Simple Fun

Monday was Memorial Day, we remember those who have gone on before, the military service men and women who have died in the line of duty, putting flowers on loved ones graves sites, and just being together because it’s a holiday and a day off work for most. I don’t always get this day off, I typically work because there are other holidays I’d rather be off, but because I am still on sick leave, recovery from surgery, I was off and it was great.

Kim and I actually did 4 cemeteries on Friday, 7 grave sites. I am not sure if Kim grew up doing this as a kid, I’m pretty sure they went camping or worked on the farm. But I grew up visiting every site, and grandma and mom would cut their own flowers, the Irises and Roses from their gardens, cover the cans in foil and off we’d go, often ending in a family Bar-B-Q- at grandma's sister, Maxine’s, home.

This year was so simple but so fun. Karen and I thought is would be nice to have a family Bar-B-Q at her house. Not everyone could come, but with those that did, we had a great time. We ate great food, everyone brought their best salads, beans, fruit salsa, 7 layer dips, home made root beer, ice cream bars, chips , ect.
A ball throwing game, a very serious game of croquet, a numbers card game that took some strategy, and my personal favorite PIT were a few of the games played.

We then walked up to the Valley View cemetery, for the last of our flowers, where mom and dad are buried and Justin’s grandpa and a few other family friends. I can’t remember a more enjoyable day in a very long time. I felt MOM with us and knew how happy she was that we were together and having fun and creating new memories.

I am so blessed to have family, people who you can laugh with (and at), play with, talk to, remember with and just hang out with. The Lord really knew what he was doing when he made the Family the center of his plan.

Catch up-again

17 days ago I had the biggest surgery I've ever had and hope to ever have. I had to have my Sigmoid and partial colon removed. I have been left with a 9" scar, ending about 2" above my belly button and it truly tolls like a Frankenstein scar. I will show anyone who dares to look, just for the sympathy. I really think I am healing well and can move about without too much pain. My only
complaint and one that the Dr. and C-T scan figure out is why I have this fist size lump on the side of the incision that won't stop hurting and keeps me from being up for more than 30 min. at a time. Well this to will pass, some of my family think they left a sponge inside or a refreshing Jr. Mint.

As a mom I live in fear of missing one of my kids birthdays, which means not putting up the big Happy Birthday banner, which has gone up for at least 25 yrs. I know I would never really forget the whole day. But this year Matt turned 21, a big deal year. I didn't forget the banner, or the table runner or gift, or the special dinner, he actually got 2, even 2 cakes, but I did forget, or just wasn't up to it, the blogg. Moms really shouldn't add more things to remember as they get older, it's just not a good idea.

Mothers day was very nice this year. Many years ago my brother Paul started a tradition where he would fix mom dinner and then invite the whole family of one sibling to come and eat also, so every 4 years my family would get to enjoy dinner at Paul's for mom. I felt this year would be hard for all of us with mom gone so I invited Paul to come to our home for dinner, so he and I enjoyed a very nice dinner that Kim and the kids prepared. I love anytime we are all together and this was no different. My family wasn't to happy with what I wanted for mothers day, but I got it anyway. My truck detailed, inside and out, and for a 3 year old truck it looks fantastic. I haven't been able to drive it for a few weeks, but I have warned that no one better spill anything on the seats.

Kim also surprised me with a big, self watering, flower pot. Not just any old pot, but a 1 foot by 4 foot long, full of wave petunias pot. If you've never seen these a amazing pots, just drive along Riverdale road and 40th, a little later in the season, and see the amazing shop of the guy that makes and sells them, it is absolutely beautiful. Kim and I have both wanted one for a long time so now we do.

Our extended family has added a new baby to the group. Annie and Ross had a big boy join their family on the 12th. We are happy everything went well and hope to see them soon.

Jodi is getting ready to move to Salt Lake and start a new life adventure there. I will miss her terribly but we are all excited that this opportunity has come up and that she can go for it.

Hyrum is getting bigger and more interactive by the day and if I can't get to them a few times a week they come to me which really means a lot.

Life is good, I am blessed beyond measure, Kim is a fantastic care giver and never runs out of loving patience, and I have great friends and family with lots of compassion.