Busy Month

When people say "I just don't know where the (month) went" I usually think they are so silly, but I seriously don't know here July went.  I do have pictures to prove I was here.  We started out in California with Jodi and her family, previous post, and then right into Kim's surgery.

He has done amazing.  Someone told him he's making it look too easy, but he would tell you it has not been easy.  He learned with #1 that he did too much, so the second time around he has followed Dr. and wife orders to rest more and keep them up.

       Resting and wathcing TV is something he HATES.  He and we have watched a lot of Movies, but I think he might be hooked on HGTV.  He likes the remodeling shows, the flipping homes and especially the House Hunters International.  I offered to teach him crocheting but he declined.  He has done a lot of reading, but pain pills make it hard to concentrate.
 

 But they are healing great and he is faithful to do his exercise and follow the home Physical Therapy suggestions, he is anxious to get back to work.  He has a 70 year old co-worker who had one knee 6 weeks ago and had an absolutely horrible time,   he has come to see Kim after both surgeries and is so jealous and is not  looking forward to his #2 this week.  But age and being fit before hand plays a lot into it and Kim had both going for him.

 In between all this it was also his birthday.  His actual day was very quiet and simple, just dinner and cake with his mom.  We celebrated the week before with all the kids, at our bi-weekly Sunday dinners.  I forgot to take pictures.

 The 24th was a real nice and relaxing day too.  The kids and Mel and I visited Kim and then meet Gordon and Jessica at a fun little park near the river.  Shade, toys, water and a few snacks what a perfect morning.

 Later in the evening, still light, Mel and I did a few fireworks with the kids.  Kate is not a fan of the noise, but Hyrum just wanted more and more.  For big kids it would not of been considered much, but for a         4 1/2 year old they were sure exciting.

 I have no idea why the boys have such silly expressions, except they were asked to pose for yet another picture, on a Sunday no less, in church clothes, but Kim and were in their ward Sunday to be a part of each of them being set apart for new callings.  Matt as Second Counselor and scout master in the young men's organization and Gordon as the Second Council  in the Bishopric.  They are both terrific young men who have alot to offer those who they will serve, and they have beautiful and amazing wives.  My prayers are with them along with my daughters and their families. 

I've blessed beyond measure and I pray that I am always worthy and and show my thanks for my blessings.

Stuff that goes on.

  NEW JOB after 18 years in the same place, with the same type of patients. You would think that that would mean not much change, but that of-course is not true, not true at all. I was comfortable in my position, probably knew a lot, would teach even more and learned something new almost every day. I was in a leadership position, with OK perks, like less weekends, less holidays, ceilinged pay, had somewhat of a voice in how things were done. But I changed anyway. NO weekends, NO holidays, easy to get days off if needed, better pay and room to grow, not so much of a voice, but I am trusted to make decisions for my patients, without a lot of close supervision. So wish me luck, I’m happy and still learning tons of new information every day and getting comfortable, and gaining confidence.

Changes at home. Kim hates, hates, remodeling, but I am always thinking of the next big change. I have slowed down in my later years. I now I hate messes, and we’re not sure how much more we should invest into our home. But with that said Kim did a great job on the new fireplace front and TV installation. Now we are just waiting for the new Gas Fire-place insert, which may be closer to fall, but it looks nice and I love the new furniture.

 New Knees. Kim has been suffering with bad knees for way too long. So he did it, first the right knee then the left, I hope and pray that he does well, he is very determined to get back to doing the things he love, without pain. He has still hiked, but with pain and he never really knew if he’d be able to get back down the hill. Now if he can just get the braces off and enjoy a Texas Roadhouse Stake I think he'll be good for awhile.

Big move. Taking Jodi’s family to Roseville, CA was hard. She has a lovely home, not everything she wants, but she will make it cozy and comfortable, not only for her family, but for friends, and those dang pesty relatives. She has already embraced the ward and will do the same with all the eateries. Trevor has taken precautions for the unwanted pests that might roam near-by also. Thank goodness for Face-time, instragram, text, and emails, or else I wouldn’t have allowed them to take Stella with them.

I love my family, the gospel; I’m having a good time in primary, being with the grandkids and any activity that will bring everyone together. The 4th - Flints going away party was so much fun, and almost everyone could come. I know if mom and dad are watching they are happy that their children have stayed close and enjoy being together. I hope it last forever.

Roomies

This has been a fun, and eventful 6 months. 

Kim and I took in room-mates for a few weeks and I have really really loved it.  I've had someone to talk to most nights, with Kim he is often gone, Jodi and Stella have been great companions.  Trevor will talk too, but I still think he'd rather not. They were able to have their private space in the basement rooms and I never once heard Stella, Jodi or Trevor cry at night.  

Stella had such an eventful pre-birth and birth, it has been a blessing too have her close.  All our kids and grand kids are a blessing and I love having them in our lives as much as possible.  I've just tried not think about them moving away, and being able to watch the changes, but this will be a blessing for them, and a great experience for their family.

 I've had other mom's say things like my daughter would never move away from me, I wouldn't "allow" my kids to move out of state, really?  I wouldn't be able to stand it if my kids moved, anyway on and on.  I've thought a lot about this, and I wouldn't want my kids to think I thought this way.  Because I did with mom.  

Mom never came right out and said "don't ever move", she would never do that, she only wanted what was best for all of us, but deep down somewhere I felt that way, that I couldn't leave.  I put that on Kim also.  He tells me he has always wanted to stay, but I am pretty sure that was not the case.  With his job, to move up and make more money meant moving around.  He watched guys do the moving thing and left debt behind, with homes that didn't sell, kids that could'nt move, wives who were frustrated.   Plus I always felt I needed or wanted to work.  There have been so many factors that have played into our lives, so here we are, and I am Happy, I always pray the others are too. 

Bottom line I will not put any pressure on my kids.  Jodi knows this is a sad but exciting time for all of us.  What a thoughtful plan the lord had in store for us with families.