Thursday, December 27, 2012

2012 Gunderson Update


The New Year is approaching; it’s a busy time of year.
But we’ll still take this opportunity to provide a little piece of cheer.
We figured it would be weird if we didn’t wait 'till the last minute and Procrastinate.
So just sit on back and enjoy the New Year edition of the 2012 Gunderson update!


ADAM
and AMANDA, the eldest of the bunch
Are still up in Provo –where there’s lots of snow to crunch.
Adam’s in law school, finishing up his second year.
Amanda manages a bakery – But we wish that they lived near.
Because they have exciting news & we think that you’d agree
In the spring their little family will grow from two to three!


JEREMY’s next on the list, because he’s number two
This spring he finished his Economics degree down at ASU.
In the fall he moved to Provo and a cougar he became
As a Public Policy graduate program became his brand new aim.
He still watches a lot of sports and has a vivid dream
He wants to study sports statistics or manage the Phoenix Suns basketball team.
Since he’s the favorite I think mom misses him the most
I wasn’t there, but it was probably hard for her to say adios.

MATTHEW’s up next, he came in as number three.
He’s going to ASU to finish his urban planning degree.
He lives at home, working while simply livin’ the dream
This last fall he helped dad coach Jacob’s soccer team.
He’s very laid back and {usually} a joy to be around
He’s a movie fanatic and his laugh is a constant sound.

HANNAH’s in the four spot, we think she’s really great
If you haven’t guessed already, I’m the narrator of this update.
Psychology is my major, I find it rather cool.
Just two more semesters and then I’m done with school.
Until I find a graduate program to lean my focus toward.
Then I will move onward so I can cash in my reward.

RACHEL’s number five and has had a busy year.
In May she bid farewell to her lovely high school career-
She worked really hard and shared her musical talents galore-
Then in June she moved to BYU & college life she explored.
After this semester she’ll change from this position
As she works on her papers and prepares to serve a mission.

MARIAH’s a junior in high school; she came in as number six.
She always keeps us laughing with her humorous nerdy antics.
She’s a dedicated student – both on the piano and in school
Developing talents quite nicely – and she never breaks the rules. (school rules that is)
This year she branched outward and started something new
A culinary arts program and she enjoys it through and through.

KAYLA’s number seven, and always in a whirl.
She’s always laughing with her friends and is as pretty as a pearl.
She played on a traveling soccer team, they never won a game
But she enjoyed it anyway, she’s a cheerful little dame.
She continues on in music – the piano, choir and flute
She’s a freshman in high school and her stories are a hoot!

JACOB ‘s in 6th grade this year, he’s the youngest of us all.
He has a lot of energy and is still so very small.
He still loves school immensely, he let math take over his heart.
He also thinks P.E. is fun – I guess he’s pretty smart.
He plays a lot of soccer – in that he’s gaining skill.
He also likes video games and finds in that some thrill.
MOM’s still hanging in there, trying to manage this ol’ bunch.
She does it really well with her nifty mothers’ hunch.
She currently serves in the Young Women presidency and spreads her example wide.
The young women as well as her students at school look to her as a noble guide.
Speaking of, she loves her job even with the change of which I must make mention,
She moved from the 1st grade to Resource to give more one on one attention.

As a family we’ve grown older, maybe even wiser too.
But we’re pretty much the same – a very sassy, sarcastic crew.
Now we do have one thing worthy of your knowledge-
And it’s NOT the fact that more than half the kids are now enrolled in college!
But a few weeks ago we said farewell to our home of 15 years
And moved a few streets down with the help of many volunteers!
We’ve had a good year with blessings beyond measure.
We’re grateful for our friends and family – you we truly treasure!
We also appreciate this time of year to be with those we hold so dear,
And also to remember Christ’s life and make goals for a prosperous new year.

 Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!
Love, The Gundersons

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Apartment Christmas Letter! Fall 2012!


Greetings to our facebook friends and to our family too
We’re sending out this message and it’s addressed to you!
It’s a lovely report on this last semester
After homework, finals and clean checks have left us in a fester.
As we’re finishing up these last things before we leave the door-
We wish to give you an update from your friends in 204!
First we’ll start with Hannah, because her hair is red -
As long as she had applesauce our Hannah was well fed.
She had a secret boyfriend, his name was Diamond G
But they had to break up because the gangster life was not her cup of tea.
She has a fascination with anything with stripes
Plus she roomed with Kayley- with the great big pipes.
Whose major is music education, so her voice was sometimes gone,
But we never heard her sing at home, unless she was on the jon.
Soon she’ll be serving in Seattle –where there’s lots of rain
Being without the sun may make her go insane!
Kayley claimed to like us – but she spent more time with skype.
And she only eats bananas before they get too ripe.
Speaking of bananas, Josephine painted those
Right now she’s having trouble packing and parting with her clothes.
(And Not Todd follows her everywhere she goes!)
She’s going to San Diego where the weather’s warm
Investigators will flock to her in a great big swarm!
She spent a lot of time in the library and the Sporri.
But she always came home to us with a very humorous story.
Kariann’s studies are also focused in the arts
She was always coming home with diagrams and charts
In case you weren’t aware, her major is interior design.
It could get quite taxing but we never heard her whine.
Kariann’s the meek one, or so we did suppose
At least we thought until she went and broke the fire codes.
Her boyfriend’s getting baptized, in only 2 short days-
We hope they stay together and don’t go their separate ways.
Now we’re left to talk about our little ones-
Although they may be younger, we still love them tons.
Witneigh is the eldest, and she’s really sweet.
Megan’s the younger and she despises feet.
We write with them together, because that’s how they always were-
If Megan wanted to do something, Witneigh would concur.
Whenever they traveled, they usually went on bikes
They had a lot in common, but still had different likes-
Witneigh loved her Ellen, she never missed a show.
Megan loved Ragu but meat she would forego.
They were each other’s’ wingmen, now that’s a heavy task
But were they successful? It depends on who you ask.
Witneigh got a gross kiss, Megan had a mix-up with her name
They’ll room together in the spring to finish hunting game.
Sadly, at this time we must end this lovely letter.
But we’re left to wonder if any semester could get better.
We have a lot of inside jokes; we quote them all the time
For example, if you didn’t know a “poetest” is one who likes to rhyme.
Or, according to Kayley, Witneigh’s butt is her best feature.
And any male who comes to door she’ll confuse with our home teacher.
Hannah will laugh so hard she’ll make you pee your pants
And if you’re lucky you can see Kayley’s horizontal dance.
Josephine runs everywhere, but that isn’t bad
We hope it catches on and becomes the newest fad.
Tonight’s the last night in our classy little home
Years from now we’ll look back at all the places that we roamed.
When Kayley and Jo return from missions out of state,
They’ll find that little Witneigh really couldn’t wait.
She’s off and gotten married, fulfilling her one hope.
And Megan we will never know because she will elope.
Kariann and Hannah will have finished their degree,
Will they get more schooling? We will have to see.
T. Swift said it best as she said, “We are never ever getting back together”
But we still have our memories and those will last forever!
And now we’ve gotten sappy, so we better stop.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope it’s not a flop!

Lots of Love from CLASSY Apartment 204,
Hans Solo, Kay, Creepy Jo, Kariann, Wit and NutMeg.

Monday, November 5, 2012

An ode to the Sociological Imagination

This was for a school project. It's from a great book that I think everyone should read - The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills.


To be a social scientist with lots of skills,
You need a few lessons from C. Wright Mills.
First, we must learn to incorporate
Both biography AND history – it’s not too late!

Don’t drown yourself in one ultimate theory,
Or get caught up in the methods – that’s just so dreary.
Tailor the methods, to suit you best
You have the freedom to enjoy this logical quest.
Finding the balance doesn’t have to be hard,
Just do it your own way, it’s no holds barred!

Why is Stephen so obsessed with breakfast you might ask.
But if you only look to sociology the answer will stay masked.
Thoughts from many disciplines must be united
For any real solution to be cited!

Becoming intellectual craftsmen should remain your goal,
As your stepping back, trying to see things as a whole.
Let critical thinking become your guide,
Don’t be an idiot so your research will be bona fide!

Now beware of bureaucracy’s sly intentions
To make you a tool in their crafty inventions.
Are we Cheerful robots who don’t think for ourselves?
Leaving our individuality to be put on the shelves?
Youthful idealism may seem like a start-
But when the bills start to come, it will soon depart.

So let's overcome this and become something more,
Always think for yourself and make education your chore.
We have no time to sit around idly,
So expand your horizons and always read widely.
Don't go with the flow or become too withdrawn,
Instead, let us act so not to be acted upon. 

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy father's day 2012

Happy father’s day to a wonderful man-
One who has always encouraged me to do all that I can!
He has a hunger for knowledge, he’s very well-read.
My yearning for understanding he has many times fed!
I’ve been lucky enough to closely watch his lead--
Constantly working hard & performing good deeds.
He’s my dad and him I will always admire!
He helps me set goals that will help me aspire!
His passion for sports has been passed down to many-
Watching baseball with him is worth more than a penny!
I love you so much, there’s so much to say!
I wish I could be there to wish you a happy father’s day!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Savanah Hulstine 2012


Oh this blessed, blessed day 19 years ago,
A wonderful lass was born – and the earth was like “WOW!
This woman is AWESOME! We really scored!
When anyone is with her, they will never be bored!”
She’s a wonderful lady in numerous ways,
She’s just straight crazy - and it’s not just a phase!
Savanah’s the name and she’s splendid and great!
Lucky for me, I even get to be her ROOMMATE!
I love you my friend – and that’s no lie
You’ll have my heart over any guy :)
Now. STOP. It’s time to celebrate YOU!
The famous SAVANAH everyone wishes they knew!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR!! :) (And I’m not gay I promise.)  LOVE YOU!!

Raegan Elmer 2012


Raegan Marie! Raegan Marie!
Happy happy birthday to you from me!
I’m oh so glad that I know you..
Especially because YOU’RE the cow’s moo! :)
You make my days all shiny and bright
And you show me how to choose the right!
One day we’ll make ghillie suits and fish at the river
But since we live in Idaho we’ll only be able to shiver!
But you’ll still be happy because that’s how you roll
Always ready for adventure – even when meeting a troll!
Now today enjoy you’re day in the semi-warm sun!
We’ll go cliff jumping and have lots of fun!
We’ll celebrate you – this quirky chef and friend
Whom life without would come to a bitter end!
I love you Raegan, now let’s party away!
You’re 21 – so go eat some hay! 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

My ma is 50!!

Mama G! Mama G!!
Happy birthday to you from me!
You deserve a ginormous golden birthday crown,
Because you now have {HALF A CENTURY} down!
Over the hill came and went - now 50 years is nigh!
Do your first graders even know how to count that high?? :)

You’re stinkin old, but that’s okay…
Because I’ll still love you anyway! :)

Happy birthday to the greatest ma of all,
The one who’s been there since I was small.
Your humble example has taught me everything I know,
A couple times you even tried to teach me how to sew -
Unfortunately, that one never faired out so well…
But luckily many others have been plastered into my brain cells!

I hope your day is a joy and a delight!
I wish I was there instead of this freezing cold site!

Happy birthday mama!! :)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Austin Cooper 2012


Happy Birthday to my favorite Austin
Although it’s too bad you’re not from Boston-
Because those people are pretty cool
But so are you – Because you go to school!
Plus you’re super smart & rather funny
& have a talent to make your legs runny! :)
Don’t take that the wrong way, I mean you run fast!
Not that they will turn to liquid & will not last!
Austin you’re great & you, I truly admire
Even when we play games outside and you start to perspire!
Sometimes we go to Haigler to fish, swim & play card games forever!
Which always leads to telling stories – though they’re rarely clever!
But it’s always good company - & full of laughs
Even when people try to look like giraffes!
Now pause, it’s time to celebrate you – this lad so fine
Who one time, even raised, fed & walked a swine!

Happy birthday to you.. My brother from another mother!! :)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Arizona's Centennial 2012

100 Years
Celebrating Arizona's centennial
1912-2012
100 years ago today
was a proud moment for the US of A
the 48th & greatest state was born.
Mighty ARIZONA – for all to adorn!

With its natural beauty, a glorious sight
One of a kind sunsets almost every single night!
Sedona’s red rocks make a worthy companion
To our wonder of the world – the one & only Grand Canyon!
Pine trees up north, saguaros throughout
Help this place stay lovely – even while in a drought!

With dry riverbeds 10 months out of the year,
to us a creek is a river & a REAL river is just weird!
Water sources are dirty & green in this lovely place
except lakes Powell and Mead – Our saving grace (thanks NV & UT)

Oh Arizona: Where natural disasters are never a concern
but 10 minutes outside leads to a blistery sunburn!
where 5 days a year it not just rains but POURS!
& all the neighborhood kids run quickly outdoors.
If you don’t like dust you should probably move…
because we have dust storms on steroids… called a haboob!

We take pride in being the wisest state in the nation
recognizing daylight savings time is just an irritation!
Also for making the bolo tie the official state neckwear
& having more boats per capita than any other state – how queer

3 cheers to this glorious state I love
with towns you’ve probably never heard of…
Pima, Jerome, Kingman, Globe & Bisbee??
But each with hundreds of years of their own history!
We’re home to the legendary shootout at the OK corral
Where Wyatt Earp probably left many with a low morale.
We also host the lost Dutchman mysterious tale
With the whereabouts of the gold mine no one can nail!

I love this state in it’s scorching hot glory
& that my friends, is definitely a true story!
With history so neat
This state cannot be beat!

This desert landscape is usually a beauty
& with our perfect winters we probably sound snooty!
Arizona sure has a lot to give..
That’s why it’s the NUMBER ONE place to live!

Here’s my ode to my favorite state!
Where many more wonderful years await!

Happy 100th Arizona!!

Ps. There are Native Americans galore
& mormons there are even more!
We have the suns, Cardinals, and Diamondbacks!
Go to a game and eat some crackerjacks!
The spring training cactus league is grand
& many important people have roamed this land
The dbacks won a championship… that was fun
Ok now I really am done.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Megan & Marcus Engagement 2011


Megs…
Congratulations on your engagement,
I’m sure you’re both thrilled with this arrangement!
You’re as happy as can be,
Something that is a joy to see
Now please don’t go into estrangement! ;)

It all started with a frozen bag of peas…
But led to a kind fellow down on his knees..
I knew the day would come,
That you 2 would succumb,
Now you’ll tell your kids good things come from veggies!

I guess I’ll have to stop making fun of
Marcus's
 head..
Because now you’re all in love & soon you will be wed!
But for real, I’m oh so happy for you!
And Marcus for you I truly am, too!
But fyi, I might not think of anything to make fun of instead :)

I love you guys, have a terrific day!
Enjoy the first one with a new fiancé!
Presidents weekend better come fast!
So I can see your beautiful face AT LAST!
And talk & laugh and maybe have a Disney sceneit replay??!