for those who fought so galantly to preserve and defend the freedom we enjoy. Clair and Terry invited us to go with them to the Huntsman Center for a program dedicated to the men and women who served this country in various branches of of the Armed Forces during times of war. The 23rd Army Band and choirs from the High Schools in the Granite School District played and sang a medley of patriotic songs. People stood up to be recognized when their song was played. I was proud to be among those that served in the U.S. Navy and my heart beat with joy when we sang together under the baton of the Choir leader and Choirs "Anchors Aweigh". Clair put her arm around me and said 'thanks Dad."Many of us had tears in our eyes just like Clair. Sincere appreciation was expressed. When we arrived home I wrote a letter and referred to six of our family that had served during time of war, in helping to preserve our freedom. Those in our family that served: my brother, Lt. Eric Otto Sonnenberg, US Navy; John Sonnenberg, U S.Navy; Dr. John David Sonnenberg US. Army; Dr. Bruce S. Wardell, US Navy: Dr. Brian S. Wardell, US Navy and Ryan Snyder US Army. MY THANKS FOR HELPING TO PROTECT THE FREEDOM OF THIS WONDERFUL LAND OF AMERICA.
Your Dad and Mother-- John and Joyce Sonnenberg

Family

2009-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

I would like to send you a delightful picture of our New Zealand Reunion over the weekend in concert with General Conference. But a few things I need to put together before I can send the pictures.

Summer 2009

2009-07-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of people at the lake, some visits in Salt Lake City, and a picture of three former Stake Presidents with Bob West who hosted a party for Pres. Fischer. We were delighted with the visits of Dean and Deanna and Nathan from California. We enjoyed the visit with Caitlin and Nate and their two children and Kasen. We are grateful for Scott who furnished the boat and taught Mandy how to waterboard and ski. Jeff and Mike and Megan and Mandy enjoyed the lake and the visits to famous places around the Chicago area. Everyone helped in keeping things in order...thanks everyone!

We had a delightful and impressive visit to Louisville to see Bruce and lovely Tiffany and their children and also saw Bruce receive his specialty degree as an orthodontiist. Mother (Joyce) reminisced of days when she served her mission in the East Central States Mission and where Joyce and I met while I was in dental school there. Fond memories and wonderful experiences then and now again to be where we began our life together.

We have truly been blessed with all of you. Thanks for your thoughfulness and taking care of one another and sharing. The children of Paul got re-acquainted with some of their cousins also. John D. gave us a new camera and we have more recent pictures that will post later.

Love,
Mother and Dad

Our Summer Vacation

2009-07-27T15:06:00.001-07:00

We had a glorious couple of weeks visiting with family. Mother always looks so wonderful!

Greetings from John & Joyce

2009-06-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Just heard that you are serving in the South Pacific. Congratulations on that choice calling. The longer you work along those people in Fiji and New Caledonia the more you will enjoy their sweet spirit. Some old timers may still remember a beautiful lovely lady named Joyce Sonnenberg, and her husband John. They were classified as the pioneers in that South Pacific Island territory. We were there in 1985 until 1988 and after our release we were assigned again to New Zealand for two more years and returned to the states in 1992. We send our greetings.

John and Joyce

Visits from families

2009-06-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Visits from families is wonderful. In addition we see many of our family at weddings, blessings and birthdays in addition to watching a few ball games or attending ball games of our great grandchildren.

Jeff and Megan are a handsome and beautiful couple. The experiences of the Temple and visiting Manti last month was choice. Scott and Jill looked happy and felt the joy that comes when one of the children finds such a sweet companion.

Our family is growing.

2009-05-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I will try to send some pictures that we have taken recntly of family additions and some delightful experiences and activities.

Typing errors -excuse. I need to proof read my letters.

2009-05-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hope you got a feel of the joy we have experienced over the last three days.Namely, the wonderful and beautiful wedding of Megan and Jeff. the love and joy we all shared together. Meeting of new people. The reception, the lovely children and grandchildren and great grand children, the wonderful Sunday services which honored Mothers on Mother's Day and then today was Clair's birthday and we enjoywed her sweet spirit and her family. Terry and Clair and their four children have been a great blessing and a joy to everyone.

Brent was our chauffeur and helped us immensely in driving us to Manti and back to Salt Lake. Thanks Brent.

Great Mother's Day

2009-05-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

In addition to a wonderful Mother's Day in which Grat Grandmother received many calls, pictures and cards, she had a delightful day She is the best exaample of notherhood and everyone loves her. Her example is impeccable and saturated in love for all her family. You all have blessed her life and I thank each of you for your worm and kind greetings.
In addition, we hd a wonderful marriage and sealing in the Manti Temple. Megan and Jeffrey were sealed and afterwards a luncheon was enjoyed by bothe families and relaties and friends in a neighborhood park in Manti. Beautiful setting and delisious food. This was hosted by Scott and Jill and Mike and Maria Erickson, the parents of the bride and the groom.
Megan is beautiful and charming and Jeff looked bright and happy and full of joy.
Everyone drove back to Lindon, Utah for the reception. There were a host of familiy members that paid their respect, gave congratulations and the phtographers were busy trying to capture the moment that passed so quickly during the delightful evening.Many of our family attended and we thank all of you. We loved every minute.

2009-04-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Brinley arives

2009-04-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Marie and Tyson welcomed their new lovely baby girl this morning and everyone is doing well. I hope thise pictures come through so that you can see how beautiful a baby has joined their family. Congratulations to Marie and Tyson.

Family gatherings are wondeful

2009-02-14T16:42:00.001-08:00

Have a great day

2009-02-14T16:39:00.002-08:00

2009-02-14T16:39:00.001-08:00

2009-02-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Great Day= Valentines Day

2009-02-14T16:37:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day

Visit from Dean, Deanna and Nathan& ValentineDay.

2009-02-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful visit with Dean and his family. They went to Solitude yesterday and skied all day and had great weather. Mother fixed dinner and we had a joyful evening and Nathan Nathan went for a quick swim in the pool. Caitlin and Nare came with Saxon and Bridger and Mike drove them over and we had a delightful evening. Today is Valentine's Day. Dean and Deanna and their family went up to Brighton to ski. They will be coming home shortly.

While they were skiing, Dan and Amy and Ivan came over for lunch and we enjoyed them and then they went to the U. of U to see the Utes play Airforce. Whenever Dean comes to town, their is full time motion and he's full of energy and he energizes everyone else. So glad to have him around.

Jeff and Megan.

2009-02-13T19:43:00.001-08:00

Congratulations on becoming engaged!

Plans to be married in the LDS temple.

(Grandma, Megan, Jeff, Bridger).

Tyler Haws-12 years of age.

2009-02-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Tyler Haws;

Tyler is our oldest great grandson a handsome boy who turned 12 years of age. When his mother Renee as twelve years of age she was tending her many cousins and enjoying every minute if that time. She grew to become a lovely mother and since she is also our first grand-daughter to give us our first great grandchild and that is Tyler. He was born on "ole Abraham Lincoln's birthday and when I was young we referred to Ole' Abe as honest Abe. Now We can refer to Tyler as young and honest Tyler Haws.

Another jewel in our cap and a blessing evermore.

He will receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained a Deacon by his father Scott Haws and we have been invited to that ordination. We thank you, Scott & Renee.

All of you have blessed our lives and we appreciate everyone of you.

And we love all of you and see the beauty of each of your families.

Looking forward

2009-02-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

My friends and our family are anxiously waiting for the snow to melt and enjoy the spring and summer activities. Golf and horse riding.

Family and friends in the Midest and the West

2009-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Great Grandchildren are great

2009-02-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Jim welcomed a beautiful baby girl Tehya to their family. He now has 12 granchildren and some of them are playing a keen game of basketball. They have talented examples to teach them. Parker and Peyton handle the ball very well. If you are in the midwest you can see how they have developed and improved their skills. Keep it up boys and they have good support from their mother and their two sisters and are they cute.
Great grandmother and I have seen Lisa play on the Skyline basketball team and last week they won by two points. Lisa is noted for her rebounding skills. The team plays well together.
We also saw Adam Haws' team win about 29 to 18 and Adam scored 16 points. He handles the ball very well, has made a few three pointers and is a smart player also.

John and Joyce

2009-01-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

Lisa is on the Skyline basketball team and they won last night. We have a lot of fun going to her games andthey will be a team to contend with in the playoffs at the end of the basketball season.
We enjoy our grandchildren

John and Joyce

2009-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

Joan: I helps me in getting this blog established. This picture was taken at Jim's farm when we all had fun at the farm and the Lake.

We have snow in Salt Lake City and so we turn our thoughts of a gathering in the sumer where the grace is green and the weather is great.

Another Blessing

2009-01-31T05:13:00.000-08:00

Our 36th great-grandchild was born Jan. 28, 2009...another daughter for Ken and Babata, Tehya Mink Sonnenberg.....Congratulations to them! We were able to visit with them the day after Tehya's birth. Mother and baby are doing great....and so are the Great Grandparents!

New great grandchild just born

2009-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

Having a great time

2009-01-15T19:23:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share a picture of mother and Jeff and Megan with little Bridger. We had a great time!

Temple Dedication in 1985

2008-12-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of mother and Sister Hinckley in Freiberg, Germany at the dedication of that temple in June 1985.

2008-10-29T15:54:00.002-07:00

2008-10-29T15:54:00.001-07:00

Heros

2008-10-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

One of our young great-grandsons was spontaneously asked "Who are your heros? What would his answer be? Without hesitation of deliberation but responsive assurance he said,
"MY UNCLES" a remarkable answer and it came without any wavering
It tells us that they are watching us and what we do.

I think our young grand-daughters and great grand-daughters would ,most likely have said,

MY AUNT's. How fortuanate that we have aunts and uncles that set the standard for
those that follow us. It is a great responsibility. And then they shall be able to lead, those that come after.

Family

2008-10-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get the right picture for the last posting. I'll send another later.

Our joys. Children.

2008-10-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

We just received an e-mail written by a grand-daughter and she wrote two poems so beautifully about children. Thanks. We get many comments about children( our grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are amazed at their growth and abilities by your teaching and raising them while still attached to your apron strings.

Furthermore, some of you can't figure out why it takes me so long to learn some of these simple tasks. But I keep trying to learn a few more things about this computer. Be patient with me.

Have a great Sunday;

2008-10-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the day with all your family.

Happenings

2008-10-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

John David Sonnenberg

2008-10-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

It was October 16th,2008 and John David turned 60 years of age and he hosted a great party for his wonderful family in Salt Lake City, commemorating the years spent in serving his fellow-men and especially his family. Mother Joyce (to our friends) made a approprieate birthday greeting card that said "Son-it's a joy thinking back to the boy you were with a picture of going to schoool in LaGrange Park in 1956. Then a family picture of Opa, me (John) and his five brothers in 1964. Then a picture in cap & gown as he graduated from Medical School from the Uni. of Illinois in 1976. Then she added a picture of him , as a young father, playing with his young children. And the final notation ..."but it's a greater joy to think of the man you've become." Happyg Birthday Son, with love from your Mother and Dad . And year 2008.

On the back page a picture in full dress uniform as a Lt. Col. in the Army where he served his country in Afghanistan and later in Irag. In addition to that service was his calling from the Lord to serve a little over two years in Switzerland for the Church and his fellowmen.

King Benjamin said it well to each of us "when you are in the service of your fellowmen, you are only in the service of your God.

More Pictures

2008-10-16T19:28:00.001-07:00

Here's some more pictures of our cruise. Doesn't mother look great?

Here is the clever towel animal that was in our room.

The picture of the blue water and sky and the lovely boat came out very good...don't you think?

We had a great time and enjoyed it with John and Terry. Today is John's 60th birthday. What a great blessing he has been to our family.

Before our cruise we had dinner with Nate and Caitlin and their two boys, Saxon and Bridger and we enjoyed that afternoon with them.

Cruise

2008-10-15T12:12:00.001-07:00

We had a great trip and the weather was good. We did get booted out of our original schedule because of Hurricane Norbert. They cancelled one stopover and and started back up north to keep ahead of the Hurricane. We really didn't feel the affects of it...just a few more bumpy waves.
The ship was like floating in an ornate Las Vegas Hotel. It was the Carnival Pride. We had 2,500 passengers and over 900 crew...which includes the entertainers.
We had dress up dinner every night with our own personal waiters (servers). Mother ordered hot chocolate one night and from then on there was hot chocolate waiting at her plate.
All the meals were delicious and you can eat at anytime during the day or night. We had ice cream cones on the deck at all times.
We sent to a musical every night ad many programs during the day, according to what you like to do. Mother sat in the sun alot to keep warm. The ship is so air-conditioned, it is hard for mother to be comfortable. We had control over the temperature in our own "cabin".
Our cabin was serviced two times a day. When we would go back to go to bed, there was always an animal, made out of towels, waiting for us. One night we had a monkey hanging from the mirror. Very clever....and always a chocolate mint on our pillow.

Mother looks pretty sharp in pictures....doesn't she?!

One highlight was...Dean and Nathan met us as we got off the ship in Long Beach. It was so fun to see them. They took that long drive just to visit with us for half an hour before we had to catch our shuttle to get to the airport.

We had breakfast with Thurl Bailey....he is a good friend.

John did such a great job of organizing the trip for us and all the details.

Now Debbie's Helping Me

2008-08-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

First there was one, then

there were two and soon there will be three.

Two wonderful great grandchildren

Now there is a great group

that are leading the way for

others to follow; yes

families are forever.

Can you name them?

visit with family

2008-08-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Joan & Les have helped me set up this blog.

In the future we will come again

to the Lake and the big city for

wonderful times together.

Wonderful time with

steve & Annie.

A handsome couple with joy in their hearts.

Lake Holiday Pictures

2008-02-29T21:00:00.001-08:00

Our Trip to Chicago

2007-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Great Grandpa and Tyler.

Tyler getting ready for school.

Grandma & Grandpa with their daughter and her granddaughter.

Beauty abounds!